Movie Review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Written By: Claudia V. Saldaña

Picture with Susan Kelechi Watson stars as Andrea Vogel

Last weekend, Sony Pictures Entertainment invited a group of social influencers to screen the new Tom Hanks movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood in which Hanks plays the role of Fred Rogers, the beloved children’s television icon.  Prior to viewing the movie, I did have some trepidation on whether Hanks would be able to pull off the role.  Would I be able to sit through the entirety of the movie engrossed in the belief that it really was Mr. Rogers up on screen?  The doubts dissipated within minutes of the movie starting.  Hanks was able to capture Mr. Rogers in every sense of the way. 

Thank you Sony Pictures for inviting us to screen, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about kindness, love and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbor.

This movie is not a bio pic about the life of Mr. Rogers which is what I was hoping to see, but even so, this movie did not disappoint.

 It’s a different take on the life of Mr. Rogers and through it we still managed to gain some insight into how he came to hold the views which made him so memorable and yet often times viewed with much cynicism. 

Could a human being truly be as compassionate and genuinely nice as Mr. Rogers made himself out to be?  Was there perhaps a hidden agenda that Mr. Rogers possessed or maybe some sleazy secret he was hiding from the rest of the world?  I mean, Bill Cosby certainly fooled the world for years.  And to helps answer these questions, in comes Lloyd Vogel, the protagonist of the movie played by Matthew Rhys.

Vogel is the magazine journalist tasked with having to interview Mr. Rogers for a small piece on heroes. 

He is skeptical of Mr. Rogers and sneers at the idea of him being considered a hero.  In the process, Vogel finds himself in a constant push/pull battle with Mr. Rogers’ optimistic views on humanity.  His negative outlook stems from the childhood trauma of having a mother who died while he was still a teenager and an absentee father who abandoned the family to deal with the loss on their own. 

It is with the help of Mr. Rogers that Vogel is finally able to deal with anger he’s been holding onto and mend his relationship with his father.  And to answer the question I raised above, yes,  it seems Mr. Rogers truly was a genuinely nice human being. 

Sony Picture’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood hits theaters Thanksgiving November 22, 2019.

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.

Dinsey-Aladdin

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

Movie Review: AVENGERS ENDGAME

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Avengers-Endgame-Marvel

Whatever it takes.

Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios do whatever it takes to give movie and comic book
fans the proper ending to an 11-year arc of its treasured universe with AVENGERS: ENDGAME.

Sure to be one of the biggest grossing films in both studios’ history, ENDGAME directly picks up after super-villain Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) iconic snap in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Released
nearly a year after Infinity War, Endgame doesn’t waste time getting to the heart of the most monumental questions: Where do we go, and what do we do after Thanos’ snap?

Earth is a now a completely new place for the Avengers team. The survivors, lead by Iron Man
(Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans), are faced with challenging
tasks–grieving and moving forward. Forward is a different direction for each of the surviving
Marvel characters. Ultimately, a plan is devised that puts everything on the line in true
superhero fashion.


Director-brothers Anthony and Joe Russo’s Endgame is a true gem. It is a nod to the truest
Marvel fans, and a wink to the fans of the standalone Avengers movieverse. It’s not necessary
to cram all 21 Marvel films into your Blu-Ray player in preparation, but it certainly gives you the
chance to be nostalgic for all the moments that are timeless in the Marvel universe. Believe me,
there are too many to count, and Endgame is the senior-year yearbook everyone is waiting for.
Stan Lee would be proud.


Audiences have pondered all sorts of endings to this Avengers series, and in the end it is
straightforward and complete. The journey of your favorite character may not be what you
anticipate, but that is where Endgame’s humanity lies. Everyone lost someone after Thanos’
snap. Everyone will do whatever it takes.


Endgame will have its moments where you will laugh at a clever inside joke (the film is loaded
with them) and in the next minute cry every tear you thought you had (there will be many times for that too).

It’s incredible to know that the end is near, as this arc ends with Spider-Man: Far From Home,
releasing July 5, 2019. Disney and Marvel have a wealth of opportunity for the future. After all,
the end is a new beginning.


AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theatres on Friday, April 26.

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. 

Celebrate Earth Day by Watching Disneynature Penguins In Theaters!

Written By: Clarissa Elyse Camacho

On April 17, 2019 pack your bags, and get ready to travel to Antarctica to meet the amazing Steve in Disneynature’s Penguins!

Every ticket sold opening week April 17-23, 2019, Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern
hemisphere

Thank you Disney for inviting us to screen Disneynature Penguins, and for the opportunity to interview director Roy Conli. All opinions are my own.

This hilarious film is narrated by Ed Helms; who tells the coming of age story of an Adèlie penguin, who follows his fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. However, unlike the other penguins in his breed, nothing comes naturally to him. Steve battles the extreme conditions in the arctic, and an abundance of predators. Disney Nature has touched our hearts again, and made me fall in love with this beautiful story.

Did you know?

The Adélie penguin is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

In my interview with Director Roy Conli, he explained how much character and personality the Adélie Penguins had. They were very animated with their movements, and practically wrote their own stories.

The cinematography and scenic landscapes in this film were breathtaking!

“Penguins” continues Disneynature’s conservation tradition: for every ticket sold
opening week (April 17-23, 2019)
, Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife
Conservation Network (WCN)
to help protect penguins across the southern
hemisphere. Founded in 2002, WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground
conservationists, including top experts in the field of penguins like the Global Penguin
Society (GPS). The worldwide leader in science-based penguin conservation, GPS
champions specific programs that align with Disneynature’s conservation mission.
Conservation is a key pillar of the label, and the films empower the audience to help
make a difference, with each film supporting wildlife featured in the films.

Support The Wildlife Conservation an watch Disneynature Penguins in Theaters!

Movie Review: Dumbo Now in Theaters

Written by: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Dumbo-El-Capitan

It’s been decades since the world first saw an elephant fly, and Disney’s 2019 live-action DUMBO extends the magic and splendor of the studio’s original masterpiece.

The studio’s decision to remake this beloved classic is no doubt controversial, however, the world is different from when the animated film released in 1941. Today, Disney recognizes that the success of this live-action remake needs balance between nostalgia and something fresh. The challenge was accepted by Disney animator-turned-director Tim Burton.

Hosted: Thank you Disney for inviting to screen Dumbo at El Capitan Theater. All opinions are my own.

Dumbo is Burton’s fifth film directed for Disney. In 2010, he ushered in a new wave of Disney remakes with the live-action Alice in Wonderland. Film critics and fans alike know the whimsy and creative curiosity explored in this director’s breadth of work–Dumbo is an extension of that bold sentimentality, from the vivid visuals to the signature world created by composer Danny Elfman. Dumbo is the 17th feature film collaboration between Burton and Elfman.

Ehren Kruger’s script is a nod to what is familiar about the Dumbo storyline, yet pleases audiences with a different look at Dumbo the performer. If you ever wanted to know how Dumbo practiced at dress rehearsal and how he processed feelings of self-doubt, this script beautifully introduces a deeper look at the world’s most adored elephant. Coupled with gorgeous computer-generated imagery, this Dumbo character displays a innocence that feels true and heartwarming.

The cast of Dumbo contributes a fundamental element to this film that is missing from the animated version–the deep connection between mankind and animals. The live-action film centers on the Farrier family (Colin Farrell as father Holt) as they lovingly care for the new addition to the Medici Brothers Circus (Danny DeVito as ringleader/owner/jack-of-all-trades Max Medici). The Medici Circus includes all the classic, small-town performer personalities, yet also introduces them as a family facing tough decisions amid a changing American entertainment industry. When tycoon V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) crosses paths with the circus, Dumbo is given a new opportunity at an accelerated career and potential new family of entertainers, including the charming aerialist Colette Marchant (Eva Green).

For those that welcome the idea that a remake of a Disney classic can result in a familiar yet elaborated takeaway, Dumbo resonates with the powerful feeling of belonging. Dumbo’s families, both elephant and circus, face heart-wrenching conflicts, and comfort exists in knowing there is someone accepting of and invested in his happiness. The feeling of belonging is essential to feeling complete, happy, and fulfilled; the same can be said for all the animals in our lives, including an elephant with larger-than-life ears and larger-than-life heart.

Disney’s Dumbo is in theaters nationwide on March 29.

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: Orange Coast Auto-Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Me, “who’s going to drive? Melodi , “Can I drive first?” Me, ” Ok…” (with a sigh and little hesitation) Deep down I wanted to drive the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon first! Lol This Jeep Wrangler was our transportation for our girl trip to Idyllwild, California thanks to Orange Coast Auto. I seriously could not wait to drive this car!

If you are an adventure seeker and outdoor explorer, this car is for you!

About

The All-New Wrangler Rubicon is off-road ready. With rugged 33-inch tires, an 84.1:1 crawl ratio( Disclosure28) and easily accessible switches for engaging 4×4 capabilities, the Rubicon is tailor-made for all kinds of boundary-breaking experiences.The 2-door model has late availability.

Thank you Orange Coast Auto for letting me review the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on my weekend adventure. All opinions are my own.

We packed our cooler, bags, and we were off. Everything fit perfectly, and we had the option to put the back seat down, if we needed more room.

“Ok my turn!” Midway up, I happily took over the wheel. My legs are short, but it was super easy to adjust my seat. After I lifted my seat, I had a full panoramic view of the road and I LOVED it. On several occasions, we stopped to take pictures. The drive up to Idyllwild was lovely.

Jeep Highlights

2.0L Direct-Injection Turbo Engine with 295 LB-FT of Torque

The available 2.0L Direct-Injection Turbo engine offers 35% improved city fuel efficiency ( Disclosure10) on two-door models and more torque. The powerplant blends performance-enhancing and fuel-saving technologies to optimize powertrain efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in the low rpm range.

This four door car was roomy, comfortable, and sleek. I can easily fit my family in this vehicle.

It was stylish, fun, and easy to drive. For the first time ever, I actually enjoyed driving! This vehicle was SO ME!

Sometimes you have to venture out to find what you want. And sometimes everything you could want—from the available 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen to available leather-trimmed seating to ample cargo storage options—is right there in the 2019 Jeep® Wrangler.

This car is perfect for off-roading and exploring. I felt super confident and masterful in this vehicle.

The GINORMOUS snow tires made it so easy to maneuver in the snow, and we didn’t need chains on our tires.

This Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was seriously so much fun to drive! Our weekend adventure was EPIC, and this INCREDIBLE car made it more memorable. This is definitely something I would LOVE to purchase in the near future.

Orange Coast Auto Group is Southern California’s premier new and used car dealer for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram! If you are in the market to purchase a new vehicle I HIGHLY recommend them!

Dealer Address: 2929 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Sales: 877-291-5568

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World-Interview with America Ferrera and Jay Baruchel

Written by Correspondent Clarissa Camacho

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World hits theaters February 22, 2019!

Last week, I got a behind a scenes glimpse of the the new upcoming film and I met with the voice actors America Ferrera and Jay Baruchel at DreamWorks in Glendale California.

Check out the excerpts from my interview below!

Sponsored: This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures

I screened this adorable new film the night before, and then headed to DreamWorks the following day. There we celebrated the new film with themed activities, photo and video ops, and more. It was memorable and so much fun!

Farewell How to Train Your Dragon…. It hurts to see Toothless and Hiccup go! The original movie that debuted on March 26, 2010 taught me about honor, the importance of conservation, and to be fearless. And now nine years later, the new film continues to inspire, teach, and also has a great message. This movie touched my heart in many ways, and I can’t wait to see it again with my little brother!

There were many hilarious parts in the film. I found myself laughing uncontrollably out loud.

Yes… That’s me flying high and exploring “The Hidden World”

Check out my full video on Instagram here

Watch the trailer!

ABOUT

From DreamWorks Animation comes a surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown…and how nothing can ever train you to let go. What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic adventure spanning their lives. Welcome to the most astonishing chapter of one of the most beloved animated franchises in film history: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.

Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destines are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together—to the very ends of the Earth—to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.

Clarissa: “Did you guys intentionally give your characters the attributes of feminist and environmental activist because there’s a lot of dialog that is just really empowering.”

Jay Baruchel: “It’s more Dean I would think.  It stems from our writer, director, who is a very hopeful, forward-thinking man with a big, wide-open heart and believes in the best in people in the world.  Any of those messages that you felt, we paid homage to, that’s all from him.  That’s all his belief system, which is ours as well.”

America Ferrera: “Yeah.  And I will say like over the years, Dean and I have had conversations about how to evolve Astrid and how to keep her active in her own journey and feeling empowered and she has a full character that isn’t just about sort of being the girl to the guy. So, we’ve had a lot of conversations about that, and he has done her more than justice in really allowing her to develop into a full character that really has a role to play in the larger journey and what ends up happening with the series.”

I felt the characters were developed with the intention to empower. I could see traditional values develop into a new wave of progression; thanks to our beloved actors and directors and producers.

How cute are these dragons?

This film is action packed with dragons, Vikings, strong female characters and teaches about environmental conservation. I love this!



This film is fun fulled for the entire family. Don’t miss it in theaters February 22nd!

Twitter @DWAnimation

Instagram @httydragon

Facebook @HowToTrainYourDragon

The Kid Who Would Be King Is NOW In Theaters

Hear ye hear ye!

The Kid Who Would Be King is NOW in theaters. Last week my son and I got a first look at the new film at 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles, and we were blow away! Old-school magic meets the modern world, we loved it!

Thank you 20th Century Fox for inviting us to screen “The Boy Who Would be King.” All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Old school magic meets the modern world in the epic adventure THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING. Alex (Ashbourne Serkis) thinks he’s just another nobody, until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. Now, he must unite his friends and enemies into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard Merlin (Stewart), take on the wicked enchantress Morgana (Ferguson). With the future at stake, Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be.

Watch the trailer!

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY-Joe Cornish

PRODUCED BY- Nira Park, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

CAST- Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Dean Chaumoo, Tom Taylor, Rhianna Dorris, Angus Imrie, with Rebecca Ferguson and Patrick Stewart

My little guy is obsessed with Merlin 🧙‍♂️ and his magic !✨( his favorite character in the film) He said, “His hands are mesmerizing mom.” It’s been hilarious watching him try to imitate him.

This film is action packed! There is good vs evil, sorcery, sword battles, and it also has great message!

This outstanding film is great for the entire family. Go see it in theaters January 25th!

Connect with The Kid Who Would Be King Online: Visit the The Kid Who Would Be King WEBSITE: http://thekidwhowouldbeking.com/ Like The Kid Who Would Be King on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KidWhoWouldB… Follow The Kid Who Would Be King on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/kidwouldbeking Follow The Kid Who Would Be King on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kidwhowould…#KidWhoWouldBeKing#FoxFamily

Second Act Movie Review and Interview- In Theaters December 21st

Second-Act-Jennifer
Charlyne Yi, Alan Aisenberg, Jennifer Lopez, and Annaleigh Ashford star in SECOND ACT.

Have you ever thought about reinventing yourself?


So apparently the 40s are the new 30s? Well I don’t know about that, but I do know that I have a huge bucket list that is yet to be fulfilled. After numerous career changes, I have found that it is not impossible to start over. In fact, it can be fun. My life has taken unexpected turns, and it has led me to new adventures.

Last week, I met with Jennifer Lopez, her bestie Leah Remini, and Director Peter Segal at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, to ask some big questions about their new upcoming film, Second Act.

Thank you STX Entertainment for inviting me to screen , interview the cast, and the director of Second Act. All opinions are my own.

This romantic feel good movie is just adorable. Watch the trailer!

About Second Act

Second Act is a comedy in the vein of Working Girl and Maid In Manhattan. Jennifer Lopez stars as Maya, a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations from unfulfilled dreams. Until, that is, she gets the chance to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts, and that it is never too late for a Second Act.

After 15 years at Value Shop ,the past six as assistant manager, she’s ready to run the big box store in Queens. Her resumé doesn’t scream upper management, but her track record sure does. She’s an innovator who listens to customers, knows what they need and finds a way to deliver. But Value Shop hires “the right man for the job” –a man with an MBA–not GED-certified Maya. Maya’s boyfriend Trey (MILO VENTIMIGLIA) and best friend Joan (LEAH REMINI) try to boost her spirits, but Maya is frustrated as once again street smarts doesn’t equal book smarts. Was her entire future determined when she was 16, or can she actually reinvent herself in her 40’s?

Second-Act-Jennifer-Lopez

I love working with women who are always upbeat and always reinventing themselves. This movie is both inspirational and relatable.

Leah Remini and Jennifer Lopez star in SECOND ACT.

Watching Jennifer Lopez and her bestie Remini on and off screen is hilarious. I loved watching them together in the film. You can tell some of the scenes were improvised, which made it much more entertaining.

In our interview Jennifer Lopez said, “I’m a romantic.  I don’t know if you’ve heard [LAUGHS ]at heart.   I’m a romantic at heart and there’s just something about this genre that it’s like real life to me.  I know some people like the drama , the reality and the grittiness and I like that too.  I love being in movies like that but there’s something that speaks to my soul about this.  Life is funny and  Shish***  happens and in romantic comedies you really get to see somebody break through a really deep fear usually that they have inside.  I’ve struggle with that in my lie and everybody does and it’s so relatable.  I love these and I love the comedy part of them.  That’s why it was so great to do this with Leah, who is one of my best friends.  How many times have we been sitting and talking about something, got angry with each other, started crying  and then make a joke…all in the same moment.  That’s what these movies are like and that’s what I love about them because that’s what life really is.”

Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Hudgens star in SECOND ACT.

Director Peter Segal said, “To balance drama with comedy is not easy.  I’ve done all sorts of comedies.  I’ve done joke book comedies with Naked Gun and this has more heart and gravitas.  There’s a story.  A story we can’t really advertise because there’s a bit of a twist. In that…there’s a lot of serious stuff and to be able to do that and then turn around and make you laugh…there are not a lot of people who can do that and I had two.”

There were many unexpected surprises in the film. There is also some tender moments that led me to shed some tears. (take tissues to the movies just in case! )

Jennifer Lopez and Milo Ventimiglia star in SECOND ACT.

This romantic comedy is great for a girls night or date night!

It’s never too late to start over, and we can all have a Second Act, third, or even fourth… Second Act hits theaters December 21st!

Smallfoot Movie Review & Interview with Channing Tatum, Rapper Common, and Director Karey Kirkpatrick

smallfoot-warnerbros-review

Earlier this month I screened Warner Bros Picture’s new film Smallfoot, and interviewed actor Channing Tatum, Rapper Common, and Director Karey Kirkpatrick to get the insider scoop on the new film. This adorable new film is a MUST-SEE and hits theaters September 28th!

 Warner Bros Sponsored Post: Thank you Warner Bros Pictures for inviting me to screen and interview the cast and director of Smallfoot.smallfoot-warnerbros-review

Synopsis

A Yeti named Migo stirs up his community when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed — a human.

In my interview, Actor Channing Tatum talked about his role as Migo… 

Question: “With saying that, what would you all say was your favorite thing about the characters that you portrayed? What’s, like, some favorite characteristics?”

Channing Tatum: “Migo is just a believer, you know? He’s a believer and he’s truthful probably first, and that’s why I

think, you know, he was kind of the perfect person to have–kind of have to go on this journey and to be kind of tasked with this–really it’s a–it was a scary thing. I mean, he thought his world was perfect.

And it’s easy to know that change needs to happen if things aren’t good. But, in his mind, things were literally perfect, and he didn’t want anything to change.

And when all of a sudden something comes into his world that completely knocks out a pillar of truth in his life, everything is questionable now. Like, everything is just on thin ice and you don’t know if anything is real.

And I think it takes a really strong person and a really, you know, kind of brave–a brave person to just, you know, sort of go out past the breakers and see what’s out there, and he does that. I think to–I think he respects, like, the stone keeper and his father so much because of the way they raised him and what they represent.

That’s why it was the hardest thing in the world to, like, say–just go against him. And–but it was–they raised him well because he did–he still spoke his truth. I mean, he didn’t lie just to stay out of trouble.”

Rap Star Common talked about the message he felt was the takeaway for moviegoers…

Common: “So, I think the–finding the truth, and speaking that truth, and believing in that truth, and not being afraid to share that truth is, I think, one of the great messages we have in this movie.”

Director Karey Kirkpatrick talked about how the film evolved during the six year project, and the impact that he hoped it would have on the audience…

Karey Kirkpatrick: And in particular, when doing family entertainment, I do believe that–you know, most of us go to the movies to be entertained, and I–I think we go to be entertained and what we hope that within that entertainment is that we are emotionally engaged and moved at some point.

But, I think kids, whether they know it or not, they go to movies to learn how to live their life. They go to watch other characters navigate difficult situations and resolve conflicts. And they use that, sometimes for good or bad, to figure out how to navigate their own relationships.

And so, I think–I take that really seriously that kids do that. It’s why they go watch the ones that work over and over and over again. Because I don’t think they’re just watching it because it’s pretty.

I think they are watching it because there are some kid fears, and some really deep things that are happening that they live through these characters as they watch them resolve conflict and grapple with issues. And I know that this movie sort of sneaks up on people at some point, and it’s like, oh, wait, this is about maybe some heavy things that are going on in the world.

And it is dealing with truth, and what is truth, and it’s dealing with authority and isolationism, and it’s dealing with–in a weird way–immigrants and the other and borders and all of these things that are in the world. But, it’s also dealing with–if you think about the world that kids live in, you know, kids live in a totalitarian world with parents and schools where, you know, you’re hearing, “because I said so”, or “as long as you live under my roof”.

smallfoot-warnerbros-review

This new film has a powerful message, and talks about the importance of standing up for the truth and what you believe in. It also talks about current underlying issues like immigration, isolation, and questioning what we are told be be “facts.” Most importantly, being open to others that our different than us.

As a mother, I think this is an incredible message for our children. I truly loved this film, and recommend it for the entire family. I found myself laughing hysterically during many parts of the film.

My favorite part of the film is when Migo, discovers “smallfoot” and wants to prove to his village that they do exist. No more spoilers I promise!

The music in the film is entertaining, and it was a treat to hear Common rap some fun lyrics!

smallfoot-warnerbros-review

Yeti or not Small foot is hitting theaters September 28th! 

Get your #SMALLFOOT, get your tickets here http://bit.ly/SMALLFOOTTix