Category: Movies & TV

New Adventure Awaits: Check Out the Teaser for “Memoir of a Snail!”

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Hey kids! Exciting news from Madman Entertainment – they’ve just launched the teaser trailer for “Memoir of a Snail,” the newest film from Academy Award®-winning animation genius Adam Elliot (you might know him from “Mary and Max” and “Harvie Krumpet”). This cool stop-motion movie features voices from top stars like Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, and more!

“Memoir of a Snail” is all about a lonely woman named Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) who shares her life story with a friendly garden snail named Sylvia. How cool is that?

The movie had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and will kick off the Melbourne International Film Festival on August 8.

Behind the Scenes:

  • Production: Arenamedia
  • Support: Screen Australia, Anton, Charades, VicScreen, Soundfirm, Mind the Gap Finance, Jameker, Shadowlane, and MIFF Premiere Fund.

What’s the Story?

Grace Pudel is a bit of a misfit who loves collecting ornamental snails and reading books. Her life takes a tough turn when she’s separated from her fiery twin brother, Gilbert. But through all her struggles, Grace finds hope and inspiration from her friendship with an eccentric, fun-loving older woman named Pinky. This touching and funny movie shows how Grace finds her confidence and happiness amidst life’s challenges.

Get ready for an amazing adventure with “Memoir of a Snail” – a film about finding silver linings and making friends in unexpected places!

Exploring the Galaxy: “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” Lands on Disney+

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Attention, young Jedi! Get ready to embark on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away as Disney+ unveils the trailer and key art for its latest animated series, “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire.” Set to launch exclusively on Star Wars Day, May 4th, this thrilling new series promises to captivate audiences with its tales of adventure, intrigue, and the eternal struggle between the forces of light and dark.

A Galactic Saga Unfolds:

“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” is a six-episode odyssey that delves into the heart of the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths. In this exciting follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” viewers will witness the unfolding drama as young Morgan Elsbeth, fueled by loss and vengeance, charts a course through the treacherous Imperial landscape. Meanwhile, former Jedi Barriss Offee must navigate a rapidly changing galaxy in order to survive. The choices they make will shape the destiny of the galaxy itself.

Meet the Voice Cast:

Bringing these captivating characters to life is an all-star voice cast that includes Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth, Meredith Salenger as Barriss Offee, Rya Kihlstedt as Lyn (aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao as Wing, Lars Mikkelsen as Thrawn, Jason Isaacs as the Grand Inquisitor, and Matthew Wood as General Grievous.

Behind the Scenes:

Created by the visionary Dave Filoni and serving as supervising director, “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” is a testament to the creative genius of the Star Wars universe. Executive producers Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck, along with co-executive producer Josh Rimes and senior producer Alex Spotswood, have worked tirelessly to bring this thrilling saga to life.

Don’t Miss the Adventure:

Prepare to be transported to a galaxy of excitement and wonder when “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” lands exclusively on Disney+ this Star Wars Day, May 4th. With its gripping storyline, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters, this is one journey you won’t want to miss!

May the Force be with you as you embark on this thrilling new adventure!

Exciting News! Catherine Laga‘aia Cast as Moana in Disney’s Live-Action “Moana”

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(Pictured): Catherine Laga’aia. Photo by Alexei Hay. © 2024 Alexei Hay. All Rights Reserved.

 

Guess what? Catherine Laga‘aia from Australia is going to be the new Moana in Disney’s live-action “Moana”! She will embark on an amazing adventure to save her people, sailing across the ocean to the magical island of Motunui.

But that’s not all! Joining Catherine is Dwayne Johnson, who will be back as the hilarious and heroic Maui, just like in the animated movie. The cast also features John Tui from Auckland as Moana’s tough but loving dad, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams, a Samoan-New Zealand actress, will play Moana’s fun and strong mom, Sina. Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, NZ, will be the wise and wonderful Gramma Tala.

The movie is set to hit Australian cinemas on July 9, 2026, and it’s directed by Thomas Kail, who made “Hamilton” on Broadway and Disney+. He also worked on “Grease Live” and the series “We Were the Lucky Ones.”

This live-action “Moana” will bring the story to life like never before, celebrating the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders. Filming starts this summer, and it’s going to be a spectacular adventure!

The movie is produced by Dwayne Johnson and his team at Seven Bucks Productions, along with Beau Flynn from FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs for the original movie, is also a producer. The executive producers include Scott Sheldon, Auli‘i Cravalho (the original voice of Moana), and Charles Newirth. The screenplay is written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who are both very talented writers with amazing backgrounds.

Get ready for an incredible journey with Moana, Maui, and all their friends in this new live-action film! We can’t wait to see it!

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Disney+ / Image supplied by Disney+

Set Sail Again: ‘Moana 2’ Brings Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson Back to Theaters This November

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Ahoy, young adventurers! Get ready to set sail again with Disney’s exciting new movie, “Moana 2”! Our favourite heroine Moana is coming back to the big screen this November, and she’s bringing even more fun and adventure. Auli‘i Cravalho returns as the brave Moana, and Dwayne Johnson is back as the hilarious and mighty demigod Maui. You can catch a sneak peek of their next big adventure with the awesome new teaser trailer, a cool poster, and some exclusive images!

Mark your calendars for November 28, 2024, because that’s when “Moana 2” hits the cinemas! This thrilling sequel takes place three years after the first movie, and Moana and Maui are teaming up once again. This time, they’re joined by a bunch of new friends for an epic journey. Moana gets a surprising message from her wayfinding ancestors that sends her on a daring adventure to the far corners of Oceania. She’ll sail through dangerous and mysterious waters, facing challenges like never before!

“Moana 2” is directed by the talented trio David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino. The movie’s music is made by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. With such amazing talent, the soundtrack is sure to be unforgettable!

Don’t miss out on Moana’s latest adventure! Watch the new teaser trailer, check out the awesome poster and images, and get ready to join Moana and Maui on their most exciting journey yet!

Disney Unveils Magical First Look at “Mufasa: The Lion King” and Announces All-Star Voice Cast

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Hey young adventurers! Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey to the Pride Lands as Disney releases the first trailer for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a thrilling new film bound to captivate audiences of all ages! Directed by the talented Barry Jenkins and set to hit Australian cinemas on December 19th, this epic adventure promises to bring the magic of “The Lion King” to life like never before.

But that’s not all! Award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is crafting an enchanting soundtrack that will have you singing along to all your favorite tunes. With mesmerizing melodies produced by Miranda and Mark Mancina, and additional music from the legendary Lebo M, this soundtrack is sure to be a hit!

Miranda himself couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”

Synopsis:

Join us as we delve into the captivating origins of Mufasa, the beloved lion king, through the wise narration of Rafiki. Young lion cub Kiara learns of Mufasa’s incredible journey from orphaned cub to legendary ruler of the Pride Lands. With heartwarming flashbacks and unforgettable adventures, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is a tale of courage, friendship, and destiny.

Featuring an all-star voice cast including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, and many more, this film is packed with talent that will bring the characters to life in the most magical way possible!

Additional Details:

Combining live-action filmmaking with state-of-the-art CGI, “Mufasa: The Lion King” promises to transport you to a world where imagination knows no bounds. Produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen, this cinematic masterpiece is sure to reignite your love for “The Lion King.”

Prepare to roar with excitement when “Mufasa: The Lion King” hits theaters this December!

Get Ready for a Paw-some Adventure with “200% Wolf”!

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Hey there, young adventurers! Get ready to unleash your imagination because StudioCanal is thrilled to announce the arrival of the official trailer for “200% Wolf” – the sequel to the wildly popular animated film “100% Wolf”!

Join Freddy Lupin, the tiny pink poodle with big dreams, as he embarks on his most epic adventure yet. In “200% Wolf,” Freddy is determined to prove himself as a leader to his werewolf pack. But when a magical mishap turns him into a real werewolf and brings a mischievous moon spirit into his world, Freddy must embark on a quest to save the day!

With his loyal dog pals by his side, Freddy sets off on a whirlwind adventure filled with danger, magic, and plenty of laughs. Can Freddy restore cosmic order before it’s too late? Find out when “200% Wolf” hits cinemas on August 8th!

Featuring a talented cast of characters and brought to life by the creative minds at StudioCanal, “200% Wolf” promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience for kids of all ages.

Don’t miss out on the fun – mark your calendars and get ready to howl with delight when “200% Wolf” arrives in theaters!

Get Ready to Roll Out: Transformers Origin Story Takes Kids on an Action-Packed Ride!

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L-r, Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1) and Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax) star in PARAMOUNT ANIMATION and HASBRO Present In Association with NEW REPUBLIC PICTURES
A di BONAVENTURA PICTURES Production A TOM DESANTO / DON MURPHY Production
A BAY FILMS Production “TRANSFORMERS ONE”

Attention, all young Autobots and Decepticons! The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! The brand new TRANSFORMERS origin story is here, revealing the incredible journey of Orion Pax and D-16 as they transform into the legendary Optimus Prime and Megatron.

The excitement kicked off with a thrilling countdown on Thursday, April 18, at 11:00 pm AEST, leading to a jaw-dropping reveal as the trailer soared to 125,000 feet above Earth. Our favorite stars, Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry, introduced the action-packed trailer, which you can catch on @TransformersMovie social accounts, Paramount Pictures YouTube channel, and even Chris Hemsworth’s Instagram!

In “TRANSFORMERS ONE,” get ready to dive deep into the untold origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who were once the best of friends but now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield. With an amazing voice cast including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, and more, this fully CG-animated adventure promises to be out of this world!

So buckle up and get ready for a journey to Cybertron like never before, brought to life by Paramount Animation and Hasbro, with direction from Josh Cooley. Based on the beloved Transformers™ Action Figures, this epic film is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t miss out on the action – TRANSFORMERS ONE is coming soon to theaters near you!

Embark on a Magical Journey: Disney’s ‘Wish’ Just Premiered on Disney+!

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The original musical-comedy “Wish” from Walt Disney Animation Studios has premiered on Disney+ last April 3. Viewers will be transported to the enchanting kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a clever idealist, makes a wish so potent that it summons a cosmic force – a lively ball of energy named Star.

In this Golden Globe®-nominated film, Asha and Star must confront a formidable adversary – King Magnifico, the ruler of Rosas – in order to save her community and demonstrate that when the determination of a brave individual intersects with the magic of the stars, remarkable things can occur. The cast includes voices from acclaimed figures such as Academy Award® winner Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s beloved goat, Valentino. The film is directed by Oscar® winners Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, and produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones. “Wish” boasts a screenplay by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, original songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, and an original score by composer Dave Metzger.

The Tiger’s Apprentice: A Magical Journey Unveiled in the Exclusive Trailer – Coming to Cinemas These Easter School Holidays

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Get ready for an enchanting cinematic experience these Easter school holidays as “The Tiger’s Apprentice” prepares to hit the big screen. The much-anticipated trailer has been released, promising a captivating tale of magic, adventure, and the extraordinary journey of a Chinese-American teenager named Tom Lee.

Synopsis:

Tom Lee’s ordinary life takes a fantastical turn when he discovers he is a descendant of a powerful line of magical protectors known as the Guardians. The revelation comes with the guidance of a mythical tiger named Hu, who becomes Tom’s mentor on this extraordinary journey. As Tom delves into his newfound abilities, he learns about a looming threat – Loo, a formidable force with malevolent intentions to wield magic in a destructive manner against humanity.

To stand a chance against Loo’s formidable power, Tom must embark on a quest to reunite the twelve Zodiac animal warriors. Each warrior possesses unique magical abilities that, when combined, can counteract Loo’s dark influence. Tom’s journey is not only a quest for survival but a path to mastering his own latent powers, all under the watchful eye of his mystical mentor, Hu.

Directed By:

Raman Hui, the visionary director behind the critically acclaimed “Monster Hunt,” takes the helm of this magical adventure, bringing to life a world where ancient magic and modern-day challenges collide.

Screenplay By:

The screenplay is crafted by the talented duo of David Magee and Christopher Yost, weaving Laurence Yep’s enchanting novel into a visual masterpiece that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

Co-Directed By:

Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun join forces to co-direct this spellbinding journey, ensuring a seamless blend of storytelling and visual spectacle.

Produced By:

The film is brought to life by an accomplished production team led by Jane Startz, Sandra Rabins, and Bob Persichetti, along with executive producers Maryann Garger and Kane Lee.

Starring:

“The Tiger’s Apprentice” boasts an impressive cast featuring Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Leah Lewis, Kheng Hua Tan, Sherry Cola, Deborah S. Craig, Jo Koy, Greta Lee, Diana Lee Inosanto, Patrick Gallagher, and Poppy Liu.

This star-studded ensemble is set to breathe life into the vibrant characters, ensuring that “The Tiger’s Apprentice” becomes an unforgettable cinematic experience.

As the exclusive trailer takes audiences on a visual feast, the film promises to be a thrilling mix of ancient mysticism, modern heroism, and the timeless battle between good and evil. Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic unfold on the big screen, exclusively in cinemas these Easter school holidays. “The Tiger’s Apprentice” is set to be a must-watch for families and fantasy enthusiasts alike.

“Wish” Unveiled: Disney Animation’s Magical Musical Comedy Hits Cinemas this Boxing Day

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Disney Animation enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Walt Disney Animation Studios has just dropped an enchanting trailer, a mesmerizing poster, and a glimpse of the magical world of “Wish.” Scheduled to grace cinemas on Boxing Day, 2023, this epic musical comedy promises a captivating journey into the whimsical kingdom of Rosas.

Dazzling Voice Cast Unveiled

The excitement doesn’t end with the trailer; the complete voice cast for “Wish” has been revealed. Joining previously announced stars Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, and Alan Tudyk are Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, Victor Garber as Asha’s patient grandfather Sabino, and Natasha Rothwell as Asha’s supportive mom, Sakina.

The ensemble cast further includes Jennifer Kumiyama as Dahlia, Evan Peters as the big-hearted Simon, Harvey Guillén as Gabo, Ramy Youseff as Safi, Niko Vargas as the cheerful Hal, Della Saba as the surprising Bazeema, and Jon Rudnitsky as the wiggly-eared Dario. Together, they bring to life a vibrant array of characters in Asha’s world.

About “Wish”: A Cosmic Adventure

Set in the enchanting kingdom of Rosas, “Wish” follows the journey of Asha, a quick-witted idealist whose powerful wish summons a cosmic force named Star. The narrative unfolds as Asha and Star confront their formidable adversary, King Magnifico, the ruler of Rosas. Academy Award-winning actor Ariana DeBose voices Asha, with Chris Pine portraying the formidable king and Alan Tudyk lending his voice to Asha’s lovable pet goat, Valentino.

Directed by Oscar-winning Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), “Wish” promises a heartwarming tale of courage, magic, and the boundless possibilities that unfold when a human’s will connects with the magic of the stars.

Musical Magic and Stellar Creatives

The film boasts original songs crafted by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. The score, composed by Dave Metzger, adds a melodic layer to this enchanting tale. Produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”) and executive produced by Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”), “Wish” promises to be a cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary.

As the anticipation builds, mark your calendars for the advance screenings on December 15, 16, and 17, leading up to the grand opening on Boxing Day, 2023. Get ready to embark on a magical journey where the dreams of one courageous human align with the celestial wonders of the stars. “Wish” is set to cast its spell on audiences, making it a must-watch for families and Disney aficionados alike.