CHARLIE’S ANGELS Fly onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Elizabeth Banks and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of CHARLIE’S ANGELS.

Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) is a programming engineer working for entrepreneur Alexander Brock (Sam Claflin). Catching on that there is a problem with the invention Calisto, she knows that boss Peter Fleming (Nat Faxon) is doing something wrong with it.

Meeting up with Edgar Bosley (Djimon Hounsou) to tell him of her suspicions, an assassin name Hodak (Jonathan Tucker) tries to stop them both. Rescued by Angel Jane Kano (Ella Balinska), Sabina (Kristin Stewart) and Rebekah Bosley (Elizabeth Banks), Elena wants to help find Calisto and get it before it is used in the wrong way.

Every step they take trying to get Calisto back, the Angels are always a step behind. Jane and Sabina become suspicious as to who is working against them. Just as they are about to talk it out, an explosion knocks out Jane and Sabina putting Elena in the hands of the most unsuspected person at the Townsend Agency.

At a party given by Brock, it is still unclear who can be trusted as the Angels try to find Elena before its to late. Using their talents, they make their way through the mansion and with each step get closer to who has been responsible from the beginning and finding Elena.

Stewart as Sabine seems very comfortable in her role of a badass Angel. Working on so many independent films, this is Stewart’s chance to have a little fun without fangs. Scott as Elena knows that Calisto is dangerous and jumps right into the fight to get it back safely. She picks up on the Angels habits pretty quick and finds her own strength like never before. 

Balinska as Jane is a quick study and her opponents will pay the price for being unaware of her abilities. I love her interaction with Sabine, and it reminds me of sisters always competing to get Mom-Bosley’s attention. Speaking of Bosley, Banks as Rebekah is smart, smooth and aware of everything happening making the hard choices.

Claflin as Brock is hilarious actually and it’s good to see him do something not as serious because when he’s indignant in the film, I cracked up. Tucker as Hodak doesn’t have a lot to say (maybe his tattoos say it all) but his muscles speak loudly and without apology. I mean if your going to have an assassin on your payroll, you could do worse.

A shout out to Pang as Jonny Smith who had me laughing every time he was on screen. His infatuation with Sabine is oddly charming for his character being a not so nice guy. He is dedicated to the end I’ll give him that, well done Mr. Pang!

Other cast include David Schutter as Ralph, Noah Centineo as Langston, Marie-Lou Sellem as Fatima Ahmed, Luiz Mendez as the Saint and Patrick Stewart.

Cameos include Ronda Rousey, Danica Patrick, Lili Reinhart, Aly Raisman, Laverne Cox, Michael Strahan, Hailee Steinfeld and Jaclyn Smith.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

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CHARLIE’S ANGELS Bonus Features include Gag Reel – Check out these fun and never-seen-before bloopers saved from the cutting room floor, 5 Deleted Scenes, 4 Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes Stronger Together: The Sisterhood of the Angels – Watch how the Angels trio of Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott & Ella Balinska prepared for their iconic roles and formed a genuine sisterhood on set, and Elizabeth Banks: As BOSSley – We’ll take a look at why the CHARLIE’S ANGELS Director, Actress, Writer and Producer Elizabeth Banks is the perfect person to reintroduce audiences to this beloved, fun and action-packed franchise.

Also, Warriors on Set: Angels in Action – The cast & crew take a look at some of the biggest action scenes from the film, including a peek behind-the-scenes of the stunt rehearsals with the cast, Tailored for Danger: Styling the Angels – Learn all about the glamorous costumes, hair and make-up used to create the glitzy world of CHARLIE’S ANGELS, Don’t Call Me Angel Music Video featuring Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey.

CHARLIE’S ANGELS is a continuation of a story most of us know from its beginnings on television from 1976 to 1981 when the Angels consisted of Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett and John Forsythe as the voice of Charlie Townsend. The second trio of Angels included Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack and Tanya Roberts. The next trio in the 2000’s consisted of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu with plenty of Angels in between.

In this franchise the Angels don’t hold back in their wit, charm and sense of style because we live in a stylin’ age. Stewart, Balinska, Scott and Banks work extremely well together and make the whole film look way to easy.

The storyline has its twists and turns that add to the fun of the film. The twists and turns are nicely done and bring even more to the film along with the action from location to location. From Los Angeles to Istanbul to London, it’s the Angels who have no problem looking good while going after the bad guys!

I have to say I absolutely adore Mendez as the Saint because, and let’s be honest I’m not alone in this, we all need a little Saint in our lives. The way he looks after the Angels is cute and the humor, he brings is subtle and so sarcastically witty at times. Is he available to work for a non-Angel, asking for a friend?

In the end – a new world needs new Angels!

THE NIGHTINGALE Sings the Saddest Song

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Jennifer Kent and IFC Films comes a story that will have everyone talking about THE NIGHTINGALE.

It is 1825 Australia where Clare (Aisling Franciosi), a 21-year-old Irish woman who served a seven year prison sentence. Freed by Lt. Hawkins (Sam Claflin), she has basically exchanged one prison sentence for another. He is infatuated with Clare and although he allows her to marry Aidan (Michael Sheasby), Lt. Hawkins controls everything she does.

Lt. Hawkins himself is an unhappy man, unhappy with his post, life and that Clare continues to request that she be set free. Once again she is denied and Aidan doesn’t understand his hold. Deciding to speak with Lt. Hawkins himself, it becomes an evening of unspeakable horror.

The next morning Clare attempts to find justice for her family and discovers that Lt. Hawkins and his men have packed up and left for a post in the north. That is when she decides to go after them all to hold them accountable. Needing a guide she is directed toward Aboriginal tracker Billy (Baykali Ganambarr) who really wants nothing to do with her.

Given no choice, Clare holds Billy at gunpoint as they see each other without much care. Clare sees a black man who should do as he is told and Billy sees a white woman who comes from a group of people who have killed his.

As they come closer to finding Lt. Hawkins and company, a bond begins to form as their lives are in danger. They both have stories of their lives and finally share with one another. In those stories they discover that pain knows no color or geography.

Finally coming face to face with Lt. Hawkins, both must make a decision on how to handle their pain.

Franciosi as Clare is stunning, emotional, frightening and absolutely stellar in her role. I have to be quite honest and say I’m not sure how any woman given that time period would have handled what this character went through. That being said, Franciosi portrayal of Clare is riveting and feels very honest. She had me tense and holding my breath every scene of the film. Brilliant!

Ganambarr as Billy plays his character straight forward as an aboriginal who has been denied his country, heritage, family and sense of self. He is angry and has every right to be but once he learns Clare’s story, there is a change that happens with an understanding that is clear and powerful. I was taken with Ganambarr’s performance and it is one I am not likely to ever forget.

Claflin as Lt. Hawkins is just plain evil from start to finish and that is so surprising for me. I am so use to Claflin playing roles like THE HUNGER GAMES, THE HUNTSMAN, ME BEFORE YOU and ADRIFT that this role out and out shocks me in its brutality. These all had to be a difficult role and Claflin as the heavy plays a character that knows his wrongs but continues to do them anyway.

Other cast include Damon Herriman as Ruse, Harry Greenwood as Jago, Ewen Leslie as Goodwin, Charlie Shotwell as Eddie, Matthew Sunderland as Davey, Magnolia Maymuru as Lowanna, Christopher Stollery as Major Bexley, Nathaniel Dean as Stoakes, Claire Jones as Harriet, Luke Carroll as Archie and Charlie Jampijinpa Brown as Uncle Charlie.

THE NIGHTINGALE has won at Venice for Special Jury Prize, Best New York Performer, winner at the Miami International Film Festival, Rene Rodriguez Critics Award as well as the Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival – Spotlight Section and Official Selection at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

This film is brutal, even savage, in its telling and in the mix is colonialism, an attempt to extinguish a race, disgusting treatment of women and the insanity of it all on a person. I can’t recall the last time I had my hand over my mouth so many times during a film to keep in the yell that wanted to escape.

It is a story of Clare and Billy and the clear truth that they do not know their worth until their worth is made clear. Unfortunately the knowledge comes by way of pain and hardship. Franciosi and Ganambarr give their characters humanity in the midst of madness.

The writer/director Jennifer Kent has told a tale that wears down the viewer with a cast that brings everything to the screen. I am in awe of everyone who took part in this film. This won’t be an easy film for anyone to watch but that shouldn’t stop it from being seen and I believe that!

In the end – her song won’t be silenced!

Love and the Sea lead to ADRIFT

       

Jeri Jacquin

Sailing into theatres this Friday from director Baltasar Kormakur and STX Entertainment comes the true story of survival when you are ADRIFT.

Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) is a young woman who has left her San Diego home to travel the world. Going where ever the tide and jobs take her, Tami ends up in Tahiti cleaning boats.

Putting into the dock, Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin) is a man clearly in love with the sea, even the worst parts of it. Meeting Tami they clearly find a connection for wandering and explore the island and their relationship. They also sail on the boat Richard built himself, the Mayaluga, and Tami couldn’t be happier.

Richard runs into family friends Peter (Jeffrey Thomas) and Christine (Elizabeth Hawthorne) who own the 44-foot yacht called the Hazana. They are thrilled to ask Richard if he wants to take their boat back to harbor in San Diego with a thank you fee of $10,000 and a return ticket back to Tahiti.

Tami isn’t sure she wants to return to her hometown but Richard sees the money as a way for them to continue to sail where ever their hearts want to go. They set sail on their first 4,000 mile adventure together!

What they are unaware of yet is that one of the most catastrophic hurricanes is coming their way. Trying to avoid it doesn’t work as they batten down the sails and attempt to ride it out. Being thrown around, Tami wakes to a tossed ship, the sails in the water and Richard badly hurt. 

Getting him settled, Tami takes stock of the provisions that are still aboard and drinkable water in the tanks. Grabbing the sextant and a map, she begins to figure out what is the best way they can be rescued before their supplies run out. Questioning every move she makes, it is the steady voice of Richard that guides them.

Because in that is the power of their love.

Woodley as Tami is a free spirited individual who makes it very clear that she goes where the jobs take her with no thought of staying or going. Meeting Richard is a chance to not only share a little bit of herself but really understand the freedom of her life. Woodley personifies that spirit as she has in so many other films. In this instance she is the right actress to draw us all into the journey.

Claflin as Richard is Woodley’s equal on the screen with the same ability to draw us into the spirit of someone who lives for the sea. Good, bad or otherwise, Richard has built a boat that takes him wherever he wants without apologies. It is easy to see how the two would be drawn into a relationship. Richard is a little more reserved that Tami and it is clear he is in love.

ADRIFT is based on the true story from the book Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival at Sea by Tami Oldham Ashcraft. The event happened in October of 1983 when Ashcraft was 23-years-old. A Category 4 hurricane with 50 foot high waves and 160 mph winds were no match for the two sailors.

The film is very well done as it is impossible to not become involved in the story. Of course I believe that all stories about ocean survival are incredible from the mere fact that it is the ocean! It is unpredictable, unrelenting, surprising and majestic and when its waves are ruffled, there is nothing more fierce.

Also, compelling in knowing that there is very little one can do on the ocean when what keeps you alive is taken away. The panic for just food and water isn’t something you can do much about unless you are willing to fish and pray for rain. That’s what makes the difference between giving up and total survival.

Woodley and Claflin are stellar together and watching them from beginning to end brings a sniffle. The portrayal of their real-life counterparts is sweet and spirited bringing the audience into their story of love and survival.

In the end – their every emotion is as deep as the ocean!

MY COUSIN RACHEL Twists on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital HD this week from writer/director Roger Michell and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is a story of love and mystery surrounding MY COUSIN RACHEL.

Philip (Sam Claflin) loses his parents at a very young age but it blessed when Cousin Ambrose raises him. When Philip becomes a young man, Ambrose travels and becomes involved with a woman named Rachel (Rachel Weisz). As strange letters begin to arrive, Philip has no choice but to find his Uncle.

Seeking wise advice from family friend Kendall (Iain Glen) who regards Philip highly and daughter Louise (Holliday Grainger), a plan is made to find Ambrose. When the young man arrives it is to sad news that Ambrose has died. His anger wells up against his new cousin Rachel believing she is responsible.

Returning home, he receives word that Rachel is coming for a visit and Louise helps Philip prepare. What Philip is not prepared for is a mysterious cousin who tells a story of sickness and anguish. Feeling emotions he had never felt before, Philip is faced with the duality of love and suspicion.

Coming closer and closer is either a life filled with love or the brink of insanity!

Weisz as Rachel has the uncanny and fantastic ability to add so many dimensions to a character and playing Cousin Rachel is no exception. She is endearing, kind, secretive, altruistic with a history of pain yet it is up to the viewer to understand if any of it is real. I have always enjoyed this actress’s performance but especially those where she gives a turned eye as if she knows something we all don’t.

Claflin as Philip is a young man possessed by every emotion that swings his way. Fueled by anger at first he learns that one can be fueled by the craziness of love with equal fervor. Wanting to experience life, he looks to his cousin to make that happen and isn’t quite sure how to deal with suspicion. Claflin also brings every range of emotion to his Philip.

Glen as Kendall is clearly a man who Philip as respected but even he can not talk to the young man. Being a Game of Thrones watcher, it is truly awesome to see Glen take on a role that once again is filled with sincere feelings. Grainger as Louise is a young woman with her own heart that is aching but goodness is she good at getting things done. Whether finding out the truth or make a house a home, her agenda is patience.

Other cast include Andrew Knott as Joshua, Andrew Havill as Parson Pascoe, Tristam Davies as Wellington, Louis Suc as 12-year-old Philip, Poppy Lee Friar as Mary Pascoe and Katherine Pearce as Belinda Pascoe.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

The Bluray/DVD and Digital HD Special Features includes Deleted Scenes, Promotional Featurettes, VFX Progressions, Scoring Session, Gallery and Audio Commentary by  Director Roger Michell and Kevin Loader.

MY COUSIN RACHEL is based on the 1951 novel by Daphne du Maurier. In 1952 Olivia de Havilland and a very young Richard Burton starred in the first telling of the novel in theatres. Geraldine Chaplin and Christopher Guard reprise the story with a BBC television mini-series in 1983.

Now director Michell brings his version of the novel My Cousin Rachel adding his own sense of the complications of life. The cast brings these characters from stage to screen along with amazing costuming, locations and an atmosphere ripe for a thriller that still leaves us all asking the question – did she or didn’t she?

He says of the film, “It’s a book that was written before the word feminism and feminists was even current and yet you can’t help but think that Daphne du Maurier saw this current just being around the corner when she wrote this at the bottom of her garden in the very cold 1950’s. I suppose I have teased out and exaggerated some of those elements I detected or felt in her writing in my film so that the leading character is more conscious about being an independent woman and a woman who is not frightened by her sexuality or apologetic about enjoying sex. She also doesn’t want to be in a world that is owned by men.”

It’s not secret that I am an avid fan of period pieces with all the pomp, pageantry, darkness and intrigue that are not hidden behind cgi and the like. Instead, this film breaks everything (and everyone) down to its rawest form leaving the viewer to decide for themselves. That is an amazing part of storytelling and MY COUSIN RACHEL will have people still asking questions long after the film has ended.

Michell tells us, “It is a roller coaster of did-she-or-didn’t-she and I think that’s very exciting. I think that’s one part of it and I think it’s also without doubt it is a love story whether you like it or not. It is a desperate love story and a love story that goes wrong and still beguiling as a love story. It is also a beautiful mystery and I think people leaving the theatre will be arguing with each other about who did what. People going to have a drink after the movie with ‘come on she did it’ and someone else saying ‘come on she didn’t do it’.”

Which means watching MY COUSIN RACHEL becomes an experience that will keep us all following the mystery!

In the end – love and madness sometimes go hand in hand.

MY COUSIN RACHEL Brings Twists and Questions

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Roger Michell and Fox Searchlight Pictures is a story of love and mystery surrounding MY COUSIN RACHEL.

Philip (Sam Claflin) loses his parents at a very young age but it blessed when Cousin Ambrose raises him. When Philip becomes a young man, Ambrose travels and becomes involved with a woman named Rachel (Rachel Weisz). As strange letters begin to arrive, Philip has no choice but to find his Uncle.

Seeking wise advice from family friend Kendall (Iain Glen) who regards Philip highly and daughter Louise (Holliday Grainger), a plan is made to find Ambrose. When the young man arrives it is to sad news that Ambrose has died. His anger wells up against his new cousin Rachel believing she is responsible.

Returning home, he receives word that Rachel is coming for a visit and Louise helps Philip prepare. What Philip is not prepared for is a mysterious cousin who tells a story of sickness and anguish. Feeling emotions he had never felt before, Philip is faced with the duality of love and suspicion.

Coming closer and closer is either a life filled with love or the brink of insanity!

Weisz as Rachel has the uncanny and fantastic ability to add so many dimensions to a character and playing Cousin Rachel is no exception. She is endearing, kind, secretive, altruistic with a history of pain yet it is up to the viewer to understand if any of it is real. I have always enjoyed this actress’s performance but especially those where she gives a turned eye as if she knows something we all don’t.

Claflin as Philip is a young man possessed by every emotion that swings his way. Fueled by anger at first he learns that one can be fueled by the craziness of love with equal fervor. Wanting to experience life, he looks to his cousin to make that happen and isn’t quite sure how to deal with suspicion. Claflin also brings every range of emotion to his Philip.

Glen as Kendall is clearly a man who Philip as respected but even he can not talk to the young man. Being a Game of Thrones watcher, it is truly awesome to see Glen take on a role that once again is filled with sincere feelings. Grainger as Louise is a young woman with her own heart that is aching but goodness is she good at getting things done. Whether finding out the truth or make a house a home, her agenda is patience.

Other cast include Andrew Knott as Joshua, Andrew Havill as Parson Pascoe, Tristam Davies as Wellington, Louis Suc as 12-year-old Philip, Poppy Lee Friar as Mary Pascoe and Katherine Pearce as Belinda Pascoe.

MY COUSIN RACHEL is based on the 1951 novel by Daphne du Maurier. In 1952 Olivia de Havilland and a very young Richard Burton starred in the first telling of the novel in theatres. Geraldine Chaplin and Christopher Guard reprise the story with a BBC television mini-series in 1983.

Now director Michell brings his version of the novel My Cousin Rachel adding his own sense of the complications of life. The cast brings these characters from stage to screen along with amazing costuming, locations and an atmosphere ripe for a thriller that still leaves us all asking the question – did she or didn’t she?

It’s not secret that I am an avid fan of period pieces with all the pomp, pageantry, darkness and intrigue that are not hidden behind cgi and the like. Instead, this film breaks everything (and everyone) down to its rawest form leaving the viewer to decide for themselves. That is an amazing part of storytelling and MY COUSIN RACHEL will have people still asking questions long after the film has ended.

In the end – love and madness sometimes go hand in hand.