Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in Theaters

fantastic-beasts-imaxWithout taking the whole film apart, here are the things that worked really well. The film is visually stunning! and it has a sweet quality to it.

I loved all the creatures. The actors, Dan Fogler and Alison Sudol stole the film for me. They are superb. Colin Farrell is also good as Graves. — A.O.

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, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Anna Kendrick, Gwen StefaniTrolls is in theaters and bringing back memories of those crazy dolls. Here is one I still have.my-troll

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-movie-posterAlmost 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

director Scott Derrickson, Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, producer Kevin Feige

L-r: director Scott Derrickson, Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen and producer Kevin Feige

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.

director Scott Derrickson, Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, producer Kevin Feige

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.

Hacksaw Ridge

Doctor Strange

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

Desmond Doss, Hacksaw Ridge, Mel Gibson, Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer

Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson and his cast, Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer

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.hacksaw-ridge-poster

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.

Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge Cast

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

Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Patty Jenkins.Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman, in theaters June 2, 2017. Starring Chris Pine, Connie NielsenRobin Wright, and directed by Patty Jenkins.

Loving Courage and Commitment

loving-posterI 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.

The real Mildred and Richard Loving

The real Mildred and Richard Loving

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

My prima Soraya Machado Powell and I at the beginning of the evening, then after a few glasses, we were blue.

My prima Soraya Machado Powell and I at the beginning of the evening, then after a few glasses, we were blue

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.

Jessica Torres, editor-in-chief of Siempre Mujer

Jessica Torres, editor-in-chief of Siempre Mujer

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.

Artist Ofelia Esparza and her daughter/collaborator Rosanna Esparza Ahrens.

Artist Ofelia Esparza and her daughter Rosanna Esparza Ahrens

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.

Jessica Torres

Jessica Torres

Ofelia Esparza

Ofelia Esparza

David Gilmore

David Gilmore

Photos: ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

 

 

 

 

Art collectors Yolanda and Henry Chavez, actor Marabina Jaimes looking angelic and ABC's Teresa Samaniego posing between two friends.

Art collectors Yolanda and Henry Chavez, actor Marabina Jaimes looking angelic and ABC’s Teresa Samaniego posing between two friends.

Frida, Selena, Maria Felix on the red carpet with friends, Gloria Garayua, Marabina Jaimes and at bottom, Jessica Torres of Siempre Mujer.

Frida, Selena, Maria Felix on the red carpet with friends, Gloria Garayua, Marabina Jaimes and at bottom, Jessica Torres of Siempre Mujer.

Check out body-painter David Gilmore at work in these images.

Check out body-painter David Gilmore at work in these images.

Siempre Mujer’s Jessica Torres, Raquel Cordova “Raq-C,” two of the honorees, Luz Maria Doria, maestra Ofelia Esparza and music by Entre Mujeres.

Siempre Mujer’s Jessica Torres, Raquel Cordova “Raq-C,” two of the honorees, Luz Maria Doria, maestra Ofelia Esparza and music by Entre Mujeres.

2nd Annual Panamanian International Film Festival Los Angeles

2nd-annual-panamanian-international-film-festivalla

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:sponsors

  • 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.

piff2The 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.

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