Cars 3 rolls into theaters soon, but you don’t have to wait to get your Cars 3 merchandise from Disney Parks and Resorts. Available now, fun and colorful new products feature classic favorites like Lightning McQueen and new friends like Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm.
New items include T-shirts, pins, and even a new limited edition MagicBand! The limited edition retail MagicBand will be released on June 16, and will have an edition size of 2,000. The Lighting McQueen-inspired band comes in a colorfully designed box, featuring his famous “95” racing number.
Two open edition pins are now available and feature next generation racer Jackson Storm, and Lightning McQueen with the eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez.
Other items available includes a Doc Hudson “Motor Oil” mug, a colorful backpack, and a hardcover book with 12 racing stories about favorite Disney-Pixar “Cars” characters. Of course a variety of classic die cast cars will also be available.
If you are excited to see the movie, make sure you roll-in representing your favorite characters of the movie.
It’s National Candy Month, so we are bringing you some of our favorite treats from Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Did you know that the Disneyland Candy Makers hand-craft many of your favorite treats everyday? Some of these treats include English toffee, peanut brittle, and fudge.
Or how about a delicious caramel covered gourmet apple? We recommend you try the Pecan Turtle Gourmet Apple. This apple is covered in caramel before being drizzled with milk chocolate. It is then covered with pecans and topped with an additional drizzle of caramel. You can find this and many other delicious treats at Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District, Candy Palace and Hunny Spot in Disneyland Park, and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park.
Over in Walt Disney World, you can get the Cheshire Cat Tails at Cheshire Café in Magic Kingdom Park. This is a sweet pastry twist with chocolate chips and a drizzle of pink and purple icing. If you want a treat that will make you go a little mad, you’ve found it.
A new addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is refreshing shaved ice. This treat is being offered in the Harambe Fruit Market. They offer flavors such as watermelon, piña colada and mango-passion fruit.
With ‘Cars 3’ rolling into theaters soon, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is offering a special Lightning McQueen cupcake. This strawberry cake is topped with vanilla buttercream frosting and a white chocolate Lightning McQueen. You can find it at the ABC Commissary, The Trolley Car Café, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s and Fairfax Fare.
The Ganachery in Disney Springs is now offering made to order s’mores treats. This twist on the campfire favorite offers a house-made graham cracker, house-made vanilla bean marshmallow, salted caramel ganache and topped with a piece of custom dark chocolate ganache.
Looking to cool off from the summer heat? Then try a Berry Whip from the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Make sure to try out some of these new treats while they are still available. Which ones are you most excited to try?
Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) and Pixar Animation Studios are teaming up this holiday season when WDAS’ new featurette “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” opens in front of Disney•Pixar’s original feature film “Coco” on Nov. 22, 2017. The new trailer for the featurette will run in front of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3,” beginning this Friday, June 16, when Lightning McQueen’s new big-screen adventure opens in theaters nationwide.
“I’m thrilled that Disney Animation’s featurette ‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’ will be coming to theaters in November with Pixar’s ‘Coco,’” said John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. “It’s a perfect pairing – they’re both beautiful, heartfelt films about families and how people carry traditions forward. I can’t wait for audiences to get to see both of these terrific projects together on the big screen.”
Featuring four new original songs, the 21-minute featurette welcomes the original cast and characters back to the big screen, including Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), who is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) and Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff). Directed by Emmy®-winning filmmakers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (“Prep & Landing”), produced by Oscar® winner Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6”), with original songs by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (“Between the Lines”), “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” will be in theaters for a limited time beginning Nov. 22.
“Stevie and I were deeply honored to be entrusted by John Lasseterto create an all-new story with these characters we love,” said Deters. “We’re thrilled to have our film play on the big screen with ‘Coco’ during the holidays.”
“We loved getting in the recording booth with these incredible actors who know their characters inside and out,” added Wermers-Skelton. “We can’t wait for audiences to see the featurette, enjoy their performances, and hear the incredible new songs written by Elyssa and Kate.”
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” celebrates characters who won over audiences worldwide when “Frozen” first hit the big screen in 2013. Earning more than $1.27 billion globally, the film won two Academy Awards® (best animated film and best original song with “Let It Go”) and a Golden Globe® (best animated feature film). Slated for November 2019, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ untitled feature-length follow-up to the hit film reunites filmmakers Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck and Peter Del Vecho with the Grammy®- and Oscar®-winning songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Much like Lightning McQueen, the Cars films are Pixar’s own underdog. It was never a critical darling like any of the other Pixar productions, although the merchandise certainly outsold everything else for the studio. The characters were memorable enough but they lacked the zeitgeist notoriety of a Woody or Dory.
Cars 3feels like a car with a new engine and a full tank of gas. It’s repurposed the physical stakes of Cars 2 with the warm, if admittedly quite safe, storytelling of the original Cars. In the tradition of sports films and previous Cars entries, there is a race that must be won. Only this time, the race is within. Can Lightning McQueen outrace his own career?
After years of being on top in the racing world, Lightning has settled into a comfortable groove with his friends. He travels, he wins, he goes home to Radiator Springs. But he misses Doc, and as he gets older he daydreams of his mentor’s words of wisdom. Lightning and his fellow racers share a friendly rivalry on the tracks, seemingly with all the drama behind them. On top of the world and cruising through another season of racing, Lightning is living the good life. That is, until the next generation of racers, led by up and comer Jackson Storm, begin pushing out the older models. It puts the character in an interesting position as he watches his competitors and friends of the same age begin to retire around him. Lightning begins to wonder whether he truly belongs out on the racetrack or if he’s going to stop anyone from letting him out there.
Brian Fee makes his directorial debut with staggering sense of scale. After working as a storyboard artist for Cars, Ratatouille, and WALL-E, Fee takes full advantage of the Pixar approach to storytelling; i.e, flawed characters are paired up to go on a journey together. Sweeping digital vistas are filled with a lifelike quality that adds an atmosphere not present in the other Cars films. The driving feels more intense, with several sequences legitimately on par with full throttle action scenes that demand your attention. The moment in the initial teaser trailer with Lightning crashing has legitimate urgency. As one of the common complaints about Cars is how the character designs make it feel less “mature,” a complaint to which I call shenanigans, the more grounded sense of the crash sequence feels more immediate in a way the other films had not achieved. Just because it’s aimed at children doesn’t mean it’s any less capable of sincere emotions. Not to be mistaken with tonal inconsistency, something this film has nothing to worry about. It earns the tone it’s going for.
After his crash, Lightning seeks help from a young trainer named Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo). Cruz shows him around the modern training exercises to increase his speed, to which naturally Lightning scoffs at. Cruz also has her own set of problems stemming from self-doubt. She couldn’t cut it as a legitimate racer so she settles for training others. Where the film could have regressed into a “no school but the old school” mentality or one that tosses aside the older make for the new model, Cars 3 finds a balance. The film understands the pros and cons that come with material both old and new, eventually finding a happy middle ground between the two. Lightning goes to her for help but he slowly realizes that maybe he’s the one who should be helping her. It’s that sort of sincerity that keeps the film feeling fresh even a decade after the initial franchise outing.
Tugging further on the heartstrings, Cars 3 has recorded sound clips of Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, back on his work from the original Cars that wound up on the cutting room floor. As Lightning ponders his own legacy, he flashes to old discussions with Doc about the old racing days and times when he was truly happiest. It’s that sense of self-reflection that makes this Cars entry standout among the best recent sports films. Not to say it’s on par with Creed but as someone who was entirely won over by Cars 3 after not initially anticipating it, it’s at least on the same level of some of the other Rocky sequels (Rocky 3 to be exact). There are definitely inklings of Rocky Balboa and Creed nestled away too.
Cars 3 is filled with sincerity. Sure, the message is simple but Cars 3 takes an honest route with it.
Without getting into spoilers – Cars 3 shows it’s never too late to be great at something you love. And just because you try your best doesn’t mean you will always come out on top. There will always be times when you lose, just like there will always be opportunities to shine. You might shine in ways you won’t expect. Fear of failure should never stop someone from trying, or you just might miss something special along the way.
It might not win over too many new fans, but Cars 3 completely satisfies as a potential trilogy closer.
Craving the taste of a juicy burger? Or maybe you are looking for a new twist on an old classic? Well don’t worry, because there are plenty of places around Walt Disney World where you can indulge in a delicious burger. Here is a list of 10 of the best burgers to satisfy your taste buds:
Southern Burger, from D-Luxe Burger (Disney Springs) A newer addition to Disney Springs, D-Luxe Burger has a large variety of hand crafted burgers. The Southern Burger features a signature beef blend patty(brisket, Angus, chuck and short rib), topped with fried green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce, grilled onion and bacon.
Falafel Burger, from Sci-Fi Dine-In (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Recently, Sci-Fi Dine-In added a number of new signature burgers to its menu. But for our vegetarians out there, the Vegetarian Falafel Burger is a must try. The meat-free burger includes a crispy chickpea falafel patty, topped with arugula, tomato, Tzatziki sauce and red pepper aïoli on a brioche bun.
Grilled Wagyu Beef Burger, from The Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Another notable location coming out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Brown Derby offers a great menu and a great burger. Only available during lunch, the wagyu beef patty is topped with Gruyere cheese, pastrami, heirloom tomato, avocado, fried egg and cognac-mustard aïoli on toasted brioche, served with hand-cut steak fries. Southwest Burger, from the ABC Commissary (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) If you are looking for a quick option, then check out this burger coming from the ABC Commissary. The Southwest Burger features a premium patty topped with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheddar jalapeno poppers, served with steak fries.
Island-style Beef Burger, from Kona Café (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) Incorporating some island flavor in this list, this pressed beef burger is topped with char siu pork belly, soft-poached egg, mustard greens, spicy mayonnaise and pickled onions served on a pineapple brioche bun. Geyser Point Bison Burger, from Geyser Point Bar & Grill (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort) Another brand new addition to this list, you must check out the Bison Cheeseburger at the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This burger comes topped with Tillamook cheddar, sweet onion straws, lettuce, tomato and Marion berry barbecue sauce.
Wagyu Beef Burger ‘Oscar,’ from Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot) Coming from one of the most popular eateries on World Showcase, this burger is topped with Maine lobster, Blue Crab and Bernaise and is served with truffle fries, choice of appetizer and dessert. This burger is only available on their lunch menu. Smokehouse Burger, from the ESPN Club (Disney’s BoardWalk) Burgers and sports are a natural pair, right? This burger features a grilled Angus beef patty is topped with smoked Tillamook cheddar, chipotle aïoli, onion straws and smoked bacon, served on an onion bun. Patty Melt, from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Disney’s Beach Club Resort) A 7-ounce pressed Angus beef patty, served on Rye bread with Swiss cheese and grilled onions, complimented with a creamy garlic-peppercorn ranch. Don’t forget to leave room for a sundae afterwards!
Lobster ‘Thermidor’ Burger, from the Grand Floridian Café (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) This 7-ounce artisanal burger patty is topped with lobster-parmesan thermidor sauce on a seared brioche bun and is served with the Café’s signature seasoned French fries.
What burger is on your ‘must try’ list? Have you had any of these burgers already? Let us know what you think!
As anyone who reads Greg’s Getaway knows, I am a big fan of Big Bear Lake. I go there at least twice a year. So when I heard about a new wet and wild attraction that just hit town, I knew I had to investigate.
Located at Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina on Big Bear Lake, the new Tarzan Boat is a jungle-themed, floating waterpark that features six different stimulating ways to get wet and beat the summer heat.
“Tarzan Boat is not a typical nautical vessel by any means,” says Serena Saunders, owner of Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina. “It’s a mobile, floating water park that features a variety of ways to get your kicks on the lake.”
The 34-ft long Tarzan Boat provides fun kids of all ages. Features include a six-ft high platform called Monkey Jump and a 12-ft high platform called Gorilla Jump that allows participants to free fall into the lake. There are two Olympic-grade trampolines on board, Monkey Bounce and Gorilla Bounce. Participants get airborne on these springy trampolines before they splash into the water. In fact, the Gorilla Bounce can launch jumpers as high as 20 feet above the water’s surface.
The Tarzan Swing, which is accessed from the 12-ft platform, adds to the excitement. It’s a rope swing that extends over the lake to give participants the opportunity to swing high above the water just like Tarzan. Rounding off the boat’s attractions is the Jungle Slide. This curvy, tube slide, which is also accessed from the 12-ft platform, shoots people out like a rocket into the water. Two ladders on each side of the vessel provide easy entrance back onto the bow deck so swimmers can access unlimited water fun.
The floating waterpark is anchored about 100 yards from Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina, adjacent to the town of Fawnskin on the north shore of the lake. The water depth is 10 to 12 feet at the anchor point. An electric, jungle-safari cruiser shuttles guests from the marina docks every hour on the hour.
On the shuttle ride over to the boat, marina staff go over the Tarzan Boat’s safety rules to the guests. Two fully certified lifeguards are on board the Tarzan Boat at all times, and the boat comes equipped with life jackets for every person on board. A paying adult must accompany participants 12 years of age and under. Also, anyone 12 years and under must pass a swim test before playing on the boat’s features, and must wear a life jacket at all times.
Tarzan Boat can accommodate up to 30 people at a time. Headfirst diving or flipping is not allowed. However, jumping, 360-degree twists, and cannonballs are all permitted.
Captain John’s Marina is a full-service marina with a small-town ambiance. The marina promotes eco-friendly recreation including kayaks, stand-up paddlebaords, canoes, Tarzan Boat and electric-boat tours. It also offers pontoons, fishing boats and speedboats. Other services include a fishing charter, slip rental,s and wakeboarding, waterskiing and tubing lessons. On-site amenities include a private beach, disc golf course, and large picnic area.
Tarzan Boat is open daily through September. Hours: 9 am – 5 pm. General admission – $25 for one hour, $40 for two hours, $50 for three hours, and $60 for four hours. The Tarzan Boat is also available for private groups of 11 to 20 people, for either two or three-hour sessions, or groups of 21 to 30 people for four-hour sessions. Private party rental rates are $480 and up. Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina is located at 39369 North Shore Drive (Hwy. 38) in Fawnskin. For more information, call 909-866-6478 or visit:www.FawnHarbor.com.
Father’s Day is coming June 18th and if you don’t have any ideas for plans, you do now! Stores and restaurants across Disney Springs are offering a variety of special offers just for the dads in our life. From discounts to exclusive meal options, fathers are sure to be delighted by these offerings. If you are looking for suggestions on how to spend your day, allow us to suggest a few stops that dads are sure to love.
First make sure to check out The Art of Shaving store, where you can find an assortment of new and classic shaving razors and accessories. Then head on down to Tommy Bahama for their special Father’s Day promotion. Is your dad a soccer fan? Then make sure to check out United World Soccer for another kickin’ deal. Of course you cannot end the night without a delicious steak or seafood dinner from STK or Boathouse restaurant! Both venues are offering special Father’s Day entrees.
Check out the photos below for a full list of special offerings at Disney Springs to celebrate the dads in your live.
Rev up your engines, ‘Cars 3’ is coming soon to theaters. In the meantime check-out this new Trailer and download some cool activity sheets, fun for the entire family.
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!
Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“), produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short) and co-produced by Andrea Warren (“LAVA” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.
Download these family fun activity sheets here Now:
In Celebration of Warner Bros. Pictures’ action-adventure film WONDER WOMAN, a new online store was just launched featuring some really cool gear!
This officially licensed shop of Warner Bros. Consumer Products is stocked with collectibles, clothing and accessories for every hero in your life. Make sure to order now and get some wonderful art, iPhone covers, blankets, drinkware, jackets, handbags and much, much more, this store is the first stop for all your Wonder Woman accessories!
It’s no secret that for many, the DC films have had a rough go since Zack Snyder’s 2013 film, Man of Steel. The films have faced critical backlash, as well as a divisive audience reaction to the direction that WB has taken the DC characters. But no matter what one may think of the previous entries in the DC Extended Universe on film, Wonder Woman will wipe away much of the doubt and frustration about the franchise moving forward. Director Patty Jenkins, alongside star Gal Gadot, has crafted what is not only the standout film in DC’s universe, but a superhero film that quickly stands amongst the towering giants in the genre as one of the all time greats.
Gal Gadot broke out last year as Wonder Woman in Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, stealing the film from the aforementioned heroes. From that point forward, the idea of a Wonder Woman film finally felt like a real reality, instead of a dream after many years of false starts and rumors. The years of patience have finally paid off, and boy was it worth it. Writers Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg have crafted a truly special film that is born out of the adventure classics of yesteryear, that feels more like Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Rocketeer, and the novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, than just another superhero adventure. The pulpy nature of the story compliments the film’s World War I setting, and gives the film an incredibly grand and nostalgic feel we haven’t seen since 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. That feeling of the grand adventure film has been missing for some time, so to have it return is a pleasant treat, but it is even more so when you have such a strong female character in the lead.
There’s really no way around just how exciting it is to have Wonder Woman finally leading her own film, and director Patty Jenkins never misses a step in bringing this iconic character to life on screen. It helps that she has such an excellent lead in Gal Gadot, who truly is Diana Prince. She’s as powerful as she is beautiful, and the two work together to make the character really come to life on screen in her first solo outing. As Diana leaves her home of Themyscira, an island of all female warriors like herself, her innocence and awe at this new modern world is both touching and fun. But it’s also complimented and challenged by the darkness of The Great War, which is something that really gives Gadot time to shine in this role. Diana wants to believe in the good of mankind, but throughout the film she is hurt and lost at the things they do to each other. That humanity is incredibly important to bringing Diana to life, not just having her look the part and performing the action scenes. Gadot has come a long way as an actress, and this role really lets her show that. If we didn’t buy her in the role, this movie wouldn’t work, but Gadot has proved those who doubted her wrong, and she is truly the Wonder Woman people have been wanting.
Though Gadot does much of the film’s heavy lifting, she’s not alone, as Wonder Woman also has a terrific supporting cast. In particular, Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, and Robin Wright as General Antiope, truly shine next to Gadot in the film, and stand out. Pine is a perfect pairing with Gadot, and the two share excellent chemistry together. The great thing is their relationship feels real, as well as earned, not something that’s forced in just to have it. Pine is naturally charismatic here as we’ve seen from him in the past, but he’s a bit more rough around the edges in a way we haven’t seen. In all honesty, he feels a bit like Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and it’s hard not to want to see him in that role sometime in the future. Wright is just dynamite as Antiope, the warrior general of Themyscira, who trains Gadot’s Diana. The character is one of intensity and pride, and Wright just owns the role, really electrifying the screen whenever she’s there.
Every action scene is intense, fun, and exciting, and Jenkins really threw herself into it. She gives Wonder Woman the chance to really shine in the action beats, with the No Man’s Land scene in particular being the film’s highlight. There’s something about really getting to see this fierce female hero really getting her chance to shine that is so spectacular, and Jenkins makes sure that they showcase it to its full power. The film’s final action sequence, which is a smaller and more emotionally driven finale, is the perfect balance of Gadot’s physicality mixed with her humanity. That mix of action with character moments is actually a big part of what makes this film really shine bright. The film also never feels too long, at two hours and twenty minutes, it would be easy for the film to get lost along the way. But thankfully the film keeps a steady pace, never faltering away from it, making for a really enjoyable time at the theater. Most importantly though, the film’s central message about love being the thing that can bring the world together is something that we need now more than ever. If Diana can learn to see past the darkness in humanity, to find the good, and believe we’re worth it, we should be able to do the same for ourselves.
Wonder Woman is triumph in every sense of the word. Bold, inspiring, heartfelt, and fun, this is everything a summer film should be. Gadot leads with a terrific performance as Diana Prince, really bringing Wonder Woman to life in a way that will really make audiences love her as this character. Patty Jenkins has created a nostalgic adventure film that’s both inspiring and action packed, as well as promises a very bright future for the DCEU. This is not only one of the summer’s finest offerings, but come year’s end, it’ll be hard to believe it won’t be one of the year’s best films.
Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk is now open and just in Time for National Doughnut Day!
Good things come in pink boxes is Voodoo Doughnut’s mantra as the irreverent, world famous pastry shop sweetens up Universal CityWalk with its first-ever California location, situated adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.
Hailing originally from Portland, Oregon by founders Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, the new L.A. pastry shop serves a range of 60 eclectic doughnuts, including vegan options and the Hollywood Cream, created for Universal CityWalk.
“We are beyond thrilled to open Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk and share our menu of fabulous doughnuts with the world at the top entertainment destination in Los Angeles,” said Voodoo Doughnut founder, Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson.
A variety of scrumptious flavored doughnuts are available, such as Grape Ape, Mango Tango, the Voodoo Bubble and Bacon Maple Bar as well as their iconic Voodoo Doll. A popular take-out option, Voodoo Doughnuts are served in signature pink boxes or in a custom-made wooden coffin.
The new location also features another Portland specialty: Stumptown coffee, which brews regularly from the first-ever pink Stumptown espresso machine located exclusively at Universal CityWalk’s Voodoo Doughnut.
Keeping with their longstanding tradition, Voodoo Doughnut helps celebrate marital bliss by hosting weddings ceremonies, complete with a doughnut and coffee catered reception. The new Voodoo Doughnut shop finds its sweet spot at the inimitable Universal CityWalk, located near the “5 Towers” outdoor concert stage and adjacent to Universal Cinema, which recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation and features deluxe recliner seating.
Captain Underpants, voiced by Ed Helms, in Dremworks Animation's "Captain Underpants: The FIrst Epic Movie."
For the last twenty years, Dave Pilkey’s adventures of George, Harold, and Captain Underpants have captured the imaginations of children across the world. Now, the trio has embarked on their biggest adventure yet: their own feature length movie! Making the jump from the comic book page to the big screen is always a gamble, especially with a property that is so particular in its tone and storytelling like the Captain Underpants comics. Thankfully, Dreamworks Animation was up to the task, bringing the comics brilliantly to life with its particular brand of madcap humor mixed with a big heart, making it a perfect offering for family’s this summer.
George (Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch) are two best friends, who also happen to be the biggest pranksters in the school. A fact that their prickly principle, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helms), can’t stand. The two are locked in a constant battle with Mr. Krupp, who is trying to catch them in the act of their various pranks, so he can split them apart in class. When it seems their days together may be numbered, George uses a hypno ring he got from a cereal box to hypnotize Mr. Krupp. With their principle now under their command, George and Harold decide to make Mr. Krupp the hero from the comic book they created, Captain Underpants! Of course, nothing goes as easy as they could hope, and the creation of a hero brings a new super villain to town. With their super powerless Principle who thinks he’s super heroic, the boys must find a way to save their school, and keep their Principle alive in the process.
If this sounds like a breathe of fresh air in the superhero genre, it really is. Much like The Lego Batman Movie earlier this year, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is a hilarious, fun, and loving satirical take on the superhero genre. Much of that steams from the fantastic script by Nicholas Stoller, who is no stranger to the world of comedy. Best known for his work on films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors, and The Muppets, Stoller has always found a way to balance the humanity of his characters with over the top humor. This movie balances to the two things with ease, where the jokes come fast and furious, while also finding quieter moments for the characters to grow. It can’t be understated just how whip smart Stoller’s script is, with a great mix of satire, as well as a strong biting commentary on the current state of public schools.
Director David Soren meshes incredibly well with Stoller, and he finds a way to bring Stoller’s script to life in such a unique way. The film is visually spectacular throughout, and feels just like Pilkey’s comics. The animation is unique, and we haven’t seen anything quite like it on screen before, with the closest comparison coming from The Peanuts Movies two years ago. Soren’s use of sight gags, mixed with the wonderful dialogue written by Stoller, the movie rarely lets up, always finding a way to charm the audience. Sure, some of the humor is childish and a bit low brow, but the movie does it in a way that’s so charming, it’s hard not to smile and laugh throughout. But even when the film isn’t trying to be funny, it has something to say. The message about letting kids embrace creativity, as well as how far the public school systems have fallen are important things that need to be tackled in the world right now. Soren and Stoller don’t pull back, making the film stronger in the process.
Of course, no Captain Underpants film would be complete without its great cast of characters, and this film doesn’t disappoint at all on that front. Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch are fantastic together as the film’s leads, George and Harold. The characters are constantly breaking the fourth wall, talking, and they’re the audience’s eyes and ears into this universe. If you didn’t care about them, the movie would fall apart instantly, but Hart and Middleditch are just wonderful together in their roles. Ed Helms is equally great as their principle, Mr. Krupp, as well as his alter ego, the titular Captain Underpants. The two sides of the character are so different, and many times throughout the film Helms goes back and forth between them within seconds of each other. But Helms never misses a bit, bringing the grouchy, mean principle to life, while also shining as the dumb, but lovable and heroic Captain Underpants. Jordan Peele and Nick Kroll also have small roles in the film that they’re really quite wonderful in. Peele is almost unrecognizable as Melvin, the nemesis to our duo, and Kroll really shines as Professor P., the school’s new science teacher, who also happens to be a super villain.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is an incredibly entertaining, over the top, and at times, gut bustingly funny film with a big heart. The film is manic, much like the classic Looney Toons shorts, always finding a way to put a smile on the audience’s face. With a fantastic script by Nicolas Stoller, a great director in David Soren, and an excellent cast, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is going to be one of the summer’s biggest surprises. This is a perfect way to spend a couple hours at the theater, with a big bag of popcorn, on a summer day. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see Captain Underpants, George, and Harold on the big screen, because more adventures with these characters would be very welcome.
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
