Haunted Mansion Is Mostly Forgettable

Haunted Mansion is the newest film to adapt a Disney ride for the big screen but this comedy is too long and fails to deliver the laughs. After having so much fun watching Jungle Cruise in 2001, it pains me to see that the fun is missing in their newest attempt to bring a theme park attraction to the big screen. There’s no reason that this film needed to be over two hours long. Rather…

"Haunted Mansion Is Mostly Forgettable"

History of the World, Part II is Worth The Wait

At long last, History of the World, Part II is finally seeing the light of day and the sketch comedy series is worth the 40-plus year wait. I never thought I’d see the day. I binge-watched the eight episodes almost as quickly as Hulu sent the screeners. Listen, I know the series is premiering on a Jewish holiday but try and fit in some time to watch the two episodes as soon as possible. Believe…

"History of the World, Part II is Worth The Wait"

The Survivor – Toronto 2021

Ben Foster turns in a career-defining performance in Barry Levinson’s new film, The Survivor, based on the life of Harry Haft. While many perished at Auschwitz, Harry Haft (Ben Foster) found the will to survive. Not so much because of boxing for the Nazis’ amusement–including Nazi camp commander Dietrich Schneider (Billy Magnussen)–but because he wanted to reunite with his girlfriend, Leah (Dar Zuzovsky). If not for boxing, it’s doubtful Harry would have lived. But this…

"The Survivor – Toronto 2021"

Space Jam Arrives On 4K UHD For 25th Anniversary

Space Jam, a live-action/animation hybrid, makes its arrival on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary. Prior to Space Jam, most Looney Tunes features were just compilation pieces merged into one. This certainly isn’t the case here as the film features a complete story arc. It’s not so easy to blend live-action with animation but they manage to get the job done. We have live actors existing in the toon world and…

"Space Jam Arrives On 4K UHD For 25th Anniversary"

The One and Only Ivan is Heartwarming

The One and Only Ivan is another heartwarming picture from The Walt Disney Studios and it is sure to be a solid winner for Disney+. By my count, this film marks the third of four films from Disney to skip theatrical release.  Given the pandemic, the studio is taking advantage of having Disney+ at their disposal.  At the same time, you also can’t help but feel bad for the theaters because it means a lesser…

"The One and Only Ivan is Heartwarming"

Jumanji: The Next Level Raises The Stakes

Jumanji: The Next Level appropriately raises the stakes as the game takes all the major players to the next level upon their return. If you read nothing else, please do not immediately leave as the credits begin to role.  There is a mid-credits scene. It’s been two years since the previous adventure.  While some things have changed, the core four have remained friends.  So what happened to lead us to where we find ourselves today? …

"Jumanji: The Next Level Raises The Stakes"

Batman Returns: A Solid Sequel

Batman Returns doesn’t quite outdo its predecessor even though the film has perfect casting with Danny DeVito as the Penguin. Listen, if you’re going to use the Joker as your main villain in your first movie, you better have a good card hidden up your sleeve.  Thankfully, there are some other strong contenders in Batman’s (Michael Keaton) rogue gallery.  In this case, Batman Returns opts to use the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and anti-hero Selina Kyle…

"Batman Returns: A Solid Sequel"

Dumbo gets the Live-Action treatment

The hour-long Dumbo gets the live-action treatment in a film running nearly double the run time of Disney’s 1941 animated classic. Max Medici (Danny DeVito) runs the Medici Bros. Circus and we’re introduced to all the characters moments into the film.  It’s post-war Sarasota, Fla. when Captain Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) returns home to children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins).  Things are much different from when the two children last saw their father.  For…

"Dumbo gets the Live-Action treatment"

Smallfoot available on Home Video

Starring the voices of Channing Tatum, James Corden, and Zendaya, Smallfoot is now available to bring home on physical home media. Sasquatch has seen quite the interesting year dating back to the tail end of 2017.  This came in the form of various feature films.  By the end of 2018, the year of Sasquatch would not be limited to just live-action alone.  An animated film would join the Sasquatch Cinematic Universe come September 2018. Migo…

"Smallfoot available on Home Video"