Thursday, May 18, 2023

PHOTOS OF THE CANNES WORLD PREMIERE OF INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY, PLUS FEATURETTE, TICKETS ON SALE 5/22

 


BURBANK, Calif. (May 18, 2023) – Photos and footage from the 76th International Cannes Film Festival World Premiere of Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. In attendance at the Palais des Festivals were stars Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Boyd Holbrook, Ethann Isidore and director/writer James Mangold and producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel. Also available is the behind-the-scenes featurette “The Last Adventure.”  On May 22 at 6:00AM PST, tickets will go on sale for the film, which opens in theaters June 30.

 

Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly anticipated final installment of the iconic franchise-- a big, globe-trotting, rip-roaring cinematic adventure. Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Shaunette Renée Wilson (“Black Panther”), Thomas Kretschmann (“Das Boot”), Toby Jones (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Olivier Richters (“Black Widow”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Another Round”). Directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”) and written by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth and David Koepp and James Mangold, based on characters created by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, has once again composed the score.







PHOTOS FROM PHOTO CALL FOR “INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY” AT CANNES’ FAMOUS CARLTON BEACH!

 


BURBANK, Calif. (May 18, 2023) – Photos from Disney and Lucasfilm’s Photo Call for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” at Cannes’ famous Carlton Beach. Situated on the beach in front of the tuk-tuks featured in the film were stars Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Boyd Holbrook, Ethann Isidore and director/co-writer James Mangold. The film opens in theaters June 30.

 

Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly anticipated final installment of the iconic franchise-- a big, globe-trotting, rip-roaring cinematic adventure. Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John Rhys-Davies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”). Directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”) and written by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth and David Koepp and James Mangold, based on characters created by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981, has once again composed the score.

 





Wednesday, May 17, 2023

“INDIANA JONES” COLLECTION OF MOVIES AND TV SERIES SWING ONTO DISNEY+ ON MAY 31

 


Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced today at The Walt Disney Company’s Upfronts Presentation that the iconic “Indiana Jones” movies and series will be available to stream on Disney+ starting May 31. Fans can stream “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” and the television series “The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones” before the final installment of the beloved franchise, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” opens exclusively in theaters June 30. 

 

“Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” 

In this first installment of the series, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards® including Best Picture and won four, archeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is tasked by Army Intelligence to track down an invaluable staff that is the key to locating the Ark of the Covenant, which is being sought by the Nazis. 

 

“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”

After fleeing a nightclub shooting and being dropped out of an abandoned plane, Professor Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and 12-year-old Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) find themselves in a starving Indian village who blame their plight on the loss of three mystical stones that have always brought the village prosperity. Jones vows to return the stolen rocks — which brings him and his unlikely cohorts face-to-face with a deadly cult.

 

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” 

There’s nothing more exciting than trying to keep up with the Joneses in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Indy’s Nazi enemies are back and have kidnapped his father, Professor Henry Jones, Sr. (Sean Connery), in their effort to locate the sacred Holy Grail. Following a trail from America to Venice to the deserts of the Middle East, it’s up to Indy (Harrison Ford) to save his father, save the Grail and save the day in this non-stop, action-packed adventure the whole family will treasure.

 

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”

Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.


 “The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones”

At the dawn of the 20th century, Indiana Jones (Sean Patrick Flanery) discovered the world. From globetrotting family expeditions as a 9-year-old to the battlefields of World War I as a teenager, Indy’s experiences shaped the heroic, whip-cracking archaeologist he would become. At every turn, Indy encounters history in the making, meeting true-life activists, soldiers, writers, artists, and thinkers who helped influence the world we live in today.

 

In celebration of the Indiana Jones movies and series launching on the service, Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. will receive special access to must-have Indiana Jones merchandise on shopDisney from May 31, 2023 - June 8, 2023. For a limited time, Disney+ subscribers in the US can purchase highly-anticipated items from the franchise before the general public. 

 

During this special window, eligible subscribers can visit www.shopdisney.com/IndianaJones or navigate to the Shop tab within the details pages of select Indiana Jones content on Disney+ to scan QR codes or click on a link that will take users directly to the merchandise on shopDisney. The Shop tab will be available to Disney+ primary profiles in the U.S. that have been verified as 18 and older. 

 

Special access will grant Disney+ subscribers early access to products including an Indiana Jones Ear Headband, RSVLTS Apparel, Pin, Funko Pop and more!


TRAILER AND POSTER NOW AVAILABLE FOR 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS,’ NEW REGENCY’S AND ENTERTAINMENT ONE’S “THE CREATOR”

 


BURBANK, Calif. (May 17, 2023) – 20th Century Studios, New Regency and Entertainment One have released the trailer and poster for their epic sci-fi action thriller “The Creator,” which opens in theaters September 29. Directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One,” “Godzilla”), the film stars John David Washington (“Tenet”), Gemma Chan (“Eternals”), Ken Watanabe (“Inception”), Sturgill Simpson (“Dog”), newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles and Academy Award® winner Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”). The film’s screenplay is by Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz, from a story by Edwards. The producers are Gareth Edwards, p.g.a., Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, p.g.a. and Arnon Milchan. The executive producers are Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Nick Meyer and Zev Foreman.

 

Amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence, Joshua (Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife (Chan), is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war… and mankind itself.  Joshua and his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory… only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child. 


TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “ELEMENTAL”—MULTI-CITY MALL TOUR KICKS OFF THIS WEEK

 


Advance tickets are now available for Disney and Pixar’s all-new, original feature film “Elemental,” which opens only in theaters in one month on June 16. Tickets can be purchased on Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, or wherever tickets are sold. 

 

Disney and Pixar’s Elemental Experience

An exciting multi-city mall tour that invites fans into the world of “Elemental”—a stunning locale only Pixar artists could create—kicks off this Friday, May 19, in New York City’s Brookfield Place through May 21. Disney and Pixar’s Elemental Experience, which hits Chicago (May 26-28), Dallas (June 2-4), Los Angeles (June 10-12), and San Francisco (June 16-18), offers an immersive thematic environment for visitors of all ages. Sponsored by Fandango, Dolby and I’m the Chef Too, the tour features fun film-themed activities like photo and video opportunities, a chance to draw with Pixar artists, a movie-ticket grab in a wind tunnel, plus giveaways and special film content.  

 

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman. “Elemental” opens only in theaters on June 16, 2023. 


TRAILER AND POSTER FOR DISNEY’S “HAUNTED MANSION”

 


The trailer and poster are now available for Disney’s frighteningly fun adventure “Haunted Mansion,” which opens in theaters on July 28.

 

Directed by Justin Simien, the film features an all-star cast ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.

  

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.


HALLE BAILEY’S PERFORMANCE OF PART OF YOUR WORLD FROM DISNEYLAND

 


The singer-actress, who stars as Ariel in the upcoming live-action film, performed the song for hundreds of fans in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle at the Disneyland Resort. A new featurette on Bailey is available now as well. The Little Mermaid,” helmed by visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. 

 

“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as The Queen; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula.      

 

“The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall (“Chicago,” “Mary Poppins Returns”) with a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (“Life of Pi,” “Finding Neverland”). The songs feature music from multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” “Grease Live!”), Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca (“Tony Bennett: An American Classic”), and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver (“The Lion King”) serving as executive producer. 

 

The “Part of Your World” single is available at Apple MusicAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTube Music and the visualizer video can be seen on YouTube. The brand new soundtrack for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” set for release on May 19, is available now to pre-add at Apple Music, for pre-order on vinyl at Disney Music Emporium and for pre-order on CD


Saturday, May 13, 2023

4K Digital Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

 


I would consider Phase 4 of the MCU to be a rebuilding phase. The post Thanos world saw many of our heroes retire in some form or another and new heroes to replace them. With Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania we get the return of one of our main characters but in a film that is way bigger than his first two outings that were smaller, more self-contained films. The introduction of the next major villain in Kang seems like the film is trying to do too much as a starting point for the next phase in the MCU. 

The film suffers from not knowing if it wants to be a fun and witty film or a dark and serious tone one. We open with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) in a typical fun and bouncy Ant-Man opening. Then we learn that his daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton) has been creating something with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) that could change the world. They want to create a way to map the Quantum Realm that Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) was trapped for 30 years. Little to do they know that something in the Quantum Realm is looking for all of them as well. The technology they create zaps them into the Quantum Realm and they all learn that Janet wasn't as honest about her time there as they all had thought. In the Quantum Realm is a variant of Kang (Jonathan Majors), who Janet left there so he couldn't escape to destroy the universe. Kang believes that PYM Particles will help him escape the Quantum Realm and thus a huge war breaks out in an attempt to keep Kang trapped here.  


Audio Quality:

The Dolby Atmos track is good but not great. It seems that it has been toned down in terms of volume. The surround sound does envelope you especially in the battle sequences. Dialogue is front and center and perfect as usual. 


Video Quality:

The 4K video is exceptional here. The colors all pop off the screen. Fine details such as facial features and materials look fantastic. The blacks are rich and inky. Another wonderful video transfer from Disney and Marvel.

Bonus Features:


Gag Reel

  • Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. 

Audio Commentary 

  • Watch the film with audio commentary by director Peyton Reed and writer Jeff Loveness.

Featurettes

  • All in the Family – Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Michelle Pfeiffer discuss the complex layers and secrets – yet incredibly strong bond of this heroic family.
  • Formidable Foes – Discover how Jonathan Majors, Bill Murray and Corey Stoll bring gravitas to the villains of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.  Learn more about how Kang brings a Thanos-level threat to this adventure and the larger MCU.

Deleted Scenes 

  • Drink The Ooze – Upon entering the Quantum Realm, Scott Lang nervously drinks the ooze.
  • I Have Holes – Veb expresses great excitement when he discovers he finally has holes.

Conclusion:

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the weakest of the three Ant-Man films and introduces us to the newest villain in Kang. Some fun bonus features including a wonderful audio commentary can be found. A popcorn film that would be a decent addition to your movie library. 

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is out on digital now and out on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and DVD on May 16th.

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of review and the review is strictly my own opinion*