It’s all Out Wrestling When FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray/DVD and Digital from writer/director Stephen Merchant and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a story of family, friends and a little bit of wrestling when FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY.

The Knight family is a little different than most families living in England. Led by Dad Ricky Knight (Nick Frost) and Mom Julia (Lena Headey), their kids Zak (Jack Lowden) and Saraya (Florence Pugh) go around the country with their own brand of wrestling to take care of the family.

Their goal is getting the WWE to watch a tape of their wrestling so that Zak and Saraya can get their shot. In the meantime they all do their part and even teach other kids about wrestling.

One day they get the call they have been waiting for when the WWE come to town giving Zak and Saraya a chance to show what they’ve got. Getting a few pointers from The Rock (Dwayne Johnson), they are excited to begin. Judged by Coach Hutch (Vince Vaughn), it doesn’t take long before a decision is made and Saraya changes her name to Paige and heads to Florida to NXT training.

The Knight family is beside themselves and their business also begins to pick up. Paige is having a difficult time with training and isn’t sure who she is in this wrestling world as it’s nothing like back home. She isn’t getting much in the way of friendship from the other girls Jeri-Lynn (Kim Matula), Kirsten (Aqueela Zoll) and Madison (Ellie Gonsalves).

When it all seems to be falling apart, Paige must learn who to trust, who to listen to and what to believe about herself if she is ever going to be a true Diva!

Pugh as Saraya aka Paige is a fighter that comes from a family who believe in everything wrestling. They live and breathe it only wanting to be a part of something that they see as their salvation. Pugh portrays Paige as a young woman that wants to please everyone and at the same time doesn’t quite know how to fit into this world she was raised on. Her performance is strong and sweet at the same time, just like her character.

Lowden as Zack believes in wrestling with his heart and soul. Putting everything into it and then expecting a family of his own, he wants to succeed and make their lives easier. There comes a time when he sees his life turning on him and after losing one brother to prison could quite easily follow. The truth isn’t easy but needed to be heard.

Vaughn as Hutch is a hard-ass coach who doesn’t take excuses and certainly doesn’t dish out sympathy. He has one job and that’s to make the incoming WWE wrestlers steadfast and with their eye on the prize. Vaughn gets a chance to show that he can play someone who doesn’t have the luxury of being emotional. I like him in this role.

Frost as Ricky is a Dad who came from a questionable early life but turned it all around. He raised his family to do everything together, include wrestling, and doesn’t mind one bit if they all seem a bit different than everybody else. Headey as Julia is a Mom to beat all Moms, seeing wrestling as something that saved her life she also is a Mom who wants her children to be happy no matter what ever path they chose to follow.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gets a chance to steal a few scenes and I loved when he was. Especially the scene when Zak and Paige meet him for the first time – a geek out moment that he responds to as only he can.

Other cast includes: Thea Trinidad as AJ Lee, Paul Wight as Big Show, Stephen Farrelly as Sheamus, Josh Myers as Bruiser, Stephen Merchant as Hugh, Hannah Rae as Courtney, Jack Gouldbourne as Calum, Elroy Powell as Union Jack, Mohammad Amiri as Ez, Leah Harvey as Hannah and a special appearance by John Cena.

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

The Bluray/DVD Bonus Features include Deleted & Extended Scenes, Gag Reel, A Family’s Passion: A Making Of, Learning the Moves, and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Stephen Merchant.

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY is a look at an unusual family I see as not so unusual. They definitely have their own style and outlook but they have found something that joins the family together. What makes me laugh the most is they don’t care who doesn’t understand their love of wrestling and personally go out of their way to explain it all and reel in almost anyone.

Each member of the family believes in the other no matter what mistakes are made and reaches out to those who see themselves as different embracing them. I just love watching Zak and Saraya teach these kids how to be part of a group, a team and don’t believe in limitations.

It’s an amazing story about a family to be sure but also about Paige, a young girl who takes on the WWE world but takes a tough road to find her place and that makes the victory all the sweeter.

In the end – meet and outsider who changed the game!

THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB: A New Dragon Tattoo Story

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Fede Alvarez and Columbia Pictures is a continuation story of someone who finds herself once again as THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB.

Lisbeth Salander (Claire Foy) has once again become invisible although wanted by the police. Making it her goal to stop innocent people from being hurt, she manages to do so while faded into the background…but not for long.

She is approached by Frans Balder (Stephen Merchant) who has created a program called Firewall when he was a NSA employee. This program has nuclear codes all over the world and now believes that he created a monster that everyone else wants to control. He asks Lisbeth to retrieve it so it can be destroyed.

She agrees and gets inside the NSA’s computer as a horrified Edwin Neeham (Lakeith Stanfield), NSA security, looks on trying to stop it. He immediately locates where the hack has come from and leaves for Europe. Neeham isn’t the only one looking for Firewall as Lisbeth is attacked. She turns to Mikael Blomkvist (Sverrir Gudnason), the Millennium journalist and even though their relationship turned rocky, she trusts him. He discovers that a group of Russian criminals are after Firewall.

Keeping track of Balder, she also worries for his young son August (Christopher Convery) as who ever else wants Firewall would have no trouble killing him. Keeping him safe becomes important to Lisbeth even if her hardened shell is still in tact.

Blomkvist turns to Gabriella Grane (Synnove Lund), Deputy Director of the Swedish Secret Service to discover who the men are with the spider tattoos. She has her own agenda keeping an eye on Neeham who she believes is also looking for Lisbeth.

With the cat and mouse happening between she, the spider tattoo goons and Neeham, there is one person she never expected to see. Someone from her past who has picked up the mantel of a father who is responsible for how Lisbeth came to be – Camilla (Sylvia Hoeks).

Lisbeth Salander makes no exceptions for evil!

Foy as Salander gives a stoic performance in the role of a character that doesn’t show much emotion. Everything that she shares emotion wise is all in her eyes. With every plan you can see the wheels turning jumping the track whenever she needs to change gears. This is a far cry from her comfy life in highly successful series The Crown but that’s the point of growing as an actress – bowl cut your hair and don’t be afraid to jump on a motorcycle.

Merchant as Balder is a man clearly afraid that those who have Firewall are going to use it to harm more than protect. Balder’s role might not be a big one but it sets the story up for his castmate.  Convery as August is a young boy who is as smart as his father but that doesn’t mean his fate isn’t being determined but someone smart but psychotic. This character is like Lisbeth in that he keeps his emotions in check trusting that he will get home to his mother.

Stanfield as Neeham panics when he sees Firewall has been hacked and knows the only thing he can do is find out who took it and why. Neeham’s character is just as determined as Lisbeth but he has one obstacle. Lund as Grane is the SAPO and has already threatened Neeham with deportation if he tries to interfere with the investigation but trust goes only so far.

Gudnason as Blomkvist is thrilled to hear from Lisbeth because his feelings for her haven’t changed. At the same time, the journalist in him sees the potential of cracking open the mystery of what is happening by following Lisbeth forward. Hoeks as Camilla is the sister none of us wants to deal with. The history that Camilla and Lisbeth share is of two survivors of an abusive father – one turns to trying to save others while the other turns to destruction. Hoeks is completely disturbing in her portrayal and scenes with Foy are intense.

Other cast include Carlotta von Falkenhayn as a young Camilla, Vicky Krieps as Erika Berger, Cameron Britton as Plague, Andreia Pelic as Maria, and Mikael Persbrandt as Zalachenko.

Let me first get this out of the way, the Noomi Rapace is my Lisbeth Salander and in 2008 when THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was released I could not have been more thrilled with the film. This was followed months later with THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE and months later with THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST. This was the best three films I have ever seen and all released in one year proving that it is possible to make stunning films without two and three year gaps.

In 2011, the remake hit the theatres with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO and as much as I enjoy these two actors, I wasn’t thrilled with the film. I don’t mind saying it either, there was absolutely no reason to remake it and I could not get behind the choice for Lisbeth Salander.

The choice of Claire Foy as the new Lisbeth Salander has one thing in her favor, this isn’t a remake. Instead it’s actually more of an explanation of where this character came from and how the past is never far behind any of us. Foy captures bits of the 2009 Salander but clearly makes her own mark as well.

As for the film, I enjoyed it but also have to say that the plot was fairly straight forward and slightly predictable. I feel as if I’ve seen these plot points before in other films and wished there was more umph to it. The action is definitely something I would expect to see in the Millennium series and the film lives up to that most certainly.

Understand that with the death of the series creator Steig Larsson in 2004, the characters are picked up by David Lagercrantz. This is his first novel taking over the series and it was released in 2015. It is not an easy thing to bring in another writer to keep a series going because, and let’s be honest, they aren’t Larsson. That being said Lagercrantz manages to keep Lisbeth Salander alive by bringing her past forward for us all to understand. He also seemed to take great care in being true to the complexities created by Larsson

For those who love the Millennium series, this new story and film is interesting and full of action. Foy gives Salander new life and if they plan to continue the films, keep the stories fresh and the fan base will stay true.

In the end – the past never forgets!

Welcome to the Reception and TABLE 19 on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray/DVD and Digital HD this week from director Jeffrey Blitz, the comedy writing of Jay and Mark Duplass and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the best group at TABLE 19.

Preparing for a weekend getaway wedding, Eloise (Anna Kendrick) isn’t as happy as one would think. Also invited is Walter Thimple (Stephen Merchant), the Kepp’s Bina (Lisa Kudrow) and Jerry (Craig Robinson), Rezno Eckberg (Tony Revolori) and former nanny Jo Flanagan (June Squibb).

Showing up in their wedding finery, they head to the reception discovering they are all being seated at table 19 in the back of the hall. Spending a few moments making introductions, Eloise shows up and proceeds to lay it on thick.

She informs them all that she was once the maid-of-honor but broke up with boyfriend Teddy (Wyatt Russell) who happens to be the brother of the bride. Stunning her table-mates with her forwardness, Eloise gets a bit brutal informing them of why they are at Table 19.

Bina and Jerry spend time snipping at one another, Walter can’t seem to answer direct questions put to him; Rezno has a mother who pushes him to find a girl at the reception and Nanny Jo has tales to tell of the bride and her brother.

Eloise tries to forget that she’s in the same room with Teddy and it is everyone at table 19 who stands by her – and each other. The most unlikely table becomes the most likely to find the true meaning of friendship.

Kendrick as Eloise is endearing and has a biting wit that gets her into a bit of trouble. Losing brides maid status is the least of Eloise’s’ problems yet sitting at table 19 offers her more than she could have ever expected. Kendrick has the awesome knack of bringing relatability to a character and even when she’s being a tad wretched, she easily receives forgiveness.

Kudrow as Bina is a woman clearly unhappy with the way her life is turning out. Feeling alienated from the young married life she remembers is causing a rift now. Kudrow gives us her funny side mixed in with a motherly attitude towards the group. Robinson as Jerry seems to have become fixed in his life as a diner owner and book reader but that’s only on the surface.

Russell as Teddy has a magazine rack full of issues and wishes Eloise would just go away so he won’t have to deal with any of them. Merchant as Thimple is absolutely hilarious as his story unfolds. He starts as the odd man out who isn’t as odd as people may think. Revolori as Rezno is a young man clearly trying to find his way through life and at table 19 he’s doing it wearing a furry tie. He is a straight forward character who clearly needs to break free!

Squibb as Nanny Jo is the jewel in this film, the icing on the wedding cake and the stuff that older lady’s are made of. I loved every moment of her performance and no one could have ever done it better. She is amazing and all I could think is how cool it would be to hang out with a Nanny Jo.

Other cast include Margo Martindale as Rezno’s mother Freda, Thomas Cocquerel as Huck, Andrew Daly as Luke Pfaffler, and Maria Thayer as Kate Milner.

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

TABLE 19 is a quirky, twisted, hilarious, heartfelt, jaw drop of a story filled with moments that are so relatable for anyone who has ever attended a reception. None of this surprises me as the Duplass brothers have once again brought every range of emotion in one afternoon. If anything else, the next time anyone attends a reception after seeing the film will wonder why they are at their assigned table.

Of course I’m leaving out a lot of detail because I had such a good time watching this film that I want everyone to enjoy it as well. This cast is just magical bringing out the best and worst of their characters only to discover that we are all broken in some way or another. This is the film you share with everyone because every minute is relatable!

The Bluray and DVD Special Features includes Deleted Scenes of Carol Milner Kills It, Cousin Donny Toasts It, Infamous Kate Works It and Table 19 Swings It and the Featurettes Table of Rejects, Head of the Table and Table for Six. Make sure to give the special features a look because it adds so much more to the film.

Quick to judge, quick to anger, quick to run and quick to realize that we all need one another to get through the craziness of life. These characters just remind us to have a sense of humor while it all plays out the way it’s supposed to. So, get some cake and gladly sit up at TABLE 19.

In the end – you are invited to the wedding of the season.

Welcome to the Reception and TABLE 19

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from director Jeffrey Blitz, the comedy writing of Jay and Mark Duplass and Fox Searchlight Pictures is the best group at TABLE 19.

Preparing for a weekend getaway wedding, Eloise (Anna Kendrick) isn’t as happy as one would think. Also invited is Walter Thimple (Stephen Merchant), the Kepp’s Bina (Lisa Kudrow) and Jerry (Craig Robinson), Rezno Eckberg (Tony Revolori) and former nanny Jo Flanagan (June Squibb).

Showing up in their wedding finery, they head to the reception discovering they are all being seated at table 19 in the back of the hall. Spending a few moments making introductions, Eloise shows up and proceeds to lay it on thick.

She informs them all that she was once the maid-of-honor but broke up with boyfriend Teddy (Wyatt Russell) who happens to be the brother of the bride. Stunning her table-mates with her forwardness, Eloise gets a bit brutal informing them of why they are at Table 19.

Bina and Jerry spend time snipping at one another, Walter can’t seem to answer direct questions put to him; Rezno has a mother who pushes him to find a girl at the reception and Nanny Jo has tales to tell of the bride and her brother.

Eloise tries to forget that she’s in the same room with Teddy and it is everyone at table 19 who stands by her – and each other. The most unlikely table becomes the most likely to find the true meaning of friendship.

Kendrick as Eloise is endearing and has a biting wit that gets her into a bit of trouble. Losing brides maid status is the least of Eloise’s’ problems yet sitting at table 19 offers her more than she could have ever expected. Kendrick has the awesome knack of bringing relatability to a character and even when she’s being a tad wretched, she easily receives forgiveness.

Kudrow as Bina is a woman clearly unhappy with the way her life is turning out. Feeling alienated from the young married life she remembers is causing a rift now. Kudrow gives us her funny side mixed in with a motherly attitude towards the group. Robinson as Jerry seems to have become fixed in his life as a diner owner and book reader but that’s only on the surface.

Russell as Teddy has a magazine rack full of issues and wishes Eloise would just go away so he won’t have to deal with any of them. Merchant as Thimple is absolutely hilarious as his story unfolds. He starts as the odd man out who isn’t as odd as people may think. Revolori as Rezno is a young man clearly trying to find his way through life and at table 19 he’s doing it wearing a furry tie. He is a straight forward character who clearly needs to break free!

Squibb as Nanny Jo is the jewel in this film, the icing on the wedding cake and the stuff that older lady’s are made of. I loved every moment of her performance and no one could have ever done it better. She is amazing and all I could think is how cool it would be to hang out with a Nanny Jo.

Other cast include Margo Martindale as Rezno’s mother Freda, Thomas Cocquerel as Huck, Andrew Daly as Luke Pfaffler, and Maria Thayer as Kate Milner.

TABLE 19 is a quirky, twisted, hilarious, heartfelt, jaw drop of a story filled with moments that are so relatable for anyone who has ever attended a reception. None of this surprises me as the Duplass brothers have once again brought every range of emotion in one afternoon. If anything else, the next time anyone attends a reception after seeing the film will wonder why they are at their assigned table.

Of course I’m leaving out a lot of detail because I had such a good time watching this film that I want everyone to enjoy it as well. This cast is just magical bringing out the best and worst of their characters only to discover that we are all broken in some way or another.

Quick to judge, quick to anger, quick to run and quick to realize that we all need one another to get through the craziness of life. These characters just remind us to have a sense of humor while it all plays out the way it’s supposed to. So, get some cake and be a part of TABLE 19.

In the end – you are invited to the wedding of the season.