THE LONG ROAD HOME Begins from National Geographic

Jeri Jacquin

Beginning this week on the National Geographic channel is the global miniseries event with creator Mikko Alanne telling the story of THE LONG  ROAD HOME.

Aguero (E.J. Bonilla) is with the First Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood but also a family man leaving behind wife Amber (Katie Paxton) and two small children to serve overseas. His youngest son Elijah is not taking it well and Aguero explains that he must go with the other soldiers because he is their leader. His son takes it the wrong way but it weighs heavy on his heart.

The next morning the entire company boards their transport to leave for Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq. Getting ready for transfer of authority Gary Volesky (Michael Kelly) prepares for the change working with Troy Denomy (Jason Ritter). Aguero, Sgt. Eric Bourquin (Jon Beavers), SPC Acevedo (Franklin Silverio), SPC Garza (Jorge Diaz), Sgt. Jackson (Joshua Brennan), Spc Carl Wild (Thomas McDonell) and the company are going through town learning the streets.

Stopping to visit with children along with translator Jassim Al-Lani (Darius Homayoun) they are being watched. Sgt. Miltenberger (Jeremy Sisto) makes it clear to the other soldiers that things aren’t always what they appear and that they need to be prepared for that.

Back home Gina Denomy (Kate Bosworth) begins working with Leann Volesky (Sarah Wayne Callies) in putting care packages together for the soldiers. Leann tells the families that help is only a phone call away and they should be afraid to reach out.

In Iraq, the platoon encounters weapons that are inside a mosque and when confronted, tensions rise. Calmed down by allowing the weapons to stay inside the mosque, the soldiers go on their way. Returning to their mission, the convoy is fired upon and they are trapped in an ambush. Taking fire from machine guns, they are forced to run through road blocks and into smoke laden streets where seeing is difficult at best.

At Camp War Eagle the wounded are being brought in and Volesky’s story is told. Celebrating Christmas early with his wife Leann and their young son Alex, the couple deals with last minute life things like changing the oil on the car.

Sadr City has become even more dangerous as the troops begin to search for those shooting at the convoy. This is a fire fight that isn’t going to stop soon.

Bonilla as Aguero is the leader of the group and it is clear why. He knows what needs to be done and leads his men. Trying to find positions to protect them all, he waits while Volesky decides on the next course of action.

Kelly as Commander Volesky believes in the mission of returning every soldier under his command home again. As the ambush breaks out, he must bring about the best plan to take more soldiers into for a rescue. Seeing the wounded men pushes him harder to find answers. Beavers as Sgt. Bourquin doesn’t settle fools lightly and is clear on what he must do. The first casualty brings up Bourquin’s suspicions of their interpreter as he finds it difficult to deal with.

Boseworth as Gina is raising a newborn while waiting word from her husband Troy. When it becomes clear that something is going on in Sadr City, she turns to Leann. Callies as Leann feels she has the trust of the women under her husbands command and does her best to keep them calm. Karina Ortiz is Lupita Garza who is the first to hear about the attack in Sadr City and wants answers.

This is only the first episode with Into the Unknown airing Tuesday, November 14^th at 10 p.m. on National Geographic. It is a series that is to be experienced in it’s telling of the eight-hour battle that happened in Sadr City on April 4, 2004. Told in real time it is a confrontation of innocent Iraqis and trapped soldiers whose families are at home waiting for news.

The film is based on the New York Times bestselling book The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family by Martha Raddatz. She is the chief global affairs correspondent for ABC News and over a twenty year period she has covered the White House and conflict zones world wide. 

Please consider being a part of this experience from National Geographic. Also know that the scenes are intense and in that are the stories of these brave men. There is a frustration level in the first episode alone as these soldiers must come to terms with their situation and how to survive it.

Once again National Geographic has brought a compelling story to television. THE LONG ROAD HOME is just that – compelling and heartfelt in so many ways. This miniseries is worthy of discussion after just the first two episodes and I will be watching every single one of them.

In the end – it is a story of men, their families and a battle for survival.

CARS 3 Revs Up Their Engines Once Again To Race Home!

Jeri Jacquin

Racing into Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from writer/director Brian Fee, Pixar Animated Studios and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is everyone’s favorite racers with CARS 3.

Lightening McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) has been a winner on the track race after race. That is until one day a big race that he felt was a win suddenly changes when a new generation car speeds past to take the win. Shocked, McQueen meets Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer), a new race car that is all teched out and he isn’t sure how to deal with it.

When an event on the track happens, McQueen goes back to his little town to basically hide. That is until his friends Sally (Bonnie Hunt), Luigi (Tony Shalhoub) and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) convince him that he needs to reach out Rust-eze, the sponsor who is now owned by Sterling (Nathan Fillion).

Sterling gives McQueen trainer Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo) who makes her duty to get him up to speed, literally, before the next big race in Florida. Wanting to go back to training the old-school way, McQueen and Cruz begin to understand one another.

But there is still one more thing McQueen needs to do and that’s return to where his mentor Doc (Paul Newman) lived and discover what motivated him! He meets Smokey (Chris Cooper) who introduced him to old-school racers who push McQueen.

When they arrive in Florida, McQueen begins to realize that the racing world is changing and it might be time for him to change too!

Wilson as McQueen once again brings humor and fun to his vocal role. This is a character that just continues to grow, even if he doesn’t understand why he has to. Wanting to be the best for as long as he can isn’t a new concept in life and McQueen eventually shows us all that being the best only changes when we realize change can be oh so good!

Alonzo as Cruz is a young lady car that absolutely needs to know her worth. As McQueen begins to understand her drive, he realizes that he can either help his new friend or be part of the problem. I love Cruz’s get up and go but also her dreams.

Cooper as Smokey brings in the old school gang to straighten out McQueen letting him know that Doc has always been with him. Those scenes are extremely touching. Hammer as Storm is a car that plays to the cameras but his wit even though it is stingingly aimed at McQueen. The addition of Fillion as Sterling is an owner that seems committed to McQueen but, of course he’s only in it for what he can get out of it and not the love of racing.

Larry the Cable Guy as Mater is till the sweetest and sometimes smartest car of them all. He wants what is best for his friends, believes in them and will drop everything to help them. He helps McQueen in ways that even Mater doesn’t realize. Larry will always be Mater!

Other cast includes Ray Magliozzi as Dusty, Kerry Washington as Natalie Certain, Bob Costas as Bob Cutlass, Margo Martindale as Louise Nash, Darrell Waltrip as Darrell Cartrip and Isiah Whitlock Jr. as River Scott.

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

The Bluray/DVD and Digital HD Special Features include Exclusive New Mini-Movie: Miss Fritter’s Racing Skool, Theatrical Short: Lou [Deleted Scenes], Cruz Ramirez: The Yellow Car that Could, Let’s. Get. Crazy., Ready for the Race, Cars to Die For, Generations: The Story of Cars 3, My First Car, Legendary, World’s Fastest Billboard, Commentary, Cars D’oeuvres, Cars 3 Trailers, Cars 3 Car Reveals and Cars 3 Set Fly-Throughs.

CARS 3 is an absolute and fast riding winner! It is fantastic that Pixar and Disney have returned to the original formula that made the original CARS so much fun. Having come full circle with the inclusion of Paul Newman’s character just brought a tear.

The story gives each character an added depth of loyalty, belief in one another, can-do attitude and even when feeling defeated the uplifting of friends. It is thrilling that the original cast came together bringing all the comedy and laughs I felt missing in the second film.

Everyone in the audience truly had a great time and with school ending it is a great beginning to the summer family movie going experience. Lightening McQueen and the gang have brought their story full circle and it is nothing short of well done and fun.

Grab the family and curl up on the sofa with some popcorn and an amazing story from beloved friends who just happen to be CARS.

In the end – It’s not over until lightning strikes!

KIDNAP Doesn’t Stop!

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director Luis Prieto and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a chase of adrenaline when dealing with KIDNAP.

Karla Dyson (Halle Berry) is a single mother working as a waitress taking care of her son Frankie (Sage Correa). Making ends meet the best she can, spending time with Frankie at the park is extremely important. Keeping an eye on him with the ‘Marco Polo’ call out, Karla takes an important telephone call.

Panicking because her husband wants full custody, Karla takes her mind off Frankie for only an instant. In that instant she realizes Frankie isn’t answering her and turns to see a woman shoving Frankie into a car. Racing after him, a chase begins as Karla tries desperately to get anyone’s attention to help her.

Banging metal puts both cars facing one another and Karla sees the face of a man named Terry (Lew Temple) and a woman named Margo (Chris McGinn) who make it clear that they want money. Even that doesn’t go as planned when the chase begins again into a small town. Trying to get help from the local police, Karla becomes impatient and hits the road once again.

At the end of a road Karla comes face to face with Terry but no Frankie! That’s when she digs deeper and to her shock discovers that she needs to keep her cool if they are all to get out alive.

They took the wrong child!

Berry as Karla puts up with a lot from people being a waitress. Keeping her cool comes from focusing on the one thing that makes it all worth it – her son Frankie. When the horror begins Berry carries the weight of the film and certainly takes her share of the physical punishment.

Temple as Terry holds his own and although he doesn’t say much, his appearance is daunting and I certainly wouldn’t want to meet up with him. McGinn as Margo tries to sweet talk Karla believing that they only want money and it all will stop. Once these two characters get in the same vicinity of one another I couldn’t help but yell, “No! Don’t get near her!”

Other cast include Jason George as David, Kurtis Bedford as Del, Carmella Riley as Stephanie, Brice Fisher as Tyler, Andy Wagner as Dean and Aaron Shiver as Bill.

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.

KIDNAP contains the Bonus Feature of a Thrilling Behind-the-Scenes Look inside KIDNAP along as well as a Digital HD copy that can be watched on television, Computer, Tablet or Smartphone.

KIDNAP is a roller coaster from start to finish as Berry carries the film into a chase that I think any mother would have participated in when it comes to their child. Being a good mother is important to Karla because of the amazing connection with her son Frankie. It becomes even more prevalent when she sees him being stuffed into a car!

From the car chases to accidents, this is a character that who isn’t about to let someone else determine either of their fates. She tries to reach out but the clock is ticking and Karla knows it. The ending is a little more than stunning with twists and turns that don’t stop until the films end.

In the end – vengeance is a Mother!

Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS on Fuzzy Bluray is a Must Have for the Holidays!

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director Ron Howard and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is amazing holiday fun with Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS.

In the land of Whoville lives a little Who named Cindy Lou (Taylor Momsen). Feeling rather blue about the holidays she is watching her parents Lou Lou Who (Bill Irwin) and Betty Lou (Molly Shannon) relish the holidays.

Mayor Maywho (Jeffrey Tambor) along with his sidekick Whobris (Clint Howard) are preparing for the Who-bilation that brings everyone close – well, except for one person. Up on the mountain lives the Grinch (Jim Carrey), an unhappy Who-villain who doesn’t see how anything good can come of Christmas.

Cindy Lou has the idea to get to know the Grinch and starts by talking to those who knew him growing up. Martha May Whovier (Christine Baranski) told her story about a young Grinch has how badly he was treated by Who-children but it is clear she still has feelings for the Grinch.

Going up the mountain, Cindy Lou meets the Grinch and tells him that he is chosen to be the Cheer-meister at the Who-bilation. Convincing him to join them in town, the Grinch dresses for the occasion in his own unique way. Once in town he joins in the festivities but all too quickly it turns into mayhem.

Returning to his lair, he plans to make Christmas less jovial for the town people. The best way for him to do this is by stealing their holiday. Waiting until Christmas Eve, the Grinch slinks and slithers through every Who home taking anything that might bring cheer!

That’s when the unexpected happens and the holiday as they all know it changes them all!

Carrey as the Grinch is absolutely stunning and he has been welcome into our homes since the film’s release in 2000. He brought humor, laughter, craziness and green to levels that will never be duplicated. The original animated classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas first arrived on television in 1966 and it was a revelation for the holidays. Carrey brought the character alive in ways that continue to delight families. No one else could have pulled this off – no one.

Irwin and Shannon as Cindy Lou’s parents are delightful and loving towards their daughter and crazy about the Who holidays. They are festive and fun wanting love and joy for the holidays. Tambor is crazy good as the Mayor and Howard as his sidekick is equally hilarious. Baranski as Martha May is Who-ville’s Jessica Rabbit! She is sweet and feeling a bit nostalgic towards the Grinch and I loved her performance.

The absolute winner here is Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou. She is delightful, adorable, sassy, hilarious, giggly and a voice that just resonate into all of our childhoods. I love her gutsy spirit and no nonsense when it comes to believing that the Grinch has every right to be considered a member of Who-ville’s citizenry.

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 Bluray/DVD includes the Bonus Features of Deleted Scenes, Spotlight on Location, Who School Makeup Application and Design, Seussian Set Decoration, Visual Effects, Faith Hill’s song “Where Are You Christmas”, Theatrical Trailer and Feature Commentary by Director Ron Howard.

How can anyone not have this film for the holidays? Especially now that it is wrapped in a fur cover that is totally awesome and Grinchy! Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS has become an iconic part of the holidays for everyone.

The message of love, friendship, belief, reconnection and forgiveness are everything we have come to celebrate about the holidays. From memorable moments of song to watching the Grinch’s heart go from two sizes to small to enormous, gather the family together one more time to laugh and love Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS.

In the end – He puts the mean in green!

Get Ready for THOR: Ragnarok!

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Taika Waititi, Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures is the next adventure from THOR: Ragnarok.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is once again in a predicament but once the hammer is back in hands there is one place to go – Asgard. Knowing that brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has been hiding behind the image of their father Odin, they both go looking for him. Not where Loki left him, they get a little unexpected help.

Thor and Loki speak with Odin and discover that they have sister named Hela (Cate Blanchett) and she is an angry individual and extremely powerful. He tells them about Ragnarok which is the destruction of Asgard by the hand of Hela. When she arrives unexpectedly, Loki panics bringing the gateway and Hela hitches a ride.

Pushing both Loki and Thor out into another world, Thor lands in a pile of junk on a planet that has piles of junk. Captured by Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), he is taken to the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) who has a little fighting arena to keep the masses entertained. Surprised to discover who he will be fighting, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) bring entertainment to the masses.

Back on Asgard, Hela has found a new lackey in Skurge (Karl Urban) who is guarding the door of their world. Heimdall (Idris Elba) is now considered a traitor and no one knows where he is. The destruction of the beautiful civilization of Asgard has begun and the people are all looking for safety.

As Thor, Valkyrie, Loki and David Banner escape from the Grandmaster, their eye is on Asgard and nothing is going to stop them from saving what is left of their world!

Oh yea Hela, it’s on now!

Hemsworth as Thor is physically still ripped (didn’t think I’d miss that did you?), expands his humor and keeps Loki in check and all while still calling him brother, and twists the Hulk/Banner to do what is right for Asgard. Is it me or does he smile a heck of a lot more in this film and join in on the jokes? I think cutting his hair made Thor much more at ease with being the God of Thunder. All of that just gives Hemsworth everything he needs to be the one and only Thor.

Hiddleston as Loki is hilarious, saucy, charming, unpredictable, edgy and although still full of mischief, finds that helping can also be self serving to his way of thinking. I adore Hiddleston, there, I said it. He is so fun as Loki because lets be honest, it is fun watching him have fun being Loki. There are moments where the expressions on his face are just pure magic. I keep thinking ‘when will Loki get his own gig?’ but maybe just having him mischievous in the right amounts works just as well.

Blanchett as Hela is the opposite of Lady Galadriel from LORD OF THE RINGS. Hela is angry, sarcastic and certainly doesn’t walk away from a fight. Knowing her brothers aren’t about to embrace her takeover, she spends her time looking for Heimdall and using Skurge to get what she wants. Blanchett turns on her badass and has no intention of letting anyone find the off switch. It must be said – she is stunning!

Ruffalo as Hulk/Bruce Banner has been stuck being the big green guy for quite a while. He doesn’t want to get involved in any other skirmish but knows what the right thing to do is. Ruffalo also gets to be part of the humor that this film brings out and the audience loved it.

Thompson as Valkyrie is a disillusioned Asgardian who just needs a little push to remember her honor. Goldblum as the Grandmaster is perfection with his zany outlook on things and I’d hire him to be a DJ at my party any day. Hopkins as Odin deserves to be Odin and every time I see this actor on screen it is such a joy.

Urban as Skurge wants a position of importance in Asgard but serving a scary goddess means doing what he’s told and keeping his distance when she’s a bit upset. Elba as Heimdall isn’t about to let anyone get the sword, especially Hela since her plan is universal destruction and domination.

I’m throwing a shout out to director Taika Waititi as the voice of Korg who I think is my newest funny creature. He is laid back yet tells it like it is and when things go wrong, well, he is the last to get all upset about it. Just know that we all could use a good Rock-guy on our side! I think he needs his own Funko actually.

More cast include Rachel House as Topaz, Clancy Brown as the voice of Surtur, Tadanobu Asano as Hogun, Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, and Zachary Levi as Fandral.

Cameos include Luke Hemsworth, Sam Neill, Charlotte Nicdao, Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt Damon.

THOR: Ragnarok is a wild ride from beginning to past the credits end! The story is strong, the special effects are pretty frakken cool and I don’t mind since it is part of this universe. The characters are absolutely amazing and the cross over in the film brought the audience to its comic book knees.

There was serious laughter, cheering and the screening audience were like kids in a candy store. I will say it here and now, I had so much fun watching THOR: Ragnarok. There is non-stop action with a cast that brought their adventure A-game. This film is the reason people go in packs to the theatre, buy huge buckets of popcorn and come out feeling like they have just had an experience worthy of the price of admission.

In the end – No hammer? No problem!

LBJ Reveals an Inside Look at a Man Who Became President

Jeri Jacquin

This week in theatres from director Rob Reiner and Electric Entertainment is a story about a man few knew and this is a moment in history with LBJ.

Lyndon B. Johnson (Woody Harrelson) is a Texan who is sought out by John F. Kennedy (Jeffrey Donovan) to be his Vice President. After the election and the business of the country begins as LBJ tries to find his place in the administration. It is clear that LBJ struggles with the issues of his party and the President’s brother Robert F. Kennedy (Michael Stahl-David).

The President tries to give his Vice-President things to do but Johnson pushes to help the president with his civil rights agenda. Much of what he says falls on deaf ears making the situation even more uncomfortable. That would all change in Dallas on November 22, 1963. On the plane returning to Washington, LBJ with his wife Lady Bird (Jennifer Jason Leigh) by his side, he is sworn in as the next President of the United States.

Immediately LBJ sees the struggle of being compared to the Kennedy’s knowing that a country is grieving. Privately he is a man coming to terms with who he is as well as what he can do to bring a broken country together.

Going to those in the administration who don’t want to serve him or can’t see this new president carrying the torch of a dream, LBJ speaks to the country with a heartfelt message. In that is the start of his own presidency but helping to finish the presidency of another.

He wanted the healing to begin.

Harrelson is astounding as LBJ with his one liners, his staunch belief in what he has to offer and the man with human flaws. I am in awe of Harrelson’s performance and after seeing this film there could be no other actor to have done this.

Leigh as Lady Bird is stunning in her prosthetics because I didn’t realize who she was at first. This is a role, Lady Bird comes from a time where the world was changing and she knows her husband must come to grips with his own changes. Donovan as Kennedy, although a smaller role, explains the pensive relationship between Kennedy and LBJ.

Stahl-David as Robert Kennedy makes it clear he isn’t going to make things easy for LBJ. Even when LBJ becomes President he reaches out to Bobby but it’s hard to get help from someone who is grieving a lost dream.

Other cast include: Bill Pullman as Ralph Yarborough, C. Thomas Howell as Walter Jenkins, Michael Mosley as Kenny O’Donnell, Richard Jenkins as Senator Russell, Rich Sommer as Pierre Salinger, Wallace Langham as Arthur Schlesinger, Judd Lormand as Robert McNamara and Brian Stepanek as Rufus Youngblood.

LBJ is a startling look at a man who is in a position to either stay stuck in a time of fear or be a part of a vision to make the world a better place. What makes this film so amazing to watch is that Harrelson gets lost in the makeup and LBJ comes to life.

Historically there hasn’t been a film that tells the story of how LBJ became Kennedy’s choice for Vice President and what purpose did it serve to do so. Watching Harrelson take this character from candidate to President is riveting in the frustration LBJ felt in wanting to make a difference, appeasing those who wanted the status quo and being compared to a fallen president.

Making a name for himself, the story of LBJ’s own journey of breaking with tradition, breaking with history and even breaking with friendships to promote what the country needed makes this film relevant.

LBJ didn’t have a problem being blustery and saying exactly what he meant – even if it was followed by twisted Texas saying which had me cracking up. I wouldn’t be surprised if Harrelson caught himself chuckling more than a time or two. Reiner captured the moments where letting the lines of LBJ stun the audience that equals the same stun when LBJ shows emotion.

I actually think that LBJ would have been a stellar mini-series because there is so much more to tell about this man and his presidency. I would have definitely signed up for that series! The cinematography is beautifully done and the costuming is impeccable. The set designs bring the White House of the 60’s to us.

In the end – he is about to change more than himself!

HOME ALONE 2 Lost in New York Arrives for the Holidays to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray from writer John Hughes, director Chris Columbus and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is a signal that the holidays are upon us with HOME ALONE 2 Lost in New York.

Once again the Christmas season is here and there is a mad dash to the airport for the McCallisters. Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) becomes confused and separated from his family. Taking the plane he thinks his family is on, Kevin ends up in the Big Apple!

Checking into a swanky hotel, Kevin takes advantage of life in the big city and a twitchy hotel manager Mr. Hector (Tim Curry) to live it up a little. He meets the Pigeon Lady (Brenda Fricker) in the park and after hearing her story knows things must change. He also is drawn to a toy store owned by E.F. Duncan (Eddie Bracken) that is magical for many.

He also sees Harry (Joe Pesci) & Marv (Daniel Stern), the burglars who made his life difficult back home and learns what they have planned – and it isn’t good. When Harry and Marv see Kevin – their lust for revenge brings them right into the hands of a master kid who knows how to set traps!

In the meantime mom Kate (Catherine O’Hara) and dad Peter (John Heard) realize they have once again lost their son and will do what they have to when it comes to having the family together for the holidays.

It is another McCallister Christmas to remember!

Culkin as Kevin is now and forever the kid who brought a twist to Christmas and also brought this series of films into everyone’s holiday. Now that the film is on Bluray, it means that family’s can actually plan a movie night that includes the antics of Kevin and the gang. In this film Culkin is still that kid who has a twinkle in his eye and really isn’t afraid of much once he gets it in his head that no one is going to ruin another holiday!

Pesci as Harry is hilarious, continually and amazingly hilarious. Of course Pesci can play a bad guy with the best of them as he has proven over and over again. When it comes to comedy, Pesci is equally as talented and no one can say differently. Stern as Marv is the guy who follows along with everything – even when it knows it might not end well. I love Stern in this role because he has such a childlike quality and yes, he sure can do a pratfall like no one else!

Fricker as the Pigeon Lady is lovely, endearing, sweet and reminds me of the bird-lady in Mary Poppins. I don’t mind that at all because she gives Kevin focus on the true meaning of love and friendship – even with bird droppings on her shoulder. Bracken as E.F. Duncan is a man who still has a heart for the holidays and an even bigger heart for knowing what his city needs.

O’Hara as Kate is a mother on a mission as she once again navigates the terror that is getting home. Heard as Peter seems less stressed but then again Kate has enough for everyone.

It must be said that seeing Tim Curry in the role of the Concierge is nothing short of fantastic. His facial expressions are perfection and every scene he is in I savor. Yes, a Curry fan most definitely and in this film he deserves a shout out!

Other cast include Devin Ratray as Buzz, Hillary Wolf as Megan, Maureen Shay as Linnie, Michael Maronna as Jeff, Gerry Bamman as Uncle Frank, and Terrie Snell as Aunt Leslie. The film also hosts Rob Schneider as the Bellman, Bob Eubanks as the Ding-Dang-Dong Host, Rip Taylor, Jaye P. Morgan, Jimmie Walker, and Ally Sheedy. 

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.

HOME ALONE 2 Lost in New York is such an amazing family film filled with humor, family, life, love and all the insanity that goes with that (even if you have to nutty burglars chasing you around). My own kids watched all of the Home Alone films over and over never tiring of the antics and now they are sharing their memories to a new generation.

So when out doing early holiday shopping (admit it – you are doing it!) pick up a copy for your own home entertainment library and let Kevin, Harry and Marv along with the entire McCallister family help you celebrate with HOME ALONE 2 Lost in New York.

In the end – he is up past his bedtime in a city that never sleeps!