He is WHAT REMAINS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Ran Huang, writer Megan Everett-Skarsgard, Kaleidoscope Entertainment and VMI Worldwide is the story of a mystery based on true events and WHAT REMAINS.

Scandinavian Mads Lake (Gustaf Skarsgard), a confessed murderer, has been in a psychiatric hospital for years and trying to find a life within the madness he feels. His therapist Anna Rudebeck (Andrea Riseborough) is trying to not only help him find answers, but distinguish between what is true and what is something else. One man who just wants the truth of it all is policeman Soren Rank (Stellan Skarsgard), who does hold much stock in having Lake at a psychiatric hospital.

Pushing Lake further and further into the investigation, Rank is convinced that he knows more than he is telling. Anna tries to tell Rank that he must go slow with Lake and allow him to help the investigation at his pace. With each step forward, Lake becomes more emotional as well as fearful. All three are handling this situation in their own unique ways and all have the same goal – to understand what happened and bring answers to families who have been waiting for years.

Adding to the stress for them is that Lake can not get the story from his own brother, Anna is trying to deal with her own past traumas and Rank struggles to find answers to his own home troubles.

Skarsgard as Lake is pure perfection in this role. Yes, I came to know of him through his equally perfect role of Floki on the hit television series VIKINGS. In WHAT REMAINS, Skarsgard gives us a look at a deeper character that is locked in the cycle of what is real and the torture of it all. For every step forward, Lake is sliding further and further into a place of fear and memories and Skarsgard takes us along stunningly.

Riseborough as Anna is a therapist who believes she can help Lake in discovering his past so that he can at last know where it all came from. Riseborough’s character is full of her own complexities and traumas which, it seems, she masks by helping Lake with his issues. She has always given an intensity to the roles she has played but this one in particular is slow in its telling but when it becomes clear, it is equally as sad. Well done!

Stellen Skarsgard as Rank is an officer having home problems and personal issues of his own. Becoming involved in the Lake case affords him a way to avoid dealing with it all. Going in guns blazing, he is forceful and hard on Lake without understanding how working with Anna instead of doing things on his own might help him get to the answers of missing children as well. What I enjoyed most about Skarsgard’s portrayal is watching his character evolve.

VMI Worldwide was founded in 2010 and since its inception, VMI has represented an extensive variety of cast-driven titles. During its evolution, VMI possesses the ability and desire to board the right project, at any state of development. Some of their films include THE PRICE WE PAY, THE LAST SUN, WANDER and WAKE UP starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Francesca Eastwood. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vmiworldwide.com.

Other cast include Eva Magyar as Lillemor, Antti Luusuaniemi as Dr. Jepsen, Malka Ahlroth as Elin, Darren McStay as Martin, Charlie Peterson as Helvin Holst, and Henrikki Haavisto as Eric Gunnarson.

Director Huang uses his interest in true crime to work with Stellan Skarsgard and his wife Megan Everett-Skarsgard to work on the story. That is not where the Skarsgard connection ends however, as son Gustaf joins the ranks in the leading role of Mads Lake. This is a family that has placed their talents on the map joined with Bill and Alexander Skarsgard as well. From almost every genre possible in the film industry, the Skarsgard clan has cemented their place beautifully.

WHAT REMAINS is a film about traumas, tragedies and the stories we refuse to allow ourselves to believe or experience. Dealing with a man who has come from childhood trauma, Skarsgard’s portrayal of Lake brings dual emotions for the viewer because is he a killer or is he lost in jumbled up false memories? Riseborough is not that far off the mark herself as Anna is also avoiding her own traumas and inability to accept truths in her life. Skarsgard as Rank is an officer who has anger issues brought on by his own inability to handle life using Lake as a way to avoid it all.

The story is slow in the telling but, for myself, it speaks volumes of how the director wanted to be sure that everyone is on board for the ride. Exploring the main character is rough in the context of Lake’s situation but, exploring that of Anne and Rank is equally as important. Attempting to do their jobs respectively when they are having a difficult time themselves calls into question the moves that each makes. Skarsgard’s Lake is a sad and frightening character and I couldn’t take my eyes off his performance.

In the end – they must discover what is real!

 

A STORK’S JOURNEY 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital and On Demand from directors Benjamin Quabeck, Mette Tange, Grindstone and Lionsgate comes the next adventure with A STORK’S JOURNEY 2.

Richard (voiced by Jay Myers) is with his stork family enjoying time on a lake in North Africa. Training with brother Max (Jeffrey Hylton), the goal is to be chosen to be leader of getting the storks back home in the north. Confident in his chances, Richard spends the day training new moves that would surely get him the title of leader.

Upset by the results of the challenge, Richard decides to strike out on his own but quickly learns there are dangers. Soon he finds sparrows that are in trouble he meets Samia (Kyra Jackson) who shows him the sparrow ways. He also learns of Zamano (Tim Heller), a peacock who is in search of a treasured jewel.

Samia is also looking for the treasure as a way to release a hold all sparrows believe in on them. They are joined by friends who want the best for everyone. Now, Richard and Samia take it upon themselves to not only go up against Zamano but also to solve the mystery of the jewel and what it means to everyone.

Other cast include Dulcie Smart as Zora, Amalia Hohl as Basak, Simona Berman as Olga, Blake Farha as Kiki, Jeffrey Hylton as Max, Jonathan Failla as Claudius, Mala Ghedia as Aurora, Erik Hansen as Weepy Walter, Monica Solem as Biba, Viktor Pavel as Bubo, and Philippe Zeidler as Mad-Dog-Magpie.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

A STORK’S JOURNEY 2 is such a wonderful family film that is filled with family, joys, relationships, learning, acceptance and fun. Richard is already part of a flock, even with his differences, yet lets his ambitions gets in the way of what is truly important. Instead of understanding what went wrong, he decides to journey out into the world because, after all, he knows better right?

Well, that’s when his adventure begins and he discovers others who are in trouble and need his help. Learning from Samia is the best thing that could ever have happened to Richard. Their adventure is one of learning about what it takes to be a true leader, about what it takes to care for more than one’s self.

More importantly, it is a story of bravery and sacrifice to help those who are unable to help themselves. Richard discovers what it truly takes to be a leader with the help of Samia and his new friends. Through that understand, he not only becomes closer to his stork flock, but realizes where he needs to be.

The animation is stunning with such color that is eye candy for the kid in us all. Bringing such vivid color brings the story even depth in the telling and fun for the family to watch together.

In the end – they are on a treasured adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

She is History with FIREBRAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Karim Ainouz, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is the story of one of the many wives of Henry the VIII with FIREBRAND.

Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) is an educated woman in Tudor England who has been married before. When King Henry VIII (Jude Law) takes her for his sixth wife, Parr is not completely happy about the union. Knowing his history in the death of previous wives, accepting comes with a personal risk. Yet there is something about Katherine that Henry trusts and his children Princess Elizabeth (Junia Rees) and Prince Edward (Patrick Buckley).

So much so that he appoints her Regent while he is away fighting knowing that it can cause her difficulties. It is almost immediately that men around the king spend their time watching her every move. This includes her friendship with Anne Askew (Erin Doherty), a childhood friend who believes, as Katherine does in the Protestant beliefs. Katherine pleads with her friend to leave the kingdom before harm comes to her but Anne is steadfast in her work to bring the people of England strength in numbers.

When the King returns, there are whisperings in his ear about Katherine’s steadfastness to the crown especially Stephen Gardiner (Simon Beale). He has a plot of his own to push past the King. When that doesn’t work the whisperings of infidelity begin and what is causing Henry to become muddled is the infection that is ravaging his body. When Katherine learns of the fate of Anne, she realizes that the men of the court are placing her life in the same fate as the five wives before her.

She does not want to be among them!

Vikander as Katherine is absolutely amazing in this role and her demeanor is everything! Katherine does not panic in any situation she is put to, a little momentary frazzle (which anyone would) but she does not fall apart. Instead, she becomes more steadfast in the belief that she knows her own mind. Vikander gives us a Katherine that does not cower to those who are attempting to ruin her in the eyes of the King, instead, Vikander straightens her crown and makes it clear she will take whatever is in front of her without losing any part of herself. That is perfection.

Law as Henry gives us a King that is full of himself and narcissistic one minute and a man who can not think for himself in others. Whispering in his ear are men who have no difficulty squashing any women who gets in their way. Having gotten their way with previous wives, Katherine is no push over and they are scrambling as Henry deals with his own personal and physical struggles. Law gives moments of pure Henry-nastiness and does it without skipping a beat.

Beale as Gardiner has been handling the King for quite some time so when he believes Katherine is trying to change the status quo, he goes after her. Making the King believe that Katherine is not a loyal wife, he does what he can to put her head on the chopping block, literally. Beale gives his character the “what a weasel” whisperings from me as I watched him be a charming character with another destructive face. Well done sir!

Rees as Prince Elizabeth makes it clear that Katherine is someone she looks up to and makes it clear to Henry that her fate doesn’t deserve what the men of the court are pushing for. Buckley as Prince Edward also makes his stance clear as his love for her is strong. Doherty as Askew may have a small role but it is of big importance. It becomes a catalyst for Katherine to hang on to who she truly is.

Shout out to Eddie Marsan as Edward Seymour as I just love everything that he does. He takes a role and makes it his own and makes it memorable.

Other cast include Ruby Bentall as Cat, Bryony Hannah as Ellen, Patsy Ferran as Princess Mary, Mina Andala as Jalinda, Paul Tinto as Stowe, Mia Threapleton as Joan Bocher, Ian Drysdale as Sir Anthony Denny, Edward Harrison as John Gates, Norman Bowman as Sir William Herbert, Jason Baughan as Will Sommers, Anna Mawn as Agnes Howard and Sam Riley as Thomas Seymour.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

FIREBRAND is a stunning film about Katherine Parr and the beginning of the end for Henry VIII. First of all, the cinematography is stellar from the beginning to end. The richness can be found in the costuming that is of the times with its heaviness and construction for the women – ironic, isn’t it? These two things are so important when telling a period piece such as this. For me, if you can win in these two areas then you’ve one me whole heartedly.

The story of Katherine Parr is one that has been brushed over before but with Vikander at the helm, it is a look at the strength of character in this young woman. Let’s be honest, most of us would run for the hills if a man who has off’d five other wives wanted us to be the sixth! The difference here is that Parr was a woman of substance and knew the risks. What is equally stellar is Parr’s steadfast in her beliefs about everything in her life and that makes for good storytelling.

In the end – Henry VIII had six wives and only one survived!

 

 

 

 

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary Original Story of THE KARATE KID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director John G. Avildsen, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the 1984 blockbuster return of THE KARATE KID.

Teenage Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mom Lucille (Randee Heller) to Reseda, California and is trying to find a way to fit in. Immediately he runs into bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), a black belt from the local Cobra Kai dojo, who has no issue showing Daniel who’s boss. He also meets Ali (Elisabeth Shue) who makes him feel welcome, the problem is she is the ex-girlfriend of Johnny.

Halloween comes and after an incident, Johnny, along with pals Bobby (Ron Thomas), Tommy Rob Garrison), Jimmy (Tony O’Dell) and Dutch (Chad McQueen), chase Daniel and begin to beat him. Handyman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) jumps in to defend the boy against the bullies. Stunned by what he says, Daniels asks Mr. Miyagi to teach him to defend himself. Instead, he takes the boy to try to talk it through with the boys. Visiting Cobra Kai, they meet teacher John Kreese (Martin Kove), is amused by Mr. Miyagi and it is clear where Johnny gets his aggression from.

To solve the issue, Mr. Miyagi suggests that Daniel enter the All-Valley Karate Championship to take on his students. Kreese agrees to keep his boys off Daniel until then. Mr. Miyagi begins to train Daniel in unusual ways and through frustration, he begins to realize what he is being taught. Also, his relationship with Alli is becoming stronger.

When the day of the tournament arrives, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi come together for a match to prove that it is with heart that one can win!

Macchio as Daniel is a young man who is trying to fit into a place so removed from all he has known. To immediately find hostility is not something he knows how to handle and doesn’t have anyone to turn to. That is until he meets the very quiet Mr. Miyagi and his life changes in ways he could never have expected. Macchio was and will always be the original KARATE KID in my family. The performance of this, at the time, young actor is just engrained in the memories of everyone who was in the theatre in the 80’s and we will accept no substitute!

Morita as Mr. Miyagi has been in so many films and television and, as an older actor, he skyrocketed into fame portraying this very calm and understanding character. Showing Daniel the way of not fighting but instead of self-defense, his methods of training take the teen by surprise but there was always a method to his madness. Morita gives us a caring person who becomes an important part of a young teen’s life.

Zabka as Johnny is definetly a character that a lot of people in the 80’s knew (this was before such radical cultural change in feeling about bullies). Johnny finds a mentor in Kreese without realizing that what he is learning is violent, destructive and detrimental to everyone around him. Zabka is given a difficult role and yet, it is important to Daniels story and he does it well.

Shue as Alli is very supportive of Daniel while still dealing with the issues of ex-boyfriend Johnny. She joins in the journey of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and it gives the teens and viewers the charming crush story. Kove as Kreese is an angry man who is teaching that very same anger to his students at the dojo. He is the biggest bully in the room and even his students are afraid of him. The only one who is not is Mr. Miyagi proving that size doesn’t matter!

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, All New Commentary with the Creators of Cobra Kai Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, All New Over 30 Minutes of Deleted Scene Dailies, Four Deleted Scenes, Remembering THE KARATE KID Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

Bonus Features on Bluray include Blu-Pop Pop-Up Track, Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, “The Way of THE KARATE KID” Multi-Park Making-Of Featurette, “Beyond the Form” Featurette, “East Meets West: A Composer’s Notebook and “Life of Bonsai” Featurette.

THE KARATE KID hit theatres in 1984 and just blew us all away, so much so that we all flocked to the theatres for ever sequel after that. Every adventure of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi was more to the tale of their lives and the flow was seamless. Revisiting the story from its beginning is so amazing and all the special features give insight even more to the creation of one of the most iconic films.

When our family speaks of growing up, THE KARATE KID is always part of the conversation. My two boys wanted to begin karate classes because of this movie but, thankfully, their sensei was a kind man who knew how to teach without Kreeses’ faults. They, like Daniel, learned to respect the art of karate along with when and where it was to be used. So, this film reached past a tub of popcorn in the theatres and into daily lives.

The film made such an impact in our culture that when the series COBRA KAI came to cable, people rallied around the return of the iconic characters of Daniel and Johnny as grown men with families of their own. So, return once again to the beginning and celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of where it all began!

In the end – the secret of karate lies in the heart not the hands!

Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of GLORY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Edward Wick and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrating its 35^th Anniversary on Steelbook is the stunning film GLORY.

Young Captain Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) has been wounded the battle of Antietam during the Civil War. Home recuperating, he learns that he has been given the rank of colonel and is wanted to lead the 54^th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Learning it is an all-black regiment, Cpt. Shaw appoints friend Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes) as second-in-command. 

Thrilled to be volunteering is Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), a freeman who has known Cpt. Shaw since childhood and works for the Shaw family. Also signing up immediately is John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman), Jupiter Sharts (Jihmi Kennedy), and the full-of-attitude Silas Trip (Denzel Washington).

Knowing he needs to get the regiment up to par immediately, he requests Sgt. Mulcahy (John Finn) to do what he must. It also becomes clear quickly that he can not be seen to show favoritism because of his friendship. Cpt. Shaw also learns of the with the Emancipation Proclamation, comes a dire warning from the confederacy that African American soldiers caught wearing a uniform will be executed, as well as white officers. Offering to let the men go, Shaw is taken aback to learn that their determination is as strong as his own.

He turns to Rawlins in asking for help in understanding the men under his command and Rawlins obliges quickly. With that, Shaw is determined to get the men shoes and such as was promised when they joined. Rawlins is then rewarded for his character and becomes a Sgt. Major. The men are determined to be part of the fight but instead find themselves dealing with those who don’t think they belong.

There time comes when they battle on James Island and each show, they are fully capable to fight. Heading towards Fort Wagner, realizing there will be heavy casualties, Shaw volunteers his regiment to be the first to cross the beach. When they march out of camp, they are sent off with honor.

Broderick as Captain Shaw is a young man from a prominent family but does not use that to his advantage. Instead, he wants to do what is right by the men in his regiment and for something he truly believes in. The difficulty comes when separating his friendships and understanding his men. Broderick plays this role with thoughtfulness and as a young man of that time period having to do the unthinkable and it is beautifully done.

Braugher as Thomas is a man who believes in being a part of the fight but, like Shaw, has a hard time at first understanding how to separate his northern free life to what is happening all around him. His performance is so moving. Freeman as Rawlins is a man that doesn’t rush his feelings but, instead, considers each situation before him. Helping Shaw find his ground and the respect of his men are everything and Freeman is brilliant.

Elwes as Forbes is finding himself torn just as everyone else is. Its hard to go from a friendship with Shaw and James to being in the middle of a colonel and a private. He gets to be a little irate where the other two can not afford to. Kennedy as Jupiter is the surprise in this film because he goes through the paces and comes out as the being a constant source of pride in the midst of chaos. He has the support of Rawlins, the praise of his superiors and yet, he is a gentle spirit.

Washington as Silas as a man with a huge chip on his shoulder and he does not hold back on anything he feels. His anger is aimed at anyone, no matter color, who gets in his way or challenges him. But, with all men in war, there comes a turning point and maybe even a little bit of self-reflection on all that anger. Silas may be complex but he is also not one to shy away from a fight. Washington’s performance is equally as stunning and the story could not be told without his performance, or any of them for that matter.

Other cast include JD Cullum as Henry Russell, Cliff DeYoung as Col. James Montgomery, Alan North as Governor, John Andrew, Christian Baskous as Edward Pierce, RonReaco Lee as Honey, Donovan Leitch as Captain Morse, Bob Gunton as General Harker, Jay Sanders as General Strong, Richard Riehl as Quartermaster, Peter Goetz as Francis Shaw, Jane Alexander as Sarah Shaw and Raymond St. Jacques as Frederick Douglass.

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 on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from Original Camera Negative Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, English Dolby Atmos, Visual Feature-Length Commentary, and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray is Feature Presented in High Definition, English Dolby True HD, Director’s Commentary, Deleted Scenes with Commentary, Virtual Civil War Battlefield Interactive Map, “The True Story Continues” Documentary, “The Voices of Glory” Featurette and “The Making of Glory” Featurette.

GLORY is a stunning film that, amazingly, is told from so many sides of one coin. From those in control of the war to those who fight it to the inner struggles of them all, scene after scene is powerful. The performances by this cast are just as amazing in 2024 as it was in theatres in 1989.

The film is actually based on such books as Brave Black Regiment – History of the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (1891) BY Captain Luis F. Emilio, Lay This Laurel (1973) BY Lincoln Kirstein, One Gallant Rush (1965) BY Peter Burchard as well as the personal letters of Robert Gould Shaw.

Yes, the cinematography is stellar, the costuming is on point and the music brings you further into the story. All of these are so very important adding a luster to the film and bringing this cast together is the absolute cherry on the cake. Revisit the story of these brave men in the 35^th anniversary of GLORY.

In the end – nothing would be spared in the fight for their freedom!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Action of LA FEMME NIKITA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD in a limited edition Steelbook from writer/director Luc Besson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the tale of a sleek assassin with LA FEMME NIKITA.

In a life of drugs and violent, Nikita (Anne Parillaud) is about to rob a pharmacy owned by her friend. When a police gunfight breaks out and Nikita kills a cop. She is quickly arrested and found guilty of murder that held a life sentence. Just as fast as she enters prison, Nikita is whisked away and meets Bob (Tcheky Karyo) who tells her that she is officially declared dead.

She is given the choice of becoming an assassin for The Centre or being put in her grave for real this time. Trying to figure out how to be smarter than her captors, Nikita eventually gives in and is trained in computers, use of firearms and martial arts. In one fell swoop she goes from being a drug addict committing crime to a stunning assassin.

Her first mission is a test of her training and Nikita becomes a sleeper agent named Marie. She also meets Marco (Jean-Hugues Anglade) and they begin a relationship meeting “Uncle Bob” who has stories of Marie’s childhood and offers a trip to Venice to the couple. For Nikita it is an assignment and Marco believes they are on a vacation. As things become more complicated, Nikita must watch her every move!

Parillaud as Nikita is a young woman living the worst life imaginable for a young woman. After the murder and sentence, as much as she wants to fight what The Centre is asking of her, it is the only way to live. Parillaud goes from bullets to bang in this role as she navigates The Centre by trying to do what they want and living a life that doesn’t include missions of murder. This is a fantastic role for Parillaud.

Karyo as Bob come in quickly to drill into Nikita that she doesn’t have a choice in the matter accept death. Watching her go through the training, he makes his presence known when she starts seeing a Marco but it works in his favor to push her into another mission. Karyo uses charm to get what he wants but he is lethal.     

Anglade as Marco is unaware of Nikita’s profession and realizes that she has no family and friends that she even wants to speak of. “Uncle Bob” is a surprise for him and blinded by the gift of a trip to Venice but there is always a catch to love.

Other cast include Jacques Boudet as The Chemist, Jeanne Moreau as Amande, Philippe Leroy as Grossman, Jean Bouise as the Attache and Jean Reno as Victor “The Cleaner.

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.

Bonus Features include on 4K Ultra HD Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision and French & English 5.1 +French 2-Channel Surround.

The film won awards from the Cesar Awards in France including Best Film for Luc Besson, Best Actress for Anne Parillaud, along with nominations for Most Promising Actor, Best Director and Best Music. Parillaud also won Best Foreign Actress from the David di Donatello Awards with Luc Besson nominated for Best Foreign Film. The Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists voted Best Foreign Director for Luc Besson and Tcheky Karyo for Best Actor by Mystfest.

Besson gives a film that, first of all, has a fantastic story line in this 1990 film. It would be repeated again in in the 1997-2001 television series. Besson would also be a writer in the 1993, director John Badham’s film POINT OF NO RETURN which gives an American spin on his 1990 story.

Experiencing LE FEMME NIKITA once again is an absolutely joy. I am a fan of Besson’s films and it actually started with this particular film. Putting a female in a role that pits her against the ruthless world of being an assassin is brilliant and brilliantly done. The action is fast paced and the tension is real from scene to scene. This is a film, especially in Steelbook, would be a worthy film to have on the shelf of everyone’s home entertainment library.

In the end – she murders so that she can live!

Prepare for DIGIMON ADVENTURE 02: The Beginning

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from director Tomohisa Taguchi, script writer Akatsuki Yamatoya, Toei Animation and Shout! Studios is the animated tale of where it all began with DIGIMON ADVENTURE 02: The Beginning.

When a Digi-Egg appears over Tokyo in 2012, it brings a message that it wants to be friends with Earth. Lui Ohwada (A.J. Beckles) was the first chosen by a Digi-Egg and when Lui, along with Ken (Derek Prince) and Davis (Brian Donovan), are transported back to 1996, they see the life that Lui was living with dysfunctional parents. They also learn that the Digi-Egg who changed his life is also called Ukkomon (Giselle Fernandez), one who grants wishes.

When Lui tells the group that when he learns of the others Digi’s and the danger they pose, Lui must confront Ukkomon. During that confrontation, Lui hurts himself only to have Ukkomon fix it with a part of his own being but it doesn’t stop Lui’s anger and the Digimon disappears. That is how Lui knows what is in the sky about Tokyo now.

Ukkomon’s purpose is to give every human a Digimon which would cause chaos. The only way to do that is for Lui to once again confront Ukkomon and it will take all of his friends to make that happen.

Other cast include Jeannie Tirado as Yolei Inoue, Bryce Papenbrook as Cody Hida, Johnny Bosch as Takeru Takaishi, Tara Sands as Kari Kamiya, Derek Prince as Veemon, Neil Kaplan as Hawkmon, Robbie Daymond as Armadillomon, Kate Higgins as Gatomon, Christopher Swindle as Wormmon, and Laura Summer as Patamon.  

SHOUT! Studios 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 has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Toei Animation includes the franchise series Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, One Piece, Digimon, Saint Seiya and others. Based in Los Angeles their brands are worldwide. To find out more please visit www.toei-animation-usa.com.

A Special Feature includes A Special Introduction from Director Tomohisa Taguchi.

Based on the TV sequel series Digimon Adventure 02 that aired in 1000, this brand-new movie adventure is a contemporary continuation of the series but the DigiDestines children now 20-year-old adults.

DIGIMON ADVENTURE 02: The Beginning is an animated film that is breathtaking and filled with such depth and brilliance in its storytelling. My granddaughter reignited my interest in anime films as she is a huge fan of Sailor Moon. I use to watch Digimon with my kids when they were young so it was exciting for me to sit once again with a youngster and watch the story unfold.

It is a story of friendship, sadness, strength, courage, and bravery and those are so important in good storytelling. The animation is stunning with color and movement that kept our attention from start to finish. What I enjoyed most was that the conversation continued after talking about where Digimon began to this film’s direction – and absolutely left us wanting more.

For fans of Digimon, DIGIMON ADVENTURE 02: The Beginning is an absolute treasure to own and expand the anime home entertainment library. This is also for fans of anime in general with its wonderful storyline and characters.

In the end – there is so much to know from the very beginning!