Maleficent has been a top ten villain in Disney Animation lore. Yet in 2014, the live action film division of Walt Disney Studios opted to reinvent the character. Angelina Jolie was cast in the lead role. In this new iteration of the story, the historically evil Maleficent found redemption through the power of motherly love. The movie received mixed reviews yet audiences embraced the story resulting in a box office success.
Vincent Daly
David Harbour is the Grouch we Need
David Harbour is an actor best known for his role as Chief Hopper in the Netflix series Stranger Things. Joaquin Phoenix’s multilayered performance in the movie Joker garnered critical praise. Oscar the Grouch is internationally revered for his cantankerous ways on the beloved children’s series, Sesame Street. NBC’s long running satire show, Saturday Night Live, has inexplicably managed to combine all of the above.
Greta Thunberg is Changing the World
Greta Thunberg, at the age of 16, spoke truth to power today at the United Nations and the world took notice. As a member of Generation X, my priorities at 16 years old were vastly different. My immediate concerns were meeting girls and obtaining a car. I also remember being into sports, music, and break dancing. Pop culture mattered to me; shaped my views on a superficial level. Vanity held court. Hair products were paramount. After all, I was an adolescent. Greta Thunberg, on the other hand, prompted by her alarm over Climate Change, has eschewed typical teen life. Instead, she’s fighting for our future.
The Princess Bride Remake? Inconceivable!
The Princess Bride falls into the realm of beloved comedy classic movie. Fans from all over the planet still quote comedic gems from the 1987 film. Considering the backlash from moviegoers, it’s difficult, nay, inconceivable, to comprehend the reasoning for even considering a remake.
Time in a Tree speaks to All of Us
Time in a Tree, a new song from the remarkably talented British singer/actor Raleigh Ritchie speaks to us all. Admittedly I randomly stumbled upon this tune while searching YouTube for the latest spoiler videos for HBO’s Game of Thrones television series. Indeed, I had scarce information about the singer, Raleigh Ritchie, except having seen him playing the pivotal role of Grey Worm in said television series. Purely out of sheer curiosity, I clicked play.
Family Affair known as Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame opened in theaters across the world. Does it live up to the hype? I’ve seen it and I believe even the most fickle fans will enjoy this movie. But what struck an emotional chord for this viewer aside from the astounding visual theatrics were the personal stories. The ties that bind us all together remain deeply rooted in the idea of family.
JOKER trailer reveals a Gritty, Character-Driven Tale
JOKER represents a new direction for the DC Cinema Extended Universe. Joaquin Phoenix plays the title role in this gritty origin story of the clown prince of crime. Yet unlike the special effects driven comic book based movies of the past, this feature film seems razor-focused on character development. In short, the actors’ performances are the special effects. Joaquin Phoenix’s decision to take on the title role in JOKER bodes well for what may well be a potential Oscar worthy tale. The latest teaser trailer will only elevate the hype.
S2E1 – The CuteMonster Show – The Rock Father talks Toys
On this episode, we talk to James Zahn aka The Rock Father about the state of the Toy Industry. Given that James is also the Senior Editor of The Toy Book, The Pop Insider and The Toy Insider, you can bet he has the inside scoop. From Star Wars to Teddy Ruxpin to educational toys to the surprising influence of YouTube, we take a deep dive into where the Toy industry is at and what the future holds.
Toy Industry Plays it Safe – 2019 NY Toy Fair
The toy industry plays a unique role. They have to forecast the needs of its target audience as well as push the creative envelope. Toy Industry products are manufactured at a massive scale. Making the wrong product decisions results in a cascade of financial doom and gloom. Consequently, risk taking is rare and innovation becomes evolutionary. The 2019 NY Toy Fair encapsulates the year of playing it safe.