DESPICABLE ME 4 Returns on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from directors Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage, Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is DESPICABLE ME 4.

Gru (Steve Carell) is attending a school reunion and runs into childhood nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara). He is also there thinking he will finally win the Best Pupil Award that he longs for from principal Ubelschlecht (June Squibb). Disappointed once again, he watches Maxime show his newest transformation as a human cockroach. That’s when the Anti-Villain League (AVL) jumps in and they arrest Maxime.

That doesn’t last long and now Gru, wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and kids Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan) along with baby Gru are now in danger. Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) packs up the family and relocates them to a safehouse providing each with a new identity. Worrying about the minions, Ramsbottom lets the family know they are under the care of the AVL.

Now Gru is Chet, Lucy is Blanche, Margo is Bree, Edith is Blair, and Agnes is Britney and they are attempting to be a normal family. Gru starts by introducing himself to neighbor Perry Prescott (Stephen Colbert), wife Patsy (Chloe Fineman) and daughter Poppy (Joey King). It is Poppy who stands out as she has a plan and uses Gru’s infamy to get what she wants.

Maxime also has a plan, to get back at Gru by taking Gru Jr.! With all the moving parts, Gru is trying to keep the family safe and once the super minions get involved, well, there is no telling what will happen next!

Carrel as Gru has picked up his iconic vocal mantle and jumped right in with both feet firmly planted in family life. Still part of the AVL, he also has unresolved schoolboy issues thanks to a principle and another villain. There is only one character that sounds like Gru and Carrel does it so well. Wiig as wife Lucy is always so full of fun, light hearted and sees the good in her family. She makes as many silly mistakes as Gru but when Lucy does it – it’s kinda cute. Wiig gives her character a sense of self and family which is so very cool.

Ferrell as Maxime actually sounds like Megamind with a French accent but it works. He has childhood issues and wants Gru to pay. The problem is he is messing with the wrong evil guy. Vergara as Valentina has a small role and it has its moments of laughs.

Cosgrove as Margo is growing up and discovering that her family is everything. Gaier as Edith is set in her ways and happy with herself in all aspects. I love her straightforward attitude. Polan as Agnes has a serious crisis when it comes to telling people her under-cover name teaching kids who watch that the truth is important.

King as Poppy has a streak in her that Gru can relate to but in his earlier years. Now he wants to get away from it but Poppy has struck a deal that he cannot avoid. King as Poppy is charmingly evil and it’s as simple as that, well maybe not that simple when a badger is involved. Colbert as Perry gives us the stuck-up rich guy but the minions take care of that. Fineman as Patsy is that charming southern tennis player who just wants everyone to get along.

Shout out to Coogan as Ramsbottom who loves being the director of the AVL and wants to help Gru’s family. Also, Squibb as principal Ubelschlecht is exactly the educator who knows how to use a ruler!

Universal Pictures just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience in 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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

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

Bonus Features include 2 Mini-Movies: Game Over and Over and Benny’s Birthday, Deleted Scenes, Despicable Dialogue, Meet the Cast, Making of Mega Minion Mayhem, Rogues Gallery and How to Draw.

DESPICABLE ME 4 is fun, charming, hilarious, and an adventure that can only be had by the minions. The one thing about the franchise is that staying with the formula assures a win because who wants to change Gru, the family or the minions? We love the antics, the growing that Gru is doing as a dad and a husband. Less time in the lab and more time making pancakes is definetly a sign that Gru can be both a crime fighter and a good dad.

Becoming beloved icons, DESPICABLE ME 4 is a fantastic (and cool) way to spend time with family. This is the film that makes a huge tub of popcorn fun in every way. It is colorful with fantastic animation but, then again, I would expect nothing less from Illumination, director Chris Renaud and Chris Meledandri. My family is planning on a DESPICABLE ME marathon of all four films because laughing is our favorite thing!

The music from Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams brings the beat and the sweet minion dance moves which is a bonus for us all.

In the end – this daddy is a baddie!

The Gang is Back with DESPICABLE ME 4

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to start their own fireworks for the Fourth of July from directors Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage, Illumination and Universal Pictures is DESPICABLE ME 4.

Gru (Steve Carell) is attending a school reunion and runs into childhood nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara). He is also there thinking he will finally win the Best Pupil Award that he longs for from principal Ubelschlecht (June Squibb). Disappointed once again, he watches Maxime show his newest transformation as a human cockroach. That’s when the Anti-Villain League (AVL) jumps in and they arrest Maxime.

That doesn’t last long and now Gru, wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and kids Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan) along with baby Gru are now in danger. Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) packs up the family and relocates them to a safehouse providing each with a new identity. Worrying about the minions, Ramsbottom lets the family know they are under the care of the AVL.

Now Gru is Chet, Lucy is Blanche, Margo is Bree, Edith is Blair, and Agnes is Britney and they are attempting to be a normal family. Gru starts by introducing himself to neighbor Perry Prescott (Stephen Colbert), wife Patsy (Chloe Fineman) and daughter Poppy (Joey King). It is Poppy who stands out as she has a plan and uses Gru’s infamy to get what she wants.

Maxime also has a plan, to get back at Gru by taking Gru Jr.! With all the moving parts, Gru is trying to keep the family safe and once the super minions get involved, well, there is no telling what will happen next!

Carrel as Gru has picked up his iconic vocal mantle and jumped right in with both feet firmly planted in family life. Still part of the AVL, he also has unresolved schoolboy issues thanks to a principle and another villain. There is only one character that sounds like Gru and Carrel does it so well. Wiig as wife Lucy is always so full of fun, light hearted and sees the good in her family. She makes as many silly mistakes as Gru but when Lucy does it – it’s kinda cute. Wiig gives her character a sense of self and family which is so very cool.

Ferrell as Maxime actually sounds like Megamind with a French accent but it works. He has childhood issues and wants Gru to pay. The problem is he is messing with the wrong evil guy. Vergara as Valentina has a small role and it has its moments of laughs.

Cosgrove as Margo is growing up and discovering that her family is everything. Gaier as Edith is set in her ways and happy with herself in all aspects. I love her straightforward attitude. Polan as Agnes has a serious crisis when it comes to telling people her under-cover name teaching kids who watch that the truth is important.

King as Poppy has a streak in her that Gru can relate to but in his earlier years. Now he wants to get away from it but Poppy has struck a deal that he can not avoid. King as Poppy is charmingly evil and its as simple as that, well maybe not that simple when a badger is involved. Colbert as Perry gives us the stuck-up rich guy but the minions take care of that. Fineman as Patsy is that charming southern tennis player who just wants everyone to get along.

Shout out to Coogan as Ramsbottom who loves being the director of the AVL and wants to help Gru’s family. Also, Squibb as principal Ubelschlecht is exactly the educator who knows how to use a ruler!

Universal Pictures just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience in 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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

DESPICABLE ME 4 is fun, charming, hilarious, and an adventure that can only be had by the minions. The one thing about the franchise is that staying with the formula assures a win because who wants to change Gru, the family or the minions? We love the antics, the growing that Gru is doing as a dad and a husband. Less time in the lab and more time making pancakes is definetly a sign that Gru can be both a crime fighter and a good dad.

It is a long holiday weekend and looking for something the entire family can do, DESPICABLE ME 4 is a fantastic (and cool) way to have time with everyone. This is the film that makes a huge tub of popcorn fun in every way. It is colorful with fantastic animation but, then again, I would expect nothing less from Illumination, director Chris Renaud and Chris Meledandri.

The music from Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams brings the beat and the sweet minion dance moves which is a bonus for us all.

In the end - this daddy is a baddie!

 

Prepare for a Bluray Landing with MIGRATION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/directors Benjamin Renner, Gyulo Homsy, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures comes MIGRATION.

The Mallard family lives a pretty nice life on the banks of their pond. Dad Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), Mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks) and their two children Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Resi Gazal). Mack is a bit of an anxious father constantly worried about keeping his children safe from scary things with Pam being the positive of the two.

Son Dax is a daredevil who is both a caring and irritating brother to little Gwen and she has picked up some of Mack’s nervousness. To round out the Mallard clan is Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito) who loves his family in his own way. When a group of colorful duck’s land in their pond for a bit of a rest, Pam learns they are migrating to Jamaica and she is intrigued.

Mack, however, is not so much into all the friendliness and goes about his business. Pam makes it clear that, in fact, she wants to migrate to Jamaica to see outside their little world. Knowing that he must overcome his fears, Mack decides to gather up the clan and head south. Once up in the huge sky, the family feels such freedom – which is quickly interrupted.

The Mallards discover Erin (Carol Kane) the kind of scary heron and the big city. Feeling a bit lost, they meet Chump (Awkwafina) who knows someone that can help them on their way. Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key) is a stunning exotic bird locked in a cage by The Chef! Wanting to go home, Mack decides to take on a task that brings him to a place ducks shouldn’t go, into a chef’s kitchen.

Escaping quickly, the new member of the flock is happy to be in the air again, when breaktime comes the family meets Googoo (David Mitchell) who is seriously into yoga. Since helping Delroy escape, The Chef has decided his mission is to find the birds and bring them back to his restaurant.

Not so fast, the flock of feathers might have something to say about that!

Nanjiani voices Mack, the head of the family (so he thinks) and thinks that telling his kids scary things about the world will keep them safe. It is only when his wife decides that she wants to do something different does he realize the hold he has been putting on his family. Banks as Pam is a loving wife and Mom who knows that it is time for them to do something different as a family. Once out in the world she is the glue that holds them all together.

Jennings as Dax is a thrill seeker who sometimes pushes the limits a bit to far. Gazal as Gwen is an agreeable and, at times, a duplicate of her father with fears no little bird should have but she is so dang cute! DeVito as Uncle Dan is an elderly duck who goes along to get along and does so in his own unique way.

Kane drops by as the voice of Erin the heron and keeps the Mallards on their webbed feet. Awkwafina flies in as Chump the leader of the pigeons who may be little but don’t let her size fool you. Mitchell as Googoo is as deeply meditating as a bird can get, perhaps a little too much into it to see the truth around him.

Key as Delroy is a bird of beautiful feathers who has been caged. That is until his new friends decide that it is time to be free once again, oh, and give them directions to Jamaica!

Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library and making it available for us to all experience in theatres 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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

Exclusive Bonus Features on 4K UHD, Bluray, DVD and Digital include Fly Hard (Mini Movie) - Chump sheds her tough-as-nails attitude, risking her life to fly through a blizzard and the harrowing streets of New York to return a prized possession to a kind woman from the park, Mooned (Mini Movie) - Following the events of DESPICABLE ME, Vector and a lost Minion are stranded on the moon, and struggle to get back to Earth, Midnight Mission (Mini Movie) - The Minions will try anything to help Agnes overcome her fear of the dark, even if it involves going into outer space.

Also included is Microphone Madness - A fun look behind-the-scenes as the cast record some of their silliest lines, Meet the Cast - In this series of behind-the-scenes pieces, we learn more about our favorite characters and the legendary comedic voices behind them, Taking Flight: The Making of - MIGRATION is an original script so brand-new characters and locations had to be developed, designed, and animated from scratch! Here, filmmakers and crew break down their process to show us what gives this film an entirely new look and feel. The Art of Flight - Using a series of production phases from storyboards to pre-viz, we peel back the feathers and reveal just what goes in to creating the avian heroes of the film, The Sound of Flight - Take a closer look at the music of MIGRATION as Composer John Powell walks us through his scoring journey. How to Draw Mack, Delroy, Chump and Gwen,

Finally, Build Your Own Pop-Up Book - Daddy duck, Mack, likes to tell his two little ducklings some…overly imaginative bedtime stories. In this fun “How To” we’ll show you how to create a pop-up book so you can tell your very own bedtime stories, Calling All Birds - They may not have cellphones, but you can call your web-footed friends anytime you want! In this fun How To, we’ll teach you how to create and customize your very own set of colorful bird whistles with The Mack Quack, The Heron Honk and The Chump Chirp and Best Nests - You don’t have to fly south –or anywhere –to find a perfect paradise for your feathered friends. Here we’ll teach you how to make the best nest for your pet ducks, or anyone flying by, including a water feeder to keep them hydrated!

Illumination has done it again with their own unique brand of animation, togetherness, fun and humor. Three generations of ladies can tell you that the laughing won’t stop from beginning to end. We are all minion lovers from the very first so anything Illumination brings to the screen we are there for.

MIGRATION is absolutely adorable in all respects, from vibrant colors, to action, to humor, this film has everything a family wants to see for the holidays. The story of family is so strong in this telling, that it seems only natural that the birds of all feathers would be flocking together. Even the pigeons finally get to have a say in how they feel about their bad reputation and it is adorable.

It is clear that Moms and Dads will have a fun time with the kids talking about what they liked the most. Let’s be clear however that all adults should be have a wonderful time just seeing it on their own. Directors Renner and Homsy should be congratulated for bringing a wonderful film to the big screen in time for the holidays!

In the end – soar into a new adventure!

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE Brings Iconic Family Fun

 

 Jeri Jacquin

In theatres today from directors Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Nintendo, Illumination and Universal Pictures is the iconic THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE.

Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) have started their own business in Brooklyn but everyone seems to think they aren’t capable of making a success of it. When Mario sees that the city water main is broken, he sees this as an opportunity of a lifetime!

Discovering a tunnel of tubes, Luigi looks inside and disappears and when Mario goes into the tube he is sucked in as well. They try to hang on but both go different ways. Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom and met by Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and Luigi ends up in the Dark Lands.

Quickly captured and taken to their leader Bowser (Jack Black), he learns where Mario is and what Bowsers evil-love-laid plans are for Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). In the meantime, Mario meets Princess Peach explaining that he needs to rescue his brother. She reluctantly agrees but also needs to save the Mushroom Kingdom from a Bowser takeover.

Knowing they need help; they go to King Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) of the Jungle Kingdom. To get help, Mario must tackle Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) and all too soon, Bowser arrives with his own army! Now, the battle to save the Mushroom Kingdom, as well as all the Kingdoms, and bringing brothers back together are intertwined and its on – well, you know, like Donkey Kong!

Pratt as Mario gets a chance to play one of the most iconic Nintendo characters and does so as only Pratt can. He takes us all away into the Mario character completely making it easy to forget whose voice you are hearing. Don’t worry, the voice change is all explained and then it’s off to the adventure and it certainly seems like Pratt had a good time because, well, everyone in the theatre certainly did.

Day as Luigi is the brother who goes along to get along and it is clear he loves being with his brother. A little more apprehensive and slightly less adventuresome than Mario, Day still gives us a character that would do anything for family. He is loveable and enjoyable which is how we have always seen him.

Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach is perfection. She is exactly what I believed she should sound like. She is strong, caring, compassionate and yet won’t hesitate to get in the middle of the action and show her stuff. Taylor-Joy gives us a powerful Princess Peach and the vocal performance is worth every moment the animated character is on screen.

Black as Bowser, I mean what can you say. He has always been known to take on different characters but as Bowser he is, oddly, strange, evil but with a soft spot of love that can be destroyed in a millisecond. Bowser made us laugh, shout and even ‘awwwwwwww’ for a few seconds mixed in with giggles. He is strong, he is loud and Black gave us a fantastic Bowser.

Rogen as Donkey Kong is absolutely fantastic. As a fan of that particular video game, he gave me everything in this vocal performance. I laughed, cheered, loved his comebacks and one liners (that will be added to our families film lines) and heart of friendship. Rogen gave all of that and I the next time I play Donkey Kong I’m going to hear him.

Key as Toad is fun, protective and has a heart full of courage. Wanting to be a part of protecting the Mushroom Kingdom, he just has no fear, not to mention how cute he is. Armisen as King Cranky Kong is a laid back but entertaining from start to finish.

Shout out to Jelenic as the blue Lumalee for the existential view of the film’s situations that totally cracked me up and to the penguins for their bravery and charm.  

Other cast include Charles Martinet as Mario/Luigi’s father, Khary Payton as the Penguin King, Jessica DiCicco as the brothers Mom, John DiMaggio as Uncle Arthur, Eric Bauza as the Tod General, Juliet Jelenic as the blue Lumalee, Sebastian Maniscalco as Foreman Spike, Kevin Richardson as Kamek.

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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE is a film that everyone who loved/loves the Nintendo video games to see this weekend. Almost every iconic thing that is in the games has come to life and what would be expected. Illumination did not try to reinvent the wheel but instead is giving fans what they crave.

I absolutely love that nothing was out of place but instead brought to life in such a way that going on this ride is going to happen again and again. My family and I weren’t out of the film five minutes before my granddaughter, da Kid, asked excitedly, ‘can we go see it again right now?’ The answer is clearly going to be ‘yes!’ because, even at my age, want to see it again.

The film is colorful, vibrant and fun, with a storyline that clearly comes from the game (thank you writer Matthew Fogel, you have my heart!). The characters are iconic but also seeing the way they are brought to the screen is absolutely thrilling.

On a personal note, what a joy it was for me to see this film with my daughter and granddaughter. Nintendo has been a part of our lives since the first little gray box sat on our television. When da Kid was about four or five I introduced her to video games (I know, a grandma doing that – whaaaaaaaaaat?), and I taught her how to play the original Mario Bros.

Now we play Mario Kart 8 on her Nintendo Switch – if that isn’t love through the generations, I don’t know what is. What am I getting to? Well, just this, get your generational family together and hit the theatres this Easter weekend. Enjoy watching icons come to life in a way that is endearing, fun, exciting so that when everyone walks out, the joy is still on all faces.

In the end – let’s-a gooooooo!

MINIONS: The Rise of Gru

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday from director Kyle Balda, Illumination and Universal Pictures comes the story behind MINIONS: The Rise of Gru.

Twelve-year-old Gru (Steve Carell) is not your average kid growing up in the 70’s. While all other children want to be doctors and teachers when they grow up, Gru wants to become a member of the supervillains Vicious 6. What he does not know is that the Vicious 6 have just ousted their glorious leader Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin).

So now interviews are being held by the remaining members Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Henson), Jean Clawed (Jean-Claude Van Damme), Nunchuck (Lucy Lawless), Svengeance (Dolph Lundgren) and Stronghold (Danny Trejo). Gru can not believe he is actually going into interview and must tell his beloved Minions, especially Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto (Pierre Coffin) that he must now go alone.

Trying to prove himself, Gru takes a medallion that has powers and once the Vicious 6 realize it has been taken, they are on the hunt for the kid. That is until Kevin sees Gru being kidnapped by Wild Knuckles and with Stuart and Bob, they are off to find him in San Francisco but so are the Vicious 6.

Finding it difficult to navigate the streets of San Fran, the minions meet Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh) who teaches them a bit of the martial arts to help them rescue Gru! In a sort of change of heart, Wild Knuckles has taken a shine to young Gru and puts his skills to the test.

All of this leads to a smack down in San Francisco’s Chinatown!

Carell as Gru manages to take an older Gru’s voice and bring it down to a twelve-year-old’s size. As usual, his vocals bring fun and giggles to the character he has made so famous since DESPICABLE ME in 2010.   

Henson as Belle Bottom is a funky 70’s supervillain that wants so much more. Seemed quite easy for her to turn on her own mentor because absolute power corrupts absolutely. Arkin as Wild Knuckles is an aged supervillain who didn’t see betrayal coming. Well, now he wants revenge and he will use Gru to get it. Typical bad guy but well-done Mr. Arkin.

Yeoh as Master Chow was very funny but then again, I enjoy everything Michelle Yeoh does so welcome to the animated world. Van Damme, Lawless, Lundgren and Trejo as the other pieces of the Vicious 6 get a chance to show a little of their own evilness along with their fantastic gadgetry. I wonder who had a part in that? 

Brand gives us a look at a young Dr. Nefario and his part in Gru’s history as well. I was thrilled to hear Julie Andrews again as Gru’s mother. There is a look at her interesting side as well.

Other cast include RZA as the biker, Will Arnett as Mr. Perkins, Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario and the beloved and iconic Ms. Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

Universal Pictures has films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films that have entertained generations such as the recent JURASSIC PARK: Dominion. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MINIONS: The Rise of Gru is a film that is great for family’s this holiday weekend and I’m sure it will do well. Coming in at one hour and twenty-seven minutes everyone has a chance to have a good giggle.

The story itself, I have to say, felt a bit disconnected. In the sense of why didn’t they call it DESPICABLE ME: The Rise of Gru instead of MINIONS: The Rise of Gru. Honestly, Gru got more screen time than the Minions in the plot of the story. So, yes, I was expecting more Minion-ness.

That being said the film is fun, charming and entertaining. The music was definetly 70’s and THAT I liked a lot. It’s always a treat when a film truly knows how to use music to its advantage and MINIONS: The Rise of Gru plays that funky music well.

In the end – it’s kung fu fighting time!

 

 

Family Fun is Here with SING 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for the holiday week from writer/director Garth Jennings, Illumination and Universal Pictures is the joy of song with SING 2.

Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) is making a hit out of the rebuilt theatre and has invited talent scout Suki (Chelsea Peretti) to come and see what his troupe could do. After being told that they could not make it in the entertainment capital of Redshore City, it is Nana Noodleman (Jennifer Saunders) who tells him to go for it or go home.

Moon decides that he needs to gather the team to see mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale). Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Johnny (Taron Egerton), Ash (Scarlett Johansson), Gunter (Nick Kroll), Meena (Tori Kelly) jump on a bus and follow their musical leader all the way to Redshore City. Sneaking in to see Crystal, they wow him, and the group has three weeks to get the show going.

There is one hitch, the star of the show, Rosita, is replaces by Crystal’s daughter Porsha (Halsey). Moon also promises them that the legendary and reclusive Clay Calloway (Bono) will take to the stage. Now, with the help of Gunter, everyone has to work on the space adventure on stage. Johnny is dancing but gets serious lessons from street wise Nooshy (Letitia Wright), Meena is being romantic for the first time in her life, Rosita is a little different and Ash is determined to get Calloway!

It is Crystal who misunderstands an incident with Porsha that sets in motion chaos but that will not stop the gang from banding together and show off what they are truly made of – together.

McConaughey is back as the theatre owner who dreams larger than life. Wanting more for himself and the group, he reaches for the stars and although he hits bumps along the way, with the back of friends – they will all find their way into space! Cannavale as Crystal is a wolf of a man who finds humor in scaring everyone. Giving Moon a chance to create a show that will make him more money than he needs, it also comes with scary strings attached.

Witherspoon as Rosita is back to find herself challenged but still surrounded by loving friends and an always expanding family who love her so much. Kelly as Meena is back on the stage but this time has to come face to face with a romantic role that gives her pause and a bit of fear. Kroll as Gunter has his chance to shine in this film coming up with a stage theme that shoots off like a rocket.

Egerton as Johnny gets the chance to do something he really has not done before – dance with his musical number. Wright as Nooshy gets the chance to show Johnny that it is the music that will make his feet move in amazing ways. Peretti as Suki does not think Moon and the gang can make the impossible possible, that is her first mistake.

Johansson as Ash never forgets who she is and what she is capable of. Once she decides to make sure Calloway shows up, she is in it until the end. Bono as Calloway is, dare I say, awesome getting his paws wet in the animation world. Halsey as Porsha is a spoiled little girl who has a fit that had the potential to ruin everything, until she gets a wake-up call.

Shout out to Saunders as Nana Noodleman – she is the heart and soul of the group whether they know it or not. Tough but supportive and elegant as all get out. I just love this character.

Other cast include Adam Buxton as Klaus Kickenklober, Nick Offerman as Norman, Eric Andre as Darius, Julia Davis as Linda Le Bon, Spike Jonze as Jerry, Peter Serafinowicz as Big Daddy, Pharrell Williams as Alfonso and Garth Jennings as Mrs. Crawley.

SING 2 is exactly what you would expect from Illumination; colorful, musical, lively, adventuresome, friendship, loyalty, creative and most of all absolute fun to watch. The characters have a chance to work through things in a productive way that is a lesson to the younger (and young at heart) kids watching.

We all embraced the gang in the first film SING released in 2016 and watched their antics and loved the music. Here it is five years later, and nothing has changed (in a good way) and it feels wonderful to catch up with old friends.

The holiday season is a time to get together and celebrate everything that is good so gather up the family, extended family and friends to have a wonderful time. Prepare to find yourself singing, toe tapping and enjoying every moment of SING 2.

In the end – where will your dreams take you?

 

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and the Best Giveaway Ever!

 

FOCUS FEATURES 10-MOVIE SPOTLIGHT COLLECTION

ON BLU-RAY™ ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

 Since its founding in 2002, Focus Features has been synonymous with innovative and critically acclaimed film-making. The iconic studio presents their renowned films that illuminate some of Hollywood’s greatest writers, directors, and actors in the Focus Features:10-Movie Spotlight Collection! Totaling an impressive 7 Academy Awards® and 11 Golden Globes® wins, the film set includes Lost in Translation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Pride & Prejudice, Brokeback Mountain, Atonement, Burn After Reading, Moonrise Kingdom, The Theory of Everything, On the Basis of Sex and Harriet. With films from acclaimed directors such as The Coen Brothers, Sophia Coppola, Ang Lee and Wes Anderson, this collection is loaded with bonus features including filmmaker feature commentaries, cast interviews, deleted scenes and more!

 

 

BLUMHOUSE OF HORRORS: 10-MOVIE COLLECTION

ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

 Invite yourself into the BLUMHOUSE OF HORRORS: 10-MOVIE COLLECTION and visit the most thrilling, chilling, and unforgettable characters from Get Out, The Purge, Ouija, Split, The Visit, Unfriended, Truth or Dare, The Boy Next Door, Happy Death Day, and Ma. The studio and filmmakers, including Jordan Peele and M. Night Shyamalan, that redefined the genre of horror present ten of the most spine-tingling films that will have you running for the front door! The collection includes iconic horror and suspense thrillers with all-star casts including Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Lopez, Octavia Spencer, James McAvoy and more. There are hours of bonus content including featurettes, deleted scenes, alternate endings, behind-the-scenes & much more! 

 

 

ALFRED HITCHCOCK CLASSICS COLLECTION

OWN THE BRAND NEW 4K ULTRA HD COMBO PACK

WITH A BLU-RAY™ AND DIGITAL CODE ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

 Universally recognized as the Master of Suspense, the legendary Alfred Hitchcock directed some of cinema’s most thrilling and unforgettable classics. The ALFRED HITCHCOCK CLASSICS COLLECTION features four iconic films from the acclaimed director’s illustrious career including Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho and The Birds in stunning 4K resolution. Starring Hollywood favorites such as James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren, Kim Novak and Rod Taylor, this essential collection features hours of bonus features as well as the original uncut version of Psycho for the first time ever. This collection with collectible Discbook packaging includes hours of bonus features such as documentaries, expert commentaries, interviews, screen tests and much more!

 

 

DREAMWORKS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION

OWN THESE ANIMATED CLASSICS

ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Relive each classic moment as an ogre, a panda, a yeti, and so many more of your favorite characters embark on epic journeys across their worlds. With lots of laughs and breathtakingly beautiful animation, this collection is perfect for children and parents alike. The fun-filled collection includes Shrek, Madagascar, Home, Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron, How to Train your Dragon, The Croods, Kung Fu Panda, Boss Baby, Abominable, and Trolls! The DREAMWORKS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION comes with hours of bonus features including animated shorts, music videos, deleted scenes, and much more for the whole family! 

 

 

 

ILLUMINATION PRESENTS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION

ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Illumination presents all ten of their blockbuster comedies in one collection for the whole family. It includes all three Despicable Me films, The Secret life of Pets 1 & 2, Hop, Minions, Sing, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, and Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch! With all-star voice casts including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Sandra Bullock, and Michael Keaton, the ILLUMINATION PRESENTS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION is packed with hours of bonus content including mini-movies, sing-alongs, games and more! 

 

 

 

This is a fantastic way to start the holiday season and…if you are good…Santa might be able to help that fun begin! We are giving away one of each collection so it is very simple. Go to http://moviemaven.homestead.com and find out how you can add one of these to your own home entertainment library and...HAPPY JOYFUL EARLY HOLIDAYS!!

Remember – Choose One! Whether it be Hitchcock or DreamWorks we think you will enjoy!

Now on Bluray and DVD is DR. SEUSS' THE GRINCH

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray/DVD and Digital from directors Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier, Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the one we know as THE GRINCH.

In Who-ville it is that time of year as the Who-ville-ians prepare themselves for their favorite holiday of Christmas. Of course there is always one who isn't quite so thrilled about the excitement and that's The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch). Living atop Mount Crumpit with his dog Max, Grinch gets a little grumpier when he realizes that he has to make a grocery stop in Who-ville which is the last thing he wants to do.

Also in Who-ville is Cindy Lou Who (Cameron Seely), a very sweet six-year-old who is very aware that her mother is overworked. Taking care of twin boys Buster and Bean, Mom Donna (Rashida Jones) keeps a happy face for her family but Cindy reaches out to Santa for a little help. The Grinch and Cindy meet and the outcomes is that Cindy Lou decides to go to the North Pole and ask Santa straight out for help. The problem is that the traveling she would have to do to make that happen means that Cindy Lou has to go to plan B - trap Santa!

The Grinch has his own idea for messing with Who-ville and the holidays he hates so much. On Christmas Eve with the help of Max, he decides to be Santa Claus and take every little gizmo and gadget from the towns people. While heisting the Who's house, he meets Cindy Lou again as she explains that she wants nothing for herself, only her mother and there is a crack in the Grinch's nasty ole heart.

That doesn't stop him from stealing everything in Who-ville and back up to Mount Crumpit. What he doesn't expect is that all the people of Who-ville see past the trappings of Christmas and celebrate the holiday with love in their hearts. Well, the Grinch can't get away from the feelings that snowball to the point of doing the right thing and becoming part of Who-ville the way it always should have been.

The Grinch toasts, "To kindness and love, the things we need the most"!

Cumberbatch as The Grinch is funny and charming in his grumpy way but that is what is expected of this iconic character. It is difficult to carry on the tradition of the Dr. Seuss' from it's 1966 Boris Karloff voice narration that I grew up with to the 2000 Jim Carrey hilarious version that my daughter grew up with but Cumberbatch has a little help from Illumination to make his version come to life.

Seely as Cindy Lou Who is a very sweet girl who sees the day to day struggles of her mother and although tries to help the best she can, she feels it might not be enough. That's a child with an amazing heart that should all be blessed to know.

Jones as Donna is a Mom who is trying to be everything to everyone and does so with the Who-ville positive attitude - even if it is exhausting. I found her creative, skillful and someone I'd like to have around my kitchen at breakfast time.

Lansbury as the Mayor is a voice I can say that I always love to hear and am thrilled that she is The part of the Grinch memorable universe.

Other cast include: Kenan Thompson as Bricklebaum, Tristan O'Hare as Groopert, Ramone Hamilton as Axle, Sam Lavagnino as Ozzy, Scarlett Estevez as Izzy and Pharrell Williams as the Narrator and the glorious Ms. Angela Lansbury as Mayor McGerkle.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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 Bluray of THE GRINCH includes the Bonus Features of 3 Mini-Movies, The Making of the Mini-Movies, From Green to Screen, Who's Who in Who-ville, My Earliest Grinch Memories, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Lyric Video, Songs from His Little Heart, Grinchy Gadgets, Anyone Who Can Draw: The Grinch, Max, Fred, Cindy Lou's Yule Log and so much more!

The Digital Movie included in this pack has Movies Anywhere and with the Movies Anywhere App you can download and stream from any device which means you can go to Who-ville from almost anywhere.

THE GRINCH is a film that will be part of holiday viewing for years to come. The animation is green and vivid which is what we'd expect of the world created by Dr. Seuss and it adds to the fun of the film.

What is also in this film is the importance of family and helping one another because if you do that, it is so easy to reach out that feeling to a Grinch we all might know. Let's face it, no one wants to be left out of the holiday fun and watch it from afar. THE GRINCH invites us to be caring, giving, loving and full of holiday fun.

Now that's something we can all get behind all year long.

In the end - it's never too early to be annoyed by Christmas!

Now on Bluray and DVD is DR. SEUSS' THE GRINCH

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray/DVD and Digital from directors Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier, Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the one we know as THE GRINCH.

In Who-ville it is that time of year as the Who-ville-ians prepare themselves for their favorite holiday of Christmas. Of course there is always one who isn't quite so thrilled about the excitement and that's The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch). Living atop Mount Crumpit with his dog Max, Grinch gets a little grumpier when he realizes that he has to make a grocery stop in Who-ville which is the last thing he wants to do. 

Also in Who-ville is Cindy Lou Who (Cameron Seely), a very sweet six-year-old who is very aware that her mother is overworked. Taking care of twin boys Buster and Bean, Mom Donna (Rashida Jones) keeps a happy face for her family but Cindy reaches out to Santa for a little help. The Grinch and Cindy meet and the outcomes is that Cindy Lou decides to go to the North Pole and ask Santa straight out for help. The problem is that the traveling she would have to do to make that happen means that Cindy Lou has to go to plan B - trap Santa!

The Grinch has his own idea for messing with Who-ville and the holidays he hates so much. On Christmas Eve with the help of Max, he decides to be Santa Claus  and take  every little gizmo and gadget  from the towns people. While heisting the Who's house, he meets Cindy Lou again as she explains that she wants nothing for herself, only her mother and there is a crack in the Grinch's nasty ole heart.

That doesn't stop him from stealing everything in Who-ville and back up to Mount Crumpit. What he doesn't expect is that all the people of Who-ville see past the trappings of Christmas and celebrate the holiday with love in their hearts. Well, the Grinch can't get away from the feelings that snowball to the point of doing the right thing and becoming part of Who-ville the way it always should have been.

The Grinch toasts, "To kindness and love, the things we need the most"!

Cumberbatch as The Grinch is funny and charming in his grumpy way but that is what is expected of this iconic character. It is difficult to carry on the tradition of the Dr. Seuss' from it's 1966 Boris Karloff voice narration that I grew up with to the 2000 Jim Carrey hilarious version that my daughter grew up with but Cumberbatch has a little help from Illumination to make his version come to life.

Seely as Cindy Lou Who is a very sweet girl who sees the day to day struggles of her mother and although tries to help the best she can, she feels it might not be enough. That's a child with an amazing heart that should all be blessed to know.

Jones as Donna is a Mom who is trying to be everything to everyone and does so with the Who-ville positive attitude - even if it is exhausting. I found her creative, skillful and someone I'd like to have around my kitchen at breakfast time.

Lansbury as the Mayor is a voice I can say that I always love to hear and am thrilled that she is The part of the Grinch memorable universe.

Other cast include: Kenan Thompson as Bricklebaum, Tristan O'Hare as Groopert, Ramone Hamilton as Axle, Sam Lavagnino as Ozzy, Scarlett Estevez as Izzy and Pharrell Williams as the Narrator and the glorious Ms. Angela Lansbury as Mayor McGerkle.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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 Bluray of THE GRINCH includes the Bonus Features of 3 Mini-Movies, The Making of the Mini-Movies, From Green to Screen, Who's Who in Who-ville, My Earliest Grinch Memories, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Lyric Video, Songs from His Little Heart, Grinchy Gadgets, Anyone Who Can Draw: The Grinch, Max, Fred, Cindy Lou's Yule Log and so much more!

The Digital Movie included in this pack has Movies Anywhere and with the Movies Anywhere App you can download and stream from any device which means you can go to Who-ville from almost anywhere.

THE GRINCH is a film that will be part of holiday viewing for years to come. The animation is green and vivid which is what we'd expect of the world created by Dr. Seuss and it adds to the fun of the film.

What is also in this film is the importance of family and helping one another because if you do that, it is so easy to reach out that feeling to a Grinch we all might know. Let's face it, no one wants to be left out of the holiday fun and watch it from afar. THE GRINCH invites us to be caring, giving, loving and full of holiday fun.

Now that's something we can all get behind all year long.

In the end - it's never too early to be annoyed by Christmas!

DESPICABLE ME 3 Expands the Family Fun!

Jeri Jacquin

Get the family together because coming to theatres this Friday from directors Eric Guillon, Kyle Balda and Pierre Cofflin along with Illumination Entertainment is DESPICABLE ME 3.

Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) are on their next mission for the Anti-Villain League going after Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a once child star who took his role into adulthood. With his keytair and 80’s dance moves, Bratt gets away with a diamond as large as his head!

Returning to the AVL headquarters, Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) announces that he will be stepping down. Taking his job is Valerie Da Vinci (Jenny Slate) and her first move is to fire Gru. Lucy threatens to walk if she follows through with the firing and now both are out of a job. The Minions aren’t happy when Gru refuses to return to villainy and stage a walk out.

Going home to explain it all to Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Nev Scharrel), the parents assure the girls it will all work out. That’s when a stranger shows up and announces that Gru has a twin brother names Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell). Not believing it Gru forces his Mom (Julie Andrews) and he learns the truth about his family.

Packing the family up, they fly to Dru’s luxurious estate and Gru learns more about who his father was. He also learns that Dru wants to be villainous and it’s Gru’s chance to capture Bratt while Lucy works on her Mom-skills. Bratt isn’t about to make anything easy as he has plans for tinsel town.

In their efforts to strengthen their family, Gru, Lucy and Dru along with the girls learn that love of family is amazing and there is no bad guy big enough to break them apart!

Recently at CinemaCon, Steve Carell spoke about his iconic work as Gru saying the DESPICABLE ME franchise is filled with “characters that are funny for adults as well as kids and that’s what has made it all successful”. How did the voice of Gru come to be? Carell says, “I tried voices on my daughter and when I did the voice of Gru they told me that was the one. Gru’s voice was like I flew over Eastern Europe and Dru’s voice had to be different. It had to be very fun, free and giddy in a way”.

Wiig as Lucy is trying her best to be a good Mom and it takes being herself to let everyone know that no one messes with Mama Bear! I just think the character of Lucy is crazy cool. Cosgrove, Gaier and Scharrel as Margo, Edith and Agnes are just girls growing up in a different household that is filled with unexpected adventure and they roll with it.

Parker as Bratt had me cracking up! His shoulder pads, keytar and dance moves along with a balding mullet and bubblegum means he isn’t about to let Gru, Dru, Lucy or anyone else stop him from a little Hollywood payback.

DESPICABLE ME 3 is going to give families everything they have come to love about Gru, the girls and even the minions. This may not be the average family but it sure is one filled with love, excitement, understanding and fun. One would have thought that completed the family.

Of course not, Illumination expands their family with Dru and a unicorn, well of sorts, which means a double dose of excitement. There are the usual jokes with the minions trying to be jail house rockers but they know where they truly belong. The animation is strong, vibrant and has such creativity that I am always surprised yet not surprised.

Gru and Dru have found one another which means Lucy and the girls have their hands full. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing but if Illumination wants one more story line I have a few ideas that I wouldn’t mind sharing!

So gather up your own minions and head to the theatres to begin your summer with family fun of a different kind with DESPICABLE ME 3.

In the end – ohhhhhhhh brother it’s good to be bad!

CINEMACON 2017 Brings Everything Movie Goers Want for a Memorable Experience!

Jeri Jacquin

Once again, Las Vegas hosted CinemaCon 2017 at Ceasars Palace hosted by NATO (National Association of Theater Owners) where studios present to theatre owners with everything they have coming on their slate. It is also a chance to experience what is coming to concessions and comfort for theatre goers.

NATO is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world and it represents 33,000 movie screens in all 50 states with the additional cinemas in 91 countries world wide. That is amazing and bringing it all together for a week in Las Vegas continues to astound me ever year.

Every year I look forward to the amazing presentations by all who attend the conference. It changes every year yet seeing familiar faces and catching up is also the order of the week. The excitement is always present in every moment of the gathering of everyone who has one thing is common – our love of movies!

So here is our 2017 experience – enjoy!

Monday the 27^th brings a welcoming with an International Day Breakfast and a settling in of what is to come for the week. It’s a moment settle in as the studios prepare to wow everyone bringing a level of excitement and expectation for what it to come for the rest of the week.

Starting off with presentations, Sony Pictures delighted audiences with their slate with the upcoming films Spider-Man: Homecoming, Blade Runner 2049, The Dark Tower, Jumanji, Baby Driver, Flatliners, The Smurfs, The Emoji Movie, Cadavers and Rough Night.

Edgar Wright’s BABY DRIVER is filled with action but that’s what happens when Ansel Elgort tries to rob a bank. After the teaser, Wright and Elgort take the stage to tell the audience how they feel about the intensity of the film. With THE DARK TOWER, Idris Elba offers a sneak peak of the Stephen King story.

In animation, Sony Animation brings a peek at THE SMURFS, THE EMOJI MOVIE, THE STAR and a new look at PETER RABBIT.

Ryan Gosling takes the stage (slow the roll ladies) to talk about the highly anticipated return of BLADE RUNNER 2049. He described the film set as a “fully functioning living breathing world which made it so easy to concentrate on the internal world of the characterless as well as the external world that was so rich and detailed”.

The only way to end a presentation is with The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson! When you add Nick Jonas, Karen Gillan and Jack Black to the mix, it is a look at JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.

Tuesday the 28^th brings another very cool slate from STX Entertainment The Circle, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Molly’s Game, The Foreigner, Ugly Dolls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mile 22, Den of Thieves, and finally Bad Moms 2.

THE CIRCLE stars Tom Hanks with a scene shown to the audience with an introduction by Emma Watson. She plays a woman working at a tech company that turns out to be responsible for hurting humanity.

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is brought by director Luc Besson and stars Cara Delevingne who came on stage and talked about a science fiction and how do to it right. The film looks stunning visually so it captured the audience attention.

Aaron Sorkin writes and directs the final presentation for STX with MOLLY’S GAME. The title role is played by Jessica Chastain as Molly, a woman who creates a high-stakes poker game. The film includes a major cast with Kevin Costner, Idris Elva, Michael Cera and Joe Keery. Chastain comes on stage and says there is no better dialogue than Aaron Sorkin’s.

THE FOREIGNER is a Jackie Chan film that is filled with action that also stars Pierce Brosnan, Charlie Murphy, Rory Byrne and Katie Leung. Leung is another Harry Potter alumni making her way past the iconic character of Cho Chang.

Last year, STX gave out dolls that are not as cute as you’d expect. Don’t tell that to my granddaughter Jaycie because Dreamy Bat is her bestie. Well, Dreamy Bat is finally making it to the big screen with the animated film UGLY DOLLS coming in 2019. Elton John, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber are on board to work on the animated project JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

The dynamic duo of Mark Walberg and Peter Berg talked about their next project called MILE 22. Walberg talked about how he wanted to make this a trilogy project and for this to be the work he is defined for in this franchise.

Finally, Mila Kunis takes the stage to announce a sequel to BAD MOMS with A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS. Filming in Atlanta in the summer it will be interesting to see how that translates into a Christmas setting.

The next studio presentation was from Paramount and their offerings of Baywatch, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, Suburbicon, Thor: Ragnarok, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Downsizing.

Starting the summer off with a jaunt down the beach as the comedy BAYWATCH hits the screen with a little Dwayne Johnson on the side. Offering up a contest to theatres owners to sell tickets, the winner will get treated to a premier in New York City.  

Former VP Al Gore gave us all a look at AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: Truth to Power and the joy of being at the convention gave into a moment of a yucky feeling. The trailer gave us a few Donald Trump slices but Gore trying to work with both parties on environmental issues.

George Clooney, Matt Damon and Julianne Moore are a hit presenting SUBURBICON. Michael Bay gives the audience a peek at TRANSFORMERS: The Last Knight shot in IMAX 3D.

Alexander Payne’s film DOWNSIZING stars Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig and 10 minutes of the film which, of course, left me wanting more. Any time Matt Damon is on the screen I know it’s going to be interesting but adding Kristen Wiig and it’s going to be a must-see.

Wednesday the 29^th brings Universal Pictures offerings with Despicable Me 3, Girls Trip, The Mummy, Atomic Blonde, and The Fate of the Furious.

Nothing makes me smile more than Steve Carell but even more so when I hear his voice of Gru from DESPICABLE ME. I can honestly say that I’ve repeated a line or two more than a hundred times to make myself laugh.

So when Carell and producer Chris Meledandri take the stage for a morning chat, you can be sure it is a good time had by everyone in the audience. In DESPICABLE ME 3, Gru discovers he has a brother who is less follically challenged and with his new family with Lucy, he has to make time to find Balthazar Bratt. Of course Bratt is another villain looking for world domination. Then Carell says of his Gru role, “I am proud to be part of Illumination. It’s amazing to be a part of something that brings care and joy to others”. Yea, he got me!

GIRLS TRIP brings Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddich on stage to banter with one another about their film making experience and having a girls’ time of it.

THE MUMMY brings Sofia Boutella and Annabelle Wallis to the stage to talk about making of the film with Tom Cruise sending a hello on screen. Sharing a bit about the film, the cast talked about one stunt sequence that took 64 takes and two days between Tom and Annabelle.

Charlize Theron lit up the stage to a thunderous applause as her film ATOMIC BLONDE is set to hit theatres soon. I’m not going to lie one bit when I say this actress just stuns me at every turn. Not only does she star in the film, but Theron is also a producer! Based on the Oni Press graphic novel, this is an action film that doesn’t take prisoners.

Theron says, “I’ve been interested in this genre as an actress and as a woman. It is amazing to see this graphic novel come to the screen five years later. This is a colorful world filled with action”. Director David Leitch, also in attendance says, “The 10 minute fight scene is not right for ever movie but right for this genre. We had bold choices and we the film to be provocative and we bright that.

The star also turned the audience with laughter when saying, “We worked our balls off on this film, I’m a full-on woman now!” Somehow it doesn’t make a difference whether she has them or not, I’m enthralled with her.

Finally, Vin Diesel makes his way to the stage to talk about THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS. The seventh film in the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise, they once again put together a cast of unforgettable talent to make a film that won’t let you rest for one second.

Diesel also confirms to the crowd that there will be a nine and ten in the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise. He says, “We are proud of how we defied expectations” in regards to the success of the films. Of course he could not forget his friend Paul Walker saying, “It was a hard decision to make the film without Paul but his legacy is in every frame we shoot. He was the concept of brotherhood. When I thought of going into the 8^th chapter, it was Paul that said ‘8 is guaranteed’!” Also coming to the stage was director F. Gary Gray, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, the legendary Kurt Russell (still as handsome as ever) and Charlize Theron.

In this film, Dom and Letty return from their honeymoon but it doesn’t take long for things to get chaotic. When a woman named Cipher, played by the best villain Charlize Theron forces Dom to work for her – there are reasons that will shock everyone.

FOCUS FEATURES brought an amazing slate and I have to say I am a huge fan of the original work they continue to bring to film lovers. Their slate is going to have me waiting with anticipation with Atomic Blonde, Victoria & Abdul, The Book of Henry, The Beguiled, The Darkest Hour and an unnamed work with Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day Lewis.

There is not much else to say about ATOMIC BLONDE except don’t wait to see it – go opening day, go several times! Charlize Theron is just going to blow everyone away.

VICTORIA AND ABDUL stars Dame Judy Dench as Queen Victoria and explores the friendship with a young Indian clerk that sets the palace on its high horse. With a colorful and hilarious introduction via clip by the grand Dame herself, this is a film for anyone who loves period pieces.

THE BOOK OF HENRY is the story of Susan Carpenter played by Naomi Watts and her son Henry played by Jaeden Lieberher. Henry is a smart boy living with his waitress mother in a small town. When a young girl next story is in need of help, Susan and Henry come up with a way to help that can be frightening and deadly. Director Colin Trevorrow and Naomi Watts give their impressions of the film from the stage.

A film that has captured my attention and the trailer made the suspense even worse is the film from Sophia Coppola THE BEGUILED. Coppola and the stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell is set in the Civil War as a girls school takes in a wounded Union soldier. Also staring Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fannie and Angourie Rice, all I can scream from the rooftops is ‘What’s in the cellar! What’s in the cellar!’

My heart skipped a beat when the amazing Gary Oldman took the stage to talk about his film DARKEST HOUR. The film directed by Joe Wright is the story of Winston Churchill and the early days of World War II. Also staring Lily James, Ben Mendelsohn, John Hurt and Kristin Scott Thomas, I have to say that Oldman embraces this role. I was actually shocked by the transformation of this actor into a man who will forever be part of history.

WARNER BROTHERS brings something for everyone in their presentation with Dunkirk, Annabelle: Creation, It, Unforgettable, Everything Everything, Bastards, The House, King Arthur Legend of the Sword, Geo Storm, Blade Runner: 2049, Legos Ninjago, Aquaman and Wonder Woman.

Staring with the big guns in the presentation with director Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film DUNKIRK. Telling the audience that “the only platform I’m interested in talking about is theatrical exhibition” he wants theater owners to experience the film. DUNKIRK, he explains “is a huge story but at its heart it’s a survival story. I wanted to tell the story in the most visceral way possible, on the beach, in the plane and with the soldiers. When it came time to do DUNKIRK, I used cameras to take you on the beach, on the plane and in the water. The combination of talent is an ensemble like I’ve never worked with before. This is a story that needs to carry through the suspense to bring you there. The theatre is the only way to make that happen.” I think the footage Nolan brings has winner written all over it.

How do you follow that? Well, you bring a “cute” little doll to a film called ANNABELLE: Creation. The story of how this iconic doll came to be will finally be revealed and I’m sure fans are going to be thrilled. Also, UNFORGETTABLE brings two women against each other when an ex-wife Katherine Heigl sees the new woman, Rosario Dawson, in her ex’s life as a reason to go nuts.

Stephen King is back on the screen with a frightening clown and director Andres Muschietti’s IT. I have no doubt people will flock to the theatres to have their wits taken by Pennywise who reminds us that ‘we all float down here’.

In between horror and drama is the beat down of planet Earth with the next disaster film GEOSTORM with Gerard Butler. When the satellites that control Earth go wonky, the weather becomes the attacker as the climate changes.

If comedy is more the genre preferred well then let the BASTARDS change that for you. Ed Helms and Owen Wilson are twin brothers who learn more about their mother, played by Glenn Close, than they ever wanted too. A road trip to find Daddy is in order!

Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler bring down THE HOUSE coming to theatres. As parents of a daughter wanting to go to college and no money to make that happen, they take matters into their own gambling hands.

Charlie Hunnam takes the stage and the hearts of the women around me have stopped for a moment. Oh yes, it will take time to get Jax (SOA) out of our minds so listening to his introduction for the director Guy Ritchie’s film KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword keeps us all happy. Hunnam tells us that the story takes a bit of a turn as Arthur is “as far as you can imagine from royalty. It’s a little bit cheeky, a little big naughty and a lot of fun”. Who can turn that down?

Jared Leto takes the stage to bring more of the BLADE RUNNER 2049 story to the audience. Taking a moment to gush, Leto says “there are very few films in my life that have struck me as deep as the original BLADE RUNNER.”

With the success of the Lego franchise and the recent Batman addition to the gang, a new block member comes with LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE. I swear I love the humor that Lego brings to these characters with stories that are so inventive and fun.

DC gets their feet wet as Jason Momoa takes the stage, and may I say he’s taller than I ever thought, to talk about the concept of the film starting with director Zack Snyder telling the story of AQUAMAN. Also presenting for DC is Chris Pine and director Patty Jenkins for WONDER WOMAN.

Thursday the 30^th brings 20^th Century Fox to CinemaCon with their slate of films but can’t help but open up the presentation with dancers giving lights, fun and a rendition of ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’. It wasn’t until the final second that the unveiling of Chris Aronson, 20^th Century Fox head of domestic distribution brought the house down with applaud.

The upcoming slate also brings cheers with the films Captain Underpants, Snatched, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, The Mountain Between Us, War For the Planet of the Apes, Kingsmen: The Golden Circle, Red Sparrow, The Murder on the Orient Express, Alien: Covenant, Ferdinand and The Greatest Showman.

It made me jump when the trailer for CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS was shown as the crowd absolutely loved it. SNATCHED stars Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn who took to the stage in a love fest between the two. The story of a mother-daughter trip-gone-wrong, Schumer says, ‘Even if you have triggering Mom issues, you’ll still enjoy it”.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: The Long Haul brings Tom Everett-Scott and Alicia Silverstone back as parents who take their kids on a road trip. Of course anyone with kids will find the comedy relatable.

Kate Winslet and Idris Elba star in THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US as two survivors of a plane crash do what ever they must to get down the mountain. I enjoy both of these actors so this will be on my list of films to see.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES instantly got attention and not just because of the huge night display on the entire front of Caesars Palace. A preview of the film has Cesar riding a horse through the woods and after a chase meet a smaller ape who also knows how to talk. He tells them about a military camp run by the nutty Woody Harrelson and it’s plain to see war is inevitable.

I broke out in a giggle happy fit when KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle trailer came to the screen. I have to say with the addition of Channing Tatum it is a bigger plus for me to see the film and, to be honest, nothing would keep me away.

Jennifer Lawrence returns to the screen with the thriller RED SPARROW. Kenneth Branagh takes on THE MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS giving his introduction on video. The cast includes Judi Dench, Michelle Pfieffer, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe and more.

ALIEN: Covenant brings Michael Fassbender back (and I’m not mad about that! <heavy sigh>) as director Ridley Scott gives us a sneak peek hoping that the film “scares the sh*t outta you”. Katherine Waterston leads a cast that includes Danny McBride, Billy Crudup, Guy Pearce, James Franco, Demian Bichir and Noomi Rapace.

The animated film FERDINAND brought out Jon Cena to talk about his excitement about playing the misunderstood bull. He seemed pretty thrilled about all the work he put into it and a cast that includes Kate McKinnon, David Tennant, Gina Rodriguez and Anthony Anderson.

There is something to be said when Hugh Jackman takes the stage because he is perfect for his role in the film THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. Directed by Michael Gracey, it is the story of P.T. Barnum who had an idea and creates showmanship like the world had never seen. Also starring Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Keala Settle and Zac Efron, this is going to be colorful and musically stunning.

Amazon Studios takes the stage with their slate of films with Last Flag Flying, Crown Heights, Brad’s Status, The Only Living Boy in New York, City of Ghosts, Generation of Wealth, Wonderstruck, The Big Sick, Don Quixote, Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot, All Eyez on Me, American Assassin, Wonder, The Hitman’s Bodyguard.

Richard Linklater brings LAST FLAG FLYING with Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne playing former military men who come together. CROWN HEIGHTS is the story of a man wrongly convicted of murder. Lakeith Stanfield and Nnamdi Asomugha work together to right the wrong.

BRAD’S STATUS stars Ben Stiller, Michael Sheen and Jenna Fischer in this combination of comedy and drama about decisions we make in life. THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK starring Jeff Bridges and Kate Beckinsale and directed by Marc Webb.

CITY OF GHOSTS comes from Matthew Heineman as activists in Syria who are also journalists. GENERATION OF WEALTH takes on the rich in America. WONDERSTRUCK tells the story of a young boy in the Midwest and a young girl in New York and what there connection is. THE BIG SICK stars Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan as a couple who deal with their cultural differences.

Before the ending of Amazon Studios presentation there was mention of upcoming films including DON QUIXOTE, DON’T WORRY HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT, ANNETTE, BEAUTIFUL BOY, SUSPIRIA, YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE, PETERLOO.

Lionsgate closes the studio presentations with a little film ALL EYEZ ON ME, a film on Tupac Shakur. Michael Keaton continues to keep me riveted and makes his way to the stage to present AMERICAN ASSASSIN. Dylan O’ Brien and Taylor Kitsch star in this counterterrorism thriller.

Jacob Tremblay stars in the film WONDER that comes from the novel by R.J. Palacio with this drama about Auggie, a young boy with a facial deformity that tries to fit in.

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD brings the stunning Salma Hayek to the stage to introduce this film that stars Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson as a bodyguard and a hitman work together. Putting Reynolds and Jackson in these roles it pretty much a win-win!

That’s it, that’s everything and I can honestly say I don’t think it’s possible to take in any more. CinemaCon never disappoints and this year was absolutely no exception. From learning what is new and coming in theatres and meeting exhibitors along with the stars that came to support it all – it was a complete blast.

Thanks to NATO and Mitch Neuhauser, the Managing Director, for all that you do to make it a memorable week that keeps us talking for months after.

See you next year at CinemaCon 2018!