He is DAVID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Brent Dawes, Phil Cunningham, Sunrise Animation Studios and Angel Studios comes the stunning animated film about DAVID.

David (Phil Wickham) is a young shepherd who enjoys spending time in the pastures with his flock. Protecting them and returning them back to his village is a position he takes very seriously. One afternoon, David meets Samuel (Brian Stivale) who tells him and his family that there will come a time when the young boy becomes king. Not having time to process the information, guards arrive in the village looking for him to be taken to King Saul (Adam Gold).    

Once at the palace, David can’t believe how different it was compared to his village. When he arrives, he is told that the king needed something to help him with the stresses. David obliges by singing an uplifting song for the king. King Saul sees something special about the boy but he has other things to deal with. It seems that King Achish (Asim Chaudhry) wants to challenge the King of Isreal by sending his largest soldier Goliath (Kamran Nikhad), against one of King Saul’s men.

Hearing this, David finds his way to the battlefield and bypasses everyone to come face to face with the giant. He is about to prove his faith. Growing up with King Saul’s son, they trained together and spent so much time together. But the worries of war are about to be brought for the land again as David must convince family, the village and a king that it is their faith and trust that can bring peace once again.

Wickham as David is a young man who continues to hold his beliefs even if he has moments of concern and doesn’t want to be king. Both Engman as boy David and Wickham as the young David provide both not only give their animated role warmth and strength but their vocals in the songs are beautiful. Gold as King Saul is a man who has his own issues of duality, one minute he knows what to do as king and the next his lets his faith slip with insecurities – especially when it comes to David.

Chaudhry as King Achish believes that strength in numbers is the way to try and destroy a kingdom, what he doesn’t count on is the faith of someone smaller. The character is a bit comical but I enjoyed Chaudhry’s vocal portrayal.

Shout out to Mesika as David’s mother showing what a supportive mother who shares his faith can do for a young man.

Other cast include Brandon Engman as young David, Miri Mesika as Nitzevet, Sloan Muldown as Zeruiah, Ashley Boettcher as young Zeruiah, Mark Jacobson as Jonathan, Mick Wingert as Zaydel, Will de Renzy-Martin as Vaizatha, Lauren Daigle as Rebecca and Kamran Nikhad as Goliath.

Angels Studios is a community of members who have joined the mission to bring meaningful, inspiring and worthwhile stories to life. From the emotional journey of THE SOUND OF FREEDOM to the inspiring courage of BONHOEFFER: Paster, Spy, Assassin, Angel movies shine a light on stories that speak to the soul. Find out more by visiting www.angel.com

DAVID is a stunning animated film and yes, it is a faith-based film but it is surprisingly not church-y. It is truly a tale of a young boy staying true to his belief and wants others to know that they can all be heroes. What the film does have is a wonderful story that surrounds itself with absolutely thrilling animation, lovely songs and a story that most people know. Songs such as Tapestry and Shalom are so well done. It must be said that now my granddaughter wants a baby lamb!

What the film does offer especially is the empowerment that each person has within them. In the world we are experiencing now full of mindless rulers and, in some cases, wanna-be rulers, DAVID shows that it isn’t the size of one person but the size of everyone who stands up to the wrongs and evils that surround us all. Not only does the film do that, but it raises spirits through hope that each of us is responsible for helping the other bringing out the best in us all – and that is an amazing experience.

Gather up the family and spend time with a film that has so much to offer during this holiday season.

In the end – it is about the power of belief!

It is the Return of THE EMPORERS NEW GROOVE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray to celebrate a groovy 25^th anniversary from director Mark Dindal and Walt Disney Studios is the hilarious tale of THE EMPORERS NEW GROOVE.

In a kingdom lived Emperor Kuzco (David Spade), a very narcissistic, self-indulged ruler who only thinks of himself. He also keeps an eye on his sneaky assistant Yzma (Eartha Kitt) and her side-kick Kronk (Patrick Warburton). The emperor’s birthday is just around the corner and he knows exactly what he wants. Walking from the local village is Pacha (John Goodman), a good man who lives a simple life with his wife and children. Receiving a summons from the emperor leads him down the mountain to the palace.

Walking through the palace halls, Pacha comes face to face with Kuzco and is in shock when discovering what the summons was about. The spoiled emperor intends to take over the very hill that has been in Pacha’s family for longer than anyone can remember! Knowing there isn’t a lot he can do about it, Pacha returns home to figure out a way to tell his family.

In the meantime, Yzma has pushed her emperor too far making royal decisions without his permission. So, Kuzco decides its time to downsize and that Yzma should retire. This doesn’t go well with Yzma and she decides that its time to take steps. Relying on Kronk to help was her first mistake and at a dinner, Yzma’s plan hatches as Kuzco has gone from two legs to four! When the llama ends up in Pacha’s yard, it is time for the two to journey back to the palace and do whatever it takes to get the kingdom back.  

Spade as the voice of Kuzco is the voice I hear in my head when I think “Boom baby!” amongst other iconic lines from the film. He is sheer perfection as the narcissistic and shady emperor giving such life to this animated character. Kuzco may be those horrible things but good grief Spade gives it all such hilarity no matter how many times I see this film. Spade gets the chance to voice a character is as bad as he wants to be and it works from start to finish.

Goodman as Pacha is such a kind and loving man who just wants to take care of his family. It is a tad heart tugging when he realizes what Kuzco has in mind for his generational home. Goodman’s voice lends the opposite of the main character with compassion, even when it could have been easier to walk away with Kuzco needed help. Instead, he believes in kindness and another way, even if Yzma is hot on their trail.

Kitt as Yzma is another delicious voice in the film with her ability to bring everything crazy (both good and bad) into this character. This had to be absolute fun for her and Yzma is now an iconic Disney character that my whole family loves. Yes, she isn’t very nice but karma is waiting just around the corner for her. Warburton as Kronk, as much as we love all the characters, has a special ‘favorite’ place in our family’s heart. The scene where he is walking along the wall doing his musical Mission Impossible theme, is something we all still do. Also, who doesn’t squeakity-squeak-squeak to the local squirrel population.

Other cast include Kellyann Kelso as Chaca, Eli Linnetz as Tipo, Stephen Anderson as Ipi, Bob Bergen as Bucky, Patti Deutsch as the grub waitress and Wendie Malick as Chicha.

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.

Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentary, Music Videos, Featurettes: The Research Trip, Character Voices, Creating Computer Generated Images and The Emperor’s Got Game, and Theatrical Trailers for THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE.

This film is on of Disney’s stories that doesn’t get as much accolade as it should, and it absolutely should. It is fun, hilarious, charming, full of adventure, and colorful with a cast that absolutely killed it. The best part of Disney’s animated films is that watching them again and again (and again times a million) shows how wonderful we hold these stories. I have to say I’m not a fan of the Disney live-action films because it takes something special away from the artistry that comes from the animated films.

It is hard to believe that I watched THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE with my children only to have them now share with their children. Also amazing is that all of us still laugh as much now as we did when the film was released in 2000. The release in 4K UHD just brings the crispness and vibrant colors out even more and, if you have a cool large flatscreen, means you can have more people over for a Disney movie night.

Spade, Goodman, Kitt and Warburton, along with director Dindal, brought magic 25 years ago, and that magic is still being felt these years later. Gather up the family because it is time to find out what the fun is all about with a little BOOM BABY!!

In the end – it is all about HIM!

TRON: Ares Opens a New Chapter

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital this week from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.

There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence Code. While Eve spends her time going through her sisters notes and computer, Dillinger has made a connection inside the digital world creating Ares (Jared Leto). Kim wants to use the code to help the world and Dillinger wants it to creates weapons that can make him millions.

Ares mission is to find the code and bring Kim to Dillinger. Bringing his team, Ares has the help of Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) who takes directives seriously. After a chase, Dillinger manages to send Kim inside the same code as Flynn yet Ares is beginning to understand what is happening and doesn’t agree with the ‘creators’ programming. What he does want is to remain outside and see the world that he’s beginning to understand. Dillinger is furious and does something causing Athena to go after Kim and now Ares. Dillinger is unstoppable, just ask his mother Elizabeth (Gillian Anderson).

Kim team up to put a stop to Dillinger with the help of Ajay (Hasan Minhaj) and Seth (Arturo Castro) to fight against Athena. Ares goes back inside the program and meets the one person who can help get what they all want – Kevin Flynn. The fight is on as both sides become aware that this is not a normal fight!

Leto as Ares begins as a 29-minute killing machine but soon begins to experience something that isn’t part of his programming – curiosity. Taking in everything around him and meeting Kim makes it clear that the ‘creator’ Dillinger is not who he seems to be. I love that Leto’s character discovers a conscious, is awaken by the simplest of feelings (ie Depeche Mode) and has a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed. This is such a cool role for Leto playing the armored silent type who knows the game Dillinger is playing, literally.

Lee as Eve is still dealing with the death of her sister but also knows that looking for the Permanence Code means following the bread crumbs her sister left behind. Instead of freaking out at every turn, Lee takes it all in and adapts quickly to Ares’ world. This a role that has so much happening with Lee’s Eve being smart, quick and creative every step up to the final scene. Turner-Smith as Athena is angry at every turn but more-so when she sees Ares and Kim together, almost a computer jealousy deal. When Ares decides to go rogue, Turner-Smith’s Athena has no issue with taking the lead of destruction. What a fantastically ‘angry’ role that looked like it was a lot of fun to do.

Castro as Seth understands that Eve knows what needs to be done and he is her right-hand shadow. When Ares shows up, Seth’s reaction is hilarious but doesn’t stop him from getting the job done. Minhaj as Ajay has a smaller, chaotic role but he also brings about a sense of humor that is based on the madness happening around him. I loved both these guys!

Mr. Bridges, the Dude abides, returns as Flynn explaining to Ares about his choices. He hasn’t lost his swagger or his pearls of wisdom and I personally am thrilled he returned to role he first played in the summer of 1982.

Other cast include Sarah Desiardins as Erin, Cameron Monaghan as Caius and Selene Yun as Tess Kim.

Walt Disney Studios incorporates Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions films such as the highly anticipated upcoming film THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disney.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 Deleted Scenes (Seth’s Date, Burning Man, Lisberger Cameo), The Journey to Tron, Lightcycles on the Loose, The Artistry of Tron, Cast Conversations, and The Legacy of Tron.

It should be noted that Nine Inch Nails is responsible for the film’s soundtrack. It is punching loud and doesn’t hold back providing perfection for the action scenes. It pulsates so much that your chair is moving and your feet are being musically massaged. I have to say I actually enjoyed every bit of it. Another part of the film I enjoyed was the return of some memorable things but I’m not about to expand on that!

TRON: Ares is visually stunning and there is no doubt about that. The action is intense and it is a 119-minute eye workout. The Light Cycles are still amazing to watch and as cool as ever to watch. What is stunning is that writer Jesse Wigutow stayed true to the original story but adding a twist that the digital world finds itself in the real world. Seeing the film in IMAX is such a bonus and I can’t imagine experiencing it any other way. TRON fans will not be disappointed in the slightest.

In the end – there is no going back!

In the Water is the BEAST OF WAR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and DVD from writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner and Well Go USA is the struggle of war and an unexpected force in the BEAST OF WAR.

It is World War II and young Australian soldiers are training for war, but not for the one they anticipated. Crossing the Timor Sea, it doesn’t take long before their boat is hit and sinks. Leo (Mark Coles Smith) helps to rescue as many from the sea as he can including Will (Joel Nankervis), Teddy (Lee Tiger Halley), Thompson (Sam Parsonson) and Stan (Maximillian Johnson) and Kelly (Sam Delich). Leo is the lone Aboriginal soldier and that does not escape the constant hits by Kelly causing a rift between the two.

Floating together on a large piece of the ship, the soldiers quickly discover that they are being hunted more than if they were on land. It doesn’t take long before Kelly begins to aggravate the survivors with his nastiness and deceptions. Leo tries to keep the group focused on survival, and he knows a little bit more about it than the others. What lies below the water shows no mercy and only cares about one thing, dragging each one down into the dark waters.

It is a battle of wills both above and below the water!

Smith as Leo is an aboriginal soldier that is not only dealing with being paid less than the other soldiers but also being looked down upon for his culture. Yet, that being said, there isn’t a part of him that isn’t respectful and wanting to help anyone who needed it – even if it means taking on a bully fellow soldier. I loved that about Smith’s portrayal of this character, it is his own experiences that keep him level headed and empathetic to everyone, even Kelly.

Delich as Kelly is just a plain hot mess of a human being that finds pleasure in ridiculing and degrading everyone around him. Even trapped out at sea, Kelly doesn’t hesitate to use psychological meanness in the secret hopes to be a survivor. Delich gives an outstanding performance of exactly what a “bad guy” would do and every good movie needs one bad guy besides what’s beneath their raft.

Nankervis, Halley, Parsonson, and Johnson each play soldiers that clearly have every reason to be afraid and look for leadership in Leo. They are young and already afraid of everything that comes with war – except an enemy with teeth. Each one of these actors gave something unique to the story being told and added another layer of horror to a horrific attempt at survival.

Other cast include Tristan McKinnon as Bobby, Steve Le Marquand as Sergeant, Lauren Grimson as Hazel, Laura Browne as Susan, Jay Gallagher as Corporal Gallagher, Aswan Reid as Archie and Masa Yamaguchi as Commander Harada.

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.

The film is inspired by the actual 1942 sinking of the HMAS Armidale losing 100 men, but also is reminiscent of the USS Indianapolis that sank in in 1945 after delivering components of the atomic bomb. They also experienced a similar experience with over 879 deaths.

There are plenty of man vs. ocean films and, lets be honest, some are excellent and some are not so good. BEAST OF WAR takes us on a roller coaster ride because not only are they fighting for their lives on the open ocean, but they are dealing with the tension and intentions of everyone left on the small piece of leftover ship. There isn’t a moment in the film where those two things aren’t so intertwined that it is easy, for a fraction of a second, to forget that each other isn’t the biggest problem!

Director Roache-Turner didn’t attempt to reinvent the man vs. shark films but instead took a true story, put in actors who add another layer and surround it all with man’s worst fear about water and war. The soldiers didn’t know whether to look for a fin in the water or look straight for the enemies’ ships or up for enemy planes! Also added was the ‘no fear’ aspect of putting in some of the harshest attacks on the soldiers so horror you want, horror you get.

BEAST OF WAR is such a combination of war, soldiers, fear, personal conflicts, culture, and survival that it is a serious watch. Coming in at eighty-seven minutes, it is full throttle from beginning to end so don’t look away.

In the end – survival is the mission!

 

 

 

 

The Law is Back with ZOOTOPIA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres in time to enjoy the holiday weekend from writer/director Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Walt Disney Animated Studios 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,

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!

 

WICKED: For Good

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures comes the next and final chapter in the saga of WICKED: For Good.

Some years have passed since Elphaba (Cynthia Ervio) defied the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). Now given the name “Wicked Witch of the West”, she lives in a hideout and still fights for the rights of those that have been wronged. Best friend Glinda (Ariana Grande) is now in the top spot of being the Wizards spokesperson and called Glinda the Good and still being guided by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). The handsome, and now Captain of the Guard, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is surprised to learn he is now engaged to Glinda but still promises to seek out Elphaba.

In the forest, Elphaba encounters animals escaping Oz, including Dulcibear and the now grown lion cub who is a bit, well, cowardly. That’s not all the changes, Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) is now the governor of Munchkinland. Being looked after by Boq (Ethan Slater), he lets Nessa know that he’d like to move on from Munchkinland. When Elphaba arrives, it is her sister that wants to know why the magic isn’t helping her wheelchair situation and that’s when a pair of shoes comes into play and another spell doesn’t go as planned.

Wanting to free the flying monkeys, Elphaba and Glinda think they have a deal with the wizard. But, while Glinda walks down the aisle to marry Fiyero, Elphaba discovers once again that she has been lied too. Chaos breaks and so does a friendship and the only family she has ever known. Madam Morrible decides that its time for something to stir in the wind and what arrives is a house with a girl who is misled with promises if she only brings the Wizard one thing – a broom!

Glinda has other plans.

Ervio reprises the role of Elphaba and as time has passed, she is still navigating how to handle what she knows about the Wizard. Foremost on her mind is helping the animals that are running from Oz and navigating her friendship with Glinda. The flying monkeys are always on the chase for her but, the time that has passed has also given her greater understanding about her powers and what she is able to do. Ervio does her role proud, shares her ability to tear up a song and Elphaba has the opportunity to pave the way for everyone to continue to live a different life in Oz.

Grande also reprises her role as Glinda and time hasn’t changed her innocence and, sometimes, quirky optimism that is continually being taken advantage of. Floating in the world of pink and fluff, her feelings for Fiyero are heightened when it is announced that they will be married. The hair-flips, wide doe eyed looks, the high note songs and followers are still in the film but there are moments where she begins to understand that the world she has in her head isn’t exactly the world in front of her. Grande gets another opportunity to show off her vocal range with a long list of songs.

Yeoh as Madam Morrible is up to her usual dual sides of everything. She wants total control of everything and both Elphaba and Glinda challenge that, each in their own unique and awesome way. Yeoh gives her character the absolute right amount of horrible all wrapped up in high fashion and tornado abilities. Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard isn’t so wonderful as he lives to create havoc in Oz. He and Morrible have decided who is acceptable to live in Oz and will do anything to make sure their plans aren’t interfered with. Goldblum is a family favorite actor and to watch him dance his way through the role of the Wizard is just so much fun (yes, we get he’s a bad wizard but he’s a good bad wizard!).

Bailey as Fiyero is a soldier conflicted and trying to do the right thing in so many different directions. The pull means it is time for him to make a decision about what he wants, and that decision brings about a change that neither Elphaba nor Glinda could have ever seen coming. Still, Bailey brings the charm of the first film into the second with grander emotion.

Bode as Nessa returns as a woman having to take over for her father governing Munchkinland. Her heart is still with Boq but she becomes conflicted and it brings her heartache. Bode owns her role as the sister of the Wicked Witch but her character is also dealing with the good and bad of what is happening in Oz. Slate as Boq believes it is time to move on from Munchkinland and return to Oz, that is the decision that changes everything for him. I loved the change of Slater’s character in that his emotions run deeper than from the first film, more complex.

Other cast include Colman Domingo as The Cowardly Lion, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as Shenshen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Ti as Avaric, Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear, Adam James as Popsicle, Alice Fearn as Momsie, Scarlett Spears as young Galina and Bethany Weaver as Dorothy.

Award season is right around the counter and I have no doubt that the film will be nominated in so many different categories. Currently, the story has three win from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for Best Original Song – Stephen Schwartz (The Girl in the Bubble), Best Original Song – Stephen Schwartz (No Place Like Home), and Best Original Score – John Powell. Also, the 2025 Next Big Thing award from The Queerties and Most Anticipated Movie of 2025 by the Digital Spy Reader Awards. That is just the beginning.

Director Chu says of WICKED: For Good, “I learned so much from Elphaba and Glinda and I think I’ve gotten to let go of that idea of proving yourself. Even though it’s a fantasy, even though it’s a fairy tale, it’s our access into a human experience. What does it feel like when you believe so deeply, when you love so deeply, when you sacrifice anything? That we will have the capacity to do that. It’s what my parents taught me. It’s what American has taught me!”

The film is everything one would want in a part-two of a film. The colors are so vibrant, the cast is a credit to their respective roles, the music is stunning and the songs, well, the songs are exactly what I’d expect – catchy, charming, emotional and all with amazing choreography. The screen is filled to the brim with so much that it is overwhelming in a very good way. Telling this Broadway show on film was already a huge undertaking yet, it was done thoughtfully and with such talent and craftsmanship on all levels.

This was the top film my family wanted to see in 2025 and we were not disappointed at all. My granddaughter was in awe of it all and was so happy walking out telling me she was beyond excited to have seen it and plans to see it again and again. That’s how you know you have something special, yes, the adults will love it but to see that it has reached the younger audience is hope for other musicals in the future of film. WICKED: For Good, friendship, love, loyalty can be magic all its own.

In the end – you will be changed!

 

 

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 18^th 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.

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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 18^th 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 20^th 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 18^th 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. Let’s be honest, the last ten minutes of the film are everything to tender hearts everywhere and that is everything.

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