There is Fun with A MINECRAFT MOVIE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jared Hess and Warner Bros. is a story straight from every video game lovers dream with A MINECRAFT MOVIE.

Steve (Jack Black) is a kid who always wanted to get inside the mines, as he grew older, that dream didn’t change and as he finally gets his pickaxe to work, he discovers something amazing. An orb-cube that takes him into a different world where his imagination and creativity soars but takes him away from his own world. When things get crazy, Steve sends his faithful friend Dennis away with something that needs to stay hidden.  Back in that world, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa) is having life struggles as well. Once hailed genius of game play, he is a grown man struggling with trying to pay the rent on his store.

Moving to the small town is Natalie (Emma Myers) and her brother Henry (Sebastian Hansen). After their mother passes, Natalie has taken it upon herself to take care of Henry and start a new job in the small town. The realtor Dawn (Danielle Brooks) offers up the keys to their new place and offers to help in any way she can. On the way to his first day of school, Henry sees Garrett’s shop and is intrigued and frustrated at the same time as the shop owner tries to play it cool. In school, Henry manages to cause a large ruckus.

Garrett saves the day a bit and back at the shop, Henry discovers a cube but sister Natalie and Dawn are on their trail. All of it leads back to a certain mineshaft and a portal that sucks them in! Meanwhile, Steve is dealing with Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House) who has been holding him captive until she gets the orb that will allow her to control all worlds. She wants the cub and the only way to get it is by letting Steve go retrieve it. He meets up with Henry, Natalie, Garrett and Dawn and now the race is on to see who will get the cube and it isn’t going to be easy!

Black as Steve gets to literally play in this film because he looks like he is having a good time. His character seems to be a mass of other characters that his has played and I don’t mind it at all because he is funny. A believer in dreams and creativity, he wants to save his friend Dennis and keep the cube away from Malgosha all while being able to show off everything he has created in the unusual world. This all can only be done by Jack Black!

Momoa as Garrett is everything that a gaming champ from back in the day would be. Full of himself, thinks he can speak Spanish, horrible fashion sense and stuck in a time warp of his past that plays over and over in his head. Yet, every little bit of that works in this character and hilariously so. Momoa also seems to be having a good time and even more so when he comes together with Blacks character. They play off one another with similar silliness and energy that is big and fun.

Meyers as Natalie just wants to be the responsible adult in raising her younger brother. It’s clear that she is struggling but once into the other realm, Natalie begins to feel a bit more powerful in what she can achieve. Brooks as Dawn is a strong, no-nonsense lady who has no problem whacking a zombie over the head while she waxes strongly poetic about life and advise for Natalie. She really is very funny and once again seems to be having a good time on the screen. House as the voice of Malgosha has an underground piggy filled world full of issues that she takes out on everyone but, you can’t have your bacon and eat it too.

Other cast include Jemaine Clement, Kate McKinnon and Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene.

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

A MINECRAFT MOVIE is so much fun for so many reasons. First, it is so colorful and true to the characters in the game. Almost everything one would see in the game is on the big screen which is going to delight everyone. The audience was filled with kids, teens, moms, dads and just adults who wants to have a really good time at the movies and they were not disappointed. The story is silly, fast paced, very well animated, and full of humor for whatever your level of giggles might be.

There is not a moment of downtime and I absolutely loved that. My 10-year-old granddaughter laughed constantly through the movie and by the end of it proclaimed it was the best movie she has seen this year (yes, I realize it’s only March but she’s 10 and time is a whole other dimension when you are that age). I asked what she loved about it and every time she tried to explain a scene, her laughter would stop her from finishing. That is how I know that A MINCRAFT MOVIE is good – she wasn’t the only person laughing.

While walking out I was listening to everyone talking and they were repeating something they heard from the film and what their favorite scenes were. That made me laugh even more so, if director Hess’ wish was to make a fun and funny film for everyone, then I’d say he has managed beautifully. This is just a fantastic time at the movies for everyone and just know, we will be seeing it again!

In the end – be there and be square!

 

She is Taking Care of THE FRIEND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Scott McGehee, David Siegel and Bleecker Street is the story of a woman and a dog with THE FRIEND.

Iris (Naomi Watts) lives in a small New York apartment teaching writing courses and deciding on her own writing when she learns her friend Walter (Bill Murray) has died. Trying to come to terms with that and their history together, his wife Barbara (Noma Dumezweni) wants them to get together. Sharing her condolences with Barbara, Iris believes she is there to help put Walters papers together for a book. That couldn’t be further from it.

Barbara makes it clear that Walter wanted her to have Apollo, a very, very large Great Dane who he loved early. Iris balks at the idea making it clear that her apartment building doesn’t allow dogs but the choice is made clear that she either take the dog or else. Not liking the sound of else, Iris takes the very sad Apollo home to her small apartment. Immediately, the dog takes over and Iris is on the hunt for a new home for him with the building supervisor Hektor (Felix Solis) breathing down her neck. She does get chuckles from next door neighbor Marjorie (Ann Dowd).

Also wanting to get Walter’s book together is Val (Sarah Pidgeon) who turns to Iris when things get rough in her life. As the days go by with Iris, who has now been relegated to an air mattress with Apollo confiscating her bed, she finds herself weaving in and out of the world that was with Walter in it and the world she is in now. Trying to care for the saddest Great Dane on the planet, the biggest question is, “why did Walter leave me his dog?” and the answer comes with emotional breakthroughs for everyone.

Watts as Iris has the opportunity to portray a woman who is juggling a whole myriad of issues, then along comes the death of someone she cares for deeply. The shocking surprise that she is the new pal for big dog Apollo, her emotions are starting to come to the surface about so many things she has managed to bury. Watts portrays the character of a woman whose life starts to show the cracks in the walls she has put up and all of that with the help of a very large dog with his own set of big feelings. Watts and Apollo are stunning together.

Pidgeon as Val is Walter’s daughter who wants to help put together his memoirs but also has a bit of a messy life situation of her own. Feeling Iris is a safe space, these two women are quite lovely together. Dowd as Marjorie has her own soft spot for Apollo and sees the struggle her neighbor is going through. Solis as Hektor is an apartment super who lives by the rules and knows that Iris is under the watchful eye of the owner no matter how he personally feels.

Murray as Walter gives us the version that Iris sees of her friend. Their past relationship, his inconsistency with the women in his life, death and the world he left behind for Iris and, of course, Apollo. This isn’t a large role for Murray but it does not take away the footprint that is left. The scene between he and Watts as she comes to terms with her own sadness is absolutely stunning.

Other cast include Constance Wu as Tuesday, Owen Teague as Carter, Josh Pais as Jerry, Tom McCarthy as Dr. Warren, Bruce Norris as Dr. Novak, Gina Costigan as Jocelyn, Carla Gugino as Elaine and Bing as Apollo.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

THE FRIEND is definitely a dog lovers’ film (have Kleenex), not only for the premise of Walters love, and deep friendship for a darn big dog, but what Apollo represents as a whole. Everyone that is part of Walters life have their own story to tell about the complexities of their relationship with him – Apollo is just a rather large bonus. Each person that is in Iris’ life has a different understanding of why they tolerated Walter’s human frailties and she begins to understand it, as much as she also fights it.

She wants her memories in tact without any interference because, as we all know, our own memories can sometimes be blind to the realities everyone else is aware of. Watts and Murray show us how, even with those frailties and realities, that loving someone can be the thing that gives us strength as a person – even if it is a big dog that silently points that out. The film is lovely, charming, funny, sad and eye opening at the same time.

By the end of the film we might all need a huge box of Kleenex, an even larger dog and serious therapy – and none of those things are all that bad thanks to THE FRIEND.

In the end – what about the dog?

 

 

 

 

Final Day of CinemaCon 2025 Brings Paramount and Disney

 

Jeri Jacquin

These past four days have completely flown by here at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The studios have brought anticipated films and a few surprises with their upcoming slates. This morning begins with Paramount and later today Disney to wrap up this year’s conference. Let’s get started!

It doesn’t take but a hot minute to get things going starting off with motorcycle stunts on stage as the iconic (and often repeated in people’s minds when they are doing something stunt-y) Mission Impossible theme. Chris Aronson, Domestic distribution president for Paramount gets a chance to joke with the audience “on the heels of Sony releasing four Beatles movies, they’re gonna release four Paw Patrol films for each character”. No worries my grandson, he’s just being silly. CEO Brian Robbins talks of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE being adapted for the screen saying the film is “a labor of love” and in regards to SCREAM 7, “Sidney Prescott is back with old suspects and fresh new victims” which is code for ut-ohhhhhh.

Edgar Wright’s film THE RUNNING MAN with the very handsome Glen Powell, Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin. On stage Wrights says “the media and the world have gone out of control. It’s worth mentioning that Stephen King’s original book was set in 2025.” Now if that doesn’t send King-like chills down one’s spine! In the film, Domingo’s character says, “This is American goddamnit, and we don’t put up with no bullsh*t!”, amen to that sir! From this film to the endless possibilities of THE LEGEND OF AANG: The Last Airbender is another project for Paramount.

SMURFS will be making their blue trail back to theatres this summer but made sure to nod at CinemaCon with Papa Smurf’s brother says, “You don’t see that at CinemaCon!”. However, I’m all googly-eyed as Mark Hamill and, of course, Tom Kenney hit the stage to talk about THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: Search for Squarepants. Okay, so I’m still 16 and see Luke watch the sunset at this moment, but I digress. Hamill takes the role as the voice of the Flying Dutchman saying, “I actually did an episode of SpongeBob in the fifth season, and I did such a great job they asked me back 18 years later – and if I do my job correctly, every child in America will hate my guts.” The one thing about Mark Hamill you can be sure of is you can never be sure what he will say next! Paramount has decided to reboot THE NAKED GUN with Liam Neeson and I’m actually all about it right now. The trailer is totally hilarious and I will be the first to buy a ticket, I mean come on – if Liam Neeson dressing like a school girl entering a bank with a lollipop doesn’t crack you up, then maybe you need to have your funny bone checked!

Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film Honoree Channing Tatum previews his film ROOFMAN saying the project is special to him and is “an immensely entertaining ride and unbelievably hilarious”. Congratulations to Tatum for his award this year and the film looks fun and funny.

A big moment for everyone is Tom Cruise arriving to push MISSION: Impossible - The Final Reckoning but first, he grabbed my heart with this, “I’d like to take a moment before we move on. I’d like to honor my dear friend Val Kilmer. I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how honored I was when he joined TOP GUN and returned for TOP GUN: Maverick.” He also talks about Brad Pitt and his film F1 and just being openly supportive of film in general. The trailing always gets me when Kittridge says, “Everything you are, everything you’d done, has gone to this” because it sounds so brutally cold in tone. The director for MISSION: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s director Christopher McQuarrie received CinemaCon’s Director of the Year Award for this year speaking of his twenty-year relationship with Cruise saying, “Tom, it’s an honor to work with you and to place you in harm’s way for people’s entertainment.”

The final presentation on the last day is Disney and all it has to offer. Starting off with their reel that, if I’m not mistaken, includes a bit of TRON in a quick flash. The much anticipated live-action LILO & STITCH gives a look at the friendship that might make fans happy to know it feels like the animated story. That will come as a happy thing for some kids in my household who love Stitch more than our dog! On the stage, and nice to see, is Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis to show that time hasn’t changed them much and previewing their new film FREAKIER FRIDAY. Mother and daughter are living the grown-up life – enter Chad Michael Murray which will bring problems of its own. I was right, Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges returning as Flynn in the house to promote TRON: Ares. Leto plays Ares and says, “Ares is a highly advanced program who crosses over from the digital world to the real world on a mission”. Directed by Joachim Ronning, the look it there to bring audiences from as far back as 1982 when the original hit theatres.

PREDATOR: Badlands is next up with star Elle Fanning letting the audience know that “Something unprecedented happens in this movie…my character teams up with the predator!” Set in the Predator universe, Fanning takes up the mantle and we hear “I didn’t think you survived” and I’m here for whatever comes next. This next pairing is for the Springsteen biopic of DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE starring Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong (having two Jeremy’s on the set ought to be fun!). The reel offers up a look at pieces of Springsteen’s childhood and into music. Jamie Lee Curtis is certainly centered in the Disney world and back on stage with Emma Mackey for the film ELLA MCCAY. Following a idealistic politician, she follows her mentor preparing to take over the job – as governor, while also dealing with home issues. The film also stars Woody Harrelson and Kumail Nanjiani directed by James L. Brook. The director also receives CinemaCon’s Cinema Verite Award and well deserved for movies like AS GOOD AS IT GETS and TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. When the perfect couple of Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman become not-so-perfect, director Jay Roach gives us THE ROSES.

Marvel is up bringing out Hannah-John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, Julia-Louis-Dreyfus and David Harbour for THUNDERBOLTS. The trailer shows Red Guardian and Bucky talking about what happened at the Soviet Union in a truck with Yelena, Walker and Ghost in the back. Cracking me up is when Fontaine refers to Red Guard as “old Santa”. The film opens up soon! They are not the only heroes (or anti-heroes depending) as Kevin Feige video messages from the set of AVENGERS: Doomsday. He says the entire cast of the film hasn’t totally been revealed but, does reveal that the Thunderbolts, Wakandans, Fantastic Four and original X-Men are going to take on Doctor Doom. That means a huge cast and full theatres everywhere. THE FANTASTIC FOUR: First Steps gets new footage with a shot of the Silver Surfer as well.

Pixar has the chance to show a bit of their new animated adventure ELIO. The boy Elio voiced by Yonas Kibreab, is taken by aliens and going to their community, he meets Glordon voiced by Remy Edgerly. The vocal cast also includes Zoe Saldana as Aunt Olga, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil and Shirley Henderson. It’s a story of friendship in outer space! Saldana says of the film, “it is a heartfelt, funny and beautiful story”. On pace is Ke Huy Quan voicing Gary in the new ZOOTOPIA 2 as Nick and Judy are back as partners having partner issues after only a week but their job is to find the snake.

Finally, James Cameron messages the audience with “I’m in New Zealand finishing up Avatar: Fire and Ash. I think we can agree that’s a good use of my time since this sucker’s coming at us like a freight train. I’m sending you a reel to give a taste of the spectacle – and the increased emotional heart and soul”. He is speaking about the next installment of AVATAR: Fire & Ash. Cameron’s next storyline shows the Na’vi, Wind Traders who have ships that float with the help of giant creatures. Jake and his family are together as Kiri still communes with Ewya but the Fire People tell her “Your goddess has no dominion here”.

That’s they way to end CinemaCon’s presentations for 2025. Later this evening is the CinemaCon Awards Ceremony and its has been another amazing CinemaCon and we want to thank everyone for making it possible to be here and bring all the exciting events to you. See you next year!

Day Three at CinemaCon Brings Dragons!

 

Jeri Jacquin

The third day of CinemaCon and a bit of weather doesn’t change what this amazing convention brings in its four days in Las Vegas. After breakfast, which is a fantastic time to catch up about what has been presented so far and what has interested each of us the most, it is time to move on to the days first presentation.

Angel Studios was founded in 2013 by Neal, Daniel, Jeffrey and Jordan Harmon who wanted then to create a studio that provides empowering films. Presenting their slate for the second year at CinemaCon, their philosophy is one of community and providing, what they call, a “viable family-friendly alternative to Hollywood”. The most recent success for Angel Studios is the television series The Chosen and the film Sound of Freedom. One of my favorites from the studio is the film SIGHT which is the true story of Dr. Ming Wang becoming a renowned eye surgeon. Coming to theatres next week is the animated THE KING OF KINGS. During their presentation they spoke about “the Angel Guild” which is a audience-driven entertainment landscape. They also announced that a Toronto International Film Festival choice of SKETCH with Tony Hale and D’Arcy Caden is under their umbrella and will hit theatres August 6^th.

The biopic TRUTH & TREASON is set for October and is a Holocaust story and the thriller ZERO A.D. directed by Alejandro Monteverde. The film has an impressive line up with heavy hitters with Deva Cassel, Gael Garcia Bernal, Ben Mendelsohn, Sam Worthington and Jim Caviezel. The latter actor has been known to be open about his faith and chooses that important part of his life over his career so Angel Studios is the place to be for Caviezel. Another actor who shares that his faith is a significant influence is Neal McDonough who has co-written the film THE LAST RODEO due in studios in May. Brandon Purdie, Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical Distribution says of their presentation this morning, “At CinemaCon 2025, we unveiled the most ambitious and cinematic slate in Angel Studios’ history. There are no greater partners than the dedicated exhibitors who bring these stories to life on the big screen. We are all in on theatrical, bullish on the big screen, unwavering in our commitment to the theatrical window, and firm believers in the power of the shared moviegoing experience.” Their films have truly been successful as the box office shows.

Now it’s time to turn the lights down with the Universal and DreamWorks previewing of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Prepare to return to the world of dragons and a friendship between a boy and a nightfury! Gerard Butler takes on the live-action character of Stoick the Vast.

Universal brings out their presentation reminding viewers of such offerings as BACK TO THE FUTURE, JURASSIC PARK, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, PSYCHO, JAWS DESPICABLE ME, CONCLAVE, OPPENHEIMER and WICKED. These films and so many more have left an iconic mark on the lives of movie-goers and brought film lines into our world like “we’re going to need a bigger boat!”. The dinosaur world isn’t done with us yet either as director Gareth Edwards offers up Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali to talk about JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH. It seems Johansson has been biding her time to get into the franchise saying, “This time I went to Steven Spielberg directly and told him I’ll play any role, even if I was eaten in the first five minutes. It’s an incredible honor to be here with Jurassic and we want to put the scares back into Jurassic.” Let’s just say from what I’ve seen, a T-rex chasing people in a dingy, sounds like a fun watch to me. DreamWorks is taking one of their beloved shows on Netflix and turning it into something on a larger scale with GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE and I personally know a few kids who are going to be thrilled about that. Universal is also taking a swing at a HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON sequel coming to theatres in 2027 so look for that. Tyriq Withers plays a football player with a head injury in HIM and there is going to be some more bustin’ and bruising coming to theatres when Bob Odenkirk returns in NOBODY 2.

Focus Features brings a slate of their own and one in particular is going to be a heartache for me but let’s get to that in a moment. First, Wes Anderson brings a cast that includes Benicio Del Toro, Michael Cera, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch and the one and only Tom Hanks to star in THE PHOENCIAN SCHEME. Another director that likes the unusual is Yorgos Lanthimos and his next film BUGONIA with Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Alicia Silverton and more. Now, for my heartache, Focus Features comes to the screen one more time with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale with a screenplay by Julian Fellowes and Carson telling everyone “Welcome to 1930”. Downton fans knew that one day this would come and I personally have watched the series over and over again along with the previous films but Kleenex is going to have to be included in the ticket price for sure. The cast we have come to love from both upstairs and down will be back for a final bow. Oh gosh, the tears just creeped in a little.

Blumhouse makes sure they are getting their turn at the frights with a trailer for FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2 as Jason Blum takes us all back at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and I’m already creeped out and that’s the point. Another of my family’s favorite films has a sequel as THE BLACK PHONE 2 is purported by Blum to be scarier than the first one a telephone ring and “Hello Finney, did you think our story was over?’ gave me chills. Ticket please! Want more frights? Well, M3Gan 2 brings a different look but same jaw drops and SOULMSTE is a little more adult but same crazy technology. Universal’s president Jim Orr teases of an upcoming Steven Spielberg film with “a return to form in the spirit of his monumental classics, with a propulsive, out of this world twist” which could basically be said of most of his films. Untitled for now, we will have to keep our eye on this one. Finally, producer Mark Platt and director Jon M. Chu get to talk about WICKED: For Good. For fans who are waiting for the second installment, Chu says, “Our second film deals with the consequences of the decisions made. This film brings us past the point where Dorothy drops in.”  Because, in the words of Elphaba, “this is between the wizard and I”.

The final presentation of the evening begins with Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins. His first time at CinemaCon, Hopkins recalls seeing STAR WARS as a kid with his brother (something I can totally relate to with the hundreds of times I have seen the film since I was 16). He announces that the studio plans to offer up fifteen films a year by 2027 with 12-14 starting next year. He says, “It is still early days for us, and we have a ton of work to do but we are committed to epic, culturally, relative storytelling that needs to be seen on giant screens like the one behind me.” Later next year, Ryan Goslings film PROJECT HAIL MARY get a sneak peek. Gosling says of the film, “it’s an insanely ambitious story, massive in scope and so big we tried to put it on television once, it wouldn’t fit.”  That’s what happens when you make a film about space and a guy trying to save the world.

AFTER THE HUNT brings director Luca Guadagino (BONES AND ALL), and cast Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri to talk about the thriller that also stars Julia Roberts as a college professor and situation that leads to secrets. Also shown is Michael Showalter’s VERITY and the remake of THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR with Michael B. Jordan. As a detective accused of a crime, Chris Pratt is seen in the footage for the film MERCY coming next January. A month after that is Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson’s film THREE BAGS FULL: A Sheep Detective Movie. Two of my favorite actors together so I’ll be seeing it.

Another sneak peek is for the film CRIME 101 with Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth. Directed by Bart Layton, he says, “from the very beginning, this movie was written, imagined, planned and dreamed for the big screen.”  Making her directorial debut, Aleshea Harris brings her own work to the screen with IS GOD IS with Vivica A. Fox, Kara Young and Mallori Johnson. Bassam Tariq brings YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER with Mahershala Ali who has a message for the audience. Oh goodness my grown boys are going to get the first tickets in theatres to see MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE!  Directed by Travis Knight and will be ready for fans next June, he says, “We’re not making a cartoon here!”.

Ben Affleck’s film THE ACCOUNTANT 2 bring he, Jon Bernthal, Daniella Pineda, Cynthia Addai-Robinson and director Gavin O’Connor to the stage and a look at what’s coming to theatres. Reflecting on his character, Affleck says, “It does feel great to continue the story of THE ACCOUNTANT. I’m thrilled to be playing this part again with this great cast. In some ways, I feel like this character never left me.

That’s the last for day three of CinemaCon with the last day tomorrow bringing all the fun to an end. Paramount and Disney are the last studios to bring their slates and then celebrate with awards at the end of the evening. See you then!

CINEMECON 2025 Starts Early for a Day of Surprises

 

Jeri Jacquin

Welcome to day two of CinemaCon with a day full of presentations from the studios of Lionsgate, Warner Bros., and a Fandango Anniversary. Keeping the tennis shoe laces tied tight, there is so much to see and do so taking care of the feet is important so let’s get started.

The start of the day A Look Back at the Year 2024 in Film and also includes the State of the Industry with keynote speaks from President and CEO of Cinema United Michael O’Leary, Charles Rivkin (Chairman and CEO, MPA), Bob Bagby (CEO, B&B Theatres and Chairman, Cinema United) and Cinemark’s Sean Gamble received the distinguished Cinema United Marquee Award.

Following that is Lionsgate and their offerings in the world of one of the most amazing franchises in The World of John Wick. Expanding the John Wick universe will be a new dimension and an animated action film featuring the renowned assassin. Also, the look at director Len Wisemen's BALLERINE movie starring Ana de Armas in that franchise. The chair of Lionsgate, Adam Fogleson brought to the stage director Frances Lawrence, David Jonsson and Mark Hamill (Cinema Icon Award Honoree) talking about the film THE LONG WALK.  Lawrence wasn’t done when he announced THE HUNGER GAMES: Sunrise on the Reaping is in development. NOW YOU SEE ME: Now You Don’t bring director Ruben Fleischer to show a bit of a peek. The stars of the upcoming THE HOUSEMAID let us all see Amanda Seyfried, Brendan Sklenar and Sydney Sweeney in action with producer/director Kevin Feig.

Feig says, “The reason I wanted to call Lionsgate my home is because working with Adam, Nathan, Erin, and the team is always an incredibly positive experience. Their commitment to theatrical is incredibly important to me, and their support and encouragement to make the movies I’ve wanted to bring to audiences has been tremendously empowering. My films are better for their involvement, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be in business with them". HURRY UP TOMORROW stars Jenna Ortega with director Trey Shults and then - a performance from The Weeknd.

Trade Shows and Suites is one of my favorite parts of CinemaCon. It is a chance to come up close and personal to all the amazing bits and bobs that make movies fantastic in theatres. From the seats, to the sound and those that provide that technology include such companies as Barco, Christie, D-Box Technologies, Samsung, Sharp and RealD (and their glasses are pretty cool as well). Walking around all of their presentations, it is also a chance to ask questions which they are more than happy to answer. The Trade Show floor is where attendees can see what products and new innovations will be coming to theatres. I remember learning about self-serve drink machines a year before they were in theatres and I loved the idea then and now. It is also a chance to see all the fun items that come with the newest films from cup lids to popcorn buckets. It is also a chance to see the newest taste sensations from candy to hot food items and trust when I say I’m all for visiting those booths with all the walking around, makes a girl hungry!

Warner Bros. takes the stage for their slate of upcoming films with Jeff Goldstein with logos of Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios and a reel of what is to come. Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall and Teyana Taylor have the chance to talk about their film ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. DiCaprio says about Anderson, “He tapped into something politically and culturally that is right beneath our psyche. It’s an incredible epic movie that has such scope and scale.” The audience is treated to extended footage of the film. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jessie Buckley tell the monstrous story of THE BRIDE! Gyllenhaal says of the film that she wanted “a punk, monstrous love story in a classic cinematic way that respected these characters then offers up a sneak peek. New Line offers up FINAL DESTINATION: Bloodlines that show a mix of death and laughs – my personal favorites together in one film.

Writer/director Zach Cregger has an upcoming film entitled WEAPONS with Josh Brolin (those two words already have me all in!) and Julia Garner and the trailer had my eyes wide open. Jerry Bruckheimer has well deserved bragging rights about last years TOP GUN: Maverick and now he’s back with Brad Pitt (there is that two-word thing again that has me already signed up) in the race film F1. Moving to the more comical, Bill Hader takes on THE CAT IN THE HAT – as the cat of course. James Gunn and Peter Safran are up thanking exhibitors for the success of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 and wants to keep theatre-going “strong and vital for future generations”.  That being said, Rachel Brosnhan, Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet talks SUPERMAN and offers a bit of a peek. 

Also today, Mark Hamill will receive this year’s Cinema Icon Award, it was announced today by CinemaCon. Sponsor The Coca-Cola Company says, "Mark Hamill’s career is proof that great characters don’t just live on the screen—they live within us, galvanizing generations of audiences worldwide,” noted Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director, CinemaCon. “This Cinema Icon Award honors not just an actor, but a legacy of incredible work that extends beyond the screen and continues to inspire us all." Hamill has a busy year with three films coming to screens with THE LONG WALK, LIFE WITH CHUCK and The Flying Dutchman in THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: Search for Squarepants which will have my ENTIRE family in theatres to see our favorite animated sponge.

Receiving the CinemaCon Cinema Verite Award is Oscar and Emmy Award winner James L. Brooks. Brooks will be presented with this special honor as part of The Walt Disney Studios presentation, “If anyone embodies the essence of authentic filmmaking, it’s James L. Brooks,” noted Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, “as his filmography represents a heartfelt cinema of truth. Over the past six decades, he has directed films such as Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News and As Good as It Gets that have made moviegoing audiences around the world laugh, cry and reflect on life in ways that are undeniably honest. As a producer, he brought us passionate films like Big, Say Anything and Jerry Maguire.  We could not be more honored to present the Cinema Vérité Award to a filmmaker who continues to create stories that speak to the very heart of who we are.”

That brings you up to date on day two of CinemaCon 2025. Half way through the convention but far from over with two more days to see what theatres and the studios have to announce to eager attendees. Now it is off to help Fandango celebrate their anniversary. See you tomorrow!

CINEMACON 2025 Has Begun!

 

Jeri Jacquin

We are back for CinemaCon 2025 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to experience what the studios have to showcase. Cinema United brings theatrical exhibitions from March 31-Spril 3^rd and there is so much to cover. Representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries worldwide, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world.

Their new mantra is “Moviegoing is Our Mission” that statement is a celebration for movie goers worldwide. Executive Board Chairman Bob Bagby believes that, “Cinema United will remind people of the magic of seeing a movie on the big screen. Our industry is fully dedicated to ensuring that the theatrical experience remains the premier entertainment option for millions of fans around the world.” President Michael O’Leary adds, “I want to thank our board for their incredible partnership and leadership throughout this process. We are all extremely excited for this next chapter in bringing focus back to the people who have made this industry the success it is and will continue to do so for generations to come”.

Preparing for the next four days, day one is a mixture of hectic arrivals and relaxing with colleagues to hear keynote speakers address the issues of theatres today. The goal is for future generations to understand the needs of the movie going experience for audiences and offering up views is Eric Blumenthal and Emily Rogers from The Coca-Cola Company and Tracy Oliver, writer/director/producer of the Coco-Cola Refreshing Films Program.

That leaves just enough time to attend the Sony Pictures Entertainment presentation of upcoming releases in the Colosseum. Leaving the audience cheering, CEO of Sony Pictures spoke to the exhibitors with this, “Cost and windows can work for us or against us. Theatrical needs to be smart about them both. I will let you know that Sony will work with you on both.” He also brought up something I have been known to participate in from time to time and that’s discounted tickets on Tuesdays. His question was why just that day? That’s been something I’ve asked myself for many years as well.

How do you follow that? Well, only as Sony can of course! Their slate for upcoming projects includes a remake of the film ANACONDA with Paul Rudd and Jack Black. That will be interesting as Black has already had a bit of time in jungle films. The excitement showed with the next Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. I enjoy Darren Aronofsky so thrilled to see Austin Butler in his film CAUGHT STEALING.  A film my family is anxious to see since the first in the series in 1984 (and I had broken furniture to prove it back then) is the next chapter with KARATE KID: Legends with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.

On the more frightening side, 28 YEARS LATER shows survivors still living the pandemic life. Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes lead the cast with Danny Boyle directing. Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie take A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY, still wanting a big of fright is I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER sequel with the return of a certain handsome character who has not problem letting anyone know that it “isn’t the first time there’s been violence”.

Other announcements include director Sam Mendes and each man has his own story, but together they are legendary. The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. In theaters April 2028.

It is easy to see that Sony isn’t sitting back on its laurels presenting the audience with what the game plan is for the future and how they are getting there! That’s a wrap on a quick day one and there is so much more to come in the next three days and we are here to bring it all to you from CinemaCon 2025!

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday at WonderCon 2025

 

Jeri Jacquin

Starting the morning off at WonderCon 2025 on a Saturday is one of my favorite television series but with a twist here, Only Murders in the Building: Solve the Editors’ Murder Mystery brings editors Shelly Westerman and Matthew Barbato to the table. They talked about their process in putting together comedy, drama and murder. This was a fun way to get good ideas if anyone else is thinking about writing a murder mystery. Back again into the galaxy far, far away, The Skeleton Crew Boys brings actors Ravi Cabot-Conyers and Robert Smith for this interactive panel talking about their roles and meeting fans.

When I studied to become a teacher of curriculum and instruction, comics were always frowned upon so I was thrilled to hear from the panel about Engaging Students with Comics in the Classroom. Using comics to engage students, the Comic-Con Educator Book Club is essential for teachers who want to learn how this can be achieved. Teachers from San Diego include Jaimie Chavez, Lorran Garrison, Ella Rogosin, Scott Nielsen, and Mike Cruz share.

Bad Idea brings John Wick’s Robert Venditti and Derek Kolstad take a look into what’s next including art from Planet Death and Ordained. The gentlemen were joined by Dinesh Shamdasani, Peter Stern, Benjamin Simpson and Siena Fallon. The 5^th Annual “It’s Alive!”: Designing Sci-Fi, Horror, and Comic Book Genre Film and TV is one my granddaughter would have loved. The concept of the worlds in these genres come into play and goes deep into how characters are created and how it is more than just a concept. Brett W. Bachman, Christina Wen, Johnny Han, Jon Dudkowski, Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson share their feelings on the process.

In 1984, the film GREMLINS hit the theatres and blew audiences right out of the water. It has become an iconic film that can be seen and appreciated over and over. The panel Gremlins: The Wild Batch Screening and Q&A brings the Warner Bros. and Max Original series to WonderCon showing a never-before-seen episode. The panel Tze Chun, Brendan Hay, Joe Dante, John Glover, and Sherri Chung talk about what it takes to bring the characters of Gizmo, Sam and Elle to the animated series.

If Middle Earth is more your thing, Lord of the Rings: Previewing Up Coming Projects gives Tolkien-ites a look into what is coming since the success of the animated film THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM which I absolutely loved without taking anything away from The Rings of Power on Prime. Josh Rubinstein, Kristi Fojtik, Clifford Broadway, Cathy Udovch and Nicole Roberts join in the conversation which was full of insight of what’s happening and what’s to come for fans of Middle Earth.

Faith based films are a big box office draw and A Faith-Full Dickens Tale: The Kings of Kings Animated Movie is sure to bring in a big draw. The bible story not only brings about an adventure but it does so while taking on the story of Jesus through Charles Dickens. The cast can boast some big names such as Kenneth Branagh, Oscar Isaac, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Forest Whitaker. Taking the directors chair is director/producer Seong-ho Jang and screenwriter Rob Edwards and brought by Angel Studios.

Jesse Negron, Tom Moran, Dave Elliott, and Anthony Francisco (senior visual development artist for Marvel Studios) discuss what is on the horizon for Mechanical Cake and Scott Free, starting with their debut graphic novel, Modville, Ridley Scott’s first foray into graphic novels. Modville is a sci-fi Southern Gothic crime drama with AI humans in future New Orleans. Moderated by Chris Northrop (Horrible Future). Book 1 of Modville is written by Jesse Negron and drawn by Hendry Prasetya and Eko Puteh.

Sony Pictures brings a new thriller with UNTIL DAWN. One year after her sister Melanie mysteriously disappeared, Clover and her friends head into the remote valley where she vanished in search of answers. Exploring an abandoned visitor center, they find themselves stalked by a masked killer and horrifically murdered one by one…only to wake up and find themselves back at the beginning of the same evening. Trapped in the valley, they’re forced to relive the night again and again - only each time the killer threat is different, each more terrifying than the last. Hope dwindling, the group soon realizes they have a limited number of deaths left, and the only way to escape is to survive until dawn.

More programming that was worthy of WonderCon is Defiant: The Robert Smalls Story in Comics, Graphic Novel and Film, Gunslingers and Ghosts: The Rise of the Weird West, and Young Indy to Young Ani: The Origins of the Star Wars Prequels.

Wrapping up a long and eventful day filled with where we have come to where we are now with so many genres and stories is the The 2025 WonderCon Masquerade. WonderCon brings their annual competition with costumes that are created by serious fans. Judged by costume designers, the masquerade also comes with a few goodies, wins and entertainment. It is a wonderful way to gather together with friends and fellow cosplayers and celebrate everything WonderCon!