First Look at New and Upcoming Disney & Pixar Movies

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July 14, 2017

With D23 currently going on, it is no surprise that we would be hearing all about the latest in Disney and Pixar Studios featured films. This year many of the minds behind these films including chief creative officer John Lasseter teamed up with stars from these films to present new details, footage, behind-the-scenes looks and images from a host of upcoming films. “I’m so excited about our upcoming movies; they are all hilarious, emotional, beautiful and make you think,” said Lasseter, who serves as executive producer on all animated titles. “It’s a great mix of incredibly creative and surprising new worlds and characters and stories we love returning to. Our filmmakers are putting so much heart into these films – I can’t wait for people to see them.”

Key voice talent in these films, including Benjamin Bratt, Anthony Gonzalez, Josh Gad, Kristen Bell, Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson, Huck Milner and Sarah Silverman. And in an unforgettable moment, Auli‘i Cravalho, Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore, Kelly MacDonald, Anika Noni Rose, Irene Bedard, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara and Jodi Benson came together on stage in a celebration fit for a princess.

Following, in the order of release, are the films presented on behalf of both studios.
Disney COCO
Guests were treated to the first-ever public performance of “Remember Me” from Pixar Animation Studios’ upcoming feature film “Coco.” Anthony Gonzalez, who provides the voice of Miguel in the film, and Benjamin Bratt, who lends his voice to Ernesto de la Cruz, teamed up to perform the song written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Capping the animation presentation, the grand finale featured more than 160 performers who descended upon Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center, including the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea and Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles under the direction of Kareli Montoya, and the Grammy®-winning Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band.

“Our film embraces a broad landscape of music,” said director Lee Unkrich. “We were fortunate to have Kristen and Bobby create ‘Remember Me’—it’s the signature song made famous by Ernesto de la Cruz, and it embodies the key theme in our story: the importance of remembering loved ones both in life and beyond.”

Unkrich, co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina and producer Darla K. Anderson shared details about the original story with the crowd. In theaters Nov. 22, 2017, “Coco” introduces Miguel, an aspiring musician whose family long ago banned music. Desperate to prove his talent and follow in the footsteps of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, Miguel makes a fateful decision and finds himself in the Land of the Dead, where he meets his extended family and charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal). Together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

“Coco” features an original score from Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“Up,” “Rogue One”) and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco (“Dope,” “Shovel Buddies”) and Molina. Also part of the team is musical consultant Camilo Lara of the music project Mexican Institute of Sound.

Fans in attendance all received an exclusive “Coco” poster depicting the film’s iconic skull guitar.

Disney OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE
Kristen Bell, the voice of Anna, introduced fans to the new “Frozen” holiday featurette, “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.” Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, surprised the crowd with a live performance of the all-new original song “That Time of Year,” written by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson. The song is part of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new 21-minute featurette, which hits the big-screen in front of Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” on Nov. 22, 2017.

Joining Bell and Gad in the featurette are Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, and Jonathan Groff as the voice of Kristoff.

The featurette is directed by the Emmy®-winning team Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (“Prep & Landing”) and produced by Oscar® winner Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6”).

Disney INCREDIBLES 2
Lasseter, who’s looked forward to the return of everyone’s favorite family of superheroes since “The Incredibles” was still in production, was excited to share with fans a look at what the fashion world thinks of super-suit stylist Edna Mode—the petite-but-powerful character introduced in Pixar Animation Studio’s 2004 Oscar®-winning feature. Showcasing fashion phenoms from Heidi Klum and Kendall Jenner to Zac Posen and Rachel Zoe, the video can be viewed here.

“Incredibles 2” director Brad Bird—who lends his voice to Edna—joined Lasseter on stage to welcome to the festivities the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (newcomer Huck Milner) and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson). Bird revealed details of the upcoming caper, which puts the family into an expanded universe that includes new allies and a brand-new villain. “‘Incredibles 2’ is really a family film, it’s just that the family happens to have super powers,” said Bird. “They may have super speed or super strength, but they experience the same problems as any family.”

“Bob’s actually home with the kids this time and I’m the one out fighting crime,” added Hunter. She joked, “I’ve been working out 13 hours a day!”

“Incredibles 2” hits theaters on June 15, 2018.

Disney RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2
Directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston hit the stage at D23 Expo 2017, introducing Emmy®-winning actress and comedian Sarah Silverman, who returns as the voice of Vanellope von Schweetz.

Fans were the first to see the global debut of a scene from the film that pays hilarious homage to the Disney Princesses. Lasseter revealed that filmmakers had asked the original voice actresses behind the Princesses featured to reprise their roles for the sequence, and in a moment no Disney fan will forget, Auli‘i Cravalho (“Moana”), Kristen Bell (Anna in “Frozen”), Kelly MacDonald (Merida in “Brave”), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in “Tangled”), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas”), Linda Larkin (Jasmine in “Aladdin”), Paige O’Hara (Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”) and Jodi Benson (Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”) were welcomed on stage for the largest gathering of Disney Princesses in history.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ follow-up to 2012’s “Wreck-It Ralph” leaves the arcade behind, venturing into the expansive universe of the internet—which may or may not survive Ralph’s not-so-light touch. Outcasts-turned-BFFs Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and Vanellope von Schweetz are reuniting with Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer) and Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch). Filmmakers revealed a new character, Yesss, an algorithm who plays an important role in Ralph and Vanellope’s journey within the internet. Golden Globe®-winning actress Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”) lends her voice to the character. “Yesss is a new character who owns the website Buzzaholic,” said Henson. “Yesss knows about everything cool and on trend. And she does spell her name with a triple ‘s.’ Yesss is very savvy, smart and sexy.”

Produced by Oscar® winner Clark Spencer, “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.

Disney UNTITLED DISNEYTOON STUDIOS FILM
John Lasseter kicked off the presentation by announcing Disneytoon Studios’ original new animated movie, “Untitled DTS Film.” Directed by Klay Hall and Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Ferrell Barron, the theatrical feature film explores the future of aviation—taking moviegoers to the edge of discovery in the air—and beyond. “Untitled DTS Film” opens in theaters on April 12, 2019.

TOY STORY 4
Lasseter invited Pixar’s Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?” short) to the stage, revealing that Cooley has assumed full director responsibilities for “Toy Story 4.” The pair brought with them a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the director’s life at the Northern California studio. Produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out”), “Toy Story 4” is slated for release on June 21, 2019.

FROZEN 2 (TITLE TBA)
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature-length follow-up to 2013’s Oscar®-winning film “Frozen” is slated for theaters on November 27, 2019. Bell, Gad, Menzel and Groff are reprising their roles in an all-new story. Lasseter, Bell and Gad shared with “Frozen” fans a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the filmmakers’ recent research trip to Norway, Finland and Iceland.

UNTITLED DAN SCANLON MOVIE
Director Dan Scanlon, who helmed Pixar’s “Monsters University,” joined Lasseter to share a few details about an all-new original feature film currently in production at Pixar Animation Studios. According to Scanlon, who lost his father at a very young age, the film is inspired by the question he’s always asked: who was my father? The story is set in a world with no humans—only elves, trolls and sprites—“anything that would be on the side of a van in the ’70s,” said the director. “In the film, we’re going to tell the story of two teenage elf brothers whose father died when they were too young to remember him. But thanks to the little magic still left in the world, the boys embark on a quest that will allow them a chance to spend one last magical day with their father.”

We are so excited for these new features to come to life! Which ones are you most excited for?

Whoopi Goldberg Named A Disney Legend At D23 Expo Making Her First LEGOT

By

Lake Sprenkle

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July 14, 2017

Whoopi Goldberg is one of a small and talented group of artists who is an EGOT, which is an acronym for a person who’s won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. She has won Emmys (as host of AMC’s “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel,” and a Daytime Emmy for “The View”), a Grammy (“Whoopi Goldberg”), an Oscar (“Ghost”) and a Tony (Producer of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”). Today at D23 EXPO: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, she can add Disney Legend to this impressive list, making her the only person to have all five of these prestigious awards and the first LEGOT.
Disney “Disney and I go way back, since I was a little kid, I mean way back,” said Whoopi. “So it’s beyond an honor and a joy to become a Disney Legend because everybody knows I love Disney, Disneyland, Disney World, Disney movies, Disney toys and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! What’s better than this for a Disney-phile? Absolutely NOTHING!”

Whoopi joined 9 others who received this honor this weekend at the D23 Expo. Other recipients included Carrie Fisher, Stan Lee, Julie Taymor, Garry Marshall, Jack Kirby, Wayne Jackson, Mark Hamill, Manuel Gonzales, and Clyde “Gerry” Geronimi.

Star Wars Land Images Revealed

By

Lake Sprenkle

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July 14, 2017

With two Star Wars lands currently under construction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, we finally have our first look at what these amazing lands will look like. These previews were revealed at D23 and give us our first look at what to expect out of these new lands. The images revel familiar architecture as seen throughout a variety of the Star Wars movies. As well, many of the franchises symbolic ships and fighters including x-wings and the Millennium Falcon can be seen. What do you think of the images of this amazing new new land?

The Disney Diaries: A Trip to Tomorrowland

By

Maverick Bohn

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July 13, 2017

“You’re Intergalactic Adventure Awaits!”

Space Mountain is one of the most beautiful sights within the realm of the Disney Universe. It’s a spire of hope, excitement, and adventure that continues to call us back time and time again.

Space Mountain is a thrilling, high speed, turbulent roller-coaster type ride in the dark that includes sharp turns, sudden drops & stops.

Throughout the years, we’ve seen a few big changes as we journeyed through the stars. World-renowned composer, Michael Giacchino, created a new score to replace that groovy surfer vibe we’ve all gotten to know so well. The Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked the cosmos with their limited time magic. Even Star Wars blasted its way to our galaxy with the ever popular, Hyperspace Mountain. Nevertheless, it’s great to have “Classic” Space Mountain back to visit for a while!

No matter the overlay, this beloved attraction has ingrained itself into any Disney fan’s identity. To celebrate it’s 40^th year, I ventured into the world of Tomorrow and was greeted by plenty of fun. Bubbles painted the summer sky and it was impossible to not want to take a step away from the crowd to look up and see them glimmer under the warm light of the setting sun.

With peak season kicking into high gear, Tomorrowland was the perfect place to relax and cool off. Other than the joys of interstellar travel, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and Space Mountain give us one very wonderful gift: Air Conditioning. Nothing beats whipping down the spires with a cool, refreshing breeze coming along for the ride.

Star Tours has some of the coolest air in the galaxy!

Grab your sense of optimism and hop on the next rocket. There’s a whole realm of possibilities this summer to look forward to! Why not start with a trip to the mountain? Don’t forget to grab some popcorn on you’re way there.

This is one of the best themed popcorn carts this side of the moon.

Revisiting the Colorful Cook Islands

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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July 8, 2017

It seems like only yesterday that I was lounging on a deserted beach, below the equator, in the enchanting Cook Islands. As the memories dance in my head like swaying palms, I would like to look back on that trip – especially now, as California tourists that are in “the know” prepare their own trip before the island’s November rainy season.

The Cook Islands are lost in time. They are that remote island paradise pictured on old postcards and posters from the 1950’s, when the South Pacific was a far away dream. But now, with regular direct flights from Los Angeles Airport aboard Air New Zealand, the Cooks are closer than ever and are an exciting option for North American travelers in search of a memorable tropical getaway.

Located in the Tropic of Capricorn, the 15-island archipelago is spread out like stepping stones across the water, about 2,000 miles from New Zealand. The capital and largest island is Rarotonga, where a tiny international airport with a single runway connects the Cooks to the outside world. A friend and I landed here after a 10-hour Air New Zealand flight.

From the airport we taxied to the Rarotonga Beach Bungalows, along the way passing fields of tropical fruit, old churches, tiny homes and locals on motor scooters. As we followed the island’s one main road, we could always see the emerald lagoon that circles the land, and the jagged rock mountain known as “the needle,” which jets 650 ft from the interior.

At the bungalows we found Polynesian paradise on the sand, steps from a turquoise lagoon with coral gardens. Our private bungalow was one of five and featured 700 sq.-ft. of tropical living space, elevated 30 inches off the ground to allow cool breezes to circulate beneath the floor.

The Rarotonga Beach Bungalows are paradise on the sand

The bungalows boast coconut thatched roofs, woven bamboo walls, exotic wood furniture, native paintings, large bedrooms, kitchens and dining areas, and big wooden porches overlooking the lagoon. The highlight of the room is its unique shower, located out the back door, in a lush private garden. But the bungalow’s best feature is its proximity to the crystal clear lagoon, close enough to see and hear the water splashing on the sand.

When not relaxing like castaways, we explored. One of our first experiences was a ride on the island bus. It runs every 20 minutes and can complete the island’s 22-mile circumference in about one hour. The system consists of two buses at a time; one is labeled “Clockwise,” the other “Anticlockwise.” They both stop in the main town of Avarua.

For more adventurous visitors, there are numerous places to rent the ubiquitous motor scooter. Just remember that you will have to get a driver’s license at the police station to ride them. I avoided this option when I learned that traffic drives on the left.

While wondering we met many New Zealand tourists, who visit the Cooks like Americans visit Hawaii. In fact, the Cooks remind me of what Hawaii must have been like decades ago, before the development explosion.

But the Cook Islands are a different story. With a total population of approximately 19,000, scattered over 15 islands and some 2 million square kilometers, they are scarcely populated, except for an abundance of coconut trees and sea shells on the beaches, and lush tropical vegetation across the interior.

Back at the bungalows, I checked out free scuba gear and investigated the coral-filled lagoon. Because the island is encircled by a natural reef, the lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. This means the water is filtered clear turquoise so you can see a rainbow of thousands of fish and you don’t have to worry about sharks.

The reef is such an imposing boundary that one morning I walked two hundred yards into the water and it never reached my shoulder. It’s like a gigantic fish bowl.

Another highlight of my trip was a quick flight to the island of Aitutaki, which is a smaller version of Rarotonga, with vegetation more dense and green and waters a deeper turquoise. Other fond memories include a hike to the top of the island and four-wheeling through the rain forest.

For more information on visiting the Cook Islands, check out: www.cookislands.org.uk/ For flight information from LAX to Rarotonga, visit Air New Zealand at: www.airnewzealand.com and for more info on staying at the Rarotonga Beach Bungalows, visit www.rarotongabeachbungalows.com/

Baby Driver Vinyl Soundtrack Review

By

Maverick Bohn

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July 4, 2017

A look at the Vinyl Soundtrack for Baby Driver.

“Was He Slow?”

If you drifted into theaters, you probably noticed the soundtrack to Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver was pretty jam-packed. Filled with selections from the director’s own music collection, it’s safe to say that the soundtrack is a winner and will be an instant edition to your own series of tunes.

It’s a great mix of modern and classic, with gems like Queen, The Beach Boys, and The Commodores. For those of you who have seen the film, you also get Baby’s own mix of “Was He Slow?”. The only thing better would be an extended edition with other tracks of Baby’s own design.

A look at the tracks and art used for the vinyl.

Fitting along with the theme of the music in the film, the soundtrack comes in a vinyl format that is a must for any music lover. It looks slick and plays like a charm.

Edgar also gives you a glimpse into the origins of both the film and the music, giving you a real personalized feel. What’s important to know is that the music you hear in the movie is a central character. Each melody is hard hitting, pulling you into the scene and building itself into the heart of Baby’s struggles, triumphs, and silly moments. It’s the perfect reason for jumping into your car and going on a road trip.

Edgar's personal story for Baby Driver and the music behind the film. — Edgar’s personal story for Baby Driver and the music behind the film.

Here’s a look at the track listing:

01. Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – “Bellbottoms”
02. Bob & Earl – “Harlem Shuffle”
03. Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers – “Egyptian Reggae”
04. Googie Rene – “Smokey Joe’s La La”
05. The Beach Boys – “Let’s Go Away For Awhile”
06. Carla Thomas – “B-A-B-Y”
07. Kashmere Stage Band – “Kashmere”
08. Dave Brubeck – “Unsquare Dance”
09. The Damned – “Neat Neat Neat”
10. The Commodores – “Easy (Single Version)”
11. T. Rex – “Debora”
12. Beck – “Debra”
13. Incredible Bongo Band – “Bongolia”
14. The Detroit Emeralds – “Baby Let Me Take You (in My Arms)”
15. Alexis Korner – “Early In The Morning”
16. David McCallum – “The Edge”
17. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – “Nowhere To Run”
18. The Button Down Brass – “Tequila”
19. Sam & Dave – “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby”
20. Brenda Holloway – “Every Little Bit Hurts”
21. Blur – “Intermission”
22. Focus – “Hocus Pocus (Original Single Version)”
23. Golden Earring – “Radar Love (1973 Single Edit)”
24. Barry White – “Never, Never Gone Give Ya Up”
25. Young MC – “Know How”
26. Queen – “Brighton Rock”
27. Sky Ferreira – “Easy”
28. Simon & Garfunkel – “Baby Driver”
29. Kid Koala – “Was He Slow (Credit Roll Version)”
30. Danger Mouse (feat. Run The Jewels and Big Boi) – “Chase Me”

For those of you who haven’t seen Baby Driver, go check it out. You can also see our review of the film by clicking the link below:

BABY DRIVER Movie Review

Rock on and stay fast!

The Disney Diaries: Disneyland, An American Original

By

Maverick Bohn

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July 4, 2017

Hi everyone,

My name is Maverick and I am the new kid on the block. This is the first of many fun little snapshots of all things Disney from the eyes of a fellow Disney Nerd. It’s going to be a great adventure, hope you enjoy!

“Disneyland is truly an American Original”, as the Monorail guide proudly says as you fly into the park from Downtown Disney. What better place to celebrate today’s festivities?

I had a chance to pop into the park the weekend leading up to the Fourth of July. As expected, the place was booming with families, friends, and hardcore Disney fans celebrating in the what makes America so great!

Celebrate America and your sweet tooth at the same time!

Sam Eagle would be proud, and Disney’s Fourth of July festivities are definitely no exception. From the bright banners and flags decorating both entrances, to Captain America saluting you on your way towards Guardians of the Galaxy’s new Mission Breakout, there isn’t a shortage of things to do. Don’t forget the fireworks display, you are bound to see plenty a dazzling light or two within the Magic Kingdom!

Both sides of the gate really got into the holiday spirit!

The crowds heading into the fun at Disney California Adventure.

There are other fun surprises for those of you that haven’t gone to the parks in a while. As we are winding up for the big return of our favorite River’s of America staples and the epic return of the Disneyland Railroad, you can share in the fun with brand new collectors cards highlighting what’s to come this summer. Only available for a limited time, it’s a fun way to explore the park, see the latest updates, and take home a bit of the magic.

Get ready for fun! Just a few weeks away now.

I also got a closer look at the new setup in Adventureland. It was definitely a nice breath of fresh air. So much open space, and the crowds are loving it! I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the parks as summer goes into high gear!

A quick peek at some of the cool new Adventureland signage for Bengal Barbecue.

Come join in the magic and have a safe Fourth of July!

Disneyland is never short of fun little displays like this!

The Scott Pilgrim Picture Show

By

Maverick Bohn

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July 2, 2017

“I’ll leave you alone forever now” Fans getting a look at the awkward fun of Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) and Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)

Santa Ana’s Frida Cinema hosted a full house this weekend for the modern cult classic, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Directed by Baby Driver filmmaker, Edgar Wright, the film stands the test of time and is still as popular today as ever.

Both showings sold out, prompting the venue to add an additional late show on the roster to handle the increasing demand from the film’s fan base. Their fourth year hosting the event, local group CinemAttack thrilled the audience with a fully interactive version of the film that included a cosplay contest, sing-alongs, free garlic bread, fog, and a laser show.

Plenty of music and sing a long lyrics provide a fun way to be a part of the movie.

Fans gather for a fun cosplay contest that featured prizes and bragging rights.

If that isn’t enough for you, the nostalgia factor kicks it into high gear with vintage music videos, Nintendo Entertainment System ads, and other hand picked trailers that make you feel like you’re back in the golden era of Duck Hunt and Super Mario.

It’s quickly becoming a SoCal tradition that continues to sale out time and again.
The group also hosts other throwback screenings and film tributes that include Wayne’s World, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie, and Edward Scissorhands. Each event is treated with a level of care and flair that leaves you coming back for more.

Even if Scott Pilgrim and TMNT is not your thing, the Frida hosts their own classic films and events throughout the year. This includes a diverse roster like Batman Returns, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Bad Batch is currently playing, with the critically acclaimed Seven Samurai to follow on July 22nd. Tickets are available on their website for only $7. The movie house is a non-profit and focuses on a huge array of wonderful films for all ages. The venue also promotes house rentals, which makes fun events like Scott Pilgrim possible.

The Friday has a vast array of film offerings from vintage to modern day cult classics.

If you’d like to have some fun with fellow nerds and hardcore moviegoers, keep an eye out for more from CinemAttack and the Frida Cinema. They are bound to bring out some exciting surprises in the future. Just make sure to power up and grab your Coke Zero. They will have the garlic bread waiting for you!

You can learn more about future and past events by visiting the following links: http://www.cinemattack.net
http://thefridacinema.org

BABY DRIVER Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 30, 2017

Bullets. Blood. Crime. Car Chases. Romance. Music. Those are the things that really drive Edgar Wright’s newest film, Baby Driver, a magnificent punk rock musical fantasy set in the seedy underbelly of Atlanta, Georgia. A throwback to cinema’s older crime thrillers, Edgar Wright has crafted a film that quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen, while still feeling familiar. But as one can expect from an Edgar Wright film, nothing is quite as it seems, making the film unpredictable, exciting, fresh, and fun.

Ansel Elgort plays Baby, a getaway driver with a particular set of driving skills that makes him the best at what he does. Working for a Kingpin only known as Doc (Kevin Spacey), Baby drives whenever Doc asks, but the life of crime is starting to wear down on him. When Baby meets the girl of his dreams, Debora (Lily James), he sees it as a chance to turn his back on his life of crime, go straight, and drive off into the sunset with her. The only question is, will his life of crime let him go without a fight, or is Baby in too deep? With a heart of gold and nothing to lose, Baby sets out to break free of Doc and his gang, but nothing is ever as easy as it seems, and the past is never as easy to turn your back on as one might hope.

While crime films are dime a dozen, Edgar Wright made sure that Baby Driver is distinguishable from the pack in just about every way. The film is more of a fairy tale/fantasy tale set in the underworld of Atlanta, giving it an almost otherworldly vibe. It looks like our world, but it doesn’t quite feel like our world, which gives the movie credence in many of its most outlandish moments. That heightened reality gives the world its own rules, so as over the top or exaggerated as something may seem, it works here. That also makes the way that music is woven into the film that much more incredible, as many of the scenes are set to the music that Baby is listening to. So every beat is a gun shot, an edit, or an action of some sort that inline with the music. It’s one of the most musically inclined films ever made, with every scene hinging on how it works with the song at hand, making it as much a musical as it is a crime drama.

The above plays into the fairy tale aspect of the film as well, which faces its hero at improbable odds, only for the hope of a happy ending. Baby is the prince, Deborah his princess, with Doc as the all-knowing Wizard who may not be all he seems, and Doc’s crew members are the goblins that Baby must face. It’s almost incredibly how tightly woven this story is into the fantasy genre, making it all the more impressive that Wright was able to pull it off with such precision. This fantasy world is Wright’s to play in, and he’s clearly having a blast creating this heightened version of our every day world, and opening it up in the way he has. This is a fantasy/adventure/musical like you’ve never seen before, and Wright knows that, and he’s intent on delivering in spades.

It also helps that Baby Driver has what may be one of the most likable casts in any film in some time. Ansel Elgort absolutely crushes his role of Baby, proving that he’s leading man material, and a great actor to boot. While many will recognize him from The Fault in Our Stars, where he was quite good, this film really pushes him in a new way, giving him the chance to really shine. He’s a man of few words, making him a bit more Clint Eastwood than the John Wayne, but rightfully so. It gives Elgort the chance to really show how he can act with little dialogue, using his body language and facial ticks to really make us get behind Baby, and proving to the audience he’s got a heart of gold. His relationship with Debora, played wonderfully by Lily James, feels natural, playful, and sweet. You’re rooting for these two to get together, with Baby saving Debora from the clutches of her diner life, and Debora freeing Baby from his life as the driver. The two just have a very real, natural chemistry, and they’re a big key to this film’s success.

Kevin Spacey is, unsurprisingly, a scene stealer throughout as Doc, the no-nonsense Kingpin who controls Baby, and all aspects of his operation. It’s a really great performance, and you can’t help but like Doc, even though he’s trapped Baby in this world. But the cast of characters around Doc are really something special as well. Jon Hamm, Eiza González, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, and Flea all play some crazy, over the top, sleazy villains who all have their own motives throughout, making each a wildcard. Foxx and Hamm especially get a lot of time to shine, with their characters of Bats and Buddy being the two who push Baby the most in the film. Once upon a time, Hamm would have been a leading man, but honestly, it’s almost better that he’s fallen into the world of the character actor. It’s given him a chance to really stand out and steal the films he’s in, and Wright gives him a lot to work with here, giving him one of the most memorable characters in the film.

Every bit of Baby Driver feels fresh and new, and that even comes down to the action. As mentioned before, the film is driven by its soundtrack, which gives the action scenes a whole different feel than anything you’ve quite seen before. The way the music is intercut with the action beats is just incredible, and Wright has crafted some truly fun and inventive set pieces to really let this film soar to new heights. Each frame feels like a shot out of a musical, and the scenes are perfectly timed and choreographed, giving the audience something unique every time. The music also really shapes the scenes in the way that the tension builds, with a song called “Intermission”, by Blur, being one of the most exciting uses of music in the entire film. The way it’s used to escalate the scene is absolutely enthralling, making the audience feel anxious, unsettled, but excited all at once. It’s quite the hat trick, but Wright pulls it off without a hitch.

Baby Driver is, by no exaggeration, unlike like anything you’ve seen before, and that’s what makes it such an incredible experience. Packed with action, suspense, a magnificent cast, and a helluva soundtrack, Baby Driver is truly fantastic. In a year full of disappointing films, Edgar Wright has delivered not only one of the best films, but he’s given audiences one of the most original and enduring as well. Movies like this remind moviegoers of the magic and power of cinema, sweeping them away into a fantasy world full of heroes and villains, taking them on an adventure they won’t forget. There’s no doubt that Baby Driver will be one of the most talked about films by the year’s end, and rightfully so. This is a one of a kind film that will stay with you long after you’ve walked out of the theater.

Tallest Building West of Mississippi Opens in Los Angeles

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

-

June 30, 2017

Wilshire 3 — ????????????????????????????????????

One of the most anticipated projects in recent Los Angeles history is finally complete. Last week, the new $1.2 billion Wilshire Grand Center mixed-use development opened for business and I can’t wait to explore the property and stay at the hotel portion.

Located on the former site of the historic Wilshire Grand hotel, which closed in 2011, the new 73-story tower stands 1,100 ft-tall, making it the new tallest structure in Downtown LA and west of the Mississippi River. It is about 82 ft taller than its neighbor and former tallest building in LA, the US Bank Tower. This height difference comes mainly from an iconic steel spire that sits atop the Wilshire Grand and stands 294-ft, 9-inches.

Destined to become a top entertainment / hospitality destination for the city, the new development includes a 900-room, luxury hotel that sits above 400,000 sq-ft of office space and more than 45,000 sq ft of retail.

The Wilshire Grand Center is LA’s new tallest building (photo courtesy of Wilshire Grand Center)

Other amenities include restaurants and bars, ballrooms, retail shops, and a 70th floor sky lobby. There is also below grade parking for 1,250 cars, along with stunning views from an observatory deck and a sky pool deck.

Vistas from hotel rooms and offices promise to be spectacular both day and night, with floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing the spaces to be filled with natural light. Project officials say this is the first significant building in Los Angeles to have this feature. From an external point of view, this plays well as the Wilshire Grand is literally surrounded by existing buildings that are composed of granite with inset windows. “This more glassy expression will portray the building as being “of our time,” a unique contrast to its neighbors,” say officials.

The hotel inside the Wilshire Grand tower is The InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. It occupies floors 31 through 68, boasts 889 guest rooms, and is scheduled to open July 2.

The 73-story project, which has created an estimated 122,000 new jobs across the city, was Developed by Korean Air Lines Co., and built by Turner Construction Company, with Brandow & Johnston serving as the Structural Engineer of Record. A.C. Martin was in charge of the design.

Another interesting tidbit about this project is that Architect Chris Martin’s grandfather was the designer on another iconic LA structure – the 1928 City Hall building on Spring Street. I spoke to Martin a while back about the new building’s distinctive spire and he told me that the project is a “big deal because my grandfather did L.A. City Hall in the 1920s, and that is the only other building in the city that really has an architectural top. All the buildings in L.A. have flat, truncated tops, so this is going to stand out—and we want it to.”

Martin, whose cousin David Martin is the lead designer on the new hotel, says the spire and the entire exterior skin of the tower will be filled with programmable LED lighting, which will be seen throughout the city, and used to “artistically to give character to the building in light.”

The project team showcased this LED light system at the grand opening celebration on Friday, June 23, as they illuminated the entire building and much of Downtown Los Angeles with a dazzling array of lights accompanied by music.

The Wilshire Grand Center is located at 900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017. For more information, visit: www.wilshiregrandcenter.com.

DESPICABLE ME 3 Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 29, 2017

Film Title: Despicable Me 3 — The Minions return in "Despicable Me 3." Illumination, who brought moviegoers "Despicable Me" and the biggest animated hits of 2013 and 2015, "Despicable Me 2" and "Minions," continues the story of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughtersMargo, Edith and Agnesand the Minions as one former super-villain rediscovers just how good it feels to be bad.

There comes a point in time in every long-standing family franchise where those behind the scenes decide if they simply want to cash in on the property, or if they’re going to give it their all with a story worth telling. Unfortunately, many times these franchises end up feeling worn out early on, and the quality declines rapidly in favor or cheap laughs over story. Illumination Entertainment’s newest film, Despicable Me 3, the fourth film in the Despicable Me franchise, is the newest poster child for the trend mentioned above. The spark of imagination, character moments, and charm is all gone in this newest entry, instead becoming an overly vapid affair that’s more interested in cheap jokes over story, while also promoting the Illumination brand in many not so subtle ways.

Despicable Me 3 finds Gru (Steve Carrell), with his new wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), working at the Anti-Villain League, trying to stop the world’s most villains. With Gru having turned a new leaf and taking care of a family, everything seems right with the world. But fate has other plans, and when a former child star turned villain, Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), emerges from the shadows, Gru’s world is turned upside down. Gru loses his job, only to discover that he has a long-lost twin brother, Dru (Steve Carrell in a dual role), who wants Gru to join the family business: villainy! Will Dru convince Gru to give up his life of family and love for a return to villainy? Will the Minions make it out of prison? Honestly, does anyone really care anymore?

That last part may sound a bit catty, but it’s an unfortunate question that must be asked concerning the matter at hand. While the first Despicable Me film offered great family entertainment and fun, Despicable Me 3 feels like a cheap imitation. There’s a lot of issues with the film, but one of the biggest is that the film seems to be overstuffed with storylines just for the sake of jokes, not an actual progression of character or story. From the minions going on strike, only to end up in prison, to Gru finding out about his long-lost brother, with Lucy trying to be a good mother, Agnes searching for a real a unicorn, and Margot getting engaged to some boy, there’s just no time for it all to work. Everything feels half-baked, giving the movie a strangely unfocused feel, as it meanders from scene to scene. There’s just very little connective tissue holding the film together because the movie is more interested in trying to make the audience laugh. The only problem is, if the audience isn’t invested, they won’t want to laugh, and instead they’ll be bored by the antics at hand.

Not only is the film overstuffed, but it’s also a film with an identity crisis. It’s hard to imagine a film like this being so scattershot in who it’s trying to entertain, that it rarely lands with any of the targeted demographics. But the reality is exactly that in this situation. The film’s main villain, Balthazar Bratt is a child star of the 1980s, whose show was cancelled, and now he wants to destroy Hollywood for it. His character has never left the 1980s, and so most of his gags center around things that this film’s target audience, children, won’t understand. It’s a weird choice that doesn’t make sense, which makes it all the more baffling that the film is so childish at times, it’ll leave adults groaning. There’s no real balance in the humor, so it’s wildly throwing things at the wall, hoping it’ll stick, which makes the experience feel overwhelming and frustrating.

It’s unfortunate that Despicable Me 3 goes for such cheap thrills instead of focusing on being a better film. But that’s not the film’s worst offense. Honestly, the worst thing in the film may be Illumination Entertainment’s blatant promotion of their own films within. A joke early on in the film has the Minions in a Sing competition show, a call back to their previous film, Sing!. The scene is fine, but it’s honestly so in your face, it’s hard to get past it. Not only that though, Margot spends most of the film wearing a Grinch t-shirt, which is Illumination blatantly promoting their next film, The Grinch, before it hits theaters next year. Easter eggs in films are one thing, it’s something Pixar does frequently in their films, but it’s another when the studio crosses the line into blatant self-advertisement. It may have been less obvious had the movie been better, but because it’s not, the bigger issues like this become increasingly apparent.

Despicable Me 3 is not a good movie. Not only is it not good, it feels like a boring retread of much better films. Family films do not need to be overly simplified cartoons that are made just to pass the time and free up parents from watching their kids for a few hours, but it honestly doesn’t feel like Illumination Entertainment has figured that out yet. There’s something to be said about a family films made for the whole family, and how increasingly rare they’ve become. It’s unfortunate that the Despicable Me franchise has wandered straight into throwing things at the wall just for cheap laughs, jettisoning story and character for the next joke that may not land. It would be great if one of these animated franchises could work hard to stay high quality, but when these movies make the amount of money they continue to do, it’s unfortunate that the lesson learned is do more of the same, not push to do new things. This is a truly disappointing turn of events for this series, and families deserve much better entertainment than this film is offering them.

Disney Parks Replacing ‘Buy a Bride’ Scene in Pirates of the Caribbean Ride

By

Lake Sprenkle

-

June 29, 2017

Disney Parks announced that it will be replacing and updating the ‘Take a Wench for a Bride’ scene in its Pirates of the Caribbean rides. While the original concept of this scene is to be changed completely, the famous Red Head will be re-purposed as a pirate running an auction of looted goods.

This new scene will appear first at Disneyland Paris on July 24th with the reopening of the ride after its refurbishment. Disneyland and Magic Kingdoms adaptations will come following their routine refurbishment schedules in 2018.

Captain Barbossa, from the blockbuster films, will appear in the attraction for the first time, joining a skeletal crew in a scene unique to Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris guests will also discover that the Blue Lagoon Restaurant has been taken over by pirates and will be called Captain Jack’s. It seems that Captain Jack won the restaurant in a wager and is now welcoming pirates of all ages to relax over a drink and hot meal. The interior of the restaurant has been re-themed and the establishment has been staffed with a fun-loving band of pirates.

How do you feel about these changes to a classic attraction in Disney Parks around the world?

Socalthrills.com

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