'Emojimovie: Express Yourself' release date, news: Film's launch moved to Aug. 4

"Emojimovie: Express Yourself" poster from Sony Pictures press release Sony Pictures

Watching animated films and having a good laugh both have lifting effects to one's mood. The upcoming "Emojimovie: Express Yourself" does both, and adoring fans of comedy animations can get to watch it a week earlier than initially expected.

According to Deadline, the cartoony take on emojis was initially slated for Aug. 11, but it has been moved up to Aug. 4 instead. This pits the movie against the sci-fi horror "Alien: Covenant" on the said date, which could prove to be advantageous when talking about preferences in film viewing.

The said movie is going to be brought to life by some of the funniest actors today. Last July 17, which happened to be World Emoji Day, Sony Animation tweeted that T.J. Miller is going to play the role of Gene in the upcoming film. Miller is known for his role as the barkeep Weasel in "Deadpool," and the actor has also voiced animated characters such as Fred in "Big Hero 6" and Tuffnut in "How to Train your Dragon."

In a press release by Sony Pictures last October, Miller will be joined by James Corden who will play the role of Hi-5, and Ilana Glazer who will become Jailbreak. Corden is famous for his late night show and his singing chops in "Into the Woods." On the other hand, Ilana Glazer is known as Ilana Wexler in "Broad City."

"Emojimovie: Express Yourself" is set in the fictional world of Textopolis, a city where all of the emojis live, hoping to be used by the phone owner. Everyone has a unique facial expression except for Gene, who happens to have a lot of expressions. In order to become "normal" and fit in, he asks help from his friend, Hi-5, and the notorious code breaker, Jailbreak, in a quest to finally get him what he needs — a singular expression.

In the press release, Sony Pictures Animation president Kristine Belson said: "Over six billion emojis are texted every day, and emojis have become a universal language that transcends age and culture. The power of emojis is that they allow you to express yourself in a fast and very fun way, and that is what our movie is about: self expression. We are very lucky to have some of the smartest and funniest actors today bringing their unique voices to this movie."

With this being said, one can predict that viewers can expect a huge dose of laughter and perhaps a lesson on individuality from the upcoming animated movie.

News
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years

Bethlehem and Jerusalem have ushered in the Christmas season with public celebrations and glittering lights for the first time in two years, marking a poignant moment of hope in cities still grappling with the humanitarian and economic fallout of the Gaza war.

Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 

The Bishop of Winchester has defended the recent decision of the House of Bishops to pause plans to introduce standalone same-sex blessing services. 

Protecting girls and young women in the digital age
Protecting girls and young women in the digital age

It’s a missional priority for us as Christian communities to have open discussions about both the benefits and downsides of being online.

Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.