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VOICEMAILS FOR ISABELLE Interview w/ Leah McKendrick, Zoey Deutch, & Nick Robinson

“Jill copes with her sister’s death by leaving her voicemails chronicling her chaotic life in San Francisco. When the number is unknowingly reassigned, an elusive Austin real estate agent begins receiving the hilariously confessional messages.”

Filmmaker Leah McKendrick’s writing is a gift. Her film “Scrambled” (currently streaming on Hulu) was my favorite film of 2024 and now I’m in love with her new romcom! Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson are more charming than ever with heartfelt and hilarious performances. It was an honor to speak with all 3 talents about this touching gem that “made me feel everything”.

“Voicemails for Isabelle” streams June 19 on Netflix.

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Movie Review: “Disclosure Day”

The summer blockbusters are rolling in! Steven Spielberg’s newest alien sci-fi, thriller, “Disclosure Day,” has arrived. And after bringing us legendary extraterrestrial stories like “E.T.” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, I’m sad to say this highly anticipated alien mystery lacks the Spielberg magic we’ve come to love from his previous theatrical treasures.

“Disclosure Day” asks the question, what if you found out we are not alone and someone was able to show you undeniable evidence of alien life. Would that scare you? It’s an interesting question and could be an interesting movie if the script and the characters were not all over the place. In the film, Dr. Daniel Kellner is on the run from his underground government boss; he carries a great deal of proof that aliens are among us and feels that entire world should finally know the truth. Luckily for him, a Kansas weather girl, who shockingly is linked to the aliens, can help Kellner get the message out.

There are several issues with this film. It appears; there wasn’t a clear intention of which direction they wanted to go. The tone bounces around from a serious drama to a hokey and unconvincing kids’ movie. There are numerous plot holes in the convoluted storylines, and the underdeveloped characters make any “emotional” or climatic scenes feel unearned. The saving grace of “Disclosure Day” and the real reason to watch, is Emily Blunt’s award-worthy performance as Margaret Fairchild. She brings energy and personality, as well as humor to the very long, two and half hour, underwhelming sci-fi. Though the rest of the all-star cast, including Josh O’ Connor, Colin Firth, and Coleman Domingo do a fine job, their surface-level roles are not as memorable.

There is thrilling action that entertains, and the comedic relief makes the film worth a trip to the box office but set your expectations low. It does pain me to speak negatively about this movie, especially because of Blunt’s performance, but Spielberg can and has done much better than this. The intent to reflect on humanity and have empathy for the known is admirable and greatly appreciated, but the efforts made to bring that message to the screen fell flat and rings hallow.

Rating: C-

“Disclosure Day” opens in theaters June 12, 2026.

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Movie Review: “Mortal Kombat II”

Some of us, like myself, try to forget the abysmal 2021 Mortal Kombat movie. Thankfully, the filmmakers took notes from dissatisfied fans and made a sequel that pays homage to the video game while achieving a bloody good time.

In “Moral Kombat 2” fan favorite champions, including the addition of washed-up 80’s action-movie star, Johnny Cage, are pitted against one another in the ultimate battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the Earthrealm. There is not much more to the story than that. This film plays out more like a high quality, theatrical tournament from the game. Though you would think that would garner another misfire, the martial arts and action sequences are almost magnetizing. There’s a lot more effort and creativity put into the fights as well as who’s fighting in them.

Last time around we were so focused on an uninteresting and random Cole Young, that it was difficult to care about the plot. The second film shares the wealth, with screentime for the entire cast, and highlights the entertaining characters, especially Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. And while Urban is a bonus, the heart of the film beats through Adeline Rudolph as Kitana. Her back story and commanding performance gives the plot a morsal of depth. It shows us there is potential for a deeper premise with compelling character development.

“Mortal Kombat II” is a significant improvement over its predecessor, providing more thrills, graphic, high-energy battles, and crowd-pleasing entertainment that fans of the video game might call “flawless victory”, but the average moviegoer can label it as a lively and enjoyable popcorn flick.

Rating: B-

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Movie Review: “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway return to portray their iconic roles as Miranda Priestley and Andy Sachs. While some may have been skeptical at first, this stylish dramedy is a sequel we didn’t know we needed.

Twenty years later Andy is an awarding winning journalist, who has just been let go from her publication, along with her fellow journalism colleges. She receives a life-changing phone call to return to Runway and become the magazine’s features editor in hopes of saving the company from financial struggles and the decline of print journalism. Things have changed since the last time Andy was here. These days, the things Miranda used to say to her employees are not appropriate anymore and she even has to hang her own coat. Read full review here.

Rating: B+

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Dallas to host DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™

Featuring 1,200 synchronized illuminated drones moving in perfect harmony with the unforgettable music, this extraordinary experience celebrates 25 Years of Magic by showcasing iconic moments from the Harry Potter™ films! 

Dallas, TX, April 21, 2026 — Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Fever, the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, are proud to announce that DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™, a first-of-its-kind open-air drone spectacle, is coming to Dallas. as part of its international tour kicking off in 2026 alongside the 25 Years of Magic celebrations. 

Taking place at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, this show will blend advanced drone choreography with the unforgettable music and iconic moments from the Harry Potter film series, featuring 1,200 illuminated drones soaring across the night sky. As darkness falls, audiences will witness a live violinist and a stunning canvas of light as memorable moments from the films are reimagined through breathtaking aerial displays set to the iconic soundtrack and dialogue from the films. As part of the experience, attendees will also wear LED wristbands that allow them to interact further with the magic of the performance.

As part of the global tour across America, United Kingdom and Europe, select cities will host this large-scale drone spectacle inviting wizards, witches and Muggles to celebrate the beloved film series that has marked generations. In Los Angeles, fans will be treated to a special one-night-only event celebrating the franchise’s 25th Anniversary at the UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on June 13. This exclusive performance of DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™, will elevate the experience with additional curated moments created especially for this landmark gathering.

In Dallas, audiences can also enjoy a celebratory wizarding world-inspired pre-show atmosphere, including food and beverage offerings, and Harry Potter™ merchandise.

With limited tickets available, fans can join the waiting list via the Fever app and website to secure early access to upcoming dates.

DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ Dallas

Venue: Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium

Dates and times: July 27 21:00, July 28 21:00

Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/623986 

Landing: http://thedroneartshow.com/dallas/harry-potter/ 

About Fever

Fever is the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, inspiring over 300 million people last year to discover the best experiences in over 40 countries. With a mission to democratise access to culture and entertainment in real life, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique experiences and events —from immersive exhibitions and sports to interactive theatrical performances, concerts, and festivals— while empowering its partners with data and technology to develop and expand new experiences worldwide.

About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences: 

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros.’ world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division.

About the Harry Potter franchise

From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history. 

J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels have been brought to life in an ever-evolving, interconnected universe which is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child mesmerises on stage, full-cast and single-voice audiobook productions bring the written words to life, and state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games allow players to experience the wizarding world like never before. Fans can proudly showcase their passion through innovative consumer products, and thrill at spectacular location-based experiences – including themed lands at six Universal Destinations and Experiences theme parks around the world. 

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings includes ground-breaking touring experiences and events, each developed to celebrate special moments and locations that fans cherish, as well as Harry Potter Shops in King’s Cross, New York, Chicago, Akasaka, and Harajuku. Wizards, Witches and Muggles alike can also discover something new as they explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter. 

With a new HBO Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books on the way, this extended world continues to provide the community with fresh and exciting ways to interact. For its global fans, and for generations to come, it invites everyone in to find the magic for themselves. 

For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.harrypotter.com.

Movie Review: “The Pout-Pout Fish”

Based on the bestselling series of children’s books by Deborah Diesen, “The Pout-Pout Fish” is a heartwarming, animated underwater adventure that is sure to turn anyone’s frown upside down.

The film stars Nick Offerman, Nina Oyama, and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. Offerman voices Mr. Fish, who always carries a pout on his face because he has been taught to avoid strangers all his life, isolating himself from the world. Suddenly, his quiet, loneliness is interrupted by a sea dragon named Pip. He accidentally destroys her home and reluctantly agrees to help her find a wish-granting fish named Shimmer, who might be able to help her create a new home for her soon-to-be very large family. However, Pip and Mr. Fish need to find her before Benji, a cuddle fish, does first and uses up her one wish for his own purposes. Read full review here.

Rating: B

“The Pout-Pout Fish” opens in theaters March 20, 2026.

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Movie Review: “Project Hail Mary”

Project Hail Mary is the second film adaptation of a book by Andy Weir and is directed by the hilarious dynamic duo, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Their comedy is prevalent throughout the film, but the whopping two hour and 36-minute runtime needs more than humor to keep audiences engaged.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who has woken up alone on a spaceship light-years away from earth with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he slowly starts to remember his mission, he learns he must stop a mysterious substance from killing the sun and save Earth from extinction. Thankfully, an unexpected friendship with an alien life form leads to a touching bond that just might be the key to saving the world. Read full review here.

Rating: B-

“Project Hail Mary” opens in theaters March 20, 2026.

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Movie Review: “I Can Only Imagine 2”

I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

It has been 8 years since the release of “I Can Only Imagine”, the story of Bart Millard, a young musician who came from an abusive childhood and went on to become the lead singer of the hit band MercyMe. But is this sequel another musical hit?

“I Can Only Imagine 2” picks up long after the death of Bart’s father, with whom he had reconciled after years of trauma. His band MercyMe is hot off the heels of their breakout success from their record-breaking song and are currently living the dream. But Bart’s world stumbles when he discovers his son, Sam, has a life-threatening illness. His obsession to consistently monitor Sam negatively weighs on him and his family. When newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band on their biggest tour, yet he forms an immediate and uplifting bond with Sam. Tim’s faith in Sam and his fresh outlook on life inspires Bart to regain the relationship with his son he had always hoped for with his own father. Read full review here.

Rating: C

“I Can Only Imagine 2” opens in theaters February 27, 2026.

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GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE Interview w/ Academy Award Winner Sam Rockwell

“A man claiming to be from the future takes the patrons of an iconic Los Angeles diner hostage in search of unlikely recruits in a quest to save the world.” Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell stars in the new sci-fi comedy, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die”. I had the opportunity to speak with Rockwell about the film and his iconic Oscar speech.

“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” opens in theaters February 13, 2026.

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Movie Review: “Solo Mio”

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kevin James returns to the romantic comedy scene in Solo Mio, a light-hearted, charming tale surrounded by the scenic backdrop of Italy.

James stars as Matt Taylor, a man who finds himself at a loss when his fiancée leaves him at the alter in Rome. With their honeymoon already planned and paid for, he moves forward with the trip and tries his best to take pleasure in the all-inclusive honeymoon package. Thankfully, two, fairly odd, couples taking part in the package notice Matt is single. They take him under their wings and Matt quickly forms an unlikely friendship with the couples as a fifth wheel. However, five becomes six when Gia, the owner of a small coffee shop, takes an interest in Matt. Read full review here.

Solo Mio opens in theaters February 6, 2026.

Rating: B-

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