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Aaugh! You’re a good man, Charlie Brown, but Twentieth Century Fox pulled the football out from under you and announced the voice casting for THE PEANUTS MOVIE today. The Great Houndini reports, “It was a dark and stormy night…”
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the cherished “Peanuts” gang will make their long awaited big-screen debut in stunning state of the art 3D animation.
Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace – embarks upon his greatest mission as he takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis The Red Baron, while his best pal, Charlie Brown, begins his own epic quest.
From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the Ice Age films, good grief, THE PEANUTS MOVIE is more than just a chip off the ole BlockHead, it’s a doggone cinematic spectacle.
Noah Schnapp voices the role of Good ol’ Charlie Brown, the lovable loser who never gives up. The young actor recently filmed a role opposite Tom Hanks in director Steven Spielberg’s untitled Cold War thriller. Most recently, Noah wrapped work on the indie film We Only Know So Much, based on the book of the same title.
Hadley Belle Miller provides the voice for Lucy, known around the neighborhood (and by her little brother, Linus) for being crabby and bossy and humiliating Charlie Brown. Hadley’s voiceover credits include Sofia the First and Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and she has appeared on stage and in commercials.
AJ Tecce voices Pig-Pen, who happily travels in his own private dust storm. AJ appeared in the films Raising Ethan and Stereopsis, and in several commercials. He’s also done extensive voiceover work.
Noah Johnston is Schroeder, a mini musical genius who is rarely separated from his toy piano or his idol, Beethoven. Noah voiced a role in Monsters University, and his television credits include The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Show with David Letterman, and The Daily Show.
Newcomer Venus Schultheis voices Peppermint Patty, a fearless born leader and a natural athlete who is up to any challenge…except studying. Venus wants to be a nurse and a cosmetologist, working on people’s hair and nails while they are in the hospital or a nursing home. (If you see Venus’s hair, you’ll understand!) She enjoys snowboarding, skim boarding and tennis.
Alexander Garfin gives voice to Linus, the benevolent, blanket-clutching philosopher who always has a kind word for everybody…even his bossy older sister, Lucy. Alexander’s numerous credits include the feature Salt, the television series Law & Order SVU and Saturday Night Live, and on stage, On Borrowed Time – and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Francesca Capaldi voices Little Red-Haired Girl, who has captured Charlie Brown’s heart; now, if only he could muster the courage to speak to her! Francesca had a guest-starring role in Disney’s A.N.T. Farm and on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, is a series regular on Disney’s Dog with the Blog, and has appeared in the film 3-Day Test, as well as in several commercials.
Mar Mar voices Frankin, Charlie Brown’s good friend and confidant, and the only one who never has an unkind word about our hapless hero, or anyone else for that matter, Mar Mar has worked on the TV series Austin & Alley (on the Disney Channel), Guys with Kids, Bubble Guppies and Good Luck Charlie.
Mariel Sheets voices Sally, Charlie Brown’s little sister who believes the world owes her an answer for some of its most perplexing problems, such as: why does she have to go to school? Mariel has worked in film, appeared in national commercials, and done voiceovers for television, radio, and online.
Rebecca Bloom gives voice to Marcie, Peppermint Patty’s best friend, loyal follower, and complete opposite. Rebecca was featured on The Tonight Show, and has had roles on stage in Annie, The Jungle Book and How to Eat Like a Child.
William Alexander Wunsch voices Shermy, Charlie Brown’s friend, who is straight laced and dependable. William has extensive live performance experience, appeared in several commercials, and on Saturday Night Live with Jim Carrey.
Anastasia Bredikhina voices Patty, and Madisyn Shipman voices Violet – best friends who always side with the popular crowd. Anastasia is a trained actor, dancer, musician and model; Madisyn has appeared on Modern Love, Sesame Street, Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.
THE PEANUTS MOVIE flies into theaters everywhere on November 6, 2015. That year marks the 65th anniversary of the debut of the “Peanuts” comic strip and the 50th anniversary of the landmark television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Charles Schulz drew the most popular and influential comic strip of all time, which was read every day by 355 million people in 75 countries. In addition to the famous strip, Peanuts holiday television specials such as It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown have won Emmys and are among the highest rated prime time TV specials.
Steve Martino directs THE PEANUTS MOVIE; previously, he brought to the big screen (with Jimmy Hayward) Fox/Blue Sky’s Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! Martino also directed (with Michael Thurmeier) Fox’s recent box-office smash Ice Age: Continental Drift.
The screenplay is by Craig Schulz and the writing team of Bryan Schulz & Cornelius Uliano. Craig Schulz and Bryan Schulz, respectively Mr. Schulz’s son and grandson, along with Uliano and Paul Feig are producing. Feig, the director of the blockbuster comedies “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat” and the upcoming “Spy,” is a lifelong “Peanuts” fan.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.