Universal Studios announced that King Kong will rule at Universal Orlando Resort next year in the groundbreaking attraction, “Skull Island: Reign of Kong.” The new attraction will open in the summer of 2016 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and will be an intense, all-new adventure brought to life in a dramatically themed environment. Skull Island: Reign of Kong will pull guests into a powerfully told story where they become part of the next generation of the Kong legend.
The adventure begins as guests venture deep into a wild and mysterious world, where their mission is to discover creatures of unknown origin, but soon find themselves fighting for their own survival. Their journey will take them through an ancient temple inhabited by hostile natives, a perilous jungle ruled by prehistoric creatures, a foreboding underworld of caves concealing unspeakable terrors. Guests will also come and face-to-face with the colossal Kong himself.
Universal Creative is working closely with Peter Jackson, famed director of 2005’s blockbuster movie, “King Kong,” to immerse guests in this incredible adventure. “King Kong is a Hollywood movie legend and a huge part of both our history and our future,” said Mike West, Executive Producer, Universal Creative. “He gives us the opportunity to tap into everything that makes our film history so special and everything that makes our theme park attractions so spectacular. We can’t wait to bring him to life in such an epic way.”
Known as “the eighth wonder of the world,” Kong has been called “the experience for which movies were invented.” Since first appearing on screen in 1933, “King Kong” has been re-made twice – each time on a tremendous scale – earning seven Oscar and three Golden Globe nominations. Now in even grander and more realistic form, the Kong story continues to grow. “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will open in the summer of 2016.
In the tradition of Disney sports movies comes “McFarland, USA” based on a true story of underdogs triumphing over tremendous obstacles. This heartwarming drama follows novice runners who strive to build a cross-country team under Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) in their predominantly Latino high school. Everyone has a lot to learn about each other, but when Coach realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability, things change. Beyond their talent, it’s the power of family, commitment to each other and work ethic that transform them into champions, helping them achieve their own American dream.
The movie starts out with football, Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) during a half time pep talk. When Coach White loses his temper with his star player, it results in the lose of his job. Offered a position as asst. football coach and PE/science teacher at McFarland HS in California, Jim White (Kevin Costner) takes his family and possessions and makes the long drive west. The family’s first look at the house and neighborhood including an encounter with the local low rider car club (gang) leaves Jim questioning his decision to relocate to McFarland, California.
An incident during a football game has Coach White sticking up for a player, which gets him removed yet again from football coaching duties. This latest situation along with several others that occur during PE, lead Coach White to see the potential in several of the students and set up a cross country team. A new opportunity for the predominately Latin community of high schoolers, whose primary reason for running is to simply get to their destination. Setting up and training the McFarland HS team is no small feat as family, school and work responsibilities interfere constantly. But along the way, Coach White and the team learn what it takes to be a Cross Country coach and runner, working together to learn how to fit training, compete and win the prelim races and finally the State Championship Meet.
McFarland, USA Blu-ray, Special Features and Extras:
McFarland Reflections (HD, 9 minutes): Kevin Costner hosts an on-location round table discussion with the real Jim White and runners from his original team, including Thomas Valles, Johnny Sameniego and David, Damacio and Danny Diaz. Honestly, I wish this one were significantly longer. Without a commentary, there isn’t much insight into the differences between the film and the true story on which it’s based. This featurette provides what few glimpses into the adaptation we get.
Deleted & Extended Scenes (HD, 8 minutes): Six hit or miss deleted and extended scenes are available, among them “Jim and Jenks Go Toe-to-Toe,” “Un-Quit,” “Coach Motivates Danny and Victor,” “Jose Is on His Own,” “Dale Takes in Jose” and “Thomas Watches His Father Leave.” None of the scenes would have substantially strengthened the story, but there are some good performance bits nonetheless.
Music Video (HD, 3 minutes): “Juntos” by Juanes.
Inspiring McFarland (HD, 2 minutes): A brief behind-the-scenes promo.
SeaWorld Orlando is known for its dedication to the sea through its conservation efforts and animal attractions throughout the park. SeaWorld is also famous for thrill attractions including Manta and Kraken. Kraken, reaching 149 feet and 65mph, is still known as one of the world’s best rollercoasters. But now SeaWorld has something bigger and faster in store.
SeaWorld announced the construction of a new rollercoaster Mako. Surfacing summer 2016, the coaster will be the tallest, fastest, and longest in Orlando. Towering 200 feet high and reaching speeds of 73mph along 4,760 feet of track, the hypercoaster will leave riders feeling a sense of weightlessness during its steep drops. Mako gets its name from the fastest shark in the seas, the Mako shark or “blue-pointers,” which are known for their top speed, making extreme jumps and the ability to quickly change course as they pursue their prey. This makes the tight turns and speed of the coaster inspired by reality. The ride will also feature a unique sound system throughout the ride that will allow the custom score for Mako to be heard even as the riders exit the ride.
Mako is manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, a company renowned among coaster enthusiasts. B&M has built many of the world’s top roller coasters, including SeaWorld’s Manta and Kraken, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s SheiKra.
SeaWorld’s new hypercoaster will be the centerpiece of the newly themed surrounding realm. The two-acre plaza now will be fully shark themed including Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops, shark and shipwreck theming and educational experiences featuring sharks. The entire realm is created to make guests feel as if they’re underwater, part of the group of sharks and toothy animals that have taken over a shipwrecked reef. In the plaza, guests will learn about the impact humans are having on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment.
Want to get a firsthand view of the twists and turns Mako has in store for its riders? Check out this video.
Have you ever thought about going to Disney in your Sunday best? Or perhaps dressed up in your favorite vintage dress or suit? Then there is a day for you! Dapper Day is a day to dress up and celebrate in your favorite formal wear, vintage style clothes, and ‘dapper’ outfits at many of your favorite Disney parks. There’s no specific time period or theme to follow, just dress your best and have fun! The event started in 2011 at Disneyland, and since then has expanded to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. The event is held twice per year in all three parks, once in the spring and then again in the fall. Dapper Day requires no additional tickets apart from regular park admission.
The fall dates and locations for “DAPPER DAY FALL SOIRÉE” are as followed:
Disneyland CA- 9/18
Disneyland PARIS- 9/26
Walt Disney World FL- Hollywood Studios 10/3
All events take place during normal park hours and include meet-up opportunities throughout the day.
Spring Dapper Day 2015 was my first experience with this event. While any day in Disney is almost guaranteed to be full of fun, happiness, and magic, Dapper Day brings a certain friendliness and fun atmosphere to the parks. Between people stopping to compliment each other on their outfits to grand meet-ups aboard the classic Liberty Belle steamboat, the event adds an even more magical feel to any park. One can find themselves feeling right at home among the classic buildings of Main Street, USA, or just feeling extra dapper as they take a trip through space on Space Mountain. The event also offers the opportunity for some unique park photo-ops in your Sunday best. The event is family friendly and those of all ages are encouraged to participate!
Want to find out more about Dapper Day? Check out Dapperday.com to get more info and view photos from past Dapper Days in the Parks events.
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is pulling out all the stops for its 20 year celebration. Guests can delight their taste buds from September 25-November 16, at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2015 festival, presented by Chase, will welcome celebrity chefs, debut new marketplace tastes from around the world and celebrate guests’ favorite dining traditions. So grab your Discovery ‘Passport,’ a hungry stomach, and your sense for adventure and magic and enjoy 20 years of culinary delight from around the world.
Disney chefs and festival programmers are whipping up a feast of surprises to celebrate the 20th annual event in style. New wine tastings, tasteful events, and culinary experiences built around the 20-year milestone will bring together loyal festival fans and first-timers. As part of the celebration, Chef Remy of the Disney-Pixar animated film “Ratatouille” will invite guests of all ages to join in on a culinary scavenger hunt.
Growing in scope each year since 1996 and lauded by the Travel Channel as one of America’s top food festivals, the 53-day Epcot event features inspired bites and sips from around the world at more than 25 outdoor marketplaces, nightly Eat to the Beat concerts of many musical genres, signature dinners and featured tasting events.
This fall, the festival will debut dishes like Pepper Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese at the Farm Fresh Marketplace and refreshing sips like the Scottish Citrus Thistle at the Scotland Marketplace. Culinary icons like Cat Cora, Jamie Deen and John Ash will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at new and returning premium events that include weekly Party for the Senses grand tastings in October.
Festival guests can pair wines and beers with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade and earn stamps on their complimentary festival passports. Champagne, cocktails and “mocktails” also will bubble up on festival menus. In Future World, the popular Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns for a fourth year so that families can discover the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage and learn fun facts about the tart fruits.
Whether guests’ taste buds prefer savory, spicy, sweet (or all of the above), there are plenty of delectable surprises at every stop along the way. Here’s a sneak peek:
New marketplace menus debut and chefs celebrate festival favorites – Among many dishes set to debut are Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Kumara Dumpling at the New Zealand Marketplace and Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Peppers, Onions and Snap Peas at the Australia Marketplace. For many, there’s nothing like a yearly dip into classic favorites like the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.
Four new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut; fan favorites return to festival stage –Rock singer-songwriter David Cook opens the Eat to the Beat concert series Sept. 25-27. Four new acts in the concert series lineup — Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest and Chaka Khan – will belt out chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, will return to rock the America Gardens Theatre stage this fall.
Celebrity chefs dazzle – Renowned chef and cookbook author John Ash, who participated in the inaugural Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 1996, will return to celebrate the 20th milestone year. Other notable chefs including Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Kenny Gilbert and Buddy Valastro will cook for Epcot guests and share their culinary know-how during demos and premium events.
Ratatouille rocks — Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak invites kids of all ages to join a World Showcase scavenger hunt for little Remy statuettes hidden around the park’s World Showcase. Maps, stickers and prizes are involved.
Festival Center gets cookin’ – Guests can join culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and mixology seminars daily for a nominal fee. More festival fun will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros.
Chase Lounge offers perks – Anyone who owns or wants to own a Chase debit or credit card will find complimentary refreshments and interactive fun at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.
Get ready for . . .
More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country.
Party for the Senses grand tasting events every Saturday in October showcasing tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.
Premium events including the new “French Family Meal Traditions” lunch on Fridays and Sundays; new “Rockin’ Burger Block Party” on select dates; and new beverage events to include “Exploring Wines from 1996 to Now” that salutes the festival’s 20th year.
Included with Epcot Admission:
Back to Basics series, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission.
A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, DreamWorks Pictures/Fox 2000 Pictures’ “Bridge of Spies” tells the story of James Donovan, a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Screenwriters Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen have woven this remarkable experience in Donovan’s life into a story inspired by true events that captures the essence of a man who risked everything and vividly brings his personal journey to life.
Directed by three-time Academy Award®-winning director Steven Spielberg, “Bridge of Spies” stars: two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as James Donovan; three-time Tony Award® winner Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel, a KGB agent defended by Donovan; Scott Shepherd as CIA operative Hoffman; Academy Award nominee Amy Ryan as James’ wife, Mary; Sebastian Koch as East German lawyer Vogel; and Academy Award nominee Alan Alda as Thomas Watters, a partner at Donovan’s law firm. The film is produced by Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger with Adam Somner, Daniel Lupi, Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Matt Charman and three-time Academy Award winners Ethan Coen & Joel Coen. “Bridge of Spies” will be released in theaters on October 16, 2015.
With the IMF disbanded, and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hellbent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks.
Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces their most impossible mission yet.
Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris
and Alec Baldwin
Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation Opens July 31, 2015
With many new and exciting things already on the way to Disney Springs, the latest release announced that the Walt Disney Company and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have begun developing a new attraction: “The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort.” This one-of-a-kind destination will feature hands-on activities that put families and guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. Guests will enjoy immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences, as well as a restaurant and a retail store.
“We’re thrilled to work with the NBA to take our guests inside the world of professional basketball with an extraordinary entertainment experience,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We’ve had a long and successful partnership with the NBA through ESPN, and we will continue to build on that foundation as we bring the Disney and NBA brands together for the first time in this exciting and innovative way.”
“We look forward to uniting the passionate, global fan bases of the NBA and our longtime partner, Disney,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Working with the world’s top creator and operator of themed entertainment attractions, we can’t wait to bring the magic of Disney and the excitement of the NBA to guests from around the world.”
“Basketball fans of all ages will be able to experience the game in a whole new way when they visit ‘The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort,’” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re excited to join the NBA in offering this unique form of family entertainment. It will be a terrific addition to the world-class lineup of shops and restaurants coming to Disney Springs.”
What could be the next addition to the ever expanding Disney Springs? What was once known as “Downtown Disney,” the newly redesigned “Disney Springs” has gone into overhaul with the additions and plans for many new stores and features including Tommy Bahama®, Lilly Pulitzer®, PANDORA®, UGG®, Sprinkles®, and Tea Traders by Joffrey’s Teas.
Not sure what to do for Dad on Father’s Day? Or perhaps you just want to give him something special on your next magical vacation? Walt Disney World offers many options that will appeal to Dad and make his vacation extra magical. Disney is created as a place for families to enjoy together, but that doesn’t mean that there are not some things that just dad can enjoy. Here are ten things dad will love at Walt Disney World
Wild Africa Trek
This African expedition experience is just right for the dad with an adventurous spirit, and there’s no passport required. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, dad can explore exotic African wildlife in their natural habitat on a privately guided, three-hour journey through a savannah. Wild Africa Trek also invites trekkers to a serene, savannah-view overlook while enjoying African-inspired food and beverages. Wild Africa Trek is $189 to $249 per person, plus tax (prices vary based on season).
Guided Fishing Excursion
Whether a seasoned sportsman or an amateur angler, there’s nothing more relaxing than fishing at sunrise on Bay Lake with spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom. Dads can reel in the fun with an unforgettable two- or four-hour, catch-and-release fishing trip that includes a private guide and all the fishing supplies.
Art of Shaving
This new boutique at Disney Springs offers premium shaving supplies, plus hair and body grooming products ideal for dad. There are razors, shaving brushes, pre-shave oils and creams for a barbershop-like shave. Dads can get expert shaving advice on products and techniques, or make an appointment for a luxurious grooming experience at the Barber Spa.
World-Class Spas
Walt Disney World offers two world class fully functioning spas- Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Senses Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. These spas offer a full relaxation experience, anyone can enjoy. Both spas also offer some “men-only” options.
Golfing
Got a golf lover for a dad? Don’t worry, Disney World has you covered. While the family enjoys the theme parks, dad can grab his clubs and enjoy one of three 18-hole championship golf courses, or a 9-hole walking course. If Dad didn’t bring his own clubs along, no worries because all courses also offer rental clubs from top brands. If you would rather golf with your family, Walt Disney World also offers two miniature golf courses, Winter Summerland and Fantasia.
Food Lover’s Paradise
With hundreds of eateries at Disney, there is everything from casual to gourmet to satisfy Dad’s appetite. From fresh seasonal dishes at California Grill, to first-rate, oak-fired beef at Yachtsman Steakhouse, to a nostalgic meal in a 50s-style drive-in at Sci-Fi Dine In, the sky is the limit. And if Dad is a foodie, there’s a culinary extravaganza featuring celebrity chefs, wine tasting, craft beers and savory samplings during the annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, September 25 through November 16, 2015.
ESPN Club
Dad doesn’t have to miss watching his favorite team or that big playoff game while on vacation. ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk is the ultimate sports bar featuring 100 big screens, interactive games, dozens of beers, plus nachos, fries and ESPN Wings.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
This 220-acre complex for both pro and amateur athletics features more than 170 annual events. Treat Dad to some wings or nachos while you watch a game on one of seven HDTVs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill or in early spring, head to the ballpark with Dad and catch the Atlanta Braves during a spring training game.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Take Dad out to a night of good old-fashioned bowling in a retro, vintage-style venue at Downtown Disney. This trendy, two-level location features 30 lanes, plus live entertainment, a balcony bar, and a variety of dining options with all Dad’s favorites such as filet sliders, pizza and sushi.
Sosa Family Cigars
This fifth generation premium cigar store showcases the art of hand-rolling cigars. An authentic, solid cedar humidor room keeps the stogies fresh for a prime smoking experience. Treat Dad to more than 80 brands of cigars at including Auturo Fuente, Padron, Imerio Cubano, and Guente Guente Opus XE. Sosa Family Cigars is currently located at Downtown Disney West Side.
Do you ever look at someone and wonder what is going on inside their head? Disney•Pixar’s original new film “Inside Out” ventures inside the mind to find out.
Based in Headquarters, the control center inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five Emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear (voice of Bill Hader) heads up safety, Anger (voice of Lewis Black) ensures all is fair and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else.
When Riley’s family relocates to a scary new city, the Emotions are on the job, eager to help guide her through the difficult transition. But when Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—taking some of her core memories with them—Fear, Anger and Disgust are left reluctantly in charge. Joy and Sadness must venture through unfamiliar places—Long Term Memory, Imagination Land, Abstract Thought and Dream Productions—in a desperate effort to get back to Headquarters, and Riley.
Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”, “Up”), produced by Jonas Rivera, p.g.a. (“Up”) and featuring an original score by Michael Giacchino (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Up”), Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out” opens in theaters on June 19, 2015.
“Tangled,” an animated series for kids, tween and families, based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ acclaimed feature film, has begun production with Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi reprising their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene (also known as Flynn Rider). The series will premiere in 2017 on Disney Channels around the world. It was announced today by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. It will also reunite Disney Legend and Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater.
Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series was developed by animation veterans Chris Sonnenburg (Disney’s “Enchanted”) and Shane Prigmore (“The Lego Movie”).
Marsh said, “The genius of the original movie was its seamless blending of cinematic adventure, character-driven comedy and touching emotion. And we are fortunate to have several of the creative talent from that movie on board with this new production. With the addition of Chris and Shane as Executive Producers, we have the perfect team in place to create a series worthy of the original film.”
Set between the events of the feature film and the start of the 2012 short film, “Tangled Ever After,” the animated series unfolds as Rapunzel acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom and the people of Corona. Her irrepressible spirit and natural curiosity about the world drives her to the realization that there is so much more she needs to learn before she can truly accept her royal destiny. She boldly puts her crown and impending marriage on hold to seek out epic adventures, much to the dismay of the King who, after missing out on Rapunzel’s youth, must accept that his daughter is now an independent young woman. Accompanying Rapunzel on her journey will be Eugene; the plucky chameleon sidekick, Pascal; the no-nonsense horse, Maximus; the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs; and newcomer Cassandra, a tough-as-nails handmaiden, who becomes Rapunzel’s confidant.
In 2012, Disney Channel presented the “Tangled Ever After” short, which delivered 5.0 million Total Viewers, 2.6 million Kids 2-11 and 1.4 million Adults 18-49.
Sonnenburg is the executive producer and supervising director and Prigmore is co-executive producer and creative director. Jase Ricci (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) is story editor. Celebrated artist Claire Keane (“Frozen,” “Tangled”), daughter of Disney Legend Glen Keane, who was animation supervisor on the feature film, consulted on development of the series. Emmy Award-winning Kevin Kliesch (“Tangled Ever After”) will serve as score composer.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 50th animated feature “Tangled” introduced audiences worldwide to long-locked Rapunzel and charming bandit Flynn Rider in one of the most hilarious, hair-raising tales ever told. Debuting over Thanksgiving in 2010, “Tangled” opened with $68.7 million and went on to earn $200 million domestically and more than $593 million globally, becoming one of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest releases of all time. Featuring music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the film was nominated for Golden Globe® and Critics Choice awards for best animated film, as well as best song for “I See the Light,” which also won a Grammy® Award and was nominated for an Academy Award®. Rapunzel, Flynn and their friends Pascal and Maximus returned to the big screen for a royal wedding in the 2012 short film “Tangled Ever After.” Guests can experience the magic of “Tangled” at Disney Parks around the world, including dazzling encounters with Rapunzel herself at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Rapunzel is not only one of the top-selling roleplay dresses at Disney Store but one of the most popular Disney Princess characters overall across licensed, Disney Store and Disney Publishing merchandise.
The clique of fictional successful movie star Vincent Chase are all back in town along with the biggest agent in town turned studio head, Ari Gold. Eric (E), Turtle and Johnny Drama return alongside Vince to help him with his directorial debut that only stems what would be many more challenges to overcome. The glitz, the girls, and the crazy Hollywood life continues as the audience gets their chance to live vicariously once again with their favorite ensemble of characters only now on the big screen in this perfect addition and better closure of the popular HBO series. You must not take it too seriously though. Some may have looked into the relation to societal roles a little too closely. Chill or this may not work for you.
ENTOURAGE has everything that one would expect from a movie-edition of this band of brothers, near mockumentary, of a struggling movie star. It has all the charades we’ve come to expect from the show times 100 along with more girls, nudity, cameos, locations, and a plot that fits an already near happy-go-lucky ending of an 8 season television show. It’s your perfect episode that just happens to last nearly two hours, but is self-containing and requires no prior knowledge of the show, although it still may help.
I was thinking for a long time how they could continue the story as creator DOUG ELLIN and writer ROB WEISS already appeared to tie all the knots with the ending of the story. Just like most of the episodes, the series ended neatly with everyone practically getting their happy ending, which I find was part of the success of the TV-show. We were left with Vince (ADRIAN GRENIER) headed to get married in Paris, Eric’s (KEVIN CONNOLLY) long time girlfriend Sloan (EMMANUELLE CHRIQUI) was pregnant, Turtle (JERRY FERRARA) was a new millionaire with his new Tequila company, and Johnny (KEVIN DILLON) finally had a “big” break with a new animated television series. Oh, and egotistical dirty-mouthed Ari Gold (JEREMY PIVEN) retired to save his marriage and possibly himself from being on the brink of a breakdown.
The television show was pretty wrapped up, and didn’t seem needing of a continuation movie. One would think, right? Nope, ELLIN and WEISS found a way to continue the story seamlessly bringing the whole team, including almost all supporting roles from the past, back together while not alienating the audience if they have never seen the show before. You can watch this movie and understand quickly each character, what they mean to each other, and ultimately the intent of the plot without seeing a single episode. ELLIN has stressed how he wanted to ensure he was able to do it and pulled it off with and then some!
There isn’t any long explanation of the past. It’s not needed. That is what made the show so strong. The characters and their actions told enough and that’s all we needed. ENTOURAGE starts immediately with Vince’s boys on a speed boat in the middle of the water. Instantly Johnny is cracking jokes on Turtle and E as they head toward a large party boat where Vince is holding one of his EPIC parties. Right away you can understand the dynamic between the boys and get an idea of this big glamorous life they now live.
It’s as if the movie hasn’t skipped a beat from the show. Everyone still acting exactly the same with their childish crude humor and tight friendships they all have remain. We quickly make our way onto the boat to meet Vince and the countless girls in bikinis or topless only to get quickly told the story how Vince’s honeymoon ended in your typical short-lived Hollywood relationship and the retired former agent of Vince has already returned to the business as the head of a major film studio. None of it feels forced but maybe over told so the entire audience can understand where everyone is at.
Just shortly after we hear Vince drop his bomb to Ari asking to direct his first movie on his next film that the iconic tile song from the TV-show slowly begins to fade in ultimately blasting over the theaters speakers like we have never heard it before. There I was, my favorite characters all back exactly as I have always known them and the typical title sequence with actors and production names replacing iconic Los Angeles landmarks only bigger and better than before. It was here! I was in that moment again. I knew for the next near two hours I would be entered back into the lives of these lovable characters where nothing in my life would matter. The audience gets the chance again to feel like they are living this glamorous, sometimes not-as-glamorous, lifestyle with these characters they have come to know so well. That’s all one can ask for a movie continuation of a tv-show.
The audience is treated to the debauchery the show is known for with silly woman problems to obstacles to overcome getting a film made. One of the biggest challenges Vince and the guys face is convincing their Texas multi-industry financier played by BILLY BOB THORTON and spoiled son, Travis (HALEY JOEL OSMENT). Yep, your eyes do not deceive you. Haley Joel known for his seeing of dead people in The Sixth Sense has returned to the screen in a very pivotal role in ENTOURAGE. Thorton’s character Larsen basically doesn’t believe in seeing any of the films he financially backs and instead sends his son to LA to see a screening of the movie in order to decide whether or not they will support any more money toward this already over-budget film.
In case you are unaware, Haley Joel doesn’t quite look like you might expect this former child star would look today. There was a time he was very over weight and basically appeared to have left show business. Somehow he has found a perfect role to jumpstart his career once again. He is still larger but still has that baby face look now just covered with a beer. His southern accent featuring rich kid character wasn’t an easy one to pull off and he somehow excels at in a role not really mentioned in any of the marketing.
Along with Billy Bob and Haley Joel is a slew of countless other characters making their return and what seems as a endless amount of cameos. Normally films with so many cameos would feel forced and overdone, but in ENTOURAGE it fits within the theme being this is based around Hollywood anyway. Besides, most are playing themselves and it truly fits into the story. Being that many were not said previously, I will keep most as a surprise.
I found it very pleasant to see nearly every character almost no matter how small their role was to be back in the movie. All of them seem to work with the story and never felt like they were placed just for the sake of being there. No need to stress as your favorite flamboyantly gay agent assistant Lloyd is there too in all his glory. His platonically loving care for his former boss Ari is finally understood and really makes sense. Ari has always been harsh on Lloyd, but there is a very touching scene between these two that really sums it up perfectly. I wont spoil it, but will mention it was a much needed and welcomed addition to these characters.
I really cannot dive too much into the cast as there are so many. However, I must say Turtle’s new lady interest, UFC fighter RHONDA ROUSEY, has some very comedic parts, she is probably also the most cringe-worthy. I usually let slide bad acting for people playing themselves, but it’s still worth mentioning it was clear that she is not an actress by day. It’s worth mentioning Vince’s publicist Shauna, DEBI MAZAR, returns as well other more-famous past cameo stars like BOB SAGET and GARY BUSEY.
MARK WHALBERG, one of the many producers, obviously makes his way in as well. The concept for the show is said to be loosely based on his life and his own entourage with many of the characters based off his own friends. There are similar themes he has faced throughout his own career, but the show was originally tended to be a documentary following his real life, but producers decided to make Entourage based off fictional characters so they could keep it lighter while also not reflecting on actual issues that surrounded him in Hollywood.
As mentioned before, the lighter, happier endings with everything being okay in most endings lead to Entourage’ssuccess. It’s that feel good fluff that made you know each week that you would find joy within the show. The movie is no different, and while it may get serious at times, the comedy and ridiculousness they get into really make this a fun new journey.
ENTOURAGE is really a story of a group of long lasting childhood friends that have always remained there to help their buddy Vince, even though many of them were actually needing help themselves. They are always there to support him, but opposite of many other opinions I have seen, it’s not about Vince’s story arc, which there is nearly none. It’s about their brotherhood and overcoming of their personal battles and odd circumstances that have lead to their own happiness. This isn’t Vince’s story, it’s his entourage’s. In fact, it’s not about their character flaws or fixes that are needed. There aren’t any real changes to each characters personality or who they are as a person, but rather ENTOURAGE the show and the movie is about their journey to get to where they wanted to be.
Throughout the entire journey of their lives since the shows creation in 2004, the audience has been lead to moments where they get to feel as if they are apart of Vince’s entourage. That’s what has given so many that euphoric feeling. It’s that moment of escapism. ENTOURAGE the movie succeeds at being exactly what it’s trying to be. It’s your escape to the world many of us wanted a taste of but could only dream about. The movie is a complete story that wraps everything up in a tight little package leading to a more satisfying ending than even that of the series.
Have you ever thought about going to Disney in your Sunday best? Or perhaps dressed up in your favorite vintage dress or suit? Then there is a day for you! Dapper Day is a day to dress up and celebrate in your favorite formal wear, vintage style clothes, and ‘dapper’ outfits at many of your favorite Disney parks. There’s no specific time period or theme to follow, just dress your best and have fun! The event started in 2011 at Disneyland, and since then has expanded to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. The event is held twice per year in all three parks, once in the spring and then again in the fall. Dapper Day requires no additional tickets apart from regular park admission.
Spring Dapper Day 2015 was my first experience with this event. While any day in Disney is almost guaranteed to be full of fun, happiness, and magic, Dapper Day brings a certain friendliness and fun atmosphere to the parks. Between people stopping to compliment each other on their outfits to grand meet-ups aboard the classic Liberty Belle steamboat, the event adds an even more magical feel to any park. One can find themselves feeling right at home among the classic buildings of Main Street, USA, or just feeling extra dapper as they take a trip through space on Space Mountain. The event also offers the opportunity for some unique park photo-ops in your Sunday best. The event is family friendly and those of all ages are encouraged to participate!
