DISNEY AND PIXAR DEBUT NEW “TOY STORY 5” TRAILER AND POSTER

 

An all-new trailer and poster for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming animated adventure “Toy Story 5” debut today. The toys are back and this time, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?

 

The trailer also teases the anticipated reunion of Woody and Buzz following Woody’s decision to leave the gang and start helping lost toys at the end of 2019’s “Toy Story 4.” As the toys face the tech devices of today, it’s going to be all hands on deck with some familiar and all-new characters.

 

Several actors have joined the incredible roster of voice talent including Craig Robinson as Atlas, a cheerful talking GPS hippo toy; Shelby Rabara as the excitable camera toy Snappy; Scarlett Spears as the sweet and shy 8-year-old Bonnie; Mykal-Michelle Harris as Blaze, an independent 8-year-old girl who loves animals; and Matty Matheson as the tech-fearing toy Dr. Nutcase.

 

Also rounding out the voice cast are John Ratzenberger as the wisecracking piggybank Hamm; Wallace Shawn as Rex, the anxiety-riddled tyrannosaurus rex toy; Blake Clark as the ever-loyal Slinky Dog; Jeff Bergman as the sarcastic Mr. Potato Head; Anna Vocino as the nurturing Mrs. Potato Head; Annie Potts as the adventure-loving Bo Peep; Bonnie Hunt as the wise rag-doll Dolly; Melissa Villaseñor as Karen Beverly, Bonnie’s homemade toy fashioned out of a plastic knife; John Hopkins as the dignified hedgehog plush toy Mr. Pricklepants; Kristen Schaal as the plastic triceratops toy Trixie; Ernie Hudson as the action figure Combat Carl; and Keanu Reeves as Canadian daredevil toy Duke Caboom.

 

The previously announced voice cast includes Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), Greta Lee (Lilypad), Conan O’Brien (Smarty Pants) and Tony Hale (Forky).

“Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton (“WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory”), co-directed by Kenna Harris (“Ciao Alberto”), produced by Lindsey Collins (“Turning Red,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Dory”), and features an original score by Academy Award® winner Randy Newman who returns to score his fifth “Toy Story” feature. The film releases exclusively in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2026. 

NEW TRAILER FOR “STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU”

 

A brand-new epic, action-packed trailer for “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” has arrived! Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” opens exclusively in theaters May 22, 2026.

 

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Directed by Jon Favreau, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” also stars Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce,  with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.

4K Digital Review of Zootopia 2

 

The first Zootopia is one of my favorite animated films ever. A sequel was inevitable and nine years later, Zootopia 2 has arrived. The movie begins one week after the end of the first film. Nick (Jason Bateman) and Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) get in trouble for a bust that goes wrong. But while this bust went wrong, they have stumbled upon another mystery that will lead them into further trouble as they continue to investigate it. 

This movie contains a lot of the same DNA of the original, but we get to focus on the relationship between Nick and Judy. You can see that the two have come a long way from the first film. You don't get the bickering of the first film but more of their differences of how to get this case solved. I won't get into any spoilers so you can let the movie unfold on its own.

While almost everyone returns to voice their characters again, there are a lot of new characters. We meet Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) who is a wonderful addition to the cast. Pawbert Lynxly (Andy Samberg) is a lynx and adds warmth and charm. Mayor Winddancer is voiced by Patrick Warburton in perhaps my favorite character since Kronk. 

If you are a fan of the first movie, then you will like the sequel. It continues the story along without just being a rehash of the first one. The returning characters move forward in their story and the new characters are a welcome addition.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is picture perfect. The colors are bright and bold, the details of the fur, scales, and cloth are all exceptional. Backgrounds are full of details and create a lived in world. A fantastic transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track is a wonderful match to the video quality. Dialogue is crisp and clear from the front channels. Environmental sounds surround you and invite you into the world. The amazing songs and soundtrack fill in all the surround channels. Another solid audio track from Disney. 

Bonus Features*

• Featurettes:

o   The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life.

o   A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match.

o   Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favorite new beaver, Nibbles!

o   Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts.

o   Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life!

o   The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fueled and energized.

o   "Zoo" Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.”

• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard.

• What's In the Box?

• Where Are They Now?
• Animal Hospital

• Welcome to the Team

• Desert Festival

• Clawhauser Tracks Judy

• A Plight at the Museum

• Clawhauser's Family

Conclusion:

A fun movie filled with laughs and heart. We get wonderful returning characters and great new characters to propel the story forward. Lots of great bonus material as well will make this a more than worthy addition to your movie library.

Zootopia 2 is now available on digital. It will be available on DVD, 4K UHD on March 3rd.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.* 

4K Digital Review of Rental Family

 

Rental Family is a charming "feel good" film about human connections and a movie that is sorely needed at this time. Phillip (Brendan Fraser) is an American actor, living in Japan. His career is not going so great. He takes a gig to be a sad American, where he catches the eye of Shinji (Takehiro Hira), the owner of a "rental family" business. At this type of business, customers hire actors to fill in roles in their lives. 

Phillip isn't sure about taking this job but once he does his first gig he is hooked. But as he takes on further roles, he becomes emotionally invested and can see that he is making a positive difference in these people's lives. Two of these clients will also change Phillip forever.

The first is an elderly man, Kikuo (Akira Emoto), an aging actor with dementia. Phillip has been assigned to be a reporter who is seeking an interview. As the two men talk, the bond becomes strong. The second client is Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman). Her mother needs a father to help place Mia into a private school. Phillip and Mia also develop a strong bond. Phillip never had a father in his own life and feels the paternal relationship between him and Mia. 

As the relationships between Kikuo and Mia flourish, Phillip can see how tricky it can be toying with people's lives and hearts. The ideas of finding connection and purpose while also feeling completely lost in life is apparent. It is a heavy, dramatic film filled with powerful performances that will stay with you long after the movie is over.      

Video:

The streaming 4K video is crisp and sharp. Skin tones are accurate and clothing is detailed. The background environments, both indoors and outdoors are sharp and clear. Another wonderful transfer from Searchlight and Disney.  

Audio:

The audio mix is subtle which is perfect for a movie such as this. The dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. The environmental effects are subtle and immerse you in the scene. The beautiful score will surround you, envelope you, haunt you. 

Bonus Materials:

• Featurette: Rental Family Revealed — Go behind the scenes with Brendan Fraser, director HIKARI, and the Japanese cast as they explore friendship, culture, found family, and filming in Japan in this intimate look at the making of Rental Family.

 

• Deleted/Extended Scenes:
• Columbus
• Crying Session
• Apology
• Aiko’s First Client
• Clearbright
• Tickets
• Audition
• Phone Call
• Final Montage

Conclusion:

Rental Family is a deeply moving film that made me question my own role in life. Simple and honest storytelling with powerful performances throughout. A quiet charming film that will stay with you. Some good bonus features that would have done even better with an audio commentary. A highly recommended addition to your movie library.