Reviews of films and television along with interviews, what's coming and giveaways!
Their teach took a chance and contacted the production company, sending questions the students wrote for the cast and crew of THE ODYSSEY.
A few weeks later, they gathered for a special assembly at Naval Air Station Sigonella.
Their questions were answered!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher Nolan, Homer, and Universal Pictures comes the epic poem of Homer to the screen with THE ODYSSEY.
Odysseus (Matt Damon) is the King of Ithaca and married to Penelope (Anne Hathaway). Off to fight the Trojan War with Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), he leaves behind a wife and son who wait for his return. After the war and on a ship for the return home with Eurylochus (Himesh Patel) and his men, problems arise. Back in Ithaca, Penelope and her son Telemachus (Tom Holland) are dealing with the constant issue of suitors arriving for Penelope.
The voyage home brings Odysseus and his men to confront Cyclops, then the Sirens, the mythical creatures of the ocean, the Underworld, the witch Aeaea (Samantha Morton), and after a fierce storm, to land on an island with Calypso (Charlize Theron). In between, he is constantly met by Athena (Zendaya), who is a companion no one else sees. Waiting at home, Penelope and her son are dealing with the likes of Antinous (Robert Pattinson), who tries his best to be the one Penelope chooses to marry next. Antinous believes the first thing he needs to do is get rid of Telemachus. Watching out for the family is Eumaeus (John Leguizamo), a faithful servant who warns the king’s son.
Telemachus sails off with Mentor (Ryan Hurst) to meet with the King of Sparta, Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), to discover news of his father. There, he also meets Helen of Troy (Lupita Nyong’o), who has her own story to tell. Hearing what he needs to, he returns home knowing that the suitors have gotten out of hand. Arriving on the shores of his home, Odysseus is much older and manages to pass for a beggar to get inside his castle.
There, he decides it is time to reclaim what he lost!
Damon as Odysseus is an immediate powerhouse from scene one. I can not even imagine the physicality it took for him to play this role, and yet, he made the character of Odysseus all his own. He is a hero in the eyes of those left behind, but to his crew and the mythical creatures he encounters, he is clearly just a man fighting anything in front of him to get home. That means he also shows anger, poor decision-making, and an inability to admit he has lost his way. That’s what I love about Damon’s portrayal; he shows those frailties with ease and brought me along for the ride.
Hathaway as Penelope, is a Queen with her own plans to keep the riffraff out of her space. Being the dutiful wife, she believes her husband will return, no matter who may say otherwise. Hathaway gives us the performance of an even-tempered woman (when people are around) and occasionally makes her feelings clear to her son. Her movements are deliberate, and her cool pays off, and I’m here for it. Holland as Telemachus, is the dedicated son to a father he doesn’t really remember. Disgusted by the rowdy suitors for his mother’s hand, he reaches the point where going out to look for his father is the only way to save her. His journey into the world gets noticed by others who plot against him. Holland takes this role and gets stronger and stronger as each scene he is in plays across the screen. It doesn’t surprise me that he stands out so much in this film. Watch the 2012 film THE IMPOSSIBLE and see how I knew he could play such a strong character.
Pattinson as Antinous is as despicable and ruthless as one would expect of someone who turns on family. He is antagonistic and pokes the bear to get others to do his dirty work. There are moments when he doesn’t have to say a thing, and I didn’t like him. That’s how you know he’s wrapped up in the role of believability. Leguizamo as Eumaeus is clearly dedicated to the royal family on so many levels, and is as slippery when he needs to be. I enjoyed his role as so very important, but he slips constantly under the radar to help at every turn. Bernthal, as Menelaus may be the King of Sparta, but he is also the only man who tells Telemachus the truth as it truly is about his father, and why he needs to transform from a boy to a man, and quickly.
Morton as Aeaea is so stunning and amazing to watch. Her calm demeanor, even during frightening moments, just tickled me so much. There truly isn’t anything this actress can’t do, but I can honestly say I’ll never forget her in this role. Nyong’o as Helen of Troy is equally amazing in this role. Even though it may be smaller, it still has such strong moments. Theron, as Calypso has kept Odysseus at bay as the story starts to come to the surface. Her role is also quiet in a sense, and she makes it her own. Zendaya as Athena is just a presence trying to help Odysseus come to terms with his own decisions, and she is stunning for it.
A shout-out to Ryan Hurst as Mentor for two reasons: 1) His character is the man standing behind a King’s son no matter what, and 2) it’s about damn time he gets screen time in such an epic tale. Am I partial? Absolutely!
Other cast include Bill Irwin as Polyphemus, Corey Hawkins as Polybus, Mia Goth as Melantho, Logan Marshall-Green as Melanthius, Elyes Gabel as Elatus, James Remar as Tiresias, Elliot Page as Sinon, Travis Scott as Bard, and Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus.
The film starts out with Scott telling the story of Odysseus to all those in the hall, trying to get their hands, literally, on the queen. The story is that of the Trojan War. Now, with the audience’s attention, Nolan breaks into the epicness of not only Ithaca and the Queen’s plight but also of where Odysseus has been in his travels to get back home. The ride doesn’t hold back and doesn’t cut corners. As if the actors playing their spectacular roles weren’t enough, Nolan throws in effects that are so good it’s frightening. Seamless, beautiful, and adding such richness to the story that it is easy to forget they are effects.
There is not one thing wrong with THE ODYSSEY, even if Nolan takes liberties here and there in the storytelling. What audiences are going to get is battle scenes, equally epic creatures that have one goal: destroying Odysseus and his men, and a cast of characters that each has a story of their own to tell. Homer's poem is filled with so many themes, and although many thought it impossible to put it on the big screen, it clearly is not. In the hands of someone who understands both the poem and how to bring it to life, the audience will believe in the return of the word epic. We also get the flaws of humanity, the greed for power, loyalty, the insecurities of one man, dedication, revenge, and love on many levels. Who could ask for more?
In the end – defy the Gods!
Jeri Jacquin
Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Curry Barker and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the tale of wishes with OBSESSION.
Bear (Michael Johnston) is a young man who is keeping his feelings hidden about Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Working at the local music store, friends Sarah (Megan Lawless) and best friend Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) notice it daily. Visiting a crystal shop to buy Nikki a gift, he purchases a One Wish Willow that gives a person one wish. He tries to give it to her but ends up being too nervous after a ride home from work. In frustration, he uses it himself, wishing Nikki would love him completely.
Moments later, Nikki comes back to the car and wants to be with Bear for the night, and after a kiss, he notices something is wrong. He tosses that aside when his feelings are finally reciprocated by Nikki. They seem happy together, and Ian notices who decides to tell Bear what he knows about the little lies Nikki has been telling. Proving his point, he offers a ‘guys' night out,’ and when Bear tells Nikki, she has an emotional outburst, forcing Bear to take her as well. During the party, all of Bear’s friends see the twisted behavior as Nikki puts her emotions towards their friend Sarah.
Realizing all these emotions are coming from the One Wish Willow he had used to make a wish with, Bear returns to the store to get another. He asks Ian to help, but his friend doesn’t believe anything he is saying. Now, filled with guilt and hopelessness, Bear must decide what to do in order to break the wish himself!
Johnston as Bear is a young man who is just too shy to tell a girl how he really feels, especially since she is part of their friend group. His insecurities are soon met with a gift intended for the girl of his dreams. Once she becomes part of his life, he realizes something has gone wrong. Johnston’s performance is so riveting to watch as he fights between what he wants and what he is dealing with. In a world of madness of his own creation, Johnston’s portrayal is raw and gives just the right amount of intensity for his character.
Navarrette, as Nikki falls under Bear’s wish, and it changes her. There are moments of sheer intensity and moments of rage that all mix into a ball of insanity. The more time she spends with Bear, the wilder she gets. Lawless gets the fantastic opportunity to bring darkness into a character most of us have probably met once in our lives. Love that isn’t love, but instead a fanaticism that is frightening and deadly. Well done.
Tomlinson, as Ian is Bear’s best buddy, but is he? Upset that the relationship between Bear and Nikki becomes intense, he tries to show his friend that what is happening is messed up. Of course, everyone in this story has secrets, and Tomlinson’s Ian has a few of his own. Lawless, as Sarah is also watching the relationship between Bear and Nikki. There is even an opportunity for her to get closer to Bear, but the crazed Nikki isn’t going to let that happen. She also has secrets, and there will come a time for her to let them be known.
Other
cast include Haley Fitzgerald as Viola, Darin Toonder as Harry, Andy Richter as
Carter, and Curry Barker as customer service.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and is making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available, from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer, please visit www.uphe.com.
MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that, you can view films by downloading or streaming them to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere, please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.
Bonus Features include Obsession Unleashed: Go Behind the Scenes With In-Depth Interviews Featuring Curry Barker and the Cast and Feature Commentary with Director/Writer/ Curry Barker.
OBSESSION is such an interesting story because, even without the One Wish Willow, it is easy to see how it could play out without it. The characters of Bear and Nikki give us every bit of what happens when love turns out to be something evil, and there is no way out. The added bonus of a wish brings out the darker side of getting what someone really wants and the price of what it costs.
The cast does such an amazing job of keeping the darkness in the film. Writer/Director Barker keeps the film intense, and I love that the creepiness is in shadow, where the wish actually comes from. Nice cameo of Richter as the shop owner bringing in a very hippie-ish “whoa, bad energy man” that did make me chuckle.
Giving a bit of old horror movie feel mixed with keeping the cast very small, kept me watching. It all comes to a head, and it had to be exactly how it played out.
In the end – be careful what you wish for!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres from director Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage, Illumination, and Universal Pictures comes another adventure from our favorite MINIONS & MONSTERS.
Olivia (Allison Janney) is a tour guide taking a group of people through a film history museum. Talking about all the exhibits, they come to a statue of two famous Minions. No one in the crowd knew the story of Minions James and Henry. In their tribe of Minions, they go through time trying to find a villain to serve. James is a different kind of Minion who loves telling stories, much to the head Minion Dick's dismissal. On their hunt for a bad guy, James meets Henry and becomes best friends.
While on the hunt, the Minions find themselves in Hollywood, and James, along with best friend Harry, finds Tinseltown to their liking. Becoming friends with director Max (Christoph Waltz) after he realizes their potential, film execs Frank and Elwood (both played by Jeff Bridges) love their film silliness. The Minions are becoming globally famous, but that is short-lived once films go from silent to talkies. Back on the streets, fending for themselves, James has a moment of brilliance: it’s time for them to make a monster movie!
Minion Ed had taken a spell book through their travels, and James uses it to conjure up real-life monsters for their film. The first to show up is Cthulhu Goomi (Trey Parker), who knows exactly where to find monsters Phillip (Bobby Moynihan) and Howard (Phil LaMarr) to be a part of the film. James and Henry are excited, but there is one problem: Goomi has his own ideas about what monsters really want to do.
Pierre Coffin as the Minions had a full-time job in this film. This is probably the most the Minions have spoken. They are hilarious, funny, and it’s easy to pick out the Spanish words mixed in the gibberish. The craziness and chaos are what the Minions are famous for, and they won’t let viewers down.
Waltz as Max starts out crazed by the Minions. Once he sees the possibilities, he not only makes films with them, he befriends them. His voice is so cool with this character, I actually wish he were in it longer. Bridges' voice both Frank and Elwood, studio execs who know what they want in a film, and the Minions fit the bill.
Parker as Goomi is a mixture of cute and evil, as the smallest Cthulhu I’ve ever seen. But don’t let the size fool you. Parker's voice lends itself to the humor you’d expect and the evil that I’m sure he loved playing. Moynihan as Phillip and LaMarr as Howard are the two summoned monsters who follow along with Goomi’s plan but get lost in it all when Irene shows up.
Shout out to Allison Janney because I am the biggest fan of this lady. She made the narration so much fun.
Other cast include Jesse Eisenberg as Dort, Zoey Deutch as Debbie, and George Lucas as George Lucas.
Universal Pictures has just added an amazing film to their library and is making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available, from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer, please visit www.uphe.com.
The Minions first came to the screen in 2010 with DESPICABLE ME, and everyone who was anyone fell in love with the yellow gibberish-talking creatures. Their antics were childish, giggling at things we all giggle about, but they make it even better. My family not only loves the minions, but we also have them around the house for daily giggles and smiles.
With the holiday weekend coming up, and families looking for things to do, MINIONS & MONSTERS is time spent together. The film is brilliant, colorful, fun, has laughs for both adults and kids, and that adds to the fun. The film does have old movie references that the adults will enjoy, such as knowing who George Lucas is, but it doesn’t change the delight for children. Mixing that with the humor of the Minions, even if we can’t understand everything they say.
There is the usual slapstick humor, charm, and silly antics as we would expect. That being said, as much fun as I had, I missed Gru, Dr. Nefario, the girls, and the relationship with the Minions. But, there is fun at the beginning of the film and when the credits roll, so expect more giggles from memorable friends.
In the end – it’s an adventure all its own!
Jeri Jacquin
In theatres from directors Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures is the next adventure with THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE.
Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) lives with her star children on the Comet Observatory, and just as she is settling in for the evening, Bower Jr. (Benny Safdie) has other plans. Having created a universe-destroying cannon, it can only be used with the power of a Princess, so he takes her. His objective is to defeat Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) and get his father, Bowser (Jack Black), back!
Star Luma (Virginia Dare Jelenic) is sent by Princess Rosalina to find Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and go through the Gateway Galaxy. When Mario and Luigi discover that she left without them, they take Yoshi (Donald Glover) and mini-Boswer do what they can to find her. They don’t hang onto Bowser long and are stuck on a planet. They meet Fox McCloud (Glen Powell), who helps get them where they need to go!
On Planet Bowser, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Princess Peach come up against Bowser and Bowser, Jr., and their goal is one thing – get Princess Rosalina back and get home to those waiting for them!
Pratt is back as Mario and, from the sound of his voice, he’s having a good time. Day as Luigi is, as I’ve always said, an underappreciated brother. Of course, hanging out book-clubbing with Bowser might not have been his best idea. Taylor-Joy is a Princess who isn’t going to be taken for granted when it comes to taking on bad guys. Larson as Princess Rosalina loves her little stars, and the story of a part of her life comes to the screen.
Black as Bowser has the unmistakable voice and, in this film, gives us all a chance to chuckle in the beginning and wonder, can evil be changed when being a mini? Glover shows up at Yoshi, our family’s favorite game character for sure. Jelenic, as Luma is so charming, sweet, and has the voice we just ‘awwww’d’ over.
Shout out to Powell as our favorite fox! Welcome to the brothers' world!
Other cast include Kevin Richardson as Kamek, Keegan-Michael Key as Tod, Eric Bauza as Toad General, Roxana Ortega as Ukiki, Luis Guzman as Wart, Ed Skudder as R.O.B., Juliet Jelenic as Lumalee, and Issa Rae as Honey Queen.
Illumination came to be in 2007, founded by Chris Meledandri, and has had and continues to have one of the most successful line of films. Those include THE LORAX, THE GRINCH, THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, SING, and now THE SUPER MARIO BROS. movie franchise. Shigeru Miyamoto is the founder of Nintendo Studios and joined up with Meledandri for the Super Mario Bros. franchise.
What a grand way to spend the weekend, but with three generations of family. I played the video game when my kids were little, then they got into everything that the franchise had to offer, grew up, and had children of their own who are now into the franchise. So, sitting in the theatre watching the movie, I got to watch everyone laugh and call out things my adult children saw from their childhood. This is how movie-going should be, just having a blast of a time with characters we absolutely love.
I believe what made us all, and the rest of the theatre audience, cheer the most in surprise was seeing a certain fox who has made his way into the franchise. Illumination has brought so much nostalgia to the film with the original game pieces, but also staying true to the characters. I don’t believe there is anything missing, but then again, if you wait for the second piece after the film, you might recognize another character. That excited everyone to know there will be another film, well, there better be another film.
Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Rosalina, Princess Peach, Bowser, Bowser, Jr., and the rest of the characters from all the Mario World’s are there. Mixed in with them are so many funny characters, so make sure your eyes are peeled because some of them go by quickly. Calling them Easter Eggs is hilarious, considering the holiday weekend. The film is colorful, bright, and full of action and adventure. There isn’t a moment I didn’t love!
Writer Matthew Fogel has not only written both amazing The Super Mario Bros. movies, but also MINIONS: The Rise of Gru and THE LEGO MOVIE 2: The Second Part. He says of the film, “It’s incredible, overwhelming, and so exciting. I was thinking of my eight-year-old self who was begging his mom to get a Nintendo and finally got one, that all these years later I’d be premiering a movie!”
Illumination and Nintendo have brought us all back to a time our family has always been fond of, and now we get to share it with the next generation, who now embrace it all just as we did. This is a fantastic film for families because there is something for everyone in every second of the film. So grab goodies from the Easter baskets and head to the theatres for a fun time.
In the end – new galaxies, new friends, and Yoshi!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures comes the next and final chapter in the saga of WICKED: For Good.
Some years have passed since Elphaba (Cynthia Ervio) defied the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). Now given the name “Wicked Witch of the West”, she lives in a hideout and still fights for the rights of those that have been wronged. Best friend Glinda (Ariana Grande) is now in the top spot of being the Wizards spokesperson and called Glinda the Good and still being guided by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). The handsome, and now Captain of the Guard, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is surprised to learn he is now engaged to Glinda but still promises to seek out Elphaba.
In the forest, Elphaba encounters animals escaping Oz, including Dulcibear and the now grown lion cub who is a bit, well, cowardly. That’s not all the changes, Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) is now the governor of Munchkinland. Being looked after by Boq (Ethan Slater), he lets Nessa know that he’d like to move on from Munchkinland. When Elphaba arrives, it is her sister that wants to know why the magic isn’t helping her wheelchair situation and that’s when a pair of shoes comes into play and another spell doesn’t go as planned.
Wanting to free the flying monkeys, Elphaba and Glinda think they have a deal with the wizard. But, while Glinda walks down the aisle to marry Fiyero, Elphaba discovers once again that she has been lied too. Chaos breaks and so does a friendship and the only family she has ever known. Madam Morrible decides that its time for something to stir in the wind and what arrives is a house with a girl who is misled with promises if she only brings the Wizard one thing – a broom!
Glinda has other plans.
Ervio reprises the role of Elphaba and as time has passed, she is still navigating how to handle what she knows about the Wizard. Foremost on her mind is helping the animals that are running from Oz and navigating her friendship with Glinda. The flying monkeys are always on the chase for her but, the time that has passed has also given her greater understanding about her powers and what she is able to do. Ervio does her role proud, shares her ability to tear up a song and Elphaba has the opportunity to pave the way for everyone to continue to live a different life in Oz.
Grande also reprises her role as Glinda and time hasn’t changed her innocence and, sometimes, quirky optimism that is continually being taken advantage of. Floating in the world of pink and fluff, her feelings for Fiyero are heightened when it is announced that they will be married. The hair-flips, wide doe eyed looks, the high note songs and followers are still in the film but there are moments where she begins to understand that the world she has in her head isn’t exactly the world in front of her. Grande gets another opportunity to show off her vocal range with a long list of songs.
Yeoh as Madam Morrible is up to her usual dual sides of everything. She wants total control of everything and both Elphaba and Glinda challenge that, each in their own unique and awesome way. Yeoh gives her character the absolute right amount of horrible all wrapped up in high fashion and tornado abilities. Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard isn’t so wonderful as he lives to create havoc in Oz. He and Morrible have decided who is acceptable to live in Oz and will do anything to make sure their plans aren’t interfered with. Goldblum is a family favorite actor and to watch him dance his way through the role of the Wizard is just so much fun (yes, we get he’s a bad wizard but he’s a good bad wizard!).
Bailey as Fiyero is a soldier conflicted and trying to do the right thing in so many different directions. The pull means it is time for him to make a decision about what he wants, and that decision brings about a change that neither Elphaba nor Glinda could have ever seen coming. Still, Bailey brings the charm of the first film into the second with grander emotion.
Bode as Nessa returns as a woman having to take over for her father governing Munchkinland. Her heart is still with Boq but she becomes conflicted and it brings her heartache. Bode owns her role as the sister of the Wicked Witch but her character is also dealing with the good and bad of what is happening in Oz. Slate as Boq believes it is time to move on from Munchkinland and return to Oz, that is the decision that changes everything for him. I loved the change of Slater’s character in that his emotions run deeper than from the first film, more complex.
Other cast include Colman Domingo as The Cowardly Lion, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as Shenshen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Ti as Avaric, Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear, Adam James as Popsicle, Alice Fearn as Momsie, Scarlett Spears as young Galina and Bethany Weaver as Dorothy.
Award season is right around the counter and I have no doubt that the film will be nominated in so many different categories. Currently, the story has three win from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for Best Original Song – Stephen Schwartz (The Girl in the Bubble), Best Original Song – Stephen Schwartz (No Place Like Home), and Best Original Score – John Powell. Also, the 2025 Next Big Thing award from The Queerties and Most Anticipated Movie of 2025 by the Digital Spy Reader Awards. That is just the beginning.
Director Chu says of WICKED: For Good, “I learned so much from Elphaba and Glinda and I think I’ve gotten to let go of that idea of proving yourself. Even though it’s a fantasy, even though it’s a fairy tale, it’s our access into a human experience. What does it feel like when you believe so deeply, when you love so deeply, when you sacrifice anything? That we will have the capacity to do that. It’s what my parents taught me. It’s what American has taught me!”
The film is everything one would want in a part-two of a film. The colors are so vibrant, the cast is a credit to their respective roles, the music is stunning and the songs, well, the songs are exactly what I’d expect – catchy, charming, emotional and all with amazing choreography. The screen is filled to the brim with so much that it is overwhelming in a very good way. Telling this Broadway show on film was already a huge undertaking yet, it was done thoughtfully and with such talent and craftsmanship on all levels.
This was the top film my family wanted to see in 2025 and we were not disappointed at all. My granddaughter was in awe of it all and was so happy walking out telling me she was beyond excited to have seen it and plans to see it again and again. That’s how you know you have something special, yes, the adults will love it but to see that it has reached the younger audience is hope for other musicals in the future of film. WICKED: For Good, friendship, love, loyalty can be magic all its own.
In the end – you will be changed!
Coming
to theatres this Friday from writer/director Scott Derrickson, Blumhouse and
Universal Pictures is the return of terror in BLACK PHONE 2.
It is the 1980s and has been several years as Finn (Mason Thames) and sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) have grown up quite a bit and taking on the challenges in a town where everyone knows about the Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Finn is trying to hide what happened to him in a constant flow of marijuana to ignore the ringing of phones. Gwen tries to talk to him about it but Finn is closed off. What he does do is protect his sister from her constant sleep walking. Nightmares have become more frequent lately and have become so dangerous, he found her in the Grabbers old house.
Gwen is having visions of children under a frozen lake and sending her signals which she believes are a cry for help. She also begins to hear the same phone ringing as Finn. When she realizes that a camp in Alpine Lake might have answers, she enlists the help of her friend Ernesto (Miguel Mora) under the guise of being a camp counselor-in-training. Finn is against going but he can’t let his sister investigate on her own.
Arriving during a snowstorm, they are greeted by Mando (Demian Bichir) and niece Mustang (Arianna Rivas) and two employees who don’t much care for Gwen and her infamous mouth. When Gwen begins to get stuck in her nightmares, it is the Grabber’s opportunity to continue his reign of terror that affects everyone in reality. Mando learns what Gwen knows and realizes they are all there for one thing – to find missing kids from years past and do it before the monster finds ways to destroy them all.
Thames returns as Finn but much taller and moodier (teenagers, go figure) either fighting those who know or avoiding his time with the Grabber. What he doesn’t want to accept is that there is no way to get away from it and the telephones ringing are a constant reminder. Even if Thames gives his character moodiness, he does realize that he must gut up in order to help his sister, decent performance actually.
McGraw as Gwen is in the Grabbers sites this time around. She is less hesitant to answer ringing phone and begins to piece together what is happening at the Alpine camp. McGraw gives Gwen more strength and makes us remember that she has a pretty intense mouth on her. The dreams are what bring her to the one person her family has been trying to forget but Gwen refuses to give up until she helps Mando. This is the sisters side of the horror!
Bichir as Mando took over the Alpine camp with the sole purpose of finding a little boy. Once he understands what Gwen has been dealing with, he is all about trying to do the right thing. Bichir is such a marvelous actor and here he gets his chance to dive into the horror genre and does it splendidly. Rivas as Mustang is the quiet voice behind her uncle but doesn’t hesitate to speak up when she needs to.
Welcome back to the mask Ethan Hawke! There would be no way this film would have worked without him. He is the Grabber, he is the evil and he is the evil that needs to be dealt with. Thanks for showing up to remind us that horror wears many faces but for the Grabber, all of them are evil.
Shout out to Davies returning as Dad Terrence and more into soda than alcohol with Gwen putting into place the last piece of a puzzle that has tortured him.
Other cast include Simon Webster as Felix, Jacob Moran as Billy, Maev Beaty as Barb, Shepherd Munroe as Cal, Graham Abbey as Ken, Chase B. Robertson as Spike, Anna Lore as Hope and Jeremy Davies as Terrence.
Universal Pictures has an amazing film library with films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.
Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY, SPLIT and M3GAN 2.0. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com
BLACK PHONE 2 did a few things right and it includes bringing back the original cast because nothing says ‘stay in the story’ like familiar faces. Thames and McGraw together again feels like we are picking up where we left off accept this time, it’s Gwen’s turn to be at the mercy of the Grabber. Also, staying in the era because there is something creepy about the way the 70’s and 80’s are portrayed. Makes me wonder what else I missed during that time that could have been more fun (yes, spooky film fan here). Finally, staying true to the story and not going overboard in changing the history that BLACK PHONE laid out.
A few things I have to think more about is the dream sequences as director Derrickson and cinematographer Par M. Ekberg decide to use the grainy-aged effect to separate it from the waking world. It’s cool but I think a tad overplayed. Does it affect the story being told? Not at all, so perhaps it’s just something that had me overthinking. The original BLACK PHONE was more of a thriller because it made the audience think about the horrors that happened, BLACK PHONE 2 decided to delve into a more delicate world of showing what happened to kids. This film also has more bloodiness to it which is fine but I’m still a thriller kind of gal.
Fans of the first film won’t be disappointed one bit, heck, neither am I actually. The film offers twists, turns, secrets and mysteries that are unexpected and, in the middle, Ethan Hawke and black ringing phones freaking everyone out. One thing is for sure; this is the new fright in the night brought to you by the Grabber!
In the end – dead is just a word!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres in time for the Fourth of July weekend from director Gareth Edwards, Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures is the story of JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH.
It has been several years since the last take on the dinosaurs and Earth is becoming a problem for the creatures. The cause of it is that the environment, air, weather etc., just do not help their survival. One place where they are managing to survive are several tropical locations are similar in many respects to what they need, be can thrive and it be forbidden for anyone to go there.
Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) meets with Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a woman with a certain set of skills that Krebs needs to take on a special mission. He asks that she go to the dinosaur island to obtain blood samples that can create medicine to save lives. After striking a deal, they go to the one person who would know how to find the exact dinosaurs needed – Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) who agrees to go along. Zora finds help, and a boat, from longtime friend Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali).
Out in the ocean, dad Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is sailing with daughters Teresa (Luna Blaise), Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono). As the boat glides through the water, they are bumped by something strange. What they could never have imagined it what was circling them! Kincaid hears a distress call coming from Reuben and makes the decision to go and rescue them. It takes no time before the boat becomes the new target.
Racing to get to the island, if they thought they were any safer on land, they would be wrong as Reuben and his family are separated from those on the boat once again. Knowing they are under a serious time constraint, Zora, Krebs, Duncan and Dr. Loomis continue on to get their samples are met by some amazing animals but they are different dinosaurs, genetically different. In the jungle, Reuben and his family remember hearing the others talk about a village and believe it might by where they can meet up with the others.
Each step they take brings them closer to creatures who do not want them on their island and survival means staying one large step ahead of anything chasing them, including a Distortus Rex!
Johansson as Zora is a woman who, for the right paycheck, can be bought for covert missions. Quick with a sample weapon, she spends time watching everyone around her come face to face with dinosaurs. Johansson gives us a straight forward character who wants to get the job done and get as many people out alive as possible. That being said, there is just something missing here that didn’t reach like Ellie Sattler or Claire Dearing did, maybe it’s mercenary thing.
Bailey as Dr. Loomis is an Alan Grant type character who is disappointed that people seem to have lost their curiosity for dinosaurs. That, in itself, took the story into that unbelievable realm because there isn’t a kid (or grown up for that matter) that wouldn’t be all over dinosaurs living in the world. Bailey gives us a man who agreed to help find creatures that will help medicinally but I don’t get why he actually agreed to it in the first place. The character of Dr. Loomis just didn’t seem like one who would do this just because he is out of a job. His whole reasoning for going just seemed so murky. That’s not to say Bailey isn’t charming in this role, he just seems out of place in what he’s being asked to do.
Friend as Krebs is a familiar character in his actions and reasons for finding the mutant dinosaurs. His eyes roll with dollar signs and no one is going to get in his way, and I mean no one. Happy to see Friend on the screen even if his character is one I’d have thrown overboard early in the film (kidding). Ali as Duncan knows and understands Zora having worked together before. He may be on a dinosaur mission but he isn’t willing to sacrifice any one or anything and I like that about his character.
Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben is a father who obviously is clueless to the world around him. On a boat with his kids (in a forbidden area) and a boyfriend that would make excellent dino-bait, it’s just one disaster after another. Blaise as Teresa screams and runs extremely well. Iacono as Xavier is the dude all parents are afraid to find next to their daughter, he has his moments and a few of them bring laughs. Miranda as Isabell is very cute and even cuter when she meets Dolores.
Other cast include Philippine Velge as Nina, Bechir Sylvain as Leclerc and Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater.
Director Edwards says of the film, “There is an aesthetic I’ve been chasing my whole career, that the 70s, 80s and 90s look. Now you can film with a 360 camera, put it into software and get a 3D environment. The quality is so good that it is nearly photo-real perfect.”
Okay, this is going to be as honest as I can get here as I’m actually quite disappointed in this film. In 1993, JURASSIC PARK hit theatres and just literally roared at the box office. It was and still is an amazing film filled with excitement, drama, dinosaurs, screaming and yelling (and a lot of it from the viewing audience). Audiences couldn’t get enough of the film seeing it time and time again and, like me, have it as part of a home entertainment library of films. That is followed by THE LOST WORLD: Jurassic Park (1997), JURASSIC PARK III (2001), JURASSIC WORLD (2015), JURASSIC WORLD: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION in 2022. Where does this leave JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH?
A mish-mash of easter eggs dropped here and there that really aren’t that impressive. The film seemed more focused on the human story and those stories were not that interesting. It didn’t draw me into their characters because there wasn’t backstory to characters that I could tell. Instead, it had me making comments under my breath like “Really? It’s forbidden to go into that area yet you go there with your kids?” or “Really? You fire off a flare signaling a boat that’s right in front of you?” followed by my head shaking. That is just two of many, many more times I talked to myself.
Equally disappointing are the dinosaurs themselves (sorry dinos, I know it wasn’t your fault). Trying to find a new way to tell the story shouldn’t involve creating more genetic tampering to creature dinosaurs that I didn’t fall for, especially the alien looking T-Rex. There are one or two dinos that are recognizable but the rest gave me the big meh!
If you are a die-hard fan of JURASSIC PARK then the film will be a summer joyride but if you are a JURASSIC PARK purest, one might be like my family finding a mixture of good and not-so-good about the ride. There is a bit of humor, there are characters that might seem familiar in behaviors to past characters and a few jump moments and that might be enough but it felt like maybe the franchise needs to wind down. The drink cups and popcorn footprint ‘bucket’ are pretty awesome though!
In the end – a new era is born!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures is the returning tale of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.
On the island of Berg, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is a young man that doesn’t quite fit in, especially when it comes to fighting the one thing that plagues his village – dragons! It is even more difficult to fit in when your father is Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) the chieftain of Berk. Hiccup mainly spends his time in the workshop of Gobber (Nick Frost) the blacksmith and being pushed out of the way when dragons attack. Except during the most recent attack, Hiccup hears something and knows if he can bring down a Night Fury, his life will get better yet, when he does, no one believes him.
Stoick is dead set on finding the dragons lair and getting rid of there dragon problem once and for all. Before leaving on that journey, Gobber talks him into letting Hiccup go into dragon training as a way of giving him something useful to do and staying under the watchful eye of Gobber. When he arrives for training, Hiccup is met with the groans of Astrid (Nico Parker), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) who see him as a hinderance and not a help to the village.
In between training, Hiccup decides to go look for signs that he caught a dragon. There, in a small opening in the woods, he sees the Night Fury struggling and shortly realizes his tail is damaged. When a friendship is struck and he discovers a way to help the Night Fury, Hiccup realizes that he can’t and won’t hurt other dragons. As the two become inseparable and he learns from the dragon named Toothless – Hiccup also becomes a surprise during training much to the suspicion of Astrid.
She learns Hiccups secret but also realizes that the villagers truly don’t understand dragons. When Stoick returns, everything comes out and now Hiccup and Toothless are separated while finding the dragon’s lair. Hiccup enlists the help of Astrid and the others to do what needs to be done – saving his father and the other Vikings!
Thames as Hiccup is a young man trying to find his place in the Viking village of Berk. Keeping himself busy with making inventions that no one really pays attention to, he thinks its time to get a dragon. The one thing Hiccup doesn’t count on is realizing that getting to know dragons is the answer to the villages’ problem. It’s unfortunate that Stoick isn’t interested in hearing about it. Thames is charming and captures a bit of the animated Hiccup but it works smoothly and that’s what is important.
Butler as Stoick is the only person that returns from animation to live-action. The fact is that nobody could voice the chieftain better than Butler and he is fun to watch in full Viking regalia. That makes playing the role much easier since he pretty much already knows the lines. The challenge I think would be going from being only a voice to a full-fledged Stoick on screen. He is funny, challenging, and the scene where he gives Hiccup his mother’s helmet is awkward and lovely at the same time.
Frost as Gobber is the peg-legged, one arm blacksmith who understands Hiccup’s predicament referring to him as “all this” of problems with a mixture of loyalty to Stoick as well as a trusted friend. Frost gives his character sarcasm and wit that I secretly enjoy and delivers. Parker as Astrid giving the strong minded and strong-willed Viking who believes she must beat every one and everything in order to be seen as a leader. Hiccup is an obstacle to all that as she feels that being the son of the chieftain is a point she can not get over. Parker delivers on the right bad attitude of her character until she begins to see the other side of the story. Well done.
Dennison, James, Trevaldwyn, and Codd round out the added cast as the other trainees of dragon camp. They might see Hiccup as a problem-child in the beginning but, like Astrid, learn that there is more to their small world than they could ever imagine. Each of these actors are a sweet addition to the live action story.
Other cast include Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma, Andrea Ware as Burnheart, Anna Brophy as Retcha, Marcus Onilude as Snorti, Peter Selwood as Drul, Daniel Williams as Fungi, Kate Kennedy as Flatula and Murray McArthur as Hoark.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is, of course, the live action version of the 2010 version of the same name. The cast brings together that version of the story nicely with a few changes here and there but most following the formula that made the animated film such a success. That is important for the success of the film because, and let’s be honest here, when a story changes drastically, fans get a little edgy.
Toothless remains animated and everything my family loves about the Night Fury. Needless to say, there are plenty of Toothless items around our house because that is the amazing impression this character has made. He is a combination of a strong willed, free spirited, protector of a black cat and its absolutely wonderful. That’s how I’ve always seen Toothless and this film doesn’t change that about him one bit.
The film is fun, lots of laughs, and exactly the summer feature that families can have an amazing time at the theatre with. There is something for everyone bringing some of us back to 2010 and introducing a new generation to the same fun in a different way with the story of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.
In the end – the legend is real!
Jeri Jacquin
Currently streaming on Peacock from director Michael Morris and Universal Pictures is the next installment on the life of BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy.
Bridget Jones (Rene Zellweger) is finding her life at home with son Billy (Casper Knopf) and daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic) a challenge without Mark. Oddly, she does still have a friendship with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) who is still up to his old-dog-no-new-tricks ways but the kid like him. Keeping Bridget in check are her most reliable friends Shazzer (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis).
Taking the kids to school seems like a chore and meeting the new teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his whistle is daunting enough. Feeling more insecure than ever about herself, family physician Dr. Rawlings (Emma Thompson) gets a chance to put her two cents in and tells Bridget to basically get over herself and get on with life. Deciding to take a small piece of her advice, she gets back to work as a producer for television after hiring Nanny Chloe (Nico Parker). Happy to have her back are colleagues Miranda (Sarah Solemani) and Una (Celia Imrie).
Getting the kids out of the house, Bridget finds herself up a tree – literally, and being rescue by the young and handsome Roxster (Leo Woodall). A giddiness takes over Bridget and so does a summer months fling that everyone finds out about in the usual “Bridget” way. Returning to school, Mr. Wallaker senses that something is wrong with Billy and Bridget is back to trying to understand her life. It takes an outing for her to realize that she needs to rethink choices, understand her children and let go!
It is amazing how life changes when you make a few small changes.
Zellweger is back as Bridget Jones and it doesn’t feel like she missed a beat. A little older and a tad wiser, she still is a bumbling mess trying to feel her way around life. That is part of the Jones charm, a lot of the complexities most of us keep on the inside, Bridget Jones has no filter showing hers on the outside. Still charming in the midst of her crisis’s, still a strong in her friendships (even with Daniel) and when push comes to shove – she figures it out in her own unique way. Zellweger does all of that and more bringing out beloved Bridget to the screen because we love her – just as she is.
Grant as Daniel is also up to his old tricks, even with Bridget, but seems to have embraced the role of uncle to her children. A slight jaw-drop in the way he does it but the kids love him for it and the adults just roll their eyes and then laugh. I’m so glad he came back to see Daniels story through. Woodall as Roxster is a young man who has a fancy for the ‘slightly’ older Bridget. He is fun, charming and easy on the eyes, just ask all Bridget’s friends! He shows up at a time when Bridget seems to be more open about moving on in that part of her life and Roxster is happy to oblige.
Ejiofor as Mr. Wallaker is a stern and whistle-strict teacher who can’t seem to get out of his own way. He says what he means and it isn’t always well received. Going toe-to-toe with Bridget isn’t an easy task either but Ejiofor manages to do quite well. His role feels like a bit of a LOVE ACTUALLY feel and I don’t mind that one bit. Knopf as Billy is a young boy who is very much like his father and doesn’t always understand his mom. Knopf’s performance is so sweet. Jankovic as Mabel is like mom in her thinking process about things. This is one adorable little girl who knows how to use a pot and spoon.
Phillips, Henderson and Callis just had my heart as Bridget’s friends return to support her in their own unique white wine guzzling way. They love her, support her and want what’s best in her life and have been there for, let’s just say, 25+ years. We should all be so lucky to have friends like that.
Now, for the elephant in the room – Firth as Mark. I’m absolutely going to start tearing up here because I am a Firth-fan from way back. When I learned in 2001 that he would be playing Mark Darcy in BRIDGET JONES DIARY, I basically shouted to the rafters. Not only is he the films Mark Darcy, but the Mr. Darcy of my heart in the 1995 BBC series Pride & Prejudice. Here, he makes his role plain in the story and I’m leaving it at that but have tissue at the ready.
Other cast include Isla Fisher as Rebecca, Neil Pearson as Richard, Ian Midlane as Paul, Jane Fowler as Henrietta, James Rawlings as Huge, Ruth Gibson as Jane, Claire Skinner as Magda, Mark Lingwood as Cosmo, Dolly Wells as Woney. Cameos include Gemma Jones as Mom Pamela, Jim Broadbent as Dad Colin and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy.
The film is based on the book by Helen Fielding Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and also wrote the screenplay with Dan Mazer and Abi Morgan.
Peacock, is an American subscription streaming service owned and operated by Comcast through its entertainment division NBCUniversal. Universal Pictures has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.
BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy had me a little wary I don’t mind saying. It is extremely hard to get the band back together time and time again and the last time was in 2016 with BRIDGET JONES’S BABY. That being said, it works and man does it take a toll emotionally with scene after scene reminding us how it all started. There is no reinventing the wheel here but instead, soft reminders of why the film was a success in the first place.
Bridget Jones reminds us of the craziness of this life and when you wade through all of the mess – there we find those who support, cheer and love every messy moment right alongside us. Is there really anything more wonderful than that?
In the end – she’s starting a new chapter!
Jeri Jacquin
Police Officer Knight and sidekick dog Greg are severely injured and in order to save them both, the doctors create Dog Man! Quick healing puts Dog Man back on the streets to try and capture Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson). Dog Man’s boss Chief (Lil Rel Howery) knows that the town’s mayor (Cheri Oteri) is becoming frustrated and makes it clear to get that cat!
Petey is wreaking havoc and with each capture, he realizes that its time to be more creative. Deciding to double himself, what actually happens is the creation of Little Petey (Lucas Hopkins), an adorable child version of big Petey. Not happy with the outcome, in one moment he becomes happy when little Petey goes missing.
Not really missing really, more like left and Dog Man finds him! Taking him home, the two become attached to one another. Keeping up on the news of what Petey is doing is Sarah Hatoff (Isla Fisher), the local news reporter and her trusty cameraman Seamus (Billy Boyd). To add more mischief and mayhem Petey has created a robot and manages to bring Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais) into the chaos.
So now Dog Man, must find a way to stop the madness created by Petey while also keeping Chief and the mayor happy and not crushing Little Petey’s spirit. That’s a tall order for a small Dog Man but nothing that he can’t handle without a little surprising help.
Writer/Director Hastings has decided to be the barking voice of Dog Man and there certainly isn’t anything wrong with that. He is able to provide the right emotions for this animated creation and it did look like fun. Davidson as Petey the Cat is a bit psychotic, a bit maniacal and a bit misunderstood. It takes a duplicate to test what he believes about himself but doesn’t stop the creation of more problems.
Howery as Chief tries to deal with Dog Man and the mayor giving him more headaches than he knows what to do with. There is a little jealousy about all the attention Dog Man is getting so there’s that issue to deal with. Fisher as Hatoff had me cracking up with her reporter skills and with the help of Boyd as Seamus, these two characters are perfect together and these two actors gave perfect voices to them.
Gervais as Flippy the Fish has us rolling with laughter and the lines delivered had Gervais all over them. The craziness is there and we were loving every moment. Hopkins as Little Petey is charming, adorable and almost made me want an orange cat – almost. His voice gives us reason to believe that a character can be a little bad even if he’s all good.
Other cast include Stephen Root as Grandpa, Poppy Liu as Butler, Luenell as Milly, Melissa Villasenor as the Realtor, Brian Hopkins as Big Jim, Yung Gravy as Mr. Whiskers, and Karen Foster as the Robot.
DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.
Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.
Dav Pilkey is the creator of Dog Man but this isn’t his first works to go from book to screen. He is also responsible for Captain Underpants books that also made it to the screen successfully. Pilkey has written 12 Dog Man books, several in the Dragon series, Dumb Bunnies books, Cat Kid Comic Club, Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot, Big Dog & Little Dog and other books.
First of all, DOG MAN is one of my granddaughters all time favorite books to read and she can not get enough of them. When I told her that Dog Man had been made into a film, she was thrilled beyond belief and made sure that I took her to see it. Her favorite character is Petey and she was so happy from beginning to end.
The film is funny with the zany story and it even had references that are meant to make the adults laugh. DOG MAN is so colorful and the animation is well done to the point where I could hold up one of the books next to the film poster and there is hardly any difference. That’s what made it so excitable to watch, keeping the characters as they have come to be loved by kids and probably a few adults.
Decompressing from the rush of the holidays, DOG MAN is the perfect family film to go to the theatre, grab popcorn and laugh together without the stressors. It is so well animated, colorful, fun and full of laughter from start to finish.
In the end – part dog, part man and all hero!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures comes the much-anticipated film WICKED.
Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is a young woman who has been living with a difference, she happens to be green. While taking her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), a paraplegic, to her first day at Shiz University, she is noticed by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the Headmistress. Believing she has found something special; she makes sure that Elphaba is taken into Shiz as well. Looking for a room to place her, Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande) is unwittingly chosen.
Galinda is a very popular girl who has a dreamy pink-like quality that Elphaba doesn’t warm up to at first meeting. Setting boundaries makes Galinda unsure of how it is possible that someone doesn’t like her. No matter, Galinda has found something new to keep her in the clouds and that is the arrival of Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), a Winkie very good-looking prince. He sees Galinda as well and the two strike up a flirtation. But another, Boq (Ethan Slater) also has eyes for the floating beauty.
In history class, Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), a goat, is giving the students their first lessons but it is Galinda making it about her until Elphaba interjects. Once again Galinda is confused. When it is announced that a group is going out together, Boq tries to make his move but Galinda redirects him to Nessarose which makes the young girl so thrilled and Elphaba wonder if perhaps she might be too harsh on Galinda. At the dance is when everything beings to change for the two young women.
Elphaba now finds a way to include Galinda in her studies with Madame Morrible and Galinda finds ways to show others that Elphaba is one of them. Madame Morrible has decided, after seeing Elphaba’s powers, to write to the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) to see if a private audience can happen. Again, Elphaba includes Galinda in the exciting adventure but once there, both of them see what the Wizard is really about and what part Madame Morrible is playing.
The two young women must each make a decision on what path down the yellow brick road they are going to take. Elphaba now understands the strength of her powers and is about to unleash the Wicked Witch of the West!
Grande as Galinda and Erivo as Elphaba play off one another very well. They seem to be having fun play their respective roles and that is important to the audience watching. I just love Michelle Yeoh and when she gets the opportunity to play bad, she just plays it bad to the bone and as Madame Morrible it is as underhanded as it gets and I’m here for it.
Bailey as Fiyero is handsome, dashing and quite the dancer around books. He is the Ken to Galdina’s Barbie (outfits and all) but there will come a kitty-cat moment where he begins to question feelings he seems to have never had before. Slater as Boq is a love-struck young man and the problem is that the heart wants what the heart wants. We will see how this plays out.
Goldblum as the Wizard is exactly what I expected and actually waited to see out of the whole film. He is quirky, theatrical, and when the tables turn, he keeps up the wide-eyed innocent act with style. Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamomd is just so damn cool…period. He may be the voice of a goat but I cheered hearing him none-the-less.
Other cast include Karis Musongole as young Elphaba, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Teoh as Avaric, Grecia de la Paz as Gilligan, Colin Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, Courtney-Mae Briggs as Melena Thropp, Andy Nyman as Frexspar Thropp, and Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear.
Cameos includeIdina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Schwartz, Kerry Ellis, Luke Bayer, Georgina Onuorah and Dianne Pilkington.
WICKED has already won a few accolades from the Manaki Brothers Film Festival with the SUMOLIGHT Creative Synergy Award, the Heartland Film Festival for Truly Moving Picture AwardCameriage for Production Designer Award for Nathan Crowley, Celebration of Black Cinema and Television with Actress Award – film for Cynthia Erivo, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuoso Award for Ariana Grande.
This is where I suspect that my review will part ways with readers. I think the film is very colorful with a 2023 Willy Wonka and Harry Potter school type deal with spells, witches, wands and outlandish characters. That said, I can’t unsee Galinda being an Elle Woods LEGALLY BLONDE (“Whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed) mixed with BARBIE (“Don’t worry - everyone likes me and thinks I’m cool and pretty”) washed in Pepto Bismal so much than her brain is basically mush but enough left for her to be sweetly dastardly. Sorry folks but MY Galinda via 1939 is lovely, caring and wise and I completely get the “you’re of an era” quips, but to sit for two hours listening to a high pitched, bleached-blonde, narcissistic pink-lady just didn’t do it for me.
Elphaba, I can’t even so I just won’t other than to say although a nod to her basket bike riding skills. By the way, when did the Wizard get a side-kick? Not sure what a prince has to do with the story but I guess I’ll maybe find out in Part 2? Oh yes folks, as if three hours isn’t enough, there is actually a part deux. Look, I get it that this is created from a screenplay by Winie Holzman and Dana Fox but if the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman could do it in under three hours without a second part, why can’t the film? Let’s give credit that it all came about and is “loosely” based on the 1995 by Gregory Maguire. Now I have to go read the book because I’m not waiting a year to see how this plays out.
Okay, now that I’ve said my partial-piece (did you think that’s all I thought?), let me just say this. Upon exiting the theatre, I saw happy people, I saw thrilled people and my granddaughter was one of them and that’s all that matters right? People being happy to be in a theatre together basking in the glow of a shared experience? I’m here for that absolutely and see that WICKED is going to hit a target audience who are going to be just as thrilled this Friday as everyone at the screening was (well, almost all).
To be fair, it was a fun time to be with my granddaughter and see her elation. The color, the songs, the dancing, the few giggles is exactly what the audience will be expecting. I didn’t not like the film, I would say it is more indifference after seeing it, and so it is known, I was interested in the film from jump. I’d probably have enjoyed it more from my comfy chair at home and, if it helps, I will most likely actually do that when it comes to a streaming service. In the meantime, hey WICKED, run with it by all means. Get the kudos, get the awards and make the fans happy because I'm all for that absolutely.
So, all this yadda-yadda being said, look, grab up every musical lover in your home, grab up every WICKED fan who is excited, for the kids and the kid at heart, head to theatre this Friday and dressing in costume is optional but always fun, grab some eats (no belly buster drinks!), make sure you get a comfy theatre seat and prepare to look towards the western sky!
In
the end – everyone deserves the chance to fly!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Chris Sanders, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is the story of THE WILD ROBOT.
It is the future and on a pristine island, a robotic unit has found herself on its shores. Waking up is Rozzum 7134 (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot that seems aimed to please and is looking for an assignment. Surrounded by wildlife that are a little more than freaked out, the takes some time to learn each of their languages. When no connection happens with them, the robot decides to send a message to the company that made her, Universal Dynamics.
When that goes haywire, Rozzum “Roz” finds a goose egg and also a fox that would like to take it from her. Red fox Fink (Pedro Pascal) decides in his own way to help Roz when the baby goose hatches. Giving advice on what to do with the newly named Brightbill (Kit Connor), now Roz has a program that she can work to fulfill. Watching all of this are the surrounding animals along with Pinktail (Catherine O’Hara) the mama possum, Thorn (Mark Hamill) the grouchy grizzly, falcon Thunderbolt (Ving Rhames) and busy beaver Paddler (Matt Berry).
Brightbill discovers other geese and realizes he is the smallest of them all. A goose that has taken notice is Longneck (Bill Nighy), the elder goose who believes in Roz and urges the caring robot to continue with Brightbill. As winter approaches, it is time for all the geese to fly south. In the meantime, a storm has called on Roz and Fink to be a part of the island community in ways they could have never seen.
As time passes, Roz sees a ship coming and out of it pops Vontra (Stephanie Hsu) who is sent to retrieve the robot. The problem is, Roz and the island wildlife have other plans!
Lupita Nyong’o gives Roz a distinctive personality with innocence and a hunger for learning about her surroundings. Eventually she understands that fitting in isn’t something she is capable of doing when everything is afraid of her. Finding the baby goose gives her something to accomplish and even with her many mistakes, the charm is undeniable.
Pascal as Fink is a larger-than-life fox who can be a bit sarcastic, self-centered only thinking of what makes him happy. That being said, he sees the connection between Roz and gosling Brightbill and it warms him. Even when he seems to not want to do the right thing, he does it and becomes more and more loveable wanting the best for his friends. Conor as Brightbill is a small duck who doesn’t see how he can possibly fit in with his own kind. Yet Roz doesn’t stop helping him become the best duck he can be enlisting help from other animals to make him strong. On his own, he realizes the sacrifices Roz has made for him, now its his turn to show his worth.
O’Hara as Pinktail is the motherly comic relief that is always there for her children but also there for those who just need that motherly shoulder. She is brilliant giving voice to Pinktail. Hamil as Thorn gives us the grouchy element of the animal world but he is who he is. Rhames as Thunderbolt is the best at the sky and Brightbill is lucky to have him around. Berry as Paddler has a mission as well and will not be laughed out of its finish! Hsu as Vontra is polite in a way that you know her intentions aren’t good!
Shout out to Nighy and its basically because I have adored his work over the years and I’d know that voice anywhere. Taking on the voice of the elder goose, he is wonderful. Also, to Boone Storm as the young Brightbill who had us all ‘awwwww’ing’ the moment he began to speak.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.
DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.
THE WILD ROBOT is an amazing film based on the work of author Peter Brown. The artistry is vibrant, stunning and lends itself to the story in the loveliest of ways. Roz, a robot, is the being that stands out as ‘what doesn’t belong here’ at the beginning. Surrounded by wildlife and wide-open spaces, a lush forest and clean water, Roz realizes in order to find her assignment, she must adapt. All of this is a comedy of errors that can be understood by anyone watching the film.
There is humor, love, connection, craziness, understanding, beauty, trial by learning, emotion and did I mention love? The animals learn from each other and there is a lesson in this film that is undeniable. The film will take everyone’s emotions on a roller coaster ride and all I can say is strap in because it is going to play on it all. I’d recommend a big box of tissue for all the laughing tears and the emotional ones as well.
My family intends to see THE WILD ROBOT again because we had such a great time together and this is definetly a film to be seen for the entire family. The film is pure perfection and pure joy in ever sense of the word. DreamWorks and Universal did the book justice from start to finish. This is one of the best animated films I have seen this year.
In the end – you must become more than you were programmed to be!
