He Hears LONDON CALLING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Allan Ungar and Quiver Distribution comes the story of hits and unlikely friendships with LONDON CALLING.

Tommy Ward (Josh Duhamel) is a well-known hitman in the UK. Boss Harry (Arnold Vosloo) sends him out of an important hit and it has gone, well, really bad. Now, with a bounty on his head, Tommy has to say goodbye to his son and get out of London going to the one place he hates – Los Angeles. A few years has passed and now Tommy works for Benson (Rick Hoffman) doing the same odd hit here and there and finding what he does best – trouble!

The word gets out internationally that Tommy is in L.A. and one interested person is Freddy Darby (Aidan Gillen) who has a bone to pick with him. Tommy wants to get back to London to see his son and Benson suggests a trade, a plane ticket for help with son Julian (Jeremy Ray Taylor). Julian is a kid into video games and larping which has dad Benson just believing that the family business will disappear if he doesn’t grow up. The trade is this; take Julian to look for the next hit, Alistair McRory (Neil Sandilands) and see it through.

Tommy really isn’t happy with the arrangement but finds himself wanting to help the young man, especially after learning he’d been bullied by his larping group. The lessons begin in shooting, hand to hand ‘combat’, and how to scare people into doing what they want. They get to practice on Seamus McRory (Brandon Auret), Alistair’s brother. As if the pair isn’t busy enough, let’s not forget Darby and his axe that needs grinding. The most unlikely pair getting into the most ridiculous trouble soon discover that this twisted friendship has heart!

Duhamel as Tommy clearly had several good years as a hitman and his name is known to everyone in the game. Something is not quite right but Tommy refuses to hear anything about it, even when a grave mistake sends him to L.A. I love Duhamel’s attitude which is almost that of a grumpy old man. Being a hitman seems to be the only thing that eases the steam from a very hot kettle. There is also a soft spot that Julian taps into and it can be a good or bad thing depending on how you take the chaos!

Taylor as Julian is a kid who is floundering a bit and he finds solace in larping which, by the way, is still a thing enjoyed by a lot of people Feeling the strain between he and father Benson, it is an escape that it both helpful and hurtful. Being sent with Tommy, Julian takes everything he learns in stride and Taylor is a combination of hilarious and needing a warm hug to bat away the insecurities of this character.

Hoffman as Benson is just the worst of the worst of bosses. He has no problem leaving a trail of bodies all over L.A. and happily throws money at Tommy to make it happen. When he is confronted by his son’s issues, like a boss he appointments someone else to handle it. When Darby shows up, its dollar signs, not a father’s love that motivates him. He’s creepy and icky which Hoffman pulls off with ease. Gillen as Darby is just a hot mess that wants to be the one to end Tommy and a trip to L.A. seems like a fun way to do it.

Sandilands as Alistair is just bat-doo-doo nuts and I am all about it. His character is twisted, all over the place and in need of some intense therapy. That being said, if you’re going to have a madman running after you, Sandilands character of Alistair is the guy to get the job done. Auret as brother Seamus knows Alistair is a sandwich short of a picnic but hey, he’s family and that means everything so let the war begin. 

Other cast include Daniah De Villiers as Erika, Daniel Thomas as Arthur, Daniel Lasker as Barnabus, Jazzara Jaslyn as Darya, Ntlanhla Morgan Kutu as Amos Woodley, Finnley Barnett as Oliver and Karl Thaning as Ricky.                                           

Quiver Distribution helps filmmakers distribute to worldwide audiences on platforms such as iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. Premier works with every major studio and 100’s of independent distributors providing solutions and servicing their content in 100’s of digital retailers and broadcasters across the globe. For more information on Quiver Distribution please visit www.quiverdigital.com.

LONDON CALLING is a mixture of action, suspense, drama, comedy and a few unlikely hitmen. There are twists and turn that bring unexpected surprises with giggles that can’t be suppressed. Duhamel and Taylor together make a great team in the midst of the reasons they are having to get a job done. They learn to understand one another which keeps them moving toward a day of larping and a reunion with family.

Director Ungar takes the story on a ride that matches Tommy’s gold toned 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. Tommy is supposed to be teaching Julian how to be a ‘man’ but it is their relationship that helps them both grow up. The cinematography is fast and explosive to say the least which adds to the weird telling of the film. Hang on to your gun because this is going to get outlandish and entertaining.

In the end – this isn’t any ordinary babysitting job!

 

 

 

 

 

The Destruction of 13-MINUTES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Lindsay Gossling and Quiver Distribution is a story of the sky turning deadly in 13-MINUTES.

In the small ranch community of Minninnewah, there is work to be done and plenty of people doing them. It is a hard-working community as rancher Rick (Trace Adkins) and wife Tammy (Anne Heche) who are trying to make ends meet while keeping the ranch running. Their son Luke (Will Peltz) is dealing with his own issues that threatening his happiness.

At the local motel, Ana (Paz Vega) and fiancé Carlos (Yancey Arias) are working on a home and a future, but they also have an issue that is making their dreams scary moment to moment. Trying to tell Daniel (Davi Santos) that it is his wish to live an open life has so far only proven to be words.

Jess (Thora Birch) works at the local mechanics shop and has raised daughter Maddy (Sofia Bassilieva) on her own. Now Maddy must make a life changing decision that she never thought she would have too.

Kim (Amy Smart) deals in severe weather which makes is perfect that she is married to Brad (Peter Facinelli) the local television weatherman. The couple is raising their young daughter Peyton (Shaylee Mansfield) who has challenges herself.

The day begins with sunshine and everyone doing their jobs but is suddenly made more serious by the threat of impending weather. Mother Nature is about to show this small town what she is made of and the people of Minninnewah will show her what they are made of in times of crisis.

Birch as Jess is a single mother who just wants the best for her daughter. Working at the auto shop, everyone in town knows and respects her. Birch gives tough exterior with squishy interior when it comes to daughter Maddy. Vassilieva as Maddy is a young woman in a small town with big dreams - and a glitch in all of that means a difficult decision.

Smart as Kim is determined to keep her family save while trying to save an entire town. Preparation is one thing, actually living through the madness is quite another. Facinelli as Brad is the local weatherman but also a father and husband who knows his family is in danger and is helpless to stop it.

Heche as Tammy is a mother who believes what she believes and nothing, not even her son, can change that. Adkins as Rick is a tough farmer who has a belief system that is a tad bit out of date and an attitude that needs adjusting - just the kind of thing Mother Nature likes. Peltz as son Luke has something he needs to share with his parents but knows that it will fracture the family.

Vega as Ana sees a future for her relationship and makes plans to have something that most people only dream of. Working hard is paying off and Arias as fiancé Carlos is taking any job he can to help keep them together - even working for rancher Rick! Santos as Daniel is a hard-working young man who is stands up for Carlos at every turn. He also is dealing with a relationship that is going nowhere because of fear.

Other cast include Tokala Black Elk as Steve, Laura Spencer as Vicky, and James Austin Kerr as Eric.

Quiver Distribution helps filmmakers distribute to worldwide audiences on platforms such as iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. Premier works with every major studio and 100’s of independent distributors providing solutions and servicing their content in 100’s of digital retailers and broadcasters across the globe. For more information on Quiver Distribution please visit www.quiverdigital.com.

13 MINUTES is not just about the impending tornado and, it must be said, the special effects on that part of the film is stunning. The cast reacted exactly how I would expect them to if I was in their shoes. At one point I think I was more freaked out than they were.

That being said, 13 MINUTES is about this small town and the everyday lives of the people living in it. Everyone is hard working and trying to make ends meet and keep moving toward a dream, like Ana's. They each have their difficulties, and they are not simple difficulties either, that shape who they are and their reactions to things.

My only thought is that it does get a bit stereotypical in places, but I understand it is the writer/director's way to be relevant and current in thought. It is a bit much thrown out there and I was not surprised by the way each of the stories were told.

When the tornado hits, the sound and fury are there in every moment. The filmmakers do not mess around when it comes to the effects because man, oh man, they went big. So, grab the popcorn and prepare for the weather to come knocking.

In the end – every second counts!

It is the Song of a Generation with I AM WOMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Unjoo Moon, Transmission Films, Quiver Distribution and Official Selection of the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival comes the story of a woman who could have never believed she would become an icon believing that I AM WOMAN.

Helen Reddy (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) is a young, single mother getting off a plane from Australia believing she has a record contract. Immediately Helen discovers that what she had been told was not quite true. Getting a job at a local dive to pay for food and a low rent room, she debates whether it is time to go home.

With another option, Helen finds her cousin Lilian (Danielle Macdonald) for help navigating the new big city. Lilian is a writer and knows that Helen has the talent but it is going to take breaking through barriers. A few months later she meets Jeff Wald (Evan Peters) who believes in her talent and makes grand promises for their future.

Moving to Los Angeles, Jeff makes his way into the music industry helping other acts find places to play and get attention. The one person he seems to have forgotten to help is his wife Helen. Becoming a disgruntled housewife, Helen knows the only way she is going to get her chance is if she creates it and throws down with Jeff.

Finally, Jeff gets a record deal for Helen and she is off like a rocket with fame and performing. Helen has what she has always dreamed of - an audience. Fame has its downside and Jeff is the wax on the slide headed that way. While she is working, Jeff is becoming the stereotypical manager.

Knowing that once again she must do whatever it takes, Helen knows it is time to save her career and have the life where she relies on no one else. Little did she know the impact one song would have on women and the cause of equality!

Cobham-Hervey as Helen starts out as a very naïve and inward songstress never stepping out of place. Knowing there is something more in her life, she just does not know how to break past all the nay-sayers to show what she can do. Cobham-Hervey slides into the role with ease and makes believing we are looking at Helen Reddy easy.

Peters as Wald is a husband who is infatuated with a songstress wife and the potential that could mean. Once he gets what he wants, it is easy to forget who is responsible for that. Even worse, he becomes the stereotypical music manager doing everything in excess - including the treatment of his own wife. Peters made it look way to easy!

Macdonald as Lilian believed in Helen from the beginning and was her touchstone. Once Helen became larger than life, she did what Wald did - move on without her. There is a moment of hurt that needed to play out and Macdonald does it with grace.

Other cast include Matty Cardarople as Roy Meyer, Jordan Raskopoulos as George Sylvia, Gus Murray as Paul Rankine, Molly Broadstock as Traci, Rita Ahuja as Maree, Dusty Sorg as Dany and Michael Taylor as David Dinkins.

Quiver Distribution helps filmmakers distribute to worldwide audiences on platforms such as iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. Premier works with every major studio and 100’s of independent distributors providing solutions and servicing their content in 100’s of digital retailers and broadcasters across the globe. For more information on Quiver Distribution please visit www.quiverdigital.com.

I AM WOMAN is the story of Helen Reddy that perhaps many people do not know, certainly I did not. I grew up with her music from the 70s and 80s and it made an impression for reasons I did not understand until years later. It was a case of singing the words and not really paying attention to what they meant.

The story is the good and bad mixed in with the times of woman not being able to break through in the music industry. Finding every excuse in the book to send Helen on her way, it was persistence that finally brought her to the top. The ride was not easy and should have been once she got to the top but again, her own husband had other plans.

If you are a Reddy fan, then I AM WOMAN is a must-see. The music is there, and the costuming was a nice way to bring back memories of that time in music and of the times in general. Reddy did not realize what impact her song I Am Woman would have until she saw it for herself, what an experience that must have been.

In the end - her song inspired a revolution!