He is DRACULA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Luc Besson and Vertical is the story of love through the centuries with DRACULA.

Prince Vladimir of Wallachia (Caleb Landry) is a fierce warrior and after a battle against the Ottomans, he learns that his beloved wife Elisabeta was tricked and killed. Not able to save her, the prince renounces God and lives through time waiting for his love to be reincarnated. Now a vampire, he also learned how to develop a perfume that brings victims to him quite easily.

Several centuries later, lawyer Jonathan Harker (Ewens Abid) is sent to the prince to help find a place for him to be in Paris. Showing a picture of his fiancé Mina (Zoe Bleu) to the prince, Jonathan is imprisoned in the castle while Dracula goes to find her feeding on his way to become handsome once again. Already in place is vampire Maria (Matilda De Angelis) who is being held in a sanitarium waiting for Dracula’s return but she seems to have gone a little mad.

Checking her over is a priest (Christoph Waltz) called in to handle the situation. Studying her behavior and marks on her neck, he concludes that Maria is vampire. Meanwhile, Mina is being seduce by Dracula and she is pulled between the two men. Remembering a time when Dracula was the love of her life, Mina makes a choice.

That’s when the priest follows with Harker and others, they are determined to bring Mina back to them. Dracula has other plans.

Landry as Dracula brings a new side of the frightening vampire. He carries Dracula through stages that project what we know and what we never considered. There is nothing stopping him from finding his love. Landry is quiet, effective and sexy in his own unique way which gives his character such power. Here is a deeper dive into Dracula and his presence looms so large thanks to Landry’s ability to be completely become this character. Different yet effective and so very close to my favorite Dracula.

Abid as Harder has a tendency to not fit into the film with his joking and the way he sees things. I felt a little cringed by this character as I always saw him as a stronger character. It doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate his role; I always see Harker as an under character that doesn’t seem to be thought of as important, and truthfully, he is. Bleu as Mina is a young woman worried about her friend, that is until a tall handsome prince enters her life. Bleu portrays such a strong woman who has no status other than being Dracula’s love. Bleu lets her character go with the flow and even seeing red flags doesn’t change her character.

Waltz as the Priest is the calm on in the bunch. He can chaos reign surprise around him he keeps his cool. While everyone is going insane around him, the priest just does what needs doing and doesn’t let overreactions stop him. When he finally speaks with Dracula, I just loved how his character spoke truth to Dracula’s power. DeAngelis as Maria is absolutely insane, she is extremely loud, a handful of emotions and a friend to Mina. But with friends like Maria who needs vampiric enemies. She is a vampiric hot mess.

Other cast include David Shields as Henry Spencer, Raphael Luce as Simon, Guillaume de Tonquedec as Dumont, Haymon Maria Buttinger as the Cardinal, Betrand-Xavier Corbi as Captain Targol,

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 please visit www.vert-ent.com.

To be honest, the 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula is always the yardstick I use to compare vampire films. When Gary Oldman says “I’ve crossed oceans of time to find you.”, I’m undone. I get why Mina submits because, who wouldn’t? That scene alone is imprinted in my brain forever so, its hard to go into a new vampire film without having some reservations.

What does that mean? It means that Landry has moved into the number 2 slot of my favorite vampires. His take is unique, vocally frightening and larger than life. There are moments of sheer terror and moments of sheer heartbreaking love. The portrayal by Landry shows it has to be one or the other.

Landry gives Dracula an interesting take with his anger being subtle but effective in ways the humans don’t see coming. This interpretation of Dracula includes gargoyle minions or, gargoyle ninjas because they are fast and effective. The costuming is stunning and I love that about the film. The score is brilliantly done by composer Danny Elfman. Each note added something unique, especially during the time Dracula is on the hunt through the centuries.  

Director Besson says is best about Dracula, “He’s good because he loves her and he’s bad because he loves her.” This character is caught in a cycle of grief and destruction. Grief at losing his beloved Elizabeta and the destruction of anything that gets in his way of finding her. That is a constant theme for this iconic bad boy with fangs.

In the end – he has waited centuries!

IN THE LOST LANDS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand from director Paul W.S. Anderson and Vertical Entertainment based on a short story by George R.R. Martin is the tale IN THE LOST LANDS.

Grays Alys (Milla Jovovich) is a witch who is in the clutches of religious fanatic The Enforcer Ash (Arly Jover), who serves The Patriarch Johan (Fraser James). There is chaos in this land of destruction and chaos. Ruling this desolate kingdom is The Overlord and The Queen (Amara Okereke) but there is tension between The Overlord and The Patriarch. Ash is furious when Grays Alys manages to escape and is pushed to recapture her once again.

In her own stronghold, Grays Alys is visited by The Queen who wants to make a wish knowing the witch can not refuse. Wanting a power that lives in the Lost Lands, she pays Grays Alys for her services. Promptly, an unexpected twist occurs when The Queen’s man Jerais (Simon Loof) makes a wish of his own, that she not do as the Queen wishes. Knowing all of this is complicated, Grays Alys finds Boyce (Dave Bautista) in a local watering hole and hires him as a guide to The Lost Lands where the power resides.

There are only six days before the next full moon that is needed to grant The Queen’s wishes as Grays Alys and Boyce begin their journey. The Patriarch wants Ash to get the witch so that he can dethrone The Overlord and The Queen to take the power. Boyce knows of ways to get to The Lost Lands and looks to the help of friends. The problem is getting to them before The Enforcer Ash does because she is on a mission of total destruction.

Now the race is on to see who will reach The Lost Lands first!

Jovovich as Grays Alys is doing what she does best, creating a badass female character in a world that is filled with chaos and destruction. Embracing that part of her career has always worked well for her and in this film, she is proving once again that these characters are obviously fun to portray. She gets to use witchy actions, is good with weaponry and doesn’t take any guff from anyone – even her co-star. Speaking of Baustia, as Boyce he is a wanderer who doesn’t like to stay in one place to long. Hiring himself out to the witch for a trinket puts him back out wandering but this time with a goal – to get to The Lost Lands. He does warn Grays Alys against going but it goes unheeded.

Jover as The Enforcer is just as crazy as she wants to be. Following her religious fanaticism, she sees Grays Alys as an abomination and must be destroyed. To that end, she is going to chase her down no matter where she goes or what magic she attempts. Jover is pretty darn cool herself, even if she is a little off the rails. James as The Patriarch and the head of the twisted church, his only goal is to plant himself in the highest seat in their land, even if it means taking down an Overlord or two. Okereke as The Queen wants her cake and everyone elses’ too stopping at nothing to make sure nothing stands in her way. Okereke makes a grand Queen and she has a little bit of evil in her as well. Loof as Jerais is the Queen’s man to make things happen, and without a word knows exactly what she wants done!

Other cast include Tue Lunding as The Hammer, Jacek Dzisiewicz as The Overlord, Kamila Klamut as Midwife, Eveline Hall as Old Woman, Nicolas Stone as Kane, Sebastian Stankiewicz as Ross, and Deirdre Mullins as Mara.

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.

IN THE LOST LANDS is a dark story (but then again, I would expect nothing less from George R.R. Martin) that is steeped in magic, power struggles and everyone out for themselves. Grays Alys is a woman with powers that she wishes on no one but yet can’t refuse a wish, even if she wanted to. That is her weight to carry knowing that those who asks things of her are usually greed in nature.

The visuals are exactly what one would expect from a world gone chaotic with those who want to rule and those they abuse by ruling. The religious want the world their way with the hearts and minds in the same chains as the Overlords and the overlords want to get rid of the religious for the same reasons. It seems only Grays Alys and Boyce are the sane ones in their own crazy way. The cast does a really good job of creating characters that I wouldn’t mind seeing again. The film definitely kept my attention with its twists, turns and, honestly, I do love a good yarn!

In the end – it is a world full of secrets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is the Life of JEANNE DU BARRY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Maiwenn and Vertical is the story of a woman in a country of few choices when your JEANNE DU BARRY.

Jeanne (Maiwenn) is a young woman in 1700’s France who is the daughter of a house maid. Taken in by a Roch-Claude Billard (Robin Renucci), she is taught to read and think for herself. Getting away from those who would tell her what to do and how to behave, Jeanne finds herself as a courtesan under Guillaume du Barry (Melvil Poupaud). It is Louis Francois, the Duke of Richelieu (Pierre Richard) who pushes to introduce Jeanne to King Louis XV (Johnny Depp).

In a planned meeting at Versailles, King Louis sees Jeanne and is intrigued by her presence. Jeanne is then visited by Jean-Benjamin de La Borde (Benjamin Lavernhe) who informs her that she is going to meet the King and what the rules are in his presence. Jeanne and the King meet and there is an instant spark between them as she quickly becomes the King’s favorite, much to the dismay of his daughters Adelaide (India Hair), Victoire (Suzanne de Baecque), Sophie (Laura Le Velly) and Louise (Capucine Valmary).

The only person that seems to be happy for the King is the Dauphin (Diego Le Fur) who sees the mistreatment by the court toward Jeanne. Adelaide decides to spread her dislike through to the Dauphin’s intended Marie Antoinette (Pauline Pollmann). The King begins to see what is happening to Jeanne and lavishes her with a place where they can be away from the court and the young Zamor (Djibril Djimo).

Being watched over by La Borde, Jeanne is still fighting for survival in a place that doesn’t see her as anything more than a nuisance during a time when the people of France are starting to resent those in power. As the King falls ill, Jeanne tries to be of comfort but her life is about to come full circle.

Maiwenn as Jeanne comes across for so many reasons. she is just so lovely without adding anything to her appearance which charmed me all the more. Allowing her performance to shine, she made it look so effortless. Jeanne is a woman of her times doing what it takes to survive in a world that doesn’t see her. Instead, as a grown woman, Maiwenn makes it clear that she may have to give and take in the matter of her survival but don’t try and take control away from her. Once in the company of the King, Maiwenn gives Jeanne charm, grace, and never once changes because it is just not who she is. The relationship between Jeanne and the King becomes one that is always in flux – until it isn’t.

Depp as the King seems to have no time for the goings on around him, at least that’s what his facial expressions seem to show. Meeting Jeanne is a breath of fresh air and a chance to be equally as charming if not entertaining. As much as the King’s family want Jeanne gone, the King knows what he wants and Jeanne brings it naturally. Depp is truly fascinating to watch as his role is more watchful than a lot of royal talk. I must admit I was moved by his portrayal in many scenes but truly expected nothing more than his best and not disappointed in the slightest. Yes, he does speak French but then again, he did in his film THE NINTH GATE as well.

Lavernhe as La Borde is emotional, funny even if he doesn’t mean to be and a true friend to the King. Watching him attempt to train Jeanne to court life I knew wasn’t going to be easy but Lavernhe’s portrayal of La Borde makes it entertaining to watch. As the film progresses, it is clear that whatever La Borde’s first impressions of Jeanne were, at the end he is a man with a beautiful heart. I enjoyed Lavernhe’s portrayal of a man who is doing is best with a woman who knows who she is and his uncomfortability is often tested.

Djimo as Zamor is a young man who is given to Jeanne by the King but he is not from France. She raises and loves the young boy but there will come a time where he must decide his own future fate. Le Fur as the Dauphin sees that Jeanne makes his father happy and also sees that family and the court are making life difficult for her. He will also come to a point in his life where the world will change.

Other cast include Gregoire Oestermann as Abbot Louis-Nicolas Maudoux, Patrick d’Assumcao as Etienne Francois, duc de Choiseul, Marianne Basler as Anne Becu, Noemie Lvovsky as Countess Anne de Noailles, and Micha Lescot as Florimond Claude.

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.

JEANNE DU BARRY was the Official Selection in 2023 at the Cannes Film Festival, 2023 nominee for the Golden Tower, Best Film at the Palic Film Festival and nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design by Cesar Awards in France.

Director/writer Maiwenn says of her film and role in JEANNE DU BARRY, “It started when I saw Sofia Coppola’s MARIE ANTOINETTE in 2006. As soon as Jeanne appeared on screen, I was fascinated by her character, played by Asia Argento. I immediately felt a strong connection with her and missed her as soon as she wasn’t on the screen. I fell in love with her and her era. I immersed myself in a detailed biography of her and felt the need to make a film about her right then.”

Her love affair with Jeanne clearly shows starting with letting the viewer know a bit of her history. As one who is fascinated with people in history, I also was interested in Jeanne. What Maiwenn does is dive right into her story and make it plain that there are no excuses for how this woman chose to live her life and I’m all about it. Adding a dash of Depp to the mix and giving him a crown was equally incredible. There was more on this actor’s character than needed to be spoken out loud, until he truly needed to.

As someone who absolutely adores period films, the production on this film is lavish, opulent and the Hall of Mirrors is just as stunning as I would ever have imagined. The costuming is stunning and gives every thread of the upper-class dress, wigs, jewelry etc. This film is definitely one that I will watch again and again. Maiwenn is a genius and I said what I said!

In the end – from illegitimacy to having the love of a King!

SHE CAME TO ME

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Rebecca Miller and Vertical Entertainment comes the story of love, life and the messiness in between with SHE CAME TO ME.

Steven Lauddem (Peter Dinklage) writes and composes opera for the theatre and has hit a creative road block. Frustrated, he turns to wife Patricia (Anne Hathaway) but she is too busy either cleaning the house or cleaning up the lives of her patience being a therapist. Son Julian (Evan Ellison) is also living his best life having just turned 18 and in his final year of high school as well as having a love of his own with Tereza (Harlow Jane). So, Steven is plodding along waiting for his next inspiration to strike. He doesn't have to wait long.

While bellying up to the bar to drown his sorrows at the local watering hole, Steven meets Katrina (Marisa Tomei), a romance addict tug boat captain who seduces the lost married man. Knowing he has just made a mistake; he hurries back to life leaving it all behind. That is until he decides that his creative block is over, he produces an opera loosely based on his experience and it is well received. Even wife Patricia is moved by the work and Steven starts feeling better!

Patricia hires cleaning lady Magdalena (Joanna Kulig) to help with her compulsive need for cleanliness and when Julian arrives home from school and is introduced, an awkward moment becomes apparent when Tereza recognizes Magdalena. If that isn't strange enough, Patricia beings to find a new compulsion to hang out at the Catholic church and isn't really sure why. Equally as bizarre is that Katrina has seen the new opera and is once again infatuated with Steven, love and a bit of stalking.

When Magdalena discovers what daughter Tereza has been doing, she finds pictures and takes them to Trey (Brian d'Arcy James) to figure out what to do next. Trey decides he is going to become Tereza's jailer but mom might have something to say about it. When everyone's problems become a stage production, all hands-on deck come up with answers that will take each of them in different directions they never could have seen coming and a happiness they had all been missing.

Dinklage as Steven is a man who loves his creativity so when it eludes him, he goes into a funk and the wife has to snap him out of it. Thinking that a walk will do it, it is actually an encounter with a tug boat captain and a dip in the ocean that changes everything. Dinklage is so strong in this role that his insecurities react depending on who is in front of him and the emotional consequences. Even at his most panicked, Dinklage is charming, boyish but equally protective and secretly gamed to explore the world that frightens him.

Hathaway as Patricia is a woman with more issues than any magazine rack could ever possibly hold. She is regimented in her dress, the house and the lives of her family but buried somewhere underneath is a desire that no one could have imagined. Hathaway gives us a straight-forwardness in these characters regimented life mixed in with a suppression that she ignores but it seeps through her skin.

Tomei as Katrina admits to anyone who will listen that she has an issue with romance - she wants it, craves it and has gotten herself into trouble trying to find it. Blurring the lines between her encounter with Steven and how she handles it makes one thing clear - boundaries, girl, boundaries. Tomei is rough around the edges but none-the-less charming in that she wants what most people don't say out loud. Her tug boat crew sees her for who she truly is but they don't have their caps screwed on very tight either.

Kulig as Magdalena is a woman who is also trapped by her choices as well. Sometimes it is easier to just plod along a familiar path and make no waves, but life has a way of causing ripples and Magdalena has to make hard choices. Kulig is a relatable character and I immediately wanted to tell her character to 'run!' away from her marriage, that's a good character portrayal.

Ellison as son Julian seems to be handling life extremely well considering who his parents are but also coming to the age were trying to avoid their adult problems is getting more difficult. He is happy with his future choices, love and the prospect of college so it’s mainly go along to get along. Jane as Tereza is a few years younger than love Julian but already knows what it is she wants - and it isn't life with her parents. 

Other cast include Aalok Mehta as Anton, Dale Soules as Auntie Moxie, Samuel H. Levine as Raef Gundel, Jen Ponton as Elodie, Bryan Terrell Clark as Frank Hall,

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.

SHE CAME TO ME is original and twistedly honest look at love when the lines we try so hard to cover up, intersect and there is nowhere to hide from it. These are people who are either stuck in what is expected of them no matter what past trauma sits right below the surface or have become afraid of their own dreams lost in shadows. The younger couple have those same dreams and fear, it just hasn't reached such epic proportion in them as it has in the adults. In the middle are indecisions and crossed lines that let each person know to either stand up or stay seated in life.

I also love the quirky factor in each of these characters and the reactions they have that are just a little over the top. There are degrees of overreactions and many that totally flip the script but each fit the characters perfectly. Even the totally gross Trey started out with quirks until his twists showed easily. The operas had me thinking 'what the heck?' but couldn't turn away from it either with its flowy music and beautiful sets.

The thing is, in the end, they all found their content spot. I don't say happy because that's a subjective word but in their faces at the final opera, on the tub boat, they find a contentment and I'm all about it for each character. It’s a mix of stage creatives, therapists, housekeepers, stenographers, tub boat captains and a couple of kids who think they already have the world figured out and they are all in for a huge surprise.  

In the end - sometimes you need to get lost!

HEART OF CHAMPIONS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now showing from director Michael Mailer and Vertical Entertainment is the story of working together as a team with the HEART OF CHAMPIONS.

Coach Jack Murphy (Michael Shannon) has come to Beeston University to be a part of the varsity rowing team. Captain Alex Singleton (Alexander Ludwig) rules with a sort of iron fist and sarcasm that does not really help the team. John (Alex MacNicoll) is the soft space between Alex and the rest of the team.

Murphy makes himself quite clear from the beginning, learn to row as a team or get off the team. He especially makes it clear to newcomer Chris (Charles Melton) arrives with an emotional chip on his shoulder.  He also needs to deal with Alex’s father (David Elliott) who has a history with the coach and is not afraid to throw it in his face.

Chris is in love with Sara (Lilly Krug) who introduces her friend Nisha (Ash Santos) to John. A rift, as if they need another one, already exists between Alex and John over Sara keeping tensions high.

But as the team learns from one another, they grow as a team and Coach Murphy believes that they have the potential to do what has been impossible for so long – beating the Harvard team. As they get close to that match, the team begins to break apart and a tragedy causes them all to believe that going on may be impossible.

The possible and impossible meet on the water.

Shannon as Coach Murphy comes into his position with unresolved issues that haunt him. Seeing the potential of the rowing team, he starts coaching as if they no nothing which they actually do not. There is so much disconnect with the varsity team that Shannon gives his coach thoughtfulness, and instead of just talking – he actually gives examples that they can embrace. Shannon has always been an acting I have watched closely because of the roles he chooses (i.e. Nine Perfect Strangers is an amazing example).

Ludwig as Alex is a young man who is being pushed toward the Olympics by a father who sees nothing but glory. Trying to please both his father and be loyal to a team that he has finally come to understand and want to be a part of is the battle he faces. Ludgwig shows the duality that will eventually be his downfall when choosing a path that is so destructive.

MacNicoll as John is a very empathetic young man who sees his team as a brotherhood and would do anything for them – even Alex. He works hard and loves girlfriend Sara being a focus of his life as well. Seeing the potential for the team is exciting and he even wants to help the coach with his goal of winning. MacNicoll is charming, funny and caring in this role and well done.

Melton as Chris has a history that he does not want to share with anyone and that gives the impression that he is uncaring and standoffish. The only person who manages to break through it is John and they become fast friends. Melton hides the pain of his character well and only let’s slip what he wants when he wants, and it is powerful and painful.

Krug as Sara is entertaining, charming and realizes that there is strain between Alex and John. Santos as Nisha is opinionated and makes an instant assessment of Chris without really knowing him. Once she does, the two work their way through an intense relationship.

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.

HEART OF CHAMPIONS is a story of the lives of the young men on the rowing team. Trying to find their way to being cohesive not only on the water but on land as well. Finding the right coach, it is only when Jack Murphy arrives does it mean that they might have finally found someone who can handle the group of young men.

Watching them grow on screen from sarcastic and broken apart to a team that comes alive on the water is what makes this film enjoyable to watch. There are issues that each of the characters face and some face them head on and other fight the demons that seem to take them down the wrong road.

Gather any team together and watch to see how a team become a family of brothers that learn to face it all together.

In the end – talent wins races and courage creates champions!

 

WILD INDIAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to select theatres and On Demand from writer/director Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. and Vertical Entertainment is the story of a past that catches up to the WILD INDIAN.

Makwa (Phoenix Wilson) and Teddo (Julian Gopal) are two young boys who are not only cousins but best of friends. Makwa constantly deals with the abuses of home and Teddo is there for him when he needs him. Makwa finds solace with his crush on a young classmate. Too shy to speak to her, another boy has captured her attention.

Dealing with homelife brings an anger inside Makwa and when he sees his emotional rival in the woods, both Makwa and Teddo’s lives are about to change.

Years go by and Makwa (Michael Greyeyes) is now a man of means with a beautiful wife. Working hard has paid off as he is about ready to get a promotion that he has been waiting for. Teddo (Chaske Spencer), on the other hand, is a man who has spent many years in prison away from his family. Hardened by a secret, it has landed him on the wrong side of the law.

Trying to find his place in the world, Teddo makes a decision that will put everything Makwa has worked for in jeopardy. Now he must return home and it is not the homecoming Makwa ever thought would happen.

Greyeyes as Makwa is a man who is hardened by his childhood. Even getting excited about anything in his life just does not happen for him. His steely eyes and frightening walk is enough to keep most people away from him. When he is cornered, there is nothing he will not do to keep the spotlight off himself.

Spencer as Teddo has lived with a secret that has changed any chance of his life being more than one of prison. Hoping to find a place back with his family, he tries his best to fit in but feels the past in every step he takes being home. Making a decision that should have been done as children, Spencer’s Teddo attempts accountability.

Other cast include Tres Garcia as Daniel, Colton Knaus as James Wolf, Kody Burns as Mrs. Knoll, Adam Budron as Detective Fenton, Kate Bosworth as Greta Peterson, Lisa Gromarty as Cammy, Scott Haze as Priest and Jesse Eisenberg as Jerry.

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.

WILD INDIAN begins with a look at the history of Native Americans and their treatment by a world encroaching on their land. The film continues with the story of two young boys trying to fit into a world that still does not recognize their importance and treatment in history. It is not enough that Makwa deals with violence at home, but he is treated equally badly in school.

Kudos to Wilson as the young Makwa as his performance is heartbreaking and horrifying at the same time. Wilson has the ability to bring you into his pain through his eyes and a disconnect that transfers to Greyeyes as the older Makwa. Goppal as the young Teddo wanted nothing more than to be a source of comfort and understanding for his cousin Makwa. Their secret is one that changes everything.

There are parts of the film that seem a bit off but with director Corbine Jr. managed to keep the film going forward. Between Wilson and Greyeyes, the character of Makwa does not give us a moment to breathe because what happens from moment to moment is head shaking. Adding Spencer into the mix, it now becomes like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

In the end – a fraction of a second changed their lives!

Sending Him to College to be RUSHED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Vibeke Muasya, writer Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Vertical Entertainment is the sadness of a son being RUSHED.

The O’Brien’s are an Irish Catholic family living in Upstate New York. Jim (Robert Patrick) is a hard-working husband and father leaving the chaotic homelife in the capable hands of wife Barbara (Siobhan Fallon Hogan). Older son Jimmy (Jay Jay Warren), daughters Kelly (Lily Rosenthal) and Ciara (Ellie Frankel) are always on the move.

Jimmy and friend Vergil (Justin Linville) are getting ready to pledge to a fraternity and mom Barbara wants to make sure he puts his best foot forward. Promising to call later if he is accepted, she sleeps by her phone to the amusement of Jim who is secretly thrilled for his son.

At the fraternity, Jimmy and Vergil are subjected to different levels of humiliation by president Steven Croission (Jake Weary). Jimmy begins to become agitated with the whole process, but the alcohol is still being pushed. When it gets to him, Croission puts the pledge into a chair but Vergil notices something is wrong.

By the end of the evening, Jimmy is in the hospital and the O’Brien family are devastated. It is Barbara who is not about to let the fraternity get away with hurting her son. Even Jim sees that his wife needs to investigate the events further in her own way until it all comes to a frightening conclusion and a twist that is shocking.

Hogan as Barbara is a woman who lives a life of family and faith. Both of those are being tested at the same time and the anger of what the fraternity did to her son leads her on a journey of listening to other mothers carrying the same pain. Hogan takes on the pain by finding others who have dealt with similar circumstances and the walls put in front of them to get justice.

Patrick as Jim is a hard-working dad who is proud of his family and son. When their world falls apart, he is the one to reach out to those who could help Barbara on her journey to help others. Strong for his family, he tries everything to help but knows that Barbara has to do things her own way to find peace.

Warren as Jimmy wanted so much to pledge a fraternity but realizes quickly that this is not what he signed up for. Pushed further and further to do more is what led him to the chair. Linville as friend Vergil also wanted to pledge and saw the same difficulties as Jimmy and he knows the truth.

Weary as Steven is a kid who has taken his role as president of a fraternity a bit too far. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the character of Steven proves that from the pledging and beyond.

Other cast include Rusty Schwimmer as Joan, Peter Hogan as Vinny, Sean Cullen as Mr. Donohue, Peri Gilpin as Mrs. Donohue, Sinead Hogan as Jessie, Jordan Lage as the Senator, Fat Nick as Chezno, Jared Sandler as DZL, Ben Rosenthal as Tucker and Austin Patrick as Alexis.

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.

“I wrote the film because as a mother of three, I understand that Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned. After I completed the script, I sent it to Zentropa Films as I have worked as an actress with Lars Von Trier for over 25 years in his films, DANCER IN THE DARK, DOGVILLE and THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. They immediately called me and agreed to co-produce the film which was fantastic. I am thrilled to have the film with Vertical Entertainment domestically and Octane Entertainment internationally,” said writer, producer and star Siobhan Fallon Hogan.

Hogan has taken on the challenge of telling the story that anyone can research on the internet and that is deaths due to hazing. Since 2000, there have been 50 deaths due to hazing with alcohol being one of the main factors. Of course, parents do not send their kids to college to die because of hazing which is where the pain exists.

The story is taken even further as Hogan decides that doing nothing is unacceptable. She cannot let her son rest without those who need to be accountable are held accountable. That is absolutely what I would expect from a mom like Barbara because I know it is absolutely what I would do. That being said, the ending is shocking!

RUSHED is a story of family, love, pain and the hopes that can turn so quickly are what fill every moment of the film. The pain that the O’Brien family endures is not just that of Barbara but Jim and the other children who are also trying to find their way through the heartache they never knew existed.  

In the end – she will fight for her family!

 

 

FOUR GOOD DAYS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Rodrigo Garcia and Vertical Entertainment comes a family tale that can seem all too familiar when looking for FOUR GOOD DAYS.

Molly (Mila Kunis) is a long-time heroine user who has once again reached rock bottom. Banging on the door of Mom Deb's (Glenn Close) door is like opening a twisted Pandoras Box. Deb makes it clear that Molly is not welcome in her home until she is clean but that does not stop Molly from banging on the door from dusk till dawn.

Husband Chris (Stephen Root) insists that Deb stay at bay for her own sanity’s sake and that of the emotional turmoil Molly brings. Having already lost husband Sean (Joshua Leonard) and custody of her children, she has no place else to go.

Deb insists that her daughter go to rehab once again as insurance will take care of three days. Once that is done, they are told by the doctor that there is a medication that Molly can take once a month to help her beat heroine and their ears perk up. The only difficulty is Molly cannot have used drugs for eight days and she is four days shy of that.

Deb agrees to take Molly in her home for those last four days as they wait it out for the one thing that could turn life around - for them both. During their time together, Molly gets a chance to vent her frustrations with Deb and a past she cannot seem to be forgiving about and Deb has the chance to vent her fears over all the years that Molly has been an addict.

But four days is a long time for two people who has serious issues with one another. Stress becomes anger and anger boils over until one of them walks away. Everything that the four days was pushing towards has the potential to vanish if they do not make it work.

Close as Deb is a woman that is torn, frustrated, mistrustful, dealing with a mother's love, angry and it is all wrapped up in a bundle of trying to save her child. Granted, Molly is a grown woman with children of her own but to a mother - your child is your child. Deb's problem is that she is trusting yet not trusting and those lines are constantly blurred where Molly is concerned. Dealing with guilt of her own regarding life decisions, that guilt is killing them both. Close is amazing but then again there is nothing surprising in that as she has honed her craft to the point where all one has to do it watch and enjoy.

Kunis as Molly is an angry, lying, stealing, manipulating conjurer of pain for everyone around her. Taking no responsibility and blaming everyone else is the highlight of her days and tries to pour every miserable detail of life onto anyone else but herself. So, basically her character is doing what all addicts do but yet Kunis manages through her character to give us hope as if we were attached to Deb at the hip feeling the hope of a mother. That is the magic trick Kunis pulls off and does so exceptionally well. I did not know whether to love her or slap her into next year! Well done.

Root as Chris is a man who is trying to protect his family from his family. As Molly's stepfather he has watched his wife being raked over the coals but her child. Seeing things from the outside it is easier for him to say "let her go" than for a mother to actually let her go. I get where Roots’ character is coming from and totally understand. With that I cheered when he stood up for himself!

Other cast include Rebecca Field as Coach Miller, Sam Hennings as Dale, Michael Hyatt as Lisa, Chad Lindberg as Daniel, Nicholas Oteri as Colton and Audrey Lynn as Chloe.

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.

FOUR GOOD DAYS is a film for everyone who has struggled with addiction in the family and anyone who wants to know how it feels to be in the middle of it all. There are actually three sides to this story and they all play out equally well. There is the story of Molly and how she came to become an addict but also the lengths she went to on the destructive path through addiction.

There is the story of Deb, a mother who made mistakes in her life and tried to learn how to protect herself from her own daughter. That is horribly painful to think about for most mothers. Deb wants to save her daughter, but each time Molly comes knocking, there is the prospect of the world around them both falling apart. Deb tries to set boundaries but again, being a mom gets in the way more times than not. The mistrust is palpable, and you can easily find yourself yelling at the screen when decisions are being made.

Finally, there are those on the outside looking in at the situation. From the stepfather to Molly's father to kids in a classroom, they are listening but there is a disconnect between listening to someone tell you about addiction and the destruction and seeing it firsthand. It's the smiling when people mean well but are far from the situation.

FOUR GOOD DAYS is a well-done film that tackles a very sensitive issue and that is our country is still dealing with drug issues and ways to help those who need it most. Watching the conflict between Deb and Molly is extremely difficult at times because there is a sense of hopelessness associated with their story. These two actresses have taken a powerful stance with their characters that give only a tiny sliver of insight into a fraction of the issues families deal with.

The film is based on the 2016 Washington Post article "How's Amanda? A Story of Truth, Lies and an American Addiction".

In the end - they have work to do!

Prepare for the Journey and the HAUNTING OF THE MARY CELESTE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Shana Betz and Vertical Entertainment comes a story that leaves the passengers nowhere to go when investigating the HAUNTING OF THE MARY CELESTE.

Rachel (Emily Swallow) is on a research mission, to discover what happened to the passengers of the ship Mary Celeste. Haunted by her own beliefs because of a tragedy she still cannot come to grips with, Rachel hires a ship to take them to the last know coordinates of the ship.

The captain hired to take them leaves Rachel, assistants Grant (Dominic DeVore) and Cassandra (Alice Hunter) abandoned on the dock. Seeing another ship, Rachel asks Captain Tulls (Richard Roundtree) if he wants the job. Convincing him with a wad of cash, Tulls and his crewmate Aldo (Pierre Adele) take them all where they want to go.

As they get closer, strange things begin to happen that even the non-believer Captain Tulls cannot ignore, although he does quite well. Rachel believes there is a rift between this world and where the passengers of the Mary Celeste are.

Suddenly the boat ceases to function and Aldo investigates something he hears. Radioing for help, Rachel convinces Tulls that they only have a certain amount of time to prove her theory and that, along with more money keeps them in an ever-growing fog.

Finally, Rachel must come to terms with her past, what she believes and what is happening to everyone on the boat before it is too late for them all!

Swallow as Rachel is having a difficult time with mixing her own tragedy with that of the passengers aboard the Mary Celeste. Along with her equipment, proving the rift is the goal and nothing is going to stop her. Swallow gives us a character that is willing to do anything to finally get the answers to the one question she carries 'is there a connection between her and the Mary Celeste'?

Roundtree as Tulls is a straightforward, no bull kind of sea captain. Convincing him to take the job seemed difficult, but a wad of cash can make even a grumpy captain take notice. He does not believe in the rift or in what Rachel is doing but a job is a job - until it isn't. It is nice to see Roundtree on screen again and in a film that gives him both gruffness and shock carrying his role well.

DeVore as Grant believes in what Rachel is doing but I suspect there is more than a researcher’s mode in this. Following the trail along with Rachel, he does believe but there is a difference between believing a thing and seeing for one's self. Hunter as Cassandra is just a piece of work pure and simple. She does not seem to be along for the true research but more for class credit. Adele as Aldo is not happy about this job from the get-go, with plenty of reason to be.

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.

In December 1872, the vessel Mary Celeste captained by Benjamin Briggs never arrived at its destination in Italy.  Captain Morehouse of the Dei Gratia boarded the ship only to discover charts thrown around, the crew's quarters intact, a pump disassembled, one lifeboat missing and all cargo along with supplies still intact. Thus, began a mystery that still is with us today.

Which brings us to HAUNTING OF THE MARY CELESTE and the opportunity to suggest the rift theory. Director Betz takes us into a realm of fog, disbelief, strange happenings and what could happen between this world and the rift.

This is the kind of film that I love in this genre. It is not full of gore but instead spooks, twists, creaking, fog and sounds from the 'other side' as it were. The story being told is best seen in a dark room with a sound bar attached to your television to get the awesome creepy affect. Did I mention a tub of popcorn would be an added bonus? Well, it would because the yarn being woven for us is tub worthy.

In the end - fear lies beneath!