4K Digital Review of Ella McCay

 

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

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

Video:

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

Audio:

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

Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes:

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

 

Bloopers

Featurettes:

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

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

Conclusion:

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

Ella McCay is out on digital and will available on Blu-ray on March 3rd.

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

4K Digital Review of Zootopia 2

 

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

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

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

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

Video:

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

Audio:

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

Bonus Features*

• Featurettes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• What's In the Box?

• Where Are They Now?
• Animal Hospital

• Welcome to the Team

• Desert Festival

• Clawhauser Tracks Judy

• A Plight at the Museum

• Clawhauser's Family

Conclusion:

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

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

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