What's coming up in theatres!

Thinking of Our Own IF

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres right now from writer/director John Krasinski and Paramount Pictures is a film that will become a family favorite when seeing IF.

Bea (Cailey Fleming) is a young girl who is dealing with her mother’s passing and now dad (John Krasinski) needs a heart surgery. That is a lot to deal with and the added bonus of staying with Grandma Margaret (Fiona Shaw) who hasn’t quite realizes that Bea is growing up. Visiting her dad at the hospital, Bea meets Benjamin (Alan Kim), a young boy who seems resigned to being in the hospital but tries to befriend her.

One evening coming back from a trip to the store, Bea sees a strange figure and is surprised to see it go into her grandmother’s apartment building. The next day she sees it again but this time in the company of a man named Cal (Ryan Reynolds). Following them she watches him come out of a window with a very big purple furry who calls himself Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and she faints. Waking up, there Blue is again but this time the figure she saw introduces herself as Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

Bea learns that these creatures are called IFs (Imaginary Friends) who have been forgotten by their children and, you have to believe to actually see them! Grumpy Cal fills in the story and discovers that he has been trying to place the IFs with new children. Bea decides that she wants to help, but first, Cal has to take her to see the Memory Lane Retirement Home where other IFs live. There, she meets Lewis (Louis Gossett Jr.), a bear who wants to help Bea bring spice back into those who live there.

That’s when Bea gets the idea to start matching IFs with new children. After seeing her grandmother one day dancing to the ballet music of her youth, Bea realizes that she has been going about it all wrong. It is not the new kids the IFs need, but those who truly need to remember a time when the world was a wonderful place to be.

Fleming as Bea is a wonderful actress playing a role that is believable for both kids and adults. Trying to hide behind the “I’m a grown up now” façade to handle her grief and fear, her journey opens up the kid in her again and its very cool to watch. Krasinski as her father is a character all his own trying to keep his daughter’s spirits up with his unusual brand of humor. He is charming, goofy and, admittedly, made me laugh at his antics.

Reynolds as Cal portrays a grumpy guy who seems irritated with everything about the IFs shenanigans and his role in it all. Having Bea around gives him an opportunity to get out of the grumps and into doing good works with a bit of a smile on his face. Yes, Reynolds unique brand of sarcasm mixed with humor is here but playing second (third, fourth, fifth, sixth….) fiddle to IFs isn’t easy but he masters it well.

Shaw as Grandmother Margaret is just endearing and her dancing scene is just magnificent because, as a grandmother, I can relate. So beautifully done. Kim as Benjamin is an easy-going kid even though he has the bones that might not agree. I love his attempt at connecting with Bea but all I wanted for him is one thing – and you’ll find out what it is at the end of the film. We cheered for him so loud!

Carell as Blue is so dang cute, cuddly, sweet and full of heart but then again, I’d expect nothing less than adding his voice to him. Waller-Bridge as Blossom is equally sharp, doesn’t let Cal bother her in the slightest and polite in a very English-have-some-tea way. It is difficult to speak on the voice of the IFs because they are ALL brilliant, lovely, hilarious, heart-warming, cheeky, and I’d have them all home with me if I could. That’s how fantastic each character seemed to have been matched to a voice.

Other cast includes Liza Colon-Zayas as Janet, Catharine Daddario as Bea’s Mom, and Bobby Moynihan as Jeremy.

The voice characters are fantastically done by Awkwafina as Bunch of Bubbles, Emily Blunt as Uni the Unicorn, George Clooney as Spaceman, Bradley Cooper as Ice, Matt Damon as Sunflower, Bill Hader as Banana, Richard Jenkins as Art Teacher, Keegan-Michael Key as Blob, John Krasinski as Marshmallow, Blake Lively as Octopuss, Sebastian Maniscalco as Magician Mouse, Matthew Rhys as Crown Ghost, Sam Rockwell as Guardian Dog, Maya Rudolph as Plushie Alligator, Amy Schumer as Gummy Bear, Allyson Seegar as Viola, Jon Stewart as Robot, Brad Pitt as Keith, and Christopher Meloni as Detective Cosmo.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, they have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

So, my granddaughter had been wanting to see IF but, family plans, school etc., kept us away for over a week. Finally, over Memorial Day weekend and with her parents working, we decided to have a Naynay-granddaughter day and IF was on our list. We went to an early showing and popcorned up making way to our seats. We chatted, laughed and when the movie started, both my granddaughter and I were whisked away.

Now, that being said, we were laughing, jaw dropping and, at certain times, I looked over to see my granddaughters’ eyes watering. She, like her grandmother, needs a lot from a film to make tears happen but here she was with the water works turned on. She teared up from happy and teared up from very sad. Finally, I came to understand that she teared up because in this theatre she remembered her own imaginary friend that time had helped her forget.

When the film was over and we were walking to the car, she told me that she remembered her own IF and that she would never forget again. I shared with her about my own IF in the form of a pink elephant named Ollie (who I still have) and told her I owed him an apology and a good washing as well. That is what this film did for us.

Now, in the theatre, there were more sniffles than those of my granddaughter. That is what IF has accomplished. It brought families into the theatres with Dads, Moms, grandparents and the kiddies yes to see a film, but, more importantly, to remember something in our childhoods that has been forgotten. IF brought so many laughs (as Keith is now a member of our family) with memorable characters that, when the Bluray comes out, we are going to RUN out and grab.

Until then, little Uni is going to sit on my desk as a reminder that Ollie (after a good washing) now sits in a rightful place, in a comfy chair where I will see him every time I walk into the room. He deserves that much at the very least. Well done John Krasinski, and my granddaughter thanks you for Cosmo!

So this tells you everything you need to know about IF, gather up the family, gets lots of snacks, grab tissue and enjoy a film that is meant for all ages – and feel free to bring your own IFs.

In the end – this is a story you have to believe to see!

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary Original Story of THE KARATE KID

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director John G. Avildsen, Columbia Pictures and

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the 1984 blockbuster return of THE KARATE KID.

Teenage Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mom Lucille (Randee Heller) to Reseda, California and is trying to find a way to fit in. Immediately he runs into bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), a black belt from the local Cobra Kai dojo, who has no issue showing Daniel who’s boss. He also meets Ali (Elisabeth Shue) who makes him feel welcome, the problem is she is the ex-girlfriend of Johnny.

Halloween comes and after an incident, Johnny, along with pals Bobby (Ron Thomas), Tommy Rob Garrison), Jimmy (Tony O’Dell) and Dutch (Chad McQueen), chase Daniel and begin to beat him. Handyman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) jumps in to defend the boy against the bullies. Stunned by what he says, Daniels asks Mr. Miyagi to teach him to defend himself. Instead, he takes the boy to try to talk it through with the boys. Visiting Cobra Kai, they meet teacher John Kreese (Martin Kove), is amused by Mr. Miyagi and it is clear where Johnny gets his aggression from.

To solve the issue, Mr. Miyagi suggests that Daniel enter the All-Valley Karate Championship to take on his students. Kreese agrees to keep his boys off Daniel until then. Mr. Miyagi begins to train Daniel in unusual ways and through frustration, he begins to realize what he is being taught. Also, his relationship with Alli is becoming stronger.

When the day of the tournament arrives, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi come together for a match to prove that it is with heart that one can win!

Macchio as Daniel is a young man who is trying to fit into a place so removed from all he has known. To immediately find hostility is not something he knows how to handle and doesn’t have anyone to turn to. That is until he meets the very quiet Mr. Miyagi and his life changes in ways he could never have expected. Macchio was and will always be the original KARATE KID in my family. The performance of this, at the time, young actor is just engrained in the memories of everyone who was in the theatre in the 80’s and we will accept no substitute!

Morita as Mr. Miyagi has been in so many films and television and, as an older actor, he skyrocketed into fame portraying this very calm and understanding character. Showing Daniel the way of not fighting but instead of self-defense, his methods of training take the teen by surprise but there was always a method to his madness. Morita gives us a caring person who becomes an important part of a young teen’s life.

Zabka as Johnny is definetly a character that a lot of people in the 80’s knew (this was before such radical cultural change in feeling about bullies). Johnny finds a mentor in Kreese without realizing that what he is learning is violent, destructive and detrimental to everyone around him. Zabka is given a difficult role and yet, it is important to Daniels story and he does it well.

Shue as Alli is very supportive of Daniel while still dealing with the issues of ex-boyfriend Johnny. She joins in the journey of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and it gives the teens and viewers the charming crush story. Kove as Kreese is an angry man who is teaching that very same anger to his students at the dojo. He is the biggest bully in the room and even his students are afraid of him. The only one who is not is Mr. Miyagi proving that size doesn’t matter!

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

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

Bonus Features on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, All New Commentary with the Creators of Cobra Kai Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, All New Over 30 Minutes of Deleted Scene Dailies, Four Deleted Scenes, Remembering THE KARATE KID Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

Bonus Features on Bluray include Blu-Pop Pop-Up Track, Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, “The Way of THE KARATE KID” Multi-Park Making-Of Featurette, “Beyond the Form” Featurette, “East Meets West: A Composer’s Notebook and “Life of Bonsai” Featurette.

THE KARATE KID hit theatres in 1984 and just blew us all away, so much so that we all flocked to the theatres for ever sequel after that. Every adventure of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi was more to the tale of their lives and the flow was seamless. Revisiting the story from its beginning is so amazing and all the special features give insight even more to the creation of one of the most iconic films.

When our family speaks of growing up, THE KARATE KID is always part of the conversation. My two boys wanted to begin karate classes because of this movie but, thankfully, their sensei was a kind man who knew how to teach without Kreeses’ faults. They, like Daniel, learned to respect the art of karate along with when and where it was to be used. So, this film reached past a tub of popcorn in the theatres and into daily lives.

The film made such an impact in our culture that when the series COBRA KAI came to cable, people rallied around the return of the iconic characters of Daniel and Johnny as grown men with families of their own. So, return once again to the beginning and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of where it all began!

In the end – the secret of karate lies in the heart not the hands!

A STORK’S JOURNEY 2

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital and On Demand from directors Benjamin Quabeck, Mette Tange, Grindstone and Lionsgate comes the next adventure with A STORK’S JOURNEY 2.

Richard (voiced by Jay Myers) is with his stork family enjoying time on a lake in North Africa. Training with brother Max (Jeffrey Hylton), the goal is to be chosen to be leader of getting the storks back home in the north. Confident in his chances, Richard spends the day training new moves that would surely get him the title of leader.

Upset by the results of the challenge, Richard decides to strike out on his own but quickly learns there are dangers. Soon he finds sparrows that are in trouble he meets Samia (Kyra Jackson) who shows him the sparrow ways. He also learns of Zamano (Tim Heller), a peacock who is in search of a treasured jewel.

Samia is also looking for the treasure as a way to release a hold all sparrows believe in on them. They are joined by friends who want the best for everyone. Now, Richard and Samia take it upon themselves to not only go up against Zamano but also to solve the mystery of the jewel and what it means to everyone.

Other cast include Dulcie Smart as Zora, Amalia Hohl as Basak, Simona Berman as Olga, Blake Farha as Kiki, Jeffrey Hylton as Max, Jonathan Failla as Claudius, Mala Ghedia as Aurora, Erik Hansen as Weepy Walter, Monica Solem as Biba, Viktor Pavel as Bubo, and Philippe Zeidler as Mad-Dog-Magpie.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

A STORK’S JOURNEY 2 is such a wonderful family film that is filled with family, joys, relationships, learning, acceptance and fun. Richard is already part of a flock, even with his differences, yet lets his ambitions gets in the way of what is truly important. Instead of understanding what went wrong, he decides to journey out into the world because, after all, he knows better right?

Well, that’s when his adventure begins and he discovers others who are in trouble and need his help. Learning from Samia is the best thing that could ever have happened to Richard. Their adventure is one of learning about what it takes to be a true leader, about what it takes to care for more than one’s self.

More importantly, it is a story of bravery and sacrifice to help those who are unable to help themselves. Richard discovers what it truly takes to be a leader with the help of Samia and his new friends. Through that understand, he not only becomes closer to his stork flock, but realizes where he needs to be.

The animation is stunning with such color that is eye candy for the kid in us all. Bringing such vivid color brings the story even depth in the telling and fun for the family to watch together.

In the end – they are on a treasured adventure!

Remember Growing Up with INSIDE OUT 2

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Kelsey Mann, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures comes the growing up of INSIDE OUT 2.

It has been a few years since Riley (Kensington Tallman), Mom (Diane Lane) and Dad (Kyle MacLachlan) moved to San Francisco. Recently turning 13, Riley is making her way to high school. Tagging along with her still is Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black) and Disgust (Liza Lapira) who are eager to be a part of that transition. Joy, has even come up with a new idea in Riley’s mind that she calls the “Sense of Self” that holds the core of the young girl’s personality and shoots the negativity to the back of her mind.

Riley and best friends Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) and Grace (Grace Lu) are thrilled to be invited to a hockey camp that could get them on the very well-known team called the Firehawks. That’s not the only fire coming as that night, Joy and the gang are alerted to a Puberty Alarm and their headquarters is barraged by workers and another new console. With that, four new emotions come into play – Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adele Exarchopulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and a visit from Nostalgia (June Squibb).

Just in time as Riley finds out her besties won’t be going to the same high school and that sets the new emotions into action. Anxiety tells Joy that things are different now and that she isn’t capable of helping Riley succeed. Especially when her favorite hockey player Val (Lilimar) sort of takes her under wing but that leaves Bree and Grace out in the cold. When Joy makes it clear that it is hurtful what Anxiety is doing, well, they gang gets shot out of headquarters allowing Anxiety complete control.

Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust aren’t going to take it lying down! A plan is put into place to help Riley find herself again and put Anxiety into its place. It isn’t going to be easy and the gang is going to be put through the paces but Riley is their girl, they know who she is and what she is capable of refusing to let Anxiety decide who she is to be!

Other voice cast include Yvette Nicole Brown as Coach Roberts, Ron Funches as Bloofy, Yong Yea as Lace Slashblade, James Austin Johnson as Pouchy, Steve Purcell as Deep Dark Secret, Dave Goelz as Mind Cop Frank, Kirk Thatcher as Foreman, Frank Oz as Mind Cop Dave, Paula Pell as Mom’s anger, Pete Docter as Dad’s anger, Sarayu Blue as Margie, Flea as Jake, Bobby Moynihan as Forgetter Bobby, and John Ratzenberger as Fritz.

Disney entertainment includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

Pixar Animation Studios is an American computer animation studio known for its critically and commercially successful computer animated feature films. These iconic films include the TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC., THE INCREDIBLES, NEMO/DORY, and CARS franchises as well as UP, RATATOUILLE and BRAVE. For more visit www.pixar.com.

Oh my gosh, INSIDE OUT 2 is absolutely fantastic and I say this as a mom and grandmom! I went to see the film with my family and was taken back in time in so many ways. Of course, I recognized the emotional change for myself at 13 (yes I can remember that far back), but even more so laughed at things that reminded me of my grown-up daughter when she was that age. More importantly, my pre-teen granddaughter who is already showing signs of the “new crew” that is in the film.

That being said, the story touches on so many things that it is a roller coaster ride of emotions for the audience – exactly what it’s like to go through puberty. Having to see it through the mind of Riley is charming, hilarious, meaningful and may even help kids understand what is happening to them. After the film, as we were walking out, I turned to my granddaughter and said with a laugh, “remind you of anyone?” and with equal laughter she said proudly and confidently – “yes, ME!”.

Recognizing it, I believe, makes the difference and, INSIDE OUT 2 is a perfect roadmap for us all actually. Understanding where the emotions come from and giving them a “face” as it were had the theatre in such a great place as the film was showing. Parents were actually talking to their kids in the lobby about it all. That’s amazing!

Seeing the characters come back to the screen is also so much fun for me. I absolutely adore Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust and, in a way at my age, I still welcome them as part of being so very human. Secretly I love Anger and his thought process always leaving me cracking up. That’s what INSIDE OUT started out being in 2015, a way for us all to process our feelings and understanding them but those emotions faces and voices. We can thank Pixar, Disney and an amazing cast for knowing exactly who to choose for each.

The new additions of Anxiety set a whole new pace (if you can keep up) but it’s one the original gang can deal with in their own unique ways and we are all there for it and for Riley!

In the end – make room for new emotions!

She is the One and Only THELMA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Josh Margolin and Magnolia Pictures is the story of a woman on a mission with THELMA.

Thelma (June Squibb) is an elderly woman living on her home since the death of her husband. Spending a lot of time with Thelma is grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) who helps where he can and teaches grandma something about the computer world. One morning Thelma receives a distressing telephone call that Daniel is in trouble and needs a large sum of money sent immediately to free him.

Being a good grandmother, Thelma immediately sends the funds in the mail. A bit later, she begins to wonder what she has done and calls Daniel to discover that he is fine and she has been scammed. Running over to question her is Daniels parents Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg). Beginning to wonder whether Thelma can continue to live alone, she has other ideas.

Taking off to see Ben (Richard Roundtree) to borrow his super-scooter, Thelma decides she is going to go to the address and get her money back. Now, Daniel, Gail and Alan are on the chase to find Thelma with the help of Detective Morgan (Chase Kim). Nothing is going to stop her from getting to those who underestimate the power of senior anger!

Squibb as Thelma absolutely slays in this role! Look, you don’t have to be 93 to want to put a criminal in his place and that’s exactly what Thelma does. Squibb’s voice might sound like that of a helpless senior but when the going gets tough, the tough snags a scooter! I just adored watching this story unfold because, if it be told, I’d probably want to do the exactly same thing. Squibb gives us a peek into the possibilities and, at the same time, understand her feelings of friendship, loss and being alone at her age. Just a wonderful performance!

Hechinger as Daniel is a truly kind grandson who wants to help grandma as much as possible. Even when she bucks, he makes it clear that he wants to be of service. At the same time, he is going through his own issues of breaking the cord between his parents and finding out what he is really made of.

Posey as Gail and Gregg as Alan are indecisive and a tad senior-judgmental people who don’t really understand Thelma and understand Daniel even less. They are all over the place and although their hearts may seem genuine, its hard to understand what makes them survive day to day. That’s not a bad thing, I’m just the outsider looking at them with a huge question mark over my head and then laughing.

Shout out to Roundtree as Ben living in a senior facility (are we not allowed to say nursing home anymore I wonder) and seeming to enjoy it. He also has a secret thang for Thelma and before he has a chance to say ‘bob’s your uncle’, Thelma has him caught up in the adventure and not so sure he’s enjoying it. I enjoyed watching Roundtree and, along with Squibb, show that one senior is good – two is a force to be reckoned with.

Other cast include Shela Korsi as Gloria, Annie O’Donnell as Grace, Zoe Worth as the Theater Director, David Giuliani as Starey Gary, Ruben Rabasa as Winston, Nicole Byer as Rochelle, Quinn Beswick as Colin, Coral Pena as Allie, and Bunny Levine as Mona.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

THELMA is so much fun to watch and it is because of Squibb and her ability to pull of comedy. I have always enjoyed her performances but this one might by my favorite. She takes the lead and holds it the entire film with her charm, sweetness (until further notice), and focus on the task at hand! To my mind, criminals need to be on notice when someone like Thelma is around.

The underlying story is also quite touching as Thelma lives alone and doesn’t realize how that has had her feeling till she visits friends. Seeing for herself that there is a sadness for people her age. Thelma has made a life for herself but forgot to let others into that life to enjoy the years that pass all too quickly.

In the midst of all of this mix is pure comedy gold. Squibb and Roundtree together had me laughing so much. The adventure could never have been what Thelma imagined but it certainly didn’t stop her from the finish line. Watching everyone else run around like mad to save Thelma from herself, its too bad they didn’t understand that she had things under control, well, in her own special way and that’s all that matters. What a wonderful story that writer/director Margolin has brought to the screen so if you are looking for heartwarming, adventurous fun, then let THELMA take you on a ride.

In the end – revenge has never been sweeter!

DEXTER’S LABORATORY: The Complete Series on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Now on DVD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and creator Genndy Tartakovsky comes one of the most iconic and fantastic animated series with DEXTER’S LABORATORY: The Complete Series.

Dexter is a young boy-genius who spends a lot of time in his room within a room. A hidden science lab is in that extra room filled with inventions. Of course, Mom and Dad are totally unaware of what is happening under their own roof. The two people he does have to keep quiet are sister Dee Dee who seems to consistently mess with his inventions and Mandark, Dexter’s classmate who is not-so-nice attempts to ruin Dexter every chance he gets.

Beginning in 1995, Dexter decides to invent a device that turns people into animals, Dee Dee finds a cookie in Dexter’s lab and becomes larger than life, when television time and age smack heads Dexter decides to age himself and goes a little farther down the lifeline than he planned, and Dexter is working to hard and becoming a bit giddy.

The next season has Dexter sending Dee Dee through time with one of his inventions, his new friend Monkey has to defend the town from Magmanamus, Dexter decides to help Mom do chores with his own version of a household chore robot, when dodgeball proves to not be one of Dexter’s strong suites and bullies abound there is only one solution and it looks like Dexter, Monkey takes on Rasslor in a wrestling match, and Dexter decides he needs an assistant and is eyeballing Dee Dee with more episodes as well.

Dexter returns for Season Two the boy-genius decides its time to be an action hero, Mandark brings his pet duck Ducky and Dexter brings Monkey to school for show and tell but there is something fowl afoot, when Dexter is upset by seeing Dee Dee messing with ants it becomes a big lesson, Dexter does a little brain swapping and Mom is in the way, Dee Dee messes with a deactivated robot and finds a protector, Dexter helps Dad at arm wrestling with a not-so-human arm, Dexter needs more sleep before school and finds a way to get it and so much more.

Season Three has Dexter overhearing his father’s thoughts when he has telepathy, Quackor and Monkey go at it again with a surprising result, Mandark decides to be Dexter’s Mom and discovers life inside his home, Dee Dee’s foot is about to become a part of Dexter or is Dexter part of Dee Dee’s foot, a trip to the moon had Dexter deciding to save our planet, going to college tests Dexter’s inability to understand college students, going to grandpa’s house has Dexter looking at him in a new light, and Mandark is up to no good again to try and get rid of Dexter and many more episodes.

Dee Dee is back in the lab in Season Four accidentally shutting things down, Dee Dee’s new boyfriend has a connection with Dexter, Mandark is expanding his laboratory and doesn’t realize Dexter has the same idea, when brother and sister decide to work together it isn’t always a good thing, knowing about the future is what Dee Dee has going on now but it’s a special apple that has her turning into something cringy for Dexter, a potato and power meet up for Dexter, when a girl comes between Dexter and Mandark it is time to team up because the world isn’t ready for three geniuses I guess and more episodes.

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the home and screens of millions through physical Bluray discs, DVD’s, digital, streaming, VOD, and mobile channels. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

If this isn’t enough, just know that all 78 episodes are included in this DVD package. DEXTER’S LABORATORY is also available now to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more. The unforgettable series that ran from 1996-2003 on Cartoon Network, won many awards, and spawned children’s book, comic books, music, toys, video games, and the movie DEXTER’S LABORATOR: Ego Trip.

DEXTER’S LABORATORY has won itself a few well deserved awards including three Annie Awards, nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Reel Awards!

What is amazing about this series is that it has introduced science to a very young audience and that same audience has followed throughout the years. There is something absolutely amazing about a series that is not only entertaining but children become seriously invested in learning about what is possible in science. It is such a wonderful concept and to have all seventy-two episodes means the kids can watch again and again.

My granddaughter loves science and is part of Lab Rats at her school but DEXTER’S LABORATORY has her funny bone. What is equally fun is that Mom and Dad watch with her and I do as well because it makes for such a great bonding time. After the episodes we can all sit together and talk about the fun and then the possibilities of the science that Dexter comes up with.

The series also deals with the siblings that do not have that much in common yet, when push comes to shove, they are there for one another. It also deals with rivalry between Dexter and Mandark and how working together is a better idea. The show also deals with situations that need a smart and safe resolution which is something we all would like the kids to know as they grow.

So, gather up the family and kids’ friends and spend the cooled off afternoons with science and fun with DEXTER’S LABORATORY: The Complete Series.

In the end – follow the boy-genius on his adventures!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Gil Kenan and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next chapter in the adventures of the infamous GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire.

The Spengler family, along with Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), are now living in New York in the original Ghostbusters firehouse. Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) are together going after the ghosts that are running rampant through New York City. The is only one problem in the form of now Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton). He has made is clear that he still is aiming to stop the Ghostbusters and close down the containment that holds ghosts!

When Peck discovers that Phoebe is under age, he puts a stop to her being part of the group as well. Upset, she walks to the park where she meets ghost Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) and feels like there is finally someone who understands. At his store, Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) meets Nadeem (Kumail Nanjiani) who wants to pawn off grandma’s weird collection. Stantz is interested in a brass shaped ball with writing that only Dr. Hubert Wartzki (Patton Oswalt) can talk about.

In the meantime, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) shows Grooberson and Callie that their overcrowded containment area is about to be expanded with Lars (James Acaster) running things. His money has built another lab where they are finding a smarter way to do it all. But, while all this is going on, something weird is shaking the ground and trying to get out. When the group gathers to fight, some old friends show up like Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) and Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) to put on the suit and make a stand.

The evil spirit Garraka is about to freeze out New York City but there are a few people that aren’t going to let that happen because, after all, who you gonna call?

I have to start with Murray as it is a moral imperative! Returning as Venkman just filled me with so much joy and laughter. There isn’t much that has changed about his portrayal other than he didn’t get enough screen time as far as I’m concerned. Aykroyd as Stantz gives us full on Ray-mode with his insatiable curiosity for all odd things and putting the suit on because nothing says ‘oh yea’ more than having the pack back on ones back. Hudson as Zeddemore may have gotten rich but that didn’t stop him from suiting up and I was all for it.

Rudd as Grooberson is with the Spengler family ghostbusting and having a family life. Making the transition in his life from teacher to parental figure is complicated by ghosts. Rudd gives his trademark performance as the guy who doesn’t ruffle feathers in between ghost captures. Coon as Callie is being a bit of a ghost parent running through the city catching specters but not really addressing family issues other than collecting laundry.

Grace as Phoebe is going through her Spengler-mode upset that the world doesn’t see her more grown up than she really is. Making friends with Lind’s spirit Melody seems like a nature progression for them both, but is it? Potts returns as Melnitz and she brings with her the attitude and the only thing I would LOVE to have seen is when the phone rang, SHE was the one who picked it up and said, “Ghostbusters what do you want!”.

Wolfhard as Trevor decides to take matters into his own hands to go after a green that seems to plague the upstairs. Hudson as Zeddemore returns with a pocket full of money and a way to make containment easier but there is an entity out there that has other plans. Acaster as Lars runs his lab but isn’t immune from what is out there. Oswalt as Wartzki is well versed in what is inside the cute little brass sphere currently in the lab shaking things up.

Shout out to Nanjiani as the new “Keymaster” Nadeem. He gets the chance to wear the iconic metal strainer and go through the weirdness of discovering his family underestimated his potential.

Other cast include John Rothman as the Library Administrator, Chris Tummings as the Police Chief, Logan Kim as Podcast and Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo.

Special features include Deleted & Extended Scenes, Easter Eggs Unleashed, Return to the Firehouse: Making GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire, Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire, Manifesting Garraka, New York – New Gear, Welcome to the Paranormal Discovery Center, Knowing the Score and Commentary with Director, Co-Writer Gil Kenan.

GHOSTBUSTER: Frozen Empire is a trip down nostalgia lane from beginning to end. It seems writers Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman and Ivan Reitman reached into the iconic grab bag to pull out everything but the kitchen sink. Anyone who remembers clearly the 1984 script can quickly see that there are a lot of similarities into the storyline. It is lovely, however, to see that keeping the spirit of Spengler alive runs through the story as well.

This is a full-on special effects film with everything from freezing, electricity, spooks, colanders, mysterious moving objects, talking ghosts, a bit of sliming, a lot of things in the air and destruction of all kinds but that is what happens when ancient entities get a little grumpy. The cast is a big which can test an 8-year-olds ability to keep up. My granddaughter would point and say, “who’s that” followed by “and that person?” until she caught up. She did say, when the film was over that GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire is now her favorite film so there’s that!

I could not get enough of Murray, Aykroyd and Hudson with Potts coming in from moment to moment because those are the characters I still hold dear. My laughter came from seeing memorable ghosts and small Stay Puft’s (and I would love it if they made those for sale because there would be several on my desk!) that brought me back to 1984 with ease. Talk about joy in this ole heart, these four, along with their misty friends, gave good.

Now, the rest, (insert heavy sigh), I get it, GHOSTBUSTERS has become a generational thing but, to be honest, I think it is time to graciously close the book. Clearly, I am not a fan of remaking iconic and beloved films of the past and trying to resuscitate them with a Thor-like hammer to the chest of an audience who has no other choice when going to the theatres. Go out on a good note and let this be the ending we all deserve.

That being said, get grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins and all kids together to have a family movie night at home. Laugh, love and remember why we loved them all in the first place! Cheer for the hero’s, cheer for the spirits we love and sing the song that always brings a smile because we know who we are going to call.

In the end – there is only one call you can make!

FANCY DANCE on Apple TV+

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from writer/director Erica Tremblay, writer Miciana Alise and Apple Original Films is the search for family in FANCY DANCE.

Living on the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Reservation Jax (Lily Gladstone) is searching for her sister Tawi who has been missing for weeks. Taking care of her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson), she watches the young girl prepare for a powwow. Jax hasn’t had much luck with federal help in finding her sister and brother/local sheriff JJ (Ryan Begay) is restrained by the rules even if living on the reservation.

If that wasn’t stressful enough, social workers are knocking on the door about Roki’s welfare. Oddly, Jax’s father Frank (Shea Whigham) and wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski) pay an unexpected visit. She isn’t thrilled to see him still feeling angry at the way he left the family years before. Jax makes it clear that she owes it to Tawi to get involved and ask the authorities for help.

Placing posters everywhere, Jax arrives home to find social services removing Roki from their home and placing her with Frank and Nancy. Told to get along with her father before the court date, Jax visits Roki who still wants to go to the powwow believing her mother will be there as well. Nancy makes it clear that she isn’t allowed to take Roki anywhere alone.

Spending her time following leads to find Tawi, Jax is eventually frustrated enough that she makes a bold move. Sneaking Roki out, they go on a journey that will put them both in danger!

Gladstone as Jax is angry believing that because they are Indigenous Peoples, it is the reason no one will help find her sister. They won’t intervene with that but they certainly have no problem interfering with Roki’s living situation blaming Jaxs’ past run-ins with the law. Gladstone gives us a performance of a someone who will do anything for her family and run over whatever laws (and break more than a few) that will stand in her way. Her character is intense, focused and defiant from beginning to end and strongly done.

Deroy-Olsen as Roki is a young girl who lives life the best she can. Learning some bad habits from Jax, she mainly just wants her mother home so that they can once again go to the powwow to perform as mother-daughter. She is tossed and turned through the conflicting, secretive adult world discovering that they don’t always tell the truth about things. Deroy-Olsen role is that of a charming teen who is a little defiant and as strong willed as her aunt.

Whigham as Frank is a father who hasn’t been a father to either of his daughters. Instead, he has chosen to ignore what he did leaving his daughters to fend for themselves. Whigham’s gives us a character that may know the culture but doesn’t show any signs of truly understanding it. Wasilewski as Nancy is a nasty piece of work to my way of thinking. Not able to have children of her own, I see her character as someone who thinks its okay to snag a child away for her own selfish reasons [see ballet-shoes scene] and then attempt to ‘white wash’ her. Me not liking the character goes to Wasilewski’s performance being so well done.

Begay as JJ is a sheriff who is stuck between two worlds. Following the law on the tribal land side and under the watchful eye of law enforcement when Roki goes “missing”. Begay slides between both worlds knowing that his loyalty lies with his people.

Other cast include Blayne Allen as Boo, Patrice Fisher as Ruth, Arianne Martin as Conna, Tyler Tipton as Chad, Michael Rowe as Elder Philip, Crystle Lightning as Sapphire, Lillian Faye Thomas as Lillie, Casey Camp-Horinek as Mary, Trey Munden as Ryan, Blake Blair as Tanner, Dennis Newman as Derrick and Hauli Sioux Gray as Tawi.

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

FANCY DANCE has won the Hamptons International Film Festival Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking, L.A. Outfest’s North American Narrative Feature, NewFest: New York’s LGBT Film Festival for Best Narrative Feature, Mill Valley Film Festival Mind the Gap Narrative, Tacoma Film Festival Best Narrative Feature, Sun Valley Film Festival, US Best Narrative Feature Film, Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards Achievement in Oklahoma Independent Filmmaking – all for Erica Tremblay, SXSW Film Festival’s ZEISS Cinematography Award for Carolina Costa, Austin Film Critics Association Breakthrough Artist Award for Lily Gladstone, and Film Club’s The Lost Weekend Best Supporting Actress for Isabel Deroy-Olson.

FANCY DANCE is the story of an aunt and her niece living a life of day-to-day struggle on the reservation. Of course, there is the way in which they try to live that is shady by way of theft and drugs but it is an honest portrayal in its dark side. Jax is right in that a missing native woman is not on the radar of anyone on the reservation because it could cause unwanted trouble and it is of no interest to the off-reservation authorities as not being high on their list.

Roki being taken away shows the way in which outsiders try to control those on the reservation and their laws by asserting their own. Giving the girl to Jax’s father and wife, who wants to turn her into something she is not, is the continuation in the attempt to destroy the Seneca-Cayuga Nation’s culture and family structure.

This film addresses so many of the problems the Indigenous face still today. From missing women, addictions, poor living conditions, desecration of lands and the continuation of laws being convenient for those that are not indigenous (and many more issues), FANCY DANCE takes on a few mixed into an intense story of love, family, and culture.

In the end – their bond is life!

A QUIET PLACE: Day One

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Michael Sarnoski and Paramount Pictures is the beginning with A QUIET PLACE: Day One.

Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) is spending her days in the hospital and slowly closing herself off. Nurse Reuben (Alex Wolff) tries to find something that will bring Sam out of her funk and suggests a day in New York City. Making him promise they would get pizza; Sam decides to pack up her cat Frodo and go on a little adventure.

Not happy to discover their destination, Sam decides to make the best of it and meets Henri’s (Djimon Hounsou) family. When emotions get the best of her, Sam makes her way back onto the bus and the rest of the gang soon follows. It isn’t long before she realizes that something is terribly wrong and quickly everything explodes.

Waking up, she is immediately motioned to remain quiet noticing all the wounded people around her. Happy to see Reuben and Frodo, Sam still doesn’t understand what is happening around them. When it all becomes clear, Sam is horrified to realize the world she knows is crumbling around her. Gathering up her things, Sam takes off on her own. When the visitors continue their attack, Sam meets Eric (Joseph Quinn) who is clearly in shock.

The two begin their trek across New York believing that there is the possibility of rescue. They also begin to understand one another and strong connections form in the new place of madness. Each step they take brings them either closer to attack or closer to the slim chance of rescue.

Nyong’o as Sam is a woman that is dealing with so much in, what she believes, is a short amount of time. The only human connection she seems to have is the strained relationship with Rueben and the not-so-human connection with her cat Frodo. Once the invasion begins, she has one goal and nothing is going to stop her from achieving it. Nyong’o gives us a strong female character that is clear about what she wants. The last moments of the film had everyone in the theatre whispering, “whoaaaa” and that is worth every letter of the word.

Quinn as Eric is traumatized by what has happened and he is having a difficult time gathering his emotions. Meeting Frodo first, he follows a path that leads him to Sam and as much as she wants him to go away, Eric cannot bring himself to do it. Life and death are in front of them both and attempting to survive together is everything. Quinn gives us the fear I would expect from any normal human being under attack by something so vicious as the creatures are. He does it well, just as his characters compassion is so moving.

Hounsou as Henri is a husband and father doing what ever it takes to ensure his families survival. His character is in A QUIET PLACE II and now we know his story as well.

Shout out to Frodo because now I think my own cat needs some training in the ways of alien attacks!!

Other cast include Eliane Umuhire as Zena, Zay Domo Artist as Bryan, and Kait Feeney as Fran.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

A QUIET PLACE: Day One still doesn’t explain who the aliens are and what brought them to Earth (maybe that’s another film) but instead, it stays with the same original formula of humans trying to survive. Learning quickly that quiet offers them a chance, this story is being carried by Nyong’o, Quinn and Frodo. Discovering ways to talk to one another also gives much more voice than the first two films.

Taking off quickly with the jumps and scares, it obviously worked as the young lady next to me was practically curled up in her chair looking through her fingers. There are jaw dropping moments and whisperings of “noooooooo”s, mainly because the story pulls us in quickly and we want that happy ending which seems impossible in the world that no longer belongs to the human race.

The cinematography and special effect are quite good but I would expect that since the aliens have been set up for the story in two previous outings. We know what they are capable of so the focus then becomes on the survival of Sam, Quinn and Frodo. Playing their characters well, Nyong’o and Quinn are the connection between the story and the audience.

Buckle up buttercups and be quiet about it.

In the end – hear how it all began!

It is About the STING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and currently on Digital from writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner and Well Go USA is the story of a girl and her unusual friend with STING.

Charlotte (Alyla Browne) is a young girl living in an old apartment building with Mom Heather (Penelope Mitchell), baby brother Liam and step-dad Ethan (Ryan Corr). Occupying herself much of the time, she visits the apartment of her grand aunt and grandmother Helga (Noni Hazelhurst) from time to time. On this day while in their apartment, Charlotte finds a fascinating and unusual spider and decides to keep it in her room.

Naming her friend Sting, she feeds him but the tiny spider grows bigger and its appetite grows as well. In the home, Charlotte is struggling with her parents as Ethan tries to be closer to the girl. Feeling the strain, Ethan and Heather strike an argument about the girl’s father but that doesn’t stop Sting from doing a little striking out on its own.

Sting is larger than life and has picked up a few tricks to lure the buildings tenants into a web battle that can either end a family or bring them closer together.

Browne as Charlotte is quite the young girl who has no problem letting people know how she feels. Straight forward, she is also trying to understand the problems going on in the adult world. Finding friendship with a spider not only gives her comfort, but something else to focus on. Browne gives an eerie performance to match that of her eight-legged friend and it works beautifully.

Corr as Ethan is a man trying to do his best to keep blend the instant family and new family together. Under the pressure of taking care of a building that would probably make a better pile of rubble and working from home, his relationship with Charlotte is becoming strained. Yet, when push comes to spider, Corr is going to fight for his family with the clever help of the one person he truly wants happy. Mitchell as wife Heather is also trying to take care of Grandma, work and raise a family which makes double strain at home.

Shout out to Hazelhurst as grandma Helga who knows something is going on but is living between two worlds. I think she’d rather be in the one that doesn’t have a spider in it!

Other cast include Robyn Nevin as Gunter, Silvia Colloca as Maria, Danny Kim as Erik, Jermaine Fowler as Frank, Jett/Kade Berry as Liam and narrator Lee Perry.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

Bonus Features include Behind the Scenes, Cast and Crew Interviews, Creation of the Monster and Trailer.

Spiders seems to be a running fear with people and this film isn’t going to help. Watching the young girl handle the multi-legged outer space arrival is creepy enough from the beginning. As the film progresses, so does the fear of any sane arachnophobic as the scenes are set in grey, a bit dingy and places to hide.

STING is absolutely a film that should be watched in the dark from start to finish (I’d add a soundbar for full crazy). The creepy little spider has a mind of its own and is going to do what it must to survive. That means humans, or anything else breathing, is going to be its target. There hasn’t been a creepy spider film since the 1990 Frank Marshall directed film ARACHNOPHOBIA (a family fav by the way).

This film brings in a much darker element but seems to want to place ‘nefarious’ at the eight legs of spiders. I admit I’m not a huge fan of spiders and give them a wide birth when I see them, but they get a bad wrap because of their looks. Director Roache-Turner takes that fright and slowly gives it size, strength and out of this world smarts to give arachnophobia something else to worry about – well done.

In the end – your biggest fear just got bigger!

The Gang is Back with DESPICABLE ME 4

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to start their own fireworks for the Fourth of July from directors Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage, Illumination and Universal Pictures is DESPICABLE ME 4.

Gru (Steve Carell) is attending a school reunion and runs into childhood nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara). He is also there thinking he will finally win the Best Pupil Award that he longs for from principal Ubelschlecht (June Squibb). Disappointed once again, he watches Maxime show his newest transformation as a human cockroach. That’s when the Anti-Villain League (AVL) jumps in and they arrest Maxime.

That doesn’t last long and now Gru, wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and kids Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan) along with baby Gru are now in danger. Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) packs up the family and relocates them to a safehouse providing each with a new identity. Worrying about the minions, Ramsbottom lets the family know they are under the care of the AVL.

Now Gru is Chet, Lucy is Blanche, Margo is Bree, Edith is Blair, and Agnes is Britney and they are attempting to be a normal family. Gru starts by introducing himself to neighbor Perry Prescott (Stephen Colbert), wife Patsy (Chloe Fineman) and daughter Poppy (Joey King). It is Poppy who stands out as she has a plan and uses Gru’s infamy to get what she wants.

Maxime also has a plan, to get back at Gru by taking Gru Jr.! With all the moving parts, Gru is trying to keep the family safe and once the super minions get involved, well, there is no telling what will happen next!

Carrel as Gru has picked up his iconic vocal mantle and jumped right in with both feet firmly planted in family life. Still part of the AVL, he also has unresolved schoolboy issues thanks to a principle and another villain. There is only one character that sounds like Gru and Carrel does it so well. Wiig as wife Lucy is always so full of fun, light hearted and sees the good in her family. She makes as many silly mistakes as Gru but when Lucy does it – it’s kinda cute. Wiig gives her character a sense of self and family which is so very cool.

Ferrell as Maxime actually sounds like Megamind with a French accent but it works. He has childhood issues and wants Gru to pay. The problem is he is messing with the wrong evil guy. Vergara as Valentina has a small role and it has its moments of laughs.

Cosgrove as Margo is growing up and discovering that her family is everything. Gaier as Edith is set in her ways and happy with herself in all aspects. I love her straightforward attitude. Polan as Agnes has a serious crisis when it comes to telling people her under-cover name teaching kids who watch that the truth is important.

King as Poppy has a streak in her that Gru can relate to but in his earlier years. Now he wants to get away from it but Poppy has struck a deal that he can not avoid. King as Poppy is charmingly evil and its as simple as that, well maybe not that simple when a badger is involved. Colbert as Perry gives us the stuck-up rich guy but the minions take care of that. Fineman as Patsy is that charming southern tennis player who just wants everyone to get along.

Shout out to Coogan as Ramsbottom who loves being the director of the AVL and wants to help Gru’s family. Also, Squibb as principal Ubelschlecht is exactly the educator who knows how to use a ruler!

Universal Pictures just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience in 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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

DESPICABLE ME 4 is fun, charming, hilarious, and an adventure that can only be had by the minions. The one thing about the franchise is that staying with the formula assures a win because who wants to change Gru, the family or the minions? We love the antics, the growing that Gru is doing as a dad and a husband. Less time in the lab and more time making pancakes is definetly a sign that Gru can be both a crime fighter and a good dad.

It is a long holiday weekend and looking for something the entire family can do, DESPICABLE ME 4 is a fantastic (and cool) way to have time with everyone. This is the film that makes a huge tub of popcorn fun in every way. It is colorful with fantastic animation but, then again, I would expect nothing less from Illumination, director Chris Renaud and Chris Meledandri.

The music from Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams brings the beat and the sweet minion dance moves which is a bonus for us all.

In the end - this daddy is a baddie!

THE CONVERT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Lee Tamahori, Shane Danielsen and Magnet Releasing comes a story of preacher vs. a tribe with THE CONVERT.

It is 1830 and Thomas Munro (Guy Pearce) is a preacher who has come across the seas to a New Zealand settlement in the town of Epworth to bring spiritual leadership. Almost immediately he comes face to face with the brutality of a war between the Māori tribes. As one village is being destroyed, Munroe steps in to offer his horse in exchange for the life of Māori villager Rangimai (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne).

Reaching the town of Epworth, Munroe soon realizes that not only is there a war between the tribes, but also between the settlers and anyone who is not them! Rangiami’s presence isn’t welcome no matter how much he tries to assimilate her. Munroe is befriended by Charlotte (Jacqueline McKenzie) who also becomes acquainted with Rangimai. Attempting to understand the conflict between Maianui (Antonio Te Maioha) and Akatarewa (Lawrence Makoare), Munroe just wants the death to end.

But, if there is to be a war, Munroe knows what side he will chose and it will bring a conclusion that is surprising!

Pearce takes on the role of Munroe and, of playing the lead character, the actor says, “Munro has come from the other side of the world to be the preacher in this town that is being set up. But there's clearly a world that has existed for many years prior to white folk arriving, and the way in which different cultures try and work together… the fragility of that and the precariousness of that is something that I find fascinating,” says Pearce. “I thought the script was immediately poignant and realistic and quite profound. And knowing that Lee was going to be making this, I just knew that there was a tenderness and an intelligence to it that perhaps others wouldn't bring.”

Ngatai-Melbourne as Rangimai is a woman struggling with the grief of death and the forced attempt to understand the colonists. It is her friendship with Charlotte that makes things bearable yet there will come a time when there is no choice but to fight. Ngatai-Melbourne gives a fierce performance of a woman who knows the pride of her tribe and will do anything to fight for it. She is stunning in this role and had me all in to her character from moment one. Ngatai-Melbourne is a Māori storyteller who is of Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tūhoe descent

Maioha and Makoare as the tribal leaders are equally as fierce as Rangimai, but one has no problem attempting to use all brutal methods possible to force power and subservience. Yes, their world is brutal but, to my way of thinking, no more brutal than other cultures who fight in a war.

Other cast include Madeleine McCarthy as Bethany, Renee Lyons as Jane Beauchamp, Duane Evans Jr. as Pahirua, Jack Barry as Harris, Jared Turner as Castor Samuels, Dean O’Gorman as Kedgley and Te Kohe Tuhaka.

Magnet Releasing is a part of Magnolia Pictures that specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy, and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. Recent released include the terrifying anthologies V/H/S and V/H/S/2, Xan Cassavette’s stylish vampire film KISS OF THE DAMNED, and the sci-fi thriller THE LAST DAYS ON MARS. Upcoming films include Ti West’s THE SACRAMENT and to find out more of what is to come please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

Tamahori says that Munro in THE CONVERT is “a humanist and a naturalist,” adding: “He is more interested in the world as it is, and he's a man escaping his past, not really a man of God. He's joined the Church Missionary Society to go as far away from Europe and his nightmares as possible. He thinks that coming to the farthest end of the planet will solve his problems, but it won't.”

Keeping the location down to a minimum allows the viewer to really get into the storyline and the cinematography is as nicely brutal as one would expect of the 19th century. The cast brings out the characters to the point that I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I admit to loving period pieces of all kinds and having the chance to explore this particular era in time of the Māori tribe is captivating.

Director Tamahori began to research the history of the Church Missionary Society enterprise in New Zealand, including members Henry Williams and Samuel Marsden. “One of them had been a soldier in the British Army,” says Tamahori. “He had a life before the Church Missionary Society, so I dived into that as a concept for our lead character and he became more realistic.”

That realism is what makes THE COVERT a beautifully dark and brutal film of two worlds at a time where one group is miserable so they make everyone else miserable with their prejudices and another group that seeks power through destruction. That’s all part of the history of our world.

In the end – a fight for peace and a heart at war!

Protecting Democracy with ANGEL HAS FALLEN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Ric Roman Waugh and Lionsgate is the return of an agent who is set up with ANGEL HAS FALLEN.

Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is once again guarding a President, this time its President Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). Now a family man, he begins to think it may be time to take a higher position in the agency that affords him less danger. Even military friend Danny Huston (Wade Jennings) offers him a position with his company.

On a fishing trip with President Trumbull, Banning briefly discussed his options and is told to think about what he wants to do. Changing shifts with another agent, Banning heads towards shore but notices something odd coming their way. That’s when all hell breaks loose and he must turn around to save the President.

Waking up in the hospital he is told the President’s condition is serious and that he is considered the prime suspect in an assassination attempt. Vice President Kirby (Tim Nelson) has taken the oath to temporarily become the President. Assigned to investigate the attack is FBI Agent’s Thompson (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Ramirez (Joseph Millson).

Banning knows that he cannot stay handcuffed to the hospital bed if he is to discover who is after President Trumbull and when they will strike next. He turns to the only person he can trust but the history between them is sketchy at best. Clay (Nick Nolte) isn’t a fan of the government and sure knows how to protect himself which is what Banning counts on.

As the truth comes to the surface, and it is brutal, Banning isn’t about to let anyone get their hands on the President and he’ll bulldoze through anyone who tries!

Butler as Banning once again dons a suite and tie to begin with but ends up dirty and beat by the end. It’s what happens in between that makes Butler a perfect Banning. Not afraid in any way to get his hands, or anything else, dirty to make this film as action packed as it is. He’s not so much as a one-liner guy, more like a few questions and then an ass-kicking kind of agent.

Nolte as Clay is absolutely killer – literally and figuratively – and he brought cheers from the audience. This character is perfect for Nolte and the scenes with Butler are gems. Jennings as Houston once again plays the role he was born to play, a man with a mission who, like a dog with a bone, isn’t about to stop until he gets what he wants.

Smith as Thompson throws her tiny weight around and along with her partner Ramirez are also on a mission – to capture Banning (good luck with that!). Nelson as Kirby takes over while Turnbull is in the hospital. Keeping the country running is his goal as he decides how to move forward in case Turnbull doesn’t come back.

Freeman as Turnbull does what he does best – act very Presidential. Let’s be honest, he’s played the commander-in-chief before so we know he’s good at it. I adore Freeman so I don’t mind if he repeats a character because he does it with class.

Other cast include Michael Landes as White House Chief of Staff Sam Wilcox, Piper Perabo as Leah Banning, Lance Reddick as Secret Service Director David Gentry, Mark Arnold as CIA Director James Haskell and Frederick Schmidt as Travis Cole.

On 4K Ultra HD the Special Features include Even Angels Fall: The Story, Someone to Watch Over Me: New Blood, Calling All Angels: Casting, True Faith: Authenticity, Fight for You: Stunts and Action, Earth Angel: Recreating DC and Angel Declassified (3 Scenes Broken Down with writer/director Ric Roman Waugh).

ANGEL HAS FALLEN is an action-packed film from beginning to end with a lot of twists and turns. That makes writing about it a little difficult but I’m not about to give anything away.

There is applauding, hollering, cheering and thrills with the film. Alright, I’ll admit I had a good time as well. This is the kind of film that cries out ACTION and delivers every bit of it. This film isn’t rocket science or trying to reinvent the wheel.

Instead, it does exactly what I go see action films for – twists, turns, chases, slips and oh so much more. Butler makes sure we get that because, as with the previous FALLEN films, it is what drew us all into the theatres in 2013 with OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN. The story brought us in again in 2016 with LONDON HAS FALLEN.

ANGEL HAS FALLEN falls into line and makes me wonder, what will Mike Banning do next!

In the end – loyalty has fallen under fire!

HBO Continues its Success with TRUE DETECTIVE: Night Country

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray this week from the series creator Nic Pizzolatto and HBO is the fourth season of the crime drama TRUE DETECTIVE: Night Country.

Tsalal Research Station, located in the remote town of Ennis Alaska, is bustling with scientists. Something has made its way inside the work station bringing police Chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) to the location. What they find is basically nothing, oh, except for a woman’s tongue and a loud television. Also on the case is trooper Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) who has a beef with the police chief as she believes this could be connected to an Inupiat woman’s death.

Local Rose (Fiona Shaw) calls the police because of the horror she has found near the frozen local lake. It is bizarre and cannot be explained. A pile of frozen bodies and a spiral symbol just confuses the situation all the more. Danvers isn’t happy when the dog brass Captain Ted Connolly (Christopher Eccleston) wants her to tie up the case quickly. Frozen scientists aren’t Navarro’s only problem as her sister Julia (Aka Niviana) is someone the trooper has to consistently be watching out for and Danvers is dealing with her rebellious teen Inupiat stepdaughter Leah (Isabella Star LaBlanc).

More pressure is coming from Silver Sky execs Kate McKitterick and Conolly is a part of that. Both warn Danvers to steer clear of the case but, honestly, who is going to stop her from doing her job. Leading them back to the lab, Danvers and Navarro work together and discover and underground lab where a local was murdered leading to Raymond Clark (Owen McDonnell). Continuing to look for evidence, Danvers and Navarro have visions of things that are personally painful.

The two women push back against what they uncover about Silver Sky, the murders and disappearances and the spirit world that knows the truth of it all!

Foster as Danvers is like a dog with a huge chunk of juicy steak and refuses to let go of the case no matter who comes up against her. I love when Foster takes on these types of roles where she doesn’t have to scream and holler to get the answers her character wants. Instead, she kind of puffs up and spikes whenever anyone tries to tell Danvers anything that goes against what she knows to be true. That being said, Foster gives Danvers a “softer” side when it comes to figuring out how to be a compassionate but stern step-parent. All of this in the midst of an icy mystery that needs her qualities if its going to be solved. I just love Foster in this role!

Reis as Navarro may butt heads against Danvers for a perceived wrong she feels but she is equally a force to be reckoned with. As much as these two characters feel they are at odds, it is their strength together (once they get past the animosity). Reis gives as good as she gets but also has the issue of her sister’s mental state and trying to bring to light the lack of concern about missing Inupiat women which angers her to no end. Reis gives a strong performance and doesn’t let up even to the very end. A wonderful and riveting performance.

Shaw as Rose is what I’d imagine I would be like in my senior age, living out in the middle of no where and being happy about it. It is when strange things begin to happen that she has something to say about it all. Shaw is such a wonderful and undervalued actress but slowly finding her way into her own (see the film IF and she’ll make you cry). Niviana as Julia portrays a character that suffers from a mental illness and shows the personal impact it has on family and the lack of resources available for the native peoples.

Shout out to John Hawkes as Captain Hank Prior. Watching him go up against Foster’s character is twisted and filled with emotional history. It’s always a joy to see him on the screen.

Other cast include Anna Lambe as Kayla Malee,Erling Eliasson as Travis, Nivi Pedersen as Annie, Joel D. Montgrand as Eddie, Finn Bennett as Officer Peter Prior and John Hawkes as Captain Hank Prior.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

Bonus Features include Meet the True Detectives: Cast Q&A, New Chapter – Showrunner/Writer/Director Issa Lopez and Cast Discuss Night Country’s Unique Role in the Series, Exploring Indigenous Themes – Delves into Alaska Native Culture and How it has Informed This Season, Max Inkblots – Get to Know Cast Through Show-Themed Inkblot Interpretations, Setting Featurette – Sets Up Alaska as a Pivotal Character in the Story and Atmospheric Teases – Social Environmental Shots to Tease Key Moments From the Series.

TRUE DETECTIVE: Night Country is brilliant story telling by Nic Pizzolatto and the perfect cast to bring it all off. Set in Alaska, the surrounding environment is another player in the game of mystery and murder. The series also takes on the issue of the lack of help regarding the native women. Not only in Alaska but on reservations there are women who are missing or murdered yet getting help seems to be the least of law enforcements concerns.

It is the twists and turns that had my jaw dropping constantly thinking I had figured things out early but clearly was very, very wrong. To be honest, I actually watched the series with the lights out giving the series an even spookier feel. Watching Foster and Reis together is a winning combination and these two women have brought a stunning fourth season to the TRUE DETECTIVE series.

In the end – uncover the truth and unravel the evidence!

On 4K Ultra HD is KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Wes Ball and 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment is the KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

The young ape Noa (Owen Teague) is living with his community in the lush forest. Noa and his friends are out climbing when they discover something unusual. Taking it to his father, he hears about those called the Echoes and how they are to be dealt with. Noa also knows that something is following him and one night goes looking only to discover apes wearing masks that are vicious. Frightened he returns to his village only to find it in flames and everyone being captured.

Managing to escape, Noa begins to follow the trail that would lead him to his people. Along the way he meets Raka (Peter Macon) who explains that the Echoes are, in fact, humans. The thing following them on the road is Nova (Freya Allan) and, to their surprise, she can speak! Captured by Proximus Caesar’s (Kevin Durand) army, Noah is sent to work on the city and Nova is sent to Trevathan (William H. Macy).

Proximus Caesar is twisting the beliefs and teachings of Caesar by breaking the law of ‘ape shall not kill ape’ and enslaving his own. In this city there is a door that the new Caesar wants opened and he is using slaves to get into it. Noa is brought before the leader, joined by Nova and Trevathan to tell them what he wants. It is Nova who convinces the apes that it is possible to stop Proximus and, at the same time free his people!

Teague as Noa plays a young and naïve ape who has been living basically happy with his people. When the attack on the village happens, it is time for the young ape to grow up. Once his family is taken, Noa uses what he has learned to help to free his family and discover how to become a leader that embraces the world. Allan as Nova must tell Noa the plan to retrieve what it is that Proximus Caesar wants for his own. Working with Noa, she gives the performance against the backdrop of cgi which makes her character shine.

Duran as Proximus Caesar is a harsh ruler who only sees what will benefit him. Using his people by way of falsehoods and twisting the beliefs of a beloved icon, Duran has always been good at being bad and I’m here for it. Macy as Trevathan has found a way to live with the apes without becoming a victim of Proximus. It has worked for him but his fear outweighs his desire to help.

Other cast include Eka Darville as Sylva, Travis Jeffery as Anaya, Lydia Peckham as Soona, Neil Sandilands as Koro, Ras-Samuel as Lightning, Sara Wiseman as Dar, Kaden Hartcher as Oda, Karin Konoval as Maurice, and Kichen Lachman as Korina.

Twentieth Century Studios Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com.

Bonus Features include the Documentary Inside the Forbidden Zone: Making KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES – Join director Wes Ball, cast and crew as they expand the PLANET OF THE APES legacy for a new generation. Travel to the outdoor production in Australia, train at Ape School, and discover the practical and motion capture techniques in building a breathtaking Kingdom, and 14 Deleted/Extended Scenes with optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball.

This is another adventure in the ‘new’ Planet of the Apes series. The special effects are flawless as well as seamless. The actors inside the suits, as it were, give a voice to the effects to tell the story that director Ball is trying to tell. The effects are vast, mixed in with vibrant cinematography. The joining of the two make the film a feast for the eyes.

There are many nods to the original PLANET OF THE APES in 1968, such as the name of Nova and the X of the border into the forbidden zone. The turn of the film is that now, the apes are turning against one another in the same as ape and gorillas were intense in the original trilogy. I will say I do miss Andy Serkis as Caesar but, as with all ‘retellings’, you have to accept the change.

Me and mine are planning a Planet of the Apes marathon to watch each film back-to-back and ending with KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES!

In the end – no one can stop the reign!

They Used the TAROT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Spenser Cohen and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes the fright when you pick up a deck of TAROT.

Deciding to celebrate Elsie’s (Larsen Thompson) birthday in the Catskills, friends Haley (Harriet Slater), Grant (Adain Bradley), Paxton (Jacob Batalon), Madeline (Humberly Gonzalez), Paige (Avantika) and Lucas (Wolfgang Novogratz) rent a mansion for the event. Wandering the castle, they end up in the basement and find a box of weird tarot cards. Knowing that Haley has a bit of experience, they decide she should do readings on everyone. The cards are very different but Haley does her best.

One by one they begin to experience brutal attacks with the birthday girl being the first. Alma Astron (Olwen Fouete) is someone the group finds online to help explain what has been happening. They learn the origin of the cards and their owner and told they should destroy the cards.

But will the cards destroy them first!

Special Features on Bluray and DVD are A Twist of Fate: Making the Film, Circle of Friends and Killer Outtakes.

This is a horror genre fans dream come true with constant dark scenes, creepy music and unusual death-by-cards bloodiness. Once the cards are in play, it becomes quite clear that nothing is going to stop the fates from happening to anyone. Once it becomes clear that each death is a match for the cards, there isn’t any way to stop what is to come.

The cast is large, but that tends to happen when there is a stretch of ninety-two minutes of horror. Once the horror is set in motion, the pickings are there for the tarot to take. The cinematography lends to the eerie feeling director Cohen is trying to bring with the dingy basement opening the door to dark scenes. It’s also a mystery in itself.

Fans that have a home entertainment library filled with the macabre and the bloody, then TAROT should be the next addition to that collection. Turn out the lights, huddle together and keep your hands off the cards.

In the end – your fate is in the cards!

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS Returns to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Paul Greengrass and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a story of a crew, pirates and a man known as CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.

Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) is a commanding officer of a U.S. container ship. Preparing for the next voyage he reads about pirates in the area so Capt. Phillips has the crew work on drills for safety.

As quickly as that is finished Capt. Phillips spots a few boats racing toward the container ship. Immediately taking action they manage to evade the pirates boarding their ship. What they don’t count on is the persistence of one particular Somali names Muse (Barkhad Abdi) who fixes his vessel and goes back for the ship.

Unable to stop them the second time, Muse and his crew board the container ship. Knowing it was inevitable, Capt. Phillips has the crew hide with orders not to show themselves no matter what.

Muse himself becomes a captive and an exchange is made – or one was to be made as the container ships lifeboat is launched and now Capt. Phillips is their only hostage. Heading for the Somalian coast, the pirates now including Bilal (Barkhad Abdirahman), Najee (Faysal Ahmed) and Elmi (Mahat M. Ali) are agitated.

As the military follows the lifeboat, plans are made that may bring everyone close to the edge!

Hanks in the starring role as Captain Phillips is everything an Academy Award winning actor should be. He is poised, controlled, in authority, smart and still a human being. The kind of acting Hanks does in this film is like a dream. I can honestly say I still walk away exhilarated by this performance.

Abdi as Muse is one of the saddest characters I’ve seen in a while. Knowing that every move he makes is wrong he continues to do so. Wanting to keep his village safe, it is desperation that hardens him to the realities of the situation of his own creation. Abdi is amazing and for his first role that is saying a lot. Born in Mogadishu, he immigrated to Minnesota in 1999 and worked for his brother’s cell phone business.

Working with Hanks and director Greengrass, Abdi knew he might face some resentment by the Somali people for his role. Determined to do the film, his performance is affirmation that CAPTAIN PHILLIPS would change his life forever.

Other cast include: Michael Chernus as Shane Murphy, David Warshofsky as Mike Perry, Corey Johnson as Ken Quinn, Chris Mulkey as John Cronan, Yul Vazquez as Captain Frank Castellano, Max Martini as SEAL Commander, Omar Berdouni as Nemo, Mohamed Ali as Asad, Issak Samatar as Hufan, and Catherine Keener as Andrea Phillips.

Bonus Materials include: 4K Ultra Disc Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, English Dolby Atmos and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray Feature Presented in High Definition, Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass, and Capturing CAPTAIN PHILLIPS – in depth behind-the-scenes featurettes on making the acclaimed film.

I’m just going to say it folks – there is nothing, and I mean nothing wrong with this film. It is flawless! Yes, Hanks proves why he is a stellar fixture in Hollywood with a performance that nearly took me out. The cast is on point and melded together so well that not one thing pulled my focus off what was in front of me.

The cinematography is nothing short of perfect as well. From the moment the ship leaves port until the films ending, it is emotionally exhausting. We find ourselves literally in the film surrounded by the same emotions as Capt. Phillips and his crew.

Although nothing could ever bring about the real-life experience, with Hanks at the helm (as it were), be prepared to experience the story for yourself.

In the end – out here survival is everything!

It is the Season of TWISTERS

Speaking with Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Lee Isaac Chung and Universal Pictures comes the anticipated adventure when dealing with TWISTERS.

Meteorologist Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is attempting to recover from a major blow to her storm chasing. Javi (Anthony Ramos) has been testing a new tracking system since then and wants Kate to jump back into the game. Hesitant, Kate agrees to come back briefly and see what Javi has going. Out in the field, she meets Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a “tornado wrangler” who lives for the thrill of the storm.

As Kate and Javi begin chasing, it is clear that she is hesitant and is causes the team to wonder if she can handle it all. When they see what Tyler and his crew are capable of, Kate takes on the challenge and works with Javi to start chasing the outbreak of tornadoes in the infamous tornado alley. Not far behind is Tyler along with videographer Boone (Brandon Perea) and tag-along journalist Ben (Harry Hadden-Paston) who wants to write about storm chasers, drone operator Lilly

More and more storms are on the horizon but Kate learns that she might be chasing with the wrong team. Tyler and Kate decide its time to take the chase to another level and its none too soon as the biggest tornado is about to test them all.

Powell as Tyler is the rough and rugged cowboy chaser who cranks up the music and shouts his way into storms. His character has a swagger that charms everyone, except perhaps for Kate, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Taking on storm by storm, Powell gives his character depth with his look on those who suffer from the devastation of the tornadoes. Edgar-Jones as Kate experienced what happens when you take on Mother Nature and it isn’t easy to shake. Getting back into the game, Edgar-Jones brings out the history of this character and what motivates her to accept tragedy and do everything possible to create a system that can prevent disasters.

Ramos as Javi is part of Kate’s original team but after the disaster he goes on his own way. That way is being part of a new storm chasing team but it causes a rift between he and Kate. Trying to make amends, Javi discovers that what he does and how he wants to do it are two very different things.

Shout out to Hadden-Paston as British journalist Ben and Maura Tierney as Kate’s mom Cathy.

Cast also includes: Daryl McCormack as Jeb, Kiernan Shipka as Addy, Nik Dodani as Praveen, David Corenswet as Scott, Tunde Adebimpe as Dexter, Katy O’Brian as Dani, David Born as Riggs, Laura Poe as Debra, Austin Bullock as Manny, and Stephen Oyoung as Mike.

The soundtrack TWISTERS: The Album features country music artists like Luke Combs with the lead single Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma, Miranda Lambert with Ain’t in Kansas Anymore and more. The music adds an element of fun to the film and I totally enjoyed it.

The story is a bit nostalgic with its twists and nods to the 1996 Bill Paxton-Helen Hunt film TWISTER. This includes an appearance by the late Paxton’s son Cody. I felt like there were a few Easter Eggs whether they were intentional or not. See if you can find them.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones and get their thoughts on the film.

Hi guys, thank you so much for taking the time today to talk with me. I want to tell you first off, fantastic; I love the movie so much. I’m a huge fan of the [1996] original film so I was really excited to see what you guys were going to do. So, jumping right in, Daisy, what brought you the most joy making the film?

Daisy: That’s a lovely question! It is so hard to choose. Making this film and then watching it brought me so much joy in every way. Meeting Glenn, meeting Anthony and the whole cast, it is such a great group of people. Also, honestly, just filming in Oklahoma, getting to meet real storm chasers and meteorologists. Glenn and I went chasing for real and thought it was so cool meeting these people and hope to chase with them again. Filming all the stunt sequences, it is really hard to highlight just one. It was honestly such a wonderful experience and I’m so glad I had it.

Glen, what brought you the most terror making the film?

Glen: It was so terrifying meeting Daisy Edgar-Jones, she is so intimidating and she never lets you forget she’s a superstar. I never really felt comfortable around her <laughing>. No, she in terms of joy, meeting her has been the joy of this entire experience. Obviously, when you are shooting a movie like this, in tornado alley, during tornado season, you are getting blasted with debris and dust and rain and wind and hay, your having farm equipment shot at you from across the street. There is a lot to battle and there was extreme weather while we shooting extreme weather. I think it really does come down to an amazing cast so no matter what kind of terrors we battling during this movie, we had an amazing group of people working on this.

That’s awesome. Did you feel like, while you were filming, there were moments where you thought ‘this actually happens to people!’, its harsh stuff.

Daisy: I think that was something our filmmaker Isaac was really sensitive to, he grew up in Arkansas so he had experiences with tornadoes and really knew how it impacted communities. Especially certain scenes, the production design was really remarkable and some of the sets we walked on were really a shock to see how devastating it could be. So, that was really important to us to represent the community. Isaac, one thing that he truly celebrates is how much a group of people come together after a disaster hits, how much we can help each other, pull together and pull through. This film is a real celebration of community in a beautiful way. It was definetly wild to film some of these scenes.

Again, I enjoyed the film so much and thank you for the talk!

Glen: Thank you.

Daisy: It was so nice to meet you!

TWISTERS is the action and adventure that the 1996 fans will be in the theatres to see. Knowing the basic history of that film brings a comfortability and familiarity that is going to be appreciated. The film is loud, fierce and everything you’d expect from a film that has massive tornados. The special effect and cinematography are very good and will draw everyone who sees the film into the action. Let’s face it, I think most of us would like to see a tornado in an open place (minus people being affected), it is a force of nature like no other.

My only encounter with a tornado was, as a kid, my parents, siblings and myself were going through Oklahoma in a station wagon (yes, a real station wagon) on our way to California. The sky became still and it was quite humid, it seemed out of nowhere my father veered off the road into a dip more than a ditch. He yelled for us to “get down!”. Out the back window, my brother and I saw a tornado meandering down the highway. My parents said it was a small one and all I could think was “THAT was small?”.

It was actually quite amazing that director Chung included a harsh look at the devastating effects of tornados. Taking into account that although the film is meant to entertain, there is an element of reality for the people who actually live and recover from devastation brought on by tornados, so kudos for that.

Powell, Edgar-Jones and Ramos lead the way into tornado alley and through the middle of the country with vast open spaces and small towns. Each character brings their own story and, of course, the biggest personality is that of Tyler Owens, his equally thrill-seeking crew with their music induced, Red Bull antics and an indestructible truck. Strap in because TWISTERS is going to take everyone for a ride!

In the end – chase, ride and survive!

Take a Jump with THE FALL GUY Landing on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital this week from director David Leitch and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of a stuntman who is becoming THE FALL GUY.

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is the stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt) is a camera woman on the picture that they are both working on. Ryder wants an action sequence to be bigger and asks Colt to make it happen. What ends up happening is an accident that ruins a lot of things in Colt’s life.

That is until almost two years later, Colt gets a call from film producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham). She tells him that Jody is the director on another Ryder action film, MetalStorm, and he is wanted on the set to do stunts. He is thrilled because he wants to help Jody with anything she needs, it isn’t until he is on the set that he finds out the truth.

He isn’t there a day before having to deal with ex-girlfriend rage and a disappearing action star. Gail asks Colt to go find him and it isn’t everything he signed up for. Arriving at Ryder’s place, he is sent on a wild goose chase leading him to a hallucinating chase and a body on ice in a hotel room. Trying to understand what is happening, he is chased down by thugs who want Ryder’s phone.

All of that is interfering with his reconnection to Jody and that is setting Colt on edge, especially knowing that the cops are on his case. Colt and Jody come up with a plan that will hold those responsible accountable but not without a few stunts thrown in.

Gosling as Colt comes on with a stuntman swag that had me giggling from the very beginning. What is stellar about Gosling is that he can take on a heavy role and become so entangled in the character that its mesmerizing and with comedy, he has facial expressions that just brings out such fun and it’s fantastic. He did justice to the role of Colt.

Blunt as Jody has her own set of issues feeling like the jilted ex-girlfriend who is taking her frustration out on her film. Blunt gives her character indignation that all jilted girls feel but don’t have a chance to make a sci-fi about it. I just love everything Blunt does no matter if it’s a serious character or comedy, like Gosling, she makes magic happen.

Taylor-Johnson as Ryder is an actor that is full of himself and doesn’t think the rules of anything apply to him. He has everyone on the set on the verge of craziness but has Colt on the verge of being the best stuntman. Waddingham as Gail is a woman who basically spends her time trying to plump up everyone’s ego all while babysitting a straw in a drink of who-knows-what. At the top of her game, she isn’t about to let a stuntman and a girlfriend ruin her kingdom.

Other cast include Teresa Palmer as Iggy Starr, Stephanie Hsu as Alma Milan, Winston Duke as Dan Tucker, Matuse as Doone, Adam Dunn as Nigel and Ben Knight as Dressler. There are cameos by Lee Majors, Heather Thomas and Jason Momoa.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Extended Cut, Gag Reel, Alternative Takes, Stunts: Breaking Down the Action, City Truck Jump/Sidewinder, Garbage Bin, Boat Chase, Car Jump, High Fall, Making a Meta Masterpiece, How to Break a World Record, Nightclub Mayhem, The Art of Doubling, Making METALSTORM, Falling for THE FALL GUY with Bob Reese, and Feature Commentary.

If you are into nostalgia mixed with comedy then this is the film for you. The soundtrack is amazing, especially the scene of Colt lamenting with a Taylor Swift song (All Too Well). From the very beginning, the action is exactly what one would expect from a stunt man. As the story goes along, the comedy is just completely hilarious.

Gosling once again brings in a fun performance that made the film, especially for someone who remembers the 1908’s television series fondly, a walk down nostalgia lane delightful. Blunt brings in the calm in the midst of chaos and at the same time is so darn charming in the process. All of that together makes THE FALL GUY a really good family fun film that calls for pizza or popcorn at the very least on a Friday night! Cheer from start to finish!

In the end – what could possibly go right?

MOTHER, COUCH

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Niclas Larsson and Film Movement is a look at family dysfunction with MOTHER, COUCH.

David (Ewan McGregor) is in a bit of a predicament; it seems his Mother (Ellen Burstyn) has decided that to sit on a couch in a furniture store and not move. David’s brother Gruffudd (Rhys Ifans) isn’t much help as he seems more interested in flirting with Bella (Taylor Russell), the young woman who runs the store.

Trying to get their mother to leave, the brothers call sister Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle) who turns out to be not help either. David tries to explain to Anne (Lake Bell) what is happening but she is busy running a household. When Mom won’t leave and night falls, David decides to stay with her until they could figure out a way to help her.

In the middle of the night, Bella returns and stays with David as they make an evening of it. The next morning David meets Marcus (F. Murray Abraham) who doesn’t seem surprised by their presence. Checking on Mom, David hears things that surprise him as she seems to be pouring her emotions out about life and her own disappointments.

He is now juggling a Mother with issues in a furniture store, a brother who seems to be on a whole other level, a sister who doesn’t care, a family that needs him, two other store brothers and living in a store – it is mayhem!

McGregor as David is a man walking on a razor’s edge with the family. His mother seems to have a plan that no one else is aware of, he can’t control the siblings and his own family is suffering from the ridiculousness. McGregor has the amazing ability to pull off any role he is given and in this very different story, although frazzled, is the crazy (literally) glue holding it all together.

Russell as Bella is the young woman who doesn’t seem at all concerned with the situation that is occurring in the furniture store. She sees the world for what it is and experiences a family that is a little twisted. Ifans as Gruffudd is just going with the flow hoping that David will figure it all out and doesn’t mind throwing in his own bits of wisdom. I just love Ifans characters and this is another good one.

Boyle as Linda is a chain-smoking daughter who doesn’t see all the fuss about Mother. She is also waiting for David to make a decision on what to do but if she had her way, she’d grab her and throw her out the door. Bell as Anne knows what the family is going through and wants to be supportive but at arm’s length.

Burstyn as Mother has found her sofa and that’s all there is too that. Sitting on that lovely green sofa, she confesses, spills truths and makes it clear that the children are after affects of relationships. She is amazing in this role and her talent shows no signs of stopping and that is everything to someone like me who has followed her career for years.

Abraham as Marco/Marcus gets a chance to take on duality as Marco and Marcus, two brothers who have just as many issues as David and his siblings. He portrays a unique character that David needs to keep madness at bay.

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

The film is based on the 2020 book Mamma I Soffa BY Jerker Virdborg. Larsson takes the look and feel of an Ikea and gives it an American flare of its own. The film is full of symbolism and sadness, quirk and beauty all at the same time. The emotions it provokes are powerful and attempts to teach us how difficult it can be to just, well, let go.

MOTHER, COUCH is a film about family dysfunction, lies, secrets and a mysterious key. The cast gives everything to this film and with their own unique natures but it becomes clearer and clearer as the story unfolds how they all came to this place. It seems as if only David is scrambling by all the events happening and it eventually takes its toll. It is the last ten minutes of the film that the family storm finds its calm.

In the end – he discovers that life is too short!

The Music of THE BOHEMIAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Petr Vaclav and Music Box Films is the story of a musician, love and being THE BOHEMIAN.

Josef Myslivecek (Vojtech Dyk) lives in Prague in the 18th century becoming a master miller in the family business. Unhappy with that, he turns to music studying with the likes of Habermann and Seger. Traveling to Venice, Italy with dreams of becoming a great musician while studying with Giovanni Pescetti. Seeking out those who would mentor his work, he finds a musical home in the world of opera.

Slowly his work becomes recognized and women have made their place in his life as well. From opera singer Caterina Gabrielli (Barbara Ronchi), to the Marchesa (Elena Radonicich), it seemed between writing about his emotions and it showing up in his work, the elite admire his music. Myslivecek even befriends the very young Mozart (Philip Hahn) with advice on how to see the world through the eyes of music.

From Il Bellerofonte to Armida, Myslivecek’s life begins to unravel when the married woman he loves takes him further down a path of destruction. When his physical appearance is marred by his lifestyle, those from his earlier years begin to reappear in his life but not in time to change what time has done.

Dyk as Myslivecek portrays the eager young musician who sees no future in mill work. Spending his time composing and understanding music makes him hungry to have his music heard. Dyk portrays all of that in his performance but also a hint of longing for something he does not yet understand. Finding himself in caught up in the times of indulgences, the games have more rules when he wants a simpler life. Dyk is lovely, charming and dedicated in the role so well done.

Other cast include Alberto Cracco as Conte Fioncchietti, Federica Vecchio as Cornelia, Diego Pagotto as Orfeo Crispi, Salvatore Langella as Conte di San Paolo.

Music Box Films is the prestigious North American distributor of acclaimed international, independent, and documentary feature films. Recent releases include Eric Gravel’s Cesar nominated thrilling social drama FULL TIME and Rebecca Zlotowski’s OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN. Music Box Films also owns and operates Music Box Theatre, Chicago’s premier venue for independent and foreign films. For more of what they have to offer please go to www.musicboxfilms.com

THE BOHEMIAN is the winner of six Czech Lion Awards, including Best Czech Film and Best Director, and selected as the Czech submission for Best International Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The film’s music features such international soloists as Philippe Jaroussky, Simona Saturova, Emoke Barath and Raffaella Milanesi.

This film is so rich in music and beautiful voices from start to finish. Surrounded by the period piece set designs and costuming, it is so easy to quickly fall into the story and time period. The deep rich reds and blues from the clothing to the wall paintings to the color of the wine in stunning crystal glasses, it evokes everything of the period and the excesses covering up the realities.

The music is absolutely wonderful with the most moving scenes provided by the emotions of the actors feel amazingly genuine. I will admit to falling under its spell as well and that is what grand film making with beautiful music can do. Myslivecek is not a musician that most have heard of when along side Beethoven, Mozart and the like but he should be. His works are just as valuable and worthy of a listen and experienced.

THE BOHEMIAN is a film that I would put in my library alongside IMMORTAL BELOVED, AMADEUS, MAESTRO, THE PIANIST, IMPROMPTU, THE DEVIL’S VIOLINIST and, my heart favorite, THE RED VIOLIN. If you are in search of musical richness and beauty along with the tragedy of being frail humans, then THE BOHEMIAN is a must-see.

In the end – his world is music!

They Leave THE ARCTIC CONVOY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken and Magnet Releasing comes the story of a ship on its own from THE ARCTIC CONVOY.

It is 1942 in the midst of World War II and a convoy of thirty-five ships are headed to a Norwegian outpost loaded with military supplies. In the waters are German subs and, in the skies above are planes ready for attack. Captain Skar (Anders Baasmo) is responsible for one of these ships and when a message comes through that the convoy of ships is to scatter, both captain and crew are stunned.

Also on board is the man under the Captain, Mork (Tobias Santelmann), once a captain himself, he has a history that can either help or hurt the ship. Responsible for communications is Ragnhild (Heidi Ruud Ellingsen) who follows every message and listens for unexpected in the air and under the sea. Almost immediately, ships begin sending out distress calls after being attacked and Mork makes the first mistake leading the ship into a mine field.

Baasmo as Skar is a ships captain that runs things as he sees fit. Not happy when his orders are questioned, he makes it clear who is in charge and keeps his crew in line. When things begin to become scary, attacking things head on get him hurt. Baasmo’s performance is that of a captain who wants everyone to do their job and, in doing so, get the mission complete. He is not a harsh task master but he doesn’t take anything lightly.

Santelmann as Mork is a man who, previously a captain, has a story to tell that can cause unrest among the crew. He does not agree with the captain but keeps his head down until the opportunity presents itself that he must put aside his past and find a way to bring as many people as possible home alive. Santelmann’s role is that of a man who is clearly dealing with his own issues and unsure how to work with Captain Skar, but when he does make a decision that will make jaws drop, all the viewer can do is see it through!

Ellingsen as Ragnhild is stellar at her job and full stands behind the captain when hard decisions have to be made. When she comes up against Mork, Ragnhild makes it clear she will do her job but not participate in anything that will harm the ship and its crew. Ellingsen is a strong female character on a ship full of men and she knows the job refusing to tolerate anyone who attempts to bring her down. That is worth everything in this film as Ragnhild is smart, quick and they ships needs that.

Kudos to the rest of the cast for bringing in strong performances that are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes rebellious but all brave. They include: Preben Hodneland as Lars, Adam Lundgren as Johan, Kristian Repshus as Evensen, Fredrik Stenberg as Martinsen, Tord Kinge as Isaksen, Jakob Fort as Bergvik, Jon Ranes as Sigurd, and Olav Waastad as Chiefen.

Writer/director Dahlsbakken says of his film, “World War II remains the most transformative event in world history. The human cost is appalling and touches me deeply, even after seventy-five years. The film depicts ordinary people without the prerequisites to stand in the middle of a war, who are forced to overcome the most inhumane stresses out at sea. The film is not interested in portraying archetypes but focuses on real people like you and me.”

He continues, “Nothing is black and white. Hence, it is precisely the gray areas that are interesting and make “the fog of war” a thematic title for the project. All the uncertainties, the coincidences, the lack of communication, and, not least, trust, are factors that were completely natural part of the war sailors’ everyday life. Lie at sea was merciless and brutal. The physical and psychological stresses are unparalleled. Not only did the war sailors have to deal with the risks that weather and wind brought with it, but the Murmansk convoys were targets for German aircraft and submarines, as they carried vital equipment to the Eastern Front.”

THE ARCTIC CONVOY is a strong film that tells the story of a group of ships putting their lives in jeopardy for the war effort. I enjoy stories based in reality as they have an opportunity to bring an audience to be entertained but leaving knowing something they may not have known before. The film is in the same vein as Tom Hanks’ GREYHOUND and strong in equal measure. THE ARCTIC CONVOY does exactly what director Dahlsbakken says, it focuses on real people who react as we would expect them too.

The film is epic in scope, smart in the telling and clever in the way of survival. That makes for historical story telling which Dahlsbakken has done extremely well. I was wrapped up in it all from start to finish which is what everyone wants from a film.

In the end – courage was their lifeline!

He Has THE BEAST WITHIN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Alexander J. Farrell and Well Go USA is summer frights in the night with THE BEAST WITHIN.

Willow (Caoilinn Springall) lives deep in the woods with her father Noah (Kit Harington), mother Imogen (Ashleigh Cummings) and grandfather Waylon (James Cosmo). In relative isolation, one evening Willow sees her parents going into the forest and decides to follow. What she sees is something ancient and frightening!

Noah loves his daughter but has a quick temper that upsets Waylon to the point of family arguments. When the family starts to become fractured, Willow begins to understand that the change in her father is going to force her to save her family.

Springall as Willow is a quiet young girl who lives in a world of the forest becoming a free spirit and her family that is full of secrets. This young actress gives a stoic and stellar performance that required equal parts childlike and survivalist at the same time. Watching Springall move through the world created by her parents is as much startling as it is riveting.

Harington as Noah clearly has anger issues that seem to be sparked by the smallest thing. Noah also lives in a world of duality from loving his wife and spending time with Willow, to setting the world around him on fire at the flip of a switch. Harington gives a broodish performance of a man attempting to navigate both worlds until the choice is made for him. Cummings as Imogen is a wife who is going to protect the family from itself but even then, it is a battle between love and family.

Cosmo as Waylan is a concerned grandfather who is tired of the tension in the family. His main concern is Willow and making sure that she is looked after. He gives the protective side that the family needs. This isn’t the first time that Cosmo and Harington have worked together. They spent a bit of time portraying Jeor Mormont and Jon Snow in the hit series GAME OF THRONES.

THE BEAST WITHIN is the struggle of a family that is dealing with isolation, an ancient secret and the love of family. Filmed in the lush forest, it is the perfect setting to bring the story to the screen. It is another character in the film that has its own story to tell and has a place in the life of Noah and Willow. Watching them in the forest, father and daughter have a bond with everything around them, even the evil.

The cast brings everything to the table with the complexities of each character filled with anxiety, secrets and a way to survive it all. Young Springall is the middle of the two worlds and has learned to live in each, until one becomes stronger. Watching this young actress play the role of a struggling child brings the tension and concern for anyone watching leaving the adults to their own devices.

It's nice to have a summer thriller in the midst of everything thrown out in theatres for the summer, and it’s even better where there is a monster involved. Dim lights in the theatre, a tub of popcorn where a lot ends up on the floor from the jumps and a curse that can destroy a family is everything when looking for a film to embrace.

In the end – it is the night that brings the beast!

Comic Con Thursday Brings Transformers and THOSE Two Guys

Jeri Jacquin

Water bottle? Check. Snacks? Check Backpack loaded with laptop and camera? Check. Welcome to day two of San Diego Comic Con International at the Convention Center in downtown San Diego. Hall H has an interesting day ahead filled with panels consisting of film, television and a bit of crowd celebrating with over 7,000+ of our closest friends. It is true that waiting to get into Hall H is the hardest part, then finding a seat that will bring everyone closer to the panel stage and then, settling in chatting with everyone in the surrounding seats.

The morning begins with Paramount’s TRANSFORMERS ONE starring Chris Hemsworth as the voice of Orion Pax (you know him as Optimus Prime) and D-16 (Megatron) voiced by Bryan Tyree Henry). Along with friends B-127 (Bumblebee) voiced by Keegan Michael-Key and Scarlett Johansson as Elita, they are all on Cybertron. This feels like the origin story but filled with bursting colors and cool one-liners. Director Josh Cooley, “We are seeing Cybertron when everything’s going great. We want to really show what the society looks like, what’s fun on this planet. It’s like the Olympics on Cybertron.” Lawrence Fishburne voices Trion who gives the cogs of fallen Primes to Orion, D-16, B-127 and Elita! When the Deceptions are introduces, Steve Buscemi voices Starscream.

Hemswoth said he played with Transformers as a kid doing his best to pull them apart (this is where Thor would have had no problem) and when given another, laughed at failing to still be unable to do it. He said, “We did our best to pull them apart and try to reassemble them which is quite challenging. We all failed actually, we couldn’t reassemble any of them. It is a reminder of the nostalgia around it and it was something that I still hold so dear in my heart and such fond memories I have of these films.” It is awesome to see that the actors who voice the iconic characters have a history with them as kids like a lot of us!

A panel I knew I would enjoy is the celebration of 25 Years of SpongeBob Squarepants! There was also a teenage kid dream come true surprise. On stage are Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, Mr. Lawrence as Plankton, Rodger Bumpass as Squidward, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy and Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs. It was announced that Luke Skywalker, I mean Mark Hamill would be taking on the role of The Flying Dutchman in the next SpongeBob film. Hamil comes out to a thrilled crowd of cheering and says, “Hi everybody, first a little background. I looked it up so its accurate, in 2007 I played the Moth on an episode of SpongeBob called ‘Night Light’ and I did such a good job that 17 years later they asked me back to be in the movie”.

If that wasn’t cool enough, how about having a table read listening to SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward and Mr. Krabs – close your eyes and it’s all fun. SpongeBob SquarePants has been on screen for twenty-two years and I have a granddaughter who reminds me of it constantly because, that’s our humor. We love our SpongeBob and the gang!

Another family favorite in our house is Disney+’s PERCY JACKSON so it was awesome to see the series in Hall H. Percy, played by Walker Scobell, is a young man who is on quests to get past monsters and gods to return Zeus’ master bolt. In the process he is also trying to stop a potential war. Joined by friends Annabeth, played by Sava Jeffries, and Grover, played by Aryan Simhadri, they help Percy find his place in the world. Now, the announcement has been made that Daniel Diemer will join Percy as Tyson in Season Two of the series. Soon to begin shooting, the second season is based on Rick Riordan’s second book The Sea of Monsters. Returning to Camp Half-Blood, there are changes for Percy and he is out to make things right. Catch up if you haven’t on the first season only on Disney+.

FX has always been high on my list of studios that have brought some of the most amazing television series as I am still to this day a huge SONS OF ANARCHY fan (yes, I’ve binged it plenty of times since) and with their new hit series SHOGUN. Being a fan of, well, “monsters”, their series WHAT WE DO IN SHADOWS has always been my off the wall monster go to! Bringing their farewell to Comic Con, the fans are sincerely not happy about losing their favorite ghoulish group (I am particularly weepy about losing Nandor). If you are not in the know, the show follows four vampires, Nandor, Laszlow, Nadja and Colin, as they try to find their way in the modern world while living on Staten Island. Sprinkle in Guillermo who only wants to become what they are. The panel included Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Mark Proksch, Kristen Schaal, Paul Simms, Kyle Newacheck, showrunner Paul Simms and director Kyle Newacheck to talk about the shows’ progression to the final season. Getting the opportunity to see the first episode (don’t be jealous) we get introduced to another Jerry (I’m the original Jeri) who the group kind of forgot about and learn more about Nandor’s familiar.

Sims says of the final season, “We just wanted to make a really funny season that was not too sentimental or trying to tie up too many threads. I mean for the super fans like you guys, all the threads will be tied up.” Well, if that isn’t a tease, he also says there will be cameos which I am totally prepared for because if you’re going to go out – go out larger than life (or not life)! Newacheck added, “I did get to play director in a show while I was directing the show. So, stay tuned, it’s gonna get wild and weird.” Which is exactly why we watch the show in the first place!

Now, the “two guys” I was referring to is, of course, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and their film opening tomorrow DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. The mass exodus after the last panel meant that a lottery system was in place to get back into Hall H. Once back inside and hitting the stage to a thunderous and earth-shaking excited crowd, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, director Shawn Levy and Marvel’s head Kevin Feige take to the panel. I have not been this excited since AVENGERS: Endgame in 2019! Mainly because I was pretty much over the makes and remakes and retellings etc. (which I’m sure superhero movies aren’t done doing) but, my heart and humor has always belonged to Deadpool. Probably because I understand Reynolds portrayal of insanity and humor as I too am a bit insane and have a twisted sense of humor.

Announcing that fans were going to see the film had Jackman saying, “This is icing on the cake for us right now”, and Reynolds saying, “I remember making this movie for you”, recalling his first time in Hall H (I was there) calling it “the most memorable moment in my life and I’m so happy to be back with you all again. DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE is something I’ve waited my whole life for”. Even Feige was stretched his funny bone but saying, “This is what Thursdays look like in Hall H” meaning Marvel has had the Saturday slot for their panels. All jokes aside and a special popcorn bucket that has already seen “buy me” activity on ebay later – all in attendance were treated to see the film! Now that’s how you make fans happy and thump a little life into the chest of the MC Universe. In the immortal words of Wade Wilson “let’s f**king go!”

The official day one of San Diego Comic Con International has been filled to the brim of amazing panels. There is still so much more to come so rest up my Maven-ites and we will be back here again tomorrow! In the meant……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

PS: There are even a few that I will be writing about later such as THOSE ABOUT TO DIE and TEACUP from Peacock and M. Knight Shyamalan’s TRAP. There is only so much a girl can write about for a day and my feet and typing fingers are tired. Be patient, it will all come out in the proverbial wash!

San Diego Comic Con International 2024 Begins with Preview Night

Jeri Jacquin

Welcome once again to San Diego Comic Con International 2024 at the Convention Center in Downtown San Diego! Not one to disappoint, there is something for everyone to enjoy from July 24th-28th beginning with Preview Night tonight. It is an opportunity for badge-holders to meet in the middle (literally) of the Exhibit Hall to see colleagues, friends, acquaintances and all that exhibitors have to offer. Here are a few very cool facts to know about SDCC.

Comic Con began in 1970 with what would be considered a small group of around 300 people but has expanded to over 135,000+. The Exhibit Hall brings over a thousand exhibitors bringing comics, anime, gaming, discussions and workshops for fans. Flowing into other locations in the downtown area, SDCC is fun for badge and non-badge holders alike who want to be a part of the celebration.

In recent years, the television and film industry has made a space for themselves to bring even more fans to SDCC. Marvel Studios doesn’t need any explanation as to why they are at the convention, especially with the two-day away release of the highly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE! Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are expected but that doesn’t stop there as Marvel Studios also takes over for a panel on Saturday in Hall H. Also bringing a bit of fun is Paramount’s TRANSFORMER ONE and 20th Century’s ALIENS: Romulus.

Television and streaming in Hall H is bringing such shows as Peacock’s highly successful series THOSE ABOUT TO DIE and TEACUP, Prime’s THE BOYS and RINGS OF POWER, and Disney+ PERCY JACKSON. Don’t worry zombie lovers, AMC hasn’t forgotten about you bringing the return of THE WALKING DEAD: Dead City and THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, THE PENGUIN panel, and Kevin Smith returns. Also, SUPERMAN & Lois, BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga, and the Star Trek Universe. In Ballroom 20 are the shows GHOST and Apple TV+’s series SILO and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe.

FX’s series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS brings its panel but also the pop-ups for THE BEAR and American Horror Story universes’ Hellevator. Fans will also get a sneak peek at the new Ryan Murphy series GROTESQUERIE, photo op’s for WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA Paddy’s Irish Pub.

Animation brings Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants, Futurama, The Simpsons, American Dad!, and Family Guy.

Off site, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, attendees will find the Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive, the Art Show that highlights creativity through media, and Her Universe Fashion Show that bring designers who want to win a chance to design for Her Universe. At the Omni is the RPG Play Theatre and other programming for shows, comics, shows and more. Hilton San Diego Bayfront also has program panels as well as the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, considered the Oscars for the comic industry can be found at the Indigo Ballroom on Friday.

Even the San Diego Central Library has programs to offer. with the Conference for Educators and Librarians at the Shiley Special Events Suite. The talks include how education can use the power of comics as well as podcasts, web series and the fiction genre events at the Neil Morgan Auditorium.

In Balboa Park is the Comic Con Museum also has panels and activities that mean surprises and sneak-peeks from Director of Programming Eddie Ibrahim and Executive Director of the Comic Con Museum Rita Vandergaw. To find out more about the Comic Con Museum, visit Booth #1714 in the Exhibit Hall.

Booths in the Exhibition Hall include such names as Titan, Penguin Random House, Hasbro, Lego, Bandai Namco, Nickelodeon, Dark Horse, DC, Fandom World, Pokemon, Chronical Books, Mondo, Funko and CrunchyRoll and so much more.

There is so much packed into four days but, with a great pair of comfy and cushioned tennis shoes and a huge container of water, I think we can get through this together. Every year, San Diego Comic Con International is the meeting place for so many people who just want to spend time among people of like minds. One of the fantastic things about this time of year are the costumes that are meticulously made (and they seriously should be proud of themselves) and showed off to others who are doing the exact same thing.

It is about getting that bag and seeing what pin is inside to add to the badge lanyard. It is about exchanging items and being thrilled to find those who want to talk everything Comic Con – comics, items bought at the Exhibit Hall, shows, writers, creators, books, posters, and the newest creation by the exhibitors.

Comic Con is truly an experience and with so many things to do both inside and outside the Convention Center, it is also an experience to walk the streets downtown for the badge-less to have fun as well. This is just an amazing four days once a year that brings out memories for friends and family (especially the kids on Sunday) – so, keep up with us as we cover the panels (and ourselves with sunscreen) diving right in for everything amazing about San Diego Comic Con International 2024!

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE is Everything!

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this week from director Shawn Levy and Marvel Studios comes the film and story everyone has been waiting for with DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.

Okay, so this is going to be a tad different because I am doing my best to write this up without laughing myself into fits again but here we go:

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is once again trying to figure his life out. Back living with Blind Al (Leslie Uggams) his Deadpool days seem to be a thing of the past. Trying to celebrate a birthday and feeling sad that he and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) are trying to work things out, it is all interrupted by Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) from the Time Variance Authority (you remember them, right? Loki’s reason for being irritated).

He convinced Wade that its time to take up his Deadpool mantel again because the timelines need saving. Suiting him up, he also tells Wade that there is one person in particular who’s timeline is fading fast, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Taking matters into his own hands, Deadpool slips through time to find Logan. Returning, Paradox has other ideas and sends them both into the Void where they meet a very calm Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin). She shows her power but Wolverine isn’t about it and they escape.

Meeting up with other (no, I’m not going to tell you who these others are so stop asking), the only way to get past Nova and get back home is by Juggernaut’s helmet. After a battle royal, Nova gives up how to get back as Deadpool and Wolverine make a jump through time. Nova isn’t happy about how this has all taken place and wants decides to make her own jump.

When Deadpool & Wolverine discover that Paradox is preparing to use a Time Ripper, they have had enough of his antics and decide its time to put him and Nova in their place! No one could have imagined what they were in for when these two came together!

Reynolds as Deadpool will always be Deadpool. There is no way he can ever be replaced and I absolutely okay with that. He delivers on every level with his delivery of insults, witticisms and even on emotion. His continual fourth-wall breaking is something audiences wait for sitting on the edge of their seats. This time out he has become a used car salesman which, if you think about it, is Wade in every way. Be prepared to go on a ride of pure insanity as Reynolds is the conductor of the crazy train.

Jackman as Wolverine is still in his feels with a coating of heavily alcoholic anger. Trying to deal with it all, Deadpool is not exactly the ideal person to be partnering up with. Believing that helping him will somehow fix the mistakes he’s made, it doesn’t mean its all love and light between these two. In fact, its hardly that as Wolverine pushes and pushes to get away from anyone coming close. That doesn’t stop Deadpool, in fact it causes him to push back in his usual hilariously antagonistic way. Jackman as Logan is absolutely amazing and, alongside Reynolds, makes these two the perfect pair – the characters both have issues and both have razor sharp wit, not to mention good at fighting.

Corrin as Cassandra Nova is as bald as she possibly can be and calmly as evil as she wants. There is a reason she is this way, which you will discover soon enough, and you don’t know whether to join her or choke her out, oh the duality of it all. Baccarin returns as Vanessa although her time on screen is short it does play into the storyline.

Let’s talk Macfadyen as Paradox! I fell for him in 2005 as Mr. Darcy in PRIDE & PREJUDICE, then I cheered for him in 2018 beat down character Tom Wambsgans in the series SUCCESSION and neither of these roles had real comedic timing to them, wisecracks maybe, but no real comedy. THIS is Macfadyen’s role for pure comedy and it had me laughing so hard at his antics. Well done Mr. Darcy, I mean Paradox!

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

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE is going to blow up theatres for weeks to come. I am not going to list anyone else from the film because I truly want audiences to find out for themselves what writers Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick came up with. There are stunners, more laughs than anyone has a right to have and visuals that stunning. Is it raunchy? Yes. Is there language that might make a few people cringe? Absolutely Are their references that can slip by if you’re not careful – seriously? Of course there are!

I remember when the news was that in 1984, the film RED DAWN had the 118 highest body count in film, but I’m willing to bet that this film will blow any 80’s body count out of the water. Of course, there is an amazing soundtrack to help the fight scenes have nostalgic meaning to those of us old folks.

It’s pretty much sure to this writer that DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE is going to be my favorite film of the year. I hope the Academy is paying attention because I think it’s really time that we acknowledge a superhero (or anti-superhero depending on your outlook on life) comedy with this particular dynamic duo to win a golden statue or two.

Gather up everybody you know, I mean everybody that loves Deadpool and that loves Wolverine because this is where people can come together. It is time to have the best movie going experience we have had in a long time. There is nothing better than coming together to cheer, laugh (expect LOTS of laughs), action, twists, intertwining stories and recognizable faces as the MCU welcomes its newest and screwed-up beloved character – yes, that’s you Wade Wilson!

To Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, thanks for being at San Diego Comic Con, thanks for the popcorn bucket and thanks for knowing that the characters you represent are everything to fans. Don’t stay away too long!

In the end – everyone deserves a happy ending!