Film Review: “Finding Steve McQueen”

FINDING STEVE McQUEEN

Starring:  Travis Fimmell, Rachael Taylor and Willian Fichtner

Directed by:  Mark Steven Johnson

Rated: R

Running time:  1 hr 31 mins

Momentum Pictures

1980.  In a small California town, Harry Barber (Fimmell) has something to confess to Holly (Taylor), his girlfriend of seven years.  Holly thinks a break-up is coming but it’s more like a stick-up.  You see, Harry is a bank robber.

Based on a true story, “Finding Steve McQueen” is one of the smaller films that often get overshadowed by the latest offerings from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Through flashbacks we find Harry back in 1972 (who Molly knows as John) working in his Uncle Enzo’s factory, along with his younger brother, Tommy (Jake Weary).  The factory is a front for Enzo (played by the always fun to watch Fichtner), who is, for lack of a better word, the “boss” of Youngstown, Ohio.  Enzo has learned from a friend that President Richard Nixon, who Enzo is definitely not a fan of, has squirreled away $30 million in campaign funds in a bank not far from San Clemente (the Western White House).  Eager for a big score, and the chance to stick it to the President, Enzo and his team, including Harry and Tommy, journey west to pull off what Enzo believes will be the perfect crime.  After all, if someone steals the President’s dirty money, who can he call?

The film is both clever and, if you’re a fan of the 1970s, nostalgic.  The script, by Ken Hixon and Keith Sharon, moves sharply through the decade, taking time to introduce things like hot tubs and historic characters.  When the F.B.I. bureau chief (Oscar winner Forest Whitaker) gets a visit from his boss, Mark Felt (John Finn), you can’t help but smile when Felt tells him to read an article in the Washington Post written by “a couple reporters named Woodward and Bernstein.”  For those who don’t remember their history, Felt was the infamous “Deep Throat” who led Woodward and Bernstein to their Pulitzer Prize.

Director Johnson keeps the story moving and kudos as well to whoever picked the songs that accompany the on-screen action.  They helped set a perfect tone for a film that doesn’t need someone in Spandex to make it entertaining.

 
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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, finding, mcqueen, review, steve

Theatre Review “Finding Neverland” @ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Orlando, FL

Finding Neverland
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orlando, FL
June 6th, 2017

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Finding Neverland is a story about how author and playwright J.M. Barrie overcame creative struggles when four children and their widowed mother came into his life one day in Kensington Park in London, just after the turn of the century in the early 1900’s. Jack, George, Michael, Peter, and their mother Sylvia Llewelyn Davies broke Barrie out of a creative “slump” he was in by helping him to rediscover his inner child, reminding him that sometimes you shouldn’t take life too seriously and should just have some fun.

Barrie draws his inspiration primarily through Peter, who lost his playfulness and imagination following the passing of his father. Although Jack, George, Michael and their mother tried to maintain positivity following their loss, Peter just wasn’t the same. He had seemed to “grow up” too soon. But when Barrie and the Davies’ all met that fateful day in Kensington Gardens, Barrie couldn’t help but feel like he had to somehow restore Peter to the child he was before his father’s passing. In the process of doing so, Barrie ultimately found the child that had been suppressed within himself for far too long. As a result of Barrie finding that child buried deep inside, he remembered Neverland – an imaginary place he had fashioned in his mind when he was a young boy. That imaginary place, combined with inspiration Barrie drew from his various adventures with the Davies family, is what drove Barrie to give life to the story of Peter Pan as we now know it.

Neverland itself can be summed up as a beautiful story… about how we came to know another beautiful story. There’s laughter, joy, a little bit of sadness, and a whole lot of fun. But Neverland, in its Broadway play format – now traveling North America – is truly a masterpiece of the stage. It’s not just the story that made it such an enjoyable experience – but also the fantastic cast that brings the story to life in front of a live audience.

For just a few short hours, I hung on every line and every lyric of the dialogue and song that projected towards me from the stage. I couldn’t wait for the next witty line, silly joke – or even sad twist in an overall whimsical and upbeat storyline. The four young actors that played the Davies children were wonderful. Rory Donovan, who plays the roles of both Charles Frohman, the man who backed Barrie’s plays, as well as Captain James Hook – was fantastic. His Hook was intimidating yet hilarious at the same time. The entire cast worked so well together, was so polished and really seemed like they were having the time of their lives up on the stage.

Throughout the play I didn’t look at my watch, check my phone, or even have a single thought about anything else in the world outside of that theatre – not even once. When the play broke for intermission I was annoyed; I didn’t want the fun to stop. When it finally ended, I wanted it to start from the beginning all over again. If you have a chance to catch this play while it’s on tour do yourself a favor, and anyone else who you might consider bringing along, and go buy some tickets right now. I promise you that you’ll have a blast, and for at least a few short hours you’ll forget about everything else in the world and do nothing by laugh and smile. And we could all use more of that in our lives.

 

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FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando presents “Finding Neverland” Starting June 6th

FAIRWINDS  Broadway in Orlando presents Finding Neverland

This breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart” (Time Magazine). Vogue cheers, “it’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.

Show dates: Tuesday-Sunday, June 6-11, 2017
Show times vary
Tickets start at $33.75
Walt Disney Theater

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

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Blu-ray Review “Finding Dory”

Actors: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

“Finding Nemo” is easily one of my favorite Disney/Pixar films. Pixar has been honestly rather weak though in the sequel department recently (of course outside of the “Toy Story” franchise”). “Finding Dory” was everything I wanted in a sequel and more! The original characters were back and better than ever. Everyone loves Dory but she was really able to carry this movie so well in the lead with some help from some amazing new friends. Destiny, the whale shark and Bailey, a beluga whale, nearly steal the show for me. Just a lot of love went into making this film amazing and every time I watch it it only gets better and better…and BETTER! Let’s hope that Pixar takes some notes from this film and straightens up its game for future sequels.

Official Premise: From the Academy Award(R)-winning creators of Disney-Pixar’s FINDING NEMO (Best Animated Feature, 2003) comes an epic undersea adventure filled with imagination, humor and heart. When Dory, the forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them…with help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz’ and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark!

I saw this film in 3D and I wasn’t really thrilled with the way it turned out. But the film 2D alone just looks so amazing. If you watch “Nemo” and “Dory” back to back you can see so much how the latter has improved on the first film. The 1080p transfer is simple gorgeous and compliments so well by the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track as well, which is perfect. Disney also jam packed this Blu-ray set with special features spanning over two discs. Additionally, there is a DVD copy of the film included (if anyone actually still uses these) as well as and a Disney digital copy voucher.

On disc one of “Finding Dory”, the special features start off amazing with the beautiful short film “Piper”, which better win the Oscar this year! There are some vintage (looking) Marine Life Interviews with characters from the film. “The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar” focuses on “the most complicated character” Pixar has ever created. “What Were We Talking About?” focuses on Dory as a character and how she returns in this film. “Casual Carpool” takes us on a ride with Director Andrew Stanton and some voice cast. “Animation & Acting” focuses on voice work in the film. “Deep in the Kelp” features Jenna Ortega, from Disney’s Stuck in the Middle, as she hosts on the research for the film. “Creature Features” has cast discuss their characters. Lastly there is a fun and informative audio commentary with Director Andrew Stanton, Co-Director Angus MacLane, and Producer Lindsey Collins.

Disc Two jumps right into the good stuff with a huge five part behind-the-scenes feature. The first part is “Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer”, which features the Character Art Director discusses his work on the film. “Dory’s Theme” features a discussion about the music with Director Andrew Stanton, Composer Tom Newman, and Music Editor Bill Bernstein. “Rough Day on the Reef” is a sort of gag reel of computer glitches, so is the other feature “Fish Schticks” featuring funny moments. “Finding Nemo As Told by Emoji” is what the title says it is…cute. ” “Living Aquariums” is an awesome addition as sporting a collection of four themed digitally animated “fish tanks” designed for ambient enjoyment. Hours of entertainment here! Lastly there is a WHOPPING 50+ minutes of deleted scenes with intro from the director and some trailers included.

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Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart Featuring Disney•Pixar’s Record-Breaking Animated Hit Finding Dory and Inside Out Heads to Orlando

Tickets On Sale Today in Orlando for

Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart Featuring Disney•Pixar’s Record-Breaking Animated Hit Finding Dory and Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out

ORLANDO, FL – July 7, 2016 — Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart is bringing Disney•Pixar’s record-breaking animated feature Finding Dory to the ice for the first time in this live production produced by Feld Entertainment. The ice skating extravaganza featuring Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, Disney’s Frozen and other beloved Disney stories visits Orlandofrom September 2-4, 2016 for six performances at Amway Center.  Tickets go on sale today.

Just keep swimming with Dory, Nemo, Marlin and new pal Hank from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory as they embark on a life-changing excursion to find her parents and discover the true meaning of family. Cheer with the Emotions fromDisney•Pixar’s Inside Out –Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust– as they help Riley find the confidence to win the hockey championship and experience the emotional rollercoaster of growing up. Venture to wintery world of Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. See Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana and the Disney Princesses make their dreams come true through their virtues of bravery, kindness and perseverance. And celebrate true friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and The Toy Story gang. Make unforgettable memories with Mickey, Minnie and all your Disney friends when Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart skates into your hometown! 

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart start from $18. Market pricing applies to all tickets. Rates can fluctuate based on factors that affect supply and demand. Lock in your price and location today!

Show Times:  Friday, September 2, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 3, 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available at www.DisneyOnIce.com  or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone for information only: 407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740. 

 

Stay current on the latest developments through social media:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #FollowYourHeart

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

 

Members of the media should visit www.FeldEntertainment.com/PressRoom for more information.  Photos can be found at www.FeldEntertainment.com/hrp (username: feldmedia; password: photos). Photo credit: Feld Entertainment

# # # 

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online atwww.feldentertainment.com.

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Lainie Kazan talks about her new film “Finding Joy”

I have no idea what they were serving in the lunch room of Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn during the 1950s but whatever it was it had an extra helping of talent. Songwriter Jeff Barry is a graduate of the school, as is actor Bernie Kopell. Barbra Streisand is a member of the class of 1959 while Neil Diamond attended for a couple of years before graduating elsewhere. Had he stayed he would have been a member of the class of 1956. That class also boasts the great Lainie Kazan.

A life member of The Actor’s Studio, she debuted on Broadway in 1961’s “The Happiest Girl In the World.” In 1964 she not only appeared as Vera in the classic musical “Funny Girl” but served as Barbra Streisands understudy. After 18 months of not missing a performance Streisand developed a throat problem and Kazan went on. Almost five decades later she’s still going strong. Best known for her Golden Globe nominated performance in “My Favorite Year” and as Nia Vardalos’ mother in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” Kazan has also been seen on such popular television programs as “Desperate Housewives” and “Modern Family. She also reprised her role as Belle Steinberg Carroca in the Broadway musical version of “My Favorite Year,” earning a Tony Award nomination for her work.

While promoting her new film, “Finding Joy,” which opens on Friday, June 7, Ms. Kazan chatted with Media Mikes about her career. Feel free to call her Professor Kazan.

Mike Smith: What can you tell us about Gloria, your character in “Finding Joy?”
Lainie Kazan: Gloria is an ex-stripper. It’s a very quirky film…very out of the box. I play Barry Bostwick’s wife. I’m very inappropriate. I learned that I was based on a real person. I finally got to meet her while we were shooting the film. She’s VERY inappropriate. She’s larger than life. She and her husband just love each other to death. They’re very affectionate. I just fashioned my character accordingly. She’s blonde and buxom….very Jayne Mansfield-y.

MS: Was there anything particular that attracted you to the project?
LK: I liked the script. It’s a very interesting little script. I loved the director (Carlo De Rosa). He’s Italian and he brought along his lighting designer and cinematographer. There was a little Italian contingency! I really enjoyed them…their point of view on the film. And I think Barry Bostwick is fantastic. I enjoyed working with him. And the young people in the film…Josh Cooke and Liane Balaban…I thought they were wonderful. Plus I love Fort Lauderdale, where we filmed. The entire experience was delightful.

MS: Barry Bostwick pretty much said the same thing…it was great to work in Florida and even greater to work with the young talent.
LK: They were wonderful.

MS: You are one of the primary reasons that “My Favorite Year” is probably my favorite comedy.
LK: Thank you.

MS: When I knew we were going to talk I posted the news on Facebook and I can’t tell you how many “My Favorite Year” lines were posted on my page.
LK: That film was one of the most joyous experiences of my life. I had just come from doing “One From the Heart” with Francis Ford Coppola, which was probably one of the hardest but most educational experiences of my acting career. Then I went into this little comedy and…Oh My God, what a joy! I learned that you don’t have to work so hard…it doesn’t have to be painful to have a success. I just loved working with Richard Benjamin (the director of “My Favorite Year”). What a great guy he is…what an eye he had for comedy.

MS: Ten years later you earned a Tony Award nomination when you played Belle Steinberg in the stage musical version of “My Favorite Year.” Was it odd to revisit the role?
LK: It was strange. It was very hard to translate the story from film to stage. Theater is a different medium and it requires a different kind of acting, which I’d never done. I’d gone from a theater project into film but never from film into theater. It was a challenge.

MS: Do you have a preference? Would you rather do a film or television show or do eight shows a week?
LK: I love to sing. I do a lot of concerts. That’s my favorite thing to do. I love theater. I love that you get on stage at the beginning and you end at the end. And that you’ve had a full, rich experience getting there. But I also love the intimacy of film. The camera can get into your soul.

MS: Are you working on anything now?
LK: I have another film coming out on June 18th called “Divorce Invitation.” I’m also going to be singing in Las Vegas at the Smith Center and at Feinstein’s in San Francisco. I’m singing a little here and a little there. I’m also now teaching. I’m a professor at U.C.L.A. I teach acting for the singer. They call me the Professor who’s preserving the Great American Songbook!

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Disney•Pixar “Finding Nemo” Blu-ray™ Combo Pack Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

© 2012 Disney•Pixar

Collector’s Edition: 3-Disc Combo Pack Available on December 4th, 2012

To celebrate the Blu-ray™ release of Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway FIVE copies of the 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Combo Pack (Blu-ray™ + DVD). If you would like to win a copy, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite character in “Finding Nemo”. This giveaway will be open until December 16th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Disney•Pixar’s ―Finding Nemo dives back into homes this coming holiday in breathtaking Blu-ray™. The must-―sea, must-own Oscar®-winning underwater adventure—featuring the unforgettable Marlin, his forgetful friend Dory and the lovable young Nemo—swims into living rooms for the first time ever in high-definition Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ 3D and Digital platforms on December 4, 2012.

The film fully immerses viewers in the stunning underwater world of Finding Nemo! From the creators of Toy Story and Monsters, Inc., Disney•Pixar’s critically acclaimed and heartwarming tale splashes off the screen with brilliant digital picture, high definition sound and breathtaking bonus features that transport you beyond your imagination.

BONUS FEATURES:
Blu-ray™ Disc One:

  • Knick Knack Theatrical Short Film (Rated: G)
  • Aquarium
  • CineExplore
  • Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable
  • Reinventing the Submarine Voyage
  • Deleted Scene: ―Alt Opening
  • A Lesson in Flashbacks

Blu-ray™ Disc Two:

  • Aquariums
  • Art Review
  • Classic Content
  • Making Nemo
  • Exploring the Reef
  • Studio Tour
  • Old School
  • Outtakes
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Publicity Pieces
  • Mr. Ray’s Encyclopedia

DVD:

  • Knick Knack Theatrical Short Film (Rated: G)
  • Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable
  • Aquarium

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3D Blu-ray Review “Finding Nemo”

Actors: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Number of discs: 5
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Disney-Pixar
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Finding Nemo” is one of Pixar’s best films to date and seems to only gets better with age…and the added dimension. It is hard to imagine that this film came out almost 10 years ago now. With a child of my own now (6 months old), I just can’t wait to share this film with her. As with past Disney 3D re-releases like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”, “Finding Nemo” is the latest convert.  It looks great in the theaters but I honestly think it is better on its Blu-ray release. There are a few stand out scenes like the first encounter with Bruce the Shark. I seriously got goose bumps, when this scene came on the screen. The Deep Sea Angler scene was also very impressive as well, including a few great jumps from the audience. The overall depth of the presentation looks very impressive overall. “Monsters Inc.” is next for Pixar and then after that we have traditional animated “The Little Mermaid” getting pushed into the third dimension.  I can’t wait and will be counting down the days.

Official Premise: Sea it like never before! For the first time ever, through the magic of Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D, fully immerse yourself in the stunning underwater world of Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo”! From the creators of “Toy Story” and “Monsters Inc.”, this critically acclaimed and heartwarming tale splashes off the screen with brilliant digital picture, high definition sound and breathtaking interactive 3D bonus features that transport you beyond your imagination. In the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, Marlin (Albert Brooks), an overly protective clownfish, embarks on a daring rescue mission when his beloved son, Nemo, gets scooped up by a diver. With his unforgettable friend Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) by his side, Marlin encounters an ocean full of memorable comedic characters on his momentous journey to find Nemo. Bring home the humor and heartfelt emotion of the epic adventure that captured the Academy Award for “Best Animated Feature Film” (2003) — now more awesome than ever on Disney Blu-ray 3D! It’s Magic In A New Dimension!

This Ultimate Collector’s Edition is presented as a five-disc combo with a Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy.  This is the first time that the film has ever been released on high-definition Blu-ray and boy, does it look absolutely perfect throughout its 1080p transfer.  The vast ocean world that we live in throughout this film literally looks stunning. The 3D MVC-encoded transfer adds the perfect amount of depth to the water and like I mentioned the key scenes mentioned above. To go along with the perfect video presentation, Disney has delivered an even better (if that is possible) Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround sound track. It works so well with Thomas Newman’s score and every wave and bump in the water throughout. There is also a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track included, which sounds equally good for those who don’t have 5.1 support.

The special features are perfect and even take a step up from the also newly released “Up” 3D Blu-ray. The “Cine-Explore” Picture-in- Picture commentary is really one of my new favorite features from Disney. It features Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Lee Unkrich and co-writer Bob Peterson as they breakdown every aspect of the film.  “Finding Nemo: A Filmmakers’ Roundtable” is a new exclusive roundtable, which reunites Stanton, Unkrich, Peterson, producer Graham Walters, production designer Ralph Eggleston and technical lead Oren Jacob to celebrate the film’s upcoming 10th anniversary. “Reinventing the Submarine Voyage” looks into the attraction in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. “A Lesson in Flashbacks” shows Stanton as he discusses the development of Nemo’s story. There is an alternate opening scene presented in through concept art. “Knick Knack” is a 1989 short that debuted in front of the film in its 2003 theatrical release. Lastly there are trailers and sneak peeks for “Monsters University”, “Monsters, Inc. 3D”, “Peter Pan: Diamond Edition” and “Planes”.

The rest of the special features are on Disc 3, also most in standard definition.  “Art Review” features an insight look from Production designer Ralph Eggleston, character art director Ricky Nierva and shading art director Robin Cooper. “Making Nemo” is a nearly 30 minutes behind-the-scenes documentary covering the production. “Exploring the Reef” is an short look at the world’s endangered coral reefs with Jean-Michel Cousteau. “Studio Tour” is a tour of Pixar Studios and its departments with Alexander Gould. “Old School” is short collection of various featurettes. There are seven short deleted scenes presented in storyboards format. There is three very funny outtakes. There are a bunch of publicity pieces including four trailers. “Mr. Ray’s Encyclopedia” is an interactive video look into the real undersea creatures. Lastly “Aquariums” is a collection of ocean floor screensavers, cool but too bad they are not in HD.

 

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Film Review “Finding Nemo 3D”

Directed by: Andrew Stanton
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Release date: September 14, 2012
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 100 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
3D: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Finding Nemo” is one of Pixar’s best films to date.  It not only has heart but is action packed and has some of the best jokes ever. I mean the fine touching in this film are just amazing.  One of my favorite are after the mines explode, a little bubble comes up behind two bird sitting on the water surface and one says…”Nice!” and flies away.  Classic! I remember seeing this film in theaters back in 2003 and like a fine wine, “Finding Nemo” gets better with age. It is hard to imagine that this film came out almost 10 years ago now. With a child of my own now (4 months old), I just can’t wait to share this film with her. Watching the film on the big screen was just such a wonderful experience again, the film itself pops off the screen…literally (more on that in a little bit). But the highlight of seeing this film is sitting in the theaters again was watching it with all the kids that are seeing it for the first time.  Just listening to their reactions to the characters and laughing at the jokes was just priceless.  Oh BTW if that all isn’t enough, did I mention the film is in 3D now.

As with past Disney 3D re-releases like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”, this film looks just amazing.  There are a few stand out scenes like the first encounter with Bruce the Shark.  I seriously got goose bumps, when this scene came on the screen.  The Deep Sea Angler scene was also very impressive as well, including a few great jumps from the audience. The 3D on the scenes are honestly worth the price of admission alone. Besides those the overall depth of the presentation looks very impressive overall. To be honest though, the 3D really wasn’t the main draw for me on this release.  I just wanted to experience this film on a big screen once more.  I think kids though are really going to be blown away and eat up the third dimension effects for sure.  They even have collectible kids 3D glasses that are mini orange swimming goggles. Trust me you will leave the theater quoting the film.  “Where I am going? I’m going to P. Sherman – 42 Wallaby Lane, Sydney.  If you can’t make it to theater to see this film in 3D, don’t worry the Blu-ray comes out for the first time on December 4th, 2012.

Albert Brooks as Marlin and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory are really such a wonderful cast together. There is just something so timeless about these characters. In fact that is one of the things that Pixar is so great at doing…creating memorable characters. They characters have changed everything.  Whenever you see a clownfish or a Pacific Regal Blue Tang, you always think now, it’s Nemo or Dory…sorry Marlin. Disney is very smart in re-releasing this film, especially in 3D and I highly recommend it. Next up we have the re-release of “Monsters Inc” in 3D this December and also if you are looking for more “Finding Nemo”, director Andrew Stanton recently announced there is a sequel currently in development and is to be released in 2016.  This will land the sequel 13 years after the first film, following the similar path of the 11 year span between “Toy Story 2 & 3”. I have a felling that they are going to do this sequel up real good.  But until then, don’t miss the opportunity to see this great film in theaters again and experience i for the first time in 3D.

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Complimentary Passes to the Orlando, FL Screening for Disney·Pixar’s “Finding Nemo 3D” [ENDED]

ALL PASSES HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN EMAILED! THANKS AGAIN!

If you would like to enter for a chance to win tickets to the following advance screening below, please leave a comment below with your favorite “Finding Nemo” character.  Tickets are limited and will be chosen on a RANDOM BASIS on Friday September 7th.  ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PLEASE! OTHERWISE ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISREGARDED. The winners will be will notified then via email and will be instructed how to pick up the tickets.  Good luck and hope to see if you at the screening!

Theatre: AMC Downtown Disney
Date:  Saturday, September 8, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM
Format: 3D

FILM: FINDING NEMO 3D (in Disney Digital 3D™)
BANNER: Disney·Pixar
RELEASE DATE: Friday, September 14, 2012
GENRE: 3D Animation/Comedy/Adventure
DIRECTOR: ANDREW STANTON
CO-DIRECTOR: LEE UNKRICH
PRODUCER: GRAHAM WALTERS
MPAA Rating: G
Short attached: Partysaurus Rex (Rated G)

Website and Mobile site:             Disney.com/FindingNemo
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Academy Award®-winning film “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™. In this stunning underwater adventure teeming with memorable comedic characters and heartfelt emotion, “Finding Nemo” follows the momentous journey of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and his young son Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould). When the two are unexpectedly separated in the Great Barrier Reef, Nemo is carried far from his ocean home and deposited in a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son––who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.

Notes:

  • “Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, and was nominated for Original Screenplay, Original Score and Sound Editing. The film was also nominated for a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical.
  • Andrew Stanton won the Oscar® for directing “Finding Nemo,” and won a second Academy Award® for directing “WALL•E” (2008).
  • Lee Unkrich made his solo directorial debut with “Toy Story 3,” for which he won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature in 2011.
  • At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. It remains the fifth highest grossing animated film worldwide.
  • Ellen DeGeneres was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.
  • In 2008, the American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made.

 

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