Lightyear’s Box Office Failure Addressed By Pixar Exec

When Lightyear came out in 2022, expectations ran relatively high, considering the astounding performance of Toy Story. However, the connection may have caused the most significant problem for fans; the audience significantly judged the concept based on the original Toy Story.

The movie got a reasonably decent audience; nevertheless, its underperformance was evident.

To bring you into context, Toy Story was the first Pixar film. The fully computer-animated story was released in 1995. In 2006, Pixar and Disney merged. It was not a new collaboration. Pixar has had all 26 feature films released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The films include standalone movies and sequels which left the audience thirsty for more, perhaps due to their emotional themes. With a long list of great films, it is almost impossible to believe that any Pixar movie could be close to incurring losses as Lightyear did.

Pixar Finally Speaks up on the Lightyear Flop

Eight months down the line, it was clear that Buzz Lightyear was not going to shine as other Pixar films did. In an interview with The Wrap, Pixar’s Executive, Pete Docter, expressed that the team had taken time to deliberate and understand the film’s performance.

Pete admitted there was a disconnect between what the audience wanted and what the film actually offered. He further explained that the main concept of the film didn’t fully emerge in the writing, and the characters that emerged didn’t resonate with film goers.

The Lightyear was more science fiction that what many fans were expecting, and the absence of most of Toy Story’s characters did not help with the audience’s reception. Docter appreciates that it was great to look back and explore the sci-fi scenes and the characters, but the story lacked a unique element or, as the Pixar boss puts it, a compelling reason for making the movie.

Lightyear’s lead star, Evans, previously gave his take on the movie. He revealed that even for him, getting into character and delving into the iteration of Buzz Lightyear was a challenge. He also spoke about the move by several Asian countries to ban the film due to its incorporation of gay themes.

Did Buzz’s Toy Story Mess It Up for Lightyear?

The Lightyear team may have seen this flop coming before the film hit theaters. At the first mention of Buzz, the film’s makers should have guessed that audiences would think of Toy Story and expect a connection.

Undeniably, Toy Story made a massive impact on the animated film industry; from the memorable characters to the timeless punch lines, it set the standard relatively high, so much from a movie about toys coming to life.

Lightyear does feature stunning visuals and incredible scenes. However, the movie sold to the audience was supposed to be a spin-off with an authentic touch and inspiration from the Toy Story films. The new venture would have been magnificent if it was not sold on the publicity of Toy Story. Pixar has done a great job of creating an enviable reputation for itself as one of the most remarkable animation studios. Unfortunately, Lightyear doesn’t live up to its hype. Pixar may not be used to disappointments, but it may have to chalk up Lightyear as one of them.

While Pixar’s efforts to joyride on Toy Story’s success is primarily to blame for Lightyear’s flop, there wasn’t a guarantee that it would have made it solo. The controversy over its gay scene may also have impacted its reception among audiences. Nonetheless, the film certainly would have had a better chance on the cinematic battlefield if it wasn’t hidden by the shadows of Toy Story.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Leaps Forward and Pays Tribute

The latest MCU film to hit theaters, ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ is a sequel to 2018’s Black Panther, starring the late Chadwick Boseman.

As Chadwick’s career reached impressive heights, having played Jackie Robinson in 2013’s 42 and James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up, he learned that he had stage III colon cancer.

Instead of letting the diagnosis slow him down, Boseman pushed forth with even more zest, balancing the world of box office mega-hits with hospital treatments.

His secret finally came out when on August 28, 2020, when a post on his social media pages tragically announced: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣”

The Black Panther franchise and the MCU, created a beautiful tribute film, though he is not featured in the film his presence is felt throughout the entire film as Shuri (Letitia Wright) continues to lean on T’Challa’s kindheartedness as she continues to be consumed by vengeance.

I am so glad this movie got a review because it does not seem like people are talking about it as much as I expected them to. This will be my honest opinion of the film, but I recommend you go see it yourself in the theater!

This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time because it makes me feel empowered. It talks about how we should protect our home and country before we worry about other countries when they are not our own. Obviously, it is fictional, but I can relate to the movie in so many ways.

This movie is also very powerful in its message. The message is that we are not as unique as we think we are, and our country does not have a monopoly on greatness or innovation. As long as we embrace our differences and learn from each other, there will be no limit to what we can achieve together.

I like how this movie is extremely family-oriented and how it portrays black women as strong independent female characters. They are not damsels in distress but heroes who fight alongside their men (and women).

I’m glad they had strong and independent female characters in this movie because sometimes women are depicted as weak and emotional. I am not saying there is anything wrong with being an emotional woman, but it is nice to see different kinds of roles for black women in movies.

I feel like the fight scenes in this movie were not as long or exciting as I expected them to be, but the visual effects are very good. The fight scenes are like a mix of martial arts and kung fu with lots of flips and kicks.

I liked the action scenes because there were a lot of flips and chain throws, but the fighting was not as fast or furious as I expected it to be. It takes a little bit of time for the camera to catch up with the action.

I noticed this movie was shot at night and during the day in different locations around Wakanda. At first, I thought it would be hard to tell what was happening on screen because there would be so much bright light, but it seems they’ve done a great job with that.

The scenes that take place during the day are usually fairly light because they are in a lush green jungle with beautiful sunny landscapes. The night scenes are dark, so you can’t see what is going on, but that’s how it should be, and it makes sense in the context of the movie.

I think it is important to have a diversity of people working on a film because they can bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. I really enjoyed this film because they had a good mixture of talented people on screen (both in front of and behind the camera).

I definitely recommend everyone go see this movie but plan on sitting through 2 hours and 22 minutes because there is not much time for breaks between scenes. Black Panther Wakanda Forever is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

I absolutely love this movie, but I did find myself getting bored at some points in the film. There are long periods when there are no visuals on screen, so it can get boring pretty fast.

For example, they show a montage of how different tribes in Wakanda live and work, but those scenes can be monotonous sometimes, so you must pay attention if you want to understand the plot and what is happening on screen.

They should have been more careful with planning them because they caught me off guard, and it took me a while to regain my composure.

Should Real Guns With Live Ammunition Be Allowed on Set?


A fatal accident occurred during the production of a Western movie titled Rust. The set was located in New Mexico in October 2021. Baldwin, one of the actors and producers of the film, pointed a gun at his colleague cinematographer Hutchins, and the gun accidentally went off, killing Hutchins. The scene was set at a small church. Alek Baldwin claimed that Hutchins asked him to point the gun at her and that he did not squeeze the trigger. The bullet also wounded Joel Souza.

Two Bills with the Same Goal


As a result of this incident, new rules regulating the use of guns while filming were drafted. Unfortunately, they did not pass the California Legislature. State Sen. Anthony Portantino advised Democrats and the entertainment industry to find a middle ground for the two bills for better chances of passing the legislature. Unfortunately, this advice fell on deaf years, and nothing was ever done. Consequently, the two bills fell through.

Daves Bill


Dave Cortese’s bill proposed the ban of guns and blank ammunition containing gun powder from film sets. In addition, the bill proposed the ban of any other explosive charges from film sets with a few exceptions. If his bill had gone through, producers would be legally required to hire a trained set safety coordinator to perform a risk assessment before shoot day. The California International Alliance of Theatrical and State Employees Council supported Cortese’s bill. This bill did not go unopposed. The Alliance of Special Effects and Pyrotechnic Operators opposed Dave’s bill stating that the bill would not have evaded the tragic accident on foreign soil. They added that the bill would affect California’s quality of motion pictures.

Portantino’s Bill


On the other hand, Sen. Portantino’s bill would have allowed guns with blank ammunition on film sets under the close supervision of a fully trained armourer. The armourer would have to undergo gun safety education before being hired on set. The gun safety course would be put together and offered by the State Fire Marshal. The bill only allowed for live ammunition on special occasions with strict supervision.
State Sen. Portantino expressed his disappointment that the two bills could not be merged. Motion Picture Association fully backed Portantino’s bill, and it faced little opposition.

An Onslaught of Lawsuits


After the tragedy on the set of Rust last year, a few lawsuits have been launched. First, the New Mexico safety regulators fined the film production company $137,000 for failing to adhere to fire safety rules. Shortly after, Hutchin’s family sued Alek Baldwin and his fellow producers on set in connection to the shooting. These are just a few of the lawsuits launched after the tragic accident that took the life of Hutchins.

Other Bills that also Failed


The two bills were not the only ones that failed to pass the legislature ahead of the deadline for bills to be approved by the appropriations committee. A bill that proposed converting public golf courses into affordable housing was also shot down. Another bill that sought 7.4 billion dollars for wildfire prevention efforts and drinking water projects was also turned down. Last but not least, a proposal to terminate all state drilling and mining for gas and oil in state waters was quickly turned down.

Are Mattel Movies on the Verge of Dominating Hollywood?

Everyone has probably wished that they had the ability to be Marvel. Armed only with B-grade intellectual property and superhuman levels of fortitude, a small comic book firm gradually worked its way into an unbreakable grasp on the cinema industry. However, a decade and a half later, Marvel has established itself as the established order. It is past time for another valiant upstart to stage a revolution. That newcomer? Mattel, the toy people.

Barbie, The Live-Action Film Star

Barbie has been the hardest-working lady in the toy aisle for 62 years, sliding from one occupation to the next wearing a dizzying number of clothing and accessories — and, more recently, altering body shapes and skin tones. Barbie the astrophysicist, Barbie the ballerina, Barbie the Chicken Farmer. Barbie the Firefighter

However, she has now accomplished the ultimate transformation: Barbie, the live-action film star.

Plans for Cinematic Domination

Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, did a Variety interview this weekend in which she laid out her audacious goals for cinematic dominance. Brenner, who produced Dallas Buyers Club in 2013, announced a lineup of films that is stunning in scope and talent.

Greta Gerwig has added Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling to the ensemble of her Barbie film, which she will direct from a script she co-wrote with Noah Baumbach. Lena Dunham is now working on a Polly Pocket film with Lily Collins, which she is also directing. Major Matt Mason is currently being adapted into a film by Akiva Goldsman, starring Tom Hanks. This is a significant change, as the people mentioned in this paragraph have won three Academy Awards (and have been nominated for another 14) and seven Emmy Awards (and been nominated for another 15). They’re also working on a toy-related films

Additionally, a He-Man picture, a Hot Wheels film, a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots film, a Big Jim film, a Magic 8 Ball horror franchise, and films based on Chatty Cathy and Betsy Wetsy are in the works.To be honest, in three years, we will all be drowned in Mattel films.

Isn’t this remarkable? Due in part to Marvel’s glut of superhero movies, there is no longer a commercial market for theatrically produced low-budget material. And the filmmakers behind those films – the Oscar contenders, the romantic comedies, and the renowned indie classics – have been left homeless. Until now, these individuals had two options: either rely on the streamers’ deep finances or bite the bullet and enter the realm of television. Both options imply a compromise of ideals in some sense. However, Mattel, delightful, has galloped to the rescue with a lovely third option.

Netflix to produce Mattel’s ‘Masters of the Universe’ movie

Mattel Inc and Netflix are adapting the 1980s toymaker’s “Masters of the Universe” concept into a live-action film with filming set to begin in summer 2022.

The film, which was previously in production at Sony, will be directed by the Nee Brothers and will star Kyle Allen (West Side Story) as Prince Adam, or He-Man, according to both companies.

The film will follow Adam, an orphan who discovers he is a prince whose life purpose is to save a distant nation.

Mattel began with a line of action figures in 1982, a year before the broadcast of the animated series “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.”

In recent years, American toymakers like Mattel and Hasbro have started competing with Hollywood studios for big contracts. Mattel has also reached agreements with Disney to acquire the “Toy Story,” “Cars,” and “Lightyear” franchises from Pixar Animation Studio.

Mattel bought the rights to produce dolls based on Disney royalty, including Elsa and Jasmine, from archrival Hasbro Inc. earlier last month.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Amazon Shutting Down Their Publishing House

For the people that have purchased books by Westland through Amazon, they may have heard the news that Amazon is shutting it down. This brings up a lot of questions. Their readers want to know more details. This decision seems as though it came out of nowhere. People want to know where, why, and how this happened.

Who is Westland?

The people who do not live in India may not know who Westland is. Westland Books is a publishing house that has been contracted with Amazon India. It is one of the biggest publishing companies in the World. Many people are familiar with them and have bought their books. They have some of the best-selling authors in the World, and they carry nonfiction and fiction books. Before siding with Amazon, they were with Trent Ltd. At that point, they were known as East West Books.

Did They Already Shut Down the Publishing House?

This was an unexpected decision that was made on February 1, 2022, after Westland has been with Amazon for five and a half years. Yes, it is already closed, and people are no longer able to order books by Westland through Amazon.

Where do the Writers Go?

Amazon has been working with the staff of the publishing house and their authors to help them figure out a plan on where to go next.

What do the Customers Think?

This news mostly affects the people of India. These people are shocked to find out this news. The authors have established a connection with their publishing house and are disappointed to be leaving Amazon as their main seller. It can be scary for the authors to have to start over with a new company.

Why did They Shut Down Westland Books?

Amazon India will not comment on why they shut down Westland books. Even though it is for an unknown reason, many people begin to speculate on why it was shut down. Many people seem to think it was because books have gone digital, and they don’t have a reason to keep publishing companies on staff. Other people believe it was because they weren’t making any sales. Amazon claims they have done a review on the company and decided to shut them down. The review may have shown poor results, but Amazon still wants to help everyone involved with the transition. Few people may think it’s because the publishing company switched names.

After looking over the questions, people may have more questions. Unfortunately, right now it looks like not much is being revealed but customers are distraught over this news. People will have to follow up with this story to see if Amazon releases any more comments.

Reading Books Versus Other Activities

Many people would rather stick their head in a book rather than do other activities. But does it make them any happier? Sure they enjoy reading books but deep down they may be struggling with the answer to that question. Book lovers will learn more about their happiness as they read along to this guide.

The Pros of Reading Books

Reading books can gain an educational aspect depending on what people read. They learn about the world around them. They also learn about the lives of fictional characters, and many people can relate to that. Reading books helps people with learning disadvantages such as dyslexia or other disadvantages. People will also develop a better vocabulary to help them with their livelihood. It’s also relaxing, and it’s a great stress reliever after working all day. Another advantage to reading books is that people gain a spiritual aspect. They are more in tune with bringing out a better side of themselves.

The Cons of Reading Books

It’s not good to stare at a book all day without a break. It can affect eyesight and can force people to wear glasses. Reading books also prevents socialization skills. People can’t read books with other people. If they do, they are reading in silence.

The Pros of Other Activities

It’s good for people to have other activities to do. People need exercise and sunlight to stay healthy. Sports give people exercise and will be a nice break from books. Playing video games is another great way to spend spare time, and it builds hand-eye coordination. It also perfects socialization skills. People can play video games and sports with other people. Listening to music is also another way to engage with other people. Friends invite each other over for dance parties, and they get connected that way.

The Cons of Other Activities

Other activities can conflict with daily schedules. When people read books, it’s something to do in their spare time. A lot of activities cost money. Books cost no more than ten dollars. They are more inexpensive online. Other activities are demanding as far as time. People have to commit once they sign up for something. By reading books, people are not required to make commitments. Other activities can also be too stressful.

If people are curious if reading books will make them happier, the answer should be yes or no. To determine that answer, look over the pros and cons of each type of activity. People should find a balance between the two to make them happy. If people were to give others surveys to find out what makes them happy, they would find that the differences are tight. It means that it’s equal across the board.

Shannon Bream — the Fox News Host — Will Release a New Book in March

Shannon Bream, the author of — The Women of the Bible Speak — has a follow-up book to be released this spring. In her latest book, Shannon will be interviewing other women from the Bible who have stories to tell. The new book will cover different topics such as love, marriage, and family life.

Her follow-up book is titled: “The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak.” This book is a compilation of messages and advice from mothers and daughters throughout the Bible to help people understand that their faith can inspire them through any life transition.

This second volume will be coming out this spring on March 29. It comes with new dialogue from some well-known biblical women. The book will focus on these women’s lives, accomplishments, and how God used them.

A Refresher

Shannon Bream’s book will be a refreshing read for women. She writes from a Christian perspective and discusses topics full of wisdom, hope, and encouragement. It contains a collection of quotes from the Bible that can be used as daily reminders to help readers stay on track with their faith.

Shannon Bream is one of the most influential voices in Christian broadcasting. She is a co-host on Fox News Channel, America’s Newsroom, and is the anchor of Fox Report Weekend.

She is the author of the New York Times best-selling book, “The Women of the Bible Speak.”

Release Date

The book honors mothers and daughters from nine biblical families as they share lessons on faith from their lives.

Bream’s book looks at Biblical women who had more than the typical story. It explores how their husbands and children shaped their lives and how they transcended the expectations placed on them, whether by society or by God.

“The Women of the Bible Speak” is now in its second printing after selling more than 400,000 copies in less than a year. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of women in the Bible. It sheds light on their struggles and triumphs and will remind you that people are all a lot more alike than they realize.

About the New Book

The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families by Shannon Bream is a book that looks at nine different families in the Bible.

Each family’s story is through their mother’s eyes, so it is an intimate look at what these women faced in their lives.

The book explores the lives of biblical mothers and daughters to glean lessons on faith. People can apply the advice on how faith worked in their lives.

Shannon Bream has written this book for mothers and daughters to teach them how to live out their faith with courage, integrity, and love.

This book is a read for anyone who wants to learn more about the women who shaped Bible history.

Ryan Reynolds: Why Free Guy is more than a ‘video game movie’

Though Ryan Reynolds’ summer blockbuster Free Guy is set in a video game, this movie goes above and beyond the console.

What is the plot?

Set in Free City (which is the fictional backdrop of a popular video game), this film explores the life of Guy (a very normal, ordinary bank clerk). Guy learns to question the world around him, learning about his identity as a background character in a video game. Whilst other characters are operated by humans in the “real world”, Guy’s existence consists of repetitive menial routines. This is because he is a non-playable character.

No matter what happens to Guy during the day (whether he is injured, robbed at gunpoint, or simply engages in small talk with his barista) each morning is a fresh start and remnants of the previous day are wiped away.

Notably, Guy is the only non-playable character that is able to think for himself. As time goes by, he meets a Molotov girl (operated by a human in the “real world” named Millie) and communication begins. Millie supports Guy in finding out more about the fictional world around him. In turn, Guy is drawn in to challenge Antwan (Free City’s creator, a profit-chasing video gamer owner who stole Millie’s coding and Internet Protocol).

Why does it matter?

The film is certainly, in part, about video games. The Telegraph’s Ed Power notes that “Video gaming culture has a wide puerile streak, and Free Guy isn’t afraid to lean into it.” Molly Freeman from Screen Rant is in agreement, describing that Free Guy is “the best video game movie ever.”

However, there is more to it. “It’s interesting to me,” Reynolds adds. “Everybody says ‘it’s a movie based on a video game’. I really don’t think Free Guy is a video game movie. That’s like saying Titanic is a movie about boatmanship.

“It’s a movie about so much more. But I loved the narrow target we had to hit to create a world which felt authentic to gamers and then still smuggles this other story into that.”

And that story is about mutual respect, teamwork, and pride. Even a quick look at Ryan Reynolds’ YouTube campaign relating to this film tells you just that. In a video entitled ‘Best Supporting Actors‘, Reynolds shines a light on the film’s extras, and on the passions that make up the mosaic of their lives. ‘You know what? No ones in the background,’ sаys background actor Brandon Scales.

Although this film is set in a video game and reflects on pertinent issues in the technology sphere, it also touches on an aspect important to all of us: mutual respect and recognition. As Guy’s story shows, even a very ordinary background character has a winding story to uncover and a vital role to play.

Hallmark Movies Are Back for Another Holiday Season

It’s officially Christmas season, and viewers can count on Hallmark to get them in the holiday spirit. While this cable network spreads joy during the off-season, they double up the fun during the holiday season with back-to-back Christmas movies. This year, the movies began debuting on October 22, and there are over 30 new movies that will sequentially get released throughout the holiday season.

Hallmark features new movies each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. This season is packed with highly-anticipated reunions, sweet romances, and all of the popular hallmark favorites. Here is a list of movies from the Hallmark Channel, including those already being aired and those yet to air throughout the Christmas season at varying dates and times on the network. Note that all movies premiere at 8 p.m.

October Premiers

Here is a list of all movies that aired in October:

  1. Oct. 22: You me & the Christmas Trees
  2. Oct. 23: Boyfriends of Christmas Past
  3. Oct. 24: The Santa Stakeout
  4. Oct. 29: Christmas in Harmony
  5. OCT. 30: Coyote Creek Christmas
  6. Oct. 31: Christmas Sail

November Premiers

Here is a list of movies that aired in November:

  1. Nov. 5: Gingerbread Miracle
  2. Nov. 6: Next Stop, Christmas
  3. Nov. 7: A Christmas Treasure
  4. Nov. 12: Open by Christmas
  5. Nov. 13: My Christmas Family Tree
  6. Nov. 14: A Holiday in Harlem
  7. Nov. 19: Nantucket Noel
  8. Nov. 20: A Christmas Together with You
  9. Nov. 21: A Kiss Before Christmas
  10. Nov. 25: The Nine Kittens of Christmas
  11. Nov. 26: Christmas CEO
  12. Nov. 26: An Unexpected Christmas
  13. Nov. 27: Making Spirits Bright
  14. Nov. 27: Christmas at Castle Hart
  15. Nov. 28: Christmas in Tahoe
  16. Nov. 28: The Christmas Contest

December Premieres

Here is a list of December premieres, along with a small synopsis:

1. Dec. 3: Eight Gifts of Hanukkah

Stars: Inbar Lavi and Jake Epstein

A woman does everything in her power, including traveling to find her secret crush during Hanukkah.

2. Dec. 4: A Very Merry Bridesmaid

Stars: Emily Osment, Casey Deidrick

Leah’s 30th birthday is one day to Christmas, which happens to be her brother’s wedding day. While she’s accepted that her big day is on hold for that year, her childhood crush has a few tricks to make her birthday memorable.

3. Dec. 5: Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday

Stars: Ashley Williams, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Keith Robinson, Mark Deklin, Kevin Nealon, and Susan Yeagley.

Jennifer and Meg are sisters so close despite living hours from each other. During the holidays, they switch homes, giving them a new perspective on themselves and their relationship.

4. Dec. 10: A Dickens of a Holiday

Stars: Kristoffer Polaha and Brooke D’Orsay

In her attempt to make her hometown’s 100th annual Victorian festival special, Cassie invites her former classmate Jack, who is now a movie star, to play a Christmas carol.


5. Dec. 11: A Royal Queens Christmas

Stars: Megan Park and Julian Morris.

A prince goes to Queens during Christmas after a resident woman sends him an invitation to a children’s Christmas show he couldn’t pass up.

6. Dec. 12: Sister Swap: Christmas in the City

Stars: Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ashley Williams, Keith Robinson, Mark Deklin, Kevin Nealon, and Susan Yeagley.

The movie picks up right where the ‘’Sisters Swap: A hometown holiday” left off. However, this time they team up to prepare their family restaurant for a local Christmas

7. Dec. 18: The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls

Stars: Robert Buckley, Ana Ayora, Sharon Lawrence, Jonathan Bennett, Brad Harder, and Treat Williams.

This is a follow-up to last year’s movie, ‘’The Christmas House”. The Mitchell brothers, Mike and Brandon, contest to see who can build the most magical Christmas house.

8. Dec. 19: ‘Tis the Season to be Merry

Stars: Rachel Leigh Cook, Travis Van Winkle, and Karen Malina White

Looking for inspiration for her new relationship book, Merry decides to spend her holidays in a cabin in Vermont. She meets Adam, an aid worker who offers her a life-changing perspective.