For the first time ever, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang we know and love from Charles Schulz’s timeless “Peanuts” comic strip will be making their big-screen debut; like they’ve never been seen before in a CG-Animated Feature film in 3D.
Release: November 6, 2015
On this day in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim. Nearly 50 years later, as part of The Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger unveiled creative details including the first-ever Pirates-themed land and a new Pirates of the Caribbean attraction designed for the Shanghai Disney Resort. We wanted you to be among the first to have all the details.
“Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most iconic attractions in our parks, and we really couldn’t imagine Shanghai Disneyland without Pirates,” said Bob Iger, Disney chairman and CEO. “We wanted to create a one-of-a-kind experience that would appeal to our Chinese guests while remaining true to its Disney heritage.”
For the first time ever, a Disney Park will be home to a Pirates-themed land—Treasure Cove—and an e-ticket attraction called Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle of the Sunken Treasure. The attraction will feature a combination of new technology and innovation to bring guests along a pirate adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Davy Jones, providing our guests who visit the Shanghai Disneyland Park an experience unlike anything else in the world.
“We are extremely proud of all the work underway to bring the Shanghai Disney Resort to life,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “And we’re excited to re-imagine the iconic world and characters of Pirates for the first time as an entire land that celebrates the creativity, imagination and adventure of both the fan favorite attraction and the popular film franchise.”
The announcement coincides with the completion of key structural work on the Pirates attraction, and marks another exciting milestone in the resort development. Progress continues with construction and Shanghai Disney Resort remains on target to open by the end of 2015.
THE MAZE RUNNER
Action-Adventure – Thriller
Release: September 19, 2014
Director: Wes Ball
Producers: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Lee Stollman
Screenplay: TBD, based upon the novel by James Dashner
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Aml Ameen
When Thomas wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape. Based upon the best-selling novel by James Dashner.
Check-out this new Maleficent Trailer!
“Maleficent,” the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty,” reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land.
“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with AngelinaJolie, 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.
All the magic and excitement of the past, present, and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again under one roof when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of Aug. 14–16, 2015. Each of Disney’s wonderful worlds will unite to celebrate what’s new and what’s on the horizon from theme parks, television, music, games, and films, including Pixar, the Muppets, Star Wars, and Marvel.
“The D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney fan event, created to honor and celebrate your love of all things Disney,” Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger told shareholders and D23 Members at the Company’s Annual Meeting today in Portland, Oregon. “And we hope to see you there.”
The fourth event promises to be the biggest ever, following the success of D23 Expo 2013, which drew more than 65,000 Disney fans for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by such superstars as Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Billy Crystal, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston; watched performances by Idina Menzel, and R5 featuring Ross Lynch; enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime concert from Disney Legends Alan Menken and Richard M. Sherman; explored the inner workings of Walt Disney Imagineering; looked back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.
Highlights planned for D23 Expo 2015 include the 2015 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a collection of one-of-a-kind assets, props, and costumes curated by the Walt Disney Archives; and the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise. Once again the event will feature a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Plus, the event will once again feature StagePass, the popular ticket distribution system that allows attendees to obtain a guaranteed seat for some of the Expo’s most popular presentations.
Advance tickets for D23 Expo 2015 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 14, 2014. D23 Members will receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is open to the general public. D23 Gold and Silver Members will also be entitled to early admission to the Expo show floor. D23 Charter Members will enjoy access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.
Segerstrom Center social media followers voted for their favorite Lucy moment as part of the Center’s audience engagement photo opportunity. The clear winner by a heaping spoonful was the Vitameatavegamin skit from the “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” episode that first aired on May 5, 1952. Patrons attending I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (March 18 – 23) are invited to pose at our specially made set, complete with props to recreate this legendary commercial.
Guests are encouraged to share photos via social media, and one lucky winner will receive a prize pack from the show at the end of the run. To enter, participants must tag @SegerstromArts and @ILoveLucyLive and include the hashtag #OCLovesLucy.
Also on-hand will be our Stage & Screen exhibit showcasing behind-the-scenes trivia from the beloved TV show. All audience engagement activities will take place one hour prior to curtain and during intermission.
An “out-of-body experience for Lucy fans” according to Showbiz Chicago, I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE takes audience members back to 1952 as members of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience where they await the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY episodes, “The Benefit” and “Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined.” I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is staged and directed by Rick Sparks and adapted for the stage with new material by Kim Flagg and Rick Sparks. For more information, please visit www.ILoveLucyLive.com.
“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 AngelinaJolie, 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.
This Summer is a great time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. With special benefits and legendary service, Walt Disney World Resort hotels are filled with wonder and excitement. And now is a great time to take the plunge with huge savings!
Save on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 28, 2014.
Save up to 30% when you stay up to 5 nights*
Save up to 35% when you stay 6 nights or longer*
Save even more when you stay 6 nights or longer and add minimum 6-day Magic Your Way Tickets to your room!**
Booking Window:
Book March 17 – June 6, 2014
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom Villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings for other Resorts.
**Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same ticket.
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!
A SEQUEL!?!?!?! This will never work. Or will it? Hmmm…
The Muppets jump back onto the screen again right where they left off, literally. With Walter now a fixture with the family we are back at it again with James Bobin directing our creative, lively and lovable characters on a tour of seemingly similar circumstances. Yes, I am delving into my inner storyteller. Let us begin…
The Muppets are back on top, so to speak. With the gang all together what do they do? Go on a tour through Europe. With their new manager, Dominic Badguy (pronounced Badgee, French), the Muppets start their adventure in Berlin. Not all is as it seems though as Kermit isn’t Kermit but the worlds #1 criminal, Constantine. How is everyone fooled? A mere blemish of a mole separates their green complexion. And fooled they are as we see just how much Kermit means to the Muppets. What is Constantine up to with the Muppets? And more importantly, how is Kermit going to get out of PRISON?
This is a Muppet film in its best fashion, with celebrity after celebrity doing cameos left and right. Sprinkle in a bit by reaching back in time to borrow a bit of the ‘The Great Muppet Caper’ and you are in for a fun time watching the Muppets do what Muppets do, make you smile and laugh. From Start to finish these Muppets keep you entertained. Bobin has done well again by those who laid down the foundation many years ago.
With another colorful cast of those we love and some new faces, Bobin pushes through a script that at times seems thin and pulls it together. Now that may sound a little like an oxymoron, as I did say this film is fun. It is fun, just that the key to this film is not its story from Bobin and Nicholas Stoller. How they get you from the basic “caper movie” to a musical Muppet film is what makes this a fun time. It helps that you have the celebrity cameos, some of which are quite hilarious.
The true driving force in all of the Muppet films is, well the Muppets. I could not praise the talented team of creative performers that bring the Muppets to life. From such a talented force that Jim Henson and Frank Oz have found and developed we have Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta and David Rudman to name just a few that keep striving to entertain us.
They are not alone either as the entire cast and crew of the film set out to make an entertaining film that had the essence of a true Muppet film. We had some exciting acting with Ricky Gervais (The Office, The Invention of Lying) as Dominic Badguy, singing and dancing, although a little stiff dancing. Maybe it is because he is number 2? Tina Fey (30 Rock, SNL) puts on her boots and does her best Russian as Nadya. Laughter is her strongest weapon. Rounding out the “regular” actors is proverbial character actor Ty Burrell (Modern Family, The Incredible Hulk) as Interpol Agent Jean Pierre Napoleon who along with Sam Eagle tend to steal the screen light with their comical antics.
Even all the cameos are, for the most part, well played and quite witty in there placement. From Stanley Tucci and Selma Hayek to Christoph Waltz and Bridgit Mendler are up for the fun of entertaining us throughout the film. I will say that my favorite of the film is the trio of Jemaine Clement, Ray Liotta and one of my personal favorite and inspiring actors Danny Trejo.
Now the crew is the heart of this film as they make everything fit in to place and stand out when need to. Bobin has assembled a masterful group of individuals that bring this script realism. Production designer Eve Stewart gives us the feel of the world with the Muppets fitting right in. Rahel Afiley dressed the Muppets and the cast beautifully with creations that spanned many generations and compliments the locales and story with costuming. Music composition by Christope Beck sets the tones throughout the film delightfully while Francesca Jaynes stretches the legs of the cast and puts some fancy footwork all around. My favorite being the prison dance numbers.
A little stand out work is again done by Bret McKenzie, who won the 2011 Oscar® for “Man or Muppet” has stepped up again and knocked out another fantastic assembly of songs. From the opening number to Miss Piggy’s “Something So Right”, McKenzie keeps us on our toes for the next song. Witty lines and catchy music, such as my favorite, Constantine’s “I’ll Get You What You Want”, just make me want to see what else may be up his sleeve.
‘Muppets, Most Wanted’ is an entertaining adventure, caper, musical only the Muppets can do. To give any real critique would be the hiccups of some slow build to the story or if the movie could stand alone without all the cameos that are present. Although amusing and enjoyable to see, at one point it becomes a search for who is next to be on screen. That aside, it is a wonderful film for all ages to go and sit back to take guilty pleasure in.
When we watch a film, it is like any form of entertainment, where you identify with characters or the story. This film is no different in that it has a moral to it, presented as many of us can take to heart in a way only the Muppets can. We all have one person, or frog, sometimes many that we rely on that helps us guide our path in life. Now I don’t mean they tell us what we do but present us with order and reason. This can be a parent, best friend, boss, director, or spiritual advisor that gives us strength to make the right choice or at least ones that will not harm us or others in any way. Kermit is that person to the Muppets as he keeps them grounded to reality. I have many who I trust and go to as it is who I am. Whether it is my parents, fiancé, family member or manager, I need all aspects of a thought to be in my mind and heart before making the right choice. So next time you make a choice without any thought, remember it may not be just you that is affected. Live your life, live it fully, and live it with strength and knowledge that you have someone or more there to keep you well in many facets.
RATING 4.5/5
Follow my entertainment adventures throughout Southern California on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc.
When ‘The Fast and the Furious’ came out thirteen years ago, the film opened up a new world that we rarely got a glimpse into: street racing. It was a popular past time in many cities, but due to the illegal nature of it all, it wasn’t something that the mainstream was really picking up on. But as time as gone on, the sport is still popular, but ‘The Fast and the Furious’ franchise has moved away from the street racing scene, instead turning its sites on heists and action. So it was actually fun to return back to basics with the new film, ‘Need For Speed’, based on the EA video game series, and starring Aaron Paul, hot off the ending of his hit series, ‘Breaking Bad’, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, and Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi. The film, directed by Scott Waugh, is a back to basics, revenge driven tale, full of fast cars, fun chases, and a whole lot of cheese.
Tobey Marshall (Paul) is trying his best to keep his father’s car shop afloat after he passes away. His money is low, his moral is too, but he’s bent on finding a way to make sure the shop stays open. When a guy from his past, Dino Brewster (Cooper), comes and offers to a way to help, Marshall has a hard time saying no. But when tensions run high, and Brewster feels betrayed, he decides to take an all or nothing approach to the money he owes Marshall: on the road. The race quickly turns south when Dino purposefully hits Marshall’s friend, flipping the car and killing him. Dino flees, covering his tracks, and Marshall is left to face the crimes for his friend’s murder. He is sent away to prison for two years, and when he comes out, all he can feel is the need for vengeance, and the need for speed.
While the film may be as basic in plot as many can come, there’s something about its simplicity that really works in its favor. ‘Need For Speed’ isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s just trying to make us enjoy it again. The man on a mission for vengeance really isn’t something that audiences seem to tire of, and it makes sense to frame a movie like this. That’s why it was so wise to get an actor who we could enjoy, and who could elevate the film’s simple premise, and make it fun. Aaron Paul may seem like an odd choice, especially after his turn in the hit series, ‘Breaking Bad’, but he’s a perfect fit for this scorned man who just wants to make things right. He has a lot of gravitas, but while being a man of few words, which harkens me back to the world of Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name, or more recently, Ryan Gosling in the film, ‘Drive’. While Paul isn’t going to be as iconic as those aforementioned characters, he fits that vein, and it works for him. Thankfully, the supporting cast is fun as well. Scott Mescudi, who plays Tobey’s best friend Benny is actually pretty charming. It seems like he’s playing a lot of himself in the role, but it works. He and Paul play really well off each other, and that’s really what matters, and makes any of Mescudi’s lesser moments easier to handle. Imogen Poots is actually pretty wonderful as Julia, the girl who ends up being stuck in the middle of Tobey’s mission, and she works very well with Paul. Their chemistry feels natural, and that makes the relationship really wonderful. But it’s Dominic Cooper as Dino that is the most fun, because Cooper just seems to be hamming it up. His villain is just so ridiculous, and you can tell that Cooper is really enjoying himself in the role. There’s really nothing more to his villain than just to be bad, and Cooper plays that one dimensionality perfectly.
Video game movies have had a very bad reputation, with so many turning out so poorly, but with a film of this nature, the only way to go is up. The film takes what has worked for the game franchise for so long, the chases, and made them the stars of the film. They take center stage here, and handled very well by director Scott Waugh. One thing that really makes them special, and really stand out ahead of the pack, is the lack of CGI in the film. All the chases were filmed with real cars, as were the stunts, so everything feels real and authentic, which is so rare these days. There’s just something about a throwback films like this that really make films so much fun. The chases are really well shot, brining that authentic racing feel to the film, which makes it so interesting. The crashes feel real, the close calls, the narrow escapes, and the quick correction of course gives the film a lot of tension, something you wouldn’t normally expect. It’s more just about how real some of it feels, as ridiculous as the situations surrounding them may be. The mid-film freeway chase, which starts with Tobey trying to re-recruit his friends to help him stands out clearly as my favorite of the film. It’s the most well done chase, and has a lot of jaw droppingly cool moments, including a rather ingenious way of escaping the cops.
‘Need For Speed’ really isn’t out to win any awards. It’s meant to be a throwback vengeance film, wrapped in a shiny car packaging. For the first time in a long time, it’s easy to say we actually have a decent video game movie on our hands. It’s a rare thing, so it’s good to see it works so well. The cast is great, led by Paul, who really seems to be firing on all cylinders, and bolstered by a great supporting cast. This movie is just fun. Nothing more, nothing less, and Scott Waugh delivers it in spades. Sometimes, the simplest of films can be the most satisfying, and ‘Need For Speed’ fits that mold. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it just wants you to have a good time at the theater again, and it does it’s job well.
3.5/5
Building on the success of the recently released stop-motion animated film “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story,” the new Vinylmation: Create Your Own app lets fans express themselves by designing virtual Vinylmation figures. After selecting a 3D Mickey or Minnie Mouse figure to decorate, users can experiment with paint, accessories and decal patterns. Completed creations become a part of the user’s personal collection and can also be exported to the device’s camera role.
Vinylmation: Create Your Own is available for free on iOS and Android. You can also download “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story” for free from Google Play.
Free download on iOS: http://bit.ly/1nUsVAv
Free download on Google Play: http://bit.ly/1cVlSXk
Tweet an image of your Vinylmation: Create Your Own design @DisneyInteract using #BlankandBow for a chance to win a “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story” prize-pack and be featured on the Disney Interactive blog!
Do you love the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom? How about enjoying a similar experience at Epcot with the new Illuminations Dessert Party?
Now you can make your visit to nearby Epcot extra sweet with tempting treats, spirited drinks and a VIP view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Savor international desserts and wines from around the World Showcase in an intimate, exclusive setting AND enjoy a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon as it erupts in color and sound during the Epcot nighttime fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth!
The Illuminations Dessert Parties will be held Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7:45 PM to 9:20 PM. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. The cost is $49.99 for adults and $29.99 for children, prices includes tax. Park admission is required (and not included). Reservations are available as of March 12, 2014 beginning with the March 15, 2014 Illuminations Dessert Party. Yum!
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!
