ONE OF THEM DAYS Brings Laughs on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Lawrence Lamont and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a comedy about ONE OF THEM DAYS.

Dreux Jones (Keke Palmer) is a waitress at a local diner but hoping one day to become a franchise manager. Living with Alyssa (Sza), Dreux is about at her wits end as boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua Neal) has worn out his welcome. Dreux is drawn to the very handsome Maniac (Patrick Cage) but he has a history that she just doesn’t want to be part of. Trying to get some peace and quiet, the door pounding landlord Uche (Rizi Timane) is demanding the rent. The shock comes when the girls realize that Keshawn has made off with their money.

Uche gives them until 6 p.m. to come up with the rent or out they go! Adding insult to injury, the same landlord has renovated an apartment and rented to a young Bethanny (Maude Apatow) who has no idea of the other tenants living conditions. But never mind that, the hunt is on for Keshawn as Alyssa tracks him down at another woman’s house! Yeah, a woman named Berniece (Aziza Scott) and she is not one to be messed with yet, things happen and now Dreux and Alyssa are on the run from a very angry woman.

Back to the rent, now the girls have to find ways to make money as quick as possible and strike out at the local money lender, visits a blood bank where Dreux gets a chance to talk with Maniac and as Alyssa discovers a way to make some quick cash. All of this as Dreux does her best at a promotion interview seemingly connecting with Shayla (Gabrielle Dennis) who also worked her way up in the company. Outside, Alyssa is having her troubles as Berniece has found them and is going to make sure to get her pound of flesh one way or another.

Back at the apartment, Uche has carried out his threats as the girls discover that the new tenant and her very large dog unknowingly help the girls out of a tough situation that about to get tougher as the local gangster King Lolo (Amin Joseph) is about to crash their cash party. All of this is just the day in the life of Dreux and Alyssa!

Palmer as Dreux is the level headed-planning ahead person of this dynamic duo. She works hard, and tries to keep her side of life moving forward. There are times with her roommate that Dreux’s patience is tested but their friendship is stronger than she realizes. Palmer carries her role into this comedy with determination and comedy. Sza as Alyssa is the free spirit who relies on the universe for the answers to problems they encounter. When her roommate feels like she is floating by just to get by, Alyssa gets creative in ways that might just be more problems. Sza is a nice duo with Palmer and it works.

Apatow as Bethany is a woman who doesn’t see a problem with moving into the complex and tries to make herself at home without clearly seeing the reaction of others. She wants to be friends with Dreux and Alyssa and it comes in handy. Cage as Maniac has a reputation and, as with most things, if you want to know something about a person – ask them. Neal as Keshawn is a womanizing-gaslighting-player with game that doesn’t surprises Dreux.

Shout outs to Mejia as Kathy the payday loan clerk because I’ll never hear the number 47 ever again without wanting to shout it. Also, Katt Williams as Lucky who speaks truths in ways that only Williams can and I’m all for it for this comic genius.

Other cast include Vanessa Calloway as Mama Ruth, Janelle James as Ruby, Kil Rel Howery as the Buyer, Dewayne Perkins as Jameel, DomiNque Perry as Shameeka, Dustin Ybarra as Joseph, Ray Santiago as Fabian, Keyla Mejia as Kathy and Katt Williams as Lucky.

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 One of Them Gag Reels, Dream Team, Block Party: The Cast and What’s in My Bag with Lucky.

ONE OF THEM DAYS is a female comedy duo that works as Palmer and Sza get a chance to play. What I mean by that is these two women look like they are having fun beneath the surface. These roles are total opposites of one another yet, like most friendships, it works. One moment I am nodding my head in agreement with Dreux about “planning” and the next I am “letting the universe decide”.

This is a fun film to just gather up comedy lovers, have a bring your own food event and then gather up to a big screen television and have a movie night event. The comedy is there, the characters are so crazy fun and everyone knows someone like a character in the movie – okay maybe not King Lolo but you get my meaning.

In the end – it is just one of them days!

 

 

Laughs are Plenty in NO HARD FEELINGS on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director writer/director Gene Stupnitsky and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to start the summer season is the comedy NO HARD FEELINGS.

Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) lives in the family home in the beach community of Montauk. Inherited from her mother, she also inherited the property taxes that go along with it. Working as a bartender and Uber driving, Maddie is keeping her head just above the water line. That is until her car is repossessed and now, she is getting around via another set of wheels.

Hanging out with friends Sarah (Natalie Morales) and Jim (Scott MacArthur), they find a Craigs List posting from parents Allison (Laura Benanti) and Laird Becker (Matthew Broderick) offering up a car if someone can bring their college bound son Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) out of his shell.

Meeting the parents, everyone is clear on what is expected of Maddie and she embraces the challenge. Dressing up for her new part, Maddie goes to visit Percy at the local animal shelter and she pours it on. Percy does not seem moved by all the candy she is throwing his way and Maddie’s ups her game.

Seeing each other again and again, Maddie and Percy begin to learn about each other but it doesn’t mean that Maddie has given up on getting the car. That being said, she does start to really see Percy and what an amazing young man he is. The problem is the one big secret she is keeping is the one big secret that could hurt them both in ways she couldn’t imagine.

Lawrence as Maddie brings the comic relief in jaw dropping and hysterical ways. She is the life of the film bringing slapstick and one-liners faster than a tourist eating a lobster roll. Maddie clearly hates the invasion of the rich into Montauk so agreeing to crack the shell of one for a car doesn’t seem like a stretch. Lawrence clearly took a role that tested her comedy chops and she made it look easy.

Feldman as Percy is a young man who is either in his room or at the local animal shelter volunteering. His parents are worried because he just doesn’t seem to be enjoying life. Feldman gives his character so much range between quiet to entertaining with everything in between but deep within his portrayal is a young man with his own story to tell.

Benanti as Allison is, I think, the reason that Percy is as Percy is. She has all the signs of a mother who says she wants her son to come out of his shell but does nothing to have made that happen. Broderick as Laird is the dad who really wants her son to experience the same fun he had growing up, maybe a little too much fun. It’s like Ferris Bueller grew up and can’t believe his son has no Bueller in him! Hilarious!

Morales and McArthur as friends Sarah and Jim try to keep Maddie out of trouble and made me laugh in the process of doing it. Morales gets a chance to show who is boss in the marriage and takes Maddie just as she is. McArthur is a husband who just needs to stay in the ocean (you’ll get it) but he is sweet in his own way.

Other cast include Kyle Mooney as Jody, Jordan Mendoza as Crispin, Hasan Minhaj as Doug Kahn, Amalia Yoo as Natalie, Alysia Powell as Fern, Quincy Dunn-Baker as Travis and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Gary.

Sony Pictures 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 http://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 Outtakes & Bloopers, A Motely Crew: Meet the Characters and A Little Wrong: Making NO HARD FEELINGS. 

NO HARD FEELINGS breaks the ridiculously sad film cycle as of late. It brings laughs, jaw drops, hilarity and just a good time to theatre seats. That translates to starting and finishing off the summer season the best way possible. This is the film that brings groups together to experience it together and laugh all the way out the theatre door.

Lawrence brings her own brand to the film and there is a particular scene where I’m not sure if she’s an MMA fighter or a clothing aficionado but I do know I couldn’t stop laughing and neither could the audience. In the midst of it all, Lawrence gives her character a bit of heart and warmth which just adds to the likeability of her character. Feldman is trying to see the world through Maddie’s eyes and let me just say his interpretation almost caused me to shoot soda out my nose!

The premise is not all that new but then again there is no need to reinvent the rom-com wheel. Instead, this is just a fun time with a film that doesn’t need to be dissected nor explained to the point of conspiracy theories. The only action and big explosions are the hilarious ones brought on by Lawrence and Feldman.

It is popcorn, friends, humor, fun and reminiscent of a time when films were meant to be filled with all of that. Now it can be enjoyed at home again and again. 

In the end – pretty and awkward!

THE MACHINE Brings Laughs on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

It is the Return – Again, and Again of GROUNDHOG DAY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Limited Edition Steelbook from director Harold Ramis and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the iconic film GROUNDHOG DAY.

Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is a television weatherman who has been sent to Punxsutawney to do a news spot on the Groundhog Day festivities. Before leaving he gives a weather report to viewers that a blizzard on the radar will miss Pennsylvania. Along with crew Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell) and Larry (Chris Elliott) the cameraman, Connors makes it clear he is not happy with his assignment.

Dripping with contempt for the town and its people, he makes it loud and clear that a new job is on his horizon. Staying at the Cherry Tree In, the alarm with I Got You Babe blaring, Phil begins his day reporting on Punxsutawney Phil. Happy to be leaving, the run straight into the blizzard that he reported would not happen.

Forced to stay another night, Phil wakes up to the same song as the previous morning and quickly realizes he is suffering from some sort of déjà vu. Trying to leave town, he wakes up again, same time, same song and same place. Trying to discover what is happening, Phil goes through day after day trying something more destructive each time.

Confiding in Rita, Phil discovers that he is beginning to care for her but with each day he has to find a creative way to re-introduce his feelings. After trying everything to get out of the town and doing everything destructively possible, Phil begins to change in ways even he didn’t think were possible.

Phil becomes the new talk of the town and Rita is shocked! Finding his niche in the quaint little town – will he ever make it to the real ‘next day’?

Murray as Connors is everything about this film that makes it so iconic. He is grumpy, mean spirited, narcissistic, self-centered, and it works beautifully in his hands. Molding it into this character of Phil Connors, Murray not only delivers lines with perfection but his facial features are hilarious to the point of tears. Beginning with his utter distain for humanity, to a groundhog stealing crazy man to a piano playing life saver, Murray gives us each moment of enjoyment.

MacDowell as Rita has the ability to understand that nothing about Phil is going to change. He is who he is and she wants to wrap up the business in the cute town as quickly as Phil does but for seriously different reasons. As the days happen again and again, Rita starts to see a crazier side of Phil than one could have ever imagined and eventually see that something in him has changed. MacDowell is so sweet and charming from beginning to end.

Elliot as Larry brings his own brand of comedy as a guy who just can not seem to catch a break in work or in the potential for love. Elliott is uncomfortable in his own skin and it permeates to anyone that stands within five feet of him. That being said, he is still very funny and a joy to watch.

Shout out to Tobolowsky as Ned Ryerson, a character actor who, in this film, just shows up and never gets it. I know people like that!

Other cast include Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned Ryerson, Rick Ducommun as Gus, Robin Duke as Doris, Rick Overton as Ralph, Hynden Walch as Debbie, Michael Shannon as Fred, Les Podewell as homeless man, David Pasquesi as the psychiatrist, Willie Garson as Kenny, Richard Henzel as Rob Riley Radio host, Marita Geraghty as Nancy Taylor and real-life brother Brian Doyle-Murray as Buster Green. Let us not forget Scooter the groundhog playing Punxsutawney Phil.

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.

Bonus Material include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos Audio and Channel Surround, Theatrical trailer. On Bluray the Features include Feature Presentation in High Definition, Dolby True Audio, Audio Commentary with Director Harold Ramis, Needle Nose Ned’s Picture-in-Picture Track, A Different Day: An Interview with Harold Ramis, The Weight of Time Documentary, The Study of Groundhogs: A Real-Life Look at Marmots and Deleted Scenes.

This 1993 film has so many memorable scenes and repeatable lines that our household will make it generational. GROUNDHOG DAY is one of those films that if you happen to be channel surfing and it shows up – you stop and watch it till the very end. It does not matter if the film has just started or there is only 10 minutes left – you watch. It is that iconic and made such an impact on everyone who saw it that year and Ramis directed a classic.

In our family, the line is “don’t drive angry, DON’T DRIVE ANGRY” and it cracks us up every time (if you don’t know then you don’t know so watch and KNOW). The other important thing about the film is that it makes one think – what would I do if a day kept repeating itself. Seriously? You can only nap so much, watch tv so much, eat so much – all especially since it has no effect on the day because there is no next day.

Okay, I think I might have just put myself in overthink so instead I’m going to re-watch GROUNDHOG DAY, which I’ve probably seen more times than Phil Connors actually woke up stuck.

In the end – what would you do if you were stuck in the same day… over and over?

It is Comedy with a REAL GENIUS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Martha Coolidge and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is time with a REAL GENIUS.

The very young Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret) is about to enter the prestigious Pacific Technical University under the tutelage of Professor Jerry Hathaway (William Atherton). He wants another kid genius, Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) to work with Mitch in the field of laser physics. Mitch is thrilled to work with Chris but discovers quickly that Chris would rather irritate the powers that be than make the powers.

What they don’t know is that Professor Hathaway has been given a project by the CIA to create a laser weapon that could hit a target from outer space and now time is running out. He begins to put pressure on Chris, Mitch and dealing with lacky Kent (Robert Prescott). Mitch also falls for the cute and sweet Jordan (Michelle Meyrink) and Chris looks to closet student Lazlo (Jon Gries) for advice.

The only way to get what he wants; Hathaway threatens Chris that he will fail and keep him from graduation. Kent is a little jealous and plots to ruin Chris and Mitch’s’ hard work! Working out the kinks, the laser works, and the gang celebrates except Lazlo asks the big question of ‘what do they need something like that for?’

Now realizing that they might have been used by Professor Hathaway, Chris, Mitch, and Jordan have a plan of their own and they need Kent to help – whether he knows it or not!

Kilmer as Chris is hilarious, and his comedic timing is impeccable. One moment he is saying a line with perfection and then his face does a double jump and he’s on to the next thing. Seeing the film in 80’s, I loved it then and I love it even more now. It is because of Kilmer’s performance giving us fun and intelligent adventure.

Jarret as Mitch is a great sidekick to Kilmer’s Chris but, he is also a force to be reckoned with on his own. Starting out as a shy, genius star struck student, he is quickly transformed into a self-assured man on a mission. Jarret gets a chance to show his own chops and it works.

Meyrink as Jordan is as smart as everyone else and has her own quirks just like everyone else, so she fits right in with Chris and Mitch. Meyrink gives us a self-assured intelligent girl who has moments of insecurity that are not a surprise. Gries as Lazlo is so adorable, I can’t hardly stand it and his reasoning behind contests is solid and I like it.

Prescott as Kent just the comic relief on a whole other level. The teeth implant is pure genius and how Prescott portrays this character is just amazing. He’s an inept bad guy who doesn’t know he is. Atherton as Professor Hathaway proved himself the bad guy from start to finish. He has done it again and again in films because, well, if you are good at it then why not?

Other cast include Mark Kamiyama as Ikagami, Ed Lauter as David Decker, Louis Giambalvo as Major Carnagle, Severn Darden as Dr. Meredith, Beau Billingslea as George, Joanne Baron as Mrs. Taylor, Sandy Martin as Mrs. Meredith, Dean Devlin as Milton, Yuji Okumoto as Fenton, Deborah Foreman as Susan Decker and Patti D’Arbanville as Sherry Nugil.

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.

4K Ultra HD Special Features include Feature scanned from the original camera negative and presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by director Martha Coolidge, All-New Dolby Atmos and 5.1 audio, reviewed and approved by director Martha Coolidge and Original Dolby Stereo.

Bluray Disc Features include Feature presented in High Definition, sourced from the 4K master, 5.1 Dolby Stereo Audio, “Balloon Chair” Deleted Scenes and Raw Takes Montage, TV Version of the Film and Feature Commentary with Director Martha Coolidge.

REAL GENIUS is a member in good standing with the 80’s films that have become part of our lives. Starting with my generation to my kids and now my grandkids. They get to see how much fun films were once upon a time.

Filled with humor, gags, sidekick action, jokes and so much fun, this film is everything and every reason we went to the movie theatres. I took my kids three times to see REAL GENIUS and they still love it today.

Add REAL GENIUS to your own home entertainment library because it would not be complete without it!

In the end – you need brains to act this crazy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

THE ANGRY BIRDS 2 Bring More Giggles

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Thurop Van Orman and Sony Pictures Animations are our favorite birds with THE ANGRY BIRDS 2.

Everyone on Bird Island is in a pretty good place since Red (Jason Sudekis) has made a name for himself as a hero. Making sure the pigs stay on their island is a full time job and it comes with some adulation that Red has come to like.

Then, the green pigs on Piggy Island are being bombarded with, well, ice balls! Needing help, they reach out to Red and the other birds to see if they want to help find out what is going on. At first Red isn't having it but when Leonard (Bill Hader) decides to sneak in to see the birds and explain what is happening. 

They talk to Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage) who discovers that his ex-gal Zeta (Leslie Jones) is the one responsible for the ice bombs. Seems she isn't happy being stuck on the cold Eagle Island and she is going to make sure that she gets the sun in her life again!

Now Red, Leonard, Chuck (Josh Gad) and sister Silver (Rachel Bloom) get to Eagle Island only to discover something more sinister. Zeta has created lava ice balls and plans to destroy both islands. Red thinks he can handle everything on his own until, well, he can't realizing that he needs all his friends to save their homes.

Sudekis as Red still has issues of not being liked by everybody and thinks he needs to continue to be a solo hero in order to keep his status. Hader as Leonard makes a daring move in asking for the birds help to stop the craziness that is plaguing them both. These two characters may always be after each other but together they are pretty darn funny.

Dinklage as Mighty Eagle likes his solitude and perch high up on the island, when that is threatened you'd think he'd help right? Right? Jones as Zeta is an angry eagle who is not only smart but really smart. A combination of a hurt heart and brains can be dangerous for everyone around her.

Gad as Chuck is bouncy and fast! This actor has made quite a name for himself playing animated characters and I don't mind one darn bit. Bloom as his sister Silver is equally as smart as Zeta but doesn't have the broken heart to deal with. She doesn't see herself and Red as compatible but there is a weird attraction if they can just get past the "destruction of their world" thing.

Other cast include Awkwafina as Courtney, Sterling K. Brown as Garry, Eugenio Derbez as Glenn, Tiffany Haddish as Debbie, Danny McBride as Bomb, Peter Davidson as Jerry, Dove Cameron as Ella, and Maya Rudolph as Matilda.

THE ANGRY BIRDS 2 is very colorful, full of action and the kids at the screening found it very funny. The story is interesting in that the birds and pigs, who are always trying to one up each other with pranks, finally have a reason to work together - to save their islands. 

Discovering a third island of Eagles who are kind of angry about being so cold is the right ingredient to discover more about these characters, especially Mighty Eagle. It’s a nice lesson for the kids to learn how to get along with everybody once you understand them.

In the end - this summer winter is coming!

BOOKSMART Brings Teen Comedy in Time for Summer

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Olivia Wilde and Annapurna Pictures is the story of the last night of the first night of their lives after being BOOKSMART.

Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) are two girls who have spent their years in libraries and studying. In those years Molly and Amy became the best of friends and know each other secrets and habits. Their idea of fun isn’t exactly like most seniors in high school.

Even Principal Brown (Jason Sudeikis) knows that about the two girls. Molly being class president and valedictorian on the class, she is making sure that all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed before saying goodbye to the halls that educated her. 

Overhearing a conversation, Molly learns that students she thought didn’t take school seriously are attending colleges just as prestigious as hers! The thought sends her into a tizzy and tells Amy that they are not going to sit home in their pj’s on their final night.

That’s when she learns that Nick (Mason Gooding) is having a final wild party and convinces Amy that going is the only way they are going to redeem themselves. It also gives Amy a chance to hang out with Ryan (Victoria Ruesga) and Molly can visit with Nick.

The problem is that with every move they make to try to get to the party, something else gets in their way and mayhem ensues. From Jared (Skyler Gisondo) leading them astray to Gigi (Billie Lourd) freaking them out every place they go, Molly is not going to let anything to her from getting to Nick’s.

When they finally arrive, everything changes – even Molly and Amy! Their friendship is riding on the party and put to the test. Then again…it’s only high school right?

Feldstein as Molly is the spokesperson for the dynamic duo. She knows what she wants and pretty much tells Amy every bit of it. Yet there is a believeability in the way she speaks to her friend and their relationship from beginning to end. I enjoyed Feldstein so much and she reminded me a little of someone I know.

Dever as Amy is charming, sweet and in love with someone who doesn’t know she exists. It is clear she loves her friendship with Molly and although reminding me a bit of Cameron Frye from FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF. She goes along to get along and even if she’s having fun, there are moments where fun makes her very nervous.

Gisondo as Jared is absolutely outrageous yet there is something sweet about him. Perhaps it’s because he understands Molly and Amy more than he is given credit for. Gooding as Nick is the guy in school who just wants to have a good time and isn’t seen as a serious student. Sudeikis as the Principal is hilarious and in a role that totally gives him the opportunity to just totally go crazy in a great way.

Okay, it must be said Lourd as Gigi is absolutely hysterical. I just love this character but mainly because of what she says and what she does. A free spirit that’s a little bit on the nutty side and no one more than Lourd deserves to just let loose.

Other cast include Will Forte as Doug, Diana Silvers as Hope, Molly Gordon as Triple A, Eduardo Franco as Theo, Nico Hiraga as Tanner, Austin Crute as Alan, Jessica Williams as Miss Fine and Lisa Kudrow as Charmaine.

BOOKSMART is charming, funny, silly, and gives the audience a look at pieces of their own high school days. There are the usual misunderstandings, cliques, misconceptions and chances to have one last opportunity to a make a mark that could be memorable forever.

After all, isn’t that what high school is all about? The mistakes that are made, the plans that change every other day, friendships that in some cases become life long (I happen to know a few of those) and broken hearts, oh yes, the high school broken hearts most everyone has experienced. Most of all, the pure laughs about who we were and hopefully who we all turned out to be.

In the end – getting straight A’s and giving zero F’s.

Life Can Change When Given a Chance for a SECOND ACT on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Peter Segal, STX Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a chance to turn dreams into reality with SECOND ACT.

Maya (Jennifer Lopez) works for a grocery story and has made her way up the ladder hoping that she would finally cement a managerial position. Boyfriend Trey (Milo Ventimiglia) is supportive and lets Maya know he is ready to start a family. But Maya has a secret which is keeping her from taking that step.

When she doesn't get the job, bff Joan (Leah Remini) believes she is meant for better things anyway but not before Maya and Trey end their relationship. Her son Dilly (Dalton Harrod) and Joan decide they are going to help Maya along a little. After a run-in at work, Maya walks away but not before Joan lets her know that Anderson Clarke (Treat Williams) and his company want to interview Maya for a big job.

Maya is stunned when she realizes that Dilly has highly inflated her resume and even more when she gets the job. Someone who isn't so happy is Zoe Clarke (Vanessa Hudgens) seeing Maya as a problem, especially when it comes up that their 'organic' products aren't truly 'organic'.

That's when a challenge is placed before Maya and Zoe, to see who can truly make an organic product that will make the company a serious profit. Using her smarts, Maya is put to the test while trying to hide exactly who she is from everyone around her, remembering who she is for herself and discovering that her past is right in front of her.

That's what happens in a second act!

Lopez as Maya is playing a character that she has done before and the formula works for her. In this film she is a woman who has a secret in her past that keeps her from moving forward in her relationships. Jumping into the new job, Maya does so with constant pitfalls that, like Lopez,  makes work to her advantage. We have seen that in her films THE WEDDING PLANNER and MAID IN MANHATTAN so stay with what works.

Hudgens as Zoe is a young woman who is also dealing with a past and putting her life aside to help her father. Starting out as competitors, Hudgens gives her characters scowl a few smiles and befriends Maya. Both have secrets and both have goals that are not far from one another's dreams.

Ventimiglia as Trey starts out the film using his charm and wit which is nice and everything we expect from him. Of course he is first and foremost Jack on the hit series THIS IS US but we ladies certainly don't mind seeing him in this film.

Remini as Joan is hilarious as the bff who really wants her friend to be happy in more than just being a manager of a grocery story. What totally cracks me up about her character is the relationship she has with her two kids - one in college and one with a trash mouth. She handles them both beautifully and hilariously.

Williams as Clarke is a man who knows how to make a company successful. He sees something in Maya that has the potential to be amazing for his company. I have watched Williams over the years and know one thing for sure, he is one of Hollywood's most underrated actors.

Two stand outs for me in the film are Yi as Ariana, a very smart young girl who is constantly squashed for her knowledge until Maya steps in. The other is Annaleigh Ashford as Hildy who is the outspoken assistant to Maya who is the squasher. There is something about both of these actresses that I truly enjoy and can see such fantastic potential for both.

Other cast include Annaleigh Ashford as Hildy, Charlyne Yi as Ariana, Alan Aisenberg as Chase, Reddie Stroma as Ron Ebsen, Dave Foley as Felix Herman, Larry Miller as Weiskopf, Lacretta as Suzi, Dan Bacatinsky as Arthur and Diedre Friel as Big Ant.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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 Bonus Features include Explore the Themes of SECOND ACT with Cast and Filmmakers, Connecting with Milo Ventimiglia, The Empowering Women of Second Act, Friendship On and Off Screen, Working with the Ones You Love and SECOND ACT Trailer.

SECOND ACT is a relatable story in that circumstance can sometimes be a punch in the gut but it is up to each of us to find our way through it. Of course I don't suggest padding resumes but the character of Maya absolutely had something to offer in so many ways. Her creativity and ability to read people is something that isn't taught in college. There are many people who have that!

On a less serious note, the cast makes the film emotional and fun with its twists and turns. I suppose you could call the film a rom-com if you agree that sometimes you have to court yourself to see what you are all about.

So plan to take a ride up the ladder with the film SECOND ACT coming to Bluray.

In the end - the only thing stopping you is you!

JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Our favorite spy, well my favorite spy, is returning to Bluray and DVD from director David Kerr and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment with JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN.

British Intelligence is in the middle of a hack and all of their agents have been exposed through a cyber attack. The Prime Minister (Emma Thompson) has no choice but to call in retired MI7 agents and among them is the one and only Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson).

English has been keeping himself busy as a geography teacher but actually teaching his students a little bit about being an agent. Happy to be back, he requests his old partner Angus Bough (Ben Miller) and a car that is a little less 007 and a lot more Agent English.

They take off to France to find out how the cyber attack started. While staking out the yacht ‘Dot Calm’, English comes into contact with the lovely Ophelia (Olga Kurylenko) as they both see suspicious server activity but have to escape being caught.

Back at MI7, the Prime Minister decides it’s time to get a hold of Jason Volta (Jake Lacy) for help. Jason is a Silicon Valley billionaire who has his hands in all kind of tech world wide. As more cyber attacks happen, the PM needs to make an agreement at the G12 meeting.

Back with English, he is totally taken with Ophelia and doesn’t know she’s been sent by Russia to take out English but instead, she starts to like him. Working together they discover what Volta is really up to and try to reach the PM to tell her all about it. Not getting any help from MI7, English and Bough have a little help from wife Captain Lydia (Vicki Pepperdine) who gets the boys to the meeting.

But it isn’t that simple because nothing with English ever is. One phone call to close to the sub wreaks havoc but only this agent knows how to throw a tablet and change the course of destruction.

Seriously, the kids need him back at school!

Atkinson as Johnny English is quirky suave, dedicated to his belief in something even though it’s wrong and the luckiest retired agent to ever turn something wrong into something right. I have been a huge fan of this actor/comedian since I can remember. I suppose we could go way back to Lord Blackadder and Mr. Bean days. As a matter of fact, my son (now well into his 30’s) and I use to absolutely lose it watching Mr. Bean together. We are twisted like that. Here we all these years later and still get together to get our fix of Atkinson and his brand of comedy.

Kurylenko as Ophelia is certainly getting her share of spy’s as this isn’t the first time she’s been sexy chasing a guy in a tux with a gun and spiffy car. Here she takes a hand a comedy and is pulled in to Johnny English just like the rest of us. Thompson as the Prime Minister is hilarious because I actually think her portrayal would make that position in Parliament more believable.

Miller as Bough is the perfect sidekick to Atkinson’s English because he’s a little more concerned with safety than looking good in a tux. Oh lets just say it, he’s too sweet to be put in such crazy situations yet, he manages well. This time he has a little help from Pepperdine as wife Lydia who thinks he’s just as adorable as I do.

Lacy as Volta attempts to portray himself as the good guy but English, Bough and Ophelia know differently. Never let your billions get in the way of psycho I always say and Lacy gives us plenty of well groomed world domination psycho-ness.

Other cast include Adam James as Pegasus, Pippa Bennett-Warner as Lesley, Miranda Hennessy as Tara, Irena Tyshyna as Viola, David Mumeni as Fabian, Samantha Russell of Prime Minister of Sweden, Pauline McLynn as Mrs. Trattner, and Matthew Beard as P.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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 Bonus Features Exclusive to Bluray, DVD and Digital include: The Comedy Genius of Rowan Atkinson – A look at Rowan’s comedic talents – the meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of his work. Johnny English combines the best of Rowan – a skillful use of dialogue and slapstick, and The Johnny English Legacy - What has changed in the series this time around, for Johnny, and for the world? In this piece, we learn form the cast and filmmakers how the character has evolved and what’s changed without changing the core of the incompetent agent we have come to know and love.

Also, Virtual Reality JOHNNY ENGLISH STYLE – Virtual reality might be everywhere, but no one does it quite like our intrepid agent English, The Gadgets – Rowan leads us through his notable collection of gadgets as the team provides insights into their creation, The Cars – Rowan is a well-known auto enthusiast, and had a big say in the choice of cars used in the film, Locations and Design, a Cast of Characters – With a lead like Rowan Atkinson, the supporting cast has to be just as strong and finally, Feature Commentary with Director David Kerr.

JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN gives us everything we love about spy comedies but Atkinson style! He is Johnny English through and through and with a pretty cool cast to support the madness there is no way laughing isn’t part of the plan. This is fun and funny and I personally wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the end – only the best will do ---- and no one else is available!

ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN: The Complete 5th and 6th Season on DVD

        

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD from Time Life, the company that continues to bring us comedy is ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN: The Complete 5^th and 6^th Season.

The gang is back for it’s fifth season on DVD with 24 episodes of the hit comedy series from 1971-1972. This is an epic year as finally Dick Martin gets a long awaited wish when Raquel Welch makes her lovely one and only debut on the show. Such a gorgeous woman and it is so much fun to watch Dick finally have his day!

Of course if you are going to watch Laugh-In them you better be surprised for some amazing guest stars. Not from any one genre, era or walk of life, Laugh-In reaches around it all to bring such guests from television like Steve Allen and Johnny Carson. Also comedy from the likes of Carol Channing and Henny Youngman along with entertainers of song with Bing Crosby, Petula Clark Liza Minnelli, Doc Severinsen and the legendary Johnny Cash.

Hollywood got in the act with Tony Curtis, Gene Hackman, Rita Hayworth, Vincent Price, Debbie Reynolds and John Wayne made an appearance.

Let’s not forget the Laugh-In regulars that include Lily Tomlin, Ruth Buzzi, Gary Owens, Alan Sues, Ann Elder, Dennis Allen, Barbara Sharma, Johnny Brown, Larry Hovis, Richard Dawson, Judy Carne, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, Jo Anne Worley and Teresa Graves. All brought in to celebrate the 100^th episode because what’s a party without a little name dropping!

This season also includes the classic characters and situations we come to expect from Dan Rowan and Dick Martin. The famous Cocktail Party and the announcement of who would receive the Fickle Finger of Fate is fun filled only to end the show with a trip to the Joke Wall.

The characters of Edith Ann (who is only five years old mind you – and that’s the trutttthhhhhh!) as well as the loving couple of Gladys and Tyrone and Ruth Buzzi’s Hollywood Reporter give us the scoop on childhood, being a couple and the buzz around Buzzi’s Hollywood.

Let’s not forget what Laugh-In also brought to television viewers of the show, it brought comedy sure, but also digs at sports and politics and the joke was on them. This 6-disc 24 episode Fifth Season makes sure we are in on all of it.

ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN: The Complete Sixth Season continues with the comedy and the stars bringing a final season to the show changing series. Now understand, this series wasn’t to go down without making sure every zing was thrown and every chance of shade uttered.

Continuing with the previous years line up, the addition of Moosie Drier, Tod Bass, Brian Bressler, Patti Deutsch, Sara Kennedy, Jod Strunk, Willie Tyler & Lester, and Donna Jean Young join Dan, Dick, Lily Tomlin, Ruth Buzzi, Arte Johnson, Richard Dawson and Gary Owens to revel in a party from Downtown Burbank!

The final season’s celebrity line up is straight out of the sky as stars line up to have their moment with Jack Benny, James Caan, William Conrad, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dom DeLuise, Angie Dickinson, Sandy Duncan, James Farentino, Robert Goulet, Jack Klugman, Rich Little, Don Rickles, Mark Spitz, John Wayne, the beloved Michael Landon and the red head who needs no introduction but we’ll do it anyway – Carol Burnett.

The show takes aim at guns, laws, adult books, morality, the circus, Thanksgiving, beautiful people, sports, commercials, the family, airlines, actors, the Summer of ’72 and the golden state of California. Surprised? Of course not – everyone is fair game for this band of adorable and beloved misfits!

As sad as the final season may have been at the time (and no longer sad now because all six seasons are offered by Time Life), the characters that I came to absolutely adore and excited to see every week at least came to play for one last season. Including Fickle Finger of Fate, Here Comes the Judge, the Joke Wall, General Bull Right, Big Al, Ernestine and Edith Ann along with The Swizzles and Robot Theater. That’s what makes this collection so epic, I can go back and enjoy myself time and time again with the comedy I grew up on!

Time Life continues to bring never before released anywhere classic collections of television shows for fans to revisit and remember what has made television so special. Time Life has released Mama’s Family, CPO Sharkey and The Tonight Show and they now reminds of us of a time when sex and politics were up for grabs with ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN. For more of what Time Life has to offer fans of classic television visit www.timelife.com.

The amazing thing about both of these seasons is that no matter how much you watch, there is always something new to laugh about. Even more amazing are the issues Laugh-In raised in regards to women, people of color and politics that are no so far away from the same issue we deal with today. Giving their pokes and prods, this series got away with a lot more than is possible today.

Time Life has made it possible for us all to relive not only a time in our lives when humor was television king, but share with our growing families what made us all laugh in the 70’s. They may even learn that the series Laugh-In brought sayings that are still used today and for the same reasons.

That is what this series did for television, for comedy and for bringing awareness to things that are funny but also important in our lives. There’s nothing wrong with that in the slightest and Laugh-In gave me a funny bone that I’m proud to carry every day.

In the end – are you ready to celebrate laughter?