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!

Does The War of the Rohirrim live up to Peter Jacksons Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? The answer is Yes and No. This film was made from a different point of view than its predecessors, one big indication is that is an anime. But also, it still connects to Peter Jacksons version of Middle Earth. How does this film connect to the original films though?

This story takes place 183 years before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. We follow the main character that was specifically made for this story Hera, whom is not part of Tolkien’s writings, is the daughter of Helm Hammerhand, who is the Ninth king of Rohan. There is struggle of authority when Frecca shows up to Edoras and challenges Helm for the right to rule. The conflict that follows, moves the plot forward in a direction that fans may or may not agree with.

The first half of the story lives up to hype of the original films. We dive deeper into the lore and history of Rohan, the continuous anger towards the Kingdom of Gondor, and of the course battle that creates mayhem for Hera and her family. Hearing classic themes from Howard Shores score from the original films, takes us back to that first time we saw Edoras on screen!

The films pacing is questionable. After the end of the first half of film the pacing slows down. The second half of the film feels like a tv show, where each small story that occurs, ends like a tv show would. There are also certain scenes that contradict different parts of the original LOTR Trilogy. However Helm Hammerhand lives up to his name in the end. Brian Cox brought this Character to life in such a spectacular way, he is one of the best parts of the film!

Even though Hera’s character was made for this film, and not from any Tolkien lore, she still makes an impact on the future kingdom of Rohan. To the relationship with her father, and her involvement in the events in this story, rhyme with the character Éowyn which we first meet in The Two Towers. She’s headstrong and helps set the course of history of where we see Rohan in the future.

With all that being said it is a great addition to Peter Jacksons Middle Earth franchise. It shows the depth of loyalty and honor in King Theodens bloodline, and what sacrifices and consequences might happen as a leader. From exploring more of the lore of Rohan, seeing familiar locations, and familiar faces, this story is great on its own, but also adds an amazing backstory to one of the greatest kingdoms and bloodlines to Middle Earth. If you are fan of Lord of the Rings and want to feel nostalgic, this is the film for you. Go see The Lord of the rings: The War of the Rohirrim, in theaters now.