Doctor Who Christmas Special Has A Fancy New Name And Sparkly New Trailer!!

One of my favourite holiday traditions is only a few years old, yet I can't wait for it every year.  As a huge fan of Doctor Who, watching his Christmas special simply cements the season for me every time because after the special, it's Muppets Christmas Carol, some egg nog and a pretty major marathon of catching up with movies.

They have just announced the details for the latest special and in usual fashion, while there is very little known about it, it still looks awesome.

The title of the special is :  The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe.

Here is the official synopsis:

Evacuated to a house in Dorset from war-torn London, Madge Arwell and her two children, Lily and Cyril, are greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world.

Starring: Matt Smith and Claire Skinner. Executive Producers: Steven Moffat, Piers Wenger and Caroline Skinner

And here is the official trailer :

Filed under  //  Christmas   Claire Skinner   Doctor Who   Dorset   London   Matt Smith   Piers Wenger   Steven Moffat   film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
Posted

The Xavierpop 10 Days of Muppets - A Q&A with the Frog himself : Mister Kermit the Frog((tag: xavierpop, film, pop-culture, nerdiness, tumblrize,Amy Adams,Great Muppet Caper,Hollywood,Hollywood Walk of Fame,Jason Segel,Kermit,Kermit the Frog,Late Night wi

Our good friends at Disney have been great in giving us passes to the upcoming Muppets movie coming out November 23rd. Their generosity has now been stepped up a level because we have a very cool one on one interview with the number one dude of the Muppets himself!

Ladies and Gentleman...

I present to you, Mister Kermit the Frog:

KERMIT THE FROG (Kermit the Frog) returns to the big screen in 2011 in Disney’s “The Muppets.” With 56 years in show business, he boasts countless credits in television, film, stage and online, including the recent hit viral videos featuring the Muppets’ take on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2009) and “Ode to Joy” (2008)â€"both Webby winners (an award very dear to Kermit’s heart and feet). He has been honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2002), and his song “Rainbow Connection” was nominated for an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe® in 1979. Kermit has appeared many times in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He received the Key to the City from Kermit, Texas, in 2005, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Amphibious Letters from the Southampton College at Long Island University. He was the first amphibian to address the prestigious Oxford Union at Oxford University.

Kermit’s film credits include “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) and “Muppets from Space” (1999). He’s also had starring roles in the TV films “Muppets Wizard of Oz” (2005) and “A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa.” In addition to hosting and starring in the international hit phenomenon “The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, Kermit’s small-screen credits include “Muppet Babies” and “Muppets Tonight.” He has appeared on a host of variety shows, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Today” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brian.” Kermit has also been a guest on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Saturday Night Live,” among many others. Kermit’s memoirsâ€"“Look Before You Leap: A Frog†™s Eye View of Life’s Greatest Lessons”â€"were published in 2006.

Kermit resides in a swamp, where he maintains a bachelor pad.

 

A CONVERSATION WITH KERMIT THE FROG…

Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”?
It’s funny, upbeat and full of laughs for everyone… frogs, pigs, bears… even people.

For new fans, it’s a chance to see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans, it’s a chance to get together with old friends… and get a little crazy together.

What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about?
Well, it’s the story of this incredible Muppet fan named Walter who comes to Hollywood to meet us… and ends up having to get all the Muppets back together to put on a show and save Muppet Studios.

I guess it’s the first Muppet movie that’s really from the point of view of a fan. Jason Segel, who is a really big Muppet fan in real life, co-wrote the movie. He wanted to show what it would be like if the world’s biggest Muppet fanâ€"along with his brother Gary (played by Jason) and friend Mary (played by Amy Adams)â€"came to Hollywood to meet us.

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets”?
I play me, Kermit the Frog. I’ve played other parts, like Bob Crachit in “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and Captain Smollett in “Muppet Treasure Island,” but I think “me” is my favorite part.

Playing a frog named Kermit might be type casting, but there aren’t a lot of great parts for amphibians, so I was happy to get the part.

In the movieâ€"and in life, reallyâ€"I’m a humble frog in Hollywood who wants to get back together with his friends and keep entertaining people.

How does your life differ from the characters you play in the films?
Well, on the big screen. I’m 16 feet tall. But in real life, it’s closer to 18 inches. So, I’d have to say the biggest difference is more heightâ€"and better lighting.

Seriously, though, my life on screen and off screen is about the same. In real life and on film, I’m surrounded by chaos, craziness, and romantic pigsâ€"just like any other Hollywood star.

Why did you want to take part in this film?
I understand they considered other actorsâ€"George Clooney, Tom Hanks. But in the end, when it comes to playing short, green and amphibious, I’m still Hollywood’s go-to guy. According to director James Bobin, when I read for the role of “me,” I nailed it.

What is the funniest scene in the film?
I like the scene where everything goes crazy and no one knows what to do. It’s total mad chaos…..Hmm, come to think of it, that describes most of the movie.

I can’t pick JUST one sceneâ€"all the other scenes would get jealous. But I really do like the big finale. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing… and, I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s happy, too.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?
Jason is not only a great comedian, but as a co-writer of the movie, he’s great to work with. If you forget your lines, he can make up new ones.

Jason’s a swell guy. He really loved the Muppets before we worked together…and he still loves us after. That’s a true fan. And he has such a fantastic sense of humor. He can find funny everywhere… even in Fozzie’s act.

 …Chris Cooper?
Chris plays the villain, Tex Richman, yet he’s really the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. That’s an incredible feat: being a good guy and playing a bad guy. When it comes to acting, it’s not that easy being mean.

 …Amy Adams?
Amy is incredible. She’s so beautiful and talented and funny. I’d love to make every movie with her…. but Miss Piggy won’t let me.

She’s also a great actress: she can sing and dance, and she has three Academy Award® nominations. I’m hoping she gets an Oscar® for Disney’s “The Muppets.” If not, I’m willing to paint myself gold and stand on her mantle.

 …Miss Piggy?
I have to say: working with Miss Piggy is always a pleasure. I have to say that ‘cause she makes me say it.

This was a different kind of movie for us. Normally, Piggy and I are together right from the start. But in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Miss Piggy is over in Paris and we have to go get her. That was challenging for me. France is tough for frogs… with legs.

What’s the deal with you and Miss Piggy? Are you still together?
Miss Piggy and I have a professional relationship. I think we’re professionals; she thinks we’re in a relationship.

Actually, Miss Piggy and I are good friends, but just friends. We like each other a great deal, but we are not romantically involvedâ€"despite her best efforts.

Describe director James Bobin.
James has a quirky sense of humor. Just watch his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and you can see this isn’t someone who sees the world like everyone else. Not being normal helps when you work with the Muppets. He’s a consummate professionalâ€"and we’re not, so we really needed him.

What is your advice for up-and-coming frogs/actors?
Never say croak.

Posted

Full-Sized Trailer for Pixar's Brave drops...and it looks sooo pretty.

The teaser for Pixar's next film Brave dropped a few months and it did what all Pixar teasers do, make us really damn curious. The company has a ridiculously amazing and solid track record so a first glance at the company's latest offerings is always something of interest here at Xavierpop.

The full trailer just dropped and it is pretty damn awesome.

As usual, the animation is fantastic. Coupled with that Pixar magic, we are in for something special. I really dig that this is not your usual Pixar story. That just makes me want to see it even more.

Enjoy!

ps - thanks to @randeepk for the heads up on ye old Xavierpop facebook page today.

Here is the Official Synopsis:

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Thompson). An unruly daughter and accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. This was originally being helmed by Pixar's first female director, Brenda Chapman (of Prince of Egypt), but they have since brought in co-director Mark Andrews (of the short One Man Band) to take over and finish up the movie. Disney has already scheduled Pixar's Brave for release next summer on June 22nd, 2012

Posted

Full-Sized Trailer for Pixar's Brave drops...and it looks sooo pretty.

The teaser for Pixar's next film Brave dropped a few months and it did what all Pixar teasers do, make us really damn curious. The company has a ridiculously amazing and solid track record so a first glance at the company's latest offerings is always something of interest here at Xavierpop.

The full trailer just dropped and it is pretty damn awesome. As usual, the animation is fantastic. Coupled with that Pixar magic, we are in for something special. I really dig that this is not your usual Pixar story. That just makes me want to see it even more.

Enjoy!

ps - thanks to @randeepk for the heads up on ye old Xavierpop facebook page today.

Here is the Official Synopsis:

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Thompson). An unruly daughter and accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. This was originally being helmed by Pixar's first female director, Brenda Chapman (of Prince of Egypt), but they have since brought in co-director Mark Andrews (of the short One Man Band) to take over and finish up the movie. Disney has already scheduled Pixar's Brave for release next summer on June 22nd, 2012

Posted

Full-Sized Trailer for Pixar's Brave drops...and it looks sooo pretty.

The teaser for Pixar's next film Brave dropped a few months and it did what all Pixar teasers do, make us really damn curious. The company has a ridiculously amazing and solid track record and so a first glance at the company's latest offerings is always something of interest here at Xavierpop.

The full trailer just dropped and it is pretty damn awesome. As usual, the animation is fantastic. Coupled with that Pixar magic, we are in for something special. I really dig that this is not your usual Pixar story. That just makes me want to see it even more.

Enjoy!

ps - thanks to @randeepk for the heads up on ye old Xavierpop facebook page today.

Here is the Official Synopsis:

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Thompson). An unruly daughter and accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. This was originally being helmed by Pixar's first female director, Brenda Chapman (of Prince of Egypt), but they have since brought in co-director Mark Andrews (of the short One Man Band) to take over and finish up the movie. Disney has already scheduled Pixar's Brave for release next summer on June 22nd, 2012

Posted

Full-Sized Trailer for Pixar's Brave drops...and it looks sooo pretty.

The teaser for Pixar's next film Brave dropped a few months and it did what all Pixar teasers do, make us really damn curious. The company has a ridiculously amazing and solid track record and so a first glance at the company's latest offerings is always something of interest here at Xavierpop.

The full trailer just dropped and it is pretty damn awesome. As usual, the animation is fantastic. Coupled with that Pixar magic, we are in for something special. I really dig that this is not your usual Pixar story. That just makes me want to see it even more.

Enjoy!

ps - thanks to @randeepk for the heads up on ye old Xavierpop facebook page today.

Here is the Official Synopsis:

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Thompson). An unruly daughter and accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. This was originally being helmed by Pixar's first female director, Brenda Chapman (of Prince of Egypt), but they have since brought in co-director Mark Andrews (of the short One Man Band) to take over and finish up the movie. Disney has already scheduled Pixar's Brave for release next summer on June 22nd, 2012

Posted

Full-Sized Trailer for Pixar's Brave drops...and it looks sooo pretty.

The teaser for Pixar's next film Brave dropped a few months and it did what all Pixar teasers do, make us really damn curious. The company has a ridiculously amazing and solid track record and so a first glance at the company's latest offerings is always something of interest here at Xavierpop.

The full trailer just dropped and it is pretty damn awesome. As usual, the animation is fantastic. Coupled with that Pixar magic, we are in for something special. I really dig that this is not your usual Pixar story. That just makes me want to see it even more.

Enjoy!

ps - thanks to @randeepk for the heads up on ye old Xavierpop facebook page today.

Here is the Official Synopsis:

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Thompson). An unruly daughter and accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. This was originally being helmed by Pixar's first female director, Brenda Chapman (of Prince of Egypt), but they have since brought in co-director Mark Andrews (of the short One Man Band) to take over and finish up the movie. Disney has already scheduled Pixar's Brave for release next summer on June 22nd, 2012

Posted

The Xavierpop 10 Days of Muppets - The Many Voices of Kermit the Frog

When Jim Henson passed away, it was a very sad day for those of us who grew up with the Muppets. The original voice of Kermit the Frog was no longer with us. The current voice of Kermit is Steve Whitmire is doing a great job. I know some diehards say that he is not the same, however he does capture the true essence of everyone's favourite green friend. With a whole new generation of kids set to discover the Muppets, isn't that really what it is all about?

Check out this great fan-made video that chronicles the Voice of Kermit the Frog. It's great to see the comparisons.

Filed under  //  Arts   Frog   Jim Henson   Kermit   Kermit the Frog   Miss Piggy   Muppet   Steve Whitmire   film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
Posted

The Xavierpop 10 Days of Muppets - The Many Voices of Kermit the Frog

When Jim Henson passed away, it was a very sad day for those of us who grew up with the Muppets. The original voice of Kermit the Frog was no longer with us. The current voice of Kermit is Steve Whitmire is doing a great job. I know some diehards say that he is not the same, however he does capture the true essence of everyone's favourite green friend. With a whole new generation of kids set to discover the Muppets, isn't that really what it is all about?

Check out this great fan-made video that chronicles the Voice of Kermit the Frog. It's great to see the comparisons.

Filed under  //  film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
Posted

The Xavierpop 10 Days of Muppets - The Many Voices of Kermit the Frog

When Jim Henson passed away, it was a very sad day for those of us who grew up with the Muppets. The original voice of Kermit the Frog was no longer with us. The current voice of Kermit is Steve Whitmire is doing a great job. I know some diehards say that he is not the same, however he does capture the true essence of everyone's favourite green friend. With a whole new generation of kids set to discover the Muppets, isn't that really what it is all about?

Check out this great fan-made video that chronicles the Voice of Kermit the Frog. It's great to see the comparisons.

Filed under  //  film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
Posted