They Escape to the FORTRESS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director James Cullen Bressack and Lionsgate is secrets and revenge coming to the FORTRESS.

Paul Michaels (Jesse Metcalfe) owns a company that is in trouble. After years of silence between father and son, Paul goes to see his father Robert (Bruce Willis) who lives in a retirement community. Finally sitting in a room together, Paul expresses his hurt feelings about the death of his mother and the alienation of Robert.

Feeling he deserves financial help from his company, Paul makes it clear that Robert kind of owes him to save the company. Just as they begin to discuss it, a horn blasts and everyone begins to scatter. Security Kate (Kelly Greyson) knows just what to do as Robert discovers there are heavily armed intruders shooting up the place.

Kate is told to take Paul to the Fortress and he can not believe what he is seeing. Entering a bunker he meets Gen. Barbara Dobbs (Shannen Doherty) everywhere around Paul is military technology. Finally joined by Robert, the family secrets come pouring out and he is stunned.

Trying to get into the locked down fortress is a very angry Frederick Balzary (Chad Michael Murray) along with his top hit man Ulysses (Ser’Darius Blain). On the outside wanting to get in the mix for Robert is Blain (Michael Sirow) and he is not afraid to get his hands – well dirty.

Paul learns the story that everything is happening because Balzary has a grudge against Robert and is going to get his pound of flesh. What both father and son do not know is that there are more secrets, more lies and more deception that are going challenge them both.

Willis as Robert is a father who has been estranged from his son for reasons that are as hard on him as his son. Sitting in a room together to try and explain while hearing his son speak of his own pain is difficult. They also do not have time to embrace their feelings because bad guys are right outside the door. Willis gives us his gruff and straight forward character that he has perfected but it is still fun to watch.

Metcalfe as Paul is a business owner whose business is in trouble. Turning to Robert is not something he wanted to do but getting money and a chance to vent his anger brings him face to face with his father. Metcalfe gives his character insecurities and a bit of brattiness that will not serve him well when the chaos begins.

Greyson as Kate is the athletic well-rounded bit of security who knows what the Fortress is and what has been happening. Given charge of Paul, Kate is also well trained and knows what is expected of her but did not expect to get eyes from Robert’s son.

Murray as Balzary is just plain nuts. From the moment he enters the picture until the very, very end, Murray gives us a man on a mission of revenge but also would not mind getting access to a bunch of money. You could say that he is unhinged and playing rough is something he enjoys and Murray gives us all of that.

Doherty as Dobbs is a woman who knows how to run a tight ship. She knows Robert’s history and makes sure that Paul is aware. When the twists happen, it is Doherty’s character of Dobbs who is called to do the right thing but will she?

Shout out to Sirow as Blain who had me laughing from start to finish. The way he sees the world and how he handles it is a mixture of a guy who does not realize he is funny with the jaw dropping assassin that lives inside him.

Other cast include Katalina Viteri as Sophia, Lauren McCord as Garner, Sean Kanan as Vlad, Daniel Gonzalez as Viktor, Natalie Burn as Sandra, Luillo Ruiz as Jones, Trae as Ireland as Jack, Simon Phillips, Peter Dordova as Bodyguard, and Canyon Prince as McNiell.

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.

FORTRESS is an action paced film with good guys vs. bad guys but both sides had issues that have followed them to this point. Willis, Metcalfe and Murray are dealing with all of the chaos from beginning to end. Each character’s story is intertwined and there is no way to get past it without a battle.

The three main characters, along with Doherty are fairly straight forward but the other actors seemed a little awkward. If you look past that then it is the Willis vs. Murray show who bring their issues to the service but there is so much more that has not been told or the twists that are to come.

In the end – breaking in is hard and breaking out is impossible!

A TASTE OF HUNGER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Christoffer Boe and Magnolia Pictures is life and A TASTE OF HUNGER.

Carsten (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is an up-and-coming chef looking to open a place of his own someday. He meets a very wild spirited Maggie (Katrine Greis-Rosenthal) and there is an instant connection that not only sparks their love of creating food but a life together.

Opening a restaurant together, the goal becomes beginning the chase of the ever-elusive Michelin star. Years have gone by and now the restaurant is a reality and Carsten is spending lots of time keeping it running smoothly. Maggie is running the household, taking care of daughter Chloe (Flora Augusta) and son August (August Vinkel) and their lives are hectic.

Working hard, Carsten becomes engrossed in every aspect of being a chef and Maggie sees him begin to push away. Out of frustration, she tries to relive her wild days all in one night, but the consequences are long lasting. It comes about when a mysterious letter arrives for Carsten, but Maggie finds it.

A few words on paper could destroy the journey to the stars, especially if there are too many chefs in the kitchen!

Coster-Waldau as Carsten is a driven chef and Maggie is his reason for it all. This character gets so wrapped up in a single drive that he forgets love, his family and those who have been there for him. It is a journey of hard lessons and Coster-Waldau makes sure we see every bit of it. The frustration, fear and everything in between.

Greis-Rosenthal as Maggie is drawn to Carsten and discovers they share such a vision together. She is a bit wild and that is an attractant to Carsten. There beginning is so filled with dreams, but Maggie also gets lost along the way. As a wife-mother, Greis-Rosenthal’s character tries to have it all and the ‘all’ goes to far until the consequences come due.

Augusta as Chloe is a young girl caught up in grown-ups’ games. This young actress shows such believable emotions that she stunned me with her performance. Trying to forgive parents that seem to be going a million miles an hour and are making huge mistakes, it is young Chloe that is keenly aware of it all.

Credit to Charlie Gustafsson as Frederick; a hungry sous chef who wants what he wants and will use people to get it. Frederick takes advantage and Maggie has to set it straight but, a rat is a rat.

Other cast includes Nicolas Bro as Torben, Maj-Britt Mathiesen as Pia, Dag Malmberg as Stellan, Rasmus Hammerich as Frank and Magnus Bruun as Andus.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

A TASTE OF HUNGER shows its duality from beginning to end. Of course, it is a film about the beauty, brilliance, and hunger of chefs not to mention their struggles to succeed. Constantly having to be more creative, more inventive, and just, well, more – the stakes are extremely high.

The other is the hunger for life, family and love which also includes trying to fill emptiness with whatever looks good to make the pain go away. In this case, both Carsten and Maggie have to decide which beast to feed. More importantly, be willing to accept the consequences when they choose wrong.

The story of Carsten and Maggie is peppered with all the flavors with bitters mixed in. Beautifully done and lovely to watch, A TASTE OF HUNGER is an amazing piece of storytelling and simplistic filmmaking which made me enjoy it even more.

In the end – prepare your plate with perfection!

 

GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from director Jason Reitman and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife.

It has been five years since the Ghostbusters were heard from. Egon predicted that Gozer the Gozerian would return in 2021 but Ray, Peter and Winston all went their separate ways. Moving to a farm in Summerville, Oklahoma, Egon prepared for what was to come, well almost.

Living in the city is Egon’s daughter Callie (Carrie Coon) who is struggling with her two children Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard). Evicted from their home, Callie decides it is time to move to her father’s abandoned farm. Once arriving they find a house that is a shambles and learning they referred to Egon as ‘the dirt farmer’.

Trevor immediately makes friends with Lucky Domingo (Celeste O’Connor) who works at the local drive-up restaurant. Going to school, Phoebe is afraid she will still be seen as a science nerd because in the city she did not have friends because of it. Right away Phoebe meets Podcast (Logan Kim), a very friendly kid who likes doing podcasts and loves a good conspiracy theory.

Immediately, teacher Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) realizes that Phoebe is not just a summer school student but very clever! Geeking out when Phoebe shows him a ghost trap, it opened up a can of metal eating worms. When Phoebe is home, she also begins to suspect there is something supernatural about their new home and learns more about her grandfather Egon being a Ghostbuster.

Trevor goes along with Lucky’s gang up to the Shandor mines for a day being a teenager, but he sees something frightening. Back at the farm, he also discovers the incredible Ecto-1 in the garage and is determined to help it start. At the same time, Phoebe is exploring a hidden place in the barn and what do you know, Egon’s proton pack is still there.

It all comes together when Phoebe, Trevor and Podcast go on their first chase of a ghost. That’s when Trevor tells Phoebe about the mines and what he saw. There is only one thing left to do, going into the mine they find Ivo Shandor (J.K. Simmons) and learn that both Callie and Mr. Grooberson has turned into, well, a dog.

That means only one thing, Gozer the Gozerian (Olivia Wilde) is back, and boy is this one angry mutha from another dimension. Phoebe, Trevor, Podcast, Lucky and a little help from old friends means the Goz will be fore with asked to return to its dimension of origin – or not.

The Ghostbusters will do what they do well – come together and do what needs to be done!

Grace as Phoebe is wonderful as a young girl who loves science but feels like it makes her different and unlikeable. Once she arrives at her grandfather’s farm, it is clear that there is so much to explore and discover that is all science related. Phoebe has found the right playground as it were.

Coon as Callie has a biting sense of humor but wants to do what is best for her children. Feeling that her father Egon’s absence has caused her so much pain, she would rather not think about him than confront it all. The house is a chance to have a place to life until she can think of something else. Coon is actually very funny and when she becomes Key Master I could not help but giggle.

Wolfhard as Trevor is a typical teenager. He is not in town ten minutes before he discovers girls, gets a job to be near her and is doing what ever it takes to fit into the group. The problem is, when his peers realize he is living at the dirt farm, he gets a bit of harassing about it. Wolfhard gives Trevor everything I’d expect as a teenager and so much more.

Rudd as Mr. Grooberson is funny, and makes a fantastic Gate Keeper. His role might not be as big as the kids but be sure that when he is on screen he makes the most of it in a great way. Kim as Podcast is hilarious with his need to narrate everything and get it all on tape. Hosting his podcast on these theories, he has a lot to say and wonders who is listening. What a great kid! O’Connor as Lucky makes friend quickly with Trevor and does not hesitate to join in on the adventure, even if it sort of changes her a little – okay a lot.

Shout out to J.K. Simmons for his minuet role Ivo Shandor but I loved it anyway! Equal shout out to the original cast for giving us what we have always wanted. Bring tissue!

Cast also includes Shawn Seward as Skittles, Billy Bryk as Zahk, Sydney Mae Diaz as Swayze, Hannah Duke as Reseda, Bokeem Woodbine as Sheriff Domingo, Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett, Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz, Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore, Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stanz, and Bill Murray as Peter Venkman.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

The Bonus Materials includes We Got One! – Easter Egg Revealed, Ghostbusters: A Look Back, A Look Ahead, Bringing Ecto-1 Back to Life, The Gearhead’s Guide to Ghostbuster Gadgets, Special Effects: The Ghosts of Afterlife, Deleted Scene: Is it Ever Too Late?, and Summoning the Spirit: Making Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

The GHOSTBUSTERS Ultimate Collection includes Ghostbusters 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters Bluray, Ghostbusters II 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters II Bluray, Ghostbusters: Afterlife 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters: Afterlife Bluray and a litany of special features, auditions, dailies and more!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife had me worried for a bit while it was being made. I have been so terribly disappointed by remakes, remades, rethinks, and reimagined films that I refused to let my heart think anything about it. Even as the time came to see it, I just could not bring myself to be disappointed.

Now, having finally seen it – I just about lost my mind. Reitman did not try to re-invent the ghostly wheel but instead gave us everything remembered and to be remembered. To visit once again a storyline about discovery and change, he, along with co-writer Gil Kenan, brought in characters that we could wrap our arms around and cheer for.

From Ivo Shandor to Zuul, I went along for the ride cheering, giggling and having so much fun. I am so glad my family had a GHOSTBUSTERS binge-fest before watching GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife because it was an awesome way to see how all three films will go hand in hand so easily. That is the three that shall always be a part of our home entertainment library.

In the end – discover the past and save the future!

 

 

BIRDS LIKE US

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Faruk Sabanovic and Lionsgate comes the story of fear but belief in the possible when you see BIRDS LIKE US.

In this bird world where birds do not fly, several species live together in Birdabad and are protected by Kondor (Jeremy Irons) from what they call ‘the horror’. Once a year they all gather and one egg per bird is given to condor to continue the protection given and to help feed the group.

One young mother bird is Huppu (Alicia Vikander) who lives in fear but is protected by her love Hassan (Kevin Bishop). She can only lay one egg per season and fears for her hatchling. Watching them from afar is a group of birds who do not understand why they do not all fly away but agree that it is time for her to see beyond the tree.

When a seed falls to the ground and grows a fruit tree, Huppu begins to question why they do not let the sun in and grow more. Kondor is furious about it, so Huppu and Hassan go on the run to escape a bird attack. In the process, Kondor and Gavra (Sheridan Smith) are caught up in a world wind to a place that is mysterious.

Kondor and Hassan battle and fall into a deep dark pit and in that pit of darkness she meets Bat (Khalid Abdalla). He sleeps during the day and flies by night and a deal is struck that they will search together. When they wake up from their searching, they are stunned to see light and a large world.

Hassan creates a vehicle that allows them to take a sleeping bat away from the city towards the setting sun. What they encounter is a very busy and very fast-moving world! Traveling by day and night, the world brings challenges for the group, especially with Huppu expecting!

Vikander as Huppu is not ready to have her egg taken by anyone, especially Kondor and will do everything possible to make sure of its protection. Once she sees the world outside, Huppu is able to think for herself and make decisions not based on anyone else. That is another freedom. Vikander offers her voice as a compassionate and protective mother.

Irons as Kondor is just a big blowhard dictator who only sees what the birds in Birdabad can do for him. The funny thing is, he has more fear than the rest of the birds, he is just good at hiding it from them all. Once outside the tree life, his ‘king’-ship means nothing to Huppu, Hassan and Gavra.

Abdalla as Bat is wise, beautiful looking and tries to share what he knows with the bird bunch because they still live in constant fear. Trying to show them another way to feel and to be, his wisdom is met with mixed reaction from the group. Abdalla gives us such a calm presence in a film full of chaos. Smith as Gavra is a very jumpy and excitable and seems to have found a friend in Bat. He really is cute.

Other cast include Christopher Villiers as Craven, Michele Austin as Jula and Ella Smith as Tifa.

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.

BIRDS LIKE US is a beautiful and colorful look at the world of birds but the more important lesson lies in the story. Kondor, the ‘king’, rules the other birds in such a way that is demanding and dangerous. Taking the first egg from the female birds is a huge lesson in itself and Huppu is the one bird questioning.

In that questioning comes the belief that there is something different, something freeing and another way to live. Once their journey begins, the world opens up wide and Huppu, Hassan and Gavra see that Kondor is not a ‘king’ but instead a ruler who is losing his powers. It also brings into question as to what ‘the horror’ really is.

It must be said, Bat’s story is one of wonderment, beauty and the truth about how we tend to see the world. Going in a circle without taking a moment to see truths – and not necessarily with our own eyes.

I am all for the adventure that Huppu and Hassan are on because they both see the possibilities of a better life and, even though a little afraid of change, want it for their family. The story is lovely and the colorful and effects within the film are stunning and strange which adds a richness to it all.

In the end – it is time for a change.

ELMO’S WORLD All Around the Neighborhood Comes to DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from the wonderful world of the Sesame Street Workshop and Shout! Factory Kids is a look at what is in ELMO’S WORLD: All Around the Neighborhood.

Elmo shows Grover what it is that doctors do. From checking heartbeats to how to use a stethoscope and a tongue depressor letting us all know how important doctors are. They ask Ms. Noodle all sorts of questions about what a doctor is and how they dress.

Then Elmo explores what is a newspaper and wonders if Mr. Noodle reads the newspaper. In it he finds the news, stories and what the weather is going to be like. Mr. Noodle shows Elmo what else he can do with a newspaper and although it is fun, he would rather see how one reads the newspaper. Learning always makes Elmo want to dance.

Looking up more things to learn about, Elmo learns about machines and what they do – like cars, lawn mowers, excavators and even a can opener. Calling on Mr. Noodles again, they talk about machines and what they do. Elmo also discovers ramps that help people get from place to place and even building a ramp at home with your own toys and joining him is Cookie Monster.

It is time to gear up with Smarty and learn about sports and with so many different kinds of sports, Elmo is surprised. Learning about the different uniforms and things needed to play like a basketball, hockey stick and even goggles for swimming. He plays a game learning what sports equipment is needed to play the right game.

Elmo learns what it means to get dressed properly by wearing clothes that go along with the weather, but it can be tricky. Wearing the right clothes is very important and Elmo wants to make sure we all know what is best.

Maps are really helpful for learning where places are, and Elmo wants to place a game that will teach his friend how to get around at the fair. Looking at the map helps his friend get where he wants to go. Photography teaches Elmo how to get the picture just right and so much more

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 and the amazing television show. Teaching children since 1969, Sesame Workshop is a force for change and a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. Reaching over 150 countries, Sesame Workshop tailors to the needs of the culture and communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.

Elmo brings the Bonus’ of Grover’s Jobs Through the Years Mash-Up because Grover is one of the hardest working monsters. The journey takes us through Grover’s time as a taxi driver to a meteorologist. It is guaranteed a fun time remembering everything Grover was brave enough to try.

This is a family time DVD where everyone can learn about doctors, newspapers, machines, factories, ramps, sports, getting dressed, bowling, veterinarians, nighttime, transportation, maps, blocks, measuring and photographers.

ELMO’S WORLD: All Around the Neighborhood is an amazing way for children to learn about the world around them. Understanding what is it that makes the world go around is very important of course, but having Elmo show us all more than we thought is always such a delight.

This is the time families should get together and watch Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster and friends show what they are learning as well. It is always a joy to watch our favorite Sesame Street character stretch our imaginations and give information in such a delightful and colorful way – and we would expect nothing less.

Put on your adventure hat and prepare to see the world through Elmo’s eyes because nothing could be more amazing!

In the end – it is Elmo’s World!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently on 4K Ultra HD and Bluray is LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

 Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD and currently on Digital from director Edgar Wright, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the mesmerizing story about the LAST NIGHT IN SOHO.

Ellie Turner (Thomasin McKenzie) wants to create fashion of the sixties and loves music of that era as well. Raised by her grandmother Margaret (Rita Tushingham) in Redruth, Cornwall, she has lived her life missing her mother who sometimes sees her mother in passing. Accepted to the London College of Fashion in, Ellie now has the opportunity to begin a less quiet life in the lights of a big city.

Starting off on bad footing, resident hall roommate Jocasta (Synnove Karlsen) is a party girl that does not seem a serious student as Ellie. Knowing she has no other choice to succeed, she finds a comfortable and quiet room at Ms. Collins (Diana Rigg) home. From the first night, she begins having dreams of being in the 1960s which is the era she loves.

At the Café de Paris, Ellie sees the beautiful Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy) saunter into a room as if she commanded every inch of it. She meets manager Jack (Matt Smith) who sees a star quality in the young woman. He gets Sandie an audition at the Soho club and comes back to the room the young girl recognizes. Ellie is so stunned by Sandie that she begins to design a dress for her.  

Even more inspired, Ellie begins to make change in her appearance and the young John (Michael Ajao) takes notice. John invites Ellie to a Halloween party and they are not there long before Ellie starts to see things that send her into a tailspin. Now, memories and murder collide that force Ellie to involve the police who may decide she is not of sound mind.

John believes her and will do anything to help Ellie discover what is real, what is not, who is Sandie and what happened to her!

McKenzie as Ellie is an insecure young girl who comes from a family of sadness. Believing that following her dream (and Mom’s too) of creating amazing fashion, being accepted to the school in London means everything. Starting out a little hectic, Ellie finds solace and goes full steam into classes. That is until her mind takes her someplace unexpected and it begins to take its toll. McKenzie is given a role that she just takes to levels that kept me on my toes. Brilliantly done.

Taylor-Joy as Sandie is lovely, seductive and as big dreams just like Ellie. Trying to follow those dreams is where things begin to be dark and horrific. Ellie is seeing all of it and Taylor-Joy moves with grace and wears the clothing of the era like she was born to them. I have been a fan of Taylor-Joy for some time now and I think she excels in this role from the rise to the fall of Sandie.

Smith as Jack is the harbinger of corruption. He is charming, good-looking and knows how to treat a girl – especially one he intends to use in dreaded ways. Jaw dropping and riveting at the same time because this character is one of many. Ajao as John sees something in Ellie even before she makes all the mod changes in her life. He genuinely likes Ellie and wants to help when he begins to suspect there is something deeply wrong. Ajao is so sweet and charming, even when he is a little bad, as John and, most importantly, does not give up on Ellie.

Shout out to Ms. Rigg in her role as Ms. Collins. Following her career from the time I understood what television and movies were, Ms. Rigg has given it all. Imagine my thrill when she turned up on HBO’s Game of Thrones as Olenna Tyrell – and she did not disappoint. I am leaving the rest for the viewer to watch her stunning performance in LAST NIGHT IN SOHO because you will not be disappointed either.

Other cast include Sam Claflin as young Lindsey, Jessie Mei Li as Lara Chung, Elizabeth Berrington as Ms. Tobin, Pauline McLynn as Carol, Aimee Cassettari as Ellie’s Mom, Beth Singh as Cilla Black, Kassius Nelson as Cami, Rebecca Harrod as Ashley, and Terence Stamp as Lindsey.

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

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

Bonus Features include Making of Featurettes, Meet Eloise, Dreaming of Sandie, Smoke and Mirrors, On the Streets of Soho, Deleted Scenes, Animatics, First Dream, Shadow Men, Murder, Final Confrontation, Extras, Hair & Makeup Tests, Lighting and VFX tests, Wide Angle Witness Cam, and Action Town Hall SteadiCam Rehearsals.

Also includes is ‘Downtown’ Music Video, Trailers, Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Edgar Wright, Editor Paul Machliss and Composer Steve Price, and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Edgar Wright and Co-Writer Kristy Wilson-Cairns.

LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is breathtaking, a visual treat for the eyes, a storyline that will take the viewer on a journey without a roadmap and that is everything. The set designs are riveting, and the costuming is absolutely everything.

The cast takes this twisted tale and allows us along with them on a ride going absolutely anywhere it wants to go and we have no say. Wright and co-writer Cairns never let on either and all I can do is picture the two of them giggling as they wrote this screenplay. Bringing it to the screen is the cherry on the cake.

In the end – glamour is not everything!

Apple TV+ Stuns with THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Apple TV+ from writer/director Joel Coen based on William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth is the stunning THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH.

The Thane of Cawdor has been vanquished for King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) by Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and Banquo (Bertie Carvel). On the road back from battle, Macbeth encounters three witches (Kathryn Hunter) who tell him he shall be king! In gratitude, King Duncan gives the title of Thane of Cawdor to Macbeth who then writes Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) to tell her the news – and the witch prophecy. The king also gives his praises Prince Malcolm (Harry Melling).

Spending the night at the new Thane of Cawdor’s castle, Lady Macbeth speaks to her husband about regicide. After planning and carrying out the deed, Macbeth slays the king and covers it up in the morning. Out of fear, Prince Malcolm and Macduff (Corey Hawkins) escape the castle to England and Macbeth is now wearing the crown. Ross (Alex Hassell) is keeping is ear to the castle stone walls and knows there is something amiss.

Now, Macbeth is worried about another visit from the witches about Banquo and his young son Fleance (Lucas Barker) giving his mental health another shove into darkness. Murder most foul happens again and again including Macduff’s own family. Ross finds Malcolm and Macduff to tell them the news while Lady Macbeth begins to also lose her senses.

It all comes to a final battle as Malcolm brings his English backed army to Macbeth’s castle and Macduff finds justice for his family.

Washington as Macbeth is absolutely stunning in this role. His emotions, like his lines, roll off with such grace and ease. Even in the midst of insanity, he brings us in so we can be a little mad ourselves knowing that the heinousness of his acts to be king and stay king are crazy. Be cheery in the light, it is when he steps in the shadows does Washington’s Macbeth utter evil deeds. One of the most amazing performances I have seen this year.

McDormand as Lady Macbeth is equally as jaw dropping as the woman who wants her husband to be king, no matter what it takes. The problem with that is her mental state can not handle everything that is required to make it so. McDormand glides along in her costume like her feet never touch the floor yet every step she takes is for Macbeth.

Hawkins as Macduff has a reason for leaving but a more justified reason to come back to Macbeth’s castle. His character is strong in dedication to Prince Malcolm but even family overrides that. Hassell as Ross is that sneaky fellow lurking around castles making sure that every move he makes is done so to his own benefit. Well done and well played.

Carvel as Banquo is dedicated to Macbeth but when insanity sets in, dedication only gets a loyal subject so far. Melling as Prince Malcolm has put away his Harry Potter days and has decided to become a future king.

And extremely deserved shout out to Kathryn Hunter as the witche(s). Never in my life have I been scared and yet transfixed by a character like this. She is daunting, full of riddles and, when looking intensely at the television screen, held my gaze with jaw dropping wonder. Her motion and yet lack of emotion is pure genius.

Other cast include Miles Anderson as Lennox, Robert Gilbert as Angus, James Udom as Seyton, Matt Helm as Donalbain, Moses Ingram as Lady Macduff, Richard Short as Siward, Sean Patrick Thomas as Monteith, Ethan Hutchinson as Macduff’s young son and Susan Berger as Lady in Waiting.

Apple+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH is brilliant on so many levels so let me just say first that the cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel and set design provided by Stefan Dechant is magic. Keeping it simple, with shades of light and dark that all play into the telling. The long foreboding shadows and high architecture where secrets are told, and plans are made is breathtaking.

The costuming by Mary Zophres is equally as simple with no fanfare of gold, heavy amour and ornate throne rooms or thrones for that matter. Taking away everything one would expect of a castle, the viewer is free to focus on the players and the end game.  Here are leathers and the fabric of a by gone era that are as rough as those characters wearing them.

Carter Burwell has worked with the Coen brothers before, so it seemed comfortable to have his bring in the film’s score. He gives a frightening life with the violin over the flapping of the crows that have their own meaning in the film.

Joel Coen has taken on a wonderful task going solo and has brought a story that has been told many times but with something intensely original. From the moment the film begins, it puts our own minds into a state of ‘what is hell is this?’. As Hunter’s tries to warn us from the beginning, the tale is one of twists, turns and omens.

But oh, no matter the warning, every frame of this tale is majestic to behold!  

In the end – something wicked this way comes!

 

 

The ETERNALS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Disney+ from Marvel Studios and director Chloe Zhao is the ETERNALS.

So, here we go with the start of a monolith filled with CLASH OF THE TITANS, I mean Eternals, apparently in an early craft-version without Hal from the 2001 and 2010 films. They arrive on earth with their powers to help the helpless people inhabiting the planet. Robb Stark, I mean Ikaris (Richard Madden), is back to fight off what look like the little annoying cousins of the Krakken along with Anita from HUMANS, I mean Sersi (Gemma Chan). Maleficient, I mean Thena (Angelina Jolie), throws around her lightening staff taking at least three to four minutes to kill said annoying creepy cousin.

In present day, Jon Snow, I mean Dane (Kit Harington), is a professor and teaches along with Sersi (which if you think about it is a little creepy, I mean didn’t Rob Stark die because of Sersi and didn’t Jon Snow fight Sersi already for gawd sake?). When the creepy Krakken cousins reappear, Ikaris turns up and there is a brotherly Stark reunion. Now Sersi has to explain why the Eternals are on earth and Sprite (Lia McHugh) is looking for a good fight.

Are you with me so far? Good, because there are Babylon 575 BC flashbacks that are kind of unnecessary except it gives Ajak (Selma Hayek) a chance to say they Deviants are being kept at bay. Phastos (Brian Henry), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Gilgamesh (Ma Dong-seok), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) and the rest hang out to tell the peasant population CGI stories reminiscent of STARGATE and STAR WARS which is coincidental since the Eternals are from the stars as well.  

Now, Ikaris and Sersi are supposedly all gooey for each other with the “I am yours” (was waiting for “and you are mine” to finish the GOT reference). Moving to the Gupta Empire, they run away for a colorful wedding with everyone watching. Back to present day as dark clouds loom, apparently even the gods get a divorce because Sersi is now with Dane, and they are looking for Ajak but someone else has gotten there first.

Sersi finally gets to talk to a stone tiki called Arishem (David Kaye) but we are not to privy to that conversation. Now back to a flash back and this time they are in Tenochitlan in 1521 AD (gawd my head is spinning, and I don’t know if it’s a temporary bout with insanity or ridicuousness) and it is the last place the Deviants are found. Except now Maleficient, sorry Thena is going on a rampage yet that would be expected right? You can not be a good girl all the time.

Druig decides he has had enough of humans being bad to one another and that pits their beliefs against one another – ahhhh immortal sibling rivalry. But, with the Deviants gone, there is no need for these outer space superheroes to stick together. So, Ajak tells them they are free to go!

Fast forward to present day Mumbai, Kingo is working the Bollywood circuit but Sersi, Ikaris and Sprite let him know he is needed. They also find Gilgamesh who is taking care of Thena who still seems to be a bit out of it. Still, they sit around the table talking about the Avengers, but Sersi runs off to have a conversation with Arishem about celestial seed farming. Apparently, now that the world is ‘full’, something called the Emergence wants to drive it until everything is empty again.

Arishem goes on to give us a lesson on gravity, heat and light – blah, blah, blah. Not even popcorn is going to save me. So apparently all life is going to die blah, blah, blah. Once again, Sersi/Anita finds out the yucky repetitive truth that Arishem is no better than the dude who created THE MATRIX. Time to call Will Smith and claim his I, ROBOT.

Sersi gets to be Optimus Prime now and I am trying to stay focused on this. The rest of the group get a little pissy and Thena has an ‘I told you so’ look on her face. Ikaris takes the group to the Amazon to find Druig who is living the communal jungle lama life. Once they tell him what’s what, his dander is up, and he is not about to give warm hugs to any of them.

Sucking the life out of the Eternals, the Deviant finally speaks and makes it clear he has a score to settle all while Thena gets to fall down weeping. Flashback time! Now in 1945 Hiroshima Phastos thinks humanity is not worth saving (speak for yourself since you started some of it dude!) and jump to present day he is now sitting around the table with Ikaris and Sersi saying he will not help. Of course, he is guilted into it by family (insert huge eye roll and sigh here).

Back in the desert of gawd knows where, they magically dig up the monolith-ship-thing where Makkari has been collecting and living. Then Ikaris is in South Dakota six days from I do not know whining with Ajak on her front porch in the middle of nowhere now blaming Thanos for everything (good gawd really?) or maybe global warming I am not sure.

As the ETERNALS split into two camps and have it out – I am over it.  

Madden as Ikaris has his hands full dealing with 7,000 years of dealing with humans as well as the rest of the eternals. He’s the big brother to the rest and is just as moody with laser eyes that do not seem to do much. Chan as Sersi has to deal with the news she is dealt about the Eternals but its even more so when she has to take over the lead with no experience in how to do that.

Jolie as Thena is crazy moody and do not let her get back in the warrior phase or you could lose a body part. Not sure what her purpose is other than being a bit nutty but okay, I could have done without the muddled accent that I have heard her do TOMB RAIDER. Dong-seok as Gilgamesh is the only one that can keep Thena’s bouts at bay, apparently is a heck of a chef and is good in a fight.

McHugh as Sprite is just that, a tiny sprite of a thing who has been with Sersi since the Eternal split up going their separate ways. She’s smarter than anyone gives her credit for. Nanjiani as Kingo has gone from a ‘superhero’ to a narcissist who needs a camera and a valet more than air apparently.

Keoghan as Druig has a serious mind of his own and is not afraid to make it clear that 7,000 years and the new info has not changed anything. He has a sharp wit that’s for sure. Hayek as Ajak gets in a moment or two but she truth and does not share it – not a good leader in my book.

Director Zhao has gone from such stellar work like NOMADLAND to this. I hope it was at least fun making.

Other cast include Hannah Dodd as Sandra, Adria Escudero as Diego, Sebastian Viveros as Jano, Bill Skarsgard as Kro, Haaz Sleiman as Ben, Esai Cross as Jack, Alan Scott as Patrick, Harish Patel as Karun, Patton Oswalt as Pip the Troll and Harry Styles as Eros.

Disney+ is the subscription home streaming entertainment with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

Bonus Features include Audio Commentary, Immortalized, Walks of Life, Gag Reel, Deleted Scenes, Gravity, Nostalgia, Movies and Small Talk.

ETERNALS is just a hot mess of characters that had me yelling at my television, and I hate yelling at my wonderful 70 inch colorful monstrosity. I am sure this is probably a precursor to more of the films and all I can do is scream and claw my face. I just can not anymore. Thumbs up to the actors because there are moments that are a little funny, but the rest is just blah, blah, blah.

My only relief is Kingo with his ridiculous narcissism and one liners and a few good shots from Gilgamesh. Good guys, bad guys, special powers, independent thinking, attempt at romance, regret, bad intentions, lies, truths, plans, narcissism, ‘poor me’ stories, realities and the fact that no good deed goes unpunished is all mashed up into another superhero film where the planet needs saving by someone or another. Personally, with all the destruction these superheroes do to humans and the planet, I’d rather save myself!

Staying through the end credits was an accident because I was in the middle of putting together a fairy set for my granddaughter which was much more entertaining. So, without spoiling it for anyone that dares sit through two hours and thirty-nine minutes, Harry Styles makes a colorful appearance that made me slap my forehead and cry out ‘wtf?!’ and schedule a future nail appointment.  

ETERNALS is now available on Disney+ and will be released on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD February 15.

In the end – this is their beginning story.

 

 

HOTEL TRANSLVANIA: Tranformania

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Prime Video from directors Derek Drymon and Jennifer Kluska is the return to our favorite monster destination with HOTEL TRANSLVANIA: Transformania.

Dracula (Brian Hull) is throwing a bit of a gathering for family and friends. He has made a decision that affects Mavis (Selena Gomez) and husband Johnny (Andy Samberg). When Johnny discovers what it is, he gets carried away which spooks Dracula. Changing his mind about the decision, Mavis and Johnny are surprised.

Johnny decides he will fix everything and goes to Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan) to become a monster and fix everything. Dracula freaks out and in the process of trying to stop Johnny showing Mavin his new monster-ness, he turns into a human! But Dracula is not the only one that gets to see the other side of being a monster.

Frankenstein (Brad Abrell) gets to see how the other half lives, Wayne (Steve Buscemi) becomes a bit seen, an un-wrapped Murray (Keegan-Michael Key) and Griffin (David Spade) is howling a new song and the machine that did the damage ends up broken. Dracula panics, as he tends to do, and asks Van Helsing how to fix it. Well, that’s where things get interesting. There is a place in the middle of a jungle that has the mysterious crystal needed to change everybody back!

Dracula convinces the guys to stay away from anyone that would see them, especially Mavis, while he and Johnny go on a mission. Then again, telling the group not to tell Mavis is like asking them to tell Mavis and when Eunice (Fran Drescher) finds out what’s happening – all monsterness breaks loose!

With the help of Ericka (Kathryn Hahn) and her monster hunting skills, they find Johnny and Dracula to help them finds the crystal – especially since Johnny is becoming more and more of a monster they cannot control!

It is a family thing!

Hull as Dracula takes up the mantle and gives his character the insanity and chaos of the scary hotel owner. When he makes the decision regarding Johnny and Mavis, the panick sets in quickly and as Dracula tends to do, tries to find a way out of it bringing mayhem. Gomez as Mavis is raising her young son and aware that Johnny can be a handful but would not change anything. Realizing what is happening between her dad and Johnny, Gomez gives her character the get up and go to try and fix what they messed up.

Samberg as Johnny is, what I consider, a hot mess kind of person. He is emotionally unable to act like an adult which is how it all starts but his heart is in the right place. Trying to make it right with Mavis, Samberg gives Johnny the faith in family and his father-in-law.

Hahn as Ericka is still happy with Dracula and will do what ever it takes to keep him from doing something silly. It also gives her a chance to relive a little of her monster hunter days. Drescher as Eunice is also all about doing whatever it takes to keep her family and friends safe.

Gaffigan, Abrell, Buscemi, Key and Spade are a barrel of fun and silliness. Trying to keep their word to Dracula, it does not work when Mavis, Eunice and Erika make it clear they are not going to take any nonsense. Let’s face it, the gang is hilarious no matter what!

Other cast includes Molly Shannon as Wanda, Asher Blinkoff as Dennis, Zoe Berri as Winnie, Asher Bishop as Wesley, Tyler Blevins as Tyler, Victoria Comez as Young Mavis, Aaron LaPlante as the Gremlin Pilot.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

HOTEL TRANSLVANIA: Tranformania is a fun family film that means one thing – get the family together, pop that huge bag of popcorn, fuzzy blanket on the sofa at the ready and prepare to giggle like crazy. From the HOTEL TRANSLYVANIA family to yours, get ready for a bit of Transformania!

In the end – change can be scary!

 

It is a Wonderful World in ENCANTO

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Disney+ from directors Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Charise Castro Smith is the lovely family story set in ENCANTO.

Abuela Alma (Maria Cecilia Botero) begins with the story of how their family casita was created by magic and each of her three received the gift of a special power. The tradition continued to Abuela Alma’s grandchildren. Well, almost all as granddaughter Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is known by to have been skipped in getting a gift.

Fifty years later, Antonio (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) will be given his gift and Mirabel supports her little cousin in every way. Trying to control her disappointment, something angry has come to Encanto. The house starts to crack and trying to explain it to Abuela Alma became difficult when they all come to look, and nothing is wrong. Mirabela discovers that she is right but needs to find out what is truly happening with the magic.

Asking Luisa (Jessica Darrow), Mirabel learns she must go to a place that the magic can not help her. Joining her in the dark caves is Cousin Antonio’s feathered friend. She also finds out that no one wants to talk about Bruno (John Leguizamo) and sister Isabel (Diane Guerrero) warns Mirabel to stop. Ruining Isabel’s proposal by Mariano (Maluma) just adds to the trouble Mirabel finds herself in.

When Mirabel discovers what is really happening with Bruno, she asks for his help only to discover that what will fix the casita is not as simple as it should be. It is time for the truths to be told and the faith to be restored when it comes to family.

Beatriz as Mirabel is a young girl dealing with the fact that she was, for some reason, not given the same gifts as the rest of her family. She is a loving, sweet and positive person until the night she sees what might happen to the casita. Beatriz gives her animated character a bravery and strength she will need to understand where she comes from and what is possible.

Botero as Abuela Alma is the matriarch of a family that continues to grow. With each celebration she sets up celebrations and leads the best she can. The problem is, she has forgotten that her family loves her but need to understand where the family started. Cabot-Conyers as Antonio just loves his cousin Mirabel and would do anything for her, he is such a good soul in a very young body.

Darrow as Luisa has always gone along to get along but has her own issues that Mirabel did not realize was inside her. Always relying on her physical strength, Luisa forgets that she has spiritual strength as well. Guerrero as Isabel is seen as the ‘good girl’ of the family and is planning to get married. As Mirabel comes to know, being the good girl and always doing what she is told is the thing that weights her lovely sister down.

Other cast include Rose Portillo as Senora Guzman, Adassa as Dolores, Mauro Castillo as Felix, Angie Cepeda as Julieta, Wilmer Valderrama as Agustin, Rhenzy Feliz as Camilo, Noemi Flores as Young Mirabel, Juan Castano as Osvaldo, Sarah-Nicole Robles as Senora Ozman and Hector Elias as Old Arturo.

Disney+ is the subscription home streaming entertainment with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

ENCANTO is a very colorful and animated film about the generational story of family. Once Abuela Alma is given the gift of magic and a safe place to live, the family grows by leaps and bounds with the magic still all around them. They take their celebrations seriously but, as families tend to do, hide the things that make them uncomfortable like the story of Uncle Bruno!

Mirabel is a young girl who is seen as ‘the girl with no gift’ and she tries to deal with that in the most positive way possible. When the house begins to tell her things no one else can see, she becomes the casita super-sleuth to discover so much about her family. Learning to accept herself, those around her, understanding her place in it all and the history becomes the beginning of an even more beautiful life!

In the end – it is a magical house with a magical family!

 

Michael Meyers Wants to Come Home with HALLOWEEN KILLS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director David Gordon Green, Blumhouse and Universal Pictures is HALLOWEEN KILLS.

The events in Haddonfield are not over and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) once again finds herself in the hospital because of her brother. Michael has left a path of blood in his wake and shows no signs of stopping.

At the local bar, there are a few survivors of Michaels first oath of terror including Lindsay Wallace (Kyle Richards) and Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall). Attempting to take on the masked murderer, he only manages to slip through their fingers.

At the hospital, Laurie is out of surgery, granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) and daughter Karen (Judy Greer) are shocked to learn Michael is still alive. Trying to warn everyone, they learn that Tommy is getting the town together to fight back.

Karen knows Michael only wants one thing – his sister! But will he come to the hospital or the one other place where his memories live? That would be the family home where Allyson and Cameron (Dylan Arnold) have arrived.

The town wants to come together but only one can make Michael come out of the shadows!

Curtis as Laurie is still as much of a badass now as she ever was. Once the loudness clears, it is Laurie who knows what must be done. She is clever and determined even with her gut in a bunch. As much as it is Michael Meyers we are afraid of, Curtis has always given us every reason to be equally afraid of her!

Greer as Karen is only interested in protecting her mother. Trying to stop the madness in the hospital is not working. When she sees what has to happen, it is not going to be a happy family reunion. Matichak as Allyson wants to get out onto the streets of Haddonfield and make Meyers pay in any way possible

Hall as Tommy is a bit of a mouthpiece with his big speeches that cause more chaos than there needs to be. Instead of hitting the streets, he hits the halls (pun intended) and it is all a bit much. He starts chaos that ends up out of control in the hospital but tries to make up for it in the streets. The problem is, he does not seem to remember who he is up against!

Shout out to a reappearance of Donald Pleasance because you cannot return to Haddonfield without him. Happy to see Will Patton as Deputy Hawkins who has his own version of that first night to tell. There is a nice scene between he and Curtis that make us hope that the next installment (because I can not see how there can’t be) Laurie might find a tad bit of happiness.

Other cast include: Thomas Man as young Deputy Hawkins, Jim Cummings as Pete McCabe, Robert Longstreet as Lonnie Elam, Scott MacArthur as Big John, Michael McDonald as Little John, Ross Bacon as Tivoli, and Charles Cyphers as Officer Leigh Brackett.

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

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY and SPLIT. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about!

Bonus Features include Gag Reel, Extended Scenes, Haddonfield’s Open Wounds, The Kill Team, Strode Family Values, 1978 Transformations, The Power of Fear, Kill Count, and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-writer David Gordon Green and Stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Judy Greer.

What I love about this film is that it did not try to reinvent the wheel. From the haunting introduction music to the pumpkin flickering the beginning credits, director Green let us embrace our memories of the 1978 HALLOWEEN. We are escorted back in time a little bit to remember the names then and current faces now of the original characters.

There is a tad bit of campy, but I embrace it as much as I do Curtis as Laurie and Castle/Courtney as Meyers. Everyone in Haddonfield who lived through 1978 has a dog in the hunt, especially Officer Leigh Brackett.

I love the small town feel of the film keeping it strictly closed in. That being said, there are bumps to get over and a wish that Laurie/Curtis was more prevalent in the film. It is not yet time to end her story as there has to be one more, just one more face to face before (and I am assuming) granddaughter Allyson takes over.

Until that happens – lock your doors, pull up the big screen and turn on the sound bar because Michael Meyers has come home again.

In the end – evil dies tonight!

DVD Brings Season 3 of COBRA KAI

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next installment of COBRA KAI Season 3.

Johnny (William Zabka) is in a tailspin trying to find a way to make things right with the very injured Miguel (Xolo Mariduena) and instead ends up in jail. The massive fight at the high school has put everyone on high alert and Sam (Mary Mouser) cannot come to grips with what happen to Demitri (Gianni DeCenzo) at the hands of Hawk (Jacob Bertrand) let alone her own fight with Tory (Peyton List). Daniel (Ralph Macchio) is out trying to find the missing Robby (Tanner Buchanan).

Daniel thinks that it is important for Johnny to help look for Robby as they search everywhere he could be. While everyone is concerned with Robby and Miguel, Kreese (Martin Kove) puts his own plans into place and teaches his own brand of karate behind Johnny’s back.

Visiting Bobby in juvenile hall for what happened to Miguel, the young man makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with anyone. Sam tries to raise funds for a surgery that Miguel needs only to have the Cobra Kai attack them. Johnny becomes involved with Carmen (Vanessa Rubio) and enjoying himself. Daniel is having trouble with his business, so he decides to go to Tokyo to negotiate with the auto business.

While there, Daniel revisits Tomi Village to find that it is much changed. He sees Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita) and Chozen (Yuji Okumoto). He learns more about Mr. Miagi (Pat Morita) and his family’s karate as well as the things that his sensei did not teach him and why. All of it leads to Daniel meeting a little someone, Yuna (Traci Toguchi), from his past that is about to change his future.

More fights between Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai happen while Daniel is away, and Johnny decides to learn more about technology and joins Facebook discovering Ali (Elisabeth Shue) is just one click away. He is also helping Miguel find his feet once again. Amanda (Courtney Henggeler) takes on Kreese and it does not end well.

Trying to get the dojo closed, hopes are dashed as Kreese makes it clear that he is not going anywhere at any time. Learning Ali is in town, Miguel helps Johnny pump up his profile to pump up his image who finally sends Ali a message. Seeing Tory again, he lets her know that revenge against Miyagi-Do is not needed.

Miguel is doing very well and returns to school only to discover what Cobra Kai has been up to and he is horrified. Daniel realizes he needs to spend more time with Sam who is still going through a hard time. A Miyagi story is necessary so dad can share with daughter that he truly understands. Johnny decides to start a new dojo called Eagle Fang Karate where he can finally teach without Kreese around.

When Daniel, Kreese and Johnny discover that the All-Valley Tournament is cancelled, they all show up to show why that is wrong which almost does not work. It is Miguel and Amanda who explain why is should go on and their friendship resumes as Robby ends up at the Cobra Kai dojo and into the waiting grasp of Kreese.

During the holidays, Johnny and Ali meet up for lunch and talk about old times and life choices. Ali asks Johnny to join her at the country club later only to discover Daniel and Amanda as the two couples share the evening, talk about old times, and laugh at themselves and their silly antics. Change is also coming for the Miyagi-Do team and the Eagle Fang as the kids get together to discuss coming together.

But Cobra Kai is coming for them and breaking into the LaRusso house, a brawl happens and a few of them realize that this is not the way and change their allegiance. Both men go to the Cobra Kai dojo only Johnny gets their first to see his son with Kreese and a fight begins, and Daniel comes in as Kreese takes them both on.

Kreese decides there is only one other person that can help him now – Terry Silver (Nick Marini). A surprise also comes around when Daniel and Johnny realize that they need each other and that their ridiculous past needs to finally be settled. The page of karate is about to be turned as two men learn from each other with a new understanding that is different but oh so cool.

History is about to be changed because two men realize that are better together than they are arguing apart!

Macchio as Daniel is trying to forget about what happened all those years ago, but things keep coming up that set his teeth on edge. Dealing with the dealership, staying close to his family and taking in young Bobby become his goals until that all seems to be chaotic. Returning to Tomi Village helped him find balance again and Macchio makes us feel like we are back in the 1986 once again. That is what is amazing about all of this, Macchio does not try to reinvent the wheel but instead gives us the memories as well as the grown-up life of Daniel LaRusso.

Zabka as Johnny clearly has issues that are consistently being drowned in a bottle of Coors Banquet beer. I do not think there are many moments on screen where there is not a bottle (or a can from time to time) in his hand. Openly admitting he spent his twenties and thirties in such a state is the beginning, it would be nice to see him put the bottle down for good. His Archie Bunker tendencies come out from time to time, but Zabka throws himself into every bit of this character. Lost in the past, Zabka gives us a Johnny that is fighting going into the future with every breath he takes.

Mariduena as Miguel is a young man with a homelife that has problems of its own, yet he learns from both Daniel and Johnny trying to find the middle ground. This young actor gives his character strength with a bit of the usual mistake making for a teenager.  Mouser as Sam is Daniel’s daughter who first had no interest in karate, then too much interest and is also trying to find a balance between the two. Mouser and Mariduena eventually try to do their share to bring peace, but it will have to wait until they are on the mat.     

DeCenzo as Demitri is a kid that tries to avoid being a part of anything karate from the beginning and even when he thinks he is ready, he balks. The thing is, Daniel does not give up on any of the kids easily and DeCenzo does not disappoint. Bertrand as Hawk starts out as a good friend to Demitri and then enters the dojo of Cobra Kai and becomes someone horrible, vicious and dangerous but everyone deserves a second chance.

List as Tory has home issues and they feed into the anger that she just cannot let go of. Trying to like this character is more difficult than I could have imagined. I can see her character in thirty years turning into a female Johnny or, at best, the sign lady Johnny hires. Henggeler as Amanda is trying to keep the family together, the business running and make sure Daniel and Johnny do not lose themselves.  

Buchanan as Robby is a young man who is dealing with an absent father and trusting Daniel to teach him. Getting a place to live and a chance at an education, it all comes crashing down when Tory starts something and lets everyone else finish it. Buchanan starts out confused, finds a nice place to land and goes back to confusion.  Kove as Kreese returns hoping Johnny will let him back in to the mix but when it does not happen the way he wants, Kreese returns to his old habits and evil returns to All-Valley.    

Rubio as Carmen is Miguel’s concerned mother who works hard for her family to keep them fed and a roof over their heads. Happy that Miguel has found something to believe in, when the injury happens, she makes sure that Johnny knows her anger. That does not mean their relationship does not take a hit, but Johnny figures it out the best way he can.

Other cast include Barrett Carnahan as young Kreese, Terry Serpico as Captain Turner, Griffin Santopietro as Anthony LaRusso, Dan Ahdoot as Anoush, Ken Davitian as Armand Zarkarian, Ron Thomas as Bobby Brown, Nathaniel Oh as Nathaniel, Annalisa Cochrane as Yasmine, Okea Eme-Akwari as Shawn Payne, Ed Asner as Sid Weinberg, Diora Baird as Shannon Keene, Bret Ernst as Louie LaRusso Jr., Aedin Mincks as Mitch, Khalil Everage as Chris, Owen Morgan as Bert and Dee Snider as the one and only Dee Snider.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

The episodes include Aftermath, Nature Vs. Nurture, Now You’re Gonna Pay, The Right Path, Miyagi-Do, King Cobra, Obstaculos, The Good The Bad and the Badass, Feel the Night and December 19.

COBRA KAI Season 3 continues the story between Daniel, Johnny and their issues from thirty years ago. Watching them get along and then not and then get along again is mainly on Johnny’s insecurities. Daniel makes a few nutty decisions as well which makes their continual ‘feud’ based mainly on miscommunication and misunderstanding.

The kids, however, are constantly in each other’s faces and fighting. I was hoping the storyline would tone that down a bit, but I tend to think as the sides continually change, the fighting will only ramp up. Macchio has not lost his ‘Daniel’ charm just as much as Zabka continues with his conflicted and insecure ‘Johnny’ who thinks with his fist instead of his head which is swimming in alcohol.

This season revisits places and people who made the original KARATE KID films so iconic. I was thrilled to see a few of them and, of course, boo’d the screen with some of the bad guys who have decided to come back to Cobra Kai. COBRA KAI has become a massive hit for the streaming service Netflix, and it makes me smile to see people wearing update tee-shirts that say ‘Cobra Kai Never Dies’.

As much as I am not a fan of resurging films and television shows, I have to say that binging on COBRA KAI has been somewhat of a bag of mixed feelings. The characters finally have a chance to tell their stories and the new characters learn these story’s but whether they use it for good will be seen.

In the end – The Karate Kid saga continues!