Holiday Films Are in the Works!
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 …
Watch the Featurette Wicked on Singing Live
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, …
Another Love Story in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness
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 …
Despicable Me 4 with One of My Little Minions
We enjoyed it!
It Was A Twisters Night
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 …
Trailers of Upcoming Films and in Theaters Now
The holiday season is coming and so are the films. Here are a few trailers for you to check out.
Moonlight
In theaters now
Manchester by the Sea
November 18
Allied
November 23
Rules Don’t Apply
November 23
Miss Sloane
November 25
Trolls in Theaters
Trolls is in theaters and bringing back memories of those crazy dolls. Here is one I still have.
Here’s a little about the film: After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious curmudgeonly Branch (Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Together, this mismatched duo embarks on a rescue mission full of adventure and mishaps – trying to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.
Utilizing music to further the film’s narrative, the TROLLS soundtrack is produced by Justin Timberlake and features five original songs including songs by Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Anna Kendrick and Gwen Stefani, in addition to a number of classic hits from the 60s through the 80s.
Almost Christmas Looks Really Funny!
Almost Christmas tells the festive story of a beloved patriarch who asks his family for one gift this holiday season: to get along.
A new comedy from writer/director David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim) and starring Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, Romany Malco, Mo’Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Jessie Usher, and DC Young Fly.
Doctor Strange Question Reality
I really enjoyed this film. It was fun, exiting to watch and Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange is perfect, but he’s always perfect.
There’s a psychedelic vibe to some of the mind-blowing effects. The great cast makes this comic book movie a true marvel. Yeah, I said it! Look, I am a fan of Marvel movies. I am also ready to watch this one again and I suggest you watch it in RealD 3D or IMAX 3D. It needs to be seen on a big screen.
We got to listen to Cumberbatch (Dr. Stephen Strange), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), Benedict Wong (Wong), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius), director Scott Derrickson, and producer Kevin Feige talked about the making of the film. Now you can listen in too. The film is in theaters November 4.
Hacksaw Ridge, Graphic, Bloody and Really Good
Hacksaw Ridge is a very well made film. Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss is so convincing, it makes you forget you are watching a film. He’s a hero that more people should know more about. The war scenes are so graphic it made me very uncomfortable, which is what war is all about. The film shows conviction and strength of a true hero.
Synopsis: Hacksaw Ridge is the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong. As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
We sat in on a press conference where the director Mel Gibson and some of his cast talked about the making of the film. Just click to listen in.
Also starring: Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn.
Hacksaw Ridge in theaters November 4.
Wonder Woman Official Trailer
Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman, in theaters June 2, 2017. Starring Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, and directed by Patty Jenkins.
Loving Courage and Commitment
I remember reading about the Loving case when I was in college and it was very intriguing because in many ways these laws weren’t that long ago (1967). I think more people should get to know their story and their landmark case, Loving v. Virginia; especially mix-race couples here in the U.S.A.
They have been two other films made on the Loving’s story but I think this is the best one. I think the lead actors Ruth Negga (Mildred Jeter Loving) and Joel Edgerton (Richard Loving) are wonderful and make you feel their embodiment of this couple.
The story: Richard and Mildred Loving, who married and then spent the next nine years fighting for the right to live as a family in their hometown. Their civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, went all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1967 reaffirmed the very foundation of the right to marry.
The film is written and directed by Jeff Nichols (Mud, Midnight Special) and stars Alano Miller, Terri Abney, Christopher Mann, Marton Csokas and Will Dalton. Loving in theaters November 4.
UPDATE: MOLAA Día de los Muertos Celebration
We attended the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Poderosas Para Siempre: A Celebration of Women Past & Present! We had a great time meeting and talking to the museum supporters and the event organizers, we listen to great music and had a fun night.
The day before I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Torres, editor-in-chief of Siempre Mujer, the largest Spanish-language lifestyle magazine for Latinas in the U.S., who told me how the event came about and the meaning of one of the altars on display, which is a tribute to the Mirabal Sisters of the Dominican Republic. I also spoke to two of the artists involved, maestra Ofelia Esparza, one of the evening’s honoree and body-painter David Gilmore.
Now check out some of the new pictures and listen in on the conversations. The Día de los Muertos altars and art is up until December 2. — A.O.
Photos: ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.
2nd Annual Panamanian International Film Festival Los Angeles
The 2016 Panamanian International Film Festival is back and takes place on November 5-6 in Los Angeles. Actor Carlos Carrasco is back as the festival director and by the looks of things, this year’s fest has quite a schedule, see below:
- Short Film Program 1, 2
- Documentary Feature Program
- Feature Film Program 1,2
- NALIP Panel
- MICI/Dicine Panamá Panel
- Screenwriting Panel
You can check out the film program here and get your tickets at eventbrite.
The Panamanian International Film Festival in Los Angeles has been designed to cast a spotlight on the emerging film industry in Panamá and Central America. PIFF/LA will feature works by up and coming filmmakers from the area.
The first edition of PIFF/LA was launched on Nov. 21, 2015, thanks to Viva Panama Organization (VPO) in association with the long-established New Filmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA). These two dynamic organizations have joined forces to turn the spotlight on one of the fastest-growing and fertile film locations in the Americas: Hollywood.
Blu-ray and DVD Releases
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
Podcast
You can also listen to any episode of all of the podcast at thebradmunson.com
Ant-Man and the Wasp T-Shirt Swag
Angela Ortíz Having Fun as Ferdinand
Star Wars: The Last Jedi, BB-8 & Angela Ortíz
The Incredibles 2 Edna Mode and Angela Ortíz
Latinos in Hollywood Photo Exhibit
The invisibles by Edgar Humberto Alvarez