KARATE KID: Legends

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jonathan Entwistle and Sony Pictures is the story of a boy and two men who want to help the KARATE KID: Legends.

Li Fong (Ben Wang) is a young man studying Kung Fu with Shifu Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) in Beijing. Mom (Ming-Na Wen) is a doctor about to be transferred to New York City much to the dismay of Li who doesn’t want to leave the wuguan or Mr. Han and is still dealing with the loss of a family member. Once in New York, Li and his mother try to settle in and within a few hours he has his first friend Mia (Sadie Stanley) who works in her father Victor’s (Joshua Jackson) pizza joint.

His first days at school provide to be difficult as well when Connor Day (Aramis Knight), the local karate champion, decides to test Li’s ability to defend himself. Mom is none to pleased with what has happened having made Li promise not to fight. She refocuses Li’s attention to his studies by getting him an S.A.T. tutor in Alan (Wyatt Oleff). Li plays along but also makes time to hang out with Mia and making friends with her father. Victor was once a fighter of another kind and now wants to do it again to pay back a debt. After seeing what Li can do, Victor wants Li to train him up!

When things start to go badly, Mr. Han arrives in New York just in time to see that Li is having a difficulties. That’s when Mr. Han sees a flyer for a tournament and knows it will help the young man in so many ways but – he needs help. Flying to Los Angeles, he meets up with Daniel La Russo at the Miyagi-do and explains that he was once very good friends of Mr. Miyagi. Daniel is pleased to hear that his former teacher remembered him fondly to Mr. Han. Now, Mr. Han wants Daniel to do for Li, what Mr. Miyagi did for him.

Now, Li has a chance to mix Kung Fu with Karate and not only show what he is capable of but also the possibility of reconciling his fears – but can he do that?

Wang as Li is a very charming young man with a contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Dealing with the past, he agrees not to fight for his mother’s sake but the streets of New York have other ideas. Almost immediately he is defending himself and others around him but the one person who preys on his weakness is the one he must fight in a tournament. He also finds himself with a bit of a crush on the pizza guys daughter. Wang takes up the kid’s mantle and does it proud.

Chan as Mr. Han has a sense of humor and shows that even at the ripe age of 71, he has moves and isn’t afraid to show them. He gives his character the dedication in helping Li knowing what weighs heavy on his heart. Reaching out to another who can also understand the boys’ feelings, Chan is equally as funny and plays up his part and I loved every minute of it. Chan may not have the box office draw as in his early career, but this role was made for him to play and I am thrilled people will see what he has to offer in the Karate Kid franchise (and it erases the 2010 fiasco).

Macchio returns as LaRusso and although happy to meet Mr. Chan, doesn’t believe that he can help Li in a tournament. Yet, LaRusso finds himself on a rooftop explaining karate to Li and training him to fight his biggest adversary – Connor Day! Macchio’s character is so iconic that it seems only fitting that he be there for Li and the support he gives reminds us that in 1984, the same training and support was given to him. He understands the young man and that proves to be so important, especially when it is LaRusso who comes up with the gameplan (which may be familiar as well). Macchio seems to embrace the fact that he is forever superglued to the character of LaRusso and he makes it look so easy. That might also be the fact that he has spent the last six years being part of the Netflix series COBRA KAI (another of my family’s favorites) and returning to the film franchise works so perfectly.

Stanley as Mia is a young girl who is going through something similar as LaRusso’s young love Ali back in the day. She works with her father and finds herself surprisingly attracted to Li. It must be said they are cute together and it works on the screen. Stanley’s character worries for her father and when she begins to understand what Li is doing, joins the support team. Jackson as Dad Victor has a sense of humor and his character wants what is best for his daughter. A friendship also blooms between Victor and Li which was so lovely to see. Jackson gives a nice go-between character of the boxing world and a little bit of kung fu which stuns in the ring.

Knight as Connor is a kid with issues and trusting the wrong person to train him. His bully tactics may work on others but Li refuses to let it stand. Oleff as Alan is a character and made the audience laugh many times. He may be tutoring calculous to Li, but he’s becoming more of a friend than he expected. Wen as Li’s Mom is a doctor who wants her son to stay out of trouble and study to be able to go to college. When she discovers Li is fighting, “Mom’-ness kicks in and she is not happy. She has her reasons for being afraid for Li to get involved in fighting and tournaments which is revealed in the film.

KARATE KID: Legends is more than I expected! First of all, it is so nostalgic, especially for this mom who took her kids in 1984 to see THE KARATE KID and after that nothing was safe in my house. My sons immediately wanted to take karate lessons and that lasted for some time. There was something about the character of LaRusso that was so relatable to kids then and now he is a familiar character that is delightful to see as an adult. Most of us grew up with Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi to the point where lines from the film have become part of our lexicon. “Wax on, wax off” is a prime example and I have seen people try to catch a fly with chopsticks just to see if it was possible.

In this film, the new Daniel is Li Fong and between Mr. Han and LaRusso, Fong gets the best of both worlds and in the process have found a new Shifu and Sensei at the same time. But they aren’t the only friends Li makes. A new kid on the block, as it were, find friendship in Mia, Victor and Alan quickly and it works. The story moves at a fast pace and follows the 1984 formula and I’m not mad about it. It worked then and it works now and yes, it’s probably for nostalgia’s sake that it does and there is nothing wrong with that. KARATE KID: Legends is fun, charming, a bit brutal, and takes on the themes of friendship, life, sad events and loyalty to the love of martial arts.

For all those who long for the simpler times and a film that probably caused them to try and chop a piece of wood in half, then get to the theatres this Friday and find that kid again. Embrace two cultures, a kid with martial arts talent and two men who believed in him. Prepare to have a grand time at the movies this weekend.

In the end – when masters unite a new legacy begins!

It is the PANDA PLAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Luan Zhang and Well Go USA is the story of an action star and the mayhem that comes with the PANDA PLAN.

Jackie (Jackie Chan) is a film star who pics and chooses the projects or events he wants to attend. Going down the list with assistant David (Xiang Wei), one of the events is to go to the Noah Zoo and see the pandas. That is one event Jackie actually thinks he will have some fun doing. Showing up he is greeted by fans and gets to be part of adopting a baby panda. Doing her job, Su Xiaozhu (Ce Shi) takes care of the cute and chubby baby panda Hu-Hu who is a bit stubborn but she adores the little ball of fur.

Taking a break, Su goes to get some ice cream and asks everyone how was Jackie’s visit to the zoo. To her surprise, Jackie is right in front of her! Sitting down to talk, he mentions the pandas and Su offers to take him to visit the Hu-Hu. Jackie gets to spend time with the baby. That’s all great but off-shore, a mercenary ship is being sent on a mission, a large sum of money is being offered if they kidnap the Hu-Hu. As Jackie is giving a speech in the panda exhibit, mercenaries are making their way to their goal. Imagine their surprise when they get inside the exhibit and see the action hero!

Su managed to get the baby panda away and hide while Jackie fights the mohawk wearing bad guy James (Temur Mamisashvili). Attempting to keep things going inside the zoo, the Director (Andy Friend) takes a Rambo stance against the bad guys. Jackie and Su manage to meet up and they have one goal, find a way around the mercenaries and keep the furry baby out of the clutches of the bad guys. When the big boss lands, the danger has heightened.

Now the chase is really on!

Chan as, well, Jackie Chan gets the chance to not only be the action hero but also add comedy to his character. There are so many twists and turns in a fun antic way and Chan honestly looks like he is having fun doing it. His marital arts fit with a gentleman of his age and I still enjoyed what he can do. Shi as Su is thrilled to meet Chan but when things go crazy, she knows that her goal is the panda. She is in the middle of the antics whether she wants to be or not. I think she is actually the clever one of the bunch.

Wei as David has a lot of quirks but will do anything for his friend. If anything, as much as Chan is comedy, Wei is the literal comic relief with his funny moments that bring giggles whether you realize you’re doing it or not. I’ll admit he had me laughing for sure. Mamisashvili as James is the literal bad guy comic to Wei’s good guy comic. He does get the chance to take on Chan’s martial arts and he gets as good as he gives. Friend as the Director is doing his best to be a zoo hero and a few mistakes shouldn’t be a problem…right?

Other cast include Danny Ray as Harry, Ivan Ponomarenko as Farih, Bing Jia as the Ice Cream Shop owner, andSean Kohnke as the MMA fighter.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

Bonus Features include English Language Available and Trailer.

PANDA PLAN is definitely a comedy-cute animal-action film that the whole family can enjoy. There are very funny scenes that the kids who love pandas will love. Okay, so adults who love pandas too will smile a lot. The special effect “panda” is charming, cute and squeaky as we would expect a baby to be.

Chan leads the way for the film and the cast choices fit right in seamlessly. The scene where Jackie talks about why he continues to make movies, I thought was lovely. The cinematography is wonderful and colorful from start to finish.

The filmi s in Mandarin but easily switched to English for the kids. So, sit back and watch as a family to see how Jackie Chan handles the Panda stealing bad guys or is there more to the story?

In the end – never mess with a baby panda!

 

 

 

 

 

It is Time to RIDE ON Jeri Jacquin Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Larry Yang and Well Go USA is the story of family and a horse that will RIDE ON. Lao Luo (Jackie Chan) is a former stuntman who has been living a quiet life with his companion horse Red Hare. Missing his daughter after a divorce, Xiao Bao (Liu Haocun), she is about to come back into his life once again. Owing a lot of money, Lao Luo learns he may lose Red Hare to an auction. Not knowing where to turn, he seeks out daughter Bao for legal help since she is studying law. Keeping an emotional distance, she asks her boyfriend Naihua (Guo Qilin) if he would be able to help. After a street fight with Red Haire goes viral, movie makers want him and the horse for their action films. Bao becomes a bit of an ad litem agent for her father but finds herself becoming closer to him. Watching her father work, she becomes very worried about them both as the stunts seems to be more and more dangerous. After one fateful stunt, Bao learns more about her father and what he has been through during their time apart. She realizes what she thought about Lao was all wrong. At the hospital, Lao tells her that it is time for he and Red Hare to retire. The court case still looms about Red Hare’s fate and Bao is still trying to understand her feelings and her father. Families and stunts can be complicated. Chan as Lao is definetly playing to his strength with his history as being a stuntman himself. That gives him an edge to playing this role with the added family storyline. He gets the chance to do stunts and show he’s still got it at his tender age of 69 and shows it to be flawless. Chan’s comedic timing is still wonderful and, in this film, even his emotional moments are tender and thoughtful. Haocun as daughter Bao has her own feelings toward father Lao feeling abandoned by him. There are big trust issues for Bao not understanding the circumstances that led to her father leaving or what happened to him during their time apart. Haocun is stubborn and at the same time protective of Red Hare and eventually her father. Haocun is charming and lovely to watch as her character navigates relationships. Qilin as Naihua is watching the father-daughter-horse relationship unfold while also wanting to move forward marrying Bao. He truly does enjoy seeing this once detached family come together and wants to do anything to help. Qilin is so sweet as their character navigates it all. Shout out to Wu Jing as Yuanjie who wants to help Lao offering him a chance to not only sort of relive his stuntman days but helps him out of his financial troubles. Jing is a bit crazy at times with his emotional outburst but he truly does show a good heart. Well done, Jing. Also, a nod to the beautiful horse Red Hare! Playing opposite Jackie Chan, this horse makes it clear that being a legend doesn’t mean he can upstage this horse. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Red Hare and Chan work together. Other cast include Joey Yung as Yingzi, Yu Ailei as Xiamao, Yu Rongguang as He Xin, Andy On as Dami Ge, Xiaoshenyang as Li Yan and Shi Yanneng as Dawei. Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com. RIDE ON is a complex story about a man and his relationship to a wonderful horse, renewing a relationship with a long-lost daughter and a profession he once excelled at. Chan takes every chance to be hilarious, comedic, emotional and strong and that’s everything for this former stuntman. The added bonus of the horse Red Hare allows Chan to play opposite a ‘character’ that doesn’t have much to say but sure makes his feelings clear. The martial arts look seamless (thanks to great choreography) and although there are not a lot of fight scenes, when they are on screen it is well done and not over played. RIDE ON comes in at one hundred and twenty-six minutes and the language can be adjusted if subtitles during a movie isn’t your thing. The film is colorful, the story is impactful and plays a serious ode to stuntman including Jackie Chan. They are basically unsung heroes in many Asian films with Chan and crew making it clear at the end that they are dearly appreciated. Asian films are known for their grandeur and large casts, especially where martial arts are involved, and writer/director Yang makes sure the story never forgets who makes that possible. In the end – it is time to get back on the horse!

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Larry Yang and Well Go USA is the story of family and a horse that will RIDE ON.

Lao Luo (Jackie Chan) is a former stuntman who has been living a quiet life with his companion horse Red Hare. Missing his daughter after a divorce, Xiao Bao (Liu Haocun), she is about to come back into his life once again. Owing a lot of money, Lao Luo learns he may lose Red Hare to an auction. Not knowing where to turn, he seeks out daughter Bao for legal help since she is studying law.

Keeping an emotional distance, she asks her boyfriend Naihua (Guo Qilin) if he would be able to help. After a street fight with Red Haire goes viral, movie makers want him and the horse for their action films. Bao becomes a bit of an ad litem agent for her father but finds herself becoming closer to him. Watching her father work, she becomes very worried about them both as the stunts seems to be more and more dangerous.

After one fateful stunt, Bao learns more about her father and what he has been through during their time apart. She realizes what she thought about Lao was all wrong. At the hospital, Lao tells her that it is time for he and Red Hare to retire. The court case still looms about Red Hare’s fate and Bao is still trying to understand her feelings and her father.

Families and stunts can be complicated.

Chan as Lao is definetly playing to his strength with his history as being a stuntman himself. That gives him an edge to playing this role with the added family storyline. He gets the chance to do stunts and show he’s still got it at his tender age of 69 and shows it to be flawless. Chan’s comedic timing is still wonderful and, in this film, even his emotional moments are tender and thoughtful.

Haocun as daughter Bao has her own feelings toward father Lao feeling abandoned by him. There are big trust issues for Bao not understanding the circumstances that led to her father leaving or what happened to him during their time apart. Haocun is stubborn and at the same time protective of Red Hare and eventually her father. Haocun is charming and lovely to watch as her character navigates relationships.

Qilin as Naihua is watching the father-daughter-horse relationship unfold while also wanting to move forward marrying Bao. He truly does enjoy seeing this once detached family come together and wants to do anything to help. Qilin is so sweet as their character navigates it all.

Shout out to Wu Jing as Yuanjie who wants to help Lao offering him a chance to not only sort of relive his stuntman days but helps him out of his financial troubles. Jing is a bit crazy at times with his emotional outburst but he truly does show a good heart. Well done, Jing.

Also, a nod to the beautiful horse Red Hare! Playing opposite Jackie Chan, this horse makes it clear that being a legend doesn’t mean he can upstage this horse. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Red Hare and Chan work together.

Other cast include Joey Yung as Yingzi, Yu Ailei as Xiamao, Yu Rongguang as He Xin, Andy On as Dami Ge, Xiaoshenyang as Li Yan and Shi Yanneng as Dawei.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

RIDE ON is a complex story about a man and his relationship to a wonderful horse, renewing a relationship with a long-lost daughter and a profession he once excelled at. Chan takes every chance to be hilarious, comedic, emotional and strong and that’s everything for this former stuntman. The added bonus of the horse Red Hare allows Chan to play opposite a ‘character’ that doesn’t have much to say but sure makes his feelings clear.

The martial arts look seamless (thanks to great choreography) and although there are not a lot of fight scenes, when they are on screen it is well done and not over played. RIDE ON comes in at one hundred and twenty-six minutes and the language can be adjusted if subtitles during a movie isn’t your thing.

The film is colorful, the story is impactful and plays a serious ode to stuntman including Jackie Chan. They are basically unsung heroes in many Asian films with Chan and crew making it clear at the end that they are dearly appreciated. Asian films are known for their grandeur and large casts, especially where martial arts are involved, and writer/director Yang makes sure the story never forgets who makes that possible.

In the end – it is time to get back on the horse!

 

 

 

 

 

Sony and Netflix Bring us the Story of Friendship with WISH DRAGON

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Netflix from Sony Pictures Animation, writer/director Chris Appelhans and Jackie Chan comes the heartwarming story of friendship and understanding with WISH DRAGON.

Din (voiced by Jimmy Wong) and Lina (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) discover in elementary school that they have so much in common. From their love of mischief comes a friendship so deep that when Lina moves away with her father, it is a sad day for Din. As the city grows around him, Din still finds a bit of trouble missing school and keeping up with his delivery job.

Making a delivery, he is given a teapot for no reason at all but is told all the answers he needs is with the teapot. There is someone who is equally interested in the teapot and that’s the slightly villainous looking Mr. Wong (Will Yun Lee) who will stop at nothing to get his hands on it.  

After a chastising from Mom (Constance Wu) about his schoolwork, Din is more interested in who he is excited to see. The teapot has other plans when it opens up and he meets Long (John Cho), a dragon who let him know that he gets three wishes. After trying to get to know one another, Din lets Long the Dragon know he wants to see his friend Lina again.

That can be kind of difficult as Lina is now living a big life. Din crashes her birthday party only to discover that the change from childhood to adulthood can be painful. Trying to explain things to Long is difficult but the very colorful dragon has another take on how humans behave and there is a very good reason for it. It is time for each of their stories to be told and friendship to find them once again and not just the two-legged friendships!

All that glitters is not gold.

Wong as Din is a young man who has hung onto his childhood memory and the belief that one day he will see Nina again. When Long enters his life, things become more complicated than Din could ever have imagined. Wong gives his character a wonderful sense of life, love, friendship, loyalty and a bit of comedy thanks to his dragon friend.

Bordizzo as Nina is as mischievous as Din when they are children. As the years go by, Nina’s father is part of the business world, and it affects her life in ways she could not have imagined. Bordizzo gives her character such a lovely and fun aspect but also a sense of responsibility that keeps her away from the people she truly wants to be with.

Wu as Mom only wants the best for her son and works hard to make sure he is taken care of. There is a sense of community and family that are there with her and it is something that Nina gets to experience.

Other cast include Bobby Lee as Tall Goon, Jimmy O. Yang as Small Goon, Ian Chem as Young Din, Alyssa Abiera as Young Lina, and Gabriel Lee as Wen.

Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. The visually groundbreaking and critically acclaimed SPIDER-MAN: Into the Spider-Verse is the studio’s latest release, and the winner of the 2019 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Other amazing films include THE SMURFS, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS and HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.sonypicturesanimation.com.

WISH DRAGON is a colorful, beautiful, loving story of friendships and loyalty surrounded by community. It is also the story of Din and Lina and, with a little push of faith, remembering what is important in life once you tear down the materialistic things that become traps.

There is also the story of Long and his journey of being a dragon which is equally important. Watching Long experience the modern world is entertaining to be sure, but it is also rediscovering his connection with people that is sweet, caring and sometimes very funny.

The animation is stunning and brilliant which lends to the enjoyment of the film in so many ways. So, gather the family and prepare to make a few wishes of your own when the WISH DRAGON comes into your home for a visit.

In the end – three magical wishes and one life changing adventure!

 

 

The Legend of the IRON MASK

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Blu-ray from Lionsgate Home Entertainment and writer/director Oleg Stephchenko is the story of the IRON MASK.

Miss Dudley (Anna Churina) is miserable since the day her father Lord Dudley (Charles Dance) chased off the love of her life Jonathan Green (Jason Flemyng).Still receiving letter from him, she learns he is in Russia making maps for Peter the Great (Yuri Kolokolnikov) - or so he thought. Ending up in jail, Jonathan also meets Cheng Lan (Yao Xinglong) who is kind to him.

Receiving word to let Jonathan go, he makes one request and that is to take the young Lan with him. Their run on the road takes them to China where Lan is free to fight for the cause of her people. In an English prison, jailer James Hook (Arnold Schwarzenegger) has a mysterious Master (Jackie Chan) and a masked man Peter. Fighting for freedom, the two come together to find a way to escape but it is Peter who runs free.

Agreeing to take a medallion to the master's daughter, another journey takes place only to discover that Jonathan and Lan are already there, along with the surprise of Miss Dudley! The medallion is needed to take on a Princess who wants the medallion to rule the world.

But not if those who fight for the people can help it!

Chan as the Master once again plays a quiet character who does not have much to say, but rather takes everything in and then makes the call. Chan has the chance to give us a little martial arts action as well watching feats of drawer checking heights. Of course, having the final scene with Schwarzenegger, he gets the chance to lament truths that are universal.

Schwarzenegger as Hook is the ruler of an English prison but, according to some, has a heart. Translated that means if you can beat him and get to the top of the ladder - well, you are free. When you are as big as Hook, you must give points for bravery at whoever tries it. This seems like a fun role for Schwarzenegger and it shows.

Flemyng as Green is a map maker and a artist that has been away from Miss Dudley a little too long. From England to Russia to China, he sees fantastic creatures as well as how people in power treat one another. Churina as Miss Dudley knows only one thing, she wants her man back and nothing is going to stop it from happening.

Xinglong as Cheng Lan know the culture and mythology of her people and has spent her years trying to bring back what has been lost. Lan's travels are equally as extensive as Jonathan's and fate bringing them together is just what they both needed to get to their destination. Kolokolnikov as Peter has been long away from his own home, but he is not about to return without helping those who made his freedom possible.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

IRON MASK is a fantasy film filled with creatures, martial arts and a mixture of mythologies. As with many films from Asia, the film is colorful and filled with flights of fancy. There are secrets and twists that weave this tapestry of storytelling with a cast that is as vast as the miles the story puts on the screen. There is also a moment to see Rutger Hauer giving us a look at his final performance.

It is actually fun to try and pick out the places the characters are, the creatures and their story as well as the final place and the story behind the dragon! Being a fan of dragons in all their guises, IRON MASK gives us a beautiful story about them and the loyalty of those who protect theirs.

In the end - sometimes you just need to really see the beauty of the world!

THE NUT JOB 2 Nutty By Nature Brings Family Fun and Giggles on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Cal Brunker and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the next nutty adventure with THE NUT JOB 2 Nutty By Nature.

Surly (Will Arnett) is back with Andie (Katherine Heigl), and Precious (Maya Rudolph), Buddy and the group is living and dining in a nut shop. Andie isn’t happy about it trying to tell them all that this isn’t how squirrels are suppose to live. Believing they should be working together, they have to when the nut shop closes with a bang.

Back at the park Andie explains that they must get back to nature and collect their own food. That might be difficult as Mayor Muldoon (Bobby Moynihan) is the city scrooge who wants to make money by trying to find a way to close Liberty park where the squirrels now live. Surly convinces the group, much to Andie’s dismay, to fight the Mayor for their park.

Mole (Jeff Dunham), Jimmy (Gabriel Iglesias), Gunther (Peter Stormare), and Johnny (Sebastian Maniscalco) join Surly and Andie to chase the workers out of the park. Canine Frankie (Bobby Cannavale) is sent to clear the park but instead falls instantly in love with Precious. The Mayor’s daughter decides she wants to keep Precious but moving up isn’t always a good thing.

Surly tries to find Precious but instead finds a cute little psycho mouse in Mr. Feng (Jackie Chan). Andie finds another local park that is huge she is excited about their new home until smacked by a golf ball. Tired of all the worry and fuss, the gang comes together once more time to make a stand to stop the Mayor’s plans from ruining their home. Surly calls in an unlikely army to make sure their plan unites the city and park animals.

It’s a nutty job but they’ve just got to do it!

Arnett returns as Surly giving us the carefree squirrel who isn’t about to let a silly Mayor and his psycho daughter change his lifestyle. Heigl as Andie is the straight forward no-nonsense squirrel of the group who just wants to be the furry creature nature intended.

Rudolph as Precious comes in with her slobbery lovely self and finds that none of that matters to Frankie the love struck bulldog. Cannavale as Frankie just wants to show some love and learns to see another side of life.

Moynihan as the Mayor can only think of money and how to make more of it all while handling a crazy daughter. Speaking of crazy daughter, shout out to Moner as Heather who needs serious anger management classes!

Dunham, Inglesias, Stormare and Maniscalco round out the park kingdom nicely. Adding Chan as Mr. Feng as a cute (don’t say cute!) city mouse with a gang that that may look er, um, sweet but don’t let the big eyes fool you.

Other voice cast include Isabela Moner as Heather, Kari Wahlgren as Jamie, Julie Lemieux as Lil’ Chip, and Rob Tinkler as Redline.

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 NUT JOB 2 Nutty By Nature is so much fun and a bit, well, nutty! It is a story of the animal world taking back what is there’s by joining together to prove they might just be a little smarter than we think. The animation is absolutely stunning with such detail that always amazes me. The flow of the fur is just mesmerizing actually.

The relationship between Surly and Buddy is so endearing without Buddy ever saying a word. Their friendship is based on a history that the film reveals in such a touching way. Andie is who I would call the ‘mother’ figure always watching out for the animals and wanting to keep them safe. She is funny in her break out of song too!

The pairing of Precious with Frankie is just so dang cute I can’t stand it. Precious may be rough and tough but Frankie brings out the soft side. Now, the city cute wide eyed mice led by Mr. Feng are hilarious.

THE NUT JOB 2 Nutty By Nature has fantastic Bonus Features including Deleted Scenes, Animation Progression Reels, Concept Art Reel, and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Cal Brunker and Producer/Co-Writer Bob Barlen. Also included with a Digital copy of the film that can be streamed and downloaded on your computer, television, Tablet or Smartphone.

You will never see the park in same way again so gather the family and grab a bag of nuts to celebrate the new adventure of the animal world with THE NUT JOB 2 Nutty By Nature.

In the end – get ready, get set, get nuts!

The Lego Ninjago Movie Brings Fun for all Ages!

Jeri Jacquin

Get ready to get your Zen on as directors Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, Bob Logan and Warner Bros. bring the fun with THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE.

Ninjago is an island filled with townsfolk of all kinds and all walks of life. At the local high school, Lloyd (voiced by Dave Franco) is constantly being harassed for the simple reason that his father is Garmadon (Justin Theroux). Who is Garmadon you ask? Well, he’s ‘The Worst Guy Ever’ who is always finding ways to use his mechs to wreak havoc on the streets of Ninjago.

The only way Lloyd can handle being the son of the worst guy ever is to become part of a group of high school secret ninja warriors. Taught by his under Master Wu (Jackie Chan), the group consists of Kai (Michael Pena) the Fire Ninja, Cole (Fred Armisen) the Earth Ninja, Jay (Kumail Nanjiani) is the Lightening Ninja, Zane (Zach Woods) is the Ice Ninja and Nya (Abbi Jacobson) is Kai’s sister leaving Lloyd as the Green Ninja.

When Garmadon unleashes Mewothra, Lloyd and the gang must go on a journey to find a way to stop the destruction of Ninjago. The problem is that after showdown between brothers; Lloyd is stuck dealing with his Dad!

It is a trip to save their island but Lloyd and Garmadon discover that for all their years apart, father and son might just have a chance to make up for lost time. Well, that and dealing with a giant Meowthra still tearing up Ninjago!

Franco as the voice of Lloyd is a kid who has lived in the shadow of Garmadon but finds some relief in being the Green Ninja. Everybody loves the Green Ninja and his flying dragon - it’s too bad they don’t know it’s the kid they ignore. One thing is sure, when it comes to stubbornness, the Lego doesn’t fall far form the tree!

Theroux as Garmadon is just completely hilarious and worth every laugh this character gets. Yes, I realize it’s just his voice but the delivery is epic and the animators bring it all together and so much so I think I developed a bit of a soft spot for Garmadon. He’s just another misunderstood evil warlord who happens to have a magazine rack full of unresolved issues.

Chan as Master Wu is funny, smart and tolerant and all three make this character a lot of fun to watch. He wants what is best for his nephew but isn’t going to make the journey an easy one. Did I mention he’s funny?

Pena, Armisen, Nanjiani, Woods, and Jacobson know that it’s rough to be the son of Garmadon. They are supportive of their friend Lloyd and, it must be said, they do so enjoy putting on their costumes and using the cool gear. Getting to know Garmadon is just a bonus for them.

Other vocal cast include: David Burrows as Fuschsia Ninja, Alex Kauffman as the Ninja Computer, Todd Hansen as General Omar, and Douglas Nicholas as General Jolly.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE four and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. I mean come on there people! This is fun, full of laughs, great characters and has everything LEGO. There is something for everyone and outrageous humor from start to finish. Watching these Lego characters is an epic joy every minute the animation is on screen.

Leave it to Jackie Chan’s Master Wu to gives us a few valuable lessons on accepting ourselves, finding the path that best fits us and believing that all things are possible. It is all wrapped nicely in another LEGO adventure.

To be honest here, I knew I would love LEGO NINJAGO because THE LEGO MOVIE (2014) and THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (2017) still have me laughing. I think I might be a tad partial to Batman but only a tad more. The humor in these films is nothing short of sharp and there isn’t anything not to like.

Get the family together because this is definitely a film that is a reason to make visiting your local movie theatre worth every bite of popcorn.

In the end – find your inner ninja!