He Lives for SUNDOWN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Michel Franco and Bleecker Street comes the story of leaving life and family for a little SUNDOWN. 

Neil (Tim Roth) is enjoying drinks and sun in Acapulco with family when they receive terrible news from home. Alice (Charlotte Gainsbourg), Alexa (Albertine McMillan) and Colin (Samuel Bottomley) pack up and head to the airport. Neil realizes he can not find his passport and has to return to the hotel while the others fly ahead of him.

But he does not return to the hotel, instead Neil finds a hotel and finds a chair on the beach – and literally drinks the days away. On the phone he tells Alice everything is being done to get him home and that buys him time. To do what?

He meets shop owner Bernice (Iazua Larios) and they spend their days together just sunning and drinking. Until Alice shows up on the beach demanding to know what Neil has been doing and why. He makes it clear that he has checked out of her life including asking family lawyer Richard (Henry Goodman), the family and everything else – he just wants to be left alone.

Being left alone is going to cost everybody!

Roth as Neil is a man who clearly has checked out of everything. Nothing seems to phase him or cause great distress. He spends his time trying to keep the world at bay and even when it comes calling, he walks away with ease. Roth’s character is full of secrets but as they begin to rise to the surface, we get a consistent performance, and I would expect nothing less.

Gainsbourg as Alice can not understand the way Neil is behaving. She just wants to get him home and realizing he has his own plans, does everything possible to get their life right for her own family. Goodman as Richard is clear about the family and nothing surprises him, well maybe almost nothing surprises him. This lawyer is all about signing and making the stipulations quite clear.

Larios as Bernice is interested in Neil and does not ask to many questions about his life. She enjoys the sun, a few drinks and just being with him. McMillan and Bottomley are relatives that just do not understand, they want to, they just see a man who does not seem to care.

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

SUNDOWN is a slow-paced film that asks questions and demands patience to get the answers. When Alice asks the question, “what the f@#k is wrong with you?”, we are already ahead of her. Roth’s Neil does not give up anything and that is probably because the character does not think he has to – for any reason.

None of us could possibly imagine the decisions that this character makes, and irritation easily follows until there is the proverbial ‘oh, I see’ or ‘wow, okay’ follows. There is also irritation in the thought of ‘well, must be nice to sit in a chair all day drinking letting the water wash over your feet’ – now back to irritation no matter what Neil’s reasonings.

So, SUNDOWN just takes the viewer on a roller coaster ride of wanting to understand Neil and then not caring since he does not care but we still want answers. When it all becomes clear, then the process of deciding about Neil comes into play and so does the conversation with others about the film. Yes, it is one to be talked about!

It is about family, secrets, mystery’s, realities and how far will a family go to change someone who does not want to be changed.

In the end – his path is his own!

They Escape to the FORTRESS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director James Cullen Bressack and Lionsgate is secrets and revenge coming to the FORTRESS.

Paul Michaels (Jesse Metcalfe) owns a company that is in trouble. After years of silence between father and son, Paul goes to see his father Robert (Bruce Willis) who lives in a retirement community. Finally sitting in a room together, Paul expresses his hurt feelings about the death of his mother and the alienation of Robert.

Feeling he deserves financial help from his company, Paul makes it clear that Robert kind of owes him to save the company. Just as they begin to discuss it, a horn blasts and everyone begins to scatter. Security Kate (Kelly Greyson) knows just what to do as Robert discovers there are heavily armed intruders shooting up the place.

Kate is told to take Paul to the Fortress and he can not believe what he is seeing. Entering a bunker he meets Gen. Barbara Dobbs (Shannen Doherty) everywhere around Paul is military technology. Finally joined by Robert, the family secrets come pouring out and he is stunned.

Trying to get into the locked down fortress is a very angry Frederick Balzary (Chad Michael Murray) along with his top hit man Ulysses (Ser’Darius Blain). On the outside wanting to get in the mix for Robert is Blain (Michael Sirow) and he is not afraid to get his hands – well dirty.

Paul learns the story that everything is happening because Balzary has a grudge against Robert and is going to get his pound of flesh. What both father and son do not know is that there are more secrets, more lies and more deception that are going challenge them both.

Willis as Robert is a father who has been estranged from his son for reasons that are as hard on him as his son. Sitting in a room together to try and explain while hearing his son speak of his own pain is difficult. They also do not have time to embrace their feelings because bad guys are right outside the door. Willis gives us his gruff and straight forward character that he has perfected but it is still fun to watch.

Metcalfe as Paul is a business owner whose business is in trouble. Turning to Robert is not something he wanted to do but getting money and a chance to vent his anger brings him face to face with his father. Metcalfe gives his character insecurities and a bit of brattiness that will not serve him well when the chaos begins.

Greyson as Kate is the athletic well-rounded bit of security who knows what the Fortress is and what has been happening. Given charge of Paul, Kate is also well trained and knows what is expected of her but did not expect to get eyes from Robert’s son.

Murray as Balzary is just plain nuts. From the moment he enters the picture until the very, very end, Murray gives us a man on a mission of revenge but also would not mind getting access to a bunch of money. You could say that he is unhinged and playing rough is something he enjoys and Murray gives us all of that.

Doherty as Dobbs is a woman who knows how to run a tight ship. She knows Robert’s history and makes sure that Paul is aware. When the twists happen, it is Doherty’s character of Dobbs who is called to do the right thing but will she?

Shout out to Sirow as Blain who had me laughing from start to finish. The way he sees the world and how he handles it is a mixture of a guy who does not realize he is funny with the jaw dropping assassin that lives inside him.

Other cast include Katalina Viteri as Sophia, Lauren McCord as Garner, Sean Kanan as Vlad, Daniel Gonzalez as Viktor, Natalie Burn as Sandra, Luillo Ruiz as Jones, Trae as Ireland as Jack, Simon Phillips, Peter Dordova as Bodyguard, and Canyon Prince as McNiell.

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.

FORTRESS is an action paced film with good guys vs. bad guys but both sides had issues that have followed them to this point. Willis, Metcalfe and Murray are dealing with all of the chaos from beginning to end. Each character’s story is intertwined and there is no way to get past it without a battle.

The three main characters, along with Doherty are fairly straight forward but the other actors seemed a little awkward. If you look past that then it is the Willis vs. Murray show who bring their issues to the service but there is so much more that has not been told or the twists that are to come.

In the end – breaking in is hard and breaking out is impossible!

A TASTE OF HUNGER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Christoffer Boe and Magnolia Pictures is life and A TASTE OF HUNGER.

Carsten (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is an up-and-coming chef looking to open a place of his own someday. He meets a very wild spirited Maggie (Katrine Greis-Rosenthal) and there is an instant connection that not only sparks their love of creating food but a life together.

Opening a restaurant together, the goal becomes beginning the chase of the ever-elusive Michelin star. Years have gone by and now the restaurant is a reality and Carsten is spending lots of time keeping it running smoothly. Maggie is running the household, taking care of daughter Chloe (Flora Augusta) and son August (August Vinkel) and their lives are hectic.

Working hard, Carsten becomes engrossed in every aspect of being a chef and Maggie sees him begin to push away. Out of frustration, she tries to relive her wild days all in one night, but the consequences are long lasting. It comes about when a mysterious letter arrives for Carsten, but Maggie finds it.

A few words on paper could destroy the journey to the stars, especially if there are too many chefs in the kitchen!

Coster-Waldau as Carsten is a driven chef and Maggie is his reason for it all. This character gets so wrapped up in a single drive that he forgets love, his family and those who have been there for him. It is a journey of hard lessons and Coster-Waldau makes sure we see every bit of it. The frustration, fear and everything in between.

Greis-Rosenthal as Maggie is drawn to Carsten and discovers they share such a vision together. She is a bit wild and that is an attractant to Carsten. There beginning is so filled with dreams, but Maggie also gets lost along the way. As a wife-mother, Greis-Rosenthal’s character tries to have it all and the ‘all’ goes to far until the consequences come due.

Augusta as Chloe is a young girl caught up in grown-ups’ games. This young actress shows such believable emotions that she stunned me with her performance. Trying to forgive parents that seem to be going a million miles an hour and are making huge mistakes, it is young Chloe that is keenly aware of it all.

Credit to Charlie Gustafsson as Frederick; a hungry sous chef who wants what he wants and will use people to get it. Frederick takes advantage and Maggie has to set it straight but, a rat is a rat.

Other cast includes Nicolas Bro as Torben, Maj-Britt Mathiesen as Pia, Dag Malmberg as Stellan, Rasmus Hammerich as Frank and Magnus Bruun as Andus.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

A TASTE OF HUNGER shows its duality from beginning to end. Of course, it is a film about the beauty, brilliance, and hunger of chefs not to mention their struggles to succeed. Constantly having to be more creative, more inventive, and just, well, more – the stakes are extremely high.

The other is the hunger for life, family and love which also includes trying to fill emptiness with whatever looks good to make the pain go away. In this case, both Carsten and Maggie have to decide which beast to feed. More importantly, be willing to accept the consequences when they choose wrong.

The story of Carsten and Maggie is peppered with all the flavors with bitters mixed in. Beautifully done and lovely to watch, A TASTE OF HUNGER is an amazing piece of storytelling and simplistic filmmaking which made me enjoy it even more.

In the end – prepare your plate with perfection!

 

GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from director Jason Reitman and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife.

It has been five years since the Ghostbusters were heard from. Egon predicted that Gozer the Gozerian would return in 2021 but Ray, Peter and Winston all went their separate ways. Moving to a farm in Summerville, Oklahoma, Egon prepared for what was to come, well almost.

Living in the city is Egon’s daughter Callie (Carrie Coon) who is struggling with her two children Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard). Evicted from their home, Callie decides it is time to move to her father’s abandoned farm. Once arriving they find a house that is a shambles and learning they referred to Egon as ‘the dirt farmer’.

Trevor immediately makes friends with Lucky Domingo (Celeste O’Connor) who works at the local drive-up restaurant. Going to school, Phoebe is afraid she will still be seen as a science nerd because in the city she did not have friends because of it. Right away Phoebe meets Podcast (Logan Kim), a very friendly kid who likes doing podcasts and loves a good conspiracy theory.

Immediately, teacher Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) realizes that Phoebe is not just a summer school student but very clever! Geeking out when Phoebe shows him a ghost trap, it opened up a can of metal eating worms. When Phoebe is home, she also begins to suspect there is something supernatural about their new home and learns more about her grandfather Egon being a Ghostbuster.

Trevor goes along with Lucky’s gang up to the Shandor mines for a day being a teenager, but he sees something frightening. Back at the farm, he also discovers the incredible Ecto-1 in the garage and is determined to help it start. At the same time, Phoebe is exploring a hidden place in the barn and what do you know, Egon’s proton pack is still there.

It all comes together when Phoebe, Trevor and Podcast go on their first chase of a ghost. That’s when Trevor tells Phoebe about the mines and what he saw. There is only one thing left to do, going into the mine they find Ivo Shandor (J.K. Simmons) and learn that both Callie and Mr. Grooberson has turned into, well, a dog.

That means only one thing, Gozer the Gozerian (Olivia Wilde) is back, and boy is this one angry mutha from another dimension. Phoebe, Trevor, Podcast, Lucky and a little help from old friends means the Goz will be fore with asked to return to its dimension of origin – or not.

The Ghostbusters will do what they do well – come together and do what needs to be done!

Grace as Phoebe is wonderful as a young girl who loves science but feels like it makes her different and unlikeable. Once she arrives at her grandfather’s farm, it is clear that there is so much to explore and discover that is all science related. Phoebe has found the right playground as it were.

Coon as Callie has a biting sense of humor but wants to do what is best for her children. Feeling that her father Egon’s absence has caused her so much pain, she would rather not think about him than confront it all. The house is a chance to have a place to life until she can think of something else. Coon is actually very funny and when she becomes Key Master I could not help but giggle.

Wolfhard as Trevor is a typical teenager. He is not in town ten minutes before he discovers girls, gets a job to be near her and is doing what ever it takes to fit into the group. The problem is, when his peers realize he is living at the dirt farm, he gets a bit of harassing about it. Wolfhard gives Trevor everything I’d expect as a teenager and so much more.

Rudd as Mr. Grooberson is funny, and makes a fantastic Gate Keeper. His role might not be as big as the kids but be sure that when he is on screen he makes the most of it in a great way. Kim as Podcast is hilarious with his need to narrate everything and get it all on tape. Hosting his podcast on these theories, he has a lot to say and wonders who is listening. What a great kid! O’Connor as Lucky makes friend quickly with Trevor and does not hesitate to join in on the adventure, even if it sort of changes her a little – okay a lot.

Shout out to J.K. Simmons for his minuet role Ivo Shandor but I loved it anyway! Equal shout out to the original cast for giving us what we have always wanted. Bring tissue!

Cast also includes Shawn Seward as Skittles, Billy Bryk as Zahk, Sydney Mae Diaz as Swayze, Hannah Duke as Reseda, Bokeem Woodbine as Sheriff Domingo, Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett, Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz, Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore, Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stanz, and Bill Murray as Peter Venkman.

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.

The Bonus Materials includes We Got One! – Easter Egg Revealed, Ghostbusters: A Look Back, A Look Ahead, Bringing Ecto-1 Back to Life, The Gearhead’s Guide to Ghostbuster Gadgets, Special Effects: The Ghosts of Afterlife, Deleted Scene: Is it Ever Too Late?, and Summoning the Spirit: Making Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

The GHOSTBUSTERS Ultimate Collection includes Ghostbusters 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters Bluray, Ghostbusters II 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters II Bluray, Ghostbusters: Afterlife 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters: Afterlife Bluray and a litany of special features, auditions, dailies and more!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife had me worried for a bit while it was being made. I have been so terribly disappointed by remakes, remades, rethinks, and reimagined films that I refused to let my heart think anything about it. Even as the time came to see it, I just could not bring myself to be disappointed.

Now, having finally seen it – I just about lost my mind. Reitman did not try to re-invent the ghostly wheel but instead gave us everything remembered and to be remembered. To visit once again a storyline about discovery and change, he, along with co-writer Gil Kenan, brought in characters that we could wrap our arms around and cheer for.

From Ivo Shandor to Zuul, I went along for the ride cheering, giggling and having so much fun. I am so glad my family had a GHOSTBUSTERS binge-fest before watching GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife because it was an awesome way to see how all three films will go hand in hand so easily. That is the three that shall always be a part of our home entertainment library.

In the end – discover the past and save the future!

 

 

BIRDS LIKE US

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Faruk Sabanovic and Lionsgate comes the story of fear but belief in the possible when you see BIRDS LIKE US.

In this bird world where birds do not fly, several species live together in Birdabad and are protected by Kondor (Jeremy Irons) from what they call ‘the horror’. Once a year they all gather and one egg per bird is given to condor to continue the protection given and to help feed the group.

One young mother bird is Huppu (Alicia Vikander) who lives in fear but is protected by her love Hassan (Kevin Bishop). She can only lay one egg per season and fears for her hatchling. Watching them from afar is a group of birds who do not understand why they do not all fly away but agree that it is time for her to see beyond the tree.

When a seed falls to the ground and grows a fruit tree, Huppu begins to question why they do not let the sun in and grow more. Kondor is furious about it, so Huppu and Hassan go on the run to escape a bird attack. In the process, Kondor and Gavra (Sheridan Smith) are caught up in a world wind to a place that is mysterious.

Kondor and Hassan battle and fall into a deep dark pit and in that pit of darkness she meets Bat (Khalid Abdalla). He sleeps during the day and flies by night and a deal is struck that they will search together. When they wake up from their searching, they are stunned to see light and a large world.

Hassan creates a vehicle that allows them to take a sleeping bat away from the city towards the setting sun. What they encounter is a very busy and very fast-moving world! Traveling by day and night, the world brings challenges for the group, especially with Huppu expecting!

Vikander as Huppu is not ready to have her egg taken by anyone, especially Kondor and will do everything possible to make sure of its protection. Once she sees the world outside, Huppu is able to think for herself and make decisions not based on anyone else. That is another freedom. Vikander offers her voice as a compassionate and protective mother.

Irons as Kondor is just a big blowhard dictator who only sees what the birds in Birdabad can do for him. The funny thing is, he has more fear than the rest of the birds, he is just good at hiding it from them all. Once outside the tree life, his ‘king’-ship means nothing to Huppu, Hassan and Gavra.

Abdalla as Bat is wise, beautiful looking and tries to share what he knows with the bird bunch because they still live in constant fear. Trying to show them another way to feel and to be, his wisdom is met with mixed reaction from the group. Abdalla gives us such a calm presence in a film full of chaos. Smith as Gavra is a very jumpy and excitable and seems to have found a friend in Bat. He really is cute.

Other cast include Christopher Villiers as Craven, Michele Austin as Jula and Ella Smith as Tifa.

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.

BIRDS LIKE US is a beautiful and colorful look at the world of birds but the more important lesson lies in the story. Kondor, the ‘king’, rules the other birds in such a way that is demanding and dangerous. Taking the first egg from the female birds is a huge lesson in itself and Huppu is the one bird questioning.

In that questioning comes the belief that there is something different, something freeing and another way to live. Once their journey begins, the world opens up wide and Huppu, Hassan and Gavra see that Kondor is not a ‘king’ but instead a ruler who is losing his powers. It also brings into question as to what ‘the horror’ really is.

It must be said, Bat’s story is one of wonderment, beauty and the truth about how we tend to see the world. Going in a circle without taking a moment to see truths – and not necessarily with our own eyes.

I am all for the adventure that Huppu and Hassan are on because they both see the possibilities of a better life and, even though a little afraid of change, want it for their family. The story is lovely and the colorful and effects within the film are stunning and strange which adds a richness to it all.

In the end – it is time for a change.

ELMO’S WORLD All Around the Neighborhood Comes to DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from the wonderful world of the Sesame Street Workshop and Shout! Factory Kids is a look at what is in ELMO’S WORLD: All Around the Neighborhood.

Elmo shows Grover what it is that doctors do. From checking heartbeats to how to use a stethoscope and a tongue depressor letting us all know how important doctors are. They ask Ms. Noodle all sorts of questions about what a doctor is and how they dress.

Then Elmo explores what is a newspaper and wonders if Mr. Noodle reads the newspaper. In it he finds the news, stories and what the weather is going to be like. Mr. Noodle shows Elmo what else he can do with a newspaper and although it is fun, he would rather see how one reads the newspaper. Learning always makes Elmo want to dance.

Looking up more things to learn about, Elmo learns about machines and what they do – like cars, lawn mowers, excavators and even a can opener. Calling on Mr. Noodles again, they talk about machines and what they do. Elmo also discovers ramps that help people get from place to place and even building a ramp at home with your own toys and joining him is Cookie Monster.

It is time to gear up with Smarty and learn about sports and with so many different kinds of sports, Elmo is surprised. Learning about the different uniforms and things needed to play like a basketball, hockey stick and even goggles for swimming. He plays a game learning what sports equipment is needed to play the right game.

Elmo learns what it means to get dressed properly by wearing clothes that go along with the weather, but it can be tricky. Wearing the right clothes is very important and Elmo wants to make sure we all know what is best.

Maps are really helpful for learning where places are, and Elmo wants to place a game that will teach his friend how to get around at the fair. Looking at the map helps his friend get where he wants to go. Photography teaches Elmo how to get the picture just right and so much more

SHOUT! Factory 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 Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street and the amazing television show. Teaching children since 1969, Sesame Workshop is a force for change and a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. Reaching over 150 countries, Sesame Workshop tailors to the needs of the culture and communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.

Elmo brings the Bonus’ of Grover’s Jobs Through the Years Mash-Up because Grover is one of the hardest working monsters. The journey takes us through Grover’s time as a taxi driver to a meteorologist. It is guaranteed a fun time remembering everything Grover was brave enough to try.

This is a family time DVD where everyone can learn about doctors, newspapers, machines, factories, ramps, sports, getting dressed, bowling, veterinarians, nighttime, transportation, maps, blocks, measuring and photographers.

ELMO’S WORLD: All Around the Neighborhood is an amazing way for children to learn about the world around them. Understanding what is it that makes the world go around is very important of course, but having Elmo show us all more than we thought is always such a delight.

This is the time families should get together and watch Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster and friends show what they are learning as well. It is always a joy to watch our favorite Sesame Street character stretch our imaginations and give information in such a delightful and colorful way – and we would expect nothing less.

Put on your adventure hat and prepare to see the world through Elmo’s eyes because nothing could be more amazing!

In the end – it is Elmo’s World!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently on 4K Ultra HD and Bluray is LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

 Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD and currently on Digital from director Edgar Wright, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the mesmerizing story about the LAST NIGHT IN SOHO.

Ellie Turner (Thomasin McKenzie) wants to create fashion of the sixties and loves music of that era as well. Raised by her grandmother Margaret (Rita Tushingham) in Redruth, Cornwall, she has lived her life missing her mother who sometimes sees her mother in passing. Accepted to the London College of Fashion in, Ellie now has the opportunity to begin a less quiet life in the lights of a big city.

Starting off on bad footing, resident hall roommate Jocasta (Synnove Karlsen) is a party girl that does not seem a serious student as Ellie. Knowing she has no other choice to succeed, she finds a comfortable and quiet room at Ms. Collins (Diana Rigg) home. From the first night, she begins having dreams of being in the 1960s which is the era she loves.

At the Café de Paris, Ellie sees the beautiful Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy) saunter into a room as if she commanded every inch of it. She meets manager Jack (Matt Smith) who sees a star quality in the young woman. He gets Sandie an audition at the Soho club and comes back to the room the young girl recognizes. Ellie is so stunned by Sandie that she begins to design a dress for her.  

Even more inspired, Ellie begins to make change in her appearance and the young John (Michael Ajao) takes notice. John invites Ellie to a Halloween party and they are not there long before Ellie starts to see things that send her into a tailspin. Now, memories and murder collide that force Ellie to involve the police who may decide she is not of sound mind.

John believes her and will do anything to help Ellie discover what is real, what is not, who is Sandie and what happened to her!

McKenzie as Ellie is an insecure young girl who comes from a family of sadness. Believing that following her dream (and Mom’s too) of creating amazing fashion, being accepted to the school in London means everything. Starting out a little hectic, Ellie finds solace and goes full steam into classes. That is until her mind takes her someplace unexpected and it begins to take its toll. McKenzie is given a role that she just takes to levels that kept me on my toes. Brilliantly done.

Taylor-Joy as Sandie is lovely, seductive and as big dreams just like Ellie. Trying to follow those dreams is where things begin to be dark and horrific. Ellie is seeing all of it and Taylor-Joy moves with grace and wears the clothing of the era like she was born to them. I have been a fan of Taylor-Joy for some time now and I think she excels in this role from the rise to the fall of Sandie.

Smith as Jack is the harbinger of corruption. He is charming, good-looking and knows how to treat a girl – especially one he intends to use in dreaded ways. Jaw dropping and riveting at the same time because this character is one of many. Ajao as John sees something in Ellie even before she makes all the mod changes in her life. He genuinely likes Ellie and wants to help when he begins to suspect there is something deeply wrong. Ajao is so sweet and charming, even when he is a little bad, as John and, most importantly, does not give up on Ellie.

Shout out to Ms. Rigg in her role as Ms. Collins. Following her career from the time I understood what television and movies were, Ms. Rigg has given it all. Imagine my thrill when she turned up on HBO’s Game of Thrones as Olenna Tyrell – and she did not disappoint. I am leaving the rest for the viewer to watch her stunning performance in LAST NIGHT IN SOHO because you will not be disappointed either.

Other cast include Sam Claflin as young Lindsey, Jessie Mei Li as Lara Chung, Elizabeth Berrington as Ms. Tobin, Pauline McLynn as Carol, Aimee Cassettari as Ellie’s Mom, Beth Singh as Cilla Black, Kassius Nelson as Cami, Rebecca Harrod as Ashley, and Terence Stamp as Lindsey.

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.

Bonus Features include Making of Featurettes, Meet Eloise, Dreaming of Sandie, Smoke and Mirrors, On the Streets of Soho, Deleted Scenes, Animatics, First Dream, Shadow Men, Murder, Final Confrontation, Extras, Hair & Makeup Tests, Lighting and VFX tests, Wide Angle Witness Cam, and Action Town Hall SteadiCam Rehearsals.

Also includes is ‘Downtown’ Music Video, Trailers, Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Edgar Wright, Editor Paul Machliss and Composer Steve Price, and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Edgar Wright and Co-Writer Kristy Wilson-Cairns.

LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is breathtaking, a visual treat for the eyes, a storyline that will take the viewer on a journey without a roadmap and that is everything. The set designs are riveting, and the costuming is absolutely everything.

The cast takes this twisted tale and allows us along with them on a ride going absolutely anywhere it wants to go and we have no say. Wright and co-writer Cairns never let on either and all I can do is picture the two of them giggling as they wrote this screenplay. Bringing it to the screen is the cherry on the cake.

In the end – glamour is not everything!