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Despicable Me 4 with One of My Little Minions

We enjoyed it! 

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Experience the Day the World Went Quiet

My niece joined me for the screening of A Quiet Place: Day One. The film has enough scary jumps for me. At time’s it is funny. The cat has more than nine lives… We thought …

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We loved Inside Out 2!

We really enjoyed the new Inside Out 2. Milo watched the whole thing and never asked when it was ending. We stayed till the end of the credits and got a little reward.  Synopsis: Teenager …

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Unsung Hero Based on A Remarkable True Story

If you are looking for a heartwarming family film, Unsung Hero is coming to a theater near you on April 26. I personally thought the mom was the main unsung hero but also the whole family. As an immigrant …

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A Western Story with Some Complex Hearts

We liked this western. The story and the complexity of the main characters kept you captivated. The Dead Don’t Hurt is a powerful and profoundly personal cinematic western written and directed by Viggo Mortensen. In theaters nationwide May …

Despicable Me 4 with One of My Little MinionsExperience the Day the World Went QuietWe loved Inside Out 2!Unsung Hero Based on A Remarkable True StoryA Western Story with Some Complex Hearts

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 Nielsen, Robin 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.

We ALL Need A Bad Moms Giveaway!

Bad Moms, Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith, Anne MumoloWe have 2 Blu-ray Combo Packs of Bad Moms, starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Anne Mumolo. These women are hilarious in the movie, so plan your own Bad Moms evening in with some other funny ladies. Check out some evening ideas by clicking here.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack will be available in stores on November 1.

Would you like to win one? Then just click here to send us an email with your name and address. And that’s all!

We’ll draw the winners at 6P (PT) ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 31.

Black Radical Imagination Film Series In Miami

black-radical-imaginationIf you are traveling to or are in the Miami area, here’s a film fest you might want to check out: Black Radical Imagination Film Series event in Miami for 2016 international tour takes place on Sunday, November 6 at 8P at Miami Beach Cinematheque, 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach.artcenter

An evening of film screenings organized by Black Radical Imagination followed by a Q & A session and conversation with curator Amir George and filmmaker Jamilah Sabur.

Presented by ArtCenter/South Florida at the Miami Beach Cinematheque, as part of the public programs for the new exhibition An Image.

Admission is free with Eventbrite RSVP.

Field Notes Trailer from Vashti Harrison on Vimeo.

The Golden Chain Trailer from Buki Bodunrin on Vimeo.

UPDATE: Ouija: Origin of Evil Is Just Plain Scary

Ouija: Origin of Evil Is Just Plain Scary, Brad Munson, AmityvilleNow, Mike Flanagan, Doug Jones, Kate Siegel, Henry Thomas, SeFijaOnline

We really liked Ouija: Origin of Evil! It passed our three jump rule. Go out and check it out. — A.J.O.

By Brad Munson (AmityvilleNow)

Yes, yes, the Ouija Board is just a made-up thing that Parker Brothers hacked together a few decades ago, and it has about as much authenticity as a haunted version of Hungry Hungry Hippos…but over the years, it has developed a kind of urban-legend power all its own, and Ouija: Origin of Evil plays off all that accumulated weirdness to make a move that seems—at least judging by this trailer—exceedingly creepy. (And yes, we know that “talking boards” and even the “Ouija” name has been around for centuries, but this version, this design, and its popularity as a ‘harmless’ parlor game showed up in the mid-Sixties.)

It’s got a few things going for it. Number one: director/co-writer Mike Flanagan, who’s the guy behind Oculus and Hush. And the cast includes Doug Jones, probably the creepiest physical actor working in film today, Kate Siegel, the beautiful actress who did a hell of job as the lead in Flanagan’s Hush (and who also happens, purely by accident, to be married to him), and—get this—Henry Thomas as the male lead. Yeah, that cute little boy from E.T. is all grown up and weeeeird. Talk about your fantasy pedigree.Ouija: Origin of Evil Is Just Plain Scary, Brad Munson, AmityvilleNow, Mike Flanagan, Doug Jones, Kate Siegel, Henry Thomas, SeFijaOnline

There’s also something icky and charming about setting it in 1967, when Ouija was still new and nobody knew what it would become. And Flanagan’s done a great job in placing it in the long-ago time (was it really fifty years ago? Damn!), and featuring the (terribly familiar) possession of an innocent young girl, giving the film both an innocence and a weirdness that serves it—and us horror fans—well.

It’s coming October 21. Don’t get it confused with the really awful horror film called Ouija from a couple of years ago. This is all different and, we’re betting, all better. Check out the trailer and circle 10/21 on your calendar:

Logan Trailer

Logan, starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Dafne Keen and directed by James Mangold.

In Theaters March 3, 2017

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