It is THE LAST DUEL on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray Combo, DVD and Digital from director Ridley Scott and 20^th Century Studios comes a tale of knights and betrayal leading to THE LAST DUEL.

Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) is a man that has fought hard for King Charles VI and his country of France losing his wife and child. Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) is his closest friend and overlord of the King. That makes their friendship tense, especially when Jacques arrives to collect the taxes to help pay for the war, but Jean must admit that he has nothing.

Jean sees Marguerite de Thibouville (Jodie Comer) and an arrangement is made for them to marry. Count Pierre d’Alencon (Ben Affleck) shows him the lands that come with marrying his daughter. There is one piece of land that Jean notices and wants. Striking a deal for land and wealth, the marriage is done.

He learns that the one piece of land he particularly wanted, Pierre had already given to his friend Jacques. Jean decides to sue for the land, but King Charles (Alex Lawther) denies the case. Jean’s father passes and everything begins to swiftly move in the wrong direction. Pierre sides with Jacques and now Jean realizes his friend has received a military station at a generational family fort because of the suit he brought for the land.

When Jacques wife has a child, Marguerite and Jean find it a reason to celebrate and perhaps mend bad feelings between friends. All of that will have to wait because of the fighting in Scotland and Jean always goes where the king wishes. Coming home for a brief visit, Marguerite tells her husband that Jacques has violated her. The only way to handle this situation is with one thing – a duel to the death!

But who is telling the truth?

Damon as Jean is a man who has fought for king and country, lost his family once and could hardly maintain his own estate. Marrying saves everything, except one piece of land that comes between friends to the point of a duel. Damon is straight forward in his character and hides his emotions very well and instead finds other means to his detriment.

Driver as Jacques is a man who sees nothing wrong with getting what he wants even if it means betraying a friend. Knowing that the land Jean wants is part of a martial deal, he pretends to be the victim in all of this. When confronted he does not help his friend but instead enjoys the benefit of Pierre gifts. Driver also shows very little emotion, but it is clear this character knows what he is doing.

Comer as Marguerite seems to enjoy being married to Jean and is thrilled when she sees a chance to reconcile her husband and Jacques. When it comes time for her side of the story to be told, it is harsh and heart-breaking. It is a ‘he said-she said’ in a time when whatever she says means nothing in the era of men. The one thing that is absolute, Marguerite pays attention to everything that goes on around her from farming, horses to the tenants – even the cruelty of a mother-in-law and her station.

Affleck as Pierre is a man of indulgences, no morals and enjoys hurting people by any means whether it is fighting or taking something away from someone else. I have to say, Affleck looks like he is enjoying playing this character. Using Jacques to clean up his finances, he also sees ways to manipulate situations for his amusement.

Other cast include Harriet Walter as Nicole de Buchard, Serena Kennedy as Queen Isabeau, Sam Hazeldine as Thomin du Bois, Michel McElhatton as Bernard Latour, Oliver Cotton as Jean de Carrouges III, Adam Nagaitis as Adam Louvel, Clare Dunne as Ceila, Zeljko Ivanek as Le Coq, Caoimhe O’Malley as Elizabeth, Tallulah Haddon as Marie, Md. Tayeen Khan as Jack Smith, Bryony Hannah as Alice and Marton Csokas as Crespin.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) manages The Walt Disney Company’s vast content commercialization and distribution ecosystem that delivers the Company’s unparalleled storytelling to audiences worldwide.

THE LAST DUEL is a period piece that gives us everything we would want for that time period. The dampness of war, lords and ladies, kings and queens, mystery, betrayal and revenge surrounded by castles. The destruction of war and the destruction of friendships are inlay for this based on a true story film.

Director Scott has given us a look at an ugly time in the Frances’ history of war and all the intrigue hiding behind fine clothes, wine and those who move the chess pieces to get what they want. I love the costuming and set design which always adds richness to the story and allows us to be distracted but the intrigue.

Telling the story in three parts is a way to see the accusations from perspectives that the others can not see. Jean and his family troubles, Jacques and his dealings with Pierre and Marguerite as well as the plotting done between the two. All these men against one woman’s say – it came to another fight!

In the end – a woman defied a nation and made history!

His Fight Comes From THE EAST

 De Oost

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Jim Taihutto, Mustafa Duygulu and Magnet Releasing based on a true story of a war within THE EAST. 

Johan (Martijn Lakemeier) is a young Dutch man sent to Indonesia in 1946 as the Netherlands attempt to stop the people from claiming their independence. Almost immediately Johan is curious about everything around him, especially a man known as The Turk (Marwan Kenzari).

The Turk has also noticed Johan and shows the young soldier the way around getting information, working with the higher-ranking officers and government officials and what is expected of him in return.

At first, Johan takes it all in and pays attention to what is said and done. That is also when he begins to see that there are horrible things happening to the native peoples. Trying to understand what is happening and why the man he has come to respect does not seem to comprehend the wrong being done, Johan decides he must stop it all.

He takes on The Turk and his own fellow soldiers with a shocking ending!

Lakemeier as Johan portrays the conscience of a young soldier yet the conscience of many soldiers who might not have been able to step forward. It was the strong against the weak on both sides and Lakemeier gave his character the strength to face the repercussions of standing up for something so heinous. As a young man going through so much, there is no surprise to learn it has followed him home and is in every step he takes.

Kenzari as The Turk is the mysterious man who seems to have control of everything around him. The soldiers, government and officials know who he is and know he can make things happen. Whether right or wrong seems to be of no concern to him and Kenzari gives his character a shivering coldness that makes its way through the screen and creeps me out. Well done!

Other cast include Jonas Smulders as Mattias Cohen, Abel van Gijlswijk as Charlie, Coen Bril as eddy Coolen, Jeroen Perceval as Janssen, Mike Reus as Commandant Mulder, Peter Muller as Major Penders, Huub Smit as Lt. Hartman, Putri Ayudya as Myra, David Wristers as Marcus Waterman, Robert de Hoog as Nachtegaal and Reinout Bussemaker as Johan de Vries.

Magnet Releasing is a part of Magnolia Pictures that specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. Recent released include the terrifying anthologies V/H/S and V/H/S/2, Xan Cassavettes’ stylish vampire film KISS OF THE DAMNED, and the sci-fi thriller THE LAST DAYS ON MARS. Upcoming films include Ti West’s THE SACRAMENT and to find out more of what is to come please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

THE EAST is a film of war, those who participate in the wrongs of war and one man who must decide to stand up for what he knows is right. The haunting of what Johan saw would make anyone question why? The character that Lakemeier portrays is a young man who must come to terms with it long after the war is over.

It becomes one man against being a soldier, against fellow soldiers and against those who think they are justified in their behavior. Using these young men to do their dirty work is unthinkable and as stories like these emerge either through media or film, soldiers become more and more aware of their conscientious duty to cry foul when they see it.

THE EAST is a difficult film yet one that is important to watch but it allows the conversations to be had. Yes, it does remind me of the 1986 film PLATOON as well as the 1989 film CASUALTIES OF WAR. That being said, those films also brought out the injustices and conversations. Johan’s story is equally as important and Lakemeier’s portrayal is heartbreaking and relevant.

In the end – it’s a war between duty and conscience!

 

He is Trying to Put Out a RAGING FIRE

 

 Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Benny Chan and Well Go USA is a police action with twists at every turn trying to put out a RAGING FIRE.

Cheung (Donnie Yen) is a police officer with the Regional Crime Unit who has spent his career cracking case after case. Waiting for the arrival of his first child, Cheung is trying to get the job done but with maybe a little less danger. It is clear throughout the force that he can not be bought to betray his job.

Because he will not, sometimes to the point where he is left out of important cases. When he and his crew are cut out of a bust, Cheung decides he will go anyway. When he gets there, to their shock and horror, they find twenty police officers either dead or seriously wounded.

Cheung is determined to discover who is responsible. What he doesn’t know is that Ngo (Nicolas Tse) and his gang are not afraid to break laws and cause mayhem in the city. It becomes a game of kill or be killed but why?

Only Cheung and Ngo have the answer to that!

Yen as Cheung is so amazing to watch, not just as a martial artist but as an actor. Playing a no-nonsense police officer, this character takes his job seriously and nothing made me applaud more than the tea-scene (you will see!). As a martial artist, Yen’s character took punches and got whupped a time or two, but his moves are so smooth and thrilling to watch.

Tse as Ngo was equally amazing to watch. Getting the opportunity to play a pure evil eyed looking bad ass who takes no prisoners is the opposite of Cheung. He sets his ground rules for the group and lets it be known that failure has repercussions. Tse gives as good as he gets and his martial arts moves are stunning to watch with Yen.

Other cast include Qin Lan as Anna Lam, Ray Lui as You, Jeanna Ho as Turbo, Angus Yeung as Cho, Bruce as Kwan, Yu Kang as Mok, Ben Yuen as Kit, Patrick Tam as Ka-po, Kenny Wong as Tai, and Deep Ng as Chow.

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

RAGING FIRE is a non-stop acting filled twisty fast story that it did not feel like a two hour film. It deals with corruption, those who refuse to be corrupt because let us not forget that behind Cheung is a group of police officers that share his beliefs equally, and a back story that slowly makes its way forward.

Yen and Tse have a heavy load to carry as the two main characters of the film. Their presence on screen is palpable and tense to the point where you can see the bough about to break. When it does, the martial arts are superb to watch and shows what skill both of these actors have.

Grab a huge bucket of popcorn and get ready for the chase of a lifetime.

In the end – the fire rages for a reason!

TRIAL BY FIRE Questions Guilt

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Edward Zwick and Flashlight Films comes the story of the secrets and lies with TRIAL BY FIRE.

It is 1992 and Todd Willingham (Jack O'Connell) is in a complicated and jealousy driven relationship with wife Stacy (Emily Meade). One morning after leaving for work, Todd wakes up to his children calling him. He notices immediately that the house is filled with smoke.

Trying to get to them he becomes overwhelmed with smoke. Running outside, Todd breaks windows still trying to reach his children but the fire causes an explosion.

Dealing with the death of their three children, Todd and Stacy are pulled over after the funeral to have him arrested for murder. The town's law enforcement have investigated the fire and come to the conclusion that Todd intentionally killed the children.

After a quick trial filled with testimony that is anger filled and no defense put in place for Todd, he is sentenced to the death penalty and sent to prison. 

Elizabeth Gilbert (Laura Dern) is a writer raising two teenagers while taking care of an ex-husband. A friend tells her about writing to prisoners and Todd lands in her life. She learns he has been in prison for twelve years awaiting execution.

Visiting him in prison, she learns about who Todd was when the incident happened and how he is now. After getting a copy of the trial she realizes that everything about it was a travesty. Todd's only other 'regular' relationship is prison guard Daniels (Chris Coy) who doesn't want to befriend a prisoner but can't seem to help himself.

As Todd comes closer to execution, Elizabeth races to find help from those who also see the wrongs and try to make them right before it is too late.

O'Connell as Todd is a man with anger and jealousy issues in his marriage. The one thing that even his wife can agree with is that Todd loves his children. While in jail that is all he can think about while trying to figure out how he got behind bars. O'Connell gives a startling performance with moments of somber realizations that how he has lived his life has set the stage for those who want to see the execution go through.

Dern as Elizabeth is a woman dealing with so many things in her life of which none have to do with her. Reaching out to Todd and getting to know him starts a friendship that is based on the truths they both tell.

Meade as Stacy is a woman who doesn't know how to do the right thing. Dealing with the death of her children she is constantly being pushed in all directions by family and law enforcement to agree with the verdict handed down to Todd.

Coy as Daniels tries from the moment Todd steps into the prison to dehumanize him. As the years go on, Daniels sees who this man really is and even finds himself enjoying Todd's company. He, like Elizabeth, want someone to save a changed man. 

Other cast include: Jade Pettyjohn as Julie Gilbert, Jeff Perry as Hurst, Jason Douglas as John Jackson, Wayne Pere as George Gilbert, Katie McClellan as Margaret Hays, Blair Bomar as Sandy and Rhoda Griffis as Darlene. 

TRIAL BY FIRE is not only the story of Todd Willingham but the story of Texas, law enforcement and even then governor Rick Perry. As each step progresses from the moment Todd is arrested to the films conclusion is aimed at added another notch to the execution belt of a state that seems to have the highest in the country. 

No one in the town Todd is from all the way up the ladder seemed interested in whether the truth was told or not. That's what I took away from the film the most - the lack of concern for the possibility that the law wasn't followed.

The cast constantly brings more and more questions to the forefront of the story as the film goes on which by the end had me totally and emotionally worn out. 

Another aspect of the film is watching Todd grow as a person realizing the mistakes he made in his life. The one thing that didn't change and perhaps actually grew was this man's love of his children. The film explores his realizations and the truth behind the tragedy. Is he really innocent?

TRIAL BY FIRE is directed by Academy Award winner Edward Zwick and adapted by Academy Award winner Geoffrey Fletcher from David Grann’s article Trial by Fire found in The New Yorker.

In the end - stand up for what is right and for what is true!

THE FAVOURITE Stars Three Dazzling Women

Jeri Jacquin

I absolutely love period pieces so I have been anxiously waiting for director Yorgos Lanthimos and Fox Searchlight Pictures offering of THE FAVOURITE.

Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) sits on the throne in 18^th Century England and Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) is her constant companion. Their relationship is one of straight forwardness and longing. England is also at war with France and Lady Sarah is keeping an eye on it while taking care of the Queen’s frailties and occasional childlike temper tantrums.

Enter Abigail (Emma Stone) a fall aristocrat turned servant girl who isn’t well received in the kitchen of the Queen. Sarah sees how her cousin is treated and becomes a mentor to the young girl. Abigail wants nothing more than to return to the life she once knew and realizes this just might be the way for that to happen.

During one of the Queens outbursts, Abigail takes pity on her and starts a friendship over the royals “children” (rabbits). The Queen is delighted as they spend the afternoon sharing and laughing together. Sarah catches wind of what is happening with the Queen and lets it be known in her own way that trying to weasel in to the Queen’s favor might not be such a good idea.

Now that the gauntlet is thrown down – Abigail and Sarah go toe to toe for the Queen’s attentions and who truly cares for the monarch is at stake.

I must start with Colman as Queen Anne because she is absolutely stellar, absolutely. From her tantrums to her insecurities to her loyalties, Colman portrays the woman as most would never see a monarch – vulnerable. Knowing that parliament is consistently against her, she attempts to turn to those she should be able to trust. I love Colman’s performance with ever emotion lay plainly before us, I do so hope her performance is recognized and that accolades are given. She most definitely deserves them for this role.

Weisz as Lady Sarah is the smart, politically savvy and is the no-nonsense taking companion to the Queen. She works hard at keeping the crown on her royal head and makes it her business to know what everyone is doing at all times. Weisz can pull off sassy and sarcastic in the same breath better than other actress I know. Of course she does have her hands full with Ms. Stone.

Stone as Abigail is a fallen aristocrat who doesn’t want to stay that way. Getting into the Queen’s kitchen is the first step and getting into her heart may just get Abigail off her knees and high in the rankings. Stone begins as a fawn-eyed girl who is thrilled to have Lady Sarah show an interest in her, but of course we all know that Stone can pull off fawn-eyed girl with the best of them. I loved her antics from start to finish and kept thinking about Abigail, ‘just because you can play the game doesn’t mean you should!’

Other cast include Jennifer White as Mrs. Meg, LillyRose Stevens as Sally, James Smith as Godolphin, Mark Gatiss as Lord Marlborough, Edward Aczel as Earl of Stratford, Carolyn Saint-Pe as Madame Tournee, Joe Alwyn as Masham and Nicholas Hoult as Harley.

THE FAVOURITE is a gloriously fascinating film about three women who are filled with so much want that goes in so many different directions. That being said, Abigail and Sarah have much different relationships with Queen Anne although you’d have a tough time convincing Abigail of that.

Sarah and the Queen understand one another clearly and it is also clear that Sarah runs the part of the kingdom that the Queen is to busy being petulant to deal with. That’s the crux of their relationship – one is clearly and adult, the other is drowning from the weight of the crown. Yet in that is a relationship of hilarity and sadness mixed together.

Abigail being the new girl to all of this is a distraction for the Queen when Sarah is gone. The Queen believes she has a new and understanding friend when it is clear Abigail has decided to get what Sarah has and take a lot of short cuts to get there. She doesn’t have the understanding of the other two and that’s where she makes mistakes.

This is a film that spans every human emotion possible in that you don’t know at times whether to laugh, cry or be outright shocked. In an era of excess and political gain, this cast revels in that history with marvelous results. The surroundings only adds to the story telling with its opulence and grandeur along with stunning clothing and jewelry.

THE FAVOURITE has already been recognized by the British Independent Film Awards, Camerimage, and Ghent International Film Festival Gotham Awards. The Hollywood Film Awards gave a win for Rachel Weisz and Costume Designer Sandy Powell. The Venice Film Festival win came for Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Best Actress for Olivia Colman (well done!).

This is one of my favorite films of the year so when deciding what regurgitation to see in theatres, chose something new and amazing with THE FAVOURITE!

In the end – some wounds do not close!

The Most Successful Norseman Series Brings its Fourth Season to Bluray with VIKINGS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the series that has fans coming back for more with VIKINGS Season 4 Volume 2.

Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) wastes no time upon his return to Kattegat challenging his sons if one of them wants to be King. The one to step forward is Ubbe (Jordan Smith) but for a completely different challenge. Wanting his sons to return to England with him, he is surprised when Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) tells Ragnar that he has his own plans with Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard), Harald (Peter Franzen) and Hvitserk (Marco Llso) to take the Mediterranean.

Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) also has no intention of going to England with Ragnar even after he apologizes to her for everything that has happened. Thinking that his time might be up in this world, the ravens have other plans for Ragnar. When he returns to Kattegat it is to ask Ivar (Alex Hogh) to go to England. Before anyone leaves, Ragnar wants Bjorn to find peace with Rollo while Lagertha refuses to find peace with Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland).

Before he leaves, Aslaug reveals a vision she’s had but Ragnar and Ivar won’t be stopped from going to England. When a storm capsizes the boat, Ragnar and Ivar get to shore and King Ecbert (Linus Roache) is told. Trying to find peace with Rollo (Clive Standen), Bjorn ends up in jail with his companions but safe passage isn’t far away.

Lagertha decides it’s time to reclaim what is hers and takes Ubbe and Sigurd captive with every intent on removing Aslaug from the throne. Proclaiming herself queen, Lagertha hears from Aslaug that she will tell her sons not to fight back if she can leave free. Of course the new queen has a plan of her own with Astrid keeping Ubbe and Sigurd in check.

In Aethelwulf, Ecbert promises that nothing will happen to either Ragnar or Ivar and introduces them to Magnus. Ragnar makes a claim about Kwenthrith and Ecbert admits a few truths of his own. After a few drinks the two reminisce about Athelstan and Ecbert is surprised when Ragnar asks him for death. Refusing to take part in it, he instead agrees to take Ragnar to King Aelle so that Ivar can go home. In the same agreement, he tells Ecbert that Wessex will not be the focus of his son’s revenge.

Before returning home, Ivar learns from Ragnar of his plan and when Ivar lashes out promising revenge before he is taken to a ship going home. Ragnar sees Alfred and gives him a gift of his father before a journey where he has time to rethink all that has happened. Ecbert can not stay away and when the time comes, he knows that he has lost a friend.

Ivar returns to Kattegat to find Lagertha on the throne and his mother gone. When he challenges the new Queen she ignores it and focuses on building Kattegat’s back up. But a longship brings a mysterious stranger and more challenges begin. Bjorn reaches the Mediterranean and along with Rollo they attack Algeciras. Coming in contact with praying men in the mosque, Floki wants their lives spared. The news of what has happened to Ragnar reaches Spain and Bjorn and Lagertha is told by a mystic that a son of Ragnar is planning to take her down.

A return to England is on the minds of Ubbe, Sigurd and Ivar as a way to revenge Ragnar. Help is also on the way when Earl Jorgensen brings his ships to help the Lothbroks. Floki knows that Ivar will stop at nothing to go to war and so he builds him a chariot and now he had the ability to be a true leader of the troops.

Ivar wants total leadership of the armies but Bjorn has something to say about it. As the Viking troops advance, Athelwulf knows he needs more help and turns to Ecbert and in Northumbria, King Aelle is taken and his fate is sealed.

A surprise attack on Kattegat brings the capture of Egil who lets it be known that it is King Harald that ordered the attack. The Viking army is still on the move and Prince Aethelwulf tries everything to stop them. When he is forced back to Wessex, he tells Ecbert to retreat which he will not do. Instead, turning his crown over to his son, Bjorn then allows him to decide his own fate.

As the brothers decide where they will go next, it is Ivar that stands out with an action that brings even Bjorn into shock.

Fimmel as Ragnar has taken this character to depths that are absolutely amazing. He is not a vocal character by any means but when he does speak, the clan better listen. As Ragnar has grown season by season, it is clear that both the good and bad choices of his life are coming to a decision that had the viewing audiences’ jaws dropping. I can not think of one actor that could have done what Fimmel has for the role of Ragnar.

Winnick as Lagertha has also gone to hell and back as a woman in a world where wielding a weapon and shield is equally as important as having a family. Lagertha has also made good and bad choices but is solid and strong even when she is wrong. I have to give props to a bad ass chick who can give a look that says ‘yea, I was wrong – what about it?’ Winnick is powerful and she’s back on the throne!

Ludwig as Bjorn has grown out of his father’s shadow. Wanting to get back to the sea and do what Vikings do is now his motivation. Making a name and life for himself, Bjorn also begins to understand Ragnar more and more. Standen as Rollo grabs onto the creed of ‘once a Viking always a Viking’ and it’s good to see him back with the axe of nightmares.

Andersen as Ivar is one crazy individual who doesn’t have a problem being without legs. His mind is sharp and his decisions are sharper. Being the son of both Ragnar and Aslaug means he isn’t someone to be toyed with as he can mix plotting, war and revenge in a wine cup and swallow in one breath. Sutherland as Aslaug doesn’t fair as well with Lagertha this time around as her own plotting just doesn’t have the umph that hers does.

Roache as King Ecbert has played the game with Ragnar to the point that they are both played out.  

 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

 VIKINGS Season 4 Volume 2 also contains the special features of The Queen and the Shield Maiden, Vikings – Valhalla and the Legacy of Ragnar Lothbrok, Creator’s Audio Commentary with Michael Hirst and Linus Roache on Selected Episodes, The Journeys of Bjorn Ironside and Deleted Scenes. There are ten unrated episodes with extended and deleted scenes not shown on television.

The episodes include: The Outsider, The Vision, Two Journeys, In the Uncertain Hour Before the Morning, All His Angels, Crossings, The Great Army, Revenge, On the Eve and The Reckoning.

The History Channel has brought a magnificent series to television and it just gets better and better. Yes I hate when the show loses characters but I know that means more room for the story to go in another direction as it should. There is so much more to come and I, for one, will be there when it happens.

Of course if you have ever been to San Diego Comic Con International you know that fans wait in ridiculously long lines to see the actors from the series. They want to know as much as can possibly be shared and share their own costumes of proud VIKINGS. Of course I have my own drinking horn that is always used when watching VIKINGS.

If you are looking for action, adventure, intrigue, fantastic costuming, intense story lines and all wrapped up with actors who have made VIKINGS a smash, then this is the show for you. Catch up on all the prior season of VIKINGS and look for VIKINGS Season 4 Volume to on Bluray!

In the end – heavy is the head that wears the Viking crown!

VICTORIA & ABDUL is Perfection

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Stephen Frears and Focus Features is the story of an unlikely friendship between VICTORIA & ABDUL.

Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal) is a clerk in a prison in India and his life is about to change. Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is to be given a tribute coin and Abdul is the tall man for the job. Along with a shorter Mohammed (Adeel Akhtar), they sale toward England and Abdul is very excited.

There is no time for looking around much as Abdul and Mohammed are given a crash course on how to present to the Queen. Sir Henry Ponsonby (Tim Pigott-Smith) lets the two men know that everything is to be precise and quickly.

During the dinner, Abdul and Mohammed make their way toward Queen Victoria and after a quick nap the presentation is made. Walking backwards, Abdul does the unthinkable and makes eye contact and gives a smile to the Queen and what turns into one moment becomes an unlikely friendship.

Much to the horror of Sir Ponsonby and Lord Salisbury (Michael Gambon) as well as her ladies Lady Churchill (Olivia Williams) and Miss Phipps (Fenella Woolgar), the Queen begins to prefer the company of Abdul. They inform the Queen’s son Bertie (Eddie Izzard) and a plan is formed.

Queen Victoria asks Abdul about his land, language and his story as they share walks and private times. It is clear that Abdul cares very much for the Queen and she for him, especially discovering he is married and demanding he get his family and return. That doesn’t stop the Queen’s staff, along with Dr. Reid (Paul Higgins), from looking into Abdul’s past. Believing they can stop him with what they know, it only manages to infuriate the Queen in Abdul’s favor.

Including a knighthood which sends the entire palace into a tizzy and a decision that will not only put their loyalty in question but show how Queen Victoria wasn’t napping any longer.

This is a friendship that is filled with understanding, forgiveness and even unspoken love.

Dench once again proves why she is a queen in her own right. She is smart, strong, delicate, wistful and a woman who sees so little to move forward for. Once the Queen’s inner light is ignited, Dench shines every moment of the film. I quite honestly could not take my eyes off her performance and the ending brought me to tears.

Karim as Fazal is a man who doesn’t see the world in such an aggressive way as those around him. A simple jail clerk who happens to know how to write is sent across the world to do one simple thing and it turns into a friendship. Fazal delivers his lines with the innocence I see in Abdul in that how one sees the world is clearly different than the Queen. There are moments where he is clearly confused, moments of profound joy and deep sadness and Fazal gets every drop of emotion out of the audience who is just as enraptured as the Queen.

Izzard as Bertie is just the worst that a son could possible be. Instead of being happy for the emotional reviving of his mother, he sees Abdul as an interloper and acts like a spoiled child instead of a future ruler. Izzard just pours it on and gets the reaction he wants!

Akhtar as Mohammed just wants to go home, and when he sees that the Prince and others want to use that against his friend Abdul – his response is epic! Pigott-Smith as Ponsonby is confused by the relationship between the Queen and Abdul but at the same time has a faithfulness to the way things ought to be done. Higgins as Dr. Reid is just another lackey who isn’t happy about Abdul’s presence and finds himself faced with the wrath of the Queen. Gambon as Salisbury wants one thing only – for Abdul to be gone and the crown to go back to normal.

Williams as Lady Churchill isn’t happy to have the Queen’s ear and convinces Miss Phipps to do the extortion deed. Woolgar as Phipps has a moment in front of the Queen that is nerve wracking to watch but awesome to experience.

Other cast include Julian Wadham as Alick Yorke, Robin Soans as Arthur Bigge, Ruth McCabe as Mrs. Tuck, Sukh Ojla as Mrs. Karim, Kemaal Deen-Ellis as Ahmed and Simon Callow as Puccini.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give VICTORIA & ABDUL five tubs of popcorn out of five. There is nothing about this film that goes wrong with me. The story between Queen Victoria and Abdul is delightful, funny, testing, sad, misunderstood and heartbreaking.

Mixed in with that is the ugliness of those around the Queen with their jabbing, back biting, underhanded, and horrible treatment of Abdul and Mohammed. Instead of embracing the cultural differences of these two men, they found ways to cut them to the quick – and right to their face in some cases.

The cinematography is amazing and it is a period piece which is going to grab me from the word go. I absolutely adore the costuming which is always an important part of a period piece because it adds such a richness to the storytelling.

I’m warning anyone who sees the film to keep a Kleenex handy because for the ending you are going to need it. The chemistry between Dench and Fazal is everything I wanted for this story to be told – thank you both for making me laugh, smile and shed a tear.

In the end – this is a friendship based on a true story…well, mostly.

Family Crime Series ICE: Season One Comes to DVD

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD from Entertainment One and Antoine Fuqua Films is the AT&T/DirectTV Original Series is the story of a family who struggles to stay together all because of ICE.

Jake (Cam Gigandet) works with his father Isaac Green in the family diamond business Green & Green Diamond. Brother Freddy (Jeremy Sisto) is the problem child as Jake feels like he must constantly rescue him from trouble. Once again it has happened when Freddy kills another diamond dealer.

Immediately Jake goes into action against the wishes of his ex-wife Ava (Audrey Anderson) who wants Freddy to start taking responsibility for his actions. Uncle Cam (Ray Winstone) wants to help in any way he can but agrees that Jake needs to take a step back.

A step back puts Jake in front of Sister Rah (Judi Shekoni) who he turns to for help. She agrees but only at the huge money price that Jake must pay off. Forcing the brothers to transport diamonds illegally, Jake sees it as a way to pay off the debt in one fell swoop but Sister Rah wants what she once had with Jake.

In the middle of this it becomes clear that Dad Isaac (Raymond J. Barry) is having trouble remembering things – including the location of family piece called the Holocaust Diamond. Cam wants to put Green & Green Diamonds back into the red but Isaac doesn’t want to do it his way. During an argument everything falls apart as the family comes to grips with the result.

G&G Diamonds has four people in charge that include Jake, Freddy, Issac’s granddaughter Willow (Chloe East) and sister. Cam is not happy but knows he can turn to Pieter Van De Bruin (Donald Sutherland) and make a deal. What Cam doesn’t know is that De Bruin has his hands smack in the middle of the family telling Cam to get his hands on 25% of the business.

Jake and Freddy come together putting their differences aside knowing that is the only way they are going to protect family and save the business is to find out what strings are being pulled – and by who!

Gigandet as Jake is cool and calm which is amazing considering all the crazy chaos going on around him. He is very focused on family and feels a need to constantly protect a brother who doesn’t seem to care for himself. Gigandet’s character is sharp and always trying to find a way out of the situations that seem to be snowballing out of control. Of course it’s mainly because he doesn’t have all the facts which makes watching him so much more delicious!

Sisto as Freddy is clearly just a hot mess of a brother who needs intervention for his entire life. Wow, this character can’t seem to find the straight line even if someone drew it for him yet he is clever when it comes to diamonds! The struggle between Freddy and Jake are played out so well by Sisto and I have to say I love him in this role.

Winstone as Cam gives new meaning to the word dual personality. He character clearly feels close to this family but seems to be guided by his own hurt feelings by the same family he feels close too. Follow? He is awesome in this role and I found myself yelling at the screen a few times at his character – that’s how you know he’s doing it right. Barry as Isaac is a man who wants to keep his family and business together but it all turns quickly.

Shekoni as Sister Rah is so bizarre it’s unreal. Coming off as a strong business woman, she has a posse that has no problem taking someone out at the snap of her fingers. Her back story slowly explains everything or does it? Anderson as Ava may be Jakes ex-wife but her ties to the family are very strong as well. She wants what is best for everyone and puts herself in the middle of it all to protect her daughter and the family business.

Sutherland as Pieter Van De Bruin is as evil as he wants to be. Charming to your face while picking the spot on your back he plans to ice you (yes, I said it). Of course I have an amazing soft spot in my heart for Sutherland as he’s on my top ten list of actors that can do no wrong. As De Bruin, Sutherland uses his skill to smile during threats and frown when the fun is over. Love, love, love this character in all his badness.

Other cast include: Ella Thomas as Lala Agabaria, Konstantin Lavysh as Alexi Yakenev, Antonio Cupo as Nick, Carmel Amit as Dalit, and Angela Gots as Natalya.

Entertainment One continues to bring amazing home entertainment to fans with their own library of over 40,000 films and television titles and 45,000 music tracks. I mention those numbers because that is so impressive bringing something for everyone. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://entertainmentone.com/home.

ICE: Season One is a fast past and smart thriller with the backdrop of the diamond world. This cast brings together a dysfunctional family with so much distrust, secrets, lies, envy and no loyalty but yet fight for one another in the mix.

I really do love the triangle between Jake, Freddy and Cam because they play on emotions with their characters and that’s what causes me to yell at the screen so much. The later episode addition of Donald Sutherland is just icing on the cake for me. These four men are in the middle of an amazing storyline.

Shekoni, Thomas and Anderson are the women who are caught in the middle but have secrets of their own to keep. Playing off one another is brilliant in their storyline with the addition of East as a young girl who clearly sees everything these adults are doing.

The Bonus Features of ICE: Season One are Premise, Jeremy Sisto and Cam Gigandet interview, and Rachele Royale ‘Diamond Girl’ Music Video.

This series is going to be a sit through from start to finish. There is no way to watch one or two episodes and walk away so prepare for a marathon run of the first season. I’m really excited to see the next season because I want answers and probably a little come-uppance for a few characters.

In the end – come get your cut!

THE WEISSENSEE SAGA is a Must See on Every Level!

Jeri Jacquin

Currently available on DVD directed by Friedmann Fromm and MHz Choice is the stellar series that pits two families against one another with THE WEISSENSEE SAGA: Seasons 1-3.

It is 1980 East Berlin and two families couldn't be more opposite. Martin Kupfer (Florian Lukas) is a police officer from a long line of Stasi police. His father Hans (Uwe Kockisch) is a senior communist officer for the Minister of State Security married to Marlene (Ruth Reinecke). Also in the family security business is brother Falk (Jorg Hartmann) who also lives at home with wife Vera (Anna Loos) and their son. It is a full household even when Martin's young daughter Lisa visits.

During a traffic stop, Martin meets Julia Hausmann (Hannah Herzsprung) and is immediately struck by her. Deciding to follow her to work at the local beauty shop, he convinces Julia to think about going out for coffee. Even when she makes it clear that she is involved with her American boyfriend Robert Schnyder (Steffen Groth), Martin can not seem to walk away.

Hans learns about Martin's infatuation with Julia and immediately becomes nervous. There is a history between Hans and Julia's mother, the well-known singer Dunja Hausmann (Katrin Sab) has a tendency to sing songs that the Ministry doesn't approve of. Falk also wants to throw himself into the mix while working his way up the promotional ladder. Knowing that his father and the superior of the Ministry Gaucke (Hansjurgen Hurrig) don't see eye to eye, Falk uses that fact to try to break up Martin and Julia.

The Kupfer family is beside themselves when Martin chooses Julia over the family. Trying to find housing turns out to be as difficult as their relationship. When Martin's daughter Lisa is missing, Falk is blamed which continues to flame his anger at brother Martin. Dunja has decided to record songs that are to be smuggled into the West, when her friend Meigold (Max Gertsch) is arrested for it, Hans does what he can to protect his former flame. Once again Falk is angry seeing both Julia and Dunja as a way to rise in the ranks by taking the women down. It turns badly when Dunja changes his plan leaving Falk to have to explain the incident to his superiors.

Trying to cover his tracks, changes in the department are made when Falk is moved up and Hans is sent to be a lecturer at Stasi Academy. When Martin confronts Falk about what has happened to Julia's mother, anger and fury hit the brothers with Falk swearing he will destroy both Martin and Julia. To his surprise, Gaucke has promoted Falk into his father's former position letting him know that something must be done to resolve the issue of Martin and Julie or else it will be Falk that faces serious problems.

After a time they find a place and Julia discovers she is pregnant. Beside himself with happiness, Martin is surprised when his father Hans helps the couple get permits for an apartment and things they need to make a proper home for the new baby. 

When Dunja finally comes home, it is to a secret that she agrees to be a Stasi informer knowing that her apartment is also bugged. Turning her friends away at the door, Dunja believes it is the only way for them to stay safe. Julia wants to talk to a West German journalist about the treatment of her mother. Martin isn't thrilled about it but stands by Julia in what turns out to be a fate worse than the couple could ever have imagined. 

Five years has passed since Julia went to prison for the charge of treason and the baby does not survive. Martin doesn't serve any time because of family connections but it doesn't mean he is not waiting every moment for Julia's return. No longer a policeman, Martin has taken a job in a factory and doesn't speak to the family - especially Falk who he blames completely.

Dunja isn't under the watchful eye of Falk much either and the Kupfer family doesn't have much time for keeping an eye on her either as Vera and Falk's son Roman (Ferdinand Lehmann) becomes gravely ill. Hans believes because Roman is a gymnast that the coaches used doping which led to his grandson's illness. Falk refuses to believe it but Roman needs a kidney and makes a promise to Martin if he helps.

Returning home, Julia isn't sure how to handle her life. Turning away from Martin seemed the smartest thing but she knows that isn't possible and the two come together again. Vera and Falk also are working through marital problems as Vera wants to walk away from it all. Going to church to find solace, Vera meets Robert Wolff (Ronald Zehrfeld) and discovers that Cross Church is also a meeting place of civil rights activists. 

Wolff's sister Nicole (Claudia Mehnert) becomes great friends with Vera but it is only a matter of time before Falk discovers what is happening. What they don't know yet is that Falk is well aware of what is going on and uses a child to try and keep his family together - a little girl named Sonja.

Martin's friend Gorlitz (Stephan Grossmann) offers up his house for the couple to live in and once again father Hans helps with what ever is necessary. Now that Julia has time to think, she becomes aware that it's possible that their child might be alive. She tells Martin they must look at every chance that their child could be out there somewhere and begin with Dr. Maiwald (Silke Matthias) who delivered their daughter Anna and the doctor who pronounced the child deceased Dr. Schmolke (Joachim Assbock).

Falk is also on their trail and after a confrontation, everything is about to change as (**SPOILER ALERT**) Martin's life no longer includes Julia. Dunja falls into the bottled and won't let Hans console her. Both Hans and Falk attempt to change their lives in extremely different ways but Martin remains distant from them all. Knowing the only way to stop Vera is by arresting Wolff, she isn't moved by his attempt to keep her by arresting friends, taking in a child or anything else.

Even more disturbing is that Hans finally has proof of what Falk has been up to and makes a deal with him to set things right. Also shocking in the ranks is that General Honecker dismisses Gaucke when he has a melt down and puts Falk in his place.

It is 1989 and what Falk has feared most is beginning to happen, the fall of the Iron Curtain! He should fear his father and brother more and now that mother Marlene is away of what is happening, decisions have to be made. Martin is beginning to piece together what happened to Julia and Anna and who is responsible. Also, Falk once again tries to strong-arm Robert Wolff because Vera has gone on with her life living with the pastor and his sister. What he doesn't see is photographer Katja Wiese (Lisa Wagner) up on a roof taking photos of an event she doesn't quite understand.

For the first time in his life, Martin takes a walk into West Germany after he finds Katja's wallet. Discovering that he once again has feelings for someone, he is still careful about the things he says and does. Such is the life he has been leading in East Berlin. Yet there is a freedom being with Katja who makes it clear that she wants to help Martin find the answers about Anna. It also comes as a shock when Martin sees the photographs on her wall.

With the fall of the Iron Curtain, Falk is struggling to keep using the tactics that have always worked for him. The problem is that there is nothing he can do to stop the changes that are coming, those who are making sure it happens, and family members who will do what ever is necessary to find the answers about the missing person in their family.

Kockisch as the head of the Kupfer clan is clearly not like the others he serves with. From the very beginning his decisions are based on letting people have the freedoms without the consequences that the treatment prisons provide bring. His heart is torn between the past and the family he is trying to keep together. When Martin falls for Julia, as much as he doesn't want his son to have pain, Hans wants his son to never have the same regrets. 

Lukas as Martin is a gentle soul who knows that the system of justice can work against good people. Meeting Julia, he doesn’t much care about the rules nor does he believe his family need interfere with his happiness. When that all changes, he isn’t about to let it all go as his love for Julia is unstoppable. I loved Lukas’ performance and mainly because he is a fighter of another kind. He takes it all in and tries to make the right decision, especially when his family is involved.

Herzsprung as Julia Hausmann is so lovely. She comes from her own dysfunctional family which means she and Martin have something in common from the start. Attempting to fight off her feelings, Martin doesn’t give up even when it seems their families will do anything to stop it. Herzsprung brings strength of spirit to her character.

Sass as Dunja Hausmann spent her life in music, a tad self-absorbed she tends to not pay attention to Julia. When she does, it is because Julia has fallen for the son of a former lover and knows the pain it is going to cause. Being from the “wrong side of the fence” caused her nothing but grief. Sass is an amazing character none the less her growth is intense. Reinecke as Marlene is a woman clearly aware that her husband harbors feelings for the one person she resents being in their lives. Even so, Marlene is a woman who will not let anyone disrupt the family she has struggled to keep together. Loss as Vera is a woman trapped in abuse and fear from a husband that doesn’t care about anything other than ruling with an iron fist – literally. Loss takes this character and gives her strength.

The winner for bad guy done awesomely is Hartmann as Falk. THIS guy looks like the guy next door with his charming attitude and boyish face but don’t let it fool you. He is devious, dastardly, caring only when it suits him and uses every opportunity to take someone down who Falk feels has wronged him – even if it’s his own family. It stunned me episode after episode what this character was capable of and Hartmann makes evil look easy. Well done!

MHz Choice offers U.S. viewers streaming access to MHz Networks’ expanding library of the best international television mysteries, dramas, comedies and documentaries subtitled in English. MHz Choice delivers a high quality experience to a growing list of subscribers who watch online with iPhone, Apple TV, Android, Roku and Amazing Channels! For more of what they have to offer for viewing please visit www.mhzchoice.com.

THE WEISSENSEE SAGA: Seasons 1-3 is a limited series that is absolutely amazing. During an era most of us know nothing about, the storyline gives an inside look at a life restricted by government and ruled by iron will behind the Iron Curtain. In the midst of it all are people who were willing to find ways to find love and freedom.

These characters bring much to the story and the ensemble cast is completely perfect in every way. The writers, Friedemann Fromm, Annette Hess, Tim Krause and Clemens Murath should be given every bit of credit for creating a saga that is stunning. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a twist would come that either had me cheering, dropping my jaw or throwing something – and usually caused by Falk.

This is a marathon spending time enjoying. The series is in German with English subtitles and all three seasons are available on DVD which means you don’t have to wait!