We have our first look at Guy Ritchie's live-action Aladdin, & it's looking & sounding more street rat than prince. I'm gonna focus on the pluses first. Mena Massoud & Naomi Scott look absolutely amazing as Aladdin & Jasmine. Just like they were ripped straight out of the animated classic. Second, the proposed mixture of lands & culture to Agrabah, giving it a Middle Eastern & Asian feel really intrigues me. It sets it in a fully imagined place. For me that adds to the fantasy of it all. Third, is probably one of the strangest parts, Guy Ritchie. Even though I thought it was a very strange choice at first, Aladdin is a very fast paced, chase film. That's actually right in Guy's wheelhouse, & I think he can really knock this one out the park. Alright, now I'll address the big blue elephant in the room. I was very worried when they cast Will Smith in Robin William's iconic role as the Genie. Not because of Smith himself, I've actually loved this guy since his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air days, & even before them for that matter. Just knowing Smith's character, I had a feeling I knew where this was going to wind up. First strike was straight out of Ritchie's mouth with, “I like the fact that our Genie has an ego and is a little bit vain and he cares about how he’s presented because he’s been doing this for a very long time.” The words ego & vain just immediately suck the fun out the whole character for me. And if that didn't work, we're also going to get some tired hip-hop from Will Smith to go along. Who mentions there hasn't been a hip hop flavor in the Disney universe yet. Well, there hasn't been any heavy metal either, & there might just be a reason for that. The third strike came with the actual look of the Genie, but I'm putting a hold on that one for now. Only because I'm convinced there's a level of CGI that will be involved in post that doesn't make the EW pics. At least I'm hoping so. If I'm wrong it just looks like Will Smith with a funny top knot. So, all in all there's three wishes answered, & three thrown right back in my face. These are just still pics & a synopsis as well. My reserves could be wrong, & this could blow us all away. Here's hoping at least, as Aladdin is one of, if not my all time favorite of the classics. What do y'all think though? I'd love to hear it. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Lady and The Tramp" Will Really Be Live-Action, Using Real Dogs!
This'll be interesting. The debate for whether the upcoming live-action Lion King being actually live-action or still animated will not be crossing over to Lady & the Tramp. According to a Collider exclusive the remake of the animated classic, coming to the Disney+ streaming service, will be using actual live dogs. In an interview with one of the only human character actors in the film he dropped this little tidbit, along with the film itself being a period piece. He went on to describe the movie as an enhanced version of the original, with the humans a little more fleshed out. Also, mentioning it's a little more grown up & sophisticated, compared to its predecessor. I was actually pretty curious as to how this was going to go in the first place. Lady & the Tramp is one of those films that even though it works great animated, I know they'll have to take liberties to add some more substance. The most intriguing thing about all this though, is obviously the use of real live dogs. I'm guessing they'll talk like the animals in Babe did, with CGI mouths in post, but this actually gets me more curious for some behind the scenes more than anything. Not only just them getting these animals to work, that always amazes me, but even more so for the inevitable blooper reel. The film is currently in production by Charlie Bean of The Lego Ninjago Movie & will Star Tessa Thompson & Justin Theroux in the lead roles. All aside, what do y'all think about this awesome news of actual live-action dogs for the now totally actual live-action Lady & the Tramp? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Are We Getting Tom Hanks As Gepetto?
In a Collider exclusive yesterday, it was reported that Saving Mr. Banks , Walt Disney himself, Tom Hanks is in early preliminary talks to play Geppeto in Disney's upcoming live action Pinocchio . No word from Disney on this at all, but I'm all for this choice. In fact, I sponsor the notion that there's always room for Tom Hanks in anything. He's hands down one of the greatest actors of not only my time, but it's pretty safe to say of all time. Paddington filmmaker Paul King is directing, & Chris Weitz is producing with Andrew Miano. The script's been all kinds of passed around with Collider sources say that Simon Farnaby has been tapped to pen the latest draft. Jack Thorne was the previous writer on the project, while Weitz and King also had a hand in the mix. I feel like these should be a little easier to get together than that. Being a remake & all, but whatever. If this Tom Hanks thing goes through it'll most likely be great anyway. What do y'all think? Hanks for Geppeto? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Releases First "Artemis Fowl" Teaser
Disney’s first teaser for Artemis Fowl was released today. The film is coming August 9, 2019. Kenneth Branagh will direct the film based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer. I've actually never read it, though I've came really close many times. That said, I really have no idea what I was looking at in this teaser. I've always thought the synopsis sounded cool. Which we get again in the teaser description. Where they say it, "..follows 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance." This sounds awesome, judging from the teaser this looks like it's going to walk a dangerous line. A line very few have pulled off. The first that comes to mind is Harry Potter . Those films danced on a thin line between being a children's film, & not so much. That's a really hard thing to do too. If it's too juvenile you lose your adult audience. Which just so happens to be the people who grew up with this series. I know many adults who still haven't made it past The Sorcerer's Stone just due to the fact they thought the whole series would be geared towards children. However, it still has to be accessible to a younger audience at the same time, to keep them growing up with said series. Could you imagine if the first Potter film had the same dark overtones as the fourth? Kids would have ran away, & never wanted to see it again. They'd have been horrified. So I'm very curious to see how this unfolds. The teaser has definitely done its job, & peaked my curiosity even more so than it was. I'd be really curious to see what fans of the series think. I'm sure there's some inside things in there just for them. The film stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, with Josh Gad, and Judi Dench. Judy Hofflund and Kenneth Branagh are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers, with a screenplay by Conor McPherson. Can't go wrong with Gad & Dench. I'm pretty excited to see some more of this. I'm hoping an actual full length trailer can boost my curiosity to full blown excitement, but we'll have to see. This teaser has done its job though. It has peaked my curiosity, & I want to see more. What did y'all think? Anyone out there who read these? I'd love to know how this first look stands up to the pictures that were in your head. Anyway, put it in the comments, like, & share.
First "Lion King" Teaser Delivered Almost Perfectly On Thanksgiving
So after cooking all day, eating way too much, & fighting off a turkey haze, this CGI "live-action" Lion King teaser from Disney kinda felt like the big payoff. An almost perfect teaser. It's a short look, not much you can really say about it. A couple iconic scenes with a little longer version of Mufasa's "all the land the light touches" speech, is pretty much the perfect way to kick things off. I couldn't help but keep thinking it was missing something. It looks amazing. Visually stunning. If I took this back in time, they'd be wondering how we trained all those animals to do that. I just felt it missed the mark without ending on some sort of talking animal. And since it seems like I'm being super picky, they totally could've gone without the parade of actor names. That would've worked for me though, with the addition of Timon or Pumba talking in the end. That break from the epicness of the iconic scenes, even with the name scrolling, would've really put this over the top for me. So, I liked it, but I felt like I could've loved it. What did y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share. Disney's The Lion King opens in theatres July 19, 2019.
This Video Of Sven From Disney's "Frozen The Musical" Blew My Mind
This was friggin' awesome!! This is video of Andrew Pirozzi showing what he goes through to portray Sven in Disney's Frozen the Musical on Broadway. This costume is a puppeteering wonder. With every piece he put on I was more & more amazed. I'll bet it's a real pain in the what to walk around in this thing. I'll probably never get to see this play, but to me, this might have been way cooler. I just want to put it on to see how hard it is to operate. Anyway, what do y'all think? Puppetry at its finest or meh? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Happy 90th Birthday Mickey Mouse With "Surprise" Short
It all started 90 years ago with a mouse. Mickey Mouse yo be exact. And what better way to celebrate than this new animated short from the mouse that started it all. Apparently he's not been a big fan of all the surprise parties throughout the year, & just wanted something calm this year. As if that'll work.. This was a really fun short, & I've really come around to this new style of Mickey & friends. I'm still not that big on the actual animation style, but I must admit these shorts are pretty funny & entertaining. I like to think of them as cartoons the actual, original characters made of themselves. It helps get past the crude animation style. Anyway, Happy 90th Birthday Mickey Mouse!! Thanx for everything!
New Sneak Peek For "Mary Poppins Returns"
Another look at Disney's upcoming Mary Poppins Returns , & the more I see, the more I'm falling in love with this movie. We'll have to wait until December 19th to be sure, but this late sequel looks practically perfect in every way. I can't wait to see how it will fit side by side with the original. Besides the updated effects it looks right in line. I absolutely loved the answer as to why she's there. If this trailer is anything to go off, we're looking for a real treat this holiday season. Anyway, I loved it, wha tg did y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Did You Catch The New "Dumbo" Trailer?
A new trailer & beautiful poster for Disney's upcoming live-action Dumbo soaring to theaters March 29th 2019 was released last night. It sheds some of the first light on the new story involving much more humanity than its animated predecessor. It's definitely left me intrigued, the cast lineup is phenomenal, & I'm sure it helps Dumbo is just friggin' adorable. In fact my only concern is still the unknown. This was one of the animated films that really seemed they were going to reinvent it. I didn't like how that worked out with Maleficent at all. That said, I also felt that one in particular needed no reinvention. Where as Dumbo would just be a CGI animated film without some human elements added in. To help touch on those unknown human elements the trailer was also accompanied with this synopsis: "Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets." This sounds really good. Just going off this & what I've seen to this point, I have to say I'm really excited for this movie. I’m hoping this can build on the original with these new ideas. Rather than try to heavily change what we still all know from the classic. Love to know what y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Another Teaser For "Toy Story 4" Introduces Key & Peele's Ducky & Bunny!
Yesterday you met Forky from next summer's Toy Story 4. Today you meet Ducky & Bunny, voiced by the multi-talented comic duo Key & Peele. Woody's gonna get a look at Carney Toy life. These guys get interrupted trying to win their freedom from a life tacked on a wall by Woody & friends. This is one of the things I've liked the most about these movies. The different locales. Being toys, you would figure these films would be hard pressed to get these guys some different scenery. Everytime though, they find new ways to get these toys around from place to place. Can't believe we've got both of these teasers back to back. I love 'em. So far, this has been a really fun way to introduce new characters. What do y'all think? Excited to see the behind the scenes life of Carney Toys on June 21st? I know I am! Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Soo, That's A Thing... Toy Story 4 Teaser
Wow! A totally unexpected Toy Story 4 teaser dropped with some totally unexpected content in the form of what I'm hoping is a significant new character. All is happy in the opening of this teaser. All our friends are together. Until the debut of a homemade spork toy. This is followed by chaos after declaring he shouldn't be there because he's not a toy. For those who have managed to not be familiar with a spork somehow, it's the lovechild of a spoon & a fork. Resulting in a spiked-tipped spoon. Which if you add googly eyes & some pipe cleaners, becomes a very cheap spiky-haired, action-less action figure. Great announcement teaser though. What did y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Releases A "Special Look" At "Mary Poppins Returns"
I love all these different names for trailers now. Essentially that's what this is. It's a minute long short trailer, preview, teaser, but specifically in this case, it's a "special look" at Mary Poppins Returns. That said, I totally dug it. Who dosen't want dolphins in their bathtub? There's a lot of quick jumps to a bunch of fantastic looking scenes. I really get the feel of the original in some of these. I've still got my fingers crossed this actually feels like a follow up sequel, & doesn't come off as remake. Some of these double digit years later sequels try to pay homage so much they just go through the original motion. Fingers crossed until December 19th, but this special look at proves we're in for at least a visual treat that will pay homage to a beloved classic. If we also get a classic sequel to match, all the better. Anyway, I really liked the look of this "special look". What about y'all? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
First Look At Live Action "Aladdin" With New Teaser Trailer
Between trying to get ready in this new place, hurricanes, & just life stuff, I feel like I've been missing a lot. Even though I'm not fully back on track though, I said I wouldn't miss the big stuff, & this is pretty big. A couple of days ago Will Smith put out the poster for the upcoming Aladdin . I've been noticing a pattern. The poster release has usually been followed within a day or two by a trailer. So, last night I had about gave up, when I got a notification in bed that sure enough it was here. I wasn't expecting much, the movie doesn't come out until May 24th 2019, but I was looking forward to it after seeing the poster. It was basically an upgraded version of the original animated poster. Now the trailer. It's impossible to make any real decisions on these small teasers, but this one had three things that really stuck out. Aladdin was an instantly a classic for me when it released. This familiarity gives us a little more to work with in these quick looks. Out of my three standouts, we've got one bad & two good. So, I'll start with the bad. I wasn't really digging the reflection shot of Agrabah. I don't know why offhand, I just wasn't that impressed with the model. I thought the Cave of Wonders looked amazing though! Right after it bit down though, I remembered the original teaser. I immediately thought there is only one way this trailer can end to make me fully happy. Sure enough, we get that shot of Aladdin walking up on the lamp for the first time. Loved it! So one trivial, don't really care dislike. Followed by two amazing "love its" all in the course of a minute & twenty-eight seconds. A lot of which is the title. Which looks really good by the way. Once again, paying homage to the classic, but having a distinctive new, real feel as well. Very impressed, especially for just a teaser. I know it won't happen, but part of me wants them to hold off on Will Smith's Genie until I'm actually in the theater. Anyway great teaser in my book, what'd y'all think? Put it in the comments, like & share.
Live Action "Lilo & Stitch" Coming!!!
I had to take some time from un packing to address this one for sure. Yesterday a THR exclusive reported that Lilo & Stitch was the next in of a long line of live action remakes!! This is amazing! This live action/CGI retelling will be penned by Mike Van Waes, & will be produced by Dan Lin & Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, formerly Lin Pictures. The two are already getting their breaks wet on the remake of Aladdin . It's totally unknown whether this will be a major release or another in the barrel for Disney's streaming service launching in 2019. Personally, I'm hoping for major release. Stitch is probably more popular now, than anytime of the original's release. Or any of the straight to video sequels for that matter. However, he became one of my all time favorite Disney characters from the jump. The most intriguing piece to this for me though, has been Van Waes. Before I even read this article, I thought that a live action Stitch film would be terrifying. Van Waes being attached halfway confirms that thought, being mostly known throughout Hollywood for writing horror, penning The Crooked Man & Oz horror themed Not in Kansas. If that resume is anything to take examples from, Stitch might be cute, fluffy, & absolutely terrifying. I can't wait! If this is a major release I feel like I should go ahead & get in line now for tickets. What about y'all? Thoughts on live action Lilo & Stitch ? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New Trailer For "Ralph Breaks The Internet" Gave Me Exactly What I Asked For
After all the teasers & trailers we've seen for Ralph Breaks the Internet up to this one, I mentioned that it looked hilarious, I didn't really see the heart from the previous film. This newest trailer delivers on just that. It seems in Penelope's quest for what we know now is a replacement steering wheel, she develops a fondness for the internet life. Much to the contrast of Ralph's feelings on the matter. At least, that's what I'm gathering from what I just watched. Adding the heart I was looking for in previous clips. This wrapped this whole thing up for me in a nice little perfect package. If these trailers are an inkling of where this movie is going? It has potential to be even better than the first. Not only that, it's double/tripling down on the the nostalgia/pop culture thing this time around. Which as an old school gamer was one of my favorite parts about the first. November 21st seems like a long wait, but in all actuality, it's just around the corner. This trailer was everything I needed to go into this one with no worries at all. What's y'all's thoughts on this newest trailer for Ralph Breaks the Internet ? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Mary Poppins Returns" Official Trailer Debuted!!
I'm officially super excited for Mary Poppins Returns after this trailer. They made sure to show you this has a little of everything you loved from the original. This gives a real look into what to expect from the upcoming sequel. It seems much in same ballpark as this year's Christopher Robin . As it looks like it's really going to deal with growing up, & forgetting what's important while lost in your grownup world. Which is also basically the original theme, totally forgetting your children while wrapped up in the complications of life. Mary Poppins pops in right when she's needed the most. With music, dancing, magic, & a little trip to an animated world. Writing all this brings me to my biggest 2 concerns. Are we just going through the motions of what has already been done? Just playing on nostalgia? And if not can Mary Poppins really return from 1964? Will this film work in 2018 with a mass audience? The first is the one that concerns me the most. This trailer looks more like a remake than a sequel. In fact, if you were to turn off the sound, I'd argue some would just think it was a remake. Putting that major concern aside though, I thought the trailer was amazing. Everyone looked perfect in their roles, the animation looked absolutely amazing, & it totally captured the spirit of the original Mary Poppins . There is a chance this just feels rehashed, but to judge just by this trailer alone, December 19th has a lot of potential to be great. I'm curious to hear what y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"AUNTIE EDNA" Short Coming With Home Release
"Many of you have suggested we show what transpired the night E babysat Jack-Jack. Well, we were WAAAY ahead of you!" With those words Brad Bird might've just tweeted out what could wind up being my new favorite part of Incredibles 2, AUNTIE EDNA, a new short directed by story supervisor Ted Mathot. This will be for the special features in in the home release, on Digital 10/23 and Blu-rav 11/6. I had a feeling they wouldn't waste the opportunity when I saw the film. This is gonna be great. Not only that, this is my daughter's favorite 2 characters. She's gonna be ecstatic when she finds out. Are we the only ones? Who else needs this in their life? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
I Finally Got To See The Final Trailer For "The Nutcracker & The Four Realms"
Being without internet has even set me back on the important stuff. Getting all settled in is a real chore. I finally got some time to check out the final trailer for Disney's Nutcracker & the Four Realms & by far, this is the best this film has looked so far. I mean, I'm still not super excited, & this trailer dosen't show much in the way of things we haven't seen yet. Something about its layout though. This really separated it from the Chronicles of Narnia feel I got from the first trailer. Even though I'm not super pumped, this look was the first to make me think November 2nd could hold something. This could wind up being surprisingly epic. We'll have to wait until then, but this trailer has me dreading the date a lot less than I was. What did y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Tessa Thompson Going From Valkyrie To Lady
A Collider exclusive has Tessa Thompson in negotiations to play the title role in the live-action Lady & the Tramp . She'll be playing opposite Justin Theroux in a cast that's finally starting to fill out. They'll be joined by Benedict Wong of Doctor Strange playing Bull, an English bulldog, as well as Kiersey Clemmons as Darling, & Ashley Jensen voicing Jackie, a Scottish Terrier modeled after the animated original's Jock. Tessa Thompson is becoming an up an comer to really keep your eye on. She was great in Creed, & though I sold her short going in, I loved her in Thor: Ragnarok . I keep saying if they take this as serious as it looks like they're going to, it could really put Disney's streaming service on the map early on for 2019. Charlie Bean is directing a script by Andrew Bujalski, produced by Brigham Taylor. I saw this yesterday, but also saw Disney had no comment on either Thompson or Wong's casting. Saw it in a lot more places since, & Collider's pretty on point usually. So, while not set in stone, I'm gonna think this happening is a safe bet. Thompson seems like a great pick for anything though, & Wong is one of my favorite parts of Doctor Strange. I'm all for it. Anyway, what do y'all think of this casting? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
The Rock Gives A Look At The Amazingly Huge Set For "Jungle Cruise"
This video us great for two reasons. One if gives all the credit to where it should be, Walt Disney. This is all because of one man's dream, & I absolutely love that The Rock makes sure to acknowledge this. The second reason is the scope of this awesome, ginormous set that has been made for the upcoming Jungle Cruise film. In today's age of technology you just don't see that many things like this anymore. I would absolutely love to be standing in that spot right now just to soak it all in. Beautiful on so many levels, it's hard to think people made this. This has actually got me very excited for more to come on this film. We still got awhile to wait, but this is really promising for me. You can tell no expense is being spared on this one. I wonder though? What do y'all think about this mindblowing set? Put it in the comments, like, & share.