When Pixar embarked on the journey to create "Coco" and committed to having an all- Latin voice cast, they set out in search of the perfect Miguel. Miguel is the who connects with the audience, and who we follow through the entire journey through the land of the dead. He had to be young, could act, and not only had to sing, but sing mariachis and have a grito! A tough call for any … [Read more...]
Edward James Olmos On His Legacy, “Coco” and Latino Representation In Hollywood
At 9 years old, I knew who Edward James Olmos was. My mom, though Peruvian, came of age in Los Angeles surrounded by Chicano culture, and fell in love with a Mexican man (my dad). She constantly told me about the film "Zoot Suit" and the history of Zoot Suit riots in Los Angeles. The history was a part of us, she would say, and would always be. So that Spring of 1988, when "Stand and Deliver" was … [Read more...]
Alebrijes, Xolos and ‘Coco’ (Oh My!)
When you look at the gorgeous landscape and tapestry surrounding Pixar's "Coco", it can almost feel like a very vivid dream. With beautifully vivid colors, crazy architecture, hairless dogs, and talking skeletons, I guess, it truly can feel like a fever dream. And, at least in the case of the alebrijes, it kinda is. When Disney invited a few bloggers up to Pixar to explore the world of … [Read more...]
CARS 3 Review: Mansplaining Animated
When it comes to delivering an animated film with heart, great messages and full of fun, Pixar has long reigned as King. That being said, I’ve never been a big fan of the CARS franchise, but thought the first one was fun, rewatchable and my nephews were pretty hooked on it. The newest addition to the franchise, Cars 3, is less Pixar like and more like an attempt to gently ease middle America into … [Read more...]
Finding Dory, Sea Otters and Petting An Octopus At The Monterey Bay Aquarium
How far would you travel to find Dory? Turns out, for me it was a quick plane ride just up the coast to Monterey Bay! Last month, I was asked to go on a whirlwind trip up to Monterey, CA to experience learn about the development and behind the scenes info on the long awaited (ask Ellen DeGeneres!) release of Finding Dory. While I can't share what I learned quite yet (trust me, it is awesome!), I … [Read more...]
The Music And Animation Of The Good Dinosaur
To celebrate the blu-ray release of The Good Dinosaur, we were invited to talk with the Pixar to learn about some behind the scenes magic. We found out a lot about how character and music development happens while the story is being crafted by talking with the some of the filmmakers, animator Alonso Martinez, and score composers Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna. "I get a bunch of drawings that are … [Read more...]
SDCC 2015 Interview: Pixar Short Sanjay’s Super Team Director and Producer
Every Pixar film is always accompanied by a short that reflects the eclectic culture of the animators behind the movies. At San Diego Comic Con we got a sneak peek at the short that will accompany The Good Dinosaur, Sanjay's Super Team. It tells the relatable story of a little boy wanting to watch saturday morning cartoons while his father tries to meditate at his shrine and transports us to a … [Read more...]
An #InsideOutEvent Chat With Kyle MacLachlan
This is a sponsored post as part of the Fandango Family Blogger Network. Now that you have all seen Inside Out or have bought your tickets to see it this weekend, it's time to meet one of my favorite actors of all time, who also happens to play Riley's Dad in Inside Out. That's right...while on that awesome #InsideOutEvent, we got a chance to sit down and chat with Kyle MacLachlan, who you may … [Read more...]
Inside Out Review: An Heart Swelling, Emotional Adventure for All #InsideOutEvent
If I'm being honest, when I first heard about Inside Out, I thought....oh, well that might be cute, maybe. Then I saw a tiny piece of it (we're talking less than 10 mins) while at Pixar with Peter Docter and Jonas Rivera which made me think 'hey, this could work'. When I finally saw the complete film, I had both my husband and our almost 8 yr old daughter with me, and, you guys, my heart exploded! … [Read more...]
Premieres, Dancing and Interviews Galore Ahead #InsideOutEvent #TeenBeach2Event #PhineasAndFerbEvent #ABCTVEvent
June is exploding with fun, and it starts with a super fun, Disney filled trip courtesy of Disney Studios where I will journey to...well, right here in L.A.! For three days, I will be immersed in awesomeness that includes some of the following: Inside Out PREMIERE & Interview with Kyle MacLachlan Yes, I will be walking the very carpet that will have Amy Poehler, … [Read more...]
