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!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen, Bruce Gellar, Skydance and Paramount Pictures is the mission of all missions with MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on the trail of Gabriel (Esai Morales) and the AI known as The Entity that is attempting to control the world. Gabriel wants it so that he can shape the world as he sees fit but when Hunt comes in contact with the Entity, he learns what it wants and how to get it. What it wants is the drive aboard the sunken submarine Sevastopol. Hunt, along with Benji (Simon Pegg), visit Luther (Ving Rhames) who has created something that could stop The Entity.

Gabriel is several steps ahead, as Hunt adds Paris (Pom Klementieff), Degas (Greg Davis) and Grace (Hayley Atwell) and they make a intense plan to stop the madness. One person who can destroy the plans is Kittridge (Henry Czemy) who will stop at nothing to nail Hunt along with Briggs (Shea Whigham). When Hunt is before President Sloane (Angela Bassett), he makes it clear that his one goal is to get what The Entity wants and asks for trust. Going against her counsel, President Sloane realizes there are only three days and places her trust in the man no one else trusts. The team makes there way to the coldest part of the world and with countries on high alert of one another, they know that The Entity is trying to gain control of nuclear weapons all over the world.

Each person on the team realizes that every step they take brings them closer to two possibilities of destruction and a slim chance of stopping it. Weaving between the two options with Gabriel and The Entity in the mix means Hunt is pushing everything to the limits as the seconds count down.

Cruise as Hunt definitely puts himself into this film. He has taken this role, beginning in 1996, through so many twists, turns and action to keep audiences riveted. Each has brought this Final Reckoning and Cruise has cemented this character in the sense that you can’t say Mission Impossible without Cruises’ name being mention. In this film, Cruise continues with the danger and action that will not disappoint.

Atwell as Grace is back with her five finger discount abilities and support of everything Hunt has planned – even if its frightening. She has shown her own abilities to be a strong member of this ‘outlaw’ team. Whigham as Briggs sees what Hunt is trying to accomplish and also supports it and willing to put himself in the middle of it all. Whigham gives his character strength and power needed to be on the team.

Pegg as Benji is seen by Hunt as a leader when there needs to be one and he understands him without having to say much out loud. I just love Pegg no matter what but was thrilled when he became part of the Mission Impossible franchise. Rhames as Luther is the mad genius behind what could be the answer to stopping the madness. Again, having Rhames on board is another character the franchise has counted on and he never disappoints.

Klementieff as Paris might not have a lot to say but she speaks volumes with her eyes. When the need arises, Paris isn’t about to let Gabriel off the hook for what he has done to her. Czemy as Kittridge has always irritated me and that’s what makes his performance so cool. He has managed throughout each film to be the thorn in Hunt’s side and it reaches the audience as well. Bassett as President Sloane is under the gun to try to save as many people as possible in the midst of the chaos. When it comes down to it, she puts her trust in Hunt down to the last second. I am a huge fan of Bassett and as she bounces between film and television, she does so flawlessly.

Morales as Gabriel is a twisted smile character that even when things go wrong, he doesn’t let it slow down the pace of the characters madness. There is a certain touch of lunacy that Morales brings to this character mixed with a grudge against the IMF and Hunt. He makes his plans very clear and Morales does a fantastic job of freaking me out.

Other cast includes Tramell Tillman as Captain Bledsoe, Mark Gatiss as Angstrom, Katy O’Brian as Kodiak, Tommie Earl Jenkins as Col. Burdick, Charles Parnell as Richards, Hannah Waddingham as Admiral Neely, Nick Offerman as General Sydney, Janet McTeer as Walters, Holt McCallany as Serling, and Pasha Lynchnikoff as Captain Koltsov.

Shout out to Rolf Saxon as William Donloe and Lucy Tulugarjuk as Tapeesa.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning is a film that doesn’t let off the gas! The beginning is Hunt hearing what is happening world wide and even with people after him, he is asked to do what he does best. It is a crazy duality placed on this character as one who people want to stop for their own personal reasons (mainly jealousy to my way of thinking) and wanting him to succeed at the missions.

Another aspect of the film is that each of the characters has such a tremendous story of their own to tell within the big picture. From the Commander of the carrier to the Commander of the submarine, watching the chain of events and those who go against the grain to help Hunt’s character added such layers to the story and action. There are easter-eggs here and there that were very cool and that’s all I will say about that.

Clocking in at two hours and forty-nine minutes, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning didn’t drag at all. It is difficult enough to keep an audience’s attention for that long and this film did it seamlessly. I never look before seeing a film at the running time because I want to be taken for a ride with no expectations. It is as if the film starts out at a deliberate pace and then grabs as if to say, ‘hang on, this is going to get good’ and I was all for it.

Well done cinematography, well done story and well-done action and adventure. That’s why we go to the movies in the first place right? We want to be swept away into a suspension of disbelief and Cruise and cast does exactly that with the words ‘our lives are the sum of our choices’. Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. Experience the most epic chapter yet of Ethan Hunt’s journey, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, on the largest screen in @IMAX for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

In the end – trust him one last time!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jeff Fowler and Paramount Pictures is the next adventure for the team with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3.

Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are spending a little quality time with Doughnut Lord Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). That is one of the gangs’ favorite things to do and they are soaking it up until a helicopter from G.U.N. shows up and Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) tells the three that they need help. With what?

Well, there is a new hedgehog on the loose named Shadow (Keanu Reeves) and he is angry and destructive. Sonic quickly realizes that his hostility is going to be difficult for Tails and Knuckles so it is decided they are going to call on the one person who might be able to help – Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) brings the group before a dilapidated Eggman but once he discovers what is happening to some of his hardware, he doctors up and agrees to help.

That is until he discovers who is responsible for Shadow plus the chaos and its none other than – well, I’ll let you find out for yourself. Robotnik is thriller at the chance to once again be a part of the master plan that calls for putting the hedgehogs in danger. With a new sense of purpose and a new, very tight outfit, Robotnik and his new friends are taking aim at G.U.N.

Now Sonic, Tails and Knuckles must do what they do best, find clever ways to outsmart Shadow and Robotnik before they carry out their twisted plan for revenge, each for their own reasons!

Schwartz voicing Sonic gets to, once again, come up with fast talk, fast one-liners and going fast on his feet. This character is so very funny and if you don’t think so then you might want to ask Santa for a new funny bone. O’Shaughnessey voicing Tails is the smart hedgehog who understands how to create and work technology – and, to quote Agent Stone, Tails is “adorable”. Elba voicing Knuckles is the muscle of the bunch who finds no problem in fighting and has no problem offering up his services.

Marsden as Doughnut Lord Tom is so supportive of the hedgehog gang. He treats them as family and offers up fatherly advice when needed. He also finds himself in the middle of the action whether he wants to or not but its not always a bad thing. Sumpter as Maddie supports the hedgehogs just as much as her husband Tom does. When the couple gets an opportunity to spend time alone together, it doesn’t take long before Maddie is happy to join the gang on an adventure.

Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is absolutely stellar, hilarious and falls back into this role with ease. He is a total crack-up with his one-liners and even a few references that you have to be quick to catch. I’m so happy to see Carrey again in any capacity but, to be honest, my family truly adores him as Dr. Robotnik. So having Dr. Robotnik during Grinch season is everything we could have asked for from Santa.

Reeves as the newest hedgehog Shadow gets to be the dark presence of power. He has a bone to pick with anyone that has been a part of his 50-year captivity and has no problem showing what he can do. Reeves voice goes deep and lets us know from the beginning that he is a force on a mission. Majdoub as Agent Stone is still loyal to Dr. Robotnik, even when he feels like something is coming between them. Majdoub gives his role the middle-man appearance because he cares about his boss but also is curious about the hedgehogs!

Shout out to Ritter as Director Rockwell. Her character doesn’t trust anyone and both sides keep her on her toes!

Other cast include Jorma Taccone as Kyle, Sofia Pernas as Gabriella, Cristo Fernandez as Pablo, Natasha Rothwell as Rachel, Shemar Moore as Randall, Tom Butler as Commander Walters, Adam Pally as Wade Whipple, and Alyla Browne as Maria.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 has so much going for it. First of all, the special effects are so much fun and amazingly done. Then we have the story of three hedgehogs that are part of Tom and Maddie’s family to the point that they can not imagine their lives without them. There is also the story of a friendship and teamwork that Sonic, Tails and Knuckles hold dear and is put to the test. Dr. Robotnik returns with a bit of a story all his own as well and the addition of another hedgehog in Shadow who also has a story to tell.

Normally, that would be a lot of stories to tell but here it works! There isn’t a moment to take a breath because everything plays out in a fast (what did you expect, its Sonic!) paced adventure scene after scene. I love the wit behind the one-liners and, if you are as quick as they are, you’ll catch things that will have you saying, “whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?” and then laughing hard. There is humor for the kids and for the adults and sometimes they meet in the middle. The applause during the movie was a fun surprise. It reminded us all the reasons why Sonic became so popular in the first place and yes, I still have my original Sega and we will be playing the game later tonight.

Just in time for the holidays, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 means a fantastically fun time at the theatre for those of us who remember Sonic’s start, to families that have been following his rise over these many years and those who have caught on to the fun in recent years. Basically, it means a good time will be had by all!

In the end – new adventure and new rival!

It is the Return of the GLADIATOR II

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ridley Scott and Paramount Pictures is the story of Rome, revelations and revenge with GLADIATOR II.

Versus (Paul Mescal) is a great warrior living in Numidia with family when the Romans come calling by sea lead by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Versus is taken prisoner while vowing under his breath to kill Acacius, and is taken back to Rome where he is bought by Macrinus (Denzel Washington) to become a gladiator. Seeing something in Versus, he decides to use him against the two vicious and cruel Roman emperors.

Rome is being ruled by Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his brother Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). They are led by greed and personal gain rather than the people of Rome. General Acacius knows this and is becoming disgusted by it all. Returning home to his wife Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), he makes it clear that he no longer desires to live this way. Lucilla reaches out to others like Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) to find a way to stop the corruption of Rome.

Versus proves that he has what it takes to be a gladiator by consistently taking on challenges to the delight of Macrinus as the mental wheels turn as to how he can rise even further in power. Pleasing Emperor Geta, Macrinus continues his frightful climb to the top by using everyone and anyone around him, including Versus.

There are secrets floating around Rome but one that is especially powerful enough to take down Emperors and those devious enough to believe they should be leader. In the tunnels of the colosseum, Versus finds the truth and the strength to take on the corruption of Rome!

Mescal as Versus is taking on a role that carries the story of the film. That is a monumental task following Crowe’s 2000 GLADIATOR story. That being said, Mescal gives us a strong performance of a man who is on his own journey of vengeance.  Versus’ past is about to catch up with him in ways he could never have imagined. I truly enjoyed Mescal in this role and the final scenes, I believe, seal him as an actor that has a far reach, even back into the Roman era. I’m ready for GLADIATOR III if he is!

Pascal as Acacius is a man who follows the orders of the emperors, whether he likes it or not is another thing entirely. The horrors that happened in Numidia seem the final straw. Pascal is just such a presence on the screen and the brooding character looks for answers without realizing it is his wife that might hold the key to freeing Rome. Nielsen returns as Lucilla who has not forgotten the ideals her father Marcus Aurelius instilled in her. She also has not forgotten her family and love that it has cost her. Turning to those who still believe, Nielsen’s presence in the film brings the story full circle.

Quinn as Emperor Geta is clearly deranged and, at first, I didn’t realize it was Quinn! Blonde hair and psychopathic actions are what this half of the emperorship this actor plays marvelously. Geta is frightening, powerful, and downright insane and Quinn pours it on every second he is on screen. Hechinger is the other half of the Roman insanity as Emperor Caracalla and a monkey who seems to be the only thing Caracalla relates to. If insanity could look cool, then Hechinger brings that and so much more.

Washington as Macrinus gets the opportunity to have the most fun giving his role a huge amount of wicked, plotting and devious behavior. I swear that the times he is smiling is because of the way he seemed aimlessly free to be this character without boundaries. It is a stunning performance and I was all in!  Jacobi’s return as Gracchus had to be there as a reminder of what the promise was of the original story. He is still standing for that and makes it clear he is willing to do whatever it takes to free Rome.

Other cast include Tim McInnerny as Thraex, Alexander Karim as Ravi, Rory McCann as Tegula, Alec Utgoff as Darius and Yuval Gonen as Arishat with appearances by Matt Lucas, May Calamawy and Peter Mensah.  

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

GLADIATOR II follows the same formula as its predecessor and it is well done. Instead of trying to reinvent the chariot wheels, Ridley reminds us from the moment the films starts where the story began leading up to Versus. I was completely wow’d by the beginning graphics and mentally applauded it all. Once the actors began their roles, I knew I was going to enjoy this film.

As a fan of this genre of film, films such as SPARTACUS (1960) with Kirk Douglas, I knew the bar would be high for any story that followed. In 2000, Russell Crowe proved that stories about gladiators during the Roman era can be just as amazing. Mescal has taken the reigns of this genre and did so spectacularly well. His castmates also brought the history thanks to Nielsen and Jacobi and the twisted rulers with Quinn, Hechinger and damn, Mr. Denzel Washington if you please.

The visuals are big, bold and stunning with special effects that are extremely cool. Yes, I am keeping things close to the vest because it is important so see the secrets, twists and visuals for yourself. The audience was cheering, making ‘ewwww’ faces, and shouting out which, and it must be said, seemed very colosseum like which actually made the film more fun to see.

GLADIATOR II takes the audience back to a violent time but, at the same time, captivates for its two hour and twenty-eight-minute running time. Trust me when I say, it certainly didn’t feel like it at all. That’s because of director Scott’s ability to tell this story, the casts keeping our attention from beginning to end and great special effects. This film is absolute entertainment!

In the end – strength and honor!

The Origins of TRANSFORMER ONE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Josh Cooley, Hasbro Entertainment and Paramount Pictures is the story of how it all began with TRANSFORMER ONE.

Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) works the Energon mines in Iacon City with buddy D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) on their home planet of Cybertron. Pax believes there is so much more to them than just working day after day digging up the mineral to keep their planet going. The leader of the Autobots is Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm) who constantly motivates the beings to keep mining. Pax gets the idea to be a part of a race and enlists D-16 and that gets attention of the other miners as well as Sentinel.

Thinking they would be celebrating their accomplishment; they are thrown in the deepest level of the planet where they meet B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key). Thrilled that he finally has company after being alone for so long, Pax and D realize he probably would know a way out.

Finding an escape up to the surface, Pax, D and B run into Alita (Scarlett Johansson) who wants to report them for getting away. That is until Pax shows her information that he believes leads to finding the Matrix of Leadership. Instead, what they discover what happened to the Prime’s and awaken Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne). Trion tell the group the truth about what has happened on Cybertron and D is outraged. Before they can get back to Sentinel, they meet Starscream (Steve Buscemi) who also wants Sentinel taken care of.

That party is crashed when D and B are taken to Sentinel, now Pax and Alita must find a way to get to their friends. D-16 is can not contain his anger and Pax wants to put a cog in every Autobot so they can find their own potential and Sentinel wants to destroy them both.  Who will succeed?

Hemsworth voices Orion Pax giving the character a very ‘animated’ and personably transformer who is curious about everything. Pax wants something more and, as we all know, be careful what you wish for. Each step he takes brings him closer to the secrets being kept from them all and Hemsworth’s voice takes us on that ride. Henry as D-16 knows he shouldn’t follow Pax on his mad plans but does so because that’s what a good friend does. When he learns along with Pax what has been taken from the Autobots, a change comes over him in a way that no one could have imagined. Henry gives us good friend vocal vibes – until he doesn’t. Nicely done.

Johansson as Alita believes in doing everything by the book and doing it right. Leading her group, it is in hopes that a promotion is in her future. A strong female Autobot who is a tad hardheaded is just what the group needs to stay focused. Key as B gives us a very good reason to understand why he eventually goes silent. A talkative (sometimes babbling) Autobot is not good for any sentient beings’ ears! He is funny at times though so he gets that.

Hamm as Sentinel is both funny and scary at the same time. During his moments of humor, it is easy to see how the Autobots would believe what he has to say, although personally I’d question that gaslighting voice from jump. Hamm does sound like he is having a great time. Buscemi as Starscream is just on it. Personally, I’m a huge Buscemi fan from way back and to hear his voice of an angry Autobot just brought a smile to my face because he can be charming and then twist the knife, although I think angry Autobots would rather just use their cool weaponry to handle it.

Fishburne voicing Alpha Trion gives us his best deep Morpheus voice and it works beautifully. Telling Pax, D, B and Alita what they needed to hear, he does so in a way that kept my interest from start to finish. Thrilled he took on the voice of Alpha Trion absolutely.

Other cast include Isaac C. Singleton Jr. as Darkwing, Vanessa Liguori as Airachnid, Jason Konopisos-Alvarez as Shockwave, Jon Bailey as Soundwave and Evan Michael Lee as Jazz.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com. 

Hasbro Entertainment is a production and distribution company owned and operated by American toy and multimedia company Hasbro and succeeds All-Spark, previously known as Hasbro Studios, as Hasbro's primary media production and distribution company and Entertainment One 

I will be honest, I raised four kids in the early years on Transformers cartoons and having my house covered in Autobots everywhere large and small, I didn’t know what to expect from the film. I did enjoy the 2007 TRANSFORMERS and kept following the films all the way through that vision of the franchise. So, TRANSFORMER ONE is just keeping the generational fun going with my grandkids.

The animation is pretty spectacular from start to finish and even with the dark underground city; it doesn’t affect the films action sequences at all. Instead, it is hyped up action that gives and gives and gives and trust me when I say this family was all for it. These are not stiff Autobots but fast and gracefully fluid for being made of metal.

The film also has a lot of humor and fun mixed into the history of where the Autobots came from and how the Decepticons came to be. It isn’t a pretty story because, as we know, absolute power corrupts absolutely, but you can be sure this won’t be the last we will see as Optimus Prime and Megatron have a long history that needs to play out. That being said, I’m all for TRANSFORMER 2.

In the end - witness the origin!

A QUIET PLACE: Day One

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Michael Sarnoski and Paramount Pictures is the beginning with A QUIET PLACE: Day One.

Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) is spending her days in the hospital and slowly closing herself off. Nurse Reuben (Alex Wolff) tries to find something that will bring Sam out of her funk and suggests a day in New York City. Making him promise they would get pizza; Sam decides to pack up her cat Frodo and go on a little adventure.

Not happy to discover their destination, Sam decides to make the best of it and meets Henri’s (Djimon Hounsou) family. When emotions get the best of her, Sam makes her way back onto the bus and the rest of the gang soon follows. It isn’t long before she realizes that something is terribly wrong and quickly everything explodes.

Waking up, she is immediately motioned to remain quiet noticing all the wounded people around her. Happy to see Reuben and Frodo, Sam still doesn’t understand what is happening around them. When it all becomes clear, Sam is horrified to realize the world she knows is crumbling around her. Gathering up her things, Sam takes off on her own. When the visitors continue their attack, Sam meets Eric (Joseph Quinn) who is clearly in shock.

The two begin their trek across New York believing that there is the possibility of rescue. They also begin to understand one another and strong connections form in the new place of madness. Each step they take brings them either closer to attack or closer to the slim chance of rescue.

Nyong’o as Sam is a woman that is dealing with so much in, what she believes, is a short amount of time. The only human connection she seems to have is the strained relationship with Rueben and the not-so-human connection with her cat Frodo. Once the invasion begins, she has one goal and nothing is going to stop her from achieving it. Nyong’o gives us a strong female character that is clear about what she wants. The last moments of the film had everyone in the theatre whispering, “whoaaaa” and that is worth every letter of the word.

Quinn as Eric is traumatized by what has happened and he is having a difficult time gathering his emotions. Meeting Frodo first, he follows a path that leads him to Sam and as much as she wants him to go away, Eric cannot bring himself to do it. Life and death are in front of them both and attempting to survive together is everything. Quinn gives us the fear I would expect from any normal human being under attack by something so vicious as the creatures are. He does it well, just as his characters compassion is so moving.

Hounsou as Henri is a husband and father doing what ever it takes to ensure his families survival. His character is in A QUIET PLACE II and now we know his story as well.

Shout out to Frodo because now I think my own cat needs some training in the ways of alien attacks!!

Other cast include Eliane Umuhire as Zena, Zay Domo Artist as Bryan, and Kait Feeney as Fran.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

A QUIET PLACE: Day One still doesn’t explain who the aliens are and what brought them to Earth (maybe that’s another film) but instead, it stays with the same original formula of humans trying to survive. Learning quickly that quiet offers them a chance, this story is being carried by Nyong’o, Quinn and Frodo. Discovering ways to talk to one another also gives much more voice than the first two films.

Taking off quickly with the jumps and scares, it obviously worked as the young lady next to me was practically curled up in her chair looking through her fingers. There are jaw dropping moments and whisperings of “noooooooo”s, mainly because the story pulls us in quickly and we want that happy ending which seems impossible in the world that no longer belongs to the human race.

The cinematography and special effect are quite good but I would expect that since the aliens have been set up for the story in two previous outings. We know what they are capable of so the focus then becomes on the survival of Sam, Quinn and Frodo. Playing their characters well, Nyong’o and Quinn are the connection between the story and the audience.

Buckle up buttercups and be quiet about it.

In the end – hear how it all began!

Remembering Our Own IF

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres right now from writer/director John Krasinski and Paramount Pictures is a film that will become a family favorite when seeing IF.

Bea (Cailey Fleming) is a young girl who is dealing with her mother’s passing and now dad (John Krasinski) needs a heart surgery. That is a lot to deal with and the added bonus of staying with Grandma Margaret (Fiona Shaw) who hasn’t quite realizes that Bea is growing up. Visiting her dad at the hospital, Bea meets Benjamin (Alan Kim), a young boy who seems resigned to being in the hospital but tries to befriend her.

One evening coming back from a trip to the store, Bea sees a strange figure and is surprised to see it go into her grandmother’s apartment building. The next day she sees it again but this time in the company of a man named Cal (Ryan Reynolds). Following them she watches him come out of a window with a very big purple furry who calls himself Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and she faints. Waking up, there Blue is again but this time the figure she saw introduces herself as Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

Bea learns that these creatures are called IFs (Imaginary Friends) who have been forgotten by their children and, you have to believe to actually see them! Grumpy Cal fills in the story and discovers that he has been trying to place the IFs with new children. Bea decides that she wants to help, but first, Cal has to take her to see the Memory Lane Retirement Home where other IFs live. There, she meets Lewis (Louis Gossett Jr.), a bear who wants to help Bea bring spice back into those who live there.

That’s when Bea gets the idea to start matching IFs with new children. After seeing her grandmother one day dancing to the ballet music of her youth, Bea realizes that she has been going about it all wrong. It is not the new kids the IFs need, but those who truly need to remember a time when the world was a wonderful place to be.

Fleming as Bea is a wonderful actress playing a role that is believable for both kids and adults. Trying to hide behind the “I’m a grown up now” façade to handle her grief and fear, her journey opens up the kid in her again and its very cool to watch. Krasinski as her father is a character all his own trying to keep his daughter’s spirits up with his unusual brand of humor. He is charming, goofy and, admittedly, made me laugh at his antics.

Reynolds as Cal portrays a grumpy guy who seems irritated with everything about the IFs shenanigans and his role in it all. Having Bea around gives him an opportunity to get out of the grumps and into doing good works with a bit of a smile on his face. Yes, Reynolds unique brand of sarcasm mixed with humor is here but playing second (third, fourth, fifth, sixth….) fiddle to IFs isn’t easy but he masters it well.

Shaw as Grandmother Margaret is just endearing and her dancing scene is just magnificent because, as a grandmother, I can relate. So beautifully done. Kim as Benjamin is an easy-going kid even though he has the bones that might not agree. I love his attempt at connecting with Bea but all I wanted for him is one thing – and you’ll find out what it is at the end of the film. We cheered for him so loud!

Carell as Blue is so dang cute, cuddly, sweet and full of heart but then again, I’d expect nothing less than adding his voice to him. Waller-Bridge as Blossom is equally sharp, doesn’t let Cal bother her in the slightest and polite in a very English-have-some-tea way. It is difficult to speak on the voice of the IFs because they are ALL brilliant, lovely, hilarious, heart-warming, cheeky, and I’d have them all home with me if I could. That’s how fantastic each character seemed to have been matched to a voice.

Other cast includes Liza Colon-Zayas as Janet, Catharine Daddario as Bea’s Mom, and Bobby Moynihan as Jeremy.

The voice characters are fantastically done by Awkwafina as Bunch of Bubbles, Emily Blunt as Uni the Unicorn, George Clooney as Spaceman, Bradley Cooper as Ice, Matt Damon as Sunflower, Bill Hader as Banana, Richard Jenkins as Art Teacher, Keegan-Michael Key as Blob, John Krasinski as Marshmallow, Blake Lively as Octopuss, Sebastian Maniscalco as Magician Mouse, Matthew Rhys as Crown Ghost, Sam Rockwell as Guardian Dog, Maya Rudolph as Plushie Alligator, Amy Schumer as Gummy Bear, Allyson Seegar as Viola, Jon Stewart as Robot, Brad Pitt as Keith, and Christopher Meloni as Detective Cosmo.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, they have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

So, my granddaughter had been wanting to see IF but, family plans, school etc., kept us away for over a week. Finally, over Memorial Day weekend and with her parents working, we decided to have a Naynay-granddaughter day and IF was on our list. We went to an early showing and popcorned up making way to our seats. We chatted, laughed and when the movie started, both my granddaughter and I were whisked away.

Now, that being said, we were laughing, jaw dropping and, at certain times, I looked over to see my granddaughters’ eyes watering. She, like her grandmother, needs a lot from a film to make tears happen but here she was with the water works turned on. She teared up from happy and teared up from very sad. Finally, I came to understand that she teared up because in this theatre she remembered her own imaginary friend that time had helped her forget.

When the film was over and we were walking to the car, she told me that she remembered her own IF and that she would never forget again. I shared with her about my own IF in the form of a pink elephant named Ollie (who I still have) and told her I owed him an apology and a good washing as well. That is what this film did for us.

Now, in the theatre, there were more sniffles than those of my granddaughter. That is what IF has accomplished. It brought families into the theatres with Dads, Moms, grandparents and the kiddies yes to see a film, but, more importantly, to remember something in our childhoods that has been forgotten. IF brought so many laughs (as Keith is now a member of our family) with memorable characters that, when the Bluray comes out, we are going to RUN out and grab.

Until then, little Uni is going to sit on my desk as a reminder that Ollie (after a good washing) now sits in a rightful place, in a comfy chair where I will see him every time I walk into the room. He deserves that much at the very least. Well done John Krasinski, and my granddaughter thanks you for Cosmo!

So this tells you everything you need to know about IF, gather up the family, gets lots of snacks, grab tissue and enjoy a film that is meant for all ages – and feel free to bring your own IFs.

In the end – this is a story you have to believe to see!

CinemaCon Finishes the Last Day with Paramount Pictures and Disney Offerings

Jeri Jacquin

The final day is here in what has been a four-day movie lovers dream of what is to come in theatres, what studios are celebrating and some pretty cool stars to show us the way. The morning begins with Paramount Pictures and gladiators making absolutely sure we know what is coming.

One of the films I am so looking forward, as writer/director John Krasinski shows up on the big screen to introduce it, is the movie IF. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming, the story of imaginary friends is one we are all going to relate to as adults and thrilled to share with the kids. President and CEO of Paramount Brian Robbins announces they have deals with Krasinski and Reynolds and I think that’s a smart move!

Scarlett Johansson makes her on screen appearance to talk about the film TRANSFORMERS ONE. This is an origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron based on Cybertron that is the home of both Autobots and Decepticons. She welcomes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime and Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron to the group. The film is directed by Josh Cooley.

A new Smurfs Movie is coming with James Corden, Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Sandra Oh and Kurt Russell. The lovely Rihanna is providing the songs for the film which should be a lot of fun. There is more Airbender news as there will be a trilogy starting with Aang: The Last Airbender. SpongeBob and the gang are back with (a very long title) The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants with Clancy Brown and Brian Doyle-Murray.  

A QUIET PLACE: Day One is the third in In John Krasinski’s vision, along with writer/director Michael Sarnoski and Bryan Woods, of the world invaded by creatures. Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn bring in a new trailer in this telling of what happened on the very first day when the world went quiet. The tag line of Hear How It All Began is very smart.

One of my family’s favorite video games is Sonic the Hedgehog, so you can imagine our thrill when in 2020, a film of the same name was released and we got to see our blue hero come to life and take on Dr. Robotnik. Two years later, Sonic is back with new friends Knuckles and Tails to once again take on the bad doctor. It is no surprise that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 is wrapped and ready! If you’re looking for something a big more, well, frightening, then SMILE 2 should bright up the day. Director Parker Finn has taken it on and we can all be smiling, or not, in October.  

Ridley Scott joins the audience from the big (and I mean big) screen to introduce footage to GLADIATOR II. The film tells the story of Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, and his life after the death of Maximus. The film also stars Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen just to name a few. It’s going to be absolutely epic.

In development and news at Paramount is a Star Trek origins film, Edgar Wright is working on THE RUNNING MAN with Glen Powell (who seems to be everywhere), the inevitable is here with a GI JOE and TRANSFORMERS crossover, the LAST RONIN, a musical coming from the South Park and Book of Mormon team (oh lawd help us all!), and another SCARY MOVIE film. Also, one of my all-time favorite films by Christopher Nolan is the 10-year anniversary release of INTERSTELLAR. The release will have both 70mm and IMAX releases and I’m going to see them both!

The final presentation comes from the Disney Studio with a cheerful and informative reminder about cell phone (okay so it wasn’t so cheerful and informative is subjective) from Deadpool & Wolverine. To talk about what the studios of Disney, Walt Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Searchlight and 20^th Century Studios are offering up is Alan Bergman, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment.

In development are more of the AVATAR, AVENGERS, STAR WARS, TOY STORY and FROZEN franchises. To give audiences a peek that include a bunch of apes, as KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES will be released this year in IMAX. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer of Daisy Ridley’s next film YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA which is the tale of Trudy Ederle who swam across the English Channel. INSIDE OUT 2 gives the audience exactly what it wants, Amy Poehler referring to CinemaCon as “the coolest of all the Cons” and a look at the film.

Representing Marvel Studios is Kevin Feige who brings the slate of films to come, Florence Pugh “screen times” from the THUNDERBOLTS set, and Anthony Mackie brings a bit of CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World. Writer/director Shawn Levy promises a “spoilerish-free” look at DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. The next in the line of alien’s films is ALIEN: Romulus and a message from Fede Alvarez. The story is a group of space colonizers scavenge in the wrong place, well, we know what’s going to happen.

From Searchlight, writer/director Jesse Eisenberg is a film about cousins who tour Poland is the film A REAL PAIN. When a career woman decides to stay home, it turns into the film NIGHTBITCH starring Amy Adams. Finally, from Searchlight, Emma Stone, Jesse Plemmons and Willem Dafoe star in KINDS OF KINDNESS. Twentieth Century Studios brings THE AMATEUR starring Rami Malek in the action thriller.

Disney brings a beloved story deeper into the telling as director Barry Jenkins talks about MUFASA: The Lion King. Now that Simba is the king of the Pride Lands, he wants to make sure his son knows the way to lead learning about Mufasa’s journey.

Who better to introduce MOANA 2 than Maui himself, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He believes that the film is “so much deeper than a movie to me”. He is also given the NATO Spirit of the Industry Award for “his commitment to the theatrical experience”. Mitch Neuhauser says of Johnson, “No one exemplifies a commitment to the theatrical experience more than Dwayne Johnson. He has attended CinemaCon more than any other creative person, which speaks volumes when it comes to his support of the global exhibition community, and we are thrilled he is here today to accept the Spirit of the Industry Award.”

To end this year’s CinemaCon event is the 2024 BIG SCREEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS with Kevin Frazier hosting. This year’s winners are:

STAR OF THE YEAR

Lupita Nyong’o

CINEMACON VANGUARD AWARD

Amy Poehler

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Shawn Levy

BREAKTHROUGH PPERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Joseph Quinn

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN ACTING

Dan Stevens

RISING STAR OF 2024

Ariana Greenblatt

VIOLA DAVIS TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Geena Davis

CINEMA ICON AWARD

Dennis Quaid

 

Congratulations and well-deserved to all and see you next year at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas!

The Conflict Begins with AIR FORCE ONE DOWN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday and available later on Digital from director James Bamford and Paramount Pictures is the chase with AIR FORCE ONE DOWN.

Agent Allison Miles (Katherine McNamara) is thrilled when her Uncle Sam Waitman (Anthony Michael Hall) brings her into the White House for duty. President Edwards (Ian Bohen) is working on a mission that has global impact and is getting ready to board Air Force One. Gathering the agents together that will be travelling with him, Agent Miles learns she is going on the trip.

What the President doesn’t know is that there is an enemy, Rodinov (Rade Sherbedgia) who wants to stop him from continuing on with his mission. There is a plan already in motion and it is about to do the unthinkable. Boarding the plane, Agent Miles is excited about the trip but keeping her feelings in check and professional.

The plane isn’t off the ground long before chaos erupts with the target being the assassination of the president. Agent Miles isn’t about to let that happen and gets the president out and away from the plane. Now they are in open territory as Rodinov sends him men to capture President Edwards with one goal, stop the mission or suffer the fatal consequences.

Agent Miles isn’t about to let either of those things happen.

McNamara as Miles is a young, eager and grateful Agent who has an uncle looking out for her. Very well versed on what her job is by protecting the president when called on, starting from the bottom-up shoots into high gear quickly. Boarding Air Force One, Miles is clear on the job but never anticipated being called on in chaos. McNamara gives her character a toughness that is equally measured by her escape partner.

Bohen as President Edwards isn’t a leader who is going to stand around doing nothing. When they come after him, along with Agent Miles, they work together to do what is necessary and both know the cost. Bohen is just as strong in character as McNamara which is what makes them a good pair in this film.

Shout out to Hall coming in as Uncle Sam who is looking out for his niece and not just because she is family but because he sees potential. I always enjoy seeing Hall in a film following his career since he was knee high to a pup!

Other cast include Max Kraus as Vlad, Paul s. Tracey as Mark Miller, Pavel Vladimirov as Toma Hasak, Trevor Van Uden as Agent Richards and Dascha Polanco as Vice President Hansen.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

AIR FORCE ONE DOWN joins in the genre of films that take on protecting the leader of the free world. McNamara gets to join the ranks of Butler, Tatum, and Ford in taking down the bad guys who want to tear into democracy. Nothing better than this particular duo working together to let the world know that bad guys don’t win.

The film is action packed from what McNamara’s character is capable of to the danger aboard Air Force One. When McNamara and Bohen get together it is clear that the enemy has plenty to worry about. As the bad guy’s monologue, Agent Miles and President Edwards already know how they will handle it and handle it they do.

It’s time to hit the theatre seats and watch the action on the big screen cheering once again putting the enemy on notice!

In the end – never take on the strong!

PAW PATROL: The Mighty Movie

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Cal Brunker, Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures is the next chapter in the pup’s life with PAW PATROL: The Mighty Movie.

Sky (Mckena Grace) has always been an important part of the PAW Patrol and is loved by friends Ryder (Finn Lee-Epp), Chase (Christian Convery), Liberty (Marsai Marin), Rubble (Luxton Handspiker), Marshall (Christian Carrao), Rocky (Callum Shoniker) and Zuma (Nyla Parthipan). Lately however, she has been feeling a bit unappreciated and small.

What none of them know is that Vee Vance (Taraji P. Henson) is a scientist with a plan of her own. Out in space, she wants to pull in a meteor believing she will show everyone who is the greatest scientist of all. When things go horribly wrong, the PAW Patrol save Adventure City but lose their home base. In the street, they find a large glowing meteor and move it to their ship.

Later in the evening, Sky is awakened to the pulsing glow of the meteor and what happens next is amazing. A crystal gives Skye powers of flight and strength and she shares the news and other crystals with the rest of the PAW Patrol. Now suddenly each has their own superpower and can do more to help people than ever before.

Vee Vance is taken to jail where she meets defuncted Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo and his feline gang as the two decide how they can best the PAW Patrol. When a call for help comes out, Sky decides to take matters into her own hands as she tries to prove that she is has what it takes. What she learns is that realizing her worth and the friends who care for her are the greatest super power of all.

Other cast include Lil Rel Howery as Sam Stringer, Alan Kim as Nano, Brice Gonzalez as Tot, North West as Mini, Kim Roberts as Mayor Goodway, James Marsden as Hank and Kristen Bell as Janet.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

Nickelodeon is named after the first five-cent movie theatres of the same name. Their programming includes such amazing animated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The Patrick Star Show, Rugrats and Monster High. Reaching preschoolers the shows include Bubble Guppies, Blue’s Clues & You and, of course, PAW Patrol. For more information go to www.nick.com/shows.

PAW Patrol first premiered on Nickelodeon in August of 2013 and it has been a smash since. Each of the characters has found relatability with children and has even secretly kept parents and grandparents entertained. My now eight-year-old granddaughter Jaycie came into the PAW Patrol world in 2017 and was absolutely thrilled to be seeing the film with her five-year-old cousin Jeremy. Their excitement resonated from the moment the screen lit up until the last frame and pup-howled at the very end. That is the power of the pup!

Currently, PAW Patrol airs in more than 170 countries reaching 350 million households and I know very few households around me that don’t have PAW patrol merchandise. Perhaps that is not what Nickelodeon and Paramount had imagined when the green light was given to PAW Patrol in 2013, but it is wonderful that PAW Patrol has had such tremendous success and reached so many children changing lives in the process.

It is so important that families feel that what children are watching is filled with the themes that we want for them to feel loved and empowered. That offers them the possibility to make changes in the lives of families and friends in wonderful ways. Doing the right thing is not always easy, as the PAW Patrol shows, but having good friends who support one another is absolutely fantastic!

The excitement that this group of pups brings to children is so wonderful but it is so much more. It teaches the kids about friendship. Loyalty, overcoming odds and standing up for what is right. It is a wonderful thing to have a children’s television show that embraces divert and has adventure. The friendship between Ryder, who believes his biggest job is to protect his pup friends is so very charming and heart-warming.

The support of Chase, Liberty, Rubble, Marshall, Rocky and Zuma for their friend Sky is exactly how I would hope the kids watching PAW Patrol would feel when they need their friends during life’s struggles and tough times. So, gather up your own litter of pups and prepare for epic adventure that brings the pup out in us all!

In the end – unleash your powers!

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Jeff Rowe based on a screenplay by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, Benji Smart and Paramount Pictures is the animated TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem.

Cynthia Utrom (Maya Rudolph) from Techno Cosmic Research Institute has decided that she is going to hunt down scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito) who discovered a mutagen and has tried it on insects and animals. Discovering his whereabouts, Utrom calls out her strike team to capture him and get mutagen! Things don’t go to plan and mutagen has disappeared.

Years later, on a rooftop, Michealangelo (Shamon Brown, Jr.), Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon) and Donatello (Micah Abbey) are four turtle brothers who have been raised by Splinter (Jackie Chan), their rat father. All of them were covered in the green ooze of Stockman’s mutagen. Splinter has raised the boys to understand that humans are not friends and would never accept them for who they are.

Training the turtles in ninjutsu, Splinter feels he has given his boys a way to, if needs be, protect themselves. In the meantime, the turtles just want to go to school and attend prom like ‘regular’ kids do after seeing life on their phones and computers. They do get the chance to get out though when doing a supply run. On one such occasion, a crime being committed against human April (Ayo Edebiri), gives the boys a chance to actually talk to a human!

They discover that April goes to school, is a writer and currently investigating a bunch of robberies happening in the city by someone called Superfly (Ice Cube). The turtles want to help thinking this is the way to show humans they aren’t anything to be afraid of.

Learning that Superfly is needing parts for a gadget he is creating, April and the boys agree to meet Superfly under the Brooklyn Bridge. What happens there is a lesson that Splinter and the boys aren’t the only mutants in the world – they are, however, the only mutants not wanting to destroy humanity. That seems to be what Superfly wants, the destruction of humanity being upset at what was done to Stockman years earlier.

Now, the turtles, April and a few surprising allies decide it’s time to take Superfly down because, after all, that’s what right minded turtles-in-a-half-shell and their friends do!

Noon, Brown, Jr., Cantu, Abbeyas the mutant four verbally play off one another in a way that is nothing short of graceful sparing. Their brotherly relationship had everything I’d expect from brothers who are all going through teens (and all THAT means) together. They might be wrestling up a mess one minute but will protect each other at the drop of a mask.

Edebiri as April is also going through the growing pains of the teen years. Good at investigating, she puts aside those who don’t really accept her without teasing, and tries to find her way back into being just a regular teen. Chan as Splinter is so endearing and spends every waking moment making sure his boys are safe and, more importantly, happy. Such a lovely portrayal of a dad just wanting the best for his kids.

Ice Cube as Superfly was hilarious one moment and maniacal the next and extremely good at both. Wanting a bit of revenge for the way his adoptive father was treated, he has an idea that basically would wipe out the human race and the Ninja Turtles have a bit of a problem with that.

Other mutants include Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog, Rose Byrne as Leatherhead, John Cena as Rocksteady, Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut, Post Malone as Ray Fillet, Seth Rogen as Bebop, and Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem is an animated film that is going to hit across generations. This is how my boys (now in their 40’s) saw the turtles and now it is their sons and daughters’ chance to see what held their imaginations as children.

Everything about the film is about a deep background storyline which is important if this is anyone’s first time discovering the Ninja Turtles or just needing a refresher course. The animation is absolutely wonderful, detailed, colorful and seamless adding a deeper level to the film. The casting is comedy at its best and having Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko had me laughing almost out of my seat (think Rudd as Chuck in FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL except on a skateboard and, well, a mutant).

The comedy is insanely funny! Seeing this with my family, we all couldn’t stop laughing and cheering. We were not the only ones as the audience became just as invested as we were. Watching the ‘teenage’ part of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these boys want to be accepted for who they are. That’s why their relationship with April works so well – they relate to one another, physiology aside.

I have to say that the interactions between characters is pretty funny as Ice Cube’s Superfly accepts the boys with his witticisms and more information about how they all came to be. Chan’s Splinter is just so dang adorable as a father who sees his children pulling away and wanting to do everything possible to turn their frowns upside down is stellar.

The animation more than works for the film, in fact, I think it gives it that something special and rare, a more 3-D kind of look without the headache of 3-D. Some animation can feel very flat, taking away from the film, but not this rendition of TMNT. This time around it felt like we were all experiencing something quite unique.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem was meant to be as fun as it absolutely was. Hey, I’m 62 and remember my boys calling for me to come watch the television show with them and this time, I took my grandkid who has always loved the Ninja Turtles. That’s three generations who are all about the green, awesome masks and wanting to fight injustices!

In the end – heroes aren’t born, they’re mutated!