movies Archives - Dad of Divas

The Mandalorian and Grogu Review: Action, Heart, and Adventure Unite

July 21, 2026 by dadofdivas

Join the Mandalorian and Grogu on their most thrilling mission yet when Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” arrives on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango July 21, and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray August 25.

Film Synopsis

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. “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” also stars Sigourney Weaver, with Martin Scorsese and Jeremy Allen White lending their voices. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and written by Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni & Noah Kloor.

Bonus Features*

FEATURETTES:

Crafting “The Mandalorian and Grogu”: Discover the craft behind an epic Star Wars adventure! Go behind the scenes with artists creating the stunning puppetry, miniatures, sound design, and visual effects that bring the worlds, characters, and creatures of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” to life.
Biomes—From Snow to Swamp: Voyage with director Jon Favreau and his crew to a pair of brand-new worlds that may seem a touch familiar to fans of the original Star Wars trilogy. Discover how the ingenious filmmakers constructed snowy landscapes and a living swamp from the ground up!
Welcome to Shakari: A bustling metropolis like Shakari cannot simply be found—it must be made. Join the film’s fabrication as they build an entire Star Wars city with a downtown warehouse, conjuring an epic playground for Mando and his young apprentice.
Dejarik for Real: Sometimes it’s the little things! Who can forget the Millennium Falcon’s charming holochess game introduced in 1977? Witness how the tiny creatures featured in the game were lovingly brought to giant-sized life for the Mandalorian’s big-screen debut!

AUDIO COMMENTARY:

Audio commentary by Jon Favreau: Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jon Favreau.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer. Only available on Digital and Physical.

My Take on the Movie

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu successfully brings one of the franchise’s most beloved duos from the small screen to the big screen without losing the heart that made them fan favorites. Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin remains the steady, honorable protector audiences have come to admire, while Grogu continues to steal nearly every scene with charm, humor, and surprising growth. The story balances thrilling action with quieter moments that strengthen the bond between mentor and apprentice, giving the adventure genuine emotional weight. Visually, the film embraces the cinematic scale expected from Star Wars, with impressive worlds, memorable creatures, and exciting battles that feel larger than anything seen in the series. While longtime viewers may recognize the familiar storytelling style, the movie still delivers an entertaining journey that stands on its own. It may not redefine the galaxy far, far away, but it captures the spirit of adventure, friendship, and hope that has always made Star Wars so enduring.

Social Media

YouTube: @StarWars

X: @DisneyStudios; @starwars

Instagram: @DisneyStudios; @starwars

Facebook: @WaltDisneyStudios; @starwars

TikTok: @DisneyStudios; @StarWars

The Horsemen Ride Again: A New Era of Illusion

February 17, 2026 by dadofdivas

A new era of illusionists step into the spotlight, NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON’T stars Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Woody Harrelson (Zombieland), Dave Franco (Together), Isla Fisher (Confessions of a Shopaholic), and the new illusionists Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers), and Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie). The illusion is only the beginning; every trick has a twist waiting to be revealed. Please see the attached press release with more information.

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

Step behind the curtain of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t with the cast, crew, and creative team, exploring jaw-dropping illusions, stunning sets, high-octane stunts, and insider stories on costumes, locations, and production challenges that bring the film to life for fans old and new.

Audio Commentary with Director Ruben Fleischer and Producer Bobby Cohen
Lord of Illusions — Follow director Ruben Fleischer as he joins the Now You See Me series, revealing what attracted him to the project and how he balanced his vision with the style of the previous films.
Now You See Me… Again — Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman come together again, sharing what pulled them back to the franchise and fueled the excitement behind this third film.
Heart of Stone — Go behind the scenes as the cast and crew spotlight Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of the formidable Veronika Vanderberg.
Quick Change — A spotlight on costume designer Sophie Canale’s creative vision, bringing the characters of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t to life through their wardrobe.
Nothing Up My Sleeve — Unveil the magic with insights from the cast and crew on working alongside three renowned magic consultants to create real, on-camera illusions.
The Magic Castle — Take a detailed tour of the sets and locations of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t with production designer David Scheunemann, including insights on the Abu Dhabi shoots and production challenges.
The Sorcerers’ Apprentices (SteelBook Exclusive)
Deleted and Extended Scenes
Theatrical Trailer

My Take on the Movie

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t brings the Four Horsemen back into the spotlight with a mix of nostalgia, spectacle, and a fresh generation of illusionists. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco slip comfortably into their roles, while Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt inject new energy into the franchise. The film leans into elaborate set pieces—particularly a stunning chateau sequence—and delivers several clever reveals that remind us why this series works best when it embraces theatricality over realism.

Rosamund Pike’s Veronika Vanderberg adds a sharp edge to the ensemble, even if the character’s motivations feel somewhat underdeveloped. While not as groundbreaking as the original, the film still finds ways to surprise, especially in its final act. Some narrative threads feel uneven, but the behind-the-curtain explanations and globe-trotting production scale keep things entertaining. It may not reinvent the trick, but it confidently pulls another rabbit out of the hat.

Is This Thing On? Love, Laughter, Letting Go

February 16, 2026 by dadofdivas

In Is This Thing On? As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene, while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family – forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

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.

My Take on the Movie

Is This Thing On? is a quietly affecting portrait of a long marriage shifting into unfamiliar territory. Alex (Will Arnett), staring down divorce and the blur of midlife, stumbles into New York’s open mic circuit and discovers that the stage offers something he hasn’t felt in years: clarity. Meanwhile, Tess (Laura Dern) reckons with the compromises she’s made and what independence might now mean.

Rather than framing separation as failure, the film treats it as evolution. The stand-up sequences feel intimate and unvarnished, capturing how humor can expose truths we struggle to say at home. Arnett brings surprising vulnerability, and Dern grounds the story with restraint and intelligence.

Directed with a steady, compassionate hand, the film balances dry wit with emotional honesty. It’s less about punchlines and more about rediscovering identity after shared dreams shift. By the end, you’re left reflecting not just on love lost, but on love reshaped.

Big Laughs, Bigger Heart: Why Zootopia 2 Works

January 28, 2026 by dadofdivas

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voiced by Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

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

My Take on the Movie

Zootopia 2 builds on the charm of the original while giving its central duo a more layered adventure. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are no longer just mismatched partners; their bond is tested as they chase a city-shaking mystery that pulls them into unfamiliar corners of Zootopia. The story moves quickly, mixing clever humor with moments that carry surprising emotional weight. Kids get the bright action and funny characters, while adults will notice the thoughtful ideas simmering underneath about belonging, history, and who gets to shape a community’s story.

The voice cast brings energy and personality to every scene, and the expanding world feels lively and detailed without becoming overwhelming. New faces add spark, and longtime fans will enjoy the hidden nods tucked throughout. While not every thread goes as deep as it could, the film succeeds as a lively, meaningful sequel that balances fun, heart, and a message about understanding differences — making it an easy family pick.

Imperfect People, Real Love: The Heart of Ella McCay

January 27, 2026 by dadofdivas

Ella McCay follows an idealistic young woman juggling her less-than-perfect family with her passion for her work. From writer-director James L. Brooks, this fresh and heartwarming comedy is about the people you love and how to survive them.

Ella McCay features an all-star cast including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, Joey Brooks with Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson. The film is produced by James L. Brooks, p.g.a., Richard Sakai, p.g.a., Julie Ansell, p.g.a., Jennifer Brooks.

Digital & Blu-ray 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.

My Take on the Movie

Ella McCay is the kind of character-driven comedy that sneaks up on you. What starts as the story of a young woman trying to stay afloat between career demands and complicated family ties slowly turns into something warmer and more reflective. Ella isn’t polished or perfect, and that’s exactly the point — she’s trying, stumbling, showing up, and learning when to hold on and when to let go. The film finds humor in tense situations without undercutting the emotional weight behind them.

The performances carry the movie beautifully. Emma Mackey gives Ella a grounded mix of determination and vulnerability, while Jamie Lee Curtis adds spark and depth in every scene she’s in. The ensemble feels lived-in, like people with real histories rather than plot devices. Some story threads wander, but the heart of the film — love, responsibility, and surviving the people who know you best — lands with sincerity, leaving you smiling and a little thoughtful on the way out.

Rental Family: A Heartfelt Film About Belonging

January 19, 2026 by dadofdivas

Set in modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.

Digital & Blu-ray 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

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer.

Feature Run Time

Approx. 110 minutes

My Take on the Film

Rental Family is a quietly powerful film that proves you don’t need spectacle to leave a lasting impact. Set in contemporary Tokyo, it follows a struggling American actor (Brendan Fraser) who stumbles into an unusual job with a “rental family” agency—playing temporary roles in the lives of strangers who need support, companionship, or simply someone to show up. What begins as performance slowly becomes something more personal, as the connections he forms challenge his assumptions about belonging, responsibility, and what it means to truly care for another person.

Fraser delivers one of his most grounded and emotionally generous performances, blending humor with deep sensitivity as his character navigates cultural differences and ethical gray areas. The Japanese supporting cast is excellent, giving the story authenticity and heart. Thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly funny, Rental Family lingers long after the credits roll.

Marvel Finally Gets the Fantastic Four Right

September 26, 2025 by dadofdivas

About the Film

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family–Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

My Take on the Film

Marvel finally gives the First Family the treatment they deserve with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. From the opening scenes, I was drawn into the retro-futuristic 1960s setting—it’s bold, stylish, and unlike anything else in the MCU so far. What makes this film work isn’t just the cosmic stakes with Galactus and Silver Surfer, but the way the story grounds itself in family dynamics. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach feel natural together, capturing both the warmth and tension of a real family under impossible pressure.

The film doesn’t waste time retelling their origins, which I appreciated. Instead, it lets the characters breathe while balancing humor, spectacle, and heart. The space sequences in particular are stunning, and Giacchino’s score ties it all together beautifully.

It may follow a familiar “save the world” arc, but the performances and style make it fresh and memorable. Marvel finally got Fantastic Four right.

Broken Heroes, Big Impact: Why Thunderbolts Works

July 5, 2025 by dadofdivas

Thunderbolts* turns up the heat this summer as it blasts onto digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home on July 1, before making its explosive entry on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 29.

The Thunderbolts are The New Avengers, the ultimate surprise to both audiences and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine as this misfit team of burned assets rallies their powers and unites against all odds. Their namesake movie Thunderbolts* is an action-packed, international adventure, with audiences embracing the film’s super-powered humor and adrenaline. Critics lovingly call Thunderbolts* “one of the best Marvel movies of all time” (BJ Colangelo, Slashfilm) and “one of the most enjoyable, fun, and genuinely moving MCU films” (Ross Bonaime, Collider).

Bring home the energy and fun of Thunderbolts* in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos® for a truly cinematic superhero experience, complete with stunning visuals and immersive sound. The digital, 4K UHD, and Blu-ray releases include hours of exclusive bonus content – featuring deleted scenes, a gag reel, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and filmmaker commentary by director Jake Schreier. For collectors, the 4K Ultra HD edition will also be available in a limited-edition SteelBook® featuring custom artwork and premium packaging.

Also available in the U.S., a Walmart exclusive pop-up Blu-ray package unleashes the strength, grit and powerful presence of the Thunderbolts into 3D existence, capturing them in moments of utter determination and focused battle.

Film Synopsis

Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes with Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission. Forced to confront the darkest corners of their pasts, will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite before it’s too late?

Bonus Features*

Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
- Door is Unliftable
- Gary Announcement

Assembling a Team to Remember – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film’s fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled.

Around the World and Back Again – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth’s tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets.

All About Bob, Sentry & The Void – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void – all performed by Lewis Pullman.

Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*.

Director’s Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jake Schreier.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

My Take on the Movie

As someone who’s been hit-or-miss on Marvel’s recent releases, Thunderbolts honestly surprised me—in a good way. From the opening sequence, I could tell this wasn’t going to be the usual flash-and-quips formula. The emotional core of this story, especially with Yelena and Bucky, really landed for me. These aren’t polished heroes—they’re scarred, guarded, and more human because of it. That made their chemistry feel earned, not forced.

The action is tight and satisfying, especially that unforgettable limo scene, but what stuck with me was how each character wrestled with guilt, trust, and redemption. Lewis Pullman’s Bob was an unexpected highlight—quiet but magnetic. The blend of dark humor, strong pacing, and grounded performances made it feel closer to Winter Soldier than most recent Marvel entries.

It’s a movie about broken people trying to rebuild—something I didn’t realize I wanted in a superhero story until now.

Disney’s Snow White – Now on Digital!

May 14, 2025 by dadofdivas

About the Movie

Disney’s Snow White is a vibrant live-action musical reimagining of Walt Disney’s groundbreaking full-length animated classic. Experience the timeless adventure as Snow White (Rachel Zegler) journeys into magical woods to escape her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), and meets the beloved Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc who join her quest to restore the kingdom and bring kindness to the land.

Bonus Features*

Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics.
Deleted Scenes:

o Anguish and Opportunity

o Danger in the Woods

o Hunt for Snow White

Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.
Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics.
Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more.
Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

My Take on the Movie
I watched Snow White with cautious optimism—and I’m glad I did. This reimagining is clearly not a replica of the original, but it carries its own magic. Rachel Zegler gives a sincere and heartfelt performance as the title character, and her voice is stunning throughout. Gal Gadot plays the Queen with flair, though her transformation felt rushed. The visuals were enchanting, especially the forest scenes and critter companions, which had my daughter completely glued to the screen. While some CGI choices felt out of place in a live-action world, they didn’t detract from the film’s emotional arc. I appreciated the updated take on Snow White’s courage and independence, giving young viewers a more active heroine. The music, particularly the new songs, was catchy and well-integrated. It’s not a flawless film, but it’s a charming, modern fairytale that honors the heart of the original while offering something fresh for today’s audiences.

TOMBSTONE 4K Arrives on Digital on April 22

April 22, 2025 by dadofdivas

Every town has a story — Tombstone has a legend. Experience the explosive, action-packed battle on 4K Ultra HD. U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell), his brothers (Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton) and the outrageous Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) band together to bring law to the lawless in a notorious showdown at the O.K. Corral. The star-studded cast also includes Dana Delany, Jason Priestley and Michael Biehn in an epic story of Wild West justice.

Cast:

Bonus Materials

The Making of Tombstone
- An Ensemble Cast
- Making An Authentic Western
- The Gunfight At The O.K. Corral

Director’s Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence
Trailers & TV Spots

Feature Run Time
Approx. 130 minutes

Rating
U.S.: Rated R for strong Western violence

My Take On The Film
There’s something magnetic about Tombstone—not just its legendary shootouts or quotable lines, but the way it balances myth and mortality. I’ve seen plenty of Westerns, but few capture the emotional undercurrent of frontier justice like this one. Kurt Russell plays Wyatt Earp with a weary conviction that makes his journey from family man to reluctant gunslinger feel heartbreakingly real. And while Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday has (deservedly) become iconic, what struck me most on rewatch was the quiet tragedy behind his wit—a man outliving himself by sheer will. The gunfights are gripping, but it’s the silences between them—the looks exchanged, the dusty tension—that make Tombstone unforgettable. It’s not just about lawmen and outlaws; it’s about loyalty, legacy, and the cost of carving order out of chaos. Forget just calling this a great Western—it’s a timeless story about friendship, mortality, and the ghosts we all carry. I’m your huckleberry.