Rental Family, Now Available to Own on Digital (Review) #RentalFamily

 Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Journey to Japan and into the heart of human connection with Searchlight Pictures’ “Rental Family,” now available to own on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home

If Ella McCay was the chaotic, high-energy reflection of our daily juggling act, then Rental Family is the warm hug and the good cry we all need at the end of a long week. It also just dropped on Digital (January 13th!), and I’m telling you now, put the kids to bed early, grab a box of tissues, and get ready for Brendan Fraser to absolutely break and then mend your heart. The movie stars the internet's favorite human, Brendan Fraser, as Phillip, a struggling American actor living in Tokyo. He’s a bit of a lost soul until he gets a job at a "Rental Family" agency. No, it’s not as weird as it sounds! In Japan, these agencies actually exist and you can hire actors to play your husband at a wedding, your estranged father, or even just a group of friends to go to karaoke with so you don't look lonely. Phillip starts playing these roles, and what starts as a "token white guy" gig becomes deeply personal. The standout storyline? He’s hired by a single mom to play the father of her 11-year-old daughter, Mia, to help her get into a prestigious private school.

This isn't just an "indie movie in Japan. It’s a deep dive into what makes a family. As moms, we know that sometimes our "village" isn't our blood relatives; it’s the neighbors, the daycare teachers, and the best friends who show up. This movie celebrates chosen family in such a beautiful way. It asks: If someone shows up for you and loves you, does it matter if they were "assigned" to the role? There is something about Brendan Fraser’s face that just radiates "tired but trying," which is basically the official brand of motherhood. He plays Phillip with so much vulnerability and kindness. You’ll see yourself in his struggle to connect and his desperate hope to be "enough" for the people relying on him. Since most of us aren't jetting off to Tokyo anytime soon, the cinematography is a total treat. It shows a side of Japan that isn't just neon lights; it’s cozy apartments, quiet parks, and beautiful countrysides. It’s a 110-minute vacation.

The Verdict: Must-Watch (With Tissues)

Buy or Rent? Buy it. This is one of those movies you’ll want to revisit when you’re feeling a little lonely or disconnected. It’s rated PG-13 for some "adult" themes (nothing too crazy, just some suggestive moments and language), but it’s definitely a "Me Time" movie rather than a family movie night pick.

**Mom-to-Mom Tip: There is a scene involving a "goodbye" to the little girl, Mia, that absolutely wrecked me. If you’re feeling extra sensitive about your "babies" growing up, maybe save this for a night when you’re feeling strong!

 

Film Synopsis:

"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

 

Rating

U.S.: PG-13 for thematic elements, some strong language, and suggestive material.

 

Social Media

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@searchlightpictures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/searchlightpics/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalfamilyfilm/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@searchlightpics

X: https://x.com/searchlightpics

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@searchlightpics

Hashtag: #RentalFamily

 Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Read more »

20th Century Studios’ Ella McCay Now Available to Own on Digital -- Streams Exclusively to Hulu on Disney+ Beginning Feb. 5th (Review) #EllaMcCay

 Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

20th Century Studios’ Ella McCay arrives on Digital including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home on Tuesday, January 27. 

It will then stream exclusively on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S., and on Disney+ internationally starting February 5, with a Blu-ray release to follow on March 3.

Hey everyone! Grab your coffee (or your "mom juice"—no judgment here) because we need to talk about the movie everyone’s buzzing about in the group chats: Ella McCay.  It just hit Digital this week, and since it’s directed by James L. Brooks, you know, the legend behind Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News, I knew I had to give it a watch as we were getting clobbered by snow this past weekend and were stuck inside.  Here’s the real-talk review for my fellow "juggling-it-all" specialists.  The film stars Emma Mackey as Ella, a 34-year-old who is basically the overachiever we all wanted to be until we realized how tired it makes you. She’s the Lieutenant Governor who suddenly gets bumped up to Governor, all while trying to manage a family that defines the word "dysfunctional."

Jamie Lee Curtis plays Aunt Helen, and honestly, she is the MVP. She’s the rock, the voice of reason, and she and Ella have a "screaming session" that I think should be legally required for every mother in America. It’s a reminder that we all need that one person who just gets the chaos.

While the movie is technically a political comedy, the "politics" are really just a backdrop for the universal struggle of trying to be a "Good Girl," a "Good Boss," and a "Good Family Member" all at once. There’s a scene involving an unintentional marijuana-laced cookie that is both hilarious and a total cautionary tale for anyone with a "hidden" stash of snacks.

Critics have been a bit split on this one (some call it a "clunky mess"), but as a mom, I actually appreciated the messiness. Life isn't a tight 90-minute script with a perfect resolution. Sometimes you lose the job, the husband is a dud, and you end up finding your power in a way you didn't expect.

The Verdict: Rent or Skip? Rent it! It’s PG-13 (some language and that "accidental high" scene), so it’s definitely a "wait until the kids are in bed" movie. It’s not a perfect film, but Emma Mackey is magnetic, and the supporting cast is pure gold. It’s the perfect companion for a glass of wine and a face mask when you need to feel seen for five minutes.

**Mom-to-Mom Tip: If you have a Hulu subscription, you might want to hold off just a few more days—it’s slated to start streaming there on February 5th!**

Film Synopsis:

"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."

 

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer.

 

Social Media

X: @20thCentury, @Hulu

Instagram: @20thCenturyStudios, @Hulu

Facebook: @20thCenturyStudios, @Hulu

TikTok: @20thCentury, @Hulu

YouTube: @20thCenturyStudios, @Hulu

Hashtag: #EllaMcCay

 Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Read more »

Zootopia 2 is Now Available to Own on Digital -- Arrives to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and DVD on March 3 (Review) #Zootopia2

Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone. 

Make family movie night un-fur-gettable when Zootopia 2 premieres on digital Jan. 27 and on 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray™ and DVD March 3rd

.

Buckle your seatbelts and grab the popcorn! Zootopia 2 is now available to own on digital as of yesterday, and it’s every bit as furtastic as the original. Whether you’re a fan of the first film's odd-couple chemistry or you’re just here for the world-class animal puns, this sequel delivers a wild ride that’s perfect for your next family movie night.

Here is the "tail" of the tape on why this one belongs in your collection:

The story picks up with our favorite duo, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, now seasoned partners in the ZPD. However, their routine is upended when a mysterious reptile, a species long absent (and mostly feared) in Zootopia slithers into the city. Enter Gary De’Snake (voiced with pure joy by Ke Huy Quan). Gary is a misunderstood blue pit viper who isn't trying to cause chaos; he’s trying to clear his family’s name. This leads Nick and Judy on a globetrotting adventure through new districts like the Marsh Market and the Reptile Ravine, uncovering secrets about Zootopia’s founders that will change the city forever.

The puns are back in full force in the movie, like "EweTube" references to a catering van labeled "Amoose Bouche."  This sequel will not only entertain little ones, but also the adults in the house.  This movie, like the last, has heartfelt lessons that you can talk to your kids about after viewing the movie. In Zootopia 2, the story dives deeper into Judy and Nick's friendship, teaching kids about communication and not judging a book by its cover.  From start to finish, Zootopia 2 will have the whole family laughing and engaged from start to finish.  

This is definitely a must own for families who loved the first Zootopia movie.  We watched this sequel over the weekend during the snow storm, and can't wait to watch it again. This movie is yet another movie that your family will not grow tired of watching time and time again.  While I loved the first Zootopia movie a little more, the second film was my girls' favorite Zootopia movie.  I can't wait to hear if your family has a favorite between the two films. So, be sure to leave a comment below once you watch Zootopia 2, and compare the two films.

 

Film Synopsis:

"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"

 

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

 

Feature Run Time

Approx. 108 minutes

 

Rating

PG

Social Media

X: @DisneyStudios / @disneyanimation

Instagram: @DisneyStudios / @Disneyanimation

Facebook: @DisneyStudios / @disneyanimation

TikTok: @DisneyStudios / @Disneyanimation

YouTube: @Disney / @Disneyanimation

Hashtag: #Zootopia2

 

Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone. 

Read more »