When The Mandalorian came to Disney+, Star Wars fans were immediately mesmerized by this new storyline brought to life by the mind of Jon Favreau. Once the last episode of season one of The Mandalorian aired, fans were immediately asking when they could have more. Soon after, it was announced that season 2 of the popular series would be returning to Disney+ in the Fall of 2020. But, if you're a fan of the The Mandalorian and can't wait for more Star Wars in your life, Disney+ is bringing you a new series in May 2020 that takes a behind-the-scenes look at making this series. After watching the first episode of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, I'm hooked and look forward to learning more.
About Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (from Disney+)
Disney GALLERY: THE MANDALORIAN is an eight-episode documentary series that pulls back the curtain on The Mandalorian. Each chapter explores a different facet of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, behind the scenes footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Jon Favreau.
Review of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian
I dove right into the first episode, excited to learn more about what happened behind-the-scenes of this show. The first episode focused on the story of the directors and, by the titles of upcoming episodes, it appears that each will look at a different facet of creating the story. Jon Favreau leads roundtable discussions with the directors as they each share stories of how they came to the Star Wars universe. It was fascinating to see how many talented minds and notable directors played a role in creating the first season. Favreau chose to bring on several different directors to lend differing perspectives to the same vision.
And that vision very clearly included the responsibility to the Star Wars fans. Several of the directors including Deborah Chow and Bryce Dallas Howard spoke to the responsibility to do justice to the first Star Wars live action television show and working with characters that are so meaningful to so many people. But the directors as brought their own personalities to the show as well. Favreau, speaking of Taika Waititi said "Taika knows how to find the humor in the action," when looking at some memorable moments from the series like the "do the magic hand thing" line towards The Child.
If you're a fan of The Mandalorian and enjoy a look at what happens behind the camera in producing a show, this will definitely be something for you to enjoy on Disney+ and fill that gap until the next season airs this fall. I was definitely intrigued by the first episode and will check out the remaining episodes as they release. New episodes of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian will release each Friday!
If your kids are anything like mine, they love independence on their tablets - feeling like big kids even though they're several years away from their tween and teen years. And if you're a parent like me, you feel stressed sometimes finding content you can trust for your kids to enjoy while giving them a taste of that independence. Yippee may be the answer that everyone in your family has been looking for! As they say in their mission statement, Yippee strives "to build character in kids by transforming them with world class media that is safe, values based, and FUN."
As a partner with Yippee, my family and I received a free trial of this service to share our experiences with you!
We have only been checking out content for a little over a week now and it's been perfect for my 4 and 7 year old boys. Yippee provides content that is both fun and builds a character foundation for the little ones. Currently, you'll find familiar favorites like Veggie Tales (45 episodes!) and original content like The Yippee Show where hosts Cameron and Noel compete in challenges - just like what kids love to see on YouTube. It feels good as a parent to know they are getting quality content that is safe and promotes our values while also seeing them enjoy what they are exploring.
I'm excited to see what lies ahead for this service too as they have plans to unveil even more original content in the near future and will become the only place to find exclusive new Veggie Tales episodes beginning in February 2020. With so many options out there for families to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. If you're looking for values-based family-friendly content for the littlest members of your family, look no further than Yippee!
I'm excited to have partnered with Yippee to offer my readers the chance to win a prize pack from Yippee including 3 FREE months of streaming! So how do you enter? It's easy and can all be done from the comfort of Facebook! Head to Running on Pixie Dust on Facebook and do the following:
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Each household is only eligible to win Yippee Prize Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Entry period will open at noon EST on Monday, 12/30 close Friday, 1/3 at noon EST and the winner will be notified by Facebook!
Easy peasy! I can't wait to share my excitement about this service with the winner and hope all of you - winner or not - give Yippee a try with your kids!
Following our screening of Disney's new live action remake of Lady and The Tramp, I had the opportunity with my fellow attendees of The Geekly Retreat to sit down with Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah) and Adrian Martinez (Elliott) to talk about working with the furry stars of the film, their characters, and diversity in the film. These two were delightful and full of enthusiasm to share their perspective on a reimagining of this classic Disney film.
About Working with the Dogs
Both Brown and Martinez had nothing but wonderful things to say about working with their four-legged co-stars. They each talked about the difficulty of being the "villain" to these sweet dogs. Because their characters had to be so mean to the animals during filming, they spent some extra quality time playing with the dogs when the cameras weren't rolling so they knew not to really be fearful of Brown and Martinez. Brown in fact was so moved during the film, that she adopted a dog herself to bring some of that puppy love home!
Their Characters
It may seem that a villain is a one-dimensional "bad guy" character that is just out to ruin lives. However, the conversation we had with Brown and Martinez shed a different light on the villains from Lady and The Tramp. Martinez talked about his character being "misunderstood." He was a dutiful civil servant who truly felt like he was doing what needed to be done to keep the citizens of the city safe from wild and dangerous animals. Brown also talked about the complexity of Aunt Sarah. On the outside, it's easy to write her off as a cruel, cold woman, but when you look closer you see her doting on her niece and genuinely enthusiastic about the new arrival. One of the lines that humanizes Aunt Sarah most was actually an ad lib by Brown. In this version of the film, Jim Dear and Darling actually take Lulu with them when Aunt Sarah comes to housesit. You can clearly see the hurt and disappointment in Aunt Sarah's eyes as the young couple races out of the door with their baby as soon as she arrives when Brown says "I didn't even get to hold her." Looking at her through the lens of someone who is lonely and hurting, it becomes easier to relate to her character. Those cats in the film though. . .they're just mean and manipulative if you want my opinion!
Photo From Walt Disney Studios
Diversity in the Film
One of the things that stands out about this film is the diverse casting. As Disney has been re-imagining films for a live action reboot, this seems to be a trend. . .and it is very welcome and refreshing to see. Both Martinez and Brown talked about the film's obligation to represent the world we live in and hopefully seeing this as a step towards the new normal. Brown shares that "I think every child, no matter their race, or their sexual orientation. . .deserves to see someone that looks like them." When asked how critics may respond to re-imagining some favorite Disney films, Brown points out that "there's enough love in our hearts to enjoy the 1955 classic and the 2019 classic" and notes that they don't need to cancel each other out.
Want to know more about Disney's Lady and The Tramp which is streaming on Disney+? Check out my review and then tune in for yourself to see Yvette Nicole Brown, Adrian Martinez, and other terrific actors - both on two legs and four! - light up the screen in this remake of a film that has been delighting viewers for over 60 years.
About The Film
In Disney+'s "Lady and the Tramp," a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home. Life is good for Lady, an overachieving American Cocker Spaniel who resides in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Her owners, Jim Dear and Darling, spoil her daily and her neighbors, Jock, an outspoken Scottish Terrier and Trusty, a world-weary Bloodhound, are always within barking distance. But when a baby enters the picture, Lady is no longer the center of attention, and the arrival of cat-loving Aunt Sarah only complicates matters. Lady soon finds herself alone on the streets in an unwelcoming part of town. Fortunately, Tramp steps in, and the streetwise mongrel is quick to teach her the ways of the world. Before long, the prim and proper pure bred and the fast-talking mutt are partaking in moonlit strolls in the park and romantic spaghetti dinners by candlelight. Tramp savors the independence of a world without leashes or fences alongside his roguish friends Peg and Bull, but Lady misses the comfort and safety of a family, and soon both must decide where - and with whom - they belong. A heartwarming romantic adventure that seamlessly combines live action and photorealism animation, "Lady and the Tramp" stars: Tessa Thompson as the voice of Lady and Justin Theroux as the voice of Tramp; Kiersey Clemons as Darling; Thomas Mann as Jim Dear; Janelle Monae as the voice of Peg; Yvette Nicole Brown as Aunt Sarah; and Sam Elliott as the voice of Trusty. The film is directed by Charlie Bean from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski and Kari Granlund, and is produced by Brigham Taylor with Diane L. Sabatini serving as executive producer. Facebook - www.facebook.com/disneyplus
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Who doesn't love a family friendly Christmas movie that gives us a glimpse of what it's like to be a Kringle? For generations, movies have been made that pull back the curtain on the mystery of Santa Claus and his family, and Disney's Noelle puts an original twist on the family life of St. Nick. Warning - I both laughed out loud and ugly cried in this movie far more than I expected which is the sign of an outstanding movie in my opinion! Seriously, you'll want to keep reading this and then grab your yogurt pants (you'll get it when you see the movie!) and your hot chocolate with extra whipped cream and peppermint to watch this with the whole family.
Recap of the Movie
The movie begins introducing us to Santa's kids, Noelle and Nick. When Santa passes away, it's everyone's expectation that Nick (Bill Hader) take over for his father. Noelle (Anna Kendrick) is there to support her brother every step of the way as her Christmas cheer is infectious. As his first Christmas nears, Nick is overwhelmed and questions his ability to handle the job. Noelle encourages him to take a weekend getaway to clear his mind, but when Nick doesn't return, the North Pole goes into panic mode. What happens when Santa goes missing and Christmas is just around the corner? Panic sets in and Noelle's tech-savvy cousin, Gabriel (Billy Eichner), is named as the replacement Santa. Realizing her duty to her brother, and really the world, to bring the real Santa back home, Noelle leaves the North Pole for the first time with her nanny, Elf Polly (Shirley MacLaine), and heads to Phoenix, Arizona. What follows is a series of hilarious events that teach Noelle more about the true meaning of Christmas than she can even imagine. Seriously, Anna Kendrick is delightfully jolly as Noelle Kringle and her enthusiasm for the holiday season will easily come across the screen to everyone who watches.
Why Families Will Love It
Where do I even begin with this? Let's first talk about messages that you'll walk away with from the film. There is a big overarching look at expectations - both from society and from your family. Nick is expected to become Santa because he's Santa's son. No one stops to ask Nick if that's what he wants. I don't want to give any spoilers here, but I'll just throw it out there that Nick isn't the only one struggling with this battle of what he wants and what is expected of him. Learning to stand up for what you want and what you believe is a hard thing for all of us.
Noelle also grapples with the fact that the holidays can be a hard time for some kids. As an educator, I loved that a Christmas movie shows that the holiday season isn't always perfection and lots of gifts and big families gathered under the tree singing carols together. In the film we follow a young boy going through his first Christmas following the divorce of his parents as well as a young girl is living in shelter with her mom over the holiday season because they've lost their house. I'm a big proponent of movies that show kids they are not alone is struggling with hard things at home and I think this is also a great reminder for kids who may be tied up in wanting the latest and greatest gadgets to be reminded what some of these kids in the movie wish for as their "present" this Christmas. The idea of Christmas traditions changing as families evolve is also present throughout the film. Most of my ugly crying happened during these scenes by the way.
At the end of the day, this is a family holiday movie that will leave you feeling all the feels. It's certainly one that kids of all ages can enjoy right alongside of their parents. Even young children who would miss most of these bigger themes I've been talking about will delight in the bright colors, fun music, and jolly holiday spirit. Thank garland that Disney+ has brought us this film for the holidays!!
About Disney's Noelle
In Disney+'s holiday comedy, "Noelle," Kris Kringle's daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something "important" like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over for their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away. . .but when he doesn't return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas. The sudden disappearance of the new Santa (Bill Vader) leads to chaos in the North Pole, so Mrs. Kringle (Julie Hagerty) must step up to rein in the hi-tech replacement Santa, Cousin Gabs (Billy Eichner). Meanwhile, Noelle and Elf Polly (Shirley MacLaine), the family's acerbic but good-hearted nanny, are down South on a search-and-recover mission, during which Noelle (Anna Kendrick) comes to realize she has much in common with her father and begins to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Written and directed by Marc Lawrence, "Noelle" stars Anna Kendrick, Bill Vader, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Billy Eichner, Julie Hagerty and Shirley MacLaine. The film is produced by Suzanne Todd with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer.
Disney+ is just about to make it's debut and already it has gone to the dogs! We all know that Disney's live action remakes have been knocking it out of the park (check out my reviews of Disney's Aladdin and The Lion King which also released in 2019), and with the release of Disney+ we find yet another live action remake that is set to rekindle our love of these classics!
Disney's animated Lady and the Tramp was released in 1955 - long before many of us were even born! But the iconic story of two dogs from opposite sides of the city who find love over a meatball and some spaghetti is a timeless story that has been entertaining audiences for decades. Fans of the original will be happy to know that there are few changes to the storyline, and those changes only add to the storyline. Let's take a look. . .
How it Compares to Original
There are many scenes in this remake that pull directly from the original and will tug at your heartstrings as you see them recreated with actual dogs. I felt a deeper connection with the dogs during this film - in both times of joy and times of sadness. When you watch Lady climb the steps and hop in Jim Dear and Darling's bed, you can almost feel her wet nose and soft fun snuggling up against you. And as you watch the dog catcher chase Tramp through the streets, you're heart will race with nervous worry - even though you know how it ends! There are a few small "tweaks" to some of the scenes as Lady and Tramp explore the city together, but they really don't add or detract from the original storyline in my opinion.
Besides the obvious change of creating the movie in a live action rendition, viewers will also find a more diverse cast in this remake. As Disney continues to reimagine their classics, we have seen this trend and I think it's wonderful for casting to be more representative of all fans and viewers. We'll dive into this topic, along with others in my post recapping the interview with Yvette Nicole Brown and Adrian Martinez who play Aunt Sarah and the Dog Catcher respectively.
Overall, I had much stronger emotions during this remake than I had with the classic animation and found myself crying at a few points during the film. I think fans of the original will enjoy this movie and those of you who maybe didn't enjoy the classic should also give this one a chance too - it's worth the watch!
Kid Friendliness
While there is certainly nothing inappropriate about Lady and the Tramp, I think it's meant to be enjoyed by a slightly older audience. My 4 year old has grown up with a mom who loves Disney movies and has watched a lot of live action and animation Disney films in his short life. He would probably enjoy the film, but I don't know that it would hold the attention of all young kids the same way.
The only other caution I would give to parents with young children about the movie is that emotional connection I felt was stronger in this film. I think it's easier in a cartoon to distance yourselves from the characters and the situations, but it is much harder when you're watching a live action movie. When Aunt Sarah takes Lady to get a muzzle, it's heartbreaking to watch as is the scene at the dog pound when you see the dogs locked in cages and sad. Those very raw emotions can be a lot to process for some kids. In fact, I think my 7 year old may have a harder time watching this film for that reason than my 4 year old who may not fully process what is happening with the animals.
About The Film
In Disney+'s "Lady and the Tramp," a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home. Life is good for Lady, an overachieving American Cocker Spaniel who resides in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Her owners, Jim Dear and Darling, spoil her daily and her neighbors, Jock, an outspoken Scottish Terrier and Trusty, a world-weary Bloodhound, are always within barking distance. But when a baby enters the picture, Lady is no longer the center of attention, and the arrival of cat-loving Aunt Sarah only complicates matters. Lady soon finds herself alone on the streets in an unwelcoming part of town. Fortunately, Tramp steps in, and the streetwise mongrel is quick to teach her the ways of the world. Before long, the prim and proper pure bred and the fast-talking mutt are partaking in moonlit strolls in the park and romantic spaghetti dinners by candlelight. Tramp savors the independence of a world without leashes or fences alongside his roguish friends Peg and Bull, but Lady misses the comfort and safety of a family, and soon both must decide where - and with whom - they belong. A heartwarming romantic adventure that seamlessly combines live action and photorealism animation, "Lady and the Tramp" stars: Tessa Thompson as the voice of Lady and Justin Theroux as the voice of Tramp; Kiersey Clemons as Darling; Thomas Mann as Jim Dear; Janelle Monae as the voice of Peg; Yvette Nicole Brown as Aunt Sarah; and Sam Elliott as the voice of Trusty. The film is directed by Charlie Bean from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski and Kari Granlund, and is produced by Brigham Taylor with Diane L. Sabatini serving as executive producer.
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Disney's Lady and the Tramp begins streaming on Disney+ November 12, 2019! Be sure to check it out!
