MINIONS & MONSTERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage, Illumination, and Universal Pictures comes another adventure from our favorite MINIONS & MONSTERS.

Olivia (Allison Janney) is a tour guide taking a group of people through a film history museum. Talking about all the exhibits, they come to a statue of two famous Minions. No one in the crowd knew the story of Minions James and Henry. In their tribe of Minions, they go through time trying to find a villain to serve. James is a different kind of Minion who loves telling stories, much to the head Minion Dick's dismissal. On their hunt for a bad guy, James meets Henry and becomes best friends.

While on the hunt, the Minions find themselves in Hollywood, and James, along with best friend Harry, finds Tinseltown to their liking. Becoming friends with director Max (Christoph Waltz) after he realizes their potential, film execs Frank and Elwood (both played by Jeff Bridges) love their film silliness. The Minions are becoming globally famous, but that is short-lived once films go from silent to talkies. Back on the streets, fending for themselves, James has a moment of brilliance: it’s time for them to make a monster movie!

Minion Ed had taken a spell book through their travels, and James uses it to conjure up real-life monsters for their film. The first to show up is Cthulhu Goomi (Trey Parker), who knows exactly where to find monsters Phillip (Bobby Moynihan) and Howard (Phil LaMarr) to be a part of the film. James and Henry are excited, but there is one problem: Goomi has his own ideas about what monsters really want to do.

Pierre Coffin as the Minions had a full-time job in this film. This is probably the most the Minions have spoken. They are hilarious, funny, and it’s easy to pick out the Spanish words mixed in the gibberish. The craziness and chaos are what the Minions are famous for, and they won’t let viewers down.

Waltz as Max starts out crazed by the Minions. Once he sees the possibilities, he not only makes films with them, he befriends them. His voice is so cool with this character, I actually wish he were in it longer. Bridges' voice both Frank and Elwood, studio execs who know what they want in a film, and the Minions fit the bill.

Parker as Goomi is a mixture of cute and evil, as the smallest Cthulhu I’ve ever seen. But don’t let the size fool you. Parker's voice lends itself to the humor you’d expect and the evil that I’m sure he loved playing. Moynihan as Phillip and LaMarr as Howard are the two summoned monsters who follow along with Goomi’s plan but get lost in it all when Irene shows up.

Shout out to Allison Janney because I am the biggest fan of this lady. She made the narration so much fun.

Other cast include Jesse Eisenberg as Dort, Zoey Deutch as Debbie, and George Lucas as George Lucas.

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

The Minions first came to the screen in 2010 with DESPICABLE ME, and everyone who was anyone fell in love with the yellow gibberish-talking creatures. Their antics were childish, giggling at things we all giggle about, but they make it even better. My family not only loves the minions, but we also have them around the house for daily giggles and smiles.

With the holiday weekend coming up, and families looking for things to do, MINIONS & MONSTERS is time spent together. The film is brilliant, colorful, fun, has laughs for both adults and kids, and that adds to the fun. The film does have old movie references that the adults will enjoy, such as knowing who George Lucas is, but it doesn’t change the delight for children. Mixing that with the humor of the Minions, even if we can’t understand everything they say.

There is the usual slapstick humor, charm, and silly antics as we would expect. That being said, as much fun as I had, I missed Gru, Dr. Nefario, the girls, and the relationship with the Minions. But, there is fun at the beginning of the film and when the credits roll, so expect more giggles from memorable friends.

In the end – it’s an adventure all its own!

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – the devil is in the details!

 

YOU, ME & TUSCANY Cooks onto Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Exclusive Features include You & Me, Racing Through Tuscany, La Familgia, Taste of Italy, Going Green in Italy and Feature Commentary with Director Kat Coiro and Producer Will Packer. 

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

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

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

In the end – she found herself in Tuscany!

The Gang is Back For Toy Story 5

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – the battle for playtime begins!

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISCLOSURE DAY

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – welcome to Disappointment Day!

The Iconic FIGHT CLUB comes to 4K

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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