There are TWO major Disney pictures being released this weekend. I am sure you all know about Ratatouille. But there is another movie that should also catch your eye. The Magic Gourd was released in 300 theatres in China on Friday. This coproduction with Centro Digital Pictures (Hong Kong) Limited and China Film Group Corporation is Disney's first movie being produced outside of the United States. The film, which is four years in the making, follows a classic Chinese tale featuring local talent. Any studio can release a film internationally, but Disney is trying to also create local content in international markets. You might have heard about the Bollywood version of High School Musical being produced in India, or the success Disney has had with creating comics internationally, The Magic Gourd is just another example of this strategy.
Of course Ratatouille is on everyone's minds. The critics love it! In addition to getting two thumbs up from Disney's own Ebert & Roeper (featuring guest critic Katheline Tulich filling in for Roger Ebert), the movie has a 95% fresh ratting on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100% rating if you limit the pool to the "cream of the crop". Hopefully this will mean great things for the film.
Speaking of critics, ABC News announced Good Morning America's film critic, Joel Siegel, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. ABC News President, David Westin, said in a statement, "Joel was an important part of ABC News and we will miss him. He was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. But much more, he was our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family".