Their Story is EAST OF WALL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Kate Beecroft and Sony Pictures Classics is the story of the wide-open plains and a family EAST OF WALL.

Tabby (Tabatha Zimiga) has a 3,000-acre horse ranch in the Badlands of South Dakota and is running it since the death of John Quint. Keeping busy, she is surrounded by kids Brynn (Brynn Darling), Porshia (Porshia Zimiga) and 3-year-old Stetson (Stetson Neumann) along with kids Jesse (Jesse Thorson), Skylar (Wyatt Mansfield), Leanne (Leanne Shumpert) and Ryder (Chancey Witt) who live there as well. The days are spent training horses so that Tabby can earn money to take care of everything. The family heads toward the horse auction and rodeo as Brynn and Portia do their best to show off the well-trained horses.

Porshia and mom Tabby seem to be at odds and find themselves being angry and sad without explaining themselves. It is the slightly offbeat grandmother Tracey (Jennifer Ehle) who knows what to say to make things right for the young girl. Another day at the auction and a mysterious buyer spends a large sum on a horse ridden by Portia. Tabby’s trainer Clay (Clay Pateneaude) notices that the buyer has an expensive trailer and truck but is happy about the money coming in. Roy Waters (Scoot McNairy) meets Tabby to come to the ranch and see more horses.

He makes Tabby an offer after seeing the potential of the ranch and those working on it feeling there is something special to be had. Tabby doesn’t want to lose the land nor the family that has come to mean everything to her. Trying to hold on under all the stress, she knows that the past and what is happening right now are about to collide and each person in the family is feeling it and it runs deep. The land is in their soul but can it be sold at a price?

Zimiga as Tabby is a woman who looks tough on the outside with tattoos, piercings and shaved head. Dealing with the death of a loved one and trying to hang on to those who rely on her, there are things deeply hidden that she can’t let anyone know about. All of these make for a powerful character and watching Zimiga bring the character to fruition is an incredible journey in itself. I was completely drawn into not what she said, but what she didn’t say and that makes for a stunning portrayal.

Porshia Zimiga as Porshia is a young woman who is dealing with her own struggles. Finding release and escape in horse riding, everyone around notices that she is an exceptional horsewoman. At home, it is clear that mother and daughter have unresolved issues and the tension builds daily and noticeable to everyone in the family. She is a very talented young actress to take on such a complex role. The only person that seems to understand her is grandmother Tracey played by Ehle. She recognizes Porshia’s reaction to things and it brings about a connection between the two. Ehle gets a chance to shed anything glamorous and becomes a moonshine making, no nonsense granny and I loved it.

McNairy as Roy is a man who sees potential in the ranch and mainly because it is something he doesn’t seem to be able to do. Knowing that coming together could do so much for Tabby and the kids, his reasonings for wanting it all are not the same reasons that Tabby wants to keep it. It is as if he tries to insert himself where he doesn’t actually fit. I quite enjoyed McNairy’s role even with its duality. Pateneaude as Clay has an emotional claim to the ranch past being a horse trainer. His attachment is strong and wants to be there for them all even if, at times, it can be equally stressful for him to watch. 

Other cast include Traden Lockwood as Traden, Don Garnier as Gummer, Rene Mousseaux as Rene, Brett Fly Sr. as Brett, Ryan Caraway as Wes, Haley Strode as Laura, Lori Ann Reed as Lori, Amy Shedeed as Amy, Angela Heinze as Angela, Tracey Osmotherly as Janette and Janis Schell as Janis.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com.

EAST OF WALL is such a mixture of emotions from start to finish. The story of mothers and daughters, of truths and misunderstandings, of miscommunication and straight forwardness, of wanting something unattainable and wanting simplicity, and of family even if you were not born into one. Each character has their own story to tell and each does exactly that, by finding their own way of expressing it on the ranch. 

The cinematography is so wonderfully beautiful, simple and uncomplicated just as it needed to be to let the cast shine like wild horses. The vast land is actually another character in the story that writer/director Beecroft put to film and makes look effortless. Also, as a lover of horses, watching everyone embrace them so lovingly brought joy. The running time of an hour and a half leaves no second wasted.

EAST OF WALL won the Adrienne Shelley Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the 2025 Nantucket Film Festival for writer/director Beecroft. The film was also nominated for NEXT Innovator Award and winner of the Audience Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

In the end – welcome to the new west!

 

Return of THE RAID REDEMPTION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Steelbook from writer/director Gareth Evans and Sony Pictures Classics is THE RAID REDEMPTION.

Officer Rama (Iko Uwais) is part of the Mobil Brigade Corps that is led by Sgt. Jaka (Joe Taslim) and Lt. Wahyu (Pierre Gruno). There is a plan raid on an apartment building and their target is crime lord Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy) but to get to him, the group must get past most tenants that are criminals and live under his protection. With a plan in place, they arrive at the building and met by a tenant who is trying to take care of his ill spouse.

Gaining entry, the brigade makes its way floor by floor and by the 6^th floor they are detected and now dealing with Tama’s men coming from below and above. Knowing they are trapped, Jaka asks Wahyu to call for reinforcements and learns the truth about what they are doing. Finding momentary reprieve in an empty apartment, they aren’t safe for long.

Seeing all of this from Tama’s cameras that are strategically placed everywhere in the building is Andi (Donny Alamsyah) who feels the need to help Rama. The biggest threat is Mad Dog (Yayan Ruhian) who is laser focused on doing as much damage as possible to every cop he meets. As Jaka gets up higher and higher in the building, more secrets are revealed and his determination to survive and bring out the surviving officers

Uwais as Rama is a man who is just trying to get home to a wife who is expecting their first child. Trusting in the men he is being led by, going into the criminal apartment complex that is filled with those who will protect their gangster leader at all costs. Once Rama realizes what he is up against, Uwais puts his character into full steam ahead with swift and spectacular martial arts.

Alamsyah as Andi is working for Tama but there is a secret he is keeping from his crime boss. Once he teams up with Rama, there is only one person standing in their way and don’t let his size fool you. Ruhian as Mad Dog is that size! He is a one-man death-wrecking crew who doesn’t need to say much as his action make it clear who he is.

Sahetapy as Tama is ruthless and has control of more than just the apartment building. He is feared by everyone and crossing him is a death sentence. With almost everyone in his pocket, Rama knows that he is not going to give up. Taslim as Sgt. Jaka leads his men into the building and realizes too late that they are not going to be walking back out the front door alive.

Other cast include Alfridus Godfred, Henky Solaiman, Fikha Effendi, Verdi Soliman, Ananda George, Yusuf Opilus, Iang Darmawan as Gofar, Tegar Satrya as Bowo, Eka Rahmadia as Dagu.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.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 Unrated Version of the Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision,5.1 Indonesian and English Audio, Commentary with Gareth Evans, Behind-the-Scenes Video Blogs, Inside the Score, In Conversation with Gareth Evans and Mike Shinoda, An Evening with Gareth Evans, Mike Shinoda and Joe Trapanese, Behind the Music with Mike Shinoda and Joe Trapanese, Anatomy of a Scene with Gareth Evans, Claycat’s THE RAID, THE RAID TV Show Ad (circa 1994) and Theatrical Trailer.

This is definetly an epic martial arts film as the cast goes floor to floor meeting some of the most vicious criminals that the crime lord Tama could gather together. Director Evans, who also wrote the script, had a vision that played fantastically on the screen. The apartment building itself plays a pivotal role in the fight scenes and ultimate survival of Rama and his team.

The cinematography is stunning keeping the greyish danger lurking around every corner. The skill of the martial arts is intense and exactly what I would expect and, of course, Uwais, Ruhian and Alamsyah are the stars. The scene between these three men had my own bones aching after it was all over.

If you are needing an intense one hundred and two-minute thrill ride of action and suspense then curl up, popcorn bowl in hand and be prepared to cheer for survival with THE RAID REDEMPTION.

In the end – survival is their mission!  

They are in FREUD’S LAST SESSION

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Mathew Brown and Sony Picture Classics comes a stunning look at two men questioning their own existence with FREUD’S LAST SESSION.

Jack, C.S. Lewis (Matthew Goode), finds himself meeting with Sigmund Freud (Anthony Hopkins) and the conversation between has Jack thrown. They begin by discussing their differences in religion which is taking place as all around them in England they are preparing for World War II. Jack also notices that there is something peculiar in Freud’s physical behavior.

Taking care of her father is Anna (Liv Lisa Fries) who is also in the field of psychology and teaches at the university along with friend Dorothy Burlingham (Jodi Balfour). She is tied to her father in such a knot that Dorothy worries that her friend does not have a will of her own. That causes tension in their friendship but Anna, in fact, knows she speaks the truth.

The afternoon between Jack and Freud stops briefly as there is a bomb-dropping threat and Freud begins to see his companion’s pain. They discuss Jack’s experience in World War I and Freud openly discusses the relationship with his own father. Both men are ardent in their beliefs and change might not happen for either.

Freud, however, is curious about Jack’s friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien and where his desire to write about fantasy comes from. There begins Freud’s openness with the discussion of sex and tries to explain to Jack that everything is about sex but not in the way most people think. Although Jack, at times, is frustrated with Freud, there is also a clear bond forming between the two men as realizations come forefront with no escape emotionally for either of them.

Hopkins as Freud is stellar, stunning and absolutely perfect for the role. In this character he gives us a man who is confrontational, a bit manipulative, believes in what he is saying but could be persuaded with a bit of humor. The character of Freud seems, at times, almost amused by the questions Jack asks and always has an answer that either stuns or brings on another question. Astounding. Surrounded by statues of ‘gods’ and saints, Hopkins shows Freud as a man who has lived a painful life in his own right and someone who is considering his own mortality. I adored watching Hopkins mastery in this film, pure perfection.

Goode as Jack (C.S. Lewis) is a man also sure of his convictions about God and man. Goode performs his character as catching out Freud in such a smooth way but never really cornering the very smooth Freud. Jack doesn’t seem to have a malicious bone in his body but sparing with Freud seems to bring him to thinking more about his beliefs and the fears that are still following him. I must say that Goode stunned me in this role, he brought out a deep sense of me wanting to protect Jack in a way from ‘the monster’ which means this actor did his job also with pure perfection.

Fries as Anna is a woman who is tied to her father in ways that are so deep that even Jack brings it up to Freud. She has grown to be a respected professor in child psychology and teaches but the moment her father calls, she is panicked to the point of terror. Fries portrays her character with grace and left me wanting to know more of her story. Balfour as Jodi is a friend who sees what Anna is going through and interjecting means causing Anna more pain. Her role might be small but it has big significance.

Cast also includes Jeremy Northam as Ernest Jones and Orla Brady as Janie Moore, Stephen Moore as JRR Tolkien, Rhys Mannion as a young C.S. Lewis, Padraic Delaney as Warren Lewis, Tarek Bishara as Jacob Freud and Lukas Sweeney as young Sigmund Freud.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

FREUD’S LAST SESSION is a brilliant piece of filmmaking telling the story of two men who are coming to terms with their fears during a terrifying time in history. The backdrop of World War II brings a sense of urgency for these two men to talk before there is no time to talk. As people pack up to go anywhere but where they are is prevalent, so is seeing children being put on trains in order to save them from what might be coming.

I have read many books on Freud and although he is revered, I recognized a few quirks in his life and can be linked to the parts of his life that were traumatic. Reading C.S. Lewis (and Tolkien) has been part of my life since I was a child. So, having these two men in a film together portrayed by Hopkins and Goode in such an amazing way, FREUD’S LAST SESSION is award worthy.

The last ten minutes of the film had my jaw dropping as the visitation between Freud and Jack come to a challenging point. Yet, at the same time, I saw some truth in both of these beautiful characters. The film is based on the stage play Freud’s Last Session written by Mark St. Germain and that is based on the book The Question of God by Armand Nicholi.

In the end – so many questions, so little time!

It is a Story of Life and Love on a MOTHERING SUNDAY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Eva Husson and Sony Pictures Classics comes a story of the heart and a life with MOTHERING SUNDAY. 

Jane (Odessa Young) is a young woman working as a maid in 1924 England for Mr. Godfrey Niven (Colin Firth) and his wife Clarrie (Olivia Colman). On this particular morning, Mr. Niven is giving Jane the day off since they are meeting with the Hobdays for a day outing. Quickly she receives a telephone call from Paul Sheringham (Josh O’Connor) to come and see him.

It quickly becomes clear that there is a romantic relationship between Jane and Paul, but he knows that the family will not allow him to marry her. Trying to enjoy their time together, that one thing is hanging over their head. They do not have a lot of time together because Paul should be at the outing with family.

When Paul leaves Jane at the house, she lounges eating and looking at the house until it is time to come home. She is met at the door by Mr. Niven who has tears in his eyes and news that changes their lives.

Years ahead, writer Jane Fairchild is in love with Donald (Sope Dirisu) who loves that she is a writer. More of a philosopher himself, they share their lives together in that world of the word. Working at a bookstore and given the chance to write something wonderful, her life changes again and again in the most painful but magnificent ways.

Then again, that is the mystery of life isn’t it?

Other cast include Patsy Ferran as Milly, Emma D’Arcy as Emma Hobday, Simon Shepherd as Mr. Giles Hobday, Caroline Harker as Mrs. Sylvia Hobday, Emily Woof as Mrs. Sheringham, Craig Crosbie as Mr. Sheringham, Albert Welling as Mr. Paxton and Glenda Jackson as Jane Fairchild.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

MOTHERING SUNDAY film is based on the Graham Smith and not the first book to screen. His works also include WATERLAND, SHUTTLECOCK and LAST ORDERS.

Young as Jane is just so beautiful not only in character but in her portrayal of this very complex story. She is a young woman in love knowing her station because of her own questionable background. Although the Niven’s obviously care about her, Jane sees there is something so much more waiting for her future, and it takes one event to send her out there to find it. Young gives the viewer all of that and so much more.

O’Connor as Paul is also a complex character hiding behind the pain of what he wants for himself and what is expected of him by his family. He clearly cares so much for Jane and enjoys being with her to the point that they are both willing to get caught. O’Connor has the unique ability to give his character the face of a tortured man hiding within a well-dressed English gentleman.

Firth as Mr. Niven has clearly had pain within his own family and enjoys having Jane around yet would do nothing to stop her from succeeding in life. It is clear that Niven trusts her and seems a bit curious but never crosses the line to ask. The scene in the car with Jane as they drive back to the house is tissue worthy because it is a car filled to the brim of sadness.

Colman as Clarrie is hiding her own deep family pain. She never really says much to Jane but when she does, the words spoken are like a brick to Jane. I just love Colman and having her with Firth is just delightful and secretly I did want more from her character but when you know the story, you understand.

Dirius as Donald is a man who falls hard for the writer Jane. He wants to know everything and share everything with her. Together they make such a lovely couple and when it is time for them to embrace another impact of life, they do so together and amazingly full of love.

MOTHERING SUNDAY is a period piece and that is right up my genre alley. That being said, it is also a story of love, the class system England of that time, pain, sadness, success and realizations. I started out watching the film sitting up and ended up curled up cuddling a pillow to the very end. That’s how you know I was entirely invested in these characters.

The costuming, cars, cinematography and soundtrack and just so rich adding another layer of texture to this multi-layered emotional story. Who could want anything more from a tale such as this?

In the end – it is Jane’s journey.

 

 

The Story Can Be Told About THE TRAITOR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Marco Bellocchio and Sony Pictures Classics comes the of a man who knew to much and became THE TRAITOR.

Cosa Nostra Tommaso Buscetta (Pierfrancesco Favino) gathers his family and friends to say goodbye to Palermo, Italy, as he makes his plans to start a new life in Brazil. This also includes starting a new family with wife Cristina (Maria Fernanda Candido) as his older sons prove to have drug problems he doesn’t want to take with him. He entrusts them to friend Pippo Calo (Fabrizio Ferracane) who has always known the boys.

Believing he has left the ‘family business’ in good hands, it becomes clear that rival Toto Riina (Cali Nocla) has different ideas. Attack after attack on many of the families, it finally arrives at his doorstep. The Brazilian officials arrest Tommaso and threatens his wife until he agrees to turn on everyone else.

Preparing for the trip, now Tommaso is attacked and knows that they new Cosa Nostra leadership is making it clear that he can be got to. Arriving in Italy, he is met by Giovanni Falcone (Fausto Russo Alesi) who listens to hours and hours of how Tommaso came into power and an odd friendship is created. The only other person to go along with Tommaso is Contorno (Luigi Lo Cascio).

Once in front of a judge and other bosses in cages behind him, Tommaso lets loose everything he knows – from drugs to murders, everything is out on the table and he doesn’t hold back. When it becomes painfully clear who is responsible for what happened to his sons, Tommaso goes full force to pay them back in pain and long lives in prison.

Never mess with a man’s family!

Favino as Buscetta had his time in the sun and moving to Brazil was a way to spend time with his family and walk away from the madness. The problem is that others had their own plans and they included the madness that would happen to Buscetta. I enjoyed Favino’s portrayal as he throws caution to the wind and comes totally clean without missing a beat. The scenes in the courtroom are particularly entertaining.

Candido as Maria is a woman who understands what her husband does and looks the other way. She wants a quiet life in Brazil as well but when it comes like a sledgehammer to her door, she still stands behind her husband and waits patiently for the madness to end. Ferracane as Calo is Tommaso’s longtime trusted friend, but it only takes a second for that trust to be broken. The give and take between the two actors in the courtroom are brilliant.

Cascio as Contorno is a man who seems to have had enough of the madness as well. As everyone is watching Tommaso’s committing the ultimate sin of turning on the family, they weren’t keeping a close eye on Contorno who has plans of his own.

Other cast include Nicola Cali as Toto Riina, Giovanni Calcagno as Tano Badalamenti, Bruno Cariello as Alfonso Giordano, Bebo Storti as Franco Coppi, Vincenzo Pirrotta as Luciano Liggio, Goffredo Maria Bruno as Stefano Bontate, Gabriele Circirello as Benedetto Buscetta, Paride Cicirello as Antonio Buscetta, Elia Schilton as Giornalista, Alessio Pratico as Scarpuzzedda.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.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 TRAITOR is the story of Tommaso Buscetta who became the first person to ever betray the Sicilian Mafia. Living the life of the mafia in Italy, he trades it for another life in Brazil until he realizes that he can never just walk away without constant fear and paranoia. From 1986 to 1992, the trials went on as Buscetta is not the only one to give up the secrets of Sicily.

Once the trail is over, Buscetta runs off to the U.S. to enter the witness protection program but that’s another life he hadn’t seen coming. All of this because the mafia went to far with his family and with each attempt, Buscetta told the judges anything and everything they wanted to know. As the organized crime fell apart, he went after political officials and still lived to tell about it.

In the end – his two worlds collided!

AFTER THE WEDDING Brings the Past Present

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Bart Freundlich and Sony Pictures Classics comes a family that once was and what can be AFTER THE WEDDING.

Isabel (Michelle Williams) is living in Kolkata, India and a co-founder of an orphanage that is in serious need of funding. In New York, Theresa Young (Julianne Moore) is a woman who not only has made a lot of money but is about to sell her business to come into even more money. She contacts Isabel asking her to come to New York to discuss the details.

Isabel steps into a world wind as Theresa is also in the middle of planning the wedding of her daughter Grace (Abby Quinn). Thinking the deal was done, it is upsetting to Isabel to learn that it might not be the case. Theresa wants to get to know her better an invites her to the wedding.

Arriving a little late, Isabel settles in to witness the rest of the ceremony and looking around she sees Theresa and her husband Oscar (Billy Crudup) and is shocked. It quickly becomes clear that she knows him which means a past trust has been broken.

Now there are three adults that need to talk about what has happened in the past and how it will affect the future. Grace learns about the secrets Isabel, Theresa and Oscar are hiding but one secret leads to another. Time is something none of them have as they each must decide how far forgiveness and family are to go.

Williams as Isabel is a quiet woman who wants what is best for the orphanage and the children she wishes to help. When their funding runs low, she must decide how important life in India is and what she will give up to keep it all going. Williams has the unique ability to keep a strong face when her character’s past comes knocking. Then again there isn’t a performance where I have much wrong to say about Williams, she is amazing.

Moore as Theresa is a woman making changes in her life selling her business, raising twin boys, marriage to Oscar and putting on a wedding for Grace. An actress that always put something more into a role that shines through, once again Moore gives us everything and so much more. Opposite Williams it is two of the best in a story that challenges every human emotion.

Crudup as Oscar is a man with a past and now it is come front and center deserving answers. He is rather calm and collected for a man who’s world is about to come crashing in different directions. Of course his decisions of the past don’t cause him to be sorry in the present either. Yes, I’m being vague; I mean I can’t give you everything!

Quinn as Grace is the one who is confronted with the secrets but then again she might have one of her own about her own life choices. Quinn gives a strong performance trying to fit all the pieces together so she can also find peace.

Other cast include Azhy Robertson as Otto, Alex Esola as Jonathan, Alex Cranmer as Eddie, Eisa Davis as Tanya, Susan Blackwell as Gwen, Mackenzie Owens as young Grace, Jeff Kim as Simon and Greta Quispe as Cibele.

AFTER THE WEDDING comes face to face with three adults and life choices. Of course some are difficult and some are life-altering but then again that is life itself right? We all do things we wish could have been changed somewhere along the line and there are family issues we don’t want to think about any more than we have to. That is the case with this film.

Isabel, Theresa and Oscar are connected on so many levels by those choices and these three actors brought the pain front and center forcing us to become involved whether we want to or not. That is because everything they are saying and feeling we have all said or felt in some shape or form so we want them to do better. Perhaps we want it all to be cleaner than our own situations but then again that would make the film fantasy wouldn’t it.

AFTER THE WEDDING will test heartstrings, bring tears and make us all ask ourselves ‘what would I do?’ The conversation is there to be had and that’s what makes this film worthy to watch.

In the end – every family has secrets!

PARIS CAN WAIT Reminds Us to Live!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Eleanor Coppola and Sony Pictures Classics is a feast for the eyes and the mind when PARIS CAN WAIT.

Anne (Diane Lane) has an extremely busy life currently in France. Married for over twenty years to producer husband Michael (Alec Baldwin), she takes care of his peccadilloes and schedule. When Michael is called away to deal with an emergency situation, they decide to meet up in Paris in seven hours.

Not feeling well, Anne decides that flying to Paris isn’t going to work. Friend Jacques (Arnaud Viard) volunteers to drive her but she isn’t sure that is such a good idea. Immediately Jacques begins the conversation wanting to know how she feels about life. Of course that gets cut short with their first stop because – well Jacques wants to eat.

Anne wonders how they are ever going to get to Paris in seven hours, especially when they are forced to spend the night at a small hotel. Michael is frustrated that she is not in Paris yet, not that he is either. Inviting Anne to dinner, they enjoy wine and good food and she lets her hair down just a little.

This won’t be the first stop as their two day journey gives Anne time to relax, take photos and understand that stopping to smell the roses can be a good thing, especially if Jacques has anything to do with it.

It is never too late to regain a lust for life!

Lane as Anne is once again taking the role of a woman who gets caught up in what’s good for everyone else. Lost in the maze of things that has to be done for others, this character has become numb to being equally as caught up in her self. Yes, we have seen this kind of role from Lane before but let me say this, as a woman of a certain age myself; it is these roles that Lane reminds me to zest up my own life.

Viard as Jacques is the wild and crazy friend/driver who has a strong feeling about everything. He sits back and breathes, drinks wine, drives a little crazy, sees the beauty in an old building and even smokes when he knows he shouldn’t. The way he treats his friends is so lovely and he makes it all look so easy. Of course it should be as the lessons Jacque teaches with grace and funny style.

Baldwin as Michael is a very needy individual! He knows that Anne is a pro at taking care of him, so much so she can tell where his glasses are in a suitcase that is no where near her! How many women do you know that can do that – right – a lot of us. Calling Anne during her road trip he hints that Jacques might not have been a good choice to drive (which is something I think significant others say when feeling insecure). It’s a small role for Baldwin and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Other cast include Elise Tielrooy as Martine, Linda Gegusch as Anne Marie, Elodie Navarre as Carol and Cedric Monnet as Gardien de Musee.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings amazing quality motion picture and television productions. Such films as BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, UNDERWORLD BLOOD WARS and PASSENGERS also available for your home entertainment library – there is so much more. To see more of what they have to offer please visit www.sonypictures.com.

The DVD includes the Special Features of Deleted Scenes, Through Anne’s Lens: A Photo Gallery, Indulging the Senses: Filming a Trip Through France, and Late Bloomer: Eleanor Coppola Directs.

PARIS CAN WAIT is a film about remembering who we are, especially when caught up in being something for everyone else but ourselves. Lane, although overwhelmed with life, gives this character strength and the ability to bend when the realizing that life can be lovely kicks in.

I love the relationship that builds between Lane’s and Jacques characters. They are the definition of yin and yang but it’s clear that they had something to learn from each other. That’s what makes a romantic comedy memorable! Yes there is the funny, the back and forth but it is in those scenes where all that it set aside and changes happen that capture my heart.

In the end – take a break and journey with love and friendship through France!