2023 Movies

‘American Fiction’ Movie and Blu-ray Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“American Fiction” is the kind of adult drama which has been sorely missing from Hollywood over the past decade and a half.  Hollywood has become obsessed with the big screen blockbuster and superhero films. Now, of course, there is nothing wrong with those films, but the adult drama along with R-rated comedies are becoming harder and harder to find these days.  It is why a film like “American Fiction” is such a delightful treat for moviegoers who enjoy complex characters and well-rounded stories, and who like to be challenged when they sit down and watch a movie.

The film stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison, an author and teacher who is grumpy, defeated and incredibly unhappy with his life.  Thelonious is a difficult person to be around as he’s critical of not only himself but everyone else around him.  It doesn’t help that he isn’t as successful as he used to be with his writing.  He’s finding it harder and harder to connect with audiences as he sees a shift in the literary landscape. The books which are making money and selling are those which profit off the stereotypes that exist in black entertainment.

Thelonius is told to write a “black book,” which is something he wants nothing to do with at all as it goes against his principles and his beliefs. It makes him angry to see a writer like Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) selling books left and right while his own work is financially unsuccessful.  He returns home to spend time with his family, which is another source of stress in his life. His sister, Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross), is a hard-working physician who is doing her best to get back on her feet after a painful and costly divorce. He also discovers that his mother, Agnes (Leslie Uggams), is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.

This is not the pick-me-up visit Thelonius needed, as he’s not exactly close with his brother, Cliff, played by Sterling K. Brown.  Cliff and Lisa have trouble getting along with him because he’s too much like their deceased father who was withdrawn, judgmental and often pushed people away.  With his mother’s health suffering, it is up to Thelonius to take care of her finances and figure out what to do with her care.  He finds a solution when he ends up writing a book under a pseudonym, which gives the public what they are looking for: a stereotypical black book which relies on the offensive and cliché-ridden tropes audiences love. As the old expression goes, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.”

Thelonius has also developed a relationship with a neighbor, Coraline, played by Erika Alexander. She likes him, but can he love himself enough to work it out with her? Can he get along with his brother? He’s also discovering through his agent, played by John Ortiz, that his book might even be turned into a movie. This is all happening very fast for him as he’s wrestling with his need to produce substantial material and also his need for money.  In many cases, the two do not go hand-in-hand. He doesn’t want to sell his soul for the almighty dollar, but he also has bills to pay in the meantime. Can his moral compass allow him to “sell out?”

“American Fiction” was my favorite film of 2023. It starts with the screenplay, which won Best Adapted Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards.  The film has great dialogue in it along with rich and funny characters that really sizzle on screen. It’s a witty, timely and sharp script.  The film reminded me a lot of Spike Lee’s “Bamboozled,” but it’s a more upbeat film and not as bleak. It is hard to overlook how little has changed since “Bamboozled” came out back in 2000, though. The big thing that has changed is there are more platforms and outlets for this kind of material to be digested by audiences.

This film also has a tremendous cast from top-to-bottom. Everyone has effortless chemistry with one another on screen, and they are all likable, interesting and well-developed.  Even though Thelonius is a curmudgeon, he’s never boring.  There is something very quirky and funny about him, and it is because he was written with a lot of different layers to him.  As an audience, we understand his frustration and we know why he feels the way he does about his family and how African Americans are presented in mainstream media. He’s not wrong, even if he goes about it in a way that tends to grate on those closest to him.  He can be preachy and self-righteous, but it’s hard to argue with his points.  This is a man who is learning to love himself, love someone else, and reconnect with his family.  He’s a work-in-progress.

If you are like me and enjoy a film with heart, humor and a bit of edge to it, you will love “American Fiction.”  This is the kind of movie Hollywood used to make but seem to shy away from these days.  I enjoyed every single minute of this hilarious, heartfelt and intelligent piece of moviemaking.  This film allows the audience to spend time with these characters, get to know, care about, and become emotionally invested in them. The ending, without giving anything away, is also perfect. I loved “American Fiction,” and I’m confident you will love it too.

* * * * out of * * * *

Blu-ray Info: “American Fiction” is being released on a single-disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It has a running time of 117 minutes and is rated R for language throughout, some drug use, sexual references, and brief violence. It also comes with a digital copy of the film as well.

Video/Audio Info: The 1080p high-definition transfer is very colorful, clear, and bright. Would I have loved a 4K transfer of my favorite film of last year? Of course! However, this is a very good-looking Blu-ray, and I can hold out hope it gets a 4K upgrade at some point as I think this film is only going to grow in popularity as more people see it on physical media. The audio on this Blu-ray is also top-of-the-line. All of the dialogue can be heard very clearly, which is important, because this is a very dialogue-driven film. Subtitles are included in English, French and Spanish.

Special Features:

None

Should You Buy It?

If you are strictly buying “American Fiction” for the movie itself, you should definitely buy it right away. However, this is only available on Blu-ray and DVD, and there are also no special features. This is a supremely bare bones Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment which is pretty disappointing. It does come with a slipcover, though. I’d say buy the Blu-ray with the slipcover as, from an audio and visual standpoint, it still looks and sounds really good. I always like to err on the side of caution, and I’d rather have a great movie on Blu-ray with the slipcover while I can before they stop releasing it with a slipcover. That being said, this film deserved a much better physical media release than it got,

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

I’ve never quite understood the appeal of Jason Momoa as an actor. I’ve never walked away from a movie of his and been impressed or blown away by his performance.  He has the look of a movie star, but he doesn’t really stand out in his film roles.  He’s merely just a buff dude on screen. Of course, we have seen jacked up actors in the past such as Dwayne Johnson, John Cena and Dave Bautista, but they have charisma, personality and charm. Momoa, on the other hand, strikes me as someone who is trying way too hard to be funny. He’s not a very natural actor. He has screen presence, but when he’s asked to dive deep into a character, it falls flat.

I have not seen 2018’s “Aquaman,” which was also directed by James Wan, the man behind such films as “Saw,” “Insidious,” “The Conjuring,” “Furious 7” and “Malignant.” I’m a big fan of his directorial style, and I think he brings a lot to the table from a visual perspective. Because of this, I went into “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” with some hope he would be able to make an interesting, unique and outside-the-box superhero film. Sadly, he can’t even save this clunker.  I really don’t think it would have mattered if I had seen the original or not.

This sequel takes place four years after the first film, and we see that Aquaman (Jason Momoa) has become the king of the Atlantis.  He’s now married to Mera (Amber Heard) and has a child with her as well. He’s struggling to adapt to parenthood while also dealing with the responsibilities of being king.  There are some truly cringe-worthy gags where their child is constantly peeing in the mouth of Aquaman.  Even worse, Momoa sells it with these weird and contrived faces which only makes it even more unfunny.  He also must contend with David Kane /Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who is looking to avenge the death of his father. David Kane’s scientist sidekick is played by Randall Park in a thankless and one-note role. He’s basically a scared geek.

In order to make sure that David Kane doesn’t cause any further damage, Aquaman must enlist the help of his brother, Orm, played by Patrick Wilson. From here, the film turns into a bromance action flick with Wilson and Momoa bouncing one-liners off one another.  At times, the film is too silly and stupid with its attempts at humor. During other scenes, it is deadly serious.  This is a film in search of a tone, and it never really finds one. Wilson is great and dependable as usual, but even he can’t make it work with the uninteresting and bland Momoa.  Overall, this film was a complete mess from the word go.

I know there has been a lot of drama surrounding the film’s production and the usage of Amber Heard in the story.  She’s barely in the film, and it seems odd at times that Aquaman’s wife would have such a minor role in his life, especially considering they share a child together.  I understand they wanted to focus on the two brothers and their whacky relationship together, but it would have been nice to have a bit of an emotional tone to the proceedings.  When Heard does appear, it feels forced and out of place because the writing doesn’t give her a whole to do.

The stakes just don’t seem very high in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”  The film is also doomed because it doesn’t have a charming or engaging leading man.  The story feels very, very thin.  This feels like a sequel which was only made for the money based on the fact they made very little attempt to really do anything out of the ordinary with Aquaman.  I understand they couldn’t change actors as Momoa was in the first film, but I did leave this sequel wondering what it would have been like if Wilson was paired with someone other than Momoa who is not a natural comedic actor. While Momoa seems quite pleased with himself, his jokes fall flatter than four o’ clock.

I want to go back to the story of this movie again, as this is where the majority of the issues are in addition to Momoa’s dead on arrival performance. There is an outline for a good movie here.  I would have liked to have seen more of with Aquaman attempting to juggle life at home and also life at sea.  There is too much time spent at sea, and it turns into a full-blown action film.  The action scenes would have been effective if the story took its time to really build up the relationship between Aquaman and Mera.  They rush through all of that, and they go straight to the comedic relationship between Aquaman and Orm. When the jokes on the page are not funny, the actors are doomed.

I did like the film’s message about everyone doing their part and sticking together to make the world a better place.  However, it doesn’t really resonate or land on screen when we have been dealing with bad comedy, mindless action scenes and a plot which moves at a glacial pace. This is a prime example of a movie that really did not need to be made in the first place.  I understand it made money, but from a quality perspective, this film was what I call a “watch movie.” I kept checking my watch over and over again, and I couldn’t wait for it to be over.

* out of * * * *

4K Info: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 124 minutes and is rated PG-13 for some language and sci-fi violence. There is a digital copy of the film included with this release as well.

Video Info:  The Dolby Vision transfer on this film is simply breathtaking.  It’s a visual feast for the eyes.  I only wish the film was as good as its Dolby Vision transfer.

Audio Info:  The same can be said for the Dolby Atmos audio track.  It’s sharp, vivid and very impressive.

Special Features:

Atlantean Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Should You Buy It?

Unless you are a completist and enjoyed the first “Aquaman,” I don’t see any reason why you should add this film to your collection. It really was a disappointment, especially considering the director behind it. That being said, when he doesn’t have a great leading man or a great screenplay in front of him, there is only so much he can do.  The 4K transfer looks out of this world, and it was the only thing that kept me glued to the screen. After a certain point, I was more immersed in the visuals than the story or the action, which says a lot about the final product. This film is really a dumpster fire. I’m glad I watched it, as I had interest in checking out what James Wan would do in this universe, but I have zero interest in revisiting it or checking out the first film.  This film is strictly for people who enjoyed the first film. It will not win over any new fans, and it will probably even frustrate fans of the original.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘The Color Purple’ (2023) Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

It wasn’t that long ago when I had the pleasure of reviewing 1985’s “The Color Purple” on this very website, and I absolutely adored the film.  When I heard there was going to be another adaptation, I was eager to see how it was going to turn out, especially because it was going to be a musical.  Musicals are tricky, as they need just the right amount of music to make it work.  The music needs to really lend itself to the scenes instead of taking over the film entirely. If it’s one song after another without any time to let them breathe, it can take away from the performances on screen. I’m happy to report “The Color Purple” has all of the right ingredients to succeed with flying colors.

The film follows two sisters, Celie and Nettie Harris (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and Halle Bailey) who are stuck living with an angry and abusive father named Alfonso, played by Deon Cole. He’s especially hard on Celie, who has two children after being raped by her own father.  He separates her from her children, which causes her much distress and agony. It isn’t long before the two sisters are separated after their father gives away Celie to a man by the name of Mister, played by Colman Domingo.

Mister is a farmer who already has three children of his own, and he’s equally as rough on Celie as her father.  She’s basically doing everything for him, and she feels defeated from the years of abuse from both her father and her current husband. In addition to this, Mister is also hiding all the letters she receives from her sister Nettie, so they have no contact with one another.  Between not being able to see her children or her sister, she feels like life is nothing but misery and pain for her each and every day.

As Celie gets older, she is played by “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino.  She definitely has the emotional range as an actress to pull off this incredibly demanding performance. When it comes to the musical numbers, it is second nature to her.  Along the way, she gets to know Sofia, played by Danielle Brooks. She is married to Mister’s son, Harpo (Corey Hawkins), and she is not afraid to whip him into shape.  This is the first time that Celie has seen a strong female in her life.  She is used to women having to take everything from their husbands without being able to defend themselves.  It is certainly not the case with Sofia.  One day, Celie hopes to be as strong as Sofia.  She also meets another strong and confident woman in Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), a jazz singer who completely captivates Mister.

During this film, we see a journey which starts in 1909 and goes all the way until 1947, and it’s one of two sisters who are bound and determined to meet up with one another again, no matter what it takes. Along the way, even Sofia deals with some hardships of her own and feels defeated and drained by her new circumstances.  Celie learns to grow and finds out how to stand on her own two feet.  Heck, even Mister learns a thing or two about himself and how he needs to modify his own behavior.  Everyone’s character arch is worth watching throughout the course of the film’s two hour and twenty-minute run time. 

This is a film that never feels boring, stale, or repetitive because these are fleshed out characters whom, as an audience, you care about and root for throughout the course of the story.  For the most part, the film is pretty true to the original 1985 film in terms of its major moments.  As a whole, it works on so many levels. It starts with this tremendous cast of actors and actresses from Fantasia Barrino to Taraji P. Henson to Danielle Brooks to Colman Domingo to Corey Hawkins to Gabriella Wilson ‘H.E.R.’. Everyone brings their heart and soul to the project in addition to their lungs. They were very diligent about putting this cast together from top-to-bottom. Ciara also appears as an older version of Nettie.

“The Color Purple” is ultimately a story about sisterhood, resiliency, strength, and the human spirit. I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two films as they are trying to accomplish the same thing while going about it in completely different ways. The music enhances the story and adds a different take to the material while also keeping the essence of Steven Spielberg’s original film alive and well.  For my money, this is a perfect film.  I was emotional during it, I laughed at the appropriate moments, and the songs stayed with me as well.  I wanted to listen to the soundtrack as soon as the film was over, and I played it on repeat.

Remakes of popular films are tough to pull off, especially when it’s from a novel, a nearly forty-year-old film, and a successful Broadway musical as well. However, when the new version is a fan of the original film, you have what is known as a labor of love.  If you enjoyed 1985’s “The Color Purple,” you will certainly enjoy 2023’s “The Color Purple.” It is about perspective, though.  I believe this film needs to be seen as its own entity.  If you are able to do that, you will enjoy the heck out of it. 

The filmmakers know the audience cares about these characters, knows them, and wants to see them succeed.  It takes you on an emotional journey from start to finish with a tremendous payoff in the end which is very satisfying. You very much live through these characters. You feel their pain, their happiness, and you root for them to succeed. Along the way you laugh, you cry, and you never lose hope.  That, in my opinion, is the beauty of a great film like “The Color Purple.”  There is a reason why this story has stayed with people for so many years and still resonates with viewers to this day.

* * * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Color Purple” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film. It has a running time of 141 minutes and is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, sexual content, violence and language.

Video Info:  There is a beautiful Dolby Vision transfer on the film here, and it looks magnificent. This is a film filled with life and color, and it’s on full-display with this flawless transfer. The HDR really brings out the richness of the picture quality.

Audio Info:  We are also treated to a pitch-perfect Dolby Atmos soundtrack here which allows us to enjoy each and every single song the way it was intended to be heard.  It stays at just the right bass and volume throughout the film, as it’s never too loud or too soft.

Special Features:

Creating The Color Purple: A Bold New Take on the Beloved Classic

Hell Yes! The Iconic Characters of The Color Purple

In the Flow: Creating The Color Purple’s Biggest Musical Moments

 A Story For Me: The Legacy of The Color Purple

Should You Buy It?

If you enjoy the power of cinema, do yourself a favor and pick up “The Color Purple” on the day of its release.  It is worth every penny, especially with the special features that are included here along with a Dolby Vision transfer and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack.  This is also a terrific film that really tugged at my heartstrings.  I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I put this movie in my 4K player and sat down to watch it.  However, I was blown away by its high-energy, its music, the intense drama, and the phenomenal performances. This version of “The Color Purple,” which was directed by Blitz Bazawule, is the kind of movie I wish Hollywood made more of these days.  It’s an adult drama that invigorates the spirit and is good for the soul.  “The Color Purple” on 4K comes highly recommended as a day one purchase.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Wonka’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

Confession time: I have not seen any of the live-action films based on the Roald Dahl novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”  I have not seen “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” or the aforementioned “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” I do think this puts me in an ideal position because I have no frame of reference when reviewing this film, “Wonka.” I’ve often said any film that has source material attached to it should be able to stand on its own two feet and appeal to an audience which has no history with the characters or the story itself. Ideally, you are looking to make a film that will appeal to those who have seen the other films and read the novel, and also to those who are going into it with fresh eyes. That’s the main goal.

Willy Wonka is played here by Timothée Chalamet in a brilliant performance which is able to portray both the sweet and eccentric side of the main character. If he went too far into the latter, it would have been rather off-putting and too peculiar. However, he does a great job of balancing the tender side of the character and also the quirkiness. It’s a great performance. Wonka has many skills in his arsenal (magic and innovation), but the skill he is most proud of is his ability to create chocolate that is creative, delicious, and brings people together.  He’s looking to start up his chocolate empire, but he’s met with strong resistance by what is known as the Chocolate Cartel.

The Chocolate Cartel is a group of three men who have a monopoly on the chocolate industry, and they are not looking to share it with Mr. Wonka anytime soon. The group includes Arthur Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Gerald Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Felix Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton). Once they catch wind of his arrival, they want to do whatever it takes to put an end to his budding chocolate industry.  Luckily for them, Wonka finds himself stuck in a terrible contract due to his inability to read.  Because of this one-sided contract, he must spend 27 years and 16 days at Mrs. Scrubitt’s (Olivia Colman) laundry house, which she runs with her evil goon Bleacher (Tom Davis).

While working in the Wash House, Wonka befriends an orphan named Noodle, played by Calah Lane. Together, they hope to help each other out, as Noodle is looking for information on her family, and Wonka wants to make his chocolate store a reality, which was inspired by his close bond with his late mother, played by Sally Hawkins. There is also a bookkeeper in the Wash House named Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), Lottie Bell (Rakhee Thakrar), a telephone operator, Piper Benz (Natasha Rothwell), a plumber, and a former comedian Larry Chucklesworth (Rich Fulcher). They have also fallen prey to the evil contracts doled out by Mrs. Scrubitt. If they can work together, they might be able to turn things around and get out from not only their contracts, but also from the Chocolate Cartel as well.

Another thing the Cartel has going for it is the chief of police (Keegan-Michael Key) has a strong addiction to chocolate, so it’s quite easy to pay him off and keep him from doing his job with any sense of dignity or honor.  They must also contend with Lofty, an Oompa Loompa, played brilliantly by Hugh Grant. At first, Noodle is hesitant to believe he actually exists, as the idea of a little orange man with green hair is hard to fathom.  However, Lofty believes he was wronged, so he will do whatever it takes to get what he believes he is owed from Wonka. Hugh Grant makes the most of each and every scene he’s on screen with this deadpan timing and delivery. It’s a treat whenever he’s on screen.

“Wonka” is a film I ended up enjoying a lot more than I thought I would when I started watching it. I think it helped that I really had no idea what to expect or any type of preconceived notions, whatsoever. I found the film to be absolutely delightful.  They did a great job in casting as, top-to-bottom, this is an all-star cast of actors.  It really starts with Timothée Chalamet as Wonka, however.  If he came across as too goofy or too silly, the film would have failed. However, this is the best performance I’ve seen from him in his young career. It also helps that there is a tremendously sweet friendship between his character and Noodle. The way their friendship grows and blossoms is moving and genuine.

“Wonka” has a lot going for it. The musical aspect of the film is top-notch, and there are memorable songs that come in at just the right moments, whether they are used to brighten up the mood and make you laugh or whether they are used during a more introspective moment.  The bad guys are deliciously evil and a lot of fun.  The friendships come together organically. Much like a great bar of chocolate, all of the ingredients here are working together as one. It also helps that the film takes its time in allowing the audience to get to know the characters and their intentions.  Everyone serves a purpose here.

This is a patient film, as mentioned. and it is better because of it.  We get to go along on the journey with Wonka and all of the characters who inhabit this world. I enjoyed every single character and actor for what they brought to this project.  This could have easily been a throwaway film where it was done just to make a profit without paying attention to quality. There is a lot of craft and love here, and it shows on screen.  “Wonka” warmed the cockles of my heart.  It’s sure to put a big smile on your face, just like it did it for me.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “Wonka” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  The film has a running time of 116 minutes and is rated PG for some violence, mild language, and thematic elements.  It also comes with a digital code for the film.

Video Info:  We are treated to a beautiful Dolby Vision transfer on this release of “Wonka.” This is a bright and beautiful film with eye-popping visuals that really lend itself to the 4K format.  I was very impressed with the colors and the level of detail on this transfer.

Audio Info:  We get a Dolby Atmos audio track here as well, which sounds terrific. Considering this film is a musical, we want to be able to enjoy the music to the fullest. We are able to do that here thanks to audio which is clean and very vibrant.

Special Features:

Unwrapping Wonka: Paul King’s Vision

The Whimsical Music of Wonka

Welcome to Wonka Land

Hats Off to Wonka

Wonka’s Chocolatier

Should You Buy It?

If you enjoyed the “Paddington” films, which were directed by “Wonka’s” Paul King, you should definitely buy this 4K release of “Wonka” as soon as it’s released.  It’s very clear by now that King is a British director who knows how to make films that are going to appeal to children and adults, which is very difficult to pull off.  He has it figured out and it’s on full display here with this nearly perfect motion picture. Film, to me, is at its best when I’m able to feel something emotionally and also laugh in equal measure.  From an audio and visual perspective, the 4K gets an easy A here.  We also get a few special features as well.  So far, 2024 has been a slow year for 4K releases, but “Wonka” has set the standard early on for this year.  This one comes highly recommended!

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

An Ultimate Rabbit Video Review: ‘Thanksgiving’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

So here I am with another video review of a recent movie release. This time it is for Eli Roth’s “Thanksgiving,” a movie which was promised to us ever since Roth made his fake “Thanksgiving” trailer for 2007’s “Grindhouse.” But while that trailer came across as a send-up and satire of the many slasher films we grew up with over the years, this one is more of a reboot of what came before. It also comes with quite the cast of actors which includes Patrick Dempsey (recently crowned People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive), Rick Hoffman, Gina Gershon, Nell Verlaque, Addison Rae and Milo Manheim to name a few. Furthermore, it proves to be far more well-produced and directed than the average slasher flick to where it becomes clear this one has a much higher budget what filmmakers would usually expect on a shoot like this.

What results here is a horror movie which is not about to redefine the genre in any way, shape or form, but instead one which acts as a love letter to those Roth and company grew up on like “Halloween,” “Silent Night Deadly Night,” “New Year’s Evil” and “April Fool’s Day” to name a few. I found “Thanksgiving” to be a complete blast as it featured a number of truly suspenseful and scary moments, and I found myself laughing harder here than at any other movie released in 2023. While Eli Roth’s output as a director has been mixed at best, this film reminds you he is a better filmmaker than we tend to give him credit for. From start to finish, I could say everyone in front of and behind the camera put a lot of love into this project, and they must have had the time of their lives making it.

Please check out my video review below, and you can also check out both the real trailer for “Thanksgiving” and the fake one Roth created for “Grindhouse.”

An Ultimate Rabbit Video Review: ‘Napoleon’ (2023)

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

Hello people. My apologies, I have not been writing much recently. I kind of hit a brick wall and have been a bit depressed about my current living situation. As a result, I am trying something a little different; I will be doing a movie review on camera. Sooner or later, it had to happen.

This review will be of Ridley Scott’s historical epic “Napoleon” which stars Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military commander and leader who came to prominence during the French Revolution, and his brutal military campaigns during the Revolutionary War are the tales of history which are impossible to forget, especially considering how it resulted in millions of lives lost. The movie focuses on Napoleon’s rise to power, and of his all-consuming relationship with Joséphine de Beauharnais, played in a fantastic performance by Vanessa Kirby (the White Widow in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise).

Scott’s “Napoleon” works best when it focuses on the tortured relationship between Napoleon and Josephine as Phoenix and Kirby make quite the acting pair whenever they are together onscreen. Watching them face off with one another is endlessly enthralling, and it helps to make up for Scott and company do not dig enough into Napoleon’s psychology. My problem is the film tends to keep him at an arm’s length distance, and I came out of it feeling like I could have learned more about the man. Nevertheless, Scott has crafted a four-hour cut of the film which will debut on Apple TV in the near future. That’s right, it will be streaming before we all know it.

Please check out the review below and subscribe to The Ultimate Rabbit You Tube channel if you have not already. It is not too long, and I did my best to make sure it only lasts a fraction of “Napoleon’s” running time which is 157 minutes.

‘The Nun II’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

In the interest of transparency, I must admit I either saw “The Nun” and it was so bad and I completely erased it from my memory, or I haven’t seen it at all. I’m leaning toward the latter.  However, I’m pleased to report “The Nun II” was a very satisfying cinematic achievement. In fact, I need to go back and watch the original and see how I feel it holds up compared to this sequel.  This is a film I went into with very low expectations, and it really impressed me with its visual style, its acting, and its effective use of mood and dread to tell a compelling story.

“The Nun II” opens with a scene that is sure to catch your attention and hook you right away.  It’s a scene in which a priest is raised in the air and set on fire in a church located in Tarascon, France. This takes place in the late 1950’s.  Our film then takes us to 1960 and the events following the original “Nun” film where we see Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) who is now located in Italy.  From what I gathered through flashbacks, she survived a demon in the original film, so she’s well-versed in demon attacks and how to combat them. We also meet Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), a servant/janitor in France who is supportive and encouraging to a young student named Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey) and her mother Kate (Anna Popplewell), a schoolteacher.

Sister Irene is called back into action when the Cardinal informs her of a number of deaths taking place all over Europe. He suspects they are at the hands of the demon Valak.  Since Sister Irene survived the demon the last time, he believes she will be able to put a stop to this madness.  She brings along Sister Debra (Storm Reid), as Debra is starting to question her beliefs and wants to see a real miracle. If there is anyone who can get her to believe, it is definitely Sister Irene.

While all of this is happening, the demon Valak keeps showing up and disappearing in visions and also in real life. I’m not a big fan of jump scares in cinema, but this film is very effective in knowing when and how to use them.  They really got to me, which is not something that happens easily.  In a lot of films, they tend to come across as premeditated, and you can see them coming from a mile away. Here, they really build up to and use them when you least expect.  Director Michael Chaves also does a splendid job in creating a film which is moody, creepy and very unnerving.  The film runs at 110 minutes, and they probably could have trimmed maybe 10-15 minutes off the running time to make it even better. Near the end, it feels like there were a few too many scenes thrown in there which weren’t entirely necessary. It’s still a good film, and a big part of that is the performance of Taissa Farmiga. She’s great at being vulnerable, tough and easy to like.

What I enjoyed most about this film is the fact it explained its backstory and history in great detail.  In most horror films, they tend to leave out any backstory or character development. With Maurice, we understand why certain things are happening to him. We learn more about the demon Valak and his motivation for why he’s possessing and killing people.  With Irene, we learn why she’s having visions of the demon. Even with Debra, we know why she has trouble believing in her faith and needs to see a miracle.  The screenplay really knows the devil is in the details here (put intended), and in order to tell this story the right way, we need the protagonists and antagonists to be properly fleshed out.

All in all, people are going to see a movie like “The Nun II” because they want to be scared. As a scary movie, it succeeds because we are invested in the characters and seeing them succeed. There are high stakes here. They really took their time to build up to the jump scares and big moments. Lately, I’ve been finding myself more and more surprised by certain movies, which is always a delightful treat. This could have easily been a cash-in sequel, but they decided to make a worthwhile film that is worth your money and more importantly your time. Spooky season might be over, but you won’t be disappointed by the disturbing and eerie filmmaking on display in “The Nun II.”

* * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Nun II” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film. The film has a running time of 110 minutes and is rated R for action/violence, some bloody images, language and brief suggestive material.

4K Video/Audio Info: The HDR on this film is really, really potent.  On darker films like this, it has a way of making the film look even scarier. There are tremendous spooky shadows throughout the film.  It is also dark without being too dark.  It’s one of the many things I love about 4K—even though this film looks bleak and otherworldly, it’s still a clean, flawless transfer. They didn’t overdo it by making it so dark and dreary you were unable to see what was happening on screen. We also get a really, really nice Dolby Atmos track, which pops during the jump scares.  There are also subtitles in English, Spanish, and French. This is a top-notch release from Warner Brothers.

Special Features:

Demons in Paradise – featurette (5:35)

Handcrafter Nightmares – featurette (7:28)

Should You Buy It?

If you were a fan of the original “Nun” or even if you haven’t seen it, like myself, this is a great stand-alone release from Warner Brothers. There are moments where they stop and explain things if you haven’t seen the original, which is very helpful. The 4K is pitch-perfect with a really, really good Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and the picture quality definitely gets an A. There are only two special features here, and I would have certainly enjoyed a commentary track from the director.  With all of that being said, if you are interested in buying this for the movie and for the 4K, I would absolutely recommend adding this film to your horror collection. I’ve always been a big fan of “The Conjuring” universe and their dedication to putting out quality horror films.  While they don’t always succeed, they have way more hits than misses.  This film has somewhat of an ambiguous ending, and I wouldn’t mind if they did a third film, as long as it’s done with the quality and care they devoted to this one.  It’s truly remarkable what they have been able to do with all “The Conjuring” cinematic universe.  They have a lot of interesting stories to pluck from, and they bring in creative and fresh writers and directors to bring unique perspectives to the series.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Blue Beetle’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

For those of you who keep up with my reviews on this website, you are familiar with my feelings on most superhero films. It is not my favorite genre, but I’m always willing to give it a try and hope for the best.  It hasn’t happened in a while, which is why I was so pleased to be completely enamored with “Blue Beetle.” I went into the film knowing absolutely nothing about it, and it ended up being one of the more enjoyable viewing experiences I’ve had this year.  When you sit down to watch a movie, you truly never know what is going to transpire on screen. It’s the beauty of cinema.

Prior to seeing “Blue Beetle,” I had never even heard of this character in any shape or form. After watching this movie, I hope to see more of this character, especially if he’s played by the uber-talented Xolo Maridueña, who is terrific on “Cobra Kai.” However, after the low box office numbers, I wonder if it’s a realistic expectation.

Maridueña stars as Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate with a degree in pre-law, who returns home to Palmera City to discover a plethora of problems for his family.  They are struggling to keep their heads above water as the father had a heart attack, recently lost his job, and they are about to lose their family home.  However, he believes if they stick together, they can find a way to make it work.

Family is at the heart of “Blue Beetle,” and the film has a big old heart attached to it which I absolutely adored. This is a family of fun, eccentric and entertaining characters.  You have the wise-cracking sister, Milagro, played wonderfully by Belissa Escobedo. You have the tough, no-nonsense Nana Reyes played by Adriana Barraza. There is also the pot-smoking conspiracy theorist Uncle Rudy played by George Lopez. All of these characters are unique and fun in their own way. They feel like a real family as the chemistry between all of the characters on screen is off-the-charts.

When Jaime discovers that jobs are hard to come by after college, he gets one with his sister working for the CEO of Kord Industries, Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), at their mansion.  After Jaime and Milagro end up losing their jobs when they are caught eavesdropping on a conversation between Victoria and her niece, Jenny (Bruna Marquezine), Jaime must figure out what to do next.  Jenny was impressed by the way Jaime stuck up for her and might have a job opportunity for him. When he goes to meet up with her, she hands him the Scarab, an artifact which holds special powers. She tells him not to open it, but when his family opens it for him, he soon finds out that his life will never be the same again.

With this Scarab, it chooses you, you don’t choose it.  It has chosen Jaime, and he has to figure out how to handle the responsibilities which come with it. He’s also dealing with a nosey family, a newly developing crush on Jenny, and having to fight off Victoria who wants to have the Scarab to create a series of One-Man Army Corps. He also learns that Jenny’s father was Ted Kord, a vigilante named Blue Beetle who left the family company because they were more interested in creating mayhem instead of working for the greater good. Victoria is also not pleased she was overlooked by her father in favor of her brother when it came time to take over Kord Industries.

“Blue Beetle” is a film I was able to follow with relative ease, which is a huge accomplishment considering I didn’t know anything about it or the character as previously mentioned. I do believe a comic book movie should be able to stand on its own two feet for first-time viewers and long-time fans.  This film does this for first-time viewers, and I imagine fans of the “Blue Beetle” comic will not be disappointed.  I was also quite pleased to see the film really lean into the ethnic dynamics of the family.  It’s rare to see a film which is almost entirely composed of Latino actors. Even though I’m an Italian-American, I felt as though the film was accessible to everyone.  Although, I imagine you will enjoy it even more if you are Latino as some of the jokes and TV shows they reference will be more in your wheelhouse.

This film is about 15-20 minutes too long, but it is never boring or uninteresting.  Some of the scenes involving lasers, blades and various high-flying actions can be a little repetitive, but I thought the special effects looked terrific and they were still fun to watch. This is one of the best superhero movies I’ve seen in a while.  As a matter of fact, it’s my favorite superhero movie I’ve seen since 2022’s “The Batman.” It has so much going for it: the cast, the love story, the backstory, the acting, and the fact it wears its big heart on its sleeve.

I like when my superhero movies are grounded in reality with a sense of wonder, and “Blue Beetle” knows all of the right notes to hit. Maridueña is perfect at getting his ass kicked and being a likable underdog to root for, as we have seen in this film and also in “Cobra Kai.” He’s incredibly likable, and he has the emotional elements of the character down pat along with the physical transformation as well.  The family is hilarious, and I loved spending time with them.  This is a fun superhero movie with a tremendous sense of humor.  I really enjoyed “Blue Beetle,” and I hope it finds a second home with this physical media release.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “Blue Beetle” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It has a running time of 127 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, language and some suggestive references.  It comes with a digital copy of the film as well.

4K Video/Audio Info:  Once again, we are treated to a tremendous Dolby Vision transfer.  I loved the look of this movie on 4K. It has a gorgeous blue hue throughout, and when the suit lights up, it looks absolutely incredible.  It’s an eye-popping transfer.  The Dolby Atmos soundtrack also brings the film to life in your home theater.  Subtitles are included in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

“Generations: Blue Beetle” – 4-part documentary

Told in distinct chapters, explore the journeys of actors and filmmakers bringing “Blue Beetle” to the big screen for the first time ever. Audiences will be immersed in the POV of filmmakers who showcase their experiences on set and in their creative studios making the story of this DC character a reality.

 Nana Knows Best – featurette

Witness Nana’s transformation from an adorable ‘abuelita’ into a machine gun-wielding revolutionary, and stop in for a few of her most fun moments on set throughout production.

Scarab Vision – 2-part featurette

Xolo Maridueña hosts this series of scene study walk throughs that showcases how the scarab works and the role it plays in some of Blue Beetle’s most epic moments.

Should You Buy It?

I can’t tell you how pleased I was with “Blue Beetle” both as a film and as a 4K release with tremendous visuals and a powerful Dolby Atmos soundtrack.  One of the greatest joys of being a film reviewer is when you are completely caught off guard by a movie in the best possible way. You go into most movies with an open mind and open heart, but certain movies you are more excited to watch and review than others.  As soon as I finished this one, I couldn’t wait to write this review and spread the word to those who have not seen it to check it out.  It’s a film which deserves a lot more attention than it has received so far. This is the kind of superhero film I truly enjoy and want more of in the future.  The 4K was released on Halloween, and I think the Best Buy steelbook looks really, really cool. If you can pick that up, I’d recommend it. If not, the 4K slipcover is really good as well. 

Do yourself a favor and check out “Blue Beetle.”  It’s one of the most pleasant surprises of 2023.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Meg 2: The Trench’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

I haven’t seen 2018’s “The Meg”, but after watching the sequel, I don’t see myself seeking out the original.  “The Meg 2: The Trench,” I thought, would be a fun little popcorn film to kick back and enjoy while I shut my brain off for 90 minutes or so. Instead, it is a film which is almost two-hours long and goes back and forth between being deadly serious and having silly over-the-top nonsense.  The problem with the silly over-the-top nonsense is, by the time it kicks in, things have already lost its audience to where it is far too late for anyone to recover.  Plus, the scenes do not feel natural or organic, and they seem to be in there saying, “See? Here is the stuff you came for: the killings, the mayhem, and random one-liners. Isn’t this movie fun?” “The Meg 2: The Trench” was a tedious viewing experience.

Jason Statham stars as Jonas Taylor, and if you have seen one performance from Statham, you have probably seen them all.  However, I do enjoy when he collaborates with director Guy Ritchie, as there are darker elements to his characters in those films.  In his other films, he’s the wise-cracking bad-ass who beats everyone up.  That’s OK once in a while, but when you keep playing the same tune, it gets rather repetitive and dull. In this film, he plays an environmentalist with a heart of gold who is looking after Meiying (Shuya Sophia Cai) after her mother passed away, along with her uncle Jiuming Zhang (Wu Jing). She’s a teenager who is looking to explore and be adventurous while her two guardians are also trying to keep a close eye on her.

One day on a deep-dive mission, Jonas and Jiuming discover there is an illegal operation happening deep down below in the water. So, this time, not only do they have to fight off the megalodons, but they also have to fight off the attacks of greedy and avaricious mercenaries who are looking to make billions of dollars off of this illegal mining operation.  Does any of this sound like fun?  It wasn’t fun for me.  It might have been fun if they kept the plot to 90-95 minutes, moved at a faster pace, and went with an R-rating.  They play it a little too safe here, and it is dull, uninventive, and very uninteresting.

Another problem with the film is the other characters in it.  There is nothing unique or original about them. They come and go with absolutely zero-character development or any significant reasons why we should care if they live or die.  There are some nice scenes between Jonas, Meiying and Jiuming, and there are some pretty cool shark deaths, but by the time they finally make it to the screen, as mentioned, the audience has long since fallen asleep and lost interest in anything happening on screen. I popped up for a minute to remark, “Oh, that was cool. That was a sweet moment.” When your film is nearly two hours long, though, you need a lot more of those scenes instead of random characters in scuba gear you can’t even identify or care about.

This film also suffers from not having any silly or fun villains.  The whole thing just felt like a cash-in sequel to me.  It made a lot of money, so I’m sure no one who made the film or was involved in it is disappointed by that.  There is also a wise-cracking supporting character played by Page Kennedy, and he’s trying way too hard to be funny.  It’s almost like they added him specifically for the purpose of forcing comedy on us when it wasn’t there. As soon as he appears on screen, you are waiting for the one-liners instead of them happening naturally.  It’s clear they were only thinking about the bottom line with this movie, and they had zero interest in making a film which could at least pass as escapist entertainment.

* ½ out * * * *

4K Info: “The Meg 2: The Trench” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It comes with a digital copy of the film as well.  It is rated PG-13 for action/violence, some bloody images, language, and brief suggestive material. It has a running time of 116 minutes.

4K Video/Audio Info:  One of the good things about this release is we get the film released on Dolby Vision with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack as well.  As far as the transfer here, it’s a flawless transfer that is clean, crisp, and bright.  The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is also a really good one, as it’s not too loud or in-your-face.  Even though the special effects left something to be desired, I can’t deny how good the transfer looks and how good the film sounds. As a 4K, it’s one of the better transfers I’ve seen for a film released in 2023.  It also comes with subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.

Special Features:

The Making of “Meg 2: The Trench” – Cast and crew revisit the making of the film and working with new and returning cast members, then highlight the beauty and challenges of working with a Meg they can’t see.

Up From the Depths: Even More Beasts – Director Ben Wheatley, cast and producers guide fans through the creation and design of the new creatures seen in “Meg 2: The Trench”

Should You Buy It?

If you enjoyed the original “Meg” and are a fan of Jason Statham films, you will probably want to add this one to your collection.  However, I would say it’s a film you can wait to buy when it drops a little in price.  If you did not enjoy the “Meg or haven’t seen the original, I don’t think there is anything here that will convert you to this sequel.  It’s a shame, too, as the second half showed some promise and did deliver some cool kills.  If they had trimmed the fat, stuck to a reasonable running time, embraced the absurdity of the film and had better looking sharks, we would have a good popcorn film here.  Instead, we are left with a laborious viewing experience with only a few highlights. This one left a lot to be desired.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Barbie’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

I went into “Barbie” with very little knowledge of the film beforehand. I was aware that it gained a lot of money at the box office, and I also knew it was the most talked about movie of the summer.  It broke records at the box office, as stated, and it’s the rare film that has received positive reviews with critics and also with audiences as well.  It’s an important film in today’s world.  Of course, I heard of the Barbie brand name in my 38-years on this planet, but I didn’t consider myself the key demographic for this film.  However, the expert direction of Greta Gerwig and the top-notch writing from herself along with her long-time partner, Noah Baumbach, made this a very, very enjoyable viewing experience.  I also believe it can create healthy and meaningful conversations for families after they watch it together.  It’s the power of cinema.

“Barbie” opens up by introducing us to Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) living in Barbieland.  She sees a world populated by Barbies, Kens and other characters, even if it is full of mundane routines at times. One of the Barbies is even President (Issa Rae).   One day, Stereotypical Barbie notices she has flat feet and is starting to think about her own mortality.  This is met with confusion by those in Barbieland where everything, on the surface, is always sunshine, rainbows and lollipops. They tend to live in denial at times. The Kens like to hang out at the beach and seek approval from the Barbies. This most certainly applies to one Ken, played by Ryan Gosling.  When Stereotypical Barbie meets Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), she realizes that someone has been playing with her and causing her to have bad breath, flat feet and even cellulite.

Ken insists on following her into the real world where he and Barbie are mocked, ridiculed and even thrown into prison. Barbie is not used to men making comments on her appearance and even groping her.  Ken, on the other hand, likes it in the real world as he sees the opportunities and respect that come with being a man. He didn’t have those same privileges in Barbieland.  Barbie meets young Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) who lays into Barbie about how she has given young women unrealistic expectations of how they should present themselves in the real world. This is news to Barbie, who becomes quite depressed. 

When the Mattel CEO (Will Ferrell) finds out that Barbie is running loose in the real world, he wants to ensure she is put back into her box, as he doesn’t like the fact that worlds are colliding.  Barbie also learns more about what caused her to have problems in Barbieland.  She wants to find out how to make things better not only for herself, but for everyone else.  Since Ken is starting to feel overly confident and selfish, this puts Barbieland in serious jeopardy.  It’s up to Barbie, Sasha, and Sasha’s mother, Gloria (America Ferrera), to make things right not only for all of the Barbie’s out there, but for the entire Barbieland as well, which includes numerous Kens and also Allan, played by Michael Cera.

For a movie about a collection of dolls, “Barbie” has a lot to say, and it says it quite well with humor, intelligence and a powerful sense of self-awareness.  The filmmakers are also not afraid to take Mattel to task as well for some of their decision making.  This is a film about change, growth, empowerment, and being the best version of yourself.  It’s also a beautiful looking film with some of the best cinematography I’ve seen in a long time.  It’s filled with color, vividness and life.  At times, the film can be a little too on the nose and it does lag a little in the end, but this is a really, really good movie that is hugely entertaining while also having a strong message behind it at the same time.  It’s really remarkable what Gerwig has achieved with this film.  She took a lot of chances with this film, but nine times out of ten, they were the right chances to take.

“Barbie” is going to cause an uproar with certain groups of people and, quite frankly, that is their burden to carry around with them.  As the old expression goes, “For those who understand, no explanation is necessary. For those who don’t, no explanation is good enough.”  It’s fine if you don’t like the film, but if you are getting caught up in certain aspects of the film’s subject matter, you are missing the point entirely. “Barbie” is well-acted, well-made, incredibly funny, and it has a wit to it that I’m sure many audiences will appreciate.

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are tremendous here, of course, and the rest of the cast is top-notch, featuring such actors as America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, and Will Ferrell.  They know exactly how to hit all of the right notes with this material.  Everyone has bought into the film here, and they know how to sell it just perfectly.  This is sophisticated humor, and the actors are never too over-the-top or winking at the camera too much. Of course, there are moments where the movie is breaking the fourth wall, such as when its narrator, Helen Mirren, talks about it not being a good idea by the filmmakers to have Margot Robbie complain about being ugly, but those moments make sense because it shows the movie is right there with the audience in terms of what we are thinking.

All in all, “Barbie” was one of my favorite viewing experiences of 2023.  As stated earlier, it is not perfect. At times, it is a little too self-aware for its own good, and the last thirty minutes or so tend to drag a bit.  However, it is easy to see why this film garnered so much attention at the box office and with mainstream audiences. A movie about Barbie could have easily been banal and vapid. Instead, they trusted that audiences can be smart and they want something more out of a Barbie movie.  I really enjoyed “Barbie,” and I can’t wait to watch it again.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “Barbie” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film.  It is rated PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language. It has a running time of 114 minutes.

Video Info: The 4K look of this film is really, really on-point with its lively HDR and tremendous color palette.  It is not so bright that it will hurt your eyes or cause any discomfort.  It knows when to pop and when to shine and it always looks sharp, clear, and incredibly rich. It’s a visual feast for audiences. This movie was made for 4K.

Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is also vibrant and really consistent throughout the entire film.  It has a nice bass to it, as there are tons of great songs sprinkled throughout the soundtrack of the film.  Dialogue is easy to understand without any issues. Subtitles are in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Welcome to Barbie Land – featurette

Becoming Barbie – featurette

Playing Dress-Up – featurette

Musical Make-Believe – featurette

All-Star Barbie Party – featurette

It’s A Weird World – featurette

Should You Buy It?

HECK YES!! I don’t care what age you are or what gender you identify as, if you have a sense of humor and heart, you will really, really enjoy Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” This is a great example of how to do a big studio film the right way while also making a ton of money at the box office.  The audio and visual aspects are also top-notch and really, really well done.  It’s a gorgeous looking transfer with an incredible Dolby Atmos soundtrack.  We also get some pretty cool special features as well.  “Barbie” is one of the biggest surprises of 2023, and it is the kind of film I love to see out of Hollywood. It comes out on 4K on October 17th, and it is a day-one purchase.  I don’t know if there will be a steelbook edition at some point or not, but this is the kind of film you would not mind double dipping on in the future.  This one comes highly recommended!

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.