Animation, Interview, MoviesLeave a comment

Andrew Stanton on the Legacy of ‘Wall-E’ and Joining the Criterion Collection

November 22, 2022November 24, 2022 Michael Lee

The purpose of the Criterion Collection is to restore and distribute classic and contemporary films. In essence, it preserves films of cultural impact and importance. And while cinephiles can find an assortment of gems, there is almost no animation titles in its collection. That is until they announced that Wall•E would be a part of their November 2022 release slate.

Animation, Movies, ReviewsLeave a comment

‘Strange World’ Has Tons of Heart Despite its Few Shortcomings

November 21, 2022November 21, 2022 Michael Lee

Many of today’s comics were inspired by the page-turning action-adventure pulp comics of the past. The characters leaped off the page as they ventured into uncharted territory, where all sorts of dangerous creatures awaited them. Some fearlessly took the lead, while others provided a supportive role. And while most were one-dimensional and stereotypical, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Strange World subverts what we know about the genre with its relatable characters, modern themes, and a wholly engaging story about the legacy.

Animation, TrailersLeave a comment

Pixar’s Romantic ‘Elemental’ Trailer Has Fiery Potential

November 18, 2022November 19, 2022 Michael Lee

Generally, the elements of fire and water do not mix, with the latter extinguishing the other. But such a dichotomous relationship could prove to be interesting. And Pixar director Peter Sohn wants to showcase that in Elemental. Now, after getting a small sneak peek at the D23Expo, the animation studio has revealed the first look at the upcoming film featuring the voices of Leah Lewis as the voice of Ember Lumen, and Mamoudou Athie as the water-based Wade Ripple.

Animation, Interview, MoviesLeave a comment

‘Strange World’ Cast and Crew on Reimagining a Classic Action-Adventure Story For Today

November 16, 2022November 16, 2022 Michael Lee

Those classic action adventure stories like Journey to the Center of the Earth and King Kong took audiences to unexplored worlds unknown where danger is around every corner. But they were all a product of their times where there was a lack of diversity within its characters. Fortunately, Walt Disney Animation Studios changes that with Strange World.

Anime, Reviews, Star WarsLeave a comment

NOC Review: When Grogu Met the Soot Sprites

November 12, 2022November 19, 2022 Lauren Lola

It’s been three years since the first-ever Star Wars live-action series, The Mandalorian — as well as the platform it lives on, Disney+ — debuted. In celebration, viewers received a little treat, by way of a collaboration between two beloved studios.

Anime, Star Wars1 Comment

Studio Ghibli and Lucasfilm Team on a Grogu Short

November 11, 2022November 12, 2022 Keith Chow

Yesterday, Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation house founded by Hayao Miyazaki, set the internet ablaze when it cryptically tweeted a video of the Lucasfilm logo morphing into its own studio card.

Animation, Interview

‘Zootopia+’ Cast and Crew on Revisiting Menagerie City

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 Michael Lee

Disney+ is all about nostalgia. While it is a streaming service where you can see some of your favorite Disney classics, it is also a place that serves as a home for some new content, some of which is an updated play on your favorite films like Zootopia. And in Zootopia+, audiences hope and crawl their way back into that cute and cuddly city where predators and prey happily co-exist.

Animation, Movies

‘Strange World’ Featurette Has Cast Promising an Exciting Adventure

November 3, 2022November 3, 2022 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios has released the newest featurette for their upcoming feature Strange World. From directors Don Hall (Oscar®-winning Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer Raya and the Last Dragon), the film is a take on the classic pulp comics of the past and centers on a family exploring a strange world that is just as crazy and bizarre just as it is mysterious, thrilling and mind-blowing.

Animation, Podcasts

The Middle Geeks Episode 46: Kathreen Khavari on Her Career and the Iran Protests

November 2, 2022November 2, 2022 Swara Salih

We welcome Iranian American actress Kathreen Khavari on the podcast!

Animation, Reviews, Star Wars

Background and Filler Stories Unfold in ‘Tales of the Jedi’

October 27, 2022October 28, 2022 Lauren Lola

One of the positives — in my opinion, anyway — to come out of streaming services creating their own original content is making space for short films to be created and to live on. Whether they be standalone tales or bits and pieces of a larger franchise, they are opportunities for filmmakers to tell a moving story within a short span of time.

Animation, DC Comics, Interview

AJ Hudson on Playing Robin in Cartoonito’s ‘Batwheels’

October 20, 2022October 20, 2022 Swara Salih

Batwheels is unique in the Batman franchise for introducing talking cars into the Bat-verse, but its far more significant step is introducing Duke Thomas, the first Black Robin, into onscreen media!

Animation, Interview, Streaming

Mindy Kaling Explains Why She Identified with ‘Velma’ Growing Up

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 Sophia Soto

Mindy Kaling, who is also an executive producer, voices Velma in the new series named after the iconic character, which is set to premiere in 2023 on HBO Max. At New York Comic Con, I had the pleasure of attending a press conference with the talented actress and Charlie Grandy!

Animation, Interview, Star Trek

Brett Gray and Ella Purnell on What’s Next for Dal and Gwyn on ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 Swara Salih

When we last saw Dal (Brett Gray) and Gwyn (Ella Purnell), along with the rest of the crew of the USS Protostar, they had made a daring escape from Gwyn’s father The Diviner (John Noble), but not before he revealed the reasons for Gwyn’s existence. But Gwyn lost her memory in the midseason finale, leaving where her journey will go more uncertain as she and her friend get closer to Starfleet. What will the latter half of this season of Star Trek: Prodigy have in store for her, Dal, and the rest of their crew?

Animation, Interview, Star Trek

Kate Mulgrew on Returning as Vice Admiral Janeway on ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’

October 12, 2022October 12, 2022 Swara Salih

It was a landmark moment for the Star Trek franchise when Kate Mulgrew, Captain Kathryn Janeway herself, returned to voice a version of her character in the thrilling Paramount+ Nickelodeon animated series Star Trek Prodigy. The twist was that she would be playing an AI version of the character, one who guides the next generation in the ways of Starfleet.

Animation, DC Comics

‘Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons’ is a Nostalgic Tribute

October 9, 2022October 9, 2022 Adonis Gonzalez

Richard Donner’s Superman is perhaps the most admired and cherished live-action version of the character. Donner established his spot in the “Man of Steel” hall of fame by building upon the hero’s most famous attributes. His bulletproof skin and wondrous flight were there, along with his diehard sense of truth, justice, and the American way.

Animation, Art

Disney Animation Immersive Experience Launches this December

October 8, 2022October 9, 2022 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Studios Animation and Lighthouse Immersive Studios — the same production company behind the Immersive Van Gogh experience, among other light-projected shows — have announced that they would be teaming up to launch the Disney Animation Immersive Experience.

Animation, Movies, Video Games

Hear Chris Pratt’s Voice in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Trailer

October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 Mike Manalo

Ever since it was announced, the most important issue on the Internet, plaguing all of humanity, was what Chris Pratt’s voice would sound like as Mario. And after months of speculation, panic, and memes, today Universal, Nintendo, and Illumination finally revealed the answer.

Animation, Interview

Rodger Bumpass and Carolyn Lawrence Talk ‘Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years’

October 4, 2022October 5, 2022 Sophia Soto

Rodger Bumpass and Carolyn Lawrence voice the beloved characters of Squidward and Sandy in Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, which is the first original spinoff of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. The series was recently picked up for a second season. New episodes are now streaming on Paramount+.

Animation, Interview, Streaming

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Talks Bringing Zipp to Life in ‘My Little Pony: Make Your Mark’

October 1, 2022October 2, 2022 Sophia Soto

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan voices Zipp in My Little Pony: Make Your Mark. The series builds on the television special, which debuted in the “Top 10” for Children’s programming on Netflix. New episodes are now streaming!

Animation, Interview1 Comment

‘Strange World’ Creators on Modernizing Classic Pulp Action-Adventures

September 29, 2022September 26, 2022 Michael Lee

The legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios has built its rich history of films on innovative animation technology and bold storytelling. And while we’ve seen hit animated musical features, Strange World leans heavily into the action-adventure genre while also telling timeless stories about family legacy. And as the 61^st animated feature, Strange World takes much of its inspiration from the pages of pulp magazines that asked its readers to go on a journey beyond what’s possible.

Animation, Movies

‘Strange World’ Trailer Brings Classic Sci-Fi Adventure with a Bit of Disney Magic

September 21, 2022September 22, 2022 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios has released the newest trailer for their latest feature film, Strange World. Directed by Don Hall and Qui Nguyen, both of whom worked together on Raya and the Last Dragon, Strange World follows Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), a simple farmer who comes from a long line of explorers.

Animation, DC Comics

‘Secret Origin of the Batwheels’ is a Fun Romp Through Gotham City

September 16, 2022September 17, 2022 Keith Chow

Just in time for Batman Day, Cartoonito and HBO Max are introducing the Bat Family and its colorful Rogues Gallery (and their sentient vehicles) to an all-new preschool audience with the half-hour special, Secret Origin of the Batwheels.

Animation, Television

‘The Simpsons’ Invade D23

September 13, 2022September 14, 2022 Mike Manalo

In the excitement of everything going on with Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney Animation, and more, it was easy to miss one of the biggest pieces of news to come out of the D23 Expo: The immediate cancellation of the Simpsons Cinematic Universe! All kidding aside, The Simpsons returned to D23 and they featured a nice, casual conversation with the cast, creatives, and the fans.