Painterly animation gets a new twist in Netflix’s “The Magician’s Elephant” (currently streaming), directed by VFX supervisor Wendy Rogers. Adapted from Kate Dicamillo’s 2009 children’s book about two siblings separated by war, the first-time director sought a soft aesthetic to help convey magical realism.
“When I came to the project, it already had producer Julia Pistor [‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’], and they switched from live action to animation,” Rogers told IndieWire. “I met Julia and pitched my vision to Netflix and was lucky to get it.” Rogers wanted the world and overall animation style to be physically grounded, while the soft cloud-filled sky and painted texturing served as part of the magical realism.
“I think the themes that are in the book — belief in the impossible and taking action on that belief through curiosity and always questioning the world — are inspiring,” she added.
When young Peter (Noah Jupe) asks a fortune teller...
“When I came to the project, it already had producer Julia Pistor [‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’], and they switched from live action to animation,” Rogers told IndieWire. “I met Julia and pitched my vision to Netflix and was lucky to get it.” Rogers wanted the world and overall animation style to be physically grounded, while the soft cloud-filled sky and painted texturing served as part of the magical realism.
“I think the themes that are in the book — belief in the impossible and taking action on that belief through curiosity and always questioning the world — are inspiring,” she added.
When young Peter (Noah Jupe) asks a fortune teller...
- 3/17/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The first trailer for Netflix’s upcoming animated adventure The Magician’s Elephant teases an enchanting adaptation of Newbery-winning author Kate Dicamillo’s 2009 novel.
In a nearly two-minute first look at the animated feature premiering globally on March 17 and helmed by first-time director and animation and vfx veteran Wendy Rogers (Puss in Boots, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian), the streamer promises an emotionally heartfelt and visually stunning coming-of-age fable about the desire to connect and belong, embracing possibility and the power of hope and compassion.
“The first time I watched the movie, I was struck by the sheer beauty of it — it is a gorgeous film visually,” Dicamillo says of the Rogers-helmed adaptation. “But also, there is a real, genuine heart to the film. It is deeply moving. That is the true magic of it.”
Coming more than a decade after an adaptation was first announced with producer Julia Pistor...
In a nearly two-minute first look at the animated feature premiering globally on March 17 and helmed by first-time director and animation and vfx veteran Wendy Rogers (Puss in Boots, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian), the streamer promises an emotionally heartfelt and visually stunning coming-of-age fable about the desire to connect and belong, embracing possibility and the power of hope and compassion.
“The first time I watched the movie, I was struck by the sheer beauty of it — it is a gorgeous film visually,” Dicamillo says of the Rogers-helmed adaptation. “But also, there is a real, genuine heart to the film. It is deeply moving. That is the true magic of it.”
Coming more than a decade after an adaptation was first announced with producer Julia Pistor...
- 2/16/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden will be introducing National Geographic’s latest series “America’s National Parks,” set to premiere Aug. 29. Narrated by Garth Brooks, the five-part docuseries celebrates the world-famous and lesser-known national parks across the U.S., from Yosemite to Big Bend National Park.
The series will first be introduced by Dr. Biden from the Grand Canyon. “America’s national parks are full of unrivaled natural beauty, geological wonders, cultural history and amazing wildlife,” Dr. Biden said as part of her introduction to the series. “Each national park connects people to a piece of the American story — who we are and where we came from. With at least one national park in every state, all Americans can enjoy them.”
In participation with the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative, National Geographic will also premiere a PSA throughout the five-night event showcasing Dr. Biden’s appreciation for the military community.
The series will first be introduced by Dr. Biden from the Grand Canyon. “America’s national parks are full of unrivaled natural beauty, geological wonders, cultural history and amazing wildlife,” Dr. Biden said as part of her introduction to the series. “Each national park connects people to a piece of the American story — who we are and where we came from. With at least one national park in every state, all Americans can enjoy them.”
In participation with the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative, National Geographic will also premiere a PSA throughout the five-night event showcasing Dr. Biden’s appreciation for the military community.
- 8/9/2022
- by Carson Burton and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Great Wolf Resorts’ new division Great Wolf Entertainment is under way on its first animated production, “The Great Wolf Pack.”
The hospitality brand has recruited a group of animation veterans to bring its familiar characters to branded entertainment properties. Chris Bailey (“Garfield: The Movie”) will direct “The Great Wolf Pack,” with Julia Pistor as executive producer alongside writer Kent Redeker (“Doc McStuffins”). The production team includes Academy Award winning animation studio Six Point Harness.
Bringing to life the vacation brand’s stable of woodland creatures, “The Great Wolf Pack” follows Wiley Wolf, Violet Wolf, Oliver Raccoon, Sammy Squirrel and Brinley Bear, who are anointed by the Great Wolf Spirit as the Great Wolf Pack. Through a magical geyser, they transport to whimsical worlds where they put to use the power of the Pack to overcome various dilemmas. Only by joining together in friendship and combining their unique talents and flaws...
The hospitality brand has recruited a group of animation veterans to bring its familiar characters to branded entertainment properties. Chris Bailey (“Garfield: The Movie”) will direct “The Great Wolf Pack,” with Julia Pistor as executive producer alongside writer Kent Redeker (“Doc McStuffins”). The production team includes Academy Award winning animation studio Six Point Harness.
Bringing to life the vacation brand’s stable of woodland creatures, “The Great Wolf Pack” follows Wiley Wolf, Violet Wolf, Oliver Raccoon, Sammy Squirrel and Brinley Bear, who are anointed by the Great Wolf Spirit as the Great Wolf Pack. Through a magical geyser, they transport to whimsical worlds where they put to use the power of the Pack to overcome various dilemmas. Only by joining together in friendship and combining their unique talents and flaws...
- 6/25/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has unveiled the animated feature film “The Magician’s Elephant,” with a voice cast including Noah Jupe, Pixie Davies, Sian Clifford, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Brian Tyree Henry and Benedict Wong.
“The Magician’s Elephant” is based on Newbery Award winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same title. The film, currently in production, marks the directorial debut of visual effects veteran Wendy Rogers — whose credits include “Shrek,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Puss in Boots” — and is produced by Julia Pistor.
The voice cast also includes Aasif Mandvi, Mandy Patinkin, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
“Toy Story 4” writer Martin Hynes has written the script. Animal Logic is handling the computer imagery for “The Magician’s Elephant.”
The story centers on Peter (voiced by Jupe), who is searching for his long-lost sister Adel (voiced by Pixie Davies). He crosses paths with a fortune teller...
“The Magician’s Elephant” is based on Newbery Award winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same title. The film, currently in production, marks the directorial debut of visual effects veteran Wendy Rogers — whose credits include “Shrek,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Puss in Boots” — and is produced by Julia Pistor.
The voice cast also includes Aasif Mandvi, Mandy Patinkin, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
“Toy Story 4” writer Martin Hynes has written the script. Animal Logic is handling the computer imagery for “The Magician’s Elephant.”
The story centers on Peter (voiced by Jupe), who is searching for his long-lost sister Adel (voiced by Pixie Davies). He crosses paths with a fortune teller...
- 12/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has set an all-star voice cast and stellar creative team for new animation The Magician’s Elephant, we can reveal.
Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Sian Clifford (Fleabag), Pixie Davies (Mary Poppins Returns), Natasia Demetriou (What We Do In The Shadows), Dawn French (French & Saunders), Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Aasif Mandvi (Evil), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Miranda Richardson (Belle), Cree Summer (Vampirina) and Lorraine Toussaint (Concrete Cowboy) will voice the movie, which is currently in production.
Based on two-time Newbery Award-winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name, the film marks the directorial debut of veteran visual effects artist Wendy Rogers (Shrek) and is produced by animation vet Julia Pistor (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).
Script comes from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4), production design from Max Boas (Abominable), art direction from Luri Lioi (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy), editing by...
Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Sian Clifford (Fleabag), Pixie Davies (Mary Poppins Returns), Natasia Demetriou (What We Do In The Shadows), Dawn French (French & Saunders), Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Aasif Mandvi (Evil), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Miranda Richardson (Belle), Cree Summer (Vampirina) and Lorraine Toussaint (Concrete Cowboy) will voice the movie, which is currently in production.
Based on two-time Newbery Award-winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name, the film marks the directorial debut of veteran visual effects artist Wendy Rogers (Shrek) and is produced by animation vet Julia Pistor (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).
Script comes from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4), production design from Max Boas (Abominable), art direction from Luri Lioi (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy), editing by...
- 12/15/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Noah Jupe, Brian Tyree Henry, Mandy Patinkin, and Benedict Wong have been lined up to voice star in The Magician’s Elephant, Netflix’s animated adaptation of the book of the same name by Kate DeCamilo.
The voice cast also includes Sian Clifford, Pixie Davies, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Aasif Mandvi, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
Currently in production, the film marks the directorial debut of visual effects vet Wendy Rogers, who served as VFX supervisor on The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as well as animated feature Flushed Away. Julia Pistor is on board to produce.
The Magician’s Elephant, adapted for the ...
The voice cast also includes Sian Clifford, Pixie Davies, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Aasif Mandvi, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
Currently in production, the film marks the directorial debut of visual effects vet Wendy Rogers, who served as VFX supervisor on The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as well as animated feature Flushed Away. Julia Pistor is on board to produce.
The Magician’s Elephant, adapted for the ...
- 12/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Noah Jupe, Brian Tyree Henry, Mandy Patinkin, and Benedict Wong have been lined up to voice star in The Magician’s Elephant, Netflix’s animated adaptation of the book of the same name by Kate DeCamilo.
The voice cast also includes Sian Clifford, Pixie Davies, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Aasif Mandvi, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
Currently in production, the film marks the directorial debut of visual effects vet Wendy Rogers, who served as VFX supervisor on The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as well as animated feature Flushed Away. Julia Pistor is on board to produce.
The Magician’s Elephant, adapted for the ...
The voice cast also includes Sian Clifford, Pixie Davies, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Aasif Mandvi, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
Currently in production, the film marks the directorial debut of visual effects vet Wendy Rogers, who served as VFX supervisor on The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as well as animated feature Flushed Away. Julia Pistor is on board to produce.
The Magician’s Elephant, adapted for the ...
- 12/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paramount Pictures released a new trailer for upcoming movie “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” on Tuesday. It’s no cartoon and it’s not for preschoolers, but the fart jokes at the end of the new preview promise that the feature film adaptation is not for a Much more mature audience.
After spending most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents (Eva Longoria and Michael Peña), Dora (Isabela Moner) sets out on her most dangerous adventure ever — high school.
Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a ragtag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost city of gold.
Also Read: 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold' Trailer Shows the Explorer Facing the Jungle of High School (Video)
Adriana Barraza,...
After spending most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents (Eva Longoria and Michael Peña), Dora (Isabela Moner) sets out on her most dangerous adventure ever — high school.
Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a ragtag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost city of gold.
Also Read: 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold' Trailer Shows the Explorer Facing the Jungle of High School (Video)
Adriana Barraza,...
- 7/9/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Paramount Pictures released the first trailer Saturday for Dora and the Lost City of Gold.
The live-action film is based on the popular Nickelodeon animated series, Dora the Explorer, and stars Eva Longoria, Michael Peña, and Isabela Moner in the title role.
After spending most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, Dora prepares to leap into her most challenging adventure yet – high school. Always the explorer, she quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a rag-tag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.
The film is directed by James Bobin, with Julia Pistor, John G. Scottiserving, and Derbez serving as executive producers. The screenplay is written by Nicholas Stoller and Matthew Robinson, from a story by Tom Wheeler.
Check out the trailer above.
The live-action film is based on the popular Nickelodeon animated series, Dora the Explorer, and stars Eva Longoria, Michael Peña, and Isabela Moner in the title role.
After spending most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, Dora prepares to leap into her most challenging adventure yet – high school. Always the explorer, she quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a rag-tag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.
The film is directed by James Bobin, with Julia Pistor, John G. Scottiserving, and Derbez serving as executive producers. The screenplay is written by Nicholas Stoller and Matthew Robinson, from a story by Tom Wheeler.
Check out the trailer above.
- 3/24/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ Trailer Shows the Explorer Facing the Jungle of High School (Video)
Dora the Explorer faces one of the most unruly jungles ever — the modern big-city high school — in the first trailer for Paramount’s “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” which was released Saturday.
Isabela Moner, who was last seen in “Instant Family” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” stars as a teenage version of the cartoon Nickelodeon hero. She’s out to save her parents and discover the secret of a lost city of gold in a new adventure — along with her trusty backpack and blue monkey pal Boots.
After spending most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents (Eva Longoria and Michael Peña), Dora (Moner) sets out on her most dangerous adventure ever — high school.
Also Read: 'Dora the Explorer' Discovers El Dorado as New Poster Unveils Title for Live-Action Film
Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a...
Isabela Moner, who was last seen in “Instant Family” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” stars as a teenage version of the cartoon Nickelodeon hero. She’s out to save her parents and discover the secret of a lost city of gold in a new adventure — along with her trusty backpack and blue monkey pal Boots.
After spending most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents (Eva Longoria and Michael Peña), Dora (Moner) sets out on her most dangerous adventure ever — high school.
Also Read: 'Dora the Explorer' Discovers El Dorado as New Poster Unveils Title for Live-Action Film
Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a...
- 3/24/2019
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Say “Backpack” kids, because it’s time for some exploring!
The live-action “Dora the Explorer” movie has a pair of new posters that have also revealed the new title for the film, “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.” And we’ve also got a first look at Dora’s pal monkey Boots and her trusty Backpack.
Isabela Moner, who was last seen in “Instant Family” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” stars as a teenage version of the cartoon Nickelodeon hero. She’s out to save her parents and discover the secret of a lost city of gold in a new adventure. Here’s the full synopsis:
Also Read: Benicio del Toro to Voice Swiper the Fox in 'Dora the Explorer' Live-Action Film
Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora (Isabela Moner) for her most dangerous adventure ever – High School.
The live-action “Dora the Explorer” movie has a pair of new posters that have also revealed the new title for the film, “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.” And we’ve also got a first look at Dora’s pal monkey Boots and her trusty Backpack.
Isabela Moner, who was last seen in “Instant Family” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” stars as a teenage version of the cartoon Nickelodeon hero. She’s out to save her parents and discover the secret of a lost city of gold in a new adventure. Here’s the full synopsis:
Also Read: Benicio del Toro to Voice Swiper the Fox in 'Dora the Explorer' Live-Action Film
Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora (Isabela Moner) for her most dangerous adventure ever – High School.
- 3/21/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Noah Centineo in Talks to Play He-Man in Sony and Mattel Films ‘Masters of the Universe’ (Exclusive)
Noah Centineo is in talks to play the lead role of He-Man in Sony Pictures and Mattel Films “Masters of the Universe,” an individual with knowledge of the project exclusively tells TheWrap.
Aaron and Adam Nee are set to direct from a script rewritten by “Iron Man” screenwriters Matt Holloway and Art Marcum. The Nee Brothers also have screenwriting credit.
The project was previously written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer.
Based on Mattel’s hugely successful 1980s toy line, “Masters of the Universe” follows Prince Adam, heir to the throne of planet Eternia, who uses the magical Power Sword to transform into the heroic warrior He-Man. With the help of his allies Teela, Man-at-Arms, Orko and The Sorceress, He-Man defends the kingdom from the evil wizard Skeletor (so-named because his face...
Aaron and Adam Nee are set to direct from a script rewritten by “Iron Man” screenwriters Matt Holloway and Art Marcum. The Nee Brothers also have screenwriting credit.
The project was previously written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer.
Based on Mattel’s hugely successful 1980s toy line, “Masters of the Universe” follows Prince Adam, heir to the throne of planet Eternia, who uses the magical Power Sword to transform into the heroic warrior He-Man. With the help of his allies Teela, Man-at-Arms, Orko and The Sorceress, He-Man defends the kingdom from the evil wizard Skeletor (so-named because his face...
- 3/20/2019
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
“Iron Man” screenwriters Matt Holloway and Art Marcum are in talks to rewrite “Masters of the Universe” for Sony Pictures and Mattel Films, individuals with knowledge of the project tell TheWrap.
The duo most recently wrote “Men in Black: International” for the studio.
The project was previously written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer. Aaron and Adam Nee are set to direct the project.
Set on the planet Eternia, the story follows a warrior named Prince Adam, who turns into the heroic He-Man and battles a villain named Skeletor out to conquer Castle Grayskull.
The “He-Man” franchise began as a successful toy line from Mattel and was turned into a cult hit kids’ TV series in 1983. Four years later, the series was adapted into a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as his nemesis,...
The duo most recently wrote “Men in Black: International” for the studio.
The project was previously written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer. Aaron and Adam Nee are set to direct the project.
Set on the planet Eternia, the story follows a warrior named Prince Adam, who turns into the heroic He-Man and battles a villain named Skeletor out to conquer Castle Grayskull.
The “He-Man” franchise began as a successful toy line from Mattel and was turned into a cult hit kids’ TV series in 1983. Four years later, the series was adapted into a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as his nemesis,...
- 1/11/2019
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Jack Black has revealed that he wants to make a sequel to his 2006 wrestling comedy Nacho Libre.
The actor, speaking on British talkshow The Jonathan Ross Show, admitted, “I’ve always wanted to do another Nacho Libre.”
The film, which was written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and Mike White and directed by Jared Hess, was loosely based on the story of Fray Tormenta, a Mexican Catholic priest who had a 23-year career as a masked luchador and competed in order to support the orphanage he ran.
Black produced the film with White, David Klawans and Julia Pistor, which went on to gross around $100M worldwide for Paramount Pictures against a budget of $35M. In the film, Black played Ignacio, a cook for a Mexican orphanage, who turns to wrestling after he was robbed for the the tortilla chips he was collecting for the orphans.
The Jumanji star has previously...
The actor, speaking on British talkshow The Jonathan Ross Show, admitted, “I’ve always wanted to do another Nacho Libre.”
The film, which was written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and Mike White and directed by Jared Hess, was loosely based on the story of Fray Tormenta, a Mexican Catholic priest who had a 23-year career as a masked luchador and competed in order to support the orphanage he ran.
Black produced the film with White, David Klawans and Julia Pistor, which went on to gross around $100M worldwide for Paramount Pictures against a budget of $35M. In the film, Black played Ignacio, a cook for a Mexican orphanage, who turns to wrestling after he was robbed for the the tortilla chips he was collecting for the orphans.
The Jumanji star has previously...
- 9/6/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Pena is joining the live-action “Dora the Explorer” movie as the father of the title character.
Isabela Moner is playing Dora in Paramount’s film adaptation of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series and Eva Longoria is portraying her mother. Paramount has set an Aug. 2, 2019, release date.
Kristin Burr is producing the movie, which has been in the works since 2015. The executive producers are John G. Scotti, Julia Pistor, and Eugenio Derbez, who is also co-starring, along with Micke Moreno, Nicholas Coombe, Madeleine Madden, Adriana Barraza, and Temuera Morrison.
“Dora the Explorer” was developed through the studio’s Paramount Players division, which hired writer-director Nick Stoller in October to work on the script. James Bobin, whose credits include “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “Muppets Most Wanted,” is directing. Production recently launched in Queensland, Australia.
The production companies are Paramount Players, Nickelodeon, and Walden Media. The “Dora the Explorer” animated...
Isabela Moner is playing Dora in Paramount’s film adaptation of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series and Eva Longoria is portraying her mother. Paramount has set an Aug. 2, 2019, release date.
Kristin Burr is producing the movie, which has been in the works since 2015. The executive producers are John G. Scotti, Julia Pistor, and Eugenio Derbez, who is also co-starring, along with Micke Moreno, Nicholas Coombe, Madeleine Madden, Adriana Barraza, and Temuera Morrison.
“Dora the Explorer” was developed through the studio’s Paramount Players division, which hired writer-director Nick Stoller in October to work on the script. James Bobin, whose credits include “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “Muppets Most Wanted,” is directing. Production recently launched in Queensland, Australia.
The production companies are Paramount Players, Nickelodeon, and Walden Media. The “Dora the Explorer” animated...
- 8/21/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Eva Longoria is joining Paramount’s live-action “Dora the Explorer” movie. She will portray the mother of the title character.
Isabela Moner is playing Dora in the movie version of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series. Paramount has set an Aug. 2, 2019 release date.
Kristin Burr is producing the movie, which has been in the works since 2015. Executive producers are John G. Scotti, Julia Pistor and Eugenio Derbez, who is also co-starring along with Micke Moreno, Nicholas Coombe, Madeleine Madden, Adriana Barraza and Temuera Morrison.
“Dora the Explorer” was developed through the studio’s Paramount Players division, which hired writer-director Nick Stoller in October to work on the script. James Bobin, whose credits include “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “Muppets Most Wanted, is directing.
Production companies are Paramount Players, Nickelodeon and Walden Media. The animated “Dora the Explorer” television series ran on Nickelodeon from 2000-2014 for eight seasons with 172 episodes aired.
Isabela Moner is playing Dora in the movie version of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series. Paramount has set an Aug. 2, 2019 release date.
Kristin Burr is producing the movie, which has been in the works since 2015. Executive producers are John G. Scotti, Julia Pistor and Eugenio Derbez, who is also co-starring along with Micke Moreno, Nicholas Coombe, Madeleine Madden, Adriana Barraza and Temuera Morrison.
“Dora the Explorer” was developed through the studio’s Paramount Players division, which hired writer-director Nick Stoller in October to work on the script. James Bobin, whose credits include “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “Muppets Most Wanted, is directing.
Production companies are Paramount Players, Nickelodeon and Walden Media. The animated “Dora the Explorer” television series ran on Nickelodeon from 2000-2014 for eight seasons with 172 episodes aired.
- 8/20/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Hilary Swank will play a seductive detective, “Dora the Explorer” starts production, and Richard Stanley’s “Malware” gets an additional producer.
Casting
Hilary Swank has come on board Deon Taylor’s thriller “Fatale,” which begins shooting in September in Los Angeles.
“Fatale” centers on a married man being tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective, portrayed by Swank. Taylor is directing and producing with his Hidden Empire Film Group partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. David Loughery wrote the screenplay.
Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales. Avent will oversee the production for Hidden Empire Film Group, which is fully financing the movie.
Swank’s family drama “What They Had” opens in October through Bleecker Street. She won Oscars for “Million Dollar Baby” and “Boys Don’t Cry.”
Swank and Taylor are both represented by Wme. Swank’s attorney is Jeffrey Bernstein.
Casting
Hilary Swank has come on board Deon Taylor’s thriller “Fatale,” which begins shooting in September in Los Angeles.
“Fatale” centers on a married man being tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective, portrayed by Swank. Taylor is directing and producing with his Hidden Empire Film Group partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. David Loughery wrote the screenplay.
Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales. Avent will oversee the production for Hidden Empire Film Group, which is fully financing the movie.
Swank’s family drama “What They Had” opens in October through Bleecker Street. She won Oscars for “Million Dollar Baby” and “Boys Don’t Cry.”
Swank and Taylor are both represented by Wme. Swank’s attorney is Jeffrey Bernstein.
- 8/11/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
First Look at Isabela Moner as Dora in the film Dora The Explorer by Paramount Players
Dora The Explorer is coming to cinemas next summer on August 2, 2019.
Paramount Players announced today that the motion picture adaptation of Nickelodeon’s Peabody Award-winning children’s animated series, Dora the Explorer, began principal photography on location in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, on Monday, August 6, 2018. The production, being directed by 11-time Emmy and four-time BAFTA nominee James Bobin marks the lovable Latina character’s big screen debut (and first live-action adaptation on any platform) after fourteen seasons (2000-2014) and 172 episodes on Viacom’s enduring children’s cable network. The film is a Paramount Players and Nickelodeon production in association with Walden Media. The film is being supported by the Queensland Government via Screenland Queensland. Paramount will release the film on August 2, 2019.
Dora the Explorer stars Isabela Moner in the film’s title role. Having...
Dora The Explorer is coming to cinemas next summer on August 2, 2019.
Paramount Players announced today that the motion picture adaptation of Nickelodeon’s Peabody Award-winning children’s animated series, Dora the Explorer, began principal photography on location in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, on Monday, August 6, 2018. The production, being directed by 11-time Emmy and four-time BAFTA nominee James Bobin marks the lovable Latina character’s big screen debut (and first live-action adaptation on any platform) after fourteen seasons (2000-2014) and 172 episodes on Viacom’s enduring children’s cable network. The film is a Paramount Players and Nickelodeon production in association with Walden Media. The film is being supported by the Queensland Government via Screenland Queensland. Paramount will release the film on August 2, 2019.
Dora the Explorer stars Isabela Moner in the film’s title role. Having...
- 8/10/2018
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Dora's biggest adventure yet starts now, as filming on the live-action movie begins today, we get our first image of the character and new details on the plot. Come inside to learn more!
Today's the start of production on the upcoming live-action Dora The Explorer movie. To mark the occasion, Paramount has released the first look at actress Isabela Moner suited up for the role, along with more details on the rest of cast and story...and I'm not sure what to think.
As a parent, I've watched a Lot of Dora the Explorer. I watched it 6-7 years ago with my son (when he was a toddler) and I'm watching it every day now with my daughter (currently a toddler). While the outfit is a very literal translation from the cartoon, it still feels off. Part of which has to do with the new High School setting, which is...
Today's the start of production on the upcoming live-action Dora The Explorer movie. To mark the occasion, Paramount has released the first look at actress Isabela Moner suited up for the role, along with more details on the rest of cast and story...and I'm not sure what to think.
As a parent, I've watched a Lot of Dora the Explorer. I watched it 6-7 years ago with my son (when he was a toddler) and I'm watching it every day now with my daughter (currently a toddler). While the outfit is a very literal translation from the cartoon, it still feels off. Part of which has to do with the new High School setting, which is...
- 8/10/2018
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Aaron and Adam Nee have been tapped by Sony Pictures and Mattel to direct “Masters of the Universe,” an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
Sony has set “Masters of the Universe” to be released on Dec. 18, 2019. The project is written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer.
Set on the planet Eternia, the story follows a warrior named Prince Adam who turns into the heroic He-Man and battles a villain named Skeletor out to conquer Castle Grayskull.
Also Read: 'Masters of the Universe' Gets Release Date, Starts Search for Director
The “He-Man” franchise began as a successful toy line from Mattel and was turned into a cult hit kids’ TV series in 1983. Four years later, the series was turned into a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as his nemesis, Skeletor.
The film is being produced by Escape Artists principals Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch, along with DeVon Franklin. Mattel is also involved with the movie, as its execs Julia Pistor and David Voss will executive produce on behalf of the company. Sony exec Matthew Milam will oversee the project for the studio.
The Nee brothers are represented by CAA.
Variety first reported the news.
Read original story Nee Brothers to Direct ‘Masters of the Universe’ For Sony At TheWrap...
Sony has set “Masters of the Universe” to be released on Dec. 18, 2019. The project is written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer.
Set on the planet Eternia, the story follows a warrior named Prince Adam who turns into the heroic He-Man and battles a villain named Skeletor out to conquer Castle Grayskull.
Also Read: 'Masters of the Universe' Gets Release Date, Starts Search for Director
The “He-Man” franchise began as a successful toy line from Mattel and was turned into a cult hit kids’ TV series in 1983. Four years later, the series was turned into a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as his nemesis, Skeletor.
The film is being produced by Escape Artists principals Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch, along with DeVon Franklin. Mattel is also involved with the movie, as its execs Julia Pistor and David Voss will executive produce on behalf of the company. Sony exec Matthew Milam will oversee the project for the studio.
The Nee brothers are represented by CAA.
Variety first reported the news.
Read original story Nee Brothers to Direct ‘Masters of the Universe’ For Sony At TheWrap...
- 4/19/2018
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Diablo Cody is working on the script for the upcoming live-action Barbie film.
The Oscar-winning writer of Juno will update the first draft penned by Sex and the City's Jenny Bicks, Deadline reports.
Producer Walter Parkes said: "Diablo's unconventionality is just what Barbie needs. It signals we're going for a legitimately contemporary tone.
"We're bringing her on because she had great ideas, but even more importantly, she truly loves Barbie."
Parkes is producing alongside Laurie MacDonald and Amy Pascal for Sony.
Julia Pistor is serving as executive producer for Mattel's Playground Productions, while Hannah Minghella and Lauren Abrahams will executive produce for the studio.
Cody is also known for her work on Jennifer's Body and Young Adult. She made her directorial debut with Paradise in 2013.
The Oscar-winning writer of Juno will update the first draft penned by Sex and the City's Jenny Bicks, Deadline reports.
Producer Walter Parkes said: "Diablo's unconventionality is just what Barbie needs. It signals we're going for a legitimately contemporary tone.
"We're bringing her on because she had great ideas, but even more importantly, she truly loves Barbie."
Parkes is producing alongside Laurie MacDonald and Amy Pascal for Sony.
Julia Pistor is serving as executive producer for Mattel's Playground Productions, while Hannah Minghella and Lauren Abrahams will executive produce for the studio.
Cody is also known for her work on Jennifer's Body and Young Adult. She made her directorial debut with Paradise in 2013.
- 3/5/2015
- Digital Spy
“Kick-Ass 2″ director-writer Jeff Wadlow finished rewriting the script for “Masters of the Universe,” an adaptation of the classic ’80s cartoon and popular line of action figures.
‘The filmmaker, who previously wrote and directed “Cry_Wolf,” took the script over in April. According to Sony producer DeVon Franklin, he finished the draft at some point over the holidays.
“@JeffWadlow is working [24-7],” Franklin tweeted on Dec. 24. “We’ll have a draft into the studio for the holidays. By the power of Grayskull, this will happen!”
Also read: Rip Saturday Morning Cartoons: 7 Animated Classics That Need a Reboot
Whether it came by...
‘The filmmaker, who previously wrote and directed “Cry_Wolf,” took the script over in April. According to Sony producer DeVon Franklin, he finished the draft at some point over the holidays.
“@JeffWadlow is working [24-7],” Franklin tweeted on Dec. 24. “We’ll have a draft into the studio for the holidays. By the power of Grayskull, this will happen!”
Also read: Rip Saturday Morning Cartoons: 7 Animated Classics That Need a Reboot
Whether it came by...
- 1/4/2015
- by Travis Reilly
- The Wrap
Dolphin Films announced (13) that the actress has signed on to play Molly McGrath, the resilient single mother of protagonist Max McGrath in Dolphin Films’ upcoming Mattel adaptation.
Fledgling division Dolphin Films International and Im Global are handling international sales through their multi-year partnership and Open Road plans a wide Us release.
Bello joins a cast that includes Andy Garcia as the mysterious scientist Dr Miles Edwards, Ben Winchell as Max McGrath and Ana Villafañe as Sofia Martinez.
Stewart Hendler directs from a screenplay by Christopher Yost. Dolphin Films CEO Bill O’Dowd produces with Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
“Maria Bello is a critically acclaimed actress who immediately grounds her role and elevates our film,” said O’Dowd. “She brings the perfect blend of compassion, strength and intrigue to the Molly McGrath character, who is absolutely essential in the Max Steel mythology.”
Bello will be seen later this year starring opposite Kevin Costner in [link...
Fledgling division Dolphin Films International and Im Global are handling international sales through their multi-year partnership and Open Road plans a wide Us release.
Bello joins a cast that includes Andy Garcia as the mysterious scientist Dr Miles Edwards, Ben Winchell as Max McGrath and Ana Villafañe as Sofia Martinez.
Stewart Hendler directs from a screenplay by Christopher Yost. Dolphin Films CEO Bill O’Dowd produces with Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
“Maria Bello is a critically acclaimed actress who immediately grounds her role and elevates our film,” said O’Dowd. “She brings the perfect blend of compassion, strength and intrigue to the Molly McGrath character, who is absolutely essential in the Max Steel mythology.”
Bello will be seen later this year starring opposite Kevin Costner in [link...
- 5/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Two-time Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello has joined the cast “Max Steel,” based on the popular superhero property from Mattel, which is producing with Dolphin Films. Open Road will release the film in theaters in 2015. Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”) is directing from a script by Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”). Julia Pistor is producing for Mattel's Playground Productions. Also read: Maria Bello Reveals Lesbian Relationship, Embraces Her Post-Modern Family “Max Steel” is an origin story that will chronicle the adventures of 16-year old Max McGrath and alien companion Steel, who must harness and combine their tremendous new powers to.
- 5/13/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Dolphin Films International and Im Global have announced sales for Max Steel, the live-action feature based on Mattel’s superhero property that launched at the Efm in Berlin.
Rights have gone to France (Metropolitan Film Export), Germany (Universum Film), Italy (Lucky Red), Latin America (Leda Films), Russia/Cis (Central Partnership), Greece (Feel Good Entertainment), Turkey (Media Max) and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro (Pa Dora).
Further deals have closed in Poland (Polsat), Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam (Mvp Entertainment), Indonesia (Cinema 21), Philippines (Pioneer Films), South Korea (Focus & Company), Israel (United King Video), Middle East (Selim Ramia) and South Africa (Ster-Kinekor).
Max Steel is currently shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina, and stars Andy Garcia, Ben Winchell in the lead and Ana Villafañe.
Stewart Hendler directs from a screenplay by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost. O’Dowd is producing alongside Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
“We couldn...
Rights have gone to France (Metropolitan Film Export), Germany (Universum Film), Italy (Lucky Red), Latin America (Leda Films), Russia/Cis (Central Partnership), Greece (Feel Good Entertainment), Turkey (Media Max) and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro (Pa Dora).
Further deals have closed in Poland (Polsat), Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam (Mvp Entertainment), Indonesia (Cinema 21), Philippines (Pioneer Films), South Korea (Focus & Company), Israel (United King Video), Middle East (Selim Ramia) and South Africa (Ster-Kinekor).
Max Steel is currently shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina, and stars Andy Garcia, Ben Winchell in the lead and Ana Villafañe.
Stewart Hendler directs from a screenplay by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost. O’Dowd is producing alongside Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
“We couldn...
- 5/8/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Oscar-nominated actor Andy Garcia has signed on to star in “Max Steel,” based on the popular superhero property from Mattel, which is producing with Dolphin Films. Open Road will release the film in theaters in 2015. Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”) is directing from a script by Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”). Julia Pistor, who is no stranger to family entertainment, is producing for Mattel's Playground Productions (“Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events”). Also read: ‘Max Steel’ Headed to Big Screen in Deal Between Mattel and Dolphin Entertainment “Max Steel” is an origin story that will chronicle the adventures of.
- 4/29/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Photos: © Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation today announced a partnership on a live-action comedy featuring the beloved and dynamic icon Barbie.
The studio sees this as its next big, global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year. Written by Jenny Bicks (Rio 2) and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald (Men In Black 3, Flight), the film will be executive produced by Parkes+MacDonald’s president Marc Resteghini alongside Julia Pistor, who will executive produce for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
From princess to president, mermaid to movie star, Barbie® has done it all – through her more than 150 careers, she has gained valuable experiences and shown her fans that anything is possible for a modern woman.
In her live-action big screen debut, Barbie will inhabit many of these roles, utilizing her personal and professional...
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation today announced a partnership on a live-action comedy featuring the beloved and dynamic icon Barbie.
The studio sees this as its next big, global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year. Written by Jenny Bicks (Rio 2) and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald (Men In Black 3, Flight), the film will be executive produced by Parkes+MacDonald’s president Marc Resteghini alongside Julia Pistor, who will executive produce for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
From princess to president, mermaid to movie star, Barbie® has done it all – through her more than 150 careers, she has gained valuable experiences and shown her fans that anything is possible for a modern woman.
In her live-action big screen debut, Barbie will inhabit many of these roles, utilizing her personal and professional...
- 4/23/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Los Angeles (AP) — Barbie is coming alive. Sony Pictures, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation have partnered to create a live-action movie focused on the iconic doll. The companies said Wednesday the comedy will be written by Jenny Bicks ("What a Girl Wants") and produced by husband-and-wife team Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald ("Men in Black 3"). Executive producers will be Parkes+MacDonald president Marc Resteghini and Julia Pistor for Mattel's Playground Productions. Sony sees the film as a global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year. It's the second collaboration for Mattel and Sony. The companies are developing the film adaptation of "Masters of the Universe," based on Mattel action figures. Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
- 4/23/2014
- by AP
- Hitfix
Barbie will be making her way to the big screen. Sony Pictures, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald Imagenation are teaming up to make a live-action comedy starring the iconic doll. Production is set to begin at the end of the year on the first film, with the studio seeing this as a possible franchise. Story: 'Hunger Games': Mattel to Release Katniss Barbie Doll The first film is written by Jenny Bicks and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. Parkes/MacDonald Productions CEO Marc Resteghini will executive produce alongside Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions. The Barbie doll, launched in March 1959, has
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- 4/23/2014
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Sony Pictures has found what the studio believes will be its next global franchise. The studio has closed a partnership with Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation on a live-action comedy built around Barbie, the top-selling fashion doll. This is no development deal, it’s all moving very quickly. Studio chief Amy Pascal oversaw this deal herself, along with production president Hannah Minghella, and this movie is getting made. Jenny Bicks is writing the script and the intention is to begin production before year’s end. The film will be produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, who are also rebooting Men In Black for the studio. The exec producers are Parkes+MacDonald president Marc Resteghnini and Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions. Studios prize franchises more than ever, and it is particularly a priority at Sony. The key to turning these brands into successful films comes down to execution,...
- 4/23/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Press Release:
“Max Steel” Unveils Its Lead Actors, Ben Winchell, Ana VILLAFAÑE Dolphin Films International, Mattel, Im Global Announce “Max Steel” International Distribution Rights to be Sold at European Film Market
Hollywood – Feb. 6, 2014 – Dolphin Films announced today that Ben Winchell (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “Necessary Roughness”) and Ana Villafañe (“Hiding,” “Los Americans”) have signed on to play the signature roles of Max McGrath™ and Sydney Gardner in “Max Steel,” the highly anticipated, live-action franchise feature film based on Mattel’s popular superhero property of the same name.
“Max Steel,” which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release by Open Road Films domestically and Im Global internationally in 2015. It’s being penned by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”) and directed by award-winning director Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” “H+”).
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce...
“Max Steel” Unveils Its Lead Actors, Ben Winchell, Ana VILLAFAÑE Dolphin Films International, Mattel, Im Global Announce “Max Steel” International Distribution Rights to be Sold at European Film Market
Hollywood – Feb. 6, 2014 – Dolphin Films announced today that Ben Winchell (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “Necessary Roughness”) and Ana Villafañe (“Hiding,” “Los Americans”) have signed on to play the signature roles of Max McGrath™ and Sydney Gardner in “Max Steel,” the highly anticipated, live-action franchise feature film based on Mattel’s popular superhero property of the same name.
“Max Steel,” which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release by Open Road Films domestically and Im Global internationally in 2015. It’s being penned by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”) and directed by award-winning director Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” “H+”).
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce...
- 2/6/2014
- by Jess Orso
- ScifiMafia
When last we visited Clark Kent and Lana Lang, they were at college, leaving Smallville behind and as Season Three of the syndicated series arrived, it came with changes. The first was that Superboy became The Adventures of Superboy and then the focus moved the characters from the well-named Shuster University to a quasi-internship at The Bureau for Extra-Normal Matters in Capitol City, Florida. Clearly, the actors were aging and the premise of them being in college stopped making sense, plus menace of the week stories was becoming tougher to make plausible on the static campus. The more plausible setting worked for super-heroes but certainly took something away from the civilian side of life, a similar issue plaguing Smallville in its latter seasons.
The third season, out now on DVD from Warner Archive, also brought the welcome removal of the annoying Andy McCalister, character, with actor Ilan Mitchell-Smith taking a...
The third season, out now on DVD from Warner Archive, also brought the welcome removal of the annoying Andy McCalister, character, with actor Ilan Mitchell-Smith taking a...
- 9/20/2013
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
According to new reports, Dolphin Entertainment, Inc. and Mattel, Inc. will develop the live-action, feature-length film "Max Steel" based on Mattel's franchise property of the same name.
Created internally by Mattel, the "Max Steel" franchise spans multi-platform entertainment, toys and consumer products. "Max Steel" will be directed by Stewart Hendler ("Halo: Forward Unto Dawn)", for producers Bill O'Dowd and Julia Pistor:
"...'Max Steel' tells the story of teenager 'Maxwell McGrath' and 'alien' companion 'Steel' who can combine special turbo-energy powers to generate sensational superhero 'Max Steel'. The storyline centers on bringing a positive and relatable hero to kids, drawing upon turbo-charged teamwork, laughter and friendship..."
The Max Steel line of action figures produced by Mattel initially sought to emulate Hasbro's original 12-inch 'G.I. Joe' toys. The property was then developed into an animated TV series airing from 2000 to 2002, as well as featured in 9 direct-to-video animated films,...
Created internally by Mattel, the "Max Steel" franchise spans multi-platform entertainment, toys and consumer products. "Max Steel" will be directed by Stewart Hendler ("Halo: Forward Unto Dawn)", for producers Bill O'Dowd and Julia Pistor:
"...'Max Steel' tells the story of teenager 'Maxwell McGrath' and 'alien' companion 'Steel' who can combine special turbo-energy powers to generate sensational superhero 'Max Steel'. The storyline centers on bringing a positive and relatable hero to kids, drawing upon turbo-charged teamwork, laughter and friendship..."
The Max Steel line of action figures produced by Mattel initially sought to emulate Hasbro's original 12-inch 'G.I. Joe' toys. The property was then developed into an animated TV series airing from 2000 to 2002, as well as featured in 9 direct-to-video animated films,...
- 9/4/2013
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Dolphin Entertainment, Inc. and Mattel, Inc., have partnered to develop the live-action, feature-length film “Max Steel” based on Mattel’s franchise property of the same name. The film will be produced by Dolphin Films, a newly-formed subsidiary of Dolphin Entertainment. Open Road Films will distribute “Max Steel” in the U.S. as the first of a multi-picture agreement with Dolphin Films. The film will be given a wide release in theaters in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Bill O’Dowd, CEO, Dolphin Entertainment said:
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new relationship between Dolphin Entertainment and Mattel, two companies that have consistently worked to delight and entertain children all over the world. We couldn’t think of a better property to kick off Dolphin’s feature film division than Max Steel, which tells a story of the power of friendship and teamwork, with a heavy dose of humor – all qualities...
Bill O’Dowd, CEO, Dolphin Entertainment said:
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new relationship between Dolphin Entertainment and Mattel, two companies that have consistently worked to delight and entertain children all over the world. We couldn’t think of a better property to kick off Dolphin’s feature film division than Max Steel, which tells a story of the power of friendship and teamwork, with a heavy dose of humor – all qualities...
- 9/4/2013
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
The very popular Max Steel toyline is set for bigscreen film release via Open Road Films in 2014, reports Deadline. Christopher Yost scripts the film directed by Stewaer Hendler. There was an animated series which ran for three season in 2000, as well as several video released animations between 2004-2014. This new live-action film is being produced by Mattel's Julia Pistor as well as Bill O'Dowd. Paramount was originally set for the adaptation with Twilight star Taylor Lautner on board to start. The Max Steel figures are similar to G.I. Joe toys, and are almost all different versions of Max Steel, and several of his enemies and some vehicles.
- 9/4/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Dolphin Entertainment and Mattel have partnered to develop the live-action story based on Mattel’s toy and consumer product IP of the same name. n
Dolphin Films, the newly formed subsidiary of Dolphin Entertainment, will produce. Open Road Films will distribute in the Us wide in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The release will mark the first of a multi-film agreement with the company designed to focus on films aimed at families, tweens, teens and young adults.
Max Steel tells of teenager Maxwell McGrath and his alien companion Steel who combine powers to become the eponymous superhero.
Dolphin Entertainment CEO Bill O’Dowd will produce the film alongside Julia Pistor for Mattel.
O’Dowd has appointed Charles Cohen, former COO of MGM Studios, to serve as president of Dolphin Films.
CAA introduced Dolphin and Mattel.
Dolphin Films, the newly formed subsidiary of Dolphin Entertainment, will produce. Open Road Films will distribute in the Us wide in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The release will mark the first of a multi-film agreement with the company designed to focus on films aimed at families, tweens, teens and young adults.
Max Steel tells of teenager Maxwell McGrath and his alien companion Steel who combine powers to become the eponymous superhero.
Dolphin Entertainment CEO Bill O’Dowd will produce the film alongside Julia Pistor for Mattel.
O’Dowd has appointed Charles Cohen, former COO of MGM Studios, to serve as president of Dolphin Films.
CAA introduced Dolphin and Mattel.
- 9/4/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Thomas the Tank Engine movie is moving along the track with 9 director Shane Acker signing on to helm. Unlike the PBS TV show, Thomas the Tank Engine will be a live-action film driven by Weta Workshop, the special effect company behind Lord of the Rings and the effects in Avatar. The film has lots of credibility behind it. The script comes from Alvin and the Chipmunks writers Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb and Shrek the Third writer Josh Klausner. Charlotte's Web's Julia Pistor will produce. Currently, the film doesn't have a studio home other than the folks who make the TV show, Hit Entertainment.
- 6/9/2011
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
Children's book character, Thomas the Tank Engine, is heading for the big screen via Hit Entertainment, which has hired screenwriter Josh Klausner (Shrek the Third) to write a script for a feature based on the tiny-train world "Thomas and Friends" created in the 1940s. "'Thomas and Friends' is a phenomenally successful and versatile brand that appeals to children and families worldwide," said Hit's Julia Pistor. "Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of 'Thomas and Friends' with its storytelling tradition, positive values, timeless lessons and rich train history. We look forward to working with Josh Klausner to translate the classic 'Thomas and Friends' stories into a thrilling, big, modern adventure movie." Thomas represents the world's most popular preschool property, with more than 100 million books and wooden train accessories sold globally. Hit plans a new CGI animated TV series for next year (Thomas' 65th birthday) that will for the...
- 9/30/2009
- WorstPreviews.com
Thomas the Tank Engine is headed for the big screen. Hit Entertainment has hired screenwriter Josh Klausner ( Shrek the Third ) to write a script for a feature based on "Thomas & Friends," created by the Rev. W.V. Awdry in the 1940s. "'Thomas & Friends' is a phenomenally successful and versatile brand that appeals to children and families worldwide," said Julia Pistor, who heads Hit Movies. "Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of 'Thomas & Friends' with its storytelling tradition, positive values, timeless lessons and rich train history. We look forward to working with Josh Klausner to translate the classic 'Thomas & Friends' stories into a thrilling, big, modern adventure movie." Thomas represents the world's...
- 9/30/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Hit Entertainment will turn Rev. W.V Awdry's children's book creation Thomas The Tank Engine into a movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Shrek The Third writer Josh Klausner will pen the adaptation, which will follow the adventures of blue train Thomas and his friends Percy, Toby, Annie and the Fat Controller. Julia Pistor, who is producing the project through Hit Movies, said: "Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of Thomas & Friends with its storytelling tradition, positive values, timeless lessons and (more)...
- 9/30/2009
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Someone clearly thinks that there's still steam in the chamber for a Thomas The Tank Engine movie. Yes, despite the fact that the last time the Rev Wv Awdry's train creation brought us Thomas And The Magic Railroad (which still makes Alec Baldwin cry every time he's reminded he was in it), Hit Entertainment is laying tracks for his return. "Thomas & Friends is a phenomenally successful and versatile brand that appeals to children and families worldwide," says Julia Pistor, head of the Hit movie...
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- 9/30/2009
- by James White
- TotalFilm
All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine is heading back out on the tracks.
The cheeky children's book character is en route to the big screen via Hit Entertainment, which has hired screenwriter Josh Klausner ("Shrek the Third") to write a script for a feature based on the tiny-train world "Thomas & Friends" created by the Rev. W.V. Awdry in the 1940s.
Julia Pistor of Hit Movies, a newly launched unit of Thomas caretaker Hit Entertainment, is producing. The UTA-repped Hit also owns the Barney and Bob the Builder franchises, and it launched the film division to bring those family-oriented properties to the multiplex.
"'Thomas & Friends' is a phenomenally successful and versatile brand that appeals to children and families worldwide," said Pistor, who heads Hit Movies. "Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of 'Thomas & Friends' with its storytelling tradition, positive values, timeless lessons and rich train history. We...
The cheeky children's book character is en route to the big screen via Hit Entertainment, which has hired screenwriter Josh Klausner ("Shrek the Third") to write a script for a feature based on the tiny-train world "Thomas & Friends" created by the Rev. W.V. Awdry in the 1940s.
Julia Pistor of Hit Movies, a newly launched unit of Thomas caretaker Hit Entertainment, is producing. The UTA-repped Hit also owns the Barney and Bob the Builder franchises, and it launched the film division to bring those family-oriented properties to the multiplex.
"'Thomas & Friends' is a phenomenally successful and versatile brand that appeals to children and families worldwide," said Pistor, who heads Hit Movies. "Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of 'Thomas & Friends' with its storytelling tradition, positive values, timeless lessons and rich train history. We...
- 9/29/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fox is going ahead on "The Magician's Elephant," hiring Martin Hynes ("The Go-Getter") to adapt Kate Dicamillo's soon-to-be-published children's book.Julia Pistor is producing.The story centers on impossible things that may happen when a fortune teller tells an orphan boy that an elephant will lead him to his long-lost sister.Two of Dicamillo's books, "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Because of Winn Dixie", have been adapted into features.
- 8/18/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Hit Entertainment looks to the big screen with the establishment of Hit Movies. The new movie division will initially develop family-targeted feature films based on its library of properties (e.g. Thomas & Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina etc), but also plans to look for new stories and characters. Julia Pistor has been tapped to head Hit Movies. Most recently, Pistor was Evp, Nickelodeon Movies. Hit has also signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) as a strategic advisor, to help establish Hit Movies and its development slate, and create opportunities in film, TV and digital entertainment.
http://enews.cynopsis.com/html.asp?XZY1495503UTF60...
http://enews.cynopsis.com/html.asp?XZY1495503UTF60...
- 3/5/2009
- by gwen@cynopsis.com
Nickelodeon's TV movie/musical "Spectacular!" doesn't premiere until Presidents Day, but the cable channel is quietly laying the groundwork for a possible sequel.
"Spectacular!" writer James Krieg has been hired to pen a potential second installment, which would be directed by Robert Iscove, helmer of the upcoming original about a wannabe rock singer who joins the school choir. A green light for the project is still a ways away, but Nickelodeon is said to have high hopes about turning "Spectacular!" into a franchise a la Disney Channel's "High School Musical."
Additionally, Krieg and "Spectacular!" exec producer Jessica Horowitz have set up "Den Brother," a two-hour movie, at Disney Channel. The script will be adapted from an unpublished manuscript by Michael Horowitz about a high school hockey player forced to lead his sister's Brownie troop.
Also in the hopper is "After Midnight," an animated series Krieg is producing with Jessica Horowitz...
"Spectacular!" writer James Krieg has been hired to pen a potential second installment, which would be directed by Robert Iscove, helmer of the upcoming original about a wannabe rock singer who joins the school choir. A green light for the project is still a ways away, but Nickelodeon is said to have high hopes about turning "Spectacular!" into a franchise a la Disney Channel's "High School Musical."
Additionally, Krieg and "Spectacular!" exec producer Jessica Horowitz have set up "Den Brother," a two-hour movie, at Disney Channel. The script will be adapted from an unpublished manuscript by Michael Horowitz about a high school hockey player forced to lead his sister's Brownie troop.
Also in the hopper is "After Midnight," an animated series Krieg is producing with Jessica Horowitz...
- 2/4/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Launching a fantasy franchise with the bankability of a Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings can be a tricky proposition, as demonstrated with The Golden Compass, but The Spiderwick Chronicles, based on the series of imaginative young people's books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, could just be the ticket.
An enjoyable adventure fantasy that pushes all the requisite buttons while still managing to throw in a pleasant surprise or two, Paramount's big-budget gamble has impressive talent to burn on both sides of the camera.
Given that they have balanced all that pixie dust with generous helpings of havoc-wreaking ogre action, Spiderwick could cast a lasting spell on a wide-reaching demographic, though it's probably a little too intense for the 5-and-under crowd.
A tidy prologue sets up the mayhem to come as Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn), a man who has devoted his life to documenting the hidden world of fairies, has put the final touches on his detailed scrapbook, "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You."
Unwittingly, Spiderwick has opened up a veritable Pandora's box with the book, especially in certain dark corners where it's being viewed as something of a "how-to" manual among fairy-hating evildoers.
Fast-forward six or seven decades, when Spiderwick's great-niece Helen Grace (Mary-Louise Parker), having recently broken up with her husband, arrives at his secluded, long-neglected Victorian mansion along with her teenage daughter, Mallory (Sarah Bolger) and her two sons, the rebellious Jared and the gentler Simon (both nicely delineated by Freddie Highmore).
This place is pretty much just as Uncle Arthur's daughter, Lucinda (Joan Plowright), left it before being carted off to the sanitarium, and judging from her fully stocked pantry, she could never have enough honey, oatmeal or tomato sauce.
There turns out to be a good reason for that, which Jared soon discovers after finding the hidden guide, and, ignoring warnings about its contents, unleashes a whole mess of trouble at the Spiderwick/Grace household.
These definitely are challenging new waters for director Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday), and he handles the task impressively, expertly balancing the fantasy/reality elements as well as the considerable humor and more touching aspects that have been thoughtfully integrated in the adaptation, credited to Karey Kirkpatrick, David Berenbaum and John Sayles.
That finely tuned balance also can be found among the live-action castmembers, especially old pros Plowright and Strathairn, with Highmore capably doing double duty, and the voice cast for the CGI characters, including Nick Nolte's nasty Mulgarath, Martin Short's uppity, 9-inch-tall Thimbletack and Seth Rogen's raucous, bird-obsessed Hogsqueal.
The latter three -- along with the other lively sprites, hobgoblins and assorted visual effects -- mesh seamlessly, thanks to the usual state-of-the-art contributions of Industrial Light + Magic and Tippett Studio, while Caleb Deschanel's patented bright, airy cinematography provides a welcoming, naturalistic setting for all the otherworldly developments.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
Paramount
Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies present a Kennedy/Marshall and a Mark Canton production
Credits:
Director: Mark Waters
Screenwriters: Karey Kirkpatrick, David Berenbaum, John Sayles
Based on the books by: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Producers: Mark Canton, Larry Franco, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Karey Kirkpatrick
Executive producers: Julia Pistor, Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black
Director of photography: Caleb Deschanel
Production designer: James Bissell
Music: James Horner
Costume designer: Joanna Johnston
Editor: Michael Kahn
Cast:
Simon/Jared: Freddie Highmore
Helen: Mary-Louise Parker
Mallory: Sarah Bolger
Aunt Lucinda: Joan Plowright
Arthur Spiderwick: David Strathairn
Mulgarath: Nick Nolte
Hogsqueal: Seth Rogen
Thimbletack: Martin Short
Running time -- 92 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
An enjoyable adventure fantasy that pushes all the requisite buttons while still managing to throw in a pleasant surprise or two, Paramount's big-budget gamble has impressive talent to burn on both sides of the camera.
Given that they have balanced all that pixie dust with generous helpings of havoc-wreaking ogre action, Spiderwick could cast a lasting spell on a wide-reaching demographic, though it's probably a little too intense for the 5-and-under crowd.
A tidy prologue sets up the mayhem to come as Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn), a man who has devoted his life to documenting the hidden world of fairies, has put the final touches on his detailed scrapbook, "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You."
Unwittingly, Spiderwick has opened up a veritable Pandora's box with the book, especially in certain dark corners where it's being viewed as something of a "how-to" manual among fairy-hating evildoers.
Fast-forward six or seven decades, when Spiderwick's great-niece Helen Grace (Mary-Louise Parker), having recently broken up with her husband, arrives at his secluded, long-neglected Victorian mansion along with her teenage daughter, Mallory (Sarah Bolger) and her two sons, the rebellious Jared and the gentler Simon (both nicely delineated by Freddie Highmore).
This place is pretty much just as Uncle Arthur's daughter, Lucinda (Joan Plowright), left it before being carted off to the sanitarium, and judging from her fully stocked pantry, she could never have enough honey, oatmeal or tomato sauce.
There turns out to be a good reason for that, which Jared soon discovers after finding the hidden guide, and, ignoring warnings about its contents, unleashes a whole mess of trouble at the Spiderwick/Grace household.
These definitely are challenging new waters for director Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday), and he handles the task impressively, expertly balancing the fantasy/reality elements as well as the considerable humor and more touching aspects that have been thoughtfully integrated in the adaptation, credited to Karey Kirkpatrick, David Berenbaum and John Sayles.
That finely tuned balance also can be found among the live-action castmembers, especially old pros Plowright and Strathairn, with Highmore capably doing double duty, and the voice cast for the CGI characters, including Nick Nolte's nasty Mulgarath, Martin Short's uppity, 9-inch-tall Thimbletack and Seth Rogen's raucous, bird-obsessed Hogsqueal.
The latter three -- along with the other lively sprites, hobgoblins and assorted visual effects -- mesh seamlessly, thanks to the usual state-of-the-art contributions of Industrial Light + Magic and Tippett Studio, while Caleb Deschanel's patented bright, airy cinematography provides a welcoming, naturalistic setting for all the otherworldly developments.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
Paramount
Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies present a Kennedy/Marshall and a Mark Canton production
Credits:
Director: Mark Waters
Screenwriters: Karey Kirkpatrick, David Berenbaum, John Sayles
Based on the books by: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Producers: Mark Canton, Larry Franco, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Karey Kirkpatrick
Executive producers: Julia Pistor, Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black
Director of photography: Caleb Deschanel
Production designer: James Bissell
Music: James Horner
Costume designer: Joanna Johnston
Editor: Michael Kahn
Cast:
Simon/Jared: Freddie Highmore
Helen: Mary-Louise Parker
Mallory: Sarah Bolger
Aunt Lucinda: Joan Plowright
Arthur Spiderwick: David Strathairn
Mulgarath: Nick Nolte
Hogsqueal: Seth Rogen
Thimbletack: Martin Short
Running time -- 92 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 2/11/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
That one-man comedy factory, Steve Oedekerk, is back with another Paramount/Nickelodeon animated feature film that, like "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" (which he co-wrote and produced) before it, is really just a Nick TV pilot in disguise. Indeed, "Adventures in the Barnyard" already has a spring launch date.
Unlike the Oscar-nominated "Jimmy Neutron", though, "Barnyard" (which Oedekerk wrote, directed and produced with Paul Marshal) faces a rash of animation competition this year and, quality-wise, it's not at the top of the haystack. While youngsters might enjoy the movie, more discerning tweens, teens and adults will not be as easily amused, and boxoffice prospects look modest, albeit followed by a long DVD shelf life.
The story is simple enough: When the farmer turns in for the night, the animals go wild. They walk on their hind legs, talk and party (the barn becomes a rockin' nightclub). Otis the Cow (voiced by Kevin James) is in a stalled adolescence to the consternation of his father, Ben (Sam Elliott). Ben is the animals' stern but caring leader and protector (keeping watch for preying coyotes over the barnyard each night from a hilltop). Otis is supposed to spell his dad's shifts but often makes excuses or shows up late after goofing off. When Ben gets severely injured protecting the henhouse from an attack, will Otis change his ways and be cow enough to fill his dad's hooves?
The computer-generated animation is painstakingly achieved, but it's hard to match the level set by Disney/Pixar. The coyotes, looking a lot like foxes, certainly succeed in terrifying sensitive viewers (especially, one would imagine, toddlers). Oddly, the many songs heard in the film often feel like snippets or are barely intelligible over the music track. The exception is Elliott's performance of Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne's "I Won't Back Down".
The few humans in the film are extraneous. The farmer's (Fred Tatasciore) screen time is negligible; there's a middle-aged neighbor couple (Maria Bamford and Oedekerk), whose shtick consists of a babbling wife and her tuned-out, TV-watching spouse; and there's a predictable sequence in which a kid (Oedekerk) gets paid back by the animals for a cow-tipping incident.
The animals' voices include Danny Glover (Miles the Mule), Andie MacDowell (Etta the Hen), Jeff Garcia (Pip the Mouse), Cam Clarke (Freddy the Ferret) and, as two barnyard newcomers, Courteney Cox (sweet, pregnant Daisy the Cow) and Wanda Sykes (her wisecracking pal Bessy the Cow). Special mention goes to Dom Irrera, who voices Duke the Dog and steals every scene he's in.
One nice touch is the sensitive handling of parenting for young viewers. As Otis and Daisy gradually grow closer, Otis (eventually) matures into a father figure, both for the barnyard and for Daisy's calf. Earlier, Ben had told his son that he is Otis' adopted dad and that he had found him as a baby and taken him in. In a similar vein, no mention is made of barnyard stranger Daisy's past or any romantic partner. She just shows up pregnant, allowing Otis, at the climactic birth of her calf, to very naturally slip into a paternal role for her (now their) gurgling newborn.
BARNYARD
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures in association with Nickelodeon Movies present
an O Entertainment production
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Steve Oedekerk
Producers: Steve Oedekerk, Paul Marshal
Executive producers: Julia Pistor, Aaron Parry
Animation production: Omation Animation Studios
Music: John Debney
CG supervisors: Graham Clark, Tom Capizzi
Production designer: Philip A. Cruden
Editors: Billy Weber, Paul D. Calder
Cast:
Otis the Cow: Kevin James
Daisy the Cow: Courteney Cox
Ben the Cow: Sam Elliott
Miles the Mule: Danny Glover
Bessy the Cow: Wanda Sykes
Etta the Hen: Andie MacDowell
Dag the Coyote: David Koechner
Pip the Mouse: Jeff Garcia
Freddy the Ferret: Cam Clarke
Duke the Dog: Dom Irrera
MPAA rating PG
Running time -- 90 minutes...
Unlike the Oscar-nominated "Jimmy Neutron", though, "Barnyard" (which Oedekerk wrote, directed and produced with Paul Marshal) faces a rash of animation competition this year and, quality-wise, it's not at the top of the haystack. While youngsters might enjoy the movie, more discerning tweens, teens and adults will not be as easily amused, and boxoffice prospects look modest, albeit followed by a long DVD shelf life.
The story is simple enough: When the farmer turns in for the night, the animals go wild. They walk on their hind legs, talk and party (the barn becomes a rockin' nightclub). Otis the Cow (voiced by Kevin James) is in a stalled adolescence to the consternation of his father, Ben (Sam Elliott). Ben is the animals' stern but caring leader and protector (keeping watch for preying coyotes over the barnyard each night from a hilltop). Otis is supposed to spell his dad's shifts but often makes excuses or shows up late after goofing off. When Ben gets severely injured protecting the henhouse from an attack, will Otis change his ways and be cow enough to fill his dad's hooves?
The computer-generated animation is painstakingly achieved, but it's hard to match the level set by Disney/Pixar. The coyotes, looking a lot like foxes, certainly succeed in terrifying sensitive viewers (especially, one would imagine, toddlers). Oddly, the many songs heard in the film often feel like snippets or are barely intelligible over the music track. The exception is Elliott's performance of Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne's "I Won't Back Down".
The few humans in the film are extraneous. The farmer's (Fred Tatasciore) screen time is negligible; there's a middle-aged neighbor couple (Maria Bamford and Oedekerk), whose shtick consists of a babbling wife and her tuned-out, TV-watching spouse; and there's a predictable sequence in which a kid (Oedekerk) gets paid back by the animals for a cow-tipping incident.
The animals' voices include Danny Glover (Miles the Mule), Andie MacDowell (Etta the Hen), Jeff Garcia (Pip the Mouse), Cam Clarke (Freddy the Ferret) and, as two barnyard newcomers, Courteney Cox (sweet, pregnant Daisy the Cow) and Wanda Sykes (her wisecracking pal Bessy the Cow). Special mention goes to Dom Irrera, who voices Duke the Dog and steals every scene he's in.
One nice touch is the sensitive handling of parenting for young viewers. As Otis and Daisy gradually grow closer, Otis (eventually) matures into a father figure, both for the barnyard and for Daisy's calf. Earlier, Ben had told his son that he is Otis' adopted dad and that he had found him as a baby and taken him in. In a similar vein, no mention is made of barnyard stranger Daisy's past or any romantic partner. She just shows up pregnant, allowing Otis, at the climactic birth of her calf, to very naturally slip into a paternal role for her (now their) gurgling newborn.
BARNYARD
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures in association with Nickelodeon Movies present
an O Entertainment production
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Steve Oedekerk
Producers: Steve Oedekerk, Paul Marshal
Executive producers: Julia Pistor, Aaron Parry
Animation production: Omation Animation Studios
Music: John Debney
CG supervisors: Graham Clark, Tom Capizzi
Production designer: Philip A. Cruden
Editors: Billy Weber, Paul D. Calder
Cast:
Otis the Cow: Kevin James
Daisy the Cow: Courteney Cox
Ben the Cow: Sam Elliott
Miles the Mule: Danny Glover
Bessy the Cow: Wanda Sykes
Etta the Hen: Andie MacDowell
Dag the Coyote: David Koechner
Pip the Mouse: Jeff Garcia
Freddy the Ferret: Cam Clarke
Duke the Dog: Dom Irrera
MPAA rating PG
Running time -- 90 minutes...
Jack Black, "School of Rock" writer Mike White and "Napoleon Dynamite" director Jared Hess make up the fearsome comedy tag team behind "Nacho Libre", an amiably clunky, unapologetically silly summer confection that nevertheless lands sufficient lethal slams to the funny bone to rake in mucho dinero for Paramount.
Set in the colorful world of Lucha Libre -- sort of the Mexican equivalent of WWE -- the deliberately off-kilter picture throws political correctness to the mat with abandon, but that unlikely will be much of a concern for its target demo.
Black takes on his most fully realized character to date as Nacho, the orphaned son of a Scandinavian missionary and a Mexican deacon (which would explain the wacky accent) who now is a cook in the monastery in which he was raised.
Tired of feeling put upon by the friars, Nacho finds relative respect by leading a double life as a masked luchador with plans to take his prize money to buy better food for the orphans which, in turn, would hopefully impress the lovely Sister Encarnacion (popular Mexican actress Ana de la Reguera).
Finding a worthy partner in the timid, skeletal Esqueleto (the hysterical Hector Jimenez), Nacho steps into the ring and puts his dream to the test opposite a succession of real-life luchadores including Ramses (Cesar Gonzalez aka Bronco) and, in the role of Satan's Helpers, the screeching midget duo of Filliberto Estrella Calderon and Gerson Virgen Lopez.
Given the comic talents involved, there might have been hopes for something more dynamic than the languid pacing and self-consciously quirky style found here, but those potential deficits prove to be part of the production's considerable charms.
Director Hess, who penned the script along with his wife and writing partner, Jerusha Hess and White, lends the film a fittingly eccentric look and feel with the assist of cinematographer Xavier Perez Grobet ("Before Night Falls"), production designer Gideon Ponte ("The Notorious Bettie Page"), and especially those wondrous Spandex creations of costume designer Graciela Mazon, a frequent Robert Rodriguez collaborator.
Filmed entirely on location in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, "Nacho Libre" makes effective use of both the local color and talent, especially in Jimenez, who has a knack for stealing attention away from the antics of his capable co-star simply by doing absolutely nothing.
Look out, Laurel and Hardy!
Nacho Libre
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures presents a Nickelodeon Movies/
Black & White production
A Jared Hess film
Credits:
Director: Jared Hess
Screenwriters: Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess & Mike White
Producers: Mike White, Jack Black, Julia Pistor, David Klawans
Director of photography: Xavier Perez Grobet
Production designer: Gideon Ponte
Editor: Billy Weber
Costume designer: Graciela Mazon
Music: Danny Elfman
Cast:
Nacho: Jack Black
Esqueleto: Hector Jimenez
Sister Encarnacion: Ana de la Reguera
Guillermo: Richard Montoya
Ramses: Cesar Gonzalez
MPAA rating PG
Running time -- 91 minutes...
Set in the colorful world of Lucha Libre -- sort of the Mexican equivalent of WWE -- the deliberately off-kilter picture throws political correctness to the mat with abandon, but that unlikely will be much of a concern for its target demo.
Black takes on his most fully realized character to date as Nacho, the orphaned son of a Scandinavian missionary and a Mexican deacon (which would explain the wacky accent) who now is a cook in the monastery in which he was raised.
Tired of feeling put upon by the friars, Nacho finds relative respect by leading a double life as a masked luchador with plans to take his prize money to buy better food for the orphans which, in turn, would hopefully impress the lovely Sister Encarnacion (popular Mexican actress Ana de la Reguera).
Finding a worthy partner in the timid, skeletal Esqueleto (the hysterical Hector Jimenez), Nacho steps into the ring and puts his dream to the test opposite a succession of real-life luchadores including Ramses (Cesar Gonzalez aka Bronco) and, in the role of Satan's Helpers, the screeching midget duo of Filliberto Estrella Calderon and Gerson Virgen Lopez.
Given the comic talents involved, there might have been hopes for something more dynamic than the languid pacing and self-consciously quirky style found here, but those potential deficits prove to be part of the production's considerable charms.
Director Hess, who penned the script along with his wife and writing partner, Jerusha Hess and White, lends the film a fittingly eccentric look and feel with the assist of cinematographer Xavier Perez Grobet ("Before Night Falls"), production designer Gideon Ponte ("The Notorious Bettie Page"), and especially those wondrous Spandex creations of costume designer Graciela Mazon, a frequent Robert Rodriguez collaborator.
Filmed entirely on location in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, "Nacho Libre" makes effective use of both the local color and talent, especially in Jimenez, who has a knack for stealing attention away from the antics of his capable co-star simply by doing absolutely nothing.
Look out, Laurel and Hardy!
Nacho Libre
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures presents a Nickelodeon Movies/
Black & White production
A Jared Hess film
Credits:
Director: Jared Hess
Screenwriters: Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess & Mike White
Producers: Mike White, Jack Black, Julia Pistor, David Klawans
Director of photography: Xavier Perez Grobet
Production designer: Gideon Ponte
Editor: Billy Weber
Costume designer: Graciela Mazon
Music: Danny Elfman
Cast:
Nacho: Jack Black
Esqueleto: Hector Jimenez
Sister Encarnacion: Ana de la Reguera
Guillermo: Richard Montoya
Ramses: Cesar Gonzalez
MPAA rating PG
Running time -- 91 minutes...
- 6/16/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Drake Bell and Josh Peck, stars of the hit Nickelodeon series Drake & Josh, are graduating to the big screen. The duo will star in an as-yet untitled feature being produced by Nickelodeon Movies and the Collective. Written by Emmy-nominated kids TV show creator Dan Schneider and Steve Molaro, the film will tell the tale of a wealthy but extremely sheltered young man (Peck) who is thrust into the real world and quickly finds himself in over his head. To make up for lost time, he receives a crash course in life experience from a jovial slacker (Bell). The Collective's Sam Maydew and Michael Goldman will produce, and the company's Aaron Ray and Michael Green will executive produce. Julia Pistor will oversee production on behalf of Nickelodeon Movies.
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