Disney, a renowned name synonymous with creating timeless, captivating stories, presents yet another masterpiece, “The Finest Hours”. This heroic action-thriller, released in January 2016, is an extraordinary true story. It takes the audience on an incredible journey recounting the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history.

Immersive Cinematic Experience

Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, “The Finest Hours” isn’t just a movie, it’s an immersive cinematic experience. It transports audiences right into the heart of the action. The film’s epic scale and immersive technology create a sense of real-life adventure and adrenaline.

Unraveling the True Story

The film is based on a remarkable true story from February 18, 1952. On that fateful day, a massive nor’easter storm struck New England. It pummeled towns along the Eastern seaboard and caused havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path. That included the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half. This disastrous event trapped more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern.

First assistant engineer Ray Sybert, played by Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck, realizes that it’s up to him to inspire the frightened crew. He urges them to set aside their differences and work together to survive one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast.

Meanwhile, at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff, portrayed by Eric Bana, orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber, played by Chris Pine, set out in a wooden lifeboat to brave frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves, and hurricane-force winds.

The Unforgettable Story of the Coast Guard’s Courageous Mission

Directed by Craig Gillespie, “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission. It boasts a stellar cast including Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz, and Eric Bana. The film was produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero. The screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson. It is based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. Doug Merrifield serves as the executive producer.

Connect with The Finest Hours

Disney encourages fans to engage with the movie and its cast. You can like ‘The Finest Hours’ on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can also follow Disney Pictures on Twitter for more movie news and updates.

The Finest Hours – An Unforgettable Adventure

“The Finest Hours” is more than just a movie. It’s an unforgettable adventure that showcases the power of bravery, leadership, and unity in the face of overwhelming odds. With its engaging narrative, stellar performances, and immersive visual effects, “The Finest Hours” is a must-watch for all movie enthusiasts.

Behind the Scenes of “The Finest Hours”

Creating a film like “The Finest Hours” is no small feat. The film’s production team faced the enormous challenge of recreating the 1952 storm and the harrowing rescue mission. The filmmakers used a combination of practical effects and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery to bring the story to life. This included constructing a replica of the SS Pendleton and filming in a massive water tank to simulate the raging ocean.

Performances that Bring the Story to Life

The performances in “The Finest Hours” are key to the film’s success. Chris Pine delivers a nuanced performance as Bernie Webber, the young Coast Guard officer who leads the daring rescue. Pine captures Webber’s quiet determination and bravery, making him a compelling and relatable hero.

Casey Affleck, as Ray Sybert, brings a quiet intensity to his role. His portrayal of the ship’s engineer who steps up to lead the stranded crew is deeply moving. The rest of the cast, including Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz, and Eric Bana, also deliver strong performances that add depth and humanity to the story.

The Authenticity of “The Finest Hours”

One of the most impressive aspects of “The Finest Hours” is its commitment to authenticity. The filmmakers went to great lengths to accurately portray the events of February 18, 1952. They extensively researched the era, the storm, and the rescue mission. They even consulted with the actual Coast Guard to ensure the accuracy of the rescue scenes. This attention to detail adds a layer of realism to the film, making the story even more compelling.

The Impact of “The Finest Hours”

“The Finest Hours” is not just an exciting action-thriller. It’s a tribute to the bravery and selflessness of the Coast Guard and a reminder of the power of teamwork and leadership. The film has touched audiences around the world, inspiring many with its powerful message of courage and resilience.

FAQs About “The Finest Hours”

Here are some frequently asked questions about “The Finest Hours”.

Is “The Finest Hours” based on a true story?
Yes, the film is based on the true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history, which took place on February 18, 1952.

Who are the main characters in “The Finest Hours”?
The main characters are Bernie Webber, a Coast Guard officer played by Chris Pine, and Ray Sybert, the first assistant engineer of the SS Pendleton, played by Casey Affleck.

Where can I watch “The Finest Hours”?
“The Finest Hours” is available to stream on various online platforms, including Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Finest Hours” is a remarkable film that tells an extraordinary true story. It’s a testament to Disney’s ability to create engaging, emotionally resonant films that resonate with audiences. With its memorable performances, stunning visual effects, and inspiring story, “The Finest Hours” is indeed one of Disney’s finest hours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disney’s The Finest Hours

What is The Finest Hours about?

The Finest Hours is a 2016 Disney movie that tells the true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. It recounts the heroic efforts of a group of men who braved a deadly storm to rescue the crew of the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker that was ripped in half by a massive nor’easter storm in 1952.

Who are the main actors in The Finest Hours?

The movie boasts a stellar cast including Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz, and Eric Bana.

Who directed The Finest Hours?

The Finest Hours was directed by Craig Gillespie.

Who produced The Finest Hours?

The film was produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero, with Doug Merrifield serving as the executive producer.

Who wrote the screenplay for The Finist Hours?

The screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson.

Is The Finest Hours based on a book?

Yes, The Finest Hours is based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman.

Where can I follow updates about The Finest Hours?

You can like ‘The Finest Hours’ on Facebook and follow Disney Pictures on Twitter for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

How can I watch The Finest Hours?

The Finest Hours is available for streaming on various platforms. Check your local listings for availability.

Table: Key Information about The Finest Hours

Title	The Finest Hours
Release Date	January 2016
Director	Craig Gillespie
Production Companies	Disney, Whitaker Entertainment, Red Hawk Entertainment
Main Cast	Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz, Eric Bana

Table: Social Media Links for The Finest Hours

Platform	Link
Facebook	The Finest Hours on Facebook
Twitter	Disney Pictures on Twitter

MySparklingLife

b•leve Bath & Body Products

ByMySparklingLife May 11, 2015October 4, 2023

I have said it many times that I love natural products especially when it comes to beauty products. Natural products are so much better for your skin which is why I love them. While I find that natural products are sometimes a little more expensive, b•leve is an affordable option.
As you can see the b-leve product line includes hair care, bath and body, and skin care. I was sent a package that included 3 products from their line to try out for my use and review.
b•passionate body wash: b•passionate body wash gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin with natural Oleosome technology. This revolutionary encapsulated moisture bead technology provides rich, energizing lather with gentle moisturization and a delicate floral scent. • contains extract of safflower oil, glycerin & vitamin E – nourishes & conditions skin
• paraben-free • non-irritating & hypoallergenic
b•colorful shampoo: b•colorful shampoo for color treated hair is a rich moisturizing formulation that contains natural extracts of sunflower and white tea. Cationic chemistry, the leading technology in performance hair care, specifically targets damaged areas along the hair shaft and at the ends. This advanced precision formula does not require the use of high levels of silicones. • contains sunflower extract – for protection against color fading & UV damage • contains white tea extract – for gloss, strength & long lasting shine
• paraben-free • antioxidant & vitamin rich
b•tranquil body lotion: b•tranquil body lotion provides long-lasting moisturization with a soothing, spa-like scent. Oleofirm™, a groundbreaking moisturization technology, is derived from tiny microseeds that release moisture both during application and as the day goes on. • restores skin’s moisture & balance • natural extract of goji berry – provides a fortifying, antioxident moisturization • paraben-free
• non-irritating & hypoallergenic
Each product has a wonderful scent! My favorite is the b•passionate! The scents are all light and not overwhelming. The shampoo is thicker than your normal shampoo, and lathers up nice. My hair looks and feels healthy, it’s shiny and doesn’t turn dull during my day, & I haven’t noticed any fading while using this shampoo. I really liked how the body wash has little beads of moisturizer in it. I love how they burst open when I use the wash. Plus, the body wash doesn’t dry my skin, which some body washes I’ve used tend to do.
If your looking for great natural skin care & hair care, this is an affordable option for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

20th Century Fox New Movie PAPER TOWNS Trailer ⋆ My Sparkling Life

ByMySparklingLife April 11, 2016October 11, 2023

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars”), PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears–leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship–and true love.
Below you will find the new Paper Towns Trailer
Follow Paper Towns on Twitter | Facebook
Stay tuned for a Paper Towns Giveaway starting on July 6th!
Paper Towns In theaters July 24, 2015

Almond Cupcake Brownies with Almond Icing

ByMySparklingLife June 24, 2015October 4, 2023

I received the boxes of Immaculate Dry baking mixes as inspiration for my Almond Cupcake Brownies…so looking at the four boxes I had Ideas sparking in my mind…one of which I’m going to share with you today.
For more on the Immaculate Dry Baking Mixes see my full post HERE! A delicious mix of chocolate cupcake on top and brownie on the bottom topped with an almond buttercream icing and garnished with almond slices and a dark chocolate almond milano cookie.
1 Box Immaculate Dry Chocolate Cake Mix
3/4 cup Milk
3/4 cup Butter, melted
4 Eggs
1 Box Immaculate Dry Brownie Mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 Eggs
2 cups Powderd Sugar
1/2 cup Butter, soffened
1/2 cup Vegetable shortening
1 tsp Almond Extract
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Heavy cream
1 package Milano Almond Cookies
1 package Sliced Almonds
Preheat oven to 350*
Mix together ingredients for the brownie mix, place into 2 greased or lined and sprayed cupcake pans (24 cupcakes). This will fill about half way.
Mix together ingredients for the cake mix, fill remaining space in the cupcake pans. You will have leftover cake mix, i used this to make 12 more cupcakes.
Bake for 20 min. Check on it by sticking a toothpick in it, if it comes out clean its ready!
Cool completely on wire racks.
Combine Butter, vegetable shortening, vanilla extract, almond extract and heavy cream. Slowly add in powdered sugar while mixing. Mix till smooth.
Place icing into piping bag and pip generously onto the cupcake.
Garnish with a 1/2 Milano Cookie and bits of sliced almonds.
My Sparkling Life https://mysparklinglife.com/
Disclosure: The Immaculate Baking Mixes were provided by Immaculate Baking through Platefull Co-Op to serve as inspiration for this recipe, however recipe is my own.

A Closer Look At Alebrijes & Coco's Pepita and Dante

ByMySparklingLife February 20, 2018September 17, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This travel was #Hosted which means The company who sponsored it compensated me via all expenses paid trip, cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In this week’s COCO post, we are going to take a closer look at Alebrijes & two characters Pepita & Dante. If you’ve never heard the name Alebrije, don’t feel alone. I had never heard of them prior to this press event.
During our Pixar Coco Press Event in San Fransisco, we learned so much about how Pixar’s’ animated movies come together. The team does so much research to learn about their characters behaviors, movements, and even legends that inspire them. Some of the Coco characters were inspired by legends & myth of the Alebrije.
Fun Fact: An Alebrije is an art form created by Pedro Linares dreams. He created these brightly colored imaginary creatures, that later on became part of Mexican folk art sculptures. The creatures are created by combining different animal body parts and colors.
In Disney•Pixar’s new animated film COCO Pepita is an Alebrije & is a mixture of various animals such as an eagle, lizard, ram, & tiger.
Fun Fact: Although Alebrijes are part of Mexican culture, they are not necessarily associated with Dia de Los Muertos. Pixar wanted to include the Alebrijes in COCO to be spirit guides for The Land of the Dead.
In Disney Pixar’s COCO we meet Dante pretty early on. Dante is Miguel’s faithful companion. Dante’s look was inspired by the Mexican Hairless Dog, or Xoloitzcuintli. One of the world’s oldest and rarest dogs, Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo) originated in Mexico during the Aztec Empire. In fact, their name is derived from the name of the Aztec Indian god, Xolotl, and itzcuintli, the Aztec word for “dog.”
Fun Fact: Xolo’s are known for “healing powers” because of the warmth of their skin.
Pixar has the privilege of using previous animated movies in their designs…In Coco, they used characters such as the dogs in Up and even Hanks tentacles from Finding Dory to create Dantes tongue designs.
Lee wanted Dante to appear more cartoony and wanted to push the animation.
“The idea with Dante is the lights are on, but nobody’s home.”
While there learning about the Alebrije, Alonso Martinez shared his own personal collection with us that includes Alebrijes of different sizes shapes and colors…I had my own favorite, as did most of us…and gave us a very special opportunity to paint our very own Pepita Alebrije!
Fun Fact: The Alebrije’s were made just for our group, there were many at Pixar that wanted one for themselves but was turned down.
Being able to sit down with the creators and learn all about the creative thought process and design is such a privilege. I’m so happy that I get to share this with you!
Had you ever heard of an Alebrije before?
About Disney•Pixar’s COCO:
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

8 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Entertained During the Winter

ByMySparklingLife May 12, 2015October 4, 2023

Wintertime is here, and you are probably in need of activities to keep you and your children from going crazy. Here are eight ways for you to keep your children entertained during the long winter months.
1. Library
Take your children to the library. The library has thousands of books that are filled with tons of adventures and stories to keep your children happy. Let them check out a few books to read at home so they can stay busy when it is too cold for them to go outside.
2. Outdoors
Dress your children warmly and send them outside to play. Children need plenty of fresh air and physical activity, especially in the winter. Playing outside in the snow provides the perfect opportunity for your children to be active and burn off some of their excess energy! If you are not too busy, bundle yourself up and go outside to make some snow angels and snow forts together for some family fun.
3. Camps
Many local organizations and daycare centers run camps during the winter time to provide children with fun places to go while their parents are at work. Many of these organizations have enrollment requirements and may charge a nominal fee.
4. Quality Time
If you work when your children are in school, chances are you and your children are often too busy to visit any close friends and relatives. Schedule some time off work during the winter and take your children to visit some of your close friends and family that live nearby.
5. Movie Time
Find out which movies are playing at the local theater that your children may want to see and go on a family movie date. If you can’t afford to go to the theater, schedule some movie time at home. Pick out your favorite movies, grab a few pillows and snacks, and press play.
6. Field Trips
If you live in or near a large city, take your children on field trips around town to visit different attractions such as museums, art exhibits, and activity centers. Give your children a taste of what their city has to offer and help them to gain a better appreciation for where they live.
7. Arts and Crafts
Get your children’s creative juices flowing with some arts and crafts. Pick a theme and come up with different ideas that you know will keep them busy and happy, such as making snowflakes, painting using watercolor paints, such as this set from Nova Natural, sculpting, or making homemade play dough and paper mache.
8. Experiments
Children are curious by nature and absorb information faster when learning is fun. Foster their hunger for knowledge by working on experiments. The snow and cold temperatures are great for winter time experiments. Popular winter-time experiments include frozen bubbles and melting snowmen.

I Walked The Teal Carpet At The Pirates of the Caribbean Premiere

ByMySparklingLife January 19, 2020September 16, 2023

Last Thursday in the small town of Hollywood there was a little event that I was able to attend. If you’re a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, you know what I’m talking about! Walking the red carpet, or in this case teal, will never get old! There is so much energy and always something new and exciting!
As we rounded the corner we were instantly thrust into the Hollywood world. Screaming fans, lots of themed props and dressed up characters. The main attraction, well centerpiece, of this carpet was a giant “stone structure” that leads into the Devils Triangle…like it was popped straight from the movie and slapped with the logo for Dead Men Tell No Tales.
As we are walking we are greeted by juggling pirates on stilts, and plenty of scallywags and wenches. It’s hard not to get in on the fun and yell out arrrr. We grabbed a few photos then headed up the Oscar stairs into the Dolby theater & the pre-party.
Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney Photo by Marc Flores/Getty Images for Disney Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Disney Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Disney Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
It was still early into the party, but it was already hopping when we got there. Plenty to do and people to see.
Things to do:
Get a tattoo
Get a makeup touch up
Photo Booth
Make Treasure Chests
Celebrity Spottings
Dania Ramirez
Jaime Camil
Alison Sweeney
Carly Hughes
Jon Voight
Cameron Boyce
Chi McBride
Terry Crews
Martin Klebba
David Oyelowo
After a few drinks and rubbing elbows with celebs it was time to head on in and take our seats & get ready for the film preview!!
To all of our excitement, the cast came out on stage for some love before the premiere started!!
Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales opens everywhere May 26th!
Follow PIRATES on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
In addition, to celebrate the film’s upcoming release, check out the PIRATES Activity Pack & Trailers from the film
Want to see more of my adventures in LA? Check out my Twitter & Instagram. I’ve shared several photos from my adventures! #PiratesLifeEvent & #BambiBluray.
I attended an all-expense-paid trip by Disney, all opinions are 100% my own.

Disney Presents: The Finest Hours – A Heroic Tale of Bravery and Resilience