SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING Movie Review

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June 29, 2017

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, everyone’s favorite wall crawler is back, and he’s better than he’s been in a long time, in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man’s first solo adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After an unprecedented deal between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, Spider-Man’s sixth solo film is a breath of fresh air not only for the MCU, but for the character as well. Spider-Man: Homecoming is the John Hughes high school film you didn’t know you needed in the superhero genre, and offers a street level side of the Marvel universe that’s usually left for the Netflix shows. Gone is the typical “end of the world” trope that’s become associated with much of the genre; Instead we’re treated to a movie about a teenager who tries to balance his life as a superhero with the every day battle of growing up in high school.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming, after stealing much of Captain America: Civil War from the other heroes. After aiding in the airport battle in Germany, Peter is now back in New York City, feeling aimless, and wanting nothing more than to be an Avenger. But Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) wants Peter to keep his feet on the ground, and focus on trying to help the everyday people of New York City, not super villains. Intent on proving he’s a hero, Peter begins trying to bring down a ring of criminals, led by Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), who are selling weapons made of alien tech across New York City. Peter quickly learns that balancing the life of a superhero with his every day life isn’t easy, and being an Avenger is even harder, especially when you have a Spanish test in the morning.

The idea of a sixth Spider-Man film was always a gamble, especially a second rebooted take on the character in less than ten years. So everyone involved needed to make sure that whatever film they decided to make, it had to be special, and it needed to be different. Thankfully, Spider-Man:
Homecoming is a completely different take on the character. We’ve seen flashes of Peter’s time in high school in previous films, but director Jon Watts wisely decided that not only should the new film be set in high school, but it should become a primary focus of the film. By setting it within the confines of Peter’s sophomore year, we’re given a film that is part superhero film, and part John Hughes coming of age comedy. Thankfully, instead of feeling forced or disjointed, the two genres actually end up merging together very well, creating something fresh and exciting. While we’re used to seeing older superheroes, there’s something fun about seeing a teenager who wants to fight crime, but also needs to make sure he’s ready for his Spanish test in the morning. This offers viewers a new vantage point that we’ve yet to get in a superhero film, and it’s a very welcome change.

Many may be wondering if this is another retread of the Spider-Man origin, and thankfully, it’s not. How Peter became the hero known as Spider-Man is mentioned in passing a few times, but never focused on. The film assumes audiences already know Peter’s past, and wisely chooses to skip over that, and jump straight into a new adventure with the character. Holland is so incredibly charming and goofy as Peter Parker, really bringing the character to life in a way we haven’t seen on film. This truly feels like the most accurate representation of the character on the big screen, and Holland just owns every scene he’s in. His relationship with Aunt May, now played by Marisa Tomei, is once again a focal point, but they two share a really wonderful chemistry. The truth is, Holland is surrounded by a really talented cast that elevates his performance even more. In particular, it’s Jacob Batalon’s Ned who really steals the show throughout. Batalon is wonderfully geeky and a perfect right hand man for Holland’s Peter Parker. Ned is the audience’s eyes and ears into Peter’s world, which makes his fanboy reactions throughout about Spider-Man hugely entertaining.

But, this is a superhero film after all, which means it has to have action. Thankfully, it does, and many of the set pieces end up being an awful lot of fun. As mentioned before, it’s clear the team behind Spider-Man: Homecoming did something different with the film, and the action is no different. The battles are often fun, intense, and features quite a bit of, a staple of Spider-Man’s character. There are certainly nods to some of the previous films, but Watts was smart to try to move away from as many familiar elements as possible to avoid too much comparison. It’s really the film’s Washington, D.C., set piece that is the film’s true standout, and shows Peter in a heroic light without having to fight anyone or anything. This scene just oozes the kind of fun and charm that you expect from the character, while also offering something new in the way of set pieces for the MCU, as well as the character.

Unfortunately, Spider-Man: Homecoming does have a few hiccups along the way that stop it from really being a perfect film. As mentioned previous, Michael Keaton’s Vulture isn’t a terrible strong villain, but he does his job well enough in the film. It just would have been nice if he had gotten a bit more to do, because Keaton is so good, and I would have liked to see him get to do a bit more in the film. There’s also a few times in the film where it’s a bit hard to make out exactly what’s happening in the action sequences, but it never ruins the film. Still, the movie, even with these small problems, still ends up being so much fun, that you can forgive it for these minor quibbles. Also, for those worried that this film is essentially Iron Man 4, since Downey, Jr. returns as Iron Man, fear not, because that’s simply not the case. Stark’s inclusion in this film is actually incredibly well handled, and ends up being one of the film’s biggest bright spots. He never overshadows Peter, and instead enhances the overall story.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is an absolutely joy from beginning to end. Tom Holland leads the film with so much warmth and fun, you can’t help but get sucked in to the film. From the snappy dialogue, the action, or just the MCU easter eggs throughout, there’s something for everyone who watches the film. Packed with a great ensemble cast that really stands their own ground, it’s hard not to just grin from ear to ear throughout. Honestly, it’s great to have a truly fantastic Spider-Man film again. Welcome to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man, this is where you belong.

Full Line Up for Eat to the Beat Concert Series

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 28, 2017

A record 32 musical acts will rev up the Eat to the Beat concert series during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017.

Eleven new-to-the-festival bands, including Kenny G., Squeeze and 10,000 Maniacs, join 21fan-favorite musical acts for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers to rock America Gardens Theatre stage throughout the festival’s 75-day run.

Other new acts to appear are: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, American Authors, Devon Allman, Postmodern Jukebox and Blue October.

Guests also can tune into their favorite returning bands that will include festival opening act Delta Rae. Concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

Aug. 31-Sept. 1     Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
Sept. 2-3     The Hooters NEW! “And We Danced”
Sept. 4-5     Baha Men NEW! “Who Let the Dogs Out”
Sept. 6-7     Fuel “Shimmer”
Sept. 8-10     STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
Sept. 11-12     Lauren Alaina NEW! “Road Less Traveled”
Sept. 13-15     Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
Sept. 16-17     Sister Hazel “All For You”
Sept. 18-20     Air Supply “All Out of Love”
Sept. 21-22     David Cook “Light On”
Sept. 23-24     Everclear “Santa Monica”
Sept. 25-27     Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
Sept. 28-29     38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
Sept. 30-Oct. 1     Mark Wills NEW! “19 Somethin’”
Oct. 2-3     American Authors NEW! “Best Day of My Life”
Oct. 4-5     Christopher Cross “Sailing”
Oct. 6-8     Devon Allman NEW! “Ragged and Dirty”
Oct. 9-11     Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
Oct. 12-13     Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”
Oct. 14-15     Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
Oct. 16-17     Postmodern Jukebox NEW! Various Hits
Oct. 18-20     10,000 Maniacs NEW! “Because the Night”
Oct. 21-22     Toad The Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
Oct. 23-24     Kenny G NEW! “Songbird”
Oct. 25-26     Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
Oct. 27-29     Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Oct. 30-Nov. 1     Hanson “MMMBop”
Nov. 2-3     Blue October NEW! “Into the Ocean”
Nov. 4-5     Living Colour “Cult of Personality”
Nov. 6-8     Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
Nov. 9-11     Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
Nov. 12-13     Squeeze NEW! “Black Coffee in Bed”

(Songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list)

Festival-goers can book Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at 15 popular Epcot restaurants, guaranteeing a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation and confirmed seating at a same-day Eat to the Beat concert. Who are you excited to see from this list?

New ‘Disney Movie Magic’ Nighttime Show Brings Movies to Life

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 28, 2017

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer have a front-row seat for movie classics in the all-new entertainment experience “Disney Movie Magic.” The nightly 10-minute performance bathes the park’s iconic Chinese Theater in breathtaking projection-mapping technology that brings to life the scores and scenes of classic and new moments alike from the Disney family of film studios.

Disney
Chimney sweeps from “Mary Poppins” “step in time” over the rooftops of London. A playful Captain Jack swash-buckles his way across the high seas of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” “Tron: Legacy” Lightcycles speed through The Grid. And Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast” invites you to be his guest.

These and other cinematic gems that have lit up silver screens around the world play across the facade of the theater in the fast-paced “Disney Movie Magic” – from Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” to contemporary blockbusters such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Disney
Set to searchlights painting the skies and a musical score composed and arranged by Michael Patti whos work can also be heard in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and StarBright Holidays. “Disney Movie Magic” puts guests right in the middle of beloved Disney films. All genres are represented including musicals, romance, comedy, classics, fantasy, sci-fi, animation and adventure.

“For generations these films have touched our lives,” said Michael Roddy, Show Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “They represent our childhood, our dreams, our fantasies and our mythology. We have laughed and cried, loved and been thrilled. ‘Disney Movie Magic’ celebrates those films and the films to come.”

“Disney Movie Magic” begins, fittingly, with Walt Disney himself. The red-carpet footage featuring Walt is from the 1964 premiere of “Mary Poppins,” which took place at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

What unspools from there is pure movie magic – from “The Jungle Book” to “Beauty and the Beast,” from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to “Cinderella,” from “Swiss Family Robinson” to “The Love Bug.” With the front of the theater a dramatic canvas, decades of movie moments play out across the ten-minute run time of “Disney Movie Magic.”

Disney
“Disney Movie Magic” is presented nightly this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in addition to regular performances of “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” We think this show adds a lot to Hollywood Studios, Especially while this park is riddles with construction and closures.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 26, 2017

We’ve seen the rise of the apes, and the dawn of a new ape world. But nothing compares to Matt Reeves’ closing chapter in the origin trilogy for the Planet of the Apes franchise, War for the Planet of the Apes. Reeves has crafted a riveting, emotionally complex, and wholly satisfying closing chapter in the story of Caesar (Andy Serkis), the ape leader who was thrust into power without asking for it. Not only is War for the Planet of the Apes one of the best films of the year, but its a crown jewel for the decades long series, placing it well within the top three entries in the franchise.

Picking up two years after the end of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Caesar and his apes are hiding away from the world, trying to avoid an inevitable war with the humans that Koba begun. But a crazed human leader, known as the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), is tracking Caesar and his apes for one mission: annihilation. Under the impression that if he wipes out the apes, humanity has a chance at survival, the Colonel will stop at nothing to destroy every last damn dirty ape in existence, even if it means going to war with his own kind in the process.

For a big summer blockbuster film, War for the Planet of the Apes is a gamble in a lot of ways. While the franchise is known, this isn’t a big, fun, action packed spectacle that many have come to associate with this time of year, and thank goodness for that. Instead, Matt Reeves has crafted a film that is veiled as a blockbuster, but in actuality is classic war film, with shades of prison break out films, going directly against the grain of the summer mold. War for the Planet of the Apes is such a big breath of fresh air in a summer that’s been more than a little disappointing, joining the ranks of some of the best films of the year by subverting expectations, and rewarding its viewers with complex character arcs, and a story that feels honest, earned, and real.

It’s amazing how quickly Matt Reeves, along with Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt, were able to take a franchise that was nearly on the brink of obscurity for the modern audience, and breathe new life into it. Even more impressive, however, is that they’ve also created a trilogy of films that could arguably be in the conversation of all time great trilogies. That all comes down to the story of Caesar, brought to life, once again, by Andy Serkis. His character’s journey truly comes full circle in this film, and it’s great to have a story that feels complete. There’s just something so satisfying about getting to watch Caesar, now in the twilight of his life, taking a stand for the apes, in one final battle with the humans. He may not have caused the war, but he loves his troop, and he’ll do anything to protect them. Of course, he’s a much more hardened, weary version of the character we love, but Serkis brings him to life in what may be his strongest performance as Caesar. He can do so much beneath the motion capture, really giving this character life, proving he’s truly the master of the craft.

Reeves has made sure that this film feels like a satisfying closing chapter for Caesar’s character, which is truly to be applauded. In a world where every film seems to set up the next, there’s something really gratifying about getting to the end of a story, knowing this is where the journey ends. But in order to have a proper conclusion, you need to make sure the characters get proper resolution, and that’s something War for the Planet of the Apes does very well. The biggest conflict is the war left by Koba, and how it’s impacted Caesar. Woody Harrelson’s Colonel, in many ways, is a human version of Koba, and his war isn’t just with Caesar, but with anyone who stands in the way of his goals. This is a great way to play off how Caesar sees a bit of Koba in himself, and really makes an interesting dichotomy between he and the Colonel. Also, while Dawn of the Planet of the Apes never truly draws a line in the sand on which side’s a villain and which side’s not, War does. In a war film like this, it’s only natural to have good vs. evil, and while Caesar walks somewhere in that middle gray area, having those two sides for him to weave in and out of is important for his character’s growth.

Of course, this is a war film, so there’s got to be some action, and Reeves delivers on that in many ways. But what he’s done so brilliantly is that all the action is character based, as well as story based, and not just action for the sake of action. That gives each set piece a distinctive energy, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, because you’re never sure exactly where Reeves will take it. He’s mastered the ways of faking out the audience, subverting their expectations. It’s smart, and keeps the audience on their toes. In particular, there’s a prison break sequence that is a lot of fun, as well as character heavy. One thing I like is that the prison scenes are an interesting nod to the future of the series, or the past depending on how one wants to look at it, with some callbacks to the 1968 film. In fact, not only is there some subtle nods to the classic series, but there’s one character in particular who has a role in this movie, and that’s Nova. Though this time, Nova is young girl, and is actually helping the apes in their journey. Amiah Miller is a fantastic addition to the series, giving a truly wonderful performance in the role, thankfully, instead of feeling like a throwaway character.

Make no mistake about it, War for the Planet of the Apes is a fantastic film that will grab the audience from beginning to end. This is a big crowd pleasing film in a way that one may not expect, and that’s a huge compliment. Matt Reeves has crafted a truly wonderful trilogy capper that is emotional, fun, harrowing, and complex, but best of all, it’s fulfilling. Andy Serkis gives his strongest performance as Caesar, and it’ll be a shame if he’s overlooked at the Academy Awards once again next year for his work here. This is the kind of film that will stay with the audience until long after the lights come up, making them want to revisit it again and again. It’s so great to have the Planet of the Apes series back in such a big way over the last few years, and deservedly so. This will not only go down as one of the best films in the franchise, but it’s hard to believe that this film won’t be in the conversation at the end of the year as one of best films of 2017.

New Dooney & Bourke Items Including Magicbands Coming to Disney Parks

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 24, 2017

Disney style Dooney and Bourke items are a must have for every item whether you are a frequent visitor, or just looking for that perfect stylish souvenir.

Disney One of the most popular Dooney & Bourke collections has received a colorful and creative update. This update comes from Paola Gutierrez, Senior Graphic Design with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group. She said, “We wanted to update the ‘Disney Sketch’ collection, which was originally introduced more than eight years ago,” explained Paola. “The new collection called ‘A Walk in the Park’ was drawn in a coloring book style, and has a nice nods to memories from Disney Parks. Guests will still find beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. They will also find characters and icons from Disney Parks such as Big Al’s guitar from the Country Bear Jamboree or a Hitchhiking Ghost from the Haunted Mansion.” This collection is available as a Tote, a Zip Satchel, and a Crossbody Wallet.

The “Walk in the Park” design can also be found on a limited release MagicBand. The MagicBand comes in an equally decorated box. The magic band has all the designs and features of the MagicBand 2 and can be used wil park admissions, room access, PhotoPass and other amenities offered with any MagicBand.

Several new silhouettes are also being offered at Disney Parks this year. Some of these silhouettes were included with the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction collection such as the Crossbody Bag with oversized leather tassel.

Two new collections are also being released in July. These handbags will be released on July 22 at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs. Guests attending this launch party will also have the opportunity to meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These collections will also be released at Disneyland Resort on the same day.

The first is a continuation of the “Dream Big, Princess” collection with handbags inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” The handbag shown above contains a features an image of Princess Tiana, and will include a specially designed leather hangtag. The second handbag will be part of a Madame Leota-themed collection inspired by the Haunted Mansion attraction.

Which designs will you be carrying on your next trip to Disney?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

All-American Fireworks Displays for 4th of July in Walt Disney World

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 22, 2017

If you are looking for the ultimate firework spectacular this 4th of July holiday, then Walt Disney World is the place to be. Both Magic Kingdom and Epcot will be offering patriotic shows for the 4th of July. Magic Kingdom will also be offering its holiday themed show on July 3rd, giving you the opportunity to check out both shows if you are in the area. But be prepared to get there early, both parks tend to reach maximum capacity early in the day.

The Magic Kingdom will be featuring its commemorative fireworks choreographed to patriotic music in a fourth of July themed Concert in the Sky. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky at 9 p.m. on both days.

Epcot will be adding a patriotic twist to its traditional Illuminations- Reflections of Earth show this holiday. This show will be at 9 p.m. on the 4th only.

If you are looking to get your fireworks fix in a different way, Then check out Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This galactic show takes place at 9:30 p.m. nightly including the 4th of July.

Will you be attending any of these shows?

Time to Live Featurette with Blade Runner 2049

By

Socalthrills Staff

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June 22, 2017

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

BLADE RUNNER 2049
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on October 6th
(Alcon Entertainment)

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Writer: Screenplay by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green, Story by Hampton Fancher,
based on characters from the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick,
Producers: Andrew A. Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bud Yorkin, Cynthia Yorkin
Executive Producers: Ridley Scott, Tim Gamble, Frank Giustra, Yale Badick, Val Hill, Bill Carraro
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, with Dave Bautista and Jared Leto

SEGA Forever Brings Classic SEGA Games to Mobile for Free

By

Socalthrills Staff

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June 21, 2017

SEGA has announced the launch of SEGA Forever a brand new collection on mobile that’ll give access to the company’s back catalog of classic games.

SEGA Forever is a growing collection of classic video games from every console era on mobile devices that’s absolutely free, transporting players through two decades of console gaming. Each of these games are completely free-to-play, ad-supported, playable offline, and include additional features. There is also the ability to purchase games individually for the current discounted price of $1.99.

This launch marks the beginning of SEGA Forever as its collection will expand through the months and years and will include both official emulations and ported games which span the entire SEGA console eras.

SEGA Forever will launch with five specially curated games from the Mega Drive/Genesis era:

Sonic The Hedgehog
Phantasy Star II
Comix Zone
Kid Chameleon
Altered Beast

Additional releases are set to arrive to SEGA Forever every two weeks. The SEGA Forever collection will be available on iOS and Google Play starting June 22, 2017.

Check out the launch trailer below:

Pongu Lumpia Recipe From Pandora

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 21, 2017

Can’t get enough of your favorite snack from Pandora- The World of Avatar? Well now you don’t have to travel 4.4 light years to get a taste of Pongu Lumpia. The Pongu Lumpia brings a fresh and sweet twist to spring rolls. Stuffed with pineapple and cream cheese, this snack is a must try. But now, you can bring it to your own home with this easy recipe.

Pongu Lumpia (Pineapple Cream Cheese Spring Rolls)

Ingredients:
10 spring roll wrappers
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups diced fresh pineapple
1/2 cup sugar, divided
Oil for frying

Steps:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Carefully separate spring roll wrappers. Cover wrappers with moist paper towel to prevent drying.
3. Cut softened cream cheese into 10 equal pieces.
4. Place one spring roll wrapper on a cutting board. Place one piece of cream cheese in the center of the spring roll and spread evenly on wrapper, leaving a 3/4-inch border around the edges. Add 3 tablespoons of diced pineapple and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
5. Roll one edge of the wrapper towards the center. Fold in both sides and continue rolling. Moisten the edge with water to seal the lumpia.
6. Repeat with remaining spring roll wrappers.
7. Place lumpia on prepared baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
8. Preheat 1 inch of oil in a frying pan to 350°F. Fry lumpia for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
9. Roll in remaining sugar before serving.

We hope you enjoy this home style twist from Pandora- The World of Avatar. Have you tried the real Pongu Lumpia from Pandora? When will you be trying this recipe yourself?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Photo-Op Now Available at Pirates of Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 21, 2017

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Magic Kingdom has now added a photo opportunity into its ride. The PhotoPass camera is located at the end of the Haunted Grotto, near the skeleton at the helm of the ghost ship.

The photo is automatically linked to your PhotoPass as long as you are wearing an active magicband that is linked to a My Disney Experience account. Make sure to check out all of your Walt Disney World PhotoPass photos on www.MyDisneyPhotoPass.com. And If you are coming for a vacation, check out the Memory Maker packaged to receive all of your photos from your trip.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Two Walt Disney World Chefs Name in 2017 ‘Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America’

By

Lake Sprenkle

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June 21, 2017

Two pastry chefs from Walt Disney World have been featured in Dessert Professional Magazine’s “Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America.” The chefs were invited to showcase their desserts at an event honoring the winners in New York City. These chefs were Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer who works on Culinary Development and Pastry Chef Olivier Saintemarie who works as executive pastry chef for Chefs de France restaurant.

Riemer was classically trained in Europe and joined the Disney Culinary team in 1999. In his current role he develops and implements pastry menus and new pastry brands around Walt Disney World such as Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery at Disney Springs. He is also the recipient of the Walt Disney Legacy Award. An award given to cast members for outstanding achievement, selected by leaders and peers. Riemer said, “I am so honored to be recognized, but a chef is nothing without a great team and the influence of the people surrounding him,”

Saintemarie is also classically trained in Europe. He joined Disney Cruise Line in 1999 where he was executive pastry chef. He moved to the French pavilion at Epcot in 2014 to open the new bakery and production kitchen, where he oversees bread and pastry production for Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, Les Chefs de France, Monsieur Paul and L’Artisan des Glaces. Saintemarie said, “Stefan and I met when we both joined the Disney company in 1999, and it was such an honor to be there together in New York receiving the award, in the company of such notable chefs,”

Congratulations to these two amazing chefs. Have you tried any of these amazing chefs work?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 20, 2017

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. It’s been a decade since the first film in the Transformers franchise took the audience by storm. Michael Bay’s film was fresh, enthralling, fun, and had great characters. It was a perfect storm, creating one of the most memorable action/adventure films in recent memory. Of course, when a movie of this magnitude takes off in a big way, sequels are an inevitability, and Paramount wasted no time on getting the sequel ball rolling. Unfortunately, with each passing sequel, the series has moved farther and farther away from what made the first film so successful. Instead of investing in a fun, but simple plot, with likable characters, each sequel has become more convoluted than the film before it, and introduces a string of characters you don’t care about. While one may hope the franchise could turn around, Transformers: The Last Knight can’t buck the downward trend, and instead ends up being not only being one of the franchise’s worst film, but one of the worst films of the year.

Transformers: The Last Knight is an over long, over stuffed, tone deaf film with little semblance of plot or character motivation. Instead, we’re given a film that’s being touted as “the final adventure”, but in actuality is nothing more than a set up film for the inevitable sixth installment in the franchise. Following the events Age of Extinction, Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) has found himself on the run from the government, known simply as “The Legend”, a man standing against those bent on taking out the Autobots. Transformers are clashing across the globe, fighting for the fate of their existence in a never ending war on Earth. Optimus Prime is nowhere to be found, and the future of the Earth looks to be in the balance, when the maker of the Transformer race decides to destroy earth to rebuild their planet. Together, Cade, Bumblebee, and the rest of the Autobots must band together with Sir Edmund Burton (Anthony Hopkins), a woman named Vivian (Laura Haddock), and a young girl named Izabella (Isabela Moner) to save the planet, and Optimus Prime.

The plot may sound exciting and new, but it’s not. In fact, that synopsis is an oversimplification of the film’s narrative. Instead, the film spends two and a half hours meandering through convoluted plot points dealing with King Arthur, the Autobots history, and a secret society that’s been protecting the Autobots since they arrived on Earth. The one thing that does make the film tolerable is Mark Wahlberg as Cade Yeager, though he’s essentially just playing himself. There’s no real range for the character, and no real development for him. None of the other characters really stick out. Isabela Moner, the franchise’s new young star, is almost an afterthought to the script, and adds nothing to the proceedings. Laura Haddock tries the best she can with the material, but her character is terribly underwritten, and she’s really got nothing to work with. But it’s really the use of Anthony Hopkins that’s may be one of the film’s biggest sins. He’s just here to spout nonsense, mumble, and swear, and it’s so beneath an actor of his caliber that it really pulls you out of the film.

But the characters aren’t the film’s only issue. Michael Bay’s fifth time behind the camera on this franchise is probably the most lackluster. His heart just doesn’t seem to be in it at all, and he doesn’t seem to care about making a good movie, he just wants to make a movie with explosions. It’s frustrating that he doesn’t care more about the script or the story in any real way, and it shows. There’s just no drive or energy in the film, and in all honesty, it feels like anyone could have directed this film. Even the action lacks any of the kinetic energy that you’re used to seeing in all of Bay’s films. Nothing in the film feels memorable, nothing stands out and leaves you in awe, and it all just feels completely devoid of life. The movie just, sadly, feels soulless from beginning to end.

But the film’s biggest issue is the story which was haphazardly put together. The film never moves from logical point to logical point because the story asks for it. Instead, things just happen because the movie wills them to be, with no real thought of why it’s happening. More than once in the movie, things happen because the movie wants them to happen, but it’s never been set up before that point. The fact that can happen so frequently throughout makes the film lazy, and in all honest, it talks down to the audience. Instead of giving them a well written film that makes sense, the filmmakers think that the audience will eat up whatever they give us, no matter how poorly it’s done. Unfortunately, this series has become notorious for that, and this film is the worst offender of the lot.

Transformers: The Last Knight is a sloppy, ill-conceived, and lazy film that does nothing more than sully the franchise’s potential. With five films in the franchise, it’s too bad that outside of the first, there really hasn’t been a film that lived up to that promise, and instead, each subsequent film has been a sad footnote added to the franchise. Poorly executed, and nothing more than pandering for another film in the franchise, everything about this movie feels too little, too late. Franchise fans deserve better, as do summer moviegoers. There’s nothing here worth anyone’s time or money, and audience are better off avoiding the increasingly toxic nature of this series. Put a fork in this franchise, it’s done.

Socalthrills.com

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