CHILLER & UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD INVITE FILMMAKERS TO CREATE THEIR BEST “SHORT SCARE”

July 7, 2009

Chiller and Universal Studios HollywoodSM are partnering to recognize the nation’s top short-form filmmaking horror genre talent with the “Halloween Horror Nights-Chiller Scary Good Film Competition,” offering filmmakers an opportunity to have their scariest short film rewarded with a broadcast on Chiller of their work, a $1,000 cash prize and a trip for two to the October 2 opening night of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Contest entries will be accepted from July 1, 2009 through August 21, 2009.
Prospective filmmakers are invited to submit short films of 90 seconds to three minutes in length on DVD (two copies of each film must be submitted). Selected films will be judged by a panel of horror industry professionals. Criteria will be storytelling skill, originality and the degree of the “good scare.” The top 10 shorts will be posted online at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Chiller from September 8 – 24 for public voting.

The winning “Scary Good” film will be announced on September 25. In addition to the prize and the Chiller broadcast of the film, the winning filmmaker will be honored in front of celebrities, studio executives and media at the October 2 Chiller-Eyegore Awards ceremony, which will kick off the annual Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Entries should be sent to Halloween Horror Nights-Chiller Scary Good Film Competition, 100 Universal City Plaza, Building 5511, 100 Universal City CA 91608. Additional information on the contest, including a complete list of rules and regulations, is available online at the website above.This year, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights will present all-new “live” experiences based on one of the all-time biggest box-office horror franchises, “Saw,” per an agreement among Universal Studios Theme Parks, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures and on “The Wolfman,” per an agreement with Universal Pictures. All-new mazes, all-new new scare zones and new shows will be featured.

Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com), The Entertainment Capital of L.ASM., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex; the Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as “The Simpsons Ride®,” “Revenge of the MummySM – The Ride,” “Shrek 4-D™,” “Jurassic Park® – The Ride,” and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations as Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds.

Chiller, the recently-launched channel from NBC Universal, is the only network devoted to delivering viewers round-the-clock scares. Chiller’s eclectic slate of adrenaline-fueled, soul-stirring entertainment includes classic drama and anthology series (Tales from the Darkside, Twin Peaks, Nightmare Cafe), international programming (Spine Chilers, Strange) and a broad offering of films, including feature-length premieres every Friday. Chiller is currently available in 35 million homes. To learn more, visit: www.chillertv.com.

Legally Blonde the Musical Will Debut at the Center September 8 – 20 in Segerstrom Hall

Press Release

July 7, 2009

THE FIRST NATIONAL TOUR OF LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will begin performances at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on September 8. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Tickets to LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL are $20 – $80 and go on sale July 12. They will be available online at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call the Group Sales office at 714.755.0236. The TTY number is 714.556.2746. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday,
September 19 will be sign-language interpreted.

Bank of America is the Title Sponsor of the Center’s Broadway Series. Cox Communications is the Media Partner of the Broadway Series and Mercedes-Benz USA is the Premier Sponsor of the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s 2008-2009 Season.

In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL earned seven 2007 Tony® Award nominations, ten 2007 Drama Desk Award Nominations, a 2007 Outer Critics Circle Award and the chorus of the musical was honored by Actors’ Equity Association’s Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) with the first ever ACCA Award. The musical also ranked in the top ten list of the most requested Ticketmaster “Arts & Theatre Events” for 2007. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL received three 2009 Touring Broadway Awards in New York City on May 4, 2009. The show won awards for Best New Musical, Best Production Design and Best Choreography of a Touring Production. The Awards, presented by The Broadway League, honor excellence in Touring Broadway. It is the only such national award.

Becky Gulsvig, the Elle understudy in the original Broadway cast, is Elle Woods in the tour. Gulsvig was recently seen on the 63rd Tony Awards performing a song from LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. Fans of the MTV reality show Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods, which premiered on June 2, 2008, will recognize two familiar faces in the tour casting: Third runner-up Rhiannon Hansen plays Elle’s best friend Margot and fourth runner-up Lauren Zakrin is an ensemble member and understudies the role of Elle. The reality show represented the musical’s second venture with MTV. In the fall of 2007, MTV aired LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in its entirety to stellar ratings and the broadcast show was subsequently nominated for two 2007-2008 Daytime Emmy Awards.

The original Broadway cast recording for LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL was released on Ghostlight Records, an imprint of Sh-K-Boom Records, and captured the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Cast Album chart and charted at No. 86 on the Billboard Top 200. The album has continued its success, charting every week as one of the top-selling Broadway cast recordings and it soared to the Top 10 albums (of any genre) on iTunes once the show premiered on MTV.

As on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell is the director and choreographer. Music and lyrics are by both Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and sound design by ACME Sound Partners.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is produced on tour by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber. For more information visit LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com.

The Peanuts (1960's Collection)

SoCalThrills Staff

July 7, 2009

There is something so profoundly powerful about truth. Which explains the fuel of Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts”, which chronicles the American day-dream, one that is a little more realistic, and often alot less glorified then our more fantastic dreams. “Peanuts” is for anyone who has ever found themselves feeling sick of being the runner up; being the last picked for the ballteam; or not being able to talk to that little red-headed girl.

No matter your story, this collection is guaranteed to touch at least one soft spot.

Ofcourse in the Peanuts gang, one is bound to have a favorite or two; From the delightfully melancholy misadventures of Good Ole’ Charlie Brown to the unexpected existentialism of the blanket-bound Linus. However regardless of preference, the true heart of this series may lie under the big-nose of the brilliant beagle himself. (Eat your heart out Scooby-Doo) Snoopy, Daisy Hill Puppy Farm’s original animated pooch who uses an endless imagination and often rebellious antics to add a layer of freedom and social commentary to the specials.

This long-awaited collections carries all six of the original 1960 TV specials; which include: The infamous “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, the warmly written “You’re in Love, Charlie Brown” and the well-timed “It was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown.” This 2-disc set is chock-full of these timeless stories wrapped in a 150 minutes worth of nostalgia. Charlie Brown’s famous catchphrase sums it all up. “Good grief” is the perfect summary for the Peanuts latest multimedia journey; a pleasant presentation of our slightly-tragic round-headed hero.

However for all of it’s memorable moments, impressive presentation, and charming packing, the set itself contains little bonus material aside from the usual language tracks and a very misleading “Woodstock” trailer (no, Warner Bros is not releasing a movie about Snoopy’s feathered compatriot) Although the second disc does hold a very interesting profile piece on Peanuts composer and jazz genius Vince Gauraldi, a definate must-see for any true Beagle Scout.

For it’s fantastic presentation of a remastered collection, the “Peanuts 1960’s Collection” is receiving a commendable 4 out of 5, just short of the trophy score for lacking some extra goodies. (Which for a series so rich in history, is a bonus Snoopy reel too much to ask?)

In the end, this set is recommended to anyone looking for an extra dose of cozy over their summer break or to the average Joe Cool looking for an escape from the latest televised mediocrity. Take this quick dip into yesterday and pick up this truly classic collection of heart-felt and downright funny stories. Personally, I will be making sure to put this on the top of my next list to the Great Pumpkin!

(–And if you want to avoid a visit from the fearless WWI flying ace himself…You would be wise to do the same)

Disney VoluntEARS Donate Nearly $370,000 to Local Charities

SoCalThrills Staff

July 6, 2009

From serving meals to the homeless to coaching Little League, Disney Cast Members dedicated 81,900 volunteer hours in the community during 2008. Disneyland Resort is celebrating and recognizing these efforts by donating $369,700 to local nonprofit organizations supported by Disney VoluntEARS.

“The Disneyland Resort has always been passionate about philanthropy, service, and engaging in causes that are important to the community,” said Ed Grier, president, Disneyland Resort. “This program is an outstanding reflection of that passion, and shows how the great work of individuals leads to incredible change.”

Ears to You Grants Provide Funding for Local Nonprofits
Through The Walt Disney Company’s Ears to You program, Disney VoluntEARS can earn financial contributions of up to $2,500 per Cast Member for the nonprofit organizations of their choice based on the number of volunteer hours they contribute. At the Disneyland Resort, more than 170 local organizations benefited from the 2008 grants.

“The EARS to You Program recognizes me for the volunteer work that I do in my community and enables me to provide a cash donation to a charity that is personally important to me,” said Dave Smith, a project manager at the Disneyland Resort. Smith designated his $1,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim and over the past five years has contributed more than $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs thanks to the Ears to You program.

The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, provides opportunities worldwide for Cast Members to contribute their time and expertise toward positively impacting their communities. Last year, Disney Cast Members around the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Disney VoluntEARS program by participating in a total of 500 charitable events aimed at assisting children, strengthening communities and preserving the environment. Top VoluntEAR standouts are being recognized in their workplace and from the White House as recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Exceptional Disney VoluntEARS Receive Honors
Disneyland Resort also recently announced the recipients of its VoluntEAR of the Year and VoluntEAR Team of the Year awards. Top individuals and teams of VoluntEARS are nominated annually by their peers. A prize patrol notifies the selected award recipients, who each receive a $2,500 cash donation for the nonprofit of their choice.

Receiving the highest honors for 2008:
VoluntEAR of the Year: Oscar Sanchez
Sanchez, a document control specialist in worldwide safety and accessibility, was nominated by his peers for his dedication to helping others. His efforts range from working with the Special Olympics and the Cub Scouts to helping coordinate care packages for the troops overseas. Sanchez’s $2,500 grant will benefit Cub Scout Pack 660 in Cypress.

VoluntEAR Team of the Year: Crafty Critters
For more than three years, the Crafty Critters have created items for those in need. The 68-member team from the Resort’s entertainment division knits, sews and crochets items including hats, scarves and blankets to donate to various organizations, including those that support the sick and homeless in Orange County. With more than 18,473 community service hours and 10,000 items donated in 2008 alone, the Crafty Critters have turned a beloved hobby into an opportunity to give back. “Many members can be seen on their breaks and during lunchtime creating an article with joy and eagerness to help someone they will likely never meet,” said Cast Member Ginger Lundquist. The Crafty Critters donated their $2,500 grant to MOMS Orange County, an organization dedicated to helping women and families have healthy babies.

Additionally, 160 Disney VoluntEARS at the Disneyland Resort who collectively contributed more than 54,000 hours of service during 2008 received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a recognition program for Americans of all ages who contribute a minimum of 100 hours annually to volunteer service. Award recipients received a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama, a lapel pin and a personalized certificate.

Comic-Con Exclusive DOLLHOUSE: SEASON ONE on DVD & Blu-ray!

SoCalThrills Staff

July 6, 2009

In a studio first, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is offering fans of Joss Whedon’s mysterious cult series “Dollhouse” a chance to purchase a special advanced limited edition Blu-ray or DVD of the groundbreaking first season, exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con International. Individually numbered and highly collectible, only 5000 (2500 Blu-ray/2500 DVD) copies were created, each featuring a personal letter to fans from Whedon and exclusive Comic-Con packaging.

Available for pre-order at FoxStore.com beginning Monday, July 6 at 10:00 AM PST through July 20 (or until product is sold out), a limited quantity will also be available for on-site purchase at the Fox Booth (#1429). In person pick-up for those that pre-ordered the collection will begin at the Fox Booth on Wednesday, July 22 (preview night). Photo ID is required or purchasers must designate at checkout someone who will pick-up the DVD on their behalf.

The “Dollhouse” Season One Comic-Con Blu-ray Disc will be available for a suggested retail price of $69.99 and the DVD will be available for $49.98. Regular versions of “Dollhouse” Season One BD and DVD will be available everywhere July 28.

Series Synopsis:
From Joss Whedon, the creative mastermind behind “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” comes the provocative “Dollhouse,” a sexy, suspenseful thriller starring the stunningly talented Eliza Dushku. As an “Active,” the mysterious Echo (Dushku) serves as an unwitting agent of Dollhouse, an illegal underground organization that provides its elite clientele with programmable human beings. Actives receive personality imprints, allowing them to temporarily become anyone or anything—the perfect burglar, lover, spy, or assassin. Now, with the FBI and her own shadowy past closing in, Echo must face a rogue Active who will stop at nothing to bring Dollhouse down—forever.

Disney Parks Celebrates A Patriotic July 4th Weekend with Fireworks – A Salute To U.S. Presidents & New Citizens

SoCalThrills Staff

July 2, 2009

The Disneyland Resort has celebrated the glory of fireworks since 1957 with numerous spectacular shows. The long-standing tradition continues with a star-spangled presentation for Independence Day, with Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, July 2 through July 5. The “Magical” fireworks show returns July 6.

In Florida, Walt Disney World Resort will also celebrate the holiday with fireworks and a special Naturalization ceremony on July 3, saluting 1,000 immigrants from more than 100 countries who will be “sworn in” as American citizens in Magic Kingdom.

As the country kicks off Independence Day weekend, these brand-new Americans will attend a premiere performance of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, a “re-Imagineered” Hall of Presidents, now featuring a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama.

Actor Andy Garcia – a naturalized citizen himself – will deliver a keynote address during the naturalization ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as “The Untouchables,” “The Godfather: Part III” and “Ocean’s Eleven.”

“This year, Disney parks are asking our visitors, ‘What Will You Celebrate?’,” said Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton. “And on a weekend when our entire nation celebrates its independence, we are honored to host – and celebrate – 1,000 individuals who are embracing American citizenship.”

The Hall of Presidents attraction reopens July 4 in the Liberty Square area of Magic Kingdom. The attraction has been closed since Election Day last November for a makeover that included installation of a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure based on President Obama.

The figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House – is part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction has been retitled The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. Other updates to the re-Imagineered attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:

A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.
For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.

“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”

The show’s impact is bolstered by the stirring performances of actor David Morse, who voices Washington, and the late veteran actor Royal Dano, who voices Lincoln. Morse played Washington in the award-winning HBO miniseries, “John Adams.” Dano was selected by Walt Disney himself to voice the first animated Lincoln figure, which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and later became part of the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California. Obama’s speech, recorded in the White House Map Room, includes the presidential oath of office and his thoughts about “the American dream.”

Movie Review: "Public Enemies"

SoCalThrills Staff

July 1, 2009

Public Enema’s

That’s right! I said it, “Enema’s,” cause that’s what it felt like when watching this film. Public Enemies was a very disappointing film that lowered my expectations. We won’t talk about the fabulous acting because we already know that these actors can portray magnificent characters. Johnny Depp (John Dillinger) and Christian Bale (Melvin Purvis) have sensational talent that allows them to invisibly fall into a character and get lost in the moment. We have no problem with the great acting in the movie. Billy Crudup (J. Edgar Hoover) can play with the best of them as well. He just impresses us over and over. So, it is not the acting or character work that is the problem with the movie, it is the convoluted script that takes the audience in a whirlwind of events.

The movie opens in 1933 with Dillinger being taken under arrest to a penitentiary by a prison officer (Jason Clarke; later identified as his partner in crime John “Red” Hamilton) who helps Dillinger plan an escape for the rest of their gang members. During the escape, a massive shootout ensues resulting the mentor (Walter Dietrich; played by John Russo) of John Dillinger to get killed. After Dillinger beats and disposes the gang member who caused the shootout, they head to a safe house to recollect themselves before they head off to begin their multiple bank robberies. Elsewhere, we meet FBI agent Melvin Purvis who is in pursuit of another criminal Pretty Boy Floyd (Channing Tatum). In an act of self-defense, Purvis shoots Floyd in the abdominal area causing him to quietus. J. Edgar Hoover is deeply impressed by this slaying that he promotes Purvis to the task to search for Dillinger (America’s Most Wanted Criminal). After Dillinger’s first successful bank robbery, he paints the town by celebrating with his miscreants in an upscale nightclub. There he meets his love interest (Billie Jean: kidding! Billie Frechette: played by Marion Coillard) and he takes her on a ride on his notorious adventures.

Honestly, I didn’t really go into detail of the story because I didn’t know what was going on during the entire grueling film. It was hard to follow because the story was not only mundane but also exceptionally bewildering. I didn’t understand why Dillinger was upset when his mentor dies because I didn’t know that Dietrich was his mentor. There was not a strong relationship built between the two to realize that he was his mentor. I just thought that he was just another gang member.

This film had too many unnecessary scenes with the FBI agents sitting around in their office talking unavailing dialogue. In one of the scenes, Dillinger walks into a police station for some unknown reason (I believe it was to tag along with his partners sibling Polly Hamilton; played by Leelee Sobieski) and looks at his criminal photos. At one point, he asked the police officers a question. Granted he was in a deplorable disguise, the officers did not even recognize him. The only difference that hid his appearance was the tiny moustache covering his identity! That is absolutely ridiculous!

The real issue about the film is not the baffling script but the horrendous cinematography. The film starts off with decent camera work and lighting. As soon as we enter the big gun fight battles, the quality of the picture goes from beautiful to downright atrocious. The gun fights looked liked a horrible reenactment from the television show “America Most Wanted.” The sound quality wasn’t any better. The audience could barely hear the dialogue and I believe the theater had the volume on full blast.

The most shocking notion about this film is that the budget was 80 million dollars. Michael Mann must have paid 25 million dollars each for the two A-list actors. Then ten million split for the rest of the crew. He spent Another 15 million for the cameras, costumes, old cars, etc. Rumor has it that Johnny Deep got to touch and play around with John Dillingers real possessions (clothes and guns) which probably cost Mr. Mann another 4 million. So, that leaves Mr. Mann with one million dollars to spend on the film in order to actually make the film in the highest quality of “America’s Most Wanted,” episode. Those criminals split 80 million dollars, I feel like I got robbed!

VAN WILDER: FRESHMAN YEAR: UNRATED on DVD!

Robbie Bulus

July 1, 2009

I believe we have all seen this one before. Okay, maybe you haven’t seen this actual film yet, but all of us have seen a very similar movie in the past. This direct-to-DVD is absolutely nonsense. “Van Wilder: Freshman Year” is your typical National Lampoon raunchy teen comedy that appeals to no one over the age of 18. Nothing about this film is fresh, yet I don’t think they are trying to fool anyone.

“Van Wilder: Freshman Year” is at no surprise a prequel to the 2002 instant classic “Van Wilder” starring Ryan Reynolds. Unfortunately, this third installment of the franchise does not star the comedic genius or anyone else from the original. Even supporting actor Kal Penn from the first film who scored his own spin-off, “Rise of Taj”, isn’t in this unnecessary prequel.

It isn’t expected for any of the originals to return to the franchise, but these producers need to realize that they are the reason why the first movie was successful. This movie was no doubt made just for a quick buck. I suppose this is fine if the buyer knows what they are getting themselves into before their purchase. I only expect horny teenage boys to be buying this film anyway.

The cover says it all. Nothing screams quality more than a DVD cover of a girl’s topless back wearing the smallest booty shorts ever with the name of the movie on her tush. I stand corrected as I double check; it just says “UNRATED” on her shorts. I suppose I wasn’t really reading the front, but I digress.

The prequel involves Van Wilder’s first year at Coolidge College. When Wilder, Jonathan Bennett, arrives he quickly realizes the school has a no tolerance policy toward anything party related. This goes as far as kissing. Coolidge is quite a different school then the viewer might remember from the first movie. Mr. Wilder will slowly work at changing his college into a party school while trying to win the heart of the campus hottie played by Kristin Cavallari (The Hills). Van makes a small transformation just to set-up why he is still in college in the first movie. In doing so, Van of course goes through the crazy antics of any normal teen movie with plenty of sex and loads of nudity. Are you teenagers on your way to pick up your copy yet?

Our star Jonathan Bennett is known for “Bachelor Party in Vegas” and makes a decent Ryan Reynolds even though he looks nothing like him. His character isn’t all that similar to the original, but at least he delivers his lines like Reynolds. The movies antagonist, Steve Talley, is much like the “bad guy” in school in the first film; however this one doesn’t really love his girlfriend like the prior. Talley isn’t new to this scene. In fact him and his sidekick in the movie, Nic Nac (Yes, that’s his name), aren’t new to these direct-to-DVD sequels as both were featured in the “American Pie” direct-to-DVD sequels. I basically put these movies in a class of their own as there isn’t much that sets them apart from another.

“Van Wilder: Freshmen Year” has no surprises here. It has the same unintelligent potty humor, outrageous physical comedy, and sexual situations we have all come accustomed to. Although, there’s nothing really wrong with this film except the fact it’s catering to a really small demographic making me think it’s not the smartest move. The ending reminds of past outlandish ending scenarios from movies like “Old School” and “Billy Madison” where there is a bizarre competition where the hero of the movie amazingly pulls off a victory through absurd circumstances. Unbelievable and unoriginal, but we know its coming.

BONUS FEATURES
Commentary with Director Hary Glazer and Cast
Creating the Legend: The Making of Van Wilder: Freshmen Year
Going Balls Out: Colossus
Coolidge College: Orientation Video
Decatur (Satire on The Hills)
Teacher’s Pets
Bloopers
Van’s Party Supplies
Pranks 101

PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM: Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition on DVD

SoCalThrills Staff

June 30, 2009

Two of the most popular young actresses, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, star in the adventure comedy “Princess Protection Program,” a Disney Channel Original Movie about two very different girls – a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl who, when fate brings them together, must team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen. The “Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition” will be available Tuesday, June 30 on Disney DVD and will feature an exclusive new music video of “One and the Same” performed by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, a behind-the-scenes look at the film with the teen stars, and a free “B.F.F” necklace set.

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato star in Disney Channel series, and were each discovered as pre-teens via the channel’s nationwide talent searches. Gomez stars in the hit comedy “Wizards of Waverly Place” which is 2009’s #3 scripted TV series among Kids 6-11 and #2 among Tweens 9-14. Lovato stars in the hit comedy series “Sonny with a Chance,” TV’s #1 program among Kids 6-11 since its February 2009 premiere. In Tweens 9- 14, “Sonny with a Chance” is in a virtual tie with “American Idol” for TV’s #1 post and ranks as the #1 scripted program on all TV in the key Tween demographic. Lovato also stars in “Camp Rock,” 2008’s #1 cable TV telecast in Total Viewers and Tweens.

In the movie, royalty meets reality with Carter Mason, a rural Louisiana teen, and Rosalinda Marie Montoya Fiore, the soon-to-be teenage monarch of the tiny country of Costa Luna. The pair meets after Carter’s father, an agent in the covert international Princess Protection Program, rescues Rosalinda from a military take-over. He whisks Rosalinda to a PPP base where she receives a temporary new identity, Rosie Gonzalez, and is placed in his care until order can be restored in Costa Luna. When he arrives back in Lake Monroe, both teenagers are shell-shocked when Rosie moves into Carter’s room and the princess, posing as Carter’s visiting cousin from Iowa, begins adjusting to country life and enrolls in Carter’s school. Despite their differences, the girls slowly learn that there’s not only a lot to like about each other, but lessons to learn as well. That’s apparent when Rosie nominates Carter for homecoming queen over the heated objections of two jealous rivals, Chelsea and Brooke. And with her newfound realization, Carter brainstorms a way to help her new best friend regain her throne, even if it puts her own well-being at risk.

Princess Protection Program is excellently cast, written, and produced. It works perfectly for it’s target age range of tweens and teens. Yes, there are those who may say that the movie is a bit far-fetched and the storyline perhaps not very deep. However, those complaints ignore the fact that the film is geared towards a younger crowd. Additionally, the fairytale aspect adds enjoyment to the movie. Disney aims to produce good quality and entertaining programming for today’s youth and I think they managed that perfectly once again with Princess Protection Program.

The “Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition” of Princess Protection Program also includes bonus features. There is “Royal & Loyal BFFs,“ where Gomez and Lovato reveal secrets about their real-life friendship and “A Royal Reality,” which is a very interesting peek into the life of a real-life princess, including her royal responsibilities, gowns, and castles. For the music lovers, there is also a great music video, “One and the Same,” starring both Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. One can tell the girls had a ton of fun making this video and it is a very well done video both in its visual and vocal aspects.

All in all, Princess Protection Program is another success for Disney Channel originals. Girls will love this and it will also make for a great family movie night at home. Even those of the male variety are sure to get a few laughs throughout the film! For great wholesomeness, fun, and tight bonds of friendship and loyalty.

Watch the Trailer:

Guinness World Records: The Video Game Review

Robbie Bulus

June 30, 2009

Guinness World Records: The Video Game is a collection of 36 mini-games that challenge players to beat the Guinness World Record holder. From crushing watermelons with the “player’s head” and plucking feathers from a “turkey,” to throwing a “washing machine” the farthest, all using the touch screen and motion sensing technologies of the iPhone and iPod Touch, the fun never stops. Players can attempt to beat their state world record holder or the regional record holder, which makes getting the records a bit more manageable. Players can also try and beat their own records because the top three scores on any event are saved.

Guinness Screens 014.png

The games are all different and the controls can be different. One of the challenges is to beat the video game world record. Players have to play a game similar to Astroids. Players are in a ship and shoot other ships by taping on the enemy ship. Double tapping the screen will cause your ship to move around the screen and away from enemies. The touch controls make the game a bit more challenging if you are a person that likes to “button mash”. If you “button mash” on the touch screen, you end up flying all over the place and usually into the enemy. The enemies are moving towards you and if you are randomly clicking the screen chances are you will miss the enemy and double click on open space causing your ship to move. The interface of the game is great, the cartoon effect works really well with the game. Quick and easy to use, get straight into the game. In game instructions that tell you how to do everything to get you started.

Guinness Screens 066.png

Over all the game is fun to play and adds the addictive nature of trying to beat records. Some of the records seemed impossible to attain, but they are not. It just takes a little effort and practice and players will be able to attain the state or even regional record. The game has a unique new technology that utilizes the Game Spy leader board engine, which enables you to compete for the virtual world record in a variety of categories. If you are driven by competition or like mini-games, check out Guinness World Records: The Video Game for the iPhone or iPod Touch, for only $4.99.

JONAS BROTHERS: The Concert Experience Deluxe Extended Movie in 3-D on Blu-ray and DVD!

SoCalThrills Staff

June 30, 2009

The world’s three favorite brothers rock out in 3-D only on Blu-ray in their first motion picture, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience – Deluxe Extended Movie from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Included are 4 songs that were never seen when the movie played in theatres, including two integrated into the film itself, extending the experience.

Available for a limited time only, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience – Deluxe Extended Movie comes in a 3-Disc Combo Pack, which, in addition to the 3-D and 2-D versions of the movie on Blu-ray, contains a standard definition DVD (the extended film in 2-D ); and a DisneyFile (a digital copy of the 2-D extended movie viewers can enjoy.) Bonus features include Get Up Close and Personal, an intimate look at the brothers; 2 Additional Bonus Songs, “Love Bug” and “Shelf”; and 4 free pairs of 3-D glasses.

Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience – Deluxe Extended Movie, in 3-D, makes the event so real, viewers can virtually reach out and touch the brothers. Up Close and Personal brings fans closer than ever to Kevin, Joe and Nick’s world as they and their band prepare for their live sold-out concerts all over the world. The movie also includes outstanding guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift.

All things considered, The Blu-ray edition of The Jonas Brothers: 3-D Concert Experience won’t give fans or critics much to complain about (at least from an AV perspective). Whether you select the 2D or 3D version of the concert, Disney’s BD-50 disc offers a solid, at-times gorgeous transfer that thoroughly trounces its standard DVD counterpart.

The 3-disc Blu-ray edition of The Jonas Brothers: 3-D Concert Experience offers both 2D and 3D versions of the performance, four pairs of 3D glasses, an extended 89-minute cut of the movie itself (with two additional songs: “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”), two bonus songs from the cutting room floor (HD, 8 minutes), and Up Close and Personal (HD, 15 minutes), a semi-decent behind-the-scenes featurette that gives the Jonas boys a chance to reflect on their tour, careers, and fame. A 2D edition DVD and a standard definition DisneyFile digital copy disc are included as well.

Watch the Trailer:

The Concert Experience: Deluxe Extended Movie (3-Disc Combo Pack) includes:

Disc One—Blu-ray
3-D and 2-D Extended Version of the Movie with 2 performances not seen in theaters — “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”

2 Additional Bonus Songs – “Love Bug” and “Shelf”
Up Close & Personal — Go behind the scenes with the ‘Jo-Bros’ and learn what this tour means to them.

4 free pairs of 3-D glasses

Disc Two–DVD
2-D Extended Version of the movie with 2 performances not seen in theaters – “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer” plus bonus features listed above.

Disc Three
DisneyFile – Digital Copy of extended movie in 2-D

The Concert Experience: Extended Movie (2-Disc Standard Def DVD) includes:

Disc One

2-D Extended Movie with 2 Additional Performances – “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”
2 Additional Bonus Songs – “Love Bug” and “Shelf”
Up Close & Personal – Go behind the scenes with the ‘Jo-Bros’ and learn what this tour means to them.

Disc Two

DisneyFile Digital Copy of extended movie in 2-D.

The Concert Experience (Single Standard Def DVD Disc) features:

The theatrical version of the film (2D)

Movie Review: "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

Shaun Beckerman

June 26, 2009

Going into a movie like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, you pretty much know what you’re in for. Afer all, it is a Michael Bay movie, and with that label comes certain expectations. The movie will be a huge spectacle of noise and fury. It will be loud, it will be crass, and it will probably not make a whole lot of sense. Some people buy into Bay’s world of excess, and just as many despise everything about it. At the risk of alienating the latter, I have to confess that with the excpetion of Pearl Harbor, I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of his movies. And that includes Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Having said that, it could have been much better. There is a terrific movie buried within the entirety of the film, but sometimes it’s pretty hard to spot underneath the extraordinarily juvenile “humor,” disjointed storytelling and inane dialogue. Another vicitm of the Writers’ Strike, an outline of the script by Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Ehren Kruger was rushed into completion in order for Bay to begin Pre-Production during the strike. As such, it’s a film of (rather spectacular) ideas and sequences more than anything.

Assuming that we have all seen the first film, this time around begins with the Autobots (the good Transformers) working with the Govenment in an attempt to hunt and capture the remaining Decepticons (the bad Transformers). But why are the Decepticons still here when they were defeated in the last film? Of course, in typical sequel fashion, the answer is on a much larger scale than last time, spanning thousands of years, enhancing the mythology of the Transformers, and yet all coming back to the central character, Sam Witwicky.

As played by Shia LaBeouf, Witwicky is just a normal kid starting college with typical freshman worries. He just happens to have gotten caught up in this epic battle. Tagging along for no reason beyond providing eye candy for the audience is Megan Fox, bringing absolutely nothing substantial to the role. There is an attempt at fleshing out their relationship, but that is all filler between the robot fighting.

And the robot fighting is what this movie is all about. It is non-stop, huge-scale, massive action animated superbly by the geniuses at Industrial Light and Magic. The effects aren’t the most photo-realistic they’ve done, but the artistry behind them is a thrill to watch. There is almost always something visually exciting on screen, even if there isn’t anything of real substance behind it.

With so much happening at all times, it is very easy to lose yourself in a movie like this. Having said that, there are three characters that come close to ruining every scene they are in. The first of these is Sam’s mother, Judy Witwicky, played by Julie White. While the entire movie is over-the-top, she takes this concept to a cringe-worthy, embarrassingly awful level. Overacting the simplest of sequences, she creates a caricature of a mother losing her son to the adult world. I hated every shrieking line of dialogue, and every aspect of the performance. The other two are the twin robots, Wheelie and Skids, played by Tom Kenny (the voice of Spongebob Squarepants). Portrayed as uneducated ghetto robots, complete with gold teeth, I felt like cringing everytime they were on screen.

Despite these flaws, the movie is a blast to watch. Every setpiece and every transformation took me back to when I would spend hours playing with my Transformer toys as a kid. This is a Michael Bay movie through and through, and if you are somebody who can appreciate his over-the-top playground, then this is definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

Socalthrills.com

CHILLER & UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD INVITE FILMMAKERS TO CREATE THEIR BEST “SHORT SCARE”

Legally Blonde the Musical Will Debut at the Center September 8 – 20 in Segerstrom Hall

The Peanuts (1960's Collection)

Disney VoluntEARS Donate Nearly $370,000 to Local Charities

Comic-Con Exclusive DOLLHOUSE: SEASON ONE on DVD & Blu-ray!

Disney Parks Celebrates A Patriotic July 4th Weekend with Fireworks – A Salute To U.S. Presidents & New Citizens

Movie Review: "Public Enemies"

VAN WILDER: FRESHMAN YEAR: UNRATED on DVD!

PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM: Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition on DVD

Guinness World Records: The Video Game Review

JONAS BROTHERS: The Concert Experience Deluxe Extended Movie in 3-D on Blu-ray and DVD!

Movie Review: "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

Latest Posts

Lights, Camera, Summer Fun! Universal Mega Movie Summer Opens June 13

Disneyland Turnstiles Upgraded to New Entry Gates

Disney’s Snow White Comes to Digital May 13

Tickets for Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” On Sale Now

Diego Luna from Disney+ Series Andor Makes Surprise Appearance

Review “Legally Blonde: The Musical”