They are Back and Blue with SMURFS

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Chris Miller and Paramount Pictures comes the tale of a village and its secrets with the SMURFS.

Tucked away in the woods, Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is leading his village in singing and dancing. Each Smurf is good at something but No Name Smurf (James Corden) is having a hard time finding out what that ‘something’ is. While spending a little time alone, No Name looks to the sky for answers and listening is Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), a sentient book who wants to help. Staying in secret, the book has good reason as the evil Razamel (JP Karliak) wants to bring all the books together to take over the world.

Razamel’s assistant Joel (Dan Levy) has been tasked with finding the Smurf village and when Papa Smurf is taken, No Name and Smurfette (Rhianna) are on the case. The first place to look is with Razamel’s brother Gargamel who wants to trust his brother but, well, that’s a dead end. Papa Smurf left them a clue and it leads to Mama Poot (Natasha Lyonne) and brother Ken (Nick Offerman).

Razamel, as with all bad guys, underestimates the power of the Smurfs, friendship and what happens when you find that one thing that bring you joy!

Goodman as Papa Smurf gives the voice of calm and reason in the midst of chaos when Razamel Smurf-naps him. Knowing that his village has leaders that can take care of everyone, he also knows they just have to believe in themselves. Offerman as brother Ken is not interested in really getting into the mess with Razamel/Gargamel but realizes that it is because of a history with their father. Offerman always cracks me up and, in this case, his vocals match the attitude.

Corden as No Name Smurf is just trying to find himself. For me, all I hear is Biggie asking where Mr. Dinkles is (2016 TROLLS reference). The insecurities are set aside then he believes he can do magic that can help all the Smurfs. Rhianna as Smurfette is fine but personally I just don’t feel smurfy about it. I was expecting a bit, well more – more enthusiasm, more excitement – just more. Since the film is geared to a certain audience, it isn’t a deal breaker.

Karliak gets double duty voicing both Razamel and Gargamel and yet he manages to give them each their individual voice. They may be brothers but Karliak gives them each a vocal personality and I loved it. Lyonne as Mama Poot is her usual hilarious self and it is the voice that makes the fluffy being such personality. I have to say I’m going to be looking for a Mama Poot character to put on my desk absolutely.

Levy as Joel reminds me of a over zealous intern that is hoping for a permanent job by doing whatever dastardly deed the boss wants. Even when he tries to be “evil”, it only made me laugh even more. Sedaris as Jaunty is a book with a heart of gold who wants to help No Name but also knows that the wizards want her for evil purposes.

Other Smurfs and wizards include Sandra Oh as Moxie Smurf, Jimmy Kimmel as Tardigrade, Octavia Spencer as Asmodius, Nick Kroll as Chernobog, Hannah Waddingham as Jezebeth, Alex Winter as Hefty Smurf, Maya Erskine as Vanity Smurf, Kurt Russell as Ron, Xolo Mariduena as Brainy Smurf, Hugo Miller as Clumsy Smurf, Chris Miller as Grouchy Smurf, Billie Lourd as Worry Smurf, Marshmello as Turtle, Spencer X as Sound Effects Smurf and Chris Prynoski as Quiet Smurf.

SMURFS is definitely a family-oriented film filled with all the themes of friendship, adventure, meeting new friends, knowing where you belong and standing up for what’s right. Those are excellent reasons to take the entire family to see it. The Smurfs became a part of pop culture in 1981 when Hanna-Barbera began airing the animated show. My kids were glued to the television screen every moment it was on screen. Created by artist Peyo as they were originally called Les Schtroumpfs.  

The animation is bright, colorful and everything one would expect of a story that included the Smurfs. There blue skin is highlighted by bright white clothing and iconic tipped hats making them impossible to not recognize. Children still giggle today when they see them just as much as they did forty-four years ago (that’s right, I did the math!). The characters are charming and there is no doubt about that. In this film, there is humor for the kids and for the adults as well. So, load up on the snacks and prepare for a good time together.

In the end – adventure comes out of the blue!

It is Another Adventure with PETER RABBIT 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Will Gluck and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next big adventure with PETER RABBIT 2.

Peter Rabbit (James Corden) is a witness at the wedding of Bea (Rose Byrne) and Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) and off they go to live in the cottage together next to the pond. The town is all excited since Bea’s book ‘Peter Rabbit’ is out for all to enjoy.

One day Bea receives a letter from Nigel Basil-Jones (David Oyelowo) asking to publish her book and take it worldwide. She signs a contract, but the animals are worried that Basil-Jones is not a nice guy. Bea makes it very clear that the story is very personal to her but that doesn’t stop the publisher from making suggestions to bring in the big money.

Peter, in the meantime, is not happy with the story and decides it is time to strike out on his own. He meets Barnabas (Lennie James) only to discover that he actually knows Peter. Captured by the local authorities, they are adopted out to a family who clearly does not know how to care for rabbits. Now Peter’s friends are worried that they haven’t seen Peter!

Barnabas shows Peter the ropes to living and surviving in the big town with the help of Whiskers (Rupert Degas), Tom Kitten (Damon Herriman), Mittens (Haylet Atwell) and Johnny Town-Mouse (David Wenham). That adventure was not to last as Bea and friends find Peter to take him home.

But its not over as Peter finds himself between old friends and new friends and its time for him to remember who he is to all that love him!

Corden as Peter continues to give his animated character fun, lessons learned, an innocence mixed in with a big of being braggadocios, and a just a kid who wants to know his place in the world. Cordon offers a sense of childlike attitudes and a bit of an emotional tantrum now and then from a rabbit that we all can not help but love – just the way he is.

Byrne as Rose never thought her stories would come to more than a small book in her shop. When she has a chance to take Peter into a larger world, she also learns lessons about the big world who would like nothing more than to change her beloved stories. Byrne always brings beauty to her roles and Rose is just delightful.

Gleeson as Mr. McGregor is the total opposite of Rose in that he is suspicious of everything, probably because of Peter more than anything else. He has his eye on those who would want to change everything he loves about his wife. In this adventure he has the opportunity to really get to know Peter and all his wonderful friends and that takes Gleeson from a grump to a hero.

Oyelowo as Nigel is the above ground user as James as Barnabas is to the lower ground user of the story. Both want what they want, and the cost means absolutely nothing. James has more than a few tricks up his sleeve, and they are all in his favor, poor Peter.

Degas, Herriman, Atwell and Wenham get the chance to stretch their imaginary characters legs and be as naughty as they want to be with Barnabas’ help.

Other cast include Colin Moody as Benjamin Bunny, Margot Robbie as Flopsy, Elizabeth Debicki as Mospy, Aimee Horne as Cotton-tail, Damon Herriman as Tom Kitten, Sia as Mrs. Tiggy Winkle, Sam Neill as Tommy Brock, Ewen Leslie as Pigling Bland, Matt Villa as Felix D’eer, Will Reichelt as JW Rooster and.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

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The special effects are pretty cool as all the cottage animals meet the city animals. Getting into the film it is easy to get lose in the reality who they are and my family did not mind one single bit.

PETER RABBIT 2 is a delightful continuation of the adventures Peter. It is a very large cast of characters both human and creature but each of them, with the help of their human voices, brings such life to the story. I watched the film with my six-year-old granddaughter, and she was giggling or yelling for Peter and his friends to ‘watch out!’.

That’s what is wanted in a family film. For families to gather together and giggle, eat popcorn, cheer for the underdog and boo the bad guys. That’s what PETER RABBIT 2 offers us all in the way of fun, entertainment, and a few lessons on what it truly means to be a blended family.

In the end – small hero and a big adventure!

CATS Sings and Dances onto the Big Screen

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for Christmas from director Tom Hooper and Warner Bros. is the Broadway hit story coming to screen with CATS.

Victoria (Francesca Hayward) is a cat who has been dumped by her owner into a dark alley where Jellicle cats are waiting to see what it wiggling in the bag. She meets magician Mr. Mistoffelees (Laurie Davidson) Who introduces her to a wide range of cats and informs her that she has come on a special night.

The oldest cat Deuteronomy (Dame Judy Dench) arrives to see cats perform for the honor of being chosen to rise up to Heaviside Layer and come back with a new life. In the running is Bustopher Jones (James Corden), Rum Tum Tugger (Jason Derulo), Jennyandots (Rebel Wilson), Munkustrap (Robbie Fairchild) and Gus the Theatre Cat (Ian McKellen) but it is Macavity (Idris Elba) who will do anything to be chosen. He also has help in the form of Bombalurina (Taylor Swift).

Watching all the events in the shadows is Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson) a once beautiful feline now trying to find her place in the world that hisses where they use to cheer. Victoria sees the world differently because she was abandoned but it is the cats she has met that show her another way of life.

Hayward As Victoria is very sweet and has serious dance moves but spends most of her time on screen with wide-eyed long pull away shots and cat lounging watching every other cat perform. She is a very beautiful cat and, as a cat owner, I'd be the first to scoop her up but in the film is basically a cat for other cats to spin around.

Dench as Old Deuteronomy Is a wise ole cat who is keenly aware of everything going on in the alley of cats. Watching each of the candidates perform is entertaining enough as she stretches in her sparkly cat-bed of honor. McKellen is very cute as a cat and his moment on stage was something I've never seen him do before so now I can check that off his list.

Elba as Mccavity gets a chance to be a bad guy in a cat suit but we already knew he could be a bad guy aka THE FAST AND FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW but now we know he can do it with fur and purr. Swift as Bombalurina Is an odd choice for a cat who likes spreading catnip like a fairy granting wishes. I have to say that her costume was odd because it seem to constantly change - please watch and tell me I'm seeing things.

Wilson as Jennyandots does what she usually does and that's pratfall and humor her way through a role but this time in a cat suit. The same can be said of Corden as fat cat Bustopher who seems more interested in digging through garbage than anything else.

Davidson as Mr. Mistofolees is everything and charming all wrapped up in an awesome hat. I truly enjoyed watching his character grow on screen. Derulo as Rum Tum is a confident cat who doesn't seem to mind letting everyone know what a cool-cat he is! Fairchild as Munkustrap has the fastest tapping paws while keeping time on the tracks.

Other cats include: Mette Towley as Cassandra, Larry Bourgeois as Plato, Daniela Norman as Demeter, Yasmin Harrison as Ensemble, Zizi Strallen as Tantomile, Melissa Madden-Gray as Griddlebone, Naoimh Morgan as Rumpleteazer, Laurent Bourgeois as Socrates, and Ray Winstone as Growltiger.

CATS did not thrill me and mainly because I just couldn't get into it. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of CATS but this version is a bit wonky at best. Let's just say some people shouldn't sing and others who I know can - seemed not to.

Now, the lesser known cast knocked it out of the park with their ensemble cat-ing, dancing and singing. I was more interested in their performances than the 'stars'. The set is dull and flat and didn't draw me in at all. In fact it was smaller things that kept my attention like the mice and the dancing roaches.

The film is an alright chance for those who can't get to a stage production to see what the fuss is all about and that's about it. Might I suggest that you definetly DO see a stage production because it is colorful, wonderful and emotional. There is something about going to a theatre production with others who are just as excited that makes the stage experience amazing.

I didn't get that in this movie theatre with CATS. Instead, looking around the theatre I see people uncomfortable and not really happy with what was on the screen. There were people talking during the film (which always isn't a good sign) because I think the expectation was much higher than the film could provide.

In the end - only one can be chosen!

SMALLFOOT is Total Family Fun

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from directors Karey Kirkpatrick, Jason Reisig and Warner Bros. is the story high in the clouds about SMALLFOOT.

Migo (voiced by Channing Tatum) is a yeti who lives in a village high in the clouds. His father Dorgle (Danny DeVito) has a very important job of helping the sun come up each morning and Migo wants to be just like him.

When the village Stonekeeper (Common) bestows on Migo his own helmet, the training begins. After a few practice runs, he is set across the sky aiming for his gong target when distracted by the lovely Meechee (Zendaya), daughter of the Stonekeeper. Shooting over the mountain, Migo lands in a snowy patch and tangles with an airplane where he sees the mythical Smallfoot!

Running back to the village to tell everyone, Migo is banished by the Stonekeeper until he tells everyone the truth – there are no Smallfoots. Deciding to find one Migo takes off but finds himself followed by Gwangi (LeBron James), Kolka (Gina Rodriguez) and Fleem (Ely Henry).

They take Migo to Meechee who is the head of the S.E.S. (Smallfoot Evidentiary Society). The group believes that all the rules set in stone for the yeti’s are not true, that there has to be something more. Migo still takes it upon himself to find a Smallfoot in the local town and meets Percy (James Corden), a television personality who spends his time discovering new animals but has lately fallen on hard times.

When the pilot of the downed airplane makes it to the town, he tells Percy that he saw a yeti which gives Percy a great idea. Trying to convince Brenda (Yara Shahhidi) to dress up as a yeti, he could get his ratings back and once again be a hit.

But Migo has other plans and after a verbal exchange of sorts, takes Percy to his village. Stunning that the yeti’s are congenial, Percy finds himself making friends and explaining any questions, well sort of, that they might have. Meechee realizes that something is wrong with Percy and that he needs to get off the mountain.

That’s when Migo discovers through the Stonekeeper that some things are better left untold to the people and making Percy go away is the best thing for them all. Not everyone agrees and when the two groups meet – someone has to bend!

Tatum as Migo is adorable and my three-year-old granddaughter is my proof. She was immediately drawn to Migo with his fast talking curious ways and when the singing began – that’s all it took. Laughing, clapping and cheering Migo on became her mission all through the film and it was as delightful as the film to watch. Thanks Channing for making our film experience so entertaining!

Corden as Percy is a fast talking personality who is losing his perspective and, according to Brenda, his integrity. Willing to do anything to bring back the fame he once knew, it takes a group of furry yeti’s to remind him of his humanity and ability to care for someone other than himself.

Zendaya as Meechee is charming and stubborn when it comes to doing what her father the Stonekeeper says. She believes that there is something more to their life and wants to be able to find out what that is. Common as the Stonekeeper is convinced he is doing the right thing by his yeti-people and is equally as stubborn to make sure the village is kept safe. Tatro as brother Thorp does his father’s bidding but does get an eventual wake up call.

DeVito as Dorgle comes from a long line of yeti’s who have made it their life (and flat headed work) to bring in the sunrise and enjoys knowing Migo will someday follow…or will he? Rodriguez as Kolka follows Meechee with no hesitation but is keeping an eye on Migo. James as Gwangi is another follower who believes with or without any proof. Henry as Fleem is the yeti that would drive me nuts always weighting the pros and cons of life until what he’s weighing becomes over rated.

SMALLFOOT is fun, musical and giggly mixed in with lessons of loyalty to both family and friendship no matter how big or small your foot might be. The fun comes in the slap stick comedy of snowy pratfalls and snowballs that I will even admit to enjoying. In a theatre full of children, it is easy to see the delight on their faces.

The music is fun, lighthearted, engaging and, I’m sure, will create a few hits that will be sung by children again and again. While the characters were singing the catchier tunes, the children would stand up and dance a little which always makes the adult laugh and smile.

Giggling is inevitable with this film as its jokes get the adults and the antics get the kids, or maybe it’s the other way around but does it matter? The antics are there and its meant for every age group.

The lessons of friendship and differences are what is wonderful and colorfully done with SMALLFOOT. Whether you are furry or have a small foot, each side saw the other as monsters and that is when the opportunity presents itself to either change that or continue to live in fear. I choose the change!

SMALLFOOT’s animation is colorful, vibrant and stunning which is just icing on the cake of a film, and I saw for myself, that everyone truly, truly enjoyed.

In the end – no every legend is a tall tale!

PETER RABBIT is Hopping Delightful

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray-DVD-Digital from director Will Gluck and Sony Pictures Animation is the charming story of PETER RABBIT.

Peter Rabbit (James Corden) lives a bunny life with his family and friends. Spending his days hopping around in a stunning blue jacket, there is fun, adventure and time spent looking for food. Benjamin Bunny (Colin Moody), Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki), Cotton-Tail (Daisy Ridley), Felix D’eer (Christian Gazal), Pigling Bland (Ewen Leslie), Mr. Tod (Fayssal Bazzi), Jemima Puddle-Duck (Rose Byrne) and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle (Sia).

Of course the food is right behind a fence in the garden of Mr. McGregor (Sam Neill) who wants nothing more than to snack on Peter. Luring him into a trap proves to be too much for Mr. McGregor. Peter and the gang take over the garden once again not having a clue that there is soon to be a new owner.

Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) inherits the house and is outraged that the animals have taken over. Clearing out the vermin he is seen by neighbor Bea (Rose Byrne) who happens to love all of the animals who wonders about him. When McGregor captures one of the big eared group, it brings Bea closer to him much to the irritation of Peter Rabbit.

Watching them spend time together, Peter Rabbit keeps an eye on McGregor to protect his friend Bea. The war is on between McGregor and Peter Rabbit but all the animals might be caught in the cross fire.

Corden as Peter Rabbit has the witty voice that gives the big eared blue jacket wearing furry critter fun, adventure, friendship mixed in with a little bit of jealously about his beloved Bea. My granddaughter giggled her way through every one of his antics and that’s what makes a memorable character.

Byrne as Bea loves her animal friends and they become the source of her illustrations. Trying to show McGregor how special they are, both Peter and the neighbor really do a number on her giving nature. Byrne is the perfect person to play this character because she has the ability to be as lovely as she wants to be and it’s easy to see why Peter loves her so much.

Gleeson as McGregor is absolutely charming in this film. I have to admit my favorite part is the wrestling scenes between Gleeson and Peter only because I fell for it hook, line and sinker. It plays out so well! Gleeson is, as his costars are, absolutely lovely and a little bit nutty which adds even more charm to the story. Gleeson is such a versatile actor having seen him in some very heavy roles, it’s nice to see more of his comedic side.

Other cast includes: Terenia Edwards as Siobhan, Natalie Dew as Janelle, Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Harrod’s General Manager, Sam Haft as the Postman, Sacha Horler as Betty, Alex Blias as Phil, Felix Williamson as Derek, Ming-Zhu Hii as Sarabeth, Lance Kerfuffle as J. David Scarfington, and David Wenham as Johnny Town-Mouse.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings amazing quality motion picture and television productions. Such films as BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, UNDERWORLD BLOOD WARS and PASSENGERS also available for your home entertainment library – there is so much more. To see more of what they have to offer please visit www.sonypictures.com.

The Bluray-DVD includes the Special Features Peter Rabbit: Mischief in the Making and Shake Your Cotton-Tail Dance Along.  

PETER RABBIT is absolutely a family film filled with amazing characters, a story of friendship both human and animal and music that is fun. The songs are toe tapping and perfectly placed to add more snap to an already peppy adventure.

The cast with its stellar star voices are fun and engaging adding to the message of the importance of friendship and family and finding that sometimes they are exactly the same.

It is always amazing when an iconic and beloved character such as Peter Rabbit still has so much to share with another generation. Although I still love sharing the books with my granddaughter, it is fun to sit with her and watch PETER RABBIT so we can giggle together and have such a fun time together.

So hop along now and grab your Bluray-DVD copy of PETER RABBIT!

In the end – he’s not your garden variety hero!