This week the marketplace will see a number of Latino stars headlining DVD releases. Among these Latino actors are Michael Pena , Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Kate del Castillo and Zuria Vega. Latin Post takes a look at the week in new DVD releases, which also includes Indie dramas, Academy Award nominees and animated films.
From the small screen to the big screen, most of us are suckers for reality TV, like "Dancing With the Stars" where former celebrities re-emerge into the spotlight to see if they can dance, to feel-good romantic comedies that tug at our heartstrings.
Yet there's another type of comedy that also gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling -- but not in the way you'd expect. It's stoner comedy, and it's making a unique comeback to the box office with the long-awaited, big-screen reunion of "Cheech and Chong," otherwise known as Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong.
Many people know comedic actor Cheech Marin for his stoner comedy "Cheech & Chong" films in the '70s and '80s, but he's also made his mark as a director, writer, musician and a Chicano advocate and art collector. He's starred in feature film comedies and animated movies and has made bestselling bilingual children's music albums.
Marin recently spoke to Latin Post about his role in the animated fantasy-adventure, "The Book of Life," directed by Jorge Gutierrez and produced by his longtime friend and Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro. During the Latin Post exclusive interview, Marin reminisced of his early days and recalled other Latino trailblazers in film, including renegade filmmaker and fellow Mexican-American, Robert Rodriguez.
If you are ever in need of a wing man and a singing entourage to help woo your true love, Cheech Marin is your man!
In "The Book of Life," Marin voices the hysterical role of Pancho Rodriguez, one of Manolo's (voiced by Diego Luna's hilarious mariachi friends, the "Rodriguez brothers" (also voiced by Gabriel Iglesias and Ricardo Sanchez "Mandril"). In the film, they try "fun, though hardly romantic versions of Rod Stewart's 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy' and Biz Markie's 'Just a Friend' - the latter to the accompaniment of a toy piano."
Celebrated actor Hector Elizondo, who was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hispanic Organization of Latino Actors in New York, takes his roles very seriously, whether it's on the stage, the small or big screen, or on the radio as a member of the distinguished L.A. Theatre Works for National Public Radio.
Imagine seeing your life's work come alive on the big screen, watching your heartfelt storytelling and illustrations inspired by your upbringing and culture unfold -- all with the help of your favorite producer, Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro, a stellar cast, including Diego Luna, Channing Tatum and Zoe Saldana and a soundtrack that features the legendary Plácido Domingo. Now imagine it all in 3D.
Many people use the word "icon" loosely when singing a star's praises, though it's rarely truly justified. But sometimes the word and the subject are interchangeable, especially if it's a Latina trailblazer at the culmination of Hispanic Heritage Month.
"The Book of Life" creators are asking their fans, "Quieres bailar?" (Do you want to dance?) as they are gearing up for the official release date of the highly anticipated animated film's soundtrack on Oct. 13.
Belize's Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre), or ATM, is a true gem and archeologist's dream.
Now I understand why "Ghost Hunters International" Season 3, dedicated its ninth episode to feature "The Crystal Maiden: Belize and France" and evaluated the ghost stories behind the "Mysterious Maiden."
Jorge Gutierrez and Guillermo del Toro, the creators of the animated film "The Book of Life" from 20th Century Fox and Reel FX Animation Studios, are entering the fashion industry. Gutierrez's compelling "Day of the Dead" illustrations have inspired a limited edition fashion line at Hot Topic.
Ron Perlman is temporarily leaving the prosthetics and makeup behind and lending his voice to the character, Xibalba, in Guillermo del Toro and Jorge Gutierrez's beautifully animated film, "The Book of Life."
The talented "Book of Life" team is at it again. They're revving up for the highly anticipated release of the film on Oct. 17 and have released the film's second trailer, which is sure to further reel in more audiences with its splendid animation.
