Disney’s Flora & Ulysses

Disney’s Flora & Ulysses

By Erin

Disney's Flora & Ulysses

Ready to meet the cutest squirrel EVER!!? Disney’s Flora & Ulysses is a comedy-adventure based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever. Disney’s Flora & Ulysses is available exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) now!

Matilda Lawler as Flora and Ulysses the squirrel in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+.

Flora and Ulysses stars Matilda Lawler, who appeared on Broadway in “The Ferryman,” makes her film debut as Flora, with Alyson Hannigan (“How I Met Your Mother,” “American Pie”) as Flora’s romance-novelist mother, Phyllis, and Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation,” “Modern Family”) as her struggling comic-book-artist father, George. Also in the cast are Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, newcomer Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Janeane Garofalo and Kate Micucci.

Directed by Lena Khan (“The Tiger Hunter”) and produced by Academy Award®–nominated film producer Gil Netter (“Life of Pi,” “The Blind Side,” “Marley & Me”), with James Powers (“The Maze Runner” series) and Katterli Frauenfelder (“Dumbo,” “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”) serving as executive producers. The novel “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures,” by Kate DiCamillo, was adapted as a screenplay by Brad Copeland (“Ferdinand,” “Arrested Development”).

Matilda Lawler as Flora in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+.

First published in 2013, “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” is an illustrated novel by Kate DiCamillo. The story follows Flora Buckman and a squirrel named Ulysses, who develops unusual intellectual and physical capabilities after being sucked into a vacuum cleaner. In bonding with Ulysses, the guarded Flora learns to discard her cynicism and be more open to the world. “Flora & Ulysses” features a tough female protagonist and an eclectic, eccentric and diverse cast of characters, as well as an adorable anthropomorphic animal central to the plot.

This is one of those movies that kids will love, but adults—whether or not they’re parents—will also enjoy watching. The script is incredibly witty. It’s original, fresh type of humor, and is genuine. If you (and your kids) haven’t read this Newberry Medal award-winning book “Flora & Ulysses” yet by author Kate DiCamillo, I highly recommend doing so!

Ulysses and Matilda Lawler as Flora in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+. © 2020 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Following the life of Flora and the super-powered squirrel Ulysses, this unlikely duo teams up to save the world! With Flora’s creative mind and Ulysses’ animal hijinks, it’s a coming of age story that is full of love, hope and unlikely heroes. Be on the look out for lots of fun comic book Easter Eggs: think Marvel superhero references as well as Easter Eggs for the author, Kate DiCamillo, and even some Duck Tales eggs are in the mix!

Ben Schwartz as George and Matilda Lawler as Flora in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+.

I am a huge animal lover and I think everyone will have a new appreciation for squirrels after seeing this. Be sure to watch until the end as there is one pre-credit end scene that will have young and old alike giggling. Sweet, simple, and creatively daring this modern day family film is one you will want to watch multiple times, because, SQUIRREL!!!

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Let me know what you think about the film!

Safety on Disney+

Safety on Disney+

By Erin

Disney’s Safety is a heartwarming feel good movie inspired by the empowering true story of former Clemson University football safety Ray McELrathBey, a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose dedication and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities. Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr. It really puts meaning to, “It takes a village!” Everyone is like family here.

Safety stars Jay Reeves (“All American,” “The Tax Collector”) as Ray and newcomer Thaddeus J. Mixson as Fahmarr, along with Corinne Foxx, Matthew Glave, Hunter Sansone, Amanda Warren, Miles Burris, Isaac Bell, Elijah Bell and James Badge Dale. It was directed by Reginald Hudlin (“Marshall”) and produced by Mark Ciardi, p.g.a. (“Secretariat,” “Miracle”) and Gordon Gray (“Million Dollar Arm,” “The Rookie”) with a screenplay written by Nick Santora (“The Most Dangerous Game,” “The Fugitive”). Douglas S. Jones and Campbell G. McInnes served as executive producers.

Safety Football

Inspired by a true story of courage, determination and the pursuit of excellence, Disney’s powerful and moving drama “Safety” explores one player’s college sports experience when put up against seemingly insurmountable odds, while ultimately redefining what it means to have community, family and friendship.

Ray McELrathBey was already taking on a lot when he started his freshman year on a football scholarship at Clemson University, one of the most prestigious and demanding college football programs in the country. Not really understanding what he was getting himself into, but eager to learn about more than just football, Ray signs up for a full load of classes, 16 units.

Just as he’s settling into college life and making friends, including sports journalism major Kaycee, he gets word that his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (aka Fay) is hanging out with drug dealers back home in Atlanta after their mother has been arrested for possession. Rather than put Fay into the foster care system, Ray decides to smuggle him into his dorm room, which is strictly against the school’s rules. It’s not long before he finds the added responsibility of caring for Fay, who’s high-maintenance, beginning to take a toll on his performance both on the football field and in the classroom.

With help from his roommate Daniel and his other teammates, Ray and Fay manage to keep the arrangement a secret for a while, but eventually Ray confides in Kaycee, who was just about to give up on him. Ray finally breaks down and tells his coaches, who are furious he waited so long to come to them and concerned that it will jeopardize the team. Realizing the bind he’s in, they help him figure out a way to keep Fay with him – they find them a modest off-campus apartment and a part- time job as the building’s handyman to help pay for it. Ray lays down the law with Fay, who steps up to help lighten his brother’s load. Thinking a little publicity will help their cause, Kaycee writes a story for the school paper about Ray and Fay, and the entire Clemson community rallies around the two brothers to help them stay together.

With everyone’s support, Ray starts to prove his worth at football and his academic work soars. But the bubble is burst when a school official alerts the coaches that, by accepting outside assistance, Ray’s violated the terms of his scholarship. Once again, Ray finds himself in a position where he must choose between keeping Fay and continuing on at Clemson. Unwilling to give up, he chooses to fight what he considers an unfair system.

So get the family together and watch Safety! You won’t want to miss this inspiring, moving film about family, community and never giving up!

Safety premieres Friday, December 11, 2020 streaming only on Disney+.

Mulan + Giveaway

Mulan + Digital Movie Code Giveaway!

By Erin

Disney presents “Mulan,” a live-action reimagining of the legendary female warrior immortalized in the centuries-old Chinese ballad. Honoring its Chinese roots, the film features an ensemble of ethnically Chinese talent of both established and rising stars. Add Disney’s Mulan to your collection with bonus features for the whole family! Now on Digital, Blu-ray & 4K Ultra HD.

Disney Mulan Live Action

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s Mulan, in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.

Disney’s MULAN..Mulan (Yifei Liu)..Photo: Film Frame© 2019 Disney Enterprises

Yifei Liu (“The Forbidden Kingdom,” “Once Upon a Time”) was cast as Hua Mulan following a year-long global casting search. Joining her in the film are: Donnie Yen (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Ip Man”); Tzi Ma (“The Farewell,” “The Quiet American”); Jason Scott Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny,” “Soldier”); Yoson An (“The Meg,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny”); Ron Yuan (“Marco Polo,” “The Accountant”); Rosalind Chao (“Plus One,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”); Nelson Lee (“All Saints,” “I Was a Simple Man”); and Cheng Pei-Pei (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Lilting”) with Gong Li (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Raise the Red Lantern”) and Jet Li (“Shaolin Temple,” “Lethal Weapon 4”).

The screenplay was written by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (“Jurassic World,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Chris Bender, p.g.a. (“A History of Violence,” “Under the Silver Lake”), Jake Weiner, p.g.a. (“The Butterfly Effect,” “Monster-in-Law”) and Jason T. Reed, p.g.a. (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) with Bill Kong (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Hero”), Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy), Tim Coddington (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Marco Polo”) and Mario Iscovich (“McFarland, USA,” “You Again”) serving as executive producers.

Caro and the producers assembled a team of exceptional filmmakers to lend their talents to the production of “Mulan”: director of photography Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS (“The Mountain Between Us,” “Hidden Figures”); production designer Grant Major (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “King Kong”); editor David Coulson (“Whale Rider,” “The Zookeeper’s Wife”); costume designer Bina Daigeler (“The Zookeeper’s Wife,” “Submergence”); composer Harry Gregson-Williams (“The Martian,” “The Chronicles of Narnia”); hair, makeup and prosthetics designer Denise Kum (“Whale Rider,” “Death Defying Acts”);  visual effects supervisor Sean Faden (“Power Rangers,” “Fantastic Four”); and first assistant director Liz Tan (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “McFarland, USA”).

“Mulan”: A Hero’s Journey

Inspired by the Chinese “Ballad of Mulan,” the film brings audiences an incredible tale that celebrates the richness of Chinese culture and the power of female strength. A story that is Chinese yet transcends borders, “Mulan” reflects the breadth and depth of Chinese identity. A combination of relatable emotions with awe-inspiring action sequences and breathtaking visuals, “Mulan” is a movie with universal appeal that embodies the timeless themes of honor, family, respect for elders and duty.

Disney first interpreted the story of Mulan as an animated feature in 1998. “Mulan” was a box-office hit as well as a fan favorite and featured Ming-Na Wen as the voice of Mulan.

“The original ‘Ballad of Mulan’ was written centuries ago and has been popular ever since,” says producer Jason Reed. “The animated movie brought it to Western audiences. Now we’re hoping to take elements from the original ballad and the beloved Disney animation and create something that is new and exciting, while honoring the essential elements of this inspiring story. We focused on how someone can embrace bravery, loyalty and duty while still being true to oneself.”

“What stands out about Mulan is her spirit,” adds Reed. “Mulan herself is what draws me to the story. When I watched the original animated film, I loved the locations, I loved the music, I loved the comedy, but what really stuck with me was her character. Even though she’s a woman and Chinese, her struggle spoke to me growing up. How do you fulfill your duty? How do you do what’s right? How do you fit in and how do you find your place? I think those are really important questions, and it’s the foundation on which we built the live-action adaptation.”

Executive producer Bill Kong feels that today’s audiences will be able to easily relate to Mulan, although the exploits of her bravery were first told centuries ago. “Mulan may have existed in stories a long time ago, but her character and her actions reflect women of today. And especially young Chinese women today. What Mulan represents is very much related to today’s world and the way people think today.”

GIVEAWAY

Mulan
Disney’s MULAN..Mulan (Yifei Liu)..Photo: Jasin Boland..© 2019 Disney Enterprises.

Now the really fun part! Enter for your chance to win a digital copy of the film! Must be +18 to enter and live in the US and enter by 12/4 at 12AM PST. See Sweepstakes tab on the blog for full details about giveaway rules. Good-luck!

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