Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actors Becky G and Alex Neustaedter talk with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, about their roles in “A.X.L.”
Becky G and Neustaedter talk about having fun while on the set and there possibly being some kind of artificial intelligence like A.X.L. as soon as 5 years from now. Becky G talked about growing up dirt bike and ATV riding, while Neustaedter found an appreciation for motocross because of this role.
In the vein of classic ’80s family movies “SHORT CIRCUIT” and “FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR,” “A.X.L.” is a new adventure about a down-on-his luck teenage bike rider, Miles (Alex Neustaedter), who stumbles upon an advanced, robotic, military dog named A.X.L. Endowed with next-generation artificial intelligence but with the heart of a dog, A.X.L. forms an emotional bond with Miles, much to the chagrin of the rogue military scientists who created A.X.L. and would do anything to retrieve him. Knowing what is at stake if A.X.L. gets captured, Miles teams up with his smart, resourceful crush, Sara (BeckyG), to protect his new best friend on a timeless, epic adventure for the whole family.
Forgiven Films Announces SHINE Release Date, Trailer and Film Poster
Forgiven Films, a division of GVN Releasing, launched the first full-length trailer and film poster for “SHINE” on August 21.
The Latin dance drama stars “Dexter’s” David Zayas, “Orange Is the New Black’s” Alysia Reiner and world-renowned dancers Gilbert Saldivar as well as Jorge “Ataca” Burgos.
The film will be released in theaters nationwide on October 5.
“SHINE” won the audience award for best feature at last year’s Urbanworld Film Festival.
The story revolves around two brothers (Saldivar and Burgos), once celebrated Salsa dancers, who are separated after a tragedy only to be reunited years later on opposing sides of gentrification.
The film was directed and written by Anthony Nardolillo, via his 13 Paces Productions and produced with Sandra Varona of Varona Productions, in partnership with Sugar Studios LA and The Exchange.
“SHINE” is being distributed by Forgiven Films, a division of GVN Releasing.
SHINE
In Theaters October 5
About SHINE
Two Puerto Rican brothers, Ralphi Matas (Jorge Burgos) and Junior (Gilbert Saldivar), from New York’s Spanish Harlem and the street’s best Salsa dancers, are separated after a tragedy only to reunite years later on opposing sides of gentrification.
About Forgiven Films:
Created as a division of GVN Releasing, Forgiven Films is a global independent distributor with a broad focus specializing in content for underserved audiences and quality independent films for both the theatrical and home entertainment markets. Its first two releases SHINEand A Violent Manwill hit theaters in 2018. For more information, visit gvnreleasing.com.
About GVN Releasing:
GVN is an independent distributor of crossover micro-targeted (urban/women/faith-and-family) feel good content. With its seasoned and sophisticated executive team having over 30 years of combined experience in the entertainment industry, the company excels at the acquisition and exploitation of feature films suitable for theatrical, physical, digital, and television distribution. GVN deploys their multi-platform distribution strategy for independent films that have significant social media relevance to the micro-targeted demographic. For more, visit gvnreleasing.com.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actor Eugenio Derbez talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about his role in “Overboard.”
Derbez talks about learning that he works well with children, being a vegan and working with amazing co-stars.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actor Adal Ramones talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about his part in “Hasta que la Boda nos Separe.”
Ramones talks about finding that the movie represents Hispanic weddings in a comical way, speaks a bit on the original movie being Russian and how incredible it is for the movie to have been received so well.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
“Hasta Que La Boda Nos Separe,” premiered on PANTAYA on June 15, and actress Diana Bovio shared her thoughts.
Bovio’s first major leading role in a feature film that is released worldwide through the streaming service PANTAYA led her to be part of a romantic comedy which she was honored to be a part of.
The project was so thrilling, Bovio said, as she has never been married, but it was fun to explore extreme situations which could be stressful for a bride but funny to an audience.
Bovio’s character Maria has the opportunity to have two weddings, one that will please her family and her dream wedding as well and not let her parents know of the second wedding.
As Maria goes through the chaotic day of having two weddings and getting her dream wedding, because she’s had everything catered to her by her fiancé, the stress gets to her.
Bovio felt it was fun to part of a comedy that was very grounded in the Mexican culture, but still keeping universal themes.
Although all Mexicans can relate to the way the wedding is celebrated, much of the comedy comes from instances that can happen at any wedding.
Bovio isn’t married, but was thrilled to get to play the part of a bride and wear the dress. She enjoyed getting to go through the traditional wedding without the stress of a real wedding.
Since it was a romantic comedy, Bovio said that there is many hilarious parts and still some drama which is expected, especially when two weddings are involved.
PANTAYA allows a wide audience to be able to watch “Hasta Que La Boda Nos Separe” much like Netflix, but centers around promoting projects from Mexico that wouldn’t have major distribution other wise.
Bovio is honored to have PANTAYA distribute the project so more people can get exposed to the talents of new actors from Latin America. More than 2 million people have watched “Hasta Que La Boda Nos Separe” in Mexico and now there’s an opportunity for a wider audience to watch it as well.
Santiago Limon (“Stray Dogs”) directs this hilarious comedy in which Gustavo Egelhaaf (“Maldita Tentacion,” “El Vato”) and Diana Bovio (“La Posesion de Altair,” “From Prada to Nada”) have each other for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until their families do them apart.
The hilarious comedy “Hasta que La Boda Nos Separe” is available for streaming exclusively on PANTAYA starring on June 15.
The film also stars Adal Ramones, Hector Holden and the coolest wedding planner ever, Roberto Palazuelos.
A wedding is one of the most important events in life, but any celebration involves the families who may have very different ideas than the bride and groom.
Daniel and Maria are about to take the big leap and have in mind a modern beach-side wedding.
However, their families have prepared a much more traditional celebration.
How crazy could it be to have two different weddings? One for the family and one for the friends.
However, by chance, the two weddings end up on the same day, turning this important life event into chaos.
“Hasta que La Boda Nos Separe,” is available June 15 on PANTAYA, which offers the best movies in Spanish streaming all in one place.
PANTAYA brings the widest variety of today’s blockbusters, classics, comedy, action, rom-coms, and more.
Enjoy this experience exclusively with PANTAYA in the comfort of your home or wherever you go.
Download the app now or visit PantaYA.com
About PANTAYA:
PANTAYA is the first-ever premium streaming destination for world-class movies in Spanish offering the largest selection of current and classic, commercial-free blockbusters and critically acclaimed titles from Latin America and the U.S. PANTAYA features first-run exclusive and original titles, including instant access to select movies available on the same day they make theatrical debuts in Latin America.
PANTAYA is a joint venture between global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF. B) and Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HMTV), which targets the high growth U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets with leading broadcast, cable television and digital content platforms. To learn more about PANTAYA, visit pantaya.com.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actress Shyrley Rodriguez stepped into the role of Cadet Renata and in the controls of Jaeger Saber Arthena in “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” out on digital and the all-new digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on June 5, as well as on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM, DVD and On Demand on June 19.
“Pacific Rim” was filled with an incredible cast who provided amazing action, but Rodriguez wasn’t nervous to follow up such an action-packed movie, rather the challenge helped her to provide a stronger performance.
The opportunity to follow up such an incredible story made Rodriguez feel fortunate to be a part of the “Pacific Rim” universe.
The larger than life Jaegers take much training for the cadets in “Pacific Rim,” for Rodriguez she had a strict diet as well as an exercise regimen six days a week with weight training, martial arts and even some boot camp classes to be ready for the physical challenges of the movie.
The opportunity to be a part of the orange jaeger Saber Arthena was thrilling for Rodriguez and makes her proud to have gotten to be in that team and made Saber Arthena her favorite jaeger in the movie.
The opportunity to travel to Australia and China for the filming of this movie was exciting for Rodriguez because she was able to explore, but she was mostly looking forward to being a part of a feature film.
Rodriguez said that for the special featured in the blu-ray she is looking forward to the audience seeing behind the scenes footage of how amazing the filming process was and for people to be able to peek behind the movie magic to what the actors go through.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Daniela Vega started off being a consultant for director Sebastián Lelio, who was unsure if he wanted to undertake the making of “A Fantastic Woman.”
Lelio said there was many reasons to make this movie, but this story was so emotional, had so much beauty and had such potential that resonates with current times, that he needed to be sure he was prepared to fully take on the project.
Once getting Vega to help him fully comprehend what the project entailed and how relevant it was to the times, the role of Mariana became extremely important to get just right.
Since Vega helped create such a complex character, Lelio believed that no one could do justice to the part like Vega could.
Leilo said that it was spectacular getting to know Vega to get the right inspiration to make “A Fantastic Woman.” Through the process Vega was a consultant, but Lelio saw that Vega was the lead character Mariana.
Vega said she was happy to be the lead character Mariana because it felt natural to go from a consultant to the actress which played the character.
Even with so much knowledge as to who Mariana was, it wasn’t the easiest to get into the complex mindset that it took to play the character correctly.
Mariana carried the story and it was still a process she had to create with director Lelio.
Vega said it was difficult to become Mariana because it was complex, but the challenge was exciting.
“A Fantastic Woman” is a gripping story which entices audience with a story that is timely and compelling.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
A new generation gets to dive into the fantastical world of “Peter Pan” with the 65th anniversary Walt Disney Signature Collection available now on Blu-ray and digital.
Throughout the years the three main iconic characters have captured the attention of Peter Pan fans – Peter Pan, Wendy Darling and Tinker Bell.
Voice and live-action model of Wendy Darling Kathryn Beaumont and author and historian of Tinker Bell Mindy Johnson shared some memories of being charmed by the book and then being engulfed once again in the story when Disney made it into a feature animated film.
Beaumont said she was thrilled to work with Walt Disney Animation Studios because they were giving women proper roles with depth to their character in a time when not many studios were.
Many scenes from the movie have been paid homage to in different tellings of the story as well as when paying homage to the original, but the opening scene causes a younger audience to get full of wonder.
As Peter chases his shadow around Wendy’s room coming to the climax as he finally meets Wendy the magical nature of the scene brings joy and curiosity to a young audience.
Johnson said that its easy for children to find the wonder in the scene because they are looking at it through fresh eyes and a young adventurous spirit, so even as it can become less thrilling for adults, there is still an incredible sense of magic and room for curiosity.
With such a timeless classic storyline such as Peter Pan which started off as a fairytale and continued on to a beloved animated film by Disney brings the story to different generations.
Even with the different tellings of the story, the essence and nature of the story continues on. It brings joy and a sense of wonder to children as well as a reminder to fans of the magical wonder the story presents.
Beaumont said that she had been brought up knowing the story and being a part of the history of Peter Pan was an honor.
Enter the Pacific Rim #GlobalJaeger contest and you could win $6,000, a signed movie poster, and more. #PacificRimUprising
Contest details: go.deviantart.com/journal/The-Pacific-Rim-Uprising-Global-Jaeger-Contest-744541834
Also, join Deviant Art on May 23 at 1 p.m. PT for a LIVE Q&A with #PacificRimUprising Director Steven S. DeKnight for a chat about “Pacific Rim,” our upcoming #GlobalJaeger Contest and more.
In Pacific Rim Uprising directed by Steven S. DeKnight, John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous Kaiju. Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actor Ryan Carnes talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about the home entertainment release of “La Boda de Valentina.”
Carnes talked about his role as Jason Tate in “La Boda de Valentina,” what special features he’s hoping for the home entertainment release and his return to “General Hospital.”
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actress Nitzia Chama talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, talks with Nitzia Chama about her New Filmmaker Los Angeles award nominations for short film “Neemkomok.”
Chama talks about the challenges it was to play her character Isidora who is a complete contrast to her own personality, how thrilled she is to be nominated and recognized for efforts.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about his role in “Show Dogs.”
Iglesias talks about lending his voice for the role of Mr. Sprinkles in “Show Dogs,” his family friendly style of comedy and thanking Netflix for the opportunities they have given him.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
The title “Bad Samaritan” embodies the essence of this story and captures the contrasting nature of the main characters.
From start to end, there’s a strange feel towards the leading character Sean Falco (Robert Sheehan) and a sense of panic towards the second leading character Cale Erendreich (David Tennant).
The two characters couldn’t be more polar opposites even when they have so much in common with their willingness to go to moral gray areas to survive.
During a press conference for “Bad Samaritan” Tennant talked about researching serial killers to get into the right mindset for the role.
Even thought the background of a serial killer can inform the audience to tendencies and reasons for the abnormalities that cause the mentality of a serial killer, the story deliberately is vague with overly explaining the background and rather let’s the audiences’ minds wander to get to a conclusion for the strange behavior.
Writer Brandon Boyce said that the audience can appreciate that not everything is explained and can be creeped out by the story they make up from the bits and pieces of information that are given.
As much as the script was well written, director Dean Devlin said that having both Sheehan and Tennant as the lead actors made these characters really come to life, as well as capturing the rural setting.
The thrill of the cat and mouse game which turns and at points can make the audience confused as to who is being hunted and who is the hunter.
The entire story, the cast and the filmmakers come together fantastically to create a thrilling, thought provoking story which intensified dramatically from beginning to end.
Join us on May 19 at The Wiltern to revisit a classic film with a live movie score
The Dust Brothers and Jacob Maymudes present a one of a kind, out of this world evening at the historic Wiltern theater, featuring the live musical score and acclaimed “Fight Club” by David Fincher.
WHERE: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
WHEN: May 19 – Doors open at 7 p.m.. Movie starts at 8 p.m.
DETAILS: 18+ welcome, full bar w/ID and food available.
Tickets available on Ticketmaster: GA Floor and GA Mezzanine – $39.50,
LOGE – $49.50 (inclusive of access to VIP preferential line, and reserved seating within LOGE),
VIP tickets – $59.50 (VIP section, access to VIP preferential line, commemorative poster)
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actors Veronica Diaz and Luis Victor Jimenez talk with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about their roles in “Taco Shop.”
Diaz talks about supporting independent business and how most Latina grandmothers have had to be entrepreneurs.
Jimenez talks about gentrification and how he was able to relate to the themes of the movie because of his experience with gentrification in Los Angeles.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actress Roselyn Sanchez talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about her part of Malia in “Traffik.”
Sanchez talked about how uncomfortable it was to film the culminating sequence to her character’s story, being compelled to be a part of this story in part by the writer-director’s story and being proud to have gotten to play such a complex role which challenged her.
In the action-packed thriller, “Traffik,” plans for a romantic weekend getaway at a secluded mountain estate turn to terror when Brea (Paula Patton) and John (Omar Epps) accidentally discover the hidden world of a brutal biker gang. Joined unexpectedly by their friends, Darren (Laz Alonso) and Malia (Roselyn Sanchez), the foursome is forced into a deadly fight for their lives against the gang who will stop at nothing to keep their dangerous secrets from getting out. The film is written and directed by Deon Taylor, and produced by Roxanne Avent, Paula Patton and Taylor. Codeblack Films, a division of Lionsgate will release the film wide on April 20.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actor Laz Alonso talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about his role as Darren in “Traffik.”
Alonso talks about filming in a secluded spot in Sacramento away from society and cell phone reception, getting to improve many lines and seeing how well the role came together and what he came away realizing once this project was done.
In the action-packed thriller, “Traffik,” plans for a romantic weekend getaway at a secluded mountain estate turn to terror when Brea (Paula Patton) and John (Omar Epps) accidentally discover the hidden world of a brutal biker gang. Joined unexpectedly by their friends, Darren (Laz Alonso) and Malia (Roselyn Sanchez), the foursome is forced into a deadly fight for their lives against the gang who will stop at nothing to keep their dangerous secrets from getting out. The film is written and directed by Deon Taylor, and produced by Roxanne Avent, Paula Patton and Taylor. Codeblack Films, a division of Lionsgate will release the film wide on April 20, 2018.
Ten years after the events of the first film, the Kaiju return in “Pacific Rim Uprising” with a new deadly threat that reignites the conflict between these otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and Jaegers, the human-piloted super-machines that were built to vanquish them.
In “Pacific Rim Uprising” directed by Steven S. DeKnight, John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous Kaiju.
BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:
The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM and Digital. The 4K Ultra HD disc will include the same bonus features as the Blu-rayTM version, all in stunning 4K resolution.