[ultimate-recipe id=”17965″ template=”default”]
Experience Spark, new email app from Readdle for iPhone and Apple Watch
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.
Download Spark now for free from the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id997102246?mt=8
For more info on Spark, visit the official Website here: http://readdle.com/spark
Movie Review 'San Andreas' Reeks Havoc Through Theaters
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.
'Inside Out' Play Set coming to Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition
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.
Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes has officially started
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.
Full official rules and to Enter, check-out Disneyland.com/DiamondDays!
* 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 Launches The First Fanniversary Home Edition
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.
Journey Into 'Tomorrowland Press Conference' Where Anything is Possible
From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them— forever.
“Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.
In the movie, the premise that the futuristic city of Tomorrowland could actually exist pays homage to Walt Disney’s vision for both Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Disney World’s Epcot, where ever-evolving technologies are showcased along with ideas to make the world a better place for all. But many believe—although it is generally thought to be myth—that Walt Disney was part of a secret band of thinkers and optimists and that Tomorrowland might actually exist in another dimension as a direct result of the forward-thinking, futuristic ideas that the group developed.
At a recent Press conference, we had the chance to hear from the Cast and Filmmakers and to learn more about “Tomorrowland” and what this movie was all about.
Q: Our understanding is that this film really originates from a series of discussions you had with the people at Disney. We are curious as to what those discussions were, and how this film came about. This was asked to Damon and Jeff who helped write the film.
A: Damon Lindelof replied, I was having a meeting, a lunch, with Sean Bailey, who is the president of production at Disney. We were talking about the Marvel movies, of which we’re both fans. He said they had a number of fantasy princess movies in the pipeline at Disney, but just sort of wondered what else a Disney movie should be. I said to him, “I don’t know what it’s about, but I would see a movie called Tomorrowland.” And that was the beginning of this whole adventure.
Lindelof began to develop the story by researching the history of Disney and its originator, which led to research on the company’s involvement in the 1964 World’s Fair. “Walt Disney was a futurist in that real mid-century modernist sense,” says Lindelof. “He was very optimistic. He believed that technology held the key to building a better world. He also believed in technology as a means of creating great entertainment. For the 1964 World’s Fair, the Walt Disney Company created three rides, the It’s a Small World ride being the one we remember most.
Q: Jeff, did it blow your mind when Damon called and said he wanted you to join this project?
A: Yeah. It was definitely a little crazy and humbling too. I mean, it was a lot of fun to work with someone whose storytelling you really admire, and to get in a room with them. And the idea that he pitched to me was just really engaging.
The success of the World’s Fair allowed Disney to raise funds for his next great project, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or Epcot. Disney’s vision was for a model city that would be an ongoing experiment in urban development and organization; it was to be a real Tomorrowland where technology wed urban planning to create an optimal living environment.
We had a chance to hear from George Clooney about this movie. And George, at the heart of this movie is a really big idea, which I think is powerful. You’ve made a lot of bold films in your career, particularly the more political ones. But I think this one is right up there, as far as being quite bold. Do you see it that way?
A: First and foremost, I think it is a really bold thing for Disney to be willing to do a film that isn’t a sequel and isn’t a comic book. The fun part of it, to me, was when you read the screenplay, although I have to say, just so we’re clear, when Damon and Brad showed up at my house, they said, “We’ve got a part that we’ve written for you.” And then I opened up the description of the character and it’s a 55-year-old has-been, and I’m kind of going, “Hang on a minute, which part am I reading for?”
Filmmakers Brad Bird and Damon Lindelof had only one man in mind to play the disillusioned inventor Frank Walker: George Clooney. “From very early on we described Frank as George Clooney-esque,” recalls Lindelof, “and whenever we would talk about actors for Frank, the thinking was: Who’s like Clooney? We crossed our fingers and did our best job of writing it, infusing Frank with a curmudgeonly humor and a heroic quality, all of which we think George embodies. And then we sent it off into the universe.”
The producers knew there would not be a shortage of actors wanting to work with Clooney and Laurie, but the part of Casey would still be difficult to cast because whoever took on Casey’s role would need to do a great deal of the heavy lifting. She would need a tremendous amount of confidence and bravery and stamina. Many young actors vied for the role but in the end it went to Britt Robertson.
The filmmakers also struck gold with young Raffey Cassidy, who plays Athena. “Raffey is proof that people can make a difference,” says executive producer John Walker. “Cynicism and sarcasm are fashionable; honesty, optimism and love are a little out of fashion. So it was nice to see this young girl supplying such positivity. When you watch Raffey’s audition tape, at the end of every take she would give a little thumbs-up. She’s just a spark plug of a kid. She is the embodiment of the film.”
Q: Can you talk a bit, from each of your perspectives, about how NASA played a role in the production, and how that symbolizes the hope of optimism, and how right now, things aren’t as optimistic as necessary?
A: Yeah. For me, I think NASA also sort of represents a very specific hope, you know, and it sort of ties in with the movie in a sort of symbolic way, you know? NASA represents this unknown, and the human race’s being able to explore the universe and other things that are out there. And I think that’s sort of in line with the movie, in terms of theme. We’re talking about a movie that’s saying, “We don’t know what our future is. It’s not determined for us, and maybe if we go out there and explore the world, maybe if NASA wants to go and see what else is out there, then maybe that will have some helpful part in making our future something to be excited about.”
“Walt Disney was constantly innovating,” says Bird in admiration. “He was never afraid to be the first to do something. He was among the very first in animation to introduce sound and color. ‘Fantasia’ had stereophonic sound 15 years before anyone else did. When he started working on Disneyland everyone thought he was insane. Disney was forever jumping out of planes and then improvising a parachute on the way down. He was excited about things like space travel; all you have to do is look at those specials he did with Ward Kimball in the late ’50s to see that Walt was really excited about the idea of progress. He had a massive curiosity and Tomorrowland, the World’s Fair, Epcot, they all represent that.”
Bird adds, “One of Disney’s quotes was, ‘I don’t make movies to make money; I make money to make movies.’ Was he a perfect guy? No. But when you look at how much he accomplished in his lifetime, it’s just staggering. So I view him as an innovator. He had a very proactive and positive view of the future. I like to think that this film is something that he would enjoy.”
“Tomorrowland” is now paying in theaters.
Universal Pictures 'STEVE JOBS' First Look
Set backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, Steve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint an intimate portrait of the brilliant man at its epicenter.
Steve Jobs is directed by Academy Award® winner Danny Boyle and written by Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin, working from Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography of the Apple founder. The producers are Mark Gordon, Guymon Casady of Film 360, Scott Rudin and Academy Award® winner Christian Colson.
Michael Fassbender plays Steve Jobs, the pioneering founder of Apple, with Academy Award®-winning actress Kate Winslet starring as Joanna Hoffman, former marketing chief of Macintosh. Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple, is played by Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels stars as former Apple CEO John Sculley. The film also stars Katherine Waterston as Chrisann Brennan, Jobs’ ex-girlfriend, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Andy Hertzfeld, one of the original members of the Apple Macintosh development team.
Genres: Drama
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Waterston, Michael Stuhlbarg
Directed By: Danny Boyle
Produced By: Mark Gordon, Guymon Casady, Scott Rudin, Christian Colson
Executive Produced By: Bernard Bellew
Movie Review 'Tomorrowland' Helps Audiences Find an Optimistic Future
Filled with nostalgia and adventure familiar to classic tales of yesteryear, Disney’s TOMORROWLAND builds off the sci-fi genre to bring the search for a better future to today’s audience. Brad Bird, director of THE INCREDIBLES and MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL, is back with what seems more of a passion project rather than a guaranteed formula based movie. This thought-provoking film is perfect for the entire family, but as with most people, you may be wondering what this film is really about.
TOMORROWLAND’s core story and theme is actually quite difficult to show within a 2 ½ minute trailer. It’s not that it is terribly complicated, but the entire premise of the movie is going on the journey with the characters for the final reveal. There is no one particular genre this falls under. It really is so many movies in one.
The audience is treated to an ‘adventuresque’ young-teenager coming-of-age being the chosen one to solve matters to save the world type story. Yup, that’s how I am going to explain it. It is as if WALL-E, MEET THE ROBINSONS, and Spielberg’s SUPER 8 merged together to bring the morals and themes of the first two and the feel of the latter as the audience awaits for answers about this mysterious land.
It’s a film that may require the expectations being set before going in. Some people may see the trailer and see it as sci-fi, others maybe more of a mystery, and others even will see it as an action flick. Well, it’s all of them. But make no mistake, it does have long scenes explaining the scenarios and building the relationships between the characters. When the action comes, it’s beautiful and well done, but really shouldn’t be the purpose of seeking out this film.
Imagine a world was created by a team of the top innovating influential people in the world before the turn of the last century. A world built to create a better tomorrow away from the politics and greed we know of today. It’s a world between time and space, which cannot be seen without an invitation, just as the movies slogan says “where nothing is impossible”.
A very optimistic teenage girl Casey Netwon, BRITT ROBERTSON, fascinated with space and plainly the improvement of our society, has been mysteriously presented a magical pin that allows her to see into this futuristic world. Her curiosity takes hold and her search for answers leads her to a former boy-genius Frank, GEORGE CLOONEY, that we are introduced to at the beginning of the film. Being chased by a group concerned by her knowledge of Tomorrowland, Casey and Frank must embark on a mission to this secret land.
That may not reveal enough for you, but this film really is about allowing the movie to reveal the secrets and meaning behind Tomorrowland along with the reasoning behind Casey being sought out as a “chosen one”. I was fortunate enough to see a screening Brad Bird introduced. He expressed his feelings that this is a “true Disney film” with action and adventure, but at times brings to light items related to today’s world. In order to maintain the mysteriousness and the rewarding factor of learning the story throughout the film, it leaves me at a little lost for words.
For those of you that are looking forward to 1964 World’s Fair connection, don’t expect to get too much more than the a preview that can be seen at Disneyland. I for one was really looking forward to the connections this land has with Walt Disney and the many scenes that take place at the New York World’s Fair. Sadly there is only one scene there and they don’t really ever mention Walt Disney. Frank as the young-boy is shown being taken to Tomorrowland via the special pin in through a secret trap door for the boats within “it’s a small world”, which originally debut at the fair. Being a fellow Disney nut, the movie sadly doesn’t connect Tomorrowland and the Disney made attractions for the fair more than a brief opening scene. I thought a few of you may want to be forewarned prior to seeing the film so you’re not let down.
UPDATE 5/21: It appears that Damon Lindelof addressed the lack of Walt Disney and Disneyland references in an interview with Screencrush. I think it may be interesting in case you were wondering why it appeared absent:
There were very explicit references to Walt’s involvement in Plus Ultra [the secret society that creates Tomorrowland], and on the DVD you’ll see a scene in Blast From the Past where they say explicitly that Walt was a member, and Casey even says, “Like the Tomorrowland in Disneyland?” That prompts them to explain that the theme park was actually a cover for the real Tomorrowland. But, aside from the fact that those scenes are pure exposition that can make you feel like you’re sitting through a history lesson, it felt like we were inside a Disney movie and every time we saw Disney get mentioned in it, it was a wink to the audience. Like a meta self-aware thing that took you out. When the characters of the movie have to say the title of the movie. We have to be very discreet about when and how we use the word “Tomorrowland” in this movie. It’s not like Bruce Willis ever needs to say “die hard” in those movies.
There were some very specific mentions to Walt in the beginning of the movie at the World’s Fair, because in addition to the Small World ride, Walt brought the Carousel of Progress and the original opening of the movie had the little boy going through that attraction. They also brought the animatronic Lincoln to the World’s Fair. So there was a much more pervasive Disney presence in the film.
As we get into the characters, HUGH LAURIE’s character, David Nix, is indeed a major part of the story and fits the roll perfectly. His sequence, as seen in extended clips, is very similar to role in House, which matches the stern, rude, yet incredibly brilliant character he plays.
Nix’s sidekick Athena, RAFFEY CASSIDY, a young freckle-faced girl that recruits for him if you will, has a lot hidden from first glance, but she’s a special character that really ties Clooney and the rest of the cast together. I really enjoyed how she played this character and she really brings across the most emotional scenes. In fact, her character was probably the most challenging to portray, but this young actress brings Athena to show some great emotion even though her character doesn’t allow for much. My apologies for being so… vague.
Regardless of the great three dimensional characters, TOMORROWLAND revolves heavily around the absolutely stunning landscapes and effects seen in this futuristic world. Getting in to my Disney theme park routes, Tomorrowland in the film is much of what we all wished the land at Disneyland looked like. I won’t go into the challenges the theme park has faced in keeping the land current, but the movie brings across “The Future that Never Was” concept. A look and feel that Walt Disney World attempted in the 90’s as the prediction of the future today is no longer the optimistic beautiful future people had imagined in the 1950’s.
TOMORROWLAND reminds us of this grand exciting tomorrow that everyone used to envision. You know, the days of the Jetsons or that were depicted in silly 1950’s flicks. It really nails it to the what is seen with society today. We have lost sight of the potential of a better tomorrow. Now we find ourselves saving what we have today, but tomorrow often seems bleak and dark.
I found myself inthralled in the story and the journey we took to get there. It’s by no means the thrill ride of the century or the biggest mystery of the year. However, TOMORROWLAND is an enjoyable thought provoking film that can be enjoyed by most audiences. Those that are reminiscent of the past or huge fans of Walt Disney the man will find many themes to love. I myself wish this movie the best as it would make for a perfect representation of what Tomorrowland should be in the theme parks. The movie may struggle to find its audience, but its core morals and meaning should hit close to home for everyone.
Voyage to the Iron Reef, Knott's New Interactive 4-D Ride Now Open!
Knott’s Berry Farm’s guests will embark on a thrilling journey into the depths of the Boardwalk to fight the Kraken Queen and save the park from a watery doom on Voyage to the Iron Reef™. The spectacular new interactive 4-D ride features ten interactive scenes filled with menacing sea creatures and many hidden surprises that react to the accuracy of the freeze blasters controlled by the guests on board. Every rider earns a score, which makes every trip to the Iron Reef a competitive, repeatable adventure. The park is also opening a refreshed 8,186 sq. ft. arcade, a new retail shop called Nautilus, and will reopen the updated Laser Tag compound later this summer.
Voyage to the Iron Reef™ was a creative partnership between Knott’s and Triotech, the Montreal-based multisensory interactive attraction company that recently won two top industry awards for their work on Wonder Mountain’s Guardian at Canada’s Wonderland. More than 40 high definition projectors on screens up to 69’ long bring the steam punk-inspired world of the Iron Reef to life. The creativity and ingenuity of Knott’s entertainment and project development teams led to the development of seamless transitions from the media based screens to practical sets and scenes ensuring continuity of an immersive underwater world.
Also new that’s open, located adjacent to Voyage to the Iron Reef is the all new retail shop, Nautilus (formerly Ride Warriors). Here, guests can wrap their tentacles around ride-inspired apparel, candy, and toys. In the center of the new shop is a beautifully crafted sculpture featuring some of the creatures from the Iron Reef.
Finally making its long-awaited return, the all new Boardwalk Arcade, located directly beneath Voyage to the Iron Reef, recently re-opened with a fresh selection of popular video, redemption, and merchandise games. Knott’s recently introduced a reloadable game card system, replacing cash transactions at almost all of its games and arcades. Kiosks located near most games and arcades make a trip to the new Boardwalk Arcade more convenient than ever. Later this summer, the laser tag compound inside Boardwalk Arcade will return with all-new twists, turns and new architectural features inspired by Voyage to the Iron Reef.
The Kraken Queen and her iron clad aquatic army have many adventures in store for guests this summer. A 2015 Knott’s Season Pass is the best way to journey into the Iron Reef again and again, and Passes are available for as low as $86.00 or four payments of just $21.50 (plus applicable taxes and fees) at knotts.com for a limited time.
For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone.
Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration 24-Hour Event Update
The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off this week with a 24-hour event on May 22-23 at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks! Some of you may be planning to arrive early in the hopes of being among the first to celebrate with us. If so, here is some important information to share with you.
Parking
- Pumbaa lot will open for early arrivals at 10 p.m. the evening of May 21.
- Mickey & Friends Parking Structure will open at 4 a.m. and Toy Story Lot will open at 5 a.m. on May 22.
Pre-Opening Queue
- Guests may bring games, blankets, chairs, tents and sleeping bags, but guests must return these items to their cars or hotel rooms and return to the line by 2 a.m.
- At 2 a.m., all guests in line will be moved through Security checkpoints to the Disneyland Resort Esplanade, where they will receive a commemorative keepsake while supplies last.
- No smoking, fighting or loud music will be allowed in line.
- All guests in line will be able to temporarily leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms.
Opening Celebration
- At 4 a.m., guests who choose to begin their day at Disneyland park will be escorted onto Main Street, U.S.A., to prepare for the opening celebration moment, which will take place at approximately 6 a.m. inside Disneyland park.
- Guests who choose to begin their day at Disney California Adventure park will be escorted onto Buena Vista Street at 5:30 a.m.
Costumes and Prohibited Items
- Costumes for adults are not allowed for this event. Please refer to the guidelines listed here.
- Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.
- Lockers in the Disneyland Resort Esplanade and inside Disneyland park will be available at 4 a.m. Disney California Adventure park lockers will be available at 5:30 a.m.
Tickets
- Regular park admission used on May 22 is valid for the entire 24-hour period (6 a.m. on May 22 through 6 a.m. on May 23). A special ticket is not required for this event.
- Disneyland Resort ticket booths will open at 2 a.m. on May 22.
- SoCal and SoCal Select Annual Passports will not be valid for admission on May 22.
- Premium, Deluxe and Premier Annual Passports will be valid for admission during the entire 24-hour period.
This info was posted first on the Disney Parks Blog by Erin Glover, Social Media Director.
Movie Review Strap yourself in for 'Mad Max Fury Road'
I have just caught my breath. This is one insane wild ride that could go up against any 100 MPH rollercoaster! MAD MAX FURY ROAD is exploding into theaters at full force and I am not exaggerating. Do not go in expecting some cheap action flick, this is the real deal. Prep your hands because you are not letting go from start to finish. There are no breaks in this film, it’s all adrenaline. This new adaptation/sequel of Mad Max brings the franchise to the modern era with high-flying practical stunts, intense fight scenes, along with pure and absolutely raw entertainment!
There is no catching up to GEORGE MILLER’S film, you just hit the ground running as soon as the picture hits the screen. Miller isn’t known for many films, but oddly enough also directed Happy Feet and its sequel. Okay, just forget that you even read that because there is no correlation between the two. Really, it was worth mentioning because this such a different movie than you have ever seen. This is no doubt a passion project of his that he has been trying to complete ever since Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome from 1985.
Make no mistake, this just flat out is a film you must see. No seriously, you need to see it. I’ll remind you later. However, let’s pre-warn those that may not be ready for this heart-racing experience. Mad Max is NOT about it’s compelling story. While there should be no qualms about it, do not expect to see riveting dialogue and deep quiet moments. Frankly, there aren’t any. Okay, perhaps a few words, seriously, a few. That’s partly what makes this so unique yet so wonderful at the same time. Miller creates a film where the words aren’t needed. Everything is expressed clearly with several lines spread through out.
This is not however one of those blockbuster action films that is all action and no story. Mad Max Fury Road is all about the journey. The action is incredibly well done and fitting, but with most movies with all action, it can become dull, numb and repetitive. Not in Fury Road. Every scene is just as intense as the last and the audience easily becomes immersed in this hellish world where survival isn’t certain.
No worries if you haven’t seen the originals. Hell, I haven’t and I never felt like I didn’t understand what was happening. No prior knowledge of the character(s) is needed. Thus you can just sit back and enjoy.
Hopefully by now you have seen the trailers, and even then you may not really understand the plot. It’s okay, but lets explain it a little. The films takes place in apocalyptic desert landscape apparently in the middle of nowhere (filmed North of South Africa) where there isn’t much left in humanity. Everyone has been left fighting for the daily necessities in life, including water. Within this world are two rebels on the run. One being Max himself, TOM HARDY, who we see as a captured prisoner as a hood ornament on one of the many beastly cars. The other being Furiosa, CHARLIZE THERON, a tough independent woman looking to seek survival away from an evil dictator in her search of here childhood home.
Along the way the two paths meet in one of the many stunt-driven noisy action sequences where together they may actually be able to achieve their goals. During their passing through a road of fury, see what I did there, there is a large cast of characters. Each of them are more unique than the other. The band of drivers that are on the chase for Max and Furiosa are all insane and some even a little overly characterize giving the film an other worldly feel. Everyone is fighting for themselves and are little more concerned about following their commanders demands opposed to really talking or appearing to having much of any education. This is a world that has gone back to the dark ages that are reminiscent of caveman times with subtexts of religious purity and genocide, but it’s nothing that some flipping cars and explosions may help you not take notice.
Think Water World, but with a the exact opposite landscape and done right. Tom Hardy may have just as few words as his character Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, but his interactions with Charlize Theron expresses all that the audiences needs. His words are hard to come by, but just the looks between the two are captivating enough where nothing needs to be said. Charlize is a badass one-arm-missing woman that can go to battle when needed. During her travels she is helping save several wives including a pregnant one from their city leader, Immortan Joe. This is just one of many of Millers insane clown posse like characters in the film.
As I sat and was mesmerized by the loud high energy start, I was trapped with eyes glued to the screen as every second felt as just as quick as the last. Miller takes advantage of the fast moving hectic film style that we have seen in films like The Bourne Identity, but no need for concern as Fury Road finally does it right. I felt I could actually see the action taking place and never felt lost with an epic amount of scene cuts. This fast paced endless action opening continues for what may have been 20 to 25 minutes, perhaps longer, but for an instant there was silence and the screen was black. Collectively the audience sighed and then laughed as we were happy we were all feeling this together. We got about 5 minutes of air and we were off again on the chase. The opening is of a grand finale nature, but instead here it’s just a snack as we prepare for more. I hope to hear some hootin’ and some hollerin’ in theater on opening day!
I don’t think I can mention enough that this movie is LOUD, but fitting loud. I hope the sound editing artists receives some type of award for their brilliance done in this movie. I’m not one usually for loud absurd movies, but this was truly more of a ride than anything else. I highly advise seeing this in a good theater with superior sound. The sound in this really adds another element to the film.
It’s really the action that is the star of Fury Road. The majority of the scenes and stunts were used with all practical stunts. The film isn’t CGI heavy giving it that raw gritty feel. I feel it delivers more of an impact and each sequence is respected just a little more because of it. The shots are cinematic gold. Beautiful and grand yet never too much.
The challenge will be overcoming perhaps too much positivity about this movie. I hope I am not overhyping this movie as it was gem that caught me by surprised. You’re going to want to see this one in the theater, and maybe again right after to appreciate the filmmaking aspect of it all.
Don’t forget that you should see this one. Oh, by the way, did I tell you that you should see this movie? Really, if you want to be entertained, escape from reality for 2 hours, and leave feeling that little bit of joy then see Mad Max Fury Road. Are you ready?
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