Day One of San Diego Comic-Con Has Begun

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preview Night Begins San Diego Comic-Con International for 2026

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have the best time!!

 

 

 

THE ODYSSEY Military Students Surprised!

 In the spring of 2025, students of U.S. military families stationed in Italy were excited to learn that a Hollywood production team was filming nearby.

Their teach took a chance and contacted the production company, sending questions the students wrote for the cast and crew of THE ODYSSEY.

A few weeks later, they gathered for a special assembly at Naval Air Station Sigonella.

Their questions were answered!

Spectacular is Back in Theatres with THE ODYSSEY

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – defy the Gods!

It Has Become an OBSESSION

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – be careful what you wish for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Brings the Live-Action MOANA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Thomas Kail and Walt Disney Studios comes the live-action MOANA.

This film tells the story of Moana (Catherine Laga’aia), daughter of Chief Tui (John Tui) and drawn to the ocean. Growing up with village expectations continually keeps her away from the waves that she loves. Listening to her father about taking her responsibilities seriously, she stays away from the water.

But one person knows of Moana’s love of the sea and desire to see what is beyond the waves, Gramma Tala (Rena Owen), who shares the secret of the people. Deep within the island are boats once used by Moana’s people, who were explorers.

When the island harvest isn’t producing what it normally does and the fish are disappearing from the cove, Moana knows she must do something to help. Along with rooster Heihei, Moana takes a boat and hits the seas searching for demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson).

They work together to reunite the heart of Te Fiti and save the people of Motunui Island.

Laga’aia as Moana is strong-willed, filled with ocean-guilt, loved by her people, and carries a tune. Knowing that the responsibilities come with the job of being the Chief’s daughter, Moana tries to fill the shoes. It is difficult to follow in the footsteps of the animated Moana with the voice of Auli’I Cravalho. Laga’aia gives it her own interpretation, but something is missing in this character. Laga’aia seems more stoic with a lovely voice in her portrayal.

Johnson as Maui is back as the demigod of wind and sea! He’s big; he has wavy black/brown (it constantly changes) hair and a tattoo that literally is his conscience. Being the voice of Maui in 2016, stellar, and there is absolutely no one else who could have pulled it off. As the live-action Maui? Not so much. I love Dwayne Johnson- don’t get me wrong; I just think it was a body suit stretched too far. It is too difficult to go from being the animated voice to being the actual character. The performance is just…fine.

I have to take this moment to talk about Heihei the chicken. This bird is hilarious. Yes, the pig is cute, and the fish of the sea are awesome, but Heihei is the most unusually funny animal I have seen in Disney films.

Big shout out to Owen as Gramma Tala. She has such a big heart in this story. The relationship she has with Moana is tender and strong. Anyone who has that kind of relationship with their grandmother, Owen, will give you a reason to reach for a Kleenex. Beautiful performance.

Other cast include Emma Puahi-Shapazian, Amaya Masoli, Arya Kasarla all as young Moana, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa.

MOANA has, once again, managed to leave a sour taste in my mouth. I don’t know what it is that those handling films feel the need to take beloved animated films and ruin them. I just don’t see the need to make them live-action. It’s not like Disney has much success in this area, and someone needs to sit down with them and calmly say, “Stop it.” I volunteer to take the hit. With three generations sitting in the theatre watching, none of us were blown away by the film. It felt lifeless and too early to be made into a live-action. It’s only been ten years since the original release, and already a live-action? Why bother making animated films if the intent is to do it? When asked what I thought of the films, the only word I could come up with was - unnecessary.

What is the point of live-action when there are special effects and CGI, which is just a few steps up from animation? Even the actors have been tampered with, meaning Johnson’s character. So, what is the point? That’s the question I kept asking myself through the film. I giggled and laughed with the animated MOANA (and still do); the live-action version just had me wishing I’d stayed home.  

Look, before anyone jumps on me, there is love, family, humor, friendship, suspense, adventure, and cuteness with the chicken. The colors are vibrant and make me wish our oceans looked like that again. That’s the takeaway from the film if one is looking for the positives. Yet, these are the same themes, songs, lines, etc., as the 2016 animated film.

Of course, you can’t have The Rock in a film where his character is not only narcissistic but also has tattoos that remind him of that fact, a cockeyed chicken, an ocean with attitude, and a young girl with determination bigger than the demigods' pecks, and not have a tad of family fun. It’s summer and families need to do things together, so MOANA it is.

In the end – the ocean is calling!

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!