The Fun is Here with BEN 10: The Complete Series

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is the Emmy Award-winning animated sci-fi series BEN 10: The Complete Series.

Ben Tennyson is a boy who discovers the alien wristwatch with the Omnitrix that allows Ben to transform into aliens because of the DNA inside. When he touches it, it now becomes part of his wrist and it doesn’t take long before he learns how to use it and wants to be a superhero. Taking a cross-country trip with his cousin Gwen and grandad Max, it promises to be a summer of adventure with the added bonus of Heatblast, Wildmutt, Diamondhead and XLR8. Becoming a superhero means looking out for others such as Dr. Amino and his Transmodulator, helping the Krakken with Gwen’s help and dealing with Ripjaws.

Ben’s Aunt Vera is another adventure with the resident eating Limax and aliens Upgrade and Ghostfreak. That’s just the beginning as Season one episodes include And Then There Were 10, Washington B.C., The Krakken, Permanent Retirement, Hunted, Tourist Trap, Kevin 11, The Alliance, Last Laugh, Lucky Girl, A Small Problem, Side Effects, and Secrets.

Family secrets come out when Max tells Ven and Gwen of his past as an agent of “The Plumbers” and their job was to deal with extraterrestrials. That’s also when Maxs’ old partner Phil has been using the Null Void Projector in nefarious ways. Yellowstone is the next adventure where Ben not only discovers Cannonbolt but another creature has come to wreak havoc on the planet. That isn’t as disturbing as their trip to San Francisco where Ben sees the other side of transformation when aliens are becoming him! Now he has to deal with the Special Alien Capture Team and Lt. Steel. More episodes include Truth, The Big Tick, Frames, Gwen 10, Grudge Match, The Galactic Enforcers, Camp Fear, Ultimate Weapon, Tough Luck, They Lurk Below, Ghostfreaked Out, Dr. Animo and the Mutant Ray, and Back with a Vengeance. There is so much more but let’s move on to the next adventure.

BEN 10: Alien Force is five years later where things take a dark turn as Ben is in high school after removing the Omnitrix. Off to see Max, he sees a mysterious alien and realizes that his grandpa is gone but there is a message saying he is looking for aliens and Ben gets the idea what Max wants him to put back on the Ominitrix. Both he and Gwen are confronted once again by “The Plumbers” as Magister Labrid is part of the reason Max is missing. Back in the fight, Ben puts back on the Ominitrix and has access to new aliens but also has to deal with nemesis Kevin Levin. Kevin agrees to help with the Forever Knights and after a battle believe they should finish what has started. Episodes include Ben 10 Returns Part 1, Ben 10 Returns Park 2, Everybody Talks About the Weather, Kevin’s Big Score, All That Glitters, Max Out, Pier Pressure, What Are Little Girls Made Of?, The Gauntlet, Paradox, Be-Knighted, Plumbers’ Helpers, X=Ben+2 and so much more.

BEN 10: Ultimate Alien brings a big change for young Ben when the world finds out about him because of an online video. Adding to the stress is Will Harangue, a news anchor that believes that Ben is a problem. A good thing that Gwen and Kevin are still on his side and discovers that a kid named Jimmy is responsible for the secret coming out. Colonel Rozum tells Ben that they need their help because there is an alien out there stealing parts from a NASA rocket. Of course, this means dealing with aliens like Humungousaur, Jetray, Chromastone, Spidermonkey and Ultimate Spidermonkey. Ben has a girlfriend; Ben has a girlfriend! Julie is in a tennis match but he needs to be with Kevin dealing with the Forever Knights AND he really wants to watch a movie. What is a young man to do? Well, turn himself in Echo Echo and make it possible to go to all three but a girl can only take so much. Other episodes include Fame, Duped, Hit ‘Em Where They Live, Video Games, Escape from Aggregor, Too Hot to Handle, Andreas’ Fault, Fused, Hero Time, Ultimate Aggregor, Map of Infinity, Reflected Glory, Deep, Where the Magic Happens, Perplexahedron, The Forge of Creation, Nor Iron Bars a Cage, The Enemy of My Enemy, Absolute Power Part 1, Absolute Power Park 2 and so much more!

In BEN 10: Omniverse Gwen has gone off to college and Kevin moves to be close to her so now Ben is fighting alone. Max knows he needs someone to help so Rook Blonko is a Plumber that teams up. Their first mission together is to deal with Bubble Helmet, Fistina and Liam but someone is watching Ben! Discovering a place called the Undertown, they continue to deal with the alien city but the watcher Khyber has his own ideas. He is also studying Ben and his younger dealings with aliens and waiting for his opportunity to grab Ben. When issues arise between Ben and Blonko, it might just be the time. All of this has to do with Dr. Psychobos who wants DNA to complete his own Nemetrix. Adventures include The More Things Change Part 1, the More Things Change Part 2, A Jolt from the Past, Trouble Helix, Have I Got a Deal For You, It Was Them, So Long and Thanks for All the Smoothies, Hot Stretch, Of Predators and Prey Part 1, Of Predators and Prey Part 2 with five more arcs to the story.

The story and adventure of Ben, Gwen, Kevin and Grandpa Max is out of this world!

Warner Bros. Discover Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by WBDHE to homes and screens of millions through physical Bluray, Disc and DVD sales and major streaming, VOD, digital and mobile channels. WBDHE is one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.wbd.com.

The DVD box set includes all 227 episodes created ocer the years from Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien and Ben 10 Omniverse, and two movies including Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix and Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens.

BEN 10 came from the Cartoon Network Studios and created by the Man of Action group. They consist of Duncan Rouleau. Joe Casey, Joe Kelly and Steven T. Seagle who are comic book creators. After years of work, BEN 10 was picked up by the network and is a classic in so many homes – including my own! The adventures were some of the most popular in my home and has made its way to my grandkids who have decided that now they need to binge all 227 episodes. Secretly I was hoping they would want to so that I could join in the fun once again for nostalgic and great watching reasons.

What makes this series so special is not only the fantastic graphics but the creativity of the storyline, the aliens, the connection between family and friends and the lessons all of this brings. Each episode is so fantastical that, in the day, waiting for each one brought child-like frustration but NOW, it is time to binge.

Grab lots of popcorn, pull in the kids and kids at heart to go on an epic journey of growing up, being universal superhero (with the family), meet new aliens and know nothing is stopping us all from a 227 episode and movie gathering with BEN 10: The Complete Series.

In the end – Ben is out of this world!

 

 

 

 

 

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from directors Richard Claus, Karsten Kiilerich and Shout! Factory Kids is a tale of friendship and loyalty with PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA.

Pang the Panda (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing) and best friend Jielong (Georgina Verbaan) the dragon are the best of friends. Spending their days playing games and waiting for Jielong to learn to fly, they are living the hometown life. When the two get to spend the season together, there is so much more to do! That is until an unexpected visitor reaches their shores and takes Jielong away.

Where? In Africa, the young prince lion Ade (Namisa Mdalose) is told by his uncle Malume (Silas Lekgoathi) that a special present its way. Pang is not about to let his best friend disappear and finds Xing-Xing (Thom Hoffman) the orangutan to take him across the sea where he meets Jojo (Maurits Delchot) the talapoin. The goal is to have Jojo lead him to where the lions are and get Jielong back.

Ade is surprised when he learns Jielong What Pang doesn’t expect is to meet the very sweet Niala (Candice Modiselle), the spotted hyena who has a history with Ade. There is a secret that is keeping the lions and hyena’s from sharing the same space. Now Pang and Jielong each do what they must to get free, save Niala’s family, Ade’s kingdom and get back home. That’s a lot for Pang and Jielong but they will not stop until they are home.

Other cast include Sthandile Nkosi as Kabora, Thulani Nzonzo as Mpho, James Weebo as Darius, Charles Ouda as Abu, Angel Orugbo as Camel, Joyce W. Musoke as Mrs. Python, and Adriana Pang as Kang.

SHOUT! Studios 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! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The DVD includes the Special Features of a Featurette, Selected Scenes from PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA and Theatrical Trailer.

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is the very charming animated film that any family who loves a little sofa cuddle time are going to enjoy. There is so much to offer here with a story of friendship between the young Pang the Panda and Jielong the dragon. They have an amazing friendship of fun, adventure and loyalty to one another. When someone scary happens to one, the other jumps in and does everything possible to help. That would be an amazing story in itself.

Yet, in this film, there is also the story of the animals in Africa and the dilemma they find themselves in. Jielong sees what is happening in the lion kingdom and Pang learns about the secrets in the hyena world. There is a conflict on both sides and little do they realize that two animals from another place on earth can help in the most heart-warming way possible. That makes the story even more wonderful to watch with the family. As a family, it is a chance to talk about everything the film offers and that is so important.

The animation of the film is colorful, fun, lively and brings about so much joy. The cast bringing their voices to each of the characters had me and my family laughing so much. What I love about such films like PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is that it is also a bit of a teaching tool about animals around the world. My granddaughter was thrilled to learn about them and is now interested in researching them even more.

This is a story of wildlife with lions, pandas, hippos, lions, dragons, gorillas and meerkats. So, grab the family, cuddle up on the sofa and prepare to take a trip into friendship!

In the end – bravery knows no size!

On DVD is ELMO’S WORLD: Elmo Loves to Giggle

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from Sesame Street and Shout! Kids is a really fantastic time with one of the most loveable creatures with ELMO’S WORLD: Elmo Loves to Giggle.

Elmo begins with arts and crafts wanting to learn all about it. Grover decides he wants to learn as well. Paper animals and sock puppets are only the beginning of what they can make. Ms. Noodle shows them hot to make a puppet out of a sock. Next, Elmo is thinking about sharing with his friend Smarty. Learning about the things that we can share with one another, Elmo knows this can be a happy thing. He plays the game of sharing so everyone can learn what it means to be a good sharer. Mr. Noodles dog Schmoodle shows how even animals can share.

Wondering, Elmo takes time to think about fairy tales. Smarty joins wearing a suit of knight’s armor to talk about dwarfs, giants and how they can end happily ever after. Planning the Jack and the Beanstalk game is fun for Elmo. Ms. Noodle shows how Jack reached the giant. Elmo’s next wonder is about cooking. Smarty joins Elmo to learn about cooking using recipes. The recipes guide the cook into making pizza which Elmo loves. He tries himself to make a quesadilla. Elmo asks Mr. Noodle if he likes to cook and what he enjoys.

Smarty joins Elmo as he wonders about songs. Learning there are so many ways to sing songs and so many different songs. Playing a game of tempo with instruments, Elmo shows how to play together with others. Mr. Noodles dog, Schmoodle shows his own way of singing. The thought of horses is on Elmo’s mind now. Grover thinks he is an expert on horses but is surprised to learn that real horses come in any colors, shapes and sizes. Elmo and Grover play the game of what to feed horses. Mr. Noodles dog, Schmoodle, gets a chance to be a horse.

The next wonder on Elmo’s mind are birthdays, Smarty wants to pretend its Elmo’s birthday and they learn more about it. Celebrating birthdays comes with parties, games and cake plus more. Playing the birthday game makes Elmo happy. Mr. Noodles brother Mr. Noodle shows how to wrap a birthday present. Elmo wonders about turtles. Smarty helps Elmo look up fact about turtles learning there are different shapes and sizes of turtles. Turtles also live in so many different environments and places. Elmo plays the game of baby turtles getting back to the ocean. Mr. Noodles dog, Schmoodle shows what a turtle house looks like.

Elmo is wondering about friends and Smarty shows how there are so many different kinds of friends. He and Smarty play tic-tac-toe together because they are friends. Elmo asks Mr. Noodles brother Mr. Noodle how he plays with Schmoodle. In Elmo’s world he wonders about school. Cookie Monster joins in to learn about school and letters, numbers, music, dancing and even cooking. They play the clean up game with knowing where things go. Mr. Noodle and Schmoodle show what they do in school.

There is more wondering about colors, spiders, dancing, clouds, shoes, painting, rocks, celebrations, winter holidays, dress-up, bubbles and food!

SHOUT! Studios 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! Studios 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.

Bonus Specials include Compilation of Elmo’s Best Share-the-Laughter Moments. Also, Share with Laughter and Jokes and Kindness, Kate McKinnon Sharing a Joke, Cookie Monsters Joke, Josh Groban, Big Bird and Sheep, Padma Lakshmi, Grover and Chicken, Elmo and Ms. Alana, and so many more!

ELMO’S WORLD: Elmo Loves to Giggle is so much fun to watch. Each thought he has is an opportunity for the kids who are watching to wonder as well. I just love how each wonder goes step by step in how to find the answers to questions we all might have. Smarty gives kids the opportunity to find the answers because when they do, the world opens up for them so much more than they can imagine.

The songs and dancing are so much fun as well. The one thing you can always count on with Sesame Street is that their characters will always be memorable. Without telling my age, trust me when I say I know them all to this day and loved watching them when I was a kid. That followed with me encouraging my children to watch Sesame Street and now, my grandchildren have grown up with these characters. Big Bird, Grover, Elmo, Cookie Monster – the list is long and wonderful.

Elmo is a character filled with innocence, charm, wonderment and a great giggle. Each wonder is filled with color, information, imagination and all the things that kids are drawn too. This DVD is a wonderful way to spend time with children and be a part of the world as they see it. So, cuddle up with your own favorite muppet to have fun, learn and giggle along with Elmo!

In the end – we love when Elmo wonders because it’s his world!

RICK AND MORTY: The Complete Seasons on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Adult Swim and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is an animated series that has something for everyone with RICK AND MORTY: The Complete Seasons 1-7.

Season One begins with after being drunk, Rick and Morty take a flight in a machine made from a neutrino bomb. Rick suggests that destroying humanity might help Morty get with Jessica to become the new Adam and Eve. Morty’s mom and dad think Rick is a horrible influence on Morty and think it may be time for a nursing home. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Rick has other problems involving Mega everything. Now, parents Jerry and Beth have a reason to be suspicious when they discover how many days Morty has been absent from school.

Rick thinks that going on adventure with Morty is more important learning more, like the laws of thermodynamics, than what he could learn in school. Oddly, Jerry and Beth let the two go on more adventures! Morty even helps around the house when Snuffles needs a better understanding about not pee’ing on the carpet. Rick is busy getting into the school’s math teacher’s mind.

More episodes include Lawnmower Dog, Anatomy Park, M. Night Shaym-Aliens!, Meeseeks and Destroy, Rick Potion #9, Raising Gazorpazorp, Rixty Minutes, Something Ricked This Way Comes, Close Rick-counters of the Rich Kind, and Ricksy Business.

After six months Rick tells Morty that time might be unstable beginning Season Two. When Morty and sister Summer bicker, it creates two realities and the garage has a weird void of Schrodinger’s cats. Trying to use a Time Crystal to fix thing, it is Morty an Summer who keep the madness happening and Rick sees it all split into four-dimension. It has to be fixed before the void has its way or before Einstein has something to say about it all.

More season episodes include A Rickle in Time, Mortynight Run, Auto Erotic Assimilation, Total Rickall, Get Schwifty, The Ricks Must Be Crazy, Big Trouble in Little Sanchez, Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate, Look Who’s Purging Now, and The Wedding Squanchers.

Season Three continue with the Galactic Federation is in charge of Earth and the family doesn’t have Rick around. Summer decides to dig up a Rick to get the portal gun for rescue. Morty wants Summer to go see for herself how Rick has messed up another alternate universe called the Cronenberg World. Once captured, the Council of ricks decide what to do next. The Federation is going to try something itself by sending Cornvelious Daniel to discover the secret of Rick’s portal gun. Things in the Smiths home are getting heated when Beth has to make a choice and Rick has a weird hankering for a 1998 Szechuan Sause from McDonalds.

The other episodes include The Rickshank Rickdemption, Rickmancing the Stone, Pickle Rick, Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender, The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy, Rest and Ricklaxation, The Ricklantis Mixup, Morty’s Mind Blowers, The ABC’s of Beth, and The Rickchurian Mortydate.

Onto Season Four, Rick and Morty go off to Forbodulon Prime looking for a way to use death crystals to see the outcomes of death. Morty sees Jessica and follows what the crystal is showing him and Rick sees something totally different. When disaster strikes Morty goes home only to be followed by Holographic Rick. When you add Rick, Holographic Rick and Wasp Rick into the mix, well, Morty gets more than he bargained for.

More episodes include Edge of Tomotrty: Rick Die Rickpeat, The Old Man and the Seat, One Crew over the Crewcoo’s Morty, Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty, Rattlestar Ricklactica, Never Ricking Morty, Promortyus, The Vat of Acid Episode, Childrick of Mort, and Star Mort Ricktum of the Jerri.

Rick and Morty are in their spaceship and there is a chance they are going to crash in Season Five. Morty wants to keep a date with Jessica and is going to do what it takes to make that happen. Landing in the ocean, Rick now has to tell Morty about Mr. Nimbus. When Nimbus appears, it is time to deal with a treaty but Rick has other ideas with Summer’s help. She has to dive to retrieve a conch shell that will turn the, excuse me, tide. Rick decides its time to wine up Nimbus but will it be enough?

Other episodes include Mort Dinner Rick Andre, Mortypolicity, A Rickconvenient Mort, Rickdependence Spray, Amortycan Grickfitti, Rick & Morty’s Thanksploitation spectacular, Gotron Jerrsis Rickvangelion, Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort, Forgetting Sarick Mortshall and Rickmurai Jack.

Season six starts with Rick Morty being rescues by Space Beth. Evil Morty has sabotaged the portal gun but Rick tries to fix it but instead, it glitches. Hoping Summer can help them get back, each need to get back to their own dimension. Rick wants an AI of his wife Diane but that goes crazy instead and now they have to deal with a Rick Prime. The two Beths have a disagreement about fighting off five-dimensional monsters and surprised at who saves them. Jerry has found a “cute” parasite he calls Mr. Frundles. It’s not so cute when it wants to take over the world. Rick makes the statement that Rick Prime is the “real deal”1

More episodes include Solaricks, Rick: A Mort Well Lived, Bethic Twinstinct, Night Family, Final DeSmithation, Juricksic Mort, Full Meta Jackrick, Analyze Piss, A Rick in King Mortur’s Mort, and Ricktational Mortpoon’s Rickmas Mortcation.

When Mr. Poopybutthole visits the Smiths in Season Seven, they quickly grow tired of his antics and demand that Rick take action. Calling friends like Quanchy, Birdperson and Gen’s cousin, it is now a party. That’s when PB is still upset about the Army and wants Rick to help mend fences with his son. Getting a P.I. involved, PB grabs his son but has second thoughts which is unfortunate since Rick and friends had a smack down with Gul’Karna.

Other epsiodes in the season include How Poopy Got His Poop Back, The Jerrick Trap, Air Force Wong, That’s Amorte, Unmortricken, Rickfending Your Mort, Wet Kuat Amortician Summer, Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie, Mort: Ragnarick, and Fear No Mort.

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.

Adult Swim is an adult programming block on cartoon Network during the evening, prime time, and late-night. The channel features stylistically varied animated and live-action series aimed at adult audiences. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.adultswim.com.

RICK AND MORTY: The Complete Seasons 1-7 have Special Features that contain mature themes and vulgar and sexually explicit language that may not be suitable for viewing by children under 17. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

RICK AND MORTY is the twisted and awesome creation of Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. Starting out with short film, Roiland began submitting a different kind of filmmaking to film festivals. Harmon liked the twisted humor and began collaborating with Roiland. By 2012, Adult Swim picked up the series and it aired in October of that year and has been a ratings hit ever since.

In 2015, the series won an IGN Award for Best Animated Series, in 2017 won again for Best Animated Series and Best Comedic TV Performance for Justin Roiland, won Best Animated Series from the Critics Choice Television awards, Best General Audience Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Pickle Rick and Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Ryan Ridley and Dan Guterman from the Annie Awards.

Also, from the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program for Pickle Rick in 2018 and again in 2020 for The Vat of Acid Episode, in 2021 the series won Best Edited Animation for Lee Harting (Rattlestar Ricklactica) from the American Cinema Editors Awards, and Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards gave the show Best Broadcast Network or Cable Animated Series or Television Movie in 2022. 

I am a big fan of adult cartoons as far back as The Ren & Stimpy Show in 1991 (yes, that aged me big time!) to Beevis and Butt-Head in 1993 and so many more. Each pushed the boundaries of what could be said and done on television seeing animation humor as kind of harmless fun right? We knew then as we know now, these shows have just become grittier, boundary pushing and absolutely hilarious. Sitting up late nights watching the shows in past years, our family became thrilled with Adult Swim’s content and we are still unapologetic about loving it all.

RICK AND MORTY is a continuation of that gritty, boundary pushing humor that is a reason to hang out of a Friday night with friends. We did a potluck on many nights and sat around who ever had the biggest television screen to have time together laughing (sometimes to the point of needing oxygen). That’s what RICK AND MORTY have done, spending seven seasons with us!

Now, all seven seasons are together in one collection so everyone can do it all over again because that’s what friends with twisted senses of humor do, encourage boundary pushing laughter!

In the end – they are out of this world!

 

Coming for Families is the New MECHA BUILDERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! Kids, the Sesame Workshop and created by Joe Fallonis the 3-disc family fun with SESAME STREET MECHA BUILDERS: The Complete Series.

The new superheroes on Sesame Street are Mecha-Abby Cadabby, Mecha-Cookie and Mecha-Elmo and their first adventure is when a mysterious pie hangs over the city. A note from aliens lets them know why the pie was sent but the three superheroes might have made a huge mistake. Now the Mecha’s have to go into problem solving mode working together using their powers!

The Singing Stonehenge are about to perform when the Mecha Builders show up. Berta is upset because the stones are sneezing instead of performing. Ranger Nat wants to show the world their show and this is where the Mecha Builders come in to help make the show a success! Ranger Nat finds himself in a situation where he needs help. They hear his cries for help as Mech-Abby flies over the park to find his location. Each of Mecha’s try to work out how to get him out but not before more of them get stuck!

The Mecha-Builders visit Farmer McFarm and see a space ship coming their way. Mecha-Cookie knows rockets belong in space and not on a farm. Next door is a rocket launching site and the Mecha’s want to return it. They want to help to get the rocket into space and its time to put their minds together to create a solution. When a Big Ole’ Boulder decides to take a roll down a hill, the Mecha-Builders need to find a way to put it back. Berta really needs it to happen so she can take her picture with it for Mr. Pinecone’s traditional wall!

Celebrating Food Day in the city park, putting up a banana split in the park, the workers forgot to put the split in it. No one can celebrate until someone can split the banana and the Mecha-Builders are up for the tasty task. The city is busy building and a local birdie mistakes a pretzel-magnet for food, mayhem happens as metal objects are caught up in the magnet’s powers. Its time for the Mecha-Builders to find a way to turn off the magnet! Heading to Tree Top Wood Station, the train loaded with eggs loses its brakes. The Mecha-Builders have a problem to solve getting the train under control!

It is Heroes Celebration Day and setting up a party screen in the city park, a series of events make setting up a mess. Needing a big screen to show all the heroes like teachers, firemen and police, the Mecha-Builders truly want to solve this problem. At the city park, an ice slide is up for the children to play with. The problem is that the ice slide is starting to melt. When the slide is closed, the children are sad and the Mecha-Builders need to find a way to slow down the melting.

On the farm, the chickens want to have a car race but, for some reason, the chickens in their cars aren’t moving. A race can’t be won by any chicken if the wheels aren’t moving and that’s a problem for the Mecha-Builders to solve. In the park, Ranger Nat is putting up his telescope to catch a comet that is due. When the telescope is blocked in the road, the Mecha-Builders find a solution to get the telescope where it needs to be before the comet arrives in the sky!

The city is about to have an amazing book reading day but when aliens land, they get the wrong idea when they see books and a trash can side by side. Now the Mecha-Builders have to find the books and do some earthly explaining to their new alien friends. While delivering slime, an accident happens and slime is all over the city. No one can reach the off switch, well, maybe one of the Mecha-Builders can!

Ranger Nat is hiking through the woods and finds a map that he thinks leads to buried treasure. The Mecha-Builders want to help find it since Ranger Nat can’t seem to read the map. They are thrilled to solve this particular mysterious problem. The Zee-Mobile comes to the farm to help create a maze in the farmers corn field. The problem is when the Zee-Mobile goes haywire, the Mecha-Builders come to help find Zee who is now lost in his own maze!

SHOUT! Studios 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 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.

The episodes include on Disc One - They Sent Us a Pie, Dust in the Wind, Pull Together, Lift Up and Lift Off, That Ol’ Time Rock Rolls, Make Like a Banana and Split, Magnet Mayhem, Stop That Train, Picture Perfect Park Party, Sun Block, Roll Chicken Roll, Ramp Up Up and Away, Yip Yip Book Book, Stick to It, The Treasure of Tree Top Woods, and Zee Makes an Amazing Maze,

Abby, Cookie Monster and Elmo are heroes-in-training with a focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. There is more fun and adventure in store when Grover, Rosita and more come to visit the Mecha-Builders.

Each episode has a problem and the Mecha-Builders work through several possibilities until they create a solution that solves the problem. It is such a wonderful way to show children fun, adventure and four of the most wonderful learning tools with STEM. My own granddaughter is fascinated with science and, even at 8-years-old, she absolutely loved every episode talking her way through the Mecha-Builders problems.

These are only the episodes in Disc One so you can imagine, if these first sixteen episodes are so filled with adventure and inventions, that leaves two more discs of family fun. The Mecha-Builders each have their own set of powers and when they talk out the problems and realize that each brings something special to it, the solutions are creative and pretty darn amazing.

In the end – they have problems to solve!

The Return of THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Kim Bordon, co-director Robert Chandler and Shout! Studios comes a treat for the family with THE CANTERVILLE GHOST.

Coming from America, the Otis family has purchased Canterville Chase, a mansion that has a history of being haunted and causing residents to go a little crazy. Husband Hiram (David Harewood), wife Lucretia (Meera Syal), young boys Kent (Bennett Miller) and Louis (Jakey Schiff) are thrilled when they enter the mansion as Mrs. Umney (Imelda Staunton) opens the door. The only one not happy is daughter Virginia (Emily Carey) who wants nothing more than to go back across the pond.

Immediately, the family wants to see Sir Simon de Canterville (Stephen Fry) and the twins run around the house calling him out. Virginia makes it clear she has no intention of being happy about any of it all and goes up to her room. It takes mere moments before Sir Simon tries to frighten Virginia out of his home. The problem is, she isn’t at all! Instead, she plays on him challenging that Sir Simon that he can’t chase out her family in two weeks!

On the grounds, Virginia meets the Duke of Cheshire (Freddie Highmore) and that makes Sir Simone furious as he has anger toward the family. It seems his beloved wife Eleanor came from the Cheshire family who blamed Sir Simon for her death. Now Virginia knows a big part of the story as to the reason Canterville Chase has a ghost!

As the days pass, Virginia and the Duke become closer and her parents decide to throw a party re-introducing society to Canterville Chase. The problem is that Sir Simon is still angry and decides that the dinner not go without his own unique brand of entertainment. When things don’t go as planned, the family is upset with their ghost but Virginia feels there is something more that Sir Simon isn’t saying.

She decides to take matters into her own hands and that’s when the truth finally comes out!

Carey as Virginia is an American girl who wants to go home. She decides to use Sir Simon’s ghostly abilities to try and scare her family back to the United States. Instead, she finds herself on an adventure that has unexpected consequences. Carey truly gives voice to Virginia and it is fun, delightful and charming.

Fry as the voice of Sir Simon is hilarious most of the time (when he isn’t angry) and cannot understand how the new occupants are not frightened to have a ghost in their house. Instead, they seem to be trying to have fun with the apparition, especially the twin boys. I have always loved Fry’s work and watching him take on the vocal role of Sir Simon is everything fun about the film.

Highmore as the Duke of Cheshire is so sweet and a bit bumbly. He is immediately taken by the feisty and free Virginia. He knows that the ghost is in the house and even comes face to face with Sir Simon but nothing is going to keep him away from Virginia and happily joins in the adventure. When her life is in danger, the bumbly Duke of Cheshire finds it within himself to safe her from a fate – well, you get the point.

Laurie as the Grim Reaper gets to have a bit of fun with this character. Hiding behind who he truly is and what he is up to, Laurie takes us on a story ride with what he wants and how he plans to get it!

Shout out to Schiff and Miller as the Otis boys because, to be honest, that is exactly how I would be at their age. Challenges of a haunted house – absolutely accepted. They have no fear of any ghosts and show just how unafraid they are and it made me laugh so much.

Other cast includes Toby Jones as Reverend Chasuble, Miranda Hart as the Ghost Catcher, Giles New as the Colonel, Georgia Small as Majorie Fairfax, Keiron Self as Professor Borsakov, Bill Lobley as Lord Monroe, Elizabeth Sankey as Eleanor de Canterville, and Hugh Laurie as the Grim Reaper.

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

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is absolute family fun for kids and the kids at heart. It has a fantastic story based on the writings of Oscar Wilde (and Stephen Fry actually played the role of the poet/playwright in the 1997 film WILDE). It is colorful, vibrant, action packed and has some very funny characters and moments.

This is the film that families can enjoy together because it is about a family and how they eventually come together. As nutty as some of the characters are, they are so much fun to watch as the story unfolds. Everyone can find something to love about the film and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

The spooky season is here and if you are looking for a good time at the movies for the whole family then visit THE CANTERVILLE GHOST for a spooktacularly good time!

In the end – it is his house not yours!

THE OFFICE: Complete Christmas Collection on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a group of people who know how to party during the holidays with THE OFFICE: Complete Christmas Collection.

The gang of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company celebrate with a Christmas Party at the office. This year’s gift exchange has a $20 limit but, as usual, no one pays attention to the rules. As each picks a person and decides on what gift will suit them, Michael (Steve Carell) isn’t happy with his gift from Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) and decides to do a Yankee Swap. So, there is a reshuffling as everyone panics with Pam (Jenna Fischer) exchanging, Jim (John Krasinski) worked hard on Pam’s gift, and Kelly’s (Mindy Kaling) gift is going to be really hard to swap out!

In The Benihana Christmas, Michael is dealing with the breakup with Carol (Nancy Walls). The rest of the gang including Andy (Ed Helms), Dwight (Rainn Wilson), and Jim go to Benihana’s. Once there, Michael and Andy manage to get dates! At the office, A Christmas party is being planned but there is a lot of tension between Pam, Angela (Angela Kinsey) and Karen (Rashida Jones). Leaving them to deal with it, Michael heads off to Jamaica!

It is time to celebrates a Moroccan Christmas as Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) plans this themed party. As the spiked punch flows, so does Meredith (Kate Flannery) as Dwight comes to the rescue. Michael feels it is time to talk about Meredith’s problem and tries to trick her to get some help. Dwight is also busy trying to make a buck off of the holidays with a Princess Unicorn but Jim is literally not buying it. Angela is keeping busy trying to rearrange Christmas to be more Moroccan.

Time for Secret Santa as Michael shows up in a Santa suit after it had already been decided that Phyllis would do it. Michael is not about to give up his spot and does everything possible to keep all eyes on him. When Jim tries to put him in his place, an upset Michael calls CFO David (Andy Buckley) but he’s busy selling the business. Oscar (Oscar Nunez) has a crush and Pam wants to help make his Christmas wish to come true. Michael isn’t finished acting like a bad Santa as secrets aren’t so secret any more.

When Michael learns that Toby (Paul Lieberstein) is taking off for jury duty, Holly (Amy Ryan) takes his place in Classy Christmas. But, its time for a second Christmas party because Michael is thrilled to see Holly again. The problem is, Holly is with A.J. (Rob Huebel) forcing him to tell a little relationship lie of his own. Darryl’s (Craig Robinson) daughter Jada needs a little Christmas cheer so Pam and Andy try to help. Jim and Dwight decide its time for an indoor snowball fight!

Christmas Wishes as Andy wants to make everyone’s wishes come true with the addendum to all to please be nice to girlfriend Jessica (Eleanor Seigler). The only one who doesn’t want any part of being nice is Erin (Ellie Kemper) nor does Robert (James Spader). When a prank pulled by Dwight and Jim goes a little wrong, Cathy (Lindsey Broad) doesn’t think it was all that funny. It doesn’t seem to stop the two from getting on Santa’s naughty list big time!

Finally, it is a Dwight Christmas as Dwight wants the office to help celebrate a Schrute Pennslvania Dutch Christmas. Andy is still sailing the Caribbean and Toby (Paul Lieberstein) tells Nellie (Catherine Tate) all about the Scranton Strangler. Darryl and Jim have to talk about a new job in Philly and Pete (Jake Lacy) clues Erin in on the finer points of the film DIE HARD (yea, yea, we know Bruce…DIE HARD isn’t a Christmas movie).

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 Bonus Features include Producer’s Extended Cut of “Secret Santa”, Deleted Scenes and Audio Commentary with “Christmas Party” Commentary with Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak, Kate Flannery, David Denman, Editor Dave Rogers, Writer Mike Schur and Executive Producer Greg Daniels, “Moroccan Christmas” Commentary with Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey and Brian Baumgartner and “Secret Santa” Commentary with Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper and Claire Scanlon.

The cast of THE OFFICE has staked their claim to one of the best comedies on television. From its first season in 2005 until its sad end in 2013, that is nine glorious seasons of getting to know these zany characters. There is something about this cast that just meshed so well it seemed effortless while we all watched.

Now, with the holidays here, THE OFFICE: Complete Christmas Collection brings old friends’ home again with the spirit of the season. Remembering why we loved them all in the first place, it’s a great chance to spend the holidays with them for seven wonderful episodes. So, grab your cup of whatever and settle in a comfy spot and revisit the office!

In the end – we all want to work there!

ELMO’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: The Nutcracker and Other Tales

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from Sesame Street Workshop and Shout! Kids is the wonderful world of ELMO’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: The Nutcracker and other Tales.

Oscar the Grouch makes sure to start the season off with his usual un-holiday greeting but Elmo takes over quickly showing his family holiday party. Elmo wants to make sure his puppy Tango experiences his grandest first Christmas Ever. The Count arrives with gifts for Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Elmo and a special gift for Tango.

Elmo’s father begins to read the story of The Nutcracker sending Elmo and Tango off into dream land. In their dreams Tango can talk and Elmo is thrilled that they can do so many more things together. When Tango’s new toy from the Count disappears, Tango and Elmo are about to go on an adventure they never could have imagined!

With Elmo’s Christmas Countdown, (Ben) Stiller tells the story of how the countdown came to be with the help of Elmo. Elmo gets the chance to share his feelings singing with Sheryl Crow because, in their song, it’s almost Christmas. Stiller tells Elmo that he is the perfect being to help with the countdown to Christmas.

Maya Angelou tells the story of Christmas Eve on Sesame Street when Elmo Saves Christmas. Elmo gets the cookies ready as he decides this is the year that he will meet Santa Claus. Elmo meets a reindeer named Lightening and with the help of Abby and Cookie Monster, it is time to do the awesome thing and save Christmas for everyone.

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.

Sesame Street and Shout! Kids always bring the best and heartwarming brightest in entertainment for families. Being able to share them together is also what makes the holidays so fantastic. Sesame Street has been in the lives of generations so the characters not only bring new memories to the youngsters but fond memories for those of us who are not so young.

The animation is so bright and captivating, which is everything we have always loved about the Sesame Street characters. The puppeteering is fun and mixed with such great humor. Each has their own unique personalities (not to mention recognizable voices) comes through every time and is, what my family calls, reliable and filled with warmth – and that even includes Oscar the Grouch who I personally love.

The Nutcracker is a staple for the holidays so it is with ease that Elmo and the Sesame Street gang bring their own version to add to the holiday watching traditions. Celebrity guests include Maya Angelou, Jennifer Hudson, Kevin James, Anne Hathaway, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Brad Paisley, Charles Blitzen and more.

In the end – let the holidays begin!

 

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA Joins the Collection of 4-Movies on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

From creator Todd Durham and Sony Pictures Animations comes the 4-Movie Collection beginning with the original HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA.

In 2012, the world was introduced to Count Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) and along with wife Martha, and their baby daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez). When sadness comes into their life, Dracula decides to open a monsters-only hotel. It is a hotel getaway for those who are looking for a break from human persecution and a safe place to raise Mavis.

On her 18th birthday, Dracula plans a party while Mavis plans to see the world but the world comes to her as Johnny (Andy Samberg) the hiker comes to the hotel. Trying to hide him is where the comedy of errors begins as Dracula must learn that Mavis is growing up. Watching this all come to pass is Frankenstein (Kevin James) and wife Eunice (Fran Drescher), Wayne (Steve Buscemi) and Wanda (Molly Shannon) Werewolf, Griffin the Invisible Man (David Spade) and Murray the Mummy (CeeLo Green).

Returning in 2015, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 has Mavis and Johnny married and Dracula is about to become Grandpa Drac. Named Denisovich by Dracula, little Dennis grows up fast and grandpa is worried that he is not seeing any powers in the young boy. He also learns that Johnny and Marvis are thinking of moving to California. Dracula talks Johnny into visiting his parents and suggesting that he take care of Dennis.

While the parents are gone, Dracula tries to find ways with the help of the gang to push Dennis’ powers to the surface. The problem is, when the parents find a video posted online of their mischief, they rush home. Mavis is furious and lets her father know that they would be leaving after the boy’s birthday party.

Dracula discovers that Mavis has invited his father Vlad and isn’t happy about it knowing his father really doesn’t like humans. Now Vlad is taking the reins to make sure that his great-grandson’s powers come out. He also doesn’t know that Johnny is a human which means more chaos at Hotel Transylvania.

It’s time for a vacation when in 2018 HOTEL TRANSVYLVANIA 3: Summer Vacation delights audiences. Dracula looks around the hotel and see’s everyone paired up and it makes him a little lonely. Mavis decides to book a cruise and take time away from the hotel and takes her father, Johnny, Dennis and even Vlad aboard the cruise ship Legacy.

The captain of the ship is Ericka (Kathryn Hahn) makes everyone aboard the ship feel welcome and excited to be on the cruise. Underneath that cheerful exterior lies the truth of who Ericka is – the great grandfather of Dracula’s rival Abraham Van Helsing. She has decided that she is going to finish what Van Helsing started but, something is happening between she and the good Count.

Finally, in 2022 we get a chance to see what Johnny is made of in HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: Transformania. Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the hotel, Mavis discovers that her father wants to leave her the hotel. Mavis tells Dennis and he has plans upon plans and it stressed Dracula out. Van Helsing shows Johnny a ray that makes monsters into humans and he uses it on Johnny who becomes a dragonish monster. Drac also gets a shot of the ray gun and is now horrifyingly human.

Frank, Wayne, Griffin and Murray also become human. Mavis and Ericka are not happy with Van Helsing but it’s going to get worse when he tells them that its possible for mutations. Not only is the family in danger, but so is Hotel Transylvania!

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.

Bonus features include HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: Transformania Mini-Movie: Monster Pets, Monster Mash-Up: Making HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: Transformania, Selena vs. Andy: A Hotel Transyl-Trivia Quiz, “Love is Not Hard to Find by Yendry, Filmmaker Commentary and more!

Multi-feature DVD and Digital Bonus includes Goodnight Mr. Foot – Short Film, Hotel Transylvania Puppy! – Short Film, “Problem” Music Video by Beck G. Featuring wil.i.am, “I’m in Love with a Monster” Music Video by Fifth Harmony, Deleted Scenes, Behind the Scenes, Filmmaker Commentary and more!

It is wonderful that the cast of Adam Sandler (and then Brian Hull), Selena Gomez, Andy Sanberg, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Fran Drescher, Kevin James (and then Brad Abrell), Kathryn Han, Jim Gaffigan, Sadie Sandler/Asher Blinkoff and the undeniable icon of Mel Brooks return to each of these films.

Each of these characters are memorable, loveable, hilarious, thought provoking, caring and family oriented. Beginning with Count Dracula, Sandler always made sure that as evil as he wanted to be, at the heart of him is a family man who wants everyone he cares about to be safe and happy – even if it makes him a little crazy. I just love Dracula, even when his eyes get all red, because of Sandler’s portrayal.

Gomez as Mavis has her hands full with a grandfather, father, husband and son, all of them with their own issues that made her original issue of freedom seem so trivial. She deals with it all in stride because she has an amazing hotel family that supports each other and is there if she needs them. Samberg as Johnny is just as nutty as he wants to be and Mavis doesn’t mind it at all. He is a good guy and that’s all you can ask for when it comes to a daughter right?

James as Frankenstein and Drescher as wife Eunice are a cute couple. She is a very strong person and Frankenstein counts on that to my way of thinking. Buscemi as Wayne and Shannon as Wanda are a constantly growing family and as much as Wayne gets irritate with the litter, there are moments where you see he wouldn’t change anything for the world. Shannon is the nurturer in the relationship and it knows exactly how to handle her wily bunch.

Green as Murray (later taken over by Key) just cracks me up as the mummy. He loves being Frank’s sidekick on things and their friendship is so important. Spade as Griffin the invisible doesn’t need to have a physical look about him, it’s all Spade being his usual comedic self with only a pair of glasses to show his presence.

The addition of Kahn as Ericka is so lovely. Isn’t it weird that I was happy Drac found someone to be with? A huge shout out to Mel Brooks because he is an amazing Count Vlad. I adore his character and he is hilarious being the vocals of the elder Count.

Finally having all four films in one collection allows families to have a Transylvania binge watching Friday night. My granddaughter and I made a date to do this and with popcorn and snacks we went from first to last in the Transylvania franchise. We laughed so much and had such a great time that I kept thinking how great this is going to be for all families.

Each of the films brings something unique in the way of life-lessons because although they are monsters, they have all the same problems, kind of, that we have. Watching the hotel family together, after a while you don’t see monsters, there is a connection between what we see and how each character makes us feel.

That is the big lesson if anything, the connection and relatability to the life problems as it also teaches us to chill out and laugh at the silliness. Fathers, daughters, travelers, friends, loyalty and chaos are a staple in each of the films and that means a lot to those of us who embrace the Hotel Transylvania franchise.

So, pop that corn, grab some drinks, snacks, grab a fuzzy soft blanket and jump on the couch with the remote and get ready for some serious family time!

In the end – they are part of our family!

The Memories are CRACKED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Surapong Ploensang and Film Movement comes the story of a past trauma and memories that are CRACKED.

Young widow Ruja (Chayanit Chansangavej) has been living in New York with young daughter Rachael (Nutthatcha Padovan) and now must return home to Thailand to settle her father’s estate. Begrudingly returning, she immediately tells Wichai (Sahajak Boonthanakit) to sell everything, including two strange paintings that everyone seems to want.

Wichai suggests that young artist Tim (Nichkhun) be allowed to touch up the paintings to get the best price possible. Ruja agrees making it clear she wants nothing more than to sell and get back to her life in New York. But something is happening to everyone around them and Ruja begins to see strange things.

She is not the only one as Rachel experiences forces that only want to do evil. Even Tim sees the dangers to the young girl. There is something from Ruja’s past at work here and as she tries to escape, the force is making sure she and Rachel stay. When the truth finally comes out, so does the history of Ruja’s family and it is shocking beyond belief!

Chansangavej as Ruja is a young woman in mourning and now dealing with going back home, a place that she never wanted to see again. Her very young daughter Rachael is dealing with sight issues and that take precedent over anything else. What Chansangavej’s character of Ruja didn’t grasp until it was too late is that her own childhood memories are about to prove dangerous to them both. Chansangavej’s portrayal is very well done.

Nichkhun as Tim is brought in to make repairs to a painting that seems to be taking on more cracks at time passes. Tim discovers that there is something more going on with these two valuable paintings and shares his discovery with Ruja. Nichkhun gives us a portrait of a man who cares about the strange events and may have some answers.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

CRACKED is a thriller from beginning to end with a mysterious story that isn’t about to let itself out in big doses. Instead, it twists, turns, misleads and covers up teasing the viewer to find the hidden gems on their own.

The story is unique and stellar, being a big fan of suspense, the film gave me everything and more.  A few quick inhales now and then followed by ‘oh my gosh’ whispers. Surrounded by a very dense forest and serious rain only adds to the mysterious look and feel of the story director Ploensang is trying to convey.

The cast is limited which allows for the viewer to become completely engrossed in the story without any outside interference. Moment by moment is meticulously put into place and when it all comes together – there is always a bit more, and a bit more. Even when the story is finished, it isn’t and I loved that.

Coming in at 93 minutes, it is in Thai with English subtitles but let me say this – its when you don’t hear anyone speak that you should be worried about!

In the end – a horrifying truth lay beneath the paint!

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Clocks in on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Veronique Jasin and Film Movement comes the story of a job and what is not in the job description with EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.

Ines (Jasmina Douieb) works for EcoCleanPro company for over seventeen years and today, intern Melody (Laetitia Mampaka) will be joining her in the office. 

Also in the office are Jean-Paul (Achille Ridolfi), Jean-Pierre (Christophe Bourdon), Nico (Alex Vizorek) and boss Patrick (Peter Van Den Begin) and they make sure it is known that the men dominate this company.

Anna Nilsson (Laurence Bibot) is not on the side of Ines either and that could be a problem too. As Ines learns that she is once again being turned down for a raise while everyone else gets one, she becomes more and more agitated.  The men continue to make cracks about being a woman and Ines is beginning to see red and Melody knows it.

What happens when the bitch-button is finally pushed? Well, mayhem, madness and murder – my three favorite things in a thriller.

Douieb as Inez is wonderful play the meek and quite overworked and underpaid employee of the company. However, something is slowly happening to the meek mouse and the office is about to find out how far she will go.

Mampaka as Melody is watching the change of Inez right before her eyes. She is also thoroughly disgusted by the men in the office and wonders why she tolerates it. Once boss Patrick gets his due, Melody finds herself in the middle of it all. Mampaka’s character seems to go with the flow and although a bit disturbed, it’s not enough to stop helping Inez.

More of the cast include Ingrid Heiderscheidt, Philippe Resimont, Philippe Grand’Henry, Blaise Ludik, Sebastian Moradiellos, Thomas Ancora and beloved fish Jean-Philippe VII. 

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH has become one of my favorite films of the last few years. Coming out of Belgium with French subtitles, it takes nothing away from the laughs and fun of the film adding in a dash or two of the macabre. Keeping the story within the office forces everyone to become creative in how to get away with – well, everything.

There is nothing like watching someone do what we all kind of think of doing and that’s cleaning the office up – Inez just takes it to the max. It also works out well that she knows everything about the cleaning company which fascinates Melody and cracks me up. These two actresses are stunning to watch together.

This is such originality in this strange and wonderful comedy. In looking for something unique to watch time and time again, it will be EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH. It also should be given as a Christmas gift to bosses, you know, just to let them know how to appreciate an employee.

In the end – it is time to clean up the mess!