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Unsung Hero Based on A Remarkable True Story

If you are looking for a heartwarming family film, Unsung Hero is coming to a theater near you on April 26. I personally thought the mom was the main unsung hero but also the whole family. As an immigrant …

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A Western Story with Some Complex Hearts

We liked this western. The story and the complexity of the main characters kept you captivated. The Dead Don’t Hurt is a powerful and profoundly personal cinematic western written and directed by Viggo Mortensen. In theaters nationwide May …

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Upcoming Documentaries Worth Watching

A Thousand Pines, the documentary is directed and produced by Sebastián Díaz and Noam Osband, follows a season of Oaxacan tree planters traveling the United States and explores the hidden world of guest workers regrowing …

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FURIOSA is On Her Way!

Ready for some action? Check out the trailer with Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than …

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Shirley Fearless. Fierce. First.

Being old enough to remember when Shirley Chisholm ran for president and the feeling it left you with was, boy, she had guts! Her slogan was “Unbought and Unbossed.” —A.O. Regina King stars as Shirley …

Unsung Hero Based on A Remarkable True StoryA Western Story with Some Complex HeartsUpcoming Documentaries Worth WatchingFURIOSA is On Her Way!Shirley Fearless. Fierce. First.

Brenda Banda, Gentefied and Her Many Hats

Brenda Banda
©2020 Angela María Ortíz S.

Disclaimer: this interview was done two weeks prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. I think it’s a fun interview, so take a listen. Be safe and stay at home.

It was my first time meeting Brenda Banda, who plays Norma on Netflix’ hit series, Gentefied. We met at my favorite coffee shop and I think we had a great conversation. I find her character Norma to be the force of reason.

Art by @pholkgiant

Banda is a very proud Angeleno—an actor, director, playwright and acting coach who grew up in South Central (renamed South Los Angeles in 2003). She was only eleven years old when she first stepped onto a stage at Russell Elementary, where she performed as MC at their 6th grade culmination.

Angela Ortíz and Brenda Banda

We talked a little about her upbringing, but mostly we focused on her 23-year career in this business, where she is at this moment in her life, how Gentefied is her first big television debut and what a hoot it is to be part of the series.

Brenda Banda

We even talked about what’s next on her docket…Which happens to be a pilot about detectives who become vigilantes, Wrong for Right.

Now sit back and listen in on our conversation.

The ten episodes of Gentefied is streaming on Netflix. — A.O.

The Big Bang Theory – Experiments & Inventions

Since 2007, fans have been delighted watching their favorite physicists Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) navigate the universe and everyday life along with Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and fellow scientists Howard (Simon Helberg), Raj (Kunal Nayyar), Amy (Mayim Bialik), and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), as well as other beloved characters.

This series has giving us so many laughs for so many years. Rewatching the old episodes can make you laugh harder than when it first aired.

After 279 original episodes and 12 seasons of the top-rated sitcom on the air, The Big Bang Theory is now in syndication episodes on a number of networks. But did you know, outside of CBS All Access who had “catch-up” episodes, that the complete series has NEVER been on a streaming service?

The only way to see The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Series commercial free is to own it on Digital, Blu-ray & DVD today. All individual seasons and compilation sets are available to purchase here.  All seasons are also available to own at all major digital retailers; including iTunes, VUDU, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay.

DVD and Blu-ray (which include incredible extra features) can be purchased from all major retailers-including Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. So, if you are feeling cooped up and need something to binge on–now is the time to own all the episodes and all the bonus features of the hilarious hit show! 

It is a must have!

New Releases on Blu-ray’s, DVDs and Digital

Sonic The Hedgehog

Great family FUN!

Powered with incredible speed, Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), aka The Blue Blur, embraces his new home on Earth. That is, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and sparks the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using his unique power for world domination. (Paramount Pictures)

On Digital March 31. 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ Combo Packs arrive May 19 with a limited edition comic book.

Like A Boss

Best friends Mia and Mel (Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne) are living their best lives running their own cosmetics company they’ve built from the ground up. Unfortunately, they’re in over their heads financially, and the prospect of a big buyout offer from a notorious titan of the cosmetics industry Claire Luna (Salma Hayek) proves too tempting to pass up, putting Mel and Mia’s lifelong friendship in jeopardy. (Paramount Pictures)

On Digital April 7. On Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and On Demand April 21 with deleted scenes.

Impractical Jokers: The Movie Home Entertainment Trailer

10 challenges. 3 tickets. 1 wild ride. TruTV’s first-ever feature-length film, Impractical Jokers: The Movie, is arriving early. Own it on digital April 1.

Starring James Murray (Murr), Brian Quinn (Q), Joe Gatto, and Sal Vulvano, also known as the comedy troupe The Tenderloins, playing themselves in a fictional story of a humiliating high school mishap from the early nineties. Featuring appearances from Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith, and Joey Fatone, the movie combines the fictional narrative with real life footage of over-the-top punishments and callbacks to classic moments from the series. Once the Impractical Jokers hit the road, they compete in hidden camera challenges for the chance to turn back the clock and find redemption.

Upcoming Film Trailers


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Cosmos: Possible Worlds with Neil deGrasse Tyson

For 131 years, National Geographic has been at the forefront of groundbreaking exploration and adventure, transporting people through awe-inspiring, impactful storytelling.

Host Neil deGrasse Tyson on location in Amsterdam. (Dan Smith/FOX)

At this years Natgeo 2020 winter TCA (Television Critics Association), we got a chance to catch up we the folks bringing us the NEW COSMOS: Possible Worlds with Neil deGrasse Tyson (host and series executive science editor), Ann Druyan (Creator, executive producer, writer and director), and Jason Clark (executive producer).

I grew up watching Carl Sagan’s COSMOS series, even had the book. So, prior to the roundtable, the geek in me nearly watched all thirteen episodes, cause I wanted to be prepped for our question and answer day. Click on the audio box to listen in on the conversation.

Cosmos: Possible Worlds

Executive Producers Brannon Braga and Anne Druyan, and Co-producer Sam Sagan on set. (Dan Smith/FOX)

Synopsis: In the vastness of time and the immensity of space, the number of worlds to explore and stories to tell are virtually infinite. The most-watched, highly anticipated science show on the planet—COSMOS—returns this March for the newest season with COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS. Continuing the legacy she began with Carl Sagan 40 years ago and the brainchild of creator, executive producer, director and writer Ann Druyan, this 13-episode season is a triumphant voyage through humanity’s past, present and future, taking viewers to previously uncharted territories and turning complex themes of science and exploration into a mind-blowing adventure beyond the realms of the imagination. Approximately 13.8 billion years in the making—the age of the universe—COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS, hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, is a wonder-filled odyssey that maps a hopeful vision of our future. The episodes integrate state-of-the-art VFX, stylized animation and dramatic reenactments to carry viewers deep into the future and through that hole in the curtain of reality, thanks to Jeff Okun, VFX supervisor.

Cosmos: Possible Worlds premieres on National Geographic on March 9. — A.O.

The Burnt Orange Heresy A European Thriller

We haven’t seen a film with this feel in a longtime, that old world sophisticated thriller of the 60s and 70s. After watching the film, we couldn’t stop talking about the look and the feel of it. The film is not perfect but it is a seductive, film-noir that’s thrilling to watch.

The Burnt Orange Heresy

Our colleague Hollis Tyde sat in on a roundtable with Italian director Giuseppe Capotondi and actor Claes Bang. You can listen in by clicking on the audio box.

Capotondi and writer Scott Smith, who based the film off the 1971 novel by Charles Willeford, brought together an interesting, international cast including Danish actor Claes Bang (The Square) and Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki (Widows), as the lovers. English rocker/actor Mick Jagger is the art collector, and the fabulous Canadian actor Donald Sutherland is the artist.

L-r: Claes Bang, Elizabeth Debicki and Mick Jagger

Synopsis: Charming and ambitious art critic, James Figueras (Bang), has fallen from grace. He spends his days in Milan lecturing witless tourists about art history. His only glimmer of hope is a new- found love interest, the enigmatic American, Berenice Hollis (Debicki). An opportunity strikes when he is contacted by wealthy art dealer Joseph Cassidy (Jagger) who summons James to his villa on Lake Como and asks him to steal a painting from the legendary reclusive artist, Jerome Debney (Sutherland). Soon, James’ greed and ambition get the better of him, and he finds himself caught in a web of his own making.

The Burnt Orange Heresy is in theaters in Los Angeles and New York.

Disney Pixar’s Onward is All About Family, Magic and Imagination

I’m going to just say it! We LOVED this film. It has a warmth that just pulls you in. We’ve seen it twice and it’s always great to see the reaction of the adults and kids in the audience. For some of you, you’ll need some tissues, because it’s hilarious, heartfelt and emotional.

We covered the press conference for Onward with film talent Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae. Rae and Scanlon worked together before on his directorial debut, Monsters University. It was a fun back and forth between them. You can listen in by clicking on the audio box. And check out some video snippets from the press day below—lots of laughs over a couch.

L-r: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, director Dan Scanlon
and producer Kori Rae

Onward is inspired by director Scanlon’s personal experiences with his brother. A story he started writing about six years ago.

Onward Press Conference

The plot: 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. Check out the trailer with 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.

The other wonderful voice actors are Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the boys fearless mom Laurel, and Octavia Spencer aka The Manticore. Directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae.

Disney and Pixar’s Onward comes to theaters March 6.

SCOOB! An Origin Story — Every Hero Should Have One

A week ago we got a chance to check out the Edit Bay for the upcoming animation, SCOOB! with director Tony Cervone and producer Pam Coats.

They gave us some background on why they were making the first full-length animated Scooby-Doo adventure for the big screen and the never-before told story of Scooby-Doo’s origins and the greatest mystery in the career of Mystery Inc.

We don’t want to give away much of what we got to watch and talked about because we want you, the audience to be surprised when watching the film. Here’s a few things director Cervone said on making the film, “It’s a dance, you have to give the audience what they want and more” and “You have to know your Scoob history—be aware and own it.”

Director on Scoob!

Looking at the clips they showed us, they were fun to watch. Since the story is based in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We asked how they manage to get the landscape so accurate, Cervone said, Google Earth. And for those who are wondering if there will be a horror component? Cervone said, Yes! “The movie doesn’t go deep into a particular movie genre or movies. The main story is more mythological in mood.

Cervone and Coats talked about their casting process and that Gina Rodriguez (Velma), was the first to be on board. You can listen in on some of the conversations by clicking on the audio boxes.

Synopsis: SCOOB! reveals how lifelong friends Scooby and Shaggy first met and how they joined with young detectives Fred, Velma and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc. Now, with hundreds of cases solved and adventures shared, Scooby and the gang face their biggest, most challenging mystery ever: a plot to unleash the ghost dog Cerberus upon the world. As they race to stop this global “dogpocalypse,” the gang discovers that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone imagined.

Animation & Cast

Why this film

Starring in SCOOB! are Kiersey Clemons as Dee Dee, Zac Efron as Fred, Will Forte as Shaggy; Jason Isaacs as the infamous Dick Dastardly, Ken Jeong as Dynomutt; Tracy Morgan as Captain Caveman, Gina Rodriguez as Velma, Amanda Seyfried as Daphne, Mark Wahlberg as Blue Falcon, and Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo.

In theaters May 15, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Ford v Ferrari Home Entertainment Release Car Rally

On February 15, 2020 we attended a fun event at Carroll Shelby Enterprises in Gardena, CA. I had the pleasure of sharing this event with my brother, Anselmo Ortiz. We found ourselves drooling over cars we only have in Hot Wheels. Check out our images of cars and memorabilia we saw during our visit.

Jeff Bucknum

Jeff Bucknum, is a retired race driver. Who did some of the stunt driving in the film. His father was Ronnie Bucknum, an American race-car driver, born in Alhambra, California. You can listen in on our conversation by clicking on the audio box.

L-r: Jim Marietta, Jim O’Leary, photographer Dave Friedman and Ted Sutton.

We even got to meet the the original Venice Crew: Jim Marietta, Jim O’Leary, photographer Dave Friedman, and Ted Sutton for Shelby America.

In Ford v Ferrari Matt  Damon and Christian Bale star in this “thunderously exciting” film based on the remarkable true story about Ford Motor Company’s attempt to create the world’s fastest car. American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), together battled corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car and take on Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

FORD v FERRARI on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD now.

©2020 Angela María Ortíz S.


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