MOST GUYS ARE LOSERS

Jeri Jacquin

It is about time there was a film about a father that is not about to let his daughter go without a fight! From writer/director Eric Ustain and Third City Entertainment is a story about a Dad shouting from the rafters that MOST GUYS ARE LOSERS.

Bo (Michael Provost) and Sandy (Grace Fulton) have been living together for a while and are embarking on the next step of meeting each other’s parents. First up, Bo’s Mom who just happens to be in business for herself as a grower of marijuana. She absolutely adores Sandy and knows that Bo has been invited to spent Thanksgiving with her family in Chicago.

Wanting the best for Bo, Mom tells him to go meet her parents. That is when Sandy lets Bo know that her father is the best-selling author of the book Most Guys Are Losers. Bo tries to brush up on the flight home and puts on his game face to meet the parents. Dad Mark (Andy Buckley) already has a list of complaints and Bo is not even in the house yet. Mom Amy (Mira Sorvino) wants her husband to give the guy a chance, but it goes in one ear and out the other.

Immediately Mark is giving Bo the Dad-stink-eye and he even has gone as far as to bring old boyfriend Trevor (Belmont Cameli) around. At the family bar, Mark and friend Al (Keith David) watch to see what transpires between the two. With every sentence that comes out of his friends’ mouth, Al is sure this is going to be trouble.

What Al does not know is that Mark has his young son Paul (Sander Thomas) getting into Bo’s personal social media and anything else he can get his hands on to get the dirt. Confronted with one thing after another, Mark is even more determined to get Bo out of his daughters’ life. What Mark doesn’t count on is that he is so laser focused on Sandy that he doesn’t see what is right in front of him.

And it could cost him!

Fulton as Sandy wants to be a woman making her own choices based on how she was raised yet, there is still the little girl who wants to please Mom and Dad – especially Dad. But even pleasing a parent might mean putting one’s foot down when it comes to happiness. Provost as Bo is a young man who is extremely nervous about what Sandy will think of his mother but more so about what her Dad will do. I must be honest, if my daughter brought home someone as sweet as Bo, I could never put him through the ringer.

Buckley as Mark is a father on a rampage to live up to the words he wrote in the book. The problem is that he does not seem to think he was once thought of in the same way in his wife’s father’s eyes. The trouble he causes puts the family through a lot and he must come clean about it all if he wants them to shake their heads and giggle at his antics. Sorvino as Amy is lovely in this role trying to keep her husband for making mistakes and Sandy happy in her choices.

Shout out to Thomas as Paul – the kid scares me with what he is capable of doing but then again if I wanted info, I’d know who to go to.

Other cast include Avery Moss as Carrie, Andres Rosas as Stephon, Sarah West as Linda, Talen Marshall as Pat, Nick Greco as Barry, Kayla as Rosie, Eliza Stoughton as Jessica, Dee Dee Sorvino as Aunt Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino as Grandpa. 

MOST GUYS ARE LOSERS is a charming look at the relationship between Sandy and her family, especially with Mark being the head of the household. There are antics and things I suspect most fathers want to get away with when it comes to knowing the man their little girl is choosing.

Surrounded by a supportive family, both Bo and Sandy believe in their folks – even if they might embarrass them from time to time. They are solid in their belief in each other and feel good about their choices, but know it is not their folks cup of tea perhaps.

This is a lighthearted tale and can provide such grand entertainment about family, love, and the holidays all meshed into one. So, gather up the family and have a good time learning how to deal with a silly Dad, sweet Mom (both Moms), and the ridiculousness that can come with all of it.

In the end – watch out for Dad!

SOLO: A Star Wars Story

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theaters this week from director Ron Howard and Walt Disney Studios comes the story of a scruffy-looking-nerf-herder in SOLO: A Star Wars Story.

On Coreillia, a young Han (Alden Ehrenreich) is trying to get away from the miserable and abusive life on the planet. Wanting to bring the girl who has his heart Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke), he devises a plan that will test his piloting skills. Mere steps from the transport that will take them away, they are spotted and Qi’ra pushes Han to leave without her. Pledging that he will return for her, there is only one thing he can do to make that happen and immediately joins the Imperial Navy who give him the name Han Solo.

Several years go by and Han still is having a difficult time. Kicked out of the Imperial Flight Academy, he ends up on Mimban fighting in a battle as an infantryman. That’s when Han notices Imperial Officer Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and Val (Thandie Newton) and follows him to discover that he is actually an imposter but not before Tobias has him arrested and thrown in a pit where he meets Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo).

Managing to escape from prison, Han and Chewbacca make their way back to Tobias who sees potential and brings them aboard his ship. Getting help with his next job, Han learns that the leader of the Crimson Dawn, Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), is expecting a shipment of something called coaxium and Tobias is going after it. The problem is there is someone else interested in doing the same thing which puts Tobias, Han and Chewbacca in danger.

The meeting with Vos is not something Tobias is looking forward to but Han is shocked to see Qi’ra there all grown up and Vos’ right hand woman. Feeling that their lives are in danger, it is Han who says that they can steal unprocessed coaxium from the mines on Kessel. Agreeing to the plan, Vos also sends Qi’ra with them and she locates smugger Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). In a game of poker brings them all aboard the Millennium Falcon to Kessel and once they get their bounty they have little time to get the unstable coaxium back to Vos.

But they is also the Cloud Riders led by Enftys Nest as the group learns that they are only trying to make a difference by aiding the rebellion against the Empire. When they arrive to delivery to Vos, he informs them that he knows what they’ve been doing and how he knows shocks Han and Chewbacca. Now Han must deal with the traitor, save a friend and make things right for the Cloud Riders – and he will definitely make sure all scores are settled.

Ehrenreich as Solo does a fine job as the young Solo. He has the look of someone who doesn’t take orders well and isn’t about to be told what to do, that’s important. He throws out the arrogant confidence and silly charm that I’d expect from Han Solo. That being said there is something not quite right – oh yes, it isn’t Harrison Ford. Look, I get that it’s hard to walk in on a role that has been made iconic by another actor, in fact I give Ehrenreich props for doing it, but I can’t make the leap in years between this young Han and the Han of 1976.

Clarke as Qi’ra is another character that I’m afraid will end up with its own film (gawd please don’t). Kind of broke my heart a little that Leia wasn’t Han’s first love but the more I got to know Qi’ra the less I worried about her. The chemistry between Clarke and Ehrenreich is good. Glover as Calrissian gave a charmer performance and he gave the character swagger and capes. His robot counterpart was far funnier and more interesting to watch however.

Harrelson as Beckett is a smuggler who is going to go with who ever is going to pay him the most. Being a traitor seemed to come naturally to this character and Harrelson gives it his smirk and calmness that ends up being some of the trademarks found in Han. Newton as Val has a small role that works with Beckett and is the smuggler with a heart.

Bettany as Vos is a bad guy who doesn’t give one wit of care who knows it or what anyone else thinks of it. In fact he only answers to one person (sorry, no spoiler for you!) so how he handles situations goes easily unchecked.

Big shout out to Suotamo as Chewbacca because I think this is the first film that I’ve seen him in where he’s “talked” so much! It must be said that seeing him on the Millenium Falcon was uber cool.

Other cast include Phoebe Waller-Bridge as L3-37, Jon Favreau as Rio Durant, Linda Hunt as Lady Proxima, Ian Kenny as Rebolt, John Tui as Korso, and Warwick Davis as Weazel.

Now that I’ve given you background lets get right to it, SOLO: A Star Wars Story is just that and nothing more – a story. There isn’t anything in this film that makes me thrilled and may answer only one question that I hadn’t thought to ask. The rest is what I call Star Wars noise and that’s about it. There were laughs, action and plenty of symbolism and nods to the original Star Wars and there isn’t anything wrong with that.

I guess my problem is I wanted something more, something unexpected, something – something! It’s hard to explain it unless you can have a conversation with the 1976 version of me. I think the fact that Han is gone, Luke is gone and Leia is really gone, it is hard for me to care about this film because I never really needed to know the back story of characters. I trusted who they were from the beginning and was happy with that.

Now ROGUE ONE was cool because it didn’t involve the main three characters but instead the story of how R2-D2 got the Death Star plans. That took me in a direction that was where I wanted to go, SOLO just really doesn’t do that. I mean I go for the ride but I’m happy when it’s over.

This is another difficult Star Wars review to write because I am an original die hard fan, yes I stood in line every Saturday for months to go for the ride and I didn’t need any urging. That’s what I want from anyone who dares to take on the task of making these “A Star Wars Story” film and we all know there are more on the horizon (deep sigh).

I think I also feel a bit like someone is treading on my memories, on my love of the galaxy far, far away. I didn’t embrace these characters but instead wanted to offer them a cup of blue milk in a traveler cup and send them on their way.

SOLO: A Star Wars Story isn’t bad, it’s filled with a lot that fans love and that is going to have to be enough.

In the end – never tell him the odds!

Butterfield, Burstyn and Offerman Epically Shine in the THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Peter Livolsi based on the novel by Peter Bognanni and Shout! Studios is the ideals of the past, frozen in the present with eyes toward the THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW.

Living in a dome house in the woods is Sebastian Prendergast (Asa Butterfield), a young teenager living with his grandmother Josephine (Ellen Burstyn) studying the philosophies of R. Buckminster Fuller. Josephine has kept Sebastian sequestered from the rest of the world and it will soon become obvious to the young man.

Alan Whitcomb (Nick Offerman) arrives at the House of Tomorrow with a church group to hear all about the history of Buckminster along with son Jared (Alex Wolff) and Meredith (Maude Apatow). While speaking with the kids, Josephine ends up in the hospital and that’s when Alan and Jared notice that Sebastian isn’t an ordinary teenager.

Sebastian may be different but then again so is Jared. When Alan makes an attempt to help along a friendship, Jared isn’t the warm and fuzzy type. Yet Sebastian takes the initiative to visit the Whitcomb home and learns that Jared is different in his own way. Meredith sees Sebastian’s innocence as sweet and notices that her brother has truly taken an interest in life.

Learning about one another is awkward yet school is in session as their friendship turns to music and all the things Sebastian has been missing outside of his dome-cocoon. Josephine spends her time coming up with ideas to get more people into the dome for visits but also notices that something is changing about her grandson. Feeling him pulling away causes an emotional showdown.

When Alex and Sebastian decide to start a band and perform – they are up against a grandmother who refuses to budge from the past, an over protective father who is afraid of the present and a future that can only shine for the House of Tomorrow.

Butterfield as Sebastian has once again embraced a role that is deep, endearing and innocent. Smarter than the average teen and a vocabulary even an adult would shy away from, it is when he crosses to the outer-side that the two worlds mesh and he makes it his own. Butterfield not only has the ability to show every fiber of innocence but when he lets loose, he also has the ability to make us all cheer for him!

Wolff as Jared is a young man dealing with an over protective father and a mother with problems of her own. Finding an unusual friendship with Sebastian turns out to be just what the doctor ordered. Trying to find his own place in the world, Jared finds it in music, taking chances by breaking away bringing Sebastian with him. I truly enjoyed Wolff in this role and I admit he also made me laugh – a lot, and because just as Sebastian has a way of talking, so does Jared.

Offerman as Dad Alan is raising two teen kids who are clearly strong willed and, once in a while, cause him to cringe with things they say and do. I have to say that Offerman has the calmness of a saint with all the shenanigans happening in his home as well as finding he has another teen in his home. When Alex needs him the most, Alan kicks into over drive and starts to see his son differently. Apatow as Meredith is the girl who is irritated with Dad, insulting with brother and leery of Mom – in other words a typical teenager. She sees something in Sebastian that gives her a little more hope that life still can be surprising.

Burstyn as Josephine has lived her life attacked to that of R. Buckminster Fuller. Believing in the philosophies that the world can be a better place, she has raised her grandson to make a difference in the world. Of course when he becomes aware of the outside world, and a Pepsi, she becomes distraught thinking he will be lost to it all. I absolutely adore Burstyn, always have, and her role in THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW reminds me (as if I need it) of the astronomical level of her talent.

Writer Peter Bognanni teaches creative writing in Minnesota and won the Los Angeles Time Book Prize and the ALA Alex Award for the novel The House of Tomorrow. His second book is Things I’m Seeing Without You is a story of love, loss and loving again.

THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW is a beautiful film that wraps the past, present and future all around the heart. As someone who is well aware of R. Buckminster Fuller, I truly loved that his presence is mixed in the story and was surprised to learn the piece of footage with Burstyn and Fuller is actually real. Just that moment in the film brings the viewer into it all on an even deeper level.

Keeping the cast to a minimum is also something that I truly enjoyed about the story. Focusing on the relationship between Josephine, Sebastian and the Whitcomb’s lets our hearts open to endearment, coming of age, change and even a bit of laughter. This story is about five very different people discovering that grandmothers can be sticklers, fathers know more than they say and that kids reach a point where breaking away sometimes means breaking the rules.

In the end – make your own future!

My Christmas Has Arrives with STAR WARS: The Last Jedi

Jeri Jacquin

What can be said about STAR WARS: The Last Jedi other than Christmas came early for me. From writer/director Rian Johnson based on characters created by George Lucas and Walt Disney Studios comes the next installment on this epic adventure.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) has found Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on a remote island and is trying to convince him to help the Rebellion once again. General Leia (Carrie Fisher) is being followed after their attack on General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) with one goal, to destroy what is left of the rebel fighters on orders from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).

Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) must find a way to save the last of the fighters. Learning they are being tracked, Poe and Finn must find someone who can help them. Rey isn’t having much luck either with Luke as he has makes it clear that he is staying right where he is. As the two get to know one another, Rey feels a mysterious connection to Kylo Ren and Luke sees it as well.

Finn meets Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) who sees him as a hero for the cause. Wanting to help she discovers that there is much more to being a fighter than she realized. Up against Kylo Ren, General Hux and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie), the minutes are ticking away to save what is left of the rebel fleet.

Once again a brother and sister face their fate, friends rely on one another and the force is there for them all!

If you were looking for spoilers than you came to the wrong writer. There is no way in hades that I am or even thought of giving anything away. Of course the above description of the film is generic but with the disaster of last years leaks I will not be responsible for any of it.

That being said, this is the STAR WARS fans have always loved. For me, well, I was giddy the moment the music cued and the scrolling of the yellow words upward into space began. From that moment on I was riveted and thrilled to once again to be in the galaxy far, far away.

Ridley as Rey takes on her next challenge which is to learn from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. Discovering that the process is the balance of mental and physical, she gets to add the grumblings of an island hermit. It has taken me some getting use to the character of Rey but with this film she is definitely cementing her place in the Star Wars franchise.

Driver as Kylo Ren is going through serious intensity in this chapter of the saga. Driver has the ability to show nothing and yet everything about what his character is going through. Still dealing with the death of his father, his confusion about Rey is apparent.

Boyega as Finn still feels the sense of responsibility for Rey and isn’t about to let anyone stop him. Now he has the chance to once again pair up with Poe as they put their plan for the rag tag left over fleet into action. Isaac as Poe is hard headed and strong willed. He wants to jump in first and not think through the consequences. The good news is that General Leia sort of has a soft spot for him.

Tran as Rose is the newest fighter for the rebellion and although not trained she fits right into the gang. Christie as Captain Phasma seems to have one goal – to get her hands on Finn. I just love Christie in this role because it feels like the bad side of Brianne of Tarth.

Gleeson as General Hux just wants to destroy everything in the name of Supreme Leader Snoke and don’t think for one second he and Kylo Ren are going to be bffs! Speaking of the Supreme Leader, Serkis once again lends his voice to a twisted character with facial problems.

Now, onto my two beloved characters of Luke Skywalker and General Leia. Mark Hamill has a scene in this film that reminds me of why I fell so hard for this franchise and the character of Luke Skywalker. Everyone will know it when they see it because it is stunningly beautiful and moving bringing back every emotion felt in 1977. Hamill’s return is such a joy for me and seeing him just as aged as myself is fun and nostalgic at the same time.

Fisher as Princess/General Leia is wonderful and still a wound in my heart. As Leia she has always been a strong and, pardon the pun, a force to be reckoned with. Making decisions to save what is left of the rebellion means sacrifice and courage which is everything Leia has stood for. Fisher has given us an iconic character that will last forever and anyone who wants to challenge me on this need just bring your light saber and we’ll duel it out in her honor.

Other cast include Laura Dern as Vice Admiral Holdo, Benicio Del Toro as DJ, Justin Theroux as Slicer, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Jimmy Vee as R2-D2, Tim Rose as Admiral Ackbar, and Billie Lourd as Lt. Connix.

That is all anyone is getting from me for now. In a few weeks after everyone has had the chance to see the film then I’d be more than willing to discuss more about how I feel. There is so much to experience with this film and it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.

Of course there was concern by fans that the world re-created by J.J. Abrams might be a problem for director Rian Johnson. There isn’t a moment’s concern for me as the cinematograph captures the world we have all come to know. The recognizable music never lets the audience forget where they are – as if it could.

The next installment is too far away for fans yet there are other stories that will be told about the world created by George Lucas. Keeping with the theme of Star Wars, the characters are jumping to light speed with their destinies and we are all just willingly along for the ride.

In case you are at all wondering, I will be seeing STAR WARS: The Last Jedi more than a few times! Get the popcorn ready because there will always be a seat with my name on it in any theatre I walk into. Gather up a crowd and join in the experience that has captured generations.

In the end – the force is with them all!

THE BIRTH OF A NATION Arrives on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray, DVD and Digital HD from writer/director Nate Parker and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment comes the story of change when it comes to the THE BIRTH OF A NATION.

Nat Turner (Nate Parker) is a man who has had a destiny since he was a small boy. Unfortunately being a slave in the antebellum South to plantation owner Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer) leaves him little time to discover what that destiny is.

Taught to read by Samuel’s sister Elizabeth (Penelope Ann Miller), Nat begins preaching the word to the other slaves on the plantation. Nat also becomes as indispensable as a slave can be to Samuel and talks his master into purchasing a slave named Cherry (Aja Naomi King).

When money becomes hard for Samuel, he doles out Nat’s preaching services to other plantations as a way to deal with unruly slaves. Feeling as if he is truly going against God, Nat finds solace in his marriage to Cherry. That is until ruthless men led by Raymond Cobb (Jackie Earle Haley) bring her close to death.

Now Nat begins to question himself and what he was told as a child. Speaking with other slaves he gathers a small army with the intention of reaching freedom at all costs – even if freedom means death!

Parker as Nat Turner is a man who lives in a world of duality. Wanting freedom for his people he also must do what he is told or the consequences could kill. Parker plays this character with the pain of those two choices throughout the film.

Hammer as plantation owner Samuel is a straight forward owner of people with making money by their use any way possible. Trying to bring honor to the once celebrated name of Turner, he discovers all too quickly that the memories of his father’s friends are very short and stinging.

Miller as Elizabeth is pained by what is happening to Nat but for a woman of that era nothing could be done. She sees something special in Nat and does what she can to cultivate learning. Elizabeth knows what her brother is doing is wrong and is shows on every inch of her face.

King as Cherry captures Nat’s heart fairly quickly. Their love for one another is very touching and when tragedy befalls Cherry it is far past heartbreaking. Haley as Cobb is just a vicious human being who has no conscience nor care for humanity. That is a difficult role to play yet Haley brings it strongly.

Other cast include Mark Boone Junior as Reverend Zalthall, Colman Domingo as Hark, Aunjanue Ellis as Nancy, Dwight Henry as Isaac Turner, Esther Scott as Bridget, Roger Smith as Isaiah and Gabrielle Union as young Esther.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

THE BIRTH OF A NATION is a film that is raw and straight forward. It is not the first time audiences have been invited to look openly to the history that is undeniable. Filmed in Savannah, Georgia the location is very important in drawing the viewer in. From the moss covered trees to the seclusion of the plantation homes, THE BIRTH OF A NATION is given even more believability through cinematography.

The Bluray & DVD include the Special Features of Rise Up: The Legacy of Nat Turner Documentary, Feature Commentary by Director Nate Parker, Deleted Scenes with Optional Director Commentary, The Birth of a Nation: The Making of a Movement, #AmeriCAN Short Film, Free God Spoken Word, Celebration of Independent Voices – Nate Parker, Shooting Script and Gallery.

In the end – it is a rebellion toward freedom!

ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story

 

Jeri Jacquin

Christmas has come early for me! Opening in our own galaxy this Friday from director Gareth Edwards, Lucas Films and Walt Disney Studios is the high anticipated adventure ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story.

Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) is farming with wife Lyra (Valene Kane) and young daughter Jyn when they are visited by Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Demanding that Galen return to his work with the Galactic Empire creating a weapon to stop the rebellion, Krennic isn’t happy when Galen refuses. He sends troops to search for young Jyn, but she is no where to be found.

They don’t know she has been taken in by Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), it is brief as Jyn (Felicity Jones) is now grown, a criminal and working in a forced labor camp. That is until she is rescued by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and reconditioned robot K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk) and taken before the Senate leaders of the Rebellion.

They want Jyn’s help in finding where the plans for the Death Star may be and how to obtain them to help the rebellion. When her only other choice is help or return to the labor camp, Jyn begrudgingly agrees to go with Cassian to the city of Jedah. There they meet Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) and Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang) by walking straight into a street battle.

The group also finds Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), an Imperial pilot who knows Galen! With the location of the plans, they come together and go to the one place no one else would dare go – straight into the Imperial base surrounded and guarded by those whose only goal is to crush the rebellion.

They need to save the rebellion and save the dream!

Jones as Jyn carries the film as a strong character that remembers what happened when she was young. Wanting to find her father, the mission becomes so much more than she could have ever imagined. Jones has the right amount of gumption and emotion giving her character heart and even if she is afraid it doesn’t stop her from going forward.

Luna as Cassian is very focused on what needs to be done to ensure the security of the rebellion. He has the backing of the Senate because this soldier believes in bringing down the Empire. Meeting Jyn doesn’t change that goal, only reshapes how to make it happen. Tudyk as the voice of K-2SO is absolutely hilarious and clear that this robot has a mind and opinion all his own.

Mendelsohn as Krennic is a man with an agenda that includes taking down anyone that gets in his way. Whitaker as Gerrera sees what Jyn is capable of but also knows the Empire can not be stopped without her.

I was excited when learning that Donnie Yen would be part of ROGUE ONE as Chirrut Imwe. Following his career for several years now from Asian/martial arts films, this is perfect casting. Everything he does has purpose and reminds me of another Jedi master. Jiang as Malbus protects Imwe and clearly knows his way around heavy weaponry which is always handy when fighting any Galactic Empire. Ahmed as Rook is quick and has no trouble showing off his own rebellion side!

Mikkelsen as Galen has the perfect demeanor for this character. He doesn’t have much to say because everything is in his eyes. He has the ability to cut his eyes in such a way that even I’m a little scared of him. I love that he took this role.

Other cast include Alistair Petrie as General Draven, Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma, Ben Daniels as General Merrick, Ian McElhinney as General Dodonna, Fares Fares as Senator Vaspar, Sharon Brewster as Senator Pamlo, and Jimmy Smits as Bail Organa.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story five tubs of popcorn out of five. From the moment the screen lit up I was taken in immediately and in such a way that time reversed a little taking me back to 1977. ROGUE ONE brings with it such familiarity that it felt as if no time had passed between those weekends I spent in the theatre watching STAR WARS and now.

What I mean by that is this film brings with it the costuming, a story that mingles easily into the STAR WARS realm of storytelling yet intense with layering and small nuances that fans are going to get giddy over. It is amazing how one moment in the original STAR WARS storyline (and you’ll know when that is soon enough) brought about this absolutely fantastic cinematic adventure

If those I watched the film with gave any indication of what is to come in theatres this Friday, well, lets just say that thirty plus years are going to melt away and the reaction by fans is going to be epic.

I do not want to go into details because it is the details that I want everyone to experience for themselves. Just know that there isn’t going to be a disappointing moment in the 133 minutes of sheer joy on the screen.

What I would ask is that everyone seeing ROUGE ONE: A Star Wars Story this weekend refrain for a bit from going into detail about the film. Let everyone have the opportunity to enjoy every aspect of what has been put together for fans.

Be prepared to drop your jaw a few times and know that this is a pure Star Wars story fans have been waiting for.

In the end – it is a rebellion built on hope!