Friday, May 31, 2019

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: How To Make The Most of Your 4 Hour Reservation


I was fortunate to attend two of the Cast Member Previews for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland and I am bringing you my tips and suggestions on how to make the most out of your 4 hour reservation. Reservations are only from May 31st, 2019 until June 23rd, 2019. So, watch the video and hopefully it will help you plan out your day. May the Force be with you!

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Advance Tickets for “TOY STORY 4” On Sale Now


Tickets are on sale now for Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” which opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019. Watch Woody in this new clip as he introduces Forky to everyone in Bonnie’s room for the first time.


Fans can catch Woody and the gang a day before “Toy Story 4” officially opens with two special opportunities taking place in select theaters across the country. Check Fandango.com for more information and to find participating theaters.
  • Opening Night Fan Events will invite fans to be among the first to experience the movie on Thursday, June 20. In addition to watching the film early, attendees will receive a set of “Toy Story 4” collectible character cards and be a special event-only concession offer. 
  • “Toy Story 4” Movie Marathons take moviegoers on a “Toy Story” extravaganza on Thursday, June 20, showing all four “Toy Story” films back to back. In addition to seeing Buzz, Woody and all their Toy Story friends on the big screen, fans will receive an exclusive Woody pin, a set of collectible character cards and get a special event-only concession offer.

ABOUT “TOY STORY 4”:
Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”), and produced by Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”) and Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

Friday, May 24, 2019

Menken, Pasek and Paul About the New Song “Speechless” from Disney’s Live-Action “Aladdin”


Legendary composer/songwriter Alan Menken and award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul take you into their collaboration on “Speechless,” the original new song from Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin” in the “Music of Agrabah” featurette. 



Take a look at the music video for “Speechless” performed by Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott). 

Movie Review: Aladdin - New Take on the Classic Tale


We are familiar with the animated version of Disney's Aladdin but this live-action take by Guy Ritchie takes the story you know and gives it a spin in all the right places.


We get a brand new opening that actually has a wonderful payoff in the end. It begins with a family sharing the tale of Aladdin just as it has been passed down for generations. From there the story we know moves into a few new and unexpected places that adds a greater depth to the Disney animated version. Will Smith's take on the Genie makes it his own and the Genie's story moves from being just a sidekick in the animated film to one of the main characters in this live action version. The relationship between Smith and Mena Massoud's Aladdin feels real. Their story moves forward as both characters try to find a way out of their circumstances.


Naomi Scott as Jasmine not only gains a friend, her handmaiden Daila, but this princess wants to be more than someone looking for her prince. Jasmine knows that she is best suited to be the leader of her people. Her song "Speechless" will become the new Disney princess anthem. In many ways this movie could be retitled Jasmine.


Scott and Massoud have amazing chemistry from the start. Their version of "A Whole New World" is simply breathtaking. In fact, Ritchie's style and flair are brought to the other showstopper songs as well.

In the end, Aladdin is a sweeping tale, on par and at times even better than the animated version. A princess should want to be queen and lead her people. This is a narrative that needs to be told.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

PHOTOS FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” WORLD PREMIERE


The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” completed their Magic Carpet World Tour in Los Angeles today with the film’s star-studded world premiere at the El Capitan Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken were joined by other cast and filmmakers and VIP guests including Helen Mirren and Darren Criss. “Aladdin” opens in theaters nationwide this Friday!





Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Toy Story 4 | Official Trailer 2


Watch the final trailer for Toy Story 4, and see the film in theaters June 21. Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Book Review: Shipwreckers by Scott Peterson & Joshua Pruett


A cursed temple? Treasure? The Amazon River? A very punny Captain and two kids on a boat? What could go wrong? Everything!

Writers Scott Peterson and Joshua Pruett, whose last book was the novelization of Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book, bring us their latest page turner!  And given their background as writers for such shows as Phineas and Ferb and the upcoming The Last Kids on Earth, Shipwreckers reads like an animated film!

The story follows book lover 12-year-old Mike Gonzalez while he tries his best to protect his 8-year-old sister Dani from the dangers of thrill-seeking while on a family vacation in Brazil. This is where Captain Kevin Adventureson comes in, a larger-than-life character, who is not only overconfident but filled with some of the best (or worst) puns of all-time!

The action is over-the-top and will keep you turning the pages! But fear not, all of the action does not come at the expense of character development. You will love the arcs of the siblings and learn some valuable lessons of life and family along the way.

By the time you get to the end of the book you will want to know where the television series is! Or at least wonder how much longer you will have to wait for the follow up to this action packed book!

Click the link below if you are interested in purchasing a copy of this great book for yourself!

Friday, May 17, 2019

NEW “WORLD OF ‘ALADDIN’” FEATURETTE FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” FEATURING “GAME OF THRONES” PRODUCTION DESIGNER GEMMA JACKSON


A new featurette from Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation “Aladdin” is now available. “World of ‘Aladdin’” takes you to the bustling streets of Agrabah that production designer Gemma Jackson (“Game of Thrones”) brings to life, as well as to the stunning desert vistas of Jordan where the “Aladdin” production filmed for several weeks in order to capture the natural beauty of the region. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019!

SPECIAL TRIPTYCH POSTER FROM DISNEY'S "MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL"


On the heels of the “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” teaser trailer which arrived earlier this week comes a special triptych poster from the sequel to the global box-office hit “Maleficent.” Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning reprise their roles as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora, respectively, and are joined by Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville. Check out “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” when it hits theaters nationwide October 18, 2019!!

STARS OF DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” RETURN TO JORDAN ON THEIR MAGIC CARPET WORLD TOUR


The stars of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and director Guy Ritchie, returned to Jordan—where portions of the film were shot—today to participate in a press conference and attend a VIP screening of the film as part of their ongoing Magic Carpet World Tour. The press conference and photo call (with the Anman Citadel as a backdrop) was organized by the Royal Film Commission – Jordan and the screening at Abdali Malls Prime Cinema under Royal Patronage was hosted by HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein. The “Aladdin” production was in Jordan for several weeks in November 2017 to capture the natural beauty of the stunning desert vistas for the big screen. Be sure to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019!




DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” CONTINUE THEIR GLOBAL MAGIC CARPET TOUR WITH STOP IN BERLIN


The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Navid Negahban, Numan Acar, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken, participated in a photo call and attended the German Gala Screening of the film at the UCI Luxe in Berlin earlier today. The German capital was their third stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour which will continue over the next two weeks and which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019!




STARS OF DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” CONTINUE MAGIC CARPET WORLD TOUR WITH STOP IN LONDON


The stars of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, director Guy Ritchie, producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich and composer Alan Menken, continued their trek across the globe with a stop in London to attend the film’s European gala at the Odeon Luxe Theatre in Leicester Square earlier today. London was the second stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour that will continue over the next two weeks and which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.




Monday, May 13, 2019

Official Teaser: Disney's Maleficent: Mistress of Evil - In Theaters October 18!


The new teaser trailer for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” a sequel to the global box-office hit “Maleficent,” has arrived. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning reprise their roles as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora, respectively, two characters from the studio’s animated classic “Sleeping Beauty,” whose untold story was brought to life on screen in 2014’s “Maleficent,” and are joined by Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville. Be sure to check out the teaser trailer and don’t forget to see “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” when it hits theaters nationwide October 18, 2019!!




Thursday, May 9, 2019

Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel Launches on Digital May 28 and Lands In Blu-ray Collections June 11



At yesterday’s espnW Summit NYC, Marvel Studios hosted a “Captain Marvel” panel and revealed an all-new trailer and in-home release dates for its first female-led franchise film, centered on Carol Danvers a.k.a. Captain Marvel. The release includes featurettes that highlight the transformative journey of Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) and her character’s impact on audiences around the globe; the influence of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) on significant events within the MCU; the perfect pairing of directors Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck; the ongoing conflict between the Skrulls and the Kree; and the raw talent behind the fetching feline named Goose. Viewers also gain access to six deleted scenes, director commentary, a gag reel loaded with funnies, flubs and Flerkens, and never-before-seen concept art and production photography. Viewers can bring home the film two weeks early on Digital 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD and gain access to two exclusive features, including a behind-the-scenes visit with the Visual Effects team that makes the filmmakers’ visions of the MCU come to life and an inside look at the epic team effort that goes into an action-packed sequence within a Marvel Studios film. A physical copy of “Captain Marvel” is available as either a 4K Cinematic Universe Edition (4K UHD+Blu-ray+Digital Copy) or a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray+Digital Copy), granting fans the flexibility to watch on devices of their choice. The spectacular, 1990s-era Super Hero adventure, which electrified and inspired audiences worldwide and surpassed $1 billion in ticket sales, is available on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere May 28, and lands on Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD™ June 11.

ZAYN AND ZHAVIA WARD TO PERFORM "A WHOLE NEW WORLD" AS FEATURED IN DISNEY'S "ALADDIN" FILM AND SOUNDTRACK


ZAYN AND ZHAVIA WARD TO PERFORM 
 OSCAR® AND GRAMMY®-WINNING SONG “A WHOLE NEW WORLD” AS FEATURED IN DISNEY’S “ALADDIN”

ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK TO FEATURE CLASSIC SCORE AND ORIGINAL SONGS BY COMPOSER ALAN
MENKEN, LYRICISTS HOWARD ASHMAN AND TIM RICE, PLUS A NEW SONG
WRITTEN BY MENKEN, BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL

WILL SMITH AND DJ KHALED TO PERFORM NEW UPDATED RENDITION OF
 OSCAR-NOMINATED SONG “FRIEND LIKE ME” 

DIGITAL ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE MAY 21
PHYSICAL ALBUM TO BE RELEASED MAY 24


Multi-platinum and global award-winning superstar singer/songwriter ZAYN and emerging sensation singer/songwriter Zhavia Ward are set to perform the Oscar and GRAMMY-winning duet “A Whole New World.”  The song will be featured in the film’s end credits and on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, and is available today as a single and music video, which can be seen here. The new updated rendition of the classic song is produced by Saltwives aka Alex Oriet and David Phelan (ZAYN and Charli XCX) and the music video was directed by Philip Andelman (Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran). 

“The selection of artists, producer and tonal direction was critical for the success of updating a classic song like this,” said Mitchell Leib, president of Music & Soundtracks for the Walt Disney Studios.  “ZAYN’s vocals are like no other and his artistic imprint immediately brought a contemporary and diverse presence.  Additionally, ZAYN could have chosen any artist in the world to collaborate with on the duet, but he personally selected Zhavia for her unique perspective, powerful vocal abilities and to platform a talented new artist, ensuring that the audience could discover this song, again, for the first time.”  

The timeless ballad, featuring Alan Menken’s beautiful melody and Howard Ashman’s unforgettable lyrics, received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® Award and GRAMMY Award, among other accolades, upon its release in 1992. 

The “Aladdin” original motion picture soundtrack features an unforgettable score from eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”), along with new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and two-time Academy Award winner Howard Ashman (“Little Shop of Horrors”), three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) and one song written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hansen”). From Walt Disney Records, the digital soundtrack is set for release on May 21 at 9:00pm PT and will be followed by the physical album on May 24.

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future.  “Aladdin” opens in U.S. theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.

Oscar-nominated actor and multi-platinum recording artist Will Smith and GRAMMY-nominated superstar songwriter, producer and multi-platinum selling artist DJ Khaled are set to perform a re-invented version of the classic Oscar-nominated song “Friend Like Me.” The song will be featured in the film’s end credit, on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, and released as a single.  The new updated rendition of the song is produced by DJ Khaled. 

The new original song featured in the film and included on the soundtrack is “Speechless,” performed by Jasmine (Naomi Scott).  The song is Jasmine’s big breakout song in the film about finding her voice, and was written by Alan Menken and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The Aladdin soundtrack includes "Arabian Nights," "One Jump Ahead," "One Jump Ahead (Reprise)," “Speechless” (Part 1), "Friend Like Me," "Prince Ali," "A Whole New World," "One Jump Ahead” (Reprise 2), "Speechless” (Part 2), "A Whole New World” (End Title), "Friend Like Me” (End Title), and “Speechless” (Full), plus 25 score cues composed by Alan Menken.

The Aladdin original motion picture soundtrack physical album is now available for pre-order, pre-add on Apple Music, and pre-save on Spotify.  “A Whole New World” is available at streaming and download services.  For more information on Walt Disney Records releases, follow us atFacebook.com/DisneyInstagram/disneymusicTwitter.com/disneymusic and our Disney Hits Playlist at http://disneymusic.co/DisneyHits.

CAST FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” KICK OFF MAGIC CARPET WORLD TOUR IN PARIS WITH FRENCH GALA AND PHOTO CALL


The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken, participated in a photo call and attended a gala screening of the film at the historic Le Grand Rex in Paris earlier today, where they were greeted by throngs of  passionate fans lining the streets. The City of Light was the first stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour that will continue over the next two weeks which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.




Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Disney-Fox Updates Film Release Schedule: Star Wars, Avatar and More



The Walt Disney Studios has unveiled its upcoming slate following the recent acquisition of the Fox film studios, including changes to previously dated films and a number of major additions.

After kicking off with the record-setting success of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, The Walt Disney Studios’ 2019 summer slate includes Disney’s Aladdin on May 24, Fox’s Dark Phoenix on June 7, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 on June 21, Fox’s Stuber on July 12, and Disney’s The Lion King on July 19. Fox 2000’s The Art of Racing in the Rain moves up to Aug. 9, and Fox Searchlight’s Ready or Not will release on Aug. 23, while three films move to later dates: Ad Astra (9/20/19), The New Mutants (4/3/20), and Artemis Fowl (5/29/20).

The Studios’ 2019 slate rounds out with Fox’s The Woman in the Window on Oct. 4 and Ford V. Ferrari on Nov. 15, Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Oct. 18 and Disney Animation’s Frozen 2 on Nov. 22, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Dec. 20, and Blue Sky Studios’ Spies in Disguise, moving from September to Christmas. Among early 2020 titles are Fox’s Underwater on Jan. 10, a new Kingsman movie on Feb. 14, and Call of the Wild on Feb. 21, followed by Pixar’sOnward on March 6 and Disney’s Mulan on March 27.

The updated calendar also sets release dates for major franchises Avatar and Star Wars. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker bringing the original Skywalker Saga to its conclusion, three new as-yet-untitled Star Wars films will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2022. Four forthcomingAvatar films, expanding the vibrant world of Pandora, will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2021. In the holiday corridor for 2020, Fox’s West Side Story adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, will debut Dec. 18 in the pre-Christmas slot, with Disney’s Cruella opening Wednesday, Dec. 23, for the long holiday weekend.

“We’re excited to put in place a robust and diverse slate that lays the foundation of our long-term strategy, bringing together a breadth of films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Fox, Fox Searchlight, and Blue Sky Studios to create an extraordinary collection of cinematic experiences for audiences around the world,” said Cathleen Taff, President, Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management, and Business & Audience Insights, The Walt Disney Studios. “With a strong summer already in place, we are eager to carry that momentum forward over the coming years thanks to a creative wellspring of bold and imaginative stories coming from our world-class studios – including several new chapters of two revered franchises, Avatar and Star Wars.”

Giveaway: Jasmine Ear Headband from Disneyland

Win this magical pair of Jasmine ears from Disneyland as we get ready for the release of the live action Aladdin! This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email!
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Saturday, May 4, 2019

Giveaway: Star Wars Pet Bowl

May the 4th Be With You! Enter to win this pet bowl for your fur baby! The giveaway is open galaxy wide and the winner will be notified by email! May The Force Be With You!
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Friday, May 3, 2019

Giveaway: Pixar Ball Mug + Starbucks Gift Card

Enter to win this massively awesome Pixar ball mug plus a $20 Starbucks gift card! It is massive enough for your morning cereal or soup besides coffee or tea! This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email!

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