They Have Become AFRAID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Chris Weitz and Blumhouse and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the AI and being AFRAID.

Curtis (John Cho) is a computer engineer who enjoys a great relationship with his boss Marcus (Keith Carradine). He wants the company to design something A.I. realizing it is a growing industry. Curtis isn’t really happy about what is happening with the A.I. industry but holds his opinion when he meets Melody (Havana Rose Liu), Lighting (David Dastmalchian) and Sam (Ashley Romans). They have come to a meeting to show Curtis and Marcus their own idea with AIA.

Convincing Curtis to allow AIA into their home to wife Meredith (Katherine Waterston), daughter Iris (Lukita Maxwell) and sons Preston (Wyatt Lindner) and Cal (Isaac Bae), almost immediately Curtis sees unusual people around their home. AIA makes herself invaluable to Meredith and finds a way to ingratiate herself to teen daughter Iris but Curtis is not fooled. He decides to take matters into his own hands when Marcus informs him that the company has been sold and Curtis can become the new boss. Going to the headquarters is where Curtis makes a stand but AIA isn’t about to let him get away with anything.

At home, it all begins to become crazier and this time, he has the family behind him. Will it be enough to go against a strong AIA?

Cho as Curtis is a man who is happy with his family and his work. Of course, there are struggles with the kids and trying to make everyone happy but he does try. Bringing AIA home offers a bit of time with the wife and a connection for the kids. Surprised at first that the family finds their own place with AIA, it doesn’t take long before his return feelings about A.I. are validated.

Waterston as Meredith is a wife who begins to question being a Mom. AIA is there to listen but there comes a time when even she questions how the line blurs between a human beings’ true feelings and A.I.’s programed responses. Maxwell as Iris is a typical teenager who lets social media rule her life until AIA steps in. Bae as Cal is a youngster with an ipad and we all know how that can be. Preston as Lindner gets the chance to show he is just as brave, and a tad cleverer, than his dad. 

Shout out to Liu as Melody, Dastmalchian as Lightening and Romans as Sam for providing the creepiness needed for this to work. To be honest, had I ever met these three – I’d have run the opposite way so fast it would make my own head spin!

Other cast include Bennett Curran as Sawyer, Greg Hill as Henry, Riki Lindhome as Maud, Todd Waring as Papa and Ben Youcef as Ben.

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.

Extra features include Five Deleted & Extended Scenes Including Alternate Ending and Dark Side of AI.

AFRAID is a look at how quickly A.I. can permeate family life in a larger sense. We use computers, phones, social media, websites etc. but AIA shows that in a snap how it can be used in the worst way. Cho brings the naysaying to it all but finds himself a bit pulled in by it until it starts to make him suspicious.

AIA actually becomes a bit of a star in this film solving problems and becoming best friends with the wife solving her issues, bff to the daughter solving her teen issues yet with the sons, the A.I. takes on a different look and feel. The film falls into the “beware of A.I.” that seems to permeate films right now and truthfully, I’m a bit on their side. Although, I have to also say I do like having Alexa around when I have weird questions I’m too lazy to look up myself so there’s that.

That being said, watch the film and discover which side you are on.

In the end – be careful what you let in!

 

 

He is THE NIGHT AGENT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the first season of THE NIGHT AGENT.

When FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), after saving people from a bombing, comes to the attention of the White House Chief of Staff Diane Farr (Hong Chau). She asks him to become part of the Night Agent program. Meantime, Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) who had a career in cybersecurity, visits her family as the house is attacked and she has the telephone number that would get her to Sutherland. Farr gives instructions to Sutherland and he learns that Rose’s family were part of the Night Agent program but more becomes unraveled. Assassins are hot on their trail as Sutherland and Rose search for answers.

Someone has called the assassins Dale (Phoenix Raei) and Ellen (Eve Harlow) telling them where Larkin is located to finish what has been started. When Sutherland realizes that the posted Secret Service agents are gone, he finds Larkin and the chase is once again on with the assassins. Farr and Hawkins speak to the Campbell’s and begin to put the pieces of a puzzle together. Now the story of Farr and Hawkins comes together as well.

President Travers (Kari Matchett) wants an investigation and Farr wants more than that. When Larkin runs, Sutherland comes up with a cover in order to have time to deal with the encryption. When Farr finds out what is happening, she implicates the President. Chelsea Arrington (Fola Evans-Akingbola) is a Secret Service agent responsible for protecting the Presidents daughter Maddie (Sarah Desjardins) and is assigned with new partner Eric Monks (D.B. Woodside). Even with problems, there is something in Maddie’s school that needs attention.

Larkin, still working on the hard drive, discovers so much more than they could have imagined. Still leery of Farr, she agrees to work with her. Following leads, they meet Lorna and it becomes clear what the plans were for D.C. As everything unwinds, another target becomes clearer. Sutherland tries to question Arrington while Larkin finds a link to Andrej Pavelic. Sutherland is also investigating a link to a government contractor. The two come together to compare notes and just as quickly, Maddie is kidnapped.

Sutherland is following leads but tells Larkin she needs to stay away for her protection. Cisco is with her but Farr makes plans of her own and once again Sutherland is on the run. Ellen and Dale are following to do what they seem to do best but while that is going on, Redfield (Christopher Shyer) gives a press conference naming Sutherland as a kidnapper. Now Arrington and Monks are looking at Maddie’s art teacher and anyone associated with him. The name Matteo (Andre Anthony) is brought up and a rift between he and Redfield emerges. Wick Farr and Redfield are also dealing with footage from a nanny cam. Ellen, dealing with grief, is on a fierce and angry rampage of her own.

Sutherland and Larkin are working with Arrington and Monks as much as they can with each other. Arrington informs them about Omar “Osprey” Zadar from the Travers administration. Maddie discovers something that will help those looking find her and it leads to an all-out take down.

Redfield finally admits to Farr what he has been doing in the Balkins. Not happy, Farr does agree to work him on what should be done. Sutherland and Larkin are back on the run as Arrington wants to take Maddie back to her family and tell the truth about everything but it doesn’t go as planned. Larkin gets into Ellen’s phone and discovers Farr’s playing both ends against the middle. When Farr realizes what Redfield and Wick (Ben Cotton) have planned, she realizes how far out of the loop she actually is.

Arrington is taking Maddie to Redfield who is waiting at Camp David as he tries to use her. Farr once again works with Sutherland and Larkin and it is a whirl of events that could possibly cause the death of the President. Sutherland isn’t about to let that happen but instead, hold those accountable for everything that has happened, even if it means finding out things he must deal with on his own.

Basso as Sutherland is a strong lead in the series as a man shadowed with a rumor about a father and his own past mistakes. When he is asked to be the Night Agent, he tries to look at the role as one of upward momentum in the bureau instead of a position that might not go anywhere. Basso is quick in portraying his character as a man constantly on the move as he unravels a new mystery that might be connected to his own.

Chau as Farr is absolutely stunning. Portraying the trusted position and friendship with the President, there is nothing that gives her away. Presenting her character with monotone reactions, it seems like nothing shakes her. That doesn’t stop her from having a sharp tongue and letting those around her know that she will not fall for anything – or anyone. I loved her in the film THE MENU so to see her again in a stand out role is everything.

Buchanan as Larkin finds herself in the same position as Sutherland once was. When her family is under suspicion, she must follow the bread crumbs the best way she knows how and that is her ability to us the same technology as those around her. Buchanan is just as strong of a female lead as Chau and I love when they have moments together in scenes. Evans-Akingbola as Arrington is protecting the Vice Presidents’ daughter and also trying to find Sutherland and Larkin. She slowly learns that not everything is at it seems. Evans-Akingbola is another strong female character in the series who is trying to keep her balance in all the intrigue.

Woodside as Monk is an agent known for his duty with the former President, dealing with his own demons, he is partnered up with Arrington. They don’t trust one another at first but there comes a point where they realize they might have been put together for a reason. Desjardins as Maddie is a rebellious young woman who wants to live her own life out from under the shadow of her father’s position. Desjardins character finds herself in the middle of the intrigue but she isn’t going to go down quietly.

Raei as Dale and Harlow as Ellen are two of the strangest assassins and I’m all about following their assignment of terror. They are quick, ruthless, show no fear and Harlow’s character is the one that harbors intense rage. Throughout the series, you never know when these two show up but when they do, it’s not a good thing!

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.

Special Features include Episode 1 Commentary with Executive Producer Shawn Ryan, 12 Deleted Scenes, Blooper Reel, Episode 1 VFX and Episode 10 VFX. The DVD includes the 10-part episodes of The Call & Redial directed by Seth Gordon, The Zookeeper & The Marionette directed by Guy Ferland, Fathoms directed by Ramaa Mosley, Best Served Cold & Redux directed by Adam Arkin and The Devil We Know & Fathers directed by Millicent Shelton.

THE NIGHT AGENT Season One is an introduction to these characters but by its end, it is clear that there is more of the story to tell. Already cleared for more seasons, this is definetly one you want to keep on your radar. There are twists, turns, betrayals, lies, deception and relationships that can be difficult to maintain through corruption. In the midst of all of it are chases, evasions, plotting, and shocks but that is what a good series brings.

The cast brings their best and it shows from start to finish. Working together to bring this puzzle to viewers is so well done with the ensemble of talent. This is definetly a show worth binge watching, especially preparing for the next season.

In the end – heroes aren’t born, they answer the call!

 

 

LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger, producer Sylvester Stallone and Blue Fox Entertainment comes the true story about a young man’s fight for survival with LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE.

The Fendler family are living the best they can in the summer of 1939 in Maine. Dad Donald (Paul Sparks) and mom Ruth (Caitlin FitzGerald) are raising their children Donn (Luke David Blumm), Ryan (Griffin Wallace Henkel), Tommy (Mason Cufari) and Patsy (Mackenzie Sage). Donn and Ryan are excited to see their dad return home because it means they are closer to their fishing trip that they’ve been looking forward too.

Dad isn’t home long when he makes the announcement that he has to go back to work and that the fishing trip can not happen. Donn is very upset with his father and takes it out on his brother Ryan. Trying to make it up to the boys, Donald tells them about a hiking trip to Mount Katahdin where they can go to the top of a mountain that is close to home and allows them a few days to spend together. Donn is making it outwardly clear that he’s not happy about it.

After a car ride, they meet Henry (Ethan Slater) who begins taking Dad, Donn, Ethan and Tommy up the mountainside. The weather begins to radically change and everyone but Donn wants to turn back. After an argument, Donn takes off into the storm and no one can see him with the fog. When Donald realizes his son is lost, he tries to find help in order to look for him all while dealing with his own guilt.

Mom Ruth is notified and she is devastated that her son is missing in such severe weather. Now Donn realizes that he is truly lost as the cold nights and wandering days begin to take a toll on him. Trying to remember to move forward, he also begins to wonder why he was ever upset and misses his family. This young boy must rely on what he knows and what he’s learned and find a way to get home!

Sparks as Donald is a dad who believes he is teaching his children about the harshness of life. That is why the hiking trip is important to him but the problem is it quickly becomes clear that the hike is dangerous. When confronted by Donn, as a father he makes a decision that sends him into a spiral of guilt. Sparks gives his character the essence of a man in the 1930s trying to do right by his family. FitzGerald as Ruth is a kindly woman who loves her children and the family. When her son goes missing, she knows she needs to reach out for help until her son comes home. FitzGerald gives her role warmth, patience, understanding and a belief in her son.

Blumm as Donn is a bit rebellious but it is based on the anger, he is feeling that he can not spend time with his father. Of course, at that age, boys don’t understand the responsibilities of fathers to the family as a whole. Once he is out in the wilderness, in the beginning it seems like a big adventure and Donn can be and do whatever he wants. It doesn’t take long before the reality of his situations sets in with the wilderness not allowing this boy one solid break. Blumm gives his character the heartache, determination, frustration and love he needs to survive what most would consider a life-ending situation. A well-done performance from a young man who took his role seriously. Henkel as Ryan is a brother who is also dealing with guilt and will do anything to bring his brother home. The reunited of the two is totally heartwarming.

Blue Fox Entertainment is a global film distribution and sales company specializing in connecting filmmakers to audiences and buyers in the United States and around the world internationally. For more of what Blue Fox Entertainment has to offer please visit www.bluefoxentertainment.com.

LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE is the true story of Donn Fendler and based on a book by the same name from author Joseph B. Egan. Donn’s disappearance created the largest manhunt, brought out volunteers to help in the search and involves hundreds of people. Finding his way out of the woods, Donn came out in a stream he had been following for days. After his rescue, Donn was presented the Army & Navy Legion of Valor medal from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This film is wonderful in its telling following the trials of not only Donn but the family who would never give up looking for him. His parents try to keep their guilt hidden and moved forward doing everything possible to find their son, and a brother who would takes his own risks to find his brother. The story is one that families can watch together and talk about long after it is over. It has all the elements of a family struggling, strong emotions, faith and relationships that can sometimes be difficult, yet, it all comes down to one thing – a belief in something higher than ourselves.

In the end – eighty miles, nine days and one step at a time!

 

 

 

 

He Seeks ABSOLUTION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Hans Petter Moland and Samuel Goldwyn Films is the story of a man who is looking for ABSOLUTION.

Thug (Liam Neeson) is a man who has been working for over thirty-years for gangster Charlie Connor (Ron Perlman) being his collector and muscle. Training Connor’s son, Kyle (Daniel Diemer) begins to feel something is changing in him. There are moments he is missing and forgetting names are just the beginning of his issues.

Out at the local bar, Thug meets Loopy (Yolanda Ross) and finds himself enjoying her company. When Connor sends him to a pick up, Thug meets up with Dr. Gruber (Ryan Homchick) and decides to ask him questions about his memory issues. When he is told that the years of boxing and blows to the head, there is no treatment for what ails him. Separated from his daughter Daisy (Frankie Shaw) for years, Thug reaches out to her trying to make a connection.

In the meantime, Thug continues working for Connor and deals with his connections like Gamberro (Javier Molina).  Feeling his condition worsening, Thug begins to try and undo the harm he has caused and it doesn’t sit right with Connor or Kyle. But Thug wants to ask Connor for money to help Daisey and her children have a better life before its too late. After thirty years of making money for everyone else, he thinks its time for a little reciprocation and he’s just the person who knows how to get it.

Neeson as Thug is a man who has made so many mistakes and yet he is not sure how to correct them after so many years have gone by. Once he realizes that something is wrong, the connections he has made in his life become more and more dear to him. The problem now becomes, how does he prove to those he’s wronged that he wants to make it right. Neeson continues to prove that he can take on a role and keep an audience spellbound. His gruff and growling presence allows Neeson to work through this complex character from start to finish.

Perlman as Connor is a gangster that has kept Thug working because he always gets the job done. Having him train son Kyle is important as he sees that his employee can’t keep doing the job. This is an easy character for Perlman having proved he can be a gangster with memorable roles such as Clay Morrow in the hit series Sons of Anarchy. Shaw as Daisy is a daughter who holds resentment toward an absent father. Even though she is angry, Shaw gives her character the ability to forgive in her own way.

Ross as Loopy is a woman who finds herself caring for Thug and wanting to spend time with him. Once she realizes that there is a problem, not only doesn’t she run away, she wants to help until she can’t anymore. Molina as Gamberro is a tough man who is responsible for the horrible things happening to the women in his house. Molina gives us another kind of gangster and he takes it to the limit.

Other cast include Bruce Busta Soscia as Tommy, William Xifaras as Kiko, Matthew Delamater as Jack, Deanna Tarraza as Araceli, Omar Moustafa Ghonim as Armando and Tom Kemp as Burt.

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major company is dedicated to working with both world-renowned and emerging writers/filmmakers and committed to filmed entertainment that offers original voices in uniquely told stories. This is best exemplified by the Academy Award® nominated SUPER SIZE ME; the critically acclaimed feature debut by Francis Lee GOD’S OWN COUNTRY; SXSW winner MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. For more please visit www.samuelgoldwynfilms.com.

ABSOLUTION is a story of a man who has spent his life doing what others order him to do without consequences. As the time has passed, Thug realizes that there is something wrong and when he gets the devastating news, he sees it as an opportunity to make right as much as he can before he can’t. Neeson provides the performance with depth, feeling and when the moments strike of forgetfulness, it is clearly seen on his face.

This performance, along with the cast, gives quite a unique look into Thug’s life as a man who has spent his life away from a family and mainly alone. Set in a city where everyone is trying to survive in any way possible, those who have nefarious dealings take advantage of anyone who isn’t strong enough to fight.

Everyone pays in the end!

 

 

 

There are Secrets in the CONCLAVE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Edward Berger based on the Robert Harris book of the same name and Focus Features is the story of secrets and desires for power in the CONCLAVE.

Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) arrives at the Vatican to discover that the Pope has passed. Gathering his emotions, he knows that now he must organize the election of the next head of the church. Turning to Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), they talk of the grief and who the rest of the cardinals are thinking of supporting.

Almost immediately there are three, Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) who quietly make it known of their desire to be the next Pope. Preparing for the conclave, Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) brings other sisters in to prepare the rooms and cook the meals for the cardinals.

Cardinal Lawrence attempts to accommodate everyone and everything – especially the unexpected arrival of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz). This Cardinal is unknown to any but when presented papers from the previous Pope, Lawrence accepts him into the group even as the others are suspicious. Unfortunately, there isn’t any time to go deeper as the voting must begin.

There is no surprise that the three candidates are going to head-to-head with the votes, what it a surprise is a vote for Cardinal Lawrence. Shrugging it off, he begins to hear whispers of issues regarding the cardinals and he is not going to let it go, even if Cardinal Bellini suggest it is the best way to handle situations.

The problem is, now that Cardinal Lawrence has gone down the rabbit hole, he is confronted with the loss of a friend and a connection he could have never possibly ever seen.

Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence is absolutely the film in every way. There isn’t a scene where his portrayal of this character isn’t stunning. He is the anchor to this story with his calm manner as he tries to navigate what is a gambit of secrets all in the name of faith. Not wanting the position himself, he actually isn’t looking to rise but to scale back to a simpler life. That is what Fiennes gives us – the duality of a man who has his own desires and must confront the powerful desires to rise of other men. This actor’s career has shown his diversity and legendary in the choices of roles he takes and Fiennes is an actor that if I know he is in a film – I’m there.

Tucci as Cardinal Bellini makes it clear that he does not want the position but he is adamant about who does. Believing that the changes the previous pope made strengthened their faith and those who trusted their religious leaders. He doesn’t want a reversal of it all and sees some of the candidates as a threat to it all. Tucci, as always, just takes the role and runs full speed with it. Of course, I am in the Tucci fan club and this role cements my belief that you can throw any role at this exceptional actor and he will make it stick!

Rossellini as Sister Agnes is the eyes and ears of everything around her. Believing deeply in the church and what is requires of the faith, she is not going to let anyone interfere just to be the new pope. Her stern appearance reminds me of a nun who would have no problem whacking your knuckles with a ruler but also a compassionate human being. There is her roles duality. Rossellini continues to show that there is a place for her still in films, are you listening Hollywood?

Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay presents himself in a way that gave me the icks immediately. The words coming out of his mouth seem sincere but yet… That’s what makes this such a powerful role for Lithgow and he is amazing every second he is on the screen. Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi believes he is the change the Vatican needs and makes his determination quietly clear to supporters. Msamati gives his part of the story a punch that the audience will be wide eyed about. Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco is outspoken, rough in his beliefs and has no problem coming face to face with anyone who challenges him. Castellitto gives his character the outspoken fierceness that rocks the vote – literally.

The surprise here is Diehz as Cardinal Benitez! Arriving to bring a ripple in the waters, Diehz’ character is soft spoken, aware of what his presence brings to the conclave and a belief that is unshakable. Diehz is a strong presence in this role without overtaking any scene and the reason for this character’s presence shakes the films foundation completely.

Other cast include Brian F. O’Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O’Malley, Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin, Thomas Loibl as Archbishop Mandorff, Jacek Koman as Archibishop Wozniak and Loris Loddi as Cardinal Villanueva.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

CONCLAVE is a thriller but not the kind that is filled with car chases and people running for their lives. Instead, this is a thriller that is confined in a space that doesn’t allow secrets to go undiscovered for long. Fiennes carries this film from the first frame to the last and his character takes us on a ride of faith, deception, secrets and the want for power. Cardinal Lawrence begins to understand his reason for being and Fiennes portrays it all so beautifully. If he isn’t up for an Oscar, then those who chose need to think about their life choices!

The construction of the set is so beautiful and it is, in fact, another character in the film. Each scene is surrounded by a history and a belief that is steeped in tradition and mystery. CONCLAVE uses that tradition and mystery to bring the Harris book to the screen in such a fantastic way with an ensemble cast that slowly bring us in for the thrill ride.

In the end – what happens behind these walls changes everything!

Do They Know Each Other from BEFORE?

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+, director Adam Bernstein and creator Sarah Thorp is a story of loss in a thriller that will keep you guessing till the very shocking end with BEFORE.

Eli (Billy Crystal) is a child psychologist who is dealing with the loss of his wife Lynn (Judith Light). One morning at his front door, a young boy named Noah (Jacobi Jupe) appears and tries to discover where he is from as the boy leaves. After his therapy appointment, Eli begins to question whether he will ever be able to help kids as he once did. When friend Gail (Sakina Jaffrey) asks him to take on a case of a troubled boy, Eli does so begrudgingly.

Later that night, the boy at the door is now the boy at his bedside. Following him home, he meets Denise (Rosie Perez), Noah’s foster mother who cares so much for the boy. He also learns that the boy has stopped talking and Denise does not know why. Eli visits his friend Jackson (Robert Townsend) to try and make sense of what is happening but isn’t thrilled with the answers. Arriving to meet Gail, Eli is stunned to learn that her client is none other than Noah!

Learning that if Eli doesn’t attempt to reach the boy, Noah will go to a state facility. During their session, things begin to happen that Eli cannot explain. Now Eli is even more intrigued with what could possibly be driving the boy and he is not going to stop until he has looked at every aspect of Noah’s life. The clues are there and they are frightening!

Crystal as Eli plays a man who needs to come to terms with the death of his wife but only in a way that he can accept. When Noah shows up in his life, everything turns upside down but he can not stay away from what is happening to him. Becoming involved means he does not have to deal with his own pain and the dreams that haunt him. Crystal is really quite thrilling in this role and to see him take this character to places that can be quite frightening is everything. This fine comedic actor is allowed moments of a chuckle or two and even pieces of sarcasm but when things become intense, Crystal goes deeper than I’ve ever seen him go before.

Jupe as Noah is a very young actor who has taken on a very big and powerful role. As the frightened Noah, Jupe gives the audience a look inside what is going through this young boy’s mind. Jupe’s performance is absolutely stellar and as each episode progresses, he continues to provide the audience a chance to follow him and I was hooked immediately. Yes, he is an adorable kid but he is also a young actor who is showing the audience what he can do given a role such as this. Absolutely well done!

Perez as Denise is a woman who wants to give so much love to the young Noah. Having things go sideways for no reason, in her eyes, is a combination of frustration and total worry for her ward. She provides the audience with a safe link between Eli and Noah with her love for the child and the realization that only Eli seems to be able to reach him. Such a strong performance and a memorable one as well. Jaffrey as Gail believes that Eli is the only person who can help Eli but there comes a point when all becomes muddled. Following the case, she begins to see Eli as part of the problem rather than the solution.

Shout out to Townsend as Jackson is a sounding board for Eli but he is not listening to his friend. Perhaps he should as there might be some truth in what he is saying.  

The cast that will expand as the series runs includes Rebecca Ruane as Sophie, Maria Dizzia as Barbara, Will Hochman as Benjamin Walker, Jorie Rosen as Nikki, Miriam Shor as Sue Ann, David Mattle as Alex, Christina Renee as Nurse Jo and Ava Lalezarzadeh as Cleo.

AppleTV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019 viewable through the Apple TV app. CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

The 10-episode series includes The Imposter, the Scientist, The Liar, Symbols and Signs, Folie a Deux, Fever Dream, The Power of Belief, When We Dead Awaken, And the Darkness Was Called Night and Before.

Hailing from Paramount Television Studios, the limited series is created by Sarah Thorp. Thorp serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. Crystal executive produces alongside Academy Award winner Eric Roth, pilot director Adam Bernstein and producing director Jet Wilkinson.

BEFORE is a series that needs to be followed from start to the last episode. I am a huge fan of original pieces and this is one of them. The characters of Eli and Noah are complex with strings leading in every twisted direction. Crystal and Jupe are just amazing and as their story unfolds, the characters go deeper and deeper into a story that connects them together – but how?

Being a fan of thrillers with huge twists, BEFORE gives just that. Each episode is a piece of a larger puzzle and telling it means we have to be patient weekly and get a large bowl of popcorn ready because this…is going to get good.

In the end – the connection is real!

THE LAST FRONT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi and Enigma Releasing is the story of a village against an enemy on THE LAST FRONT.

During World War I, Leonard (Iain Glen) is a widowed farmer raising son Adrien (James Downie) and daughter Maria (Emma Mortgat) in the Belgian countryside. Adrien is in love with Louise (Sasha Luss) who comes from a prominent family that don’t agree with the relationship. Leonard tries to explain this to Adrien and is causing problems but what is to come put all problems aside.

Coming down the road are Nazi soldiers led by Maximilian Von Rauch (Philippe Brenninkmeyer) and vicious son Laurentz (Joe Anderson). Their first stop is at Leonard’s farm in order to take whatever they want, including Larentz threats of violent. When Adrien worries about his love Louise and dares to take on Larentz’ need for violence.

Now, Leonard rushes to the town being met by Father Michael (David Calder) who reminds Leonard of a hiding place inside the church. Knowing that he must help the townspeople hide, it takes no time before the soldiering force bear down on the town and wreak havoc and destruction among those who could not hide.

Leonard manages to bring some people out of the town and Laurentz is furious. Pushing Von Rauch into running after the townspeople, they set out to follow Leonard and the townspeople. The soldiers don’t know that those who have escaped are trying to get to France but it doesn’t mean they aren’t going to fight with everything they have.

Glen as Leonard is a quiet man living a farmer’s life with his children. He is respected by the town and is still dealing with the passing of his wife. When the Germany soldiers arrive, Leonard is pushed to save his family and the townspeople who trust him. Glen gives his character a strength based in a combination of sadness and anger. I will admit to totally enjoying the character of Jorah Mormont from the television series Game of Thrones and since the ending of that series, Glen has gone on to take on roles that prove he is an acting force. In this film, Glen’s character faces an enemy for the good of the town and his family.

Anderson as Laurentz is a vicious and cruel man who believes he has the right to do whatever he wants any way he wants as people have no value to him. That is a difficult role to play but Anderson wraps up in it to the point where the viewer is going to cheer for the good guys with enthusiasm. Brenninkmeyer as Von Rauch is a father who clearly sees what his son is capable of and even with a threat, it doesn’t seem to affect his decisions or path going after Leonard.

Luss as Louise is a young woman who is now living in a world that has changed so much and affect those she loves. Following Leonard toward France, she helps those in the group move forward. Luss is charming and portrays a girl in love during a dire time in history. Calder as Father Michael realizes that he must turn to Leonard in finding a way to save as many of the townspeople as possible.

Other cast include Julian Kostov as Thomas Bosmans, Leander Vyvey as Peer Schultz, Koen De Bouw as Dr. Janssen, Sam Rintoul as Henri Maes, Joren Seldeslachts as Enzo, Trine Thielen as Elise, Mathijs Scheepers as Corporal Weber, Tess Bryant as Mother Pascal, Anna Ballantine as Camille Maes, Caroline Stas as Brigitte and Steve Armand as Nicolas.

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THE LAST FRONT is an intense film that, although focuses on Leonard and his family, spreads quickly to the town and survival in the midst of war. The town manages to be far enough away from much of the war but eventually roars into the middle of their lives with just as much viciousness. Trying to save as many people as possible doesn’t stop a malicious soldier from making it his mission to destroy everyone in his path

The cinematography is so good as the forest becomes an integral part of the story and the small-town feel is absolutely there. The cast, each with an important role, bring together a powerful story with a message of strength, courage and hope in the midst of a very dark time in human history. THE LAST FRONT is a reminder of loyalty and the fight against those who would destroy a community.

In the end – family is worth dying for!