JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH Roars Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray, DVD and Digital platforms from director Gareth Edwards, Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH.

It has been several years since the last take on the dinosaurs and Earth is becoming a problem for the creatures. The cause of it is that the environment, air, weather etc., just do not help their survival. One place where they are managing to survive are several tropical locations are similar in many respects to what they need, be can thrive and it be forbidden for anyone to go there.

Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) meets with Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a woman with a certain set of skills that Krebs needs to take on a special mission. He asks that she go to the dinosaur island to obtain blood samples that can create medicine to save lives. After striking a deal, they go to the one person who would know how to find the exact dinosaurs needed – Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) who agrees to go along. Zora finds help, and a boat, from longtime friend Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali).

Out in the ocean, dad Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is sailing with daughters Teresa (Luna Blaise), Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono). As the boat glides through the water, they are bumped by something strange. What they could never have imagined it what was circling them! Kincaid hears a distress call coming from Reuben and makes the decision to go and rescue them. It takes no time before the boat becomes the new target.

Racing to get to the island, if they thought they were any safer on land, they would be wrong as Reuben and his family are separated from those on the boat once again. Knowing they are under a serious time constraint, Zora, Krebs, Duncan and Dr. Loomis continue on to get their samples are met by some amazing animals but they are different dinosaurs, genetically different. In the jungle, Reuben and his family remember hearing the others talk about a village and believe it might by where they can meet up with the others.

Each step they take brings them closer to creatures who do not want them on their island and survival means staying one large step ahead of anything chasing them, including a Distortus Rex!

Johansson as Zora is a woman who, for the right paycheck, can be bought for covert missions. Quick with a sample weapon, she spends time watching everyone around her come face to face with dinosaurs. Johansson gives us a straight forward character who wants to get the job done and get as many people out alive as possible. She is the rough and tumble Ellie Sattler or Claire Dearing, maybe it’s mercenary thing.

Bailey as Dr. Loomis is an Alan Grant type character who is disappointed that people seem to have lost their curiosity for dinosaurs. That, in itself, took the story into a realm because there isn’t a kid (or grown up for that matter) that wouldn’t be all over dinosaurs living in the world. Bailey gives us a man who agreed to help find creatures that will help medicinally. The character of Dr. Loomis gives Bailey an innocent kind of charm in the midst of chaos and dinosaur madness.

Friend as Krebs is a familiar character in his actions and reasons for finding the mutant dinosaurs. His eyes roll with dollar signs and no one is going to get in his way, and I mean no one. Happy to see Friend on the screen even if his character is one I’d have thrown overboard early in the film (kidding). Ali as Duncan knows and understands Zora having worked together before. He may be on a dinosaur mission but he isn’t willing to sacrifice anyone or anything and I like that about his character.

Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben is a father who obviously is clueless to the world around him. On a boat with his kids (in a forbidden area) and a boyfriend that would make excellent dino-bait, it’s just one disaster after another. Blaise as Teresa screams and runs extremely well. Iacono as Xavier is the dude all parents are afraid to find next to their daughter, he has his moments and a few of them bring laughs. Miranda as Isabell is very cute and even cuter when she meets Dolores.

Other cast include Philippine Velge as Nina, Bechir Sylvain as Leclerc and Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features are Alternate Opening, Deleted Scenes (Raptors and Mutadon Attack), Jurassic World Rebirth: Hatching a New Era (The World Evolves, Off the Deep End, Trekking Through Thailand, Rex in the Rapids, Don’t Look Down, and Mini-Mark Mayhem), Gag Reel, Meet Dolores, Munched: Becoming Dino Food, A Day at Skywalker Sound, Hunting for Easter Eggs, Feature Commentary with Director Gareth Edwards, Production Designer James Clyne, and First Assistant Director Jack Ravenscroft, and Feature Commentary with Director Gareth Edwards, Editor Jabez Olssen and Visual Effects Supervisor David Vickery.

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.

Director Edwards says of the film, “There is an aesthetic I’ve been chasing my whole career, that the 70s, 80s and 90s look. Now you can film with a 360 camera, put it into software and get a 3D environment. The quality is so good that it is nearly photo-real perfect.”

In 1993, JURASSIC PARK hit theatres and just literally roared at the box office. It was and still is an amazing film filled with excitement, drama, dinosaurs, screaming and yelling (and a lot of it from the viewing audience). Audiences couldn’t get enough of the film seeing it time and time again and, like me, have it as part of a home entertainment library of films. That is followed by THE LOST WORLD: Jurassic Park (1997), JURASSIC PARK III (2001), JURASSIC WORLD (2015), JURASSIC WORLD: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION in 2022. Where does this leave JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH?

A mish-mash of easter eggs dropped here and there for fans of the previous films. This seemed more focused on the human story. The dinosaurs were there of course but instead the stories of those who were there and why seemed to take center stage.

If you are a die-hard fan of JURASSIC PARK then the film will be a summer joyride but if you are a JURASSIC PARK purest, one might be like my family finding a mixture of good and not-so-good about the ride. There is a bit of humor, there are characters that might seem familiar in behaviors to past characters and a few jump moments because, I mean, who would expect a dinosaur to be napping next to shore! The drink cups and popcorn footprint ‘bucket’ are pretty awesome though!

In the end – your home and their world!

LILO & STITCH Land Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently stream now and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available please visit www.movies.disney.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 Deleted Scenes, ‘Ohana Means Family: Making LILO & STITCH, Drawn to Life, Bloopers, Scenes with Stitch that include Escape to Earth, Feeding Fish, Hula Performance, Stitch Gets Names, Bath Time and Watch This!

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

Kids will enjoy the funny, the antics, the adventure and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm.

Comic Con is this week so look for LILO & STITCH and have a bit of fun in the sun with families getting a chance to hang out together! In the meantime, enjoy just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold onto your coconuts!

DUNE: Prophecy Brings Season on to 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Legendary, HBO and creators Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker is DUNE: Prophecy.

It is ten thousand years before the Kwisatz Haderach when sisters Valya (Jessica Barden) and Tula (Emma Canning) Harkonnen join the Sisterhood. The women are trained to be Truthsayers to the Great Houses of the Imperium. Valya (Emily Watson) eventually becomes Mother Superior and works to solidify Emperor Javicco Corrino’s (Mark Strong) bloodline while at the same time dealing with Arrakis and spice. Soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) has caused a disturbance for Truthsayer Kasha Jinjo (Jihae) while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) is being rebellious in her own way.

Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) is making claims against Duke Ferdinand (Brendan Cowell) and Valya uses Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) to reach out to a deceased Mother Superior. Constantine tells Richese (Laura Howard) the truth about Ynez husband and it is clear that Desmond is a force that no one can control as he moves like a ninja through the politics. Valya realizes that he wants to totally destroy the Sisterhood and attempts to subdue him. Valya’s past has much to do with her history with the Atredies and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) but both are dealing with it still in the present with Lila.

Valya is now the truthsayer to the Harkonnens yet Desmond tells Javicco to remove them from the Landraad. Tula uses acolytes and their dreams to learn about Shai-Hulud but also, Lila wakes from her deep sleep. Using Theodosia’s (Jade Anouka) ability to shapeshift, Valya tries something unusual. Once Javicco makes Desmond a Bashar, he wants to find a way to catch Valya for her hand in the spice and after a raid, she gets Mikaela (Shalom Burne-Franklin) to Arrakis. Javicco decides to send Constantine (Josh Heuston) to Arrakis to quell problems.

The shock becomes who Desmond is and each of the pieces in the game change up but not before Valya, Keiran (Chris Mason) and Ynez arrive on Arrakis!

Watson as Valya is just perfection in that she is exactly how I would see a Bene Gesserit looking. She has the amazing ability to do the most underhanded things with a straight face and a glare in her eye. Her performance is intense, and adds to the mystery of the story that is constantly in flux. Williams as Tula and Valya’s sister means there is a lot of family drama to unfold in the package. Learning what she has done and what she plans to do is equally as intense as Watson and Williams make the perfect pair.

Strong as Javicco is an actor that I have followed for so many years. Each performance and character he brings to life will either be full of sympathy or wrath, Javicco is a hard package to unwrap but I am here for every second of it. Lea as Sister Lila doesn’t realize what she is in for with the Harkonnen sisters who seem to be on their own path. Then again that is true for any of the characters that get in their way.

Fimmel as Desmond, oh my gosh have I missed him on screen. He left us all emotionally stranded after the A&E series VIKINGS and he did television series work with RAISED BY WOLVES and BLACK SNOW. When I learned he was to be in this serious, I have to admit that it pushed me toward the show even more. As Desmond, he is a man on a mission even if others don’t know what that is or why. I am thrilled to see what his character is capable of next, as are the 15+ million viewers.

Other cast include Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Barbara Marten as Sister Avila, Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea, Cathy Tyson as Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul, Hannah Khalique-Brown as Sister Farouz, Tessa Bonham Jones as Lady Richese, Charlie Hodson-Prior as Pruwet Richese, Sam Spruell as Horace, Karima McAdams as Sister Nazir, Mark Addy as Evgeny Harkonnen, Polly Walker as Sonia Harkonnen, Earl Cave as Griffin Harkonnen, Milo Callaghan as Orry Atredies, David Bark Jones as Vergyl Harkonnen, Archie Barnes as Albert, Tabu as Sister Francesca.

The episodes include The Hidden Hand, Two Wolves, Sisterhood Above All, Twice Born, In Blood Truty, and The High-Handed Enemy. Also included are over an hour of bonus content, five extended featurettes including Building Worlds and Behind the Veil, and one all-new-bonus features exclusive to the 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with Legendary Pictures, Legendary Television and Digital Media and Legendary Comics divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. For more please visit www.legendary.com.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

DUNE: Prophecy is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The series is a stunner or “fire” as the kids say now. As a fan of the original 1984 film, it was always a question of history for me. How and why did the Bene Gesserit start, what was their goal and why? These are just very basic questions because I actually have two sheets of paper with more. For fans of the story, they also have questions about the Bene Gesserit that I probably haven’t even thought of.

Not to mention, there are lines from the film that have found their way into every day life, like when someone says to you, “who does the/she think he/she is?” the reply would be, “he is the Kwisarts Hatarak!” and DUNE: Prophecy is well on its way. When someone asks you about today’s political climate, the response is “The Imperium is a circus of fear and rumor”. That is one way to know that your audience is being reached effectively!

DUNE: Prophecy has amazing cinematography that is absolutely part of the story. This is a world put together with the brushstrokes of a masterpiece and details that are unforgettable. To say it is a dark tale is pretty much an understatement as every character is twisting and turning the story at their own whim. As a fan of intrigue and the war of houses vying for supremacy, this series needs, honestly, more than six episodes for a season. You listening HBO?

The patriarchy thinks they are in charge and the sisterhood is fine with letting them think so because it offers them a chance to do what they want in shuffling their world. It brings about the supernatural world that each character is trying to control and bend for their own reasons. Each step is choreographed by one of the characters and in lies the intrigue and juicy scheming that audiences crave in their series viewing. The bonus to all this is the excellent casting choices that bringing all of this together in a bow of perfection. Congratulations all around and with a second season coming, DUNE: Prophecy on 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD is a great way to rewatch and catch things you might have missed!

In the end – power lies in the shadows!

 

 

RIVER RUNS RED Seeks Revenge on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

On 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from Cinedigm Entertainment Group and writer/director Wes Miller comes a story of justice and revenge with RIVER RUNS RED.

Charles Coleman (Taye Diggs) is a man who has worked hard for a career in law and becoming a judge. Married to medic Eve (Jennifer Tao) and raising son CJ (Joseph Belk), he is seeing all of his life dreams come true.

When Coleman and CJ have a friendly bet, it is CJ who drives away in his fathers expensive car! On his way to school, he is pulled over by Officer Rory (Gianni Capaldi) and Officer Von (Luke Hemsworth) and while reaching for his wallet the officers open fire.

Coleman and Eve are devastated and can not understand how such a thing can happen. They are angry and even more so when they are told that CJ had a gun leading to the officers shooting him. They know this isn’t true but the pain of their loss has them trying to cope the best they know how. Coleman enlists the help of Detective Horace (John Cusack) to find out more about the officers who shot his son.

Javier (George Lopez) is a mechanic who with his wife Marilyn (Briana Evigan) have spent the last two years avoiding the thoughts of their sons death. Coleman goes to see him when he realizes that there is a connection between them. Javier wants nothing to do with speaking about the death of his son; that is until Coleman shows him something that changes his mind.

Motivated by anger, rage and sadness, the two fathers make a plan to take matters into their own hands.

Diggs as Coleman is a husband and father who has worked hard to become a judge and to provide for his family. Enjoying his life it all changes in the flash of gunfire. Diggs portrays a father mired down in the hurt and rage at the unfairness by the same system that he has spent years being a part of. Turning to all those that should be helping him, he finds that they don’t seem to take the situation seriously. This is a tough role but Diggs gives it all the twists and turns up to the shocking ending.

Lopez as Javier is another father who can’t seem to get past the death of his son. Pushing down his feelings he thinks he finally has his life bearable. That is until he gets a visit from Coleman with his suspicions about the officers who killed CJ and shows father Javier a reason to join him in a plan to get justice for both of their sons. Lopez gets a chance to show serious acting chops.

Hemsworth as Von knows almost immediately that what has happened with the judges’ son isn’t something that is going to go away. Trying to move forward, he immerses into his own home life and that of his young son. Capaldi as Rory is a hot headed cop who seemed to be looking for any reason that day to shoot someone. Keeping an eye on his partner Von and believing they are in the clear is his first mistake. Both of these actors played off of each other’s character in a chilling way.

Tao as Eve lashes out at her husband when ever she thinks about the death of their son. She also wants justice and feels that Coleman isn’t doing enough to make that happen. Evigan as Marilyn watches her husband become withdrawn but when Coleman shows up she fears what he will do.

Cusack as Horace is a detective that realizes what Coleman is up against. Wanting to help his friend discover what the two officers are hiding, he begins to see a change in the judge and fears for him.

Other cast include: RJ Mitte as Officer Thomas, Steve Berrebi as Brass One, Jaqueline Fleming as Professor Lawless, Tshombi Basemore as Diego, Michael Clofine as Officer Mike, John D. Hickman as Officer Tom and Spencer Kingsley as Carter.

Cinedigm is a leading distributor of amazing content in storefronts, digital platforms, Internet and Demand platforms for cable television. With an extensive library of over 52,000 films and television shows, Docudrama films, next-gen Indies and Independent films. At its inception, Cinedigm has played a pioneering role in transitioning movie theatres from traditional film prints to digital distribution to advance worldwide cinema modernization. For more on what Cinedigm has to offer please visit http://www.cinedigm.com.

RIVER RUNS RED is a film that speaks about the times we live in and the way the justice system handles cases of officer involved shootings. Even when the young man killed has a father who is a judge, there seems to be a thin veil that no one wants to push through.

Writer/director Wes Miller jumps in without any hesitation in pointing out the inequalities both Coleman and Javier face. There isn’t any mincing of words or emotions bringing it all straight out into the open. The ending is staggering, shocking and emotional showing that everything doesn’t wrap up as neatly.

The cast led by Diggs and Lopez brings a strong intensity to the story and once the film begins, there aren’t to many moments to catch your breath.

In the end – vengeance is the only justice!

It is a Life of Discover with LOVE, SIMON

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Greg Berlanti and Fox Home Entertainment is the journey he takes to LOVE, SIMON.

Simon (Nick Robinson) is a young man counting down the days until graduation and off to college. Supported by his Dad Jack (Josh Duhamel), Mom Emily (Jennifer Garner) and sister-chef Nora (Talitha Bateman), he actually likes his life.

Adding to that are his lifelong friends Leah (Katherine Langford), Nick (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) and newer lifelong friend Abby (Alexandra Shipp), things are all good. Except one little-big thing – Simon hasn’t shared with anyone that he is gay except for one person, an online friend he calls Blue.

Blue has become an important part of Simon’s life because they seem to have the ability to share anything about themselves with no judgment or fear. Martin (Logan Miller) makes a move to upset the balance of Simon’s life. Discovering emails between he and Blue, Martin screenshots them to his phone and makes a deal with Simon.

Martin likes Abby and wants Simon to do the footwork to get them together in exchange for his silence. Immediately panicked for his friend Blue, Simon agrees. Putting the pieces into play makes him miserable knowing these are his friends’ lives.

Then moment of teenage outburst from Martin brings the house of fragile cards falling down. Simon is left to either hide from it all or just clear the path of least resistance to the life they are all meant to have – one that includes being who you really are.

He’s done keeping his story straight!

Robinson as Simon is as charming and sweet as he wants to be. Feeling the best he can under his secretive circumstances, this young actor gives a performance that is heartfelt, believable and endearing. That’s important when telling this story as the pitfalls in the life of a teenager are already demanding in this sometimes technological terror of a world we have created. Robinson’s performance unravels that with depth and I for one appreciate that.

Langford as Leah is also dealing with the perils of the heart and high school. She has known Simon practically forever (as they say) and wants only what is best for him, even if he screws up now and then. Shipp as Abby is the outgoing new girl of their group and the first to know Simon’s secret.

Miller as Martin is the guy who doesn’t really understand how friendships work but clearly knows how blackmail does! This character is the one who wants to just be part of something special but goes about it the wrong way. Lendeborg Jr. as Nick is dealing with trying to hook up a love life of his own and gets in the cross hairs of Simon’s inability to get away from Martin’s scheme.

Garner as Emily is the fun Mom who sees her son has something going on. Trying to do the ‘give him space’ thing, it all finally makes sense to her which doesn’t stop her from being just as supportive. Duhamel as Jack is the Dad who struggles with ‘not seeing it’ and failing as a father for it and embraces his son as he always has.

Shout out to Rothwell as Ms. Albright as the high school drama teacher! I swear I had the same drama teacher in Junior High so thank you for reminding me that Ms. Spencer was the best and the side comments are hilariously familiar.

Other cast includes: Tony Hale as Mr. Worth, Natasha Rothwell as Ms. Albright, Miles Heizer as Cal, Joey Pollari as Lyle, Drew Starkey as Garrett and Clark Moore as Ethan.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

The Bluray and DVD Special Features include Deleted Scenes, The Adaptation, The Squad, #FirstLoveStoryContestWinner, Dear Georgia, Dear Atlanta, Audio Commentary by Director Greg Berlanti, Producer Isaac Klausner and Co-Screenwriter Isaac Aptaker and Gallery.

LOVE, SIMON is a story definitely from the heart and if you don’t feel every second of it then you need a chisel to get it out of its stone casing! This is a film about teenagers doing what teenagers do – struggle to know who they are and how to fit in. What makes this story relatable is that we have all been there in some form if you take a second to remember.

Of course it is harder to have secrets in high school with social media poking into every aspect of someone’s life. There isn’t a platform where one wrong word won’t make it around the planet faster than finding out it’s been posted. It is also a technological world where bullying has found another platform. Simon takes the higher ground in a way that is breath taking.

This film should be shown in junior and senior high schools as a teaching tool! Yes this is a story of a young man’s journey finding acceptance for his secret, but it’s also clearly a story of realizing that each of these kids has something they are afraid for anyone to know.

LOVE, SIMON is brilliantly written, the cast is stellar and the ending is how it should be – honest, upfront and a trip to Starbucks for a day on the road.

In the end – everyone deserves a great love story!

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 35th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION GIFT SE

STEVEN SPIELBERG’S TIMELESS CLASSIC CELEBRATES 35 YEARS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED FILMS

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL

35th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION GIFT SET

AVAILABLE WITH 4K UHD AND BLU-RAY™ ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

In 1982, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg created iconic movie magic with his classic film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the unforgettable and emotional adventure of an adorable alien lost on Earth and the lonely boy who befriends him. Winner of four Academy Awards®, including Best Music, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has become a cinematic touchstone for generations of moviegoers and one of the most beloved films of all time.

Now, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the film’s original theatrical release with a special gift set, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 35th Anniversary Limited Edition on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital available on September 12, 2017.

This special gift set features premium packaging, includes a re-mastered CD soundtrack of the original Grammy Award®-winning album, is packed with over three hours of bonus features and includes a collector’s booklet with behind-the-scenes stories and rare images from the archives. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 35th Anniversary Limited Edition retains all the excitement, drama and warm-hearted humor that made it an instant worldwide classic.

Fans can also relive the adventure and magic of one of the most beloved motion pictures of all-time, with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack along with the new Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD editions that showcase new artwork of the beloved cast on September 12, 2017. All releases include  a code to redeem the film on Digital plus over three hours of bonus features such as deleted scenes and revealing interviews that bring back the film’s humor, suspense and wonder, making this a must-own movie for everyone’s library.

Captivating audiences of all ages, this timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy he befriends. Join Elliot (Henry Thomas), Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and Michael (Robert MacNaughton) as they come together to help E.T. find his way home. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is “one of the great American films” (Leonard Maltin) that forever belongs in the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial returns to movie theaters nationwide for a two day cinema event on Sunday, September 17, and Wednesday, September 20. These special event screenings will feature an exclusive commentary from TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz. Tickets and participating theaters are available at www.FathomEvents.com.

BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAY™ and DVD:

The E.T. Journals - Retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll.  

Steven Spielberg & E.T. - Watch an interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.

The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams - Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.

Designs, Photographs and Marketing of E.T

E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux

E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi

Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie

Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux

Production Photographs

Marketing E.T. A Look Back - A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film.    

The E.T. Reunion - The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.

The 20th Anniversary Premiere - Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T.   This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.

Deleted Scenes

Theatrical Trailer

Here is your chance to win a copy of your very own! It’s very simple – email hellomoviemaven@aol.com with “E.T. Come Home” in the subject line along with your name and address in the email. This is definitely one prize pack that reaches out to the kid in us all!