JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion

 Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Colin Trevorrow and Universal Pictures is the next chapter in the story of JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion.

The dinosaurs are now living among everyone in the world but up in the snowy mountains, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) is living the dino-cowboy-roundup life with girlfriend Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) and the mysterious young girl Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon). Also living in the woods is Owen’s raptor Blue who has managed to become a parent of young Beta.

The reasons for keeping Maisie away from prying eyes is a mystery but one that others are very interested in. Seeing Owen and Claire as parental figures, that means she is also going to rebel against them a little. That is until she and Beta are kidnapped sending her parents on a journey to rescue her. Owen is keeping his promise to Blue and, with Claire, going after their girl!

In a local corn field, Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) discovers huge locust that have been modified and are on the move to destroy every crop in their path, every crop except the one seeded by Dr. Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott), CEO of Biosyn Genetics. Realizing she needs help; Dr. Sattler turns to the one person she can trust Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill).

With an invite to Biosyn from Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), that is there in to find a way to turn around the giant destroyers. On their way to Italy also is Kayla Watts (DeWanda Wise), a pilot who sees the young Maisie being escorted to Biosyn. She soon runs into Owen and Claire learning that they are looking for the girl and agrees to help them.

At Biosyn, Sattler and Grant are met by Ramsay Cole (Mamoudou Athie) who introduces them to Dr. Dodgson and takes them to see Malcolm. After pleasantries, Malcolm makes it clear he wants to help the two find what they are looking for to stop the madness. Maisie is taken to see Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong) who has much to tell the teen about her past and what makes her so special.

What they all do not know is that they are mere steps from coming together to do the one thing that should have been done years ago but life always finds a way!

Pratt is back as Owen giving us dino-cowboy vibes who wants to protect them, Claire and mysterious Maisie. Pratt goes straight for the action with his motorcycle chase and it is fast paced, but then again, his character is being chased by raptors. Howard as Claire is trying to connect with Maisie but the “you’re not my mom” card gets played. That does not stop Claire from doing whatever she must to rescue the girl.

Sermon as Maisie is full of mystery but once it is revealed, personally not sure what it really has to do with dinosaurs or anything else for that matter. She does make a connection with Blue’s kid Beta but Sermon seems to be in the film for being a kid for kids sake. Reverting a bit to the original JURASSIC PARK, this character tries to get us to go back to something that supposedly happened but I’m not getting it. Athie as Ramsay is a twitchy character that is taken in by Dr.’s Dodgson and Dr. Malcolm. 

Believing he is part of something good, it becomes clear (as it usually does with people of conscience) that bad things are being done just because they can be. Wong as Dr. Wu is something else, every time he is on the screen, he looks like he is about to either have a nervous breakdown or a good cry. Trying to change his character’s persona is a big stretch as the narrative becomes “I just want to make it right”, yea.

Wise as Kayla is a fast and furious airplane pilot that wants to collect her money and stay out of other people’s business. When it comes to meeting Claire and realizing what part Maisie plays in this, her tune changes and she becomes a super heroine of sorts. Scott as Dr. Dodgson is a little weird, a bit creepy and just not your average looking bad guy. That makes it funny to watch how his mind works.

Let’s talk Dern as Dr. Sattler, she returns and reconnects with her 1993 friends. Without missing a beat, Dern takes back her role as the excited doctor with a cause and this time it is one that could destroy the planet. Neill as Dr. Grant is still digging up the past and when he sees Sattler again, he is willing to get back out in the world and go on this crazy journey to find answers. Neill reaches in and gives us a still cagey character who seems to have an issue still with Malcolm.

Speaking of Malcolm, I am thrilled to see Jeff Goldblum back on the screen in this role. He delivers everything that I was hoping for. His character makes total sense in the way he feels and dang if he didn’t bring the laughs along with him. One-liners, observations and gestures are what make Dr. Malcolm the character that he is. I swear I spit soda through my nose when I saw the scene with the unbuttoned shirt – absolutely hilarious!

Other cast include Omar Sy as Barry Sembene, Justice smith as Franklin Webb, Scott Haze as Rainn Delacourt, Dichen Lachman as Soyona Santos, Daniella Pineda as Dr. Zia Rodriguez, Kristoffer Polaha as Wyatt Huntley, Elva Trill as Charlotte Lockwood, and Varada Sethu as Shira.

JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion – <insert sigh here> - I want to say I was blow away but sadly, I was not. The cinematography started out grainy and old looking so I was not sure what that was all about. The storyline is really muddled and I just gave up trying to figure it out. I mean let’s be real, the film runs two hours and twenty-six minutes which means getting to understand anything, well, just cannot happen.

There are chase scenes with raptors and the introduction of a new scarier dinosaur making the T-Rex appear to be tame by comparison. The characters are in the Italian mountains I guess and they run in the complex, then they escape the complex, then they run back in the complex only to escape the complex. I was getting whiplash.

I am not sure that writer/director Trevorrow was up to the task of doing this film but if it were not for Dern, Neill and Goldblum, JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion would be a total bust. They are almost just as I remember and it is very nostalgic to see them again. I appreciated Pratt and Howard rescuing the girl but the story of the girl is, to me, ridiculous. Seeing Pratt and Blue on screen together was so dang sweet. 

So, just a thought here but maybe because you can do a thing does not mean you should do a thing – and the thing is JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion had the opportunity to be frakken amazing but instead feels like a throw together mushy story to collect dino-bucks from thirsty movie goers. Is it the worse thing I have ever seen? Hardly. It is just disappointing.

But, no worries, the film will make tons of money because it has the word Jurassic in it and because there are those that long for characters like Sattler, Malcolm, Grant, which is why Owen and Claire succeeded in being awesome characters. The rest is Jurassic dressing with dino-slight-of-hand.

In the end – it did not start here but it certainly should end here!

You Can’t Change a BLACKBIRD on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from director Roger Michell, Millenium Media and Screen Media Films is one family's story of frustration, secrets, togetherness, love and the flight of the BLACKBIRD.

Lily (Susan Sarandon) and husband Paul (Sam Neill) love their house nestled away from the world. This day they are waiting for their family to arrive consisting of daughter Jennifer (Kate Winslet), husband Michael and their son Jonathan (Anson Boon). Also, the elusive daughter Anna (Mia Wasikowska) and friend Chris (Bex Taylor-Klaus). Rounding off the group is family friend Liz (Lindsay Duncan).

Having made the decision to end her life due to ALS, Lily wants to spend time with her family enjoying each other's company. Paul, Jennifer, Liz and Michael understand and have accepted that these are her wishes but when Anna arrives, she makes it clear that there is no agreement from her.

The family has their first dinner together and it is uneasy filled with sarcasm hidden in humor. It is up to Jennifer to set Anna straight on what the plan is, and Paul informs Jonathan of what is going to happen. Thinking everything is in place, it starts to unravel when Jennifer does not understand what she has seen, Anna is full of revelations, Jonathan thinks it’s about time he has a say and Michael has a moment.

This was never going to be simple.

Sarandon as Lily is funny, quick, makes no excuses for what she wants and certainly is not going to let anyone stand in her way - not even the family. This is not the first time she has had to go up against family with a terminal illness. In 1998, she portrayed Jackie Harrison, a mother who discovers she is ill and prepare her two young children for that fact. In BLACKBIRD, it is the older kids with mommy issues as well as sibling rivalry that Sarandon's character must deal with.

Neill as Paul is heartbroken as Lily's decision but also knows it is just that - her decision. As a doctor he knows how to make her plan work and only wants her final days with the family to be filled with love. When Jennifer forces family issues, it is Neill that feels the pinch. Duncan as Liz is Lily's longest friend and cannot imagine her life or death without her. They have a chance to reminisce about their crazy life and it brings them both joy.

Winslet as Jennifer is the daughter who wants to control everything and everyone one. Keeping her husband and son in line is just the beginning and from the moment of their arrival, she wants to take over Lily and sister Anna. For someone who wants control, she seems out of it herself. Wasikowska as Anna has plenty of secrets of her own and built up resentment is kicking in. Wasikowska continues to prove that she is a talented actress but then again, so is everyone in this cast.

Wilson as Michael is pretty much the 'yes' man and Trivial Pursuit person of the crowd and Taylor Klaus wants to help Anna the best way possible and that might mean going against her wishes. Boon as Jonathan learns what the weekend is really all about and takes moments to get to know his grandparents on different levels and shares a secret with Lily.

Screen Media is an international distributor and in 2017 Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. acquired Screen Media which is in its 23rd year as a leading global independent distribution company. With one of the largest independently-owned libraries of filmed entertainment in the world and license agreements across all forms of media, Screen Media’s distribution capability enables direct distribution of all rights in all countries, thus enhancing the profitability of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment productions. The company is continually looking to add films and television series to its content library.

The film is a retelling of the 2014 Danish film STILLE HJERTE (Silent Heart) with director Bille August and writer Christian Torpe.

BLACKBIRD is such a stunning story of a family because it does not hold back any punches. Beginning with Lily's decision to call the shots and I whole heartedly believed in her right to choose. Having the backing of Paul and Jennifer made it seem like it was all taken care of. Of course, when you add more people to the mix, you add more emotions, resentments, conflicts and those who think they know better.

That is where the film takes off like a rocket. The mixture becomes the focus instead of Lily's wishes as everyone seems to want to avoid what is going to take place whether they like it or not. The cast is exceptional in their performances touching on personal issues of life and death as well as how kids perceive their parents. Here are three generations that have an opinion on that.

The film takes place in the house with a few outside exceptions and that in itself is like a tinderbox of emotions so buckle up, it’s going to get loud, accusational and a curves in a life that isn't a straight road by any stretch.

In the end - every family has its story!

You Can’t Change a BLACKBIRD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Roger Michell, Millenium Media and Screen Media Films is one family's story of frustration, secrets, togetherness, love and the flight of the BLACKBIRD.

Lily (Susan Sarandon) and husband Paul (Sam Neill) love their house nestled away from the world. This day they are waiting for their family to arrive consisting of daughter Jennifer (Kate Winslet), husband Michael and their son Jonathan (Anson Boon). Also, the elusive daughter Anna (Mia Wasikowska) and friend Chris (Bex Taylor-Klaus). Rounding off the group is family friend Liz (Lindsay Duncan).

Having made the decision to end her life due to ALS, Lily wants to spend time with her family enjoying each other's company. Paul, Jennifer, Liz and Michael understand and have accepted that these are her wishes but when Anna arrives, she makes it clear that there is no agreement from her.

The family has their first dinner together and it is uneasy filled with sarcasm hidden in humor. It is up to Jennifer to set Anna straight on what the plan is, and Paul informs Jonathan of what is going to happen. Thinking everything is in place, it starts to unravel when Jennifer does not understand what she has seen, Anna is full of revelations, Jonathan thinks it’s about time he has a say and Michael has a moment.

This was never going to be simple.

Sarandon as Lily is funny, quick, makes no excuses for what she wants and certainly is not going to let anyone stand in her way - not even the family. This is not the first time she has had to go up against family with a terminal illness. In 1998, she portrayed Jackie Harrison, a mother who discovers she is ill and prepare her two young children for that fact. In BLACKBIRD, it is the older kids with mommy issues as well as sibling rivalry that Sarandon's character must deal with.

Neill as Paul is heartbroken as Lily's decision but also knows it is just that - her decision. As a doctor he knows how to make her plan work and only wants her final days with the family to be filled with love. When Jennifer forces family issues, it is Neill that feels the pinch. Duncan as Liz is Lily's longest friend and cannot imagine her life or death without her. They have a chance to reminisce about their crazy life and it brings them both joy.

Winslet as Jennifer is the daughter who wants to control everything and everyone one. Keeping her husband and son in line is just the beginning and from the moment of their arrival, she wants to take over Lily and sister Anna. For someone who wants control, she seems out of it herself. Wasikowska as Anna has plenty of secrets of her own and built up resentment is kicking in. Wasikowska continues to prove that she is a talented actress but then again, so is everyone in this cast.

Wilson as Michael is pretty much the 'yes' man and Trivial Pursuit person of the crowd and Taylor Klaus wants to help Anna the best way possible and that might mean going against her wishes. Boon as Jonathan learns what the weekend is really all about and takes moments to get to know his grandparents on different levels and shares a secret with Lily.

Screen Media is an international distributor and in 2017 Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. acquired Screen Media which is in its 23rd year as a leading global independent distribution company. With one of the largest independently-owned libraries of filmed entertainment in the world and license agreements across all forms of media, Screen Media’s distribution capability enables direct distribution of all rights in all countries, thus enhancing the profitability of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment productions. The company is continually looking to add films and television series to its content library.

The film is a retelling of the 2014 Danish film STILLE HJERTE (Silent Heart) with director Bille August and writer Christian Torpe.

BLACKBIRD is such a stunning story of a family because it does not hold back any punches. Beginning with Lily's decision to call the shots and I whole heartedly believed in her right to choose. Having the backing of Paul and Jennifer made it seem like it was all taken care of. Of course, when you add more people to the mix, you add more emotions, resentments, conflicts and those who think they know better.

That is where the film takes off like a rocket. The mixture becomes the focus instead of Lily's wishes as everyone seems to want to avoid what is going to take place whether they like it or not. The cast is exceptional in their performances touching on personal issues of life and death as well as how kids perceive their parents. Here are three generations that have an opinion on that.

The film takes place in the house with a few outside exceptions and that in itself is like a tinderbox of emotions so buckle up, it’s going to get loud, accusational and a curves in a life that isn't a straight road by any stretch.

In the end - every family has its story!

THE COMMUTER Rides on Rails!

Jeri Jacquin

Get your tickets ready to board the train as director Jaume Collet-Serra and Lionsgate take us all on a thrill ride following THE COMMUTER.

Michael MacCauley (Liam Neeson) is a man that has fallen into a routine of life. Getting up, spending morning moments with wife Karen (Elizabeth McGovern) and family and jumping on the train to get to work is how he sees his life. Having spent the last ten years working for an insurance company, his life is about to change in ways he never saw coming.

Meeting up with friend Alex Murphy (Patrick Wilson), he has a chance to vent about things. Running into former colleague Hawthorne (Sam Neill), Michael and Alex have nothing nice to say about their working relationship or the good ole days.

After having a few beers, Michael boards the train going home feeling a little defeated. Trying to forget life for a moment in a book, he is interrupted by Joanna (Vera Farmiga) who sits and starts a hypothetical conversation that intrigues Michael. The problem is - it is turning out not to be so hypothetical.

Joanna wants Michael to find someone who is on the train and obtain a little something they are carrying. The problem is - even Joanna doesn't know who it is. He is shocked to
learn that Joanna knows about his problems, wife and son and is stunned when he is offered a large sum of money for his services.

When he discovers that murder is happening on the train, Joanna makes it clear learns his family could be next. Now he must walk back and forth on the moving commuter train to find out who doesn't belong and figure out who Joanna really is and what it is she desperately wants.

Time is clicking away faster than the wheels spinning on the train!

Neeson as Michael is once again proving that not only does he still got it but more over we all want to see it. Before going into the theatre, I heard so many conversations of the audience members (of all ages by the way) that they couldn't wait to see the film because it was Liam Neeson. That is one heck of a following to have and I absolutely count myself as one of them. Neeson has the voice, swag and willingness to take hits as this character comes to terms with where he is in his life. That being said, when enough is enough Neeson does what he does best - flip the tables and the audience lost its mind cheering. Neeson has become an absolute treasure and I love it.

Farmiga as Joanna is a woman who got Michael's attention and kept it all through the film. This character basically has me totally rethinking anytime anyone says "let's just say hypothetically speaking" and Farmiga delivers that line so well. Wilson as Alex is a friend Michael turns to when everything begins to go crazy. It's hard to know who to trust when the wheels are turning and time isn't on your side. It's interesting to see Farmiga and Wilson in the same film together without there being a creepy doll or possessed house in the mix.

The cast of commuters is so well done and I'm not going to give a breakdown because this is a train ride I want everyone to be part of for themselves. It is an intense who-done-it or in this case who-is-it and watching Neeson's character try to remain calm and work it out kept my brain busy. Good luck figuring it out!

Other cast includes Jonathan Bans as Walt, Killian Scott as Dylan, Shazad Latif as Vince, Andy Nyman as Tony, Clara Lago as Eva, Roland Moller as Jackson, Florence Pugh as Gwen, Ella-Rae Smith as Sofia and Jonathan Banks as Walt.

THE COMMUTER is a fun thrill ride for the beginning of the new year. This is the type of film, especially for Neeson fans, to gather up a bunch of friends for a night at the movies. I love it when eating popcorn that there is more time with popcorn in your hand up to an open mouth than actually eaten. That's what a fun thriller like THE COMMUTER is.

Of course it is centered on the inside of a train which one might think would confine the story but you would be wrong. There is so much action and different compartments of the train that the action is constant. I'm throwing up tons of props brining intensity and adventure to a moving train and with a storyline of twists.

In the end - lives are on the line!

TOMMY’S HONOUR Brings Just That to the Game of Golf!

Jeri Jacquin

In selected theatres this week from director Jason Connery and Roadside Attractions is a family history with the swing of a club and TOMMY’S HONOUR.

Golf is in the blood of the Morris family as Old Tom (Peter Mullan) is the head greens keeper at St. Andrews Club teaching his son Young Tommy (Jack Lowden) the game. Both of their skill is well known being supported by the wealthy men of the club like Alexander Boothby (Sam Neill).

Tommy is consistently being told he will never be a gentleman, but he makes it clear to his father that he doesn’t want to be a caddy but a golfer. After three years of being the Open Champion at St. Andrews, he is asked to go to England to play there. Tom is not happy and believes Tommy’s place is at home with his family.

Then Tommy meets Meg (Ophelia Lovibond) who works as a server. Immediately smitten with her and lavishes attention to her surprise. Now earning a good living playing in tournaments, Tommy is finding happiness and takes on the Captain changing the financial relationship. The Captain is furious but agrees to the new arrangement because even he knows how good Tommy is.

In the meantime Tommy’s mother Nancy (Therese Bradley) isn’t happy with her sons choice of companionship and seeks out a secret about Meg she believes will change things. When confronted, Tommy doesn’t care at all and instead marries his love without either parent attending the ceremony.

Tom accepts his son’s choice and with the rest of the family attends dinner at the home Tommy recently purchased for his bride. When mother Nancy doesn’t attend, Meg confronts her with the story behind the secret and the pain it still causes her.

Again Tommy decides to expand and become more independent from those who back him, especially since he and Meg are expecting. While the golfing Morris’ are at a tournament, Tom receives word about Meg and withholds it from Tommy.

The results are devastating and as Tommy begins to follow a heartbreaking path, Tom stands by his son with a legacy that lasts to this very day!

Lowden as Tommy is a young man who believed that his destiny wasn’t to teach golf but to play the game. Constantly working on his game and with the help of his father creating new and inventive clubs, Lowden gives the younger Tommy a bit of grit and sass that one would expect. As he realizes what he wants for his life, he begins to stand up when others want him pushed down. I enjoyed Lowden’s portrayal very much.

Mullan as Tom is a man who is set in the way of how it’s always been. He sees Tommy’s path as fool-hearty and believes that each person should know his station in life. He is also a man who handles things quietly and tries to do what is best for his family. It is hard to read Tom and Mullan keeps it that way until the last frame of the film. What an amazing performance.

Lovibond as Meg is a young woman who has a secret but one that should never define her. When Tommy gives her attention it is easy to see that she believes she doesn’t deserve it, but after they are married she stands tall against anyone, including his mother!

Neill as Boothby has an attitude problem as I’m sure was common during this era. Boothby had no problem making money off of Tommy because he thought him inferior. When he is called out for it, Neill’s character takes a step back. I have to say I have enjoyed Neill’s ability to portray so many different characters and loved every one of them – good character or not-so-good.

Other cast include Peter Ferdinando as Major Molesworth, Max Deacon as David Strath, Kylie Hart as Lizzie Morris, Benjamin Wainswright as George Atwood, Willie Park as Ian Pirie, James Smillie as SKH Boyd, Paul Reid as George Atwood Snr. and Christopher Craig as Durie.

TOMMY’S HONOUR is a beautiful film that is about the legacy of golf to be sure but also about those who gave the game heart and soul. The director has put together a piece that gives a brief history of this family because I’m sure there was so much more to tell.

The scenery and cinematography is absolutely amazing and the costumes added believability to the story that is told. I personally know a little about golf but had no idea the history of the Morris family and their contribution.

What makes TOMMY’S HONOUR even more compelling is the beauty of the Morris family. Even with their trials and the clash of the two golfers who each believe that what they do is right. It’s not that either are wrong, just the changes that occur between generations.

In the end – it’s the pride of a father, love of a wife and soul of a rebel that brings the heart of a champion!