Check out the fun new trailer for Moana

Shannan Younger — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:36:16 +0000

Here are some things I love: Disney Animation, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and stories about strong girls. It will come as no surprise, then, that I was already very excited for the movie Moana, which opens in theatres in 3D this Thanksgiving. After seeing the new trailer for Moana was just released this morning, I am now even more excited.

The film stars Auli‘i Carvalho as voice of “Moana” and Dwayne Johnson as the voice of demigod “Maui.”

There’s a lot of buzz around the music for this movie, which isn’t at all surprising given the amazing individuals working on it.

Here’s the scoop from Disney Animation:

“The diverse and dynamic team behind the film’s inspired music includes Tony®- and Grammy®-winning lyricist/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who’s behind Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning ‘Hamilton’ and the Tony-winning ‘In the Heights,’ and is a 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award recipient. Three-time Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina created memorable scores for films like ‘Speed,’ ‘Tarzan’ and the Oscar®-winning ‘Training Day,’ and also co-wrote songs, produced and arranged the score for Broadway’s musical production of “The Lion King.” Opetaia Foa‘i, the founder and lead singer of Te Vaka, is a winner of numerous world music awards, including the Senior Pacific Artist award for his contribution to Pacific music.”

‘Hamilton’ fans probably already know Philippa Soo, who originated the role of Eliza in the musical and was nominated for a Tony. She will also be contributing her voice talents to Moana. If she’s new to you, it’s likely that she’ll knock your socks off. Metaphorically speaking, of course, in case you’re like the characters in Moana who are not wearing any socks.

Just a little over two months more to wait, and I have a feeling it will have been worth it! (Nod to Miranda’s Hamilton lyrics there.)

If you want to get in on more Moana excitement, you can like Moana on Facebook, follow on Twitter and visit the official MOANA website here.

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Prior Post: Ideas for where and how to travel with teens and tweens

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Check out the trailer for “The Finest Hours” and why it was significant to me

Shannan Younger — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 05:17:14 +0000

My old roommate, Lisa, told me lots of stories about what it is what like growing up with her dad in the Coast Guard. From hearing about his adventures in Antarctica to serving in Alaska to missing his family during extended absences, her dad’s career in the Coast Guard sounded exciting, adventurous, and challenging. Her dad is currently in the hospital and we’re all hoping for a complete and speedy recovery.

Lisa’s father instantly popped to mind when I saw that the trailer for the new heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours,” was available. “The Finest Hours” tells the extraordinary true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Presented in Digital 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. “The Finest Hours” is based on the book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman.

On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast.

Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

I was thrilled to see the trailer because the Coast Guard often doesn’t get the attention or recognition that other branches of the United States Armed Forces do, but their service to our country has saved countless lives. I think this movie will help shine a light on the amazing work the Coast Guard does. I also love that it will give our kids (and also adults) real life heroes – people who displayed extraordinary bravery and determination under circumstances most of us cannot even imagine.

It reminded me that Lisa’s dad is tough and a real fighter. I’m excited to see this movie, and I’m especially eager to hear what Lisa and here dad think of it.

It will be released in the United States on January 29, 2016. Are you planning to see it?

Prior Post: What I wore to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration

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