Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Facebook Flipboard Instagram Pinterest Reddit Youtube Bluesky Threads
Home Blog Page 201

Let the Summer Begin at Knott’s Soak City!

By
JJ Johnson
-

With the summer theme park season now in full swing, Knott’s Berry Farm has raised the ante when it comes to local water parks. Knott’s Soak City has just opened the largest expansion in its history. During this year’s Knott’s Soak City expansion project, the waterpark underwent a 2-acre expansion and two new ride towers were installed for the 2017 summer season. Knott’s Soak City is a seasonal park open from May 20 through September 10. The new expansion features seven new slides on the new Shore Break and The Wedge towers. Knott’s also fully remodeled their main dining facility, Longboard’s Grill, and added numerous semi-private cabanas.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to the grand opening of the new expansion. After attending a short media preview the Week before, I was excited to see the final touches of the new expansion and to get to ride the new slides for myself. I also brought the harshest critic in my family, my 12-year old daughter, for a different perspective.

Pricing

The ticket prices for Soak City are: General – $48, Juniors or Seniors – $37, Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City Ticket – $70 (online only), or you can buy a Knott’s Gold Pass for $286 which allows you to enjoy unlimited visits to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark all season long. Plus, enjoy early entry to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City on select days and special discounts on food & merchandise, hotel stays, and Knott’s Scary Farm.

Entrance

After you purchase your tickets you must go through a security check point. They had four metal detectors and plenty of security staff when we arrived. When you first enter the waterpark there is a fantastic new fountain featuring a surfer riding the waves. Dressing areas and lockers are located behind the fountain before you enter the main park area. There is also a merchandise location just to the right of the entrance in case you need sunscreen, a hat, a towel, or even goggles. You can also pick up your Soak City themed merchandise here on the way out.

New Slides

After a brief ribbon cutting ceremony we were ushered in to the new expansion area with the sound of a steel drum band playing in the background. We headed straight to the Shore Break tower which is situated where the Pacific Spin slide was formerly located. Shore Break has four Aqua Launch Chamber slides and two dueling tube slides attached at various levels on the tower. We headed to the top of the almost six story high tower to try the Aqua launch slides first. If you have never been on an Agua Launch slide before, they place you in a vertical plastic tube with a translucent floor for you to stand on, and after the tube has been secured and a brief countdown, the floor is removed and you slide down the vertical shaft on a high-speed free-fall down through a series of drops and turns. When you reach the bottom you just climb out of the narrow flume that collects you. This slide is a must do!

To ride on the dueling slides that are attached to Shore Break tower you must carry a tandem, or single rider, inner tube up with you to the launch platform. There was no one at the entrance to the queue to inform us but I observed others carrying tubes up so I figured we should as well. When you reach the launch platform you are briefly instructed on the safety procedures and you enter the tube to begin the 20 second journey to the bottom. If you choose a tandem tube, the larger person in your party will enter the load area first. The tube for this ride is fully enclosed until you reach the bottom and there are several sharp turns and drops along the way. Both my daughter, and I, had a blast on the new tube slides and we highly recommend trying both slide types on the new shore break tower.

By the time we had completed our rides on the Shore Break tower the park was now open for regular guests. The park filled up FAST! I am not sure of the attendance figures and capacity is for Soak City, but they had to be close to that number by the time we left for the day. The only reason I mention that is when we finished at Shore Break we headed to the brand-new family raft ride called The Wedge. During the media preview I was able to check out the new slide and watch as some of the life guards tested the new slide. The Wedge is a large open tube type slide using 8 man rafts to traverse the 6 turns before reaching the bottom. When my daughter and I entered the queue, we were at the bottom of the four-story tower. After waiting for close to 20 minutes we had just made it to the bottom steps of the tower. It was obvious at that point that the wait was going to be over 60 minutes, so we decided to try out the many new refurbished areas of the park. The Wedge appears to be very slow loading and many times while waiting we observed rafts going down with only two people which would cause the wait to be even longer. If you decide to visit Knott’s Soak City I would make The Wedge your second stop, after scoping out your covered spot to store your stuff for the day.

Refurbished Slide Towers

Along with the 2-acre expansion, Knott’s Soak City refurbished all of their existing rides and ride towers. With a fresh new sliding surface and bright colored paint schemes, the other slides seemed to be in tip top shape. Many of the slides require either a mat or a tube to ride on them so be sure to carry those with you as you climb the towers. Each of the slides were exciting with varying levels of intensity and you can’t go wrong on which you choose. Just observe the length of each line if you want to maximize that number of slides you go on during your visit. After sliding we checked out the newly refurbished Beach House, which is an elaborate splash zone play area. Three huge buckets of water, each with close to 500 gallons, continuously fill eventually dumping their contents at random intervals on the guests below. There was a plethora of water cannons that could be manipulated to squirt unsuspecting park goers as well as two smaller water slides attached to the Beach House tower. This was a great area to go and have a little fun without having to wait in a long line to enjoy the day.

Lazy River

Next, we headed to the Sunset River which is a 1,780ft lazy river that dissects the park in the middle. Since the park was extremely crowded, there was a long wait to get an inner tube to enjoy the Sunset River. The Sunset River has two zero-entry access points. I would suggest the one that is located between the new expansion area and Longboard’s Grill since this is the area that most people seemed to be exiting from, which allowed us to get an inner tube in a shorter period of time. The Sunset River was enjoyable and moves at a nice pace. There are several foot-bridges that go over the river and one solitary bucket along the route that drips water onto your heads as you pass underneath. My only complaint about the Sunset River would be that it needs some interactive water nozzles or buckets along the route to help cool the upper portion of your body that is not in the water.

Food

Let’s talk briefly about your eating choices at Knott’s Soak City. Knott’s has completely refurbished the Longboard’s Grill and added a shaded dining area outside. By 11:30 in the morning the line to get food at Longboard’s was close to an hour long. I don’t know if it was opening day jitters or if it is a design flaw but the service was slow. The food unfortunately was not any better. Granted we only received two different meals, what we did receive was not very appetizing. My daughter got the chicken strips, which was a good-sized portion but cold, while I chose the cheeseburger. Both meals were underwhelming. I will not do a full review on the food at this time because I am hoping that because it was opening day for the season that they were unprepared. You can also buy other fast food type items at Surf Daddy’s or Pizza at Portside Pizza. There also three new Coca-Cola Refresh stations located throughout the waterpark. Prices were comparable to what you would find at any theme park.

Landscaping

The one thing that may have impressed me the most is the new landscaping and themed entrance to the newly expanded waterpark. Although in general Knott’s Soak City does not have a central theme that flows throughout the park, the landscaped areas were fresh and appealing. The walkways have been reworked and a new sign has been installed at the parking lot entrance. The new cabanas are also a plus. They seem to be a little out of my price range, $199-$350, but some of them do included beverage and food service. Cabana rentals are available where you buy your admission.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I was very pleased with our time at Knott’s Soak City. The slides were exciting and there were a wide variety of thrill levels to choose from. The entire 15-acre site was well groomed and I could see that the majority of guests were having a great time. It is hard for me to equate the value of admission to the amount of attractions and slides that we were able to enjoy since my tickets were comped for the day, but the pricing does seem to be fair for the amount of attractions that are available. If you are a waterpark fan I would highly recommend that you visit Knott’s Soak City, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Other Facts:

  • With the recent 2-acre expansion, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is now a 15-acre park which boasts 23 speed and tube body slides
  • The 1,780-ft-long Sunset River sits at one-third mile in length. It also one of the widest and longest water park lazy rivers in the word.
  • The Beach House, which offers three stories of hands-on fun including interactive water guns, nozzles, faucets and other surprises has been entirely refurbished.
  • Knott’s Soak City children’s themed area, Gremmie Lagoon, offers the smallest thrill seekers their own pint-sized playground of interactive octopus, submarines and other oversized landmarks that squirt, sprinkle, soak and splash kids.
  • Twenty new semi-private cabanas have been installed in the new expansion area.
  • Twenty new planter areas have been installed throughout the park in addition to the new landscaping in the expansion area

Breakfast Menu for Satu’li Canteen at Pandora

By
Socalthrills Staff
-
scbf4807508831
scbf4807508831

Excitement over the debut of Pandora — The World of Avatar means that guests will be arriving early each morning when the new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens.

Make a stop at fast-casual Satu’li Canteen, where a diverse menu will offer plenty of choices. On the savory side, there’s a hearty Vegetable Goat Cheese Frittata with Wood-Fired, Herb-Crusted Beef and Chimichurri; as well as Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage and Natural Jus, or a Steamed Pod (bao bun) with Scrambled Egg, Bacon, Spinach and Pickled Vegetables.

If you prefer a sweet beginning to the day, try the Tropical Pandora Forest Fruits with Yogurt Muesli and Vanilla Maple Syrup; Steel-Cut Oats with Whiskey Raisins, Marcona Almonds, Goji Berry, or Cinnamon Swirl French Toast with Blueberry Cheesecake Dollop and Passion Fruit Anglaise.

For ages 9 and younger, there’s three tasty meals: Cinnamon Swirl French Toast with Blueberry Cheesecake Dollop and Passion Fruit Anglaise; a Scrambled Egg Steamed Pod (bao bun), and cereal and milk.

See you at Pandora – The World of Avatar soon!

This info was posted on the Disney Parks Blog.

Rob Liefeld Interview: Deadpool Bad Blood

By
Patrick Campbell
-
Deadpool
Deadpool

Last week, Deadpool returned in a big way in the new Marvel Original Graphic Novel, Deadpool: Bad Blood, which is not only the character’s first original graphic novel, but also the return of the character’s creator, Rob Liefeld. The new story was conceived and drawn by Liefeld, is the beginning of the Bad Blood trilogy, and sheds some light in a new way on some of Deadpool’s past. To celebrate the graphic novel’s new launch, I was on hand at Rob’s Q&A and signing at the Barnes & Noble at the Grove, where Rob passionately interacted with his fans who’d come to support his new book.

The most amazing thing about Rob, that became quite clear during the Q&A, is how energetic and full of life he is. Instead of sitting back behind a table, fielding questions, Rob was running around the room with a microphone, talking to his fans, and answering their burning questions. When one fan asked him what it felt like to be a “god amongst men”, Rob couldn’t quit laughing about it, but the truth is, for many he is someone they look up to. Rob created, arguably, one of the most popular comic book characters ever. That’s no small feat, and for him to be so humble and open with his fans still is truly inspirational. Rob then met with everyone fan, one on one, taking pictures and signing their copies of Deadpool: Bad Blood, much to everyone’s excitement.

As the evening wound down, I got the chance to interview Rob about his new book, as well as pick his brain on the casting of Cable in upcoming Deadpool 2. You can listen to the full interview below, but here are some of the highlights of what he had to say:

  • John Wick: Chapter 2‘s ending had a big influence on how Rob saw his for Deadpool: Bad Blood. He wanted his audience to have the kind of reaction that made them want the next book right away, needing more, not just wanting more.
  • Speaking of the next book, Rob is already working on the follow up graphic novel, Deadpool: Badder Blood, which will be capped with Deadpool: Baddest Blood, to tie off the trilogy.
  • The idea of creating a new villain for Deadpool came from the idea that for Rob, Deadpool really never had his own sustainable foe or Rogues Gallery. Many of Deadpool’s biggest enemies came from other comic titles. Rob wanted to create a new villain that could really build off Deadpool’s past, and become a top tier Deadpool villain.
  • The new villain, Thumper, comes from Rob’s childhood and seeing Bambi. He loved the name of Bambi’s best friend, but knew he had to use it as the name of a villain some day.
  • The idea of Thumper was how a kid who idolized Wade when he was young would become his nemesis.
  • Rob sees that everything that happened with the Deadpool film happened for a reason, from his first appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, to the 2016 film directed by Tim Miller. He said that the summer after Origins opened, the Donner Production company reached out to him and said they really wanted to get it right, and he knew from there the film was on the right track.
  • When it came to the casting of Cable, Rob got a kick out of how many actors would throw their name into the ring to get the role. Every day he’d see new names thrown around, and within a day or two, a fully realized concept design of them as his character would pop up online.
  • When Brolin got cast in the role, Rob was just ecstatic because he’s so perfect for the role. “You can cut paper on his chin!”

You can pick up Deadpool: Bad Blood now wherever books are sold!

Event Review: 6th Annual West Coast BBQ Classic

By
JJ Johnson
-
20170513 103743
20170513 103743

When I was invited to attend the 6th Annual West Coast BBQ Classic at the Queen Mary in Long Beach I jumped at the opportunity. I have enjoyed BBQ in Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, California, and Kentucky. Although I would not call myself an expert or an aficionado when it comes to BBQ, I do enjoy a good dry rub and a sassy sauce. I arrived at the Queen Mary Waterfront Events Park ready to tempt my taste buds with amazing BBQ goodness.

After parking, I checked in and received my event wrist band and 5 tasting tickets and headed to the well marked entrance to take on the task of choosing the best BBQ among the 50 master and amateur grillers. The staff were helpful and there were several large maps to guide me around the event grounds. I did wish that the map showed the names of the various BBQ booths placed throughout the two large rings of popup tents and BBQ rigs. The event area was small enough that in the end I did not need the map to guide me as the aroma of pork, brisket, hot links and sauces filled the air.

I decided to walk around the entire event area before choosing which wares I wanted to sample. The area was filled with BBQ experts whose booths bore titles meant to entice the taste buds. With titles like, Outta Gas, The Woodshed, Hickory & Spice, Smoke Hound, and Uncle Al’s Smokehouse, I was now ready to sample some smoky goodness.

I first tried the beef rib tips from ‘No Fuss BBQ’, which is operated by a wonderful group of veterans. These tips were dry and did not add any sauce to them. I was a little surprised at the portion size as at most of the booths required two tasting tickets to sample the goods. The beef tips were enjoyable. The dry rub was just right with the perfect amount of smoke and pepper flavor. I would give them a solid 3 out of 5 stars.

I moved on to ‘Qued Up BBQ’. I was drawn in as the daughters of the grill master yelled with the gusto of a carnival barker for me to come and “try the ribs”. This booth was one of the most reasonable as it only required one ticket for two of their pork ribs. My taste buds were not disappointed. The ribs were some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted and easily rated a 5 out of 5 stars. I was tempted to que up and plunk another ticket down for these amazing ribs. I decided to move on and tempt my pallet with other offerings.

I realized I was going to need more tickets to be able to get an accurate sampling of the various food items available. I next tried a hot link, which is a spicy sausage. I headed to ‘Outta Gas BBQ’. This link was HOT! I am accustomed to spicy food but I found myself haveing to take my time between bites on this one. Rating: 4 stars.

Next I headed to ‘The Woodshed’ to try something different. I plunked down one of my precious tickets for a generous slice of grilled pineapple. It was a welcome distraction for my mouth as it helped cool my tongue with a sweet and juicy pineapple spear. It is hard to rate a grilled spear of pineapple to slow smoked BBQ but I did enjoy the sweet taste and would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

I think the biggest disappointment on my tasting tour was the bourbon infused BBQ meatball from BJJBBQ. There was almost no hint of bourbon or even BBQ as I took a bite of the small portion. I decided to move on to the next temptation and leave my disappointment behind. Next up; BBQ beans from ‘Smoke Hound’ BBQ. They had an amazing zesty tast with just enough sweetness to pair with the BBQ sauce. A solid 4 star rating here.

It was on to an independent booth that had no fancy name but the only grilled corn on the cob at the whole festival. Slathered with butter and a light coating of seasoning salt I quickly demolished the tasty treat. No rating here since it is hard to ruin corn on the cob, but it was good! I decided to save desert for last. Nothing fancy, just Ice Cream made on the spot using liquid nitrogen at the ‘Creamistry” booth.

I have to admit I was amazed at how good the maple and bacon ice cream tasted. It was creamy with an abundant amount of bacon and maple syrup. It was a great end to my tasting tour.

There was more than food at this festival. There were two watering holes(bars), and of course the obligatory VIP lounge area which was lined with comfy couches with an amazing view of the harbor. There was also a play area for the kids, a DJ spinning current tunes, and a stage for the stream of country music artists that played throughout the afternoon.

As I wrapped up my day at the 6th Annual West Coast BBQ Classic it was clear that I had stuffed myself with some amazing BBQ and the time had come to cast my vote for the ‘Peoples Choice’ award. I cast my vote for ‘Qued Up’s amazing ribs. If you love BBQ., I highly recommend that you save the date for next year’s 7th Annual BBQ Classic.

Movie Review “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul”

By
Cori Graham
-
diary of a whimpy kid the long haul DF 02423 R rgb
diary of a whimpy kid the long haul DF 02423 R rgb

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a fun National Lampoon’s Vacation-style story about the Heffley family’s mis-adventure trip to their Grandma’s house for her 90th birthday party. You may find yourself wishing that you were watching Vacation (the original or the remake), or even A Goofy Movie, which had almost the exact story line.

Based on the novel by the same name, this film takes a more technology based approach to the story, with an ongoing theme of cell phones and YouTube. Entirely recast from previous Diary of a Wimpy Kid films, you meet each character in the beginning as they change from the stylized cartoon versions of themselves to their live actors. Our main character Greg (Jason Drucker) finds himself the subject of an embarrassing viral video and internet meme. In an effort to shine a better light on himself, he and Rowley (Owen Asztalos) come up with a plan to try and get Greg in a video with a famous YouTube video gamer. When his mother Susan (Alicia Silverstone) tells them they are taking a family road trip, Greg, Rodrick (Charlie Wright), Manny (Dylan Walters), and their father Frank (Tom Everett Scott) are apprehensive. Will Greg get to meet his gamer hero? Can he overcome the animosity between himself and the “Beardo family” he meets along the way? Will the Heffley family make it through the trip unscathed? It is unlikely, as otherwise there would be no movie.

Ripe with potty humor and a farcical comedy approach, kids will love this movie. At only an hour and a half, parents will love it too. The new cast was great, though I confess this was the first Diary of a Wimpy kid movie I’ve seen. I felt that the characters reflected what I’d expect from a book for children. The characters were all a bit over-the-top, but with kids, this works. I did laugh a few times, as Rodrick is painfully not very bright, but generally most of the jokes fell a bit flat. There are a few heartwarming moments within the family who, as you would expect, grow closer together throughout the journey.

Susan is inspired by her Family Frolic magazine to provide a fun experience for her family. Though irritating from a child’s perspective, Susan’s only focus is keeping her children healthy and happy. Greg is a good role model, with a strong moral compass, who just ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Though Rodrick is certainly not a great role model, he is not technically a bad kid either. The “Beardo family” they encounter at their first stop plays the bad role models, in order to provide a more innocent and fun dynamic between the family. The family values are strong, but the comedy is lacking. Overall, this will be a great movie to see with the whole family.

Theatre Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert

By
Cori Graham
-
Harry Potter 4
Harry Potter 4

At Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins came together to revel in the music and adventure of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This presentation of the film was fully accompanied by Pacific Symphony, Orange County’s premier orchestra. For any Harry Potter fan, this concert is a fantastic opportunity to let your fandom soar.

Though orchestral concerts typically expect their audiences to be silent, the conductor, Jeffrey Schindler, encourages the audience to react appropriately to the film; cheering for the introduction of beloved characters, booing or hissing at the villains, and applauding at each exciting plot turn. From the moment the familiar twinkle of Hedwig’s Theme begins, the audience is immersed in J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding world.

The Pacific Symphony was seamless in their performance, to the point where it almost felt as though they were not actually playing (though they were, I promise).  From the quiet suspense of any interaction with the Malfoys, to the thrilling fanfare of the Quidditch match, John Williams’ beautiful score was realized beyond expectations.

6th Annual West Coast BBQ Classic Returns to the Queen Mary May 13

By
Socalthrills Staff
-
WCBC 16
WCBC 16

Nearly 50 barbeque pit masters and amateur grillers will once again come together for a classic showdown that will leave taste buds filled with the unmistakable sweet ‘n smoky flavors of BBQ. Bacon and dessert aficionados will join this year’s sizzlin’ line-up with the opportunity to compete in both amateur and professional competitions for $11,500 in cash prizes.

  • Live entertainment on two separate stages with performances by country sensation Dean Kalogris, Melissa Farrior Band, and DJ Rod Epic.
  • Watermelon and cobbler eating contest for attendees to test their own eating skills for prizes and more.
  • The 6th Annual WCBC is bigger and better than ever before with two stages, multiple bars, more pit-masters, backyard games, and more.
  • Bring the young bbq aficionados for a family day of ‘meaty’ fun with kid’s activities, games, and more.

Saturday, May 13 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Queen Mary Waterfront Events Park
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS:

  • General Value Pack – $24, includes five tasting tickets
  • VIP Value Pack – $39, includes exclusive one-hour early event admission and five tasting tickets
  • For more info visit: www.queenmary.com

PARKING:
Parking is $20 per vehicle

SNATCHED Movie Review

By
Patrick Campbell
-
snatched DF 13441 R2 rgb
snatched DF 13441 R2 rgb

Oh, Snatched…What potential there was in this film. The film’s pedigree was one that really looked promising from the start. Led by Amy Schumer, one of the hottest comedians working right now, the return of Goldie Hawn after fifteen years away from the silver screen, and the incredibly talented Jonathan Levine in the director’s chair. This should have been a fun comedy romp that would be a good way to spend some time at the theater, but instead it’s a tedious misfire that is incredibly frustrating to sit through.

From Snatched’s opening moments, we’re introduced to Amy Schumer’s Emily Middleton, a self centered, and rather unpleasant woman, who is just floating through life. She’s terrible to everyone around her, has no ambition, and is just floating through life blaming other for her problems. When her boyfriend breaks up with her, she’s more upset that they have a vacation to South America that they planned together that’s non-refundable, and now she’s stuck with it. No one wants to go with her, so she guilt trips her mother, Linda (Goldie Hawn), into going with her. The two are polar opposites, Emily as the adventurous and free spirited woman yin to her mother’s overly cautious yang. When they arrive in Ecuador, things quickly go sideways as the two women are kidnapped, and they’re forced to fight for their lives and get back home. Cue laughs and general hilarity!

Or don’t. After the film’s opening ten minutes, the comedy quickly dries up, and what the audience is left with a slog of a film with hints of charm. The biggest problem is Amy’s Emily is a terribly unlikable character throughout the film. She’s so terrible to the people around her all the time, it makes you instantly dislike her. The movie even goes as far to make that point, as she asks people to come on her vacation on social media, and people comment on her page just to tell her no. In Seinfeld, the show worked because even though the characters weren’t great, they got their comeuppance many times. Here, you’re hoping Emily can learn to be a real person who cares about people, but it’s honestly hard to care when she’s just not a good person. This fact holds the entire film back from ever taking off, or making Emily a character you care for.

On the other hand, Goldie Hawn’s Linda is a character you genuinely care about, because she’s relatable and fun. The fact that Emily is so terrible to her all the time, but her mom still cares about her is a truly noble thing, and something that really drives her. Hawn is wonderful throughout the film, and it’s so great to have her on screen again. The truth is, Snatched is an Amy Schumer vehicle, but this is Goldie Hawn’s film from beginning to end, stealing almost all her scenes as the overly cautious mother. She feels like a real character that you can empathize with throughout, and you just want her to win in the end, because she deserves it. It’s too bad her daughter is so abrasive and rude to her throughout the film, because at times, you wish that Linda would just leave Emily in the middle of the jungle to find her own way. Amy and Goldie do have great chemistry, and their pairing is fun, but again, Emily as a character is just so aggravating that she drags the film down around her.

It doesn’t help that a lot of the humor in Snatched feels worn and tired. There’s so many movies about mending the mother-daughter relationship that do this story better, it doesn’t ever feel compelling. While you wait for Emily to finally have her revelation that she can be a good person, you just watch Linda get dragged through the mud by her daughter, and it gives the movie very little heart. That lack of heart, which is surprising considering that most of Jonathan Levine’s films are chock full of heart, seriously hinders this film. There are so many comedies that do this story better that this just feels like a waste of time.

There is something to be said though about the side characters in the film, who really do add life to the film outside of Goldie Hawn. In particular, Christopher Meloni’s wannabe Indiana Jones, Roger Simmons, steals every scene he’s in. His presence is so much fun, and it’s hard not to laugh every time the character opens his mouth. Everything he says and does is ridiculous, but perfectly so, and really enhances the film. The same could be said about Joan Cusack’s Barb, which is especially surprising considering she has no dialogue in the film. She’s an EX secret intelligence agent who cut her tongue out to keep her secrets to herself, but she’s so perfectly realized by Cusack that you can’t keep your eyes off her in the movie. It’s one of the funniest performances in the film, bar none, and reminds us why Joan Cusack is still the best at what she does.

The biggest disappointment though is really just the lack of comedy throughout the film. Hawn tries her best to make the material work, but there’s just nothing here. Meloni and Cusack both steal the film, and are easily the film’s comedy standouts, but it’s incredibly frustrating how little else works. There’s a gag about Emily having a tapeworm that’s supposed to be funny, but it ends up just being used for shock value, and it’s never actually funny. The same could be said about her character and how she accidentally kills all the villains one by one throughout, but not actually having any skills to do so. These jokes seem so below Jonathan Levine’s standards, and his past work shows he can do better than this, but something in this material just doesn’t click with him. Where as The Night Before ended up being a vulgar, yet heartwarming and funny holiday film, Snatched never rises above just being vulgar, and it really just sinks the film.

Unfortunately, Snatched really isn’t a good film, let alone a good comedy. Amy Schumer’s Emily holds the entire film back from ever taking off, while Goldie Hawn tries her best to make the movie work in spite of her. If it wasn’t for Christopher Meloni or Joan Cusack, there would be very little comedy overall, and that’s not what you want for a big summer comedy. This movie had all the ingredients to work, but it never comes together in any particular way that’s either fun or memorable. This is a rare misfire for all those involved, which is too bad, because it could have been something truly special.

KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD Movie Review

By
Patrick Campbell
-
KA 12186r
KA 12186r

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is probably better than you’re expecting…But it’s no where near as good as it could be. Famed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, best known for his British gangster film Snatch, as well as the Robert Downey, Jr. led Sherlock Holmes films, now sets his sights on a new take on the legend of the Fifth Century British leader. Many versions of the Arthur legend have been told over time, in the forms of books, movies, and television, so many that there’s no definitive version. The closest we’ve gotten to a definitive version of the story on film is John Boorman’s 1981 film, Excalibur, which has really led the pack for almost forty years. Now, Ritchie has arrived to try to infuse new life into the story, but what we’re given is a messy, off kilter, but oddly charming film that never lives up to its full potential, but never fully falls flat on its face either.

When an attack on Uther Pendragon’s (Eric Bana) castle leaves he and his wife dead, the kingdom is left in upheaval. But before his death, Uther puts his son, Arthur (Charlie Hunnam), in a small boat that he sets adrift down the river, where he’s eventually found in Londinium. Raised in a brothel, Arthur is unaware of his royal lineage, and that he’s the man who’s rumored to save the Kingdom from the evil Vortigern (Jude Law). King of the streets, Arthur quickly becomes the target of Vortigern, and unwittingly unveils himself to the world at large that he’s their savior, when he pulls Excalibur from the stone. Arthur wanting nothing to do with his destiny, tries to turn his back on his people, and the power that Excalibur grants him, only to be faced with a much darker future if he doesn’t accept who he truly is.

The above summary of the film is an oversimplified version of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, which spends much of its time doing way too much and never really having much to show for it. The biggest problem being, it’s a film that much of the time is at war with itself, and has chosen to go down the path of an unnecessary origin story that we’ve seen many times before. Ultimately, that is the biggest downfall of the film, especially in light of the superhero films we’ve been given over the last fifteen years. What once could have been a unique origin of a familiar story now feels hollow and tired, as we’ve seen it so many times before.

That’s not to say that there’s not things that work in the origin story, because there is, but the problem is it all just feels too been there, done that. The film’s first act, when we’re finally introduced to Hunnam’s Arthur after the film’s prologue, is the film at its strongest. This is where Ritchie really shines, as we see Arthur as a street hustler, who is very similar to the classic Ritchie flavor we see in his films. Quick cuts with quirky and fun dialogue, and a real emphasis on the characters and their relationships. It felt very much like Snatch, which was a pleasant surprise, and it very much humanized Arthur, who Hunnam actually plays very well. Hunnam seems to get a lot of flack for being a flat or boring actor, but he’s really quite good in the role, which shouldn’t surprise those who were fans of his tv series, Sons of Anarchy. He’s very talented, and this film, as muddled as it is, uses him well.

Once the film shifts gears, and Arthur is taken into custody by Vortigern’s guards, the film starts to lose focus. Vortigern knows that Uther’s son must be in his kingdom, and is forcing all the men that are Arthur’s age to try and pull the sword from the stone. The idea is if he can find the boy, and kill him, he’ll be granted the power of Excalibur, which will help him rule his kingdom. The problem is, Vortigern just isn’t interesting as a character, and he’s really not all that threatening. Jude Law feels like he’s in an entirely different film from everyone else, which doesn’t feel like is his fault, so much as it’s how the character is written. Maybe that’s a good thing, because then you’re always rooting for Arthur, because you just want to see Vortigern go down, but a great hero should have at least a good villain to fight, and sadly it just doesn’t happen here.

As expected, Arthur does get the sword, and the movie then quickly shifts into a superhero origin story, complete with training montage. Arthur doesn’t want anything to do with his destiny, but is forced into training some of Merlin’s mages. The problem is, this isn’t that interesting, and the film decides to try and speed us through it at an accelerated rate. We don’t really want to see him train, but it’s also some of the very little action that the film has to offer, so skipping it makes the movie drag on. The above is basically the problem with the movie overall: it just isn’t that interesting for most of its run time. While it tries to do something new with the material, it only really works in the third act, and otherwise, it just feels like a retread of better movies. For a film that’s supposed to launch a franchise, that’s a death blow out the gate.

That’s not that there isn’t fun to be had here. As previously mentioned, the first act, which is the most Guy Ritchie the movie is, is actually a ton of fun. It feels new and exciting, but that never translates to the rest of the film. The third act tries to go back to it, but it quickly becomes a video game, with some rather dodge looking special effects that feel like incredibly outdated, instead of cool. There’s a bit of a Sherlock Holmes vibe to way it’s stylized, but because it looks a bit out of place, it’s not so much cool as it is overly distracting. It’s supposed to show off the look and feel of Excalibur at its full potential, but instead it feels a bit out of place. The movie is at its best when it’s grounded and having fun with the legend, not turning it into a superhero film, which is really why the movie never feels cohesive. It’s clear that there was a lot of moving parts that didn’t quite see eye to eye on the film they were trying to deliver, and so it just feels like a mishmash of parts.

The sad truth of the matter is that King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a film that should be a new and exciting take on the material, but instead it feels like a rehash of better films. Ritchie tries hard to infuse life into a well worn story, but it never quite comes together. Hunnam is fantastic in the film, and he’s able to carry the film, but he deserved a better showcase for his talent. It’s movies like this that are truly disheartening, because you can tell that there was a better movie underneath that is never fully realized. That’s not to say you won’t have fun while watching it, because it is entertaining, but it just never comes together as a fulfilling experience. If you have some extra time on your hands, it might be worth checking out, but if you’re on the fence, it might be better to go something else you’re excited about instead of jumping into this tired and worn out take on the material.

5th Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival

By
Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway
-
new wine pic
new wine pic

Spring is here and that means it is time for the Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival, one of my favorite local festivals for authentic California wine, food and fun. Now in its 5th year, the annual event will take place Saturday, May 20 at Reyes Winery in the rustic town of Aqua Dulce, near Santa Clarita.

The festival is a showcase of Los Angeles County premier wine and spirit producers and culinary professionals. The Festival showcases nearly 150 wines from more than 40 local wineries, over 40 of Santa Clarita¹s fine dining restaurants, spirit purveyors, gourmet food companies, beer craftsmen, and artists. The event will also include a raffle and a live auction to benefit the Senior Center of Santa Clarita Valley, as well as live music.

Set on the grounds of Reyes Winery, the event takes place on a lovely estate, surrounded by rows of beautiful vineyards, with a backdrop of the iconic jagged peaks of the historic Vasquez Vasquez Rocks. The winery is located at an elevation of 2800 ft, in the newly established appellation officially known as the Sierra Pelona Valley Viticultural Area.

The winery began in April of 2004 when Robert Reyes and his family planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Muscat on his 16-acre plot. Since then, his love of wine and wine-making turned from a small harvest for family and friends into a thriving enterprise that has won 18 significant medals and awards.

For the festival, Reyes will be pouring some of his award-winning varietals and he will also take guests on a tour of his beautiful estate, vineyards and barrel room. He might even show off a few of his classic paintings, depicting vineyards, old cars and the wine-maker’s life.

Nestled in the Sierra Pelona Mountains of Southern California, just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the Sierra Pelona Valley’s untouched natural beauty provides the perfect environment for burgeoning vineyards, boutique wineries and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a day of discovery and relaxation exploring the area’s fine wineries, tasting rooms, events and hiking trails.

General admission to the wine festival is $85 at the door and VIPs are $110. Designated Driver tickets are $40. With admission, attendees will receive a specialty event glass to sample all the wonderful wines and spirits, an event plate to taste the food, a specialty gift bag, and free parking.

The 5th annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival will be held at Reyes Winery Saturday May 20, 2014 from 12pm – 4pm (VIP’s can enter at 11 am). The winery is located at 10262 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, California 91390. For more information, call (661) 268-1865. To purchase tickets online and or more information, visit: www.sierrapelonavintners.com/festival/

For those who want to make a full and fun day out it, you can come to the area early, before the wine festival starts and experience Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, which are just down the street from the festivities. To get to the rocks, visitors pass a ranger station and drive down a bumpy dirt road, past beautiful desert vegetation. At the base of the rocks, there is a large parking area.

Vasquez Rocks

Once parked, you can began scaling the 150-ft, tidal wave-shaped Famous Rocks. Angling toward the sky at about 50 degrees, this stone mountain can be climbed on all fours if you have the will and aren’t afraid of heights. If you do conquer it, you will be rewarded with a memorable view of the 25 million-year-old rock valley, including the San Gabriel Mountains to the west and the Sierra Pelonas to the north.

It is easy to see why the area has been a Hollywood filming favorite for the past 100 years. Filming credits at the park include television shows such as “Bonanza,” “Big Valley,” and “The Lone Ranger,” as well as big screen productions such as “The Flintstones,” “Planet of the Apes,” “Rat Race,” and “Wild, Wild West.” Vasquez Rocks Natural Area is located at 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd, Aqua Dulce, CA 91390. For more info, call (661) 268-0840.

ALIEN: COVENANT Movie Review

By
Patrick Campbell
-
alien covenant AC LastSup group rgb
alien covenant AC LastSup group rgb

Thirty eight years ago, Ridley Scott redefined sci-fi horror with Alien, a claustrophobic, unrelenting, and downright terrifying film which introduced Ellen Ripley and the infamous Xenomorph to audiences. The film’s legacy is one that has been ingrained in pop culture, spawning numerous sequels, comic books, novels, and video games, all of which Scott didn’t have a hand in. That is until 2012, when the famed director returned to the series he had birthed in 1979, with Prometheus, a prequel that aimed to explore the origins of the original film. The film was met with a mixed reaction, and left many scratching their heads about the film’s significance to the Alien mythology. Now Scott has returned for his third film in the Alien series with Alien: Covenant, a film he hopes will help bridge the gap between Prometheus and Alien even further, and answer a lot of lingering questions he set out to answer in Prometheus.

Picking up ten years after the events of Prometheus, Alien Covenant finds the space ship Covenant on a mission to colonize a new planet that they’ve found in the outer reaches of space. But when a random solar event wrecks havoc on the ship, awakening the crew too early from their mission, it sets off an unfortunate chain of events that puts their entire mission in danger. As the crew tries to gain their bearings on the situation and get the ship back to working order, they receive an ongoing signal from a nearby planet that is eerily similar to Earth. Broken and searching for answers, the colonization crew decides to investigate the origin of the signal, and explore the planet. What starts as a mission of intrigue and hope will quickly become one of regret and despair, where the team will quickly learn that in space, no one can hear you scream.

From the outset, the question many want to know is this: Is Alien: Covenant a true Alien film, or is more of a sequel to Prometheus? The truth is, it’s both. Ridley Scott’s third film is a true Alien film in every sense, but it also truly feels like a continuation of the mythology and world building of Prometheus, crafting a rather unique film within the series. Much of the film is a throwback to the sci-fi horror of the original, but it must also maintain the lofty ideals of the last film to answer many of the burning questions that were left over from the last outing. In a way, it feels like there’s almost two films at play, which many times will make a film feel at war with itself, but here it actually works. This is a thoughtful film in many ways about life, creation, and what it means to be human, while also being a visceral, intense, and often times grotesque horror film. The fact that it manages to do all these things, while also being an incredibly entertaining film, is really a testament to Ridley’s incredible talent behind the camera. It’s clear that he has a much more defined vision for this film, and the series as a whole now, in a way he didn’t with Prometheus.

The one thing that Scott was very smart to do though this time, was making sure he brought Michael Fassbender back as the android David, who we were introduced to in Prometheus. But Fassbender isn’t just David, as he also plays the Covenant crew’s android, Walter, who is an upgrade from the original David model. Fassbender manages to give two excellent performances in the film, both of which are very different. While David is still a menacing android with clear delusions of grandeur, Walter, even though he’s programmed to be more robotic, almost seems more human. The two characters are so different and unique, which makes it really fascinating watching Fassbender really sink his teeth into the two roles the way he does. He is really the heart and soul of Alien: Covenant, which is really ironic considering his characters are both androids that completely lack souls. Their dilemma on what it means to be human, and what it means to be loved, is really the focal point of the film, along with what it means to truly live. Walter finds himself totally content with helping his colonization team and being their helper, never bucking the status quo of why he was created. On the other hand, David continues to want to play God, becoming the creator of creatures and worlds, a truly unsettling thought when you remember the terror he caused his Prometheus crew in the last film.

Much of this stems from the fact that David, having met the creator of the human race, finds them truly unworthy of the power they were given. He sees it as wasted power, as humans are an inherently flawed species that need to destroyed. His fascination with creating the perfect species, considering himself a Zoologist of sorts, is at times both maddening and strangely beautiful. But this is a fantastic way to set up the horror of the film, and having David at the center really is why this film works so well. David is controlled chaos, and his obsession to create the perfect species is really what drives the film back to the roots of Alien. When we’re finally introduced to his creation, the final form of the Xenomorph that audiences love, David’s quest is complete, but for audiences and the crew, the terror and madness has only just begun.

This is why the film feels like two separate films, because once David’s mission from Prometheus is seemingly completely, the film quickly becomes the film it’s titled, Alien: Covenant. We’re transported back to the horrors of being trapped in a place with a creature that knows know mercy, has no conscious, and has no regrets, as it begins tearing through the crew one by one. Scott finds himself comfortably back in his horror roots, and he really pushes the film to be terrifying, as well as grotesque, in new ways. It’s a truly chilling and fun experience throughout, featuring some great scenes that will truly be ranked amongst the franchise’s best. Katherine Waterston, who plays the film’s lead, Daniels, is fantastic throughout, as the audience’s eyes and ears to this madness. She is a great addition to the Alien franchise’s kick-ass female heroines, something to be very happy that the series has not moved away from. Daniels has shades of Ripley, but she’s uniquely her own character, and it’s great to see her really standing out amongst the rest as the voice of reason in the film. This is a star making turn for Waterston, who many will recognize from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The one biggest drawback to the film though, is the third act is fairly predictable. For much of the film, it actually keeps the audience fairly disoriented enough with the twists and turns, so it’s hard to pin down just where it’s going to go. But once the Xenomorph begins its hunt for the humans, the film quickly loses that spark, and it becomes a much more straightforward slasher film. There’s also a moment that is so heavily telegraphed ahead that it’s almost surprising that Ridley honestly goes the direction he does with it. In the scheme of the story, it makes sense why Ridley makes the decision, but it’s hard not to be a little frustrated that the twist, or lack thereof, doesn’t really stick. It’s the obvious choice for the film, and while it’s still a fine reveal, it’s just not shocking at all.

Alien: Covenant is a great return to the roots of the Alien franchise, while also being a proper continuation to Prometheus. Ridley Scott returns with a vengeance, really crafting a film that is both unique and familiar, while crafting something genuinely scary and thoughtful all at once. Anchored by terrific performances by both Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterston, Alien: Covenant dares to be a dark, thoughtful, scary summer tentpole, and finds the series really returning to what made it so great. Alien is back in a big way, with its best installment since James Cameron’s Aliens. In space, no one can hear you scream, but they will in the theater this summer.

Connect With a Banshee at The Rookery inside Windtraders in Pandora

By
Socalthrills Staff
-
BansheeFEATUREFINAL
BansheeFEATUREFINAL

Guests visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar will fly on the back of a mountain banshee at one of its major attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage. Soaring on the back of one of these powerful winged creatures represents an important rite of passage for the Na’vi. Today, we are thrilled to announce a new way for guests to connect with these animals at The Rookery inside Windtraders, the primary merchandise location on Pandora. Cody Hampton with Disney Parks Merchandise gave me a first look at these new interactive creatures, and explained how they continue the tradition of immersive storytelling found at Disney Parks.

“We love bringing to life stories from our attractions through creative and innovative product designs,” explained Cody. “Banshees are an important animal on Pandora, both as an animal in the ecosystem and as a cultural symbol to the Na’vi. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also will feature a Na’Vi River Journey ride, where guests get a chance to cruise through a Pandora jungle. They are also part of one of the signature attractions, so it felt natural to feature them as a must-have souvenir from a visit to Pandora. These banshees are fun, interactive, and continue the excitement guests will feel when experiencing [Avatar Flight of Passage].”

At the Rookery, a Naturalist from Alpha Centauri Expeditions will assist a guest with identifying a favorite banshee from among 10 unique styles. Each interactive banshee includes three ranges of motion – mouth, head, and wings – that are controlled by hand. Guests will also hear them make authentic banshee sounds provided by Disney’s partners at Lightstorm Entertainment.

“We worked closely with [Lightstorm Entertainment] when designing the banshees,” continued Cody. “Their colors were inspired by banshees seen in the ‘Avatar’ motion picture. Their sounds make them feel as though they flew directly into Windtraders from the attraction. Guests will determine each banshee’s personality through a combination of hand movements and sounds.”

Guests can either display a banshee on their shoulder or cradle them in their arms. We will also offer a banshee perch that is sold separately.

Cody shared one final Pandora detail that ties back to the core ideas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“The mountain banshee has come to symbolize our continued commitment to the environment,” said Cody. “Before guests depart Windtraders, Naturalists will encourage them to make a pledge to respect and protect the natural world on Pandora and back home on Earth.”

When you see other banshee keepers on Pandora, or back at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, please greet them with “Oel Ngati Kameie” (“I See You”), the traditional Na’vi phrase of greeting and respect.

This info was posted on the Disney Parks Blog.

1...200201202...382Page 201 of 382
DLR Hotels offer

-Advertisement-LEGO Brand Retail
-Advertisement-

Latest Posts

SocalThrills logo
Socalthrills.com launched in 2006 and started reporting on theme parks in Southern California. Since then, we have expanded to include all Theme Parks, movies, DVDs, Performing Arts, and Food & Wine.

Logo, contents, and media copyright Socalthrills.com unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Socalthrills.com is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company, or its subsidiaries. By using this website you agree to the terms of use.

***Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives invitations and compensation from the companies whose products, services, and events we review. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.***
Facebook Flipboard Instagram Pinterest Reddit Youtube Bluesky Threads
Copyright © 2023 Socalthrills.com