Blumhouse has officially announced the start of production on Insidious: Chapter 4 with a video featuring Lin Shaye and Leigh Whannell. Continue reading
INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 4 Director and Release Date Confirmed
Category Archives: Movie News
STAR WARS EPISODE VIII Cast Confirmed as Production Begins with a Short Tease
Three new cast members have been confirmed as production begins on Star Wars Episode VIII, directed by Rian Johnson Continue reading
SNL Delivers Cheeky Response to #OscarsSoWhite
Saturday Night Live tackled the #OscarsSoWhite controversy while the Academy takes steps in a more positive direction to diversify their members. Continue reading
RIP David Bowie (1947-2016)
Legendary superstar David Bowie has passed away after an long 18-month fight against cancer. We remember him for his incredible work and legacy. Continue reading
ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Programming Schedule 2015
As December 1st quickly approaches, it can only mean one thing: ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas. Get your hot chocolate ready and your popcorn bowl full, because this year’s programming schedule is jam packed from morning to night with Christmas classic movies, ABC Family original films, and big network premieres.
If you’re unfamiliar with this joyous occasion, each year ABC Family schedules out a block of programming from December 1 through December 25 with some of the best, festive holiday favorites to indulge in with the whole family. This year marks the final time the “25 Days of Christmas” name will be under the ABC Family moniker as the network will be called Freeform starting this January – whatever that means.
This year’s big premieres during the 25 Days of Christmas include Jim Henson’s 1984 classic The Bells of Fraggle Rock and 1977’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. Both have been remastered for their big returns. And for fans of The Immortal Instruments series, there will be an exclusive behind the scenes look at the making of Shadowhunters, one of the many TV series added to ABC Family’s Freeform’s 2016 programming slate.
Per usual, the 25 Days of Christmas schedule is packed with fan favorites such as Toy Story, The Santa Clause, Elf, The Polar Express, The Nightmare Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the live action version only), and Love Actually. Sadly there won’t be any Harry Potter or Home Alone marathons this year, which makes me suspicious of this year’s programming – you’ve changed ABC Family, and I don’t like it.
Without further ado, mark your calendars and get ready for the spirit of the holiday season!
Tuesday, December 1
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) THE PREACHER’S WIFE – Denzel Washington stars as an angel sent to Earth over the holidays to help a struggling pastor and his family. The film also stars Whitney Houston. (Live Action).
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL – The classic tale of a miserly old man named Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey), who is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghosts who attempt to help him change his life and embrace the holidays. (Animated)
- (1:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS – Kelsey Grammer narrates three charming Christmas tales with a Mickey Mouse twist, including the Christmas classic The Gift of the Magi, starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. (Animated)
- (2:30 PM ET/PT) THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS – The story of how a young man named Claus became Santa Claus. (Animated)
- (3:30PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND – Everyone’s favorite snowman, Frosty, plans to marry, but not if the evil Jack Frost can help it. Can the children save Frosty from being frozen lifeless and get him to the church on time? (Animated)
- (4:00PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY – Rudolph’s magical glowing nose is not only helpful at Christmas, but also in the heat of summer when Rudolph and his friend, Frosty the Snowman, are called in to rescue a struggling circus at a special July 4th benefit. (Animated)
- (6:00PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS – Based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Phyllis McGinley’s children’s book, Mrs. Claus narrates this memorable classic about the time she almost donned her husband’s famous red suit. (Animated)
- (7:00PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS – The Academy Award®-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for the inspiring tale of a young boy and the magical train he boards to the North Pole. Based on the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. (Animated)
- (9:00 PM ET/PT) SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – Jim Carrey stars as the title character who tries to ruin Christmas for all the Whos of Whoville in this live-action adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss children’s story. (Live Action)
- (12:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS Encore Presentation
- (1:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR – Santa sends Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to find Baby New Year, who has run away from Father Time. (Animated)
Wednesday, December 2
- (7:00AM ET/PT) THE CHRISTMAS SHOES – This holiday film of interconnected stories stars Rob Lowe as a workaholic lawyer, and Kimberly Williams as a young mother whose son wants to buy her a pair of Christmas shoes. (Live Action)
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
- (12:30 PM ET/PT) A MISER BROTHERS CHRISTMAS – Starring Mickey Rooney, “A Miser Brothers’ Christmas” tells the story of how Santa throws out his back, potentially spoiling Christmas for boys and girls all over the world. (Animated)
- (1:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979) – Pardon-Me-Pete the Groundhog tells the story of how Jack Frost briefly became human and helped a knight win his lady love. (Animated)
- (2:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (3:30PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – The holder of a Golden Ticket wins a trip to where the world’s most wonderful sweets are made, in the mysterious chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). (Live Action)
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
- (8:45PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE – Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced father whose strained relationship with his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) begins to mend only after a bizarre twist of fate transforms him into the new Santa. (Live Action)
- (12:00AM ET/PT) SNOW – In a reinvention of the Santa Claus myth, this original ABC Family holiday movie finds Nick (Tom Cavanagh) reluctantly taking over the family business at the North Pole and, in the process of trying to bring back the spirit of Christmas they lost long ago, finds his true love. (Live Action)
Thursday, December 3
- (7:00AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS IN BOSTON – Childhood pen-pals Gina (Marla Sokoloff) and Seth (Patrick J. Adams) have created a lifelong friendship based solely on letters they’ve sent to each other. Overwhelmed by the chance to meet in person, each sends their best friend in their place. But when the friends start falling for each other, Gina and Seth discover much more than they ever expected in this ABC Family original holiday movie. (Live Action)
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL – Charles Dickens’ famous story is retold with Mickey as Bob Cratchit, Uncle Scrooge as Ebenezer Scrooge, Goofy as Jacob Marley’s ghost and Donald as nephew Fred. (Animated)
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
- (1:45PM ET/PT) I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS – After learning that his best friend’s parents are getting a divorce, Justin (Dylan and Cole Sprouse) fears the worst when he sees his mother kissing Santa Claus. (Live Action)
- (4:00PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998) – Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) was always too busy to spend time with his son Charlie. But when he dies in a car accident, Jack finds himself back to life in the form of a Snowman! (Live Action)
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (8:15PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS – Santa’s estranged older brother, Fred (Vince Vaughn), has reluctantly agreed to visit his family at the North Pole for Christmas. But when their longtime rift threatens Christmas for everyone, it’s up to Fred to prove that he is a true Claus and save the holidays! (Live Action)
- (12:00AM ET/PT) SNOW 2: BRAIN FREEZE – In this ABC Family original movie, Tom Cavanaugh returns as Nick Snowden, also known as Santa Claus, who gets amnesia right before Christmas. It’s up to Nick’s wife Sandy (Ashley Williams) and their reindeer Buddy to save Nick and Christmas! (Live Action)
Friday, December 4
- (7:00AM ET/PT) MEET THE SANTAS – A woman plans her Christmas Eve wedding to the man of her dreams, who happens to have just taken over the role of Santa Claus. (Live Action)
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: THE STORY OF THE FIRST CHRISTMAS SNOW – A young, blind shepherd experiences a Christmas miracle that allows him to see and to experience snow for the first time. Narrated by Angela Lansbury. (Animated)
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (12:00PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (2:00PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
- (4:00PM ET/PT) I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS – If a college jokester (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) makes it home for the holidays by a certain time, his dad’s Porsche is his. But, after one prank too many, he’s left stranded wearing nothing but a Santa Claus suit with no option except to hitchhike cross country. (Live Action)
- (6:00PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN – Fred Astaire narrates this tale of Kris Kringle (voice of Mickey Rooney), a young man who starts a gift factory where he builds toys and gives them to all the local children, earning him the name Santa Claus. (Animated)
- (7:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
- (9:30 PM ET/PT) ELF – Buddy (Will Ferrell) grew up in the North Pole, never realizing he was not a Christmas Elf like all of his friends. When he finds out the truth, he sets out for New York City to find the father he never knew. But Buddy isn’t used to the big city, and New York has never seen anyone like Buddy! (Live Action)
- (11:50 PMAM ET/PT) PRANCER – Jessica, the daughter of an impoverished apple farmer, still believes in Santa Claus. So when she comes across a reindeer with an injured leg, it makes perfect sense to her to assume that it is Prancer, who had fallen from a Christmas display in town. (Live Action)
Saturday, December 5
- (7:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (8:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (10:00 AM ET/PT) I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
- (12:15PM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (3:00PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (4:00PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (5:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
- (7:15 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (9:30 PM ET/PT) SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
- (12:30AM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS – In Tim Burton’s animated fantasy film, Jack Skellington, tired of his life in Halloween Town, accidentally wanders into Christmas Town and decides he will take over Christmas from Santa. (Animated).
Sunday, December 6
- (7:00AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS – The Brady family reunites for Christmas and prays for a holiday miracle when Mike Brady (Robert Reed) is involved in an accident. (Live Action)
- (9:00AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST – Still upset from his family’s recent move, Finn (Christian Martyn) is not happy about spending the holidays in a new house. But when neighborhood thieves target his house, Finn springs into action to defend his home and save his family’s Christmas! The film also stars Ed Asner, Malcolm McDowell and Debi Mazar. (Live Action)
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (12:00 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY – Based on the Christmas song, the “Little Drummer Boy” tells the story of Aaron, a poor boy who cannot afford to buy a present for baby Jesus and instead plays a special song for him on his drums. (Animated)
- (12:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (2:30 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
- (4:45 PM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
- (9:30PM ET/PT) BEYOND THE SHADOWS: THE MAKING OF SHADOWHUNTERS – “Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters” will give fans of The Mortal Instruments book series a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the making of the television show, which will include the cast talking about how they landed their roles and a glimpse into how the cast got into fighting shape. And for viewers who are new to the Shadow World, the cast explains what “Shadowhunters” is all about.
- (10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION – The comic misadventures of the beleaguered Griswold family continue as America’s most dedicated dad (Chevy Chase) is determined to stay at home to create “the most fun-filled old fashioned family Christmas ever.” But life has a particular way of throwing wet logs on Clark Griswold’s fire. (Live Action)
Monday, December 7
- (7:00AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS – In this ABC Family original movie, starring Kristin Davis, an angel interrupts destiny to give love 72-hours for a second chance. (Live Action)
- (1:00PM ET/PT) LOVE ACTUALLY – In this beloved Christmas film, several interconnected stories of love are told around the Christmas holiday. (Live Action)
- (4:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (8:45PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (12:00AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES – In the ABC Family original holiday musical, Holly (Tia Mowry) is devastated when she is turned down for a spot in the Christmas singing group The Snow Belles. So she forms her own group, the Mistle-Tones, and challenges her rival Marci (Tori Spelling) and The Snow Belles to a Christmas Eve sing-off. (Live Action)
Tuesday, December 8
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) SECRET SANTA – Eager journalist Rebecca (Jennie Garth) has been assigned to uncover the true identity of her town’s legendary Secret Santa. But will she publish the scoop, or decide that the spirit of Christmas is something worth saving? (Live Action)
- (1:00PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
- (3:00PM ET/PT) PINOCCHIO’S CHRISTMAS – Carlo Collodi’s most famous puppet creation stars in a musical tale that finds the poor lad Pinocchio conned out of money intended for Papa Geppetto’s Christmas gift. (Animated)
- (4:00PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (8:45PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
- (12:00AM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE – In the ABC Family original movie, a mystical snow globe transports Angela (Christina Milian), who longs for the perfect Christmas away from her boisterous family, into an idyllic Christmas winter wonderland. (Live Action)
Wednesday, December 9
- (7:00AM ET/PT) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS – Starring Amy Smart and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the ABC Family original holiday movie follows a young woman who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again until she learns to open up her world to new things and stop living in the past. (Live Action)
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY BOOK II – In this sequel to the famous Christmas tale, the drummer boy and a wise man set out in search of a set of pure silver bells to present to the baby Jesus. (Animated)
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) PINOCCHIO’S CHRISTMAS
- (12:10 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (2:20 PM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE
- (4:30PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS – Mickey and friends return to tell five more tales of holiday spirit and Christmas cheer. (Animated)
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
- (8:45PM ET/PT) ELF
- (12:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (1:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
Thursday, December 10
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY – “Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” tells the story of the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. (Animated)
- (11:30 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (12:00PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (2:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (2:30PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
- (4:00-4:30 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
- (4:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (5:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (8:45PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (12:00AM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE – In this ABC Family original movie, Jenny McCarthy reprises her role as Mary Class, Santa’s daughter, who is faced with a decision when her father decides to leave her in charge of the family business. The film also stars Paul Sorvino and Dean McDermott. (Live Action)
Friday, December 11
- (7:00AM ET/PT) DESPERATELY SEEKING SANTA – In this ABC Family Original movie, an ambitious marketing executive gets more than she bargained for when she decides to run a “Sexy Santa” contest to replace the typical mall Santa, and the winner turns out to be more than just a handsome face.
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS – Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez star in ABC Family’s original holiday tale about a desperate young woman who kidnaps a handsome guy to take home to her parents at Christmas to prove how well she’s doing with her life. (Live Action)
- (1:00PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN – Workaholic Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) was happy to spend the holidays alone. But after a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger, Jack wakes up on Christmas Day with the family he never realized he always wanted. (Live Action)
- (4:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
- (6:45PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (9:00 PM ET/PT) SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
- (12:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (1:00AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
Saturday, December 12
- (7:00AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
- (8:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
- (9:45 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
- (11:30 AM ET/PT) THE BELLS OF FRAGGLE ROCK – ABC FAMILY PREMIERE! – Gobo thinks the Fraggles’ Solstice holiday is a waste of time, so he goes on a journey to find out if the mythical Great Bell at the heart of Fraggle Rock is real. Meanwhile, Doc and Sprocket explore mid-winter holiday traditions around the world.
- (12:15 PM ET/PT) EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS – ABC FAMILY PREMIERE! – In this musical special, Kermit the Frog narrates the story of Alice Otter and her son, Emmet, who live in the village of Frogtown Hollow. Ma and Emmet struggle to make ends meet, but dream of being able to buy each other a special Christmas gift. When a talent show is held in town, they enter separately, each hoping to use the fifty-dollar prize to buy the other a real present this year.
- (1:20 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (2:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (3:30PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (4:00PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (6:00PM ET/PT) SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
- (9:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (11:15 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
Sunday, December 13
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
- (8:45 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
- (10:25 AM ET/PT) THE BELLS OF FRAGGLE ROCK
- (11:05 AM ET/PT) EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS
- (12:10 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (2:15 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (4:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY – “Disney∙Pixar’s Toy Story” tells the story of a fantastic, fun-filled journey of what your toys are up to when you’re not around, viewed mostly through the eyes of two rival toys — Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), the lanky, likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), the fearless space ranger. (Animated)
- (6:45PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 2 – When an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (voice of Wayne Knight) kidnaps Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), the toys get into one predicament after another in their daring race to get Woody back before Andy returns. (Animated)
- (9:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT – During a post-Christmas play date, the “Toy Story” gang find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional. It’s all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to return to Bonnie’s room. (Animated)
- (9:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3 – In the third installment of the beloved film series, Andy is growing up and decides to put away his toys for good, except for Woody (voice of Tom Hanks). But the gang accidentally ends up among the toys at a daycare center, run by the ruthless teddy bear Lotso (voice of Ned Beatty). It’s up to Woody to rescue his friends and return them home! (Animated)
Monday, December 14
- (7:00AM ET/PT) ST. NICK – Santa wants to retire and turn the job over to his son Nick (Kelsey Grammer), who prefers his easy going seaside lifestyle. (Live Action)
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – Actor Joel Grey narrates this animated holiday special adapted from the famous poem by Clement Moore. (Animated)
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (11:30 AM ET/PT) CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – Johnny Depp stars as Willy Wonka, in this reimagined tale of Charlie Bucket and his magical tour of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. (Live Action)
- (2:00-4:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY
- (4:00PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 2
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
- (8:45PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE – Holiday magic mixes with comical chaos as Tim Allen reprises his role of Scott Calvin, aka Santa, as he juggles a full house of family and the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short)—whose chilling Santa-envy has him trying to take over the “big guy’s” holiday. (Live Action)
- (12:00AM ET/PT) SNOW
Tuesday, December 15
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) DESPERATELY SEEKING SANTA
- (1:00PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY – In this ABC Family original holiday movie, Mary Class (Jenny McCarthy) is a highly driven business executive whose great success is acknowledged by everyone but her father, who just happens to be Santa Claus (George Wendt). (Live Action)
- (3:00PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
- (5:00PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (8:15 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (10:30PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
- (12:00AM ET/PT) SNOW 2: BRAIN FREEZE
Wednesday, December 16
- (7:00AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
- (11:00 AM-2:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
- (2:00PM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS IN BOSTON
- (4:00PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (5:00PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (8:15 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
- (10:30PM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
- (12:00AM ET/PT) DESPERATELY SEEKING SANTA
Thursday, December 17
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
- (10:15 AM ET/PT) LOVE ACTUALLY
- (1:30 PM ET/PT) THE PREACHER’S WIFE
- (4:15 PM ET/PT) SNOW
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
- (8:45PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (12:00AM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE – In this ABC Family original movie starring Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison, Melody Gerard is unhappy when her boss sends her to her sleepy hometown to convince the reluctant townspeople to allow them to build a new discount store. Desperate to get out of town and back to her “real” life, Melody takes a spill and wakes up in an alternate universe where she never left home.
Friday, December 18
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) THE PREACHER’S WIFE
- (9:45 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID – In this ABC Family original movie, Christina Milian stars as high powered Hollywood publicist, Sloane, who finds herself haunted by the ghost of her recently departed infamous client, Caitlin (“Pretty Little Liars’” Ashley Benson), in a modern day take on Charles Dickens’ holiday classic story of A Christmas Carol. (Live Action)
- (12:00PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
- (2:00 PM ET/PT) SNOW 2: BRAIN FREEZE
- (4:15 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (6:30PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING – The half-hour holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing, who are responsible for preparing all of the homes for Santa before the big guy arrives. Featuring the voices of Dave Foley and Sarah Chalke. (Animated)
- (7:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE – Prep & Landing Elves Wayne and Lanny are back to save the day when someone threatens to put the whole world on Santa’s Naughty List. Featuring the voices of Dave Foley, Chris Parnell, and Rob Riggle. (Animated)
- (7:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (9:45 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (12:00AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS
Saturday, December 19
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (9:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (10:30 AM PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
- (12:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (2:30PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (3:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (4:05 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (5:15 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (7:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (9:45 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (12:00AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
Sunday, December 20
- (7:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (8:00AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
- (10:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (12:45PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (3:00 PM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
- (4:45PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (7:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (9:15 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (11:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
Monday, December 21
- (7:00AM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (11:15 AM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
- (1:00PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (2:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (2:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (4:30 PM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (8:45PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (12:00AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
Tuesday, December 22
- (7:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
- (8:00AM ET/PT) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
- (10:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE
- (12:00 PM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID
- (2:15 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
- (4:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
- (5:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
- (8:45PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (12:00AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
Wednesday, December 23
- (7:00AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
- (9:00AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
- (1:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
- (3:15 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (4:15 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (6:30PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
- (7:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
- (7:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (9:45 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (12:00AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
Thursday, December 24
- (7:00AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
- (9:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
- (1:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (3:15PM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
- (5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
- (5:30PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE
- (6:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT
- (6:30 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
- (8:45PM ET/PT) ELF
- (12:00AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
Thursday, December 25
- (7:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER
- (11:00 AM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
- (11:30 AM PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (12:30 PM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
- (2:15 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
- (4:30PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT
- (5:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
- (7:15PM ET/PT) HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE – Based on J.K. Rowling’s popular novels about the boy who lived, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” introduces fans to Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. Invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. At Hogwarts, he finds the home and the family he has never had. (Live Action)
- (12:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
- (1:00AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
Source: ABC Family
RIP Gunner Hansen (1947-2015); the Original Leatherface
Gentler than his iconic horror villain counterpart Leatherface in Tobe Hooper’s 1974 original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, actor Gunner Hansen passed away Saturday evening after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Confirmation was made earlier this morning by Gunner’s agent, Mike Eisenstadt. Hansen was at his home in Northeast Harbor, Main at the time of his death.
Born in 1946 in Reykjavík, Iceland, Hansen moved to the United States at the age of five to Maine. At age 11, his family would settle in Texas. A University of Texas graduate, Hansen would meet director Tobe Hooper upon earning his Masters degree in Scandinavian Studies and English. As they would say, the rest is history.
Aside from acting, Hansen had a career as a writer and editor after The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s initial release. It wasn’t until 1988 when he would regain his itch for acting where he would go on to star in over 20 films, mainly consisting of low-budget horror titles such as Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, Mosquito, and Swarm of the Snakehead. In 2013, Hansen published a book entitled, “Chainsaw Confidential,” an overview of his work on The Texas Chain Saw Massacre wherein he revealed his salary for the film was only $400.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre certainly left its mark in history, laying the foundation for three sequels, two remakes, and a prequel; films which have starred the likes of Renée Zellweger, Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Biel, Alexandria Daddario, R. Lee Ermey, Dennis Hopper, Viggo Mortensen, Scott Eastwood, Jordana Brewster, and Matt Bomer.
It wasn’t until after I watched 2003’s remake, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, that I came became enamored in the franchise and fell in love with Tobe Hooper’s classic. It will go down as one of my all-time favorite movies.
Eisenstadt also stated that Hansen’s original screenplay, Death House, will be moving into production next year in Hansen’s memory. The film is centered around a secret government facility that becomes ground zero for a terrifying prison break.
FANTASTIC BEASTS Plot Details, Cast, and Character Descriptions Officially Revealed
There has been much mystery surrounding the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them plot. What was originally conceived to be a faux documentary based on the life of Newt Scamander, official plot details have now been confirmed. So grab a butter beer and rejoice because not only do we know what the Fantastic Beasts plot is, we also have all the major character descriptions.
Set in the United States during the roaring ’20s, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will now be a full-blown expansion of the Harry Potter Universe. The project was warmly received by fans, but many of us muggles were wondering how they were going to turn an educational catalog into a movie trilogy. However this catalog, like Newt’s magical case he carries, is bigger-on-the-inside than it might appear.
Author and creator J.K. Rowling, who up until this point has only had creative input in the Harry Potter franchise films, penned film’s script as her first ever screenplay. Here’s the official plot synopsis for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly:
Eccentric magizoologist Newt Scamander comes to New York with his trusty weathered case. This case is one of those way-way-way-bigger-on-the-inside magical devices, and within are expansive habitats for a collection of rare and endangered magical creatures from Newt’s travels around globe. He discovers the American wizarding community is fearfully hiding from Muggles and the threat of public exposure is an even graver concern than in the UK. Fantastic Beasts is the story of what happens when this uniquely skilled English wizard travels to wiz-phobic America and a variety of his creatures, some quite dangerous… get out of their case.
Yesterday we got our first look at Fantastic Beasts production images, and now we can put names to faces as Entertainment Weekly also presented character descriptions with their coverage:
Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander – An eccentric globe-hopping English “magizoologist” wizard who’s far more comfortable around beasts and creatures than he is around other people. Comes to New York on a quest with his case full of magical habitats containing rare and endangered species.
As soon as this project was announced, Eddie immediately came to mind. Excited to see him take on this role.
Katherine Waterston as Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein – An ambitious worker at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (aka MACUSA, the U.S. version of the Ministry of Magic) who meets Newt. Tina is relegated to an office well below her abilities after she stood up for the wrong person. She longs to fight for what’s right.
Who did she stand up for and what was the cause she is championing? Also predicting she will be Newt’s love interest.
Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein – Tina’s younger sister and roommate, a big-hearted free-spirit “legilimens” who can read minds.
Jealous, I want to read minds.
Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski – An optimistic No-Maj (aka Muggle) factory worker/aspiring baker who gets introduced to the wizarding world when he meets Newt. Fun fact: He’s the Harry Potter franchise’s first Muggle main character.
Suh-weet, now all of us muggles can feel included.
Colin Farrell as Graves – A powerful auror and the right-hand man of the American wizarding world’s president.
Collin Farrell typically goes for dark and broody. I’ll be interested to see if he will play Graves this way or if he breaks away from that.
Samantha Morton as Mary Lou – The narrow-minded leader of the fanatical Second Salemers, a group looking to expose and destroy wizards and witches.
Sounds like we have our baddy here, can she live up to the wretchedness of Dolores Umbridge?
Ezra Miller as Credence – Perhaps the cast’s most mysterious character. He’s Mary Lou’s troubled adopted son.
I love Ezra Miller, and whenever mystery and troubled are involved, you know this is right up his alley. I’m excited to see how this character pans out.
How do you think these characters will fit into the beloved Harry Potter universe? With absolutely nothing to base their characters on, do you think Newt and the rest will be as memorable as those who were fully developed over the course of seven novels?
Directed by David Yates, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Samantha Morton, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Faith Wood-Blagrove, Jenn Murray, Jon Voight, and Ron Perlman. The film hits theaters on November 18, 2016.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
San Diego Asian Film Festival Feature Schedule Announced at Chew the Scene 2015
The 2015 San Diego Asian Film Festival schedule was announced last night at Pacific Arts Movement’s annual Chew the Scene launch party. The 16th SDAFF will be jam packed with over 130 films from 20 countries at 5 different venues in San Diego this year and will run from November 5-14. The opening night film, Miss India America, will be the feature film debut from first time director Ravi Kapoor. Some may be more familiar with his work as an actor in Crossing Jordon as Dr. “Bug”.
A celebration of the arts and entertainment, Chew the Scene 2015 brought together cinephiles and foodies alike to feast on some of the best Asian cuisine San Diego has to offer, as well as preview the upcoming SDAFF 2015 lineup. The evening’s eats and libations included small plates from Common Theory, Cali Baguette, Fire Horse, Sandwich Emporium, Manila Sunset, Filipino Food & Bakery, Royal India, Bistro West, Tajima, Fry King, and Blush Desserts. Suffice it to say, guests came hungry and dishes were wiped clean.
The 2015 San Diego Asian Festival is broken down into four different categories: Masters, Asian American Panorama, Discoveries, and Asia Pop! Each with their own defining characteristics, there will be a bounty of genres for all to enjoy.
Masters: Fresh from Cannes, Berlin, and other prestigious international film festivals, these are premieres and rediscoveries of works by the world’s best directors.
Asian American Panorama: The best of Asian American cinema in all of its colors – from short film programs and animation, to documentaries about the famous and infamous, to feature-length tales of woe and humor.
Discoveries: From Asia’s most innovative and thought-provoking filmmakers come new stories and new ways of telling them.
Asia Pop!: Films to make you laugh, cry, and cheer, featuring Korean hotties, badminton buddies, imperial intrigue, cute kindergardeners, and women you do not want to mess with.
Chew the Scene 2015 reached its climax by playing a highlight teaser reel of all the films that will be shown during the festival. You can watch the trailer below:
Along with the highlighted feature films, which you can find below, actor Ken Jeong (The Hangover; NBC/Yahoo! Screen’s Community) will also be making an appearance as a guest panelist on Saturday, November 7. Tickets for the festival and events will be available to purchase on the PacArts website.
Without further ado, let’s get on with the lineup!
Opening Night Film
Miss India America (Ravi Kapoor) [USA] 93 mins – Lily is a college-bound valedictorian with a gilded future, so beauty pageants are way below her. But when a case of sass strikes, she finds out what she’s not above: some good ol’ fashioned competition. Thanks to a wily script and Tiya Sircar’s knockout comedic performance, nobody is safe from Lily’s schemes.
- Thursday, November 5 @ 7:00 pm – Museum of Contemporary Art, Sherwood Auditorium
Centerpiece Film
Seoul Searching (Benson Lee) [South Korea, USA] 105 mins – Don’t you forget about 1986, when the Latin Lover collided with the punk and the pastor’s daughter on a Seoul summer camp for overseas Korean youth to discover their roots. And by roots, we mean soju, laughs, and that weird science of young love.
- Sunday, November 8 @ 6:00 pm – UltraStar Mission Valley
Closing Night Film
Made in Japan (Josh Bishop) [USA] 90 mins – Howdy neighbors! So says Tomi Fujiyama to her friends in the U.S. who are about to discover just what kind of neighbor she is. With cowboy hat and guitar, she’s determined to re-take the Grand Ole Opry stage, where in 1964, she became the country music institution’s first Japanese star.
- Friday, November 13 @ 7:00 pm – Museum of Contemporary Art, Sherwood Auditorium
Continue Reading for the Masters Line-up–>
RIP Wes Craven (1939-2015)
Terrible news broke today as prolific horror director/writer Wes Craven has been announced dead after a battle with brain cancer. The famed director of such classic horror titles A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Hills Have Eyes, The Last House on the Left, and Scream passed away at the age of 76. The Hollywood Reporter was first to report Craven’s untimely death.
Unlike most horror junkies, I never grew up on the Elm Street series, but as a baby of the late 80s I was more familiar with the Scream franchise when they arrived on the scene. I knew of Freddy Krueger in image only and would later binge on all of the Elm Street series as an adult. Craven wrote and directed A Nightmare on Elm Street, which sparked many sequels due to Fredd’s terrifying mainstream appeal – iterations he hand no hand in other than the character himself. Wes only came back to the character for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and New Nightmare. Suffice it to say, Freddy would become Robert Englund’s most recognized role in the actor’s long career of character acting.
The Last House on the Left, Wes Craven’s first feature film, I only saw after having seen the remake; the same for The Hills Have Eyes, which is a phenomenal and disturbing remake in my opinion. And despite never having the pleasure of following his career from the beginning, his influence on the horror films I was brought up on is highly apparent.
Wes Craven’s last film was Scream 4, which set out to revitalize the series for the new generation. It didn’t wind up as celebrated as expected, but now we have an MTV series based on the property that has just been renewed for a second season. I won’t pretend to be a Wes Craven aficionado, there are many titles in his filmography I have yet to digest, but I hope to get to them some day.
When I look back at Wes Craven’s career, what I will miss most is his vision that continually pushed the genre to its limits, changing the fabric of horror storytelling for the better.
Another iconic horror director, John Carpenter (The Thing; Halloween; They Live), conveyed his distress on the loss of his friend and colleague:
Other horror directors, such as James Wan (Saw; The Conjuring), Joe Dante (Gremlins), Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, Mother’s Day), Tom Holland (1985’s Fright Night), Ti West (The Sacrament; House of the Devil), and Eli Roth (Hostel; The Green Inferno), posted their condolences on their own social media profiles too:
https://twitter.com/creepypuppet/status/638164117962928128
https://twitter.com/Ti_West/status/638195998079107072
https://twitter.com/eliroth/status/638179292233400321
The stars from Wes Craven’s Scream movies also expressed their deepest sympathies:
https://twitter.com/david_arquette/status/638171127592976384
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/638164915165892608
https://twitter.com/SkeetMe1/status/638170108909608960
If you want to catch up on some of Wes Craven’s film catalog, there are nine titles now available to stream currently on Netflix:
- The Hills Have Eyes 2 (1984)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
- Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
- Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Music of the Heart (1999)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Cursed (2005)
You will be missed Wes Craven. You were an inspiration that will live on through the annals of horror history.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
D23 Expo 2015: Disney Animation Announces ‘Gigantic’ for 2018
To introduce the second feature at D23 Expo during Disney Animation panel, Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter was brought back on stage to announce the development of a new feature-length film, Gigantic. The story is based on the classic tale, Jack and the Beanstalk. “When Disney does a fairy tale, it becomes the definitive version of that story,” said John Lasseter. The studio aims to be the end all be all for this tale.
Production is already underway, with Nathan Greno (Tangled) directing and Dorothy McKim (Get a Horse!) producing. The crack team behind the music of Frozen, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, will be teaming up with Disney once again to write the music for Gigantic. All four were present on stage during the big presentation.
Set in Spain, Gigantic is not aiming to be or will be your traditional Jack and the Beanstalk fare. I can only assume that it wants to distance itself as far away from 2013’s Jack the Giant Killer as possible. It’s the Age of Discovery and upon finding the magic beans, Jack soon uncovers a whole new world of giants. Yes, this sounds very similar to the fairytale we know, but when Jack meets Inma, a “feisty” young giant girl, that’s when the new tale truly begins.
Inma was named after a little girl the filmmakers met in Spain while doing research for Gigantic. In the animated feature, Inma at first believes Jack is a toy. Being at the mercy of her size, Jack is helpless to stop her, but soon the two develop a bond that brings adventure into their lives. Of course it wouldn’t be a Disney movie if they didn’t learn something life changing about themselves as well.
Greno went on to tease the existence of Storm Giants, the big bads in the giant world who cause havoc for all and a force Inma and Jack try to stop. The director describes Gigantic as a “tearjerker,” saying “If we do our jobs right, we hope this will become the definitive version,” he stated. Does Inma fall out of the clouds? They’re really adamant on making audiences forget about Jack killing giants and returning with golden eggs.
A theory I have is that Jack and Inma try to stop the Storm Giants and in the process of doing so Inma falls out of the sky and when Jack arrives back on the ground he is declared a hero. Thus, the fairytale we know is told from the perspective of those who do not know the true story of Jack and Inma. If that’s the case, I’d be really on board for this kind of tragic tale told as an animated story.
A pre-visualized clip of Gigantic was shown at the end of the presentation that depicted the beanstalk sprouting up into the sky. Jack was shown climbing, eventually reaching the land of giants, with what appears to be Inma chasing after him. Skipping ahead, the two are shown enjoying each other’s company.
To cap off the presentation, a clip of the latest song from Anderson-Lopez and Lopez was played with the duo singing it for the D23 Expo crowd. The lyrics go as following:
I love my little man, I love my little man, you can make him do this, you can make him do this.
You can wash him in a dish, be care he gets ticklish, my teeny little man.
In a life that’s kind of lonely, I thought if only, I had a little man.
Here’s the official production notes on Gigantic courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios:
“GIGANTIC” TAKES ROOT – Things are looking up at Walt Disney Animation Studios – way up. “Gigantic,” Disney’s unique take on “Jack and the Beanstalk,” will feature music from Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who greeted D23 EXPO fans in signature style—in song—alongside director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”) and producer Dorothy McKim (“Get A Horse!”). Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Disney’s “Gigantic” follows adventure-seeker Jack as he discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds. He hatches a grand plan with Inma, a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl, and agrees to help her find her way home. But he doesn’t account for her super-sized personality—and who knew giants were so down to earth?
And here’s the official plot plot synopsis:
DOWN TO EARTH — Adventure-seeker Jack discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds, hatching a grand plan with Inma, a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl. Directed by Nathan Greno (“Tangled”) and produced by Dorothy McKim (“Get A Horse!”).
Gigantic hits theaters on March 9, 2018.
Turn The Right Corner 