He Comes Home to ROLLING THUNDER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director John Flynn and Shout! Studios is the story of a man returning from war and discovering ROLLING THUNDER.

It is 1973 and after being held for seven years in a Hanoi prison, POW Major Charles Rane (William Devane) is returning home along with Master Sgt. Johnny Vohden (Tommy Lee Jones). Being welcomed back to San Antonio, Texas, Rane realizes that his son Mark (Jordan Gerler) does not remember him. Wife Janet (Lisa Richards) tries to make him feel at home but is nervous and a bit uncomfortable.

Once they have a chance to be alone, Janet confesses what her life has been like for the seven years Rane was gone and it is clear he cannot have his old life back. The town holds a ceremony to welcome home Rane and give him a new Cadillac and a chest of silver dollars, one for every day he was in captivity. An extra one is added by Linda (Linda Haynes) who wore Rane’s POW bracelet the entire time he was gone.

Going to the baseball field to watch son Mark play, Rane does not feel welcome so he heads home. Once there, he is jumped in his own living room by men who want the silver dollars he was given. The Texan (James Best), Automatic Slim (Luke Askew), T-Bird (Charles Escamilla) and Melio (Peter Ortega) don’t understand that Rane was tortured in Hanoi so anything these men do to him can’t possibly compare. When Janet and Mark return home, they are held until the men get what they want and chaos breaks out.

Recovering at the hospital, Linda and Vohden come for visits. Vohden tells Rane that he has signed up again for the military. Linda learns that Rane wants to go to Mexico and Linda decides to come along but doesn’t know what he is really going to be doing. When his plan begins to falter, Rane calls Vohden to follow the men to Juarez, Mexico where the two decide its time to settle up and they know how to do it.

Devane as Rane is a young actor here who gives the character of a stoic solder returning from a seven-year nightmare. Not reacting as others perhaps would wish, he goes along to get along. Knowing returning soldiers, he truly does grasp the assignment, even in 1977 when that phrase wasn’t even thought of.

Jones as Vohden is also trying to acclimate to being back in the United States. Feeling he can’t do that, rejoining the military seemed like the only answers. When his friend Rane reaches out, he knows exactly what has to happen to make it right in Rane’s world. Jones is also a very young actor in this film but that doesn’t mean his character isn’t all about business.

Haynes as Linda is a woman who made it clear from their first meeting that she is interested in Rane. She jumps at the chance to go with him to Mexico and once she realizes the purpose, the realization that what she wants from him isn’t going to happen.

Best, Askew, Escamilla and Ortega are the gang of men who have no qualms about hurting a hero or his family. They want what they want and will do anything to get it. From the moment they are on screen till the end, these actors give unscrupulous a scruffy, terrifying look that works for the film.

Other cast include Lawrason Driscoll as Deputy Cliff Nichols, Jacque Burandt as Bebe, Paul A. Partain as Ethan, James N. Harrell as Grandpa and Cassie Yates as Candy.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Disc One includes the 4K Ultra HD Disc in 2160p Ultra High-Definition HDR Widescreen and Master Audio. Disc Two includes the Bluray and New 4K Transfer from the 35mm Original Camera Negative, New Audio Commentary with Screenwriter/Novelist Heywood Gould and Author/Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner, New Audio Commentary with Filmmakers Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi, New “Lean and Mean: The Early Films of John Flynn” – An Interview with Author/Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner, and New “Coming Home to War: Scoring ROLLING THUNDER” – An Interview with Composer Barry De Vorzon.

Also, “The Making of ROLLING THUNDER” – Featuring Interviews with Actors William Devane, Tommy Lee Jones and Writers Paul Schrader and Heywood Gould, Trailers from Hell – Filmmakers Eli Roth on ROLLING THUNDER, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spot, Radio Spots, Still Gallery, 2160p Ultra High-Definition Widescreen and English DTS-HD Master Audio.

ROLLING THUNDER is a film about the return of seven years of captivity and torture to a place where is seems just as brutal. Devane gives the performance of a man who has had his life jumbled to the point of knowing that something has to give – and he’ll gladly give it. That is part and parcel of films around this time as well and it is done well.

It doesn’t give any moments of peace, just like the characters of Rane and Vohden, and continually assaults the senses. These two characters are well aware of pain, suffering and what it takes to survive. Once their fearless switch is hit, there is nothing or no one that will stand in their way of accomplishing their own personal mission.

In the end – they have no idea what they’ve done!

He was Born to be THE NORTHMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Robert Eggers and Focus Features comes the tale of loss, revenge and Valhalla with THE NORTHMAN.

Amleth (Oscar Novak) is a prince to his people living with Mother Queen Gudrun (Nicole Kidman). Excited about the return of his father King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke), they, along with the people greet the King and his brother Fjolnir (Claes Bang) home.

Spending time with the King, Amleth also is brought into the mystical world with the help of Heimir the Fool (Willem Dafoe). But it is not to last long as Amleth must run from those who wish to end his life. Reaching a boat, he retreats chanting of revenging and rescue.

Year pass as Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) is now a grown man accepted into a group of men who raid a village for slaves. Catching his eye is Olga of the Birch Forest (Anya Taylor-Joy), one of the women of the village. He also enters the dwelling of the village Seeress (Bjork) who tells him things he has long kept secret about himself.

He also discovers that some of the slaves are being sent to King Fjolnir and this sets him on a path of the revenge and rescue he has thought of for years. On the boat journey, Amleth and Olga become very close as he shares what his goal is. Arriving, he sees his mother who now has a young son and still no one knows who he truly is.

Except maybe the He-Witch who tells him exactly what to do and how to get what he is after. Moving toward the ultimate goal, Amleth discovers what he never even considered about his early years. Now, he must make the hardest decision of his life to save those he loves.

Skarsgard as the grown Amleth is absolutely stunning in this role. He has a, oddly, quite rage from the moment we see him on screen. It is almost as if he were living in a fog and happily taking on the role of brutal savage in the eyes of those are at his sword’s mercy. It takes a moment alone with a sorceress to wake him up and a trip with Olga to see there is something else, yet he has unfinished business. Skarsgard as Amleth takes us on a well thought out journey, step by step he takes the lead, and we go along with ease.

Bang as King Fjolnir has taken everything from Amleth and would never have thought there would come a time to be held accountable. When his village goes through strange circumstances, it is the furthest thing from his mind. Trying to maintain control becomes difficult and Bang’s character realizes that there is only one way to stop the madness – at the gates of hel.

Kidman as the Queen has moved on with her life in a new place and a young son who she clearly loves. Still ruling as a queen, she becomes frantic when the horrors of the village start hitting close to home. Kidman’s character has her story moments that tell of life without Amleth.

Taylor-Joy as Olga is very clear on who Amleth is and learns what he is trying to accomplish. Supporting whatever he decides to do, she feeds him information and helps to make plans for their departure. Taylor-Joy’s character understands why and what must happen and gives her character strength without fanfare but instead an intensity of spirit.

Hawke, Dafoe and Bjork have their roles to play and although brief, have an impact on the character of Amleth. These three invididuals offer insight to the young man’s future and their characters give equal intensity.

Other cast include Ian Whyte as Thorvaldr Giant-Crusher, Hafpor Bjornsson as Thorfinnr, Doa Barney as Melkorka, Olwen Fouere as Ashildur, Ralph Ineson as Captain Volodymyr, Kate Dickie as Halldora, Gustav Lindh as Thorir the Proud, Ingvar Sigurosson as the He-Witch, and Murray McArthur as Hakon Ironbeard.

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.

THE NORTHMAN is a cinematic experience for many reasons. First, there is such an emptiness (once away from the King’s village), from ships on the sea surrounded by the elements to Amleth’s journey across the same emptiness on land before reaching his destination. He may be with others, but the cinematography brings in the feeling of the world being so big and Amleth being so small in that world.

The cast brings a richness, and each has their own story to tell, and director Eggers gives ample time for that to occur. Amleth is so singularly focused on his own pain that, for the longest time, he does not see that he is not the only person in this madness. The fantastic images of the Shield Maiden (shout out to Katie Pattinson) are absolutely stunning, rich and full of emotion.

The story is brutal, ethereal and based in their strong and unbendable belief in the halls of Valhalla. Getting to that place honorably changes Amleth’s path and takes on the indestructible faith that evil must be destroyed. From childhood to manhood, his path is filled with strange twists of fate with a story that could easily be Shakespearean.

In the end – conquer your fate!

He is Trying to Put Out a RAGING FIRE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital 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!

 

 

 

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres and HBO Max from director Alan Taylor and Warner Bros. is the story of life, death and betrayal when surrounded by THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK.

It is the later 1960’s and Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola) is keeping the family business going with numbers running and the help of Harold McBrayer (Leslie Odom Jr.). Taking care of his own family, he also has an affinity for his nephew Anthony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini), especially when his father Johnny Soprano (Jon Bernthal) is sentenced do a stint in prison.

Also arriving home is Dickie’s father Hollywood Dick (Ray Liotta) and his new wife Giuseppina (Michela De Rossi). As the family business moves along with Junior Soprano (Corey Stoll), everything seems to be moving along, that is until the Newark riots happen, and Harold decides it is time to take his own family business in another direction.

Anthony, in the meantime, is already showing signs of falling into bad habits with gambling and getting into trouble. His mother Livia (Vera Farmiga) turns to Dickie to help get the kid straight being the only person the kid will listen to. But as Anthony grows older, he starts to understand more and more what the family business is and how deadly it can be.

Dickie uses the riots to his advantage when an incident happens with his father and also retaliates for Harold trying to muscle into the family business territory. Now a war is brewing, and Dickie is being pulled in every direction. Turning to his Uncle Salvatore (Ray Liotta) for guidance, the one piece of advice he is given is to leave nephew Anthony alone.

All of this is enough to keep anyone occupied because boiling underneath the surface is revenge, plotting and deception, then again, that’s the family business.

Nivola as Dickie carries this film from start to finish. He is basically a crazy man going from home life to business, family issues, betrayal, and trying to be a good uncle at the same time. He is a jack-of-all-trades in his life and can not seem to master any of them. It all may look good on the surface, but it is an underlying hot mess. Nivola’s character runs hot and cold when his button is pushed and trust that that button – does not lead to a nice conclusion.

Gandolfini as a teen Anthony Soprano does his father’s legacy justice. It is clear that there is a connection between Anthony and Uncle Dickie, a closeness even his father does not have. So, when that relationship is strained, it has an impact on the young teen who is trying to discover where it is he truly wants to go in life. Gandolfini has done his father James Gandolfini proud in taking up the mantle of his own family legacy, well done young man.

Liotta as both Hollywood Dickie and twin brother Salvatore has the chance to play both the good and bad of twin brothers. Dickie turns to Sally for advice and a chance to redeem himself for the wrongs he knows he is doing and has done. I saw Sally as a Sage for Dickie, offering him advice and wisdom that Dickie never got from his own father. Liotta is marvelous in both roles, and I loved every moment he was on screen.

Odom Jr. as Harold is a buddy of Dickie’s so working together is fine, until he realizes that there is more money to be made and that Dickie’s business family see him as nothing more than the lowest of the low. Breaking away is a dangerous move but Odom Jr. takes his character and rolls him in the world that is brutal and unforgiving. Stoll as Junior seems to be the gopher of the family always beings shot down and told what to do. He takes it until he can not take it anymore and lets leave it at that.

Michela De Rossi as Guiseppina is a woman who believed that coming to America has so many possibilities. Trying to break the mold of a kept woman is difficult and she fights every step of the way. Farmiga as Livia is a woman on the edge of a nervous breakdown with her kids and a husband who does not appreciate her. Trying to keep her sanity involves Anthony trying to help with medication. She is also a fighter but it seems its always for the right thing in the wrong way.

Other cast include: Joey Diaz as Buddha, Samson Moeakiola as Pussy Bonpensiero, Germar Gardner as Cyril, Alexandra Intrator as Janice Soprano, Lesli Margherita as Iris Balducci, Talia Balsam as Mrs. Jarecki, Kathryn Kates as Angie DeCarlo, William Ludwig as young Tony Soprano, Billy Magnussen as Paulie Walnuts, Nick Vallelonga as Carmine Cotuso, John Magaro as Silvio Dante, Ed Marinaro as Jilly Ruffalo, Lauren DiMario as Carmela De Angelis, Oberon Adjepong as Fran Lucas and Chase Vacnin as Jackie Aprile.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

A little fun factoid is that the film is called 'The Many Saints of Newark' because it revolves around Dickie Moltisanti, Christopher Moltisanti's father. In English, Molti Santi translates as 'many saints'.

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK is a story with so many layers trying to tell a prequel story. The characters are introduced and send about to create havoc but mainly centers around Dickie with a young Tony Soprano on the side. The film has everything you would expect with family issues, prison, revenge, twists and friendships based on nothing more than money and what you can do with it.

I have to again say that I am a huge fan of period pieces and this film dives right in from the costuming to the cars to the look and feel of the city. All of that is important to drawing someone into the world of a family who would go on to bring one of the most talk about shows on television THE SOPRANOS.

That being said, everything moves very fast giving me little time to delve into the stories and understanding each of the characters. I am not sure if that is because I only know a scant bit about the original show having only seen it a few times. So, I am going to have to binge watch the entire series and perhaps my perspective of fast paced and fragmented will change. I will keep you updated!

In the end – it’s a Soprano’s story!

 

 

 

YAKUZA PRINCESS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and VOD from director Vicente Amorim and Magnet is the story of fate and a sword being a YAKUZA PRINCESS.

Akemi (Masumi) is a woman whose life started out in a violent way. When her family is brutally attacked, and the toddler survives. Years go by and she is now in Sao Paulo, Brazil grieving for her grandfather, working at night and training with her sensei Chiba (Toshiji Takeshima). Her world is about to change.

Waking up in the hospital is Shiro (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) all banged up and does not remember who he is or why he is there. What he does seem to have a connect with is a sword that the doctor shows him. Now he wants to get away from the hospital and find answers and that leads him to Akemi.

Right behind him is a man named Takeshi (Tsuyoshi Ihara) who is on the hunt for her. Right behind him is Kojiro (Eijiro Ozaki) and there are guns blazing and fights happening. It does not tell Akemi anything more about why or the connection she has to the sword.

But the answers do start to come and with each one Akemi becomes angrier and more determined to stop being the victim and become the warrior to avenge her family!

Masumi as Akemi is a fighter but in the midst of grieving. Trying to decide what she wants to do with her life and where she wants to be, the fate of a sword is deciding for her. Masumi gives her character strength, determination and the ability to take a punch all while discovering the darker secrets of her life. I enjoyed her performance.

Meyers as Shiro is a bit of a complex character. Is he good? Is he bad? Where does he fit in all of this? With each question comes a piece of the answer but then it gets yanked back so we are never quite sure what piece of the puzzle he is. Meyers spends most of his time getting his body pummeled but I will give him props that he comes in when it matters.

Ihara as Takeshi is another character where you are never quite sure where he falls in all of this. He keeps the viewer leery at all times which is an element of suspense that’s pretty cool for the film. Ozaki as Kojiro is just an out and out bad guy and he makes no bones about it. From the first scene he is in to the last, he is determined to take out as many people as possible.

Other cast include Nicolas Trevijano as Wallace, Charles Paraventi as Armond, Lucas Oranmian as Perito, Kenny Leu as the taxi driver and Mrs. Tsugahara as Mariko Takai.

Magnet 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.

YAKUZA PRINCESS is a story of loss, secrets, distrust, violence and all to keep the character of Akemi away from her past. There is action from start to finish with no breaks in between. As each secret is unwrapped, it is only partial unwrapped depending on who is doing the telling.

The addition of Meyers as Shiro brings a difficult dynamic between the characters of Akemi and Shiro. Trust becomes broken but at the same time there is the potential for an enemy to be useful in her fight for answers.

The door is also open for the characters of Akemi and Shiro to expand the story and bring it full circle. I would not mind seeing how that storyline plays out as long as it is Masumi and Meyers doing the seeking on their return to Japan.  

In the end – every sword has a story!

 

They Are About to Experience the WRATH OF MAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Guy Ritchie and United Artist is a story of revenge and diversions when it comes to the WRATH OF MAN.

H (Jason Statham) has recently been hired for a security company that is dealing with constant robbery. Passing the test, he is paired up with Bullet (Holt McCallany) and Boy Sweat Dave (Josh Hartnett) to see how everything works. It is not long before H has to come to the rescue of his co-workers, and it makes everyone wonder who he really is, especially boss Terry (Eddie Marsan).

What they do not know is that H is looking for somebody, somebody in particular that he wants to make pay. Revenge is his motive and there is a good reason. Taking one step at a time, he calls in his own crew to start looking at every person possible.

Jackson (Jeffrey Donovan) has a crew of men with Jan (Scott Eastwood), Brad (Deobia Oparei), Carlos (Laz Alonso), Sam (Raul Castillo) and Tom (Chris Reilly) who served together. Unhappy with how they have been treated, they decide to make a point and that is when things start to come together in the worst way.

Follow the money!

Statham as H is as quiet and stealthy as ever. He does not talk much and keeps his focus on finding who is responsible for causing his family pain. Slowly and surely the character of H is not about to let any bad guys get away with anything. That’s typical Statham! This actor has also shown he can cover most genres with action, humor and even a megalodon (I can not wait for THE MEG 2 personally).

Hartnett as Dave does not like H one bit and has no problem making it clear he finds him annoying. It is not until his armored car is hit that H is not as quick to get on H’s nerves. This is an interesting role as Hartnett is not exactly the hero type. McCallany as Bullet takes H under his wing and actually enjoys his standoffishness. Watching how he handles the crew actually amuses him a bit. McCallany gives us a laid-back armored car driver who is just trying to stay clear of robberies. 

Donovan as Jackson is equally as focused as H in the job he wants to get done. Calm and cook, the problem is that the same cannot be said for the rest of his crew. Eastwood as Jan has a hair trigger both on the gun and with his attitude.

Other cast include Niamh Algar as Dana, Tadhg Murphy as Shirley, Alessandro Babalola as Stuart, Mark Arnold as Super, Gerald Tyler as Armourer, Alex Ferns as John, Eli Brown as Dougie and Andy Garcia as Agent King.

United Artists is an American production company founded in 1919 by DW Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks (now THAT is a line up!). The premise was to allow actors to control their own on-screen destinies but was later acquired by MGM.

WRATH OF MAN is just about everything you would expect from both director Ritchie and star Statham. There is action, chasing, weaponry, twists in the story, egos and not knowing who to trust. The film takes on every angle of revenge you can possibly imagine. Advanced warning, it can get pretty bloody at times.

Do not blink or you can easily become disoriented but then again, I think that is what was intended all along. To make sure we focus (in my case on Jason Statham) on what H is up to leading to the film examining and re-examining why all of it is happening.

Coming in a smidgen under two hours, it is an assault on the senses and does not stop to give anyone a breather. Every time you think the story is wrapping up, think again! There is always more to the story and this film is going to make sure every bit of it is told.

In the end – he will never stop, ever!

VANQUISH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres and from director George Gallo and Lionsgate is the story of a mother doing what it takes for her child with VANQUISH.

Victoria (Ruby Rose) is a mom of young daughter Lily (Juju Brener) and spends time with friend Damon (Morgan Freeman). He notices one evening when they are over that there is something wrong with Lily and offers his help. Victoria is thankful to have such a friend but there is one catch and its as deadly as any catch can be.

Damon is an ex-police officer who became disabled in the line of duty but all around him is a home filled with luxury. He makes it clear that there is a reason for this, and Victoria is about to find out. Damon has taken her daughter and to get her back, Victoria must make five stops and pick up bags with insane amounts of money inside.

Knowing she does not have a choice; Victoria agrees but makes it clear that there will be a cost at the end. Damon keeps tabs on her as well as guiding her from location to location. What becomes clear is that with every stop, there seems to be a connection to her and each group she meets wants nothing more than to take her out.

That’s where they make their first mistake because before being a protective mother – Victoria was more oh so very much more!

Rose as Victoria is once again given the role of a woman with a certain set of motorcycle and gun skills. She has a past that is moment by moment trying to catch up with her. Being a mother means they can chase all they want but Victoria has something they do not – a ferocity that knows no bounds.

Freeman as Damon has broken their friendship by taking daughter Lily for his own gains. He is Victoria’s eyes for the sake of making sure she does not veer from the directions and, in a weird way, to keep others from getting their hands on her. This is not a huge stretch for Freeman because I love him both as a good guy or bad guy character mainly because one is never quite sure that is who the character truly is.  

Other cast includes Patrick Muldoon as Agent Monroe, Nick Vallelonga as Detective Stevens, Hannah Stocking as Galyna, Joel Michaely as Rayo, Miles Doleac as Erik, Paul Sampson as B.J., Ele Bardha as Max, Chris Mullinax as Detective Kehoe, Nate Adams as Rick, Reb Rob as Johnny, Bill Luckett as Father Thomas and Julie Lott as Governor Driscoll.

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 www.lionsgate.com.

VANQUISH is definetly an action film from start to finish filled with everything you would expect from a revenge film. The question is who is revenging whom? There is a lot to take in as the story starts to unfold about Victoria’s past and what Damon has been up to. Their worlds collide with hostility as Victoria believes that the relationship was based on true friendship.

Bullets, motorcycles, shotguns and bad water glasses are everything that this ninety-minute film bring. There are stories interwoven in stories so take a moment to unravel all of it until the film comes to its finale.

In the end – she has one night to save her daughter’s life!

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is Brilliant on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Emerald Fennell and Focus Features is the story of a woman on a mission away from being a PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

Cassie (Carey Mulligan) works in a coffee shop with Gail (Laverne Cox) and is content with that. Living at home with her parents Susan (Jennifer Coolidge) and Stanley (Clancy Brown) can be a bit contentious at times. Dropping out of medical school does not help Cassie but after her friend Nina was raped, it became clear that the affect it has had on Cassie is extreme.

Her evening hours are spent at bars picking up strangers and then putting a notation down in a book. That is until meeting Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), a pediatric doctor who remembers Cassie from medical school. Not wanting to get serious with anyone, Cassie does not want to be distracted from her goal.

But, finding someone who makes her laugh and spend time with has made Cassie a bit softer but no less determined. One of her visits to talk about Nina is to Dean Elizabeth Walker (Connie Britton) and remind her of what happened to her friend. Dean Walker is given a dose of reality as Cassie makes it clear that she has not forgotten what happened.

When Cassie begins to put even more of the pieces of Nina night together and discovers that the horror is more than she could have possibly imagined. She knows there is only one thing left to do and they are never going to see it coming – none of them.

Mulligan as Cassie is completely and unequivocally stunning in this role. From the moment the story begins there is something about Cassie that you can not take your eyes off of. Clearly, she is a woman who has been through something tragic and it has had a lasting impact on her. There are moments she seems checked out of everything and then she becomes laser focused on the only thing she understands – making others pay for how she feels. Mulligan is just brilliant to the point where I watched the film a second time, that is how incredible she is.

Burnham as Ryan is the calm in the midst of Cassie’s emotional storm. He makes her laugh, does not judge what she has been through and tries to bring her some happiness in her life. Remembering Cassie from medical school, their friendship blossoms and Burnham gives us hope that good guys do exist. Britton as Dean Walker is someone Cassie is not going to forget or let get away with what she pretends not to know.

Shout out to Coolidge as Mom Susan and Brown as Stanley who, as parents, just do not seem to understand their daughter and the choices she has made. Cox as Gail shows up on the screen with her beautiful self, brought sarcasm along for the ride and does it so damn well.

Other cast include Chris Lowell as Al Monroe, Adam Brody as Jerry, Max Greenfield as Joe, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Neil, Sam Richardson as Paul, Alfred Molina as Jordan, Angela Zhou as Todd and Molly Shannon as Mrs. Fisher.    

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.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, DVD and Digital Bonus Features Include: A Promising Vision -Writer/Director Emerald Fennell discusses her inspirations for writing this bold, genre-bending film, Two-Sided Transformation – A look at why Carey Mulligan was the perfect choice to play “Cassie” and how filmmakers used wardrobe, hair, and makeup to express the balance between light and dark.

Also, Balancing Act – Cast members discuss their unexpected reactions to the careful balance of levity and tragedy in director Emerald Fennell’s take on female revenge, and Feature Commentary with Writer/Direction Emerald Fennell.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is a film that deserves award after award for several reasons. First and foremost is Mulligan’s engrossing performance down to the last frame of the film. It has been a while since I invested so much into a film only to be shocked by the final ten minutes.

Second, a screenplay that does not hold back in its feeling and that includes revenge, fear, love and a deep friendship. A character like Cassie has layer upon layer and the way the story is told brings an unpredictability that I thoroughly enjoyed. It brings about a rollercoaster with deeps valleys and high highs and anyone watching will be more than happy to take the ride.

Finally, this has been a year where good films are few and far between with a pandemic keeping theatres mainly closed. It is my hope that everyone has a chance to see PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN in whatever platform they can because this is definetly a film you do not want to miss.

Hear that Oscar?

In the end – revenge never looked so promising!

 

 

A PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Emerald Fennell and Focus Features is the story of a woman on a mission away from being a PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

Cassie (Carey Mulligan) works in a coffee shop with Gail (Laverne Cox) and is content with that. Living at home with her parents Susan (Jennifer Coolidge) and Stanley (Clancy Brown) can be a bit contentious at times. Dropping out of medical school does not help Cassie but after her friend Nina was raped, it became clear that the affect it has had on Cassie is extreme.

Her evening hours are spent at bars picking up strangers and then putting a notation down in a book. That is until meeting Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), a pediatric doctor who remembers Cassie from medical school. Not wanting to get serious with anyone, Cassie does not want to be distracted from her goal.

But, finding someone who makes her laugh and spend time with has made Cassie a bit softer but no less determined. One of her visits to talk about Nina is to Dean Elizabeth Walker (Connie Britton) and remind her of what happened to her friend. Dean Walker is given a dose of reality as Cassie makes it clear that she has not forgotten what happened.

When Cassie begins to put even more of the pieces of Nina night together and discovers that the horror is more than she could have possibly imagined. She knows there is only one thing left to do and they are never going to see it coming – none of them.

Mulligan as Cassie is completely and unequivocally stunning in this role. From the moment the story begins there is something about Cassie that you can not take your eyes off of. Clearly, she is a woman who has been through something tragic and it has had a lasting impact on her. There are moments she seems checked out of everything and then she becomes laser focused on the only thing she understands – making others pay for how she feels. Mulligan is just brilliant to the point where I watched the film a second time, that is how incredible she is.

Burnham as Ryan is the calm in the midst of Cassie’s emotional storm. He makes her laugh, does not judge what she has been through and tries to bring her some happiness in her life. Remembering Cassie from medical school, their friendship blossoms and Burnham gives us hope that good guys do exist. Britton as Dean Walker is someone Cassie is not going to forget or let get away with what she pretends not to know.

Shout out to Coolidge as Mom Susan and Brown as Stanley who, as parents, just do not seem to understand their daughter and the choices she has made. Cox as Gail shows up on the screen with her beautiful self, brought sarcasm along for the ride and does it so damn well.

Other cast include Chris Lowell as Al Monroe, Adam Brody as Jerry, Max Greenfield as Joe, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Neil, Sam Richardson as Paul, Alfred Molina as Jordan, Angela Zhou as Todd and Molly Shannon as Mrs. Fisher.    

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.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is a film that deserves award after award for several reasons. First and foremost is Mulligan’s engrossing performance down to the last frame of the film. It has been a while since I invested so much into a film only to be shocked by the final ten minutes.

Second, a screenplay that does not hold back in its feeling and that includes revenge, fear, love and a deep friendship. A character like Cassie has layer upon layer and the way the story is told brings an unpredictability that I thoroughly enjoyed. It brings about a rollercoaster with deeps valleys and high highs and anyone watching will be more than happy to take the ride.

Finally, this has been a year where good films are few and far between with a pandemic keeping theatres mainly closed. It is my hope that everyone has a chance to see PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN in whatever platform they can because this is definetly a film you do not want to miss.

Hear that Oscar?

In the end – revenge never looked so promising!

BECKMAN is on the Run

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Gabriel Sabloff and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of running from it all when your name is BECKMAN.

Aaron Beckman (David A.R. White) is a reformed bad man who has taken the pulpit from PHILIP (Jeff Fahey). Thinking he made a mistake in that decision; he abruptly meets Tabitha (Brighton Shabino) who is looking for Philip. That meeting turns things around for them both and a year later the church is thriving, and college is in their future.

In the middle of it all, danger is brewing just below the happy surface. While enjoying family time, it is all interrupted by a man named Reese (William Baldwin) who claimed to have ownership over Tabitha. Deciding what to do, it is Beckman's old life that rears its talented head to make Reese and his gang pay for taking his daughter.

He makes it clear to Reese that there will be no mercy for taking away someone he loves! That is the only warning he is ever going to get as Beckman is out for one thing - revenge and it’s easy to remember how good he was at it. Especially when he discovers how far down the disgusting rabbit hole goes.

His focus is on one thing, doing what it takes to find his daughter which is made more complicated by those now after him!

White as Beckman is a one-time hit man who has changed his life around. Giving all that up he turns to being a part of the church and community. Although he has moments of doubt, it is the appearance of Tabitha that makes it all come together for him. Of course, there is always one person out there that wants to change it and White gives his character permission to make them all pay.

Sharbino as Tabitha is a young woman looking to escape a dangerous life as well. When she finds Beckman at the church, she also finds a bit of normal and a chance to perhaps have the life a teenage girl should have. When Reese tracks her down, she is once again dragged into a nightmare.

Baldwin as Reese is a man who believes everything he does is right, including kidnapping young girls for his cult. Tabitha is not the only young girl that Reese has taken but Beckman wants to make sure they are the last. Baldwin is the calm, cool and collected bad guy who does not seem phased by anything that is happening around him.

Other cast include Kira Lorsch as Janice, Danielle Moinet as isabel, Jacob Melton as Tom, Xander Bailey as Frank, Lynette DuPress as Abigail. Nobuaki Shimamoto as Terence, Kevin Downes as Dan, Anna Zielinski as Kara, Madison Mae as Wendy, David Buglione as Connor and Burt Young as Salvatore.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

Bonus Features include Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Gabriel Sabloff and Executive Producer and Star David A.R. White, The Making of BECKMAN: Faith and Hope Against the Storm and BECKMAN Bloopers.

BECKMAN is a total out and out seek and destroy mission from beginning to end. Trying to turn his life around was the goal and he was doing well until Reese came into their lives. Wanting the best for Tabitha, Reese enjoyed being a Dad and doing right by his community. And, as with all parents, no one is going to get away with hurting his child.

There is a lot of back and forth with flashbacks mixed in with time jumps but it all works together to tell the story. It is a very simple plot and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. It is a mixture of JOHN WICK meets TAKEN and you have an idea of where this is going to go. Prepare for the actions and everything that goes along with that as the guns go off and the chase is on.

In the end - it is a mission of vengeance!

RAMBO: Last Blood Battles on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Adrian Grunberg and Lionsgate Home Entertainment comes the return of the soldier everyone underestimates and is known as RAMBO: Last Blood.

John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is living a quiet life on his ranch along with niece Carmen (Paz Vega) and her grandmother Maria (Carmen Delgado). Everything seems to be going along fine until Rambo discovers that Carmen has questions about her father living in Mexico. Trying to tell her he isn’t a good man; Carmen wants her own answers.

With the help of cousin Gabrielle (Yvette Monreal), Carmen sneaks over the boarder to visit her father to ask why he left. Not getting the answer she was hoping for and visibly upset, Gabrielle suggests that Carmen stay for the night and she will cheer her up by taking her to the local club for some fun.

It isn’t until Carmen wakes up that she realizes something has gone horribly wrong. Maria has learned that her granddaughter is missing and Rambo isn’t about to let that fly. He takes a trip across the border to discover from Gabrielle where Carmen was last seen. To his horror, she has been taken by a notorious cartel that kidnaps young women.

Rambo also runs the leaders El Flaco (Pascacio Lopez), Don Manuel (Joaquin Cosio) and Hugo Martinez (Sergio Peris-Mencheta) who have no intention of giving Carmen back, in fact, they are going to make it even more difficult.

That is when Rambo takes a deep breath and knows they are going to have to play by his rules and that means they couldn’t possibly be prepared for what happens next.

Stallone as Rambo brings back the haunted fighter of a man who thought he had finally found peace in the world. Of course there are always bad guys to test him and these particular men have no idea who they are dealing with. Stallone is sullen, doesn’t speak a lot but gets the job done none the less and, as usual, not without great personal pain. Leaving the final scene open, I have no idea if John Rambo will ever pop up again.

Vega as Carmen is the typical teen who thinks she knows everything and that adults are just talking nonsense. Of course, like the typical teen that thinks adults are talking nonsense, Carmen finds herself on the end of a stick and her actions are the match. Trusting family is the one thing she counted on and you see how that works out for her right? Beltran as Maria just wants Carmen to be happy but when that doesn’t work she puts her faith in John Rambo. Monreal as Gabrielle is that cousin everyone loves but no one wants alone in their home or the silver goes missing!

Peris-Mencheta, Cosio and Lopez as the bad guys are exactly that – very ugly bad guys! They have no one wit of care about Carmen or Rambo let alone the girls they have in their capture. They are all about money, power and fear but then again they’ve never met anyone like John Rambo so as I suspected the lesson was swift, extremely painful and a bit harsh in some spots. That’s a warning for you squeamish folks out there!

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 RAMBO: Last Blood Special Features include Drawing LAST BLOOD: Multipart Production Diary, From First Note to LAST BLOOD: Music for the Massacres and Official Trailer.

As each Rambo film has come along, it seems the character has learned new and better ways to end the bad guys. I watched the film with that five-year-old thing kids do with your hand over your eyes but fingers spread apart because you don’t want to see it but you do have to see it. So be warned there are a few scenes that make your jaw drop.

This is definetly an action film because once the slap John Rambo to the ground you know from that moment on, he’s plotting doom. That’s when the non-stop battle begins and he’s pretty epic about it. From explosions to weaponry to tactics that made me think “I’d never have thought of that”, this is totally a Rambo film from beginning to end.

I mean when Stallone takes to Twitter and says, “Great day! We got our HARD R rating today! What’s coming is going to be unlike anything you have ever seen…” He also said he would play John Rambo as long as the films continue to be successful. I tend to take his word for it. This is also the shortest Rambo film along with the shortest hair John Rambo has ever had so there’s something for everyone.

So, load up the couch with munchies and turn off the lights because if you have a big screen and sound bar as part of your home theatre – this is going to get good!

In the end – everyone has one more fight left in them!

THE TRACKER Crosses the Line on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Giorgio Serafini and Lionsgate comes a man who has the patience to wait because he is THE TRACKER.

Aiden Hakansson (Dolph Lundgren) is vacationing with his family in Italy when his nightmare began. His wife and daughter are abducted and killed when an exchange goes horribly wrong. Ten years has gone by when suddenly he receives a telephone call from a detective who has new evidence that can help Hakansson find out who killed his family.

He arrives back in Italy to discover that the detective has been murdered although authorities are ruling it a suicide and no one else wants to help him. There are things going on in the small town that can get a person killed. Also realizing that there is clearly something going on is detective Antonio Graziani (Marco Mazzoli) but he must be careful as his own wife is expecting.

Hakansson isn't about to let the silence of the police stop him from what he does best, track down those responsible for the death of his family and cross the line between tracker and hunter.

Lundgren as Hakansson has spent many years trying to understand the death of his family. It is only reasonable that he would hesitate when receiving a telephone call from a detective with information. Sometimes the best way to move on with life is to get the answers, no matter how painful and be free of it. Lundgren may do that but first - he's going to go toe to toe with the killer.

Mazzoli as Graziani is a man who wants to do his job even if he is surrounded by corruption. Knowing what happened to Hakansson's family, he doesn't want the same thing to happen to his own. Trying to keep his expectant wife safe while not being able to tell her why is the only thing he can do if he is to help Harkansson and solve the ten year long case.

Other cast include Elizabeth Kinnear as April Graziani, Kai Portman as Leotrim, Bruce McGuire as Ray Martin, Justin Fischer as Palm Akansson, Johnny Sinclair as young Aiden Hakansson, Vito Facciolla as Sartori, Alvaro Gradella as Rodolfo Massi, Marta Gastini as Giada, Anna Falchi as Hanna, Bruno Bilotta as Lupo and Cosimo Fusco as Giordano.

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 TRACKER is clearly a film about revenge but at the same time, as much as revenge is the driving force, it is also about finding answers. Lundgren towers above his enemies which can be quite a weapon to get those answers. The cinematography is cloaked in darkness which is pretty much where evil hides right?

This character isn't and out and out in-your-face person, instead he walks around the police and the bad guys. Even though everyone knows he's out there, they are never really quite sure exactly where 'there' is! He wouldn't be a very good tracker if they did.

The film is straight forward in the storytelling and it is Lundgren that keeps it moving forward.

In the end - he's come to bury his past and his enemies!