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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

Yes! It’s Another Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

1925

Ben-Hur, Charlton Heston, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

1959

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

2016

There have been many reincarnations of Ben-Hur since the 1907 short to 2010 TV mini-series, from animation to live action. But the two best-known ones are the 1925 Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ that starred a Latino in the lead, Ramon Novarro, and many future Hollywood stars as extras (Janet Gaynor, John Gilbert, Carole Lombard, Myrna Loy, John, Lionel Barrymore, and many more) in the background. The second film is the better-known 1959 Ben-Hur starring Charlton Heston. I’ve seen both of them and I do have to say, I enjoyed this new Ben-Hur more than the 1959 version.

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Clockwise: Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro,
Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett
and Morgan Freeman. ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

This version is based more on author Lew Wallace’s original 1880 novel, “Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ” and this film is directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Wanted).

This Ben-Hur has a nostalgic feel for people of a certain age, who grew up watching big spectacular films that had nothing to do with CGI or green screens. And it’s also a film that you can take what you want from, an adventurous story about, love, deceit and redemption or for some, a religious calling for others.

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Jack Huston

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Boniadi & Santoro

For those of you not familiar with the story, here’s a bit of the synopsis: Ben-Hur is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves (Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption. Also starring Morgan Freeman, Rodrigo Santoro, and Pilou Asbæk.

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Morgan Freeman

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Asbæk & Kebbell

Ben-Hur, Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Rodrigo Santoro, Pilou Asbæk, Toby Kebbell, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Morgan Freeman, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Downey & Burnett

We got to sit down with the above cast and producers, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. They all talked about their approaches to the roles they had to play, Morgan Freeman had us laughing from the beginning to the end. And now you can listen in, too.

We Loved Kubo and the Two Strings

Kubo and the Two Strings, Charlize Theron, Mathew McCoughey, Art Parkinson, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Charlize Theron, Mathew McCoughey and Art Parkinson
©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Kubo and the Two Strings is like watching a book come to life. I love folklore stories and this interpretation of a Japanese story flows so nicely. I applaud Laika Studios (Coraline, ParaNorman, Boxtrolls) for another wonderful animated feature.

Kubo and the Two Strings is Travis Knight’s directorial debut. He has said, “Stop-motion has this sort of weird, magical charm and energy that reminds us what it was like when we were kids, I still have that feeling to this day.” The voice actors are Charlize Theron, Mathew McCoughey, Art Parkinson, Brenda Vaccaro, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, and George Takei.

L-r: Travis Knight, Charlize Theron, Mathew McCoughey and Art Parkinson ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

L-r: Travis Knight, Charlize Theron, Mathew McCoughey and Art Parkinson
©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

KUBO PosterHere’s a little about the film: Kubo’s quest stretches far and wide through the mystical realm of the Vastlands. With his protectors Monkey and Beetle by his side, Kubo unlocks more of his powers at every challenge, racing toward an epic clash with the dark side of his magical family.

Director & Cast

Director & Cast

Kubo and The Two Strings is LAIKA’s most ambitious film to date—a stop motion samurai action film with an unprecedented scope.

We got to sit down with the director and a few of the actors, who spoke about their adventures making the film, which opens on August 19 in 2D and 3D. Now sit back and listen in on the conversation.

I can’t wait til the blu-ray comes out; I want it in my collection. — A.O.



Scare L.A. in Pictures

Andrew Jacobs, Angela Ortíz, Gabrielle Wals, Jorge Diaz, Wendy Pineda

L-r: Andrew Jacobs, Angela Ortíz, Gabrielle Wals, and Jorge Diaz
Photos: Wendy Pineda

Another first for me this year, I attended my first Scare L.A. festival and it was fun! It was interesting to see all the cosplay roaming the halls, talking to interesting people and checking out all the festival had to offer its attendees.

Executive producer Lora Ivanova, John Paul Medrano, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

T: Executive producer Lora Ivanova. C & b: John Paul Medrano and Elvira: Mistress of the Dark
©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Frankenstein, Elvira Chocolates, Sweets Store, Executive producer Lora Ivanova, John Paul Medrano, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

This was the festival’s fourth year and I could see that it was more than just about Halloween; it’s everything about horror and haunts.

There were movie screenings, conferences, special classes, and much more. I had the pleasure of talking to executive producer and creator, Lora Ivanova and got a hint about next year’s event.

Andrew Jacobs, Gabrielle Walsh, Jorge Diaz, Actors, Paranormal: The Marked Ones, Lora Ivanova, Angela Ortíz, Ernie Alonzo of Haunted Orange County

Actors, Paranormal: The Marked Ones

Lora Ivanova, Angela Ortíz

Lora Ivanova

John Paul Medrano, Angela Ortíz

John Paul Medrano

I also spoke to actors John Paul Medrano (Las Vampirass), Andrew Jacobs, Gabrielle Walsh, Jorge Diaz (Paranormal: The Marked Ones), and Ernie Alonzo of Haunted Orange County.

And Elvira, Mistress of the Dark was the event host. Now listen in on our conversations. — A.O.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer

In theaters this December and we are excited!

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon Opens on Friday

petes_dragon_ver2

Robert Redford as Mr. Meacham

Robert Redford as Mr. Meacham

This Pete’s Dragon is nothing like the cherished 1977 film with Helen Reddy, Mickey Rooney, and Sean Marshall. This one is a reimagining of the movie by Disney, directed by David Lowery and starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence, and Robert Redford.

A few goodies from New Zealand

A few goodies from New Zealand
©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

The plot: for years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Fegley) and the adventures begin.

David Lowery

David Lowery

Bryce Dallas Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard

Oona Laurence, Oakes Fegley

Laurence & Fegley

We got to sit in on some great conversations with four of the stars and director of the film. They all gave us some fun anecdotes about doing the film, childhood favorites, and shooting in New Zealand. We were treated to some New Zealand goodies too! And now, you can sit back and listen in on the conversations.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford

I personally got lost in the fantasy of this film. And I think families will enjoy it.

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon opens in nationwide on August 12. — A.O.

Dunkirk Summer 2017

Dunkirk, in theaters July 21, 2017.

The Nerd Report Podcast, Se Fija! and Angela Ortíz

Angela Ortíz, Louis Love, Jose Ángel Torres Reyes, Nuke the Fridge, Podcast

Angela Ortíz and Louis Love
Photos: Jose Ángel Torres Reyes

I had the fun pleasure to co-host a couple of podcasts’ with The Nerd Report, Louis Love and Lisa “Grywuff” Grayson.

Some of the things we’ve talked about have come and gone, some did well and others didn’t. Here’s some of the topics we covered in this second one, George Lopez, The Nice Guys, Alice Through the Looking Glass, X-Men: Apocalypse. TV Shows (The Flash, Arrow, Bates Motel, Fear The Walking Dead, and Preacher), Batman V Superman Ultimate Edition trailer, World of Warcraft, and much more!

The Nerd Report Podcast, Louis Love, Lisa “Grywuff” Grayson, Angela Ortíz, Se Fija!

The Nerd Report Podcast

Now you can listen in on all the talk on the following podcast and I should be doing more with The Nerd Report soon. And you can check out more of their podcasts here.

New Gilmore Girls Trailer

Gilmore Girls-A Year in the Life

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, this will make old fans very happy and hopefully pick up new fans. The series is set to debut on Netflix on November 25. It stars Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel.

The Circus is Here! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Out Of This World™

The familia crew Photos: courtesy Sami Liu

The familia crew
Photos: courtesy Sami Liu

We had the great pleasure of checking out the “First-Ever West Coast National Tour Debut Blasts Off,” that started on July 14 in the Los Angeles area. And you have a few days left to check it out at the Honda Center/Anaheim until August 7. Check out what you’ll experience below. — A.O.

Families will be amazed by the cosmic voyage storyline exploring extraordinary new worlds and captivated by the twinkle in their child’s eyes as they visit far away planets of ice, fire, sand and water inhabited by gravity-defying acrobats, orbital aerialists, majestic animals and fearless daredevils that will ignite wonder with Children Of All Ages ®. The newest edition of The Greatest Show On Earth ® features several unique performances throughout the story including:

Some of the performers

Some of the performers

  • Simet Family Astronauts–the only-one-of-its-kind aerial “spacewalk” with three astronauts balancing zero gravity maneuvers on a spinning wheel
  • Heilongjiang Provincial Acrobatic Troupe–original presentation for the first time in America showcasing the mastery of skilled Chinese acrobatics (such as an 11-person human pyramid and hoop diving)–all performed on ice!
  • Thrill Skaters–introducing a new genre of ice skating, combining lyrical figure skating with energetic freestyle skaters performing tricks and stunts on ice.
  • Sway Pole–clown entertainer Davis climbs a 47ft pole to complete a handstand 5 stories above the audience as he sways and tumbles around with a surprise ending.

Additional “Out Of This World” show performance highlights include tigers & lions presenter Alexander Lacey; edge-of- your-seat Cossack Riders equestrian stunts; Globe of Steel motorcycle daredevils; awe-inspiring trapeze artists (performing the Ringling Bros. exclusive dual triple somersault routine with two flyers attempting the trick at the same time); unicycle courtside comedy routines from the King Charles Troupe; the hilarious antics of the Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and more!

Photos and video: ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Antonio Jaramillo on Literature, Theater and Acting

Antonio Jaramillo, Shades of Blue, Dallas, Angela Ortíz, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

Antonio Jaramillo
©2016 Angela María Ortíz S.

We met with successful film and television actor Antonio Jaramillo at Paty’s in Toluca Lake–and great old-style coffee shop that has some sentimental memories for me. Because it has been five years since I’d been there. I shared my story with him and our candid conversation started. Jaramillo talked about his passion for his work and life’s outlook. He’s funny, and you can see the intensity in him. We had a good laugh about us trying to get together for about three years to do this talk.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this talented guy, here’s a little background; in his mid-20’s, he fell in love with the writings of Anton Chekhov and later Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. That’s very impressive for someone who spent time in an orphanage.

Antonio Jaramillo, Jennifer Lopez, Shades of Blue, Dallas, Angela Ortíz

Jaramillo and Jennifer Lopez
Shades of Blue

His love for theater brought him to San Diego in 2004, while working on stage, he received an offer from the prestigious Geffen Playhouse to work in several understudy roles. This prompted him to move to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

In 2005, he began to show up on the small screen in shows like Veronica Mars and Charmed. In 2006, he landed a series regular role in the primetime telenovela, Fashion House. This led to several important series regular roles in Days of Our Lives, Meet the Browns, Gang Related, TNT’s 2014 drama Dallas, Devious Maids, and NBC’s hit Shades of Blue with Jennifer Lopez. And many guest roles on hit television shows like Rosewood, Arrested Development, The Mentalist, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Burn Notice.

Antonio Jaramillo, Shades of Blue, Dallas, Angela Ortíz

Antonio Jaramillo

Jaramillo’s first movie credit was La Linea (The Line 2009), working with Esai Morales, Danny Trejo, Andy Garcia, and Ray Liotta. His film breakout performance came in 2012 when he co-starred in Oliver Stone’s violent crime thriller, Savages, alongside Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, and Demián Bichir.

Now you can sit back and listen in on our conversation.

Antonio Jaramillo, Shades of Blue, Dallas, Angela Ortíz, ©2016 Angela María Ortíz S., Esther Urquiza

Se Fija!’s Angela Ortíz and Antonio Jaramillo
©2016 Esther Urquiza

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