Greed Finds THE UNHOLY TRINITY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Richard Gray, Saban Films and Roadside Attractions is the story of loss and found with THE UNHOLY TRINITY.

Henry Broadway (Brandon Lessard) has come to say goodbye to his father Isaac (Tim Daly) on his way to the gallows in 1870s Montana. The final words to his son is to find Saul Butler and clear his name in a crime Isaac says he did not commit. Grief stricken, Henry finds his way to the town of Trinity looking for a man he has never seen before to get justice for his father. Right away he meets St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson) who seems to befriend him.

Following Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), Henry mistakes him for Butler and discovers more about the town than he planned. Dove tells the young man to quickly leave before local hot head Gideon (Gianni Capaldi) gets out of control, much more than he already is tracking the Blackfoot woman Running Cub (Q’orianka Kilcher). Gideon blames her for a different death in the town. Having a meal in the salon, Henry meets Rachel (Stephanie Hernandez) and the town is turned upside down.

Sherriff Dove is nowhere to be found as he has gone looking for Rubbing Cub so wife Sarah (Veronica Ferres) tries to calm thing. When he does return and realizes Henry is in trouble, it is time to discover all the secrets being hidden in the town of Trinity because the secrets are dangerous and loom large over all their lives.

Lessard as Henry is a young man unaware of what his father asked of him. He clearly does not have a grasp of how to deal with unsavory men who all have guns and aren’t afraid to use them. Wanting to do right by his father, almost immediately he realizes that there is something more happening in this town. Lessard plays his part in a larger story and does it well, especially playing opposite two big names in the film game.

One of those names is Pierce Brosnan as Sherriff Dove who immediately realizes that Henry was only given a fraction of the story about his father and the town. Keeping the townspeople safe is his ultimate goal, especially surrounded by men who find killing easy. Brosnan’s character is soft spoken and calm even when chaos is happening all around him. Knowing Henry has been misled; it seems almost immediate that he wants to protect the young man from anyone who would harm him. Brosnan is doing what he does best, embracing his role and reminding us that his ease at playing any character is vast.

Jackson as St. Christopher is a bit of a mystery man and when Henry arrives in town, he is quick to share a bit of a rundown not only of the town but how the young man might need to protect himself. It is clear that he, like others, seem to know what Henry doesn’t. Jackson gives us his predictable mash up of ‘is he good or not?’ until all is revealed. That being said there is nothing better than watching Jackson develop a character right before our eyes. He has the fantastic ability to play both good, bad and good/bad characters and in this film, he doesn’t disappoint.

Kilcher as Running Cub has a story of her own and Dove is protective of her. Her role is not a large one but it has its importance. Capaldi as Gideon is as twisted as a bad guy can get in the “Wild West” and it works in the story. Ferres as Sarah is a wife who understands her husband and is a stabilizing force for him.

Other cast include Katrina Bowden as Julia, Beau Knapp as Asa Benton, Tim Montana as Red Benton, Beau Linnell as Butch Benton, Ethan Peck as Sam Scarborough, Dylan Brosnan as Pastor, Chuck Matthews as Charlie, Eadie Gray as Mabel, Paris Brosnan as Thomas, Kelton Cole as the Innkeeper, and David Arquette as Father Jacob.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

Director Gray says of shooting THE UNHOLY TRINITY in Montana, “There’s a rawness to the Western genre, more than any other, where it’s really just about survival. The whole point of the Western is that it’s a frontier. When you strip back all of the conveniences and safety nets of modern life, all that’s left is raw emotion and force. No better genre provides that better than a Western.”

He is right, movie goers do love a good Western and a staple requirement is that it be filled with glaring gunmen, rugged good and bad guys, strong women and something to fight more. Well, this film gives all of that and more surrounded by a solid storyline and twists that are a bonus. The cast brings it all together with stellar performances and more than enough guesses to take up the 95-minute running time and I’m all for every minute.

In the end – the mystery brings them all together!

THE LAST SHOWGIRL

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Gia Coppola and Roadside Attractions is the story of the life of THE LAST SHOWGIRL.

Shelly (Pamela Anderson) has spent thirty-years in a show called Razzle Dazzle in Las Vegas as one of its dazzling showgirls. A few of the younger showgirls, Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) and Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) look to Shelly for advice and friendship. Stage manager Eddie (Dave Bautista) keeps the show running like clockwork and the girls where they need to be during performances. Shelly’s best friend Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a cocktail waitress who has the same Las Vegas mileage on her shoes.

Attempting to keep up with the younger dancers, it comes as a shock to her when Eddie finally comes clean to tell the girls that the show will be closing. This is the only life Shelly knows and now she needs to do what she hasn’t done in 30 years, audition for other shows. Life shifts again when Hannah (Billie Lourd) comes to town wanting answers to years of unanswered questions. Shelly is hardly in the mood to deal with it and leans on Annette as they both wonder where the time has gone.

As the show draws to a close, Shelly is going to make sure that everything about her final performance is bathed in the glitter and shine of Las Vegas!

Anderson as Shelly comes across as a showgirl who is happy with her life choices, even if they do not always settle right with others. The show is her life and as thirty years brings it to a close, so does the reality that once was can not be again. I loved watching Anderson take on this character from beginning to end with a bit of a young girls naiveness packaged in a showgirls wake up call. It is a wonderful performance.

Curtis as Annette tries to ignore the problems of a woman working in Las Vegas. Seeing the younger women coming up, their tips are better and the attention focused on them. The friendship with Shelly is one of understanding and realization that they both can not continue in the lights. Lourd as Hannah has a whole magazine rack full of issues and she doesn’t hesitate to throw it all out toward Shelly. Their relationship is complicated and conflicting as Lourd gives her character moments of forgiveness.

Song as Mary-Anne is extraordinary in this role who hasn’t given as much to the stage as Shelly and tries to truly understand how the show ending will effect her. Shipka as Jodie is someone that relies on Shelly for motherly advice and is the opposite of Mary-Anne in that Jodie only sees how the world has an effect on her.

Bautista as Eddie is a rather quiet man who knows how to do his job. He is the only person who doesn’t feel the strain of the show ending but tries to be compassionate in his own unique way toward the girls. The relationship between Shelly and Eddie has its own set of complications as well. Bautista is quiet in nature and a full head of hair so there’s that.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE LAST SHOWGIRL has garnered such awards from the San Sebastian International Film Festival with a Special Jury Prize for the cast, Zurich Film Festival’s Golden Eye Award, SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Miami Film Festival and Winter IndieWire Honor Awards for Pamela Anderson, Outstanding Feature Narrative from the Newport Beach Film Festival, and Astra Film Awards.

The film is written by Kate Gersten who takes on the task of telling the story of a woman who has spent the greater part of her life in one show. As the film progresses, it becomes clear what this life has cost the showgirl and Shelly comes to terms with those choices. In an odd way, this is what I would have envisioned the character of Nomi from the 1995 SHOWGIRLS life would have ended up being has she stayed in Las Vegas!

Beautifully shot, the film is also kept quite simple which gives the actors the spotlight perfectly. Each character is given enough time to show how they fit into Shelly’s life while, at the same time, the true story of her life comes into full view. Everything about the film carries with it the air of total believability that this could actually happen to a showgirl. Anderson captures this role and Coppola provides the stage to let the character razzle dazzle one last time. Brava!

In the end -  this is her last call!

 

 

The World Seen Through LEE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ellen Kuras, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is a look at a lifetime in pictures through the eyes of LEE.

Antony (Josh O’Connor) sits down with famed Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) who spent her life from American modeling to photography. While on an outing with friends in England, she meets Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgard) and they find a life together in London. As World War II is all around them, Lee is looking for a job and reaches out to British Vogue’s editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough). Using her talent as a photographer, she becomes a correspondent to the publication.

She becomes friends with David Scherman (Andy Samberg) who is a Life magazine photographer. Her initial photographs are of women who are helping in the war effort but she wants to be on the front lines. The problem is women aren’t allowed but Lee is not about to back down from her goal. Being American, she imbeds with a troop and begins documenting everything she sees. It is harsh and the realities are caught on film. Being away from Roland is difficult, but she feels a responsibility to photograph and tell what is happening.

Lee, along with David, find themselves photographing France and later come upon a very long train. As the soldiers begin to open them one by one, Lee is struck by the horror of what they find inside and is even more determined to expose the camps of their Jewish victims. Capturing it, she is furious to discover that British Vogue has not acknowledged the realities of war and its impact on humanity as well as Lee herself.

It may have taken time, but the world would still see the world through her eyes!

Winslet as Lee is absolutely spectacular, stunning and beautiful all at the same time. Portraying Lee as a woman struggling to find her place, her photographs are a new life and a way to help earn. As the war becomes more intense, Lee wants to capture what is actually happening and not sugar coat it. The only way for that to happen is finding a way to the front of the war and Winslet’s performance of her reaction to everything her character experiences hurts the heart and squeezes the soul. A stellar piece of filmmaking with an actress who does it complete justice.

Riseborough as Withers is a woman trying to keep British Vogue up and running but also sees that what Lee brings to the table is equally important. Fighting to make sure her photographs and stories get into print; it is a struggle. I absolutely love Riseborough’s vast choice of characters she plays and, in this film, she once again has made a very good choice.

Samberg as David has the same reaction to what he sees as Lee does. This is a different role for the usual character actor and he gives this every bit of feeling and heartbreak. Samberg is impeccable and also understands what Lee is trying to do pushing him further as well. Skarsgard as Roland is captivated with Lee from the moment they meet, even though it was slightly heated. He does come to understand her and, in his own way, support her decision to follow the war.

Shout out to O’Connor as Antony for his portrayal and surprise at the end. Following O’Connor’s career over the years, he just gets more amazing with every film he does. Also, Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen, Lee’s friend who must go into hiding in Parish to survive.

Other cast include Patrick Mille as Jean D’Ayen, Vincent Colombe as Paul Eluard, Arinze Kene as Major Jonesy, Samuel Barnett as Cecil Beaton, Zita Hanrot as Ady Fidelin, James Murray as Colonel Spencer, Enrique Arce as Pablo Picasso, Riley Neldam as Kurt, Noemie Merlant as Nusch Eluard and Marion Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

LEE is a remarkable film written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee. Winslet portrays Lee as a woman who struggles to find her place and once she realizes that photography is her career, she leans into it whole heartedly and with a grit that no one expected. It is a very emotional time in history and there is something in Lee that knows it must be documented, talked about and photographed.

Her life is filled with grit, and a mental toughness that would have been needed to see the things Lee did. It wasn’t so much about breaking the mold, it was her intensity in understanding the world around her that makes this film so intense. Those she surrounded herself with might not have understood her mindset, but they did not try to stop her from the drive that almost consumed her.

The cinematography is so compelling and captures the feeling in such a way that holding your breath is going to happen. Add to that performances that do Lee Miller’s life justice is everything. If you didn’t know her before, you certainly will remember her name now.

In the end – her camera captured the truth!

 

The True Story of MY PENGUIN FRIEND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Schurmann and Roadside Attractions is the unbelievable story of an unlikely friendship of MY PENGUIN FRIEND.

On the shores of Brazil lives Joao (Jean Reno), a fisherman and his wife Maria (Adriana Barraza) live a quiet life after a tragedy. Joao has spent his years avoiding the villagers and staying to himself. One morning, as he is launching his boat to fish, he sees something floating in the water. Rushing out to the object, he discovers it is a penguin covered in oil.

Rushing the penguin to his home, he spends time feeding him fish and cleaning the oil off of his feathers. When Maria arrives home, she discovers oil everywhere in her house and a penguin in the bathroom! Seeing that it means something to Joao, she watches her husband continue to spend time bathing and feeding the penguin.

Weeks pass and the penguin becomes stronger and takes to wandering the village and back to Joao and Maria’s home. When the time comes for the penguin to go back into his watery world, the young Lucia (Duda Galvao) sees the penguin in Joao’s boat. Discovering he has no name, she offers up the name Dindim and it sticks, but Dindim staying away from Joao doesn’t.

When the season changes, Dindim returns to his nest miles and miles away. Also, there are biologists studying penguins and notice that Dindim is very different than the other penguins on the beach. When the tuxedo wearing penguin returns to Joao’s, the village is thrilled and it only takes one clip going viral to change everything.

Reno as Joao is so charming in this role, especially since most of the time he spends closed off to the people of his village. It takes a little penguin for him to remember what it is to love and care for someone other than himself. Throughout the film, Reno gives his character heart and a deep well of a soul and his portrayal of this man comes through beautifully.

Barraza as Maria isn’t thrilled to have a penguin in her home but seeing how her husband seems to be opening up makes it all worth it. Barraza gives her character warmth and a sense of herself and the village she lives in. I loved that about her and the scene where she and Reno are waiting for Dindim is just so lovely and loving.

Other cast include Rochi Hernandez as Stephanie, Nicolas Francella as Carlos, Alexia Moyano as Adriana, Ravel Cabral as Paulo, Wilson Rabelo as Marcos Mauricio Xavier as Oscar, Juan Jose Garnica as Miguel, Juan Queiroz as Pedro, Roberto Borenstein as Luis and Thalma de Freitas as Calista.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

MY PENGUIN FRIEND was shot on the beaches of Brazil as Patagonia is home to nearly a million penguins. I personally wouldn’t mind spending the day sitting on the beach surrounded by penguins but this is the next best thing. Telling this story of a penguin who travels stunning lengths to be with his friend is not only fantastic but will melt your heart.

The story is one of a unique friendship based on nothing more than two beings caring about one another for love, affection and understanding. Joao learns so much from his little friend and the acceptance of his comings and goings is what we should all strive for in friendship and letting the creatures of the earth live and let live.

I watched the film with my nine-year-old granddaughter who not only fell in love with Dindim but was thrilled at certain aspects (no spoilers here folks) of this unique penguin. Sharing it with her lets me know that MY PENGUINE FRIEND is truly a family film and an experience that can be talked about long after the film has ended.

In the end – this is an extraordinary friendship!

 

She is History with FIREBRAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Karim Ainouz, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is the story of one of the many wives of Henry the VIII with FIREBRAND.

Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) is an educated woman in Tudor England who has been married before. When King Henry VIII (Jude Law) takes her for his sixth wife, Parr is not completely happy about the union. Knowing his history in the death of previous wives, accepting comes with a personal risk. Yet there is something about Katherine that Henry trusts and his children Princess Elizabeth (Junia Rees) and Prince Edward (Patrick Buckley).

So much so that he appoints her Regent while he is away fighting knowing that it can cause her difficulties. It is almost immediately that men around the king spend their time watching her every move. This includes her friendship with Anne Askew (Erin Doherty), a childhood friend who believes, as Katherine does in the Protestant beliefs. Katherine pleads with her friend to leave the kingdom before harm comes to her but Anne is steadfast in her work to bring the people of England strength in numbers.

When the King returns, there are whisperings in his ear about Katherine’s steadfastness to the crown especially Stephen Gardiner (Simon Beale). He has a plot of his own to push past the King. When that doesn’t work the whisperings of infidelity begin and what is causing Henry to become muddled is the infection that is ravaging his body. When Katherine learns of the fate of Anne, she realizes that the men of the court are placing her life in the same fate as the five wives before her.

She does not want to be among them!

Vikander as Katherine is absolutely amazing in this role and her demeanor is everything! Katherine does not panic in any situation she is put to, a little momentary frazzle (which anyone would) but she does not fall apart. Instead, she becomes more steadfast in the belief that she knows her own mind. Vikander gives us a Katherine that does not cower to those who are attempting to ruin her in the eyes of the King, instead, Vikander straightens her crown and makes it clear she will take whatever is in front of her without losing any part of herself. That is perfection.

Law as Henry gives us a King that is full of himself and narcissistic one minute and a man who can not think for himself in others. Whispering in his ear are men who have no difficulty squashing any women who gets in their way. Having gotten their way with previous wives, Katherine is no push over and they are scrambling as Henry deals with his own personal and physical struggles. Law gives moments of pure Henry-nastiness and does it without skipping a beat.

Beale as Gardiner has been handling the King for quite some time so when he believes Katherine is trying to change the status quo, he goes after her. Making the King believe that Katherine is not a loyal wife, he does what he can to put her head on the chopping block, literally. Beale gives his character the “what a weasel” whisperings from me as I watched him be a charming character with another destructive face. Well done sir!

Rees as Prince Elizabeth makes it clear that Katherine is someone she looks up to and makes it clear to Henry that her fate doesn’t deserve what the men of the court are pushing for. Buckley as Prince Edward also makes his stance clear as his love for her is strong. Doherty as Askew may have a small role but it is of big importance. It becomes a catalyst for Katherine to hang on to who she truly is.

Shout out to Eddie Marsan as Edward Seymour as I just love everything that he does. He takes a role and makes it his own and makes it memorable.

Other cast include Ruby Bentall as Cat, Bryony Hannah as Ellen, Patsy Ferran as Princess Mary, Mina Andala as Jalinda, Paul Tinto as Stowe, Mia Threapleton as Joan Bocher, Ian Drysdale as Sir Anthony Denny, Edward Harrison as John Gates, Norman Bowman as Sir William Herbert, Jason Baughan as Will Sommers, Anna Mawn as Agnes Howard and Sam Riley as Thomas Seymour.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

FIREBRAND is a stunning film about Katherine Parr and the beginning of the end for Henry VIII. First of all, the cinematography is stellar from the beginning to end. The richness can be found in the costuming that is of the times with its heaviness and construction for the women – ironic, isn’t it? These two things are so important when telling a period piece such as this. For me, if you can win in these two areas then you’ve one me whole heartedly.

The story of Katherine Parr is one that has been brushed over before but with Vikander at the helm, it is a look at the strength of character in this young woman. Let’s be honest, most of us would run for the hills if a man who has off’d five other wives wanted us to be the sixth! The difference here is that Parr was a woman of substance and knew the risks. What is equally stellar is Parr’s steadfast in her beliefs about everything in her life and that makes for good storytelling.

In the end – Henry VIII had six wives and only one survived!

 

 

 

 

THE MONK AND THE GUN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Pawo Choyning Dorji and Roadside Attractions comes the story of dedication from THE MONK AND THE GUN.

In the Kingdom of Bhutan, it is 2006 and they are looking to become a democratic country. As the king gives up his power for a new way for the country, the government decides to hold a mock election as a way to show the people how to vote. The Head of the Bhutan Election Commission Tshering Yangden (Pema Zangmo Sherpa) to oversee it all.

In Ura, and elder Lama (Kelsang Choejey) who has been meditating for a time, tells the monk Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) who sees to his needs that the Lama needs two guns by the full moon four days away. Tashi does not ask questions but instead begins his journey to find what the Lama has asked for walking down to the village.

The villagers are split on the two contestants of Lordo and Thinley and one family in particular is dealing with the duo. Working at the polling station is Tshomo (Deki Lhamo) wants to be part of the election process and show daughter Yuphel (Yuphel Lhendup Selden) how it works. Husband Choephel (Choeying Jatsho) is working with the Thinley campaigns must to the irritation of his mother-in-law and causes Yuphel trouble at school.

Back in Bhutan, Ronald Coleman (Harry Einhorn) has landed after discovering an antique that he must have. Telling Ron to refer to him as a tour guide, Benji (Tandin Sonam) takes him to Ura to meet with Mr. Penjor who has the gun he has been looking for. Making a financial agreement, Ron is excited and has to go hours away to retrieve the funds.

When Tashi also goes to visit Penjor only minutes later, the monk informs him that the Lama is in need of a gun. Without hesitation, Penjor gives him the weapon as a way of saying thank you for all the peace there has been in the village. Ron and Benji find out about it now the race is on to find the monk.

As voting begins, so does the set-up of the Lama making a huge announcement that is meant to be good for everyone and, as the Lama says, to make things right again.

Wangchuk as Tashi is a devoted monk who serves his Lama faithfully and without question. Being asked to look for two guns, the young monk accepts the assignment and begins his trek. In this small village he follows the leads to his goal. Once he obtains it, his trek back is equally interesting as his dedication is tested. I enjoyed watching Wangchuk gentleness which is so endearing.

Sherpa as Yangden comes into the village thinking she knows the people and what she comes to discover is the saying ‘know your audience’. Her interaction starts out very straight forward but slowly comes to understand this small village of amazing people. Lhamo as Tshomo is having difficulty being the go-between with her mother, husband and protector of her daughter. Lhamo shows us the struggle of new politics in a system the village doesn’t seem to want.

Sonam as Benji is doing what he has to do to pay the bills and get his wife the medical attention she needs. He is a bit desperate and is a fast talker, the problem is you can’t fast talk a monk, especially this monk. Einhorn as Ron is a man on a mission to get his hands on the most sought-after weapon. He wants it with every fiber of his being. Here is another character that doesn’t understand the people of the village.

Jatsho as Choephel believes that he knows what is best politically and doesn’t like the oppositions way of handling the campaign that leaves his wife uncomfortable. Selden as Yuphel is dealing with her own problems of the bullies at school.

Shout out to Choejey as the Lama who is the actual and only Lama of the village.

Other cast include Tandin Phubz as Phurba and Ugyen Dorji as the police. 

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE MONK AND THE GUN is a stunning, delightful, beautiful story that has a few giggles mixed in. To me it is the story of a change that very few want and a Lama who believes that he knows how to make it right. In the mix is a gun that so many seem to want but each has their own reason. The cinematography is as simple as the people living in the village.

Writer/director Dorji says of his film, “I wanted the Lama and the monk characters in the movie to personify the Bhutanese veneration to the culture and traditions of Buddhism. A personification where there is so much respect for the ordained that the rural people don’t even seem to question or flinch at the audacity of the monk with a gun, because there is so much trust that stems from the Buddha’s teachings that the ‘motivation behind an act is much more important than the act itself’. It is also important to highlight the value of symbolism in Bhutanese culture, how the symbolic power of items can, at time, be even more important than the item itself.”

What I found even more important about what Dorji had to say about the film is that, “One of the main reasons I wanted to tell this story is because I wanted to share with the world, and remind my fellow Bhutanese of the unique circumstances that lead to the opening up and modernization of Bhutan”. It is such a wonderful way for Dorji to share his culture and in such a unique way.

THE MONK AND THE GUN is such a wonderful film of family, culture, a village, a bit of greed and a resolution that is nothing short of spectacular. In their world of guns and James Bond, this film shows an understanding of the world creeping into Ura but yet Ura does not give up their beliefs or their love and respect of peace. Who they are as a people says everything.

This film is the submission for Best International Feature Film for the 94th Academy Awards for 2024.

In the end – a different perspective on peace and a gun!

He is Dealing with RETRIBUTION

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Nimrod Antal, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate comes one man’s fight for his family when facing RETRIBUTION.

Matt Turner (Liam Neeson) is a busy business man who has been spending more time on his phone than with his family. One morning, wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) insists that Matt take kids Emily (Lilly Aspell) and Zach (Will Champion) to school. It is chaos to get in the car, especially when son Zach is having parental issues.

Once on the move, Matt tries to calm down a jittery client who wants to back out of a deal and let’s partner Anders (Matthew Modine) know all is well. In the meantime, a cell phone is going off in the car and no one seems to know whose it is. That’s when Matt discovers there is a bomb in his car and he is not allowed to get out without it exploding.

Being led around the city by a voice he doesn’t recognize, the kids are getting nervous about what is happening. Trying to get answers, two things are clear – the caller wants a lot of money and is not going to let Matt or the kids out of the car until he gets what he wants. In the meantime, the police are now on the alert but they don’t have the whole story.

Then again, neither does Matt.

Neeson as Matt is back to doing what he does best, one a mission to protect the ones he cares about. This time he is doing it from behind the wheel trying to solve who is responsible and why he and his family are chosen to be put in danger. Trying to explain himself seems to fall on deaf ears so Neeson takes care of it all by himself.

Aspell as Emily in sitting in the backseat learning what is happening and trying to remain calm. That’s pretty stellar for a young actress in the middle of chaos and explosions. Champion as Zach played his part but, once again, a smart mouthed teenager and that I can’t get behind. I get that his character is feeling misunderstood but I’d rather throw Zach out of the moving car and take my chances than listen to his garbage.

Modine as Anders is in business with Matt and they are working hard to make is a success. He also becomes caught up in whatever the mysterious caller is up too. Nice to see Mariner Modine on screen again even if in brief moments.

Other cast include Arian Moayed as Sylvain, Emily Kusche as Mila, Luca Markus as Kat, Bernahrd Pieck as Captain Dregger, Pils Groger as Luc Etienne and Noma Dumezweni as Angela Brickman.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

RETRIBUTION is an action ride of mystery until the very end. Neeson takes us on the slow ride through each stop bringing the clues closer and closer as the character of Matt is puzzled about why its all happening. With his kids in the car, it brings another level of intensity because, lets be honest, when it comes to our kids, we probably would make the same choices as Matt Turner.

Even though the situation is based on being in a car and only a cell phone call for dialogue, it is the tension and watching the character Matt Turner try to get one step ahead. It’s hard to think what to do next when stuff if exploding all around and the cops are chasing.

Those who are thrilled with Neeson films are not going to be disappointed. He has made himself into a late career action hero and most of us are on board with it. Director Antal has clearly made himself seen and heard in Hollywood being a part of one of my favorites from Apple TV+ series Servant and two episodes from the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. He has also been a part of the films VACANCY, ARMORED and PREDATORS.

So, stay in your seat at all times because standing up could get you killed.

In the end – just don’t stop!

THE GOOD HOUSE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Maya Forbes, Wally Wolodarsky, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate comes a story from the 2013 novel by Ann Leary with THE GOOD HOUSE.

Hildy Good (Sigourney Weaver) is a realtor in New England who knows the how to talk to an audience. Yes, looking directly at us all, she gives us the skinny on her business, who is making her life miserable and a family that, well, are not happy with her life choices.

One of them being her love of a drink and that love is pushing her to the brink of the worst problems she could ever imagine. Trying to keep up with the housing market, Hildy relies on Frank Getchell (Kevin Kline) to do repair work on houses she is trying to sell. They have a history as well but to hear Hildy tell it, it is a mixture of good and bad.

Hildy also gets to know her neighbor Rebecca (Morena Baccarin) who has issues of her own with a marriage that is a bit messy. The one thing they share in common is the love of a good bottle of wine. But as things around Hildy start to go a little wonky, she is also diving deeper into the bottle and not recalling things that were said and done.

One morning she wakes up after a night of drinking because the whole town is looking for someone Hildy knows. It is Frank who notices that perhaps there is a secret she does not want to tell him or really does not remember, and he wants to protect her. But there comes a moment when Hildy understands what everyone around her has been saying but it took a drop to her knees to believe it is time to change.

Weaver as Hildy is perfection as a woman who is dealing with the past, uncertainty of the present and no guess at the future. In other words, she is everyone in the world but not everyone jumps into a bottle of wine (no matter how good the wine is) to the point of blackout. That explains why, when she speaks to us, we either nod or say to ourselves ‘wait a second Hildy girl!’. The story unfolding is also full of small town living and that means nothing gets past the town gossipers. Weaver gives us all of it and so much more.

Kline as Frank is much more laid back than Hildy. He has lived his life and takes everything one moment at a time. Kline, at first, kind of gets a kick out of Hildy and her antics but once they become involved, a more protective side comes into play. Out of the two, Kline is the comedic side of the pair whether he means to or not. I have to say, ladies of a certain age need more Frank’s in the world that’s for sure. The chemistry between Kline and Weaver is everything.

Baccarin as Rebecca is a neighbor who has issues that are a little bit much for Hildy to deal with sober. Hildy tries to help by listening, but when there is a clash between fun-ship and reality, she doesn’t deal with it to well. Baccarin just wants a friend but there is something off that even I thought, ‘yeaaaaahhhh, something is off here’.

Other cast include Kathryn Erbe as Wendy, Molly Brown as Emily Good, Rebecca Henderson as Tess Good, David Rasche as Scott Good, Kelly AuCoin as Brian McAllister, Beverly D’Angelo as Mamie Lang and Rob Delaney as Peter Newbold.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE GOOD HOUSE is a story of a woman trying to find her way through it all but not in the right way. When the family steps in, including an ex-husband, Hildy starts to feel the walls closing in on being told how to live her life. She laughs it off and lets them know that everything is fine and even tries to sober up on her own just to prove she’s fine.

But it only takes a small thing for the world to get out of hand again and when Hildy has the chance for a big realty deal, it is that small drink that leads to a big problem. For the first time in her life, Hildy can not hide from what she could possibly have done. The only person who wants to rescue her is Frank and, lets be honest, that is not the best thing either.

Hildy is a story of denial and, filled with fear, knowing that redemption is possible when you admit that help is not such a bad thing after all. The biggest get in all this? That Hildy learns that life is messy, families will drive you nuts, careers are in constant flux, the past doesn’t need to live rent free in your head and, love can still be kinda cool.

In the end – nothing is a secret in a small town!

NATE & GIGI Show Possibilities

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Nick Hamm and Roadside Attractions is the true story of life and courage with NATE & GIGI.

Nate (Charlie Rowe) is a young daredevil who loves adventure and fun. After a fun afternoon with family and friends, Nate starts to feel ill and is struck down quickly. Mom Claire (Marsha Gay Harden) knows this is more than the small-town hospital can handle and has her son rushed out. Contacting Dad Dan (Jim Belushi), he finds a miracle and a way home to his son.

Along with sisters Annabelle (Hannah Riley), Katy (Josephine Langford) and Grandmother Blanche (Diane Ladd) at the hospital, all they can do it wait and see. Four years later, Nate has not adjusted to his condition with Claire and Dan watching it all. That’s when Claire decides that Nate needs more.

That is when Nate meets Gigi, a capuchin monkey who is trained to be a service animal after being rescued from her harsh life. Starting a new life with Nate and his family, Gigi is even more cautious adapting to her surroundings. But she connects with Nate and the two become inseparable.

Nate even starts to get out more and meets Hannah (Annabelle Gibson) who remembers him from their meeting years before. Also in the store is Chloe Gaines (Welker White) and she is tearing into Nate about Gigi being in the store, but Claire is not about to take any of her guff. What they did not know is that the woman is about to put their lives in a tailspin with Nate and Gigi the center of it all.

But love and friendship are powerful weapons!

Rowe as Nate is such an expressive actor. Once he has limited movement, it is his facial expressions that are front and center. From that we come to understand the characters struggles with depression and fear of the future. The outcome of the story is heartwarming and that is because of Rowe’s portrayal and his connection with “Gigi”.

Harden as Claire is a mother who is not going to let anyone get in the way of her son’s continual attempt to find a place in the world. Of course there does come a point where her character confronts husband Dan with the truth of what it is like physically and mentally to help a child who can not do for himself. Belushi as Dan is a man who travels a lot to keep the family in their lifestyle and Nate cared for. The strain weights on him as well as a father seeing his son struggle.

Riley as Annabelle is a sister trying to find her own place in the family. Every emotional resource is fixed on Nate and that causes her guilt but at the same time feeling a little invisible, yet she loves her brother. Langford as Katy is the sister who has outbursts of her emotions and does not care who it is aimed at. When Gigi arrives, we see how quickly she goes from zero to one hundred emotionally.

Gibson as Hannah meets Nate when he is standing and meets him again after his injury. Embraces it all and meeting Gigi, she invites him to a party not thinking of the consequences. White as Chloe is just that woman who wants to rage while using Gigi as an excuse to do so. She is also a character you want to slap into the past where this character belongs.

Ladd as Grandma Blanche is the quiet force in the family, an emotional ninja that you never see coming. She goes out of her way not to interfere with the family dynamic while also going out of her way to show that it is all worth the fight. Well done Ms. Ladd, well done!

Other cast include: Mishel Prada as Carolyn Alibon, Zoe Colletti as Lori, Deja Dee as Jane Elling, Olly Sholotan as Benji Betts, Sasha Compere as Nogo, Emilio Garcia-Sanchez as Travis Holter, Gillian Rabin as Sophie and Lindsay Ayliffe as Dr. Falerias.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

Director Hamm says of the film, “What surprised me most about this film is how much I loved it, and how much I fell in love with the story, the animal and the hope that the movie can give to people. There is a discussion to be had about how we help these young men and women and how we get them through certain situations. That’s what we’re about, and I think this movie can help in that dialogue.”

NATE & GIGI is a definetly a family film that teaches about adversity, hope, a good fight for something so very right and how, when things don’t change quick enough, you adapt on your own terms. These characters are dealing with some heavy, heavy issues and it is also not all about Nate and Gigi, it is about a family trying to discover how it all fits.

They are not looking for perfection, they are looking for what works for everyone as best as they can. When they realize it is time to speak out, each of them about what has been caged up since the day Nate ended up in the wheelchair. Once they do so, they can adjust again so that each member is heard – even Gigi.

NATE & GIGI is a film that can be watched together as a family and discussed after leaving an impression that it takes something as small as a capuchin monkey to make the world a more hopeful place.

In the end – this is friendship!

 

 

FIREBIRD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Peeter Rebane and Roadside Attractions is a story of war and the complication of relationships in FIREBIRD.

It is the 1970’s on a Soviet Air Force Base and friends Sergey (Tom Prior) and Luisa (Diana Pozharskaya) are training on the same base. Sergey is looking forward to the time when his military service ends. That is until he meets Roman (Oleg Zagorodnii), a fighter pilot and the two become friends. Getting to know one another, it becomes clear each wants more.

As their relationship get serious, a report is made and now they know that their lives are in jeopardy. Luisa moves on to the job of secretary to the base commander Col. Kuznetsov (Nicholas Woodeson) and it is he who tries to put a stop to the story. When Sergey’s service is over, he hopes to continue the relationship with Roman, but it is brought to an end.

Leaving, Sergey goes to a performing arts college and starts a life away from both Roman and Luisa. He is surprised to learn that the two are getting married! At the wedding, Roman tries to explain himself but Sergey only knows that their feelings have not changed, and their connection is still strong.

A few years later Roman finds out he has a chance to get away for training, he tells new wife Luisa and their child it will be a few months. Roman goes to Sergey at the theatre where he is performing with the news and a chance for them to spend time away without anyone getting in the way.

When Luisa discovers what has happened the risks are even higher especially with a KGB investigation. Now the danger means choices have to be made and the repercussions are devastating.

Prior as Sergey is a young man doing his required military service and looking forward to what he really wants and that is to be an actor. The only thing that keeps him grounded in finishing is his friendship with Luisa and getting to know Roman. That’s where things get complicated in a country that would rather see the two men punished for their feelings. Prior is strong in this role but does not lose himself in emotions. So well done!

Zagorodnii as Roman is a dashing and handsome pilot who is quickly taken with Sergey. He may know how to navigate a jet but when it comes to living in a country that will not accept the choice of who a person loves, that is more than he can handle. Trying to keep it together, he eventually has no choice but to break things off and do what he is told. Zagorodnii gives his character the pain of following his heart or following the rules.

Pozharskaya as Luisa is thrilled that she is marrying Roman, and they quickly start a family. Her job now is to be a good wife and mother. That becomes difficult when he starts to pull away from her and refuses to recognize the pain he is causing her. Pozharskaya is a lovely character who is also trying to make her way and Roman’s lies are destruction.

Other cast include Jake Henderson as Volodja, Margus Prangel as Major Zverev, Ester Kuntu as Masha, Kaspar Velberg as Selenov, Sergei Lavrentyev as Professor, Markus Luik as Sgt. Janis, Anatoli Tafitsuk as Ivan, Henessi Schmidt as Olga, Kaie Korb as Anna, Deni Alasaniya as Ilya, Jonathan Tupay as Sergey Jr., and Nils Mattias Steinberg as Karamazin.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

The film premiered at the BFI Flaire: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival, the Moscow International Film Festival, Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Durban International Film Festival, Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival, and the Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

FIREBIRD is a beautiful story set in a country that can be as unforgiving as its weather. Sergey and Roman are caught in a time where one slip out of turn is bad enough but for two men who care for one another, there is nothing that can save them. One step at a time in their relationship brings them closer and closer to a dangerous edge.

Set in the backdrop of a very straight forward military and a war, the story brings in even more depth. The cinematography and costuming are a quiet fourth character in this three-way relationship of the heart. From beginning to end it is a story worth every frame of film and beautifully done.

In the end – it is a fight for love!

 

The Songtress ALINE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Valerie Lemercier, Canal+, and Roadside Attractions is the fictional story of a songbird named ALINE.

Aline Dieu (Valerie Lemercier) is a young 12-year-old girl in a family of fourteen children living in 1960’s Quebec, Canada. Watched over by protective parents Sylvette (Danielle Fichaud) and Anglomard (Roc Lafortune), they also know their daughter is something special. A person who has taken notice is agent Guy-Claude (Sylvain Marcel) who sees the potential of the voice.

As they begin to make their rounds through television shows and venues, Aline finds herself growing up in the spotlight and growing fond of Guy-Claude. By the time she turns 20, she has decided that their age difference of twenty-six years does not matter. As success turns into worldwide success, Aline tries to balance her life between family, marriage and performing.

Finally able to marry Guy-Claude, her next challenge becomes having a family of her own. Once Aline gets a residency in Las Vegas, she tries to do a balancing act with everything in her life. That becomes even more complicated when Guy-Claude becomes seriously ill and life changes once again.

Where she finds solace is in the music.

Lemercier as Aline does the magical cgi act of going from Aline as a very young girl to a grown up and all while personally being in her mid-50’s. An impressive feat, it allows Lemercier to completely become Aline with no distractions or waiting for her character to grow. There are moments when I can see that the change needs a little tweaking but its easy to fall into the rhythm of the story.

Marcel as Guy-Clause is the Svengali convincing Aline’s parents that he can do right by the young singer and the entire family in fact. Falling in love with her becomes the second stage of their relationship but once Guy-Clause and Aline are together, Marcel melds into that part of the relationship with ease and with love.

Fichaud as Sylvette, Aline’s mother, has no trouble saying what she feels regarding just about another concerning her family. A tigress protecting her singing cub, she makes it clear after realizing her struggle to stop Aline’s feelings for Guy-Clause is not helping anything. In fact, it causes strife, especially when mostly everyone in the family works for Aline. Fichaud is a winner here and I just loved her performance.

Lafortune as Anglomard, Aline’s father, has nothing but pure pride for his daughter and what she accomplishes. Caring for the very large family, he does see the beauty in the family’s youngest child and what she can accomplish. Lafortune gives us such an endearing father figure that it could quite possibly make the rest of us jealous!

Other cast includes Antoine Vezina as Jean-Bobin Dieu, Pascale Desrochers as Pascale Dieu, Jean-Noel Broute as Fred, Sonia Vachon as Martine Leveque, Alain Zouvi as Docteur Lablanchette, Victoria Sio as the voice of Aline.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

ALINE is falls into the category of a biopic but also is written by Lemercier with musical numbers along the way. Lemercier gives Aline humor and consideration toward playing the role of someone that closely resembles a world-wide phenomenon. Nothing wrong with that if you do it right and Lemercier seems aware of how to do just that.

The cast supports her amazingly well, it is an easy fit with every character that comes on screen. Even when there is conflict, it is Lemercier’s rendition of Aline that finds a way to make it all work, even if sometimes it goes against what she really wants.

There is two hours and eight minutes of a path that goes from a very young girl to a woman who could never imagined that one day she would perform before millions.

In the end – it is in the power of love!

He is THE ALPINIST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from directors Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen and Roadside Attractions is the story of what it takes to be fearless, beautiful and see the world through the eyes of THE ALPINIST.

Alpinism is the discipline of climbing big and technical mountains. Large scale expeditions conquered the highest peaks in the world. Soon, it became how you got to the top that became the rage. That was the next step to go bigger and better but be a solo alpinist.

That is where we meet Marc-Andre Leclerc, a young man who has made his way to becoming an alpinist but doing so in the most unusual way. Graduating high school, Marc goes to Squamish in Canada, and everyone begins to notice the young man who makes alpinism a thing of beauty.

Admitting to falling into the drug scene, he came to understand that climbing is what he needed more than the drugs. Girlfriend Brette Harrington, he found more to life through her love of climbing as well. Now, he is ice climbing and more people begin to notice that he seems to be unfazed by what he is doing and does so beautifully.

The Stanley Headwall is a challenge but one that Marc-Andre seems to see as a wonder in his eyes. Clear about his goal, the wall is a mixture of snow and rock, but he does so using just picks and his ability to remain calm.

He sees his climb as fun and memorable yet everyone else sees what he has done as a stunning accomplishment. Speaking about his life growing up in Chillawack, he speaks about life and adjusting to a life where he does not actually fit in. So, his mother introduced him to the forest, books about the big mountains and climbers. This is where the love of it all begins, and it continued as he climbed everything he could get his hands on.

Then he dropped out of sight and off the grid.

It was only through social media did everyone realize he was everywhere! Finally, they find him and girlfriend Brett, climbing rock faces having the time of their lives. Keeping his life to himself, they shock came when they discover that Marc-Andre was at the top of Mount Robson on the Emperor’s Face.

Finally, Marc-Andre explains that climbing alone is an experience being immersed in your environment and having a crew would make it a very different experience. Explaining his thought process, other climbers agree that it is a dance.

Now, family, friends and other climbers are beginning to wonder if the young Marc-Andre is pushing the boundaries into danger. That is not stopping him from eyes the range of mountains in Patagonia. In El Chatain in Argentina, groups gather to go winter climbing. This time he is allowing one camera man but only to a certain point and then Marc-Andre would take over documenting by himself.

Documenting the climb, he speaks about the snow, rocks and the way he is taking and how bad the conditions are. As blizzard conditions set in, visibility is next to nothing, but the climb is still incredible.

Thinking the film was over, the story is not finished.

Other speakers include Austin Siadak, Will Stanhope, Alan Stevenson, Jon Walsh, Jason Kruk, Jim Elzinga, Ryan Johnson, Alpinist Terry Blanchard, Alpinist Historian Bernadette McDonald, Reinhold Messner, Alex Honnold, Ice Climber Will Gadd, Ice Climber Raphael Slawinski, Alpinist Jon Walsh, Hugo Acosta and Mom Michelle Kuipers.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE ALPINIST is an interesting look at a young man’s journey doing what he loves. There is also the stark realization that climbing both ice and rock is a dangerous way of life. The danger of it all is documented by some of the worlds most celebrated climbers meeting a fate on the mountain.

This is one man’s story filmed for us all to see the majesty of the mountains, the love of doing something most of us can hardly imagine doing and those who return again and again. We are allowed into a moment in time to learn about the young man who will always have an impact on being an alpinist.

It is not just a film about climbing, it is a film about the difference between those who talk about doing things and those who actually go out and challenge themselves to face it all. It is about taking a dream and making it a reality with simplicity, grace and beauty which is what Marc-Andre Leclerc did – just ask anyone who spent time with him.

In the end – his passion for the mountains was everything and more!

A Father and Son Journey with JOE BELL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Reinaldo Marcus Green and Roadside Attractions is a walk to finding answers for JOE BELL.

Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg) lives in Oregon and is husband to Lola (Connie Britton) and son’s teen Jadin (Reid Miller) and young Joseph (Maxwell Jenkins). Rough and rugged, one day Jadin pulls Dad aside and tells him that he is gay. Joe tries the rugged approach and makes it out to be an ‘okay, is that it?’ reaction much to Jadin’s dismay.

Especially since the teen is dealing with difficulties at school with kids bullying him mercilessly. Jadin confides in friend Marcie (Morgan Lily) who tries to help him keep up a positive attitude about who he is. Even finding an unexpected romance can not ease the daily pain Jadin is feeling.

After the Bell family experiences tragedy, the only way Joe can deal with it is when he decides to walk across the United States to talk to kids about bullying. Doing it with the wisdom of Jadin, what begins to happen is that Joe discovers more about himself than he ever thought possible. More importantly, he is not the only one dealing with it as Marcie and Joseph wait patiently for Joe to come home.

Each step brings him closer to Jadin.

Wahlberg as Joe Bell brings the rough and tumble father character to this story. As what is happening to son Jadin unfolds, Wahlberg’s character tries to justify with a ‘well I supported your cheerleading what else do you want’ as his support. Frustrated because he refuses to admit that he does not know how to deal with his feelings, Wahlberg takes his character on the road. On the wide-open pavement, it becomes a story of memories, cringe worthy realizations and a hope to be a better person.

Miller as Jadin is such a heart-breaking character to watch. Trying to fit in, keep his sexuality down low and stay away from the young raging bulls, Miller shows us on screen the pain behind it all. When pain becomes the first thing you feel in the morning and the last thing you feel at night, someone has to give. Miller reminds us of those consequences and what it does to those left behind.

Britton as Lola is a woman who already has her hands full with a house of men. Trying to support a husband who is evasive, a son in pain and another son feeling left out, Britton’s character turns to the one thing that does not require anything of her and kills the pain. Jenkins as Joseph is a young man caught in the middle of everything and getting lose in the conflicts of the family. Clearly, he loves his parents, brother and wants a few moments of recognition of his own and it gets lost.

Shout out to Gary Sinise because he deserves every shout out that can be mustered. In JOE BELL he once again plays a character, even if its briefly, of a caring man who recognizes the pain of another human being.

Other cast include Tara Buck as Mary Ivy, Ash Santos as Kim, Blaine Maye as Boyd Banks, Igby Rigney as Chance, Austin Grant as Blake, Scout Smith as Colleen, Juan Antonio as Roy Holmes, Charles Halford and Gary Sinise.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

JOE BELL is based on a true story, and it will tug at your heart. As a proud sister of a gay brother who lost his fight for this life, I recognized the pain that Jadin felt frame after frame. There were so many conversations that we had about how to make the family see that ‘gay’ was not about hurting them but instead loving him unconditionally – and that was in 1987.

Watching the film also made me angry in the sense that if my brother David and I were dealing with this in 1987 and it is now 2021, how are we still having these discussions? Especially when the end results for some have been total and irreversible tragedy.

JOE BELL is a film that I would hope could be a teachable moment and one to be shared in schools. That would be something that would move me beyond words as young adults in a group setting tend to listen more when they share an experience and talk about it openly.

The cast does an amazing job telling the story of this young man and his father. Wahlberg and Miller are everything and more with twists and turns that gave me jaw-drop. Tissue worthy absolutely!

In the end – redemption is a journey you cannot take alone!