TOMBSTONE Returns on 4K Digital

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now on 4K through Digital (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home) from director George P. Cosmatos and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the return of the classic western TOMBSTONE.

Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) is a man everyone knows as a retired officer of the law. It is 1879 and Wyatt meets up with his brothers Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton) in Tucson, Arizona. Deciding to settle down, they are joined by Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) who is ill with tuberculosis. The brothers decide to open up a saloon and casino to make their fortune. It doesn’t take long before they encounter the infamous Cowboys. Curly Bill (Powers Boothe) is one of them and during a stagger, he shoots the town marshal.

Watching him get away with murder, Virgil becomes the new marshal banning weapons in the city limits. Although Wyatt is in a relationship with Mattie (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson) who has a big problem, he finds himself drawn to the lovely actress Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany) who is in town performing with Mr. Fabian (Billy Zane). The Cowboys are going after the Earp brothers leading to a gunfight that brings the family in danger. If they think the brothers are going to go down easy, they don’t know the Earp brothers that includes Doc.

Now, the Cowboys are on the run because there is a new marshal in town and he vowed to put an end to the Cowboys reign of madness. A few of them have crossed over to Wyatt’s side and the chase is on. Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) is determined to fight on as Doc begins to fall from his illness. Taking respite at rancher Henry Hooker’s (Charlton Heston) place, one move change everything for Wyatt and his family cementing their names in history.

Russell as Wyatt is cool as a cucumber, until it is time not to be. Wanting to get away from being a lawman, he found that money owning a saloon and casino. Russell plays his role by watching everything that happens around him and sees things others might not notice which is why he is quick to draw when necessary. I just love his portrayal of Wyatt and the strength to lead his family. Even as things fall apart for him personally, Russell gives us a leader, strategist and a man who will protect his family at all costs. It is riveting to watch the story unfold and Russell’s part in the story.

Elliott as Virgil is, and let’s be honest, sheer perfection. He fits in a western with his southern drawl and tall presence so playing Virgil works. Portraying Virgil, he is a family man and wants to do what’s best for his family. When they are in danger, Elliott’s Virgil becomes a lawman with Wyatt keeping and eye on everything. Anything Elliott does is very cool indeed so having him as part of this cast is iconic. Paxton as Morgan believes in Wyatt and trusts that he will do the right thing. He sees Wyatt as the leader of the family and follows when it is time to take on the bad guys, Paxton’s Virgil is right in the mix.

Kilmer as Doc Holliday created a memorable character with line delivery that are said even today thirty years later. This role brings a sickly man with a southern drawl who would do absolutely anything for Wyatt. He sees him as a brother and Kilmer is spot on from the moment he steps on the screen. It is a mixture of admiration and sadness to see the film once again as Kilmer steps onto the scene. He gives Doc smarts, razor sharp sarcasm, an intense feel of a man who doesn’t let much get by him. Kilmer will always be remembered for his infamous delivery of the line, “I’m your Huckleberry” (it basically means ‘bring it on!’) and has been put in the world-wide vocabulary. I’ve heard so many people use it and Kilmer made it happen.

Boothe as Curly Bill is a gun slinger that isn’t afraid to take on the Earps, in fact, he makes it look like a game that nothing will stop him from winning. He gives tough looks, sly grins and the right menacing attitude, well done Boothe. Beihn as Johnny Ringo is a man who is looking for a fight, and if he can’t find it, he will create it. Chaos is a drug to him and no one will get in his way, and that includes his own gang. Beihn gives it his evil all and it works splendidly.

Delaney as Josephine falls for Wyatt knowing of his relationship at home. That doesn’t stop her from getting to know him and realizing his life is filled with danger. Delaney is lovely in this character who doesn’t rattle easy but also doesn’t suffer fools. Shout out to Charlton Heston as Hooker! He fit in with the rest of the cast and although his role is a small one, Heston is an actor for all seasons and I was thrilled to see him in the initial release of the film.

Other cast include Billy Claiborne as Wyatt Earp III, Harry Carey, Jr. as Marshal White, Billy Bob Thornton as Johnny Tyler, Peter Sherayko as Texas Jack, Jon Tenney as Johnny Behan, Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton, John Corbett as Johnny Barnes, Buck Taylor as Turkey Creek, Thomas Haden Church as Billy Clanton, Tomas Arana as Frank Stillwell, Joanna Pacula as Big Nose Kate, Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters, Paula Malcomson as Allie Earp, Lisa Collins as Louisa Earp, Paul Ben-Victor as Indian Charlie, Terry O’Quinn as John Clum, Frank Stallone as Ed Bailey, John Philbin as Tom McLaury, Jason Priestley as Billy Breakenridge. The film is narrated by the legendary Robert Mitchum.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

Bonus Materials include The Making of Tombstone with An Ensemble Cast, Making an Authentic Western, The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Director’s Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence, Trailer and TV Spots.

TOMBSTONE is an iconic film that hasn’t shown any signs of stopping even 30+ years later. It is a film that is cinematically thrilling to watch and if you love westerns, I think you might agree with me. The authentic look on the screen is an added character in the film. The story doesn’t hold back as the fight is not just in the streets but the saloons as well. Lines such as, “You called down the thunder!” and “I’m your huckleberry” have continued to enthrall people who are not going to let a film like this fall. Yes, I’ve used those a time or two myself and I’m proud to admit it.

Releasing the film is a mixture of thrill and sadness with the recent passing of Kilmer. Recently at CinemaCon, co-star Tom Cruise said of him, “I’d like to honor my dear friend Val Kilmer. I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how honored I was when he joined TOP GUN and returned for TOP GUN: Maverick.” Even Russell said, “We had a tremendously trusting relationship. He was a sharp guy; I found his reasoning to always be solid on anything that had to do with the movie.”

This story is one that has always fascinated me being a history buff, and the story is based loosely on the events that lead up to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It also follows Wyatt’s revenge on the Cowboys as history refers to it as Earp Vendetta Ride. It is clear that the director was going for total authenticity down to the actor’s learning weaponry and the unmistakable mustaches. All of that is what drew audiences into theatres, then to DVD, Bluray and now amazing 4K HD and it is well deserved.

It is time to saddle up and ride once again with the Earps into history. Grab popcorn and turn up the soundbar as TOMBSTONE is a film that deserves to be enjoyed again and again.

In the end – justice is coming!

 

 

It is Comedy with a REAL GENIUS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Martha Coolidge and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is time with a REAL GENIUS.

The very young Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret) is about to enter the prestigious Pacific Technical University under the tutelage of Professor Jerry Hathaway (William Atherton). He wants another kid genius, Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) to work with Mitch in the field of laser physics. Mitch is thrilled to work with Chris but discovers quickly that Chris would rather irritate the powers that be than make the powers.

What they don’t know is that Professor Hathaway has been given a project by the CIA to create a laser weapon that could hit a target from outer space and now time is running out. He begins to put pressure on Chris, Mitch and dealing with lacky Kent (Robert Prescott). Mitch also falls for the cute and sweet Jordan (Michelle Meyrink) and Chris looks to closet student Lazlo (Jon Gries) for advice.

The only way to get what he wants; Hathaway threatens Chris that he will fail and keep him from graduation. Kent is a little jealous and plots to ruin Chris and Mitch’s’ hard work! Working out the kinks, the laser works, and the gang celebrates except Lazlo asks the big question of ‘what do they need something like that for?’

Now realizing that they might have been used by Professor Hathaway, Chris, Mitch, and Jordan have a plan of their own and they need Kent to help – whether he knows it or not!

Kilmer as Chris is hilarious, and his comedic timing is impeccable. One moment he is saying a line with perfection and then his face does a double jump and he’s on to the next thing. Seeing the film in 80’s, I loved it then and I love it even more now. It is because of Kilmer’s performance giving us fun and intelligent adventure.

Jarret as Mitch is a great sidekick to Kilmer’s Chris but, he is also a force to be reckoned with on his own. Starting out as a shy, genius star struck student, he is quickly transformed into a self-assured man on a mission. Jarret gets a chance to show his own chops and it works.

Meyrink as Jordan is as smart as everyone else and has her own quirks just like everyone else, so she fits right in with Chris and Mitch. Meyrink gives us a self-assured intelligent girl who has moments of insecurity that are not a surprise. Gries as Lazlo is so adorable, I can’t hardly stand it and his reasoning behind contests is solid and I like it.

Prescott as Kent just the comic relief on a whole other level. The teeth implant is pure genius and how Prescott portrays this character is just amazing. He’s an inept bad guy who doesn’t know he is. Atherton as Professor Hathaway proved himself the bad guy from start to finish. He has done it again and again in films because, well, if you are good at it then why not?

Other cast include Mark Kamiyama as Ikagami, Ed Lauter as David Decker, Louis Giambalvo as Major Carnagle, Severn Darden as Dr. Meredith, Beau Billingslea as George, Joanne Baron as Mrs. Taylor, Sandy Martin as Mrs. Meredith, Dean Devlin as Milton, Yuji Okumoto as Fenton, Deborah Foreman as Susan Decker and Patti D’Arbanville as Sherry Nugil.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

4K Ultra HD Special Features include Feature scanned from the original camera negative and presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by director Martha Coolidge, All-New Dolby Atmos and 5.1 audio, reviewed and approved by director Martha Coolidge and Original Dolby Stereo.

Bluray Disc Features include Feature presented in High Definition, sourced from the 4K master, 5.1 Dolby Stereo Audio, “Balloon Chair” Deleted Scenes and Raw Takes Montage, TV Version of the Film and Feature Commentary with Director Martha Coolidge.

REAL GENIUS is a member in good standing with the 80’s films that have become part of our lives. Starting with my generation to my kids and now my grandkids. They get to see how much fun films were once upon a time.

Filled with humor, gags, sidekick action, jokes and so much fun, this film is everything and every reason we went to the movie theatres. I took my kids three times to see REAL GENIUS and they still love it today.

Add REAL GENIUS to your own home entertainment library because it would not be complete without it!

In the end – you need brains to act this crazy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOP GUN MAVERICK

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Joseph Kosinski and Paramount Pictures is a return to the sky with TOP GUN MAVERICK.

Captain Peter “Maverick” Mitchell is still flying after all these years and this time testing a craft much to the dismay of his superiors. Surprise, right? Instead of trouble, he is surprised to learn that Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) has requested that he return to where it all began – Top Gun.

But that is not the only surprise as Maverick looks at the list of pilots he will be training for a special mission and sees a name he knows. As part of the mission, Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller) will be one of his trainees. This elite group needs to be trained to do one of the most dangerous jobs that requires the destruction of a uranium facility while being surrounded by missiles.

Returning to a place that holds painful memories, the local watering hold still remains, and he reunites with former love interest Penny Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly) who now owns the business and is raising teen daughter Amelia (Lyliana Wray). Now its time to meet the trainees with “Rooster”, Lt. “Hangman” Seresin (Glen Powell), Lt. “Bob” Floyd (Lewis Pullman), Lt. “Phoenix” Trace (Monica Barbaro), Lt. “Payback” Fitch (Jay Ellis), Lt. “Fanboy” Garcia (Danny Ramirez), and Lt. “Coyote” Machado (Greg Davis).

There is instant tension between Maverick and Rooster as a past history could derail the training. Yet, Maverick takes to the air and lets his trainees know that they have met their cocky match! Their confidence is taken down several pegs when they realize that the legendary dogfighting Maverick lives up to his name.

Rooster is not the only one still living with past pain, Maverick turns to Penny when trying to find a way to reach the young pilot who reminds him so much of “Goose”. Trying the old ways, the teacher slowly reaches each one of the pilots discovering their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing that, the group turns into a well-oiled machine. Meeting with “Iceman”, Maverick receives the final boost he needs to make this mission work.

Now, there is no more time and no more excuses as the mission needs to happen quickly, accurately and with bravery. As they lock on to their target, Maverick and his pilots are met with enemy squadrons, and they have the Top Gun pilots in their sites. It is time to put away memories and issues because they are in enemy territory, and it is time to get the job done!

Cruise as Maverick returns a slightly aged and unrepentant pilot who has not changed in the way he handles things, ergo still being a Captain. After butting heads with his superiors, he returns to the place that has both good and bad memories – Top Gun. Cruise flies into his Maverick flight suit with precision and ease as if 1986 were only yesterday. He still carries swag and posturing on the outside with memories of mistakes and regret on the inside.

Teller as Rooster has is own swag and posturing but the added bonus of loathing for his new Captain. The story of his past unravels slowly but one thing is clear, the past can not stay there forever as Maverick and Rooster have to deal with their issues if the mission and their relationship is to work. Teller does his role justice and that had to be difficult following in the footsteps of another to closely tied to the 1986 storyline.

Connelly as Penny brings a new but not so new element to the story as the past interest of Pete Mitchell. Having this story play out in the iconic watering hole of the original film helps, and letting their story unravel plays into Maverick’s insecurities but Penny is not a heart broken woman pining for a long lost pilot – instead, she is a strong woman raising a teenager and owning a business. I liked that about Connelly’s role here giving off an air of ‘I can take it or leave it’ when it came to any relationship.

Powell as Hangman gets to be a bit icy (see what I did there?) and shows the Top Gun pilot cockiness that is not going to serve him well, especially considering who he is up against. It is fun to watch his character go through the ropes as all of them must grow up if they are to survive the mission.

Shout out to Ed Harris, who I adore, and Jon Hamm for their part to play in knowing that Maverick just does not follow the rules exactly but damn is he good at what he does!

Now, can we talk about Val Kilmer? What an amazing, touching and well-deserved moment on the screen between Maverick and Ice Man. It was needed and had there not been such a time between these two characters, I might have had something different to say about the film. Tissue moment? Absolutely.

Other cast includes Manny Jacinto as Fritz, Jack Schumacher as Omaha, Bashir Salahuddin as “Hondo” Coleman, Jake Picking Lt. “Harvard” Lennox, Jean Kelly as Sarah Kazansky, Raymond Lee as Lt. “Yale” Lee, Charles Parnell as Rear Admiral “Warlock” Bates, Jon Hamm as Vice Admiral Simpson and Ed Harris as Rear Admiral “Hammer” Cain.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

TOP GUN MAVERICK was not a film I was terribly sure about and let me tell you why. I enjoyed the 80’s and TOP GUN was a part of that, then time has its way with us all. So, when the idea was floated out some time ago, my interest was not really peaked. At that time, I could take it or leave it. Then the pandemic arrived and the movie going experience went into the void.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the film with no expectations. I sat back and as the film began, I was hit immediately with a recognizable song that made me smile and maybe even mouth the words a little bit. Then, right into Maverick doing what Maverick does – finding a way around the establishment to get a job done.

Returning to Top Gun is a return for everyone who was ever in the theatre in 1986 because of one fact that I still believe about TOP GUN MAVERICK – they did not try to reinvent the wheel. Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks and written into the screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Singer and Christopher McQuarrie, the film’s success is in the fact that these five people kept it simple, fast and nostalgic.

The issues are ready to be resolved on some level, the jets are fast and loud, the characters are as we remember, and an even hand was kept on the flashbacks. Cruise took a cinematic step having close-up cockpit takes during the flight sequences that almost made me a little nauseous, but damn is it very cool.

With the holiday weekend coming up, TOP GUN MAVERICK is going to fill seats because of the action and nostalgia. For those of us in San Diego, well, living in American’s Finest City, we get to brag that the real Fighter Town U.S.A. is right in our own back yard!

In the end  –  it is full throttle as our breath is again taken away!

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE is Served Up on Bluray

 Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray from director Jimmy Giannopoulous and Screen Media is the story of a young man dealing with family, friends and THE BIRTHDAY CAKE.

Gio (Shiloh Fernandez) has been dealing with a lot for years and being watched by Father Kelly (Ewan McGregor). Since the death of his father, mom Sofia (Lorraine Bracco) makes a birthday cake in remembrance. On the night the family gets together at Uncle Angelo’s (Val Kilmer), Gio is trying to get out of the house to get to Cousin Leo (Emory Cohen). Every step he takes becomes a problem.

All he wants to do is get to the family gathering but he meets up with the police in the form of Agent Pete (Jake Weary) and Eagle (Aldis Hodge), guns, drugs and people who out to get their own. Making it to his uncle’s house, he is greeted by family with Vito (Vincent Pastore), Uncle Carmine (James Gandolfini), Uncle Tony (Nick Vallelonga), and cop Uncle Ricardo (William Fichtner).

His family pushes for Gio to tell them where Leo is because things have gotten worse by the minute. It is what comes next that sets in motion

Fernandez as Gio is a young man who is living a dangerous life without ever having lifted a finger. Surrounded by people who want revenge for any number of things, his night is spent running from event to event. Fernandez starts out as a young man trying to find his place in the midst of madness only to discover that he not either controls the madness or succumbs to it.

Bracco as Sofia has her own idea of how to deal with the grief of her husband’s death and it is good to see her again. Kilmer as Uncle Angelo is a bright spot on the screen of darkness. Fichtner as Uncle Ricardo is a cop who has an idea of his own about how things should be run and the consequences if you get in his way, well done.

McGregor as Father Kelly is in the beginning of the film and narrates in his own way, Gio’s harrowing journey.

 Screen Media is an international distributor of television series and films, licensing content through theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable and pay television, and subscription and advertising video-on-demand platforms.  In 2017 Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. acquired Screen Media which is in its 23rd year as a leading global independent distribution company. With one of the largest independently owned libraries of filmed entertainment in the world and license agreements across all forms of media, Screen Media’s distribution capability enables direct distribution of all rights in all countries, thus enhancing the profitability of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment productions. The company is continually looking to add films and television series to its content library.

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE is a film about the end of some traditions and the take over of a way of life for a family. Seeing it all come apart is Gio and Fernandez gives his character a combination of fear, the shakes, wanting to be away from ‘family’ and the waning traditions.

Kilmer is amazing as Uncle Angelo and even if his voice is not what we have come to expect, it is the look on his face as the story unfolds that is everything. It is also a chance to see James Gandolfini once again and Lorraine Brocco but it is Fernandez that carries the film from start to finish.

In the end – revenge never tasted so sweet!

 

 

It is the Beautiful Mystery of VAL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Ting Poo, Leo Scott and Amazon Prime Originals is a documentary about an actor that has come forward to share the life of VAL.

Val Kilmer became an iconic actor in the 80’s and with his role as Iceman in the 1986 film TOP GUN, he solidified his place in Hollywood. More roles would come including the 1991 film THE DOORS, Kilmer had the opportunity to immerse himself in the role of Jim Morrison and the role of Doc Holiday in the 1993 TOMBSTONE. Even a quick stint as BATMAN FOREVER in 1995.

That is the actor side of Val Kilmer. The documentary VAL digs deeper into the actors’ younger years with his parents and two brothers. It is the tragedy, love, learning and sidetracks of Kilmer’s life that he allows to be shown on film. Narrated by son Jack at times who sounds eerily like his father in younger years, Kilmer allows us all into his life through films that he has been making and collecting since childhood.

From life acting with brothers, to school (including Juilliard), to fellow stage actors such as Seam Penn and Kevin Bacon, to Hollywood calling, Kilmer’s life in front of the camera kept leading him in places he never expected to go. Learning the price of being in the spotlight and having it all come to an end is a reality check and a reality change.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

VAL are the stories that Kilmer tells us about an eye-opening journey inside the love, tragedies, frustrations and let downs of being human. Although the story starts out with life and acting as separate, through its telling the viewer sees it all come together slowly. As Kilmer makes it clear that the actor becomes the character and the character becomes the actor.

For years there were mumbling of ‘what is wrong with Val Kilmer?’ and here are those answers but not in a way that is preaching the pitfalls of life. Instead, Kilmer gives us a door wide open view of his parents, marriage to Joanne Whalley, his two children Jack and Mercedes, returning to art and embracing Iceman.

Each moment of this documentary is such a mixture of joy to see Kilmer again, fascinating with the life he has led and the sadness for the tragedies. Through out his life when he felt out of control, VAL became a chance to be heard and deciding how deep he wanted to go and how much he wanted to say.

Using art (his own as well as his brothers) and music (his choice of songs just had my heart) along with amazing home movies, VAL is a journey of life. Not in a controlled sense because that gets thrown out the window completely and let us be honest, those who try to control their life end up the unhappiest.

Kilmer learns to look for something deeper and, like us, is trying to find meaning when he can, solace in moments, love from those who love him and embrace the glorious moments in whatever way makes him laugh and smile. The best part? Without slamming his palm on the artistic pulpit, he challenges us all to do the same.

 

From the moment I saw Kilmer in the 1985 film REAL GENIUS, and I absolutely fell for his humor and performance. Following his career, I was giddy when he played Madmartigan in the 1988 film WILLOW and will forever be sorry I never saw his live stage performance as Mark Twain. In VAL, he had my eyes watering with emotion watching his transformation and words as one of my favorite authors.

 

This film will be with me for quite some time.

 

In the end – the life you live is the story you tell!