I don't know if this is still a thing, but when I was a kid there was one thing a cartoon did to prove it had "made it". A cartoon character's Oscar, or Star on Hollywood was getting a giant balloon in the 91st Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Ladies & gentlemen Olaf has made it. That's right not only will he star in Coco's opener Olaf's Frozen Adventure later this year, he will also be getting blown up & paraded through New York City Thanksgiving on NBC. Go Olaf! I'm going to tune into the parade now for the first time in awhile, & yes, it's just to see a giant Olaf. So is this a big deal anymore? I mean these balloons have always been the classics. If anyone new deserves that spot it's Olaf. Thoughts? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Big Hero 6: The Series" To Start Off With One Hour Movie, "Baymax Returns"
Looks like we're going to pick up exactly where we left off. Monday, November 20th on Disney Channel & Disney XD, Big Hero 6: The Series kicks off with a one-hour television movie Baymax Returns. It picks up where we left off with Hiro setting off to rebuild Baymax, as well as starting off as a student at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. The whole teams returns for the movie as well as the series that will follow early 2018. If you want to get an early jump on it though, 2 full length preview episodes will debut exclusively on the DisneyNOW app & Disney XD VOD immediately after the TV movie. Starting the 24th new shorts will begin to roll out, as well as an interactive virtual assistant "Pocket Baymax" on the DisneyNOW app. I can't wait for this movie. I've already been super pumped for this series, as I love Big Hero 6. This though? It's put my anticipation through the roof. When they started showing the previews for this all I could think about was Hiro putting Baymax back together. Now that I know for sure we're going to get just that, November 20th may just be to long to wait. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
If You're Not On Board With Coco Yet Check Out This Featurette & New Trailer
I'm still waiting on tickets to go on sale for this, because Pixar's Coco definitely already has my money. For those who aren't already signed up though, here's a new featurette & trailer fro the upcoming adventure into the land of the dead. The featurette is really where this film shines as they go over all the painstaking attention to detail that the crew got to be hands-on with as they were on location. They really went out of their way to capture the authentic sights & sounds of Mexico. I couldn't be more excited for this movie. What do y'all think though? Not just about the featurette & the trailer, but about the film as a whole? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Coco VR?
I've pretty much got to be around for the evolution of video games as they are today. I went from Pac-Man of yesteryears all the way to the likes of Skyrim today. I have a feeling I'm about to get to do the same thing with VR. We've come a long way since Lawnmower Man, but for something with reality in the name, we've got some room to grow. We've got backgrounds & scenery down, we just still can't get the interacting with a living person down for home use. That being said, I'm still very excited to get a chance to play this new Coco "social VR experience" coming to Oculus Rift November 13 & Gear VR on November 22 to coincide with the release of the film. I'm still looking for that thing that makes me have to have a VR system, & this definitely looks like a step in the right direction. I can't wait until home VR winds up on the same level as commercial VR. Really would like to see what everyone else thinks about this one though? Put it I the comments, like, & share.
Chances to see "Gigantic" Just Got A Little Smaller
"It's impossible to know when we begin a project how the creative process will unfold, and sometimes, no matter how much we love an idea or how much heart goes into it, we find that it just isn’t working.... "With Gigantic, we've come to that point, and although it's a difficult decision, we are ending active development for now. We are focusing our energies on another project that has been in the works, which we'll be sharing more about soon, now set for Thanksgiving 2020." And with those words from Walt Disney & Pixar Animation Studios president Ed Catmull in an exclusive with The Hollywood Reporter 2020's upcoming film Gigantic has been shelved. Who knows if we'll ever see this original take on Jack & the Beanstalk, in which Jack befriends a female giant, or giantess I guess?.? If I'm being honest I'm not even sure this sounded to great in the first place. I mean I still haven't even seen BFG. I want to, I just didn't get around to it while it was in the theaters, & the "meh" reception it got didn't put it on the top of my list. These things happen when you're dealing with animation though. It's such a long, huge project, stretched out over years, that at any moment if the dots don't connect, you don't want to force them. Sometimes shelved things never see the light of day, sometimes they're released, & sometimes pieces are re-purposed for other projects. So there could be light at the end of this tunnel. What do y'all think though? Was anyone interested in this?
Have You Been Checking Out This Disney XD/Haunted Mansion Crossover?
These are not only fun, they make me want a Haunted Mansion series. This is a little off topic, but there's a set of comics that Disney/Marvel has been putting out for awhile that follows adventures based on the attractions in the park. So far we've had 2 Figment series, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, & The Enchanted Tiki Room that I know of. I enjoyed all of these, but I must say Haunted Mansion stood out above the rest. I mentioned that because that might help with the reason why, after seeing this, I want this series to become an actual thing. Anyway, back to this, I don't really watch Pickle & Peanut, & their shorts kinda reminded my why. I did however, like the one with Constance the Bride. I watch a little Star vs. Evil. It's funny, but it's really dumb. Making me only be able to take it in small doses. It was funny though, there were a couple of spots a really enjoyed. The floating unicorn head is hilarious. I absolutely adore the new DuckTales. Their short captured the exact essence that the show is going for. Sneaking in the theme was neat, but this show got stole by Baymax. I am all about some Big Hero 6, & I can't wait for this series to start. The medical assistance gag in this had me rolling. Anyway, check it out, I want to know not only what you thought of these spots, but do you have any views on these Disney XD shows? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Looks Like The End Of The "Iger Era" Is Near
CEO of Walt Disney Co. Bob Iger, while speaking at Vanity Fair's New Establishment Summit, announced that he is planning to step down from his position sometime, mid-2019. Pushed back from 2016 to 2018, & then extended until this new 2019 date while having trouble finding a successor, this will be the third attempt made by Iger to leave his position as CEO. This time however he says, "This time I mean it." He's leaving some really big shoes behind to fill. I mean, this guy is responsible for Disney's acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, & Lucasfilm. Those almost seeming small achievements compared to all the amazing feats that have occurred while under Iger guidance. I would almost go as far to say no one has done this much for the Disney Company since Walt himself. I wish Bob Iger well in his future endeavors, & my only hope is they can find someone who can really step up to the task. Is this even possible? What do y'all think now that it's finally coming to that time? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Maleficent 2" Goes For Director Joachim Ronning
Everyone knows how I feel Maleficent, much less a sequel coming. I loved Angelina Jolie in the role, but I hated what was done with it. Stripping Maleficent of her evil nature & making her an anti-hero. So obviously, I didn't want a sequel. Casting that aside & focusing only on the news at hand I have to say I'm torn. All I know Joachim Ronning for was Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, which I really enjoyed. So that being said, while this gains some point for Maleficent 2, I would rather see him on something else I actually want to see. That's my thoughts on the choice though, what are yours? Put it in the comment, like, & share.
Yet Another New "Freaky Friday" To Hit Disney Channel in 2018
This is just a thing Disney likes to do every 10 to 20 years. First, in 1976 we saw Freaky Friday debut on the screen with Barbara Harris & Jodie Foster. Then, in 1995 it was reimagined on ABC for a Disney Family Movie with Shelly Long & Gaby Hoffman. Finally, there's the most recent making it's return to the big screen 2003 with Jamie Lee Curtis & Lindsay Lohan. Now, after spending some time as a stage musical, Disney has announced they're bringing it back yet again as a Disney Channel Original movie in 2018. This will be based on the stage adaptation, which was based on the novel by Mary Rodgers along with the previous films. Freaky Friday will star Heidi Blickenstaff, who originated the role of Katherine in the musical, and Cozi Zuehlsdorf (Liv and Maddie) as Katherine’s daughter Ellie. Also included in the cast are newcomer Rickey He as Ellie’s friend Adam, Alex Désert (Let it Shine) as Katherine’s fiancé Mike, Jason Maybaum (Raven’s Home) as Ellie’s little brother, Fletcher, and Kahyun Kim (Austin & Ally) as Katherine’s high-strung business associate. In addition Dara R. Moss will play Savannah with Jennifer LaPorte as Monica, Isaiah Lehtinen as Karl, and Sarah Willey as Kitty. Directed by Steve Carr, also executive producer, with a teleplay written by Bridget Carpenter, who also wrote the book for the stage musical. They will be joined by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then), who wrote the music and lyrics for the stage version. Emmy nominee David Lawrence (Descendants, High School Musical) will compose the score. Susan Cartsonis (Deidra & Laney Rob a Train, What Women Want) and Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Productions (The Lion King, Aladdin and Frozen opening on Broadway in spring 2018), are also executive producers. Two-time Tony nominee John Carrafa (Into the Woods) is the choreographer, and Perry Andelin Blake (Middle School – the Worst Years of My Life, The Wedding Singer) is the production designer. Academy Award winner Angus Strathie (Moulin Rouge) is the costume designer. That's a lot of award winners all jammed under one roof. I really enjoy Freaky Friday so I'm really hoping this is as good as it looks to be on paper. I sold the Curtis/ Lohan adaption in '03 short, & it blew me away. I love that movie!! So, the last thing I'm going to do is sell this thing short. This does seem like a lot of talent for a Disney Channel Original, but that's just how the pattern lies so far. They've done silver screen, then television, followed by silver screen. I can only guess 10-20 years after this iteration they'll release the next one to the big screens. Like I said though I won't sell this short, until they prove me otherwise I'm expecting this one to be good too. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Hocus Pocus" To Return With Major Changes
A sequel to the Disney film Hocus Pocus starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Kathy Najimy has been rumored for a long while now. That seems a lot less likely with this news. Variety reports that Disney Channel has announced plans to remake the cult fave as a TV movie. David Kirschner, producer of the original, will be executive producer. A position that could mean a lot & could mean jack squat. It will be written by Scarlett Lacey (The Royals), but the real news is the lack of the Sanderson sisters. This new version will have a new director, & a brand new cast. The news that anyone else will portray these three witches has hit the interwebs by storm. A lot of people really hold this movie in a place in there hearts, my wife being one of them. I never really cared for it, except for the fact that Sarah Jessica Parker has never looked better. (At one point someone had to convince me it was her.) I didn't hate it, it just wasn't my thing. That probably leaves me more room to enjoy this new iteration, but at the same time this is a peculiar decision. Even I could sense the reaction to this, knowing the hopes for a sequel already out there. Anyway, what do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Shirley MacLaine Joining Anna Kendrick, Billy Eichner, & Bill Hader In Growing Cast Of "Nicole"
THR has confirmed Shirley MacLaine has been added to the ever growing cast of Disney's 2019 Christmas-themed film Nicole. In which, Anna Kendrick will be playing the titled character, Santa's daughter, & have to take the family business after daddy retires & brother gets cold feet. Not sure why there has to be a brother. That feels a little like an unneeded blow, she could've just been the only child or the oldest. Anyway, MacLaine will join the cast that currently also consists of Billy Eichner & Bill Hader as the elf that helped raise Nicole, Polly. Even though this is shaping up to be an awesome comedic line up I still don't know if I'm that excited for this. Someone has to find a new way to do a Christmas movie every year, so why not Disney this time? I guess my main problem is if this is really funny, will it get ran into the ground ala Tim Allen's The Santa Clause with multiple sequels that eventually damage the firsts magic? Time will tell. What do y'all think about this? Is there anyone who's just jumping up & down for this? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
I Knew The Pixar Ball Was Famous But Not THIS Famous
I happen to notice the iconic Pixar Ball every now & then, but I never knew how many times this thing has popped up. After watching this I'd almost call anyone a liar that said they noticed all of these while watching the films. If you're an Easter Egg person this video was put out for you. After watching this, I'd love to know which one blew your mind the most. Some of these really had to be pointed out. I'm gonna say Toy Story of Terror was probably the one out of a handful that I would have never found. Anyway, check out all these appearances & put what you think in the comments, like, & share.
Pixar's Coco Teases Us With Some Song Snippets! Check These Out!
Pixar's given us a little tease of what we can look forward to from the upcoming Coco, & so far I'm digging it. My imagination is supplying the context right now, so I can really only judge them purely as songs. As songs, I love these. I made sure to listen to each a couple times, & I would be hard pressed to try to put these in an order. I usually don't purchase soundtracks before I see a movie because I like to put the music into context with the film. This one however, I might have to break that. It's available November 10th, 12 days before the film releases in theaters, & I think I might have to pick this up day one. I'm very curious as to what y'all think about these though. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New Pics Give A Look At "Frozen: The Musical" In Action
I really want to see the special effects of Frozen: The Musical so bad. I've heard the puppet used for Olaf is amazing. The scene down bottom left on what looks like an ice bridge with Anna (Patti Murin) & Kristoff (Jelani Alladin) looks amazingly real. Elsa, top right looks friggin' regal as she's crowned. Hans (John Riddle) in the center with Anna somehow looks like the smug bastard that we know he becomes even while singing & dancing. Bottom right is the cast seemingly being "frozen". I would love to see that one in action just to see what effects go with it. Based on the picture alone the scene looks really funny playing out in my head without effects. I have to address the reindeer in the room though. Top left if you actually didn't notice that very scary reindeer. I don't know why it creeps me out so much as it looks like a pretty legit reindeer. For some reason though, from the time I first saw that thing it came off as creepy. Anyway, these pics came from Oh My Disney, & Frozen: The Musical will be playing in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through October 1st, 2017 & hit Broadway February 22, 2018. I would love to see this, but it's a little too rich for my blood. Would love to know what y'all think of these pics though. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New Trailer Really Let's Us In On What To Expect From Pixar's "Coco"
This trailer really puts it all on the line. This is the trailer to watch if you want to know what to expect from Pixar's upcoming Coco. Apparently the musician from earlier previews is Coco's Great-Great-Grandfather prompting him to want to follow in his footsteps in a world where music has been banned. He embarks on a trip to the Land of the Dead to figure out why, & has to escape before becoming a permanent resident. Even though this highly resembles Book Of Life, I can't wait. The best word to describe everything I keep seeing & hearing of this films animation & music is beautiful. Check this newest trailer out & I want to know what y'all think. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Throws Us Some New & Updated Release Dates
Disney released the newest upcoming release date line-up, & it now includes dates for Aladdin, Christopher Robin, Artemis Fowl & more. I was just going take the easy way out & list the new ones, but I figured why not list the whole thing? Here's Disney's upcoming release line up:
- Thor: Ragnarok (November 3, 2017): Literally already have tickets for this one.
- Coco (November 22, 2017): I was worried at first with this being so close to the material of Book of Life, but I can't get enough of what I've seen so far.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (December 15, 2017): Every time the trailer for this film plays I stop what I'm doing. Doesn't matter where I am. I can't wait for this.
- Black Panther (February 16, 2018): I didn't know much about the Black Panther until I watched the cartoon mini-series from awhile before the MCU. I loved that series though. Hoping this follows suit.
- A Wrinkle in Time (March 9, 2018): I'm not sure what to think of this yet. The trailer showed they've definitely got the means & the budget to make this, this time around. It's a very intriguing story.
- Dolphins (April 20, 2018): Saw my first DisneyNature film in theaters with the China one this year, & I'm thinking that's going to become our new Earth Day thing. Beautiful film.
- Avengers: Infinity War (May 4, 2018): Can this just happen already?
- Untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story (May 25, 2018): Hopefully this movie will overcome it's many developmental problems & have a name by the time it's released.
- Incredibles 2 (June 15, 2018): Why have we waited so long? This should've been a thing already.
- Untitled Christopher Robin Project (August 3, 2018): This is probably one of the most intriguing films on this list. This will either be great or just wrong on so many levels. Love Ewan McGregor though.
- The Nutcracker & the Four Realms (November 2, 2018): I had never heard of this until today, but with Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, & Morgan Freeman, I will make a point to hear more.
- Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (November 21, 2018): Loved the first. Heard the sneak peek at D23 was great.
- Mary Poppins Returns (December 25, 2018): Fingers crossed. It's been a long time. Emily Blunt & Lin-Manuel Miranda though? It's gotta be good right?
- Dumbo (March 29, 2019): Tim Burton? Really? Have you heard about the new story? This is the one on this list, if any, that I just don't know about this one working at all.
- Untitled DisneyToon Studios Film (April 12, 2019): Aviation. That's everything known about this movie. I have more faith in that than Dumbo.
- Live-Action Aladdin (May 24, 2019): This one is shaping up to be ever so strange. I have to see it just for that fact. Can all the peculiar choices work?
- Toy Story 4 (June 21, 2019): Can I get tickets for this now? Only question I have is will this coincide with the opening of Toy Story Land?
- Artemis Fowl (August 9, 2019): I kinda see this as Disney's answer to Harry Potter. I hope this is good enough to make me want to read the books as well.
- Nicole (November 8, 2019): This is the weird daughter of Santa Claus movie starring Anna Kendrick. This thing is still happening.
- Star Wars: Episode IX (December 20, 2019): Newest test in J.J. Abrams ending something as good as he begins them.
Any of these stand out? Any of these you want to go away? Hit the links for everything heard so far, & then put your thoughts in the comments, like, & share.
Disney To Leave Netflix In 2019 (UPDATE: Marvel & Lucasfilm To Depart The Streaming Service As Well)
UPDATE: Disney CEO Bob Iger, has said, "We've now decided we will put the Marvel & Star Wars movies on the app as well." Caught that on Collider, as well as the info that Disney is planning 5 original movies, & 4-5 original TV style shows for the streaming service as well. Will some now be Star Wars or Marvel? Only time will tell. This pretty much cemented myself in having to have this service. Still hoping they add the classic short & shows from yesteryears as well. I'm keeping my eye on this one for sure. Put your thoughts on this new info in the comments, like, & share.
You won't be Netflix & chillin with the mouse for too much longer. Disney has announced it will be pulling out of popular streaming service in favor of their own according to John Campea's Movie Vlog. No word on if that will include Marvel & Lucasfilm, but one would kinda figure those are implied. Who knows? I'm more interested in what a Disney Streaming Service would look like. Does that include vaulted classics or shorts on top of what's released. Additions like that would really dictate if I needed this in my life or not. I could totally see me shelling out to be able to watch any Disney classic, film or short from any device. Not to mention if they added some of the old television content such as Disneyland, The World Of Color, & of course the Mickey Mouse Club. Who's with me? Who else is curious about this? For that matter is there anyone who this will make reevaluate their Netflix subscription? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.
Will Smith Puts Up First Photo Of Live Action Aladdin Cast
Will Smith posted this photo of the main Aladdin cast to announce that they've started shooting. It's Will (Genie), Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine), & Marwan Kenzari (Jafar) looking like they're having a blast. I'm so intrigued with this one. All the way down to being directed by Guy Ritchie, this thing is riddled with strange decisions. I don't know if they'll wind up good or bad, but I guess that's what you get when you go for something this big & different. It seems like random decisions, Guy, a cast of relative nobodies, & a Genie from a guy whom at one point I would've said hands-down had the charisma to play him. Now however, Smith just hasn't displayed that side, opting for more somber roles. Like I said though, I'm intrigued. I can't wait to see how all this comes together in a whole new world. What do y'all think though? Who's excited for this & who thinks we're on the brink of a disaster? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Live Action Aladdin Gets This Guy To Play Someone
Here's a weird bit of THR exclusive. Billy Magnussen is joining Disney's live-action Aladdin as Prince Anders. Putting me in the strange position of not only not knowing the actor, but not knowing the person said actor is playing either. The beauty of this is, there's no description of the character, whom is not in the original. Hence the title, this guy to play someone. Normally I would use this time to express my thoughts on the actor. However, the things I have seen that this guy was in, I don't remember him in them. I don't remember him in The Big Short or Netflix's Black Mirror, & I've never seen Into the Woods, Bridge of Spies, or The People v. O.J. Simpson. All the way to the first announcement of Guy Ritchie directing this movie has come off as weird. Not bad, just really strange decisions. Anyway, what do y'all think? Someone who knows of this guy maybe? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Moving Along On Production Of "Maleficent 2"
I'm not too much on any news of progress on this one. I was no fan at all of the first installment of Maleficent. Which is sad really, as the part was brilliantly played by Angelina Jolie. It just pulled it's punches in the process. Maleficent, to me at least, is one of the most ruthless villains ever to be portrayed. She gave a baby a death sentence just because she was not invited to a party. That's ruthless. In the first live action film however, they turned her into more of a misunderstood hero. Diminished the power of the character all together, especially when Jolie shined when evil. Anyway, I ran by this on MSN. According to The Tracking Board, Jez Butterworth has been hit up to rewrite the script. Jez is a screenwriter & director best known for Birthday Girl. Never seen that one but he also co-wrote Edge of Tomorrow & Black Mass. Both of which I loved, double for Edge of Tomorrow. Maleficent writer Linda Woolverton wrote the first draft of the screenplay for the sequel. Strange to bring in a rewrite after liking the first enough to warrant a sequel, but that just my humble opinion. And I don't think this needs to be made in the first place. I'll keep my eye on it though, if anything in hopes of it falling into developmental hell. What do y'all think? does anyone actually want this to happen? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
