Saban’s POWER RANGERS Sets to Re-ignite Franchise on the Big Screen: Talking with the Power Rangers

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to the big screen this March from director Dean Israelite, Saban Entertainment and Lionsgate are the iconic heroes known as the POWER RANGERS.

A group of high school students discover an alien ship and what they find inside is about to change their lives. Superpowers are bestowed and another generation will get to know the name Power Rangers who now must stop an old enemy and save the world.

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are iconic characters came to American televisions in 1993 from the Super Sentai Japanese material. Since then the heroes have morphed to other series such as Might Morphin Alien Rangers, Power Rangers Zero, Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space, Power Rangers Lost Galaxy and so many, many more.

In 1995, the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: The Movie hit movie houses and TURBO: A Power Rangers Movie followed in 1997. Now Saban’s POWER RANGERS is ready to break out in theatres in an epic way to reignite the adventure imagination in families everywhere.

I had the opportunity to speak with the Red Ranger Jason Scott played by Dacre Montgomery, the Black Ranger Zack Taylor played by Ludi Lin and the Pink Ranger Kimberly Scott played by Naomi Scott.

Jeri Jacquin: Wow, I get to talk to three Rangers. I’m pretty excited about that. How are you all doing?

Montgomery, Lin & Scott: We are doing great! <in unison which made us all laugh>

JJ: I have to let you know that my grown kids who said that if I didn’t come today that I couldn’t show my face ever again.

Naomi Scott: <laughing> Oh my gosh no!

JJ: They were raised on Power Rangers and even took time when they were younger to explain it all to me. So knowing you are coming into this generational and iconic series, how is that for each of you?

Ludi Lin: We are asked this a lot and each time we answer it brings us a new perspective on it all. Certainly in the beginning there are a lot of fans emailing us about their excitement and sharing their stories. They are also in their 30’s and sharing their memories of watching the Power Rangers when they were a kid. Also there certainly is a responsibility that we take seriously because I grew up watching the Power Rangers as well. If you watch the movie and see the script we saw from the beginning, there is so much about the story that I’m excited about and the reason being is that this is the story that wasn’t told in the original series. It delves deeply back into the background of these characters. It’s the origins story of how these kids become heroes so you have a chance to get attached to the characters.

Dacre Montgomery: It’s a chance to see the development without the masks on and the spectacle that comes much later.

LL: So it’s less episodic Power Rangers but more the whole complete arc of the entire story of how they become super heroes.

Naomi Scott: I didn’t grow up watching the series per se but I so remember playing Power Rangers with my brothers and wanting to be a Power Ranger. I think that shows that even if you didn’t watch the shows you wanted to be a Ranger. Red was my favorite color so I had to be the Red Ranger. The fact that there were two girls was always cool to me because it showed how girls also wanted to be Ranger heroes too. For me, it has been exciting and we all focused on who is Kimberly Hart. I think we are able to have a blank canvas because this is an origins story so aside from the iconic character from the original series, we have a chance to find out who Kimberly Hart is. I was excited about that because I could bring in who I thought she is.

JJ: It’s interesting that back in the original series, having a female superhero character wasn’t a common thing really.

NS: No, it really wasn’t.

JJ: The girls were always the sidekick or a little in the background instead of front and center they way they were and are in the Power Rangers.

NS: Absolutely. I think it is important and maybe that’s why it has such a broad appeal. You have the diversity that is also cultural in the mix that makes an impact.

JJ: Once you become the heroes, the diversity isn’t the focus because once you put the masks on it’s about what you bring to the table as a group.

DM: Jeri, I’m stealing that from you.

NS: Yes, we are stealing that from you.

LL: Let me just make a note here.

<we all break out laughing which continues to make this interview the best time I could have with iconic characters sitting right in front of me>

JJ: Dacre, the Red Ranger has had such a big responsibility in the past, how was carrying on that tradition for you?

DM: I went to drama school and think of everything as an ensemble. My parents worked behind the camera in the film industry and I was taught growing up to appreciate every piece of the puzzle to bring it all together. The watch-face doesn’t exist without all the cogs behind it so for me I just consider myself one of the five watch-faces if you will. There was definitely the deal with me rallying the troops and I felt so supported all the time off screen by my cast mates. When the camera rolled with that support it was easy to play into that camaraderie and going into battle together. It’s a huge responsibility, don’t get me wrong, I mean your own kids were huge fans and now there are young kids who are big fans so this means a lot to a lot of people.

JJ: My kids will be watching but you don’t need anymore pressure right?

NS: It’s weird, I don’t feel that pressure only because my responsibility is to the character of Kimberly. It’s different to what’s gone before and even if I was doing a different movie as an actor that’s how I feel about it.

LL: I hope everyone will enjoy it for different reasons. So you have the old school fans that are older and now the new kids like your grandkids. Do your grandkids know about the Power Rangers?

JJ: This is Naynay (nickname for Grandma) you’re talking to here, of course they do. I mean there’s a whole DVD library of the series that gets borrowed and borrowed. One of these times I probably won’t see them ever again. So you are getting three generations who are in-the-know about the Power Rangers.

NS: Man, that’s just absolutely incredible, seriously that’s just amazing.

JJ: The technology they use in the film, how was that for you as actors to play into your characters?

LL: There is so much technology, the physical sets were also technology. The first time we stepped on the set it dawned on us that we were part of this huge super hero massive budget movie. Before that we were just running around in dirty clothes getting blown up. When the Power Rangers suits came in we saw the technology and were stunned by how much detail went into them.

DM: They look exactly like the movie poster in real life.

LL: The other piece of technology is that after we put the suits on the special effects team puts on the computer effects. That’s why it was so shocking for me to screen the movie. I finally saw the final product that is so seamless and entertaining.

DM: Here is a piece that hasn’t been shared with anyone.

NS: Jeri, you are getting an exclusive right here <laughing>

JJ: Really? Okay, I’m ready – hit me with it.

DM: They built a tank for us in the water scenes and the filtration system in the tank was transported from the Olympics. It is the very same filtration system and we had a large body of water that was heated. It was 40,000 gallons of water or some ridiculous amount like that and they heated the whole pool. They transported the system to us to use in the tank for the film. I thought that was amazing to have happen.

LL: You got the exclusive Jeri. I didn’t even know that.

JJ: Don’t share that with anyone else from this moment on okay? <laughing> Final question, for all the fans eagerly anticipating the film, when they walk out of the theatre what do you hope they take away from the film?

NS: I definitely want them to feel like a kid whether they are or not. If only to have a couple of hours to just be entertained  and indulge themselves. Isn’t that what movies are suppose to be? Shouldn’t there be escapism just for a little while? I love to go and see films because it’s nice to get away from everything that’s going on in the world.

DM: I second that.

LL: I think I just want them to imagine, just imagine.

DM: It’s escapism absolutely. That’s why I go to the movies.

You heard it here first folks! The Power Rangers want you to gather up everyone that is a fan and even a few that don’t know they are a fan and escape into a world of fun. The action packed film will bring it and I’m thrilled that the Rangers took a moment out of their busy schedules to share their own excitement about the upcoming Saban’s POWER RANGERS.

Saban’s POWER RANGERS will be in theatres March 24^th! 

MHz Choice Brings an Amazing Series from Ireland with CORP + Anam

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD from TG4 and MHz is an intense series about life, family and the need to succeed in CORP + ANAM.

Living in Ireland, television reporter Cathal MacIarnain (Diarmuid de Faoite) is living a full life. At home with wife Mairead (Maria Doyle Kennedy), rebellious daughter Sorcha (Una Ni Fhlatharta) and young son Seimi (Eanna O'Coileain), he is slowly becoming an absence in their eyes. It doesn't help when he is called to the story of teens killed in a head on collision starts out as the blame-game to police and slowly turns into so much more.

When Mairead's father Tom (Tom MacArdghail) comes to live at home, Mairead is more certain that it's time to find something for herself. Now with both parents working outside the home, Sorcha decides to deal with bullying school boys in her own way and turns to the internet to cause them trouble. The problem is Sorcha gets herself involved in something frightening that bounces back on Cathal with devastating impact.

Cathal starts to follow a case that a young woman claims she was abused by a chaplain. Frustrated that the door seems to be closing on every turn, he finds a man who knows everything Cathal needs to break open the case. All of this drives Cathal even harder when another story of corruption with high ranking officials lands on his desk. The problems at home aren't getting any better and Tom uses the kindness of his family in ways that aren't grandfatherly. 

While Mairead begins working for a local attorney, she also discovers that there is a part of her family’s life that has been a secret. In looking through Tom's papers after an attack puts him in the hospital, Mairead notices paperwork from a local adoption service that makes no sense to her. Taking it upon herself, she writes letters of inquiry and opens up a family secret that devastates them all and adds more fuel separating the marriage. 

The case of John McGuire is the next story Cathal takes. A man and his wife are being bullied out of their ancestral home by hungry land grabbers giving the Glynn family to fight on their own. Claiming there is no will stating Glynn inherited the land from family, the court turns on the Glynn's as well. The outrage lands John Glynn in jail and Cathal can't get the paperwork from the attorney. Everything about the case is suspicious to Cathal and now he must enlist the help of Mairead who at first resists until realizing her estranged husband is truly worried about the Glynn's.

The corruption of this story goes deeper than Cathal and Mairead could have imagined as the truth begins to emerge and it could be deadly!

De Faoite as Cathal is a man clearly on a mission to discover the truth in the stories he covers. Leaving no stone unturned he does his job and even when mistakes are made it doesn't stop him from the truth. The bigger problem here is that with all his bulldogging to get the story, Cathal tends to forget there are people in his life that need him as well. De Faoite does an excellent job in this role and watching his reaction to what is happening around him is intense and sad at the same time. That's what makes the character of Cathal believable are the reactions by de Faoite with the bad and the ugly of the world he covers.

Kennedy as Mairead is just amazing! Can you tell I'm a tad partial? I am a huge fan and Kennedy always brings it to every role she takes on. The first time I saw Kennedy was in the film MOLL FLANDERS (which is a favorite in my household) and then again in the 1999 in the series Queer as Folk. So imagine my thrill when she was cast in the 2007 series THE TUDORS as Queen Catherine of Aragon up against Jonathan Rhys Meyers King Henry VIII! That is followed by Dexter and the beloved Downton Abbey as Vera Bates. Another fan favorite is the series Orphan Black as Kennedy continues to keep viewers in suspense in her role as Siobhan Sadler. 

Fhlatharta as Sorcha does her absolute best to totally annoy me. As a teenager she is clearly doing everything possible to go against her parents resenting them both. Fhlatharta convinces me easily that she is a teenager who will push buttons. O'Coileain as Seimi is a young man easily persuaded to do the bidding of his Grandfather. He also is clearly ready to push his parents buttons every chance he gets.

Mhonaghail as Dheirdre is the television editor who one minute wants Cathal’s head on a platter and the next takes chances to get the scoop. I love her attitude! O’Gairbhi as Tannion is a character that makes everyone hate lawyers, well done.

A shout out to Linda Bhreathnach as Sarah who is the quite camera girl yet her presence is amazing. She puts up with so much from Cathal and also finds herself in a dangerous situation because of that colleague she trusts. In future seasons I’m rooting for her to move up the ladder of success.

Other cast include Noel Magee as Brian Cooke, Donal O Healai as John Glynn, Sinead Ni Fhlatharta as Mags, McGuire, and Paul McCloskey as Tony Byrne. 

MHz Choice offers U.S. viewers streaming access to MHz Networks' expanding library of the best international television mysteries, dramas, comedies and documentaries subtitled in English. MHz Choice delivers a high quality experience to a growing list of subscribers who watch online with iPhone, Apple TV, Android, Roku and Amazon Channels! For more of what they have to offer for viewing please visit www.mhzchoice.com.

TG4 is the Public Broadcaster Service in Ireland for the Irish-language audience. Available in almost all the homes in Ireland, there programming includes news, current affairs, sports, music, drama, children's television and television. TG4 has won a slew of national and international awards for their programs and deservedly so.

CORP + ANAM is a series that is brilliantly written addressing many of the issues found around the world. From the dangers of teens and computers, domestic abuse, corporate squashing of those who can’t fight back to the family issues we all face everyday, this series doesn’t hold back.

The cast is absolutely amazing and I have to say it is brilliant that this series took on so many serious issues. There was no sugar coating or holding back which I appreciate about a storyline that I want to invest time in.

Leaving off at Season Two I can also say that I am truly excited to see where these characters go. The writers have opened the door in a stellar way to continue sharing with us all Cathal and Mairead’s careers and marriage, the kids growing up and the stories that need both of their help to stop injustices in their community.

The DVD includes all 410 minutes of Season One and Season Two with English subtitles from the Irish Language which is fascinating to hear. CORP + ANAM is a critically acclaimed Irish-Gaelic thriller that will leave you wanting more.

In the end – what stain is on your soul?

ICE AGE: The Great Egg-Scapade Arrives for Spring on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD and Digital HD from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in time for spring is the next colorful adventure from the crazy gang from ICE AGE: The Great Egg-Scapade.

Manny (Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary), Sid (John Leguizamo), Ellie (Queen Latifah) and the rest of the gang are back! Spring is coming and it's time to celebrate. Of course Manny and Diego think that means sitting in front of the cave TV. window watching their favorite games instead of helping Ellie gather eggs to dye. 

Meanwhile Sid has another Sid-idea and tells Manny and Diego he is opening up an egg sitting service. Being a sloth just lying around is something Sid can relate to and thinks his idea will be a big hit. Reaching out to the other creatures he actually manages to get a few Moms that need an egg-sitting break. 

While 'sitting' the eggs disappear and the parents are beside themselves. Manny, Diego and Ellie swing into action and discover a map with a ransom note demanding a boat in exchange for the eggs. Thinking they can outsmart the dastardly ex-pirate bunny Squint (Seth Green), they find an ally in bunny Clint (Blake Anderson) who wants to make things right. 

This is the world's first egg hunt!

Of course there is absolutely nothing downer to say about the gang. Romano comes in with everything that is Manny. Still the grumpy protective mammoth of this ice age motley crew, he always does what's right. He loves his family and friends so don't let the 

complaining fool you. Leary as Diego has always been the character I have loved watch coming around. He is a saber with a heart of gold and don't let the long-tooth sway you otherwise. 

Leguizamo as Sid is...well Sid. He clearly loves his herd and only wants to fit in the best way possible. Of course that usually leads to chaos in some form but it doesn't mean he won't have back up from Manny and Diego. It's good to know who your true friends are.

Latifah as Ellie is the motherly matriarch of the herd and is making sure that holiday celebrations are big, colorful and include everyone. When the eggs go missing, Ellie gets a mindset that is purely parental and I relate to her and all the hilarity that follows.

Green as Squint gets a chance to be the bad-bunny of the story. Still upset about what happened to Captain Gutt and the boat, he wants a new boat and his old life back. Anderson as Clint knows his hare-brained brother and the idea to steal the eggs isn't cool. Not about to let things get out of hand, he helps the group but not before trouble slows everything down.

Other cast include Keke Palmer as Peaches, Seann W. Scott as Crash, Josh Peck as Eddie, Lili Estefan as Gladys Glypto, Wendy Williams as Condor Mom, Gabriel Iglesias as Cholly Bear, Taraji P. Henson as Ethel and Chris Wedge as Scrat.

Twentieth Century Fox 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.

ICE AGE: The Great Egg-Scapade is absolutely fun, hilarious, colorful and needs to be sitting along every ICE AGE film in the home library collection. There is everything to love with the celebration of spring, Easter and the traditions of egg coloring and the 

fun filled hunt. ICE AGE has always brought the storylines that include family and that means no matter what species you are.

The acceptance of each other has been a constant mainstay of the ICE AGE series and it continues. There are so many life lessons that include diversity of these creatures, acceptance of their differences and a tolerance - of course I'm speaking of Sid here! The folks at Blue Sky Studios give families everything we love about the ICE AGE gang and then top it off with a great ensemble cast that have returned and humor that keeps both kids and kids at heart laughing.

The DV includes the Special Features of Ice Age: Collision Course Cosmic Scrat-tastrophe, Ice Age - The Story So Far, Six Scrat Shorts, and Lost Footage. The Digital HD means you can watch ICE AGE: The Great Egg-Scapade on the family television, computer, tablet or Smartphone.

                                                                                

In the end - the gang is here to help celebrate Easter!

Welcome to the Reception and TABLE 19

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from director Jeffrey Blitz, the comedy writing of Jay and Mark Duplass and Fox Searchlight Pictures is the best group at TABLE 19.

Preparing for a weekend getaway wedding, Eloise (Anna Kendrick) isn’t as happy as one would think. Also invited is Walter Thimple (Stephen Merchant), the Kepp’s Bina (Lisa Kudrow) and Jerry (Craig Robinson), Rezno Eckberg (Tony Revolori) and former nanny Jo Flanagan (June Squibb).

Showing up in their wedding finery, they head to the reception discovering they are all being seated at table 19 in the back of the hall. Spending a few moments making introductions, Eloise shows up and proceeds to lay it on thick.

She informs them all that she was once the maid-of-honor but broke up with boyfriend Teddy (Wyatt Russell) who happens to be the brother of the bride. Stunning her table-mates with her forwardness, Eloise gets a bit brutal informing them of why they are at Table 19.

Bina and Jerry spend time snipping at one another, Walter can’t seem to answer direct questions put to him; Rezno has a mother who pushes him to find a girl at the reception and Nanny Jo has tales to tell of the bride and her brother.

Eloise tries to forget that she’s in the same room with Teddy and it is everyone at table 19 who stands by her – and each other. The most unlikely table becomes the most likely to find the true meaning of friendship.

Kendrick as Eloise is endearing and has a biting wit that gets her into a bit of trouble. Losing brides maid status is the least of Eloise’s’ problems yet sitting at table 19 offers her more than she could have ever expected. Kendrick has the awesome knack of bringing relatability to a character and even when she’s being a tad wretched, she easily receives forgiveness.

Kudrow as Bina is a woman clearly unhappy with the way her life is turning out. Feeling alienated from the young married life she remembers is causing a rift now. Kudrow gives us her funny side mixed in with a motherly attitude towards the group. Robinson as Jerry seems to have become fixed in his life as a diner owner and book reader but that’s only on the surface.

Russell as Teddy has a magazine rack full of issues and wishes Eloise would just go away so he won’t have to deal with any of them. Merchant as Thimple is absolutely hilarious as his story unfolds. He starts as the odd man out who isn’t as odd as people may think. Revolori as Rezno is a young man clearly trying to find his way through life and at table 19 he’s doing it wearing a furry tie. He is a straight forward character who clearly needs to break free!

Squibb as Nanny Jo is the jewel in this film, the icing on the wedding cake and the stuff that older lady’s are made of. I loved every moment of her performance and no one could have ever done it better. She is amazing and all I could think is how cool it would be to hang out with a Nanny Jo.

Other cast include Margo Martindale as Rezno’s mother Freda, Thomas Cocquerel as Huck, Andrew Daly as Luke Pfaffler, and Maria Thayer as Kate Milner.

TABLE 19 is a quirky, twisted, hilarious, heartfelt, jaw drop of a story filled with moments that are so relatable for anyone who has ever attended a reception. None of this surprises me as the Duplass brothers have once again brought every range of emotion in one afternoon. If anything else, the next time anyone attends a reception after seeing the film will wonder why they are at their assigned table.

Of course I’m leaving out a lot of detail because I had such a good time watching this film that I want everyone to enjoy it as well. This cast is just magical bringing out the best and worst of their characters only to discover that we are all broken in some way or another.

Quick to judge, quick to anger, quick to run and quick to realize that we all need one another to get through the craziness of life. These characters just remind us to have a sense of humor while it all plays out the way it’s supposed to. So, get some cake and be a part of TABLE 19.

In the end – you are invited to the wedding of the season.

HBO VICE PRINCIPLES: Talking with Georgia King

Jeri Jacquin

HBO brings class into session with the current release on Bluray, DVD and Digital Download pack of comedy that will test your take on laughter with VICE PRINCIPLES: The Complete First Season.

When the Principal (Bill Murray) resigns from North Jackson High School, the position of principal is being carefully watched by two very different teachers. Neil Gamby (Danny McBride) is a no-nonsense teacher and counselor who isn’t about to change his tight ship ways and Lee Russell (Walton Coggins) who has a frightening side all wrapped up in a well dressed charming teacher. The outgoing principle knows neither of these men is fit to lead any high school.

Taking on the new incoming principal Dr. Belinda Brown played by Kimberly Herbert Gregory, these two are going to turn the school upside down until one of them wins! Fellow teacher Amanda Snodgrass played by Georgia King, is a new teacher who wants to do well at North Jackson High. Her first run in with Gamby doesn’t work out well and gives her an idea of what she is dealing with.

But sometimes weirdness makes strange bedfellows as Amanda tries to understand Gamby and realizes that he isn’t exactly what everyone thinks. The season’s journey for Amanda is filled with twists and the reality that sometimes we are all a little two-sided.

Georgia as Amanda has been busy performing on the small and big screen. I first have to give a shout out to her 2012 performance in one of my favorite hilarious film COCKNEYS VS. ZOMBIES playing the role of hostage Emma. She also played the role of Goldie in the television series The New Normal and Jess in Vicious.

Now, Georgia is the sweet and understanding Amanda Snodgrass in the HBO series VICE PRINICIPLES. I had the complete joy to speak with Georgia about her role, working with McBride, Coggins and Gregory and what it’s been like to be on a show that tests our funny bones.

Jeri Jacquin: Hello Georgia, thank you so much for talking with me today. How are you?

Georgia King: Great, how are you?

JJ: I’m so glad we finally were able to speak today. I have to tell you, I have been singing the praises of your show because it made me laugh so hard.

GK: Really? Oh that’s so great to hear, really it is.

JJ: It could also be that I have a twisted sense of humor so there’s that tidbit. What was your reaction when you got the script?

GK: Actually I was super lucky because I got the entire first season in one email, that’s nine scripts. I sat down, read them and felt like I had been tickled and slapped in the face at the same time and turned upside down. I mean it was wonderful but the show is also mixed with pain, mistakes and a bunch of humanity. It actually moved me as well as making me gasp and laugh. I remember script two when [beeping out spoiler here!] and things like that usually happen in a final episode of a season. I thought ‘oh my this is wild!’ Also this is a wonderful series because they wrote it like a very long movie.

JJ: That’s the other thing I thought was amazing about this show is that you are not allowed to breathe while you are watching it. Everything happens so quickly and it’s like you can’t pick up your jaw because it’s just immediately going to fall again.

GK: Also, the writing is just so clever and it’s a testament to Danny, the writing team and everyone behind the camera. For me it didn’t feel like a quick 30 minute show comedy because there are so many ups and downs. I mean you are feeling desolate in some episodes and gleeful in others. Its very exciting to do the process and then watch it thinking wow, we did that and it’s powerful for different reasons. It’s kudos to Danny and Jody Hill and David Gordon Green for making that happen.

JJ: Watching it is almost exhausting!

GK: Try being in it <laughing>

JJ: Personally I don’t think I could take an hour show. I truly think 30 minutes is all the jaw dropping hilarity I can take on this level.

GK: It feels like an hour in the best possible way.

JJ: Your character is Amanda Snodgrass, and don’t take this wrong but is the normal one.

GK: Oh yes, she’s smack in the middle of chaos and I think what is super smart about the set up for my character is that she is a new teacher. She has a lot of ideas of what it will be like and she’s excited and a lot of positivity. The reality of the situation is very different than her expectations and I think that’s really fun to play.

JJ: It’s interesting to what your character grow because even though she doesn’t really lose that new teachers hope, she embraces a little bit of the craziness about the other characters that even they don’t realize about themselves.

GK: Yes, I agree absolutely. What I think is so wonderful about the show to is that it’s not about the kids but the adults who are behaving worse than the students. Their preoccupation with everyone is their own rivalries and it’s not to do with helping the kids. They are busy being selfish and you realize that Amanda isn’t all put together either. You start to see she has a lot of issues and it was exciting to work with Danny to figure out what it is between Amanda and Gamby, two very different people, and track that relationship. If you want the audience to cheer you on, it is important to figure out what the dynamic of that relationship is. That was a very cool collaborative experience with Danny.

JJ: By the end of the season what I came to understand about Amanda and Gamby is that the reason you both click is because you recognize the same insecurities in each other.

GK: Totally, good, yes you got it!

JJ: A+ for me!

GK: I’m smiling so hard, that’s it! They are two very lonely people who are not where they thought they would be at this time in their lives. They don’t know where they are going and have hopes and dreams filled with insecurities. I think also, and it might be a cliché, but we are the best of ourselves around each other. Amanda and Gamby feel safe and secure together and it shows by Gamby validating Amanda’s writing and supports her. He doesn’t make her feel self conscience about this dream of hers and it’s a beautiful thing – amongst all the terrible things of course.

JJ: We have to talk about working with Danny and Walton, which had to be just a hot mess of fun.

GK: It’s like a dream hot mess of fun. These two men are two of the best human beings I have ever come across, so is Kimberly for that matter. Well, let’s throw in everybody because it’s true. You know how in interviews people say ‘oh this is the best cast I’ve ever worked with’, well, for me it actually was. We work so well together, we play hard and all lived together in Charleston for eight months so we were joined at the hip like a gang. Walton and Danny are incredibly smart men, insanely smart men and incredibly generous and so funny but in different ways. Because of that they complimented one another. I can’t believe I get to work with them.

JJ: I spoke to Kim already and after laughing and talking with her I completely understand how she got the role of Dr. Brown. Now speaking with you it is seriously clear how you were chosen to play Amanda Snodgrass. Both of you are so sweet talking about your cast mates and knowing this is the craziest show ever put together – so whackadoodle that it’s amazing beyond belief.

GK: Oh that’s so cool, thank you for saying that.

JJ: When the season was over I was bummed.

GK: A friend of mine came to the screening and she was so livid that season one ended the way it did. She can’t believe she has to wait a year to find out more.

JJ: I’m walking over to my Bluray player throwing the box at it saying ‘this is some b.s. right here’. I didn’t want it to be over, I mean I have my guesses about the finale ending but come on!

GK: That makes me so happy. It was one of the most insanely amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I was so excited to work with this group of people that I didn’t realize until episode three that I was working with Danny McBride! I was so overwhelmed working with the group.

JJ: I wanted to really thank you so much for talking to me.

GK: I’m so excited you like the show, it’s awesome.

JJ: I can’t wait to see what Amanda is going to put up with next.

GK: There is so much more to put up with.

JJ: Gamby has a lot more to throw her way and I can’t wait to see what it is!

I so enjoyed speaking with Georgia (and laughing) today and honestly could have spent the entire afternoon talking about the show VICE PRINCIPLES. King as Amanda gives a sweetness in the middle of madness that is extraordinary. There are so many twists and turns in her character that season two can not come soon enough.

That being said – I love that fact that she sees something in Gamby that everyone else doesn’t. Yes, it’s nauseatingly sweet and I’m owning it! I’d also like to be a fly on the wall during filming of the next season just to see it all come together.

VICE PRINCIPLES: The Complete First Season is a must-see for everyone with a twisted sense of humor. McBride and Coggins together are a duo that not only bring the best of dark comedy but man they can be disturbing in an awesome way. I love the show and nothing is going to change my mind. It is testing, irreverent, kind of gross, hilarious, jaw-dropping, insane and pretty much a good time.

The series is co-created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill and will have a second season on HBO. This should surprise no one because I’m not about to be happy being left with these two still in high school! I want conflict resolution, okay no I don’t, I want to see Gamby and Russell take another shot at their dream job.

The Bluray and DVD include the Exclusive Bonus Features of Deleted Scenes, Blooper Reel (prepare for serious laughs) and Audio Commentaries with Cast and Crew including Danny McBride, Jody Hill, Walton Coggins and more.

Prepare yourself for everything you think is funny and find out it’s so very much more!

Coming to Bluray is the Brilliant and Stunning JACKIE

Jeri Jacquin

On Digital HD today and Bluray/DVD March 7th from director Pablo Larrain and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is an intimate look at a woman the world knows as JACKIE.

Jacqueline Bovier Kennedy (Natalie Portman) is the First Lady of the United States along with being a mother and the wife of President John F. Kennedy (Caspar Phillipson). After the tragic assassination of the President in Dallas, Texas, Jackie brings a journalist (Billy Crudup) to talk about her role entering the White House, the days before and after the death of the President.

From taking on the role of redecorating the White House and her many television appearances, Jackie brought glamour and glass to Washington. With the help of her assistant Nancy Tuckerman (Greta Gerwig), the First Lady is keeping the pace of what is expected of her.

In an instant that all changed and now Jackie must shift from being First Lady to a widow with two children. Leaning on brother-in-law Bobby Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard) it is a confusing time as Lyndon Johnson (John Carrol Lynch) must now keep the government running.

Packing her children to leave the residence, Jackie must also decide how she wishes to proceed with a presidential funeral. In the midst of her pain and grief, it is in a single moment that the plans for a nation’s grieving fall into place.

These are her words and her actions that help us all remember Camelot!

Portman as Jackie is impeccable from start to finish with her Best Actress nomination for the Oscars. Costume designer Madeline Fontaine were also nominated for an Academy Award and rightly so for the beautiful gowns and dresses that are completely Jackie. From the pink pill box hat and suit to the dress worn in the telecast from the White House, the viewers will be transported with Portman’s portrayal of demeanor, grace and style. She brings an elegance all her own with a riveting performance from start to impeccable finish.

Sarsgaard as Bobby Kennedy is devastated by the death of his brother and knows he must be there for Jackie and the children. Caught in the middle between trying to save the legacy of his brother’s work as President and the incoming Leadership, Sarsgaard gives an emotional performance that I truly enjoyed.

Crudup as the Journalist knocks on the door of Jackie Kennedy believing her to be a woman devastated by death but instead finds a person of amazing strength, a bit of a bite and totally in control.

Other cast include John Hurt as The Priest, Richard E. Grant as Bill Walton, Beth Grant as Lady Bird Johnson, and Max Casella as Jack Valenti.

Twentieth Century Fox 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.

JACKIE film is an absolutely stunning on so many layers and levels. It is a unique telling of a time in history that has been covered hundreds of ways but never from the perspective of Jackie Kennedy herself.

Portman brings an impeccably dressed, soft spoken First Lady to the screen that does have cutting moments when tested. Watching the film it felt like a voyeuristic look at her pain and emotions at a time most private in her life.

The cinematographer is absolutely stunning and the score (nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Mica Levi) didn’t drag out emotions from the viewer but instead enhance them. The costuming for every character in the film brought amazing believability to the time frame the film portrays.

In truth I am mesmerized by the film because I didn’t know what to expect. What struck home for me was when Jackie plays the song Camelot and Richard Burton’s voice rings out telling the story of another fallen believer.

JACKIE is a gorgeous film that should receive every high praise available and was on my list as a Top Ten film of 2016! Now on Bluray/DVD and Digital HD it is a must-see.

The Bluray/DVD and Digital HD Special Features include From Jackie to Camelot Featurette, Audio Commentary by Pablo Larrain and Natalie Portman and a Gallery. The box cover is equally as stunning bringing JACKIE an honored place in everyone’s home entertainment library

In the end – she will make them remember the legacy known as Camelot.

SHOUT! Kids Factory Brings KIKORIKI: Legend of the Golden Dragon to DVD

Jeri Jacquin

From writer/director Denis Chernov and SHOUT! Factory Kids comes an island like no other and characters to love with KIKORIKI: Legend of the Golden Dragon.

On colorful Kikoriki Island live some of the most amazing animals! Their island scientist Dokko has invented a helmet called the Improveizor. It has the ability to share personality traits between each other.

Wally decides that it is just what he needs to become braver. He uses the device without really knowing how it works and instead of a braver personality, Wally becomes a caterpillar.

His friends know that they have no choice but to help Wally but what they don’t expect is plane crashes, mistaken identities, volcanoes and natives who are not as friendly!

All of that can change when you accept who you are.

Wally is such a sweet character but clearly unhappy with himself which leads to all sorts of problems – big and small. Krash is the headdress wearing hyper-fun character who Wally wants to be like.

Chiko makes friendly look easy and he is always looking for peaceful solutions the group’s problems. Rosa is hilarious with a mind completely her own. Dokko wants to make the world a kinder place with his inventions but the Improverizer might be the one gadget they could all do without.

Barry is the gruffy cheerful islander who sometimes is misunderstood. Pin totally believes in only what he can see for himself which makes their adventure hard to take at times. Carlin likes to think about things before jumping right in which can help sometimes. Olga is a sweet character that doesn’t need the adventures the others seem to enjoy. She’d rather be home safe and sound.

Each of these characters brings something different to the group and it is those differences that make everything possible.

This is not the first adventure for the residents of Kikoriki Island as the series is beloved around the world. In the United States, the GoGoRiki series is how fans know these characters and now they are in their own movie.

SHOUT! Factory has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty And The Beast. Also their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Riki Group brings animation with the successful Russian animation of Kikoriki: Team Invincible, Kikoriki: Dejavu and The Fixies.

KIKORIKI: Legend of the Golden Dragon has received the Dove.Org Family Seal of Approval for all ages. The DVD includes a Digital Download and the Bonus Features of Character Profiles as well as a Special Egg-Decorating Kit.

This film has the storyline of friendship, loyalty, and meeting new friends in the most outrageous situations. The animation is stunning and colorful and writer/director Chernov has brought something pretty original to my family.

It is always a thrill to experience new animated characters that are fun, silly yet teach lessons that I want my grandchildren to learn. The biggest lesson is that there are no limits when believing in yourself. This animated film means the entire family can have an amazing time together as well. Add KIKORIKI: Legend of the Golden Dragon to your animated home library on March 7^th from SHOUT! Kids Factory.

In the end – the legend is about to come true!