Disney movies for 2015: 'Strange Magic,' McFarland USA,' 'Cinderella' [full list]

Disney movies for the first quarter of 2015 [Theatrical release posters | Wikipedia]

After the box office success of a number of its movies, including "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," and "Maleficent," not to mention previous hits like "Frozen" and the Marvel superhero films, Disney is set to treat moviegoers with more big titles this year. Among the much-anticipated films lined up for 2015 are "Avengers: Age of Ultron" set to hit theaters on May 1, and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" scheduled for release on Dec. 18. But the movie outfit has other films fans can look forward to.

On Jan. 23, Disney will feature "Strange Magic," a musical fairytale presented in 3D computer animation produced by Lucasfilm and released by Touchstone Pictures. With a story conceptualized by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas himself, the film features two very different worlds: one magical with fairies and elves; and the other, a mysterious world with goblins and other nasty beings. The two worlds have been divided for ages — that is, as the trailer puts it, "... until someone crossed the line." Then it's utter chaos. 

According to film director Gary Rydstrom, Lucas' emphasis on the story is on "finding beauty in strange places."

On Feb. 20, Disney will feature "McFarland, USA" starring Kevin Costner as a coach for a fledgling Latino high school cross-country team. The sports drama is based on a true story, and it tackles several social issues evident in the '80s.

Then, Disney's well-loved classic "Cinderella" will be shown on March 13, but this time as a live-action film. It will also have several twists that are bound to make the story more interesting, such as the fairy godmother disguised as a beggar and the prince pretending to be a palace employee. It stars Lilly James as Cinderella, Cate Blanchett as wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine, Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, and Richard Madden as Kit a.k.a. Cinderella's Prince Charming.

The company has lots more movies lined up for the rest of year. Variety provided a list, namely:

  • April 17 – "Monkey Kingdom"
  • May 1 – "Avengers: Age of Ultron"
  • May 22 – "Tomorrowland"
  • June 19 – "Inside Out"
  • July 17 – "Ant–Man"
  • Oct 9 – "The Jungle Book"
  • Oct. 16 – An untitled Cold War spy thriller by Steven Spielberg
  • Nov. 25 – "The Good Dinosaur"
  • Dec. 18 – "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
News
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Richard Moth has been confirmed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior post in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. 

The mystery of the Wise Men
The mystery of the Wise Men

The carol assures us that “We three kings of Orient are…” and tells us they were “following yonder star”. Can we be sure there were three of them? Were they kings? Where in the Orient were they from? What was the star they followed? In fact, there is a lot that we just do not know. This is the story …

English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.