Disney+ Rolls Out its First Hit with THE MANDALORIAN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on the new streaming service Disney+ from characters based on George Lucas' STAR WARS and creator Jon Favreau is a continuing story in the galaxy far, far away with THE MANDALORIAN.

It has been five years since the Galactic Empire's defeat and life has gone on. For a Mandalorian bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal) it means working hard for very little. When the need for a hunter slows down, there is one job that needs doing and Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) offers it up with what seems a veil of mystery.

The job is to go to Arvala-7 and find the bounty who happens to be fifty years old. Dr. Pershing (Omid Abtahi) makes it very clear that the bounty be brought back alive. The Mandalorian doesn't seem to care in the slightest as long as he can change a bar of Beskar into armorer.

Crashing onto Arvala-7, the Mandalorian is attacked by large creatures called Blurgg's and is saved by Kuiil (Nick Nolte) who wants only one thing in return. Kuill wants those who have invaded his planet to be removed so peace will return, oh, and the Blurgg! Taking him to the place where bounty hunters have gone previously, a quick showdown ensues with the help of a IG-11 droid. Finding the bounty, The Mandalorian isn't going to let anyone get near him.

A fifty year old infant is now in his hands but there are other mercenaries who want the kid. Trying to get away quickly, The Mandalorian discovers his ship has been stripped down by Jawas. Kuiil knows how to get it all back and with his help, plus a trip to get an egg, provides the parts to get off the ground again.

Pascal as The Mandalorian has already thrilled audiences in only two episodes. There is a mystery behind the helmet that he (so far) hasn't made an attempt to remove. This character obviously has a story to tell about his people, the Beskar, how he became a bounty hunter and why he is keeping his bounty safer than expected. Pascal seemed to have a steep road ahead of him but I'm thinking it's leveled off a lot more since the first episode. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Weather as Greef is a business man and his business is bounties. It is clear he has no problem stiffing The Mandalorian for his work but I always say what goes around comes around so Greef better be prepared. Nice to see Weathers again! Abhati as Dr. Pershing has me creeped out in that he is going to be the guy who wants to do things that is going to upset everyone. Nothing wrong with playing a bad guy as long as you do it extremely well.

Nolte as Kuiil is a character that has a lot of emotions but keeps them in check. Then again if Nick Nolte says, "I have spoken" you tend to believe him. I am hoping that we see more of this character because he certainly has something to offer.

Other cast include Werner Herzog as The Client, Taika Waititi as IG-11, Gina Carano as Cara Dune, Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon with Horatio Sanz as Mythrol, Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand, and Julia Jones as Omera.

It was announced in 2018 that Jon Favreau would serve as a writer and executive producer of the series. Adding to that list is Dave Filoni, Colin Wilson, and Kathleen Kennedy to complete the producers list. When it comes to directors the line includes Taika Waititi, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rick Famuyiwa and Deborah Chow.

With that line up and the success of Disney+ and only two episodes airing to a hungry Star Wars audience, it is no surprise that the green light has been given to the second season. To be honest I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the film having been disappointed by a few films in the Star Wars franchise.

That being said, by the end of the first episode I was squealing with delight and thrilled that the second episode wasn't so far behind. Telling anyone who will listen to watch THE MANDALORIAN immediately is probably wearing my friends out. It's true though, this is going to be a series that has such potential and the main reason is that it feels like Star Wars, and that above all is what will keep me coming back each week.

This is out of the park for Disney+ in that they have everything Star Wars on their streaming service so while I'm introducing my granddaughter to the Star Wars saga, I can enjoy the continuation of that world. Mainly because the kid in me is totally geeking out over THE MANDALORIAN!

Thanks Disney+!

Prepare to Visit the Savannah Again with Disney's THE LION KING on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Jon Favreau and Disney is the 1994 iconic animated story now come to life with THE LION KING.

In case you come from another solar system I’ll give the story a run down. There is a young cub named Simba (Donald Glover) who is born a prince. Father King Mufasa (James Earl Jones) tries to teach his young son what it is to be a king. He is also learning side lessons from his jealous Uncle Scar (Chitwetel Ejiofor) that get him into a few scrapes.

Along with his best friend Nala, the two explore much to the fright of Mufasa, even if the royal bird Zazu (John Oliver) can’t keep up. Scar gets an idea enlisting the help of the hyenas and their leader Shenzi (Florence Kasumba) to take what he thinks is his.

Simba is caught up in a stampede that brings death and sadness to the pride and the young prince decides to run. He walks away and meets meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and faithful companion Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) who embrace Simba as one of their own.

In the meantime Scar is destroying the valley and Nala (Beyonce) knows it is time to get help. What she doesn’t plan on is running into Simba who is now fully grown. Explaining what has happened, Simba meets Rafiki (John Kani) who shows him why it is important to remember who he is and what it means to be a king.

Glover as Simba is the younger cub prince bringing a bit of playfulness making the little furry growler even cuter. Beyonce as Nala stayed in her lane so to speak meaning I had thought she would have song-wise taken over but instead they kept it easy and lovely.

Several characters that I enjoyed so much are Oliver as Zazu making me laugh several times with his antics, Kasumba as Shenzi with a tad less humor than her 1994 Goldberg counterpart but still very good and Ejiofor getting a chance to be the devious Uncle Scar.

Eichner and Rogen got all the silliness that made the animated version so much fun. I giggled so much as the antics of Simba’s smaller friends. It must be said that my four year old granddaughter couldn’t stop smiling when these two were on the screen.

Finally, James Earl Jones is the one and only Mufasa and having him once again accept the mantel of King was a wise choice. He is Mufasa and his presence at the beginning and at the most important point of the film’s emotion is something only his voice could capture. It also soothes the ruffled feathers of those who only see Jones as the powerful and loving father.

Other cast include Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, Eric Andre as Azizi, JD McCrary as Young Simba, Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began distributing under its own label in 1980 and continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

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

The Bluray Bonus Extras include with The Journey To THE LION KING Documentary - Behind the Scenes Magic with the Filmmakers and Cast, More to be Scene - Peel Back the Layers of Iconic Musical Moments, "Spirit" Beyonce Music Video, Song Selection - Sing Along with the Movie, Audio Commentary with Director Jon Favreau and so much more!

I can’t fault THE LION KING at all. From the moment the screen is lit up with a beautiful sunrise and music that continues to be recognized with The Circle of Life and I Just Can’t Wait to be King, this is absolutely how it’s done folks! Favreau should be applauded on several fronts – first of all he stayed ever faithful keeping to the original 1994 animated story that has become so iconic and also allowed the songs to once again bring joy.

The cinematography in the live-action is colorful and lively to the point that it was easy to forget that these lions, hyenas, birds, and the rest weren’t actually real. From the look of joy in Rafiki’s eyes to the sadness in Simba’s eyes, everything that needed to be related emotionally is there. The humor is wonderful in the film and there is a moment between Timon and Pumbaa that gives a nod to a beast of another kind so listen for it.

In the end – the King has returned!

SPIDERMAN: Homecoming is Going to Spin a Web of Success this Weekend!

Jeri Jacquin

The anticipation builds as this Friday in theatres from director Jon Watts, Marvel Studios and Columbia Pictures is SPIDERMAN: Homecoming.

It has been a while since Peter Parker/Spiderman (Tom Holland) had his experience with the Avengers. Now he’s back home with Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) living the life of a teenager. Watching him is Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) who gives Happy (Jon Favreau) the babysitting gig.

In school Peter finds himself love-struck by Liz (Laura Harrier) who is also part of the debate team. Hanging out with best buddy Ned (Jacob Batalon) is just as nerdy as Peter in some ways. By day he is anxious for the night when he can dawn his Spiderman persona and search for ways to help fight crime.

When the opportunity to hang with Liz at a party comes about, both Peter and Ned are ready to mingle with the cool kids. Promising that Spiderman would make an appearance, that would fall through when busting up a crime is more important. More so than Peter could have imagined when he finds a piece of their equipment that has incredibly technology not seen before.

Not about to let him take it, Peter meets Vulture (Michael Keaton) who puts a thrown down on the young superhero. If that isn’t enough, best bud Ned discovers what Peter has been up to. That’s going to have to wait because Peter is on his way to Washington D.C. with the debate team to compete.

Of course that’s the side story he tells Aunt May but with Ned’s help they begin to locate who is responsible for the technology in the weapon Peter found and who is the Vulture! Taking it upon himself, it only takes one mistake before Tony Stark comes calling and brushes away Peter’s big cobweb dreams.

Once again back to his high school life, Peter is taking Liz to the dance. When he shows up with his flowers looking dapper – it is who opens the door that set in motion an epic test of good versus evil.

Holland as Peter Parker is just frakken amazing. I will be honest from the get-go and say that I rolled my eyes time and time again thinking how awful another Spiderman would be. I was even more grumpy when I learned Holland took the role. I felt this way mainly because Holland captured my attention completely in 2012 with the film THE IMPOSSIBLE.

I said then that Holland “is a tremendous talent ... with the amazing capability of showing such strength of character” and nothing, I mean nothing has changed my mind since. My only worry (as all Mom’s have them) is that he will be sucked into the superhero universe leaving little time to expand is resume. This is an actor to keep an eye on when he’s out of the suit as much as when he’s in it. Well done young man, well done.

Keaton as Toomes is a man irritated with the system that tried to rob him of a business. Finding a way around that is what keeps everyone on their toes. I absolutely love Keaton so to see him once again doing what we all know he can do is a treat scene after scene. Yes he and Adam West are my Batman but I’m willing to cut him a little slack for his character in the film.

Batalon as Ned is the buddy we all should have in our lives. He’s a bit goofy, a lot nerdy, and scary when it comes to keeping secrets but we wouldn’t change him for anything. His loyalty to Parker is without questions and helping makes him outrageously happy.

Zendaya as Michelle is that girl everyone is irritated with one moment and laughs with the next. Her one liners are pretty good. Harrier as Liz is lovely and plays her storyline well. Tomei as May Parker is a bit scatter brained and pops in and out of the storyline, it is good to see her again.

Downey Jr., as Tony Stark just continues to cause cheers in a filled theatre. Fans love him and there will never be another Tony Stark like this (so don’t try to recast it for at least 100 years okay?). He keeps his eye on Peter Parker in the oddest ways as his inner father-figure kicks in. Favreau as Happy is irritated to have to babysit but also has a soft spot for the kid. These two actors bring in the comedy in the most bizarre places yet I love it.

Other cast includes Donald Glover as Aaron, Tony Revolori as Flash, Bokeem Woodbine as Herman Schultz, Tyne Daly as Anne Hoag, Abraham Attah as Abe, and Hannibal Buress as Coach Wilson.

SPIDERMAN: Homecoming doesn’t need my tubs of popcorn because it’s going to blow up the screens. So much so that you might forget the other incarnations of the webbed kid and believe they may have finally gotten it completely right. Holland gives us teen angst, a bit of teen hero-rebellion, loyalty to friends, battles that are worthy of the webbed one and moments of a kid trying to be a kid.

In case you are wondering, of course I’m not telling you things about the film. Seriously, why would I do that? I’m not into spoiling fun! Fans are going to be leaving the theatre giddy and probably buying tickets to see it again with more friends who are fans. With ComicCon right around the corner I am expecting to see more Spidey suits than ever before because of this film.

There is excitement, action, laughs, surprises and a cast that bring it all together in such a way that it’s almost a bummer when it’s over. As for what happens after the credits, well, I guess you’ll have to make sure you stay in your seat for a few minutes longer than normal (insert grin here). SPIDERMAN: Homecoming is completely epic without being full of itself and I’m refreshingly okay with that.

In the end – he’s just your friendly neighborhood Spiderman!