What's coming up in theatres!

The Secrets to THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres in time for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday from directors Barbara Miller, Philip Delaquis, Theorem Media and Abramorama is the wonderful words about THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS.

Tenzin Gyatso is known all over the world today as the 14th Dalai Lama and he comes to the screen to offer what he believes is happiness. He begins immediately with “we are all the same human being” and it sets the tone for everything one hears for the following one hour and thirty minutes. He speaks on fear, anger and hatred that are so prevalent in the world today. He wants to share about a peaceful life – now. It begins with the easiest thing we do, and that is breathing.

At 16, the Dalai Lama dealt with the military occupation by China in Tibet. By the time he turned 24, things were becoming more intense and he escaped to India. Thousands of Tibetans followed him as the people in his country continued to suffer. The world embraced him immediately.

He saw compassion in his mother who was a farmer. He started learning at a very early age and through it all was his mother’s compassion. Using nature as an example, the Dalai Lama spoke of how animals work together and live simple which brings them happiness. The same with children in that they don’t care about differences but as they grow the differences are learned. He admits that some of his father’s traits came about but he worked on himself to keep it out of his life.

Describing human beings as social animals, he explains that the negative feelings cause our inner emotional doors to close. Intelligence is a source of inner peace says the Dalai Lama. Loving science, he looks to investigate everything and ask questions such as “what is mind?” To change the mind of destructive emotions, he says we must have willpower. He is very clear in saying happiness is within ourselves but we get blocked by such things as money, desire and wanting more. Unhappiness is division and that brings war which has no victors.

Speaking of his own country, there have been over one million Tibetans have been killed since 1959. He speaks of male dominance being the most destructive thing of all. The Dalai Lama believes the women can make the world safer. He points out that important leaders are women and it is women who re-create the Lama with hopes of someday there might be a woman Dalai Lama.

He also speaks of the earth and how it is feeling what humanity has done as well and saying the world is so busy fighting itself, it doesn’t see that time to be in our world is sliding away fast. All of these things are based on emotion believing discourse is where all of this flows from and emphasizing that breathing can reconnect with inner peace. Meditation can bring compassion and by thinking of others your mind opens. He also smiles mentioning that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, just continue!

What does he want for his own country? That the Chinese government to allow Tibetans to keep their own culture without fear of hate or violence but with compassion. To do that, there needs to be calm dialogue, peaceful dialogue. The Dalai Lama believes every community should be based on compassion. In that is education; sing the brain to be constructive in the world. It begins with ourselves and then outward to others through positive emotions.

Abramorama is the preeminent global theatrical distributions and rights partner for many documentary and music films and is recognized for the consistent high quality of its work on award winning features. Over the course of 20 years, Abramorama has successfully distributed and marketed hundreds of films including Ron Howard’s Grammy Award Winning THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK, Stanley Nelson’s MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, as well as Academy Award Nominee and IDA Best Documentary Winner THE LOOK OF SILENCE. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.abramorama.com.

THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS Film Festival Selections include Best Film at the 2025 Croatian International Film Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 Zurich Film Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 DOK.fest Munich, Official Selection at the 2024 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 Millennium Docs Against Gravity (Poland), and Official Selection at the 2024 Biografilm Festival (Italy).

Executive Producers include actor Richard Gere, Oren Moverman, Walo Kamm, Tashi Albertini-Kaiser, Monlam Maurer-Adotsang, Tobias Asch, Annette Werenfels and Ann-Marie Le Flanchec. Gere says of the film, “Watching how the Dalai Lama embodies love, generosity, and kindness allows viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in a way that feels real and achievable”.

I first learned of the Dalai Lama when I was 15 and was fascinated by his life. I read everything I could throughout the years about him, his life and how he saw the world. What I cam to feel was the calmness that he always seems to express, the way he walked among people from all walks of life, his ability to laugh with people oh goodness, a smile that just draws one in. Even before reviewing the film, I have listened to him speak about each of our parts in the world. What directors Miller and Delaquis have done is allow the Dalai Lama to bring the word of happiness again to people from all over the world.

Sharing his early life, how his family made an impression on him, the sadness of having to leave his beloved Tibet, his daily life now in India and his continual journey to spread the word on finding happiness. What is the most amazing thing about the Dalai Lama is his ability to speak with such eloquence, humor and – yes, compassion, that it is impossible not to take in every word. Perhaps he knocks gently on that door he knows many of us have closed, gives us a smile and invites us to remember all the things about life we may have forgotten.

He is quite aware that the world is a harsh place sometimes, he knows from experience that it would be easy to point fingers, scream and holler. Instead, he asks us to remain calm, find peace and then approach is all in such a way that we do good and not be part of the problem. The timing of the film coming to theatres is so important, especially right now since so many are suffering from TPF (Twisted Political Fatigue I’ve coined it). Listening to the Dalai Lama speak on what is possible is so uplifting and feels like a snap back into what is possible for a life that not only brings us joy but spreading it to others through the one word he repeats over and over – compassion.

In the end – life is compassion!

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Joe Wright, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a celebration of the stunning Jane Austen story of PRIDE & PREJUDICE.

In England, Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland) and Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) live a relatively quiet life in Hertfordshire. Along with daughters Jane (Rosamund Pike), Elizabeth (Kiera Knightley), Mary (Talulah Riley), Kitty (Carey Mulligan), and Lydia (Jena Malone), their home is always lively with the young girls as Mrs. Bennet attempts to find husbands for them all. She is thrilled when a ball is announced at Netherfield Hall and the young bachelor Charles Bingley (Simon Bingley) will attend with sister Caroline (Kelly Reilly).

The family gathers together for the carriage ride to the event where Jane is quite taken with Charles. Along with them is family friend Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), who Elizabeth immediately sees as extremely full of himself, especially when she overhears him speaking so ill of her. The next day when Jane visits Netherfield Hall once again, she falls ill and Charles immediately wishes for her to stay until she is well. Elizabeth follows days later to check on her sister only to be met by Mr. Darcy and a very side-eyed Caroline.

At home, more pressing issues are about to arrive in the form of Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), a clergyman who would be next in line to inherit the Bennet home and on the serious hunt for a wife to the advice of his patron Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Judi Dench). The girls also meet George Wickham (Rupert Friend), a soldier who has some ties to the Darcy family. After a bit of wife seeing, Mr. Collins and Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte (Claudie Blakley) seem to have hit it off. Jane is taken with Charles but there is someone in their way, the same someone who asks for Elizabeth’s hand with a swift rejection and a chastising regarding Mr. Wickham.

Darcy gives Elizabeth a letter to explain things she could not possibly know as she takes a trip with Mr. Gardiner (Peter Wight) and wife Mrs. Gardiner (Penelope Wilton). Turn after turn of events bring Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in each other’s company, from a mother who can’t stay out of her own way, a father who is happy to allow the chaos and daughters who each are unique in their ability to love. Welcome to the Bennet home!

Knightley as Elizabeth portrays her as a young woman who has no problem speaking her mind regarding mostly anything. She is sharp witted, very attentive to everything that is going on around her and a bit amused by the actions of her own mother. Love is not a part of her life seeming happy with her books, long walks and time with sister Jane. Knightley is flawless in her portrayal and constantly makes me laugh under my breath because her character is so relatable.

Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy has basically ruined many a woman with his portrayal of this dark brooding man who doesn’t have time for folly of any kind. That is until Elizabeth catches his eye and he finds himself a bit stunned by her in the way he reacts when she is around. His idea of love is, in fact, not so dissimilar than that of Elizabeth, they just have different ways of showing it. One would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t think that the scene of Mr. Darcy walking through a field toward Elizabeth is anything but pure magic and memorable. Yes, Macfadyen gives Mr. Darcy the right amount of being misunderstood mixed with moments where the puppy dog eyes give everything away to anyone paying attention. So well done and, to be truthful, makes us all want a Mr. Darcy in our lives.

Sutherland as Mr. Bennet is a character I always thought to be misunderstood as well. When I speak to people about the book, this character is always seen as not caring about the girls and their plight of being female yet, I don’t see that. I believe Mr. Bennet is the quiet in the storm of chaos who absolutely understands the predicament of his daughters but it’s hard to see that through the noise of – Mrs. Bennet. Blethyn as she is boisterous, loud, emotional, plotter and drama queen of the story. I just love her in that sense as her life is lived in a constant state of panic.

Friend as Wickham is exactly the man mothers warn about with his charm and constant compliments all wrapped up in a lie. That being said, I think Friend is such a fabulous character actor and he proves it time and time again. Pike as Jane is such a shy bit of a young woman but truly loves her family. I have seen Pike’s range over the years from good female characters to crazy ones, but in this film, it is an opportunity to see her play such a delicate side. Malone as Lydia is just as much a whirlwind of chaos as her own mother, it’s a mini-me if you will. Mulligan as Kitty is charming and a cross between her mother and father in demeanor.

Hollander as Mr. Collins is the most irritating character of all but it does prove one thing, that the woman of the 18th century had to keep their ladylike demeanor in the midst of a narcissist. That being said, I just love his inability to understand that only Lady Catherine has in interest in what Mr. Collins says. Woods as Bingley is the young man who has no problem showing his feelings and is completely enamored of Jane (and who wouldn’t be). I see his open heart as the tender mood of the film and so well done. Reilly as Caroline is using her stings early in preparing for the later role as Beth in the series Yellowstone!

Shout out to the grand dame herself, Dame Judi Dench as Lady de Bourgh. She has the amazing ability to make you love to dislike this character. The love part is her ability to throw a good glare and the dislike is pretty self-explanatory.

Other cast include Tamzin Merchant as Georgiana Darcy, Pip Torrens as Netherfield Butler, Roy Holder as Mr. Hill, Sinead Matthews as Mrs. Betsy, Meg Owen as Mrs. Reynolds, and Cornelius Booth as Col. Fitzwilliam.

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.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

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

Bonus Features include Conversations with the Cast, Jane Austen: A Head of Her Time, A Bennet Family Portrait, HBO First Look: PRIDE & PREJUDICE, The Politics of 18th Century Dating, The Stately Homes of PRIDE & PREJUDICE and Feature Commentary with Director Joe Wright.

Deborah Moggach is the screenwriter of the film and she explains, “I tried to be truthful to the book, which is already a perfect three-act structure, so I haven’t changed a lot. It is beautifully shaped as a story – the ultimate romance about two people who think they hate each other.” Producer Paul Webster describes Pride & Prejudice as ‘the original romantic comedy’. Director Wright shares his thoughts that, “this is a film about love…like a fairytale on an emotional level, PRIDE & PREJUDICE is a true story worth telling again and again through the generations.”

Restored for the first time on 4K Ultra HD, the 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition comes in a stunning and elegance sleeve with lovely artwork. Inside, a book that opens to the discs followed by pages of stunning photographs, and an introduction by Paul Webster, Deborah Moggach, the cast, costumes designs and music. This is a beautiful way to embrace not only a beloved Jane Austen story, but to see and experience it again and again.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE is, and it must be said Austen is one of my adored writers, pure stunning in every way. The cinematography by Roman Osin lends itself to a beautiful character in the film from the small home of the Bennet’s to the adorned home of Mr. Darcy, the color and sharpness that is just breathtaking. The cast fits into their characters with such depth, no matter if their characters truly have character or not. The set designs are a true compliment to the story and I am always in for a period piece. The costumes done by Jacqueline Durran are impeccable and embrace the 18th century. Now, the music, the luscious and intoxicating music created by the Italian composer Dario Marianelli and is joined by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and English Chamber Orchestra. The album of the music just brings one back to the story in its place and time while making the heart skip a beat.

It is time to gather up every Austen fan you know, every person who loves love for an evening of wine with a side of PRIDE & PREJUDICE.

In the end – sometimes the last person on earth you want to be with is the one person you can’t be without!

Make its Debut on 4K UHD is the Spectacular CLOUD ATLAS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD from directors Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, Radial Entertainment and Shout! Studios comes the ethereal story of CLOUD ATLAS.

It is 1849 and Adam Ewing (Jim Sturgess) witnesses the beating of Moriori Autua (David Gyasi) who has stowed away on his ship. Trying to discover a way to help the man, Ewing goes against the evil ship’s doctor Henry Goose (Tom Hanks) who has other greedy plans for the good-hearted man. When he arrives in San Francisco, his wife Tilda (Doona Bae) discovers his father complicity in keeping people as slaves.

Farther into the future, 1936, composer Robert Frobisher (Ben Whishaw) avoids his problems in the city by going to composer Vyvyan Ayrs (Jim Broadbent) and it also gives him time to work on his own music. When he ran away, he also left behind his love Rufus Sixsmith (James D’Arcy) but it can’t be helped. It doesn’t take long before Ayrs shows his true colors forcing Frobisher to once again make a decision that will ripple through the ages.

Moving even more into the future, it is 1973 San Francisco when Luisa Rey (Halle Berry) gets a message to meet Sixsmith who is a nuclear physicist. As a journalist, Luisa can’t say no to the chance to intrigue and a chance to get her hands on reports about what has happened at a nuclear reactor. Meeting the over-confidence Lloyd Hooks (Hugh Grant), she is not easy swayed by his sticky sweet charm. One person who notices she is trying to do good is Isaac Sachs, a scientist who slips her the report.

Across the ocean in 2012 is Dermot Hoggins who has no problem knocking off a critic after a bad review of his good. Angry with publisher Timothy Cavendish, he asks for help from his brother Denholme but it leads him to a place that now he can’t even get out of because it’s all been a lie and now, he has to deal with Nurse Noakes (Hugo Weaving)! Talking about the future, in 2144 Korea, clones called ‘fabricants’ are the new indentured servants. Sonmi is one such fabricant who learns from others that there is a world outside their existence. Managing to escape with the help of Commander Hae-Joo Chang, she learns of the writings and the history of the past. She decides then that she will join the resistance at a high price.

In 2321, Zachry lives with tribesman in a small village in the post-apocalyptic world. A stranger comes into their midst; Meronym is looking for a station long hidden needing to find a message that will help the Prescient (Keith David). It is the Abbess (Susan Sarandon) of the village who knew this would happen. Knowing where it is, Zachry has to deal with a few matters first as his village is constantly under attack from a cannibal tribe and his own fears as he is plagued by the devil on his shoulder.

Hanks begins as Zachary but he is throughout the film portraying different characters, as most of the cast is. I expect nothing different from this iconic actor and in this film the range of characters are horrible to absolutely lovely. That’s not a bad range to fit all into one film and I loved every rendition he does. Zachary is the most thoughtful and most frightened of all his roles yet, he does everything possible to keep that fear in check in an effort to do the right thing. A signature feeling from Hanks. Berry begins as a journalist seeking out the truth and ends as a woman in the future seeking out the truth. Her journey through the film is that of the all character not exactly playing by the rules but then again, if it gets the job done I’m all for it.

Sturgess begins the film as Ewing, a lawyer who sees the atrocity of seeing a man being beaten. What he doesn’t expect is that the same man would be the reason he lives to become an abolitionist. Sturgess has the looks of innocence which, even after understanding the cruelty of man, his character keeps his faith and face in each instance of his characters. Keith as Prescient has the voice that makes his presence clear and shows that there are no small roles in this film.

Whishaw as Frosbisher is the rogue of a musician and following his journey is actually filled with such pain and sorrow. I adored watching him take his role with such a riveting embrace, yes, bad boys can find good. Broadbent as Ayrs and Cavendish is such a duality that he makes look so damn easy and flawless. Weaving as Nurse Noakes certainly does give him a run for his money while entertaining me to the fullest. D’Arcy as Sixsmith carries in his character such a fore longing that is only shown on his face, and it is carried for more years than anyone I can imagine would. He is silently beautiful in his performance and the connections he brings to his other characters.

Sarandon is the perfect person to play the Abbess. She is the calm and the wisdom in all the madness. Okay, so I’m just thrilled to see her in anything but still, watching her be the future force for women is everything. Gyasi as Autura is a man seeking freedom within the chaos of the time but never forgot his humanity, it wrecked me totally with its sublime humbleness.

A huge shout out to Bae as Somni because her character is absolutely stunning, absolutely. As a fabricant she goes by the rules of her programming, yet once outside the bounds and awaken to the world, she understanding what most don’t – that injustice can not remain silent, no matter the cost. Bae is so sweet and charming in this role with her innocence as well, just so well, well done.

Other cast include Brody Lee as Javier, Ian van Temperley as Enforcer, Robin Morrissey as young Cavendish, Martin Wuttke as Mr. Boerhaave, and Zhou Xun as Yoona-939.

SHOUT! Studios have 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 have to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Radial Entertainment is a global entertainment company operating with FilmRise and Shout! Studios. They have a library of over 70,000 movies and episodes making it the largest independent catalog. Its programming spans a wide range of genre with true crime, reality, animation, action, westerns, classics, horror and so much more. Please visit www.radialentertainment.com

The Collector’s Edition comes in a 3-disc set loaded with bonus content, including a brand-new feature-length documentary with the filmmakers, cast and crew. New Interviews with a Wide Variety of Cast and Crew, Author David Mitchell, Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Keith David, James D’Arcy, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant. Also, Co-Producer Roberto Malerba, Co-Director of Photography Frank Griebe, Production Designers Hugh Bateup and Uli Hanisch, Costumer Designer Kym Barrett and Pierre-Yves Gayraud, Make-Up Artist Jeremy Woodhead, Daniel Parker and Sian Richard and so much more.

Bonus Features include New 4K Restoration of the Digital Intermediate, Presented in Dolby Vision, 1080p High-Definition Widescreen, “What is an Ocean…Reconnection the Cast and Crew of CLOUD ATLAS, 7 Archival Featurettes, A Film Like No Other, Everything is Connected, The Impossible Adaptation, The Essence of Acting, Spaceships, Slaves & Sextets, The Bold Science Fiction of Cloud Atlas, Eternal Recurrence: Love, Life and Longing in CLOUD ATLAS and Extended Look Trailer.

CLOUD ATLAS has always been in my top ten films and for several reasons. First of all, it is a ride and a half keeping focus on everything that happens in the two hours and forty-five minutes. The complex stories that are intertwined together bring out every human emotion possible because it is so raw. Adding to that is the music of Tykwer that brings out even more of the emotions the film is trying to tell. The author David Mitchell wrote Cloud Atlas in 2004 and it came to the screens in 2012. In the six stories he tells, the orders jump so that the viewer can piece it together.

It is such a brilliant piece of work both written and on the screen with haunting, longing, awareness and ethereal beauty. Instead of bringing a large cast in to cover all the characters, it is a stroke of brilliance to have the actors play different characters in different stages and it is as smooth as silk. I’ve read articles referring to the structure of the film as a ‘Russian-doll’ and it is a perfect way to say it. What is even more exquisite about CLOUD ATLAS is that the struggles with each story might confuse some but for those of us that are patient for resplendence, CLOUD ATLAS delivers.

In the end – everything is connected!

The Law of ZOOTOPIA 2 Arrives on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is the return of the badges with ZOOTOPIA 2.

Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now partners at the Zootopia Police Department and are trying to find the next big case. When things go a little wrong with a smuggling ring, there is tension between Judy and Nick causing Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) to send them to partner therapy with Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson). Judy can’t stop thinking of what she found during the smuggling ring which is a snake skin and talks Nick into helping her investigate.

Doing a bit of investigating, Judy learns that the Lynxley family might have some clues and the only way to find out is attending the Zootenial Gala. Nick is not happy about going but tags along to see if a snake is also going to be there. While there, Judy meets Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) who is the awkward one of the family but their conversation doesn’t last long as a snake strikes and steals a book describing the different parts of Zootopia. Family head Milton Lynxley (David Strathaim) and his guards are also on the chase.

When Judy catches the Gary the snake (Ke Huy Quan), he tells her something about the book that could help his family but Lynxley turns on the officers and now they have to escape. There only way out of this bind is to find Gary with the help of Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) and discover Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) who shares that they are in the part of town where outcasts can be themselves.

Once they find Gary, Judy discovers what the book means and how there are secrets that some people want to keep quiet and will do anything to do that. Judy and Nick need to do what they are good at, getting answers!

Goodwin as Judy is a bunny with a plan and it also means she’s investigating because, well, she is driven to catch the bad guys. I just love her voice in this role and it fits so perfectly. Goodwin’s voice is so, dare I say, animated. Bateman as Nick is just what one would expect from him. He is so good at doing sarcasm and dry humor that I’m all for it. He provides the laughs as a fox who still has a bit of the bad guy in him which comes in very handy.

Quan as Gary the snake has made my whole family decide that its time to get a Gary-plushy! This is such a charming character that takes all the scary out of snakes but instead makes you want to cuddle the stuffing out of him. Samberg as Pawbert gives the same hapless and helpless lynx that just wants to fit into his family. Strathaim as Milton is the strong arm of the family and nothing is going to stand in his way of keeping the family name at the top of Zootopia’s list.

Shout out to LaMarche as Mr. Big because I just love this character. He proves that you should never judge a book by his size – or else! Feimster is hilarious as Maplestick with her outcast wisdom and pure joy of life.

Other cast include Shakira as Gazelle, Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer, Nate Torrence as Benjamin Clawhauser, Bonnie Hunt as Mom Hopps, Don Lake as Dad Hops, Mccaulay Culkin as Cattrick Lynxley, Wilmer Valderrama as Higgins, Brenda Song as Kitty Lynxley, Leah Lathan as Fru Fur, Raymond S. Persi as Flash Slothmore, John Leguizamo as Antony Sootley and Danny Trejo as Jesus.

That’s not all! There is also Tommy Lister Jr., Mario Lopez, Auli’I Cravalho, Alan Tudyk, Jenny Slate, Josh Gad, Tommy Chong, Josh Dallas, Celia Strong, June Squibb, Tig Notaro, Yvette Nicole Brown, Dwayne Johnson, Ed Sheeran, Robert Irwin, and Michael J. Fox,

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment 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 to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

Bonus Features include Featurettes: The Zookeepers, A City of Stars, Everybody Can Draw!, Zoo-prising Secrets, Wilde Times in the Booth, The Treat Trolley, “Zoo” Music Video by Shakira, Deleted Scenes: What’s in the Box?, Where Are They Now?, Animal Hospital, Welcome to the Team, Desert Festival, Clawhauswer Tracks Judy, A Plight at the Museum and Clawhauser’s Family.

There are films that have a difficult time have a sequel because moviegoers want their characters to stay their same loveable selves. ZOOTOPIA 2 doesn’t have any worries on that score at all. I am saying this proudly that the film is actually funnier than the first. Right? Can’t believe I said that right? ZOOTOPIA 2 just took the story and threw everything at it but the kitchen sink and it all worked and worked beautifully.

The story is a solid one, the action is amazing, the animation is pure gold and the cast brought in was just fun, fun, fun. Let by Goodwin and Bateman, I can see why so many wanted to join in, I mean just look at the list, and there are many more. Let’s also not forget the Easter Eggs that are all over the film and it is so much fun to spot them, trust me, we had a blast. There is one very cool egg that should make Stephen King giggle especially.

So, with this week leading up to Thanksgiving, it means the kids are home. This is not only a kid movie but the adults are going to have to much fun watching it as well. Gear up and be prepared to start the holiday season with the best the animal world has to offer with ZOOTOPIA 2.

In the end – they are back with a twissssst!

He is DRACULA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Luc Besson and Vertical is the story of love through the centuries with DRACULA.

Prince Vladimir of Wallachia (Caleb Landry) is a fierce warrior and after a battle against the Ottomans, he learns that his beloved wife Elisabeta was tricked and killed. Not able to save her, the prince renounces God and lives through time waiting for his love to be reincarnated. Now a vampire, he also learned how to develop a perfume that brings victims to him quite easily.

Several centuries later, lawyer Jonathan Harker (Ewens Abid) is sent to the prince to help find a place for him to be in Paris. Showing a picture of his fiancé Mina (Zoe Bleu) to the prince, Jonathan is imprisoned in the castle while Dracula goes to find her feeding on his way to become handsome once again. Already in place is vampire Maria (Matilda De Angelis) who is being held in a sanitarium waiting for Dracula’s return but she seems to have gone a little mad.

Checking her over is a priest (Christoph Waltz) called in to handle the situation. Studying her behavior and marks on her neck, he concludes that Maria is vampire. Meanwhile, Mina is being seduce by Dracula and she is pulled between the two men. Remembering a time when Dracula was the love of her life, Mina makes a choice.

That’s when the priest follows with Harker and others, they are determined to bring Mina back to them. Dracula has other plans.

Landry as Dracula brings a new side of the frightening vampire. He carries Dracula through stages that project what we know and what we never considered. There is nothing stopping him from finding his love. Landry is quiet, effective and sexy in his own unique way which gives his character such power. Here is a deeper dive into Dracula and his presence looms so large thanks to Landry’s ability to be completely become this character. Different yet effective and so very close to my favorite Dracula.

Abid as Harder has a tendency to not fit into the film with his joking and the way he sees things. I felt a little cringed by this character as I always saw him as a stronger character. It doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate his role; I always see Harker as an under character that doesn’t seem to be thought of as important, and truthfully, he is. Bleu as Mina is a young woman worried about her friend, that is until a tall handsome prince enters her life. Bleu portrays such a strong woman who has no status other than being Dracula’s love. Bleu lets her character go with the flow and even seeing red flags doesn’t change her character.

Waltz as the Priest is the calm on in the bunch. He can chaos reign surprise around him he keeps his cool. While everyone is going insane around him, the priest just does what needs doing and doesn’t let overreactions stop him. When he finally speaks with Dracula, I just loved how his character spoke truth to Dracula’s power. DeAngelis as Maria is absolutely insane, she is extremely loud, a handful of emotions and a friend to Mina. But with friends like Maria who needs vampiric enemies. She is a vampiric hot mess.

Other cast include David Shields as Henry Spencer, Raphael Luce as Simon, Guillaume de Tonquedec as Dumont, Haymon Maria Buttinger as the Cardinal, Betrand-Xavier Corbi as Captain Targol,

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. Film such as MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU, FIGHT OR FLIGHT and IN THE LOST LANDS are only a few of the film the studio has brought forward. For more please visit www.vert-ent.com.

To be honest, the 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula is always the yardstick I use to compare vampire films. When Gary Oldman says “I’ve crossed oceans of time to find you.”, I’m undone. I get why Mina submits because, who wouldn’t? That scene alone is imprinted in my brain forever so, its hard to go into a new vampire film without having some reservations.

What does that mean? It means that Landry has moved into the number 2 slot of my favorite vampires. His take is unique, vocally frightening and larger than life. There are moments of sheer terror and moments of sheer heartbreaking love. The portrayal by Landry shows it has to be one or the other.

Landry gives Dracula an interesting take with his anger being subtle but effective in ways the humans don’t see coming. This interpretation of Dracula includes gargoyle minions or, gargoyle ninjas because they are fast and effective. The costuming is stunning and I love that about the film. The score is brilliantly done by composer Danny Elfman. Each note added something unique, especially during the time Dracula is on the hunt through the centuries.

Director Besson says is best about Dracula, “He’s good because he loves her and he’s bad because he loves her.” This character is caught in a cycle of grief and destruction. Grief at losing his beloved Elizabeta and the destruction of anything that gets in his way of finding her. That is a constant theme for this iconic bad boy with fangs.

In the end – he has waited centuries!

Up Against the FRONTIER CRUCIBLE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Travis Mills and Well Go USA Entertainment is the ultimate western when up against the FRONTIER CRUCIBLE.

In the town of San Carlos, illness has broken out and Major O’Rourke (William H. Macy) needs medical supplies delivered, but not by the Calvary. Not wishes to bring attention to the wagon, he Merrick Beckford (Myles Clohessy) to make the journey on his own. On the road, Beckford comes across a group of people attacked by the Apache. Jeff Butler (Eli Brown) has been shot and wife Valerie (Mary Stickley) is trying to keep him alive.

She is not finding much help from Charlie McKee (Thomas Jane), his son Billy (Ryan Masson) and companion Edmund Fisher (Armie Hammer). Beckford agrees to help but makes it clear that the wagon and supplies are headed south to San Carlos. Almost immediately, he is met with hostility from Fisher and a momentary stand off lets the others know, Beckford isn’t to be trifled with.

What starts out as helping a group of people in need, quickly turns into serious problems that can’t be avoided with the Apache. Chief Victorio (Eddie Spears) is going to hold those responsible for murder the Apache way. Now the question becomes, who are the real savages?

Clohessy as Beckford immediately holds the screen from start to finish. He absolutely exudes the 1960s less-is-more speak and wary Clint Eastwood vibe and I’m not mad at it. Let’s be honest, the reason Beckford doesn’t get his ass handed to him is because he’s not playing from a stance of trying to gain anything from the others, he is focused and he sees each for who they are. He’s already seen it, experienced it and understands what is in front, as well as what is behind him. Meaning? No monologuing necessary! In FRONTIER CRUCIBLE, Clohessy gives Beckford control, quickness and a bit of heart.

Clohessy is not unknown to me as an actor having seen several of the television mini-series and work in the series The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin. That being said, he has also delved into directing and writing. Bringing those two talents together, see the 2022 film THE REDEEMER, nominated for several awards by the American Indian Film Festival.

Spears as Chief Victorio gives his character a very straight forward attitude. During this era of time, justice was based in traditional accountability. Spears’ Victorio did just that with this character, and literally for one character, an eye for an eye. More poignant is the connection between Beckford and Chief Victorio, probably the most momentarily frightful and eventual respectful scene of the film between the two. Representation of Native Americans in film is so important and taking writer Whittington’s work and putting it on screen Spears brings Chief Victorio back to the screen. The last time was 1953 in HONDO and with stereotypes of the time in film.

Jane as McKee is the sneaky player in the trio game. He keeps his moves sly, underhanded and talks a big game. The mixture of that and trying to play Beckford, Jane does it so well with a bad-guy smoothness that adds a hint of, dare I say, fun? Then again, it’s all fun and games until Apache justice knocks him to the ground. Brown as Butler gives wish-wash vibes in that he’s fine being on Beckford’s side when he thinks he’s dying but the minute, he gets a better offer, he turns into a character I’d hold under the water till the bubbles stopped! That’s how you know you’ve done a good job Mr. Brown! Stickley as Valerie is a woman in the middle of wild west testosterone. Wanting to be a good wife, fighting off bad guys and feeling a pull toward Beckford, she definitely has her tin pan plate full. Giving weak and strong moments, Stickley gives exactly what one would expect from a woman trying to survive the 1800s.

Masson as Billy is the ultimate kid who wants to be as wild as the wild west itself. Playing that up, Masson’s portrayal is that of a kid caught up in the violence and pushing those limits, until the limits push back. Hammer as Fisher is the one that all of them need to keep their eye on. It’s always the quiet ones and, with the exceptions of a few intense moments, he has his own plan.

Shout out to Macy as Major O’Rouke.

Other cast include Zane Holtz, Juwan Lakota, Joshua Odjick, Leon Garcia, Derek Riley, Rurik Riley, Wambli Eagleman, John Marrs Travis Elliston, and Jay Hizer.

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

Bonus Features include Making of FRONTIER CRUCIBLE and Trailer.

FRONTIER CRUCIBLE is adapted from the 1961 Western novel by Harry Whittington entitled Desert Stake-Out. The film definitely gives off that 1960s western feel thanks to Clohessy. Dallas Sonnier of 2015s BONE TOMAHAWK fame is one of the producers of the film. Director Travis Mills knows exactly what a western should look like, then his 2024 piece THE LEGACY OF THE 12 WESTERNS is a great set up to his thought process. Beckford’s long gun reminds me of the trailer from the 1964 Sergio Leone film A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS with, “This long gun belongs to the man with no name” and the smoke in the first scene as well.

The opening scene lets the viewer know what they are in for! Buckle up and prepare to be transported back to the 1870’s, when there is no law around and ruthlessness is the unspoken law of the land. Each of the characters, thanks to a stellar cast, has a story to tell and Mills lets that happen throughout the film. What also doesn’t hold back is the brutality that caught me off guard yet, at the same time, didn’t surprise me. The old west wasn’t a pretty place and here it is, up close and personal.

The story, cinematography, location – all absolutely stellar, then again, I am a complete fan of westerns in all forms. They are an iconic form of storytelling and, when done right, touch on so many themes that are in FRONTIER CRUCIBLE. It wasn’t called the ‘wild west’ because the title was cute, no, it was wild in violence, wild in expectations and wild in clashes between cultures – it just happened to be in the west.

It is a two hour and five-minute western that had me yelling at the screen, cheering for the certain characters (you’ll known when you know), giggling at a few lines in the film and loving the cast. The films score is a fantastic addition to the storytelling by singer-songwriter Sean Rowe. Gritty, raw and dark, just like the underbelly of the film. So, popcorn up and let FRONTIER CRUCIBLE remind you how westerns are an irreplaceable genre!

In the end – you don’t have to die to go to hell!

A Hit with PROJECT HAIL MARY

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime/MGM+ from directors Christopher Miller, Phil Lord and Amazon MGM Studios is a journey in space to save the universe with PROJECT HAIL MARY.

Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) is a middle school science teacher who wakes up on a spacecraft. After a bit of panic, he realizes that he is one of three on the ship that is light years away from Earth, but the only survivor. How did he get there? Before being a teacher, he was a molecular biologist and that is why Eva Stratt (Sandra Huller) has come to see him.

The sun is dimming and it has to do with the Petrova line, a line that goes from the Sun to Venus. What is causing it is something scientist call Astrophage and that gives Earth only thirty years before catastrophe. Getting himself together on the ship, Grace realizes there is one planet not affected by the Astrophage. Heading that way, he comes in contact with another ship with a passenger dealing with the same problem.

Rocky, a five-legged-alien, becomes a partner with Grace in trying to discover what can stop the Astrophage. Learning to communicate and putting their brilliant minds together, they both have the chance to not only save their planet but get home. The partnership between Grace and Rocky cause them both to make sacrifices in the name of universal friendship.

Gosling as Grace is absolutely stunning and total perfection in this film. As a man who doesn’t mind helping the cause of saving the planet, he doesn’t see himself as brave enough to do what’s necessary. What Gosling does with this character is never letting him be anything other than himself. This film is wrapped up in so many emotions and Gosling delivers at every level. From insecurities, to sadness, to pure joy, Gosling never once lets the audience catch their breath. All of it is like a Christmas present in March! The relationship with Rocky melted me completely and, makes me think it’s time to bring pet rocks back…with legs.

Huller as Eva is the one person one earth who believes in Gosling. From the moment they meet, she sees that he is different than most of those working on the project. It is that difference that she needs to make everything work. Huller gives her character a quiet strength that seems to be the one holding the biggest candle of hope without letting anyone around her knowing it.

Two important shout outs here. The first, Lionel Boyce as Carl, the man assigned to Grace in the beginning. I just love how he is this government guard yet, there are moments where his character is less strict and works with Grace in the oddest and best way. James Ortiz is the voice of Rocky and, after laughing through all the voice choices, Ortiz gives the little alien such a personality that I’m in love with (feel free to send any toys of Rocky my way!). When there are characters like this in films, the voice is everything and Ortiz is everything and more.

Other cast include Travis Jay as Tilt-a-Whirl, Bastian Fuentes as Parker, Milana Vayntrub as Olesya Ilukhina, Ken Leung as Yao, Priya Kansara as Mary, Mia Soteriou as Dr. Browne, Annelle Olaleye as Olivia, Maya Eva Hosein as Rekha, Paul Lambert as Dr. Scyther, Orion Lee as Dr. Li, and Aaron Neil as Narender.

PROJECT HAIL MARY is from writer Andy Weir who has also brought about the film THE MARTIAN, another space films that I absolutely adore. ARTEMIS is still in the works. More than novels, Weir has written serial novels, short and long stories, comics and graphic novels. I’m excited to see what he writes next.

First of all, the film comes in at one hundred and fifty-six minutes and I loved every single, solitary moment. To be fair, THE MARTIAN (2015) is a film I have seen to many times I can’t even count and it is because of the mixture of intelligence and humanity. It has been my favorite since then but, the reign has come to an end. Now, PROJECT HAIL MARY has taken the lead and, for the very same reasons. The best part? They were both written by Andy Weird so, it’s a win-win.

Gosling runs away with the film with his love of science, even if it didn’t go in the direction he thought in the early years. Once called upon to help save the world, Grace might have hesitated but, in the blink, he’s in space doing just that. There is so much to say about Gosling’s performance but I have to admit, I don’t know if I can ever see him cry again because, the audience in the theatre with me were crying along with him. He wrecked an entire room and, he wrecked the unwreckable (insert me here).

The space scenes are so beautiful, colorful and could quite easily make anyone want to go to space. Inside the ship looks so complex in the beginning, but, with the help of Rocky, comes to be ever more complex yet, easy to follow along with each characters thought process. Thanks to Neil deGrasse Tyson, I even understood a lot of the space references. Now, about Rocky, I can’t even believe how dang cute he is and, although oddly shaped, I wouldn’t change one bit of him.

I loved the Easter eggs in the film, as I’m sure Steven Spielberg does as well. The humor totally had me laughing, the story is just so smart that I now need to read the book to see if I missed anything and tissues should be handed out before entering the theatre. This is a film that is such a must-see and my space favorite of 2026 and beyond. The ending, so you know, is amazing!

Go spent time this weekend weightless in space and cheer on the saving of the universe!

In the end – believe in the Hail Mary!

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from directors Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the next adventure with THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE.

Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) lives with her star children on the Comet Observatory, and just as she is settling in for the evening, Bower Jr. (Benny Safdie) has other plans. Having created a universe-destroying cannon, it can only be used with the power of a Princess, so he takes her. His objective is to defeat Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) and get his father, Bowser (Jack Black), back!

Star Luma (Virginia Dare Jelenic) is sent by Princess Rosalina to find Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and go through the Gateway Galaxy. When Mario and Luigi discover that she left without them, they take Yoshi (Donald Glover) and mini-Boswer do what they can to find her. They don’t hang onto Bowser long and are stuck on a planet. They meet Fox McCloud (Glen Powell), who helps get them where they need to go!

On Planet Bowser, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Princess Peach come up against Bowser and Bowser, Jr., and their goal is one thing – get Princess Rosalina back and get home to those waiting for them!

Pratt is back as Mario and, from the sound of his voice, he’s having a good time. Day as Luigi is, as I’ve always said, an underappreciated brother. Of course, hanging out book-clubbing with Bowser might not have been his best idea. Taylor-Joy is a Princess who isn’t going to be taken for granted when it comes to taking on bad guys. Larson as Princess Rosalina loves her little stars, and the story of a part of her life comes to the screen.

Black as Bowser has the unmistakable voice and, in this film, gives us all a chance to chuckle in the beginning and wonder, can evil be changed when being a mini? Glover shows up at Yoshi, our family’s favorite game character for sure. Jelenic, as Luma is so charming, sweet, and has the voice we just ‘awwww’d’ over.

Shout out to Powell as our favorite fox! Welcome to the brothers’ world!

Other cast include Kevin Richardson as Kamek, Keegan-Michael Key as Tod, Eric Bauza as Toad General, Roxana Ortega as Ukiki, Luis Guzman as Wart, Ed Skudder as R.O.B., Juliet Jelenic as Lumalee, and Issa Rae as Honey Queen.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and is 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.

Illumination came to be in 2007, founded by Chris Meledandri, and has had and continues to have one of the most successful line of films. Those include THE LORAX, THE GRINCH, THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, SING, and now THE SUPER MARIO BROS. movie franchise. Shigeru Miyamoto is the founder of Nintendo Studios and joined up with Meledandri for the Super Mario Bros. franchise.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Next Level: Making THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE, Cast of Characters, Exploring the Galaxy, Galactic Thematics, Cosmic Tunes, Power-Ups, and Secrets of the Galaxy.

What a grand way to spend time with the family! I played the video game when my kids were little, then they got into everything that the franchise had to offer, grew up, and had children of their own who are now into the franchise. So, watching the movie, I got to watch everyone laugh and call out things my adult children saw from their childhood. This is how movie-going should be, just having a blast of a time with characters we absolutely love.

I believe what made us all cheer the most was seeing a certain fox who has made his way into the franchise. Illumination has brought so much nostalgia to the film with the original game pieces, but also staying true to the characters. I don’t believe there is anything missing, but then again, if you wait for the second piece after the film, you might recognize another character. That excited everyone to know there will be another film, well, there better be another film.

Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Rosalina, Princess Peach, Bowser, Bowser, Jr., and the rest of the characters from all the Mario Worlds are there. Mixed in with them are so many funny characters, so make sure your eyes are peeled because some of them go by quickly. Calling them Easter Eggs is hilarious, considering the holiday weekend. The film is colorful, bright, and full of action and adventure. There isn’t a moment I didn’t love!

Writer Matthew Fogel has not only written both amazing The Super Mario Bros. movies, but also MINIONS: The Rise of Gru and THE LEGO MOVIE 2: The Second Part. He says of the film, “It’s incredible, overwhelming, and so exciting. I was thinking of my eight-year-old self who was begging his mom to get a Nintendo and finally got one, that all these years later I’d be premiering a movie!”

Illumination and Nintendo have brought us all back to a time our family has always been fond of, and now we get to share it with the next generation, who now embrace it all just as we did. This is a fantastic film for families because there is something for everyone in every second of the film. So, grab goodies and head to the sofa together for a fun time.

In the end – new galaxies, new friends, and Yoshi!

Disney Shines with HOPPERS

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming across multiple platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home from Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, and Daniel Chong comes the story of loving animals in HOPPERS.

Mabel (Piper Curda) is a young animal lover from the city of Beaverton. Always trying to save animals, it is her grandmother who teaches her about the forest glade and the wild animals that live there. Staying in her grandmother's home after her passing, Mabel continues her fight. When she learns that the town's mayor, Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm), intends to build a freeway through the glen, Mabel is determined to stop him. How?

Well, Mabel learns that biology professor Dr. Sam Fairfax (Kathy Najimy) has an ingenious way that just might help. Technology called the Hoppers Program allows Mabel the ability to connect with the wildlife. Being monitored by Dr. Fairfax, Nisha (Aparna Nancherla), and Conner (Sam Richardson) helps to follow along. When Mabel breaks pond rule, Ellen (Melissa Villasenor), the bear, is taken to beaver King George (Bobby Moynihan), who takes care of displaced animals. He tells Mabel what is causing all of this, which means that when these two get together, Jerry doesn’t stand a chance!

There is a great summoning of all the animal royalty, from the fish, snakes, insects, all of them. Together, they discuss what to do next, but it doesn’t actually go according to plan. The animals come together to because, sometimes, you can’t go against nature!

Curda, voicing Mabel, is so charming and believes in what she is doing wholeheartedly. I just love her expression, which lends such warmth to the character. Moynihan, as King George, is such a fun-loving guy who just loves taking care of the other animals around him. Najimy, as Dr. Fairfax is responsible for Mabels, well, condition but is keeping an eye on her. Hamm, as Jerry, is the target of the animal world’s anger and is set to be handled.

Villasenor, as Ellen is the largest of the animals, is fighting for their place in the world. If you need someone on your side and don’t mind interfering with pond rules, then Ellen is your bear. Shout out to Franco as Titus because sometimes dynamite comes in small, crazy packages.

Other cast include Dave Franco as Titus, Eduardo Franco as Loaf, Tom Law as Tom Lizard, Ego Nwodim as Fish Queen, Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Bird King, Steve Purcell as Amphibian King, Vanessa Bayer as Diane, Lori Alan as Mabel’s mother, Karen Huie as Grandma Tanaka, Joe Spano as Elder Beavertonian, and Meryl Streep as the Insect Queen.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment 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 to add to your own family library, please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

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

Bonus Features include The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers, Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers, "Meet King George" Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.

Also included is Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts. Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth. Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes. Cold Open, The Glade, The Mission, Kings Arrive, George's Bachelor Pad, and Helicopter Ride.

HOPPERS is such an emotional film dealing with so many important issues. The first is Mabel, a young girl who sees the beauty in the freedom of creatures. When no one else sees her heart, it is her grandmother who accepts everything about Mabel. A politician who sees only himself and power instead of what is right for the world around him, especially the animals. Let’s not forget the environment and animals who finally see a way to have a say in what is happening around them.

The story is so original and amazing, but then that’s what Disney and Pixar are very good at when it comes to animation. The funny is also on point, which I love. Bringing families together for not only an enjoyable time, but also to have plenty to discuss afterward. The animation is stellar as always, and they couldn’t have made George any cuter if they tried. So grab the family, get the popcorn ready, and curl up for a night among the wildlife!

In the end – be part of something big!

READY OR NOT 2: Here I Come

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on multiple platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, and coming to Bluray from director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, and Searchlight Pictures comes the next game of READY OR NOT 2: Here I Come.

Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) has survived the Le Domas ritual and is now in the hospital trying to recover. What she isn’t expecting is the arrival of her sister Faith (Kathryn Newton). Their relationship is strained, but is Grace’s emergency contact after all. Meanwhile, back at murder mansion, Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Titus (Shawn Hatosy) Danforth are raring up for another game, especially since there is a current vacancy in the High Seat of the Council. That’s because Chester Danforth (David Cronenberg) has chosen to, well, step down, shall we say?

Almost instantly, Grace and Faith come face to face with someone who doesn’t want to wait for a new gathering. Captured once again, this time with Faith, they are brought to The Lawyer (Elijah Wood), where the new game is explained and the rules. Grace, and now Faith, have to make it till morning in another game of hide-and-seek, this time at Le Domas. If Grace makes it until morning, she is free to go again. If she doesn’t, whoever makes the kill gets the High Seat.

Also, as a nice twist, since the families are at the games, if the oldest falls, the next in line joins in the game or forfeits. When the game begins, almost immediately, Chen Xing (Olivia Cheng) tries to tell the girls that there is another way, by a stipulation in the rules of the game. That doesn’t please Ignacio (Nestor Carbonell), who wants that seat for himself. As the families keep coming, it is Ursula and Titus that seem to be taking control – of everything.

While running, the two sisters bicker over the reason they are mad at each other. Both are still upset, and it gets in the way of things. Until Grace comes face to face with Titus and the deal she makes in order to save her little sister, but don’t count the sisters out just yet.

Weaving returns as Grace, a woman who married into a family of Satan worshipers who made her life a living hell – literally. Thinking she has finally survived the worst night of her life, the girlfriend needs to suit up once again because this time, she has more to lose than her own life. I love Weaving’s character's reaction to things this time around, because although gross, she just isn’t shocked by what the family is capable of. This actress has solidified herself as a serious and comedic actress all in one fell swoop, and she does it so bloody well.

Newton as sister Faith, is dealing with family issues that cause her to be just as sarcastic as her big sister. Even after she learns what Grace has been through, it isn’t until she experiences it up close and personal that she begins to understand. Even so, that family stuff is a killer, and hanging onto it for this long means someone has to forgive. Newton is perfectly paired with Weaving, and I enjoyed the banter between the two that is perfectly timed.

Gellar as Ursula is the twin to Titus and marches to the beat of her own evil drum. She is bossy, hard, but focused on one thing – that High Seat! Having Gellar in the game is fun as she brings her own brand of evil to the game. Hatosy, as Titus seems to be the whipped twin in the pair, doesn’t think before he acts. Everything he does is based on one thing: aggression toward anyone who gets in his way. I’m a Hatosy fan, but it’s probably because he is so good as Dr. Jack Abbott in the award-winning HBO series THE PITT. Of course, Titus would be a character Dr. Abbott would want to heavily sedate! Here, he gets the chance to be as bad as he wants to be.

Wood as The Lawyer is so charmingly evil that it made me laugh. He is so calm about the rules and knows exactly when to get out of the way when things get, well, explosive. Wood always has the amazing ability to choose roles that challenge how the audience sees him. There are expressions he gives his character that are so full of mischief that I couldn’t help but laugh.

Other cast include Kevin Durand as Bill Wilkinson, Varun Saranga as Madhu Rajan, Nadeem Umar-Khitab as Viraj Rajan, Juan Pablo Romero as Felipe El Caido, Masa Lizdek as Martina Rajan, Maia Jae as Francesca El Caido, Dan Beime as Kip Danforth, and Anthony Hall as Wan Cheng Fu.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER, and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Special Features include The Games Goes On: The Making of READY OR NOT 2, Part 1: Written in Blood, Part 2: Casting the Chaos, Part 3: Designed for Destruction, Part 4: Blood, Guts and Practical Mayhem, Rules of the Game, Gag Reel, and Audio Commentary by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

READY OR NOT 2: Here I Come doesn’t try to change the original formula of the 2023 READY OR NOT, which I absolutely love about it. Instead, it brings families together to share in the bloodlines with only a few loopholes in the original game plan. The race for the High Seat means greed, and greed is not always good. Especially when you are being chased by katanas, rocket launchers, and a man with a mean right hook.

Weaving and Newton go up against Gellar and Hatosy in most of the film. That means survival goes up against the lust for power, and sometimes, surviving is better than dealing with the devil. This is a film that calls out for a group movie night filled with fun, laughs, and expected violence when you are running for your life. So, gather up everyone, place your bets to see who makes it until morning!

In the end – it’s double or nothing!

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Jon Favreau and Walt Disney Studios are the characters created by George Lucas, and from the series The Mandalorian comes the epic film THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU.

Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu are now working with the New Republic to track and capture Imperial warlords from a deck of cards held by Ward (Sigourney Weaver). Back from a mission, Ward wants the Mandalorian to go to the Hutt twins, who have information about the next warlord, Commander Coin (Jonny Coyne).

Once in front of the Hutt twins, they want to trade the information in exchange for the safe return of their nephew Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White) on Shakari. Agreeing, Djarin and Grogu make their way to the planet only to discover that Rotta is revered in the fighting pits. Not believing that the Mandalorian is there to rescue him, things take a turn that puts Djarin, Grogu, and Rotta in a very dangerous situation. It is only when they escape that it comes to their attention that they just left the commander!

Now, Djarin and Grogu are in even more danger as the Hutts want him punished for not seeing their contract through. Leaving Grogu in the hands of Anzelians’ (Shirley Henderson), Djarin takes on the Hutt twins only to be hurt. Never fear, Grogu knows what to do, and when it's all said and done, the Hutts have no clue who they are up against. That’s what happens when you fight for good and have friends who have your back!

Pascal, as the Mandalorian, brings his small-screen persona to the big screen, and it works. The relationship between Djarin and Grogu has become stronger, especially since his little ward has learned many new abilities. Pascal continues to bring his character such growth and the conscience to not do things just for the sake of money. Even the moment of his helmet’s removal, it doesn’t change his reason for working with the New Republic. I don’t know how many more films or series that Pascal does, but he has cemented himself in this character.

Weaver as Ward is part of the New Republic and keeps sending the Mandalorian on missions to capture, if he can, Imperial warlords. I actually thought it was so cool to see Weaver take on such a strong role and to see her in the ‘air’ because there has never been a time when I didn’t think sitting in the seat of an X-wing wouldn’t be the coolest. Coyne as Commander Coin, although his role is small, set the pace for the story to move forward.

White as the voice of Rotta is a very interesting character in that he is the son of the deceased Jabba the Hutt. Nothing like his father, he is up against and Aunt and Uncle who want him to return home. The relationship that comes about between Djarin, Grogu, and Rotta is very cool to watch come to fruition. Henderson as the Anzelians’ is nothing short of hilarious. I love the way they talk and am thrilled they have a bigger role in the film.

Other cast include Hemky Madera as Commander Barro, Cullen Douglas as Prefect Nobah, Stephen Henderson as Gatori, Steve Blum as Garazeb Orrelios, Matthew Willig as Hogsbreth, Martin Scorsese as Hugo Durant.

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 playing in theatres, please visit www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is such a family film that, of course, I took the family! We had such a good time cheering, laughing, and awwwww’ing at our favorite cute little big-eared Grogu. The story starts immediately with where Djarin and Grogu are in their lives and what they are capable of as a pair. The Mandalorian makes it clear that he may be a bounty hunter, but there are still lines he doesn’t cross. Grogu is still full of mischief yet, as the story moves along, it is clear that what he has learned is of help to all.

For Star Wars fans, the film is filled with everything one would want to see in a two-hour film. Action, ships, space, planets, and creatures that are both memorably seasoned and characters that are new. There isn’t a moment that isn't worthy of being part of the Star Wars universe. Favreau has seen to that with the way he kept the film focused, cinematically beautiful, with a look and feel of every Star Wars film.

That is what is bringing audiences into theatres to see THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. It feels as if we never left the galaxy far, far away because it feels so near, near to our hearts.

In the end – they are part of the New Republic!

War Has Built-In PRESSURE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Anthony Maras, Studio Canal and Focus Features comes the true story of the seventy-two hours before D-Day, when they are all under PRESSURE.

The plans have been made, and General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) is preparing for all contingencies. The one thing he cannot predict? The weather. That’s when the general calls in Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), a man recommended by Churchill himself. His job is clear: to do whatever is needed to accurately predict the weather on June 5th, 1944, when all the Allied Forces are due to land on the beaches of Normandy.

Stagg is a no-nonsense man who gets to work, even if Eisenhower’s weather prediction by Irving Krick (Chris Messina) says everything is a go in sunny skies. Keeping an eye on Stagg is the general’s right-hand woman, Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), who sees that Stagg is up against it. When called to give a briefing, Stagg tells a room full of military men things they don’t want to hear. The loudest complaint comes from Bernard Montgomery (Damian Lewis).

When Stagg and Krick are at odds with one another, it is on Eisenhower’s shoulders to make the decision that will decide the fate of every soldier who is to hit that beach. There are memories he deals with that make his choice between the two men’s reports extremely difficult. When the choice is made for him, Stagg and Krick come together, and there is only one moment in the clouds that turns the tide.

Fraser, as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, hits the screen in a bold approach to the role. Anyone who knows history will immediately pick up on the fact that Fraser does not attempt to mimic the historical figure. Instead, the actor portrays him as a deeply human leader under extraordinary strain. Fraser’s Eisenhower is tired, somewhat guilt-ridden, and quietly desperate, all while maintaining a general's outward appearance. Fraser’s emotional depth ultimately anchors the film.

Scott as Stagg brings in meteorologist James Stagg as a man who clearly understands the assignment, literally. Scott captures the anxiety of a man whose calculations could change history, portraying Stagg as both brilliant and haunted by the weight of responsibility. His performance injects urgency into scenes that might otherwise feel static. I’m a huge fan of Scott, and this performance in PRESSURE is absolutely one of the reasons why.

Condon as Summersby portrays a woman who clearly understands what it means to know her boss. Strong, very intelligent, and swift in her delivery, Condon also portrays a person who is in the midst of a war, never forgetting her humanity. I adore that about this character. Messina, as Krick, is the polar opposite of Stagg. He may be a man of weather science, but he tends to lead with more of a lax attitude than his counterpart. Following charts and patterns instead of reality, it is what causes conflict. Well done.

Lewis, as Montgomery portrays a man who is definitely in war mode, and he doesn’t want anything, even the weather, to get in his way of success. He doesn’t believe in what Stagg is trying to do and is often very confrontational with Eisenhower. Watching the top brass have a go at one another can be amusing, but Eisenhower knows how to put a stop to that!

Other cast include Tamsin Topolski as Lizz Stagg, Jojo Macari as Andrew Carter, Con O’Neil as Air Marshal Leigh-Mallory, Alexander Hanson as General Omar Bradley, Robert Portal as Admiral Bertram Ramsay,

In PRESSURE, director Anthony Maras delivers a gripping and unexpected take on World War II, shifting focus away from the battlefield and into the tense confines of Allied command rooms. Centered on the crucial days leading up to D-Day, the film explores how one decision—based largely on uncertain weather forecasts—could determine the fate of thousands.

What makes PRESSURE so compelling to watch is its restraint. This is not a traditional war epic filled with explosions and combat sequences. Instead, it thrives on dialogue, moral dilemmas, and the suffocating tension of uncertainty. The film unfolds like a high-stakes chess match, where every move is debated, second-guessed, and fraught with consequences.

Visually, the film leans into tight rooms where decisions are made, which adds another level to the title of the film. War rooms are tense, where a ticking clock is what replaces gunfire. There are a few moments where the film takes a breather in its pace, but the film succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event. The film does remind me of other historical pieces such as CHURCHILL and THE IMITATION GAME.

PRESSURE is a thoughtful and quietly intense drama. It may not satisfy viewers looking for action-heavy war spectacle, but for those interested in the human side of leadership and the invisible forces that influence monumental decisions, it delivers a compelling experience.

In the end – one decision changed the world!

The Iconic FIGHT CLUB comes to 4K

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from Regency, 20th Century Studios, and director David Fincher comes the classic and iconic 1999 film that still reminds us about FIGHT CLUB.

Working at an office job, Narrator (Edward Norton) thinks it's time to go to the doctors, because he is drowning in insomnia, not to mention the drag of corporate life. He has no life except for looking at IDEA catalogs and is detached from everything. Then, he meets soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). Meeting at a bar, Tyler gets in his punches, telling his new friend about consumerism, but ends up allowing him to stay at his place…under one condition. Tyler wants him to punch as hard as he can.

Now, the blow begins, and it creates ‘Fight Club’ at the bar with the premise of helping men take control of their lives. The one thing about Tyler he is going to learn, he is charismatic, an anarchist, and going to find trouble with Marla (Helena Bonham Carter). Through Fight Club, the narrator begins to change. What begins as an underground bare-knuckle fighting space turns more dangerous when Tyler goes missing. What the narrator thinks is true begins to blur lines, and the reality of it all comes crashing down.

Norton as the Narrator is the perfect actor to play this role. Starting out as someone who seems to be floating through life with his insecurities. He is cynical and yet still the backbone of the film, watching the character's psyche unravel slowly, and often painful to watch. The duality between the meek corporate robot to the aggressive and raging character is masterful to see.

Pitt as Tyler is a character filled with charisma and magnetism, and comes through as the larger-than-life person that the Narrator feels he isn’t. Pitt’s character holds the chaos together while pushing the stereotype of masculinity through punching. Tyler brings an unhinged energy along with his charm, which are traits the Narrator knows he doesn’t possess. This is one of Pitt’s most outstanding and obviously memorable performances.

Carter as Marla Singer adds another layer of complexity. She’s messy, unapologetic, and just as lost as the narrator, serving as both a mirror and a disruption to his unraveling psyche. I have always loved the characters that Carter has chosen throughout her career, and this is just another memorable role that still haunts us to this day.

Other cast includes Holt McCallany as Mechanic, Zach Grenier as Richard Chesler, Eion Bailey as Ricky, Peter Iacangelo as Lou, David Andrews as Thomas, Rachel Singer as Chloe, Thom Gossom Jr. as Detective Stern, Meat Loaf as Bob Paulsen, and Jared Leto as Angel Face.

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

4K Ultra HD Bonus Features include Commentary by Director David Fincher, Commentary by David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton & Helena Bonham Carter, Writers’ Commentary by Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls, and Technical Commentary by Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan & Kevin Haug.

Bluray Bonus Features Include Commentary by Director David Fincher, Commentary by David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton & Helena Bonham Carter, Writers’ Commentary by Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls, Technical Commentary by Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan & Kevin Haug, A Hit in the Ear: Ren Klyce and the Sound Design of Fight Club, Flogging Fight Club Featurette, Insomniac Mode: I Am Jack’s Search Index, Work Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes with Multiple Angles and Commentary, Deleted and Alternate Scenes, Publicity Material Trailers, TV and Internet Spots, PSAs, Music Video, Promotional Galleries, Art Galleries and More!

Fight Club is a literal psychological gut punch wrapped in rebellion, identity crisis, and dark humor. Released in 1999 and based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, the film dives headfirst into the hollow core of modern consumer culture and masculinity, leaving audiences both unsettled and strangely exhilarated.

What begins as underground bare-knuckle fighting evolves into something far more dangerous—a cult-like movement fueled by rage, anti-consumerism, and a desire to feel something real. Fincher’s direction is razor-sharp, blending gritty visuals with surreal storytelling. The film’s pacing mirrors the narrator’s descent, growing more chaotic as reality fractures.

What truly elevates Fight Club is its twist—one of the most iconic in cinema. It forces a complete re-evaluation of everything that came before, turning the film into a haunting exploration of identity and self-destruction. Themes of toxic masculinity, societal pressure, and the search for meaning hit just as hard today, if not harder.

This isn’t a film that holds your hand. It challenges, provokes, and at times, disturbs. Some viewers misinterpret its message, mistaking critique for endorsement—but that ambiguity is part of its brilliance. Fight Club is bold, controversial, and unforgettable. It’s not meant to be comfortable—it’s meant to make you question everything.

In the end – know the first rule of fight club!

DISCLOSURE DAY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Steven Spielberg, Universal Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment comes the story of hiding the truth in DISCLOSURE DAY.

Daniel Killner (Josh O’Connor) finds himself in the middle of a deal for the return of his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson). For that to happen, he must deal with Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), the head of Wardex. The only one to help them is Hugo Wakefield (Colman Domingo). It is immediately clear that Daniel has something that Scanlon desperately wants.

Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) is a weather girl at a local Kansas City station. Living with musician boyfriend Jackson (Wyatt Russell), her life begins to change when a Cardinal lands in her apartment. When she is in front of the camera, an event happens that has caught the attention of the wrong people.

Daniel and Jane are on the run! He must finally reveal all to Jane, and it costs her immediately. At the same time, Margaret’s new abilities let her know that the only way for her is to also run, but toward the danger. As much as these instincts might frighten her, they also empower her to find the one name that keeps coming to her mind – Daniel Killner.

Wanting to stop them both, Scanlon uses every piece of technology he has, including one specific piece of technology that isn’t quite of this planet. One side wants to keep secrets at all costs, and the other wants to disclose to the world that we are not alone in the world.

O’Connor as Daniel is a young man with a past that brought him to work for Wardex. While there, he discovers that he was hired to keep secrets when Daniel believes the whole world should know what has happened in 70 years. I have become such a fan of O’Connor and the characters he plays. In this film, the character he plays just doesn’t do him justice. Without giving anything away, Daniel’s story connects.

Blunt as Margaret doesn’t waste any time involving herself in the mystery of not only the things she can mysteriously do, but also piecing together her part in the grand scheme of it all. The conflict with this character is something from her past that has led her to the moment she stepped in front of the studio camera. Blunt is one of my favorite actresses. She has the ability to give such a wide range of emotions, some of it through humor. As Margaret, she drives the roller coaster of every human condition.

Firth as Scanlon believes he is doing the right things, but some believe it is for all the wrong reasons. His need to control every situation and those in the situation; he has no fear of using whatever technology or manpower that is available. There is a part of his character that believes he has the right to do so. Firth has always been on my watch list because he always chooses the unexpected roles. As Scanlon, he believes he is justified in everything he does, good or bad. I’m thrilled to see him on the screen.

Domingo as Hugo, is the connection between everyone. A former employee of Wardex, he has taken it upon himself to see everything through with Daniel and Margaret. Knowing Scanlon is hot on their trail, he makes it clear that everything will come together as it should, and no one is going to stop them. Domingo is such a wonderful actor, and as Hugo, he gives compassion and the belief that fear is what stops everything that needs to be embraced.

Hewson as Jane, brings in the religious element, challenging whether the human race is God’s only creation, but what if we are not? It’s an interesting thought, although I’m not sure it works in the film. Hewson does offer up that thought choice. Russell, as boyfriend, Jackson is a musician and more concerned with his life than that of his girlfriend. He is also playing the stereotypical role of a boyfriend who doesn’t listen. Great.

Other cast includes Delaney Cuthbert as young Margaret, Tyler Renaud as young Daniel, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Casper Boys, Hettienne Park as Serena, Tommy Martinez as Dave Santiago, Gabby Beans as Angela Childs, Jeremy Shamos as Claypool, Revon Yousif as Agent Reza, and Elizabeth Marvel as Sister Maura.

All the musical tracks are done by the incomparable John Williams. He actually has composed the music for other Spielberg films such as JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, E.T. the EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, JURASSIC PARK, SCHINDLER’S LIST, and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.

This review isn’t going to make me any friends, and, as much as I adore Steven Spielberg and his co-writer David Koepp, I can’t get on board with this film. In the two hours and twenty-five minutes I sat through the film, I had to hold my tongue. I’m not sure what Spielberg and Koepp thought they were writing about, but I have to hope they didn’t see the audience as unobservant.

I could have cut out an hour of the film and still want to cut more. The story is muddled, unbelievable in any sense of the word, and has no cohesion. Seeing some of my favorite actors go through the film is painful to watch. The cast of extraordinary actors is wonderful, and their performances stand out, given what they had to work with.

Instead of keeping my eyes on the screen, I’m turning to the people I screened the film with to make sure I wasn’t the only one feeling frustrated and disappointed – I wasn’t. The ending? Anticlimactic! Will the film do well? Sure, it’s Spielberg, and no one wants to tell an icon that an update on E.T. would have been much more enjoyable than this film.

The list of reasons is endless and would probably take longer than the running time of why I’m disappointed. To be honest, I came home and watched E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND back-to-back because I had to wash this film out of my brain. Maybe Spielberg and Koepp wanted one more shot at creating a good alien film, but this isn’t it.

In the end – welcome to Disappointment Day!

The Gang is Back ForToy Story 5

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris, Walt Disney Studios, and Pixar Animation Studios is the next adventure with TOY STORY 5.

Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is now eight years old and still very shy. Playing in her yard with Jessie (Joan Cusack) and Buzz (Tim Allen), she wishes the neighbor kids would join her. That’s when Mom and Dad decide to get a Lilypad tablet like all the other kids. Almost immediately, Bonnie becomes addicted to the games with online friends. That means now Jessie, Buzz, and the gang are being left behind.

Trying to reason with the tablet Lily (Greta Lee), Jessie lets her know that Bonnie needs her play friends. Lily decides that she can do one better and connects the little girl to her dance classmates. Jessie feels the need to contact Woody (Tom Hanks) to ask for help. Meantime, Buzz is trying to figure out how to tell Jessie how he’s feeling about her. Being invited to a sleepover at Chelsea's, Bonnie takes Lily while Jessie and Bullseye stowaway in her luggage.

Once at the sleepover, almost immediately, Chelsea and the other guests tease Bonnie about her toys, but it’s short-lived when she breaks out her Lilypad. Jessie and Bullseye escape, and by accident, a couple finds them and sees a name and address on Jessie. The problem? It is the name and address of Jessie’s previous little girl. At the farmhouse, Jessie meets Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), who tells him of Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), his kid, who has forgotten him, along with other toys.

When Woody arrives at Bonnie’s, both he and Buzz realize that Jessie and Bullseye are missing! Confronting Lily, they both know that getting to her may lead them to Jessie. With the help of Smarty Pants and his friends, Jessie learns that technology can help them reunite with Bonnie, but it is also a chance for Bonnie to find a true friend!

Hanks as Woody returns to the fold to help his bestie, Jessie. Wanting to do whatever he can, it will take working together again with Buzz. There is a little more to it this time as emotions tend to get in the way. I just love Hanks as Woody, and hearing him return as Woody is just everything to the TOY STORY franchise. Allen returns as Buzz, and this time, we get to see this character play out the emotions that he has managed to hide for so long. Allen proves that he is perfect as Buzz and this time around, is so charming.

Cusack as Jessie is the main character who is now experiencing what Woody and Buzz went through so many years ago with Andy. Just as Woody was with Buzz, now Jessie is dealing with a more powerful problem – technology. Cusack gives Jessie such depth of feeling that we get a chance to see a little more of Jessie’s story and where her pain comes from. Just so sweet. Lee, as Lily is the mean part of technology that brings about a divide, separating Bonnie from the friends who have always been there for her. Lee uses her voice with such personality that will make parents recognize the problems with kids on tablets, and also how Lily finds a happy medium with Bonnie’s toys.

Spears as Bonnie is still the same shy little girl as when Andy met her. Having a difficult time to connect with kids, it is the Lilypad that expanded her reach. Spears has such a wonderful voice of a young girl filled with insecurities and uncertainties that her age comes with. I think I can speak for many when I say we just love Bonnie because she is so relatable. Harris as Blaze lives away from the city in a world all her own. When Jessie and Bullseye come into her life, she remembers play again and mixes it with the technology that she had forgotten about. Harris gives us a spunky young lady who isn’t afraid to be who she is. A lesson she is going to share.

Other cast include Wallace Shawn as Rex, Jeff Bergman as Mr. Potato Head, Shelby Rabara as Snappy, Tony Hale as Forky, Craig Robinson as Atlas, Lori Alan as Mrs. Anderson, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, John Hopkins as Mr. Pricklepants, Jay Hernandez as Mr. Anderson, Kristen Schall as Trixie, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Krys Marshall as Mrs. Manoukian, Anna Vocino as Mrs. Potato Head, Benito Ocasio as Pizza, Matty Matheson as Dr. Nutcase, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Melissa Villasenor as Karen, Alan Cumming ass evil Bullseye, Bonnie Hunt as Dolly, and Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom.

The film’s song I Knew It, I Knew You sits at Number One on Billboard’s Hot 100, bringing Taylor Swift a bit back to her country roots. It is also Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Billboard Global 200. Anyone who listens will understand the depth of the song and understand how it fits into the story.

My whole family was excited to screen TOY STORY 5 because we have been there from the beginning in 1995. Every adventure that Woody, Buzz, and eventually Jessie experienced, we have been there time and time again. It is also a permanent fixture in our home entertainment library. How could anyone not be? Woody and Buzz started out rough but came to be the most loyal of friends, teaching everyone that differences are no barrier to becoming friends. Especially in this group of very, very different friends. From dinosaurs, to Potato Heads, to slinky dogs and Bo Peep, Andy and now Bonnie proves that adventure brings everyone along.

The premise of technology interfering with play is something many parents and grandparents can understand. I remember sharing a tablet with my granddaughter when she was young as a teaching tool; she was hooked immediately. The good news is that her parents and I learned quickly to regulate it so that she didn’t forget her play-friends, and she still does. Lily starts off wanting to control every part of Bonnie’s life, and it is up to Jessie, Woody, and Buzz, along with old friends and new, to show that the two can co-exist.

Once again, we are all invited into the world of toys, and it is a wonderful place to be. Does it hold the same charm as previous storylines? Maybe a little less, but it doesn’t stop from loving every moment of time together with family, experiencing the understanding that has come from all the TOY STORY films. What I truly appreciate is that the voice cast from the original came back while welcoming new characters like Smarty Pants, who had us laughing so much. It goes without saying that Pixar brought the color and life on full blast, as anyone would expect them to.

This is for the entire family, so gather up and spend time with old friends who are making new friends. The charm is back, the magic is beautiful, and these friendships are forever.

In the end – the battle for playtime begins!

YOU, ME & TUSCANY Cooks onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Kat Coiro and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a story of love and fate with YOU, ME & TUSCANY.

Anna (Halle Bailey) is a young woman who is having a hard time finding her place in the world. After the death of her mother, her dream of becoming a chef like her has fallen to the wayside. After being summarily fired from her latest job, she decides to drown herself at the hotel bar where she meets Mateo Costa (Lorenzo de Moor), a tall, handsome Italian. Getting together to continue drowning their sorrows, Mateo shows pictures of his villa in Italy and suggests that Anna see his country and be fearless in living life.

Waking up to a note of thanks, Anna decides to take Mateo’s advice and use a ticket she had to Italy. Arriving in Tuscany, she immediately discovers that her whim was a bit ill-planned as the town’s hotels were filled because of a festival. Being drawn to a small shop and the food, she meets Michael (Rege-Jean Page) and their meeting is a bit sarcastic and leaves Anna standing in the middle of the cobblestone street. That’s when she gets an idea! Mateo mentioned that his villa has been empty for over a year.

Lorenze (Marco Calvani) is the friendly taxi driver that hears Anna’s story and offers friendly advice on how to handle her situation. Once she arrives at the villa, Anna is overwhelmed at how beautiful it is and, by the next morning, gets a surprise when Mateo’s Noona (Stefania Casini) and mother Gabriela (Isabella Ferrari). Having to explain herself quickly, it is Noona who sees a certain ring on her finger! Gabriela deduces that she must be special to Mateo. Anna falls into the deception and, the next thing she knows, is introduced to Mateo’s family – and his cousin Michael.

Within days, Anna finds herself mixing well with the family, and spends time with Michael learning he runs the family vineyard. Explaining that he and Mateo were raised together, Anna learns the story of the families and what seemed to be separating them. It all comes to real when Mateo returns home and discovers Anna sleeping in his bed. Wanting to come clean, something changes his mind and he plays the game, much to the sadness of Michael.

Something is happening in the family as Anna finds herself taken with them all, and she must decide how to tell them all that things aren’t as they seem. There is something in Tuscany that is changing them all.

Bailey as Anna is a young woman who is basically floundering around, not know what she wants to do with her life. Ignoring her talent as a chef, finding herself in Italy reminds her of the life she had originally planned. Meeting the Acosta family through deceit, she finds herself taken with all of them, even Michael. Bailey is charming and bubbly portraying Anna giving herself a place in the rom-com genre.

Page as Michael is a man that has been the responsible ‘son’ in the Acosta family. Helping to keep the family business afloat, he takes it seriously. When Anna shows up, he finds that perhaps there is something else in life to feel good about. Enjoying her company, it is when Mateo shows up that his bubble is burst. Page gets to be the good looking, semi-serious main manly character and, of course, he does it so well. Bridgerton fans have no problem accepting him in this role since his presence in the successful series made an impact. As Michael, Page gives us a charming character that doesn’t overdo the hawt Italian stereotype but instead, a calm and cool vineyard owner that raises temperatures under the Tuscan sun.

Moor as Mateo does give us the hawt Italian stereotype. From the moment he is on screen, he moves in on Anna with as much smoothness as the drink in his hand. His main complaint is that his separation from his family has him constantly moving for business. Once home, Mateo once again plays the role of a man who says one thing and then does another. I have to say, he did make me laugh with his antics. Moor brings more charm to an already charming film.

Shout out to Calvani as Lorenzo because he is the kind of guy I would hang out with! Fun, funny, smart and a lover of food while driving. Also, Casini as Noona because her character is exactly how my own grandmother would have been!

Other cast include Cocoa Brown as Cora, Desiree Popper as Isabella, Emanuele Pacca as Giuseppe, Nia Vardalos as Mrs. Dunn, and Aziza Scott as Claire.

Exclusive Features include YOU & ME, RACING THROUGH TUSCANY, LA FAMIGLIA, TASTE OF ITALY, GOING GREEN IN ITALY and FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR KAT COIRO AND PRODUCER WILL PACKER.

YOU, ME & TUSCANY is a fun rom-com from start to finish. Giving us a look at the wide-open space of Tuscany is always very cool and makes me want to immediately get a passport and make my way there. The green, the vineyard, beautiful homes, friendly town and food that looks absolutely delicious. One thing for sure, the film could be used by the tourism industry if they wanted more people to visit.

The film is fun, amusing, so colorful and makes for a fantastic date night in. There is always a place in everyone’s home entertainment library for a romantic comedy! The cast is so good together but, of course, I have favorites in Lorenzo and Noona. I just love that the Acosta family works together in the family business and that they are just as loud and opinionated at my own family. That’s what makes the film relatable for many.

So, make a bowl of pasta, grab the red wine and get comfy for your own trip to Tuscany!

In the end – she found herself in Tuscany!

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

Jeri Jacquin

Currently available on digital, streaming platforms, and coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director David Frankel and 20th Century Studios is what we have been waiting for with THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2..

It has been twenty years since Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) were in the same room together at Runway. Spending years as a journalist and winning an award, Andy discovers that her job has become expendable, along with fellow journalists. At the same time, Miranda is with an article accusing her of using sweatshops for fashion. Erv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman), owner of Runway, is working on finding a way to restore the magazine's credibility.

Without speaking with Miranda, Ravitz hired Andy to become the features editor for Runway, to start on that credibility process. Miranda is not happy, but then again, when is she, and how can you tell? The first thing that needs dealing with are the advertisers. Miranda, Andy and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) head to a meeting with one such advertiser at Dior, Emily (Emily Blunt). Shocked to hear that Andy is the features editor at Runway, Emily’s claws are sharpening on Amanda’s plight.

When Andy’s articles aren’t getting the traction Runway needs, she kicks into high gear getting the one interview that no one else seems to be able to get. That is with recluse Sasha Barnes Lucy Liu). Miranda is thrilled that it puts a promotion Erv has been promising back in play. Andy’s life picks up because of it and she brings a man into her life, Peter (Patrick Brammall). As Nigel starts to make plans for the Milan runway show, a tragedy makes huge changes as Jay Ravitz (B.J. Novak) starts to make everyone’s life incredibly difficult.

Then, Andy gets an idea that can change the face of Runway with the help of Emily and her boyfriend Benji (Justin Theroux). Sometimes, what looks like a good idea brings about the truth about old feelings that just never go away. That doesn’t mean you should never stop trying, at least in Andy and Miranda’s minds!

Hathaway returns as Andy, a woman who has made her way up the journalistic ladder on to be shot down once again. Making it clear in a rant that goes viral about the loss of value for writers, she finds herself back where she began, in front of Miranda Priestly. What I love about Hathaway’s return is that although she has definitely changed her style a bit, not everything about her has changed. She still believes in the fight, her reconnection with Nigel and isn’t quite sure how to feel seeing that Miranda is being forced to change. Also, I love that she still has friendships from the previous film.

Streep as Miranda is exactly how you might think she would be twenty years later. Still dismissive, still standoffish, but finding that the world that she has always been in control of, might be slipping away. You have to give this character props for having the ability to not only stand her ground but also show vulnerability when the pressure isn’t turning into a diamond. Streep became the icon for Miranda Priestly, and no one, absolutely no one, could have taken over this role. I love her feistiness, and the reality of change brings her back to the fact that she has to let others in, including Andy.

Tucci as Nigel, lovely, lovely Nigel is just as insightful as ever. Watching everything happening around him, he never stops pushing forward. Watching Tucci and Hathaway rekindle their friendship is just heartwarming and funny, as he still is the only one to be able to dress her. Ever loyal to Miranda, no matter how many times he is overlooked, I love that Tucci’s portrayal is quietly loving, loyal to a fault, and still sees things that no one else does. It must be said, Nigel is the friend we all need, especially when access to a dress closet is included.

Blunt as Emily also hasn’t changed in the slightest. Working at Dior, she finds enjoyment in lauding Miranda’s problem over her. Always one step ahead of Andy, there are moments of brilliance and moments of jaw-dropping, but it’s to be expected of Emily. Blunt is chic, very cool, a bit of a narcissist (like we didn’t know that), and is about to discover that old grudges never serve well. I just adore her, though!

Novak as Benji is following in his father’s footsteps, but more so in the social world than in the hard copy of Runway. His role is a little different, as it should be, because twenty years ago, Runway was all print; he recognizes that medium isn’t working. Theroux as Benji is just a tad creepy from beginning to end. At first, I didn’t recognize him, but there he is, being a weird AI dude who forgets that the world doesn’t live in his realm of belief, as he is about to find out.

Shout out to Branaugh as Stuart, Miranda’s current husband, who seems to be so secure in himself that he lets Miranda be Miranda. Supportive and loving, he is just a charming addition that doesn’t need what it seems everyone else does.

Other cast include Rachel Bloom as Talia, Larry Mitchell as Mack, Pauline Chalamet as Ilana, Wes McGee as Frank, Simone Ashley as Amari, Caleb Hearon as Charlie, George C. Wolfe as Paul, Helen J. Shen as Jin Chao, and Tracie Thoms as Lily.

Cameos include Ciara, Doyoung, Kara Swisher, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Kal-Anthony Towns, Jon Batiste, Callum Harper, Rory Mcllroy, Law Roach, Ronny Chieng, Moon Ga-young, Heidi Klum, Jenna Bush Hager, Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow, Donatella Versace, and Marc Jacobs.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global products and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. Their 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 Level Up: Updating the Icons: Join the cast, crew, and other notables as they look back on the iconic first film and its timelessness. Then see how the characters and their

wardrobes have evolved for the sequel, and follow the shoot in New York, Inside the Fashion Closet: Sit down with the cast, filmmakers, and lead costume designer Molly Rogers as she talks about dressing Miranda, Andy, Emily, and Nigel. Discover their of-the-moment but timeless fashion looks that shine a spotlight on each of their personalities, Front-Row Access: Shooting in Italy, join the cast, crew, and director David Frankel as he talks about the production in Italy and shooting during Milan’s fashion week. Hear how top design houses supported the production and how Runway’s own fashion show and concert was created.

“Runway” Music Video by Lady Gaga and Doechii: Turn it up with Lady Gaga and Doechii in their music video for the movie’s new song, “Runway,” Gag Reel: Check out the fun on set in these outtakes from the making of the movie and Audio Commentary by David Frankel, Aline Brosh McKenna, and Molly Rogers: Watch the film with audio commentary by director David Frankel, writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and costume designer Molly Rogers.

DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 doesn’t try to capture lightning in a bottle but instead guides us twenty years into what the world is now, which is another kind of lightning. Social media, digital articles, clickbait, and AI are bringing Runway into the future but not without its bumps and growing pains. That is where we are now in the world, as a writer, I totally understand the problems and aggravation that Andy and Miranda are struggling with.

Both Andy and Miranda are wholehearted believers in the tradition of the written word and in the beauty that should be shared traditionally. Instead, they are both met with the harsh reality that no one seems to care about that. Being they are both fighters, they still need time to figure out where they fit in the grand scheme of things without losing their moral code. I love that about this film, that the original characters are holding on to that and that, although willing to compromise on some levels, they refuse to let go where it counts.

So, for all the fans of the original THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, you will be thrilled at the new story, the return of iconic characters, and that Andy, Miranda, Nigel, and Emily do not fail to deliver. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 brings laughs, freshness, love, fashion, the tests of loyalty, friendship, and perspective – what a way to bring our beloved characters together again.

In the end – the devil is in the details!

It Has Become an OBSESSION

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Curry Barker and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the tale of wishes with OBSESSION.

Bear (Michael Johnston) is a young man who is keeping his feelings hidden about Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Working at the local music store, friends Sarah (Megan Lawless) and best friend Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) notice it daily. Visiting a crystal shop to buy Nikki a gift, he purchases a One Wish Willow that gives a person one wish. He tries to give it to her but ends up being too nervous after a ride home from work. In frustration, he uses it himself, wishing Nikki would love him completely.

Moments later, Nikki comes back to the car and wants to be with Bear for the night, and after a kiss, he notices something is wrong. He tosses that aside when his feelings are finally reciprocated by Nikki. They seem happy together, and Ian notices who decides to tell Bear what he knows about the little lies Nikki has been telling. Proving his point, he offers a ‘guys' night out,’ and when Bear tells Nikki, she has an emotional outburst, forcing Bear to take her as well. During the party, all of Bear’s friends see the twisted behavior as Nikki puts her emotions towards their friend Sarah.

Realizing all these emotions are coming from the One Wish Willow he had used to make a wish with, Bear returns to the store to get another. He asks Ian to help, but his friend doesn’t believe anything he is saying. Now, filled with guilt and hopelessness, Bear must decide what to do in order to break the wish himself!

Johnston as Bear is a young man who is just too shy to tell a girl how he really feels, especially since she is part of their friend group. His insecurities are soon met with a gift intended for the girl of his dreams. Once she becomes part of his life, he realizes something has gone wrong. Johnston’s performance is so riveting to watch as he fights between what he wants and what he is dealing with. In a world of madness of his own creation, Johnston’s portrayal is raw and gives just the right amount of intensity for his character.

Navarrette, as Nikki falls under Bear’s wish, and it changes her. There are moments of sheer intensity and moments of rage that all mix into a ball of insanity. The more time she spends with Bear, the wilder she gets. Lawless gets the fantastic opportunity to bring darkness into a character most of us have probably met once in our lives. Love that isn’t love, but instead a fanaticism that is frightening and deadly. Well done.

Tomlinson, as Ian is Bear’s best buddy, but is he? Upset that the relationship between Bear and Nikki becomes intense, he tries to show his friend that what is happening is messed up. Of course, everyone in this story has secrets, and Tomlinson’s Ian has a few of his own. Lawless, as Sarah is also watching the relationship between Bear and Nikki. There is even an opportunity for her to get closer to Bear, but the crazed Nikki isn’t going to let that happen. She also has secrets, and there will come a time for her to let them be known.

Other cast include Haley Fitzgerald as Viola, Darin Toonder as Harry, Andy Richter as Carter, and Curry Barker as customer service.

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

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

Bonus Features include Obsession Unleashed: Go Behind the Scenes With In-Depth Interviews Featuring Curry Barker and the Cast and Feature Commentary with Director/Writer/ Curry Barker.

OBSESSION is such an interesting story because, even without the One Wish Willow, it is easy to see how it could play out without it. The characters of Bear and Nikki give us every bit of what happens when love turns out to be something evil, and there is no way out. The added bonus of a wish brings out the darker side of getting what someone really wants and the price of what it costs.

The cast does such an amazing job of keeping the darkness in the film. Writer/Director Barker keeps the film intense, and I love that the creepiness is in shadow, where the wish actually comes from. Nice cameo of Richter as the shop owner bringing in a very hippie-ish “whoa, bad energy man” that did make me chuckle.

Giving a bit of old horror movie feel mixed with keeping the cast very small, kept me watching. It all comes to a head, and it had to be exactly how it played out.

In the end – be careful what you wish for!

Spectacular is Back in Theatres with

THE ODYSSEY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher Nolan, Homer, and Universal Pictures comes the epic poem of Homer to the screen with THE ODYSSEY.

Odysseus (Matt Damon) is the King of Ithaca and married to Penelope (Anne Hathaway). Off to fight the Trojan War with Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), he leaves behind a wife and son who wait for his return. After the war and on a ship for the return home with Eurylochus (Himesh Patel) and his men, problems arise. Back in Ithaca, Penelope and her son Telemachus (Tom Holland) are dealing with the constant issue of suitors arriving for Penelope.

The voyage home brings Odysseus and his men to confront Cyclops, then the Sirens, the mythical creatures of the ocean, the Underworld, the witch Aeaea (Samantha Morton), and after a fierce storm, to land on an island with Calypso (Charlize Theron). In between, he is constantly met by Athena (Zendaya), who is a companion no one else sees. Waiting at home, Penelope and her son are dealing with the likes of Antinous (Robert Pattinson), who tries his best to be the one Penelope chooses to marry next. Antinous believes the first thing he needs to do is get rid of Telemachus. Watching out for the family is Eumaeus (John Leguizamo), a faithful servant who warns the king’s son.

Telemachus sails off with Mentor (Ryan Hurst) to meet with the King of Sparta, Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), to discover news of his father. There, he also meets Helen of Troy (Lupita Nyong’o), who has her own story to tell. Hearing what he needs to, he returns home knowing that the suitors have gotten out of hand. Arriving on the shores of his home, Odysseus is much older and manages to pass for a beggar to get inside his castle.

There, he decides it is time to reclaim what he lost!

Damon as Odysseus is an immediate powerhouse from scene one. I can not even imagine the physicality it took for him to play this role, and yet, he made the character of Odysseus all his own. He is a hero in the eyes of those left behind, but to his crew and the mythical creatures he encounters, he is clearly just a man fighting anything in front of him to get home. That means he also shows anger, poor decision-making, and an inability to admit he has lost his way. That’s what I love about Damon’s portrayal; he shows those frailties with ease and brought me along for the ride.

Hathaway as Penelope, is a Queen with her own plans to keep the riffraff out of her space. Being the dutiful wife, she believes her husband will return, no matter who may say otherwise. Hathaway gives us the performance of an even-tempered woman (when people are around) and occasionally makes her feelings clear to her son. Her movements are deliberate, and her cool pays off, and I’m here for it. Holland as Telemachus, is the dedicated son to a father he doesn’t really remember. Disgusted by the rowdy suitors for his mother’s hand, he reaches the point where going out to look for his father is the only way to save her. His journey into the world gets noticed by others who plot against him. Holland takes this role and gets stronger and stronger as each scene he is in plays across the screen. It doesn’t surprise me that he stands out so much in this film. Watch the 2012 film THE IMPOSSIBLE and see how I knew he could play such a strong character.

Pattinson as Antinous is as despicable and ruthless as one would expect of someone who turns on family. He is antagonistic and pokes the bear to get others to do his dirty work. There are moments when he doesn’t have to say a thing, and I didn’t like him. That’s how you know he’s wrapped up in the role of believability. Leguizamo as Eumaeus is clearly dedicated to the royal family on so many levels, and is as slippery when he needs to be. I enjoyed his role as so very important, but he slips constantly under the radar to help at every turn. Bernthal, as Menelaus may be the King of Sparta, but he is also the only man who tells Telemachus the truth as it truly is about his father, and why he needs to transform from a boy to a man, and quickly.

Morton as Aeaea is so stunning and amazing to watch. Her calm demeanor, even during frightening moments, just tickled me so much. There truly isn’t anything this actress can’t do, but I can honestly say I’ll never forget her in this role. Nyong’o as Helen of Troy is equally amazing in this role. Even though it may be smaller, it still has such strong moments. Theron, as Calypso has kept Odysseus at bay as the story starts to come to the surface. Her role is also quiet in a sense, and she makes it her own. Zendaya as Athena is just a presence trying to help Odysseus come to terms with his own decisions, and she is stunning for it.

A shout-out to Ryan Hurst as Mentor for two reasons: 1) His character is the man standing behind a King’s son no matter what, and 2) it’s about damn time he gets screen time in such an epic tale. Am I partial? Absolutely!

Other cast include Bill Irwin as Polyphemus, Corey Hawkins as Polybus, Mia Goth as Melantho, Logan Marshall-Green as Melanthius, Elyes Gabel as Elatus, James Remar as Tiresias, Elliot Page as Sinon, Travis Scott as Bard, and Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus.

The film starts out with Scott telling the story of Odysseus to all those in the hall, trying to get their hands, literally, on the queen. The story is that of the Trojan War. Now, with the audience’s attention, Nolan breaks into the epicness of not only Ithaca and the Queen’s plight but also of where Odysseus has been in his travels to get back home. The ride doesn’t hold back and doesn’t cut corners. As if the actors playing their spectacular roles weren’t enough, Nolan throws in effects that are so good it’s frightening. Seamless, beautiful, and adding such richness to the story that it is easy to forget they are effects.

There is not one thing wrong with THE ODYSSEY, even if Nolan takes liberties here and there in the storytelling. What audiences are going to get is battle scenes, equally epic creatures that have one goal: destroying Odysseus and his men, and a cast of characters that each has a story of their own to tell. Homer's poem is filled with so many themes, and although many thought it impossible to put it on the big screen, it clearly is not. In the hands of someone who understands both the poem and how to bring it to life, the audience will believe in the return of the word epic. We also get the flaws of humanity, the greed for power, loyalty, the insecurities of one man, dedication, revenge, and love on many levels. Who could ask for more?

In the end – defy the Gods!

Day Two of Comic Con 2026 Brings Rings and Zombies

Jeri Jacquin

The second day of San Diego Comic-Con International has the lines full and longer to get into Hall H today, and for the Marvel panel tomorrow. The sun held off long enough to get in the doors, but the cooling down has to wait until everyone settles. That’s difficult when six thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine people are finding a seat – yes, that would make me number seven thousand. It is time to rekindle friendships that come together once a year but feel like we were together just yesterday. It’s also a chance to see more costumes all in one place, and they, as always, are amazing and creative.

The morning begins with two of Prime’s upcoming slates, starting with BLADE RUNNER 2099. Premiering on November 25th on Prime Video, the eight-episode series (streaming all at once) is a 2017 sequel to BLADE RUNNER 2049. The panel includes Executive Producers Silka Luisa, Andrew Kosove, and Broderick Johnson, as well as Michelle Yeoh as Olwen and Hunter Schafer as Cora. The future world has made humans second-class citizens. The replicants won the past war, and the reborn Los Angeles is being run by non-humans. Cora is a human who has been running and changing identities and takes on the identity as a Blade Runner. Partnering up with Olwen, they have no time to waste as she is fading. Hall H is treated to an exclusive scene from the series. A messed-up Cora is being dragged into an interrogation room, and Olwen enters. After seeing Cora, she wonders if she has what it takes!

Yeoh says of her role, “Blade Runner is iconic, visionary, and one character that always stayed with me was Roy Batty. So when I was offered to play a replicant, I was like, yes! I really want to explore the character that I would never gotten the opportunity, who was not human. What is being human after all, at the end of the day.” Schafer also speaks on her role, “So Cora has been grinding and trying to survive under the sort of new order of the world. And that’s sort of where we meet her. She has to endure quite a lot to come out of it on the other side.

The next panel, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power brings moderator Benjamin Walker and cast members Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Queen Miriel, Daniel Weyman as The Stranger, Jamie Campbell Bower as Celeborn, Ismael Cruz Cordova as Arondir, Charlie Vickers as Sauron/Halbrand, Benjamin Walker as Gil-galad and Owain Arthur as Prince Durin IV. Speaking about becoming part of the cast, Bower says, “It came forward, and I just jumped at the opportunity. I got the phone call in my car, and I burst into tears and Facetimed my brother and, yeah, and it’s felt like that ever since. It really has. I have felt so grateful to be here, and you guys have done an amazing thing. It’s a privilege, it really is, so thank you.” Cordova follows that emotional moment up with, “Can I add something here real quick because there are a lot of Jamie-fans out here. He is one of the best things that has happened to us, I think, having Jamie join us on the cast. He is one of the most special people, folded right in, the biggest heart, the greatest actor, and we are just incredibly grateful to have you, really.” You could hear hearts melting through the whole room, especially when the two actors give a warm bro-hug.

The premiere date is set for November 11th on Prime Video (November is a big month then!). The teaser shown in Hall H finally shows the forging of the One Ring at Mount Doom and the outbreak of the War of the Elves and Sauron. Ringwraiths are not just on screen but stand on the Hall H stage as Sauron corrupts the Nazgnagol! There are reunions that get interrupted, open war in Middle-Earth, the Elven kingdom, and a weird Orc alliance that I want to see play out. Now, with a five-year time jump since Eregion has fallen, include (omg!) Simon Pegg as The Balrog, Eddie Marsan as Thrain, Andrew Richardson as Anarion, Zubin Varlar as Khamul the Easterling, Adam Young as Marnukh, and Daniel Weyman as the one and only Gandalf the Grey. LOTR: The Rings of Power will be released in three parts: four episodes on November 11th, two episodes on November 18th, and two on November 25th.

AMC grabs the next two panels beginning with THE WALKING DEAD: Dead City. Moderator Dalton Ross from Entertainment Weekly, also Executive Producers Scott M. Gimple, Seth Hoffman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan, and Lauren Cohan as Maggie. Other cast members on stage are Aimee Garcia as Renata and Raul Castillo as Omar. So much has been brought up about the third season, and a few are that the fourth and final season of THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon with Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride will come in 2027. Gimple surprised the audience with the announcement that Emily Kinney will return as Beth during Season 3. Let’s see how that plays out. Aimee Garcia also gives her video diary on set along with a first look at Season 3. Of course, the few lucky ticket holders will be at The Loft later tonight to see the premiere of the show and have a little fun while they are at it.

This season, Maggie and Negan want to start a community in Manhattan, but that’s hard to do when there is always someone around the corner who wants to take what you have. Hopefully, the characters of Maggie and Negan have finally calmed down a little and gotten to the point of survival. Hoffman is the showrunner, and he seems to be guiding the ship in a good direction. Having been around the franchise for years, his writing has led to some stellar episodes. Morgan says there is an underlying shift in the new season and that Negan moves away from conflict into a more “multidimensional” person. “We are making the show we have wanted to do three years ago,” says Morgan. Also, his new bestie is none other than Jimmi Simpson as Dillard; check out the bar trailer for that juicy (literally) bit of info.

Conrad also talks about the reunion with sister Beth for an alternate-reality episode. She stresses that it is “incredibly deep and moving,” telling the audience they will need tissue. I always love a tissue warning. She also talks about the change in Maggie, and it is in part to Aimee Garcia’s character Renata, who helped her get through garbage “buried under years of hurt and resentment.” (Let’s hope that applies to Negan!) I’d like to see a calmer Maggie that’s for sure. I’ll find out soon since the wait is almost over as THE WALKING DEAD: Dead City premieres July 26th on AMC and AMC+.

The next panel from AMC is the smash hit LESTAT, moderated by Jacqueline Coley. Also on stage are Executive Producers and Showrunners Hannah Mascovitch, Mark Johnson, and Rolin Jones, along with Jacob Anderson as Louis, Assad Zaman as Armand, Eric Bogsian as Daniel, Sheila Atim as Akasha. So where is Lestat himself, Sam Reid? Well, he is in Australia doing the stage production of Doubt. Before diving deeper into the panel, there are some incredible announcements that must be shared. First, (hold your breath) the series will officially be returning for a fourth season, but (wait for it), it will return as ANNE RICE’S QUEEN OF THE DAMNED (yes, you can scream now!). It will be taken from her third book, The Vampire Chronicles. “We cannot wait to continue the journey with QUEEN OF THE DAMNED, one of the most iconic stories in Anne Rice’s mythology. Watch our established and beloved characters confront Akasha with their world, and ours, very much hanging in the balance,” says AMC's Dan McDermott.

Save a little scream because there is a sizzle reel of Sam Reid’s performing at a New York concert with The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only LIVE. The exclusive trailer shows Atim as Akasha calling upon the women of the world to basically get rid of men completely. If you have read any of Anne Rice’s books, you know why she is the way she is. She makes her stance fairly clear with, “And I say this to you now, do not let them shape you into the size of their cage. Women, get up out of the ditches where they have thrown you, and come with me now to where the men are gathered, and do what you have long longed to do, kill them all.” Atta girl!! I mean, that’s what happens when you touch things that shouldn’t be touched, Lestat!

HBO’s LANTERNS is the next panel set to premiere on August 16th in an eight-episode season and air weekly (also on Max). Josh Horowitz is the host of the panel that includes executive producer Damon Lindelof, co-creators Chris Mundy and Tom King, along with cast Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Garret Dillahunt, and Poorna Jagannathan. Chandler plays Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre is John Stewart, and they are partners in an investigation into terrestrial murder. This happens Earth-based but across two distinct timelines, 2016 and 2026 (wouldn’t Loki and the TVA love that!). Dillahunt and Jagannathan are William and Zoe Macon who cross paths with Hal and John. Other cast include Ulrich Thomsen as Thaal Sinestro and, as the audience lost its mind about, Nat Fillion as Guy Gardner. If that wasn’t enough, Fillion dropped by, sending the audience into a frenzy as he reminded us all that he had an obligation to be in Hall H. “So sorry, somebody left my email off the invite list to this event. I don’t know if you know this, but I’m kind of a big deal. There is a building outside with my face on it legally; I’m required to be here. I brought my rig.”

Finally, to close off Day Two of Hall H, it's just something so amazing and spectacular; I’m just a kiddie gal. The whole place is in an uproar for SPACEBALLS: The Comic Con Panel. The cast is on stage, but first, the audience has to be combed to find Rick Moranis, and the audience could not get enough of him chanting “Rick! Rick! Rick”; it was amazing! Back on stage, Mel Brooks sent his greetings via video message, but hey, the guy just turned 100; give him a break. In his message, he said the sequel could not be called The Search for More Money because he actually found the money. “It was in my basement. So, we don’t need any more money at this point.” He signed off his message with “May the Schwartz be with you.” I laughed and cried at the same time. Besides, Mr. Moranis, Bill Pullman, son Lewis Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Josh Gad, and director Josh Greenbaum all take a seat. A bit of footage has debuted, and even though the film is still several months away, I’ll take what I can get. The story? Well, it seems Lone Starr and Barf are missing as Princess Vespa needs a new group to go find them before Dark Helmet gets his little, tiny, black-gloved hands on them. Of course, Dark Helmet still wants the Schwartz, but who wouldn’t, right?

I love that Bill Pullman’s son is playing the son of Lone Starr. I’ve become a big fan of Lewis Pullman since his film opposite Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is on Netflix (definitely check that out). Lewis talked about how “incredibly bizarre and special it was to act alongside my father.” Pullman says of returning to the film four decades later that “the experience is amazing but now requires more naps and coffee.” He also made a point of saying how special it was to watch Lewis step into the Winnebago. SPACEBALLS: The New One will be in theatres April 23, 2027, marking exactly 40 years from the 1987 iconic and classic film. Mark your calendars for this one!

That’s it for me on a full Day Two of San Diego Comic Con. It was a day full of surprises, trailers, announcements, and fans having the best time. Tomorrow is going to be insane, as the line outside Hall H can attest to. The line for the Marvel panel is long and getting longer, but always worth the wait.

See you then!

Day One of San Diego Comic-Con Has Begun

Jeri Jacquin

The day is sunny, and the sidewalks are buzzing with everything that Comic-Con is and has to offer. The lines started out a bit long, but that’s what happens when so many want to be the first in the door for exclusive merch! Where am I? Well, in Hall H, of course. That’s where my fun always is, and day one is no exception.

Hall H starts out with a bang as PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS brings their panel to the stage. Moderated by superfan Juju Green, the audience was treated to the cast with Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood, Charlie Bushnell as Luke Castellan, Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace, Levi Chrisopulos as Nico di Angelo, and Olivia Abercrombie as Bianca di Angelo. Executive Producer Craig Silverstein talks about the optics of the new season. “I think we felt the pressure of doing it right. I remember feeling good early on when we were showing Rick the concept…it was good, next step forward, next step forward, and we were conscious of that going into it, saying this is the first time we are going to see everything. I felt the pressure.”

Young Charlie Bushnell talks about his first time at Comic-Con. “It is crazy. I have never done something like this. It is crazy; it’s really wild. I’m glad I get to do it with all the cast.” Olivia Abercrombie also adds, “I’ve finally read all the books, trying to be the biggest nerd like all of you. It is incredible; I’ve never done anything this big, and seeing how much it means to people and it’s so neat to see how people love this. Walker Scobell talks about his character saying, “I think when you have been playing a character- we are on Season 3 now- you start to add things to your character that you don’t really do it on purpose. When you are not really thinking about acting like Percy, I think going into Season 3, I wasn’t thinking about being Percy or trying to think about how to make this story better. Things just come out, and that’s the cool part of doing this for the past five years. It’s crazy.”

Next Panel is MARVEL’S Wolverine: Deep Cuts with a panel that includes moderator Naomi Kyle, Marcus Smith, Mike Daly, Walt Williams, Jess Reiner-Reed of Insomniac Games, Eric Monacelli of Marvel Games, Liam McIntyre as the voice of Wolverine and Krizia Bajos as the voice of Jean Grey. Monacelli says of the story, “We made a deliberate choice in this game that the X-Men are part of this world; it is a new foray into the world of humans. We wanted to go with Team X. So Team X, it is a 1980’s ops that was formed in the 1960s, and it had a lot of mutants in there. It had Logan, it had Sabertooth, and for our game…” He holds off handing the reins to Marcus Smith, who continues, “So X-Men don’t exist in our universe; the mutants, they are out there and under threat. They need heroes; enter our team, Team X.” So this is the origin of Logan, Jean Grey, Mystique and Sabretooth called Team X and led by Mister Sinister. Look out for uber villains Bolivar Trask and Lady Deathstrike, along with the Reavers. That is a handful of information, so prepare yourself!

Marvel isn’t quite finished yet, their panel for Tokon: Fighting Souls is up next. Moderated by fighting game commentator and streamer Sajam, the panel also includes Takeshi Yamanaka, Amber Seitz from Arc System Works, Michael Francisco, Mike Deodato from Marvel Games and Comics, and voice actor Josh Keaton. Sajam asks the panel about the vision for the story. Michael Francisco speaks on the question with, “I think that’s a great question. Every great Marvel game starts with the story of the big bad. The person who motivates everyone into action. Then the core gameplay mechanics, and that’s how we landed on the Champion. He is obscure enough and reinvents himself into a version. Also, the Champion is an elder god, who has mastered every fighting style across the cosmos. He invites the values of core competition.”

The animated movie AVATAR AANG: The Last Airbender from Paramount+ is the next panel moderated by Janet Varney (the original voice of Korra) with co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, director Lauren Montgomery, Eric Nam, who is the voice of Aang, Dave Bautista as Targa, Jessica Matten as Katara, Dionne Quan as Toph, and Roman Zaragoza as Sokka. Bryan Konietzko says the film is 2-D animation and to be patient to see what they have put together for next year. He says there isn’t anything else like it. On October 9th is when the film will be released.

Max Original brings STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE on stage for their first panel. Giving the audience a first look before it comes to the smaller screen, moderator Felicia Day brings out co-creators, exec producers, writers Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, Bill Prady, and Kevin Sussman as Stuart, Lauren Lapkus as Denise, John Ross Bowie as Kripke, and Brian Posehn as Bert. Bill Prady promises that the series will have lots of surprises, and to prove that, the first episode might have a few people we all remember from The Big Bang Theory. That isn’t the only new idea, as Chuck Lorre explains. Using a single camera format is a change from the usual sitcom model. “The four-camera audience show is putting on a play every week, and beyond sitting on a couch and talking to one another, there’s not a lot you can do. The simple solution is to shoot it like a movie!”

The storyline is that Stuart Bloom tries to bring back reality after messing up a device built by Sheldon and Leonard. Now he is in Armageddon and now running around an alternate-universe. Taking place in a comic book shop, you can’t be at Comic Con with creating a comic book! The cover art is done by Jim Lee and Alex Sinclair and will be made available to fans who are at SDCC. So, look for your copy while they are out there to be had! That being said, look for STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE on Max!

Now, it’s time to take in some sun and visit all the sights and sounds of downtown. There is so much to see and experience, but first, I have to hit the Pendry for their amazing artistry in doughnut making, then maybe over to Bob’s Burger place and then over to the Grand! Of course, behind the Convention Center and anywhere else my feet want to take me. See what I mean? So much to do, so little time!

Preview Night Begins San Diego Comic-Con International for 2026

Jeri Jacquin

Yes, it has been a year as San Diego Comic-Con International returns to the Convention Center in Downtown San Diego. That means the streets will be taken over by costumes, comic seekers, specialty item seekers, and those looking for fun in the streets. Preview Night is a chance to be the first to see everything that the next four days has to offer.

This year’s cover for the Comic-Con Guide was done by artist Richard Blake. He chose to turn San Diego into a futuristic place. Currently, he is occupied with the short works Metal Hurlant and Astrolabe. His work can be found on Instagram at @evolvedisguise.

Personally, I’m excited to visit Tribble Toys (#5611). They always have such unusual items, and I am a fan of anything unusual. This year they have limited-edition items, and this year’s exclusive is a Tribble Crew Set. Chronicle Books (#1508) is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Emily the Strange and items that are not available in stores yet. You can also enter to win a Chronicle Books Prize Pack; good luck!

One of the destinations I have to visit is Earthshot (#5526) because I am a huge PROJECT HAIL MARY fan. Sloosh will have real-time telescope viewing for those who want to see the real Tau Ceti and 40 Eridani A. I’m just hoping to see Rocky! Booths that are participating this year include Titan (#5537) with pins, figures and panels that include Night of the Living Dead, Blade Runner Comics, Conan the Barbarian and Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk.

Badali Jewelry (#715) has original jewelry from such iconic works from J.R.R. Tolkien’s LORD OF THE RINGS, as well as Pierce Brown’s RED RISING. Insight Editions (#2129) is offering some amazing exclusives, including Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man and Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. There will also be guest appearances and signings. It is VIZ (#2813) 40th Anniversary and you know their exclusive giveaways are going to be amazing and iconic. Genseven Creations (#4804) celebrates such works as The Rescuer, Luna Goes to the Moon, Shelton the Skeleton, and The Behavior Monster.

Don’t forget to make your own Funko Pop (#5045) where you can personalize a Funko Pop to look just like you, or maybe you as your own superhero! It is easy to build it yourself, suit it up just as you see yourself, and get a few accessories. I mean, who doesn’t need a few superhero accessories?

Fun booths also includes DC at #4545, Hasbro at #3231, Mattel #3029, Lego (#2829), and so many more. The studios brings their booths with Hulu Animayhem (#4229), Star Wars (#2913), Nickelodeon (#4113), Pluto (#3729), and Marvel (#2329).

San Diego International Children’s Film Festival is also a participant during SDCC. I have been a juror for many years and seen some of the most amazing shorts, animation, and films. There are works from around the world, and it is a day to hear from the animators and filmmakers. I can’t wait to see what has been submitted this year, and every year I’m always surprised.

San Diego Central Library also has programs related to SDCC. They provide the Comic-Con Conference for Educators and Librarians. Their panels speak on the power of comics in education and speak on what it takes to integrate comics in the classroom. At the Neil Morgan Auditorium, web series and other fan panels with creators offer a chance to see and hear from authors and creators.

There is also the opportunity to participate in the 50th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive. The Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel is this year's location. For your donation, there are gifts such as a free Spider-Man T-shirt given out by Marvel Studios, and some donors will be awarded big prizes. So, stop by Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to help someone who needs it and get a little swag as a thank you.

Don’t forget the Comic Con Masquerade on Saturday in Ballroom 20. The on-stage costume competition has been a tradition since 1974. It’s truly an opportunity to see some of the best costumes. There is entertainment and awards, so attend and see what dedicated costuming looks like at Comic-Con. Her Universe also has a Fashion Show at the Seaport Ballroom on Thursday.

Finally, on Friday is the 38th Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Award ceremony at the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront. Think of it as the Oscars, and it was named for the pioneering comics creator and graphic novelist Will Eisner. The award is given out in 32 categories for works in 2025. Attend the ceremony and cheer on those who have put their heart and soul into their work.

Preview Night doesn’t allow enough time to cover everything in the Convention Hall! Outside, there is so much to see and do; translated, it means it will be a long night. That’s the best part of San Diego Comic-Con International. So much to see, so much to do that it all goes by too quickly!

Now, remember what I say every year: put on your best and most comfortable tennis shoes because you will be breaking records with your steps. Also, this year, San Diego is under a heat advisory, so please dress accordingly and make sure to keep those water tumblers full. Having fun means making sure we all stay hydrated.

Have the best time!!