Disney•Pixar’s Coco Opens this Fall
In Coco, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez), despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt).
Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University), Disney•Pixar’s Coco opens in U.S. theaters this fall.
Kong is King!
Tom Hinddleston
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
Toby Kebbell & Jason Mitchell
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
Kong: Skull Island was a good action film, lots of explosions and creatures to watch. I enjoyed the music and the throw back to the 70s and monster movies.
For our press day, I told Samuel L. Jackson that I thought his character was scarier than some of the creatures in the film. Brie Larson told us about taking a lot of the behind the scene photographs with her own camera and how she got into photography. Listen in to hear their answers to me. Including the other actors who joined us; Tom Hiddleston, John Goodman, Toby Kebbell, Jason Mitchell, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, and screenwriter Max Borenstein.
Jordan Vogt Roberts & Max Borenstein
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
Samuel L Jackson
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary, and John C. Reilly.
All in all, I enjoyed Kong: Skull Island it was fun to watch and in theaters now.
Vogt-Roberts
Max Borenstein
Larson & Goodman
Kebbell & Mitchell
Samuel L. Jackson
Tom Hinddleston
Al Coronel, No Sign of Slowing Down for This Working Actor
Al Coronel and Angela Ortíz
Photo: Wendy Pineda
I’ve known Al Coronel for many years and I’ve watched him work really hard on his craft. It is sure paying off.
This past year has seen him very busy with a recurring role on The Last Ship, guest roles on Jane the Virgin, NCIS: Los Angeles, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Secrets and Lies, and countless others.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Coronel has always been surrounded by the entertainment industry, but came to acting much later in life. Prior to his acting career, Coronel was a world-recognized dancer in the world of Salsa, traveling extensively to teach and perform at Salsa festivals and events around the globe.
He’s a military veteran, and he continues to support vets through the Veterans in Film and Television program, participating in many events for the members. He believes in giving back to the community and is very involved with Children’s Hospital LA; he is a co-host of their annual December blood drive.
In the video interview below, we finally got to catch up. Coronel is in the hit movie Logan, where he plays Federale Commander. Along with Logan, you can see him in USA Network’s Colony and CBS’ Training Day.
The Shack is About Love, Forgiveness and Moving On
Academy award winner Octavia Spencer.
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
The Shack plays like the book it was based on. For a faith-based film, it doesn’t feel like your usual brimstone and fire story. The approach they took on this film would make an agnostic feel the positive message. I do feel that some bible thumping believers may not like some of the positivity shown in this film cause it doesn’t show a heaven or hell. On the down side, I think Sam Worthington was missed cast as Mack, he should have been the good buddy and Tim McGraw should have played the lead character.
The Shack author William P. Young
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
With that said, here’s a bit of the plot: The Shack takes us on a father’s uplifting spiritual journey. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips (Worthington) spirals into a deep depression causing him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa (Octavia Spencer).
We had the opportunity to talk with the story author William P. Young. It was a lively and passionate talk with him. He talked about music and his next two books that will be films soon.
Octavia Spencer told us she would not have done the movie if she didn’t believe in the message it conveyed. The Academy award winner talked about how diversity in front and behind the camera, starts with films that are green-lit.
Radha Mitchell
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
Radha Mitchell is Nan Phillips, Mack’s wife. She told us why she loves to mix up different film genres to work on. The Shack to her was about forgiveness and she realized that her character had a deeper connection than her husband character played by Worthington.
William Young
Octavia Spencer
I always enjoy doing roundtables and this one was a really good one. Now you can listen in on the conversations.
Radha Mitchell
Also starring in the film are Avraham Aviv Alush, Sumire Matsubara, Alice Braga, Graham Greene, Megan Charpentier, and the young Amélie Eve. Directed by Stuart Hazeldine.
The Shack, in theaters March 3. — A.O.
Alien: Covenant Official Trailer
Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with a new chapter in his groundbreaking Alien franchise.
The plot: The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England, and Benjamin Rigby.
In Theaters May 19.
Jimmy Smits and Dan Bucantinsky Talk 24: Legacy
Angela Ortíz and Jimmy Smits
Jimmy Smits has been playing some interesting and complex characters for the past few years; Neron “Nero” Padilla in Sons of Anarchy and Miguel Prado on the 2010 season of Dexter. Now he’s Senator John Donovan in 24: Legacy and his character is running for president.
Angela Ortíz and Dan Bucantinsky
We talked to him about his new role and what we should be expecting in upcoming episodes. Look out for Smits to reprise his role as Francisco ‘Papa Fuerte’ Cruz in the second season of The Get Down, out this spring on Netflix.
We also spoke to actor/writer/producer Dan Bucantinsky, who plays computer analyst Andy Shalowitz. Bucatinsky, who played James Novak on Scandal for a few seasons, told us that he had fond memories of the show.
I didn’t get to ask him what he loved the most, acting or producing, because he has a long producing list; like being the executive producer of Who Do You Think You Are? He even author a funny book called, Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?: Confessions of a Gay Dad—“a collection of snort-milk-through-your-nose funny stories of parenthood that will obliterate the boundaries of gender and sexual orientation.”
Now watch these guys on 24: Legacy, Mondays on FOX at 8/7c.
QUICK GIVEAWAY: Before I Fall Advance Screening Passes!
*Contest Closed. Thank you for participating, stay tuned for our next GIVEAWAY!
Giveaway! In TWO CITIES, we have 25 pairs of an advance screening of Before I Fall. The film is interesting and it keeps you watching. Check out the trailer below.
Download a first-come, first-served screening pass by clicking on the link below. Screening will take place on Wednesday, March 1 @ 7:30P (Have your pass ready to show at the door).
Follow the instructions in your pass and share your excitement using #BeforeIFall and #SeFijaOnline. ENJOY!
Los Angeles (25 Pairs)
http://www.gofobo.com/GOSFLA
Phoenix (25 Pairs)
http://www.gofobo.com/CvKgA92659
Marlene Forte Happy to be A Working Actor
Marlene Forte
©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
I say it every time; I enjoy talking to this woman, actor/producer Marlene Forte. We recently caught up with her at her wonderful home, where we chatted about the projects she has done, what she’s working on and what is to come in the future.
Forte got some new followers as Celia Flores on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead. We really liked her character and wish she was back. She continues in her recurring roles on The Fosters and Superstore, and now you can see her on Fox’s APB, as well as on the upcoming Netflix’s Altered Carbon, set in the 25th century.
Other television credits include NCIS: New Orleans, Code Black; and movies like I Am Gangster, The Single Moms Club, Star Trek, and many stage productions.
Now check out our fun interview. — A.O.
Jordan Peele and Chance the Rapper Talk Get Out
“I feel like we often neglect one of the most powerful ways that we communicate and we can encourage more communication on a subject. And right now I feel like the way we talk about race in this country is broken. Maybe this will fuck shit up in the wrong way, I dunno. But I do feel like art and communication is like that’s the one tool we have against the true horrors of the world, which is violence. I hope that this is an inclusive experience and I hope that it inspires people to just talk.” — Jordan Peele on writing GET OUT
Watch the Q&A video with Chance the Rapper, Jordan Peele and some of the cast of the film; Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, and Milton “Lil Rel” Howery. They talked about the need of a film like this and their love for the genre.
Synopsis: Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener) and Dean (Bradley Whitford). At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined.
Then check out the images from Get Out Art Gallery featuring artwork inspired by Peele’s suspense thriller. Six pieces of striking original artwork, inspired by the film, are being showcased from artists Corey Barksdale, Frank Morrison, Sindisio Nyoni, Jermaine Rogers, Sharlene Artsy, and Taj Tenfold.
Get Out in Theaters February 24. — A.O.
ANGELA MARÍA ORTÍZ S. PHOTOGRAPHY
Blu-ray and DVD Releases
Marvel Studios’
Captain America: Brave New World storms onto digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home on April 15, before making its triumphant debut on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD May 13.
Synopsis: In Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie)–who now wields the shield of Captain America after events in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier–meets with newly elected U.S. president Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) and soon finds himself in the middle of an international incident. In a race against time, Sam must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
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Tombstone 4K Blu-ray, UHD/BD Combo + Digital + Steelbook arrives on April 22.
Synopsis: Every town has a story—Tombstone has a legend. Experience the explosive, action-packed battle on 4K Ultra HD. U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell), his brothers (Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton) and the outrageous Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) band together to bring law to the lawless in a notorious showdown at the O.K. Corral. The star-studded cast also includes Dana Delany, Jason Priestley, and Michael Biehn in an epic story of Wild West justice. Directed by George P. Cosmatos.
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Abbott Elementary: The Complete Third Season on DVD is available now!
From Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. Follow the lives of the staff we have grown to know and love working at Willard R. Abbott Elementary School, and go down memory lane with all 14 hilarious, wholesome and “educational” episodes from the third season.
Synopsis: It’s the season for change for the teachers of Abbott Elementary. Janine leads ambitious growth initiatives for the school while navigating personal and professional challenges. Gregory embraces his role as the “cool” teacher. Ava surprises with moments of unexpected leadership. From Career Day to a heartfelt end-of-year celebration, the Abbott staff prove that with teamwork- and Janine’s relentless drive-they can handle anything.
The cast includes Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.
Favorite Shot of the Day
Podcast
You can also listen to any episode of all of the podcast at thebradmunson.com
Piece by Piece by MoonBear
