Category Archives: Disney Films

Cinderella

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Cinderella

By Erin

We’ve heard it all before. Once Upon a Time: there was a girl, with a fairy godmother, a pumpkin that turns into a carriage to take her to meet her prince at the royal ball. A glass slipper, then poof, a dream that comes true. We all know this is describing the age-old classic Cinderella, Walt Disney’s beloved animated film,  that we have all watched as kids, sung to, maybe even danced to and dreamed to since its first debut back in 1950. Now, it’s making its return to the big screen more gorgeous than ever before in an all-new live-action film!

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When Cinderella’s beloved mother dies, she tells her,”Where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic.” Ella takes these words to heart, as well as her mother’s wish to her for her to always “have courage and be kind.” Ella embraces these words, and treats everyone with kindness, and stays in her home situation, even when so many would probably leave after being treated so poorly.

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As her father remarried, the young Ella (Lily James), welcomes with open arms her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and two new step sisters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into her family’s home. Right from the start, her new family treats her like a bit of an outcast. After her fathers passing on a business trip, they really turn on poor Ella, and treat her more like a servant than a daughter or sister. Through it all though, she refuses to lose hope and is more determined than ever to honor her mother’s words of kindness and compassion.

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Cinderella’s Stepmom and Stepsisters.

On one particularly bad day, she runs off with her horse into the forest to get away from it all and to escape for a short while. Little did she know, this ride would change her life forever. By chance she meets a most handsome stranger in the woods who says his name is “Kit” (Richard Madden) and that he’s an apprentice at the castle. In reality though, we all know he’s the prince. 😉 This is one of the most powerful, magical, and heartfelt scenes in the entire movie. You can just feel the instant connection between the two, as their horses dance and prance around one another during their chance meeting.

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“Have Courage and Be Kind,” A Modern Day Cinderella

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“Have Courage and Be Kind,” A Modern Day Cinderella

By Erin

*I was invited by Disney to attend the press junket for Cinderella. All opinions are my own.*

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“Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic.” This pretty much sums up the magic that is created in Disney’s new live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella.” To make this film relevant to modern audiences, this core value of kindness and compassion was fundamentally important to its success. The filmmakers were convinced that by having a powerful story, combined with an exceponally-talented cast, along with complex and realistic characters, would make for a truly entertaining and magical experience. After seeing the film, I am still in awe of all the magic, beauty, artistry, and the heartfelt message of “Have Courage and Be Kind.” I cannot wait to see it again, and am happy to say that I had the pleasure of interviewing a few of the key characters, producers, and the costume designer for Cinderella to be able to share with you today a little bit about what makes this re-make of Cinderella oh so special.

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First, we spoke with Prince Charming himself, Richard Madden. We had many questions to ask him.

What drew you to the roll of the Prince?

Richard: I wanted a character with depth and humor. I got to see Cinderella as a daughter and the Prince as a son. Cinderella sees the Prince as a friend and soldier first, as well as a prince.

What was it like working with the Director, Kenneth Branagh?

Richard: It was wonderful. I’ll be working with him again in 2016. He’s considerate and has confidence in me.

How will this movie speak to kids at heart today?

Richard: Cinderella would have been fine if she didn’t end up with the prince. It’s not like the original. This is two people bringing out the best in each other. Young boys will see love in a more equal way, and will have more of a respect for women and the world around them.

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What’s the first thing you see in a woman Richard?

Richard: I don’t know. I am just interested in people. I want to talk to them and get to know them.

What did you think about learning to Waltz?

Richard: Awful!! You won’t be seeing me on Dancing with the Stars. Absolutely not!

What was it like working with Lily James as Cinderella?

Richard: A joy. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. She’s so kind, generous, caring, loving, giving, everything you could want.

 What is your favorite scene from the movie?

Richard: When the Prince and Cinderella meet for the first time. There are many feelings going on, the dancing around of the horses. Lily hadn’t ridden horses before the movie. She took many riding lessons to prepare for these scenes on horseback.

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Dreams Do Come True in McFarland, USA!

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Dreams Do Come True in McFarland, USA!

By Erin

It’s not very often a movie comes out that is as inspiring, touching, real, filled with as much heart and is as heartwarming as this one is. Be prepared to go on a very real and heartfelt adventure with this special group of boys in the most inspiring sports drama about a Mexican-American cross-country team from rural California.

Based on a true story, Kevin Costner stars as the team’s coach, Coach White, who’s determination to guide a bunch of farm workers’ kids into a team full of champions with big dreams and goals is evident from the start. Coach White isn’t perfect by any means but his heart is in the right place and he is passionately devoted to his runners. A couple of weeks ago I had the great privilege to attend a press junket with some of the film’s creators and actors to gain a little bit more insight into the film, its history, background and setting dreams and goals.

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First off, there is a LOT of running in this movie. So, what kind of training did they have to go through to become cross country runners for the film? Carlos Pratts gave us a great description of what that was like.

Carlos Pratts:  I would say in the mornings, we went to Santa Clarita and I would run five or six miles with these guys, and I cried more than I cried when I saw Bambi. Then we would go to the studio and rehearse the film, and then after that I would make the fun drive in the Hyundai Elantra, which I’m very thankful for because my car was in a bad place; thank you, Disney and I would make the fun drive to Redondo Beach. In Redondo Beach, I would then go through a lot of pain from the great people at Brick Fitness – thank you, Brian Gwen –he would help with the strength, and then the nutrition and all that. So for about three months, I couldn’t have a carb and I didn’t wear a shirt in my apartment. So… I’m kidding about that part.

World Premiere Of "McFarland, USA" At The El Capitan Theatre The World Premier of McFarland, USA

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