“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.
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) introduces the world to Playmation – the next step in the evolution of play, where digital gets physical and imagination becomes real. The groundbreaking system of toys and wearables uses smart technology to inspire kids to run around and use their imaginations, as they become the hero or heroine of stories from across The Walt Disney Company.
“Innovation and creativity are the driving forces behind Disney, and our goal is to inspire children to unleash the power of their imaginations through the stories we tell and the experiences we create. With Playmation, we’re taking the next step in that tradition – bringing the worlds of play, storytelling, and technology together – in a new and very exciting way,” said Leslie Ferraro, president of Disney Consumer Products.
She continued: “Playmation takes the best the digital world has to offer and uses it to create supercharged, real world play. This is play updated for today’s kids – bringing their imaginations to life as they go on active adventures alongside their favorite characters.”
Dreamed up by a team of technologists, Imagineers and storytellers from across The Walt Disney Company, Playmation is the culmination of extensive research into the world of play. A new third party study commissioned by Disney1 reveals that parents feel nostalgia for the way they used to play growing up and that they also have a desire to keep their kids active. The study also found that children enjoy being active—yet at the same time, they have a growing appetite for technology-infused products.
The online study of 2,000 families across the country shows that while almost all parents believe in the power of active and creative play, they believe technology is also an important part of growing up today. In fact, 9 out of 10 parents are open to new technology that could play a role in keeping their child active.
“The study highlights a major opportunity to meet the needs of both parents and kids with a new way to play,” said Kareem Daniel, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development. “Playmation uses technology to make active, physical play even more fun. It puts kids at the center of our stories in a way we’ve never been able to before.”
Playmation also marks a new chapter in Disney Consumer Products’ long-term partnership with Hasbro. DCP and Hasbro collaborated on physical product design and manufacturing of Playmation. Hasbro’s record of innovation and consumer insights make them the perfect partner to ensure that Playmation is a truly ground-breaking play experience.
“This is classic play for the millennial generation,” said Jim Silver, editor in chief and CEO of TTPM. “Playmation takes the role play category to a new level of engagement with their breakthrough interactive play. It is the entry point into a new category of toys that bring digital experiences into the real world. With Playmation, Disney Consumer Products is going to raise the bar in the world of play.”
Playmation Marvel’s Avengers is the first in a series of systems in development around Walt Disney Company franchises, and will hit shelves this October. At launch, the Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will include five connected toys: one piece of Avenger Gear (Repulsor), two Power Activators and two Smart Figures – a Super Hero (Captain America) and a Super Villain (Iron Skull). Getting started is easy, strap the high-tech Repulsor Gear onto your arm (it fits adults, too!) and listen closely to JARVIS as he takes you through the tutorial on how to control your new Gear, inspired by Iron Man technology. Other Playmation Marvel’s Avengers connected toys that work with the Starter Pack will also be available separately for purchase at launch, with more on the way.
Also available at launch, is the AvengersNet app where you can register your Avenger Gear to see progress, explore additional locations and characters, and get access to new missions. New recruits to the Avengers can fight Marvel Super Villains including Ultron, Iron Skull, Loki, or join fellow Avengers Super Heroes like Black Widow, Falcon and more as they battle to save the Earth by running, jumping, ducking and dodging – whatever each challenge requires.
“With Playmation Marvel’s Avengers, the very best of Marvel storytelling is infused into every aspect of the system to further spark imaginative, active play,” said Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer, Marvel. “Playmation offers kids a dynamic way to interact with their favorite Super Heroes – I wish it was around when I was a kid!”
Playmation Marvel’s Avengers uses familiar technologies including smart toys, wearables, wireless technology, motion sensors and more, but applies them in ways that are completely new to create an experience that’s never been possible before. The Repulsor Gear connects with the Power Activators and Smart Figures to take you on a variety of adventures through locations around the Marvel Universe, from the Avengers Lab in New York to the jungles of Wakanda. Playmation is purposely not tethered to an Internet connection so players can run around and explore each adventure from anywhere they want – a bedroom, living room or yard. With multiplayer modes, recruits can sync their Avenger Gear to tackle missions and combat arenas together, or face off in competitive play.
The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will have a suggested retail price of $119.99 and will launch in October 2015 in the United States and Canada at mass and specialty retailers, select Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com, and will be available for pre-order starting July 7.
Star Wars and Disney Frozen systems are currently in development for 2016 and 2017, respectively. Each will use a range of technologies to create a system based on the different ways that kids play and experience their favorite stories and characters from that franchise.
“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct?
Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.
It’s a party, so you’re allowed to eat dessert first. For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, here are six new sweets for 60 years, and they’ll stay on the menu throughout the celebration.
Disneyland Park Diamond Lemon Cupcake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café – This lemony cupcake has white chocolate crunchy pearls, strawberry filling and is topped with white chocolate Champagne mousse, blue buttercream decoration, blue chocolate curls, silver coated white chocolate pearls and a chocolate “D.” Almost too pretty to eat!
Disney California Adventure Park Diamond Orange Cupcake at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café – If you prefer orange, try this cupcake with chocolate crunchy pearls, mixed berry filling and a topping of cream cheese Bavarian mousse. The decoration is pretty silver dust pearls, blue buttercream trim and a chocolate diamond. Yum!
Diamond Tiramisù at Wine Country Trattoria, Disney California Adventure Park – This is a fancy sweet ending: layers of tiramisù made from sweetened Italian mascarpone, Marsala wine and espresso-soaked ladyfingers topped with cocoa powder and finished with chocolate curls and espresso sauce.
Meyer Lemon Crème Brûlée Tart at Blue Bayou Restaurant, Disneyland Park – Tangy and creamy Meyer lemon crème brûlée in a crunchy sweet tart shell topped with blueberry compote and a sparkly silver chocolate diamond – eat it or Instagram?
White Chocolate Bavarian Diamond Strawberry-Rhubarb Shortcake at Carnation Cafe, Disneyland Park – A little old-fashioned, a little upscale, this is smooth and creamy white chocolate Bavarian mousse shaped like a diamond resting on vanilla cake finished in a plate with a rich fresh strawberry-rhubarb sauce.
Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Chocolate Cake – This crowd pleaser is found at Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, French Market Restaurant and Cafe Orleans in Disneyland park, Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta at Disney California Adventure park and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel. Chocolate layer cake with caramel ganache, chocolate crunchy pearls, fleur de sel, apricot compote, Pabana mousse (banana, passion fruit, mango, lemon) and chocolate truffle mousse is topped with chocolate ganache and a sparkly silver chocolate diamond. Celebrate and share it with a friend!
This Post was first posted on the Disney Parks Blog June 1st, 2015 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Disney Consumer Products has announced the launch of a new product line inspired by Disney∙Pixar’s original comedy-adventure, Inside Out. Directed by Academy Award-winner Pete Docter (“Up”) and debuting in theaters June 19, 2015, Inside Out takes us to the most extraordinary location of all – inside the mind. Best-in-class licensees including TOMY, Freeze, Mighty Fine, KIDdesigns, Inc., UGG®, Jay Franco, Random House and Chronicle Books in addition to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Store have developed a wide product assortment that includes figures, plush, playsets, apparel and accessories, home décor, novelties and tech, books and more.
From deluxe talking dolls and plush that light up, to LED color-changing headphones, to novelty items such as scented pens, the imaginative Inside Out collection brings to life the unique and dynamic emotions starring in the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. To celebrate self-expression, UGG® is launching a capsule collection off 11 playful footwear styles for tweens featuring youthful prints and design elements. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is also supporting the theatrical debut with a program that features apps and story books.
“Inside Out’s eclectic cast inspired a whimsical product line that is full of personality and captures the wide spectrum of emotions that guide our lives,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. “Whether it’s through bold and colorful apparel and accessories or interactive toys and books, there’s an opportunity for fans of all ages to celebrate individuality and embrace their own dynamic emotions.”
Inside Out products are available now at mass and specialty retailers nationwide, Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com. DisneyStore.com also offers a Personalized Shop that allows fans to personalize a variety of items, from tech accessories and school supplies to apparel and party invitations, with their favorite characters from the movie.
Highlights from the product line include:
Figures, Plush & Playsets
Inside Out Character Figures by TOMY ($8.99 each): Each light-up figure inspired by the five emotions comes with its own “Memory Sphere” that holds Riley’s memories.
Inside Out Deluxe Talking Dolls by Disney Store ($19.95 each): Press each doll’s hand to see its face light up and hear unique phrases, plus you can create your own “memory ball” that opens up to enable you to insert your own moments.
Inside Out Headquarters Playset by TOMY ($39.99): Recreate how Riley’s emotions help or work to guide her by storing “Memory Spheres” in her long term memory and using the mini console to project them on the Screen of Consciousness.
Inside Out Tsum Tsum Collection by Disney Store ($4.95 each): Now you can collect Anger, Sadness, Joy, Disgust, Fear and Bing Bong in soft and stackable mini size!
Apparel & Accessories
Inside Out Footwear by UGG ($69.95-144.95 each): The emotions of Inside Out come to life with bold colors and sweet embellishments that celebrate a rainbow of emotions on boots, slip-ons and sneakers.
Inside Out Caps by Concept One ($12.99 each): Top off your ensemble and show your emotions with these playful flat brimmed hats.
Inside Out Sock Set by Disney Store ($16.95): You’ll feel Joy from head to toe with this set of six pairs of crew socks featuring each emotion from the film. Wear a pair or mix and match different colored socks to match your emotions.
Novelties & Tech
Inside Out Reversible Bag and Journal by Disney Store ($26.95, $16.95): Turn your emotions “inside out” with this reversible bag and externalize that internal dialogue with the matching spiral-bound journal.
Inside Out iPhone 5/5S Case by Disney Store ($19.95): Dial up your emotions with a clear case that comes with five interchangeable designs featuring Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust and Fear.
Inside Out Scented Pens by Scentco, Inc. ($3.99 each): These pens have scented vents on the sides to release sweet scents for the senses, with each emotion featuring its own unique scent.
Inside Out LED Color-Changing Headphones by KIDdesigns, Inc. ($34.99): Tune in to your emotions with headphones that feature four different light-up color modes.
Home Décor
Inside Out Bed Set and Window Drapes by Jay Franco ($19.88-199.99): Brighten up your room with bold, vibrant colored bedroom accessories.
Inside Out Pillow Buddies by Jay Franco ($31.92 each): After a day full of adventures, cuddle up with your favorite emotion for sweet dreams.
Inside Out Alarm Clock by MZB ($19.99): Greet the day with a colorful wake-up call from Joy, Sadness and Disgust with a light-up alarm clock.
Disney Publishing Worldwide
Inside Out: Box of Mixed Emotions by DPW ($12.99): Dive inside Riley’s mind and get to know the emotions that know her best with five fun storybooks, each devoted to a different emotion.
Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe by DPW: Journey through the retelling of Inside Out by interacting with the five emotions and create “Memory Spheres” with your own pictures, videos and voice!
Disney Color and Play by DPW: Create, color, play and animate your favorite Inside Out emotions with unlimited combinations of tools, colors, patterns, stickers and more!
Inside Out Publishing Program by Random House ($5.99-9.99): Take a closer peek and explore inside the human mind with levered readers and novels, novelty and activity books, as well as e-books.
Welcome to Spark, the new email app from the team that brought you fine apps such as Scanner Pro and Printer Pro.
Spark makes it easy to work through your inbox faster than ever before. No matter if it’s one new message or hundreds, you can do it in a couple of minutes. Spark Integrates with major cloud services to make your email experience better and frictionless (Dropbox, Box, Evernote, Pocket, Instapaper, etc. – you can even connect two accounts for one service).
Here are more reasons why Spark is Unique:
Setup
Setting up the Spark app is no more complicated than entering in your login credentials. Upon first launch, the user is greeted with a welcome screen that gives the option to take a feature-based tutorial of the Spark app or, conversely, start immediately setting up your account.
Account creation itself is a breeze as Readdle seems to have taken a page form Apple’s playbook. Setting up two Gmail accounts required nothing more than a username and password and a code for 2-step verification. From there, all of my email began to sync down to the iPhone and was automatically categorized (more on that below) for easy viewing and processing.
User Interface
In regards to the user interface, the Spark app presents a clean and organized look that conceals an email productivity powerhouse. The Smart Inbox feature sorts email based not only on date and time received, but the relative importance of the message itself. New emails are displayed at the top while email that you’ve read is moved into the “inbox” section below. The app intuitively knows which messages are important based from the frequency of emails that have been exchanged between your account and that of the third party – which makes for a less intrusive, and more sane, email experience.
Spark is clever when it comes to categorization. It knows how to sort email based on the sender, and upon first use, your email will be logically categorized into “personal”, “newsletter” and “notification” boxes for easy processing. What’s more, Spark recognizes and prioritizes authentic email, putting messages from real people up top to where they have your attention.
Managing email with Spark is simple with gesture based swipes that execute commands such as archive, delete, pin and snooze – so you can get to inbox zero in less time and with less fuss than ever before. Moreover, all of the gestures are customizable which allows for left or right-handed use.
Emails that have been read, or have otherwise had some action applied to them, will either be moved to the archives, or the a separate “general inbox” section below the new emails. This a simple and intuitive way to know what needs your attention and what you’ve already dealt with.
Lastly, Spark shines when it comes to the amount of customization you’re able to apply to fully manage your email experience within the app. One such customization is the addition of widgets like a calendar or smart folders. Widgets help to minimize the amount of time a user spends hunting for a particular piece information by providing it at their finger tips. Widgets can be accessed by tapping the circle icon in the bottom right hand corner of your screen and then choosing the widget you’d like to see.
Thoughts
Upon first playing with Spark, I liked how quickly the gesture based actions allowed me to process through my inbox until I was, at long last, at inbox zero! For me, that’s quite an accomplishment. I also really like quick replies – a handy set of pre-typed messages that I can send with one tap on the screen. Quick replies come in handy when I want to let someone know that I’ve received their email or quickly say thanks – all I need to do is tap “Got it” or “Thanks” and Spark takes care of the rest.
A well implemented feature is read receipts. Spark makes it easy to know when your recipients have opened your messages by sending you a quick notification when the message has been read. Of course, this feature is completely optional, but I think it really helps with email management.
While there are a lot of great features in Spark, as of right now, there exists one big area for improvement – and that’s email readability. The thing is, when I open a new email it Spark, it loads very quickly, but the email displayed at when can only be thought of as a birds eye view – in which the text is small and somewhat hard to read. In order to drill down into the content of the message, I found myself having to try multiple strategies for zooming into the body of the email – and no, pinch to zoom does not work in Spark, at least not very well. It would be more beneficial for Spark to open an email and display it more zoomed into the message of the email, vs the birds eye view.
Conclusion
Overall, the Readlle team did a fantastic job of crafting a superb email management application that will help us win the battle against the constant influx of email. With many unique features, Spark is poised to become a a key player in the email game.
Get that movie popcorn and your 72oz soda ready because SAN ANDREAS is ready to burst through the ceiling and land smack dab in your lap. SAN ANDREAS makes no mistakes what it is and leaves no apology for its absolute absurdity with cumbersome unrealistic action sequences, cheesy one-liners, and scenarios that are too outlandish to fathom. It’s your quintessential disaster flick that leaves nothing untouched all while helping you forget about your day to day lives. Don’t write this one off quite yet!
The trailer isn’t fooling anyone. SAN ANDREAS is everything you hoped it wouldn’t be, but that’s nothing to fault it for. It’s just as far-fetched and ludicrous as Dantes Peak or Deep Impact of their times, yet we still all loved those when they came out, unless you were a film critic. This is no different. Think Armageddon times a thousand! We have loved to hate and mock these disaster films however I don’t think the creators of SAN ANDREAS would expect anything less from this over-the-top newest epic.
Director BRAD PAYTON returns with DWAYNE JOHNSON after such films as Journey 2 or a sequel to Cats & Dogs. Yeah, that guy. Writer and story creators CARLTON CUSE, ANDRE FABRIZIO and JEREMY PASSMORE quite possibly left a round table meeting thinking lets just make the biggest disaster film imaginable and hit the ground running with it. What they ended up creating with such a silly screenplay really is quite remarkable, as laughable as most of the film is.
The plot is simple: there are giant earthquakes that are reeking havoc through California along the, you guest it, the San Andreas Fault, and we are caught right in the middle of their carnage. The story that goes with it just ends up being quite meaningless.
A rescue-chopper pilot Ray, DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON, has just helped save the life of post-earthquake distressed girl and quickly comes to learn that this is just the beginning of the destruction. He and his ex-wife Emma, CARLA GUGINO (Watchmen, Mad Men, Sin City),embark on a journey through California to save their daughter Blake, ALEXANDRIA DADDARIO (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, True Detective), who has been left to defend herself where everyone will be hit hardest, San Francisco.
DWAYNE JOHNSON does everything he can with the content provided, and really fits the role being a man that can basically get out alive of any situation. The movie starts right off with a small trembler along Hollywood Hills. A young girl driver escapes a few cheap scares shortly before a large landslide takes her car flying off the hill in near comical crash down the side of the rocky cliff. After surviving one of the most horrific car crashes since the dawn of time, this young girl survives the tumble and head on collision with just a few scratches. The Rock is there with his chopper to get the nearly unharmed girl out of the wedges through undeniably the most unrealistic rescue scene of this century. Of course everything is done just in the knick of time. This quickly becomes the theme of the movie.
As ridiculous as it was, it sets a precedence for what the audience has gotten themselves into. Nearly every, no, every single action scene features just as outlandish scenarios as the last with everything happening just in time before someone would have lost a limb or their life. Watching out for falling rocks, or giant beams of steal for the matter. Heck, watch out for that giant cruise liner riding the wave into heart the San Francisco. It turns into rather a fun game seeing how each actor will get out of the next scene alive.
Ray and his ex-wife Emma must put past their differences to get to the bay area in order to rescue their daughter Blake who happens to me more competent anyway than any other person on the planet. No worry to be concerned for her because apparently being the daughter of a helicopter piloting rescue man means she knows much more than her cute innocent looking persona gives off.
Blake has since met a man, Ben (HUGO JOHNSTONE-BURT), interviewing for her mothers douche of a boyfriend’s company, conveniently the architect of the largest and strongest building in San Francisco, that’s quite the foreshadowing there. His younger brother Ollie, ART PARKINSON, also tags along as he attempts to bring Ben and Blake romantically together. They lead into a charming little subplot and help lighten the mood of the movie significantly.
However, then there is a completely meaningless subplot featuring PAUL GIAMATTI as the corky seismologist that can now predict the future of earthquakes, although at this point it’s already too late. While I think it it’s safe to say that the majoring of us really like GIAMATTI, his role is basically just there to help explain and justify what the Hell is happening to California. He gets some fantastic one-liners as well, with each ending with an imaginary dramatic “dun dun duuun” sound effect. He even gets on the receiving end of a “You did good” line, which I beg to differ that after millions have probably died, I don’t think it’s okay to shed a line comparable to “That’ll do pig, that’ll do”.
Speaking of pointless but oh so welcomed eye-candy is ALEXANDRIA DADDARIO bosom. That’s my G rated way to put it. All the classic horror film cues for her are there from the removing of her dirty over-shirt to reveal her large untamed breasts to a wet t-shirt and running! Those pre-teen boys watching this next to their parents may need to have bag of popcorn at this time.
All of these things are so absolutely silly and painfully obvious that it almost turns SAN ANDREAS into a classic B movie yet with incredibly well-done special effects that makes my mind hurt just imagining creating all of the detail. The majority of the film features practical sets surrounded with CG elements helping create a realistic environment. These massive disaster films usually find trouble with tsunami like waves or countless buildings crumbling to the ground, but they were able to do something correct here with a moderate budget. As large as the scenes were, they weren’t terribly fake looking.
The effects and suspense, even as unbelievable as they may be, is really what makes SAN ANDREAS salvageable. Unbeknownst to the rest of this review, this movie is impressive and still has a place in Hollywood even though I never thought I would have to see The Golden Gate Bridge get destroyed yet again. So what if every crazy scenario continues to get more far-fetched from the last? So what if the story is actually quite meaningless to what really happens in the movie? That’s not what this movie is meant to be.
No, SAN ANDREAS is one of the largest, most epic movies you will ever see! It’s worth it just to see the one-liners. It’s a good laugh yet still wildly entertaining and mesmerizing. Okay, I’ll admit I also enjoyed seeing AT&T Park get a lot of screen time and the idea I have been to nearly every location the movie is set. Seriously though, it’s still an viscous disaster film that holds nothing back. There are no dramatic scenes that are going to be deserving of an Oscar, but the scenes that require some dramatic acting still delivered some powerful moments.
If you’re still a little worried about the next big earthquake to hit Souther California or still a little squeamish than this may be a little much for you. It will definitely make you think about your emergency natural disaster plan in place. But, if the next big one hits… (intense ominous music builds louder) …you’re on your own.
Disney Interactive has revealed more information for Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out Play Set, an innovative puzzle-solving action-platformer, available this fall for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the ultimate family gaming platform that features characters from across The Walt Disney Company, including Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars™ franchises.
Based on Disney•Pixar’s much anticipated film Inside Out releasing June 19 in North America, the Inside Out Play Set takes place in Riley’s mind after she inadvertently catches a glimpse of a scary movie as she is falling asleep. Her Emotions — Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness — rally together to calm the turmoil that has overtaken Imagination Land as a result of Riley seeing the movie. Broccoli, pie cannons, bats and even swamp creatures are running rampant through Riley’s mind. As single-player or two-player co-op, players must help Riley’s Emotions journey through Imagination Land, work together using each character’s unique skills to defeat enemies, gather Riley’s displaced memories, and return them to the Long Term with the help of Mind Workers before Riley awakens.
Three different game modes feature a twist on traditional platforming:
· Clouds, which fade or emit lightning;
· Musical platforms, which must be precisely timed in sync with the beat, and;
· Gravity barriers, which flip the player and the world upside down.
Playable characters for the Play Set include Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. Each figure comes with special powers to combat swamp creatures and other nightmare beasts:
● Joy – A ray of lighthearted, optimistic sunshine that brings cheer to every adventure. She can glide across gaps the others can’t overcome.
● Fear – Frightful bundle of nerves is the fastest runner. He can cross bridges and platforms before they collapse.
● Anger – Hot-headed powerhouse can cross beds of hot lava with ease.
● Disgust – Always disgusted, she repels off the clouds letting her jump higher than anyone.
● Sadness – Worrisome friend turns waves of sadness into melancholy fun, and can travel on clouds without them fading beneath her.
All figures will be also playable in the newly enhanced Toy Box 3.0, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity. Players will be able to use these figures, plus hundreds of Star Wars, Marvel and Disney-themed items, locations, props and vehicles to create new adventures in customized worlds.
Additional figures and Play Sets will be announced in the coming months. Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is being developed by Avalanche Software in partnership with Ninja Theory, Sumo Digital, Studio Gobo and United Front Games. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB and will be available this fall.
Imagine winning a Disney Diamond or a Cinderella glass slipper, or enjoying a private excursion and dinner in Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. Those are a few of the exciting prizes that will be awarded to some lucky guests during the Disneyland Diamond Days sweepstakes, part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration that began May 22, 2015.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary, Disneyland Diamond Days is an exciting sweepstakes in which daily prizes are awarded to some Disneyland Resort visitors as part of the Diamond Celebration. Each daily prize package for that day includes an individualized tour of the parks with preferred access to select attractions, dining and VIP viewing at some of the dazzling, new nighttime spectaculars. Daily prize winners must be present on the Disneyland Resort premises at the time of entry and at the time of prize redemption in order to be able to enjoy these special experiences, and theme park admission is not necessary to enter or win the sweepstakes.*
In addition to the daily prizes, Disneyland Diamond Days will offer guests a weekly opportunity to win exceptional Disneyland Resort prizes and experiences. Appropriately enough, the most exciting prizes are authentic diamonds, custom-engraved for Disney! One- and two-carat Disney Diamonds will be awarded throughout the celebration, and some will commemorate dates with particular significance to the Disneyland Resort. One-carat Disney Diamonds will even be paired with a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite.
The Disneyland Dream Suite is a magical, private apartment located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in New Orleans Square inside Disneyland. It was created using unrealized designs originally intended for a private apartment for Walt Disney himself. The Dream Suite is filled with magical décor, elegant furnishings and special details that surprise and delight its guests. An overnight stay, including a view of Disneyland after park guests have departed, is a money-can’t-buy experience that will be enjoyed only by a few lucky prize winners.
Weekly prizes include: a clear, crystal Cinderella slipper, adorned with a diamond-and-topaz pendant; plus highly unique experiences that only Disneyland can offer, such as a private party in Fantasyland, a romantic cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, or a tailgate party in Cars Land. The available prize will vary each week.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C., Mexico and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age of majority as of date of entry. Specific prizes to be awarded in the weekly sweepstakes will be announced online at Disneyland.com/DiamondDays the preceding week. Sponsor: Disney Memories, 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, U.S.A.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is bringing its popular Fanniversary event into the homes of members and Disney fans around the world, with Fanniversary Home Edition. This year’s inaugural home event celebrates the 60th anniversary of Disney’s classic canine love story Lady and the Tramp. Fans can join the fun by visiting D23.com/D23Fanniversary.
Starting May 29, guests can begin preparing for the party by downloading invitations, decorations, crafts, games, and even a traditional spaghetti and meatballs recipe provided by the talented chefs of The Chew.
Then from June 12–14 it’s time to party! Throughout the weekend, D23 will unveil new and classic content on D23.com about the animated favorite, including:
A new video featuring original artwork from the Animation Research Library
A series of the original “Scamp” comics
A gallery of Lady and the Tramp items from the Walt Disney Archives
Features full of fun facts about the film, including a piece by Disney music historian Randy Thornton looking at the development of the movie’s beloved songs
A story on Walt Disney’s own dogs and how they influenced some of his movies
Plus, fans are encouraged to join the conversation on D23’s social media using the hashtag #D23Fanniversary (follow “DisneyD23” on all platforms). One of the many downloadables will be a “selfie station” where fans can pose as the film’s canine couple enjoying a plate of pasta at Tony’s Restaurant, and then upload their shots on social media. Throughout the weekend, D23 also invites fans to post “Dogglegangers”—photos of their own pooches who look like the dynamic dogs from the film—and share stories of dogs they have adopted.
Fans are encouraged to watch the beloved film all weekend long. And for those who would like to watch as one big group, at 5 p.m. PDT on Saturday, June 13, D23 encourages fans around the world to hit “play” on their DVD, Blu-ray, or digital device to kick off the largest Lady and the Tramp viewing party ever. Follow on Twitter, as D23 will be live tweeting out fun facts, commentary, and questions for the audience.
Lady and the Tramp, which had its premiere on June 16, 1955, tells the story of Lady, a young cocker spaniel from a “respectable” home, who falls in love with Tramp, a mutt who lives in the railroad yards. The idea for the film came from a short story by Ward Greene entitled “Happy Dan, the Whistling Dog.” The film stars such voice talents as Barbara Luddy as Lady; Larry Roberts as Tramp; and Peggy Lee as Darling, the Siamese cats, and Peg, the show dog.
