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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Spoiler-Free Review for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker


No matter when you were introduced to Star Wars, we are all fans. The original trilogy was my introduction and since then I have been hooked on the epic space battle of good versus evil. The Force, lightsabers, spaceships, exotic planets and aliens all helped shaped my view on doing the right thing even if it is difficult. Luke Skywalker will always be my first and favorite hero. Someone who knew they wanted to do bigger and better things. Someone who did what he felt was right for friends, family and others in need. So, in a nutshell, I am a lifelong Star Wars fan.

Eight films and 42 years later, we have arrived at the ninth and final film of the saga, The Rise of Skywalker. While this review will be a spoiler-free, I will tell you that the trailers and the TV spots have done a pretty good job in not giving anything away.


J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio have crafted a script with references and sequences that cynical minds will consider "fan service" but bring back emotion and power going back all the way to the original trilogy. They have brought back the fun and the humor that feel more like the original trilogy as well. As the fun and playfulness have always been a trademark of the saga, so has the darkness and the danger of the galaxy under the rule of evil.

J.J. Abrams knows how to craft a blockbuster. While there are some amazing set-pieces, I feel he is underrated as a director when it comes to performers. Here he gets the best performance out of Daisy Ridley. She is the center of the film along with the other key principles in Finn, Poe and Kylo Ren. The best material and interactions with one another belong to these four characters.

This movie is a real roller coaster ride with twists and turns that are surprising and at times risk-taking. And just like a roller coaster the pace of the film is at times neck breaking. You will find yourself needing time to catch your breath! This makes for an exhilarating 2 hour and 23 minute movie.


With all that being said, I loved The Rise of Skywalker, but in this day and age, not everyone will be pleased with the film. The cynical minds have had very unpleasant ways of expressing their unhappiness but it comes with a total lack of perspective. These movies were made for children and we have people that feel that kid-friendly franchises need to be solely aimed at them.

Abrams and team have made a movie for those of us that love it best. The Rise of Skywalker rises to the occasion and is a fitting end to the epic saga.


Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in theaters December 20th.

PHOTOS OF CAST & FILMMAKERS WITH UNITED AIRLINES’ STAR WARS:THE RISE OF SKYWALKER-THEMED AIRCRAFT


Cast and filmmakers from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker pose in front of United Airlines’ Star Wars-themed Boeing 737-800 aircraft, created to celebrate the upcoming film—the conclusion of the Skywalker saga.

United worked with Lucasfilm on the exciting exterior design, which features the Resistance on one side of the aircraft and the First Order on the other. Inside the plane, passengers will be treated to custom headrests embossed with emblems of the film’s dueling factions, the Resistance and the First Order. The special-edition Star Wars aircraft will operate for a limited time, and fans can track the plane with its tail number (N36272) on FlightAware, where it will display as a special Star Wars icon.  

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters on December 20.






Disney and Pixar’s “Onward”--New Trailer & Poster


Set in a suburban fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” introduces two teenage elf brothers (voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland) who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. A new trailer and poster are now available, and new character posters were recently revealed, introducing cast members Mel Rodriguez, who voices Officer Colt Bronco; Lena Waithe, who lends her voice to Officer Specter; and Ali Wong, the voice of Officer Gore. Also featuring the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer, “Onward” opens in U.S. theaters on March 6, 2020.






STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS


Last night in Los Angeles, stars Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Naomi Ackie, Anthony Daniels, Richard E. Grant, Ian McDiarmid, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams were joined by director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams and producers Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan for a walk down the red carpet where they greeted enthusiastic fans at the world premiere of STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.
     
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER opens in U.S. theaters this Friday, December 20.



Saturday, December 14, 2019

Giveaway: Mickey and Minnie Holiday Mug

Enter to win this super cute Mickey and Minnie Holiday mug plus a $20 Starbucks gift card! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
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Friday, December 13, 2019

FROZEN 2’s “Into the Unknown” Sequence Performed in 29 Languages


Check out a new multi-language global rendition of the Golden Globe®-nominated song “Into the Unknown” (best original song) from “Frozen 2.”  The animated sequence from the movie features vocals in 29 languages, including English, Swedish, German, Icelandic, Norwegian, French, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Japanese and Sámi, among others, showcasing some the voices tapped to help bring the story of “Frozen 2” to audiences around the world.
  • The film has been dubbed in 45 languages. 
  • “Frozen 2” marks the first time a Disney film has been dubbed in Sámi. 
  • “Into the Unknown” was written by Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. 

A SPECIAL LOOK AT THE FRIENDSHIPS FROM STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER DEBUTS AT CCXP 2019


A special look at the friendships between the cast of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker debuted today to an enthusiastic audience during The Rise of Skywalker panel at Brazil’s Comic Con Experience 2019 (CCXP) held in São Paulo. Érico Borgo, the Content Director of Omelete.com.br, hosted the panel, which included director/writer J.J. Abrams, and actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX’S “FREE GUY” FIRST TRAILER & NEW POSTER


In “Free Guy,” a bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way…before it is too late. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Taika Waititi, “Free Guy” is directed by Shawn Levy from a story by Matt Lieberman and a screenplay by Lieberman and Zak Penn. The film is produced by Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Adam Kolbrenner with Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, George Dewey, Dan Levine and Michael Riley McGrath serving as executive producers.

Giveaway: $50 Disney Gift Card

Enter to win a $50 Disney gift card! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email! Good luck and Happy Holidays!
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Thursday, December 5, 2019

NEW TRAILER & POSTER FOR DISNEY’S “MULAN”


Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father. “Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”

“Frozen 2”—Full Sequence Featuring Original Song “Into the Unknown”


Watch the full “Into the Unknown” sequence from Disney’s “Frozen 2.” The original song is performed in the film by Idina Menzel (voice of Elsa) featuring AURORA, and written by Academy Award® winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez.

Togo - Official Trailer | Disney+ | Streaming Dec. 20


Starring Willem Dafoe and Julianne Nicholson, “Togo” is the untold true story set in the winter of 1925 that treks across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra for an exhilarating and uplifting adventure that will test the strength, courage and determination of one man, Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog, Togo. The poignant and emotional adventure debuts on Disney+ on Dec. 20, 2019.

STAR WARS: JEDI TEMPLE CHALLENGE TO STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON DISNEY+


STAR WARS: JEDI TEMPLE CHALLENGE TO STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON DISNEY+

  • Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge is an exciting new game show set in a galaxy far, far away, which tests young contestants’ abilities in the core Jedi principles of strength, knowledge, and bravery as they face thrilling and fun obstacles in an attempt to achieve the rank of Jedi Knight!

  • From lightsabers, to hyperspace, the Force, and the dark side, Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge transports viewers and contestants into the Star Wars galaxy like never before.

  • The show is hosted by Ahmed Best, who will play a Jedi Master and mentor to the contestants. Known to many fans as Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars prequels, Best’s unique set of skills as an actor, dancer, martial arts expert, STOMP musician, and Star Wars fan make him the perfect choice as the show’s host and mentor. 

  • Best is joined by a hilarious humanoid droid companion, voiced by Mary Holland (VEEP, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre).

  • “This is definitely a kids game show like no other,” says Lucasfilm’s senior director of Online Content & Programming, Mickey Capoferri. “The various challenges will test a Padawan’s connection to the Force in three locations -- a forest planet, on board a Jedi star cruiser, and inside a Jedi Temple -- immersing them and the audience in a fun, humorous, and exciting competition.”

  • Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge brings together the best of Star Wars – competitive spirit, harrowing obstacles and a hero’s triumph over challenges – in a totally new format for the franchise,” said Dan Silver, vice president, Originals – Unscripted Content, Disney+. “A game show set in the Star Wars galaxy is a perfect fit for Disney+.”

  • Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge is executive produced by Lucasfilm, Dean Houser, and David Chamberlin and Mike Antinoro from Endeavor Content.

  • The show will launch on Disney+ in 2020.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

MARVEL STUDIOS’ “BLACK WIDOW” TEASER TRAILER & NEW POSTER


Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow in Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow”—the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz as Melina. Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, “Black Widow” hits U.S. theaters on May 1, 2020.

BLACK WIDOW

MARVEL STUDIOS

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Friday, November 29, 2019

Giveaway: Starbucks and Disney Parks Holiday Mug


Enter to win a Starbucks Disney Parks Holiday Mug and a $20 Starbucks gift card! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email!

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Sunday, November 24, 2019

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER SPECIAL LOOK


Take a look back at Star Wars’ impact on pop culture over four decades of storytelling in this new STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER special look that aired tonight on The American Music Awards (AMAS). 

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Frozen 2 Review - Epic, Ambitious and Get Ready for New Songs!


Hard to believe, but Frozen 2 is the first theatrical sequel to a Disney animated musical. With that being said, Frozen 2 is also more mature, more ambitious and more intricate than the original. A deeply satisfying sequel as there has ever been one.


We get a little more time with Anna and Elsa's parents and a little more info on what happened to their parents before they were lost at sea.


And then heading back to present day, Olaf lets us know that Elsa made peace with her powers at the end of Frozen when she discovered that the key to all of it was love. So, life in Arendelle, seems normal until one night when Elsa hears a mysterious female voice. Who is calling out to her? Elsa needs to know and this leads us into our adventure!


This call to adventure leads to an enchanted forest filled with items seemingly taken right out of Norwegian mythology. There is a worldbuilding here that not only feels authentic but is also meaningful.


The animation tops itself over and over again. The level of detail and the rich colors add to each frame being a work of art. And the story takes us to new places. The story touches on ideas of environmentality, reparations and how do we should confront the past. While some of these ideas might be vague enough to fit into a hundred similar situations, it might make the most powerful as a learning tool for families.


And the cast is back to take us through all of this unfamiliar territory. The bound of sisterhood between Anna and Else grows and grows. Kristoff gets what might be one of the movie's best songs. And there so many other stand out songs once again. "Into the Unknown" is the one they are playing over the trailers but I think the one they should have used was "Show Yourself". But any Idina Menzel song is never a bad choice to set up your movie. Olaf again owns every scene he is in and gets a lovely dramatic moment as well.

Frozen 2 may have gotten a little older since the original debuted in 2013 but it has never forgotten what made it resonate with the fans, a warm heart and a generous spirit.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Giveaway: Olaf Loungefly Bag

Enter to win this Olaf Loungefly bag just in time for the opening of Frozen 2 in theaters! This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email! Good luck!

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Friday, November 8, 2019

"Frozen 2” World Premiere Photos


Filmmakers, talent and special guests celebrated Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2”tonight in Hollywood. The movie, which opens on November 22, 2019, ventures into the unknown in an epic new adventure featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven. Check out images from the world premiere and feel free to share them with your readers. 

Attending the event were the stars from “Frozen 2,” including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Martha Plimpton, Jason Ritter, Rachel Matthews, Jeremy Sisto, Hadley Gannaway, Mattea Conforti. Filmmakers in attendance included Chris Buck (director/story by), Jennifer Lee (director/screenplay by/story by/ chief creative officer), Peter Del Vecho (producer), Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (original songs by/story by), Christophe Beck (original score composed by), plus end-credit artists Brendon Urie (Panic! At The Disco), Brian Bell and Rivers Cuomo (Weezer). Special guests included Jordana Brewster, Ever Carradine, Sofia Carson, Selena Gomez, Faithe Herman, Beverley Mitchell, Audrina Patridge, Busy Phillips, Ashlee Simpson & Evan Ross, Molly Sims and Tiffani Thiessen, among others. 




Tuesday, November 5, 2019

TICKETS FOR “FROZEN 2” ON SALE NOW, PLUS A NEW TV SPOT & END-CREDIT SONG DEBUT


Tickets are now available for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” which hits U.S. theaters Nov. 22, 2019. To purchase advance tickets:   http://bit.ly/Frozen2Tickets.

Take a look at the all-new TV-Spot below!




Also available today is the debut of the end-credit version of “Into the Unknown” song and lyric video performed by Grammy®-nominated artist Panic! At the Disco. The “Frozen 2” soundtrack, set for release from Walt Disney Records on Nov. 15, 2019, is now available for digital pre-order, pre-save at Spotify and pre-add at Apple Music (https://disneymusic.co/Frozen2). 


Monday, October 28, 2019

The Mandalorian – Official Trailer 2 and Character Art


With two weeks until Disney+ launches in the U.S. and Canada on November 12, the streaming service has released an exciting new trailer and character art for the original series, “The Mandalorian.” 

“The  Mandalorian,” Lucasfilm’s first-ever, live-action series, debuts exclusively on Disney+ November 12.






Friday, October 25, 2019

"LIZZIE McGUIRE" ORIGINAL CAST MEMBERS REUNITE WITH HILARY DUFF IN NEW DISNEY+ SERIES


BURBANK, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2019) -- Hallie Todd, Robert Carradine and Jake Thomas are set to reprise their roles as Jo, Sam and Matt McGuire, joining previously announced Hilary Duff as Lizzie, in the Disney+ series "Lizzie McGuire."   This week, the cast convenes for the first time in 15 years for a read-through of the first episode. 

“We are incredibly excited to bring back one of the most popular Disney Channel series of all time along with some beloved and familiar faces,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing, Disney+. “With Terri at the helm and Hilary, Hallie, Robert, and Jake back after all these years, it’s our honor to welcome the McGuire family into the Disney+ family.”

"Just like there is no Lizzie McGuire without Hilary Duff, there is no McGuire family without Hallie, Robert, and Jake," said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officerDisney Channels Worldwide. "The original series holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and we can't wait to introduce fans, both old and new, to an older, wiser, yet still perfectly imperfect Lizzie."

The new story picks up as Lizzie McGuire is just about to turn 30.  She seemingly has it all – her dream job as an assistant to a fancy New York City decorator, her dream guy and a picturesque Brooklyn apartment – but things aren't always as they seem. With a little help from her friends, her loving family and her 13-year-old alter-ego in animated form, Lizzie navigates the ups and downs of adulthood.

Original "Lizzie McGuire" series creator Terri Minsky returns as showrunner and executive producer. Hilary Duff and Rachel Winter will also executive-produce.  Ranada Shepard is the co-executive producer. "Lizzie McGuire" is a production of Salty Pictures, Inc.

About Disney+
Launching on November 12, 2019, Disney+ will be the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, together, for the first time. From The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, Disney+ will offer ad-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content including series “The Mandalorian,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” and “Encore!” and films “Lady and the Tramp” and “Noelle.” Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment and 30 seasons of “The Simpsons,” the service will also be the exclusive streaming home for films released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2019 and beyond, including “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” “The Lion King,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” “Frozen 2,”and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” The service will launch in select geographic territories, including U.S., Canada, and The Netherlands, followed shortly by Australia and New Zealand, with the expectation to be available in all major markets within the first two-years. Visit DisneyPlus.com to learn more.

DISNEY+ “LADY AND THE TRAMP” NY SPECIAL SCREENING PHOTOS


Photos from a special event screening of Disney+’s “Lady and the Tramp” in New York on October 22nd. The Cinema Society hosted the event: Tessa Thompson (voice of Lady), Justin Theroux (voice of Tramp), Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah), Adrian Martinez (Elliott), F. Murray Abraham (Tony), Rose (Lady), Monte (Tramp),  Director Charlie Bean,  Producer Brigham Taylor and Associate Producer Kayla Fishman joined representatives from North Shore Animal League America as well as special guests for the screening. North Shore Animal League America has been making a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals for 75 years, working with their shelter partners across the country. They kicked off their collaboration with Disney and were on hand at tonight’s event with adoptable rescue dogs.




Follow Disney+ on social:
Twitter: @DisneyPlus
Instagram: @DisneyPlus

ABOUT “LADY AND THE TRAMP”
In Disney+’s “Lady and the Tramp,” life is good for Lady, an overachieving American Cocker Spaniel who resides in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Her owners, Jim Dear and Darling, spoil her daily and her neighbors, Jock, an outspoken Scottish Terrier and Trusty, a world-weary Bloodhound, are always within barking distance. But when a baby enters the picture, Lady is no longer the center of attention, and the arrival of cat-loving Aunt Sarah only complicates matters. Lady soon finds herself alone on the streets in an unwelcoming part of town. Fortunately, Tramp steps in, and the streetwise mongrel is quick to teach her the ways of the world. Before long, the prim and proper purebred and the fast-talking mutt are partaking in moonlight strolls in the park and romantic spaghetti dinners by candlelight. Tramp savors the independence of a world without leashes or fences alongside his roguish friends Peg and Bull, but Lady misses the comfort and safety of a family, and soon both must decide where – and with whom – they belong. A heartwarming romantic adventure that seamlessly combines live action and photorealistic animation, “Lady and the Tramp” stars Tessa Thompson as the voice of Lady, Justin Theroux as the voice of Tramp, Kiersey Clemons as Darling, Thomas Mann as Jim Dear, Janelle Monáe as the voice of Peg, Yvette Nicole Brown as Aunt Sarah, and Sam Elliott as the voice of Trusty. The film is directed by Charlie Bean from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski and Kari Granlund, and is produced by Brigham Taylor. “Lady and the Tramp” is available to stream on Disney + on Nov. 12.

ABOUT DISNEY+
Launching on November 12, 2019, Disney+ will be the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, together, for the first time. From The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, Disney+ will offer ad-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content including series “The Mandalorian,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” and “Encore!” and films “Lady and the Tramp” and “Noelle.” Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment and 30 seasons of “The Simpsons,” the service will also be the exclusive streaming home for films released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2019 and beyond, including “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” “The Lion King,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” “Frozen 2,”and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” The service will launch in select geographic territories, including U.S., Canada, and The Netherlands, followed shortly by Australia and New Zealand, with the expectation to be available in all major markets within the first two-years. Follow Disney+ on FacebookInstagram or Twitter or visit DisneyPlus.com to learn more.