When I'm with you baby
I go out of my head
A and I just can't get enough! In high school you'd often fine me listening to a Depeche Mode tune, in fact they were the first band I ever saw in concert! So, I had some nostalgic flashbacks of those times when hearing that a Depeche Mode concert film will be shown in October on IMAX screens at movie theaters across the country.
DEPECHE MODE: M is a unique cinematic journey into the heart of Mexican culture's relationship with death, framed by the iconic live performances of Depeche Mode during their 2023-2024 Memento Mori tour. Conceived and directed by award-winning Mexican filmmaker Fernando FrÃas, the film captures the band's three sold-out shows in Mexico City, blending concert footage with interpretive interstitials and archival material. The feature-length film takes audiences on a musical and spiritual journey, as the songs resonate in real time with fans, illustrating their timeliness multi-cultural influence while delving into the profound connection between music, mortality, and Mexican tradition.
CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets. Are you geeked about a Depeche Mode IMAX experience?
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is now on Digital and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on October 28 from Lionsgate. Based on the novel by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and stars Judy Greer (13 Going on 30, Jurassic World), Pete Holmes (“Crashing,” “Dropout”), Molly Belle Wright (True Spirit, Mistletoe Ranch), and Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls,” “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”). It is rated by the Motion Picture Association of America PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking.
The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully…and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time, but she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas.
Home Video Release Special Features:
Audio Commentary with Director Dallas Jenkins and Producer Kevin Downes
Herding the Kids Featurette
Director’s Diary Featurette
All About the Pageantry: Creating the Look Featurette
Rock on! Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem Band are coming to the Disney+ streaming service in a new Muppets themed show. The Muppets Mayhem arrives May 10, 2023 with all of its episodes available to view at launch. Check out the trailer just released to promote the show: The Muppets Mayhem follows The Electric Mayhem Band — Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone and Lips on trumpet — on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven young music executive, Nora Singh, the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current-day music scene as they try to finally record their first studio album.
As Muppet productions are known for, there will be a number of celebrity cameos in the show. Special guests will include:
Paula Abdul
Steve Aoki
David Bizarro
Rachel Bloom
Nicole Byer
Sofia Carson
Charlamagne Tha God
Tommy Chong
Billy Corgan
Stephanie D’Abruzzo
deadmau5
Desiigner
Colton Dunn
Morgan Freeman
Susanna Hoffs
James Hong
Jennifer Irwin
Karamo
Kesha
Tommy Lee
Lil Nas X
Riki Lindhome
Cheech Marin
Ziggy Marley
Jack McBrayer
Arden Myrin
Nico Santos
Kristen Schaal
Ben Schwartz
Ryan Seacrest
Kevin Smith
Chris Stapleton
Danny Trejo
Joe Lo Truglio
“Weird Al” Yankovic
Cedric Yarbrough
Zedd
The Muppets Mayhem soundtrack will be available on audio streaming platforms beginning May 10, and the band’s debut album, “The Electric Mayhem,” is set for release on vinyl on May 12. Are you geeked about Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem's new tv show and album? I am!
Who is your favorite Looney Tunes character? Bugs Bunny...Daffy Duck...Porky Pig? Mine is the Tasmanian Devil. Probably because like me he is a wild and crazy guy who isn't always the most articulate person in the room. I've been a fan of TAZ way back to when able to remember first watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid.
TAZ: QUEST FOR BURGER is a new, original movie from Warner Bros Animation that will be focused on the Tasmanian Devil. Get ready for the comedic and touching adventure that proves every misfit can be a hero, with Taz: Quest For Burger, which is having a straight to digital media release on June 6, 2023. This movie meant for family audiences has a run time of 72 minutes and will be available from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more.
After an outlaw abducts her father and steals their town's food supply, a feisty adolescent Bandicoot named Quinn recruits The Tasmanian Devil to help her find the thief. Taz may be an ill-tempered rogue with a fearsome reputation, but he and Quinn will have to work together to track the criminal through the wilds of Tasmania and save her community.
Thank you to Paramount Pictures for inviting me to an advance screening of the new Dungeons & Dragons movie before it officially begins its run at theatres on March 31st. This live action adventure flick based upon the Dungeons & Dragons role playing game is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for language, fantasy action and violence. I found Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves to be a fun dungeon crawler romp that balances including elements of the Forgotten Realms to satisfy diehard game players with comedic overtones aimed to amuse mainstream audiences.
This new film has the whimsical vibe of the Saturday Morning Dungeons & Dragons cartoon that those of us who grew up in the '80s remember with gleeful nostalgia. Those cartoons utilized Dungeons & Dragons mythos to establish the setting for the show's adventures; but viewers didn't need to care about the roleplaying game to appreciate and enjoy the tv series. It was just a bonus if you liked both!
Similar to the cartoon, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves utilizes the rich history of the game to tell a story that most anyone who is looking for a couple of hours of cinematic escapism watching an action movie will find entertaining. In fact, the cartoon's inspiration on Honor Among Thieves producers is evident as the animated series' characters make a cameo in the film. Though, I have to say the live action portrayal of Bobby, Hank, Diane, Eric, Hank, Presto and Sheila was much better portrayed in a 2019 car commercial by Renault. That being said, this Dungeon and Dragons movie was fantastic enough to support future additions to a movie franchise that hopefully includes an actual live action adaption featuring the adventuring party from the cartoon. If Hasbro can transform Transformers into a blockbuster movie franchise, they are off to a good start in replicating that success with Dungeon and Dragons.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a campy movie filled with humorous moments, nicely choreographed fight sequences, and impressive special effects that is meant to have audiences laughing and cheering on its heroes while enjoying a big bucket of buttery popcorn. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously nor is it a dark, brooding horror film. It is meant to provide an entertaining experience by eliciting laughs, cheers and sometimes jeers within the theater without people worrying too much about the plot but rather having them appreciating being along for the ride with the film's charismatic cast.
While rated PG-13 from this dad's perspective I'd say this film is suitable for a family outing to the movie theater with kids as young as elementary school aged children. Parents should be aware though that there are some scenes that could be scary to young viewers involving death and the "undead." Plus, the villainous Red Wizards in the film are menacing! This is a film though that for the most part kids, teens and adults can all appreciate making it an especially nice movie for the whole family to see together.
Honor Among Thieves features a band of characters portraying the Dungeons & Dragons classes of Barbarian (Michelle Rodriguez), Bard (Chris Pine), Druid (Sophia Lillis) and Sorcerer (Justice Smith). More misfits than heroes, these outlaws are just trying to steal back the normalcy of life that has been taken away from them and inadvertently become tasked with stopping a monstrous plot to destroy the world as they know it. A mysterious Paladine uplifts this motley crew of thieves to unlock the honor that lurks within them. On the run from both lawful authorities as well as minions of an evil wizard, this band of thieves big score is becoming heroes.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval for the simple reason that I left the theater with a smile on my face having enjoyed seeing it. Simply for being an example of fun and funny Hollywood magic, Dungeon and Dragons Honor Among Thieves is worthy of your time and treasure to see it in a movie theatre. Catch it while you can before this film disappears from big screen showings. Oh, and if you go see it while the film is showing in theatres stick around for a mid-credit scene.
Thank you to Warner Bros Pictures for inviting me to an advance screening of their newest DC Comics inspired superhero flick, SHAZAM: FURY OF THE GODS before it flies into movie theatres on March 17th. This sequel to 2019's SHAZAM! is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for sequences of action, language and violence. From a dad's perspective this movie seems fitting to go see for most mid-elementary school aged kids up to middle aged geek dads like me. Parents beware though that there are some murder and other death scenes that may be traumatic for young viewers and swearing including a "Motherf*ck#r" shoutout at a pivotal moment in the movie. Just a heads up!
SHAZAM: FURY OF THE GODS is a high-flying superhero action flick. In fact, I think there were more scenes of the film's heroes flying through the sky than in any other recent comic book themed movie that I can remember. Flying is one of the key powers of the character who has been attributed with characteristics of ancient gods and heroes from Mediterranean lore:
S - Wisdom of Solomon allows him to speak any language & guides him with a moral compass.
H - Strength of Hercules provides muscle power equivalent to Superman or Wonder Woman.
A - Stamina of Atlas gives extraordinary endurance against damage from physical attacks.
Z - Power of Zeus grants electrokinesis to generate and control lightning.
A - Courage of Achilles gives an edge to overcoming fear.
M - Speed of Mercury allows for superhuman movement including flying.
What would it be like to have the powers of S.H.A.Z.A.M. and be able to soar through the air? In addition to attending an advance screening of this new action-adventure film, my kids and I had the chance to participate in a Warner Bros. Pictures event that let us fly like SHAZAM! We had a super time at iFLY Detroit which let us experience skydiving in a state-of-the-art indoor wind tunnel.
We also had a super time watching SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS. It is great show for grabbing a bunch of snacks, like a movie theatre-sized box of Skittles or a big bucket of popcorn, kicking back in your seat and enjoying some Hollywood cinematic escapism. Laugh at the jokes, cheer on the heroes, and you may even shed some tears too. No spoilers though in this review.
SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS is a fun, zany movie. I really enjoyed it! Especially because it shoots a lot of good-humored jokes at Marvel including tossing to the wind copyright and trademark concerns in one scene calling the hero by his original name ... Captain Marvel.
A high energy flick if you go into the movie appreciating it for what it is, an adaption of comic book stories originally written for kids, you'll find yourself entertained by a satisfying escape from reality. What kid hasn't dreamed of being a superhero with extraordinary abilities and SHAZAM! is that child who suddenly finds himself thrust into greatness. SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval for being worthy of a family outing to the movie theatre. Plus, I loved the mythological creatures and some other cameos featured in the film.
The only gripe I really had with the movie is that it portrays Billy Batson, the kid who transforms into the adult superhero SHAZAM!, as an 18 year old getting ready to face actually becoming a grown up. In the comics this character is normally depicted as a 12 to 16 year old to contrast the immaturity of his normal persona compared to the more mature superhero identity. Zachary Levi who plays the SHAZAM! role acts more like a young teenager than a boy on the verge of manhood as we see Billy Batson in the film played by Asher Angel.
If the film showed Billy at a younger age than Levi's performance would have made more sense as he acts like a kid in a man's body. Of course, being that more then three years has passed since the first SHAZAM! movie was released it is understandable why it took this approach to the character. If another movie comes out with this same cast, it will be interesting how this age issue is addressed as having the boy transform into SHAZAM is a big aspect of the character.
Directed by David Sandberg, SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS has a running time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Plus make sure to stay for a mid-credits scene you won't want to miss. The film's cast includes Levi (SHAZAM!), Angel (Billy Batson), Jake Dylon Glazer (Freddy Freeman), Adam Brody (Super Hero Freddy), Helen Mirren (Hespera), Lucy Liu (Kalypso) and Djimon Hounsou as The Wizard.
Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with their adult superhero alter egos. When a vengeful trio of ancient gods arrives on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Shazam and his allies get thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of the world.
For more information about the film, visit dc.com/shazam
What would it be like to soar through the air and fly the way SHAZAM! does? My kids and I had the chance to find out when Warner Bros Pictures hosted us to participate in an indoor sky diving session at iFLY Detroit. Jumping into a state-of-the-art wind tunnel let us experience the thrill of bodyflight without having to dive out of a plane.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods flies into movie theaters the weekend of March 17. It was fantastic of Warner Bros Pictures to provide us the experience to fly like the superheroes in DC Comics movies do! What was the iFLY experience like? It was AWESOME!
Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with their adult superhero alter egos in SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS. When a vengeful trio of ancient gods arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Shazam and his allies get thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of the world.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] for sequences of action/violence and language. Directed by David Sandberg with a cast that includes Zachary Levi (Shazam!), Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy Freeman), Meagan Good (Darla Dudley), Ross Butler (Eugene Choi), Rachel Zegler (Anthea), Lucy Liu (Kalypso), and Helen Mirren (Hespera). The movie has a runtime of two hours and ten minutes. For more info about the flick visit shazam-movie.net
After our thrilling iFLY bodyflight experience, Warner Bros Pictures hooked us up with some fun SHAZAM! swag. A lunchbox, water bottle, graphic novel, cell phone charger, movie poster, hats and t-shirts hyping the new superhero movie. Plus, they treated us to a pizza dinner! Our family had a super time during our Shazam! experience at iFLY Detroit.
Are you geeked about seeing SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS on the silver screen when it begins playing at movie theaters on March 17th? What would you do if bestowed with the power of the gods? Would you fly? SHAZAM!
A mystery box courtesy of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment arrived at our doorstep the other day. What could be inside?! Wow! A box full of free goodies for a Puss in Boots family movie night!
The leche-loving, swashbuckling, fearless feline, Puss in Boots returns for a brand-new animated movie adventure along with his former partner and nemesis Kitty Softpaws as well as a new sidekick tritagonist Perro who adds some canine hijinks into the cats' death-defying quest. PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH COLLECTOR'S EDITION is now available to add to your home entertainment video library on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. The movie is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for action/violence, rude language and scary moments.
The home entertainment edition of PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH COLLECTOR'S EDITION includes over an hour of bonus content. These include an all new short titled THE TRIDENT along with featurettes delving into the movies cast of characters and behind the scenes details about making this animated flick. Of course, it also has deleted scenes too which we've come to expect on home video releases of movies.
We had a fun night spending some quality family time watching the new Puss in Boots movie and enjoying the goodies Universal Pictures Home Entertainment sent our way. They sent a nice Paint by Numbers art project that my daughter won the opportunity to be the one to add a splash of color to it in a rock, paper, scissors competition between her, my wife and my son. I'm going to hold onto this quality painter apron they sent for my tabletop gaming hobby. I've been painting a lot of miniature game pieces lately for Deadzone, Dodos Riding Dinos, Marvel United, Star Wars Legion and Zombicide. This painting bib will really come in handy!
Our family movie night fun pack also included a bunch of activity sheets with crosswords, puzzles and mazes that we had fun with before watching PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH on the Blu-ray that was also included with our goodies. We also enjoyed flipping through The Art of Puss in Boots book that was included in our family movie night box. This 184 page hardcover book is really impressive, especially for people like me who have an appreciation of the concept art used in the creation of movies.
The Art of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish shows hundreds of character designs and concept art from the making of the movie, along with exclusive interviews from the writers, artists, and filmmakers who brought this story to life. It also features a foreword from Antonio Banderas. This book provides a glimpse into the creative process from the film and celebrates the character's history in the Shrek universe. Movie geeks are sure to appreciate this insiders guide to how Puss in Boots has been brought to life in his cinematic adventures.
The kids also enjoyed snuggling these plushes of Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perro while we watched the movie. The first Puss in Boots that came out in 2011 was one of the first films we took them to go see in a movie theater. I still remember my 3-year old daughter yelling out in the theater "bad kitty!" during one scene when Puss in Boots wasn't behaving himself. Seeing the two of them playing around with these plush toys during our family movie night brought back some nice memories. We had just gone to their high school orientation night a few days earlier and as they are nearing graduation from middle school it was hard to believe time has flown by so fast. So, the Puss in Boots character does hold a special place in our family's hearts.
As my kids are teenagers now, I wasn't sure how much they'd actually be into watching animated movies anymore. We tend to watch more superhero and science fiction movies these days then cartoon fairy tales. My wife and I were both shocked when our fourteen year old son said he thought PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH was better than the ANT-MAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA and AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER which are two of the most recent films we've seen at theaters. In fact, he's watched PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH twice more since our family movie night and been talking about his favorite moments from the show with us a lot. My son's enjoyment of the movie alone earns it a Geek Daddy nod of approval.
In PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH, the feline outlaw discovers that his passion for adventure and heroic missions have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star on his most grandiose quest yet.
With only one life left, Puss is forced to humble himself and ask for help from his former lover and nemesis: Kitty Softpaws. They are joined in their journey by a chatty and cheerful mutt named Perro. Together this trio of heroes will need to stay one step ahead of the fairy tale realm's craftiest crooks including Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH is available now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital so you can have your own evening of being transported to the fairy tale realm for a family movie night.
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The Fabelmans are looking to have a big night at this year's Academy Awards with seven Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay and Best Production Design. So, we were geeked to see what all the buzz regarding the film is about with a family movie night watching The Fabelmans. The movie is available now on digital to add to your home entertainment video library and will be out for Valentine's Day date nights (February 14, 2023) on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.
Animated movies, comedies, superhero adventures and flicks tend to be the focus of what my family watches together. In fact, I don't recall the last drama that my kids may have watched. With that in mind, I wasn't sure how my children were going to react to watching this coming-of-age tale written and directed by Steven Spielberg. My kids actually were captivated by The Fabelmans with their eyes fixated on the show and both said "that was a great movie" as the credits started rolling. Their appreciation of the show earns it a Geek Daddy nod of approval.
The film rekindles the awe and specialness of Hollywood magic from a time before everyone carried a video camera around town with them. It highlights the artistic elements of filmmaking. Plus, The Fabelmans delves into the human interactions that have made drama a fascinating aspect within generations worth of storytelling. Having to cope with bullying, biases and bizarre family members are subject that are both intriguing and relatable for most of us.
The Fabelmans is a deeply personal portrait of a 20th century American childhood through the lens of a semi-autobiographical story inspired by Steven Spielberg’s own youth. It is about a young man uncovering a shattering family secret and the power of film and imagination to help us see the truth about ourselves and each other. The movie rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA rating is for some strong language, thematic elements, brief violence and drug use.
With a star-studded cast featuring Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea, My Week with Marilyn), Paul Dano (The Batman, There Will Be Blood), Seth Rogen (Steve Jobs, An American Pickle), Gabriel LaBelle (The Predator, “American Gigolo”) and Academy Award nominee Judd Hirsch (Uncut Gems, Ordinary People), The Fabelmans tells a timeless tale of heartbreak, healing, and hope for the dreamer inside all of us. The movie's story is complimented by a marvelous musical score from maestro John Williams. The Fabelmans has a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Extras on the home video release of The Fabelmans include:
The Fabelmans: A Personal Journey - Steven Spielberg reflects on how the movie is inspired by his own personal story and family.
Family Dynamics - Discover how the film's cast brought The Fabelmans to life as Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen and more build a bridge between their onscreen personalities and their true-life counterparts.
Crafting the World of The Fabelmans - From costume and set design to music and cinematography, the filmmakers reveal how they created movie magic while capturing the film's unique look.
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Kara, also known as Supergirl, has had it rough – witnessing the destruction of her home planet, battling the villainous Solomon Grundy, and generally struggling to fit into life on Earth. But that’s just the start of her adventure in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, the latest DC Universe Movie, being released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital beginning February 7, 2023 from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.
Welcome to the 31st century and the Legion Academy, where a new generation hones their powers with hopes of joining the Legion of Super-Heroes. Devastated by tragedy, Supergirl struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Taking her cousin Superman’s advice, Supergirl leaves their space-time to attend the Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. But a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows – the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault. Find out if the budding heroes can rise to the challenge in this all-new DC Universe Movie!
This animated movie is rated PG-13 for some violence and language by the Motion Picture Association of America. It has a runtime of one hour and twenty-three minutes. Supergirl is voiced by the talented Meg Donnelly, who played the older daughter, Taylor Otto, in the television sitcom American Housewife (2016-2021).
After unwrapping our presents this morning and driving over the river and through the woods to grandma's house for Christmas dinner, my family had one last holiday present to enjoy today courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios who sent this Geek Daddy a download code for a digital copy of their movie STRANGE WORLD. The 61st animated feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios is now available on all major digital movie platforms and can be streamed on Disney+. A fun movie for families to watch together this holiday season.
STRANGE WORLD will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD starting February 14, 2023. STRANGE WORLD on disc and digital will of course both include the bonus content that people love on the home video releases of theatrical movies Included will be deleted scenes and the following featurettes:
Anatomy of a Scene: Creating A Strange World – Learn about Walt Disney Animation Studios' creative process through a single, visually stunning scene as the filmmaking team puts all of their imagination – and more – on the screen.
Strange Science – Jaboukie Young-White (voice of Ethan Clade) hosts an exploration of how Walt Disney Animation Studios artists were inspired by real science to create Strange World.
Creature Feature – Journey into the world beneath Avalonia and meet some of the terrifying, slimy, gassy – and sometimes cute – creatures that inhabit this Strange World.
The Hidden Secrets of Strange World – Uncover the references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the film, along with some fun facts and behind–the–scenes stories of how Strange World was made.
Outtakes – Go behind the glass as the cast of Strange World take you inside the recording booth for some fun, flubs and outtakes.
STRANGE WORLD features the voices of Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher, Clade
Dennis Quaid as Jaeger, Jaboukie Young-White as Ethan, Gabrielle Union as Meridian, and Lucy Liu as Calliso. It is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA rating is based upon action, peril and thematic elements. The movie has a run time of approximately 95 minutes.
STRANGE WORLD introduces audiences a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob called Splat; Legend, the family dog; and a slew of ravenous creatures.
The voice cast includes Academy Award®*- and Tony Award®-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Emmy®- and two-time Golden Globe®-nominee Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker and musician Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old, adventure-seeking son, Ethan; actress, producer, bestselling author and TIME100 cover honoree Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and critically acclaimed actress, producer, director and fine artist Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. Film production was led by Oscar-winning director Don Hall (Big Hero 6).
Thank you to 20th Century Studios for inviting my son and I to be their guests at an advance screening of AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER. We had the chance to see the movie at our local AMC Theatre on an IMAX screen in 3D before the film's official theatrical opening weekend this Friday on December 16th. Viewing AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER in 3D on an IMAX screen truly makes an audience feel as if they have been transported to the far away moon of Pandora and are witnessing events taking place there right in front of them. Being able to drive fifteen minutes to get to Pandora rather than the six years it takes humans to fly through space from Earth to get there in the movie is so much more convenient!
The original AVATAR movie ushered in the popularity of 3D movies at theaters; but this genre has been mostly phased out in recent years based upon Hollywood studios looking to cut costs based upon pandemic-based financial losses and moviegoers becoming weary of the fad and the higher ticket prices and glasses that come along with seeing a film in 3D. Seeing AVATER: THE WAY OF WATER in 3D is a must though because it provides a sense of place which extends the film off the screen and around you to compliment the film's spectacular special effects and cinematography. Combining the enhanced details of an IMAX theater with the 3D provides a fantastic viewing experience!
Viewing movie trailers for AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER on my 4K television at home after having seen the film in 3D on an IMAX screen have to say the two do not compare. If you want to have a blockbuster movie experience, see AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER in IMAX 3D. Don't forego the 3D and don't wait for it to be released on streaming or home video. This is a movie meant to be seen in a theater and on an IMAX screen is even better!
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is more than a science fiction movie; it is like a doctoral thesis for cinematography. James Cameron focus isn't on telling a story but rather pushing the envelope in presenting the highest quality special effects and visual imagery to provide audiences with a cutting-edge presentation to take in. Water is never easy to film around and it is a centric element of the movie seamlessly meshed with cgi to a stunning effect. Sit back and become immersed within the environment of Pandora. Enjoy the ride...or swim!
While the movie is focused on world building by exploring new areas and cultures of Pandora as well as the Na'vi family created by the bonding of Jake Sully's avatar persona and the native Neytiri. Despite The Way of Water being a sequel to 2009's AVATAR it is a refreshing story because its characters haven't been saturated in media and pop culture like other Disney properties such as Marvel and Star Wars. Instead of becoming weary over an exhausting amount of content, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is like visiting a place you have a familiarity with and have been longing to one day go back to explore some more. This movie satisfies that wanderlust.
An addition to exploring an exotic location filled with amazing environments and fantastic creatures, this sci-fi scenario also provides a mirror of real-life for viewers to reflect on. Humanity has returned to Pandora in AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER and this time due to pollution and overpopulation on Earth instead of just mining the Na'vis' home the people from Earth are intent on colonizing the place. The new visitors do more harm to Pandora in a year than the original miners did in a decade. These invaders know Jake Sully led the original uprising in AVATAR and is an obstacle to their domination. They also know he has a family now which is his and the Na'vi resistance's greatest weakness.
In this movie, WE are the villains. And these villains act very similar to how humans have behaved throughout history and still conduct ourselves in present day society. Racism, militarism, greed, and environmental destruction are all major themes of the story. In one tear jerking scene where human hunters are relentlessly harvesting animals to extract a valuable chemical discovered within the creature's brains as the audience around me became emotional, I wondered how many people realized this fictional situation was a portrayal of past and present-day human activities actually impacting our planet. If you are rooting for the Na'vi, when you leave the movie theater take into consideration the similarities with their plight and major issues impacting our planet today. If viewers put some thought into the threats and perils presented in AVATER: THE WAY OF THE WATER, it can really be an eye-opening experience.
Beyond the wonderful imagery and philosophical ponderations of the film, AVATAR: THE WAY OF THE WATER is full of pulse-pounding action scenes. Those looking for an action movie won't be disappointed. There are plenty of electric moments and explosions to overshadow the dramatic moments in this movie. In fact, some of the efforts to remind people of what occurred in the original AVATAR movie and add some emotional depth to the movie drag on a bit too much with action scenes adding energy to and upping the pace of the movie. The movie could probably have been a half hour shorter without impacting it too much.
Both my son and I thoroughly enjoyed AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER and walked out of the movie theater glad we had seen it. We were both wowed by the film's imagery and appreciated that James Cameron had taken the cinematography of the franchise to a better than we expected level of awesomeness. AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER absolutely earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval because of its stellar action sequences, thematic elements and immersive imagery. This is what it should be like to see a blockbuster movie!
After sitting though a movie with water rushing around the screen and probably drinking a large soda while watching it, you may not want to sit through the credits looking for a final scene. Yet no one wants to miss out on these surprises. So, here is a heads up if you would like to rush out to the bathroom as the credits start rolling. There is no post-credit scene. So don't feel like you need to stay in your seat. If you want to stick around though, there is some nice scenery shots of life on Pandora shown as the credits roll.
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The MPAA rating is for sequences of strong violence and intense action, partial nudity and some strong language. The movie has a runtime of 192 minutes. Directed by James Cameron, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER stars Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver and Sam Worthington.
Legacies must rise to unearthly challenges as the children of Batman and Superman are charged with saving their famous fathers – and the world – in Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons. Warner Bros. Animation’s first-ever all-CG animated, feature-length film will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment being released straight to video on October 18 via 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital. It is the sons to the rescue in this DC Comics animated superheroes adventure flick!
PG-13 rated Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons begins as 11-year-old Jonathan Kent discovers he has superpowers, thrusting the half-Kryptonian into the complicated world of Super Heroes and Super-Villains – who are now under attack by a malevolent alien force known as Starro! It’s a race against time as Jonathan must join forces with assassin-turned-Boy-Wonder Damian Wayne to rescue their fathers (Superman & Batman) and save the planet by becoming the Super Sons they were destined to be!
Are you ready for adventures featuring a new generation of superheroes? Who else is geeked about this new DC Universe movie? I'm looking forward to watching it with my son! We'll be having some fun father-son bonding time enjoying this superhero movie together.
For more details about the movie as its release date approaches follow @WBHomeEnt and @DCComics on Twitter. Plus, if you are in the Twitterverse connect with this Geek Daddy at @Geekdad248 as I share through cyberspace entertainment news, adventurous experiences and more.
A mystery box arrived at my house on International Dinosaur Day. It was a Jurassic World themed gift crate courtesy of IMAX promoting the upcoming release of the next film in Universal Pictures' dinosaur themed adventure movie franchise. JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION stomps into theaters across the country on June 10. When it comes to a movie this BIG you need to see it on an IMAX screen!
Watching a movie on an IMAX screen though is more in-depth than just seeing it in jumbo scale. IMAX dual projection provides unparalleled brightness and brilliant clarity to the viewing experience creating an immersive experience that provides heightened realism to the imagery. That is combined with a state-of-the-art sound system that has laser-aligned audio placement to provide a stellar listening experience that compliments the theater's outstanding visual display. IMAX cameras are known for pushing the limits of technology providing expanded and enhanced details that go above and beyond what you will see in the average movie theater. You know when going to an IMAX theater it will be a topnotch experience!
Appreciate IMAX sending this Geek Daddy some nice Jurassic World Dominion swag promoting the upcoming release of the movie. Wow! The box starts playing the Jurassic World theme music when it is opened up! So, what was inside our Dinosaur Day gift crate? Check it out:
JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION TOYS
Have fun with imaginative play inspired by Jurassic World Dominion with new licensed toys based upon dinosaurs from the movie. Uncaged Rowdy Roars Velociraptor 'Beta' interacts with you moving around and making sounds based upon how it is touched. Click Tracker Velociraptor 'Blue' Dinosaur comes with a clicker control that makes it spin, move and make sounds.
JURASSIC WORLD EVOLUTION 2
Build your own Jurassic Park with the newest management simulation video game based upon the movies. In addition to building your own dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World Evolution lets players tackle scenarios based upon the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies. Available on PS4 and PS5 video game consoles.
JURASSIC WORLD SWAG
I'm always wearing baseball caps so this Jurassic World Dominion one will come in handy. A Jurassic World branded backpack will also be very useful. My daughter has already claimed the journal that was included in our Dinosaur Day gift crate. Plus, we were gifted some movie tickets to see Jurassic World Dominion on an IMAX screen.
Jurassic World Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live—and hunt—alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures. The movie is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, some violence and language by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Click here to find an IMAX theater near you. Who else is geeked to see Jurassic World Dominion?! My family is excited about this summer blockbuster movie and seeing it to kick-off my kids break from school. After you see it, share your thoughts with us about the movie on Twitter by commenting to @Geekdad248. This movie geek is always interested in what our ageekdaddy.com readers think about what is playing in the theaters.
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After the original trilogy of films, ROGUE ONE is my next favorite Star Wars movie. So, I'm really interested in seeing how the new live action TV series "Star Wars: Andor" that is coming to the Disney+ subscription streaming service pans out. The wait to find out is almost over as Disney+ has released a trailer and announced the show will premiere on August 31, 2022. A nice parting gift for the end of summer from Disney!
The “Andor” series will explore a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.
For those of you who may have not seen ROGUE ONE which tells the story of how the Rebel Alliance gets their hands on the Death Star plans which are a critical plot point of the Star Wars film A New Hope (aka the first Star Wars movie), Cassian Andor is a lead character in that prequel movie. Cassian, played by Diego Luna, is an intelligence officer engaged in espionage against the Empire. Luna returns to the role for this Andor series. Like the Kenobi series, Andor will debut on Disney+ with its first two episodes being released at once.
I don't know a whole lot about this show, but from what I've seen of the trailer I'm excited. Who else is geeked about seeing this new Star Wars show on Disney+?!
The success of Star Wars allowed George Lucas to bring another fantasy tale that he had envisioned to the silver screen. In 1988, the film WILLOW, produced by Lucasfilm and directed by Ron Howard, was released. It is the story of Willow (played by Warwick Davis), a small in stature want to be sorcerer who gets entangled with a baby princess that he attempts to save from death at the hands of an evil queen leading to an adventure through a war-torn land of magic and monsters. While not considered a blockbuster film at movie theaters, WILLOW still made more than a hundred million dollar profit at the box office which is impressive for a 1980s era film and has remained a popular flick that generations of families have now enjoyed watching thanks to its release on home video.
Now Davis is returning to the role of Willow for a new adventure in an upcoming live action series that people can enjoy watching on their television sets via the Disney Plus subscription streaming service. The "Willow" TV series debuts November 30, 2022 on Disney Plus. Produced by Ron Howard, this new TV show will star Warwick Davis along with a diverse international cast.
The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness. Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home, where they must face their inner demons and come together to save their world.
Who else is geeked about joining in on a new "Willow" adventure?!
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment provided ageekdaddy.com with a free digital code to view SING 2. Opinions expressed are honest and my own.
My family really enjoyed SING, the 2016 animated movie from ILLUMINATION (the studio also behind Despicable Me & Secret Life of Pets) about a struggling theater owner who assembles a loveable group of misfits to compete in a talent competition with the goal of raising enough money to save the building from having its mortgage foreclosed by the bank. We are GEEKED that a sequel has been released and is now available to add to your home entertainment library; but really have six years gone by already?! Wow how time flies!
In 2022's SING 2, The act that has arisen from the SING talent show is the talk of the town. Moon Theater is the most successful entertainment venue in Calatonia. But that isn't enough for its owner Buster Moon! He wants his singing troupe to be world famous by performing in the glamorous theaters of Redshore City's glamorous theaters. So, they hit the road to take their act to a new level of sucess.
Just one problem ... they need a state to perform on. Buster Moon though has an answer for that by talking a casino mogul to sponsor their show at his theater in Redshore City. There is a hitch though, Moon promises that Clay Calloway a reclusive rock star who hasn't performed in decades is in the cast even though the ever-optimistic koala has never met him. Will the show go on?!
SING 2 is filled with comedic moments and a delightful musical soundtrack complimenting an entertaining story making this all ages appropriate flick an excellent selection for a family movie night. I was particularly geeked about the energetic sci-fi themed musical that Buster Moon is attempting to stage. This science fiction fan appreciated the astronaut and alien themes we see as Moon's crew plans and performs their Broadway-style show. That show along with the exploits it takes to get it on stage earns SING 2 a Geek Daddy nod of approval.
SING 2 is available now on Digital and debuts March 29 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. The movie is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America based on rude material and mild peril/violence. The show has a runtime of one hour, forty-nine minutes and forty seconds.
Of course, as home video releases are known for SING 2 includes bonus content in addition to the theatrical release. Added content on the Digital, 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD includes 2 never-before-seen mini movies with some of your favorite characters, sing-alongs to the hit songs from the film, a dance-along with renowned choreographer Sherrie Silver, outtakes with the star-studded cast and more interactive fun. There is a lot of praise to be sung about the home video release of SING 2.
The cast of SING 2 includes Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Bobby Cannavale, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Pharrell Williams, Halsey, Letitia Wright, Jennifer Saunders, Nick Offerman and Bono and the movie features an original score by Joby Talbot. For more information about this film visit www.uphe.com/movies/sing-2 or check out @singmovie on Instagram and Twitter. By the way if you are on Instagram and Twitter make sure to follow this Geek Daddy at @Geekdad248!
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