What's coming up in theatres!

MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand from director Leo Lewis Liao and Level 33 Entertainment with the story by Roger Chen bringing the animated MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR.

Mulan (Kim Mai Guest) is a young girl who has disguised herself as a man in order to join the army and save her family. Becoming a skilled soldier with a sword, she can hold her own in combat with her unruly nature. Chosen to go on a mission, the goal is to bring about the ending of someone Mulan is told is a danger to the country. When she discovers who the intended person is, Mulan also meets Arke (Alan Lee), a stable boy who wants what she wants – adventure and justice.

Someone else to be on the watch for is Lone Wolf (Vivian Lu), another woman who is equally skilled at fighting. She and Mulan are locked in a battle of their own but there is mutual respect in the midst of it. The one constant is Arke, the stable boy, who not only irritates Mulan but also challenges her like no other. The shock comes when they both realize that the Commander (Matt Yang King) is not who he appears to be and can divide the country even more than Mulan could have ever realized.

Strength and honor for their country!

Other cast include Joe Ochman as Mulan’s Father, David Pak as Asung, Greg Chun as Advisor and Chris Niosi as the Prince.

Los Angeles based Level 33 provides innovative sales, marketing and distribution services for feature films and entertainment content, delivering a flexible and transparent distribution solution for all platforms including Theatrical, Home Entertainment, On Demand, Broadcast and OTT. For more information, please visit www.level33entertainment.com.

MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR is the story of Mulan, a young girl doing what she believes is right for her family. Putting herself on the line for her country, she is brave, strong and a bit headstrong. What makes this an absolute fun watch is the colorful animation and the twists and turns the story takes on. Most know the story of Mulan but this telling is very different and I enjoyed that the most.

Having films that uplift girls/women are very important in today’s world and this film falls wonderfully into that category. Mulan is a powerful example of what confidence in yourself and doing the right thing can bring about. I watched the film with my granddaughter and she absolutely loved the concept of the film. When I asked what part of the film she enjoyed the most, she said the relationship between Mulan and Arke in that they both wanted the same thing but went about it in different ways.

The story is action packed and so well done. The attention to detail and the actor providing the voices of the characters adds a rich layer to the film from beginning to end. MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR is family fun that needs to be a cuddle-on-the-sofa-together kind of film time, with popcorn of course. It is also a story that can be talked about together as it relates to family, friendship and defending those who need it the most!

In the end – she fights for honor!

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!

DUNE: Prophecy Brings Season on to 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Legendary, HBO and creators Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker is DUNE: Prophecy.

It is ten thousand years before the Kwisatz Haderach when sisters Valya (Jessica Barden) and Tula (Emma Canning) Harkonnen join the Sisterhood. The women are trained to be Truthsayers to the Great Houses of the Imperium. Valya (Emily Watson) eventually becomes Mother Superior and works to solidify Emperor Javicco Corrino’s (Mark Strong) bloodline while at the same time dealing with Arrakis and spice. Soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) has caused a disturbance for Truthsayer Kasha Jinjo (Jihae) while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) is being rebellious in her own way.

Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) is making claims against Duke Ferdinand (Brendan Cowell) and Valya uses Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) to reach out to a deceased Mother Superior. Constantine tells Richese (Laura Howard) the truth about Ynez husband and it is clear that Desmond is a force that no one can control as he moves like a ninja through the politics. Valya realizes that he wants to totally destroy the Sisterhood and attempts to subdue him. Valya’s past has much to do with her history with the Atredies and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) but both are dealing with it still in the present with Lila.

Valya is now the truthsayer to the Harkonnens yet Desmond tells Javicco to remove them from the Landraad. Tula uses acolytes and their dreams to learn about Shai-Hulud but also, Lila wakes from her deep sleep. Using Theodosia’s (Jade Anouka) ability to shapeshift, Valya tries something unusual. Once Javicco makes Desmond a Bashar, he wants to find a way to catch Valya for her hand in the spice and after a raid, she gets Mikaela (Shalom Burne-Franklin) to Arrakis. Javicco decides to send Constantine (Josh Heuston) to Arrakis to quell problems.

The shock becomes who Desmond is and each of the pieces in the game change up but not before Valya, Keiran (Chris Mason) and Ynez arrive on Arrakis!

Watson as Valya is just perfection in that she is exactly how I would see a Bene Gesserit looking. She has the amazing ability to do the most underhanded things with a straight face and a glare in her eye. Her performance is intense, and adds to the mystery of the story that is constantly in flux. Williams as Tula and Valya’s sister means there is a lot of family drama to unfold in the package. Learning what she has done and what she plans to do is equally as intense as Watson and Williams make the perfect pair.

Strong as Javicco is an actor that I have followed for so many years. Each performance and character he brings to life will either be full of sympathy or wrath, Javicco is a hard package to unwrap but I am here for every second of it. Lea as Sister Lila doesn’t realize what she is in for with the Harkonnen sisters who seem to be on their own path. Then again that is true for any of the characters that get in their way.

Fimmel as Desmond, oh my gosh have I missed him on screen. He left us all emotionally stranded after the A&E series VIKINGS and he did television series work with RAISED BY WOLVES and BLACK SNOW. When I learned he was to be in this serious, I have to admit that it pushed me toward the show even more. As Desmond, he is a man on a mission even if others don’t know what that is or why. I am thrilled to see what his character is capable of next, as are the 15+ million viewers.

Other cast include Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Barbara Marten as Sister Avila, Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea, Cathy Tyson as Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul, Hannah Khalique-Brown as Sister Farouz, Tessa Bonham Jones as Lady Richese, Charlie Hodson-Prior as Pruwet Richese, Sam Spruell as Horace, Karima McAdams as Sister Nazir, Mark Addy as Evgeny Harkonnen, Polly Walker as Sonia Harkonnen, Earl Cave as Griffin Harkonnen, Milo Callaghan as Orry Atredies, David Bark Jones as Vergyl Harkonnen, Archie Barnes as Albert, Tabu as Sister Francesca.

The episodes include The Hidden Hand, Two Wolves, Sisterhood Above All, Twice Born, In Blood Truty, and The High-Handed Enemy. Also included are over an hour of bonus content, five extended featurettes including Building Worlds and Behind the Veil, and one all-new-bonus features exclusive to the 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD.

Warner Brothers 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.

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with Legendary Pictures, Legendary Television and Digital Media and Legendary Comics divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. For more please visit www.legendary.com.

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

DUNE: Prophecy is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The series is a stunner or “fire” as the kids say now. As a fan of the original 1984 film, it was always a question of history for me. How and why did the Bene Gesserit start, what was their goal and why? These are just very basic questions because I actually have two sheets of paper with more. For fans of the story, they also have questions about the Bene Gesserit that I probably haven’t even thought of.

Not to mention, there are lines from the film that have found their way into every day life, like when someone says to you, “who does the/she think he/she is?” the reply would be, “he is the Kwisarts Hatarak!” and DUNE: Prophecy is well on its way. When someone asks you about today’s political climate, the response is “The Imperium is a circus of fear and rumor”. That is one way to know that your audience is being reached effectively!

DUNE: Prophecy has amazing cinematography that is absolutely part of the story. This is a world put together with the brushstrokes of a masterpiece and details that are unforgettable. To say it is a dark tale is pretty much an understatement as every character is twisting and turning the story at their own whim. As a fan of intrigue and the war of houses vying for supremacy, this series needs, honestly, more than six episodes for a season. You listening HBO?

The patriarchy thinks they are in charge and the sisterhood is fine with letting them think so because it offers them a chance to do what they want in shuffling their world. It brings about the supernatural world that each character is trying to control and bend for their own reasons. Each step is choreographed by one of the characters and in lies the intrigue and juicy scheming that audiences crave in their series viewing. The bonus to all this is the excellent casting choices that bringing all of this together in a bow of perfection. Congratulations all around and with a second season coming, DUNE: Prophecy on 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD is a great way to rewatch and catch things you might have missed!

In the end – power lies in the shadows!

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from directors Richard Claus, Karsten Kiilerich and Shout! Factory Kids is a tale of friendship and loyalty with PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA.

Pang the Panda (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing) and best friend Jielong (Georgina Verbaan) the dragon are the best of friends. Spending their days playing games and waiting for Jielong to learn to fly, they are living the hometown life. When the two get to spend the season together, there is so much more to do! That is until an unexpected visitor reaches their shores and takes Jielong away.

Where? In Africa, the young prince lion Ade (Namisa Mdalose) is told by his uncle Malume (Silas Lekgoathi) that a special present its way. Pang is not about to let his best friend disappear and finds Xing-Xing (Thom Hoffman) the orangutan to take him across the sea where he meets Jojo (Maurits Delchot) the talapoin. The goal is to have Jojo lead him to where the lions are and get Jielong back.

Ade is surprised when he learns Jielong What Pang doesn’t expect is to meet the very sweet Niala (Candice Modiselle), the spotted hyena who has a history with Ade. There is a secret that is keeping the lions and hyena’s from sharing the same space. Now Pang and Jielong each do what they must to get free, save Niala’s family, Ade’s kingdom and get back home. That’s a lot for Pang and Jielong but they will not stop until they are home.

Other cast include Sthandile Nkosi as Kabora, Thulani Nzonzo as Mpho, James Weebo as Darius, Charles Ouda as Abu, Angel Orugbo as Camel, Joyce W. Musoke as Mrs. Python, and Adriana Pang as Kang.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The DVD includes the Special Features of a Featurette, Selected Scenes from PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA and Theatrical Trailer.

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is the very charming animated film that any family who loves a little sofa cuddle time are going to enjoy. There is so much to offer here with a story of friendship between the young Pang the Panda and Jielong the dragon. They have an amazing friendship of fun, adventure and loyalty to one another. When someone scary happens to one, the other jumps in and does everything possible to help. That would be an amazing story in itself.

Yet, in this film, there is also the story of the animals in Africa and the dilemma they find themselves in. Jielong sees what is happening in the lion kingdom and Pang learns about the secrets in the hyena world. There is a conflict on both sides and little do they realize that two animals from another place on earth can help in the most heart-warming way possible. That makes the story even more wonderful to watch with the family. As a family, it is a chance to talk about everything the film offers and that is so important.

The animation of the film is colorful, fun, lively and brings about so much joy. The cast bringing their voices to each of the characters had me and my family laughing so much. What I love about such films like PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is that it is also a bit of a teaching tool about animals around the world. My granddaughter was thrilled to learn about them and is now interested in researching them even more.

This is a story of wildlife with lions, pandas, hippos, lions, dragons, gorillas and meerkats. So, grab the family, cuddle up on the sofa and prepare to take a trip into friendship!

In the end – bravery knows no size!

Friendship Begins with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital platforms from director Michael Johnson, Automatic Entertainment and Shout! Kids is the animated story and A TOOTH FAIRY TALE.

Young Van (voiced by Booboo Stewart) is a young fairy who is learning the ways of being a fairy which his father doesn’t really see. His Mom on the other hand wants her song to succeed and is willing to help. She explains that his magic just needs time and patience. On the first night out to deliver coins to the children who have lost teeth, his dad presents him with a very special wand. He soon discovers that someone has beat him too it!

Getting back to the other fairy’s, he explains what he found but no one seems to believe him. On the second night out, he meets Rupee, a small troll who is more than happy to help Van. Going through a secret space in the rocks, Van finds another world that is far from his home. There he finds Gemma (Larkin Bell), a goblin who warns him that fairies are forbidden there yet they learn from one another.

Quickly, Van and Gemma discover they have something in common – parents! Gemma takes Van around her world and shows him how they live. They also discover that the stereotypes on both sides are not correct. When Gemma discovers that fairy dust in her invention will allow her to go out into the daylight, she and Van feel like they are free to enjoy each other’s company in the sky. Someone who wants either fairy or goblin a certain widow, Queen Mortina, (Fran Drescher) in the dark.

Now, Van and Gemma have to find a way to be together before what lies in the dark ruins everything!

Stewart lends his voice to Van, a young fairy who is learning the ropes of getting a tooth and leaving a coin. His parents are trying to understand his difficulties and its even made more difficult when Dad is the trainer of the new fairy’s. Van is different, he sees the world as something to be explored, learned about and discovered. That might be his biggest problem that even his friends don’t understand. Bell as Gemma has the same problem. She is a smart goblin who examines and learns about everything and is creative enough to invent things but doesn’t always fit in. She and Van realize fairly quickly that they both are on the outside but with each other they get it.

There only problem happens to be a very dark Queen and Drescher gets to be that eight-legged fright in the night. Her character is one that both the fairies and the goblins have fear of and that would be the one thing that they need to come together on for the sake of their children. That doesn’t stop Drescher from giving us a wicked and snappy character that made me giggle.

Other cast include Jailen Bates, Mary Deaton, Maz Jobrani, Paty Lombard, Jon Lovitz, Tony Nation, Zachary Rice, Presley Ryan and Vivica A. Fox.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite LONG WAY NORTH, and the epic fantasy BEAUTY AND THE BEAST along with releases such as WALLACE & GROMIT, FERNFULLY, SHAUN THE SHEEP and so many more. For more of what SHOUT! Kids has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Automatic Entertainment is a Los Angeles based independent motion picture distribution management company. Collaborating with content creators to develop and produce movies that appeal to a global audience, they work closely with theatrical distributors, television networks and film festivals around the world to secure distribution that promotes movies and series to the widest possible audience.

A TOOTH FAIRY TALE is really a wonderful film all around. The animation is so well done, colorful and dark at the same time. It gives us three different worlds which means three ways to use animation skills to show it to us all. I loved all three worlds as it shows the ways that one side misunderstands the other through outdate beliefs and stereotypes. That’s what I found most interesting, the stereotypes that Van and Gemma talk about made them both willing to be understanding. That is an important issue that kids can truly relate to and apply to their own life.

The story is so well done I just love Van and Gemma. This is a film that families can enjoy together, have some laughs, learn from and truly embrace from start to finish. I really do love when a film can be shared and the subject offers teachable moments. Films are so powerful in general but when you can tell a story such as this through animation and a good story, I can’t help but recommend it to anyone I meet – especially those with children.

Characters such as fairy’s, trolls and goblins are always of interested because they hold such mystery. Bringing them all together in a film with their own story to tell is so beautiful and worth the time to view again and again. So, cuddle up, grab some popcorn and spend a night at the movies with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE!

In the end – their friendship can save them all!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen, Bruce Gellar, Skydance and Paramount Pictures is the mission of all missions with MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on the trail of Gabriel (Esai Morales) and the AI known as The Entity that is attempting to control the world. Gabriel wants it so that he can shape the world as he sees fit but when Hunt comes in contact with the Entity, he learns what it wants and how to get it. What it wants is the drive aboard the sunken submarine Sevastopol. Hunt, along with Benji (Simon Pegg), visit Luther (Ving Rhames) who has created something that could stop The Entity.

Gabriel is several steps ahead, as Hunt adds Paris (Pom Klementieff), Degas (Greg Davis) and Grace (Hayley Atwell) and they make a intense plan to stop the madness. One person who can destroy the plans is Kittridge (Henry Czemy) who will stop at nothing to nail Hunt along with Briggs (Shea Whigham). When Hunt is before President Sloane (Angela Bassett), he makes it clear that his one goal is to get what The Entity wants and asks for trust. Going against her counsel, President Sloane realizes there are only three days and places her trust in the man no one else trusts. The team makes there way to the coldest part of the world and with countries on high alert of one another, they know that The Entity is trying to gain control of nuclear weapons all over the world.

Each person on the team realizes that every step they take brings them closer to two possibilities of destruction and a slim chance of stopping it. Weaving between the two options with Gabriel and The Entity in the mix means Hunt is pushing everything to the limits as the seconds count down.

Cruise as Hunt definitely puts himself into this film. He has taken this role, beginning in 1996, through so many twists, turns and action to keep audiences riveted. Each has brought this Final Reckoning and Cruise has cemented this character in the sense that you can’t say Mission Impossible without Cruises’ name being mention. In this film, Cruise continues with the danger and action that will not disappoint.

Atwell as Grace is back with her five finger discount abilities and support of everything Hunt has planned – even if its frightening. She has shown her own abilities to be a strong member of this ‘outlaw’ team. Whigham as Briggs sees what Hunt is trying to accomplish and also supports it and willing to put himself in the middle of it all. Whigham gives his character strength and power needed to be on the team.

Pegg as Benji is seen by Hunt as a leader when there needs to be one and he understands him without having to say much out loud. I just love Pegg no matter what but was thrilled when he became part of the Mission Impossible franchise. Rhames as Luther is the mad genius behind what could be the answer to stopping the madness. Again, having Rhames on board is another character the franchise has counted on and he never disappoints.

Klementieff as Paris might not have a lot to say but she speaks volumes with her eyes. When the need arises, Paris isn’t about to let Gabriel off the hook for what he has done to her. Czemy as Kittridge has always irritated me and that’s what makes his performance so cool. He has managed throughout each film to be the thorn in Hunt’s side and it reaches the audience as well. Bassett as President Sloane is under the gun to try to save as many people as possible in the midst of the chaos. When it comes down to it, she puts her trust in Hunt down to the last second. I am a huge fan of Bassett and as she bounces between film and television, she does so flawlessly.

Morales as Gabriel is a twisted smile character that even when things go wrong, he doesn’t let it slow down the pace of the characters madness. There is a certain touch of lunacy that Morales brings to this character mixed with a grudge against the IMF and Hunt. He makes his plans very clear and Morales does a fantastic job of freaking me out.

Other cast includes Tramell Tillman as Captain Bledsoe, Mark Gatiss as Angstrom, Katy O’Brian as Kodiak, Tommie Earl Jenkins as Col. Burdick, Charles Parnell as Richards, Hannah Waddingham as Admiral Neely, Nick Offerman as General Sydney, Janet McTeer as Walters, Holy McCallany as Serling, and Pasha Lynchnikoff as Captain Koltsov.

Shout out to Rolf Saxon as William Donloe and Lucy Tulugarjuk as Tapeesa.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning is a film that doesn’t let off the gas! The beginning is Hunt hearing what is happening world wide and even with people after him, he is asked to do what he does best. It is a crazy duality placed on this character as one who people want to stop for their own personal reasons (mainly jealousy to my way of thinking) and wanting him to succeed at the missions.

Another aspect of the film is that each of the characters has such a tremendous story of their own to tell within the big picture. From the Commander of the carrier to the Commander of the submarine, watching the chain of events and those who go against the grain to help Hunt’s character added such layers to the story and action. There are easter-eggs here and there that were very cool and that’s all I will say about that.

Clocking in at two hours and forty-nine minutes, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning didn’t drag at all. It is difficult enough to keep an audience’s attention for that long and this film did it seamlessly. I never look before seeing a film at the running time because I want to be taken for a ride with no expectations. It is as if the film starts out at a deliberate pace and then grabs as if to say, ‘hang on, this is going to get good’ and I was all for it.

Well done cinematography, well done story and well-done action and adventure. That’s why we go to the movies in the first place right? We want to be swept away into a suspension of disbelief and Cruise and cast does exactly that with the words ‘our lives are the sum of our choices’. Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. Experience the most epic chapter yet of Ethan Hunt’s journey, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, on the largest screen in @IMAX for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

In the end – trust him one last time!

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!

LILO & STITCH

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday 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 Carrer), 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.

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. It is another live-action that Disney deemed necessary to reboot in another way. 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.

In a theatre full of kids there is something to note that I wonder if Disney ever considered. When the scenes became maudlin or scenes dragged out with topics that aren’t fun, the kids lost interest quickly which makes it hard to get back (as anyone with kids will tell you). The kid enjoyed the fun, the antics, the fun 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. Something to consider there Disney!

It is a holiday weekend and with families getting a chance to hang out together for an extra day, might be 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 on to your coconuts!

KARATE KID: Legends

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jonathan Entwistle and Sony Pictures is the story of a boy and two men who want to help the KARATE KID: Legends.

Li Fong (Ben Wang) is a young man studying Kung Fu with Shifu Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) in Beijing. Mom (Ming-Na Wen) is a doctor about to be transferred to New York City much to the dismay of Li who doesn’t want to leave the wuguan or Mr. Han and is still dealing with the loss of a family member. Once in New York, Li and his mother try to settle in and within a few hours he has his first friend Mia (Sadie Stanley) who works in her father Victor’s (Joshua Jackson) pizza joint.

His first days at school provide to be difficult as well when Connor Day (Aramis Knight), the local karate champion, decides to test Li’s ability to defend himself. Mom is none to pleased with what has happened having made Li promise not to fight. She refocuses Li’s attention to his studies by getting him an S.A.T. tutor in Alan (Wyatt Oleff). Li plays along but also makes time to hang out with Mia and making friends with her father. Victor was once a fighter of another kind and now wants to do it again to pay back a debt. After seeing what Li can do, Victor wants Li to train him up!

When things start to go badly, Mr. Han arrives in New York just in time to see that Li is having a difficult time. That’s when Mr. Han sees a flyer for a tournament and knows it will help the young man in so many ways but – he needs help. Flying to Los Angeles, he meets up with Daniel La Russo at the Miyagi-do and explains that he was once very good friends of Mr. Miyagi. Daniel is pleased to hear that his former teacher remembered him fondly to Mr. Han. Now, Mr. Han wants Daniel to do for Li, what Mr. Miyagi did for him.

Now, Li has a chance to mix Kung Fu with Karate and not only show what he is capable of but also the possibility of reconciling his fears – but can he do that?

Wang as Li is a very charming young man with a contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Dealing with the past, he agrees not to fight for his mother’s sake but the streets of New York have other ideas. Almost immediately he is defending himself and others around him but the one person who preys on his weakness is the one he must fight in a tournament. He also finds himself with a bit of a crush on the pizza guys daughter. Wang takes up the kid’s mantle and does it proud.

Chan as Mr. Han has a sense of humor and shows that even at the ripe age of 71, he has moves and isn’t afraid to show them. He gives his character the dedication in helping Li knowing what weighs heavy on his heart. Reaching out to another who can also understand the boys’ feelings, Chan is equally as funny and plays up his part and I loved every minute of it. Chan may not have the box office draw as in his early career, but this role was made for him to play and I am thrilled people will see what he has to offer in the Karate Kid franchise (and it erases the 2010 fiasco).

Macchio returns as LaRusso and although happy to meet Mr. Chan, doesn’t believe that he can help Li in a tournament. Yet, LaRusso finds himself on a rooftop explaining karate to Li and training him to fight his biggest adversary – Connor Day! Macchio’s character is so iconic that it seems only fitting that he be there for Li and the support he gives reminds us that in 1984, the same training and support was given to him. He understands the young man and that proves to be so important, especially when it is LaRusso who comes up with the gameplan (which may be familiar as well). Macchio seems to embrace the fact that he is forever superglued to the character of LaRusso and he makes it look so easy. That might also be the fact that he has spent the last six years being part of the Netflix series COBRA KAI (another of my family’s favorites) and returning to the film franchise works so perfectly.

Stanley as Mia is a young girl who is going through something similar as LaRusso’s young love Ali back in the day. She works with her father and finds herself surprisingly attracted to Li. It must be said they are cute together and it works on the screen. Stanley’s character worries for her father and when she begins to understand what Li is doing, joins the support team. Jackson as Dad Victor has a sense of humor and his character wants what is best for his daughter. A friendship also blooms between Victor and Li which was so lovely to see. Jackson gives a nice go-between character of the boxing world and a little bit of kung fu which stuns in the ring.

Knight as Connor is a kid with issues and trusting the wrong person to train him. His bully tactics may work on others but Li refuses to let it stand. Oleff as Alan is a character and made the audience laugh many times. He may be tutoring calculous to Li, but he’s becoming more of a friend than he expected. Wen as Li’s Mom is a doctor who wants her son to stay out of trouble and study to be able to go to college. When she discovers Li is fighting, “Mom’-ness kicks in and she is not happy. She has her reasons for being afraid for Li to get involved in fighting and tournaments which is revealed in the film.

KARATE KID: Legends is more than I expected! First of all, it is so nostalgic, especially for this mom who took her kids in 1984 to see THE KARATE KID and after that nothing was safe in my house. My sons immediately wanted to take karate lessons and that lasted for some time. There was something about the character of LaRusso that was so relatable to kids then and now he is a familiar character that is delightful to see as an adult. Most of us grew up with Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi to the point where lines from the film have become part of our lexicon. “Wax on, wax off” is a prime example and I have seen people try to catch a fly with chopsticks just to see if it was possible.

In this film, the new Daniel is Li Fong and between Mr. Han and LaRusso, Fong gets the best of both worlds and in the process have found a new Shifu and Sensei at the same time. But they aren’t the only friends Li makes. A new kid on the block, as it were, find friendship in Mia, Victor and Alan quickly and it works. The story moves at a fast pace and follows the 1984 formula and I’m not mad about it. It worked then and it works now and yes, it’s probably for nostalgia’s sake that it does and there is nothing wrong with that. KARATE KID: Legends is fun, charming, a bit brutal, and takes on the themes of friendship, life, sad events and loyalty to the love of martial arts.

For all those who long for the simpler times and a film that probably caused them to try and chop a piece of wood in half, then get to the theatres this Friday and find that kid again. Embrace two cultures, a kid with martial arts talent and two men who believed in him. Prepare to have a grand time at the movies this weekend.

In the end – when masters unite a new legacy begins!

THE RITUAL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director David Midell and XYZ Films is the haunting tale of THE RITUAL.

Father Steiger (Dan Stevens) is a priest of a small community in Earling, Iowa at Saint Joseph’s in 1928. Dealing with a family crisis, he is approached by Bishop Fabian (Patrick Fabian) notifying him of request regarding Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), a young woman who has been dealing with unexplained issues. She has been suffering issues that psychiatrists do not believe are mental so Father Theophilus (Al Pacino) has stepped in to do an exorcism. The church has decided that it will be done at St. Joseph’s much to Father Steiger’s surprise. Also unhappy about the request is Mother Superior (Patricia Heaton).

When Emma arrives at the church, she is met by Sister Rose (Ashley Greene) and taken immediately to her room. Sister Sarah (Meadow Williams), Sister Camila (Maria Giraldo) and others are curious at to what is happening and what Emma is like. When Father Theophilus arrives, the rituals begin almost immediately and they will all begin to see and experience things they never could have imagined.

When Father Steiger begins to question Father Theophilus, it causes each of them wonder what is truly happening to Emma. Each of them begins to feel the effects of what is taking control of Emma and the fear spreads rapidly. What is torturing Emma and how much longer do they have before there is no turning back for any of them.

The clock is ticking on their faith!

Stevens as Father Steiger is trying to understand the sadness he feels about his brother and now with the bishops request, he is struggling. Believing that Emma needs medical attention more, he is told that what is going to happen is already set. Stevens gives us the portrayal of a man who seems more worldly in feeling than priestly. He wants to lean more towards medical and psychiatric than an exorcism. The problem is that Father Steiger seemingly refuses to listen to someone who actually knows and is constantly a hinderance. That’s where the duality of his character lies.

Pacino as Father Theophilus presents himself as a very laid back “I’ve done this before” kind of priest that isn’t upset by Father Steiger’s constant confrontations. He not only shows Emma kindness but makes sure she understands what is needed to stop her torment. Pacino is somewhat transformed from his normal look into a priest wearing more monk-like apparel and captures what is needed in portraying the real Father Theophilus. He remains at all times, calm, collected and shows no fear of whatever the entity is.

Greene as Sister Rose is a nun that still seems to be dealing with a wide range of feelings. It doesn’t help when an entity is after you but there are moments where she is frustrated with what she must do to help Emma. Heaton as Mother Superior is not in the least happy with having the exorcism in the church. She fears for the safety of the nuns in her care seeing the changes that they all seem to be going through. Out of her own frustration, she even takes on both priests letting them know that continuing to allow the exorcism is at her discretion no matter what they might think. I actually liked that part of her character showing a strength I would expect a Mother Superior to have and have seen in other actresses like Anne Bancroft and Meryl Street in similar roles.

It is Cowen as Emma that provides the moments of intense rage and physical horrors experienced by her character. She has the face of an angel and a simple demeanor to match but don’t let that fool you because when it’s go-time, Cowen makes darn sure that we hold our collective breathes when it is time to show the opposite side of what torments her character. She is riveting to watch from start to finish.

XYZ Films is an American independent film production and sales company founded in 2008 by Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer, and is based in Los Angeles. It focuses on international genre films, including THE RAID: Redemption, THE RAID 2, and ON THE JOB. For more on what they have to offer, please visit www.xyzfilms.com.

Director Midell says of the film, “Upon beginning my research into the events described herein, I was struck by the scientific and fact-based approach many have taken in relationship to seemingly unexplainable (i.e. paranormal) events. Having spent thousands of hours digging into the facts, history, and context about Emma Schmidt and the other involved, my intimate knowledge of the case has guided the creative process through countless conundrum, contradictions, and juxtapositions. As a filmmaker on the autism spectrum myself, it was especially important to me to ensure the facts, as well as the challenges and triumphs experienced by the characters, were honored in the re-telling of this story.”

That is what the story is all about, the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt recognized by the Catholic Church handled by Capuchin priest Father Theophilus Riesinger in a 23-day spiritual battle. In the almost century since the actual event, THE RITUAL brings the story back to the forefront. What the film brings is not only what Emma went through but the response to those of faith around her. Each person involved, but not Father Theophilus, questioned something about their faith in this situation.

That is the most interesting aspect of the film for me, watching the reaction of Father Steiger, Sister Rose and Mother Superior. The darkness clearly dug deep into them as their own personal struggles couldn’t be hidden any longer – whether it be the questioning of their faith or the disbelief in what was happening in their parish.

THE RITUAL falls in line with films about possession as the first I saw was, of course, the 1973 release of THE EXORCIST. The formula works for those who want to be thrilled by this genre of films with the difference that director Midell brings more of the human story of Father Steiger and the nuns. Pacino and Stevens play off one another very well to bring the story of these two extraordinary men to life.

In the end – it is the most infamous exorcism in American history!

BALLERINA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Len Wiseman, Thunder Road and Lionsgate is the story intwined with the John Wick franchise with BALLERINA.

Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) is a young woman who lost her father as a child and was taken in by Winston Scott (Ian McShane), owner of the Continental Hotel. Wanting to keep her safe, he entrusts Eve to the Director (Angelica Houston) who oversees the Ruska Roma and takes care of the ballet school and Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) who will train her. Finally ready for her first assignment, during a scuffle she notices a mark that reminds her of something she saw as a child.

When the Director refuses to answer her question, Eve turns to Winston and it takes her to Prague and Daniel Pine (Norman Reedus). In a matter of minutes, she realizes that Pine is dealing with a repeat situation when his daughter Ella (Ava McCarthy) is being taken from him. Now the chase is on when Eve learns that the man she seeks is the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Eve must decide if the answers she seeks is worth breaking all the rules because choices can come with consequences.

De Armas as Eve has the quietness of the franchise and the intensity needed to make this offshoot work – and it does. Taking on a role in this cinematic universe, de Armas has cemented her place in it. As Eve, she is in a solid storyline and shows how it is entwined in the world of assassins and exact rules that, like John Wick, are made to be broken. The tension oozes on the screen and the action is well done by de Armas.

McShane returns as Winston and knows exactly what to do for the young Eve. As the owner of the Continental, it allows him to skirt certain rules and McShane does it with the swagger this character has been known for. Byrne as the Chancellor is a leader and with that comes a control that is part of the problem. It must be said that Byrne has always been able to play a bad guy so damn well. In this film, he is just as much a stickler for the rules when they work to his favor but also seems to control people with ease. Both these actors are fantastic in this film.

Houston as the Director falls into this role again without missing a beat. Training her “ballerinas” comes with a long history and keeping the peace with the Chancellor comes with its own set of choices. Having Houston on the screen in this larger role is a long time in the making now that her role is more powerful than anyone might have realizes. Watching her bob and weave through the film is so cool. Duncan-Brewster as Nogi knows Eve from the beginning and is part of her training. The role is a smaller one but still is impactful on Eve.

Reedus as Pine is holding up in a hotel room but that isn’t going to stop Eve. I was absolutely thrilled to see Reedus on the screen again and taking on what he calls “a bottle of Advil all day long type of job”. He gets the chance to put his hands on fight scenes that are intense which is probably an awesome change from zombies. McCarthy as Ella is a charming little girl who is in the middle of a battle not of her own making.

The audience gave heartfelt love to Lance Reddick as Charon, memorable concierge at the Continental Hotel. There was verbal cheering for him and I was all for it.

Other cast include Choi Soo-young, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Jung Doo-hong, David Castaneda, Robert Maaser, Marc Cram and Victoria Comte as child Eve.

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.

BALLERINA is a two hour and five-minute ass whuppin’ from start to finish. There isn’t a moment where the audience will be able to sit back and take a breath. The story comes in line taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum so everyone understands the time line. The film offers twists, turns (not just the body either), a deeper look into of the story that falls in line with the John Wick narrative.

Of course, I am being vague about the details as I wouldn’t even, for a minute, want to spoil it for anyone. Just know that the action is absolutely amazing and the reaction of the audience never stopped for a moment. There were cheers, a few omg’s, creation to the fight scenes so the entire film is a shared experience and that’s what makes it so much fun. Following the JOHN WICK formula, BALLERINA doesn’t miss a beat and is a fantastic time of a two-hour ride.

Each character feels seamless as they enter into the story and I just loved how it was done and to see faces that are part of the franchise return to tell more of their story. Director Wiseman had a vision and put it on film giving the audiences exactly what they expect from this franchise. The ending is left just as open as John Wick’s story which means if de Armas can handle more of the same (which is absolutely a lot!), a BALLERINA 2 will be well received. The creation of another assassin that sees the rules slightly different than those who control the frightening underworld is done so well and it fits the timeline

In the end – the past can be a trigger!

The Fun is Here with BEN 10: The Complete Series

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Cartoon Network is the Emmy Award-winning animated sci-fi series BEN 10: The Complete Series.

Ben Tennyson is a boy who discovers the alien wristwatch with the Omnitrix that allows Ben to transform into aliens because of the DNA inside. When he touches it, it now becomes part of his wrist and it doesn’t take long before he learns how to use it and wants to be a superhero. Taking a cross-country trip with his cousin Gwen and grandad Max, it promises to be a summer of adventure with the added bonus of Heatblast, Wildmutt, Diamondhead and XLR8. Becoming a superhero means looking out for others such as Dr. Amino and his Transmodulator, helping the Krakken with Gwen’s help and dealing with Ripjaws.

Ben’s Aunt Vera is another adventure with the resident eating Limax and aliens Upgrade and Ghostfreak. That’s just the beginning as Season one episodes include And Then There Were 10, Washington B.C., The Krakken, Permanent Retirement, Hunted, Tourist Trap, Kevin 11, The Alliance, Last Laugh, Lucky Girl, A Small Problem, Side Effects, and Secrets.

Family secrets come out when Max tells Ven and Gwen of his past as an agent of “The Plumbers” and their job was to deal with extraterrestrials. That’s also when Maxs’ old partner Phil has been using the Null Void Projector in nefarious ways. Yellowstone is the next adventure where Ben not only discovers Cannonbolt but another creature has come to wreak havoc on the planet. That isn’t as disturbing as their trip to San Francisco where Ben sees the other side of transformation when aliens are becoming him! Now he has to deal with the Special Alien Capture Team and Lt. Steel. More episodes include Truth, The Big Tick, Frames, Gwen 10, Grudge Match, The Galactic Enforcers, Camp Fear, Ultimate Weapon, Tough Luck, They Lurk Below, Ghostfreaked Out, Dr. Animo and the Mutant Ray, and Back with a Vengeance. There is so much more but let’s move on to the next adventure.

BEN 10: Alien Force is five years later where things take a dark turn as Ben is in high school after removing the Omnitrix. Off to see Max, he sees a mysterious alien and realizes that his grandpa is gone but there is a message saying he is looking for aliens and Ben gets the idea what Max wants him to put back on the Ominitrix. Both he and Gwen are confronted once again by “The Plumbers” as Magister Labrid is part of the reason Max is missing. Back in the fight, Ben puts back on the Ominitrix and has access to new aliens but also has to deal with nemesis Kevin Levin. Kevin agrees to help with the Forever Knights and after a battle believe they should finish what has started. Episodes include Ben 10 Returns Part 1, Ben 10 Returns Park 2, Everybody Talks About the Weather, Kevin’s Big Score, All That Glitters, Max Out, Pier Pressure, What Are Little Girls Made Of?, The Gauntlet, Paradox, Be-Knighted, Plumbers’ Helpers, X=Ben+2 and so much more.

BEN 10: Ultimate Alien brings a big change for young Ben when the world finds out about him because of an online video. Adding to the stress is Will Harangue, a news anchor that believes that Ben is a problem. A good thing that Gwen and Kevin are still on his side and discovers that a kid named Jimmy is responsible for the secret coming out. Colonel Rozum tells Ben that they need their help because there is an alien out there stealing parts from a NASA rocket. Of course, this means dealing with aliens like Humungousaur, Jetray, Chromastone, Spidermonkey and Ultimate Spidermonkey. Ben has a girlfriend; Ben has a girlfriend! Julie is in a tennis match but he needs to be with Kevin dealing with the Forever Knights AND he really wants to watch a movie. What is a young man to do? Well, turn himself in Echo Echo and make it possible to go to all three but a girl can only take so much. Other episodes include Fame, Duped, Hit ‘Em Where They Live, Video Games, Escape from Aggregor, Too Hot to Handle, Andreas’ Fault, Fused, Hero Time, Ultimate Aggregor, Map of Infinity, Reflected Glory, Deep, Where the Magic Happens, Perplexahedron, The Forge of Creation, Nor Iron Bars a Cage, The Enemy of My Enemy, Absolute Power Part 1, Absolute Power Park 2 and so much more!

In BEN 10: Omniverse Gwen has gone off to college and Kevin moves to be close to her so now Ben is fighting alone. Max knows he needs someone to help so Rook Blonko is a Plumber that teams up. Their first mission together is to deal with Bubble Helmet, Fistina and Liam but someone is watching Ben! Discovering a place called the Undertown, they continue to deal with the alien city but the watcher Khyber has his own ideas. He is also studying Ben and his younger dealings with aliens and waiting for his opportunity to grab Ben. When issues arise between Ben and Blonko, it might just be the time. All of this has to do with Dr. Psychobos who wants DNA to complete his own Nemetrix. Adventures include The More Things Change Part 1, the More Things Change Part 2, A Jolt from the Past, Trouble Helix, Have I Got a Deal For You, It Was Them, So Long and Thanks for All the Smoothies, Hot Stretch, Of Predators and Prey Part 1, Of Predators and Prey Part 2 with five more arcs to the story.

The story and adventure of Ben, Gwen, Kevin and Grandpa Max is out of this world!

Warner Bros. Discover Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by WBDHE to homes and screens of millions through physical Bluray, Disc and DVD sales and major streaming, VOD, digital and mobile channels. WBDHE is one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.wbd.com.

The DVD box set includes all 227 episodes created ocer the years from Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien and Ben 10 Omniverse, and two movies including Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix and Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens.

BEN 10 came from the Cartoon Network Studios and created by the Man of Action group. They consist of Duncan Rouleau. Joe Casey, Joe Kelly and Steven T. Seagle who are comic book creators. After years of work, BEN 10 was picked up by the network and is a classic in so many homes – including my own! The adventures were some of the most popular in my home and has made its way to my grandkids who have decided that now they need to binge all 227 episodes. Secretly I was hoping they would want to so that I could join in the fun once again for nostalgic and great watching reasons.

What makes this series so special is not only the fantastic graphics but the creativity of the storyline, the aliens, the connection between family and friends and the lessons all of this brings. Each episode is so fantastical that, in the day, waiting for each one brought child-like frustration but NOW, it is time to binge.

Grab lots of popcorn, pull in the kids and kids at heart to go on an epic journey of growing up, being universal superhero (with the family), meet new aliens and know nothing is stopping us all from a 227 episode and movie gathering with BEN 10: The Complete Series.

In the end – Ben is out of this world!

She Never Expected to DROP

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Christopher Landon, Blumhouse and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a mind-bending thriller of a DROP.

Violet Gates (Meghann Fahy) is a therapist in Chicago that helps people with their problems and she knows plenty about that. Surviving an abusive husband, her sister Jen (Violett Beane) talks her into going on the first date she’s been on in years. Nervous leaving son Toby (Jacob Robinson), Violet is off to meet Henry Campbell (Brandon Sklenar), a photographer she met on a dating app and now meeting her at the high-rise restaurant Palate. Nervously waiting, she chats with bartender Cara (Gabrielle Ryan) and is slightly hit on by Richard (Reed Diamond) who mistakes her for his date and Phil (Ed Weeks) a drinking pianist who doesn’t take a hint all that well. All the while receiving Digi-Drops that are odd.

Eventually Henry walks in and Violet is happy to sit down and get to know him. Almost immediately she received an influx of these drops. One of them shows a masked gunman inside her house followed by a threat to do what she is told and Toby won’t be hurt. She also can not let anyone know what is happening. That makes it difficult as each instruction becomes more and more threatening. She shows Henry what is happening but he brushes it off as pranks. As Violet does what she is asked to do, there is a strain between she and Henry but she cannot let him leave.

Violet becomes suspicious of everyone in the room and tries to watch where the cameras are and devices all of the restaurant. When the drop finally tells her what the goal is and Violet knows that she is running out of options. She needs to make the connection of what is happening and who is responsible before her family and those around her become victims of the deadly drops coming to her phone.

Fahy as Violet handles this role with smoothness even when her nerves are about to explode. This role called for keep the nervousness at a minimum, keep the eyes open for any detail and try to get ahead of the game that is being played. That can be difficult since the rules are life and death but, as my grandpa always said ‘rules are made to be broken’. Fahy as Violet does just that but takes it step by step. Not only did she make it look easy, she had me talking to the screen along with her silent thoughts. That’s how you know someone has drawn an audience in and its pretty darn cool.

Sklenar as Henry is a photographer who agreed to the date because he saw something in Violet. When she starts to go a bit off the rails, he is patient, kind, and helpful but all things can have their limits. He can’t understand what she is about but feels there isn’t a connection between them. I really enjoy when Sklenar is on screen as there is something about the way he carries his characters bringing a sense of calm when I’d probably normally be all tensed up. Watch his last few films and television role in the Yellowstone series and you will see what I mean.

Ryan as Cara is an intuitive and friendly bartender who wonders about Violet. I loved her energy through it all. Diamond as Richard is the other dating app person who is jittery but Violet is polite toward him while he waits for his own date. Weeks as the piano player is a slick, full of himself guy who sees a ‘no’ as a ‘yes’ because, I mean, all the women love him right? Well done.

Shout out to Jeffery Self as the waiter Matt. Every moment he came into scene I was laughing because I know so many waiters just like him and I love them.

Other cast include Travis Nelson as Connor, Micheal Shea as Blake and Benjamin Pelletier as the masked man.

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

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY, SPLIT and M3GAN 2.0. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com

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

Special Bonus includes Feature Commentary with Director Christopher Landon: Insights from the Director on Filmmaking Choices, A Recipe for Thrills: Making DROP: Cast and Crew Discuss the Film’s Development and Thematic Elements and A PALATE FOR PANIC: Exploration of the film’s main set, Palate Restaurant.

DROP is an unexpected thriller from beginning to end to the point where you can not take your eyes off the screen or you will miss a message. That’s one way to make sure the audience pays attention. Keeping the film in basically one location through the entire story, I just love that. Remove all the superfluous noise, keep the story focused and you’ve reeled me in for sure. It is a chance to truly get to know a character and, in this case, its right in front of the screen the whole time.

Director Landon has surrounded himself with an ensemble that just flows to darn well with Fahy at the helm of the tale. It worked on me keeping the jitter factor so high that I was having a conversation with the screen a lot! The setting is magnetic and the ending was stunningly awesome. It is hard to say any more about the film without giving the plot twists away and I absolutely refuse to do that. So, grab a thriller buddy, pop the popcorn, turn out the lights and get ready to DROP.

In the end – everyone’s a suspect!

He is THE AMATEUR

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Digital and coming to Bluray and 4k Ultra HD from director James Hawes and 20th Century Studios is a man who is THE AMATEUR.

Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) is sending his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) off to a conference in Europe while he goes to his job at the CIA as a cryptographer. Getting straight to work, his job is secretive but he is good at it. When he is called into the office of boss Director Moore (Holt McCallany) and Director O’Brien (Julianne Nicholson) where he is told that his wife has died and Charlie is horrified. Almost immediately he begins his work discovering what happened, how and who is responsible. Bringing it up to his superiors, he makes it clear that all Charlie wants is to handle the situation himself.

When they don’t approve, he is sent Hendo Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) to give him some help in what he is planning to do. While Training, Henderson makes it clear that some people just aren’t simply capable of killing. While he is away, Moore is attempting to discover what Charlie might know and tear his house and office apart. They want to know what is he doing with the information but they obviously don’t understand what Charlie can do. His intelligence gives him the edge as he manages to slip away from everyone and follow the trail to Europe. There, he finally meets contact Inquiline (Cailtriona Balfe) who does her best to help find those responsible for Sarah’s death.

The trail is brutal and full of secrets that go deeper than Charlie could ever have imagined. When CIA operative O’Brien (Jon Bernthal) attempts to wrangle him in, he once again knows how to slip the boundaries they attempt to place on him. No matter how much the CIA uses its technology, they forgot one thing – Charlie created that technology!

Malek as Charlie is a man devastated by the loss of his wife and disgusted by the CIA’s lack of action. Deciding that if they won’t do anything, he will use all he has learned as an analyst play out in the real world. Malek plays a grieving husband but, when his character goes rogue, he does so in such a calm manner. The Agency thinks they are able to corral him but you can’t capture someone who you’ve always underrated. This is such an awesome character for him to play and adds a layer of thrill with the combination of political, psychological and action in the vein of THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) among so many others. Malek has cemented his place in that line up.

McCallany as Moore is a stern character who can not get Charlie to understand that there are things at play that he doesn’t know about. Once Charlie goes rogue, he is not only dealing with that, but feeling the breath of Director O’Brien all over his neck. I have come to so appreciate McCallany’s body of work and I just love his strong characters. Nicholson as Director O’Brien understands that Charlie is devastated and enlists the help of Moore to keep their noses clean. She gets the suspicion that Charlie isn’t going to let the death of his wife go unanswered. Nicholson always plays such a strong character and it is the same here.

Fishburne as Henderson attempts to train Charlie but also realizes that training him to kill someone just isn’t working. He is impressed by that Charlie can do but it doesn’t mean it will help him with his goal. Fishburne is just that – Fishburne. A consummate actor who can do any role you put in front of him. This isn’t a large role but it is a good one. Bernthal as O’Brien sees Charlie as a friend and wants to help but so people you just can’t get to understand and Charlie is one of them. Again, the role isn’t a large one but keep you spidey senses on high alert.

Balfe as Inquiline is someone that Charlie has been in contact with for a while but never in person. When he arrives in Europe, it is Balfe’s character that guides him in the direction he needs to go. I just love seeing Balfe as I am a huge fan of OUTLANDER and here she begins to separate herself from that role and onto something thriller in another genre.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Carlos, Marc Rissman as Mishka Blazhic, Joseph Millson as Ellish, Barbara Probst as Gretchen Frank, Alice Hewkin as Ali Park and Henry Garrett as the Chief of Staff. Look for the cameo of Marthe Keller who starred in the 1981 film as Elizabeth.

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.fox.com.

Bonus Features include The Team, The World, The Pool, The Score, and Deleted Scenes.

Robert Littrell specialized in espionage novel having been a journalist and novelist writing about the spy world of the CIA. He wrote the screenplay before the novel with the title The Amateur: A Novel of Revenge IN 1981.

Malek, having played a Bond Villain in the 2021 film NO TIME TO DIE gets the opportunity to play the other side of a thriller and proves he can do both. In the role of Charlie Heller, he is as smooth as they come, smarter than his superiors could ever have imagined and determined to do what the agency won’t. He has no problem using his intelligence and abilities to keep everyone at arm’s length until he finishes what he started. Just brilliantly done.

The cast brings so much to the political table with secrets, mysteries, lies, no trusting and, best of all, no idea who they are dealing with. I love that part of the film as each thing Charlie pulls off, there is someone in the background shaking his head in disbelief. That makes watching so much more enjoyable because rooting for Charlie is what it is all about. Nothing or no one is going to stop the inevitable.

In the end – do not underestimate him!

Greed Finds THE UNHOLY TRINITY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Richard Gray, Saban Films and Roadside Attractions is the story of loss and found with THE UNHOLY TRINITY.

Henry Broadway (Brandon Lessard) has come to say goodbye to his father Isaac (Tim Daly) on his way to the gallows in 1870s Montana. The final words to his son is to find Saul Butler and clear his name in a crime Isaac says he did not commit. Grief stricken, Henry finds his way to the town of Trinity looking for a man he has never seen before to get justice for his father. Right away he meets St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson) who seems to befriend him.

Following Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), Henry mistakes him for Butler and discovers more about the town than he planned. Dove tells the young man to quickly leave before local hot head Gideon (Gianni Capaldi) gets out of control, much more than he already is tracking the Blackfoot woman Running Cub (Q’orianka Kilcher). Gideon blames her for a different death in the town. Having a meal in the salon, Henry meets Rachel (Stephanie Hernandez) and the town is turned upside down.

Sherriff Dove is nowhere to be found as he has gone looking for Rubbing Cub so wife Sarah (Veronica Ferres) tries to calm thing. When he does return and realizes Henry is in trouble, it is time to discover all the secrets being hidden in the town of Trinity because the secrets are dangerous and loom large over all their lives.

Lessard as Henry is a young man unaware of what his father asked of him. He clearly does not have a grasp of how to deal with unsavory men who all have guns and aren’t afraid to use them. Wanting to do right by his father, almost immediately he realizes that there is something more happening in this town. Lessard plays his part in a larger story and does it well, especially playing opposite two big names in the film game.

One of those names is Pierce Brosnan as Sherriff Dove who immediately realizes that Henry was only given a fraction of the story about his father and the town. Keeping the townspeople safe is his ultimate goal, especially surrounded by men who find killing easy. Brosnan’s character is soft spoken and calm even when chaos is happening all around him. Knowing Henry has been misled; it seems almost immediate that he wants to protect the young man from anyone who would harm him. Brosnan is doing what he does best, embracing his role and reminding us that his ease at playing any character is vast.

Jackson as St. Christopher is a bit of a mystery man and when Henry arrives in town, he is quick to share a bit of a rundown not only of the town but how the young man might need to protect himself. It is clear that he, like others, seem to know what Henry doesn’t. Jackson gives us his predictable mash up of ‘is he good or not?’ until all is revealed. That being said there is nothing better than watching Jackson develop a character right before our eyes. He has the fantastic ability to play both good, bad and good/bad characters and in this film, he doesn’t disappoint.

Kilcher as Running Cub has a story of her own and Dove is protective of her. Her role is not a large one but it has its importance. Capaldi as Gideon is as twisted as a bad guy can get in the “Wild West” and it works in the story. Ferres as Sarah is a wife who understands her husband and is a stabilizing force for him.

Other cast include Katrina Bowden as Julia, Beau Knapp as Asa Benton, Tim Montana as Red Benton, Beau Linnell as Butch Benton, Ethan Peck as Sam Scarborough, Pastor Dylan Brosnan, Chuck Matthews as Charlie, Eadie Gray as Mabel, Paris Brosnan as Thomas, Kelton Cole as the Innkeeper, and David Arquette as Father Jacob.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

Director Gray says of shooting THE UNHOLY TRINITY in Montana, “There’s a rawness to the Western genre, more than any other, where it’s really just about survival. The whole point of the Western is that it’s a frontier. When you strip back all of the conveniences and safety nets of modern life, all that’s left is raw emotion and force. No better genre provides that better than a Western.”

He is right, movie goers do love a good Western and a staple requirement is that it be filled with glaring gunmen, rugged good and bad guys, strong women and something to fight more. Well, this film gives all of that and more surrounded by a solid storyline and twists that are a bonus. The cast brings it all together with stellar performances and more than enough guesses to take up the 95-minute running time and I’m all for every minute.

In the end – the mystery brings them all together!

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!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of JAWS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital celebrating 50 years of scarring us out of the water from director Steven Spielberg and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment,

based on the Peter Benchley novel, is the (and I know you hear da-dum, daaaa-dum in your head) fear of JAWS.

Sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) and his family live on Amity Island. It might be wonderful for most people but the small-town lawman doesn’t like water. Waking up to a phone call that a girl is missing after a swim, he finds himself coming face to face with the worst-case scenario. When he gets the news that it is a shark attack, the sheriff wants to put up signs warning swimmers but it met by Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) who sees it differently.

Deciding to cave to the mayor but be vigilant, days later another life is lost. Now the town puts up $3,000 for someone to catch the shark responsible. Local shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) says he will do it, but for a larger sum. Brody calls for help and Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) arrives to not only confirm the shark kills but decides to take it on himself to go out and see what is in the night ocean. When the shark is seen again and this time Brody’s son is in danger, Brody gets the mayor to agree to Quint’s demands.

Now Brody, Hooper and Quint take to the sea in the Orca to look for the shark that has been plaguing Amity Island. They come in contact with the 25-foot great white shark and realize that what should have been a quick turnaround back to dock – is not. This great white shark puts itself against the three men in a race against life and death!

Scheider as Brody is just absolute perfection as a man who takes the position of authority in a small town. Once a big city cop, Amity provides him with the sun and surf vibe of a town that is isn’t fast paced or dangerous – well, it wasn’t anyway. I just love him in this role (besides the film 52 PICK UP) as his character is confronted by something he cannot see or predict. His fear of water and what’s in it, Scheider reacts as we would expect and doesn’t disappoint. It is a character that we watch grow from beginning to end doing what he needs to for his family, the town and the sea.

Dreyfuss as Hooper is the expert, the humor and the Boy Scout of the film. Knowing exactly what the town is facing, Hooper is the guy no one listens to because he isn’t an “islander”. It should be known that I’m a huge Dreyfuss fan (remember GOODBYE GIRL?) and his role as Hooper is strong and the necessary as the buffer between Quint and Brody but with the worst jokes of the two. There isn’t one thing about Dreyfuss’ performance that can be picked on, not one thing. Fifty-years later, he is connected to his role at Hooper and it must be said, there isn’t a thing wrong with that.

Shaw as Quint is the third point in this triangle of a shark story. In his role as Quint, Shaw doesn’t give a frog’s butt what anyone thinks about him or what he does. He is clear with the town about what he wants to cure their problem and nails on a chalkboard never looked, or sounded, better. Once on the boat, Shaw gives us a man who doesn’t know when to say when but instead is going up against a creature that is just as determined as he is. Trying everything he knows, it becomes a game of cat and mouse – but which is which? Shaw is a consummate actor that I had watched for years before this role in swashbuckler roles and there is a bit of that here in the way he handles Hooper and Brody but there is an intensity that Shaw brings when death is knocking on the side of his boat. Just epic!

Other cast include Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, Carl Gottlieb as Meadows Jeffrey Kramer as Hendricks, Chris Rebello as Michael Brody, Jay Mello as Sean Brody, Lee Fierro as Mrs. Kintner, Jeffrey Voorhees as Alex Kintner, and Craig Kingsbury as Ben Gardner. An appearance can also be found of author Peter Benchley.

Bonus Features include The Making of JAWS, The Shark is Still Working: The Impact and Legacy of Jaws, Jaws: The Restoration, Deleted Scenes and Outtakes From the Set and Original Theatrical Trailer.

The novel Jaws arrived on bookshelves in 1974 and became an instant hit among readers. It isn’t surprising that Spielberg grabbed onto it and brought it to screens nationwide to become the highest-grossing film spawning three follow-up films. It is John Williams that put the music to the film that is so memorable that it’s part of our lexicon today and used to express suspense and even fright. In 2021, the Library of Congress selected the film JAWS for its preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

JAWS, in all honestly, kept me out of the ocean for a few summers and cautious after that! Anyone that says it didn’t bother them needs to take a lie detector test! Spielberg took Benchley’s story and gave it all the intensity that I would expect in a story that took us all on a wild ride 50 years ago. Watching the film again and again and again over the years hasn’t changed that one bit. Although we all have aged, this story never will.

Phrases such as “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” and “Mary Ellen Moffett – she broke my heart” are only two of the iconic lines from the film. Watch and find your own favorite lines. So, turn out the lights, turn up the sound bar and pop the biggest batch of popcorn because JAWS is a film that deserves to bring thrills and chills – even fifty years later and fifty years into the future.

In the end – Amity Island has everything and it’s the perfect feeding ground!

It is all FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Video On Demand (Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Prime Video) from director James Madigan based on the books by Brooks McLaren, D.J. Cotrona and Vertical is a plane ride like no other with FIGHT OR FLIGHT.

An elusive hacker named The Ghost has struck again and Agents Aaron Hunter (Julian Kostov) and boss Katherine Brunt (Katee Sackhoff) are up against the wall to find out who it is and how to capture someone with no photo or fingerprint. Brunt decides there is only one person who can do the job, ex-boyfriend and disgraced CIA Agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett). Reyes is stuck in Bangkok where the Ghost has struck but he doesn’t want anything to do with Brunt or her request for help. He is much happier living his days pickling his liver. Yet, once he realizes that it might be his ticket home, he consents.

Waiting at the airport is a ticket to San Francisco where the Ghost is supposed to land. On the plane greeting boarders are stewards Isha (Charithra Chandran), Royce (Danny Ashok) and Garrett (Hughie O’Donnell) who get everyone settled. It doesn’t take long before there is a leak somewhere as it becomes clear that on the dark web is a hit for Reyes’ target. Still, no one knows who it is. Reyes is the first to be attacked and he is told there is a massive bounty for the Ghost. Brunt also learns that the plan Reyes is on is filled with assassins looking to collect.

Reyes discovers who the Ghost is but needs the help of Isha, Royce and Garrett to keep them alive and the passengers who have nothing to do with the hit. It all quickly turns when Reyes has a hit out on him! Now the fight begins with 8 hours in the air as Reyes realizes there is much more to the story than he is being told by Brunt, the one person he doesn’t want to trust. There are so many on the plane that the fight is going to get duty but then again, you play stupid games you get stupid prizes!

Hartnett as Reyes is a bit of a drinker who is not happy being trapped in Bangkok which his ex-girlfriend is living the good life in a nice job. When he sees her number show up, it is clear he hasn’t gotten over it in two years. Getting on the plane is his only chance to get some semblance of a life back. Hartnett gets the chance to be a run down, angry CIA agent who would rather be mad at everything. With one phone call it can all change, but that doesn’t mean he still isn’t holding a grudge. I loved watching Hartnett be a bit John Wick but the other end of the spectrum with one liners and serious moments where his behind is handed to him. I can see a franchise forming here and I’m all for it.

Sackhoff as Brunt gets to do what she does best, give the audience a stiff face that doesn’t change expression no matter what the circumstances. Knowing calling Hartnett’s character is less than a last resort, she still does it making promises to get her way. Sackhoff has always been able to be a good/bad/good character actor and I can easily see how this role can grow in a franchise. I hope we get to see that. Kostov as Hunter is an agent who is just so all over the place that it’s hard to keep up – just as his fellow agents. Trying to keep happenings away from the boss, the is mouthy, rude and wants to reach higher in his career no matter what it takes. Kostov gives a character that is easy to not like very much and that’s all I’m saying about that. What a well-played roll.

Chandran as Isha is a stewardess who is just trying to do her job, that is until she realizes that Reyes has a problem. She is a strong character that has no problem helping Reyes once she realizes what they are all up against. Chandran does an awesome of being part of the wild ride and for so many reasons. Ashok as Royce is the twitchy steward that can’t keep his OCD at bay once the chaos begins. I have to say love characters like this that give us comedy in the midst of drama and Ashok gives it full on. O’Donnel as Garret is the gold standard of a steward who believes his job in premium class is everything. Well, that is until mayhem comes to his section of the plane. He made me laugh a lot.

Shout out to Kohli and Baxter as the pilots of the plane who seriously had me giggling a lot!

Extended cast includes Sanjeev Kohli as the Pilot, Declan Baxter as the Co-Pilot, Heather Choo as Monk Heather, Claudia Heinz as Monk Claudia, Marko Zaror as Cayenne, JuJu Chan Szeto as Master Lian, Jyuddah Jaymes as Agent Robinson, Willem van der Vegt as Agent Simmons, Sarah Lam as Mae, Iren Bordan as Mrs. Nazareth, Balint Adorjani as Sky Marshall and Nora Trokan as Cat Eyes.

Vertical 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. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vert-ent.com.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT is from the producers of JOHN WICK and the fight scenes show that. The storyline, however, is very different. The action doesn’t let up once the flood gates of a bounty are open but it is what is in that mix that brings the level up a notch. Keeping it all basically inside the plane giving fighting in a tight space a whole new look. The characters each put in their own twist on the story and I enjoyed that immensely.

Saying this is an action film seems flimsy because it is an ACTION film with a capital A. It is a pulse pounding, don’t look away, guessing game of where are the problems coming from and who can you trust besides yourself, and runaway fun (if you like chainsaws that is) that calls for a second viewing. That’s the recipe for a great franchise and I’ll be waiting for FIGHT OR FLIGHT: You Aren’t Done Yet sequel!

In the end – don’t forget your boarding pass!

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.

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!

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres in time for the Fourth of July weekend from director Gareth Edwards, Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures is the story of JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH.

It has been several years since the last take on the dinosaurs and Earth is becoming a problem for the creatures. The cause of it is that the environment, air, weather etc., just do not help their survival. One place where they are managing to survive are several tropical locations are similar in many respects to what they need, be can thrive and it be forbidden for anyone to go there.

Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) meets with Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a woman with a certain set of skills that Krebs needs to take on a special mission. He asks that she go to the dinosaur island to obtain blood samples that can create medicine to save lives. After striking a deal, they go to the one person who would know how to find the exact dinosaurs needed – Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) who agrees to go along. Zora finds help, and a boat, from longtime friend Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali).

Out in the ocean, dad Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is sailing with daughters Teresa (Luna Blaise), Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono). As the boat glides through the water, they are bumped by something strange. What they could never have imagined it what was circling them! Kincaid hears a distress call coming from Reuben and makes the decision to go and rescue them. It takes no time before the boat becomes the new target.

Racing to get to the island, if they thought they were any safer on land, they would be wrong as Reuben and his family are separated from those on the boat once again. Knowing they are under a serious time constraint, Zora, Krebs, Duncan and Dr. Loomis continue on to get their samples are met by some amazing animals but they are different dinosaurs, genetically different. In the jungle, Reuben and his family remember hearing the others talk about a village and believe it might by where they can meet up with the others.

Each step they take brings them closer to creatures who do not want them on their island and survival means staying one large step ahead of anything chasing them, including a Distortus Rex!

Johansson as Zora is a woman who, for the right paycheck, can be bought for covert missions. Quick with a sample weapon, she spends time watching everyone around her come face to face with dinosaurs. Johansson gives us a straight forward character who wants to get the job done and get as many people out alive as possible. That being said, there is just something missing here that didn’t reach like Ellie Sattler or Claire Dearing did, maybe it’s mercenary thing.

Bailey as Dr. Loomis is an Alan Grant type character who is disappointed that people seem to have lost their curiosity for dinosaurs. That, in itself, took the story into that unbelievable realm because there isn’t a kid (or grown up for that matter) that wouldn’t be all over dinosaurs living in the world. Bailey gives us a man who agreed to help find creatures that will help medicinally but I don’t get why he actually agreed to it in the first place. The character of Dr. Loomis just didn’t seem like one who would do this just because he is out of a job. His whole reasoning for going just seemed so murky. That’s not to say Bailey isn’t charming in this role, he just seems out of place in what he’s being asked to do.

Friend as Krebs is a familiar character in his actions and reasons for finding the mutant dinosaurs. His eyes roll with dollar signs and no one is going to get in his way, and I mean no one. Happy to see Friend on the screen even if his character is one I’d have thrown overboard early in the film (kidding). Ali as Duncan knows and understands Zora having worked together before. He may be on a dinosaur mission but he isn’t willing to sacrifice any one or anything and I like that about his character.

Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben is a father who obviously is clueless to the world around him. On a boat with his kids (in a forbidden area) and a boyfriend that would make excellent dino-bait, it’s just one disaster after another. Blaise as Teresa screams and runs extremely well. Iacono as Xavier is the dude all parents are afraid to find next to their daughter, he has his moments and a few of them bring laughs. Miranda as Isabell is very cute and even cuter when she meets Dolores.

Other cast include Philippine Velge as Nina, Bechir Sylvain as Leclerc and Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater.

Director Edwards says of the film, “There is an aesthetic I’ve been chasing my whole career, that the 70s, 80s and 90s look. Now you can film with a 360 camera, put it into software and get a 3D environment. The quality is so good that it is nearly photo-real perfect.”

Okay, this is going to be as honest as I can get here as I’m actually quite disappointed in this film. In 1993, JURASSIC PARK hit theatres and just literally roared at the box office. It was and still is an amazing film filled with excitement, drama, dinosaurs, screaming and yelling (and a lot of it from the viewing audience). Audiences couldn’t get enough of the film seeing it time and time again and, like me, have it as part of a home entertainment library of films. That is followed by THE LOST WORLD: Jurassic Park (1997), JURASSIC PARK III (2001), JURASSIC WORLD (2015), JURASSIC WORLD: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION in 2022. Where does this leave JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH?

A mish-mash of easter eggs dropped here and there that really aren’t that impressive. The film seemed more focused on the human story and those stories were not that interesting. It didn’t draw me into their characters because there wasn’t backstory to characters that I could tell. Instead, it had me making comments under my breath like “Really? It’s forbidden to go into that area yet you go there with your kids?” or “Really? You fire off a flare signaling a boat that’s right in front of you?” followed by my head shaking. That is just two of many, many more times I talked to myself.

Equally disappointing are the dinosaurs themselves (sorry dinos, I know it wasn’t your fault). Trying to find a new way to tell the story shouldn’t involve creating more genetic tampering to creature dinosaurs that I didn’t fall for, especially the alien looking T-Rex. There are one or two dinos that are recognizable but the rest gave me the big meh!

If you are a die-hard fan of JURASSIC PARK then the film will be a summer joyride but if you are a JURASSIC PARK purest, one might be like my family finding a mixture of good and not-so-good about the ride. There is a bit of humor, there are characters that might seem familiar in behaviors to past characters and a few jump moments and that might be enough but it felt like maybe the franchise needs to wind down. The drink cups and popcorn footprint ‘bucket’ are pretty awesome though!

In the end – a new era is born!

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!