Happy Halloween!

By pumpkins fat and witches lean...

By coal black cats with eyes of green,

By all the magic ever seen...

I wish you luck this Halloween!

🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃

Spellbound

All images: Netflix

Netflix has a new animated fantasy movie coming out next month. Spellbound is the story of a princess whose parent's have been transformed into creatures by a dark curse, and the journey she goes on to save them.

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

When a spell turns her parents into monsters, Princess Ellian embarks on an epic quest to reverse the curse before it's too late. This twist on happily ever after is directed by Vicky Jenson ("Shrek") with original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast") and lyrics by Glenn Slater ("Tangled"). A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, "Spellbound" boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, with Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Spellbound arrives on Netflix on November 22nd.

"Zombie Jamboree" - Rockapella

Rockapella

Rockapella's version of the calypso classic "Zombie Jamboree" is one of my favorite songs to play at Halloween. It's so fun and upbeat.

And if Rockapella look, and sound, a bit familiar, you may remember them from the PBS show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

Wait Till You See This

Universal

Each new trailer for Wicked looks, and sounds, even more amazing than the last. It's nearly time for another musical adventure through the Land of Oz to make it's way to the big screen, 85 years after The Wizard of Oz made it's theatrical debut.

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 22nd. Part Two will arrive on November 26, 2025.

Thriller

Sony

Darkness falls across the land.

The midnight hour is close at hand.

- Vincent Price, Thriller

Rusty Cutlass at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

One of my favorite performances at this year's Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was Rusty Cutlass. This pirate band performs a delightful mix of swashbuckling sea shanties. They're highly entertaining.

Here they are singing "Soon May the Wellerman Come".

Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree

 

All images: Disney

The freshly rethemed Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree opens today, and the Bears have taken over. With dishes they've discovered on their tours and music from the Country Bears themselves, there's something for everyone. Here's a look at the new menu.

Entrées  

• Smoked Barbecue Combo Platter: A selection of house-smoked meats, served with baked beans, house slaw, white bread, and pickles with a choice of two of the following: Pork Spareribs, Pulled Pork, Sausage Link, or Beef Brisket
• Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich: Tangy BBQ sauce, house slaw, bread and butter, and pickles served with beer-battered fries
• Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with tangy BBQ sauce, pickled red onions, and pickled jalapeños served with beer-battered fries
• Smoked Angus Beef Burger and Pulled Pork with American cheese, golden aïoli, pickled red onions, bread and butter pickles, and crispy onions served with beer-battered fries

• Corn Ribs Plate: Chile-lime aioli, parmesan, crispy onions, cilantro, and scallions with house slaw and beer-battered fries (Plant-based)
• Loaded Fries topped with smoked pulled pork, queso sauce, pickled red onions, and pickled jalapeños, cilantro, and scallions
• Classic Cheeseburger served with beer-battered fries
• Chicken Tenders Plate served with house slaw and beer-battered fries

Sides  

• Beer-battered Fries
• Baked Beans
• House Slaw

Kids’ Meals 

All kids’ meals are served with Cuties Mandarin Orange and Applesauce and a choice of small DASANI Water or small Low-fat milk. 

• Pork Spareribs
• Toasted Cheese Sandwich
• Hamburger
• Chicken Tenders

Desserts  

• Banana Pudding: Bananas, whipped cream, crushed wafer cookies, dulce de leche, and toffee
• Funnel Cake Fries dusted with powdered sugar
• Funnel Cake Fries with Banana Caramel Dipping Sauce

Beverages  

• Sparkling Strawberry-Pickle Lemonade​: Simply Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, flavors of lime, Sprite, pickle juice and a pickle spear
• Strawberry Shortcake Lemonade​: Simply Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, sweet cream topping, shortbread crumbles, and strawberry dust​
• Lemonade-Iced Tea: Simply Lemonade and Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea garnished with a lemon wheel

Novelty  

• Hungry Bear Mason Jar with choice of beverage at time of purchase (Additional charge for specialty lemonades)

"Calling All The Monsters" - Thriii

Disney

I love this version of China Anne McClain's "Calling All The Monsters". She originally performed the song on one of the A.N.T. Farm Halloween specials in 2011, but recorded a new version with her family in 2021.

I hope it puts you in a Halloween mood.

Amaury Guichon's Giant Chocolate Pumpkin

Amaury Guichon

Watching Amaury Guichon create this enormous jack o'lantern is rather spellbinding.

Now that's a giant pumpkin! 

Big, Bad Matangi

Disney

Moana 2 has a new villain. Matangi appears to have quite the magical abilities and is powerful enough to make Maui miss Te Ka. Will Moana and Maui be able to defeat Matangi and bring the people of the islands together?

Moana 2 arrives in theaters on November 27th.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing

All images: Disney

The first trailer has arrived for the second season of Disney's Goosebumps anthology. Goosebumps: The Vanishing features a new cast and is based on a new set of Goosebumps books. But, once again, you should be afraid of what's hidden in the basement. 

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

"Goosebumps: The Vanishing," the new chapter of the thrilling anthology series, premieres January 10 on Disney+ and Hulu. The season begins when twins Devin and Cece Brewer are sent to spend a summer in Gravesend, Brooklyn, with their divorced dad. A threat is stirring, and they quickly realize that dark secrets are among them, triggering a chain of events that unravel a profound mystery. As they delve into the unknown, Devin, Cece and their friends — Alex, CJ and Frankie — find themselves entangled in the chilling tale of four teenagers who mysteriously vanished in 1994.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing arrives on DisneyPlus and Hulu on January 10, 2025.

The Halloween Tree Quote

Cartoon Network

Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve.

- Ray Bradbury, The Halloween Tree

The Haunted Mansion's Waltzing Dead

I love the Boo to You Parade at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And my favorite section is from the Haunted Mansion: the Gravediggers, the Hitchhiking Ghosts, the Bride, and of course, the Ballroom Dancers, also known as the Waltzing Dead.

The Electric State

Netflix

This new movie, The Electric State, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt looks most intriguing. An unexpected journey through a different kind of post apocalyptic landscape to find family, with the help of robots? I can't wait to learn more.

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

Set in the aftermath of a robot uprising in an alternate version of the ’90s, The Electric State follows an orphaned teenager who ventures across the American West with a cartoon-inspired robot, a smuggler, and his sidekick in search of her younger brother. The film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, with Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo and Alan Tudyk join the cast in voice roles.

The Electric State arrives on Netflix on March 14, 2025.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

All images: Aardman Animation

It has been nearly 20 years, but Wallace and Gromit are back for another fantastic adventure. A crime wave has broken out across England and everyone thinks Wallace is to blame! 

Here's the official synopsis from Aardman Animation:

From the brilliant Aardman, director Nick Park, and Merlin Crossingham comes "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl". In this next installment, Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl arrives on Netflix on January 3, 2025.

Celebration Chocolate Fudge Brownie Recipe From Disney

Disney

These brownies from the 2023 California Adventure Food and Wine Festival look delightful. With this recipe from Disney, you can make them at home to enjoy anytime. 

Celebration Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Serves 15 

Gooey Fudge Cake

1 3/4 cup sugar 

1 3/4 cup butter, softened 

6 eggs 

2 cups powdered sugar 

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

2 cups chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour 15 (four-inch) mini bundt pans or ramekins. Set aside.  

Cream sugar and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time and mix on low speed until combined.  

Whisk all-purpose flour and cocoa powder together in a small bowl. Gradually add to mixer and beat on low speed until mixed. Add pecans and fold until just combined, do not over mix.  

Fill prepared pans 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top is set but center is still soft. Cool completely.  

Chocolate Pecan Glaze

1/2 cup butter 

6 Tbsp milk 

4 Tbsp cocoa powder 

1 cup powdered sugar 

1 cup chopped pecans 

Heat butter and milk in small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in pecans. Keep warm until ready to serve.  

Toppings

White chocolate crunch pearls 

Edible glitter stars 

To Serve 

If desired, remove cooled cakes from molds. Top each cake with warm chocolate pecan glaze, white chocolate crunch pearls, and edible glitter stars.  

Cook’s Note: To make the gooey fudge cake as a large cake, bake in a large bundt pan for 40-50 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.  

Amaury Guichon's Chocolate Ratatouille

Amaury Guichon

It never fails to amaze me seeing the things that Amaury Guichon can create in chocolate. His latest creation is a giant block of cheese holding my favorite little chef, Remy the rat. The finished sculpture is simply incredible. 

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition

LEGO/Marvel

A new LEGO Avengers animated movie is heading to DisneyPlus this Friday. This time, the Avengers, and a lot of other Marvel characters, will need the help of someone unexpected...

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition arrives on DisneyPlus on October 18th.

The Headless Horseman Rides Again

You must believe me,

it was a horseman,

a dead one!

Headless!

- Ichabod Crane, Sleepy Hollow

Cruella de Vil

Cruella de Vil was on hand to welcome guests to this year's Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. She was her typical haughty self, which was a delightfully villainous start to the party fun.

The Music of Wicked

All images: Universal

The latest trailer for Wicked is focused on the songs that make it great. From "Popular" to "Dancing Through Life" to "Defying Gravity", the songs sound incredible and look as over the top as they should be.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal:

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister, and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

 

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle. 

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 22nd. Tickets are available now.

Moana 2 Special Look

Disney

Disney has released a new trailer for Moana 2, and it looks amazing. Now that Moana has become such a skilled wayfarer, she must break a curse to bring the people together, with a little help from Maui, of course.

Moana 2 arrives in theaters on November 27th.

Goosebumps Season 2

Disney

The next season of the dark and wild Goosebumps anthology introduces a new group of kids with a new scary problem.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

"Goosebumps: The Vanishing", the new season of the thrilling anthology series, premieres January 10 on Disney+ and Hulu. The season begins when twins Devin and Cece Brewer are sent to spend a summer in Gravesend, Brooklyn, with their divorced dad. A threat is stirring, and they quickly realize that dark secrets are among them, triggering a chain of events that unravel a profound mystery. As they delve into the unknown, Devin, Cece and their friends — Alex, CJ and Frankie — find themselves entangled in the chilling tale of four teenagers who mysteriously vanished in 1994.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing arrives on DisneyPlus and Hulu on January 10, 2025.

Wednesday Season 2 Sneak Peek

Netflix

I thoroughly enjoyed Season 1 of Wednesday. It was dark, and hilarious, and an absolutely delightful twist on the Addams Family. I can't wait to see Season 2!

Season 1 of Wednesday is available now on Netflix. Season 2 arrives in 2025.

Can Agatha Survive The Witches' Road?

Marvel

Have you been watching Marvel's Agatha All Along? Four episodes have been released so far with five more to go.

The first four episodes of Agatha All Along are available now on DisneyPlus.

New episodes will debut each Wednesday, with the final two arriving on October 30th.

Wednesday Addams Quote

Paramount

I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color.

- Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Fireworks

No matter what they're called (Hallowishes or Not So Spooky Spectacular), the fireworks at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are still my favorite. And while they're great when viewed from the front of Cinderella’s Castle (mostly so you can see the projections as well), they're pretty spectacular from Frontierland as well. 

Paddington Bear Returns

StudioCanal

A new trailer had arrived for Paddington in Peru and it looks delightful. Paddington and his family, the Browns, are off on a quest through the jungles of Peru to discover why his Aunt Lucy has gone missing.

Here's the official synopsis from StudioCanal & Sony:

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime as "Paddington In Peru" brings the world’s most beloved bear back to his roots, his homeland Peru. Following the adventures of "Paddington" and "Paddington 2", Paddington is still living happily with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens. When he receives a letter from the Reverend Mother, the blithe guitar strumming nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears, informing him that Aunt Lucy misses him dearly, he knows he simply must visit her as soon as possible.

With his shiny new British passport in hand, Paddington is joined by the Browns, including the ever-resourceful Mrs. Bird, on an epic journey that none of them will ever forget. Along the way the group meet new friends, including the dashing riverboat captain Hunter and his daughter Gina. They join them on their thrilling escapades through the Amazon rainforest and up to the stunning mountain peaks of Peru. Together they encounter unexpected challenges, and Paddington begins to uncover surprising secrets about his past. Throughout the ups and downs, his unwavering optimism and kindness shine brightly in this brand-new Paddington cinematic adventure that reinforces the importance of family, and the joy of embracing one's heritage.

Paddington in Peru arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on November 8th and in US theaters on January 17, 2025.

Music By John Williams

All images: Disney

Disney has a new documentary coming soon that sounds absolutely fantastic. John Williams' music has impacted movie goers around the world for decades. From Star Wars and Jurassic Park to The Adventures of TinTin and Schindler's List, the scores he's written cross time, musical styles, and genres. He is truly a legend.

Music by John Williams arrives on DisneyPlus on November 1st.

Celebrating Wicked

Universal

This behind-the-scenes look at Wicked is pretty amazing. I can't wait to see the finished movie.

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 26th.