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THE TOP 10 FILMS OF 2019

Featured / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

Well, its that time of year again, when the last of the films of 2019 are about to hit in theaters, the award nominations have already started, and we all wait with anticipation to see who will take home the prize for BEST PICTURE!

And whether your family heads out over the Holidays to catch a film together, or you just want to catch up on all the fabulous films you might have missed throughout the year, I have comprised my list of the ~ TOP 10 MOVIES OF THE YEAR ~ THAT YOU HAVE TO SEE ~(Technically 11, because I just couldn’t leave out either of my #10 Choices – and there are a few Honorable mentions that you might want to check out listed here too!) and regardless if you’re catching them at a theater near you, on DVD, or on your favorite streaming service before the accolades start arriving…you have to catch these films…So let’s get started…:

#1 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD – From its all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, & Margot Robbie, to its perfectly scripted storyline, to its nod to Hollywood glimmering through each passing frame, Quentin Tarantino Writes and Directs the most fabulous film to hit the big screen this year, and even after viewing it 5 separate times with family and friends, I still managed to catch something new, that I hadn’t caught before within all the nostalgia hitting on screen, making ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD my absolute favorite film of the year!

#2 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – THE IRISHMAN – Leave it to Scorsese to create a film for Netflix that was leaving a big wake months before it ever hit a big screen near you, much less on your television screen at home via the streaming service. From its Academy award winning, star studded cast, to its persuasive storyline of “what really happened to Jimmy Hoffa”, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci make sure that this film is totally worth spending the 3+ hours it takes to see it through, alas making it the longest running time film to hit this year’s list too!

#3 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – LITTLE WOMEN – Hitting Theaters on Christmas Day, Greta Gerwig has managed to remake the authentic Louisa May Alcott tale into a contemporary masterpiece, filled with the ambiance of the era, complete with breathtakingly beautiful imagery, and a intertwining storyline that is totally “the real deal” thanks to the superb cast, that includes Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern and Timothee Chalamet! And here’s hoping that the Academy garners Gerwig the nod that she so most rightfully deserves, for Writing and Directing this exquisitely stunning film…

#4 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – MARRIAGE STORY – When Academy Award nominated Director & Writer Noah Baumbach decided to take his own life experiences to big screen, sharing the pain and anguish that comes from a failed marriage and inevitable divorce, and puts it all on full display for the world to see, you get one of the most incredibly moving performances I have seen all year from his male lead, Adam Driver. Driver’s performance is so poignant and heart-breaking, it totally rocked me to my knees! Still playing on the big screen at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Theatre, this film is a definite “Must See on the Big Screen” for me, although you can presently catch it on Netflix too, if you just want to catch it in the comfort of your own home!

#5 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – JOJO RABBIT – Who would have thought that a young man channeling an imaginary friend – who is none other than Adolf Hitler himself – as he struggles through life with his single mother, and a stowed away Jewish girl in his home during World War II, would turn out to be one of the funniest, and moving films of the year… and that is exactly what Director and Writer Taika Waititi managed to create with his latest creation JOJO RABBIT! This film is truly one of the most fabulous films to hit the big screen this year, and with star-power to boot, including and incredible performance by youngster Roman Griffin Davis, and funny and heartfelt performances too by Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell! And if you haven’t had the chance to catch it yet on a big screen near you, this film is presently playing at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Theatre, so get your tickets NOW!

#6 MOVIE OF THE YEAR @ Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser is ROCKETMAN – Taron Egerton is totally channeling Elton John throughout this fabulous film (He is SUPERB), as this biographical masterpiece takes you into the life of this child prodigy, and John’s friendship with Music Composer Bernie Taupin. I mean, what’s a year in film without an incredible musical to put a little pep in your step…and ROCKETMAN does not disappoint! My only wish throughout the film, was that we got to experience more of Elton’s life, beyond his years with Taupin. But with that said, if you love Elton’s music like I do, you most definitely have to catch Egerton is his award worthy performance, as this legendary entertainer!

#7 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON – When Directors & Writers Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson set out to create a film for their friend Zack Gottsagen, little did they know that there “Sweet little film” about a young man with Downs Syndrome, who dreams of one day becoming a professional wrestler, would strike a chord with so many of its viewers along the way, including me! 😉 And securing Shia LeBeouf as the lead was a total God-send too, as he places his most incredible acting to date, within the frames of this film. And when you add in the other exceptional performances by Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern, Thomas Haden Church, and John Hawkes, you end up with one incredibly moving and heart-warming story, that stays with you long after this beautifully crafted film is through…

#8 MOVIE OF THE YEAR on Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser– FORD V. FERRARI – If you love fast cars and racing, or just want to see another Oscar worthy performance by Christian Bale, FORD V. FERRARI is a fast-paced, thrilling rush of adrenaline! This real-life story takes you into the life of race car designer Caroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon), and his friend, Ken Miles (Bale’s role), who’s race car driving is that of legendary proportions. As these two men take on the physics of car racing, their own personal issues with one another, and the establishment all along the way, they alas find a way to build a vehicle that will surpass Ferrari in the 24 hour LeMans race, circa 1966. With an all star-cast, featuring other fabulous performances by Josh Lucas, Noah Lupe and Tracy Letts, and some incredible cinematography all the way throughout too, FORD V. FERRARI is one intense joy ride, that you don’t want to miss!

#9 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – LONG SHOT – Well, I can’t put a list together of TOP 10’s without making sure that one film from my favorite genre makes it onto the list, and even though it seems that Hollywood doesn’t really want to venture out to make many Rom/Coms anymore, LONG SHOT made me fall in love with it,,,from its hilarious antics, to its palatable picture perfect chemistry you get to experience between Theron and Rogan. I know, I know, I thought going in too, “what kind of cornball premise is this movie, and can Theron and Rogan really pull off a relationship fueled film together? And suffice to say, the answer is 100 times YES!!

#10 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – THE REPORT – This Amazon Prime Original Film stars Adam Driver in another award worthy performance this year, as Senate Staffer Daniel J. Jones, who has been tasked with finding out what’s really happening within the CIA’s post 9/11 Interrogation and Detention program…and what he finds, and reports, leads him down a painful path, with tortureistic results…

#10 MOVIE OF THE YEAR – BOMBSHELL – Centered around the true-life story of the fall of FOX News CEO Roger Ailes, and starring Academy Award winner Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly, Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, and Academy award nominated actress Margot Robbie as fictitious character Kayla Pospisil, as they all give exceptional performances throughout, and prove that there truly is “power in numbers”, once you decide to forge forth to expose your hedonistic, and sexually exploitive Boss!

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Even as I comprised my BEST FILMS of 2019, there are a few others that I wavered back and forth with, so I have to share these with you too, as they truly are MUST SEE’s as well...

UNCUT GEMS – Have you ever sat through a film that is so chaotic, yet so riveting, that you walk out of the theater asking yourself, “what just happened?” Welcome to A24 Studios new release UNCUT GEMS, featuring an award worthy performance by Adam Sandler, proving that besides being “the funny man about town”, Sandler has what it takes to take on a very serious role, and nail an incredible performance throughout every inch of this film!

HARRIET – Cynthia Erivo gives an Oscar Award worthy performance as Harriet Tubman, who’s ingenuity and courage saved hundreds of slaves throughout her life, ultimately changing the course of our Nations history…

KNIVES OUT – With an all-star cast, including Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, Don Johnson, the list goes on and on…this “who done it” film, is going to keep you on the edge of your seat, the whole way through…

AVENGERS: END GAME – No, I’m not a Marvel junkie, and yes, I struggled on whether or not to place this film in my TOP 10 of the YEAR, as this final installment moved me to my core, and then some. I know, it’s not as if one of my favorite actors of all time bit the dust in real-life, but my favorite Marvel character of all time sure did, leaving me in a pool of tears throughout the remainder of “the best film in the Marvel Universe”, since the Original IRON MAN!

JUDY: Renee Zellweger gives the performance of her life, as legendary entertainer Judy Garland, during the end of her allustrious, and increasingly tragic, life-long career. This performance has Oscar written all over it, and I can’t wait to see if channeling Judy, makes all of Renee’s dreams come true!

JOKER: One of, if not the most astounding performance by an actor this year, Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of JOKER. This prequel film of how the DC Character comes into existence, had the whole world talking, as Movie theaters ramped up security, since the tragic incident in Colorado during the release of The Dark Night Rises! This film is both dark and demented, but it also shows a side of mental illness that we don’t usually get to travel down, bringing to light the anguish and torment of someone who is trying to exist with this disease. Joaquin should be taking home the Oscar this year, for his absolutely incredible performance throughout every inch of this film!

IRRESISTIBLE – Rated r

June 28, 2020June 28, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

This Review is brought to you by Kathy Kaiser

IRRESISTIBLE – Rated R – 1 hr. 41 mins

WRITER / DIRECTOR: Jon Stewart

STARRING: Steve Carell, Rose Byrne, Chris Cooper, Topher Grace, Mackenzie Davis and Brent Sexton

In this very funny political satire Written and Director by Jon Stewart, we meet Democratic Strategist Gary Zimmer, hot off the Trump/Clinton Campaign, and in search of his next political firestorm. When he happens upon a Marine from a small town in Wisconsin, Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper), it seems that Gary has found his new mission, ~ a Mayoral race ~ as he is hell bent on taking on, and changing, the Republican views of this sleepy little town, and the Republican stronghold that has withstood decades there, complete with removing its reining Republican Mayor, Mayor Braun (Played by St. Louis’s own Brent Sexton),

As Gary rallies his troops, including his own strategists and poll experts, it seems that Mayor Braun has hired Gary’s political rival, and arch nemesis Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne), to take on his campaign.

Now as the “gloves come off” and it’s every man or women for themself in the game of politics, it seems that is this comedic tale, there happens to be an underlying plot twist, that you most definitely will have to see,, to believe…

I give IRRESISTIBLE a rating of IT’S A MUST SEE ON DIGITAL ASAP! Believe me when I tell you that paying the extra $20 bucks to see this film on your digital service this weekend, will be money well spent, as Stewart unleashes his comedic genius on this politically fueled film, all while not throwing either political party totally under the bus, thus spreading the wealth on all the things that are wrong with how we elect anyone in this country, whether it be a national, state or local election in the making. Carell is superb as the Political mastermind that is going to change the political views of one sleepy town in the Midwest, as Stewart writes into his script, every stereotypical “Midwesterner”, and Carell’s character seems to have to defend himself, and his political point of view, against them all. Cooper’s performance as the Veteran Marine with a heart of gold, who only wants what is best for his town, as any righteous Democrat would, is superb to watch as well. And even though I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics between Carell and Topher Grace, and Carell and Rose Byrne the whole way through, I think that both incredible Actors were sadly underutilized, as their material didn’t give them the opportunity to truly show off their acting prowess, when it was all said and done. But, with that said, I think that Stewart’s take on our election system flaws, including the money, media, and political party antics, makes this one film that is very apropos for the time, and one that every American should see this weekend, on one of the many digital services that Focus Features has popped in on – including Amazon, Apple+ TV, and Fandango Plus, just to name a few. It is also vitally important that you sit through the entire film, as some of the most important moments, and viewpoints, were saved for while the credits were rolling. I must say as a person who has always voted for the person, not the party, IRRESISTIBLE is a politically charged film that is as comedic, and it is poignant, asking for us all to reevaluate our own political viewpoints, media interaction, and how we choose to support any candidates this year ~ including our Presidential election, which is looming in November.

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND – Rated R – 2 hrs. 16 mins

June 25, 2020June 25, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND – Rated R – 2 hrs. 16 mins.

DIRECTOR/WRITER: Judd Apatow

WRITERS: Pete Davidson, Dave Sirrus

STARRING: Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Maude Apatow, Bel Powley, Bill Burr, Ricky Velez, Lou Wilson, and Moses Arias

Venturing down the path of a semi-biographical tale about SNL Funny man Pete Davidson, we walk the mentally unstable path of Scott Carlin (Pete Davidson), who has been trying to get his life on track, since his father met his untimely death serving as a fireman. Struggling in the relationships he’s cemented with all the women in his life, including his “friend with benefits” steady Kelsey (Bel Powley), his “smarter than she should be” younger sister Claire (Maude Apatow) and his hard working mother, Nurse Margie (Marisa Tomei), he’s shamefully crapping on all of him, and his future it seems as well. As Scott focuses all of his energy on being the next great tattoo artist, his handy work manages to bring a new man into his mother’s life, Ray (Bill Burr), which is the last thing he needed or wanted for his life, or for his mother’s life either.

Now, between the new boyfriend, his sister’s excursion off to College, and the constant antics with his buddies, Scott finds himself faced with the harsh realities of life, that he has tried so desperately to avoid, for a really, really long time…

I give THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND a rating of MUST SEE ON ANY DIGITAL FORMAT YOU CAN!

Apatow has done it again, making another funny, heartfelt, and masterfully orchestrated drama, thus giving Davidson the perfect venue to shine within! He is perfectly cast in this semi-autobiographical storyline of his own life, as it shares some of Davidson’s own life struggles with mental illness, and the anguish of losing his father ~ who was a real-life firefighter who perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11.

And as perfect as Davidson is, the rest of the casting throughout this film is absolutely superb too, as Apatow brought along his daughter Maude, Oscar winning actress Marisa Tomei, and the perfect stand-in father figure this time around, played by Bill Burr. There is even the perfect Fire Captain role written into this script, which is acted out by none other than Steve Buscemi, as he once again shines in this small, but pivotal role within this film. I really hope that come Awards season, which is going to be extremely difficult to predict this year, that those handing out accolades remember Davidson’s performance, because even though I don’t always give rave reviews for his comedy, or sketches on SNL, I was blown away by his performance this time around, and the way Apatow draws out such a perfect combination of his comedic timing, with his real-life innocence and struggles, allowing for Davidson to give the best performance of his career so far! Take my word for it, THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND is one of those films that will stay and resonate with you, long after the credits have rolled off the screen, it’s just that good!

Who Is Pete Davidson? Find out why his life is the inspiration for Judd Apatow’s THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND. Watch and share the new featurette below. #TheKingOfStatenIsland is available on demand June 12.

May 11, 2020May 11, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

Who Is Pete Davidson?

Find out why his life is the inspiration for Judd Apatow’s THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND. Watch and share the new featurette below.

#TheKingOfStatenIsland is available on demand June 12.

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND – On Demand June 12

Over his storied career, Judd Apatow has elevated a series of promising young comedy talents to their first major big-screen performance, including Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Amy Schumer and Kumail Nanjiani.

This summer, Apatow directs Saturday Night Live breakout Pete Davidson in a bracing comedy about love, loss and laughter on Staten Island.

Scott (Davidson) has been a case of arrested development ever since his firefighter father died when he was seven. He’s now reached his mid-20s having achieved little, chasing a dream of becoming a tattoo artist that seems far out of reach. As his ambitious younger sister (Maude Apatow, HBO’s Euphoria) heads off to college, Scott is still living with his exhausted ER nurse mother (Oscar® winner Marisa Tomei) and spends his days smoking weed, hanging with the guys—Oscar (Ricky Velez, Master of None), Igor (Moises Arias, Five Feet Apart) and Richie (Lou Wilson, TV’s The Guest Book)—and secretly hooking up with his childhood friend Kelsey (Bel Powley, Apple TV+’s The Morning Show).

But when his mother starts dating a loudmouth firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr, Netflix’s F Is for Family), it sets off a chain of events that will force Scott to grapple with his grief and take his first tentative steps toward moving forward in life.

The film also stars Steve Buscemi as Papa, a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing, and Pamela Adlon (FX’s Better Things) as Ray’s ex-wife, Gina.

The King of Staten Island is directed by Apatow (Trainwreck, Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) from a script by Apatow, Davidson and former SNL writer Dave Sirus. It is produced by Apatow for his Apatow Productions alongside Barry Mendel. Together, the duo shared producing credits on the Academy Award®-nominated films The Big Sick and Bridesmaids, as well as This Is 40, Trainwreck and Funny People. The film’s executive producers are Pete Davidson, Michael Bederman and Judah Miller.

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Maude Apatow and Steve Buscemi

Directed by: Judd Apatow

Written by: Judd Apatow & Pete Davidson & Dave Sirus

Producers: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel

Executive Producers: Pete Davidson, Michael Bederman, Judah Miller

THE HIGH NOTE starring Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross will premiere at home on demand May 29th

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

THE HIGH NOTE

starring Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross

will premiere at home on demand May 29th

Watch Tracee’s video announcement here and

download #TheHighNote Poster and Trailer

This summer’s feel-good comedy about the dazzling world of the LA music scene starring Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ice Cube, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Diplo

Starting on May 29th, The High Note will be available on demand

for a 48-hour rental period for $19.99

THE HIGH NOTE – At Home On Demand May 29^th

For more information go to WatchTheHighNote.com

Set in the dazzling world of the LA music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.

The film is directed by Nisha Ganatra (“Late Night”) from a script by Flora Greeson. It is produced by Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The film’s executive producers are Nathan Kelly and Alexandra Loewy.

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ice Cube, Zoe Chao,

Eddie Izzard, June Diane Raphael, Bill Pullman, Diplo

Directed by: Nisha Ganatra (“Late Night”)

Written by: Flora Greeson

Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Executive Producers: Nathan Kelly, Alexandra Loewy

Review of TAMMY’S ALWAYS DYING – Drama – Released on Digital May 1, 2020

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

“The most REAL & RAW film of 2020 thus far! Director Amy Jo Johnson brings out the best performance of Felicity Huffman’s career in TAMMY’S ALWAYS DYING! Kathy Kaiser, Matineechat.com

TAMMY’S ALWAYS DYING – Drama – Released on Digital May 1, 2020

DIRECTOR: Amy Jo Johnson

WRITER: Joanne Sarazen

STARRING: Felicity Huffman, Anastasia Phillips, Clark Johnson, Lauren Holly and Aaron Ashmore

As we meet a Mother/Daughter tag team of total disfunction, and despair, Mother Tammy MacDonald (Felicity Huffman), is hell bent on destroying her life the end of each month when her welfare check is gone, thus giving her the sense yet again, there is no point on carrying on…

But, as luck would have it, Tammy’s daughter Catherine MacDonald, a.k.a. Cathy (Anastasia Phillips) is once again there to talk Tammy off the ledge ~ literally ~ keeping her roller-coaster of a life together for another month of craziness…

As Cathy longs to change her life into any type of “normalcy” she can find, Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer, rocking both their worlds, so Cathy makes the crushy decision to move back into her Mother’s home to take care of her, the best way she knows how.

And with this untimely turn of events in Cathy’s life, she now, more than ever, longs to rid her life of the chaos that is her mother, as she stumbles across a talk-show, with the mistress of deception, Ilana Wisman (Lauren Holly) at the helm, who manages to lure Cathy into her realm of deceit, offering to share Cathy’s demented life story with the viewers, with of course, a big pay-day at the end.

Now, caught between making herself a better life, or selling out to share her life’s story with the world, Cathy must face the harsh reality that living life without her mother in it, may not end up being the life she’s always dreamed of…

I give TAMMY’S ALWAYS DYING a rating of MUST SEE ON YOUR SMALL SCREEN! Popping on Digital on May 1st on Amazon Prime, TAMMY’S ALWAYS DYING is one of those rare films, that brings so much truth, and dysfunctional reality to the screen, you can’t help but be drawn into its chaotic realism, and profoundly touching storyline. Felicity Huffman is superb, giving an Oscar worthy performance throughout every inch of this fabulous film! I just hope that without this film getting the theatrical release that it deserved, that her incredible performance doesn’t get over-looked come Awards season, as this truly is the performance of her career, playing the psychotic alcoholic mother, hell bent on living out a life of drama, at her daughters expense. Anastasia Phillips gives a note-worthy performance as well opposite Huffman, trying to save herself from the harsh reality of being sucked up into the demented world she has been forced to endure her whole life, at the hands of her own mother. Kudos to Director Amy Jo Johnson too, as she has managed to create a theatrical masterpiece that is poignant, yet touching the whole way through, as you find yourself sinking into the harsh realities of everything being portrayed on screen. TAMMY’s ALWAYS DYING is truly one of those rare films where you realize that even if this isn’t your own life playing out on screen, we all know someone that lives this type of constant dysfunction, thus bringing you a feeling of deep connection to this storyline, and these truly exceptional performances. Suffice to say that this film isn’t exactly a “pick me up” per se, but it’s totally worth the price of admission to catch it on Amazon, as you don’t want to miss this perfectly crafted independent film, even on your smaller screen at home!

Check out what’s streaming on Amazon PRIME VIDEO in MAY…

April 24, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

May brings new Amazon Original Series and Movies including new series Upload, the second season of Homecoming, four-part docuseries The Last Narc, The Vast of Night (2020), Seberg (2020), Silicon Valley and Crazy Rich Asians star Jimmy O. Yang’s Original comedy special, Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal (2020), and The Goldfinch (2019).

We’re also offering new options for movie nights such as The Hustle (2019), Rocketman (2019), and Come To Daddy (2020), along with bingeable shows you might’ve missed the first time around, like all five seasons of Alias (created by J. J. Abrams pre-Star Wars) and the fifth and final season of the British historical drama Poldark. The digital release of the musical remake of ’80s cult classic Valley Girl (2020) also comes to Prime Video for rent or purchase.
Here’s what’s new on Amazon Prime Video in May:

New Originals:

From Emmy-Award winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation) comes Upload, a new sci-fi comedy series set in a technologically advanced future where hologram phones, 3D food printers and automated grocery stores are the norm. Most uniquely, humans can choose to be “uploaded” into a virtual afterlife when they find themselves near-death. The series follows a young app developer, Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell), who winds up in the hospital following a self-driving car accident, needing to quickly decide his fate. After a rushed deliberation with his shallow girlfriend Ingrid (Allegra Edwards), he chooses to be uploaded to her family’s luxurious virtual afterlife, the Horizen company’s “Lakeview.” Once uploaded in Lakeview, Nathan meets his customer service “Angel” Nora Anthony (Andy Allo), who at first is his charismatic concierge and guide, but quickly becomes his friend and confidante, helping him navigate this new digital extension of life. Available in UHD and HDR. Streaming May 1

Performed live at the Neptune Theater in Seattle, Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal (2020) covers Jimmy’s hilarious interactions with immigrant parents, his thoughts on Matt Damon, and whether ghosts will haunt one-bedroom apartments. Available in UHD and HDR. Streaming May 8

The Goldfinch (2019) follows Theodore Decker’s (Ansel Elgort) life after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He holds on to a painting as hope from that tragic day. Streaming May 8

Seberg (2020) is inspired by true events about the French New Wave darling and Breathless star, Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart), who in the late 1960s was targeted by the FBI because of her support of the civil rights movement and romantic involvement with Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie), among others. In Benedict Andrews’ noir-ish thriller, Seberg’s life and career are destroyed by Hoover’s overreaching surveillance and harassment in an effort to suppress and discredit Seberg’s activism. Available in UHD and HDR. Streaming May 15

The Last Narc is a provocative four-part docuseries that centers on the most notorious murder in the history of the DEA – the 1985 kidnapping and murder of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The series tells the story of a fallen hero, the men who killed him, and the one man who risked everything to find out what really happened and why. Highly decorated special agent Hector Berellez, who was assigned to lead the DEA’s investigation of Camarena’s murder, peels back the layers of myth and propaganda to reveal the bone-chilling truth about a conspiracy that stretches from the killing fields of Mexico to the halls of power in Washington, D.C. Berellez’s powerful testimony appears alongside that of Camarena’s brave widow Mika, as well as three Guadalajara cartel insiders. These men were corrupt Jalisco State policemen who, at the time of Camarena’s murder, served as bodyguards to legendary drug lords Rafael Caro Quintero and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo. Eventually, they became informants for Berellez and helped him crack the most infamous murder of the War on Drugs. Available in UHD and HDR. Streaming May 15

The critically-acclaimed series Homecoming returns for its second season with a fresh new mystery and an exciting new star, Janelle Monáe. Her character wakes in a rowboat adrift a lake with no memory of how she got there — or even who she is. Her ensuing search for identity will lead her into the heart of the Geist Group, the unconventional wellness company behind the Homecoming Initiative. Available in UHD and HDR. Streaming May 22

The Vast of Night (2020) follows young switchboard operator Fay (Sierra McCormick) and charismatic radio DJ Everett (Jake Horowitz) as they discover a strange audio frequency that could change their small town, and the future, forever. Available in UHD and HDR. Streaming May 29

Every Night is Movie Night – Available to Prime members at no additional cost to their membership:

The Hustle (2019) stars Anne Hathaway as Josephine Chesterfield, a glamorous, seductive British woman who has a penchant for defrauding gullible men out of their money, and Rebel Wilson as Penny Rust, a cunning and fun-loving Australian woman who lives to swindle unsuspecting marks. Despite their different methods, the two grifters soon join forces for the ultimate score. Streaming May 7

Rocketman (2019) is a one-of-a-kind musical biopic following the spectacular journey of Elton John, played by Taron Egerton, in his rise to frame. With incredible performances of Elton’s most beloved songs, discover how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in rock & roll. Streaming May 22

In Come To Daddy (2020), a privileged man-child, played by Elijah Wood, arrives at the beautiful and remote coastal cabin of his estranged father, whom he hasn’t seen in 30 years. He quickly discovers that not only is his dad a jerk, he also has a shady past that is rushing to catch up with him. Streaming Mary 23

Bingeable Shows You May Have Missed – Available to Prime members at no additional cost to their membership:

Alias (2001-2006) stars Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow, a young woman who learns she has a familial history of undercover work and agrees to become an international spy for a supposed secret branch of the CIA. The secrecy complicates her social and love lives, but it’s nothing compared to what happens when she finds out her employer has no ties to the CIA. All five seasons streaming May 11

Based on the novels of the same title by Winston Graham, Poldark (2015-2019) stars Aidan Turner as Captain Ross Vennor Poldark, a redcoat returning to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War in 1783, only to find his father dead and his true love about to marry someone else. Seasons 1-4 streaming now and season five streaming May 17

New to Buy or Rent:

In Clark Duke’s directorial debut, Arkansas (2020), Kyle (Liam Hemsworth) and Swin (Clark Duke) live by the orders of an Arkansas-based drug kingpin named Frog (Vince Vaugh), whom they’ve never met. But when a deal goes horribly wrong, the consequences are deadly. Available for purchase and rent May 1

Valley Girl (2020) is a musical adaptation of the 1983 film of the same name starring Jessica Rothe and Alicia Silverstone. Set to a new wave ’80s soundtrack, a pair of young lovers from different backgrounds defy their parents and friends to stay together. Available for purchase and rent May 8

Prime Video Channels Sampling:

Prime members have access to the first season of select shows on Prime Video Channels at no additional cost to their membership. This list will be refreshed with new shows each month and each first season will only be available for a limited time. Shows streaming May 1 include:
- A House Divided: Season 1 (Urban Movie Channel)
- African Hunters: Season 1 (Smithsonian Channel Plus)
- Bonanza: Season 1 (Best Western Ever)
- Born to Explore: Season 1 (PBS Living)
- Boss: Season 1 (STARZ)
- Engine Masters: Season 1 (MotorTrend)
- Good Karma Hospital: Season 1 (Acorn TV)
- In The Cut: Season 1 (Brown Sugar)
- Inspector Lewis: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
- Pinkalicious: Season 1 (PBS Kids)
- Rosehaven: Season 1 (Sundance Now)
- Seaside Hotel: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
- The Lucy Show: Season 1 (Best TV Ever)

In addition to new content, sharing a few ways Prime Video is keeping customers entertained while at home with content offerings including:

Prime Video and SXSW are joining forces to launch a 10-day online film festival starting on April 27 thru May 6. A collection comprised of documentary and narrative features, short films and episodic titles from the 2020 SXSW Film Festival lineup will be available to stream here for free to all audiences around the country, with or without an Amazon Prime membership, all that is needed is a free Amazon account. Please see here for the full lineup.

The top 30 MLB games from 2019, as well as nearly 80 NBA Hardwood Classics, are now available for Prime members in the US looking to get their sports fix while play is suspended. This in addition to a selection of other popular sports content including Amazon Originals like All or Nothing – Season 5: Philadelphia Eagles, This Is Football, The Test: A New Era for Australia’s Team, Andy Murray: Resurfacing, and Gleason, as well as other favorites like Creed II, Warrior, and more.

Prime Video is now offering more than 30 TV shows and movies from HBO including Big Little Lies, McMillion$, Ballers, Silicon Valley, Succession, and more for free, to Amazon customers in the US. To access this free content from HBO, customers just need to sign into their Amazon Account—no Prime membership required.

We’ve made a selection of family content available free to watch on Prime Video for all Amazon customers without a Prime membership including Clifford the Big Red Dog and we continue to explore opportunities to make a wider selection of content available for customers. You can find the full selection of titles available for free in the US here.

See below for a list of May titles coming to Prime Video.

New in May – Available to Prime members at no additional cost to their membership

May 2020

Series

*Clifford the Big Red Dog: Season 2A – Amazon Original series

May 1

Movies

10 Fingers of Steel (1973)

A Cadaver Christmas (2011)

Assassination Tango (2003)

Best of Shaolin Kung Fu (1977)

Who Saw Her Die? (1980)

Crooked Hearts (1991)

Escape From Alcatraz (1979)

Eurocrime! The Italian Cop And Gangster Films That Ruled The ’70s (2014)

Fearless Young Boxer (1979)

Five Fingers of Steel (1982)

Friday The 13th Part III (1982)

Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (1982)

Gloria (2014)

Green Dragon Inn (1977)

House Of D (2005)

Make a point to catch an incredible “real love story” when the Netflix Original Documentary “A SECRET LOVE” premiers next Wednesday April 29, 2020 on NETFLIX!

April 22, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

A SECRET LOVE tells an incredible love story between Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, whose relationship spans nearly seven decades. Terry played in the women’s professional baseball league, inspiring the hit movie A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN.

But the film did not tell the real-life story of the women who remained closeted for most of their lives. This documentary follows Terry and Pat back to when they met for the first time, through their professional lives in Chicago, coming out to their conservative families and grappling with whether or not to get married. Facing the hardships of aging and illness, their love proves resilient as they enter the home stretch. Directed by Chris Bolan and produced by Alexa L. Fogel, Brendan Mason and Ryan Murphy. Executive produced by Blumhouse, and in association with Now This.

netflix.com/asecretlove

The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big… “In the Heights.” Hits Theaters June 18, 2021

April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big… “In the Heights.”

Lights up on Washington Heights…The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.

“In the Heights” stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films).

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers.

Behind the camera, Chu reunited with his “Crazy Rich Asians” production designer, Nelson Coates, and editor, Myron Kerstein. He also collaborated with director of photography Alice Brooks (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and costume designer Mitchell Travers (“Eighth Grade”). Alex Lacamoire (“Fosse/Verdon”) and Bill Sherman (“Sesame Street”) composed the score. The choreography is by Christopher Scott, who previously teamed with Chu on the award-winning “The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.”

“In the Heights” was filmed in New York, primarily on location in the dynamic community of Washington Heights.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a 5000 Broadway / Barrio Grrrl! / Likely Story / Scott Sanders Production, a Film by Jon M. Chu, “In the Heights.” Slated to open on June 18, 2021, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

www.intheheights-movie.com

This story isn’t about the factions. It’s about her. SELAH AND THE SPADES arrives TODAY only on Prime Video. @jointhespades

April 17, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

This story isn’t about the factions. It’s about her. SELAH AND THE SPADES arrives TODAY only on Prime Video. @jointhespades

n the closed world of an elite Pennsylvania boarding school, Haldwell, the student body is run by five factions. Seventeen-year-old Selah Summers (Lovie Simone) runs the most dominant group, the Spades, with unshakable poise, as they cater to the most classic of vices and supply students with coveted, illegal alcohol and pills. Tensions between the factions escalate, and when Selah’s best friend/right hand Maxxie (MOONLIGHT’s Jharrel Jerome) becomes distracted by a new love, Selah takes on a protégée, enamored sophomore Paloma (Celeste O’Connor), to whom she imparts her wisdom on ruling the school. But with graduation looming and Paloma proving an impressively quick study, Selah’s fears turn sinister as she grapples with losing the control by which she defines herself.

In her feature debut, writer/director Tayarisha Poe immerses us in a heightened depiction of teenage politics. This searing character study encapsulates just how intoxicating power can be for a teenage girl who acutely feels the threat of being denied it. Exciting newcomer Lovie Simone’s performance beautifully embodies both Selah’s publicly impeccable command and the internal fears and uncertainty that drive it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jointhespades/status/1246105187288317952
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhespades/videos/3182856435090760
YouTube: https://youtu.be/-nK6WFgdchM
Hashtag: #JoinTheSpades

Twitter: @jointhespades
Facebook: @jointhespades
Instagram: @jointhespades

Enjoy a few WORKSHEETS with the kids, in anticipation of NETFLIX’s NEW FILM – THE WILLOUGHBY’s – Hitting on your small screen Wednesday April 22, 2020!

April 16, 2020April 16, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS OF THE WILLOUGHBY’s

Convinced they’d be better off raising themselves, the Willoughby children hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation. The siblings then embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family.

For all the info about the film, please visit www.netflix.com/TheWilloughbys

#TheWilloughbys @NetflixFilm

SAVE, PRINT AND ENJOY THESE WORKSHEETS while we wait for this SUPER FUN FILM to arrive on NETFLIX!

LIONSGATE LIVE! A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES CELEBRATES THE COMMUNAL THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE WITH FOUR FRIDAYS OF FREE FLICKS + the best part is… audiences everywhere will have the chance to join Lionsgate in showing support for the country’s temporarily jobless movie theater employees!

April 14, 2020April 14, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

LIONSGATE LIVE! A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

CELEBRATES THE COMMUNAL THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE

WITH FOUR FRIDAYS OF FREE FLICKS

Jamie Lee Curtis to Host as America Gathers Together for

Four Lionsgate Classics

Lionsgate Teams Up with Fandango, YouTube, and NATO to Help

Furloughed Movie Theater Employees Across America

“The Hunger Games,” “Dirty Dancing,”

“La La Land,” and “John Wick”

Will Livestream for Free on Fridays

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 13, 2020 – Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) announced today that the studio will honor the communal experience of watching movies in movie theaters and support the people who make those places great with a special program that reminds everyone how much we love going to the cinema. The studio is presenting Lionsgate Live! A Night at the Movies, a program of four Fridays of free movies streaming live on YouTube.

Beginning this Friday and continuing every Friday spanning four consecutive weeks, the studio will team with Fandango and YouTube to livestream four of Lionsgate’s most popular library titles – the blockbuster The Hunger Games, the classic Dirty Dancing, the Academy Award^®-winning La La Land, and the box office smash John Wick – on Lionsgate’s YouTube page and Fandango’s Movieclips YouTube page.

Lionsgate Live! A Night at the Movies will be hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis will share her own movie memories as she is joined by special guest celebrities and YouTube personalities. Each week’s night at the movies will feature special programming and interactive opportunities for fans, like real-time fan chats via YouTube Live, live tweeting @Lionsgate and partners, and shared fan engagement opportunities in-show, including movie trivia, movie-themed challenges, and more.

Most importantly, audiences everywhere will have the chance to join Lionsgate in showing support for the country’s temporarily jobless movie theater employees and how much we all appreciate and miss them. Lionsgate’s initial donation as well as the audience and partner donations throughout this event will benefit the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping workers throughout the motion picture industry, and will link to the Foundation’s charitable page so that viewers who are able can help as well. The Will Rogers Foundation is currently providing financial assistance to theater employees furloughed by the COVID-19 crisis.

The free movies that will livestream on Fridays at 6:00pm PT/ 8:00 CT / 9:00pm ET are:

April 17 – “The Hunger Games”

April 24 – “Dirty Dancing”

May 1 – “La La Land”

May 8 – “John Wick” (age registration required)

To present the live movie event, Lionsgate is joining with some of its most dedicated partners like Fandango and important exhibition partners such as the National Association of Theatre Owners, AMC Theatres, Regal, and Cinemark Theatres, among other regional circuits. And what’s a movie without popcorn and snacks? Popcornopolis, purveyors of gourmet popcorn and “known for the cone,” will support with a consumer movie night offer, with 10% of sales donated to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. And SnackNation, the country’s leading provider of better-for-you snacks, drinks, and coffee for the home and office, will curate a movie-themed snack box with a special price and free shipping.

“There’s nothing that will replace the magic of seeing a movie together with your fellow moviegoers in a theater on a big screen, but this is a chance for America to come together to recreate the experience,” said Joe Drake, chairman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “This is a great chance to show the country’s theatrical employees how much we miss going to their theaters and how much we support them. Jamie Lee Curtis – a woman who literally grew up with the movies and movie theaters – is one of the world’s biggest movie fans, so it’s a real thrill that she’ll be our host for this event. Let’s have some fun watching some classic movies together at home while celebrating moviegoing!”

John Fithian, president and CEO, National Association of Theatre Owners, added, “Throughout the 125-year history of the cinema, this is the first time that movie theaters have been shut down across the country. Whether it was the Depression, wars, disasters, or local calamities, movie theaters have always been a gathering place where audiences can come together to laugh and be moved, reacting as one, to put their troubles behind them or forget about their hard week at work, and just get lost in the amazing stories on the big screen. Until we can gather again in our nation’s theaters, we’re grateful to Lionsgate for honoring the theatrical moviegoing experience and we are thrilled to join together with them over these next four Fridays, not only to see four classic movies for free, but also to allow fans and celebrities to share their own moviegoing memories. We love that so many people will be talking about what makes going to the movies so unique and memorable.”

ABOUT LIONSGATE

The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content leader whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. Lionsgate film and television properties also support a global network of location-based entertainment and other branded attractions as well as a robust video game business. Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a nearly 17,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global sales and distribution infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base.

LOVE WEDDING REPEAT – Rated TV-MA – 1 hour 40 mins.

April 13, 2020 / Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser / Leave a comment

This review is brought to you by Kathy Kaiser

LOVE WEDDING REPEAT – Rated TV-MA – 1 hour 40 mins.

DIRECTOR/WRITER: Dean Craig

WRITERS: Based on the motion picture “Plan de table” by Francis Nief and Christelle Raynal

STARRING: Sam Claflin, Olivia Munn, Frieda Pinto, Eleanor Tomlinson, Joel Fry, Jack Farthing, Tim Key and Allan Mustafa

Do you believe in the “chances of life”? Do you believe that once slight maneuver in the sequence of events can change your love life forever? This is the premise behind the new Netflix Original film LOVE WEDDING REPEAT, as we meet Jack (Sam Claflin) about to walk his sister down the isle of her “perfect” wedding in Italy, even though he will have figure out a way for his sister to avoid an uninvited quest with a diabolical secret, and angry ex-girlfriend, a sleeping sedative mishap, all while trying to reunite the girl of his dreams from many moons ago…leading us to see if Jack will get his very own “happy ending”, of will the fates intervene??

I give LOVE WEDDING REPEAT a rating of YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT THIS FILM ON NETFLIX THIS WEEK! If you enjoy viewing stories about love, romance, weddings, and the trials and tribulations that our beloved family, and friends bring into our lives, then this Netflix Original film is just the ticket for you to enjoy an afternoon or evening of small screen bliss.

Set in the beauty and ambiance of Italy, you can’t help but be taken in not only by this films beautiful Tuscan setting, but by its incredible cast of characters too. I was also enthralled throughout by this films ingenious premise, on how one small maneuvering of our existence, whether orchestrated by our own demise, or those around us, can instantly change every aspect of our lives. Kudos to Director and Writer Dean Craig too, for creating a film that ventures down the many different ways these changes impact our futures, and with multiple alternate endings throughout too, leading you to guess the entire time if anyone in this fabulous film ever ends up getting their very own “happy ending” or not…

I’m not always sold on Netflix Original films, but this one is definitely one of their best creations so far this year ~ so plan to sit back, relax and enjoy LOVE WEDDING REPEAT, at your earliest convenience 😉

MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser

Member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association

THE TOP 10 FILMS OF 2019

IRRESISTIBLE – Rated r

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND – Rated R – 2 hrs. 16 mins

Who Is Pete Davidson? Find out why his life is the inspiration for Judd Apatow’s THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND. Watch and share the new featurette below. #TheKingOfStatenIsland is available on demand June 12.

THE HIGH NOTE starring Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross will premiere at home on demand May 29th

Review of TAMMY’S ALWAYS DYING – Drama – Released on Digital May 1, 2020

Check out what’s streaming on Amazon PRIME VIDEO in MAY…

Make a point to catch an incredible “real love story” when the Netflix Original Documentary “A SECRET LOVE” premiers next Wednesday April 29, 2020 on NETFLIX!

The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big… “In the Heights.” Hits Theaters June 18, 2021

This story isn’t about the factions. It’s about her. SELAH AND THE SPADES arrives TODAY only on Prime Video. @jointhespades

Enjoy a few WORKSHEETS with the kids, in anticipation of NETFLIX’s NEW FILM – THE WILLOUGHBY’s – Hitting on your small screen Wednesday April 22, 2020!

LIONSGATE LIVE! A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES CELEBRATES THE COMMUNAL THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE WITH FOUR FRIDAYS OF FREE FLICKS + the best part is… audiences everywhere will have the chance to join Lionsgate in showing support for the country’s temporarily jobless movie theater employees!

LOVE WEDDING REPEAT – Rated TV-MA – 1 hour 40 mins.

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