‘Lightyear’ Composer Michael Giacchino on Storytelling Through Music

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022 Michael Lee

A movie score is one of the emotional hooks that draws audiences into that world. Whether the film is a sci-fi thriller or romantic comedy, it’s the kind of music that connects you with what’s going on within the frame. But for Lightyear composter Michael Giacchino, the score is much more than an assembly of notes that makes a movie sound good. It’s also something that tells a story.

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.

Interview, Television

Jon Huertas on the Series Finale of ‘This Is Us’

May 24, 2022May 24, 2022 Sophia Soto

While covering the 2022 NBCUniversal Upfront Red Carpet, I had the chance to speak with Jon Huertas. The actor portrays Miguel in the award-winning and critically acclaimed drama, This Is Us, which has its series finale tonight at 9 PM ET on NBC.

Marvel, Movies

Uncovering the Secrets of the Multiverse at the ‘Doctor Strange’ Press Conference

May 5, 2022May 6, 2022 Mike Manalo

The madness has begun! Earlier this week, members of the press, including The Nerds of Color, were invited to partake in the press conference for the highly anticipated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Animation, Movies

Pixar’s Approach to Making ‘Lightyear’ a Sci-Fi Epic

April 21, 2022April 19, 2022 Michael Lee

Pixar may be known for its originals, but the animation studio has also produced a few sequels and prequels for its unforgettable films. While the Toy Story films may have given us a glimpse at Woody’s history, Lightyear serves as the definitive origins story for the brave space ranger that we all know and love. But rather than follow the character as a toy, the spinoff is presented to us as one of Andy’s favorite Sci-Fi films. As such, director Angus MacLane assembled a group of talented artists to achieve that cinematic look and feel that one gets when watching a Sci-Fi movie like Star Wars and Aliens.

Fantasy, Movies

The ‘Secrets’ Revealed at the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Press Conference

April 13, 2022April 13, 2022 Mike Manalo

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 10 years since the final Harry Potter movie debuted in theaters. And since then, we’ve seen the Wizarding World expand significantly. With sites like Pottermore, upcoming games like the highly anticipated Hogwarts Legacy, and of course the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, we know (for better or worse) the Hogwarts Express is just going to continue chugging along, as the stories continue.

Movies, Streaming

Disney’s ‘Better Nate Than Ever’ is a Musical All About Finding Yourself

March 27, 2022March 27, 2022 Laura Sirikul

Based on the award-winning novel by Tim Federle, Better Nate Than Ever tells the story of 13-year old Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) who has big dreams of being on Broadway, but the only problem is that no one would take a chance on him. That is, until his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) tells him about an opportunity to audition for a Broadway production of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch in New York City.

Marvel, Streaming

The ‘Moon Knight’ Team on the Making of the Series

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 Swara Salih

Moon Knight meets the hype as one of the most standout Marvel Studios productions. Combing elements of psychology, horror, Egyptology (that for once doesn’t feel Orientalist), and action-adventure, it’s sure to make a distinct impression on audiences so used to the Marvel formula. But what exactly went into the creative process of this series?

Animation, Movies

‘Turning Red’ Cast Gets Real about Friendships, Concerts, and Growing Pains

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 Michael Lee

Unlike some of the one-dimensional female friendship and coming of age films of the past, Disney•Pixar’s Turning Red takes an honest look at the connections we have with our friends. What’s more, the film does it through the lens of a Chinese Canadian 13-year-old.

Movies

Co-Directors Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin Talk ‘DOG’ at the Film’s Press Conference

February 18, 2022February 18, 2022 Sophia Soto

DOG is directed by Reid Carolin, who also serves as a co-writer, and Channing Tatum, who stars in the film as Army Ranger Briggs. Before the film’s release, I had the chance to attend a press conference with the duo, where they discussed many different aspects of making the comedy. The movie is now in theaters!

Roundtable, Television1 Comment

The Cast of ‘This Is Us’ Reflects on the Show’s Most Moving Moments

February 15, 2022February 15, 2022 Sophia Soto

As part of the 2022 TCA Winter Press Tour, I attended a panel for the final chapter of This Is Us with Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jon Huertas, and Creator/Executive Producer Dan Fogelman. New episodes of season six return on Tuesday, February 22 on NBC.

Marvel, Movies

Exploring the Extras of ‘Eternals’ on Digital

January 13, 2022January 14, 2022 Mike Manalo

For anyone following my reviews, you’ve most likely read my thoughts on Eternals this past November. To summarize, overall, I think this is a perfectly lovely, and bold film that challenges the traditional convention for the Marvel Cinematic Universe template, taking more from Alan Moore’s Watchmen than Avengers. I realize it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s fine. But for me, Chloé Zhao brought something incredibly unique into this 27-film franchise that I find severely underrated and quite special in its own right.

Comics, Movies1 Comment

Looking Good and Feeling Good at ‘The King’s Man’ Press Conference

December 20, 2021December 20, 2021 Mike Manalo

In 2014, audiences were introduced to Kingsman — an independent secret service agency hidden in a tailor shop in London, dedicated to saving the world. It’s been seven years and three films since, and the world introduced in Matthew Vaughn’s gonzo spy spectacle has only grown bigger and crazier. And this Christmas, audiences will get to truly witness the bloody beginnings of this organization, when The King’s Man hits theaters next Wednesday, December 22!

Comics, Movies

Matthew Vaughn Reveals More Plans for ‘The Kingsman’ Franchise

December 17, 2021December 16, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Matthew Vaughn is a busy man.

His latest film from the Kingsman franchise, The King’s Man, is set to release on December 22. He’s working on post-production for his spy thriller Argylle and setting up pre-production on the third installment of the Kingsman films — The Kingsman: The Blue Blood. With so many projects, that doesn’t stop the 50-year-old director from planning out the rest of the Kingsman films, including the Statesman, and plans for The King’s Man sequels, if the film does well.

Marvel, Movies

The ‘Eternals’ Arrive on Blu-ray and 4K in February

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Mike Manalo

As previously reported, Eternals is finally arriving to homes everywhere this January! And they’re bringing a whole slew of awesome special features and deleted scenes! Now, folks who weren’t able to make it to the theaters will finally get to see the ambitious and bold work of director Chloé Zhao, and her intergalactic, epic impact on the MCU!

Roundtable, Television

NBC’s ‘Grand Crew’ Doesn’t Want to be Compared to Other Shows

December 14, 2021December 15, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Every so often, when a new series is introduced, it is immediately compared to what people may consider to be the most related to that. This rings especially true for new sitcoms and comedies starring people of color. When NBC’s Grand Crew was first announced as a series surrounding the lives of a group of Black friends at a wine bar, there were so many comparisons to HBO’s Insecure and ABC’s Black-ish that it straight away was labeled as a “Black” show.

Movies, Streaming

The Cast of ‘Don’t Look Up’ Talk Making the Film at the Press Conference

December 10, 2021December 11, 2021 Sophia Soto

Don’t Look Up hit theaters on December 10 and will begin streaming December 24 on Netflix. Before the film’s release, The Nerds of Color had the chance to attend a press conference with Scott Mescudi, Tyler Perry, Jonah Hill, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Adam McKay, who serves as the movie’s writer, director, and producer, to hear more about the project.

Interview, Movies

The Cast of ‘West Side Story’ Talk Remaking a Classic at the Press Conference

December 3, 2021December 3, 2021 Sophia Soto

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story will be released in theaters on December 10. Before the film’s release, The Nerds of Color had the chance to attend two press conferences with Steven Spielberg, Rita Moreno, and Tony Kushner as well as stars Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Josh Andrés Rivera, Corey Stoll, and Brian d’Arcy James.

Marvel, Television

‘Hawkeye’ Press Conference Addresses Kate’s Relationship with Her Mother

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 Sophia Soto

Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye debuts with its first two episodes November 24 on Disney+. Ahead of the premiere, The Nerds of Color had the chance to attend a press conference with Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Vera Farmiga, Tony Dalton, Rhys Thomas, Trinh Tran, and Kevin Feige to discuss the new series!

Horror, Movies

Spending ‘Last Night in Soho’ with Edgar Wright and Krysty Wilson-Cairns

November 5, 2021November 3, 2021 Mike Manalo

If you have not seen Edgar Wright and Krysty Wilson-Cairns’ Last Night in Soho yet, don’t sleep on it! It is a profound, and beautifully constructed indictment of toxic masculinity that features fantastic performances, and stunning imagery and music. Recently, we were given the opportunity to attend a roundtable with the duo behind the film, along with other members of the press as well.

Animation, Movies, Music

Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Challenges of Songwriting in ‘Encanto’

November 5, 2021November 5, 2021 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto tells a story about family and individuality through the Latin American lens, specifically a Colombian one. The film follows the Madrigal family, where every child was blessed with a magical power that they are to use to help the family and better the community. Well, every child except Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), who has to face the frustration of being the only one without a blessing.

Sci Fi, Streaming

Director Kim Jee-woon Says ‘Dr. Brain’ is Based on Science

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Directed by acclaimed visionary Kim Jee-woon and based on the popular Korean webtoon Hongjacga, Dr. Brain follows a brilliant neuroscientist Sewon (Lee Sun-kyun) who suffers a personal tragedy when his family falls victim to a mysterious accident.

Marvel, Movies

Enter the ‘Eternals’ Press Conference

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 Mike Manalo

The Eternals are here! This coming Friday, sees the release of Marvel Studios’ Eternals! And while the film has been drawing mixed reviews so far, I’m happy to report I personally enjoyed and admired it. It is a gutsy, daring movie anchored by bold direction from Chloé Zhao and beautiful, rich themes.