READY OR NOT 2: Here I Come

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on multiple platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, and coming to Bluray from director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, and Searchlight Pictures comes the next game of READY OR NOT 2: Here I Come.

Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) has survived the Le Domas ritual and is now in the hospital trying to recover. What she isn’t expecting is the arrival of her sister Faith (Kathryn Newton). Their relationship is strained, but is Grace’s emergency contact after all. Meanwhile, back at murder mansion, Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Titus (Shawn Hatosy) Danforth are raring up for another game, especially since there is a current vacancy in the High Seat of the Council. That’s because Chester Danforth (David Cronenberg) has chosen to, well, step down, shall we say?

Almost instantly, Grace and Faith come face to face with someone who doesn’t want to wait for a new gathering. Captured once again, this time with Faith, they are brought to The Lawyer (Elijah Wood), where the new game is explained and the rules. Grace, and now Faith, have to make it till morning in another game of hide-and-seek, this time at Le Domas. If Grace makes it until morning, she is free to go again. If she doesn’t, whoever makes the kill gets the High Seat.

Also, as a nice twist, since the families are at the games, if the oldest falls, the next in line joins in the game or forfeits. When the game begins, almost immediately, Chen Xing (Olivia Cheng) tries to tell the girls that there is another way, by a stipulation in the rules of the game. That doesn’t please Ignacio (Nestor Carbonell), who wants that seat for himself. As the families keep coming, it is Ursula and Titus that seem to be taking control – of everything.

While running, the two sisters bicker over the reason they are mad at each other. Both are still upset, and it gets in the way of things. Until Grace comes face to face with Titus and the deal she makes in order to save her little sister, but don’t count the sisters out just yet.

Weaving returns as Grace, a woman who married into a family of Satan worshipers who made her life a living hell – literally. Thinking she has finally survived the worst night of her life, the girlfriend needs to suit up once again because this time, she has more to lose than her own life. I love Weaving’s character's reaction to things this time around, because although gross, she just isn’t shocked by what the family is capable of. This actress has solidified herself as a serious and comedic actress all in one fell swoop, and she does it so bloody well.

Newton as sister Faith, is dealing with family issues that cause her to be just as sarcastic as her big sister. Even after she learns what Grace has been through, it isn’t until she experiences it up close and personal that she begins to understand. Even so, that family stuff is a killer, and hanging onto it for this long means someone has to forgive. Newton is perfectly paired with Weaving, and I enjoyed the banter between the two that is perfectly timed.

Gellar as Ursula is the twin to Titus and marches to the beat of her own evil drum. She is bossy, hard, but focused on one thing – that High Seat! Having Gellar in the game is fun as she brings her own brand of evil to the game. Hatosy, as Titus seems to be the whipped twin in the pair, doesn’t think before he acts. Everything he does is based on one thing: aggression toward anyone who gets in his way. I’m a Hatosy fan, but it’s probably because he is so good as Dr. Jack Abbott in the award-winning HBO series THE PITT. Of course, Titus would be a character Dr. Abbott would want to heavily sedate! Here, he gets the chance to be as bad as he wants to be.

Wood as The Lawyer is so charmingly evil that it made me laugh. He is so calm about the rules and knows exactly when to get out of the way when things get, well, explosive. Wood always has the amazing ability to choose roles that challenge how the audience sees him. There are expressions he gives his character that are so full of mischief that I couldn’t help but laugh.

Other cast include Kevin Durand as Bill Wilkinson, Varun Saranga as Madhu Rajan, Nadeem Umar-Khitab as Viraj Rajan, Juan Pablo Romero as Felipe El Caido, Masa Lizdek as Martina Rajan, Maia Jae as Francesca El Caido, Dan Beime as Kip Danforth, and Anthony Hall as Wan Cheng Fu.

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.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that, you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere, please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Special Features include The Games Goes On: The Making of READY OR NOT 2, Part 1: Written in Blood, Part 2: Casting the Chaos, Part 3: Designed for Destruction, Part 4: Blood, Guts and Practical Mayhem, Rules of the Game, Gag Reel, and Audio Commentary by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

READY OR NOT 2: Here I Come doesn’t try to change the original formula of the 2023 READY OR NOT, which I absolutely love about it. Instead, it brings families together to share in the bloodlines with only a few loopholes in the original game plan. The race for the High Seat means greed, and greed is not always good. Especially when you are being chased by katanas, rocket launchers, and a man with a mean right hook.

Weaving and Newton go up against Gellar and Hatosy in most of the film. That means survival goes up against the lust for power, and sometimes, surviving is better than dealing with the devil. This is a film that calls out for a group movie night filled with fun, laughs, and expected violence when you are running for your life. So, gather up everyone, place your bets to see who makes it until morning!

In the end – it’s double or nothing!

He is Part of the RENTAL FAMILY

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Digital and Bluray from writer/director Hikari and Searchlight Pictures is a stunning look at what we need for our lives sometimes with a RENTAL FAMILY.

Phillip Vanderploeg (Brendan Frasier) has been living in Japan for the last seven years working on his acting career mostly known for a toothpaste commercial. Minor roles here and there, he meets Shinji (Takehiro Hira), the owner of Rental Family who asks him to come in and talk. Trying to earn a living, he goes to the office to hear what Shinji has to say. He explains to Phillip that the job is to play-act family members and friends as the “token” white guy. He also meets staff Aiko (Mari Yamamoto) who isn’t thrilled with him and young Kota (Kimura Bun).

Agreeing to try, his first job is to ‘marry’ a woman named Yoshie to make her parents happy and leaving for Canada. Almost backing out at the last minute, Phillip begins to understand the concept. His next assignment is to be a ‘father’ to the young Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman) as mom Hitomi (Shino Shinozaki) wants to get her into an excellent private school. Another assignment at the same time is being a journalist to retired actor Kikuo Hasegawa (Akira Emoto) under the guise of writing about his life.

Mia isn’t thrilled about meeting her father, Kevin, and is going to make sure that he knows of her anger. The more time they spend together, Mia warms up to him and Phillip is moved by how charming and wonderful she is. Meeting with Kikuo, Phillip learns so much about one of Japan’s beloved actors. Long walks and even longer talks, the respect is created between the two. So much so that Kikuo wants to take a trip but knows his daughter won’t allow it.

But secrets have a way of coming to the surface and Phillip has to decide what to do and how to handle those he has come to care for.

Frasier as Phillip has found a home in Japan and wants to stay but the jobs are scarce and the roles are not exactly what he wants. Finding Rental Family means he would finally have money in his pocket until more roles come his way. The problem is, he finds that perhaps caring about someone other than yourself means putting your heart out. When that happens, he discovers that there are more people around him that need the same thing he does – to be acknowledged. I just love Frasier in this role watching the layers peel back in his relationship with Mia and Kikuo. Such a sweet, sad and charming character Phillip is.

Hira as Shinji is in the business of making the lives of people better by providing something that his culture has a difficult time with. Such as the “apology” package just to name a few. Excited to have Phillip on board, he also holds a secret of his own about life in his own home. There is a double side to Hira’s character but, like Phillip, it is a slow process of peeling back the layers to find the heart that beats beneath.

Yamamoto as Aiko is a stubborn character but she has every right to be. The cases she takes are a bit harsher and the cracks in that are showing. Yamamoto knows what works and when it doesn’t for her anymore, I love her answer to it. Gorman as Mia is a young girl who is thrust into a situation created by her mother. Believing she finally has a father, she also finds someone else on her side and it is so beautiful to watch, until it isn’t.

Emoto as Kikuo reminded me so much of my own grandfather. Spending time with him as he got older, there were moments of remembrance that were heart wrenching and yet filled with love. Emoto gives his story in pieces until it all comes together and Phillip is a witness to the past that still lives with him. Emoto is amazing and wonderful.

Other cast include Sei Matobu as Masami Hasegawa and Misato Morita as Yoshie.

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.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Digital & Bluray Bonus Features include Rental Family Revealed, Deleted and Extended Scenes: Columbus, Crying Session, Apology, Aiko’s First Client, Clearbright, Tickets, Audition, Phone Call and Final Montage.

RENTAL FAMILY is definitely a different kind of film. I’m sure we have all thought at one time or another that it would be cool to just hire someone to take the brunt of family expectations and then walk away. I’ll admit I have! Director Hikari captures such deep emotion that is cool on the surface but with time and patience, he shows us what really lives inside the hearts of these characters.

Keeping the scenes simple, it allows the audience to feel the relatability although, the scene with the white blossoms is nothing short of breathtaking. Then again, that’s what the whole film is really, one breathtaking moment after another in the lives of people just trying to find their way through situations in their lives. Make sure you have tissue handy because it is that kind of film.

In the end – we all need family!

 

 

 

Marriage Changes with THE ROSES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital this week followed by Bluray and DVD in November from director Jay Roach and Searchlight Pictures is the telling of being together with THE ROSES.

Ivy (Olivia Colman) met Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) in the most unusual way but it was enough for them to marry. Ivy is an amazing chef in her own right and Theo is known for his stellar architecture. Together they are making their life work, especially when Ivy opens up her own restaurant. That is until a freak storm turns both of their careers on their heads. Theo’s crumbled like a building and Ivy finds herself being discovered for her creations.

As fate changes their lives, Theo becomes a stay-at-home dad and Ivy’s success grows without her even trying. Seeing that her husband is struggling, she comes up with the grand idea of Theo putting himself to work creating their forever home and he dives right in. As each year passes, the witty repartee turns into witty sarcasm and people are noticing, including their friends Amy (Kate McKinnon) and Barry (Andy Samberg) who are also married.

After a disastrous dinner party, Theo decides its time to divorce and Ivy is going to make sure that he understands the consequences of that decision. No one ever said marriage was going to be easy but the Roses make it look impossible – maybe!

Colman as Ivy is absolutely everything I love about her as an actress. Her delivery of lines, the face she makes delivering them, her impeccable character presence and how she makes it all look so flawless. As Ivy, Colman is as sharp as the knife she uses in the kitchen and I am absolutely here for every moment of it. I might be a little biased since I adore her, but that being said, she delivers and her with a gun is perfection. Keenly aware there are problems, the early marriage set the tone to how they would handle problems and, as with most things, the rules change as time goes by. Ivy and Theo didn’t understand the rules of the game but she made it clear when needed that there is only one way to poke the bear.

Cumberbatch as Theo is a man who had an award-winning career until Mother Nature decided she had other plans. Immediately his ego can’t handle it at all and that childishness begins to seep out of every pour of his body. Believing that staying home for a while might be a good idea, he begins to resent Ivy’s success, the same success he encouraged. Cumberbatch takes his character’s insecurities (and the whispering in the ear from his ‘friends’) and whines a bit to get his wife’s attention. Of course, accurately, the narcist in him can’t handle the attention his wife is getting. As quick with the wit as Colman, it is a pairing made in heaven (or the other place).

McKinnon as Amy is a hugely uncomfortable character to watch but hilarious at the same time. She makes it clear what her intentions are and doesn’t really care who sees or hears her, then again that’s how I see McKinnon anyway so the casting is spot on. Samberg as Barry is a man that clearly understands that his wife is different and forward but yet, and he makes it clear, he loves her. As a lawyer however, he needs more practice but entertaining all the same.

Shout out to Allison Janney, let me just say that having watched her since The West Wing days, I have always admired the roles she takes and this is just another one I love. In this film she goes for the jugular and it made me wish she was a real lawyer because that would be worth sitting in a courtroom for!

Other cast include Ncuti Gatwa as Jeffrey, Sunita Mani as Jane, Zoe Chao as Sally, Jamie Demetriou as Rory, Hala Finely as Hatti, Wells Rappaport as Roy and Allison Janney as Eleanor.

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.

Digital & Blu-ray Bonus includes Gag Reel, Featurettes: A House To Fight For – A behind-the-front-door look at the epicenter of both beauty and acrimony. See the construction of the Roses’ home, hear from the designer and the filmmakers on their vision, and discover the actors’ wish to take everything from the house home with them, The Roses: An Inside Look – Hear from the cast and filmmakers about making The Roses. Learn about the actors’ connection and chemistry, and join the grounded, satirical, British, wry wit that only Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch can pull off and Comedy Gold – This cast is stacked with comedy talent bringing Tony McNamara’s witty dialogue to life with Jay Roach directing. Even Olivia Colman had to ask about this special cast, “How the F did we get them?”

THE ROSES is director Roach’s re-imagining of the 1989 Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas film WAR OF THE ROSES. To be honest, although there are some situational similarities, the film could have been called something else and still worked for the comedy alone. I have always made it clear I am not a fan of remakes, reimagining’s, re-do or anything re when it comes to films but I shall put that aside for now.

What THE ROSES has going for it is the spine-snapping, acid wit, crazy intensity and excellent lines that come in rapid fire from both Colman and Cumberbatch. They are absolutely hilarious in every way and I couldn’t stop laughing. There is comic gold in those lines and the delivery is nothing short of sharp, cutting and delicious. Casting these two actors would not have been ones I would have thought of, yet, Roach obviously saw something early on. A black comedy that dives into the battle of the soon-to-be ex’s that is filled with verbal machine-gun resentment and, actually, some of it might be relatable. Just stay away from Julia Childs, okay?

In the end – it is their love story!

He Was A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture from director James Mangold and Searchlight Pictures comes the story of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.

It is 1961 New York City and a young Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) arrives with one goal – to meet his musical hero Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy). Finding Guthrie in a hospital room, he also meets Pete Seeger (Ed Norton) who encourages Dylan to play a song for the ill musician. Learning he has nowhere to stay, Seeger offer Dylan a place to stay and introduces him to the folk music scene.

At one of the events, Dylan meets Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and their romance begins. He also meets Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) and industry exec Albert Grossman (Dan Fogler) who takes Dylan as a client after hearing the music. Dylan begins writing songs about what is happening in the world and the social unrest. Skyrocketing to stardom, Dylan begins to feel the pressure and expectations of the record label and others around him. He begins to rebel and Seeger sees the stress.

Feeling pushed towards performing the older music instead of the new work, there is a breakdown between he and Baez in front of everyone. Things aren’t going well with Silvie either and now Dyland is alone but the music isn’t. Pushing to use more than his guitar and harmonica, Dylan explores using electric guitars and a rock sound. The one most unlikely person to push him forward with a new sound is fellow musician Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook).

It only takes a push to change everything!

Chalamet as Dylan allows his character to go with the flow of the times. It is clear Dylan is not like other folk singers and has a way with words and music. That captures listeners then the way it continues to today. Chalamet gives us the full-on cigarette smoking soft spoken Dylan hiding behind his sunglasses. Behind those sunglasses is a man with a bit of a mysterious past, a man hiding his emotions and a man of few words other than what he sings to onstage and Chalamet lets us ponder all of that.

Norton as Seeger felt like I was watching Seeger himself. Another soft-spoken character that just wanted folk music to endure and stay pure at its heart. Nortons Seeger believed and supported Dylan with a moment of flashing heartbreak and this actor nails it all. Barbaro as Baez is a strong woman who knows her own mind and music. Her involvement with Dylan becomes complicated which is all his own doing.

Fogler as Grossman sees Dylans magnetism in his work and knows how to expand his following. Dylan tests his patience as much as he does everyone else but Grossman is the one picking up the pieces. Fanning as Sylvie is an artist herself but spends a lot of time supporting Dylan. Fanning shows that Sylvie follows her own dreams but also that heartbreak can be pushed to its limits.  

Shout out to McNairy as Guthrie for an emotional performance that, in the final scene, absolutely broke my heart. Also, Holbrook as Johnny Cash and even though his role is small, like the man in black himself, he is a big presence and I loved it.

Other cast include Joe Tippett as Dave Van Ronk, Eriko Hatsune as Toshi Seeger, Peter Gray Lewis as Frank, Reza Salazar as Tito, David Alan Basche as John Hammond and James Austin Johnson as Gerdes M.C.

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.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include The Making of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – The Story, Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, The Supporting Cast, The Design, and Audio Commentary by James Mangold.

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN falls into the bio-pic category and I admit that I love them. Here, Chalamet takes on the role of one of my absolute favorite artists and I first heard him when I was in elementary school. Of course, back in “the day” it was hard to learn about singers and songwriters and as the years went by musical tastes changed, evolved and life kept me busy. Through all that, Dylan was/is a constant and I think most Dylan-ites would agree that his music was a centerpiece.

The film finally gives us a glimpse of his beginnings, a few questions answered as well as more than a few surprises to Dylan’s life. Added to that the amazing costuming which absolutely took me back. The music truly had me thrilled with such songs as “Song to Woody”, “Blowin’ in the Wind’ The Times They Are a Changin’, Mr. Tambourine Man, Highway 61 Revisited and so many more.  

Chalamet leads the cast in the beautifully done story of music, relationships, fame and the pitfalls of it all. The ensemble weaves a tapestry as each character related to Dylan differently in an attempt to understand a man who refused to conform but instead chose to create.

In the end – this is a ballad of a true original!

It is A REAL PAIN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to Bluray in February from writer/director Jesse Eisenberg and Searchlight Pictures is a story of family, history and everything in between when dealing with A REAL PAIN.

David (Jesse Eisenberg) decides to take cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin) on a family journey back to their grandmother’s homeland of Poland and their Jewish roots. Flying into Poland, they are met by the tour guide James (Will Sharpe) and travel companions Marcia (Jennifer Grey), Eloge (Kurt Egyiawan), Diane (Lisa Sadovy) and Mark (Daniel Oreskes). They aren’t even gone a day but David is missing his wife Priya (Ellora Torchia) and son.

It doesn’t take long before he also becomes nervous about Benji’s outbursts. Being the reserved, working-class husband and father, his cousin is the total opposite testing the boundaries of convention and never in one place very long. David believes that taking this trip will help them both deal with the grief of their grandmother. As the trip begins, it is clear that Benji manages to connect with the group with his charm and humor and David struggles to accept his cousins’ behavior. During one stop of the tour, the group begins to see Benji’s struggles as he confronts James’ authenticity of being the tour guide.

Finally, at dinner, David comes clear with his own emotions regarding his cousin. It all comes to a head when they visit Majdanek concentration camp. Emotions come out of everyone as they come face to face with what is still at a camp that the Germans didn’t have time to completely destroy. Each step they take, David and Benji begin to see what their grandmother survived in her younger years. Visiting her home is the final destination before the cousins go home.

Arriving home, the two have final moments to remember that they are flawed human beings but that doesn’t make them any less cousins who love one another.

Eisenberg as David seems to be afraid of everything from making sure he is solid in his job for family security to what everyone else thinks of how he handles life. When Benji comes along with his brazen attitude and charm, it makes David physically uncomfortable. The only way he can deal with it is to go along to get along. Eisenberg has the uncanny ability to play the role of the guy feeling left out, sort of the square peg in a round hole syndrome. But Eisenberg also gives David the ability to slowly let his emotions come out in a way that is scary yet loving at the same time.

Culkin as Benji gets an opportunity to let just a little bit of Roman Roy (HBO’s SUCCESSION series) out to play with wit but it is this actor’s ability to rattle off lines with razor sharp precision that is attention grabbing. It is apparent that Benji has unresolved family issues as well as personal and perhaps mental issues. As much as David is tightly wound, Benji is free flowing and doesn’t have a filter or sensor that guides him. If he thinks it, he speaks it and Culkin delivers it expertly.

Sharpe as James is the statics and facts kind of tour guide. He knows everything about where he is taking the group but when Benji puts in his two cents, however harshly, it causes him to pause. Egyiawan as Eloge is an unexpected surprise to the group, why he is there is heartbreaking but also joyful. What a wonderful addition to the tour group. Oreskes as Mark is on this tour because of wife Diane played by the very compassionate Sadovy. Grey as Marcia is trying to find herself by remember where her family came from. It is wonderful to see Grey take on this role and immerse herself in the experience of two totally different cousins.

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.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

The Bonus Features include Beautiful Fate: Making A REAL PAIN – Take A Tour through the heart and history of Poland while going behind the scenes of A REAL PAIN. Explore the themes of family and connection with Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Experience all the humor and humanity that brought this story to life.

A REAL PAIN has been nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards® including Best Picture, Best Actor Jesse Eisenberg, Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin and Best Screenplay. The film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

The film begins with the feeling a lot of us have about that one person in the family who seems like an understandable and unexpected butterfly. Loving them from afar seems to be the safest thing to do yet David decides to try and help his cousin Benji deal with the death of their grandmother by a trip. Almost immediately David realizes that his cousin is going to not only test his patience but his own beliefs in life and family.

Eisenberg and Culkin are amazing together as they bounce off one another, although it seems Culkin is doing the most bouncing. As the film progresses, it is an opportunity to watch these two cousins air out their issues, try to understand one another and grieve the one person they both saw as the miracle in their family. There are moments between these two actors that are so sublime that I fell in completely.

This is a film of love, acceptance, raw emotions, the every day life of family, history, humor, and what it takes to be part of it all. A REAL PAIN isn’t just one person, it is a little bit of us all.

In the end – there’s always something about family!

 

 

 

 

They are Going SIDEWAYS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming home on Digital and Sideways 4K is now available for the first time at digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango) from writer/director Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor and Searchlight Pictures based on the book by Rex Pickett is the story of going SIDEWAYS.

Miles (Paul Giamatti) is a depressed English teacher living in San Diego who is trying to write a book and loves wine. He decides to take best friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a road trip through the Santa Ynez Valley to go wine tasting before he gets married. On their way, Miles decides to go visit his mother but its not really to visit, its to get in and get out before he is caught – in more ways than one.

All Miles wants to do is golf, eat and drink wine but bestie Jack wants to have one more fling before he says ‘I do’! Finally making it to wine country and stop for a bite to eat, Jack notices Maya (Virginia Madsen) who happens to notice Miles. Jack also manages to send Miles on a drunk when he lets slip that the ex has remarried and is coming to the wedding. Jack hooks up with Stephanie (Sandra Oh) and decides maybe he doesn’t want to get married after all.

As Miles is centered on his depression, Jack has decided he is going to have as many flings as possible even if there is an angry husband waiting in the wings. Back in San Diego, Miles receives an unexpected call and it sends him knocking on a door!

Giamatti as Miles is just stellar but I would expect nothing less. I have followed his career since he first caught my attention in the 1998 film THE NEGOTIATOR in the role of Rudy. I knew then that he was somebody to keep my eye on. Giamatti has the uncanny ability to take any role and make it memorable – comedy, drama, historical, good guy, bad guy, sad guy, you name it. In SIDEWAYS he once again gives us the role of a man who just can’t find his happy.

Church as Jack also has the same role qualities as Giamatti. He can play so many roles, and some of them caught me unexpectedly, yet I love when I see he in a new film. In SIDEWAYS he is the guy who wants the world and is going to do everything he can to do what he wants when he wants. Trying to keep his buddy’s spirits up led me to laughing a lot. Putting Church with Giamatti is a stroke of genius which is the reason the film holds up today.

Madsen as Maya is sweet, charming and seems to have a real interest in Miles. He doesn’t see it because he has spent to long in his closed off little world. He does manage to enjoy her company and it is in those moments that Madsen is just delightful to watch. Oh as Stephanie gets a chance to hook up with Jack but, as often happens in life, its just too good to be true. I loved her in THE RED VIOLIN and UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN and it becomes clear why she is a force to be reckoned with still today.

Other cast includes Marylouise Burke as Mrs. Raymond, Jessica Hecht as Victoria Cortland, Lee Brooks as Ken Cortland, Missy Doty as Cammi, MC Gainey as Cammi’s husband, Alysia Reiner as Christine Erganian, Stephanie Faracy as Ginny, and Natalie Carter as Siena.

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 Commentary by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, 8 Deleted Scenes and Making of Featurette.

SIDEWAYS is a film that is so memorable and it won Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) for Jim Taylor at the 2005 Academy Awards. Other awards include the Bost Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film, Best Supporting Actor for Church, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Paul Giamatti. Jim Taylor and Alexander Payne won a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, Critics Choice Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Church, Best Supporting Actress for Madsen and Best Acting Ensemble and the list of winnings goes on and on.

The ensemble cast is nothing short of fantastic and deserves to be recognized again and again. Giamatti and Church brought us into the story while Madsen and Oh kept us happy with a large glass of wine! They give us a story that is so memorable and relatable in the sense of heart ache and sometimes the recklessness we all deal in (maybe not so far as Jack!) when it comes to matters of the heart. Payne gets to direct us where he wants us to go and we go willingly, especially when it comes to watching and experiencing a film like SIDEWAYS.

In the end – wine can change their world!

 

There are KINDS OF KINDNESS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Yargos Lanthimos and Searchlight Pictures comes an intriguing look at the life of a man when dealing with KINDS OF KINDNESS.

Robert (Jesse Plemons) is a man who lives his day-to-day life on a schedule. The man responsible for the mundaneness is Raymond (Willem Dafoe) who also controls what house they live in, car they drive and even their intimacy. When Raymond asks Robert to do the unthinkable a second time, Robert decides he has had enough of complying. Raymond them begins to bring his life to a level he can not control. That’s when he meets Rita (Emma Stone)!

Daniel (Jesse Plemons) is upset that he can not find his wife Liz (Emma Stone) who is missing at sea. When she is found, he immediately feels that there is something wrong with Liz. He watches her closely and confides in friends that there is something wrong. When a bizarre incident happens while on duty, Daniel is suspended and refuses to eat. Liz tells her father what is happening but Dad (Willem Dafoe) doesn’t care for Daniel. When she doesn’t get her dad’s support, she decides in order to save Daniel, she will do whatever he asks.

Emily (Emma Stone) is in a cult that is looking for someone who can bring back the dead, Andrew (Jesse Plemons) is her partner in the search with Omni (Willem Dafoe) as the cult leader and wife Aka (Hong Chau). Being a part of the cult, there is a test to confirm whether someone is pure enough to remain. When Emily and Andrew are out eating, a woman appears that Emily believes she saw in a dream who says Ruth is someone who should be tested.

When Emily goes home to visit her husband and child, an incident happens that causes Omni and Aka to turn her world upside down. That doesn’t stop Emily testing Ruth and it once again turns her life upside down in ways no one could possibly have seen coming.

Plemons as Robert/Daniel/Andrew manages to not only portray three very different characters in an effortless way but even the change in his appearances is very cool. I have always enjoyed Plemons performances and this film is such a fantastic opportunity to show an even wider range of his skills.

Stone as Rita/Liz/Emily portrays such strong performances in each of her characters as well. From the lovely doey-eyed Rita, to the monotone Liz and finishing with the laser focused Emily, Stone goes full steam ahead. These are unusual characters to portray for any film, let alone doing all of them in one film.

Dafoe as Raymond/George/Omni have one thing in common – they each try to control those around them. Whether directly or indirectly, Dafoe’s cast of characters don’t seem to have a care about right or wrong but instead control. Shout out to Chau as Sarah/Sharon/Aka because although her roles are small, they have a powerful impact on the story and add elements with a simplicity and disarming manner.

Other cast include Margaret Qualley as Vivian/Martha/Ruth/Rebecca, Hong Chau as Sarah/Sharon/Aka, Joe Alwyn as Appraiser/Jerry/Joseph, Mamoudou Athie as Will/Neil/Nurse, Hunter Schafer as Anna, and Yorgos Stefanakos as R.M.F.

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 a Featurette - It Takes All Kinds: The Vision of KINDS OF KINDNESS - Join cast and crew for a behind-the-scenes look at this unique triptych story written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. See how the sets, costumes, cinematography and music amplify the film's themes, and discover — maybe — what RMF stands for, Deleted Scenes – Robert Ignores the SatNav and Liz Isn’t Recognized.

KINDS OF KINDNESS is a film full of recognizable themes if you look for them. The relationships of the three main characters are deep, disturbing, confrontational in the most mundane way but full of threat, and mind twisting gaslighting. Not bogged down by music to force feeling, each scene requires the viewers full attention and shock.

In the second piece, R.M.F. IS FLYING, when you get past the concept, is the deeper meaning of relationships and what one side will do for love and the other will do to get what they want for love. Then again, that’s what I see – but will it be what everyone else does? That is the interesting part of watching this film. It will bring about conversations in a way that only Lanthimos can accomplish.

KINDS OF KINDNESS is definetly a Lanthimos film and coming off the acclaim of POOR THINGS, also with Emma Stone. This film will come as no surprise to those who appreciate this director’s storytelling in his own unique way.

In the end – everybody is looking for something!

ALL OF US STRANGERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD from writer/director Andrew Haigh based on Taichi Yamada’s Strangers and Searchlight Pictures is ALL OF US STRANGERS.

Adam (Andrew Scott) is living a very secluded life in his high tower apartment in London. A screenwriter, he spends his time writing and being alone until one night he meets neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal). A bit drunk, Harry tries to entice Adam to spend the night. Trying to be polite, Adam makes it clear he isn’t interested. The next day, Adam is off to visit Mum (Claire Foy) and Dad (Jamie Bell) who are happy to see him.

Coming back home he sees Harry again but this time he invites him into the apartment. There begins their passionate relationship. They talk about their families as Harry tells Adam that there is a disconnect with his own parents. Spending a night out on the town, they drink and dance their troubles away. After a fitful night of dreams, Adam tells Harry about his own parents and wants them all to meet.

But reality slowly makes its way to Adam and he holds on to the things he loves.

Scott as Adam is stunning in the role of a writer who is dealing with so much emotion in his life. Relying on his parents for support, he is trying to come to terms with the events of his life. When a love enters into the picture, it is just another piece of his life that is blissful but filled with intensity. Scott moves in and out of the story like his feet are not touching the ground. He flows so smoothly and I am with him every frame through joy and heartbreak. This is a stunning performance by Scott.

Mescal as Harry is the larger-than-life person that seems to awaken something in Adam. He is light, funny, charming and has no judgements toward Adam. At first glance, his character gives off vibes that even had me backing away a bit and that says everything about what Mescal’s performance brings. This character draws you in slowly, is too charming to be ignored and it is all Mescal.

Foy as Mum is supporting of her son and shows him love and understanding. She listens to how Adam is feeling and is such a calming presence for him. That is what Foy brings to the story, with the grace she has come to be known for (watch THE CROWN for another stunning performance) and the eyes of an old soul. Bell as Dad has a history with Adam that is a bit strained as clearly there are things that need to be said between them. I enjoyed Bell’s performance as a man who has a difficult time sharing his feelings.

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 Featurettes Roots of the Story – Uncover how the director blended his own personal story into the making of this moving film. Hear the cast and crew and learn how the filmmakers approached recreating the look and feel of the ‘80s, from the sets to the hair and clothing and Building Adam’s World – Discover how Adam’s isolated existence was shaped through constructed sets. Visit the locations of exterior shots and learn about the director’s choice to have Adam’s world feel real, and yet not quite real.

ALL OF US STRANGERS has won awards from the Valladolid International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, British Independent Film Awards, National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film critics Association Awards, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, and London Film Critics’ Circle.

This film is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end with Adam at the helm. It is a story of loneliness, love, want of love and family. It is a powerful look at the complexity of life through the eyes of this haunted man. Director Haigh gives us nothing to hide behind when we feel as if there is an intrusion into Adam’s life. It is right before us and the emotion falls over us wave after wave.

Filmed beautifully with an amazing score, ALL OF US STRANGERS is insightful, complex, tender, and gauntlet of emotion. Might I suggest a box of tissue and someone to cuddle with as this moving piece of filmmaking doesn’t mind the teardrops nor our own family emotions mixing with Adams. In fact, I think it wants exactly that.

In the end – the paths to love are many!

NEXT GOAL WINS Kicks onto Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from writer/director Taika Waititi and Searchlight Pictures comes the unusual story of a soccer team they never see coming with NEXT GOAL WINS.

Soccer coach Thomas Rongen’s (Michael Fassbender) life is about to change but necessarily not the way he thinks. Up against a committee that includes estranged wife Gail (Elisabeth Moss) and smug Alex Magnussen (Will Arnett) he is given the opportunity to do something most consider impossible – coach the American Samoa national team. The reason it is considered impossible is because they have never goaled, not once.

Arriving in American Samoa, it is clear that Rongen is not a happy man. Meeting the team of players, he immediately thinks it is all a joke knowing he can’t turn back. He meets Tavita (Oscar Kightley) who introduces him to the team and eventually becomes a sort of spiritual guide for Rongen and Ace (David Fane) a coach who is more a father figure than a coach.

Daru (Beulah Koale) is on the team of those who haven’t really been coached before and the surprise for the new coach is Jaiyah (Kaimana). Preparing them to become an elite soccer squad before World Cup qualifiers is a challenge for Rongen and it takes a lot of learning for him to realize that perhaps he is the reason things aren’t going well.

Yet, the team comes together, Rogen finds where he belongs and the team finds what they have been looking for and that’s just one goal!

Fassbender as Rongen is a disgruntled soccer coach that is on the outs with the wife and dealing with something he can’t talk about. Being sent to American Somona feels like the worse punishment and once he sees what the team he is coaching is about, he feels like it is worse than he could ever have imagined. Fassbender is surrounded by a cast that just keeps the viewer one step away from totally wanting to kick a ball to his face but his character does grow on us all.

Kightley as Tavita is the spiritual coach of the team. He realizes quickly that Rongen has to be guided to the one thing Tavita has asked the universe for, one single solitary goal! I truly enjoyed Kightley’s character as the solid and calm needed in the chaos. Kaimana as Jaiyah gives Rongen a reason to rethink so much about how he sees the world but also Kaimana gives us a look at Jaiya’s own personal struggles of acceptance.

Koale as Daru is a young man who wants so much to give his father, Tavita, something to be proud of and resolve his own feelings about playing soccer. Koale gives us a young man who is proud of his heritage, family and friends which is the warm blanket of cuddles I love about the film.

Other cast include Rachel House as Ruth, Uli Latukefu as Nicky, Chris Alosio as Jonah, Rhys Darby as Rhys Marlin, Angus Sampson as Angus Bendleton, Luke Hemsworth as Keith, Kaitlyn Dever as Nicole, David Tu’itupou as Tall David, Levy Tuiala as Chief Sila, Frankie Adams as Frangipani, Semu Filipo as Rambo, Chris Alosio as Jonah, Lehi Falepapalangi as Pisa, Ioane Goodhue as Smiley, Hio Pelesasa as Samson, and Taika Waititi as the American Samoan Priest.

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.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include the Featurette Creating The Pitch of Life - Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary.  See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world, Deleted Scene and Priest Blessing the Team.

NEXT GOAL WINS is a humorous and human look at individuals who each have their own struggles but when they come together, amazing and wonderful things begin to happen. The team shows what they have been lacking and Rongen shows what he can be good at given the chance. Leadership doesn’t mean just one leader when they all have the potential!

The film is based on the documentary Next Goal Wins written in 2014 by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. It is based on the American Samoa soccer team who lost to Australia in 2001 with a score of 31-0 and considered to be the worst World Cup loss in the history of the game.

But hey, you can’t win them all right? Wrong.

 

In the end – just one goal!

 

Music and Love Drives CHEVALIER

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Bluray, Digital and available to stream from director Stephen Williams, writer Stefani Robinson and Searchlight Pictures is the story of CHEVALIER.

Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) arrives at a Mozart concert to show his talent playing the violin. Born to plantation owner George de Bologne and his African mother Nanon (Ronke Adekoluejo), he is taken away from his mother to France and a Paris boarding school. When it seems as if the school will not accept him, the young man stands with a violin and shows his remarkable skill.

Dealing with harassment, Joseph not only excels in music but in fencing and when Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) arrives to see a fencing match, she is impressed and immediately knights him as his name changes to Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The two become close friends and are seen about Paris at social events.

That is where he meets the Marie-Madeleine Gruimard (Minnie Driver) as she tries to make it clear she is very interested in him and always gets her way – or else. The Chevalier is drawn to the singing of Marie-Josephine de Montalembert (Samara Weaving) and is also introduced to her very stern husband Marc Rene (Marton Csokas).

Also, he learns the fate of his father and reunited with mother Nanon. Stiff towards her presence, he goes about his plan to becoming the director of the Paris Opera with his only competition being Christoph Gluck. Convincing the Queen to have both men present their ideas to the committee, the Chevalier enlists the help of Stephanie Felicite (Sian Clifford) to produce the opera with his music.

Knowing he wants Marie-Josephine to be the lead singer, husband Marc-Rene refuses the offer but his wife has other plans. As the opera begins rehearsals, it becomes clear that there are other forces against the Chevalier and one of the is Marc-Rene who makes a deal that wife and the musician stay away from each other, again, or else.

All around him Chevalier is seeing the French Revolution begin as the people rise up, he begins to experience life through Nano’s eyes and the heinous act of a love lost. Through it all, Chevalier puts his world to music on the forbidden stage turning his back on a Queen’s fickle friendship and a man who has committed the unthinkable.

Harrison Jr. as Chevalier is a young man placed in a difficult situation in life. His music is the one thing he can call his very own. Making his way in society by having the Queen as a friend, there are those that believe their power can either make or break his success. Harrison Jr. portrays a man who seems to have it all together, until it isn’t and his eyes are opened up to what is actually happening around him.

Weaving as Marie-Josephine is a young woman married to an older man and all the problems that come along with that. Wanting to do what she is capable of musically also leads to a relationship that under any circumstances would have caused problems. Trying to keep Chevalier away became the problem for Weaving’s character. Csokas as the hostile husband Marc Rene controls his wife with a glare that would stop anyone in their tracks then again, that is not surprising. Csokas plays the bad guy like no one else.

Boynton as Marie Antoinette is a woman who clearly is living her best life. The problem is that the people of France are not happy with that life as they are all suffering. Boynton shows her character as a very insecure young woman and friendship with Chevalier has uncovered conditions.  Clifford as Felicite wants to help Chevalier and sees what he goes through until the end.

Adekoluejo as Nanon is a mother who is finally reunited with her son. Seeing how he lives and the way he goes through life, Adekoluejo gives her character grace and elegance in trying to explain what he is missing. Driver as Marie-Madeleine is a woman bent on using her status and power to control people, including Chevalier. When that doesn’t work, she resorts to social destruction and Driver makes it harsh without batting an eye.

Other cast includes Alex Fitzalan as Louis Philippe II, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Christoph Gluck, Sam Barlien as Louis XVI and Joseph Prowen as Wolfgang Mozart.

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 Featurette CHEVALIER: Note By Note - Discover the untold story of Joseph Bologne, an incredibly talented violinist and composer. In this piece we hear from filmmakers, cast and crew on their journey from discovering this hidden historical figure to bringing his story to life.

CHEVALIER is a film about the life of the young black musical artist of his time. Harrison Jr. does a good job of portraying the struggles of the character from birth, to school, to society, music and where he begins to see life differently.

The costuming of the time is gorgeous and the music is soothing to the ear which adds another layer of richness and depth to the story. The film will be available from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Movies Anywhere and includes a 15-minute behind the scenes featurette called “Chevalier: Note By Note.”

In the end – his music is once again alive!

He is QUASI

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on HULU from director Kevin Heffernan and Searchlight Pictures is the twisted hilarity and the story of QUASI.

It is 1800’s France and the very hunched Quasi (Steven Lemme) is hanging out with his friend Duchamp (Kevin Heffernan). Walking to work, Quasi is subjected to, well let’s just say, bad manners by the people of his village. Working at the local torture chamber, the rest of the village is celebrating Pope Week.

King Guy (Jay Chandrasekhar) is bored with life at the moment and with the new Queen Catherine (Adrianne Palicki). She is stunning but more importantly, very smart as well. She visits the torture chamber below wanting a tour led by Quasi taking an interesting in his work.

In the town square, Quasi finds himself the winner of an audience with the Pope but also the King. During a private conversation, the King reveals what he really wants – the Pope gone! Pope Cornelius (Paul Soter) does not want to spend one dinner moment longer than he has to with King Guy as it seems there is a history there as Cardinal Claude (Erik Stolhanske) gets caught in the dining crossfire.

When Quasi finally has his confessional win with the Pope, it seems the King isn’t the only one who wants a person knocked off with a jewel encrusted dagger. Now Quasi is caught between two men who want each other dead and a Queen who has plans of her own. As with everything in Quasi’s life, things go awkwardly wrong with death is at his doorstep, he shows that even a hunchback can be a hero!

Lemme as Quasi is so sweet and really doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Shocked at the attentions of Queen Catherine, that has to be put aside while he finds his way out of a serious mess. Lemme is just cool, period, and, if it can be said – nice hump dude! Heffernan as buddy Duchamp is a little more than upset that Quasi won the lottery. Getting attention from the lovelies of the village is about one step more than he can handle. Heffernan takes his role and makes me want to spend the evening doing shots with him.

Chandrasekhar as King Guy is a ruler full of, well, himself and has no conscience where death is concerned. That all being said, Chandrasekhar looks frakken fantastic in a crown! I do have to say that I miss his moustache but I can’t be greedy (or can I?). As the King, he is greedy, arrogant and petulant – and I love it.

Soter as the Pope is a man of some god or other with a long-standing grudge toward the King. Soter’s version of the Pope is probably the most hilarious ‘pope’ I’ve seen mainly because he says what a lot of us think. Stolhanske as the Cardinal is the perfect pairing with Soter, their whispering session was sheer hilarity.

Palicki as Queen Catherine is hilarious, beautiful, smart and is not about to let a King or a Pope stand in her way of making sure Quasi is saved. Well, truth be told she isn’t thrilled about being married to this particular King either. Palicki is charming and hilarious all rolled into one, but then again, I’d expect nothing less! Long live the Queen!

SHOUT OUT to Brian Cox, seriously, you can not reunite the gang without bringing back the leader with the voice that makes you want to buy a burger from McDonalds and crushes family in succession. Yea, I did that.

Other cast include Buck Heffernan, Quinn Heffernan, Kelsey Heffernan, Eugene Cordero, Marcus Henderson, Michael Yurchak Hassie Harrison, Gabrielle Lane, Gabriel Hogan and Phil Hudson.

Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand television and movies. The platform gives viewers instant access to current shows, libraries of hit television series and film as well as Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Act. For more of what Hulu has to offer please visit www.hulu.com.

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.

The SUPER TROOPERS band of Broken Lizard consisting of Steve Lemme, Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske join writer/director Heffernan in creating their newest comedy. Based on The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo, this 1831 class is being set on its ear!

It is nice to see the band is back together again taking on a period piece with the coolest set designs. Running along the borderline of appropriate, I’ve always thought this group is the funniest because of their unique ability to dance along that line while making us all laugh. As a superfan of the 2001 film SUPER TROOPERS and use the lines from the film in everyday life, my funny bone needed a good laugh right meow!

Taking the story of Quasi and giving it every hilarious moment they could squeeze out is not only what I would expect from this gang of comedy misfits but, to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have watched otherwise. The pairing of Lemme with Heffernan, Chandrasekhar with Soter and Palicki as the sparkling, sugar coated cake topper is everything.

Get ready for a new twist on an old tale, or should I say a new twisted story just waiting for this particular group to share.

In the end – every day is a hump day!

EMPIRE OF LIGHT Coming to Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from writer-director Sam Mendes and Searchlight Pictures is the story of loss and love with EMPIRE OF LIGHT.

Hilary (Olivia Coleman) is the duty manager of the Empire Cinema in 1980 in Kent, England. Living alone she struggles with mental illness and is taken advantage of by her boss Donald Ellis (Colin Firth). Coming into work she meets Stephen (Michael Ward), a new employee who is thrilled to be working at the theatre.

She gets to know Stephen and hears his story of struggles and about his mother Delia (Tanya Moodie) who is a nurse. Hilary is less forthcoming about her mental illness and her time away from the theatre but still a relationship begins to happen between the two. Sharing as much time together as they can knowing that there could be problems.

The theatre is all a buzz when learning that the films Chariots of Fire would be opening there but it all becomes too much for Hilary. When she struggles, a secret is revealed and Hilary is once again struggling with her mental illness. Taking time away, Hilary eventually returns to work only to see Stephen attacked.

Now Hilary must decide what to do about her relationship with Stephen and where her life is going to go next.

Coleman as Hilary plays an insecure woman who hides behind it all with a bit of standoffishness. Co-workers are clearly understanding but others may not be so with the stigma of mental illness. Coleman is, once again, as lovely in this character as any actress could be. I have always admired her work and this film lends her talent with ease.

Ward as Stephen is a lovely young man with dreams of his own being held back his own fears and wanting to take care of his mother. Sharing his thoughts with Hilary are just so heartbreaking because his feelings are as relevant today as I’m sure they were in the 1980’s. Ward is the bright spot in Hilary’s life and Hilary is the holder of Ward’s secret dreams and together they are stunning.

Firth as Ellis is pretty disgusting which is hard for me to say because I so love Firth’s characters. Can’t exactly say ‘I love him in this role’ because this character absolutely made my skin crawl. So let me say that Firth gave this role the crawling it deserved. Moodie as Delia is a mother who wants what his best for her son, even if she knows that it will hurt him. That is the difficulty of being a Mom.

Other cast include Tom Brooke as Neil Crystal Clarke as Ruby, Jamie Whitlaw as Sean, Ron Cook as Mr. Cooper, Hannah Onslow as Janine, Monica Dolan as Rosemary Bates, Sara Steward as Brenda Ellis and Toby Jones as Norman.

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.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Feature includes Creating EMPIRE OF LIGHT – Go behind the scenes of this personal film with writer-director Sam Mendes, and uncover the story’s origins and the director’s love of cinema. See how the perfect location was found to rebuild a classic movie theatre that had the cast in awe.

EMPIRE OF LIGHT is a slow-paced film that is not really trying to lead you anywhere. What it seems to ask is that we all pay attention to these two people and look beyond what everyone else sees but instead, watch their journey. It is not always a pleasant thing to see but then again, these two people aren’t exactly living a life running through daisy fields with joy.

Mendes brings in a pace that is believable because enough of us know that everyday is not a busting existence but instead putting one foot in front of the other hoping to get somewhere different, somewhere that allows us to be who we are on the inside.

In the end – experience life!