Fast & Furious Presents: HOBBS & SHAW

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Leitch and Universal Pictures comes the double team of action with Fast & Furious Presents: HOBBS & SHAW.

Trying to obtain a virus that could kill people all over the world, MI6 Agent Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby) is sent in with other agents. What they couldn’t have foreseen is Brixton Lore (Idris Elba) arriving to steal the virus for himself. Hattie has no choice but to get the virus out the only way possible.

Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) is notified that he will be working with someone else on the case. Imagine his surprise when it turns out to be Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson)! They are not thrilled to see one another in the slightest and make it known as loudly and verbally as possible.

When Hattie hits the news that she is a rogue agent, Hobbs and Shaw are told they need to find her and both go about it in their own way. When she is finally captured it doesn’t take long before Brixton breaks the door down to take her away. She is now the virus and someone powerful wants her.

After getting her back, the only way save her is to find Professor Andreiko (Eddie Marsan) who created the virus. There is a machine that can help retrieve it but the company Etheon has it which means finding a way inside, get it and get away and – it’s in the Ukraine.

Time isn’t something these three have and Brixton isn’t about to stop till he gets what he wants. That means it’s time to get off the grid and go someplace no one would think to look and much to Hobbs’ dismay its home in Samoa.

Getting his family and disgruntled brother Jonah (Cliff Curtis) to help proves to be difficult, but then again even when family is a little upset – no one messes with them. It’s time to let the enemy know that you can’t get past Mama!

Now it’s time to go old school and take down Brixton!

Johnson as Hobbs is funny, charming, and everything we have come to expect from an action hero. There is something absolutely fantastic about the way Johnson handles his roles to the point where he makes it all look so darn easy. This time he gets a chance to bring in his own heritage in a way of family and the strength of those who will stand up for you even if they only have large clubs to do it with.

Statham as Shaw can’t help but bring his driving skills to bear in this film. Always behind the wheel, he doesn’t bat an eye when turning corners like they are on rails and jumping anything that stands in his way. Playing opposite Johnson, these two are meant to be in action films together because as much as the characters think they are different, lets be honest they are pretty much the same. They are full of quickness, silliness, brotherly quarreling and everything that goes with this twisted friendship.

Kirby as Hattie is very smart, doesn’t hesitate to act when the moment is right and has to deal with Hobbs and Shaw like a babysitter. I enjoyed her character in that she actually is a seriously more than capable agent and slick as they come and although her ‘wards’ are necessary they sort of aren’t.

Elba as Brixton is a genetically modified man who has been changed by the voice behind Etheon. A history with Shaw that is nothing short of lethal, Brixton is a man who feels superhuman and has no trouble letting everyone know that the human race itself is weak. Elba is deliciously evil and there isn’t a dang thing wrong with that!    

Other cast include: Lori Tuisano as Sefina, John Tui as Kal, Joshua Mauga as Timo, Joe Anoa’I as Mateo, Rob Delaney as Agent Loeb, Alex King at Lt. Grapefruit, Eliana Sua as Sam, Eiza Gonzalez as Madam M and Helen Mirren as Queenie. Also, look for a surprise that will make you laugh and cheer!

Fast and Furious Presents: HOBBS & SHAW is 135 minute thrill ride of action, crazy humor and everything fans have come to expect from the F&F franchise. Everyone in the audience was cheering, laughing and cheering even more as the film drew to a close. It is clear that Johnson and Statham have a chemistry that everyone watching absolutely loved. I kinda liked it myself!

There are a few surprises that bring even more laughs and I think I was grinning from ear to ear a lot. That is saying something. So if you are looking for a reason to spend quality time in a theatre seat then join Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham for a ride that only these two can provide with Fast and Furious Presents: HOBBS & SHAW.

In the end – they may not like each other but they dislike bad guys even more!

AVENGERS: Endgame Comes to Bluray and 4K

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and currently on Digital is the highly anticipated finale with an iconic team from directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Marvel and Walt Disney Studios with AVENGERS: Endgame.

That's about the most I want to tell you about AVENGERS: Endgame and why is that?

AVENGERS: Endgame is the end of eleven years of storytelling and eleven years of a journey that has brought comic book fans to the theatres and at the same time created new comic book readers. After seeing it for myself, I agree that talking about it still spoils it for everyone so instead, lets talk about the journey that got us all here.

In 2008, we were all introduced to IRON MAN, Tony Stark and the only man who will ever be this character to my way of thinking - Robert Downey, Jr. I didn't know much about this character and turned to my two sons to talk about it. I knew Iron Man's place in the world of comics and knew what he looked like but that's about it. Robert Downey, Jr. gave me a quick lesson which was not a surprise to me.

Seeing this first offering was fantastic and I remember thinking at the time that I wouldn't mind seeing more of Tony Stark. I had no idea that somewhere in the world someone else was thinking the very same thing as the universe (to be tagged the ‘Marvel Universe’) was about to get oh so much bigger.

Then came more Marvel characters with THE INCREDIBLE HULK, more IRON MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and THOR in 2012. Then the crew of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, the second AVENGERS in 2015, ANT-MAN, the return of SPIDER MAN, the introduction of DOCTOR STRANGE, and Wakanda brought us BLACK PANTHER. All of these set the stage for the 2018 AVENGERS: Infinity Wars.

Adding the final piece of the puzzle, we meet the new CAPTAIN MARVEL. All of this guiding us to this Friday's inevitable finale of AVENGERS: Endgame.

As each film came to the big screen, the crowds of people became bigger and bigger and all for different reasons. The most interesting thing about these Marvel films is that everyone's reason for becoming part of the theatre experience is different but the kid-like excitement is the same and generationally shared.

That is what Marvel has brought to everyone who has experienced the comic-book-to-screen phenomena. Each character has something that we all can relate to in some way or another. Their stories of struggle and reconciling love and loss is relatable and heartfelt. We want them to be our heroes and cheer for them to save our planet time and time again.

So, for AVENGERS: Endgame what can I tell you? The film picks up with what has happened after Thanos snapped his Infinity Stone-laden chunky fingers and what the left-over Avengers are doing in this new reality. Each is now dealing with their losses and the wish that the world were right again. That is where a plan to make that right happen is formed.

Sounds easy right? Hardly, because everything done by the Avengers isn't a straight line from chaos to success. Obstacles get in their way, twists and turns are put into play and stories have an opportunity to be told. There is also so much raw emotion in the entire three hours of the film, there are giggles, jaw drops and I do so highly suggest keeping tissue handy.

At the premier for the film, Chris Evans aka Captain America says about AVENGERS: Endgame, "It’s a double edged sword in that you have this wonderful fan base but also the pressure to satisfy the people who's taste is from the source material. You can't deviate too much and they deserve this."

The ever so charming and never-aging Paul Rudd says, "I can't believe we are finally going to see the movie. I'm excited for audiences to experience the culmination of these films and see where this thing has landed and have a satisfying emotional roller coaster ride experience."

I'm giving Robert Downey, Jr. the final say about how he feels with, "I'm excited, nervous and have such pride. We are fans and that is the reason this has been such a great adventure."

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com 

The Bluray includes the Bonus Extras of Remembering Stan Lee, Setting the Tone: Casting Robert Downey Jr., A Man Out of Time: Creating Captain America, Black Widow: Whatever It Takes, Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, The Russo Brothers: Journey to Endgame and so much more!

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.

I have always found it difficult to watch a film where there is a huge cast because I always want to see more of one character over another, not the case with the AVENGERS films. Don't get me wrong, I do have my personal favorites in Tony Stark and Loki (I love a smart smart-ass and a smooth talking Asgardian what can I say!), but the AVENGERS cast mesh in the sense that each has a job to do and they don't screen-hog to do it.

The MCU is one of action, adventure, storytelling, lessons to be learned, friendship, loyalty, chaos, a lot of destruction, those who want to see the world burn and superheroes that make it their life mission to stop it and all of this brought to a hungry audience who want more. That's what Marvel does and will continue to do. Although AVENGERS: Endgame is a finale in this particular chapter of that MCU, there are so many more stories waiting in the wings to be shown to us on the big screen.

Kevin Feige attended San Diego Comic Con International the past weeks and showed fans what was to become of the Marvel Universe now that the Avengers fight was over. The joy of what is to come is a nice ointment to put on the wounds left open by the departure of some of our heroes.

I suspect the Bluray will fly off the shelves of our particular universe and the planet will be bursting at the seams as we once again spend three hours with our own closest super hero friends. AVENGERS: Endgame is a film to be experienced with your family, friends and I don't think anyone who has invested so much time and emotion into these films will be disappointed.

They started this together and each scene attempts to bring closure for fans so embrace every moment of the film. Clearly AVENGERS: Endgame was made with love, fun and a sense that the creators wanted to give fans everything – the good, the bad, the cheering and the sad. AVENGERS: Endgame is going to give everyone exactly that. 

Of course this calls for a movie marathon of everything leading up to AVENGERS: Endgame and that isn’t such a bad way to spend evenings with the family!

In the end - each of these Avengers has something to lose, something to gain and a world that needs to be set right.

VAULT Brings Famous Heist to DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Tom DeNucci and Lionsgate comes a heist based on a true story of what happened in the VAULT.

Deuce (Theo Rossi) and Chucky (Clive Standen) are two robbers in 1975 Rhode Island who seem to have a knack of getting away with robberies. During one robbery, Deuce meets Karyn (Samara Wiley) and falls hard, so hard that he can’t wait for her to meet the family.

After getting popped for a robbery, Deuce and Chuck meet the Frenchman Gerry (Don Johnson) who is a tad upset with the Italian mafia, especially Raymond (Chazz Palminteri) and wants the boys to work for him. Once they are released, the boys case the business where there is a special bonded vault at Hudson Fine Furs & Storage. Deuce isn’t at all thrilled with the idea and wants to walk away.

A crew that include Buddy Providence (William Forsythe), Buddy Roxbury (Sean Ringgold) and Buddy Barrington (Eric Lutes) has been set up for them by Gerry. Karyn isn’t happy with Deuce distancing himself. She knows the job that Jerry is setting up is big and wants to walk away to start another life.

Detective Caretti (John Fiore) investigates the robbery that is now the biggest heist of $30 million in American history. Deuce takes off for with Karyn to Nevada after worrying that one of them Buddy’s goes missing. Trying to stay one step ahead of anyone that might be following them is starting to wear on them both.

Chucky shows up out of nowhere and now Deuce is even more aware of the dangers. They are still waiting to get their cut promised by Gerry as more of the heist crew begins to disappear. Karyn makes a move that forces Deuce to rethink how life got to this place and how to live what’s left of his own.

It is all getting out of hand!

Rossi as Deuce is a smart but small time crook who seems to be flying by the seat of his law breaking pants. This couldn’t be truer when he meets girlfriend Karyn during a robbery. Of course I will always remember Rossi for his role as Juice in the hit FX series Sons of Anarchy but as an actor he continues to takes roles that showcase what a talent he truly is. Here he is fast talking and easily swayed by his friendship with Chuck.

Standen as Chuck has a hard time not saying names during robberies but he’s about to change that with the Hudson heist. Talking Deuce into it is more of getting your buddy to help out of guilt especially if he really doesn’t want to take part. The robbery was the easy part and Standen as Chuck knows it’s what comes next that is hard.

Wiley as Karyn falls for Deuce the bad boy and wants a life with him. She knows he is a small time criminal and accepts it but what she doesn’t want is what follows them after the heist. Johnson as Gerry is plain creepy but talks the two friends into a plan that he knows will upset the mafia.

Palminteri as Raymond is completely absorbed with how the crime business is changing. He is keenly aware of what Gerry and keeps his ear to the public after the Hudson heist. You don’t get to be the head of a crime family by sitting around letting others keep secrets. Palminteri has always played these roles with ease and VAULT is no exception.

Other cast include Chuck Zito as Joey Bruno, Vincent Pastore as Frank, Gillian Williams as Jeanie, Armen Garo as Gus, Claudio Orefice as Ronnie, Burt Young as Don Ruggiero, Antonio Cupo as Dominic Ruggiero, Lala Kent as Edie, Dorthy Lyman as Ma and Ken Baltin as Abraham Levine.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

The DVD Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Behind the Scenes of VAULT, Commentary with Director Tom DeNucci and Director of Photography Sam Eilertsen and Trailer Gallery.

VAULT is a true story and the heist brought out $34 million which in today’s market would be $100 million. Still, none of what was stolen was ever recovered!

This film brings fantastic cinematography and when a period piece is done, it is the costuming that adds such a richness and depth. From the hair, makeup, cars and era-language, it all adds to bringing a story that needed to be told and director DeNucci did it extremely well.

In the end – it’s a crime based on a true story!

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Groundbreaking Comedy THE MASK

Jeri Jacquin

Can you believe it? It has been 25 years since the character of THE MASK came to screens everywhere. Currently streaming on HBO Now, Jim Carrey stars as Stanley Ipkiss, a fumbling push over bank clerk who is just getting through each day the best he can.

After a particularly bad day, he finds an interesting mask but what he doesn’t know is that it is the mask of the Norse god of royal badness – Loki. Of course the temptation to put it on only leads to craziness as mild mannered Stanley Ipkiss becomes a green faced, outspoken man of madness.

Someone else wants what The Mask has! Crime boss Dorian Tyrel played by Peter Greene will do almost anything to get it. Getting it includes using club singer girlfriend Tina (Cameron Diaz) to use her feminine wiles on Stanley.

But The Mask has other plans which include falling for Tina and wreaking havoc at the Coco Bongo club. Taking notice is Detective Kellaway (Peter Riegert) and the media with Peggy Brant (Amy Yasbeck).

Stanley has no idea what he has unleashed but, quite honestly, we are all happy he did!

THE MASK was released in 1994 and became an instant comedy success. Of course my family paid up to see Carrey do his thing as only he could and can do. That year the film took in over $350 million dollars worldwide. I’d say that’s a success story and gave Carrey amazing clout for further project.

To be able to watch the film again and again has brought such iconic lines as ‘sssssssssssmokin’, ‘Tell Scarlett I do give a damn!’ and ‘Somebody stop me!’ My family is partially responsible for the continued use of these phrases and we are kind of proud of that fact.

It’s time to get green again, put on the dancing shoes and remember what fun this film truly is. So head to HBO Now and, as The Mask would say, ‘It’s time to P, A, R, T. Why? Because I gotta!’

In the end – he goes from zero to hero!

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this week from visionary writer/director Quentin Tarantino and Columbia Pictures is a film that can only be called ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.

It is 1969 Los Angeles and Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) is having an identity crisis. Once the lead in his own television series, he also makes time to do roles in other television shows. Living in the Hollywood hills on the secluded Cielo Drive, he is driven around town by his stunt double and friend Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).

Also living on Cielo Drive next door is actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and husband director Roman Polanski (Rafal Zawierucha). She is living and loving life taking time to enjoy her career.

While working out life and where his career is going, Dalton has to take each phase like a scene with decisions that constantly plague him. Cliff is a little more free spirited and enjoys stunt work when he gets it and being a friend to Dalton. It is difficult for Cliff with a rumor that surrounds an incident in his life.

On several occasions he sees the young girl Pussycat (Margaret Qualley) hitchhiking through L.A. After dropping Dalton off on the set, he sees Pussycat again and offers her a ride. Strangely enough she is staying at the Spahn Movie Ranch where Cliff once shot scenes and she invites him to meet Charlie. Eager to see owner George Spahn (Bruce Dern), he is met with hostility by Squeaky (Dakota Fanning) and Tex (Austin Butler).

Dalton decides to go to Italy and do spaghetti westerns and returns home after six months with a wife and a need to simplify his life which includes having to let Cliff go as a driver. That doesn’t stop these old friends from whooping it up one last time. That same night, Dalton’s very pregnant neighbor Sharon and friends Jay (Emile Hirsch), Abigail (Samantha Robinson) and Voytek (Costa Ronin) are out celebrating as well.

What none of them could know was what would happen on Cielo Drive that hot night in 1969!

DiCaprio as Dalton is absolutely stunning in this role. He is a paranoid, dysfunctional, insecure chain smoking alcoholic who believes the worst about himself as an actor. That is what makes his performance brilliant in that he is not only able to pull all of that off, but kept me convinces for two hours and forty-five minutes. DiCaprio’s acting within acting scenes is intense at times but so damn well done I forgot it was a scene within a scene of the movie itself. I will be thinking about this performance for a very long time.

Pitt as Cliff is laid back and happy with his life of being in the background of Dalton’s career. This character that has a past that gets in his way yet not enough to bother him. His true love is pittie Brandy who is just as adorable as she wants to be and very protective of her human. Pitt gives the audience charm, rooftop abs (oh sorry, should I not have mentioned that?), that insanely memorable grin and a threshold of no-nonsense that is amazing up to the point where it isn’t. I am crazy about every aspect of this character until the absolute…very…end and then I just fell head over heels once again for Pitt. There couldn’t have been a better pairing than these two actors and honestly I never would have thought of it which is why I’m not a director.

Robbie as Tate gives a performance of a sweet and simple woman who loved music, friends, and sitting in a movie theatre watching herself not out of narcissm, but to experience the audience reaction. Her character portrayal of the actress was beautiful.

Olyphant as Stacey gets a chance to don western gear and I loved watching him dual it out, so to speak, with DiCaprio. Fanning as Squeaky portrayed someone I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley…ever. Butler, Madison and Beatty as the terrifying Manson trio are as frightening as they need to be and I’m leaving it right there.

A shout out to young Julia Butters as Trudi is epic in her two scenes with DiCaprio. My reaction to her was immediate and filled with smiles. Her character is smart, witty, and perceptive all trapped inside the body of an 8 year old. I want to be her when I grow up!

Other cast include Sydney Sweeney as Snake, Timothy Olyphant as James Stacy, Harley Quinn Smith as Froggie, Damian Lewis as Steve McQueen, Mike Moh as Bruce Lee, Lorenza Izzo as Francesca Capucci, Rumer Willis as Joanna Pettet, Scoot McNairy as Bob Gilbert, Clifton Collins Jr. as Ernesto, Michael Madsen, and Kurt Russell as Randy.

Also, Rebecca Gayheart as Billie, Lena Dunham as Gypsy, Nicholas Hammond as Sam Wanamaker, Mikey Madison as Sadie, Madisen Beaty as Katie, Julia Butters as Trudi, Luke Perry as Wayne Maunder, and Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarzs.

This is as brief of a review as I could possible do for this film because I really don’t want to spoil any of it for anyone. I can say that I think I’ve seen a strong contender for an Academy Award nomination and many actors that could easily fill all the slots for Best Actor and Best Supporting nods.

What I love best about this film, and perhaps it shows my age, is that I remember all of it. The clothing, magazines, music, cars, the scenery, the places and the events of the era turned a light back on inside my head. All of it provided an emotional rollercoaster of staying in the story and trying not to let the eye candy distract.

The story, and oh what a story it is, came from the mind of Tarantino absolutely. Every scene was a wonder of where it was going and what would happen when we (meaning everyone in the theatre with me) got there. Dalton and Booth took us on the ride and I didn’t fight on second of it. We wanted to know more about their personal issues and the six degrees of separation between every character we were introduced to. Trust me when I say this was definitely a theatrical experience.

Were there a few giggles? Of course! Tarantino has a twisted sense of that and he lets us in on it. Of course I caught myself giggling a few times to myself but that’s my own personal twisted sense of humor.

The audience walked out on a high of immediately talking about what they had seen and wondering if the people they were with shared in their thought process. No one left right away but instead mingled outside of theatre 5 to continue sharing the experience. Here I sit and I’m still thinking about it all.

Yes the film is 161 minutes long yet it is one of the best times I’ve had at the movies in a long time. Being in the desert of wanting-thirst for something amazing on screen, Tarantino has just given me a huge whiskey sour and I certainly wouldn’t mind another.

In the end – it is a story of Hollywood Tarantino style!

UGLYDOLLS Arrives on Bluray with a Sing-Along Edition

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and currently on Digital from director Kelly Asbury, STX Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment are the every so cuddly UGLYDOLLS.

It is another fun filled day in Uglyville and Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) believes it is her day to make it to the big world. Ox (Blake Shelton) tries to tell Moxy that she should be happy where she is but nothing is going to stop her from believing.

That’s when Lucky Bat (Leehom Wang) tries to help Ox but instead gets it a little twisted. Now Moxy believes that she needs to go find her perfect kid in the big world instead of waiting for the big world to come to her.

Moxy, Babo (Gabriel Iglesias), Uglydog (Pitbull) and Wage (Wanda Sykes) find a pipe and the consensus is that it leads to the big world. What they don’t expect is to find the Institute of Perfection for dolls led by Lou (Nick Jonas) who immediately tells the UglyDolls that they basically can’t handle the institute.

The group decides that they are going to stay and find help in Mandy (Janelle Monae), a doll who doesn’t believe she fits in either. She decides to help the UglyDolls by changing the way dress so they can get along easier but Lou makes it clear once again that it isn’t going to help.

Back in Uglyville, Ox realizes that Moxy and her friends are missing and go looking for them. He also discovers the Institute of Perfection but he has a secret of his own that isn’t going to be a secret for long. Lou may be trying to keep the UglyDolls down but when secrets are revealed, nothing will ever be the same.

This group finds their worth in a place that sees them as worthless!

Clarkson as Moxy brings her vocal talents to the character but also a lot of spirit. There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting a kid of her own and Moxy believes that it is her destiny. Patience and happiness go a long way but when the chance presents itself, Clarkson sings and of hope and the possibilities her character longs for.

Shelton as Ox is the leader of Uglyville and he wants everyone who lives there to be happy with who they are. Keeping an eye on Moxy, Ox especially wants her to be happy with where she is and not go looking for anything else.

Wang, Iglesias, Pitbull and Sykes are just the right friends to follow Moxy through the pipe because it is no place to go alone. Their wariness are completely understandable and their humor is absolutely hilarious.

Monae as Mandy is a doll who doesn’t see herself as one of the others at the Institute for Perfection. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t have friends backing her up, that is until the UglyDolls arrived!

Jonas as Lou is a doll unto himself making those around him feel less than they should ever feel. Lending his vocal talents as well, Jonas gets to sing his charming way through the film and when the time comes – reveal the secret between the Institute and Uglyville.

Other cast include Ice-T as Peggy, Emma Roberts as Wedgehead, Jane Lynch as Scanner, Natalie Martinez as Meghan, Stephen Zimpel as Michael, Bebe Rexha as Tuesday, Charli XCX as Kitty, Lizzo as Lydia, and Enrique Santos as Nolan.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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.

STXFilms and Entertainment is a global next-generation company who has taken on the mission to unlock the value of direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, production and distribution of film, television, VR, digital video, music and live entertainment content. It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises. To experience more please visit www.stxfilms.com.

The Bonus Features on Bluray and DVD include Sing-Along Edition, Sing-Along Tease – a small taste of the big fun the Sing-Along Edition provides, Fun with the Cast of UGLYDOLLS- watch the cast of UglyDolls play fun games that showcase their unique talents, Making UGLYDOLLS – a closer look at the music behind the film and the talents voice cast that brings these rich characters to life and Theatrical Trailers.

UGLYDOLLS is a lesson on how we treat one another and the words we use. The split between Uglyville and the Institute only further the misunderstanding between them. Moxy is such a lovely character who believes that she has a destiny and discovers that she isn’t the only one who believes that.

This film is colorful, friendly, inviting, funny and toe tapping with the musical numbers. That is what parents want in films they taken their entire family to see. If it all happens to be wrapped up in life lessons then its all the better.

This is a classic underdoll story!

THE JUNGLE BUNCH Brings Fun and Family to DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director David Alaux and SHOUT! Kids Factory is the story of family, friendship and protecting the home of THE JUNGLE BUNCH.

It is another day in the jungle or is it? Tony the sloth (Frantz Confiac), Natasha the tiger (Marie-Christine Darah), Goliath the rhino (Alain Dorval) and Ricky the porcupine (also called The Champs) are chasing Igor the koala (Richard Darbois) through the jungle. Igor is up to no good and attempting to ruin the jungle for all who live their.

When he succeeds all the animals must find their own way. Natasha finds herself the foster-mother of Maurice (Philippe Bozo), a young penguin who takes to jungle life. Her ward has plans of his own as he grows to create a new team that fights for justice.

Mom Natasha isn’t too thrilled about Maurice’s goal but he sets out into the jungle to find others who want to be aprt of it. He brings his team including Junior the fish, Miguel the gorilla (Pascal Casanova), Gilbert the tarsier (Laurent Morteau) and Batricia the bat (Celine Montsarrat) and call themselves ‘The Jungle Bunch’.

Igor has been busy as well on his secluded island, he wants to get back and take on The Champs once again. When he discovers there is another justice fighting team in town he is equally thrilled. Especially when he learns Maurice is Natasha’s son.

The Jungle Bunch knows their new mission is to save the jungle and everything they love about their home. When Igor kidnaps Junior, it is Natasha that wants to put The Champs back together to save him. Feeling left out, Maurice realizes that he must do what ever it takes to rescue his family but with a little help from his friends.

Other characters include Emmanuel Curtil as Al the Toad, Paul Borne by Bob the Toad, Michel Mella as Fred the warthog, Jean-Philippe Puymartin as Snake, Barbara Tissier as Ping, and Alexis Tomassian as Pong.

SHOUT! Factory has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty And The Beast. Also their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The characters are all delightful and, well, animated! This is a story about many things but mainly that differences don’t seem to matter one bit to these jungle creatures. They love who they love and that includes Natasha taking in Maurice and Maurice taking in Junior.

The story of Igor being cast out because of the harm he wants to cause is believable in that the other animals would ban together to put him in his place. There is also a generational issue that I found a great theme to talk about. Natasha protecting her son caused her to say things that she should have thought about more carefully. Taking to heart the words of his mother was tough and a lesson to parents – even parents who have grown children.

It is a treasure when there is an animated film that actually brings family and community together like THE JUNGLE BUNCH. The actors truly bring the animals to life with their vocal performances. Oh don’t worry, there is plenty of fun to be had and my own family laughed a lot at the antics.

So gather up your own jungle herd with a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy a film that brings so much of everything we love animated films for!

In the end – things are getting wild!

Time Life Brings CMA AWARDS LIVE: Greatest Moments from 1968-2015 on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD is one of the most amazing collections Time Life has ever put together. For those who love country music this is an opportunity to see five decades of country music’s biggest stars perform with CMA AWARDS LIVE: Greatest Moments from 1968-2015.

The CMA Awards have spent the last 50 years showcasing country music by capturing the artists at work giving us some of our most favorite songs. The show has captured performances that have become historic as well as iconic and seen on television capturing it all.

In 1967, performers of country music came to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium for the very first CMA’s. Performers such as Bobby Gentry, Sonny James, Jim Reeves, Red Foley and Jack Green were there. It was Green who would win the Male Vocalist Award, Album, Song and Single of the Year for his song There Goes My Everything.

Throughout the 60’s, performers such as Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, Chet Atkins, Bob Wills, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Jeannie C. Riley, and Bobby Russell would bring show stopping performances that can be found in this collection.

The CMA’s moved to the Ryman Auditorium by the 1970’s when Loretta Lynn would be called the First Lady of Country Music. Merle Haggard became the voice of patriotism for the United States during a difficult time and it showed with his song Okie from Muskogee.

As change came over the CMA’s, it was reflected in the awards when Charlie Pride won for Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year in the 70’s. A little surprise came when Olivia Newton John won for Female Vocalist of the Year but no surprise for me when John Denver won for Entertainer of the Year.

There were outlaws in country music when Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and Compall Glaser won Album of the Year for Wanted! The Outlaws. Other stars during the decade included Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Reed, Lynn Anderson, Ray Price, Sammi Smith, Freddie Hart, Jimmie Davis, Tanya Tucker, Donna Fargo, Roy Clark, Charlie Rich, Ronnie Milsap, Cal Smith, Don Wayne, Freddy Fender, Crystal Gayle, Kenny Rogers, Dottie West, Barbara Mandrell, Charlie Daniels and Johnny Gimble.

During the 1980’s, country music became even more popular if that was possible. New groups and a new generation of singers hit the television and airwaves bringing love songs and story telling. Barbara Mandrell started off with songs such as I was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.

This is the era of Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Mac Davis, Alabama, Oak Ridge Boys, Chet Atkins, Janie Fricke, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Reba McEntire, The Judds, Sawyer Brown, Hank Williams, Jr., George Strait, and Randy Travis.

The careers ending the 80’s would become the next big stars of the 1990’s but there would also be newcomers such as Lonestar and Diamond Rio. Billy Ray Cyrus would have everyone growing a mullet and singing Achy Breaky Heart. The women also broke through in a big way with Shania Twain, Deana Carter and Sara Evans.

At the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, the CMA’s would see the likes of Kathy Mattea, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, Kentucky HeadHunters, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Don Henry, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, John Michael MontgomeryPam Tillis, Martina McBride, Alison Krauss, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Randy Skruggs.

The 2000’s saw another shift not only in country music but the changes at the Grand Ole Opry. Reba McEntire was on top and The Dixie Chicks were riding high as an all girl country group. It is also a time when country would stop for a moment and talk about the grief of 9/11 as Alan Jackson asked in song Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).

Other performers in this fifteen year span included Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes, Florida Georgia Line, Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton.

Time Life continues to bring never before released anywhere classic collections of television shows for fans to revisit and remember what has made television so special. Time Life has released Mama’s Family, CPO Sharkey and The Tonight Show and they now reminds of us of a time when sex and politics were up for grabs with ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN. For more of what Time Life has to offer fans of classic television visit www.timelife.com.

This 10-disc set (that’s 11 hours plus extras) also includes the bonus of Newly Produced Bonus Interviews with Country Legends including Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers, Naomi Judd, Ronnie Milsap and more. Plus CMA bonus features with Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, George Strait, Carrie Underwood and many other country music stars.

Also, 44-Page Memory Book including show photos, a history of the CMA Awards, plus a year-by-year guide to 50 years of Award winners.

For country music lovers this is a collection of music and performances that are to be truly experienced. Having grown up in a country music family, there are performances here by legendary musicians that I had completely forgotten about. That is why Time Life has once again brought back some of my favorite family memories of music. I couldn’t be more pleased to have had the opportunity to watch these musicians once again but this time share them with my own family.

There is a heart and soul to country music and after spending time watching the CMA AWARDS LIFE: Great Moments from 1968-2015, it becomes clear that the heart and soul is still viable and so worth revisiting.

In the end – these are truly the greatest moments!

The Final Day of SDCC Brings Goodbyes, Tears and MAYANS MC

Jeri Jacquin

We all made it, every one of us! The final day of San Diego Comic Con International 2019 is in the bag. Now all that’s left to do gather all the swag, goodies, Funkos and characters and find a place for it all in our homes. I mean that in good fun because I really love all the Comic Con goodies because they continue to be a reminder of just how much fun there is to have.

The morning started off with the Supernatural final appearance in Hall H. A friend of mine reminded me of how this show started in 6BCD and grew into Ballroom 20 and grew so big that it had to be moved into Hall H. Every Sunday morning the fans would gather to celebrate the Winchester brothers and attendees never knew what was going to happen. I do have to admit that my favorite year was when the band Kansas came to perform Carry On Wayward Son which is the theme song of the show.

This year was bittersweet as every person in line, and it stretched from Hall H around the back to the embarcadero, wanted a chance to say goodbye to the cast they have come to enjoy. The show will be ending it’s fifteen season run later this year which means you have enough time to binge watch fourteen seasons before it all wraps up.

Entering into Hall H, each attendee was given a small replica of the Winchester Bros. car ‘Baby’ and I have to say it’s pretty cool. The panel this year included Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Alexander Calvert and executive producers Robert Singer, Andrew Dabb, Eugenie Ross-Leming, Brad Buckner and Robert Berens. Each took terms talking about the past season, making jokes and only giving hints on the final season.

When asked about their feelings regarding the final season and the fans, Ackles and Padalecki both broke into tears and leaned on each other. They followed with an emotional thank you to the fans that have made the series such a success. All the of sadness would soon be put away as the announcement was made that any of the fans who asked questions were now in the running of a car – a replica of Baby. When I say replica, I mean a real car! The lady who won it is now going to have a million new friends.

Thunderous applause broke out as the panel hugged it out and made their way off the stage.

The CW series Riverdale took the stage next and began when the show’s creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa arrived to talk about the passing of Luke Perry. “I remember when Luke auditioned, I was so socked that Luke Perry was auditioning. He came up to me and said ‘I read the script and I love the character Fred because he’s just like me. I have a son and this character speaks to me’”. Playing a video tribute was very touching.

Aguirre-Sacasa also shared that Shannon Doherty will make an appearance in the show. It was something Perry had asked for and now the show is fulfilling that request.

Coming to the stage was the cast including Madelaine Petsch, Camilla Mendes, KJ Apa, Lili Reinhard and Cole Sprouse. It must be said that Sprouse has been my favorite because he seems like such a jovial handful. In regards to the series, the theme is wondering if Archie and the gang can possibly have a simple life both in school and at home. It’s unlikely to my way of thinking and the show would be short lived if they did but the next season promises to be intense. The show returns in October on the CW.

The final panel in Hall H for Comic Con is the new FX hit series Mayans MC. Taking over the motorcycle club helm from its predecessor Sons of Anarchy, creator Kurt Sutter, Elgin James and executive producer Kevin Dowling bring the new club to fans. On the panel were JD Pardo, Clayton Cardenas, Edward James Olmos, Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby, Antonio Jaramillo, Raoul Max Trujillo, Danny Pino, Emilio Rivera, Frankie Loyal, Joseph Lucero and Vincent Vargas.

The panel discusses their roles and how intense the show is with its portrayal of the Mayans motorcycle club and their dealings with the cartels. A fan asked if they were worried about stereotyping and it was Olmos who said that in all stereotypes there are rings of truth to some of it. He also says that season two, airing in over a month, promises to get even darker than the first season.

If you haven’t seen the new series Mayans MC yet, might I suggest you do so. There are people you will remember from SOA and a storyline that is a tad familiar but taken to places you wouldn’t expect.

What I can tell you about this cast is that they have the same spirit as the cast from Sons of Anarchy. They are very funny, seem to know each other very well and joke in a way that tells me this is a strong group of actors. That is important when you have an ensemble series, to feel as if they true are a family in their sense of the word. This is a storyline that is violent, telling and contains turns that put every character on notice – no one is exempt from danger!

That’s it, that’s all there is for this year. It was filled with stories, meeting with friends that although I might be friends with on Facebook or other social media platforms, I can be guaranteed we can see each other once a year. SDCC is a place to share in our likes and try to convert each other to see or experience something we don’t think we’d like. Trust when I say I’ve been taken in by shows I didn’t think would hold the slightest interest for me.

SDCC is a time to catch up, dress up, play up, and enjoy all of that with over a hundred thousand of your closest people. That is why SDCC keeps coming back and especially why we all go year after year.

STAR TREK and MARVEL Took Over Day Three of Comic Con!

Jeri Jacquin

It was to be expected right? Hundreds and hundreds of fans waiting in line over a two day periods and for what you ask? Because both STAR TREK and MARVEL were in Hall H and they weren’t about to disappoint with a flimsy few minutes on stage. Nope, there were surprises to be seen and heard and I’m about to tell you everything I know.

Beginning with Enter the Star Trek Universe, CBS All Access is continuing to expand that universe. Star Trek Discovery takes the story 1,000 years into the future says showrunner Alex Kurtzman. The series stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Michelle Paradise, Heather Kadin and David Ajala. Production is currently ongoing in Iceland so there might be a bit of a wait for Season Three.

Star Trek: Picard brought its thrilling trailer to Hall H as Sir Patrick Stewart returns in his iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard. This being Stewarts first time at Comic Con, he seemed to be relishing every moment and enjoying the panel time. The story revolves around Picard realizing that he never has quite felt at home with his feet on Earth but then again we all could have guess that. We want him at the helm and engage!

Not enough Star Trek? Well, how about Star Trek: Short Treks which is a miniseries to keep your imagination in space where it belongs. There are characters from the original series that you might all remember and I’m keeping that bit of information to myself. No spoilers here! The show is also brought by CBS All Access.

The official HBO trailer for WESTWORLD 3 – The New World has dropped into Hall H and available for everyone. The world has changed and now Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Tessa Thompson, Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright and Luke Hemsworth have to find their way through it. It seems like fans have been waiting forever but now these characters find themselves in Nazi Europe but you’ll have to wait a while longer to know more.

Project Blue Book from the History Channel brings characters Hynek and Quinn dealing with 1947 and Roswell, New Mexico. The show has just started production and will return later this year. If you haven’t seen season one, I have to ask you…why not? The Good Place brought a bit of a downer to attendees when executive producer Michael Schur announced that it would be the final season for the show. Telling everyone the final script was complete, the statement was met with a loud awwww-ing and man it was brutal to hear.

The Expanse is a show I have been watching from the very beginning. Throwing out props to Amazon for giving it a new home so we can see how the next chapter of this saga plays out. Due to return in December, it’s plenty of time to watch the first three seasons since I have a feeling things are going to get very intense.

TBS is about to take on one of my favorite films by putting it into a series with Snowpiercer. If you have an opportunity to see the film prior to the show beginning, do so. You will get a feel for the post-apocalyptic train ride that has a twisted structure that contains human beings trying to survive a caste system. What does everyone want? They want what is in first class!

Women Who Kick Ass comes to Hall H with ladies Shohreh Aghdashloo from The Expanse, Freema Agyeman from Doctor Who, Betty Gilpin from Glow, Ruby Rose from Batwoman and Cobie Smulders from the new series Slumptown.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will air on The Travel Channel hosted by The Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell. This is a perfect outlet for the star we all love for being…well…different!

Finally, what a packed Hall H has been waiting for. The Russo Bros. mix it up with the audience to get things started and Jessica Chobot introduces Kevin Feige. He thanks fans for what the Marvel Universe has become (and we thank him as well). He quickly moves on to The Eternals and director Chloe Zao along with cast Richard Madden, Jumail Najiani, Lauren Ridloff, Bryan Henry, Salma Hayak, Liam McHugh, Don Lee and Angelina Jolie. Ms. Jolie seemed beside herself with smiles at being part of the panel.

Falcon and the Winter Soldier brings Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie to panel. Baron Zemo aka Daniel Bruhl is back and purple once again making a promise with, “Gentlemen, I’ll be seeing you very soon”. It didn’t sound promising for either the Falcon or the Winter Soldier!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has a release date of 2-2021 with Tony Leung as The Mandarin. Feige announced that Simu Liu has been cast in the title role of Shang-Chi. Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a series that Feige also says “ties directly into the world of Dr. Strange” and that sends the audience into a happy place. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the series stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen.

Speaking of Olsen, WandaVision is an original series coming to the new streaming service Disney+. The show also stars Paul Bettany and Teyonah Parris and due out in the spring of 2021.

My dream has come true! Loki from Marvel Studios is also coming to Disney+ and Tom Hiddleston is reprising his role. Don’t ruin my day by trying to talk me out of the clouds, it isn’t possible. I am on a full lady-high right now and don’t expect to come down until the series airs, and maybe not even then.

Taika Waititi returns to direct Thor: Love and Thunder with Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman and is due in theatres November of 2021. Be prepared when a lady Thor comes into the picture!

Black Widow is slated for May of 2020 with Cate Shortland as director and the return of Scarlett Johansson. The film also stars David Harbour, Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz. It will be nice to see the back story of this iconic Marvel character before things got dicey in the last two Avengers films.

Finally, fans were so surprised to learn that Blade is being brought back to life. The announcement was made that Mahershala Ali would be taking over the role and is now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

That is a lot to take in isn’t it? I can tell you that everyone in Hall H was exhausted by the end of the panel. It is another phase for Marvel and it is going to keep fans happy for many, many years to come.

It is hard to believe but we are one day away from putting San Diego Comic Con International 2019 into the books. Outside the Convention Center is a very fun atmosphere as everyone is finding their favorite places to visit only to discover that every place is a favorite place.

Tomorrow gets here quick so rest up and let’s make a final run on the last day!