Inspired by a true story; Fatima is a historical film that is driven by faith and hope. The film itself follows three young children in war ridden Portugal, who claim to see an apparition of Mary. The story is filled with stomach turning events, as well as endearing ones. The principal child, who Mary has selected as her messenger, features Stephanie Gil; young, compelling actress with whom I have interviewed.
In 1917, outside the parish of Fátima, Portugal, a 10-year-old girl and her two younger cousins witness multiple visitations of the Virgin Mary, who tells them that only prayer and suffering will bring an end to World War I.
As secularist government officials and Church leaders try to force the children to recant their story, word of the sighting spreads across the country, inspiring religious pilgrims to flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle.
What they experience will transform their quiet lives and bring the attention of a world yearning for peace. Based on real-life events and starring Joaquim de Almeida (“Queen of the South”), Goran Višnjić (Beginners), Stephanie Gil (Terminator: Dark Fate) and Lúcia Moniz (Love, Actually), with Sônia Braga (Aquarius) and Harvey Keitel (The Piano, The Irishman), Fatima is an uplifting story about the power of faith.
When I was a child, my mother always told me about this captivating story of Our Lady of Fatima, and Lucia Dos Santos. Watching this story come to life before our very eyes, was a bonding experience for my mother and I. The story holds a special place in my heart, and will always serve as a reminder to always have faith. Bravo to director Marco Pontecorvo for this timeless film!
We just got back from the Caribbean, and we are feeling a little jet lag. We need a vacation from our vacation! Lol. We are now back into the swing of things, and going three thousand miles a minute. Yikes, sometime we need to slow down and take a break. In celebration of our return and the home release of Disney The Lion King, my kiddos and I had a Lion King themed movie night!
Nants ingonyama bagithi baba sithi uhhmm ingonyama! The Lion King has hit the big screen for a second time. The new photorealistic computer-generated animation has been recreated, with an all new star studded cast. The film stays true to its original 1994 roots, honoring the original release. So don’t worry, Lebo M who created its original magnificent scores, with homage to Africa has recreated the magic once again!
Hey guys visit my instagram, and comment by October 28, 2019, on my Lion King post for a chance to win a digital download! @queenbeelatina
Thank you Disney Movies for partnering with me on this giveaway and hosting our very cool, “The Lion King Movie Night.” All opinion are my own.
In-home audiences will feel the love as they trek behind the scenes and to the African savanna through “The Journey to ‘The Lion King,’” a three-part documentary that explores the film’s creation. It features visits to the Playa Vista production facility where talent, including Donald Glover (voice of Simba) honor and elevate the animated classic’s iconic music; discussions with Favreau and team who used cutting-edge technology to create photorealistic animals and environments; and filmmaker and cast reflections on the timeless tale that has moved generations. Extras also include “More to Be Scene,” layer-by-layer progressions of some of the film’s most iconic moments; lyric video for “Never Too Late” by Elton John and music video for “Spirit” by Beyoncé; sing-alongs to the film’s unforgettable songs; and a feature on the “Protect the Pride” campaign, which focuses on protecting and revitalizing the lion population.
There are super cool Blu-ray and Digital Bonus you don’t want to miss!
Watch the trailer here!
Our Lion King themed movie night could not be complete without our critter treats!
This classic is worth seeing with your children. Pick up your copy and celebrate too!
We often go to cheesy kid movies with our kids out of love for them. We pretend to understand everything they talk about, and to love everything they remotely care about because… that’s the motherly thing to do. Take Assassin’s Creed for example. Do I love Cal Lynch? Uh, well, which one was that again? But, If you ask my son what I think about Assassins Creed? He’ll say, “I love it.” That’s just what we do as parents. We adore our dang kids, and want to find things in common with them. But I have found that my son and I actually DO have something in common. We both enjoy movies! Earlier this month, we got a sneak peek of MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL.
My son loves Syfi, action, and comedy flicks. I love dramas, romcoms, and adventure films. Finding movies that bond our two loves, can be tricky. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, however, left us both on the edge of our seats, eager to see what was going to happen next. The movie itself sent many powerful messages. This twisted fantasy was everything I hoped for (and more).
A formidable queen causes a rift between Maleficent and Princess Aurora. Together, they must face new allies and enemies in a bid to protect the magical lands which they share. In this movie, you will experience bold, cinematic visuals. My son pointed out that the women in the film were “fearless” and “unique,” just how a woman should be portrayed.
The mythology that goes along with the cast’s spectacular performance, fits into the list of Disney Classics perfectly. Angelina Jolie goes above and beyond to not only fit the physical qualities of Maleficent, but she also accurately portrays the emotional qualities of this complicated witch. Through the course of this film, the audience will learn the importance of confidence and individuality. As a 43-year-old woman, I felt unbelievably empowered by the portrayal of all the women in this film. My son witnessing characters like Maleficent, is extremely important to me. Quite frankly, it’s important for the development of all young boys. This film has no damsel in distress, has no woman dependent on a man, and that is what I like and expect to see more of in the future movie world.
BRAVO Disney! This movie is for all the women, and girls ready to be portrayed as the strong heroes that they are. Maleficent: Mistress of evil is now on my list of favorites. I’m so glad I got to watch it with my little guy!
Last week, Queenbeelatina Media screened and celebrated the new Downton Abbey Film. We arrived at the Four Season hotel in Beverly Hills, where we were gifted delicious cupcakes and treats. After consuming what felt like a million delicious Magnolia cupcakes, we interviewed Elizabeth McGovern, Allen Leech and Hugh Boneville.
Thank you Focus Features Films for inviting us to screen the Downton Abbey Movie. All opinions are my own.
Four years after the spectacular ending of the Downton Abbey Series, Carnival Productions welcomes fans to the long awaited Downton Abbey film. Downton Excitement is high at Downton Abbey when the Crawley family learns that King George V and Queen Mary are coming to visit. But trouble soon arises when Mrs. Patmore, Daisy and the rest of the servants learn that the king and queen travel with their own chefs and attendants — setting the stage for an impromptu scheme and other shenanigans.
The Interview
After screening this beautiful film, we laughed and cried as we recounted the events of this story. Our hearts yearned for more of Violet Crawley; as one can never get enough of her wittiness. As fans, we so wanted to see more of Cora Crowley’s elaborate dresses, and her elegant classiness.
We asked the beloved Elizabeth McGovern what she thought about coming back to character, she left after the series finale. Her eyes smiled as she responded, “It’s a luxury in some ways, because the fact that you don’t have to think about all those things that you think about when you’re just creating the character to begin with, How do they talk? How do they walk? How do they sit? And since it’s so deeply in our bones, you can just play it.”
I looked over at Allen Leech he grinned, “..The minute you start reading the script and then when you start getting into your costume, your realize it’s actually muscle memory.”
For the audience, this film started where it left off. I’ve always loved watching the Crawley families highlights, because it reminds us to recognize ours.
Hugh Boneville put it beautifully, “[Downton Abbey] taught me something as a father, a father of a teenager. That we’ve actually all made our own mistakes.” (Which reminded me of my favorite quote from the show).
Carson: “Hard work and diligence weigh more than beauty in the real world.”
I constantly recite that to my sisters, because it truly does ring true. Downton Abbey never fails to educate audiences. The lessons, and the elegance that comes with the film is ageless.
It was memorable and beautiful day! I can’t wait to watch this movie for the years to come…
Last month, we had an exclusive interview with director Sergio Guerrero to discuss his new film “Intolerance No More.” This film is striking up intense conversations, and is currently circulating internationally in film festivals and universities to support initiatives such as AB392, and also find distribution in order to keep the conversation open and together find solutions.
In our volatile political climate, “Intolerance No More” could have not come at a better time. The film touches the topics of racial profiling, police injustices, and media manipulation. This movie was brilliantly crafted to create noise and to raise awareness.
LIVE Instagram Interview July 3, 2019
About The Film
This film follows the story of a young African American woman who has an encounter with a white police officer that leaves him dead. The world watches a media circus real-time hunt for her and the truth. This movie truly opens the eyes of all individuals, as we follow an African American woman directly. The story from her eyes is rooted in tragedy, fear, and confusion. These are the stories that go too often untold.
Guerrero was very strategic with the creation of his film. He wanted to create discussion, by giving multiple point of views (including the proclaimed assailant). He explained, that the only point of view we typically see, are those told by media outlets.
His inspiration for the film, is rooted in a real life experience. One day while watching the news, he saw an African American woman being chased by police officers. To Guerrero’s surprise, the news anchors jumped to racially charged stereotypes and judgments. He wondered, how many other individuals were judged as quickly as this woman.
This movie is important, because it showcases a scenario that is all too familiar in our communities.
A USC Cinematic Arts graduate and Emmy Award winner Sergio Guerrero produced and co-wrote the multi-awarded feature film, “A Day Without a Mexican”, a sleeper hit that later served as the banner for the immigration movement in the United States. Guerrero is the creator, director and producer for Fox “Dos Lunas” starring Barbara Mori and Leonardo Sbaraglia. In addition, he produced the first original scripted series for NBC Universo called “El Vato”. In between movies and TV shows Sergio has over 500 commercials under his belt as director / producer with his Indie Eye Productions. Sergio continues to create premium content for all platforms such as the TV series “Soccer & Drinks” and his indie film “Intolerance” to be release at the end of the year.
Films can move us, educate us, and touch our deepest human chords…
Last night, I screened “Dancing at the Vatican” and I felt all of the of the above. I learned about a rare vicious disease, that is now being brought to life in this film.
Huntington’s disease is a genetic, progressive and fatal disease that affects one person in every 10,000. Latin America holds a special place in the scientific history of HD. In 1993 an international effort first identified the mutations causing Huntington’s disease in the Maracaibo region of Venezuela. Unfortunately, despite the many years since the discovery of the gene, the quality of life of affected people in Venezuela and elsewhere has changed very little.
“Dancing at the Vatican” World Premiere (from left to right): Charles Sabine,Emmy award-winning reporter, global advocate of the disease and co-founder of HDdennomore Dr. Ignacio Muñoz-Sanjuan, a neuroscientist and Huntington’s expert, co-founder of Factor-H, a charity that helps HD sufferers in Latin America. Co-founder of HDdennomore Kate Miner – Actress who emceed the event. Her family is a carrier of Huntington’s Disease Juan Pablo Yepez, Venezuelan actor actively involved with Huntington disease
“Dancing at the Vatican,” is an emotionally charged film about Huntington’s disease authored by former Emmy award winning TV reporter Charles Sabine. The film follows villagers from Latin America on a life changing journey to the Vatican and an audience with the Pope.
“Dancing at the Vatican” Q&A Session
I could not hold back the tears while screening this film. As a mother of a severely disabled child, I could relate to the heartache and isolation that caregivers and families often feel. It showcases the obstacles and stigma associated with those most affected by this genetic disease. But there is a message of hope, when select families from Venezuela are given a platform at the Vatican in Rome to share their personal journeys.
Pope Benedict showed deep compassion and personally met with these families. It was a magical moment for them, and just beautiful to watch. And yes…. more tears.
To learn more about Huntington Disease, or to see how you can help click here.
Summer of Spork: TOY STORY 4 Feeds Fans Only the Best
Disclosure: Thank you Disney Pixar for inviting us to screen Toy Story 4. All opinions are my own.
Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 4 is sure to be the summer’s favorite film, feeding fans another serving of fun. Consider this the kickoff to the Summer of Spork.
Since the franchise’s last release in 2010, the world hasn’t been the same. Toy Story 3 ended with the toy gang in the arms of a new kid and it changed everything. Toy Story 3 had a magic to it—allowing nostalgia for the generation that knew and loved the first two films, all while perfectly entertaining a new generation of young moviegoers.
Along with familiar favorites, Toy Story 4 welcomes a new cast of toys. At the center of it all is Bonnie’s favorite homemade toy—Forky (Tony Hale). Forky is the complete opposite of Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks)—scared, insecure, and completely content without the love of a child. In a quick turn of events, Woody vows to be Forky’s guardian and the duo find themselves in the worst possible predicament for a toy to be in—they become lost.
The film follows the pair as they try to return to Bonnie, and to everyone’s surprise, they come across Woody’s past love Bo Peep (Annie Potts). Bo is a different toy since her last appearance in Toy Story 2, as she presents herself as resilient, tactful, and protective. As the female toy with the most screen time (sorry Jessie [Joan Cusack] fans), Bo’s character is unique and strikes interesting conversations about self-worth and purpose.
Director Josh Cooley ensures the chemistry of new and familiar characters is electric. In wonderful fashion, the introductions of Forky and Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) are memorable and hilarious—presenting multi-faceted characters, completely fresh from the lovable, yet worn favorites of Toy Story 1 and 2.
Saving the best for last, Toy Story 4 introduces the oddest toy BFFs of all, Ducky (Keegan- Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele). Nothing can stop this carnival couple from being truly themselves—toys with the best escape plans.
Toy Story 4 is a breath of fresh air, and a film to entertain any age group. From physical comedy to inside jokes, the film reminds viewers how fun it is to play with toys.
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
Disney’s ALADDIN soars into theatres this weekend with the tough job of following in the footsteps of animation gold.
The story of Aladdin centers on a poor but good-hearted young man (Mena Massoud as Aladdin) as he attempts to impress the girl of his dreams (Naomi Scott as Jasmine) with the help of magical friends (Will Smith as Genie).
Riding on the heels of Beauty and the Beast’s live action success in 2017, Disney gambles on bringing the film’s memorable cast of characters into a whole new world. Disney’s decision to green-light Aladdin as a live-action is tough in that the whimsical aspects of the most memorable sidekicks appear less dimensional and less interesting.
Prior to shooting, director Guy Ritchie took a lot of heat from the movie world when casting Will Smith as Genie—because let’s face it, Robin Williams is a tough act to follow. I was most hesitant about what to expect from Smith, but in the end, he genuinely helps the film grow into a more grown-up version of the original story.
Though the film delivers all the poignant scenes you know and love from the animated original, it does bring to light some of the problematic dramas involved with its main characters. This is the film’s redeeming quality—its awareness of its characters true intentions, especially Jasmine and villain Jafar (Marwan Kenzari). Though Aladdin centers on its main protagonist, the film’s diamonds in the rough are conversations Jasmine and Jafar’s dreams for themselves and the fictional nation of Agrabah.
The film’s ending proceeds as you might expect, but attempts something different with Jasmine. Though two original songs are written for her (the only ones unique to the live-action), a powerful punch isn’t made until the end in a conversation with her father. If this point were fleshed out more effectively in the plot, Jasmine would have experienced the most poignant development of all the film’s characters.
Aladdin is a visual masterpiece, with gorgeous cinematography (Alan Stewart) adding a crispness to the film’s enjoyable choreography. As always, Alan Menken’s music injects another layer of life, and brings the nostalgia home.
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
Spring is here and a lot is happening in the movie world, including the release of Missing Link April 12th!
Missing Link is an extraordinary film that has several wonderful messages. It talks about the the power of friendship, accepting others for who they are, and most importantly, putting others before yourself.
Last month, I screened this film and interviewed Director Chris Butler, Zoe Saldana, and Zach Galifianakis at the Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Check out the excerpts from my interview below!
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with United Artists Releasing.
Watch the trailer!
The movie is funny, heart-warming, and full of adventure! It is based in America back in the late 1800’s.
Synopsis:
Link is 8 feet tall, 630 lbs, and covered in fur, but don’t let his appearance fool you… he is funny, sweet, and adorably literal, making him the world’s most lovable legend at the heart ofMissing Link, the globe-trotting family comedy adventure from LAIKA. Tired of living a solitary life in the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Link recruits fearless explorer Sir Lionel Frost to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, our fearless trio of explorers encounter more than their fair share of peril as they travel to the far reaches of the world to help their new friend. Through it all, the three learn that sometimes you can find a family in the places you least expect.
I was most excited when the story led us to my hometown-Santa Ana, California. I mean, how awesome is that?!
I was curious about what inspired Director, Chris Butler, to choose my little city and put it in the film.
Victoria: —I actually had a question about one of the cities that you used, Santa Ana, California. I’m just curious, what made you choose that city? Only because I’m from there, so thank you for using that city. I feel like a lot of people forget about that part of Orange County.
Chris Butler: I think when you’re playing, or when you’re telling a story that takes place in the real world, even if it’s a different time period. You want to– people have certain expectations and they kind of hook what’s familiar– they hook into what’s familiar to them. So for example, if you’re gonna set part of the story in Victorian London, you need horse-drawn carts and chimney stacks, and so you have to check those boxes. And also, we’re traveling around the world pretty rapidly. So I don’t have much time to create a scene before we move on again. So I wanted things that look iconic, and you know, there’s not much that’s more iconic to the Victorian times than the old locomotive, and we all wanted a train station. And I saw some old photographs of Santa Ana train station in the 1880s and it’s just this glorious building, and so that’s what we based the design on.
Victoria: Yes, no, I thought it was awesome that you even added the water tower–
Chris Butler: –Yes–.
Victoria: –-Cause I pass by it every day so it–
Zoe Saldana: —Aw, that’s great.
I was very impressed with how Chris did his research, and how he included many little details that really made this film come to life. He even added the Santa Ana water tower!
This movie definitely one of my favorites. It’s a feel good movie that made me feel all warm and fuzzy after watching it. It is a MUST-SEE film for all ages!
Miss Clarissa hit the red carpet for the new Wonder Park movie at the Regency Village in Los Angeles, to interview the cast of of the new film.
Growing up is difficult, and as we get older our creativity and imagination can be impaired. It so important to have fun, and never give up! Wonder Park will take audience on a magical ride full of adventure, fun, and laughs! This film is “a celebration of imagination” that “dreams big, and delivers bigger!”
Here is a photo recap from our day at the Wonder Park Movie Premiere!
Operation Wonder Park is a GO and NOW in theaters!
Thank you Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies for inviting us to the premiere of Wonder Park. All opinions are my own.
SYNOPSIS:
WONDER PARK tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive.
STARRING: Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver, Mila Kunis, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, Norbert Leo Butz, Brianna Denski and Ken Hudson Campbell
Brianna Denski is the voice of June!
This feature film is presented in state-of-the-art D-BOX theatres with RealD 3D technology
Mr. Oev Michael Urbas looked Daper on the carpet. He is the voice of Banky in Wonder Park.
Mila Kunis looked fab in pink on the red carpet. She stars as the voice Greta. We LOVE her!
Miss Sofia Mali is spunky and totally adorable. She stars as young June in the new film.
Jen Keong shared his thoughts on kids wanting to grow up too quickly. The Dr. stars as Cooper.
Sky Katz and Grace VanderWaal looked chic and sassy on the red carpet.
Watch the Trailer!
#WonderPark is “a magical adventure that’s impossible not to love!” 🎢Experience the wonder of Wonder Park in theatres!
