They are Running from 9 BULLETS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Gigi Gaston and Screen Media is the thriller chase when you are running from 9 BULLETS.

Gypsy (Lena Heady) is a dancer that is about to make a grand change in her life. Receiving word that a book she is writing is near going to press, she quits her job to finish it. In the trailer park where she lives is the young boy Sam (Dean Vasquez) who lives with his family. At home alone, he receives a panicked telephone call from his father telling him to pack a secret laptop and go to a hiding place they had pre-planned.

Grabbing his dog Moses, Sam heads out into the dark. Gypsy is on her way home from her final day at work when she also gets a panicked call begging her to call Jack (Sam Worthington) to make him understand. Gypsy seems to know exactly what the caller is referring to and promises to do what she can – that is until the call is cut short.

On the road, young Sam witnesses a heinous event and runs! When Gypsy gets home, she realizes there is someone in the house and finds the young boy cowering in her shower. Now she is the one panicking and packs what she can, puts the boy in the truck and runs. Gypsy knows that Jack will be sending his henchmen to take the boy.

While running, Sam tries to be friendly with Gypsy, but she is not warming up to the idea of dealing with the kid. Feeling the only recourse is to talk to Jack, she grabs Moses and spends the night with Jack to convince him to stop whatever he has planned. The problem is, Jack is not happy about the money he has lost, and revenge is how he deals with it.

Along the way, Gypsy plans to drop Sam off with someone who can take care of him. Yet, the two begin to understand one another in between chases and bullets until finally, both can take no more and do whatever is necessary to either make it right or make them rich.

Heady as Gypsy is a hardened woman for reasons of her own. Taking on a young boy who is dealing with so much puts her on guard even more. Wanting to get him to a safe place is her main goal so she can find the new life she has been working on. Heady is tough even when tears fall but when her character realizes that pain is pain no matter what age, a softer version of a tough woman comes out.

Vasquez as Sam is the young boy who has seen the worse that humanity has to offer in the way of viciousness. Along with dog Moses, Sam tries to find a bond with Gypsy and is constantly brought down which is not easy for a kid. Yet, when they are up against the odds, Sam finds Gypsy’s strength and makes it his own. Well done young man.

Worthington as Jack is a vicious man who tries charm and if that does not work, he turns to what he is good at, giving orders for horrible things to happen. He wants the money stolen from him and, as a bonus, he wants to prove that he will take out anyone who gets in his way whether they had anything to do with it or not.

Other cast include Martin Sensmeier as Eddie, Chris Mullinax as Mike, Lala Anthony as Tasmin, Emma Holzer as Lisa, Donna Hood as Cupid, Anthony Fitzgerald as Mel, Zachary Mooren as Ralph, Stephanie Arcila as Caroline, Marlene Forte as Grandmother, John Ales as Rabbi Stein, Colleen Camp as Drew, Cam Gigandet as Tommy and Barbara Hershey as Lacey.

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

9 BULLETS gives the reminiscent feel of the 1980 film GLORIA with Gena Rowlands. Even Sam looks like the young boy Phil from the movie as well, except Phil has quite an outlook on his life and was not afraid to be mouthy about it. The premise is about the same but that does not take away from the film in its enjoyment.

Heady and Vasquez are a pair together both discovering the one thing they share is that they need to start a new life away from the horror of their old life. Worthington oozes bad guy from beginning to, well, end if there is one with the door left open as to what happens.

Jump in the car and go for a wild ride because, as Sam says, it will take more than bullets to stop them both.

In the end – they are each running from their own story!

 

 

 

She Cannot Outrun the INFINITE STORM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Malgorzata Szumowska and Bleecker Street is the true story of a life change when she least expects the INFINITE STORM.

Pam Bales (Naomi Watts) is an experienced climber who packs intently to spend the day hiking up Mount Washington, New Hampshire after telling friend Parker (Denis O’Hare). Climbing to the top of a peak, she sees that a blizzard is heading her way and begins to climb down. As the wind picks up, she struggles to stay on her feet but notices a set of footprints that look strangely out of place.

Following each step, it leads her to a man sitting as the storm swirls around him. Dressed in shorts, tennis shoes and nothing to keep him warm. The man refuses to respond to Pam who is yelling over the sound of the wind. Trying to get him covered the best she can with what is in her backpack; Pam struggles to get the man to cooperate.

Giving him the name ‘John’ (Billy Howle), Pam navigates him through the snow as best she can. The storm is relentless, but she knows that if they are both to survive, she must keep John awake and motivated to continue. Even when they are able to stop for moments, Pam realizes that there is something emotionally going on with John.

Finally at the bottom, Pam realizes that her own tragedy has kept her from moving forward and perhaps their journey saved each other!

Watts as Pam has taken the character out of the world and into a life where she does not feel the need to have people around her. Everyone has a past, but Pam has a past filled with a pain that has basically caused her to live a paralyzed life. Hiking in the mountains gives her a reason to steer clear of humanity. The snowstorm and John pushes Watt’s character to remember that life is precious and that even with unforeseeable tragedies, Pam can be part of the world in a wonderful way.      

Howle as ‘John’ is a frozen human during a snowstorm that is equal in emotional and physical pain. Being pushed to survive by a stranger, John fights at every turn making things even more dangerous for both Pam and himself. Howle’s character has his own story to tell yet, like his journey of survival, he will tell it in small steps.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

INFINITE STORM is based on the Ty Gagne article High Places: Footprints in the Snow Lead to an Emotional Rescue written about Pam Bales. Joshua Rollins wrote the screenplay based on that article to bring the film to screen. 

Watts turns in a stellar performance as Pam Bales and has proved for the second time in a few weeks that she is perfectly capable of carrying a film on her own. In February she starred in THE DESPERATE HOURS as a mother who is miles from home when her children are in danger and now with INFINITE STORM, she carries the story of a woman who must break away from her past.

This film is a dual fight for both Pam and ‘John’, the fight for survival against Mother Nature who has her own weather plan and the fight with emotional pain from tragic events in both their lives. The character of Pam is a woman who hikes to not think about it until she is put in a position to ignore her pain any longer, Watts gives us all of that emotion and more.

In the end – the mountain brought them together!

She is THE DOORMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

 

Coming to Digital, On Demand and followed with Bluray and DVD from director Ryuhei Kitamura and Lionsgate Home Entertainment is THE DOORMAN.

Ali (Ruby Rose) is a prior Marine dealing with a tragedy who finds employment as a doorman at a very prestigious hotel in New York City. She enjoys meeting the people who live in the building and learns that it is about to undergo some renovations.

She learns from a neighbor that she actually has family living in the building. Her sister's husband Jon (Rupert Evans) along with nephew Max (Julian Feder) and niece Lily (Kila Cassidy) who were planning to leave during the renovations. Although Lila is thrilled to see her Aunt Ali, there is an uncomfortable distance between she and Jon.

What none of them know is that a man named Victor Dubois (Jean Reno) along with his henchman Borz (Aksel Hennie) are about to bring the building down. Dubois is looking for something he believes is hidden in the building but is surprised to find people still in the building. Ali sees what is happening and uses her skills to try and stop her family from being hurt.

That is not going to stop the chaos and thieves from tearing down the walls to find the secrets behind them, well maybe one person can stop them!

Rose as Ali comes to this film after her stellar performance in JOHN WICK: Chapter 2, so it is clear that she is perfectly capable of taking on this role. From start to finish she has the opportunity to show off what she can physically do with a role.

Reno as Dubois is a criminal who wants to have his heist go according to play and as smoothly as possible. Of course, when you surround yourself with a criminal element, it’s quite possible that your associates don't have the same plan. Hennie as Borz is the loose cannon and does not mind putting the hurt on anyone who gets in his way - especially Ali.

Evans as Jon has a history with Ali, and it has kept the family apart in many ways. Trying to keep his family safe, it is almost as if he his plan is to keep things calm in the apartment and let Ali take care of the rest. Feder as Max is the typical teen with parental issues, oh hell, he pretty much just has issues with everyone not his age. Kila Cassidy as Lily is thrilled to see Aunt Ali, especially not having a mom in her life.

Other cast include David Sakurai as Andrew, Louis Mandylor as Martinez, Hideaki Ito as Leo, Jamie Satterhwaite as Olsen, Andreea Androne as Nira, Raynor van de Water as Officer Griggs and Philip Whitchurch as Uncle Pat.

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 DOORMAN'S special features include In the Service of Others: Reflections of the cast.

It does not take but a flash for the action to begin and it pretty much does not stop the entire film. Once the characters in the story are introduced, it becomes a game of cat and mouse with the winner getting the golden million-dollar painted cheese.

It is Rose who gets all the action and does not waste a moment making sure everyone in the film knows that she is no door mouse. This is a thriller-caper that as the thieves become desperate to find the hidden treasure, they are less and less polite about getting their information.

In the end - her second chance if their last hope!

THE KILL TEAM Brings More Fears During Wartime to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Dan Krauss, A24 and Lionsgate are events of war and the effects caused by THE KILL TEAM.

Andrew Briggman (Nat Wolff) is a young man who joins the military and immediately send to the Middle East. Settling into camp, he tries to learn the ropes from the other soldiers. His first experience with the seriousness of their work is when their leader Weppler (Osy Ikhile) is killed. The group tries to come together as the new leader Sgt. Deeks (Alexander Skarsgard) walks in with confidence.

Deeks makes it very clear what he expects from the men under him and even treats them to a cookout. He also takes Briggman under his wing a little and encourages him to be more forward in his soldiering. The young soldier appreciates the attention and begins to find his way and becomes more inclusive with the platoon.

Out on a mission, Briggman remembers what Weppler told him about 'hearts and minds' but Deeks doesn't agree with this approach. In fact, while out on patrol, he witnesses something that he knows is frighteningly wrong. Unsure of what to do, Briggman reaches out to his father William (Rob Morrow) who tells his son to stand fast using his military contacts to find help.

As word begins to spread that there could be a rat in the ranks, Briggman watches everyone including Deeks for signs of danger. The days become more difficult to handle as the others start weeding out who could be the person turning on them all.

Every move brings him to a decision that will cost everyone!

Wolff as Briggman is a young man who comes from a military family and sees himself as doing his duty to country. Not as tough as some of the other soldiers he is with means if someone is going to be made to feel the outcast it is Briggman. Wolff brings a believable naivetés to his character that is shattered quickly and his reaction is fear. From beginning to the end of the film I felt with Briggman every step of the way (including feeling a big paranoid) and all of the emotions means Wolff delivers.

Skarsgard as Deeks is charming and disarming at the same time. Coming off as 'one of the guys' is perfect for a predator of his calibre. Of course I know Skarsgard can play a villain because I've seen him do it as a vampire in the HBO series True Blood, but this isn't the same by any means. In THE KILL TEAM, he uses war and the innocence of these young soldiers to fulfill his own nasty need for destruction. Despicable yes, well portrayed - absolutely.

Morrow as William Briggman is a father who just wants his son to come home alive without physical harm or emotional scars. When his son reaches out, Dad does what dad's do, try to fix a problem before it becomes bigger than a problem.

Other cast include Anna Francolini as Laura, Oliver Ritchie as Cappy, Brian Marc as Marquez, Jonathan Whitesell as Coombs, Adam Long as Rayburn and Ian Attard as Captain Weaver.

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 Special Features of THE KILL TEAM include The Reality of Courage: Making THE KILL TEAM, Deleted Scenes and Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Dan Krauss.

THE KILL TEAM also includes a Digital Copy that allows the viewer to stream instantly or download to your devices such as PC's, laptops, tablets and your own phone.

THE KILL TEAM is a difficult film because the idea presented is one that people have thought about but never talk openly about. War brings about actions that otherwise wouldn't be a part of a person's behaviors in everyday life. Not just in the recent wars but wars throughout history people have done things to one another that aren't spoken of in 'polite society'.

Not so much in recent years as PTSD has become prevalent in our world and with that come the stories (and even photographs/video with our technology now) that show what the men/women of the armed services endure. The leader in this film, Deeks, is supposedly one of their own that is trusted to do his job and protect his soldiers is the disturbing part. Instead he is a man that betrays that trust and does the unthinkable.

Briggman is a character but not so far removed from all the young soldiers who join the military. When the trust of a leader is betrayed, the fear is just another thing that can get one killed. Anyone in the military or family of those in the military will experience this film in a more difficult way because having a service member in the family is already difficult enough. The choices they make as soldiers is one most of us will never have to make and the film portrays that as well.

The entire film is on an emotional roller coaster for the viewer but at the same time will have the same viewer writing up a mental list of questions. That's where the conversations come into play that need to be had regarding the realities of war. Of course my father and grandfather came from a generation where what happened in war was never discussed but that is no longer the case and, in fact, they are now speaking out for their own mental health.

In the years to come this will not be the only time we hear and see a story of this kind as writer/director Krauss gives us a based on a true story, in-depth look at a few good men brought to many bad (and sad) behaviors.

In the end - they are soldiers, brothers and enemies.

AD ASTRA Takes Us To The Stars

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors James Gray, Dan Bradley and 20th Century Fox comes a story of a man who needs to save the planet with AD ASTRA.

Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) is an astronaut who has the uncanny knack for keeping his emotions under control. Constantly being monitored for flight readiness, it has come at the expense of his relationship with Eve (Liv Tyler). During an accident at work, his superiors notice that he kept a level head. What Roy learns is that the accident is caused by the Lima Project that was run by his father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones).

The senior McBride left years earlier in search of other life in the universe. Hailed as a hero for his work in space, that is what Roy remembers or more so what he has been told.

He is given the mission to go to Mars and send a transmission to his father. Mars is the only planet that hasn't been affected by the violent pulses sent through the galaxy. Going along with McBride is Col. Pruitt (Donald Sutherland), a one-time friend to Clifford and someone to keep an eye on Roy. Stopping on the moon, Roy learns more about what is expected of him once he reaches Mars.

Once landed, Roy is met by Helen Lantos (Ruth Negga) who seems mysterious but actually has information that he has never been privy to. Reaching out to his father through transmissions, all of a sudden things change and those in charge want him back on earth. He is not about to turn back now and with the help of Helen he once again gets aboard a ship that will take him on the most solitary and long voyage he could have imagined.

He has time to make the decision about how to stop the effects of the Lima Project and come face to face with a father he thought he knew.

Pitt as Roy is a man who tries to keep focus on his emotions by keeping himself apart from everyone else. Believing that his father was dead, he is still calm when told it is a possibility that the elder McBride might still be alive. Every step he takes is calculated and once realizing his purpose is served isn't about to stop until he has all the answers. There is something so very cool when Pitt takes a role that isn't full of talk but instead straight forward action. Although there is a full cast here, it is Pitt's character that commands the film.

Sutherland as Col. Pruitt is sent by the higher ups to keep an eye on Roy but there is also a history. Pruitt knew the elder McBride and seems to be hoping to see him once again but his reasons are a bit different that Roy's. I have always enjoyed Sutherland on any screen because he is an actor that may be large in stature but never pulls on the screen. Even when he yells it's brief, important and then back to center with such roles in M*A*S*H, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, ORDINARY PEOPLE and even his role in THE HUNGER GAMES, I am always all in to watch him.

Tyler as Eve has a smaller role but one that is important in understanding the repercussions of Roy's inability to let loose once in a while. She wanted more and he couldn't provide it. Negga as Helen has her own story to tell and she is absolutely ready to tell Roy, whether he is ready to hear it or not.

Jones as Clifford McBride is a hero to everyone who knows about the Lima Project. Roy has lived in the shadow of Clifford even though he didn't truly understand why he chose space over his family. When Jones is on screen there is a sincere insanity that exists in that he believes in what he says to the point of not being able to tell right from wrong.

On an interesting side note - Sutherland and Jones appeared in another movie together in 2000 called SPACE COWBOYS so it seems fitting they would come full circle in suits once again. In that film they were both space geniuses as well so kudos for bringing it back 19 years later!

Other cast include Anne McDaniels as Shunga Hologram, John Ortiz as General Rivas, Kimberly Elise as Lorraine Deavers, Greg Bryk as Chip Garnes, Loren Dean as Donald Stanford, John Finn as Stroud, Kimmy Shields as Sgt. Romano, and LisaGay Hamilton as Adjutent General Amelia Vogel. 

AD ASTRA is a film about many different things - from a man who is about to discover that his emotional world is larger than the universe he is about to fly into, to learning that history doesn't always paint a real picture. Clearly the visual are stunning but then again most space films are. In recent years there have been several and since I am a fan of space films, AD ASTRA works.

That being said I also want to say that it seems that this is a man-version of GRAVITY. Don't get me wrong, that isn't a bad thing, it's just how I see it. Throw in 2014's INTERSTELLAR and Matthew McConaughey's character Cooper along with Sandra Bullock's character Ryan Stone from GRAVITY and Roy McBride of AD ASTRA - all have emotional issues that they hide with their space work. When life and death kick in they all trust in what they know intellectually but also experience a sense of acceptance and letting go.

Now that I have that out of my system I truly did enjoy Pitt's performance because of in depth. A role doesn't have to have tons of talking in order for me to totally understand the plight of a character. Pitt seems to be the calm in the middle of a galactic storm as others swirl around the outer vortex of this character.

There is absolutely no doubt that the cinematography is also a character in the film. From the stunning landing on the moon to shooting off to Mars and then Jupiter and beyond, the colors are stunning, the space is cold yet inviting and it is eye candy for anyone who just adores the idea of space and space travel.

In the end - the answers we seek are just outside our reach!

UNFORGETTABLE Brings Love and Terror to the Screen

Jeri Jacquin

This Friday in theatres from first time director Denise Di Novi and Warner Bros. Pictures comes the twisted meshing of families that will be absolutely UNFORGETTABLE.

Julia Banks (Rosario Dawson) is packing her home in San Francisco to move to Southern California to be with boyfriend David Connover (Geoff Stults). Happy about her decision, Julia knows that there will be an adjustment with young daughter Lily (Isabella Kai Rice) and ex-wife Tessa (Katherine Heigl).

Eager to start their life together, Julia notices almost right away the tension with Tessa. Trying to make things easier for David, she does her best to show Lily that everything is just fine. What Tessa doesn’t know is that Julia and David are planning to be married.

Getting his brewery business off the ground, David thinks its better to wait until everyone has settled to break the news. Tessa decides to take matters into her own hands and look at Julia’s past to discover that she has something that she hasn’t disclosed to David.

Putting discomfort between Julia and David, Tessa is clearly aware of every move she makes. Julia can’t seem to convince David of what is happening to their family until someone shows up at their door igniting a chain of events and there’s no turning back!

Dawson as Julia clearly wants to begin a new life with David. Trying her best to have a integrated family with Lily, Tessa is making sure that they don’t get to close. Dawson’s character eventually holds her own with Heigl’s character and it is a stand off that shocks.

Heigl as Tessa is walking perfection! From her stunning hair, impeccable clothing and steely eyed stare, I can’t recall the last time I saw a character like this and thought, ;I definitely don’t want to meet her anywhere day or night!’ This is a scary lady for the ages for sure but the apple doesn’t fall far from the three.

Stults as David is a man trying to have a new relationship while having an understanding with ex-wife Tessa. Clearly a doting Dad of daughter Lily, starting a new business means he doesn’t have time for two women who need to work it out. Trying to be understanding of Tessa’s feelings, he is caught between three females!

Rice as Lily is adorable and put in the middle of the adults nonsense. There is one scene with Heigl that totally broke my heart for her and that means she handled her character beautifully. Well done young lady!

Other cast include Simon Kassianides as Michael Vargas, Jayson Blair as Jason Michaels, Alex Quijano as Miguel and Cheryl Ladd as Tessa’s mother.

UNFORGETTABLE is a film that is up front about every aspect of what is going on. So why does this work so well? Because it’s like being a fly on the wall watching everything unfold or like a train wreck that you can’t help but watch. I’m keeping the details to myself because this film needs to be seen first hand and remember to keep your jaw off the floor.

The audience absolutely loved the film and there are several times where people were yelling at the screen or hiding their eyes. That’s always a good sign when the audience doesn’t realize its participating!

At this years CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Heigl says of the film, “They say the things that you are most afraid of might actually happen. But what happens when one person can’t deal with it and jealousy turns to madness”.

Dawson continues by saying, “UNFORGETTABLE is a suspense thriller that harkens back to some of my favorite films but with a modern and contemporary edge. We think this film will give audiences what they want, an experience where they are on the edge of their seat!”

In the end – love makes some do dangerous things!