BAD BOYS: Ride or Die on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from directors Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of BAD BOYS: Ride or Die.

Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) is finally married to Christine (Melanie Liburd) and during it all, partner Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) has a medical emergency. Waking up, Marcus has a new outlook on life but it’s interrupted by the news that Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) has been dealing in corruption with the drug cartels. Mike and Marcus aren’t about to let that go and two other people that are going to help are Captain Rita Secada (Paola Nunez) and Adam Lockwood (Ioan Gruffudd).

Mike’s son Armando (Jacob Scipio) was charged with Howard’s murder gets a visit and he tells the duo that Howard didn’t have anything to do with it. He also tells his father Mike what really happened and wants to help. Those who are responsible are still in action and it sets off a message for Mike and Marcus about where to go next. Following the leads left behind from Howard, Mike also has to worry about his son’s safety. That doesn’t stop bad things from happening!

Coming in to try and help are AMMO Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens) and Dorn (Alexander Ludwig) and they are up against former DEA Agent James McGrath (Eric Dane). What is actually happening is much deeper than either Mike or Marcus could have imagined as following the trail becomes more and more dangerous. The thing is – the bad guys have no idea who they are up against and what lengths they are willing to go to clear their beloved captains name!

Smith as Mike is back to a different life of marriage but the same with partner Marcus and dedication to Captain Howard. He hasn’t changed the portrayal of his character and follows it through the entire film. Lawrence as Marcus has a bit of a life change once his heart lets him know that Skittles is not a food group. Back out on the street, he believes as Mike does that there has been a big mistake and wants to find out who is responsible for the lie.

Nunez as Rita knows that Mike and Marcus are going to be affected by the allegations but is going to follow through the investigation. Nunez plays tough up against Smith and Lawrence and it works. Gruffudd as Lockwood is working with Rita and knows that Mike and Marcus are protective of their friend. It’s nice to see Gruffudd by on the screen again as he takes his role to the bad side.

Hudgens and Ludwig are the younger dynamic due and it works. They want to help and are going to be just as diligent in finding the truth than Marcus and Mike. On a side note, it’s good to see Ludwig on the screen once again. Scipio as Armondo is still behind bars but wants to help the dynamic duo solve the mystery. Scipio has the moves and the muscle to stop anyone from messing with his character.

Dane as McGrath has literally turned white in the hair and it gives him such a scary look. His character is calm, cool, collected and never in a hurry to do anything. Portraying that gives him the edge to being a real bad boy.

Other cast include Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett, Tiffany Haddish as Tabitha, John Salley as Fletcher, DJ Khaled as Manny, Rhea Seehorn as Judy Howard, Dennis Green as Reggie Norman, Bianca Bethune as Megan Burnett, Quinn Hamphill as Callie Howard, Jason Davis as Agent Grice, Derek Russo as Lintz, Jenna Kanell as Nicole and a cameo by Michael Bay.

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

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

Bonus Features include Outtakes & Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs, The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting BAD BOYS & Beyond, Fights Camera Action, Partners in Crime and a Post Credit Scene.

The duo is back together to do what they do best – be Bad Boys. They do look like they are having fun being back together in their respective roles. The film is filled with action, verbal sparring, intense fight scenes and, if you have a sound bar, can be extremely loud! Smith and Lawrence have joined the buddy-cop hall of fame with its franchise and they haven’t let the wind out of their sails quite yet.

For all the fans who wanted to see Mike and Marcus back together, then this is going to be the film they expect. Filled with chaos and gunfights in the street, Marcus sees the world as freeing and Mike sees his world change being a married man. Although the story is easy to follow, it is clear the film follows the same formula that made BAD BOYS a success in the first place.

In the end – on the run Bad Boys style!

 

 

MEN IN BLACK Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Barry Sonnenfeld and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the awesome Steelbook 25^th Anniversary of MEN IN BLACK.

James Edwards (Will Smith) is a NYPD officer who loves going after the bad guys and this time it’s a freaky chase all the way to the Guggenheim. Trying to explain what happened to the perp, his questioning is interrupted by a man named K (Tommy Lee Jones) and the next thing James knows, he’s eating pie.

Giving him a card, he instructs him to show up at MIB headquarters the next morning to see what its all about. Explaining they are a secret agency that polices aliens using all sorts of extraterrestrial technology, James is all in. What that means is James is going to become Agent J and will be erased from all records.

Of course, across town, so to speak, is farmer Edgar (Vincent D’Onofrio) who has just had something bizarre land in his yard. Checking it out, he becomes an ‘Edgar suit’ for an alien who has an odd need for sugar. It also goes on a spree taking out two aliens disguised as humans and they are taken to the morgue. There Agents K and J meet the coroner Laurel (Linda Fiorentino) and they discover a little dude inside the big dudes head!

Now they know that the bug-Edgar is looking for the galaxy on Orion’s Belt, the race of Arquillians have placed a warship near earth giving them an ultimatum. That puts Agents K and J square in the middle of the potential for a galactic war. But then again, that’s what bug-Edgar wants!

Finding an escape in the 1964 New York World’s Fair Pavilion, the big guns are going to be needed. In the trunk of Agent K’s ultimate in sleek cars, Agent J finds something to suit their purposes because – they are the Men in Black!

Jones as Agent K is a straight faced and extremely serious employee who does not have time to joke around. He gets his alien (even if one time he might have had a slip) every time and takes the purpose of the MIB very, very seriously. That all being said, he does crack me up a little and is completely charming in a twisted sort of way.

Smith as Agent J is the wise-cracking one of the duo and he keeps K on his toes. Wanting to learn everything quickly, he does make a few mistakes and discovers that perhaps this was not his first go around on things. The ‘memory flashy thingie’ becomes something he is eager to use without realizing it has been used on him – a lot.

D’Onofrio as the Edgar-bug is hilarious from beginning to end. He has his own one-liners and zinger defenses that are pretty darn cool. His driving skills are a bit off and he needs to lay off the sugar but all in all a memorable character.

Fiorentino as Laurel is the coroner that gets herself in a little deeper than Agents K and J would have liked. Her role would become stronger and stronger as the story goes along as she finds herself dealing with the Men in Black.

Shout out to Rip Torn as Chief Zed because I absolutely loved him in this role because he makes the same faces I did when my kids were teens driving me nuts while I tried to keep it together.

Other casts include Becky Ann Baker as Mrs. Redgick, Carel Struycken as Arquillian, Richard Hamilton as Agent D, Jon Gries as Nick, Mike Nussbaum as Gentle Rosenberg, John Alexander as Mikey, Patrick Breen as Mr. Redgick, Siobhan Fallon Hogan as Beatrice and Tony Shalhoub as Jack Jeebs.

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

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

Special Features include on 4K Ultra HD Notes from the Director’s Chair Featurette and Designing MEN IN BLACK Featurette. Blu-ray Disc include Telestrator Commentary with Director Barry Sonnenfeld and Tommy Lee Jones, Technical Commentary with Barry Sonnenfeld, Rick Baker and Industrial Lights and Magic Team, Extended & Alternate Scenes, Metamorphosis of MEN IN BLACK Documentary, Original Featurette, Scene Editing Workshop, Storyboard Comparisons, Galleries, Music Video and Original Theatrical and Trailer Releases.

MEN IN BLACK hit theatres in 1997 and took off for the stratosphere! It is not only a fun film but it is funny, well hilarious actually, and just a good time watching the big screen. I remember taking my kids (now grown) to see it for the first time and we saw it several times after that.

When it came out on VHS – google it kiddies – the kid had to have it in their collection. Wearing that poor tape out does not even cover it. But, every time we watched, it was together as a family and we always laughed like crazy.

Now, it is time for the grandchildren to have as much fun and still watch it as a family. Get that popcorn popped, get the couch all comfy, turn down the lights and even turn on the sound bar and prepare for one of the most iconic films ever. Memorable characters, a fantastic cast and lines that are recognizable and repeatable even today. Happy Anniversary MIB!

In the end – it is all in an Earth day at work!

Game, Set and Match Goes to KING RICHARD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and HBO Max from Warner Bros. and director Reinaldo Marcus Green is the story of a father who wants nothing but the best for his children with KING RICHARD.

It is the 1990’s when Richard Williams (Will Smith) and wife Oracene (Aunjanue Ellis) are raising their five daughters in Compton, California. Making it constantly clear that he has a 78-page plan for his daughters’ lives, he is working with Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) on their tennis skills.

Knowing it is getting time to reach out for coaching, Richard turns to Paul Cohen (Tony Goldwyn), the man responsible for the likes of Pete Sampras in the tennis world. After seeing them hit a few balls, Cohen agrees to take on Venus but can not take Serena. Richard begins recording everything for Serena to see and use.

When the time comes, Richard decides that his children’s lives are more important than tennis matches when he sees players in the junior circuit breaking down. Letting Cohen go, he turns to Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal) who takes the entire family to Florida where only then does Richard make it clear that school, church and family all come before tennis.

A few years later, Venus decides to make it clear that she is ready for something more. When Richard and Oracene get into an argument about what he wants versus his daughter, family secrets come flowing out that are painful but a reality.

Richard realizes he needs to let go and trust that everything he has taught his girls is coming to fruition. It is time to cheer everything the family has accomplished!

Smith as Richard gives us the performance we would expect from this actor. The role of Richard is a bit of a pain with his outspoken ways and passive aggressive tantrums, but Smith gets the job of portraying the man done. Playing a man who loves his family and would do anything for them seems to be right up Smiths alley, so Smith certainly chose well for this role.

Ellis as Oracene is a woman who supports her husband, except when its time to pull him aside and set things right. I love Ellis’ boldness in making sure Richard understands he may think he’s king, but the family are not his peasants. The scene in the kitchen in Florida is the perfect “you tell him lady!” when Ellis brings Oracene’s voice out loud and clear.

Bernthal as Macci signs on big and believes in the girls, what he did not count on was dealing with a father who refuses to budge once he sets his mind to something. That does not take the focus off the girls as Bernthal believes in their future, so much so that Macci eventually trusts in what the girls want for themselves. Well done in this role and nice mustache!

Goldwyn as Paul sees in Venus and Serena everything their father does but in a way that is practical and follows the formula of successful tennis. Butting heads with Richard is a full-time job and Goldwyn as Paul holds his own even if that means giving in to demands.

Sidney as Venus is a lovely young girl who believes in everything her father wants for tennis success. Following that plan, she plays the junior circuit and when Dad says stop, she stops trusting he knows what’s best. There eventually comes a point where she believes it is time to speak for herself and I loved it. Sidney is a lovely young woman who handles herself in this film with grace and style.

Singleton as Serena starts out just as strong as the other tennis star of the family. Serena does get lost in the mix when she steps back a little, but Richard finally tells her the one thing that she needs to hear, that her time will come. Singleton takes her role graciously and, as we all know, Serena’s time came, and it was something to see!

Other cast include Makayla Bartholomew as Tunde, Daniele Lawson as Isha, Layla Crawford as Lyndrea, Erika Ringor as Ms. Strickland, Brad Greenquist as Bud Collins and Kevin Dunn as Vic Braden.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television, and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

KING RICHARD won the Audience Choice Award for Feature Film at the Chicago International Film Festival, the Audience Award at Film Fest 919, Heartland International Film Festival for Overall Audience Choice Award and Pioneering Spirit Award for Will Smith, Narrative Audience Award at the Philadelphia Film Festival and the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award for Aunjanue Ellis at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

The film is the story of the tennis stars Williams sisters and the man responsible for bringing them to the sports attention, their father Richard Williams. Smith gives us a portrayal of the man who believed in sacrificing nothing when it comes to his family. He, along with wife Oracene believed in their faith, family and making sure their daughters took their education seriously.

Starting in Compton surrounded by people who, at time, seemed to enjoy hurting Richard, it did not stop the family from moving forward. Even when their own neighbor tried to intervene for nasty reasons, the Williams family still pushed forward and that is nothing short of inspirational.

Coming in at 138 minutes, KING RICHARD is really a story of family doing something together that inspired each other to strive for excellence. Richard himself was definetly a flawed human being yet, along with Oracene, they kept their family together and that means everything.

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

 

 

They are Simple BAD BOYS FOR LIFE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD, Digital and 4K Ultra from directors Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings our BAD BOYS FOR LIFE.

Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence) are still together after all these years fighting off the bad guys. Life is about to get a little more excited at Marcus awaits the birth of his first grandchild. Mike isn’t so impressed, but he is there for his partner and joins in the party to celebrate with the other officers. Maybe the timing isn’t so great, but Marcus tells Mike he’s ready to hang up his badge.

Challenging Marcus to a race to change his mind outside the party, within minutes Mike is brutally gunned down! After months in the hospital, Mike goes to Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) and lets him know that he tends to find out who is responsible. Driving over to Marcus, he begs him for one last go around against the bad guys but is let down with the answer.

The only thing in there was is AMMO, the Advanced Miami Metro Operations and to make matters even more uncomfortable, it is run by Mike’s ex-girlfriend Rita (Paola Nunez). Off the duo go to find Booker Grassie (Rory Markham), an arms dealer who Mike knows has his ear to the pavement about everything that goes on in Miami.

Mike gets a harsh talking to by Captain Howard about needing to move on with his life and, for a second time, gunfire erupts and another officer falls. Marcus now realizes he can’t just walk away from all of this. When Grassie leads them to Zway-lo Rodriguez (Nicky Jam), a chase begins that puts Mike almost face to face with the man, Armando (Jacob Scipio), on a lethal mission and realizes in the phrase “hasta el fuego” that he knows what is happening.

He confides in Marcus and Rita’s team that it was a phrase said by himself and love Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo) when he was doing undercover work in the Aretas cartel in Mexico. Now they know where they have to do and who they are looking for to end all of this. But there is so much more to the secrets and lies for the Bad Boys.

Smith is back and raring to go as Mike Lowrey who still thinks about women, never thinks about marriage and is happy being a cop. Of course, being shot will slow a man down and for Mike it’s a shock to the system to be so vulnerable. Smith jumps back into the role with ease and even makes the action sequences look flawless.

Lawrence as Marcus is realizing his age and wants to be comfortable with it. Now being a grandpa, he adjusts his priorities which doesn’t make Mike happy. Even wife Theresa gets annoyed having a retired Marcus under her feet. Feeling needed by Mike is what gets him back into service, even if he doesn’t hesitate to call for back up.

Scipio as Armando has a bone to pick with Smith and it’s like an obsession that is fueled by his parental unit. There is a plan here and Armando isn’t going to be sway by anything. When it’s time for him to know the truth about everything, it becomes a he-said-she-said moment. Nunez as Rita has the same itch as her son against Mike and she is going to do whatever it takes to make sure he is brought to his knees. This is a vicious woman in expensive clothing to be sure!

Shout out to Ludwig for seeing him in a totally different role. He may be quiet, he may be thoughtful but he’s absolutely brilliant.

Other case includes Alexander Ludwig as Dorn, Charles Melton as Rafe, Ivo Nandi as Carver Remy, Jay Amor as Rodrigo Vargas, Bianca Bethune as Megan, Happy Anderson as Jenkins, DJ Khaled as Manny, Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly, and Theresa Randale as Theresa.

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 film 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 Bonus Materials include Extended & Alternate Scenes including an Alternate Ending, Outtakes & Bloopers, Ride or Die: Making BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, Partners in Crime: Behind-the-Scenes, It’s About Time: Go through 25 years of BAD BOYS history with Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the cast and crew, Easter Eggs: Directors Adil and Billal take us on a tour of a few of the Easter Eggs and callbacks to earlier BAD BOYS FILM and more.

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE is filled with the action everyone has come to love about the BAD BOYS franchise. There is a solid story that has its twists and turns but never forgets to give Lowrey and Burnett a chance to go at one another. They definitely seem more like brothers than they do police partners at times.

The addition of the under story here has the possible makings of another BAD BOYS film and I’m sure fans wouldn’t mind that. This time don’t wait ten years because no one wants to see the boys both become grandpa’s still fighting crime – but from behind a desk!

In the end – ride together, die together!

SPIES IN DISGUISE is Family Fun

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital bringing family fun from directors Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Home Entertainment is an unlikely team for SPIES IN DISGUISE.

Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) is a well-dressed spy who is keeping the world safe. Well-liked by everyone at work, one person who wants to impress him is Walter Beckett (Tom Holland). He has so many inventions that he believes are an alternative to blowing things up and finding a peaceful solution, including his glitter cat bomb.

But there is evil afoot in the villain Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) who has created drones that are the worst seen in the agency. Joy Jenkins (Reba McEntire) informs Sterling that he is going to have to do whatever is necessary to find him before the agent data is stolen. In the process, Killian has set up Sterling to take the fall for everything that has happened.

Now hunting for Sterling is Marcy Kappel (Rashida Jones) who is tough as nails and just as focused as her target. The only person he can run to is Walter to get his invention that will make him disappear. Not paying attention he accidentally drinks Walter's disappearing potion but instead of becoming invisible, Sterling becomes a pigeon.

Angry, he doesn't understand that being a pigeon will help him do more than he could even have imagined. Along to help Sterling clear his name and get the agent data base, Walter not only shares his other inventions but must make a remedy to Sterling's feathered problem.

Smith as Sterling has no trouble playing the agent who likes himself a whole lot and isn't use to not being in control. Smith gets a chance to rap a little in a 'Fresh Prince' style but it's fun for the kids. This seems an easy voice role for him to play but it also seems as if he is having a bit of fun doing it.

Holland as Walter is a young man who was raised with a supportive mother and working with the agency, he gets the chance to perfect some inventions and create new ones. Especially the one that changes Agent Sterling into a flying agent! Holland is endearing but then again, this young actor has been one to watch for years. He gets a chance to be on the other side of Spiderman for sure.

Jones as Marcy is like a dog with a bone when it comes to finding Sterling believing him to be a traitor to the agency. Always one step behind, she begins to understand what is truly happening and isn't about to let evil win. McEntire as Jenkins knows that Sterling does things his own way but when it comes from being a traitor to the agency, she knows that is just not true.

Mendelsohn as Killian is a man on his own mission and believes he has every reason to be as evil as he wants to be. Keep his identity a secret, he also uses his high tech to put the blame on Sterling and keep anyone who might be interested looking for him. Mendelsohn give his character all the right moods to stay a step ahead of Smith's character.

Other cast includes Karen Gillan as Eyes, Rachel Brosnahan as Wendy Beckett, Masi Oka as Kimura, Carla Jiminez as Geraldine, DJ Khaled as Ears and Peter Kim as Joon.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

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

The Bluray Special Features include Super Secret Spy Mode, Infiltrating Blue Sky Studios Top-Secret Guide to Gadgets, Music Videos, Gallery and so much more!

SPIES IN DISGUISE is a fun family film that is fast paced, colorful, inventive and funny. Seeing Smith try to fit in with his new pigeon friends is one laugh after another and there is a twist on that as well but no spoilers here. He isn't happy with being a pigeon, but it makes for one interesting premise of a spy story.

The film has just the right mixture of action and fun to make it a popcorn fun film and if I needed a thumbs up from anyone it would be my four-year-old granddaughter. She gave me a thumbs up during the film without a word because she was too busy laughing and eating popcorn. Now that's how you know it’s a fun time so get your family together and have your own home fun together.

In the end - super spy to super fly!

SPIES IN DISGUISE is Family Fun

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for holiday family fun from directors Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox is an unlikely team for SPIES IN DISGUISE.

Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) is a well-dressed spy who is keeping the world safe. Well liked by everyone at work, one person who wants to impress him is Walter Beckett (Tom Holland). He has so many inventions that he believes are an alternative to blowing things up and finding a peaceful solution, including his glitter cat bomb.

But there is evil afoot in the villain Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) who has created drones that are the worst seen in the agency. Joy Jenkins (Reba McEntire) informs Sterling that he is going to have to do whatever is necessary to find him before the agent data is stolen. In the process, Killian has set up Sterling to take the fall for everything that has happened.

Now hunting for Sterling is Marcy Kappel (Rashida Jones) who is tough as nails and just as focused as her target. The only person he can run to is Walter to get his invention that will make him disappear. Not paying attention he accidentally drinks Walter's disappearing potion but instead of becoming invisible, Sterling becomes a pigeon.

Angry, he doesn't understand that being a pigeon will help him do more than he could even have imagined. Along to help Sterling clear his name and get the agent data base, Walter not only shares his other inventions but must make a remedy to Sterling's feathered problem.

Smith as Sterling has no trouble playing the agent who likes himself a whole lot and isn't use to not being in control. Smith gets a chance to rap a little in a 'Fresh Prince' style but it's fun for the kids. This seems an easy voice role for him to play but it also seems as if he is having a bit of fun doing it.

Holland as Walter is a young man who was raised with a supportive mother and working with the agency he gets the chance to perfect some inventions and create new ones. Especially the one that changes Agent Sterling into a flying agent! Holland is endearing but then again this young actor has been one to watch for years. He gets a chance to be on the other side of Spiderman for sure.

Jones as Marcy is like a dog with a bone when it comes to finding Sterling believing him to be a traitor to the agency. Always one step behind, she begins to understand what is truly happening and isn't about to let evil win. McEntire as Jenkins knows that Sterling does things his own way but when it comes from being a traitor to the agency, she knows that is just not true.

Mendelsohn as Killian is a man on his own mission and believes he has every reason to be as evil as he wants to be. Keep his identity a secret, he also uses his high tech to put the blame on Sterling and keep anyone who might be interested looking for him. Mendelsohn give his character all the right moods to stay a step ahead of Smith's character.

Other cast includes Karen Gillan as Eyes, Rachel Brosnahan as Wendy Beckett, Masi Oka as Kimura, Carla Jiminez as Geraldine, DJ Khaled as Ears and Peter Kim as Joon.

SPIES IN DISGUISE is a fun family film especially with the kids being home for the next two weeks. It is fast paced, colorful, inventive and funny. Seeing Smith try to fit in with his new pigeon friends is one laugh after another and there is a twist on that as well but no spoilers here. He isn't happy with being a pigeon but it makes for one interesting premise of a spy story.

The film has just the right mixture of action and fun to make it a popcorn fun film and if I needed a thumbs up from anyone it would be my four year old granddaughter. She gave me a thumbs up during the film without a word because she was too busy laughing and eating popcorn. Now that's how you know it’s a fun time at the theatre so get the family together and go have your own fun together.

In the end - super spy to super fly!

GEMINI MAN Pits Smith Against Smith

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from Oscar winning director Ang Lee, Skydance Media and Paramount Pictures bring a twist of DNA to Gemini Man.

Henry Brogan (Will Smith) is a hired gun and the absolute best in his field. After a mission comes close to going wrong, Brogan decides it is time to retire. Making sure it is what he truly wants, Del (Ralph Brown) pays him a visit to find out why. Brogan makes his feelings clear and loads up to head out fishing.

Gassing up on the dock he meets Danny (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and heads out to meet Jack (Douglas Hodge) who tells him that his last hit was a set up by his own government. Not wanting to believe that it could be possible, Brogan is about to find out.

Back at the dock he figures out who Danny really is and lets it be known that she can go on her way. What he doesn't know is that agency director Janet Lassiter (Linda Emond) is working with someone Brogan knows from the past - Clay Verris (Clive Owen). Putting the pieces together proves to be difficult as everyone around him is dealt with.

He reaches out to his friend Baron who also knows Verris and tells Danny that he isn't someone to be trifled with. Now they are off to Budapest to meet with someone who knows why Brogan's life is in danger but there is someone following them.

Seemingly out of nowhere, an assassin takes on the chase with Brogan through the streets. Brogan and the assassin are a perfect fighting match and this doesn't go unnoticed by Danny. The young killer is sent by Verris to take out Brogan because of what he might know, but it's what the assassin doesn't know that will shock them all.

Smith as Brogan and Junior, oh wow I can't believe I'm going to say this, but they are boring, predictable and pretty much like watching I, ROBOT. Only in this film Junior is Sonny and Brogan is mixture of Del and Dr. Lanning. If you haven't seen I, ROBOT then you can stop here and go on your blissful way. I suppose I'm not suppose too criticize Smith in this way seeing as he is an icon action film star but then again to those thinking it I say 'so what?'. The truth is maybe he needs some criticism, dude, don't do a movie that looks like another movie you've done and call it original. It drives me nuts!

Winstead as Danny is pretty much there to pick up the pieces and be Brogan's excuse for a hostage to make deals with the dark side of the government. Of course she doesn't want to go because in her heart she knows Brogan's a good guy and is going to stick with him to the very end. Danny, you don't need a man to feel as if you're doing good for humanity girl, well, you did get a trip to Budapest and all you got was a lousy assassin chasing you - not even a t-shirt!

Owen as Verris gets to be the psycho scientist bad guy who just wants to watch the world burn his way although he attempts to justify his experiments which sounds like babble. He seems to have everybody in government right in his very handsome pocket which makes being evil even easier. Not sure what the story really was between Verris and Brogan but somebody got their little feelings hurt, you decide which one.

Kudos to Wong for taking the time to be the cool dude in the film. We can never have enough good distractions. Brown as Del is just a dude ruining a friendship and Emond was, well, I'm not sure what her purpose was other than to be subservient to Verris' character.

Other cast include Theodora Miranne as Kitty, Ilia Volok as Yuri Kovacs, E.J. Bonilla as Mario.

The story is fast giving no time to understand the misunderstood loner assassin character but then again I guess because it's Will Smith we should already understand? Look, if I'm shifting in my seat more than once an hour then I'm not impressed by what's on the screen and I shifted so much that the person behind me was getting irritated.

Is the Smith vs. Smith thing cool? Sure, but not to the point that I am thinking it’s the most awesome thing ever. Although, during the fight scene all I could think of was Jim Carrey in the 1997 film LIAR LIAR when he's in the bathroom wailing on himself and the guy asks what he is doing getting the reply 'I'm kickin' my ass do you mind!'. That's exactly what went on in my head which caused a sudden outburst of laughter. Hey, I'm old I can get away with stuff like that.

The young Junior is a purse-lipped scowler who seems to spend more time on the screen with tears in his eyes which doesn't read assassin to me. He clearly has daddy issues and it doesn't help when these issues surface while he's holding a very large semi-automatic weapon. DNA adjustments may make for a perfect killer but it doesn't make up for having a conscience, sorry Clive Owen. The good news is that the clone looks like Smith back in the day but the bad news is that it looks like a clone of Smith back in the day with photoshop.

Look, it's an action adventure film from start to finish and I think that's the wow factor. Lee decided to make a film that has cool special effects and let the story go where ever it wanted to. The cloning thing is great but once the cat is out of the bag so are the fun and games and let's face it, no one is going to get rid of Will Smith unless it’s a tub full of exotic jelly fish and Smith wants it that way (reference to the 2008 film SEVEN POUNDS…keep up people!). I don't know, maybe I'm still blue shocked from his screen time in ALADDIN - probably need therapy now.

In the end - who will save me from both of them!

ALADDIN Brings Live Action and Animated to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Guy Ritchie and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the story of a princess and a thief named ALADDIN.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a young man who finds his way around the city of Agrabah stealing to survive along with his friend, the monkey Abu. He also sees what the people of the city endure and tries help when he can. One day he meets Jasmine (Naomi Scott) who also wants to help those in need.

Telling Aladdin that she is the hand maiden to the Princess, they outrun the guards and spend a little time together. While looking out over the city, Jasmine realizes that a new suitor has landed and makes her leave from Aladdin to get back to the palace.

Once there she is introduced to Prince Anders (Billy Magnussen) by her father the Sultan (Navid Negahban) with Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), the Sultan’s Vizier watching on. Jasmine isn’t impressed and along with her real hand maiden Dalia (Nasim Pedrad) and tiger Raja, she saunters away.

That’s when Aladdin makes his way to the palace to return a bracelet and is apprehended by Jafar. Sitting on the desert floor, Jafar explains that he doesn’t stand a chance with the princess but, if he does one thing for him, Aladdin could be paid handsomely. All he has to do is enter the Cave of Wonders and return a lamp – and just a lamp.

Things go awry and Aladdin along with Abu get caught in the cave. It is what comes out of the lamp that could save them – a Genie (Will Smith). Given three wishes, Aladdin tries to choose a life with Jasmine by becoming a Prince. Of course the one person who isn’t happy about this is Jafar. He has plans that don’t include the Sultan or Aladdin.

Jasmine finds herself thrilled with Prince Ali but plays a little hard to get. The Genie has an eye for someone as well so both are enjoying life. That is until it is all about to come crashing down as Jafar has his own little spy in a parrot named Yago.

In Agrabah, anything and everything is possible if you believe!

I’m sure families are going to be thrilled to add ALADDIN to their home entertainment library because it is always a joy to be able to see a film that is oriented for kids. Making of colorful characters along with song and dance is always a good afternoon. That’s what Disney has been known for and attempts with this film to follow in its history.

Massoud and Scott as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine play their roles and although difficult to break the mold of the 1992 animated version, this is cartoon come to life. The same can be said of Smith attempting to fill the role that Robin Williams made so iconic.

In the case of these three characters I applaud their attempt to embrace their animated counterparts. Massoud and Scott work well together bringing Jasmine and Aladdin to live action/

Smith as the Genie is blue, he sings and he is charming bringing his own brand the character. Pedrad as Dalia get to throw out a few clever lines and be thrilled that a man has taken interest in her.

Kenzari as Jafar doesn’t exactly give the same frights and sense of doom as his animated counterpart but he did make me laugh. I’m not sure that was the point of his performance but he does give it a different perspective.

Other cast include Jordan A. Nash as Omar, Taliyah Blair as Lian, Aubrey Lin as Omi, Amir Boutrous as Jamal, and Numan Acar as Hakim.

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

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

The Bluray Bonus Extras include Deleted Scenes, Bloopers, Deleted Song ‘Desert Moon’, and Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Magic of ALADDIN and Much More!

ALADDIN is colorful, filled with music, dance and filled with special effects and as I said, that’s the Disney way. Enjoy ALADDIN with your family with a big tub of popcorn, a fluffy sofa and sing along because you’ll know the words - that hasn’t changed.

The magic is live but wait – there is more! It is a perfect time to revisit the 1992 animated ALADDIN as Walt Disney Home Entertainment Signature Collection is added. Hearing Robin Williams as the animated blue Genie is absolutely everything we have all come to love about this version. The splendor, spectacle and hilarity along with song, dance, Abu and Yago back to win our hearts.

The animated Bluray of ALADDIN includes the Bonus Extras of Two Ways to Watch: Original Theatrical Version and the Sing Along Mode, Alternate Ending, Aladdin on ALADDIN with Scott Weinger’s Personal Journey as the Voice of Aladdin, Let’s Not be Too Hasty – Join the Cast in the Recording Booth, Plus Classic Bonus Including Genie Outtakes and Filmmaker Commentary and so much more!

It was my own children’s favorite film for many, many years as we went from VHS to DVD now to Bluray. The film has grown along with my family and it is equally thrilling to watch it with my grandchildren who find it just as funny as we all did back in 1992. It hasn’t lost any of its charm and fascination and I’m guessing it never will.

So there is no reason to give up one for the other because Disney has made it clear that we can love them both and to prove that, both can be found on astounding Bluray. Make it a magical marathon as ALADDIN rides in on a carpet we all want to ride.

In the end – magic still comes alive!

ALADDIN Brings Live Action to the Screen

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Guy Ritchie and Walt Disney Pictures is the story of a princess and a thief named ALADDIN.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a young man who finds his way around the city of Agrabah stealing to survive along with his friend, the monkey Abu. He also sees what the people of the city endure and tries help when he can. One day he meets Jasmine (Naomi Scott) who also wants to help those in need.

Telling Aladdin that she is the hand maiden to the Princess, they outrun the guards and spend a little time together. While looking out over the city, Jasmine realizes that a new suitor has landed and makes her leave from Aladdin to get back to the palace.

Once there she is introduced to Prince Anders (Billy Magnussen) by her father the Sultan (Navid Negahban) with Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), the Sultan’s Vizier watching on. Jasmine isn’t impressed and along with her real hand maiden Dalia (Nasim Pedrad) and tiger Raja, she saunters away.

That’s when Aladdin makes his way to the palace to return a bracelet and is apprehended by Jafar. Sitting on the desert floor, Jafar explains that he doesn’t stand a chance with the princess but, if he does one thing for him, Aladdin could be paid handsomely. All he has to do is enter the Cave of Wonders and return a lamp – and just a lamp.

Things go awry and Aladdin along with Abu get caught in the cave. It is what comes out of the lamp that could save them – a Genie (Will Smith). Given three wishes, Aladdin tries to choose a life with Jasmine by becoming a Prince. Of course the one person who isn’t happy about this is Jafar. He has plans that don’t include the Sultan or Aladdin.

Jasmine finds herself thrilled with Prince Ali but plays a little hard to get. The Genie has an eye for someone as well so both are enjoying life. That is until it is all about to come crashing down as Jafar has his own little spy in a parrot named Yago.

In Agrabah, anything and everything is possible if you believe!

I’m sure families are going to be thrilled to see ALADDIN mainly because it is always a joy to be able to see a film that is oriented for kids. Making an afternoon of colorful characters along with song and dance is always a good afternoon. That’s what Disney has been known for and attempts with this film to follow in its history.

Massoud and Scott as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine play their roles and although difficult to break the mold of the 1992 animated version, this is cartoon come to life. The same can be said of Smith attempting to fill the role that Robin Williams made so iconic.

In the case of these three characters I applaud their attempt to embrace their animated counterparts. That being said, there seems to be a sense of detachment in their portrayals that I couldn’t get past. Massoud and Scott work well together but there are hits and misses along the way. Scott’s rendition of a woman’s empowerment tune just seemed more like a cry for help.

Smith as the Genie is blue, he sings and he is charming. I like Smith, don’t get me wrong, I just have a hard time embracing this version of him or the Genie. He also had a few missteps with his songs except obviously for the raps. Pedrad as Dalia get to throw out a few clever lines and be thrilled that a man has taken interest in her.

Kenzari as Jafar doesn’t exactly give the same frights and sense of doom as his animated counterpart but he did make me laugh. I’m not sure that was the point of his performance but he does give it a different perspective.

Other cast include Jordan A. Nash as Omar, Taliyah Blair as Lian, Aubrey Lin as Omi, Amir Boutrous as Jamal, and Numan Acar as Hakim.

ALADDIN is colorful, filled with music, dance and filled with special effects and as I said, that’s the Disney way. The problem is that there didn’t feel as if there was a need to make it a live action film. I would have been thrilled to see the original cleaned up a little and put back on the big screen for a special engagement.

Yes, it’s fairly clear that I am not a fan of taking films that have delighted fans and families for years and feel the need to make them “live”. I know the song and dance of ‘but it’s for a new generation’ – welp, I am still here and breathing and I’d appreciate it if Hollywood would put a moratorium on remaking, retelling, reimagining or rethinking any more films for oh, say seventy-five years.

Instead, put the money where it could be better spent – on originality and new stories for the next generation to enjoy. That’s my soapbox and I’m happy standing on it.

In the meantime, enjoy ALADDIN with your family with a big tub of popcorn and sing along because you’ll know the words, that hasn’t changed.

In the end – the magic is live!