Tag: Sony Pictures

A Day at Sony Pictures Animation, Why GOAT Is More Than an Underdog Story

A Day at Sony Pictures Animation, Why GOAT Is More Than an Underdog Story

I spent the day at Sony Pictures Animation, and somehow walked out emotionally invested in a goat, which feels like the perfect way to describe the experience.

The day kicked off with a screening of GOAT, Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming action comedy set in an all animal world. From the opening moments, it’s clear this isn’t just another animated sports movie. GOAT follows Will, a small goat with big dreams, who gets a once in a lifetime shot to play roarball, a fast, physical, co ed sport dominated by the biggest and fiercest animals in the league. The premise is fun, but the heart is what really lands.

The film is laugh out loud funny, visually bold, and surprisingly emotional. At its core, GOAT is an underdog story about believing in yourself when the odds, and everyone else, tell you not to. The message is simple and powerful, smalls can ball.

After the screening, we dove into the fashion behind the film, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day. Basketball culture sits at the intersection of sports, music, and style, and GOAT fully embraces that.

From signature sneakers to character specific fits, every look feels intentional and rooted in real world culture, while still fitting seamlessly into this imaginative animal universe.

Later, we met with the creative team, who walked us through how GOAT came together, from early story ideas to animation, action design, and world building.

Hearing how much care went into creating roarball, the environments, and the characters made me appreciate every frame even more. This is a film built with detail, passion, and a genuine love for both animation and sports storytelling.

And ahhh then, a moment I didn’t see coming, I somehow ended up in the voice over booth, living my animated film dreams.

By the end of the day, I felt inspired, energized, and genuinely excited for audiences to experience GOAT. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it has that rare quality of being entertaining for kids while still hitting emotionally for adults.

GOAT hits theaters February 13, and trust me, this is one you’ll want to root for.

Garfield Returns: A First Look at the Feline Fun Coming May 24th

Garfield Returns: A First Look at the Feline Fun Coming May 24th

Prepare for a pawsome adventure as everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat, Garfield, makes his big-screen comeback on May 24th! The new Garfield Movie is set to offer a fresh, hilarious, and heartwarming take on the beloved comic strip character created by Jim Davis.

Behind the Scenes: Bringing Garfield to Life

The Garfield Movie features a stellar team both behind and in front of the camera. The film aims to capture Garfield’s unique charm while introducing new twists to keep the audience entertained.

Exclusive Chat with Hannah Waddingham

I had the unique opportunity to speak with the wonderful Hannah Waddingham, who voices a key character in the film. Her enthusiasm for the project was infectious as she shared intriguing details about the movie’s creative process.

“Working on the Garfield Movie has been an absolute delight,” Waddingham shared. “The dedication and passion of the entire team shine through in every scene, and I believe audiences will be thrilled with the result.”

What to Expect

The Garfield Movie is packed with heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor, making it a perfect choice for all ages. From Garfield’s sharp one-liners to Odie’s adorable antics, this film promises to deliver plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re a lifelong Garfield fan or new to his antics, this movie is sure to entertain.

Save the Date

Don’t miss out on the feline fun! The Garfield Movie premieres on May 24th. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive content as the release date approaches. Be sure to follow us for behind-the-scenes glimpses and insider information!

For more updates and sneak peeks, follow us on Instagram and stay connected with all the latest news about the Garfield Movie. #GarfieldMovie #HannahWaddingham #ExclusiveInterview #MoviePremiere #AnimationMagic #FamilyEntertainment

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: Exclusive Interview with Directors Will Speck & Josh Gordon

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: Exclusive Interview with Directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon

Last month, we got an early look at Lyle, Lye, Crocodile at Sony Studios in Los Angeles California. We also spoke to directors Will Speck & Josh Gordon to talk about the upcoming CGI film.

I can’t begin to tell you how excited about this film! Sony gave us a special preview of the unedited version of the movie. It was fascinating to see the film in its early stages, and how it all comes together. I now have a greater appreciation for the creators and all the rigorous work that goes behind the scenes.

Listen to the full interview here.

The all-star cast is sensational and full of surprises. Stay tuned, as I will be sharing as all the latest unfolds!

Watch the official Trailer here.

Synopsis:

When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son, Josh, struggles to adapt to his new school and friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle, a singing crocodile that loves baths, caviar and great music. The two become fast friends, but when evil neighbor Mr. Grumps threatens Lyle’s existence, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places.

Watch Lyle, Lye, Crocodile in theaters this fall!

Where the Crawdads Sing- Exclusive Interview with Director Olivia Newman

Where the Crawdads Sing- Exclusive Interview with Director Olivia Newman – Written By: Clarissa Camacho

Last week, Queen Bee Latina had the opportunity to interview the very talented director of this film, Olivia Newman. Newman was able to share some insights of what happened behind the scenes, as well as give the audience an insight to the creativity and heart that went behind producing this highly anticipated film.

Sony Pictures, “Where the Crawdads Sing” is a compelling story of love, tragedy, and heartache.

Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) in Columbia Pictures’ WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

This hauntingly, beautiful film is unlike any story I have heard of. It is symbolic for a number of reasons- as it details the dangers of being ostracized, domestic abuse- which boil down to classism, sexism…amongst other things.

Daisy Edgar Jones is the lead actress in this film, portraying the brilliant and shy – Kya. Kya is young lady, navigating her life in a world that seems to continuously disappoint. Kya’s life led in solitude eventually blossoms into something more. Something beautifully, unexpected. Actress- Daisy Edgar-Johns gives a compelling performance. She truly lends her heart and mind to the audience for the sake of authenticity. I cried, I laughed, but was ultimately left feeling fulfilled by the end of this film.

This film does depict some sensitive/graphic topics- SA, Domestic Abuse: Viewer Discretion is advised.

Synopsis:

Where the Crawdads Sing- Exclusive Interview with Film’s Director Olivia Newman Synopsis: Abandoned as a girl, Kya raised herself in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the marsh girl haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, she opens herself to a new and startling world. However, when one of them is found dead, Kya immediately becomes the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal many secrets.

Watch it in theaters July 15!

Father Stu: Exclusive Interview With Director Rosalind Ross  

Father Stu: Exclusive Interview With Director Rosalind Ross  

Earlier this month, we got a sneak peak of the the new Sony Pictures film, Father Stu and we interviewed Director and Writer Rosalind Ross. This movie came just in time for Easter as it is a film about faith, mercy, hope, and resilience.

This compelling movie is for everyone and all walks of life. It’s for believers, non-believers alike. It is based on a true story. It is honest, raw and about overcoming obstacles. Watch it in theaters today!

Rated R

Watch our exclusive interview below!

Thank you Sony Pictures for inviting Queen Bee Latina to interview Rosalind Ross.

SYNOPSIS

Based on a true story, Father Stu is an unflinchingly honest, funny and ultimately uplifting drama about a lost soul who finds his purpose in a most unexpected place. When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) moves to L.A. dreaming of stardom. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), a Catholic Sunday school teacher who seems immune to his bad-boy charm. Determined to win her over, the longtime agnostic starts going to church to impress her. But surviving a terrible motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others find their way, leading to the surprising realization that he is meant to be a Catholic priest. Despite a devastating health crisis and the skepticism of Church officials and his estranged parents (Mel Gibson and Jacki Weaver), Stu pursues his vocation with courage and compassion, inspiring not only those closest to him but countless others along the way.

Written for the screen and directed by Rosalind Ross, and starring Academy Award Nominee® Mark Wahlberg (Best Supporting Actor, The Departed, 2006) as Father Stu, along with Academy Award Winner® Mel Gibson (Best Director, Braveheart, 1995), Academy Award Nominee® Jacki Weaver (Best Supporting Actor, Silver Linings Playbook, 2012) and Teresa Ruiz (Narcos). The film is produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Jordon Foss and executive produced by Miky Lee, Colleen Camp, Rosalind Ross, Patrick Peach and Tony Grazia.  

Check out our full interview here.

Dana Canedy Speaks About Love, Loss, and A Journal For Jordan

Dana Canedy speaks about love, loss, and A Journal For Jordan.

Earlier this month, we spoke to Dana Canedy to talk about her upcoming film, A Journal for Jordan. Dana is an American journalist, author, and publishing executive who worked at the New York Times for over 20 years, winning a Pulitzer Prize in 2001. She was appointed senior vice president and publisher of Simon & Schuster’s flagship eponymous imprint in July 2020. She is the first African-American to head a “major publishing imprint.”

Canedy’s life story got the interest of Denzel Washington, who directed this film adaptation of her published best selling book. I had the opportunity to screen this film, and when I spoke to Dana exclusively, I could not help but to choke up.

Carlos and Drew experienced a memorable father/son moment while watching this film. It also gave our family the opportunity to see what our military heroes and their families endure when they are over seas. This film hit so many emotional chords, and it is an inspiring story about love, loss, and hope…

See This film on Christmas Day!

Watch our full interview below!


Thank you Sony Pictures for partnering on this post. All opinions are my own.

Watch the full interview here.

SYNOPSIS

1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, before he is killed in action in Baghdad, authors a journal for his son intended to tell him how to live a decent life despite growing up without a father.

The project, “Journal for Jordan,” is based on Dana Canedy’s essay, which describes a 200-page journal penned by her fiancé, 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, for their son. The 48-year-old soldier was killed in Baghdad in October, one month shy of finishing his tour of duty. He had left for the Middle East before his son was born.

Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams) and Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan) in Columbia Pictures’ JOURNAL FOR JORDAN.

DIRECTED BY: Denzel Washington

SCREENPLAY BY: Virgil Williams
BASED ON THE BOOK BY: Dana Canedy
PRODUCED BY: Todd Black,  Denzel Washington, Michael B. Jordan, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Molly Allen,  David Bloomfield, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Richard McConnell
CAST: Michael B. Jordan, Chanté Adams, Jalon Christian

Ghostbusters Afterlife Introduces A New Crew of Phantom Fighters

Ghostbusters Afterlife introduces a new crew of phantom fighters!

I grew up in the 80’s, and we are huge fans of the Ghostbusters saga. This new movie release is a sensational addition to the already epic Ghostbusters adventures.

There’s something strange, in the neighborhood… Who you gonna call?

Well now in the new “Ghostbusters Afterlife,” you can call an all new group of ghost warriors. Earlier this month, we got an early glimpse of the new film that will be released only in theaters November 19th. I’m really excited for you all to see this!

Disclosure: Thank you Sony Pictures for partnering on this campaign. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.

Watch The Trailer Here

This film has lot’s of unexpected surprises and YES, our fave Slimer is back! This new gang of Ghostbusters are perhaps not the most conventional group, but they took us on spooktacular ride! This film takes place in the middle of nowhere, in a decaying farmhouse in Oklahoma. But nonetheless these outcasts turn the little town upside down.

This film is definitely a fun flick for the entire family to watch during the holidays!

Oh and thank you Sony Pictures for casting Paul Rudd the sexiest man alive 2021 per People magazine. ( I am a huge fan) He is cast as Mr. Grooberson, in the new movie!

Directed by: Jason Reitman

Written by: Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman

Based on the 1984 film
“Ghostbusters” An Ivan Reitman film written by: Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis

Produced by: Ivan Reitman

Executive Producers: Dan Aykroyd
Gil Kenan
Jason Blumenfeld
Michael Beugg
Aaron L. Gilbert
Jason Cloth

Cast: Carrie Coon
Finn Wolfhard
Mckenna Grace
Annie Potts
and Paul Rudd

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.