The Singing and Music of CINDERELLA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Kay Cannon and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the musical event of CINDERELLA.

Cinderella (Camila Cabello) lives in a kingdom that is very patriarchal which gets in the way of her big dream of opening a shop called ‘Dresses by Ella’. Living at home with step-mother Vivian (Idina Menzel) and two step-sisters Malvolia (Maddie Baillio) and Narissa (Charlotte Spencer), her room is in the basement where she creates her dress visions.

During an outing to the changing of the guard at the palace, she captures the eye of Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine) on the balcony with Queen Beatrice (Minnie Driver) and Princess Gwen (Tallulah Greive) but not before annoying King Rowan (Pierce Brosnan). In an effort to reel his son in, the King wants to have a ball allowing Prince Robert to choose a bride.

What Prince Robert really wants is to see more of Cindrella! During an outing in town, he met the young girl and even bought one of her dresses but she does not know he is royalty. Excited to meet the young man once again, Cinderella makes a stunning gown to go to the ball. The problem is Vivian sees her as competition for her daughters and ruins Cinderella’s chance to go to the ball.

Except, Vivian could not have counted on Cinderella’s Fabulous Godmother (Billy Porter) who makes sure the young girl gets to the ball with the help of three mice James (James Corden), John (James Acaster) and Romesh (Romesh Ranganathan). Before she leaves, Fabulous Godmother gives Cinderella the warning that she must leave before midnight.

At the ball, no one but Prince Robert recognizes her and that’s fantastic for her. What she didn’t expect was everyone noticing her dress, especially Queen Tatiana. She wants to see more of what Cinderella has created and perhaps go with her to travel the world.

As the time gets closer, the magic starts to unravel as Cinderella literally throws her glass slipper to get away. The King is furious now that his plan to find a wife for his son has gone wrong and decides that he will choose. That causes Prince Robert to finally tell his father everything he had been holding in emotionally and caught Queen Beatrices’ way of thinking as well.

Now the chase is on to find Cinderella before step-mother Vivian figures it out and makes her life even more difficult. Love will find a way!

Cabello as Cinderella is charming and sassy which is a different outlook on this character. She has a mind of her own and sees the injustices of the kingdom for her to succeed on her own. Cabello belts out one song after another and looks to be having a blast doing it. Galitzine as Prince Robert is equally as charming and sassy and knows what he does not want for his life. Unfortunately it goes completely against his father the ruler but, Cinderella gives him the courage to say what needs saying to have his own life.

Brosnan as King Rowan is loud, demanding and a bit of a narcissist wanting what he wants when he wants it. Having been allowed to be this way for so long, the strain of his behavior is starting to break his family. Driver as Queen Beatrice has kept her silence even when she thinks her husband is wrong because, well, he is King. Yet, once again, Cinderella is working her magic to show others how to find their voice.

Menzel as step-mother Vivian is not as evil as we have seen step-mothers for Cinderella be but she does not like to be told no, especially by Cinderella. Her vocals are still on point and as beautiful as we have come to know. Porter as Fabulous Godmother gets his moment in the sun to shine and look, well, fabulous.

Baillio and Spencer as Malvolia and Narissa are also not as mean as previous step-sisters but they are not outwardly nice either. They sort of just go along to get along but they look marvelous doing it. Greive as Princess Gwen wants to change the kingdom doing good for everyone and, as she says, “I have ideas!”

Corden, Acaster and Ranganathan as the footmen mice are charming and always there for Cinderella – in one form or another. They want what is best for Cinderella and do look good in gold!

Other cast include Rob Beckett as Thomas Cecil, Beverley Knight as Queen Tatiana, Jenet Le Lacheur as Wilbur, Fra Fee as Hench, Luke Latchman as Griff, Mary Higgins as Princess Laura, Nakai Warikandwa as Princess Nakai.

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.

A Special Feature includes a Gag Reel.

CINDERELLA is an updated musical with characters that are classic but have more to say, or sing if you will. The musical numbers use songs that have been very popular and choreography that is snappy and fun.

The cast has done a very good job at bringing characters that have been in households for generations and keeping the feel wrapped around the updated changes. The costuming is still stunning but then again I am always thrilled to see beautiful dresses and the ballroom scene does not disappoint.

So, prepare to go to the ball!

In the end – the legend you know and the story you don’t!

 

 

 

 

 

The Heart of MR. MALCOLM’S LIST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Emma Holly Jones and Bleecker Street is a romantic story of the unexpected on MR. MALCOLM’S LIST.

Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) and Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) have been friends since they were young girls in finishing school in 1800’s England. Now young ladies, Julia attempts to find marriage with the mysterious and wealthy Mr. Jeremiah Malcolm (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù). After a night at the opera, she is devastated to learn that society notices that Mr. Malcolm did not come calling again.

Asking cousin Lord Cassidy (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to discover why it happened, it becomes clear that Julia did not meet Mr. Malcolm’s requirements for a wife. Angry, she enlists the help of cousin Cassidy to make him regret his decision. Writing to Selina asking her to come for a visit, the plan really is to use her friendship in order to humble Mr. Malcolm.

Explaining what she is trying to do, Selina begrudgingly agrees and attends a party accidentally meeting Mr. Malcolm. There is an instant spark causing Selina to rethink what it is Julia wants her to do. Selina is delighted when she sees Captain Henry Ossory (Theo James) explaining to Mr. Malcolm that they know each other through an aunt.

The chase of love, friendship and secrets begin at a party held at Mr. Malcolm’s home. So many hearts, so much heartbreak.

Pinto as Dalton is sweet, no-nonsense and clear that she cannot possibly judge Mr. Malcolm by Julia’s standards. Spending time with the object of Julia’s anger, she sees something deeper and misunderstood about him. Pinto gives us the other side of a coin that does not have the same intent as her friend. This is a wonderful role for Pinto.

Dìrísù as Mr. Malcolm seems cold, distant and knows what he wants. The list is just a guideline of what he will and will not tolerate thinking it is finite to his way of thinking. Of course, it is easy to have a list but much more difficult to actually follow it. Dìrísù keeps his character straight forward with no apologies but his disposition will be his undoing.

Ashton as Julia is spoiled, mouthy and a bit spiteful in her dealings. Yes, Julia is completely upset by her treatment by Mr. Malcolm but then again, looks can only take one so far and she is about to learn that the hard way.

James as Captain Ossry is quick, not at all interested in games and is keen on figuring out who everyone is and what they are about. What I love about his character is his biting humor and, eventually, his ability to never expose his feelings until necessary. Slightly different from Malcom because it is less calculated and more ‘appropriate’ for the times.

Jackson-Cohen as Lord Cassidy is not at all interested in playing Julia’s game and keeps his role in it all as minimal as possible. I enjoyed this character very much and wished there had been love for him by the story’s end.

Shout out to Ladwa and Gregory because they are so dang cute. They hear all and react slightly but when they do its hilarious. I just love the moments when their characters pop in.

Dona Croll as Lady Kilbourne has to be mentioned here. Her role might be small but as Mr. Malcolm’s mother, she knows how to observe everything and make sure her son knows that instead of blaming others, perhaps he should look inward a little. I loved Croll’s grace and elegance. She is mesmerizing.

Other cast include Naoko Mori as Mrs. Thistlewaite, Sophie Vavasseur as Lady Gwyneth Amberton, Danielle Ryan as Lady Margaret, Paul Tylak as Mr. Dalton, Emma Willis as Lucy, Ashley Park as Gertie Covington, Divian Ladwa as John and Sianad Gregory as Molly.

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.

MR. MALCOLM’S LIST is a charming period piece that has to be seen by those who love the era. It has everything, love, family, friendship, revenge, twists, turns and characters that have you choosing sides.

I am a complete sucker for a period piece film because of the grandeur, costuming, cinematography, setting, music and a good story to complete the picture. When done and done well, the viewer is transformed to another time yet can relate because, and let’s face it, when it comes to love human beings are pretty predictable in both good and bad ways.

Suzanne Allain wrote Mr. Malcom’s List in 2009 and also wrote the script and later discovered by director Emma Holly Jones. To my way of thinking, Jones found a diamond in the rough and polished it to MR. MALCOM’S LIST in a lovely way.

Such a delightful treat of a film that will sweep you off your feet, as love should!

In the end - seeking love unconditionally!

It is LIGHTYEAR in Space

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from director Angus MacLane, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Motion Pictures is the story of redemption for LIGHTYEAR.

Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) is on a mission with partner Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) and when their ship lands, it takes no time at all to realize that there are hostile creatures who do not want them there. Trying to escape, Lightyear tries to fly their odd shaped ship back into space and when they crash land, everyone aboard steps up to create a camp.

Their new mission is to find a way home with the creation of crystals for the hyper drive. The problem is that with each test, Lightyear returns the same age but everyone else gets older and older with every test. Hawthorne encourages Lightyear and even gives him the gift of a techno-cat named SOX (Peter Sohn). Lightyear also sees Hawthorne having a life and creating a family on the planet.

The final test run against orders brings Lightyear back 22 years later even though the flight is finally a success. Realizing everything seems to have changed, he meets Hawthorne’s granddaughter Izzy (Keke Palmer). She tells Buzz how much time has passed and that there are robots out to destroy the base. Referring to them as Zurg (because that’s all they say), the chase is on.

Izzy introduces Lightyear to her team with the nervous Mo (Taika Waititi), and criminally minded Darby (Dale Soules). Believing that the trio have absolutely no idea what they are doing or that they can help, that is going to have to change if they are to protect the base camp and hold on to the precious power source.

It is time for Operation Surprise and prepare for a lot of surprises along the way that even Lightyear’s new team could not have seen coming.

Evans as Lightyear gives a serious side to this character but that does not stop the comedy from coming through whether he likes it or not. Every emotion comes from Evans voice as Lightyear deals with guilt and, in a way, isolation from friendships other than Hawthorne. He grows as a person and everyone is thrilled by the end of the film for that.

Palmer as Izzy is a chip off the space family block, well sort of. Wanting to help save the base camp from Zurg, she is smart and creative even if Lightyear doesn’t see it right away. Palmer gives her character heart and soul.

Sohn as the voice of Sox has ruined me and my granddaughter because we want our cats to be as clever and cool as he is. We love Sox and agree that we both at least want a stuffed kitty in our Disney home collection.

Waititi as Mo is endearing, twitchy, clumsy yet this character fits in perfectly with Izzy and Darby. Speaking of which, Soules cracked me up totally voicing this character who has no problem breaking parole with her skills in three-object bomb making. Calm, cool and collected – I love Darby.

Aduba as Hawthorne knows Lightyear better than anyone which irritates Buzz to no end. Yet, he truly cares for his friend. The messages she leaves keeps her presence in the film that causes a few teary-eyed moments.

Other cast include Mary McDonald-Lewis as IVAN, Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Bill Hader as Featheringhamstan, Efren Ramirez as Diaz, Keira Hairston as young Izzy and James Brolin as Zurg.

Pixar has produced twenty-six feature films beginning with TOY STORY in 1995. Earning twenty-three Academy Awards, ten Golden Globe Awards and eleven Grammy Awards just to name a few. They are responsible for beloved family films such as FINDING NEMO, THE INCREDIBLES, RATATOUILLE, WALL-E, UP, BRAVE, INSIDE OUT and SOUL. For more about Pixar please visit www.pixar.com.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

There is really a risk in taking a beloved character and try to bring him more ‘real’ to viewers. Most of us know Buzz Lightyear as a straight forward Space Ranger with a mission that is clear from the moment he is turned on. He is also the yin to Woody’s yang making it hard to see one without the other.

That being said, it did take me a bit to fall into the story LIGHTYEAR is trying to tell but it happened. What Disney and Pixar did was fill the screen with sounds, sayings and hints of the Buzz we came to know in 1995. I truly believe that is what brought the audience around. I heard the giggle, ‘ohhhh’s and laughter remembering and accepting – and all from the adults.

LIGHTYEAR is a fantastic family film that I truly believe is fun adventure and humor. Yes, it is a little intense sometimes but once the action roles and the story unfolds, everything comes together wonderfully. The animation is fantastic but then again, we are talking the stellar collaboration with Disney and Pixar.

In the end – to infinity and beyond!

The Friendship of BRIAN AND CHARLES

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jim Archer and Focus Features is an unusual story of friendship that is all about BRIAN AND CHARLES.

In the grey quiet valley of North Wales lives Brian (David Earl), an unusual gentleman living alone spending his days tinkering. Inventing a little of this and a little of that, he never really gets down when an idea does not exactly succeed. Embracing life with a good sense of humor, Brian lives one day at a time.

Then, after pilfering through things on the side of the road, he gets an idea – to create a robot! In no time, standing before him is a seven-foot-tall robot with a square midsection, one blue eye and a mannequin head. None of this seems out of the ordinary to Brian, what does is that his creation does not wake up when he flicks the switch.

Oh well, Brian moves on and after spending the day taking care of errands, he returns home in time for a thunderstorm. He quickly discovers that the robot is very much alive! Deciding he likes the name ‘Charles’, Brian discovers what his new friend is capable of. Charles (Chris Hayward) walks, talks and is very curious.

Spending plenty of time together, Charles then wants to go outside the boundaries Brian has set for him and the boxy creation is not happy. Challenging Brian at every turn, Charles almost sounds like a rebellious teen. Then Hazel (Louise Brealey) enters their lives, and she gets to experience Charles and Brian together. So does the local bully Eddie (Jamie Michie) and his equally bullying family.

Deciding THEY want Charles, a show-down that has been a long-time coming pits man against, well, Charles!

Earl as Brian is just about as comfortable with himself as any character I have seen in quite a while. He sees the world in a special way and does not apologize for it, nor should he. The townsfolk accept it (given one particular family) and when Charles comes along, everything in his life seems to open up more enjoyment. Earl is so charming in this role that is becomes impossible not to want every happy ending ever for him. Well done, Earl!

Hayward as Charles is delightful, stubborn, loving, testy and brooding at times. Oh wait, that sounds exactly like my kids when they were teenagers! That’s probably what made me laugh the most about Charles, as he goes through his stages, as a mom, I recognize every one of them. One thing is clear, Charles loves Brian when most would say it is impossible for a ‘machine’ to love. Charles can change their minds easily, well done Hayward.

Brealy as Hazel is sweet, sensitive, shy, supportive and so in love with Brian. She does not seem to flinch one bit when she meets Charles, just accepts that whatever makes Earl happy is alright with her. She immediately after becomes the female figure in Charles’ life and he could have had a better one.

Michie as Eddie is just the town bully who refuses to grow up. His antics are mean and dangerous, and it does not help that his family encourages it. Now, that being said, well done when a character can make me yell at the screen!

Other cast include Nina Sosanya as Pam, Lynn Hunter as Winnie, Lowri Izzard as Katrina, Mari Izzard as Suki, Cara Chase as June, Rishi Nair as Stephen, Colin Bennett as Arthur and Nicholas Asbury as Stu.

Director Archer says of the film, “You need to believe in their relationship and that Charles is more than a mannequin’s head stuck onto a washing machine. Once we achieved this, then I think the comedy takes care of itself.”

Hoping to take something away from with film, Earl as Brian says, “I just hope we trick the audience into believing Charles is a robot and not just Chris Hayward standing in a box. Hopefully they fall in love with this bizarre little due, and all the other broken little characters in the film.”

Hayward says about his role of Charles, “There are several themes running through the film; loneliness, friendship, love and loss. But it’s mainly about the journey of a ridiculous man and a ridiculous robot.”

BRIAN AND CHARLES was written by both Earl and Hayward which makes it especially magical that these two brought their thoughts to a script and then to screen so beautifully. Without the outside world involved in the beginning, a chance for these two characters to explore their small piece of the world is important. The end result, without spoiling it, say everything about small town living.

This is one of the kindest films in that their relationship can not be defined. They both are who they are and that, ladies and gentlemen, is absolutely everything.

In the end – some friendships are built to last!

She is the FIRESTARTER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available on Digital and coming to Bluray and DVD from director Keith Thomas and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment based on a Stephen King novel is FIRESTARTER.

Andy (Zac Efron) and Vicky (Sydney Lemmon) are raising their young girl Charlie (Ryan Armstrong) in a bit of isolation. That is because when Charlie was a baby, she showed the powers pyrokinesis. That is not a surprise as dad Andy has the power of telepathy and mom Vicky is telekinetic being part of a chemical drug experiment years before.

Trying to evade those looking for them and that includes John Rainbird (Michael Greyeyes) so Vicky stays home, and Andy works as many paid gigs as he can get using a bit of his powers for cash. Charlie is at school, but she is not quite fitting in and when something upsets, her powers shake to her core.

That sets off alarms for Captain Jane Hollister (Gloria Reuben) who is helping Dr. Wanless (Kurtwood Smith) find Andy, Vicky and Charlie. After their home is invaded, Andy and Charlie have no choice but to go on the road and try to stay one step ahead of capture.

Yet Charlie learns what happened to her parent and why they want her so badly. They think dealing with the young girl will be easy, they do not know Charlie!

Efron as Andy gets to be a strong father for Charlie and would do anything to protect her. It is hard explain what happened and the consequences to the young girl but once they are on the run, Charlie gets it. We now live in the realm where Efron gets to play a dad – when did that happen? That being said, he played it well.

Armstrong as Charlie is a young girl trying to fit in and not quite understanding why she is the way she is. As her powers grow, controlling them becomes difficult and frightening for her. Relying on her father to guide her, there comes a moment when it is all on her and Armstrong gives it with fire and rage.

Greyeyes as Rainbird is on a mission to find Charlie and is going to do whatever it takes to make that happen, even the worse thing he can. Lemmon as Vicky lives day to day wondering when they will be discovered and what will happen to her young daughter.

Reuben as Hollister has a mean streak and does not hesitate to use her force but in a calm manner that is just as disturbing. Nothing worse than a twisted woman on a mission. Smith as Dr. Wanless tries to present himself as caring about Andy and Charlie but you only have to see him for two seconds to know his goals are self-serving and destructive.

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 Alternative Ending, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Gag Reel, A Kinetic Energy, Spark a Fire, Igniting FIRESTARTER, Power Struggle and Feature Commentary with Director Keith Thomas.

FIRESTARTER is a creation of Stephen King from his novel by the same name written in 1980. Nominated for many awards, the novel was turned into a screenplay that landed in theatres first in 1984 with a very young actress named Drew Barrymore.

This updated version still embraces the relationship between Charlie and her father and the evil that is trying to destroy them. That is the heart of the story, and it keeps that momentum going.

In the end – embrace the fire within!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to streaming exclusively on HULU from director Sophie Hyde and Searchlight Pictures is a stellar piece of storytelling with GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE.

Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson) is a retired schoolteacher and widow who is about to grade herself outside the classroom. In a hotel room she anxious awaits a knock at the door. On the other side is the very young and handsome Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) who enters the hotel room with a smile.

As their conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Leo is a sex worker and Nancy is his newest client. Sitting down to get comfortable, Nancy begins rattling off her sexual ‘to-do’ list of things she has always wanted to do. Her nervousness is skyrocketing as she tries to talk herself into things as well as talking herself out of them.

Leo is very patient and shares his wit and humor with her trying to get Nancy to just relax. The only thing that seems to work is to just let the words flow. She talks about herself, where she has been, married life, children and her life since. Making it clear this would be their only meeting, Nancy does not keep her word.

They meet again and their conversations become even more intense as Nancy has questions and Leo is good at working around the answers. Each meeting becomes more intense as the reality and fantasy lines begin to blur and a line is crossed.

Nancy discovers who she truly is, and Leo discovers forgiveness and maybe even understanding like he has never known before.

Thompson as Nancy may have just found a character that is more real and relatable than anything I have ever seen on film. As Nancy, the viewer is given the thoughts, impressions, insecurities, humor, truths and realities of what is under the clothing of this older woman. Her story made me laugh, tear up, laugh some more, nod in agreement and wonder if writer Katy Brand has been secretly living in my head all these years. Watching Thompson’s ‘Nancy’ unravel is a marvel and I plan to watch this film again.

McCormack as Leo is clear on what he does for a living and does not offer any apologies to anyone. What he does do from the beginning is gently challenge everything Nancy has known with humor and patience. McCormack gives his character an ease that, at first, made me a tad uncomfortable but the more Leo spoke, the more I went along for the, well, ride! McCormack is just pure delight from start to finish and I cannot imagine anyone else playing opposite Thompson for this story.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand television and movies. The platform gives viewers instant access to current shows, libraries of hit television series and film as well as Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Act. For more of what Hulu has to offer please visit www.hulu.com.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE will now be forever on my list of films that should be seen again and again. It should also be talked about, and the word spread to ‘women of a certain age’. Thompson grasps that part of the story and gives us every range of human emotion about issues that seem to still not be addressed.

Her body insecurities top the list and by the end of the film if you are not cheering for Nancy and Thompson then you do not understand the character at all. Watching Nancy unwrap her life in front of a total stranger, she brings out the life that has gone past and the need to experience it all. I am not only speaking of the sex, but of the connection, not necessarily that of Leo but Nancy connecting to herself.

In the midst of Nancy’s journey, Leo is also dealing with issues that he has managed to hide from his own family. McCormack exudes charm and wit, but he also let’s slip occasionally Leo’s own insecurities. Watching these two strangers bring out the craziness in each other is just a firework display of brilliance.

Being the only two characters for 99.9% of the film is an undertaking for any film but Thompson and McCormack make it look effortless. Shot in a hotel room that looks like every other hotel room allows the viewer to never be distracted by literally anything. Instead, the focus remains on Nancy, Leo and why they are in the hotel room.

Of course, from the get-go, the main reason they are meeting is clear, but this story is about so much more. Thank you Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack for the love, laughter, tears and realties because we all have a story to tell.

Director Hyde has stepped into territory that does not get enough light and that is a woman of a certain age believing that there is nothing left when the wife and mother duties are done as well as our bodies hiding in shame instead of exploring love. The expectation that a woman’s worth diminishes with age gets a swift kick in the grade book once Nancy takes ahold of her life. The final scene is something to be cherished forever.

Just a beautiful, beautiful film.

In the end – it is about waking up every part of our being!

FATHER STU

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Rosalind Ross and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of the most unexpected change of life for FATHER STU.

Living in Montana in the 80’s, amateur boxer Stu Long (Mark Wahlberg) has a quick wit and a serious ego problem. No one knows that better than Mom Kathleen (Jacki Weaver) who seems to always be rescuing her son from trouble. She is good at it considering her life and marriage to Stu’s estranged father Bill (Mel Gibson).

All of this is caused by a rift between Stu, Mom and Dad when his younger brother died breaking the family apart. After a recent boxing match, Stu learns he should not be fighting anymore. That’s when he gets the bright idea to move to Southern California getting a job at a grocery store hoping it will get him discovered as an actor.

All it gets him is time in jail! Back at the grocery store, Stu meets Carmen (Teresa Ruiz) and is instantly smitten. Learning she is a Sunday school teacher; he finds himself at church and even agrees to be baptized. Getting an apartment and cleaning up his life, Stu gets a chance to do an infomercial. Having a drink, a stranger tells Stu not to ride his motorcycle home.

Ignoring the stranger, he heads out and crashes into a car and run over by another leaving him close to death. While lying in the street, Stu sees a beautiful angelic woman who says he will not die. At the hospital, and close to death, Mom, Dad and even Carmen come to help him recover.

When he and Carmen get closer, the young woman has no idea what has come to Stu. He believes that the call has come, and that Stu must enter the priesthood, which is not exactly what Carmen wanted to hear. Having to convince Monsignor Kelly (Malcolm McDowell) to allow him into the seminary, he also has to prove himself to friends Jacob (Cody Fern) and Ham (Aaron Moten).

Reaching out into a community in the only way Stu knows how, people listen to him. Maybe it is in the way he says it or maybe it is that he truly believes in change, but people listen. One day while playing basketball with friends, Stu literally falls ill only to discover he has inclusion body myositis, a rare disease.

And with that, the church decides that perhaps his illness is not conducive to being a priest. Like his whole life – he has to prove himself right for the job!

Wahlberg as Stu is a Tasmanian devil whirling through one thing after another and all destructive. Trying to get through the guilt of his younger brother and the estranged relationship with his father, it is Mom that tries to keep it all together. Wahlberg uses his fast wit speaking and edgy charm to bring Stu and Father Stu to life.

Weaver as Mom Kathleen has been dealing with both father and son for so many years that she seems to take it all in stride. Supporting her son in whatever idea he comes up with for his life, she takes it all in stride and in motherly love. Weaver is just so darn versatile that she can go from sweetly threatening a character to just being sweet period.

Gibson as Dad Bill has his own demons, and he certainly does not have a problem expressing himself. That makes the saying “apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” believable between father and son. Supporting his son is not something Bill does well as they have been at odds for so long that neither but, things are about to change. Gibson gives the gruff older guy with the sprinkles of sarcasm and father-son exchanges his best shot.

Ruiz as Carmen is a young woman who has a strong faith and wants Stu to share in that. She does not quite expect the turn of events in their lives yet still remains strong in her friendship with Stu. Ruiz in this character is so sweet and strong. Moten as Ham becomes the spiritual friend Stu needs along with Fern as Jacob.

McDowell as Monsignor Kelly does not believe in Stu when they first meet but follows him with interest. Feeling as if he is a lost cause, it becomes clear that this particular lost cause has found something important for his life. I am thrilled to see McDowell in the film.

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.

Bonus Materials include You Don’t Know Stu: More About Father Stuart Long and Over 10 Minutes of Deleted Scenes.

FATHER STU is an inspirational film based on the life of Stuart Ignatius Long. A football player in his younger years, Long became a Golden Gloves heavyweight and graduated Carroll College with a degree in English Lit and Writing. This film is only a small glimpse into his journey from regular guy to Father Stu.

The film’s story moves about as fast as Wahlberg’s delivery of his lines. It is a journey of constantly seeking but never quite understanding why things did not work out. It took a slide on the asphalt for the most unusual calling comes to Stu Long.

Even though his friends and family might not have understood the path he was taking, he did not seem to need it. The path was clear, and nothing was going to stop Stu from following the call.

In the end – God wanted a fighter and He found one!