SEMPER FI Brings Loyalty and Brotherhood

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres, On Demand and digital from writer/director Henry-Alex Rubin, co-writer Sean Mullin and Lionsgate is the story of brothers and brotherhood with SEMPER FI.

Callahan (Jai Courtney) is a police officer in a small town but also a reservist in the Marine Corps along with his friends and brother Oyster (Nat Wolff). Hanging out with Jaeger (Finn Wittrock), Milk (Beau Knapp), Snowball (Arturo Castro), they enjoy their time together just have a bit of fun.

Cal has been keeping an eye on his younger brother Oyster since their mother died and it is a job big brother takes seriously. Helping him stay out of trouble has also brought tension to the brothers that occasionally come to the surface.   As the gang goes out for a night of drinks, they all know that going to Iraq is very close. Cal warns Oyster to stay out of trouble but gets a snarky reply.

Later in the evening, Cal gets a telephone call that his brother is wanted for beating up a man at the bar. Having no choice, he goes to look for his brother wanting to be the one to arrest him before anything else happens. It doesn't go well and Oyster is sent to prison while Cal is sent to Iraq. The brother each fight to stay alive but in different ways. Cal is faced with his own decisions in war when his platoon is attacked. Oyster is fighting corruption from those that should be protecting him.

Returning home Cal visits his brother in jail and is met with disdain and hostility but it is clear that something bad is happening to Oyster. Cal reaches out to anyone that he things can help but all he is told is that there is a possibility the younger brother can be transferred. He tries to discover why Oyster is out of legal options only to find out there is something nefarious happening.

That's when he decides the only recourse is to be a law man who is about to break that law and with help!

Courtney as Callahan is a complex character being that he is a big brother put in a position of responsibility at a young age to be a father figure. As he gets older, he sees the path Oyster is on and will do anything to help him avoid the painful effects of bad decisions. Courtney has made a career portraying a stern faced and by the book leader roles and it's because he makes it work beautifully. This is an intense role because of the truths behind it with war and a sense of brotherhood that has brotherhood attached to it as well.

Wolff as Oyster clearly has issues that he has not dealt with and a history that is filled with pain and fear. Instead of the brothers dealing with that history, Wolff holds anger towards his brother that is taken to the stratosphere when Cal is the one who arrests him. Wrapped up in himself, he can't see past that anger and blames everyone else for his own bad choices. Wolff is that little brother many of us can relate to and that brings the viewer deeper into the relationships with Cal.

Knapp, Castro and Wittrock are Cal and Oyster's military brothers who see what is happening between them and tries to keep the peace. When they all go to Iraq without Oyster, these men follow their leader Cal because that's what brothers do, watch out for each other and trust that their leader will get them home. Once home, they all understand the pain Cal is going through when he sees Oyster in prison and will follow both brothers into another kind of battle.

Other cast include Leighton Meester as Clara, Rachel Hendrix as Rachel, Wayne Pere as Tom Nichols, Ashton Leigh as Val, Sylvia Crim as Carrie, Rob Mello as Tony, Lance Nichols as Balfour, Jared Bankens as DJ Dwyer, Mehdi Merali as Jalal and William Harris as Dr. Stall.

SEMPER FI is a story with many layers beginning with the brothers and ending with brotherhood. It shares within the story the struggles of those returning from war to try and find their way yet never forgetting who got them home in the first place. Another layer is that of a brotherhood that happens for soldiers in the military. In this instance it is a brotherhood that supports one another and even though it is an unusual situation, it is still not far-fetched.

Films like SEMPER FI are important in that they address such serious issues that soldiers face when they return from war. In the case of Cal he is fighting what happened after the attack and how to deal with it once home. Trying to be strong for his brother and 'brothers' is difficult and the strain becomes too much at one point. When it comes to Oyster, it is his brothers who let him know that nothing is impossible together.

Sean Mullin is an award-winning screenwriter and film director but previous to that was a Captain in the New York Amy National Guard and a first responder after the September 11th attacks. He spent his time working as the Officer in Charge of the soldiers stationed at Ground Zero. His critically-acclaimed debut - AMIRA & SAM won at numerous film festivals and was distributed by Drafthouse Films. He is the co-writer and co-producer of SEMPER FI along with Academy Award Nominated director Henry-Alex Rubin. Also involved is Academy Award nominated producer of WHIPLASH David Lancaster.

In the end - honor your brother!

Aaron Paul Stars in THE PARTS YOU LOSE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Christopher Cantwell and Samuel Goldwyn Films comes the story of a boy and a stranger with THE PARTS YOU LOSE.

Wesley (Danny Murphy) is a young deaf boy who is living in a rugged town filled with equally rugged people. His mother Gail (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) tries her best to help Wesley but his father Mitch (Scoot McNairy) doesn't try to relate with is son, or anyone else for that matter.

Waking about in the snow one morning, Wesley finds a man lying near the edge of a frozen lake and tries to get help. By the time he returns with his father, no one is there. Continuing to look, the boy finds a man and drags him to a large barn.

Feeling as if he has found a new friend, Wesley does what he can to help him. His parents see on the news that there was a robbery and shooting in Carson and the police are looking for the criminals on the loose. Helicopters are out in full force looking but that doesn't stop him from helping the man in the barn including reaching out to someone else for help.

Wesley also deals with the pressures of those from school who make his life difficult. The Man discovers what his parents clearly don't see and tries to teach him how to protect himself from those who would do him harm. As the police close in Wesley feels the pressure to help the Man in the barn and begins to see a darker side of the caged tiger he has befriended!

Murphy as Wesley is a young man in a world that those around him can't understand. That is what makes his friendship with Paul's character so important to him. Here is someone that he can be himself with and there isn't any judgement. Murphy is angelic looking with a sense of how things are in his life. He has more of an understanding than the adults around him truly understand. Playing along-side Paul, Murphy is amazing to watch in a role that requires pure acting ability and makes it look effortless.

Paul as the Man Is a dangerous man even if he befriends Wesley. Waiting in a barn to be captured is nerve wracking and waiting for help from a buddy just makes the emotional edges jagged! There are moments in the film that it's easy to forget the Man is dangerous because of the relationship he comes to have with the young boy treating him better than his own father. Paul can be charming one minute and frightening the next and, like a caged tiger, one is never sure when the tiger will bite.

McNairy as Mitch is a man who has so many issues I don’t know where to begin. Unhappiness with his life and with a son he doesn't understand, he can't control the disappointment in either and it begins to wear on the family - and a certain criminal in the barn. As the tables turn between Mitch, Wesley and the Man in the barn, it becomes heartbreaking with a reality that is certain for them all.

Winstead as Gail is a woman caught in so many ways. First being in a rural town where the jobs are scarce and the family lives day to day, a son with special needs and a husband who clearly is walking a tight rope.

Launched in 2017, The H Collective is a global film company that is producing a diversified slate of high-quality films. Films such as BRIGHTBURN with Elizabeth Banks and THE PARTS YOU LOSE with Aaron Paul lead off the next slate of films such as Aaron W. Sala's THE BEAST and the fourth installment of the xXx franchise starring Vin Diesel. For more information please visit www.thecollectivefilms.com.

THE PARTS YOU LOSE is a film about a young boy discovering who exactly can he trust. Living with parents that are dealing with their own issues, Wesley is a young man just trying to find his place. Meeting the Man is a respite from the real world and allows him to teach, laugh and learn. The problem is he is teaching, laughing and learning with the wrong person.

The adults around him clearly can't handle their own reality so it's easy to see why the young boy detaches from those around him. How can he expect to be understood when the adults around him are so engrossed in their own adult problems. The film brings in the gray and snowy winter as a back drop that adds a unpredictable dimension to the story.

THE PARTS YOU LOSE isn't hiding behind a music score or special effects but instead allows the actors to bring us into a tale that has all the elements of a story we want to see to the very end. 

In the end - danger hides in plain sight!

THE BLACK STRING: Speaking with Director Brian Hanson

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to the GI Film Festival San Diego this Friday and being released soon on DVD from Lionsgate and director Brian Hanson is the psychological thriller THE BLACK STRING.

Jonathan (Frankie Muniz) is a lonely young man who works in a convenience store. He is avoiding his parents and often takes advice from friend Eric (Blake Webb) on how to get out into the world. One night at home he sees a commercial for companionship and is drawn to call. The next night he has a blind date with Dena (Chelsea Edmundson) who rushes Jonathan into spending the night.

The next morning Dena is gone but leaves behind a mysterious rash and Jonathan is instantly freaked out. If that isn't enough, he starts experiencing strange disturbances that turn into actions he knows are caused by whatever is eating at him. Looking for answers, Eric and his parents decide he is detached from reality and so the fight begins to prove what he knows is true with the forces that are pushing everyone away.

Turning to a woman named Melinda (Mary K. DeVault) for help, she tries to guide him before turning back is no longer an option. Explaining that she knows exactly what he is going through, the process is painful, terrorizing and one that begs the question of who is responsible and how can they be stopped!

THE BLACK STRING has nominations for Frankie Muniz for Best Actor and is showing as its San Diego Premier. In attendance is the director Brian Hanson. Director Hanson, currently in Los Angeles, has a connection to San Diego and now the GI Film Festival. The writer/director Brian Hanson served in the US Army with the 75th Ranger Regiment deployed several times to Afghanistan. He volunteers with Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) and grew up in Escondido studying film at Palomar College and SDSU.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Hanson about how the film story came to be and what it took to get the right locations, cinematography and cast to bring THE BLACK STRING to fruition.

Jeri Jacquin: Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today Brian.

Brian Hanson: Of course, thank you as well.

JJ: I'm excited to see you at the film festival.

BH: I know, it's going to be great.

JJ: I talked to Frankie and he had nothing but high praise for you.

BH: Thank you Frankie.

JJ: I will ask you what I asked him with how did you get involved with the project? This is a very unusual project.

BH: I got involved because about 10 years ago I was a film school grad bartending. I am originally from San Diego and came up to Cal State Northridge. Film is my thing and my buddy Andy (Warrener) was also a bartender. We conceived of this idea of a guy, we know we wanted it to be a horror movie and we love psychological thrillers first of all. We wanted it to be like a JACOBS LADDER (1990) where you never know if it's in the guy's head and we wanted to set it up in a San Diego suburb, a southern California suburb where this guy just never left town. This guy is full of potential but he was never able to leave. That's the drama side of it. On the occult side of it we wanted this mysterious neighbor, going on a blind date and the woman disappears and he goes on a search for this girl. So half of it mental illness and is it all in his head or is the cult responsible. Andy and I wrote a forty page thing but we weren't able to actually make it. He started a family in Florida and I joined the Army. Cut to four years later when I got out and I used the GI Bill to go to Mount Saint Mary and that program where I met Rich Handley (co-writer of THE BLACK STRING). I told him the story and he said instead of making a short graduate thesis, why don't we make a feature film and I loved the idea of THE BLACK STRING. One other person jumping in on a project made me realize we might have something here. It started with Rich Handley writing with me and from there we were fully committed to starting an LLC and added forty more pages to the script and it just grew from there. It all happened pretty quickly from there believe it or not.

JJ: We were also talking about how making these films there is a budget and you have to make due with the funding you have. Frankie was saying, and I agree with him after seeing the film, it doesn't look like a struggling budget.

BH: We were proud with what we were able to pull off. I worked at a production company while I was in school called Vega Baby and they did a small horror film and I got to see how they spent their money. I saw how a micro-budget produced something like GURU so I really understood that when making a film on a lower budget you really have to use what is around you. An example is locations that you can't pay for and it's amazing because things like that are donated, friends' houses, our university, Mount Saint Mary's, played host to the mental institution scenes. There were a few locations where we got a student discount as part of our thesis project. The actors are all great actors that have that face, that presence on camera and then of course the cinematography - if we had to pay market value for everything, including Frankie and Oded Fehr (THE MUMMY and RESIDENT EVIL), it would never have happened. Everyone involved came in for a day rate or just contributed their gear or location, it was amazing. We had 10 to 20 years of favors and karma on this one, we cashed it all in.

JJ: You mentioned Frankie and Oded, first of all it freaked me out to see him on the screen. Getting Frankie is so fantastic, how did you make that happen?

BH: That is a great question because we never in a million years have dreamed when Andy and I were writing this as bartenders and Rich in film school would have thought Frankie Muniz would be part of this project. We went through a casting director, usually we do it ourselves but this time we knew we needed help. Jeremy Gordon, a casting director, gave us a lot of great people for all rolls. After two weeks of auditions we were about to cast the lead role of Jonathan and that day Jeremy called and said stop the presses and hear me out. He said he got a name that just came through and was interested in the script. Then he said the name Frankie Muniz and we had the same reaction you just did. We thought, 'What? Where has that guy been?'. I mean I knew he had been racing cars and such.

JJ: I know, he's been so busy with his music and the business with his partner as well.

BH: Yes, exactly. I mean way out of left field. We had really been searching for an actor to play Jonathan. We slammed on the brakes and brought Frankie in from Arizona to read and he auditioned and seeing him after only having the script for one day we had to see him again. He came in the second time and knocked it out of the park even more. We had to shift our thinking and Frankie brought a unique dynamic. I mean everyone grew up with him from Malcom in the Middle and what a difference. He is taken this really bizarre against type and it added so much to who Frankie is. This is like if Malcom didn't go off to college and stayed in town and his dad became a meth dealer - it's like Frankie's Breaking Bad.

JJ: My daughter Jenise knew I was speaking to Frankie and she was so thrilled because she loved him in Malcom in the Middle, after seeing THE BLACK STRING she can't believe how different this is for him. Of course I agree, it is disturbingly awesome.

BH: That's so awesome.

JJ: I don't know who else you could have chosen for Jonathan.

BH: Yes, it's his movie now. I make this sports analogy that if you are a coach and you have this athlete, you have to let them shine with what they are good at. We thought Jonathan would be more quiet but Frankie has this charisma and energy and we had to let that shine. He made Jonathan a much more dynamic character than we expected. Let's not forget the raw talent as an actor.

JJ: Another character that just held my attention was Homeless Mike.

BH: Yes

JJ: The whole time I was watching, the first time I saw his face in the window. Frankie and Homeless Mike could be related. That expression of terror for Homeless Mike and as Frankie's character develops gets that same look.

BH: I'm so glad you caught that. We really worked hard to match that and glad you noticed it.

JJ: It is an interesting arc because first of all who you cast as Homeless Mike was perfect. It wasn't about anything he said but his reaction to things. As the film went on I saw Jonathan's character mirror that. By the way, watching THE BLACK STRING in the dark? Yea. Where did the character of Homeless Mike come from?

BH: Again that the addiction and mental illness aspect of the film. There is this real sinister and evil occult force and Homeless Mike is a harbinger and a shadow of like Christmas Carol. This is where you might go and where you end up if you stay on the path. Jonathan is trying to be a better guy because he has these issues but Homeless Mike - is he really there or is he a figment of Jonathan's mind.

JJ: He isn't front and center and in your face, more subtle.

BH: In editing, we tried to cut out Homeless Mike but in the end we wanted to do what we wanted and went for it. It's a simple movie but we wanted to fill it with things to really think about. Maybe in future movies we might not be able to do that. Sievers is Homeless Mike and he had two or three scenes but he could have been on a poster. He encapsulates much of the movie with his face in the window.

JJ: Who's mind came up with the black string? Its horrifying!

BH: It's the body horror element, we wondered what could be worse. It's like 'should I go to the hospital'? It's like a nightmare and things we have experienced watching other films but it's really disgusting, insidious and revolting when something like that is in your body.

JJ: Yes, you guys didn't just stop at pulling it out - you went further and it freaked me out!

BH: I think there is something about being pierced that is very, very horrifying. When you brush up against a cactus you get those things stuck on your skin digging into you and its strange. If it was a cut its okay but something very sinister when things are sticking out of your body. We decided to take it to the max.

JJ: And you did because you get a sliver in your finger all you want to do is get it out. This makes a sliver look like nothing.

BH: Exactly, and with Jonathan there is addiction and mental illness and also this thing called Morgellons Syndrome. It's about people that believe they have parasites in their skin and the doctors tell them it's not there. People believe they have something implanted in them and they have to dig it out. It's a condition that goes a lot with addicts or mental illness with the idea there is something in you and you have to get it out.

JJ: I watched the string scene and its one of the big fears is knowing that one minute it's there and one minute it's not but even worse feeling like something bigger is coming and what could be bigger than what Jonathan is doing pulling the string.

BH: Right.

JJ: The ending is so shocking as well. He is trying to tell everyone through the whole film what is happening. Even his parents treat him like a kid and want to send him to his room. He keeps fighting and fighting and then have the ending happen.

BH: Again, that's a great observation and something we worked hard on. I won't reveal any spoilers but it’s the H.P. Lovecraftian kind of horror. It is a simple man or woman trying to fight forces that are so super naturally beyond them so how can they possibly fight against something like that.

JJ: Especially when you already have labels attached like Jonathan of being dissociative or mental problems. When he's arguing with his parent I just yelled at the screen, 'shut up and listen to what he is telling you!'

BH: Right. That was kind of a hint of what is happening to him. Using the words occult, curse, entity - the fact that you are even saying those words, no one in their right mind is going to believe you. That's the situation we wanted to explore like with the psychic, there is nobody that Jonathan can go to because it sounds so implausible that no one is going to believe anything he says. It's very frightening because there are people who experience things like that. There is a lot of homelessness on the streets and they often are shouting and screaming at the sky. It makes you wonder what is going on in their minds. In the case of our movie you have to wonder what if something is actually happening?

JJ: I was telling Frankie that in the movie ALWAYS there is a scene where Richard Dreyfus who is a 'ghost' is trying to tell a young pilot something. There is this homeless guy in the desert who repeats what he says and the pilot is freaked out. Dreyfus says something to the effect of who knows about these guys, maybe they have an antenna to something the rest of us don't hear or understand. I felt like that's how it was for Jonathan.

BH: Exactly!

JJ: We could go on for hours so I'm going to ask you the final question. What do you hope people take away from seeing THE BLACK STRING?

BH: Number one, talking about it, debating it with friends and family after they see the movie. Two people can see the film and have a very different opinion about the outcome. We wanted to stir conversation. We pitted hard science and medicine if you were doctors this supernatural world and this inter-dimensional occult forces. We wanted to slam those two opposing worlds together. The movie starts inspired by sleep paralysis which is horrifying experience. It makes you think other things in this world are out there but then science explains it. We really just wanted a character that was stuck right in the middle of that. Maybe a couple will chat about it and talk about other possibilities. Science can explain a lot but are there other explanations. Whether there are or there aren't it's fun to talk about, especially late at night. When I was in the Army I really learned that my Ranger buddies in Afghanistan were entertained by 90 minutes of a film. It was escapism and I hope that people have 90 minutes of going to a place that is thought provoking and enjoy it.

JJ: As a Mom of servicemen I want to thank you for your service. I was reading your bio and you have set the standard high in a lot of ways and I appreciate that about you. I appreciate all the service members involved in bringing this movie together. I hope you get a chance at the GI Film Festival to talk with the audience one on one to hear your perspective. I want to thank you for that.

 

It is always a joy to talk to the director of a film and it is even more of a joy to speak with a military Veteran who has served his country and then followed his dream. Making a film is a difficult and sometimes a lengthy process but Brian and everyone involved in THE BLACK STRING should be very proud of what they accomplished.

THE BLACK STRING is a psychological thriller filled with twists and turns. It is also a film that constantly causes us to join the ride with the character of Jonathan in the quest to discover what is real and what is something - else!

This Friday at MOPA in Balboa Park is the GI Film Festival San Diego's screening of THE BLACK STRING. Director Brian Hanson will be attending to answer all the questions that maybe I didn't get to ask because, and trust me on this one, there are so many more to be asked.

ABOMINABLE Brings Heart and Music

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Jill Culton, Todd Wilderman and DreamWorks Animation comes the story of loss, love and friendship with ABOMINABLE.

Yi (Chloe Bennet) is a young girl with big dreams. After the loss of her violinist father, all Yi wants to do is take a special trip on her own. Worried is Grandmother Nai Nai (Tsai Chin) and Mom (Michelle Wong) who notice

that Yi is constantly disappearing all day. Also noticing is young Peng (Albert Tsai) but all he wants is to be a famous basketball player while brother Jin (Tenzing Trainor) is into shoes, perfect hair and social media. All Yi wants

to do is work hard, save money and spend time up on the roof.

What she doesn't expect is to find an injured Yeti in her special place! Figuring out that the helicopters flying over the city are looking for the Yeti, Yi deciphers that he is only wanting to get home. Looking for him is Mr. Burnish (Eddie Izzard) who plans to showcase the Yeti and Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) who wants to save the species. Peng and Jin discover what Yi has been hiding and alert Burnishs' henchmen starting a chase through the city.

Finding a way out of the city unnoticed, Yi names her new furry friend Everest and is joined by a thrilled Peng and a begrudging Jin. Their journey on foot is long as they make their way to Mt. Everest believed to be his home.

On their way Yi and Jin become reacquainted while Peng and Everest are having the time of their lives. Unfortunately they are being followed by Burnish and Dr. Zara which brings about a made chase.

That doesn't stop Yi, Jin, and Peng from their goal - get to the bridge that leads Everest home!

Bennet as Yi is a young girl trying to fill a space in her life by staying busy and trying to find what will bring her joy again. Playing the violin brings her closer to the father she misses dearly. Finding Everest, although frightening in the beginning, starts to understand and care deeply for his life. Wong as Yi's Mother can feel the distancing and doesn't know how to help her daughter. The winner here is Nai Nai, she is straight forward, has the most hilarious answers and makes awesome looking pork buns (which would make the Kung Fu Panda drool).

Trainor as Jin is a young man who is doing exactly what it seems all young people are doing. Making sure the shoes and hair are perfect and his social media likes are on point. He doesn't have time for his brother and he

pretends not to notice how Yi is behaving. Tsai as Peng is absolutely hilarious! He is forgiving of those who ignore him, he is fun and has big dreams and a perfect playmate for Everest.

Paulson as Dr. Zara is on the run trying to find Everest before he disappears back into the mountains. She has an agenda and won't stop until she gets the Yeti back where she thinks he belongs. Izzard as Burnish was an

explorer in his younger days and finding Everest is the highlight of his life. He isn't about to back down and brings out every piece of technology he has to find the Yeti.

DreamWorks has done it again with ABOMINABLE with a storyline that is charming, characters that are relatable and a Yeti that has a big personality to make his size. Now that being said, I can tell that there is a little bit of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in here. Everest has Toothless' eyes and charm which is why he is going to be a winner. I don't mind that Everest looks like Toothless because I am a huge fan (check out my desk if you don't believe me and you'll find a few Toothless items)

ABOMINABLE is filled with everyone we have come to love about animated films in the past few years. The story is endearing, the characters are embraceable and, in the case of Everest, huggable with a film full of 'awwwwwww's. The animation is brilliantly colorful and the music, especially the violin piece, is so lovely.

It is a beautiful film filled with themes of family, friendships, loyalty and remembering that doing the right thing means going all in to make that right thing happen. The friendship between Yi and Everest is so meaningful. The friendship between Everest and Peng had me laughing so much and shows everyone the power of fun in a life that seems so serious.

This is the film that deserves a family outing including popcorn, red vines and a bit of a cuddle during the film. It is a family film that reaches every age group and goes straight to the heart and tear ducts. What's more, everyone is going to want an Everest of their own - I wouldn't mind it!

In the end - find your way home!

TAKE ME HOME HUEY Tells the Story of Healing

Jeri Jacquin

The opening film at MOPA in Balboa Park in San Diego this week at the GI Film Festival from directors Alicia Brauns, Christine Steele, PBS SoCal and Light Horse Legacy is the documentary TAKE ME HOME HUEY.

In 1969, a medivac helicopter known as Huey #174 was shot down in Binh Long province of Vietnam killing two crew members. In 2013, Dave Barron rescued the helicopter and artist Steve Maloney decides to make it a healing work of art. Beginning with restoring the weakened metal, people began coming in to be a part of the restoration. That led to the task of finding out about the crew that flew Huey #174 and what happened to them since the crash.

Artist Steve Maloney literally came on board taking Huey #174 from damaged piece of metal to a way for those who survived the crash and the families of the two crew who died to help heal. Each of the crew came to see Huey #174 but it didn't happen easily. They had to consider what they went through as young men and what they are still going through to this very day. Each man admitting that they were struggling with PTSD.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is defined as 'a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident or sexual assault'. Veterans from every war has brought home soldiers that had a difficult time fitting back into the lives they left behind. Not speaking about their experiences brought about drug use, alcoholism, inability to handle family life and so much more.

As each of the men came to see their helicopter, the sense of panic slowly faded away watching their craft come to life in a unique way. Maloney covered the craft with imagery that the men clearly understood, and paid homage to the two crew that did not come home. Inside the helicopter in the installation of art Maloney created from the original parts from wires to instruments. Also inside is a time capsule installed that offered an opportunity for each to put in something in that brought their experience with their reimagined helicopter back in a way that brought them something indescribable.

Karl Renz, Paul Battaglia, Jerry McNelly and Steve Maloney were on hand when the lights came on in the theater to a round of applause. Each person in the room was clearly moved by the story and thrilled to have the opportunity to hear directly from these men who have made a greater impact for veterans. To learn more about the film please visit www.takemehomehuey.org.

The GI Film Festival San Diego opened with TAKE ME HOME HUEY laying the course for the rest of the films that will be showing until Sunday. Until Friday, the films will be at MOPA (Museum of Photographic Arts) in Balboa Park and for Saturday and Sunday the films will be at UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center.

For the schedule please visit www.gifilmfestivalsd.org. 

SHOUT! Factory Kids Delights with PRINCESS EMMY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! FACTORY Kids and director Piet De Rycker is the animated tale of a girl and her horse also known as PRINCESS EMMY.

Once a Princess named Carlotta after an accident, awoke to find she had the ability to talk to horses. Writing it all down in a book, the Princess also gave a warning that what she has written in a book was not to ever leave the castle.

Princess Emmy (Ruby Barnhill) rides her friend Caesar (Joel Fry) and all her horse friends. Laughing and talking together, they play games and enjoy each other's company. What Princess Emmy doesn't know is that a parchment written by Princess Carlotta has been taken to the wind. It has found its way back into Emmy's hands and strange things begin to happen.

A door opens leading her to a chamber where Princess Carlotta announces that she will be put to the test. Putting the parchment back in the book, a map reveals where she needs to go. Brother Moritz (Euan Mitchell) teases and parents are excited about the Princess Day Ball and Emmy loves the dress she will be wearing.

Emmy is excited but also nervous that she must pass another test as if she isn't busy enough. Running out of the castle, Princess Emmy gathers Caesar and the rest of the horses to follow the map. The path up the mountain brings them to a beautiful spot of waterfalls and a tower that asks her the question, 'are you worthy of the gift?'.

Cesar reminds Emmy that she must return home and what's waiting for her there is her cousin Princess Gizana (Bella Ramsey). Clearly the two don't get along and Princess Emmy talks with friend David (Nathan Mack) that passing any test might be harder than she thought.

Princess Emmy must take care of the precious book without Gizana finding out what is happening, making time for princess training and discovering the secrets of the castle and all while spending time with her four footed friends.

It's the life of a very special Princess!

Other cast include Vari Sylvester as Marie, James Pearson as Donny, Steven McNicholl as Vincenzo Massimo Cerimonata, Tim McInnerny as Robert Jack as Sebastian April, Michael Daviot as Xaver, Gregorius the Ghost, Al Hawkinson as Paul, Clare Waugh as Fionnuala Bloom, Gabriel Quigley as Frau Zwickelmeier, John Hannah as King Karl and Franka Potente as Queen Karla.

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.

PRINCESS EMMY is produced by Studio 100 Media (Germany) and co-produced with Talking Horse (UK) and Witebox (Belgium).

PRINCESS EMMY is a delightful story with themes of a young girl discovering what she is truly capable of. Yes, she might be a Princess but she is actually more of a young girl finding her place in her world of horses and family. Of course in the story is also family not getting along so much but they will find their way as family often does.

The film is colorful, fun, full of magic, a little chaos and secrets that waited a long time to find its way to the right person. Watching it with my granddaughter we laughed, were very surprised and loved the way the story was told. That's what is important to me, being able to watch a film with my family and both of us enjoying it so very much.

In the end - it is all about her secret gift!

50 YEARS AND COUNTING Brings What We Love About Sesame Street

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to a 2-disc DVD set from the Sesame Street Workshop and SHOUT! Factory Kids is an amazing journey down the road of SESAME STREET 50 YEARS AND COUNTING.

Grover starts everything off with a song and dance of Fuzzy & Blue but that isn't the only bit of fun because there is always Singing in the Weather! Ernie and Elmo spend fun time introducing us all to our faces.

Cookie Monster becomes the Cookie Rabbit and teaching us all about the letter C. Big Bird sings the iconic and memorable song Somebody Come and Play (and I still know the words!). Kermit the Frog joins the fun and gives clues as to what is in the mystery box. The Count is introduced with his own counting song!

We are introduced to the people in the Sesame Street neighborhood. There is the amazing story of pie and Upside Down Abbey. Biscotti Karate teaches Cookie Monster how to listen and his fun rendition of Hey Food with his mop top friends.

On the second disc, Snuffleupagus and Big Bird get together as the big yellow feathered friend encourages his friend to put on his running shoes and do a marathon. While visiting the grown up table, Big Bird hands out pictures of all his adult friends including Mr. Hooper and it is a lesson in death. They openly talk of good memories and all while letting sadness be okay and 'just because'. It is the most moving episode I've ever seen of Sesame Street.

Olivia and Gordon and the rest of Sesame Street don't believe Big Bird when he tells them of his friend. They keep referring to Snuffy as his imaginary friend but Big Bird has a plan to get them all to meet. Bird Bird and Elmo do their best to try and bring everyone together.

The Amazing Mumford is getting ready for the wedding of Maria and Luis helping everyone dress up for the day along with flowers, decorations and excitement. Everyone is dressed in their finery to help their friends celebrate love and their big day.

Bob's brother Minneapolis, Bob and Big Bird talk about archaeology looking for things that are old and the Golden Cabbage of Snuffertitti! After telling the story they are all on the hunt for the prize. It's an adventure into history and back again.

There is a big street celebration as a new playground makes so many people very happy. The Commission of Fun & Games stops the party because there hasn't been a dedication ceremony and she's upset. Everyone wants to hear the speech and convinced the Commissioner to do a ribbon cutting and give her announcement! Oscar the Grouch has an opinion about it all as well.

Abby, the fairy god-child, is the newest addition to Sesame Street as her fairy family has just moved in. Missing her friends, all she wants is new friends to keep from being lonely. Enter Snuffy and Big Bird who are more than happy to play with Abby inviting her to the games at Mr. Hooper's store.  Enticing her with the song Everybody Needs a Friend song and dance.

The Count von Count is attending the event The Nobel Prize for Counting and has won an award for the World's Greatest Counter. The problem is that the Count is isn't anywhere to be found and the people giving him the award aren't very patient.

Elmo and Abby introduce Big Bird to their new friend Julia and they are on a painting spree with awesome pictures. Julia has autism but Big Bird doesn't understand what that means. Elmo and Abby teach him that she is a lot of fun, she just does things in a different way but it makes her no less a good friend.

The special guests include Ricky Gervais, Sara Bareilles, Janelle Monae, Amy Poehler, Josh Groban, R.E.M., Patti LeBelle, Phil Donahue, Jose Ferrier, Solang, the delightful Madeline Kahn and the icon Jeff Goldblum.

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.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. We're present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities they serve.

SESAME STREET 50 YEARS AND COUNTING is not only a wonderful journey down the street but shows the progression of teaching children around the world. I remember introducing my own kids to the show and now they are doing the same with their own children.

It isn't just a series that teaches letters and numbers although that is an amazing part of the series. Sesame Street teaches friendship, family, love, fun, new games, weddings and promises, death, songs, dancing, and all out joy of getting to know one another and making differences not so different after all and every bit of it with celebration.

Sesame Street has given generations a place to go that is safe, fun and speaks to us in a way that is comforting. In a world that is sometimes confusing and a bit scary, this is the one place we know may not have all the answers but talking it out means understanding and compassion. For more fun and learning please visit www.sesamestreet.org.

With five and a half hours of goodness along with never-before-seen outtakes with Jim Henson means this DVD is amazing look at five decades of one of the most beloved children series ever - that continues on today.

In the end - they will always tell you how to get to Sesame Street.

Time Life Brings a Box Set of ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME Concerts

Jeri Jacquin

Time Life has always been ahead of the game when it comes to bringing back the music we have come to love and pass on to our own kids and grandkids. Now, they continue with their musical tradition of excellence bringing the best and amazing people who still rock in our hearts with ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN CONCERT: Encore, ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: In Concert and THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CONCERTS on DVD.

ROCK & ROLL IN CONCERT brings every year the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors those that have brought something stellar and amazing to Rock and Roll and music in general. In thirty years, the Hall of Fame has inducted those who have brought classy to classic rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s. These are the years that will never be again but thanks to Time Life we can once again experience some of those most touching moments and rock out to music that will never die!

At the 25th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Waldorf Astoria on March 16, 2010 in New York, the opening is a performance by Phish with Watcher of the Skies in tribute to Genesis. Trey Anastasio has the honors of inducting the group for their long contribution to music with Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford accepting.

Billie Joe Armstrong inducts The Stooges and the memorable performance of their songs Search and Destroy as well as I Wanna Be Your Dog. Steven Van Zandt inducts The Hollies with Bernie Calvert, Allan Clarke, Eric Haydock, Graham Nash and Terry Sylvester. The musical performance includes Adam Levine and Paul Shaffer with Bus Stop, Carrie-Anne and Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) and the audience clearly loved it so much they sang along.

Paul Shaffer receives the 25 Years of Great Music Appreciation Award and it isn't surprising that he would only surprising that it took 25 years.

Barry Gibb and brother Robin take to the stage to induct Abba into the Hall of Fame with Benny Anderson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad accepting. Faith Hill takes the stage for her heart felt rendition of the classic Abba song The Winner Takes It All.

At the 26th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the list of attendees is even bigger. Beginning with John Legend's induction speech for the incomparable Dr. John, it is amazing to experience someone else's feelings towards the amazing performer.

Bette Midler has a chance to take the stage with her speech for the induction of the well-deserved Darlene Love. Her speech about the career she has experienced was informative and long time in coming.

Growing up in this next inductees era, there was one song that rocked for years, oh let's face it EVERY year around June when it was time to leave our books behind and enjoy the sun and beach. Rob Zombie inducts Alice Cooper which also gave me a thrill to see him perform the songs that kept me riveted for years with Eighteen, Under My Heels and, of course, the iconic anthem that is still played to School's Out. The groups acceptance speech included Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith and an endearing 'thanks to my wife', the irreplaceable Alice Cooper.

Neil Young inducts Tom Waits into the Hall of Fame and Waits comes to the stage with his unique voice thanking all he could and giving us a bit more of his humor as well. I have to say that although I am thrilled to say that I couldn't get enough of Tom Waits through the years, I do enjoy his film roles as well. He continues to be unique both in front of a music crowd but a theatre screen as well.

Elton John comes to the podium and gives a riveting speech to induct Leon Russell into the Hall of Fame. Sharing his memories of when he met Russell, Elton also recalls the time he listened to Russell and broke down in sobs. Knowing it needed to happen, Elton embarked on a journey to make music with Russell. The speech about the inductee almost had me in tears as well.

That is when the concert of a lifetime begins as Tom Waits and Dr. John along with Paul Shaffer and the Hall of Fame Orchestra perform the songs Make It Rain, Rain Dogs, House Where Nobody Lives, and Right Place Wrong Time. It is followed by Leon Russell singing out Delta Lady, A Song For You with an amazing performance with John Legend. Darlene Love is joined by another legend onstage as Bruce Springsteen is introduced to join her in a musical set. Love and Bette Midler take on (Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry and He's A Rebel.

The 27th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio begins with a performance by Green Day singing Letterbomb and Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill inducting Freddie King into the hall of fame with a speech by Wanda King followed by a performance of the songs Hide Away and Going Down. John Mellencamp inducts Donovan next with a performance by the inductee of his songs Catch the Wind, Sunshine Superman and Season of the Witch.

Steven Van Zandt inducts Small Faces/Faces attended by Kenney Jones, Mollie Marriott (on behalf of Steve Marriott), Ian McLagan and Ron Wood. The band performs Ooh La La and Stay With Me. Chuck D and LL Cool J inducts the Beastie Boys with an acceptance speech by Michael "Mike D" Diamond and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz. The audience is treated to their songs No Sleep Till Brooklyn, So What 'Cha Want and Sabotage.

Chris Rock gets his time to induct the Red Hot Chili Peppers and there to accept is Flea, Jack Irons, Anthony Kiedis, Josh Klinghoffer, Cliff Martinez, James Slovak (on behalf of Hillel Slovak) and Chad Smith. A performance of their songs By The Way, The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie and Give It Away had me hopping around the house a little (don't tell anyone!).

The finale caps off the event with the Red Hot Chili Peppers with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Jam Band with Higher Ground.

ROCK & ROLL IN CONCERT ENCORE is the 28th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles begins with Randy Newman, the beloved Tom Petty, John Fogerty and Jackson Browne doing the song that makes people everywhere wish they were there in I Love LA. Don Henley gives us a look at Newman's musical history and what he has accomplished. Newman and Henley take the stage to rock a little with I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It).

John Mayer arrives onstage to induct Albert King to the Hall of Fame as Gary Clark Jr. performs Oh, Pretty Woman and is joined by Booker T. Jones and John Mayer for Born Under a Bad Sign. If you don't know Albert Kings work, it is worth everything in your musical world to experience. The performance is stirring and filled with all the soul intended by Albert King the first time he played them. Born Under A Bad Sign performance is the reason we go to musical church time after time!

Chris Cornell inducts the band called Heart. The speeches include Michael DeRosier, Roger Fisher, Steve Fossen and Howard Leese. It is Ann and Nancy Wilson who prove that sisters can rock it like there is no music in the world. Their range and talent cannot be matched and I dare anyone to try because you can't break sisters. As Ann Wilson said, they came at a time when there were only four career choices for women and being part of a rock band wasn't one of them. Performing Crazy On You and Barracuda, they are joined by Jerry Cantrell, Chris Cornell and Mike McCready.

Oprah Winfrey inducts Quincy Jones into the Hall of Fame along with receiving the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement. Spike Lee and Harry Belefonte induct Public Enemy and the acceptance speeches include Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X and Professor Griff.

Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins induct the band Rush into the Hall of Fame as Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart take the stage. Along with Grohl and Hawkins, Rush gears up to play the final set with 2112: Overture, Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio. Watching Rush play gives the feeling of being transported back to being at one of their concerts in the early days. This group has made its mark and is the epitome of the era of music.

The Bluray includes 44 iconic performances from 2010 to 2013 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies. Four years induction on two brilliantly mastered discs reminds us all why we love our rock and roll as well as other genres of music that has endured. It is over 481 minutes of extensive inductions and musical performances.

The next amazing and brilliant Bluray reminding me why I live for music with ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: In Concert.

This collection begins with the 29th Annual Induction Ceremony in 2014 with one of my favorite musicians Peter Gabriel who has given audiences some beautiful music through different genres. Starting with a speech by Chris Martin from Coldplay with a very funny biblical speech, it is Gabriel who reminds us that music moves us in ways that are unexplainable. He encourages musicians to be different and doesn't forget to thank those who have allowed him to live his musical life. His performance with Chris Martin is stirring, heartfelt and personally brought a smile to my face. His finish of 'In Your Eyes' gave me a moment to remember my wedding day when the song played as I readied to walk down the aisle to marry my own Lloyd Dobler. Perfection!

Simon Garfunkle shows up to tell the story of Cat Stevens and how he has affected lives welcoming the seeker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Stevens comes to the stage and is forthcoming about his music and his life to the point of reminding us all what his music truly brought to the world. His rendition of 'Father and Sons' is just as moving today as it was the very first time I heard it. 'Baby It's a Wild World' and 'Peace Train' is so emotional and the audience is completely mesmerized by this once in a lifetime performance.

Glenn Fry inducts Linda Rondstadt into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Carrie Underwood, Bonnie Raitt and Emmy Lou Harris giving a performance of 'Blue Bayou'. Cheryl Crow is added to the musical mix for the beloved song 'You're No Good' with the final addition of Stevie Nicks to add her vocals to 'It's So Easy' and 'When Will I Be Loved?'

There are so many more on the first disc alone! Bruce Springsteen and his E Street gang as well as Michael Stipes inducting Nirvana to the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. Joan Jett comes to the stage with Dave Grohl to rock and smash on the song 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth to grunge 'Aneurysm' and Lorde finishes with 'All Apologies'. I have to say I was thrilled to see Dave Grohl back on the drums for Nirvana.

The 30th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame happened on April 18th, 2015 and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts are now taking the stage themselves to bring us 'Bad Reputation', one of my favorite songs 'Crimson and Clover' as Joan is joined by Miley Cyrus, Gary Ryan, Dave Grohl and the one and only Tommy James. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band brought out Zac Brown, Tom Morello, Jason Ricci and Paul Shaffer for 'Born in Chicago'.

Stevie Wonder inducts Bill Withers as the two also share the stage for 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Lean on Me' along with John Legend. Green Day is inducted by Fall Out Boy as fans once again get to hear such songs as 'American Idiot', 'When I Come Around' and a song many of us could relate to with 'Basket Case'.

Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble are inducted by John Mayer and I couldn't wait to hear the song 'Texas Flood' once again! Patti Smith inducts Lou Reed as Laurie Anderson accepts on his behalf. Beck leads the song 'Satellite of Love' which is a song that has endured.

Receiving the Award for Musical Excellence is Ringo Starr and who better to give him the award than his brother in music Sir Paul McCartney. Green Day joins Ringo Starr for 'Boys' and Joe Walsh joins him for 'It Don't Come Easy'. Of course the finale wouldn't be a finale without Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney joined by Joe Walsh for 'I Wanna Be Your Man'.

The 31st Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held on April 6, 2016 brings Lars Ulrich to tell the story of how the group Deep Purple into his life and they have an impact bringing the audience 'Highway Star' and 'Smoke on the Water' (Ulrich causes the beginning rift of that song the first thing guitar players learn and the rift that has been banned from music stores). Ulrich isn't lying because it is the first thing I learned on my guitar because I too wanted to be cool even if for a moment.

Bert Berns is inducted by Steven Van Zandt with the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement with a very touching acceptance speech by Cassandra and Brett Berns. Kendrick Lamar inducts N.W.A. as Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren take the stage with their own acceptance speeches.

Rob Thomas inducts the group Chicago as the group takes the stage for 'Saturday in the Park', 'Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?', and '25 or 6 to 4'. These are amazing songs that had me toe tapping and Rob Thomas said it best, 'these songs are the sound of a city, they are the sound of a melting pot, they are the sounds of unity and they are the sounds of Chicago' and I couldn't agree more. These are songs of my teen years and every time I hear them I remember the sights and sounds of my life. Nothing wrong with that!

Kid Rock is the perfect person to induct Cheap Trick into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with a speech that might have some parents either cheering him on (the younger version of ourselves at least) or jaw drop but mentally doing the right on hand gesture. He says, "You can't not watch them. Their front man is a matinee idol that can croon with swagger and their guitarist looks like a Bowery Boy on acid. No studio could do them justice, they were so big, so loud and so fast that no one could capture their fury." Cheap Trick rocks on the stage with 'I Want You To Want Me', 'Dream Police', 'Surrender' and the finale 'Ain't That A Shame'.

Finally, The 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony starts with the induction of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra for those hatched from an egg yesterday) as Jeff Lynne brings to the stage 'Roll Over Beethoven', 'Evil Woman' and 'Mr. Blue Sky'. They are inducted by Dhani Harrison (who looks beautifully like his father) which is an awesome way to start the ceremony!

Jackson Browne has the honor of inducting Joan Baez as she brings her recognizable voice to 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', then joined by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers for 'Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) and finally 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down'. Baez' voice still carries the glory of faith, hope and the hope for a better tomorrow.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from the group Rush induct the band Yes as Geddy Lee joins in with 'Roundabout' and Yes performs one of my favorite songs 'Owner of a Lonely Heart'. Lifeson says that his first experience with Yes was as a teenager letting the music wash over him and that this was his gateway band at the age of 17. It is as if he is speaking for all of us who first came across the band in our teen years.

Snoop Dogg inducts Tupac Shakur into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the cheer of the crowd. It has been 21 years since the death of Shakur and Snoop Dogg tells the brief story of his life. He says, "To be human is to be many things at once, strong and vulnerable, hard headed and intellectual, revolutionary and gangster so while we are here to celebrate a prolific artist - I am here to make sure Pac is remembered the way he wanted to be - a strong black man".

Setting my brain on fire is Pat Monahan from Train who inducts my beloved band Journey into the Hall of Fame. I could hardly contain myself to see the band Jonathan Cain, Aynsley Dunbar, Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Steve Smith and Ross Valory on stage.

Feeling as if I was once again in a concert hall (as I did so many times when they were on tour), I had the chance to once again hear 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), 'Lights' and 'Don't Stop Believin' and my heart just swelled up knowing that these guys were on my record player so many times I warped the album (yes kids, albums, round discs that when you put a needle on it played glorious sounds with the occasional popping sound that I love to this very day).

Monahan said it best, "There music has transcended all things that separate us as humans". My Journey collection remains in my safe keeping and anytime I need to go to an deep music place, the needle hits the vinyl and I hear the one and only voice of Steve Perry.

Finally, David Letterman inducts Pearl Jam into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The music of Pearl Jam includes 'Alive', 'Given to Fly' and 'Better Man'. Letterman calls them cultural icons as well as friends and lists songs that bring the fans to screams. Telling their story along with the list, there doesn't seem to be a song that doesn't cause a reaction. Having the chance to experience Pearl Jam playing together again is just a ridiculous joy! Eddie Vedder still has the voice that stands out with its storytelling righteous anger as his band makes it all sound easy.

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CONCERTS bring some of the most iconic musicians with Crosby, Still & Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Paul Simon. But that's not all, the grand lady Aretha Franklin sings Baby I Love You and is later joined by Annie Lennox (a personal favorite of mine) to sing Chain of Fools.

Metallica has no problem belting out their hit Enter Sandman, U2 sings Beautiful Day, Sting sings his rendition of People Get Ready, John Fogerty croons the legendary Roy Orbison's hit Oh, Pretty Woman and Billy Joel brings us to a New York State of Mind. Finally a tribute to Jackie Wilson with (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher. Think of Ghostbusters making the Statue of Liberty dance and you'll know what song I'm referring to!

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 collection has some of the most amazing collaboration of performances that has ever been seen and I personally am thrilled by them. It has been some time since I've seen many of these performers so having this Bluray makes sure that will never happen again. Memorable songs that have become iconic for so many reasons are only one of the added bonuses to this collection.

Adding this amazing three disc collection home entertainment library is like having a concert in your home anytime you like and embracing the music that we keep listening, dancing and occasionally dance around our house in. Music has an amazing ability to transport us back into emotions, both good and maybe not-so-good, memorable times and places that are welcoming.

Time Life once again takes us on a musical journey that is uplifting, soul searching, endearing, and empowering. That is what they do best with their CD's that I love but now adding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony's so we can see the singers, bands and performers that have impacted our lives.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's mission is to engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. The institution carries out its mission by giving voice to the stories of the people, artifacts and events that shaped rock and roll. For more information on the Museum please visit www.rockhall.com.

In the end - because..long live rock and roll!!!!