Vivian Kerr’s first directorial debut film Scrap is a touching, heartfelt drama about adult siblings struggling with their personal issues and overcoming long term emotional pain from the loss of their parents after a tragic plane crash that occurred when they were young. Kerr also wrote the screenplay and plays the role of Beth, a recently laid off executive professional that refuses to come to terms that she will no longer be able to afford her lavish lifestyle and support her five year old daughter Birdy.

In the opening scene we see Beth waking up inside her car in fancy pajamas. This suggests she is at the brink of homelessness. Beth has to get ready for a job interview and finds a clever way to freshen up and look polished with her designer clothes and shoes. Sadly, she does not get the position. In a phone call with her brother Ben (Anthony Rapp), Beth makes up an excuse that her “out of town business meeting” was longer than anticipated and was not able to pick up Birdy. We then learn that her daughter Birdy has been staying with Ben and Stacy (Lana Parrilla), while she sleeps in her car and goes job hunting.

Ben is a successful fantasy novel writer who is married to Stacy, a stressed out lawyer that is going through in vitro fertilization. The tension between the siblings and Stacy is noticeable. Beth’s erratic behavior is nothing new and uses Ben as a financial security net. Ben allows Beth to take advantage of him, because he feels responsible to take care of her and his niece.

Still in denial about needing to let go of her upscale way of life, Beth has the audacity to continue spending money by shopping online. Ben and Stacy are livid as the unnecessary stress is interfering with them trying to make a family of their own. To make matters more tense, Ben struggles to be heard by his publisher. He wants to step away from writing fantasy novels and wants to pursue his passion writing a non-fiction book about Billie Holiday.

Beth spends the day with Ben reminiscing their youth. They stop to visit their childhood home to show Birdy where they were raised. To their disappointment the house was demolished, and an empty lot is all that remains. This scene was so touching. I really wanted them to share a happy moment, because I know Beth really needed something good to help uplift her out of a mental rut. Like a slap in the face, Beth spirals out of control; from maxing out her credit cards, getting her car towed, missing her daughter’s recital, to returning with her ex Joshua – father of Birdy. Beth’s conduct even takes a toll on Ben and Stacy’s marriage.

Through all the turmoil and drama, the story comes to a pivotal point when Joshua gives Beth a ride to Ben’s house. They begin to argue, and Beth realizes that Joshua’s toxic personality is only causing more destruction to her and Birdy. Ben sees the altercation from the doorway and jumps into to action to save Beth from Joshua. From this moment forward, Beth reconciles with Ben and Stacy. Just like an empty lot, Beth rebuilds her life from the ground up. She is hired as a cosmetic salesperson and finds a suitable apartment for her and Birdy. As for Ben, he takes control of his career and decides to write a book about Billie Holiday. He deems it as no more hiding his personal struggles behind the lies of fantasy.

Scrap has amazing relatable characters that the audience can empathize with, especially those that have siblings. Anthony Rapp is a natural in displaying Ben’s guilt from having to take on the role of a father at such a young age after the death of their parents. Rapp deeply connected to the viewers that you are bound to feel sympathy for Ben. Vivian Kerr did an outstanding performance representing Beth as a strong competitive, arrogant pompous that does not settle for subpar, which included not being interested in going out with Marcus (Khleo Thomas) who works at a roller-skating rink.

Vivian Kerr delivered an exceptional, elevating film. Scrap gives you an insight that if you are able to overcome your downfalls and liberate yourself from the past, happiness and success is possible. This is a must see movie.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is by far the best film in the series. Sonic, Knuckles and Tails come together for the exciting mission to take on Shadow. The dynamic trio (voiced by Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba and Colleen O’Shaughnessey) team up with Robotnik (Jim Carrey) in defeating this new mysterious rival.

Sonic 3 is full of thrilling action, comedy and many Easter eggs! Director Jeff Fowler did an excellent job explaining Shadow’s origins, which is intriguing and heartbreaking at the same time. Keanu Reeves was amazing projecting that gravelly voice that emits Shadow’s emotional pain and suffering. Shadow is one based character, especially when he is riding that awesome BMW – The Dark Rider that was so a-la John Wick. If John Wick were to be an animated character, he would definitely be Shadow.

Jim Carrey brought constant entertainment with his characters Ivo Robotnik and Grandpa Gerald Robotnik. The rolling laughter begins when an out of shape, depressed Robotnik is watching a telenovela about Gabriella (Sofia Penas) caught in the middle of having to decide between the twin brothers Pablo and Juan (Cristo Fernández). This telenovela plays a key component for Robotnik and Shadow when they have to come to terms in deciding who they want to be.

Carrey’s classic comedic side totally dominated the screen with that iconic Robotnik mustache. The Robotnik grandpa, grandson villain duo’s tech weapon gadgets and suits were over the top clever and hilarious. Carrey is indeed his own special effect; however, the additional enhancements take the action to another level of interplanetary visual experience.

The movie would not be complete without the supporting characters, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). It was pure amusement when they had to disguise themselves as Randall (Shemar Moore) and Rachel (Natasha Rothwell) to avoid being detected by Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter). The special cameo from Cristo Fernández contributing that innocent humor in the telenovela was absolutely a treat.

Go Fast! and see Sonic The Hedgehog 3. It is totally a blast of a movie. Stay at the end for two post credits. You will not be disappointed!

A nice tribute to beloved James Earl Jones is displayed before the movie begins, setting up the nostalgic tone. The screen then lights up with a majestic panorama of the “Pride Lands”. Director Barry Jenkins delivered a majestic vivid quality of live animation, which were absolutely stimulating on an IMAX screen. His style of imagery had wonderful depth perception of the rugged mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Plenty of work went into the details of the animal characters – from their body movements, fur, mane, jaws and claws. The facial expressions on the animals were adorable, I just wanted to reach out and touch the screen.

The screenplay was well written but lacked creativity. It’s the typical story, told in flashbacks, about a pair of loners (Taka and Mufasa) that need each other in order to survive from Kiros and his clan of white lion outsiders. They make new friends along their way to the land of abundance, Milele. Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) learns what it takes to become a great leader – strong natural skills, conquering fears, and not being afraid to ask for help from others (animals). As for Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), since he was raised by an egotistical father, his basic survival skills are weak. Taka considers Mufasa a brother but treats him more like a buddy. Tensions arise when Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) comes into the picture. The fate of these characters is foreseeable, but enough to keep me engaged to watch it unfold.

I wanted to see more of Timon and Pumba, but they were more of comedic support characters to Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter). They did tease us with a snippet rendition of “Hakuna Matata”. Seth Rogen was the perfect fit for Pumba’s character. It was interesting to see how Zazu (voiced by Preston Nyman) becomes part of the clan and always irritating others with his sarcastic humor. However, the real star of the show is Rafiki (voiced by John Kani). He plays a key role in Mufasa’s life. The best part was how Rafiki ends up with a walking stick. Another notable scene was how pride rock got formed. I was overcome with nostalgia.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the majority of the songs, added a unique gospel hip-hop sound that brings out that wilderness passion. Miranda’s music always gives that special note to films. It was a relief to know that Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce (Nala) and Donald Glover (Simba) did not take away from the movie. They were more like cameo voices. Although Mufasa: The Lion King was a bit longer that what it needed to be, it was overall enjoyable.