Holding on to His LAST BREATH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Alex Parkinson and Focus Features is the true story of the men who live dangerously on their LAST BREATH.

Off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea, a ship takes divers Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), David Yuasa (Simu Liu) and veteran Duncan Allcock (Woody Harrelson) to replace a section of pipeline 300 feet down into the darkness of the ocean. Chris immediately tries to bond with David but land smack up against an emotional wall. The three men get into a diving bell as the seas above are rough from a storm.

The sea is thrashing the boat with 18-foot waves but Chris and David, tethered with an umbilical, are at the bottom beginning their 6-hour work underwater. What they done know is that the ship’s stabilizers stop working and it starts to drag the diving bell and the divers. Chris becomes entangled and the tether breaks. Panicking, David calms Chris saying that he will come back for him! Returning to the diving bell, the clock is ticking as Chris is running out of oxygen.

Commanding the ship is Captain Andre Jenson (Cliff Curtis), with the help of Hanna (MyAnna Buring), Craig (Mark Bonnar) and Mike (Josef Altin), do everything possible to get the boat back to where Chris is, including rebooting the ships systems. They each do what they can to bring Chris home as time is running out and they are not going to leave him behind!

Cole as Chris is a young man who cherishes time with his girlfriend but still loves to dive. Happy to meet up with Duncan, he is equally happy to meet the legendary David. Showing him respect, he wants to get the job done. Cole is sweet, charming and equally frightening in the role of a man who has no time to spare. I’ll keep what happens to myself so you can be just as surprised. Liu as David seems to have a hard outer shell which amuses veteran Duncan but when it comes to the chaos, he digs deep. Liu gives his character strength when he needed it the most. Wonderfully done.

Harrelson as Duncan loves what he does and has a close friendship with Chris. He knows what needs to be done and when it falls apart, he is the go-between from the diving bell to the ship up top. I adore Harrelson in roles like this as the solid but somewhat quirky man in charge. Curtis and Buring are in control of the ship and make unusual decisions to save one man. Bonnar as Craig tries everything to stay in contact with the diving bell and Altin as Mike does a little creative splicing to get their ship back.

Other cast include Connor Reed as Andrew, Nick Biadon as Stuart, Riz Khan as Kirk, Aldo Silvio as Brad, Kevin Naudi as Alex, Claudiu Baciu as Paul, Brett Murray as Nick, and Muhammad Arnini Bin Ariffin as Jun.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

LAST BREATH is based on the 2019 documentary of the same name that was done by Parkinson and Richard da Costa. The incident happened on September 19, 2012.

I am a huge fan of true stories and even more fascinated by those who do jobs I either never heard of or know very little about. Divers repairing pipeline 300 feet under water for up to 10 hours is absolutely astounding. Director Parkinson says of the film, “The story is about the emotional pull. If you were in that situation, you would want the people around you to do the same for you. That is the uplifting nature of the film.”.

It's true, the film shows the goal of every person involved, to get to Chris. They do things that are not either usual or by the book yet, they push what is necessary and that makes all the difference. From an unforgiving sea to the darkness of the deep, LAST BREATH is just as fast paced as the time in our heads ticking by.

The underwater scenes are frightening and well done so kudos to the cinematographers for that. The fear and sadness of each person on the screen is enough to get a sniffle out of me. Yet, when they kick into high gear, so did my emotions as I realized I was sitting up to the edge of my seat. That translates into a fantastic movie going experience so leave your thalassophobia at home and hit the theatres this Friday.

In the end – make every breath count!

THE MAN FROM TORONTO

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix from director Patrick Hughes, Bron and Sony Pictures brings the craziness belonging to THE MAN FROM TORONTO.

Freddie Jackson (Kevin Hart) is a go getter with attempting to sell the world on his exercise equipment on the internet. His ideas are not getting anywhere which worries Freddie who is trying to pamper his wife Lori (Jasmine Matthews) for her birthday by renting a cabin for the weekend.

Dropping her off at the spa, Freddie drives to the cabin to get it set up for their romantic time. When he gets there, Freddie is met by some very dangerous people wanting him to do something despicable! Being called ‘The Man from Toronto’, he is told by Agent Lawrence (Kate Drummond) who stopped the hit that they need his help.

Wanting him to continue to be ‘The Man from Toronto’, they agents tell Freddie everything he needs to know and offer him incentives. Agent Santoro (Jencarlos Canela) is sent to allow Lori a day of shopping to meet Freddie later in the evening. The problem is, someone else is watching what Freddie has been up to.

The Man from Toronto (Woody Harrelson), the real one, is hot on Freddie’s trail. So close in fact that meeting up with other bad guys looks easy. Freddie is now heading to Puerto Rico and the agents have lost him! On the plane, the two men from Toronto come face to face and the Handler (Ellen Barkin) is not happy and brings in reinforcements with The Man from Miami (Pierson Fode).

The Man from Toronto, Randy, sees no other choice but to team up with Freddie and the results are stomach churning. All of this is about a weapon that needs a certain man’s voice and a thumbprint. The killer knows that he has to continue the ruse with Freddie because everyone has now seen a photo of him.

But Freddie has to get back to Lori and Randy goes along only to meet Anne (Kaley Cuoco) who gets the uptight killer to loosen up a bit. Things start to go well until The Man from Miami shows up wreaking a lot of havoc and the agents reconnect and see Freddie with Randy. Agent Davis (Ronnie Rowe) tries to get to them.

The Man from Miami has what he needs to meet with Colonel Marin (Alejandro De Hoyos) and the Handler shows up with the cash Randy wants. As all the bad guys gather together to hear the speech by the new president of Venezuela, the weapon everybody but Freddie wants is in bad hands. Worst of all, Lori has made it clear she does not know her husband anymore.

The new problem is that the Handler does not like what is happening and decides that the only thing left to do it call in all ‘The Man From…’ to send Randy and Freddie on the run!

Hart as Freddie is doing what he does best, crack jokes, be self-deprecating and makes it clear that his character is a jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof. Hart has wracked up quite a few buddy films and now, opposite Harrelson, he can be sure that anyone else that wants to line up for their shot at another buddy film is going up against a pro. Even his action sequences are hilarious!

Harrelson as Randy ‘The Man from Toronto’ gets to play the straight guy who has a few sensitive issues. He does not min a good fight but put him on the dance floor and he gets a bit jittery and sensitive. He is the straight man and anchor to Freddie’s constant chaos. I enjoy his performance and I think it made me laugh a bit more than Freddie.

Barkin as the Handler is a woman on a mission. Her job is calling ‘The Man from…’ to do jobs that pay a lot. When Randy and Freddie screw up her plans, she is not about to forgive or forget. Nicely done!

Other cast includes Lela Loren as Daniela Marin, Rob Archer as Oscar, Patrick Garrow as Brennan, Martin Roach as Marty, Jason MacDonald as Coughlin, Kyle Gatehouse as Todd, and Alejandro Ampudia as Green Guy.

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information, please visit www.netflix.com.

THE MAN FROM TORONTO is a buddy action comedy that does not waste any time getting the action started. Hart is go, go, go and even until the end, he is still going. He is the energizer bunny of action stars. As Freddie, he openly admits he is more afraid of wife Lori than anything Randy can bring to his life.

Harrelson is the anchor to the madness as he keeps his calm when Hart’s character loses his wits. What I loved about this character the most is that what we think we know about him is not what is true. That being said, watching these two actors together is a comedy that will definetly entertain and having a big screen television will make it even more entertaining!

In the end – hitman meets deadman!

VENOM: Let There Be Carnage Bites Onto Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Andy Serkis, in association with Marvel and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next adventure of VENOM: Let There Be Carnage.

At the St. Estes Home for Unwanted Children, it is 1966 and two young people have fallen in love. Cletus Kasady and Frances Barrison are teens subjected to a miserable existence in the institution. One day Frances tells Cletus that she is being taken away to someplace with people like herself and that sets in motion rage of emotions.

Frances does have an unusual power in that she can manipulate sound and on her way to Ravencroft Institute, she shows what she is capable of! A struggle ensues with Officer Patrick Mulligan and Frances is injured but Mulligan believes she died.

That all happened in the past and now Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) is called to speak with Cletus (Woody Harrelson) who is on death row. Symbiote Venom is thrilled to have the opportunity to get out of the house and believes eating prisoners is an okay thing. Mulligan (Stephen Graham) goes along to see if Cletus has any information about the people he is accused of hurting but gets nothing from Eddie.

During the visit, Eddie notices something in Cletus’ cell only to discover what managed to evade police. All while learning that the love of his life, Anne Weying (Michelle Williams) is engaged to Dr. Dan Lewis (Reid Scott) which Venom is totally upset about. Going back to visit Cletus, Venom gets upset with things that he says and jumps towards the death row inmate. Cletus responds by biting Eddie and instantly feels differently.

On the way home, Venom becomes upset with Eddie and the insults start to fly, so much so that Venom literally leaves Eddie. While Cletus is being executed, something happens, and a creature destroys everything in its path. Feeling powerful, the first thing Cletus does is name his ‘other’ Carnage and rescues his love Frances (Naomie Harris).

But they both have a vendetta and revenge is going to sweep through town and Venom has to be found to make it all stop!

Hardy as Eddie is ever present and bounces off Venom like insane ping pong ball. It can be difficult to get the upper hand when playing alongside a symbiote, but Hardy is back and manages to get in his one liners and parental tips. It is clear that this time the show is all about Venom and Carnage so Hardy lets them take the lead and he follows along.

Harrelson as Cletus a bone to pick with Eddie but gets something better in return. Getting a chance to release Carnage is a dream come true for this character who does not quite have all his beans in one basket. Harrelson does give us Cletus’ total devotion and love for Frances, just in what the medical community might call ‘unhealthy’ ways.

Harris as Frances is equally devoted to Cletus and when she sees him again, he has a little something else to bring into the relationship. Graham as Mulligan has his own demons to deal with and it all has to do with Frances. The twist is another added bonus to the story.

Williams is back as Anne with a surprise for Eddie but the surprise may be on her when Venom asks a favor! Scott rides in as Dr. Dan and gets an opportunity to experience a bit of Eddie and Anne’s world before he came along.

Other cast includes Sian Webber as Camille Pazzo, Scroobius Pip as Siegfried and Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen.

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

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

4K Ultra HD, Blura and Digital Bonus Features include Outtakes & Bloopers, 6 Deleted Scenes, Eddie & Venom: The Odd Couple, Sick and Twisted Cletus Kasady, Concept to Carnage, Let There Be…Action and more!

VENOM: Let There Be Carnage is exactly that – a wild ride between two people who have symbiotes piggybacking onto their lives. Both are hostile and both want one thing, to create as much havoc as humanly possible. Vemon may have thought he was the toughest alien in town, but Carnage gives him a run for his chocolate.

We have to talk about Venom for a moment, he is so insanely crazy that it is almost like listening to a parent and a pre-teen going at it constantly. Vemon throws fits and thinks he knows everything while Eddie tries to steer him away from trouble, and it does not always work. I have to say that between Vemon and Deadpool – that would be a match I would pay serious money to see.

Vemon’s thought process is hilarious and it does make the film so much more enjoyable so here’s to you, you crazy fit throwing alien infection – well done!

In the end – let there be carnage!

 

The Ultimate Disaster of 2012

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Roland Emmerich and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the disaster of 2012.

Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) is a frustrated writer who has found himself now a chauffer driver of rich Russian Yuri Karpov (Zlatko Buric). Spending the weekend with kids Noah (Liam James) and Lilly (Morgan Lily), ex-wife Kate (Amanda Peet) is not surprised that he is late picking them up.

That is not the biggest worry in the world, that would come from Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who has been given bad news about the planet. Getting that bad news to Carl Anheuser (Oliver Platt) at the White House means telling the President Wilson (Danny Glover) as well.

Jackson takes the kids camping and meets Charlie (Woody Harrelson) who tries to explain that the world is about to experience its end. Believing that Charlie is a one card short of a full deck, Jackson takes it in stride. That is until a phone call from Kate after a hard earthquake brings them all home. While taking Yuri’s kids to the airport, Jackson feels the ground shake under his feet – now he is a believer.

Grabbing Kate, the kids and her husband Gordon (Tom McCarthy) – they all hit the road just as everything around them is literally coming down. The one thing Jackson knows now is that getting back to Charlie to get more information is essential. Helmsely must break the news that everything he predicted is now speeding up rapidly and their plan for survival must start now.

Meeting up with Yuri in Las Vegas, Jackson and his crew and the Russian and his family jump on the plane to find the arks Charlie spoke of. What they never expected was what they will find and how much harder their journey will be to survive the destruction of their world.

Cusak as Curtis is trying to recover from writing a book that did not do so well and a family that has moved on without him. Once the planet become erratic, the character of Curtis goes into hyper-survival mode and Cusak does what he does best – gives us a character that you can believe even with all his flaws. Peet as Kate still cares about Curtis even though he makes her nuts. Convinced that Curtis is their only hope, she stands by him and protects her children.

Ejiofor as Helmsley is a man who must bring the news to the President. Then a plan is put in place but even as that is happening, Helmsley knows that something is not quite right with how it is playing out. When it becomes clear, Helmsley fights for saving as man human beings as they can – no matter who they are. Platt as Anhauser is just how everyone sees a politician – a little crooked and a lot concerned for himself more than anyone else.

Buric as Yuri is a rich Russian who get the tickets for his family the usual way – lots of money paid. The strange thing is I find Yuri an amusing character. McCarthy as Gordon isn’t happy with having to be saved by his wife’s ex-husband but he does his part to get the family away from danger.

Harrelson as Charlie is terrific, trippy, funny, a little left of center and I absolutely loved his time on the screen.

Other cast include Thandie Newton as Laura Wilson, Beatrice Rosen as Tamara, Alexandre Haussmann as Alec, Philippe Haussmann as Oleg, and Johann Urb as Sasha.

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

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

The Special Features include Discovery Channel’s 2012 Apocalypse, Theatrical Trailers, Picture-in-Picture Roland’s Vision, Commentary with Writer/director Roland Emmerich and Co-writer Harald Kloser, Alternate Ending, Interactive Mayan Calendar, Designing the End of the World, Roland Emmerich: The Master of the Modern Epic, Science Behind the Destruction, The End of the World: The Actor’s Perspective, Countdown to the Future, Deleted Scenes, “Time for Miracles” Music Video by Adam Lambert.

It is no secret to anyone who knows me or knows my film habits that I love a disaster film. I mean I LOVE watching things fall apart around the human race because it also shows the best in people. Of course, you will have a few characters that you want to throw in the nearest hole in the earth but, in general, its about survival and helping those around them to survive.

There is also this amazing creativity in that survival by the characters in these films and Roland Emmerich knows how to get that into all his films. Let’s face it, he has shown us some serious disasters with the films INDEPENDENCE DAY and DAY AFTER TOMORROW. The film 2012 takes that even further because there is not a moment to take a breath but instead feeling part of the group trying to survive.

That is what makes these films so great and 2012 is stunning in scope, special effects (that you forget are special effects) and the fight for humanity against mother nature.

In the end – the end is just the beginning!

 

MIDWAY Launches Again on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Roland Emmerich and Lionsgate Home Entertainment comes the story of one of the biggest battles against Japan on MIDWAY.

On December 7, 1942, Japan surprise attacked Pearl Harbor and the one person not surprised is Lt. Commander Edwin Layton (Patrick Wilson) who had been trying to tell anyone who would listen of an impending attack. Lt. Dick Best (Ed Skrein) returns home to learn of the death of his friends with wife Anne (Mandy Moore) helping him to grieve.

On ship is Vice Admiral Bull Halsey (Dennis Quaid) waiting for orders to stop the Japanese. His aviation crew include Lt. Commander Wade McClusky (Luke Evans). Put in charge of a plan along with Lt. Cmdr. Layton is Admiral Chester Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) who looks to a group of code breakers led by Commander Rochefort (Brennan Brown).

The first strike is for Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle (Aaron Eckhart) and his men to fly to Tokyo and carpet bomb the city. The Japanese are caught by surprise not ever believing it was possible for the United States military to strike back so quickly.

Leading the Japanese fleet is Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi (Tadanobu Asano), Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo (Jun Kunimura) and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (Etsushi Toyokawa). Pearl Harbor isn’t their only target as the plan now includes Midway. Gathering all their forces, they are confident that no one sees them coming and victory is sure.

With so much ship loss at Pearl Harbor, the ships that are left have to come together as well as planes and pilots to make the plan work. Lt. Best and Lt. Cmdr. McClusky go to their men with confidence to let them know that they must give it their all and remember their fallen friends. As the battle for Midway approaches, Nimitz and Layton trust the information given to them by the code breakers to stay ahead of the plan, Best and McClusky fly for their lives as everyone does their part.

It is the history of taking one step at a time to win.

Skrein as Best is a man who is a little dangerous in the sky, but he wants to be prepared for any eventuality. With each battle, he only wants to go home to his wife and daughter. Using every bit of his flying experience and a little bit of his grit, Skrein gives his character bravery and the will to fight. Moore as wife Anne is a lady, I’d call a spitfire. She knows that what her husband does is dangerous and holds her breath with each bit of news that all the wives can know.

Harrelson as Nimitz is brought into the fight at the time of Pearl Harbor. He has to trust those around him for the information knowing that more American soldiers will die and that’s a hard job to have. Wilson as Layton tried to warn his superiors about what Japan was capable of and they didn’t listen. When given the opportunity to show what he knows and how he knows it, Wilson gives his character strength and determination to stand by Rochefort.

Quaid as Halsey shows his character as a gritty leader who, like everyone else, wants to stop the Japanese fleet from destroying anything else or getting to the west coast of the United States. He may be gruff, but he knows what is necessary to win. Evans as McClusky thinks Best is a reckless pilot but since Pearl Harbor realizes that perhaps reckless, in this case, is a brave thing that is needed in the fight.

Kunimura, Toyokawa and Asano have the difficult roles of the Admirals (Rear and Vice) who feel strong that they can win. Pearl Harbor gives these characters a feeling of invincibility and feel Midway is the next reasonable step in their plan. What they do not expect is that the United States military forces have banned together with a plan of their own and they will stop at nothing to punish the Japanese fleet.

Other cast include Alexander Ludwig as Lt. Roy Pearce, Keean Johnson as Chief Aviation Radioman James Murray, Luke Kleintank as Lt. Clarence Earle Dickinson, Brandon Sklenar as Ensign George Gay, Jake Manley as Ensign Willie West, Darren Criss as Lt. Commander Eugene Lindsey, Jake Weber as Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance, James Carpinello as Captain Brockman, Geoffrey Blake as John Ford, Greg Hovanessian as Lieutenant Arizona, David Hewlett as Admiral Kimmel, Mark Rolston as Admiral King and Nick Jonas as Aviation Machinist Mate Bruno Gaido.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

The Bonus Materials of MIDWAY are Audio Commentary by Roland Emmerich, “Getting It Right: The Making of Midway, The Men of Midway, Roland Emmerich: Man on a Mission, Turning Point: The Legacy of Midway, Joe Rochefort: Breaking the Japanese Code, We Met at Midway: Two Survivors Remember, Optional English SDH and Spanish Subtitles for the Main Feature and Theatrical Trailer.

MIDWAY is exactly, first, what you’d expect from director Roland Emmerich coming in at 127 minutes long.  A Master of Special Effect and the big bangs, the battle scenes on the screen are epic (as I suspect they were in real life). Beginning with the Pearl Harbor attack until the final battle for Midway, the film gives the feeling of all the films Hollywood put out in the 50’s and 60’s that I watched growing up. My father was a Gunner’s Mate on many of Navy ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers like the Hornet, Boxer, Constellation and Kitty Hawk.

So, I watched many, many films IN HARMS WAY (1965), THE LONGEST DAY (1962), SANDS OF IWO JIMA (1949), FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953), TORA! TORA! TORA! (1973) and the list is endless. I am well versed in war films, so I expect a lot. Emmerich spends very little time depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor because it has been done so many times before. He gets in, makes it clear and moves on because the goal in the storytelling is what happened next and next and next.

The actors themselves did well with what they were given. There were a few moments where I felt nostalgic with lines being delivered in such a way that I felt I was watching a 50’s/60’s war film instead of 2019. The characters were righteously angry because, let’s face it, no one who saw, was part of and survived Pearl Harbor could ever be the same again.

Skrein, Evans and the rest of the actors portraying the pilots were amazing to my way of thinking. The pilots job back then was to focus on a target and get the job done, that’s how Skrein and Evans made it look and feel which is totally successful in my eyes. Harrelson and Wilson together made a dynamic duo doing something totally different than their predecessors in the job. Harrelson gave his Nimitz portrayal an opportunity to trust when there was really nothing else left and Wilson’s portrayal of Layton jumps in as if to say, ‘we can’t do it the old ways anymore’.

What the film lacks in dialogue it makes up for in Emmerich battles and constant action. He proves over and over again with such films as INDEPENDENCE DAY, STARGATE (both personal favorites of mine), THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, and INDEPENDENCE DAY: Resurgence, and the best disaster film that is a guilty pleasure with the film 2012. He knows what is epic and MIDWAY falls into that category with ease.

Prepare to revisit MIDWAY!

In the end – they awoke a sleeping giant!

The Band is Back Together with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Start the new year with good laughs from director Ruben Fleischer and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and the continuation of rules to survival with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap on Bluray and DVD.

So, a few years have gone by since we last checked in with the apocalypse survivors as Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are taking a zombie break living in a big white house. Columbus and Wichita have settled into being a couple, Tallahassee is working on a new vehicle and Little Rock is getting itchy feet.

Thinking that Wichita might need something to look forward to, Columbus does his best to clear a path for their life. Spooked by his suggestion, both the girls pack up and hit the road. A month later, Columbus is heartbroken and Tallahassee is about to lose his mind with his whining so hitting up the local mall the two get more than they bargained for. Cute and fluffy Madison (Zoey Deutch) has survived in a mall and is happy to see others.

So happy that she latches onto Columbus which doesn't work out really well when Witchita resurfaces with the news that Little Rock has taken up with a non-gun-toting-pacifist named Berkeley (Avan Jogia). On their way to Graceland perks Tallahassee up and all four jump into a vehicle to make their way to see the King - oh yea, and to get Little Rock Back.

Finding a hotel, the gang (minus one and plus one) meet Nevada (Rosario Dawson), Albuquerque (Luke Wilson) and Flagstaff (Thomas Middleditch). In a scuffle to end all scuffles, the gang (minus one with no plus one) heads off for a place called Babylon where Little Rock is supposed to be.

Well, to make a long story short (I know, too late!), Babylon is a perfect place for Berkeley with their non-gun-pacifist-giving-post-apocalyptic-peace-a-chance. All that would be wonderful except for one thing, a new breed of zombies affectionately called T-800's are headed toward the drum circle and the only people that know how to stop them are going to do just that!

Eisenberg as Columbus is sticking to his rules (well, except for Madison) and knows that since they've been laying low for a bit their zombie skills might be a little rusty. Once Wichita comes back the tension is full of well-deserved shade. Eisenberg doesn't miss a Columbus step. Stone as Wichita is still a strong lady who doesn't know what she wants relationship wise and her protective sister instincts are strong. She is just fun all the way around.

Breslin as Little Rock has itchy feet because she's tired of hanging out with people not her age. It isn't easy and when she meets Berkeley, Little Rock sees a chance to do something different while paying homage to Cheech & Chong with a little road trip. Jogia as Berkeley reminds me of every cliché about guitar playing pacifists to the point that agreeing with Tallahassee is hilarious.

Speaking of Harrelson as Tallahassee, he has become the father figure to the group whether he likes it or not. When Little Rock runs off you can see his 'dad' side come out with wanting to do only one thing - end Berkeley. I love that Harrelson finally got a chance to ham it up with some Elvis impersonating.

Shout out to Deutch as Madison because her character is just everything, we never thought we wanted for Zombieland. She is hilarious, speaks her mind even if it doesn't make sense, isn't judgmental towards the situation the world finds itself in, is just the happiest survivor I think I've ever seen. Plus, she looks absolutely fabulous through the entire film!

Dawson as Nevada is a nice addition to the storyline, Wilson as Albuquerque has a truck bigger than Tallahassee's and Middleditch as Flagstaff knows his Terminator movies and quotes. That's all I'm saying about that because you should have all the giggles, I did with the new additions to the Zombieland universe.

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

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

The Bluray Exclusives are Extended Blooper & Outtakes, Alternate & Extended Scenes, The Doppelgangers and A Day with Bill Murray. Also included are The Rides of Zombieland, Rules of Making a Zombie Film, Making Babylon, New Blood and Filmmaker Commentary.

First, what I love best about ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap is that the storyline doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it picks up a few years later without missing a sarcastic beat. The characters have become a little lazy behind the walls of their big ole house so adventures in zombie land are inevitable. What hasn't changed is their idiosyncrasies, their need to not admit that they are feeling anything out of the ordinary like commitment, or the fact that they treat each other exactly as they did in 2009.

Think about that for a minute, it's been 10 years since we were introduced to ZOMBIELAND and the only one that has aged is Abigail Breslin. Harrelson, Eisenberg and Stone look fantastic and I can't express enough how glad I am that they all came back to make this sequel. Let's be honest, sequels don't always work out well and it is mainly because the expectations are really high. In ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap, the only thing I expected is that the humor be at the same level as before and I wasn't disappointed in any way.

I had a fun time, enjoyed getting reacquainted with old friends and understanding that the rules that Columbus introduced us to in 2009 are what kept these characters alive. In their world all bets are off because the only thing they need to do is remember they are a family - oh and stay alive!

That's right folks, no spoilers here because there is oh so much more to see AND what makes the arrival of the Bluray so very cool is making it a double ZOMBIELAND night and watch both films back to back. Oh yes, that is exactly what is happening in my household this weekend.

In the end - it's their world and we just get to enjoy it.

MIDWAY Launches for Veterans Day

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Roland Emmerich and Lionsgate comes the story of one of the biggest battles against Japan on MIDWAY.

On December 7, 1942, Japan surprise attacked Pearl Harbor and the one person not surprised is Lt. Commander Edwin Layton (Patrick Wilson) who had been trying to tell anyone who would listen of an impending attack. Lt. Dick Best (Ed Skrein) returns home to learn of the death of his friends with wife Anne (Mandy Moore) helping him to grieve.

On ship is Vice Admiral Bull Halsey (Dennis Quaid) waiting for orders to stop the Japanese. His aviation crew include Lt. Commander Wade McClusky (Luke Evans). Put in charge of a plan along with Lt. Cmdr. Layton is Admiral Chester Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) who looks to a group of code breakers led by Commander Rochefort (Brennan Brown).

The first strike is for Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle (Aaron Eckhart) and his men to fly to Tokyo and carpet bomb the city. The Japanese are caught by surprise not ever believing it was possible for the United States military to strike back so quickly.

Leading the Japanese fleet is Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi (Tadanobu Asano), Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo (Jun Kunimura) and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (Etsushi Toyokawa). Pearl Harbor isn't their only target as the plan now includes Midway. Gathering all their forces, they are confident that no one sees them coming and victory is sure.

With so much ship loss at Pearl Harbor, the ships that are left have to come together as well as planes and pilots to make the plan work. Lt. Best and Lt. Cmdr. McClusky go to their men with confidence to let them know that they must give it their all and remember their fallen friends. As the battle for Midway approaches, Nimitz and Layton trust the information given to them by the code breakers to stay ahead of the plan, Best and McClusky fly for their lives as everyone does their part.

It is the history of taking one step at a time to win.

Skrein as Best is a man who is a little dangerous in the sky but he wants to be prepared for any eventuality. With each battle, he only wants to go home to his wife and daughter. Using every bit of his flying experience and a little bit of his grit, Skrein gives his character bravery and the will to fight. Moore as wife Anne is a lady I'd call a spit-fire. She knows that what her husband does is dangerous and holds her breath with each bit of news that all the wives are allowed to know.

Harrelson as Nimitz is brought into the fight at the time of Pearl Harbor. He has to trust those around him for the information knowing that more American soldiers will die and that's a hard job to have. Wilson as Layton tried to warn his superiors about what Japan was capable of and they didn't listen. When given the opportunity to show what he knows and how he knows it, Wilson gives his character strength and determination to stand by Rochefort.

Quaid as Halsey shows his character as a gritty leader who, like everyone else, wants to stop the Japanese fleet from destroying anything else or getting to the west coast of the United States. He may be gruff but he knows what is necessary to win. Evans as McClusky thinks Best is a reckless pilot but since Pearl Harbor realizes that perhaps reckless, in this case, is a brave thing that is needed in the fight.

Kunimura, Toyokawa and Asano have the difficult roles of the Admirals (Rear and Vice) who feel strong that they can win. Pearl Harbor gives these characters a feeling of invincibility and feel Midway is the next reasonable step in their plan. What they do not expect is that the United States military forces have banned together with a plan of their own and they will stop at nothing to punish the Japanese fleet. 

Other cast include Alexander Ludwig as Lt. Roy Pearce, Keean Johnson as Chief Aviation Radioman James Murray, Luke Kleintank as Lt. Clarence Earle Dickinson, Brandon Sklenar as Ensign George Gay, Jake Manley as Ensign Willie West, Darren Criss as Lt. Commander Eugene Lindsey, Jake Weber as Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance, James Carpinello as Captain Brockman, Geoffrey Blake as John Ford, Greg Hovanessian as Lieutenant Arizona, David Hewlett as Admiral Kimmel, Mark Rolston as Admiral King and Nick Jonas as Aviation Machinist Mate Bruno Gaido.

MIDWAY is exactly, first of all, what you'd expect from director Roland Emmerich coming in at 127 minutes long.  A master of special effect and the big bangs, the battle scenes on the screen are epic (as I suspect they were in real life). Beginning with the Pearl Harbor attack until the final battle for Midway, the film gives the feeling of all the films Hollywood put out in the 50's and 60's that I watched growing up. My father was a Gunner's Mate on many of Navy ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers like the Hornet, Boxer, Constellation and Kitty Hawk.

So I watched many, many films IN HARMS WAY (1965), THE LONGEST DAY (1962), SANDS OF IWO JIMA (1949), FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953), TORA! TORA! TORA! (1973) and the list is endless. I am well versed in war films so I expect a lot. Emmerich spends very little time depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor because it has been done so many times before. He gets in, makes it clear and moves on because the goal in the storytelling is what happened next and next and next.

A few problems that I have are such things as the story about Lt. Col. Doolittle and his men. It seemed one minute they were there and the next gone. Things like this happened a few times in the film which if you are attempting to keep me in the story - then keep me there, don't take me on little side ventures.

Here's a touchy problem - writer Wes Tooke sort of muddled the lines between Japan and the United States. It seemed as if there was an attempt to make us feel sorry for the Admirals of the Japanese fleet and that's a little difficult when they were the aggressors. I kept thinking, 'pick a side and tell that story' but then again that's been done as well.

The actors themselves did well with what they were given. There were a few moments where I felt nostalgic with lines being delivered in such a way that I felt I was watching a 50's/60's war film instead of 2019. The characters were righteously angry because, let's face it, no one who saw, was part of and survived Pearl Harbor could ever be the same again.

Skrein, Evans and the rest of the actors portraying the pilots were amazing to my way of thinking. The pilots job back then was to focus on a target and get the job done, that's how Skrein and Evans made it look and feel which is totally successful in my eyes. Harrelson and Wilson together made a dynamic duo doing something totally different than their predecessors in the job. Harrelson gave his Nimitz portrayal an opportunity to trust when there was really nothing else left and Wilson's portrayal of Layton jumps in as if to say 'we can't do it the old ways anymore'.

Is there anything here that says epic? Not really and that's a shame. Personally I would have loved to see this film in black and white. What the film lacks in dialogue it makes up for in Emmerich battles but just barely. I have a feeling that MIDWAY is going to have a love-hate relationship with viewers. This is a target movies for an audience that wants to see a war film but going up against an old hotel, a romantic comedy and an Irish tale, MIDWAY might not be able to hold its own.

In the end - they awoke a sleeping giant!

The Band is Back Together with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap

Jeri Jacquin

Just in time for the spooky and creepy season from director Ruben Fleischer and Columbia Pictures is the continuation of rules to survival with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap.

So a few years have gone by since we last checked in with the apocalypse survivors as Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are taking a zombie break living in a big white house. Columbus and Wichita have settled into being a couple, Tallahassee is working on a new vehicle and Little Rock is getting itchy feet.

Thinking that Wichita might need something to look forward to, Columbus does his best to clear a path for their life. Spooked by his suggestion, both the girls pack up and hit the road. A month later, Columbus is heartbroken and Tallahassee is about to lose his mind with his whining so hitting up the local mall the two get more than they bargained for. Cute and fluffy Madison (Zoey Deutch) has survived in a mall and is happy to see others.

So happy that she latches onto Columbus which doesn't work out really well when Witchita resurfaces with the news that Little Rock has taken up with a non-gun-toting-pacifist named Berkeley (Avan Jogia). On their way to Graceland perks Tallahassee up and all four jump into a vehicle to make their way to see the King - oh yea, and to get Little Rock Back.

Finding a hotel, the gang (minus one and plus one) meet Nevada (Rosario Dawson), Albuquerque (Luke Wilson) and Flagstaff (Thomas Middleditch). In a scuffle to end all scuffles, the gang (minus one with no plus one) heads off for a place called Babylon where Little Rock is supposed to be.

Well, to make a long story short (I know, too late!), Babylon is a perfect place for Berkeley with their non-gun-pacifist-giving-post-apocalyptic-peace-a-chance. All that would be wonderful except for one thing, a new breed of zombies affectionately called T-800's are headed toward the drum circle and the only people that know how to stop them are going to do just that!

Eisenberg as Columbus is sticking to his rules (well, except for Madison) and knows that since they've been laying low for a bit their zombie skills might be a little rusty. Once Wichita comes back the tension is full of well-deserved shade. Eisenberg doesn't miss a Columbus step. Stone as Wichita is still a strong lady who doesn't know what she wants relationship wise and her protective sister instincts are strong. She is just fun all the way around.

Breslin as Little Rock has itchy feet because she's tired of hanging out with people not her age. It isn't easy and when she meets Berkeley, Little Rock sees a chance to do something different while paying homage to Cheech & Chong with a little road trip. Jogia as Berkeley reminds me of every cliché about guitar playing pacifists to the point that agreeing with Tallahassee is hilarious.

Speaking of Harrelson as Tallahassee, he has become the father figure to the group whether he likes it or not. When Little Rock runs off you can see his 'dad' side come out with wanting to do only one thing - end Berkeley. I love that Harrelson finally got a chance to ham it up with some Elvis impersonating.

Shout out to Deutch as Madison because her character is just everything we never thought we wanted for Zombieland. She is hilarious, speaks her mind even if it doesn't make sense, isn't judgmental towards the situation the world finds itself in, is just the happiest survivor I think I've ever seen. Plus she looks absolutely fabulous through the entire film!

Dawson as Nevada is a nice addition to the storyline, Wilson as Albuquerque has a truck bigger than Tallahassee's and Middleditch as Flagstaff knows his Terminator movies and quotes. That's all I'm saying about that because you should have all the giggles I did with the new additions to the Zombieland universe.

First, what I love best about ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap is that the storyline doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it picks up a few years later without missing a sarcastic beat. The characters have become a little lazy behind the walls of their big ole house so adventures in zombieland are inevitable. What hasn't changed is their idiosyncrasies, their need to not admit that they are feeling anything out of the ordinary like commitment, or the fact that they treat each other exactly as they did in 2009.

Think about that for a minute, it's been 10 years since we were introduced to ZOMBIELAND and the only one that has aged is Abigail Breslin. Harrelson, Eisenberg and Stone look fantastic and I can't express enough how glad I am that they all came back to make this sequel. Let's be honest, sequels don't always work out well and it is mainly because the expectations are really high. In ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap, the only thing I expected is that the humor be at the same level as before and I wasn't disappointed in any way.

I had a fun time, enjoyed getting reacquainted with old friends and understanding that the rules that Columbus introduced us to in 2009 are what kept these characters alive. In their world all bets are off because the only thing they need to do is remember they are a family - oh and stay alive!

That's right folks, no spoilers here because there is oh so much more to see and make sure you don't run out of the theatre just because you see credits!

In the end - it's their world and we just get to enjoy it. 

SOLO: A Star Wars Story Docks on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital in a MultiScreen Edition from director Ron Howard and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the story of a young and future scruffy-looking-nerf-herder in SOLO: A Star Wars Story.

On Coreillia, a young Han (Alden Ehrenreich) is trying to get away from the miserable and abusive life on the planet. Wanting to bring the girl who has his heart Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke), he devises a plan that will test his piloting skills. Mere steps from the transport that will take them away, they are spotted and Qi'ra pushes Han to leave without her. Pledging that he will return for her, there is only one thing he can do to make that happen and immediately joins the Imperial Navy who give him the name Han Solo.

Several years go by and Han still is having a difficult time. Kicked out of the Imperial Flight Academy, he ends up on Mimban fighting in a battle as an infantryman. That's when Han notices Imperial Officer Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and Val (Thandie Newton) and follows him to discover that he is actually an imposter but not before Tobias has him arrested and thrown in a pit where he meets Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo).

Managing to escape from prison, Han and Chewbacca make their way back to Tobias who sees potential and brings them aboard his ship. Getting help with his next job, Han learns that the leader of the Crimson Dawn, Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), is expecting a shipment of something called coaxium and Tobias is going after it. The problem is there is someone else interested in doing the same thing which puts Tobias, Han and Chewbacca in danger.

The meeting with Vos is not something Tobias is looking forward to but Han is shocked to see Qi'ra there all grown up and Vos' right hand woman. Feeling that their lives are in danger, it is Han who says that they can steal unprocessed coaxium from the mines on Kessel. Agreeing to the plan, Vos also sends Qi'ra with them and she locates smugger Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). In a game of poker brings them all aboard the Millennium Falcon to Kessel and once they get their bounty they have little time to get the unstable coaxium back to Vos.

But they is also the Cloud Riders led by Enftys Nest as the group learns that they are only trying to make a difference by aiding the rebellion against the Empire. When they arrive to delivery to Vos, he informs them that he knows what they've been doing and how he knows shocks Han and Chewbacca. Now Han must deal with the traitor, save a friend and make things right for the Cloud Riders - and he will definitely make sure all scores are settled.

Ehrenreich as Solo does a fine job as the young Solo. He has the look of someone who doesn't take orders well and isn't about to be told what to do, that's important. He throws out the arrogant confidence and silly charm that I'd expect from Han Solo. I get that it's hard to walk in on a role that has been made iconic by another actor in fact I give Ehrenreich props for doing it.

Clarke as Qi'ra is another character that has a story to tellKind of broke my heart a little that Leia wasn't Han's first love but the more I got to know Qi'ra the less I worried about her. The chemistry between Clarke and Ehrenreich is good. Glover as Calrissian gave a charmer performance and he gave the character swagger and capes. His robot counterpart was far funnier and more interesting to watch however.

Harrelson as Beckett is a smuggler who is going to go with who ever is going to pay him the most. Being a traitor seemed to come naturally to this character and Harrelson gives it his smirk and calmness that ends up being some of the trademarks found in Han. Newton as Val has a small role that works with Beckett and is the smuggler with a heart.

Bettany as Vos is a bad guy who doesn't give one wit of care who knows it or what anyone else thinks of it. In fact he only answers to one person (sorry, no spoiler for you!) so how he handles situations goes easily unchecked.

Big shout out to Suotamo as Chewbacca because I think this is the first film that I've seen him in where he's "talked" so much! It must be said that seeing him on the Millenium Falcon was uber-cool.

Other cast include Phoebe Waller-Bridge as L3-37, Jon Favreau as Rio Durant, Linda Hunt as Lady Proxima, Ian Kenny as Rebolt, John Tui as Korso, and Warwick Davis as Weazel.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began distributing under its own label in 1980 and continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

The Bluray has amazing Bonus Extras including 8 Deleted Scenes, Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable, Becoming a Droit: L3-37 – Meet the Newest Droit and the Woman behind its Wry Humor, Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run – Join Han and Chewie at the Controls of the Millennium Falcon for the First Time, Remaking the Mellennium Falcon – Get the Lowdown on the Most Famous Ship in the Galaxy, Kasdan on Kasdan – Iconic STAR WARS writer Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan Kasdan Share What it Was Like to Write This Film Together, Team Chewie – See What it Takes to Bring Your Favorite Wookie to Life and More!

Also included is the Movies Anywhere Digital Code and be able to watch SOLO: A Star Wars Story on your computer, Smartphone, TV and Tablet anytime you want whether you download or stream!

Now that I've given you background lets get right to it, SOLO: A Star Wars Story is the story of Han in the Star Wars Universe. There are laughs, action and plenty of symbolism and nods to the original Star Wars and there isn't anything wrong with that.

Watching the new stories being told the Star Wars is often difficult for me. It's hard to explain it unless you can have a conversation with the 1976 version of me. I think the fact that Han is gone, Luke is gone and Leia is really gone, it is hard for me and others to come to grips with. I know, I know, we are silly creatures. I never really needed to know the back story of the three. I trusted who they were from the beginning!

ROGUE ONE was cool because it didn't involve the main three characters but instead the story of how R2-D2 got the Death Star plans. That took me in a direction that was where I wanted to go, SOLO gets to tell the story of the Kessel Run and we all go for the ride to see where it leads.

I am an original die hard fan, yes I stood in line every Saturday for months to go far, far away and I didn’t need any urging. That’s what I want from anyone who dares to take on the task of making these “A Star Wars Story” film and we all know there are more on the horizon (deep sigh). I think I also feel a bit protective of my memories and my love of the galaxy I hold dear.

SOLO: A Star Wars Story is filled with a lot that fans love and answers to questions many have been asking since 1976. Your home entertainment library that includes anything STAR WARS will not be complete until you add Han and Chewie in stunning Bluray.

In the end - never tell him the odds!