4K Digital Review of Is This Thing On?

 

The latest film from director Bradley Cooper, "Is This Thing On?" tells the story of Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern). Thyeh vae decided to end their marriage of 20 years and Alex turns to stand-up comedy as a way to try to understand what is happening. Tess, a former Olympian volleyball player and was one of the all-time greats. Since retirement she became a wife and a mom. With the upcoming divorce, she turns to volleyball once again but this time to become a coach.

Through the movie we learn about the difficulties of co-parenting and self-discovery. We also learn how hardships can lead you down new paths, opening up new doors. Arnett is outstanding as an everyman trying to handle failure. Blending his comedic skills in a dramatic role gives Alex a sense of vulnerability that feels believable. Dern is equally outstanding as she brings strength to a role that also showcases the quiet sacrifices of partnership. Her chemistry with Arnett is the grounds of the emotional core of the movie. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The streets and colors of New York come to life. Skin tones are accurate and details such as cloth and other materials are rich and vibrant. A wonderful transfer from Searchlight and Disney. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio track here is wonderful. Dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. Ambient environmental sounds and audience laughter in stand-up comedy shows fill the surround channels. The score blends in around you. A solid audio mix from Searchlight and Disney. 

Bonus Feature*

• Mic Drop: Making Is This Thing On? – Go behind the scenes as filmmakers and cast open up about the inspirations behind this story of love, loss, and starting again. Get a glimpse into working with a remarkable ensemble and hear about how the team developed their comedy sets.

Conclusion:

"Is This Thing On?" is a solid look at separation and self-discovery. Solid performances from Arnett and Dern capture the pain of life at times as well the rewards that come through hardship. A decent bonus feature combined with solid video and audio make this a welcomed addition to your movie library. 

"Is This Thing On?" is available on digital and on 4K Blu-ray and DVD March 17th.

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

4K Digital Review of Ella McCay

 

Emma Mackey plays Ella McCay, who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) takes a job in Washington D.C. and leaves his job to Lt. Governor Ella. She has plans for her 14 months in office. But her problems with her family take over her life. She struggles with her womanizing father Eddie (Woody Harrelson), as well as the emotional issues faced by her brother Casey (Spike Fearn). Ella's husband Ryan (Jack Lowden) creates a scandal for his wife and threatens her plan to help the people of her state.

Estella (Julie Kavner) plays Ella's secretary and narrator of this film. She gives us the details of Ella's life. We see her mother (Rebecca Hall), deal with her husband's cheating. When her mom passed away, Ella is pretty much on her own. But as we move back into the present, there is literally too much going on and nothing seems to be resolved. This is what hurts the movie. Too many characters with too many motivations and we get a maze that we never get out of.  

Video:

The 4K streaming video is crystal clear. Fine details such a as sets and clothing are wonderful. Colors are natural and unsaturated. Another outstanding transfer from Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Audio:

The 5.1 Dolby Atmos audio track is very immersive. Environmental sounds surround you whether the scene takes place indoors or outdoors. Even background voices fall into the surround channels to increase the level of immersion. Dialogue is crystal clear through the front channels. The Hans Zimmer score fills in the space wonderfully. 

Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes:

• “You Win, We Lose”
• “Forget About The Union Rep”
• “I Love Girl”
• “No More Interruptions”
• “Make Your Family Whole”
• “A Small Concussion”
• “Hazel Bottomless”
• “You Got Him Out”
• “Nice Family”

 

Bloopers

Featurettes:

• A James L. Brooks Film: Go behind the scenes as the film’s star-studded cast and crew share their joy of working with acclaimed writer-director James L. Brooks. Experience Brooks’ singular gift for creating beloved, memorable movie moments — and what it’s like to hear him laugh.

• In Good Company: The Cast Of Ella McCay: Sit down with James L. Brooks as he talks about his extraordinary cast and as the actors share their respect and appreciation for Brooks — and each other. Hear about the casting process that created heartfelt chemistry both on set and onscreen.

Conclusion:

Ella McCay has an amazing cast and some witty writing but sadly this ends up feeling like something for television instead of a motion picture. The audio and video are solid and the bonus features are enjoyable if you are considering to make this a purchase. 

Ella McCay is out on digital and will available on Blu-ray 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.*

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.