Onward's Epic Quest Cometh

Disney/Pixar

The trailers for Disney and Pixar's Onward just get funnier and funnier. I do believe the Lightfoot brothers are in for one hilariously epic quest.

Onward arriveth in theaters on the 6th of March.

The Call of the Wild "Adventure Companions"

Disney

There's nothing like the relationship between a human and a dog. Go behind-the-scenes of The Call of  the Wild with this clip of Harrison Ford describing how John Thornton and Buck are more than just "Adventure Companions".

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Adapted from the beloved literary classic, 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.

Disney's The Call of the Wild looks like it could become an instant classic, much like the Jack London novel it's based on. I really hope it lives up to the book. The Call of the Wild arrives in theaters on February 21.

Gummi Bears Are Bouncing Into Funko's POPVinyl Lineup

Funko/Disney

One of my favorite Disney Afternoon shows was Adventures of the Gummi Bears. The friendly medieval bears bounced their way onto the screen and I was hooked. I even got Bean hooked on them, but we only had the first three seasons, so we were both delighted to discover that the entire series is available on Disney+. And if that wasn't enough, now Funko has created an adorable line of POPVinyl figures of those loveable characters.

The set of five figures includes:

• Tummi with his Gummiberry Juice
• Zummi with the Great Book of Gummi
• Gruffi looking like his usual gruff but clever self
• Cubbi with his wooden sword
• Sunni who appears to be bouncing for joy

Conspicuously missing is Grammi Gummi, as well as the Gummi's human friends Cavin and Princess Calla. Perhaps there will be a second set? We can only hope. The Gummi Bears POPVinyl figures should arrive in stores by mid-June.

Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat - DCappella

Disney

DCapella's version of "Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat" from Disney's Aristocats is quite fun.

Six New Mulan Posters and A New Trailer Are Here!

All images: Disney

Disney released a fantastic new set of character posters for Mulan over the weekend. Each poster features one of the main characters holding a reflective surface bearing the face of Mulan. Its a  rather cool nod to the song "Reflection" from the animated film. Above is Yifei Liu as Hua Mulan.

Donnie Yen as Commander Tung

Yoson An as Chen Honghui

Jet Li as the Emperor

Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan

Gong Li as Xian Lang

Disney also released another trailer for the film. The look of this movie is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to see it when it arrives in theaters on March 27.

In case you'd like to know a little more about this new take on an ancient story, here's the official synopsis from Disney:

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.

Quote of the Week

New Line Cinema

The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.

- Haldir, The Lord of the Rings

Photo of the Week

Wall-E and Eve are so cute in Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris.

This Onward Trailer Is Hilarious!

Disney/Pixar

"On the path to greatness, there are many perils."

Onward arrives in theaters on March 6.

Bo Peep's Unexpected Adventures Are Coming To Disney+

Disney/Pixar

Bo Peep returned for another adventure with Woody in Toy Story 4. But have you ever wondered what happened to her between the movies? Now's your chance to find out.

Lamp Life makes its debut on Disney+ on January 31.

These Wallace And Gromit POPVinyl Are Awesome!

Funko

Funko recently announced many of their upcoming collections for 2020 at the London Toy Fair. There are a ton of fun POPVinyls to look forward to, but my favorite so far is the new Wallace and Gromit set. There are three figures: a very happy Wallace, an inquisitive Gromit, and a contented Shaun the sheep. These awesome POPVinyl should arrive in stores around May.

Call of the Wild "Destiny" TV Spot

20th Century Fox

The Call of the Wild looks like an incredible adventure. 

The journey begins on February 21.

Gusteau Has Arrived At EPCOT

Disney

The first clue that Remy's Ratatouille Adventure will soon be opening has appeared at EPCOT. A sign featuring Chef Gusteau has been placed in the France Pavilion. The sign can be seen from the Skyliner as you approach the International Gateway station.

Quote of the Week

I'm not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is just different from yours.

- Lewis Carroll 

Photo of the Week

I love wandering around old cemeteries and marveling at the ornate headstones. This stone, erected by Captain John Gray in honor of his parents, is especially intriguing. It can be found in Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh.

Black Widow Legacy Featurette

Marvel

Marvel's Black Widow looks like it's going to be one incredible adventure.

Black Widow arrives in theaters on May 1, November 6, July 9, 2021.

Mulan "Fight" Trailer

Disney

The latest Mulan trailer looks incredible. I expect the final film to be a visually gorgeous and marvelous retelling of a classic story.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

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 arrives in theaters on May

This Black Widow Special Look Is All About Family

Marvel

Black Widow looks like its going to be another amazing Avengers movie. Natasha Romanoff brings her family back together to fight the good fight in this Special Look from Marvel.

Black Widow arrives in theaters on May 1, November 6, July 9, 2021.

Some Things Never Change - Frozen II

Disney/Pixar

I still haven't had the chance to see Frozen II, but the music is delightful.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Is Coming To Bluray

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is coming to Blu-ray on January 14 and it includes a whole host of extras.

Bonus Features include:

• Extended Scenes: The Queen Comforts Aurora, Philip and Aurora Dance
• Origins of the Fey –Angelina Jolie discusses Maleficent’s lore, her newly discovered origins, and the diversity of the cast who portray the Fey.
• Aurora’s Wedding –Elle Fanning gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding; plus, hear from some special guests as they give their best to the bride and groom.
• If You Had Wings –Get a glimpse of the elaborate visual effects that allow the Fey to take to the skies.
• “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” VFX Reel –Discover how a perfect blend of practical and visual effects were used to create the stunning landscapes in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
• ”Outtakes –Uncooperative cats, a serious case of the giggles and even the “floss dance” found their way into Ulstead.
• “You Can’t Stop The Girl” – Music video performed by Bebe Rexha

And a Digital Exclusive:

• Lickspittle – Fantasy-film veteran Warwick Davis considers how every aspect of the film’s design inspired his tragic character.

Quote of the Week

Whatever makes you weird,

is probably your greatest asset.

- Joss Whedon

Photo of the Week

County Hall and the London Eye are quite stunning when lit up at night.

Dolittle Trailer

Universal

The latest trailer for Dolittle, which arrives in theaters on January 17, looks really good.

Dolittle Character Posters

All images: Universal

Robert Downey, Junior upcoming Dolittle has quite an amazing voice cast. In these posters, the character each actor portrays is introduced. Dolittle arrives in theaters on January 17.

John Cena as Yoshi the polar bear

Marion Cotillard as Tutu the fox and

Selena Gomez as Betsy the giraffe 

Emma Thompson as Poly the parrot

Kumail Nanjiani as Plimpton the ostrich

Craig Robinson as Kevin the squirrel

Tom Holland as Jip the dog

Octavia Spencer as Dab-Dab the duck

Rami Malek as Chee-Chee the gorilla 

Ralph Fiennes as Barry the tiger

These Mulan POPVinyl are Adorable

All images: Funko

Funko has created five new POPVinyl figures featuring characters from Disney's animated Mulan. The first is Mulan, dressed as she is toward the end of the movie, riding her horse, Khan.

Three 6-inch figures include Mulan dressed as a soldier, Mushu with his gong, and Shang.

And finally, Mushu appears as a ten-inch super sized POP holding Crikee. These adorable figures should arrive in stores in a few weeks.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse Is Coming To EPCOT

All images: Disney

A new restaurant will be opening soon at EPCOT's American Adventure Pavilion. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will be the latest casual dining spot in the park. The restaurant is named after Sam Eagle, the Muppet known for his patriotism and strict sense of duty.

The smokehouse will be the home of "Sam's Centennial Cook-Off : A Salute to All Cook-Offs but Mostly Barbecue." The menu will include a variety of sandwiches and platters as well as several home-style craft brews from around the United States. Here are a few items to tempt your tastebuds.

• Sliced Texas beef brisket sandwich with house-made spicy mop sauce on garlic toast
• South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich with tangy mustard sauce and caramelized onions
• Kansas City smoked chicken
• Memphis dry-rub pork ribs
• North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt
• Power Greens Salad with chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette
• All-American burger topped with BBQ pork and a fried onion ring
• Plant-based BBQ burger: a plant-based patty topped with BBQ jackfruit on vegan garlic toast

There will be several sauces to choose from as well: spicy mop sauce, sweet BBQ, tangy mustard, and a vinegar-based sauce. Sides include french fries, beer-battered onion rings, mac and cheese, baked beans with burnt ends, house-made pickles, and creamy slaw.

Kids can choose from a burger, BBQ chicken salad, BBQ chicken leg or chicken salad, and even a BBQ rib platter, all served with their choice of two sides.

And finally, desserts include banana pudding, s’mores brownie, or a cup of fresh watermelon garnished with torn mint.

New merchandise featuring Sam Eagle will also be available. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is set to open later this winter.

Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton

It's been several days since I saw Hamilton in the Victoria Palace Theatre, but I just can't seem to get the music out of my head. It really is fantastic!

Quote of the Week

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.

- Mark Twain

Photo of the Week

The view from the London Eye is spectacular!

Hamilton in London

I finally had the chance to see Hamilton last night thanks to my sister. We were part of a full house at London's Victoria Theatre. The cast and the show were fantastic! If you get the chance, this is one not to miss.

These Onward Character Posters Are Totally Retro

All images: Disney/Pixar

Disney and Pixar recently released five new posters for Onward and they look like something straight out of the 80s. They're absolutely delightful!

This poster features brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot, voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, who go on a quest to complete a spell to spend one last day with their father.

Their mom Laurel, voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is shown with her pet dragon, Blazey. She heads out after her son's to try to protect them.

They meet the Manticore Corey, voiced by Octavia Spencer, in a diner. She gives the boys advice about their quest but forgets to mention the curse, so she sets out with their mom to help them.

The final poster show the police officers the Lightfoots encounter along the way. Mel Rodriguez is the voice of  Officer Colt Bronco, Lena Waithe is Officer Specter, and Ali Wong is Officer Gore.

Onward arrives in theaters on March 6.