A Cinematic Journey Into The Woods

into_the_woods

Based on the Stephen Sondheim play of the same name, Into the Woods is Disney’s big holiday movie for 2014.  The play itself is a tale about morality, vice, desire, and virtue.  Based on the concept that each fairy tale is supposed to teach us or our children a lesson to help them in life.  However the twist here is that several fairy tales collide to create the pillars of a whole new story where the object lesson is centered around the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”

I have to be perfectly honest here, before seeing this movie I knew very little to nothing about it.  Having never seen the play before or read much about it, never having heard the songs, I was going in blind.  There had been some brief discussion with my Disney Film Project Podcast co-hosts which contained a great deal of excitement from our own Rachel Kolb, who happens to be a huge fan of the play and knows a great deal about it.  When I’m in this situation I try not to come in with too many preconceptions.

The core story is about a Baker (James Corden) and his Wife (Emily Blunt) and their desire to start a family.  However they quickly learn that they have been cursed by their next door neighbor who happens to be a Witch played by Meryl Streep who really steals every scene she’s in.  Wanting to break the curse, and be able to have a child, the Witch assigns them to retrieve 4 seemingly normal items and bring them to her in 3 days time.  The trick however is that this sends them on a collision course with the fairy tales Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. 4 items.  4 stories.

The problem however is that the wishes of each of the major characters – the Baker, his Wife, the Witch, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and Rapunzel – have consequences.  Each of their stories plays out somewhat as you know them, but it’s what happens after this that matters.  But the wishes themselves are just allegorical wrappings for the choices the characters continue to make throughout the story.  And how they have to learn to take responsibility for those choices.

There is a lot of commentary that discusses the difference between the musical and the movie, from the removal of songs, to the changes of plot elements.  While not having seen the play, I’m guessing this serves 2 purposes; the shorter time a movie has to tell a story, and that some things that work on stage do not work as well on film.  While this is a somewhat dark story that has some moments that you may need to either explain or gloss over to your children, this is still a family film.  I might consider the age and maturity of any pre-teen children before seeing this film with them.  This is a very solid movie, based on a well constructed story, that I greatly enjoyed watching.

In addition to doing the web design and programming for the On the Go in MCO website, Todd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Guardians Of The Galaxy Is An Awesome Mix #SpoilerFree #YoureWelcome

gotg

I want to welcome you to the end of Act 2 and beginning of Act 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Guardians of the Galaxy (yeah I know technically Age of Ultron ends Phase 2, but this one is an Act change). Having just seen the movie for a third time, I want to let you know that it holds up very well across multiple viewings.  My only real regret at the moment is that these were all previews. That means there was no not-so-secret end credits teaser scene, and that I’ll have to see Guardians again just to catch that part.  Sorry, that’s a lie, I don’t regret having to see this movie again at all.

Know that Guardians of the Galaxy is a movie that is designed to appeal to a much wider audience than prior Marvel films.  Why? Because it’s not a movie about Superheroes, it’s a movie about heroism forged through sacrifice.  It’s also about murderers, thieves, bounty hunters, assassins – and that’s just the stars and heroes of the movie.  Don’t worry though you can’t always judge a book by it’s cover.  In comics, the desire and ability to do good often comes with missteps.  You’re just going to see the worst of them, become the best of them and save the universe.

Wrong minded people might not want to see a movie where 2 of the stars are a vocabulary challenged floral colossus named Groot and a bipedal, gun-toting procyon lotor with anger management issues named Rocket.  It’s a shame really because what they’d see on the screen are creatures that are so well engineered (more-so in Rocket’s case) that it’s almost hard to believe they are not living things.  That and Groot is in so many ways one of the most beautiful things you’ll have seen on screen in a very long time that you will cry.  And if that still doesn’t convince them about this movie then, to quote said racoon, “They’re d’ast idiots!”

From everything I saw on the screen, I can only say that despite all the changes from the comic books this is actually superb bit of silver screen magic packaged in a way to keep even the staunchest of comic book fans happy.  There are a number of things I’m pretty sure I saw with my only regret so far being no sign of a mane of red, white, and blue.  I can’t wait to get this film home in a few months so I can pause and study to my heart’s content.  And note there’s a Hidden Mickey that I didn’t see until my third viewing.

Right minded people will notice that this movie is far less like Avengers, and far more like Star Wars or even Firefly. As I indicated above that gives us a movie that more people can in a lot of ways more easily consume.  It’s a strong showing for Marvel as they push to keep this freight train moving ever forward (at least through 2019), and Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be in theaters for many months to come.

* Now read the first word of each paragraph

In addition to doing the web design and programming for the On the Go in MCO website, Todd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

A Warm Look At Frozen

Disney-Frozen

Currently in theaters, Frozen is the tale of two sisters separated by magic, but joined by their love for each other.  Bearing almost no resemblance to it source work, “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen, Frozen becomes a new, different, and original story by Disney.  In keeping with the current trend, this movie is completely computer animated, and at some very key moments in the movie it’s clear that this technology has advanced to such a point as to make magic take on a very real feel.

There are some interesting characters thrown into the film like the comedic sidekick Olaf the Snowman – a character I honestly found annoying from the original trailer – that I really enjoyed in the context of the full movie.  Drawing from something that worked really well in the movie Tangled, we get a second sidekick in the form of a carrot loving reindeer named Sven.  Since they were young Sven has been the companion of the ice trader Kristoff – together they have a relationship that reminds me of myself and my dog Jasper (yes including the talking).

Frozen

Arendelle is a very beautiful land that is in many ways made more beautiful when covered in snow and ice.  There are moments where that snow and ice are used to convey the emotion of the characters and the moment that just work so fantastically well, that you’re reminded of that magical element to winter from your childhood.  This coming from someone who can’t stand snow.

Frozen

The music in the movie is really strong, and does a fantastic job in helping to broaden the definition of the characters singing them.  One clever element is that instead of having the manly mountain man Kristoff sing a song about his feelings, his “family” of rock trolls sings it for him.  Anna’s entire drive for the movie is defined in the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” which is an ode to her longing for the companionship of her sister.  “Let It Go” is that moment when Elsa is finally able to be herself while at the same time letting us know that she too is lonely.

httpv://youtu.be/kHue-HaXXzg

For 70 years Disney has been looking for a way to bring the story of “The Snow Queen” to movie audiences, and it’s clear that they have succeeded.  It’s nice to have a story where the core, classic elements of what people perceive to be a “Disney Movie” can be turned on their side some and bring about the sort of depth of to characters that modern audiences crave.  Do I think everyone will like this movie? No. Do I think that Disney fans should go see this movie? Absolutely.  Frozen is a very good movie that tells a strong story using well defined characters that is very enjoyable to watch.

httpv://youtu.be/TbQm5doF_Uc

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Muppet Movie on Blu-Ray Now

The Muppet Movie was one of my absolute favorite movies growing up, and it holds a truly special place in my heart. The NEARLY 35th Anniversary Special Edition is out now on Blu-Ray, and it is a great way to share this movie with your family and to see some great bonus features!

The Muppet Movie Blu-Ray

If you haven’t seen the movie…shame on you!!!

The Muppet Movie is a 1979 classic, that gives you a hilarious peek at where some of your favorite Muppets, like Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Animal to name a few, came from when they were just getting started!

In The Muppet Movie the gang hits the road on a funny and at times emotional road trip to follow their dreams to Hollywood to become stars.

The Muppet Movie is full of heart, funny gags, and songs that will fill your eyes with tears and put a smile on your face!

httpv://youtu.be/N31JLdKmHIE

What makes the The NEARLY 35th Anniversary Special Edition of The Muppet movie truly great are the MUPPETASTIC Bonus Features!

In addition to the original trailers and Doc Hopper’s full commercial, you also get Frog-E-Oke Sing-Along where you get to join the Muppet Gang in some of your favorite songs, Pepe Profiles Present: Kermit-A Frog’s Life which is a classic feature that is a ‘Hollywood Biography’ with interviews from Kermit the Frog and other special guests, and the Disney Intermission feature is a fun way to get a few laughs in when you have to pause the movie!

However, the gem of The NEARLY 35th Anniversary Special Edition of The Muppet movie is Jim Frawley’s Extended Camera Test! This is a little over 15 minutes of footage that features Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and others as they take a few Muppets for their first outdoor screen tests. It is so much fun to see these characters being themselves. Since this is a camera test, you can occasionally see a peek of Henson and Oz having fun and doing what they love!

With the Muppets Most Wanted coming soon, The Muppet Movie is a great place to start your film journey to get prepared for what is sure to be an awesome movie!

The NEARLY 35th Anniversary Special Edition of The Muppet movie is a Must Own for any Muppet fan!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

A Silver Bullet Review of The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger

Yesterday was July 4th, and I found it or that while I was standing in the middle of the Magic Kingdom that my only goal was to head over to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and get myself a root beer slush.  Admittedly it was a fairly hot day, but that wasn’t why I was getting the drink.  What I wanted was the mug that it came in, shaped like a boot, and stamped with the logo for the newly released Disney film The Lone Ranger and the image of a Texas Ranger badge.  For the longest time, I’ve been a fan of the character, and his history.  As a child I had a spray-painted silver bullet on my desk, had made myself my own Halloween costume (that got worn more often), and was even a Texas Rangers fan.  So I’ll just apologize upfront if this seems biased.

The legend of the Lone Ranger goes back to a 1933 radio show which was one of the most popular of all time.  It has since gone on to produce a highly successful television program, a series of books, comic books, other movie treatments, merchandising, etc.  It’s safe to say that for 80 years this character has never not made money in some capacity.  And in 2007 the Weinstein brothers, after having left Disney, found themselves planning to buy the rights to the Lone Ranger for use in the home video market – only to see the company that was selling it to them snatched up by Dreamworks before this could happen.

Eventually, with the help of Jerry Bruckheimer, the movie was set up at Disney.  The first script treatment had had an extreme supernatural overtone, trying to play off the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I’m not kidding, there were werewolves.  Elements of this original script were brought forward into the final product and can be found very obviously imbued into nature of the characters of Tonto and Butch Cavendish primarily, and to a lesser extent that of the main character John Reid.  In 2010, after the idea was on the verge of being scrapped, Gore Verbinski steps into the picture, and production kicked into high gear.  While Johnny Depp had been signed to the project back in 2008, they needed their Ranger, and Armie Hammer was signed to do so.

In my time as a fan I’ve read, watched, or listened to more than a dozen different version of the origin story of the Lone Ranger, and I have to say that this movie, The Lone Ranger, is a very fresh adaptation.  If you look closely it has so much of what has been brought before in it.  The Ranger is the lawman seeking justice, more literally as a lawyer.  Tonto is still the guide, taking a more spiritual bent.  And Butch Cavendish is as vile, rotten, and disgusting as he should be, adding a new bent that wasn’t too hard to… swallow (do you see what I did there).  A few of the twists in the movie are nicely done, especially the reveal – which is only lightly telegraphed.  There are still mines of silver and even nephew Dan as a future sidekick is alluded to.

For 22 (or more) minutes of the film I was on the verge of tears.  Why?  Because on the screen is something I feel no filmed treatment has gotten right since the television series use of the William Tell Overture.  The full treatment, overlaid on the end game of the movie is one of the most enjoyable on screen moments I’ve experienced.  The timing of every note to the action, movement, and feeling of the moment rounded this movie out fully and really brought it home for me.  It said to me, “Yes, this is the Lone Ranger.

Right now you’re seeing a lot of negative criticism about the movie, but really audience reviews of the movie are great.  Try to ignore the professional critics and go watch this movie and make your own decision about it.  There are some gruesome moments in the movie, that if you’re bringing your children you may get questions about.  Up front, I’ll warn you that Westerns aren’t for everyone, but we seldom get good ones that have the right feel to them anymore.  This however is one.  And if you’re a fan of the genre I feel you’re going to enjoy it.

In addition to doing the web designer and programming for the On the Go in MCO websiteTodd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast.  You can join him and his fellow hosts for a Live Review of The Lone Ranger on Thursday, July 18, 2013.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

A Look At Monsters University

Monsters_University_poster_3

It was 12 years ago that we first met Mike Wazowski and Sulley in what is now the 5th highest grossing Pixar film of all time, Monsters, Inc.  – reviewed in Episode 49 of the Disney Film Project Podcast.  In it we get introduced to these friendly monsters that are in a lot of ways just like us.  Only, with the exception that they’re monsters, living in a city populated by monsters, in world of monsters, all of whom were brought up to think that humans and especially children are toxic.  This Top Scarer team quickly learns that the world around them isn’t quite what it appears to be, and the quickly watch the house of cards tumble around them.

Now, on June 21st we get to learn how they met, in the long awaited… not sequel, but rather prequel, Monsters University.   Abandoning the idea that they met way back in the 4th grade as implied by a line in the original movie, but explained away by director Dan Scanlon, Pixar chose to go with the characters meeting in college. Twelve years is a long time, and it would never work for live actors because they don’t age in reverse, but fortunately these characters have all been sitting on computers at Pixar waiting all this time to once more stretch their legs.

The principal voice actors Billy Crystal and John Goodman return as Mike and Sulley.  And along with them come a new cast of characters played by a wide array of voice and acting talents: Helen Mirren, Dave Foley, Alfred Molina, and Nathan Fillion among them.  Together they help to bring to life a movie that reflects a much different world than that of the energy crisis ridden city of Monstropolis.

What we instead get is the journey of two younger monsters both learning to survive in the world around them.  One trying to live his dream, and the other trying to live up to his family’s expectations.  Two monsters who couldn’t be more different, on a journey to become the great friends we know them to be from Monsters, Inc.  And the most important aspect of the original movie is carried forward into this one: heart.

The view of college life in the movie does fall into the typical movie trope that everything that matters in college is decided and defined by fraternities and sororities.  But that hardly detracts from the points the movie is trying to make – it’s just the easier and more familiar path to take when making a college movie.  With all that said the portrayal of “the greek life” is minimal, and at times mocking.  The classroom scenes range from being reminiscent of both Harry Potter and Sky High.

Overall, I really think fans of the original won’t be disappointed with Monsters University.  It’s not nearly as new and fresh as Monsters, Inc. was when it came out, nor is it as good.  But it is a solid movie that makes it’s points, teaches us some lessons, tells us what we want to know going in, and even answers some questions we’d maybe been wondering along the way.  It was both fun and funny to watch, and I look forward to seeing it again this weekend.

httpv://youtu.be/xBzPioph8CI

In addition to doing the web designer and programming for the On the Go in MCO website, Todd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast.  You can join him and his fellow hosts for a Live Review of Monsters University on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Minnie’s The Wizard of Dizz DVD Review

Journey to a wondrous land of enchantment and surprises! The classic tale gets a brand-new twist in Minnie’s new full-length adventure: The Wizard Of Dizz.

The Wizard Of Dizz
Minnie’s The Wizard of Dizz available now on Disney DVD

Before you can say “pink tornado,” Minnie and Pluto end up in the silly but spectacular land of Dizz. It’s an amazing place, with rainbow trees, butterfly bows and friendly “Chipmunchkins,” but what Minnie wants most is to get home. Together, Minnie and her new friends Scarecrow Goofy, Mickey the Tin Mouse and Donald the Lion set off to ask the wonderful Wizard of Dizz to make their dreams come true. But look out! Bad Witch Pete wants Minnie’s magical, sparkly green shoes, and he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve.

httpv://youtu.be/7a74xnGqe10

We all really enjoyed The Wizard of Dizz which is absolutely overflowing with fun! In addition to The Wizard of Dizz full length adventure, there are two additional episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, ten Minnie’s Bow-Toons (which Zoe adores), and an app that is easily downloaded using the Disney Rewards Number. Talk about a great value!!!

If you have a Minnie or Wizard of Oz fan in your family you are really going to want to consider picking up this DVD!

The Wizard of Dizz is a celebration of fun and friendship that proves there’s no place like the clubhouse!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey On DVD Today!

The Quest for the Crystal Mickey 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey

Arrives on DVD – May 21, 2013

 

The newest Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey adventure come out today on DVD just in time for Summer Break.

The Quest for the Crystal Mickey is over two hours of family friendly fun that will have your kids learning as they join their friends from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on their wild adventures. I love that these episodes are really focused on problem solving, pattern making, music, and teaching kids all about friendship!

The DVD also comes with a free Adventure Activity Map and Stickers!

Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and all their pals in the newest Clubhouse crusade. When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing, Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!

 

There’s no time to lose after greedy Plunderin’ Pete snatches the legendary Crystal Mickey statue from the Clubhouse. Without this sparkly statue’s magic, the Clubhouse will disappear forever! Can the world’s most extraordinary hero “Kansas City Mickey,” get the magical statue back in time? Only with help from young viewers at home…and the right Mouseketools can Mickey journey across the Sandy Desert, brave the Rushing River and make his way through the Hidden Jungle. But watch out for Pete’s trickiest traps!

The Quest for the Crystal Mickey

The five episodes included on The Quest for the Crystal Mickey are:

1 – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Quest for the Crystal Mickey

2 – Donald of the Desert

3 – Donald the Genie

4 – Goofy’s Coconutty Monkey

5 – Goofy’s Giant Adventure

The suggested retail price is $19.99, and it is worth every penny!

If you have a fan of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in your family, they will love The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!

httpv://youtu.be/_Dv8uzJ2v-8

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Wreck-It Ralph Available on Disney Blu-Ray!

Wreck-It Ralph

Daddy’s Movie Day: Wreck-It Ralph

Finally after many months of anticipation, Disney has finally released their blockbuster animated film Wreck-It Ralph on DVD and Blu –Ray.  Ralph and his fellow inhabitants of the arcade come to life to tell the story of the Bad Guy who isn’t a “Bad Guy”…

Ever since I saw Wreck-It Ralph in the theater the first time, I have wanted to see it again.  I grew up in the golden age of arcade games, so I saw many familiar faces in Ralph’s world.  It was great to see all of the painstaking detail the director and animators took to incorporate all of these classic elements.  When we received the DVD, I was excited to be able to watch it over multiple times to see all of the little elements that I missed when I saw it in the theater.  As nice as it was, I really didn’t have a choice.  The real ruler of the DVD play, and sometimes the house, my daughter Zoe insisted on watching it many times the first day we got it.  I didn’t put up much of a fight as I wanted to watch it too, and once again it didn’t disappoint.

Wreck-It Ralph is a wonderful story about a Bad Guy who just wants to be accepted.  It is wonderfully written and directed, incorporating comedy, action, drama, and a heartwarming story of friendship and overcoming the odds.

The Blu-Ray is full of great extras that we loved exploring.  The favorite in our house was the pause screens 12 different segments showing all of the hidden gems in the background of the movie.

In my opinion, Wreck-It Ralph is the best movie Disney has put out in a number of years, and I highly recommend it to anyone young or old.

httpv://youtu.be/jUZ9I8hXj14

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Petes Dragon Celebrating 35 Years And Now Avaialble On Disney BluRay

Petes Dragon
Pete’s Dragon is Celebrating it’s 35th Anniversary on BluRay!

PETES DRAGON 35th Anniversary Edition BLU_RAY

Available for the First Time in High Definition with New Digital Restoration on October 16th, 2012 in a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack

Petes Dragon is one of the first Disney movies that I saw as a child, and was one of my favorites.  I had not seen it since I was my daughter’s age, so it was great to be able to watch it with her like it was my first time.  The timeless story of lost and rediscovered love never gets old and makes for a great family movie.

This endearing story between Pete and his invisible dragon friend Elliott as they develop a special bond and share a magical friendship is a classic Walt Disney movie that is a must see.  With memorable cast of characters, Mickey Rooney, Helen Reddy, Sean Marshall, Red Buttons, and Jim Dale, and heartwarming songs including the 1977 Academy Award “Best Original Song” nominee, “Candle On The Water,” Pete’s Dragon 35th Anniversary is the perfect timeless classic every member of your family will love.

When Pete, an orphan, and his best friend Elliot, an invisible green dragon, wander into the seaside village of Passamaquody, the townspeople think he’s behind a slew of hilarious mishaps. But after a daring rescue, they change their tune and believe in Pete’s fire-breathing buddy.

While the transfer of the film to High Definition isn’t without its flaws, the movie still holds a lot of charm! And the Bonus Features on Petes Dragon are a lot of fun! We really enjoyed looking at Brazzle Dazzle Effects: Behind Disney’s Movie Magic and the Deleted Storyboard Sequence: “Terminus & Hoagy Hunt Elliott”.

If you ever had an invisible friend when you were younger or remember watching this movie when you were younger, you won’t want to miss the chance to relive this movie classic again!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYT975dSm9c

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under Available on Disney Blu-Ray

The Rescuers
The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under Available Now on Disney Blu-Ray!

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of an original classic, Disney proudly presents a special 2-movie collection featuring all-time family favorites, The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under, for the first time ever on Blu-ray! Join two of the world’s bravest mice – Bernard and Bianca – as they set out on two thrilling rescue missions full of comic adventure while soaring through the Devil’s Bayou and flying sky high in the Australian outback.

The Rescuers Is based on the children’s books by Margery Sharp, which are great reads, and are full of great adventures and lessons for the whole family.

In The Rescuers, Miss Bianca and Bernard travel to Louisiana to rescue Penny from the evil Madame Medusa.  While I really enjoyed the story of the The Rescuers the animation definitely has its moments yet in the end it just isn’t as great as other Disney Animated Classics. I also had a really hard time becoming invested in Madame Medusa as a villain. Zoe spent a lot of time laughing and enjoying The Rescuers, because it is filled with face paced action and tons of gags that she found hilarious.

Also included in this 35th Anniversary combo pack is The Rescuers Down Under, the sequel to the original movie. With the same general premise, except set in Australia, the movie tries really hard but never makes it up to the same level as The Rescuers The comedy is more slap-stick and the action is a little lack luster at times.

As with all other Disney Blu-Ray movies , The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under is chocked full of some great Bonus Features!!!

  • “Peoplitis” is a deleted song written for a scene that was never animated. Ron Clements introduces us to the scene (using storyboards) and song as sung by Louis Prima
  •  “The Three Blind Mouseketeers” is a 1936 Silly Symphony cartoon
  • Water Birds is the Oscar-winning 1952 short feature in the True-Life Adventure series detailing many different species of water fowl with the legendary nature photography Disney became known for. This is in 1080p and runs for 30 minutes.
  • “Someone’s Waiting for You” sing along song offers on-screen lyrics with clips from The Rescuers.
  • “The Making of The Rescuers Down Under is a vignette giving a few minutes of face time to producer Thomas Schumacher, directors Hendel Butoy and Mike Gabriel, several animators, and the film’s art director discussing the two year production period that included a research trip to Australia and trips to the San Diego Zoo to watch real animals in motion.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDyq1iMAcuA&feature=share&list=PL09FF7CDF3EC57920

Buckle up for the ride of your life as these tiny heroes with great big hearts outrun and outwit their rivals to save the day. Brimming with lovable characters and unforgettable music, the 2-movie collection is high-flying fun for the entire family!

The Rescuers

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Week in Review: August 6 – August 10, 2012: Movies, DVC, and Orlando Sports…Oh My!

The Week in Review: August 6 – August 10, 2012

It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now let’s take a look back at how the first full week of August went down!!!

Let’s do this thing!

On Monday, Todd Perlmutter, of Disney Film Project fame, takes a break from taking the blame about everything around here to take a spoiler free look at The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the UCF area? Or are you looking for a 5K to run? Are you a huge college sports fan? If you answered yes, you might want to check out the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge, that our friends at the Central Florida Sports Commission have created!

2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge

Check out our review of the latest Disney Chanel Original Movie Let It Shine on DVD and enter for your chance to win a copy!

Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us over to the Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal’s CityWalk!

Hollywood Drive-In Golf Golf at Universal Citywalk

Earlier this summer we told you about SeaWorld rescuing a pregnant manatee that gave birth to an adorable calf, and we updated you about their return to their home in Merritt Island, Florida.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.

Thursday, we were really excited to let you know about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month returning this year in September! This is definitely something you are going to want to check out!!!

We are all super excited about the Solar Bears returning to the ice in Orlando, and they will be returning under their 2001 Turner Cup Championship Banner!

And we wrapped up the week with Cheryl taking a look back at her DVC stay at the Beach Club Villas!

Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room
Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room (courtesy of Betsy Bates)

Then finally I took a look at the really cool tokidoki MARVEL merchandise that is available at DStreet!

Tokidoki MARVEL Men’s T-Shirt

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!!!

If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!

And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Win A Copy Of “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” On DVD Today!!!

Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012

The Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” featuring an exclusive extended music scene arrives as a 1-Disc DVD (DVD + Digital Copy on the same disc) Today, August 7, 2012. Set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, the uplifting and energetic modern day story inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac is driven by its original and catchy soundtrack and stars Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson, Brandon Mychal Smith, Nicole Sullivan, Dawnn Lewis, Alex Desert, and Courtney B. Vance.

Let It Shine is full of great messages about how important family and friends can be and how having self-confidence can help you achieve your dreams,  and most importantly it is also full of fun music that Zoe had a blast dancing around the room to during the movie! Also, the soundtrack of 12 original songs for Let It Shine is great! I was really pleasantly surprised by how much we all enjoyed this DCOM!!!

Celebrating family and friendship, the story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams) and his best friend Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson) reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews (Coco Jones), whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writes music under the name “Truth,” crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics, but ultimately begins to win Roxie’s heart too. Now, it’s up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self, and pursue his dreams. At the same time, Cyrus must convince his preacher father (Courtney B. Vance) that hip-hop music can convey a positive message.

I do have to say that there is some mild name-calling and confrontation between kids and your expected kids rebelling against adults, but it was nothing that was too over the top or anything you wouldn’t expect from a DCOM. But it’s how the characters handle adversity in Let It Shine that makes it such an enjoyable movie!

Available only on the “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” DVD is the exclusive extended scene featuring Cyrus in his first-ever rap battle of the rhymes against his nemesis, Bling, to establish which performer is the more talented verse master. The truth is in the music!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPEJFdtKPH0

“Let It Shine” is directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “JONAS”), written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott (“Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and choreographed by Danny Teeson (“American Idol”) and associate Brandon Shaw (“So You Think You Can Dance,” NAACP Image Awards). A production of G WaveProductions, LLC., the movie was shot on location in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia.

If you have a child that is into music, they will thoroughly enjoy Let It Shine! And I will warn you now, that you will enjoy it and find yourself hearing the music at times during your day and it will bring a smile to your face!!!

** GIVEAWAY!!!** If you would like to win a copy of Let It Shine: Extended Edition all you need to do leave a comment about this or your favorite Disney Channel Original Movie on this post by Monday, August 13th at Midnight! Please make sure you leave your email address!!!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

*** SPOILER FREE *** Review of The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Having seen The Odd Life of Timothy Green just a few days ago, I’ve been trying to put my finger on the pulse of the movie.  There is so much wrapped into this compact, sweet, lovable, and quirky movie that I don’t feel that simple labels like “comedy” or “drama” are enough, though it clearly has elements of both.  What shines through most in this movie though is its tremendous heart.  There are in this movie no good guys, and no bad guys – there are just people behaving like… people, and yet their lives are all simply transformed by Timothy.

The story was conceived by Ahmet Zappa son of the singer, songwriter, and musician Frank Zappa.  For Disney to put this out under their own brand rather than one of their subsidiaries says a lot about their trust for the material and Zappa.  This trust goes back a few yeas to the creation of Kingdom Comics in 2008 which included a multi-year contract to create new films and rejuvenate old live-action Disney films by first releasing them in graphic novel form.  This is the first new film to be released through this venture.

You are going to cry at this movie.  There is no doubt.  Some of those tears will be from laughing, some will be from sorrow.  But many will come from that place you enter when you let yourself go in the magic of a moment and realize how amazing the world would be if things always could just work this way.  To be able to put our wishes, our hopes and our dreams into a box and have them come true… even if only for a short while.

Those who love the art of storytelling will almost immediately pick up on the O. Henry styling of the story.  There is a twist to the tale, it’s not hidden – the trailers for the movie already give it away.  But the twist is designed to deliver a message and that’s what’s important.  Life is fleeting.  We are here for a moment, and then we’re gone.  But it’s what we do with that moment.  The way in which the lives of those whose lives intertwine with our own are affected by that which we do and the choices that we make.  In the end, this is what matters – so make them count.

The moments of impact Timothy gets to make, are not ones that are chosen for him.  But when they come he accepts them and embraces them all.  Makes the best of the moment for good or for ill.  And with that he transforms the lives of those around him in a way that has no other description than magic.  But it’s not in your face magic.  No, rather it’s the sort of subtle magic that is administered by Mary Poppins or comes riding in on a tornado from Oz.  Right down to magical storms and whimsical winds.

Despite being a family movie, I can’t say that this movie is for everyone.  Some of the themes that run through this are deep and may require explanation to your children.  The emotions in this movie are strong – it could be as much as a two box movie depending on the viewer.   And many people like to avoid that sort of thing.  This movie is also not without its flaws, but at the same time few are worth nitpicking. However, if you can be accepting of a little magic running its course, then I highly recommend seeing this movie.

As much as I’d like to give a star rating for this movie now, you will have to wait until August 27th when I release Episode 86 of the Disney Film Project Podcast for that and a more thorough review.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Week in Review: July 23-27, 2012

Happy Sunday!!!

Here at On the Go we have been having another week of fun around Orlando, and it’s time to take a look back so we can Keep Moving Forward…So let’s go!!!

On Monday, we took at look at the new Oz: The Great and Powerful, opening March 8, 2013, trailer that was released. This looks like it is going to be an amazing movie!!!

Oz: The Great and Powerful will be released March 8, 2013

 

Then it is almost my favorite time of year again…Food and Wine Festival at Epcot!!! Aurora looked at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series line up for this year on Tuesday, and I am really excited!!! Sugar Ray, Boyz II Men, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are just a few of the bands that will be performing at this year’s series! You HAVE to check out one of these concerts if you are here for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot!!!

The 2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Series is from September 28-November 12 at Epcot!!!

If your family is anything like mine, you have caught Wreck-It Ralph fever and November 2, 2012 needs to be here today! Tuesday we looked at the slew of talented actors from some of your favorite video games and movies that are lending their voices to this highly anticipated movie!

Wreck-It Ralph Hits Movie Theaters November 2, 2012

 

Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, were we needed to be Quiet on the Set at The Great Movie Ride!

Quiet on the Set – The Great Movie Ride – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

 

The only thing cuter than a manatee is a rescued manatee that gave birth to an absolutely adorable calf! Our friends at SeaWorld rescued this momma manatee from Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, FL, because she had severe injuries to the front right flipper caused by a crab pot line. Mom and Calf are doing well and are as cute as can be!

Approximately six weeks after her rescue, rescued manatee gives birth to a calf at SeaWorld Orlando on the morning of July 18, 2012.

 

Thursday Betsy took us with us as she looked at her Happy Place at Walt Disney World where the Dole Whips flow…Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This post is filled with great photos, information, and delicious food that you can find at the Poly, and is sure to make you say Aloha to this amazing Deluxe Resort!

Congratulations! It’s a 100 Weedy Sea Dragons! Over at SeaWorld there is a rare birth about to take place, as a father Weedy Sea Dragon is taking care of 100 eggs that will hatch soon!

Nearly 100 small, pinkish eggs adorn a male weedy sea dragon. As with sea horses, male sea dragons are responsible for bearing young.

We closed out the week with one of the coolest things that we have done yet! The Gaylord Palms hosted a Christmas in July event where we found out about how Ice! will feature some of our favorite characters from Merry Madagascar and had a surprise performance from Vanilla Ice! We also take a peek inside this beautiful resort. How can you not love that???

Vanilla Ice killed it at the Gaylord Palms

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

And now for the shameless plugs…

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!!!

If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!

And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram