They Fight with DUMB MONEY: The GameStop Story

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Craig Gillespie and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of the underdog taking on Wall Street with DUMB MONEY: The GameStop Story.

It is 2020 and Keith Gill (Paul Dano) spends his spare time as Roaring Kitty on YouTube talking about the stock market. His day job is a financial analyst and husband to Caroline (Shailene Woodley) while dealing with brother Kevin (Pete Davidson) who still lives with his parents. Covid is running rampant when Keith notices that stock in his favorite place is falling.

GameStop is a place for all those who play games and Keith buys stock telling his viewers on YouTube all about it. He believes that hedge fun firms like Melvin Capital founded by Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen) have been short selling the stock. Listening to Roaring Kitty is Jennifer (America Ferrera) and she buys into the stock as well. Joining the ranks are college students Riri (Myha’la Herrold) and Harmony (Talia Ryder) and GameStop employee Marcos (Anthony Ramos).

They aren’t the only ones as people start aggressively buying stock and begin really following Roaring Kitty. Using the trading site Robinhood co-owned by Vald Tenev (Sebastian Stan), there is a huge surge of stocks and people begin to see they can make real money. Plotkin realizes he is in trouble when Ken Griffin (Nick Offerman) of Citadel finds a way to turn things around. That is when the United States House Committee on Financial Services decides to step in and find out what is truly going on and who is responsible.

Those who invested are stunned at what is happening and Keith stands firm in his belief only to discover there are those who stand with him, no matter what it takes.

Dano as Keith is a very quiet man who tries not to rock the boat in his life. Spending time on his YouTube just allows him a chance to talk about what he is interested in and that is the pattern of what happens on Wall Street. GameStop is, as for a lot of gamers, a place that brings them the joy of gaming so owing stock seemed the right thing. Dano gives his character the complexities of a man trying to take care of his family, working a straight job and having a few moments of online fun who never expected it to blow up. I enjoyed his portrayal and it is believable down to its core.

Davidson as Kevin looked like he was having so much fun because this role is not, in any way, a far-reaching stretch. Most of Davidson’s roles are like this but Kevin stands out as the brother who just likes to be a pain – and it works! Woodley as Caroline stands behind her husband, even when things get strange and believes in him. There really isn’t huge chemistry between the two characters but it doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of the story.

Rogen as Plotkin spends most of the film running, with a phone stuck to his ear and sweating – a lot. I mean I would too if I was losing billions (yes, millions with a b). Rogen has the unique ability to play nervous and he does it so well. Ferrera as Jennifer is a nurse that just wants a financial break, not the world, just a small break and her nerves are just as intense as Plotkin’s but for different reasons.

Herrold as Riri, Ryder as Harmony and Ramos as Marcos are people who believed in the Roaring Kitty and are willing to hold as long as he does. They not only hold but begin to understand the workings of Wall Street and are all in when it comes to stopping them from squashing the little guy! Stan as Tenev is a man who claims he is for the people but when a large chunk of money is thrown his way, he becomes worse than Robinhood.

Shout out to Offerman and D’Onofrio because I was watching these two giggle at each of their characters. They know they are sleazy and enjoy it with a side order of rich.

Other cast include Kate Burton as Elaine Gill, Clancy Brown as Steven Gill, Rushi Kota as Baiju Bhatt, Larry Owens as Chris, Dane DeHaan as Brad, Deniz Akdeniz as Briggsy, Olivia Thirlby as Yaara Plotkin and Vincent D’Onofrio as Steve Cohen.

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 http://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 Feature include Fat Cats vs. The Roaring Kitty, Diamond Hand Ensemble, Join the Cast & Discover the Insane True Story!, Deleted Scenes and Filmmaker Commentary.

DUMB MONEY is a great way for people to learn about what happens when you don’t understand what the rich are doing on Wall Street. Just the fact that they use the term ‘dumb money’ would make me want to find a few bucks to invest with. It is a shame that Roaring Kitty isn’t still around because I’d follow him!

The cast is brilliant at keeping the intensity up for the entire film. I found myself yelling at the screen as well before I realizes I was doing it. There are relationships in the midst of the madness but what is clear is that along with the learning comes a new found understanding that life is full of chances but only to those who are willing to risk losing a little.

In the end – bank on humor!

The Truth is Exposed by THE MAURITANIAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Kevin Macdonald and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of a man known as THE MAURITANIAN.

Mohamedou Slahi (Tahar Rahim) has been captured and sent to Guantanamo Bay after the 9/11 attacks on America. He is not told what the charges against him are and lives day to day in a small cell. Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) decides to take on his case bringing Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) aboard. They head to Guantanamo detention camp to meet Mohamedou.

Their first meeting is tense as he does not have reason to trust two women he does not know. He listens to what they have to say and weighs his options quickly before agreeing to be represented by Hollander. What they do not yet know is that the government has enlisted the help of Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) to prosecute the case. Couch had lost a friend so he is motivated by emotion.

Hollander tells Mohamedou that he must write down his life and what has happened to him. While that is happening, she and Duncan have gone through everything to be allowed to read all the paperwork since his capture only to discover the government has redacted almost everything. Couch is finding himself in the same predicament as to what Mohamedou was actually being charged with.

As both sides attempt to do their job, it is Mohamedou who relives his worst nightmares at Guantanamo Bay before being allowed to have his say in court.

Foster as Hollander believes in her client to a point. It is his word against the evidence that she has read so far but like most of Foster’s character roles, she keeps going until the answers are clear. This actress has always been at her best when taking on roles of injustice and gives it her own unique take and in this film, it is the same.

Slahi as Mohamedou is a man trying to come to terms with how he got to Guantanamo Bay and how close he came to those who were terrorists. That is how he ended up spending year after year in a place where the questions were the same and so were the answers. Slahi gives his character a bit of standoffishness but that makes perfect sense giving the life and death situation his character is in.

Cumberbatch as Lt. Col. Couch is a man of faith and when the case is brought to him, he thought of his friend who died on 9/11. As the case paperwork comes in, he sees things that are curious and questionable. He realizes that the government is using his friend’s death as a weapon in the conviction arsenal, but his faith would never allow that to happen.

Woodley as Duncan is a young lawyer who is thrilled to help with the case. She enjoys their visits and believes that the wrong done to their client should be made right. Doing everything she can to be part of the process, her beliefs are challenged, and she must make a decision that puts them all at odds.

Other cast includes David Fynn as Kent, Corey Johnson as Bill Seidel, Saamer Usmani as Arjun, Denis Menochet as Emmanuel and Zachary Levi as Neil Buckland.

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.

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.

The Bonus Features of THE MAURITANIAN are Alternate Opening, Deleted Scenes, Behind the Scenes of THE MAURITANIAN and more!

THE MAURITANIAN is a story of a man and the nightmare of Guantanamo Bay. The film dives into every aspect both legally and personally of his experience. At times his memories are disturbing and there are moments where he finds his own emotional and mental escape from everything around him.

At the suggestion of his lawyers, Slahi wrote a book in 2005 and Guantanamo Diary became an international best seller. It was his opportunity to share his experience and attempt to make people aware of what was happening.

In the end – he has a story that needed to be told!

Love and the Sea lead to ADRIFT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Sailing into theatres this Friday from director Baltasar Kormakur and STX Entertainment comes the true story of survival when you are ADRIFT.

Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) is a young woman who has left her San Diego home to travel the world. Going where ever the tide and jobs take her, Tami ends up in Tahiti cleaning boats.

Putting into the dock, Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin) is a man clearly in love with the sea, even the worst parts of it. Meeting Tami they clearly find a connection for wandering and explore the island and their relationship. They also sail on the boat Richard built himself, the Mayaluga, and Tami couldn’t be happier.

Richard runs into family friends Peter (Jeffrey Thomas) and Christine (Elizabeth Hawthorne) who own the 44-foot yacht called the Hazana. They are thrilled to ask Richard if he wants to take their boat back to harbor in San Diego with a thank you fee of $10,000 and a return ticket back to Tahiti.

Tami isn’t sure she wants to return to her hometown but Richard sees the money as a way for them to continue to sail where ever their hearts want to go. They set sail on their first 4,000 mile adventure together!

What they are unaware of yet is that one of the most catastrophic hurricanes is coming their way. Trying to avoid it doesn’t work as they batten down the sails and attempt to ride it out. Being thrown around, Tami wakes to a tossed ship, the sails in the water and Richard badly hurt.

Getting him settled, Tami takes stock of the provisions that are still aboard and drinkable water in the tanks. Grabbing the sextant and a map, she begins to figure out what is the best way they can be rescued before their supplies run out. Questioning every move she makes, it is the steady voice of Richard that guides them.

Because in that is the power of their love.

Woodley as Tami is a free spirited individual who makes it very clear that she goes where the jobs take her with no thought of staying or going. Meeting Richard is a chance to not only share a little bit of herself but really understand the freedom of her life. Woodley personifies that spirit as she has in so many other films. In this instance she is the right actress to draw us all into the journey.

Claflin as Richard is Woodley’s equal on the screen with the same ability to draw us into the spirit of someone who lives for the sea. Good, bad or otherwise, Richard has built a boat that takes him wherever he wants without apologies. It is easy to see how the two would be drawn into a relationship. Richard is a little more reserved that Tami and it is clear he is in love.

ADRIFT is based on the true story from the book Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival at Sea by Tami Oldham Ashcraft. The event happened in October of 1983 when Ashcraft was 23-years-old. A Category 4 hurricane with 50 foot high waves and 160 mph winds were no match for the two sailors.

The film is very well done as it is impossible to not become involved in the story. Of course I believe that all stories about ocean survival are incredible from the mere fact that it is the ocean! It is unpredictable, unrelenting, surprising and majestic and when its waves are ruffled, there is nothing more fierce.

Also, compelling in knowing that there is very little one can do on the ocean when what keeps you alive is taken away. The panic for just food and water isn’t something you can do much about unless you are willing to fish and pray for rain. That’s what makes the difference between giving up and total survival.

Woodley and Claflin are stellar together and watching them from beginning to end brings a sniffle. The portrayal of their real-life counterparts is sweet and spirited bringing the audience into their story of love and survival.

In the end – their every emotion is as deep as the ocean!

It’s Time to Experience HBO’s BIG LITTLE LIES on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray this week from creator David E. Kelley, director Jean-Marc Vallee and HBO Home Entertainment is the unbelievable limited series BIG LITTLE LIES.

The story begins in Monterey when a death occurs on the steps of the local school. Through the investigation, the police speak to Madeline Mckenzie (Reese Witherspoon), a well known Mom who takes no guff from anyone as she raises her elementary school daughter Chloe (Darby Camp) as well as a teenager Abigail (Kathryn Newton).

Also, Celeste (Nicole Kidman) who is a mother of twin boys is a seemingly close friend to Madeline. New to Monterey is Jane (Shailene Woodley) who is raising her son Ziggy (Iain Armitage) all by herself. This is where the stories begin!

Madeline and Jane meet the first day of school when Madeline discovers her teenage daughter is acting out. At a stop sign there is a confrontation and Madeline ends up on the asphalt. Jane stops to help and their friendship begins from there.

Being new to school, Ziggy is accused by his classmate Amabella (Ivy George) of hurting her. Her mother Renata (Laura Dern) isn’t about to have it and wants something done. Jane meets with the principle and says that Ziggy denies hurting anyone but that’s not good enough for Renata.

If that isn’t bad enough, Madeline is dealing with ex-husband Nathan (James Tupper) who pushes constantly. Part of it is due to his new wife Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) who doesn’t know her limitations when it comes to Abigail who drives Madeline to distraction. That distraction upsets her husband Ed (Adam Scott) who thinks she spends way to much time worrying about everyone else – except him.

Celeste and her husband Perry (Alexander Skarsgård) are also having issues when he has a problem with not knowing every little thing that goes on in the family. Their relationship is based on physical issues and not always good ones. Perry tends to resolve issues with an angry frightening tone.

Jane’s story is unclear to Madeline and Celeste but they both figure she will tell them in time. Yet Ziggy is coming to the age where he is asking questions about his father and where he might be. Jane continues to say she doesn’t know but Madeline believes there is more that she isn’t telling.

To keep from losing her mind completely, Madeline works with the local theatre on a production of Avenue Q which now the mayor objects to. Not about to give up, she talks Celeste into legal intervention to get city hall of their stage. Perry isn’t happy about this either.

Celeste and Perry begin therapy with Dr. Reisman (Robin Weigert) and she immediately asks questions that have the couple very uncomfortable. With Perry always traveling out of town, Celeste continues with therapy as she is confronted with the issues that are plaguing her.

Jane finally tells Madeline about Ziggy’s father and a search begins for the man. Jane isn’t sure how to handle all of her feelings as she plays out in her heard what could happen.

Renata is wielding her ugliness towards Jane and Ziggy by not making him welcome to a party. Madeline is furious and decides it is probably best that she put together a little fun of her own to keep Renata at bay. Of course the fact that she has a long arm means that there will be more problems between the two later.

Jane has finally had enough of Renata when she discovers there is a petition to have Ziggy suspended from school. The two come together for a confrontation that could either help or hurt but they are still no closer to the truth about the bullying.

The night of Avenue Q, Madeline is thrilled that everyone has shown up, that is everyone but Celeste and Perry. When Celeste is defending herself, Perry is hurt and a statement he makes later has her realizing that maybe it’s time to leave.

In the meantime Nathan discovers that having Abigail living with him is harder than he could have imagined, especially when he discovers she has found an interesting way to raise money for Amnesty International.

As with all secrets, there comes a tipping point as Celeste deals with Perry, Madeline has a moment of realization about her life with Ed and Jane learns the truth about the bullying that is more shocking that she could have imagined and in one snap of time everyone’s life will change.

It is a moment that could save them or ruin them all.

Witherspoon as Madeline is a total spit-fire who doesn’t take crap from anyone. She goes from 0 to bitch in a split second but she had me cracking up the entire time. Probably because I recognize some of those qualities in someone I know. Witherspoon is fast talking, fast paced and tries to give this character so much to occupy her mind; it’s easy to see she has real problems that can not be avoided forever. I just loved her in this role.

Kidman as Celeste has the role of a woman torn by a life and a husband that she seems to adore. Being a part of her kid’s life is so important to this character that she is willing to put aside the mounting issues that are a frightening reality that can’t be hidden much longer. Kidman handles this role with elegance, grace and with a manner that puts everyone else’s needs before her own life. An amazing performance!

Woodley as Jane is a woman who is full of secrets and the time is coming where those secrets can’t stay hidden much longer. It served her well for a long time but as her son gets older it becomes clear daily that she needs to face her fears and face the truth of the life she has been hiding behind. Just so well done!

Dern as Renata is a woman who is in dire need of something, anything! This character is that woman who will do anything to make sure that everyone else follows her directions. That form of control is hiding the fear that she really feels and to watch it unravel is truly interesting. Dern has always been a favorite of mine and between BIG LITTLE LIES and her returning role in TWIN PEAKS: The Return, she continues to be high on my list.

Skarsgård as Perry is a nightmare to watch. His presence is loving at times but there are moments where you can see something else, something frightening and that means has Skarsgård done his role proper. Scott as husband Ed has more patience with his wife than I ever could have. Trying to be supportive and understanding, Madeline pushes the boundaries of that until he lets her know things have to change. I applauded when he stood up for himself!

Kravitz as Bonnie is a yoga-practicing-health-food-eating step-mother to Abigail who drives Madeline to distraction. It is an interesting dynamic that happens in a lot of extended families. Tupper as Nathan is an ex-husband who doesn’t embrace his mistakes because he’s to busy trying to be super dad to make up for them.

Newton as Abigail is a teen character that just drives me nuts. Yes, I raised four teens and I can assure you none of them ever talked to me like that. It might have had something to do consequences because Abigail certainly didn’t seem to have any.

Other cast include Larry Bates as Stu, Larry Sullivan as Oren, Virginia Kull as Ms. Barnes, Merrin Dungey as Detective Quinlan, Hong Chau as Jackie, Santiago Cabrera as Joseph, PJ Byrne as Principal Nippal, Sarah Burns as Gabrielle, Sarah Baker as Thea Cunningham, Jeffrey Nordling as Gordon Klein and Joseph Cross as Tom.

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

The Bluray and Digital HD includes the bonus features of About BIG LITTLE LIES – An extended behind-the-scenes look at the series with never-before-seen cast & crew interviews and Inside the Episodes with director Jean-Marc Vallee and writer David E. Kelley. Included as well is the Digital HD Ultraviolet that allows viewing on iTunes, television, computer, tablet and Smartphone.

BIG LITTLE LIES is an amazing limited series and I couldn’t help but binge watch on Bluray. There was no way I could sleep without knowing what was going to happen next and this cast made it all look so effortless. Witherspoon, Kidman and Woodley gave performances that were both intense, hilarious and stunning.

It is the story of the lives lived behind closed doors and the faces we put on to everyone else. It is about the secrets we keep from one another and the excuses given when the cracks begin to show. Most of all, BIG LITTLE LIES is a coming together when lives are torn apart which is stunningly done by Kelley and director Vallee.

I didn’t know what to expect from this HBO limited series but I can tell you that I would absolutely love if it were continued – at least for another season maybe? There is so much more of their stories to tell and by the end you will want to see more as well.

It’s time to experience BIG LITTLE LIES for yourself! We are giving away copies of the series and to discover how to get yours please visit http://moviemaven.homestead.com.

In the end – a perfect life is a perfect lie!

SNOWDEN Spills on Onto Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week from director Oliver Stone is the Bluray regarding the life of Edward Snowden as Universal Pictures Home Entertainment brings SNOWDEN.

It is 2013 and in a hotel room, Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has gathered reporters Laura Poitras (Melissa Leo), Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto) and Ewen MacAskill (Tom Wilkinson). There he begins to tell his story with the beginning of his time at boot camp.

It quickly becomes clear that something is wrong with his legs. Disappointed that he can’t continue, the doctor tells him there is other ways to “serve his country”. That way turned into a job interview with the CIA.

He trains at ‘The Hill’ under the watchful eye of Corbin O’Brian (Rhys Ifans), Snowden speaks to Hank Forrester (Nicolas Cage) who encourages him to keep his eyes open as to what is happening around him. Snowden meets his online tech-mate Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley).  He shares that he works for the government and they can’t really discuss what he does. That doesn’t seem to stop the couple from becoming a couple.

Embraced by both O’Brian and Forrester, Snowden quickly moves up the ranks. Taking a position in Geneva, he is in the section that deals with security. This is where he learns that the world is being watched through the internet.

Really wanting to work on a case, he bugs an agent who finally has clearance asking Snowden to get banking information from guests at a gathering. His lack of social skills makes him uncomfortably awkward and needs to be saved by girlfriend Lindsay.

When he realizes what it takes to be involved in a case, he resigns from the CIA, he goes to Japan to work for Dell and Lindsay joins him. This is around the time Obama is running for President and Snowden believes the new Commander-in-Chief can change things. Upset that everything he is doing is under the umbrella of terrorism, he continues to work but not quite sure why he has to spy on everyone.

In 2011 they return to the United States and Snowden goes back to the CIA as a contractor. That’s when he hears that people are coming out whistle blowing on the government. Still unhappy, he hangs with instructor O’Brian sharing his disappointment.

When offered a position in Hawaii that is created specifically for him, Lindsay isn’t happy that she once again is really on the back burner. Right before they leave, the couple discovers Snowden has a medical issue. That scare changes Lindsay’s mind to move to Hawaii for his health.

While in Hawaii, Edward figures out that those in charge are watching him but more importantly he is caught spying on his own girlfriend. Now more paranoid than ever he decides he needs to get the information off his computer and give it to journalists.

Back to 2013 as Snowden watches as the journalists put it out to the world and spends days watching the news with his face plastered everywhere. Snowden knows he must go into hiding making his way from Hong Kong to Russia.

Levitt as Snowden does a remarkable job of looking and sounding nothing like himself. Wrapping himself up in this role Levitt is given the opportunity to do something I have not seen him do before – help me forget that he is an actor playing a real person.

Woodley as Lindsay is a spirited and open person from the moment she meets Edward. That is the flip side to the quiet and secretive Edward. She gives up a lot of her life for his career and even puts her own career on hold – I’m not sure I would do that but Woodley made me believe she would.

Cage as Forrester gets a few minutes in the beginning and a few minutes at the end where he cheers without actually cheering when Snowden goes public.

Richardson as Janine gets a tongue lashing from Quinto’s character as if a journalist would talk to an editor that way and still have a job. Olyphant gets to be a cool James Bond for a few scenes as CIA Agent Geneva and he does look amazing.

Leo as Laura babies Snowden every chance she gets, Quinto as Greenwald is hot tempered and intense. Wilkinson character only wants the story – period. He is cautious and careful but biting at the bit to be the first and right!

Ifans as Corbin O’Brian is the scary ‘villain’ created by Snowden. Ifans gives his character a frightening element that doesn’t shift gears. There are moments where this character edges on being a softer human being and then snaps out of it. Loved his performance which is weird.

The tagline says ‘you don’t have to pick a side, but you will’ giving us choices of soldier, traitor, spy, hero, hacker and patriot. This is a film that each person who views it will have to make their own decision on Snowden’s actions.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

The Bluray and DVD Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Finding the Truth: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, and Oliver Stone discuss what attracted them to the project and how they worked together to tell Edward Snowden’s story, and Snowden: Q&A: A panel discussion about the film featuring Edward Snowden, Oliver Stone, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Shailene Woodley moderated by Matt Zoller Seitz.

In the end – it is one nation under surveillance for liberty and justice for all.

SNOWDEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

This Friday Oliver Stone brings his film regarding the life of Edward Snowden to the screen as Open Road Films tells of SNOWDEN.

Having the film begin with Oliver Stone holding a cell phone up with a ‘public service’ announcement about Big Brother watching told me a lot about what I was going to see.

It is 2013 and in a hotel room, Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has gathered reporters Laura Poitras (Melissa Leo), Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto) and Ewen MacAskill (Tom Wilkinson). Basically this is a re-enactment to my way of thinking of the documentary CITIZEN FOUR where Snowden once again records his story.

He presents the journalists with information they will need to back up his story. Okay, back to the film!

From the very beginning the melodramatic music plays attempts to convince that Snowden was a noble American patriot with him in uniform. Quickly the little Gomer Pyle has his patriotism cut short when his weak knees can’t handle boot camp. Disappointed that he can’t continue, the doctor spews out the line that Snowden will have to continue to “serve his country in other ways” which cuts to joining the CIA.

He trains at ‘The Hill’ under the watchful eye of Corbin O’Brian (Rhys Ifans), Snowden speaks to Hank Forrester (Nicolas Cage) who encourages him to keep his eyes open as to what is happening but never specifically says what. Starting his career as a smart-ass over achiever, I get the feeling he thinks it will impress his instructors.

Also, Snowden meets his online tech-mate Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley).  He shares that he works for the government and they can’t really discuss what he does. That doesn’t seem to stop the couple from hooking up.

Embraced by both O’Brian and Forrester, Snowden continues with his unconvincing flag waving trying to shove his patriotism down my throat which I suppose succeeded since I was choking on it. Taking a position in Geneva, he is in the section that deals with security. This is where he learns that the world is being watched through the internet.

Really wanting to work on a case, he bugs an agent who finally has clearance asking Snowden to get banking information from guests at a gathering. This is pretty much where we discover that he has no social skills, is uncomfortably awkward and needs to be saved by girlfriend Lindsay.

When he realizes what it takes to be involved in a case, Snowden becomes the morality police and every other person in the film becomes a bad guy. Deciding to resign from the CIA, he goes to Japan to work for Dell and Lindsay follows him being the girlfriend who gives up everything for her man. This is around the time Obama is running for President and Snowden believes the new Commander-in-Chief could change things. While he’s tries to convince me that he is upset (again) by what he does, he continues helping to spy on countries, people and places.

Snowden becomes upset (again) that everything he is doing is under the umbrella of terrorism. Continuing to work with people he continues to wave the banner of patriotism. That’s when the big speech happens as poor Edward doesn’t understand why he has to spy on everyone.

Of course all this wonderful patriotic guilt has an effect on his relationship with Lindsay. In 2011 they return to the United States and Snowden goes back to the CIA as a contractor. That’s when he hears that people are coming out whistle blowing on the government and you can see the hamster wheel in his head turning. Not happy (again), he hangs with instructor O’Brian and boo-hoo’s about how disappointed he is.

When offered a position in Hawaii that is created specifically for him, Lindsay isn’t happy that she once again is really on the back burner. Right before they leave, the couple discovers Snowden has a medical issue. That scare changes Lindsay’s mind to move to Hawaii for his health (to which I almost yelled ‘sucker!’ at Lindsay).

Off to the islands they go and Snowden takes up spying again. Apparently his unhappiness flows back and forth like a wave that eventually makes one want to heave. He continues to create weapons systems and when the ‘Ed’s unhappy’ boat washes ashore again he becomes god-like with the ‘no one can do it but me’ mentality.

In the meantime he figures out that those in charge are watching him but more importantly he is caught spying on his own girlfriend – you know, doing the thing he is upset that the government does. Now more paranoid than ever he decides he needs to get the information off his computer – you know, CLASSIFIED INFORMATION – and give it to journalists.

Stone decides he needs a way to make sure the audience knows that Snowden is a hero so as he creeps out of work with classified information stashed in a cube, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel that Snowden walks into with the angels singing with a crescendo that should move one to tears. Oh I was crying alright, of ridiculousness.

Snap back to 2013 as Snowden watches as the journalists put it out to the world and spends days watching the news with his face plastered everywhere. Stone also lets him take the long prismatic walk into the media lions den to run from the legal charges now facing him.

With crappy airport security – Snowden goes from Hong Kong to Russia. Once out of reach, Snowden gets a chance to talk about American principles with patriotic music playing in the background starting out soft and banging me on the head as if it were saying ‘get on board with us!’

All of this in an attempt to convince me that Snowden is a hero of the people. Morphing into the real Snowden his battle cry is ‘we will not be silenced!’ Continuing to show the real Snowden, it is almost as if he was auditioning for a part.

First of all nothing will convince me Snowden is anything more than a teenager who used the system he complained about to keep an eye on his girlfriend. Insecurities are not the basis for what he did. For years this man was okay with the work he did and had no problem cashing the government paychecks.

Must be nice to break the law and run to another country where there is no accountability. He should teach a course so the next time I get pulled over for a ticket I can use the ‘Edward Snowden Method of No Accountability’. He put peoples’ lives in danger, including his co-workers and family yet ‘hey…thought the world should know’. He lives with his girlfriend, well taken care of while others get to clean up his mess.

All I can say is watch out Russia, like a beater if he hits once he will do it again!

Yes, this review is different because although I really love Stone’s film JFK, this is a big ball of hot mess. Levitt was actually quite irritating with his fake low voice and superior Snowden attitude. Wasn’t impressed in the slightest. Woodley as Lindsay portrays this character as a woman who will follow her man anywhere and forget about her own life and seems perfectly okay with everything else.

Cage as Forrester gets a few minutes in the beginning and a few minutes at the end where he cheers without actually cheering when Snowden goes public.

Richardson as Janine gets a tongue lashing from Quinto’s character as if a journalist would talk to an editor that way and still have a job. Olyphant gets to be a cool James Bond for a few scenes as CIA Agent Geneva and he does look amazing.

Leo as Laura babies Snowden every chance she gets, Quinto as Greenwald is hot tempered and intense. Wilkinson character only wants the story – period.

Ifans as Corbin O’Brian is the scary ‘villain’ created by Snowden. Ifans gives his character a frightening element that doesn’t shift gears. There are moments where this character edges on being a softer human being and then snaps out of it. Loved his performance which is weird.

So I’m sure by now it is clear that I am not a fan of this film. The tagline says ‘you don’t have to pick a side, but you will’ giving us choices of soldier, traitor, spy, hero, hacker and patriot. What the film managed to do was irritate and annoy me. Sorry if I don’t ohhhh and ahhhh Stone’s effort.

If you want to see a film that is uplifting and reminds us of the human spirit might I suggest SULLY because Tom Hanks is a face I’d always trust. Snowden on the other hand …..

In the end – the filmmaker would have us believe that the film is ‘one nation under surveillance for liberty and justice for all’.

You may now turn on your cell phone!

The Divergent Series: Allegiant hits Bluray Completing the Trilogy!

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray from director Robert Schwentke and Lionsgate Home Entertainment is the final film in the trilogy of a young girl names Tris with The Divergent Series: Allegiant.

Now that the secrets of Chicago are out Tris (Shailene Woodley) wants to go beyond the wall even more than she ever did. Evelyn (Naomi Watts) has begun inciting mayhem in the people against the wishes of another member of the new leadership Johanna (Octavia Spencer).

Four (Theo James) isn’t happy with what Evelyn is doing and decides to join Tris along with Tori (Maggie Q) and Christina (Zoe Kravitz) in jumping the wall. Before they leave, Caleb (Ansel Elgort) is freed and before they can get out of the city Peter (Miles Teller) joins.

Once away, they quickly are picked up another group that takes them to David (Jeff Daniels). There Tris is told she is more important than ever before in helping the people of Chicago and it watched over by Matthew (Bill Skårsgard). David tells Tris about the experiment and even the history of where her mother came from.

Four doesn’t trust anything he sees and they are all soon to discover that Janine wasn’t the word of their problems. Jumping into soldiering quickly, there is so much more going as Four and Christina know they must reach Tris with the information.

Tris is once again learning that absolutely power corrupts absolutely as the people of Chicago are once again in danger and there is little time to stop it!

Woodley as Tris has once again taken this role and given it empowerment and strength but also mixed with that is the sadness of everything she has experienced. Knowing that is something more out in the world doesn’t mean it’s always a good thing as Tris discovers. Woodley has grown into the character so much that I can almost predict her reactions now, especially when she’s thinking things through.

James as Four has become quite the heart throb for DIVERGENT fans. His smoldering looks and suspicious nature, he has hero written all over him. It is clear that Four isn’t going to fall into another mess with his mother, with the fanatical survivors of Chicago or David. There is nothing damaged about this character in the slightest!

Watts as Evelyn is another Janine in so many ways and perhaps even more destructive ways. What is it about power in this city that just makes people a little crazy!? Kravitz as Christina is supportive as always and has Tris’ back when she needs her.

Elgort as Caleb is in hot water most of the film. Tris isn’t happy about her brothers behavior as keeps a distance between them, but when push comes to shove it is always family that will step in. Skårsgard as Matthew is relatively quiet, very observant and has a story of his own to tell you. That, my friends, is called not spoiling the film.

Daniels as David gets the opportunity to test his bad guy wings in the film. He is charming, charismatic and looks good in a suit. Working on Tris’ heart strings regarding her mother, he wants something from her that I’m still not quite sure is truthful.

Teller as Peter – gawd I just want someone to take him in a back alley and beat the crap out of him. That’s how you know Teller is doing a good job! I saw people yelling and hissing when I saw the film in the theatre when Teller came on which at first made my jaw drop but then I had to laugh. That’s the sign of a good job when Teller hasn’t said a word yet and the audience is responding. Well done Teller!

Other cast include: Daniel Dae Kim as Jack Kang, Jonny Weston as Edgar, Nadia Hilker as Nita and Andy Bean as Romit.

The Bluray/Digital HD has the Special Features of Audio Commentary with Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher, Allegiant: Book to Film, Battle in the Bullfrog: The Stunts and Choreography Behind This Thrilling Sequence, Finding the Future: Effects & Technology, Characters in Conflict: The Motivations Behind the Film’s Antagonists, and The Next Chapter: Cast & Characters, Building the Bureau.

The DVD has Special Features of Audio Commentary with Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fischer, Allegiant: Book to Film and Battle in the Bullfrog.

The Divergent Series: Allegiant will also be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Bluray Combo Pack and DVD. If you need to catch up on the series, the first two films The Divergent Series: Divergent and The Divergent Series: Insurgent will also be made available on 4K Ultra Combo pack as well. That means you are going to experience awesomeness in full blown glory!

This is truly a story of empowerment, not only for a group that is led to believe they are scary and need to be dealt with but of a young girl who doesn’t let anything stop her. The character of Tris has so much to offer those who not only love the book but have come to love watching Woodley bring to life and grow.

The film has a stellar cast of characters that are not only memorable but stand out as individuals in a world trying to peg each person into a life category. These are fantastic films for the whole family to enjoy so make it a weekend of triple Divergent!

In the end – the truth lies beyond!

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT – Part 1 Breaks Out!

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Robert Schwentke and Summit Entertainment comes the beginning of the battle to come with ALLEGIANT.

Now that the secrets of Chicago are out Tris (Shailene Woodley) wants to go beyond the wall even more than she ever did. Evelyn (Naomi Watts) has begun inciting mayhem in the people against the wishes of another member of the new leadership Johanna (Octavia Spencer).

Four (Theo James) isn’t happy with what Evelyn is doing and decides to join Tris along with Tori (Maggie Q) and Christina (Zoe Kravitz) in jumping the wall. Before they leave, Caleb (Ansel Elgort) is freed and before they can get out of the city Peter (Miles Teller) joins.

Once away, they quickly are picked up another group that takes them to David (Jeff Daniels). There Tris is told she is more important than ever before in helping the people of Chicago and it watched over by Matthew (Bill Skårsgard). David tells Tris about the experiment and even the history of where her mother came from.

Four doesn’t trust anything he sees and they are all soon to discover that Janine wasn’t the word of their problems. Jumping into soldiering quickly, there is so much more going as Four and Christina know they must reach Tris with the information.

Tris is once again learning that absolutely power corrupts absolutely as the people of Chicago are once again in danger and there is little time to stop it!

Woodley as Tris has once again taken this role and given it empowerment and strength but also mixed with that is the sadness of everything she has experienced. Knowing that is something more out in the world doesn’t mean it’s always a good thing as Tris discovers. Woodley has grown into the character so much that I can almost predict her reactions now, especially when she’s thinking things through.

James as Four has become quite the heart throb for DIVERGENT fans. His smoldering looks and suspicious nature, he has hero written all over him. It is clear that Four isn’t going to fall into another mess with his mother, with the fanatical survivors of Chicago or David. There is nothing damaged about this character in the slightest!

Watts as Evelyn is another Janine in so many ways and perhaps even more destructive ways. What is it about power in this city that just makes people a little crazy!? Kravitz as Christina is supportive as always and has whose ever back needs her.

Elgort as Caleb is in hot water most of the film. Tris isn’t happy about her brothers behavior as keeps a distance between them, but when push comes to shove it is always family that will step in. Skårsgard as Matthew is relatively quiet, very observant and has a story of his own to tell you. That, my friends, is called not spoiling the film.

Daniels as David gets the opportunity to test his bad guy wings in the film. He is charming, charismatic and looks good in a suit. Working on Tris’ heart strings regarding her mother, he wants something from her that I’m still not quite sure is truthful. We will have to wait and see in Part 2.

Teller as Peter – gawd I just want someone to take him in a back alley and beat the crap out of him. That’s how you know Teller is doing a good job! I saw people yelling and hissing at the screen when Teller came on which at first made my jaw drop but then I had to laugh. That’s the sign of a good job when Teller hasn’t said a word yet and the audience is responding. Well done Teller!

Other cast include: Daniel Dae Kim as Jack Kang, Jonny Weston as Edgar, Nadia Hilker as Nita and Andy Bean as Romit.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give ALLEGIANT three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. Once again the ‘finale’ of the film is broken into two parts <yes, that sound you heard was a loud-eye-rolling-growling-sigh> and yes I’ll see the second part only because I have scores to settle with some of the characters.

The story is pretty straight forward with a few minor surprises but I think telling us just enough to work up to all answers being revealed in part two. That are a lot of lulls, more than I would have cared to feel quite honestly. The special effects were fairly cool but honestly it is what I would expect from the continuation of the story and that’s about it.

In the end – break the boundaries of your world!