Recently I was invited to the Disney’s Into the Woods movie junket. The Junket was host to two panels – the first had James Corden (“The Baker”), Emily Blunt (“The Baker’s Wife”), Anna Kendrick (“Cinderella”), Chris Pine (“Cinderella’s Prince”), Director Rob Marshall, and Screenwriter James Lapine. The second panel featured Meryl Streep (“The Witch”), Christine Baranski (“Cinderella’s Stepmother”), Tracey Ullman (“Jack’s Mother”), Producer Marc Platt, andProducer John Deluca.
Anna Kendrick (star of Pitch Perfect) is certainly not playing your stereotypical Cinderella. She spoke about “how Director Rob Marshall was very interested in having a modern sensibility for these characters.” She compared her character to the notion that women don’t listen to their gut and “have to look at everything from every angle.” Noting that Cinderella allows herself to get into a better situation with the Prince but then realizes it’s completely fake and “the Prince is so vacuous.”
Cinderella’s Prince played the Chris Pine (star of Star Trek), the Prince says during a key scene “I was raised to be charming, not sincere” of which Pine spoke about that one line informed his character. The Prince is given the opportunity to reflect on his effect on Cinderella but only for a moment and then chooses to get back on his horse and ride off.
James Lapine spoke about weaving a new fairy tale into the existing ones: “I sort of hit on this idea of combining writing one original fairytale, The Baker and the Wife, and then weaving them together with existing fairytales, and so that’s how it all kind of went from there.”
James Corden, who played the Baker, shared that Meryl Streep took the lead at making him and the others feel comfortable.He said her attitude was, if an individual does well, the film does well. She seems like an an amazing person, not just an amazing actress. As the biggest “name” in the movie, it is nice to know that she wants to be a worker among workers, and not a diva: “she’s the reason actually, it’s the truth, she’s the thing that puts you at ease, because she leads from the front and she knows how you feel when she walks in the room, and she does everything she can to put you at ease and make you feel like we are all a company of actors who will get the best out of this experience if we support each other. And I think it shines through in the film that this is a company of people where no one is trying to steal the limelight or the movie from anyone else. It’s a group of actors, friends really, all going, “No, no, go and be brilliant. Go and be amazing.” And that really comes from Rob and it trickles down through Meryl right to the bottom, and just below that, you’ll find me.”
Emily Blunt was concerned about the singing, but Rob Marshall reassured her that he wanted actors who could sing, for the movie, not singers who could act. The experience of singing (after a few lessons to bolster her confidence) was “exhilarating and impassioned” and “joyful.” Singing with the cast and a 65-piece orchestra for Steven Sondheim was a day she “will never, ever forget. Ever.”
Meryl Streep probably is the actress every actor and actress wants to be and when she decides she is going to sing well imagine the pressure. She was the first to come on board after years of turning down similar roles to take on the role of “The Witch” who longs for beauty and companionship. The one thing I was surprised by this New Jersey native at the press conference was her self-deprecating humor. I loved that she joked about rapping in the movie, “I haven’t really done my real rap scene yet”, wondering if Stephen Sondheim was aware it was even rap when he wrote that scene.
Christine Baranski spoke about how she had tried to convey a contemporary attitude, which would resonate with today’s viewers. She, Lucy Punch and Tammy Blanchard presented Cinderella’s stepfamily as social-climbing narcissists, obsessed with fashion and fame (personal fame, not necessarily the fame of others). Baranski not naming any names but pointed to reality shows that came to mind.
Tracey Ullman was asked about her pop singer status and responded graciously, calling herself a one-hit wonder, then singing a bit of “They Don’t Know About Us.” Streep and Baranski were quick to mention other Broadway musicals she’s appeared in, clarifying for those who didn’t know, that Ullman is a talented singer and actor with a long history in music and theater.
Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep and Tracey Ullman are long-time friends and have a sisterly affection for each other. The easiness and banter amongst them during the interview was what made it amazing and I’m happy to share two clips with you below. They were obviously having a good time joking with each other.
Night At the Museum is a franchise that has become part of our national heritage. One of the reasons Ben Stiller’s night watchman is an iconic character is because he feels so at home at his museum. We learned that when Ben Stiller was growing up, more than a few times, he cut class and hung at the Natural History Museum on Central Park West. “And, in that era, you can be sure, I wasn’t there smoking clove cigarettes”.
Watch for the scene of Owen Wilson as Jedediah and Steve Coogan as Octavius, the two miniature men, being flown across the screen by the museum’s air exchange. Seeing their lives coming to an end, Octavius asks to hold Jedediah’s hand, for the first time indicating that these two best friends might love each other. I will suggest that this storyline finds legs as the movie moves along. Owen Wilson sitting next to the film’s director, Shawn Levy, explains that he loved flying and loved the scene where they realize that this might be the end. But then he and Shawn explain that the entire dialogue of the scene was written by the two actors while flying and while realizing that this might be the end.
It was that kind of love for the characters, that they could write what they felt in the moment. All actors agreed that under the direction of Shawn, they all had a certain amount of latitude in creating on the set. This collaboration has been continuing for all three movies and even newcomers to the team, Dan Stevens and Rebel Wilson bring their own sense of play to the set. Dan played Sir Lancelot, of the Knights of the Roundtable fame. He is a member of the team until his own agenda must outweigh the needs of all, and then he becomes the brutal antagonist who must be stopped or all of the life force in the characters will perish forever. With all his on screen charisma and charm, Dan’s Sir Lancelot is revealed as an antagonist we can watch forever. His favorite scene was the art and dance of his fight with the mythic snake (dragon) which he did on a set all by himself, as they computerized the giant anaconda around his movements. But as comedy would have it while he fights to the death, it is Larry the night watchman who comes to the rescue and slays the dragon with his flashlights. But thinking about the scene played against nothing, is a choreography worth note. By the way, Dan is as beautiful, charming and sexy off screen as he is on. Time to watch Downton Abbey to get more of him.
Rebel Wilson explained that her bubbly sexpot role was created by her understanding that she had a role to make strong by “Girl Power” and that became her great ally bringing the British Counterpart of Ben Stiller’s night watchman into her character. Her bubbly personality and her powerful performance not only steal every scene she’s in, but her character transforms from lonely night watchman sleeping on the job to the courier who comes back to save the exhibits at New York museum from expiring.
Shawn Levy is all smiles, totally attentive to the questions from the panel as he talks about Night at the Museum, Curse of the Tablet, as a story of a dad and his son. The crossroads that each character faces and the love that each character gives and receives as the real elements of life within the comedic farce that is how the movie’s story is told.
But the overriding story in this movie is and will always be the tribute to the co-star who was not being interviewed, Robin Williams. Shawn expressed his sadness at losing a friend and collaborator having worked with Robin on all three movies in this franchise they had spent much time together and as we all knew about Robin, he was given carte blanche in every scene he was in to bring more to his Teddy Roosevelt than was on the page. And in tribute to the fallen star, all on the panel express working with him was an experience they will never forget as everyday he brought joy and comedy to the set, the scene, and to the days work. The movie ends with the words with a final tribute to Robin Williams “The Magic Never Ends” but it was the final scenes where Teddy realizes he must retire and say goodbye to his friend Larry the Night Watchman that will bring a tear to everyone’s eyes, It was written and played with the longing and sadness built in, because the actors and director were aware this was the end of the franchise and they wanted the goodbye to be a bit sad. But, now everyone can see that life follows art, as Robin was in effect saying goodbye to the world audience.
When the exhibits at New York’s Natural History Museum start behaving strangely, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller)… — now the director of nighttime operations — must find out the cause. He learns that the Tablet, which magically brings Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and the other exhibits to life at night, has started to decay. Larry, along with his son and museum friends, must travel to London’s British Museum to learn how to prevent the Tablet’s magic from disappearing, and all live happily ever after, except of course, Robin, the comedic talent for two generations who will be remembered as a member of Hollywood’s elite.
Night At the Museum opens Christmas Day and with all the choices for your entertainment dollar, this is a don’t miss. Hollywood stars make this movie which has it all, just a little bit more because of the place in history it will have. The franchise has been around since 2006. We’ve grown to love Larry, the night watchman, Jedediah and Octavius, (Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan), Sacajawea (Mizuo Peck) and this even returns old favorites like Dick Van Dyke, whose role is to show he’s can still really shake ‘em down. Mickey Rooney (who died in 2014) and now add a bit of Ben Kingsley and a lot of Rebel Wilson (who steals every scene she’s in as the bombshell blond) and allow Shawn Levy to shake it up one more time and you got a blockbuster.
Did I miss someone, Oh, yeah. The reason for giving this review starting with the stars rather than the story. It turns out this movie, as good as the story is, as good as the comedy and family bonding comes across, as good as the effects are, that makes us watch a monkey pretend to die, as good as every moment of this movie is, it will be remembered as the last film with Robin Williams. Not only that, but Teddy Roosevelt’s final line is something to the effect of There will always be another sun rise tomorrow. Think about that.
The story starts on the set of every Indiana Jones movie and the boy who discovered a lost tomb. Seventy-five years later he’s dancing at an old age home. Dick Van Dyke proves he’s still got the dance in those old legs. Owen Wilson’s character, Jedediah, the miniature cowboy and Steve Coogan’s Octavius, the miniature Roman Sentry, bond. Larry bonds with his son. Rami Malek’s ahkmenrah finds his father, in London and having not seen each other since the expedition split the spoils, they bond. Ricky Gervais retires from the directorship of the museum, and finally sees what he’s never believed before. We learn lessons of the importance of family and accepting friends. We learn that it is always hard to let go of our loved ones. After all of these hard times, there is always the next dance, the next day, the next party. We learn that in life we can do what we need to do, and each step of progress in our lives, is just a step to redefine next wonderful moment that will become a memory if not in our own minds then in the minds of those who we’ve touched. As And allowing us to move forward is a wonderful thing that allows us to redefine our lives, our goals and the memories we leave others with.
The comradarie, the fun, the love, it’s all palpable. The quest to save the lives of every museum exhibit, is upon us. The plot weaves from comedy to adventure with the ease of watching family movies of our last vacation. Everything just fits in to tell one story tidbit, after the next. But then there is that one actor who just can’t fit in. Rebel Wilson has already proven herself to be a standout. But in her ten or so scenes, each of which she just down and out steals, her smile, her accent, her ability to show lust while making us laugh at what we’re all thinking just endears a new member of the NATM cast in our hearts and heads.
In the end the next generation takes over, but along the way, the lives of the characters in the museum, have been saved, and while the franchise might be dead, the character’s lives have all been changed.
Shawn Levy, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams began and ended their journey in a better place than they had been. And having watched the trifecta of Museum movies, we are all the better for having watched them, grown with them, and loved them.
The world’s biggest party animal is getting ready to ascend to the throne in DreamWorks Animation’s ALL HAIL KING JULIEN, an all-new Netflix original TV series. The first five 22-minute episodes will be available to Netflix members in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, UK, Ireland, the Nordics, Benelux and France to watch instantly beginning today, Friday, Dec. 19.
Long before the Zoosters arrive on Madagascar, King Julien holds court –not to mention nightly revelries – over a colorful cast that includes fan favorites Mort and Maurice, along with a host of all-new jungle dwellers as they take on the craziest adventures and wildest parties the jungle has to offer.Keeping tune with the dance-crazed taste of its lead character, the humor of All Hail King Julien is backed by a pulse-pounding original score that includes a brand-new, infectiously upbeat theme song. The series features a talented voice cast that includes television legend Henry Winkler (Happy Days) as Julien’s regal predecessor, Uncle King Julien, alongside Emmy-winning actor Danny Jacobs as King Julien, Andy Richter (Conan, Arrested Development) as Mort, Kevin Michael Richardson (Family Guy) as Maurice, and India de Beaufort (One Tree Hill) as Clover, the king’s special-ops expert.All Hail King Julien joins the hit series Turbo FAST in a growing lineup of Netflix original animated productions from DreamWorks Animation. By the end of 2016, DreamWorks Animation will debut 10 additional new series on the world’s leading Internet TV Network.“The combination of comedy, original music and stories of simple lemur life turned upside-down and fabulous by King Julien makes this series unique,” said Margie Cohn, head of television for DreamWorks Animation. “All Hail King Julien is really a showcase for our talented artists to bring the Netflix audience the great storytelling, compelling characters and fantastic design that is the hallmark of DreamWorks Animation.”
“We are excited to add a series focused on one of the most beloved characters from Madagascar to our growing line-up from DreamWorks Animation,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President, Original Content, Netflix. “King Julien knows how to throw a great party and we expect families around the world will enjoy spending their holidays with him.”
New 22-minute episodes of All Hail King Julien will debut throughout the coming year.
Yesterday, the Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) Selection Committee revealed the 50 free comic books that will be available during the comic book industry’s most anticipated annual event, Free Comic Book Day, taking place Saturday, May 2ndat participating comic book shops worldwide.
The 2015 event marks the fourteenth year Free Comic Book Day will be celebrated by new and devoted comic book, gaming, and pop-culture fans of all ages. FCBD was created to be an industry-wide outreach event to introduce the world of printed comics to a generation who have grown up with the characters in movies, cartoons, video games and TV shows, allowing fans discover characters’ origins from the stories they discover at their local comic shop. In addition to receiving free comics, fans can also participate in each comic shop’s additional activities, such as raffles and door prizes, meet-and-greets with professional comic creators, local artists and cosplayers and more, to make their FCBD experience unforgettable.
Comic book store retailers on the FCBD Selection Committee chose these 50 titles to provide fans with a wide range of stories to choose from. They ae being produced exclusively for FCBD by DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Image Comics and 36 other publishers. Titles for the FCBD 2015 comics include Marvel’s Secret Wars, Fight Club written by Chuck Palahniuk, Transformers, Doctor Who, SpongeBob Squarepants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Tick, Street Fighter, Sonic the Hedgehog, Rabbids, and more.
“We are extremely excited about the quality and diversity of all 50 free comics that will provide comic book fans a great opportunity to discover original and revamped stories for free, which can open up a diverse world of comics to them as they enjoy these stories for the first time,” said FCBD Spokesperson Deborah Moreland. “The titles offered this year are great for adults and children, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We are sure that fans and retailers will be pleased with the line-up and will look forward to this year’s Free Comic Book Day as much as we do!”
Below is a list of all 50 comics that will be available on Free Comic Book Day 2015.
For more information about Free Comic Book Day, please visit www.freecomicbookday.com. Fans will be able to find a participating comic shop near them in April 2015 using the FCBD store locator. Also check for updates and enter giveaways on the FCBD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/freecomicbook and follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/freecomicbook.
Even though we may be a bit older than the kids you typically think of playing video games, for teens, twentysomethings, and even dads, video games are always going to be a popular choice. So if you’re still searching for the perfect gift this holiday season, check out our top picks for video games, head down to your local GameStop, and pick one out– we guarantee yours will be the favorite present!
Everything changed with the arrival of the Traveler. It sparked a Golden Age when our civilization spanned our solar system, but it didn’t last. Something hit us, knocked us down. The survivors built a city beneath the Traveler, and have begun to explore our old worlds, only to find them filled with deadly foes. You are a Guardian of the last safe city on Earth, able to wield incredible power. Defend the City. Defeat our enemies. Reclaim all that we have lost. Be brave. From the team that brought you Halo: Combat Evolved, this is Destiny.
Paris, 1789 – The French Revolution turns a once-magnificent city into a place of terror and chaos. Its cobblestone streets run red with the blood of commoners who dared to rise up against the oppressive aristocracy. As the nation tears itself apart, a young man named Arno will embark on an extraordinary journey to expose the true powers behind the Revolution. His pursuit will throw him into the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation, and transform him into a true Master Assassin. Assassin’s Creed Unity builds on the proud tradition of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and delivers next-generation gameplay, brilliant story, and the kind of action and adventure that only an Assassin’s Creed game can offer up.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, developed by Sledgehammer Games (co-developers of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3), harnesses the first three-year, all next-gen development cycle in franchise history. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare envisions the powerful battlegrounds of the future, where both technology and tactic have evolved to usher in a new era of combat for the franchise. Delivering a stunning performance, Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey stars as Jonathan Irons – one of the most powerful men in the world – shaping this chilling vision of the future of war. Whether you’re in the mood for gripping story, epic multiplayer, or a bit of both, Advanced Warfare is the game to get!
If you’re a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, you’re in luck. Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed open-world comes to a new generation with the remastered edition of Grand Theft Auto V. Enter the lives of three very different criminals, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, as they risk everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life. Explore the stunning world of Los Santos and Blaine County in the ultimate Grand Theft Auto V experience, featuring a range of technical upgrades and enhancements for new and returning players. In addition to increased draw distances and higher resolution, players can expect a range of additions and improvements including new weapons, vehicles and activities, additional wildlife, denser traffic, enhanced weather effects, and more! Grand Theft Auto V also comes with Grand Theft Auto Online, the dynamic and ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe with online play– now for up to 30 players. And don’t worry if you’ve already played the game on Xbox 360 or Ps3 already– your existing online character and progression will carry over, and there’s special content available for returning players as well!
In Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, based on the popular Lord of the Rings books and films, you are Talion, a Ranger of the Black Gate, keeping watch over Mordor which has remained undisturbed for ages. In the blink of an eye, everything is taken from you – your friends, your family, and even your own life. Resurrected by a vengeful spirit, you must now embark on a relentless vendetta against those who have wronged you. Fight through Mordor and uncover the truth of the spirit that compels you, discover the origins of the Rings of Power, build your legend and ultimately confront the evil of Sauron in this new chronicle in Middle-earth. Shadow of Mordor also introduces the acclaimed “Nemesis System,” enlivening the game world with enemies that can remember their encounters with you, rank up, and most importantly, hold a grudge. It brings a new level of immersion and detail to video gaming that is nothing short of revolutionary.
Also available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PS3, and PS4.
In this follow-up to the acclaimed Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2, wield the power of the Inquisition over the course of an epic character-driven story, and lead a perilous journey of discovery through the Dragon Age. Discover the ultimate Dragon Age: Inquisition experience with the Deluxe Edition which includes the legendary Skyhold Throne, great-horned Red Hart, ominous Bog Unicorn, digital soundtrack, and more! Intensify your battle readiness with the mighty Flames of the Inquisition weapons, armor, and armored mount!
Also available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.
Unlike many of the games out right now, Sunset Overdrive delivers a fun and frantic romp that combines witty and irreverent humor, wild action, and great third-person shooting for a game you won’t want to miss! A contaminated energy drink has transformed most of the population of Sunset City into toxic mutants. For many it’s the end of the world, but for you it’s a dream come true. Your old boss? Dead. Your boring job? Gone. Transform the open world into your tactical playground by grinding, vaulting and wall-running across the city while using a devastating, unconventional arsenal. With hyper-agility, unique weapons, and customizable special abilities, Sunset Overdrive rewrites the rules of traditional shooters and delivers an explosive, irreverent, stylish, and totally unique adventure exclusively to Xbox One.
Xbox fans rejoice! For the first time ever, The Master Chief’s entire story is on one console. Featuring a re-mastered Halo 2: Anniversary, along with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4, new digital series, Halo: Nightfall, and access to the Halo 5: Guardians Beta, this is the definitive Halo experience. This is the definitive gift this holiday season for fans of Halo, Xbox, and first-person-shooter overall.
In the sequel to the #1 rated shooter of 2012,Far Cry 3, you are thrown headfirst into Kyrat, a country steeped in tradition and violence under the shadow of the towering Himalayas. You are Ajay Ghale. Traveling to Kyrat to fulfill your mother’s dying wish, you find yourself caught up in a civil war to overthrow the oppressive regime of dictator Pagan Min. Explore and navigate this vast open world, where danger and unpredictability lurk around every corner. Here, every decision counts, and every second is a story. Welcome to Kyrat. Be sure to pick up Far Cry 4 this holiday season for an adventure you won’t soon forget!
Also available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.
Prepare yourselves to re-live the breathtaking story in an all-new way– the winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards, The Last of Us has been rebuilt for the PlayStation 4. Now featuring full 1080p, higher resolution character models, improved shadows and lighting, and several other gameplay improvements, experience The Last of Us like never before. 20 years after a pandemic has radically changed known civilization, infected humans run wild and survivors are killing each other for food, weapons, and whatever they can get their hands on. Joel, a violent survivor, is hired to smuggle a 14 year-old girl, Ellie, out of an oppressive military quarantine zone, but what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal journey across the U.S. The Last of Us Remastered includes the Abandoned Territories Map Pack, Reclaimed Territories Map Pack, and the critically acclaimed The Last of Us: Left Behind Single Player campaign that combines themes of survival, loyalty, and love with tense, survival-action gameplay. Joel and Ellie, brought together by harsh circumstance, must survive a brutal journey across the US in a dangerous post-pandemic world. It’s a gripping and emotional journey that will change how you look at video games.
Recently I was invited to the Disney’s Into the Woods movie junket. The Junket was host to two panels – the first had James Corden (“The Baker”), Emily Blunt (“The Baker’s Wife”), Anna Kendrick (“Cinderella”), Chris Pine (“Cinderella’s Prince”), Director Rob Marshall, and Screenwriter James Lapine. The second panel featured Meryl Streep (“The Witch”), Christine Baranski (“Cinderella’s Stepmother”), Tracey Ullman (“Jack’s Mother”), Producer Marc Platt, and Producer John Deluca.
James Corden, who played the Baker, shared that Meryl Streep took the lead at making him and the others feel comfortable.He said her attitude was, if an individual does well, the film does well. She seems like an an amazing person, not just an amazing actress. As the biggest “name” in the movie, it is nice to know that she wants to be a worker among workers, and not a diva: “she’s the reason actually, it’s the truth, she’s the thing that puts you at ease, because she leads from the front and she knows how you feel when she walks in the room, and she does everything she can to put you at ease and make you feel like we are all a company of actors who will get the best out of this experience if we support each other. And I think it shines through in the film that this is a company of people where no one is trying to steal the limelight or the movie from anyone else. It’s a group of actors, friends really, all going, “No, no, go and be brilliant. Go and be amazing.” And that really comes from Rob and it trickles down through Meryl right to the bottom, and just below that, you’ll find me.”
Emily Blunt was concerned about the singing, but Rob Marshall reassured her that he wanted actors who could sing, for the movie, not singers who could act. The experience of singing (after a few lessons to bolster her confidence) was “exhilarating and impassioned” and “joyful.” Singing with the cast and a 65-piece orchestra for Steven Sondheim was a day she “will never, ever forget. Ever.”
Assassin’s Creed Unity, $49.99, PS4
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, $39.99, Xbox One
Grand Theft Auto V, $59.99, Xbox One
Halo: The Master Chief Collection, $59.99, Xbox One
