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At a Screening of Dog Man the Movie

It was an enjoyable screening with two of the grandsons. The five year old said it was happy and sad at the same time. And he loved it! The twelve year old who has read …

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Unstoppable Streaming on Prime Video

Unstoppable is the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the …

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 The Speed to the BoxOffice

“Sonic 3 will beat out Mufasa, for sure!” — JimmityCritic (12) Sonic the Hedgehog 3, what a fun evening with the grandkids it was. When you have a 12, 10 and 5 year-old clap their hands at the end …

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Mufasa: The Lion King the Prequel

Mufasa: The Lion King was entertaining and the production value was amazing to watch. Set in Africa, all-new film blends live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery.  My 12 year-old grandson thought it was one …

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I’m Still Here the Official Brazilian Submission to the Oscars

I’m Still Here is an official Brazilian submission to the 97th Academy Awards. We really enjoyed this film. It’s a tough story with a lot of heart. And it has a great cast.   Synopsis: …

At a Screening of Dog Man the MovieUnstoppable Streaming on Prime VideoSonic the Hedgehog 3 The Speed to the BoxOfficeMufasa: The Lion King the PrequelI’m Still Here the Official Brazilian Submission to the Oscars

SCOOB! An Origin Story — Every Hero Should Have One

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.

In theaters May 15, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Ford v Ferrari Home Entertainment Release Car Rally

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 Ferrari Matt  Damon 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.

©2020 Angela María Ortíz S.


Las Pildoras De Mi Novio (My Boyfriends Meds)

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.

©2020 Angela María Ortíz S.

Camil & Echeverria

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.

Gentefied Will Settle How to Pronounce Latinx

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 »

I’m Not in It for the Gold—John Thornton of The Call of the Wild

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.

Photos: ©2020 Angela María Ortíz S.

Ana Maria Trousseau A Chameleon on Stage

Ana María Trousseau

Annie Trousseau made her big screen debut this past fall in director Roland Emmerich’s WWII epic Midway. Even though it was a small part, you got a taste of her singing talent. Below is some interesting information we learned about Annie.

Annie Trousseau is more than a band—it’s an experience fronted by Colombian-born recording artist, Ana Maria Lombo. She grew up singing in the streets and cafes with her father on guitar and her two sisters at her side. Her skills were forged while traveling around Colombia, Mexico and the United States. She has toured the world, recorded with many Grammy winning producers and songwriters including Humberto Gatica, Greg Kurstin, and David Foster and is a seasoned live performer, enjoying long term residencies at top Jazz venues, including Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill and Jazz, in Bel Air, and the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where she has consistently sold out show after show.

“I want to offer an experience that is as intimate and authentic as possible. One that has to be felt in the moment. That is why I prefer live performance as well as live recordings.” — Annie Trousseau

We had an opportunity to catch-up with Miss Trousseau. She told us about her experience working on the film, her love of different music genre’s and vinyl. She even acknowledged that she had a new record coming out, that you can find on Spotify.

She also mentioned, to watch through the credits of the Midway film and you’ll see her full performance set. Midway is available in Digital now, in 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (DVD and Digital), DVD and on Demand February 18.

Ana María Trousseau

Midway centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude, and bravery to overcome the odds.

Now you can listen in on the q&a that our colleague Chely Acosta conducted for us. Just click on the audio box. — A.O.

Sonic The Hedgehog and Fantasy Island in Theaters Now!

A few weeks back we got to sit in with the cast and crew of Sonic The Hedgehog and what a fun time we had. Even though the questions were asked by youngsters or their parents.

L-r: producer Toby Ascher, director Jeff Fowler, Jim Carrey, James Marsden and Ben Schwartz.

There was lots of laughter just like in the film with producer Toby Ascher, director Jeff Fowler, Jim Carrey, James Marsden and Ben Schwartz. You can listen to the question and answers by clicking on the audio box.

Sonic The Hedgehog is FUN! FUN! FUN! for the whole family. We really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to watch it again.

Sonic Press

Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. A live-action adventure comedy.

Cast and kids

Also starring Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Neal McDonough, and Adam Pally.

Sonic The Hedgehog is in theaters February 14. Photos: ©2020 Angela María Ortíz S.

We also caught up with the director of the reimagined, Fantasy Island, Jeff Wadlow. We talked about him being an infant when the television series premiered and that the film wasn’t the Fantasy Island of my youth. You can listen to our back and forth by clicking on the audio box.

Writer/director Jeff Wadlow and Angela Ortíz

In Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island, the enigmatic Mr. Roarke (Peña) makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort. But when the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island’s mystery in order to escape with their lives.

Jeff Wadlow

Fantasy Island stars Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale, Austin Stowell, Jimmy O. Yang, Portia Doubleday, Ryan Hansen, and Michael Rooker.

Fantasy Island is in theaters February 14.

Michael Peña as Mr. Roarke

The Call of the Wild Adventure Companions Featurette

Check out this featurette with Harrison Ford and a few of the cast of The Call of the Wild.

Adapted from the beloved literary classic, The Call of the Wild 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 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.

Cast: Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford, and Colin Woodell. Directed by Chris Sanders.
The Call of the Wild in theaters February 21.

The Invisible Man Official Trailer

The plot: What you can’t see can hurt you. Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss (Us, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale) stars in a terrifying modern tale of obsession inspired by Universal’s classic monster character, The Invisible Man.

Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass (Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding, aided by her sister (Harriet Dyer), their childhood friend (Aldis Hodge) and his teenage daughter (Storm Reid).

But when Cecilia’s abusive ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) commits suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his vast fortune, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

The Invisible Man opens nationwide on Friday, February 28.

Blu-ray/DVD Review: Snatchers: A Fun, Funny, Almost Good Horror/Comedy

**Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided us with a free copy of the Blu-ray. We reviewed in this blog. The opinions we share are ours.

Horror/comedy is a hard thing to pull off, but Snatchers takes a pretty good crack at it with a funny, fast goofy and gross take on teen pregnancy and monster-mayhem. You could do way worse.

When it comes to horror/comedies, many have tried and many have failed; after decades of earnest attempts, you can still count the number of really fun and funny ones on the fingers of one hand beginning with Gremlins and Shaun of the Dead and ending, maybe, with What We Do in the Shadows. Snatchers (not to be confused with Grabbers, which is actually pretty good, too) may not be one of the top five, but it does a pretty good job at mixing monsters, high school, and really bad sex into a dizzying deep dish of blood-and-guts.

Mary Nepi, with huge eyes and flawless deadpan delivery, and Gabrielle Elyse, who raises truth-telling and horn rims to high art, are the two teens who steal the show, almost in spite of the crazy-ass plot. We begin with Sara (Nepi), eager to gain social acceptance and lose her virginity, as she ditches her bestie Haley (Elyse) and loses her virginity to her boyfriend, an absolute moron who just got back from a vacation in deepest, darkest  Mexico with a monkey on his back. Or in his scrotum. Their first time seems a little…odd?…especially when she wakes up the next morning already hugely pregnant, and gives birth before the end of the day to a thing–not a baby–that looks like a bug made out of skin and teeth and just loves to kill things. People, mostly. After that, things get really weird.

You’ll see shades of The Faculty and bits of Shaun here, as well as a grimmer Gremlins in the creature design. You’ll also see lots of chases and hand-to-hand battles that are pretty well done, especially considering the budget, along with lots of blood, and some very sharp dialogue. Mary Nepi may have the biggest eyes in all of Hollywood, and Elyse the best hair, and both girls navigate some tough scenes, see-sawing from absurdity to actual emotion with a confidence that far exceeds their experience. It’s hard to believe this flawed little gem began as a web series; about a quarter of this film re-purposes footage from the web and smoothly integrated into full-on feature film. Read the rest of this entry »

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