The Action Thriller ARGYLLE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Apple TV+ from director Matthew Vaughn and Apple Original Films is the story of a writer and a chase for ARGYLLE.

Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) is a cat lady who is about to finish her fifth successful book. Running into problems finishing the book, she calls Mom Ruth (Catherine O’Hara) who agrees to come help with ideas, even her imaginary hero Argylle (Henry Cavill) wants to know what is next. Elly decides she’d rather pack it up and go visit Mom and dad Barry (Bryan Cranston).

On the train, she is met with a real spy Aidan Wilde (Sam Rockwell) who tells her that a group known as The Division want her because the books that are too close to the truth of things. Aidan wants Elly to write the next chapter so he can figure out a way to stop The Division. Elly makes it clear she doesn’t work that way.

When Wilde lets her know that there is a Masterkey to everything, she decides that she wants more answers after meeting Alfie (Samuel L. Jackson). There is something else that Wilde isn’t telling her but only time will tell if Elly, like her novels, discovers the mystery all on her own

Howard as Elly is so much fun to watch as her character comes out of her shell, as it were, yet manages to do it all while toting a cat! Not sure my cat would be happy with that kind of adventure. Watching Howard turn it out was nice to see and, I don’t think I’ll ever look at ice skating the same again. She gave her character so much in the way of action and adventure that I absolutely loved it.

Rockwell as Wilde gives such a casual character from start to finish. Nothing seems to phase him much as he takes Elly on the ride of her life – until it’s his life that comes into play. Rockwell also bring the dry humor and I would expect no less from him. It looks like he is just having fun playing the character of Wilde and why shouldn’t he, it all should be as much fun for him as it was for me.

Cavill as Argylle is smooth, suave, handsome, agile and sharp with one-liners. I can only hope that, when looking for a new Bond, they see what everyone else sees – he would be an amazing Bond. Okay, now, I’m not a fan of remakes but I have to say that his announcement at CinemaCon that he is working on HIGHLANDER gave me chills. He’s just amazing and that’s it.

O’Hara as Ruth is a mom who wants to help her daughter with her writer’s block and whatever else she is going through. I just love O’Hara so she could have just stood silent in the film and I’d be thrilled. Cranston as dad Barry is also someone else that Elly should watch out for. The thing about Cranston is he can be good as good can be but he can also be as bad as he wants to be.

Shout out to John Cena for being a Bond-ish sidekick and Jackson making vineyard living while spying look good.

Other cast include Rob Delaney as Deputy Powell, Richard E. Grant as Fowler, Louis Patridge as young Argylle, Sofia Boutella as Saba Al-Badr, Jua Lipa as LaGrange, and Ariana DeBose as Keira.

Apple+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

ARGYLLE has, and I have to say it, a bit of the 1984 film ROMANCING THE STONE with Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito. Yes, I realize I’ve just aged myself and also realize most people don’t remember this film. Perhaps that’s what ARGYLLE is counting on.

Now, that being said, it is a fun film full of twists, turns and surprises. Because of all of those things, I can honestly say I had a wonderful time watching it (being a cat person and all). The constant clues, jumping from place to place, never knowing who to trust and revelations makes ARGYLLE a good time to be had by all.

It’s travel, adventure and a bit of mystery in every frame of the film. There is a nice surprise at the end and I’m going to leave it at that!

In the end – once you know the secret, don’t let the cat out of the bag!

The Chase is on with SEE HOW THEY RUN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available on all platforms from director Tom George and Searchlight Pictures is the mystery, thriller and questions of who-dun-it with SEE HOW THEY RUN.

About to celebrate its 100^th performance in 1953 London, Agatha Christie’s stage production of The Mousetrap is halted by the murder of Leo Kopernick (Adrien Brody). Entering the theatre is Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) in the company of Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) as they begin looking over the crime scene. Stoppard wants to close the show but Police Commissioner Harrold Scott (Tim Key) steps in, makes the call to keep it open and assigns Stalker to the case as well.

Searching Kopernick’s lavish room at the Savoy Hotel, the manager tells the two law enforcement officers that there was an argument with screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo). Admitting to the argument, Mervyn says there was a plain woman who came to the hotel with Kopernick’s son. It also becomes clear that people are being blackmailed, arguing over film rights, unfaithful marriages and another murder at the theatre – well, it would drive any Inspector to drink!

When a suspicious invitation to Agatha Christie’s (Shirley Henderson) home brings the group together, it is a night of flashing lights and an end only the author could have ever wanted.

Rockwell as Inspector Stoppard is a man who is use to doing things his own way. Methodical and talking his way through things, he is about to be challenged by a newbie to the investigation. Rockwell is calm, cool and listens to everything everyone says keeping the investigation moving along. Taking his character through the paces, I just love Rockwell’s handling to it all with disinterest and a drink occasionally.

Ronan as Constable Stalker is all over the place! From writing everything down to saying what ever comes into her head, this character certainly had my head spinning. I enjoyed her performance so much and mainly because she is just trying to fit into a profession that certainly wasn’t open-armed to women being an Inspector. Plus, she’s just an awesome actress.

Oyelowo as Cocker-Norris has no problem telling everything he knows because there is literally a lot to tell. Brody gets his moment on stage as Kopernick and the character’s offstage antics are well done. Brody proves he can play serious roles as well as fast paced comedy.

Shout out to Henderson playing Agatha Christie. What an awesome chance to play a woman who gets a chance to be a part of her own murder mystery. Henderson wraps herself up in the character and it is so much fun.

Other cast include Ruth Wilson as Petula Spencer, Reece Shearsmith as John Woolf, Harris Dickinson as Richard Attenborough, Charlie Cooper as Dennis Corrigan, Lucian Msamati as Max Mallowan, Pippa Bennett-Warner as Ann Saville, Pearl Chanda as Sheila Sim, Paul Chahidi as Fellowes, Sian Clifford as Edana Romney, and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Gio.

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

Bonus Features include SEE HOW THEY RUN Behind the Curtain – Hear from the talented filmmakers and cast as they pull back the curtain on the filmmaking process which had its unique challenges and rewards. Take a look at the special access to famous locations as well as the care and detail used to create them.

SEE HOW THEY RUN is for those who love mystery, murder and mayhem all in one film. The 1950’s setting is everything I want to see in an Agatha Christie film bringing the viewer into the time period. The costuming is equally strong and I do have to admit I have a thing for red lipstick, pinned up hair, stockings with lines down the back and dresses that are just so beautiful.

Rockwell and Ronan are wonderful together and kept my attention from start to finish. They bounce off of each other so superbly. That makes the story even more wonderful as they continue through the film talking out their suspicions – even if Constable Stalker can sometimes take it off the rails.

So, get that bucket of popcorn ready, sit back and figure out for yourself of who-dun-it!

In the end – it is the greatest murder ever staged!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BAD GUYS Try Another Tactic

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Pierre Perifel, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures comes the story of change from the most unlikely group of THE BAD GUYS.

In a world of two legged and four legged creatures living together in Los Angeles, there is a group called The Bad Guys who are leading a life of crime! Mr. Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell) is the head of the gang who loves being cool and driving fast. His friends include the sarcastic Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), the hot-headed Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), loves his disguises Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson) and technology expert Ms. ‘Webs’ Tarantula (Awkwafina).

Always managing to escape infuriates Chief of Police Luggins (Alex Borstein) and the foxy Governor Diane (Zazie Beetz). Looking for their next score, Mr. Wolf has his eyes on the Golden Dolphin, an award to be given to guinea pig Professor Marmalade for his good works. Getting the gang on board means enticing Mr. Snake but the heist is on.

When it goes a bit haywire, Governor Diane and Chief Luggins are ready to lock them up and throw away the key, yet Professor Marmalade has another idea. What if it is possible to show the criminal element how good it can be to be…well…good! When everyone sort of agrees, the gang goes through the motions except that Wolf knows something they do not. Good is not all that bad.

Mr. Snake, however, is not happy and decides he would rather go it alone than deal with the batch of goodie goodies. At the next planned celebration, the new feel-good gang are loving the new attention but is about to get a jolt of reality when everything turns upside down.

That’s when Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula get some unexpected help in proving who is really responsible for the mayhem all along!

Rockwell as Mr. Wolf gives us an animated smooth talking and well-dressed Wolf who has lived a life of crime. It is when he meets a little old lady does he realize that he never really considered any other life. Maron as Mr. Snake is sarcastic and has a bite in the way he handles things. Not believing that any good is possible, he sees it more of a betrayal than a new way of life.

Beetz as Governor Diane thinks that the Bad Guys gang have deep rooted issues that are absolutely no excuse for their behavior. Giving them another chance does not seem like a good idea, but she wants to believe Professor Marmalade knows what he is doing. Awkwafina as ‘Webs’ is the tech-savvy eight-legged magician of the bunch and cracked me up absolutely.

Ramos as Mr. Piranha may be small but all you have to do it confront him in the wrong way and the teeth come out fighting. Robinson as Mr. Shark is the big lug of the bunch who, given the chance, loves to dress up and wing a character.  Borstein as Chief of Police Luggins has spent years trying to capture the Bad Guys and every time she gets her hands on them, begins to question what she will do with her life once they are behind bars.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

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

The characters are based on Aaron Blabey’s book series The Bad Guys. Etan Cohen wrote the screenplay for the film and both Blabey and Cohen have done a terrific job.

THE BAD GUYS is a wonderfully animated film that tests friendships, is full of surprised and makes you forget that the film is about both humans and animals co-existing. There is action, a cute kitty, lots of guinea pigs, and twists in the story. It is also a story of redemption from the most unlikely of characters who have lived their lives always being the villains.

There were so many laughs, enough for the adults and silliness for the kids (or even kids at heart). This is an excellent chance for the family to get together and spend quality time with a film that is just enjoyable for everyone.

In the end – good is no fun at times!

 

RICHARD JEWELL is a Lesson in Being a Hero

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon to theatres from director Clint Eastwood and Warner Bros. is the story of a man who sees the world better than he is treated and his name is RICHARD JEWELL.

Richard (Paul Walter Hauser) is a very polite southerner who meets lawyer Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) working for a firm delivering mail. Preparing to move on to a security job, Richard makes sure to say goodbye to Watson. As a university security, it doesn't go well and once again he has to move on to another job. The one person standing by him is mom Bobi (Kathy Bates) knowing her son believes in law enforcement.

The opportunity comes for Richard to work security at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia's Centennial Park. Taking his job serious, he is polite to everyone and even makes himself indispensable to on-sight law enforcement. His job also has its perks taking Mom to a concert in the park. Someone who isn't happy about the Olympics assignment is FBI Agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) and partner Dan Bennet (Ian Gomez).

Each day Richard is ready and stays alert to everything around him. One evening he has to stop a group of young kids from throwing bottles against a media tower and notices a backpack. Alerting authorities they at first don't seem worried, but after closer inspection everyone leaps into action to get people away - including Richard.

When the bomb explodes, the contents flies into the crowd and people fall everywhere. A stunned Richard tries to do what he can to help those who are hurt. The mayhem is emotional for everyone and when Richard returns home to a grateful Mom, he can't believe what has happened. Quickly the media hails him a hero and the attention makes Richard a tad uncomfortable but still very polite.

The FBI immediately jump on the case and start investigating everyone who was at Centennial Park and one name that pops up is Richard Jewell. Trying to get a scoop on the story if Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde), a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution who turns to Shaw for information and runs with it. Immediately Richard goes from being hailed as a hero to a villain.

Richard calls Watson Bryant at first to look over a contract but quickly needs much more help. Watson's secretary Nadya (Nina Arianda) informs him that Richard is being looked at as a suspect in the bombing. Both Richard and mom Bobi are being emotionally torn apart with the things being said, the constant attack by the media and the life altering harassing by the FBI.

Yet Richard remains respectful until Watson reminds him that standing up for himself is just as respectful.

Hauser as Jewell is just that - a jewel! His portrayal of Richard is a combination of so many things from a very caring person who notices people to being a little over zealous wanting to be part of the law enforcement community to a son who will not tolerate anyone making his mother cry. From the moment of the bombing all he wants to do is help find the person responsible and in that lies Hauser's stunning performance. Raised to be respectful, he knows that he is not everyone's cup of tea but it doesn't change how he treats them and Hauser portrayal gives Richard a depth that just tore at my heart.

Rockwell as Bryant is the loud to Richard's soft feelings about what is happening around them. Not understanding how Richard can continue to be loyal to law enforcement that are trying to sacrifice him is stunning to Rockwell's character. Keeping his client under control proves to be a challenge as well but one that has moments of smiles and even, dare I say, giggles. Knowing Richard to be an acquired taste, Rockwell's Bryant can't help but see what we as the audience sees. I am confessing here and now that I adore Rockwell and even more so in this film.

Bates as Mom Bobi is a simple woman who keeps her life tidy and believes one hundred percent in her son. So proud of him for saving lives after the bombing, she doesn't understand how and why the vilification of her son can possibly be happening. What I love about Bates in this role is that at no time does her portrayal of Bobi fail to believe in her son and she is everything believable.

Wilde as Scruggs is just a reporter who from the moment she steps on screen is someone I wanted to just shake because of the tactics used to get her story. She is a very outward character in her mannerisms and behavior to the point that the audience in the theatre had, and I quote from the woman next to me, "just about enough of that woman!". I can't remember the last time I heard that from someone in the audience. Hamm as Shaw has issues of his own and the grumblings of being at the Olympics turns bad quickly. Seeing the result of the bombing puts him on an all-out idea that he will capture the bomber. The problem is his tactics along with those he works with at the FBI letting everything get out of hand. Hamm makes an awesome good guy and an equally awesome not so good guy.

Gomez as Bennet is just as guilty for the tactics against Richard as Shaw and what was so irritating is that neither of these men seen to have any guilt for it all. You know you've done a good job in your role when everyone wants to scream at you so well done. Arianda as Nadya is such a good person seeing exactly what Bobi, Bryant and the audience sees about Richard Jewell and she is a no nonsense character as well.

RICHARD JEWELL is absolutely one hundred percent a Clint Eastwood film. This actor/director takes stories of everyday people and put them on screen in such a way that we become a cheering squad by the end of the story. There is certainly nothing wrong with that to my way of thinking. What I truly enjoyed about this film is that Hauser's portrayal of Jewell is so uncanny and so endearing. It would be easy to just play up the stereotypical southern boy instead of a man who was raised to believe in the good of people and the respect of those who know might know more, including law enforcement.

The film also forces us all to realize that, as Rockwell's character says, we are confronted by the two most powerful forces in the world - the U.S. government and the media. That was said in 1996 without even realizing that statement would predict the future in many ways. Ruining a life in 1996 with print is one thing, if the same thing happened to Jewell today it would have been incredible worse and more dangerous than even I want to think about.

The last half hour of the film is one for a box of Kleenex as the story finally confronts all of what happened that evening in 1996 and how two men became even closer friends and a mom never stopped believing in her son.

In the end - the world will know his name and the truth!

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI is a Full on Oscar Winner on Bluray!

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray/DVD and Digital from writer/director Martin McDonagh and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the story of a mother who isn’t giving up using THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI.

Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is a woman dealing with a lot in her life. The painful loss of a murdered daughter, ex-husband Charlie (John Hawkes) who has anger issues and chief of police William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) who she believes doesn’t care about catching her daughter’s killer.

Driving home on a small stretch of road are three dilapidated billboards and Mildred gets an idea. Responsible for the billboards is Red (Caleb Jones) who takes her down payment on all three billboards with a message to the chief of police. The first to see them is deputy Dixon (Sam Rockwell) who immediately tells Willoughby.  

Everyone soon learns of the billboards and son Robbie (Lucas Hedges) is feeling the impact of what his mother is doing. Worried how this will all affect her chief of police husband, Anne (Abbie Cornish) is assured that it will all pass. Wanting to protect Mildred is James (Peter Dinklage) who Charlie takes a pot-shots at. Instead of it passing, things get out of hand as the insanity of Dixon and Mildred’s anger start a town war.

Small town living just got a little dicey!

McDormand as Mildred is spectacular, amazing, brilliant, moving, shocking and every bit of a woman tired of the b.s.! Feeling unheard by the police and thrown away by an abusive husband, one idea gives this character the remarkable strength to say, without a word, ‘I will be heard or else!’ Every moment McDormand is performing I am completely riveted and engrossed with anticipation as to what she would do next. The Oscars are this Sunday and with McDormand up for Best Actress I will be cheering for her every step of the way.

Harrelson as Willoughby is an understanding and tolerant man. He knows that Mildred is still riddled with grief and now feels the pressure even more that he hasn’t found the killer. He is also dealing with Dixon who is making matters worse with his antics. Spending time with his wife and kids is becoming more important as his secret hasn’t been a secret for quite some time. Harrelson is endearing and is impeccable with his character humor. This is the second time in the last few months that Harrelson has impressed me as his film LBJ should also be seen!

Rockwell as Dixon gets to bring out the inner complete douche bag of this character. Feeling he has the right to do what ever he wants to who ever he wants because he has a badge is an embarrassment to pretty much everyone in town. Deciding he isn’t going to stop being a jerk, Dixon once again takes matters into his own hands and it’s nothing but disaster. It sure doesn’t help that Momma Dixon (Sandy Martin) is stoking the fires. 

Hedges as Robbie is a young man who understands what his mother has been through but doesn’t agree with how she handles things. Living the same pain about his sister every day as well, he watches her actions and can’t seem to make Mildred understand that nothing good can come of it all. Jones as Red is a laid back kid who sees everything the town is about and when it comes to his door a choice has to be made.

Dinklage as James is a good hearted guy who seems to have a soft spot for Mildred. He wants nothing more than to protect her – oh and date her. Hawkes as Charlie thinks that he can be as abusive as possible towards Mildred and the ex in ex-husband isn’t going to stop him and is certainly is a different role for Hawkes.

Other cast include Zeljko Ivanek as the Desk Sergeant, Amanda Warren as Denise, Kerry Condon as Pamela, Riya Atwood as Polly, Selah Atwood as Jane, Christopher Berry as Tony, Jerry Winsett as Geoffrey, Kathryn Newton as Angela, Samara Weaving as Penelope, Clarke Peters as Abercrombie, Malaya Drew as Gabriella, and Darrell Britt-Gibson as Jerome.

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.

TUBS OF POPCORN: THREE BILLBOARDS IN EBBING, MISSOURI deserves without a doubt five tubs of popcorn out of five. This film has every range of human emotion possible and isn’t shy about making you feel it. A combination of the darkest of comedy mixed with jaw dropping twists and drama that is engrossing is what makes this film from start to finish.

There isn’t anything apologetic in this film and each character has a life of its own. McDormand is powerful and doesn’t skip a beat in leading the film to its chuckling conclusion. Harrelson and Rockwell are polar opposites, which is what makes their characters work and there is no surprise in what these two actors accomplish in this film.

The film does a dance with the viewer’s emotions and even sets of a shock or two but after seeing director McDonagh’s previous work such as IN BRUGES and a personal favorite SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS could anyone not expect this film from him? I met McDonagh during his press junket for SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS and I knew after speaking with him that I’d love anything he did. His sense of humor and way with characters comes out in every second of the film.

Writing the screenplay with McDormand in mind for the lead role, I am equally thrilled that he did so because she rules the screen as Mildred. This is a powerful film with exceptional performances that can not and should not be missed. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI has been nominated for seven Academy Award Nominations including Best Picture.

The Bluray/DVD include the Special Features Deleted Scenes, Crucify ‘Em: Making Of, Six Shooter – The Academy Award Winning original short film by Martin McDonagh as well as a Gallery.

This film is the reason I go to the theatre and even more so the reason I believe in having it as part of any home entertainment library.

In the end – welcome to Ebbing, Missouri!

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI is Oscar Worthy!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Martin McDonagh and Fox Searchlight Pictures is the story of a mother who isn’t giving up using THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI.

Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is a woman dealing with a lot in her life. The painful loss of a murdered daughter, ex-husband Charlie (John Hawkes) who has anger issues and chief of police William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) who she believes doesn’t care about catching her daughter’s killer.

Driving home on a small stretch of road are three dilapidated billboards and Mildred gets an idea. Responsible for the billboards is Red (Caleb Jones) who takes her down payment on all three billboards with a message to the chief of police. The first to see them is deputy Dixon (Sam Rockwell) who immediately tells Willoughby.   

Everyone soon learns of the billboards and son Robbie (Lucas Hedges) is feeling the impact of what his mother is doing. Worried how this will all affect her chief of police husband, Anne (Abbie Cornish) is assured that it will all pass. Wanting to protect Mildred is James (Peter Dinklage) who Charlie takes a pot-shots at. Instead of it passing, things get out of hand as the insanity of Dixon and Mildred’s anger start a town war.

Small town living just got a little dicey!

McDormand as Mildred is spectacular, amazing, brilliant, moving, shocking and every bit of a woman tired of the b.s.! Feeling unheard by the police and thrown away by an abusive husband, one idea gives this character the remarkable strength to say, without a word, ‘I will be heard or else!’ Every moment McDormand is on the screen I am completely riveted and engrossed with anticipation as to what she would do next. Nominations are in McDormand’s future and I, for one, will be cheering her every step of the way.

Harrelson as Willouby is an understanding and tolerant man. He knows that Mildred is still riddled with grief and now feels the pressure even more that he hasn’t found the killer. He is also dealing with Dixon who is making matters worse with his antics. Spending time with his wife and kids is becoming more important as his secret hasn’t been a secret for quite some time. Harrelson is endearing and is impeccable with his character humor. This is the second time in the last few months that Harrelson has impressed me as his film LBJ should also be seen!

Rockwell as Dixon gets to bring out the inner complete douche bag of this character. Feeling he has the right to do what ever he wants to who ever he wants because he has a badge is an embarrassment to pretty much everyone in town. Deciding he isn’t going to stop being a jerk, Dixon once again takes matters into his own hands and it’s nothing but disaster. It sure doesn’t help that Momma Dixon (Sandy Martin) is stoking the fires.  

Hedges as Robbie is a young man who understands what his mother has been through but doesn’t agree with how she handles things. Living the same pain about his sister every day as well, he watches her actions and can’t seem to make Mildred understand that nothing good can come of it all. Jones as Red is a laid back kid who sees everything the town is about and when it comes to his door a choice has to be made.

Dinklage as James is a good hearted guy who seems to have a soft spot for Mildred. He wants nothing more than to protect her – oh and date her. Hawkes as Charlie thinks that he can be as abusive as possible towards Mildred and the ex in ex-husband isn’t going to stop him and is certainly is a different role for Hawkes.

Other cast include Zeljko Ivanek as the Desk Sergeant, Amanda Warren as Denise, Kerry Condon as Pamela, Riya Atwood as Polly, Selah Atwood as Jane, Christopher Berry as Tony, Jerry Winsett as Geoffrey, Kathryn Newton as Angela, Samara Weaving as Penelope, Clarke Peters as Abercrombie, Malaya Drew as Gabriella, and Darrell Britt-Gibson as Jerome.

TUBS OF POPCORN: THREE BILLBOARDS IN EBBING, MISSOURI deserves without a doubt five tubs of popcorn out of five. This film has every range of human emotion possible and isn’t shy about making you feel it. A combination of the darkest of comedy mixed with jaw dropping twists and drama that is engrossing is what makes this film from start to finish.

There isn’t anything apologetic in this film and each character has a life of its own. McDormand is powerful and doesn’t skip a beat in leading the film to its chuckling conclusion. Harrelson and Rockwell are polar opposites which is what makes their characters work and there is no surprise in what these two actors accomplish in this film.

The film does a dance with the viewer’s emotions and even sets of a shock or two but after seeing director McDonagh’s previous work such as IN BRUGES and a personal favorite SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS could anyone not expect this film from him? I met McDonagh during his press junket for SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS and I knew after speaking with him that I’d love anything he did. His sense of humor and way with characters comes out in every second of the film.

Writing the screenplay with McDormand in mind for the lead role, I am equally thrilled that he did so because she rules the screen as Mildred. This is a powerful film with exceptional performances that can not and should not be missed.

In the end – welcome to Ebbing, Missouri!