ESCORT, the leader in high-performance radar and laser detection technology, today announced the launch of the new ESCORT MAX 360c, the first radar and laser detector designed for the connected car. With built-in Wi-Fi, the MAX 360c updates through the on-board Wi-Fi connection and alerts the driver to the latest ticket threats in real-time. The ESCORT MAX 360c will be on display at CES Unveiled, January 7th from 5:00 – 8:30 pm in the South Seas Ballroom at Mandalay Bay; Pepcom Digital Experience on January 8th, from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at the Mirage; and ShowStoppers @ CES January 9th from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm in the Lafite Ballroom at the Wynn Hotel.
The new ESCORT MAX 360c connects directly to the connected car’s Wi-Fi and automatically connects to ESCORT Live, our exclusive real-time ticket-protection network, without the need for your smartphone to connect to the detector. ESCORT Live keeps drivers aware of upcoming alerts received and reported by other users in the area, and gives you access to local speed limit data for over-speed alerts, right out of the box.
If you don’t have a connected car or Wi-Fi signal, users can still pair their smartphones using Bluetooth® in the MAX 360c and get all the features of ESCORT Live. When they get home or park near a Wi-Fi connection, the detector will automatically update to the latest software and firmware, without having to remove the unit from the car.
The ESCORT MAX 360c features a sleek, slimmer design with LED arrows to indicate the direction of the radar threat. With the updated arrow placement on the front of the display, direction of the alerts is easier to see and less distracting while driving. Its multi-color OLED display intuitively displays both the threat type and strength as well as the vehicles speed so the driver can make the best decision for each threat in HD resolution. The ESCORT MAX 360c also includes the revolutionary EZ Mag Mount™ that offers the most simple and secure installation. It attaches and releases the detector with a mere magnetic touch and eliminates all bouncing or detachment during a drive.
“Every major car manufacturer is planning for connected car options, if not already bringing them to market. As the detection industry leader, it’s our job to complement the latest in car technology with our state of the art radar/laser detection systems,” said John Kuhn, Vice President, Radar Engineering for Cedar Electronics. “With the ESCORT MAX 360c we created the first detection system designed for the connected car and most dynamic, real-time radar / laser detection system we have ever done,” added Dave Smidebush, Vice President and General Manager, Radar Category for Cedar Electronics.
The ESCORT MAX 360c also includes:
360 Degree Directional Alert Arrows – Arrows indicate the direction of the radar source for 360-degree protection.
Front and Rear Radar Detection – Dual antennas for front and rear detection
GPS Intelligence – Access to the largest, most-up-to-date database of speed & red-light cameras and speed traps. Drivers can mark their own “hot spots” using the exclusive Mark Location feature
IVT Filter™: Updateable system automatically reduces false alerts from external In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control
SmartCord® USB – Premium power cord features convenient USB charging port, power LED, alert LED and Mute button.
Dual Language – Includes English & Spanish voice and text
The ESCORT MAX 360c is available now for a retail price of $699.95 exclusively through EscortRadar.com or by calling (866) 709-8744.
Cobra Electronics, the leading designer and marketer of award-winning automotive, mobile and consumer electronics, today announced its new DASH Series line of dash cams. This next generation of Drive HD Dash Cams are the most technology packed, user friendly, and reliable dash cams yet. These new dash cams by Cobra will be on display at CES Unveiled, January 7th from 5:00 – 8:30 pm in the South Seas Ballroom at Mandalay Bay; Pepcom Digital Experience on January 8th, from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at the Mirage; and ShowStoppers @ CES January 9th from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm in the Lafite Ballroom at the Wynn Hotel.
All new DASH Series models will feature an ultra-wide 160° lens to record 1296P Super HD video. Footage is optimized to minimize glare, offer crystal clear visibility of license plates, and provide unparalleled night time recording. DASH Series models are loaded with features including loop recording, G-Sensor accident protection, advanced parking mode, auto date/time, and lane departure and collision warning systems. Xtreme Heat Protection utilizes a super capacitor to reliably function in even in the harshest conditions.
The DASH 2216D and DASH 2316D are dual view models that include an additional rear camera that allows for front and rear simultaneous recording. The included Y-Splitter and 14-foot extender cable allow for the rear camera to the interior of the vehicle or the road behind. Exclusive video editing software allows for viewing front and rear video simultaneously as well as cropping or merging clips.
The DASH 2308 and DASH 2316D are iRadar® enhanced models that add smartphone connectivity to integrate with the Cobra iRadar app. This patent pending technology provides alerts to upcoming speed and red-light cameras, live police locations and caution areas. With over 3 million downloads, these alert locations are continuously updated in real time by other Cobra iRadar users on the road.
In addition to iRadar integration, the DASH 2308 and DASH2316D pull location and speed data from the smartphone and embed it into video files on the dash cam. Route information is then displayed on a map view so that you can see exactly where the vehicle was at any point while playing back a recording. Date, time, and time zone information are automatically pulled from the phone to the dash cam so that video timestamps are always accurate. This is especially useful for long road trips or when crossing into new time zones.
The Drive HD DASH Series Dash Cams will be available in March 2018 for a retail price ranging from $129.99 – $219.99
The Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration, an all-new Seasons of Fun event uniquely dedicated to celebrating the beloved PEANUTS characters, invites guests to step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic strip as the characters take over the entire theme park for the very first time. The newly introduced event will take place on weekends beginning January 27th through February 25th plus President’s day, February 19th. The limited time celebration invites fans of all ages to join in on the fun by introducing new ways for guests to play and interact with the PEANUTS Gang throughout the park. The event will feature special PEANUTS inspired décor, new social media worthy comic strip photo ops, new character experiences, live shows, exclusive merchandise and deliciously themed treats to complete this whimsical celebration.
The celebration will have plenty of surprises hidden around every corner. One-of-a-kind photo opportunities will be available throughout the park allowing guests to pose alongside their favorite characters or step into a PEANUTS comic strip to create a unique and lifetime memory. The vibrant décor will include full size comic strip props like Charlie Brown’s kites and the iconic kite eating trees which will adorn the park’s pathways. Guests will have the chance to meet with the beloved PEANUTS characters throughout the day as the characters appear at unexpected locations for special interactions.
Camp Snoopy Theater presents an all-new show where Lucy and Charlie put their talents to the test in Lucy and Charlie’s Balancing Act. Also in Camp Snoopy, the Grand Sierra Railroad invites kids to celebrate with the PEANUTS Gang as they head to the Beagle Bonanza in this new ride overlay.
The PEANUTS inspired festivities continue at the Birdcage Theatre as the park introduces an experience that gives both the young and the young at heart a lesson on how to draw their favorite PEANUTS character. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include our resident art teacher who will provide step by step instructions on how to draw the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece. After class is dismissed, a special showing of a classic PEANUTS television special will be shown in the theatre.
Franklin and Linus are on a Western escapade as they transform into cowboys in the new PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree at Calico Park. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of the rootinest, tootinest games in Calico. Also in Ghost Town, everyone’s favorite messy pal, Pig Pen will be making his Knott’s Berry Farm debut as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some of his favorite animal friends.
The celebration continues at the Calico Mine Stage where the PEANUTS characters have two all-new musical surprises for guests. During the day Sally and Schroder will host a retrospect of music in The Music Goes Round and Round where they’ll have the audience dancing in the aisles. At nightfall the stage will transform into a musical extravaganza as the park presents the first ever Woodstock’s Musical Festival. The musical event will feature the Peanuts Gang joined by the family-friendly indie band The Jelly of the Month Club, performing a high energy rock concert for the whole family. Guests will also uncover hidden fun as they venture into Fiesta Village were Lucy and Sally have taken a journey south of the border as they have been introduced to the colorful dancing of Mexico. Lucy and Sally’s Fiesta Fantasy will bring lively music, traditional costumes and live performances to the Fiesta Village stage.
The best way to enjoy every weekend of the all-new Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2018 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $94 or six easy payments of $15.66 and Gold Passes are $113 or six payments of just $18.83. These offers end April 8, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
It’s hard to believe that The Last Jedi is now playing in theaters and has been seen by countless fans across the galaxy. After almost two years of mystery and anticipation, we now have a new Star Wars film.
Though there have been a huge wave of different opinions on the film and how it fits into the Star Wars universe, this was a big release and for those who braved the surge of fans seeing the film opening night, a very memorable adventure.
Did you get your tickets in time for the big event?
If you have ever been to an opening night for Star Wars, you know it’s a huge wave of surprises, excitement, and in some cases, stress. Just like a peak day at Disneyland, or in the mad scramble for a spot in a highly anticipated convention panel, all is on the line and there isn’t any time to lose. Being the first to see a movie is a real challenge, but a fun and lasting tradition worth the effort.
Flashback to my reaction at the Force Awakens opening event.
I had the opportunity to participate in AMC’s opening night double feature event. Since we were shown The Force Awakens before The Last Jedi, the party started in the afternoon and was the quickest way to avoid the evening rush of fans finding their way through the crowds for the evening shows. After the insanity of Star Wars Celebration, this was a huge breath of fresh air.
Especially with a ticket as big as Star Wars, there are so many different events and venues to choose from. I opted to take the easy path and the familiar route. Just like last year, I went to one of the local AMC venues. Based off my past experiences, I knew it would be fun and would add to the memories that I’ve had in previous film releases. It also meant I would get to see the movie in IMAX, which definitely adds a big plus.
Movies have a special magic to them, and so does going to the movie theater. That anticipation, that level of unknown is electrifying. What makes it even better is being there with fellow fans and nerds to share in the adventure. Everyone is happy, everyone is ready, and everyone knows what you are there for.
Flashback to 2015 and getting ready for The Force Awakens
When the lights go down, you can feel the energy of everyone around you. It makes the laughter, cheers, and gasps more powerful. Seeing the film at home is a different type of feeling, but not nearly as fun in my opinion. Still, you never know what to expect, and that is when stories are made.
When the moment finally arrived and the lights again went down for The Last Jedi, we were all met with a bit of of a mishap. The opening crawl began, people threw up their hands in excitement, and the title, “Episode VII- The Force Awakens” began to scroll. The moment was ruined, and everyone was frozen. Rather than let myself sit there and wait for the venue to figure out the problem, I hopped the rail and ran out the doors. Within seconds, I rushed over and explained the situation.
By the time I went back into the auditorium, other fans began to follow my lead and all rushed out to see if the news was given to the employees. Sitting back down, I let the crowd know with a laugh that the staff knew and we all sat and waited for the reel to start itself over. Yet, The Force Awakens still made one more appearance and everyone began to wonder if we would ever get to the movie.
Thankfully, the third time was the charm, and our prayers had finally been answered. We had a new movie and all was right with the universe. That mix up was just as unforgettable as the rest of the experience. It added some funny twists and turns, and really gave me a unique opportunity to save the day.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier and am thankful for yet another chance to be a part of a big opening night event. We shall see what the future holds, as we now have Solo: A Star Wars Story as well as Episode IX to go.
For now, we will have plenty to talk about with The Last Jedi. In case you haven’t had a chance to see it, or would like to learn more about the latest installment, feel free to check out our review of the film.
Motown is a time-travelling love letter to one of the most important eras of music history. The audience is taken on a musical journey through the career of Berry Gordy, Motown’s ambitious and laser-focused creator, spanning from 1938 to 1983. You will find it hard to not get out of your seat and dance along with the 66+ songs featured, and at one point, you may even get a chance to participate!
The portrayals of Motown legends like Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder (to name a few) are so realistic. Audience members screamed at the entrance of an artist as though it was the real deal. Some vocals missed the mark a bit, it is very difficult to imitate Smokey Robinson with conviction. I was personally blown away by Trenyce’s portrayal of Diana Ross, Matt Manuel as Marvin Gaye, and Cartreze Tucker as Stevie Wonder. All three actors sounded exactly like we were listening to their character counterpart live. Manuel and Tucker even looked exactly like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Kenneth Mosley was a stand-out as Berry Gordy, what a voice!
I love the music of Motown, and was a bit saddened by how rushed each song was. They are able to fit a lot of music into the show, but at the cost of never finishing a single song. The costumes were beautiful, most notably for The Supremes, and overall the performances were very exciting. Having almost no previous knowledge of Berry Gordy’s involvement in Motown, it was a fantastic history lesson, both in the history of the label as well as how Motown was effected by the changing political climate in the 1960’s and 70’s. The staging seemed a bit off at times, to where it almost had the feel of college theater. I was not sure if this was actually the case, or if they were not prepared for the smaller space at Segerstrom. Some of the directing and blocking felt a bit amateur as well, where the scene did not seem completely convincing due to slight physical overacting and heavy emphasis on clarity of lines delivered.
Overall, I enjoyed the show. I thought the time-warp to the hey-day of Motown was a treat for the senses. The audience screaming at the sight of Diana Ross or a young Michael Jackson reminds you why Motown was so successful.
This past weekend’s release of Star Wars The Last Jedi has been one of the most interesting, emotional, and overly dramatic film debuts that has the potential to rival the angst and anger of Anakin Skywalker himself.
Easily said, Episode VIII has drawn some harsh criticism this week from some of the core fan base and raises to question what the makes a good Star Wars film. Do we focus on the use of practical effects, the use of nostalgic references? Perhaps it is the story and flow of the narrative? What can a director or Lucasfilm possibly do to give us the Star Wars story that every fan has been craving?
The answer is simple: Nothing.
The backlash we see with The Last Jedi isn’t unfamiliar territory. In fact, it’s a trend all too easy to recognize. Vader pun intended. Star Wars fans are fickle, hard to please, and have become so attached to the franchise that no matter what we are given, we will never be truly satisfied.
The Early Days of IV-VI
The start of this emotional powder keg dates back to May 1977. A New Hope was released and the world was introduced to one of the most groundbreaking and revolutionary films in modern cinema. The game had changed, and there was no turning back. It created a blessing and also a terrible curse for fans. How can we possibly top that first breakthrough? How can anything ever be as powerful or as surprising again? The pedestal was created, and the beast of our expectations was born.
Fans await their chance to see Star Wars at Manns Chinese Theater in 1977
Then, when The Empire Strikes Back was released, a radically different Star Wars was given to us all to sink in and appreciate. The medium was shattered, the galaxy was in turmoil, and we were all left wondering what we had just seen.
After all these years, it is considered a cult classic, fan favorite, and the best Star Wars film by many. Still, something didn’t quite sit right with everyone. The New York Times‘ review of Empire sheds some light onto the surprising realization that even the best can just as disliked:
“The Empire Strikes Back” is not a truly terrible movie. It’s a nice movie. It’s not, by any means, as nice as “Star Wars.” It’s not as fresh and funny and surprising and witty, but it is nice and inoffensive and, in a way that no one associated with it need be ashamed of, it’s also silly.”
This tug of war between praise and criticism was emphasized with other elements of the trilogy that include the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi and the remastered Special Edition releases in 1997 for the 20th anniversary. The newly revamped films scenes, CG Creatures, and alterations were not accepted with open arms. One of the longest and most hostile debates to this day is the whole “Han Shot First” debacle that spawned from the re-release.
Flocks of fans still get into fights about that scene. The fervor is strong and hot. In the grand scheme of things, does it really take away from the film that much to get hostile about it? We have all had these movies built up in our minds and hearts for so long that any changes feel like a personal attack.
It’s one thing to dislike a change, and in some cases, it’s warranted. Yet, we get hung up on these differences in opinions and forget to pay attention to the positive. It’s worth taking a step back for a second look.
The restorations in 1997 saved and severely cleaned up the footage used for each installment. The process essentially preserved Star Wars at a time we weren’t sure if anything else Star Wars would even exist.
Some of the additional scenes also look amazing. A perfect example is the establishing shot of the Falcon taking off from Mos Eisley. The same can be said for some of the new shots of the Death Star trench run. Getting an up close and personal look at some of these ships creates a cleaner look that compliments the original work rather than detracts from it.
I do agree that fans should have the ability to see the original release of these movies, but without the release of Special Edition, we may not have opened the door to a larger universe or have gotten a wider scope of planets, battles, and key scenes. Star Wars has endured and continued because of those efforts.
The Prequel Era of I-III
Beyond Special Edition, one of the biggest rifts in the fandom came from the release of the prequel trilogy. Universally, the prequel films are disliked and have become a taboo subject when talking about Star Wars. We all know the typical reasons: Jar Jar Binks, Hayden Christensen, CGI, blah, blah. It’s a very worn out record at this point with some of those bitter feelings growing stronger in hindsight as the years have passed.
Yet, these films were widely successful despite critics and mixed feelings towards them. In fact, some of the first reactions to the prequel trilogy were actually quite favorable. If you look at some of the early reactions to The Phantom Menace’s release, a completely different attitude is given towards it all.
There are also a lot of groundbreaking achievements brought forward by the prequels. Despite his lack of fans, Jar Jar Binks was the first fully computer animated character in a live action film. The pod race sequence was revolutionary and one of a kind. These movies had some breakthrough moments that echo the work done on the original trilogy. The funny thing is, there are a lot of fans who don’t even realize those similarities are there.
From a lot of fans’ viewpoints, these films are digitally dominant and do not use practical effects at all. Though George Lucas did heavily rely on the advancement of computer graphics and special effects, a lot of practical wizardry and old school techniques were still used.
The pod racing sequence used real models in both small and large scale to create the entire race portion of the film. Aliens and creatures were also brought to life by practical effects, such as the Neimoidians.
Real locations were used for pivotal points in the series, such as Villa del Balbianello in Italy. One of my favorite shots from the entire franchise is from Attack of the Clones for that reason. It’s a magnificent space and leaves a very memorable impression.
Another example that shows the true magic of the prequel trilogy is the duel on Mustafar. At first glance, it would seem like the entire sequence is digital and computerized. ILM went out and captured real footage of a live volcano site. The set team also built up an entire establishing model of the planet and path for the duel, which was used in the wider shots and later combined with the CG models and real sets used by the actors.
An up close look at the real model used for the lava path in Revenge of the Sith.
The fight scene itself was completely done by Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor. There were no stunt doubles used. Every moment of the duel was carefully choreographed, memorized and shot. The actors did not need anything else but practice and when it was all put together, it created one of the most iconic duels in the entire saga.
Regardless, these movies weren’t like the original trilogy. Therefore, they don’t fit the mold of the fan expectation. A lot of the segments that deserve praise and discussion fall to the way side due to the bitter feelings that have grown and stayed with us all this time. It has created a hostile attitude that has made it hard for anyone to show any difference in opinion.
As a fan that enjoys the prequels and isn’t super passionate about the changes to the original trilogy, I am often quieted or shunned by fellow fans. From personal experience, the conversation is very rarely positive.
In some cases, trying to express any form of opinion is not only unwanted, but violently countered. Bullying and abusive behavior are quite common; especially when you look at the fast paced world of social media. The harsh reality of the fan divide dominates the discussion and turns the whole thing sour. Our clash of expectations keeps us divided and scattered.
The Disney Era of VII and Beyond
After what appeared to be the end of the Star Wars story, Disney purchased Lucasfilm and George Lucas was out of the picture. Movies, tv shows, video games, and book deals were struck within nanoseconds of the deal being signed off. Star Wars had life again.
George Lucas and Bob Iger sign Lucasfilm and Star Wars over to The Walt Disney Company in 2012.
Immediately after the announcement, controversy spread on whether or not Disney could properly handle the franchise. To add fuel to the fire, Disney discarded the Expanded Universe to make room for new stories and interpretations of the saga.
Though this is a fair reason to be upset, fans lashed out and immediately cracked down on Disney for making such a radical decision. Though, the reason behind their choice was very logical, a cord was struck. Some fans were unable to accept that the EU not only ties the hands of Lucasfilm on what they can produce, but also risks a even higher level of disappointment since our expectations would be extremely high and unmatched with any content the studio could produce.
Instead, a clean slate was given and JJ Abrams was announced to helm Episode VII. As a fan himself, JJ wanted to do his best to honor the original trilogy. The campaign called for practical effects, real sets, and everything Lucasfilm could possibly throw at us to make everyone feel at home with the franchise again. The Force Awakens was that result, and set the tone for the new chapter of Star Wars.
JJ Abrams on set during one of Star Wars’ Force for Change initiatives.
At first, you would think this is a win win for everyone. Fans get a movie that fits the mold of their favorite part of the franchise and the creators get a chance to make a big start to a new slate of films. Sadly, that wasn’t the case and despite critical acclaim and overall positive reactions, many fans cried out saying it was a reboot of A New Hope. Critics said the story wasn’t original, and the movie was put under the microscope by the very fans it was created for.
The Force Awakens cast do a table read of Episode VII
Rather than focus on the new characters, differences in tone, and ways that JJ and company gave us a fresh perspective on Star Wars, harsh words were again tossed into the mix. What makes it even more frustrating is that now we have two additional films in the Star Wars canon that have the opposite problem. We can’t seem to agree on what the fans want to see.
Rogue One and The Last Jedi were attempts at taking risks with Star Wars. We were given something different and new. Yet, now the pendulum swings from “too similar” to “too different”. It’s a maddening cycle that doesn’t seem to find a balance.
Rogue One was Lucasfilm’s first standalone film. Though very popular, the movie still draws a mixed bag of reviews between fans.
I feel that a lot of fans miss the reason why I like all of these movies and why others might too. What makes Star Wars so special is that it isn’t a one size fits all type of story. There are so many unique and diverse pieces of the puzzle that people young and old can cherish in their own ways that still fits into the collective mass of nerds that makes Star Wars a cultural phenomenon.
Star Wars Celebration Anaheim was one of the greatest experiences for me. All these fans brought together in the real spirit of what makes the franchise so monumentally great.
Whether or not you are fan of Jar Jar Binks, Ewoks, or Jedi Rocks is beside the point. There are fans out there that that appreciate these films in ways that the mainstream may not. Star Wars would have died a painful death a long time ago if there wasn’t a large group of people out there that love these movies for what they are, and not what they could have been. Whether it is Episodes I-III or The Last Jedi, the spectrum is wide and very diverse.
George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, and John Williams at the Star Wars 40th Anniversary panel in Orlando in 2017.
Not everyone has the same viewpoint, and that is what makes the reaction to The Last Jedi so dangerous. We’ve gotten to the point where there are Change.Org petitions to remove it from the official canon. There are articles being posted that are investigating the possibility that fans are creating fake spam bots to help destroy the fan user rating on sites like Rotten Tomatoes. One hashtag I have been seeing pop up is #NotMyLuke.
We don’t own Luke Skywalker. We don’t own Star Wars. We are a part of the system, but not the dictators of how it will play out. This line of thought of personal ownership is arrogant and needs a balance. Where will this all end? Why does it matter so much to us as fans to tear down a movie that didn’t fit what we thought it should be?
Some words of wisdom for fans everywhere.
What the response to The Last Jedi is teaching us is that we need to be more open minded and look at the big picture. This may not be “your” Star Wars. It may be someone else’s Star Wars. Respect the road we have come from and where it is leading. The story is more than just your own, and we are all in this together.
I’ve never been a big “light show” guy. But this changed last week when I experienced the all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood. This is the most amazing and realistic, virtual reality-type light display I’ve ever seen.
To celebrate the holiday season, the theme park has transformed “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” attraction, including the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, Hogwarts Castle and the surrounding Hogsmeade village, into a Christmas wonderland, with snow, characters, decorations and a mesmerizing array of projection lights and images.
The adventure begins each night through January 7, 2018 in Hogsmeade Village, where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is illuminated with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies. The images are huge and incredibly real, with so much definition and vividness that I thought was watching a giant television screen.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is coming to life with Christmas decorations and an incredible light show at Universal Studios
To make the light parade even more rewarding, I suggest going on the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride to start your day at Universal Studios. Opened last year, the attraction is inspired by J.K. Rowling’s world-famous stories and characters that were brought to life in eight Warner Bros. films.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has been masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation. The land, which took five years to create, is faithful to the visual landscape found in the movies and books, including Hogwarts castle which serves as the main focal point.
The highlight of the fairytale land is the ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” A pioneering achievement in theme park technology, the virtual reality coaster is designed in hyper-realistic 3D-HD to fully immerse guests inside the young, bespectacled wizard’s world. The multidimensional thrill ride features groundbreaking robotics, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects.
The thrilling “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride is located inside of the mysterious Hogwarts Castle
To get to the ride itself, guests wait in a line that meanders through Hogwarts Castle. While waiting their turn, visitors can admire talking portraits and newspapers, medieval architecture and all things Harry Potter.
While in Hogsmeade Village, guest can sample hot Butterbeer from carts and eat delicious and fun British fare such as Bangers & Mash; Shepherd’s Pie; Beef Sunday Roast (prime rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding and gravy), Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew; and Fish & Chips at one of the village restaurants. Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” is the fun, family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff.”
Besides the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” getting into the Christmas spirit, the “Grinchmas” attraction is also putting on a “Who-lebration” of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. This annual event comes to life with a towering 60 ft-tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree covered in light, with lots of fun and live holiday music. “Grinchmas” takes place daily through December 31, 2017.
Another must-experience thing to do at the park is the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also discover immersive thrill rides such as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged;” and the intense “King Kong 360 3-D.” The tour also drives past the infamous “Bates Motel” from the movie “Psycho,” the harbor where “Jaws” lurks, and numerous other famous movie sets.
Universal Studios is full of great rides, attractions and scary characters walking around to greet people
Other rides and attractions at Universal Studios include the 3D-HD adventure “Transformers: The Ride-3D;” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride;” “Jurassic Park —The Ride;” “Waterworld;” and “The Simpsons Ride.”
“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” runs each night through January 7, 2018. Universal Studios is located at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. The Studio Tour is included with all theme park admission. For more information on current pricing, specials and hours, visit: www.universalstudioshollywood.com
DF-07720 – P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) comes alive with the oddities in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Sometimes the simplest films can be the ones that transport you to the farthest reaches of your imagination, sweeping you into a land of wonder and magic. A world so fantastical that anything seems possible, and for a brief time all your worries seem to disappear, making life feel whimsical and carefree. This scenario completely encapsulates Michael Gracey’s new film, The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman as the real life entertainer P.T. Barnum, the man who invented the circus. For a life that large, you have to make an even larger film, and Gracey attempts to do just that. With help of Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, the men behind La La Land and the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen, the team is here to give Barnum’s story a larger than life turn of the musical kind.
In The Greatest Showman, we’re taken through a fantastical version of the events that led to Barnum creating the circus. But in this version of Barnum’s life, the world is a wondrous place full of limitless possibilities, interesting people, and grand musical numbers, as we see him go from a poor young boy who with large dreams to a down on his luck father who wants the best for his family. For a man who seems to have everything one should need, it’s not quite enough, and Barnum finds that he feels trapped in a world that’s left him and his dreams behind. But when an unexpected turn of event alters his life, Barnum takes that opportunity to finally grasp what he’s always wanted to do: entertain. With everything to gain and nothing to lose, P.T. Barnum recruits a group of downtrodden group of people who are different from everyone else, and together they put together the world’s most unusual show for all to see.
Under Gracey’s watchful eye, The Greatest Showman flourishes in a unique way that’s really quite fun to watch. The film’s musical numbers are large and sweeping, and yet at the same time, feel incredibly intimate. Every song, every dance move, and every motion the camera makes feels fine tuned for the exact emotional reaction the audience needs to feel, and for a first time director, what he’s able to do behind the camera is incredibly impressive. He puts so much energy into every frame that you can’t help but feel wrapped up in the story and the musical numbers, and I found myself tapping along to it few times throughout the film. From a visual standpoint, the movie is always pleasant to look at, and Gracey does his best to really make the world feel alive. Musicals can be incredibly tricky business, and it’s great that he’s able to handle that so well.
It’s just unfortunate that Gracey’s limited time behind the camera makes the story falter a bit underneath the weight of everything else. The Greatest Showman moves at a very brisk pace, clocking in at just around an hour and forty five minutes, but unfortunately that’s about fifteen minutes too short on the story side of things. While you can fall in love with the music and the characters, the movie brushes past the obstacles that Barnum faces like they’re nothing. Instead of letting the tension build, within a scene most of the problems the characters face is nicely tied up, and we’re on to the next scene. The movie could really use some breathing room for the audience to really feel the tension that certain characters face, but because the film is going for that warm, feel good style that many musicals have, it would rather be fun and light than dour and dark. It’s an obvious choice, and I understand why they feel the need to keep things quick and light, but it seems to be a rather large disservice to the characters and the story at hand. Life isn’t always pretty, and while we see glimpses of that from various sides, it would have been nice if the movie had decided to dive deeper and really make the audience feel the pain and frustration the characters dealt with.
Thankfully, even though the movie falters on the story side, the actors and the music easily make up for that. Hugh Jackman is incredibly endearing as P.T. Barnum, which should come as no shock because Jackman is always likable in whatever he’s in. It’s great to see him getting to throw around his musical chops on-screen for a change, something many forget he can do after his seventeen year-long stint as Wolverine. Jackman really carries this film on his shoulders, and honestly if he wasn’t the lead, the movie wouldn’t work nearly as well. Zac Efron likewise brings his incredible talent to the screen, and he and Jackman work very well together. The duality of their personalities and choices makes for an intriguing friendship, though I do wish we could explore that complexity a bit more. It’s just too bad that Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson don’t get more to do in the film, as both are good in their respective roles, but they’re not given enough meat to really standout in any way. Michelle Williams on the other hand does get some wonderful work in, and shines in many of her scenes, including a wonderful solo song, but her story really doesn’t get to be explored much which is too bad.
But The Greatest Showman‘s biggest strength comes from its music, and boy is it fun to have a big musical like this back on the big screen. Every song is sweeping and fun, and instantly memorable. The film’s opening number, “The Greatest Show”, making the film explode on the screen in a big way, making it nearly impossible to match that later on. But it’s not without trying, as many of the songs throughout the film come close, with a duet between Jackman and Efron, aptly titled “The Other Side”, and the film’s most popular song, “This is Me”, coming incredibly close. Every song just hits you in the right way, feeling incredibly electrifying, feel good, and it really just puts a smile on your face. This really takes you back to the golden era of film musicals, and that alone makes the movie special.
The Greatest Showman is a very well acted and directed film featuring fantastic music, and an unsurprisingly great leading man turn from Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum. While the story suffers from a real lack of conflict, you’ll be hard pressed to really be too frustrated as you get wrapped up in the joy that the film creates. The music is exceptional, bringing to life a long forgotten era of Hollywood back in a big, flashy way. This is the perfect holiday film for families to enjoy together as they’re out at the theater this weekend, and it’s safe to say the soundtrack is going to get a lot of play for many once you step out of the theater. At the end of the day, that’s the best endorsement a musical can ask for.
All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother.
A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets.
Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy and featuring a special performance by Misty Copeland, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.
Planet Earth’s first interstellar tourism campaign has taken off – highlighting a destination that is truly out of this world. Perched above the earth in space, a billboard advertising “Earth’s Wild Atlantic Way” features Skellig Michael, an island off Ireland’s south-west coast – otherwise known as Luke Skywalker’s hide-out in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
As the world sits in anticipation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi,Tourism Ireland, the body responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday destination, is celebrating the film’s imminent theatrical release with the first tourism campaign in space.
Ireland’s Skellig Michael featured in the final moments of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where Rey finds Luke Skywalker at the island’s summit.
Since its dramatic appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Skellig Michael’s stone ‘beehive’ huts, sweeping ocean views and that trademark emerald green have been seen by hundreds of millions, featuring in everything from trailers for the forthcoming The Last Jedi and behind-the-scenes films to a Vanity Fair magazine cover.
The director of The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson, returned to Skellig Michael with his cast in September 2015, picking up the story from the iconic moment in The Force Awakens. The location scouts were so taken with Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way that key locations in counties Cork, Kerry, Clare and Donegal were handpicked to represent the planet Ahch-to in The Last Jedi – due to hit the big screen on 15 December.
More background and stories about Star Wars filming along the Wild Atlantic Way www.ireland.com/starwars
The Long Beach Ballet has created something truly magical and wondrous this year for their 35th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. With a fully diverse and large ensemble, every moment is one to savor and enjoy as you are transported into the classic story with a few fresh takes and surprising effects.
Though still done in the traditional style and taste, this production finds a way to bring in some unique flair that creates a very heartfelt and memorable experience. From all ages, each performer builds on the other and works together from start to finish that showcases a vast professional range. Led by the charming Grace Beay as Clara, every single performance is passionate, powerful, and delightful.
The cast is accompanied with a full orchestra led by conductor Dr. Roger Hickman, live animals, and dazzling pyrotechnics orchestrated by John Bordeaux. Each scene flows and gracefully uses the space to its full potential with vast sets, flowing backdrops, and sparkling stars.
The most notable aspect of this year’s production is the teamwork used to put on a truly spectacular rendition of this beloved holiday classic. With a cast of more than 200, a fully dedicated orchestra, stage directors, costume designers, and the hard work of countless others, the production came together flawlessly. The holiday spirit was definitely in the hearts of all involved, and it is safe to say The Long Beach Ballet has the magic touch that will keep the feeling of Christmas alive for all to see and hear.
Show times are Friday, December 22nd at 7:30 pm, Saturdays, December 16th and 23rd at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday, December 17th at 2 pm and Sunday, December 24th at 1 pm at the Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, located at 300 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802.
Tickets can be purchased through the Long Beach Ballet “Hotline” at (877) 852-3177, and the Long Beach Performing Arts Center Main Box Office, and online through the Long Beach Ballet website, www.LongBeachNutcracker.com. Family-friendly ticket prices start at $34.00 – $78.00 with a special VIP Package also available. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups of 15 or more.
On Sunday, December 3, 2017, a group of journalists from across the globe were brought together at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles, where they’d be transported to a galaxy far, far away. Seated in a big auditorium, with the <em>Star Wars: The Last Jedi</em> logo at the front of the room, and John Williams’ familiar score filling the air, the excitement in the room was palpable. We were waiting for the cast of <em>The Last Jedi</em>, and the film’s director Rian Johnson, to grace us with their presence for an hour long Q&A delving into the newest film in the <em>Star Wasr</em> saga, the eighth film in the episodic saga, and the third under Kathleen Kennedy’s watchful eye since Luacsfilm’s merger with Disney. But more than that, this is the middle chapter of the series, which many see as the most important as it’s the one where the game normally changes in a big way for those in the story, and you could that everyone in the room was waiting with bated breath to get as many details about the new film that the cast would allow us. Then, suddenly, the red suited Praetorian guards from the new film filled the room, leading Mark Hamill, Rian Johnson, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isacc, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Gwendoline Christie, Adam Driver, and Andy Serkis down the middle of the room, keeping a watchful eye on us, as the cast made their way to the front.
What followed was an enlightening and fun back and forth with the cast as they broke down the new film without giving anything, no easy feat to be sure, but they managed to do it all the same. Now it’s my chance to take you farther into that day, as we dive deeper into what the cast discussed while they made <em>The Last Jedi</em>, and how it reflects in the movie.
Of course, as mentioned above, one of the biggest questions for director Rian Johnson came in the form of what Rian Johnson tried to do differently from both <em>The Force Awakens</em> and </em>The Empire Strikes Back</em>, while also talking about what he tried to do different with the film:
“It’s a second movie in the trilogy and I think we’ve been kind of trained to expect it’ll be a little darker and obviously it looks a little darker and the thing is though for me I loved the tone of the original films and also that J.J. captured in The Force Awakens of fun, and that’s like to me it’s a Star Wars movie, you know, first and foremost we were trying to make it feel like a Star Wars movie. And that means you have the intensity and you’ve got the opera, but it also means that it makes you come out of the theater wanting to run in your backyard, grab your spaceship toys and make them fly around, you know, and that’s a key ingredient to it. So we’re going to go to some intense places in the movie but I hope also it’s fun, it’s funny. I don’t know, you’ve seen it.”
What Rian is alluding to definitely shows in <em>The Last Jedi</em>, as the movie is a bit more humorous as many might be expecting, but it’s also very properly a space opera first and foremost. The stakes certainly feel real, and Rian has clearly gone back to what made the original series so special to try and replicate it for a new generation here. But the comparisons to <em>The Empire Strikes Back</em> didn’t end there, as another reporter asked what visual cues Johnson may have pulled from when modeling the film in a way to the aforementioned film, and Johnson had this to say:
“Yeah. Well, I mean, my cinematographer Steve Yedlin who I’ve been best friends with since I was 18 years old, we met in film school, and so to be standing next to each other on the Star Wars set was pretty surreal. But I mean, I think Empire is, you know, I think it’s just the most beautiful – I mean all the films are beautiful – I think for my just tastes, I think the cinematography in Empire is the most gorgeous of the whole series. And so Steve and I looked at the lighting in that it’s also kind of the most – it’s pretty daring in terms of how dark they were willing to go with some of it – literally dark, and how gorgeous they went with some of the choices they made with the shaping of the lighting. But then in terms of like an actual visual aesthetic I made a choice very early on that I thought, well, I can either try and kind of copy my idea of what the original movies did, which was much more of kind of a formal, the camera didn’t move a ton and it was a much more formal type visual aesthetic, or I realized, you know,we’re going to take visual cues lighting wise and design wise from, you know, the previous movies, but I need to just shoot this movie the way that I would shoot a movie, because at the end of the day, if I’m not engaged with it, and I’m not trying to tell the story the way that really makes me excited, then it’s not going to be up there on the screen. So I kind of cut myself loose camera movement wise and shot wise from trying to imitate the past and just try to tell the story as excitingly as I could up on the screen.”
This was maybe the most important answer of the day in a lot of ways, because so many are convinced that this film is going to mirror <em>The Empire Strikes Back</em>, but Rian’s insistence on doing his own thing, even down to the look is definitely welcome. While the film does offer some visual nods to what’s come before, it also largely feels different from anything we’ve seen in the series before, which is incredibly exciting. This feels like a shifting point for the series, even down to the look, and Rian has gone all out with it.
One of the most exciting things about <em>The Force Awakens</em> was the fact that not only did we get what is arguably the most diverse cast the series had seen up to this point, but it also put Rey as the female lead in the series. When asked what it meant to the female cast members to be representing so many young girls with strong female heroines in the series, Daisy Ridley, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, and Gwendoline Christie opened up that:
Ridley: “I think like as a girl growing up in London, obviously I knew there was a disparity in films but I wasn’t so aware of it, like growing up in a liberal household. I was never really made to feel any one way. So when I got involved I didn’t really – like, I knew it was a big deal, but the response was so beyond anything I could have imagined, that I’m still like – it was only afterwards was like, oh, oh yeah. And it’s not like I ever took it for granted or anything but it was justsomonumental, theresponseandhowpeoplefelt about it,and obviously that’s a testament to Kathy, J.J., Michael, Larry, everyone who created the characters in the beginning, and I think what’s great about everyone is it’s not like she’s a girl, this is aguy,thisis anything, everyone’s just, it’s justgreatc haracters that happily are falling into broader categories now, so I’m thrilled.Yeah.”
KELLY MARIE TRAN: “Yeah, I agree. I think that it feels like both an honor and a responsibility at the same time. I feel like from the beginning when I initially found out I got this role, I just felt like I wanted to do the whole thing justice, and I’m so excited that guys, the girls in this movie kick some butt. Every single one is so good, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. Yeah.”
LAURADERN:“I justwant topaytribute toRian for beingone ofthe most brilliantly subversive filmmakers I’ve ever been able to bear witness to, and in the case of the look of my character, I was moved by the fact that he really wanted her strength to first lead with a very deep femininity and to see a powerful female characteralso befeminine issomething that movesawayfroma stereo type that’s sometimes perceived in strong female characters must be like the boys. I thought that was a really interesting choice to get to witness.”
Gwendoline Christie: “I was so delighted. I wasn’t cast in the first Star Wars film yet when I heard about the casting, and I was utterly delighted to see that there was amore representativeselection of actors that were going to bein these incredible Star Wars films,and that hascontinued.And you know,everything that my amazing colleagues say is absolutely right. You get to see women that are not being strong just because they’re acting like men. They’re doing something else. And also you’re seeing a developed character or at least a developing character, that’s showing some complex character traits. And I’m just delighted about that. I’m delighted that something as legendary as Star Wars has decided to be modern and to reflect our society more as it is.”
Their words are certainly refreshing, as it shows just how far female representation has come, and how seriously Rian took it with the film. In the film itself, there are so many strong female characters, and it’s hard not to be excited to see that in a big studio blockbuster, especially one with <em>Star Wars</em> in the title.
But, of course, we can’t talk about the female characters in this film without talking about everyone’s favorite princess who we sadly lost last year, Carrie Fisher. The moderator asked the women on the panel about the impact that Carrie Fisher and Leia had on generations of girls and women, and how it spoke to them.
Gwendoline Christie:Well, she was very significant because I was first shown A New Hope when I was six,and I remember thinking, wow, that character’s really different. I watched TV and film obsessively from such a young age but it stayed with me throughout my formative years, of she’s really interesting, she’s really smart, she’s really funny, she’s courageous, she’s bold,she doesn’t care what people think, and she isn’t prepared to be told what to do.And she doesn’t look the same as a sort of homogenized presentation of a woman that we had been used to seeing. So that was really instrumental to mea s someone thatdidn’t feellike they fittedthathomogenizedview of whata woman was supposed to be, that there was inspiration there, that you could bean individual and celebrate yourself and be successful without giving yourself over, without necessarily making some sort of terrible, huge compromise. So it was a big inspiration for me. And you know, to play a character as well from what we’ve seen in The Force Awakens, I was very excited when I was shown just the basic element of the costume, and here we were seeing character whereby a woman wasn’t – her femininity was not delineated in terms of the shape of her body, in terms of her physical attractiveness. Those elements, that weird random group of elements which we’re born with in some kind of odd lottery and then we’re judgedon in society. AndIwas justdelightedtobe able tohave that opportunity.
Laura Dern:Well, endless thoughts and also you know, a profound impact that she made on me as a girl, and spoken so beautifully by Gwen, so I’ll just speak to this present experience, to say that as we always had with Carrie, not just Leia, her wisdom, and you know, people speak about people who are brave or fearless, but beyondthat, I’ve known luckily a few people that would hold those descriptions, but not that they would be without shame, and that’s what moved me the most about the icon she gave us, but also what she gave us individually and personally which is to Carrie, who she was so directly and to be without shame, and to share her story, and to expect nothing less from any of us.And the privilege of watching how Rian has so beautifully captured all of that and her grace in this amazing, beautiful, pure performance, but also I think she found an equal irreverent subservice and they had this dance that gives us this performance that I was just so moved by.
Daisy Ridley:I don’t think I can really follow that, except to just say Carrie’s daughter Billie is I think all of those qualities. She’s smart and funny and shameless and wonderful. And I think Carrie bringing up a daughter obviously with Brian,bringing up a daughter who is all of those qualities and then some, in this world, if that’s what she did, you know, just her being her, I think it speaks volumes to what she did as her in the spotlight and also her as Leia
Kelly Marie Tran: Yeah, I mean, I agree with everything that was said. I think that something about Carrie that I really look up to is, and something I didn’t realize until recently, was just how much courage it takes to truly be yourself when you’re on a public platform or when possibly a lot of people will be looking at you, and youshewasso unapologetic and so openly herself and that is something that I am really trying to do, and it’s hard. And just like Daisy said, likeLaura said, like Gwendoline said, I think that she will always be an icon as Leia but also as Carrie. What an example, you know? And I am so fortunate to have met her and I think that she will really live on forever
To see what Carrie met to so many is not only hugely heartwarming, it’s also incredibly eye opening in a way. The incredible thought of all the joy and all the inspiration she brought to so many generations already, and even more to come, it can’t be overlooked. Thankfully, Fisher also gives what is arguably her finest performance as Leia in <em>The Last Jedi</em>, and she says goodbye to the character in the best way. We were all lucky to get to enjoy Fisher on the big and small screen for many years, and its great to see her legacy will continue to live on.
When asked about the potential moral of the story that could be learned in <em>The Last Jedi</em>, Adam Driver opened up with a very interesting comment about everyone learns different things from the same movie:
Adam Driver: I think that’s a personal kind of thing, for probably some it will be nothing, for others. I’ve heard this said, and it’s the best way that I understand how seeing a movie in a dark room with people who are total strangers kind of works, whether that be a play or a movie. No one lives the theater, everyone has lives outside, well hopefully, then there’s a kind of collective intelligence that happens in theroom and what is rewarding about it is realizing that you all are having a different experience but at the same time the same experience, and whatever your life is outside, whatever circumstances, whether there be death or drugs or birthdays, you know, you bring it to the theater, you know, and whatever is happening in the movie, obviously where you are in your life, I think, speaks to you in a different way than anybody else so it’s hard thing to kind of blanketly say,I think you’ll feel this, because again, we’re not you. You know, so that’s what I think. So may potentially nothing is what I’m trying to say.
This led to the conversation about Rian’s intention of using the theme about the idea of things not living up to your expectations, and why meeting your heroes may not always be for the best:
Rian Johnson: That’s definitely one of the things, yeah, in it. You know, I think these movies to someextentare alwaysabout, I don’tknow, to really boil it down, you know, if you look back at Lucas kind of, you know, famously drawing from The Hero’s Journey myth that Joseph Campbell wrote about, and the hero’s journeyisnotaboutbecoming ahero,it’snotabout becoming Hercules,it’s about really adolescents, it’s about the transition from childhood into adulthood,and finding your place in the world, and you have these new powers that you’re feeling inside yourself for the first time, you don’t know what to do with them, you don’t know who it is you’re going to get help from, who’s going to be unreliable, who’s not. Navigating those very tricky waters that we all have to navigate, that’s why it’s so universal. So part of that is, you know, your relationship to heroes and people you thought were your heroes, people you don’t expect to become your heroes. And that’s definitely something that plays out in this film.
Those themes are very apparent throughout <em>The Last Jedi</em>, very much hardwired into the film’s skeleton. In a way, it also speaks to the fans of the series who are expecting it to go one way, only to go the complete opposite. Ryan has shifted and subverted around expectations in an incredible way, and that couldn’t be more true for Mark Hamill himself, who had this to add:
Mark Hamill: I don’t think any line in the script epitomized my reaction more than this is not going to go the way you think. And Rian pushed me out of my comfort zone, as if I weren’t as intimidated and terrified to begin with, but I’m grateful, because you haveto trustsomeone and he was the only Obi-Wan available to me, not only in my choices as an actor, but my choices in sock wear. Because – well, I was so embarrassed. I looked at my drab black socks and I said, curse you, Rian Johnson, I’ll get my revenge.
As you can see, there’s so much to unpack from the things that the cast was talking about. It’s a truly wonderful thing to be a part of an event like this where you can sit and listen to those involved making a film gush about their experience, which couldn’t be more true here. A new <em>Star Wars</em> film always feels like a massive event, especially when it comes to the episodic chapters in the series. For my full thoughts on the film, you can check out my review here, on SoCalThrills!
Stereophonic, the highest Tony-nominated play of all time, has finally opened in Los Angeles. I went into this one entirely blind, only having heard...
