Category: Films

Dana Canedy Speaks About Love, Loss, and A Journal For Jordan

Dana Canedy speaks about love, loss, and A Journal For Jordan.

Earlier this month, we spoke to Dana Canedy to talk about her upcoming film, A Journal for Jordan. Dana is an American journalist, author, and publishing executive who worked at the New York Times for over 20 years, winning a Pulitzer Prize in 2001. She was appointed senior vice president and publisher of Simon & Schuster’s flagship eponymous imprint in July 2020. She is the first African-American to head a “major publishing imprint.”

Canedy’s life story got the interest of Denzel Washington, who directed this film adaptation of her published best selling book. I had the opportunity to screen this film, and when I spoke to Dana exclusively, I could not help but to choke up.

Carlos and Drew experienced a memorable father/son moment while watching this film. It also gave our family the opportunity to see what our military heroes and their families endure when they are over seas. This film hit so many emotional chords, and it is an inspiring story about love, loss, and hope…

See This film on Christmas Day!

Watch our full interview below!


Thank you Sony Pictures for partnering on this post. All opinions are my own.

Watch the full interview here.

SYNOPSIS

1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, before he is killed in action in Baghdad, authors a journal for his son intended to tell him how to live a decent life despite growing up without a father.

The project, “Journal for Jordan,” is based on Dana Canedy’s essay, which describes a 200-page journal penned by her fiancé, 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, for their son. The 48-year-old soldier was killed in Baghdad in October, one month shy of finishing his tour of duty. He had left for the Middle East before his son was born.

Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams) and Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan) in Columbia Pictures’ JOURNAL FOR JORDAN.

DIRECTED BY: Denzel Washington

SCREENPLAY BY: Virgil Williams
BASED ON THE BOOK BY: Dana Canedy
PRODUCED BY: Todd Black,  Denzel Washington, Michael B. Jordan, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Molly Allen,  David Bloomfield, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Richard McConnell
CAST: Michael B. Jordan, Chanté Adams, Jalon Christian

Clifford the Big Red Dog: Exclusive Interview With Darby Camp & Jack Whitehall

Clifford the Big Red Dog : Exclusive Interview With Darby Camp & Jack Whitehall

Just in time for the holidays,. Clifford: The Big Red Dog will be available available tomorrow, December 14th on digital! Last week, we spoke to Darby Camp and Jack Whitehall to talk about this adorable film.

Clifford has always been dear to our hearts, and was a family favorite in our home. He was Drew’s favorite companion, and we could never get him to let go of it! Oh, the memories…

Watch our full interview below!

Thank you Paramount Plus for partnering on this blog post. All opinions are my own.

SYNOPSIS:

When Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. With her single mother away on business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle set out on an adventure that takes a bite out of the Big Apple.

“Clifford the Big Red Dog,” premiered on November 10th in theaters and on Paramount Plus.

The movie is available to all Paramount Plus members without any extra fees. Plans start at $5 a month for ad-supported streaming.

Enjoy this movie with your entire family! ⭐️✨

Happy Holidays! ~ Queen Bee Latina

Directed by: Walt Becker

Screenplay by: Jay Scherick
& David Ronn
and Blaise Hemingway

Screen Story by: Justin Malen
and Ellen Rapoport

Starring: Jack Whitehall
Darby Camp
Tony Hale
Sienna Guillory
David Alan Grier
Russell Wong
and John Cleese

Hawkeye Global Conference: NOW Streaming on Disney Plus

Hawkeye Global Conference: Now on Streaming on Disney Plus!

Just in time for the holidays… Hawkeye, the limited series is coming to Disney Plus. This highly anticipated Marvel addition is bringing new talent to the screen (Kate Bishop). My kids and I are head over heals about streaming this over winter break. We are also stoked that Clinton Barton is back in the game…

Amigos, you don’t want to miss this action packed series! Below I have highlighted our favorite parts from the Hawkeye global conference. Read and enjoy!

Thank you Disney Plus for inviting Queen Bee Latina to the Hawkeye global conference. All opinions are my own.

SYNOPSIS

Two years after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Clint Barton must partner with Kate Bishop to confront enemies from his past as Ronin in order to get back to his family in time for Christmas.

BRANDON: And you also-you put them on the ground in New York city to film this. That brings an added level of authenticity, I think. Can you talk about that decision to film on location?

RHYS: I-you know, it’s-yeah, I mean, a-it’s, uh-New York’s very special to me anyway. I think, um, I was kind of a-a tyrant about, um, being as true to New York as we could. Um, nothing bugs me more than fake geography in movies, and-and, uh, fake texture and, uh-and so, yeah, d-I think it-it was given that we had to go there and-and get [our place in?]. It’s Christmas time in New York too. You want that real texture. Um, plus, we’ve got, you know, very human characters in the show as well, so I think anywhere that real world feel can-can breathe through the show, then, um, yeah, we had to take it.

BRANDON: I dig it. Uh, this comes from Jana Seltzer [PH], uh, with Whiskey Plus Sunshine, for Jeremy. Can you talk a little bit about Clint’s survival-survivor guilt from Avengers End Game and how it effects his character in the Hawkeye series?

JEREMY: Uh, you know, I-I don’t operate a, I guess, suppose it was survivor guilt outside just dealoss. Um, you know, there’s-and then, you know, there’s a lotta things that are lost. [LAUGH] You know what I mean? That’s-uh, it’s-it’s addressed in-in the show, which I think is, um-um, beautifully intimate. Um, and it brings our-our characters, um, closer together, um, as well as the audience, uh, I think. Um, there’s a-there’s a lotta weight that-that’s-that’s carried, you know. There’s-there might be a seemingly veneer of grumpiness, uh, in this resting face, right, in the show.

HAWKEYE – GLOBAL PRESS CONFERENCE [00:15:40]

ALL: [LAUGH]

JEREMY: But it ultimately comes from just the weight and the-the horrors, and the-the tragedies and loss that-that come with the game. It’s managing losses, uh, is-is the superhero game, and, um, the lightness and brightness that-that, um, Hailee’s character brings in, uh, it kinda counteracts that and-and comes in and kinda get it to level-level out some. So, it’s-it’s pretty cathartic, and I think quite beautiful.

Happy Holidays my beautiful friends! ~Queen Bee Latina

Ghostbusters Afterlife Introduces A New Crew of Phantom Fighters

Ghostbusters Afterlife introduces a new crew of phantom fighters!

I grew up in the 80’s, and we are huge fans of the Ghostbusters saga. This new movie release is a sensational addition to the already epic Ghostbusters adventures.

There’s something strange, in the neighborhood… Who you gonna call?

Well now in the new “Ghostbusters Afterlife,” you can call an all new group of ghost warriors. Earlier this month, we got an early glimpse of the new film that will be released only in theaters November 19th. I’m really excited for you all to see this!

Disclosure: Thank you Sony Pictures for partnering on this campaign. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.

Watch The Trailer Here

This film has lot’s of unexpected surprises and YES, our fave Slimer is back! This new gang of Ghostbusters are perhaps not the most conventional group, but they took us on spooktacular ride! This film takes place in the middle of nowhere, in a decaying farmhouse in Oklahoma. But nonetheless these outcasts turn the little town upside down.

This film is definitely a fun flick for the entire family to watch during the holidays!

Oh and thank you Sony Pictures for casting Paul Rudd the sexiest man alive 2021 per People magazine. ( I am a huge fan) He is cast as Mr. Grooberson, in the new movie!

Directed by: Jason Reitman

Written by: Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman

Based on the 1984 film
“Ghostbusters” An Ivan Reitman film written by: Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis

Produced by: Ivan Reitman

Executive Producers: Dan Aykroyd
Gil Kenan
Jason Blumenfeld
Michael Beugg
Aaron L. Gilbert
Jason Cloth

Cast: Carrie Coon
Finn Wolfhard
Mckenna Grace
Annie Potts
and Paul Rudd

Back to the Outback: Exclusive Interview With Directors Clare Knight and Harry Cripps

Back to the Outback: Exclusive Interview With Directors Clare Knight and Harry Cripps

Last week, we previewed the first half hour of Netflix’s new film, “Back to the Outback.” We also interviewed film directors, Clare Knight and Harry Cripps. This adorable new animated film is a love letter and tribute to the wildlife to Australia. Learn more and check out our exclusive interview below!

BACK TO THE OUTBACK Debuts globally on Netflix December 10

Thank you Netflix for partnering on this campaign. All opinions are my own.

Check out my full interview here!

Check out the official trailer here.

SYNOPSIS

Tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.

Leading the group is Maddie (Isla Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Guy Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie). But when their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them.

So begins a hair-raising and hilarious road trip across Australia, as they are pursued by a zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) and his adventure-seeking mini-me (Diesel La Torraca). Directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, and also featuring the voices of Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Lachlan Ross Power, and Jacki Weaver, BACK TO THE OUTBACK is an animated adventure that proves just because something’s different, doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. 


Watch this film with your entire family!

Actor Jack Dylan Grazer Talks About Fitting In. #RonsGoneWrong

Earlier this month, we took an early look at Ron’s Gone Wrong and we had the opportunity to ask the sensational cast some questions about the NEW film. Middle school can be tough, and kids want the latest in tech to show their friends they are just as cool as they are. In this exclusive interview, Jack Dylan Grazer (Barney) talks about fritting in.

*See the full transcript below.

RON’S GONE WRONG opens exclusively in theatres on October 22nd!

Rons-gone-wrong-cast

Synopsis:

Barney is a socially awkward schoolboy who receives a robot named Ron — a walking, talking, digitally connected device that’s supposed to be his best friend. Barney is excited to finally have his own robot — until his new toy starts to hilariously malfunction, drawing the attention of a shady executive who wants to protect his company’s stock price at all costs.

EDITH BOWMAN:

Great. Thank you. This takes us to Jack, from Angela, who’s Queen Bee Latina, “My son, who’s in junior high, absolutely loved this film and found it super relatable. Jack, is there a message? What message do you have for kids that struggle to fit in? I guess, are going through the same sort of things that Barney is going through?


JACK DYLAN GRAZER:
I mean, who am I to give advice? I still don’t fit in. So I think well, firstly, I think the reason
that I said yes, because I wanted to, but I really related to Barney. I had just finished middle
school, which was like the worst time of my entire life. Most awkward stage of my entire life.
And when I found Barney, I was like, Oh my god, yeah, I could pull that off. I did that for
three years. I could do that again for five more years. And I had a blast.


ED HELMS:
 It never ends.


JACK DYLAN GRAZER:
We’re starting the sequel next week, too. So what advice? I guess, just know who you are at
every age and the biggest thing, the most general way to say it is, just incorporate self-love
and know your self-worth. And know your value, know how valuable you are, know how valid
and valued you are. I think that’s super crucial. That’s crucial, especially because I mean, I
think Kylie touched on this, which was like, there’s so many pressures on social media. And
the funny thing about it is that, I know that I grew up with it. 75 year old Zach didn’t. So I
mean, it’s a big part of my life for business and for everything. So the freaky thing about it is
that is advertised as the greatest way of making friends ever. But yet again, it’s the most
toxic playground where you’ll get fed the most judgement you’ll ever see in your life. And it’s
a toxic place to grow up. I think. So, the greatest thing I think is you should know who you
are and stay grounded.

WATCH OFFICIAL TRAILER HERE:

  • DIRECTED BY Sarah Smith, Jean-Philippe Vine
  • WRITTEN BY Peter Baynham, Sarah Smith
  • PRODUCED BY Julie Lockhart, Lara Breay
  • CASTZach Galifianakis, Jack Dylan Grazer, Olivia Colman, Ed Helms, Justice Smith, Rob Delaney, Kylie Cantrall, Ricardo Hurtado, Marcus Scribner, Thomas Barbusca

Disney Jungle Cruise Now on Disney+ and In Theaters

When I was a little girl, the Jungle Cruise was one of my favorite rides a Disneyland. I enjoyed the mysterious manmade jungle that for a moment took me to a different time and place. For as long as I remember, the “Jungle Cruise” has ferried visitors on imaginary river safaris set in Africa, South America and Asia. Ohhh and who could forget the corny jokes that Skipper told us to make the experience even more amusing? But have you ever wondered what the backstory is to this ride? Well we don’t have to any longer, Disney just released, “Jungle Cruise” TODAY!

Partnership Disclosure: Thank you IMAX and Disney for inviting us to screen and celebrate the release of “Jungle Cruise.” All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

Dr. Lily Houghton enlists the aid of wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff to take her down the Amazon in his ramshackle boat. Together, they search for an ancient tree that holds the power to heal — a discovery that will change the future of medicine.

This film is both action packed and hilarious!

Watch the official trailer here.

Frank- Dwayne Johnson (The rock) never disappoints. His character is witty, fearless and brave.

Lily- Emily Blunt is endearing as ever. Her role is feisty, fierce, and she is also a fearless daredevil. Iv’e seen the film a few times now and each time I love her more.

But I have to say McGregor- Jack Whitehall is my ultimate favorite. He is witty, poise, and fashionably put together. This articulate English gentlemen has a BIG surprise for viewers. I won’t spoil it for you, but BRAVO Disney! This makes my heart so happy.

Release date: July 30, 2021 (USA)

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Music composed by: James Newton HowardProducers: Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, John Davis, John Fox

Screenplay: John Norville, Josh Goldstein, Glenn Ficarra

Story by: John Norville, Walt Disney, Josh Goldstein, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, Harper Goff

For the ultimate watch experience, see this film in an IMAX theater.

Tom and Jerry Movie Hits Theaters and HBO Max

When I was a kid in the 80’s, I would wake up super early to enjoy a bowl of cornflakes, and sit in front of the tube to watch my favorite cartoons. The one that sticks out most in my memory book is Tom and Jerry. I loved to watch their silly shenanigans and their ongoing feuds.

I was delighted to hear that Warner Bros. had created a NEW live action film staring my two favorite frenemies.

In celebration of the new release, the last couple of days we have baking, breaking piñatas and we even interview the Director, Tim Story. We’ve had a blast, and I am thrilled to share this film with my youngest son Drew.

Tom and Jerry is NOW in select theaters and on HBO Max!

Disclosure: Thank you Warner Bros for partnering with me for the new Tom and Jerry Movie. All opinions are my own.

Watch the trailer here.

Tom & Jerry is an upcoming American live-action/animated comedy film based on the characters of the same name created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The film is directed by Tim Story and written by Kevin Costello. It stars the famous cat and mouse duo of the film, Tom and Jerry.

Synopsis:

The mischievous mouse Jerry has taken up residence in New York City’s finest hotel on the eve of “the wedding of the century,” forcing the event’s desperate planner, a young employee named Kayla, to hire an alley cat named Tom to get rid of him. However, chaos ensues with the cat and mouse battle, threatening to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself, as the chase causes widespread mayhem. But soon, an even bigger problem arises: a diabolically ambitious staffer conspiring against all three of them.

Drew and I got an early screening of the film, and I couldn’t help but to feel a bit nostalgic. Even though it is a live-action film, I appreciate the fact that they kept the integrity and personalities of the original cartoon characters.

Tom a Jerry are hilarious as ever, and are still up to their old tricks. Many of the scenes were action packed, and the comedy kept us in ongoing belly laughs. I haven’t laughed this hard in some time. Tears… AND I loved to see my son Drew enjoying some of my childhood entertainment.

If you are a Tom and Jerry fan, this film is a MUST-SEE!

I do not own this image.

Drew and I spoke to Director, Tim Story about the new film.

My son asked, “What was your favorite scene you created and why?”

Tim: “Since Tom and Jerry always destroy the house in the original cartoon, they had to destroy a room. The most fun was taking what I had grown up watching over and over again, and doing it inside a room.”

I too LOVE this scene! It totally brought me back to the original cartoon.

This film is for the entire family, and I can’t wait for you all to see it!

Comment your thoughts below after watching this film!

New Movie: Finding Ohana Now Streaming on Netflix

Aloha friends!

Earlier this month Drew and I had the opportunity to screen Netflix’s new film, “Finding Ohana.” We also had an exclusive interview the creators, and the talented cast. This family friendly flick showcases historical legends from the Hawaiian culture. We truly enjoyed it and know you will too!

Home Is Where ‘Ohana Is Watch FINDING ‘OHANA, on Netflix January 29: https://www.netflix.com/FindingOhana

Disclosure: I have a partnership with Netflix, all opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Finding ‘Ohana is a lovely, earthly tale that takes place in tropical, rural Oahu. City born and raised siblings (Pili and Loane) hunt down treasure, while, creating friends of a lifetime. Plucked out of the Brooklyn Scene, they’re pushed into a world of culture, diversity, and adventure.

  • FINDING ‘OHANA (L to R) LINDSAY WATSON as HANA, KEA PEAHU as PILI, OWEN VACCARO as CASPER, ALEX AIONO as E in FINDING ‘OHANA. Cr. CHRIS MOORE/NETFLIX © 2021

The ancient treasure hidden in the mystical cave, gifts them with multiple riches, including the gift of wisdom, in which allows them to connect with their beautiful, Hawaiian heritage. This wonderful tale, has plenty of Indiana Jones + Gen Z power influences. Ones of which will empower young minorities, and girls, who are far too often unrepresented. The new generation of females, fight gender norms, rebel against the status quo, and change the world. Which only makes sense to write characters as so.

This movie is heartwarming. It’s about family, friendship, and sacrifice. It is relatable and endearing.

  • FINDING ‘OHANA (L to R) KEA PEAHU as PILI, ALEX AIONO as E, KELLY HU as LEILANI in FINDING ‘OHANA. Cr. COLLEEN E. HAYES/NETFLIX © 2021

My daughter Clarissa said she felt a connection to the film. We raised our children in an area in which brown skin wasn’t the norm. She grew into her cultural identity, and grew into her empowerment.

Hear what Owen Vaccaro had to say about being behind the scenes in our exclusive interview.

INTERVIEWS:

  • Roundtable with Christina Strain & Jude Weng
  • Roundtable with Alex Aiono & Lindsay Watson
    Roundtable with Kea Peahu & Owen Vaccaro

Movies that expedite this process, help progress growth, and confidence. I once again applaud Netflix for their spectacular, talented cast, and devotion to telling stories of all backgrounds/origins. 

The War With Grandpa Press Junket- In Theaters October 9th

Last month my children and I got a first look at, “The War with Grandpa.” We also had a chance to chat with the sensational cast, to talk about the upcoming film that will be released October 9th!

We all can use some good laughs during these crazy times, and this movie will be released just in time for you to enjoy with your entire family.

Thanks to this hilarious film, my prankster son was inspired to stir up some more trouble in our multigenerational home…

Synopsis:

Sixth-grader Peter (Oakes Fegley) is pretty much your average kid—he likes gaming, hanging with his friends and his beloved pair of Air Jordans. But when his recently widowed grandfather Ed (Robert De Niro) moves in with Peter’s family, the boy is forced to give up his most prized possession of all, his bedroom. Unwilling to let such an injustice stand, Peter devises a series of increasingly elaborate pranks to drive out the interloper, but Grandpa Ed won’t go without a fight. Soon, the friendly combatants are engaged in an all-out war with side-splitting consequences.

Based on the award-winning book by Robert Kimmel Smith, The War with Grandpa is a hilarious family comedy featuring an all-star supporting cast: Christopher Walken, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Cheech Marin, Laura Marano and Jane Seymour.

Check out what Cheech Marin had to say about playing “Wingman Danny” in the new movie.

Watch the full trailer here.

This film hits theaters October 9th!

The film is rated PG