‘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, 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, Movies

Disney Journeys to a Place Beyond What’s Possible in ‘Strange World’ Trailer

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios is no stranger to having films about characters going on thrilling adventures into the unknown. Now, we are getting a first look at what’s to come in the first trailer for Strange World, a throwback to the classic pulp magazines of the past which featured stories of explorers to lost worlds and bizarre places.

Animation, Streaming

‘Baymax!’ Trailer Gives a Helping Healthcare Hand in San Fransokyo

May 20, 2022May 20, 2022 Michael Lee

It’s been nearly eight years since the cuddly and lovable Baymax (Scott Adist) arrived to save the day and heal an emotionally devastated Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) in Big Hero 6. Now the giant walking marshmallow healthcare robot is ready to leave his tiny little bubble and do want he was programed to do: help others in the new forthcoming Disney+ animated series, Baymax!

Animation, Movies, Music

Adassa and Mauro Castillo Celebrate Colombian Culture Through Music in ‘Encanto’

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 Michael Lee

Encanto, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 60th film, is an animated musical that tells the story of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a magical casita hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Every Madrigal child is blessed with a unique magic gift, like super strength and healing powers, to use to help the family and surrounding town. Unfortunately, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is the only one who didn’t receive a gift. But when she discovers that the magic is in danger of disappearing, she sets off on a quest to save it while also learning more about her family and realizing her true worth.

Animation, Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: ‘Encanto’ is Mostly Enchanting

November 17, 2021January 12, 2022 Mike Manalo

First of all, score one for Walt Disney Animation for putting out two releases in one year that celebrate different stories from different cultures! With the terrific Raya and the Last Dragon earlier this year, and now the charming Encanto, it’s refreshing to see that the House of Mouse has been more proactive in telling stories that aren’t just rooted in Western European fairy tales. I think Moana really opened the door for this, and as far as our site is concerned, we couldn’t be happier.

Animation, Interview, Streaming

NOC Interview: Josh Gad Talks Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Olaf Presents’

November 11, 2021 Sophia Soto

Josh Gad is back as the voice of Olaf for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Olaf Presents. The series of new animated shorts starring everyone’s favorite talking snowman launches November 12, exclusively on Disney+. Gad has also brought the character to life in Frozen, Frozen Fever, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Frozen II, At Home with Olaf, Once Upon a Snowman, and Lego Frozen Northern Lights.

Animation, Movies

‘Encanto’ Directors and Writers Find Magical Realism in Colombian Culture

November 5, 2021November 8, 2021 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto is an animated musical that celebrates Lantine and Latinx culture, specifically everything Colombia offers. The film follows Mirabel Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz), the only child not blessed with a magical gift. As she struggles to find her place within her multigenerational enchanted family, she finds out that the magic that has helped them and the town is in danger of disappearing. So she sets off on an adventure to prevent that from happening.

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.

Animation, Streaming

Get All the Details on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Olaf Presents’

October 14, 2021October 14, 2021 Sophia Soto

Josh Gad is back to voice everyone’s favorite talking Snowman in Olaf Presents! Disney animator Hyrum Osmond will be directing and Jennifer Newfield serves as producer. The new series will launch exclusively November 12 on Disney+.

Animation, Interview

Natalie Nourigat Talks How ‘Far From Tree’ is Personal and Speaks to a Larger Audience

September 30, 2021October 1, 2021 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Far From Tree may feature a pair of raccoons as the main characters, but they have very humanistic qualities. Like the protective instincts of a parents or the genuine curiosity of a child. Set on a quiet idyllic beach of the Pacific Northwest, audiences will get to see how the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree applies to every parent and child relationship, even those who are raccoons.

DC Comics, Hard N.O.C. Life, Star Wars, Streaming

Hard NOC Life 207: A ‘Justice League’ of His Own

March 15, 2021May 15, 2021 Hard NOC Media

Keith and Britney share their favorite moments from Disney+’s WandaVision making-of special before revealing what’s Nerd Poppin’ this week. For Britney, she’s reading all the books in the Star Wars: The High Republic publishing initiative. Meanwhile, Keith has seen The Snyder Cut and gives his semi-spoilery opinion of Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

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Animation, Movies, Reviews1 Comment

NOC Presents: A SEA Conversation about ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

March 11, 2021March 11, 2021 Lauren Lola

With Raya and the Last Dragon out for about a week now, there are many thoughts and opinions being shared across the Internet about it. While a few of us here at The Nerds of Color have written extensively about Disney’s first Southeast Asian film, I thought it would be appropriate to gather together the Southeast Asian Nerds of Color writers and discuss it. Together with Laura Sirikul, Mike Manalo, and Patrick Michael Strange, in a conversation about as long as Raya and the Last Dragon itself, we go in-depth on everything from the film’s plot, how it tackled the topic of trust, the characters, the majority East Asian cast, the lack of Filipino culture and actors, and more.

WARNING: The following contains major spoilers from Raya and the Last Dragon.

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Hard N.O.C. Life, Movies, Streaming, Television

Hard NOC Life 206: ‘Raya’ and the Last ‘WandaVision’

March 8, 2021May 15, 2021 Hard NOC Media

Dominic, Keith , are joined by new recurring co-host (and friend of the NOC) Britney Monae! Together, they break down the series finale of WandaVision, review Disney’s latest animated adventure Raya and the Last Dragon, and more!

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Animation, Movies, Streaming

Getting Real with Raya: An Interview with Kelly Marie Tran

March 5, 2021May 15, 2021 Mike Manalo

Today, I’m beyond thrilled that I get to say that we finally have a Southeast Asian Disney Princess! That’s right! Raya and the Last Dragon is officially hitting cinemas and Disney+ via Premier Access today, and we couldn’t be happier. In fact, if you want to take a look at what we thought of the film, check out our review here.

Having said that, here at The Nerds of Color, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing may talented and wonderful actors of color; each one doing their part to further the cause of shining a light on the underrepresented. However, to me, this 10 minute interview may top them all!

Animation, Movies, Streaming

Disney’s ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Comes at a Poignant Time for Asian Americans

March 3, 2021February 6, 2022 Laura Sirikul

There’s no question the global pandemic has affected the lives of many within the United States having the highest COVID-19 cases and death rate. The previous administration under President Donald Trump blamed China for the deadly coronavirus, labeling the disease as the “China Virus” and, more broadly, putting targets on the backs of Asian Americans by fellow citizens who are angry by the economic and social impact of the pandemic. Since then, there has been a rise in Anti-Asian hate crimes throughout the U.S. After multiple attacks on the elderly Asian population, the media started to notice, thanks to the help of Asian American advocates and allies pushing for these stories to be shared. Multiple brands, including Disney, Nike, and Apple, began releasing statements condemning the attacks on Asians and where people can donate and show support.

Animation, Movies, Reviews, Streaming1 Comment

NOC Review: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is Relevant, Rollicking, and Remarkable

March 1, 2021February 6, 2022 Mike Manalo

In 1937, Walt Disney debuted something that changed the history of cinema — the release of the first full length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This in turn gave birth to Walt Disney Animation Studios and a long history (at times problematic) of classic stories and adventures involving dragons and princesses that has, for the most part, arguably withstood the test of time from generation to generation. But generations change. Art and time change the world and, in turn, the world and time must also change art.

Animation, Movies, Reviews, Streaming

NOC Review: ‘Us Again’ Charms Right Before ‘Raya’

March 1, 2021May 15, 2021 Mike Manalo

If you have the great fortune of seeing Raya and the Last Dragon in a safe, socially distant drive-in theater this coming weekend, I’m happy to say you’ll be treated to a neat little short from Walt Disney Feature Animation called Us Again.

Art, Movies, Streaming

‘Myth: A Frozen Tale’ Expands The Frozen Universe with Fairytale Story

February 23, 2021May 15, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Disney’s Frozen has released multiple stories surrounding the world of Arendelle and its people since the release of the original animation in 2010. Now, Disney+ is about to release the VR Short, Myth: A Frozen Tale, which transports viewers to a vibrant and mystical world where the elemental spirits (inspired by Frozen 2) come to life and the myth of their past and future is revealed. It serves as a prequel to the second film.

Animation, Streaming

Olaf’s Story Gets Told in Disney+ Short ‘Once Upon a Snowman’

October 22, 2020May 15, 2021 Laura Sirikul

There is a lot to be said about Disney films pushing their franchise further and further by releasing more media content to the masses. It makes you wonder, do we really need more side stories about Frozen?

Well, with Disney+’s digital short, Once Upon a Snowman, it proves that we really do.

Animation, Movies

Arendelle Antics at the ‘Frozen II’ Press Conference

November 22, 2019November 22, 2019 Mike Manalo

We made it folks! It’s been a few months and our countdown is at last complete! Frozen II has arrived! That’s right, give yourselves a big pat on the back for sticking with us! To cap off everything, we wanted to take you all inside, perhaps, the most fun press conference we’ve ever covered here at The Nerds of Color. We got the chance to hear from (and bask in the glory of) national treasures Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Evan Rachel Wood, Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez, and Peter Del Vecho! Here’s how the magic went down.

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Animation, Movies

Interviewing the Crew Behind ‘Frozen II’

November 18, 2019November 18, 2019 Mike Manalo

Well folks, after a month-long countdown on our site, we are in the homestretch leading up to the release of Frozen II, and we’ve only just begun to break the ice (Wow. That was bad. Sorry.). I would like to extend my humble thanks to everyone who counted down to the film’s release with us, and we have a couple more surprises in store for you Frozen fans this week! For one, we had a chance to talk to the Heads of Animation for the film (Becky Bresee and Tony Smeed), as well as the Head of Story (Normand Lemay) and Director of Story (Marc Smith) about the evolution of the project. Here’s what they had to say!

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Animation, Movies, Reviews2 Comments

NOC Review: ‘Frozen II’ is the Best Animated Movie of the Year

November 14, 2019December 25, 2019 Mike Manalo

The Oscar Race for Best Animated Feature is over. It’s going to be Frozen II. As someone who thought Frozen, now considered by many to be a classic animated film on par with The Little Mermaid, was a very good-not-great movie, it was going to be tough for its successor to melt my icy cold heart. Rest assured, this one is grander, deeper, more challenging, and even more gorgeous than its predecessor. Walt Disney Animation Studios has made a near perfect movie here, and they deserve to be proud. Frozen II outdoes the first in every respect! Heart melted!

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