They are Part of THE MIRACLE CLUB

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Thaddeus O’Sullivan and Sony Picture Classics comes the story of faith, friendship and THE MIRACLE CLUB.

Ballyfermot, Ireland in the 1960’s is where Eileen Dunne (Kathy Bates), Lily Fox (Maggie Smith) and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) prepare to perform trying to win church tickets to go to Lourdes in France. Dolly wants to take her young son to the healing waters in hopes that he will start talking and Eileen discovers she has her own reasons to go.

Also in town is Chrissie (Laura Linney), who is has not been back to Dublin since she was a young woman. Now, she is home to take care of funeral arrangements for her mother. There is a past between Eileen and Lily that keeps them at arm’s length from Chrissie. The husbands Mr. Fox (Naill Buggy), Mr. Dunne (Stephen Rea) and Dolly’s husband (Mark McKenna) aren’t happy that the women are boarding the bus to Lourdes either, but the wives aren’t giving them a choice.

All aboard, Friar Dermot Byrne (Mark O’Halloran) knows there is tension between the women but his hope is that they can find it within themselves to talk it out. There is a lot of snide looks and side eye and no one seems willing to budge.

As they visit the holy site in Lourdes, they begin to try and talk to one another. The past with Lily has to do with her son and Chrissie when they were younger and the events are quite sad for them both. The issue with Eileen and Chrissie also has to do with when they were young and hurt feelings that were never resolved.

The only one that seems to enjoy Chrissie’s company is Dolly and her young son who is waiting to be dipped in the waters of Lourdes. As their stories come to the surface, it is either the sacred waters or the women themselves that learn about true healing.

Bates as Eileen leads off this cheeky band of women who are not shy about saying what they thing or how they feel. Going to Lourdes is a dream for Eileen and she makes no bones that nothing is going to stop her, not even Mr. Dunne. Threats and all, she boards the bus hoping for more than she’s telling her friends. I just adore Bates in everything she does and has done, this is a fantastic role for her.

Smith as Lily has been living with sorrow and illness of her own. The trip to Lourdes has so many possibilities and Lily is open to them all. Smith is just lovely in this role because she has the wonderful skill of drawing us into her world. I’ve watched almost everything she has ever done as she continues to be a part of story telling on the big screen and small.

Linney as Chrissie comes back to the place she ran from so many years ago. Taking care of her mother’s passing, there is no way that her connection to Eileen and Lily can be ignored. Taking the bus to Lourdes, she sort of forces the women to talk out what ever has been on their hearts for so long. Linney is a strong force among strong women and she does have her own story to share.

O’Casey as Dolly just wants to take her son to the waters of Lourdes in hopes he will speak. She strikes up a friendship with Chrissie and doesn’t feel as the other women do. O’Casey gives us the performance of a mother willing to do anything to make her son’s life easier and truly believes that Lourdes is the answer.

Buggy and Rea are husbands who can not grasp why their wives would believe in Lourdes. Mainly they are upset because of the raging question of ‘who is going to take care of me?’ is forefront in their minds. They are about to both learn a valuable lesson. McKenna is about to learn what it is like to take care of a toddler!

Shout out to O’Halloran as Friar Byrne for portraying a man of the cloth who hears more than he ever wanted to and still believes in the power of faith.

Other cast include Lesley Conroy as Sister Alice, Hazel Doupe as Cathy, Shauna Higgins as Ruth, Fionnuala Murphy as Mrs. Connolly, Eric Smith as Daniel Hennessy, Luke Smith as Patrick Dunne.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

I saw the black and white 1943 film SONG OF BERNADETTE which tells the story of a young girl who sees ‘a beautiful lady’ and discovers the waters of Lourdes. It is one of my favorite films directed by Henry King and Jennifer Jones playing the young Bernadette. When I read the premise of this film, I knew I had to see it.

THE MIRACLE CLUB is a charming film dealing with women who are looking for healing on so many levels. The trip to Lourdes is something each one dreams of for their own personal reasons and when they arrive, it is nothing short of jaw dropping for them.

Although the story is centered around Lourdes, it is each of these actresses that brings the story so much more heart and so much more faith. Each character has a sadness that they themselves must come to terms with and it is their history that has never kept them very far apart from one another.

In the end – healing is in the eye of the beholder!

 

 

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 3 Blasts on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director James Gunn, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the final voyage of the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 3.

The gang is almost all together on a ship called Knowhere but Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still dealing with the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Being basically babysat by Nebula (Karen Gillian), Mantis (Pom Kiementieff), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper), things are about to get a shakeup.

Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) is racing across the galaxy on a mission, to capture Rocket. Becoming seriously hurt by the attack, the group tries to save Rocket but only discovers that inside him is a kill switch. The only thing that can save their friend is to find Orgocorp and get the code.

That’s going to require some help, when Quill, Mantis, Drax and Nebula get to the headquarters, they are met by the Ravangers and Gamora. She is not Quill’s love Gamora but the Gamora that doesn’t love Quill, with it so far? While Rocket is unconscious, he is remembering how his life came to be and that it is all because of the High Evolutionary aka Dr. Herbert Wyndham (Chukwudi Iwuji).

Back to Quill and the gang, believing that they have Rocket’s sphere-file, they discover the code is not there. Now they have to go to Counter-Earth and take on the High Evolutionary. Quill orders Gamora, Mantis and Drax to stay with the ship so he, Nebula and Groot take on what ever is head of them.

But when the High Evolutionary gets his fill of incompetents not retrieving what he thinks is his property aka Rocket, his anger starts to boil over. The thing is, he truly has no idea who he is up against, but he will soon enough.

Pratt as Quill is back with a totally broken heart and no seeming will to get his life right. It isn’t until best friend Rocket needs him desperately does he put his big boy Guardian pants on and get back to work. That doesn’t mean he isn’t going to keep talking about his broken heart, even when he comes face to face with the ‘other’ Gamora. Pratt is delightful, charming and funny, but then again, we have come to expect nothing less.

Saldana as Gamora is still salty and hostile. She doesn’t want to be part of the Guardians and at the same time sees what Quill had been trying to tell her from the get go. Gillian as Nebula has taken the lead flexing the feminine side of the group with less hostility and more forethought.

Cooper as Rocket gets to take off in this storyline. His story is meshed into the big picture and it is cute, heartwarming, sad and thrilling all at the same time. Through all the films Cooper has given Rocket the voice of frustration, anger and unresolved issues wrapped up in a mystery wrapper. This time out Rocket is heard.

Iwuji as the High Evolutionary thinks he is put in the universe to change it and he doesn’t mind doing it with pain, suffering and trauma. There isn’t a moment that is redeeming about this character and Iwuji makes sure of that with his dark portrayal. Poulter as Warlock flies in, wreaks havoc and is the reason Rocket is hurt in the first place. His reason for agreeing to retrieve Rocket causes him to consistently show up at the most unexpected times.

Kiementieff as Mantis is still protecting the group with her gift and this time out she does not hesitate to speak her mind, careful Nebula! Bautista as Drax still cracks me up with his thought process. He has a huge heart and no gift of gab but I wouldn’t have this character any other way or any other actor to portray Drax. Diesel as Groot has become so powerful in his own right. Past the teenage back talking stage, he is strong, quick and truly protective of his guardian-family.

Shout out to Fillion for his contribution to the hilarity. He is so good at being Master Karja and I loved the giggle he brought to the audience.

Other cast include Sean Gunn as Kraglin Obfonteri, Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha, Maria Bakalova as Cosmo, Michael Rosenbaum as Martinex, Sarah Alami as Gloob, Jerry Beharry as Dark, Linda Cardellini as Lylla, Asim Chaudhry as Teefs, Michelle Civile as Cassowary, Stephen Blackehart as Steemie Blueliver, Mikaela Hoover as Floor, Miriam Shor as Recorder Vim, Judy Greer as War Pig,Daniela Melchior as Ura, Jennifer Holland as Administrator Kwol, Tara Strong as Mainframe, Nico Santos as Theel, Gregg Henry as Quill’s grandfather, Nathan Fillion as Master Karja and Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com.

Bonus Features include the Featurettes The Imperfect, Perfect Family - View the evolution of the Guardians through the cast and crew’s passion for each other and the entire franchise. Join this tight knit “found family” as they leave behind a legacy and recount their best memories wrapping up this epic trilogy’s final film. Also, Creating Rocket Raccoon – Director James Gunn talks about bringing Rocket to life and how personal the character is to him. Uncover BTS footage, the research and development of the visual effects process, and the inspiration for Rocket through conversations with cast and crew.

The Deleted Scenes include A Bit Much – Adam Warlock explains to Ayesha what he plans to do with the Guardians, A Lending Hand – Peter lends a hand to an injured humanimal on Counter-Earth and shows he means no harm, Drax's Analogies and Metaphors - Drax gives Peter some interesting life analogies and metaphors and The Perfect Society – The High Evolutionary reveals his mission to perfect the universe.

Also, The Search for 89P13 – Behemoth brings not-so-good news to The High Evolutionary, Annoyed Peter – Peter gets annoyed while altering the shield, A Burning Escape – Peter runs back to grab his music player before escaping a blazing inferno on the Arête and Knowhere After the Battle – The High Evolutionary is brought back to Knowhere and locked up while Kraglin recruits Adam Warlock.

Finally, the Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Director’s Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by director James Gunn.

This is an ending to the Guardians story and it is covered in a thick coat of charm and feels. The film is filled with special effects, dark moments, fast talking, lots of explosions, very colorful and familiar faces. Fans will be delighted with the razzle dazzle of it all. Coming in at two hours and 30 minutes, each of the characters make their own decisions in the end.

I’m sure that the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 will easily become part of everyone’s home entertainment library. The soundtrack is worth owning but then again that has been something each of the films has in common.

In the end – it is time to face the music!

BOOK CLUB: The Next Chapter

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Bill Holderman and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of the gals and BOOK CLUB: The Next Chapter.

Covid has everyone on lockdown as Diane (Diane Keaton), Vivian (Jane Fonda), Sharon (Candice Bergen and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) turn their usual book club meetsing from in person to on line. Trying to get all four on computer screens, the thrill happens when the masks come off and the hugs are in person.

Vivian has some big news truly lifts their spirit, when she shows the ladies a rock on her engagement finger. Thrilled that Arthur proposed, the idea hits that a bachelorette party was in order and where better than in Italy. Getting to Italy is the easy part of the trip.

Between bags getting lost, cars breaking down and the past coming to light, the girls stick together to try and make the trip as wonderful for their friend Vivian as they can. Then again, that’s what best friends do right? Stick together no matter what country they are in.

And they are living proof of that!

Keaton as Diane is still madly in love with Mitchell and enjoying every moment of it (as she should, I mean Garcia is just as gorgeous as ever). Trying to keep the fun going is always a challenge with these ladies. Keaton gives the standard performance of the quirky gal in the friendship group who loves hard and loves everything and everyone.

Steenburgen as Carol is keeping life together with husband Bruce and instead of living life, she has started to treat her hubby like an invalid with her as his nursemaid. The gals try to remind her that the man she loves is the man she loves and its time to enjoy that.

Bergen as Sharon is dealing with her retirement from the bench and really is not happy about it. Going through Europe means sensible shoes and dealing with disaster after disaster that seems to be following the ladies. I adore Bergen and between her character of Sharon and Enid from HBO’s Sex In The City, she continues to prove why the screen loves her.

Fonda as Vivian is dealing with the excitement of going through Italy with her friends but also of doing the bridal thing. Being very proud of where she is in life, finding the right dress to keep the wedding excitement up is something else. That doesn’t mean the nerves don’t start to set in thinking about how her life is about to change.

Nelson as Bruce is a husband who is kind of thrilled his wife has taken off to Europe. Yes, a heart attack isn’t to be taken lightly but the hovering of Carol isn’t being taken lightly either. However, Bruce sure does love his wife. Johnson as Arthur is excited about the upcoming nuptials and has a few surprises up his sleeve that are about to turn everything upside down.

Let’s talk Garcia as Mitchell, he is definetly in love with Diane and lets her live her best life. That basically means he has no worries about her taking the trip and is always so dang supportive. I think Keaton and Garcia are actually quite perfect together on screen and equally match in demeanor and character love.

Shout out to Giancarlo Giannini as the Police Chief. He is constantly dealing with the women who obviously don’t know the rules of the country and that means they are constantly in trouble. He is charming and the way he interacts with Bergen’s Sharon is not only hilarious but so sweet all at the same time.

Other cast include Hugh Quarshire as Ousmane, Giovanni Esposito as Pasquale, Giampiero Judica as Donato, Vera Dragone as Sofia and Vince Riotta as Chef Gianni.

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.

‘COLLECTOR’S EDITION’ Exclusive Bonus Features include BOOK CLUB: Back in Session – The Book Club is back and better than ever! Sit down with the filmmakers and cast, including our four leading ladies, as they chat about what made the first film such a mega success, why they're excited to be back, and the journey these characters take in the sequel, Still Stylish – Costume designer Stefano De Nardis was overjoyed to take on the task of dressing these legends of fashion and cinema! Learn how each character's style was created and how it melds with the actress portraying them.

Also included is The Women in Italy – THE BOOK CLUB is going global and taking the audience with them! Filmmakers and cast discuss shooting in some of the most iconic locations on earth, how the idea of shooting in Italy came to be and what it was like making a movie in Rome and Venice amongst the actual tourists.

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.

BOOK CLUB: The Next Chapter is a film that follows women of a certain age through the milestones of life, at any age really. Finding solace in their deep friendship, it is beginning to look like these women are going all out and explore love in the most unexpected places. The world continues to change around them and they enjoy where they are, or are they?

Taking the trip gives them a chance to spend time together, talk about what is they are expecting at their ages and erasing the stigmas that say they should behave and live a certain way. Taking the trip to Italy gives the viewers another lovely look through their eyes at a city that loves love (yes, I know, the French love love as well).

Meeting old friends, meeting new friends and everything in between is what makes the film fun to watch. The friendship between Diane, Carol, Sharon and Vivian feels sincere until you realize that it is quite possible that Keaton, Steenburgen, Bergen and Fonda could quit easily be using their own experiences to make these characters so relatable.

It could also be that I’m 62 and I get their points of view, realizations, humor and wishes for, shall we say, the autumn of their lives. Yet, the film does not embrace that these women should be in nursing homes playing bingo or knitting quietly in a rocker (don’t get me wrong, both of those things are pretty awesome but on my own terms). Instead, these characters get up, dress up and show up to life.

In the end – slightly scandalous and totally fabulous!

 

 

 

She is Protected by KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Memories are CRACKED

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Clocks in on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Universal Pictures has an amazing film to their library. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

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

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

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

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