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Disney+ First Look for “Earth Moods” from National Geographic

Disney+

Disney+ has shared the trailer and key art for “Earth Moods” from National Geographic. “Earth Moods,” a visual and soundscape experience, takes viewers on the ultimate retreat—transporting them to a vast array of colorful and calming corners of the world. Viewers travel to blue glaciers, arid deserts, lush rainforests and pulsating metropolises to escape from the cacophony of everyday life.

With an original score produced by Neil Davidge, known for “Massive Attack” as well as collaborations with Snoop Dogg and David Bowie, each “mood” gives the audience an opportunity to relax and reset as the sound of music and the natural world washes over them.

Disney+

Disney+

Disney+ Earth Moods

All five episodes, will be available on Disney+ on Friday, April 16.  Episodes include “Frozen Calm,” “Night Lights,” “Tropical Serenity,” “Desert Solitude,” and “Peaceful Patterns.”

Disney+

All Five Episodes Available April 16 on Disney+

“Descendants: The Royal Wedding” Animated Special Coming this Summer

Descendants

“Descendants: The Royal Wedding,” an animated special that invites viewers to Auradon’s epic social event—Mal and King Ben’s wedding—will premiere this summer on Disney Channel. “Descendants,” “Descendants 2” and “Descendants 3” rank as the #1 cable movie among kids and tweens for 2015, 2017 and 2019, respectively.

All three “Descendants” soundtracks reached #1 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart, and the “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” soundtracks are gold-certified.

Reprising their popular roles are Dove Cameron as Mal, Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Mitchell Hope as Ben, Sarah Jeffery as Audrey, Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother, China Anne McClain as Uma, Jedidiah Goodacre as Chad, Anna Cathcart as Dizzy, Dan Payne as Beast, Bobby Moynihan as Dude the Dog and Cheyenne Jackson as Hades.

The absence of the character Carlos, played by the late Cameron Boyce, will be acknowledged in the storyline and Boyce’s memory will be honored in the telecast.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television, said, “‘Descendants’ introduced a fantasy world of stories and characters anchored in Disney mythology. For the past six years, it captivated young viewers and grew to become among Disney Channel’s biggest entertainment franchises ever.

It had the benefit of immensely talented stars, who we now welcome back for this animated ‘Royal Wedding’ special that will bridge the audience to what we hope will be a new chapter of compelling ‘Descendants’ stories and characters yet to come.”

“Descendants: The Royal Wedding,” by Sara Parriott & Josann McGibbon and Ricky Roxburgh, is based on the “Descendants” movies by Parriott and McGibbon (“The Starter Wife,” “Runaway Bride,” “Descendants,” “Descendants 2”, “Descendants 3”). Produced by Le Cube, Salvador Simó is set to direct.

“Cruella” Sneak Peek Trailer and New Images

Cruella

Following its debut on the 2021 GRAMMY Show, The Walt Disney Company has released a new sneak peek plus three additional still images from its all-new live-action feature film “Cruella,” starring Academy Award®-winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, directed by Craig Gillespie. The film will be released on Friday, May 28.

Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinema’s most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets.

Cruella

One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly Haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. 

Cruella

Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) and produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone and Michelle Wright (“Baby Driver”) serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own. 

Aquarium of the Pacific Reopening to the Public in 2021

Aquarium of the Pacific
Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

After careful planning and discussions with the City of Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific has announced that the entire Aquarium will be fully open at 25 percent capacity to the public on Tuesday, March 16, and to Aquarium members on Monday, March 15, with safety protocols and advance reservations.

“We have survived, and our animals have thrived the last year only because of the support of our donors, help from the City of Long Beach, and dedication of our staff. With our reopening, we can continue to give back to our communities through our educational programs and provide an experience for visitors that embodies spring and recovery. A weight has been lifted. Our mischievous sea otters, beautiful lorikeets, endearing penguins, sleek sharks, and my favorite –Groot, our giant pacific octopus awaits you,” said Dr. Peter Kareiva, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO. 

Aquarium of the Pacific
Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Guests can now journey into the Aquarium’s three main galleries, which have been closed to the public since summer 2020. In the Southern California/Baja Gallery, you can meet giant sea bass, leopard sharks, eels, seals, sea lions, white abalone, and other animals found locally or in Baja. Then, visitors can explore the cold-water habitats of the Northern Pacific Gallery to meet playful sea otters, diving birds, sea jellies, giant spider crabs, and a giant Pacific octopus. Guests can then travel through the Tropical Pacific Gallery to see colorful fish and other species that inhabit those warm tropical waters.

In the Aquarium’s Pacific Visions area, they can also explore an art gallery, orientation gallery, Honda Pacific Visions Theater, and the Schubel Family Culmination Gallery, which features interactive displays, educational game tables, and live animal exhibits. Pacific Visions is the Aquarium’s newest expansion, which opened to the public in May 2019. “The theater will be operated at reduced capacity, and the two-story, 300-seat stadium seating design allows for plenty of room for social distancing,” said Nicole Meek, Aquarium of the Pacific director of visitor operations. Pacific Visions also has features developed last spring that most members of the public have never seen before such as the Paint a Fish interactive multimedia exhibit.

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As part of its safety protocols, the Aquarium is limiting the number of visitors, requiring advance timed reservations for everyone, and managing traffic flow to ensure appropriate social distancing. The Aquarium also requires masks for everyone age two and older and temperature checks for everyone. Visitors will find numerous hand-sanitizing stations throughout the facility, Aquarium staff constantly sanitizing all touched surfaces, and clear partitions in key areas where staff interact with guests, such as the main entrance, member services, and retail areas.

The Aquarium has installed social distancing signs throughout the facility, set up for one-way foot traffic in the main galleries, and has staff to monitor and enforce social distancing. Exit with re-entry will not be allowed during this initial phase of reopening. More details are available on the Aquarium’s website at http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/visit/aquarium_safety.

Aquarium of the Pacific
Photo Credit: Robin Riggs

Aquarium of the Pacific Important Info

Public reopening date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (advance reservations required)

Member preview day: Monday, March 15, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(advance reservations required)

(Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)                       

Address: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST: General admission: $36.95 adult (12+), $33.95 senior (65+), $26.95 child, and free to children under age three and Aquarium members

More INFO: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org

“WandaVision” Behind-the-Scenes series Now Streaming

WandaVision

Go behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ hit series “WandaVision” with a brand-new, documentary-style special “Assembled: The Making of ‘WandaVision’” now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

The premiere episode of this groundbreaking series of documentary-style specials features Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany and the creative team behind Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” as they welcome viewers behind the scenes of their exciting series.

WandaVision

WandaVision Behind-the-Scenes

Learn how the production’s surprising concept took shape by drawing inspiration from classic sitcoms. Witness how the crew went to great lengths to emulate various filmmaking methods used during the early years of television. Discover the unique challenges and ultimate rewards of performing an entire episode in front of a live studio audience.

WandaVision

Spend time with exciting newcomers to the MCU, including Teyonah Parris and Kathryn Hahn, along with returning favorites like Kat Dennings and Randall Park. “Assembled: The Making of ‘WandaVision’” is an all-encompassing look at Marvel Studios’ first, and arguably most unusual, streaming series.

Disney+ Presents NatGeo “Secrets of the Whales”

Secrets of the Whales

Disney+ released the trailer for its upcoming original series “Secrets of the Whales,” which plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to reveal the mysterious and beautiful world of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales.

About “Secrets of the Whales”

The four-part series, from National Geographic, is executive produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron (“Avatar”) and narrated by award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver (“Alien,” “Avatar,” “Gorillas in the Mist”). All four episodes will be available to stream exclusively on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.

Secrets of the Whales

Featuring the expansive knowledge and skill of acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry, the series ventures deep into the world of whales to witness the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures to reveal life and love from their perspective.

“Secrets of the Whales” unveils new science and technology to spotlight whales as they make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones.

Secrets of the Whales

Filmed over three years in 24 global locations, throughout this epic journey, we learn that whales are far more complex and more like us than ever imagined. This is a personal story that very few are lucky enough to witness … until now.

“Secrets of the Whales” is produced for National Geographic by Red Rock Films. For Red Rock Films, Brian Armstrong and Shannon Malone-DeBenedictis are executive producers. For Earthship, James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm are executive producers and Kim Butts is associate producer. For National Geographic, Pamela Caragol is an executive producer. The series is scored by composer Raphaelle Thibaut.

Secrets of the Whales

Disney+ has 100 Million Global Subscribers in 2021

Disney

Disney+ has surpassed 100 million global paid subscribers in just 16 months since its launch, Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), announced during the Company’s virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

“The enormous success of Disney+ —which has now surpassed 100 million subscribers—has inspired us to be even more ambitious, and to significantly increase our investment in the development of high-quality content,” Mr. Chapek said. “In fact, we set a target of 100+ new titles per year, and this includes Disney Animation, Disney Live-Action, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Our direct-to-consumer business is the Company’s top priority, and our robust pipeline of content will continue to fuel its growth.”

Disney+ is Available in 59 Countries around the World and Features an Impressive Collection of High-Quality Content from Disney’s Content Studios

Disney+ launched in the U.S. on November 12, 2019, and has rolled out rapidly across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, and most recently, Singapore.

Review: Knott’s Berry Farm Taste of Boysenberry 2021

Knott's Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm springs back in 2021 with the Taste of Boysenberry Festival. Returning in this annual favorite are food, music, characters, and of course, the flavor of the sweet and tart boysenberry that can only be found in this Southern California destination.

Knott's Berry Farm

The park still upholds safety procedures of face masks, sanitizers, and social distancing as part of the temporary norm. Appetizing food, drink, and surgery treats amongst the Boysenberry purples and colorful Easter decor will delight and stimulate the senses. Let’s hop right into the fun, shall we?

Knott's Berry Farm
A Grand photo opportunity in Camp Snoopy

Upon arrival through the Marketplace from the parking lot to the entry gates, a lengthy stream of guests crowd the walkways to satisfy taste buds. Patience and social distancing are also among key ingredients to the fun that awaits. As most people enter the first lines they see at the front of the park, we opted and suggest bypassing the entry of Ghost Town as the rest of the park is ripe with little to no wait. Not to mention open tables and benches to boot.

Knott's Berry Farm
Boysenberry Key Lime Tart and Pastrami Sandwich on a Pretzel Bun with Provolone Cheese and Boysenberry Mustard

The Pastrami Sandwich is juicy and full of meaty goodness. Even the pretzel bun held its own with its texture. The Key Lime Tart is sizably as big as the palm of one’s hand. A layer of Boysenberry jam is sandwiched between the crumbly crust and sweetness of the key lime on top. The Boysenberry Balsamic Brussel Sprouts and Elote with Boysenberry Mayo, Cotija Cheese, Butter, and Tortilla Strips provide a vegetarian cleanse from the meats and sweets that are plentiful on the menu list.

Knott's Berry Farm
Boysenberry Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

The Mac and Cheese Bites were more “under” than “over” the French Fries with the Boysenberry Sriracha Ketchup standing out the most. A returning favorite is the Boysenberry Flavored Shrimp and Grits. Although savory, the shrimp size is small compared to the mound of grits. Another underwhelming selection was the Cheeseburger with a Boysenberry Onion Spread on a Brioche Bun. The burger itself had a rubbery texture that left much to be desire.

Knott's Berry Farm
Boysenberry Cosmopolitan and Frozen Boysenberry Mai Tai

Searching for a refreshing drink on the bright and beautiful day, we looked to the Boysenberry Cosmopolitan and the Frozen Boysenberry Mai Tai. The former had an overpowering alcoholic blend that drowned out the flavor while the latter melted quickly as a brief cool down. Almost a reminder of the Boysenberry smoothie. We prefer the Boysenberry and Basil Lemonade or the Boysenberry, Cucumber, and Pineapple Aqua Fresca to satisfyingly quench our thirst.

Knott's Berry Farm
Boysenberry ICE Dippin’ Dots

New to the festival lineup is the introduction of the Boysenberry ICE Dippin’ Dots. This seems like a no-brainer since the introduction of the festival, but it’s finally here and ready to be enjoyed. And it doesn’t disappoint. Much less messy compared to an ice cream cookie sandwich.

Knott's Berry Farm
Boysenberry Brisket Tater Tots topped with Crispy Jalapeno Chips and a Boysenberry Aioli Sauce

You really can’t go wrong with Boysenberry brisket paired with tater tots or mac and cheese. Either option explodes in your mouth. Do not fear the jalapeno chips, it’s really there for that crunchy snap.

Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival Photo Gallery:

Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival will take place on select dates beginning March 5th through May 2nd. Event hours will be 12 pm to 9 pm select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays.

A tasting card is required for this limited-time food event at Knott’s Berry Farm. Regular tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $45 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11) are $20 (plus tax) and include three tastings. Tasting cards are date-specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.

New 2021 Lego Set Featuring Winnie the Pooh!

Lego

LEGO® is inviting Winnie the Pooh fans to embrace nostalgia and return to the picturesque Hundred Acre Wood with its new LEGO Ideas Winnie the Pooh set - based on original designs by LEGO builder and superfan Ben Alder. Beneath a large oak tree, complete with beehives and bees, Pooh’s house takes center stage. The house can be opened up to unveil a whole host of furniture and unique items, such as the “Pooh-coo” Clock, box of “Pooh Sticks”, Tigger’s locket, and of course, plenty of honey pots – both full and empty!

A. A. Milne’s wonderful tales of Christopher Robin’s adventures have amazed readers of all ages for almost a century and have become even more memorable thanks to the television and film adaptations that have truly brought the characters’ world to life.

LEGO superfan Ben Alder originally submitted the concept to LEGO Ideas; a LEGO initiative that takes new ideas that have been imagined and voted for by fans and turn them into reality. Based on Ben’s original designs, the set is the perfect project for adult builders to take time to relax and return to the halcyon days of youth, recalling the adventures of their favorite bear and his friends.

About the Lego Set

Discussing the design, Ben Alder commented “I love Winnie the Pooh and remember my parents reading it to me as a child. I now read the same Winnie the Pooh stories to my children, so it is certainly something dear to my heart. I decided to make the set so that my children could bring to life our bedtime stories but never quite expected the positive reaction it has received.”

Lego

The new set also includes five new molded characters, each with its own accessories. Pooh himself has his red balloon to collect honey from the bees in the branches above, Piglet is wrapped up in his scarf, and Tigger has just moved to the woods with his sack on a stick. Meanwhile, Rabbit has carrots ready for snacking, and Eeyore comes complete with his tail and a removable ribbon.

Lego

Other notable inclusions to the set include; a campfire and log for Pooh to think about the things that he discovers, his front door complete with “Mr. Sanders” sign above it, his adorable bluebell to ring the front door, and finally, a signpost to the Hundred Acre Wood to make sure Pooh finds his way home.

Federico Begher, VP of Global Marketing at The LEGO Group commented, “Winnie the Pooh is a 95-year-old story that is loved globally, so seeing Ben’s design sparked a lot of nostalgia for us all.  Plus, his personal story about how he created the set for his family to play out the lovely Winnie the Pooh stories using LEGO bricks felt like a beautiful combination of family, LEGO bricks, and Winnie the Pooh that we wanted to share with others.

Lego

We also had the rare treat of being able to create all-new characters for this LEGO Ideas set. We simply had to see how the line-up of Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, and Piglet would look in mini-figure shape. As well as creating a brand-new Eeyore figure!

The stories of the Hundred Acre Wood come to life with this set and there are plenty of intricate details for fans of both Disney and LEGO to discover.”

Lego

The LEGO Ideas® platform is a LEGO initiative that takes new ideas that have been imagined and voted for by fans and turn them into reality. The LEGO® Ideas Winnie the Pooh set is available directly from LEGO Stores and LEGO.com from 18th March 2021 for LEGO VIP members, and 1st April 2021 for all.

Universal Studios Hollywood Re-Opens for “Taste of Universal”

Universal

Universal Studios Hollywood takes its first step in re-opening with the introduction of “Taste of Universal,” a lively outdoor dining and shopping experience taking place within select themed lands on weekends—Friday to Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m.—beginning on Friday, March 12.

Universal Studios Hollywood is working closely with local health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures that include controlled capacity to enforce physical distancing and required face coverings.

Universal

This eagerly-awaited experience will invite guests to once again feel the thrill of strolling along the park’s signature red carpet as they pass through its iconic gates to enjoy some of the theme park’s best culinary offerings and premium shopping options along with physically distanced photo opportunities with some of their favorite characters.

Admission tickets to “Taste of Universal” include access to select themed areas of the park along with a wide selection of nearly 70 choice culinary options, of which 30 are new to the event. Adults can choose five options and kids can choose three with additional food offerings available for purchase. Tickets start at $44 plus tax for adults and $25 plus tax for kids ages 3-9 years. Discounted admission tickets will be available for Universal Annual and Season Pass members. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

While rides, shows and attractions will not be operational during this experience, guests will be able to take in the incredible environments that surround them as they enjoy the scrumptious food, including vegan and vegetarian options, served within these areas. This includes:

Universal

  • “Springfield, U.S.A.” — Home of The Simpsons featuring Krusty Burger, Suds McDuff’s Hot Dog House, the Lard Lad Donut Cart and Kwik-E-Mart.
  • “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” — Stroll through Hogsmeade village and enjoy shops such as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods, and feast on food favorites, including Three Broomsticks™ Fish & Chips, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Butterbeer.

Universal

  • The debut of Minion Cafe, a delicious new dining experience, located adjacent to the popular “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, offering such tasty fare as Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Meatballs, Chicken & Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Nutella Banana pudding.
  • The Hollywood & Dine section will feature:
    • Authentic Mexican fare at Cocina Mexicana with such favorites as Queso Street Tacos, Loaded Nachos all topped with choice of Tinga or Carnita & Birria, Tortilla Cut Chips with Guacamole, Chili Relleno and Elote Corn on the cobb with Lime Crema.

Universal

    • Hollywood & Dine, the establishment located just inside the theme park’s main entry, serving a selection of comfort foods including, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl, Personal Pizza with choice of pepperoni or cheese, Brisket Sliders with Caramelized Onions, Korean Hot Dog, and mini funnel cake.
    • City Snack Shop offering grab and go treats such as the quintessential NYC Giant Pretzel, Spicy Pomegranate Glazed Turkey Leg, and the debut of the Crepewich, which features sweet (Banana and Nutella, or Strawberry Chocolate) and savory (club or Spinach and Berry vegetarian) temptations. Yum!

Universal

A highlight of the experience will invite guests to preview the very exciting “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” attraction shop, The Pets Store, where guests can purchase favorite The Secret Life of Petsthemed goodies.  Minion Way and Pets Place perpendicular streets located adjacent to Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and all-new “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” rides will take guests on a stroll through the film’s scenic New York City streets as they explore the themed environment.

The Animation Store, home to Hello Kitty® and her friends from Sanrio®, including My Melody™, Keroppi™ and Chococat™, as well as Minions merchandise from Illumination’s, blockbuster Despicable Mefilm franchise, and DreamWorks Animation franchises including Trolls and Kung Fu Panda, will be among the park’s exciting shopping options.

Universal
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Physically distanced photo opportunities with select favorite characters will offer guests the chance to reconnect with Universal Studios Hollywood and share their experiences with friends and family via social media.

In addition to this exciting “Taste of Universal” event, guests can extend their day with more shopping and dining at the adjacent Universal CityWalk.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s new health and safety protocols are outlined below, highlighted in thisvideo and detailed on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.

  • Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. If temperatures exceed 100.4° Fahrenheit / 38° Celsius or greater, Guests will not be permitted to enter.
  • Face coverings required for all Guests throughout their visit. Face coverings also will be available for purchase.
  • Controlled capacity within the theme park, and limited occupancy at all CityWalk venues to help enforce physical distancing. Some areas and programs may remain temporarily closed.
  • Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting at all food locations, restrooms, and all other high touch points.
  • Physical distancing practices at all locations throughout the park.
  • Eating and drinking permitted only in designated outdoor dining areas.
  • Contactless payment options wherever possible.

“WandaVision” Final Episode Now Streaming on Disney+

WandaVision

“WandaVision,” the first Marvel Studios series created exclusively for Disney+, stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff, Paul Bettany as Vision, Kathryn Hahn as Agnes, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in “Captain Marvel.”

Kat Dennings reprises her role as Darcy from “Thor” and “Thor: The Dark World,” and Randall Park reprises his role as Jimmy Woo from “Ant-Man and The Wasp.” The series is directed by Matt Shakman with Jac Schaeffer as head writer.

Featuring nine episodes, “WandaVision” is now streaming on Disney+.

Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.

The digital WandaVision Original Soundtrack Albums with score by composer Christophe Beck (“Frozen 2,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp”) and original theme and songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (“Frozen”) for Episodes 1 through 8 are available now. Episode 9 soundtrack album will be released on March 12.

https://hollywoodrecs.co/WandaVision

Review: Walt Disney’s “Us Again” Animated Short

Us Again

Us Again is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first short to appear before a film since 2016. Told entirely through music and dance, it’s the story of an elderly couple trying to recapture their youth in the big city.

After the husband looks out his apartment window to see everyone dancing in the streets, his wife tries to get him to participate. Discouraged by his age, he begrudgingly dismisses her.

After she leaves, he begins to have second thoughts. He makes his way onto their balcony and starts to feel the music move him. It begins to rain, and suddenly he transforms into his younger self. Making his way down the fire escape, he dances through the neighborhood and runs into a woman in the park.

She turns around and it’s his wife who has also been transformed into her younger self. They proceed to dance a duet together, making their way across the city where everyone else is also dancing. 

As the storm begins to pass, they realize that once they’re out of the rain, they’re no longer young. They continue to chase the storm through the streets until they finally reach a pier. The wife stops running but the husband continues to the end. The storm passes and both of them are no longer young in appearance. But they rejoin hands and continue to dance together.

All of this is, of course, a metaphor for accepting your age but continuing to feel and be young at heart. Everyone grows up and eventually grows old, but it is possible to hold on to your adolescence. Without words, using dance as a symbol for one’s youth was both unique but easily recognizable and understood.

The music and visuals were paired beautifully. Overall, it was a sweet story and a great way to tell this kind of life lesson.

Us Again is set to debut exclusively in theaters worldwide beginning on March 5, playing on the same bill as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ (WDAS) newest animated feature, “Raya and the Last Dragon.

Score: 8 / 10


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