This should come as no surprise to anyone. Coco has taken the Best Animated Feature category in what will surely be a pattern for the film this awards season. Here's my review & my first thoughts video for those who haven't seen it. The more I think about this film, the more it moves up the list of Pixar movies to #1 in my head. This film did what many animated film's can't, it didn't treat it's audience as children. Coco is what Pixar needs to set itself apart from Disney Animation. This movie is one of those instant classics, it truly deserves this recognition as the best of it's class this year. It actually deserves even more.
This Golden Globe Trailer Is The Best I've Seen "A Wrinkle In Time" So Far
This newest TV spot for the Globes is probably the best put together trailer for Disney's A Wrinkle In Time to date. All it's missing is a shot of the creepy suburbia in there & it'd be perfect. Everything in this trailer looks great. That's just judging this trailer though, I still have some performance worries from previous trailers. This does put them a little more at ease though. I'm thinking this is going to shape up do be a pretty decent family flick. Not great, but it looks like it's going to be good, & a little something for everyone. That said, I hope it blows me away, but my expectations are at a solid good until then. Whay do y'all think though? What's your excitement level for A Wrinkle In Time? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
I Still Can't Believe This Is A Real Thing, Disney's "Z-O-M-B-I-E-S"
In Z-O-M-B-I-E-S defense I also thought High School Musical would suck too, & I really like that one. This one is a real stretch though. Crazy thing is even as bad as I think this looks, I'm still a little intrigued. In a world where zombies can live among us, they get to deal with social prejudices best found in High School... which can't happen without music & dancing obviously. This feels so High School Musical that I just have a feeling I'm gonna be wrong, & it's gonna be great. We won't know for sure until February 16th, but I want to know y'alls thoughts on this ridiculous trailer. Do y'all also see something in this ridiculousness? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney In Talks With Ridley Scott For "The Merlin Saga"
I'm really hit or miss withb Ridley Scott. When he's on, he makes amazing films, but when he's off, he seems to be way off. That said, in a Variety exclusive, Scott may have found his next directing project. He's in talks with Disney to direct The Merlin Saga, based on the T.A Barron books about a young Merlin pre-Arthur. This is one of two film's Disney is currently developing based on Merlin. They're also working on a live-action Sword in the Stone, which Scott also was met with on. For me the Ridley Scott thing we'll see, but the fact that these are getting talked about has me pumped. Sword in the Stone is one of my all-time favorite movies, I even loved the made for TV Merlin with Sam Neil. I can't wait to hear more on this one. What do y'all think though? Of the film & the possible attachment of Ridley Scott? As long as we get the good Ridley I'm in. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Happy Holidays!! Make Sure To Share The Joy!!
It's Christmas Eve, & Snipes n Snarfblatts wants to wish everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukah, Merry Kwanza, Even Happy Just Another Day In The Year That You Happen To Get Off! Whatever it is for you, have a great one. Get with family, friends, or both, & just remember this is a time to be together. Check out these videos from Disney XD reminding us to take a little time to also remember to "Share the Joy"!! You don't necessarily have to give someone something to make their day. Just let them know in any at you can that you're thinking of them. Wishing everyone their best. Joy & love to all!! Remember all the amazing, beautiful things & achievements everywhere around us.
Disney Reveals Cast For "Artemis Fowl"
This might wind up being a literal case of don't judge a book by it's cover. I wrote off this series when it came out just based on it's cover art looking like another Harry Potter ripoff. Now I'm seeing this synopsis, & I'm thinking to reconsider not reading them. Artemis Fowl is a criminal that kidnaps one of the fairyfolk for the ransom of their gold, putting him on the radar of LEPrecon or the Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance Unit. Definitely not Potter, but seems it could be just as magical, & now there's an official cast. Kenneth Branagh will be taking the helm with a newcomer Ferdia Shaw to take the title role. This new attitude Disney has for casting the lead role to an unknown has been going for awhile, & absolutely love it. How better to get behind a character than having a fresh face to do so? Not to mention, we know we're getting the best out of this time, over 1200 candidates that tried out. Also announced were Josh Gad playing a kleptomaniacal dwarf, Judi Dench as Commander Root, leader of the police force, Lara McDonnell as Captain Holly Short, & Nonso Anozie as Butler, Fowl's bodyguard. Other than my feelings on the unknown, I really can't make a decision on the rest of the casting without knowing the story. I will say this though, you add Josh Gad & Judi Dench to anything, & you have not made a mistake at all. Do y'all have any thoughts on this casting? Especially anyone who has read the series, have they nailed it? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney's "Nutcracker & The Four Realms" First Trailer
Oh man, seein this has not piqued my interest in fiinally seeing The Nutcracker. While I think this looks like it may be one of the most awesome tellings, it still sounds like that story I was never that interested in hearing. I will be seeing this one though, so I hope I'm wrong. This story's had to be around for this long for some reason. Right now I can only judge the trailer, which looks quite "Narnian" to me. Something I can't help but wonder will turn some folks off this from the jump? I wanna see more, because so far this hasn't really showed me anything that made me want to jump on board. I at least thought I'd be blown away by the imagery, but even that left me wanting. Curious what others think, & if anyone has reasons for the love the Nutcraker get? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
It's Official: Disney Aquires Most Of 21st Century Fox
For awhile now 21st Century Fox has been in talks to sell off most of it's assets. Everything except Fox Broadcasting network & stations, Fox News, Fox Business, FS1, FS2, & Big Ten Network was to go with the deal. That deal is now over & done with Disney acquiring 21st Century Fox, including the Film & Television studios, along with cable & international TV businesses, for $52.4 billion in stock (subject to adjust). Bob Iger, who as of now was retiring next year, will now remain Chairman & CEO through 2021. Disney's stake in HULU is now a controlling interest. Some of the properties this includes are super exciting. Avatar, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Deadpool, The Simpsons , & more will now be under the Disney umbrella. Along with extensive international properties including the likes of Star in India & Fox's 39% ownership of Sky. Throw in National Geographic Partners among other things & you've got one huge transaction. This is amazing! Marvel is becoming more complete, & Disney is one step closer to owning all of our entertainment. I'm So excited for this. Disney has handled Marvel & Lucasfilm so well I can't help but think they will do the same for these Fox acquisitions as well. Obviously for me, the main three things to come out of this are X-Men & Fantastic Four coming back to Marvel, as well as the acquisition of Avatar. This puts it right at home with the amazing park addition to Animal Kingdom that bears it's name. The third thing is more of a question. With controlling interest in HULU how will this affect Disney wanting to get into streaming? Will they just try to absorb HULU? Or would they create their own competition? I can't wait to see how more of this pans out. What do y'all think of this new addition to the Disney Company though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Keira Knightley As A Sugar Plum Fairy In The Nutctacker & The Four Realms
Here's that one that just kinda snuck up on me, & if I'm being honest I'm not really sure how interested I am in this one. EW just put out a first look at The Nutcracker & the Four Realms, a topic on which I no nothing about. I've never actually seen The Nutcracker al the way through in any form. Apparently, it's about a young girl Clara (Lasse Hallstrom), who gets thrown into a magic world of toy soldiers & militant mice. She lost a key that will unlock a priceless gift from her mother. The journey to get it back will take her across the Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, & Land of Sweets. The last of which is where she meets Keira Knightley's Sugar Plum Fairy. Everything needs an antagonist, & this is where all of this actually got my attention. Hellen Mirren will play Mother Ginger, who rules over the Fourth Realm. I love me some Hellen Mirren. The film's score will nod to Tchaikovsky's score, & will feature a ballet sequence featuring Misty Copeland. Keeping it on the level with the classic. It arrives November 2, 2018, & I have to say, I want to see more of this. I really don't know what to think, as like I said, this is one of the classics that eluded me. I really have nothing to compare this to. The pictures have a fantastical look to them that I can't understand until I see some context to put them in. Knightley's hair makes me want some cotton candy though. That I know for sure. However, I'm unsure what is on the rope in the second pic. At first my imagination was running away with me, but the more I look at it, I think it's just a tree. Anyway, what do y'all think about these pics? More importantly, what do y'sll think about this film? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Rob Marshall For Disney's Live Action "Little Mermaid"?!?
I wasn't going to mention this yet, as though Deadline mentioned it, it'll be after the holidays before the decision is made. It appeared on Collider as well today though, so I'm going to have to guess there is some weight to it. Apparently Rob Marshall is on the top of the list to direct The Little Mermaid. As if he hasn't screwed up mermaids enough with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the "Pirates" film I wish I could erase. Also responsible for Into the Woods, if I didn't know he also had Chicago & Memoirs of a Geisha under his belt, I would doubt his abilities all together. He must have something to him if they're also trusting him with Mary Poppins Returns though. That or he has some dirt on someone he's using as leverage. I'm not freaking out yet, but I'm definitely concerned. I really want this to be good. We're already a good portion of the way there with original composer Alan Menken teaming up with Lin-Manuel Miranda for the music. Let's just hope we're getting the guy that did Memoirs of a Geisha & not the guy that did Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. What do y'all think about this consideration though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Really Digging These New "Wrinkle In Time" Posters
So far I've been a little stand offish when it comes to Disney's upcoming remake of A Wrinkle in Time. Not that anything looks totally bad that they've put out so far. It's just something keeps giving me a Tomorrowland vibe. In which, I loved that movie, but we all know how many people didn't go see it. EW released these new posters though, & I can't help but really like them. The way they almost convey the title visually without words is pretty cool. You're basically watching the main cast of Storm Reid, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, & Mindy Kaling touch wrinkles in time. It's also a beautiful effect. Neat posters aside though, I really hope they knock this one out of the park. I'm still going to hold off watching the original until I see this. I can't remember for the life of me any details of the first, so I'm hoping when I watch that one after I can say, "Man, they did that so much better this time around." Effects-wise, I'm already sure of, let's just hope the substance is there to back it up. Beautiful posters though, what do y'all think? Put it I the comments, like, & share.
Disney's Live-Action "Mulan" Has Found It's... Mulan
Disney's upcoming live-action take on Mulan has found it's title character. Yifei Liu has picked up the role. A Chinese actress with a pretty long resume according to IMDB. Mostly Chinese movies, I've actually only seen one thing she was in, & to say I remember her in The Forbidden Kingdom would be a lie. Though I remember being fond of the movie, I've probably seen it twice at most. I'm actually very curious to see if this works out. I'm sure it will do great abroad, but here in the U.S. we've judged our movies for a long time by who was featured in the films. We are starting to shy away from that, but not by far. Having a cast of actors that are unfamiliar may have an effect on the financial outcome. I'm in though. I don't care who's in a good film, & we already know the story works from it's animated predecessor. Hell, sometimes a big name actor can pull me right out of a story just upon recognition. I'm really curious to see how this one unfolds. Mulan was never one of my favorites, I'm hoping this can change that. What are y'all's thoughts on this casting call? Are y'all ready to see a movie that you don't recognize anyone in? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Not John Lasseter?!?
I had a bad feeling this recent Hollywood madness going on would hit Disney. I just never thought it would be like this. If you don't know here's the rundown. John Lasseter, co-founder of Pixar very important Disney entity, has taken "a six-month sabbatical" after "missteps" resulted in some staffers feeling "disrespected or uncomfortable". This was in an email that also included, "I especially want to apologize to anyone who ever has been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way shape or form." Following this THR reported that "grabbing, kissing, making comments about attributes" were behaviors that were reoccurring with Lasseter. Also in the same report, THR stated Rashida Jones had left after "an unwanted advance" from Lasseter. However, in a statement to the New York Times Jones has stated her & writing partner McCormack didn't leave for unwanted advances, but instead for "creative and, more importantly, philosophical differences." The statement went on to mention Pixar is "a culture where women & people of color do not have an equal voice." So, now you're caught up, & I really don't know what to make of this. I mean, reports that nullify other reports. Lasseter seems to be reacting out of what feels like the fear his motives might have been misconstrued. I hope this don't turn into a witch hunt. I've got a lot of mixed feelings about this. Abuse of authority is horrible, but so is damning someone over something said over proved. Then you have to take into consideration how would one even prove something like this? Making it almost impossible to really get ahold of it. All & all, it's just a sad, sad situation. In which I'm not sure I even want to see where this goes. I hope this only goes as far as being hugs & mis-readings. I would hate for this to be malicious, as some of these cases brought to recent light have been. I can't wait until all of this gets weeded out. I hope none of this effects the studios to much. I can't help but think that'd be near impossible though. Anyway, I would love some of y'all's opinions on this to bounce off. Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.
"Wrinkle In Time" New Trailer Still Leaves Me Wondering
The second trailer for Disney's A Wrinkle in Time has dropped, & for me it comes with mixed feelings. It's visuals are stunning to say the least, this thing looks beautiful. The story sounds very intriguing, I can't wait to dive into this. I was going to watch the original, but I remember it so little I don't want to spoil this one by doing so. My only worry, just from the trailer, is the performances come off kinda hollow. I don't know if that's just in the fact that there's no real context or what. I just felt like the actors were actors, & that's never good. You want to lose yourself to the fact that those are the characters, & like I said, with more context, not just clips, that could come through. I'm actually more concerned this winds up like Tomorrowland. I thought that movie was great, something Walt would've loved, & no one went to see it. That was a real shame. I hope this one is just as good, better even, but even more so, I hope people go to find out. Dug the trailer overall, caught my attention, & my imagination. Question is what did y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
So, What Do Y'all Think Of Jack Jack's New Powers?
This came out after I called it for thd week. Judging by it's #1 trending status all weekend, it should be safe to guess most of y'all seen it. So I question, what do y'all think of Jack Jack's new multi power set? He's like a Super-Skrull! If you don't know what that is, it's a Fantastic Four villain that holds all of the Four's powers. By what I count, we've got teleportation, eye beams, fire, and electricity. That's a strange combo, & I can't help but wonder if much like the Fantastic Four, this "overpowering" winds up bring center to the story. Many times has Franklin Richards fueld the Fantastic Four stories with worries that he was too powerful. Purely speculation on my part, but it'd be a cool story. That said, Iguess my real thoughts on these powers falls with how they use them. Love to know y'alls though. Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY MOUSE!!
Who's the leader of the club, that's made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!! Nothing to write, just Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!! It all started with you!
Stephen Chbosky Signed To Disney's "Prince Charming"
I'm going to be honest, I didn't even know this was a thing. So when I heard this, I found myself scratching my head. Collider had a THR report that Wonder helmer Stephen Chbosky signed on to write, with the possibility of also directing Disney's Prince Charming. I haven't seen Wonder, so my thoughts are really reserved on that aspect. That said, when I first heard that part, I thought that'd be pretty cool, we've never really got a movie from a prince's perspective. Then I got to the synopsis. Apparently, Matt Fogel wrote the initial script, a take on the generic Prince character from Sleeping Beauty & Snow White. However, it's told from Prince Charming's brother, who never quite lived up to the family name. See, they had me until that last part. With all the princesses that little girls get to look up to, I thought we were going to finally get another movie about a prince. A male counterpart to the princesses, with some of the same morals & values. Now I could be reading way into this, but it seems as if while we're on this big women empowering movement, we're on a man depowering movement. I know this sounds like it's going down that slippery slope, but I'm not. I'm just asking, can we empower everybody? Maybe this just feels like a low blow because the closest boys get to a prince seems to always be in animal form, or the prince character winds up being a major prick. Sorry, I feel like I got my hopes up, & they were crushed. And who knows? This could still be good. It sounds like they're going for comedy, & it could be pretty funny. I just thought it would be really cool to get a prince-like story again like Sword in the Stone. What do y'all think about all this though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Pixar Gives One Final Peek At Coco Before It's Thanksgiving Release
Pixar wanted to give us one more look at Coco with this final trailer, before it's right around the corner release on Thanksgiving day. I will not be seeing this one the night before. I've decided that since the wife has to work Thanksgiving eve, we will all be spending this Turkey Day together as a family with with Coco. This trailer did nothing to change my mind of that. As with everything else, every time I see more of this movie I get more & more excited. Everything about it is beautiful, & if you forgot, it starts with a long short starring everyone's favorite summer snowman, Olaf in Olaf's Frozen Adventure. I'm so excited for this film I'm not only thinking about buying one of those awesome plush flying cat things, I might brake tradition & pick up the soundtrack before this movie even comes out. I fell in love with the music first anyway... Gonna switch this up a little bit, If you're not "signed on" already for this film, why? I'm wanting to know if there's anyone with mixed feelings on this one? What's your hang ups? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Confirms Whole Cast & Return Of Hans Zimmer For Live Action Lion King
I've been hoping this moment wouldn't come, but it's now official Beyoncé is now officially confirmed for the upcoming live-action Lion King as well as the rest of the main cast. As much as I did not want this to happen, I have to say the rest of the cast line-up is amazing. I've loved Donald Glover since Community, Chiwetel Ejiofor since Serenity, & who else do you get to play Mufasa other than James Earl Jones. Even the rest of the cast looks awesome. John Oliver was the only person who should've took the Daily Show from Jon Stewart, so I can't wait to see him a Zazu. He's got the perfect voice, & delivery for that matter. I can't help to think I'm most excited to see the chemistry between Billy Eichner & Seth Rogen as Timon & Pumbaa. I did some catch-up on Billy on the Street & I really think this guy & Seth Rogen are going to be amazing together. With all that, the more I think about Beyoncé being Nala I don't really care too much. Nala was all but irrelevant in the animated film. I'm sure she's got a singing part in this, because if not, why Beyoncé? Maybe a Can You Feel The Love Tonight duet with Glover? Who knows. Hopefully they don't force her a bigger part just because it's Beyoncé, it might feel extra forced due to this being a remake. However, ScreenRant says rumor has it that Beyoncé will do the soundtrack. God help us all, I still say that's a DreamWorks move. To end this on a total bright note though, Hans Zimmer is coming back to score film, as he did so amazingly in it's animated predecessor. This thing's still a good while away though. With a release date of July 19th, 2019, we're going to have some time to speculate where this is going to go. So, what do y'all think of this cast? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Not Sure What I Think About The New "Muppet Babies" Going Into Production
Jim Henson's Muppet Babies was my childhood. I remember waiting in front of the television hoping that they were going to play the Star Wars or Indiana Jones episodes. I loved them all but I still hold a special place in my heart for those episodes. This was the only show to really do Star Wars right. This (& Figment) fueled my imagination as a child, & I'm a better person today for it. Needless to say, when I heard Disney Junior was bringing this show back to life I was excited. Now however, Inside the Magic has brought it to my attention that production has begun with a quote form Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President, Original Programming & General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. In it she had said, "Parents will delight in seeing their favorite Muppets in the mixed animation style they remember from the original series, & kids will be introduced to this warm & zany world made just right for the Disney Junior audience." That sounds great by itself, but the top of the article had mentioned a come-back in CGI-animation form. That seems more par for the course as of late when you consider that hand drawn animation is pretty much dead. It just also makes me have to reserve judgment until I see the finished product. Sometimes I'm not the biggest fan of CGI-animation, but I can forgive that if the show is really good like Star Wars: Rebels. Furthering that fear, they put up this picture with the article, confirming to me why I don't like this style. They come off kinda creepy. I don't know, like I said, full judgement will be withheld until I see the finished show. I'm still glad Muppet Babies is getting a chance to live again. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
