1917 Brings the Realities of War to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD from writer/director Sam Mendes and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of two young men who try and stop a fatal mistake of war in 1917.

In northern France, Lance Corporals Blake (Dean Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are given one of the most dangerous missions. Learning that the Germans have retreated, the British 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment is preparing to attack. When it is discovered to be a trap, a message needs to be delivered to call it off.

Among the 1,600 men preparing is Blake’s brother so he volunteers to take a message to commander of the Battalion to stop. Schofield isn’t very happy about being a part of the mission but goes with his friend Blake.

Through trenches, explosions, dogfights, rigged bunkers and snipers in a destroyed village, the mission becomes even more crucial with ever step to save the soldiers who don’t know what is coming.

Bravery has no limits.

Chapman as Corp. Blake knows only one thing – he needs to stop the attack. Yes, it could be said his volunteering seemed motivated by family, but Chapman’s portrayal made me believe he would have done it no matter what or who.

Mackay as Schofield doesn’t start off with the same quality. Feeling forced to take on the mission, we as the viewing audience experience his change. He is still afraid but determined to finish what was started.

These two actors carry the weight of the story squarely on their shoulders. A difficult task in a film set to a harsh time in history and yet these two actors swoop us up for the experience without any fight from us.

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 film 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 Bonus Features include The Weight of the World: Sam Mendes – Academy Award winner Sam Mendes discusses his personal connection to World War I, Allied Forces: Making 1977 – Learn how to the one shot, 360-degree format was executed and the pivotal role Academ Award winner Roger Deakins served in bringing Sam Mendes’ vision to life, The Score of 1917 -Composer Thomas Newman and filmmakers discuss the important role of the Academy Award nominated score, In the Trenches – Go behind the scenes with the cast of 1917, Recreating History – Filmmakers offer a detailed look at the production design challenges of recreating the First World War, Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Sam Mendes, Feature Commentary with Director of Photography Roger Deakins.

1917 will also be available on 4K Ultra HD combo packs which include 4K Ultra HD, Bluray & Digital Code.  

1917 is a time of young men going to war with the basics of everything. Yes, there were weapons and crude by todays technological standards, so it is stunning people survived at all. Mendes makes sure we are fully aware of it in every frame from start to finish.

In telling this story, Mendes enlists the like of Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Daniel Mays, Billy Postlewaite, Andy Apollo and Mark Strong to complete the road this film takes us down.

1917 is a start to the senses with a continual tension line to the very end. It works beautifully and the proof is in the 3 Academy Wards including Best Cinematography as well as two Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director for Sam Mendes. The film has won 48 awards with 154 nominations and all this before Oscar nominations have been announced.

Mendes edited the film to be one continual shot. “You don’t want an audience thinking how you shot the film, it’s a constant dance between character and landscape and you have to allow for constant movement and create a real experience.” The story is inspired by Mendez grandfather’s experience with “The Autobiography of Alfred H. Mendes: 1897-1991.”

1917 is heartfelt and heart stopping wrapped up in an intense story of sacrifice, bravery and the ugly reality that is war. It has everything that an epic war film should but added serious intensity theatre viewers talked about for weeks and now on Bluray will keep us talking.

In the end – time is the enemy!

It is a Haunting Sound of the SONATA on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from writer/director Andrew Desmond and Screen Media Films comes a haunting story of secrets, family and a beautiful and deadly SONATA.

Rose Fisher (Freya Tingley) is an amazing violinist on stage but once the music is finished, she lives a secluded life. Her day to day schedule is tended to by Charles Vermais (Simon Abkarian) who handles everything keeping Rose free to create.

While recording music, Rose is informed that her father Richard Marlowe (Rutger Hauer) has passed away. In the lawyer’s office, she is told that her inheritance includes a large secluded house. Rose has no emotions regarding his death since he never made an effort to be a father.

Curiosity brings her to Marlowe's house and Rose discovers his last piece of music. Trying to play it she doesn't understand the markings on the paper. Vermais calls to check up on Rose and she tells him everything.

He begins to research Marlowe and turns to Sir Victor Ferdinand (James Faulkner) who sets him searching even more. In the meantime, Rose is experiencing something alive in the house and it is trying to tell her something.

It is even more frightening than she could ever imagine.

Tingley as Rose is raised feeling that her father made no attempt to be a part of her life. Music is her way to express her emotions that she is unable to express in her daily life. At Marlowe's house she begins to feel a power that is challenging her emotional strength and Tingley does an amazing job of portraying that.

Abkarian as Vernais is a manager who really does have control of Rose's life in every aspect. He makes sure that she is taken care of which allows her to be the famous musician. The problem is the house begins to have its way with him as well.

Falulker as Ferdinand is the man with the explanations as he watches both Rose and Vernais unravel the musical puzzle left behind by Marlowe.

Hauer as Marlowe isn't on the screen as much as I wish he could have been. Yet, he is perfect because what you do see is what Hauer has always done best - be hauntingly good.

Other cast include Catherine Schaub-Abkarian as Therese, Matt Barber as James, and Laine Stengrevica as Meredith.

Screen Media has 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. For more information please visit www.screenmedia.net.

The Bonus Feature includes a Behind the Scenes.

SONATA is a thriller on more than one level. There is the story of Rose and her father also Rose and her manager. Those are difficult at best as the film slowly reveals. Then Rose has the relationship with the house, but she doesn't understand why.

All of this brings and intensity and the need to keep up with the mystery that wraps everything together. The cast is small which means that the focus stays on three main characters to tell you the true story of SONATA.

The film is creepy, telling and mysterious and all of it put together make SONATA a great Friday night with the lights out and a big bowl of popcorn. All of the above are the reason I love films like this with an original story with twists and turns that are pretty darn cool.

In the end - play the music and prepare for darkness!

SPIES IN DISGUISE is Family Fun

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital bringing family fun from directors Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Home Entertainment is an unlikely team for SPIES IN DISGUISE.

Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) is a well-dressed spy who is keeping the world safe. Well-liked by everyone at work, one person who wants to impress him is Walter Beckett (Tom Holland). He has so many inventions that he believes are an alternative to blowing things up and finding a peaceful solution, including his glitter cat bomb.

But there is evil afoot in the villain Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) who has created drones that are the worst seen in the agency. Joy Jenkins (Reba McEntire) informs Sterling that he is going to have to do whatever is necessary to find him before the agent data is stolen. In the process, Killian has set up Sterling to take the fall for everything that has happened.

Now hunting for Sterling is Marcy Kappel (Rashida Jones) who is tough as nails and just as focused as her target. The only person he can run to is Walter to get his invention that will make him disappear. Not paying attention he accidentally drinks Walter's disappearing potion but instead of becoming invisible, Sterling becomes a pigeon.

Angry, he doesn't understand that being a pigeon will help him do more than he could even have imagined. Along to help Sterling clear his name and get the agent data base, Walter not only shares his other inventions but must make a remedy to Sterling's feathered problem.

Smith as Sterling has no trouble playing the agent who likes himself a whole lot and isn't use to not being in control. Smith gets a chance to rap a little in a 'Fresh Prince' style but it's fun for the kids. This seems an easy voice role for him to play but it also seems as if he is having a bit of fun doing it.

Holland as Walter is a young man who was raised with a supportive mother and working with the agency, he gets the chance to perfect some inventions and create new ones. Especially the one that changes Agent Sterling into a flying agent! Holland is endearing but then again, this young actor has been one to watch for years. He gets a chance to be on the other side of Spiderman for sure.

Jones as Marcy is like a dog with a bone when it comes to finding Sterling believing him to be a traitor to the agency. Always one step behind, she begins to understand what is truly happening and isn't about to let evil win. McEntire as Jenkins knows that Sterling does things his own way but when it comes from being a traitor to the agency, she knows that is just not true.

Mendelsohn as Killian is a man on his own mission and believes he has every reason to be as evil as he wants to be. Keep his identity a secret, he also uses his high tech to put the blame on Sterling and keep anyone who might be interested looking for him. Mendelsohn give his character all the right moods to stay a step ahead of Smith's character.

Other cast includes Karen Gillan as Eyes, Rachel Brosnahan as Wendy Beckett, Masi Oka as Kimura, Carla Jiminez as Geraldine, DJ Khaled as Ears and Peter Kim as Joon.

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

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 Special Features include Super Secret Spy Mode, Infiltrating Blue Sky Studios Top-Secret Guide to Gadgets, Music Videos, Gallery and so much more!

SPIES IN DISGUISE is a fun family film that is fast paced, colorful, inventive and funny. Seeing Smith try to fit in with his new pigeon friends is one laugh after another and there is a twist on that as well but no spoilers here. He isn't happy with being a pigeon, but it makes for one interesting premise of a spy story.

The film has just the right mixture of action and fun to make it a popcorn fun film and if I needed a thumbs up from anyone it would be my four-year-old granddaughter. She gave me a thumbs up during the film without a word because she was too busy laughing and eating popcorn. Now that's how you know it’s a fun time so get your family together and have your own home fun together.

In the end - super spy to super fly!

SWALLOW is Riveting and Masterful

Jeri Jacquin 

Coming to theatres from writer/director Carlo Mirabello-Davis and IFC Films comes the story of perception, perfection and trauma with SWALLOW. 

Hunter Conrad (Haley Bennett) is a young woman married to successful husband Richie (Austin Stowell). Moving into a new home, she wants everything to be perfect for him. Richie works for his successful father Michael (David Rasche) while Hunter spends moments with mother-in-law Katherine (Elizabeth Marvel). 

Never quite sure of her status in the family, Hunter cooks dinners, always looks spot on perfect and lets everyone else do the talking. When Katherine gives her a book that suggests Hunter try something different in life – she does.  

Starting to swallow small objects, it becomes something she can’t control and to make matters worse, Hunter discovers she is pregnant. Of course, Richie and his parents are thrilled with the new addition but have no idea what is actually happening. 

When she is discovered, her life becomes even more complicated than before being diagnosed with a disorder called Pica. Seeing a therapist, Hunter still isn’t sure who she is and avoids serious issues. She tries to keep her life beautiful but Richie and parents aren’t making it easy. 

The problem is that the issues are right below the surface and it’s time Hunter took her own life in a direction of healing, but it isn’t going happen without great cost. 

Bennett as Hunter is absolutely stunning and even those words don’t seem to give her the accolades she deserves. Her character is such a haunted and tortured soul and with every move Bennett makes, it comes through frame by frame of film. There isn’t a moment Bennett doesn’t test us to go through the story with her without literally guttural reactions – and I had a few. 

Stowell as Richie is a husband who is use to the good life and with his parents help continues to have the good life. Hunter is his arm candy to round out his perfect life. He is detached from what is happening to his wife because it's easier to let everyone else deal with it. 

Marvel as Katherine is that mother-in-law who takes swipes with a smile on her face. No one is ever going to be good enough for her son and she doesn’t mind saying so in her own unique way. Rasche as Michael is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t mind controlling everyone and everything around him – that includes his wife, son and daughter-in-law. 

Other cast include: Maya Days as Dr. Santos, Elise Santora as Dr. Reyes, Laith Nakli as Luay, and Denis O’Hare as Erwin. 

SWALLOW is an intense and emotional film about a woman who lives under the umbrella of perfection. In doing so she continues to stuff her past further down and convinces herself that life perfection is the only way to survive. 

This is a difficult film to watch at times yet important to watch as well. Pica is a serious disorder that can lead to iron-deficiency and anemia. Items that are ingested are non-food items and there are there are many treatments available for those who suffer from Pica. For more information please visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.  

Bennett carries the film with a demeanor that is soft and demure but there are moments where I see Hunter wants to just spill everything out. She is mesmerizing and I’ll say it again, stunning to watch. Carrying a film is difficult in itself but I can’t imagine the story being told without Bennett telling it. 

In the end – open up.  

ONWARD is Brilliant, Heartwarming and Hilarious

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Dan Scanlon, Pixar and Disney comes the story of family and the fight to always move ONWARD.

Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) is turning 16 and older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) and Mom Laurel (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) aren’t about to let him forget it. Trying to find ways to make the day fun, what they don’t know is that all Ian really wants is his Dad, Wilden, who passed years earlier.

You see, Ian is more the quiet and shy of the two elf brothers whereas Barley is outgoing and loves to play a game that is based on the folklore of their unusual town. Trying to be more outgoing, Ian decides to ask some of his classmates over for cake to celebrate his birthday, but Barley has other ideas.

To cheer Ian up a little, Mom gives her sons a gift left to them by their father. It is a staff and instructions on how to bring Dad back for 24 hours. Barley tries and tries but can not seem to make it happen. When Ian is alone, he picks up the staff and it takes no time for magic to happen. Barley walks in and sees what is happening and realizes baby bro has the magic calling.

He explains that once all of the people of their town had abilities and magic of some kind, but they forgot it all after time. Ian tries again to bring their Dad back with only half of the result they expected when the crystal breaks. Barley explains that they must go on a quest to find another stone and gets Ian to jump inside the van he lovingly calls Guinevere.

There first stop is to find the Manticore (Octavia Spencer) who has a map they need. Not to far behind them is Laurel who believes her sons are in danger and asks boyfriend Officer Bronco (Mel Rodriguez) to join the search. But nothing is going to stop Barley from getting Ian to the gem that will help Ian get his birthday wish.

Holland as Ian is such a sweet young man who believes that a moment with the Dad he didn’t get a chance to know would mean everything to him. It would also be a chance to see what everyone else seemed to know, that his Dad was a good man. Lending his voice, Holland is endearing in his insecurity and has moments of boldness that make you want to cheer.

Pratt as Barley is the fun loving, not afraid of anything and smarter than he knows older brother. He adores Ian and always wants him to be happy and will do anything to make that happen. Seeing that Ian sometimes needs a boost, Barley is there and has answers that might not always seem right but turn out just the same. I love Pratt’s voice in Barley!

Louis-Dreyfus as Mom Laurel is keeping their family together and loves her boys. I’d like to think she secretly hoped to see her husband as much as the boys wanted to see their Dad. I give her points for moving on with her life in the form of Colt Bronco voiced by Mel Rodriguez.

Spencer as The Manticore is hilarious in the way her life has gone from a warrior to serving chicken wings. Given the chance to be useful once again in the warrior she was born to be, I like the change (minus the caffeine of course) and loads of moxy. Shout out to Grey Griffin as Dewdrop, the leader of the Pixie’s because she is tough, doesn’t take any guff and I’d fly with her anytime, if I could. Prepare to giggle a lot with the flying group of pixies!

Other cast include Ali Wong as Officer Gore, Tracey Ullman as Grecklin, Lena Waithe as Officer Spector, Wilmer Valderrama as Gaxton, George Psarras as Officer Avel, Kyle Bornheimer as Wilden Lightfoot and John Ratzenberger as the Construction Worker.

ONWARD is a triumph for Pixar and Disney for its amazing story, fantastic animation and cast that lends itself to every heartwarming, fun and silly moment. Holland and Pratt embrace their characters as brothers’, and it shows through their voices. Yes it is animated but their voices just give their characters such life and emotion.

Recently on Kimmel, Pratt says, “What is so moving to me is that director Dan Scanlon went through this same storyline with his own brother. This is a love letter to his older brother, and it chokes me up to think about it. Just like UP and any of the other Pixar movies, it is full of action, love and very emotional”.

He is absolutely right as ONWARD is not just a journey of two elf brothers on a quest in a boss van called Guinevere, it is a story of what they learn about each other. Their bond as brothers is questioned, yelled about, misunderstood and a reason for celebration. It is the story of big brother versus little brother, about family memories, the sadness of losing a parent, the insecurities of just being a teenager and discovering that their world is bigger than they could ever have imagined.

There are silly moments, fun characters and a dog-dragon that I would love to have running around my house! Pixar has once again brought characters that are going to stay with us because, no matter how pointy their ears or blue their hair – they are us when it comes to family and the story’s we all share.

I’m keeping this as spoiler free as possible because this is going to be such a joy for family’s that I want everyone to experience it all. For me and my family…. you had us at ONWARD.

In the end – the quest is bigger than either of them can imagine!

CHARLIE’S ANGELS Fly onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Elizabeth Banks and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of CHARLIE’S ANGELS.

Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) is a programming engineer working for entrepreneur Alexander Brock (Sam Claflin). Catching on that there is a problem with the invention Calisto, she knows that boss Peter Fleming (Nat Faxon) is doing something wrong with it.

Meeting up with Edgar Bosley (Djimon Hounsou) to tell him of her suspicions, an assassin name Hodak (Jonathan Tucker) tries to stop them both. Rescued by Angel Jane Kano (Ella Balinska), Sabina (Kristin Stewart) and Rebekah Bosley (Elizabeth Banks), Elena wants to help find Calisto and get it before it is used in the wrong way.

Every step they take trying to get Calisto back, the Angels are always a step behind. Jane and Sabina become suspicious as to who is working against them. Just as they are about to talk it out, an explosion knocks out Jane and Sabina putting Elena in the hands of the most unsuspected person at the Townsend Agency.

At a party given by Brock, it is still unclear who can be trusted as the Angels try to find Elena before its to late. Using their talents, they make their way through the mansion and with each step get closer to who has been responsible from the beginning and finding Elena.

Stewart as Sabine seems very comfortable in her role of a badass Angel. Working on so many independent films, this is Stewart’s chance to have a little fun without fangs. Scott as Elena knows that Calisto is dangerous and jumps right into the fight to get it back safely. She picks up on the Angels habits pretty quick and finds her own strength like never before. 

Balinska as Jane is a quick study and her opponents will pay the price for being unaware of her abilities. I love her interaction with Sabine, and it reminds me of sisters always competing to get Mom-Bosley’s attention. Speaking of Bosley, Banks as Rebekah is smart, smooth and aware of everything happening making the hard choices.

Claflin as Brock is hilarious actually and it’s good to see him do something not as serious because when he’s indignant in the film, I cracked up. Tucker as Hodak doesn’t have a lot to say (maybe his tattoos say it all) but his muscles speak loudly and without apology. I mean if your going to have an assassin on your payroll, you could do worse.

A shout out to Pang as Jonny Smith who had me laughing every time he was on screen. His infatuation with Sabine is oddly charming for his character being a not so nice guy. He is dedicated to the end I’ll give him that, well done Mr. Pang!

Other cast include David Schutter as Ralph, Noah Centineo as Langston, Marie-Lou Sellem as Fatima Ahmed, Luiz Mendez as the Saint and Patrick Stewart.

Cameos include Ronda Rousey, Danica Patrick, Lili Reinhart, Aly Raisman, Laverne Cox, Michael Strahan, Hailee Steinfeld and Jaclyn Smith.

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

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

CHARLIE’S ANGELS Bonus Features include Gag Reel – Check out these fun and never-seen-before bloopers saved from the cutting room floor, 5 Deleted Scenes, 4 Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes Stronger Together: The Sisterhood of the Angels – Watch how the Angels trio of Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott & Ella Balinska prepared for their iconic roles and formed a genuine sisterhood on set, and Elizabeth Banks: As BOSSley – We’ll take a look at why the CHARLIE’S ANGELS Director, Actress, Writer and Producer Elizabeth Banks is the perfect person to reintroduce audiences to this beloved, fun and action-packed franchise.

Also, Warriors on Set: Angels in Action – The cast & crew take a look at some of the biggest action scenes from the film, including a peek behind-the-scenes of the stunt rehearsals with the cast, Tailored for Danger: Styling the Angels – Learn all about the glamorous costumes, hair and make-up used to create the glitzy world of CHARLIE’S ANGELS, Don’t Call Me Angel Music Video featuring Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey.

CHARLIE’S ANGELS is a continuation of a story most of us know from its beginnings on television from 1976 to 1981 when the Angels consisted of Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett and John Forsythe as the voice of Charlie Townsend. The second trio of Angels included Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack and Tanya Roberts. The next trio in the 2000’s consisted of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu with plenty of Angels in between.

In this franchise the Angels don’t hold back in their wit, charm and sense of style because we live in a stylin’ age. Stewart, Balinska, Scott and Banks work extremely well together and make the whole film look way to easy.

The storyline has its twists and turns that add to the fun of the film. The twists and turns are nicely done and bring even more to the film along with the action from location to location. From Los Angeles to Istanbul to London, it’s the Angels who have no problem looking good while going after the bad guys!

I have to say I absolutely adore Mendez as the Saint because, and let’s be honest I’m not alone in this, we all need a little Saint in our lives. The way he looks after the Angels is cute and the humor, he brings is subtle and so sarcastically witty at times. Is he available to work for a non-Angel, asking for a friend?

In the end – a new world needs new Angels!