It is difficult to forgive someone, especially if what they did cut you deep. It does not matter if they are a good friend, a family member or just someone you met in passing, when they turn their back on you for no reason, there may be no coming back. I have never been one to hold a grudge against anyone, but I have some friends that will hold on to a good grudge until the day they die. When it comes to holding a grudge against a friend or family member you must remember that it is hurting both of you and in some cases, it will keep one if not both of you from moving forward in your lives.

Waiting at the bar, Sheriff Blake Davis is waiting for someone that knows a little something or another about missing person’s cases, because he has a doozy. When Lieutenant Frank Watters finally arrives, he is given full access to the witnesses, but what they tell him makes the Lieutenant all the more curious about what is really going on. Saying that their friend Travis was taken away by aliens does not work with what he knows and Frank wants to know what really happened and if their friend was killed or not.

During his statement, Mike tells Frank and his tape recorder about how the two men were close friends and that Travis was even ready to marry his little sister. Heading out to the mountains to fulfill their contract, the two met up with the rest of the crew, David, Greg, Bobby and Dallis and were ready to cut down some trees. Working from dawn to dusk, the men were exhausted and making their way down the hill when they saw a strange light in the sky that looked like a fire was raging the way they were headed. Trying to beat the fire out of the woods, Travis saw something and had Mike stop the car so he could get out and investigate. Seeing what appeared to be a spaceship, Travis stood under the beautiful lights, but before he knew it, he was stunned by something and all of the men fear that he is dead.  Leaving the scene, Mike comes to terms that his best friend must be dead but wanted to get his body as that is what his friend would do for him. Not being able to find Travis upon his return, Mike fears for the worst, that his friend has been abducted by aliens and there is nothing they can do to save him.

Listening to the story, Frank rolls his eyes and knows that there is something else going on with the group and seeing the dislike that Dallis has for Travis, he believes that Travis is still in the woods, but in how many pieces, he does not know.  Forming a search party with over a hundred men, including Travis’ friends, the men find nothing, but the group of loggers find out what the rest of the town is thinking about them, that they are murderers. Knowing the truth, Mike is not ready to let his story be checked by the television stations and is very reluctant to get a lie detector test for fear that something bad might come out of it. Losing his grip on his everyday life, Mike winds up finding himself alone when his wife leaves him, but a phone call from Travis five days after he disappeared livens his night up. Finding his friend hunkered down in a gas station, Mike knows that the truth will come out, but will anyone, including his own family believe where his friend has been for the past week?

When turning this movie on, I thought it would be an abduction story, but it was about much more then that when Lieutenant Frank Watters makes his way to the small town. Being an expert in missing persons, especially cases that deal with murder, he believes that the men were behind the disappearance and just needs to get them to crack. Mike, David, Greg and Bobby are eyed up and down in the town like they have done something wrong, but with some of their actions, they end up bringing it upon themselves. Getting into the mind of Mike a little bit, you get to see what problems he is dealing with on a wider level other than just being broke and losing his best friend. Talk about putting a cast together for a movie, this one is terrific with stars from the early nineties and even some folks that have been around much longer than that. An enjoyable movie and even though I did not cry during it, you have plenty of emotions filling the screen before and after the abduction.

Five Takeaways

1. If you see an alien spacecraft hovering overhead, do not stand directly under it.
2. When being questioned about what you saw, just tell the truth and stick to it.
3. When your wife needs your help around the house, do not brush her off.
4. When you find your best friend, naked at a gas station, bring a blanket and have him tested by a group of alien hunters before you talk to him.
5. Even when you are found after an alien abduction, people will still be challenging your story, so make sure to keep telling it the same way, or you will probably go to jail.

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To learn more about actor D.B. Sweeney’s preparations to play Travis Walton, check out our interview with him, here.

Perhaps the hardest aspect of life that we have to face when we grow older… is the past. Because there comes a point where we realize…. as Charlie said in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, ‘We seem to have reached the age where life stops giving us things and starts taking them away.’ Which of course… prompts us to take inventory and really ponder upon the life we’ve led and that isn’t easy to do. Because it more or less forces us to face… everything. Our mortality for instance, which can be a sobering and scary thought and of course… it forces us to really reflect upon days gone by. Some of which brings up a bevy of emotions and memories that can move us to tears as we find ourselves wax nostalgic and proud of our lives and our accomplishments. But such reflection can also… terrify us and unsettle us to no end.
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Since that also means, our failures and our missteps will be put upon display, and that will put our thoughts into a tailspin. For we may wonder what could have been if we walked a different path or made a different decision on a fateful day. Not to mention, it could put us into a panic. Where we realize that we haven’t done enough to cement a legacy or even live for that matter and that epiphany combined with regret… can push us to do incredible things in our twilight years, in a desperate attempt to find fulfillment and peace before our time on this earth has come to its end. If anything, that more negative aspect of reflecting upon a life is top of mind today, simply because it serves as the central theme of the final chapter in the Indiana Jones saga, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

A feat that this film accomplishes, by taking us to the year 1969, wherein Dr. Henry ‘Indiana’ Jones Junior, is at that reflective point in his life. For his marriage is on the rocks, there’s been tragedy in his family and there seems to be little left in Indy’s life, outside of just thoughts of the good old days when he was trotting the globe and preserving history and saving the day. Much of which, he cannot even discuss because of how fantastical those moments turned out to be. But the return of his goddaughter, Helena, into his life, combined with the return of an old foe… will force Indy out of his musings and back into action. To save the world from a new Nazi threat at the beginning of the technological age. One so dire, that it will prompt Indiana Jones to learn some valuable lessons about life and its meaning, and the true power of the past.

All of which brings forth… quite the different kind Indiana Jones film. One grounded very much in intimacy regarding Indiana’s journey and the life he’s led and the things he has experienced, and even the villain of this story, Dr. Jürgen Voller, harbors his own unique (albeit them quite evil) thoughts about yesterday and what it means to us as we step into our twilight years and that leads… to some powerful moments in this movie. The kind that really do teach both the heavy and the hero… about how our panic about the past isn’t warranted. For we cannot change what happened and we cannot make amends. We can only live in the moment and control what we can control and use the moment to forge a new path for us, one that will give us the peace we seek. Alongside the dangers that come with not learning that lesson. Which provides us with a supremely philosophical Indiana Jones movie, one that also… doesn’t lose sight of what makes the franchise so great.
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Because in order to prevent Dr. Voller from getting what he wants as a Nazi, Indiana Jones has to travel about the globe. And that allows for the audience to reunite with some old friends along the way and meet some new ones and all the classic hallmarks and iconography, accompany that as well. Since we once again enjoy the wonder of the traveling map, and humor and quips from Indy when he and his friends find themselves in a strange situation… and of course… there’s epic action and adventure to be found here as well. Courtesy of car chases and voyages into the water and perhaps… the most ambitious ending that this franchise has ever put forth, and that’s saying something when one considers what the other films have to offer in their own endings. But since this is the last adventure for Doctor Jones, going out with a bang isn’t exactly a bad thing and what’s amazing is that this film still has so much more to offer.

For it also harbors, some stunning performances from the cast. For instance, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is simply phenomenal as Helena and her performance offers up wondrous depth and Mads Mikkelsen is simply stunning as Jürgen Voller, courtesy of the tortured fury he brings to the role, and it is safe to say… that this is Harrison Ford’s finest work as Indiana Jones. Since Ford brings an incredible honesty to where Indiana Jones is at in his life, and there’s an incredible vulnerability present within Indiana here, and the quality of Ford’s performance just reminds us how much we are going to miss him as this character. But sweet sorrow and parting aside, make no mistake about it… this is a flawless farewell film. One that takes chances as this franchise is wont to do and wows us every step of the way with its depth and scope, and it says goodbye to Dr. Henry ‘Indiana’ Jones Junior in a respectful and powerful manner. One worthy of a hero that has wowed us on the silver screen for decades on end.

One particular aspect of storytelling that we and creatives are beginning to learn is quite difficult in nature, is how to properly handle the next chapter in the story when decades have passed since the last chapter and how to properly bring the journey of iconic characters to a close. Simply because… up until the last fifteen years or so… such thoughts were mostly unheard of. Especially in film. Stories and trilogies and sagas in general, would just end and everyone would move onto the next hot thing. But the power of nostalgia and the desire to know what the later years of characters looked like, began a new trend in the business. One where it was suddenly not taboo to revisit stories long thought at their end and open up a new chapter in the tale.
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Where we could see what happened to the characters after years of being away and what the next generation might look like in their universe, and that has brought forth stories that stick the landing and some that don’t and some… that struggle to find their direction and their focus and even struggle to figure out how the next chapter should even look. And one film that fits into that ‘confused’ vein, just so happens to be the next entry in the Indiana Jones saga. For Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was quite the unexpected surprise. For so many of us thought that perhaps that image of Indiana Jones riding off into the sunset with his father was going to be it for the saga, and we would have been fine with that. But the power of nostalgia and our love of the character, prompted George Lucas and Steven Spielberg to return to Indy’s world, with Harrison Ford at the helm, to see what he’s been up to post Last Crusade, and how his adventures could continue on without him, so everyone could bid Indy farewell.

The result of which… is a very mixed bag of storytelling. The kind that quite frankly, doesn’t feel as organic and as smooth as the other features. Sure, there are off screen surprises that come into play and that’s nothing new in this saga, but for some reason… they feel forced here. As though they’re just ideas that stuck and the only way to make them work is to will them into the story and that is why we aren’t fully comfortable with where Jones is at, at this point in his life, how he meets his son and how he reunites with Marion. It just feels stylized and that’s not something that this series ever worked with before. Not to mention, the gravity of what is introduced here is moved on from quickly, so that the fight against the Russians can get underway and that’s unfortunate. For slowing it down and savoring those moments would have added real depth to everything and likely fixed the other odd problem with this story.

In that… the next generation or the passing of the torch to Mutt Williams is also handled in a very ham hocked manner. As though the successor to the Jones family adventures is swiftly being handed the keys to the Kingdom, pun slightly intended, and that too… doesn’t work. Because Indiana Jones earned his hero status and earned the love of the audience and while Shia LeBeouf is a fine actor and does well here as a kid caught between a rock and his busted family life, it just doesn’t work. You can tell he is the handpicked replacement and while he probably could have carried the franchise with the right story, such a quick change wasn’t what audiences were expecting. They expected a transition, that time to earn the fedora, and really none of what’s here met expectations. For the audience just wanted the gentle and subtle care that went into the other films, and everything here feels rushed in nature and really… that’s a shame… because there are some amazing elements to like in this movie.
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After all, this is Indiana Jones taking on aliens from another dimension, ‘the space between spaces’ as John Hurt’s character put it so eloquently, and that brings about a supremely mysterious adventure. One that really does unfold in a manner that makes the big reveal worthwhile, and oddly, elevates Indiana’s adventures to new heights since now he’s not only touched God through the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, and learned of Voodoo, but now he knows we’re not alone in the universe… and that’s a big deal. Not to mention, having the Russians come into play is also quite the delight. Since that too harkens back to classic cinema and some of the big features of the 1980s and 1990s, and well… these are the moments that work and bring us joy and add the saga’s trademark humor and fun to the story. Not to mention, it leads to the most ambitious climax in the history of the franchise to date and well… if the same care had gone into the treasure plot as it did the passing of the torch, we’d be talking about this movie in a different light.

But instead, we are left with a genuinely uneven Indiana Jones film and what’s incredible about that… is that it is extremely watchable and fun, and it does have a loyal following of fans that staunchly defend it, and it received some decent reviews. Because there is a lot to enjoy here. For there are shoutouts to the franchise’s lore, funny and tender moments, incredible action sequences in the finale, an A-list cast and most important of all… we just plain get more Indiana Jones. And Harrison Ford doesn’t miss a beat despite having been away from the character for nineteen years. But fun aside, make no mistake about it… it made everyone question spin-offs for the franchise, and had this been the hard end, it would not have settled with fans well since something about the ending just didn’t feel complete. Hopefully though, that feeling is remedied, and the farewell is handled right when Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny arrives in theaters.  

Normally in storytelling, we learn everything we need to know about an iconic character, or character in general straight out of the gate. That way, we know who we are dealing with, we know what they stand for, and we can go along on their adventure and watch them do their thing and root for them every single step of the way. Not to mention, this also allows for the character to grow and become more before our eyes as the adventure continues along. So, creatives everywhere stick with the upfront style of storytelling when it comes to backstory to take us on quite the ride. But now and again, you run into a story… that is eager to defy that convention.
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Simply because, there arrives an opportunity to use the past to enhance the story further, or it could be to flesh out the character at a critical moment in their development, but even then… it’s a risky gambit. Just because… that could potentially retcon what we know, or it could lead to a stagnant story that focuses upon other concepts. But when done right, exploring more about a character can in fact take the story to new heights and oddly enough, the next chapter in the Indiana Jones saga, opted to make the past the focus and dig deeper into a character we already thought we knew inside and out. Which was… a risky move for certain. But since this saga is no stranger to bold decisions, Steven Spielberg and the creative braintrust in this saga… opted to stick with risk and well, that paid off in spades and made Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, another iconic film.

Courtesy of the fact that the past actually bolsters the story through and through, simply because it adds new depth to Indiana Jones. For we come to learn here what made him the brave man he is today, and how he forged his respect for history and the artifacts that make up its rich existence. Plus, we also came to learn that he isn’t really named Indiana. That he’s actually, Henry Jones Junior, and that he adopted the moniker to separate himself from his gruff father. And it is the family stuff that truly allows for this story to shine. Because it actually makes Indiana Jones more relatable than he already was. Since we too have dealt with grating moments with our own fathers and have felt the need to separate ourselves from them and forge our own legacy… until we discover the importance of honoring them and theirs and the importance of keeping them as close to us as possible.

All of which makes this a very personal and intimate feature, which is surprising… considering that it is the biggest Indiana Jones film to date. After all, the Nazis return to hunt for the Cup of Christ, aka the Holy Grail, and that leads to some stunning actions sequences, especially in the third act. Because watching Junior basically fight it out with a tank, is pretty darn impressive, as is risking life and limb to move through the tests that the Knights set forth to keep people out of the very room where the Holy Grail resides. Not to mention, the final search for the Grail and how that plays out is equally as epic thanks to the stakes, along with one bold decision. And really, all of those elements bring forth a stunning entry in the franchise. One that exceeds its predecessors in scope and humor and well… everything… and it also doesn’t hurt that this film is filled to the brim with amazing performances.
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For Henry Jones Senior, is played by none other than acting legend Sean Connery. Who slips into the role of Indy’s father with minimal effort and adds incredible gravitas and depth to the role. And he plays so well off of the legendary Harrison Ford’s own stellar performance here, one that features a real longing from Indiana as he works to please and connect with his dad, whom he loves dearly… that at times… it really feels as though we’re watching a father and son on screen. And that authenticity really does make the bond here quite special and moving and gives us something else to root for as well, peace and connection between these estranged men. And of course, that duo is wonderfully balanced out by the rest of the cast as well, who turn in fine work here to provide us with a moving experience, one that in many ways… felt like the end the line.

After all, Indiana Jones and his father and extended family, ride off into the sunset and the character would move to television briefly and then memory and that too… was a bold decision. Because while going out on top is commendable, we all knew there was more left in the tank and eventually, we would get another controversial sequel. But that’s for tomorrow’s discussion. For today, we celebrate what many rightfully consider to be… the finest film in the franchise. Because this one really did have it all, action, adventure, meaning and high stakes. Because the thought of the unholy Adolf Hitler drinking from that holy cup… is a scary thought, but thankfully… it was Indy that chose wisely and brought to a close… a brilliant and bold and iconic film. One that taught us the past can come into play later if handled correctly and reminded us of the wonder of family and how it is always there for us, regardless of what happened yesterday.  

When we last settled in to discuss the Indiana Jones film franchise, we talked at length about how Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, was in fact… a perfect iconic film. One that knew how to bring together the right story, the right emotional response and cast and crew to create lightning in a bottle, or in an Ark of the Covenant if you prefer, and well… we also discussed… how Raiders was a feature that laid down the foundation for a juggernaut franchise. One that would span forty-two years before bringing its conclusion to bear and would bring a bevy of iconic and timeless sequels to the table. A feat that this franchise accomplished in multiple ways. Such as replicating the most successful aspects of the original feature and by also… trying new things.
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For this is in many ways, a very bold and brave franchise. One that has no qualms going places that stories in this vein have never gone before and is often eager to challenge the characters and the structure of the franchise like never before and well… it just so happens that the second entry in this saga, wasted little time in making that happen. For Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was indeed a bold and brave entry in the franchise, one that more or less abandoned the grander and more hopeful adventure of the prior film… to plunge us into an adventure that featured isolation and darkness and fear. Not to mention, heavy horror elements, something that the original film toyed with briefly and well… all of those changes to the structure of the franchise should have brought forth complete and utter failure, but instead… brought to bear a true iconic and cult sequel.

Thanks in large part… to its dark tone. Something that is established from the get-go since Indiana Jones and his new sidekick, Short Round, find Indiana facing death by poison and that of course… leads them to more scrapes with the end at Pankot Palace, when they uncover a cult and monstrous acts taking place there and well… that setup, and seeing Indy and his friends deal with some ugly moments and a man willing to remove hearts from screaming victims… is pretty dark material for certain. The kind that was shocking in 1984 when the film was released, and remains dark now, since that plot stands in such stark contrast to everything else in the franchise through and through. Yet, it works. You’re compelled to see if Indiana Jones can stop the darkness growing in this place and do right by the villagers that sent him there to retrieve the Sankara Stones and that compulsion to see this through to the end, is further amplified by the fascinating storytelling choices present here.

Since we see Indiana Jones, the titular character that helped guide Nazis to their doom… badly injured in this film and he almost turns to evil along the way and you genuinely worry that the everyman that conquered the odds might falter and lose here and well… that’s a hell of a direction to take this film in, and that’s a concept that basically remains taboo today. But this film goes for it and goes for broke period. In fact, it was so bold in its endeavors to push the envelope, it helped create the PG-13 rating. And of course… we’d be remiss to not discuss the fact that it was released to mixed reviews, largely because it went to such dark places and changed tonally from Raiders and of course… went places that few action serials have ever gone. All of which really did make it seem as though this would be a true blip in the franchise, one forgotten by the masses as they waited for the next chapter in this saga.
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But in reality, this was critical to the success of the franchise period. Since the decision here to try bold things with the story, would inspire bigger and broader adventures and brave decisions regarding the characters in future sequels, some of which would work, some of which would receive a similar mixed reception akin to what was found here. But make no mistake about it… this is a cult classic through and through and iconic courtesy of the incredible choices made with the story and the characters, and thanks to some stunning visuals since let’s be honest… the mine chase is still the stuff of legend. However, make no mistake about it, it’s iconic status does not come without some measure of controversy, since it does harbor some negative stereotypes of Indian culture, and those are glaring as the years roll along, and well… if any positive can be gleamed from that, it would have to be that this film does indeed remind us to be mindful of how we present other cultures in cinema.

Yet despite that particular flaw, people really do flock to this film time and time again, and recommend it, debate its merit and standing with in the franchise. Plus, it also features some amazing acting. With Harrison Ford reminding us why he’s one of Hollywood’s top leading men, and Ke Huy Quan steals the show often as Short Round with his plucky and honest observations on every situation he and Indy, and Willie, encounter and well… all of those reasons are why this movie has withstood the test of time and why it does deserve praise and proper scrutiny where applicable. Oddly enough, while the franchise returned to its more lighthearted roots in the next film… you really can feel Temple of Doom’s influence on several key plot choices. The kind we will discuss in the next leg of our grand countdown to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.   

If there is one question that every creative individual in Hollywood ponders upon time and time again, it would have to be… what makes a story truly iconic? Because that is the end game for every creative out there. To create a story that is so iconic that it transcends time and is beloved by all, and it doesn’t take long for those creatives to learn… how difficult a task that can be… even though the question at hand is seemingly easy to answer. Because to create an iconic story, one needs a plot that everyone can easily engage with, and it also must feature memorable moments that cannot be replicated and of course… it much feature the perfect characters and the perfect cast. But above all… it must elicit a powerful emotional response from the audience. That kind that can only be found by rewatching the story in question. 
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Which really is a short checklist when you think about it, and with love and work… that should come together. But in reality… creating all of that is no easy task. Because all of those elements can be diminished or go sideways through the creation process, and that is why but a handful of truly iconic stories and franchises exist. For somehow, they figured out the formula and everything went right and well… since we are but days away from bidding farewell to a franchise that is genuinely iconic, it seems best to reflect upon how the Indiana Jones franchise pulled off such a feat starting with a look back at where the franchise set the standard in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. For it truly is that iconic film that really does check off all of those boxes, thanks in large part to its unique and refreshing plot.

For this is a story that uses a global and generational villain to invest us into this story. For the Nazi regime is an organization that everyone knows is evil and twisted, and the thought of them expanding their empire through the use of religious artifacts, is downright terrifying. And just like that… we’re rooting for their downfall and the one man that can stop them and well… that plot is what helps to generate the iconography in question in this film. Since Indy’s adventures around the globe to stop them from touching the Ark of the Covenant leads to powerful moments and stunning visuals that truly evoke a sense of awe from the viewer, the kind that only grows as the adventure continues along and when we aren’t watching Indy performs feats that stun us… we’re eager to learn about him and the monsters he’s chasing.

Because every character in this story harbors depth and a completeness that is rare to find in storytelling, but even the villains feel human and of course they are all balanced out by the wonder of Indiana Jones himself, and really… it is Indy that does a lot of the heavy lifting in this story and truly helps us to come to love this story. Because while he can wield a whip in a stunning manner and takes part in acrobatic acts that seem impossible to survive at times… he feels akin… to an everyman. For he IS an everyman. After all, this is a professor we’re dealing with here, one who goes on wild adventures outside of the classroom and that oddly… makes him stunningly relatable. As though we could step into his fedora and go on similar adventures with a little effort, and that really does draw us in deeper, and it also brings forth… the final element that makes this film so perfect… the emotional response it evokes.
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For what Indiana Jones takes part in, and the odds he escapes and the places he goes, just sends the viewer’s spirit soaring. For it really does elicit wonder in our hearts and it sends that very same heart racing with adrenaline over the action sequences and of course… this is a film with a lot of emotion in it as well. Courtesy of a grandiose love story and its humor, and that everyman feeling since so much of Indy’s responses to the outcomes of these wild situations are ones that we would harbor in his shoes and well… those elements really are lightning in a bottle and truly brought forth a perfect and iconic film. And it really is a miracle that this motion picture managed to bring forth every element on the iconic film checklist since one different decision could have derailed it. But when Steven Spielberg is directing, and Lawrence Kasdan is writing, and you get Harrison Ford to play Dr. Jones… everything falls into place and this movie also reminds us of what is often lost in the quest to make that perfect movie.

In that, so many tend to worry about achieving status over the story. But clearly, it is a love letter to the serials of the 1930s and 1940s and Spielberg, Kasdan and George Lucas wanted to tell a great story, and they did above all else and the end result, is a film that has withstood the test of time, is looked upon fondly and added to the legacy of its star, Harrison Ford. Who really is electric in this story and plays and sells the everyman so well, and this is a film that should serve as the benchmark and the inspiration for those that want to create something iconic. But what’s truly amazing about this motion picture, is that it not only inspired a franchise that would continue on for forty-two years… but that same franchise would create more perfect films in the years to come, the kind we will gladly be highlighting as we continue this grand countdown to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

There are a great many things that Disney does well. For instance, they are the undisputed champion of animated content, since they basically invented the genre of storytelling and know what goes into making animated shows and stories great. Not to mention, creativity and innovation are core tenants of the Disney Company, as evidenced by the fresh ideas they often bring to the table, alongside how many great stories they are often eager to adapt so the masses can enjoy their innovation. But above all, they simply know how to entertain kids, and every story they bring to the table is fun and engaging and lights up a child’s imagination and another story in that vein is about to arrive on the Disney Channel. 
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For on July 27, 2023, The Slumber Party will make its debut on the network, followed by a Disney+ debut the next day and well… this is a story, one based upon the wildly popular YA novel, The Sleepover by Jen Malone that looks to play a different kind of discovery game with the audience and its characters. Courtesy of a plot where hypnosis at a sleepover leads to a group of friends being forced to put together what happened the night before, and well… to give us an idea how fun and different and engaging this story is going to be, Disney released a trailer and some key art for the movie today. And it just so happens that we have those goodies, and a synopsis of the film to share with all of you today, to prepare you for the release of another entertaining ride from Disney.  

‘Today, the premiere date, trailer and key art were revealed for Disney Branded Television’s “The Slumber Party,” a coming-of-age comedy based on the popular YA novel “The Sleepover” by Jen Malone. The Disney Original Movie is set to debut Thursday, July 27 (8:00-9:45 p.m. EDT), on Disney Channel and Friday, July 28, on Disney+.

Produced by Imagine Kids+Family, “The Slumber Party” depicts the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone wrong as best friends Megan and Paige, along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica, wake up with absolutely no memory of the night before. Now they must retrace their steps to find missing birthday girl Anna Maria and explain why there’s a flock of baby ducks in the bathtub, what happened to Megan’s eyebrow, and why she’s wearing unattainable hottie Jake Ramirez’s signature black hoodie.

“The Slumber Party” stars Darby Camp (“Big Little Lies”) as Megan, Emmy Liu-Wang (“Raven’s Home”) as Paige, Valentina Herrera (“Black Widow”) as Anna Maria, Dallas Liu (“Pen15”) as Mikey and newcomers Alex Cooper Cohen as Veronica and Ramon Jose Rodriguez as Jake. Also starring are Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) as Mesmer, Paula Pell (“Saturday Night Live”) as Principal Petersen and Caroline Valencia (“Only Murders in the Building”) as Penny.

The film is directed by Veronica Rodriguez (“Let’s Get Merried”) and written by Eydie Faye. Brian Grazer and Ron Howard serve as executive producers for Imagine Kids+Family, along with Stephanie Sperber and Jennilee Cummings and production partner Jax Media’s Jake Fuller, Tony Hernandez and John Hodges.

About Disney Branded Television
Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences. 

About Imagine Kids+Family
Imagine Kids+Family was formed in 2019 by Imagine Entertainment Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard with a focus on developing and producing premium kids and family entertainment with capabilities in consumer products and franchise building. Imagine Kids+Family is run by President Stephanie Sperber, a veteran kids entertainment executive with a successful career in building kids and family businesses, IP, and franchises. IKF is currently producing The Tiny Chef Show for Nickelodeon and acquired an equity stake in the The Tiny Chef brand to develop the original short-form stop-motion animation Tiny Chef character across all platforms including short-form, tv series, and digital, as part of a strategic global franchise plan which also includes consumer products. IKF is also producing Bossy Bear for Nickelodeon, co-developing consumer products with Viacom and with an eye towards a global franchise build. Other projects include Kalamata’s Kitchen for Apple and a film series based the YA Best Wishes series, to name a few. Previous productions included the live-action series The Astronauts, also for Nickelodeon. IKF is also producing Max Einstein under its partnership with James Pattersons’ kid imprint Jimmy Books, and has a first-look partnership with Academy Award-winning animation company Lion Forge (Hair Love) around its existing IP of both licensed and original ideas. www.imagine-entertainment.com

About Disney+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service, as part of the Disney Bundle in the U.S. that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, or as part of Combo+ in Latin America with Star+, the standalone general entertainment and sports streaming service in the region. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices. '

There are some motion pictures that we in essence watch in passing during our childhood, and despite the aloof nature in which we viewed them, they manage to stick with us for years to come. These are the kinds of films you sit down and watch intently when they pop up on cable or your preferred streaming service because we are trying desperately to remember when we saw the flick and whether or not we liked it. 

Sometimes we are treated to some fond memories of days gone by when this happens, and sometimes we are reminded that our tastes when we were younger were downright awful. But regardless of whether the second time round for these movies is good or bad, it's still fun to enjoy that feeling of nostalgia, and recently I re-discovered a film from my own youth on cable the other day, Blue Thunder.

Released in 1983, this is a motion picture that in a way perhaps spawned America's brief love affair with helicopter stories, since Airwolf arrived on the scene a year later as well and well...it's no surprise that this film brought forth a certain level of fascination with some of its ideas, but more on that moment. Starring screen legend Roy Scheider, this is a film that takes us into the world of police officers that just so happen to fly helicopters and introduces us into a terrifying world of intrigue and espionage when Roy's character, Frank Murphy, is asked to pilot an experimental chopper known as Blue Thunder. It doesn't take Frank long to uncover what the suspicious and outright rude Colonel Cochrane (played by Malcolm McDowell) has planned for the helicopter and the long and the short of it is that it's up to Frank to save the day.

There's not much else to discuss plot wise, because that's really all there is to it and well, upon viewing this film once again...I have to say I enjoyed it, the action is still top notch to say least, since the movie is filled to the brim with thrilling helicopter chase scenes, in fact that's basically the third act, one gigantic helicopter and explosion filled fiesta. But what I found slightly off putting, was the excessive amount of fury this film made a point to exhibit since just about every single character interaction in this story is brimming with disdain and anger and in a way, you're just sitting there waiting for someone to pull out a gun and shoot the other guy... or gal rather than get on with the story.

But, I think I can overlook that bravado for one simple reason, this is a movie that surprised me by staying relevant to the times. Because the whole point of the Blue Thunder program was conspiracy to say the least, with an agenda from the good Colonel to reshape the world as his band of baddies see fit, removing their enemies from power with this incredible piece of technology; and considering its ability to breach privacy with powerful microphones and systems that can spy on anyone, it's fitting for our current era of privacy concerns and thoughts upon conspiracy. Either way, this is just a fun little film through and through, one designed to entertain but one that allows for you to think and if you haven't seen it and are in the mood for a high-octane action flick, then this one is worth seeing, and for those of us who remember the movie fondly... one worth adding to the collection.

There have officially been six Transformers movies now and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the best one by far. The film was a great way to introduce the Maximals from the Beast Wars: Transformers series. In fact, this movie is a perfect Combination of Beast Wars and the original animated Transformers movie. The Autobots have to team up with the Maximals to defeat the planet eating Unicron. Every 80s kid fell in love with this movie and to see the recreation on the big screen is the feature of the summer. It’s well worth it!

The best part about the Transformers movies so far is that they don’t adhere to any one specific timeline, with the exception of the first live action trilogy. Beyond that, the Transformers movies have jumped around, giving various past and future points with varying human leads. We get to see our favorite characters evolve and change. Not to mention, the sheer amount of Autobots we get to see come and go, since the franchise has brough in various members of the over 300 that we met during our childhood. Of course, let’s all be honest, Bumblebee is by far our favorite. He stole our hearts and we’ve never stopped loving him. He even got his own stand-alone movie, making him the coolest Autobot of them all!

With the 1986 cartoon film, we were all introduced to Unicron, a planet eating massive robot. Unicron actually enslaved Megatron, using him to do his bidding. Unicron wants to eat Cybertron, and our band of Autobots have to stop him! Transformers: Rise of the Beasts marries the concept of the movie with the Beast Wars cartoon in a wonderful way. This movie takes everyone’s favorite characters and draws in both old and new fans. For those of us who have been with the series since the 1980s, played with the toys, and watched our VHS copies of the cartoon movie over and over, it’s a hit of nostalgia. Awakening our inner child and reliving the excitement of seeing our favorite characters come to life before us. For new fans, it’s an expansion into the Transformers Movie-Verse that brings back old characters and introduces some new amazing characters.

The franchise is kept fresh. This is a remake of epic proportions with a twist. Allowing us older fans to introduce one of our favorite series to the next generations. It’s quite the epic adventure. And maybe it reawakens the kid in us just a bit, reminding us to have fun in life and to enjoy what we love. For all the collectors out there, it’s a new opportunity to expand their collection too! Let’s be really honest, the Transformers toys were the coolest back in the day.

​In this movie, we’re introduced to some new characters, Noah a young man struggling to help keep his family afloat after being discharged from the army. Noah’s younger brother is sick, and their mother is behind on medical bills, and he’s trying to find a new job when his life is turned upside down. Admittedly, seeing a car turn into a sentient giant robot has to be terrifying. Still, Noah gets onboard with helping Mirage and the Autobots pretty quickly. Then we meet Elena, a museum assistant who knows far more about art and artifacts than her actual boss. She works hard to try and get the recognition she deserves. When a strange new artifact is brought in that piques her interest. She stays late to try to determine the origin of the statue, only to be thrown into a world with sentient robot aliens, and now it’s up to them and the Transformers to stop the evil Unicron from eating everything in the galaxy.

Speaking of the stars of the show; the Transformers themselves are not to be outdone. The voice casting for this movie is beyond perfect. Except for Bumblebee, who still has his broken voice here. But we have Peter Cullen, forever our Optimus Prime. He’s joined by Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal, leader of the Maximals. Pete Davidson as the iconic Mirage, and Liza Koshy as the fierce Arcee. This amazing cast is joined by Oscar Winner Michelle Yeoh as Airazor, Peter Dinklage as the right hand of Unicron, Scourge. And the world eater is voiced by Colman Domingo. Quite the shoes to fill since the Orson Welles was the original Unicron, and Colman is up to the task, making Unicron his own while keeping the fear he instilled in us back in 1986 as fresh as when we first saw Unicron on the silver screen.
 
Voice cast aside, the film is visually stunning, with the latest in CGI that blends seamlessly, making the movie have a more realistic feel. Which makes the action scenes utterly amazing. However, it’s the soundtrack that really sets this movie apart from all the others. This film is set in 1994, and the Rap and Hip Hop that they utilized from the 90s is just timelessly perfect. Music can make or break a film, and this Transformers movie found the perfect mix with the best music choices to bring together the greatest remake from our childhoods. This fun action-packed movie makes for a great summer blockbuster. It’s a fantastic adventure for all ages!

The 1980s were truly a magical time for cinema. For not only did that decade give rise to the modern-day summer blockbuster (thank you, the summer of 1989), but it also brought forth some iconic stories. That continue to influence the industry to this day and gave rise a new generation of filmmakers. Who were blown away by movies such as Back to the Future and everything that John Hughes had to offer and well, this influential time in Hollywood history truly is looked fondly upon, even the lower points, and yes, there were some lowlights from the industry during this era… courtesy of the fantasy genre. Because well… those movies were a bit hit or miss from a production value standpoint. 
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Because unfortunately, the 1980s were an era of filmmaking that didn’t harbor the budgets that fantasy films enjoy now. For studios reserved the cash for the big budget blockbusters, not movies about faraway places and lands and that led… to some interesting results from a storytelling perspective. Wherein fantasy films with great stories and lots of heart, were left with visuals and production values that were lacking. But they were beloved none the less, and some filmmakers figured out how to make the most of their limited cash flow, allowing for some genuine classics and cult classics to come forth from the era and well, since we are now in an era of nostalgia and reflection when it comes to the 1980s, some filmmakers are taking the time to pay tribute to the majesty of those low-budget films and one such film just screened on the East Coast recently, entitled, Man and Witch, and we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to spotlight this film in a spoiler-free manner, of course.

Simply because, this is a forthcoming feature that needs to be celebrated, but not spoiled. In large part because… it really does pay proper tribute to those films of yore, courtesy of its perfect plot. For in this story, we are introduced to a humble Goatherd, who wants nothing more in this life than to life find love and spend the rest of his humble days with the admiration of someone that has captured his heart and vice versa. But alas, Goatherd can never quite find that love he dreams of. For he is cursed and bumbling and that leads him to meet with the town’s reclusive Witch. All in the hopes of having her lift the curse that has plagued him and help him to finally find his love and well, what follows from their encounter, is a charming story for the ages, one that does indeed feature true love and everything we loved about movies in this vein from back in the day. 

For Director Michael Hines and Writer Greg Steinbruner, celebrate the best parts of those movies from beginning to end. For this is a motion picture that looks as though it was made in the 1980s, complete with those gentle shots that speak to a land far away that was indeed created on a budget, yet still manages to whisk us away, and the wonder of this movie goes beyond its visual appeal. For there is a true homage story present here, one filled to the brim with heart and honesty, and a love story that works and it features all the hallmark comedy and fun and sense of adventure present in those classics. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the movie is also filled to the brim with iconic actors from the 1980s. Such as Sean Astin, and Christopher Lloyd, and Tami Stronach, the Childlike Empress from The Neverending Story is here as well in a leading role, and that’s not the only surprises you’ll find here from a casting standpoint either. Since Eddie Izzard and Michael Emerson factor into the story as well. 
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But while the homages and the wonder of this story could indeed carry it from beginning to end, what truly allows for this motion picture to stand out and impress… is how it presents its love story. Because this isn’t the same type of love story present from the 1980s, where lovers come together through sheer will and finally find happiness because of what is in their hearts. No instead, this is a love story, grounded in modern concepts. Wherein our hero must acknowledge that love doesn’t come easy, nor does it magically fix our lives. It requires work to grab hold of, and work to maintain, and it also requires self-work and self-improvement. Because we cannot love anyone without loving ourselves, and even then… more work is required. Such as being vulnerable and open and honest, and emotionally available. So that the love in question is nurtured and that same journey of discovery is extended to the woman that falls for Goatherd and that makes for a beautiful and honest love story, one that we can truly relate to. 

If anything, this is just, a delightful motion picture when all said and done. One that evokes the wonder of yesterday while taking this type of story in a new direction with its modern storytelling elements. But above all, it’s just plain fun, and enchanting, and you truly find yourself vested in the characters and their journey toward eternal happiness. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the comedy elements in this story work so well and leave us in stitches every single step of the way and hopefully… this is a motion picture that finds its way to the masses sooner rather than later. For in this era of gritty and bombastic storytelling, it is simply refreshing to harken back to a simpler time and remember the wonder of settling in to enjoy that sent the hearts and minds and very souls of its audience, soaring through the skies.