It is a World ALTERED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and coming to VOD from writer/director Timo Vuorensola and Well Go USA comes the sci-fi futuristic world that is ALTERED.

In this post-war world there are two types of people, those who are genetically perfect and those who are not. Leon (Tom Felton), an inventor, is of the people who are considered not worthy (specials) of being with the genetically perfect. Born with a disability, he has found himself a place in the world that doesn't see him but he can invent devices to help people. What keeps him motivated forward is Chloe (Lizza Bugulova), a young girl who has a connection with Leon as he looks to take care of her.

A person Chloe looks up to, besides Leon, is pop singer Mira (Aggy K. Adams) who sings for those who truly need to be heard. Through a strange circumstance, Leon, Chloe and Mira find themselves together realizing that Hughes (Igor Jilikin) is out to destroy all those who he deems imperfect but he isn’t the only one. There are politicians that are using genetics for nefarious purposes as Leon, Chloe and now Mira decide it is time to expose it all and holding those accountable.

Everyone loves an underdog!

Felton as Leon takes on a role that looks to be a combination of being part of the story, fun and even a bit of comedy. Starting out as someone in a wheelchair to inventing something that gets him on his feet, there is a bit of Tony Stark in there and I’m all for it. I realize there are a lot of people wanting to continually compare Felton to his role in the Harry Potter films but I say we get past that. He has, since 2011 and the end of the Potter films, taken on so many different roles and 30 projects since then. This is a very well-done role in the sci-fi world Felton kept my attention from start to finish.

Bugulova as Chloe is quite the little spitfire and finds a home with Leon. They work together to survive the world around them and do it brilliantly. It is she who brings attention to her protector that something must be done to bring awareness of what is happening around them. Like any young person, she wants the world to change destroyers destroyed. I thoroughly enjoyed Bugulova’s performance and her going all-fan over Mira the pop singer had me giggling.

Adams as Mira is the pop star that has everyone trying to go to her concert (very Swiftie-ish) but getting a ticket is near impossible for the ‘specials’. Mira soon discovers that the world off the stage has become unbearable for the specials and that there is secrecy that only she and Leon can uncover. Adams is just as fiery as Bugulova and that makes it fun to watch Felton’s character surrounded by two very strong women.  

Other cast include Daniyar Alshinov, Aleksey Filimonov, Atamura Mussakhanoy, Linda Nigmatulina, Yelzhas Rakhim and Richard Blake as Frank Kessler.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

ALTERED is an unusual mix of sci-fi, cyberpunk and narrative that could easily fit in to what is happening today. It brings front and centered the unequal balance between those with disabilities and those who can afford the best medical care. The film also speaks to how those in power do their best to push those that could be considered homeless even further into the outcast of society. In this tale there is no middle ground or middle class, it is the haves and have-nots clearly.

The story that director Vuorensola tells is one that is clearly defined but also makes sure to put a cape on Leon, a man with disabilities. Those in power absolutely don’t see him coming but realize that he could be a big problem (sound familiar?). I enjoy the story between Leon and Chloe because it does show that connection is something that those who are trying to ruin them do not have. ALTERED is a visual treat for sci-fi fans absolutely with set designs that fall right in line with Leon’s character as an inventor and I enjoyed that very much.

In the end – fight for those who cannot!

OPHELIA Tells Another Story

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Claire McCarthy and IFC Films comes her life from a different point of view with OPHELIA.

Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) is a young spirited girl who is being raised by father Polonius (Dominic Mafham) and devoted to brother Laertes (Tom Felton). Not exactly lady-like as most women in court, it is Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) who embraces the motherless girl.

Hamlet (George MacKay) also has an eye for Ophelia but knows they can't be together. Feeling she is not a beautiful as other women in the court, Ophelia is often taunted by lady-in-waiting Cristiana (Daisy Head).

While away with friend Horatio (Devon Terrell), Hamlet learns that his father has died. Before he arrives, Uncle Claudius (Clive Owen) has not only taken the throne but married Gertrude.

Hamlet rekindles his feelings for Ophelia but they both know that something isn't right in court. There are secrets, plots, ghosts, potions and when Hamlet makes a fatal error, the young couple has no choice but to call out those responsible.

Their love carries the highest price of all!

Ridley as Ophelia takes this iconic character of tragedy and dives deep into another perspective of the happenings in court. Keenly aware that she isn't high-born, this telling of Ophelia gives her survival instincts and the ability know when to speak and when to stay silent. Ridley embraces it all and gives a stellar performance that, frankly, blew me away.

Watts as Gertrude has the opportunity to also tell another side of her story in a way that is both shocking and completely sad. The duality of her role is based in desires, sadness and torn between what she wants and what is happening around her. All of this affecting the life of her only son Hamlet.

Owen as Claudius has the opportunity to be cruel, ruthless and a plotting fiend. Not that Owen hasn't had the opportunity to have those traits in other roles, just not all at the same time so perfectly. Claudius clearly has one goal - castle domination.

MacKay as Hamlet is taken with Ophelia and he would do anything to protect her, even leave the castle. Returning under circumstances that are entirely questionable, he decides to take control of his fate and love for Ophelia. Claudius keeps his eye on Hamlet and one tragic effect gives the twisted king an opportunity to tighten his grip on the throne. MacKay gives Hamlet such heart and a man with a plan. 

Felton as Laertes is a devoted brother who wants the best for his sister but at the same time wants to get as far away as possible from the castle and the mayhem inside it. Felton takes more steps away from the wizarding world and shows his scientific chops in this role.

Head as Cristiana is the lady-in-waiting that is the weight around Ophelia's neck. Terrell as Horatio is Hamlet's friend and his main role is to keep the prince out of trouble and making sure Ophelia knows his true heart.

Other cast include: Sebastian De Souza as Edmund, Martin Angerbauer as Guildenstern, Noel Czuczor as Rosencrantz, Rupesh Tillu as Yorick, Angela Nwagbo as Viola, Anna Rust as Young Mechtild, Jack Cunningham-Nuttall as Young Hamlet and Mia Quiney as Young Ophelia.

Director McCarthy takes from the adaptation by Semi Chellas. This producer and writer is also known for The Romanoff’s, Mad Men and American Woman.

This telling of young Ophelia stays on target to what she sees, hears, experiences and brings that all together in this film. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, she has her part to play but in truth the story isn't about her, only the effects of what happened to her. OPHELIA is intelligent, lovely and cinematically ethereal.

Ridley and MacKay play the star crossed lovers in a very sweet way but are both being torn in directions that keep moving them closer together emotionally but farther apart physically. They both know who is responsible but each can only do their part from their stations in life. This story of Ophelia is smart and still staying with the twists and turns of the Shakespeare tale.

In the end - experience Hamlet through her eyes!

A UNITED KINGDOM Stands for Love and a Country on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray and DVD from director Amma Asante and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment comes a story of love and country along with A UNITED KINGDOM.

Studying law in 1940’s Britain, Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) is out one night with friends when he sees Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike). They begin seeing one another much to the displeasure of Ruth’s parents and even more so when she tells them she is engaged.

One announcement he does make to Ruth is that he is Prince Seretse Khama of Bechuanaland and he would soon need to return to his country. Thrilled at the prospect of joining him, the couple begins to make plans. What they don’t count on is the reaction of those around them because of the differences in the color of their skin.

Ruth’s father makes it clear that if she goes, he will disown her which upsets her mother and sister. Seretse’s Uncle Tshekedi Khama (Vusi Kunene) who has been regent of their people while the prince has been away at college is furious and claims the tribe will now allow it.

Returning to Seretse’s homeland in South Africa, his Uncle wastes no time in expressing himself as Ruth is berated by Ella Khama (Abena Ayivor) and his sister Naledi Khama (Terry Pheto). Thinking nothing else could possible happen, Seretse’s Uncle tries to stir up the villagers to turn against their future King.

That is when Sir Alistair Canning (Jack Davenport) and Rufus Lancaster (Tom Felton) begin to use the strong arm of politics to try and break the couple apart. But Seretse begins to discover that there is perhaps something even more sinister behind their plan to bring more than a couple under their rule.

Tricking Seretse into returning to Britain to work on the matter, a time of exile begins and the fight to protect their own country as they call upon the international community to help restore what would become the Republic of Botswana.

Oyelowo as Seretse gives a strong performance as a man unwilling to be told by either side who to love or how to rule. He portrays a man who thinks carefully before reacting and believes in the premise that left unchecked; Britain could take what belongs to his people. I enjoyed Oyelowo’s portrayal of this man who was before his time.

Pike as Ruth portrays a woman who is also before her time. Learning that the opposition of being with Seretse was hated on both sides, she still chooses to stand by her husband and the country that adopts her in the end. Pike’s performance gives us only a taste of what it must have been like and that is more than enough to know that the beginning of their life was difficult beyond belief.

Kunene as Tshekedi Khama is set in his traditional ways and is the catalyst for Britain do try and take what is not theirs. Ayivor as Ella Khama has a spiteful tongue having no difficulty in telling Ruth what she thinks but then again family is always the first to have an opinion.

Pheto as the King’s sister Naledi Khama is not happy at first believing their people would never accept a white Queen. Once she becomes aware of how everyone, both black and white, are treating Ruth, it is time someone was on her sister-in-law’s side.

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.

A UNITED KINGDOM includes the Bonus Features of Making of A United Kingdom, Filming in Botswana, The Legacy of Seretse and Ruth and London Film Festival Opening Night Gala Premier.

A UNITED Kingdom is a story of two people who were unwilling to give either side the satisfaction they sought. Whether through the color of their skin, the politics or the under handedness of mining their land – they may have stumbled but did not fall.

This history of King Khama is complex enough yet the film gives us all a look that makes looking further into the story a must. The performances of the film are strong and do not sugar coat in any way the issues of the 1940’s both in Britain and in Botswana.

Yet the strength of these two people brings both the hope and the belief that when facing injustice head on, something has to give!

In the end – it is the story of a love that shook an empire!