Each Wanted EDEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Ron Howard, Noah Pink, Vertical and Imagine Entertainment comes the story of an island and those who want nothing more than to find EDEN.

Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and partner Dora (Vanessa Kirby) have found their bit of solitude on the island of Floreana in the Galapagos. Ritter spends his days writing his meaning of man and Dora gardens and loves her burro, this is the life they want. That is all about to change with the arrival of Heinz (Daniel Bruhl), wife Margaret (Allison Sweeney) along with son Harry (Jonathan Tittel). They have read the works of Dr. Ritter and want to be part of that isolated life.

Upset by the isolated intrusion, Ritter sets them up far away from their home thinking by the looks of them, running home will happen quickly. What Ritter couldn’t have expected is that within months, the new family is adjusting and settling quite well so their presence is tolerated. That tense acceptance is quickly interrupted when Baroness Eloise (Ana de Armas), Felix (Rudolph Lorenz) and Robert (Toby Wallace) land on the beach with plans of their own.

Heinz and Margaret make it work, especially with a child on the way. Ritter, however, is constantly distracted by the madness the Baroness brings with her. There is manipulation and deception constantly swirling around the eight islanders that brings about mistrust and danger. There is a social virus on the island and it is beginning to infect them all!  

Law as Ritter is a man possessed writing a book that he believes will save humanity from itself. Isolation on the island is something he craves in order to do the ‘important’ work. The distraction of new arrivals sets him on a path that can either help his thought process or hurt it. Law is just exceptional in this character with the mystery surrounding him. There are moments of lyrical brilliance followed by madness but who am I to say which is which. I just loved his performance, period.

Kirby as Dora is a woman with her own set of physical issues but believes she is Ritter’s biggest supporter in all things. Keeping herself busy around their makeshift home, she isn’t the warmest human being to be around but they each seem to understand one another and it works for them – well it did for a while. Kirby gives her character the standoffishness that made me want to know so much more about her and why she saw the island as her home.

Bruhl as Heinz is taken with the prospect of making a life on Floreana with the family. Working hard to set it up, he tries to befriend Ritter but realizes its better to focus on their own homestead and let things work out on their own. Bruhl has the uncanny ability to totally own a character role and he has such a wide range of them both good guys and not-so-good guys. Every film he has been in I’m always in line to see where he is going to take the story. In this film, he kept me guessing.

Sweeney as Margaret is a young wife who wants to keep the peace on the island. She does try to befriend Dora and Ritter but finds herself taking small steps to understanding them. When the Baroness enters the pictures, Margaret clearly knows narcissism when she sees it and has not difficulty standing on her own. Sweeney’s character is the timid one and on the watchful side than the other characters, taking it all in before doing whatever it takes to protect her family – and that isn’t always noticeable.

De Armas as the Baroness is an absolute train on flaming tracks and she is the conductor. Every moment she is on the screen I wanted to throw something at it. The character reminded me of an attention seeker who would burn the world down if it would make her feel superior. Charming, well dressed and manipulative are in her bag of tricks. It is an intense role adding another layer to the madness happening on the island. Lorenz and Wallace play the two men who see to her every whim and, like Dora, believes in her and the plan she has made.

Other cast include Ignacio Gasparini as Manuel, Richard Roxburgh as Allan Hancock, Nicholas Denton as Ray, Thiago Moraes as the Captain, and Antonio Alvarez as the Governor of the Galapagos.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. Film such as MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU, FIGHT OR FLIGHT and IN THE LOST LANDS are only a few of the film the studio has brought forward. For more of what they have to offer, please visit www.vert-ent.com.

The film is loosely based on the real-life story of these characters, living on an island wanting solitude, the Ritters had their life far away from Germany. Even the story of the Wittmer family comes with a respect for the island and the couple living a distance away and again, it worked. Then, Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet landed on the beach. What comes next is pure speculation and conjecture which is where writer/director Howard and writer Pink comes in.

Howard says of his film, “I am fascinated by stories based on real events. There is no question that in this circumstance, the kinds of the choices these characters feel compelled to make or are forced to make are more complex than anything I’ve done in film. This is what these people leaved through and I found it fascinating, I found it utterly human and surprisingly relatable to the human existence today with all its quirks, all its pain and danger as well. It was exciting every day!”

That is what makes this film so compelling as Howard has chosen to do something out of his directorial character. His memorable films include WILLOW (1988), THE DA VINCI CODE (2006), THIRTEEN LIVES (2022) and in my family, THE GRINCH (2000), which is a yearly holiday happening. EDEN is a different direction bringing such rawness and the horror of human nature when squeezed beyond all sanity. He chose a story that allows for so many levels of lies mixed with truths that I spent some time reading up on this story myself.

EDEN is one of my favorite films of this year because of its unpredictability, its jaw dropping moments, the lives it is based on and the originality of it all. I found myself on the edge just waiting to see what could possibly happen next on this roller coaster ride of a storyline. I love that it is framed around an island forcing the characters to deal with one another because it’s not like they could easily walk away. There is even humor that felt twisted and intriguing at the same time. I am hoping to see awards attached to it very soon.

In the end – where is the truth lie?

 

Family Gets Together for MY MOTHER’S WEDDING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Kristin Scott Thomas, John Micklethwait and Vertical comes a story of women with connected history at MY MOTHER’S WEDDING.

Royal Navy Captain Katherine Frost (Scarlett Johansson) is about to head home for Mom Diana’s (Kristin Scott Thomas) wedding, well her third. Katherine’s father was Navy pilot John Frost who died when she was young leaving Diana, Katherine and sister Georgina (Emily Beecham) on their own. Frost’s best friend Johnny Monson becomes Diana’s second husband and they have daughter Victoria (Sienna Miller) who is an actress. Follow so far?

Well, now Diana is set to marry Geoff Loveglove (James Fleet) and the daughters have come together to witness and celebrate as only this family can. That doesn’t mean the get-together does come with extra baggage as Katherine deals with partner Jack (Freida Pinto) and son Marcus (Fflyn Edwards), Victoria deals with her love life as an actress and Georgina just tries to find answers with her own family and husband Jeremy (Joshua McGuire).

As the wedding approaches, there are memories all around the women but the questions become who remembers what, how much of it do they really understand and are the answers going to be what they hoped for? That’s what family gatherings are all about and sometimes there are tears for a different reason all together. Gotta love getting together to celebrate right?

Johansson as Frost is a woman trying to move up the military ladder knowing that it all comes at a price. Returning for her mother’s wedding, the family home brings up memories of her father and the time they had together. That’s a difficult thing to share as sister Georgina doesn’t remember much and Victoria wasn’t born. Feeling alone in it all, it seeps into her relationships and the cracks are showing. Johansson does such a beautiful job portraying a woman wearing many, pardon the pun, hats in all her relationships.  

Beecham as sister Georgina has very few memories of her father but is too busy dealing with her own family problems and her marriage. I loved watching Beecham’s character literally bloom before our very eyes. Admittedly, I went from rolling my eyes at Georgina to yelling and cheering for her. That’s the sign of an amazing character and Beecham brings it all to the screen. Miller as Victoria is the sister that manages to annoy just a tad with her actress ways. Always trying to solve problems in her own unique way, Miller captures her sister issues while wondering where her own love life may be headed. I loved watching Miller be the flighty sister but with a heart.                                     

Thomas as Diana is happy to be marrying once again, finding love a third time and all the fun that comes with it. She is well aware of her daughters and their differences but that isn’t going to stop her from having a wonderful wedding day. Thomas gives us a look at a mother who has clearly seen it all and wants what’s best for her daughters by allowing them their memories without her input – until she has to. A bit flighty like Victoria, it proves the casting is pure perfection.

Pinto as Jack wants more from Katherine making it clear that everything isn’t about her career. Being the homebody, for Jack, means her needs need to be equally as important. Pinto is charming and absolutely lovely in this role and I’m so pleased to see her again on the screen. Edwards as Marcus knows of his mother’s career, now it is time to actually understand it, but not before having wedding cake. McGuire as Jeremy has problems of his own to deal with but is more interested in what he wants than what his family wants. Fleet as Geoff clearly is in love with Diana and even though the women can get a little testy at times when they are together, he is supportive and so darn charming.

Other cast include Mark Stanley as Charlie, Jamie Schneider as Tom, Josephine Jones as Daisey, Ziggy Gardner as Skylar, Lydia Jones as Clara, Samson Kayo as Steve and Michael Spicer as Ted.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

Director Thomas says of her film, “At its heart, MY MOTHER’S WEDDING is about allowing characters to breathe-to be imperfect, humorous, and heartbreakingly genuine. As an actress, I’ve forever sought roles that empower and celebrate the complexities of female characters. In MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I endeavor to do just that. I hope my film leaves audiences debating the complexities in a family, marriage, motherhood and fate.”

Adding thoughts is producer Finola Dwyer, “Three sisters come back to the family home for their mother’s third wedding. You can tell from the start that it’s a fractious relationship. So, you’re going to be in for fireworks! The house is full of memories and the three of them have never really come to terms with the deaths of their fathers.”

Anyone who has been to a wedding knows that although it is a time for celebrations, it is also a time for dysfunction in the families to eek out. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding where I learned something about the inner workings of unresolved tensions. Here are three sisters who have three very different memories of growing up but need to learn that everyone sees things differently, especially children. Where these three have gone wrong is acknowledging that they love one another despite seeing things differently.

The whole story is engaging and it feels like family while we, the viewers, are sort of eavesdropping on their conversations and memories. The twists and turns provide us with nods of “yep, I get it”, “are you kidding me?” and finally, “I need to call me sister!”. I was pulled in immediately and went for the ride that Thomas, Johannson, Beechum and Miller took me on without hesitation. The next family wedding is in two weeks, I’m ready!

In the end – celebrate love all over again!

It is all FIGHT OR FLIGHT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Video On Demand (Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Prime Video) from director James Madigan based on the books by Brooks McLaren, D.J. Cotrona and Vertical is a plane ride like no other with FIGHT OR FLIGHT.

An elusive hacker named The Ghost has struck again and Agents Aaron Hunter (Julian Kostov) and boss Katherine Brunt (Katee Sackhoff) are up against the wall to find out who it is and how to capture someone with no photo or fingerprint. Brunt decides there is only one person who can do the job, ex-boyfriend and disgraced CIA Agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett). Reyes is stuck in Bangkok where the Ghost has struck but he doesn’t want anything to do with Brunt or her request for help. He is much happier living his days pickling his liver. Yet, once he realizes that it might be his ticket home, he consents.

Waiting at the airport is a ticket to San Francisco where the Ghost is supposed to land. On the plane greeting boarders are stewards Isha (Charithra Chandran), Royce (Danny Ashok) and Garrett (Hughie O’Donnell) who get everyone settled. It doesn’t take long before there is a leak somewhere as it becomes clear that on the dark web is a hit for Reyes’ target. Still, no one knows who it is. Reyes is the first to be attacked and he is told there is a massive bounty for the Ghost. Brunt also learns that the plan Reyes is on is filled with assassins looking to collect.

Reyes discovers who the Ghost is but needs the help of Isha, Royce and Garrett to keep them alive and the passengers who have nothing to do with the hit. It all quickly turns when Reyes has a hit out on him! Now the fight begins with 8 hours in the air as Reyes realizes there is much more to the story than he is being told by Brunt, the one person he doesn’t want to trust. There are so many on the plane that the fight is going to get duty but then again, you play stupid games you get stupid prizes!

Hartnett as Reyes is a bit of a drinker who is not happy being trapped in Bangkok which his ex-girlfriend is living the good life in a nice job. When he sees her number show up, it is clear he hasn’t gotten over it in two years. Getting on the plane is his only chance to get some semblance of a life back. Hartnett gets the chance to be a run down, angry CIA agent who would rather be mad at everything. With one phone call it can all change, but that doesn’t mean he still isn’t holding a grudge. I loved watching Hartnett be a bit John Wick but the other end of the spectrum with one liners and serious moments where his behind is handed to him. I can see a franchise forming here and I’m all for it.

Sackhoff as Brunt gets to do what she does best, give the audience a stiff face that doesn’t change expression no matter what the circumstances. Knowing calling Hartnett’s character is less than a last resort, she still does it making promises to get her way. Sackhoff has always been able to be a good/bad/good character actor and I can easily see how this role can grow in a franchise. I hope we get to see that. Kostov as Hunter is an agent who is just so all over the place that it’s hard to keep up – just as his fellow agents. Trying to keep happenings away from the boss, the is mouthy, rude and wants to reach higher in his career no matter what it takes. Kostov gives a character that is easy to not like very much and that’s all I’m saying about that. What a well-played roll.

Chandran as Isha is a stewardess who is just trying to do her job, that is until she realizes that Reyes has a problem. She is a strong character that has no problem helping Reyes once she realizes what they are all up against. Chandran does an awesome of being part of the wild ride and for so many reasons. Ashok as Royce is the twitchy steward that can’t keep his OCD at bay once the chaos begins. I have to say love characters like this that give us comedy in the midst of drama and Ashok gives it full on. O’Donnel as Garret is the gold standard of a steward who believes his job in premium class is everything. Well, that is until mayhem comes to his section of the plane. He made me laugh a lot.

Shout out to Kohli and Baxter as the pilots of the plane who seriously had me giggling a lot!

Extended cast includes Sanjeev Kohli as the Pilot, Declan Baxter as the Co-Pilot, Heather Choo as Monk Heather, Claudia Heinz as Monk Claudia, Marko Zaror as Cayenne, JuJu Chan Szeto as Master Lian, Jyuddah Jaymes as Agent Robinson, Willem van der Vegt as Agent Simmons, Sarah Lam as Mae, Iren Bordan as Mrs. Nazareth, Balint Adorjani as Sky Marshall and Nora Trokan as Cat Eyes.

Vertical is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vert-ent.com.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT is from the producers of JOHN WICK and the fight scenes show that. The storyline, however, is very different. The action doesn’t let up once the flood gates of a bounty are open but it is what is in that mix that brings the level up a notch. Keeping it all basically inside the plane giving fighting in a tight space a whole new look. The characters each put in their own twist on the story and I enjoyed that immensely.

Saying this is an action film seems flimsy because it is an ACTION film with a capital A. It is a pulse pounding, don’t look away, guessing game of where are the problems coming from and who can you trust besides yourself, and runaway fun (if you like chainsaws that is) that calls for a second viewing. That’s the recipe for a great franchise and I’ll be waiting for FIGHT OR FLIGHT: You Aren’t Done Yet sequel!

In the end – don’t forget your boarding pass!

 

 

 

They Need to Stay at ELEVATION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director George Nolfi and Vertical comes a story of survival and going below ELEVATION.

It is a post-apocalyptic world of fear filled with vicious creatures below 8,000 feet and in the Rocky Mountain above the line are people trying to survive. Will (Anthony Mackie) is a well-known man in the community who has a young son, Hunter (Danny Boyd, Jr.) who relies on a breathing machine at night. Realizing he is running out of canisters for the device, the only answer is to go below 8,000 feet to a hospital who would have what he needs.

Deciding to make the trip, Will turns to former scientist Nina (Morena Baccarin), a woman who stays secluded and drinks, for information since she is the only person to survive the first wave. Not receiving a warm welcome, it is Katie (Maddie Hasson) who makes it clear that Will is not going to be taking on the run on his own.

Coming up to the line, the three realize what will happen once they cross over. Every step they take is a signal to what is out there and they come with a fury. Will is looking for what his son needs but Nina is looking for something more. Back in her lab, she looks to see if the work they were doing has answers. It may seem simpler to go down 8,000 feet but it’s getting back up that will define their humanity.

Mackie as Will is a father who is not only dealing with a young son’s illness, but also the death of loved ones. His future depends on teaching his boy not to cross the line but also how to survive in their small community. When it’s time to go down the mountain, Mackie gives his character strength and something the creatures will never understand – a father’s love.

Baccarin as Nina is a woman on her own mission of survival. Spending her days in a bottle of booze for decisions she made, Nina also spends her time on a goal – how to defeat the terror. Maccarin gives the performance of a broken woman who doesn’t seem to fear anything as a way of mentally surviving. It’s a strong performance and along side Mackie brings a good story.

Hasson as Katie is a friend to Will and doesn’t so much care for Nina but, isn’t going to let either go down the mountain alone. Going head-to-head with Nina is the tension on the road. Boyd, Jr. as Hunter is a young boy who totally relies, as he should, on his father. His worse fear is about to come true with Will going down the mountain.

Vertical is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

Director Nolfi says of the film, “Imagine a world where 95% of the population has perished and the remaining people live in a community untouched by the death and destruction below. The question that intrigued me was, could humanity truly thrive in such a world? What would people become when all their physical needs are met, but they are isolated from the rest of the world? This is a gripping journey where our characters must venture below and it’s in this descent that we confront a deeper question: Is the very technology and intelligence that helped us evolve and create great civilizations also driving us toward destruction?

ELEVATION is a post-apocalyptic world that Nolfi has brought keeps this world focused and simple. Mackie, Baccarin and Hasson lead the story and take us on a literal step-by-quiet-step journey to not only save a boy but find an answer for the rest of humanity. I am a huge fan of this genre and actually love that the film has been done in this way. Of course, the creature element is always good but it is the human interaction to it all is what is compelling. The need to take care of those remaining and the desire for answers is equally as good when done as well as is here.

In the end – don’t go down without a fight!

The World Seen Through LEE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ellen Kuras, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is a look at a lifetime in pictures through the eyes of LEE.

Antony (Josh O’Connor) sits down with famed Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) who spent her life from American modeling to photography. While on an outing with friends in England, she meets Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgard) and they find a life together in London. As World War II is all around them, Lee is looking for a job and reaches out to British Vogue’s editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough). Using her talent as a photographer, she becomes a correspondent to the publication.

She becomes friends with David Scherman (Andy Samberg) who is a Life magazine photographer. Her initial photographs are of women who are helping in the war effort but she wants to be on the front lines. The problem is women aren’t allowed but Lee is not about to back down from her goal. Being American, she imbeds with a troop and begins documenting everything she sees. It is harsh and the realities are caught on film. Being away from Roland is difficult, but she feels a responsibility to photograph and tell what is happening.

Lee, along with David, find themselves photographing France and later come upon a very long train. As the soldiers begin to open them one by one, Lee is struck by the horror of what they find inside and is even more determined to expose the camps of their Jewish victims. Capturing it, she is furious to discover that British Vogue has not acknowledged the realities of war and its impact on humanity as well as Lee herself.

It may have taken time, but the world would still see the world through her eyes!

Winslet as Lee is absolutely spectacular, stunning and beautiful all at the same time. Portraying Lee as a woman struggling to find her place, her photographs are a new life and a way to help earn. As the war becomes more intense, Lee wants to capture what is actually happening and not sugar coat it. The only way for that to happen is finding a way to the front of the war and Winslet’s performance of her reaction to everything her character experiences hurts the heart and squeezes the soul. A stellar piece of filmmaking with an actress who does it complete justice.

Riseborough as Withers is a woman trying to keep British Vogue up and running but also sees that what Lee brings to the table is equally important. Fighting to make sure her photographs and stories get into print; it is a struggle. I absolutely love Riseborough’s vast choice of characters she plays and, in this film, she once again has made a very good choice.

Samberg as David has the same reaction to what he sees as Lee does. This is a different role for the usual character actor and he gives this every bit of feeling and heartbreak. Samberg is impeccable and also understands what Lee is trying to do pushing him further as well. Skarsgard as Roland is captivated with Lee from the moment they meet, even though it was slightly heated. He does come to understand her and, in his own way, support her decision to follow the war.

Shout out to O’Connor as Antony for his portrayal and surprise at the end. Following O’Connor’s career over the years, he just gets more amazing with every film he does. Also, Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen, Lee’s friend who must go into hiding in Parish to survive.

Other cast include Patrick Mille as Jean D’Ayen, Vincent Colombe as Paul Eluard, Arinze Kene as Major Jonesy, Samuel Barnett as Cecil Beaton, Zita Hanrot as Ady Fidelin, James Murray as Colonel Spencer, Enrique Arce as Pablo Picasso, Riley Neldam as Kurt, Noemie Merlant as Nusch Eluard and Marion Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

LEE is a remarkable film written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee. Winslet portrays Lee as a woman who struggles to find her place and once she realizes that photography is her career, she leans into it whole heartedly and with a grit that no one expected. It is a very emotional time in history and there is something in Lee that knows it must be documented, talked about and photographed.

Her life is filled with grit, and a mental toughness that would have been needed to see the things Lee did. It wasn’t so much about breaking the mold, it was her intensity in understanding the world around her that makes this film so intense. Those she surrounded herself with might not have understood her mindset, but they did not try to stop her from the drive that almost consumed her.

The cinematography is so compelling and captures the feeling in such a way that holding your breath is going to happen. Add to that performances that do Lee Miller’s life justice is everything. If you didn’t know her before, you certainly will remember her name now.

In the end – her camera captured the truth!

 

Who will Survive THE EXORCISM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Joshua John Miller, writer M.A. Fortin and Vertical is a man in crisis with THE EXORCISM.

Actor Tony Miller (Russell Crowe) has spent the last few years dealing with addiction issues and family problems. Daughter Lee (Ryan Simpkins) has arrived home due to being expelled from school and it is clear that father and daughter have deep seeded issues. Trying to get along, Lee offers to help Tony learn the lines for a new horror film he has been cast in and he brings her on as his production assistant.

On the set, Lee meets Blake (Chloe Bailey) who is a music star also in the film and they strike up a friendship. Ready to being is the director, Peter (Adam Goldberg), who speaks his mind and pushes Tony to perform using his disturbing past with the church and his family life as a motivator. Father Conor (David Hyde Pierce) is the religious advisor on the set to share what he knows about exorcisms.

Lee notices right away that something is happening with her father. Tony is acting strangely and the young girl believes he is reverting to old behaviors. That is until she begins seeing things that cannot possibly be true. Asking for help from Father Conor, they both come to realize that the only way to save Tony is but confronting the evil that is plaguing him.

Crowe as Miller is no stranger to the mysteries of the spiritual world. In 2023, he took on the role of Father Gabriel Amorth in the film THE POPE’S EXORCIST so in this film he takes on the challenge of a non-religious dealing with demons. Haunted not only by his childhood but the bad way Tony handled his homelife and relationship with his young daughter, it was enough to give the demons an in and Crowe goes along for the ride pretty well. It is a solid performance as he portrays this tortured soul.

Simpkins as daughter Lee is a 16-year-old who plays right into the stereotypical on-screen teenager who has a bad attitude, uses her words to bite and things her rebellion is original. Watching Tony go through changes, Simpkins character starts to believe that it is not his past addictions that are plaguing him. That’s when she changes herself which can make all the difference.

Pierce as Father Conor is on set to give his impressions of Tony’s portrayal of a priest but finds himself befriending Lee. As time goes along, Pierces’ character also sees what Tony’s daughter has been saying about her father. That is when he knows what must be done. Pierce gives a quiet performance at the beginning but definetly shows what his character is made of.

Shout out to Goldberg who plays the director of the film. Honestly, this character is hideous, mean spirited and I wanted to smack the garbage out of his mouth but then again, it got the job done beautifully.

Other cast includes Sam Worthington as Joe, Tracey Bonner as Regina, Marcenae Lynette as Monica, Hallie Samuels as Hayley, Joshua Miller and FX Guy, Anna Reyer as Hair Stylist, Samantha Mathis as Jennifer.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

Director Miller is actually the son of the actor Jason Miller who originally played Father Karras in the 1973 blockbuster, and frightening film of the time, THE EXORCIST. Hearing the stories told by his father are of how there were injuries on that set, mysterious happenings and the haunted feelings. Along with co-writer Fortin, the idea was to update the genre formula of man vs. possession. “We were gifted with an extraordinary cast and creative team to tell a story about how we’re all vulnerable to darkness, to perpetuating it, if we fail to face our demons,” says Miller.

Crowe says of his role in the film, “For me, as an actor to play a man who has had these life experiences, carries these things, was quite complicated. It was a very challenging idea as a role, so it got my interest. On playing the role of father, he says, “[my character] wants to take that position of father but realizes that he has work to do to rebuild trust with his daughter. However, she’s quite closed off so it’s a difficult situation for them both.”

The film peels back slowly to get to the heart of the matter with the final explosive scenes that is worthy of using the gasps of “WHOA!”. Grabbing onto the idea of the 1973 film, director Miller and the cast bring about the shakes and shivers one would expect of a film that brings a demon into play. Keeping the film dimly lit, loaded with grey colors and shadowy spooks and frights, THE EXORCISM falls in line with the rest of this genre of films.

Turn the lights out and have an arm to hold onto to prepare for THE EXORCISM.

In the end – unmask the devil and the devil will retaliate!

 

She is History with FIREBRAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Karim Ainouz, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is the story of one of the many wives of Henry the VIII with FIREBRAND.

Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) is an educated woman in Tudor England who has been married before. When King Henry VIII (Jude Law) takes her for his sixth wife, Parr is not completely happy about the union. Knowing his history in the death of previous wives, accepting comes with a personal risk. Yet there is something about Katherine that Henry trusts and his children Princess Elizabeth (Junia Rees) and Prince Edward (Patrick Buckley).

So much so that he appoints her Regent while he is away fighting knowing that it can cause her difficulties. It is almost immediately that men around the king spend their time watching her every move. This includes her friendship with Anne Askew (Erin Doherty), a childhood friend who believes, as Katherine does in the Protestant beliefs. Katherine pleads with her friend to leave the kingdom before harm comes to her but Anne is steadfast in her work to bring the people of England strength in numbers.

When the King returns, there are whisperings in his ear about Katherine’s steadfastness to the crown especially Stephen Gardiner (Simon Beale). He has a plot of his own to push past the King. When that doesn’t work the whisperings of infidelity begin and what is causing Henry to become muddled is the infection that is ravaging his body. When Katherine learns of the fate of Anne, she realizes that the men of the court are placing her life in the same fate as the five wives before her.

She does not want to be among them!

Vikander as Katherine is absolutely amazing in this role and her demeanor is everything! Katherine does not panic in any situation she is put to, a little momentary frazzle (which anyone would) but she does not fall apart. Instead, she becomes more steadfast in the belief that she knows her own mind. Vikander gives us a Katherine that does not cower to those who are attempting to ruin her in the eyes of the King, instead, Vikander straightens her crown and makes it clear she will take whatever is in front of her without losing any part of herself. That is perfection.

Law as Henry gives us a King that is full of himself and narcissistic one minute and a man who can not think for himself in others. Whispering in his ear are men who have no difficulty squashing any women who gets in their way. Having gotten their way with previous wives, Katherine is no push over and they are scrambling as Henry deals with his own personal and physical struggles. Law gives moments of pure Henry-nastiness and does it without skipping a beat.

Beale as Gardiner has been handling the King for quite some time so when he believes Katherine is trying to change the status quo, he goes after her. Making the King believe that Katherine is not a loyal wife, he does what he can to put her head on the chopping block, literally. Beale gives his character the “what a weasel” whisperings from me as I watched him be a charming character with another destructive face. Well done sir!

Rees as Prince Elizabeth makes it clear that Katherine is someone she looks up to and makes it clear to Henry that her fate doesn’t deserve what the men of the court are pushing for. Buckley as Prince Edward also makes his stance clear as his love for her is strong. Doherty as Askew may have a small role but it is of big importance. It becomes a catalyst for Katherine to hang on to who she truly is.

Shout out to Eddie Marsan as Edward Seymour as I just love everything that he does. He takes a role and makes it his own and makes it memorable.

Other cast include Ruby Bentall as Cat, Bryony Hannah as Ellen, Patsy Ferran as Princess Mary, Mina Andala as Jalinda, Paul Tinto as Stowe, Mia Threapleton as Joan Bocher, Ian Drysdale as Sir Anthony Denny, Edward Harrison as John Gates, Norman Bowman as Sir William Herbert, Jason Baughan as Will Sommers, Anna Mawn as Agnes Howard and Sam Riley as Thomas Seymour.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

FIREBRAND is a stunning film about Katherine Parr and the beginning of the end for Henry VIII. First of all, the cinematography is stellar from the beginning to end. The richness can be found in the costuming that is of the times with its heaviness and construction for the women – ironic, isn’t it? These two things are so important when telling a period piece such as this. For me, if you can win in these two areas then you’ve one me whole heartedly.

The story of Katherine Parr is one that has been brushed over before but with Vikander at the helm, it is a look at the strength of character in this young woman. Let’s be honest, most of us would run for the hills if a man who has off’d five other wives wanted us to be the sixth! The difference here is that Parr was a woman of substance and knew the risks. What is equally stellar is Parr’s steadfast in her beliefs about everything in her life and that makes for good storytelling.

In the end – Henry VIII had six wives and only one survived!

 

 

 

 

He is the AMERICAN DREAMER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from director Paul Dektor and Vertical is the story of a man going through the economics of life with AMERICAN DREAMER.

Dr. Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage) is a divorced college professor of economics who spends his time thinking of writing the novel and buying a house. Showing up to class is becoming a drudgery with the constant daily parking vs. ‘read my paper’ visit from Craig (Danny Pudi). Believing that home ownership is out of reach, real estate agent/friend Dell (Matt Dillon) keeps him in the loop about availability but their relationship is edgy.

Looking through real estate pages, Loder comes across a beautiful house on the lake that is worth millions but the asking price is $249,000 – with a caveat. The elderly woman, Astrid Fanelli (Shirley MacLaine), who owns the house will continue to live there and upon her death the house will revert to the buyer. Loder and Dell get together to look over the contract and he moves into an upstairs room that leaves less to be desired.

Already under a lot of pressure, Loder discovers that there are other members of Astrid’s family. One of them is daughter Maggie (Kimberly Quinn), a legal eagle who has her eye on Loder and makes it clear that she will make sure that the deal is thrown out. She and the family don’t want him to have the house at all.

When Astrid begins to show her health problems, Loder finds himself connecting with the woman on many levels. That’s probably the only thing working at the moment as he has trouble at school and basically with everyone around him except Astrid. When it comes time to make a decision to hang on or walk away, Loder needs to decide what will work for everyone, and that includes Dr. Phil Loder!

Dinklage as Loder is a man clearly going through a deep life crisis. He has a dream, in fact a few dreams, of being a homeowner and when he sees the lake house, he thinks he’s found Nirvana. Even Nirvana comes with a few hiccups and Loder quickly finds out what those are. Dinklage is just so amazing in this role because he gives us every emotional roller coaster of the human condition and some make me laugh and some make my heart hurt because it is truth-speak. This story is a fantastic show of why Dinklage seems to choose wisely in the direction is acting should go. He fits beautifully in all genres.

MacLaine as Astrid is a spunky, charming, snarky and upfront woman who owns this beautiful house on the lake. Meeting Loder for the first time, her snarky is hilarious and I can’t stop laughing. MacLaine on screen, all throughout her career, is such a talent actress who seems to choose roles where she can be charming but I definetly love the ones where she is snarky. There is also a mystery to this character that only MacLaine can pull off and she does exactly that.

Dillion as Dell is just a ridiculously disturbing and laughable character yet I’m not sure if that was the point. Don’t get me wrong, I laughed myself silly in the scenes between Dinklage and Dillion so I’m going to take that. Pudi as Craig is the biggest whiny person one could ever find on campus. Granted Loder wasn’t exactly nice to him but, that doesn’t mean he is going to get away with his bit of nastiness. I’m not going to lie; he made me laugh up to the very end.

Shout out to Danny Glover because when he goes through his private eye pictures, I literally could NOT stop laughing.

Other cast include Michelle Mylett, Donald Heng, Garry Chalk, Rebecca Olson, Brendan Riggs, Kimberley Shoniker, Raresh DiMofte, Frank Warburton Bailey III and Danny Glover.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

AMERICAN DREAMER starts out addressing the impossibility of the average American owning a home. Loder puts it to his students why this is but when it comes to his turn to be part of the home owning experience, he finds a creative and interesting way to make that happen. The problem is, if it is too good to be true, it probably, most likely, oh hell, IT IS!

I love the cast that has been assembled to tell this story and they just bring the dark comedy, twists, turns and eventual outcome that just works. I have to admit I wouldn’t mind doing the same thing Loder did (but with a little more explanation of conditions for sure) because he is correct. It is the only way to live the American Dream.

Now, the twists and turns would drive anyone nuts so Loder’s reaction, especially the latter classroom scene, is hysterical but more a true reaction by anyone really. He is not only dealing with a reactionary real estate agent, a certain student, an angry lawyer and a shocked private investigator – but he worries about a lady he hardly knows. That’s a lot of emotional eggs not wanting to stay in one basket.  

That being said, I’m on Loder’s side.

In the end – we all want a place to call home!

THE GOOD MOTHER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Vertical is the story of a family struggling and one woman trying to be THE GOOD MOTHER.

Marissa Bennings (Hilary Swank) works for the local paper but wants more. The problem is she is not treating herself well and it shows. During a morning meeting, son Toby (Jack Reynor), a police officer, tells Marissa that older son Michael (Madison Harrison) has been killed. At the funeral, Marissa recognizes the young Paige (Olivia Cooke) tells the grieving mother she is pregnant.

Trying to reconcile anger and grief, Marissa tries to be at least mildly pleasant with the young girl. They both want to find out what happened to Michael and begin sleuthing. It was clear that it has something to do with drugs as Marissa confronts Paige again about their problems in the past. Toby does his own police work promising the two women he will find the killer.

Paige and Marissa find a witness who says he saw something and that leads both women further down the dangerous rabbit hole. When tragedy strikes again, Marissa decides she is going to follow the breadcrumbs and what she discovers will change her life once again, forever.

Swank as Marissa is an angry, unsure, self-destructive yet extremely intelligent woman who needs to get it together. It doesn’t help that she has problems with a son and the death of loved one has kept her from being a part of life rather than destroying what little joy she could have. Swank goes all in and it is a rough role that, with her credentials, she makes look easy. The character of Marissa slowly realizes that the only way to put all the pain and harsh reality of her life in perspective is by writing about it, the one thing she is good at.

Reynor as Toby is a son who looks after his mother and all her problems. Being a police officer, he takes his duties seriously, almost as much as he does wanting to start his own family. Breaking the news to Marissa is difficult and helping her follow the trail brings about even more stress. Reynor is what would be termed ‘the good son’ out of two but Marissa isn’t any softer with him. He sees her destruction and just makes sure the explosions don’t leave too big a mess.

Cooke as Paige is a young woman devastated by the loss of her love. She tries to explain things to Marissa but doesn’t even know herself what happened. There are only bits and pieces but she knows enough to realize that someone is after her and the only place she can find protection is with Marissa. They come to a basic understanding as they both search for clues as to what happened to Michael. Cooke gives us the same brashness as Swank and the same stubbornness as well.

Other cast include Hopper Penn, Norm Lewis, Karen Aldridge, Dilone, Robert Loftus, Mikayla Schaefer, Laurent Rejto, and Cliff Ware.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

THE GOOD MOTHER takes a look at the struggles that people face when everything seems totally out of control. The character of Marissa feels things are ebbing uncontrollably away from her and the final straw is the death of her youngest son. The shut down mode prior to that was nothing compared to what she is more than capable of now.

She meets her match with Cooke’s character of Paige. That is because these two women are cut from the same cloth in that they have had their struggles, have hardened a lot, and will stop at nothing to find the answers to the death of Michael. At times they seem to work together and at times they seem still at odds with one another. The go-between of Toby promises to find his brothers’ killer but the twists are turns might be just a little much.

Keeping the film very focused on the mystery is absolutely meshed with twists, turns, misdirection and shocks. That is the beauty in films like THE GOOD MOTHER in that car chases, explosions, etc. etc., aren’t necessary to bring a mystery full circle. I enjoy getting a chance to find the clues for myself. The only slight downside is a bit of chop in the story here and there, but it’s not enough to turn me away at all.

In the end – life and death become a blurred line!

THE DESPERATE HOUR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from director Phillip Noyce and Vertical is the terror of a mother that turns into THE DESPERATE HOUR.

Amy Carr (Naomi Watts) is the mother of Noah (Colton Gobbo) and young daughter Emily (Sierra Maltby). Recently widowed, she is trying to bring some kind of normal to the family making sure they engage back in their regular schedule.

But, there is a disconnect between Amy and son Noah who continues to be withdrawn from his mother. Getting the kids off to school, he is the one who drags his heels. Feeling she should just leave it be rather than argue with him, Amy suits up and heads out for a run that takes her miles out into the forest.

The peace and quiet seems to be hard to get as work calls and her mother calling keep interrupting her run. One call she could have never expected was that there is a lockdown of schools in town. Amy begins calling who ever she can to find out what is happening. Reaching Emily’s class, she knows that her daughter is safe.

Reaching Noah’s school becomes difficult and it becomes clear that what is happening is at the high school. There is a shooter and the more and more she investigates, the more panic stricken she becomes. Five miles out, she starts back but being in the middle of the woods she has shoddy service.

Each call brings worse news as there is still an active shooter at the school and Amy has no idea where Noah is.

No one will stop her until she has the answers!

Watts as Amy is a woman trying to keep her family together since the death of her husband. It is son Noah that is hardest to reach as he has become withdrawn. Trying not to rock the boat to much, she is careful in the way she tries to reach out. When the nightmare parents never want to experience happens, Watts turns on a powerful performance of a mother who would do anything for her children. Her terror is as palpable as her will to find answers when those in charge try to keep her character at bay.

Gobbo as Noah is a young man dep within his emotions and no where to put them all. His relationship mom Amy is a difficult one as the separation between them grows in silence. He also has the challenging role to bring across that pain and the fear that will soon follow.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

THE DESPERATE HOUR is a film that brings out the worst in humanity and the parents who try to protect their children from it. Amy is trying to find peace in the world that she is left to deal with and running gives her those moments. On this particular day, running takes her farther and farther away from being able to do anything about what is about to happen in their town.

It is Watts who carries the film from start to finish doing everything humanly possible in an impossible situation. Technology is sketchy and the character of Amy reaches into her bag on Mom tricks to be able to not only find out what has happened to her children but how to help put a stop to it all.

The emotions of shock, anger, desperation and fear are all wrapped up in every decision this character makes. Time is not on her side and neither is the distance.

In the end – time is running out!

AMERICAN TRAITOR: The Trial of Axis Sally

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and OnDemand from director Michael Polish, Vertical and Redbox is the story of a woman who stands trial for being an AMERICAN TRAITOR: The Trial of Axis Sally.

It is World War II and American Mildred Gillars (Meadow Williams) is living in Germany with the love of her life Max Koischwitz (Carsten Norgaard). It is not long before she is brought to Joseph Goebbels (Thomas Kretschmann) who makes it clear that if she wants things to stay safe for her, she will do radio broadcasts exactly as the script says. The program consists of Mildred singing swing songs and propaganda written by Goebbels.

Soon after the war she is arrested and brought to stand trial in the United States for being the traitor known as Axis Sally. Representing her is James Laughlin (Al Pacino) who has an unusual way of doing things and brings Billy Owen (Swen Temmel) on board to help with Mildred.

On the other side of the courtroom is John Kelly (Mitch Pileggi) who is making sure in his opening statement that everyone realizes why she is standing trial. Bringing out both verbal barrels, Kelly paints an ugly picture of a woman who turned on her country and the soldiers she used during her broadcasts.

While in her cell, Billy tries to get her to talk about what happened to her in Germany and when she finally does, it becomes clear that not everything has been told. Laughlin is going to have to work fast so that the truth will come out or else Mildred will be hanged for treason!

Pacino as Laughin gets a chance to put on his quirk in the form of a lawyer who does not do things exactly as expected. From the moment he meets Mildred until the end, he tries to see all that is possible and how to keep his client alive. Pacino does quirk well and gives fire when he wants your attention.

Williams as Gillars puts on a very stern face and is not exactly a warm person. She had a sharp and cutting wit knowing that there is no way the U.S. is going to listen to her story, not after being labeled ‘Axis Sally’ for so long. Trust is not easily given, and Williams puts up the toughest wall ever.

Temmel as Owen is a young lawyer who believes he has what it takes to work with Laughlin but does not exactly know what to expect. Working with Laughlin will be an experience and Temmel gives his character the reactions of a straightforward man of the law. Norgaard as Koischwitz is in the same boat as Mildred in that he has to find a way to keep them together and alive doing things and seeing things he can hardly bear.

Kretschmann as Goebbels is vicious, evil and diabolical in the way he thinks and what he does to keep his radio program popular with both Germans and Americans. There is a heavy price to pay for trying to go against him. Pileggi as Kelly is not about to let this case get away and wants justice for everyone by making Mildred take the full brunt of it.

Other cast include Lala Kent as Elva and Drew Taylor as Randy.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent film Awards as well.

AMERICAN TRAITOR: The Trial of Axis Sally is based on the book Axis Sally Confidential by William E. Owen. Mildred Gillars traveled the world, married and widowed until landing in Germany and becoming part of the RRG and the show Home Sweet Home. Listened to in the United States as well as abroad, she has several other choice names that listeners called her.

The film shows Mildred as a very guarded woman who is refusing to tell her side of the story, main, I’m assuming because no one will believe her. In this story, there is a darker side to her time in Germany at the hands of Goebbels that, knowing his history, seems very believable. In the middle, to my way of thinking, brings tons of questions about her life that I am very interested in.

In the end – who truly is Axis Sally?