New! Diagon Alley Food and Beverage Options Revealed: At the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion at Universal Orlando, we’ll all have the opportunity to actually step inside places you’ve only seen in the Harry Potter films and read about in the Harry Potter books and actually taste some of the foods and drinks your favorite characters have enjoyed! First up is the Leaky Cauldron, which will look just like it does in the films…all the way down to the huge cauldron that sits in the middle of the restaurant. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious British fare like…
Bangers and Mash (traditional roasted sausages with creamy mashed potatoes)
Toad in the Hole (traditional sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy)
Cottage Pie (a savory combination of meat and vegetables in a potato crust)
Fisherman’s Pie (salmon, shrimp and cod baked together under a potato crust)
Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew (served in a bread bowl)
Ploughman’s (a feast of English cheeses, crusty bread, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, Branston pickle and a Scotch egg)
Split Pea Soup
Banger Pub Style Sandwich
Fish and Chips
And more!
And you can finish off your meal with scrumptious desserts like Chocolate Potted Cream, Cranachan and Sticky Toffee Pudding. There will also be breakfast served at the Leaky Cauldron with two new breakfast items, only available at Diagon Alley: an Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt and Fruit and an Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty.
There will also be new beverages for you to enjoy in Diagon Alley like:
Fishy Green Ale (it’s Fishy Green Ale, use your imagination!)
Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice
Tongue Tying Lemon Squash
Peachtree Fizzing Tea
Wizard’s Brew (draught beer)
Dragon Scale (draught beer)
Gillywater
Pumpkin Juice
Butterbeer (of course!)
Another must-stop during your trip to Diagon Alley will be Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment, a cart located in Horizont Alley, where you can enjoy unique elixirs. Here’s how it works: you select from a variety of elixirs like Draught of Peace, Babbling Beverage, Elixir to Induce Euphoria and Fire Protection Potion, and then add the elixir to Gillywater. By mixing them, you’ll see your drink transform before your eyes and experience a delightful flavor surprise. Too cool!
And of course, to top it all off, you have Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. You may remember Florean Fortescue’s from the first book and film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when Hagrid bought Harry a chocolate and raspberry ice-cream with chopped nuts. You’ll be able to do the same with unique flavors of ice-cream like…
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley opens at the Universal Orlando Resort in Summer 2014.
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
The first trailer for the new Pierce Brosnan spy film, The November Man, has just been released. But this isn’t the type of spy film from Brosnan may be expecting. In fact, the film, directed by Roger Donaldson, looks like a more adult take on the spy genre, along the lines of The Bourne Identity and Taken, not so much the James Bond films that Brosnan is most famously known for. It looks like a lot of fun, and if the film works, it could certainly lead to a new spy series for Brosnan to star in. Check out the trailer below.
An ex-CIA operative is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect.
The film is based on the novel, There Are No Spies, written by Bill Granger. It’s one of a few novels that stars Brosnan’s character in the film, Peter Devereaux. Brosnan seems to be in top form here, and the character looks to be a much darker, more violent character than his 007 counterpart. It’ll be interesting to see if audiences will be able to accept him in that role, and they can separate his cheeky, womanizing, and suave Bond character from this.
The November Man also stars Olga Kurylenko and Luke Bracey, and will open nationwide on August 27, 2014.
Are you looking forward to The November Man? What did you think of the trailer? Leave your thoughts in the usual place below.
It’s rare for studios to do a major tent pole film that isn’t set up to be a franchise starter, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when a one off film comes out, especially during the summer. Thankfully, even without franchise recognition, Edge of Tomorrow ends up being one of the this summer’s better offerings. The film sets out to be a fun sci-fi adventure, but it’s one that audiences may not quite be expecting. It’s a film that feels a like it’s part part video game, while being all parts a sci-fi action tale, but one that’s made for a smarter audience, because it never stops to pander to them.
Based on the Japanese novel, All You Need is Kill, Edge of Tomorrow stars Tom Cruise as Major William Cage, a man living in a bleak looking near future, where an alien species, known as Mimics, threatens to destroy humanity, and claiming Earth as their own. But for Cage, the future may never happen, as he finds himself stuck in a strange anomaly: Every time he dies, he wakes up on the same day, forced to relive the day over again. As Cage begins to try and understand what’s happening to him, he comes in contact with Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), the leader of the human resistance, and a woman who just might know what’s happening to him. The two band together, trying to use Cage’s knowledge and newly found powers as an upper hand against the enemy. But what if it’s not enough, and the Earth is doomed to fall, no matter how many times they try and change the future?
The best thing about Edge of Tomorrow is the fact that the way it plays with its premise. The film could easily become out of hand or repetitive really quickly, but instead it feels natural. They play it with a bit of comedy in the beginning, making it easier to accept what’s happening, before shifting it into a more serious direction. In fact, the idea behind this whole film actually becomes very interesting, when they start to play on the idea of all the pain that Cage must feel living the same day over and over again, and watching the people around him die over and over again. Cruise is so good in the role, and he balances it in a way only he can. He brings his usual charm and charisma to the role, and the way he plays the comedy and seriousness in the overall bizarre situation he finds himself in is great. Cruise has always been a great action star, and that is no different here. You can tell he fully threw himself into the role, and he makes wearing the cumbersome suit seem effortless.
But it’s really not just Cruise who shines, but Emily Blunt damn near steals the film as Rita Vrataski. Blunt has been gaining a lot of traction and notoriety over the last few years, but this may be the film to really put her on the map. She completely holds her own against Cruise, and even shows him up at times. She’s tough as nails, and she handles the action very well. There’s never a moment where Blunt feels out of place in the film, and you completely believe her character has earned her famous nickname. This may actually be one of the best female protagonists to grace the screens since Ripley and Sarah Conner, and Blunt could more than care that mantle for sometime. Bill Paxton also steals all his scenes as Master Sergeant Farrell Bartolome, a by the books military officer who is nothing but a pain in Cage’s side. Paxton is just a joy to watch, as he chews up the scenery in his scenes with glee, and it’s hard not to love him in the role.
Director Doug Liman has proven himself a more than capable action director, with things like The Bourne Identity and Mr. and Mrs. Smith on his resume, but Edge of Tomorrow is certainly his most grown up and most well staged action film of his career. The film has some incredibly impressive action sequences on the battlefield, as well as outside of it, as the story progresses, and he clearly shoots the scenes with care. There’s no shaky cam work here, and everything is nicely choreographed, making it easy to tell what’s going on, and making it more enjoyable. The most impressive action sequences really come from a montage on the battlefield between Cage and Rita, as they fight side by side against the Mimics. They look great fighting together, and the scenes are so much fun.
It’s just too bad the film’s second act bogs down the pace, as the film’s story begins to try and move forward. A full scene of exposition that explains the Mimics, and the way that Cage ended up with his new powers, begins to drag the film down. It doesn’t hurt the film too much, but it’s certainly noticeable. Then there’s also a matter of the film’s ending, which while good, does feel a bit forced. It seems too neat and tied up, as great and emotional as it can be seen as. One can’t help but wonder if a different ending may have yielded a better third act, and a stronger finish, but audiences will be more than happy with the way the film closes.
Edge of Tomorrow is one of the better sci-fi offerings of the last few years. While the film suffers from some pacing issues in the middle, and a bit of a deus ex machina with its ending, it doesn’t hurt the overall enjoyability of the film. Cruise is in top form, which will come as no shock to his fans, but it’s really Blunt and Paxton who steal the film in their respective roles. Featuring a great sense of humor, some fantastic action scenes, and a newer premise that hasn’t been visited too many times before, the film soars to great heights, overcoming its few problems. This isn’t the best summer film of 2014, but it’s definitely one of its strongest offerings.
We’ve known for some time now that Marvel Studios was ramping up production on a film based on their popular character, Doctor Strange. So much so, they actually named drop the titular character, Stephen Strange, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Well, it looks like the film is now one step closer to being fully realized, as Marvel has set their sights on director Scott Derrickson for the film. Variety was the first to break the news. Marvel hasn’t made an official announcement, but Derrickson has, as he later tweeted this image:
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) June 3, 2014
With Derrickson now confirming his involvement, it’s only a matter of time before we find out who’s writing the film, as well as starring it in. Rumors have circulated that Johnny Depp, Jon Hamm, and Jared Leto have all been eyed for the role of the Sorcerer Supreme, but only time will tell who actually lands the role. The film will certainly part of Marvel’s Phase 3, and will probably be one of the 2016 films.
Derrickson is a really interesting, and inspired, choice for the film. His best known for his horror films Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, which makes me think Marvel is looking at a darker, possibly scary take on the character. If that’s the case, that’s great, because that will certainly set the film apart from its other Marvel Studios brethren. I’m actually very excited to see the direction the film takes, and the new doors it opens for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is going to be a much wilder, darker, more supernatural style film, and it could be a good way for Marvel to reintroduce characters like Blade and Ghost Rider down the line.
Are you excited for Marvel’s Doctor Strange? Is there anyone in particular you’d like to see as Strange? Sound off in the usual place.
Soak up summer with Pixar Summer Movies To Go exclusively on Disney Movies Anywhere, the free app that lets you stream and download Disney, Pixar and Marvel films anywhere. Beginning June 3, log on for new Pixar surprises coming each week throughout 13 weeks of summer.
With Pixar Summer Movies To Go, a different fan favorite film will be available each week and you can unlock exclusive bonus content like special filmmaker introductions, film trivia and more Pixar surprises! Additionally, in the Discover section of the Disney Movies Anywhere app you’ll find “Countdown to Pixar’s Ultimate Movie-Making Secrets.”
Rev up your digital movie collection starting with Cars on June 3. Check in each week to find out what movie is featured, and you’ll soon be whizzing through outer space with Wall•E, floating on the breeze with Up, trying to catch your toys in action while watching Toy Story, and catching the East Australian Current with Dory in Finding Nemo.
Perfect for vacations and summer travel; download the free Disney Movies Anywhere app on your iPhone or iPad and gear up for Pixar Summer Movies To Go to get summer started right. And for a limited time, when you download Disney Movies Anywhere and link your iTunes account, you’ll get The Incredibles for free. Find out more about buying, watching, and collecting your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies anywhere and download the App at http://di.sn/sX8
Merida and Maleficent are playable in the all-new Toy Box 2.0 mode of the game, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity. Players will be able to use both characters, plus hundreds of Disney-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new adventures in customized worlds.
Key highlights include:
Merida: With her untamed fiery red locks, this headstrong Princess will definitely leave her mark in Disney Infinity. Between her sharp sword and bow combo attacks with ricocheting arrows, she can upgrade her aim with elemental freeze arrows, freezing enemies in front of her then following up with rapid shots showing off her impressive athletic skills as an archer and sword fighter.
Maleficent: The wicked title character from the upcoming Walt Disney Studios film employs numerous magical powers and can attack using her magic in melee and ranged combat. To defeat enemies, Maleficent has the ability to utilize projectile and area of effect attacks that affect multiple targets within a specified area, brambles that she summons from the ground and ravens that she can call on to attack targets.
Both Merida and Maleficent will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.
Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ film HERCULES, starring Dwayne Johnson, bows on July 25th. Based on Radical Comics’ Hercules by Steve Moore, this ensemble-action film is a revisionist take on the classic myth, HERCULES. The epic action film also stars Golden Globe Winner Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan and Academy Award®-nominee John Hurt.
Are you excited for this movie? Let us know in the comments below.
Join us every week to read about what’s new at the Disneyland Resort in California! This week’s Disneyland News features updates on new Star Wars-themed RunDisney event, ticket price increases, Anna and Elsa from Frozen coming to Disneyland and more!
What’s New This Week?
Disneyland Resort in Southern California
New! Star Wars-themed Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort in 2015: A Star Wars-themed runDisney weekend will be held at the Disneyland Resort January 15-18, 2015. In addition to the Half Marathon, the event will include a 10K, 5K, Kids Races, Wookiee Welcome Party and an Expo. Wield your lightsabers in the Rebel Challenge and you’ll be rewarded for completing both the Half Marathon and the 10K. Registration opens at Noon ET on Tuesday, June 10. May the Course be with you!
New! Ticket Prices and Annual Passholder Updates: Effective May 18, Disneyland ticket prices have increased. A 1-Day, 1 Park ticket is up $4 for adults and children. 1-Day Park Hoppers increased by $13. Other ticket options, annual passes and parking fees also increased. Another notable change was sales of the SoCal Passport for Disneyland has been suspended and Annual Passholder Blockout tickets were discontinued. A Disneyland representative said, “Due to the popularity of our annual pass program – and to preserve the guest experience for our annual passholders and all guests – future sales of all annual passes will be subject to availability. We continue to offer a variety of other annual passes so that our guests can choose a pass that’s right for them.” At this time, the Southern California Annual Pass will be available for on-time renewals only.
New! ‘Frozen’ Pre-parade Coming to Disneyland Park this Summer: In Disney’s Academy Award-winning hit “Frozen,” lovable snowman Olaf dreams of what it would be like in summer, longing for warm breezes and sunny blue skies. Well, this summer at Disneyland park, he’ll be one happy snowman, as he finally has the chance to find out! Olaf will be part of a special pre-parade each day, appearing just ahead of performances of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. And of course, Anna and Elsa will be there, too! Queen Elsa has created a magical parade float of snow and ice and will be greeting everyone along the parade route, as Olaf and Princess Anna frolic in the snow. Guests will be able to see their favorite “Frozen” friends from Arendelle when this special pre-parade begins at Disneyland Park in mid-June!
New! Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae Available at Disney California Adventure Park: At Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, you’ll find Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae in an adorable “sink” in the shape of Mickey’s red pants. is vanilla ice cream drizzled with hot fudge and topped with chocolate chips and a cherry, served with two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Cost is $11.99. The adorable red sink is yours to keep and carry home as a souvenir of your Disney indulgence!
New! Goofy’s Glaciers Now Available: These ever-popular drinks, available in a 16 oz. or two different souvenir cups, have previously only been found at Walt Disney World Resort. However, these frozen treats have now made their debut in locations here at the Disneyland Resort. Cherry flavor is available at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park or at Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District. Blue Raspberry can be found at Pooh Corner in Disneyland Park.
Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to view the scheduled renovations and closures at the Disneyland Resort.
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
Disney presents “Maleficent,” starring Academy Award®–winning actress Angelina Jolie in the title role. This year, 2014, marks the 55th Anniversary of the character who put a spell on young “Sleeping Beauty” in the animated feature released by Disney in 1959. Since her introduction, Maleficent has been Disney’s all-time most popular villain. Now she returns in this live-action version of the classic story—and there’s a lot about her we never knew.
Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (“District 9”), Elle Fanning (“Super 8”), Sam Riley (“On the Road”), Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”), Juno Temple (“Atonement”) and Lesley Manville (“Secrets & Lies”).
The character Maleficent was a Disney creation first introduced in their 1959 animated feature “Sleeping Beauty.” But the story of the princess who falls under a spell of eternal sleep has been told since the beginning of fairy- tale time.
The origins of Maleficent as a female personification of evil are less clear. The story casts a queen as the jealous, vengeful villainess but she was married to the king and not an independent outsider who inflicts a curse on the royal family. But the character was changed from the villainess to a wicked fairy.
In a recent press conference we had the opportunity to chat with Sam Riley, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning and Director Robert Stromberg to discuss ‘Maleficent’ and their vision behind this film.
Photo Courtesy, Walt Disney Pictures.
Our first interview starts with Sam Riley who plays Diaval, Maleficent’s loyal companion. He gets saved by Maleficent from a farmer and his dogs and become her loyal ally who fly to places and spy for her. He’s the only character who’s capable of telling her when she becomes a little overwrought and who really know what she’s thinking.
Did you watch Disney’s Sleeping Beauty when you were younger?
I remember seeing it and certain images, like the prince and dragon. I was more of a Jungle Book fan as a little boy.
How was it like working with Angelina Jolie?
I was very nervous about it at the beginning. The first meeting we had, she’s very disarming, big smile, and charming. She was fan of my character in the film so I felt protected. The first time acting with her, was when she was in full costume on set during the throne scene.
Did you have input in your human costume?
We had a lot of conversations about what I’m wearing when turning from a bird to a human. In the end, we ended with the clothes the scarecrow was wearing in the field a leather jacket and some other pieces. It was a lot of fun to look into a mirror after all the makeup and chest piece was put on.
This is Robert Stromberg’s first directional debut, what was his mood and how was his process and tone working with you?
I worked with a lot of first time directors, but not like this film with a big budget and star. The first time we met, he was at the casting and suggested how he would like to see my character be portrayed. He also showed me the drawings of the world, the characters and the different animals I turn into as well which looked amazing. He was a great director to work with.
Riley believes that the Diaval character serves a unique purpose as he helps to make Maleficent more relatable and more than a one-dimensional figure. “Maleficent is a fascinating woman,” explains Riley. “In the relationship between Diaval and Maleficent, Diaval tries to bring out
what he knows must be inside Maleficent.”
Photo Courtesy, Walt Disney Pictures.
We move on to our next interview with Sharlto Copley who plays King Stefan and Aurora’s father. Stefan, was driven by blind ambition to become king and stopped at nothing to achieve his goal. This complex character goes on a journey from innocent young boy to vengeful monarch is a revelation to audiences familiar with the original. Describing Stefan and his role in the story, Director Robert Stromberg informs, “We meet Stefan, who is human, early on in the film, when he sneaks into the moors where Maleficent lives, and the two eventually become good friends. Over time, we realize that Stefan lusts for power whereas Maleficent is tied to the moors where she belongs, taking on the responsibility of protecting the creatures that dwell there. We follow Stefan on a journey to the King’s castle, where he begins his quest for power, wealth and money.”
Is it more fun to play a villain than the being good guy?
Not for me. I’ve had fun roles in other movies which have more complex things going on. I don’t enjoy getting to the aggressive or dark side of myself.
In the battle scene, you have swords and chains and armor on, was that CGI or were you in the armor?
It’s a combination. We do a scene with the chain and without the chain. That’s the typical process.
What attracted you to this film?
It was wanting to work with Jolie, and finally be able to show my nephew a film that wasn’t ‘R’ rated and the roles men and women have in the world. Also it’s about true love’s kiss. I felt it was a film that has something to explore that was relevant to our society. Love will save you if you let it.
Copley adds, “I like characters that go through a significant journey and Stefan goes through a rather profound one, from a commoner to a powerful ruler. Stefan is ambitious and feels like he deserves more respect than he’s getting in the world.”
Maleficent possesses magical powers but Stefan, being human, has none. “Stefan relies on human ingenuity and that’s what he uses to become king,” explains Copley. “He uses human ingenuity and human ruthlessness, if you will, at times as well. I think the line is very fine. I think what Stefan learns as he goes along is that the line between ingenuity and invention and greed can be extremely blurry.”
Photo Courtesy, Walt Disney Pictures.
In our third interview, we got the pleasure to speak with the movie’s Director Robert Stromberg.
To find the perfect director to bring the production to life, Producer Joe Roth reached out to Robert Stromberg. “A film like this generally takes about six or seven months to prepare correctly because it’s a giant visual production,” informs Roth. “So, I had been working with Rob Stromberg, who won the Oscar® for ‘Avatar’ as production designer, and won the Oscar® for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ as designer as well, and had just finished ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ for me. It was very clear to me that he was born to be a director, and he really wanted to be a director.”
Was it intimidating at all taking on a such huge project for your first directorial film?
I wish I can say that I was scared as hell, but I was not. It’s actually the opposite. I was really excited to finally work with emotion and work with the actors, and use that part of the pallet to combine of what I do.
How exciting was it for your to have the luxury at Pinewood Studios to be able to build so many of the sets?
What I really wanted to do was understand the balance between what you need and what needed to be built and what was going to be CGI. It was important for the actors be able to physically touch things and to feel the emotion of real light lighting the set that’s why the christening scene is an entire set, that’s the center of the movie. We wanted everybody to feel the energy of what it would be like to be there.
Did you use a lot of the Disney resources to go back and look back at the original cells from the classic movie?
That was actually really cool. I got to go into the Disney archives and they would pull out original art work for me to look at. It was important to keep the essence of the original movie in this new film. It’s funny that I didn’t realize that the castle that’s in the Disney logo, is actually Cinderella’s castle. So we had to make our own castle, we re-did the logo using our own.
Why did you choose Elle Fanning to play Aurora?
What I saw and what everyone saw was that she sort of portrayed life and light. That’s what we wanted the light to contrast with the dark. But it was really about that you can feel her spirit in the room.
Bringing Maleficent to the screen as a live-action character is a responsibility that Roth took very seriously when choosing his director. “Maleficent is a really important character; a character that if we do our job right in the film, that not only her character but Sleeping Beauty’s character as well, and some of the fairies and great creatures that Rob Stromberg has created will be seen for years and years and years in parks and in stores. Maleficent is a very, very important character in the Disney life.”
Photo Courtesy, Walt Disney Pictures.
In our final interview of the day and after a brief break, we got to meet with Elle Fanning who plays the sweet Sleeping Beauty, Aurora.
For Fanning, winning this role was a dream come true. “It’s been sort of everything that I dreamed of,” says the young actress. “I think from the moment of putting on her first outfit, getting the hair and everything, it’s been really special to get to play such an iconic character.”
When you were younger, was there one of the Disney Princesses that you liked?
It’s weird, because mine was Sleeping Beauty. I felt that I looked like her the most when I was little. She has the long blonde hair and wore the pink dress and I love pink. So this is the biggest dream of my life.
So are you like Aurora in some ways? How are you different?
We are both very happy and smile a lot. I think she’s a little more naive because she’s sheltered and tucked away in the little cottage. I feel that I’ve experienced more things, I’ve traveled more she has. She’s still curious, because in the originally animated film, she’s more one dimensional, she’s a little princess. In our film, it was important for us to create a depth to her that no one knew before, have more layers, be more human, and to experience sadness and betrayal.
“In our film you get to see her have different emotions and really get the essence of her,” says Fanning. “I love how she’s very free spirited, and since she has been kept away from normal life, she’s very open to things and innocent. But that’s what makes her very likable and charming.”
What was the toughest and favorite scene for you to do in this film? Was it technical or physical?
I guess there was a few, the mud fight scene, was very technical, I looked like an insane person, I’m doing a mud fight with creatures that aren’t there so I have to know how tall they are to try and aim them and where they will be placed. Also another scene that I like and was my favorite was when I pricked my finger on the spindle. As a little girl that scene scared me in the original movie.
Fanning adds, “Aurora exudes lightness and it’s so great in our movie that we have the dark and the light, total opposites, because they work so well together, like opposites attract in a way.”
Maleficent is Rated PG with a running time of 97 minutes and now playing in Theaters.
We were invited by Disney to a screening of the movie on Sunday May 18 and then to the Four Season Hotel in Beverly Hills for the interviews. 5
Recently named the number one theme park for families by Parents Magazine, LEGOLAND® California Resort expanded once again today with the grand opening of the LEGO® Legends of Chima™ Water Park presented by Cartoon Network™! The new water park opened in style as celebrities, players from the San Diego Padres and community VIPs walked the “green” carpet before enjoying the new three-acre water park with their families.
General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort Peter Ronchetti welcomed guests as they lined the Lion Temple Wave Pool which is guarded by an 18 foot high LEGO® lion arch created out of 260,000 LEGO bricks. “Since LEGOLAND Water Park opened in 2010, our guests have been asking for more,” said Ronchetti. “This Chima Water Park has such incredible theming and so many awesome interactive features, I’m excited for our guests to experience it and expand their day here at the Resort.”
Having a game tonight didn’t stop San Diego Padres players Rene Rivera, Everth Cabrera and Ian Kennedy from splashing in the 250,000 gallon Lion Temple Wave Pool and enjoying some family time. The wave pool spans over 13,000 square feet, is filled with 250,000 gallons of water, is designed for families with young children and is based on the popular series on the Cartoon Network and the LEGO Group’s newest hit product “Legends of Chima.”
“As a long-standing partner with The LEGO Group, we are excited to extend this collaboration to the LEGOLAND park in California,” said Scott Thomas, vice-president of marketing, Cartoon Network. “It’s dazzling to see the World of Chima come to life, and kids who enjoy the show and its characters can now be a part of the entire experience this world has to offer.”
Mt. Cavora, the iconic “floating” mountain, is the heart of Lion Temple Wave Pool soaring 40-feet high releasing 400 gallons of water every minute for guests to splash about and enjoy. The floating mountain, known for providing the great energy source “CHI” to eight animal tribes in Chima, is 23-feet tall, 13-feet wide and weighs more than 11,000 pounds.
Mayim Bialik of “The Big Bang Theory”, former “Baywatch” actress Gena Nolin, Jadon Sands from “The LEGO Movie”, Xolo Mariduena from “Parenthood” and several other celebrity guests enjoyed their day splashing in Cragger’s Swamp, sailing boats in Build-A-Boat, racing LEGO chariots in Speedorz Arena and just relaxing at Rhino Beach.
Cragger’s Swamp is an interactive water play area at LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park that includes three slides and more than 50 interactive water features. This hands-on area invites guests to ride water slides, blast water cannons and jets and slide through the head of a massive crocodile.
Following in the unique interactive play experience introduced with Build-A-Raft River at LEGOLAND Water Park, Eglor’s Build-A-Boat gives children the opportunity to use their creativity and bring their imaginations to life as they build their own boat out of LEGO bricks and race against their friends. At Speedorz Arena, guests race Speedorz through unique obstacles and cheer on each other. Speedorz are LEGO chariots that the animal tribes use as vehicles to get around, and, of course, race!
LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park is included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND Water Park. For ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).
Disney announces the release of MALEFICENT: The Official Multi-Touch Book, based on Disney’s highly anticipated film “Maleficent,” in theaters May 30, 2014. The book, offered for free exclusively through iBooks, explores both the legacy of Disney’s classic animated film, “Sleeping Beauty”—which first introduced the iconic villainess Maleficent—and the making of the all-new live-action film, “Maleficent,” starring Angelina Jolie. Features of the book include an interactive timeline of the origins of the timeless “Sleeping Beauty” tale, with rare content from the Disney archives; rich and explorable environments, filled with fantastic creatures from the world of “Maleficent”—waiting to be discovered at your fingertips; interviews with Angelina Jolie and the cast and crew responsible for bringing the reimagined story to the big screen; an afterword by director Robert Stromberg, two-time Academy Award®–winner for production design on “Alice in Wonderland” and “Avatar”; exclusive behind-the-scenes photo galleries and video featurettes; never-before-seen concept art, storyboards and sketches from pre-production; fun facts from the set; and profiles of the characters from the film—all created by Apple’s digital book creation app, iBooks Author.
The “Maleficent” book is available for free, exclusively on iBooks at: http://di.sn/hf7
“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.
The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.
“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Michael Vieira, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2014.
Over three years ago, rumors began circulating of a new version of Disney’s 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty,” to be directed by Tim Burton and starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent. And while Burton’s director spot never came to fruition, “Maleficent” was officially announced in early 2012 with Jolie as the title character. While the casting choice seemed perfect, the idea of the movie was met with skepticism. Just what type of direction was this movie going to take? Would it simply be a live-action retelling of the original from Maleficent’s point of view? Or would it expand upon the story in the way that “Alice In Wonderland” did? After many months of shooting, news broke that Disney had hired director John Lee Hancock (“Saving Mr. Banks”) to oversee a series of reshoots. This was not a good sign, and fans grew even more worrisome. According to producer Joe Roth, the opening of the film required some reworking. In his exact words, “The movie is gorgeous to look at, and the last 75 minutes are really entertaining. The issue is the opening, which is being re-shot over eight days.” Make sure to remember this quote.
After some publicity shots that only hinted at Jolie’s look, audiences were finally given their first teaser trailer towards the end of 2013. It showed dazzling, dark visuals and was capped off with Maleficent’s signature evil laugh. “This shows some promise,” I thought to myself. A few months later during the Academy Awards®, Disney released a bold new teaser featuring Lana Del Rey’s haunting rendition of “Once Upon A Dream.” Wow, I was floored. This type of marketing was very uncharacteristically Disney. The footage displayed Maleficent on the battlefield, facing off against the royal troops with her army of nightmarish creatures from beyond the woods. My hopes were much higher than I anticipated. It looked as though a similar approach to “Snow White And The Huntsman” was being taken, going for a much more scary and adult tone. After seeing the extended (and immersive) first look for the film at Disney California Adventure, I was sold.
I wish at this point that I could say the film lived up to my expectations. But unfortunately that is not true. In fact, it fell so far below what I was expecting that I am still a bit dumbfounded. As a lifelong Disney fan, this film seemed like a no-brainer. The original “Sleeping Beauty” had all of the necessary components laid out. The villain, the hero, and the helpless victim caught in the middle. All it needed was a little backstory and explanation as to why Maleficent became so evil. The film does this, but unfortunately it leads the rest of the plot into directions I would not have expected. And not in a good way.
“Maleficent” stars Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie as the title character. The film co-stars Elle Fanning (“Super 8”) as Princess Aurora; Sharlto Copley (“District 9”) as King Stefan; Sam Riley as Diaval; Imelda Staunton (“Harry Potter” series) as Knotgrass; Juno Temple as Thistlewit; Lesley Manville as Flittle; and Brenton Thwaites as Phillip. The film was directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Robert Stromberg (Best Art Direction on “Avatar” and “Alice In Wonderland.”)
While I typically like to cover the positives before the negatives in my other reviews, I feel it is only appropriate to do the opposite here.
WHAT DID NOT WORK: Where do I begin? While some of the most basic plot points of “Sleeping Beauty” are barely intact, it seems as though someone felt it was necessary to rewrite everything that connected these points together. To me, this does not lend to a successful reimagining of a classic fairytale. While 2012’s “Snow White And The Huntsmen” was far from perfect, it kept the overall story arc in place. The Evil Queen was portrayed as really evil. And the result of the film was basically the same. But with “Maleficent,” a dramatic shift in character development and story outcome was created at liberty for no reason at all other than to make the movie different from its predecessor. This was completely unnecessary for this film to be successful. In fact by doing so, I feel it is going to turn audiences off. It also negates all of the marketing that has been done for the film, which appeared to do Maleficent some justice in making her truly wicked. With the initial backstory presented, the film could have easily progressed along the same lines as the original story with a stronger focus on Maleficent’s hatred, leading to what could have been an incredible climax to the film. Because while people root for the hero, sometimes we actually root for the villain. And Maleficent’s level of evil, if presented with just cause, is one that audiences could get behind.
It only became more and more apparent as the film went on that everything I expected and hoped to see was not going to happen. This incredible battle between Maleficent and the royal army that was shown in the trailers, which I fully expected to be at the end of the film, was in fact part of the backstory shown at the very beginning. After the christening of baby Aurora and Maleficent lays the curse in place, her character gradually changes from that of antagonist to protagonist, as she eventually has a catharsis. All of the negativity and hatred is funneled to King Stefan instead, as he focuses his entire life on killing Maleficent and stopping the curse from coming true. Portrayed very poorly by the overrated Sharlto Copley, Stefan is one of the most confusing characters in the entire film. A once poor and innocent boy now turned malicious and focused on power, his development makes no sense. The only purpose is to give Maleficent a reason for which to display her powers and seek retribution.
Speaking of powers, since the film has an entire land full of magical creatures where Maleficent grew up, we are forced to suffer with three utterly useless fairies: Knotgrass, Thistlewit and Flittle. Unlike “Sleeping Beauty’s” Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, the obnoxious substitute characters we are introduced to have no impact on the story whatsoever. In fact, for the 16 years in which they were supposed to be looking after Aurora to protect her, they are barely ever seen. What were they doing all this time that Aurora was running off into the Moors? It is a rhetorical question, but one that needs asking. Did they serve any real purpose in this story? No. And the same can be said for Prince Phillip, who is practically non-existent from the film. Yes, you read that correctly. The hero from the original story is basically an afterthought in “Maleficent.”
WHAT “SORT OF” WORKED: Angelina Jolie was perfect as Maleficent, but it is unfortunate that she had to play her in these circumstances. I wanted to see her character lose it. Her laugh and devilish grin were spot on. The over the shoulder looks she gave displayed power and confidence. I was eagerly anticipating her transformation into the dragon for a final showdown. Yet slowly, her thirst for retribution fades and the calmly sinister Maleficent that we grew up knowing in “Sleeping Beauty” turns out to be wasted in favor of forgiveness. Elle Fanning was acceptable as Aurora (and age appropriate), but barely utilized in the film. She was not given much to work with.
WHAT WORKED: Despite the film’s overwhelming issues, it excelled on the technical front. The visual effects and sound were impressive, and the art direction and costume design were strong. I also enjoyed the score by eight-time Oscar® nominee James Newton Howard, whose work is consistently good.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Every opportunity to make “Maleficent” a modern and ultimately badass retelling was missed. The films suffers from an identity crisis, bouncing back and forth between whether it wants to be scary or wants to be family-friendly. Ultimately, the result is disappointing. I wanted this film to be good, and I expected so much more. But I cannot deny how let-down I felt after leaving. Remember the quote from producer Joe Roth at the beginning? “The last 75 minutes are really entertaining.” This film is only 97 minutes long, so that last part he referred to was basically the entire film. And in fact, he had it backwards. The film peaks 30 minutes in and then it is all downhill from there. While I understand Disney’s attempts to change the perspective for a new experience, that does not warrant completely rewriting the story in the process and labeling it as the “true version”. It would be as if we saw “The Lion King” from Scar’s perspective, learned why his character hated Mufasa through childhood backstory, then watched as Scar killed Mufasa and happily adopted Simba as his own son. I mean seriously…would that type of drastic shift in plot be something audiences would want to see? I do not think so
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...
