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.

Disney Teases Upcoming Live Action Projects At D23

Originally published on PopWrapped.tumblr.com.  11 August 2013.

The next few years for Disney seem to be focused on live action and the session at D23 on Saturday proved just how much.Judging by the preview clips of everything from the Muppets sequel to Maleficent and the mysterious Tomorrowland, Disney has something in store for fans of all ages.

Disney will be taking two of their classic animated features and turning them into live action features. Maleficent (due June 2014) re-tells the Sleeping Beauty story from the perspective of its iconic villain. Played by Angelina Jolie, who looks stunning in the costume, Maleficent will transition from a heroic young woman to a cold-hearted sorceress. The storyline will of course intersect with that of Aurora (Elle Fanning) as the little princess grows, and will even feature the climatic dragon fight from Sleeping Beauty.

The second Disney classic to get the live action treatment is Cinderella, opening March 2015. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Cinderella will retain many of the elements we know and love from the story but will present them in a new and exciting way. Starring in the feature are Lily James as Cinderella, Richard Madden as the Prince, Cate Blanchett as the stepmother, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother.

First Ten Episodes of Tom Hanks’ Series ‘Electric City’ Available Online

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  18 July 2012.

Yahoo! has released the first ten episodes of Tom Hanks’ new animated, sci-fi series, Electric City. Created by Hanks, the series is accompanied by digital, social, mobile, and gaming media opportunities meant to help immerse and engage viewers. What does that mean exactly? Well, it means games on the site and apps available for mobile devices tie into the series, a 3D map of Electric City is provided, behind-the-scenes videos are available, and much more.

The plot is as follows:

The world as we know it has ended and out of the rubble, the Electric City stands as a symbol of peace and security. Yet under the veneer of order lies a world full of secrets and violence.  Secret police, back-alley dealings, daring chases, and murder all find a home in the “Electric City.” Through the lens of a functioning, yet dystopian metropolis, “Electric City” touches upon relevant global issues and themes including energy consumption, freedom of information, crime and punishment and more. 

Lending their voices to this dystopian world are Hanks,  Jeanne Tripplehorn , Holland Taylor , Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Antoon, and more.  The first ten episodes, premiered on July 17, with the remaining episodes being released on July 18 and July 19.  Experience Electric City for yourself at the official website.