THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Current available on Digital and coming to Bluray/DVD from Searchlight Pictures and director Michael Showalter is the biopic story of the rise and fall of a ministry through THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE.

Tammy Faye (Jessica Chastain) spent her formative years believing that she was made for something special with the guidance of God. Growing up knowing she was different, especially when it is explained by her mother Rachel (Cherry Jones), Tammy Faye had faith in more.

Off to college she meets young charismatic preacher Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield) and together they start an on-the-road ministry. Introduced to Pat Robert (Gabriel Olds), their calling comes to television and Tammy Faye is thrilled, Jim wants to reach more. Their chance finally comes when they create the PTL Club (Praise the Lord) and begin to reach homes 24 hours a day.

The donations come pouring in, but the marriage starts to fall away. Tammy Faye is looking to be loved and cherished but her husband is looking to keep the donation telephones ringing. He even seeks financial help to build Heritage Village with Roe Messner (Sam Jaeger) but it is Tammy Faye that gets him to agree.

Noticing their success, Pat Robertson, Jimmy Swaggart (Jay Huguley) and Jerry Falwell (Vincent D’Onofrio) are all looking for cracks in the holy foundation. When rumors about Jim begin to swirl, Tammy Faye watches as everything comes crashing down around her while asking ‘where are you God?’

Chastain as Tammy Faye gives viewers an almost spot-on look of Tammy Faye Bakker and a look into her younger years. Even though she is covered in make-up and hair, Chastain gives her character a vulnerability that can be overlooked by the glitz of the world the Bakker’s created. She did believe in loving everyone, no matter their circumstances and did not see the world the way the men surrounding her did. Chastain does what she is excellent at, slowly bringing us into an unknown world and easily believing we are looking at Tammy Faye.

Garfield as Bakker reminded me why I never did care for Bakker very much. There was and still is a narcissism that exudes from Jim Bakker and the actor nails it from start to finish. Telling Tammy Faye the story of how he came to be a minister explains the deep resentment the pastor must have had about giving up his dream. Realizing he could still have that dream; Garfield portrays Bakker as a unreputable man hiding behind the good book.

Jones as Rachel is Tammy Faye’s mother who made it clear from the beginning that her own choices left markings on her daughters’ life. Always blunt, she is also always there when Tammy Faye needed her.

D’Onofrio as Falwell is a man who outwardly wants to be of some assistant to Bakker and is clearly annoyed with the way Tammy Faye handles things. Inwardly he jealous of Bakker’s success and turns on a dime. Olds as Roberts also makes his feelings clear on the PTL’s success, and Huguley as Swaggart had a successful ministry of his own – until it fell as well. All of these pastors claimed to care about their fellow minister but games comes in all shapes and religions.

Other cast include Fredric Lehne as Fred Grover, Louis Cancelmi as Richard Fletcher and Mark Wystrach as Gary Paxton.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Searchlight Pictures’ The Eyes of Tammy Faye Bonus Features - A Look Inside The Eyes of Tammy Faye – Hear what drew Jessica Chastain, cast mates and filmmakers to The Eyes of Tammy Faye. From prosthetics to singing, uncover Jessica Chastain’s remarkable multi-layered transformation into Tammy Faye Bakker.

The film has garnered recognition by the San Sebastian International Film Festival with a win for Jessica Chastain for Best Leading Performance, also the Toronoto International Film Festival with a Tribute Award also for Jessica Chastain. The Women’s Image Network Awards gives Jessica Chastain a Best Actress Award along with nominations for Best Feature Film and Best Film Produced by a Woman.

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE comes in at a little over two hours from her humble beginnings until the fall from grace and what that leads too. Never giving up even after Bakker falls, she attempts to do whatever she can to take care of herself. Returning to her humble beginnings (except for her continual love of big eyelashes and gauche makeup), no one was going to shake her belief.

Chastain and Garfield bring this one-time successful religious couple from college to their downfall. These two actors gave it everything and that is important when trying to tell the story of an unbelievable couple during an unbelievable time. The costuming is fantastic and that adds more depth and intensity to the story of the 1970’s and 1980’s.

I remember, when living in a southern state, seeing Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker on television constantly by many people I knew. The devotion was intense, and I never judged, only hated that money was given so freely to people who clearly did not need it for the purposes it was asked for. When the couple fell, it broke the hearts of the same people which in turn shocked me as I did not understand how they still gave money. Then again, it still happens today except now with politicians!

Tammy Faye would eventually marry Roe Messner and succumb to cancer in 2007.

In the end – sometimes in life you have to take your lashes!

They Never Expected to Find THE DEEP HOUSE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to EPIX and on Digital from Paramount Home Entertainment and directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo is a story of what they find in THE DEEP HOUSE.

Ben (James Jagger) and Tina (Camille Rowe) are social media influencers who share their adventures with viewers on the internet. Going through France, they are looking for the story of an underwater house only to discover what where they thought it should be is now an recreation area.

Trying to figure out what to do next, Ben meets a local who knows what they are looking for and agrees to take them. Driving further and further away, the last few miles they go together on foot carrying their gear. Ben and Tina are so surprised to see a vast lake before them as the local tells them to go straight down and they will find a house totally intact.

Excited, they put on their gear and prepare their underwater drone and dive right in. Making sure everything works, they head down deep into the water talking about how their viewers are going to be thrilled about their adventure.

Finding the house, nothing seemed to be worn down by water damage and Tina points it out to Ben. Going from room to room they discover older recording equipment, dolls and a deep secret that is going to keep them investigating to find the answers.

Jagger as Ben is clearly only thinking about the ratings of his social media viewers. He wanted to find the underwater house and be the first to investigate it. Disappointed at first, he is reinvigorated when the local takes them to another location. Pushing the dive further and further, Tina wants to go but Jagger believes that the mystery will thrill viewers.

Rowe as Tina has been preparing for the dive in her own way. Enjoying the road trip, she does not seem to mind it when they do not initially find the underwater house. Happy to be lying on the beach and relaxing, she agrees to go with Ben to the next location. I sided with Rowe’s character from the get go – how very cool that a house is under the water but send in the drone and stay outside of it. Every time Row’s character had an objection, I yelled, “Listen to Tina!”

Other cast include Eric Savin as Pierre, Alexis Servaes as Mister Montegnac, Anne Claessens as Madam Montegnac and Caroline Massey as Sarah Montegnac.

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.

THE DEEP HOUSE is an interesting look at a film that is 95% under water. That adds a crazy element of creepiness because it is dark and murky. Every corner they turn there is something floating by that adds to the mystery or something in the shadows that look far away. The depth perception is as muddled as the water.

As the story unfolds and comes to light, the Ben and Tina are still under the water with the oxygen tank clock ticking as the house begins to turn on them (ergo why I was screaming, “that’s what the drone was for!”). It is now the house against the humans and what Ben and Tina discover is that the house has a reason for wanting them.

In the end – even death may die!

HEART OF CHAMPIONS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now showing from director Michael Mailer and Vertical Entertainment is the story of working together as a team with the HEART OF CHAMPIONS.

Coach Jack Murphy (Michael Shannon) has come to Beeston University to be a part of the varsity rowing team. Captain Alex Singleton (Alexander Ludwig) rules with a sort of iron fist and sarcasm that does not really help the team. John (Alex MacNicoll) is the soft space between Alex and the rest of the team.

Murphy makes himself quite clear from the beginning, learn to row as a team or get off the team. He especially makes it clear to newcomer Chris (Charles Melton) arrives with an emotional chip on his shoulder.  He also needs to deal with Alex’s father (David Elliott) who has a history with the coach and is not afraid to throw it in his face.

Chris is in love with Sara (Lilly Krug) who introduces her friend Nisha (Ash Santos) to John. A rift, as if they need another one, already exists between Alex and John over Sara keeping tensions high.

But as the team learns from one another, they grow as a team and Coach Murphy believes that they have the potential to do what has been impossible for so long – beating the Harvard team. As they get close to that match, the team begins to break apart and a tragedy causes them all to believe that going on may be impossible.

The possible and impossible meet on the water.

Shannon as Coach Murphy comes into his position with unresolved issues that haunt him. Seeing the potential of the rowing team, he starts coaching as if they no nothing which they actually do not. There is so much disconnect with the varsity team that Shannon gives his coach thoughtfulness, and instead of just talking – he actually gives examples that they can embrace. Shannon has always been an acting I have watched closely because of the roles he chooses (i.e. Nine Perfect Strangers is an amazing example).

Ludwig as Alex is a young man who is being pushed toward the Olympics by a father who sees nothing but glory. Trying to please both his father and be loyal to a team that he has finally come to understand and want to be a part of is the battle he faces. Ludgwig shows the duality that will eventually be his downfall when choosing a path that is so destructive.

MacNicoll as John is a very empathetic young man who sees his team as a brotherhood and would do anything for them – even Alex. He works hard and loves girlfriend Sara being a focus of his life as well. Seeing the potential for the team is exciting and he even wants to help the coach with his goal of winning. MacNicoll is charming, funny and caring in this role and well done.

Melton as Chris has a history that he does not want to share with anyone and that gives the impression that he is uncaring and standoffish. The only person who manages to break through it is John and they become fast friends. Melton hides the pain of his character well and only let’s slip what he wants when he wants, and it is powerful and painful.

Krug as Sara is entertaining, charming and realizes that there is strain between Alex and John. Santos as Nisha is opinionated and makes an instant assessment of Chris without really knowing him. Once she does, the two work their way through an intense relationship.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

HEART OF CHAMPIONS is a story of the lives of the young men on the rowing team. Trying to find their way to being cohesive not only on the water but on land as well. Finding the right coach, it is only when Jack Murphy arrives does it mean that they might have finally found someone who can handle the group of young men.

Watching them grow on screen from sarcastic and broken apart to a team that comes alive on the water is what makes this film enjoyable to watch. There are issues that each of the characters face and some face them head on and other fight the demons that seem to take them down the wrong road.

Gather any team together and watch to see how a team become a family of brothers that learn to face it all together.

In the end – talent wins races and courage creates champions!

 

It is all About RESPECT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Liesl Tommy and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the biopic about one of the most legendary women in music who learns to demand RESPECT.

Aretha Franklin (Jennifer Hudson) grows up in Detroit with very controlling paster father C.L. (Forest Whitaker) in 1952. Parading her out to sing for those who visit his home, Aretha is missing her mother Barbara (Audra McDonald). When the news of her mother comes, Aretha becomes silent as her sisters Erma (Saycon Sengbloh) and Carolyn (Hailey Kilgore) can only watch is happening.

Year later, Aretha catches the eye of Ted White (Marlon Wayans) but her father immediately lets it be known that she is to stay away from him. To make that happen, Aretha discovers that she and her father will be travelling to New York to discuss a record deal with Columbia’s John Hammond (Tate Donovan).

Now she is on the road to becoming a known singer with albums of songs that are basically cover music. It is when Dinah Washington (Mary J. Blige) has it out with Aretha is she told that finding her own sound is what will get her the hits that she so desperately wants. Also, running into Ted once again does Aretha believe that she can finally have a life outside of the control of her father.

When things do not work out at Columbia, Jerry Wexler (Marc Maron) of Atlantic Records takes Aretha to Muscle Shoals and there she begins to discover the sound, words and music she had been looking for. As music becomes successful, her marriage begins to show the abuses that Aretha has been enduring.

There comes a pivotal point where Aretha must decide what is important in her life, who she can trust and who she truly loves. Once that happens, she returns to the church through her music and discovers a peace she had been longing for.

Hudson as Aretha brings the same powerful voice that Ms. Franklin brought to the music scene and the world. The quiet spoken woman who let everyone around push and pull her, turns into the quietly powerful woman who learns that she does not have to give up who she is for the sake of music or anything else for that matter. There is no doubt Hudson would bring song to the role and it is well done.

Whitaker as C.L. is so focused on being who he is and controlling who Aretha is, he is totally unaware of the reasons behind his daughter’s behavior when she was a child. Being a stage-dad puts intense pressure on Aretha until she rebels in ways that cause friction. Whitaker is stunning in this role.

Wayans as Ted is a man who clearly loves his wife though he has a funny way of showing it when he does not like something. Wayans gives a clear performance to the point where it is easy to see when the moods will change and the power in which Aretha eventually handles it.

Maron as Wexler believes in Aretha and also believes in her potential to discover her own music and her own way of recording it. The relationship between Maron and Hudson is so wonderfully done because it is a musical partnership that was always needed. Donovan as Hammond sees firsthand the pressure Aretha is under and the control her father has. Trying to help the young woman, Donovan is sympathetic and soft spoken when it comes to having a recording relationship.

Other cast includes Kelvin Hair as Sam Cooke, Heather Headley as Clara Ward, Lodric D. Collins as Smokey Robinson, Tituss Burgess as James Cleveland, Leroy McClain as Cecil Franklin, Albert Jones as Ken Cunningham.  and Gilbert Glenn Brown as Martin Luther King Jr.

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.

Bonus Features include The Making of RESPECT, Becoming Aretha, Capturing a Legacy, From Muscle Shoals and Exploring the Design of RESPECT.

RESPECT is filled with the music of legendary singer Aretha Franklin. The story tells us of a young girl’s life filled with trauma, the men who chose to control every move and decision of her life and, when the time came, she broke away to finally discover who and what her life was meant to be.

There is not a single person I know that does not know at least one or two of her songs. RESPECT is the opportunity for everyone to see the range of music she recorded and how it all came to be. Her life included the influence of the church, a movement and a time that she included in the sound of her music.

In the end – find out what respect truly means!

 

 

He is Trying to Put Out a RAGING FIRE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Benny Chan and Well Go USA is a police action with twists at every turn trying to put out a RAGING FIRE.

Cheung (Donnie Yen) is a police officer with the Regional Crime Unit who has spent his career cracking case after case. Waiting for the arrival of his first child, Cheung is trying to get the job done but with maybe a little less danger. It is clear throughout the force that he can not be bought to betray his job.

Because he will not, sometimes to the point where he is left out of important cases. When he and his crew are cut out of a bust, Cheung decides he will go anyway. When he gets there, to their shock and horror, they find twenty police officers either dead or seriously wounded.

Cheung is determined to discover who is responsible. What he doesn’t know is that Ngo (Nicolas Tse) and his gang are not afraid to break laws and cause mayhem in the city. It becomes a game of kill or be killed but why?

Only Cheung and Ngo have the answer to that!

Yen as Cheung is so amazing to watch, not just as a martial artist but as an actor. Playing a no-nonsense police officer, this character takes his job seriously and nothing made me applaud more than the tea-scene (you will see!). As a martial artist, Yen’s character took punches and got whupped a time or two, but his moves are so smooth and thrilling to watch.

Tse as Ngo was equally amazing to watch. Getting the opportunity to play a pure evil eyed looking bad ass who takes no prisoners is the opposite of Cheung. He sets his ground rules for the group and lets it be known that failure has repercussions. Tse gives as good as he gets and his martial arts moves are stunning to watch with Yen.

Other cast include Qin Lan as Anna Lam, Ray Lui as You, Jeanna Ho as Turbo, Angus Yeung as Cho, Bruce as Kwan, Yu Kang as Mok, Ben Yuen as Kit, Patrick Tam as Ka-po, Kenny Wong as Tai, and Deep Ng as Chow.

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

RAGING FIRE is a non-stop acting filled twisty fast story that it did not feel like a two-hour film. It deals with corruption, those who refuse to be corrupt because let us not forget that behind Cheung is a group of police officers that share his beliefs equally, and a back story that slowly makes its way forward.

Yen and Tse have a heavy load to carry as the two main characters of the film. Their presence on screen is palpable and tense to the point where you can see the bough about to break. When it does, the martial arts are superb to watch and shows what skill both of these actors have.

Grab a huge bucket of popcorn and get ready for the chase of a lifetime.

In the end – the fire rages for a reason!

 

 

 

Royalty Reigns with THE CROWN: The Complete Fourth Season on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from Netflix and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes the sensation and pageantry of THE CROWN: The Complete Fourth Season.

It is 1979 the Conservative Party in England has elected the first woman Prime Minister in Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson). Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) soon discovers that Thatcher is a bit on the sexist side leaving her majesty a bit taken aback. On the home front, Charles (Josh O’Connor) is being told by his uncle Mountbatten (Charles Dance) to stop the shenanigans with Camilla Parker Bowles (Emerald Fennell). Charles does take notice of a young Lady Diana Spencer (Emma Corrin).

The Queen invites the Prime Minister and husband to Balmoral and the new guests find themselves uncomfortable with their surroundings and the people. Charles is pushed to invite Diana there to visit with his family and they are delighted with the young woman and see a future.

The world is about to get a royal announcement from the Queen and Prince Philip (Tobias Menzies) regarding their son Prince Charles. He has proposed to Diana, and she has agreed although about to learn exactly what she has agreed too! The media immediately begins its assault on her, and the stress starts to show itself. There is also the relationship with Parker Bowles that Charles must take care of. Princess Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter) makes it clear she thinks the marriage is an absolute mistake, but the wedding goes on and televised internationally.

When Thatcher’s son goes missing during the Paris-Dakar Rally in Algeria, she turns to the Queen to tell her about it. If that is not enough, her majesty learns that there is favoritism among her children and wants to get to the bottom of it. Asking them individually, she learns things that surprise her and speaks to Phillip about it just in time to learn Diana is pregnant.

The Falklands is in the midst of problems, a man named Michael Fagan wants Thatcher to do something about the struggles the country is facing. Given a curt reply to his concerns, he takes them to the Queen in a way that is shocking for the Palace – more than once. Concerned with her people, trying to discuss them with the Prime Minister proves difficult.

Charles and Diana are preparing for a royal visit to Australia, the difficulties in the marriage are becoming more and more difficult to deal with. Arriving in Australia, the crowd loves seeing her, and the Queen takes notice. Even when they return to England and Diana tries to talk with the Queen about their problems in their marriage, it does not seem to change or help the situation.

Margaret discovers a long-time family secret regarding two cousins in the family. It makes matters worse that she is dealing with depression of her own and turns to the Queen Mother (Marion Bailey). Once she understands the reasons behind the family’s generational decisions, it does not make her any happier. Now, the Queen and Thatcher are having problems with their beliefs about apartheid in South Africa. Unhappy with what the Prime Minister is doing, there is a bigger fear that the women’s disagreements will become known by the press.

Charles resentments toward Diana grow when she gives a surprise performance at the Royal Opera House for his birthday. While the crowd is delighted, Charles is anything but. Then again, neither of them is being faithful no matter who in the royal household they talk to. Each are being destructive in their behavior and the Queen is well aware of it.

Finally, Thatcher is discovering that having a position of power might be fine, but it also means there are colleagues who have their own idea. She must decide if all of what is happening is worth continuing. Charles continues to be unhappy with Diana’s popularity and takes his frustrations out on his wife. Turning his hostility about not being able to be with Camilla out on her, it is the Queen who reminds him of his duty to family and country and it is Prince Philip that reminds Diana of her own obligations.

Colman as Queen Elizabeth is stunning, marvelous, wonderful and captures everything I would expect from taking on the roll of the Queen. It is a period of time filled with so much turmoil and revelations, but Colman takes the reigns and ride through it all with such grace. I absolutely love Colman with every role she takes and being able to experience the story through her is epic.

Anderson as Thatcher has a story to be told this season as well. Being the first woman Prime Minister in an age where it was unheard of it amazing, having Anderson play the role brings THE CROWN to new heights. What I can say about Anderson’s performance is that I forgot it was her because she had me totally enthralled in the story.

Menzies as Prince Philip is standoffish, does not seem to have a hand in the children he’s brought into the world and has strong opinions that are filled with bit. A fan of Menzies since his days on another successful series Outlander, I was thrilled to see him take on the role of the prince. There are moments Menzies gives us to think that perhaps he will change his thinking and then, he returns to a stoic royal.

O’Connor as Prince Charles is a man who does what everyone wants him to do. Following the advice of his Uncle Mountbatten, then the Queen, then his father and even his mistress, O’Connor gives Charles all of that – and even a side to him that is slightly cruel to my way of thinking. Continuing to blame Diana for his unhappiness, O’Connor makes sure we experience the reason for it all.

Corrin as Lady Diana is a woman who fell hard for the prince and could never have imagined what that world was really all about. Once married, Diana discovers what goes on behind closed doors including her own as Corrin’s performance brings us the excitement in the beginning and the sadness that follows the truths that come out about her life and marriage.

Shout out to Bailey as the Queen Mother and Bonham-Carter as Princess Margaret. It is interesting to see Carter grow in the stories that are shown about Princess Margaret and the life of the spare to the Queen. Also, Dance as Lord Mountbatten is wonderful, but I have for years enjoyed every performance and role he has chosen (even that of Sardo Numspa, yes, I have just aged myself).

Other cast includes Erin Doherty as Princess Anne, Stephen Boxer as Denis Thatcher, Tom Brooke as Michael Fagan and Charles Dance as Lord Mountbatten.

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.

Bluray Special Features of the 4-disc 459-minute set include Triumph & Tragedy: Diana and Charles, Three Groundbreaking Women, Research, Costumes & More: The Making of Season 4, and Photo Gallery.

Season Four episodes include: Gold Stick, The Balmoral Test, Fairytale, Favourites, Fagan, Terra Nullius, The Hereditary Principle, 48:1, Avalanche and War.

THE CROWN: The Complete Fourth Season is beautifully done, and the set designs and costuming are stunning in every aspect. The story is made even richer by those two things and Netflix did not spare any expense bringing it. I love when I can be transported into a film or series because designs and costumes make the journey so easy.

The cast is sheer perfection with Colman, Anderson, Menzies, O’Connor, and Corrin. Adding Dance and Bonham-Carter is topping on a very delicious sponge cake! Every actor and actress who has had a part in the telling of THE CROWN deserves recognition, I just do not have enough space for you all but THANK YOU!

THE CROWN has been nominated for twenty-four 2021 Emmy Awards and winner of four 2021 Golden Globes including Best Drama Series.

In the end – this is their life behind the palace gates!

 

The Destruction of 13-MINUTES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Lindsay Gossling and Quiver Distribution is a story of the sky turning deadly in 13-MINUTES.

In the small ranch community of Minninnewah, there is work to be done and plenty of people doing them. It is a hard-working community as rancher Rick (Trace Adkins) and wife Tammy (Anne Heche) who are trying to make ends meet while keeping the ranch running. Their son Luke (Will Peltz) is dealing with his own issues that threatening his happiness.

At the local motel, Ana (Paz Vega) and fiancé Carlos (Yancey Arias) are working on a home and a future, but they also have an issue that is making their dreams scary moment to moment. Trying to tell Daniel (Davi Santos) that it is his wish to live an open life has so far only proven to be words.

Jess (Thora Birch) works at the local mechanics shop and has raised daughter Maddy (Sofia Bassilieva) on her own. Now Maddy must make a life changing decision that she never thought she would have too.

Kim (Amy Smart) deals in severe weather which makes is perfect that she is married to Brad (Peter Facinelli) the local television weatherman. The couple is raising their young daughter Peyton (Shaylee Mansfield) who has challenges herself.

The day begins with sunshine and everyone doing their jobs but is suddenly made more serious by the threat of impending weather. Mother Nature is about to show this small town what she is made of and the people of Minninnewah will show her what they are made of in times of crisis.

Birch as Jess is a single mother who just wants the best for her daughter. Working at the auto shop, everyone in town knows and respects her. Birch gives tough exterior with squishy interior when it comes to daughter Maddy. Vassilieva as Maddy is a young woman in a small town with big dreams - and a glitch in all of that means a difficult decision.

Smart as Kim is determined to keep her family save while trying to save an entire town. Preparation is one thing, actually living through the madness is quite another. Facinelli as Brad is the local weatherman but also a father and husband who knows his family is in danger and is helpless to stop it.

Heche as Tammy is a mother who believes what she believes and nothing, not even her son, can change that. Adkins as Rick is a tough farmer who has a belief system that is a tad bit out of date and an attitude that needs adjusting - just the kind of thing Mother Nature likes. Peltz as son Luke has something he needs to share with his parents but knows that it will fracture the family.

Vega as Ana sees a future for her relationship and makes plans to have something that most people only dream of. Working hard is paying off and Arias as fiancé Carlos is taking any job he can to help keep them together - even working for rancher Rick! Santos as Daniel is a hard-working young man who is stands up for Carlos at every turn. He also is dealing with a relationship that is going nowhere because of fear.

Other cast include Tokala Black Elk as Steve, Laura Spencer as Vicky, and James Austin Kerr as Eric.

Quiver Distribution helps filmmakers distribute to worldwide audiences on platforms such as iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. Premier works with every major studio and 100’s of independent distributors providing solutions and servicing their content in 100’s of digital retailers and broadcasters across the globe. For more information on Quiver Distribution please visit www.quiverdigital.com.

13 MINUTES is not just about the impending tornado and, it must be said, the special effects on that part of the film is stunning. The cast reacted exactly how I would expect them to if I was in their shoes. At one point I think I was more freaked out than they were.

That being said, 13 MINUTES is about this small town and the everyday lives of the people living in it. Everyone is hard working and trying to make ends meet and keep moving toward a dream, like Ana's. They each have their difficulties, and they are not simple difficulties either, that shape who they are and their reactions to things.

My only thought is that it does get a bit stereotypical in places, but I understand it is the writer/director's way to be relevant and current in thought. It is a bit much thrown out there and I was not surprised by the way each of the stories were told.

When the tornado hits, the sound and fury are there in every moment. The filmmakers do not mess around when it comes to the effects because man, oh man, they went big. So, grab the popcorn and prepare for the weather to come knocking.

In the end – every second counts!