ABBY & ELMO’S AMAZING ADVENTURES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Shout Factory Kids! And the Sesame Workshop comes the next adventures with the most memorable characters of ABBY & ELMO’S AMAZING ADVENTURES.

Abby, Elmo and Cookie Monster let us know that the best way to make friends is starting out by saying ‘hello’! Abby then spends time with Ginnifer Goodwin as they pretend to go on amazing adventures in fairy tales. The adventures don’t stop as Abby shows us how the fun can be indoors as well as outdoors.

Elmo visits Abby and her beautiful flowers and spends time with Cookie Monster with his four-legged friend Tango. Abby is upset because her watering hose is not working so Elmo and Tango decide to solve the mystery by investigating what has happened.

Elmo calls Abby to go on a virtual play date but Abby and Rudy have decided to go for a hike instead. Rudy has brought a full backpack with ‘just in case’ items and their dad let him know that there is so many other wonderful things to do being outside. Jason Mraz comes to the Sesame Street to lead a sing-a-long about being outside.

Abby introduces Elmo to Chirpy the grasshopper but almost immediately he disappears. Elmo knows that he and Tango can investigate and other Sesame Street mystery. They find other noises but none of them seem to be Chirpy. That doesn’t stop Elmo and Tango!

Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby are in space but Cookie Monster is stuck in a crater. The three put their heads together to discover what can be done to fix the problem. Elmo and Abby refuse to let Cookie Monster give up trying. Working together is so very important so their adventure can continue!

Abby and brother Rudy go on a space mission with Basket to visit a space station. They learn about how gravity works in space, the use of solar panels, they see meteoroids and stars. They also learn how to fix a space station by being out in space themselves.

Big Bird is the Ring Master and brings everyone together to experience the greatest show of them all. Grover shows his adorable moves that entertain the crowd. When a problem arises, Elmo learns ‘I wonder, what if, lets try’. Abby and Rudy are transported to the big top where they see what goes on under the big top.

Grover takes the kids on an treasure seeking adventure showing them how his world has changed. There was a fix-it shop where the laundromat is but the clues are still there waiting for them. The treasure is a big of a surprise to everyone but Grover seems to enjoy it. 

SHOUT! Factory has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

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

The DVD includes Comic Book Adventures, Hike Pirates, Astro Team Alpha, Sesame Circus and Treasure of Yucky Mama. There is also the Bonus of Elmo and Friends: Tales of Adventure.

Sesame Street has been in the lives of families for several generations, and why shouldn’t it? As a grandmother there is no question of the immense joy it brought my own children seeing the world through Sesame Street eyes. Watching the grandkids have their moments with Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch (my personal favorite), Elmo, Cookie Monster and all the characters that have joined the family throughout the years.

Having a DVD library of Sesame Street stories allows kids to see their favorites again and again. It is like having good friends close when you need to revisit space, or learn more about how to investigate a mystery or learn about a circus. Sesame Street brings the hopes, dreams and possibilities straight to the kids presented by their iconic friends.

In the end – say hello!

3 DAYS IN MALAY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Louis Mandylor and Saban Films is the story of past mistakes, coming together and struggling to survive 3 DAYS IN MALAY.

John Caputo (Louis Mandylor) has just been assigned to a remote airstrip in the jungle ……

Once there, he checks in with nurse Bess (Kelly B. Jones) who goes over his military jacket. Caputo makes a quick run down of his boxing career, Marine tour and now with the Army. He is checked in and onto the barracks where he sees long time friend James (Donald Cerrone).

But, there is a history between these two men as Japanese forces are slowly surrounding the air field. The past mixes with the death of a friend as James starts feeling it all consume him. Even Reverend Conte (Quinton Jackson) tries to convince James that where they are and what they are doing comes with death.

Caputo is well known by the rest of the platoon with Adams (Ryan Francis), Conroy (Randall Bacon), and Simmons (Randy Wayne) and the accept him readily. On the other end of the compound, Murdock (Eoin O’Brien) is trying to convince General Harmon (Bear Williams) that the Japanese are going to attack and they are not ready.

For three days the men do what they need to do to stop the advancement of the enemy and save as many lives as they can.

Mandylor as Caputo is a man with inner demons that he is controlling. He has a history of mental pain trying to find a place to lay it to rest. Going from the boxing ring to the ring of war, Caputo wants to make the only peace possible and that is with his childhood friend James. On a personal note, I still love the character of Nick from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING.

Cerrone as James wants to outwardly act like he isn’t shaken by seeing Caputo again. He keeps the conversation casual and light until one peek at his military jacket sends him into a rage. Taking it out on Caputo with boxing gloves, it is clear his friend has no desire for this kind of fight.

Bacon as Conroy takes a liking to Caputo and clearly does not agree with James’ tactics in handling their relationship. Bacon plays his soldier as a straight forward guy who knows what the job is and its not fighting each other. Jackson as the Reverand is a calming and strong force for the men and when the time calls for it, he doesn’t mind picking up a rifle and fighting with his comrades in arms.

O’Brien as Murdock is a man who clearly understand what is about to happen and can not get the higher command to listen. Instead, he fights his way verbally through the ranks and when it all begins to come down, he jumps into fight without hesitation. Jones as Bess is a nurse who doesn’t take any guff from the men but almost instantly has an attraction to Caputo. She takes her job as a nurse seriously and stands up to anyone in her way.

Francis, Wayne and Williams bring the cast full circle and show what friendship, strength and faithfulness to the other men overshadowed the fear that anyone would feel. They bring a sense of camaraderie to the film and that’s important in showing what the men and women went through during with war with Japan.

Other cast include Kelly Reiter as Ellie, Alex Farnham as Jack along with Ron Smoorenburg, Jonathan Samson, John Garrett Mahlmeister, Alexander Winters, Vesse Saastamoinen and Andrey Kasushkin.

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.

3 DAYS IN MAYLAY is a film not just about World War 2 but of the lives of the men and women during that time. There are stories within stories in the film and much of it is a rift between Caputo and James. Both have past issues and mistakes they are dealing with but James wants to take it out on Caputo where as Caputo just wants peace with his childhood friend.

Director Mandylor does not sugar coat the horrors of war but instead lets it be known the truth of what war does to human beings. It is a brutal and, at times, shocking act and there is very little time to think about the consequences that come later, James’ inability to deal with his friend Evans death is proof of that.

In the end – it all happens in three days!

FAST X Speeds onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Charging toward 4K and Bluray from director Louis Leterrier and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the next story in the Fast and Furious franchise with FAST X.

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is happy with son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry) and wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Chris Bridges), Han (Sung Kang) and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) take on a mission in Rome. It is only when Cipher (Charlize Theron) knocks on Dom’s door does he hear that there is no mission in Rome and that the crew is being set up, but by who?

Racing to Rome to warn the crew, it immediately becomes clear (because he makes it clear) that a man named Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) wants to destroy everything in sight. Tearing through the streets, Dom and Letty are trying to stop a huge metal bomb that is heading straight toward the Vatican. Dante has a grudge against everyone who he feels responsible for his father’s death. He has also decided to take everyone that means something to Dom, especially his son.

But he isn’t your ordinary psychopath, Dante has stolen Cipher’s technology and is using it against Dom taking the groups money and resources as well. If that isn’t enough, Agent Aimes (Alan Ritchson) of the Agency has taken over for Mr. Nobody and wants Dom as well. Running everywhere to avoid Aimes and find Dante, Dom enlists the help of brother Jakob (John Cena) to help protect Little B.

After being arrested in Rome, Letty is taken to a black site where she meets Cipher. Tess (Brie Larson) has decided she is going to do what her father, Mr. Nobody, would do and helps plan the women’s escape. Dom returns to Rio de Janeiro to confront Dante and meets Isabel (Daniela Melchior) Elena’s sister who races cars. It is just another weapon for Dante to use against Dom and he has no problem using it.

Dante has made clear what his intentions are when trying to kidnap Little B, Dom realizes that there is only one way to stop all this – the Fast way!

Diesel as Dom brings the family back together once again. He is spending more time with Brian and Letty and letting the team take on missions. But when Cipher lets him know that the latest mission is a set-up, he has no choice but to try and save them. Diesel’s Dom has mellowed a little bit but he still makes it clear that he can drive a car better than anyone. It is when Dom is forced to make life choices that Diesel shows the grit and determination of this character.

Momoa as Dante is clearly a man with a magazine rack full of daddy issues. It is as if Momoa was let off a psycho chain and allowed to just have fun with this character. Being disgusted with what this character is trying to do, it is hard to maintain indignation when Momoa’s performance is making me laugh! Dante has evil intention and everything is done with flair and dramatic effect and Momoa lives for every moment of it.

Rodriguez as Letty jumps into the fray with Dom and it gets her put in a very, very solitary place but she gets a chance for some payback with Theron as Cipher as the two exchange punches and quips. Perry as son Brian is caught up in adult mayhem and sees up close and personal the life his father has been leading. Larson as Tess sees how the Agency has done the group wrong and decides if they are not going to right it, then she will.

Gibson, Bridges, Kang and Emmanuel continue on with missions given as only they can. Gibson and Bridges argue and scuffle like brothers from start to finish. Kang watches from the sidelines with his very interesting snack choices but there comes a time when he has to face a man he has been avoiding. Emmanuel is the babysitter but is also tech savvy and keeps track of what Dante is doing.

Cena as Jakob gets to spend quality time with Little B and teaches him the ropes, probably in ways no other kid would expect. There is the return also of other characters from the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise that will end up being seen in FAST XI (I’ve already named it see?).

The opening scenes with Paul Walker were lovely as well.

Other cast include Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, Gal Gadot as Gisele Yashar, Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, Joaquim de Almeida as Herman Reyes, Scott Eastwood as Little Nobody, Luis Da Silva as Diogo, Pete Davidson as Bowie, Meadow Walker as the flight attendant, Rita Moreno as Abuelita Toretto, Jason Stratham as Deckard Shaw and Helen Mirren as Queenie.

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 scene breakdowns with Director Louis Leterrier, a look into this installment’s fast cars and global locations and more all-new featurettes.

FAST X is just that, fast! Going from one spot to another with car chases and car races is everything the franchise is known for. Diesel’s character has mellowed with each film and that’s to be expected with any repeating character. More and more Diesel maintains the belief in family and readily accepts anyone who wants to be part of it all. The thing about family is – you don’t mess with it!

Each destination the crew goes there is a piece of the franchise history ending up in Rio having a street race that leads to adding to an ever-growing Toretto family. From one stop to the next, the story intensifies as Momoa’s character has no problem making each bang bigger and more destructive.

FAST X is filled with an all-star cast and this review could go on and on but, I’d rather everyone experience this film for themselves. Put the pieces together and learn who to trust and where the story is going to curve next. That is what this franchise has done, taken us all over the world with action, speed and thrills.

In the end – this time, it is dangerously about family!

WHAT COMES AROUND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Amy Redford and IFC Films is the story of past mistakes and present pain because of WHAT COMES AROUND.

Anna (Grace Van Dien) is a young girl who has found long distant love on the internet with Eric (Kyle Gallner). Keeping their relationship quiet has made it all seem too romantic and forbidden. Not even mom Beth (Summer Phoenix) and fiancé Tim (Jesse Garcia) suspect that Anna is in love. On her 17^th birthday, Anna is shocked to know that Eric is at her front door.

Bringing her a gift, Anna makes it clear that she is uncomfortable with what he has done. Yet, she enjoys spending time being with him in person. That’s when she decides to bring it all out in the open and introduces Beth to Eric. The response is that of shock for both mom and Tim but for totally different reasons.

When Beth wants Eric out of the house, Anna comes to his defense and Tim tries to keep calm with the situation. Trying to make her daughter understand, it becomes clear that the more Beth tries to stop it, the more Anna is going to make poor decisions. Even friends Brit (Reina Hardesty) and Ashley (Sierra Nicole Rose) try to tell her that the age difference is going to be a problem.

While showing a house, Eric shows up and confronts Beth about the past and now it becomes clear why she has such an aversion to Anna’s relationship. It is time for the truth to come out totally and, even as it does, each person in this situation cannot avoid the pain.

Van Dien as Anna is a young girl who is at that point in her life where she thinks she knows better than any adult in her life. Keeping her relationship with Eric a secret proves that she knows but is enjoying the feelings that come along with the budding ‘romance’. Van Dien plays the role impeccably because this is everything I would expect from a teenager. Even when the truth comes out, she does what teenagers do – whatever they damn well please. In that sense, Van Dien has captured the role perfectly!

Gallner as Eric proves to be that person mothers are scared of for their daughters. That being said, there is a little more to the story. Gallner portrays Eric as a young man who knows the problem he is causing but, like Anna, seems to know better than the adults around him. Once he arrives at Anna’s door, he can not seem to stay away no matter what. Gallner portrays Eric with a duality that comes from the well written character.

Phoenix as Beth is a woman who has finally found happiness in her life and work. Thrilled to be getting married, those emotions come to a screeching halt when Eric arrives. Trying to keep her daughter safe, it only comes off as being a controlling mother who couldn’t possibly understand how she feels in Anna’s eyes. Phoenix brings her part of the story in a way that is unexpected and intriguing, well done.

Garcia as Tim is a police officer that suspects something is wrong with the situation. Not that he agrees with what Anna is doing in the least but his cop senses tell him that there is more. He has an investment in this family that will become his and he wants to keep both Beth and Anna safe.

Other cast include Indiana Affleck as Denny, Gabriel Eckert as Leo with Paul Tew and Chase Voelker.

IFC Films is a leading distributor of quality talent-driven independent films. Some of the company’s successes include BOYHOOD, FRANCES HA, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, TOUCHING THE VOID, CHE, TINY FURNITURE and CARLOS. For more information on films from IFC please visit www.ifcfilms.com.

Director Redford has obviously learned so much from her famous father Robert Redford. There is a story here that is a mixture of family, friendships, teenage angst and secrets and Redford makes sure that they are all addressed in equal measure.

WHAT COMES AROUND addresses one of the most frightening things as a parent is the relationships happening on the internet. Impressionable young teens looking for love, acceptance, acknowledgement etc. can succumb to the attention of the wrong person. That is what happens to Anna in the sense that she is being placed in a situation where she does not have full knowledge of the facts.

The twists and turns of the story bring the film close to being a thriller but instead, lands in the middle of a warning shot across the parental bow and secrets that can wreak havoc on everyone. The cast does an amazing job at bringing both of those concepts to the film. Keeping the cast to a minimum provides the air of tension and that is the attention grabber. Bonus, the title is perfect!

In the end – look outside!

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Jeff Rowe based on a screenplay by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, Benji Smart and Paramount Pictures is the animated TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem.

Cynthia Utrom (Maya Rudolph) from Techno Cosmic Research Institute has decided that she is going to hunt down scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito) who discovered a mutagen and has tried it on insects and animals. Discovering his whereabouts, Utrom calls out her strike team to capture him and get mutagen! Things don’t go to plan and mutagen has disappeared.

Years later, on a rooftop, Michealangelo (Shamon Brown, Jr.), Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon) and Donatello (Micah Abbey) are four turtle brothers who have been raised by Splinter (Jackie Chan), their rat father. All of them were covered in the green ooze of Stockman’s mutagen. Splinter has raised the boys to understand that humans are not friends and would never accept them for who they are.

Training the turtles in ninjutsu, Splinter feels he has given his boys a way to, if needs be, protect themselves. In the meantime, the turtles just want to go to school and attend prom like ‘regular’ kids do after seeing life on their phones and computers. They do get the chance to get out though when doing a supply run. On one such occasion, a crime being committed against human April (Ayo Edebiri), gives the boys a chance to actually talk to a human!

They discover that April goes to school, is a writer and currently investigating a bunch of robberies happening in the city by someone called Superfly (Ice Cube). The turtles want to help thinking this is the way to show humans they aren’t anything to be afraid of.

Learning that Superfly is needing parts for a gadget he is creating, April and the boys agree to meet Superfly under the Brooklyn Bridge. What happens there is a lesson that Splinter and the boys aren’t the only mutants in the world – they are, however, the only mutants not wanting to destroy humanity. That seems to be what Superfly wants, the destruction of humanity being upset at what was done to Stockman years earlier.

Now, the turtles, April and a few surprising allies decide it’s time to take Superfly down because, after all, that’s what right minded turtles-in-a-half-shell and their friends do!

Noon, Brown, Jr., Cantu, Abbeyas the mutant four verbally play off one another in a way that is nothing short of graceful sparing. Their brotherly relationship had everything I’d expect from brothers who are all going through teens (and all THAT means) together. They might be wrestling up a mess one minute but will protect each other at the drop of a mask.

Edebiri as April is also going through the growing pains of the teen years. Good at investigating, she puts aside those who don’t really accept her without teasing, and tries to find her way back into being just a regular teen. Chan as Splinter is so endearing and spends every waking moment making sure his boys are safe and, more importantly, happy. Such a lovely portrayal of a dad just wanting the best for his kids.

Ice Cube as Superfly was hilarious one moment and maniacal the next and extremely good at both. Wanting a bit of revenge for the way his adoptive father was treated, he has an idea that basically would wipe out the human race and the Ninja Turtles have a bit of a problem with that.

Other mutants include Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog, Rose Byrne as Leatherhead, John Cena as Rocksteady, Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut, Post Malone as Ray Fillet, Seth Rogen as Bebop, and Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem is an animated film that is going to hit across generations. This is how my boys (now in their 40’s) saw the turtles and now it is their sons and daughters’ chance to see what held their imaginations as children.

Everything about the film is about a deep background storyline which is important if this is anyone’s first time discovering the Ninja Turtles or just needing a refresher course. The animation is absolutely wonderful, detailed, colorful and seamless adding a deeper level to the film. The casting is comedy at its best and having Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko had me laughing almost out of my seat (think Rudd as Chuck in FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL except on a skateboard and, well, a mutant).

The comedy is insanely funny! Seeing this with my family, we all couldn’t stop laughing and cheering. We were not the only ones as the audience became just as invested as we were. Watching the ‘teenage’ part of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these boys want to be accepted for who they are. That’s why their relationship with April works so well – they relate to one another, physiology aside.

I have to say that the interactions between characters is pretty funny as Ice Cube’s Superfly accepts the boys with his witticisms and more information about how they all came to be. Chan’s Splinter is just so dang adorable as a father who sees his children pulling away and wanting to do everything possible to turn their frowns upside down is stellar.

The animation more than works for the film, in fact, I think it gives it that something special and rare, a more 3-D kind of look without the headache of 3-D. Some animation can feel very flat, taking away from the film, but not this rendition of TMNT. This time around it felt like we were all experiencing something quite unique.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem was meant to be as fun as it absolutely was. Hey, I’m 62 and remember my boys calling for me to come watch the television show with them and this time, I took my grandkid who has always loved the Ninja Turtles. That’s three generations who are all about the green, awesome masks and wanting to fight injustices!

In the end – heroes aren’t born, they’re mutated!

They Are in Awe of JULES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Marc Turtletaub and Bleecker Street is the story of outer space and inner emotions all brought on by JULES.

Milton (Ben Kingsley) is a local elderly man who lives life on his own terms. Going to city council meetings to making sure his street and city name suggestions are heard, he spends his days in routine. Daughter Denise (Zoe Winters) stops by occasionally to see how Milton is up to. Also, neighbor Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) enjoys her moments with Milton although he seems oblivious.

One fine day, Milton’s routine is interrupted by the crash landing of a space ship in his beloved garden. He is surprised finding a small alien who is hurt and makes himself comfortable on the porch and then inside Milton’s house. Deciding to try and help, Milton discovers that his unofficial roommate likes apples. He tries to tell daughter Denise about it all but she is convinced that her father’s medical issues are more severe than she thought.

Sandy gets wind of his story about an alien in his garden and stops by to discover for herself and she is instantly smitten. So much so that it is given the name Jules. Milton and Sandy decide it is best to keep Jules a secret or, according to Sandy, those in power will do horrible things to Jules.

Wondering what is happening at Milton’s house is nosy neighbor Joyce (Jane Curtin) who also catches on and decides it is better to stay quiet. Their job now is to help Jules fix the broken spacecraft so that he can get away but Jules needs something quite unique to make that happen.

But time is not on their side as eyes and ears are looking for Jules!

Kingsley as Milton is stunning beyond measure. Portraying a widower who passes his time mainly alone, it is clear there is something more happening. With the arrival of Jules, he is intrigued by the greenish/blue friend and sees quite clearly the need to help him get away as soon as possible. That being said, Kingsley’s portrayal is also that of a man who discovers that past issues are still present in his life and friendships are important. Milton is a lovely man at heart and Kingsley makes it happen.

Harris as Sandy clearly cares for Milton and becomes concerned when she hears about what happened at his home. The connection she makes with Jules is that of a woman who has a lot on her mind and no one to share it with. Naming Jules is her way of making a beautiful connection and, importantly, someone to cook for again. Harris is so charming from start to finish.

Curtin as Joyce is the female version of Milton with her open opinion on any matter in front of her with the added uncaring of what anyone else thinks. She also finds herself drawn to Jules (who she calls Gary) and opens up about what is happening in her life. When the time comes for them to part, Curtin’s Joyce shows a side that no one else has been privy too. These three actors combined make one heck of an elderly person!

Jade Quon plays the very quiet character of Jules. Even though Jules doesn’t have a lot to say, shim (she-him) is an amazing listener and has eyes full of compassion. As the days pass, the connection with Milton, Sandy and Joyce becomes moving enough that even Jules cannot help but feel the pull of humanness.

Other cast include Anna George as Dr. North, Donald Paul as Agent Mann, Blair Baker as Diane Strauss, Eric T. Miller as Tim, Teddy Canez as Mayor Martinez and Cody Kostro as Danny.

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.

JULES is such a love story on so many levels. Starting with Milton who is dealing with being a widow, a daughter that can be a tad over protective and a strained relationship with his son, this character finds solace in himself so as to not have to cater to an emotional life. Jules not only shakes the ground of his garden but the foundation of Milton’s life. There is something pretty cool about that happening because what Milton thought was a life inevitable turns into a life of surprising change.

Harris and Curtin offer up their opinions on Jules and are amazing side-kicks for Milton. Seeing Kingsley with these two fine actresses opposite and alien could have been awkwardly done but Turtletaub directs with a big heart and very gentle hands. Of course, this is a story about being people of a certain age and it seems Jules was okay with that, but it is also a story of connection and a life-history that the three humans share.

Jules shimself is sweet, attentive and, yes, slightly alien-ish but in a way that is protective and caring. I refuse to give anything away regarding this awesome alien but know that I wouldn’t mind a crash landing in my garden. Let’s just say I was charmed beyond belief and absolutely adored the ending that almost made me cry and THAT, my friends, is hard to do!

In the end – you won’t believe what just crashed into Milton’s azaleas!

It is a Thriller with a HIDDEN BLADE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital from writer/director Cheng Er and Well Go USA is a thriller of espionage and suspicions running rampant with a HIDDEN BLADE.

Japanese Officer Watanabe (Hiroyuki Mori) is a man who keeps his emotions and intentions close to his chest. As director of Shanghai’s Political Security Department, he watches everyone in the counterespionage division, especially Director He (Tony Leung). He has also taken Mr. Ye under his wing seeing potential in him. It is openly clear that everyone is loyal to the Wang Jingwei regime and they want to expand.

On an official visit to the Community Party’s Secretary Mr. Zheng (Huang Lei), Director He takes copious notes on the reasons he has chosen to change sides. He gathers information in such a way that Zheng believes he is doing the right thing. Also, Minister Tang (Da Peng), the very dangerous Captain Wang (Eric Wang) and the very young Mr. Ye (Wang Yibo) round out the division.

There are delicate peace negotiations happening between Japan and the Jingwei regime with the offer of taking Manchuria, the gateway to everything. All of this is happening as Mr. Ye’s love Ms. Fang (Zhang Jingyi) is warned to be careful of her Communist Party activities. Everyone is playing the larger game but have smaller events happening as well.

Thinking it is all going smoothly, the Jingwei regime declares war on the United States and Pearl Harbor is attacked. Now everything begins to unravel and the cracks are huge. The Security Department can hold its secrets no longer and who is on what side comes out. Prison awaits some as others believe they have bigger military careers in Manchuria.

Each have a secret and it will all be revealed!

Leung as Director He is the coolest cookie I have ever seen. He comes across as personable when he needs to but Leung gives an air of cold stares and unemotional responses when most people would be freaking out. I absolutely loved every scene he was in and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear what motivates him. I can’t say more because his character has to be experiences.

Yibo as Mr. Ye is another cool customer who, when needs be, can keep it on lock. The only exception is the relationship issues that cause him to show outburst much to the use of a colleague. I enjoyed watching Yibo work and weave his way into each character and it is done with perfection.

Wang as the Captain is a whole lot of issues wrapped up in a tightly wound package. Man, when he wants to take care of something, it is done and without really breaking a sweat. He makes it clear where his loyalty lies and will do anything for the cause without batting an eye. Well done!

Mori as Watanabe also has a game plan and when things begin to slip, he makes plans upon plans which include Manchuria. He watches what everyone does and listens to what everyone says to make it all work. Taking Mr. Ye under his wing is important because, Watanabe doesn’t think people see the young man as a threat. Mori portrays his character with strength and no non-sense.

Jingyi as Ms. Fang sees the bigger picture and no one is going to get in her way. She has a cruel moment that I could help but raise and eyebrow and thing ‘dang dragon lady!’ I’d say more but it would so ruin it. Shout out to Zhou Xun as Mrs. Chen and Jiang Shyuing as Ms. Jiang. Ladies, the roles you have seem small but they absolutely are not and I applaud you both!

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HIDDEN BLADE has six nominations for the Shanghai International Film Festival, a Jury Award nomination from the Beijing Student Film Festival, winners for Quality Film of the Year – Er Cheng and Breakthrough Filmmaker of the Year Weibo Award for Yibo Wang and China Movie Channel Award for Most Promising Actor of the Year for Jingyi Zhang.

Subtitled in English and a running time of 139 minutes, it is impossible to take your eyes off the screen. The pieces of a very strategic chess board move to keep the audience guessing and trust me when I say the surprises are everywhere!

This is an extremely layered story which is shot in shadows of secrets and it is in these shadows of film that the story is exposed little by little. I love the grittiness of the story that is just bathing in period piece costuming and surroundings. That is just another layer and another character that draws everything together.

The cast is absolutely stellar and if you remove one the whole house of espionage would come tumbling down into dust. I was totally invested in what each character was trying to do in the story and found myself totally untrusting of anyone for the longest time. It took the actors convincing to have me choose the character I would ultimately root for – and if you are wondering, ask me later and I’d be happy to tell you.

In the end – the secrets will collide!