Join Cuco in his epic mission to find El Americano, the hero of his favorite TV show, to help defend his family from thugs wanting to take over his family’s circus, in the all new animated feature Americano, arriving on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand on June 13 from Lionsgate. Americano is said to be the first major U.S.-Mexico animated feature co-production, featuring voices of Rico Rodriguez, Kate Del Castillo, Cheech Marin, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Golden Globe® nominee Lisa Kudrow (Best Supporting Actress, Television, “Friends”), and Academy Award® nominee Edward James Olmos (Best Supporting Actor, Stand and Deliver, 1988), in addition to radio personalities Don Cheto, El Mandril, and Argelia Atilano.

Americano was awarded the Dove Family Seal of Approval, and after watching the film it is easy to see why. It has a simple and predictable story line that kids can follow, a few jokes for the adults in the room…when one can understand what is being said, and colorful art that will capture the imagination of all those watching the film.

I will admit, when my family and I first started watching Americano, I had a horrible time getting into it. It seemed like the beginning was dead in the water with a dull back story and several repetitive themes. After the first 30 seconds I could see the path of the film and I knew how it was going to end. Americano has a very simple story line with the main character going on a journey to find himself before realizing he has what it takes to be the hero of his own story. It isn’t a bad story line, but for adults, it’s over done. However, this is a movie for kids, and it is easy for the little ones in the room to follow. On a side note, once the crazy biker-gang entered the arena and threatened to take control of the circus, even I got sucked in to the story. It no longer mattered that I knew what was going to happen because I actually wanted to see it happen.

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Americano also has a few jokes for the adults in the audience, which helped keep my interest. Americano may be geared towards a younger group of kids, but it allows us adults to a have a laugh every now and then. For example, apparently Cheech and Chong is a very powerful spell *wink* and El Americano looks very similar a very famous person in the US. However, my favorite line in the whole movie is what the bad guys say after Rayito, the hummingbird, states that Cuco and his friends went to find El Americano. The bad guys response: “They went for Coffee?” Of yeah, give me a coffee joke any day! It took a while to stop laughing.

I am sure there are other hilarious jokes, but the songs are all in Spanish and some of the characters only speak Spanish. If one has a limited background in the Spanish language, these jokes, plot twists, and hilarious songs are lost. However, with the simple story line the idea of what is happening can be understood, making the language less of a barrier. Also, the amazing colors kept everyone focused on the film no matter what was being said.

The colors in Americano are absolutely stunning. It has to be one of the most colorful films I have seen with birds featuring purples, blues, reds, greens, yellows, and so much more. The colors alone are fascinating and spark the imagination of all those watching. I would call it mesmerizing.

All in all. El Americanano is a wonderful family film and totally deserves the Dove Family Seal of Approval. Just be aware, it is a U.S.-Mexico animated feature co-production, so there is a mix of Spanish and English within the film. At times it is hard to understand but the story is easy to follow. Out of five stars I would give it a solid 3.5.

For more information check out the official El Americano Website and read more about Americano on my blog here: Americano Story

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Disclosure: SKGaleana receives products in order to conduct reviews. Unless noted otherwise, no monetary compensation was provided. I only share and recommend products or services I think will be a good fit for my readers. All the opinions are 100% my own. In exchange for referrals, some posts may contain affiliate links that I may receive commission for payment. (See more here)
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“I am 81 years of age and have almost a billion citizens. I have been in office 62 years, making me the longest serving monarch In history.”

An extraordinary true story comes to life in Focus Features brand new film Victoria & Abdul. When Queen Victoria becomes friends with Abdul Karim, a young clerk from India, she learns how to live again. Unfortunately, her aliance with abdul threatens her status and it becomes a fight to remain the monarch and friends with her new comrade. Victoria & Abdulwill play in select cities on September 22, 2017, expanding to more theaters on September 29, 2017. Check out the trailer below for a laugh and a more in depth look at Focus Features brand new film.

More about Victoria & Abdul:
Story: The extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.

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Director: Stephen Frears (“The Queen,” “Philomena,” “Mrs. Henderson Presents”)

Writer: Lee Hall (“Billy Elliot”), based on Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant by Shrabani Basu

Cast: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Adeel Akhtar, Simon Callow, Michael Gambon, Eddie Izzard, Ruth McCabe, Tim Pigott-Smith, Julian Wadham, Olivia Williams, Fenella Woolgar

What happens when a gamer kid named Jack, who is bullied by his peers, is given a family heirloom? A lot apparently. Who knew a family heirloom could be so dangerous, and yet, so epic at the same time? Enter The Warriors Gate follows Jack’s journey as he transforms his gaming skills into those of a Kung Fu Warrior to battle a tyrannical war lord (WWE Superstar Dave Bautista) bent on ruling the world. The all-star cast features Bautista (Gaurdians of the Galaxy & WWE) Sienna Guillory (Resident Evil: Apocalypse), and Uriah Shelton (Girl Meets World). The Warriors Gate will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray June 6.

Thinking of buying it but looking for some info first? Look no further. I received the opportunity to watch and review Enter The Warriors Gate and I have a few points to share.

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Enter The Warriors Gate starts with a teenage boy named Jack dealing with teenage life and teenage bullies. In the game world he is an epic warrior known as the Black Knight. However, in the real world he is a normal teen that enjoys dirt bikes….when he can. The bullies of his school dominate all the prime dirt bike tracks, bullying those who try to use them. Jack is no exception. The first confrontation we see between Jack and the dirt bike bullies sends jack on a wild race through the city, dodging cars and using any obstacles to escape their grasp. He just barely evades the bullies when he takes shelter in an antique shop. If this is sounding familiar, it’s because…well it is. This scene is very similar to the 1980’s film The Karate Kid, where Daniel LaRusso runs from his own biker bullies. This is not surprising considering the screenwriter for The Karate Kid, Robert Mark Kamen, is also the co-writer for Enter The Warriors Gate. And the similarities don’t end there.

Not only do we have an awkward teen trying to make it through high school, similar to that of The Karate Kid, we also have a helpful Chinese shopkeeper named Chang, lending advice like Mr. Miyagi. Enter the Warriors Gate also features a teenager learning Kung Fu to help defend himself, doubtful comrades thinking he is worth nothing, and a single mom at the end of her rope. All we need to do is add an arena where the most epic battle can take place changing the course of the teenagers life…oh wait, it’s there. Perhaps the best way to describe Enter the Warriors Gate is to call it the new generation remake of The Karate kid complete with video game references, slang, random dances, and awkward moments of friendship.

Obviously, much of this film has a cookie cutter story line of, boy is an outcast and runs from his problems, boy meets girl, boy goes on epic journey for girl, boy comes back a changed man and faces his problems. But that doesn’t make it boring, in fact I really enjoyed it. The film features several moments of action with Kung Fu fighters, sword fights, and the standard crazy comedic moments. With Francis Ng as the crazy Wizard Wu and Bautista as the insane warlord Arun, I found myself laughing in several scenes, which left me wondering, “what will they do next.”

Enter the Warriors Gate does well blending the fantasy with real life. I personally think, it ranks high on the B-movie scale and is worth a watch. I know my family and I will be watching it again.

Note: There are a few four-letter-words and some intense fighting that may not be good for all ages. The movie is rated PG-13, so if you are hoping for a younger audience to watch this film, I suggest previewing it first to be sure your child can handle it.

Find out more about Enter The Warriors Gate by clicking the image below.

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Disclosure: SKGaleana receives products in order to conduct reviews. Unless noted otherwise, no monetary compensation was provided. I only share and recommend products or services I think will be a good fit for my readers. All the opinions are 100% my own. In exchange for referrals, some posts may contain affiliate links that I may receive commission for payment. (See more here)
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