Movie Review: Dumbo Now in Theaters

Written by: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

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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. 

Wonder Park Celebs Hit the Red Carpet: Movie Now in Theaters

Miss Clarissa hit the red carpet for the new Wonder Park movie at the Regency Village in Los Angeles, to interview the cast of of the new film.

Growing up is difficult, and as we get older our creativity and imagination can be impaired. It so important to have fun, and never give up! Wonder Park will take audience on a magical ride full of adventure, fun, and laughs! This film is “a celebration of imagination” that “dreams big, and delivers bigger!”

Here is a photo recap from our day at the Wonder Park Movie Premiere!

Operation Wonder Park is a GO and NOW in theaters!

Thank you Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies for inviting us to the premiere of Wonder Park. All opinions are my own.

SYNOPSIS:

WONDER PARK tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive.

STARRING: Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver, Mila Kunis, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, Norbert Leo Butz, Brianna Denski and Ken Hudson Campbell

Brianna Denski is the voice of June!

This feature film is presented in state-of-the-art D-BOX theatres with RealD 3D technology

Mr. Oev Michael Urbas looked Daper on the carpet. He is the voice of Banky in Wonder Park.

Mila Kunis looked fab in pink on the red carpet. She stars as the voice Greta. We LOVE her!

Miss Sofia Mali is spunky and totally adorable. She stars as young June in the new film.

Jen Keong shared his thoughts on kids wanting to grow up too quickly. The Dr. stars as Cooper.

Sky Katz and Grace VanderWaal looked chic and sassy on the red carpet.

Watch the Trailer!

#WonderPark is “a magical adventure that’s impossible not to love!” 🎢Experience the wonder of Wonder Park in theatres!

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

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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?

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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

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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”.

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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!

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

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

Solo: A Star Wars Story Is Now Available Digitally and on Blu-ray September 25th

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Last week while the kids were at school, Carlos and I headed to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to celebrate the upcoming in-home release of SOLO: A Star Wars Story released Digitally Sept 14 and on Blu-ray Sept 25th!  The Special Bonus Showcase/Press Day included an interview Ray Park (Darth Maul) and lightsaber training. We also met Solo’s sidekick Chewbacca!

My fam bam loves this incredible film and you will too! It was so much fun to get the behind the scenes scoop. Our kids were super jealous, and thought it was cool that their papa took over my social handles for a day.

Star Wars Fans! Get ready for the ultimate ride and experience the galaxy like never before when you watch SOLO on digital or Blu-ray.

Join us for a #SoloBluRay Twitter Party!  We’ve got fabulous door prizes. *See the details below. 

Thank you Walt Disney Studios for inviting us to your SOLO event. All opinions are my own.

About Solo: A Star Wars Movie

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

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Actor Ray Park (Darth Maul) gave us lightsaber training. It was by far one of the coolest things we have ever done! I have to admit it was not as easy as I thought, and I almost whacked Ray Parker in the face… Oops

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Ray Parker talked about his 8 hour a day intense training while preparing for his role. His story is truly inspiring!

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Mr. Camacho was all smiles because he can now watch SOLO at home!

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This fun and fast-paced space adventure, compliments the saga and is a special treat for longtime fans.

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I love these two adorable hairy men! lol

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Twitter Party

Join us this Monday September 24th at 6 PST, in your PJs to celebrate a Star Wars  #SoloBluRay Party on Twitter! We’ve got fabulous door prizes in store for our guests!

Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time Tea Party: Movie Now On Blu-ray and Digital

 

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Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time has hit Blu-ray and Digital!

In celebration of the film home release, my kiddos and I attended a fabulous tea party at the Huntington Library

Thank you Disney Movies for inviting us to the A Wrinkle In Time Celebration. All opinions are my own.

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The Huntington Library was the perfect setting for the “A Wrinkle In Time Tea Party.”

About The Film

From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time. Based on the timeless classic and filled with spectacle, warmth and heart, this celebrated film follows an ordinary girl’s epic adventure and brave journey to save her family, with the ultimate triumph of love. Featuring an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Chris Pine, and eye-popping action—it’s fun for the whole family!

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The mini delicious assorted sandwiches and desserts were delectable. Honey dripped from my spoon as the birds chirped in the gorgeous garden.

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My daughter smiled with her large floral coronet, talking about how Opra had always been symbolic and an icon in her life. A Wrinkle in Time was Clarissa’s favorite book as a kid. She would dress up as a scientist and read snippets to her father, until he fell in a deep slumber. The book allowed her mind to run amok, and keep her scientist dreams alive. She constantly created worlds that consisted of Hot Cheetos, my little pony, and travel.

After watching the film, she said it fulfilled her expectations. More so considering the diversity was everything she had hoped. At the tea party she sipped her tea, and rubbed caviar from a salmon sandwich on her upper lip, “I’m Mr. Murry are you ready for tesseract travel? ”

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Since the release of the film, Andrew and Clarissa have watched it a few too many times. Her tiny primas (cousins) can recite the film lines almost as well as she can. But hey explaining what a tesseract is, is a cool party trick, right?

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My son played in the garden with his friends, and he often stopped to take a whiff of the scented flowers that surrounded him.

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On numerous occasions, I had to stop and take pictures of the stunning flowers. The garden was heavenly and so peaceful. I can’t wait to go back and explore.

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My son has become quite the history buff, and had a great time exploring the estate at the gardens. disney-wrinkle-in-time

 

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If you missed this sensational movie in theaters,  Get Disney’s “A Wrinkle In Time” on Digital, Blue-ray, or on 4K Ultra HD.