‘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.

Animation, Movies, Trailers

We Aren’t Talking About the ‘Wendell & Wild’ Trailer Enough

September 13, 2022September 13, 2022 Adonis Gonzalez

Okay, it’s been a pretty crazy news cycle recently. The monarchy has shifted, the Emmys happened, and we’ve been hooked on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding Don’t Worry, Darling more than the movie itself. So it’s understandable that a few newsworthy moments have kind of slipped beneath the radar amidst the chaos. But… nah, I’m sorry guys, it’s absolutely ridiculous how much we aren’t discussing Wendell & Wild right now.

Animation, Conventions, Star Wars

D23Expo: Star Wars Animation Expands with ‘Tales of the Jedi’

September 10, 2022September 11, 2022 Michael Lee

Dave Filoni brought his love for all things Star Wars to the Clone Wars animated series. While he has made the jump to live-action, directing a handful of episodes of The Mandolorian, he found his way back to animation with shows like The Bad Batch — a series that focuses on a team of specialized clones who go on black-ops missions that no other Clone dare go on. But just in time for the D23 Expo celebration, Filoni announced a brand new series of shorts called Tales of the Jedi. And he revealed a first look at the upcoming six-episode series.

Animation, Movies1 Comment

D23Expo: The Future Classics of Disney Animation

September 10, 2022September 10, 2022 Mike Manalo

Disney is a household name. From the moment we learn to walk or talk, we are exposed to the most legendary stories and cinematic classics that the company has produced over the past 100 years; from Snow White to Encanto.

Animation, Conventions, Movies1 Comment

D23Expo: Pixar Teases Exciting Originals and Sequels

September 9, 2022September 10, 2022 Michael Lee

One can’t go into the D23 Expo without seeing any exclusive new footage of their upcoming slate. And that’s what we got during the Walt Disney Studio, Walt Disney Studios Animation, and Pixar. For this portion, we will be covering the highly anticipated theatrical films from Elemental and Elio, to exciting sequels like Inside Out 2. And of course, their new Disney+ Original, Win or Lose.

Animation, Interview, Streaming

‘Cars on the Road’ Cast and Crew on Lightning McQueen and Mater’s Latest Adventures

September 6, 2022 Michael Lee

Disney•Pixar’s Cars on the Road follows Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) as they embark on an epic road trip and head east to attend a wedding for Mater’s sister.

Animation, Movies

Laika Announces Cast for ‘Wildwood’

August 25, 2022August 25, 2022 Mike Manalo

It’s no exaggeration to say that one of the best names in storytelling today is Laika! I’ve said it before, shouted it to the heavens, and will do so continuously and vigorously until the rest of the world sees it too. Which is why I couldn’t be more excited for their next release, Wildwood!

Animation, DC Comics

Check Out Ethan Hawke as Batman in this ‘Batwheels’ Clip

August 24, 2022August 24, 2022 Keina C

Today, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network’s preschool-centered programming brand, unveiled a first look at Ethan Hawke voicing Batman in a clip from the upcoming half-hour special, Secret Origin of the Batwheels. Premiering on Batman Day, September 17, Secret Origin is a prelude to Batwheels, launching later this fall on Cartoonito and HBO Max.

Animation, DC Comics, Interview

‘DC League of Super-Pets’ Director Jared Stern on Balancing Humor and Heart

July 27, 2022 Michael Lee

While superhero movies have proven to be immensely popular with a global audience, sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the shared universes and world-ending stakes with a few laughs. Luckily, director Jared Stern puts a playful twist on our comic-book heroes by taking them out of the picture and focusing on the pets in DC League of Super-Pets.

Animation, Movies

The Official Trailer and Poster for ‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio’ Finally Comes to Life

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022 Mike Manalo

It’s a personal point of joy for me to be posting this given that Guillermo Del Toro is officially one of my heroes. As a director, his sense of style, imagination, and heart coupled with brutal honesty has paved the way for films like Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, The Devil’s Backbone, and countless others to become cinematic classics. But as a human being, there’s no celebrity out there with a bigger heart and a more magical soul. And this holiday season, he will be injecting both into one of the most timeless characters of all time: Pinocchio!

Animation, DC Comics, Reviews2 Comments

‘DC League of Super-Pets’ is a Menagerie of Laughs and Heart

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022 Michael Lee

Warner Bros.’ DC League of Super-Pets is a sweet, funny, and heartwarming story about the world from a pet’s point of view. The concept isn’t new. Plenty of films explore the relationships between a pet and its human owners. But director Jared Stern, who co-wrote the script with John Whittington, puts a playful twist on it by making it more about the pets rather than their superhero owners.

Anime, Movies

A Door to a New Adventure Opens in the trailer for Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume’

July 21, 2022July 20, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Toho and Comix Wave have finally released the reveal trailer for Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming film, Suzume. The anticipation of the next film from the acclaimed Your Name and Weathering With You director has been building since the first key visual was released back in April.

Animation, Interview, Television

Eric Bauza and Chandni Parekh Lend Their Voices to ‘Bugs Bunny Builders’

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 Keith Chow

Next week, Warner Bros. Animation is bringing their iconic Looney Tunes characters to a preschool audience with Cartoonito’s Bugs Bunny Builders. We were fortunate enough to speak with the talented voices behind the iconic Bunnys — Bugs and Lola — as they discuss their new show.

Animation, Books, Interview

From Kyoshi to Yangchen, F.C. Yee on Chronicling Stories of the Avatars

July 15, 2022July 7, 2022 Lauren Lola

In 2019, author F.C. Yee brought the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender into the young adult fiction space, when he authored The Rise of Kyoshi. The first of the Kyoshi duology, readers got to explore one of Avatar Aang’s more notable previous incarnations in how she came to be one of the more hardcore Avatars.

Animation, Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: If You’re Stuck Seeing ‘Paws of Fury’ It Could Be Worse

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022 Mike Manalo

I’m not going to sit here and pretend Paws of Fury is a good movie, per se. But I will admit that it wasn’t nearly as bad as I assumed it was going to be. And the biggest reason you’ll be able to sit through it without a migraine comes down to one person: the legendary Mel Brooks.

Animation, Interview, Movies

‘Lightyear’ Cast Talk Pixar’s Relentless Pursuit of a Perfect Story

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022 Michael Lee

Buzz Lightyear has come a long way since Pixar introduced him first as a space ranger action figure in Toy Story. Voiced by Tim Allen, the character was the believable hero, but also served as comic relief throughout the films, sequels, shorts, and TV specials. However, Lightyear is different. Instead of telling another chapter of the long-running Toy Story film franchise, director Angus MacLane wanted fans to see the Buzz (Chris Evans) with a new perspective, one that shows nuances to his heroism, ambition, humor, bravery, and maturity.

Animation, Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: Decent ‘Lightyear’ Doesn’t Quite Reach Infinity and Beyond for Pixar

June 13, 2022June 13, 2022 Mike Manalo

At the beginning of this movie there’s a disclaimer briefly explaining that this was the movie Andy saw, loved, and became obsessed with when he got his first Buzz Lightyear action figure. Andy really needs to see more movies.

Animation, Interview, Movies

‘Lightyear’ Creative Team Discusses its Place within the ‘Toy Story’ Universe

June 10, 2022June 14, 2022 Michael Lee

Lightyear is not exactly what you’d call a prequel. Its opening exposition tells us it is based on the toy that Andy got as a gift for his birthday, and that it was from his favorite movie. So for the first time, audiences everywhere will get to see the title space ranger’s origins story.

Animation, Movies

New Trailer for ‘Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank’

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022 Mike Manalo

Paramount Pictures has been on fire this year! With hits like Scream, Jackass Forever, Sonic 2, and now the mega blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, the studio has pulled off one of the most impressive comebacks in the history of studio market shares imaginable. In the past three years, they rocketed from a #6 rank to a #1 rank this year on the strength of their slate and the quality of their movies! Will they keep the streak going with the animated comedy Paws of Fury? We’ll let you be the judge.

Animation, Movies, Streaming

Sneak Peek at New Stop Motion Film ‘Wendell & Wild’

June 7, 2022September 13, 2022 Laura Sirikul

From the great animation director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach, and Coraline, Henry Selick has teamed up with Jordan Peele to create his next stop motion animation, Wendell & Wild.

Animation, Movies, Streaming

Netflix’s Animated Adventure ‘The Sea Beast’ Trailer & Poster Reveal

June 7, 2022June 6, 2022 Laura Sirikul

Netflix kicked off their second day of Geeked Week with revealing the trailer and poster for their anticipated animated monster adventure The Sea Beast.