Disney+ Shares Trailer for New Holiday Comedy “Godmothered”

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 19, 2020

Have you ever wished that you had a fairy godmother? Today, Disney+ shared the new trailer for its all-new enchanted Christmas comedy, Godmothered, starring Isla Fisher and Jillian Bell. This new film will debut exclusively on the streaming service Fri., Dec. 4, 2020.

Set at Christmas time, Godmothered is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.

Godmothered is directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and produced by Justin Springer (Dumbo), Diane L. Sabatini (Lady and the Tramp), Tom Pollock (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters) and Amie Karp (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) served as executive producers.

Godmothered also stars Santiago Cabrera, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Jane Curtin, June Squibb, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Willa Skye, Artemis Pebdani, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Stephnie Weir.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Disney’s Drama “Safety” to Debut on Disney+

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 13, 2020

Disney+ just debuted the trailer for the new film, Safety, inspired by the empowering true story of former Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey, a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose dedication and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities.

Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr. Safety will debut exclusively on the streaming service on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

The film stars Jay Reeves (All American, The Tax Collector) as Ray and newcomer Thaddeus J. Mixson as Fahmarr along with Corinne Foxx, Matthew Glave, Hunter Sansone, Amanda Warren, Miles Burris, Isaac Bell, Elijah Bell and James Badge Dale. It is directed by Reginald Hudlin (Marshall) and produced by Mark Ciardi, p.g.a. (Secretariat, Miracle) and Gordon Gray (Million Dollar Arm, The Rookie) with a screenplay written by Nick Santora (The Most Dangerous Game, The Fugitive). Douglas S. Jones and Campbell McIinnis served as executive producers.

Hudlin said, Safety is a movie about brotherhood and coming together for the greater good, which is a message our society needs right now. It’s the story of a young man stuck in a situation where failure is not an option. Through sheer force of will, he does the impossible, which inspires the whole community around him to do the same. It’s a movie I can’t wait to watch with my family on Disney+ on December 11th, and for families everywhere to do the same.”

Ciardi added, “For over a decade, I’ve dreamed of bringing Ray’s incredible story to the screen, and now that it’s ready, I’m thrilled that Disney+ is making it available for families to enjoy together during the holidays.”

The Safety original soundtrack features score by critically acclaimed Grammy®-winning jazz musician/producer and composer Marcus Miller (Marshall), plus the original song “Hold Us Together” performed by Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist H.E.R., which she wrote and produced in collaboration with Josiah Bassey and Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II. The Walt Disney Records soundtrack will be available digitally on Dec.11.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Holiday Comedy “Godmothered” to Debut on Disney+

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 12, 2020

There’s a new holiday film coming to Disney+ this season. The streaming service announced that Godmothered, an all-new enchanted Christmas comedy starring Isla Fisher and Jillian Bell will debut exclusively on the streaming service Fri., Dec. 4, 2020. An original soundtrack will be released concurrently on all digital formats.

Godmothered is directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and produced by Justin Springer (Dumbo,TRON: Legacy). Diane L. Sabatini (Lady and the Tramp), Tom Pollock (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters) and Amie Karp (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) served as executive producers.

Godmothered also stars Santiago Cabrera, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Jane Curtin, June Squibb, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Willa Skye, Artemis Pebdani, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Stephnie Weir.

The Godmothered original soundtrack, from Walt Disney Records, featuring the score by Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman (Emma, A Dog’s Purpose), plus the end credit songs “Rise Up (Joy to the World)” and “Hero” performed by Jillian Shea Spaeder, will be available on all digital formats on Dec. 4. The score was produced by Portman and was recorded with the Chamber Orchestra of London at AIR Lyndhurst and Abbey Road Studios.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Disney+ Releases First Look Trailer for “Inside Pixar”

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 12, 2020

Have you ever wondered what goes into making your favorite Pixar films? Disney+ shared the trailer for its new original docuseries Inside Pixar, which will premiere on Nov. 13. The series consists of four collections with five short stories in each collection, centered around a central theme.

The first collection releasing on Friday is “Inspired,” exploring what sparks inspiration and the journey from idea to execution.

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios, Inside Pixar is directed by Erica Milsom and Tony Kaplan, the series offers insights into the personal and cinematic stories that provide an inside look into the people, artistry, and culture of Pixar Animation Studios.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Disney+ Reveals Emotional New Trailer for “Black Beauty”

by Karly WoodNovember 11, 2020

Perhaps the most famous horse story of all time is coming to Disney+. The streaming platform released a beautiful new trailer for Black Beauty, and you’ll want to grab the tissues.

The film will premiere Fri., Nov. 27 and features the voice of Academy Award-winning actor Kate Winslet as Black Beauty and stars Mackenzie Foy, Iain Glen, Claire Forlani, and Calam Lynch.

The new film transforms Anna Sewell’s classic book into a modern tale that follows wild horse Black Beauty as she’s captured and taken from her family. When she’s transferred to Birtwick Stables, she meets Jo Green and the two form a special bond.

Black Beauty is directed by Ashley Avis and produced by Constantin Film and JB Pictures. You can start streaming the film on Nov. 27, 2020.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Courtesy of Disney+

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NBC Transports Us to Who-Ville with the Holiday Special “Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch Musical”

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 10, 2020

He’s a mean one. NBC is bringing Dr. Seuss to life this holiday season with a fun-filled two-hour production of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! set to air Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Troubadour Theatre in London. Matthew Morrison will star as the curmudgeonly Grinch.

Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has become a Christmas staple for generations. This musical version, with book and lyrics by Tim Mason and music by Mel Marvin and featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas (by Albert Hague & Dr. Seuss), breathes new life into this timely story.

“Dr. Seuss is an indelible part of all of our lives and we’re thrilled to bring a stage production of ‘The Grinch Musical!’ to our audience,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “This is a perfect addition to our annual holiday program traditions and a telecast the entire family will enjoy.”

“In what has been an extremely challenging year for us all, it is an honor to bring some holiday cheer into viewers’ homes this December,” Morrison said. “My wish is to bring some Who-ville magic to this holiday season and, while the pandemic presents some challenges in bringing a stage production to life, we are excited to present a unique version of this seasonal favorite in a new creative and imaginative way.”

Dr. Seuss’ famous book tells the story of a reclusive Grinch who plotted from his cave atop snowy Mt. Crumpit to steal Christmas from the Whos in Who-ville. Then on Christmas Eve, disguised as Santa Claus and enlisting his loyal dog Max as a reindeer, the Grinch traveled to Who-ville to scoop up the Whos’ gifts and decorations. Much to his surprise on Christmas morning, the Whos were unfazed and celebrated the holiday with a heartwarming display of joy and love.

Additional cast will include Denis O’Hare (Big Little Lies) as old Max, Booboo Stewart (Descendants 3) as young Max and newcomer Amelia Minto (The Lost Girls) as Cindy-Lou Who. Producers have also assembled an ensemble of top musical theater actors from London’s West End to complete the cast.

The lush and whimsical staging by award-winning director Max Webster, directed for television by BAFTA winner Julia Knowles, with additional script material by BAFTA-winning writer Simon Nye and featuring sets by acclaimed designer Peter Bingemann, will set the mood for a beautiful holiday celebration.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of NBC

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Original Docu-series “On Pointe” to Debut on Disney+

Original Docu-series “On Pointe” to Debut on Disney+

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 9, 2020

Dust off your tutu. Disney+ announced that the complete original six-part docu-series On Pointe will premiere exclusively on the service. On Pointe captures a season in New York City’s world renowned School of American Ballet (SAB).

Featuring unprecedented access to one of the top youth ballet institutions in the world, the series follows the lives of the students ages 8 to 18 pursuing their dreams to become ballet dancers. While older students from all over the country rigorously train for professional careers, younger students from New York City are put through their paces as they rehearse and perform in New York City Ballet’s holiday classic George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker onstage at Lincoln Center.

On Pointe is produced by Imagine Documentaries and DCTV, with Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes executive producing from Imagine Entertainment; Matthew O’Neill serves as executive producer from DCTV. Directed and produced by Larissa Bills, On Pointe premieres Fri., Dec. 18, with all episodes streaming only on Disney+.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Disney+

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Disney+ Shares New “LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” Trailer

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 5, 2020

Today, Disney+ shared the trailer and key art for the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, which premieres Tues., Nov. 17 on the streaming service. The new animated special from LEGO is the first to debut on Disney+ and continues the rich legacy of collaboration between Lucasfilm and LEGO.

According to a description from Disney+, the special starts directly following the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Rey leaves her friends to prepare for Life Day as she sets off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan and other iconic heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of holiday spirit?

“LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” brings back franchise stars Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), as well as “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” vets Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), Tom Kane (Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and Dee Bradley Baker (clone troopers).

The special is a production of Atomic Cartoons, the LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm. It is directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who is also co-executive producer. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jason Cosler, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert and Keith Malone are executive producers.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Returns to Movie Theaters this November

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 29, 2020

Cowabunga! Everyone’s favorite crime-fighting turtles are making a special three-day appearance on movie theater screens nationwide to celebrate 30 years of action, adventure and the art of ninjutsu with the 1990 blockbuster hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fathom Events and Warner Bros. invite fans to experience their favorite turtle-powered moments at hundreds of movie theaters around the country on Thurs., Nov. 5, Fri., Nov. 6 & Sat., Nov. 7.

For tickets and participating theater locations, visit FathomEvents.com.

“We are excited to celebrate 30 years of a film that brings families together in a fun, entertaining and hilarious way,” said Fathom Events’ Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas. “As audiences discovered in 1990, the adventures of the heroic turtles are truly meant to be seen on a giant screen in a darkened theater, so we hope audiences of all ages will make Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael part of their entertainment plans.”

Adapted from the early Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics with characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the movie achieved the then-seemingly impossible feat of bringing its reptilian heroes to full live-action with a team of puppeteers and a voice cast led by Brian Tochi as Leonardo, Corey Feldman as Donatello, Josh Pais as Raphael, Robbie Rist as Michelangelo and Kevin Clash as Splinter, the Turtles’ master. The film also features Judith Hoag and Elias Koteas.

Directed by Steve Barron, produced by Kim Dawson, Simon Fields and David Chan, with a story by Bobby Herbeck and screenplay by Todd W. Langen and Bobby Herbeck, the film opened on March 30, 1990, and immediately became the No. 1 film at the domestic box office, holding that spot for four consecutive weekends. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would become one of the highest-grossing independent films to date.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photos: Fathom Events

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A Robotic Halloween Door That Dispenses Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? Yes, Please!

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 22, 2020

How are you celebrating Halloween this year? Thanks to Reese’s it’s all treats and no tricks. The Reese’s brand is bringing peanut butter cups to fans with the Reese’s Trick-or-Treat Door, a hands-free way to get treats this season. Scroll down to get the scoop and watch a video of the robotic door in action!

Rain or shine, protective masks or monster masks, the Reese’s Trick-or-Treat Door provides a robotic, social-distancing option that brings Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups right to your doorstep this Halloween. Your only job? Say “trick or treat” after the Trick-or-Treat Door arrives at your doorstep and enjoy your Reese’s treats!

“This Halloween is unlike any other, so we’ve upped the ante on creativity as a result,” said Allen Dark, Reese’s senior brand manager. “A robotic Reese’s dispensing door is just what the world needs right now!”

In fact, 63% of adults believe that people will find creative, fun and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season.

This one-of-a-kind robotic door is designed to traverse through neighborhoods via remote control and bring candy to your doorstep. You’ll know it’s coming before it even arrives thanks to the smoke, lights and epic Halloween soundtrack that comes along with it. What can we say? We like to make an entrance.

When it rolls up to your door, simply say “trick or treat” and the Reese’s Trick-or-Treat Door dispenses king size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Here’s how the one-and-only Reese’s Trick-or-Treat Door works:

Three motors power the door, directed by a remote control from up to 5,000 feet away – no humans nearby required!
The 9′ door features a built-in Bluetooth-enabled speaker that activates once “trick or treat” is said.
A king size Reese’s candy bar will appear through the mail slot from a retractable shelf.
Want the Reese’s Trick-or-Treat Door to come to your town? Go to @Reeses on Instagram and tell us where, using #ReesesDoor.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hershey’s

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