Part of the appeal of Marvel’s Agent Carter is the post World War II retro vibe. From the cars to the costumes, it’s a visual feast for fans of that vintage look. Marvel has just released two videos that take us backstage with costume designer… Read More »Behind the Vintage Costumes of Marvel’s Agent Carter
Tinker Bell is the sassy, pint-sized pixie with anger issues from Disney’s “Peter Pan.” She’s also a fan favorite and one the star of her own movie series. So what better way than to celebrate the upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray release of “Tinker Bell and the legend… Read More »Learn to draw: Tinker Bell
Walt Disney Studios has carved out something of a niche for themselves with the feel good sports movie. “Miracle,” “The Rookie,” “Secretariat,” and last year’s “Million Dollar Arm” have all done well for the mouse. What’s great about each of these movies is that while the ending might be foreseeable, but they’ve never been formulaic. That’s doubly true with “McFarland, USA.” It’s based on a real story and has a fantastic emotional core.
It’s also a return to the sports genre that has served Kevin Costner so well over the years. In “McFarland, USA” Costner plays a down on his luck high school gym teacher and coach who sees in his students real potential for a winning Cross-Country Team. Of course, a small team from Central Valley of California is a big underdog against the well established schools, but through grit and determination, they manage to win.
But that’s just the barest of plots to hang a film upon. It’s the layer and layer of rich story and character development that make McFarland a great movie.
Director Niki Caro (North country, Whale Rider) makes the most of the Central Valley scenery and uses a gentle hand to get the most from the actors as well. Kevin Costner could practically sleepwalk through a sports move these days, but he doesn’t here. His portrayal of coach White has range and realism. He’s flawed, but can and does, learn.Read More »Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’ Movie Review
We’re just a few days away from the March 4th start of the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. As usual, work starts a couple weeks early as flower beds are planted and structures are loaded in. Here’s one booth near Innoventions being constructed. We took… Read More »EPCOT preps for cold prior to Flower & Garden Festival
Mary Blair was an artist, illustrator, and designer whose career spanned many media over the course of five decades. Disney fans know her for her color styling and art direction for Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and Peter Pan (1953), as well as serving as creative lead for theme park attraction it’s a small world. I’m also a fan of the mosaic murals she did for the Disney Parks.
Disney fans will now be able to tap into the spirit and vintage style of Mary Blair thanks to a new line of clothing from Pinup Girl Clothing. The Magic of Mary Blair collection by Pinup Couture features 1950s and 60s-style dresses and skirts that showcase illustrations from artist Mary Blair.
You will note Blair’s whimsical use of bold graphics, juxtaposition of complementary and contrasting colors, and a look that never really goes out of style.
The collection will consist of a dozen dresses and eight skirts, with all of these designs available in extra small to 4X. The collection incorporates Blair’s whimsical novelty motifs of travel–such as trains, planes, and caricatures of commuters–and girlish flair like umbrellas, butterflies, kittens, lips, and roses. Some of the art included was previously used in the 1950s for handkerchiefs and scarves manufactured for Carol Stanley Studios, New York. The collection will also showcase one of Blair’s personal artworks depicting a mother embracing her child. These designs will be incorporated as all-over and border prints on classic Pinup Couture designs, including the flirty and famed 1960s-style Jenny Dress which features adjustable straps and a gathered full skirt, the stunning 1950s-style Heidi Dress, which showcases a sweetheart neckline, covered belt, and flattering swing skirt, and the sleek and sexy Evangeline Dress, a fitted, wiggle-style style making its debut in this collection.
Read More »Pinup Girl Vintage Collection honors Disney artist Mary Blair
We’re just one day away from the opening of “McFarland, USA” the first film of 2015 to really win your heart. Based on a true story of a Central Valley California town and a coach that sees potential in the legs, hearts and minds of the agricultural workers who are also students at his school.
Disney just shared this extended clip from the film. It comes at a moment when Coach Jim White needs to motivate his team of long distance runners for a big race.
If you aren’t already planning to see it, listen to what others are saying about it online, I think you’ll change your mind.
Disney has also commissioned acclaimed artist Fernando Reza to make a series of posters for McFarland, USA. See the whole collection below:
If you squint your eyes you can see the first pic of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” Producer Jerry Bruckheimer tweeted the photo below of what looks to be a couple extras along with… Read More »First pic of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates V
from Instagram: Very happy to see the Mad Hatter & March Hare back with Alice at Mad Tea Party. The two topiary had been missing for a few months now.