She is Protected by KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray and Digital from director Tomek Baginski and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a story of the gods and those who are KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC.

Seiya (Mackenyu) has grown up an orphan since his sister Patricia (Kaylan Teague) was kidnapped when he was a child. Clearly, she was protecting her young brother but now he wants to find out what happened to her. In the meantime, he finds himself in the fighting ring against fighter Cassios (Nick Stahl) and during their match, a strange blue light emits from him.

That’s when Seiya meets Alman Kido (Sean Bean) who tells him about ex-wife Vander Guraad (Famke Janssen) who wants to hurt the young girl Sienna (Madison Iseman) and Docrates (TJ Storm). The shock comes when Kido tells Seiya that Sienna is the reincarnation of Athena, the goddess of war to added that he is destined to become the Pegasus Knight and protect Athena.

Seiya sees what Athena can do when she becomes upset and the power of her Cosmo shows itself. Trying to take it all in, Sienna tells Seiya that he must train with Marin (Caitlin Hutson voiced by Katie Moy), the Eagle Knight, to learn how to channel his own Cosmo. When his anger gets in the way remembering who was there when Patricia is taken, the promise of the Pegasus pendant is taken away.

When Guraad learns where Sienna is, she takes Nero (Diego Tinoco), the Phoenix Knight, along and as everything seems to be falling apart around Kido, Sienna is taken. Seiya tries to fight off the remade Cassios but it is too late. Seiya, along with trusted friend Mylock (Mark Dacascos) know it is a race against time as Guraad believes the only way to save everything is with Sienna’s destruction.

Mackenyu as Seiya is a young man that is thrown into a world he can not believe exists. Hearing about the war between Kido and Guaard over Sienna/Athena, Seiya only has one thing on his mind, finding Patricia. What he doesn’t realize yet is the connection between what happened that night when he was young and what is being asked of him now. Mackenyu gives it his all and fights through the madness.

Bean as Kido realizes that protecting Sienna is the most important thing in his life, even if it means going against someone he once loved. Bean, once again, has a role that requires him to make many sacrifices. Janssen as Guarrd knows there is only one thing that can be done to stop the goddess of war and will stop at nothing to get Sienna.

Iseman as Sienna is trying to control her powers but realizes there may come a time when that isn’t possible. As her relationship with Seiya gets stronger, she makes him promise that if the powers go to far, he will do everything possible to stop her. Iseman is taking on a strong character and she plays her character well.

Stahl as Cassios also has a mission, to help Guarrd but first and foremost, he wants a piece of Seiya and won’t stop still he gets it. It is also cool to see Dacascos as Mylock, I actually love when he pops up in films and gets to show his fighting skills.

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.

Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Character Vignettes, On Set with the Stunt Team, Conceptual Art and More!

KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC gives action mixed into a complex storyline from start to finish. Once that all works itself the understanding where it is going is a smooth ride. There are some fantastic special effects from fight scenes to glowing blue wings for those who earn them.

The idea of getting all the knights together leaves the door open to expand on the storyline. That would be pretty cool as I discovered my grandkids watching the film with wide eyes and slack jaws. There is nothing better than seeing a kid enjoy a film and cheering on Seiya and Sienna to win the day.

In the end – the battle of the gods has begun!

The Memories are CRACKED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Surapong Ploensang and Film Movement comes the story of a past trauma and memories that are CRACKED.

Young widow Ruja (Chayanit Chansangavej) has been living in New York with young daughter Rachael (Nutthatcha Padovan) and now must return home to Thailand to settle her father’s estate. Begrudingly returning, she immediately tells Wichai (Sahajak Boonthanakit) to sell everything, including two strange paintings that everyone seems to want.

Wichai suggests that young artist Tim (Nichkhun) be allowed to touch up the paintings to get the best price possible. Ruja agrees making it clear she wants nothing more than to sell and get back to her life in New York. But something is happening to everyone around them and Ruja begins to see strange things.

She is not the only one as Rachel experiences forces that only want to do evil. Even Tim sees the dangers to the young girl. There is something from Ruja’s past at work here and as she tries to escape, the force is making sure she and Rachel stay. When the truth finally comes out, so does the history of Ruja’s family and it is shocking beyond belief!

Chansangavej as Ruja is a young woman in mourning and now dealing with going back home, a place that she never wanted to see again. Her very young daughter Rachael is dealing with sight issues and that take precedent over anything else. What Chansangavej’s character of Ruja didn’t grasp until it was too late is that her own childhood memories are about to prove dangerous to them both. Chansangavej’s portrayal is very well done.

Nichkhun as Tim is brought in to make repairs to a painting that seems to be taking on more cracks at time passes. Tim discovers that there is something more going on with these two valuable paintings and shares his discovery with Ruja. Nichkhun gives us a portrait of a man who cares about the strange events and may have some answers.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

CRACKED is a thriller from beginning to end with a mysterious story that isn’t about to let itself out in big doses. Instead, it twists, turns, misleads and covers up teasing the viewer to find the hidden gems on their own.

The story is unique and stellar, being a big fan of suspense, the film gave me everything and more.  A few quick inhales now and then followed by ‘oh my gosh’ whispers. Surrounded by a very dense forest and serious rain only adds to the mysterious look and feel of the story director Ploensang is trying to convey.

The cast is limited which allows for the viewer to become completely engrossed in the story without any outside interference. Moment by moment is meticulously put into place and when it all comes together – there is always a bit more, and a bit more. Even when the story is finished, it isn’t and I loved that.

Coming in at 93 minutes, it is in Thai with English subtitles but let me say this – its when you don’t hear anyone speak that you should be worried about!

In the end – a horrifying truth lay beneath the paint!

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Clocks in on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Veronique Jasin and Film Movement comes the story of a job and what is not in the job description with EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.

Ines (Jasmina Douieb) works for EcoCleanPro company for over seventeen years and today, intern Melody (Laetitia Mampaka) will be joining her in the office. 

Also in the office are Jean-Paul (Achille Ridolfi), Jean-Pierre (Christophe Bourdon), Nico (Alex Vizorek) and boss Patrick (Peter Van Den Begin) and they make sure it is known that the men dominate this company.

Anna Nilsson (Laurence Bibot) is not on the side of Ines either and that could be a problem too. As Ines learns that she is once again being turned down for a raise while everyone else gets one, she becomes more and more agitated.  The men continue to make cracks about being a woman and Ines is beginning to see red and Melody knows it.

What happens when the bitch-button is finally pushed? Well, mayhem, madness and murder – my three favorite things in a thriller.

Douieb as Inez is wonderful play the meek and quite overworked and underpaid employee of the company. However, something is slowly happening to the meek mouse and the office is about to find out how far she will go.

Mampaka as Melody is watching the change of Inez right before her eyes. She is also thoroughly disgusted by the men in the office and wonders why she tolerates it. Once boss Patrick gets his due, Melody finds herself in the middle of it all. Mampaka’s character seems to go with the flow and although a bit disturbed, it’s not enough to stop helping Inez.

More of the cast include Ingrid Heiderscheidt, Philippe Resimont, Philippe Grand’Henry, Blaise Ludik, Sebastian Moradiellos, Thomas Ancora and beloved fish Jean-Philippe VII. 

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH has become one of my favorite films of the last few years. Coming out of Belgium with French subtitles, it takes nothing away from the laughs and fun of the film adding in a dash or two of the macabre. Keeping the story within the office forces everyone to become creative in how to get away with – well, everything.

There is nothing like watching someone do what we all kind of think of doing and that’s cleaning the office up – Inez just takes it to the max. It also works out well that she knows everything about the cleaning company which fascinates Melody and cracks me up. These two actresses are stunning to watch together.

This is such originality in this strange and wonderful comedy. In looking for something unique to watch time and time again, it will be EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH. It also should be given as a Christmas gift to bosses, you know, just to let them know how to appreciate an employee.

In the end – it is time to clean up the mess!

 

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Kirk DeMicco, Faryn Pearl, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures comes the story about the teen struggles of RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN.

Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) is an unusual 16-year-old teen finding her place in the city of Oceanside. Along with mother Agatha (Toni Collette), dad Arthur (Colman Domingo) and little brother Sam (Blue Chapman), the family is hiding an interesting secret – they are kraken’s living among humans.

Almost no one takes notice, accept a suspicious Gordon Lighthouse (Will Forte) and his trusty crab. The entire high school is excited about the upcoming high school prom except Ruby because Mom has said no. Her reason? Because she doesn’t want Ruby near the water which means she won’t be able to ask crush Connor (Jaboukie Young-White).

That when best friends Margot (Liza Koshy), Bliss (Ramona Young) and Trevin (Eduardo Franco) suggest that maybe she should, well, just go. Asking Connor is the next step but chaos happens and Ruby discovers that she is a very large kraken.

Never-before-met Uncle Brill (Sam Richardson) shows up telling Agatha that their mom wants to meet Ruby. When all the family secrets come out, Ruby decides to visit Grandmamah (Jane Fonda) and discovers she is the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas and also learns about life under the sea.

She also meets Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy), a mermaid who also has a story to tell and it involves a rivalry between the kraken and mermaids. Becoming sea-besties, Chelsea suggests that rift could be healed if they could only get ahold of a special trident.

When chaos breaks out, a kraken family bands together to save those they love in a place they call home!

Condor as Gillman gives animated voice to a very sweet, charming, quirky character. Ruby tries very hard to fit in and all seems to be going well, until it doesn’t. Learning that secrets can be painful, Ruby must come to terms with the land and sea and where she fits in between the two. My granddaughter loves Ruby!

Collette as Agatha is a very ambitious real estate mom who keeps the family together. Keeping Ruby safe has been her goal but when secrets start to come out, she has no choice but to come clean. Collette gives the voice of Agatha the same voice I heard in my head when my kids were teens. Trying to stay one step ahead is exhausting but Agatha pulls it off nicely.

Fonda as Grandmamah (accent on the ‘mah’ if you please) is hilarious as the Queen Kraken. She is thrilled to see Ruby and does what she can to show her that side of the family. Ruby believed she was the only one with mom issues, its good to see that not only does mom-issues run in the family but so does solidarity.

Murphy as the wicked Chelsea came along to show Ruby what she was missing under the sea and all the fun there was to be had. Of course, her intentions are anything but fun! Richardson as Uncle Brill is that Uncle we all have and love, no matter how much mess he makes because the laughter he causes is everything.

Domingo as dad Arthur and Chapman as little brother Sam are supportive of their family and even Sam can’t help but love the family he is in. Forte as Lighthouse is on a mission to show the town that the kraken’s do exist and he’s going to get himself one.

Young-White as Connor is a teen who is more like Ruby than Ruby realizes. He is also very sweet and I was rooting for him the whole time! Young, Franco and Koshy as her loving friends Bliss, Trevin, and Margot love their very exclusive group but also find themselves expanding their world.

Other vocal cast include Nicole Byer as Janice, Echo Kellum as Doug, Juju Green as the Gym teacher and Jordan Matter as School Principal.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

Universal Pictures has an amazing film to their library. 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.

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN is an awesomely wonderful (my granddaughter Jaycie’s words) film. It grabs colorfully onto the themes of love, family, friendship, being a teen, being a different kind of teen, acceptance, and a fierce loyalty to protect all of the above.

DreamWorks has done it again creating a visually stunning animated story but, and let’s be honest, I would expect nothing less from the studio. Always in the forefront of animation, the studio also remembers what is important to fans who love their work. Creativity, a solid story, characters that become iconic and memorable, Ruby Gillman can be added to that long list.

Family film does not even begin to describe RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN. It just has everything needed to bring people into the theatres with the tub of popcorn for a really good time. Prepare to laugh, awwww, cheer and leave said theatre with a smile on your face and so much to tell friends about.

In the end – discover the hero just beneath the surface!

It Begins at DAY ZERO

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from director Joey De Guzman, writer Ays De Guzman and Well Go USA is the fight for survival that begins at DAY ZERO.

Elite soldier Emon (Brandon Vera) has been in prison for over eight years because of a mistake he made. Helping him get through it all is cell mate Timoy (Pepe Herrera) who, from time to time, gets himself in trouble with the other gangs in prison.

When parole is finally granted to Emon, he makes a quick telephone call to love Sheryl (Mary Jean Lastimosa) and young daughter Jane (Freya Fury Montiero). The phone call does not go exactly to plan and a fight in the prison halls leads Emon in more trouble than he ever wanted.

But something is happening, something strange, something horrible – and is brings the dead out to kill. Breaking out of the prison is Emon’s goal trying to get to Sheryl and Jane not knowing if they are dead or alive. Fighting his way through the army of vicious creatures, he gets to the apartment building where his family lives.

Floor by floor he rises up to finds survivors but also the dead in larger and larger numbers. Nothing is going to stop Emon from protecting his family, not the fight-biting creatures or humans who care so little for life.

Vera as Emon shows his muscles, ability to fight and no fear as an elite soldier who finds a way to reach the family he has hurt. Once he gets past the prison walls, he finds another kind of prison inside the walls of the apartment building that is holding his family against their will. Vera doesn’t have a lot to say but its clear what his characters mission is from start to end.

Herrera as Timoy is a friend to Emon when they are behind bars. They both need each other but, Timoy makes it clear that Emon must learn another language if he is to communicate with Jane. Herrera gives us a good friend even if he has small criminal habits.

Lastimosa as Sheryl has been raising a young daughter while Emon serves his time. When he calls, she is quickly frustrated with having to hold things together. After the call she has no idea that her ability to deal with life will be what can save the family. Montierro as Jane is a young girl thrust into the worst of humanity, both living and dead, yet she comes to trust a father she hardly knows. I liked that about her character.

Other cast include Joey Marquez as Oscar, Yohance Levi Buie as David, Ricci Rivero as Paolo, Jema Galanza as Hazel, Shermaine Santiago as Frida, James Lomahan as Peter, Aileen Sahibad as Linda, and Lao Rodriguez as Warden.

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.

DAY ZERO is in the zombie-noir genre with a mysterious outbreak that has no reason behind it. That being said it is fast moving and the character of Emon provided by Vera does not get a moment to stop fighting. Filmed in the darkest and limited of spaces, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for much else but fighting and surviving.

Vera is a mixed martial artist and has worked his way up the ladder to become one of the most championed fighters. Born into a Filipino-Italian-American family, Vera eventually joined the Air Force and the wrestling team. After leaving the Air Force, he entered wrestling competitions and eventually trained by Lloyd Irvin, a jiu-jitsu Black Belt and onto an Ultimate Fighting and ONE FC.

In the end – when the dead rise, humanity falls!

The Summer Comedy Starts the Season with NO HARD FEELINGS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director writer/director Gene Stupnitsky and Sony Pictures to start the summer season is the comedy NO HARD FEELINGS.

Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) lives in the family home in the beach community of Montauk. Inherited from her mother, she also inherited the property taxes that go along with it. Working as a bartender and Uber driving, Maddie is keeping her head just above the water line. That is until her car is repossessed and now, she is getting around via another set of wheels.

Hanging out with friends Sarah (Natalie Morales) and Jim (Scott MacArthur), they find a Craigs List posting from parents Allison (Laura Benanti) and Laird Becker (Matthew Broderick) offering up a car if someone can bring their college bound son Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) out of his shell.

Meeting the parents, everyone is clear on what is expected of Maddie and she embraces the challenge. Dressing up for her new part, Maddie goes to visit Percy at the local animal shelter and she pours it on. Percy does not seem moved by all the candy she is throwing his way and Maddie’s ups her game.

Seeing each other again and again, Maddie and Percy begin to learn about each other but it doesn’t mean that Maddie has given up on getting the car. That being said, she does start to really see Percy and what an amazing young man he is. The problem is the one big secret she is keeping is the one big secret that could hurt them both in ways she couldn’t imagine.

Lawrence as Maddie brings the comic relief in jaw dropping and hysterical ways. She is the life of the film bringing slapstick and one-liners faster than a tourist eating a lobster roll. Maddie clearly hates the invasion of the rich into Montauk so agreeing to crack the shell of one for a car doesn’t seem like a stretch. Lawrence clearly took a role that tested her comedy chops and she made it look easy.

Feldman as Percy is a young man who is either in his room or at the local animal shelter volunteering. His parents are worried because he just doesn’t seem to be enjoying life. Feldman gives his character so much range between quiet to entertaining with everything in between but deep within his portrayal is a young man with his own story to tell.

Benanti as Allison is, I think, the reason that Percy is as Percy is. She has all the signs of a mother who says she wants her son to come out of his shell but does nothing to have made that happen. Broderick as Laird is the dad who really wants her son to experience the same fun he had growing up, maybe a little too much fun. It’s like Ferris Bueller grew up and can’t believe his son has no Bueller in him! Hilarious!

Morales and McArthur as friends Sarah and Jim try to keep Maddie out of trouble and made me laugh in the process of doing it. Morales gets a chance to show who is boss in the marriage and takes Maddie just as she is. McArthur is a husband who just needs to stay in the ocean (you’ll get it) but he is sweet in his own way.

Other cast include Kyle Mooney as Jody, Jordan Mendoza as Crispin, Hasan Minhaj as Doug Kahn, Amalia Yoo as Natalie, Alysia Powell as Fern, Quincy Dunn-Baker as Travis and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Gary.

Sony Pictures 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.

NO HARD FEELINGS breaks the ridiculously sad film cycle as of late. It brings laughs, jaw drops, hilarity and just a good time to theatre seats. That translates to starting off the summer season the best way possible. This is the film that brings groups together to experience it together and laugh all the way out the theatre door.

Lawrence brings her own brand to the film and there is a particular scene where I’m not sure if she’s an MMA fighter or a clothing aficionado but I do know I couldn’t stop laughing and neither could the audience. In the midst of it all, Lawrence gives her character a bit of heart and warmth which just adds to the likeability of her character. Feldman is trying to see the world through Maddie’s eyes and let me just say his interpretation almost caused me to shoot soda out my nose!

The premise is not all that new but then again there is no need to reinvent the rom-com wheel. Instead, this is just a fun time at the theatre with a film that doesn’t need to be dissected nor explained to the point of conspiracy theories. The only action and big explosions are the hilarious ones brought on by Lawrence and Feldman.

It is popcorn, friends, humor, fun and reminiscent of a time when all of that was important when going to the movies.

In the end – pretty and awkward!

 

Music and Love Drives CHEVALIER

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Bluray, Digital and available to stream from director Stephen Williams, writer Stefani Robinson and Searchlight Pictures is the story of CHEVALIER.

Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) arrives at a Mozart concert to show his talent playing the violin. Born to plantation owner George de Bologne and his African mother Nanon (Ronke Adekoluejo), he is taken away from his mother to France and a Paris boarding school. When it seems as if the school will not accept him, the young man stands with a violin and shows his remarkable skill.

Dealing with harassment, Joseph not only excels in music but in fencing and when Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) arrives to see a fencing match, she is impressed and immediately knights him as his name changes to Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The two become close friends and are seen about Paris at social events.

That is where he meets the Marie-Madeleine Gruimard (Minnie Driver) as she tries to make it clear she is very interested in him and always gets her way – or else. The Chevalier is drawn to the singing of Marie-Josephine de Montalembert (Samara Weaving) and is also introduced to her very stern husband Marc Rene (Marton Csokas).

Also, he learns the fate of his father and reunited with mother Nanon. Stiff towards her presence, he goes about his plan to becoming the director of the Paris Opera with his only competition being Christoph Gluck. Convincing the Queen to have both men present their ideas to the committee, the Chevalier enlists the help of Stephanie Felicite (Sian Clifford) to produce the opera with his music.

Knowing he wants Marie-Josephine to be the lead singer, husband Marc-Rene refuses the offer but his wife has other plans. As the opera begins rehearsals, it becomes clear that there are other forces against the Chevalier and one of the is Marc-Rene who makes a deal that wife and the musician stay away from each other, again, or else.

All around him Chevalier is seeing the French Revolution begin as the people rise up, he begins to experience life through Nano’s eyes and the heinous act of a love lost. Through it all, Chevalier puts his world to music on the forbidden stage turning his back on a Queen’s fickle friendship and a man who has committed the unthinkable.

Harrison Jr. as Chevalier is a young man placed in a difficult situation in life. His music is the one thing he can call his very own. Making his way in society by having the Queen as a friend, there are those that believe their power can either make or break his success. Harrison Jr. portrays a man who seems to have it all together, until it isn’t and his eyes are opened up to what is actually happening around him.

Weaving as Marie-Josephine is a young woman married to an older man and all the problems that come along with that. Wanting to do what she is capable of musically also leads to a relationship that under any circumstances would have caused problems. Trying to keep Chevalier away became the problem for Weaving’s character. Csokas as the hostile husband Marc Rene controls his wife with a glare that would stop anyone in their tracks then again, that is not surprising. Csokas plays the bad guy like no one else.

Boynton as Marie Antoinette is a woman who clearly is living her best life. The problem is that the people of France are not happy with that life as they are all suffering. Boynton shows her character as a very insecure young woman and friendship with Chevalier has uncovered conditions.  Clifford as Felicite wants to help Chevalier and sees what he goes through until the end.

Adekoluejo as Nanon is a mother who is finally reunited with her son. Seeing how he lives and the way he goes through life, Adekoluejo gives her character grace and elegance in trying to explain what he is missing. Driver as Marie-Madeleine is a woman bent on using her status and power to control people, including Chevalier. When that doesn’t work, she resorts to social destruction and Driver makes it harsh without batting an eye.

Other cast includes Alex Fitzalan as Louis Philippe II, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Christoph Gluck, Sam Barlien as Louis XVI and Joseph Prowen as Wolfgang Mozart.

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.

Bonus Featurette CHEVALIER: Note By Note - Discover the untold story of Joseph Bologne, an incredibly talented violinist and composer. In this piece we hear from filmmakers, cast and crew on their journey from discovering this hidden historical figure to bringing his story to life.

CHEVALIER is a film about the life of the young black musical artist of his time. Harrison Jr. does a good job of portraying the struggles of the character from birth, to school, to society, music and where he begins to see life differently.

The costuming of the time is gorgeous and the music is soothing to the ear which adds another layer of richness and depth to the story. The film will be available from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Movies Anywhere and includes a 15-minute behind the scenes featurette called “Chevalier: Note By Note.”

In the end – his music is once again alive!