Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.
Savvy? Great! Now get yer swaggger on an’ share some o’ yer favorite piratical ramblin’s with yer mates while you play these fun games!
Go see “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” in theaters May 26th!
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS- The Musical is has arrived at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and runs now through May 7, 2017.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014/15 season.
Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the complimentary tickets. All Opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
A classic is born! AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is sensational and it transported me into a world filled with romance, friendship, music, art, and ballet.
My mother has a great appreciation for classic music and theater, and I knew I had to take her to see this show. I’m thrilled that we got to spend quality time and experience the magic together.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
The choreography was extraordinary and executed in true art form.
My mom raved about the costumes and the set design. She was born in the nineteen thirties, and she said that the show was accurate and true to the era.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
The dreamlike scenes were flawless and continuously changing. We were often mesmerized and lost in a trance during the show.
The “I Got Rhythm” performance was astounding (my favorite part of the show) It is no surprise this new musical received fourteen Tony nominations.
Bravo! The audience gave the talented cast a standing ovation. This musical is simply wonderful and a MUST-SEE!
An American In Paris will be in town now through May 7, 2017!
“An American in Paris is a triumph! Pure joy!” – New York Times
“Once you’ve seen it, you’ll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” – The Wall Street Journal
Running time (approximate): 2 hours and 33 minutes
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – THE MUSICAL
April 25th to May 7th
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 556-2787
SCFTA.org
The highly anticipated Disneynature’s film, “Born in China” hit theaters today, and I can’t be more thrilled. Have you ever wondered how film makers are able to capture footage of animals in their natural environment? I recently was given the opportunity to speak to the producer, Roy Conli to learn more about how an amazing film like this one is created.
“Born in China” is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman.
Disneynature, in its ongoing quest to bring the natural world to the big screen as never before, presents its most ambitious project to date, taking moviegoers on a grand journey into the wilds of China. “Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families — the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey, and the elusive snow leopard.
About Roy Conli
Roy Conli is an American film producer and voice actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film for the 2014 Walt Disney Animation Studios film Big Hero 6 at the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. Roy’s background includes theater and animation. This project was different than anything he has ever worked on before. In our interview, Roy talked about his movie making experience and how he was able to create a film that will be everlasting and make an impact. He is currently working on two animation projects.
I learned some interesting facts about the production. The crew, was divided into groups and assigned to an animal family. They documented the animals habits and thought processes in their natural environments. Several cameras were placed in and around the location of the animals. Roy talked about the collaboration with the Lu Chuan, and the brilliant film crew. The cinematographers worked from the early morning until the late evening. They slept in shacks or tents, to have access to the animals. The film crew also faced extreme weather conditions much like their animal friends.
Here are some excerpts from my interview with Roy Conli.
(Roy talking about the Snow Leopard cinematographer and team)
“He was 253 days shooting, over four trips, over six seasons. He was living in a little shack next to a monastery in the Sichuan, Shaanx Plateau. He and his very small team, would leave before dawn and get back after dark. And literally shoot straight for the length of their visas. Now they were coming in on journalist visas and essentially had to leave after three months. The first shot of snow leopard that we got was ninety days into his first stay. He had to leave after the first day he got the fist shot.”
Photo Credit to Disneynature
“It’s a testament of what kind of perseverance but what kind of professionals these guys are. They really track these animals and get to understand their movements, and start to understand their thought process, and what their habits and customs are. Same thing with the pandas…. Pandas are incredibly isolated and don’t like a lot of companionship around them, and they are also 800 pound animals. So a mother panda with her 800 pound cub, can be somewhat dangerous. So what the cinematographers on that crew did, was essentially put on panda suits and would put panda scent on them. You can imagine what panda scent is. And they literally kept a significant distance away.
As you build a relationship with these animals, and as those animals see that you are not a danger. Then they start getting closer and closer. So Shane for instance, on the Snow Leopard front, started about 400 meters away, with telephoto lenses and really focusing, you know and building that relationship. By the time he ended, he was somewhere between 40 and 50 meters away. So that’s like 130 to 140 feet away. Really amazing… Sometimes you look at the shot and you see the mother looking straight at camera. She’s looking straight at camera. She’s looking at Shane and saying, “You’re not coming any closer to my kids.”
I was fascinated to hear about the amount of work that is involved to create an incredible film like this one…
Photo Credit to Disneynature
The monkeys loved to perform for the cameras and the crew. This little one was totally amused.
Roy said, “The monkeys in comparison to the snow leopards, and comparison to the pandas, they wanted to come up and say hello. They actually performed for the cameras. And one of the things that you need to do when you are working with monkeys, is try to divorce yourself from that because you don’t want them to become too familiar. Because then all of a sudden, you’re doing the exactly opposite of what your are trying to do. Let nature take its course.They want to involve you in their tribe. And you have to kind of reduce that as much as possible.”
His passion for film making is transparent in this incredible film… The footage and imagery is stunning!
This movie is a MUST SEE. Go see it in theaters today!
Support World Wildlife Fund
During Born In China’s opening week (April 21-27, 2017) film proceeds will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Based on opening-week attendance, Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards in China.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS- The Musical is coming to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts starting April 25th and runs through May 7, 2017. We are thrilled that we will be attending the media preview!
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014/15 season.
“An American in Paris is a triumph! Pure joy!” – New York Times
“Once you’ve seen it, you’ll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” – The Wall Street Journal
Running time (approximate): 2 hours and 33 minutes
Disclosure: We will receive tickets for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. Images are copyrighted and used with permission.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – THE MUSICAL
April 25th to May 7th
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 556-2787
SCFTA.org
I love scary spine-chilling films that keep me on the edge of my seat. Earlier this month, I screened a new upcoming Warner Bros. movie called, “Unforgettable.” This new seductive thriller screams sex, lies, and insanity… My kind of movie!
Thank you Warner Bros. for inviting me to screen this film. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Katherine Heigl stars as Tessa Connover, who is barely coping with the end of her marriage when her ex-husband, David (Geoff Stults), becomes happily engaged to Julia Banks (Dawson)-not only bringing Julia into the home they once shared but also into the life of their daughter, Lilly (Isabella Rice). Trying to settle into her new role as a wife and a stepmother, Julia believes she has finally met the man of her dreams, the man who can help her put her own troubled past behind her. But Tessa’s jealousy soon takes a pathological turn until she will stop at nothing to turn Julia’s dream into her ultimate nightmare.
Julia Banks (Rosario Dawson) is happily engaged to David (Geoff Stults). This optimistic bright eyed woman, leaves her past behind for a new start, in a new town.
Dawson is sexy and fierce and in her role as Julia. There are many twists in turns in this movie that kept me intrigued while screening this film…
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros
What secrets does Julia hold in her past that can jeopardize her future with David?
You have to watch this movie to find out!
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
I cringed when Tessa (Heigl) made unbearable twisted B*#@TCH moves on Julia, David’s bride to be….
Katherine Heigl brilliantly executed the role of Tessa, a narcissistic bitter ex wife, with MAJOR control issues.
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
A mother’s bond with her child is like no other. So when Tessa has to leave her daughter with her ex hubby and his fiancé, she takes “CRAZY” to entirely whole new level…
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
Isabella Kai Rice who stars as sweet Lily, is caught in the middle of this stressful family feud.
Rice perfectly portrayed the role of a broken and conflicted child.
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
This movie was suspenseful, insane, and a powerful portrayal of jealousy gone mad…..
Move over Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), there is a new “Femme Fatale” in town!
Unforgettable is a MUST SEE! Go see it in theaters April 21st.
My family has Smurf fever and we could not be more excited about the new movie release of Smurfs: The Lost Village. I grew up watching the cartoon in the 80’s, so this new one brings on a bit of nostalgia for me.
In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history.
The Sony Pictures Animation team continues to create films that have a long-lasting impact, quickly becoming family favorites.
Thank you Sony for inviting me to the Smurfs: The Lost Village Movie Junket and Premiere. All opinions are my own.
It was so awesome meeting the actors: Demi Lovato (Smurfette), Ariel Winter (Smurf Lily), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), and Jack McBrayer (Clumsy Smurf) at the press junket in Beverly Hills. Director Kelly Asbury was also in attendance. He stars as Nosey Smurf in this new film.
The all star cast is sensational! Michelle Rodriguez (SmurfStorm), Ellie Kemper (SmurfBlossom), and Julia Roberts (SmurfWillow) are all residents of the title’s Lost Village. Special voice cameos to include: Gordon Ramsay (Baker), Gabriel Iglesias (Jokey), Tituss Burgess (Vanity), Jeff Dunham (Farmer), and Jake Johnson (Grouchy).
In my interview, Demi Lavato said, ” My favorite thing about playing Smurfette, is the female empowerment aspect of this role. And I think it’s very convenient with timing of where we are at in the world today. So that was very exciting for me… And being able to play a courageous brave young female who sets out on this adventure to find out more about herself, is I think encouraging and something that is inspirational for younger woman.”
The following family headed to the premiere in Culver City, California. There was games, music, crafts, and Smurfy blue food.
Everyone joined in on the fun at the Smurfs celebration.
Celebs also made made appearances at the premiere. Glozell looked smurfy from head to toe too! Shaley Scott sings “You Will Always Find Me in Your Heart” in the new film...
We had a Smurftacular day at the premiere! Go see Smurfs: The Lost Village in theaters April 7th!
When I heard Marc Webb was directing a new film called Gifted, I immediately knew it was a must see. My girls and I are huge fans of his work (500 Days of Summer & The Amazing Spider-man), and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to screen it. I also made my way to Beverly Hills to interview the cast of this wonderful film.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. All opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
Marc Webb has delivered another masterpiece, and it’s no surprise….
Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy – his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) – in a coastal town in Florida. Frank’s plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old’s mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank’s formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary’s landlady and best friend. Jenny Slate is Mary’s teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well.
This comedy-drama manages to be both funny and moving. This film took my family on an unexpected emotional journey. On several occasions, we laughed and cried.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
This unconventional family goes through a heart wrenching custody battle with Mary’s maternal grandmother Evelyn, (Lindsay Duncan). Frank’s mother wants Mary to attend an elite school for the gifted. Frank on the other hand, wants his niece to have balance and live a normal life.
Webb’s cast is sensational… These two costars had an adorable bond on and off screen. They giggled when they talked about their behind the scenes shenanigans.
McKenna Grace said, “One of the funnest scenes for me was whenever me and Octavia were singing and dancing in her house.” She was very smart, sweet, and spunky! (much like her on-screen character).
Mary’s teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate) becomes deeply concerned for Mary and Frank. Jenny Slate is appealing in her role. She eventually finds herself drawn to her student’s hunky guardian Frank.
(Octavia Spencer) Frank and Mary’s neighbor helps raise Mary (McKenna Grace). She is kind hearted and funny. (love her)
Octavia expressed why she was inclined to take this role. “I really loved this beautiful story about an unconventional family surrounding this brilliant little girl.”
There is a lot of heart in this unique story, and the performances in this film are terrific.
Chris Evens said, ” I think the theme in this film is kind of rooted in parents that can be overbearing. That kind of in some degree, live vicariously through their children, and the rebellion that can happen as result of that dynamic.” This superhero brilliantly executed this role as a father.
As a mother, I found this movie to be very endearing and it also had a very profound message. I truly loved this film and think you will too!
“Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little girls. But Professor Utonium accidentally added an extra ingredient to the concoction… Chemical X. Thus the Powerpuff Girls were born. Using their ultra-superpowers, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup have dedicated their lives to fighting crime and the forces of evil.”
Hulu and Creators Media hosted a fun filled afternoon in Santa Monica, California. The celebration included interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and awesome activities all centered around the celebration of girl empowerment. My cousins and I were ecstatic because we got to be “Real Life Powerpuff Girls” for a day.. I know I am a bit older than the girls, but I didn’t want to miss out on the fun!
The workshops included a Science Station, Dance Instruction, and Art Class. I grew up watching the Powerpuff girls and I learned many life lessons. It taught me to feel empowered and aspire to be a leader in my community.
Thank you Hulu for inviting us to be “Real Life Powerpuff Girls for a day. All opinions are my own.
The Powerpuff Girls centers on three sugar-coated superheroes, whose missions in life alternate between going to school, fighting crime, winning at hopscotch and saving the world before bedtime. The girls are frequently called upon by the town’s childlike and naive mayor to help fight nearby criminals using their powers.
You can now stream The Powerpuff Girls anytime on Hulu!
My little cousins are so darn cute. They learned how to make miniature rocket ships. They were restless for knowledge and asked lots of questions. I could see the wheels in their brains spinning. Their eyes light up while working on the experiment.
The girls also became animators for a day and learned how to draw Bubbles. They were at ease and expressed themselves freely. Within a short time, the girls all become friends. They empowered and complimented each other.
The girls danced to empowering music. They laughed and sang along to the tunes. and “iconically whipped”(dance move). Was it a dance party or a laugh fest? Perhaps it was both.
The girls were introduced to “Real Life Superheroes.” They heard from three inspiring young girls. One was a vegan and animal rights activist, another an entrepreneur, and the third was a Jujitsu Master. They told their stories and talked about the hardships they faced.
Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom are truly iconic for young girls. They made a big impact in my life growing up. These three superheroes embody individuality, confidence, kind hearts, and power… I love this!
We had an awesome day at the Powerpuff Girls event. The girls were one in heart and mind. We all felt what it was like to be a real life superhero for a day, and it was amazing!
My aunt says that as soon as my little cousins got home, they watched a marathon of The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu. Sol was so excited she drew this!
Don’t forget to watch The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu!
The day my son was born, we knew we were in for some trouble… Not only is he the only boy our family, he’s the youngest. At times, this little man thinks he calls the shots. He often bosses his three older sisters around and gets away with being travieso (naughty). We can’t help it. He looks at us with his adorable puppy eyes, and then we are suckered into what he wants. I guess you can say he’s “The Boss Baby” in our home.
Last week my family screened and celebrated, “The Boss Baby” Movie at DreamWorks Animation Studios in Glendale, California. This adorable movie is hits theaters March 31st! This movie stars Alec Baldwin, Lisa Kudrow, and Tobey Maguire and more….
Thank you DreamWorks and Bloggin’ Mamas for inviting us to “The Boss Baby” screening and event. All opinions are my own.
This mini CEO insisted on bringing his grandfather’s brief case to The Boss Baby event. He said he wants to be a “Jefe”(Boss) just like his abuelo (grandpa) when he grows up.
DreamWorks Animation and the director of MADAGASCAR invite you to meet a most unusual baby. He wears a suit, speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin, and stars in the animated comedy, DreamWorks’ THE BOSS BABY.
THE BOSS BABY is a hilariously universal story about how a new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7 year old named Tim.
With a sly, heart-filled message about the importance of family, DreamWorks‘ THE BOSS BABY is an authentic and broadly appealing original comedy for all ages.
These cute babies are toothless and ruthless!
“The Boss Baby” family fun celebration included a sweet tooth dessert station, animation drawing class, and puppy petting station.
Don’t let my son’s puppy eyes fool you… He tried to negotiate a deal and sell us into taking this cute pup home. These adorable Vanderpump Dogs are up for adoption and were a big hit at #TheBossBaby event.
I found myself laughing hysterically out loud during the screening. Alec Baldwin is sarcastic, rude, and hilarious. This film is awesome for the entire family!
Say hello to the little Boss…. #BossBaby opens in theaters March 31!
Prepare to enter an enchanted world when you watch the new Live-Action remake of “Beauty and The Beast.” The most anticipated movie of the year has hit the big screen and it will not disappoint fans!
This beautiful new introduced version has been translated into the 21st Century yet maintains the integrity of the original Disney film. Belle is portrayed as inventive and an industrious girl. She is clearly ahead of her time and is more interested in finding out who she is. She has no interest in finding a husband or being a princess.
Synopsis
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.
Emma Watson’s interpretation of Belle empowers a whole new generation. She is a great role model for young girls because she fights for what she believes in. Belle is curious and has a great thirst for knowledge. She is a fighter, activist, and is the first modern Disney Princess.
Gaston (Luke Evens) is smooth, charming, and likable at first. Then he slowly transforms into one of Disney’s most arrogant, cavalier, and infamous villains.
Josh Gad was hilarious in his role as “Lefou.” He is completely obsessed with Gaston (hint hint) and will unveil a secret. (no more spoilers I promise)
The Beast played by Dan Stevens, initially is a bit dark and scary.(ok for kids) With the help of his friends, his layers are removed and he learns to love.
It was refreshing to see such a colorful cast. The characters are of different ethnicities, genders, and some were cheerfully flamboyant. It is a clear indication that Disney is opening the doors widely to diversity and embracing individuality.
The Computer Generated (CG) animation that was incorporated in the film was sophisticated and very much ALIVE! Lumiere, Cogsworth, and the other castle characters were true to the original version. Their distinct personalities were brilliantly executed. The “Be Our Guest” scene was just delightful!
The music (reprise) composed by Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, was exceptionally performed and was enchanting. Audra McDonald (Garderobe), had large impact vocally in the film. She was sensational!
The Message
In Director Bill Condon’s interview he said, “You know, I talked before about how we translate this into a live act – that means filling out the characters. It’s also a translation to 2017, you know? And what is this movie about? What has this story always been about?
For 300 years it’s about looking closer, going deeper, you know, accepting
people for who they really are, and in a very Disney way we are including
everybody. I think this movie is for everybody, and on the screen you’ll see
everybody, and that was important to me, I think to all of us.”
Bravo Disney! After screening this film I cried tears of joy. Go see the new Live-Action “Beauty and the Beast” today!
The following family headed to the premiere in Culver City, California. There was games, music, crafts, and Smurfy blue food.
Shaley Scott sings “You Will Always Find Me in Your Heart” in the new 
