Tag Archives: Disney

The Lion King 2019 – Movie Review

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Released: 19th July 2019

Director: Jon Favreau

Starring: Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, James Earl Jones, Billy Eichner, Chiwetel Ejiofor and many more…

So Disney made the decision to remake loads of their old, animated classic films in new formats and styles to appeal to new audiences whilst offering something fresh and bold to devoted fans of their frankly enormous back catalogue.

Whilst this brave choice has been working for the animation giant overall (which is mainly down to the movies they have hand picked to revamp), some of their efforts are starting to decline in originality. Don’t think that I’m saying this is a bad movie all the way through, it is far from that, but Disney haven’t done much new or exciting or different here. Sure, the fact that this new addition is 100% computer generated is a magnificent achievement in itself (the environments and weather conditions and the animals look incredible), but the pace of the film leaves a little to be desired.

It is without doubt the story that we are familiar with and the characters that we love, but something doesn’t feel quite right.

A lot of disappointment has been felt by many because of the fact that the characters don’t look like the instantly recognisable cartoon versions of themselves that we are used to, but instead more closely resemble the actual animals that they are supposed to be. While I applaud Disney for going to such extensive lengths in remaking this classic, I also have to agree somewhat with the disappointed few. I get that these reworks serve to bring these much beloved tales to a new generation, but the expressions that we are able to read and understand from the cartoon art style of the original is lacking.

Devoted Disney fans are also in agreement that the lack of Scar’s (Simba’s evil uncle) piercing green eyes and fierce looking vicious scar running down the length of his face really dampens his classic brutal and vile demeanor from the cartoon version of 1994. Chiwetel Ejiofor is by no means a bad actor, and he voices the character very well, and is very convincing when speaking with a low, gravelly tone, giving off the evil vibes that make Scar instantly despicable. But the decision to change the look of the characters doesn’t serve this one well. He looks more like an old, retired lion that doesn’t eat a lot rather than the mangy, disgusting, evil crook from the original film.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to enjoy about The Lion King 2019, including the music. The addition of Beyonce Knowles Carter (Beyoncé) and Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) voicing the two main characters (Nala and Simba) as the adult versions of themselves was a minor stroke of genius. It meant that Disney could also capitalise on the fact that they are also fantastic singers / artists in their own right, and they both lend their perfectly blended and harmonised voices to at least 2 reworkings of classic Lion King songs, with Beyoncé also contributing a brand new, original song of her own (Spirit – listen to it on Spotify, its brilliant).

I think it’s also worth pointing out that if a movie is advertised with a plethora of famous names attached to it (Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyoncé, Billy Eichner, James Earl Jones) it’s usually a sign that the marketing team is trying their best to make people go out and see it as soon as possible in order to drive ticket sales through the roof as quickly as they can because they may not have 100% confidence in the standard of the film they have made, or because they are not sure of how many people will actually enjoy the finished product (in my general experience).

As I said, this is by no means a bad movie, in fact there is a lot I like about it, I just wish some minor changes had been made in the final production (Scar’s appearance, the style of the characters and the pacing). If you generally like Disney and / or the 1994 Lion King film, you will enjoy this new version just as much as the original. But if you are a hard core fan, you may find a lot you don’t like.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars: Good but needs improvement

Fall for Avengers

Posted on by Posted in Movies, Pop Culture .

im3With the release of two awesome movies, this summer has been a pretty sizzling one for the Marvel franchise! Iron Man 3 had the biggest opening weekend in the U.S. back in May, grossing $175.3 million–taking second place in earnings to last year’s Avengers movie event! Then, Wolverine has had a slashing good run so far, making $141.1 million in its debut and being the best international debut for an X-Men film so far. Though summer is winding down, the superhero franchise still has plenty for the fans to get excited about. Thor: The Dark World will be hitting theatres November 8th, but a little bit sooner comes the release of Iron Man 3 to dvd/Blu-ray on September 24th and the Avengers spin-off tv series, The Agents of SHIELD.

SHIELD

The new show is set to air on the same date at 8pm eastern time on the ABC network.  A reputed team is behind its fabrication; a team that includes Joss Whedon as executive producer, along with Jeffery Bell (producer of Alias) and Jeph Loeb (producer of Smallville, Lost, and Heroes). The pilot episode was written by Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen (writers for Dollhouse and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog). Agent Coulson returns, played once again by Clark Gregg, and he heads a small group of SHIELD’s finest in investigating “the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary”. Other faces you may recognize in his team are Ming-Na Wen, who was the voice actress for Mulan in the Disney hit film of the same name, and a recurring role on Two and a Half Men. In Agents of SHIELD, she plays a legendary pilot and martial artist. Chloe Bennet, from Teen Nick’s The Nightlife and a Nashville guest star, plays a mysterious and spirited hacker for the team.  thor2

Though the temperatures may not be steaming anymore, it seems like the Marvel superheroes are always in season! As the weather keeps you indoors more often now, check out this cool movie and show-related stuff online:

http://abc.go.com/shows/marvels-agents-of-shield/index – find clips, pics, tweets, and more insider info on the Agents of SHIELD

http://marvel.com/ironman3 – Preorder your copy of IM3, get a sneak peak at the bonus features, learn about the actors and characters, and download some cool stuff!

http://marvel.com/thor#/home – View the trailer, get a first look at the storyline, and get the latest news  from Marvel studios

 

 

 

Monsters University: Because College Life is Totally Like That!

Posted on by Posted in Movies, School .

Mikeandsully2Pixar’s favorite monsters are scaring on the silver screen again! This time, they’re at college learning about what it takes to make it in the scaring profession. It’s not an easy task as Mike and Sully’s relationship starts out on a sour, envious note. Though they fight one another to be the best, they end up forming a bond with each other and some other interesting monster misfits in efforts to thrive and survive perilous situations. They get in trouble with the school, compete in some insane Greek life competitions, face social humiliation, and even work together to get out of the human world. Their shenanigans and misadventures unfortunately get them expelled, but the same optimism and determination that got them through college life got them to their dream jobs!

Walt Disney had once said, “I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.” In the nature of any Disney Pixar movie, Monsters University is, of course, an entertaining, family-friendly feel-good movie. And I feel it fulfills Disney’s vision in being a great portrayal college life for being a product of fantasy and imagination. The story line of the movie puts the characters in situations that are very relatable to the college bound and even current college students.

Just starting college can be scary, even though no big, hairy monsters actually roam the campus. The fear may come from being overwhelmed by homesickness, fitting in, facing a new social environment, or high academic expectations. But despite all that, many new college students are like Mike. They may have anxiously awaited and prepared for their opportunity to participate in higher education, and will feel a number of emotions when that time finally comes. They are giddy, excited, in awe and wonder, optimistic and full of plans for their days ahead.

mike

You meet many unique people at college. Jocks, artists, emos, nerds, nontraditional students—college has them all, and they all have their own reasons for attending the same school as you. A big reason might be the programs offered, just as Monsters University offered a prestigious scaring program in which many monster students aspired to participate.  Some students, like Sully, may attend a particular school out of respect to a family legacy. Sully seems to come from a family of scarers well-known to people around the campus. Perhaps he is following in the footsteps of his parents in attending that school.

The important thing Monsters University emphasizes is the measure of success. Certain college programs or even college itself may not be for everyone. If you change majors in college, or if you are unsure of what to pursue, it’s alright. It’s a reality for many. Mike aspired all his life to be a scarer, and he eventually realizes he is not cut out to be one. It doesn’t have to be the end of your life though if that happens to you. Mike took his talents, traits, and his new friend Sully to the bottom rung of Monsters Incorporated and had nowhere to go but up from there. It wasn’t so much a college education and degree that made them the top scaring team of the original movie, but instead it was their determination, talent, and friendship that got them far. Like Mike and Sully, you may not have a college degree, but then again you may not need one. Success is how you achieve your dreams, and you probably already have what it takes to get there!

mikeandsully

Monsters University is great for everyone! Current college students or even former college students will enjoy its relation to the life of pursuing higher education. You just might see yourself in the unique characters or relate to their experiences if you’re one of those people. If you’re a high school grad or college-bound, I hope this movie and interesting insight inspires you! Don’t start the next semester until you see this movie! It’s definitely entertaining, and might even make you think on your life, your education, and your thoughts on success.

ToastPop Girl’s Favorites: New Year’s Edition!

Posted on by Posted in Pop Culture .

It’s a good thing the world didn’t end a few weeks ago…because already there’s a lot to look forward to in 2013! It’s a new year for new beginnings, new entertainment, and so much more! ToastPop Girl has scanned the horizon for the some of the up and coming shows and attractions, and here’s what she has found and liked:

New Movies

Coming February is the life-and-death romance flick Warm Bodies. If you haven’t seen the previews for this one, when the world is majorly populated with the undead, a zombie and a live girl fall in love with each other. Also out in February is Safe Haven, the next Nicolas Sparks book to hit the silver screen and stars Julianne Hough.  Sephanie Meyer’s book “The Host” is the next to be produced for film and will be out in March. Disney’s next big production out that same month is Oz, the Great and Powerful. It seems to me the storyline is original, unrelated to the initial classic or the musical Wicked. I look forward to the next installments of Iron Man and Thor out in May and November respectively. And last but not least, the Hunger Games release in November, and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug release at the end of the year.

New Books

To say the very least, I’m excited for “Truth Stained Lies”, a new thriller and series from my favorite author, Terri Blackstock. A former lawyer and a judgmental investigative blogger find herself and her family in the middle of a murder investigation.  It will be available on March 12th and is currently available for pre-buy on Amazon.  In June, Sarah Dessen’s eleventh novel, called “The Moon and More” hits store shelves. USA Today provides some info on it, and even a previewing excerpt.

New Shows

ABC entertains the art of competitive cooking this coming year with a show called “The Taste”. Sixteen competitors, from amateur home-cookers to professionals, concoct dishes for some of the world’s most renowned chefs. “The Taste” airs Tuesday, January 22nd at 8/7c. And if it’s not too early to be thinking about it, Good Morning America is revealing the next season’s DWTS cast on February 28th! Starting January 14th on the CW is “The Carrie Diaries”. This teen drama is like a Sex and the City prequel highlighting the backstory of the series star, Carrie Bradshaw, in 1984. It stars AnnaSophia Robb, Freema Agyeman, and Austin Butler. Mel B. even seems to make an appearance, judging from the previews.

New Music

As always the music scene is alive and thriving in the New Year with some new music from many of your favorite people. Just to name a few, expect new albums from Selena Gomez, Niki Minaj, Taio Cruz, Mumford and Son, Darius Rucker, Bon Jovi, and Josh Groban. For those interested in the inspirational music scene,  Skillet, Switchfoot, Britt Nichole, Casting Crowns, are Chris Tomlin also a few of the many to have be finishing up in the studio as well. In addition, the long-time favorite Audio Adrenaline is said to be making a comeback this coming year with and new album and former DC Talk-er Kevin Max fronting.

Who doesn’t love the New Year?  It brings a chance to refine and reinvent yourself with fresh goals and ambitions. And it also has in tow plenty of fresh beats, books, broadcasts, and big screen events! What is 2013 bringing along that you’re waiting for? Feel  free to share with ToastPop Girl in the comments section!

Star Wars & Disney

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A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…well, more like thirty five years ago, Star Wars, the greatest sci-fi action saga of the entertainment industry was born. Being a production that spanned throughout the next twenty-eight years, generations past and present know and love this timeless series of jedi, droids, humanoid creatures, and epic intergalactic battlefronts. Surely many thought the 2005 installment, Revenge of the Sith, put this series to rest once and for all. But with Disney’s newest acquisition of Lucasfilm, the empire will strike back so to speak.

George Lucas, the famed name behind the franchise, is retiring from producing and directing. Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm with a new merger that will add episodes seven, eight, and nine to the original series. The first is intended to release in 2015 and, much like the initial productions; new films will be released every two or three years.  Kathleen Kennedy, seasoned producer and now co-chairman of Lucasfilm will make the newcoming movies. Lucas will serve as a creative consultant on the projects.

Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith will return to theatres for a short run next fall, converted to three-dimensional pictures. Also anticipate the force to be even stronger in the Mouse House as they plan to incorporate Star Wars into their parks, tv syndicates, and games as well. What has Lucas to say about this new hope that’s rising for Star Wars? He seems to look forward to its future.   “For the past thirty five years,” he says, “one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime.”

So, the Star Wars legacy is about to continue on! I, along with many other fans may question its new continuity. But much like we surely experienced, the generations of Star Wars lovers will bond through embracing its future and remembering its past. It will be interesting to see what more can happen a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.

Classic Disney–Contemporary Style

Posted on by Posted in Movies, Style .

Just think of a wonderful thought. Any happy little thought. While those happy thoughts may not take you to Neverland, you can fly to one of the next best places to embrace a love for all things Disney: Grinning Bobcat Designs. Products from this little company incorporate themes from most Disney movies—from the classics to the contemporary—with  tasteful and fun aesthetic designs. New products are often in the works as they are open to suggestions, so this is a group to keep up with on Facebook, Twitter, and even Tumblr. Grinning Bobcat products are quality items, guaranteed fast and fine production, delivery, a thirty day return policy, and ideal service.  If you’re still trying to get to Neverland, Grinning Bobcat can provide the happy thoughts, all you need is the pixie dust.

Summer of the Superheroes

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This summer has been a steaming hot season for everybody’s favorite comic book fantasy fighters, particularly for those under the Marvel name. The Avengers stole box-office records from movies like the last Deathly Hallows and The Dark Night as it grossed $642 million worldwide! International sales for Marvel’s web-slinger reboot “The Amazing Spider-man” totaled $65 million on its opening weekend. While the numbers are a sight of success for business in Hollywood, some Marvel fans may be left in wonderment about some particular cast appearances in these movies. Why wasn’t Spider-man in the Avengers? What happened to the original Spider-man cast? Being some of my own quandaries, I’ve done a little research and am bringing some answers to one place.

Where Was Spider-man?

From the perspective of the team’s development, Spider-man wasn’t in the Avengers movie because he wasn’t an original Avenger. The movie’s story line  is based on the original comic series that appeared in the 1960’s, and the Avengers lineup a the time included Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Wasp, and Hulk. Captain America and Hawkeye were recruited later, along with Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Spider-man does not join Avengers until much later in 2005.

Another thing to know is that cinematic titles on Spider-man and the rest of the Avengers are owned by different companies. Sony Entertainment has movie rights on Spider-man, and the rest of the Marvel team is possessed by Disney—though Sony sold Disney merchandising rights on Spidey.

The New Cast

Sony had originally intended to continue the original Spider-man series with a fourth and possibly a fifth movie in 2008. Yet four script rewrites with an unhappy director and disagreements on budget allowances led to a cancellation in the fourth movie’s The Amazing Spidermandevelopment. One article says that even Tobey Macguire and Kirsten Dunst weren’t happy with the screenplay either and quit their roles in the movie. Interestingly enough, at about the same time Sony announced they would completely remake the Spider-man franchise with a new director and cast that included Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans.

Perhaps the long-time or well-read Marvel fan knew Spider-man wasn’t on the Avengers team right away. It’s my speculation that the different ownership of the characters may have hindered the web-slinger’s appearance in that movie, and it’s interesting that Sony was planning the reboot even though at first they wanted to continue with the initial series. The summer may be ending, but the season for superheroes is just beginning. Second installments for the Avenger team, Thor and Captain America—and a third for Iron Man—are planned to hit theatres at least within the next two years! The Avengers is set to come out on DVD this September, and “The Amazing Spider-man” in November.

Being Bad, Looking Good: The Disney Villains Designer Collection

Posted on by Posted in Art, Movies, Pop Culture .

The Villians Designer CollectionBrooding in a shopping center near you this fall, a new paraphernalia series from Disney: The Villains Designer Collection.  This new line is designed and carefully crafted to capture the essence of evil at its best dressed. Classic Disney villains will be featured as collectable dolls, and on apparel, home furnishings, and so much more! Premiering in September at select Disney stores of North America and Europe are keepsakes of some of the well-known villainesses of the franchise, including Curella de Vil, Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Ursula, the evil queen of Snow White, and even Tangled’s Mother Gothel. Each doll costs $79.50 USD($87.50 CAN/£50/€65) and comes with a certificate of authenticity. On August 20th, the company is running an online, one-day-only exclusive set that includes each and every one of them. Shipping for this ticket item will take place on or shortly after October 15th. For more details, updates, and information, follow the official Disney Store blog or like their board on Pinterest. While these witches and queens are always trying keep dreams from coming true and put a stop to happily ever after, the Villains Designer collection will have them making somebody’s day!

The Villians Designer Collection

Furniture with Personality

Posted on by Posted in Style .

In many well-known Disney movies, we see inanimate objects living with human qualities. In Beauty and the Beast, the dishware comes together for an elaborate musical number. In the Toy Story series, Andy’s possessions learn to accept life and live with each other. Maybe it’s a good thing our stuff doesn’t live and act out like that, but there’s one item that exudes its own life. That would be a seat from Happy Chair, a unique, soul stirring, heartwarming furniture company designed to create happiness!

Happy Chairs are brightly colored and printed seats designed by NASCAR racer Shawna Robinson. Offered styles include wingback chairs, Victorian style, and arm chairs. Her interests in color, art, animals, and boldness are incorporated into each piece she creates. If you want to embrace fun and formality, these are the perfect furnishings to have! For the interested customer, there are retail places in and around Charlotte, North Carolina. They are in the process of setting up purchasing capabilities on their website-it should be working at the end of the month- but select chairs are sold online in their ETSY shop. (Click the ETSY icon on the shawnarobinson.com website.) Also, a couple sales are coming up in a few weeks on Onekingslane.com and TheFoundry.com.

They won’t literally dance around the place, but products from Happy Chair invite you to “Be our guest” in their own way. Although they may make the other furniture jealous, like Woody was of Buzz Lightyear. Their cheerful patterns will liven up the mood of any room! Happy Chair will be the best seat in the house!