Zootopia 2 on DisneyPlus

All images: Disney

Zootopia 2 is headed to DisneyPlus next week. Hopps and Wilde are back on the case for one zany and crazy adventure through the lands of Zootopia.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo (voice of Idris Elba) orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis. 

While “Zootopia 2” introduces Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (voice of Fortune Feimster) and quokka therapist Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson), the feature film also welcomes back a herd of characters who made their debut in “Zootopia.”

Zootopia 2 arrives on DisneyPlus on March 11th.

The Muppet Show Theme

Jim Henson Company

Isn't it funny how a single song can take you back to your childhood? I loved watching The Muppet Show as a child. The Muppets were wild and crazy and you never knew quite what they'd get up to in each episode. And it was always fun to see the guest stars and the insanity they'd get pulled into. I hope the new special is the start of a new era for The Muppet Show.

The Muppet Show is available now on DisneyPlus.

Grogu's Big Dream

LEGO

LEGO Star Wars shorts are so fun. This short features Grogu and his quest for his favorite snack.

The Princess Diaries Quote

Disney

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all."

- Phillipe Renaldi, The Princess Diaries

Donald Duck Topiary

Every spring, fun new character topiaries appear throughout EPCOT for the International Flower and Garden Festival. This Donald Duck topiary, with the adorable bee on his forehead, was near Connections in 2024. I wonder which characters will be featured this year?

Scream 7

All images: Paramount

Don't ask me why, but I love the Scream series. I remember previewing the first film, back when theaters used actual film reels, with a small group of friends after midnight. We were all debating who would turn out to be the killer. (I was half right.) When it opened officially the next night, I watched it again just to see the audience's reactions. 

The kiddo has come to love them just as much as I do, so when Scream 6 arrived in theaters, we headed to the drive-in to watch it. It's a completely different experience watching a scary movie at a drive-in. You are definitely more aware of anything moving past you in the dark. It was a lot of fun! 

The latest movie in the series sees the return of Sidney Prescott. This time, the Ghostface killer is after her daughter.

Here's the official synopsis from Paramount: 

Everything has led to this. When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

Scream 7 arrives in theaters today, February 27th.

What's your favorite scary movie?

Wednesday Season 3 Cast Announcement

All images: Netflix

The first teaser trailer for season 3 of Wednesday has arrived. This clever Cast Announcement trailer reveals a few new faces will be appearing next season. I can't wait to discover what roles they'll play in this delightfully dark series. 

Here's a bit more cryptic information about season 3 from showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar: 

“It’s our dark delight to fling open Nevermore Academy’s gates once more as we begin production on Season 3. We thank our invincible cast and crew for their continued commitment to doom and gloom. To the fans, we appreciate your patience and ravenous online commentary — your twisted theories have inspired nightmares. This season, we welcome new students, new teachers, and excavate some long-rotting Addams Family secrets. Don’t say you weren’t warned.”

Wednesday season 3 will arrive on Netflix in 2027.

Olaf Draws!

An exciting new experience is coming to Hollywood Studios in Disney World this summer. The current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay is going back to its roots as a home to art and animation. The revamped building will be topped by Mickey's sorcerer hat in a nod to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California. From special character Meet & Greets, to an art gallery that comes to life, and a playground indpired by Mary Blair's vision of Alice in Wonderland, there will be magic around every corner in "The Magic of Disney Animation". But the part I'm looking forward to most involves a certain talking snowman. 

Olaf Draws! will feature everyone's favorite magical snowman as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure. Olaf invites guests into a space inspired by a scene in Once Upon A Studio where he took a little time to try out an Animator's desk. There will be sleigh-themed tables for kids and animator-style desks for the young at heart. And, with a little help from some legendary Disney Animation artists, Olaf and his new friends will learn to draw a Disney character. 

Pre-recorded artist videos will guide guests through the process of drawing classic and modern Disney characters. Sketching classes include:

• Mickey Mouse with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
• Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
• Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
• Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)
• Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
• Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
• Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
• Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
• Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard director, (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)

There's a lot to look forward to in "The Magic of Disney Animation". I can't wait to check it out when it opens in late summer.

Mr Blue Sky - The Muppets

Jim Henson Company

There's something truly enjoyable about watching the Muppets perform. Here, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem take on Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky."

I'm really hoping this is the kind of performance that will be included in Rock 'n' Roller Coaster after the Muppet transformation. 

The Mummy Returns

All images: Universal

Universal's The Mummy movies have been favorites at our house since the start. There's just something delightful about these classic adventure stories. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the second film, The Mummy Returns. To celebrate, Universal is bringing it back to theaters.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal: 

An exciting new take on one of Universal’s iconic Classic Monsters, "The Mummy" introduced moviegoers to dashing French foreign legionnaire Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and whip-smart scholar and librarian Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), sending them on a mythology-inspired adventure through 1920s Egypt.

Set 10 years after the events of the first film, "The Mummy Returns" picks up in 1933 with the swashbuckling heroes now married and living in London. Parents to eight-year-old Alex (Freddie Boath), the couple brings the boy along to their Egyptian expeditions, where they inadvertently uncover a rare artifact, the Bracelet of Anubis. The piece once belonged to a fearsome warrior known as the Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson) and can be used to command his army of jackal-like fighters. 

Back in London, trouble begins after the bracelet locks onto Alex’s wrist, just as a cult planning to resurrect the powerful mummy Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), kidnaps Evelyn. Suddenly, father and son are forced to undertake a dangerous rescue mission alongside Evelyn’s spoiled brother (John Hannah), one that pits them against Meela Nais (Patricia Velasquez). The physical reincarnation of Imhotep’s ancient lover, she hopes Imhotep will defeat the Scorpion King in battle, thereby conquering the world.

Dodging all manner of unimaginable threats—death-defying chases, merciless hand-to-hand combat, even ritual sacrifice—the O’Connell family bravely fights to save the globe, and one another, from certain destruction.

The Mummy Returns returns to theaters on March 27th. 

A new movie in the series starring Brendan Fraser & Rachel Weisz will arrive in theaters on May 19, 2028.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Quote

Paramount

"Maybe if we felt any loss as keenly as we felt the death of one close to us, human history would be a lot less bloody."

- William Riker, Star Trek: The Next Generation, "The Bonding"

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure Queue

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, located in the France Pavilion in EPCOT, has a delightful queue filled with nods to everyone's favorite little chef. There are rats, cheese, and wine in the designs of the wallpaper. As you walk over the rooftops of Paris, you'll see a sign for Gusteau's. If you're lucky, the sign will come to life and Gusteau will welcome you to Paris with a message about Remy's cooking.

Toy Story 5 Trailer & Poster

All images: Pixar

The first full trailer for Toy Story 5Toy Story 5 is here and it's looking like our favorite toys are in for a bit of a rough ride. It's nice to see them all together again though, working to make Bonnie happy.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar:

The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time around it’s Toy meets Tech. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad, a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?

 

The trailer also teases the anticipated reunion of Woody and Buzz following Woody’s decision to leave the gang and start helping lost toys at the end of 2019’s “Toy Story 4.” As the toys face the tech devices of today, it’s going to be all hands on deck with some familiar and all-new characters.

Several actors have joined the incredible roster of voice talent including Craig Robinson as Atlas, a cheerful talking GPS hippo toy; Shelby Rabara as the excitable camera toy Snappy; Scarlett Spears as the sweet and shy 8-year-old Bonnie; Mykal-Michelle Harris as Blaze, an independent 8-year-old girl who loves animals; and Matty Matheson as the tech-fearing toy Dr. Nutcase.

Also rounding out the voice cast are John Ratzenberger as the wisecracking piggybank Hamm; Wallace Shawn as Rex, the anxiety-riddled tyrannosaurus rex toy; Blake Clark as the ever-loyal Slinky Dog; Jeff Bergman as the sarcastic Mr. Potato Head; Anna Vocino as the nurturing Mrs. Potato Head; Annie Potts as the adventure-loving Bo Peep; Bonnie Hunt as the wise rag-doll Dolly; Melissa Villaseñor as Karen Beverly, Bonnie’s homemade toy fashioned out of a plastic knife; John Hopkins as the dignified hedgehog plush toy Mr. Pricklepants; Kristen Schaal as the plastic triceratops toy Trixie; Ernie Hudson as the action figure Combat Carl; and Keanu Reeves as Canadian daredevil toy Duke Caboom.

The previously announced voice cast includes Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), Greta Lee (Lilypad), Conan O’Brien (Smarty Pants) and Tony Hale (Forky).

Toy Story 5 arrives in theaters on June 19th.

I'm Still Standing - SING

Illumination

I love the soundtracks from Illumination's SING movies. The songs are so fun to sing along to.

SING is currently available on Netflix.

Drum Tao

Tao Entertainment

We watched the most amazing performance last night. Drum Tao, a group of incredible, acrobatic, Japanese musicians, put on what may be the most joyous performance I've ever seen. The performers truly enjoy creating their art and the Taiko drums are so powerful that they literally shake the building.

If you have the chance, you should definitely see them while they are on tour.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Trailer

Lucasfilm

A new trailer has arrived for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu and it looks fantastic. The movie looks just as action-packed and playful as the series.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm: 

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself). 

The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters on May 22.

Albert Camus Quote

 

Getty Images

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."

- Albert Camus

Happy Valentine's Day

This Valentine which you receive,

Believe me, is sincere;

It breathes a hope that happy

You may be for many a year.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Spider-Noir Teaser

All images: Marvel

The first teaser trailer and poster for Spider-Noir has arrived and it looks delightfully dark. The live-action series follows the gritty adventures of Ben Reilly, a private eye and super hero in the 1930s.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir, the “Spider-Noir” live-action series tells the story of Ben Reilly, a private investigator in 1930s New York. Played by Nicolas Cage, the burnt-out private eye is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only super hero.

Cage is joined by Lamorne Morris, portraying journalist Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li’s Cat Hardy, a nightclub songstress and femme fatale, and Karen Rodriguez, who plays Ben Reilly’s assistant detective, Janet.

Spider-Noir arrives on Amazon Prime Video on May 27th. 

The series will be available both in authentic black & white and true-hue full color.

Young Sherlock

All images: Amazon

I've always loved Sherlock Holmes. The books, the movies, the various series, I've enjoyed them all. The latest incarnation is Guy Ritchie's Young Sherlock. It looks quite fun.

Here's the official synopsis:

From Guy Ritchie, witness the legendary origin story of Sherlock Holmes in this irreverent, action-laden mystery that follows the iconic detective’s early adventures. Sherlock Holmes is a disgraced young man – raw and unfiltered – when he finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty. His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, culminating in an explosive showdown that changes his life forever. Unfolding in 1870s Oxford and adventuring abroad, the series will expose the early antics of the anarchic adolescent who is yet to evolve into Baker Street’s most renowned resident.

Young Sherlock arrives on Amazon Prime Video on March 4th.

Minions & Monsters

All images: Illumination

The Minions are back for another wild and crazy adventure. This time around, the Minions are taking on 1920s Hollywood, and working on some monster movie making of their own.

Here's the official synopsis from Illumination: 

"Minions & Monsters" is the rambunctious, ridiculous and totally true story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood, became movie stars, lost everything, unleashed monsters onto the world and then banded together to try and save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.

Minions and Monsters arrives in theaters on July 1st.

Hoppers Big Game Spot & Character Posters

All images: Pixar

Pixar's Hoppers looks so funny. The animals Mabel meets are truly wild!

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they’re saying? In Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Hoppers,” scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! 

The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined. “Hoppers'" all-star ensemble features the voices of Piper Curda (Mabel), Bobby Moynihan (King George)  Jon Hamm (Mayor Jerry), Meryl Streep (Insect Queen), Dave Franco (Titus), Kathy Najimy (Dr. Sam), Eduardo Franco (Loaf), Melissa Villaseñor (Ellen), Ego Nwodim (Fish Queen), Vanessa Bayer (Diane), Sam Richardson (Conner), Aparna Nancherla (Nisha), Nichole Sakura (Reptile Queens), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Bird King), Steve Purcell (Amphibian King), Karen Huie (Grandma Tanaka) and Tom Law (Tom Lizard).

And now it's time to meet the characters of Hoppers.

Hoppers arrives in theaters on March 6th.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Big Game Spot

Lucasfilm

The latest trailer for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu may not provide much in the way of new information, but, if you grew up in the 80s, its hilarious.

Rather nostalgic, isn't it? Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm: 

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself). 

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters on May 22.

Doris Lessing Quote

Daily Herald

"With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one - but no one at all - can tell you what to read and when and how."

- Doris Lessing

Kitty Comforts

Miss kitty always find the most comfortable spot in the house for her naps. When we brought home a few silk covered, down filled pillows (from our favorite second hand store, of course), she immediately claimed one as her own. Silly, bougie kitty.

Jurassic Park Super Bowl Commercial

Universal & Xfinity

This Jurassic Park commercial is quite funny. The premise: what if the original Jurassic Park actually worked?

The Jurassic Park Xfinity commercial debuts this Sunday during the Super Bowl.

Forevergreen

Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears

Forevergreen is the most unexpected and wonderful animated short film. It is such a lovely quiet moment with a beautiful story.

Here's the official synopsis from the creators:

An orphaned bear cub finds a home with a fatherly evergreen tree, until his hunger for trash leads him to danger.

This after hours passion project was created entirely by a crew of over 200 dedicated Artists and Technicians who all generously donated their free time and talent to bring every frame of the film to life.  Production took over 5 years to complete.  Featuring never before seen animation techniques and handmade artistry, weaving art and technology together with heart and humor.

"Forevergreen" was directed by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears.

It's no wonder it has been nominated for an Oscar.