Tag Archives: hugh jackman

“The Sheep Detectives” Hugh Jackman Mystery Comedy

animation, based on a book, children movies, comedy, crime, family movies, kid movies, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Sheep Detectives is a fun, unabashed movie based on a book. Kyle Balda received the script, and he was immediately moved by it. Best known for his work in animation—including the Minions films, Despicable Me 3, as well as contributions to Pixar and ILM film—he was eager to take on the challenge of the live-action project.

The film starts with life on the farm being idyllic with rolling green acres, quiet solitude, and the gentle hum of sheep chatter.

Fleece, Clues, and Shenanigans

Each night, George, played by Hugh Jackman, a ruggedly charming shepherd, sits outside his Airstream and reads murder mysteries aloud to his devoted flock. Unaware that they’re not only listening, but trying to solve the cases themselves.

Hugh Jackman as George Hardy in THE SHEEP DETECTIVES
Photo credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
© 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Silence in the Fields, Secrets in the Shadows

One morning, that peaceful routine ends in shatters. The sheep discover George dead. Determined to solve the untimely demise of the man they loved, the flock begins to investigate the murder.

A Rural Mystery with Bite

Narrowing down a curious list of suspects from a long-lost daughter to the village butcher, the film is a classic whodunit, like the books the sheep love.

But they’re not the only ones on the case. An ambitious young reporter, drawn by the story, abandons his assignment covering the local cultural festival to chase the mystery. Meanwhile, a bumbling yet persistent police officer struggles to stay ahead of a town buzzing with gossip, secrets, and buried grudges.

Beneath the Quiet Lies the Truth

As the investigation unfolds, the sheep offer more than clever deductions. Through their eyes, we gain a surprising and poignant perspective on human nature, memory, and the ties that bind us. In the end, this unlikely group of detectives proves that insight can come from the most unexpected places—and that even the quietest voices may hold the key to the truth.

Shear Genius at Work

Using both live-action and animation, the live and voice casts are stellar, starring Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Hong Chau, Emma Thompson, Tosin Cole, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Conleth Hill, and Mandeep Dhillon.

“Reminiscence” Drives Backwards into Time

romance, science fiction, thriller, , , ,

Written and directed by Lisa Joy, Reminiscence follows Nick Bannister, played by Hugh Jackman, as a scientist who develops a technology to go back into time. He searches for his long, lost love, played by Rebecca Ferguson.

Also starring in this science fiction movie are Thandiwe Newton, Natalie Martinez and Brett Cullen.

Innovative “Missing Link” Trailers, Interviews, Clips, Featurettes and Poster

adventure, animation, children movies, family movies, kid movies, , , , , , , , , ,

Written and directed by Chris Butler, Missing Link follows Mr. Link, voiced by Zach Galifianakis, eight feet tall, 630 lbs, and covered in fur. The appearance means nothing with his character because he is funny, sweet, and cuddly literal.

They consider him the world’s most lovable legend, the link to the globe-trotting family adventure. He’s bored with living a solitary life in the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Link recruits fearless explorer Sir Lionel Frost, voiced by Hugh Jackman, to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La.

Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, played by Zoe Saldana, the fearless trio of explorers encounter more than their fair share of peril as they travel to the far reaches of the world to help their new friend. Through it all, the three learn that sometimes you can find a family in the places you least expect.

Butler worked on several animated features wearing different hats. He worked his way up to being a talented director of animation movies.

The movie’s other voice actors include Zoe Saldana, Timothy Olyphant, David Walliams, Emma Thompson, Matt Lucas, Ching Valdes-Aran, Stephen Fry, and Amrita Acharia.

 

The second trailer tells us so much about the story, with lots of jokes and funny situations. Missing Link is a kid’s movie, but parents or adults will find it just as entertaining.

The Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming are available. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you need to see it now. It is a fantastic piece of stop-motion animation, artfully and beautifully made.

I picked three interviews to share with my Movie Roar readers. They are from several that I have available on my YouTube Channel. The first is my favorite with Zoe Saldana. She’s my favorite interview because she explains the story so well.

The second interview is with Hugh Jackman because he is so enthusiastic about the movie and the LAIKA that I wanted to share it with you.

The next interview is with Zach Galifianakis because he looks great in this clip. He explains Mr. Link as a special person.

The two movie clips show the relationship between Mr. Link and Sir Lionel Frost. The kids will see all slapstick humor, and the parents will understand the play on words. The stop-motion animation is mind-boggling. It is an art form that requires a tremendous about of detail and time.

The red carpet interview with Travis Knight, who is the CEO of LAIKA, talks about his studio’s location and the movies they create in stop-motion. Knight also directed BumbleBee, and it not a stop-motion movie though there is more CGI. 

“The Front Runner” Trailer, Featurette & Posters

based on a book, drama, true stories, , ,

Directed by Jason Reitman, The Front Runner is based on a true story starring Hugh Jackman. Jackman plays the charismatic politician Gary Hart in a movie that might prove to be a  thrilling drama.

The movie focuses on the rise and fall of Senator Hart, who captured the imagination of young voters and was considered the overwhelming front-runner for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination when his campaign was sidelined by the story of an extramarital relationship with Donna Rice.

American experienced its first taste of tabloid journalism while political journalism merged for the first time. Senator Hart was forced to drop out of the race – events that left a profound and lasting impact on American politics and the world stage.

The movie is available on Blu-ray/DVD and is streaming as well. So, if you haven’t seen the movie yet, nows your chance or you can see it again.  I recommend seeing the movie because Hugh Jackman is such a brilliant actor.

Also starring Vera Farmiga, J.K. Simmons, and Alfred Molina, The Front Runner is written by Matt Bai & Jay Carson & Jason Reitman, based on the book “All the Truth is Out” by Matt Bai.

The featurette captures the feel of the movie.

The movie trailer depicts the era when Gary Hart’s fiasco occurred. Today, this type of situation seems to happen once a month. When in fact, Hart’s is the first ever for ruining a political career.

The second poster shows more of the story behind the movie. Jackman looks to the side and tries to avoid being hounded by the press or the situation that is out of control.

Watching the trailer and knowing Reitman, I sense a bit of wit and sarcasm.

“The Greatest Showman” Poster, Trailers & Blu-ray/DVD

adventure, family movies, kid movies, legend, music, , , , ,

Directed by Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman stars the talented cast, including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya. The original songs by the Oscar Winning lyricists for the movie La La Land are Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The trailer is so upbeat and promising. I know there will be no letdown at the box office or a disappointment in the movie theaters.

The story follows Jackman’s character Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum. The trailer shows off an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business while telling a magical story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

The Blu-ray and DVD have hit the streets and is available if you want to see the movie again or you haven’t seen it yet. Now it is your chance. My daughter saw the film for the first time while flying from Atlanta to Sacramento. She said the music was phenomenal, and Zac Efron was outstanding.

I just saw it last night and wish the second act was stronger but loved the music. I have to admit. I became interested in P.T. Barnum’s life. I did a little research and discovered his life is worth telling, and it is a story to be said – fantastic character.

This trailer shows a more modern twist in the music. Interesting way, it might grab the attention of younger audiences like teenagers.

“Logan” Trailers and TV Spot

adventure, science fiction, sequels, super heroes, , , , ,

The trailer begins with a grim story and continues to worsen, but smiles and laughter appear toward the end.  Almost titled Wolverine 3, Logan takes place in 2024. Mutant births are severely in decline, and people aren’t sure why.

A government-type operation is turning mutant children into killing machines. From this, Logan emerges as a mentor to a mutant girl with two claws instead of three. Marvel’s superhero movies are developing into a very supernatural human side, which is good to see.

Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Sienna Novikov star with direction by James Mangold. His impressive credits include Walk the Line, which he also co-wrote; The Wolverine; Cop Land; Girl, Interrupted; Knight and Day; and the 2007 remake of 3:10 to Yuma.

Check out the Super Bowl Ad if you can find it. I love the song.

I like this trailer, and it appears this movie is nothing like the Marvel movies we’ve seen for some time.  Tom Felton, Harry Potter alumnus, is looking mighty fine all beefed up and ready to be the bad guy again.

I love Paul Stewart’s line, “She’s eleven, and I am fucking ninety.”