Photo Break: A Wrinkle in Time World Premiere

February 27, 2018

Hollywood celebrated the world premiere of Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time last night at the famous El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles in a captivating display of positivity and pride.

Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Storm Reid, and many others were in attendance.

Take a look at all the fun images below!

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A Wrinkle in Time will release on March 9th.

The Power and Lessons of A Wrinkle in Time

Maverick Bohn

February 27, 2018

'A Wrinkle In Time' Press Conference — HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Actors Levi Miller, Rowan Blanchard, Deric McCabe, Zach Galifianakis, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, Director Ava DuVernay, actors Storm Reid, Chris Pine, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Screenwriter Jennifer Lee and moderator Tanika Ray participate in the press conference for Disneys 'A Wrinkle in Time' in Hollywood, CA on March 25, 2018 (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Levi Miller; Rowan Blanchard; Deric McCabe; Zach Galifianakis; Mindy Kaling; Reese Witherspoon; Oprah Winfrey; Ava DuVernay; Storm Reid; Chris Pine; Gugu Mbatha-Raw; Jennifer Lee; Tanika Ray

The cast of Disney’s latest project, A Wrinkle In Time, gathered in Hollywood this past weekend to discuss major themes and experiences leading up to the film’s release on March 9th.

The Power and Lessons of A Wrinkle in Time — HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Actor Oprah Winfrey, Director Ava DuVernay and Actor Storm Reid participate in the press conference for Disneys ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ in Hollywood, CA on March 25, 2018 (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Oprah Winfrey; Ava DuVernay; Storm Reid

Director, Ava DuVernay, stated that there is “love in every frame of this movie” and she couldn’t be more proud of the work the cast had done to help make her film adaptation a reality for children everywhere. “This is a film for young people and people who are young at heart”, DuVernay stated.

The film, which stars teen actress Storm Reid, is an adventure where Reid’s character, Meg travels through dimensions to find her father with the help of her brother and friend. The trailer, which you can see below, also features three mysterious women who guide the children on their quest. Mrs. Whatsit, played by Reese Witherspoon, Mrs. Who played by Mindy Kaling, and Mrs. Which, played by Oprah Winfrey.

Bringing this film to life was a fun challenge for DuVernay, as it allowed her to use her imagination and bring back some of her childhood spirit. “I got to really get in touch with all that I thought I would be when I was young…I tried and gave everything I had to film again”.

DuVernay and the entire cast had some very powerful things to say about the film’s message to today’s world. The original novelization had gone through some modern tweaks to bring forward the ideas of diversity, inclusion, and female empowerment.

She cast Reid as the main character not only for her talents and background, but because she wanted a strong female figure leading the way. “I’m really excited. I haven’t been nervous this entire time,” Reid mentioned when taking on the role of Meg. “This is our baby and our thing that we created…”I’m really proud of us”

Mindy Kaling later mentioned that she was glad to finally be a part of a science fiction story. Diversity wasn’t a common trait with the genre, and it was a difficult reality for her growing up. “I loved science fiction and fantasy growing up but it was a genre that largely did not love me back. I never saw any representation of a dark skinned Indian woman or girl in anything that I saw.”

Though there were rare exceptions in representing strong women with characters like Princess Leia in Star Wars and Ripley in the Alien franchise, women are harder to find in that cinematic universe. Women of color and minorities are almost non existent. It is still a challenge today, but one that A Wrinkle In Time is taking head on.

“It’s a very peculiar thing when you grow up loving something that shows you no love back. It’s such a pure love because you are not getting anything from it.” With her role, she feels there is excitement and hope for young girls to see the representation she never had.

Zach Galifianakis, who plays “The Happy Medium” also noted that the story is an opportunity for young men to learn how to be more in tune with their own feelings. “It’s good because it’s nice for young boys, young men even, to see that it is okay to have a sensitive side of you.”

Galifianakis discussed his own childhood, growing up with a very masculine upbringing. Yet, he feels balance is needed, since men aren’t allowed to represent their sensitivity and emotions without backlash from their peers. “They are seen as sensitive…made fun of, that means they are stronger. I wish we could kind of change that.”

Levi Miller, who plays Meg’s friend Calvin in the film, agreed with Galifianakis and was happy to follow Reid’s example throughout the adventure. The trust and respect was there for Miller, which he expressed in his experience with his own family and older sisters. “Toxic masculinity nowadays is sort of rampant in society”. For Miller, A Wrinkle In Time is a “very special story and something everyone needs to know”.

Though the main focus was on how the film relates directly to children and growing up, the floor also opened up about how adults perceive children and how there is room for growth. Chris Pine, who plays Meg’s father Alex Murry, talked about how his character’s rigid nature prevented him from seeing beyond his own motivations.

“You have a man that has become so rigid and structured and needy of getting the validation of his community…He’s so hard that he forgets the most beautiful thing on the planet…this blooming flower of a gorgeous daughter…None of that stuff matters.”

Pine went on to warn about the risks of having a mindset that adults have an unspoken authority over younger generations. “As kids we’re taught that there’s some sort of hierarchical structure where adults are by virtue of their age smarter than we as children”. Subtly mentioning current events, Pine feels that there is a beautiful gift in children that should be recognized. Being young doesn’t make you foolish, and his words resonated with the cast as he spoke about his pride for his work with Reid.

“It’s a tough time right now,” said DuVernay.

Though it may be easy to focus in on that struggle, the entire cast also echoed a sense of hope throughout their discussion. “I think the darkness is there to help bring out the light in all of us…It just takes a little bit of light,” Oprah exclaimed.

“That’s what we are hoping for and if everyone can get that message, that’s how we have hope in the world. We are looking for warriors that can bring hope back.”

As the discussion wrapped up, DuVernay provided a special reminder to all those watching the film. “Who you are is enough,” she exclaimed. “That’s what we need more people to tap into…your own voice”.

A Wrinkle In Time releases to this dimension on March 9th. Take a look at all the exciting images from the event in the gallery below!

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Rowan Blanchard and the “Mean Girl” Stereotype

Maverick Bohn

February 27, 2018

Rowan Blanchard, costarring in Disney’s upcoming release, A Wrinkle in Time, had some very compelling words when speaking about her new role, our perceptions on bullying, and the importance of strong female relationships.

Blanchard described her character, Veronica, as her first experience playing a “mean girl” and hinted at the relationship between her character and Meg (Storm Reid) being a little less than friendly.

Though not her traditional type of role, Blanchard was excited to jump into the world of A Wrinkle in Time with an open mind. “I was interested in approaching Veronica and Meg’s relationship in a way where I was able to sort of recognize kind of the complexities of what it means to be the bully. It’s so much more intricate than that.”

Rowan Blanchard at a press event for A Wrinkle in Time in Hollywood, CA on 2/25/18

The typical understanding of a bully, especially with female portrayals of them, are that they are brooding, vicious, and have a limited depth. “Just from watching movies growing up, I’ve always looked at bullies as very one dimensional characters…especially girl bullies. It’s very stereotypical that girls cat fight or girls fight over stupid things and that girls hate each other”, said Blanchard.

It’s easy to make perceptions and assumptions to try and justify the reasons behind why someone would bully. Yet, the life of a teen is a complexity, one that is very seldom black and white. “It’s so much more deep and layered than just a bully and a victim. There’s reasons why and I think especially between young women there’s so much competition that’s bred outside of their relationships inter-personally. I was interested in exploring the reasons behind bullying.”

Beneath the surface, there is a lot of pain and struggle. There’s more to empathize and understand in what creates a bully. Rather than just casting them off as bad individuals, it’s vital that we dig a little deeper and find a way to understand that inner turmoil. “They are hurting inside,” Blanchard stated.

Understanding that hurt is a much larger goal, as this is not the first time Blanchard has taken on the subject of bullying in her work. Blanchard is widely known for her role in the hit Disney Channel show, Girl Meets World. In the show, she played the title character, Riley Matthews, who also dealt with the tough realities of bullying on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Blanchard as Riley Matthews in "Girl Meets Rileytown" — Blanchard as Riley Matthews in “Girl Meets Rileytown”

In the episode titled, “Girl Meets Rileytown”, Blanchard’s character is thrown into a world of self doubt and fear through the actions of an unseen bully. The bully tears at her self image and her confidence, which she spends the episode regaining through the help of her friends. Ultimately, she finds her center and gains a better understanding of not only herself, but the bully as well. Standing up to the bully, Riley provides empathy and shines a light on why it happened rather than tear down her oppressor.

Given that opportunity, A Wrinkle in Time was another step at breaking down those walls to get to the real issues that need to be addressed. For Blanchard, the film became a story about female friendship.

When asked about her relationship with costar, Storm Reid, Blanchard said they are great friends, noting she wishes they got a chance to sit closer together. With upmost respect and admiration, Blanchard was thrilled to be on screen with Reid. It will be exciting to see their dynamic together on the silver screen and learn more about the two characters’ relationship.

“A WRINKLE IN TIME” opens in U.S. theaters on March 9.

Love, Simon Movie Review

Kale Smith

February 26, 2018

The trials and tribulations of coming into age can be difficult and/or rewarding depending on the adolescent coming into their own as they phase from childhood to adulthood. Hollywood has taken this theme and made an entire genre (and subgenre) of films about this subject going all the way back to 1950’s with films like Rebel Without a Cause, while the stories evolved to fit the appropriate decade and many relatable scenarios were brought to the screen. However, (not on the mainstream side of cinema) almost all high school movies don’t dabble in the struggles of the LGBTQ teens who are coming into their own sexuality and the anxiety that kids have while wanting to come out. Love, Simon is the film that gives LGBTQ members a lead character that struggle with his feelings and confronting his own sexual identity and it not be cliched, stereotypical, or degrading. On the flip side though, if you’re looking for a film that’s going to break the formula that’s been present in a lot of YA (non-dystopian) films lately (The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, etc) with this concept, then Moonlight is still king.

Love, Simon is the film adaptation of the novel Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, about Simon Spier (played by Nick Robinson) who’s seventeen, has longtime friends, liberal parents, and a pretty situated life at his high school. The big dilemma though is that he’s a closeted gay teen. At start of the film, he manages to awkwardly hide his secret until another closeted gay teen under the pseudonym Blue posts on Tumblr about being gay, but never revealing his true identity. Simon in a need to reach out and reaches to Blue and starts an online pen pal relationship with him. As Blue and Simon forge a bond, another hiccup occurs in that Simon is blackmailed by his classmate Martin (Played by Logan Miller) after taking snapshots of his open emails and threatening to publish them if he doesn’t help him hook up with Abby (Played by Alexandra Shipp). While this is going on, Simon is trying to play subtle Sherlock Holmes to figure out who the elusive Blue is.

Director Greg Berlanti (most notable for his work on the CW superhero universe) and screenwriters Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger have crafted a tremendous balancing act here where he immereses us into a character’s life and struggles that are not common in most people, but makes the representation of his protagonist earnest, compelling, and relatable to any viewer watching. It also helps that Robinson is giving one of his best performances as he basically just charms us with likability and empathy throughout his performance. Robinson isn’t the only person on his A-game, the entire cast came to play. Alexandra Shipp, Katherine Langsford , and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. give really good supporting performances as Simon’s friends Abby, Leah, and Nick and the script allows them to play fully developed characters who feel like real teens.

Also on the parents side you have Jennifer Garner playing the mother Emily (who gives a speech to Simon that I think every person who feels underrepresented or having to put themselves before others a lot needs to hear) and then you have Josh Duhamel who just nailed it as Simon’s dad Jack who carries the macho tough gen X male character role very well and conveys extreme pathos for his character as he realizes his maucho mannerism has been the source of his son’s distance relationship. However, despite an impressive supporting cast, I would be amissive if i didn’t bring up three scene steelers in the movie. Obviously, Tony Hale as the Principal who tries to relate to his kids, but fails as he just comes off out of touch and misinformed. Natasha Albright as the theatre instructor Mrs. Albright who’s every line had me and every theatre patron just hallowling with laughter.

Minor Spoilers ahead….

Then there’s Logan Miller who plays “The Adorkable Misogynist” (click here for more info) character Martin subtly well. Martin on the surface is portrayed as someone who has adorable and endearing character traits as he tries and fails to pursue Abby, but on subtextually he’s the antagonist here as he’s the one blackmailing Simon and unintentionally causing friction between Simon and his friends. Constantly asking Abby out, despite denying his advances, and trying to be outside of who he is to attract others to look at him. It’s actually a very interesting take on a antagonist since a lot of characters like Martin in other high school movies (particularly in Weird Science) frame these characters as heroes or people worth following despite their creepy obsessions with female characters. Here, it’s clear that Berlanti and his writers want to critique this kind of character and challenge viewers who have been charmed by this personality for years. The portrayal does have a couple moments where it breaks from subtextually to textuality when the character has lines of dialogue that would be akin to a trump rally speech. However, when it does happen it works very well. It just goes to show Berlanti’s confidence that the most challenging part he wants people to grapple with in his “coming out” film would be to look at the character that who’s adorably funny as maybe something that needs to be addressed, challenge, and/or changed and not the character coming out, because he hopes his non-LGBTQ audience members are sophisticated enough to accept follow the coming out aspect of the story without a second hesitation.

Love, Simon is the answer that I think the LGBTQ has been mostly looking for in mainstream studio-broad cinema. Yes, there’s films out there that have a much more authentic and more immersive insight into being closeted. Oscar-winner of 2017 Moonlight, was much more immersive in the experience that Love, Simon is trying to convey. However, cinema has never given a wide release to a high school movie where it normalizes homosexuality and celebrates the liberation of being able to love people differently than your friends and family. It doesn’t hand Simon a free pass. When Simon is outed as being gay; his friends rightfully denounce him for other reasons that don’t have to do with his sexuality. While the film does have familiar plot structures that are present in other coming of age high school movies, even though that’s the point. Love, Simon is both unique and typical, because of Berlanti’s uses the coming of age film formula about adolescents who are phasing from childhood to adulthood (as they discover their own identity and feelings) can watch and hopefully realize that being different is not to be feared or to self-loathe about and those who are closer to normal just have to come to terms it’s not about 100% about them.

Disclaimer: If you’ve ever been wanting to see diversity manifested…bring tissues as the final scene will leave you in tears of joy. Actually, bring just tissues in general. That monologue Garner has rivals the ending monologue that Stuhlbarg had in Call Me By Your Name.

RED SPARROW Movie Review

Patrick Campbell

February 25, 2018

It’s always frustrating when a film has all the potential in the world to be great, only to be a fairly middling affair with not much to offer. Such is the case with director Francis Lawrence’s new film, Red Sparrow, starring his Hunger Games star, Jennifer Lawrence. What promised to be a throwback Cold War spy thriller ends up being a dull, overlong, and frankly frustrating experience that doesn’t add much new to the genre. Instead, it just reminds the audience of better films that have tread these similar story beats before, but done so more effectively.

Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) is a famed Russian dancer who’s living her best life that she can onstage, while also taking care of her ailing mother off stage. When a tragic accident rips Dominika’s dream away, she’s left with nothing. Bent on taking care of her mother, Dominika is ushered into an underground Russian spy group where she’s trained to become an agent simply known as a Sparrow, whose mission is simply to infiltrate and kill. But Dominika quickly catches the eye of an American, Nathaniel Nash (Joel Edgerton), who decides to try and get close to Dominika, and possibly use her as an asset. The problem is, who can trust who in this game of cat and mouse?

Honestly, all the above sounds like it should make for a violent, at times harrowing, and an overall exciting spy thriller. But somehow Lawrence, and his screenwriters Eric Singer and Justin Haythe, suck all that potential out to create an incredibly standard film that really has no personality. Every beat in Red Sparrow seems rehashed from a better film, which is understandable as the genre is fairly crowded so there’s always going to be crossover. Unfortunately it feels more like a bland ripoff than offering a cool new take on something familiar, and that’s where Red Sparrow truly falters. It also doesn’t help that the script feels often times just sort of aimless, wandering to each scene with no real sense of urgency or reason. For a movie that’s over two hours, that’s especially frustrating as it makes the movie feel bloated, just simply for the sake of it.

The same could also be said for the treatment of most of the characters in the film, as it feels like there’s so many players throughout, but none of them truly matter all that much, nor are they all that interesting. Lawrence really does good work as Dominika, which may be one of her best performances. You can relate to her cause in some ways, and the damage she goes through would make any sane person angry. But when she’s the only slightly interesting character, you’re in trouble. Not a single other character in Red Sparrow really registers in any sort of way. Joel Edgerton really tries with some truly titled dialogue, which holds him back greatly from doing much. Jeremy Irons, who is always great to watch, is only here to be Jeremy Irons while adding some sort of prestige to the picture. It’s just bizarre that a thriller like this has so many characters, but not a single one outside of the lead is interesting in any way, which leads to having little to no vested interest in anything that’s happening in the film.

Red Sparrow also makes a very bizarre tonal shift in the third act that really undermines the rest of the film in a big way. This film has very little comedy or levity, and the moment that Mary-Louise Parker shows up, the whole thing just falls apart. This isn’t because Parker can’t act, but it’s because it doesn’t fit the movie that we’ve been given until this point. This may be one of the most crazy miscasting situations in recent memory for any movie, and it’s a shame, because Parker is a fantastic actress who deserved better. But when you have a movie that just doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be, this is the kind of thing that happens.

However, it’s not all bad for Red Sparrow. Lawrence does a great job building tension when it’s called for in some select scenes in the film. There’s very little action, so Lawrence doesn’t get to show off any of his action skills that we’re used to seeing in his other work, and honestly, you can feel he would love to unleash if he could. The few action beats feel intense, even intensely brutal where you don’t want to look, but you keep waiting for him to take it, and Jennifer, to the next level in the film. This could easily be an action spy franchise in the vein of John Wick or Jack Ryan, but instead it stifles itself from ever really reaching that potential. The word that continually sums up the experience is frustrating, because this movie could honestly be so much more than it is, and yet it just doesn’t seem to want to get there.

While Red Sparrow is clearly a film the studio is hoping can lead to a franchise, it may be best to just leave well enough alone. While the film is stylishly shot, and features a great performance by Jennifer Lawrence, the rest of the film is just a tired retread of better material. Overlong and dull, with no real sense of what it wants to be, Red Sparrow just feels like an exercise in the viewer’s patience. It’s really a shame that a film with so much potential is just so flat, because it had all the potential to be something special.

Restaurant / Bar Review: The Cauldron – Spirits and Brews

Russell Tom

February 25, 2018

Searching for a lounge to relax after an evening of flying on your broomstick? Well, you no longer have to search for dead man’s toe or eye of newt to conjure up a spellbinding sanctuary of relaxation and libations. Simply transport yourself to The Cauldron – Spirits and Brews located directly across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, CA. This haven of witch decor is every Halloween lover’s dream come to fruition. A dark foreboding atmosphere entangled with flickering candlelights, mystical bookshelves, glaring crows, mysterious knick knacks, and of course, the bubbling cauldron in a misty fireplace.

The screaming walls are adorned with an art gallery of curious paintings and even original artwork by the proprietor herself, Lara Hanneman. Lara was previously the Director of Entertainment for the Knott’s Berry Farm and currently the Principal Creative Designer for Think Better Design. So you know you’re in good hands. A lot of heart and attention to detail have gone into this cozy retreat.

For a more private setting, you can request to sneak behind the secret bookcase for a more intimate setting. The food offerings are a delight. Some dishes are even served in mini-cauldrons! No need to worry about the Pale Man coming after you. Be it before screaming your lungs out before Halloween Haunt or reminiscing after an escape game, this is a perfect getaway from the real world. Don’t forget to take with you a keepsake of your stay with a photo booth you can magically share on social media.

Restaurant / Bar Review: The Cauldron - Spirits and Brews

So if you or anyone is engaged with the creaky and the spooky, this cozy retreat offers wall-to-wall creeps!

Tropical Hideaway Uncovered at the Disneyland Resort

Maverick Bohn

February 22, 2018

“Welcome to our tropical hideaway you lucky people you!”

Many know the famous words from the title song in the beloved classic, “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room”, but it appears that Adventureland skippers have just come across a real life oasis at the Disneyland Resort.

The Disney Parks blog announced today a new experience will be debuting along the “tropical shores” between the world famous Jungle Cruise and the Tiki Room.

The hideaway will be a place of rest and refuge and allow guests to “rub elbows with their favorite skippers in an exotic traders’ market”. It is said to feature multiple tropical sights, sounds, and flavors.

Though this is a recent discovery, more information is yet to come and we are all anxiously awaiting to hear more. The hideaway, which was unearthed at the current location for Aladdin’s Oasis, will be part of a larger initiative of updates to the resort area.

Previously, Adventureland had seen big changes to the walkways, expansion of Bengal Barbecue, as well as the transition of other retail locations into additional stroller parking.

The resort also debuted details on the new dining location being prepared to open alongide Pixar Pier this summer. You can read more about all the exciting news by checking out our story below!

http://socalsite.socalthrills.com/lamplight-lounge-to-replace-cove-bar-in-pixar-pier-remodel/

Lamplight Lounge to Replace Cove Bar in Pixar Pier Remodel

Maverick Bohn

February 22, 2018

Image_DLR_Pixar Pier Marquee — PIXAR PIER MARQUEE AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – When Pixar Pier opens on June 23 at Disney California Adventure park, guests will enter the permanent new land through a dazzling new Pixar Pier marquee. This reimagined land will feature four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise. The Pixar Pier marquee will be topped with the iconic Pixar lamp later in the year. (Disney•Pixar/Disneyland Resort)

A new flavor is coming to Disney California Adventure this summer as the Disney Parks Blog announced the Lamplight Lounge will be replacing the popular Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto locations.

Part of the Pixar Pier transformation, Lamplight Lounge will retain the original structure of the current building along with an exposed and more industrial feel that will “tell the story of its past”. It will also feature a California casual gastro-pub cuisine that the blog described as “playfully presented” to go along with a line of signature drinks. For those worried that lobster nachos will no longer be available, Disney has made sure to save the iconic feature fare from being lost in Disneyland past.

The lobster nachos are definitely here to stay. No word on any other food options. Photo by Kaley Klaiber.

Unlike the previous setup of Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto, where two dining locations were created and separate, Lamplight Lounge will be a unified destination that will contain a full bar with views of Pixar Pier and Paradise Bay. World of Color will also be a featured element for any guests visiting the eatery at night.

The lounge will spotlight various artists and personalities behind the iconic films and Pixar legacy. Guests are encouraged to “discover the artistic marks” that have been left behind by the featured artists. From napkins, to collectible items, there will be a casual and elegant set of Pixar references that round out the experience. Whether or not this will come from Pixar’s huge assortment of collectible toys in Emeryville and figures is yet to be seen.

Lamplight Lounge will open alongside Pixar Pier on June 23rd. For those who want to say one last goodbye to Cove Bar, Disney will be providing a limited time run from March 16th to the end of May. It is highly recommended to plan accordingly, as wait times for the popular stop are hard to predict. Before Cove Bar was closed on January 7th, the wait time was seen to extend past 3 hours.

For those who would like to learn more about the latest updates to Pixar Pier, please check out SocalThrills latest article on all the details revealed at this year’s D23 Expo in Japan.

If you still thirst for more Disney Parks news, please take a look at the Disney Parks Blog and stay tuned for any new details SocalThrills will share in the coming months!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/