AINBO: Spirit of the Amazon

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD, Digital and On-Demand from directors Joe Zelada, Richard Claus and Shout! Factory Kids is the tale of AINBO: Spirit of the Amazon.

Hidden deep in the jungle of the Amazon, Ainbo (Lola Raie) is a 13-year-old-girl who wants nothing more than to be the best huntress for her tribe. Zumi (Naomi Serrano) is her best friend and is about to be crowned the Queen of the Candamo civilization.

Caught in her own favorite tree trap, spirit guides Dillo the armadillo and Vaca the tapir who tell Ainbo that they are Zumi’s spirit guides. She is going to need them as the curse of Yacuruna seems to be taking over the jungle. Trying to gift them to Zumi, Dillo (Dino Andrade) and Vaca (Joe Hernandez) don’t show up and it causes the tribe to think she is lying.

Chuni (Alejandra Gollas), who takes care of the girls, causes Ainbo to run away with the nasty Atok (Rene Mujica) chasing them running into the westerner Cornell DeWitt (Thom Hoffman). In the forest, the two spirits tell her that Motelo Mama (Susana Ballesteros) the turtle can help with the quest that she is now on and talks more about Ainbo’s favorite tree. From there she finds the sloth spirit Pelejo (Rico Sola) who gives her another item on her journey to a volcano.

Coming back to the tribe, Ainbo finds that Atok and Zumi are in the company of DeWitt who promises to cure the illness of the people and land in exchange for gold. Calling upon her mother Lizeni (Yeni Alvarez), two who are against one another become one in the fight for the people of Candamo!

Raie as the voice of Ainbo gives the young girl all the emotions of a 13-year-old. She is insecure, unsure but loves her tribe and best friend Zumi. Willing to take on the journey that could save them all from destruction, she embraces all the danger with a bravery she did not know she possessed.

Serrano as the voice of Zumi may not have started out a queen but quickly let it be known she knows what to do for Ainbo and her people. Trying to understand the outlander, it becomes clear what he wants because they don’t see gold in the same way. Mujica as Atok has his own personal issues and they constantly get in the way of doing the right thing.

Andrade as Dillo and Hernandez as Vaca are wonderful companions to Ainbo on their journey. They try to help the best they can but sometimes manage to get into more chaos but it all works out for the best.

Other cast include Gerardo Prat as Conibo and Bernardo De Paula as Huarinka.

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.

DVD Bonus Features include special Featurette About the Making of AINBOW: SPIRIT OF THE AMAZON and the Music Video.

Directors Zelada and Claus previously worked in the film THE LITTLE VAMPIRE with this film being the first animated film from the Tunche Films in Miraflores. The story itself was written by Jose Zelada. Bringing in Claus from the Amsterdam Cool Beans Studio created a collaboration between Peru and the Netherlands. The added history of AINBO is that the Zelada family lived near the Amazon Basin in the 80’s and they listened to local stories of the rain forest.

An official selection of the 2021 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and recently nominated for Best Feature, Best Sound Design and Best Original Music at the Ibero-American animation Quirino Awards in Madrid. AINBOW: Spirit of the Amazon smashed the box office in Spain and garnered international box office successes in France, Australia, New Zealand and Central America.

AINBO: Spirit of the Amazon is a colorful, exciting and wonderful film that tells a story of what is truly important to this young girl. With no concern for her own safety, she tackles every obstacle in front of her to keep moving forward to find the answer. That answer is what will save her people and repair old wounds she didn’t even know surrounded her.

The friendship between Ainbo, Dillo and Vaca are just priceless and necessary, especially when the two girls find themselves at odds over what to believe about a stranger in their midst. New alliances are made because nothing has changed for Ainbo who will do anything to stop the chaos and the destruction headed towards her village.

In the end – it is a wild jungle adventure!

Get Ready to Dine to THE MENU

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Mark Mylod and Searchlight Pictures is the tasty and delectable food on THE MENU.

On a beautiful island, a very special dining experience with Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) awaits invited guests. Arriving on the dock are food critic Lillian (Janet McTeer) and Ted (Paul Adelstein), a movie star (John Leguizamo) who loves to drop names and his assistant Felicity (Aimee Carrero), Richard (Reed Birney) and wife Anne (Judith Light), and business buddies Bryce (Rob Yang), Soren (Arturo Castro) and Dave (Mark St. Cry).

Finally, foodie groupie Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) and date Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) follow the group led by Elsa (Hong Chau). Explaining the surroundings of how the menu is created for the Hawthorne, it is clear that the staff is devoted to Chef Slowick. Led into the dining room, the group is served wine as they wait for the chef to appear.

When he does, he explains that the courses are special and have meaning. From molecular gastronomy to art on a plate, Chef Slowick wants his guests to taste everything. That is when Elsa whispers to the chef that Margot is a guest not on the original list. That upsets the him as he explains each part of the experience was perfectly planned and, Margot is not eating the food in front of her.

Tyler is jealous that the chef wants to speak to her and not him but is not going to let that stop him from enjoying the plates put before him. As the evening progresses and the wine flows, the truth of their dining experience becomes clearer than a wine glass!

Fiennes as Slowik gives a performance that is deliberate, controlled and knowledgeable. Even when you think he is going to lose control, he diverts to a story that should tell the guests everything. Fiennes is just a plate of perfection in this role and is the straight man to the last frame of the film. I just adore this performance from him.

Taylor-Joy as Margot is just a strong mysterious character who is not afraid of saying what she thinks or standing her ground. Even as she comes face to face with the chef, Margot does not back down as her part in all this expands more and more. Taylor-Joy meets his control word for word and even her panic is controlled and it is powerful.

Hoult as Tyler is just that guy who is so drawn into being a foodie groupie that he blocks out everything else that is happening. Upset with Margot that she does not share in his obsession, he looks forward to each plate with tunnel vision. Hoult gives it his all and although irritating at moments, his character has a purpose.

Bloom and Adelstein are so precocious that its hilarious and proves that having an opinion can be, well, dangerous. Leguizamo and Carrero have their own boss/employee issues with each other as the name dropper has his own confessions to make. Birney and Light are a couple that has spent a lot of time at Hawthorne dining and its time to pay the check.

Yang, Castro and Cyr are three men who have their own secrets that will take flight right before their eyes.

A big mad respect shout-out to Chau as Elsa because I loved ever minute she was on screen. This character is not afraid of anything or anyone and has no problem saying ‘no’. The scene when the three business men try to bread-bully Elsa, she says with a straight face ‘no’, I broke out laughing. Chau is stunning!

Other cast include Christina Brucato as Katherine, Peter Grosz as the Sommelier, Adam Aalderks as Jeremy, Jon Paul Allyn as the Boat Waiter and Rebecca Koon as Linda.

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.

THE MENU is nothing short of a plate full of perfection, it is deliciously phuged-up and I could not get enough of it. Keeping the cast in one room 99% of the time is brilliantly done and as Fiennes character controls every aspect, it is thrilling to watch how each character begins to crack around the edges and Taylor-Joy matching wits with the chef.

Those in the kitchen also have a part to play and are the raw characters. They are dedicated to the chef and they seem detached from everything that is happening. Focused on making delicious and intricate food, you hardly ever see them looking into the dining room. It was actually kind of freaky and disturbing but I loved it as well.

The plates of food served are stunningly beautiful but, like Margot, is probably not something I would eat. That makes her character relatable on so many non-conformist levels. The last plate served was exactly my cup of flower-tea sizzling with no pretentiousness or fan-fare.

Vague enough? Of course this is, why would I give away the best parts of the film when THE MENU is waiting to serve you as well. I am just going to let my palate savor every drop of what Chef Slowik served up and keep his secret recipes for everyone else to discover.

In the end – wonderful surprises wait you all!

They Take the BONES AND ALL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Luca Guadagnino and MGM is the love story with BONES AND ALL.

It is the Regan years and Maren (Taylor Russell) is a young woman living a secluded life. Dad Frank (Andre Holland) is doing all he can to protect the girl from the world. Coaxed to go against her father’s wishes, Maren starts to stretch her teen-legs. Sneaking out one night to hang out with girlfriends turns disastrous and the duo can only run out of town.

In the morning, Maren discovers Frank is gone leaving her with a birth certificate, a few dollars and some tapes. She decides it is time to go find the mother she never knew. At the bus stop, Maren meets Sully (Mark Rylance), and discovers that she is not the only person with her, shall we say, condition.

Sully shares things with Maren that surprises her. The behavior that drives her are considered normal to Sully and nothing to be ashamed of. After a night of feasting, Maren realizes she needs to go – and quickly.

At her next stop she meets Lee (Timothee Chalamet) and is even more shocked at his openness and finding someone else like her in such a short amount of time. The make a connection as they feed when they can and drive down the country’s back roads toward Maren’s mother. When Maren discovers that Sully is not far behind, things begin to come unraveled and that is never where Frank intended for his daughter to end up and a mother’s love has boundaries.

Russell as the young Maren is absolutely riveting to watch. Not quite understanding the world, it is the secrets that are what make it difficult for this character to survive it all. She is trusting and yet pensive, angry yet confused to just wanting to live some semblance of a free life without fear. Even with a father, this character basically raised herself in many ways. As Maren learns about her condition, she becomes more aware of the dangers. Russell captures and exudes every spectrum of emotion and yet it is all so subtle that it quietly screams out to be noticed.

Chalamet as Lee is laid back casual with his own past he is dealing with. Not accepted by his own family, he keeps moving on down the road. Finding Maren, he now has something and someone else to focus on, even if they tiff a tad. Chalamet makes not excuses for who he is and tries to share that with Maren who is still learning to accept it all. Chalamet’s gives his character charisma (which I’m assuming is necessary for their condition) and non-apologetic for anything he does. Yet, something comes out in Lee the longer he is with Maren.

Rylance as Sully – oh my gosh, I’m ready to hand him awards, I don’t care which ones. I’ll make one if I have to! The character of Sully is slow, deliberate, eerie, needy, and informative. Speaking about his performance I was telling a friend that it is ingenious that as Sully, Rylance has once again shown why he one of the best actors of our time even though he freaked me out. At the same time, my granddaughter sees him as the 2016 loveable BFG (Big Friendly Giant)! That is the diversity of Rylance. As Sully, he states his case to Maren and then skulks into the background and I mentally beg him to get back on the screen.

Shout out to Michael Stuhlbarg as Jake for making me hold my breath. Your beer talking back woods screeching behavior will have me forever shook!

Other cast include Madeleine Hall as Him, Sean Bridgers as Barry, Anna Cobb as Kayla, Kendle Coffey as Sherry, Ellie Parker as Jackie, David Green as Brad, Jessica Harper as Barbara Kerns, Burgess Byrd as Gail and Chloe Sevigny as Janelle.

MGM is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television across all platforms. Owning one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content and is home to two of the longest-running and most successful film franchise in cinematic history with JAMES BOND and ROCKY. For more please visit www.mgm.com.

As of this writing, the Venice Film Festival as awarded Taylor Russell with Best Actress with the Marcello Mastroianni Award, Best Director Silver Lion to Luca Guadagnino and nominated for the Best Film Golden Lion for director Guadagnino. The Gotham Awards has nominated Mark Rylance for Outstanding Supporting Performance and nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance for Taylor Russell and UA/MGM.

The Hollywood Music in Media Awards gives a nominee nod to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for Best Original Song – Feature Film with ‘(You Made It Feel Like) Home’. Reznor is a member of the band Nine Inch Nails and took his music into films such as NATURAL BORN KILLERS, LOST HIGHWAY, THE SOCIAL NETWORK and THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.

Director Guadagnino says, “There is something about the disenfranchised, about people living on the margins of society that I am drawn towards and touched by. I love these characters. The heart of the movie is tender and affectionate towards them. I am interested in their emotional journeys. I want to see where the possibilities lie for them, enmeshed within the impossibility they face. The movie is for me a meditation on who I am and how I can overcome what I feel, especially if it is something I cannot control in myself. And lastly, and most importantly, when will I be able to find myself in the gaze of the other?”

BONES AND ALL is an intense story but with so many different layers. It is a story of a young girls search for who she is and where she belongs, it is a story of being different, it is a story of stranger-danger, it is a story of abandonment and so much more. Even if you took out one of the elements, the story would still hold together.

That being said, it is, well, a feast for the eyes also on several levels. The issue of cannibalism is a huge distraction from the other issues that each of the characters have but it is part of who they are. After a few jaw drops, I winced a bit but my jaw stayed in place as the film went on. I began to understand that as with most unusual things human beings do to each other, Maren and Lee do not shy away but instead keep pushing forward.

I loved this film on so many levels as well and the acting is so damn stellar. Watching BONES AND ALL again is something that I have to do because I want to understand even more about the direction Guadagnino takes these characters without the shock factor intruding. The cast has brought a story that is complex, complicated and worth every moment of big screen time.

In the end – it is a masticating love story!

 

He Survives THE INSPECTION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Elegance Bratton and A24 is the story of survival and acceptance from THE INSPECTION.

Ellis French (Jeremy Pope) is trying to find his place in life. He decides that the U.S. Marine Corps may be the answer of finding a path forward. Going to mom Inez (Gabrielle Union), he is met with a brick wall as she makes it clear that he had better come back straightened out. Parris Island, South Carolina is where French lands for boot camp.

Almost immediately, it seems that the instructor, Leland Laws (Bokeem Woodbine) has it out for French. Boot camp is tough enough for all the new recruits but Laws takes advantage. Keeping his hands clean, Laurence Harvey (McCaul Lombardi) becomes the person to especially watch out for.

Aware of what is happening, Rosales (Raul Castillo) tries to intervene when things become dangerous. Instead of running away, French tries to help fellow recruit Ismail (Eman Esfandi) who is dealing with his own abuses.

Taking it day by day, French begins to not only find his voice, but the strength to stand. When the voice of dissent comes, it is his brothers who stand with him as well.

Pope as French is a young man torn up by the streets. Living on his own since he was 16 and disconnected from his mother, the state of the world leads him to the Marines. Pope gives the performance of a man that has lived in fear and uncertainty.

Union as Inez is a character that is just distasteful in every aspect of being a human being. That has to be a tough role for Union to play knowing there would be that reaction but her performance embraced all the ugly in Inez and she went for it.

Woodbine as Laws is what you would expect from an instructor in boot camp. That being said, he goes far beyond the yelling, screaming and insulting into a dangerous zone. Woodbine’s performance is straight forward and straight-faced during scenes where my jaw was dropping. Well done.

Castillo as Rosales knows that Laws is crossing the lines in so many ways and tries to be the buffer between the boot camp life and that line. That is a difficult place as he has issues of his own that are coming to the surface. Esfandi as Ismail is stereotyped by Laws and uses that to the point of breaking his spirit. It is heartbreaking to watch which translates into a very good performance.

Lombardi as Harvey seems to enjoy being the mini-Laws. He shows no sympathy or emotion to what he is doing and who he is doing it to. Harvey is the definition of absolute power corrupts absolutely and Lombardi holds nothing back as this character.

Other cast includes Nicholas Logan as Brooks, Andrew Kai as Label, Aubrey Joseph as Boles, Wynn Reichert as Chaplain, Eddie Plaza as Bam Bam, Tyler Merritt as Shamus, Steve Mokate as Col. Casey and Aaron Dominguez as Castro.

A24 is an independent entertainment company that specializes in film and television production based in New York City. Films such as A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE MIND OF CHARLES SWAN III, the amazing EX MACHINA, ROOM and THE WITCH. Many of their films can be found on DirecTV Cinema and Amazon Prime. For more information, please visit www.a24films.com.

The Chicago International Film Festival nominated Elegance Bratton for Best Feature and Gold Q-Hugo, the Gotham Awards also nominated Elegance Bratton for the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award and Outstanding Supporting Performance by Gabrielle Union. The Montclair Film Festival gives Bratton the award for Breakthrough Director & Writer and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival gives the Virtuoso Award to Jeremy Pope.

THE INSPECTION is a story of struggle, pain, love, loss, and the journey of finding a path and French gives the heart-tugging performance needed to make the story work. Union’s character is still just a reminder of so many people’s beliefs to the point of hurting family. I know people like Inez and watching this character is just so painful.

Woodbine and Castillo remind me of Sgt. Barnes and Sgt. Elias from the 1986 film PLATOON. That being destruction vs. understanding and although one could say that instructors are always like this, even Castillo’s character of Rosales knows the line may be thin but there is a line and Laws puts just one toe over it to meet his own need for control.

Through the struggle is the constant search for acceptance, especially when it can’t be found from French’s own flesh and blood. That internal part of this character is that he slowly begins to see his own self worth and that is everything.

In the end – it is a struggle for one man’s life!

 

They Are Caught in THE AMBUSH

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from director Pierre Morel, Saban Films and Well Go USA is the pain and war with THE AMBUSH.

It is 2018 and the Yemen War has United Arab Emirates Armed Forces at their base on Mocha and preparing for a mission. It is a routine patrol through rugged terrain as Ali Al-Mismari (Marwan Abdulla Saleh), Bilal Al Saadi (Khalifa Al Jassem) and Al Hindasi (Mohammed Ahmed) ride down the road keeping an eye out.

The hills are filled with rebels who would like nothing better than to take down a Humvee. When their truck hits an IED, the barrage of weaponry rains down on their truck. There is no way for the men to get out and their vehicle cannot continue to take hits. As the rebels get closer to their vehicle, they have no choice but to get out.

Radioing out the ambush, drones are sent in to see where the rebels are hiding but sending in choppers to help is going to take time. Other vehicles arrive and are ambushed as well sending the soldiers into survival mode until more help can arrive. They do their duty with their family on their minds but this is what they are trained for!

Other cast include Mansoor Alfeeli as Col. Jamal Al Khatri, Khalifa Albahri as Al Sayari, Ibrahim Almusharaakh as Mansoor, Hassan Yousuf as Abdulla Alblooshi, Abdullah Bin Heider as Col. Almazouri, Salem Altamimi as Sgt. Salem, Saeed AlHarsh as Captain Saeed Al Shehhi and Ghanim Nasser as the Rebel Leader.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

The Bonus Features include English Language Available and Trailer.

THE AMBUSH is a powerful film in that we usually see stories about American soldiers in wars. This is an opportunity to experience war from the view of the UAE soldiers and the intensity of emotion. Hearing them speak about their families and see their friendships is so important because it brings us closer to understanding the complexities from another point of view.

At the same time, the film brings the shock of what war brings and the cost of human life. The anger that brings such violence is not just a United States problem, it is a world-wide problem and war is not the solution. THE AMBUSH has a high anxiety level that stayed that way to the last.

The story is written by Brandon Birtell of FURIOUS 7 fame and Kurtis Birtell responsible for MEDAL OF HONOR. THE AMBUSH is the highest grossing Arabic-language film from the United Arab Emirates. Director Morel says, “The feedback we have received from audiences across the UAE has been overwhelming and I am so proud to have been a part of this fantastic project. I hope audiences continue to resonate with this inspirational story of brotherhood.”

In the end – they will bring their brothers home by any means necessary!

They Come Together in AMSTERDAM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from 20^th Century Studios and director David O. Russell is the trio from AMSTERDAM.

It is 1918 and Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale) is off to fight in France during World War I and there he meets his soon to be best friend Harold Woodsman (John David Washington). When both are seriously wounded, they are taken care of by Valerie Voze (Margot Robbie) who has a strange penchant for collecting shrapnel from wounded soldiers.

Making their way to Amsterdam, they all spend time together until Burt goes home to New York City and becomes a doctor. Eventually, Harold follows to become a respected lawyer in the same city. Time passes and both men have their own practices which brings Harold to call upon his friend Burt to find out what killed their regimental commander, Bill Meekins. It is his daughter Elizabeth (Taylor Swift) who wants the answers.

Irma St. Clair (Zoe Saldana) helps Burt discover what could have happened and then chaos breaks loose. Now Burt and Harold are suspected of murder! Both men begin to look for answers to clear their names and it shocks them leading to Valerie! Her brother Tom (Rami Malek) and his wife Libby (Anya Taylor-Joy) who worries that his sister might have mental health issues.

Explaining their predicament, Tom suggests they seek out General Gil Dillenbeck (Robert De Niro) who knew Meekins. Inviting him to speak at the veteran’s gala, Burt and Harold are hoping that those responsible for everything will unknowingly reveal themselves.

Now comes the fast past unraveling as a hitman is after them, the Council of Five is a mystery, there is a secret meeting at the Waldorf Astoria and a plot to removed the President of the United States is met with a gala of beautiful people planning heinous things.

Things were quieter in Amsterdam!

Bale as Burt is afraid of what his wife will think of his injuries when they first happen but also knows that after spending time in Amsterdam, it is time to go home. Becoming a doctor is a way he can help his fellow man, even if he can’t be helped. Bale is a tad scary looking in this role but that starts to fade away when the character just wants to clear his name. Oh, there is the occasional eye thing to remind us of his frailties but his mind works just fine.

Washington as Harold equally wants to help people and knows he can always rely on his friend Burt for help. He doesn’t realize that his latest need for it will cause them both to be on the run! Washington gives us a solid character who knows his heart and is equally as quick as his mind takes it all in and pieces it together.

Robbie as Valerie loves both of the men but in love with just one. She helps them start their lives and fades into obscurity, or so both men thought. Once they realize who she is, Valerie wants to help and if it means being a little nutty doing it then – so be it. We know Robbie can do crazy and it works.

Taylor-Joy as Libby is just as mean as she wants to be under the guise of a caring sister-in-law. Personally, I would have knocked her down a peg or two with a hammer but that’s just me. Saldana as St. Clair helps Burt but keeps her feelings to herself. She is calm, cool and collected which Burt sometimes is not.

Malek as brother Tom is a smooth character and keeps his gentlemanly like composure, well, 99% of the time anyway. De Niro as Dillenbeck is another cool cucumber who wants the answers as to who is responsible for the death of his friend Meekins. He will go along to get along but won’t be bought – period. That’s a De Niro character right there!

Other cast include Alessandro Nivola as Det. Hiltz, Andrea Riseborough as Beatrice Vanderheuvel, Chris Rock as Milton King, Matthias Schoenaerts as Det. Getwiller, Michael Shannon as Henry Norcross, Mike Myers as Paul Canterbury, Timothy Olyphant as Tarim Milfax, Beth Grant as Mrs. Dillenbeck, Casey Biggs as Augustus, Colleen Camp as Eva Ott, Leland Orser as Mr. Nevins, Tom Irwin as Mr. Belport, Dey Young as Alvelia and Ed Begley Jr. as Bill Meekins.

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.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment 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!

The Bonus Feature includes Welcome to Amsterdam – Learn How this original, witty crime epic was made. Hear from the writer/director about his process, the actors who transformed into their characters, and discover how the production created the period look of this visually spectacular film.

AMSTERDAM is a noir thriller with everything in the mix! There is forbidden love, longing, war, secrets, spies, mystery, death, chase, suspects, twists, turns and more twists and that’s probably in the first hour alone. This is a large cast of characters and each has their own part to add to the extremely large puzzle.

The humor is there and it is subtle which if you are going to do a murder mystery is as it should be. I have always been an admirer of this genre of film because, as much as the costuming and settings are an added character bonus, it is the actors who make it all happen. They create these unusual people with unusual background stories that don’t seem so unusual once it is all unraveled.

So, popcorn up and guess who done it!

In the end – let the love, murder, and conspiracy begin!

 

AMAZING GRACE: Country Stars Sing Songs of Faith and Hope

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD in this 10-disc set from Time Life is the deeply moving collection from country music’s legendary performers with AMAZING GRACE: Country Stars Sing Songs of Faith and Hope.

Growing up, country music was always playing in my childhood home. There were family roots in the south and a love of the genre of music was played with heart and soul. Along with the usual twang and heartbreak came the sweet and humble songs of faith. That is what this collection brings for me, faith and memories of childhood.

It was a woman named Fanny Crosby who would become known as the Queen of Gospel Songwriters and for good reason. In her lifetime she wrote over eight thousand hymns including Pass Me Not and Blessed Assurance. Along with Crosby, such names as Ira Sankey, Philip Bliss and Horatio Spafford, Charles McCallon Alexander, Homer Rodeheaver and the legendary Carter Family.

From Loretta Lynn to Ernie Ford, releasing gospel albums proved very successful. Johnny Cash and his distinctive voice recorded several of these albums bringing him into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The group Alabama, along with Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, B.J. Thomas, Martina McBride and Vince Gill continued the gospel tradition with successful album releases as well.

One of the most majestic places I’ve ever visited was the original Grand Ole Oprey but, there is a history behind that as well. The building was originally called the Union Gospel Tabernacle build by Captain Thomas Ryman. He found his faith from preacher Samuel Jones. The halls were once filled with the sounds of Buck Owens, Charley Pride, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner and Barbara Mandrell.

That is just the beginning of the classic and beloved songs that this collection brings home.  

Time Life continues to bring never before released anywhere classic collections of television shows for fans to revisit and remember what has made television so special. Time Life has released Mama’s Family, CPO Sharkey and The Tonight Show and they now remind of us of a time when sex and politics were up for grabs with ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN. For more of what Time Life has to offer fans of classic television visit www.timelife.com.

The Bonus Feature’s include a 36-Page Collector’s Booklet – filled with full-color photos, artist quotes and liner notes, 2 Bonus DVDs of Opry Gospel Classics – rarely seen historic performances from the archives of the Grand Ole Opry by Johnny Cash, the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, and many more.

Also, Interviews with More Than A Dozen Top Country Stars – Including Vince Gill, George Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers, Marty Stuart, Josh Turner, and more, Bonus Performances – including Alabama’s Randy Owen singing “Amazing Grace” with his mother and Marty Stuart singing “Keep on the Sunny Side” with the Carter Family.

Country music has always been a staple in my life and all the names in this collection are those of people I have grown up listening to. These songs of inspiration help families through difficult time because that is what music does, it brings hope, grace and even joy.

Each of the 10 discs contains songs of devotion like The Oak Ridge Boys singing Loving God, Loving Each Other, Alan Jackson with When We All Get to Heaven, Alabama and The Old Rugged Cross. Vince Gill Tell Me One More Time About Jesus and George Jones with Amazing Grace.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band brought their own brand of gospel to Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Gene Watson Where No One Stands Alone, Randy Travis Open the Eyes of My Heart, and Josh Turner’s How Great Thou Art can be found in this collection.

Let’s not forget the women who brought the sweet sounds of faith Loretta Lynn’s in the Garden, Connie Smith He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, Cristy Lane One Day at a Time, and Dolly Parton with My Tennessee Mountain Home.

There are 153 performances over the 10-disc collection and will be an amazing musical addition to any home entertainment library.  

In the end – it is the sound of amazing grace!