As the The Conjuring opened, we were introduced to a creepy doll named Annabelle, who seemed to be possessed in an evil spirit. Well, it turns out the doll has a whole history before our first encounter and Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have teamd up with producer James Wan, to bring us Annabelle, a spin-off of Wan’s film The Conjuring. This is supposed to be the start of a small Conjuring cinematic universe, with Wan behind the scenes as the producer, and now we have our first look, courtesy of Warner Bros, who has released the first trailer for the film. Check it out below:
The trailer seems to set up what the eventual film will be, which will follow the doll after it becomes possessed, and the trailer really sells the creepy nature of it all very well. It really gets under my skin, and there’s something about dolls that really gets me, and I like what I see here. The Conjuring was one of the best films of last year, and was a huge surprise, so it would be great if Wan, and the team behind this film, can pull it off two years in a row with this one as well. This spin-off film will have to hold us over until The Conjuring 2 is finally in theaters.
Directed by John Leonetti, and written by Gary Dauberman, Annabelle stars Annabelle Wallis, Alfre Woodard, Ward Horton, Tony Amendola, Eric Ladin, and Brian Howe, and is set for release on October 3, 2014.
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, it had 18 attractions, no Disney hotels and little but orange groves surrounding it. Today, as the Disneyland Resort celebrates its 59th anniversary, the original theme park has expanded to become a world-class family resort destination with two renowned Disney parks, nearly 100 attractions, three hotels and the shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney. And in the spring of 2015, the resort will launch a dazzling yearlong Diamond Celebration that salutes 60 years of magic.
“It’s an incredible time at the Disneyland Resort as we prepare for next year’s Diamond Celebration,” said Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort. “We’re excited to honor our rich history, to celebrate the incredible magic that fills our resort today, and to create unforgettable memories with our guests for many years to come.”
Also during the small event, the Diamond Celebration logo was unveiled as part of the annual July 17 anniversary celebration at Disneyland Park. Guests joined 59 Disney characters on Main Street, U.S.A., to hear a recording of Walt Disney’s opening day “welcome” speech and sing “Happy Birthday” in a festive marking of the 59th anniversary.
The popularity of Disneyland through the past 59 years celebrates Walt Disney’s dream of a place where family members of all ages can have fun together in a safe, clean atmosphere that emphasizes imagination and extraordinary guest service. Since 1955, dignitaries, heads of state, celebrities and more than 700 million guests have passed through the gates of a place that Walt imagined as “a source of joy and inspiration to the world.”
Disneyland transformed the amusement industry with an entirely new concept in family entertainment: a “theme park” where rides, shows and characters become part of a total storytelling environment. In the nearly six decades since it opened, the Disneyland Resort has continued to use creativity, technology and innovation to bring stories to life, while fulfilling Walt’s promise that “Disneyland will never be completed … as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
The success of Disneyland Resort also has resulted in immense growth for the city of Anaheim, Calif. The resort’s workforce of 26,000 cast members makes it the largest single-site employer in Orange County. The Disney resort entertainment experience has expanded worldwide and is enjoyed by guests at Walt Disney World Resort in Buena Vista, Fla, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France and Hong Kong Disneyland. The Shanghai Disney Resort is set to open in mainland China in 2015.
The Universal Monsters have been one of the biggest parts of Universal’s history, as well as cinema history, and had seen a great run from 1931-1959, in which characters like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Invisible Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and many more graced cinema screens for many years, terrifying audiences, and in some instances, making them laugh. The creatures were very popular, but eventually, the audiences quit coming, and the monsters began to fade away, only to return on-and-off over the years, in various forms of remakes and reboots. But nothing ever seemed to touch what had come before, with the remakes and reboots sinking more often than swimming, and in a way, hurting what had come before. But now, Universal is looking to rectify the situation, and bring their classic monsters back in a big way.
For a little while now, it’s been rumored that Universal Studios was looking at bringing the Classic Universal Monsters with a franchise sprawling universe akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Those rumors really started to heat up when Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci stepped up to write the currently in development reboot of The Mummy, as well as a reboot of Van Helsing, starring Tom Cruise. At the time, Orci had this to say about the projects:
There’s an interesting thing that could happen at Universal where they have this amazing library of their old monsters and these kinds of heroes, and the idea of trying to create a universe. [We’re doing] Van Helsing, and we’re also producing The Mummy for them. We’re kind of imagining updating these kinds of things. You don’t want to just make remakes when you’re doing a thing, unless it’s worthy of being a remake, but when you have an idea for something that can actually be made different and yet be true to what it was. We just had a notion of how to make it modern and have a slightly different tone. It’s not going to be just a remake.
Now, the folks over at Deadline are reporting that this idea is moving forward, but it won’t be under Kurtzman and Orci. The new cinematic universe will be developed under Kurtzman and Chris Morgan, the latter of which has been working with Universal Studios for some time now on their biggest, and most popular franchise, The Fast and the Furious. He’s done a great job of world building with that series, especially as it’s continued to grow and become more involved and intricate over the last four films, so bringing him into to shepherd this new Monsters Cinematic Universe is actually a really great idea. Not only that, he has a great relationship with Universal already, which bodes well for them moving forward.
The new franchise is looking to begin with the 2016 reboot of The Mummy, which is currently looking for a director. Kurtzman and Morgan are said to be overseeing all the projects, and will be very hands on in the productions, as well as marketing and promotions, making sure all the films, and their new vision, comes to life well. It hasn’t been decided whether Kurtzman or Morgan will be working on the scripts of any of the films, but they are going to beginning taking meetings over the next few weeks to try and get people onboard to help bring the films to fruition.
This is a great move for Universal, and it wouldn’t be the first time the Universal Monsters have met on screen before. Over the classic era period, many of the monsters would come together on in off in films such as Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman, House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. In an age where Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm are prospering at creating living, breathing universes on film with the Marvel and Star Wars properties, this seems like a great idea for Universal to return to, because their Classic Universal Monsters have a lot to offer, and a lot of potential to mine. The idea of seeing many of these characters back on the big screen is exciting in-and-of itself, but to have them together in one universe, crossing over into each others films, that’s an even more exciting prospect than I could have ever hoped for.
I for one can’t wait to see what Universal Studios does with all their Classic horror characters that I grew up, and I can’t wait to see them back on the big screen. The Universal Monsters are a staple of film history, and bringing them together is a smart move that could benefit in spades. Are you excited about the idea of Kurtzman and Morgan bringing the Universal Monsters together in a bigger cinematic universe? Let your thoughts in the comments below!
With just a little less than a month to go until Marvel Studio’s new film, Guardians of the Galaxy, Kevin Feige and his team are starting to roll out the early promotion for their 2015 film, Avengers: Age of Ultron, the eleventh film in their ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first look of the new film, which will be present in a big way next week at San Diego Comic Con, was revealed in the newest issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Inside, the issue features a slew of new pictures from the film, as well as our first image of Ultron, the film’s villain, being played by James Spader via motion capture, which you can see below:
The issue goes on report that it will be none other than Robert Downey, Jr.’s Tony Stark who creates Ultron, all so he and the rest of The Avengers can take a little break from crime fighting:
“What you said about abdication is apt, but I think it’s also about recognizing limitations. The downside of self-sacrifice is that if you make it back, you’ve been out there on the spit and you’ve been turned a couple times and you feel a little burned and traumatized.”
Joss Whedon, the film’s director, then goes on to reiterate that point, while talking a bit about Ultron’s motivations as the film’s villain:
For better or worse (trust us, it’s worse), his Tony Stark has devised a plan that won’t require him to put on the Iron Man suit anymore, and should allow Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the Hulk to get some much needed R&R as well. His solution is Ultron, self-aware, self-teaching, artificial intelligence designed to help assess threats, and direct Stark’s Iron Legion of drones to battle evildoers instead.
The only problem? Ultron (played by James Spader through performance-capture technology) lacks the human touch, and his superior intellect quickly determines that life on Earth would go a lot smoother if he just got rid of Public Enemy No. 1: Human beings. “Ultron sees the big picture and he goes, ‘Okay, we need radical change, which will be violent and appalling, in order to make everything better’; he’s not just going ‘Muhaha, soon I’ll rule!’” Whedon says, rubbing his hands together.
“He’s on a mission,” the filmmaker adds, and smiles thinly. “He wants to save us.”
Much of what Whedon says above has been heavily hinted at and assumed for some time now, but it’s good to see an actual confirmation that Tony Stark does, in fact, create Ultron in the MCU. It honestly makes a lot of sense, but it’ll be interesting to see if any of what Tony works on comes from information created by Hank Pym, better known as Ant-Man, who has his own film coming next year as well. Michael Douglas is set to star as an older Pym in Marvel Studios film next year, and with Pym being the original creator of Ultron in the comics, having Stark build off some of his work may be a nice nod to fans of the comics, that Pym still has a hand in Ultron’s creation.
You can check out the link above for more on the film, and be sure to catch the new Entertainment Weekly issue for more on the film. For now, check out these new pictures from the film below. The film, featuring an all star cast of Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffallo Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Spader, and Don Cheadle, hits theaters on May 1, 2015.
Walt Disney Studios has been steadily bringing its back catalog of popular animated films to life in live action for sometime now, and the next one up is a new take on the classic tale, The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau, who is best known for his work on films such as Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Elf, and this year’s Chef. As the film’s development continued on, we had heard many names attached to the project, with Scarlett Johansson, Ben Kingsley, and Idris Elba all joining the cast to voice some of the characters in the film, but the search for Baloo and Mowgli seemed to be a mystery.
But one of those mysteries has finally been uncovered, as unknown actor Neel Sethi, has landed the coveted role after a worldwide search was conducted. Sethi will be the only live action actor in the whole film, which will be populated by CGI characters to create the animal characters we’ve grown to love over the years. We’re still waiting to find out who will be playing Baloo in the new film, but it’s great to at least have a Mowgli in place.
Here’s the full press release:
After an extensive worldwide search ranging from New York to New Zealand, London to Canada, and all throughout the United States and India, The Walt Disney Studios is pleased to announce that 10-year-old Neel Sethi will play the part of Mowgli in Disney’s The Jungle Book. Neel is a newcomer from New York picked from among thousands of auditions, and his role in The Jungle Book marks his first foray into acting.
“Casting is the most important element of any film and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative,” said director Jon Favreau. “Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders and I’m confident he can handle it.”
“Neel embodies the heart, humor, and daring of the character,” adds casting director Sarah Finn. “He’s warm and accessible, yet also has an intelligence well beyond his years and impressed us all with his ability to hold his own in any situation. Even though he has no professional acting experience, his natural charisma and instincts jumped out at us.”
As Mowgli, Neel will be the only actor onscreen in the film. The Jungle Book is a combination of live-action and animation and will be released in 3D on October 9, 2015.
The Jungle Book, which also stars Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o and Scarlet Johansson, and is directed by Jon Favreau, will be released on October 6, 2015.
“I know you don’t believe in God. But believe in family.”
Ten years ago, Zach Braff wowed audiences and critics alike with his indie dramedy, Garden State, a film about loss, family, and finding yourself. The film was his directoral debut, and had been eagerly waiting to see what Braff would do next with his sophomore effort. But as Braff pushed forward with his newest film, Wish I Was Here, he couldn’t get anyone to stand behind him to make the movie he wanted. So Braff turned used his own money, while also turning to his fans on Kickstarter, to fund the movie he wanted to get made. It was an unprecedented move, and one that came under scrutiny by many. But really, regardless of how many feel about how the film was made, it matters how the film turns out, and thankfully Wish I Was Here is a wonderful, moving, and fun film that works as a perfect companion piece to Garden State.
Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff) is an actor who is stuck in a rut. He can’t seem to get a job, his wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) is his family’s sole provider, who is slaving away in a dead end job, his kids (Joey King, Pierce Gagnon) go to an expensive Jewish private school they can’t afford. His father Gabe (Mandy Patinkin) helps pay the bill, but when his cancer comes back, he has to cut the funds so he can try and get an experimental treatment to save his life. Aidan’s life begins to free fall, as he tries to right himself, hold his family together, and turns to home schooling his children, as he is faced with what mortality is, and what family truly means.
Zach Braff teamed with his brother Adam Braff to write the screenplay for Wish I Was Here, and the film really seems to be a personal one. A lot of the father-son relationships, the search for yourself, and what it means to have faith and what you believe all seem to be pulled from their own lives, and are transplanted into the film beautifully. Zach’s direction has actually grown quite a bit in the time since Garden State, and it shows here. He has a real familiarity and comfort in the director’s chair, and he has a certain style and vibe that really comes off the screen. The film feels like a natural step up from Garden State, while complementing it at the same time. It’s really a spiritual sequel to the film, and a lot of the themes and tones from that film are continued here. But really, Braff has really put a lot of himself into the film, and it shows here, and it’s great to see him coming into his own as a filmmaker.
Directing a film and running a production can be hard, but it can be even harder when you’re starring in the film as well. But that really doesn’t seem to hinder Zach’s performance as Aidan, which may be one his best roles to date. Braff absolutely owns the role, and he brings so much emotion and charisma to the character, you really pull for him to come out on top. His children, played by Joey King and Pierce Gagnon, are wonderful to watch. King is really growing as an actress, and a scene she shares on the phone with Josh Gad’s Noah is actually one of the most emotional of the film, and she brings so much life to her character Grace. She plays off Pierce Gagnon, who plays her brother Tucker, very well, and they share a real familiarity and bond that makes it feel like they could be real siblings. Gagnon steals a lot of his scenes in the film, and he really brings a cute and fun performance to Tucker. He’s just a kid who loves to be ridiculous, and still sees a lot of wonder in the world, and Gagnon really embodies that. Josh Gad is also good as the estranged brother Noah, who is a genius, but never really did anything with it. It was good to see him really getting a chance to push his dramatic chops, and Gad actually really shines in those scenes. It would be great to see him pursue more roles like that.
As good as they are though, it’s really Kate Hudson and Mandy Patinkin who steal this film though, because they bring incredible power house performances to their characters. Hudson’s character Sarah feels so much hope and pain, and she plays the role with earnest. As the matriarch of the family, and the one who really holds the family up, she is fighting a losing battle with her job, while her husband and children seem to be free falling. It’s her best performance since Almost Famous, and she’s just pure joy to watch. Mandy Patinkin is also incredible as Gabe, a man who is facing his own mortality, while trying to make things right with his family before he dies. There’s a real sense of dread, sadness, hope, and happiness all rolled into his character, and anytime he is on screen, you can’t help but watch in awe. He commands the cameras, and owns every bit, and it’s wonderful to see him getting a chance to really flesh out a character like this to life. He plays off every other actor and actress so well in the film, but the strongest comes between a scene between he and Hudson in his hospital room. The two are electric together, and the scene has so much emotion it’s hard to forget.
The film has a very serious nature about nature and finding yourself, but the film also has a heart of gold and has a fun side as well. The comedy in the film really works, and really helps alleviate the growing drama throughout. The scenes between Aidan and his children, as they really begin to come together and find themselves in their homeschooling are so beautiful and fun, and really bringing a sense of wonder and happiness that works so well. They feel real, and it’s great to see a film that makes the small moments in life the most important, because those are the ones that we take so much for granted. This whole film really brings the idea of God and faith to a forefront as well, and what it really means for the characters in the film. Each one seems to be trying to find not just themselves, but a higher meaning in life as well. It’s interesting and really moving as they all go through this journey, some finding peace with a God they believe in, while others finding the happiness they need in family instead.
Some may find the film overly sappy and emotional, and for them it may be. But for others, this may hit them right in the heart, depending on where you are in your life. It’s not really cloying or overly fake, it just feels natural. The only real problem with the film is that it drags just a tiny bit in the middle. There’s a few minor nitpicks as well, such as Noah’s love interest, who doesn’t really have a bigger role in the film, which would have been welcome. It would have been nice to see his character find not just family again, but love as well, and watch as it plays out. But really it’s very small nitpicks overall in the grand scheme of the film.
Wish I Was Here is a fantastic, moving, fun, and emotional film that really fires on all cylinders. The cast is excellent across the board, with Hudson and Patinkin really shinning in their respective roles. Braff has really grown as a director, and he has really poured himself into the film. Overall, it is a wonderful companion piece to Garden State, and a great movie in its own right, and one that asks the big questions about what it means to have faith, finding yourself, and what family really means.
Fans asked for more Disney…and we heard you! Today, Disney Interactive announced that Stitch and Tinker Bell will join Merida, Maleficent and all of the characters from Disney Infinity and Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes in Toy Box 2.0 this fall.
As two of the most requested characters by the Disney Infinity fan community, Stitch and Tinker Bell will deliver their unique brand of magical, mischievous fun to Toy Box 2.0. Players will be able to create all-new adventures featuring the entire collection of characters from across the Disney Infinity universe, along with hundreds of Disney and Marvel-themed items, locations, props and vehicles.
Key highlights include:
Stitch: The lovable “experiment 626″ from the popular “Lilo & Stitch” films comes to the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 along with his trusty cosmic blaster and the ability to super jump to galactic new heights.
Tinker Bell: One of Disney’s most iconic characters, Tinker Bell enters the world of Disney Infinity with her magical healing Pixie Dust and the ability to glide to the stratosphere for fast-flying action.
The Stitch and Tinker Bell Toy Box figures will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will once again rise from the depths of a rich, haunted history to frighten those who dare October 2 through November 2. This year’s Dark Harbor is thrilled to unveil a spectacle of new attractions that include two brand new mazes, the new The Voodoo Village, and an Exclusive Encounter on board the infamous ship. Beloved veteran characters including The Ringmaster and all grotesque spirits of the Queen will make a chilling return for 20 nights of delightful terror amidst freaks, food, and live entertainment.
The two new death-defying mazes will take guests through never before visited areas of the ship and will replace the former Hellfire and Containment mazes. Details of each new terrifying maze will be unveiled in the months leading up to the October 2 Dark Harbor opening. Half Hatch Harry will once again emerge from the Deadrise maze, the infamous Captain will return to haunt the Dark Harbor grounds, and The Ringmaster will host the most frightening show on earth at The Circus, located in the outdoor dome just off the ship.
In addition to new mazes, Dark Harbor will feature the new Voodoo Village with dark magic gypsies that will taunt guests passing by in a setting wrought with shrunken heads, voodoo dolls and the feared Voodoo Queen. Also breaking ground at Dark Harbor in 2014 will be the Exclusive Encounter aboard the Queen Mary ship that will require a signed waiver to participate. This new, exclusive experiment in horror puts guests in an intimate and frightening setting that will leave a lasting impression jarring extreme fear.
The all-new Monster Midway will be where guests, zombies, food, and entertainment intertwine. The Midway will act as the centerpiece of Dark Harbor and welcomes back the Freakshow, exposing even more freaks than ever before including the harrowing Beast. Adventurous guests can chance the Mechanical Monster and check out the newest Dark Harbor ride that is yet to be revealed.
Dark Harbor will also feature stage shows that spotlight timeless characters as well as the fresh presence of the feared Voodoo Queen and her lackeys. LED hula hoopers, live musical entertainment, costume contests, holiday celebrations, and drag shows will enhance the spine-tingling experience.
Dark Harbor brings the real haunted history of The Queen Mary to life, offering an unforgettable, authentically frightening experience. The annual event kicks off October 2 and runs for 20 haunted evenings through November 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Ticket prices start at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes, and lodging packages available. Season passes are also an option for optimal adrenaline seekers. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.queenmary.com/dark-harbor.
With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius—thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.
Check-Out the new Trailer here:
Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action, “Big Hero 6” is directed by Don Hall (“Winnie the Pooh”) and Chris Williams (“Bolt”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Tangled”). The film hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014. The film hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.
Are you excited to see Big Hero 6 on the big screen? Let us know in the comments below.
Walt Disney Animation Studios officially announced the voice cast behind the new action-packed comedy-adventure “Big Hero 6,” including Maya Rudolph, James Cromwell, Damon Wayans Jr., T.J. Miller, Alan Tudyk, Jamie Chung, Genesis Rodriguez and Daniel Henney, with Ryan Potter as Hiro Hamada and Scott Adsit as Baymax. Directed by Don Hall (“Winnie the Pooh”) and Chris Williams (“Bolt”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Tangled”), “Big Hero 6” hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.
“We’re so impressed with what these performers have been able to bring to their characters,” said Hall. “The story really calls for each performer to give a wide range of emotions—from light-hearted to some seriously heavy moments—and this cast has been incredible.”
· Voiced by RYAN POTTER (“Supah Ninjas,” “Senior Project”), robotics prodigy HIRO HAMADA has the mind of a genius—and the heart of a 14-year-old: his state-of-the-art battle-bots dominate the underground bot fights held in the dark corners of San Fransokyo. Fortunately, big brother Tadashi redirects Hiro’s brilliance, inspiring him to put his brain to the test in a quest to gain admission to the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. When a tragic event changes everything, Hiro turns to a robot named Baymax, and they form an unbreakable bond—and two-sixths of a band of high-tech heroes on a very important mission.
· SCOTT ADSIT (“30 Rock,” “St. Vincent”) provides the voice of the world’s most compassionate robot. BAYMAX cares. That’s what he was designed to do. The plus-sized inflatable robot’s job title is technically Healthcare Companion: With a simple scan, Baymax can detect vital stats, and given a patient’s level of pain, can treat nearly any ailment. Conceived and built by Tadashi Hamada, Baymax just might revolutionize the healthcare industry. But to the inventor’s kid brother Hiro, the nurturing, guileless bot turns out to be more than what he was built for—he’s a hero, and quite possibly Hiro’s closest friend. And after some deft reprogramming that includes a rocket fist, super strength and rocket thrusters that allow him to fly, Baymax becomes one of the “Big Hero 6.”
· Voiced by T.J. MILLER (HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2”), fanboy FRED comes off like a laid-back dude with no direction. But this sign-twirling, monster-loving, comic-book aficionado is sure to go places—when he’s good and ready. For example, Fred doesn’t hesitate to join “Big Hero 6,” and he has a lot of ideas for his super-hero skillset, too. His ferocious, fire-breathing alter ego comes complete with claws, integrated communications and a super bounce. But his sign-spinning may still come in handy.
· JAMIE CHUNG (“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” “Once Upon A Time,” “The Hangover Part II & Part III”) steps up as the voice of the aptly named GO GO TOMAGO, who knows what it takes to be fast. She’s tough, athletic and loyal to the bone, but not much of a conversationalist. Popping bubble gum and delivering well-placed sarcasm are totally her speed. The daredevil adrenaline junkie is at her best on wheels, and when Go Go joins forces with “Big Hero 6,” she rolls like never before, using maglev discs as wheels, shields and throwing weapons.
· DAMON WAYANS JR. (“Let’s Be Cops,” “Happy Endings”) provides the voice of WASABI, who’s committed to precision. He’s super smart and just a touch neurotic, but the big and burly neatnik can’t help but join the cause when Hiro needs him most. As part of “Big Hero 6,” Wasabi amplifies his martial arts skills with jaw-dropping plasma blade weaponry. Sharp doesn’t even begin to describe this guy.
· GENESIS RODRIGUEZ (“Tusk” and “Run All Night”) was called on to help bring Honey Lemon to life. It’s elemental when it comes to chemistry whiz HONEY LEMON. Don’t let her glasses and funky fashion fool you: Honey may be as sweet as her namesake, but she has a fire in her belly and a can-do attitude that make her pretty much unstoppable. Her knowledge of alchemy proves powerful, too, when the effusive brainiac becomes part of the “Big Hero 6” and creates clever concoctions that when thrown, can get her team out of nearly any jam.
· DANIEL HENNEY (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) was called on to give voice to TADASHI HAMADA. Tadashi is a good guy. He just is. He actually developed, built and programmed a state-of-the-art nursebot—a Healthcare Companion named Baymax that will likely help millions worldwide. But it’s his role as big brother that makes Tadashi truly special. Every kid needs a guy like Tadashi looking out for him, and Hiro knows just how lucky he is to have him in his life.
· MAYA RUDOLPH (TV’s “Saturday Night Live,” “Maya Rudolph Variety Show,” Bridesmaids”) provides the voice of AUNT CASS, who’s the overworked but always-supportive guardian of brothers Hiro and Tadashi. The owner of a popular San Fransokyo bakery and coffee shop, Aunt Cass is proud, ebullient and thinks the world of her two genius nephews. She’s always good for a laugh and ready with a hug, tirelessly there for support and a great home-cooked meal.
· Voiced by JAMES CROMWELL (“Murder in the First,” “L.A. Confidential”), PROFESSOR ROBERT CALLAGHAN heads up the robotics program at the prestigious San Fransokyo Institute of Technology and is Tadashi’s professor and mentor. When Hiro visits the university for the first time, he is star-struck by the world-renowned roboticist—while Callaghan immediately sees the potential in the 14-year-old prodigy, encouraging him to put his brain to better use.
· Pioneer entrepreneur and tech guru ALISTAIR KREI is voiced by ALAN TUDYK (“Tell,” “Welcome to Me,” “42”). San Fransokyo Institute of Technology’s most illustrious alum and owner of the biggest technology company in the world, Krei Tech, is always on the hunt for the next big thing. Krei attends the showcase at San Fransokyo Tech and is overwhelmingly impressed by Hiro’s ingenuity.
· YOKAI is the silent masked man behind the terrible tragedy that strikes San Fransokyo, turning Hiro’s world upside down. As a result, Hiro transforms a group of nerds into a team of high-tech crime fighters—“Big Hero 6”—with one mission: Track down Yokai and bring him to justice.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius—thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.
Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action, “Big Hero 6” is directed by Don Hall (“Winnie the Pooh”) and Chris Williams (“Bolt”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Tangled”). The film hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new adventure-comedy about a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire.
When world-famous air racer Dusty Crophopper learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. “It’s a movie about second chances,” says director Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”). “Each character was something else before finding their current roles, and Dusty is a crop duster-turned-racer who can’t race any more. When we learned that historically, the very first air attack teams were crop dusters, it was clear that the plane was telling us where the story was going.”
We had the opportunity to meet with Paul Gerard, Director of Creative Development and Jeff Howard, Co-Writer at a recent press event to discuss the type of research they did to bring this movie to the big screen. One of the biggest aid and resource they started with was with CALFIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). The filmmakers got the opportunity to meet with the firefighters to get an idea the types of planes that they use to fight fire. That’s when the concept of “second chances” came into play and became the main theme of the movie.
The team spent time on location at Hemet-Ryan one of main base for CALFIRE. In the state of California there is approximately over 5600 fires a year, some of which that are never heard of. We tend to only hear of the big fires. CalFire battalion chief Travis Alexander not only welcomed the team—allowing them to sketch, take pictures and video, and soak up the atmosphere—he ultimately served as inspiration for one of the main characters. When Dusty arrives to Piston Peak, a fire alarm goes off immediately indicating that fires happen 3-4 times a day. This realism was incorporated into the movie.
The Team also visited national parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone and Angeles National Forest. Filmmakers knew that the backdrop for “Planes: Fire & Rescue” would have to be vast—the main characters can cover a lot of miles in a single scene—and they wanted it to be lush and scenic. The team ensured that just the right trees were incorporated, including lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, incense cedar, red woods and giant sequoia. Also included are buckthorn and huckleberry oak.
In additon, the team worked with L.A. County and L.A. City Fire Department, and even the Walt Disney Studios Fire Department. Art director Toby Wilson even tapped the firefighters in his neighborhood—Redondo Beach—for insight. Wilson paid homage to his backyard crew by adding their number E-64 to structural fire engine Pulaski in the film.
It’s amazing how much the Planet of the Apes series has changed, and the ups and downs it has gone through. But after Rupert Wyatt’s reboot, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the series seemed to finally be back on track to return to its glory days. But no one could be prepared for what was to come, as Wyatt stepped out and Matt Reeves stepped in to the directors chair. Reeves, a self proclaimed fan of the series, has dared to take the series in a new direction we haven’t quite seen yet, with his new installment, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Partnered with Andy Serkis as the film’s hero, Caesar, this may not only be one of the best films of the year, but the best Planet of the Apes film in the entire franchise.
One of the strongest aspects of Rise of the Planet of the Apes was the time spent with Caesar and the apes, and the way they communicated with each other. Reeves has taken that to the next level here, with really turning the focus of the film onto Caesar and the world of the apes, and the first twenty minutes especially is riveting. Reeves really delves into the life of the apes, and their new world, and the film’s opening twenty minutes really plays like an amazing silent film. Letting Andy Serkis, Toby Kebbell, and Nick Thurston really show off their acting skills as Caesar, Koba, and Blue Eyes makes you feel very attached to the characters, and you start to really care for them.
You can really feel Reeves’ love for the original films behind the scenes here, and he so badly wants to make a movie that goes to the level of the original, but one that really lets you in on the world the apes now inhabit, and he’s completely successful at that here. The way we watch as this world falls to the Simian Flu in the film’s opening prologue, and the way it completely desolated San Francisco, and the world, is really gripping, and you can start to see signs of the way the world was in the original film. The film has a really great script that lets the dynamics of the characters, and the tension between the two factions of apes and humans, really feel bold and new. It’s so interesting that, really, there’s no initial villain. The apes don’t want war with the humans, and the humans don’t want war with the apes, as long as they can find a way to get electricity to the city again. It’s that sort of dynamic, of no one is really the villain in this, and the leaders on both sides really just wanting what’s best for their people, that makes the movie special. It really dares to make you choose a side, when neither side is right or wrong.
Even with Reeves’ love for the series being apparent, this is really a film that’s owned by the actors, and really, this movie is completely owned by Andy Serkis. He was amazing in Rise, but he’s at a whole new level here. Serkis’ performance is absolutely breathtaking, and he has created one of the most lovable and sympathetic characters to ever grace the screen, and the fact he does it so well just with his facial expressions and movements makes it that much more impressive. His stunted speech, as he continues to evolve really grabs you as well, and the way Serkis articulates the words is just really beautiful, and you can tell he’s really taking the time to make sure Caesar, as he evolves, grows into naturally. His progression from the first film to the second just feels seamless and natural, and it’ll be a crime if Serkis isn’t nominated for Best Actor this year at the Academy Awards.
But, surprisingly, Toby Kebbell, who plays Caesar’s right hand, Koba, is almost on Serkis’ level. Koba, the scarred ape from the first film, really doesn’t like the humans, and he believes he’s on a crusade of righteousness, even if Caesar won’t believe him. One of the film’s most pivotal scenes, and quite frankly emotional, comes from Kebbell as he finds himself at odds with Caesar, when he lets the humans stay in the ape camp. Koba doesn’t trust them, and tries to plea with Caesar angrily, not to let them stay, and begins showing his scars in an attempt to show the evil of men. Kebbell just owns the scene, and the role in general, and it’s great to see another actor who really gets how motion capture works, and really takes it to the next level.
The film really does belong to Serkis and Kobbell, but there are human characters as well, but honestly, they aren’t given much to do. The film’s biggest flaw is the humans feel underdeveloped, but honestly, that may be the point. This is the film about the apes, and their world, and the humans just happen stumble back into it. Jason Clarke’s Malcom is an honorable man, much like Franco’s character Will from the first one, and he’s the one who Caesar really connects with. He’s good, but again, he isn’t given too much to work with. The same could be said about Keri Russell and Gary Oldman. Each character has a purpose, but really, they don’t get too much to do. But each one of them is great in their small, but pivotal scenes.
One of the best things about the film though is the escalation in the second and third acts, as Caesar and Koba begin to clash, and the eventual confrontation it brings. Reeves shoots action very well, with no shaky cam to be seen. There’s beautiful tracking shots, and just amazing scenes as the apes begin to revolt and take over San Francisco, and it’s just eerie and beautiful. One thing that really works is during Caesar and Koba’s fight is a callback from the last film, that plays a big part here, and the way it plays out is mesmerizing, and you feel like you’re waiting on baited breath to see what will happen. This is all attributed to Reeves, who really invests us into this world, and these characters, and really makes you feel for them. What does help though is Michael Giacchino’s score, which is very atmospheric and haunting, and really helps push the tension as the film begins to escalate. The man has a way with music that really embodies the feel of the film, pushing it to new heights, and this may be his finest film score to date.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is so beyond your typical summer blockbuster. This a film full of emotion, depth, and a truly unique feel. We don’t get many sci-fi films like this anymore. Andy Serkis and Toby Kebbell really push motion capture to new heights as Caesar and Koba, really stealing the film. These are award worthy performances, so hopefully the Academy pays attention to them this time around. Matt Reeves has created a sci-fi tale so grand, so beautiful, and so encapsulating, that it makes you wish we’d see more films like this. His love for the series oozes off the screen, and he has managed to not only make what could be the best Planet of the Apes film to date, but one of the best films of the year, period.
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, it had 18 attractions, no Disney hotels and little but orange groves surrounding it. Today, as the Disneyland Resort celebrates its 59th anniversary, the original theme park has expanded to become a world-class family resort destination with two renowned Disney parks, nearly 100 attractions, three hotels and the shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney. And in the spring of 2015, the resort will launch a dazzling yearlong Diamond Celebration that salutes 60 years of magic.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will once again rise from the depths of a rich, haunted history to frighten those who dare October 2 through November 2. This year’s Dark Harbor is thrilled to unveil a spectacle of new attractions that include two brand new mazes, the new The Voodoo Village, and an Exclusive Encounter on board the infamous ship. Beloved veteran characters including The Ringmaster and all grotesque spirits of the Queen will make a chilling return for 20 nights of delightful terror amidst freaks, food, and live entertainment.
