The Group Takes THE LONG WALK

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Francis Lawrence, screenplay by JT Mollner, Vertigo Entertainment and Lionsgate is a story from the Stephen King novel THE LONG WALK.

The United States has become a dystopian world under the control of a totalitarian regime that has a yearly contest. Young men are chosen to walk at a designated pace or are removed until only one is left to collect a prize. One such young man is Raymond Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) who is about to leave his worried mother Ginnie (Judy Greer). Immediately Garraty makes friends with Peter McVries (David Jonsson), Arthur Baker (Tut Nyuot) and Hank Olson (Ben Wang).

Before setting off, the Major (Mark Hamill) makes the rules simple but the most important one is – keep walking! Surrounded by military vehicles and weaponized soldiers, the walk begins. Mile after mile, the group keeps it to small talk except for Garraty’s group who try to lighten their situation. Collie Parker (Joshua Odjick) has a stern face and doesn’t say much, Curley (Roman Davis) moves swiftly with Rank (Daymon Wrightly), Gary Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer) can’t help being obnoxious and Stebbins (Garrett Wareing) looks like doom.

Each step the boys take tightens their friendships as they share in the ‘what if’s’ and the possibilities of winning and losing.

Hoffman as Garraty is a young man who has seen his share of heartache but keeps it to himself. Finding friendship in the group of boys becomes the one thing to hold onto with each passing mile. Hoffman gives us a character that is complex, kind, protective and focused. His flow seemed so natural and perfectly paired with Jonsson. Speaking of Jonsson as McVries, he is almost the twin of Garraty in ways and means. He is also clear on the reason to be walking and finds a protective kinship with Garraty and I truly loved watching the two together. Jonsson gives us a character that is a leader without actually realizing he is and that serves his character well.

Nyuot as Baker is thrilled to be part of the group and is the naïve walker in many ways. It is not that he is unaware, he just chooses to see things simpler than most. Davis and Wrightly as Curley and Rank try to stay focused but get wrapped up in emotions that don’t serve them well. Plummer and Wareing as Barkovitch and Stebbins are the thorn to many of the boys on the walk. They test and taunt a bit which, under normal circumstances, would typically be considered normal but, this situation is far from normal.

Greer as Ginnie is a mother who clearly is having a difficult time being separated from her son. Wishing he had made a different choice, Greer gives us the heartache and struggle to let go. Odjick as Parker is doing his best to not becoming part of any clique or friendship group. He has his eyes on the prize and doesn’t want connection with anyone. Odjick’s character says more with his expressions than with words.

Shout out to Mark Hamill as the Major. If you didn’t know it was him you wouldn’t know it was him. Hiding behind large reflective glasses and military uniform, he is the voice that was suppose to encourage but felt more like condescending honest or even teasing with cruelty to me. I am happy anytime I see Luke Skywalker, oh sorry, Hamill on the screen and this role was his chance to be hands-off wicked.

Other cast include Jordan Gonzalez as Richard Harkness, Noah de Mel as Ewing, Thamela Mpumlwana as Pearson, Jack Giffin as Ronald, Keenan Lehmann as Larson, Dale Neri as Percy Grimes, Teagan Stark as Patrick Smith, Sam Clark as Tressler, Emmanuel Oderemi as Zuck, and Josh Hamilton as William Garraty.

THE LONG WALK is probably the closest to the source of Stephen King’s book to be put on film. The amazing part is that he wrote in in 1967 while still in college at the University of Maine. His first completed novel, finally published in 1979 but not under the name of Stephen King but of Richard Bachman. It wasn’t until 1985 when the world would come to know the name of Stephen King (which I like much better).

The film is a gambit of emotions from shocking, to sadness, to feeling a bit uncomfortable listening in on conversations and back to shock again. There is no way to avoid these feelings as the entire film is the boys walking, talking and seeing things no one should ever see or experience. Lawrence may have allowed us to listen in on the conversations but never, ever let us forget for a moment that stopping has consequences. 

Keeping the road as a character in the film, the audience doesn’t have to worry what’s on the right or left because the story is right in the middle, right on the road. The cast is absolutely amazing with powerful performances as each actor playing their characters exactly how I would see and hear a group of boys behave with profound skill. It is the violence that is harsh and the choices each young man has to make it absolutely heartbreaking. Well done all around.

In the end – the task is simple, walk or die!

 

 

THE MACHINE Brings Laughs on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Peter Atencio and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a comedy based on comedy from THE MACHINE.

Bert Kreischer (Bert Kreischer) is trying hard to shake off his past, get closer to his wife and kids and change his ways. Thinking things are going well, he decides to make sure his daughter Sasha (Jessica Gabor) has a fantastic sweet 16 birthday party. Unimpressed by it all, Sasha decides to cut out of the party with Dad falling apart. Not making things any easier is dad Albert (Mark Hamill) with his quips about Bert’s profession and bbq’ing skills.

Bert is a comedian and one of the stories he tells for laughs is his train trip to Russia twenty years ago where he made friends with Igor (Nikola Duricko), partied, did a little thieving and earned the name THE MACHINE. Unfortunately, his family is not impressed by it and his father actually doesn’t understand how people think its funny.

He’s not alone, Bert is confronted in his party driveway by Irina (Iva Babic), a mobster from Russia who wants something that was stolen on the infamous train ride. She wants it back and doesn’t care how long it takes because it belonged to her father. Father and son are kidnapped until Bert takes Irina to the stolen item.

Taken to Russia, following them is Irinia’s brother Alexei (Robert Maaser) and Bert finds Igor and everything starts to come together to getting the item. That doesn’t mean they won’t be shot at, punched, knocked out and shocked at everything happening along the way – and that’s just Bert!

Kreischer as Bert is, well, Bert. I have been watching his comedy for a while now and he does crack me up (so that THAT Albert!). The story of the Russian train trip is memorable and if you haven’t seen his comedy specials, well, we might not be able to remain friends. Watching Kreischer take that comedy bit and turn it into a movie is genius as well as hilarious and fun to watch. He is….The Machine.

Hamill as dad Albert just does my heart so much good. I think I am still harboring that 16-year-old Luke Skywalker crush so any time I see/hear Hamill, I’m all in no matter what it is. Watching Hamill play off of Kreischer is just a diamond. They bounce off one another with such ease that even the ‘emotional’ moments had me cracking up. As Albert, he gets the fatherly opportunity to be irritating which turns into being a bit of a machine himself.

Babic as Irina is as badass as she wants to be from beginning to end. Irritated with The Machine, she sees getting her fathers stolen item back as a way to show she can handle being the head of the mobster family. Babic gets the chance to be a bad girl but at the same time, comedy leaks through and I caught on early.

Shout out to Duricko as Igor for just turning out to be a good guy, I just loved his attitude toward, well, everything. Tatro as young Bert nailed the attitude and what I would expect happened on the train by a young Bert.

Cast also includes Jimmy Tatro as young Bert, Rita Shaw as Ashley, Amelie Villiers as Tatiana, Martyn Ford as Sponge, Oleg Taktarov as Train Igor, Marko Nedeljkovic as young Igor, Mercedes Del La Cruz as Teacher and Stephanie Kurtzuba as LeeAnn.

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.

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.

Bluray, Digital and DVD Bonus Material includes Bert’s Big Bash – Premier Party, Bert, Bruised & Brawlin’: The Action of THE MACHINE, Outtakes & Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, The Making of THE MACHINE and The Cast of THE MACHINE.

THE MACHINE is a comedy that is just full of laughs, fun and a bit of unexpected action. Kreischer and Hamill get a chance to go full on John Wick when push comes to guns. To be honest, most of their action would be classified as ‘dumb luck’ but it’s entertaining none the less. I cheered them on because I’m all about underdogs and intrigue amateurs.

The cast just rolls with the story based on Kreischer’s comedy and it plays out so well. I enjoyed the cast, except for the 16-year-old Sasha who needs a whack with a flip flop in the beginning but at least missed her dad so she gets a flip-flop pass. The film has the total whacky element and that’s what a lot of us comedy hungry people want – far out whack hilarious fun and we got it.

In the end – to be a hero it takes a lot of guts!

 

STAR WARS: The Rise of Skywalker Brings an End to an Era on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilms and Walt Disney Pictures Home Entertainment is the conclusion of a saga that began over 40 years ago with STAR WARS: The Rise of Skywalker.

It was 1977 At the Valley Circle theatre in San Diego with my bff and life sister Ellen that STAR WARS came into my life. The first time I saw the film I was transported into a world that I have embraced through the years. My summer was filled with weekly visits to the theatre so I could watch the storyline again and again.

Thus, began my crush on Luke (Mark Hamill) that continues today in my much older and less cute form. The early scene of the original STAR WARS where Luke is on the hill lamenting as the two suns of Tatooine are setting and the rise of emotion from John Williams music begins moved me. It moved me because I knew that look, I understood wanting to know what was out in the world waiting for me. I also saw the suns radiating on his face with a look that was the handsomest I'd ever seen. Hey, I was 16!

Then, the buddy 'friendship' with Han (Harrison Ford) that always made me laugh with his antics or feeling protective anytime no one understood him. He was rough and tough yet I knew that he would never leave the two people that had become his friends by not judging to harshly the way he handled things. These two guys also showed me how pensive friendships can be brought together with the glue of a very tall and very hairy Wookie and to Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) I say a humble and grateful thank you.

My lesson to be a stronger person came from Princess Leia to whom I continue to be eternally grateful on a daily basis. She was my first female role model who showed me courage, loyalty and laid the foundation of fighting for what is right no matter what is thrown at you. Fisher may not have known what she was accomplishing early on taking the role of Leia but I hope through the years she came to know there were thousands of girls who learned the same lessons I did.

Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) became the voice of reason for those of us watching Star Wars again and again in 1977. He kept us all levelheaded when we wanted to jump into the battle with Luke, Han and Leia. The calm explainer of the force and how it works, he introduced us all to 'use the force' as it became an iconic phrase that you'd have to be locked in a cave somewhere to not know. Trust me, tears fell when he allowed Vadar to swing that saber helping Luke and the gang to escape, something I never got over.

So here we are, in 2019 and I couldn't sleep Monday night knowing that I was hours away from seeing how this would all end. Don't expect spoilers because I would be furious if anyone told me anything before seeing the film (Remember Han Solo?) so I'm keeping it light and reminiscent.

On a remote planet, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is working with General Organa (Carrie Fisher) on earning Luke Skywalkers light saber but there seems to be a feeling stopping her. Resistance friends Poe (Oscar Isaac. Finn (John Boyega) and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) are struggling to get back to Rey after retrieving what are the next step plans for the First Order. Also, out in the galaxy is Supreme Leader of the First Order Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) who is knocking down anyone who gets in his way.

Now called the Final Order, it is Rey, Finn, Poe and all those who follow that must pull out all the stops to bring balance back to the force. Allegiant General Pryde (Richard E. Grant) knows how this is going to play out. There is one fiercely evil entity who is going to do his diabolical best to stop them all as secrets are revealed and choices are made!

There are others along the way who decide that it might be time to help and that includes Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and Zorii Bliss (Keri Russell). There are those who have come before that let it be known they are with them all.

Yes, that's all you are going to get in the plot department! So, let's move on to the characters who make their appearance in this final installment.

Ridley as Rey is still dealing with the unknown of her past. It is hard to let the force flow through you when there are those mushed up memories and a Supreme Leader who is constantly cutting into your thought process. Ridley has done everything asked of her in the three installments of the Star Wars saga she has been in. At times I wasn't always sure where she was taking this character but clearly, now, it was on a path that I didn't even see coming.

Driver as Ben/Kylo Ren has been on quite a journey! He has pretty cool parents but chooses to follow the destructive path of grandpa Vadar. Even with that there is something that connects him to Rey as she tries to convince him to put down his very angry saber and be true to himself. That's hard to do when rage seems to be the only thing that motivates Ren. Driver has put every bit of that on the screen and when the moments where Ben shows through, this actor melts and takes everyone along with him.

Boyega as Finn has always seemed to be Rey's protector whether that was his intention or not. Being a former storm trooper, he has truly embraced his role as being part of the Resistance and constantly surprised where it has led him. Although his relationship with Poe hasn't always been the best, it is reminiscent of another galaxy duo who didn't start out on the best of terms.

Isaac as Poe continues to be reckless but there comes a moment where he has to decide what his place is in the Resistance. It turns out to be the most difficult decision he has ever made (and you will know when that hits him the hardest). Isaac's Poe is the comedy of the trio because of his casual nature and finding humor when he should be panicking.

Williams as Lando gets the chance to once again fly the Millennium Falcon with Chewy at his side. He knows that the new trio faces the same tribulations and he has one last chance to do right by Leia and help in any way he can. Lando was a wild card before and trust me when I say he doesn't disappoint now either.

This is where I get a little choked up - when Carrie Fisher as Leia comes up on my television screen I am overcome with a wave of intense emotion. There couldn't have been a finale without her, and I am happy to take it in any form. It is even more difficult to watch Gen. Organa make a motherly choice which is something her character didn't have a chance to do before. Yes, more quiet tears dropped but Princess Leia will always be a part of this writer’s life.

Other cast include everyone who could get in the film with Philicia Saunders as Tabala Zo, Simon Day as General Engell, Amir El-Masry as Commander Trach, Denis Lawson as Wedge Antiles, Naomi Ackie as Jannah, Freddie Prinze Jr. as Kannan Jarus, Dominic Monaghan as Beaumont Kin, Billie Lourd as Lieutenant Connix and Domnhall Gleeson as General Hux.

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 The Skywalker Legacy Documentary: The Story That Lives Forever in This Feature Length Look at the Making of the Movie, Pasaana Pursuit: Creating the Speeder Chases, D-O: Key to the Past and more!

Also Jimmy Vee as R2-D2 who always had my heart as well as a humor of squeaks and blips that have always been totally understandable, and the amazing Anthony Daniels as C-3PO who always managed to be properly annoying but in such a way that I personally would never want to be without him.

Look, I'm just going to throw it out there. Not everyone will be happy with how Abrams brings this nine-film saga to its conclusion and personally - I don't care about the not-happy people and here's why. STAR WARS: The Rise of Skywalker is seen by me in a way that is part of my being. I don't think all the Star Wars films were successful and I don't hide my feelings about it, but I still embrace it as part of the storyline that began in 1977.

Not everything in life is going to be wrapped up neatly to please every person (I mean seriously, the Game of Thrones finale almost threw people into fits!) and that's okay. Not being neat means, we all have something to talk about and share after seeing the film.

We get to reminisce about more than one film, about more than one theory and about more than one character. That's what Star Wars has done for us; it has kept the conversation going longer than any other films (maybe Harry Potter gets to be part of the club in its own way).

I hope that everyone who gets the Bluray remembers that the experiences are yours, each unique, each with its own memories and each with its own chance to say the words - goodbye friends! Yes, there are already stories like The Mandalorian (big fan by the way) giving us a new world but I'm speaking of the story that began with Luke, Leia, Chewy, C3PO, R2D2 and Obi-Wan.

It is time to say good-bye to seeing them on the big screen, that being said I still can see them on the screen in my home thanks for Bluray.  Oh, I won't be removing Yoda and Darth from my desk any time soon, but instead of giggling with anticipation for the next story installment in other ways. I will smile at the story for sharing the last forty-two years of my life in such an impactful way. I saw these characters through 16-year-old eyes from 1977 to 2019 and that is pretty cool to my way of thinking.

So, prepare yourself and just enjoy the ride over and over again - there isn't a tub of popcorn big enough for what's to come because that's how I started and that's how it's going to finish.

In the end - it started in a galaxy far, far away!

GO FISH is Animated About Saving the Ocean

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Sean Patrick O'Reilly, Arcana and Lionsgate comes a look and lesson from below the sea with GO FISH.

Alex the parrot fish (Sean Patrick O'Reilly) is the janitor of his fish town and happy with what he does. Also in their little fish village is sea horse Christine (Kathleen Bar), loner eel Eelanore (Asia Mattu), and Ed the blowfish (Tobias the Owl). It is Mary (voiced by Allison Wandzura) that discovers something wrong in the sea.

Calling it goop, fish are getting stuck in it and they want lion fish King Charles (Scott McNeil) to do something. Alex approaches the King's assistant Paul for a meeting. The request is not well received as he gets a loud lecture about nothing happening and to keep his fish lips shut on the matter. That's not good enough for Alex or his friends and a plan is formed.

Upon the surface, a company called Quoquo Modo is drilling into the ocean floor. Callie (iJustine) loves her job and wants to make sure everything is done to keep the ocean safe. Dennis (Mark Hamill) is grumpier and less on the ball thinking that 100% no leaking doesn't necessarily mean 100%.

Alex, Eelanore, Ed and Christine go out in search of the goop and meet a whole group of characters that just want to make their adventure a little more difficult. Maria the shark (Summer O'Reilly) and her friend Bernardo the tiger shark (Ron Perlman) are two particularly toothy characters that try to get in the way.

But once they find the goop, Alex and the gang try to get the attention of the humans in funny diving outfits to show them where there is a leak. Try as they might, the diver just shoo's them away. The next step is an even bigger plan that gets the attention of everyone on the platform and just in time to save them all from a total ocean disaster.

O'Reilly as Alex is a spunky and happy parrot fish who truly does love his job as a janitor. Keeping everything nice and clean for his fellow fishes and friends is very important. When the goop appears, he knows that it will hurt all of them if they don't at least try to stop it. He's such a cutie of a fish!

Bar as Christine is another happy sea creature and the cutest color of pink for a sea horse. Trying to grow up a little out of the shadow of her overbearing Mom and baby carrying Dad, going with Alex to find the goop is her chance to do just that. Mattu as Eelanore would prefer to be left alone in her comfy cave where she can watch the world go by or take a nap whenever she likes. Going with Alex may have started out as protection but quickly became a thrill for her first adventure.

Tobias as Ed is a little grumpy by that doesn't stop him from being part of the gang to stop a disaster. I personally think he just liked being part of something bigger than his little puffy self. McNeil as King Charles is a fish on a power trip caring nothing for his 'subjects' but instead wielding his fishly powers.

iJustine as Callie is a happy person who really does love her job and wants everyone, above the water and below to be safe. When it becomes clear that both of those things are in jeopardy, Callie is on it to make it right. Hamill as Dennis is just a cranky unhappy employee who just isn't on the ball when it comes to what's best for everyone.

Other cast include Michelle O'Reilly as Joanne and Geoff Gustafson as Vincent.

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.

The DVD Special Features include 'Go Fish' (Side by Side) Music Video Sing-Along, The GO FISH Digital Comic Book and a GO FISH Fish Guide.

GO FISH is a very charming and educational look at life in the ocean. The animation is colorful and fun and in the mix of that is a story about how precious the eco-system is in the ocean. It shows how, if fish could talk (and maybe they do!), they could tell us when pipes are leaking or trash is choking them out. Explaining these things to younger children, GO FISH does so in a way that is relatable for them.

Yet, it's also enjoyable for the adults as well and gives families something to talk about after the film. The Special Features of the DVD also provide some fun things to do together as a family. Whether it's singing or learning about other fish, it is always a wonderful way to spend quality time together.

In the end - just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water - it really is!

STAR WARS: The Last Jedi Hits Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Rian Johnson based on characters created by George Lucas and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the next installment on the epic adventure STAR WARS: The Last Jedi.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) has found Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on a remote island and is trying to convince him to help the Rebellion once again. General Leia (Carrie Fisher) is being followed after their attack on General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) with one goal, to destroy what is left of the rebel fighters on orders from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).

Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) must find a way to save the last of the fighters. Learning they are being tracked, Poe and Finn must find someone who can help them. Rey isn’t having much luck either with Luke as he has makes it clear that he is staying right where he is. As the two get to know one another, Rey feels a mysterious connection to Kylo Ren and Luke sees it as well.

Finn meets Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) who sees him as a hero for the cause. Wanting to help she discovers that there is much more to being a fighter than she realized. Up against Kylo Ren, General Hux and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie), the minutes are ticking away to save what is left of the rebel fleet.

Once again a brother and sister face their fate, friends rely on one another and the force is there for them all!

If you haven’t seen the film in theatres then there will be no spoilers here until you get your own copy! There is no way in hades that I am or even thought of giving anything away. Of course the above description of the film is generic but I will not be responsible for any spoilers.

That being said, this is the STAR WARS fans have always loved. For me, well, I was giddy the moment the music cued and the scrolling of the yellow words upward into space began. From that moment on I was riveted and thrilled to once again to be in the galaxy far, far away.

Ridley as Rey takes on her next challenge which is to learn from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. Discovering that the process is the balance of mental and physical, she gets to add the grumblings of an island hermit. It has taken me some getting use to the character of Rey but with this film she is definitely cementing her place in the Star Wars franchise.

Driver as Kylo Ren is going through serious intensity in this chapter of the saga. Driver has the ability to show nothing and yet everything about what his character is going through. Still dealing with the death of his father, his confusion about Rey is apparent.

Boyega as Finn still feels the sense of responsibility for Rey and isn’t about to let anyone stop him. Now he has the chance to once again pair up with Poe as they put their plan for the rag tag left over fleet into action. Isaac as Poe is hard headed and strong willed. He wants to jump in first and not think through the consequences. The good news is that General Leia sort of has a soft spot for him.

Tran as Rose is the newest fighter for the rebellion and although not trained she fits right into the gang. Christie as Captain Phasma seems to have one goal – to get her hands on Finn. I just love Christie in this role because it feels like the bad side of Brianne of Tarth.

Gleeson as General Hux just wants to destroy everything in the name of Supreme Leader Snoke and don’t think for one second he and Kylo Ren are going to be bffs! Speaking of the Supreme Leader, Serkis once again lends his voice to a twisted character with facial problems.

Now, onto my two beloved characters of Luke Skywalker and General Leia. Mark Hamill has a scene in this film that reminds me of why I fell so hard for this franchise and the character of Luke Skywalker. Everyone will know it when they see it because it is stunningly beautiful and moving bringing back every emotion felt in 1977. Hamill’s return is such a joy for me and seeing him just as aged as myself is fun and nostalgic at the same time.

Fisher as Princess/General Leia is wonderful and still a wound in my heart. As Leia she has always been a strong and, pardon the pun, a force to be reckoned with. Making decisions to save what is left of the rebellion means sacrifice and courage which is everything Leia has stood for. Fisher has given us an iconic character that will last forever and anyone who wants to challenge me on this need just bring your light saber and we’ll duel it out in her honor.

Other cast include Laura Dern as Vice Admiral Holdo, Benicio Del Toro as DJ, Justin Theroux as Slicer, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Jimmy Vee as R2-D2, Tim Rose as Admiral Ackbar, and Billie Lourd as Lt. Connix.

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!

The 4K Ultra HD Disc has Ultra Play to jump instantly to the movie, 4K Resolution, High Dynamic Range, Wider Color Spectrum and Immersive Audio. The Bluray Disc includes the Audio Commentary, The Director and the Jedi, Balance of the Force, Scene Breakdowns – Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle, Scene Breakdowns – Smoke and Mirrors, Scene Breakdowns – Showdown on Craft, Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) and Deleted Scenes.

That is all anyone is getting from me for now. There is so much to experience with this film and it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.

Of course there was concern by fans that the world re-created by J.J. Abrams might be a problem for director Rian Johnson. There isn’t a moment’s concern for me as the cinematograph captures the world we have all come to know. The recognizable music never lets the audience forget where they are – as if it could.

The next installment is too far away for fans yet there are other stories that will be told about the world created by George Lucas. Keeping with the theme of Star Wars, the characters are jumping to light speed with their destinies and we are all just willingly along for the ride.

In case you are at all wondering, I have seen STAR WARS: The Last Jedi more than a few times! Get the popcorn ready because there is a comfortable spot in front of my television and I’ll be there watching the film again and again. Of course gathering up a crowd and adding pizza to the mix can bring a bigger experience that needs to become generational.

In the end – the force is with them all!

My Christmas Has Arrives with STAR WARS: The Last Jedi

Jeri Jacquin

What can be said about STAR WARS: The Last Jedi other than Christmas came early for me. From writer/director Rian Johnson based on characters created by George Lucas and Walt Disney Studios comes the next installment on this epic adventure.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) has found Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on a remote island and is trying to convince him to help the Rebellion once again. General Leia (Carrie Fisher) is being followed after their attack on General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) with one goal, to destroy what is left of the rebel fighters on orders from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).

Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) must find a way to save the last of the fighters. Learning they are being tracked, Poe and Finn must find someone who can help them. Rey isn’t having much luck either with Luke as he has makes it clear that he is staying right where he is. As the two get to know one another, Rey feels a mysterious connection to Kylo Ren and Luke sees it as well.

Finn meets Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) who sees him as a hero for the cause. Wanting to help she discovers that there is much more to being a fighter than she realized. Up against Kylo Ren, General Hux and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie), the minutes are ticking away to save what is left of the rebel fleet.

Once again a brother and sister face their fate, friends rely on one another and the force is there for them all!

If you were looking for spoilers than you came to the wrong writer. There is no way in hades that I am or even thought of giving anything away. Of course the above description of the film is generic but with the disaster of last years leaks I will not be responsible for any of it.

That being said, this is the STAR WARS fans have always loved. For me, well, I was giddy the moment the music cued and the scrolling of the yellow words upward into space began. From that moment on I was riveted and thrilled to once again to be in the galaxy far, far away.

Ridley as Rey takes on her next challenge which is to learn from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. Discovering that the process is the balance of mental and physical, she gets to add the grumblings of an island hermit. It has taken me some getting use to the character of Rey but with this film she is definitely cementing her place in the Star Wars franchise.

Driver as Kylo Ren is going through serious intensity in this chapter of the saga. Driver has the ability to show nothing and yet everything about what his character is going through. Still dealing with the death of his father, his confusion about Rey is apparent.

Boyega as Finn still feels the sense of responsibility for Rey and isn’t about to let anyone stop him. Now he has the chance to once again pair up with Poe as they put their plan for the rag tag left over fleet into action. Isaac as Poe is hard headed and strong willed. He wants to jump in first and not think through the consequences. The good news is that General Leia sort of has a soft spot for him.

Tran as Rose is the newest fighter for the rebellion and although not trained she fits right into the gang. Christie as Captain Phasma seems to have one goal – to get her hands on Finn. I just love Christie in this role because it feels like the bad side of Brianne of Tarth.

Gleeson as General Hux just wants to destroy everything in the name of Supreme Leader Snoke and don’t think for one second he and Kylo Ren are going to be bffs! Speaking of the Supreme Leader, Serkis once again lends his voice to a twisted character with facial problems.

Now, onto my two beloved characters of Luke Skywalker and General Leia. Mark Hamill has a scene in this film that reminds me of why I fell so hard for this franchise and the character of Luke Skywalker. Everyone will know it when they see it because it is stunningly beautiful and moving bringing back every emotion felt in 1977. Hamill’s return is such a joy for me and seeing him just as aged as myself is fun and nostalgic at the same time.

Fisher as Princess/General Leia is wonderful and still a wound in my heart. As Leia she has always been a strong and, pardon the pun, a force to be reckoned with. Making decisions to save what is left of the rebellion means sacrifice and courage which is everything Leia has stood for. Fisher has given us an iconic character that will last forever and anyone who wants to challenge me on this need just bring your light saber and we’ll duel it out in her honor.

Other cast include Laura Dern as Vice Admiral Holdo, Benicio Del Toro as DJ, Justin Theroux as Slicer, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Jimmy Vee as R2-D2, Tim Rose as Admiral Ackbar, and Billie Lourd as Lt. Connix.

That is all anyone is getting from me for now. In a few weeks after everyone has had the chance to see the film then I’d be more than willing to discuss more about how I feel. There is so much to experience with this film and it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.

Of course there was concern by fans that the world re-created by J.J. Abrams might be a problem for director Rian Johnson. There isn’t a moment’s concern for me as the cinematograph captures the world we have all come to know. The recognizable music never lets the audience forget where they are – as if it could.

The next installment is too far away for fans yet there are other stories that will be told about the world created by George Lucas. Keeping with the theme of Star Wars, the characters are jumping to light speed with their destinies and we are all just willingly along for the ride.

In case you are at all wondering, I will be seeing STAR WARS: The Last Jedi more than a few times! Get the popcorn ready because there will always be a seat with my name on it in any theatre I walk into. Gather up a crowd and join in the experience that has captured generations.

In the end – the force is with them all!