So I have to be honest folks, while watching AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR , I couldn't wait for the scenes that took us back into Wakanda. ...
So I have to be honest folks, while watching AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, I couldn't wait for the scenes that took us back into Wakanda.
Yes being in space and on other planets with the other Avengers was cool and all, but there was something special about going back home to make the last stand to save earth.
I mean let's be real, if the earth is about to be destroyed, I wanna die with my people. Wakanda forever!
If, like me, you're also a Wakandaian at heart, then you'll enjoy this video featurette on the film that talks about the Avengers going to Wakanda. Because even the other Avengers appreciate what Wakanda is all about.
Like my King T’Challa said. “We don’t fight for one life. We fight for all of them.”
Go back to Wakanda and joined the fight to save the universe from Thanos in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, playing in theatres everywhere.
Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity War - Official Trailer
An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time.
The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.
Visit the official AVENGERS website www.marvel.com/avengers
Like AVENGERS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/avengers
This weekend we went to see AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR early. When I say early I mean we were at the box office by 8:30am for the 9am show. We e...
This weekend we went to see AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR early. When I say early I mean we were at the box office by 8:30am for the 9am show. We even had reserved seats. That's how serious it was. And how could it not be?
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR was literally 10 years in the making and featured an all star cast bringing the story of various Marvel Superheroes together. We had to see it!
So how was it? Actually very surprising.
I mean I knew the story going into the movie, but seeing how Marvel Studios brought things together visually is always a thrill. And then there was the main villain Thanos and his story-line. THAT really surprised. Even though I already knew it!
And I think that's what's awesome about AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. We all KNOW what's going to happen but there's still surprises along the way. And that is what I want to highlight in this review of the movie.
Thanos, the "Mad" Titan, Actually Made Sense
Destroy half of the universe? No way would anyone agree to such an idea. But after watching AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and hearing Thanos explain his reasons, you might reconsider. Seriously. While Thanos is a major bad @ss and kicks everyone's butt, he also shows a foresight and empathy to an over crowding problem.
Thanos is all about trying to alleviate the pain and suffering of many by removing a few. And he's willing to give up everything to make it happen. By the end of the film, you have to respect and kinda feel for the guy and what it took from him to make his vision a reality.
The new version of Thor is much better
Honestly I wasn't a major fan of Thor. I kinda felt he was two dimensional. He was all "I'll fight and defeat" everyone or....well....never-mind about the two dimensions of Thor.
In AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, the Thor we know has been through some stuff. And it changes him. And I think for the better. He's older, wiser, battle worn but with more depth. And lightening. Can't forget the lightening. I like it!
Thor still makes joke, which is great when he's with Guardians of the Galaxy team, but it's not all he has to offer. Can't wait to see more of this Thor!
Giving Fan Service
While many of the movie goers are new fans, LOTS more are long time fans who started with the comic books. Myself included. So we already knew the story and what will happen. Still Marvel Studios gave us some Easter eggs and head nods with certain scenes comic books fans will "get".
It was a nice and a surprising intimate touch. It feels good to know they care about the long time fans as well as the newer ones. And makes us excited to see how else they'll meld the Avengers world of comics and movies together.
Overall the film was well done and worth watching. Even at 9am on a Sunday morning. Make sure to get your tickets and go see AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, playing in theaters everywhere !
Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity War - Official Trailer
An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time.
The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.
Visit the official AVENGERS website www.marvel.com/avengers
Like AVENGERS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/avengers
Here's great way to encourage your kids interest in science and tech. Use the My First Lab "STEM Starter Kit", which turns a s...
Here's great way to encourage your kids interest in science and tech. Use the My First Lab "STEM Starter Kit", which turns a smartphone or mobile device into a 60x-magnification microscope in the palm of their hand!
The "STEM Starter Kit" ( $19.99 • Ages 6+) is perfect for the home, in class or educational after-school activities. Simply clip on to any Smartphone or Tablet, pick the light setting, slide the microscope over the mobile device’s camera lens and then position over an object.
Kit includes cell phone microscope, the Smartphone Inspector, along with 15 different 3D specimens on prepared slides, 2 light settings and even the batteries! It’s truly amazing with 60x magnification power.
My First Lab, a division of C&A Scientific, has invested over 20 years of manufacturing expertise to build microscopes and science kits that are inexpensive enough for a child, but possessing an image quality good enough for an adult.
You can find it at specialty stores, the company’s site and on Amazon.
To see more My First Lab products, visit - www.myfirstlab.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/MyFirstLab
Twitter - www.twitter.com/MyFirstLab
Wakanda fans, get ready to welcome King T’Challa and his world into your home when Marvel Studios “Black Panther,” becomes available May 8 o...
Wakanda fans, get ready to welcome King T’Challa and his world into your home when Marvel Studios “Black Panther,” becomes available May 8 on Digital HD, 4K Ultra HD and Movies Anywhere and then May 15 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand.
Do you hear me cheering?! I can't wait to watch it over and over AND over again!
Through the 4K Cinematic Universe Edition of “Black Panther,” fans will experience the adventure in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
Disc extras include never-before-seen commentary from director Ryan Coogler; deleted scenes; outtakes; and several making-of featurettes, a roundtable discussion with “Black Panther” filmmakers and writers; a featurette tracing the countless connections between heroes, characters and storylines within the Marvel Cinematic Universe; and an exclusive sneak peek at “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”
As you can see there's lots to enjoy!
SYNOPSIS
In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” T’Challa returns home to the hidden high-tech African nation of Wakanda to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king, following the death of his father.
But when a man named Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) appears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he’s drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Pitted against his own family, the king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and embrace his future as an Avenger.
The film features a fierce group of Wakandan women, including Nakia (Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o), a War Dog and Wakandan spy; Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s little sister and tech wizard; and the Dora Milaje, the all-female Wakandan Special Forces led by Okoye (Danai Gurira).
They team up with reluctant ally CIA agent Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) to help T’Challa defend Wakanda against the forces threatening to destroy it.
The extraordinary ensemble cast of “Black Panther” also includes veteran actors such as Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett as Ramonda, T’Challa and Shuri’s mother; Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker as Zuri, the spiritual leader of Wakanda; and Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue, an illegal arms dealer; and standout performances by Academy Award® nominee Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi, Royal Counsel to T’Challa; Winston Duke as M’Baku, the formidable leader of the Jabari tribe; and Emmy® Award-winner Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu, a Wakandan War Dog.
BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):
Blu-ray:
Director’s Intro
From Page to Screen: A Roundtable Discussion - Delve into the film’s making
Crowning of a New King – Explore the world of “Black Panther” in all its color and complexity
The Warriors Within – Get to know Wakanda’s women and the actors who portray them
The Hidden Kingdom Revealed – Wakanda’s diverse people
Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology
Deleted Scenes
U.N. Meet and Greet
Okoye And W’Kabi Discuss the Future of Wakanda
T’Challa Remembers His Father
Voices from the Past
Gag Reel
Exclusive Sneak Peek at “Ant-Man and The Wasp”
Marvel Studios the First Ten Years: Connecting the Universe
Director’s Commentary
Digital Exclusives:
In World Wakanda Tourism Ads
Come to Wakanda “Before”
Come to Wakanda “After”
Black Panther is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available). Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will fully experience the sights and sounds of Wakanda.
The action in “Black Panther” is intensified through a musical score by GRAMMY®-nominated composer Ludwig Göransson and soundtrack curated and produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar Kendrick Lamar and Billboard Magazine’s Executive of the Year Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. “Black Panther: The Album” topped the Billboard 200 chart for five consecutive weeks and the end-credit track, “All The Stars,” featuring Lamar and SZA, spent nine weeks in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
Folks! I was called to be part of the most anticipated war happening this year. By The Avengers! Yes that right, THE AVENGERS, via Marvel St...
Folks! I was called to be part of the most anticipated war happening this year. By The Avengers! Yes that right, THE AVENGERS, via Marvel Studios PR team, invited me to L.A for red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and all that goes along with it.
I don't have to tell you I nearly lost my dern mind. Matter of fact I was nearly done packing when a little voice asking "what are you doing" reminded me that I forgot something. Or rather someone.
My kid! Who's gonna watch my kid?! After a mad dash weekend to try organizing that situation but not getting anywhere, I had to send the "I can't make this" email and start unpacking.
Folks it was hard. So hard. Cause you KNOW I wanted to go. Especially after what happened with THE BLACK PANTHER red carpet premiere. Again I was invited but couldn't go because of work. I haven't blog about that because I'm still so upset. LOL
But I HAD to blog about this because I JUST CANT TAKE IT. It's not everyday you get invited to save the world alongside THE AVENGERS...... THE AVENGERS!
I mean you know how I feel about Iron Man, Dr. Strange and *gasp* Black Panther. Add in Spider-Man and Hulk, who are currently my son's favorite superheroes, and this would have been a trip to remember. Like a reunion with all my super-friends.
But nope, I have to stay home and watch all the fun online and imagine what could have been. I'm sure THE AVENGERS will miss me not being there, but they'll have to go on and save the universe anyway.
Meanwhile since I'm staying at home (till my next invite!), I can share cool related info like this “Family” video featurette.
“Family” - Featurette
In the new “Family” featurette, the cast of Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR talk about their Marvel Cinematic Universe “family” and what it has meant to them spending time together making the MCU’s blockbuster movies.
Get ready to meet the "family" when AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR opens in theaters everywhere. Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity War - Official Trailer
An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time.
The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.
Visit the official AVENGERS website www.marvel.com/avengers
Like AVENGERS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/avengers
Since the first trailer for READY PLAYER ONE, I knew it was a movie I had to see. Besides being about real life versus playing video games i...
Since the first trailer for READY PLAYER ONE, I knew it was a movie I had to see. Besides being about real life versus playing video games in a virtual world, the fact that it was directed by Steven Spielberg, might have been a strong pull. Ha!
Note: I was invited as media to the movie screening by Warner Bros. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
But beyond that the movie has some other points going for it, that makes it an enjoyable watch.
3 Reason to See Ready Player One
Visual Virtual Worlds
The visual effects for READY PLAYER ONE were amazing! From the different gaming worlds to the scene where there was "live" interaction between a human and virtual character, you were pulled into the moment. One of the things I enjoyed was the colors and textures of the different world.
The character designs were also stunning but you kinda expected that. The background and surrounding visuals for the character being just as good was a major bonus.
Pop Cultural Call-backs
A lot of movie have pop culture references, which are sometimes cute. But the reference in READY PLAYER ONE are beyond cute. They are emotional. In a good way.
There's a great mix of gaming and movie related references. To be honest I was surprised how well the references fit into the overall story-line. There was a whole gaming part that was themed after The Shining movie and it was awesome. Yes a little scary but also a little touching.
Then there was The Iron Giant, who started out as a side project but became an important part of the adventure. Any fan of the Iron Giant film will cheer at that moment. I don't want to give it away but these are two great examples of how pop culture references tied in on an emotional level.
Balanced Story-line
Overall the READY PLAYER ONE story-line is about losing your self in the virtual world because real life sucks. It's something we can relate to. So many of us spend tons of time connected online. There's so many reasons for this. But there's also many consequences because of this. Being disconnected from real life offline interaction is an issue.
I was pleased to see that READY PLAYER ONE didn't gloss over this issue. While there was lots of action and adventure in the story-line, it was balanced with the reminder of the importance for real life human connections. All that we have and can be is based on being human, who's present in the moment.
That might be a little deep but it's a good message that READY PLAYER ONE leaves viewers with.
You can see READY PLAYER ONE in theaters nationwide.
SYNOPSIS
In the year 2045, the real world is a harsh place. The only time Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) truly feels alive is when he escapes to the OASIS, an immersive virtual universe where most of humanity spend their days. In the OASIS, you can go anywhere, do anything, be anyone—the only limits are your own imagination.
The OASIS was created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance), who left his immense fortune and total control of the OASIS to the winner of a three-part contest he designed to find a worthy heir. When Wade conquers the first challenge of the reality-bending treasure hunt, he and his friends—known as the High Five—are hurled into a fantastical universe of discovery and danger to save the OASIS and their world.
“Ready Player One” stars Tye Sheridan (“X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Mud”), Olivia Cooke (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” “Bates Motel”), Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One – A Star Wars Story,” “Bloodline”), Lena Waithe (“Master of None”), T.J. Miller (“Deadpool”), Philip Zhao, Win Morisaki, Hannah John-Kamen (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), with Simon Pegg (the “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible” movies) and Oscar winner Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies,” “Dunkirk”).
Three-time Oscar winner Spielberg directed the film from a screenplay by Zak Penn and Ernest Cline. It is based on the novel by Cline,
Produced by Donald De Line, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Spielberg and Dan Farah.
Executive producers Adam Somner, Daniel Lupi, Chris deFaria and Bruce Berman.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Amblin Entertainment present, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, an Amblin Production, a De Line Pictures Production, a Steven Spielberg Film, “Ready Player One.”
To learn more, visit - www.readyplayeronemovie.com
A few months back I interviewed the director and cast of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN about the story-line, music and more behind the film. We also ...
A few months back I interviewed the director and cast of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN about the story-line, music and more behind the film. We also discussed racism, discrimination and the interracial love story.
Now that The Greatest Showman has been released on Blu-ray and DVD, I wanted to share more about these issues since it makes a powerful point in the film.
Note: I was invited as media to the movie screening and press junket by 20th Century Fox. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
When I interviewed director Michael Gracey, I asked him about bringing in the racism tie-in into the storytelling on the life of P.T. Barnum. I was really curious why and how he actually wrote that in, because, I mean, it fit but it didn't fit.
Michael Gracey: Well, I did a lot of reading, when we started working on this project, and so did Hugh. And we read a lot of books about the life of P.T. Barnum, and he rewrote his own history multiple times. And he was a very flawed character, you know?
But something that I found really fascinating was his support of civil rights, and he was a huge advocate. And I really wanted to reflect that in the film. At the time, seven years ago, I thought it was still relevant to this day. And sadly, it became increasingly relevant over the seven years of developing it.
Michael Gracey: And then, I cast Zendaya, who--I just find her incredible, but she had a lot to say about her own experience with mixed race parents. And so, I think it was a combination. It was a combination of writing the character, of casting Zendaya, writing more with her in mind. So, that's kind of how the evolution of that love story came about.
Speaking of Zendaya, her character Anne love story with Phillip (Zac Efron) brought so much to the THE GREATEST SHOWMAN so it was great to have them share more about it.
Efron was instantly attracted to The Greatest Showman as “a merging of worlds.” He explains: “I love that even though the story is set in the 1870s, there’s a real modern sensibility and it’s about issues that mean a lot to us today. I thought the script was incredibly creative and done in a way I’ve never seen before.”
Zendaya knew right away the role was for her – especially because Anne is a natural leader of the so-called Oddities.” “To me, Anne is very confident, very poised and very comfortable in her own skin, at least when it comes to being in the circus. I think that’s what the circus does for all the Oddities. It allows them a place where they can believe in themselves, where they can experience respect and love and have a safe space to be who they are.”
The forbidden interracial love story
Zendaya was drawn to the love story, because it was honest about the obstacles inter-racial lovers faced for so long in America.
“It’s tragic that Anne and Phillip’s can’t love each other in the way they long to literally due to the color of their skin,” Zendaya says.
“At the time, it would have been dangerous, so most of what they can do is just exchange looks. For Anne, it’s especially hard because she’s dealt with racism all her life and now she’s slowly falling in love with the exact kind of person she always thought hated her. But love is not something you control. Love just happens to you.”
For Efron, Carlyle’s first experience in Barnum’s circus is one of a man having the haze lifted from his eyes. In Wheeler, Carlyle sees someone brave and thrilling, but the fact that she is African-American puts their love in a prohibited zone at the very start.
Says Efron: “Although Phillip’s feelings for Anne are completely real and justified, they’re also forbidden by society at that time and it’s really sad. That was a very different time -- though even today, social boundaries and differences go on preventing love and preventing people from uniting with one another.
The big breakthrough for Phillip, I think, is that moment he realizes that you don’t have to live within the constraints that everyone else has drawn. You don’t have to follow rules that are wrong. You don’t have to color inside the lines. You can be your own person.”
Falling in love
The character gave Efron the chance to get caught up in the kind of cinematic moment that most inspires him. “Falling in love in a musical number on camera is one of my absolute favorite things to do in the world,” he confesses. “I’m not ashamed to say it. I know it’s pretend but when you get to live in that kind of moment for a scene or two, it feels amazing. It brings you back to Gene Kelly and Singin’ In The Rain. Are there any better ways to express true love than in song?”
One of the more romantic songs is “Rewrite The Stars,” a duet between Efron and Zendaya. “That moment is about Phillip’s decision to leave behind the rules of upper-class society and pursue Anne. He’s saying to her the rules don’t exist anymore for me anymore and can’t you dream this with me?
But Anne is more practical because she’s dealt with more hardship than he’s ever known,” Pasek elucidates. “This is the moment they decide to jettison the notion that their love is impossible and dream of a better future. Of course, that’s also what Barnum is always pushing, especially the way Hugh portrays him.”
Dancing together
Though Efron has some movie musical chops, he notes that the dancing he and Zendaya do on The Greatest Showman was on another level. “This was some of the most technical choreography I’ve ever attempted in my entire life,” he confesses.
Sharing that his favorite number is the star-crossed duet, “Rewrite the Stars.”, Efron explained: “It’s not your typical choreography and we do some pretty crazy acrobatics. Zendaya was remarkably skilled at trapeze by this point and we were doing aerial stunts, swinging around the room, not even using harnesses. Luckily, nothing went wrong – and it turned out to be really beautiful and unique. I think of it as being Cirque du Soleil meets Shakespeare in a way.”
Zendaya for her part dove into training, spending months working with professional aerialists, gaining upper body and core strength and taming fear. “My body has been through a lot, and I’ve had lots of bruises and soreness to show for it,” she laughs, “but it’s been so worth it, especially seeing Michael’s vision come to life. I never in my entire life thought that I would be flying around in the air but I’m very proud of myself, because I tried my best and came way out of my comfort zone. Now, I’m no longer afraid of heights!
20th Century Fox’s musical THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is available on 4k Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital formats.
SYNOPSIS
"The Greatest Showman” is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
Starring Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman. Jackman, Zac Efron, Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.
Special Features
The Family Behind The Greatest Showman
The Songs
The Spectacle
Music Machine with Sing-Along
Director’s Audio Commentary
and more
The Greatest Showman | On Blu-ray, DVD & Digital | 20th Century FOX
Directed By: Michael Gracey
Screenplay By: Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon
Story By: Jenny Bicks
Produced By: Laurence Mark, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping
To learn more, visit - www.thegreatestshowmantickets.com
