SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday with break-neck speed from director Jeff Fowler and Paramount Pictures comes a new meaning to the word fast provided by SONIC THE HEDGEHOG.

Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) is the local law in their small town where nothing really happens. When a letter arrives offering him a job in San Francisco, wife Maddie (Tika Sumpter) believes he will finally be happy with the life change. When she goes off to San Fran to look for a place to live, Tom is back on duty trying to figure out how to tell everyone.

In the surrounding forest lives Sonic (Ben Schwartz), a blue alien who knows everything about Tom and pretty much everyone else. Trying to stay under the radar, imagine the surprise when a disturbing town power outage brings Sonic face-to-face with Tom! The rather unusual event also catches the attention of Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) who isn’t about to let anything stop him from discovering the truth.

Using his uber technology, Robotnik finds himself at Tom’s doorstep and the two make it plain what their intentions are. Robotnik wants the fast-blue alien and Tom wants to protect Sonic from anyone getting their hands on hurting him. Making a run for it, it becomes clear that Sonic has to leave Earth but the only way to do that is by the pouch of rings that accidentally got sent to the top of a building in San Francisco.

It’s time for them to take a road trip and what happens along the way brings about learning for them both including a little fun. But they are always looking behind them to see how close the relentless Dr. Robotnik is because he isn’t at all about having fun – he’s about being in control.

Tom and Sonic have a few tricks up their sleeve to give their nemesis something to think about!

Marsden as Tom is a small-town sheriff who doesn’t realize what kind of life that truly is. Meeting Sonic isn’t just about protecting an alien, their time together really gives him an opportunity to see the world in a different way – through Sonic’s eyes. Marsden is charming, sweet and patient (not sure I could be THAT patient) and doesn’t scare easily. Watching Marsden take on Robotnik is entertaining but then again, his whole character is.

Schwartz as the voice of Sonic is fast talking and fast on his feet. Most of us know the character of Sonic but don’t hear him in the video games (yes, I play video games!) so finally hearing him speak in the film is fun, silly (as my granddaughter says) and full of spunk and excitement.

Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is nothing short of stunning, hilarious and everything my family and I wanted to see. Having seen a sneak peek last year presented by Carrey himself, no one was going to tell me if the film was good, bad or indifferent – I was going to see it! This is a comic who has always made me and daughter Jenise laugh and that is saying something. From the very first we knew there was something unique about his humor and special about his ability to use facial expressions and timing. As Robotnik I laughed at his cutting (and admittedly sometimes adult humor) and now can’t imagine anybody else playing Robotnik (or Egg-man as the granddaughter prefers to call him).

Sumpter as wife Maddie is the calm in the middle of the Sonic Storm. She supports whatever Tom wants to do but when she sees Sonic, the extra calm kicks in because she isn’t going to move from her spot until her questions are answered. Melody Niemann as JoJo is absolutely adorable and the reason behind one of Sonics iconic accessories. Shout out to Natasha Rothwell as Maddie’s sister Rachel because she is hilarious. Not exactly thrilled that her sister is married to Tom, she doesn’t miss an opportunity to throw her two cents in which is thrown back when Sonic is near!

Other cast include Tom Butler as Commander Walters, Frank Turner as Crazy Carl, Elfina Luk as Secretary of Homeland Security, Adam Pally as Billy Robb, Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone and Neal McDonough as Major Bennington.

Let me get this out of the way and move on, I am thrilled that they made the changes to Sonic as now he feels and looks more like the character as I thought he should look. He is edgy, really blue and, well, fast! Also, this is going to be a strictly liking the film or it not being on your film radar, it’s a simple as that.

Now, I taught my granddaughter to play the original Sega Sonic the Hedgehog and she picked up on it quick and learned all the characters without me saying a word! Now, she has her sonic pajamas, socks, stuffed doll and the most awesome sunglasses. It is hard to believe that my first experience with Sonic was a game played back in in 1991 taught to me by my sons. The following Christmas they got me a Sega system to play the games and – are you ready for this? – I still have it and it still works (are you reading this Sega?).

So, to go see the film with my family was beyond fun, it was a great day at the theatre. Look, this isn’t rocket science, it is just an escape to the movies for families that want to do something fun together. The adults are going to be brought back to a pretty cool time in their then young lives and the kids are going to giggle at all the antics Sonic provides.

It is the reason we go to the movies as a family, there is something for everyone and with a run time of 99 minutes there isn’t a second of non-stop action. There are just silly laughs and a good time with the family.

In the end – when the world needs a hero…think fast!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is from the Heart

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray, DVD and Digit to delight and remind us all of our potential from director Marielle Heller and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is a writer who is making a name for himself and it's not a good one.  As no one else will work with him, Esquire editor Ellen (Christine Lahti) gives him the only assignment left which is interviewing Mr. Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). Unhappy with it, wife Andrea (Susan Watson) reminds him that Mr. Rogers is an icon and to "please don't ruin my childhood".

Grumpy about all of it, he meets with Mr. Rogers at the studio where he makes his children's television show. Watching his interaction with others makes Lloyd uncomfortable but for more reasons than he is ready to grasp. When it only lasts a few moments, Lloyd packs up his wife and young newborn son and its off to sister Lorraine's (Tammy Blanchard) wedding. Also at the wedding his Jerry Vogel (Chris Cooper), Lloyd's estranged father.

An outburst at the wedding leaves both Lloyd and Jerry roughed up and at the next interview with Mr. Rogers, he notices. Talking it out makes Lloyd even more uncomfortable and can't seem to get away fast enough. That's when Lloyd realizes that things from his past are interfering with his present life. When Jerry tries to reach out but he just can't get past his anger.

Throwing himself into the article, Lloyd watches Mr. Rogers and how he speaks to people, the life topics he covers and his outlook on life. Trying to grasp it all, a family issue means that Lloyd might have the opportunity to see firsthand what Mr. Rogers has been trying to tell and show him about kindness and forgiveness.

Sometimes we all just need one person to believe in us!

Hanks as Mr. Rogers is completely stunning and leaves an imprint in the heart. Because I come from a generation that knew about Mr. Rogers, I cannot think of one actor besides Hanks that could have done this film. I believe so much in what Lloyd's wife says about not ruining our childhood and that could have easily happened. Instead, Hanks reminds us so much of why we embraced Mr. Rogers and why we hold his and our memories so dear. The calmness in the midst of so much sadness in Lloyd's life allows us to open our hearts even further to the story we see on the screen. But do we really expect anything different from Hanks? He gives us all something to think about through his performances and in being Mr. Rogers, we owe him that much.

Rhys as Lloyd is a man who is just living life one moment at a time and it all comes from a childhood anger that he carries like a bag of bricks. Everyone seems to give him a pass with the anger he carries for his father but, as with anyone who lives for anger, the pass is about to expire. He can't fathom how Mr. Rogers can keep his heart so open to others and feels that "Mr. Rogers" is a television persona. It's when he puts the bag of bricks down does Lloyd have a chance to truly connect with those who continue, through it all, to love him. Of course, Mr. Rogers isn't about to leave Lloyd to do all of it on his own.

Watson as wife Andrea accepts Lloyd for the emotional roller coaster he always seems to be on. With a new baby to tend to, she wants more for her family in the way of connection and love. It is easy to believe Watson's performance since it is very similar to Beth from the television drama series This Is Us. Blanchard as sister Lorraine understands Lloyds anger but in her own life is trying to make different choices. She may have made her own mistakes (such as marriages) but Blanchard shows a forgiving nature in the midst of it all.

Cooper as dad Jerry is rough around the edges and not very good at showing remorse or affection. Lloyd can't even look at him without remembering pain and Cooper plays a man who is not only dealing with issues but trying to find a way of saying 'I'm sorry'. Cooper has the amazing ability of playing roles that have so much depth to them once you get past the gruffness as with Jerry.

Other cast include: Maryann Plunkett as Joanne Rogers, Enrico Colantoni as Bill Isler, Wendy Makkena as Dorothy, Noah Harpster as Todd, Carmen Cusack as Margy, Maddie Corman as Lady Aberlin and Daniel Krell as Mr. McFeely.

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

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

The Special Features include Over 15 Minutes of Additional Scenes, Blooper Reel, Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, The People Who Make a Neighborhood: The Making Of, Dreaming Big, Building Small: The Puppets & Miniatures, Daniel Tiger Explains: Practice Makes Perfect and Filmmaker Commentary.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is not exactly what I expected. Yes, it's about Mr. Rogers and yet it isn't. It is Lloyd Vogel's story about Mr. Rogers and how spending time with him changes everything. Then again most of us already know that it can happen because, as with my own experiences, it has before.

Mr. Rogers embraces Lloyd, whether he likes it or not, to try and show that we need one another. Being patient isn't something Lloyd seems to have but it is something Mr. Rogers seems to have in abundance. The two most unlikely people to come together happens slowly throughout the film - and mainly due to the persistence and belief from Mr. Rogers.

Watching Rhy's Lloyd go through his struggle is at times heartbreaking and Hanks as Mr. Rogers almost encourages us to feel that heartbreak. There is acceptance and forgiveness in each frame of the film and, to be honest, it also felt as if we didn't we would let down Mr. Rogers!

It is the perfect time of year for A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD and for reasons that are plain but I'll go ahead and mention them anyway. This is a film about listening to one another, offering help in any way that would ease pain, be there for those we love, forgive just as easily as we hold grudges and always embrace a couple of seconds longer just so the people we care about know that they are not alone.

In the end - we could all use a little kindness!

Take to New Heights with SWIFT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to selected theatres, AppleTV, Amazon and selected digital platforms from directors Andrea Block, Christian Haas and Shout Studios comes the story of a brave little SWIFT.

Manou (voiced by Josh Keaton) is a little bird who has lost his parents. Taken in by seagulls Blanche (Kate Winslet) and Yves (Willem Dafoe) they try to teach him what it means to be a seagull. Even brother Luc (Mike Kelly) adores Manou and can't imagine a day without him.

The problem is that the rest of the seagulls aren't too happy with Manou, especially when on guard duty over the eggs from the pesky rats that try to steal them. Trying to fight them off, one egg is stolen, and the rest of the gulls want Manou to leave - especially when Manou discovers he is adopted and not a gull - in fact he is a swift!

Meeting up with other swifts, Manou learns how to fly, find food he likes and make friends. He starts to have feelings for Kalifa (Cassandra Steen), a girl swift who is ready to teach Manou about swift life! He also has Percival (David Shaughnessy) who knows a thing or two about being a different kind of feathered friend along with Kalifa's brothers Poncho (Arif Kinchen) and Yusuf (Nolan North).

When Manou learns that he has the ability to foretell the weather, it is a storm like no other where he brings swift and seagull together and shatters a belief system that needs it!

Keating voicing Manou is so delightful. From the moment he hatches he just gets cuter and cuter and with the help of Keating, the little swift finds his voice and shares his feelings with us all. I have to say the animation for Manou couldn't be more stunning.

Dafoe as Yves is a father who wants to try to change Manou into forgetting who he truly is. Very protective and loving in his own way, he gives in to gull pressure and makes a decision that puts his family’s feelings and feathers in jeopardy. Winslet as Blanche is an accepting and loving mother who is heartbroken when Manou goes his own way. She gives the little swift love from the moment she sees him and believes in everything that he is, not what others want him to be.

Kelly as Luc is a beautiful, loving and supportive brother who would do anything for Manou. It literally comes through the screen when the family is torn. Steen as Kalifa is full of spirit and fun yet doesn't make fun of Manou's ways but instead is intrigued by them!

The comic relief also comes in the form of Shaughnessy, Kinchen and North with their antics and outlook on the world. Sometimes bird of a feather can flock together in ways that are extraordinary and full of life lessons for us non feathered folk!

Shout! Studios is the filmed entertainment production and distribution arm of Shout! Factory, specializing in all aspects of distribution, including theatrical, VOD, digital and broadcast. Reflecting Shout! Factory’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, Shout! Studios champions and supports like-minded filmmakers and creators at the forefront of pop culture, driving creative expression and diversity in independent storytelling. Shout! Studios finances, produces, acquires and distributes an eclectic slate of movies, award-winning animated features, specialty films and series from rising and established talent, filmmakers and producers.

SWIFT is a delightful and though provoking film and mixed in that is comedy and stunning scenery. It made me want to be a bird of any kind to be able to live on the cliffs above a vast and beautiful ocean. The characters are so memorable in every way with their distinguishable personalities.

I have to throw in a shout out to the Sandpipers because they had me laughing so much from the very start. I adore them but also agree that how they are portrayed in the film is pretty much how I thought they would react to water, hilarious.

The animation is so colorful and full of life that is drew me in deeper to the story. I truly loved every moment of the story with an ending that gave me even more giggles. SWIFT is a story about acceptance, love, family (no matter who you include in the gang), lessons, fighting for what's right and, most of all, believing in yourself so you can soar!

In the end - find your place in the sky!

DRAGONHEART: Vengeance Brings Dragons Home on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital this week from director Ivan Silvestrini and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is more adventures with DRAGONHEART: Vengeance.

Lukas (Jack Kane) is the son of a farmer who lives a quiet life helping to tend the farm animals. One day while basking in the sun in a field, he hears something horrifying – the sound of his family being murdered. Running to the house he sees through the boards The Snake (Carolina Carlsson), The Scorpion (Tam Williams), The Wolf (Richard Ashton) and The Bear (Ross O’Hennessy) commit the act.

Not understanding why they group did it, he does hear in which direction each is going. Lukas makes a solemn vow that he will hold each accountable in any way possible. Beginning his journey on the road he finds a Blacksmith (Cameron Jack) who trades lands for Lukas’ first weapon and the young boy also meets the daring Darius (Joseph Millson) who has a gift with nature.

But it is the Blacksmith who tells Lukas the story of the dragon hidden in the mountains and that taking it a gift might get Lukas the help he needs. Finding the dragon, he discovers that Siveth (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) has no use for mankind. Yet, there is something about Lukas that draws her to him as she joins the journey even if Darius is disgusted by it all leaving with a sour word.

When the story between Siveth and Darius comes to light, Lukas now understands even more that King Razvan (Arturo Muselli) has brought such a rift and all because of so many terrible secrets. Lukas wants another path, one that does not make him worse than those he seeks to bring to justice. Especially since he has found a liking to the healer Oana (Fabienne Pilolini-Castle).

Now, thirty years later, the reason behind Lukas losing his family come down to a Kings fear but that isn’t going to stop Lukas, Darius and Siveth from exposing the truth!

Kane as Lukas is a young man who loves his life on the farm. In one fleeting moment it is all taken away and he must come to terms with his anger and decide which works, revenge or uncovering the truth. Kane is conflicted but as the truths reveal themselves, the character of Lukas remembers who he is and how that will change his destiny forever.

Millson as Darius is an unhappy man who goes around finding a reason to wield his sword yet has the wonderful ability to ‘speak’ to the earth and the creatures. Lukas sees this ability and is filled with wonder by it. As his story unfolds, it is easy to see how this character became so unsatisfied with life and angry at his own past story.

Carter as Siveth is a dragon who has spent many years in solitude. After what has happened in her own life, she is guarded but knows a bad person when she smells one. Her relationship with Lukas is one of protection but, as with the others, she has her own story to tell and the unique perspective here is that Lukas, Darius and Siveth are connected!

Other cast include Ioachin Ciobanu as Messenger, Laur Dragan as The Councilor, James Longshore as Guard Captain and Edouard Philipponnat as Igor.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are 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.

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

The Bonus Features include A New Legend – Take an intimate look at what sets this film apart from previous installments of the iconic DRAGONHEART franchise, and how filmmakers and cast came together to make this fantasy epic and Creating Siveth – Siveth is a dragon unlike any we’ve seen before. In this piece, we get a peak behind the curtain into Helena Bonham Carter’s process for breathing life into this unique character.

DRAGONHEART: Vengeance is a wonderful addition to the series in that it is another look at the story of dragons, which I am pretty partial to. The story does have remnants of the very first DRAGONHEART but it is subtle and reminds us all of why the film continues to hold a place in our hearts.

There is action, adventure, dragons, good vs. evil, loyalty, holding steadfast against those who seek to hurt others and a friendship that will break your heart. What more could we ask for in a film that is the reason large sofas, soft blankets and family cuddle time.

DRAGONHEART: Vengeance is the completion of al all-new five-movie collection already available. They include DRAGONHEART, DRAGONHEART: A New Beginning, DRAGONHEART 3: The Sorcerer’s Curse, DRAGONHEART: Battle for the Heartfire and now DRAGONHEART: Vengeance.

In the end – vengeance can darken even the noblest heart!

THE ASSISTANT Opens the Door of an Intern

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from writer/director Kitty Green and Bleeker Street comes a story of the grind and secrets of being nothing more than THE ASSISTANT.

Jane (Julia Garner) is a young graduate who finds a position as an assistant in a film company. Daily her life is a series of motions from the darkness of morning until the darkness of night. Doing everything that is asked of her, Jane continually finds herself on the edge as the other assistants try to throw her a lifeline.

Her biggest problem is noticing the little things that go on in the office including the behaviors of the executives regarding women. Keeping her head down and taking on some of the more disgusting tasks, Jane takes the initiative to speak to Wilcock (Matthew Macfadyen) in HR about what is happening. Almost immediately she is belittled and all but told to do her job and mind her place.

When another young woman is brought into the office, Jane doesn’t need anyone to tell her that she isn’t there for the same reasons Jane is. That’s when she must decide if this is the life she wants for a career producing or is it time to walk away.

This is not the Hollywood she thought.

Garner as Jane is a mild young woman who sees her future in the torment of her job. Coming in early mornings and going home late with the madness in between is the only way she sees moving forward. This actress gives it all she has and yet her face manages to present itself in such a way as to not show any emotion to her credit. I couldn’t have done the role because I’d be screaming to much!

Macfadyen as Wilcock (aptly named if you ask me) is nothing short of every woman’s nightmare in that he patiently listens to Jane, repeats back to her what she says and then managed to shred every concern she has without ever raising his voice. The whole time this character has a look of someone you’d trust while sharpening his claws under the desk where you can’t see it coming.

The other roles are small to be sure but powerful nonetheless as it points to everyone knowing a thing but pretending it doesn’t matter in the everyone-for-themselves mentality.

Other cast include Makenzie Leigh as Ruby, Kristine Froseth as Sienna, Juliana Canfield as Sasha, Alexander Chaplin as Max, Dagmara Dominczyk as Elle, Lou Martini Jr. as John and Liz Wisan as Edwina.

THE ASSISTANT reminds me of the film SWIMMING WITH SHARKS but a woman. The cut-throat, turning away of the business brings out the shady attitude of everyone concerned. Even Jane’s co-workers are all about the apology emails and letting the boss know ‘it will never happen again’.

I have to admit that I was disgusted that she had to even write the e-mails, but I think the scene in the office with her scrubbing the furniture was my breaking point. We all, whether we admit it or not, have done things in our jobs that no one would believe but in Jane’s case it is all much to much which is the purpose of the film. Bringing out such a reaction from me is saying something as I found myself talking to the screen and Jane a lot during the film.

The film doesn’t hide behind the glitz and glamor of Hollywood but instead portrays the raw underbelly of secrets and deceptions and those who pay. I watched this character follow her dreams only to discover that it’s a nightmare to get there.

THE ASSISTANT won the Truly Moving Picture Award from Heartland Film this year for writer/director Green and Bleecker Street Media. It was also nominated for Best Film by the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

In the end – its what is not said that says everything!

USS MIDWAY Museum and GI Film Festival San Diego Present a Special Screening of MIDWAY on Friday, February 7th at 7:15 p.m. on the USS MIDWAY in celebration of the Bluray release of the film. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m.!

MIDWAY is being released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment -- Digital February 4, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD February 18.

This event is FREE but a ticket is required for all ages for admission – for tickets visit: https://gifilmfestivalsd.org/…/midway-on-the-uss-midway-mu…/

MIDWAY centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

Best Foreign Film PARASITE Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

 

On Bluray this week from director writer/director Bong Joon Ho and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a daring film when dealing with a PARASITE.

 

Let's introduce the Kim family - Ki-taek (Kang-ho Song) is married to Chung-sook (Hye-jin Jang) and they share a very downtrodden lower, lower level apartment with there son Ki-woo (Woo-sik Choi) and daughter Ki-jung (So-dam Park). The interesting thing about this family is that as each day passes it becomes painfully obvious that jobs are as scarce as a wifi signal.

 

When Ki-woo's friend leaves to study abroad, he suggests talking over a job tutoring a young girl. The family is very nice but even better is the pay. Knowing he doesn't qualify to tutor anyone, sister Ki-jung comes to the rescue with her unique abilities.

 

At the doorstep of Park home is Yeon-kyo (Yeo-jeong Jo), she welcomes Ki-woo into their home and introduces daughter Da-hye (Ji-so Jung). Yeon-kyo watches their first lesson and is so impressed with Ki-woo that he's hired immediately. He also meets Yeon-kyo's youngest son Da-song (Hyun-jun Jung) and learns she believes he has artistic promise.

 

Ki-woo sees he is a bit of a handful and tells Mrs. Park that there is an art therapist he knows that can help with Da-song. Enter sister Ki-jung who is now Jessica, an art therapist who, after speaking with Mrs. Park about her son, is hired immediately. All of this is fine with husband Dong-ik (Sun-kyun Lee).

 

So much so that he offers to let his driver take 'Jessica' home and, you guessed it, a plan is hatched for dad Ki-taek to get that job, followed by mom Chung-sook to get the housekeeping job away from long time employee Moon-gwang (Jeong-eun Lee). As the Park household takes a new shape, Yeon-kyo seems thrilled with how well things are going under her roof, except she doesn't know what's actually going on under her roof.

 

You following so far? Yes? Well, that's the easy part because what comes next is chaos, mayhem and a shock that will leave you talking for days!

 

Song as Ki-taek is a father who isn't sure of anything except if you reach high enough you'll eventually find a wifi signal. He is thrilled when his son gets a good job even if they have to fudge things a bit. That one good day sets into motion craziness that he could have never saw coming on his best day folding pizza boxes (you'll get that reference soon enough).

 

Choi as Ki-woo is pretty happy with his new job and even happier when the family expands their ability to get their phones turned on. He's feeling more comfortable than he ever has in his life thinking this all could last forever. Park as Ki-Jung is smart, cutting and cunning all wrapped up in a ball that is calm, cool and totally collected. She likes this good life and a bottle of the bosses good stuff is a bonus.

 

Jo as Yeon-kyo is just trying to keep her household together and running smoothly. Getting her daughter and son squared away gives her a moment to enjoy the life, a beautiful home and a husband who brings home the bacon big time. Lee as Dong-ik just wants things around him to be as smooth as Kim's turning radius in a Benz, then again, don't we all?

 

Jung as Da-hye is a young girl who clearly doesn't find anything redeeming about learning but certainly doesn't mind 'Kevin' being their each day either. Jung as Da-song is high strung with a ghost story Mom is keeping away from everyone. Lee as Moon-gwang is just a peach of a woman who has been in that particular house for many, many years. Let that be a warning.

 

Other cast include Myeong-hoon Park as Geun-se, Seo-joon Park as Min and Keun-rok Park as Yoon.

 

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are film of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

 

The Bluray, DVD and Digital Bonus Features include A Q&A with Director Bong Joon Ho.

 

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

 

I honestly didn't know what to expect from this film PARASITE but let me tell you I could not stop watching it. I felt as if I was being lulled along with a story of a family that would do pretty much anything to make ends meet. I mean I know I'd be pretty upset if I had to chase down a wifi signal to the corner of a room sitting on top of a toilet. (I'm probably more serious than anyone realizes!)

 

But this family, the Kim family, are every bit as clever with survival instincts that are quite impressive. I'm being cautious on how to describe them because I am dead bug serious when I say each has to be experienced to believe them. I liked their ingenuity and the way they honestly celebrate each other. A family that plans together - well, you know.

 

Then the story goes really dark and I found myself sitting on the edge of the sofa not sure what was going to happen next. Who, what, where, are you kidding me? - are all words that were spoken out loud during the film (thank gawd I was alone). I haven't talked this much to a screen since my first viewing of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW in 1975.

 

All I can tell you without telling you is that PARASITE is a total mish mash of emotions, laughter, jaw drops, weird giggles and uncomfortable moments that had me captivated from start to finish.

 

It is absolutely no surprise to me now that PARASITE won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film and it no surprise that the film has been nominated for six Academy Awards. Adding to that list are SAG Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and over 100 awards and nominations and rightly deserved.

 

It’s a story of a family trying to stay together, another family trying to find their happiness together and a lot of unexpected insanity thrown in between.

 

In the end - it's all in the family!