Dolittle Trailer Reaction - This Movie is Doing Little for Me. . .

It's a new year and I'm trying to figure out why we sometimes need to mess with a good thing?  Granted, Disney has had success making "live action" remakes of animated classics like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast in recent years, but not every studio needs to be reimagined and Dolittle is one that didn't have to change for me.  I loved the Dr. Dolittle movies starring Eddie Murphy and my kids have grown up enjoying them too.  Now, we are just a few weeks away from Robert Downey Jr. becoming the next Dolittle and I have not been excited about this film. . .like at all.  Let's take a look at the latest trailer and see if it changes my mind.



Nope.  Not at all.  Again, I don't feel at all connected to any part of this story.  I'm worried about this whole dragon thing that's going on in the movies and I don't plan on spending my movie money on this one.  I'm curious to see how the movie going public receives this one and whether or not the masses will agree with me.  What are your thoughts on this trailer?  Planning to head to the movies to see Dolittle or not?

About Dolittle

Robert Downey Jr. electrifies one of literature’s most enduring characters in a vivid reimagining of the classic tale of the man who could talk to animals: Dolittle.

After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Downey), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. But when the young queen (Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose) falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures. The doctor is joined on his quest by a young, self-appointed apprentice (Dunkirk’s Harry Collett) and a raucous coterie of animal friends, including an anxious gorilla (Oscar® winner Rami Malek), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck (Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer), a bickering duo of a cynical ostrich (The Big Sick’s Kumail Nanjiani) and an upbeat polar bear (John Cena, Bumblebee) and a headstrong parrot (Oscar® winner Emma Thompson), who serves as Dolittle’s most trusted advisor and confidante. The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen (The Queen), Oscar® winner Jim Broadbent and Carmen Laniado (FX’s A Christmas Carol) and features additional voice performances from Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard, Frances de la Tour, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, and Craig Robinson. Directed by Academy Award® winner Stephen Gaghan (Syriana, Traffic), Dolittle is produced by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum under their Roth/Kirschenbaum Films (Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent) and Susan Downey (Sherlock Holmes franchise, The Judge) for Team Downey. The screen story is by Thomas Shepherd and the screenplay is by Stephen Gaghan and Dan Gregor (CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) & Doug Mand (CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). The film is executive produced by Robert Downey Jr., Sarah Bradshaw (The Mummy, Maleficent) and Zachary Roth (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil).

Dolittle opens January 17, 2020.

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Onward - New Trailer Released

A new trailer for Disney/Pixar's Onward was released today.  I've seen the previous trailers and I have to say, I honestly haven't been super excited about this film.  I don't know what it is, but the story just hasn't been connecting with me from what I've seen.  Brody on the other hand has been excited each time he sees an advertisement for this one. Let's take a look at this most recent trailer and see if it changes my mind.



So. . .this latest trailer is starting to sway me a bit.  I enjoyed seeing more of their mom in this trailer and her potential involvement in their quest.  I think the idea of a boy going on a quest to meet his dad when he never knew him is truly touching and I'm rooting for them to get all of their dad back in the end. . .not just his pants!  I'm sure we'll go see it when it comes out because I spend too much of my money on Disney as a compulsion I can't seem to control and my boys are excited about this one.  And it will probably play better in theaters than it does on a trailer.  I mean, it's Pixar after all and they don't make bad movies.  What are your thoughts?  Are you looking forward to this latest film from Pixar?

About Onward

Set in a suburban fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” introduces two teenage elf brothers (voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland) who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. A new trailer and poster are now available, and new character posters were recently revealed, introducing cast members Mel Rodriguez, who voices Officer Colt Bronco; Lena Waithe, who lends her voice to Officer Specter; and Ali Wong, the voice of Officer Gore. Directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae, “Onward” opens in U.S. theaters on March 6, 2020. Facebook: http://facebook.com/pixaronward/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixaronward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixaronward/ Hashtag: #PixarOnward

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Who You Gonna Call??? GHOSTBUSTERS!

You know you haven't stopped singing that theme song since 1984 and, good news, you can dust it off for 2020.  I'm the same age as the original Ghostbusters movie and grew up pretending that I too was going to do battle against the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.  Break out your Proton packs kids, we've got a new Ghostbusters movie coming to theaters in 2020. . .and it even has Paul Rudd!  Check out the trailer with me.



This film looks fantastic if you want my opinion.  It seems to draw on the perfect amount of nostalgia while telling it's own story.  Watching the kids in the trailer start to put together the pieces of the Ghostbusters past reminds me of my own kids starting to watch Ghostbusters now and figuring out what all of the fuss was about.  In this creepy small down, Paul Rudd appears to be the expert in all things ghost.  He's going to help the next generation discover the past that the Ghostbusters have left behind - including the fabulous Ectomobile!  So what do you think? Who is ready to dig out their Ghostbusters gear and take a trip down memory lane and into the next chapter of the story?

About Ghostbusters: Afterlife

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan. 

Releases July 10, 2020

#Ghostbusters

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Mulan - New Trailer Released!

Continuing the streak of Walt Disney Studios releasing live action reimaginations of some of their animated classics, Mulan is set to release in March 2020 and we have a new trailer!  I'm a bit under the weather today so I'm not able to do a trailer reaction, but I hope to keep this trailer a secret from my son for a day or two and when I'm feeling better we can record his reaction and update it here.  For now, here's a look at the newest trailer released from Walt Disney Studios!



In all honesty, Mulan was never one of my favorite Disney animated films, but I have to say I'm pretty excited about the live action version.  I think the visual beauty of this film is stunning and the story seems even more powerful.  This film opens March 27th - just in time for my birthday!

About Mulan

When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father. “Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”

Mulan opens March 27, 2020. For more information on “Mulan,” follow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waltdisneymulan Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneysmulan Instagram: https://instagram.com/mulan YouTube: https://youtube.com/disneymovietrailers Hashtag: #Mulan

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Black Widow Trailer Reaction

Oh Natasha.  The original female Avenger is finally getting her own movie!  Black Widow is set to be released by Marvel Studios in May 2020 and the trailer is nothing short of action packed - with a dose of wit and humor we expect from the MCU.  Let's watch it together.

So what do you think? I can't wait to find out more about Black Widow before she was Black Widow.  Scarlett Johansson is back in the role we all know and love.  In the trailer, we also meet David Harbour's character, Red Guardian.  Who is he to Natasha?  I don't know about you, but I think his costume resembles Captain America a bit.  Her "family" seems, well. . .interesting.  I know we'll be heading to theaters with some of our Avengers loving friends when this hits theaters.  Until then, check out my reviews of previous Marvel movies here and follow along with Black Widow on social media below.

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/marvel

#BlackWidow

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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Movie Clip Reaction

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2019 and excited fans are counting down the days until we once again can travel into galaxy far, far away.  I've been enjoying rewatching the whole saga on Disney+ these past few weeks with my oldest son as we count down the days until the final chapter in the Skywalker saga is revealed.  I was so excited to hear a new movie clip was released and couldn't wait to get home from work and watch it with Brody.  Check out our reaction!

When we combine this with the trailers we have already seen and the special look from D23 Expo this summer, it's easy to see that we are in for an epic finale.  In this latest clip I'm less confused then in the footage from D23 where Dark Rey threw all of us for a loop.  So what do you think?  Who else is excited by this clip?

In the meantime, make sure you are following all things Star Wars on social media for the latest news and updates!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/starwars

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Twitter - http://twitter.com/starwars

#TheRiseofSkywalker

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The Call of the Wild Trailer Reaction

The first trailer for The Call of the Wild dropped and it offers us a glimpse into this latest interpretation of Jack London's classic story.  Honestly, this movie wasn't even on my radar screen, so I didn't know what to expect when I viewed the trailer today.  As soon as I saw the poster and the trailer began, I knew that having Harrison Ford involved in this project meant that it was going to be something that would pique my interest.  But will kids be interested?  Let's watch it together.



I'm excited to hear more about this film in the weeks and months ahead.  This first look at the trailer gives me a lot of hope for this film.  Harrison Ford seems poised to deliver a strong performance as always and the scenery has me wanting to plan my own trek into the Yukon.  My husband will enjoy the fact that it's set during the Gold Rush and my kids will fall instantly in love with Buck.  I hope that it delivers as a family friendly movie that elementary and up will enjoy when it releases in February 2020.

About The Call of the Wild

Adapted from the beloved literary classic, 20th Century Fox’s THE CALL OF THE WILD vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team--and later its leader--Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master. 

 

As a live-action/animation hybrid, THE CALL OF THE WILD employs cutting edge visual effects and animation technology in order to render the animals in the film as fully photorealistic--and emotionally authentic--characters. Directed by Chris Sanders from a screenplay by Michael Green, based on the novel by Jack London, the film was produced by Erwin Stoff, with Diana Pokorny serving as executive producer and Ryan Stafford as co-producer and visual effects producer. THE CALL OF THE WILD stars Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford and Colin Woodell.

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#CalloftheWild

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The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Trailer Reaction

Confession time.  My family and I have never been big SpongeBob Squarepants fans, but have caught the show occasionally on Nickelodeon.  As part of The Geekly Retreat, I had the chance to view this trailer almost a week ahead of it's debut to the public and I have to admit, that this movie may turn me into a SpongeBob fan if it's as good as the trailer promises!  But will my kids be excited for it, never having really seen the show.  Let's find out!



Ok, ok - my son had his turn, now mommy has hers.  Can we first talk about my favorite part of the trailer?  Yeah, it's Keanu Reeves.  What a cool cameo, right??  I really have no idea how he or that
scene fit into the movie, but I don't care - I'm already a fan.  I think families will really enjoy this movie with all of the laughs and fun along the way.  Who doesn't love good laugh out loud moments like this trailer delivered and I bet the movie will have more along the way! While it's hard to piece together too much of the plot from this trailer, I do enjoy the overarching theme of friendship that is clearly evident as friends work together to reduce Gary.

About The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run

This Memorial Day weekend, SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and the rest of the gang from Bikini Bottom hit the big screen in the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event. After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers on this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.

**Update - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run has had it's release delayed until August 7, 2020.

We still have a while until The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run opens, but I can't wait to learn more about the film along the way!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/spongebobmovie
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Twitter - http://twitter.com/spongebobmovie
#SaveGary #SpongeBobMovie

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Sonic The Hedgehog Sneak Peek

The Paramount Pictures trailer for Sonic The Hedgehog just released, but guess what?!? I got to see it last week in a special sneak peek as part of The Geekly Retreat and our visit to Paramount!  I had to keep this a secret, which was hard because I have to say I'm pretty excited about this film and my son is even more excited than I am!  Check out his reaction. . .



So what am I most excited about when it comes to this movie?  First, I love the fact that an old school video game character from my childhood is still cool to kids today and getting some love.  I think the story idea is cute.  While we don't know much, it seems Sonic decides to leave life inside his game and give the "real world" a try.  Jim Carey appears to be a great blend of funny and mean from what we see in the trailer - the perfect villain qualities for a kids movie.

About Sonic The Hedgehog

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is a live-action adventure comedy based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega that centers on the infamously brash bright blue hedgehog. The film follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound – human – best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination. The film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

Facebook - www.facebook.com/sonicmovie
Instagram - www.instagram.com/sonicmovie
Twitter - http://twitter.com/sonicmovie
#SonicMovie

Feel the love for Sonic The Hedgehog when he races into theaters on Valentine's Day 2020!

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Frozen 2 - New Trailer and FREE Family Activities

Photo from Walt Disney Studios

I watched the new Frozen 2 trailer and I just can't "let it go!" The royal sisters of Arendelle make a return to the big screen in November 2019 to tell the next chapter and add some backstory all at one time in this upcoming release from Walt Disney Studios.

Let's recap what we know from our original film.  Frozen introduced us to Princesses Anna and Elsa who tragically lost their parents in a boating accident at sea.  During Elsa's coronation as the new Queen of Arendelle, a secret that she has been fighting to keep hidden for many years is revealed - she has magical powers that freeze items she touches.  During her coronation ball, Elsa becomes upset and the whole kingdom witnesses her powers in action.  Scared of what this means for her, her sister, and the future of Arendelle, Elsa retreats into the woods and plans to live a life outside of town.  Anna's deep love of her sister sends her looking for her - venturing into the frozen woodlands, where she meets Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a magical snowman, Olaf.  Together, they find Elsa, but she refuses to return to Arendelle worried that she'll just bring destruction and misery to the kingdom.  During their argument, Elsa accidentally strikes Anna with an ice blast to the heart and Anna leaves to return to Arendelle.  Unbeknownst to everyone, Anna's plan to rescue her sister has led Prince Hans' officers to capture Elsa and bring her back.  Prince Hans has aspirations of taking over the kingdom and doesn't care who he hurts to get what he wants!  When Anna returns to the castle hurt and fighting for her life, Hans turns his back on her and then goes after Elsa who has escaped from prison.  Anna, knowing her sister is in danger, uses her last bit of strength to save her sister's life.  In the end, we find that it is love that melts a frozen heart and Arendelle is restored to it's un-frozen state with Queen Elsa once again reigning over her people and Hans being exiled from the kingdom.

The latest trailer for Frozen 2 definitely sheds more light on the story that's about to come to life on the big screen - just like our favorite snowman comes to life with Elsa's magic!  Let's take a look. . .

So what does it all mean?  It looks like we'll find out more about the origin of Elsa's powers as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf journey into the Enchanted Woods.  I'm sure the journey will be an emotional one as we also have more interaction with Anna and Elsa's parents then just a fleeting glimpse of them that we saw in the original.  The kingdom of Arendelle appears to be in jeopardy with crazy weather (blowing leaves??) leaving the people wondering how their queen will save them yet again.  The bond between these sisters also seems to grow even stronger.  In the trailer, Elsa tells Anna "you can't follow me into fire" to which Anna replies "then don't run into fire."  As Olaf points out, mortal danger seems to follow this group of heroes wherever they go and I plan to be here for every minute of their next adventure.  

Can't wait to share the magic with your family?  You can download these FREE printable family activities for the whole family to enjoy!  And don't forget to follow #Frozen2 on social media for all the latest buzz.

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