FIFTY SHADES FREED Closes Out the Thriller/Sexual Trilogy

Jeri Jacquin

Climaxing this Friday from Universal Pictures and director James Foley is the final film in a trilogy that brings us FIFTY SHADES FREED.

Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) has received a ring from the unusual man of her dreams Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). After a beautiful wedding the two jet off to Europe for a honeymoon of sun and spending time as only these newlyweds can. Back in Seattle, someone is trying to sabotage Christian's family when files are stolen and a fire is set.

The Grey's immediately return and as Christian investigates what is happening, Ana returns to her job to discover that she has been given a promotion. It's important to her because the person responsible for what is happening is Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson) who clearly has an agenda to bring down the Grey's.

Realizing her life has been a whirlwind, Ana reconnects with Kate (Eloise Mumford) spending time together over the watchful eye of her bodyguard Sawyer (Brant Daugherty) while Christian is out of town. Upset with Ana, he understands that she misses the company of her friends. Arranging time with Kate, Jose (Victor Rasuk) and his siblings Mia (Rita Ora) and Elliot (Luke Grimes) they learn an unexpected surprise.

Relaxed and back to work, it isn't long before Jack's back! Being attacked is more than Ana and Christian can take and after more surprising family news; the couple's next event is staggering. Ana must now make a decision without Christian that is dangerous and could cost her everything.

Johnson as Anastasia is much stronger in this film and it's nice to see. I think my favorite part is when she puts architect Gia Matteo on the hot seat by staking her claim to the house Christian has bought for them and being called 'Mrs. Grey'. She also lets her new husband know that their life together is important, but so is working and friendships. Christian is discovering that his new wife is much stronger than he ever gave her credit for. I think I like Johnson in this film the best.

Dornan as Christian begins to show his weaker side in this film and that's not a bad thing. For a character that spent two films being in control of everything, it was only a matter of time before the cracks would begin to show. Those insecurities lead Christian to make some seriously dumb decisions and this stronger Ana gives him what-for in no uncertain terms! Dornan's Christian is in new territory but the women in the audience adore both the character and the actor so forgiveness flowed in the theatre.

Eric Johnson as Jack clearly is still angry over his firing, Ana's quick rise in the publishing world and a few secrets that Christian is determined to find out. Let's be honest, crazy people do crazy things and Jack lives up to that and does so in plain site. His goal is one thing, to make Ana pay for what he believe she has done and give the Grey family reasons to be nervous.

Mumford returns as Ana's friend Kate with a few surprises in store for her, Grimes as brother Elliot shares a little of Christian's childhood and sees that he is finally happy, Ora returns as sister Mia who is still protective of her adoptive brother. Harden returns as Christian's mother Grace who believes in her son and is supportive when things go a little awry.

Other cast includes Max Martini as Taylor, Jennifer Ehle as Carla, Bruce Altman as Jerry Roach, Arielle Kebbel as Gia Matteo, Callum Keith Rennie as Ray, Robinne Lee as Ros Bailey and Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Grey.

FIFTY SHADES FREED brings the story of Anastasia and Christian full circle and pushes a little past for those who truly want to know how their life plays out. I heard a woman next to me at the screening say she was a little sad there wasn't more of the wedding shown and, as with TWILIGHT films, everyone wants to see more of the beautiful dress.

The story does take off fairly quickly not giving much time for the couple or the audience to settle in. Jack returns to make sure to put a kibosh on a happy newlywed beginning. Honeymoon is over when security guards become part of the Grey's new married life. It was nice to see Ana return to a job she obviously loves but also make it known that she wants a life of friends and normalcy.

Of course the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY films give audiences their soft core sex scenes that haven't been shy in any way since it first hit screens in 2015 and FIFTY SHADES FREED is no exception. What is new in the films is the insecurities Christian can no longer hide from. In the first two films he is calm, cool and a bit on the controlling side. This film he throws a few tantrums that made the women in the audience gasp a little but that's what happens when all that control starts slipping away.

Erika Mitchell wrote under the pen name of E.L. James when writing her Fifty Shades trilogy. There is also Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian novel that was released last year. Possible there could be another Fifty Shades film? I think there are fans who would like to see that happen.

I have no doubt that those who love the Fifty Shades books will gather up like minded gals for a fun night at the movies. Have dinner, a few drinks and cheer the new couple on their alternative life together. Nothing wrong with a little Friday night Grey!

In the end - Mrs. Grey will see you now!

THE DEUCE: The Complete First Season Brings the 1970’s New York to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

HBO has brought a stellar look at the raw and grit of New York in the 1970’s story of THE DEUCE: The Complete First Season coming to Bluray.

Vinnie Martino (James Franco) is a bartender who is about to change his life. Working several bartending jobs and trying to keep the family together, the cost is his marriage. Wife Andrea (Zoe Kazan) isn’t exactly making things easier with her own wanton ways and bored homemakers life. If that isn’t enough, he constantly is mistaken for his twin brother Frankie (also James Franco) who has wracked up large gambling debts all over town.

Frequent visitors to Vinnie’s bar are pimp C.C. (Gary Carr) and his girls Ashley (Jamie Neumann) and new girl Lori (Emily Meade). A few more pimps include Larry (Gbenga Akinnagbe) who has the very sweet is Darlene (Dominque Fishback) and Ruby (Pernell Walker), Rodney (Method Man) and Reggie Love (Tariq Trotter). 

One prostitute who doesn’t have a ‘man’ is Eileen (Maggie Gyllenhaal) or Candy as she is known on the street. Making her money without any interference, she sends what she can for the care of her young son. The police also know what is going down on the streets as Officer Alston (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) keeps his eyes open and knowledge to himself. Even when Abby (Margarita Levieva) is brought to the station, Officer Alston knows she is a college student who has just done something stupid.

Brother-in-law Bobby (Chris Bauer) works construction and when an opportunity arises to make a few extra dollars, he and Vinnie find themselves working with Rudy Pipilo (Michael Rispoli) who is part of the Gambino family. Rudy is impressed with Vinnie and decides to bring him in on the way he wants to change the streets. He starts by starting a bar called the Top Hat and gives Vinnie full control of how it is run. Everyone follows Vinnie to the new place and it is a hit.

Eileen is also trying to make changes in her life as standing on the street corner is getting to be more and more dangerous. Learning that a man named Harvey Wasserman (David Krumholtz) makes porno films, she seeks him out to learn more if it will get her off the streets and making more money. She is quick to learn and isn’t about to let anything stop what is to come.

Seeing that the Top Hat is doing well, Rudy decides he wants to expand his business into the Massage Parlor trade which is nothing more than getting the girls inside. That means less police harassment but the pimps aren’t happy about it.

All of this comes under the watchful eye of reporter Sandra Washington (Natalie Paul) who wants to do an expose of what goes on. Seeing how the girls are treated and the police basically hauling them in and letting them out along with payoffs from corrupt cops, she seeks out Officer Alston’s knowledge.

Each has a story to tell, each has a path and each live in a time of excess, corruption and using the oldest profession as their path to more money than they could have imagined. What they haven’t learned is money can bring out the worst in people and those who have it – rule.

Welcome to New York of the 1970’s!

Franco as Vinnie and Frankie and although they may look a like, clearly want different things. Vinnie wants a successful business that he can be proud of and Frankie wants everything and doesn’t care how he gets it. In that lies the problem for Vinnie who is constantly trying to protect a brother he obviously cares about. Playing both the roles is stellar for Franco as the duality is not being twins. Vinnie is the emotional one and Frankie is the ‘let the chips fall where they may’ brother. So well done!

Gyllenhaal as Eileen/Candy is a woman who makes her own way even if it is prostitution. The other girls know she doesn’t have a man and, in their way, respect her for it. The pimps however aren’t as happy about it as they don’t want their girls to get any funny ideas. Once Eileen/Candy realizes there might be a less dangerous way to earn money off the street she knows it’s just geography yet see the potential for so much more. Gyllenhaal is completely free with her portrayal of this character in every aspect and so much so that I believe her performance completely.

Levieva as Abby is a young woman who comes from an affluent family but is breaking away and still not knowing where she wants to be. Vinnie catches her eye but seeing The Deuce world affects her in ways she doesn’t expect. Levieva doesn’t say a lot and observes everything while clearly learning the New York ropes. Bauer as Bobby is a hard working brother-in-law that wants to work less hard and make more money. He talks Vinnie into helping that happen and the double life begins. It’s interesting to watch his morals change when money is no longer the issue in his life.

Carr as C.C. the pimp is no one to be trifled with and the girls know it. Once he brings Lori into the group, previous favorite Ashley is on the back burner. Carr may seem caring but underneath that pimp like exterior of flash, he will cut you. Akinnagbe as Brown is the middle ground of the pimp-group meaning not as scary as some but scarier than Gentle Richie.

Meade as Lori catches onto everything quickly; she caught on to C.C. and what she came to New York for. Rising quickly, she sees the world for exactly what it is and plans to make sure she gets her share of it all. Paul as Sandra wants to report the bigger picture and finds tension at her paper. Getting involved with Officer Alston irritated me a little because, well, come on – using people never works out well.

Speaking of Officer Alston, Gilliard Jr. is the eyes and ears of the street both inside and outside the precinct. He knows so much that I’m actually scared for his character! To much information isn’t always a good thing, especially when you don’t know who to trust. I do love his smooth tactic and non-judgmental attitude towards the ladies.

Rispoli as Rudy Pipilo is another character that presents himself so calmly yet, anyone with an understanding of the times, place and name knows not to underestimate him. There is a scene between Rudy and Vinnie where he tells him off and my jaw dropped yet the character of Rudy just stands there calmly with no anger what so ever. I loved that scene! Rispoli gives his character strength of knowing who he is and how fast he can squash someone with a word.

My two shout outs go to Fishback as Darlene who pulled at my heart constantly! She is so endearing and knows that life has so many possibilities but I feel is stuck out of fearing those possibilities. Fishback is stunning, beautiful and amazing. Walker as Ruby is the gem of street walkers with her wit, twisted wisdom and understanding that this is her life. There is surrender about Ruby in that she knows this isn’t the life she wanted but it is the life she has and in that is a sadness that is even more heartbreaking than Darlene’s situation. These two women have given their characters a deepness that I bow to. Well done to you both!

Other cast include Don Harvey as Danny Flanagan, Michael Kostroff as Rizzi, Mustafa Shakir as Big Mike, Anwan Glover as Leon, Garry Pastore as Matthew Ianniello, Caroly Mignini as Joan Merrell, Finn Robbins as Adam, Kim Director as Shay, Olivia Luccardi as Melissa, Matthew Ballinger as Gentle Richie, Kayla Foster as Barbara, Gino Vento as Carlos, Aaron Eisenberg as Todd Lang and Chris Coy as Paul Hendrickson.

HBO Home Entertainment has an extensive array of critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking programs found on Bluray, DVD and Digital HD. They have provided viewers with some of the most amazing programs with huge fan bases that include the shows True Blood, Sex and the City, The Sopranos, True Detectives, The Wire, Entourage and Game of Thrones. Launched in 1984, HBO is world wide in viewed entertainment in more than 70 territories around the world! For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

The Bluray includes a Digital Copy to what anywhere on your television, computer, Tablet and Smartphone. The Bonus Features include The Deuce In Focus, The Wild West: New York in the Early ‘70s, Inside the Episodes, and Exclusive Audio Commentaries with James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michelle MacLaren, Nina Kostoff Noble, George Pelecanos and David Simon.

The 3-disc set includes the episodes Pilot, Show and Prove, The Principle is All, I See Money, What Kind of Bad?, Why Me?, Au Reservoir and My Name is Ruby.

THE DEUCE is an amazing series created and written by David Simon who was himself a police officer. Joining in is George Pelecanos who worked with Simon on a little series you may know as THE WIRE. THE DEUCE is the nickname for 42^nd Street that is between 7^th and 8^th Avenue in New York.

This series is the absolute grit and grim during the time New York became a boom for the porn industry. What THE DEUCE doesn’t do is sugar coat anything and that, I believe, is what surprised me the most. Lets actually be honest and said there are several things that surprised me and this is just the first.

There is a rawness to the way these characters are introduced to us because there isn’t a great way to say ‘hey, I’m a cheating spouse’ or ‘hey, I’m a prostitute’ or ‘hey, I’m a spoiled kid who wants to slum it to find myself’. Each of these characters has a history that has only been hinted at this first season. I am counting on Franco, Gyllenhaal, Pelecanos, Simon, Clark, MacLaren and the rest to let that history come forward.

The performances are so extreme and I marathoned completely the entire first season. There was no way I was going out, going to sleep or opening the front door until I saw what happened to each of these characters. They are fascinating and as each of their story’s unfold I become invested, heartbroken, majorly p.o.’d and yet still can not take my eyes off the screen.

It must be said that the finale just killed me, absolutely wrung me and hung me out to dry! I can not wait to see where Franco, Gyllenhaal and the rest of the cast take these characters next because this first season is filled with baby steps. Knowing there is so much more story to tell is what will bring me willingly back for the second season of THE DEUCE.

In the end – once upon a time in America pleasure because business!

A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS is an After Holiday Hilarious Gift on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital HD along with STX Films and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of our favorite ladies to show us how to be part of

A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS.

The holidays have arrived and Amy (Mila Kunis) is hoping to have a quiet and comfy holiday with daughter Jane (Oona Laurence), son Dylan (Emjay Anthony) and boyfriend Jessie (Jay Hernandez) and his daughter Lori (Ariana Greenblatt). Carla (Kathryn Hahn) and Kiki (Kristen Bell) are also trying to hold down the home front.

Of course plans don’t apply to their Moms! Amy is distressed when Mom Ruth (Christine Baranski) shows up with Dad Hank (Peter Gallagher) in tow. Carla is happily surprised when Mom Isis (Susan Sarandon) arrives and Kiki breaks out in a sweat when Mom Sandy (Cheryl Hines) arrives wearing her face on a sweater.

Knowing this is going to be a holiday for the books, Amy, Kiki and Carla decide there is only one thing to do – have drink and do a little tearing up for themselves. Making sure they vent to each other before the madness gets out of hand, they make sure to do one last thing before leaving the mall because, well, Amy needs a tree!

Amy and mom don’t waste any time annoying each other as Ruth continually tells her daughter that she obviously doesn’t care about giving her kids an amazing Christmas. Kiki can not handle the smothering mom Sandy is doing to the point of visiting a therapist! Carla is thrilled to have her rebel mom around but Isis has her own agenda for the holiday visit.

All three women are pushed daily to their limits and it comes to a freeze when each must decide how to handle their respective mothers with boundaries and maybe a bit of alcohol as well.

Okay, a lot of alcohol!

Kunis as Amy is doing pretty well with her life and obviously happy with the continued relationship with Jessie. All seems to be going great with a quiet Christmas but that changes when Mom in the form of Christine Baranski, shows up. I love the combination of these two ladies as mother and daughter. Baranski is perfectly annoyingly adorable as Ruth and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hahn as Carla is, and it I have to admit this, is my favorite character of the three ladies. Probably because she doesn’t hold back much in the way of sarcasm and the joy of just loving life. Also, can I be any happier that she finds something special in the way of the very talented Ty played by Justin Hartley of This is Us television drama fame. Sarandon as Isis is also the perfect Mom to Carla and I also loved her calling b.s. when she heard it.

Bell as Kiki found herself in the first BAD MOMS and it shows in this film. Having a little more control over her life, that gets a little setback when Mom Sandy shows up. What is even more frightening is that Bell and Hines are perfection together! Hines uses that mom-guilt to its highest level and I’m thrilled when Kiki remembers who she is and sets her life straight again!

It’s nice to see Hernandez return as Jessie and put up with all the nonsense that Amy’s mother brings to the holidays. Gallagher as Amy’s Dad spends the film just letting things go along until he finally has a say about it all – and it’s pretty sweet. Lawrence returns as Jane who knows how to push Amy’s buttons, Anthony as Dylan loves the gifts and Cade Cooksey returns as Carla’s son Jaxon.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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.

The Bluray/DVD Features include an awesome Gag Reel, Additional Scenes, Crew Music Video and Trailers. Digital HD allows us all to watch anywhere we like on our televisions, computers, Tablets and even Smartphones.

Being busy over the holidays I didn’t have the opportunity to see this film in theatres so having the opportunity to see the Bluray was so much fun. I laughed so hard and couldn’t believe some of the topics these ladies decided to cover – including the apparently un-awkward talk between Carla, Ty and some hot wax. Yes, look for that because it’s worth ever jaw-dropping moment!

We have all had those moments during the holidays where the pressure makes us crazy, the gift buying is overwhelming, the gatherings mean baking as if we all don’t have enough to do and the star on the tree top is trying to remember that we love our crazy families no matter what.

These three ladies give us a few lessons on how to handle it all as A BAD MOM’S CHRISTMAS gives us 11 months to prepare!

In the end – celebrate the next holiday like a mother!

Want a chance to add this holiday fun to your own home entertainment library? Please visit http://moviemaven.homestead.com and find out how!

THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW In Color Brings Back an Icon of Comedy on DVD from Time Life

Jeri Jacquin

Time Life is bringing some of the best in comedy for the next generation as THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW In Color comes in February.

John Herbert Gleason who came to be known as Jackie brought his unusual comedy styling’s through the character of Ralph Kramden the bus driver in the television series The Honeymooners. His life didn’t start out quite as funny being raised by a single mother after his father walked out with hat in hand and didn’t come back.

When his mother Mae passed away when Jackie was 19, he was taken in by a friend who introduced him to his first comedy job. A few years later he would be signed by Jack Warner and appeared in such films as the 1941 NAVY BLUES and in a film with Humphrey Bogart in 1941 with ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT.

Television came to call in 1949 and after several shows, he would host The Jackie Gleason Show in 1954-55 that brought audiences iconic characters such as Joe the Bartender, The Poor Soul, Charlie Bratton and Fenwick Babbit with so many more.

In 1966, Jackie Gleeson returns with a new season and color episodes of The Honeymooners. His guests would include Milton Berle, Red Buttons, George Carlin, Nipsey Russell, Phil Silvers in color.

This DVD gives viewers a look at four never-before-seen released episodes that have been beautifully remastered. There are also three Honeymooners sketches that haven’t been seen since originally aired.

The show was recorded in Miami Beach and happily had bragging rights as the place of sun and fun. Taped there until the final 1970 season, the master tapes stayed in the vault until now.

Staring off with Jackie spending a little time with Red Buttons is comedy and timing that is nothing short of delightful. Seeing the very handsome and young Frankie Avalon singing once again is such a treat for me as he was one of my mother’s favorite singers.

Not to be outdone, Jackie spends time with Phil Silvers are they dance and annoy one another over the word ‘aluminum’. On stage with a cigarette in one hand and an comedic insult in the other, Jackie lets everything fly. Instead, Phil gives us a bit of his own version of a mix of romantic song with an operatic flare.

The most amazing part of the DVD is the revisit of The Honeymooners as Jackie returns as Ralph Kramden, Art Carney as Ed Norton, along with Sheila MacRae as Alice Kramden and Jane Kean as Trixie Norton. When a dog’s doctor report comes into Ralphs hands, comedy is inevitable.

Sammy Spear as Jackie’s orchestra leader, he musically announces guests such as song-bird Florence Henderson and the very funny Morey Amsterdam who also provides a little cello entertainment. There is also more from those amazing Honeymooners.

Nipsey Russell brings song, dance and clever poetry with his comedy and Jackie knows a talent when he sees it. The comedy of Jan Murray decides to teach Jackie how to golf just a little better.

Milton Berle stops by to exchange humor with Jackie and the show also includes Edie Adams singing about the famous cabaret and sharing some famous impressions. A suit wearing young man you may know as funny man George Carlin has short hair and no bear but still hilarious.

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

That’s what makes this collection so amazing; revisiting the weekly entertainment that kept families laughing can now be experiences once again. The comedy is superb and even racy at times (especially for the time period), the music is very nostalgic yet the ladies are lovely and the fun was clearly had by all.

Jackie Gleason came to be known as The Great One and for good reason. He gave us all laughs and from stage, television and the big screen, Gleason made an impact in every genre he undertook. Even in his later years nothing stopped him from making us all laugh from his character in SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT to his final film role in that is beautiful with NOTHING IN COMMON along side Tom Hanks.

In the end – he reminds us all of ‘how sweet it is!’

MY LITTLE PONY Friendship is Magic: Spring Into Friendship Brings Color and Fun on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! Kids Factory and Hasbro Studios is the next batch of adventures from our favorite hoofed friends with MY LITTLE PONY Friendship is Magic: Spring Into Friendship.

When Rainbow is invited to a party at Princess Celestia’s castle in The Ticket Master is becomes clear there is a dilemma. As much as she wants to go, so do all the other ponies and each one tries to do something special to show how much they want to go. Stressed out, Rainbow makes a decision that surprises them all showing how selfless one can truly be and rewarded just the same.

Rarity in Sisterhooves Social, her parents need to go out of town for a few days leaving sister Sweetie Bell in her care. Discovering that trying to keep a little sister occupied while keeping everything in order is a big job. Making Sweetie Bell feel unloved, Rarity learns that perhaps she may have been wrong about so many things.

Just for Sidekicks has Spike taking care of Angel while Fluttershy works on celebration plans at the Crystal Empire. That gives him an idea that he can collect more jewels by babysitting the pets of the other Pony’s. His real plan is to pawn the pets off on the smaller Pony’s so he can get back to doing what he really wanted to be doing – baking a cake. Spike is in for more than he ever bargained for!

Princess Twilight Sparkle (Part 1) has Twilight learning how to be a princess in her first Summer Sun Celebration. What she doesn’t expect is a black vine coming after Princess Celestia! Even more surprising is that the sun and the moon are both sharing the sky. Twilight must return to Ponyville and get the Elements of Harmony along with her friends to try and find answers. Trusting Zecora puts Twilight in front of Princess Luna who isn’t quite right.

In Princess Twilight Sparkle (Part 2) Twilight discovers that Luna’s new look has come about by the potion. More importantly, she discovers that it all began with a visit to the Everfree Forest. Knowing that she and her friends must also go in the forest, they seek out the Tree of Harmony only to discover it also is covered in a strange vine. Of course there is one thing Twilight doesn’t know that someone back in Ponyville does. Will they all make it to the Summer Sun Celebration?

Hasbro Studios is an iconic brand with some of the best in animation and family programming with MY LITTLE PONY, and LITTLEST PET SHOP. Since its formation in 2009, Hasbro Studios has received seven Daytime Emmy’s!

SHOUT! Factory brings the best to fans offering up feature films, classic television series, animation and specials. For more of what they have to offer go to www.shoutfactory.com. 

MY LITTLE PONY Friendship is Magic: Spring into Friendship is a delightful look at the power of friendship, being loyal, the importance of family and the importance of giving ones word. Those are pretty wonderful lessons to see, especially when My Little Pony’s are the ones showing us all how.

The DVD includes the episodes of The Ticket Master, Sisterhooves Social, Just for Sidekicks, Princess Twilight Sparkle Part 1, and Princess Twilight Sparkle Part 2. There is the fun Bonus Feature of the Sing-Along and if that isn’t enough, how about the Spring into Fun with special Egg-Decorating stickers!

MY LITTLE PONY has been a staple of programming in my family’s home for so many years that I’m thrilled it continues today with the grandkids. The storytelling is funny and colorful with so many elements of animation that are captivating.

These characters have become so iconic that you’d have to be from another universe not to recognize them. The best part of this franchise is that it is for everyone to enjoy. One of the best experiences is to sit with a young child and watch to see the wonder through their eyes.

I still do this with my own family because when you know something has made such an impression of goodness and fun – you definitely want to share it!

In the end – these Pony’s know how to spring into friendship!

HOSTILES is the first epic in 2018

Jeri Jacquin

On the vast plains of the 1800s from writer/director Scott Cooper and Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures comes a story of redemption between HOSTILES.

Capt. Joseph Blocker (Christian Bale) has spent his military career fighting both wars and himself. Making it clear he has no compassion for Native Americans, he is shocked when the outpost Colonel instructs him by Presidental order to take Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his family home to Montana after serving seven years in prison. Being defiant, Blocker tells his superior that he refuses the order but is forced to realize that a court martial is possible.

Along with a detail including Lt. Kidder (Jesse Plemons), Wilks (Bill Camp), Corp. Molinor (Stafford Douglas), and Corp. Woodsen (Jonathan Majors), they lead Chief Yellow Hawk and his family Black Hawk (Adam Beach), Elk Woman (O'orianka Kilcher), Little Bear (Xavier Horsechief) and Living Woman (Tanaya Beatty) across the plains to Montana.

Preparing to stop for the night they come across a burned out home and while investigation discover Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) who is in shock over the death of her family. Capt. Blocker and the men are immediately struck to the bone by what they see and what she has been through knowing they must accompany her fragile self to the next town.

Chief Yellow Hawk knows that the men who caused the chaos are not far away and tries to get the Captain to understand that they want to help but the mistrust is intense. Continuing on their way, the group is attacked by renegade Comanche's who don't care who is in the group. Trying to reach Montana safely the group is now unsure of how they will survive the attacks from all sides.

In the next town, Capt. Blocker asks that the post Lieutenant see that Mrs. Quaid is taken care of but that's not what she wants. Feeling safer with Blocker, she makes it clear that the journey to Montana is something she needs to see to the end. The Lieutenant asks Blocker to escort another prisoner to the next town to be turned over for a murder trial.

He agrees but is equally surprised at who the prisoner turns out to be. Getting closer to their destination, the two sides begin to see the pain and sadness each has experienced and in one moment Capt. Blocker sees his own world shift in the most unexpected way.

That's what happens when you walk a mile in real life.

Bale as Captain Blocker is an angry man who lived his military life surrounded by heinous acts. When those acts begin to reflect back onto his life, watching Bale slowly take in every bit of it is something to experience. There is not a lot of dialogue for his character but instead being continually riveted by the duality of how he handles each step towards Montana.

Studi as Chief Yellow Hawk is the calm in the middle of the storm. I adore when Studi shines on the screen in this way and having spent more than his fair share of time portraying Native Americans, this portrayal is stunningly beautiful. He also has a little dialogue but when he does speak it is from the heart of a wounded people. There is something to be said for quiet strength but don't get me wrong; Chief Yellow Hawk still has fight left in him.

Pike as Rosalie is a pioneer woman who has every reason to be broken, fearful and angry. Finding a sense of security with Capt. Blocker, she also begins to understand the people considered the enemy because of an honorable gesture. Pike grows with each mile they put behind them and doesn't hesitate to pick up a weapon and make her feelings known.

Beach as Black Hawk follows the wisdom and ways of his father Chief Yellow Hawk wanting to do what's best for his family. It is good to see Beach once again in a film that does him justice. Kilcher as Elk Woman takes in everything going on around her making sure to protect her son. Horsechief as Little Bear is thoughtful, smart and embraces everyone with a gentle smile and my heart just melted ever scene he is in.

Plemmons as Lt. Kidder turns in a performance that keeps me believing that he is such an under utilized actor. Here his character experiences events that jolt him but it doesn't change the part of him that wants to do what's right. Camp as Wilks is at the end of his career and throwing unexpected events toward Captain Blocker. Camp's performance is stoic and heartbreaking at the same time.

Other cast also include Rory Cochrane as Master Sgt. Metz, Timothee Chalamet as Pvt. DeJardin, John Hickey as Capt. Tolan, Robyn Malcolm as Minnie McCowan, Peter Mullan as Lt. McCowan, Stephen Lang as Col. Biggs, Paul Anderson as Corp. Thomas, David Midthunder as Buffalo Man, Ryan Bingham as Sgt. Malloy and Ben Foster as Sgt. Wills.

HOSTILES will give audiences an experience with a story that I believe offers up the question of 'who really are the hostiles?' The cinematography is stunning with a wide open view of the elements giving the characters space to truly bring the story and the wide spectrum of human emotions.

Bale carries the load of a man fighting between the hostile man he's become towards Native Americans and now being confronted with that hostility. Studi's character of Chief Yellow Hawk sees the pain Capt. Blocker is in and understands it more than the military man realizes. These are two men who have seen and done things towards one another and it is fitting that they must stand face to face, accept and forgive.

HOSTILES has already received attention from the Central Ohio Film Critics Association with a nomination for Breakthrough Film Artist for Timothee Chalamet and has won the Capri Photoplay Award for Masanobu Takayanagi by Capri, Hollywood.

In the end - we are all hostiles.

BILAL: A New Breed of Hero

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon from directors Khurram H. Alavi, Ayman Jamal and Barjaoun Entertainment is a story of family, hope, survival and breaking the chains for freedom with BILAL: A New Breed of Hero.

Many generations ago surrounded by his sister and mother, Bilal is a young boy who dreams of being a great warrior. In a fraction of a second, Bilal and sister Ghufaira watch in horror as they are separated from their mother and become slaves to the vicious overlord Umayya (voiced by Ian McShane).

Told to always take care of his sister, Bilal is now a servant to Umayya and his narcissistic son Saad (Thomas Ian Nicholas) who clearly enjoys finding ways to hurt Bilal. As the years go by, Bilal (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) watches as the other slaves suffer and Umayya demands loyalty as well as coin but focuses on taking care of Ghufaira (Cynthia McWilliams).

One day Bilal stops a boy from doing the wrong thing that could have gotten him beaten and it catches the attention of the Lord of Merchants (Al Rodrigo). Asking why Bilal saved the boy, he explains that his only intention was to help him. The conversation turns to being free and he remembers his own mother telling him something similar as a child.

It wasn't until Bilal saw Hamza's (Dave B. Mitchell) reaction to the poor treatment of slaves that he realizes that there is more to life than being a slave. During an evening serving Umayya, Saad makes it known that Bilal is part of a group that believes in freedom. When confronted, Bilal lets it be known that he is an equal to every man in the room which causes him to be tortured much to the delight of Saad.

He is rescued by Al-Hakam who buys Bilal's freedom and takes him to a place where he would be safe. Unfortunately, Bilal discovers that Umayya has given Ghufaira to Saad who has no intention of giving her up. Now Bilal must train to fight for the freedom of other until he can come to Saad face to face to reunite his family.

Bilal learns that he must control his anger and pain to 'not let the weapon dictate decisions' and although he has plenty of reason to be angry, Bilal learns it serves nothing. As the years go by, Bilal and his people finally come back to where it all began and he makes one more decision that could change his life.

Understanding and forgiveness is everything.

The voice of Akinnuoye-Agbaje as the adult Bilal is powerful, strong, beautiful and verbally expresses so much emotion. Struggling with who he is and what his place is in the world, Akinnuoye-Agbaje offers up a vocal performance giving this historic character strength and beauty.

McWilliams as Ghufaira as well as McClain give their voice of caring and even fear knowing that Saad truly wants to hurt them both. She is such a lovely character who knows that their childhood was filled with pain but constantly strives to be a support for her brother Bilal. That is an endearing sentiment to share between siblings and these two ladies do a fantastic job of portraying that.

McShane as Umayya is a voice that I recognize without ever having to see his face. The amazing things about this actor is that as much as I adore seeing him on the big and small screen, he has the unique ability to bring emotion with just his voice. He has the ability to be evil, charming, a bit sarcastic and even funny when called for. In the vocal role of Umayya, it is pure evil and has no difficulty making us believe that he has no care for anyone other than himself.

Nicholas as Saad is a chip off the ole block as a boy who has definetly learned how to be an angry and vindictive 'master'. He relishes in the fact that people fear him for who his father is and delights in making Bilal suffer by using the love for his sister as a weapon all its own.

Mitchell as Hamza is the man who sees what Bilal's mother saw when he was a child.

Although it is at times difficult to reach Bilal because of his anger, Hamza does not give up. Instead, he takes the time to explain how Bilal is responsible for his own life and all the decisions that come with that. Letting him know that even a free man must deal with the consequences of his actions, Bilal begins to transform before our very eyes. Mitchell's voice is strong yet unwavering in conveying the belief that all men are free!

Other cast include Michael Gross as Okba, Jon Curry as Soheib, Mick Wingert as Safwan, China Anne McClain as teen Ghufaira, Jacob Latimore as teen Bilal and Andre Robinson as child Bilal.

BILAL: A New Breed of Hero is a wonderful story that is told exceedingly well in this animated film. The characters are well developed in such a way that the viewer has time to understand the era of time in the Arabian Peninsula. Fourteen hundred years ago the city of Makka was being controlled by a man who clearly believed that all were inferior - perhaps even his own son. Finding a way to fleece all and put the fear of a made up religion in their hearts is a story told time and time again throughout the world at this time.

The animation is absolutely stunning with its brilliance in bringing the story even more life and reflection. The scene where Bilal sees himself in the sand is breathtaking. There is so much detail in everything from the eyebrows to the hair on the horses that adds such dept to an already deep story.

From the life of Bilal ibn Rabah who was a slave known for his beautiful voice, he would also grow to be a loyal friend of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Chosen to be a muezzin, he would call people to prayer with his voice. That is an amazing part of his life but trust me when I saw that everyone should read more about this person's existence because he had the choice to be a product of the heinous things that happened to him but instead chose another path. In other words, he made his mother's words proud.

BILAL: A New Breed of Hero is a solid and original story along with visually stunning animation that I enjoyed very much. This is an opportunity for families to learn a little history and grasp on to the universal beliefs of family, doing what is right and always standing up for those who may not be able to do it for themselves. I always find it beautiful when these stories are shared that are set in 'ancient' times but aren't so ancient at all.

In the end - a legend breaks free!