Month: March 2018

Movie Reviews

Movie Review by Kristin: LOVE, SIMON | #LoveSimon

by KristinLeave a Comment on Movie Review by Kristin: LOVE, SIMON | #LoveSimon

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Hey there, movie lovers!

I had the chance to catch a special screening of LOVE, SIMON last night with the niece and we absolutely loved it! We’d been looking forward to this movie since the trailer was first released and it definitely did not disappoint.

SYNOPSIS: Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

To start off, the cast in LOVE, SIMON was absolutely phenomenal. It was diverse, it was incredibly talented and every single person made you feel connected to their character in some way. You’re able to place yourself in each character’s shoes to try and imagine what they might have been feeling in that moment and how you would react, in your own life, to certain situations that presented themselves throughout the movie.

Nick Robinson (Everything, Everything) shines as Simon Spier. You can actually feel his anxiety about coming out to his friends and family and being so desperate to do it on his own terms. For those in the LGBTQ community, their coming out story is such a powerful moment in their life and having that moment forced upon them the way it was forced upon Simon in the movie was heartbreaking. As someone who is straight, but very much connected to members of the LGBTQ community, these moments in LOVE, SIMON actually made me cry a bit. Yes, I admit it. My niece and I were wiping away tears that never stopped flowing. It was sad, it was uplifting, it was triumphant, it was lovely and it was inspiring all rolled into one hour and 50 minutes.

I would love to read the novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli to see if we get a bit more of a backstory for Simon. When the movie begins, we’re thrust into his present day struggle with being gay and no one having a clue. We get a quick little glimpse of when he sort of realized when he was gay, but I would’ve liked to see that explained just a little more. Its absence doesn’t take away from the film at all though.

Both my niece and I highly recommend seeing LOVE, SIMON. It’s such an important message for those struggling with their own sexuality, for parents who are oblivious to how their children might be feeling, for friends to learn how to be accepting and supportive towards each other, for classmates to see how bullying and social media could really affect a person’s life. It touches on so many important topics for young adults. Some of the characters are flawed in their own way–some more than others–and that really contributes to the realistic feel to the entire movie.

It will make you laugh, cry and cheer for these characters and it will most definitely make you LOVE SIMON!

You can catch LOVE, SIMON in theaters March 16, 2018!

LOVE, SIMON Official Channels:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #LoveSimon

 

Entertainment News, Movies

NEW RELEASE DATE | Meet the new face of evil. #BadSamaritan | In theaters May 4th!

by KristinLeave a Comment on NEW RELEASE DATE | Meet the new face of evil. #BadSamaritan | In theaters May 4th!

BAD SAMARITAN has a new release date. This is causing disorder and Mr. Erendreich is not very happy! He HATES disorder. Meet the new face of evil on MAY 4, 2018 and find out who is Mr. Erendreich.

BAD SAMARITAN is a horror/thriller film starring David Tennant, Robert Sheehan, Carlito Olivero, Kerry Condon and Jacqueline Byers. BAD SAMARITAN is directed by Dean Devlin known for “Independence Day,” “The Librarians,” “Stargate,” and many more.

Synopsis: BAD SAMARITAN is a terrifying cautionary tale of two thieves uncovering more than what they bargained for when breaking into a house they thought would be an easy score. After making a shocking discovery, they must choose to run and hide, or face the killer whose dark secrets they have exposed.

https://youtu.be/fs9uAB1D-HY

 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #BadSamaritan

Movies

Teaser Trailer, Poster from Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS

by KristinLeave a Comment on Teaser Trailer, Poster from Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS

IMG_3001Here is your first look at the teaser trailer and teaser poster from Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS an all new sequel with a fresh sensibility that celebrates the spirit of the original.

In the film, which hits U.S. theaters this Christmas, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS stars Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy.

The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson.

Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and screen story by Magee and Marshall & John DeLuca based upon The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

 

Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | YouTube | #MaryPoppinsReturns

Movies

First Look At Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

by KristinLeave a Comment on First Look At Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

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Teaser Trailer for the Live Action Adventure Directed by Marc Forster and Starring Ewan McGregor Available Now

Take a look at the teaser trailer for Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN, coming soon to theaters.

IMG_3002In the heartwarming live action adventure, the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way.

Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne.

The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss.

The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh; Chris O’Dowd as Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.

 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #ChristopherRobin

Movies

THE GRINCH | New Trailer | In Theaters November 9

by KristinLeave a Comment on THE GRINCH | New Trailer | In Theaters November 9

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For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic.

The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

[UNSET][1]Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Who-ville when he runs out of food.

Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realizes there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet: he must steal Christmas. To do so, he decides he will pose as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, even going so far as to trap a lackadaisical misfit reindeer to pull his sleigh.

Meanwhile, down in Who-ville, Cindy-Lou Who—a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer—plots with her gang of friends to trap Santa Claus as he makes his Christmas Eve rounds so that she can thank him for help for her overworked single mother. As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheme threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one. Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal of finally meeting Santa Claus? Will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all?

Find out, Christmas season 2018.

Movies

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2 – Teaser Trailer Debut

by KristinLeave a Comment on RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2 – Teaser Trailer Debut

image1An all-new teaser trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” debuted this morning. Plus, an all-new image is now available.

SYNOPSIS: “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” leaves Litwak’s video arcade behind, venturing into the uncharted, expansive and thrilling world of the internet—which may or may not survive Ralph’s wrecking. Video game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) must risk it all by traveling to the world wide web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet—the netizens—to help navigate their way, including a website entrepreneur named Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site “BuzzzTube.”

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2

Directed by Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph”) and Phil Johnston (co-writer “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Cedar Rapids,” co-writer “Zootopia,”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Bolt”).

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ follow-up to the 2012 blockbuster
hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.

 

Official Channels for ‘RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2’:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | #RalphBreaksTheInternet

 

Movie Reviews

Movie Review by Kristin: WONDER | #ChooseKind

by KristinLeave a Comment on Movie Review by Kristin: WONDER | #ChooseKind

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What’s up, movie lovers?

I finally got to watch WONDER and I have to say . . . I loved it! It’s perfect for the family, and it’s perfect to watch on your own. Doesn’t really matter how you watch it as long as you watch it!

SYNOPSIS: Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

The cast in WONDER was absolutely fantastic. Isabel (Julia Roberts), Nate (Owen Wilson) and Via (Izabela Vidovic) are a great support system to little Auggie (Jacob Tremblay) and their individual performances are amazing as well. Of course, the one who stands out the most is Auggie.

Jacob Tremblay had to undergo lots of prosthetic work to portray the character, who was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, and he does such a great job throughout the entire film. For such a young actor, he really embodied this role in every aspect.

Aside from Auggie, one of my favorite characters in WONDER was Jack Will (Noah Jupe). Jack’s character was apprehensive about Auggie at first, but once he got to know him, he realized how much he actually liked him. It think the dynamic between Jack Will and Auggie is one of the main “lessons” taught here. He was apprehensive, became friends with Auggie, went along with what the bullies were saying when Auggie wasn’t around, and then he was hurt when Auggie stopped speaking to him. It was a realistic portrayal of how kids behave at that age. Once Jack was able to see how good of a person Auggie was as opposed to the other kids, he was able to fully embrace his friend and make others do the same.

The entire movie was funny, adorable, heartwarming and realistic. Definitely a great movie to watch with your kids and a real conversation starter about how to treat others. My favorite quote from the movie comes from Auggie’s sister, Via:

“If they stare, let them stare. You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”

Movies

LA LEYENDA DEL CHARRO NEGRO Hits Select U.S. Theaters on March 23

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on LA LEYENDA DEL CHARRO NEGRO Hits Select U.S. Theaters on March 23
LA LEYENDA DEL CHARRO NEGRO Hits Select U.S. Theaters on March 23

The 5th installment in the “La Leyenda” franchise is coming to U.S. theaters on March 23.

Picking up from the events of Chupacabras, Leo and his brother Nando are returning home to Puebla.

Along the way, Leo encounters the Charro Negro who confuses him and results a girl to be cast into the underworld.

To revert his mistakes, he enlists the help of his friends.

LA LEYENDA DEL CHARRO NEGRO
In Select U.S. Theaters March 23

 

Interviews, TV

Thisfunktional Roundtable Discussion with Adrienne Houghton SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on Thisfunktional Roundtable Discussion with Adrienne Houghton SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO


Written by Jesus Figueroa

Actress/Singer Adrienne Houghton talks about being the co-host of the new “Showtime at The Apollo,” premiering March 1 on FOX.

Houghton talks about being thrilled to have “Showtime at the Apollo” back on the air, having auditioned for another show before getting the call to audition for the show’s producer and being the host backstage with the nervous contestants.

SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO
Premiering March 1 On FOX
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