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!

War Has Built-In PRESSURE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Anthony Maras, Studio Canal and Focus Features comes the true story of the seventy-two hours before D-Day, when they are all under PRESSURE.

The plans have been made, and General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) is preparing for all contingencies. The one thing he cannot predict? The weather. That’s when the general calls in Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), a man recommended by Churchill himself. His job is clear: to do whatever is needed to accurately predict the weather on June 5^th, 1944, when all the Allied Forces are due to land on the beaches of Normandy.

Stagg is a no-nonsense man who gets to work, even if Eisenhower’s weather prediction by Irving Krick (Chris Messina) says everything is a go in sunny skies. Keeping an eye on Stagg is the general’s right-hand woman, Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), who sees that Stagg is up against it. When called to give a briefing, Stagg tells a room full of military men things they don’t want to hear. The loudest complaint comes from Bernard Montgomery (Damian Lewis).

When Stagg and Krick are at odds with one another, it is on Eisenhower’s shoulders to make the decision that will decide the fate of every soldier who is to hit that beach. There are memories he deals with that make his choice between the two men’s reports extremely difficult. When the choice is made for him, Stagg and Krick come together, and there is only one moment in the clouds that turns the tide.

Fraser, as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, hits the screen in a bold approach to the role. Anyone who knows history will immediately pick up on the fact that Fraser does not attempt to mimic the historical figure. Instead, the actor portrays him as a deeply human leader under extraordinary strain. Fraser’s Eisenhower is tired, somewhat guilt-ridden, and quietly desperate, all while maintaining a general's outward appearance. Fraser’s emotional depth ultimately anchors the film.

Scott as Stagg brings in meteorologist James Stagg as a man who clearly understands the assignment, literally. Scott captures the anxiety of a man whose calculations could change history, portraying Stagg as both brilliant and haunted by the weight of responsibility. His performance injects urgency into scenes that might otherwise feel static. I’m a huge fan of Scott, and this performance in PRESSURE is absolutely one of the reasons why.

Condon as Summersby portrays a woman who clearly understands what it means to know her boss. Strong, very intelligent, and swift in her delivery, Condon also portrays a person who is in the midst of a war, never forgetting her humanity. I adore that about this character. Messina, as Krick, is the polar opposite of Stagg. He may be a man of weather science, but he tends to lead with more of a lax attitude than his counterpart. Following charts and patterns instead of reality, it is what causes conflict. Well done.

Lewis, as Montgomery portrays a man who is definitely in war mode, and he doesn’t want anything, even the weather, to get in his way of success. He doesn’t believe in what Stagg is trying to do and is often very confrontational with Eisenhower. Watching the top brass have a go at one another can be amusing, but Eisenhower knows how to put a stop to that!

Other cast include Tamsin Topolski as Lizz Stagg, Jojo Macari as Andrew Carter, Con O’Neil as Air Marshal Leigh-Mallory, Alexander Hanson as General Omar Bradley, Robert Portal as Admiral Bertram Ramsay,

In PRESSURE, director Anthony Maras delivers a gripping and unexpected take on World War II, shifting focus away from the battlefield and into the tense confines of Allied command rooms. Centered on the crucial days leading up to D-Day, the film explores how one decision—based largely on uncertain weather forecasts—could determine the fate of thousands.

What makes PRESSURE so compelling to watch is its restraint. This is not a traditional war epic filled with explosions and combat sequences. Instead, it thrives on dialogue, moral dilemmas, and the suffocating tension of uncertainty. The film unfolds like a high-stakes chess match, where every move is debated, second-guessed, and fraught with consequences.

Visually, the film leans into tight rooms where decisions are made, which adds another level to the title of the film. War rooms are tense, where a ticking clock is what replaces gunfire. There are a few moments where the film takes a breather in its pace, but the film succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event. The film does remind me of other historical pieces such as CHURCHILL and THE IMITATION GAME.

PRESSURE is a thoughtful and quietly intense drama. It may not satisfy viewers looking for action-heavy war spectacle, but for those interested in the human side of leadership and the invisible forces that influence monumental decisions, it delivers a compelling experience.

In the end – one decision changed the world!

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Jon Favreau and Walt Disney Studios are the characters created by George Lucas, and from the series The Mandalorian comes the epic film THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU.

Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu are now working with the New Republic to track and capture Imperial warlords from a deck of cards held by Ward (Sigourney Weaver). Back from a mission, Ward wants the Mandalorian to go to the Hutt twins, who have information about the next warlord, Commander Coin (Jonny Coyne).

Once in front of the Hutt twins, they want to trade the information in exchange for the safe return of their nephew Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White) on Shakari. Agreeing, Djarin and Grogu make their way to the planet only to discover that Rotta is revered in the fighting pits. Not believing that the Mandalorian is there to rescue him, things take a turn that puts Djarin, Grogu, and Rotta in a very dangerous situation. It is only when they escape that it comes to their attention that they just left the commander!

Now, Djarin and Grogu are in even more danger as the Hutts want him punished for not seeing their contract through. Leaving Grogu in the hands of Anzelians’ (Shirley Henderson), Djarin takes on the Hutt twins only to be hurt. Never fear, Grogu knows what to do, and when it's all said and done, the Hutts have no clue who they are up against. That’s what happens when you fight for good and have friends who have your back!

Pascal, as the Mandalorian, brings his small-screen persona to the big screen, and it works. The relationship between Djarin and Grogu has become stronger, especially since his little ward has learned many new abilities. Pascal continues to bring his character such growth and the conscience to not do things just for the sake of money. Even the moment of his helmet’s removal, it doesn’t change his reason for working with the New Republic. I don’t know how many more films or series that Pascal does, but he has cemented himself in this character.

Weaver as Ward is part of the New Republic and keeps sending the Mandalorian on missions to capture, if he can, Imperial warlords. I actually thought it was so cool to see Weaver take on such a strong role and to see her in the ‘air’ because there has never been a time when I didn’t think sitting in the seat of an X-wing wouldn’t be the coolest. Coyne as Commander Coin, although his role is small, set the pace for the story to move forward.

White as the voice of Rotta is a very interesting character in that he is the son of the deceased Jabba the Hutt. Nothing like his father, he is up against and Aunt and Uncle who want him to return home. The relationship that comes about between Djarin, Grogu, and Rotta is very cool to watch come to fruition. Henderson as the Anzelians’ is nothing short of hilarious. I love the way they talk and am thrilled they have a bigger role in the film.

Other cast include Hemky Madera as Commander Barro, Cullen Douglas as Prefect Nobah, Stephen Henderson as Gatori, Steve Blum as Garazeb Orrelios, Matthew Willig as Hogsbreth, Martin Scorsese as Hugo Durant.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features, including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO, and SLEEPING BEAUTY, to name a few, is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently playing in theatres, please visit www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is such a family film that, of course, I took the family! We had such a good time cheering, laughing, and awwwww’ing at our favorite cute little big-eared Grogu. The story starts immediately with where Djarin and Grogu are in their lives and what they are capable of as a pair. The Mandalorian makes it clear that he may be a bounty hunter, but there are still lines he doesn’t cross. Grogu is still full of mischief yet, as the story moves along, it is clear that what he has learned is of help to all.

For Star Wars fans, the film is filled with everything one would want to see in a two-hour film. Action, ships, space, planets, and creatures that are both memorably seasoned and characters that are new. There isn’t a moment that isn't worthy of being part of the Star Wars universe. Favreau has seen to that with the way he kept the film focused, cinematically beautiful, with a look and feel of every Star Wars film.

That is what is bringing audiences into theatres to see THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. It feels as if we never left the galaxy far, far away because it feels so near, near to our hearts.  

In the end – they are part of the New Republic!

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is a Hit for Netflix

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – friendship and love take many shapes!