Friendship Begins with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital platforms from director Michael Johnson, Automatic Entertainment and Shout! Kids is the animated story and A TOOTH FAIRY TALE.

Young Van (voiced by Booboo Stewart) is a young fairy who is learning the ways of being a fairy which his father doesn’t really see. His Mom on the other hand wants her song to succeed and is willing to help. She explains that his magic just needs time and patience. On the first night out to deliver coins to the children who have lost teeth, his dad presents him with a very special wand. He soon discovers that someone has beat him too it!

Getting back to the other fairy’s, he explains what he found but no one seems to believe him. On the second night out, he meets Rupee, a small troll who is more than happy to help Van. Going through a secret space in the rocks, Van finds another world that is far from his home. There he finds Gemma (Larkin Bell), a goblin who warns him that fairies are forbidden there yet they learn from one another.

Quickly, Van and Gemma discover they have something in common – parents! Gemma takes Van around her world and shows him how they live. They also discover that the stereotypes on both sides are not correct. When Gemma discovers that fairy dust in her invention will allow her to go out into the daylight, she and Van feel like they are free to enjoy each other’s company in the sky. Someone who wants either fairy or goblin a certain widow, Queen Mortina, (Fran Drescher) in the dark.

Now, Van and Gemma have to find a way to be together before what lies in the dark ruins everything!

Stewart lends his voice to Van, a young fairy who is learning the ropes of getting a tooth and leaving a coin. His parents are trying to understand his difficulties and its even made more difficult when Dad is the trainer of the new fairy’s. Van is different, he sees the world as something to be explored, learned about and discovered. That might be his biggest problem that even his friends don’t understand. Bell as Gemma has the same problem. She is a smart goblin who examines and learns about everything and is creative enough to invent things but doesn’t always fit in. She and Van realize fairly quickly that they both are on the outside but with each other they get it.

There only problem happens to be a very dark Queen and Drescher gets to be that eight-legged fright in the night. Her character is one that both the fairies and the goblins have fear of and that would be the one thing that they need to come together on for the sake of their children. That doesn’t stop Drescher from giving us a wicked and snappy character that made me giggle.

Other cast include Jailen Bates, Mary Deaton, Maz Jobrani, Paty Lombard, Jon Lovitz, Tony Nation, Zachary Rice, Presley Ryan and Vivica A. Fox.

SHOUT! Studios 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 along with releases such as WALLACE & GROMIT, FERNFULLY, SHAUN THE SHEEP and so many more. For more of what SHOUT! Kids has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Automatic Entertainment is a Los Angeles based independent motion picture distribution management company. Collaborating with content creators to develop and produce movies that appeal to a global audience, they work closely with theatrical distributors, television networks and film festivals around the world to secure distribution that promotes movies and series to the widest possible audience.

A TOOTH FAIRY TALE is really a wonderful film all around. The animation is so well done, colorful and dark at the same time. It gives us three different worlds which means three ways to use animation skills to show it to us all. I loved all three worlds as it shows the ways that one side misunderstands the other through outdate beliefs and stereotypes. That’s what I found most interesting, the stereotypes that Van and Gemma talk about made them both willing to be understanding. That is an important issue that kids can truly relate to and apply to their own life.

The story is so well done I just love Van and Gemma. This is a film that families can enjoy together, have some laughs, learn from and truly embrace from start to finish. I really do love when a film can be shared and the subject offers teachable moments. Films are so powerful in general but when you can tell a story such as this through animation and a good story, I can’t help but recommend it to anyone I meet – especially those with children.

Characters such as fairy’s, trolls and goblins are always of interested because they hold such mystery. Bringing them all together in a film with their own story to tell is so beautiful and worth the time to view again and again. So, cuddle up, grab some popcorn and spend a night at the movies with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE!

In the end – their friendship can save them all!

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from directors Richard Claus, Karsten Kiilerich and Shout! Factory Kids is a tale of friendship and loyalty with PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA.

Pang the Panda (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing) and best friend Jielong (Georgina Verbaan) the dragon are the best of friends. Spending their days playing games and waiting for Jielong to learn to fly, they are living the hometown life. When the two get to spend the season together, there is so much more to do! That is until an unexpected visitor reaches their shores and takes Jielong away.

Where? In Africa, the young prince lion Ade (Namisa Mdalose) is told by his uncle Malume (Silas Lekgoathi) that a special present its way. Pang is not about to let his best friend disappear and finds Xing-Xing (Thom Hoffman) the orangutan to take him across the sea where he meets Jojo (Maurits Delchot) the talapoin. The goal is to have Jojo lead him to where the lions are and get Jielong back.

Ade is surprised when he learns Jielong What Pang doesn’t expect is to meet the very sweet Niala (Candice Modiselle), the spotted hyena who has a history with Ade. There is a secret that is keeping the lions and hyena’s from sharing the same space. Now Pang and Jielong each do what they must to get free, save Niala’s family, Ade’s kingdom and get back home. That’s a lot for Pang and Jielong but they will not stop until they are home.

Other cast include Sthandile Nkosi as Kabora, Thulani Nzonzo as Mpho, James Weebo as Darius, Charles Ouda as Abu, Angel Orugbo as Camel, Joyce W. Musoke as Mrs. Python, and Adriana Pang as Kang.

SHOUT! Studios 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! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The DVD includes the Special Features of a Featurette, Selected Scenes from PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA and Theatrical Trailer.

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is the very charming animated film that any family who loves a little sofa cuddle time are going to enjoy. There is so much to offer here with a story of friendship between the young Pang the Panda and Jielong the dragon. They have an amazing friendship of fun, adventure and loyalty to one another. When someone scary happens to one, the other jumps in and does everything possible to help. That would be an amazing story in itself.

Yet, in this film, there is also the story of the animals in Africa and the dilemma they find themselves in. Jielong sees what is happening in the lion kingdom and Pang learns about the secrets in the hyena world. There is a conflict on both sides and little do they realize that two animals from another place on earth can help in the most heart-warming way possible. That makes the story even more wonderful to watch with the family. As a family, it is a chance to talk about everything the film offers and that is so important.

The animation of the film is colorful, fun, lively and brings about so much joy. The cast bringing their voices to each of the characters had me and my family laughing so much. What I love about such films like PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is that it is also a bit of a teaching tool about animals around the world. My granddaughter was thrilled to learn about them and is now interested in researching them even more.

This is a story of wildlife with lions, pandas, hippos, lions, dragons, gorillas and meerkats. So, grab the family, cuddle up on the sofa and prepare to take a trip into friendship!

In the end – bravery knows no size!

SNOW WHITE Comes to Digital

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital this week and coming to Bluray from director Marc Webb and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the live-action story of SNOW WHITE.

Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is a young girl who has spent years at the hands of her evil step-mother the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). One day while scrubbing her usual floor, she hears a noise coming from the kitchen and meets Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) who happens to be stealing potatoes. Letting him go, the castle is alerted and the next time she sees him, Jonathan is in the presence of the queen.

Realizing that the people outside the palace need help, Snow White decides to have a talk with the Queen. After that doesn’t go well, the Queen has a nice little chat with her Magic Mirror (Patrick Page) who lets her know that her “fairest of them all” status is in serious jeopardy. Deciding to fix that immediately, she orders the Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) to take Snow White out into the forest, kill her and bring back proof in a box.

Making his choice, Snow White runs away and finds herself in the house of the Seven Dwarfs. Some are not happy about her presence and other want to help her all they can but she believes that looking for her father is best. Making her way through the forest, she meets Jonathan once again and his band of followers but their meeting is cut short as palace guards are looking for her.

The Queen decides to take matters into her own hands with an apple but Snow White and her new friends aren’t about to take it lying down!

Zegler as Snow White offers up her take on the 1937 classic animated film. She is outspoken and has no issue with make dwarfs clean their own house. She vamps up the film with song and taking on a Queen so she has that going for her. Burnap as Jonathan is a bit of a cross between Kristoff (FROZEN) and Ken (BARBIE). He starts out as a thief with his own goals and finds himself entranced by a girl and her dwarves. Kabia as the Huntsman is a good man being asked to do a bad thing. Page as the voice of the Magic Mirror is so cool with his deep voice and only one answer to the same question.

Gadot as the Evil Queen made me laugh. Her wickedness is on point and Gadot may not be a singer but she took control and it was hilarious. It reminded me of Melissa McCarthy playing Ursula in another meh live-action remake of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Gadot looks like she is having a blast and doesn’t care one flick of her pointy nails what anyone thinks and I’m all for it.

As for the Seven Dwarfs, it seemed only three got the top roles and that’s Doc, Grumpy and Dopey. They are the three that fall into Snow Whites charm and find that they want to protect her from anyone who has other ideas. Dopey is a cutie and I don’t think anyone would dispute that.

Other cast includes Hadley Fraser as the King, Lorena Andrea as the Queen, George Appleby as Quigg, Colin Carmichael as Farno, Samuel Baxter as Scythe, Idriss Kargbo as Bingley, Jaih Betote as Norwich, Dujonna Figt as Maple and Jimmy Johnston as Finch.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment 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!

Bonus Features include Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics, Deleted Scenes: Anguish and Opportunity, Danger in the Woods and Hunt for Snow White, Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.

Also, Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics, Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more and Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

The Seven Dwarfs voices include Jeremy Swift as Doc, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, Andrew Feldman as Dopey, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Jason Kravits as Sneezy, George Salazar as Happy and Andy Grotelueschen as Sleepy.

SNOW WHITE is very colorful and there are new songs for the kids to learn but, let’s be honest here, everyone has to “hiiiiiiii hoooooooooo” right? The dwarves have always had a place in people’s hearts, yes even Grumpy, and those two words have been synonymous with all seven of them. I’ll say it again that Gadot just looks like she is having so much fun being bad that I almost forgot how evil she is supposed to be but, she quickly reminds us all that she is a Queen and a force for not good.

Having the film on Digital now allows those who didn’t see the film in theatres to have their opportunity to enjoy at home. It’s a chance to sing, dance and see what Disney has done to bring audiences together because everyone in the family can make it a night of fun and adventure. All the extras make it fun as well because nothing beats a bunch of bloopers at the end of a film.

In the end – the fairest of them all?

DUNE: Prophecy Brings Season on to 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Legendary, HBO and creators Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker is DUNE: Prophecy.

It is ten thousand years before the Kwisatz Haderach when sisters Valya (Jessica Barden) and Tula (Emma Canning) Harkonnen join the Sisterhood. The women are trained to be Truthsayers to the Great Houses of the Imperium. Valya (Emily Watson) eventually becomes Mother Superior and works to solidify Emperor Javicco Corrino’s (Mark Strong) bloodline while at the same time dealing with Arrakis and spice. Soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) has caused a disturbance for Truthsayer Kasha Jinjo (Jihae) while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) is being rebellious in her own way.

Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) is making claims against Duke Ferdinand (Brendan Cowell) and Valya uses Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) to reach out to a deceased Mother Superior. Constantine tells Richese (Laura Howard) the truth about Ynez husband and it is clear that Desmond is a force that no one can control as he moves like a ninja through the politics. Valya realizes that he wants to totally destroy the Sisterhood and attempts to subdue him. Valya’s past has much to do with her history with the Atredies and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) but both are dealing with it still in the present with Lila.

Valya is now the truthsayer to the Harkonnens yet Desmond tells Javicco to remove them from the Landraad. Tula uses acolytes and their dreams to learn about Shai-Hulud but also, Lila wakes from her deep sleep. Using Theodosia’s (Jade Anouka) ability to shapeshift, Valya tries something unusual. Once Javicco makes Desmond a Bashar, he wants to find a way to catch Valya for her hand in the spice and after a raid, she gets Mikaela (Shalom Burne-Franklin) to Arrakis. Javicco decides to send Constantine (Josh Heuston) to Arrakis to quell problems.

The shock becomes who Desmond is and each of the pieces in the game change up but not before Valya, Keiran (Chris Mason) and Ynez arrive on Arrakis!

Watson as Valya is just perfection in that she is exactly how I would see a Bene Gesserit looking. She has the amazing ability to do the most underhanded things with a straight face and a glare in her eye. Her performance is intense, and adds to the mystery of the story that is constantly in flux. Williams as Tula and Valya’s sister means there is a lot of family drama to unfold in the package. Learning what she has done and what she plans to do is equally as intense as Watson and Williams make the perfect pair.

Strong as Javicco is an actor that I have followed for so many years. Each performance and character he brings to life will either be full of sympathy or wrath, Javicco is a hard package to unwrap but I am here for every second of it. Lea as Sister Lila doesn’t realize what she is in for with the Harkonnen sisters who seem to be on their own path. Then again that is true for any of the characters that get in their way.

Fimmel as Desmond, oh my gosh have I missed him on screen. He left us all emotionally stranded after the A&E series VIKINGS and he did television series work with RAISED BY WOLVES and BLACK SNOW. When I learned he was to be in this serious, I have to admit that it pushed me toward the show even more. As Desmond, he is a man on a mission even if others don’t know what that is or why. I am thrilled to see what his character is capable of next, as are the 15+ million viewers.

Other cast include Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Barbara Marten as Sister Avila, Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea, Cathy Tyson as Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul, Hannah Khalique-Brown as Sister Farouz, Tessa Bonham Jones as Lady Richese, Charlie Hodson-Prior as Pruwet Richese, Sam Spruell as Horace, Karima McAdams as Sister Nazir, Mark Addy as Evgeny Harkonnen, Polly Walker as Sonia Harkonnen, Earl Cave as Griffin Harkonnen, Milo Callaghan as Orry Atredies, David Bark Jones as Vergyl Harkonnen, Archie Barnes as Albert, Tabu as Sister Francesca.

The episodes include The Hidden Hand, Two Wolves, Sisterhood Above All, Twice Born, In Blood Truty, and The High-Handed Enemy. Also included are over an hour of bonus content, five extended featurettes including Building Worlds and Behind the Veil, and one all-new-bonus features exclusive to the 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD.

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

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with Legendary Pictures, Legendary Television and Digital Media and Legendary Comics divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. For more please visit www.legendary.com.

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

DUNE: Prophecy is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The series is a stunner or “fire” as the kids say now. As a fan of the original 1984 film, it was always a question of history for me. How and why did the Bene Gesserit start, what was their goal and why? These are just very basic questions because I actually have two sheets of paper with more. For fans of the story, they also have questions about the Bene Gesserit that I probably haven’t even thought of.

Not to mention, there are lines from the film that have found their way into every day life, like when someone says to you, “who does the/she think he/she is?” the reply would be, “he is the Kwisarts Hatarak!” and DUNE: Prophecy is well on its way. When someone asks you about today’s political climate, the response is “The Imperium is a circus of fear and rumor”. That is one way to know that your audience is being reached effectively!

DUNE: Prophecy has amazing cinematography that is absolutely part of the story. This is a world put together with the brushstrokes of a masterpiece and details that are unforgettable. To say it is a dark tale is pretty much an understatement as every character is twisting and turning the story at their own whim. As a fan of intrigue and the war of houses vying for supremacy, this series needs, honestly, more than six episodes for a season. You listening HBO?

The patriarchy thinks they are in charge and the sisterhood is fine with letting them think so because it offers them a chance to do what they want in shuffling their world. It brings about the supernatural world that each character is trying to control and bend for their own reasons. Each step is choreographed by one of the characters and in lies the intrigue and juicy scheming that audiences crave in their series viewing. The bonus to all this is the excellent casting choices that bringing all of this together in a bow of perfection. Congratulations all around and with a second season coming, DUNE: Prophecy on 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD is a great way to rewatch and catch things you might have missed!

In the end – power lies in the shadows!

 

 

Prime Asks for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime Video from director Paul Feig is the return of two women who have a history but not afraid to ask for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR.

It has been five years since Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) brought down the sly Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). Since then, she has written a book about what happened and is at a book signing when in walks a haute-couture laden Emily. Stephanie is surprised to see her and is informed that her case is on appeal. What does she want you might ask? Well, Emily wants Stephanie to be her maid of honor with upcoming nuptials in Capri. Her intended is Dante Versano (Michele Morrone) a very tall, handsome and mysterious man that Stephanie is suspicious of.

Hopping a private plan to Capri, Stephanie brings Vicky (Alex Newell) along just to make sure that Emily doesn’t decide to take revenge on her. On the trip, Emily tries to convince Stephanie that she has no ulterior motive for wanting her to be there, just that she is someone Emily can trust. Arriving, the first uncomfortable guest they meet is Sean (Henry Golding), as the two women realize that a drunk Sean is a troublesome Sean. The first event is a lunch as Stephanie meets Dantes disapproving mother Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci) who has a surprise of her own for Emily. Her Aunt Linda (Allison Janney) and mother Margaret (Elizabeth Perkins) have arrived and so is the trouble that they can cause.

That’s when things begin to go horribly wrong but, as shocking as that is, Emily and Dante are not about to stop the wedding for anything. That also doesn’t stop more horrible thing from happening and now Stephanie is once again in the middle of it all. Being held, Stephanie knows that its time to kick into true-crime solving mode in order to get herself out of the mess she is in. She believes that her mother might hold the keys to some of the answers and its time to do her best sleuthing before she ends up behind bars.

Being friends with Emily has its moments!

Kendrick as Stephanie is dealing with the low end of success from the book she wrote about the mess with Emily. Everyone has an opinion about what happened and Kendrick’s Stephanie does her very best to live with all the mess. When Emily reenters her life, Stephanie makes it clear that she ‘isn’t as nice” as she used to be. Her wit is sharper and her mistrust is on high alert. That’s what makes watching her this time around so much fun – the fact that she’s onto Emily. Wit for wit, watching Kendrick with the comebacks is like watching a ping-pong tournament, take your eye off the ball once and you might miss the good stuff.  

Lively as Emily makes a huge comeback and, as with the five years earlier, does everything big – big entrance, big hates, big presence – and makes it look good. I just love how Lively handles the back and forth with Kendrick and makes it clear to all of us watching that we will never know for sure if she’s serious or not. She is full of mystery and sly fun and I am absolutely here for every bit of it. Casting Lively along side Kendrick was a stroke of genius in 2018 and bringing them back together to do it again with a script that works is brilliant once again.

Morrone as Dante is the mysterious man Emily is marrying and it is clear that they are close. Protecting his lady against ex-husbands and irate mothers, Morrone does a grand job until he doesn’t. Well done. Ricci as Portia is the mother-in-law from hell who is not happy about her son’s marriage and isn’t about to go down without a fight – and she has the weapons to make that happen. I just loved her to pieces because she is a spectacularly dressed crazy mom.

Janney as Aunt Linda is another crazy lady who happens to be in charge of her sister who also falls into the category of a crazy lady. She is sharp and I just love the fact that Janney’s career has brought so many different characters and she has performed each one superbly, if you can’t tell, Janney is one of my favorite actresses. Perkins as Margaret has spent most of her life swimming in a bottle and it is clear that Emily is not happy about either family member being at her wedding. Perkins is funny and full of information.

Golding as Sean returns as a man who has found the bottle as well and being in the same room with both Stephanie and Emily just brings out his own warped humor. He did enjoy the luncheon show so that’s something. I just love that he returned to his role of Sean. Newell as Vicky is just happy to be vacationing in Capri and being ringside to all the insanity of it. She sees another book and her career improving with the madness that happens when Stephanie and Emily get together.

Other cast include Joshua Satine as Miles, Aparna Nancherla as Sona, Kelly McCormack as Stacy, Diletta Jayne as Lulu, Ian Ho as Nicky, Lorenzo de Moor as Matteo Bartolo, Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville and Andrew Rannells as Darren.

Prime Video offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series. For more information, please visit www.amazonprime.com.

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR is a fun, twisted, mysterious, and sharp-witted film that doesn’t have a moment of boredom. I will admit to being hesitant to watch the film as sequels don’t have a wonderful track record but I can honestly say this film is completely outrageous in the best way possible. The story is so well written, the snappy one-liners are going to be used by me no question, the setting is lavishly big like Emily’s personality and full of who-dun-it that Stephanie loves.

This is exactly the type of film you want to sit back with a good glass of wine, a charcuterie board and some pals who are looking for a night of laughs. Expect the unexpected, prepare for jaw drops and figure out the mystery because there is more to the story than meets the eye.

In the end – every friendship has its twists!

 

RICK AND MORTY: The Anime on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and DVD from Adult Swim, Takashi Sano and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment is a series that is out-of-this-world with RICK AND MORTY: The Anime.

The Galactic Federation is attacking and the Smith household has unwanted guests. Rick is taken and isn’t going quietly. In a more colorful place, the real Rick is living his best life. All the while, Morty is busy with a VR game given to him by Rick. The young girl Elle meets Morty in the simulation but only for a brief moment. In a flash, another Rick shows up with coward Frank. Then, Rick is having a rough trip home running into multiple Ricks and Summer sees the problem calling on Space Mom. Rick meets a younger Rick as Space Mom goes all John Wick on a mutant space ship until rebel back up arrives. Space Mom and Tammy get a chance to hash things out but its only for the moment.

Morty wants to find Elle but instead finds Rick. The Galactic Federation is all shades of angry when they realize that Morty and Rick are related and that Elle can foresee the future. What they don’t see is Morty and Elle joining the rebels against the Federation. Rick is in another Ricks reality and he is not happy about it at all. At the Smiths, Dad Jerry is busy baking a special cake but it is all interrupted by a Space Mom pick-up. When Rick and Morty are captured, the joe is on the Galactic Federation and the kid decides to join the Federation. Jailed on a chicken nugget charge, Morty takes on everyone.

Morty wants Rick to make his dad a superhero. So when Dad Jerry and hero Jerry get together, a sword is what is causing problems and people are looking for it. The rough necks have been sent to the Smiths to retrieve it. Rick and Morty are on the case to try and stop any chaos Jerry might cause in the anti-verse. Tammy is trying to get away from her world and is taken by the Federation. She meets Elle and sees what she can do. Morty and Elle are in school together much to the joy of the kid. Space Mom thinks that Elle is up to something but also knows the girl has saved more than one Smiths life.

Rick and Elle talk past and futures. Space Beth has been captured by the Federation and Rick is going to find her. Morty and Elle follow wanting to help as well. What none of them know is that the prison ship is a set up but who is setting up who? The prisoners are taking their chances to stop the Federation. The Smiths are trying to avoid the Federation because of something a different Rick created. Rewind Rick has created something that can destroy all the worlds. Space Mom and Sunny are headed out to space to take on their enemy. Jerry is loaded to protect the home while Rick and Morty do what they can to save Elle. Summer is proving she is built to be a warrior in her own right. Rick monologues about Elle and the devise another Rick created.

The battle rages on at the Smiths home and hero Jerry arrives to help. The secrets are slowly coming out about Elle. Rick makes it clear that either the universe survives or Elle does. The Federation doesn’t see the rebels as a threat but, as always, they are sadly mistaken. Morty also learns he is a revered hero among the rebels. Rick and Rick take a moment for a philosophical debate while Marty has a meltdown. That’s okay though as Summer has the battle well in hand. As the family sits back for an after-battle meal, Morty is tending to his broken heart. Rick gives him a helmet that allows him to be with Elle and a whole lifetime together. The problem is the headset is stuck so now Rick and Summer have to track down what universe Morty is in!

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

Adult Swim is the leader in adult animation and #1 destination offering critically acclaimed, award-winning series that also include Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, The Eric Andre Show and so many more. For more of what Adult Swim has to offer please visit www.adultswim.com.

The episodes include The Girl Who Manipulated Time, Fighting Mother, Alien Elle, Memories, Family, Free Will, When We Meet In Our Dreams, Feel Don’t Think, Her Innermost Wish and A Pain in the Back.

The cast include Joe Daniels as Rick/Jerry, Gabriel Regojo as Marty, Luci Christian as Elle, Donna Bella Litton as Summer, Patricia Duran as Beth, Shawn Hamilton as President/Goldenfold, Brandon Hearnsberger as Nimbus, Katelyn Barr as Tammy, Greg Cote as Toby, Andrew Love as Story Lord, Brittney Karbowski and Ty Mahany as Frank.

RICK & MORTY: The Anime is work of visionary director Takashi Sano and he does not disappoint. I spend the entire Bluray laughing myself silly and having my memory consistently tested as to which Morty and Rick was the Morty and Rick at the Smiths house and how far into the multiverse do they go and when was Summer allowed to be Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley? I have so many questions in the middle of cracking up. I absolutely loved the jokes, I love the sarcasm, I love the situations and, just saying, I loved all of it.

The animation and creations are really so well done and it is clear why so many people I know are completely obsessed with RICK & MORTY. Adding this Bluray to their home anime collection is an absolute must. This summer we have already planned a Rick & Morty party and show RICK & MORTY: The Anime on our outdoor screen for all our guests to enjoy together. It is always fun to laugh together with other obsessed fun fans!

In the end – this is Rick and Morty’s multiverse!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand from director Leo Lewis Liao and Level 33 Entertainment with the story by Roger Chen bringing the animated MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR.

Mulan (Kim Mai Guest) is a young girl who has disguised herself as a man in order to join the army and save her family. Becoming a skilled soldier with a sword, she can hold her own in combat with her unruly nature. Chosen to go on a mission, the goal is to bring about the ending of someone Mulan is told is a danger to the country. When she discovers who the intended person is, Mulan also meets Arke (Alan Lee), a stable boy who wants what she wants – adventure and justice.

Someone else to be on the watch for is Lone Wolf (Vivian Lu), another woman who is equally skilled at fighting. She and Mulan are locked in a battle of their own but there is mutual respect in the midst of it. The one constant is Arke, the stable boy, who not only irritates Mulan but also challenges her like no other. The shock comes when they both realize that the Commander (Matt Yang King) is not who he appears to be and can divide the country even more than Mulan could have ever realized.  

Strength and honor for their country!

Other cast include Joe Ochman as Mulan’s Father, David Pak as Asung, Greg Chun as Advisor and Chris Niosi as the Prince.

Los Angeles based Level 33 provides innovative sales, marketing and distribution services for feature films and entertainment content, delivering a flexible and transparent distribution solution for all platforms including Theatrical, Home Entertainment, On Demand, Broadcast and OTT. For more information, please visit www.level33entertainment.com.

MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR is the story of Mulan, a young girl doing what she believes is right for her family. Putting herself on the line for her country, she is brave, strong and a bit headstrong. What makes this an absolute fun watch is the colorful animation and the twists and turns the story takes on. Most know the story of Mulan but this telling is very different and I enjoyed that the most.

Having films that uplift girls/women are very important in today’s world and this film falls wonderfully into that category. Mulan is a powerful example of what confidence in yourself and doing the right thing can bring about. I watched the film with my granddaughter and she absolutely loved the concept of the film. When I asked what part of the film she enjoyed the most, she said the relationship between Mulan and Arke in that they both wanted the same thing but went about it in different ways.

The story is action packed and so well done. The attention to detail and the actor providing the voices of the characters adds a rich layer to the film from beginning to end. MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR is family fun that needs to be a cuddle-on-the-sofa-together kind of film time, with popcorn of course. It is also a story that can be talked about together as it relates to family, friendship and defending those who need it the most!

In the end – she fights for honor!