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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!

Giveaway: Avengers Endgame Digital Download

What’s your number?

Ours is five… I’m referring to the number of times my family has seen the Avengers: Endgame in theaters. You can now buy it on Digital on on Blu-ray. Yippee!

In celebration of “Back to School” we are giving away a digital download of Avengers: Endgame!

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win. One lucky winner will be selected.

Thank your Marvel Studios for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Are your kids Marvel fans? My kiddo is ready to start the school year, with his cool new Avenger gear!

About Film:

The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”

Pick up your digital on or Blu-ray copy of Avengers: Endgame today!

Now that the Avengers: Endgame is on digital, we are planning a movie night before the kids return to school.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a digital download of Avengers: Endgame!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

UglyDolls Is Now Available on Blu-ray and DVD

Last night in celebration of the UglyDolls Movie release on Blu-ray and DVD, we enjoyed a special movie night with our familia and our new adopted stuffed friends. Tori and Clarissa were thrilled to introduce this story to their little brother for the first time.

When mis niñas (my little girls) were little, they would snuggle up with their silly UglyDolls, and read the Ugly Guide comic books until lights off. They simply loved the adventures and humor of these adorable dolls.

You can now pick up the UglyDolls Movie on DVD & Blu-ray, and celebrate the weirdness with us at home!

Thank you Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for sponsoring this post. All opinion are my own.

”This summer, you’re invited to a magical place where weird is celebrated. Strange is special. And beauty is more than meets the eye.” ~Narrator, UglyDolls ♥️

About The Film

Unconventionality rules in UGLYDOLLS, STXfilms’ new animated musical adventure starring the acting and singing voices of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull. The film is inspired by the unique and beloved global plush toy phenomenon launched in 2001.

In the adorably different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye. Here, the free-spirited Moxy and her UglyDoll friends live every day in a whirlwind of bliss, letting their freak flags fly in a celebration of life and its endless possibilities. The endearingly unique residents of Uglyville occasionally look to the sky above the town, where a new UglyDoll will appear and be embraced by the community.

Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) loves her square-peg life in this round-hole town, but her curiosity about all things leads her to wonder if there’s something – anything – on the other side of the mountain which nestles Uglyville. Moxy gathers a group of her closest friends and sets off to find what’s on the other side. They discover another world – Perfection – a town where more conventional dolls are trained in protocols before they graduate and are sent to the “real” world to find the love of a child.

This film has such a great message for kids!

BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL
Sing-Along Edition
Sing Along Tease –A small taste of the big fun the Sing-Along Edition provides.
Fun with the Cast of UglyDolls –Watch the cast of UglyDollsplay fun games that showcase their unique talents.
Making UglyDolls–A closer look at the music behind the film and the talented voice cast that brings these rich characters to life.
Theatrical Trailers

Watch the official trailer here!

Pick up your UglyDolls Blu-ray or DVD today!

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.

When They See Us Now Streaming on Netflix

Last week my youngest daughter Clarissa and I headed to the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles, California for a special screening of the new Netflix mini-series “WHEN THEY SEE US”, which focuses on the important issue of racial profiling and chronicles the notorious case of five teenagers (four African-Americans and one Latino) labeled as the Central Park Five, who were convicted of a crime they did not commit in 1989.

After the screening, we took part in a Q & A with the Consul General of México, Carlos García de Alba, that was moderated by Oswaldo Borraez from Univision to discuss the topic of racial profiling.

Thank you Netflix for inviting me to screen “When They See Us.” All opinions are my own.

This Netflix series tells the story of five young boys of color ages 14-16 years, falsely convicted of rape. They were all illegally interrogated, pitted against each-other, and manipulated to create a scenario fabricated by detectives.

When They See Us was created by Ava DuVernay, who also co-wrote and directed the four parts. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King from Participant Media, Oprah Winfrey from Harpo Films, and Jane Rosenthal, Berry Welsh and Robert De Niro from Tribeca Productions will executive produce the limited series alongside DuVernay through her banner, Forward Movement. In addition to DuVernay, Attica Locke, Robin Swicord, and Michael Starrburry also serve as writers on the limited series.

As a mother, my heart ached for these innocent children and their families. All I could think about was my young son Andrew, and how close he is in age to the boys convicted.

We often hear horrific stories regarding people of color being punished unfairly by our judicial system. This film about the Central Park 5’s incarceration and interrogation, took us on an unexpected emotional journey, and opened our eyes to the horrors that destroyed these boy’s lives.

The odds are stacked against our Latinx youth. Both black and brown children are often profiled as adults and seen less innocent than their caucasian peers.

How can we take a step towards change? http://bit.ly/2WNmMNK

Several hot topics were discussed among the panelists, but all agreed that these stories must be told to educate our youth for a better tomorrow. The panelists in attendance were:

Ana Flores, influencer and founder of We All Grow
Angelica Salas, Executive Director, CHIRLA
Alex Nogales, president and CEO, NHMC
Jessica Domínguez, immigration lawyer
Pilar Marrero, journalist

We must tell the stories that are too often forgotten.…

This film reminds us that history isn’t so far behind us, and we have reason to be vocal about the injustice that continues today.

Stream and support #WhenTheySeeUs on Netflix TODAY!

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

Movie Review: AVENGERS ENDGAME

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

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.

Missing Link Movie: Interview with Chris Butler, Zoe Saldana, and Zack Galifianakis

Written By: Victoria Eliana Camacho

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!

#MissingLink hits theaters everywhere April 12. Get your tickets now!

PLOEY Movie: Activity Sheets

PLOEY starring John Stamos (“Full House”) and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings) has flown exclusively to DIRECTV Cinema!

This movie will fill your heart with joy! It’s about courage, friendship, and family. It has a great message too.

Synopsis:

When he gets separated from his family, Ploey, a young flightless plover chick, must undertake a dangerous journey to a legendary valley in order to save his loved ones from falling prey to the evil falcon.

Last month we screened this adorable film and learned to fly too!