Disney has released an exciting special look and unveiled a brand-new poster and images for the highly anticipated second season of Lucasfilm’s Emmy®-nominated thriller “Andor,” which returns for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22. The special look, available now on Disney+ and YouTube, offers a glimpse at the making of Season 2 of the compelling series, in which the characters and their relationships will intensify as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound.
Rife with political intrigue, danger, tension, and high stakes, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction: The Death Star, setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.
The final season will unfold over 12 episodes broken down into four chapters of three episodes each. The first chapter will premiere April 22, with subsequent chapters debuting each week.
“Andor” Season 2 stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Alan Tudyk, with Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker. The series was created by Tony Gilroy, who also serves as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna, Luke Hull and John Gilroy. Tony Gilroy wrote the first three episodes, with Beau Willimon writing episodes 4-6, Dan Gilroy penning episodes 7-9 and Tom Bissell putting pen to paper for episodes 10-12. The directors for the series are Ariel Kleiman (Eps. 1-6), Janus Metz (Eps. 7-9) and Alonso Ruizpalacios (Eps. 10-12).
A wave of relief and a resounding cheer are more than justified for “Daredevil” enthusiasts. “Daredevil: Born Again” emerges as a triumphant revival, not merely resurrecting Matt Murdock’s narrative, but injecting it with a vibrant, renewed energy that honors its hard-earned legacy. This meticulously crafted, character-centric drama expertly navigates the delicate balance between forging new paths and acknowledging the weight of past conflicts, ensuring that both long-standing devotees and fresh-faced viewers find a welcoming and compelling experience.
Charlie Cox, with an undeniable mastery, once again dons the crimson mask, solidifying his status as the definitive Daredevil. His portrayal is a testament to nuanced growth and unwavering confidence, rendering the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen even more captivating than before. However, a hero’s journey is defined by their adversary, and Vincent D’Onofrio’s return as Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, is nothing short of a tour de force. His performance cements Fisk as one of Marvel’s most formidable and complex villains, his iron grip on the city serving as a chilling counterpoint to Murdock’s relentless pursuit of justice, their confrontations crackling with raw, visceral intensity.
While “Born Again” confidently stands as its own narrative, it skillfully rewards those familiar with the original Netflix series. Subtle references and callbacks are woven throughout, enriching the experience for seasoned viewers without alienating newcomers. For those seeking a refresher, the entirety of “Daredevil” and “The Defenders” are readily available for streaming on Disney+, providing a seamless bridge to this new chapter.
With nine episodes, each thoughtfully paced at about 45-50 minutes, “Born Again” strikes an ideal equilibrium between narrative depth and engaging pacing. The series adeptly avoids the pitfalls of bloated storytelling, opting for a tightly structured narrative that faithfully retains the signature grit and profound emotional resonance that distinguished its predecessor. This commitment to strong storytelling is evident in every scene.
Though designed as a standalone tale, “Born Again” subtly acknowledges its place within the vast tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Skillfully integrated cameos enhance the viewing experience, providing delightful surprises for MCU aficionados without overshadowing the core narrative or diluting the street-level focus on Hell’s Kitchen’s struggles.
In an era marked by the fluctuating quality of Marvel’s television endeavors, “Daredevil: Born Again” stands as a testament to ambition and success. It remains steadfastly grounded, mature, and unflinchingly embraces the darkness that defines Daredevil’s enduring appeal. Disney and Marvel have demonstrably learned a valuable lesson: the power of extended runtimes and meticulously crafted character development, proving that investing in depth yields remarkable results.
Here’s the full episode release schedule on Disney+:
Episode 1: “Heaven’s Half Hour” – March 4, 2025
Episode 2: “With Interest” – March 4, 2025
Episode 3: “The Hollow of His Hand” – March 11, 2025
LEGOLAND® California Resort has unveiled the world’s first LEGO® DUPLO® themed hotel rooms at LEGOLAND® Hotel and they’re bursting with toddler cuteness! Just in time for spring break, these vibrant rooms offer a playful escape where young children can immerse themselves in a world built just for them and their adult adventurers. Designed with the youngest LEGO® fans in mind, the new DUPLO rooms feature bright colors, interactive DUPLO elements and playful décor that brings the beloved DUPLO world to life. From building tables to DUPLO jungle creatures like giraffes and koalas, every detail is crafted to spark imagination and create unforgettable memories.
The excitement at LEGOLAND California doesn’t stop there- spring break brings a lineup of thrilling activities and celebrations for families to enjoy:
Dino Valley’s First Birthday: Join the prehistoric party as Dino Valley celebrates its first birthday throughout March with special themed activities, exclusive pop badges and surprises! This prehistoric land features three exciting rides, an interactive LEGO® build-and-play area and two costume characters.
Spring Break Entertainment: Starting March 29, the Park will kick off exclusive spring break entertainment, including a NEW costume character, Surfer Dude! Families can join the party by dancing along to LEGOLAND Jam or breaking it down to the NEW out-of-this-world show, Benny’s Boombox Blastoff!
LEGOLAND Water Park Reopens: Get ready to splash into spring! LEGOLAND® Water Park reopens for the season on March 28, featuring seven slides, sandy beaches and the one-of-a-kind Build-A-Raft River!
New LEGO® NINJAGO & LEGO® Friends Hotel Rooms: The excitement continues with the unveiling of 48 newly themed LEGO® NINJAGO® rooms, where guests can unleash their inner Spinjitzu masters and 12 completely reimagined LEGO® Friends rooms, transporting guests into the world of Heartlake City for the ultimate sleepover inside a LEGO® Friends Creative Clubhouse! Just steps from the Park’s entrance, these immersive rooms provide an unforgettable stay in the thrilling world of LEGO® NINJAGO® and the vibrant universe of LEGO® Friends! Available for stays starting March 21.
Bricks in Bloom: Celebrate spring season with a brand-new LEGO® Flower Wall, constructed from more than 55,000 LEGO elements. Standing 8-feet tall, this stunning floral masterpiece will be displayed inside the Awesome Shop, offering the perfect backdrop for family photos and spring memories.
Spring Break Value:
Buy 3, Get 1 Free Annual Pass!
Families can unlock year-round fun this spring break with limited-time “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” annual pass offer. Enjoy unlimited access to over 60 rides, shows and attractions, plus discounts on food, retail and hotel stays- extending spring break memories for a full year.
Second Day FREE Hopper Tickets: LEGOLAND® California Resort is offering a fantastic deal for families with BIG savings this spring! For a limited time, purchase a Hopper ticket and get a second day FREE. Plus, families can turn their visit into a vacation and save up to 15% on hotel rooms!
The Deal:
Choose a LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Hopper or Resort Hopper ticket and enjoy a second day at the Park absolutely FREE! Combine this offer with hotel savings for the ultimate LEGOLAND® California sleepover.
The LEGO Group, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, has unveiled the enchanting LEGO Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle Set. The latest in the Disney Castle range, this new LEGO set is a beautiful brick recreation of the iconic castle from the Beauty and the Beast animated film.
The 2,916-piece set features four-detailed levels with multiple rooms, including a ballroom with a spinning floor, a dining room with a table and spinning platters, and a tower room showcasing the enchanted rose. Builders can celebrate the story of Beauty and the Beast through the intricate details of this new set.
The set includes 10 LEGO Minifigures of beloved characters from the classic film including Disney’s Belle, the Beast, Gaston, LeFou, Maurice, and more. It also includes digital building instructions available through the LEGO Builder app, allowing multiple people to build at the same time.
The LEGO Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle set is available for LEGO Insiders early access from the 1st April at www.LEGO.com/BeautyandtheBeast and LEGO Stores, and available for all from 4th April 2025 priced at $279.99.
The LEGO Group has unveiled its largest product portfolio at Toy Fair 2025, highlighted by the first sets from the newly revealed LEGO® Bluey™ theme in partnership with BBC Studios. The 2025 LEGO product assortment includes more than 340 sets across 30 themes, further affirming the company’s promise to provide building experiences for fans of all ages to explore the limitless possibilities of hands-on play.
“Championing the power of play is core to the LEGO brand,” said Jared Carr, Senior Vice President, Americas Market Group, the LEGO Group. “Designed for builders of all age groups, our newest portfolio appeals to a wide range of interests and passion points, enabling children and adults to imagine and create through LEGO play.”
In 2025, the LEGO Group will continue its commitment to inspire the builders of tomorrow. According to the 2024 LEGO Play Well Study, 89% percent of children report that playing with LEGO bricks helps them learn, 97% of parents believe that playing with LEGO products can help children develop a growth mindset and 87% of adults say LEGO play improves their brain functionality.
One highlight from the portfolio unveiled at Toy Fair 2025 includes the first five sets from the LEGO Bluey collection, including two LEGO DUPLO® sets and three LEGO 4+ sets, bringing the animated television series to life in LEGO brick form for the first time. The eagerly awaited product line will be available via LEGO stores, LEGO.com and Amazon starting June 1. Featured in the new theme are:
LEGO DUPLO Bluey Ice Cream Trip with Bluey, 10458 (2+): Jump in the Heeler family car and join Bluey and Dad on a trip for ice cream. Preschoolers develop color-sorting skills and learn to recognize numbers as they match scoop colors with the flavors.
LEGO DUPLO Bluey’s Family House with Memory Game, 10459 (3+): First toddlers build the house and act out Heeler family life, and then the memory games begin. Parents hide items and figures behind the windows of the house. Toddlers twist the spinner to see which paired items they need to find. To make the match, they open the windows and use memory skills to remember where their pair is hiding.
LEGO Bluey Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe, 11201 (4+): This versatile preschool playground toy features minifigures of TV dogs Bluey and Chloe in a vibrantly colored playground, complete with seesaw, slide, jungle gym and rotating pelican ride. There are also three plants for the characters to jump between, a tower with a telescope and a picnic area with drinks and cakes.
LEGO Bluey: Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip, 11202 (4+): Pack the car for a fun day at the beach with Bluey, Bingo and Mum. Choose a nice spot under the palm tree, splash on the sunscreen, then it’s time to play. Bluey buries her legs in sand to make a mermaid tail and Bingo builds a sandcastle (it’s so good, a crab makes it its home!) while Chilli, Bluey’s mum, relaxes under the parasol. Grab an ice cream from the cooler, then… who’s ready for surfing?
LEGO Bluey: Bluey’s Family House, 11203 (4+): Step inside Bluey’s iconic home! Start in the playroom with the cool kiwi rug and role-play food stall. At the top of the house is Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom, where Chattermax sits waiting. Can you spot the Queen’s throne? There are many rooms to explore, including Mum and Dad’s bedroom and the kitchen. In the backyard, under the tree are snacks, a barbecue and a balloon to play ‘keepy uppy’ with.
“We are over the moon to bring the fun of Bluey to life with our new LEGO 4+ and LEGO DUPLO sets. Just like Bluey and her family, these sets are all about having ‘Heaps of Fun’ and encouraging children and families to explore their creativity and imagination, all while learning through play” said Roberta Cardazzo, Design Manager on new LEGO DUPLO Bluey sets. “We hope families everywhere will enjoy building and playing together, creating their own memorable adventures!”
At Toy Fair 2025, the LEGO Group has also unveiled the LEGO Ideas River Steamboat set, a new intricately detailed 4,090-piece model designed for adult builders 18+ and history enthusiasts alike. Designed as part of the LEGO Ideas program, the set consists of a detailed pilothouse, crew cabin, and bathroom on the texas deck; a lively music stage and restaurant on the main deck; and a kitchen and museum on the boiler deck.
This engaging model includes functional elements such as a working paddle connected to a ‘steam’ engine, a rudder activated by the ship’s wheel, and removable decks for easy access to the interior. This set will be available at LEGO Stores and at LEGO.com only upon initial release on April 10 (available to LEGO Insiders starting April 7).
Further, expanding upon the LEGO | Marvel collection is the newly revealed LEGO | Marvel Avengers: Endgame Final Battle set. Builders can recreate the iconic final showdown from Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, flying into battle through sling ring portals with Captain America, Iron Man, a supersized Ant-Man mech, Wanda Maximoff, Doctor Strange, Iron Spider, Black Panther and Falcon minifigures to take on Thanos and his evil horde. The versatile set, designed for ages 10 and up, tests an array of heroic powers, allowing builders to rearrange the structure and characters to enhance play-and-display possibilities.
Among the other sets on display will be the LEGO Creator 3-in-1 series, reinforcing the company’s commitment to appealing to all price points. This series is favored for its affordability and high play value, allowing builders to create three sets from one. Sets in the LEGO Creator 3-in-1 series include LEGO Wild Animals: Panda Family and Space Robot.
Rounding out the LEGO Group’s on-site portfolio, the company is also showcasing new building sets on-site in themes including the LEGO Botanicals Collection, LEGO Disney, LEGO Technic™, LEGO Star Wars️™ and many more.
When winter hits Southern California, I always find time for a trip to Big Bear Lake, one of my favorite mountain destinations for playing in the snow, relaxing in cabins and boutique hotels, and enjoying incredible lake and alpine views.
Last week was no different as the family and I checked into a great hotel room at Home2 Suites by Hilton Big Bear Lake (www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontbeht-home2-suites-big-bear-lake/). Ideally located next to the lake, the ski slopes, and all the fun shopping and restaurants in town, the hotel had everything we needed for three days and two nights of snow fun.
Big Bear Lake in winter is a giant playground of family-fun activities
Our suite was like a small house, with all the amenities. It came with two queen beds, a sleeper sofa, large TV, office desk area, and a whole wall lined with tons of cabinets and storage space. The room also came with a full kitchen, replete with apartment refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, dishes and silverware, microwave, coffee maker and an electric hot plate.
Beyond the room, the rest of the modern hotel is just as great. It offers complimentary breakfast each morning, movie nights for kids, a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool and Jacuzzi and more.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Big Bear Lake has everything a family needs for a fun stay in Big Bear
When not relaxing in Home2 Suites hotel, we were playing in the snow and exploring town. One of our favorite spots was Big Bear Snow Play (bigbearsnowplay.com), where me and my 7-yr-old son slid down a giant snow slope on big innertubes. We rented the innertubes for the day, so we got to go down the hill about 20 times.
Big Bear Snow Play offers exciting tube rides and a thrilling obstacle course
Another fun adventure we experienced at Big Bear Snow Play is the Rope Course. This thrilling, aerial act had us walking between 12 and 35 ft in the air, balancing on ropes, crossing bridges and climbing through obstacles – all from the safety of a secure climbing harness.
The ropes course took us on a self-guided tour through more than 30 obstacles spread over 6,400 sq-feet on two levels. After snow tubing and navigating the ropes course, we grabbed some hot dogs and hot chocolate at Big Bear Snow Play’s Base Lodge.
Back at Home2 Suites we hit the indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Perfect for winter, the heated pool was comfortable, Jacuzzi was hot and the there we lots of lounge chairs and towels.
The indoor pool at Home2 Suites is perfect for those chilly winter days
For dinner, we discovered Old Country Inn (www.oldcountryinnrestaurant.com/), a quaint, family-run restaurant & bar serving traditional American & German fare in a rustic space that is quintessential Big Bear.
For dinner I enjoyed traditional wienerschnitzel, with lightly breaded grilled chicken that was topped with homemade German gravy. This succulent dish came with homemade potato pancakes, red cabbage, and sauerkraut. We also sampled the incredible 16 oz rib eye steak with veggies and mashed potatoes. From the kids menu we ordered a burger and fries and chicken nuggets. For dessert we split the Landslide, a decadent and delicious mountain of vanilla ice cream, topped with melted hot fudge sauce and whipped cream, laying atop a fresh baked brownie.
The Old Country inn serves old fashioned comfort food, like rib eye steaks and wienerschnitzel
After dinner we walked around Big Bear Village, the town’s charming center square of shops, restaurants, art galleries and pubs.
The next morning, I worked out in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center and then joined the family for the hotel’s daily, complimentary buffet breakfast. Held in a large, light-filled room, the breakfast includes tasty items such as scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, fruit juices, an array coffee drinks, muffins, oatmeal and cereals, bread, and a make-your-own waffle station!
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is also a rehab facility for injured or orphaned animals
After breakfast we experienced the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (bigbearzoo.org), a zoo that is actually a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a second chance in nature.
Officials say that the vast majority of animals brought here for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. “Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves,” says the zoo website.
Highlights of our visit to the zoo include a massive grizzly bear moving around in a tunnel, a huge gray wolf roaming around his enclosure, cute little foxes and racoons looking for attention, and a large bald eagle eating a rat, while flapping his mammoth wings. The zoo is currently home to mammals, birds, and reptiles representing over 85 species and is located in San Bernardino County, the largest County in the contiguous United States.
After the zoo we had lunch at the Old German Deli, one of my favorite spots for authentic German sandwiches. For lunch we had delicious Schinkenwurst sandwich with a side of potato pea soup, and a German ham sandwich with potato salad. All sandwiches come with a choice of side, and a boiled egg and pickle. Schinkenwurst is a German luncheon cold cut, similar to bologna, that usually consists of pork, veal, and ham.
The Old German Deli is a great spot for authentic German meats and sandwiches
Back at the hotel we relaxed at the pool and then went to Stater Brothers Market and picked upa a hot, roasted chicken, rolls and some potato salad for dinner in our room.
After dinner the kids had a great time watching a movie in the hotel’s Kid Theater, where nightly movies are shown for the little ones. Each evening around six, kids can pick a movie they want, and watch it on a big TV screen, in big leather seats. And while watching, they can have free candy and snacks.
kids love movie nights at Home2 Suites hotel
During our movie night, my son selected “The Sponge Bob Movie: Sponge out of Water.” He had a lot of fun because he watched it with a large group of kids his age that were visiting from Guadalajara.
Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for the all-new anthology series “Side Quest,” hailing from the same team behind the beloved, acclaimed office comedy “Mythic Quest.” Set to premiere globally on Wednesday, March 26 on Apple TV+, all four episodes of “Side Quest” will debut alongside the season four finale of “Mythic Quest.”
An expansion of the “Mythic Quest” universe, “Side Quest” explores the lives of employees, players, and fans who are impacted by the game in an anthology format. The series stars Rob McElhenney, Anna Konkle, Derek Waters, William Stanford Davis, Bria Samoné Henderson, Rome Flynn, Leonard Robinson, Gary Kraus, Annamarie Kasper, Esai Morales, Shalita Grant and many more in the leading roles across each installment.
“Side Quest” is developed by and executive produced by Ashly Burch, John Howell Harris and Katie McElhenney, with Megan Ganz, Rob McElhenney, David Hornsby, Charlie Day, Todd Biermann, Nick Frenkel, Michael Rotenberg, Margaret Boykin and Genevieve Jones also serving as executive producers.
The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Lionsgate, 3 Arts Entertainment and Ubisoft.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 553 wins and 2,557 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort celebrate the return of the popular Butterbeer™ Season, a dedicated, annual tradition that invites guests and fans to enjoy all things Butterbeer within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Butterbeer Season begins on Saturday, March 1 and continues daily through Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread, Butterbeer is a favorite amongst witches and wizards. It is currently available for purchase in an array of scrumptious options, including cold, frozen, hot and non-dairy beverages, along with Butterbeer fudge, potted cream and ice cream.
This year’s celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will introduce an all-new Butterbeer Cream Puff just for the season, available at the Three Broomsticks™, where guests can also savor frozen or cold Butterbeer in a limited-edition Gold Souvenir Stein.
Additionally, a Butterbeer-Flavoured Chocolate Bar and Butterbeer Caramel will be available at retail locations and the Ice Lolly frozen dessert makes a delicious return. This tempting ice bar will now be available year-round.
A bespoke Butterbeer themed merchandise collection will also take centerstage as part of Butterbeer Season. The inspiring line is designed to offer wizard, witches and muggles a chance to celebrate Butterbeer during and beyond their visit to the theme parks. Items will include apparel such as a plaid shirt, zipped fleece hoodie and t-shirt as well as accessories from a crossbody bag to caps, socks and more.
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Butterbeer season at Universal Orlando Resort will take place at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade™ at Universal Islands of Adventure and at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida. Visit www.UniversalOrlando.com for more information.
Butterbeer Season will take place within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more information.
Get ready for a sweeter celebration! Knott’s Berry Farm is marking a decade of its iconic Boysenberry Festival with an extra-special 10th anniversary edition. Indulge in over 80 delectable boysenberry-infused dishes, enjoy a fresh lineup of entertainment, groove to live music, snag exclusive anniversary merchandise, and browse the wares of local artisans. This beloved festival, a true Southern California tradition, runs daily from March 28th to April 27th.
Dive into a decade of delicious at the 10th annual Knott’s Boysenberry Festival! With over 80 boysenberry-infused delights, your taste buds are in for a treat. New savory standouts include “The Stack” BBQ pulled pork, boysenberry cream cheese-stuffed French toast, and a Thai crunch salad with boysenberry peanut dressing.
For sweet cravings, indulge in boysenberry cheesecake crisp pie, a vegan white chocolate tart, or a classic ice cream sandwich. Beloved favorites like boysenberry elote and honey garlic wings are also back. Quench your thirst with boysenberry sangria, lemonade, or a tequila smash. Maximize your tasting with a $55 tasting card (six items) or grab a discounted $45 card online (until March 30) if you’re a Season Passholder.
Get ready for interactive fun at this year’s Boysenberry Festival! The NEW Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games in Calico Park puts you in the middle of a pie-saving mission, battling mischievous coyote pups. Then, cheer on contestants at the classic Boysen Bear’s Pie Eating Contest on the Calico Mine Stage. For more theatrical thrills, head to the Birdcage Theatre for “The Great Bank Robbery,” a brand-new show filled with heroes and villains.
Beyond the stage, immerse yourself in Knott’s history with “Knott’s Preserved,” a musical journey through the park’s iconic eras. Visit Old MacDonald’s Barn to meet adorable farm animals, and delve into the berry’s legacy at the History of the Boysenberry Museum. Stroll through Ghost Town’s Crafts Fair, showcasing unique artisan creations, and explore the “Tied Up in Knott’s” art show at The Factory Store, celebrating the festival through local artists’ eyes.
Extend your boysenberry adventure with a stay at the newly renovated Knott’s Hotel, just steps from the park. Immerse yourself in the legacy of Walter and Cordelia Knott in their charming 322-room “guest house.” The exclusive Boysenberry Festival package offers overnight accommodations, park admission, a tasting card (six items), Fast Lane access, and parking. Book your stay at knottshotel.com.
Maximize your Knott’s experience with a 2025 Season Pass! Enjoy unlimited visits and discounts on food and merchandise, unlocking a year of seasonal fun.
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” mixes magical ingredients of live theater, mesmerizing illusions, and wondrous choreography. The captivating performances and dazzling production quality is certainly a sight to behold however the visual charm is not quite powerful enough to disregard the problematic story. Uncovering questionable motivations and puzzling characterizations behind the spellbinding feast for the eyes unfortunately fall short of greatness.
Particularly for longtime fans of the Harry Potter series as written by J.K. Rowling. The author shares writing credit to the play alongside Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. The show is exquisitely designed for fans particularly with previous knowledge of the book or movie series. But that will also be the show’s undoing. Anyone walking into the show with little or no knowledge of the series will be less invested and have a harder time keeping up. The opening sequence with a montage through a year at wizarding school was particularly choppy. But dazzles with visual amusement.
Since debuting in 2016 in London, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is finally on tour in the US after much anticipation. Harry Potter fans are floating in mid-air with pure delight and excitement. It’s been nearly 20 years since Harry Potter (John Skelley) and his friends Hermione (Ebony Blake) and Ron (Matt Mueller) defeated Lord Voldemort. It’s now Harry’s son, Albus Potter (Emmet Smith) turn to depart from train station platform 9 3/4 for his first year in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Albus befriends Scorpius Malfoy (Aidan Close) who happens to be the son of Harry’s old foe, Draco Malfoy (Benjamin Thys). The two students decide to break into the Ministry of Magic to steal a confiscated device that would transport them back in time to save a life from the past in order to prevent a terrible loss from occurring. Being as young as they are, they understand little of the devastating consequences they are about to unleash and undo with their intentions.
The visual spectacle captivates with astonishing sorcery that sparks the imagination. Magical illusions from gravity defying stunts, seamless body switching, excruciating transformations, and much more performed physically live on stage really immerse the audience into the wizarding world. This more than makes up for anyone expecting traditional musical song and dance sequences or music compositions from the films. Glowing pyrotechnics and a series of billowing capes round out the awe.
The story that unfolds will undoubtedly leave the audience talking. Time travel gets overused and tiresome. Revisiting recognizable sequences from the original series can swing from compelling insight to a crutch to underdeveloped nostalgia bait. Contrived conveniences coincidentally resolve itself. Legacy characters seem to act out of character from their counterparts in established lore.
Moments in the past squander opportunities for new characters to learn and grow about older characters. Thus going against their previous beliefs that would develop and complete arcs. Age differences amount to discrepancy in unfounded rumors of parentage. An entire alternate universe that hardly reveals what is desperately at stake should startling errors remain unchanged. This Harry Potter sequel story has as much in common with the current slate of Marvel Cinematic Universe and Disney’s Star Wars.
The alluring enchantment into a world where magic is real is too irresistible. Die-hard fanatics and completists will not want to miss their chance to see this show to scratch their Harry Potter itch. You have to see it to believe it. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” performs an extensive stay at Hollywood Pantages Theatre from February 15 to June 22, 2025. For tickets and more information, visit Broadway in Hollywood.
The first two episodes of Pixar Animation Studios’ “Win or Lose” are now streaming on Disney+. Pixar’s first-ever original series features the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game—the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire. Two new clips are now available to share, plus a featurette, “Creating the Pickles,” in which filmmakers weigh in on the series, its origins and what makes it unique.
The clips highlight characters from two upcoming episodes:
“That’s Game” – In episode two, Frank (voice of Josh Thomson), the umpire for the local softball league, lives his life from the sidelines. On the field, he never waivers: a strike is a strike and an out is an out, period. But good call or not—parents are the worst critics. Also features the voices of Milan Elizabeth Ray and Rosa Salazar.
“Go Rochelle” – In episode four, debuting next Wednesday on Disney+, Vanessa (voice of Rosa Salazar) relies on her social media fans to help her navigate life as a single mom. But when she gets to the game, her daughter Rochelle (voice of Milan Elizabeth Ray) is the only star. “That’s my baby!” Also features the voice of Josh Thomson.
The “Win or Lose” voice cast also includes Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Dorien Watson, Izaac Wang, Chanel Stewart, Lil Rel Howery, Melissa Villaseñor, Jo Firestone, Flula Borg, Kyleigh Curran, Jaylin Fletcher, Erin Keif, Tom Law, Beck Nolan, Orion Tran and Rhea Seehorn. Directed and written by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, and produced by David Lally, “Win or Lose” presents incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives. The series features music by composer Ramin Djawadi and original songs by CAMPFIRE and Djawadi.
New episodes of “Win or Lose” stream Wednesdays only on Disney+.
WICKED, one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, arrives on your screen as a generation-defining cinematic sensation. The untold story of the witches of Oz, WICKED stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman who has yet to discover her true heart.
WICKED begins streaming exclusively on Peacock on March 21. For more about WICKED on Peacock, click here.
The two meet at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship – before their lives take different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their extraordinary adventures will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Wicked is an immersive, cultural celebration you’ll want to experience over and over again!
Universal’s biggest films of the year stream first on Peacock, shortly after their theatrical debuts. Subscribers get access to award-winning films and blockbuster favorites from Universal, Blumhouse, Focus Features, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation. In 2025, Peacock debuts box-office smash WICKED, along with additional Academy Award®-nominated films: CONCLAVE, THE WILD ROBOT and NOSFERATU. For the full film offering on Peacock, click here.
In addition to WICKED, stream the full “Defying Gravity” Collection of Peacock bonus content:
Sing-Along Version
Rejoicify, it’s your turn to sing your way through Oz! Sing along to all of your favorite Wicked songs as you join Elphaba and Glinda on their magical journey.
Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked NBC Special
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reveal their journey into Oz with personal footage from set and a world exclusive scene, alongside Wicked cast members Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
Making Wicked: Return to Oz for a fantastic behind-the-scenes journey with this expansive look inside the characters, choreography and creativity that make up the movie’s unforgettable world.
Deleted & Extended Scenes: Pfannee & ShenShen Meet Glinda Reunited at Shiz University, Glinda, Pfannee and ShenShen recall their past by performing a twirling routine together.
Toss Toss Glinda teaches Elphaba the art of Toss Toss, with mixed results.
Elphaba’s Promise: Elphaba makes a pledge to Glinda that they both hope will strengthen their friendship.
Train Platform Farewell: Glinda, Madame Morrible and Governor Thropp gather to send Elphaba off to Emerald City.
Boq & Elphaba Talk: Elphaba challenges Boq to face the truth about his feelings for Nessa Rose, but she has difficulty doing the same when it comes to Fiyero.
Train Ride to Emerald City: Glinda and Elphaba expand their world by taking a luxurious train ride to Emerald City.
Palace Monkeys Chase: Elphaba and Glinda race through a maddening maze of winged monkeys determined to take them down.
Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes
On Set with Jon M. Chu
A Wicked Legacy
As Seen on Screen Podcast Episodes
Defying Gravity with Wicked Director Jon M. Chu
Opening the Aperture of Wicked with Director of Photography Alice Brooks ASC
