movie Archives - Dad of Divas

It’s Time For An 8-Bit Christmas

November 24, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

8-Bit Christmas will be available on HBO Max beginning Wednesday , November 24^th. This is a movie that the whole family can enjoy.

Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphel and Steve Zahn, 8-Bit Christmas is a humorous and heartfelt look back at the adventures of childhood. Set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, the story centers on ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.

Check out this cool activity sheet that will get you in the mood for the holidays!

I know that I will be watching on November 24, what about you?

DC League of Super-Pets coming to theaters May 2022.

November 23, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Dwayne Johnson stars as the voice of Krypto the Super-Dog in Warner Bros. Pictures’ animated action adventure feature film “DC League of Super-Pets,” from director Jared Stern.

The film also stars the voices of Kevin Hart (the “Jumanji” and “Secret Life of Pets” films), Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live,” the “Magic School Bus Rides Again” films, “Ferdinand”), John Krasinski (the “Quiet Place” films, “Free Guy”), Vanessa Bayer (“Saturday Night Live,” “Office Christmas Party,” “Trainwreck”), Natasha Lyonne (“Show Dogs,” “Ballmastrz 9009”), Diego Luna (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Maya and the Three”), Marc Maron (“Joker,” “GLOW”), Thomas Middleditch (“Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie”), Ben Schwartz (“Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Duck Tales”), and Keanu Reeves (the “Matrix” and “John Wick” films).

In “DC League of Super-Pets,” Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

Stern, a veteran writer/consultant on the “LEGO®” movies, makes his animated feature film directorial debut, directing from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator John Whittington, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is produced by Patricia Hicks, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Jared Stern. The executive producers are John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, Nicholas Stoller, Allison Abbate, Chris Leahy, Sharon Taylor and Courtenay Valenti.

Stern’s creative team includes production designer Kim Taylor (“The LEGO® Ninjago Movie”) and editors David Egan (“Game Night,” “Vacation”) and Jhoanne Reyes (“Teen Titans GO!” “Young Justice”). The music is by Steve Jablonsky (the “Transformers” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Seven Bucks Production, “DC League of Super-Pets.” The film will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures in theaters internationally beginning 18 May 2022 and in North America on May 20, 2022.

Jungle Cruise – A Must See!

October 17, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Disney’s Jungle Cruise, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, arrives on all major digital platforms on August 31 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 16. Jungle Cruise fans can set sail on a rollicking thrill-ride in stunning Ultra HD quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, with never-before-seen bonus footage, including 11 deleted scenes, bloopers and featurettes. In addition, families can watch the adventure in a fun, exciting new way with Expedition Mode.

Film Synopsis

Seeking an ancient tree with healing abilities, Dr. Lily Houghton and wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff team up for the adventure-of-a lifetime on Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a rollicking ride down the Amazon. Amidst danger and supernatural forces lurking in the jungle, secrets of the lost tree unfold as their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

Disney’s Jungle Cruise Bonus Features*

Jungle Cruise Expedition Mode – Climb aboard a ramshackle tramp steamer (or your own couch) to learn fun facts, discover Easter eggs and catch some pop-up trivia throughout the movie.
It’s A Jungle Out There: Making Jungle Cruise – Director Jaume Collet-Serra, the cast and crew discuss the importance of the film’s elements, from casting to makeup to the use of an ancient indigenous language, in creating the world that honors one of Disneyland’s most beloved rides.
Dwayne And Emily: Undoubtedly Funny – Go on-set with the two stars, whose new-found friendship helped them project a natural onscreen chemistry. Although their characters challenge each other throughout the film, the actors make each other laugh. A lot!
Creating The Amazon – Explore the cinematic artistry involved in creating the world of Jungle Cruise, including how Frank’s boat coursed “dangerous” water in a tank in Atlanta, how a town was built in Kauai, and how a ferocious jaguar came to life, among other amazing effects.
Once A Skip, Always A Skip – Join a panel of “Skippers” at the Disneyland Resort as they reminisce about the rewards, challenges and surprises they’ve experienced while helming the world-famous Jungle Cruise attraction, and hear their advice to aspiring skippers everywhere!
Outtakes – Step behind the scenes of the production to catch the cast in a series of flubs, falls, foibles — and a whole lot of laughter.
Deleted Scenes
- MacGregor Drives The Boat
- MacGregor Water Skis
- Joachim And Nilo On The Dock
- Frank Talks To Proxima & Lily’s Nightmares
- Sub Gets Stuck
- Proxima Surprises MacGregor
- Frank Gets The Cold Shoulder
- Trader Sam And Lily Walk In The Jungle
- MacGregor And Trader Sam Say Goodbye
- Frank Makes Tea For Lily
- The Backside Of Water

<br />

About the Movie

Disney’s “The Jungle Cruise” is filled with adventure, humor, mystery and more! From the very beginning of the movie to the end you are on a thrill ride watching the main characters as they work to find the treasure that they seek. The movie does a great job at developing the characters and keeps providing you surprises throughout the movie which will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Throughout the movie you will see some ties to the iconic Disney rides which definitely made me smile. As you get to know Frank you start to wonder about his story, but throughout the movie, you will get to know more!

As someone that loves Disney and the Jungle Cruise ride, this movie really made the movie come to life and to be honest, by the end I would love to be able to see what comes next with the characters!

To be honest, this movie is a movie that will draw you into a new world and let you escape for a good two hours.

Whether you love Disney or not, this movie is one that you will not want to miss!

Spirit Untamed Movie Night, Fun For The Whole Neighborhood!

September 5, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in the beloved franchise full of adventure, family and friendship. Free-spirited Lucky Prescott moves to Miradero to join her estranged father. She is decidedly unimpressed with the sleepy town until she discovers a unique tie to her late mother, who was a fearless horse-riding stunt performer. She quickly forms a bond with a wild mustang named Spirit and makes two new pals who love horses as much as she does. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her friends set off on an epic journey to rescue the horse who has given her an unbreakable connection to her mother’s legacy.

Due to the abundance mosquitos that tried take us away, our outdoor movie night was turned into a garage movie night. Add a little popcorn, friends and a good movie and you can enjoy a movie anywhere.

We settled in with the light-hearted, animated movie, Spirit Untamed. This film follows a strong-willed girl, named Lucky, through a whirlwind of adventure. After her mother’s passing, Lucky and her aunt go to spend the summer with her estranged father. Along the way, she encounters a wild stallion, she properly names Spirit. Their connection is instant, quickly becoming close. Although Lucky’s new friends, Pru and Abigail, teach Lucky her way around a horse, her father has many concerns about his young daughter and a wild horse. Especially considering her mother died in a horse-riding accident. Soon, Lucky learns of a broke, callous wrangler who threatens to snatch Spirit and his herd and sell them at auction. Fearing for Spirit’s freedom, Lucky and her friends, set out to rescue Spirit and his herd. The adventure shares the strength that bonds friendship and the ability to be fearless!

This movie was enjoyed by the kids and adult alike. Although, definitely appropriate for all ages, this film targets an adolescent demographic. The diversity in the characters, music, sweet story, and of course, the horses made this movie a fan favorite for our little viewers!

Own Spirit Untamed: The Movie – 8/17 on Digital, 8/31 on Blu-ray & DVD

Movie Review – A Cinderella Story: Starstruck

July 13, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Movie

Finley Tremaine (played by Bailee Madison), a small-town farm girl, longs to spread her wings and soar as an aspiring performer. When a Hollywood film crew arrives in her sleepy town, she is determined to land a role in the production and capture the attention of handsome lead actor Jackson Stone (played by Michael Evans Behling). Unfortunately, a botched audition forces her to change course. Now, disguised as cowboy “Huck,” Finley finally gets her big break. But can she keep the charade a secret from everyone, including her evil stepmother (played by April Telek) and devious step-siblings (played by Lillian Doucet-Roche and Richard Harmon)?

This is the sixth installment in the A Cinderella Story movie series. Other titles include A Cinderella Story (Hilary Duff), Another Cinderella Story (Selena Gomez), A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (Lucy Hale) A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (Sofia Carson), and A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (Laura Marano).

A CINDERELLA STORY: STARSTRUCK is now available on Digital & DVD, and will be coming to HBO Max later this year.

My take on the movie

This movie had a flair all its’ own. Tonight my family had a blast getting into this new Cinderella rendition. As a father of daughters, I loved the character of Finley and while I hate thinking of someone having to hide who they are. This movie allows Bailey Madison to shine in this role. I honestly did not know that she could sing (and she can) and by the end I was waiting in the credits to see if the song she sang in the movie were actually sang by her (they are). Finley’s stepmother and step-siblings definitely hold onto the title of “wicked” and they truly make Finley work for the life she has. The movie had a lot of laughs, fun, some good songs and more. It is a great family-friendly film that you will not want to miss!

Thanks to Warner Brothers for sending me this film to review, but also some great cookies that we could actually paint and eat (my daughters loved doing this)!

Raya and the Last Dragon Giveaway

May 11, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic adventure Raya and the Last Dragon arrives on all major digital platforms beginning April 2, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD beginning May 18. Consumers can enjoy never-before-seen bonus footage and deleted scenes in stunning Ultra HD quality and Dolby Audio.

DOWNLOAD – Raya and the Last Dragon In Home Activity Sheets

Film Synopsis

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it’s going to take trust as well. From directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as Sisu.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon Bonus Features*

An Introduction to Us Again – Director Zach Parrish takes you behind the scenes of the Walt Disney Animation Studios short.
Us Again – An elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their passion for life on one magical night.
Taste of Raya – Dine along with Kelly Marie Tran and the film’s creative team–virtually–over a Southeast Asian menu inspired by the countries that influenced the film as they discuss their experiences creating the world of Kumandra.
Raya: Bringing it Home – When the global pandemic of 2020 hit, production of Raya and the Last Dragon moved to the houses of over 450 people. We open a window into their lives and learn how they overcame massive obstacles to make an animated feature from home.
Martial Artists – You’ll get a kick out of learning about the martial art forms and weapons used in the film as co-screenwriter Qui Nguyen and visual anthropologist Dr. S. Steve Arounsack share the inspiration behind the film’s action-packed elements.
We are Kumandra – Meet members of the Southeast Asia Story Trust and discover the cultural influences that inspired the film…and how important this representation in a Disney animated film is to the people of the region.
Outtakes – Step into the homes and behind the mics of the cast of Raya and the Last Dragon as they experience voice-over sessions in closets and shaky internet connections, which made recording this film unlike any other.
Fun Facts & Easter Eggs – Take a look at some of the hidden surprises and behind-the-scenes secrets of Raya and the Last Dragon.
The Story Behind the Storyboard with John Ripa – Co-Director John Ripa invites you to get an inside look at his thought process as he pitches a storyboard sequence from the film and talks about his amazing career with Disney Animation.
Deleted Scenes
- Introduction – Head of Story Fawn Veerasunthorn introduces deleted scenes from Raya and the Last Dragon.
- The Bridge – Raya confronts an early version of the Druun in this deleted storyboard sequence.
- Escaping Namaari – See an early version sequence of an introduction to Namaari as an adult.
- Dragon Blade – Discover an early version of Raya’s sword, when it used to have magical powers.
- Meet Boun – Meet an early version of Boun before he was a chef and shrimp boat captain.
- The Heart of the Dragon – Co-Director John Ripa introduces a deleted scene which brought the theme of hope into the film.

GIVEAWAY

I am giving away 2 digital codes for this movie, one to two lucky winners. To enter:

Marvel Movies Your Kids Need To Watch This Spring

April 27, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Image by Ralph Leonard Poon from Pixabay

As a parent, one of the biggest challenges you face is entertaining the kids while they are at home. From giving them books to read, a craft table to play with, or bringing them to the park for football – there are many choices you can make but many of them involve active involvement.

If you are looking for a way to keep the kids entertained while you do other things around the house this week – TV is a great idea. There are various types of gadgets your kids can enjoy throughout the day but TV is always a great way to keep them calm and out of trouble while you do things around the house.

Today we want to talk specifically about Marvel Movies and the MCU. If your child has never seen a Marvel movie before – we have some great choices to start them off with that will introduce them to key characters, teach them important moral lessons, and provide them with entertainment.

Avengers Assemble

The first film you should get your children to watch this spring is Avengers Assemble which came out in 2012. This is the first team-up for the titular team and will allow your children to get to know some of the best superheroes around in a fun story that has many layers. This movie features Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow and is a brilliant action and adventure film all around.

Iron Man

Iron Man is a film that came out in 2008 and is the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man, or Tony Stark, is a selfish billionaire who learns throughout the film how to become a hero and put others first. There is some amazing action in this film as well as humor making it a perfect choice for the kids at the weekend.

Captain America: Civil War

Steve Rogers is perhaps the most stereotypical hero in the whole MCU. His courage and good heart make him the perfect role model for your kids. This third installment in his trilogy features the biggest cast of superheroes before Infinity War and it also introduces the world to Spider-Man and Black Panther for the first time. You child will love the epic airport battle as well as seeing all of their favorite heroes interacting together for the first time.

Ant-Man

Ant-Man might have a silly name but this film is not only funny but also an example of a brilliant heist movie. Your kids will love the playful way that Paul Rudd portrays Scott Lang and you’ll be able to see some hilarious action sequences including a giant Thomas the Tank Engine toy. It is a great movie to watch for a laugh as well as a relatable superhero that shows anyone is capable of greatness if they just work for it and believe.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its epic films as well as the intricate plot that weaves through every film. But as well as this, each hero has a story, and lessons are learned throughout that your children can also learn positively from.

Disney Cruella Brings Forth Fashion, Villany & More

March 14, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Following its debut in tonight’s 2021 GRAMMY Show, The Walt Disney Company has released the sneak peek plus three additional still images from its all-new live-action feature film “Cruella,” starring Academy Award®-winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, directed by Craig Gillespie. The film will be released on Friday, May 28.

She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) and produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone and Michelle Wright (“Baby Driver”) serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates the dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own.

Twitter:

Page: https://twitter.com/cruella

Username: @cruella

Instagram:

Page: https://www.instagram.com/disneycruella/

Username: @disneycruella

Facebook:

Page: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyCruellaDeVil

Cruella To Be Releases May 2021

February 17, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The Walt Disney Company has released the trailer, two posters and new publicity stills for its all-new live-action feature film “Cruella,” starring Academy Award®-winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, directed by Craig Gillespie. The film will be releasing May 28, 2021.

Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) from a screenplay by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, story by Aline Brosh McKenna and Kelly Marcel & Steve Zissis. It was produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone, Michelle Wright, Jared LeBoff and Glenn Close serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates the dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own.

Twitter:

Page: https://twitter.com/cruella

Username: @cruella

Instagram:

Page: https://www.instagram.com/disneycruella/

Username: @disneycruella

Facebook:

Page: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyCruellaDeVil

Movie Review – Upside-Down Magic

December 17, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the movie

In Upside-Down Magic, when 13-year-old Nory discovers she can flux into animals and best pal Reina can manipulate flames, they enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies. But Nory’s wonky magic and tendency for turning into a “Dritten” – a half-kitten, half-dragon – lands her in a class for those with unconventional powers, and she and her classmates must prove that their upside–down magic beats right-side up!

Cast

Izabela Rose as Nory Boxwood Horace;
Siena Agudong as Reina Carvajal;
Kyle Howard as Budd Skriff;
Max Torina as Andres Padillo;
Elie Samouhi as Elliot Cohen;
Alison Fernandez as Pepper Paloma;
Vicki Lewis as Headmaster Knightslinger;
Yasmeen Fletcher as Chandra;
Callum Seagram Airlie as Phillip;
Cynthia McWilliams as Professor Argon;
Elaine Hao as Professor Han;
Amitai Marmorstein as Professor Lewis

My Take on the Movie

As someone that has read the book, I will say that the storyline and characters of this movie mostly don’t follow the book. There are a number of extras and the storyline is a bit different, with new characters that were not in the book itself. That being said though the movie was still a fun movie for the whole family to watch together.

The movie had a very diverse cast which was great to see. Whether you have read the book or not, I would still recommend the movie as a family friendly movie. If you have read the book, go into watching the movie with a clean slate. Enjoy the movie, the characters and the plot and you will find that it was a fun way to spend some quality family time.