The Name is RENFIELD on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Chris McKay and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is one man’s story of learning how to be RENFIELD.

Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has been spanning the eras being the familiar to the one and only Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage). At a personal cross-road, Renfield finds himself attending a 12-step self-help group with others who are coping with being in a bad relationship with a narcissist.

New Orleans has also been plagued by the Lobo crime family headed by Mom Ella (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and out of control son Teddy (Ben Schwartz). Trying to put them behind bars is officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) who is shut down every time she has Teddy in cuffs.

A chance meeting brings Renfield (his tin of bugs) and Quincy together and angers Ella but Dracula has other plans. Making it clear that he is happy with being in the 21st century, he shares the plan with Renfield that he must do better at providing, well food, for his master. This isn’t sitting well with Renfield who is learning to be his own man!

Teddy is now after Renfield as well but ends up in Dracula’s lair. That’s where the ancient fanged horror finds out that Renfield has been sort of living a good life. Now the table is about to turn as Dracula finds people who are just as happy to be evil in order to take out the good because, as Dracula says, the good taste so much better.

Co-dependency – it’s time to take back the power!

Hoult as Renfield is charming, disarming, thoughtful, caring and pretty much an accessory to eras of, well, murder. That being said, Hoult brought life to a character that has been a bit overlooked throughout history. I just love how he is given his due and in the most unusual way. The interaction between Hoult and Cage is fantastic and a bit intimidating just to watch.

Awkwafina as Quincy is a cop who has been fighting for years to find justice for her murdered father. Especially when the ones responsible are the Lobo family. She gives us a hard edge but comedy to boot. Awkwafina gets a chance to show some action skills and it’s pretty cool.

Schwartz as Teddy is just ridiculously out of control and pretty much knows he can get away with anything. The corrupt police department makes sure of that. Schwartz looks like he is having a great time in this role.  Aghdashloo as Ella has one purpose, to keep her crime family together even if her son is a loose cannon. It’s wonderful to see her take on a comedic role while being the most well-dressed bad gal in the film.

Now, let’s talk about Cage as Dracula – I swear I either couldn’t stop laughing or was riveted by his portrayal. This isn’t your handsome, smooth talking nice guy that is misunderstood. Nope, he is clearly got dental issues, controlling tendencies, a plan for world domination and needs a nail technician asap! He has taken this role and given is thrills, laughs, chills and more thrills. Well done from start to finish.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Chris, Danya LaBelle as Karla, Rhonda Dents as Sharon, Christopher Cook as Bob, Michael Sullivan as Weird Kevin, Rosha Washington as Trevante, T. C. Matherne as Kyle, Brandon Jones as Mark, Jenna Kanell as Carol, James Black as Captain Browning, Caroline Williams as Vanessa, Bess Rous as Caitlyn and Camille Chen as Kate.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Hilarious Deleted and Extended Scenes, Alternate Takes, Dracula UnCaged – Go inside the mind of a vampire as Dracula himself, Nicolas Cage, reveals the secrets behind turning a classic character into a memorable monster, Monsters & Men: Behind the Scenes of RENFIELD - An in-depth look at RENFIELD’s cast, costumes and more as the actors and filmmakers reveal how they modernized a famous terror tale with trailblazing comedy and over-the-top action.

Also, Stages of Rejuvenation – See how special makeup effects brings the undead to life throughout the four stages of Dracula’s incredible transformation, Flesh & Blood – Exploding heads. Peeling faces. Severed limbs. They’re all part of the macabre movie magic that fuels RENFIELD with invention action and hilarious horror, Fighting Dirty – Stunt coordinator Christopher Brewster leads a look at the training, choreography, and careful execution that goes into the film’s spectacular stunt and fight scenes.

Finally, The Making of a Deleted Scene: Renfield’s Dance! – Nicholas Hoult and choreographer Kathryn Burns pull back the curtain on constructing an elaborate musical number for a fantasy dance sequence and Feature commentary with Producer Samantha Niesenboim, Screenwriter Ryan Ridley, and Crew.

RENFIELD is such a horror/comedy filled with amazing performances. Starting with Hoult and Cage then add a spicy dash of Awkwafina and add a well-chosen cast of disturbing characters and this is fun for everyone. There is action, a long history story line, blood, gun fights, body fights, more action and all in the name of the prince of darkness.

The opportunity for Renfield to tell his side of the story makes it clear that working for a self-indulgent, narcissistic ageless boss needed its moment in the sun (pun intended). Jaw dropping moments along with uncomfortable laughs only add to this strange and pretty dang cool telling.

I was all in for Cage being Dracula but man, oh man, did direction McKay get it right from action to cinematography to special effects. It is everything we didn’t know we wanted!

In the end –  behind every great monster is an overworked sidekick!

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday to theatres from director Rob Marshall and Walt Disney Studios is the new version of THE LITTLE MERMAID.

Ariel (Halle Bailey) lives under the sea with father King Triton (Javier Bardem) and her sisters. Her friends fish Flounder (Jacob Tremblay) and seagull Scuttle (Awkwafina). Trying to keep up with her on the daily is crab Sebastian (Daveed Diggs). When Ariel doesn’t show up for a family meeting, King Triton is not happy and makes it clear that it’s time for Sebastian to be her full-time babysitter.

That’s a hard job because this mermaid loves going above water and seeing how the world is on land and collecting things that fall to the sea in shipwrecks. Both are on the not-to-do list of her father. Watching in the wings is Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) who isn’t happy about being basically banished by the King so she’s always looking for ways to make him pay.

On land is Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) who loves being on the water and sailing away on new adventures. Not happy about that is his handler Sir Grimsby (Art Malik) and mother Queen Selina (Noma Dumezweni). Especially when a storm sinks Erik’s ship and lands him in Ariel’s arms delivering him to the shores.

Eric gets a peak of the girl who saved him and spends his time trying to convince everyone that there was a girl who saved him. Meantime, Ariel gets herself into trouble with Ursula who tricks her into becoming human so she can experience land. Now Eric and Ariel get to spend time together and he finds himself falling for her.

Ursula isn’t about it and brings about mayhem as the truth comes in on a wave as everyone begins to see the whole world differently.

Bailey as Ariel is fine and she has a nice voice. Trying to decide between two worlds, the character of Ariel is about dreams, hopes and being different. Bardem as Triton is not only a King but a dad of almost every mermaid. Set in his ways, it is hard for him to change and it costs him.

Hauer-King as Eric is not such much. His story is muddled to make it okay that he’s “adopted” and not even called Prince Eric. Not a fan. McCarthy as Ursula is charming but quite honestly the scenes with her in it are so dark it’s hard to get the full evil-comic effect. Her song-take of ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ is still as catchy as the original Pat Carroll version.

Trembly as the voice of Flounder is cute but the animated Flounder looks like he needs to be in rehab for something because his eyes are freaky and I can’t get past that. Awkwafina as Scuttle just takes it too far, when she talks, all I hear is Sisu from MAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON. She seems to have only one comedy bit to offer and its starting to bleed all of her comedy together. Diggs as Sebastian gives us Sebastian but looks wise, he needs to join Flounder because he’s freaky as well.

Malik as Sir Grimsby seems to be the only smart person in this film so he can hang with me any day, plus he is a butler so there’s that.

Other cast include Martina Laird as Lashana, Emily Coates as Rosa, Christopher Fairbank as Hawkins, John Dagleish as Mulligan, Jude Akuwudike as Joshua, Lorena Andrea as Perla, Simone Ashley as Indira, Karolina Conchet as Mala, Sienna King as Tamika, Kajsa Mohammar as Karina and Nathalie Sorrell as Caspia.

THE LITTLER MERMAID is once again a film that did not need to be made. Disney seems to have forgotten itself and the thing that made us love Disney through the generations – animated films. They are so busy trying to prove that they are so in the know, they do not bother to ask themselves whether remakes should be done at all – let alone live-action that may thrill some but the dollars say otherwise to their success.

It has nothing to do with the squawking going on regarding the casting of Ariel, it has to do with the tweaking of the story (I mean really? Eric was found in the ocean and adopted? Please.) The animation itself is so all over the place that it feels unfocused, especially the scenes with Ursula. That is an awesome character that deserved better all around.

There are songs that don’t need to be sung (listen up Eric and Scuttle). The animated film runs 83 minutes from start to finish, the new version is two hours and fifteen minutes! There is absolutely no need for it but once again, it feels as if Disney and director Marshall are trying to prove how cool their live-action version is. Had it stuck to the 83 minutes I might have felt a little different.

I have no doubt that there will be those thrilled with the film, good on them and I hope they have an amazing time. There is a part of me that wishes it had gone straight to Disney+ so that perhaps more people could enjoy it but it will get there fairly quick is my guess.

Sometimes films do not resonate with some people and that’s okay. Let everyone enjoy what they like and keep their memories in tact of a special time in their lives. The new THE LITTLE MERMAID will resonate with others and add to their own special memories and that is what matters.

In the end – be part of her world!

The Name is RENFIELD

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres today from director Chris McKay and Universal Pictures is one man’s story of learning how to be RENFIELD.

Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has been spanning the eras being the familiar to the one and only Count Dracula (Nicholas Cage). At a personal cross-road, Renfield finds himself attending a 12-step self-help group with others who are coping with being in a bad relationship with a narcissist.

New Orleans has also been plagued by the Lobo crime family headed by Mom Ella (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and out of control son Teddy (Ben Schwartz). Trying to put them behind bars is officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) who is shut down every time she has Teddy in cuffs.

A chance meeting brings Renfield (his tin of bugs) and Quincy together and angers Ella but Dracula has other plans. Making it clear that he is happy with being in the 21^st century, he shares the plan with Renfield that he must do better at providing, well food, for his master. This isn’t sitting well with Renfield who is learning to be his own man!

Teddy is now after Renfield as well but ends up in Dracula’s lair. That’s where the ancient fanged horror finds out that Renfield has been sort of living a good life. Now the table is about to turn as Dracula finds people who are just as happy to be evil in order to take out the good because, as Dracula says, the good taste so much better.

Co-dependency – its time to take back the power!

Hoult as Renfield is charming, disarming, thoughtful, caring and pretty much accessory to eras of, well, murder. That being said, Hoult brought life to a character that has been a bit overlooked throughout history. I just love how he is given his due and in the most unusual way. The interaction between Hoult and Cage is fantastic and a bit intimidating just to watch.

Awkwafina as Quincy is a cop who has been fighting for years to find justice for her murdered father. Especially when the ones responsible are the Lobo family. She gives us a hard edge but comedy to boot. Awkwafina gets a chance to show some action skills and it’s pretty cool.

Schwartz as Teddy is just ridiculously out of control and pretty much knows he can get away with anything. The corrupt police department makes sure of that. Schwartz looks like he is having a great time in this role.  Aghdashloo as Ella has one purpose, to keep her crime family together even if her son is a loose cannon. Its wonderful to see her take on a comedic role while being the most well-dressed bad gal in the film.

Now, lets talk about Cage as Dracula – I swear I either couldn’t stop laughing or was riveted by his portrayal. This isn’t your handsome, smooth talking nice guy that is misunderstood. Nope, he is clearly got dental issues, controlling tendencies, a plan for world domination and needs a nail technician asap! He has taken this role and given is thrills, laughs, chills and more thrills. Well done from start to finish.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Chris, Danya LaBelle as Karla, Rhonda Dents as Sharon, Christopher Cook as Bob, Michael Sullivan as Weird Kevin, Rosha Washington as Trevante, T. C. Matherne as Kyle, Brandon Jones as Mark, Jenna Kanell as Carol, James Black as Captain Browning, Caroline Williams as Vanessa, Bess Rous as Caitlyn and Camille Chen as Kate.

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.

RENFIELD is such a horror/comedy filled with amazing performances. Starting with Hoult and Cage then add a spicy dash of Awkwafina and add a well-chosen cast of disturbing characters and this is fun for everyone. There is action, a long history story line, blood, gun fights, body fights, more action and all in the name of the prince of darkness.

The opportunity for Renfield to tell his side of the story makes it clear that working for a self-indulgent, narcissistic ageless boss needed its moment in the sun (pun intended). Jaw dropping moments along with uncomfortable laughs only add to this strange and pretty dang cool telling.

I was all in for Cage being Dracula but man, oh man, did direction McKay get it right from action to cinematography to special effects. It is everything we didn’t know we wanted!

In the end – it sucks to be him!

THE BAD GUYS Try Another Tactic

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Pierre Perifel, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures comes the story of change from the most unlikely group of THE BAD GUYS.

In a world of two legged and four legged creatures living together in Los Angeles, there is a group called The Bad Guys who are leading a life of crime! Mr. Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell) is the head of the gang who loves being cool and driving fast. His friends include the sarcastic Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), the hot-headed Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), loves his disguises Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson) and technology expert Ms. ‘Webs’ Tarantula (Awkwafina).

Always managing to escape infuriates Chief of Police Luggins (Alex Borstein) and the foxy Governor Diane (Zazie Beetz). Looking for their next score, Mr. Wolf has his eyes on the Golden Dolphin, an award to be given to guinea pig Professor Marmalade for his good works. Getting the gang on board means enticing Mr. Snake but the heist is on.

When it goes a bit haywire, Governor Diane and Chief Luggins are ready to lock them up and throw away the key, yet Professor Marmalade has another idea. What if it is possible to show the criminal element how good it can be to be…well…good! When everyone sort of agrees, the gang goes through the motions except that Wolf knows something they do not. Good is not all that bad.

Mr. Snake, however, is not happy and decides he would rather go it alone than deal with the batch of goodie goodies. At the next planned celebration, the new feel-good gang are loving the new attention but is about to get a jolt of reality when everything turns upside down.

That’s when Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula get some unexpected help in proving who is really responsible for the mayhem all along!

Rockwell as Mr. Wolf gives us an animated smooth talking and well-dressed Wolf who has lived a life of crime. It is when he meets a little old lady does he realize that he never really considered any other life. Maron as Mr. Snake is sarcastic and has a bite in the way he handles things. Not believing that any good is possible, he sees it more of a betrayal than a new way of life.

Beetz as Governor Diane thinks that the Bad Guys gang have deep rooted issues that are absolutely no excuse for their behavior. Giving them another chance does not seem like a good idea, but she wants to believe Professor Marmalade knows what he is doing. Awkwafina as ‘Webs’ is the tech-savvy eight-legged magician of the bunch and cracked me up absolutely.

Ramos as Mr. Piranha may be small but all you have to do it confront him in the wrong way and the teeth come out fighting. Robinson as Mr. Shark is the big lug of the bunch who, given the chance, loves to dress up and wing a character.  Borstein as Chief of Police Luggins has spent years trying to capture the Bad Guys and every time she gets her hands on them, begins to question what she will do with her life once they are behind bars.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

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.

The characters are based on Aaron Blabey’s book series The Bad Guys. Etan Cohen wrote the screenplay for the film and both Blabey and Cohen have done a terrific job.

THE BAD GUYS is a wonderfully animated film that tests friendships, is full of surprised and makes you forget that the film is about both humans and animals co-existing. There is action, a cute kitty, lots of guinea pigs, and twists in the story. It is also a story of redemption from the most unlikely of characters who have lived their lives always being the villains.

There were so many laughs, enough for the adults and silliness for the kids (or even kids at heart). This is an excellent chance for the family to get together and spend quality time with a film that is just enjoyable for everyone.

In the end – good is no fun at times!

 

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON Brings Kumandra to Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from directors Don Hall, Carlos Estrada, Paul Briggs, John Ripa and Walt Disney Animated Studios is the story of RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.

Raya (Kelly Tran) is a young girl learning the culture, that of Sisu and traditions of her people being taught by her father Benja (Daniel Dae Kim). Showing her the lessons of getting along with the other tribes, he believes in peaceful means and shareable solutions. The problem is the other clans do not seem to share his beliefs.

Namaari (Gemma Chan) and Raya meet and show the adults how friendship is done. While sharing their stories, Namaari tells Raya that Sisu (Awkwafina) is still around. But not is all that it seems. Chief Virana’s (Sandra Oh) clan attempts to cause a rift but Benja tries to appeal to their humanity. One move causes everything to scatter, as well as the dragon gem the Heart clan has been protecting.

As Raya escapes, a new journey begins for the young girl who is left on her own. Following a map, she and her trusty animal friend Tuk Tuk are hoping to find the pieces of the dragon gem once again. Six years later, Raya finds the final place to try and bring Sisu back to set the world right.

What she does not expect is a beautiful blue dragon with a unique sense of humor and a story of her own to tell. They can not take to long for this because Raya is being hunted by Namaari who is vengeful and focused on one thing – getting what she wants. Thanks to young captain and chef Boun (Izaac Wang). Sisu and Raya escape to get to the next place and the next piece of the dragon gem.

Now the gang is almost complete as Little Noi (Thalia Tran) and Ton (Benedict Wong) joins the group of those who only want their families back.

Tran gives her Raya a gentle heart with a warrior’s glare. Joining her father in the responsibility for the Heart clan, she is quick to learn, and the lessons are about to become harsh. Thinking she is alone in finding the Dragon gem, she not only finds Sisu but a whole group of different characters and people who believe in what she is doing. Tran lends her voice to give Raya strength and its lovely.

Awkwafina as Sisu is flighty (both literally and figuratively) and is the humor of the duo. The journey with Sisu and Raya is one of learning, trusting and love. Awkwafina is funny, charming and when the time comes, pulls on the heartstrings of trust to help her new-found friend. Her silliness reminds me a bit of Robin Williams in ALADDIN and there certainly is not anything wrong with that!

Kim as Benja wants his daughter to understand why they are protecting the Dragon gem and at the same time teach her how to do things differently, less battles and more understanding. Chan as Naamari is raised differently than Raya with the eyes on a prize that is not hers to have. Time and time again she proves to Raya that the trust between them is misguided. Oh as her mother Virana continues to guide her daughter on the wrong path.

Wong as Ton has a huge heart and its hidden by a huge personage that gives people the wrong impression of him. He also believes in Raya and is about to put his weapon to the test on her behalf. What brings out his softer side is Little Noi voiced by Tran to give us the ‘awwwwwww’ factor until you realize this is not your normal little helpless tyke roaming around!

Other cast include Lucille Soong as Dang Hu, Dichen Lachman as General Atitaya, Patti Harrison as Tail Chief, Jon Park as Chai, Sung Kang as Dang hai, Ross Butler as Spine Chief, and Francois Chau as Wahn.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began distributing under its own label in 1980 and 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 to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

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.

The Bluray Bonus Extras Include: Us Again – Theatrical Short Film, Outtakes, Deleted Scenes, Taste of RAYA – Tune into a virtual dinner roundtable with Kelly Marie Tran and the filmmakers, RAYA: Bringing it Home – See how the film was made from over 450 homes, Martial Artists – Learn about the film’s martial arts and more, We are Kumandra – Discover the cultural influences that inspired the film, Fun Facts & Easter Eggs and more!

Raya is a young woman who believes in her family, culture and the stories that are shared. When it all is taken away, she still holds strong to everything. That is an amazing story to share with not only kids who are taken with Disney films, but to the adults. There is something to be said for the greed of those who want to possess something that either is not theirs or just because they do not want anyone else to have it.

The story being told through RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON is not only believable but speaks on many levels. The ideal that sharing and working together in times of difficult adversity is something that has been sadly lacking, especially in the last year. Like many Disney films, Raya takes on bringing back those she loves through no fault of her own.

She believes in the good of others and continues to trust those that perhaps she should not, but Raya also has the Anne Frank philosophy that “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart”. But Raya also learns a valuable lesson in letting others help her when she realizes they want the very same thing – and oh what a group it is!

In the end – it is time to come together!  

 

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Disney+ from directors Don Hall, Carlos Estrada, Paul Briggs, John Ripa and Walt Disney Animated Studios is the story of RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.

Raya (Kelly Tran) is a young girl learning the culture, that of Sisu and traditions of her people being taught by her father Benja (Daniel Dae Kim). Showing her the lessons of getting along with the other tribes, he believes in peaceful means and shareable solutions. The problem is the other clans do not seem to share his beliefs.

Namaari (Gemma Chan) and Raya meet and show the adults how friendship is done. While sharing their stories, Namaari tells Raya that Sisu (Awkwafina) is still around. But not is all that it seems. Chief Virana’s (Sandra Oh) clan attempts to cause a rift but Benja tries to appeal to their humanity. One move causes everything to scatter, as well as the dragon gem the Heart clan has been protecting.

As Raya escapes, a new journey begins for the young girl who is left on her own. Following a map, she and her trusty animal friend Tuk Tuk are hoping to find the pieces of the dragon gem once again. Six years later, Raya finds the final place to try and bring Sisu back to set the world right.

What she does not expect is a beautiful blue dragon with a unique sense of humor and a story of her own to tell. They can not take to long for this because Raya is being hunted by Namaari who is vengeful and focused on one thing – getting what she wants. Thanks to young captain and chef Boun (Izaac Wang). Sisu and Raya escape to get to the next place and the next piece of the dragon gem.

Now the gang is almost complete as Little Noi (Thalia Tran) and Ton (Benedict Wong) joins the group of those who only want their families back.

Tran gives her Raya a gentle heart with a warrior’s glare. Joining her father in the responsibility for the Heart clan, she is quick to learn, and the lessons are about to become harsh. Thinking she is alone in finding the Dragon gem, she not only finds Sisu but a whole group of different characters and people who believe in what she is doing. Tran lends her voice to give Raya strength and its lovely.

Awkwafina as Sisu is flighty (both literally and figuratively) and is the humor of the duo. The journey with Sisu and Raya is one of learning, trusting and love. Awkwafina is funny, charming and when the time comes, pulls on the heartstrings of trust to help her new-found friend. Her silliness reminds me a bit of Robin Williams in ALADDIN and there certainly is not anything wrong with that!

Kim as Benja wants his daughter to understand why they are protecting the Dragon gem and at the same time teach her how to do things differently, less battles and more understanding. Chan as Naamari is raised differently than Raya with the eyes on a prize that is not hers to have. Time and time again she proves to Raya that the trust between them is misguided. Oh as her mother Virana continues to guide her daughter on the wrong path.

Wong as Ton has a huge heart and its hidden by a huge personage that gives people the wrong impression of him. He also believes in Raya and is about to put his weapon to the test on her behalf. What brings out his softer side is Little Noi voiced by Tran to give us the ‘awwwwwww’ factor until you realize this is not your normal little helpless tyke roaming around!

Other cast include Lucille Soong as Dang Hu, Dichen Lachman as General Atitaya, Patti Harrison as Tail Chief, Jon Park as Chai, Sung Kang as Dang hai, Ross Butler as Spine Chief, and Francois Chau as Wahn.

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.

Raya is a young woman who believes in her family, culture and the stories that are shared. When it all is taken away, she still holds strong to everything. That is an amazing story to share with not only kids who are taken with Disney films, but to the adults. There is something to be said for the greed of those who want to possess something that either is not theirs or just because they do not want anyone else to have it. 

The story being told through RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON is not only believable but speaks on many levels. The ideal that sharing and working together in times of difficult adversity is something that has been sadly lacking, especially in the last year. Like many Disney films, Raya takes on bringing back those she loves through no fault of her own.

She believes in the good of others and continues to trust those that perhaps she should not, but Raya also has the Anne Frank philosophy that “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart”. But Raya also learns a valuable lesson in letting others help her when she realizes they want the very same thing – and oh what a group it is!

In the end – it is time to come together!  

 

 

 

JUMANJI: The Next Level Brings Another Adventure

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Jake Kasdan and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return for another adventure with JUMANJI: The Next Level.

It's the holidays and the gang make plans to return to Nora's Diner for a bit of catching up. Bethany (Madison Iseman), Martha (Morgan Turner), Fridge (Ser'Darius Blain) and Spencer (Alex Wolff). Actually, Spencer is finding any way to avoid getting together at home with Mom (Marin Hinkle) and Grandpa Eddie (Danny DeVito) who is recovering from hip surgery.

The reason for seclusion is that Spencer and Martha have taken a break from their relationship and he's having a hard time. So much so that he goes into the basement and finds a certain video game and does the unthinkable. Grandpa Eddie is dealing with his own grumpiness when friend Milo (Danny Glover) comes to visit but Eddie isn't exactly having it.

When the gang can't reach Spencer, they head over to his house and meet Eddie and Milo and then hear a sound that stops them in their tracks. Running down to the basement, they realize that Spencer has jumped back into the game. The only thing to do is to go in after him, except this time there are a few changes they don't see coming.

In the game the basic rules are the same but the game has changed! It is more challenging and the players are a tad different. Martha (Karen Gillan) keeps her character but Eddie (Dwayne Johnson) has a much bigger stature, Bethany (Jack Black) is back and Milo is Mouse Finbar (Kevin Hart). Confused yet? Well it gets better!

They begin searching for Spencer who is now Ming (Awkwafina) who is looking for a stone that will save the world but is being stopped by Jurgen the Brutal (Rory McCann). Getting it requires the help of Alex (Nick Jonas) who is happy to see everyone.

Now that all the players on in place, it's time to put Jurgen in his place and return the beloved and precious stone before dinner time!

Johnson as Eddie gets a chance to be even more comedic than before. It is even more hilarious when you realize he is doing his best Danny DeVito Eddie. His flexing, jumping and stare into the abyss is full on fun and we'd pretty much expect nothing less from him. DeVito as the grumpy Eddie isn't really into life and can't seem to find a moment to be happy about. Becoming the player Eddie is the most fun he's had in, well, forever.

Wolff as Spencer is having an early 20's crisis and the only thing he can think to do is go somewhere where he felt special. This is a young man who didn't think things through to well and when he shows up in the game as Ming, it’s a new character with new abilities. Awkwafina as Ming is hilarious as always and since her introduction to people in the film CRAZY RICH ASIANS, she has made a name for herself doing comedy but also can pull off true emotions when needed.

Hart as Milo doesn't understand what is happening except that he seems much more knowledgeable about language and animals. Hart doing Glover is probably the best I've seen and it just kept cracking me up. Glover as Milo wants to fix the friendship he has with Eddie and it's not as if the grumpy guy is going to make it easy.

Black as Fridge isn't happy about his less than perfect body and doesn't understand why he can't be the same character he was before. Black jumps into his role and I can see him playing any of them with ease. There is a scene with Martha that is pretty funny in the pool of change. Blain as Fridge is happy to see his friends but not so much when they have no choice but to return to the game to find Spencer.

Gillan as Martha is back in her shorts and a tank top making sure that she gets a chance to jump off things and flip around tree branches with ease. The comedy for her comes when trying to explain to Eddie and Milo that they are in a game and what the rules are. Iseman as Bethany is the monkey in the works and she has to turn to Alex (Colin Hanks) for help in a very brave way. Hanks as Alex has a small role but I'm always happy to see him.

Shout out to McCann as Jurgen the Brutal and I don't want to say that it’s a bit of type casting but let’s through it out there and see if it sticks. As the Hound in Game of Thrones he was loud, had no problem swinging a sword and was a tad frightening, hmmmm…sounds like Jurgen the Brutal. Who cares! It's good to see him.

Other cast include Ashley Scott as Ashley, Rhys Darby as Nigel, Deobia Oparei as Gromm, Sarah Bennani as Andi Tow, Massi Furlan as Switchblade, Jared Hasmuk as Dagfin and Sal Longobardo as Tony.

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The Bluray and Digital Bonus for JUMANJI: The Next Level include Gag Reel, Rhys Darby Wants to Jingle – How do you top Jack Black and Nick Jonas’s unforgettable theme song for the first one? Everyone’s favorite Non Player Character, Rhys Darby is ready to take it to the next, next level and Body Swapping: Snapping Into Character – In the latest Jumanji adventure, the avatar roles are turned on their heads with new characters and hilarious performances.

Also included Back Together: Reuniting the Cast – Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack Black are back and better than ever as they share their excitement to reunite, Level Up, Scene Breakdown: Ostrich Chase, Scene Breakdown: Mandrill Bridges, Awkwafina Cat Burglar, NPC Confessions: Jurgen the Brutal, Grow Up, Telenovela, VFX Pre-Vis: Zepplin Battle, VFX Pre-Vis: Ostrich Chase and AR Game.

JUMANJI: The Next Level is family fun and especially for those who love the idea of these actors in a video game. There is fun, humor, adventure and it's all wrapped up in the story of family, friendship, loyalty, acceptance and fighting off bad guys with your best friends. Of course, I am a fan of the Robin Williams version of JUMANJI and will always see that as the standard but at the same time it is easy to see why this generation is having such fun with he franchise.

This version of the film has more characters than the 1995 JUMANJI and the comedy is sillier with Johnson and Hart at the helm. These two clearly share the same humor and their off-screen friendship and Twitter 'war' adds to the charm of their film.

If you want to take a break from the crazy outside and be taken away on a fun adventure, then JUMANJI: The Next Level is the right film to see with the whole family. Make sure there is popcorn for all!

In the end - it's the very next level!