One of my favorite time of the year is the holiday season. I love Christmas for many reasons, especially my grandkids and grandnephews. We always find time to watch our old and new favorite Christmas …
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Synopsis: Wicked, …
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, here’s an impactful new film Another Love Story, now available for streaming on TUBI. This timely film sheds light on the emotional and psychological journey of domestic abuse survivors …
My #1 grandson and I screened the new #TwistersMovie last night. And it was a long overdue date, too. The film was much better than we expected. It had its excitements that kept you on …
10 challenges. 3 tickets. 1 wild ride. TruTV’s first-ever feature-length film, Impractical Jokers: The Movie, is arriving early. Own it on digital April 1.
Starring James Murray (Murr), Brian Quinn (Q), Joe Gatto, and Sal Vulvano, also known as the comedy troupe The Tenderloins, playing themselves in a fictional story of a humiliating high school mishap from the early nineties. Featuring appearances from Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith, and Joey Fatone, the movie combines the fictional narrative with real life footage of over-the-top punishments and callbacks to classic moments from the series. Once the Impractical Jokers hit the road, they compete in hidden camera challenges for the chance to turn back the clock and find redemption.
For 131 years, National Geographic has been at the forefront of groundbreaking exploration and adventure, transporting people through awe-inspiring, impactful storytelling.
Host Neil deGrasse Tyson on location in Amsterdam. (Dan Smith/FOX)
At this years Natgeo 2020 winter TCA (Television Critics Association), we got a chance to catch up we the folks bringing us the NEW COSMOS: Possible Worlds with Neil deGrasse Tyson (host and series executive science editor), Ann Druyan (Creator, executive producer, writer and director), and Jason Clark (executive producer).
I grew up watching Carl Sagan’s COSMOS series, even had the book. So, prior to the roundtable, the geek in me nearly watched all thirteen episodes, cause I wanted to be prepped for our question and answer day. Click on the audio box to listen in on the conversation.
Cosmos: Possible Worlds
Executive Producers Brannon Braga and Anne Druyan, and Co-producer Sam Sagan on set. (Dan Smith/FOX)
Synopsis: In the vastness of time and the immensity of space, the number of worlds to explore and stories to tell are virtually infinite. The most-watched, highly anticipated science show on the planet—COSMOS—returns this March for the newest season with COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS. Continuing the legacy she began with Carl Sagan 40 years ago and the brainchild of creator, executive producer, director and writer Ann Druyan, this 13-episode season is a triumphant voyage through humanity’s past, present and future, taking viewers to previously uncharted territories and turning complex themes of science and exploration into a mind-blowing adventure beyond the realms of the imagination. Approximately 13.8 billion years in the making—the age of the universe—COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS, hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, is a wonder-filled odyssey that maps a hopeful vision of our future. The episodes integrate state-of-the-art VFX, stylized animation and dramatic reenactments to carry viewers deep into the future and through that hole in the curtain of reality, thanks to Jeff Okun, VFX supervisor.
Cosmos: Possible Worlds premieres on National Geographic on March 9. — A.O.
We haven’t seen a film with this feel in a longtime, that old world sophisticated thriller of the 60s and 70s. After watching the film, we couldn’t stop talking about the look and the feel of it. The film is not perfect but it is a seductive, film-noir that’s thrilling to watch.
The Burnt Orange Heresy
Our colleague Hollis Tyde sat in on a roundtable with Italian director Giuseppe Capotondi and actor Claes Bang. You can listen in by clicking on the audio box.
Capotondi and writer Scott Smith, who based the film off the 1971 novel by Charles Willeford, brought together an interesting, international cast including Danish actor Claes Bang (The Square) and Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki (Widows), as the lovers. English rocker/actor Mick Jagger is the art collector, and the fabulous Canadian actor Donald Sutherland is the artist.
L-r: Claes Bang, Elizabeth Debicki and Mick Jagger
Synopsis: Charming and ambitious art critic, James Figueras (Bang), has fallen from grace. He spends his days in Milan lecturing witless tourists about art history. His only glimmer of hope is a new- found love interest, the enigmatic American, Berenice Hollis (Debicki). An opportunity strikes when he is contacted by wealthy art dealer Joseph Cassidy (Jagger) who summons James to his villa on Lake Como and asks him to steal a painting from the legendary reclusive artist, Jerome Debney (Sutherland). Soon, James’ greed and ambition get the better of him, and he finds himself caught in a web of his own making.
The Burnt Orange Heresy is in theaters in Los Angeles and New York.
I’m going to just say it! We LOVED this film. It has a warmth that just pulls you in. We’ve seen it twice and it’s always great to see the reaction of the adults and kids in the audience. For some of you, you’ll need some tissues, because it’s hilarious, heartfelt and emotional.
We covered the press conference for Onward with film talent Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae. Rae and Scanlon worked together before on his directorial debut, Monsters University. It was a fun back and forth between them. You can listen in by clicking on the audio box. And check out some video snippets from the press day below—lots of laughs over a couch.
L-r: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae
Onward is inspired by director Scanlon’s personal experiences with his brother. A story he started writing about six years ago.
Onward Press Conference
The plot: Set in a suburban fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s Onward introduces two teenage elf brothers (voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland) who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. Check out the trailer with cast members Mel Rodriguez, who voices Officer Colt Bronco; Lena Waithe, who lends her voice to Officer Specter; and Ali Wong, the voice of Officer Gore.
The other wonderful voice actors are Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the boys fearless mom Laurel, and Octavia Spencer aka The Manticore. Directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae.
Disney and Pixar’s Onward comes to theaters March 6.
A week ago we got a chance to check out the Edit Bay for the upcoming animation, SCOOB! with director Tony Cervone and producer Pam Coats.
They gave us some background on why they were making the first full-length animated Scooby-Doo adventure for the big screen and the never-before told story of Scooby-Doo’s origins and the greatest mystery in the career of Mystery Inc.
We don’t want to give away much of what we got to watch and talked about because we want you, the audience to be surprised when watching the film. Here’s a few things director Cervone said on making the film, “It’s a dance, you have to give the audience what they want and more” and “You have to know your Scoob history—be aware and own it.”
Director on Scoob!
Looking at the clips they showed us, they were fun to watch. Since the story is based in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We asked how they manage to get the landscape so accurate, Cervone said, Google Earth. And for those who are wondering if there will be a horror component? Cervone said, Yes! “The movie doesn’t go deep into a particular movie genre or movies. The main story is more mythological in mood.
Cervone and Coats talked about their casting process and that Gina Rodriguez (Velma), was the first to be on board. You can listen in on some of the conversations by clicking on the audio boxes.
Synopsis: SCOOB! reveals how lifelong friends Scooby and Shaggy first met and how they joined with young detectives Fred, Velma and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc. Now, with hundreds of cases solved and adventures shared, Scooby and the gang face their biggest, most challenging mystery ever: a plot to unleash the ghost dog Cerberus upon the world. As they race to stop this global “dogpocalypse,” the gang discovers that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone imagined.
Animation & Cast
Why this film
Starring in SCOOB! are Kiersey Clemons as Dee Dee, Zac Efron as Fred, Will Forte as Shaggy; Jason Isaacs as the infamous Dick Dastardly, Ken Jeong as Dynomutt; Tracy Morgan as Captain Caveman, Gina Rodriguez as Velma, Amanda Seyfried as Daphne, Mark Wahlberg as Blue Falcon, and Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo.
On February 15, 2020 we attended a fun event at Carroll Shelby Enterprises in Gardena, CA. I had the pleasure of sharing this event with my brother, Anselmo Ortiz. We found ourselves drooling over cars we only have in Hot Wheels. Check out our images of cars and memorabilia we saw during our visit.
Jeff Bucknum
Jeff Bucknum, is a retired race driver. Who did some of the stunt driving in the film. His father was Ronnie Bucknum, an American race-car driver, born in Alhambra, California. You can listen in on our conversation by clicking on the audio box.
L-r: Jim Marietta, Jim O’Leary, photographer Dave Friedman and Ted Sutton.
We even got to meet the the original Venice Crew: Jim Marietta, Jim O’Leary, photographer Dave Friedman, and Ted Sutton for Shelby America.
In Ford v FerrariMattDamon and Christian Bale star in this “thunderously exciting” film based on the remarkable true story about Ford Motor Company’s attempt to create the world’s fastest car. American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), together battled corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car and take on Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
FORD v FERRARI on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD now.
Jaime Camil and Sandra Echeverría talk about their roles and director Diego Kaplan’s throwing out words for Camil’s character, who has some Tourette syndrome. Which is a balancing act when you are dealing with bipolar, schizophrenic and manic disorders.
You can watch a short video in Spanish below and you can click on the audio box to listen in.
Synopsis: Hank (Camil) is a charming store owner who takes an endless assortment of prescription drugs for his multiple personality disorder. He’s delightfully surprised when his new girlfriend Jess (Echeverría) invites him to an island resort for a business retreat—then horrified to learn that he forgot to bring his medication upon arrival. Now unable to control his symptoms, Hank soon finds his relationship in jeopardy as he suddenly transforms into a wild and obnoxious loudmouth.
Starring Brian Baumgartner, Ana Belena, Daniel Tovar, Kevin Holt, James Maslow, Juan Soler, Monica Huarte, Brooke Shields, and Jason Alexander.
Las Pildoras De Mi Novio in theaters February 21.— A.O.
A couple of weeks ago I screened all ten episodes of Netflix’ upcoming series, Gentefied. I enjoyed every episode for what it was and hope others will too. There’s so much that’s relatable with the characters in the show. They are likable for many different reasons. My fave is the Afro-Latinx activist, Yessika (Julissa Calderon).
For me, it’s personal. I live in Northeast Los Angeles. Through my teenage and college years, I spent A LOT of time in Boyle Heights. Mind you, Northeast Los Angeles is a very large area with many wonderful communities within it, and I’ve seen a lot of changes. Gentrification is real; sometimes it’s good…and sometimes it isn’t. That’s why I think this series hits a nerve within me.
L-r: Joaquín Cosío, Joseph Julian Soria and Carlos Santos
Gentefied is ambitious, in a good way. It tries to show different facets of the Latino/Latinx community in one area of the city, because we all know we aren’t all the same, just as Starz’ VIDA (Tanya Saracho) has been doing in their two seasons (with a third on its way in April).
Gentefied was created by two Chicano first-gen writers, Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, who are credited as executive producers alongside Monica Macer, Aaliyah Williams, America Ferrera, and others. America Ferrera even directed a couple of the episodes. The half-hour dramedy premiered on February 21 on Netflix. It stars Joaquín Cosío as Pop, Karrie Martin as Ana Morales, Joseph Julian Soria as Erik, Carlos Santos as Chris, Annie Gonzalez as Lidia Solis, Felipe Esparza as Crazy Dave, Rafael Sigler as Pancho Solis, Jaime Alvarez as Javier Fernandez, Bianca Melgar as Nayeli Morales, and Michelle Ortiz as Connie.
I had a chance to talk with some of Gentefied’s stars just a few days before its premiere on Netflix. They gave us some real insight into what the series is about, and what a joy it’s been to be part of it.
Joseph Julian Soria, known as JJ, plays Erik. Erik is all about family, even though things don’t seem to always go his way. I asked JJ how much of Eric’s love of family and ambition is like his own. “I understood Eric’s love for family quite well,” he told me. “I myself am very close to my family. Read the rest of this entry »
We got to screen The Call of the Wild a couple of weeks ago. We didn’t know what to expect with all the CGI involved in the film. I can now say, the story is so compelling that you forget you are watching a live-action/animation hybrid. The Call of the Wild employs visual effects and animation technology to bring the animals in the film to life and its so much fun to watch.
Cara Gee in white.
A group of us got a chance to talk with Cara Gee (Françoise), Harrison Ford (John Thornton), and director Chris Sanders. We called it a mini conference, but it was worth it. Ms Gee is nine-months pregnant, and due any time now. Mr. Ford will be working on another Indiana Jones,Indy 5 this coming summer. And director Sanders told us about how his wife found the dog that Buck was design from. Now Buckley “Buck” lives with them and is a big part of the family. To listen in on the conversations just click on the audio boxes.
Harrison Ford
Synopsis: Twentieth Century Studios’ The Call of the Wild, adapted from the novel by Jack London, vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Canadian Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.
Director Chris Sanders
The Call of the Wild is directed by Chris Sanders and stars Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Cara Gee, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford, Michael Horse, Jean Louisa Kelly, Colin Woodell, Adam Fergus, and Abraham Benrubi.
Cara Gee
Harrison Ford
Chris Sanders
The Call of the Wild opens in U.S. theaters on February 21. If you love DOGS this is a movie for you! — A.O.
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE are COMING TOGETHER…Watch at home with your BEST BUBS again and again and again!
Add The Highest-Grossing R-Rated Film of All-Time to Your Marvel Studios Movie Collection when it arrives on Digital on October 1 and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on October 22.
Experience all the laughs with hours of all-new exclusive bonus content including a gag reel, deleted scenes, filmmaker commentary and all-new featurettes!
Cast Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson/Deadpool), Hugh Jackman (Logan/Wolverine), Emma Corrin (Cassandra Nova), Matthew Macfadyen (Mr. Paradox), and Dafne Keen (Laura / X-23).
° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Veep: The Complete Series. All 65 episodes from the 17-Time Emmy® Award winning series will be available to purchase on Blu-ray October 22.
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will be releasing the complete series. Get ready to binge on all 65 episodes (seven seasons) from HBO’s Emmy® award-winning original series, along with all the previously released special features. The political comedy series follows United States Vice President Salina Meyer (Julia Louis Dreyfus) and her incompetent team as they attempt to secure a legacy, but often instead become bogged down in day-to-day political games. Pre-order your copy today. Also starring Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole, Sam Richardson, Sarah Sutherland, and Clea DuVall. The series was created by Armando Iannucci.
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The West Wing: The Complete Series for the first time ever on Blu-ray, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the critically acclaimed series. Get ready to binge all 156 episodes from NBC/WBTV’sEmmy® Award-winning original series.
The brilliant political drama, following an extraordinarily intimate look at an American President and the inner workings of the White House, will be available to own on Blu-ray on October 1.
Widely considered one of the best series of all time, The West Wing remains a landmark achievement in television, earning 26 Emmys, including four for Outstanding Drama Series. With its sharp writing and memorable ensemble cast, the show continues to inspire audiences with its intimate look at the triumphs, sacrifices and inner politics of the White House.
Created by Aaron Sorkin who executive produced with Thomas Schlamme, and John Wells, The West Wing stars Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, and Martin Sheen. The series was produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
The Complete Series Includes all 156 episodes from all seven seasons on 28 discs, plus over 20 commentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, unaired scenes, gag reels and more.
° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° HBO’s The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season to DVD on October 1, 2024. The Gilded Age season 2 was recently nominated for six Emmy® Awards including Outstanding Drama Series. Indulge in all 8 episodes from the second season of the historical drama that won fans over with its charming cast and compelling storylines plus over 20 pieces of bonus content including never-before-released featurettes.
The Gilded Age season 2 cast includes Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Ben Ahlers, Michael Cerveris, Kelley Curran, Taissa Farmiga, and more.
The American Gilded Age was a period of significant economic change, conflict between old and new systems, and fortunes made and lost.
° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° FRIENDS: The Complete Series in 4K Ultra HD for the first time on September 24.
This ultimate collector’s set features ALL 10 seasons from one of television’s most popular sitcoms completely remastered–plus all new bonus content!
Pre-order your copy now.
From Warner Bros. Television, FRIENDS follows the lives and loves of a close-knit group of friends living in New York City: siblings Ross (David Schwimmer) and Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), along with friends Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston).
FRIENDS marks its 30th anniversary this year, the beloved TV series continues to hold an enduring place in popular culture and hearts worldwide.
Favorite Shot of the Day
Podcast
You can also listen to any episode of all of the podcast at thebradmunson.com
10 challenges. 3 tickets. 1 wild ride. TruTV’s first-ever feature-length film, Impractical Jokers: The Movie, is arriving early. Own it on digital April 1.
