It’s Coming ~ #Pete’sDragon

Pete’s Dragon – Disney World Light Parade

I always loved this story of a young boy who escapes his abusive, hillbilly family and retreats to the forest where he befriends a dragon (he names Elliot), who just happens to have the power of invisibility. They develop a warm bond and their antics are funny, yet not so good for Pete as everyone seems to blame him for Elliot’s (invisible) acts of clumsiness? (I guess that’s the best way to put it). Of course, there are the plot twists, those folks looking for Elliot, those with evil intentions because what’s a story without a villain, right? But it all ends on a bittersweet HEA note.

I enjoyed the first film immensely. It was live-action with an animated dragon and starred Helen Reddy, Micky Rooney and Red Buttons (names most young people would not recognize now, but they were greats ‘back in the day’).

As a dragon lover, you can imagine my excitement when I found out Disney was remaking Pete’s Dragon with a “live” dragon, and not an animated one. So far, what I’ve seen of Elliot makes my heart pitter-patter. Come on. Who doesn’t love a big green, friendly dragon?

I’ll let you decide after you watch the trailer below. As for me, I’ll be in theaters on August 12, ready to meet Elliot in all his CGI glory. 🙂

Maleficent ~ finally, the evil queen tells her side of the story

Not since the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films have I been more excited about a movie. Yes, I waited eagerly for The Hunger Game trilogy, Thor and all of his friends, but Maleficent has me squirming on the edge of my seat.

This is what I hope to be a classic villain re-telling of a timeless Disney classic. As a child, I was terrified of Maleficent, especially when she turned into the dragon at the end. It was probably one of the most graphic deaths (next to the hanging in Tarzan) I ever saw in an animated Disney film. Blood gushed from her heart where Prince Phillip’s sword struck. I can guarantee if Sleepy Beauty was made today, Disney would completely sanitize that scene because some parent somewhere would lose their marbles. Whatev. Kids everywhere, even to this day, are terrified of that animated villain. Many parents refuse to let their kids watch that scene because they don’t want their kids to have nightmares. Parents. One word of advice. Kids love to be scared. Let them watch. Second word of advice…don’t read your child the original story thinking it’s all sweet and fluffy. Yeah. Sleeping Beauty actually goes to sleep because of a prophecy, is raped twice by the king, gives birth to two children and wakes to one suckling her finger. Now THAT’s scary and one I’m glad Disney didn’t make.

As a writer, I like to know what the motivation is behind the bad guy’s behavior. No one is 100% bad. Every villain has something good about him/her. I often wondered as an adult when I’d watch Disney’s version what caused Maleficent to turn so evil. What was her story? Well, I am about to find out. Yes, in 10 long days from today, my questions will be answered (I hope). I’ll let you know what I think of Angelina Jolie’s performance once I see the film, but right now, she’s looking oh so perfect for the role.

Check out the promotional trailers below and let me know what you think. Are you waiting to see this film as much as I am? If so, I’ll see you in the theaters on May 30. I’ll be the one with the tub of popcorn, a large soda and a bedpan, you know, so I won’t miss a thing.

If a mom sang, “Let It Go”

Oh my gosh, how many times have we heard the song, Let It Go from Disney’s latest animated film, Frozen? I love this movie along with the rest of the world, and have been caught singing this song in the shower, in the car…in fact I sing it a lot. And you want to know the kicker? I don’t have any young kids anymore. Mine are all grown. Two are gone. Flown the nest. One has a little one of her own.

Still, you can’t take Disney out of the girl, even when she’s grown and turned into a mom.

When I saw this video, I got all teary-eyed. Of course, I’m a sentimental girly girl anyway, but where in the the heck was this song when my kids were young? Moms across the world…take a moment and listen to this new version of Let It Go. Can you hear yourself? I know I did. 🙂

I think this is fantastic and I would love to see this entire performance. If anyone knows anything about this play, the performers, please let me know.