Directed by Oscar®-winner Pete Docter (“Up,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling and Phyllis Smith, INSIDE OUT opens in theaters on June 19, 2015.
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.
Apple® has announced that Apple Watch™, its most personal device yet and the newest innovative addition to Apple’s ecosystem, will be available on Friday, April 24 to customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US. Apple Watch is an incredibly accurate timepiece, an intimate and immediate communication device and a groundbreaking health and fitness companion. Highly customizable for personal expression, Apple Watch also brings an entirely new way to receive information at a glance and interact with the world through third-party app experiences designed specifically for the wrist.
“Apple Watch begins a new chapter in the way we relate to technology and we think our customers are going to love it,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait for people to start wearing Apple Watch to easily access information that matters, to interact with the world, and to live a better day by being more aware of their daily activity than ever before.”
“Conceived, designed and developed as a singular product, Apple Watch merges hardware and software like never before,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “In Apple Watch, we’ve created three beautifully curated collections with a software architecture that together enable unparalleled personalization in a wearable device.”
Apple Watch introduces revolutionary technologies including the Digital Crown™, an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly without obstructing the display. The Retina® display with Force Touch on Apple Watch senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly and easily access relevant controls. The all-new Taptic Engine™ discreetly delivers a gentle tap on your wrist whenever you receive a notification or message.
Incredibly Accurate & Customizable Timepiece
An extremely precise timepiece, Apple Watch keeps time to within 50 milliseconds of UTC, the universal time standard.* Apple Watch can be personalized with watch faces ranging from traditional analog such as the Chronograph face, to the information-rich Modular face, or beautifully animated butterflies and jellyfish on the Motion face. Apple Watch goes beyond telling time with specialized functions on the watch face—known in watchmaking as complications—such as the sunrise/sunset, upcoming calendar events or daily activity level. With multiple customizable watch faces and complications, Apple Watch enables millions of possible configurations. Swipe up from the watch face for Glances that quickly show you information you care about, such as the weather forecast, your current location on a map or the music you’re listening to.
Intimate & Immediate Communication Device
Apple Watch enables you to send messages, read email and answer calls to your iPhone® right from your wrist. The Taptic Engine alerts you with a gentle tap so you won’t miss important notifications. With Digital Touch, Apple Watch allows you to communicate in all-new ways by sending a sketch, a tap or even the rhythm of your own heartbeat. Interact quickly and conveniently with the world around you with Apple Watch by paying for coffee using Apple Pay™**, boarding a plane with a Passbook® boarding pass, or raising your wrist to ask Siri® for turn-by-turn directions in Maps.
Groundbreaking Health & Fitness Companion
Apple Watch encourages you to sit less, move more and get some exercise every day. The Activity app provides a simple visual snapshot of your daily activity with three rings that measure active calories burned, brisk activity and how often you’ve stood up to take a break from sitting during the day. Apple Watch provides the detailed metrics you need during dedicated workout sessions for the most popular activities, such as walking, running and cycling through the Workout app. With an accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and Wi-Fi from your iPhone, Apple Watch smartly uses the best sensors for different types of motion and provides a comprehensive picture of your all-day activity and workouts. The Activity app on iPhone collects your activity and workout data from Apple Watch so you can see your history in greater detail. Apple Watch uses this history to suggest personalized activity goals, reward fitness milestones and keep you motivated.
Apple Watch is available in two different sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm, and in three distinct collections—Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition. Apple Watch Sport features a lightweight anodized aluminum case in silver and space gray with a Retina display protected by strengthened Ion-X glass and matching high-performance fluoroelastomer Sport Band in five colors. The Apple Watch collection features highly polished stainless steel and space black stainless steel cases with a Retina display protected by sapphire crystal. The Apple Watch collection comes with a choice of three different leather straps, a stainless steel link bracelet and Milanese loop, and a black or white Sport Band. Apple Watch Edition features cases specially crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys developed to be twice as hard as standard gold, a Retina display protected by polished sapphire crystal and a choice of uniquely designed straps and bands with 18-karat gold clasps, buckles or pins.
The world’s most vibrant and innovative developer community has been creating all-new experiences specifically designed for Apple Watch. From requesting an Uber, checking in to your American Airlines flight, booking a bike for your Equinox class to remotely controlling your Honeywell Lyric thermostat while away, the possibilities for Apple Watch apps are endless. These experiences extend the functionality of your favorite iPhone apps, while delivering an innovative way to interact—right from your wrist. Popular apps such as Instagram, MLB.com At Bat, Nike+ Running, OpenTable, Shazam, Twitter, WeChat and more will also be available on Apple Watch. The new Apple Watch app that comes with iOS 8.2 on iPhone lets you browse, buy and download apps from the Apple Watch App Store™.
Designed to be worn throughout your day, Apple Watch delivers up to 18-hour all-day battery life*** and comes with a unique charging solution that combines Apple’s MagSafe® technology with inductive charging for a quick connection that simply snaps into place.
By design, the shopping experience for Apple Watch will be the most personalized Apple has ever offered. When Apple Watch becomes available for pre-order from the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com) on Friday, April 10, Apple retail stores and department store shop-in-shops will begin offering customers the chance to preview their choice of Apple Watch and try it on in-store.
Pricing & Availability
Beginning April 10 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US, Apple Watch will be available for preview, try-on by appointment at Apple’s retail stores, and available for pre-order through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com). On April 24, Apple Watch will be available online or by reservation in Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers in China and Japan. Customers who purchase online or in-store from Apple will be offered Personal Setup to customize and pair Apple Watch with their iPhone.
Apple Watch is available in three collections, Apple Watch Sport, priced at $349 (US) and $399 (US); Apple Watch, available from $549 (US) to $1,099 (US); and Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys, with prices starting at $10,000 (US).
Apple Watch will also be available to preview or try on at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Isetan in Tokyo and Selfridges in London on April 10. Apple Watch will be for sale on April 24 at these select department store shop-in-shops, and at boutiques in major cities across the world including colette in Paris, Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo, Maxfield in Los Angeles and The Corner in Berlin.
Customers can now explore and choose their favorite Apple Watch in the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com) or through the Apple Store app for iPhone and iPad.
Apple Watch requires iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running iOS 8.2. or later. iOS 8.2 is now available for download.
Apple® and HBO announced HBO NOW is premiering next month (April), making an HBO subscription available directly to Apple customers for the first time ever. iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch® and Apple TV® users can purchase HBO NOW directly in-app as a standalone service to watch every episode of every season of the best of HBO’s original programming, as well as the biggest and latest Hollywood hit movies, groundbreaking documentaries, sports and exclusive comedy specials—for just $14.99 a month.
“HBO NOW is the next phase of innovation at HBO,” said Richard Plepler, Chairman and CEO, HBO. “With this new partnership, a natural evolution for the network, we have access to millions of Apple customers who are used to getting their favorite apps immediately. Now, they can do the same with an HBO subscription.”
“HBO NOW offers a new generation of HBO fans many of the best TV programs in the world without a cable or satellite subscription,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “Now, with the same simplicity as buying an app, customers can subscribe to HBO NOW and instantly start viewing their favorite HBO programs as they air—this is huge.”
More hours of HBO video are streamed to Apple devices than all others combined and now customers can subscribe using the HBO NOW app on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or directly on Apple TV for instant access to all the programming they want. For just $14.99 a month HBO fans can enjoy hit series ranging from Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley and VEEP to Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and VICE. At launch HBO will offer a 30-day introductory free trial period to new HBO NOW customers who sign up through Apple.
Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and the world’s most successful pay TV service, providing the two television services—HBO and Cinemax—to approximately 127 million subscribers worldwide.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is rolling out plans for its 30th Season, beginning with the 2015 – 2016 Broadway line-up. It will be a year of extraordinary artists, blockbuster shows and world renowned companies: great dance and Broadway hits, jazz, cabaret and classical music, family entertainment plus many special guests and events.
The Center’s 2015 – 2016 Broadway and Curtain Call series is start to finish one legendary show after another. Each has made an indelible mark on Broadway history. Coming to the Center for the first time are Disney’s Newsies, If/Then and The Illusionists. In all new productions not seen at the Center before are 42nd Street, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and The Sound of Music. Back by popular demand are Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret and Broadway superpowers Disney’s The Lion King and The Book of Mormon. Two bonus shows include the dance blast Riverdance and, returning to the land of Orange County, Wicked.
The Center will continue its popular pre-show activities for most shows. Fun and informative Talk Backs with the artists will follow each Thursday evening performance. One Saturday matinee performance of each Center Broadway musical will be Open Captioned, Audio Described and ASL interpreted.
Information for renewing season ticket holders for the 2015 – 2016 Season is being sent to current subscribers, with priority orders for new season tickets available soon. Single tickets will go on sale approximately six weeks prior to individual engagements. Visit the Center’s newly designed website, www.SCFTA.org for more information about both the current season and the 2015 – 2016 Season. For inquiries about group ticket discounts, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746.
BROADWAY SERIES
DISNEY’S THE LION KING
October 6 – November 1, 2015 Segerstrom Hall
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. More than 70 million people
around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.
42nd STREET | NEW PRODUCTION
November 10 – 22, 2015 Segerstrom Hall
The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and, of course, “42nd Street.” Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the star breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, this sparkling new production will be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival.
RODGER’S AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA | NEW PRODUCTION
April 19 – May 1, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.
DISNEY’S NEWSIES | CENTER PREMIERE
May 17 – 29, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines…. Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score
and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it “A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!” (The New York Times). Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance. It features a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride) and a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), with choreography by Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Big River).
THE SOUND OF MUSIC | NEW PRODUCTION
July 19 – 31, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. “We plan to look more closely at this remarkable work – to tear off the varnish of the past and reveal one of the great, fresh glories of musical theater,” says three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien. THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.
CABARET
August 9 – 21, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece returns to Costa Mesa! As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present SAM MENDES (Skyfall, American Beauty) and ROB MARSHALL’s (Into the Woods and Chicago, the films) Tony Award-winning production of CABARET. Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Leave your troubles outside – life is beautiful at CABARET, JOHN KANDER, FRED EBB and JOE MASTEROFF’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way.
CURTAIN CALL SERIES
IF/THEN | CENTER PREMIERE
January 19 – 24, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
If/Then is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today – and all the possibilities of tomorrow. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, this “fascinating, ambitious and original new musical” (New York Post) simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led. “Thrilling! The best musical of the year,” according to New York Magazine.
THE ILLUSIONISTS | CENTER PREMIERE
February 2 – 7, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
Having shattered box office records around the world, THE ILLUSIONISTS – WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLETM is now coming to captivate Orange County. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has dazzled audiences of all ages. Creative Producer Simon Painter said, “We can’t wait to bring this electrifying show to Southern California for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family. THE ILLUSIONISTS is the most non- stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage.”
THE BOOK OF MORMON
March 22 – April 3, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
Back by popular demand! Hailed by The New York Times as “the best musical of this century” and the winner of nine Tony Awards, THE BOOK OF MORMON is the blockbuster Broadway smash from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and the Oscar-winning composer of Disney’s Frozen and Avenue Q, Bobby Lopez. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
SPECIAL BONUS EVENTS
RIVERDANCE
January 1 – 3, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.
WICKED
February 16 – March 6, 2016 Segerstrom Hall
Back by “popular” demand. Variety calls WICKED “a cultural phenomenon,” and it continues to break box office records across North America. Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times). Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete – and completely satisfying – musical in a long time” (USA Today).
Disney is finally prepping the stages for Tomorrowland, as they’ve unveiled the first trailer for the film that really gives you an idea of what the movie all about. The film, starring George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, and Britt Robertson, is a new science fiction and adventure film directed by Academy Award winner Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal) and written by Damon Lindelof, set in a futuristic world known as Tomorrowland.
There’s a real sense of awe and adventure in the trailer that seems so lacking in films, and even more intriguing is that it’s a brand new idea, even if it’s based on the IP of a Disney theme park section. That alone has me excited by the potential of it, and the DNA of the film from two of my favorite creative types has me that much more excited for what’s to come. This trailer is just very well put together, and has finally really gotten my interest in the film peaked. I can’t wait to see what Bird and Lindelof have in store for us.
Tomorrowland opens on May 22, 2015.
From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure 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.
Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.
The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.
“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Brigham Taylor, Jeff Jensen and Bernard Bellew serving as executive producers. “Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.
If you don’t already know who Sofia the First is, then it’s pretty likely that you’re either not a parent or a toddler. However, if you are either of those things, there is no way that you aren’t already familiar with Disney Junior’s hit show about an ordinary girl, Sofia, who “became a princess overnight.” With a magic amulet that grants her the power to both talk to animals, and summon classic Disney princesses (synergy!), Sofia is an entertaining delight to all children.
With colorful animation, catchy music, and easily digestible morals that don’t talk down to the audience, this is a great show for parents to share with their children. Disney Junior has just released a new collection of four classic episodes on DVD, including the recent “The Curse of Princess Ivy.” When Sofia’s sister Amber discovers the powers of Sofia’s amulet, she steals it for herself, inadvertently releasing the evil Princess Ivy. With an army of butterflies wiping out all color from the castle, and the power to cause instant amnesia, it’s up to Sofia and Amber to fly to an island of dragons with the power to break Ivy’s curse.
While this might not be the most spectacular of their scripts, I can tell you that this quickly became my two-year-old’s favorite episode when Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) showed up. It was a thrilling moment for her, getting to revisit one of her favorite princesses, and it’s moments like this that make these shows so special.
Clip: Dare to Risk it All
Other episodes include “The Amulet of Avalor,” “Princess Butterfly,” and “The Emerald Key.” If you’re kids are into princesses at all, that 114 minutes of princess heaven. It’s easy to see why these shows are so popular, capitalizing on the popularity of the princess genre. However, the show isn’t just coasting on a pre-established fan base, but rather, strives, to tell well thought out stories that the kids will enjoy.
Clip: Princess Ivy
The voice work is also top notch, featuring a terrific lead performance from Modern Family’s Ariel Winter. Other well known talent includes Tim Gunn, Wayne Brady, and more. Nobody involved in this show is just phoning it in. It’s nice to have a show to watch with the kids that doesn’t talk down to them, and is obviously a labor of love for all involved. This set is highly recommended.
As Focus begins, one thing becomes apparent right away: Will Smith is finally back. After years of waiting for him to return as the lead of a film, Smith returns in a con film that’s just as much romance as it is about the thrill of the heist. Margot Robbie co-stars in the clever and fun film directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. Most know the duo as the team behind Crazy, Stupid, Love, or the writers behind Bad Santa, two films that defied genre conventions, being much more than what they appeared. The duo bring much of the same here, blending heists with love, creating a film that is as much romantic as it is fun. It’s also a film that thinks it might more clever than it is, and more charismatic as it is, which is ultimately the film’s biggest flaw.
Nicky Spurgeon (Smith) is an exceptional con man that knows the rules of the game. When he takes a protege named Jess (Robbie) under his wing to teach her the art, he gets more than he bargained for. As his feelings for Jess start to overtake him, Nicky realizes he can’t drag her down into his life. After their big con in New Orleans, Nicky leaves her behind, thinking that would be the end of it all. Fate has other ideas though, and three years later, the pair cross paths once more in a way they never would never expect.
The best thing about Focus may honestly be its biggest problem, and that comes down to its two leads. Will Smith and Margot Robbie are so wonderful and so charismatic in the film that you like them immediately. The two are absolutely dynamite together, and they have incredible chemistry together. The problem is, the film begins to rely on them instead of focusing on its script and story. Instead of tightening the story up, there’s a lot of the movie that they leave to just letting the two play off each other, treating the actors like filler to get to the next part of the story. It works because Smith and Robbie really are that great together, but it’s frustrating that they’re used as a crutch at times instead of given a script that’s tightened, and well, focused.
Thankfully, even in the scenes where they spend all their time talking, it flows well. The less said about the story the better, because it’s one where not knowing what’s going on and what the stakes are will make for a more fulfilling viewing. One thing that was noticeable though is how the film feels more like a vintage 1980’s thriller than many of the more recent ones. This is a film that doesn’t rely heavily on the special effects or set pieces, but one that relies on the con itself, and how everything comes together. It’s nice to watch something that is so heavily steeped in character and its own rules instead of making every part feel as if it’s just set up for a big action piece down the line. There’s none of that here, which is a great counter balance to many of the bigger films that come out throughout the year.
The characters themselves are fun, because both Will Smith and Margot Robbie are both fun. Smith is as charismatic, charming, and fun to watch as always, playing his flawed character Nicky much as you’d expect. It’s great to see him in something R Rated again, letting him play a character more flawed with less restraints. Most people will recognize Margot Robbie from Wolf of Wall Street, and while many may worry that she was one note and a one hit wonder, she proves here that she’s not at all. Not only is Robbie completely wonderful as Jess, she holds her own with Smith at every turn. It’s great to see an actress who is as fun and freewheeling as Smith, and can keep up with him, which many may not expect. It’s that playful relationship that makes the film such a blast to watch, and really they sell it. This film is carried on their shoulders more than anyone else’s, and that’s why no other characters are focused on the way they are.
The only other real problem is that the film’s third act becomes so heavy on dialogue, really making the film start to stall towards the end. It’s not enough to really hurt the film, but it’s a noticeable decline after how fast paced the film had been up until that point. There was a real sense of quickness, that almost played alongside the con, that made the film so freewheeling and fast paced. So when it stops to talk, it kind of brings the movie to a halt, and you’re left scratching your head hoping for it to move quicker. But once the talking stops and the third act picks back up, the film is back on the ground running to a fun finish that many will not see coming.
Focus is a surprisingly fun, romantic, and breezy heist film with a lot of charisma. While the film may rely on its stars at times, it doesn’t overall hinder the film because both Smith and Robbie are so great in it. This is the best Smith has been in some time, and Robbie proves she has what it takes to be a fantastic and wonderful actress and isn’t a one hit wonder. This is great counter programming to the bigger blockbusters we get throughout the year, and it’s great to be so surprised by a film that you just have a blast with it the whole time. Welcome back, Mr. Smith, it’s great to see you doing what you do best again.
No love for the card game as indie filmmakers remain poker-faced
In the past few years, no other card game has seen as much development as poker has. In the course of a few years, it’s transformed from a backroom type of game to a widespread phenomenon, played in casinos, homes, and online.
Last year saw the U.S. breaking new ground as New Jersey legalized online poker, and courts in both New York and Amsterdam have ruled that the card game is a game of skill, not of chance. In the Amsterdam case, defense lawyer Peter Plasman argued that, “Poker has evolved greatly over the years. Many people play it today, textbooks have been published on the subject and experts acknowledge skill to a point where one can no longer speak of a game of chance”.
But even as poker undergoes great changes and enjoys immense popularity, it remains widely ignored by the independent film community. The industry is yet to see a film that illustrates the culture of poker players as well as “Freeze Out” did in 2005.
Unlike other poker movies that revolved around the high-stakes dealings in casinos, “Freeze Out” told the real story of poker’s greatest players: the everyman. After all, what really makes the poker world go round isn’t the heavy-hitting group of world champions, but the millions of players who play poker recreationally in the comfort of their own homes. As Lee Davy explains, the lives of most poker players involves “Vast periods of time sitting in your underwear, clicking buttons all day, only permeated by occasional trips to Monte Carlo, Las Vegas and Walsall.”
“Freeze Out” tells the story of a group of those poker players, who, like many other Average Joes, play a weekly poker game. The movie revolves around the protagonist’s attempts to get back at his friends for their constant ribbing as he trains in secret, engineers a winner-take-all Freeze Out, and raises the stakes. A Freeze Out is a tournament much like a “Sit-and-Go”, where, as Betfair explains, “All players buy in for the same amount and are then given an equal amount of chips. Play continues until only one player remains. Players are paid out on where they finish, not on the amount of chips they have at any given point.” Freeze Outs are the most common form of poker tournaments today, and this is perhaps why the movie seemed so authentic.
“Freeze Out” was a charming story that won various accolades for its production. It was produced with a budget of $30,000 and won “Best Feature Film” in the 2005 Westwood International Film Festival. Many critics claimed it was the most honest poker movie since Rounders, and it seems that it will remain that way.
It’s been almost a decade since “Freeze Out” was debuted, and the indie film industry is yet to follow up with another poignant retelling of what the poker industry and the game are about. It seems the movie’s success has psyched filmmakers out of the genre, and there’s no telling how long we’ll have to wait for another successful poker movie.
In 2016, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea.
Marking the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.
Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Western Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.
Also featured will be exclusive at-sea screenings of the Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike will enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include:
Force-filled Fun for Everyone
Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will be onboard for scheduled meet and greets, as well as roaming on deck and elsewhere around the ship. Guests also are encouraged to dress up in their own stellar costumes.
A shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience invites young Jedi hopefuls – known as “Padawans” – to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.
Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, covering fun facts from the film and television sagas.
For Younglings, Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities will be offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.
In the evening, adults entering the night club will feel like they stepped into the Mos Eisley cantina scene. Characters and cantina music set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served.
Film Screenings and Celebrities
Guests can watch the first six Star Wars films and follow Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke and Leia along their epic journey.
Also showing will be episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
On each of the special sailings, celebrities and insiders from the Star Wars galaxy will share their experiences, meet fans and sign autographs.
Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks
There’s intergalactic fun when the Star Wars deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.
Star Wars characters converge on the deck stage for a celebration of the Star Wars saga in a show featuring special effects and guest participation.
The deck party culminates in a spectacular display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects, lasers and Star Wars
Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2 and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.
Sling TV L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), has launched Sling TV, a live, over-the-top television service, to customers. Sling TV will deliver live sports, lifestyle, family, news and information channels, Video-On-Demand entertainment and the best of online video to broadband-connected devices at home and on-the-go. Priced at $20 per month, the service will require no commitment, contract, credit check or hardware installation.
Supported Internet-connected devices for Sling TV are expected to include Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google’s Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Mac and PC. Sling TV expects to announce its availability on additional streaming devices and smart TVs in the coming months.
“Sling TV provides a viable alternative for live television to the millennial audience,” said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH president and CEO. “This service gives millions of consumers a new consideration for pay-TV; Sling TV fills a void for an underserved audience.”
“Consumers can now watch their favorite shows on their favorite devices that they already use to watch video. Live television, including ESPN, for $20 per month with no commitment or contract, is a game changer,” said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. “The arrival of Sling TV lets consumers, who’ve embraced services like Netflix and Hulu, take more control of their video entertainment experience.”
What to watch on Sling TV
At launch, Sling TV is offering a core programming package with live and Video-On-Demand shows, sports, movies and online video, as well as two optional add-on packs.
Priced at $20 per month, “The Best of Live TV” core package includes 12 Nielsen-rated sports, lifestyle, family and news networks: ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN. This package additionally features an array of Video-On-Demand entertainment and the best of online video with unique content from Maker Studios, the global leader in online short-form video.
Consumers can tailor their experience with add-on packs for access to additional programming, at $5 per month. Sling TV will offer a “Kids Extra” add-on with Disney Junior, Disney XD, Boomerang, Baby TV and Duck TV, and a “News & Info Extra” add-on with HLN, Cooking Channel, DIY and Bloomberg TV. A “Sports Extra” package is coming soon.
Sling TV expects to expand its core package, Video-On-Demand content, online video and add-on packs throughout 2015.
Where to watch Sling TV
At launch, subscribers can watch live TV by downloading the app to supported versions of iOS and Android, or by visiting the upcoming Sling website from Macs and PCs. Alternatively, the Sling TV app is expected to be available on Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google’s Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs and Xbox One, with other streaming devices and smart TVs to follow in the coming months. Sling TV’s user interface provides a consistent experience across all platforms.
How Sling TV works
Sling TV is designed to deliver a high-quality television experience inside and outside the home, anywhere a wired, Wi-Fi or mobile broadband connection is available. The service is delivered over an IP-based content delivery system that leverages adaptive bitrate streaming technology. This allows for the highest quality streaming experience possible regardless of network quality fluctuations or location.
Customers will be able to pause, rewind and fast-forward most live channels and Video-On-Demand content. For certain channels, the service includes a 3-Day Replay feature that gives customers the ability to watch some shows that have aired in the past three days; no DVR is needed. Sling TV’s features are available across all supported platforms.
The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.
Soon, she is forced to become their servant, disrespected, covered in ashes and spitefully renamed Cinderella. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her, and she continues to remain positive, determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”
When Ella meets a dashing stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden) and not merely Kit, an apprentice at the palace, she believes she has finally found a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the King (Derek Jacobi) summons all maidens in the kingdom to attend a royal ball at the palace, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her Stepmother forbids her to attend and callously destroys her dress.
Meanwhile, the calculating Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) devises a plan to thwart the Prince’s hopes of reuniting with Ella and enlists the support of the devious Stepmother. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand. Soon, a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin, a few mice and a magic wand, changes Cinderella’s life forever.
Last night, many geeks worldwide shed tears of joy as a deal between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures reached a deal to include Spider-Man in the MCU. This is a game changing turn of events, and one that could shift the climate of how studios work together in the future. Read the full press release below, and welcome home, Spidey!
Marvel’s Kevin Feige to Produce Next Installment of the Spider-Man Franchise with Amy Pascal
(Culver City, California, and Burbank, California February 09, 2015) – Sony Pictures Entertainment and Marvel Studios announced today that Sony is bringing Marvel into the amazing world of Spider-Man.
Under the deal, the new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the web slinger. Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films.
Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films.
The new relationship follows a decade of speculation among fans about whether Spider-Man – who has always been an integral and important part of the larger Marvel Universe in the comic books – could become part of the Marvel Universe on the big screen. Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.
Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company said: “Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building.”
“We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans.”
“Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker’s story into the future,” added Doug Belgrad, president, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group.
“I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie,” said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. “Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years.”
Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. during a special panel at San Diego Comic-Con unveiled an all-new dynamic lineup inspired by iconic franchises including Super Mario, The...
If you don’t already know who Sofia the First is, then it’s pretty likely that you’re either not a parent or a toddler. However, if you are either of those things, there is no way that you aren’t already familiar with Disney Junior’s hit show about an ordinary girl, Sofia, who “became a princess overnight.” With a magic amulet that grants her the power to both talk to animals, and summon classic Disney princesses (synergy!), Sofia is an entertaining delight to all children.
