Movie Review ‘Rogue One’

December 14, 2016

In what is quite possibly the darkest, most-gritty film in the Star Wars franchise to date, director Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) has brought justice to a Star Wars prequel in their first standalone story. ROGUE ONE remains strongly reminiscent of the imagery most audiences have come to love from the saga combining classic galactic styling with a modern twist meshing a continuity between timelines. Packed with story development and countless worlds Star Wars is known for, Rogue One combines quality acting and emotional character development with one hell of an intense “first battle” and climatic third act. This is by all means a Star Wars lovers dream come true with storyline that occurs just a short time before the start of Episode IV, most notably known as A New Hope. And it’s just that, hope – that’s what this documentary on society is truly about after all.

Stop! I am not getting preachy here. Don’t worry. BUT, that is George Lucas’s own words on his films after all. Rogue One is no exception. When Gareth and the writing crew of Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy along with story developers John Knoll and Gary Whitta and not to mention the rest of this epic crew, sought out to create it’s very own style and feel for this first standalone Star Wars film, they thankfully failed miserably by ultimately making the culmination of the best aspects all in one film.

Every moment, every shot, every fine detail within each costume piece to each set to each sound queue will stem memories of the first trilogy. Rogue One is a love story to the saga itself with it’s very “being” only coming to fruition thanks to the likes of Lucas Film veteran John Knoll and the mystery that has plagued us ever since that first scroll of off-yellow words ever crawled up the silver screen. How did the Rebels ever get the plans to the Death Star?

Episode IV, A NEW HOPE It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet. Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy….

No spoilers here, but if you want to know what Rogue One is all about… well then, you just had to turn to Episode IV’s prologue. A catalyst to the introduction of the Alliance rebellion, Jyn Erso, Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything, Like Crazy), is a Rebellion soldier whose troubled childhood has lead to a life left in hiding. After being recruited due to her connection to an influential Imperial scientist, Jyn is faced with the most important mission to the Star Wars universe; steal the plans for the Death Star.

An entirely unneeded prequel, but a prequel that everyone wanted nonetheless. While it may have not been necessary to find out how the plans to the Death Star were obtained, it helps provide clarity and insight to how the Rebel Alliance became such a threat to the Dark Side. Most importantly, Rogue One helps put an end to several unsolved mysteries and wonders as well as tie together Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope together.

Ahhh!!! There is so much more I want to say here but for the sake to the films surprises and revealing moments, this synopsis must remain vague. While Lord Vader has been featured heavily in marketing material, there are far more goodies throughout the film that will have even the most casual of fans ‘fangirling’ like never before. I am getting giddy just thinking about it now!

Not only does Rogue One – A Star Wars Story contain many “aw ha” moments and several surprises that will leave you rejuvenated for all things Star Wars, but there are countless goosebump inducing moments that should bring absolute pure joy to your face. From a familiar score by Michael Giacchino (Zootopia, Inside Out, Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond) that is ever-so-slightly altered to be its own entity, to morbid resurrected dead actors, to astonishing new scenery that feels so similar to the originals yet somehow is new, nothing feels out of place or out of sync within Star Wars universe. Most notably the costume and set design is so on point to the classics that the line between new design and old design is blurred.

Greig Fraser’s (Zero Dark Thirty) slightly more gritty yet hand-held driven cinematography helps bring a grounded approach to film to a genre that usually seems so sci-fi that realism is lost in space. Rogue One follows The Force Awakens direction by remaining real-life set heavy with numerous 360 degree hand built sets and effects that are near photorealistic. This has helped bring a sense of belief this could take place within our world even though the number of worlds visited are vastly different than anything found on Earth.

With gorgeous cinematography and well-shot scenes, Rogue One can stand on its own just by the landscapes and scenic design, but the film offers a docu-war biopic feel leading toward an epic battle sequence that is well-choreographed, shot and edited. Offering some martial arts and non-Light Saber heavy fight sequences, Rogue One holds its own with new invented ways to stage fight sequences.

While Felicity Jones delivers a superb performance that will surely lend a whole new standard for female role models, her character is not just some feminists addition to help show the saga can have a diversity. No, instead Jyn is a gender-nutural kind of character that does not sell itself on sexuality, but rather holds to morals that stand for wither male or female. Female leads are of course no stranger to this intergalactic cinematic world, but don’t tell that to the Star Wars haters.

That being said, it is appreciative to see far greater diverse cast of human characters which actually contain accents and give off the appearance of being from different worlds opposed to the first trilogy. Though, keeping with the Nazi theme of the Empire and retaining the similarities of Stormtroopers to well, the Stormtroopers of the Nazi party, the Empire is just as dark as ever!

Jyn’s Rebel squadron is matched by the likes of Cassian Andor, Diego Luna, a respected Alliance intelligence officer. Coming along with Cassian is the new droid of the film, K-2SO, a reprogrammed Imperial security guard who is wildly comedic with a voice being lended by the hilarious Alan Tudyk. K-2 definitely contains the Star Wars branded comedy with bickering style of Chewy to Han or C3PO and R2D2. The relationship between K-2 and Jyn is witty and hysterical. I am always welcoming of these antics in movies that can tend to take themselves too seriously. K-2SO is the light heartedness needed to keep a giant film like Rogue One levelheaded.

Cassian along with the rest of the band of misfits have all done awful things in the fight to do what they feel is for the greater good. Rogue One does not shy away that the Alliance has their own set of challenges and problems. Also joining Jyn’s crew is Chirrut Îmwe, a blind monk that has found the Force, along with his faithful friend Base Malbus. Recruiting an Empire cargo pilot, the crew also takes on Bodhi Rock, Riz Ahmed.

The entire cast is far cry from the days of Episode I through III. Everyone is able to build some depth even though it’s a self containing story. I wont touch upon all the characters, but I can go on without mentioning the complicated character of Saw Gerrera played by Forest Whitaker. This intense outlaw has his own attributes making him stand out from the others, but his powerful presence helps direct Jyn is the right direction. I’ll commend Whitaker by going all out with the character, though I feel like we could explored his character more.

By no means is Rogue One a film that will be loved by non-Star Wars fans. This is still after everything a Star Wars story, and caters to those that are already well-versed in this world. Bringing in many connections to other Episodes and characters, it may be useful to brush up on some of Episode IV and perhaps some Revenge of the Sith if you aren’t too familiar. While I myself enjoy Star Wars, I am not knowledgable in all the characters, planets, and small plot lines from each film. Rogue One was still able to capture my attention and make sense of it all while still being incredibly rewarding in the end.

There is no denying that the first half or so can drag if you aren’t aware of what is to come. Just remember the character development is worthy and your patience will be rewarded. Disney is no doubt headed in the right direction with their more recently obtained intellectual property. I don’t believe any one should be concerned of the direction the Star Wars universe will continue. I’m more excited than ever for future of the franchise and above all else, they can help bring a sense of hope for our own world. Again, the subtext is not preachy nor taking any political side if you are worried about its relation to todays political climate. I mean, this is just a documentary after all according to George.

Loving Lausanne and the Lake Geneva Region of Switzerland

December 14, 2016

The train ride from Zurich to the French-speaking city of Lausanne is a never-ending postcard of the beautiful Swiss countryside. The journey is filled with green meadows with grazing cows, rolling hills with old farms, ancient cities with historic structures and castles, and stunning views of the country’s many waterways.

A friend and I recently took this journey and it is something we will not soon forget. The adventure began when we landed at Zurich Airport and used our Swiss Travel Passes to board the luxury train. The passes (www.swisstravelsystem.com/) are an all-in-one ticket for travel by rail, road and waterway throughout the country. They also get you into hundreds of museums as well as mountain railways and more.

The train ride to Lausanne is full of beauty and adventure

When the train pulled into Lausanne Station, we met local guide Christine Seuret, who showed us to our room at the Royal Savoy Hotel (www.royalsavoy.ch/en).

Dating from 1909, the Royal Savoy is an iconic structure in Lausanne. Overlooking Lake Geneva, the elegant, Art Nouveau-styled hotel has been a hideaway for the rich and famous since its inception. The Spanish royal family lived here in exile, and Thailand’s king spent his youth here. I spent one night here and will never forget it.

Our luxurious room at the five-star hotel featured a balcony overlooking the lake and the historic city, a spacious living / sleeping area with king bed, large TV, and office station, free WiFi, mini-bar, hardwood parquet floor, a Nespresso machine, in-room iPad, and a plush bathroom with rain forest shower head.

The Royal Savoy Hotel has been a luxurious, lake-front retreat since 1909

After unpacking, we joined Christine for a walk around town. Lausanne is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva and the capital of the Canton of Vaud. The town is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes, with Lake Geneva at its feet. Rising impressively from the opposing French lakeshore are the Savoy Alps.

Lausanne’s old town is largely car-free, with cobblestone alleyways, sidewalk cafes, and ancient buildings

We began with a stroll through medieval old town, which is largely car-free and is highlighted by small cobblestone alleyways, sidewalk cafes, centuries-old statues and fountains and structures, old arched river bridges, mountain and lake vistas, and the Lausanne Cathedral.

Considered one of Switzerland’s most impressive pieces of early Gothic architecture, the giant, stone sanctuary was constructed from 1165 onwards. It is the country’s largest cathedral and has one of the finest stained-glass windows in Europe, dating from the 13th century.

The cathedral also boasts a night watchman, who every night since the 1400s has kept an eye on the city and shouted out the times between 10pm and 2am. At the top of each hour, he yells “C’est le guet, il a sonné dix, il a sonné dix…” (This is the night watch, the hour has struck…). I got to meet Simon Bhatt, one of a couple people who serve as “The Watchmen.” He took me on a tour of tower and his perch, some 200 ft above the ground.

Lausanne’s giant stone Cathedral was built in 1165 and is the country’s largest

“I do this because I am from Lausanne and it gives me a chance to carry on this tradition in such an amazing place,” says Simon, a part-time college student. “It feels incredible to do something in the exact same place that it has been done for over 600 years.”

Before meeting “The Watchman,” I met Francois Michel, who works with tourism for the Canton of Vaud. Francois took me to a local restaurant called Cafe du Grutli that is located in a building from the year 1340.

Cafe du Grutli specializes in local favorites such as fresh venison from the Alps

It is hunting season in the Lake Geneva region and fresh deer from the local Alps was on the Cafe du Grutli menu. I had a sampling of a local favorite called Saucisse a rotir de gibier des Grisons selon arrivage. In English this is handmade deer sausage from Grisons with Madiera sauce and cranberry jam. It was comforting and delicious.

After an awesome day in Lausanne, we retired to our room at the Royal Savoy and in the morning enjoyed an incredible buffet breakfast of fresh local fish, meats and cheeses in the hotel’s dining room.

The lake views from rooms at Royal Savoy are memorable

In the morning we walked a couple blocks to the world-famous Olympic Museum (www.olympic.org/museum). Sitting on the shore of Lake Geneva, this incredible museum welcomes guests from around the globe who come to see Olympic memorabilia and hands-on exhibits, and learn the history of the Olympic Games, from the first ones in the summer of 1896 in Athens to the present day.

The Olympic Museum sits on Lake Geneva and tells the history of the Olympic Games

For more information visiting Switzerland and the Lake Geneva region, visit: www.myswitzerland.com/ or www.lake-geneva-region.ch For information on flying to Switzerland, visit: www.swiss.com

Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park

Robbie Bulus

December 13, 2016

New this year at Disney California Adventure Park, Festival of Holidays will entertain guests with heartwarming holiday festivities inspired by cultural traditions from around the world.

Inspired by and expanding on the warmth and fun of the popular ¡Viva Navidad! celebration, the all-new Festival of Holidays will immerse guests in the diverse celebrations of several holiday seasons. Guests will discover something around every corner, from festive food and beverages in 14 marketplace locations to fun craft-making and the universal languages of music and dance.

The daily lineup of entertainment includes nearly 50 performances of nine unique shows, with more than 100 artists rejoicing in the holiday season. They include special Disney characters, cavalcades and performing ensembles that range from a Klezmer band with a global sound to traditional Indian dancers. Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is part of the fun and Princess Elena, the first Disney Princess inspired by Latin American cultures, makes her Disneyland Resort debut as part of the Festival. Princess Elena stars in the new Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor.”

An all-new holiday spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light,” brightens the night on Paradise Bay during Festival of Holidays.

Learn How to cook the sweet spiced noodle kugel with Chef Amy:

Holidays celebrated throughout the Festival:

Diwali, the Eastern festival of lights
Hanukkah
Christmas/Navidad
Kwanzaa
Three Kings Day/Dia de los Reyes

Festive Foods Marketplace: From chile pozole to adobo pork bao and mini turkey pot pies, the food and drink at 14 marketplace locations will tempt guests along the Disney California Adventure walkway, from Carthay Circle to Paradise Garden. Menu items include:

Heritage Cottage – braised beef short ribs, sausages and sauerkraut, vanilla rice pudding
Making Spirits Bright – wines by the glass and tasting flights, warm holiday spiced wines, sparkling juice
Nosh & Nibbles – brisket potato croquette, sweet spiced noodle kugel, Reuben potato smash
Good Fortune’s Feast – adobo pork bao, smoked duck and vegetable spring roll, chilled papaya shrimp salad, winter mint milk tea
Spice Salutations – chicken and potato curry, carrot and chickpea fritters, cardamom and saffron sweet cheese tart, mango lassi
Brews & Bites – local seasonal and international beers and tasting flights, holiday cheese ball with crackers and pretzels
Mistletoe Morsels – holiday Swedish meatballs, classic crab cake, shrimp cocktail martini, holiday eggnog cocktail, merry berry sherbet punch.
Southern Hope Holidays – grilled spicy chicken sausage, mac and cheese, sweet potato pie, hard lemonade, cranberry sweet tea
Winter Sliderland – roasted turkey slider, Kalua pork slider, praline & bourbon whoopee pie, hard cider, sparkling juice
Fiesta en Familia – green chile pozole, red chile pozole, fresh fish ceviche, guava aqua frescha
Yuletide Yummies – mini turkey pot pie, pesto puff pastry twist, gingerbread Bundt cake, eggnog cheesecake, mocha yule log, raspberry Linzer tart, sticky toffee pudding, inspired wines and flavorful beers by glass and flight, frozen chocolate milk, pumpkin spice hot chocolate
Mosaic Delights – roasted lamb, mini falafel donuts, baklava, iced Moroccan mint tea
Abuelita’s Kitchen – chicken cilantro tamale, beef and cheese tamale, chorizo bean sopes, spiced peanut brittle, pomegranate margarita
Treats for Santa – cookie decorating, harvest puff pastry, cookies, panettenes, peppermint bark, fudge, warm bourbon cider, white hot chocolate, holiday fruit punch

In addition, Paradise Garden Grill will offer some seasonal specials for Disney ¡Viva Navidad! including torta al pastor, street style tacos and chicken mole.

Spend the Holidays at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

Socalthrills Staff

December 12, 2016

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There’s snow place like SeaWorld® San Diego to embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season! SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration®, San Diego’s premier holiday experience, will leave guests merry and bright. Surrounded by the enchanting glow of more than one million Christmas lights throughout the park, this can’t-miss, yuletide celebration kicks off Nov. 19 and runs through Jan. 1, 2017.

New this year is a very special guest from the North Pole: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, the most famous reindeer of all! SeaWorld San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast where people can meet this lovable reindeer and his friends at the all-new Rudolph’s Christmastown.

Seasonal favorites that have made SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration a family holiday tradition will be back. Shamu Christmas Miracles and Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special will keep the young and young at heart in the Christmastide spirit. Plus, starting Dec. 17 younger kids can slide down sled lanes at Snow Hill. Here’s a look at all the fun and festivities of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

Rudolph’s Christmastown

Rudolph’s Christmastown is a must-see holiday experience at SeaWorld, making it the best time of the year to visit the park! Relive fond days of yore and create priceless new memories with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the character that has charmed generations for more than 50 years. Rudolph’s Christmastown has something for everyone:

– Stroll through the vibrantly decorated plaza featuring nostalgic vignettes from the story of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, including the Island of Misfit Toys and Bumble’s Cave.
– Take one-of-a-kind photos inside Sam the Snowman’s Snowy Wonderland snow globe, or say hello to and snap pictures with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius. (It’ll be easy to spot Rudolph with his nose so bright!)
– Enjoy the nightly tree-lighting ceremony of the 40-foot Happiest Christmas Tree, accompanied by The Elf Band.
– Hands-on games like Bumble Catch Ring Toss, Yukon Cornelius’ Strike it Rich Disc Drop and Sam the Snowman’s Snowball Toss offer a fun challenge.

Santa’s Christmas Village sponsored by Coca-Cola

Cozy up with friends and family at Santa’s Christmas Village sponsored by Coca-Cola, where treetops glisten with twinkling lights and children listen to Mrs. Claus during story time. Kids will get a chance to share their wish list and take pictures with Santa at Santa’s Cottage. Parents can also check in for a pager that will hold their spot in line to meet Santa so that the family can explore what the rest of Santa’s Christmas Village has to offer, including educational encounters with real reindeer from Santa’s workshop, “Merry Moments” with Santa’s friendly elves and delectable culinary creations.

Around the Park

SeaWorld Christmas favorites return for another merry season! More than one million energy-efficient holiday lights will illuminate the park, creating a heartwarming atmosphere perfect for photo opportunities. The lights of SeaWorld’s 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights, the largest Christmas tree in Southern California, will dance in sync with classic holiday songs. Animal exhibits such as Shark Encounter® and Penguin Encounter® get a splash of the festive spirit with specialty-themed décor inside. Outside Pets’ Playhouse, guests will find the Cat’s Christmas Parlor, where the feline stars of Pets Rule! hang out in their own holiday-themed house. New this year is Snow Hill, a wintery themed area packed with real snow and sled lanes geared for smaller children (Dec. 17–Jan. 1 only).

The park’s specially-themed shows will warm hearts and chase the frosty air away:

– Shamu Christmas Miracles: Thrilling seasonal music rings out as amazing killer whales, gifted trainers and a talented female vocalist share a story of reflection and understanding, of peace and friendship and of the everyday miracles that surround us all year long. Park visitors will experience the power and beauty of Shamu’s family in this touching holiday favorite.

– Dolphin Island Christmas: This daytime dolphin show celebrates the holidays with a tropical twist. Dolphins and pilot whales perform amazing athletic feats.
– Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special: SeaWorld’s prank-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore have a hilarious holiday time in this Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show.

– The Pets Rule! Christmas: A specially-themed show featuring the shelter-adopted stars of the park’s Pets Rule! show. As the winter season begins, the pets partake in holiday hijinks.

All of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration festivities (except for arcade-style games and reserved experiences such as Breakfast With Shamu and Santa) are included with park admission. Guests can pay less than a day and visit the rest of 2016 and all next year with the purchase of a 2017 Fun Card. SeaWorld is open year-round and has a variety of admission ticket offers that provide tremendous value perfect for both Southern California residents and tourists. Visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com or call (800) 257-4268 for information.

Beware…Kids Have Taken Over Buena Park, Orange County

Socalthrills Staff

December 12, 2016

Kids have taken over the city of Buena Park in Orange County for the second year in a row! And this year they have demanded even more deals for two months – January 1, 2017 – February 28, 2017. For a limited time, parents will enjoy savings on comfortable kid-friendly hotel accommodations and kids can enjoy their favorite Orange County attractions. Take advantage of the lowest rates of the year and start the New Year making great family memories by going to VisitBuenaPark.com/KidsTakeover

Attractions
Families can save big on their favorite attractions like $30 off adult admission and $4 off kid’s admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. At Disney Parks©, make your trip a little more magical with $5 off two day tickets for children and adults. At Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Captain Sebastian the Black has given in to the demands and is selling tickets for only $20 for kids and $25 for adults. Even the knights at Medieval Times couldn’t stop kids from getting $14 off admission for adults. At Big Air Trampoline, kids are jumping off the walls with buy one get one free discounts. Dive into even more savings with free kid’s admission at the Aquarium of the Pacific, free Whale Watching with Newport Whales, free carousel ride at South Coast Plaza, adults pay kids price at Discovery Cube and 50% off at Pretend City Children’s Museum.

Restaurants
Taking over Orange County is a lot of work but kids can fuel up on delicious hamburgers at Fuddruckers with $0.99 kid’s meals. Voted the “Best Family Restaurant” by Nickelodeon, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour has joined the movement with free kid’s meals on select days. The free food doesn’t stop there, El Torito, Denny’s and Marie Callender’s are also offering free kid’s meals on select days.

Hotel Accommodations
After all the excitement sleep well in one of Buena Park’s comfortable hotels like the Holiday Inn Hotel, where families get discounted rates and vouchers for free food at the hotel and Chick-Fil-A. Just steps away from the theme park, the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel is also offering exclusive rates and kids eat free for lunch or dinner. At the Radisson Suites, enjoy the best rates of the year and the comfort of an all-suite hotel. The news has spread fast and other hotels have given in, including 15% off at the Buena Park Hotel & Suits and the best deals of the year at the Courtyard by Marriott and the Fairfield Inn & Suites.