When I first heard that Solo: A Star Wars Story was being made, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. My first question was: Is this really a story that needs to be told? My son, Jon and I were discussing this very thing as we drove to the screening of the film - about an hour and a half away. (In California we measure distances by drive ...
Disney
The Solo: A Star Wars Story Junket Was Out of This World
A long ago, in a galaxy far, far away... When I first saw those words crawling across a screen back in May of 1977, I didn't realize that the film, Star Wars, would have such an impact on my life for years and years to come. That first viewing cemented my relationship with the characters, Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Obi-wan, and Darth Vader. I would ...
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 – Movie Review
A few years ago when the original Guardians of the Galaxy came out, I have to admit that from seeing the trailer, I didn't think I would like it. (I know. Don't judge me.) But if I've learned anything in all my years of reviewing films, it's that most times you can't count on the trailer to give you a complete picture (pun intended) of the entire ...
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 – The Junket
Kurt Russell. Chris Pratt. Sylvester Stallone. There was a fabulous line up of starts at the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 junket. But these three own my heart. I'm not giving anything away here by telling you that Kurt Russell plays Ego in the new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. Ego just happens to be Peter Quill's dad. I'll review the film in ...
Disney’s Moana Amazes and Delights
Disney Animation has done it again. Their latest offering, Moana, is full of adventure, great characters and yes, catchy songs. f Breaking the mold of the Disney princesses that have gone before her, Moana (voiced by newcomer Auli’i Cravalho) is an adventurous and delightfully smart 16 year-old. The daughter of Chief Tui (voiced by Temuera ...
Disney’s “Moana” Press Junket Was So. Much. Fun.
I probably should start with a disclaimer that I think every single press junket is fun. It's always such a treat to interact with the collection of impressive talent that bring your favorite films to life. This was especially true of the creative folks assembled for the Moana press junket I recently attended. You can't beat Disney when it ...
Disney’s Princess Moana is Fierce
Walt Disney Animation Studios has done it again. No one is surprised, of course. When the Disney animators take on a project, they commit heart and soul. That's why Disney films are all instant classics. It's in their DNA. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the making of MOANA and spending a day with the crew who brought her to ...
The Real Life Inspirations for Disney’s Queen of Katwe: Interview with Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi
The newest Disney film, Queen of Katwe opens today in theaters everywhere. I am telling everyone I know to GO SEE IT. Not only because it's such an amazing story, but because it's an amazing TRUE story. I had the privilege of sitting down with the real life 20-year-old, Phiona Mutesi (played by newcomer Madina Nalwanga) - she is the Ugandan chess ...
Director Mira Nair’s Passion for Queen of Katwe
It's always fun interviewing a director. It gives you a new and different perspective of the filmmaking process. As you know, I was in LA last week spending time interviewing the cast and director of Queen of Katwe. I also got to walk the Red Carpet at the premiere, which I'm going to keep talking about every single time I can, but that's not ...
Exclusive Interview with Lupita Nyong’o and the Kids from Queen of Katwe
As part of my adventures in LA last week, not only did I get to walk the Red Carpet for the Premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe, I also had the amazing opportunity to sit around a table along with 24 other amazing bloggers and chat with the lovely and talented Lupita Nyong'o and the fabulous actors who play her kids in the ...
Life Lessons With Disney’s Queen of Katwe
I am always careful when recommending films. After all, audiences have varied tastes and different interests. I saw the newest Disney film, Queen of Katwe last week and was mesmerized by the richness of the story, the characters, the details. And I can't wait to tell you about it. Based on the true story of 10 year old ...
The Queen of Katwe Red Carpet Premiere and After Party
I know I get to do some of the most fun and interesting things ever. And I've walked Red Carpets before. (I know. Shut up.) I got the invitation from Disney to join them and 24 other bloggers to experience the Red Carpet for the Queen of Katwe Premiere. I will be writing about the film in more detail next week, but right now, let me just tell ...
I’m Going to LA for the Queen of Katwe and ABC Television Events. Pinch Me.
I have so much to share, I barely know where to start... I recently received an invitation from Disney to participate in a Whirlwind of Awesomeness for a few days next week. From September 19th through the 21st, I will be having ALL the fun along with 24 other amazing bloggers. First, we will be screening the much anticipated Queen of Katwe (in ...
Behind the Scenes of Disney’s Moana
I recently received an invitation to spend a day at the Walt Disney Animation Studios as an introduction to their newest animated feature, "Moana." (I know. Shut up.) “Moana” is a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. “Moana is the 16-year-old daughter of the chief ...
Churros Recipe
Marta's Homemade Cuban Churros Recipe Making a Memory aka How To Make Churros My kids were all born here in Southern California. My husband is also a native Californian. So the only kind of churros they've ever known have come from a cart at Disneyland. But those are Mexican-style. They are hard and crunchy with lots of brown sugar. They are ...
Let me introduce you to ‘Piper’
It is as inevitable as summer following spring that Disney/Pixar will be releasing a wonderful new summer film. This summer is no different, of course. 'Finding Dory' is on its way into theaters on Friday, June 17th, 2016. As excited as I am about this sequel to 2003's 'Finding Nemo,' I am equally excited about the beautiful ...
