It is time! The sun has risen on the future of Disney’s live action film slate, welcoming the monarch of all tales, The Lion King, to ascend to the throne with thunderous applause. Brought to life by Jungle Book and Iron Man alum, Jon Favreau, The Lion King is cinematic eye candy at its best, bringing top notch special effects front and center in a breathtaking package of stunning imagery that pushes the boundaries of anyone’s wildest expectations.
Just like The Jungle Book, The Lion King delivers on high expectations, diving into the whirlpool of next generation visual magic that is a mix of digital sorcery and real world dynamics. Even from the film’s trailer, you can get a strong sense that the final product is absolutely breathtaking. Nothing else comes close, and it really brings a strong impression that leaves a lasting impact.
The other element to pay attention to is the film’s fierce loyalty to the original story. The film doesn’t throw it all away, and instead brings back the same tone and structure from the original animated film. Though, in doing so, Disney has created a double edged sword that needs a delicate balance to hold it all together. As a devoted fan of the original movie, and someone who considers The Lion King to be the best Disney animated feature of all time, it’s a tough act to follow. No matter how diligent you can be with the original source material, every beat of the drum has to have the same rhythm, and even more than that, needs to create a fresh sound to go along with it. Otherwise, why wouldn’t you just throw on the original instead?
This film definitely keeps that in mind, throwing in some fresh takes while retaining the original charm and luster of what came before it. The biggest takeaway is the humor, which knocks it right out of the Pride Lands. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen virtually stole the entire movie, right alongside John Oliver, who each fit their parts perfectly, not only honoring the great actors who came before them, but bringing in a brand new take that was really refreshing and delightful.
One easter egg in particular is an absolute riot, since it fits so perfectly with what you’d expect from Timon and Pumbaa while still being distinctively unique to Rogen and Eichner’s performances. The fourth wall crumbles down due to incessant laughter, and it’s all thanks to the genius of these two. Though, for the sake of not spoiling the fun, you’ll have to venture into the theater yourself to discover more.
The power of Mufasa’s death is also just as strong, really bringing forth the tears in all their melancholy glory. James Earl Jones is just a great in this role as he has ever been, which still leaves the audience desperately hoping to save him from his awful fate. From start to finish, you really get the essence of what makes Mufasa such an enduring character. He’s strong, yet vulnerable, proud yet humble. It’s a character that wouldn’t be possible without James Earl Jones, and bringing him back for this really made all the difference in the world.
Though, as fun as this adventure may be, one of The Lion King’s biggest weak spots is pacing. At many points, the plot rushes to the next scene, not taking the opportunity to savor the moment for its full potential. The musical numbers are the easiest examples, since each one doesn’t have nearly the same build up in scene as you’d get from the original. What made the original so iconic was the drawn out theatrics of the music in scene. “Be Prepared” had jokes, chilling homages to tyrannical leaders like Stalin or Hitler, in your face intensity with brilliant greens and oranges. You don’t feel that same driving force in this adaptation at all. The songs don’t carry the same weight, and for many, that is a flaw that will cause some major strain.
On the other paw, Disney also wasted a fantastic opportunity to weave in new pieces of story. Some of the stronger live action adaptations, such as Disney’s Cinderella, thrived off of adding new elements that develop more backstory. Very little time was used to flush out a few additional scenes, but they all served a greater purpose of expanding the familiar world into something much more diverse and detailed. Having those additional moments also helps control the flow of the film, keeping it from rushing too far forward. A few new scenes, or even some expanded dialogue could have really made a huge difference in the final product.
Nonetheless, the overall picture is a monumental undertaking, and one that definitely honors the original. The Lion King is a treat, and a welcome addition to the Disney library. Whether its your first introduction to the story, or a reminder of the glory days of the Disney Renaissance, it’s definitely something to be proud of. Hakuna Matata!
D23 has just dropped a bombshell, revealing that pop superstar, Christina Aguilera, will be honored as a Disney Legend at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim! Aguilera, who has been with Disney since the beginnings of her career with The All New Mickey Mouse Club, will be joining the full list of honorees for this year’s Disney Legends Ceremony, which will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, August 23rd, in Hall D23.
The ceremony will be hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO, Bog Iger, kicking off a full weekend of exciting news, surprises, and celebrations that revolve around all things Disney. Take a look at the full list of this year’s honorees, all joining a legendary short list of icons that will forever be a part of Disney history!
WING CHAO For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspirational projects, worth more than $12 billion, at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Wing served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design. Wing directed development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and many of the world’s most renowned architects and designers. He also developed and built projects, including resort hotels, parks, cruise ships, entertainment venues, water attractions, convention and exhibition centers, sports stadiums, restaurants, retail spaces, recreational complexes, office spaces, and two new-town communities, at The Walt Disney Company’s properties in California, Florida, Hawai‘i, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other locations worldwide.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner who has appeared in more than 80 films. Considered one of the industry’s most talented and respected actors, Robert has embraced both dramatic and comedic roles, including his Disney debut in the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. After numerous standout performances, Robert then went on to help launch Marvel Studios with his celebrated performance as Tony Stark as Iron Man. His role has spearheaded the iconic blockbuster franchises Iron Man and Avengers, for which he’s starred in three Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017); and four Avengers films, including the most recent, Avengers: Endgame (2019), which shattered box office records and became the largest-ever film debut, bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend. Robert will next star in the title role in 2020’s The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle and is in pre-production on the third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes franchise.
JON FAVREAU started his career with appearances in film and television and has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful producers and directors. Jon’s first roles included appearances on TV shows such as Seinfeld and Friends, but his big break came with the Miramax indie film Swingers (1996), for which he wrote the screenplay, starred, and co-produced. His directing credits include Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), the live-action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), and this year’s reimagining of The Lion King. Jon also made appearances in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s loyal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. As an executive producer for Marvel Studios, John holds credits on such films as Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He has also voiced characters for Disney television shows and feature films, including Hercules (TV, 1999), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV, 2000), G-Force (2009), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV, 2010–13), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Jon is writing and executive producing the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian for Disney+, which will premiere this November.
JAMES EARL JONES started his acting career with television and film roles, including appearances in As the World Turns (1966) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But the Oscar®, Emmy®, and Tony® Award-winning actor is well known for his iconic voice acting, beginning with the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). This villainous vocal performance was reprised in subsequent Star Wars films, including most recently in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and TV shows like Star Wars Rebels (2014–18). His voice can also be heard in Disney Parks around the globe, including recurring vocal performances as Darth Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Other Disney credits include ABC’s Recess in 1998 as the voice of Santa Claus, narrator for the Disneynature film Earth (2009), segment host for Fantasia/2000 (2000), and as the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland. Audiences also recognize the actor’s basso profundo as that of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), a role James Earl would return to in The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride (1998), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015), and this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
BETTE MIDLER When the Disney studio set out to expand the breadth of its film production with Touchstone Pictures, it was Emmy, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Bette Midler who helped lead the way to box office success for the new division. She appeared in a string of hit comedies, including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Ruthless People (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Big Business (1988). Touchstone’s 1988 drama Beaches not only proved to be a smash with audiences, but it also included Bette’s platinum-selling rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Other Disney films followed, including Stella (1990) and Scenes from a Mall (1991), as well as a memorable vocal performance as the spoiled poodle Georgette in Oliver & Company (1988). Bette is well known to Disney audiences for her role as the witchy Winifred in the perennial Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993). She also starred in The Lottery (1989), a short film produced for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida for guests of the park’s Backstage Studio Tour.
KENNY ORTEGA is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer. His first work with Disney was choreographing the TV special Disney’s Totally Minnie (1988), followed by Mickey’s 60th Birthday the same year, and he would go on to direct three episodes of Touchstone Television’s Hull High in 1990. In 1992, Kenny directed his first feature film, the beloved Disney musical Newsies, which was followed, in 1993, by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. In 2006, he helmed the Disney Channel smash hit High School Musical, and the success of the first film would bring him back to direct—and choreograph—the sequels High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008). Kenny also produced and staged the High School Musical: The Concert tour, as well asthe Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers Best of Both Worlds Tour. His other Disney credits include directing the 2014 short The Making of Frozen, The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), and, most recently, the international phenomenon Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3, which will be released this summer.
BARNETTE RICCI started her career with The Walt Disney Company as a choreographer at Disneyland. In the late 1960s, Barnette created and directed Kids of the Kingdom before going on to choreograph and direct many parades, including Christmas parades, America on Parade, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. She worked on the grand openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland and directed popular stage shows such as Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland and the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Perhaps her biggest project to date is the creation of Fantasmic! Debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the production combines state-of-the-art special effects with live performers along the Rivers of America. The show continues a successful run at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and now Tokyo DisneySea. Following Fantasmic!, Barnette moved to The Walt Disney Studios as the vice president/show director of Special Events. After more than 40 years with The Walt Disney Company, Barnette retired in 2013.
ROBIN ROBERTS In 1990, Robin joined ESPN and would quickly become a frequent contributor to the network’s programming. In her 15 years at ESPN, she contributed to NFL Primetime and hosted SportsCenter and In the Game with Robin Roberts. Robin began making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) in 1995, and in 2005 left ESPN to join the show full-time as co-anchor. Since joining GMA, the show has won four Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. For ABC, Robin has hosted In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, as well as ABC’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, and has created original broadcast and digital programming for the network through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. In 2007, Hyperion publishing released Robin’s first book, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. Among Robin’s many awards are the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, membership in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and being named one of Glamour‘s Women of the Year.
DIANE SAWYER is an ABC News anchor, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time with original reporting, primetime specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. One of the most respected journalists in the world, she has traveled the globe delivering breaking news reports, and has conducted interviews with almost every major newsmaker of our time. Her primetime documentaries have won critical acclaim for shedding light on difficult and previously under-reported topics, including her reporting on the realities of poverty in America. Diane’s reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPonts; Emmys; Peabodys; the grand prize of the premier Investigative Reporters and Editors Association; an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award; and the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award. In 1997 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. After more than a decade in television news, Sawyer joined ABC News in February 1989 as co-anchor of Primetime. She was named co-anchor of Good Morning America in January 1999, and held the post until taking over the World News anchor chair in December 2009.
MING-NA WEN can currently be found saving the day as Agent Melinda May, aka “The Cavalry,” on the ABC series Marvel’sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ming-Na is also known for her seven years playing Jing-Mei Chen on ER. She found success on the big screen when she appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood Pictures adaptation of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Five years later, she would find animation immortality as the title star of the Disney classic Mulan, a role for which she would receive an Annie Award. Ming-Na returned to the role of heroic Fa Mulan in a slew of projects, including an animated sequel, video games Kingdom Hearts II and Disney Infinity, on television’s House of Mouse and Sofia the First, and in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Ming-Na has been well known to audiences for her television projects, including her voice work in Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb, Disney XD’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Milo Murphy’s Law, the six-part digital short Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and a recurring role in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
HANS ZIMMER has scored more than 160 projects which, combined, have grossed more than $28 billion worldwide. Hans has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes, three Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. In addition to his long list of credits, including notable projects such as Gladiator and The Dark Knight trilogy, Hans has had a great history with The Walt Disney Company. His early work for them includes additional music for White Fang (1991) and co-writing music for Cool Runnings (1993). His groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning instrumental score for The Lion King (1994) was followed by many memorable projects, including Crimson Tide (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Rock (1996), Pearl Harbor (2001), King Arthur (2004), and Iron Man (2008). Hans is the guiding force behind the music of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving in various composing, editing, and producing capacities for The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), and On Stranger Tides (2011). Hans composed the music for this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
Stay tuned for even more exciting details as SoCalThrills will be providing complete coverage at this year’s D23 Expo. Limited tickets are still available, which you can purchase by visiting the official D23 Expo site!
With Disney’s The Lion King pouncing into the world of live action, Walt Disney Studios has brought together the entire voice cast in an epic group photo. The ensemble brings together a large array of talent, including the iconic James Earl Jones, who is reprising his role as the mighty Mufasa.
The new film, directed by Jungle Book director, Jon Favreau, brings the “Circle of Life” onto the big screen in a revolutionary new way, using some of the same techniques used to bring the world of The Jungle Book to life. For those not familiar with the tale of The Lion King, the story follows the young Simba, destined to be the king of Pride Rock, as he faces the dark reality of betrayal from his own uncle, Scar, who wants to take control of the entire Pridelands.
To celebrate the new film, fans can also experience a limited time celebration of The Lion King at Disney California Adventure with a brand new stage show, right on the waterfront of Paradise Bay. Limited time merchandise and other opportunities will also be available, so don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the celebration.
The Lion King takes over the silver screen on July 19th, 2019.
The world of men and fairies will face its greatest test in the new Maleficent: Mistress of Evil trailer. Angelina Jolie returns in the title role, along with Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora and Michelle Pfeiffer in her debut as Queen Ingrith.
Just when a happy ending was about to unfold, both Aurora and Maleficent will be drawn into an epic struggle that will test the very foundations of their family, with the future of the entire Moors at stake. Disney Studios also has released a stunning new character poster, which you can see for yourself below!
Disney’s new Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Character Poster!
Five American avocet chicks hatched at the Aquarium between June 23 and 25. The chicks and their parents are now on view in the lower enclosure in the Guam Kingfisher aviary near Shark Lagoon. The parents have lived at the Aquarium since August 2017. Both parents will take turns tending to the chicks.
The chicks will fledge, or replace their downy juvenile feathers with adult feathers, at about twenty-seven to twenty-eight days old. Adults stand at about 18 inches tall. They have a white body, black and white wings, and long, slender legs. During the breeding season, they have a pale rust-colored head and neck.
In the wild, American avocets live on beaches, around shallow lakes and ponds, and on coastal and inland mudflats throughout the western United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and Baja. This shorebird species migrate to southern coastal areas, including Mexico and Baja and the southeast and Atlantic coasts, or California valleys in the winter.
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Avocets are precocial birds, meaning that chicks are able to walk around and forage immediately after hatching. Like the adults, the chicks will quickly learn to eat all different types of insects and worms, including blood worms, mealworms, wax worms, and crickets. As they get older, they will forage for krill and small fish. Avocets search for food by wading in shallow water and filtering food by sweeping their long, upward-curved bills from side to side.
American avocet populations declined in the 1960s and 70s when agriculture and development began to shrink wetland habitats. Since then, their numbers have rebounded, and they are currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include those in the new Pacific Visions wing, Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the Tentacles and Ink and FROGS: Dazzling & Disappearing exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. Field trips for schoolchildren are offered at a heavily discounted rate from $7 to $8.50 per student. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.
Photos by: Robin Riggs Source: Aquarium of the Pacific
Cowabunga! Hey, dude and dudettes! The next major crossover event of 2019 now belongs to Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Based on the comic book miniseries that debuted in late 2015, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) follow Shredder and his Foot Clan soldiers to Gotham City. There they must try to team up and get along with Batman, Robin, and Batgirl in order to defeat the mastermind of an evil plot to destroy the city. Ra’s al Ghul enlists not only the aid of Shredder but also The Joker and other inmates of Arkham Asylum.
This animated feature is a love letter to any fan of Batman and the turtles, particularly any child growing up in the 1990s. It’s playing with your Batman and TMNT figures straight out of the toy box. Best described as nostalgia fuel over-load. Not only do you get the promised fight as suggested by the movie’s title, but you get Batman vs. Shredder, TMNT vs Batman’s Rogues Gallery, and so much more. On top of the fight sequences being well choreographed for an animated film, but you also get likely or unlikely pairings that help compare and contrast personalities and characteristics. There are moments shared between Batman and Leonardo, Robin and Raphael, Batgirl and Donatello, and even Michelangelo and Alfred Pennyworth. It all feels seamless and natural, not at all distracting as everyone bounces off of each other. There are so many stimuli and references to previous incarnations of each franchise that dives deep into everyone’s mythology, respectively. You can tell the filmmakers did a lot of research and are big fans themselves. There were even character arcs depicting this unusual team becoming a family that you wouldn’t have thought was possible to fit into this jam-packed animated feature.
Be aware that this movie is rated PG-13 and thus is designed for a more mature audience. The fantasy violence can be unexpected with characters physically suffering, bleeding, and facing deadly consequences. Although this movie is set in its own separate universe away from any other incarnation of the franchises, there are still fun references to previous works that long-time fans will appreciate. This movie is best viewed and shared with a group of friends and family who are also big fans of Batman and TMNT, and thus a must-own.
The Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all-star cast is led by Troy Baker (Batman: Arkham Origins, The Last of Us) as the voice of both Batman and the Joker – making Baker the first actor to ever play both roles in the same film. Opposite Baker are the Ninja Turtles themselves – Emmy Award/Golden Globe Award/SAG Award winner Darren Criss (American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Glee) as Raphael, Kyle Mooney (Saturday Night Live) as Michelangelo, Baron Vaughn (Grace and Frankie) as Donatello, and Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes Cartoons, The Woody Woodpecker Show) as Leonardo.
Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesEnhanced Content
Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital
Cowabunga, Batman! When Comic Worlds Collide(Featurette)– Superhero crossovers have inspired some of the most unique comics of all time. Explore the concept of the crossover, and see the creativity that ensues when the worlds of Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meet.
Fight Night in Gotham (Featurette) – DC animated movies have continued to push the realism of hand-to-hand combat on-screen. Take an exciting look at both Batman’s and the Ninja Turtles’ fighting styles, and how the creators make it feel like you’re in the fight!
A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Batman: Hush – An advance look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies collection.
The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will feature Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will also feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar. Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.
Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.
Fans can also own Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles via purchase from digital retailers.
The wait is finally over now that Walt Disney Studios has released their first official teaser for next year’s live action adaptation of the animated classic, Mulan. The trailer sets the tone, showcasing Mulan’s incredible strength, resolve, and inner struggles as she thrusts herself into the heat of battle.
The cast features an incredible ensemble that includes Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” Take a look at some of the exclusive stills below as well as the stunning poster featuring Mulan star, Yifei Liu!
There’s a brand-new dining experience coming to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and you’ll definitely want to check it out! GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill is the newest addition to the resort’s variety of dining establishments, adding a relaxing bar and grill with an incredible menu to the pool area. The Grand Californian Hotel pool area was originally inspired by the Gamble House in Pasadena, and the GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill continues this story by embracing many of the unique arts and crafts details and materials that already exist on the pool deck.
Once open, White Water Snacks will be known as GCH Craftsman Grill and will continue serving its current menu. The new lounge area near the pool will be called GCH Craftsman Bar, which will feature a new menu highlighting a wide variety of flavors that will leave your mouth watering. From artisanal pizzas and avocado toast to sliders, nachos, and even shawarma, there’s something for everyone.
The Shawarma Chicken Skewer is a dish that’s super exciting and it comes with arugula-fennel salad with radishes, roasted tomatoes, pita bread, lemon wedges, and tzatziki dip. Another option that features chicken is the Garlic-Soy-glazed Chicken Wings with fresno chile, togarashi spice, and furikake.
If you’re looking for some BEEF-ier options then you’ll want to try the Black Angus Flat Iron Steak Salad or the Double-baked Beef Nachos. The salad is made with endive and spinach leaves and is topped with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, crumbled eggs, feta snow, black Angus steak, and a Champagne vinaigrette. The beef nachos make for a great shareable bite with bacon lardons, black beans, scallions, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, queso fresco, guacamole, and crema. There’s also the Cali Sliders, featuring American wagyu patty, oven-roasted tomato, vegetable relish, spiced hollandaise, swiss, artichoke aïoli, and pickled vegetables.
On the seafaring side, the Maine Lobster Quesadilla with Monterey Jack and queso fresco is a great selection along with the Lemon-Sumac Salmon Salad or the Kimchee-marinated Ahi Tuna Lettuce Cup. Both come with a variety of vegetables and lettuce and are great dishes for those looking for a lighter option!
For a vegetarian option, you might want to try the popular Avocado Toast or the Black Truffle-charred Cauliflower Grilled Cheese Sandwich, which comes with charred cauliflower, cheese béchamel, black truffles, and pickled vegetables on sourdough bread.
The menu also features a selection of artisanal pizzas, including Margherita Pizza, Forest Mushroom Pizza, Classic Pepperoni Pizza, and a unique Charcuterie Pizza. The Charcuterie Pizza comes topped with premium pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, Italian sausage, arugula, fire-roasted tomatoes, grana padano, and aged provolone.
Kids can enjoy a great menu of smaller dishes which includes chicken skewers, salmon filet, parmesan-crusted grilled cheese, and favorites like chicken tenders, hamburgers, and a PBJ sandwich with chocolate-hazelnut spread.
And finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with one of three incredible desserts. Try the Root Beer Float or a Waffle-Churro Sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauces, chantilly cream, and chocolate pearls. You’ll also love the Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie Fingers served with strawberry marmalade and hazelnut dipping sauces!
GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill will open soon at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, so be sure to come on down and hang out with us! GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill will be open to all guests. The pool area will be available only to resort guests with a designated wrist band. For more information, visit the Disneyland Resort website or call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463).
The summer box office is beginning to sizzle, and with it, comes Fox’s new action-comedy, Stuber. Starring Guardians of the Galaxy’s, Dave Bautista, and comedian Kumail Nanjiani, the film takes you down a very familiar route that’s filled with plenty of one liners, over the top fight scenes, and nonstop reminders of unlikely bonds between two drastically different characters. From start to finish, you know exactly what you’re getting into.
For those seeking out a quick and fun popcorn flick, Stuber isn’t a bad choice, for it plays to the strengths of both Bautista and Nanjiani perfectly. You get plenty of laughs, cringe-worthy situational humor, and engaging moments that help drive the film home. Nanjiani, who most recently came off a short stint in The Twilight Zone, is hilarious, finding the right amount of drab and sympathy needed to pull off the overly cautious Uber driver, Stu. He’s a typical pushover, which isn’t new, but very relatable in his constant attempts to break out of his mediocrity.
Meanwhile, Bautista is a down on his luck LAPD veteran named Vic, punching his way through the usual suspects, not holding back for a single moment. He’s a brute, playing up the role in a very brash and Steven Seagal-like way, all the while, learning how to find a balance with his home life, which again, is nothing new to the narrative, but works for Stuber is shooting for.
Credit: Fox / Disney
The aim couldn’t be more solid, hitting all the right points by playing up the stark contrast in both Batista and Nanjiani’s comedic styles. Their opposites bounce back and forth with gleeful abandon, delivering a top notch performance throughout while not being afraid to make fun of the dynamic at the same time. It’s truly ridiculous, and for a film revolving around Uber drivers and trigger happy cops, you couldn’t ask for anything more.
While some comedies try too hard to break new ground, reinvent the wheel, or at least attempt to make it look as such, Stuber stands apart since it doesn’t try to do any of those things. Rather than drastically failing, like many of those films do, it does a fantastic job delivering the laughs in an awkwardly charming thrill ride.
If you are looking for a game changer for your summer movie list, this isn’t it, but if you are seeking out a fun movie that will leave you sharing your own oddball Uber stories, then make sure to open your app and request a quick pool down to your local theater.
Available for the first time, check out these new images for Disney’s “The Lion King” featuring voice talent with their characters. Images include Donald Glover with Simba; Beyoncé Knowles-Carter with Nala; John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner with Zazu, Pumbaa and Timon; Chiwetel Ejiofor with Scar; Alfre Woodard with Sarabi; Eric André, Florence Kasumba and Keegan-Michael Key with hyenas Azizi, Shenzi and Kamari; and Shahadi Wright Joseph and JD McCrary with Young Nala and Young Simba.
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Also revealed is a new featurette about the movie with never-before-seen footage from the film, a glimpse behind the scenes during recording sessions, plus comments from director Jon Favreau and members of the voice cast.
Disney’s “The Lion King,” directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother and former heir to the throne have plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy, and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. Staying true to the classic story, Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way.
“The Lion King” opens on July 19. Tickets are available for advance purchase Now.
Disney is pulling out all the stops this year for San Diego Comic Con, preparing for an epic run of exclusive first looks, panels, and much more! With the recent acquisition of Fox, Disney will be bringing their full array of programming to San Diego, including Twentieth Century Fox Television, ABC Studios, and Fox 21 Television Studios. This all comes shortly before Disney’s very own D23 Expo, which will take place in August.
Catch the full details below and make sure to plan out plenty of time to catch your favorites!
THURSDAY, JULY 18
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EMERGENCE (Produced by ABC Studios) – Beyond explanation … beyond understanding … lies the truth. Join the cast and executive producers for a first look at the pilot episode of ABC’s new drama series “Emergence,” followed by an exciting panel discussion. This character-driven genre thriller follows a police chief who takes in a young child she finds near the site of a mysterious accident who has no memory of what has happened. The investigation draws her into a conspiracy larger than she ever imagined, and the child’s identity is at the center of it all. Executive producers Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters with cast members Allison Tolman, Donald Faison, Clancy Brown, Alexa Swinton, Owain Yeoman, Ashley Aufderheide, Robert Bailey Jr. and Zabryna Guevara will all be in attendance. (Indigo Ballroom)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. (Produced by ABC Studios) – The cast and producers of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will return to San Diego Comic-Con in epic fashion as they take over Hall H for the first time ever! Be the first to hear the scoop about the show-stopping conclusion for season six and what awaits in season seven of Marvel’s flagship television show. With your favorite stars in attendance, including Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker, Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley and Jeff Ward, along with executive producers Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, Jeff Bell and Jeph Loeb, this is a must-see panel to celebrate seven seasons with the world’s greatest fans! This action-packed series from ABC Studios and Marvel Television airs Fridays at 8/7c on ABC. (Hall H)
Please note: Talent is subject to change.
4:15 – 5:15 p.m. STUMPTOWN (Produced by ABC Studios) – Based on the “Stumptown” graphic novel, ABC’s new drama series “Stumptown” follows Dex Parios (Cobie Smulders) – a strong, assertive and sharp-witted army veteran with a complicated love life, gambling debt and a brother to take care of in Portland, Oregon. Her military intelligence skills make her a great PI, but her unapologetic style puts her in the firing line of hardcore criminals and not quite in alliance with the police. Panelists include cast members Cobie Smulders, Jake Johnson, Michael Ealy, Camryn Manheim, Tantoo Cardinal, Cole Sibus and Adrian Martinez, with executive producer Jason Richman and “Stumptown” graphic novel author Greg Rucka. (Indigo Ballroom)
FRIDAY, JULY 19
11:00 – 11:45 a.m. BLESS THE HARTS (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – From the network that brought you the Simpsons, the Griffins and the Belchers now present the Harts! FOX’s new half-hour comedy, “Bless The Harts,” features your new favorite, good ol’ Southern family. Jenny Hart (Kristen Wiig) supports her lottery scratcher-obsessed mother, Betty (Maya Rudolph), and her witty, creative daughter, Violet (Jillian Bell). With the help of her eternally optimistic, dreamer boyfriend Wayne (Ike Barinholtz), they hope to one day achieve the American dream. While they are always struggling to make ends meet, they’re already rich in friends, family and laughter. Join us for an exclusive first look into your next animation obsession with executive producers, Emmy® Award winner Emily Spivey (“Wine Country,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Saturday Night Live”), and Academy Award® winners Phil Lord & Chris Miller (“Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Lego Movie,” “21 Jump Street”), and the all-star cast behind the Harts! (Indigo Ballroom)
3:00 – 3:45 p.m. SOLAR OPPOSITES (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – From the minds behind “Rick and Morty” come “Solar Opposites,” a new animated series that follows a family of aliens “from a better world” who take refuge in middle America. Join Justin Roiland (“Rick and Morty”), Sean Giambrone (“The Goldbergs”) and Mary Mack (“Golan the Insatiable”), along with executive producers Mike McMahan (“Rick and Morty”) and Josh Bycel (“Happy Endings”), for an exclusive first look into the series premiering in 2020 on Hulu. (Indigo Ballroom)
4:00 – 4:50 p.m. BOB’S BURGERS (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – Always one of the most entertaining panels at Comic-Con, the Emmy Award-winning animated FOX series “Bob’s Burgers” returns to San Diego with a few surprises in store! Creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard and executive producer Nora Smith will break news about the upcoming season, and the always entertaining cast including H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Larry Murphy and Megan Mullally will have you howling with laughter with never-before-seen footage, followed by a lively panel discussion and audience Q&A. (Indigo Ballroom)
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. What Just Happened??! WITH FRED SAVAGE (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – Acclaimed director and television star Fred Savage cannot wait a second longer to share the world of “The Flare,” the most mind-bending, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat sci-fi show never created. “The Flare,” based on TJ Whitford’s classic series of sci-fi novels, “The Moon is the Sun at Night” not only sizzled its way into living rooms nationwide but also inspired Fox to create its first-ever after-show, “What Just Happened??! With Fred Savage.” Join Fred, alongside stars of “The Flare,” Shiri Appleby (“Roswell”), Kevin Zegers (“Fear the Walking Dead”), Tyler Ritter (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), and co-creators Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser and director Jon Cassar (“24”) to get a sneak-peek screening of the fourth episode of the after-show dedicated to exploring the fandom surrounding the “The Flare.” “What Just Happened??!,” Fred’s half-hour hybrid comedy/talk show, airs on FOX on Sunday nights. Screening to be followed by conversation moderated by Fred Savage and fan Q&A. (Room 6DE)
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. the rookie (Produced by Entertainment One and ABC Studios) – Join series star and executive producer, Nathan Fillion, as he discusses his latest role as John Nolan on ABC’s high-action drama “The Rookie,” as production begins on its second season. Joining Nathan for this intimate conversation will be longtime friend and “The Rookie” showrunner, Alexi Hawley. The two collaborators will also reflect on Nathan’s overarching career, spanning from “Firefly” to Shakespeare, and now, playing the oldest rookie in the LAPD. (Horton Grand Theatre)
6:45 – 7:45 p.m. neXt (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – Join us for the world premiere of “neXt,” a propulsive, fact-based thriller about the emergence of a deadly, rogue artificial intelligence that combines pulse-pounding action with an examination of how technology is invading our lives and transforming us in ways we don’t yet understand. Coming to FOX in 2020, “neXt” stars John Slattery (“Mad Men”) as a Silicon Valley pioneer, who teams with cybercrime agent Fernanda Andrade (“The First”), to fight a villain unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Panelists to include creator and executive producer Manny Coto (“24”), executive producers and directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (“This Is Us”), Fernanda Andrade, Michael Mosley (“Ozark”), Jason Butler Harner (“Ozark”) and Eve Harlow (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) for a moderated conversation and fan Q&A. (Room 6DE)
SATURDAY, JULY 20
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. THE SIMPSONS (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – Now 30 years old and part of the mighty Disney empire, get inside insights and secret tips on the upcoming, brand-new season from Matt Groening, Al Jean, Mike B Anderson, Stephanie Gillis and the voice of Lisa Simpson and panel moderator, Yeardley Smith. There WILL be freebies! (Ballroom 20)
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. AMERICAN DAD! and FAMILY GUY (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – It’s a Smith-family fun day with Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane), Steve (Scott Grimes), Klaus (Dee Bradley Baker) and Principal Lewis (Kevin Michael Richardson), plus executive producer and co-creator Matt Weitzman and producers Kara Vallow & Jeff Kauffmann who will treat “American Dad!” fans to a first look at scenes from all-new episodes coming soon to TBS … plus a few other surprises!
THEN
Join cast Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mike Henry and executive producers Rich Appel, Alec Sulkin and Kara Vallow from FOX’s hit animated comedy “Family Guy” as we celebrate our 20th anniversary! We’ll take a look back at some of our favorite moments over the last 20 years, plus a special sneak peek at the hilarity and hi-jinx in the upcoming season! (Ballroom 20)
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. THE ORVILLE (Produced by 20th Century Fox Television) – From Emmy Award-winning executive producer and creator Seth MacFarlane, “The Orville” is back for season three and stopping in San Diego! Join the full crew of the U.S.S. Orville: Seth MacFarlane, Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, Scott Grimes, Peter Macon, Jessica Szohr, J Lee, Mark Jackson and Chad L. Coleman, and executive producers David A. Goodman, Jon Cassar and Brannon Braga to get an exclusive look back at some of our favorite, never-before-seen moments of season two and a special sneak peek at the new and exciting missions in the upcoming third season! (Ballroom 20)
SUNDAY, JULY 21
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MAYANS M.C. (Produced by Fox 21 Television Studios) – “Mayans M.C.” is the next chapter in Kurt Sutter’s award-winning “Sons of Anarchy” saga. Set in a post-Jax Teller world, Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes is fresh out of prison and a prospect in the Mayans M.C. charter on the Cali/Mexi border. Come for an exclusive sneak peek at a scene from the upcoming season and a not-to-be-missed conversation with co-creator/executive producer/writer Kurt Sutter, co-creator/executive producer/writer/director Elgin James and executive producer/director Kevin Dowling, plus stars JD Pardo, Clayton Cardenas, Edward James Olmos, Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby, Carla Baratta, Antonio Jaramillo, Raoul Max Trujillo, Richard Cabral, Danny Pino, Emilio Rivera, Frankie Loyal, Joseph Lucero and Vincent Rocco Vargas discussing what to look forward to from season two. Moderator: Lynette Rice, Entertainment Weekly. (Hall H)
Make sure to join SoCalThrills at San Diego Comic Con for all the explosive details and exciting moments yet to come!
Celebrate the stars and stripes with magical flair with this special look at all the fun offerings coming to the Disneyland Resort for America’s big day! From patriotic spirit jerseys, touching tributes, and special photo opportunities with Mickey and Friends, it’s sure to be a Fourth of July to remember!
Mickey will lead the way, bringing out his patriotic finest from 8AM to 3:30PM in Town Square on Main Street USA. Guests are also welcome to catch the Disneyland Classic, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and stay for the big finale, Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky!
Check out the full list of patriotic offerings available at the Disneyland Resort below:
At Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, on July 4 only, from 3-10 p.m., Guests will discover a Fourth of July family BBQ at the rooftop The Sand Bar, with live music starting at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks from Disneyland Park at 9:30 p.m. A special a la carte menu will feature short rib brisket burgers, all-beef hot dogs, street corn on the cob and specialty drinks. Complimentary family activities and face painting are also in store. Subject to availability. This offering is open to the public and does not require a hotel reservation.
At the Disneyland Hotel, on July 4 only, from 12-4 p.m., hotel guests of all ages can get in the patriotic spirit with family activities, live music, complimentary face painting, caricatures and tasty delights on the hotel’s Magic Kingdom Lawn. Subject to availability.
At the Downtown Disney District, Guests will discover an array of patriotic offerings. For patriotic wear, your Clients can visit Curl Surf. For the Frozen Cherry Boba Lemonade, theycan drop in Wetzel’s Pretzels, and for the Firecracker Cocktail, they can check out Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Hungry? There’s also Berry Ice Creams at Salt & Straw, or a 4th of July Box and Americana Mini Sampler at Sprinkles. For a decadent dessert, your Clients can try the Red, White & Blue Cake Shake from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. How’s that for a fun stroll around the neighborhood?
From entertainment, to merchandise, to dining, to sweet treats and more, there’s something for everyone looking to celebrate America’s birthday at the Disneyland Resort.
Three cheers for the red, white, and blue. Happy Fourth of July!
