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A Heartwarming Adventure: Paddington in Peru

A Heartwarming Adventure: Paddington in Peru

Happy Valentine’s Day friends…

Paddington in Peru hits theaters TODAY!

There is something undeniably magical about Paddington Bear. Ever since he first graced the pages of Michael Bond’s books, his charming and optimistic nature has endeared him to generations. With Paddington in Peru, the beloved bear returns for another adventure—one that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling. This third installment is a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and emotion, making it a perfect film for audiences of all ages.

A Special Screening at The Grove

I had the incredible opportunity to attend an early screening of Paddington in Peru at The Grove in Los Angeles. The excitement was palpable as families, press, and fans of all ages gathered to witness the return of our favorite marmalade-loving bear. The energy in the theater was infectious, with children giggling in anticipation and adults reminiscing about their love for the previous films. There’s something special about experiencing a film like this on the big screen with an audience who shares the same joy and nostalgia.

Watch the official trailer here.

A Whimsical and Colorful Journey

From the very beginning, Paddington in Peru bursts onto the screen with vibrant colors and stunning CGI that bring the lush Peruvian jungle to life. The cinematography captures the breathtaking landscapes, from the bustling streets of London to the mystical depths of the Amazon. Every frame is infused with warmth, setting the stage for an adventure that feels both whimsical and grand.

The film finds Paddington embarking on a high-stakes quest to find his beloved Aunt Lucy, who has mysteriously disappeared from the Home for Retired Bears. Accompanied by the ever-loyal Brown family, Paddington follows a series of clues that lead them deep into the Peruvian rainforest. What unfolds is a mix of comedy, suspense, and unexpected surprises, all executed with the impeccable comedic timing that has become a signature of the Paddington films.

A Stellar Cast Brings Paddington’s World to Life

Ben Whishaw once again lends his voice to Paddington, delivering a performance brimming with warmth, innocence, and charm. His gentle yet expressive voice perfectly embodies Paddington’s unwavering optimism, making it impossible not to root for him. Hugh Bonneville returns as the steadfast Mr. Brown, and Emily Mortimer steps into the role of Mrs. Brown, bringing a delightful energy to the character. Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, and Imelda Staunton also reprise their roles, adding depth and humor to the film.

One of the standout performances comes from Olivia Colman, who brings an effortless wit and gravitas to her role. Antonio Banderas also makes a memorable appearance, adding a touch of intrigue and charisma. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, creating a familial warmth that underscores the film’s central theme—family is not just about blood, but about love, loyalty, and shared adventures.

Comedy, Surprises, and a Touch of Mystery

One of the strongest aspects of Paddington in Peru is its ability to balance humor with heart. The film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, from Paddington’s well-meaning but often clumsy attempts at navigating the jungle to his interactions with the eccentric characters he meets along the way. The comedic timing is impeccable, ensuring that both children and adults will find plenty to enjoy.

Beyond the laughs, the film delivers a heartfelt message about perseverance and never giving up hope. Paddington’s determination to find Aunt Lucy serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and resilience. The plot is full of twists and surprises, keeping audiences engaged as the mystery unfolds.

CGI

The CGI in Paddington in Peru is truly remarkable. Paddington himself looks more lifelike than ever, with every strand of his fur meticulously animated. The seamless integration of CGI with live-action performances makes the film visually stunning. The jungle sequences are particularly impressive, immersing viewers in a world teeming with beauty and danger.

The film’s soundtrack further enhances the storytelling, with a score that perfectly captures the emotional highs and lows of the adventure. From playful, upbeat melodies to more poignant orchestral pieces, the music adds an extra layer of magic to the film.

A Timeless Message About Family and Hope

At its core, Paddington in Peru is a story about family—the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The Brown family’s unwavering support for Paddington is touching, reinforcing the idea that true family is built on love and loyalty. The film also explores themes of identity and belonging, making it a deeply relatable experience for audiences of all ages.

The message of never giving up hope is particularly poignant. Even in the face of uncertainty, Paddington remains steadfast in his belief that he will find Aunt Lucy. This optimism is a refreshing reminder of the power of hope, making the film not only entertaining but also uplifting.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for All Ages

Paddington in Peru is a delightful addition to the Paddington franchise, offering a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. The incredible cast, stunning visuals, and charming narrative make it a must-watch for families, long-time fans, and newcomers alike.

Experiencing the film at The Grove made it even more special—it was a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and appreciation for Paddington’s enduring charm. Whether you’re drawn in by his irresistible personality, the breathtaking visuals, or the film’s underlying message of love and perseverance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This Valentine’s Day, Paddington in Peru is the perfect film to watch with loved ones—a reminder that kindness, adventure, and a little bit of marmalade can make the world a better place.

GO SEE PADDINGTON IN PERU WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY TODAY!

Dickies and Estevan Oriol Clothing Collaboration

Dickies and Estevan Oriel Clothing Collaboration

Last week, Queen Bee Latina hit the fashion scene to festejar (celebrate), the new Dickies and street artist Estevan Oriol fashion collab. This incredible clothing line, is paying homage to Chicano Culture with world renown LA photographer, Estevan Oriol. This unique line speaks volumes and has already sold out on several websites. We love this line, and yes it is all the hype!

Dickies has always been a staple piece in Chicano wardrobes. To celebrate this wonderful and newfound partnership, Dickies and Oriol launched their inaugural capsule collection at a private event hosted in Los Angeles, California. This collection celebrates street art and also represents latinx and brown pride.

Muchisimas gracias Dickies and Estevan Oriel for inviting us to to celebrate your new fashion collaboration.

This festive event was held at the Pink Motel in Sun Valley, CA. The location was perfect for the exhibition of the new fashion line, lowrider cars, LIVE music, skateboarders, and taco trucks.

Oriol is iconic in the Chicano community, he said, “Capturing the raw reality of Los Angeles street life and Chicano lowrider culture is my life’s calling. I’m devoted to humanizing the parts of the city. I’m humbled to have received the immense trust, respect and responsibility from Dickies to document their clothing in an intimate way that authentically represents Chicano culture today.”

The Estevan Oriol x Dickies collection available for purchase today at dickies.com includes:

Estevan Oriol x Dickies

Original 874® Twill Work Pants
Indigo Denim Bib Overalls
LA Nights Long Sleeve T-Shirt

About the Dickies Brand

Founded in 1922 in Fort Worth, Texas, Dickies has stood alongside generations of proud workers, equipping them with the rugged, durable workwear that has enabled them to make and shape our world. A brand of VF Corporation, Dickies has grown to represent a global community of people who have taken inspiration from the traditional world of work and made it their own. For 100 years and available in over 100 countries, what began as a humble workwear company has grown into a worldwide force, weaving together cultural movements with a rigorous commitment to straightforward style and long-lasting ingenuity. For more information, please visit dickies.com.

This line fully represents latinx street style and emanates cultural pride. You make us proud Estevan!

About Estevan Oriol

Estevan Oriol is an internationally celebrated professional photographer, director, and urban lifestyle entrepreneur. His extensive portfolio juxtaposes the glamorous and gritty planes of LA culture, featuring portraits of famous athletes, artists, celebrities, and musicians as well as Latino, urban, gang, and tattoo culture lifestyles.

Above all, Oriol has created a line that young chicanos can identify with. And that’s pretty spectacular.

Disney’s The Lion King Press Junket

Are you a Lion King fan?

If so, you gotta see See Disney’s “They Lion King” in theaters, July 19th!

Last week, my daughter and I headed to the Montage hotel in Beverly Hills to meet with the sensational cast of Disney’s, The Lion King. In celebration of the new film, Clarissa and I jammed out to Donald Glover’s and Beyonce’s music on our way up to in the car. Not only because these are our favorite musicians, but they are also the voice talent in this upcoming new film!

Thank you Disney Studios for inviting me to screen “The Lion King” and attend the Press Junket. All opinions are my own.

The talent in attendance were: Donald Glover (voice of “Simba”), Seth Rogen (voice of “Pumbaa”), Billy Eichner (voice of “Timon”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (voice of “Scar”), Alfre Woodard (voice of “Sarabi”), Keegan-Michael Key (voice of “Kamari”), Florence Kasumba (voice of “Shenzi”), Eric Andre (voice of “Azizi”), John Kani (voice of “Rafiki”), JD McCrary (voice of “Young Simba”), Shahadi Wright Joseph (voice of “Young Nala”), Director Jon Favreau, Composer Hans Zimmer, and Lebo M (AfricanMusic Consultant / Performer)

Below are some of my favorite excerpts from last week’s press junket!

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Creator/producer African vocal/choir arrangements Lebo M. and Clydene Jackson perform during the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

A woman dressed in traditional African clothing slowly raised her arms. The room silent stood still, and then a harmonious choir began to sing. It was surreal.

Lebo M and Carmen Twillie surprised the room, by singing some belting recognizable iconic notes, “Circle of Life”. The two moved their feet in sync and their hearts were connected to every lyric they sang. It was mind blowing, and my tears were flowing uncontrolabley…

After this memorable and heartwarming performance, we were introduced to the cast by the moderator. “Just look at this stage. There’s so many names up here. Everyone up here is so accomplished.”

About The Lion King

Disney’s upcoming film journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, and utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Director/producer Jon Favreau attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

MODERATOR: And then how long did you work on the film? Because I saw the
footage at Cinemacon two years ago. And then you slowly teased it out to the
world and it broke the Internet with 224 million views in the first 24 hours when
folks got to see what I got to see two years ago. So how long have you been
working on this now? JON FAVREAU: I’ve been working about three years on this one. And a lot of
them have been working for the same amount of time. Because they came in
back when it was pencils. So it was a huge leap of faith for this fantastic cast we
have. And of course musically, Lebo M and Han Zimmer, who were so involved
with the first one to trust that it would turn out well. It was a big leap of faith for
everybody. And in many cases, they kept coming back and recording again and
trying new things, especially with the comedy bits.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Donald Glover attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

MODERATOR: Yeah. I heard your son was very excited to just be able to see it.
What did you tell him going into it? You’re like, just so you know, daddy is Simba.
DONALD GLOVER: I didn’t tell him anything. I really didn’t. It’s his favorite
movie. I was like oh, I’ll just wait until he gets there. But somehow he found out
about it, but still didn’t know I was in it. He was just like oh, the one with Beyonce.
And then during the movie, he’s like oh, dad’s in it, too. This is great. Bonus. You
know.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Seth Rogen attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Seth Rogan always makes me laugh. He doesn’t even need to try. He’s is just hilarious!

MODERATOR: It’s really amazing. Again, people are going to want it. So
Disney, make it happen. Billy and Seth, you guys robbed every scene last night
and stole every scene last night. It was completely hilarious. I couldn’t hear a lot
of your dialogue, because people were laughing over it. So I just kind of have to
ask you guys. How much was you and how much did y’all just pull out as you
were going through it?
SETH ROGEN: Yeah. Okay. I’ll start. It was a lot of improvisation with Billy.
Yeah. And we were actually together every time that we recorded, which is a
very rare gift to have as someone who is trying to be funny in an animated film, of
which I’ve done a lot, and you’re often just alone in there. And I think you can
really tell that we’re playing off of each other. It’s an incredibly naturalistic feeling.
And they really captured Billy. That is what is amazing. I would say, he
essentially played himself on a TV show for years. And this character is more
Billy than that character somehow. It’s like endlessly, it’s remarkable to me how
his character specifically makes me laugh so hard.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: JD McCrary attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

MODERATOR: Okay, so JD, you grabbed the mic. So tell us about the video
game.
JD MCCRARY: It was so cool. It’s like watching your favorite movie, but
everything, like you’re in it. You’re in the movie. That’s exactly what it was. You
did an amazing job with this. So it was me and Shahadi and Mr. Favreau. We put
on the headsets, we had these little controller things in our hands, and we could
fly. It was like we were Zazu. We were birds. We were whatever we wanted to
be. And we saw everything. We saw the Pridelands. We saw Pride Rock. We
saw the watering hole. We saw the elephant graveyard. We saw it all, man. And
it was so cool, dude. It was so cool.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: (L-R) Actors Eric Andre, Keegan-Michael Key, Florence Kasumba, Billy Eichner, Creator/producer African vocal/choir arrangements Lebo M., Composer Hans Zimmer, actors John Kani, Shahadi Wright Joseph, JD McCrary, Seth Rogen, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover and Director/producer Jon Favreau attend the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Disney never disappoints at these junkets, and I always look forward to them. There were many laughs and memorable moments at this press conference. This movie is a wonderful entry into the world of CG photorealism, along with a proper homage to the unseen beauty of Africa!

See it in theaters July 19th!

The Perfect Family “Daycation” in Marina Del Rey California

Seize the day! Sun, sand, and family fun…

Last week, we explored a SoCal travel gem in Marina Del Rey, California. We didn’t have to travel far for this fabulous mini getaway! In fact, it was only an hour drive out of OC for the perfect family “daycation.”

This adorable and colorful beach town combines a picture perfect marina, excellent waterfront restaurants, and numerous summer activities.

It was so nice to just get a away, disconnect, and feel like we are somewhere abroad…

Disclosure : A special thanks to Marina Del Rey CVB for hosting our wonderful family daycation. All opinions are my own.

We started our day at 7:15 a.m. at dock 52, for some sport fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing! (it was easy to find parking in the early am).

We told the staff we were newbies at fishing, and were extremely patient and helpful with hooking our bait and casting our lines.

Here are some helpful tips if you plan on fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing:

A California fishing license is required. (it can be purchased on the boat)
You can bring your own ice chest to pack your “catch of the day”
Pack your own food and drinks
Pack jackets- it can get really cold in the marina
Carry cash on hand. No credit cards or debit cards are accepted for the excursion
Delicious & fresh food is available on boat (cash only)
Fishing equipment included in price of excursion
Fish can be cut and cleaned for $1 dollar a fish

About Spitfire Sportfishing

Conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, CA. The 65’ x22 ft. United States Coast Guard inspected Vessel Spitfire runs daily, year round out of Marina Del Rey Sportfishing . Built in the mid 1990’s the Spitfire is a fast ,modern, roomy fishing vessel with state of the art fish finding electronics and large bait capacity. The grade A galley seats 25 comfortably and serves hot and cold meals as well as ice cold beer and soda.

Within minutes of arriving at our ocean destination, we felt our lines tug. My son’s smile was ear to ear when he caught his very first fish. “Look mom, I did it!” ~ Simply priceless.

The ocean breeze and the crisp air was refreshing. Oh and the views were simply stunning!

It was so nice to see my girls disconnect from their devices, laugh, and just spend time as a family.

Check her out! In no time, we were catching 2-3 fish at a time…

By the end of our fishing tour, we caught about 50+ fish! Never in our wildest dreams, did we think we could catch so many. It was a wonderful bonding experience and we can’t wait to do it again!

Next… After our fishing trip, we decided to eat brunch at Beachside.

To our bellies delight, Beachside offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. It was difficult to decide on breakfast or lunch, because everything on the menu sounded so good. So we ordered both!

We sat in front of the marina, and enjoyed the sensational view. We could see families on the sand playing and laughing. The sea breeze kissed our cheeks. It was sooo nice!

These Crab Cakes Benedict (above) were covered in a rich cream sauce. They sat on garden fresh arugula.

About Beachside

Located on waterfront in Marina del Rey, the newly redesigned Beachside Restaurant & Bar offers fresh California cuisine and innovative creations for a savory menu in an unparalleled beachfront setting. Executive Chef Victor Morales takes Marina del Rey seafood restaurant to the next level by creating decadent and thought-provoking dishes, using only the best seasonal ingredients available, providing a truly unique culinary experience for patrons to dive into.

My Tori daughter devoured her Lobster Pasta within minutes. The al dente pasta was prepared in a rich sauce, and was delectably garnished with lobster tails, and fresh peas.

The crispy chicken and waffles was insane delcious! The bread was toasted to perfection, and melted in my mouth. The fried chicken absorbed the sweet syrup perfectly.

Last, we hit “Mother’s” Beach for a stand-up paddleboard experience with Pro SUP
Shop, located in the rental truck at the far end of the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot.

Our friendly guide, showed us the beauty of Marina Del Rey, giving us a personal tour of the scenic views. Sea lions greeted us with their presence, and gondolas past us by. A very in love elderly couple held hands and greeted us as we paddled by. It was just beautiful.

About Pro SUP Shop

The calm flat water of Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey is the best place in the Los Angeles area to learn the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kayaking, Pro SUP Shop’s professional ASI & WPA Certified Instructors will help guide you into the fastest growing water sport in the world! Everyone sent out at Pro SUP Shop receives a lesson of instruction and safety procedures.

Pro SUP Shop is located in the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot right on the enclosed waveless beach for hassle free stand up paddle board and kayak rentals. We’ll have your board or kayak on the beach and ready to go in just minutes.

4175 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
1-310-989-4350; https://www.prosupshop.com

Marina Del Rey is a SoCal hidden gem, and our summer “daycation” was perfect. Our family will forever cherish this day in our hearts.

Marina Del Rey–Where living in the moment means paddleboarding to breakfast. Seizing the day can be a mid-morning sailing lesson, parasailing over the marina, or cycling to Venice Beach. Embracing an evening is toasting the sunset and dancing under the star-kissed sky on a harbor cruise. It’s all here … What will your Marina adventure be?