The Joy of Pasadena Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 Edward Hong

With the holiday season in full swing, one will find numerous renditions of The Nutcracker in their area for their own enjoyment. Here in the Los Angeles area, we had last week’s coverage of American Ballet Theatre but now I would love to put a spotlight on Pasadena Dance Theatre with their fresh and imaginative production of this timeless Tchaikovsky classic coming to the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse on December 20 and 21, 2025.

Music, Theatre

The Global Majority Beauty in the 10th Anniversary of American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

December 11, 2025December 12, 2025 Edward Hong

The prestigious American Ballet Theatre celebrates its tenth season of The Nutcracker at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts as it returns to the stages for 14 spell-binding performances from December 11 to 21. This landmark season features ABT’s international all-star cast under the leadership of artistic director Susan Jaffe, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, costumes by Tony winner Richard Hudson, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s iconic score performed live by Pacific Symphony. With this significant milestone, we wish to highlight the incredible global majority artists that will grace the stage!

Theme Parks

Experience Global Holiday Flavors at the Disneyland Resort

November 5, 2025November 7, 2025 Michael Lee

The most wonderful time of the year returns to the Disneyland Resort beginning November 14, 2025, bringing sparkling décor, dazzling entertainment, and festive flavors to both parks.

Horror, Movies1 Comment

Ramone Menon’s ‘Virgin’ Infuses Horror in the Birth of Jesus

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024 Edward Hong

On the day before Christmas, I present to you all a rather intriguing horror short film I caught from filmmaker Ramone Menon. As a kid, Menon always thought the birth of Jesus must have been terrifying so he decided to make a horror film about it.

Theme Parks

Disneyland Resort Kicks Off Holiday Season on November 15

August 31, 2024September 2, 2024 Michael Lee

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park may have already started their Halloween festivities, but the Disneyland Resort is already planning celebrations for the merriest season of all.

Movies, Trailers

Watch the Official Trailer for ‘Red One’ Starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans

June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 Sophia Soto

Amazon MGM Studios has just shared the official trailer for Red One, which will be released in theaters on November 15. The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel, and J.K. Simmons.

Podcasts, Video Games

FDI Cast 183: Eyes Up, Guardian

December 23, 2023 Jamie

Our last cast of 2023! Brandon catches up with the goings ons in Destiny 2 after years of not shooting the mans. Plus, a holiday bonus at the end of the cast!

Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: ‘The Holdovers’ is a Delightful Holiday Present

November 22, 2023November 24, 2023 Mike Manalo

It’s been a while since we’ve seen director Alexander Payne team up with the always welcome presence of Paul Giamatti. The duo previously collaborated on eventual Best Picture nominee, Sideways way back in 2004, almost 20 years ago. And after seeing The Holdovers, one thing is surely apparent: These two are a match made in heaven!

Fashion, Theme Parks

The Best Holiday Merchandise From Disney Parks’ Festival of Holidays

November 11, 2023November 12, 2023 Laura Sirikul

The Nerds of Color was given a preview of Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays event, which included viewing the merchandise offered at the parks and some on ShopDisney. There were just so many beautiful items available, it’s hard to pick just one.

Theme Parks

Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure Get into the Holiday Spirit

November 10, 2023November 12, 2023 Michael Lee

With Halloween out of the way, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure can officially start Holidays at Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays. The annual event that celebrates the end of the year will be a feast for the senses as the parks are transformed into a merry delight place full of cheer and joy. There will be savory and sweet food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Characters are also getting in a festive mood by putting on their holiday best. Plus there’s grand-reopening of he Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson, along with other fun things to do in and outside the park.

Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Teases Savory & Sweet Eats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

October 30, 2023November 12, 2023 Michael Lee

The holidays are just around the corner. That means spreading cheer and happiness to all while having some delicious savory food and sweet treats to eat. To celebrate, Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Park is inviting guests to their holiday extravaganza Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The beloved annual party is filled with holiday excitement sure to put you in the spirit of the season.

Interview, Movies1 Comment

Speaking with the Stars of Lifetime’s First All-Latino Holiday Film, ‘Merry Textmas’

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022 Sophia Soto

Ariana Ron Pedrique and Rodrigo Massa star as Gaby Diaz and Alex Alvarado in Merry Textmas. The new holiday movie will premiere on Sunday, December 4 at 8/7c as part of Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime.”

Hard N.O.C. Life, Marvel, Star Wars

Hard NOC Life 293: ‘Andor’ and Holiday Specials

November 28, 2022November 28, 2022 Hard NOC Media

On the final Hard NOC Life before we go on hiatus, Dominic, Britney, and Keith rank Andor against other live action Star Wars projects, including the Holiday Special from the 1970s. Speaking of Holiday Specials, James Gunn brings the tradition back with a special Guardians of the Galaxy mission to save Christmas.

Marvel, Reviews

‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special’ is a Heartwarming Stocking Stuffer

November 23, 2022November 26, 2022 Michael Lee

This year has been a busy blur for Marvel Studios. They’ve released three theatrical films and debuted four streaming series. But this year for Christmas, there’s something fans would really like from Kevin Feige. So if you can hear those sleigh bells coming around that Disney+ bend, then consider watching James Gunn’s The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special to mark this year’s end. Because Christmas Time has come, and that means MCU joy for everyone.

Interview, Marvel1 Comment

Pom Klementieff Talks Mantis’ New Role in ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’

November 21, 2022November 21, 2022 Michael Lee

Christmas time has come. That means toys for everyone. And for Marvel Studios fans, it means the release of their latest Special Presentation, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special. Director James Gunn reimagines the Christmas classic film with a bit of an MCU flair and some perfectly curated needle drops that embrace everything we love about the ragtag group and the holidays, while also throwing in a few surprises as well.

Interview, Streaming

Kal Penn on How ‘The Santa Clauses’ Appeals to New and Old Fans Alike

November 19, 2022November 21, 2022 Sophia Soto

Kal Penn plays Simon in The Santa Clauses. The first two episodes are now streaming on Disney+. We discussed bringing back this magical world for new and old audiences, how his character fits into the story, his favorite holiday movies, and more!

Movies, Television

NOC Exclusive Clip: Rita Moreno Helps Emily Kinney Follow Her Heart in ‘Santa Bootcamp’

November 18, 2022November 21, 2022 Sophia Soto

As part of Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime,” Emily Kinney, Patrick Cassidy, and Rita Moreno are bringing audiences the magic of Christmas in Santa Bootcamp, which marks Melissa Joan Hart’s fourth Lifetime movie as a director. The holiday film premieres Saturday, November 19 at 8/7c, but before that, The Nerds of Color has an exclusive clip to share!

Books, Podcasts

Southern Fried Asian: Suzanne Park

October 26, 2022October 26, 2022 Southern Fried Asian

Southern Fried Asian returns to feature stand-up-comic-turned-young-adult-romance-author, Suzanne Park! She and Keith discuss growing up in the suburbs of Nashville, stumbling into stand-up comedy, writing her newest book, The Christmas Clash — about warring food court restaurants, her mother’s Korean American fried chicken, and more.

Marvel, Trailers1 Comment

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ Shows a Bunch of A-Holes Making Things Holly and Jolly

October 25, 2022October 25, 2022 Michael Lee

Disney has released the first The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and it brings all sorts of good cheer to Marvel Studio fans. While James Gunn spreads joy across the galaxy, it seems that Star-Lord is still depressed about Gamora not being around. So it will be up to Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) to help lift him up with a little holiday spirit that comes in the form of a gift called Kevin Bacon.

Art, DC Comics

Happy Holidays and Remember, “Mistletoe Can be Deadly if You Eat it”

December 25, 2021December 25, 2021 The Nerds of Color

Just a quick post to wish all you nerds a Happy Holiday, and to also check out this dope artwork from Japanese artist Yuko Shimizu celebrating the best Christmas movie ever, Batman Returns:

Interview, Movies, Streaming

Hayley Orrantia is Back to Discuss Her New Movie, ‘Christmas is Canceled’

December 23, 2021 Sophia Soto

Hayley Orrantia stars as Emma in the new holiday comedy, Christmas is Canceled, which is currently streaming on Prime Video. She also released a new single for the movie called, “The Same Way.”

Interview, Movies, Streaming

Janel Parrish Talks Her New Comedy Film, ‘Christmas is Canceled’

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Sophia Soto

Janel Parrish stars as Brandy in the new holiday comedy, Christmas is Canceled. The film will be released December 17 on Prime Video.

Horror, Movies, Reviews

‘The Advent Calendar’ Proves to be Fun Holiday Horror

December 3, 2021December 3, 2021 Bray Lawrence

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It’s a moment to reflect on one’s life for the past 12 months with the family and friends you cherish, and celebrate another year together. Patrick Ridremont’s new film, The Advent Calendar, however, delivers a deliciously macabre statement that rejects the Yuletide sentiments for horror and gore sensibilities wrapped lovingly in beautiful cinematography and terrible people. This French film gifts the audience with an Advent calendar of terror, each scene opening up to reveal heightening anxious dread, that will leave horror fans happy this holiday season.