Category Archives: Disney Movies

Marvel’s Black Panther Movie

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Marvel’s Black Panther

By Erin

The time has finally come! The next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther, is out!  In 2016, we welcomed T’Challa/Black Panther to the big screen and he was introduced to us in “Captain America: Civil War,” the record-breaking hit film that pitted the Avengers against one another. When the Black Panther character debuted in the ’60s it was a daring move for the Marvel bullpen of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to introduce this new character, an African character who is smarter than many of the other heroes and is stronger than most of the other heroes. To be able to put that on the big screen fifty years later is incredibly exciting to see!

Over the years, plans for rolling out a “Black Panther” chapter into the Marvel Studios pipeline had been discussed, but it ultimately came to fruitation when Feige opted to showcase Black Panther in “Civil War” as a springboard for a stand-alone feature film, so here we are with this masterpiece.

Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) ©Marvel Studios 2018

“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, afer the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, he returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to take his rightful place as King. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life. It’s a very powerful film and I wanted to share some fun facts about the film before (or after if you’ve already seen it!) you head out to go see it.

  • Marvel’s Black Panther character made his debut in the comic book world in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966.
  • An important part of the Black Panther lore incorporated into the film is the Dora Milaje, the cadre of strong fierce women who serve as the personal security force to the King and royal family. These tall, statuesque, bald-headed warrior women, who move as one, command attention wherever they go.
  • Led by Danai Gurira’s character, Okoye, the Dora Milaje security force features an international contingent of women from all over the world, including Florence Kasumba who returns to play Ayo, a character that first appeared in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War.” The Dora Milaje were cast from a pool of actresses, stunt women and Broadway dancers so that each individual Dora could have specialized skills that they brought to the table.

Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Ayo (Florence Kasumba) Photo: Matt Kennedy© Marvel Studios 2018

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Meet the Cast of the Black Panther!

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Meet the Cast of the Black Panther!

By Erin

Marvel Studios is coming out with one of the most anticipated super-hero films ever; Black Panther, the story of T’Challa, a young African prince who takes on the mantle of King and Super Hero, and the centuries-old legacy that comes with it. T’Challa returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to become king, but when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Long known for its revolutionary creative vision, Marvel Comics has introduced its audiences to a diverse roster of Super Heroes since 1939, most notably with the groundbreaking Black Panther character that made its first appearance in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966. Arriving in theatres everywhere on February 16, 2018, you won’t want to miss this one!

Before going out to see it, check out what the cast had to share with us at the press conference about this amazing film!

In attendance was:

  •         Chadwick Boseman (“T’Challa / Black Panther”) 
  •          Lupita Nyong’o (“Nakia”)
  •          Michael B. Jordan (“Erik Killmonger”)
  •          Danai Gurira (“Okoye”)
  •          Angela Bassett (“Ramonda”) 
  •          Forest Whitaker (“Zuri”)
  •          Andy Serkis (“Ulysses Klaue”)
  •          Martin Freeman (“Everett K Ross”)
  •          Daniel Kaluuya (“W’Kabi”)
  •          Winston Duke (“M’Baku”)
  •          Letitia Wright (“Shuri”)
  •          Director Ryan Coogler
  •          Producer Kevin Feige

Chadwick Boseman. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

The first topic that was discussed was about when Chadwick Boseman got the call to play Black Panther in Civil War, and if he knew that role would end up having a movie based solely around him later on?  

Chadwick: The initial phone call from Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Nate Moore and the Russo Brothers was one where they essentially said, ‘We want to bring your character into the Marvel Comic Universe – as a stand-alone, but this is the best way to introduce him in Civil War.’  So I was aware of it.  And I think when I was shooting Civil War, I was not aware that other people weren’t aware that this was going to happen, because it was such at the forefront of my mind and when we did the introduction at El Capitan.  So – I’m sorry that you didn’t know that. But at the same time, I love the fact that it’s a surprise to people.

Many props were given to the ladies of Wakanda. All the ladies are so powerful, so beautiful, and so regal on that screen.  This film is Black Panther, but could also have been called The Bad-Ass Women of Wakanda.  For real. “The bad ass women of Wakanda” term came from the moderator of the press Junket, Nischelle Turner from E.T. (Entertainment Tonight). Beautiful Angela Bassett plays the queen and she shared how proud she was of the film.

Angela:  I was so pleased that this story, written by Ryan, and Joe Robert Cole, and Marvel, that it supported that. In African culture, they feel as if there is no king without a queen. I think in this story, it highlights the queen, the warrior, the general – the young sister.  I was so proud to have my daughter, and my son there last night, because in their faces, and in their spirit –and they were feeling themselves. And they stood taller after last night.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi Global Media Days ~May The Force Be With You~

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The Last Jedi Global Media Days: May The Force Be With You

By Jonelle

*We were invited as media to attend the Global Media Days. All thoughts and opinions remain our own.*

It’s that time of year, when my husband and I sit and watch all of the films leading up to the new Star Wars movie, a tradition for us since The Force Awakens. Something happens to us the moment that unmistakable music starts. The goosebumps form, the excitement begins. We’re taken to a new world, or in this case a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars: The Last Jedi is in theaters on Decmember 15th.

When I was asked to attend the Global Media Days for The Last Jedi, I jumped at the chance to go. How could I pass up a chance to be in the same room as Luke Skywalker? So, Sunday morning I got in my car, left my Orange County bubble and drove myself to downtown Los Angeles.

When I checked in, I was given a little backpack with goodies inside, including a Mighty Mugs “Rey” (from Jakku) figurine, an At-At Driver, and a coupon to get a custom-made Star Wars T-Shirt. My inner geek was dancing for joy. I immediately went to get my T-Shirt knowing that the line would be crazy after the press conference. The T-Shirts came in black or grey and you could choose between, R2-D2, C-3PO, BB-8 and new for The Last Jedi, a Porg, which is described as a puffin like sea bird. I got R2-D2 on my shirt. The way they were made was extremely interesting and only took a few minutes. 

Director Rian Johnson, actors Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran attend the press conference for the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Last Jedi at InterContinental Los Angeles on December 3, 2017. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney.

As soon as my T-shirt was finished, we were called into the press conference area. I managed to finagle my way to the third row. When the cast arrived, my inner geek was over the moon with happiness. There they were, Mark Hamill “Luke Skywalker”, Daisy Ridley “Rey”, John Boyega “Finn”, Oscar Isaac “Poe Dameron”, Adam Driver “Kylo Ren”, Gwendoline Christie “Captain Phasma”, Domhnall Gleeson “General Hux” Andy Serkis “Supreme Leader Snoke”, Star Wars newbies, Laura Dern “Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo”, Kelly Marie Tran “Rose Tico”, and Director Rian Johnson, the only one missing of course, our “Princess Leia” Carrie Fisher.

Director Rian Johnson with Carrie Fisher (Leia) on set. Photo: David James

The cast was very tight lipped when it came to discussing the actual movie, I do know that this film picks up immediately after The Force Awakens. The first thing that I noticed however, was the color of Daisy Ridley’s lipstick, an intense dark shade. I couldn’t help but wonder, could it be a subliminal message about Rey’s possible turn to the “dark side”? I also wondered “Who are Rey’s parents”? Could her father be the man sitting to her right? And by this, I mean Mark Hamil’s Luke Skywalker.   Of course, like so many others I have my own fan theories about who she may possibly be related to. The latest I heard is that she’s Palpatine’s granddaughter. My (new) hope is that she is a granddaughter, but to Obi-Wan. Then the story will come full circle.

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