What's coming up in theatres!

RICK AND MORTY: The Anime on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and DVD from Adult Swim, Takashi Sano and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment is a series that is out-of-this-world with RICK AND MORTY: The Anime.

The Galactic Federation is attacking and the Smith household has unwanted guests. Rick is taken and isn’t going quietly. In a more colorful place, the real Rick is living his best life. All the while, Morty is busy with a VR game given to him by Rick. The young girl Elle meets Morty in the simulation but only for a brief moment. In a flash, another Rick shows up with coward Frank. Then, Rick is having a rough trip home running into multiple Ricks and Summer sees the problem calling on Space Mom. Rick meets a younger Rick as Space Mom goes all John Wick on a mutant space ship until rebel back up arrives. Space Mom and Tammy get a chance to hash things out but its only for the moment.

Morty wants to find Elle but instead finds Rick. The Galactic Federation is all shades of angry when they realize that Morty and Rick are related and that Elle can foresee the future. What they don’t see is Morty and Elle joining the rebels against the Federation. Rick is in another Ricks reality and he is not happy about it at all. At the Smiths, Dad Jerry is busy baking a special cake but it is all interrupted by a Space Mom pick-up. When Rick and Morty are captured, the joe is on the Galactic Federation and the kid decides to join the Federation. Jailed on a chicken nugget charge, Morty takes on everyone.

Morty wants Rick to make his dad a superhero. So when Dad Jerry and hero Jerry get together, a sword is what is causing problems and people are looking for it. The rough necks have been sent to the Smiths to retrieve it. Rick and Morty are on the case to try and stop any chaos Jerry might cause in the anti-verse. Tammy is trying to get away from her world and is taken by the Federation. She meets Elle and sees what she can do. Morty and Elle are in school together much to the joy of the kid. Space Mom thinks that Elle is up to something but also knows the girl has saved more than one Smiths life.

Rick and Elle talk past and futures. Space Beth has been captured by the Federation and Rick is going to find her. Morty and Elle follow wanting to help as well. What none of them know is that the prison ship is a set up but who is setting up who? The prisoners are taking their chances to stop the Federation. The Smiths are trying to avoid the Federation because of something a different Rick created. Rewind Rick has created something that can destroy all the worlds. Space Mom and Sunny are headed out to space to take on their enemy. Jerry is loaded to protect the home while Rick and Morty do what they can to save Elle. Summer is proving she is built to be a warrior in her own right. Rick monologues about Elle and the devise another Rick created.

The battle rages on at the Smiths home and hero Jerry arrives to help. The secrets are slowly coming out about Elle. Rick makes it clear that either the universe survives or Elle does. The Federation doesn’t see the rebels as a threat but, as always, they are sadly mistaken. Morty also learns he is a revered hero among the rebels. Rick and Rick take a moment for a philosophical debate while Marty has a meltdown. That’s okay though as Summer has the battle well in hand. As the family sits back for an after-battle meal, Morty is tending to his broken heart. Rick gives him a helmet that allows him to be with Elle and a whole lifetime together. The problem is the headset is stuck so now Rick and Summer have to track down what universe Morty is in!

Warner Brothers Discovery Home Entertainment is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

Adult Swim is the leader in adult animation and #1 destination offering critically acclaimed, award-winning series that also include Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, The Eric Andre Show and so many more. For more of what Adult Swim has to offer please visit www.adultswim.com.

The episodes include The Girl Who Manipulated Time, Fighting Mother, Alien Elle, Memories, Family, Free Will, When We Meet In Our Dreams, Feel Don’t Think, Her Innermost Wish and A Pain in the Back.

The cast include Joe Daniels as Rick/Jerry, Gabriel Regojo as Marty, Luci Christian as Elle, Donna Bella Litton as Summer, Patricia Duran as Beth, Shawn Hamilton as President/Goldenfold, Brandon Hearnsberger as Nimbus, Katelyn Barr as Tammy, Greg Cote as Toby, Andrew Love as Story Lord, Brittney Karbowski and Ty Mahany as Frank.

RICK & MORTY: The Anime is work of visionary director Takashi Sano and he does not disappoint. I spend the entire Bluray laughing myself silly and having my memory consistently tested as to which Morty and Rick was the Morty and Rick at the Smiths house and how far into the multiverse do they go and when was Summer allowed to be Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley? I have so many questions in the middle of cracking up. I absolutely loved the jokes, I love the sarcasm, I love the situations and, just saying, I loved all of it.

The animation and creations are really so well done and it is clear why so many people I know are completely obsessed with RICK & MORTY. Adding this Bluray to their home anime collection is an absolute must. This summer we have already planned a Rick & Morty party and show RICK & MORTY: The Anime on our outdoor screen for all our guests to enjoy together. It is always fun to laugh together with other obsessed fun fans!

In the end – this is Rick and Morty’s multiverse!

Continue the Journey with OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7

Jacquin

Coming on a Collector’s Edition Bluray, Bluray and DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the continuation of OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7.

As Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Ian (John Bell) try to get to Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who they think is in prison, don’t realize she has been taken to a ship to help a captain’s pregnant wife. That doesn’t mean the murder charge hanging over her head is forgotten. Tom Christie (Mark Jones) is keeping an eye out for Claire and her whereabouts as he promised Jamie on the road when Claire was taken. Back home, Roger (Richard Rankin) is still about his ministry as Brianna (Sophie Skelton) is close to giving birth to their second child.

Tom Christie decides there is only one way to save Claire and sends her back to Jamie. Once home they begin to pick up the pieces of their homelife but it doesn’t last as the family must make the sacrifice to send Roger, Brianna and their children back through the stones. Soon after, there is a horrifying arrival in Frasier’s Ridge that brings Claire and Jamies world upside down again. That is when Jamie decides it is time to keep his promise and take Ian home to Scotland. Now in Scotland, Brianna and Roger open a chest that has been closed for over 200 years.

Not making it to the ship home, Jamie is called up to the Continental Army as all three head to Fort Ticonderoga. Also nearby is William (Charles Vandervaart), Jamie’s son who is a British soldier and now father and son are on opposite sides of a war. Back home in the future, Brianna finds a job as their son Jemmy (Andrew/Matthew Adair) and daughter Mandy (Rosa Morris) find creatures around their home. Their parents find it amusing in a way but are more concerned about the letters they are reading from Claire and Jamie about the battles and caring for the wounded. Jamie is also dealing with his cousin Brig. General Simon Fraser (Angus Macfadyen) who he has to fight. Claire has help from Dr. Hunter (Joey Phillips) and his Quaker sister Rachel (Izzy Meikle-Small) who actually helped William when he was wounded.

Roger is feeling a bit out of sorts seeing Brianna working but is offered an opportunity at Jemmy’s school to teach Gaelic to those who want to learn. Rob Cameron introduces himself as one of Brianna’s employees and invites himself to dinner. Right before the dinner, Roger finds Buck (Diarmaid Murtagh) from 200 years ago in his yard! They work out both situations and Buck begins to understand what happened to him going through the stones. Again, there isn’t much time to breathe when Rob (Chris Fulton) takes Jemmy and no one knows why. One thing is for certain; it has something to do with the Spaniards that Jamie and Jemmy only know about. Now Roger and Buck must go back through the stones to find them.

In the past, Jamie is fighting on the field again and when it is time to stop, a request is made that will allow Jamie and family to head to Scotland and they are thrilled. Ian has become fond of Rachel and asks her to take care of his dog until he returns not knowing that William also has eyes for Rachel. In Scotland, they arrive just in time as Ian’s father Ian Sr. (Steven Cree) needs him as does his mother Jenny (Kristin Atherton). Jamie decides its also time to make amends with his own past. Claire receives a letter from their friend John (David Berry) that his nephew Henry Grey (Harry Jarvis) needs surgery and can she come quickly. Jamie encourages her to go and he will join her as soon as he is finished in Scotland. When she arrives, she performs the life saving surgery only to be under suspicion by the British later. Receiving bad news, Claire falls into a grief that cannot be explained and has to make a decision in order for she and her family to avoid the British. When Jamie returns there are fights to be had, disagreements that are made difficult, Jamie and Washington, Brianna and Mandy deciding to find Roger and Jemmy. That means Claire and Jamie must deal with more trials before they see Fraser’s Ridge again.

Balfe as Claire continues her role and it continues to tug at the hearts of fans. At the end of last season, it looked as if Claire was not going to get past what happened to her at the hands of kidnappers. Fans know that she might be down for a moment but will get back up and handle what ever is to come in the time she now calls home. At the end of season 6, she is taken away from Jamie once again and for something she didn’t do. The character of Claire means Balfe gives us a look at the deep strength her character has and continues to give under circumstances we can’t even wrap our heads around in this day and age. Balfe is our collective Claire and the final season means our questions might be answered about the Fraser future.

Heughan as Jamie is a guy’s guy and does not hesitate to do what he must for his family and his newly adopted country. It might not always be a decision that will make Claire happy but when he makes his beliefs known, Jamie is the guy you want on your side. Heughan has taken Jamie from a young man into a wiser man with a purpose and that is his family first (which is extensive), neighbors and country (both Scotland and the Americas). The fact is, as much as Claire is the person you want on your side, Jamie is also someone you want in your corner. He makes the hard calls and won’t ask anything of anyone he wouldn’t first do himself. That’s what makes him perfect for Claire, she is exactly the same way and they know that about one another.

Rankin as Roger gives us a bit of faith but doesn’t hesitate to stretch that and doing things that might not exactly fall into a religious’ category. He has such a good heart and loves his family as well. Rankin gives Roger such heart and soul that is so strong in his character that I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role. He doesn’t always do the right thing but it manages to work itself out and I love that. Skelton as Brianna is just as strong willed as her mother and she doesn’t care if they are living 200 years in the past, she is going to make it work her way. She has seen her mother struggle and it has made her stronger. Skelton gives us a perfect mash then and now.

Berry returns as Lord John and refuses to let political differences get between his friendship with Jamie and Claire. It is a fine line and it does get crossed momentarily but it is done because John believes he owes Jamie more than he can ever repay. That is also because of Vandervaart as William, a young man just beginning his military career and learning the lessons of war can change a person and the lessons of love can be just as disappointment. He knows about the Frasers and the friendship with his father Lord John, but he’s about to learn more than he could have bargained for. Jones reappears as Tom Christie with a tale of his own to tell and his heart still aching for a love he can not have.

Murtagh as Buck makes an appearance at Roger and Brianna with his own story of the stones to tell. Once he realizes how it works and where he fits in it all, he wants to help make things right when Jemmy disappears. Cree returns as Ian Sr. and he gets the opportunity to reconnect with his son again, Native American appearance and all. Atherton as Jenny is thrilled to see her family again and explains to her son why he needs to return with Claire to the new life he created for himself. Jarvis as Grey puts shock in his uncle’s way of thinking and I cheered for his decision. Phillips as Dr. Hunter is surprised to see what Clare is capable of medically and keeps an eye on his sister Rachel. Meikle-Small as Rachel is a young Quaker woman who is about to defy her faith by falling for someone her brother doesn’t believe will be accepted by their faith.

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.

The Bluray and DVD Bonus Materials include Four Outlander Untold Scenes, Blooper Reel and Deleted Scenes.

The episodes include A Life Well Lost, The Happiest Place on Earth, Death Be Not Proud, A Most Uncomfortable Woman, Singapore, Where the Waters Meet, A Practical Guide for Time-Travelers, Turning Points, Unfinished Business, Brotherly Love, A Hundredweight of Stones, Carnal Knowledge, Hello Goodbye, Ye Dinna Get Used to It, Written in my Own Heart’s Blood, and A Hundred Thousand Angels.

OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7 is a run from start to finish. Each episode brings the life of Jamie and Claire to a full-on race to the final Season 8 (which I’m patiently waiting to see). Beginning in 2014, fans have been following their adventures (or misadventures depending on your outlook) and now, eleven years later, Season 7 sets us up for what it to come in the final season and I’m already teary eyed. All good things must come to and end, right?

This season meshes a 200-year difference and how they connect and it’s so complicated that you might want to get a pen and paper out to make a chart. Okay, so it has to be a really long piece of paper because the stories have taken us on quite a ride. Jamie and Claire have carried this series to places of heartache, love, friendship, family, torment, periods of time, countries, and have had their hearts torn for being a trusting and loyal couple. Once again, we are taken into their story of war, destruction, two-sides, and pain. Through all of that, these two characters have interconnected with others fans have come to love like Roger and Brianna, the duality of who people can be like Ian and unrequited love like Tom Christie and Lord John.

OUTLANDER has never once disappointed fans and Season 7 is no exception. So, gather up a group of Outlandians and prepare to binge. Once the story starts, there is no waiting to see what happens next!

In the end – our history is now!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is Live-Action

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures is the returning tale of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

On the island of Berg, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is a young man that doesn’t quite fit in, especially when it comes to fighting the one thing that plagues his village – dragons! It is even more difficult to fit in when your father is Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) the chieftain of Berk. Hiccup mainly spends his time in the workshop of Gobber (Nick Frost) the blacksmith and being pushed out of the way when dragons attack. Except during the most recent attack, Hiccup hears something and knows if he can bring down a Night Fury, his life will get better yet, when he does, no one believes him.

Stoick is dead set on finding the dragons lair and getting rid of there dragon problem once and for all. Before leaving on that journey, Gobber talks him into letting Hiccup go into dragon training as a way of giving him something useful to do and staying under the watchful eye of Gobber. When he arrives for training, Hiccup is met with the groans of Astrid (Nico Parker), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) who see him as a hinderance and not a help to the village.

In between training, Hiccup decides to go look for signs that he caught a dragon. There, in a small opening in the woods, he sees the Night Fury struggling and shortly realizes his tail is damaged. When a friendship is struck and he discovers a way to help the Night Fury, Hiccup realizes that he can’t and won’t hurt other dragons. As the two become inseparable and he learns from the dragon named Toothless – Hiccup also becomes a surprise during training much to the suspicion of Astrid.

She learns Hiccups secret but also realizes that the villagers truly don’t understand dragons. When Stoick returns, everything comes out and now Hiccup and Toothless are separated while finding the dragon’s lair. Hiccup enlists the help of Astrid and the others to do what needs to be done – saving his father and the other Vikings!

Thames as Hiccup is a young man trying to find his place in the Viking village of Berk. Keeping himself busy with making inventions that no one really pays attention to, he thinks its time to get a dragon. The one thing Hiccup doesn’t count on is realizing that getting to know dragons is the answer to the villages’ problem. It’s unfortunate that Stoick isn’t interested in hearing about it. Thames is charming and captures a bit of the animated Hiccup but it works smoothly and that’s what is important.

Butler as Stoick is the only person that returns from animation to live-action. The fact is that nobody could voice the chieftain better than Butler and he is fun to watch in full Viking regalia. That makes playing the role much easier since he pretty much already knows the lines. The challenge I think would be going from being only a voice to a full-fledged Stoick on screen. He is funny, challenging, and the scene where he gives Hiccup his mother’s helmet is awkward and lovely at the same time.

Frost as Gobber is the peg-legged, one arm blacksmith who understands Hiccup’s predicament referring to him as “all this” of problems with a mixture of loyalty to Stoick as well as a trusted friend. Frost gives his character sarcasm and wit that I secretly enjoy and delivers. Parker as Astrid giving the strong minded and strong-willed Viking who believes she must beat every one and everything in order to be seen as a leader. Hiccup is an obstacle to all that as she feels that being the son of the chieftain is a point she can not get over. Parker delivers on the right bad attitude of her character until she begins to see the other side of the story. Well done.

Dennison, James, Trevaldwyn, and Codd round out the added cast as the other trainees of dragon camp. They might see Hiccup as a problem-child in the beginning but, like Astrid, learn that there is more to their small world than they could ever imagine. Each of these actors are a sweet addition to the live action story.

Other cast include Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma, Andrea Ware as Burnheart, Anna Brophy as Retcha, Marcus Onilude as Snorti, Peter Selwood as Drul, Daniel Williams as Fungi, Kate Kennedy as Flatula and Murray McArthur as Hoark.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is, of course, the live action version of the 2010 version of the same name. The cast brings together that version of the story nicely with a few changes here and there but most following the formula that made the animated film such a success. That is important for the success of the film because, and let’s be honest here, when a story changes drastically, fans get a little edgy.

Toothless remains animated and everything my family loves about the Night Fury. Needless to say, there are plenty of Toothless items around our house because that is the amazing impression this character has made. He is a combination of a strong willed, free spirited, protector of a black cat and its absolutely wonderful. That’s how I’ve always seen Toothless and this film doesn’t change that about him one bit.

The film is fun, lots of laughs, and exactly the summer feature that families can have an amazing time at the theatre with. There is something for everyone bringing some of us back to 2010 and introducing a new generation to the same fun in a different way with the story of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

In the end – the legend is real!

He is the One and Only ELIO

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday for the entire family where ever in the universe you might be from directors Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Disney Pixar is ELIO.

Young Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is living with his Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldana) since the passing of his parents. It has been a difficult adjustment for them both as Elio isn’t sure where the new normal is coming from and Aunt Olga gives up her dream of being an astronaut. They are both trying to patch their family but Elio finds himself in a bit of trouble. First with schoolmates and then at the at Aunt Olga’s job at a government tracking station.

Both have to do with Elio’s love of space and his desire to be abducted. While at the tracking station, the group is excited that Gunther Melmac (Brendan Hunt) announces that he’s discovered a message. When Olga shoots it down, Elio decides to send a little welcome of his own and the results are more than he could have hoped for.

Taken up to the Communiverse, the aliens believe that Elio is a leader planet Earth and they are excited to have him along with Questa (Jameela Jamil), OOOOO (Shirley Henderson), Tegmen (Matthias Schweighofer, Helix (Brandon Moon), Auva (Naomi Watanabe), Turais (Ana de la Regulera) and Mira (Anissa Borrego). Before he is totally accepted into the Communiverse, Elio witnesses Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett) discovers that he isn’t accepted into the group. Angry, he vows retribution for his rejection.

Worries, Questa and the group worry that things will get worse but Elio volunteers to go to Lord Grigon and make him see reason. Over on the angry leader’s ship, Elio tries to reason with him but discovers it doesn’t work. While going through the ship, he meets Glordon (Remy Edgerly) and they strike up a plan and a friendship. On Earth, Aunt Olga is wondering what is happening to Elio because something has changed.

Chaos explodes when Lord Grigon figures out the plan and Elio is sent back to earth. Elijo explains to Aunt Olga what has happened when a craft with Glordon inside is at the military base. Now it’s time for Elijo, Glordon and Aunt Olga take on the universe to set things right again.

Kibreab as Elio voices a young boy dealing with deal and feeling alone in a very large world. Reaching out into space to find a connection, no one understands what he is doing. When the one thing that he wants in the universe happens, Kibreab gives voice to Elio finding his happy place and that’s the Communiverse. The problem is his dishonesty with his new friends but he tries to make it right. It is his friendship with Glordon that is charming, sweet and so very memorable.

Saldana as Aunt Olga doesn’t know what to do with Elio and she sees that he is so very sad. It isn’t easy trying to understand a child that has gone from being a nephew to practically being a son. Giving up her dreams to take care of Elijo, he senses that she isn’t happy with the decision she made. Saldana is a strong character in a difficult situation and lending her voice to this role is so warm and loving.

Garret as Lord Grigon is an unhappy alien who feels rejected by Communiverse and he’s going to show what happens to unhappy aliens. Garret is a tough voice lending itself to a tough character who doesn’t listen to his son. Edgerly as Glordon is fun, charming, so very sweet and can’t figure out a way to tell his father that fighting just isn’t his thing. I love the friendship that comes about between Glordon and Elio and Edgerly’s giggle is contagious.

Shout out to all the aliens because they are so diverse, colorful and wanting to keep their world intact. My granddaughter just adored Questa because, “she is smooth with a voice that is very calming when things get crazy”. I love that she felt that about one of the characters. Also, Hunt as Melmac is hilarious even though his moments on screen are brief.

Other cast include Young Dylan as Bruce, Jake Getman as Caleb, Shelby Young as Diplo Ship, Bob Peterson as the Universal Users Manual and Kate Mulgrew as Museum Exhibit Narrator.

ELIO is a magical, color and an absolute family film that should have parents running to the theatre. It is a story of love, sadness, friendship, understanding, dreams and how we (on this planet or any other) are not so different that we can’t learn from one another. The story is one of a young boy dealing with the hardest thing a child would ever deal with yet, the adventure teaches him the importance of being in the present and on earth.

I love when Disney Pixar brings such imaginative stories that draw people together and ELIO does just that. It has such profound moments that are made more vivid because of the animation and the imagination it took to not only tell Elijo’s story but the fantastic world of the Communiverse. Pack up the kids and spend a little time in space with ELIO

In the end – the universe came calling!

They are the THUNDERBOLTS*

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K, Bluray and DVD from director Jake Schreier and Marvel Studios comes a team that call themselves THUNDERBOLTS*.

Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) is starting to wonder about her career choices thinking about her time being trained as a Black Widow and now employed by CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). It comes at a perfect time as de Fontaine (don’t forget the “de”) is up against it as an investigation trying to impeach her looms large. Trying to stay one step ahead, de Fontaine begins to cover up her work at O.X.E. Group. Belova is told this will be her last mission by going to O.X.E. Group and find out who is stealing from the company.

Well, when Belova arrives, she is met by John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen) and Antonia Dreykov (Olga Kurylenko) and after an all-out brawl, they begin to realize what has happened. The woman who sent them on a ‘mission’, was actually hoping them would take each other out. During their discussion, a man falls out of nowhere and tells the group his name is Bob (Lewis Pullman). Their now ex-boss is upset that the group has decided to come together as a team – with Bob. Managing to capture Bob, de Fontaine works her charm when she discovers he has abilities given to him by the Sentry trials.

Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) is Belova’s dad and after hearing a plot against his daughter, decides to help the group he calls “Thunderbolts”. Another person watching all of this closely is Congressman Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) who wants the group to testify against de Fontaine. The problem is Bob when de Fontaine brings out all his superpowers that the Thunderbolts can’t handle, especially with the spread of The Void. That isn’t going to stop the misfit heroes from doing the right thing!

Pugh as Yelena Belova is a disillusioned assassin who is having trouble dealing with her issues. When de Fontaine convinces her to do one more job, Pugh’s character goes with the flow. That is until she realizes that no one can be trusted! I enjoyed Pugh’s performance as a woman who doesn’t really take much guff from anyone and yet, shows a soft side towards Bob. She is strong and smart, if only Belova can get out of her own way. Well done!

Louis-Dreyfus as de Fontaine is absolute fantastic. She is a woman who attempts to stay one step ahead of the guillotine with her plotting, planning and fancy footwork. This character is not easily jarred while others panic around her. Louis-Dreyfus gives this villain all that is necessary to make us love and hate her at the same time. Harbour as Shostakov is a dad who wants to make things right with his daughter. Continually being on her side, no matter how it looks or sounds, Harbour gives us the complexities of their relationship and the silliness from time to time of an embarrassing dad and I am here for it all.

Russell as Walker is a man who wants to keep the title of Captain and the suit that looks familiar in the Avenger world. He starts out letting everyone know he can handle anything that happens but finds himself having to adjust his thinking to be part of a team. He has his moments that totally made me laugh, well done sir. John-Kamen as Starr has her own gifts and, like Belova, patience isn’t one of them. She fits in perfectly with the band of mercenaries. Kurylenko as Dreykov is all about the mission and that is what gets complicated until what is happening becomes clear.

Shout out to Stan as Buckey Barnes who knows that de Fontaine needs to be stopped quickly. Realizing it may be the band of misfits that can help him get the job done, he ends up realizing there is more to their story and he can relate from his own past. Always glad to see Stan back in Buckey boots and he does so without missing a step.

Other cast include Chris Bauer as Holt, Wendell Pierce as Gary, Geraldine Viswanathan as Mel, and Gabrielle Byndloss as Olivia.

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.

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, Bluray and DVD include Deleted Scenes with Door is Unliftable and Gary Announcement, Assembling a Team, Around the World and Back Again, All About Bob, Sentry & The Voice, Gag Reel, and Director’s Audio Commentary.

THUNDERBOLTS* is a fast-paced, superhero film that fights its way through twists, turns and an amazing cast to make that all happen. Led by Pugh, I just love how each has their story to tell and we all get a chance to experience that. The fight begins between two government factions and, as always, it ropes in others to help keep their powers in place. The problem is, you can’t ask those to help you that you’ve tries to eliminate right? That’s when the fun begins.

The film is fun, funny and dark which is hard to pull of as director Schreier managed to do quite well. Marvel brings something pretty cool with these ragtag would-be heroes dealing with their own issues in the middle of a city destructing crisis. Mixed in is humor, charm and villainy in all the right places. As always, stay tuned after the credits.

In the end – not super, not heroes and not giving up!

DARK NUNS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from director Kwon Heyok-jae and Well Go USA is the next chapter in the world of faith versus evil with the story of DARK NUNS.

Sister Junia (Song Hye-kyo) is a woman of faith who is trying to find a way to help young boy Hee-joon (Moon Woo-jin) who seems to be possessed by a powerful spirit. Having studied under Father Kim, she has been given the nickname “Dark Nun”. Dealing with doctors who do not agree with her assessment of Hee-joon, Sister Junia believes that an exorcism is the only thing that will save the boy. Needing help, she turns to Sister Michaela (Jeon Yeo-been) a protégé of Father Paolo (Lee Jin-wook).

Taking Hee-joon to former nun and Shaman (Kim Gook-hee), Sister Junia does this because she knows she has dealt with all this before. Quickly, everything seems to only get worse and difficult for the boy. Father Paolo takes the boy to a nearby monastery as Sister Junia and Sister Michaela race to be as well. As the two nuns begin to understand one another and their unique gifts – they can finally work together. Disappointment that Father Kim and Father Choi cannot help them, Sister Junia rethinks their plan.

The day arrives for the exorcism and Sister Junia is prepared. The place is Hee-joons own home and items requested from the Vatican arrive. Now, the spiritual believers drive the exorcism to save a Hee-joons life with an unexpected third to fight the final battle!

Hye-kyo as Sister Junia is a solid woman of faith and knows that she might be the only person that can possible save Hee-joon. Her past is something of a mystery but when her story comes to light, she is even more of a heroine for me in this role. Using the teachings of her mentor, when things don’t come together the way she would like, like the start woman she is, pivots to make sure the demon doesn’t get ahead of her. I loved watching Hye-kyo take this role by the bit and putting so much into it that the believability is totally off the charts. My jaw dropped several times when tidbits came out that I was all in till the end.

Yeo-been as Sister Michaela is a woman coated in mystery. Not a warm nun as I would expect but once she realizes what her fellow nun is doing, there is a tad bit of spike and lack of faith that isn’t going to help. There becomes a moment when she realizes that the Dark Nun needs helps not only with the exorcism but the faith in what they are doing is right. It was very cool to see all aspects of Yeo-been’s character and it developed slowly and, quite honestly, perfectly.

Woo-jin as Hee-joon gets the very same applause from me as did his possessed predecessor in the film THE PRIESTS. The number of special effects is astounding and Woo-jin puts it all together in a performance that is slightly more frightening than the prior film. I give props where props are due and Woo-jin gets it from me for sure.

Huge shout out to Shin Jae-hwi as Ae-dong. There are moments in a film when something happens that makes one want to stand up and cheer and Jae-hwi gave me that moment. Other cast include Huh Joon-ho as Father Andrea and Gang Dong-won as Deacon Choi.

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.

DARK NUNS is a follow-up to the 2015 film THE PRIESTS and the awesome news here is that although it is the ‘next’ film it absolutely stands out on its own. I love films that can be part of a franchise but yet have the ability to tell their own story with characters that are unique. DARK NUN does exactly that and even with a few similarities, it works with the formula. The cast bring their own take on the characters they are portraying and I am a huge fan of Song Hye-kyo as Sister Junia. Her story is absolutely strong in the film of a woman who doesn’t follow the norm of being a nun.

The effects are fantastic in the telling and the mixture of faith and mythology are well written and fit like a glove on the screen. Everyone in the film has a role to play and the meshing is unique and brings an intensity that I was just loving from moment to moment. Once again, I am more into this genre of films that allows time for character development so when things get intense and the demons come out to play – I’m invested!

For this double feature of THE PRIESTS and DARK NUNS, get the snack tray loaded up, turns the lights off and remember, you might just want to believe.

In the end – they are ready to face the forbidden dark!

THE PRIESTS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Jang Jae-hyun and Well Go USA is the story of faith against the darkness for THE PRIESTS.

In Seoul, Father Kim (Kim Yoon-seok) discovers that a young girl of his parish, Young-shin (Park So-dam) may be possessed by a demonic spirit. Attempting to get approval for an exorcism with the Dean of clergy (Kim Eui-sung), Father Kim realizes that those who make the decision agree to it but not officially. What he does need is help and is being assigned a deacon to assist. Deacon Choi (Gang Dong-won) is a slightly wild young man but agrees be part of the exorcism. Almost immediately, after meeting with the former Deacon of Father Kim’s, Choi begins to have strange dreams.

Although Choi believes he is being sent to assist Father Kim, he is also being told to watch his every move by the superiors. When he finally meets Father Kim in person, he is just as flippant as he was on the telephone. The two men prepare for the ritual as Choi begins to record what is happening, never realizing the horror that awaits. He, like the Deacon before him, can’t get away fast enough leaving Father Kim alone.

Coming to terms with his past and running out of time, Choi and Father Kim waste no time in the final battle for a young girls’ very soul.

Yoon-seok as Father Kim is a man who clearly understands what it takes to be part of exorcisms. He also realizes that the church he is a part of won’t officially condone what he is doing yet also isn’t going to stand in his way. There is a history between Father Kim and Young-shin as the priest is not going to stop until there is a resolution. Yoon-seok gives his character an emotional dedication but also a hardened outer shell that keeps others at bay. The story is intense and Yoon-seok is one hundred percent in the game!

Dong-won as Choi is a Deacon who doesn’t exactly follow the rules all together. When given a chance to be part of Father Kim’s ‘mission’, he agrees to keep an eye on him for the church as well. Dong-won gives a character of a young priest who has his own traumatic past that he covers up with an attitude that might be out of the realm of a priest. Becoming part of what Father Kim is doing offers him insight into what it takes to be a man of the cloth with faith for those who need him.

So-dam as Young-shin has the rough part of the film with very frightening scenes of possession and trust the demon isn’t playing. I have always those thought who portray possessed individuals go through hours of make up and prosthetics to put on a performance that is meant to fill the audience with fright and terror, So-dam does so beautifully.

Other cast include Son Jong-hak as Monsignor, Lee Ho-jae as Father Jeong, Nam Ill-woo as Abbott, Kim Byeong-ok as Professor Park, Cho Soo-hyang as Agnes, Park Woong as Bishop, and Jeong Ha-dam as Shaman Young-joo.

THE PRIESTS is an intense story that has so many moving parts. Of course, it is about a young girl tormented by a demon(s) but it is also the story of two priests who each have past trauma of their own. The major issue for them is keeping their personal feelings about the past out of their minds as to not interfere with the exorcism. Actors Yoon-seok and Dong-won are absolutely fantastic together giving the audience riveting moments of what it takes for these two men to come together with faith in what needs doing.

This is an amazing and dark story that easily falls into the category of very cool possession films with its cinematography and special effects. I have been a fan of this genre since I was knee high to a grasshopper so when I say this one needs to be added to the list of must-see, believe it. What is even more spectacular is that the story really does bring more mental frights than the gory. That gives it high marks on my scary o’ meter because, honestly, I would rather you scare me with the unknown than a bucket of gore.

The film has made its awards rounds including nominations and wins from the Buil Film Awards, Women in Film Korea Awards, KOFRA Film Awards, Max Movie Awards, Chunsa Film Art Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, Asian Film Awards, Korean Film Producers Association Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards.

In the end – they are always here!

SOVEREIGN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christian Swegal and Briarcliff Entertainment comes the story of a father and son who believe in the rule of SOVEREIGN.

Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman) is a man who identifies as a Sovereign Citizen who is someone who has anti-government beliefs. Raising his son Joe (Jacob Tremblay) to believe the same thing, there is part of Joe that sees a different possibility for his life. Alone much of the time, his dad speaks on a podcast about the bank trying to foreclose on his home. A knock on the door and papers served makes it clear to the young man that the clock is ticking on being able to turn back.

When Jerry returns home and Joe presents him with the papers, dad goes on a long explanation of why none of it matters because the law doesn’t apply to them. Trying to change it up, Joe is invited to join his dad on the road trip. The seminars are meetings with groups of citizens that feel the need to be heard by Jerry. The lectures he gives are what he considers an explanation about the inner workings of banks and how to stop them from supporting it. Joe does his part to help but also spends his downtime looking into attending school much to Jerry’s surprise and feelings towards the school system in general.

After an encounter with the law, Joe is interviewed y Chief John Buchart (Dennis Quaid) who talks to the boy about his fathers’ actions and beliefs. Taken in by Social Services, Joe gets a look into spending time with kids his own age and experiencing time in a classroom but it is short lived when he is reunited with his father. Back on the road they finally arrive home once again to deal with the foreclosure and a court date notice. Jerry believes he has the right to stand up for himself but finds that being pushed to the limits with his own rights and the law of the land. Once again up against the law, what happens next brings the unimaginable for all involved.

Offerman as Kane is a man who is deep into the idea of being a Sovereign and lives his life accordingly. Constantly pushing the beliefs on his son, it is a daily deluge of study and reading to keep the boy on the “right” path. This is an intense role to play but Offerman does so exceedingly well to the point portraying a man clearly upset with the world he lives in. There are people in the world who actually believe as Jerry Kane does and Offerman seems to have embodied them all. So well done and frightening at the same time.

Tremblay as Joe is a young man who is clearly torn by the world around him. He tries to support his father as much as he can in the bid to keep the house but knows there is another world out there. While his father is living in his own world, Joe wants to be a part of kids his own age and the potential to go to school and learning. Tremblay being and living part of his father’s teachings, there are moments where you can see the character of Joe trying to find a way out and this young actor shows every bit of it on his face. What a stellar performance that Tremblay should be proud of.

Quaid as Chief Bouchart is a man who was raised to believe that being tough is not only a way to live but a way to a strong career. Watching his own son train to be a police officer, the toughness he has always been as a father follows the toughness of being a cop himself. What his character could never have imagined is that the small town is about to become even smaller. I enjoy when Quaid plays tough characters and with his recent success on the series HAPPY FACE currently streaming on Prime, there is no stopping Quaid from taking on such diverse roles.

Other cast include Terry Nelson as Deputy Hall, Kezia DaCosta as Candace, Buddy Campbell as Buddy, Thomas Kramer as Tommy, Jared Carter as Jared, Ruby Wolf as Jess, Megan Mullally as Beverly, Martha Plimpton as Leslie Ann and Nancy Travis as Patty Bouchart.

Briarcliff Entertainment is an independent American film production and distribution company founded by former Open Road Films CEO Tom Ortenberg. Launched in 2018, the studio debuted with Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 11/9 as their first film. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.briarcliffentertainment.com.

SOVEREIGN is an intense film that deals with a subject that not many really know about. To be honest I didn’t understand it all myself until I did a little research of my own. It is a little disturbing that there are masses of people who believe in the same ideas as the character Jerry Kane. Was I surprised by what I found? In today’s world and the upside down of it all the flat answer is no. If you don’t believe me, check out TikToks and YouTube channels where more and more are posting the very thing this character said in the film. The unhappiness of those who follow the idea of being sovereign will not be swayed.

Offerman brings with his role the intensity that I’ve seen on the faces of those on social media. His portrayal is a lesson to everyone that the disgruntled people living in the United States has far reaching consequences as each day of unhappiness and turmoil goes by. He is frightening and confusing all at the same time and watching his character trying to indoctrinate Joe just brings a heart heaviness as history shows what happens when generations are fed hate. Tremblay is stellar as well watching his character of Joe try to fight what is being force fed to his young mind.

The film is based on true events but what it does even more is shine a very bright light on our country that is struggling day to day with an identity that is slowly fading and in the hands of people like Jerry Kane. Watch and see for yourself.

In the end – when two beliefs collide!

Flying High with SUPERMAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director James Gunn based on character from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures is SUPERMAN.

Superman (David Corenswet) finds himself back at Fortress of Solitude, with dog Krypto’s help) needing to give himself time to heal after a battle brought on by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who wants to do everything to rid the world of the Kryptonian. Back in the fight, Superman has his fists busy giving Luthor time to pull off a fortress heist in order to get the world to turn against the people’s hero.

That includes the government who also believes the information Luthor brings back to them gives them reason to put everything under his control. Using the one thing he believes will keep Superman under his thumb, Luthor has created a place where no one will find him. No one that is except for the very determined Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) when the Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) take a pass.

Lois and Jimmy (Skyler Gisondo) discover the truth about Luthor and his nefarious dealing that has caused all the chaos putting Metropolis in danger and countries on the brink of war. It is Superman’s earthly parents, Martha (Neva Howell) and Jonathan (Pruitt Vince) Kent, who remind Clark of who he is, what he is truly capable of and that where he comes from does not define all he has accomplished. That will take him head on once again with Luthor’s twisted mind and determination to destroy Superman!

Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman takes up the mantle from some pretty serious predecessors. He portrays his character with a sense of humanity towards those he is fierce to protect, not just loved ones but people from every corner of the planet. Corenswet lets a naïve charm come into play which, I imagine, is intentional to win over the audience. He also portrays a vulnerability and duality with where Superman is originally from and where Clark Kent grew up but never forgets who is responsible for the chaos. Nice jump out the gate for Corenswet.

Hoult as Lex Luthor is one absolutely unhinged individual from beginning to end. Wanting to rid the world of Superman, he manipulates, is a narcissist, wreaks havoc and shows every sign of having not one drop of a conscience. Hoult takes all of that and brings us on a rollercoaster of insanity and it works. Perhaps we were the twisted ones because, at times, he made the audience laugh in the madness. Gathegi as Mr. Terrific is the sanest person in the whole film. He is the calm in the chaos and isn’t easily rattled as he moves through each with confrontation finesse and a bit of magnetism I must say. Seeing the determination of both Superman and Lois, there is nothing that would keep him away from helping to stop Luthor.

Brosnahan as Lois Lane brings the expected character who is strong, opinionated and is like a dog with a story-bone (sorry Krypto). As a journalist she questions everything and isn’t about to let someone like Luthor get away with anything. There is always a trail and Lois is on it with a vengeance. Brosnahan’s character also realizes that if there is going to be help for Superman, she’s going to be part of it when so many others won’t. As for the connection between Lois and Clark/Superman, I’m not sure they mesh well but then again it’s the first time out so I’ll hold out. Gisondo as Jimmy keeps on top of the stories at the Daily Planet and even has his own connections that he is secretive about. He not only helps discover connections but works with Lois on making sure the truth is exposed. Gisondo has that “Jimmy” quality but with more of an edge making a name for himself for his own work, for them both.

Fillion as the Green Lantern needs no help with his ego even if he does need help with a haircut. His confidence is interesting even if a bit misguided at times and referring to the trio as the Justice Gang just doesn’t roll off the tongue does it. That doesn’t stop him from believing in the name till the bitter end. He does bring a bit of comedy to the drama and I’m here for it. Merced as Hawkgirl is a bit put off by all the hype and has a bit of the Negosanic Teenage Warhead oozing off her winged pours. Although not one to jump into the fray right away, it won’t stop her from eventually having a big of fun with the bad guys.

Shout out to Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho! What an awesome character who deals with his own problems with Luthor and the journey this story takes him on. Yes, we cheered for him quite loudly!

Other cast include Angela Sarafyan as Lara, Michael Rooker as Robot #1, Pom Klementieff as Robot #5, Sara Sampaio as Eve, Stephen Blackehart as Sydney, Bonnie Discepolo as Ms. Jessop, Terence Rosemore as Otis Berg, Natasha Halevi as Amanda, Paul Kim as Larry, Christian Lees as Desmond, Dinesh Thyagarajan as Malik, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Mikaela Hoover as Cat, Christiopher McDonald as Ron Troupe, Zlatko Buric as Vasil Ghurkos, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Louisa Krause as Sapphire Stagg, James Liao as General Mori, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Alan Tudyk as Gary and Bradley Cooper.

The film has a huge price tag on its head but the hype will definitely bring Superman fans into the theatres. The DC Universe is now in the hands of director Gunn and Peter Safran as co-chairmen and co-CEOs. The revamping is in its infancy with SUPERMAN being the first in a long line of new and revamped stories. Their next move will depend on the audience’s reaction to their telling and the acceptance of the changes Gunn made. It might take a little getting used to but I have a sneaky suspicion that the flaws might be happily overlooked.

Let’s get to it, I have seen three Superman’s in my lifetime. Growing up it was George Reeves as my first Superman in his television series Adventures of Superman, years later it would be Christopher Reeves (no relation) who became the new face of Superman, and more years later it would be Henry Cavill that would be the new Man of Steel. So, when it was announced that Gunn was going ‘in a new direction’, I was more than disappointed that Cavill would not be returning. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that having a fourth Superman in a lifetime was on my bingo card.

When it was time to screen the film, it was my granddaughter who asked to see SUPERMAN because she wanted to see Krypto so, of course, I gave in. What transpired was two hours and nine minutes of fun, excitement and adventure for the both of us and although Krypto may have been the main reason originally, the flying pooch would not be the only reason. Corenswet takes on the mantle of Superman that is slightly different in Gunn’s version of the DC world, but it works. It works in the sense that it is a fast-paced story that allows for no time to catch one’s breath and adds touches of humanity, humor and many surprises. There are stunning special effects, gadgets and gizmos, different spaces and place so hold onto your capes. I’m thinking there are going to be a lot of dogs named Krypto and he did steal the film several times. I highly recommend big popcorn bucket, big drink and IMAX recliners because, in the words of a previous version of this superhero – look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s SUPERMAN!

In the end – look up!

They are Back and Blue with SMURFS

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Chris Miller and Paramount Pictures comes the tale of a village and its secrets with the SMURFS.

Tucked away in the woods, Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is leading his village in singing and dancing. Each Smurf is good at something but No Name Smurf (James Corden) is having a hard time finding out what that ‘something’ is. While spending a little time alone, No Name looks to the sky for answers and listening is Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), a sentient book who wants to help. Staying in secret, the book has good reason as the evil Razamel (JP Karliak) wants to bring all the books together to take over the world.

Razamel’s assistant Joel (Dan Levy) has been tasked with finding the Smurf village and when Papa Smurf is taken, No Name and Smurfette (Rhianna) are on the case. The first place to look is with Razamel’s brother Gargamel who wants to trust his brother but, well, that’s a dead end. Papa Smurf left them a clue and it leads to Mama Poot (Natasha Lyonne) and brother Ken (Nick Offerman).

Razamel, as with all bad guys, underestimates the power of the Smurfs, friendship and what happens when you find that one thing that bring you joy!

Goodman as Papa Smurf gives the voice of calm and reason in the midst of chaos when Razamel Smurf-naps him. Knowing that his village has leaders that can take care of everyone, he also knows they just have to believe in themselves. Offerman as brother Ken is not interested in really getting into the mess with Razamel/Gargamel but realizes that it is because of a history with their father. Offerman always cracks me up and, in this case, his vocals match the attitude.

Corden as No Name Smurf is just trying to find himself. For me, all I hear is Biggie asking where Mr. Dinkles is (2016 TROLLS reference). The insecurities are set aside then he believes he can do magic that can help all the Smurfs. Rhianna as Smurfette is fine but personally I just don’t feel smurfy about it. I was expecting a bit, well more – more enthusiasm, more excitement – just more. Since the film is geared to a certain audience, it isn’t a deal breaker.

Karliak gets double duty voicing both Razamel and Gargamel and yet he manages to give them each their individual voice. They may be brothers but Karliak gives them each a vocal personality and I loved it. Lyonne as Mama Poot is her usual hilarious self and it is the voice that makes the fluffy being such personality. I have to say I’m going to be looking for a Mama Poot character to put on my desk absolutely.

Levy as Joel reminds me of a over zealous intern that is hoping for a permanent job by doing whatever dastardly deed the boss wants. Even when he tries to be “evil”, it only made me laugh even more. Sedaris as Jaunty is a book with a heart of gold who wants to help No Name but also knows that the wizards want her for evil purposes.

Other Smurfs and wizards include Sandra Oh as Moxie Smurf, Jimmy Kimmel as Tardigrade, Octavia Spencer as Asmodius, Nick Kroll as Chernobog, Hannah Waddingham as Jezebeth, Alex Winter as Hefty Smurf, Maya Erskine as Vanity Smurf, Kurt Russell as Ron, Xolo Mariduena as Brainy Smurf, Hugo Miller as Clumsy Smurf, Chris Miller as Grouchy Smurf, Billie Lourd as Worry Smurf, Marshmello as Turtle, Spencer X as Sound Effects Smurf and Chris Prynoski as Quiet Smurf.

SMURFS is definitely a family-oriented film filled with all the themes of friendship, adventure, meeting new friends, knowing where you belong and standing up for what’s right. Those are excellent reasons to take the entire family to see it. The Smurfs became a part of pop culture in 1981 when Hanna-Barbera began airing the animated show. My kids were glued to the television screen every moment it was on screen. Created by artist Peyo as they were originally called Les Schtroumpfs.

The animation is bright, colorful and everything one would expect of a story that included the Smurfs. There blue skin is highlighted by bright white clothing and iconic tipped hats making them impossible to not recognize. Children still giggle today when they see them just as much as they did forty-four years ago (that’s right, I did the math!). The characters are charming and there is no doubt about that. In this film, there is humor for the kids and for the adults as well. So, load up on the snacks and prepare for a good time together.

In the end – adventure comes out of the blue!

LILO & STITCH Land Home

Jeri Jacquin

Currently stream now and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available please visit www.movies.disney.com.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, ‘Ohana Means Family: Making LILO & STITCH, Drawn to Life, Bloopers, Scenes with Stitch that include Escape to Earth, Feeding Fish, Hula Performance, Stitch Gets Names, Bath Time and Watch This!

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

Kids will enjoy the funny, the antics, the adventure and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm.

Comic Con is this week so look for LILO & STITCH and have a bit of fun in the sun with families getting a chance to hang out together! In the meantime, enjoy just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold onto your coconuts!

TO KILL A WOLF

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Kelsey Taylor and Bright Iris Film Co. is the story of two people who find a connection in TO KILL A WOLF.

Jonah (Ivan Martin) lives a relatively quiet life out in the woods staying mostly to himself. Spending his days in the woods with a metal detector, he searches for the most unusual item. One day, on his usual trip through the forest, in the distance he sees a young girl suffering from hypothermia passed out on the ground. He decides to take her back to his cabin to get warm and rest. When he briefly leaves, the girl Dani (Maddison Brown) walks around the cabin until there is a knock at the door.

Arriving back at the cabin, Jonah arrives to find the local rancher (David Knell) sitting in the living room with Dani. It is immediately clear that the two men do not see eye to eye about the traps set in the woods as Jonah takes Dani into the forest with him to show why. Taking the girl to the bus stop the next day so she may go home, something tells him there is more to this girl. Asking where she was headed when he found her, Dani tells him as he begrudgingly takes her to Klamouth. Once there, it is clear there is more to the story that she hasn’t told him.

When Dani’s Aunt Jolene (Kaitlin Doubleday) and Uncle Carey (Michael Esper) come to get the girl, Jonah isn’t sure why he is uneasy. Feeling the need to keep an eye on her, he makes it clear that all she has to do is reach out to him and he will always be there for her. Coming from a recluse it means more than he could imagine.

Martin as Jonah gives us a look inside the life of a man who clearly has a magazine rack full of issues that he keeps to himself. Living far off the beaten path, his seclusion is a bit of a saving grace for him. When that routine is disruptive by Dani, it takes him down a path he never thought possible. Martin is superb in his portrayal of this man and done so well with each step he takes and closer I cheered for.

Brown as Dani is a young girl who has a story that is disturbing, deeply heart wrenching, and filled with strength. Feeling safe with Jonah may seem out of place but by the end it is completely understandable, at least it was for me. Brown gives us the conflict of a young girl dealing with grief on so many levels that feeling safe with a stranger makes sense. A beautiful performance.

Doubleday as Jolene is a woman with rage of her own. Having to take care of her mother’s property, not knowing where her sister is and becoming a parent to Dani – it is clear her reactions are history and stress laden. Esper as Carey is a man who clearly knows how to handle his wife and sides with Dani to make her more comfortable. The family already has its dark issues and more are about to come to the surface.

Other cast include Annika Cowels as Jennie, Julie Knell as Margie, Jessica Catalano as Sugar, Grant Jay as Donny and Dana Millican as Detective Coyne.

Bright Iris Film Co. founded in 2017, the agency offers distribution, marketing and publicity services that capitalize on a depth of industry experience and access as well as a wealth of enthusiasm for celebrating and amplifying the stories that connect us. In an ever-changing film industry, we champion collaborations that are nimble, innovative and thoughtful. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.brightirisfilm.co.

TO KILL A WOLF is a film about broken lives, running away, trying to find a safe space and accepting responsibility for mistakes made. The characters portrayed by Martin and Brown are intense, of few words and both are dealing with trauma by hiding. There is a feeling of wanting to reach through the screen and hug them both tightly to protect them from the outside world that does not understand either of them.

The chill in the air isn’t just the dampness of the forest but in the very souls of these characters. Turning the story upside down and inside out, there is never a moment to rest waiting to listen to their stories and see how it all pieces together their chance meeting. The wounds can either be new or old, the response of trauma is the same for them both giving the feeling of this connectiveness they need to feel safe. Just haunting on every level and perfect in its simplicity.

The film has been shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Bend Film (winner), Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Film Fest Knox, Tallgrass Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and Portland Film Festival.

In the end – there is redemption!

They Will Fight for 40 ACRES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writers Glenn Taylor, Lora Campell, director R.T. Thorne and Vertigo Releasing is a fight for 40 ACRES.

The Freeman farm came to be in 1875 when the family settled in Canada after the first Civil War. As the world has been turned upside down, Hailey Freeman (Danielle Deadwyler) knows that farmland is the most valuable thing on earth. Along with Galen (Michael Greyeyes)) and their kids Emmanuel (Kataem O’Connor), Danis (Jaeda LeBlanc), Raine (Leenah Robinson) and Cookie (Haile Amare), are strong together, smart, and well-trained tactically for survival all well tending the farm. That comes in handy as a band of raiders try to take what’s there’s!

Hailey monitors the radio staying in contact with the surrounding farm, especially Augusta Taylor (Elizabeth Saunders) since both women have a military background. They talk of more attacks on farms with no help. Out on patrol, Emannuel is enjoying alone time only to be startled by a stranger. He followers her to a camp but doesn’t tell anyone. Visiting the depot – Galen, Emmanuel, and Raine are met by a pack of strangers saying they were military but they knew differently knowing bad things happen when strangers are around.

More and more danger comes closer to the Freeman farm. What Hailey doesn’t know is what Emmanuel has done to put them all in jeopardy and into the fight of their lives. When the young man takes matters into his own hands, it is Hailey that has no choice but to do whatever it takes to secure her family and the farm. This battle is going to cost them all!

Deadwyler as Hailey is a returning soldier to the farm and the madness follows years later. Determined to keep the farm at all costs, she trains the kids to be able to handle anyone or anything that comes their way. Deadwyler is sharp, strong and doesn’t bat an eye from her objective. Motherhood, on the other hand, is still proving to be a challenge for her attempting to separate the two but her performance is stunning. If Deadwyler looks familiar, her recent 2025 film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD rattled more than a few nerves and recently a role on the Hulu series The Bear.

O’Connor as Emmanuel is the typical young man who thinks he knows more than everyone else and pushes the boundaries. Of course, as with this stereotype of a young person, the choices lead to disaster every step he takes and other suffer for it. That being said, O’Connor is a strong character in the story and makes his presence felt frame by frame. Greyeyes as Galen is the calming influence on the farm but has his moments when certain foods from the past times riles him up. Knowing a lot about the land from his own ancestry, he is happy on the farm with his family but protective just the same make no mistake.

Robinson as Raine is thrilled to be as good with a gun as she is. She is absolutely calm until its time not to be but even then, she knows what has to be done. I enjoyed her cool-as-a-cucumber persona which matches that of Galen. LeBlanc as Danis is a combination of Galen and Raine and thrilled with traditions. Amare as Cookie is such a young girl to be living in such a dangerous time but she also knows more on how to handle herself than I ever would.

Shout out to Saunders as Augusta who befriends Hailey in the early days and although her role is small, her time on the screen with Deadwyler is amazing. Also, Milcania Diaz-Rojas as Dawn coming into the story with a character that pushes Hailey to the brink.

Other cast include Drifters Mimi Cote, Patrick Garrow, John Tench, Derek Barnes, James Binkley and Tyrone Berskin as Felix Freeman.

Vertigo Releasing commitment to discovering and championing quality independent films and filmmakers is reflected in the success of our releases, with multiple Academy Award, BAFTA and BIFA nominated titles in our library including Boiling Point, Sound of Metal, Santosh, Hoard, Benediction, and Censor. Other popular releases include Late Night with the Devil, Timestalker, Reality, Crimes of the Future, Spring Breakers, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Dog Soldiers, Five Feet Apart, Child’s Play, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vertigoreleasing.com.

40 ACRES is absolutely what I would expect of a post-apocalyptic world that doesn’t have zombies in it. Instead, it has those who are trying to survive without hurting anyone and those who want to survive by hurting everyone. I love that the film keeps up the pace of intensity because even with “relaxed” moments, I was never relaxed. The cast brings it full force from the very beginning and doesn’t let off the gas for a second.

Deadwyler takes on the role of lead in the film and she makes it look frightfully easy. Tethered to her is the supporting performance of Greyeyes who is the level head when Deadwyler’s Hailey looks like she could explode. In this world of violent adults, it is the young people of the film that have a grounding of what the world has become and the possibility of where it can go. That is, of course, once they stop the madness. Totally enjoyed the film!

In the end – get off our land!

THE FANTASTIC 4: First Steps

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios based on the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic is the FANTASTIC 4: First Steps.

It has been a few years since Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) went into space and came back with superpowers. Now Sue is expecting a child and Reed worries what that means as far as having powers. That celebration comes to a halt when a Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives on Earth and announces its pending destruction by a being called Galactus (Ralph Ineson).

Immediately, the Fantastic 4 suit up and fly through space to meet Galactus face to face but instead hear the conditions for leaving Earth alone. Reed makes it clear that Galactus will not get what he wants as the team races back to their own planet. The press meet the returning ship and learn what Galactus wants. Reed immediately begins to search for mathematical answers while Johnny takes it upon himself to try and understand the language of the Silver Surfer.

Coming up with a plan, their only option is to give Galactus what he wants but Reed, Sue, Ben and Johnny aren’t going to exactly make it easy for a being trying to ruin their world. Trusting the Fantastic 4 to save them, the world believes in their heroes!

Pascal as Richards is a man that thinks everything through mathematically and invents what he needs to not only take care of Sue but get his house in order. Pascal play his character with a stern seriousness but with one goal – to save his family. Watching Pascal hold a baby is probably going to cause women to lose their minds too but that’s a bonus.

Kirby as Storm is a woman surrounded by men and making it clear that she is just as vital as they are. Once they hear the demand of Galactus, Kirby’s Storm makes it clear that no alien is going to destroy what they’ve worked so hard for, family and protecting the planet. She gives her character strength and determination to use her superpowers for both.

Moss-Bachrach as Grimm is the one most changed in appearance by their first trip into space. His appearance is difficult for him to deal with, especially when someone has caught his eye. Grimm is so kind and sensitive but don’t take that for granted because when the world needs his strength, he handles whatever is in the way. Moss-Bachrach plays the character of Ritchie on the hit Hulu series The Bear so I was thrilled to learn he took on the role of Grimm.

Quinn as Storm gets the chance to once again play a misunderstood character but he does it so well. Proving he is more than Storm’s brother and Richards relative, Quinn gives his character the behavior of a lover boy but there truly is more to him. The upcoming season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things proves that he is an actor that can handle such diverse roles and makes them his own.

Garner as the Silver Surfer is the one who announces the destruction of Earth. The agent of destruction for Galactus, Garner gets the chance to play a character that has her own story to tell. Ineson as Galactus lends his voice to give the right amount of alien destructor

Other cast include Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert, and Natasha Lyonne as Rachel. Shout out to Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder aka Mole Man for his humor and presence, I just loved it so much.

THE FANTASTIC 4: First Steps is going to make Marvel fans so thrilled. The film itself is done with a comic book feel from the suits of the four and the couture of the population. That also includes the futuristic look of the spaceships and the alien nature of Galactus. I love the look of the Richards home as it reminded me of the 60s shows I watched when I was younger. The mash of all of this is, well, fantastic.

From the first scene to the last, there is action and intensity even if there are a few clunky moments. The MCU needed this film and giving it the sci-fi feel along with a remarkable cast means that these superheroes in blue and white are pretty darn good all around. The literal ‘first steps’ have been taken and we all know where they lead – to AVENGERS: Doomsday and that is going to be a blockbuster!

In the end – they will save the world as a family!

COMIC CON Arrives with Indoor and Outdoor Fun in 2025

Jeri Jacquin

Yes, we know its summer in San Diego when San Diego Comic Con International takes over downtown San Diego. Wednesday night is Preview Night and that means something for everyone and the hints at what is to come for the next four days.

Arriving in the Exhibit Hall is always a treat and, of course, I have to head over to the Funko booth (#5145) to see the latest and greatest. It is always fun to see what faces are now gracing these five-inch-high cuties and yes, I have lots of them myself! Sony is just a few booths down (#4745) and you know they are going to show off a bit of what is coming to their slate including Anthony Mackie and TWISTED METAL, BETTER CALL SAUL, FOR ALL MANKIND, Starz series OUTLANDER, THE BOYS and the newest spinoff OUTLANDER: Blood of my Blood.

Right next to them is DC and with their summer hit of SUPERMAN, you can be sure there is plenty to give away and the line will be worth the wait. Abrams returns to Comic Con (#1216) with signings and exclusive giveaways with titles such as The Reckoning Roku, The Veracity Trap!, The Essential Peanuts and more.

Down a few booths is a favorite of this family with Crunchyroll. If you haven’t had a chance to catch them on streaming, do it and you won’t regret a moment of it. Anime fans from all walks of life have a chance to stream all day some of the most fantastic series. Right around the corner from that is Disney (#4229) and with the success of their new series IRONHEART, this will definitely be a booth to hit up. Shout! Studios will have a photobooth featuring the background of shows like Arcane: League of Legends, Hard Boiled, PARANORMAN and more! Their pin sets are absolutely outstanding and I’m going to get MST3K for myself!

Kitty-corner to them is Nickelodeon and if there are any fans (and you know we are of all ages), drop by and see what they bring to the weekend of fun and trust when I say it’s a lot. A little further down you can find Paramount inside but they will also have The Lodge waiting outside for fans of series like LANDMAN, my favsies, STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds, DEXTER: Resurrection, NCIS: Tony & Ziva and MISSION: Impossible. You know Comic Con would not be complete without Star Wars making themselves right at home in practically the middle of the hall. I am quite temped to bring my Grogu along with me but he’s so darn cute and might get away from me!

Lego is right across the aisle and I love visiting them every year because basically I just don’t have the patience to make anything with them so this gives me an opportunity to golf-clap all the hard work they do to present awesomeness for fans. Just a few steps further and Marvel’s booth is waiting to show you everything, well, Marvel! It is always fun to see what they bring as it is quite nostalgic for me since my brother kept me interested and my sons love just about everything Marvel. The NECA’s booth (#3545) is inviting everyone into the Jason Universe with panels and giveaways as Spirit Halloween shows off its newest Jason mask in celebration of his 45th anniversary, exclusive 45th anniversary hats, and a limited-edition Mondo lithograph inspired by Sweet Revenge.

It is comics that put the comic in Comic Con so let’s talk about that as Roye Okupe will be signing for his graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder and IYANU has become the number one kid’s show on Cartoon Network and soon coming to film. Rob Liefeld will be on panel for “Rob Liefeld: Youngblood 33rd Anniversary and fans can look for an exclusive in the Image booth (#1915). Comic Distro and eigoMANGA has several scheduled events and one the kids might be interested in it “Manga Tutorials for Kids” with a beginner-friendly workshop introducing kids to manga drawing and basic storytelling techniques. Titan is bringing much anticipated new comic to launch at Comic Con and guests that include Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian), Max Allan Collins (Hard Case Crime’s Mike Hammer) and Roman Dirge (Lenore).

IDW Publishing is bringing a brand-new booth design (#2729) and has packed their schedule with comics, creators, signings and panels that are sure to give a few secrets away. They will also have exclusive with Godzilla, Monster High, Star Trek, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto. Wonderstorm is bringing the panel “The Dragon Prince: The Next Arc as creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond along with voice actors Jack De Sena and Dante Brasco to talk about what is next in the Dragon Prince world. Britton Payne moderates an interesting look at “Autism in Comic Books” as with Rebecca Burgess’ graphic novel “Speak Up!” and will be on panel to discuss comic books and their mission of inclusion.

The Mondo booth (#5045) will also be on hand to showcase their new collectables to include DC, Marvel, Godzilla and so much more. Penguin Random House booth’s (#1514 and #1515) are bringing the Eisner Nominated book Big Jim and the White Boy and more works including Muted: Volume One by Miranda Mundt, The History of the Computer by Rachel Ignatofsky, Castle Swimmer: Volume Two by Wendy Martin and Artifices & Alchemy: A Young Adventurer’s Guide by Jim Zub.

Don’t forget the Comic-Con Museum as all three levels have something to explore. U.S.’s First DOCTOR WHO exhibit, World Premier Lucha Libre exhibit, World Premier Tokidoki exhibit, World Premier Luann comic exhibit, Comic-Con Masquerade Costumers: Award-winning cosplay, and Julien’s ECHOES FROM THE GALAXY: A Star Wars Memorabilia Exhibit and Auction is coming on Sunday the 27th.

There is so much more on the inside to see and do but let’s talk about outside, shall we? Just to start off the fun, the Thunderbolts Treatz Truck is going to keep us all cool in the heat offering up swag and ice cream with themes like “Strawberry Red Glory”, “American Shield”, “Winter Soldier Swirl” and “Killer Charm Sundae” . STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds is going to be bringing performers dressed as the U.S.S. Enterprise crew as the Gaslamp Quarter comes to life on a living stage plus an Interactive Zone at Petco Park.

DC has partnered with Old Spice and an immersive experience inspired by SUPERMAN and you can discover all of it on the Promenade Plaza at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. LILO & STITCH has brought A Taste of Paradise! To San Diego in the Gaslamp Diagonal where there will be family-friendly activities with photo ops and free shaved ice to keep things super cool with unnecessary cuteness guaranteed!

FX’s ALIEN: Earth “The Wreckage” invites attendees to explore mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot as part of the upcoming series by Noah Hawley. Fans will be part of interactive thrills and never-before-seen aliens. Adult Swim always brings the fun with the Smiling Friends break room, Rick and Morty Buttworld Bounce House, Adapt-a-Cuy Station, Common Side Effects Mushroom Hunt and all with games, photo ops and a Nightly DJ.

Finally, if you are wanting to see a favorite film, well, SDCC has that for you as well. At 6 p.m. in the Marriott Marquis you can see MY SCIENCE PROJECT, CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World at 7:45 p.m. and AIR FORCE ONE all in one night. Now that’s what I call binge watching. Just think – this is just Preview Night!

See you tomorrow, wearing comfy shoes, bring water and charger packs!

Thursday Brings the First Full Day of Comic Con 2025

Jeri Jacquin

What an amazingly beautiful day to start the actually full day of San Diego Comic Con as all outside events begin to open up and the Exhibition Hall brings fans from all over the world.

Hall H begins the morning with PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS! Timothy Simons (Tantalus) brings about introductions but before that invites everyone who hasn’t seen the show to get on that. Executive Producers Dan Shotz, Craig Silverstein and Jon Steinberg are joined by the cast of Daniel Diemer (Tyson), Dior Goodjohn (Clarisse La Rue), Charlie Bushnesll (Luke Castellan), Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson).

In the next season, the Executive Producers talk about how everything finally came to a safe space for Percy but in season two there is going to be quests to find the Golden Fleece. It’s needed for protection for all. Steinberg says that the world coming will be all magic and is a challenge but also exciting for fans. “It is all an adventure from start to finish,” says Steinberg. Shotz says, “The next season is so massive that we can not wait for you to see what we can do”.

Scobell and Jeffries have an amazing rapport on screen but they are so charming and funny on the panel stage as well. Jeffries says her character is going to be more vulnerable with Percy. Walker and Simons talk about the challenges of school and being on the set. “I remember, how we would be fighting and screaming on set for a scene and then I’d be in school” remembering what he had just done on set. A fun thing to film for Simhadri, “In season two it would be the wedding dress, that was pretty awesome.”

Finally, when asked about what :: would want fans to know, she says, “I think the big thing that I’ve been thinking about in my head is that it’s a very, very big deal is just seeing all of you here puts things in perspective and I believe that being able to live our characters fully and portray them properly knowing we are doing it for a higher purposes makes everything worth it.”

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Jo Koy are the next panel and they bring the entire hall into fits of laughter. Making sure to be comedians bearing gifts there was a little something for everyone and it was a great way to start the morning because I’m always up for a laugh! They spoke about their show in 90-minute sets and joked about their heroes. HYDE: When Graphic Novel and Movie Worlds Collide takes the stage next to talk about the Johnny Depp-Ridley Scott collaboration with Robert Louis Stevensons Hyde. The graphic novel, created by Jesse Negron, is getting input from Depp and Scott for this intense collaboration.

“To build within the world of Robert Louis Steven’s masterful characters and to be welcomed into the vision of Ridley Scott…and inexplicably having the opportunity to explore, it’s surprising to me. Hopefully surprising to him. It’s insane and beautiful to receive trust from Ridley – a master”, says Depp.

Hall H has invited a few frights of its own as FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2, with Juju Green, has arrived for fans. Based on the wildly popular video game, it is a story of murderous animatronics inside a pizza restaurant that seems to have a curse. The first film opened in theatres and screaming in 2023 making a, pardon the pun, killing with $130 million the first weekend. Director Emma Tammi says there are many more animatronics than the first which, for viewers, means more twisted fun. Jason Blum says, “There is so much more lore here and we worked quite a long time to get the script right.” They are joined on stage by the cast of Josh Hutcherson (Mike), Piper Rubio (Abby), Theodus Crane (Jeremiah) and Teo Briones (Alex).

Hutcherson says his character now is, “Mike and Abby went through a lot in the first movie. I think Mike wants to get back to a normal life and find stability for Abby. He wants to have a nice normal life and that just can’t happen. I think that Mike in a way is trying – he has all this trauma from the first film and now he’s trying to fake it till you make it without full working through what happened. He’s going through it, I think the cool thing in this movie is that Mike and Abby are really strong. I think what happens in this film is that it gets to a place in this film where it gets even stronger.”

Skeet Ulrich joins the panel and when asked which animatronic would they be most afraid of if they were in the game, Skeet says, “Probably Freddy! I don’t know if I’d be scared of any of them.”

I was personally thrilled when THE TOXIC AVENGER: Unrated & Radioactive came to the main stage and a nice follow bringing another horror/comedy to the screen. The story is about Winston Gooze played by the amazing Peter Dinklage who is a janitor that becomes a little more than messed up by toxic waste. Turning into a superhero, it should surprise no one as toxic sludge has a tendency to do that. The panel brought Dinklage (Winston), Elijah Wood (Fritz), Jacob Tremblay (Wade), Taylour Paige (J.J.) and writer/director Macon Blair and Lloyd Kaufman producer. If that isn’t enough, how about a serenade mixed with an apology from Kevin Bacon but refers to the film as a “hilarious, punk, fun, and bloody ride” which means I will be first in line.

Loving how Dinklage gave us his personal feelings about seeing the film as a kid made me wonder, did he feel like a kid while making the film? He says so and that makes it all the more eager to see. He also doesn’t hesitate to give credit to Luisa Guerreiro for her work as the Toxic Avenger claiming “she does a better me than I do of me!”.

Finally, more frights as Ballroom 20 hosts Madelaine Petsch, director Renny Harlin and producer Courtney Solomon to rile up the fans about the sequel and a first-look from STRANGERS CHAPTER 2. Coming into theatres September 26th, the film promises to be more brutal because the strangers learn that Maya is still alive and they just can’t let that go. Of course, this means that no one is going to stand in their way – no one. Get ready to run!

That wraps up day one and a full day inside only matched by the fantastic happenings outside. Tomorrow has even more for film and television!

DAY THREE Brings Finales, New Shows and Films

Jeri Jacquin

Okay OUTLANDER fans, this is going to be a tough one as the series reaches its final season. Hall H and STARZ brings Sam Heughan (stop that!), Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin (I said stop that!) and producer Maril Davis and Matthew B. Roberts to the panel. Knowing the audience is dealing with the heartbreak of saying goodbye to our favorite time travelling couple, Roberts says, “I think the idea for the last season was to not try to top season 7, just do a really good season of OUTLANDER and make it work.”

He also says, “Make sure the stories work and give the characters time to do what they do. To deal with the conflicts in front of them instead of trying to make it something it wasn’t just to do that. I think we accomplished that and hopefully you guys feel the same way.” We might not exactly feel the same way about the show’s ending but we’ll put on a brave face because we have something else to look forward to. Caitriona Balfe couldn’t make the panel due to filming but sent a message to fans, “We have shared many a good time in Hall H together. I seem to recall vaguely some drinking, some dancing, maybe some Irish dancing…so many amazing memories. I’m excited for you to see the final part of this journey.”

Heughan, minus his usual golden locks, had his own take on the final season. “It was a very, very hard season to shoot. I think there were so many emotions going around. I think day to day you’d be like, ‘Oh, this is just another day at work. We’ve been doing this for 11 years. Then other days, ‘This is the last time I’m going to work with this person or put on this costume’. It made the last season very charged that adds to the very dramatic storyline, just a mega XL version.” He also says, “For Jamie and Claire, their world is about to change very differently”.

Hold on…don’t put away your hearts yet! OUTLANDER: Blood of My Blood is coming to STARZ with a two-episode premiere on August 8th. The panel, being precluded by bagpipes, includes Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser, Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie, Hermione Corfield as Julia Moriston and Jeremy Irvine as Henry Beauchamp. Fans get a look at clips of Jamie Fraser’s parents Brian and Ellen on a Scottish bridge and Claire’s parents Julia and Henry driving through Scotland in the 20th century.

Not sharing much else, producers of the show aren’t giving much away about Claire with her parents as a child as Roberts says, “Maybe (as the crowd goes nuts), maybe isn’t a no!” One of my OUTLANDER favorites Graham McTavish drops by to question young Sam Retford who plays Dougal MacKenzie saying, “First of all, congratulations on the wig and beard” but asking about Dougal’s sensitive side. Retford says he fell in love the moment he saw McTavish calling him “dad.” What got everyone teary eyed was Raya Yarbrough getting a hall full of fans to sing the “Skye Boat Song” – okay, I’m broken now.

And I suppose I’ll have to stay that way as AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon’s Norman Reedus says, “Daryl’s journey is far from over” but it is also announced that the series will end with Season 4. Good gawd how much more can we take? A lot apparently! Reedus also says, “We’ve had a very close connection with all of you and a loyal fan base. We started this show way back when, and we would come here, we get all this love, and it just made us work harder and the show has just gotten better and better. I’s been such a big part of my life; it’s something I’ve put so much work into and spent so many hours, weeks, months and years thinking about it obsessively and trying to improve every single year.” Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride’s characters will be taking a global trot through Spain (with stops in Bilbao, Galicia, Andalucia, Segovia, Toledo and Madrid – passport please!). McBride says of her journey through the dead, “It has been the thrill of a lifetime to shoot this part of Daryl and Carol’s adventure together in Europe and I keep coming back for more of these two characters. There is still so much story left to tell and so much for the fans to look forward to.”

Moderated by Chris Hardwick and joined by showrunner David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple as executive producer and chief content officer as well as executive producer Greg Nicotero, prep your televisions for September 7th when the show premiers. Shudder is getting in on the action as Nicotero is part of a competition show called GUTS & GLORY which will air September 9th on AMC+. The premise of the show is a horror experience of challenges, horror and survival. Sign me up for that!! Reedus also has another season of RIDE WITH NORMAL REEDUS coming on September 14th and his ride guests include a few names you might recognize with Robert Patrick, Kim Coates (back in the saddle SOA rider!), Gimple and Nicotero and love when McBride joins in the fun.

So, after all the emotional morning trauma, lets turn to something more galactic, shall we? FX’s new show ALIEN: Earth makes its debut in Hall H. The series created by Noah Hawley is based on the ALIEN franchise in this prequel set two years before the original 1979 ALIEN film. A craft crashes on Earth as a ragtag band of soldiers with something aboard they should have. Premiering on FX August 12th (set your intergalactic calendars people), the series will complete a season in eight-episodes. The panel included Sydney Chandler who plays Wendy, Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin and Babou Ceesay who are sitting in a room of almost 7,000 fans who are here to see what the show has to offer in the way of details.

There is family, friendship, greed, corruption and, of course, the kind of horror one would expect when a xenomorph is out to kill everything, no exceptions. Creator Hawley says, “Each hour has to have its horror elements but it has to be a drama. You have to worry that I may kill one of these people, I just might.” He also refers to the creatures as “genetic revulsion.” Right up our alley! Olyphant talks about the storyline as “the thing that wake you up in the middle of the night that you’re thinking about the next day are just scenes between two people and they’re so riveting, in addition to the thrills, scares and drama.” Yes, it is true that the first episode of ALIEN: Earth was shown and no, I’m not giving out any details! Trust me, you’ll be glad I made you wait!

If you haven’t had enough of ALIEN: Earth, head over to the interactive called “The Wreckage” and discover the story, activities and a few cool beverages outside of the Convention Center.

Okay, the cat is out of the bag, I have been a Mark Hamill fan since I fell into a teenage crush for him in 1977 as Luke Skywalker (I think I just aged myself!). So when I heard he was in the film THE LONG WALK, I didn’t need to see or hear anything more to know I would be in the front row at the theatre. Of course, the bonus is that this film is based on the Stephen King novel because that my friends means our emotions are going to be on a roller coaster ride. Getting a chance to see the first twenty-two minutes of the film (that came with a hefty warning from the moderators Eric Vespe and Anthony Breznica), the story is based on a contest where one hundred teen boys walk under the eye of the commander played by Luke Skywalker, oh sorry, Mark Hamill. Who ever makes it to the end – wins. The panel included David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer and Mark Hamill, producer Roy Lee and screenwriter JT Mollner. The latter on the panel said, “We wanted the beauty, love, story of friendships, brutality and hopelessness. If this book got into the wrong hands, the wrong studio, it could have been neutered. We kept the teeth. It definitely has bite, it needs to, it wouldn’t work if we didn’t go all the way. It is an unrelenting and brave film.”

Hamill said of his taking on the role of the Army commander (and his reception was craaaaazy loud) that it was a character he knew a lot about being raised on a military base in Japan recalling of soldiers, “if you vomited, you ate it. I saw it first-hand.” But he also said after reading the script that, “I know this guy”.

With monster’s human and not so human, we are now into PREDATOR: Badlands as the audience comes face to sorta face with the Predator himself scanning the audience and saying something that only a fellow predator might understand. Sometimes it’s better not to know, ya know? Moderator Kevin Smith comes into Predator’s line of sight and the audience is spared. Director Dan Trachtenberg who said of predator’s vocal stylings, “I don’t speak Yautja, but I’m pretty sure he said something about the Epstein files!”, Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Kolamatangi, and VFX Alec Gillis.

The story is that of a outcast predator meets an ally searching as this is the first time a predator has been a good guy? Fanning puts her thought in, “It has so much heart and emotion. PREY definitely had that, but what made Badlands unique is there are no humans in this film. I play a synthetic android and Dimitrius is a predator. There’s an unlikely friendship among these two characters. I will say, I do play two parts in the film.” Begin shown the first fifteen minutes of the film, with predator brothers and a father who wants one of them gone. One saves the other sending them to another planet and I’ll leave you to see it in theatres November 7th to decide which one.

Now that my eyes are forever emblazon with red lasers and a heck of a light show, there are recognizable riders marching down the aisle to stand guard at the main stage. Disney brings it all with TRON: Ares. Kevin Smith returns as moderator asking the audience, “Did you see that entrance? That cost more than CLERKS!” The pan included director Joachim Ronning, Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Arturo Castro, Gillian Anderson, Cameron Monaghan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee and Jeff Bridges (aka Kevin Flynn). In this film, Ares (Leto) is sent into the real world facing evil tech Julian Dillinger (Peters). It is Bridges who makes an impact by saying, “1982! 43 years ago, c’mon man, and we’re continuing the story? Lisberger created this wild word that was so fun to be part of. These times, artificial intelligence is on everybody’s mind and heart these days.”

Leto says he is a Tron superfan, “If I wasn’t on the stage, I would be in the audience right now cheering like all these crazy people here. It was in 1982 that video games were exploding and films were a huge part of my life when I was a kid. This movie just grabbed hold of me, my imagination and it showed me what was possible in the world. Movies like this really gave me something to dream for and dream about.” Two different clips were shown and they are fantastic. Nine Inch Nails (for the millions of fans) is responsible for the score of the film with the song “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” released recently. I remember the first time I saw TRON in 1982 so you know I’ll be there in 2025 to see it through. Ah, traditions!

That is the end of Day Two and if that isn’t enough for you, Hall H and Ballroom 20 are going to be filled again tomorrow with fan favorites. See you there!

Controversy and Laughs with Comedy Central Adult Animation

Jeri Jacquin

Hall H was packed late Friday afternoon for Comedy’s Central’s Adult Animation panel. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (their first time in 10 years), took the stage along with Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge and Digman! Star and co-creator Andy Samberg. Moderated by Josh Horowitz, excited fans were treated to stories, laughs and what is coming next for these beloved and iconic shows. It must also be said that fans were talking before the panel began about the recent South Park Season 27 with the teeny, tiny DJT character – oh hell, the whole episode had every recalling and laughing.

Horowitz addressed Parker and Stone with the unbelievable apology of “we’re terribly sorry”. Personally, I don’t think they have anything to apologize for since signing their $1.5 billion (with a b) deal with Paramount to continue South Park which means that neither writer is afraid of Oompa Loompas!

Samberg said South Park was a college get together, as well as Beavis and Butt-Head and it meant everything to him. Judge talks about how he thought he would be recognized for his work for Beavis and Butt-Head, but he wasn’t. Stone and Parker agree but also say that Comic Con fans are so nice. They also admit they may use their character voices from time to time.

Asking about their influences, Stone and Parker met over MONTY PYTHON’s Flying Circus on PBS on a Thursday night. Meeting in film school, the two guys were in classes and they were the only two that wanted to do comedy. “The internet was just coming out but it was the VHS that went ‘viral’ yet me and Matt were sleeping on couches to get to meetings”, says Parker.

Judge agrees that it was the PBS series and that Terry Gilliams animation was everything. He also mentioned National Lampoons Magazine saying the animation in the 80s was bad unless you went to creative festivals. A personal note, Judge does sound like Beavis! He tells the story of the Beavis-laugh inspired by a student crushing on a calculous teacher who was a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.

Stone says he loves animation because they don’t age. They last and it was a good creative decision for both Stone and Parker. “We got to create these characters and stick with them for a long time”, Stone says. Parker also admits that he has no idea what the next week episode is going to be and it’s “super stressful”. The timeline is admittedly unique and Judge says it has changed some and it takes time doing storyboards and vocals etc. “It’s getting a little faster”, he says. Parker says, “what is great for animators today is that it can all be done in one building so we can make changes. That’s the beauty of it”. Samberg did his at home which allowed him to make changes. “I think for us it was more about timing. SNL was people talking about it and over a period of time people would get a shirt that says “Making Copies!”. That’s why SNL did the same characters over and over. Digman!, my friend Neil Campbell wanted to do an animated show. I did Nic Cage impression on SNL but I wanted to keep doing it after so we reversed engineered it and went from there.” Asked if he was up to going to 25 to 30 seasons, Samberg replied, “Gawd, I would do anything to do that yeah. It is pretty amazing to be on here with my show but I’m going to roll with it.”

Stone says there is always competition with TikTok saying, “I’m jealous of how they can edit on their phone and what took us so much longer, people have these creative tools. It feels competitive, that’s something that keeps us going. Everyone is doing it.”

Horowitz asks if there is a keeper of the knowledge of South Park or Beavis and Butthead? And Parker points to the audience and says, “It’s them! We just go on the internet and see what people are saying and we can look at a fanbase and find out ‘oh yeah that’s who his mom is’ and the audience has said it”. Taking a break for Judge he says, “Not to bash on MTV, we had an ugly relationship for a while and we were doing too many too fast. There was no quality control but I loved doing it. I was relieved to be done but over the years I missed it. When we rebooted it, I did have all the model sheets and it was a good thing because no one else had them. I felt like I needed a break at the time but I did miss doing it and happy to do it again.”

The guests have maintained control of their projects, Parker says, “For us, we always like to think we were a band. It was like we go into a new season it’s like going into the studio together not knowing what was going to come out. WE have no idea what this album is going to sound like and every episode is a song. Even like last night, that show ended up a certain way and now we can react to that. When the season is done, okay, that’s a good album or not. It’s that creative thing. For us, we are either on or off. We have to have that energy otherwise we get lazy.”

Thoughts on being pitched live action for their characters? Judge says, “From the very beginning we were pitched and I’ve come close to wanting to do it. We did a casting session when the pandemic started, I’m open to it if something pops. There was one guy who did Beavis and it was funny. Then SNL did it with Ryan Gosling and I thought ‘that was pretty cool’ so many you never know.” Stone says they have never been approached but Parker says they have seen fan made things. Samberg believes, “In some ways the scale of things is so much less than live action which is what I like about it. It’s cartoon pace and it’s what we love and that’s why I think animation is so good for comedy. We are generation Sponge Bob now and that’s what people are coming up on. I like the jam of jokes and bigger, if it’s making us laugh, we will do it.”

Satirizing public figures over the years, Horowitz asks if each of them has a favorite? Somehow, I feel this is a loaded question but okay. Samberg believes its Nic Cage doing Nic Cage on SNL. Bringing up Matt Damon for Team America, Stone jumped in with, “Matt was super cool because he knows that all came from making puppets. They showed us the puppets and said that it didn’t look like Matt Damon. It looked like something was wrong with him! I just did the thing and oh well.”

Finally, who inspires these clearly creative geniuses? Stone was the first to chime in with, “YouTube, I will find a random person doing a random thing and it reminds me of high school and making all those movies. Chocco-dogger and I watch him eat for two hours.” Judge says, “There is a guy on TikTok who does an imitation of Tucker Carlson and it’s him reading Dr. Dre lyrics and it makes me laugh. I’m the same way; I find these funny people on Instagram etc.”

What is amazing is that the same things that make us laugh, like a dog eating sandwiches on YouTube are the very same things that make Samberg, Judge, Stone and Parker laugh. That might very well be the key to their success. The more twisted and unusual, the more we as a collective group of carbon-based units who are starving for hilarity, are going to watch their work religiously. Ren & Stimpy me started down the rabbit hole helping to look for magic nose goblins, followed by Beavis and Butthead and my teenagers (at the time) repeating lines and embracing Cornholio like the character was a member of the family! When The Simpsons aired, every t-shirt in the house had Barts face on it and gawd forbid the dryer cracked the applique or a kid would go nuts! South Park roped me in tight and Cartman felt like a brother from another mother because I felt it in my soul when he yelled, ‘you will respect my authoritaaaahhhhyy’ and gawd forbid the applique cracked in my nightshirt. Digman! keeps comedy animation moving forward alongside with the same laughs and shocks that has gently shoved me towards my Amazon cart to order a new nightshirt. Damn washer better not crack the applique!

Look, grasp that adults need their cool stuff too!

Saturday Brings Animation and Space from Comic Con 2025

Jeri Jacquin

It is day three of San Diego Comic Con 2025 and if animation is your thing, then Hall H and Ballroom 20 have plenty for you. The sun is shining; the weather is amazing so let’s get to it. Ballroom 20 has a total line up of shows including BOB’S BURGERS, FUTURAMA, THE SIMPSONS, AMERICAN DAD and FAMILY GUY. All the shows that are fit to test your funny bone to the max.

In Hall H this morning, more animation of familiar ‘faces’ comes with the film COYOTE VS. ACME. Coming the summer of 2026 from Ketchup Entertainment, the panel includes moderator Paul Scheer who is interrupted by Bill Pellicano (P.J. Byrne) yelling that he has ‘cease and desist’ papers claiming the movie is anti-ACME. Eric Bauza, Dave Green and Martha Kelly. The film is the legal push by Wile E. Coyote against Acme claiming he has suffered under their hands. Trying to capture the Road Runner and feeling ‘Hurt’ (thanks Johnny Cash), Wile sees a commercial for a personal injury attorney with the question, “Have you ever pulled the ripcord to your parachute and only silverware fell out?”

It's off to court with attorney’s Avery (Will Forte) and Crane (John Cena) as the judge (Luis Guzman) hears the case. As a Road Runner-Wile E. Coyote fan since infancy, I love this twist and can’t wait to see how Wile’s court case comes out when the truth about Acme fires off like a rocket skate!

Later today, my granddaughter and I will be off to see THE BAD GUYS 2 from DreamWorks Animation. Until then, moderator by Kevin McCarthy, brings the voices of Sam Rockwell returning as Mr. Wolf, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark, Marc Maron as Mr. Snack, Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha, and Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula to the screen. Clips from the film get the actors to talk about the difficulties of doing voice over work. The new characters to the film are Natasha Lyonne as Doom, Maria Bakalova as Pigtail and Danielle Brooks as Kitty Kat, also knows as The Bad Girls! I think the best part was the cast letting the fans know this was their full trip to Comic Con and Hall H. Nothing like experiencing it all with 7,000 of your closest friends, right?

Star Trek Universe has a place in the big hall today as moderator Robert Picardo who played The Doctor in STAR TREK: Voyager and will be returning for STAR TREK: Strange New World and STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy, along with co-show runners and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau. Always full of surprises, Hall H fans got a screening to an upcoming episode A Space Adventure Hour and an episode with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop puppets. The list was long for this panel of Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Paul Wesley and executive producers Akiva Goldsman who says, “We think of you all the time when we are in the writer’s room and what would the fans want and love”, Henry Meyers and Alex Kurtzman.

A trailer for STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy gives fan a look at Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake and Paul Giamatti as the evil Nus Braka. The cadets include Sandro Rosta, Karim Diane, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins and Bella Shepard. If you need something more of Star Trek, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter and step inside the immersive Strange New Spectacle and go into different worlds brought about by Strange New Worlds.

The upcoming film PROJECT HAIL MARY brings directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, along with author Any Weird and THE MARTIAN screenwriter Drew Goddard to the panel in Hall H. Don’t think for a moment that last night lightshow was the one any only because galactic maps look absolutely stunning in the stretchy screens. The film tells the story of Ryan Gosling’s character Ryland Grace who is a school teacher who becomes an astronaut. Up in space, he suddenly wakes up on a space station and doesn’t remember who he is or what he is suppose to be doing. Twelve light years from Earth, he has to use duct tape and a table knife (figurately speaking) to do what needs done.

Gosling, who received a very loud reception by the audience and gives a shout out to Hall H, says the film is, “about a scared guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing and I was a scared guy who didn’t know what I was doing, trying to turn it into a movie.” It explains why he wanted Andy Weird as part of the project calling him the greatest science fiction writer, I’d blush! Amazon MGM Studios is set to release the film March 2026. As a fan of THE MARTIAN, I can’t wait to see how this looks on screen and plays out.

For Season 2 of HBOMax’s PEACEMAKER, moderator Josh Horowitz returns hyping up fans after we see a trailer. James Gunn’s universe brings the panel Tim Meadows, Frank Grillo, Steve Agee, Freddy Stroma, Jennifer Holland, executive producer James Gunn and, of course, John Cena who comes out in costume. After chugging a full bottle of water, Cena makes his apologies for any ‘mishaps’ that may follow warning he needed to stay hydrated. Meadows wanted to make it clear that he thinks the fans are so nice shouting “I love you too Mom” to a fan in the audience.

Cena says wearing a costume is what he is needed because it’s Comic Con! The crowd then goes wild when Horowitz mentions SUPERMAN as Cena gives a standing ovation next to Gunn. So, PEACEMAKER Season Two falls under the guise of the new DCU as Gunn explains, “The SUPERMAN leads directly to the show, the show happens a month after the events of Superman. A lot of the characters return from season one and there is a lot more as we go down the line. It is part of the DCU now.” When asked about working in the Gunn universe, Grillo says quite loudly, “It’s FUN!” Holland says, “The most unique thing for me is that James’ improv writes while we are filming so he is throwing improv lines while we are filming and he is laughing the whole time he’s doing it. It is a lot of fun.”

Gunn continues, “I like television shows where there is growth and sometimes regression. Peacemaker is a different guy this year, he is dealing with the demons and has uncovered from the first season and the world isn’t accepting him. They aren’t accepting him as a hero, he’s in love with Amelia Harcourt and she isn’t accepting him. He isn’t getting anything he wants so he discovers another universe and he thinks it’s the perfect universe and it goes from there.” Cena adds, “I’m doing great! Gosh, I applaud James for his ability to tell stories through super circumstances and make material we can all relate to is so important. When we watch these larger-than-life characters go through their journey, it needs to be something we can root for. I never want to tell the audience how to feel but what I see is someone going through a rough patch in life and thinks the grass is greener on the other side. I think people will enjoy that lane of the season.”

Tim Meadows (of SNL fame and other films) gets the call to be a part of the comic universe and says, “I was very excited and my manager said James wanted to facetime with me. I didn’t want to fan-boy out to hard but he explained to me the character and the arc and it was the easiest negotiating ever.” Gunn says, “we were desperate! We interviewed so many and none of them fit the character and I thought Meadows might be good. He came in day one and the role was written for him, he was perfect.” Grillo adds, “When James Gunn calls you and says ‘I got this’, it isn’t like ‘okay send me the script’, it’s okay – you don’t have to send me anything, just tell me where to show up. When that call comes, there is no question that you are going to do it. It is about the captain!”

Anne Rice has always been one of my favorite authors and my love affair with her world begin in 1976 and Interview with a Vampire before it ever became a film with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas. AMC has been on top of her work bringing INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE to the screen for its 3rd season changing its name to THE VAMPIRE LESTATE as well as the return of MAYFAIR WITCHES, and now THE TALAMASCA: The Secret Order which premiers in October.

Sam Reid looks exactly like the Lestat in my head and is on his way to being a rock star and going on tour along with Gabrielle, Nicholas, Marius (oh goodness read his story!) and Magnus joining Louis played by Jacob Anderson, Armand and the rest of the gang in what can only be called vampiric need for therapy. Jennifer Ehle, Christopher Heyerdahl, Damien Atkins, Ella Ballentine is Baby Jenks and Jeanine Serrales takes on the role of Christine. Reid says in Season 3, that Lestat is, “living a rock star life in its hedonistic and most authentic way. Right now, he wants to be completely engulfed in the music and it lights a fire in him.”

Moderating is Damian Holbrook as Eric Bogosian has crossed over from Interview to Talamasca portraying writer Daniel Molloy, who is being summoned to speak with Louis once again. The stars include Nicholas Denton, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Celine Buckens, William Fichtner (be still my heart) along with showrunners John Hancock, Mark Lafferty and Mark Johnson. Since finishing up her long role on Downton Abbey, Elizabeth McGovern moves on to a role in the series and I’m so thrilled for her to be a part of this new world. If you don’t know anything about the Talamasca (and I highly suggest you read about them because its awesome), this secret group basically tracks witches and vampires all over the world. Another amazing bit of it all is that Anne Rice’s son, Christopher Rice will be part of showrunning the series.

Can you believe it? One more day and San Diego Comic Con 2025 will be coming to a close. Tomorrow is a great time for families to bring the kids and explore all the fun things to see and do both inside the exhibit hall and outside behind the Convention Center and in the Gaslamp. I have one more stop in Hall H before bidding everyone adieu till we meet again in 2026!

Final Day of San Diego Comic Con 2025 is Historic

Jeri Jacquin

The final day is here and to once again say it all flew by so fast is an understatement. Packed with panels and activities, the final days is always a chance to catch up to things I didn’t get to see earlier in the week and spend a little time watching the kids come and explore as families have an opportunity for free fun. My own family did their part to participate with granddaughter Jaycie dressed as Coraline and daughter Jenise dressing as Other Mother. They were well received and spent a lot of time having their picture taken!

Me? Well, I was here for one thing and one thing only. The panel for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the last for Hall H. Everyone there wanted to be a part of something unique and iconic as George Lucas arrives to the loud cheer and love of fans. Trust me when I say 7,000 people is LOUD. Queen Latifah began his introduction saying, “he revolutionized film making, not just through spectacle but through a deeply human lens. His magnum opus STAR WARS has saved our lives for generations and taught us to trust our instincts. One person can change the course of history and the Force is always within us. His imagination has led the path for generations of fans and filmmakers alike – he’s the reason we are here today. Please welcome for the first time, ever, at Comic Con, give it up for the one, the only George Lucas!!

Of course, there were light savers everywhere and a warm welcome from Queen Latifah, Guillermo del Torro who is a board member for the Lucas Museum, along with illustrator and production designer Doug Chiang. He came to talk about the museum where so much of the work he has kept with him will finally have a new home for all of us to see opening in 2026 in Exposition Park on 11-acres which 81-year-old Lucas, himself, calls a “cultural fantasy”. The audience was treated to a tour of what it will look like inside and narrated by who else – Samuel L. Jackson. There will be works by Norman Rockell, Frida Kahlo, Jack Kirby and R. Crumb along with drawings from 1934 and Flash Gordon and original Peanuts sketches from the 50s and 60s. My favorite is a 1968 drawing of Iron Man and Black Panther.

Don’t think for a moment he forgot his loyal and generational Star Wars fans as there will be a Naboo starfighter and speeder bikes and I’m hoping THAT will be interactive because me on a speeder bike has to happen! The past 50 years, Lucas has collected quite a bit and says, “I’ve been doing this for 50 years now and it occurred to me, what am I going to do with it all. I’m not going to sell it. I would never do that. It’s not what art is … It doesn’t work that way. If you have an emotional connection, then it’s art.”

He continues, “I’ve worked with hundreds of illustrators in my life and they’re all brilliant, but they don’t get recognized for anything. This museum is a temple to the people.” There will be a section of the museum for science fiction artworks. “It’s one thing that this kind of art will celebrate because of science fiction. Science fiction is a myth, but we have made it real. Humans made it real because of science fictions books and art that makes people say, ‘Oh we could go to the moon’, and once that idea is implemented, then we believe we could do it.”

Reflecting on Lucas, Chiang says his own work will be in the museum halls as “George leads from the heart, and this museum is him. My hope is that it will inspire the next Rockell or Frazetta.” Del Torro spoke of the wildfires early this year in Los Angeles that came “frighteningly close” to his own at-home collection adding, “Now that the museum exists, a lot of it may go there. Comics were the first one to punch Nazis before movies” saying the political importance of comics has been their since the beginning.

I found myself being quite moved sitting so close to someone who changed my life and view of films in so many ways back in 1983 when STAR WARS hit theatres. The scope and visuals of what was on the screen, the depth of storyline and characters became engrained into my being and I passed that on to my family and grandkids. It must be said that my collection of ‘toys’ has not been altered one bit. Over the years, there have been additions and as more stories came to the little screen, my Yoda has a companion sitting next to him in Grogu. Since they all mean something to me, I suppose that means they are my art. The person responsible for that is George Lucas and I will forever be grateful to him.

They Have the SITE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and Digital from writer/director Jason Eric Perlman and Blue Fox Entertainment comes the mind-bending story of SITE.

Neil Bardo (Jake McLaughlin) is a proud father of boy Wylie (Carson Minnear) but struggling in his marriage with wife Elena (Arielle Kebbel). At work, he and boss Garrison (Theo Rossi) are off to inspect a building that has been purchased by clients to build a new school. Gaining entry, they manage to turn on the power to inspect everything only to discover an odd structure in the lower level. Walking closer to the light, Neil begins to feel strange and he can not even begin to explain it.

Spending time with his son, Neil sees an accident in tunnel vision but can not stop it from happening as Wylie ends up in the hospital. Now he must come up with the funds for the intense medical attention his son needs as wife Elena is furious. As the days pass, Neil continues to see more strange things that are unexplainable along with the feeling he is being watched. Trying to explain it to both Elena and boss Garrison, it seems to just cause more problems.

After a scuffle with Garrison, Neil believes he must return to the building where all of his episodes began. Along with journalist friend Naomi (Miki Ishikawa), Neil takes her to the strange machine and she starts experiencing the same things. Determined to find out the connection between the building, its effects and history – it is going to take him on a journey of terror. The past and present begin to collide as connections between the treachery in a war-time prison camp and Neil’s family become more and more evident.

There is one chance to change it all!

McLaughlin as Neil is a man who clearly loves his family even if he and wife Elena are having issues. Working hard to provide for them both, he works closely with his boss until he realizes that mixing friendship with employment can be a problem. It is when he enters the building that his world is turned upside down and McLaughlin portrays that mash up extremely well. The special effects play into his story and it is actually cool to watch.

Rossi as Garrison gets a chance to portray a boss that most of us can not stand. He knows what he is doing wrong but manages to manipulate those around him for his own gain. The best part is that Rossi has that amazing side glare to let the viewer know when he’s up to no good and Derek is always up to no good.

Kebbel as Elena is having issues with her husband but knows that he loves his son. When he tries to explain what is happening to him, it is more frightening than she cares to admit. Kebbel’s takes her character into instant mama-bear mode and stays that way until the very end. Ishikawa as Naomi is the only person Neil can turn to with what he knows. Using her journalist skills, they track down what the building was used for and how to find the people in it, even as its mysteries begin to hit her as well.

Other cast include Yoson An as Jian, Danni Wang as Xifeng, Corey Jung as Guang, Hiroshi Otaguru as Ichiro, Neagheen Homaifar as Aravane, Ronish Nanda as Kavi and Eric Whitten as Tobin.

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

SITE is a mixture of history, science fiction, technology and the belief that we are all connected. The special effects are absolutely stunning and becomes another character in the story director Perlman has put together. Each step McLaughlin’s character takes brings us deeper and deeper into two storylines. One is present day and the deception that now can’t be stopped and the past as a family comes to terms with war and those who are evil because of it.

The special effects are wildly fantastic and my favorite is the tunnel itself. It actually reminds me of the 1966 series THE TIME TUNNEL and the 1994 film STARGATE but with the added twist of melding the present and the past. It also feels a bit on the reincarnation or karma side and I am absolutely here for every minute of it. Dealing with all of it against the backdrop of an injured son, the film is also about choices and the reverberation of consequences for those choices.

In the end - we are part of a great ocean!

Her Life When SHE RIDES SHOTGUN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Nick Rowland and Lionsgate is the story of a father and daughter trying to reconnect with SHE RIDES SHOTGUN.

Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) is a young girl waiting for her mom after school. To her surprise, dad Nate (Taron Egerton) picks her up instead but she suspects something is not right. Recently out of jail, he seems to be wary of everything around him. It soon becomes clear from a news report that Polly is now considered a missing child with an Ambert Alert out. Holly also learns what has happened to her mother and it has to do with Nate’s past history.

Detective John Park (Rob Young) and Detective Jimmy Callum (David Lyons) are looking for the girl as the police attempt to narrow their search. Polly and Nate hit the road trying to find a place to rest until plans can be made. Charlotte (Odessa A’zion) is a friend that reminds Nate that what is happening is because of something he has done. It isn’t long before problems show up at the door. Polly witnesses the violence that her parent’s actions have brought and now she has a target on her.

Both law enforcement and a hit from the wrong side of the law, Polly is getting a crash course in both. Det. Park reaches out to Sherrif Hauser (John Carroll Lynch) to find out more about Nate but feels there is something more he isn’t saying. Nate realizes he is going to have to make a deal to keep Polly safe but the question is who are the real bad guys and who can they trust?

Heger as Polly is absolutely amazing playing the role of a young girl caught up in the choices adults around her have made. This character is strong and extremely smart but has the knowledge to not let on to either. She learns quickly about being trusting and Heger is just amazing at giving everything to this role. This young actress has what it takes on screen and I am looking forward to seeing so much more from her.

Egerton as Nate is a man who has had his run-ins with the law and now, as they say, it has all come home to roost. Taking Polly on the run, dad isn’t exactly ready for all that comes with that. Egerton has moments of pure fatherly but riding on the edges is clearly a man who isn’t afraid to draw a gun and use it. The duality comes off perfectly by Egerton and every moment of that fight to do what’s right is intense.

Young as Det. Park throws himself totally into finding Polly and seems to always be one step behind Nate. The more he follows the more he realizes there is so much more behind the little girl’s absence. Young gives his character the right amount of calm in order to piece together what is missing in the whole affair. He has the same problem in knowing who to trust. Lynch as Sherrif Hauser is, as always, a force to be reckoned with on the screen. In all of the characters this actor has played, he has proven time and time again he is formidable and exceptional.

Shout out to A’zion and Lyons as they both has a part to play in what Nate and Polly are up against while on the run.

Other cast include Kiko Sanchez as Diego, Edgar Damatian as Mitchell King, Esodie Geiger as Maya, Matt Roszak as A-Rod, Santiago Segura as Luis and Keith Jardine as Magic.

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.

SHE RIDES SHOTGUN is an intense story of a father with a criminal past and a young girl who has been raised around bad choices. Heger shows us the resilience of a kids who has very few choices and Egerton shows us the repercussions of choices and the damage that follows and both of these actors are amazing. The story is so driven and compelling because yes, it is a crime thriller but, deeper than that is a father and daughter who have moments of love and affection. If one can peel away the horror of violence, they learn to lean on one another and learn from one another.

The film is cinematically simple which I appreciate when telling this story. It comes in telling a story and leaves a footprint right in the middle of your chest. Love and redemption are at the top of the feels list with jaw dropping characters bringing author Jordan Harper 2017 novel to life.

In the end – all a father needs is a fighting chance!

They are Back in THE BAD GUYS 2

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Pierre Perifel and DreamWorks Animation is the return of crackerjack one-time criminals in THE BAD GUYS 2.

Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell) has given up his life of crime after service a sentence with pals Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranah (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). Now they are all trying to be hard working citizens of a community with Governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz). The problem is no one seems to want reformed criminals working for them. The only one that seems happy is Mr. Snake who is out living his best slithering life.

When Mr. Shark shows Mr. Wolf the news of a mastermind stealing, all of them see how it could easily point to the reformed group. Deciding not to stand for it, they turn to Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein), the newest police commissioner offering to help. Piecing the puzzle together, they realize that the clue leads them to the possible thieves! Once there, some of the group is shocked to see that Mr. Snake has been seeing Susan (Naasha Lyonne), a cute raven that has someone all coiled up in love. After a few chuckles, the gang jumps into a wrestling match with Pigtail Petrova (Maria Bakalova).

The problem is, it is made to look once again as if the bad guys were back into crime. Mr. Wolf calls the governor to ask for help and Diane knows who to get answers from. While waiting, the gang it taken by Susan and Pigtail to Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks) who has information about the Governor and if the group doesn’t help, it becomes a weapon. Meanwhile, Diane visits Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade) to get more answers.

Once the group learns what Kitty Kat wants, it may be to late to not only save the Governor but stop an evil plan that is laced in greed!

Rockwell lends his voice to Mr. Wolf, a smooth talker who always seems to have a Plan B in his Tony Manero suit (Google it kids!) pocket. Even when he panics, it seems as if there is an angel on his shoulder because the mayhem works in his favor. I actually love this character (as does my granddaughter) who makes me laugh a lot and that’s always a good thing. Beetz as Governor Foxington has a secret of her own and the bad guys have no problem keep it, that is until Kitty Kat gets her hands on it. Beetz is calm, cool, collected and moves with catlike reflexes which surely upsets the other feline in the game.

Robinson as Mr. Shark is, for me, is so adorable with his insecurities and loves being part of the gang. It seems there is no place he’d rather be than with the gang doing gang stuff. Ramos as Mr. Piranah has an attitude in his little body filled with teeth and has only one weapon that everyone is afraid of and it stinks. Maron as Mr. Snake, in this film, is in love and a coil of mush. That won’t stop him from figuring out who is trying to frame them all. Awkwafina as Tarantula is the tech genius of the group, but a keyboard in her long legs and she could rule the world.

Borstein as Commission Luggins wants nothing more than to put the bad guys back in jail and the robberies are giving her reasons, even if her bangs should be considered a criminal offense. Bakalova as Pigtail has all the right moved as part of the Bad Girls club. Lyonne as Susan is a raven who is taken by Mr. Snake and his adoration of her. Brooks as Kitty Kat has a goal and no one is going to stop her from obtaining it, not on earth or in space! Her character is shrewd and can not be trusted but looks cute with her leopard self.

Shout out to Ayoade as Professor Marmalade who looks a little different from the first film but also has a plan of his own so don’t let his little furry size fool you!

Other cast includes Lilly Singh as reporter Tiffany Fluffit, Omid Djalili as the Billionaire, and Katherine Ryan as Maureen.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

THE BAD GUYS 2 is a charming story that is full of fun, adventure, and laughs for everybody. There is finally a bit of romance that has finally bubbled to the surface and is kind of cute. The animation itself it absolutely stunning and my granddaughter just loved it letting me know several times during the film. It works so well and looks seamless which is what I look for in really good animation but then again, from DreamWorks I’d expect nothing less.

As summer draws to a close and kids go back to school, the film offers families another weekend of spending time together.

In the end – they are back in badness!

Apple TV+ Brings History with CHIEF OF WAR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from directors Justin Chon, Anders Engstrom and Jason Momoa is the series telling the history of CHIEF OF WAR.

It is the 19th century and there are four major kingdoms in the Hawaiian Islands. Ka’iana (Jason Momoa) is a man unafraid of the ocean and what lies beneath. Hunting for food, he lands to share with others into the village. Originally from the island of Maui and son of a king, Ka’iana and his woman Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga) have found refuge on the island of Kaua’i. That doesn’t last as a boat arrives from Maui as the men request Ka’iana’s return to speak with King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison).

On Maui, Ka’iana is taken before his uncle the King and sees Prince Kupule (Brandon Finn) but also met by those who see him as a deserter. Happy for his return, Ka’iana makes it clear he has no plans to stay. Explaining why he has been summoned to Maui, Ka’iana is told that an army is being raised on O’ahu and the seer has foretold of people becoming enslaved. The King also believes that Ka’iana is part of a prophecy and the battle can only be one with warrior at his side.

After seeing a desecration, Ka’iana, Kupuohi and brothers Nahi (Siua Ikale’o) and Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka) must make a decision. Ka’iana dons his feathered cape wearing his father’s necklace and stands before Kahekili. Plans are made to take down the young king of O’ahu. Warriors land on the shore as both men and women warrior’s fight. King Kahekili lands further down the beach and another fight begins as the young King is captured. Ka’iana is disgusted by what has happened and feels deceived and an anger wells up in him and now, there is no turning back.

Momoa as Ka’iana is stellar in this role because it requires not only a presence that is unmistakable but looks that make every intention clear. Ka’iana is a character that believes in his people and their way of life but not at the cost of those who abuse the power given them by the very same people. From the moment Momoa takes up the screen, there is such power and intensity that it lets the viewer know the entire story being told is going to be equally powerful and intense.

Hinepehinga as Kupuohi is a woman who clearly believes in what Ka’iana has decided to do in regards to living in Maui. She doesn’t just follow him; there is no issue what so ever fighting alongside the men with the same fierceness. What I saw in this character is someone who cleverly watched and listened to the goings on looking for anything that might keep them all one step ahead. Hinepehinga is just stunning! Morrison as Chief Kahekili clearly has the belief that he is something mighty and no one can stand in his way of getting what he wants. Every decision this character makes is for his own desire for more power and Morrison takes us on Kahekili’s power trip with his foot flooring the gas pedal.

Finn as the prince is a mixture of being his father’s son and cousin to Ka’iana. The violence he is a part of pushes him further and further away from the relationship they once had. Believing his father’s idea of a prophecy, the loyalty is strong. Ikale’o and Tuhaka as brothers Nahi and Namake follow their brother through every phase of his decision making. Supporting the move away from Maui and the return, they are also strong in their belief in who they are and who they are willing to follow – and it’s their brother. These actors not only portray strength in their own characters but they are amazing with Momoa while telling their story.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s 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.

Co-created and written by Momoa and showrunner Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the initial idea was for the story to be a film in theatres but realized the full story needed to be told in a series. “Jason and I never intended on this just staying a singular season, but we do know the responsibility that comes with it. This is a story that’s never been told and I don’t mean just the story. It is a culture, a language that has never been exposed to the world.”

The high point of Sibbett talking about the series is saying about expanding the story, “if the audiences can respond to that, then we absolutely will tell more, because the story only gets bigger and the story only gets better.” The first two episodes bring such authenticity such as the characters speaking Olelo Hawai’. The series is inspired by real events and warrior Ka’iana who was a chief and warrior for Kamehameha I. Working with Native Hawaiian and Polynesian advisors, doing so brought an accuracy for not only the language but customs and traditions while giving voice to their perspective.

Momoa says of his work, “If we don’t get this right, we don’t get to come home. If we don’t do this for our people – take that weight, that responsibility, it’s not just another job, you know? I’m not coming home where people would be ashamed That’s something that weighs on us (along with Sibbett) This is everything I have, you know? The importance is next level. It’s not just as an actor; it’s as a director and looking out for the whole show.”

The fact that these two gentlemen recognize that CHIEF OF WAR needed to be a series is impressive, knowing that there is more of the story to tell is absolutely stunning. The cinematography is so beautiful and feels so authentic to the era. Filmed in both Hawaii and Bay of Islands, New Zealand, both spots allowing the series-makers places that look untouched and natural as Hawaii might have looked in the 1700s. The story itself is compelling, riveting and gorgeous to watch. I found myself actually looking into the story of Ka’iana and his family and it is even richer than I could have imagined.

Apple TV+ should pat themselves on the back for working with Momoa and Sibbett on this project. It is a winner from beginning to end and has absolutely everything from rich characters, in-depth storytelling and a history that is finally being shared. CHIEF OF WAR begins this Friday with the first two episodes and running weekly through September 19th.

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray for the first time ever from director Peter Weir and 20th Century Studios is the epic ocean story of MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World.

It is 1905 and Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is heading his ship HMS Surprise. After an attack by the French ship Acheron, Captain Aubrey is making repairs at sea but not before being attacked again. The race is on to keep the enemy away from British ships so the captain heads for the Galapagos Islands. The ships surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) is thrilled at the prospect to be able to collect specimens from the island to study and record along with the young Lord Blakeney (Max Pirkis).

Reaching the islands, Captain Aubrey, First Lt. Pullings (James D’Arcy) and crew are surprised to see a dingy of men who were attacked by Acheron and managed to escape. Ready to go after the enemy again, the seas aren’t on their side as the crew begins to grumble about their predicament. After an accident, Aubrey returns to the island giving the men a brief respite. What the captain and crew could have never expected was what comes next. What the enemy never saw coming was an experienced captain and crew who never gave up!

Crowe as Captain Aubrey has a reputation on the high seas as a man who knows how to sail, even in dangerous waters and being chased enemies. The crew hold him in high esteem and follow his orders because they trust him completely. Now that they are chasing the French enemy ship, Crowe gives his character of Aubrey intelligence to outwit his enemy one moment while still being able to care for his crew with equal intensity. It is hard for some members of his crew to understand him, but Crowe’s performance had me raising an eyebrow whenever a crew member stepped a toe out of line. I just love this film period but Crowe’s performance always brings me back to the film again and again.

Bettany as Maturin is the ships surgeon that sees more of the effects of fighting side of war on the high seas. Caring for the men is most important to him but in his off hours he dives into the world of flora, fauna and animals he is excited to see in the Galapagos. He takes Lord Blakeney under his wing when he discovers that they share a curiosity for all things nature and science but also has the respect of the crew. He tells Aubrey straight, even if it causes tension between friends and I liked that about his character. Bettany has comes such a long way in his career but I have to say I enjoy characters he portrays with a bit of spunk.

D’Arcy as Pullings keeps a close watch on Aubrey and learns everything he can. He wants one day to captain a ship of his own but learns how difficult, challenging and frightening it can be. What I enjoyed about Pullings character is that in the beginning there is such hesitation but man, when he gets an emotional rush from the captains’ speeches and actions, he just comes out cannons blazing. Pirkis as Blakeney is a kid doing grown up things in a time of war where there are thing happening that a child shouldn’t see in the form of wounded and death. Yet, I can imagine that this is how Captain Aubrey was at that age – wise, strong and curious.

Other cast include Edward Woodall as 2nd Lt. Mowett, Chris Larkin as Captain Howard, Robert Pugh as John Allen, Lee Ingleby as Holom, Max Benitz as 3rd Lt. Calamy, Richard McCabe as Mr, Higgins, Ian Mercer as Mr. Hollar, David Threlfall as Killick, Bryan Dick as Nagle, Mark Lewis Jones as Mr. Hogg and Billy Boyd as Barrett Bronden.

Twentieth Century 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 Delete Scenes, Historical and Geographical Trivia Track and Pop-Up Map.

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World 4K Ultra HD Bluray release is housed in a collectible two-disc SteelBook set, featuring striking, navy-and-gold nautical artwork that reflects the film’s epic scale and maritime themes. The exterior showcases a richly detailed compass rose and a bold illustration of Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, while the interior reveals a sweeping ocean vista with Russell Crowe poised against story seas – offering fans the ultimate collector’s edition.

Newly restored and remastered from the original elements, this stunning 4K release is presented with Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos audio delivering breathtaking pictures and immersive sound offering fans the definitive home viewing experience of the acclaimed epic.

Crowe, Bettany, D’Arcy, Pirkis and the entire cast made this film the epic memorable film that it is. Bringing the intensity of war on the seas, away from home and limited in help if anything were to go wrong, everything falls to the Captain and Crowe carries that weight to perfection. The cinematography is equally brilliant and director Weir knew exactly how he wanted the film to look and made it come to life. Twenty-two years ago, MASTER AND COMMANDER The Far Side of the World hit theatres and today the film is still as epic.

In the end – Captain and crew are ready for battle!

Family Gets Together for MY MOTHER’S WEDDING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Kristin Scott Thomas, John Micklethwait and Vertical comes a story of women with connected history at MY MOTHER’S WEDDING.

Royal Navy Captain Katherine Frost (Scarlett Johansson) is about to head home for Mom Diana’s (Kristin Scott Thomas) wedding, well her third. Katherine’s father was Navy pilot John Frost who died when she was young leaving Diana, Katherine and sister Georgina (Emily Beecham) on their own. Frost’s best friend Johnny Monson becomes Diana’s second husband and they have daughter Victoria (Sienna Miller) who is an actress. Follow so far?

Well, now Diana is set to marry Geoff Loveglove (James Fleet) and the daughters have come together to witness and celebrate as only this family can. That doesn’t mean the get-together does come with extra baggage as Katherine deals with partner Jack (Freida Pinto) and son Marcus (Fflyn Edwards), Victoria deals with her love life as an actress and Georgina just tries to find answers with her own family and husband Jeremy (Joshua McGuire).

As the wedding approaches, there are memories all around the women but the questions become who remembers what, how much of it do they really understand and are the answers going to be what they hoped for? That’s what family gatherings are all about and sometimes there are tears for a different reason all together. Gotta love getting together to celebrate right?

Johansson as Frost is a woman trying to move up the military ladder knowing that it all comes at a price. Returning for her mother’s wedding, the family home brings up memories of her father and the time they had together. That’s a difficult thing to share as sister Georgina doesn’t remember much and Victoria wasn’t born. Feeling alone in it all, it seeps into her relationships and the cracks are showing. Johansson does such a beautiful job portraying a woman wearing many, pardon the pun, hats in all her relationships.

Beecham as sister Georgina has very few memories of her father but is too busy dealing with her own family problems and her marriage. I loved watching Beecham’s character literally bloom before our very eyes. Admittedly, I went from rolling my eyes at Georgina to yelling and cheering for her. That’s the sign of an amazing character and Beecham brings it all to the screen. Miller as Victoria is the sister that manages to annoy just a tad with her actress ways. Always trying to solve problems in her own unique way, Miller captures her sister issues while wondering where her own love life may be headed. I loved watching Miller be the flighty sister but with a heart.

Thomas as Diana is happy to be marrying once again, finding love a third time and all the fun that comes with it. She is well aware of her daughters and their differences but that isn’t going to stop her from having a wonderful wedding day. Thomas gives us a look at a mother who has clearly seen it all and wants what’s best for her daughters by allowing them their memories without her input – until she has to. A bit flighty like Victoria, it proves the casting is pure perfection.

Pinto as Jack wants more from Katherine making it clear that everything isn’t about her career. Being the homebody, for Jack, means her needs need to be equally as important. Pinto is charming and absolutely lovely in this role and I’m so pleased to see her again on the screen. Edwards as Marcus knows of his mother’s career, now it is time to actually understand it, but not before having wedding cake. McGuire as Jeremy has problems of his own to deal with but is more interested in what he wants than what his family wants. Fleet as Geoff clearly is in love with Diana and even though the women can get a little testy at times when they are together, he is supportive and so darn charming.

Other cast include Mark Stanley as Charlie, Jamie Schneider as Tom, Josephine Jones as Daisey, Ziggy Gardner as Skylar, Lydia Jones as Clara, Samson Kayo as Steve and Michael Spicer as Ted.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

Director Thomas says of her film, “At its heart, MY MOTHER’S WEDDING is about allowing characters to breathe-to be imperfect, humorous, and heartbreakingly genuine. As an actress, I’ve forever sought roles that empower and celebrate the complexities of female characters. In MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I endeavor to do just that. I hope my film leaves audiences debating the complexities in a family, marriage, motherhood and fate.”

Adding thoughts is producer Finola Dwyer, “Three sisters come back to the family home for their mother’s third wedding. You can tell from the start that it’s a fractious relationship. So, you’re going to be in for fireworks! The house is full of memories and the three of them have never really come to terms with the deaths of their fathers.”

Anyone who has been to a wedding knows that although it is a time for celebrations, it is also a time for dysfunction in the families to eek out. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding where I learned something about the inner workings of unresolved tensions. Here are three sisters who have three very different memories of growing up but need to learn that everyone sees things differently, especially children. Where these three have gone wrong is acknowledging that they love one another despite seeing things differently.

The whole story is engaging and it feels like family while we, the viewers, are sort of eavesdropping on their conversations and memories. The twists and turns provide us with nods of “yep, I get it”, “are you kidding me?” and finally, “I need to call me sister!”. I was pulled in immediately and went for the ride that Thomas, Johannson, Beechum and Miller took me on without hesitation. The next family wedding is in two weeks, I’m ready!

In the end – celebrate love all over again!