It is the Journey of HAMNET

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Chloe Zhao. Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of HAMNET.

In 16th century England, Agnes (Jessie Buckley) is a young woman spending her time in the forest with her falcon. Her time is spent gathering herbs and napping under a mysterious tree. William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) is a tutor who is working to pay off his fathers’ debt. Looking out the window, William is captivated when he sees Agnes. Following her, they find themselves connected.

Later at home, William’s mother Mary (Emily Watson) is not happy to hear that he is drawn toward Agnes. She tells him that she is the daughter of a forest witch. Unmoved by what she thinks, William and Agnes find themselves spending time together and she urges him to tell her stories. In exchange, Agnes reads his palm speaking about not only his future but theirs together.

Getting married, they start a family together and William cuts contact with his own family. Agnes talks to her brother Bartholomew (Joe Alwyn) about sending William to London to pursue his writing and theatre. Agnes is at home raising their children. The years go by as the children grow and William continues going back and forth between family and his career.

Then, there world falls apart and the love between William and Agnes is tested. It is when the Globe Theatre’s production of Hamlet comes to the stage that the couple realize that the tragedy has affected them both but in different ways. The couple, in one moment, begin to heal together.

Buckley as Agnes is a woman who has her own beliefs in what her mother taught her about the forest and herbs. Meeting William, she sees their future and the happiness they could share together. Buckley is truly amazing in this role giving a woman who didn’t follow the societal rules of the time. Although she wants her husband to succeed, this film centers on Agnes life of sacrifices and the last ten minutes of the film is absolutely hers. I couldn’t move watching her performance and although there aren’t many words, everything is on her face and it killed me.

Mescal as William is a man who also fights against what is expected of him as a man. Living with an abusive father and a mother who follows all the societal rules, William tries to find his own way. It is with Agnes that he has someone who believes in him, even when there are times he doesn’t believe in himself. Mescal plays beautifully with Buckley and, along with her, makes the last ten minutes of the film gut wrenching.

Watson as Mary is a woman who believes what she does about Agnes yet, when William isn’t there, she steps in. Watson has her moments of importance in the film and, no matter what her role, she is an iconic actress. Alwyn as Bartholomew is also a supporting character for Agnes. When she needs him, he is there, even up to the very end.

Other cast include Faith Delaney as young Agnes, Smylie Bradwell as young Bartholomew, Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet Shakespeare, Olivia Lynes as Judith Shakespeare, Justine Mitchell as Joan Hathaway, David Wilmot as John Shakespeare, Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Susamma Shakespeare, Freya Hannan-Mills as Eliza Shakespeare, James Skinner as Gilbert Shakespeare, Elliot Baxter as Richard Shakespeare, and Louisa Haraland as Rowan Hathaway.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include Family is Forever, Cultivating Creativity, Recreating the Tudor Period, and Feature Commentary with Director Chloe Zhao. 

HAMET is a film filled with themes that can be found in many of Shakespeare’s works. Buckley’s Agnes feels like such a strong yet ethereal creature, especially when she is in the woods living that life. Mescal’s William is a man that is obsessed with stories, words and the feeling of being lost in them both. Director Zhao takes that story and gives it the stunning feel not only of the time, but of the feel of both Agnes and William.

Zhao describes her experience of making HAMNET as deeply personal, ritual-based and an emotional production process. To capture that, she used small, handheld cameras allowing the process of capturing moments instead of camera setups. It is also not surprising that Buckley has already won a Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe, BAFTAs and Screen Actors Guild award. Onward to the Oscars, definitely.

What the film brings together is the struggle of life, unexpected love, untimely death, the way of grief and acceptance of pain all wrapped together. All of it leads to the ability to forgive one another in the swirl of it all. The cinematography is harsh yet beautiful, emotional yet brutal and when put together with the cast and, is nothing short of spectacular with music to bring the tears.

In the end – keep your heart open!

 

It is the Return of the GLADIATOR II

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ridley Scott and Paramount Pictures is the story of Rome, revelations and revenge with GLADIATOR II.

Versus (Paul Mescal) is a great warrior living in Numidia with family when the Romans come calling by sea lead by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Versus is taken prisoner while vowing under his breath to kill Acacius, and is taken back to Rome where he is bought by Macrinus (Denzel Washington) to become a gladiator. Seeing something in Versus, he decides to use him against the two vicious and cruel Roman emperors.

Rome is being ruled by Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his brother Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). They are led by greed and personal gain rather than the people of Rome. General Acacius knows this and is becoming disgusted by it all. Returning home to his wife Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), he makes it clear that he no longer desires to live this way. Lucilla reaches out to others like Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) to find a way to stop the corruption of Rome.

Versus proves that he has what it takes to be a gladiator by consistently taking on challenges to the delight of Macrinus as the mental wheels turn as to how he can rise even further in power. Pleasing Emperor Geta, Macrinus continues his frightful climb to the top by using everyone and anyone around him, including Versus.

There are secrets floating around Rome but one that is especially powerful enough to take down Emperors and those devious enough to believe they should be leader. In the tunnels of the colosseum, Versus finds the truth and the strength to take on the corruption of Rome!

Mescal as Versus is taking on a role that carries the story of the film. That is a monumental task following Crowe’s 2000 GLADIATOR story. That being said, Mescal gives us a strong performance of a man who is on his own journey of vengeance.  Versus’ past is about to catch up with him in ways he could never have imagined. I truly enjoyed Mescal in this role and the final scenes, I believe, seal him as an actor that has a far reach, even back into the Roman era. I’m ready for GLADIATOR III if he is!

Pascal as Acacius is a man who follows the orders of the emperors, whether he likes it or not is another thing entirely. The horrors that happened in Numidia seem the final straw. Pascal is just such a presence on the screen and the brooding character looks for answers without realizing it is his wife that might hold the key to freeing Rome. Nielsen returns as Lucilla who has not forgotten the ideals her father Marcus Aurelius instilled in her. She also has not forgotten her family and love that it has cost her. Turning to those who still believe, Nielsen’s presence in the film brings the story full circle.

Quinn as Emperor Geta is clearly deranged and, at first, I didn’t realize it was Quinn! Blonde hair and psychopathic actions are what this half of the emperorship this actor plays marvelously. Geta is frightening, powerful, and downright insane and Quinn pours it on every second he is on screen. Hechinger is the other half of the Roman insanity as Emperor Caracalla and a monkey who seems to be the only thing Caracalla relates to. If insanity could look cool, then Hechinger brings that and so much more.

Washington as Macrinus gets the opportunity to have the most fun giving his role a huge amount of wicked, plotting and devious behavior. I swear that the times he is smiling is because of the way he seemed aimlessly free to be this character without boundaries. It is a stunning performance and I was all in!  Jacobi’s return as Gracchus had to be there as a reminder of what the promise was of the original story. He is still standing for that and makes it clear he is willing to do whatever it takes to free Rome.

Other cast include Tim McInnerny as Thraex, Alexander Karim as Ravi, Rory McCann as Tegula, Alec Utgoff as Darius and Yuval Gonen as Arishat with appearances by Matt Lucas, May Calamawy and Peter Mensah.  

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

GLADIATOR II follows the same formula as its predecessor and it is well done. Instead of trying to reinvent the chariot wheels, Ridley reminds us from the moment the films starts where the story began leading up to Versus. I was completely wow’d by the beginning graphics and mentally applauded it all. Once the actors began their roles, I knew I was going to enjoy this film.

As a fan of this genre of film, films such as SPARTACUS (1960) with Kirk Douglas, I knew the bar would be high for any story that followed. In 2000, Russell Crowe proved that stories about gladiators during the Roman era can be just as amazing. Mescal has taken the reigns of this genre and did so spectacularly well. His castmates also brought the history thanks to Nielsen and Jacobi and the twisted rulers with Quinn, Hechinger and damn, Mr. Denzel Washington if you please.

The visuals are big, bold and stunning with special effects that are extremely cool. Yes, I am keeping things close to the vest because it is important so see the secrets, twists and visuals for yourself. The audience was cheering, making ‘ewwww’ faces, and shouting out which, and it must be said, seemed very colosseum like which actually made the film more fun to see.

GLADIATOR II takes the audience back to a violent time but, at the same time, captivates for its two hour and twenty-eight-minute running time. Trust me when I say, it certainly didn’t feel like it at all. That’s because of director Scott’s ability to tell this story, the casts keeping our attention from beginning to end and great special effects. This film is absolute entertainment!

In the end – strength and honor!

ALL OF US STRANGERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD from writer/director Andrew Haigh based on Taichi Yamada’s Strangers and Searchlight Pictures is ALL OF US STRANGERS.

Adam (Andrew Scott) is living a very secluded life in his high tower apartment in London. A screenwriter, he spends his time writing and being alone until one night he meets neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal). A bit drunk, Harry tries to entice Adam to spend the night. Trying to be polite, Adam makes it clear he isn’t interested. The next day, Adam is off to visit Mum (Claire Foy) and Dad (Jamie Bell) who are happy to see him.

Coming back home he sees Harry again but this time he invites him into the apartment. There begins their passionate relationship. They talk about their families as Harry tells Adam that there is a disconnect with his own parents. Spending a night out on the town, they drink and dance their troubles away. After a fitful night of dreams, Adam tells Harry about his own parents and wants them all to meet.

But reality slowly makes its way to Adam and he holds on to the things he loves.

Scott as Adam is stunning in the role of a writer who is dealing with so much emotion in his life. Relying on his parents for support, he is trying to come to terms with the events of his life. When a love enters into the picture, it is just another piece of his life that is blissful but filled with intensity. Scott moves in and out of the story like his feet are not touching the ground. He flows so smoothly and I am with him every frame through joy and heartbreak. This is a stunning performance by Scott.

Mescal as Harry is the larger-than-life person that seems to awaken something in Adam. He is light, funny, charming and has no judgements toward Adam. At first glance, his character gives off vibes that even had me backing away a bit and that says everything about what Mescal’s performance brings. This character draws you in slowly, is too charming to be ignored and it is all Mescal.

Foy as Mum is supporting of her son and shows him love and understanding. She listens to how Adam is feeling and is such a calming presence for him. That is what Foy brings to the story, with the grace she has come to be known for (watch THE CROWN for another stunning performance) and the eyes of an old soul. Bell as Dad has a history with Adam that is a bit strained as clearly there are things that need to be said between them. I enjoyed Bell’s performance as a man who has a difficult time sharing his feelings.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Bonus Features include Featurettes Roots of the Story – Uncover how the director blended his own personal story into the making of this moving film. Hear the cast and crew and learn how the filmmakers approached recreating the look and feel of the ‘80s, from the sets to the hair and clothing and Building Adam’s World – Discover how Adam’s isolated existence was shaped through constructed sets. Visit the locations of exterior shots and learn about the director’s choice to have Adam’s world feel real, and yet not quite real.

ALL OF US STRANGERS has won awards from the Valladolid International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, British Independent Film Awards, National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film critics Association Awards, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, and London Film Critics’ Circle.

This film is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end with Adam at the helm. It is a story of loneliness, love, want of love and family. It is a powerful look at the complexity of life through the eyes of this haunted man. Director Haigh gives us nothing to hide behind when we feel as if there is an intrusion into Adam’s life. It is right before us and the emotion falls over us wave after wave.

Filmed beautifully with an amazing score, ALL OF US STRANGERS is insightful, complex, tender, and gauntlet of emotion. Might I suggest a box of tissue and someone to cuddle with as this moving piece of filmmaking doesn’t mind the teardrops nor our own family emotions mixing with Adams. In fact, I think it wants exactly that.

In the end – the paths to love are many!