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.

Pixar Turns 40

Pixar

Can you believe Pixar has been around for 40 years? In that time, they've made 29 films (all of which are available on DisneyPlus). I can't wait to see what adventures they create in the years to come.

Here's a list of all of the Pixar movies to date:

• Toy Story
• A Bug's Life
• Toy Story 2
• Monsters Inc
• Finding Nemo
• The Incredibles
• Cars
• Ratatouille
• Wall-E
• UP
• Toy Story 3
• Cars 2
• Brave
• Monsters University
• Inside Out
• The Good Dinosaur
• Finding Dory
• Cars 3
• Coco
• Incredibles 2
• Toy Story 4
• Onward
• Soul
• Luca
• Turning Red
• Lightyear
• Elemental
• Inside Out 2
• Elio

The Muppet Show Is Back!

Jim Henson Company

Tomorrow is the day! The Muppet Show returns... at least for one very special episode.

Here's the official synopsis from Jim Henson Company: 

Kermit, Miss Piggy and the beloved Muppets ensemble are back with a brand-new special event. Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos are bound to ensue when The Muppets once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre with their very special guest, Sabrina Carpenter!

The new The Muppet Show special premieres on February 4th on ABC and DisneyPlus.

All five seasons of the original The Muppet Show are available now on DisneyPlus.

Ursula K Le Guin Quote

Photo by Dana Gluckstein

"The exercise of imagination is dangerous to those who profit from the way things are because it has the power to show that the way things are is not permanent, not universal, not necessary."

- Ursula K. Le Guin, "A War Without End"

Animal Kingdom Snowflake

There are so many snowflake designs that can be found throughout Disney World in the winter. This lovely snowflake made up of deer, bears, penguins, birds and other animals was on banners in Animal Kingdom a few years ago.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Lady Gaga

Who knew Lady Gaga singing "Won't You Be My Neighbor?", the theme song from the beloved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, would be exactly what we need right now.

Wonder Man Now On DisneyPlus

All images: Marvel

Marvel's latest series, Wonder Man, has arrived on DisneyPlus. This series is unlike any previous Marvel story. It's more of a behind-the-scenes look into one actor's journey to play the role of a lifetime: the superhero he loved as a child.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man”. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

Marvel Television's Wonder Man stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams and Ben Kingsley, who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery.

All 8 episodes of Wonder Man are available now on DisneyPlus.

Hoppers Trailer and Posters

All images: Pixar

Pixar's Hoppers looks hilarious. Mabel has a lot to learn about the animal world. For example: "Pond Rules".

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” features the voices of Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm.

Hoppers arrives in theaters on March 6th.

A Chocolate Luxo Jr.

Amaury Guichon

Amaury Guichon's latest chocolate creation was inspired by the Luxo Jr. logo of Pixar. It's an adorable figure that is caught squashing the star ball. And it even lights up!

The Muppet Show Returns

All images: Jim Henson Company

It's nearly time to play the music and light the lights. Once again, it will be time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show. That's right, Kermit and his friends are headed back to their beloved theater for one more performance. And they'll be joined by a few special guests: Sabrina Carpenter, Maya Rudolph, and Seth Rogan, who is also the executive producer of this special.

Here's the official synopsis from Jim Henson Company: 

Kermit, Miss Piggy and the beloved Muppets ensemble are back with a brand-new special event. Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos are bound to ensue when The Muppets once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre with their very special guest, Sabrina Carpenter!

The Muppet Show arrives on ABC and DisneyPlus on February 4th. 

Flannery O'Connor Quote

Georgia College & State University

"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it."

- Flannery O'Connor

Artists at the Festival of the Arts

My favorite part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is meeting the artists. It's so fun to chat with them about their art and get a few pieces autographed, too. At the 2024 Festival, we met several artists including Jerrod Maruyama, Ashley Taylor, Ann Shen, and Jasmine Becket-Griffith, whose Strangeling art is the kiddo's favorite. 

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord

All images: Lucasfilm

The next animated series in the Star Wars saga focuses on a character who just keeps coming back: Maul. The series takes place in the early days of the Empire, just a few years after Order 66.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm: 

"Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord" picks up after the events of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars", for a pulpy adventure that finds Maul plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on Janix, a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who may just be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.

The voice cast is led by Sam Witwer, who also lent his voice to Maul in "Clone Wars", "Star Wars Rebels", and beyond, Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson, Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, David W. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, and Steve Blum as Icarus.

The first two episodes of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord arrive on DisneyPlus on April 6th. Two new episodes will debut each Monday with the final episodes arriving on Star Wars Day, May the 4th.