There are Secrets in the CONCLAVE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Edward Berger based on the Robert Harris book of the same name and Focus Features is the story of secrets and desires for power in the CONCLAVE.

Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) arrives at the Vatican to discover that the Pope has passed. Gathering his emotions, he knows that now he must organize the election of the next head of the church. Turning to Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), they talk of the grief and who the rest of the cardinals are thinking of supporting.

Almost immediately there are three, Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) who quietly make it known of their desire to be the next Pope. Preparing for the conclave, Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) brings other sisters in to prepare the rooms and cook the meals for the cardinals.

Cardinal Lawrence attempts to accommodate everyone and everything – especially the unexpected arrival of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz). This Cardinal is unknown to any but when presented papers from the previous Pope, Lawrence accepts him into the group even as the others are suspicious. Unfortunately, there isn’t any time to go deeper as the voting must begin.

There is no surprise that the three candidates are going to head-to-head with the votes, what it a surprise is a vote for Cardinal Lawrence. Shrugging it off, he begins to hear whispers of issues regarding the cardinals and he is not going to let it go, even if Cardinal Bellini suggest it is the best way to handle situations.

The problem is, now that Cardinal Lawrence has gone down the rabbit hole, he is confronted with the loss of a friend and a connection he could have never possibly ever seen.

Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence is absolutely the film in every way. There isn’t a scene where his portrayal of this character isn’t stunning. He is the anchor to this story with his calm manner as he tries to navigate what is a gambit of secrets all in the name of faith. Not wanting the position himself, he actually isn’t looking to rise but to scale back to a simpler life. That is what Fiennes gives us – the duality of a man who has his own desires and must confront the powerful desires to rise of other men. This actor’s career has shown his diversity and legendary in the choices of roles he takes and Fiennes is an actor that if I know he is in a film – I’m there.

Tucci as Cardinal Bellini makes it clear that he does not want the position but he is adamant about who does. Believing that the changes the previous pope made strengthened their faith and those who trusted their religious leaders. He doesn’t want a reversal of it all and sees some of the candidates as a threat to it all. Tucci, as always, just takes the role and runs full speed with it. Of course, I am in the Tucci fan club and this role cements my belief that you can throw any role at this exceptional actor and he will make it stick!

Rossellini as Sister Agnes is the eyes and ears of everything around her. Believing deeply in the church and what is requires of the faith, she is not going to let anyone interfere just to be the new pope. Her stern appearance reminds me of a nun who would have no problem whacking your knuckles with a ruler but also a compassionate human being. There is her roles duality. Rossellini continues to show that there is a place for her still in films, are you listening Hollywood?

Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay presents himself in a way that gave me the icks immediately. The words coming out of his mouth seem sincere but yet… That’s what makes this such a powerful role for Lithgow and he is amazing every second he is on the screen. Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi believes he is the change the Vatican needs and makes his determination quietly clear to supporters. Msamati gives his part of the story a punch that the audience will be wide eyed about. Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco is outspoken, rough in his beliefs and has no problem coming face to face with anyone who challenges him. Castellitto gives his character the outspoken fierceness that rocks the vote – literally.

The surprise here is Diehz as Cardinal Benitez! Arriving to bring a ripple in the waters, Diehz’ character is soft spoken, aware of what his presence brings to the conclave and a belief that is unshakable. Diehz is a strong presence in this role without overtaking any scene and the reason for this character’s presence shakes the films foundation completely.

Other cast include Brian F. O’Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O’Malley, Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin, Thomas Loibl as Archbishop Mandorff, Jacek Koman as Archibishop Wozniak and Loris Loddi as Cardinal Villanueva.

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.

CONCLAVE is a thriller but not the kind that is filled with car chases and people running for their lives. Instead, this is a thriller that is confined in a space that doesn’t allow secrets to go undiscovered for long. Fiennes carries this film from the first frame to the last and his character takes us on a ride of faith, deception, secrets and the want for power. Cardinal Lawrence begins to understand his reason for being and Fiennes portrays it all so beautifully. If he isn’t up for an Oscar, then those who chose need to think about their life choices!

The construction of the set is so beautiful and it is, in fact, another character in the film. Each scene is surrounded by a history and a belief that is steeped in tradition and mystery. CONCLAVE uses that tradition and mystery to bring the Harris book to the screen in such a fantastic way with an ensemble cast that slowly bring us in for the thrill ride.

In the end – what happens behind these walls changes everything!

Rescuing Us All is the Charming MY SWEET MONSTER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from directors Viktor Blukhushin, Maksim Volkov, Grindstone and Lionsgate is the animated story of a wild adventure for MY SWEET MONSTER.

Princess Barbara (Haylie Duff) is growing up in a palace with a father who does not seem to want her to grow up. As the castle prepares for her birthday, the princess can be found in the clock tower waiting for a letter from her prince. When her father discovers that she is reading romance novels, he seals up the room and tells her to ready herself for the party.

But the princess has been waiting patiently for a letter from Prince Edward who has been writing her. Weasel (Pauly Shore), the local postal clerk, decides to deliver a letter but he has a weasel-ish plan of his own for the princess. The King is not happy when he reads the letter where Prince Edward professes his love for the princess.

When Weasel finds something in the palace that could ruin everything, he makes a deal with the King, a deal that the Princess is not going to stand for. Calling her trusted steed Fireball, she takes off for the woods with Weasel not far behind. Thinking he finally has the princess, Weasel could never have expected a talking rabbit and a very large, well, monster name Bogey.

As Weasel returns to the palace, he wants to know what the blue liquid is that he is bribing the King with, and the story unfolds about a mystical place in the kingdom where he got ‘the spark’. Back in the forest, the Princess and Bogey get to know one another even though it is a rough relationship. Bogey explains that it is not the King who owns the land, but it in fact belongs to Mother Nature.

Discovering the truth about her father and who she is, the princess asks Bogey for help as Weasel uses the spark to try and create destruction taking over the palace. He only wants one thing, to be all powerful and get the princess back.

The rabbit tells the princess the story of Bogey and how he came to be with the help of Mother Nature and the truth of why rabbit can speak. Now that she knows the story, it is just in time as Weasel sends out his metal arm to wreak havoc over the kingdom. As the Princess looks for help from Prince Edward, she is shocked to discover that their kingdom is not the only place where deceit lives.

Now, the Princess, Bogey, and Rabbit must come to terms with the choices that have to be made to save them all!

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.

MY SWEET MONSTER is a charming and very colorful film for the entire family. It is a story of friendship, love, loyalty, secrets, and learning not to judge a book by its cover. There is music and song which gives the story even more charm. It is the characters that are intriguing and even delightful as each of their stories are told.

When evil and deception try to ruin a family, kingdom and friendships, it is loyalty and love that bring the best dreams alive! This is a chance to plan a family night and gather around the big screen for an adventure that will take us all away.

In the end – it is Cutie and the Beast!

TILL DEATH Survives on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from director S.K. Dale and Screen Media Film comes a story of love and the choices made that leads TILL DEATH.

Emma (Megan Fox) has made a difficult decision and ended a relationship with Tom (Ami Ameen). She did so because her anniversary to husband Mark (Eoin Macken) is a chance for her to make things right again. Gifted with memories, jewelry and a night together, it is all about to change again.

Waking up to a nightmare, Emma tries to survive a gruesome set up. Tom tries to help but it is fear from her past that comes knocking on the secluded lake front door. Bobby Ray (Callan Mulvey) and Jimmy (Jack Roth) want what is inside the house and no one is going to get in their way.

Emma could never have imagined this!

Fox as Emma plays a woman who has made choices based on fear and emotion, but survival tops all those in one fell swoop. This character is about to unravel everything she thought about her life and Fox does quite the job making it happen. She gets her hands dirty from start to finish and it looks good on her.

Mulvey as Bobby Ray is ruthless, unforgiving, challenging, evil and does not know when to stop. He is carrying a grudge, a gun and no conscience which makes this character goal oriented and ruthless. Mulvey gives it his all and it plays out beautifully.

Roth as Jimmy is Bobby Ray's cohort and partner in crime. The problem is that Jimmy hasn't been given all the details and that causes a problem with their venture. It is hard to be a criminal with a conscience.

Macken as Mark may have a small role, but it certainly sets up the story that is to follow. This actor proves you do not have to totally participate in a film to be all about the film. Ameen as Tom is another character that is an integral part of the story that also has to play out.

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.

TILL DEATH is a cat and mouse game that carries with it the twists and turns that kept me interested. I'll be honest in saying that Fox really puts her back into playing Emma and is not a woman who is going to give up easy. Carrying a film as the only female character is difficult enough but Fox chose wisely in this case.

There are twists, turns, surprises (for both the viewer and the characters) and enough 'wtf's to go around. Keeping the film in one location also gives a bit of uncomfortable claustrophobia which I am totally cool with. It allows us to absolutely dedicate our viewing taking away outside distractions.

Keeping this review vague means that this is a film that needs to be experienced and giving away too much of the plot would definetly spoil it. It’s the situation where you cannot talk about one plot point without giving away the chain of events and although that might be cool with some - it is not how I roll. Each plot point is worthy to have its moment with secrets and manipulations ruling frame after frame.

Fox deserves kudos for this role. Huge fan or not, she is all about the survival of Emma and you cannot turn away from that. Once panic subsides, Fox gives her character the right amount of anger to push her toward smart survival. What I found really cool about TILL DEATH is that I found myself yelling at the screen with questions and warnings. That made the film even more fun!

In the end - survival is the best revenge!

 

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!

 

WILD INDIAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

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

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

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

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

A CRAZY LIFE BEING HALF BROTHERS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Luke Greenfield and Focus Features is the unlikely pairing of siblings when one discovers being HALF BROTHERS.

Renato is a young boy living in Mexico with Father Flavio (Juan Pablo Espinosa) and they share the love of flying together. Going to the United States to look for work, Renato has a difficult time being separated from him. Time goes by and there are phone calls and such but no Flavio.

Now grown, Renato (Luis Gerardo Mendez) is an aviation executive still living in Mexico and preparing for his wedding. Unexpectedly, he learns that his father is seriously ill from Flavio’s American wife Katherine (Ashley Poole) but wanting nothing to do with the man that crushed his heart so many years ago.

Getting a push from his fiancé, Renato reluctantly decides to go only days before the wedding making it clear it is a fly in and fly out situation. Arriving, he gets off the plane more irritated than ever and it is made worse by a rude customer at a coffee stop. Getting to the hospital he is met by Katherine before walking in to see Flavio who is immediately moved to see his son.

Renato shows no emotion and walking into the room is the rude coffee customer who turns out to be his half-brother Asher (Conor del Rio). Renato is horrified at the prospect of having a brother he did not know about but even more horrified that it is the rude coffee customer!

Now they are both thrust together to discover what really happened to Flavio after leaving Renato and after because it is clear that neither truly knows the man they both call their father. Closed off to Asher makes the beginning of the trip all about the ramblings of his brother driving him also so insanity. But clue after clue brings the story of what really happened, and they get another road buddy in baby Renato.  

Family has its own set of truths!

Luis Gerardo Mendez as Renato is a self-made business executive that has closed himself off to relationships like the one with his fiancé’s son because of what happened with Flavio. A bit strict and stringent keeping his feelings locked up, it is not a surprise when he sees Asher. All he sees is someone who is not strict, stringent and took his father. It is a mixture of an adult reacting and a child although which one is which is up to the viewer. I have to say that Mendez made me laugh just as much as Rio.

Rio as Asher is a guy who seems to have had it easier than his brother Renato, at least as far as Renato is concerned. A little different in this thinking, he just wants everyone to be happy and to love his family. Of course, he is lacking in direction because no one has ever expected much from him and it shows. The scene where he finally explains his feelings to Renato is very touching.

Espinosa as Flavio cannot make it right for his older son Renato and cannot explain why to his younger son Asher. Espinosa’s portrayal of Flavio has no cultural lines because life is messy, complicated and unpredictable and Flavio experienced all of those in abundance. Atonement can be hard, but Flavio made it interesting and even funny.

Other cast includes Jose Zuniga as Evaristo, Vincent Spano as Mr. B, Alma Sisneros as Sister Helen, Jwaundace Candece as Doris, Beatrice Hernandez as Sister Marisa, Teresa Decher as Beatrice, and Biance Marroquin as Tere Murguia

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.

HALF BROTHERS is a story of what happens when life takes you to an unexpected place, it is about anger, sadness, jaw drops, frustration all swirled into the arms of forgiveness and understanding. It does not hurt that there is a lot of comedy mixed into that because, lets be fair, families can be hysterical even if they do not try. I also have a newfound respect for goats.

As each mystery is solved, another one presents itself giving the brothers time to stop acting like kids and step up to being accepting adults.

This is definetly a get-together film for everyone to enjoy in a time where having a few laughs and plenty of warm emotions is really needed – even if it is provided by two unlikely brothers like Renato and Asher.

In the end – there is no running from family!

UNCLE FRANK Gives Award Winning Performances

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Amazon Prime from writer/director Alan Ball is a tender and heart-wrenching story of a girl and UNCLE FRANK.

Beth (Sophia Lillis) is a young girl living in the south and that means everything that goes with it. Knowing that she does not quite fit into the Bledsoe family, she is thrilled when her college professor Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) comes to visit from New York. Spending tie with him, Beth gets a chance to talk about what her family expects of her and what she wants for her life.

During that visit, Uncle Frank makes Beth promise that she will do and be anything she wants to be, no matter what the family says. Taking his advice, she applies for college in New York with the chance to spend more time with Uncle Frank. After Mom Kitty (Judy Greer) and Dad Mike (Steve Zahn) have dinner with Frank in New York to drop off Beth. They feel better knowing that she has family close by.

Jumping into the scene of her new home, Beth’s first moment is crashing a part at her Uncle Frank’s apartment. Opening the door is Wally (Peter Macdissi) who is so happy to see Beth and explains that he is Frank’s roommate. Almost immediately Beth ties one on that leads to a revelation about her Uncle that she had not even considered.

The next morning, Frank answers the phone to the news that his father Mac (Stephen Root) has passed. He must take the news in considering that there has been a distance between he and Mac through the years. Packing the car, Beth and Frank head back to southern waters. On the way he notices a car following them.

Well Wally is not about to be left out of the picture and joins the group home knowing that Frank has no intention of introducing him to the family. Accepting it, Wally is just happy to be going. On the way Beth notices that Uncle Frank is being sneaky about drinking and realizes that he has a problem. The closer they get to home the more he seems to be trying to numb himself.

Once home, Frank tries to comfort his mother Mammaw (Margo Martindale) along with other family members. As it sometimes is with families, there are secrets, lies, anger, turmoil and the need to come to terms with who they are in each other’s lives.

That is family.

Bettany as Frank Bledsoe is perfection! He takes us through the pain that keeps him away from his family and knowing that distance does not cure anything because it is only geography. The pain for Frank is so deep and he has carried it for so long that its starting to crack him once again. Bettany gives us every moment of that pain knowing that at some point his character is going to fall and never get back up again or rise with the help of those he loves to stand and face the past – we get both. What an amazing performance from a brilliant actor.

Lillis as Beth is equally stunning in her role. This is a young girl who knows that she does not fit into the southern thought or want to follow in the footsteps of the southern woman. Instead, she finds light in her path that Uncle Frank has put before her. Not realizing the pain that paved that road, she is thrilled to be set free. Once she learns the cost, there is nothing she would not do for Frank and Lillis gives us all the emotion that goes with it. Well done, so well done.

Macdissi as Wally is a dear to me because he reminds me of my brother. The garish, outlandish, outspoken and beloved man who also is a straight shooter. Keeping an eye on Frank isn’t an easy task which has caused Wally pain, yet he isn’t easily swayed from his goal – to keep love right where it belongs, with him. He is funny and absolutely adorable, thanks for reminding me of what I have been missing Macdissi – my brother would have loved you.

Zahn as Mike has issues that are ingrained in his southern upbringing. Closer to his Dad than Frank, he has been battling his own demons that have left a mark on his own family. Zahn is always present in his characters portrayal and I love that about his performances. Greer as Kitty wants what is best for her daughter and is a little more open minded than Mike. Martindale as Mammaw is everything and in this performance, although small, is so very important.

Root as Mac is, to me, the typical southern father who is set in his ways and if you try to go against that you will pay the price. He is a hard man filled with such hostility that it is absolutely gut wrenching to see the scene between the younger Frank and Mac. Root gives every drip of distain in this performance and yet, again, consider the upbringing and the source of it.

Other cast include Lois Smith as Aunt Butch, Cole Doman as young Frank, Jane McNeil as Neva, Caity Brewer as Marsha and Michael Perez as Sam Lassiter.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

UNCLE FRANK is such a stunning film that unwraps family issues that are swimming in truths. Not to punish the south for being the south because I love the south for being quirky and just a tad different in thought. This film is the south that I did not understand as a kid but, as with many of the characters in the film, went along with because it was considered tradition.

The women were modest and discreet, the men were strong and ‘manly’ - both of these things couldn’t have been further from the truth. Behind the coiffed hair and the creased trousers were secrets that most would protect until death – and not always their own. That is what makes this film so important. Yes, it also deals with the pain of being unable to be who you know you are but it is so much more than that.

Bettany shows us the power of that pain and the life it creates hidden so perfectly that not only do people not notice, but if they do, they don’t - at least not openly. UNCLE FRANK is a story of everyone hiding, not just Frank, everyone lying, not just Frank and everyone being untrue to who they are – just like Frank.

Writer/director Alan Ball knows this all too well, “When I was thirteen years old, my beloved older sister was killed in a car accident; I was inside the car she was driving when it happened. In one horrible instant, my life was irrevocably separated into Before and After. I have spent a lot of time and energy trying to run away from that event – all of it wasted, as I can now see. There are some things that happen to us in life from where there is truly no escape”.

In the end – no home comes without baggage!

AMMONITE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Francis Lee and Neon is a story of two women in search of something more than AMMONITE.

Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) is a renown fossil hunter who spends her days on the shores of Lyme Regis in 1840 England. Day after day the self-taught paleontologist has an amazing eye for finding fossils that she sells to tourists. Taking care of her ailing mother Molly (Gemma Jones), Mary keeps to herself.

One day, at her shop door is Roderick Murchison (James McArdle) looking to learn about how Mary finds fossils. Along with him on the visit is his wife Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan) who is quiet and meek. A few days pass when Murchison offers Mary a large amount of money to watch over the depressive Charlotte while he goes on his next adventure.

Knowing the money would help, she begrudgingly agrees. Almost right away Charlotte becomes seriously ill and as she starts to get well, she and Mary start to show signs of friendship toward each other. Both have pasts that are haunting their ability to be happy with thin veils of uncomfortableness that wakes up with them each and every day.

What comes from that friendship is complicated, loving and forces life choices that are painful for them both but needed to break free.

Winslet as Mary is a woman set in her ways. Taking care of an ailing mother, Mary, in a way, hides behind her as I see it. Diving into her work finding fossils is another way to avoid people totally. Making sure they have enough money to survive is important, but the years have created a bubble around Mary’s life. I actually love when Winslet takes on roles that are a challenge to understand and grasp as the tale unfolds.

Ronan as Charlotte has a depression she is fighting through and does not see any light in her life. Even with Mary, the first days she remains aloof and dangerously closed off. Ronan is always a light on the screen and following her career is a joy. With every role she chooses there is simplicity mixed with complexity that is all wrapped up on her face that does not give anything away until she is ready for us to know – and then only in doses.

Jones as mother Molly has become use to living the secluded life her daughter provides and sees Charlotte as an interloper. Shaw makes herself known as Elizabeth Philpot who has a connection to Mary that is endearing and telling.

McArdle as Murchison is a husband who says openly that he wants his wife back but does not seem to be heart broken over leaving her with Mary. Do not think we didn’t notice that Murchison!

Other cast include Claire Rushbrook as Eleanor Butters, Alec Secareanu as Dr. Lieberson and Fiona Shaw as Elizabeth Philpot.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

Director Lee says, “I wanted to explore what this relationship might mean to someone who has not only been socially and geographically isolated but who has had to close off to any emotional life, where you replace affection and intimacy with work and duty. Where you have been overlooked and ignored your whole life because of your gender and social class. Given this world, would Mary be able to access how she feels for Charlotte? Would she be able to let her guard down to allow the possibility of something new and wonderful to enter her life?”

When asked about the importance to telling Mary’s story, Winslet says, “She is so important. Her strength, her courage – I admire those qualities very much, but also her vulnerability, which she had to keep hidden. Now more than ever we’re living in a time when women are absolutely obsessed with other women and when, more than what we look like or how we feel when we walk down the street, it’s about what women have to say. Women are greater together; the stronger female voices we have, the more togetherness we show.

When asked what she wanted audiences to take away from seeing AMMONITE, Saoirse Ronan says, “Everyone’s going to take away something different from it, which is always wonderful, when you have people coming up to you saying “I really got this bit” or “I felt like that was me…”. You’re watching two people really discover themselves as individuals and within a partnership, and I think that’s a really beautiful thing to watch and it doesn’t necessarily come easy.”

The film has a quiet character which is the shoreline itself with its secrets waiting for Mary to discover but also a gray and cold feel. You could say that both women can sit before the waves and feel a kinship with the waves showing outside what they feel inside.

AMMONITE is a simple tale with a not-so-simple story that pushes hard to be told. Winslet and Ronan carry the entire film and bring out the characters fears, hopes and desires is so well done. This might be the story of two women but know it is also the story of two people who are learned to break through the closed off life they had come to know.

In the end – it is simply love.

A Thriller with A GIRL MISSING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Koji Fukada and Film Movement comes a film of secrets and the pain of A GIRL MISSING.

Ichiko (Mariko Tsutsui) has spent many years working with the Oisho family's taking care of their ailing mother. Close to the family she also helps Motoko (Mikako Ichikawa) study for an exam that would allow her to also be a private nurse like Ichiko.

When not at working, Ichiko is enjoying her life with a fiancé who has a young son and making a life with them. One day Motoko's younger sister Saki can't be found, and the police are everywhere looking for her. Ichiko does her best to tell the police what she knows as well wanting the girl found.

That is when these two family's paths cross even more as Ichiko discovers that it is her own nephew that is being accused of the crime. Motoko defends her friend and Ichiko is appreciative not knowing there is something more traumatic about to come into her life. The media swarm Ichiko causing havoc in her relationship, at work and being dismissed by the Oisho family.

Trying to undo the damage, Ichiko finds herself on a destructive path that can only lead her to one place - right back at the beginning.

Tsutsui as Ichiko portrays her character as a very warm and understanding person. Making a life with her fiancé and becoming a stepmother is something she is accepting but doesn't seem really to look forward to. When the madness begins, it becomes clear that everything she wanted for her future is about to be destroyed. Tsutsui is endearing and calmly terrifying at the same time.

Ichikawa as Motoko is a young woman who wants to be just like Ichiko and become a private nurse. Looking up to Ichiko turns into something more sad but dangerous at the same time. Turning someone's life upside down does not seem to be something this character has issue with. The talks between the women become weapons for both.

Other cast include Sosuke Ikematsu as Kazumichi Yoneda.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

The Bonus Features of the film include: Making of Featurette, Bonus Short Film: Love Comes Later directed by Sonejuhi Sinha which is an unexpected discovery forces an undocumented motel employee to make a life changing decision.

This film tells the story of a woman just moving along with her life giving the feeling that she settles for everything she does. From her job as a private nurse (although very caring towards the elder Oisho matriarch), to her relationship and future marriage and life in general.

It is what comes next that turns everything inside out and upside down making her relish the simplicity of that life. Not prepared for the lies, deceptions, shocks or revelations - it becomes almost predicted that a path of destruction brings her to a breaking point.

It is the wonderful performance of both Tsutsui and Ichikawa that keeps the suspense continuing from frame to frame. There is bomb after bomb and, quite honestly, I am surprised that Ichiko was not more reactive. Guess that says a lot about how I handle life eh?

A GIRL MISSING was nominated for a Best Film Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival and an Official Selection at Toronto and the New York Film Festival. This thriller comes in at 112 minutes with or without subtitles from Japanese to English.

In the end - it is a journey she never thought she would take.

It is All About THE LIE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from Amazon Prime, Welcome to Blumhouse and director Veena Sud is the story of what we tell ourselves and what we believe about THE LIE.

Rebecca (Mireille Enos) is raising daughter Kayla (Joey King) sharing awkward custody with ex-husband Jay (Peter Sarsgaard). That morning he is taking his daughter to dance camp and along the way Kayla sees her friend at the bus stop. Convincing Jay that they are both going to the same place, Brittany (Devery Jacobs) gets in the car.

Going down the road, Brittany wants to stop and use the restroom but all they have is the great outdoors. Waiting for the girls, Jay gets worried and goes looking for them only to hear a scream. Arriving at a bridge, Jay sees Kayla leaning as she tells her father Brittany is gone. In a panic he jumps to the river’s edge and only finds the girls wallet.

Trying to protect Kayla, Jay goes to Rebecca's work and gets her home. There, Kayla recounts to her mother what happened. Trying to keep their daughter safe, they are shocked with Brittany's father Sam (Cas Anvar) knocks on the door thinking that perhaps Kayla knows where his daughter is.

Rebecca and Jay realize that the only way to keep Kayla away from questions is to create questions of their own. Turning to law enforcement, everything begins to unravel and Kayla's attitude toward it all is a bit curious to say the least.

In a last-ditch effort to help their daughter, it is their worse fear come true!

Enos as Rebecca is a doing her best with a career and a teenage daughter that just does not seem to be happy about anything. Trying to have a new relationship plus dealing with an unreliable ex-husband, Enos delivers as we watch her character go from a well-manicured business woman to a falling apart mother.

Sarsgaard as Jay is an ex-husband who is fully aware, he failed, so much so that he allows the things his daughter says and does go without question. Making up for what he considers being a bad father, he is willing to chalk everything up to 'being a teenager' instead of what is really true about his daughter.

King as Kayla is a teen that needs discipline but is to busy playing games. That might be a bit of a personal opinion as I see the character of Kayla as annoying and a kid I would never want to hang around with - but that's just me. King puts in the work to make sure I feel this way for one shocking reason and no, I am not going to tell you what it is. King is growing as an actress and it's one leap after another.

Anvar as Sam is a neighbor who gets caught up in something that he doesn't understand. The constant confrontations with Rebecca, Jay and Kayla is nerve wrecking to watch. Anvar is an actor I enjoy watching because he consistently chooses unexpected roles with very cool results.

Other cast include Devery Jacobs as Brittany, Patti Kim as Detective Kenji Tagata, and Nicholas Lea as Detective Rodney Barnes.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY and SPLIT. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com

THE LIE is a story of family dysfunction, a teen with serious issues, refusing to do the right thing over and over and having it all come crumbling right in front of the family's eyes. I have a sneaky suspicion that people will be talking to their screens about as much as I did! Not that we want to be involved in it all but that there is this feeling that someone, anyone has to.

Keeping the story simple there is not a lot of scene changes or cgi, instead, THE LIE slowly unravels dedicated to the story each character is trying to tell about themselves and who they really are. Confronting their mistakes towards one another comes only at the expense of a tragedy. The ending is a jaw dropper!

In the end - it was an accident!

There is Trauma in THE SECRETS WE KEEP

 Jeri Jacquin

This week from writer/director Yuval Adler, Ryan Covington and Bleeker Street is the story of pain and memories in THE SECRETS WE KEEP.

World War II is over and life in America for Romanian housewife Maja (Noomi Rapace) is busy one. Helping husband Lewis (Chris Messina) with his medical practice, they are a typical family raising young son Patrick (Jackson Vincent). While at the park, Maja hears something that brings about a unsettling memory.

A man whistling for his dog causes Maja to follow to see his face. Going home without answers, Maja starts to become nervous around Lewis and he notices. She becomes obsessed with discovering if the man is who she thinks he is and once its confirmed, another plan takes place.

Maja kidnaps Carl (Joel Kinnaman) and brings him to her basement. She finally comes clean with Lewis about her past, the war and who she believes is tied up in their basement. Questioning him and getting no answers, they decide to find out more about Carl and his past. Maja takes it as far as getting to know his wife Rachel (Amy Seimetz).

Declaring his innocence, Carl pleads for Lewis to listen and that Maja is mistaken. He tries his best, but Maja doesn't believe him and refuses to stop trying to get to the truth, no matter how painful for them all.

Rapace as Maja is a nervous chain-smoker who tries to a hide her past as deep inside her as possible. What happened in the war traumatized her so deeply that Lewis can always tell when something is wrong, he just does not know what it is. That is what makes Rapace so perfect for this role. She continues to show her strength in the roles she chooses, and this role is deep, intense and gut wrenching.

Messina as Lewis clearly loves his wife, son and his practice. He enjoys working with his wife and the community feeling he is contributing. He is shocked when Maja shares what is in their basement and why. He finds it all so difficult as his wife shares the secrets, she has been keeping from him for so long. Messina is understanding, suspicious and a husband trying to protect his wife.

Kinnaman as Carl has his own secrets that he is keeping from an unsuspecting wife. He pleads mainly with Lewis to understand that he is not the person Maja fears and that he is willing to walk away and forget the whole thing. Kinnaman is powerful for someone tied in a basement as everything Maja wants to know is in his eyes.

Seimetz as Rachel is a woman who is trying to understand why her husband would leave. Taking care of their two children now becomes her priority and she comes to appreciate Maja's visits. They talk about their husbands and lives, but Rachel does not know Maja is just getting information.

Other cast include Madison Jones as Annabelle, Jeff Pope as Jim White, David Maldonado as Officer Brouwer, Ed Amatrudo as Dr. Sonnderquist and Ritchie Montgomery as Mitchell.

Bleeker 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.

THE SECRETS THEY KEEP is a story about survival and the trauma that follows years later. It's about remembering those loved and lost but never forgetting who caused the pain. Once Maja sees Carl, all the pain she has hidden from everyone in her life cannot be stuffed back down.

It is clear that Maja doesn't know exactly what she is doing or even what it is she truly wants. Revenge? Answers? She takes it one step at a time, one thought at a time and Lewis fears her as each episode passes. These three people are locked in madness created by the past and it will end - one way or another.

An excellent cast and a suspenseful story have been put together by Adler and Covington. The cast brings an intensity that leaves an ending that even I did not see coming. Fear is a terrible thing and makes people do things that would not ordinarily do and THE SECRETS THEY KEEP is an excellent example of that.

In the end - a quiet neighborhood with a secret past!

The Story Unravels with AMULET

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Romola Garai and Magnet Releasing is a thriller and chiller of a story that comes with an AMULET.

Tomaz (Alec Secareanu) is a homeless soldier living in the streets of London after running away from his home country. Burned out of there living space with the other immigrants, he is taken in by Sister Claire (Imelda Staunton) who finds his personal affects. She offers him a position in the house of young Magda (Carla Juri) and her ill Mother (Anah Ruddin). Sister Claire tells Tomaz that the family needs help with the house and he agrees.

The problem is that there is something very wrong in this house. Magda is a sweet young woman who cooks and takes care of her mother while Tomaz does repairs. At night he must tape his legs and hands together to not hurt himself suffering from PTSD. He tries to deal with the past and the woman named Miriam (Angeliki Papoulia) who he rescued during war and the evil war he now lives in once again.

Wanting to get as far away from the house as possible, he stays because he feels pity for Magda. When Sister Claire tells him the truth of what is happening in the house, he wants to find a way to free them all – can he?

Secareanu as Tomaz can not come to terms with what has happened in his past and the choices he made. Now, the choices are being taken away from him from the woman he trusted from the beginning. Secareanu gives us the look of a man torn between two worlds and thrown into a third one of evil headfirst. His character is filled with so much angst and it drives him in so many directions – insanity being one of them! Stellar performance.

Juri as Magda is a young woman that only knows she is responsible for Mother and their companionship is more than Tomaz understands. She wants a friendship with Tomaz but is also dealing with a duality of existence all her own. Ruddin as Mother certainly has her horrifying work cut out for her and does a marvelous job of making me jump more than a few times and a shocker at the end. Papoulia as Miriam gives us insight to Tomaz with her own story that does not come straight out with clear answers.

Now, lets get right to Staunton as Sister Claire with a ‘wow’. Trust me kiddies when I say that Dolores Umbridge has nothing on Sister Claire. She does not need a pink suit or tidy hair to scare us this time, this time it is a smile of pure evil to keep us on our toes. Staunton turns throughout the film and what you end up with is perfectly frightening.

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.

AMULET is a thriller with twists and turns like none you have seen before. There are stories within stories that still do not give all the answers the way you might expect. Instead, there are scenes that have you trying to put the pieces together and finding that its impossible because writer/director Garai only throws scraps and what twisted scraps they are.

The CGI is another character within the film that is nothing short of a tad bit queasy. Not that I minded it, just didn’t think anyone had the brashness to put it on film so brava…seriously brava! This film brings about so much that you do have to pay attention and not let anything distract you from where Tomaz is going and how he gets there. THAT will leave you breathless!

AMULET is definetly a Friday night popcorn thriller in-the-dark piece and it will have viewers scratching their heads and having conversations over what it is they just experienced. I know I will.

In the end – have faith in fear!

RELIC

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from IFC Midnight on VOD and writer/director Natalie Erika James is the story of a family history that all begins with looking for a RELIC.

Kay (Emily Mortimer) is having to rush to her mother Edna’s (Robyn Nevin) home when it is discovered that she is missing. Along with daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote), they arrive at Edna’s home to find that there are things falling apart. Looking for clues it becomes clear that dementia might be playing a large part in the struggle to find her.

Just as quick as she disappears, Edna returns but has nothing to say about where she has been. Kay can not seem to reach her on this point, but Edna does enjoy listening Sam. As the days go by, Kay and Sam both experience Edna’s violent outbursts yet Sam has decided that she wants to stay on with Sam once Kay leaves.

Not knowing what else to do, Kay begins to suspect that there is something in the house, something malevolent, something that wants to hurt them all. The women must come together to fight against what ever it is that has taken hold of the house.

Mortimer as Kay is a woman who clearly wants to find her mother and then go home. There is an obvious rift between them with hostility that they both only tap on. There is no way they could possibly know that the underlying issues are feeding into what ever it is that is taking over the family home. Mortimer also gives us the performance of a mother with a daughter who has the same strong will as her own mother.

Heathcote as Sam has issues with Kay and does just about anything she can to irritate her. Now this mother-daughter pair has problems that they also do not tap into. So now the circle of women not talking is complete. When Sam decides to continue to live with Edna, it feeds even more into the darkness of the house.

Nevin as Edna, and I have to say this, creeped me out totally. What a stunning ability to stare in a way that you know there isn’t any good that is going to come from her character. That being said, there is one scene between Nevin and Mortimer that is the most frightening thing but at the same time it is the most moving. Just well done all around.

IFC Films is a leading distributor of quality talent-driven independent films. Some of the company’s successes include BOYHOOD, FRANCES HA, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, TOUCHING THE VOID, CHE, TINY FURNITURE and CARLOS. For more information on films from IFC please visit www.ifcfilms.com.

RELIC is a suspenseful and creepy film that has underlying tones of three generations of women who just can’t get past their own issues. The story is slow in its telling but oh what an uphill ride of eeriness and tragedy until it reaches a peak and just when you think it will be a swift ride down the haunted rails – the story continues to be slow until it’s done with the viewer. Leading up to a crescendo that brings a mixture of horror and reconciliation based on that very same horror.

The story being told may start out as a horror film but looking deeper one has to wonder which is the horror – what lives in the house or the three women with their own secrets that are equally as frightening. This is a film that 2020 will be remembered for.

The cinematography is the fourth “person” in the film bringing the home into focus as the gritty old house filled with both good and bad memories. What a beautiful way to bring RELIC all into focus in such a way that it is a cool place that I would never want to live.

RELIC is a great escape and I intend to see it again. This is a sofa-blanket-popcorn-lights-out film that will keep your heart thumping.

In the end – everything decays!

THE VAST OF NIGHT is a Fantastic Era Sci-Fi Thriller

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Amazon Prime from writer/director Andrew Patterson is a fantastic look at one night looking up into the sky with THE VAST OF NIGHT.

It is a warm night in New Mexico in 1950 when Fay (Sierra McCormick) takes over the switchboard for her mother. What Fay genuinely wants to do is use her new tape recorder to interview people. Guiding her along is Everett (Jake Horowitz), a radio DJ at WOTW that everyone in town listens to on the local station.

While a sporting event is going on at the high school, strange things are happening that Fay and Everett are taking notice of. Fay is experiencing strange telephone calls from townsfolk about

noises they are hearing and then the calls drop. Fay calls Everett to ask if any of his callers are noticing strange happenings as well.

That's when Everett receives a telephone call from a man named Billy (Bruce Davis) who claims to know what has been going on in the world. He tells them a story that leaves Fay and Everett stunned but even more shocking is the proof the caller offers that leads them straight to a forgotten tape in the local library.

Both Fay and Everett know that it is time to do everything possible to discover what is happening to their small town before word spreads as fast as the panic!

McCormick as Fay is a character ahead of her time. Gifted with a recorder, she wants to learn to interview people about their stories. She sees a career for herself outside the small dusty little town in New Mexico. She is clearly smart, clever and on the hunt for answers. McCormick gives her character everything she needs to succeed, even a bit of healthy fear. Her performance is stunning.

Horowitz as Everett is the town big guy because, after all, he is the DJ of the radio station! There was a time when radio stations were the gods of bringing music to the masses. They could walk down the street and have people be in awe. Horowitz pulls that off marvelously and when the time comes to jump in with Fay, he becomes as serious about every move they make. This is a dynamic duo and I was all in every step of the way.

 Other cast include Cheyenne Barton as Bertsie, Mark Banik as Gerald, Gregory Peyton as Benny, Rodkey Oliver as Adam, Mallorie Rodak as Susan, Mollie Milligan as Marjorie, Ingred Fease as Gretchen, Brandon Stewart as Sam, Krik Griffith as Lon and Gail Cronauer as Mabel Blanche.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.amazonprime.com.

THE VAST OF NIGHT is actually quite brilliantly done. Not only is it set in a time where it was a new thing to hear and see the stories of UFO's and such, but everything about the film harks back to the 1950's.

The cast bring it all together reeling me into their journey but along with the costuming, cars, music and gathering of a town at the local gymnasium on a Friday night is reminiscent to me. I am the type that has to be drawn in hook, line and sinker and THE VAST OF NIGHT does just that.

It is not an 'in your face' story or an explosion of aliens but instead the sleuthing of Fay and Everett who are not about to sit around and be taken over by something they do not understand. These two are on the case, as it were, to discover what is true and how they can stop it if that is even something they can do.

Writers Patterson and Craig W. Sanger have made every effort to make the audience believe they are in New Mexico in the 1950's but they have also added homages to other films and filmmakers. The radio station WOTW where Everett is a DJ stands for 'War of the Worlds' from the H.G. Wells classic, the character of Renny is Michael Rennie who was Klaatu in the 1951 THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. Even the town of Cayuga gives homage to Rod Serling's Cayuga Productions.

The relationship between Fay and Everett was a straight joy to watch. This is a film that I would highly recommend for those who want to sit back and have a good yarn be told with the lights off and a bowl of popcorn.

In the end - the answers are in what they hear!