Tag Archives: Disney

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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Disney•Pixar’s COCO 

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Disney•Pixar’s COCO

By Erin

Disney•Pixar’s COCO is now playing in theatres everywhere! Also, for a limited time only, you can see the brand new Walt Disney Animation Studios’ featurette OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE playing in front of COCO only in theatres! Both of these films are the perfect way to start the holiday season! They will give you all the warm and fuzzy feels.

In COCO, Miguel is an aspiring singer and self-taught guitarist who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, the most famous musician in the history of Mexico. But Miguel’s family forbids music. Many years ago, his great-great-grandmother and great-great-grandfather came to an impasse: She wanted to raise their family together in Santa Cecilia, but he couldn’t let go of his dream, leaving his family behind in his quest to be a musician. Passed down from generation to generation, great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda’s consequent ban on music is strictly enforced—much to Miguel’s dismay. When Miguel unearths a secret from his family’s past—a connection to Ernesto de la Cruz, he rushes to share the news with his family, thinking it will clear the way for him to be a musician. Unfortunately, it only makes matters worse. Miguel feels like he has to choose between his passion for music and his love for his family. Miguel wants to prove to his family that making music is both beautiful and honorable. We follow Miguel as he follows his heart and his dreams.

NO MUSIC – Miguel challenges his family’s generations-old ban on music, spending time with a local mariachi. But his grandmother Abuelita promptly puts a stop to it.

A magical event is sparked by Miguel’s impulsive actions that renders him visible only to those who have come to visit from the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos. This world is a beautiful, lively and colorful parallel world that is populated by generations and generations of people who long ago left the Land of the Living, including Miguel’s own ancestors, who instantly recognize him and offer to help—but only if he agrees to give up music forever. Miguel ends up running into and teams up with a scrappy, streetwise skeleton named Héctor and they set out to find Ernesto de la Cruz—who they believe holds the key to Miguel’s baffling and decidedly unmusical family history.

What happens next? Well you will just have to go see the film now won’t you? 😉 I do not want to give away all the magical twists and turns and melt-your-heart moments. However, I will leave you with some fun tidbits about the film and some cool things to look for and take notice of in Coco!

Miguel’s love of music ultimately leads him to the Land of the Dead where he teams up with charming trickster Hector.

THEM BONES – Look for the very subtle nods to the skeleton residents in the Land of the Dead, like the cobblestone streets that feature some bone-shaped paving stones.

CHANGE OF PLANTS – Artists at Pixar Animation Studios like to add vegetation—grass, trees, bushes—to exterior environments, but “Coco” filmmakers wanted the Land of the Dead to be different. The only living plants in the vibrant fantastical world are marigolds.

• During research trips to Mexico, filmmakers learned that the color and aroma of marigold petals are believed to help guide the spirit of a family’s loved one home during Día de los Muertos.

Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) finds himself in the Land of the Dead—a rich and vibrant community featuring bridges of marigold petals.

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