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!

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is a Hit for Netflix

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix from writer/director Olivia Newman and John Whittington comes the story based on the Shelby Van Pelt novel of the same name with REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES.

Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina) is a Giant Pacific octopus living in the quaint aquarium in Washington. Taking care of the facility each night is Tova Sullivan (Sally Field), a woman who finds solace being alone in her work. Marcellus knows from her talks that she still lives with the pain of the past. Her friendship with Marcellus means so much to her even when the eight-legged wonder manages to get in and out of his tank. During the day, Tova occasionally makes time for her knitting group, but would rather be with her aquatic friends.

Arriving in the small town is Cameron (Lewis Pullman) and his van that needs repair. Making friends with personable store owner Ethan Mack (Colm Meaney), he agrees to stay a while. Ethan also has a soft spot for Tova and when she gets hurt on the job, Ethan suggests that young Cameron take the job temporarily to make a few dollars. Training him, Tova and Cameron clash ways in how to handle the job and watching them is Marcellus. With a plan of his own about things, one of them is to try and help both people through their rough spots.

Cameron’s attitude comes from the angry desire to find his father. There are few clues but he is determined to see it through and there is the connection with Tova. Seeing that Cameron is in his feels, she wants to offer all the help she can and that includes hooking him up with the local board shop owner Avery (Sofia Black-D’Elia). When things for both Tova and Cameron become complicated, it is Marcellus that decides it’s time for him to step in, eight steps in, to show them all what they have forgotten. That human connection can be beautiful and full of surprises.

Sally Field as Tova is just as brilliant as I would have expected her to be. Her character is so complex and filled with every spectrum of human condition. Living her life in a house of sadness, the only place to feel outside of that is with Marcellus and the aquarium. Even as others try to reach her, Fields brings us into her part of the world where being older means acceptance and change, and not necessarily liking either. Her performance is brilliant and does exactly what it is intended to do which is squeeze our hearts.

Pullman as Cameron is a young man in the same predicament even though he refuses to see it. He pushes people away for very different reasons, mainly because he in unsure and doesn’t trust himself. Pullman gives a fantastic performance and, when in scenes with Fields, just fits in seamlessly. This character gives Pullman such an opportunity to also bring a complex character onto the screen in a story that grabs ahead and doesn’t let go.

Meany as Ethan is a jolly man who loves being part of the small community. He sees something in Cameron and befriends him at a time when he needs it most. I love that Meany’s character has a little crush on Tova. It takes everyone around to push him in the right direction. Meany is such an awesome actor and his diversity in character choices is always surprising. Here, he is a joy to everyone around him and I love that. Black-D’Elia as Avery is a young woman making her way in the community as a small business owner. As much as she fights it, there is someone that she finds herself drawn to but also has insecurities of her own.

Shout out to the Knitwits of Grant, Baker, Chen and Harris as friends you’d always want on your side. Hilarious and enlightening at the same time.

Other cast include, Beth Grant as Barb, Laura Harris as Andie, Miles Marthaller and Brandon McEwan as Erik, Dan Payne as Adam, Shauna Johannesen as Sandy, Katie Findlay as Liz, Joan Chen as Janice, and Kathy Baker as Mary Ann.

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information, please visit www.netflix.com.

Author Van Pelt started writing at a young age, writing the novel the film is based on, she says, “It struck me that it would be really funny to give a voice to an octopus.” After she watched online videos of the antics of octopus’. “Especially one that was grumpy, coming to the end of his life, who didn’t enjoy being in captivity, and thought he was smarter than the humans who were around him.”

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is such an amazing film that I wonder why a warning label isn’t put on it so people can have Kleenex at the ready. The story might be from the perspective of the eight legged grumpy sea creature, but that doesn’t mean that his awareness is any less insightful or, more importantly, so very accurate. It always takes an outsider to see what is so painfully clear, as human beings we can be ridiculous.

Ridiculous about our expectations for one another, in the guilt we carry, in the secrets that are buried so deep inside us that we forget to live and, sometimes, the resounding voices in our own heads telling us we don’t deserve love. That is only a brief bit of what this film has to offer so be prepared to learn lessons from Marcellus who truly is a remarkably bright creature. Kleenex required for viewing!

In the end – friendship and love take many shapes!

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.

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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!