Films Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Queen Bee Latina

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

Fatima a Story of Hope is Now in Theaters and On Demand

FATIMA Fatima-476CRC – Jorge Lamelas, Alejandra Howard and Stephanie Gil star in Fatima, an uplifting story about the power of faith. Photo Credit: Claudio Iannone ©2020 PICTUREHOUSE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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.

Check out my interview below:

Synopsis

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!

Disney The Lion King Movie Night

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.

About The Film

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!

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Movie Review

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).

Synopsis:

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!

Disney fans… This movie is a MUST-SEE!

Read about the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Press Junket here.

Downton Abbey Movie Hits Theaters

Written By Clarissa Camacho

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.

Downton Abbey fanatics unite!

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…

Watch Downton Abbey in theaters today!

Exclusive Interview With Director Sergio Guerrero To Discuss Film “Intolerance No More”

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.

About Director Sergio Guerrero

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.

Intolerance No More Film Crew

Film “Dancing at the Vatican” Brings Huntington’s Disease to Light

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

About Film:

“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.

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.

Review: Disney Pixar Toy Story 4

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

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.

See Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 in theatres beginning this Friday, June 21.

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.

Review: Disney’s ALADDIN Soars Into Theaters

Written by: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

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.

Disney’s ALADDIN comes to American theatres on Friday, May 24.

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.

https://movies.disney.com/aladdin-2019