Michael Lee

1 week ago | thenerdsofcolor.org | Michael Lee

Pixar has always been a story-first studio. They prioritize strong narratives, character development, and emotional impact over animation. As such, their films resonate on a deeply human level, no matter how fantastical the setting or plot. This approach fits perfectly with Elio, a film about an 11-year-old Latinx boy who struggles with the anxieties of loneliness and embarks on a journey of connection in an intergalactic world.

1 week ago | thatsitla.com | Michael Lee

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” attempts to wrap up nearly three decades of high-stakes, globe-trotting espionage with a story that promises to be as ambitious as it is thrilling. In reality, it feels like the filmmakers tried to bite off more than they could chew, sacrificing the tight focus and engaging character dynamics that made the earlier films in the franchise so compelling.

1 week ago | thenerdsofcolor.org | Michael Lee

Disney and Pixar have released the final trailer for Elio. We’ll have a lot of coverage about the film in the coming weeks leading up to the film’s release. So, expect behind-the-scenes insights, interviews with the creative team, and deep dives into the story, characters, and visual design. The final trailer offers the clearest look yet at Elio’s intergalactic adventure, blending humor, heart, and stunning visuals. In Elio, Disney and Pixar flip the classic “are we alone?” question on its head.

1 week ago | thenerdsofcolor.org | Michael Lee

Pixar’s Elio is a bold, imaginative adventure about a young boy who’s never quite felt at home on Earth, until his wish to be abducted comes true. Suddenly named humanity’s ambassador to an alien civilization, Elio embarks on a visually stunning, emotionally rich journey through space that explores identity, family, and belonging.

2 weeks ago | thatsitla.com | Michael Lee

“Lilo & Stitch” is one of the most beloved titles in the Disney Vault, making its live-action remake one of the most highly anticipated. While Disney’s track record with live-action remakes has been uneven, director Dean Fleischer Camp delivers a grounded, emotionally resonant, character-driven reinterpretation that honors the original while expanding and preserving the spirit of ‘ohana.