Angelina Jolie Looks Every Part Maleficent In New Movie Posters

Originally published on For Your Excitement.  12 March  2014.

The new posters for Disney’s Maleficent confirm what we already knew: Angelina Jolie looks perfect as the Sleeping Beauty villainess. Filling nearly the entire US and UK posters, Jolie is malevolently striking as the iconic baddie.

UK Poster

US Poster

No Jedi Mind Tricks Here: The Force Is Strong On Netflix And We Love It

Originally published on For Your Excitement.  13 February  2014.

Last year, Star Wars fans felt a disturbance in the Force when Disney cancelled the popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. But now the sixth and final season, called “The Lost Missions,” will be available on Netflix for instant streaming on March 7.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars fills the gap between the live-action films, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. The Emmy-award winning show follows Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor), Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter) and young apprentice, Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) as well as various Jedi, Sith, and clones warriors.

The 13-episode sixth season will specifically deal with Ahsoka’s leaving the Jedi order. Yoda (Tom Kane) will also explore the nature of the Force and get a visit from Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn. In addition to “The Lost Missions,” all other episodes, including director’s cut versions, and the feature film will be uploaded to the streaming service.

March 7 will mark the first time any Star Wars content has been available for instant viewing on Netflix but it is only the beginning. Thanks to a deal between Disney, who owns Lucasfilm, and Netflix, in 2016 first-run, live-action and animated movies from Disney properties will be available for streaming exclusively on the subscription service. This means Netflix will be home to Pixar, Marvel Studios, Disney and Lucasfilm productions.

“Star Wars is one of the most iconic franchises of all time,” Netflix chief content officer, Ted Sarados, said. “This series joins a long line of Disney content that Netflix members are and will continue to enjoy for years to come.”

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 311: ‘Go Home’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  16 December 2013.

It has been a very long and exhausting(ly boring) half a season of Once Upon a Time, Oncers. But we made it! We braved the Neverland forest of perpetual setbacks and sides stories. We survived the onslaught of emotional baggage from everyone from the unusual suspects (Snow & Charming) to we-expect-better-from-you characters (Rumple).

We even managed to stay tuned in while a slew of new faces joined this entirely too large cast and enjoyed some (Ariel) while questioning the purpose of others (Tink). So now, Peter Pan’s twisted tale comes to a close, Rumple finds his courage and Emma gets to change her mind about a life-altering decision. Time for us all to go home…

Felix and fake Pan drop random vials of magic from Regina’s vault into Storybrooke’s well. But as we all recall, in order for the curse to work you have to supply the heart of the thing you love most. For Pan it’s not Rumple but Felix (a friendship/loyalty kind of love, just so we’re clear). The Lost Boy isn’t so sure about this plan and can’t we talk about this…Nope. He heart is ripped out and crushed into the well.

This is all while Gold is explaining to the main cast that the new curse will follow Pan’s evil machinations, just like the old curse did Regina’s. The solution is twofold: First, switch Pan and Henry back to their bodies, which requires the Black Fairy’s wand. Second, get the scroll back and Regina can cancel the new curse. A plan in place the team breaks their huddle while green smoke billows up from the well. Credits.

In the first of far too many flashbacks this evening, Blue reassures Charming and Snow that their daughter will be the Savior and everything will be peachy. For two people who also spout this kind of gushy optimism, they are unfairly grouchy about the fairy’s blanket optimism. However it does give Charming the chance to speak the episode’s tagline: Happy endings aren’t always what we expect.

In Gold’s shop, Snow reminisces with Emma over her old mobile. The two bond further over having both tried to do what was best for their kid by sending them away. In more important news, Rumple is nearly ready to perform the switchback spell as soon as he gets the Black Fairy’s wand. Tink, Neal, Hook and Charming are working on that at the church, where the Blue Fairy’s body is laid out for mourners. Looking to pay his respects, the Shadow swoops in upon the Wand Retrieval Unit. Commercial.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 310: ‘The New Neverland’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  9 December 2013.

We are nearly at the end of this incredibly long (for us anyway) Neverland journey Oncers. Our heroes and some villains have returned to Storybrooke to reunite with all of the secondary character we know, love and miss. But of course, that wily Peter Pan keeps up his scheming even while trapped in Henry baby faced, yet suddenly much taller, body.

The episode opens on the quaint town of Storybrooke where nothing strange happens as long as everyone important is away. Belle takes Ariel to the docks where the mermaid instantly locks lips with hunky fisherman Eric. It feels appropriate to again point out that these two knew each for literally three minutes. But this is all just set up for the Jolly Roger to appear in the sky and swoop toward the dock. Credits.

The whole town has instantly gathered to applaud the arrival of the people they earlier said they didn’t actually miss. While everyone else gets hugs and kisses, Regina stands all alone. Snow throws her a well-deserved bone by saying for all to hear that they made it back because of the Queen.

Flashback to Regina interrupting the Charming wedding from the Pilot episode. After the ceremony, Snow is angry as hell about her big day being disturbed. Charming says the real way to stick it to Regina is to enjoy their honeymoon as soon as possible and I think we all know what’s really on his mind. The newlyweds share a genuinely cute scene together where Charming steals a kiss and I’m reminded that sometimes these two actually have on screen chemistry. Snow chooses the Summer Palace as their destination, later revealing privately to Grumpy that there’s something there that can help them defeat Regina.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 309: ‘Save Henry’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  2 December 2013.

It’s been two weeks since the last episode of Once Upon a Time but, just like this entire half season, it’s felt much longer. Just in case you forgot, last time on Once, Henry stopped using his brain and gave Pan his heart. The little snot is now on the path to immortality and phenomenal cosmic power! (Itty bitty living space to come later.)

Oh and because the Once family tree wasn’t weird enough, Pan is Rumple’s crappy father and also trapped him in Pandora’s Box. This week, Henry’s heart-lessness is resolved rather speedily, Regina remembers her maternal roots and out mothers both Emma and Snow, and Pan proves his much more than a one trick pony.

We start with a flashback to the Enchanted Forest. The curse is billowing toward the castle and Regina poofs into the dungeon where Rumple’s being held. She’s come to gloat about having cast the curse, which really makes no sense because he egged her on to do it. He just wants to pour salt in the open wound that is Regina killing her father to cast the curse.

As always, the Queen is masking her pain with swagger, saying she feels invincible even in the face of Rumple’s revelation about the Charmings’ savoir baby. He gets in one last dig before she skips off to gloat over Snow. “There’s a hole in your heart and someday you will come to me to fill it,” he sneers. Credits.

Henry’s mixed up family is trying to revive the boy, which is proving difficult because his heart is soaring off with Pan right about now.

Eleven years ago, Regina was facing a different tumultuous situation. She reveals to therapist Archie that she’s “feeling nothing.” Even a cricket turned psychiatrist can figure out it’s because the Queen Mayor is lonely. When Regina mentions she didn’t feel that aching emptiness when little boy Owen was around, Archie suggests she look into adopting a child.

Logically this means going to speak with Mr. Gold. Upon being asked to help Regina get a child: “Well I’m flattered but uninterested.” I love these two so much.

Gold agrees to help her find a child but cautions her that just because she wants a child, doesn’t mean she’s ready to have one. Nice PSA Once! Parents have to put their kids first, he reminds her, and selflessness has never been Regina’s strong suit.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 308: ‘Think Lovely Thoughts’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  18 November 2013.

In an incredibly surprising turn of events, there is once again forward momentum on Once Upon a Time! Henry’s family even finds the kid and we get a nice bit of background for my beloved Rumplestiltskin. Sadly, “Think Lovely Thoughts” is also so packed with contrivances it dulls the otherwise tasty plot developments.

Everything from Pan’s origin story (especially the source of his name) to Henry’s inexplicable stupidity made me cringe, dear Oncers. But still we carry on, so let’s begin with a flashback, shall we?

A card hustler gets beaten up and robbed after swindling one too many customers. His son tries to intervene with the help of his adorable eyes and precious Scottish accent but it’s no use. Dad is a deadbeat for poor baby Rumple.

In Neverland, Pan reminds Henry that saving magic will save Wendy and everyone else. Henry, clearly being driven by hormones and a childish fantasy to be the hero like in his fairytale book, says he’s ready to do his duty.

Thankfully two members of his family still have some sense. Regina and Rumple make their way toward Pan’s camp. The Queen pays her master a compliment, saying, “You know despite our differences I can always count on you to get things done. Which is more than I can say for them.” She means the Charmings of course and dang is she right. Ten minutes with Rumple and they had an artifact to take down Pan.

Seven weeks (for us) with the Charmings and all they got was a very convoluted plan. But back to their conversation. Regina brings up Neal, which Rumple doesn’t want to talk about. Good choice really because once she finds out you rescued her son and then let him get recaptured, your little alliance will be fireballed to hell.

We flashback again to see Rumple’s dad dropping him off with two spinner ladies. The boy doesn’t want to leave his Papa so to cheer him up, Dad gives him the going-to-be-important later-on wicker doll. Then Papa runs out of the cottage before he son’s even given the doll a name.

Neverland. Charmings and Co head towards Pan’s camp and Snow confesses to Emma that she’ll stay on the island with her hubby. Emma is skeptical about how easily Mom gave up on finding a solution to this problem. She fails to mention or even think that her newfound magic powers could be helpful but Emma says she’s giving up. But that’s what we have Regina and Rumple for and luckily the duo stumble upon everyone else.

Neal ruins this happy reunion by spilling the beans about the prophecy. Everyone takes a dramatic step back from Rumple and draws their weapons. The Dark One looks exasperated while different members of his complicated family accuse him of trying to kill the kid. Everyone including Hook is ready to defend Henry. Rumple (and I) rolls his eyes at their stupidity. Commercial.

Peter Pan Is Set To Take Flight With Directer Joe Wright

Originally published on PopWrapped.  12 November 2013.

Peter Pan may be getting a period piece re-imagining. Joe Wright, director of Pride and Prejudice, is currently in talks to helm Warner Bros.’ new Pan project.

Also known for Atonement and Anna Karenina, Wright would join producer Greg Berlanti to bring Jason Fuchs’ script to life in the new adaptation of the boy who wouldn’t grow up.

Deadline reports that Fuchs’ script focuses on Peter Pan’s origin story as an orphan who is taken to Neverland. There he leads a rebellion against the pirates, including supposedly Captain Hook, and becomes the savior of the Neverland natives.

Everything is coming up Pan these days, it seems. Warner Bros.’ take on the classic character would certainly have some strong competition in Sony’s Channing Tatum Pan picture. Disney is also working on its own Peter Pan project – a prequel entitled Peter and the Starcatchers, which is adapted from the YA novel of the same name.

Interestingly, Disney’s ABC show Once Upon a Time is currently exploring a new twist on Peter Pan as a villain rather than a hero.

My only question is: What role will Wright’s frequent collaborator Keira Knightly be playing in his Peter Pan project? Is she Wendy Darling worthy?

D23 Expo 2013: Tom Hanks is a Perfect Walt Disney in 'Saving Mr. Banks'

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  12 August 2013.

Saving Mr. Banks is more than a movie about bringing Mary Poppins from the page to the screen. It is a tribute to Walt Disney and his incredible team of filmmakers.

The biographical drama follows the journey of adapting P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins books into the feature film we all know and love. Emma Thompson plays a lovely stoic and proper Mrs. Travers. She is the perfect contrast to Tom Hanks’ enthusiastic Walt Disney.

Exclusive clips shown during D23 presented a film that is both entertaining and poignant. The movie is the first time an actor as portrayed Disney in film but Hanks is more than up to the task. He brings Disney’s signature warmth and excitement to the screen with ease.

D23 Expo 2013: Reviewing New Thor and Captain America Footage

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  12 August 2013.

This could be the end for Jane Foster. Exclusive footage from Thor: The Dark World shown at the D23 Expo revealed Thor’s lady love is infected with a mystical disease that leaves even the Asgardians baffled. In addition to replaying the trailers and first looks from San Diego Comic-Con last month, Marvel unveiled new clips from both the upcoming Thor sequel and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Neither scenes are available online yet so here is what you missed.

Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) fate remains uncertain as a team of Asgardian healers examined her. Knowing that Earth’s doctors would be unable to help her, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) brought Jane to his home world. But his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), does not like having the human in Asgard so he sends guards to remove her.

Jane’s infection is not going to go lightly though and it pulses out a wave of energy that knocks the guards back. What could the infection be? Thor and Odin are as clueless and we are.

Pixar’s Inside Out Ups The Funny With Latest Cast Members

Originally published on PopWrapped.tumblr.com.  8 August 2013.

Pixar continues to draw in the biggest names in Hollywood. The animated studio has landed Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, and more to star in their upcoming movie, Inside Out.

The film, which also stars Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith (The Office), and Lewis Black, is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2015. Inside Out places a young girl named Riley and the happenings of her mind at its core. Each of Riley’s emotions has its own voice and in addition to Joy (Poehler) and Disgust (Kaling), they are: Anger (Black), Sadness (Smith) and Fear (Hader).

Up director Pete Docter is at the helm for this Pixar outing, so audiences should be ready to bring their tissues with them to the theater.

"This film is one of the most unique films I have ever been associated with,” Pixar Chief Creative Officer, John Lasseter, said. “This is a magical, wonderful, original film."

With that line up of comedic actors, Inside Out looks set to be another funny and poignant installment from Pixar. The emotions played by each actor are perfectly cast.

Can anyone else already hear Poehler’s whoops of delight and Kaling’s disgusted scoffs?

First Look at Daniel Day-Lewis In Spielberg’s ‘Abraham Lincoln’

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  10 Aug. 2012.

Can British actor Daniel-Day Lewis pull of a convincing Abraham Lincoln? Check out the first officially released image from the upcoming biopic Lincoln after the break and judge for yourself. We've included a previous snapshot of the actor (above) for comparison.

There's no question that Day-Lewis is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, but playing the iconic and beloved 16th President of the United States may prove to be his most scrutinized role to date. That being said, the new picture with Lewis in full costume and make-up is incredibly good. Even without the stovepipe hat, Day-Lewis looks very convincing. Let's hope he's just as good on screen as he is in a photo.

Lincoln follows the president in his final four months as the Union comes closer to victory in the Civil War and slavery is abolished. The Dreamworks/Disney film is directed by Steven Spielberg and is due out November 9.

SDCC12: New Clips From ‘TRON: Uprising’

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  14 July 2012.

Whether you loved, hated, or were merely disappointed by TRON: Legacy, the newest installment in the TRON saga should pique your interest. The animated Disney series TRON: Uprising received an incredible reception from fans of all ages at San Diego Comic-Con and it's easy to see why.

Fans looking for the happy place between the updated graphics showcased in Legacy and the enduring storyline of the original movie will find that place in Uprising. Set after the end of TRON but before the sequel, the series, which premiered on June 7, follows a young program named Beck (Elijah Wood).

As the latest light cycle riding, identity disc welding hero of The Grid, Beck becomes the unlikely leader of a rebellion. An apprentice to the legendary warrior Tron (Bruce Boxleitner), Beck earns the name The Renegade as he battles against the villains Clu and General Tesler (Lance Henriksen).

Also starring Mandy Moore (Mara), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Paige), and Nate Corddry (Zed), TRON: Uprising airs Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on Disney XD, with encore episodes on Friday nights at 10 p.m. on Disney Channel.

Check out some new clips here: