A few weeks ago, the hubs and I went to see Star Wars for the second time and decided to make an event of it and go to the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood (we also started off our romantic date night eating at Hooters, since it is the fastest and most affordable restaurant next to the theater, but that’s a whole other story). I love seeing Disney movies at the El Capitan (like the live action Cinderella) because there is always a pre-show and they have super cool exhibits and displays from the movie. Plus, the theater itself is gorgeous and full of history, which is always a bonus.
There were tons of cool things about Star Wars at the El Cap (as the cool kids call it), and these are just some of the highlights. The film is scheduled to run at the theater for just a little bit longer, so if you are in the LA area, make sure you check it out. If you aren’t in the LA area, you can live vicariously through my pics! (Side note: pictures that were imported pre blog change are having some weird formatting issues, so sorry they are small :o(.)
Storm troopers are obviously a must at any Star Wars event…
One of the highlights for me was the Lego displays…
Downstairs in the gallery were several costumes and some props that were used in the making of the film…
Before the movie started, the world famous Rob Richards played tons of Disney favorites on the historic El Capitan organ and the audience was treated to a brief laser light show. One of the other pros of seeing any movie at the El Cap is you get to see a bunch of Disney previews. I am looking forward to the new slate of films set for release in the next couple of months. And yes, I loved Star Wars just as much the second time as I did the first. I might even go see it again!
Unless you have been living under a seriously huge, life-crushing rock for the past few months, you are well aware that Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens opened in theaters yesterday (Friday). The build up to this movie has been unlike anything I have ever seen and the film is already (writing this on Saturday, the day after the official opening) on track to break every box office record in the books. Star Wars fans, to me, are the first generation of the fandoms, which are now so popular everyone seems to belong to at least one (Disney! Harry Potter! Hunger Games! Doctor Who! The Walking Dead!…I only like the first three, but you know what I mean) and they laid the ground work for how it should be done. Fans were camped out for weeks before opening day, showed up in costume, got tattoos, and even threw opening day weddings to show their solidarity to their fandom. Some of that is a little cray cray, but Star Wars is one of those pop culture phenomenons that just can’t replicated.
I was never a huge Star Wars fan as a kid (and not because I’m a girl and I wasn’t “allowed” to be), they just weren’t my thing. My brother, however, loved Episodes IV, V, and VI and so I saw them all frequently, though usually in small pieces. I also LOVED Star Tours as a kid, it was my one must ride when we visited the park. When Episodes I, II, and III came out, I saw them in the theaters, mostly because I had friends who were interested, but I never saw them more than once (I actually saw Episode III at the Hollywood Cinerama Dome, where my mom saw Episode IV back in the day). My husband is a big fan, but we had never actually watched any of them together until this past week when we decided to watch one of the movies each of the six nights leading up to Friday so that we were refreshed on the story and ready to go for Episode VII.
I freaking loved every second of watching those six movies. Alright, part of that is that it is rare for the hubs and I to spend that much dedicated time together during the week (which is sad, but life tends to get in the way) and that was awesome. But I also really enjoyed watching all six movies as one continuous story. Clearly Episodes I, II, and III do not have the same magic as Episodes IV, V, and VI (though II is the only one I would really consider a “bad” movie), but when you watch them all together, everything makes a lot more sense. To me, part of the beauty of the series is that they are not perfect films-plot holes, cheesy dialogue, sub par acting can be found in ALL the films. The beauty part is in how much we love them anyway, not despite the flaws, but because of them. That’s what makes them so awesome.
When it came time to head to the theater on Friday for Episode VII, I was pumped. I was rocking my BB-8 brooch and ready to love every second of the seventh installment. And I totally did. (Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil anything for you…in fact, that’s another thing I totally loved about this whole experience, I follow HUNDREDS of Disney people on social media, many of whom saw the film early, and I did not see a SINGLE spoiler.) I love the new characters, I love the old characters, I am now obsessed with BB-8 and Rey. I LOVED IT. I expected to like it, I expected it to be good, I expected it to be entertaining. I didn’t know I would leave the theater a member of the Star Wars fandom. But I did. And a lot of it was because of Episode VII, but even more of it was the entire series as a whole, all seven films, all together. I will 100% be seeing The Force Awakens in the theater again, quite possibly more than once. And my husband should be concerned about how much BB-8 merch I will be purchasing over the next couple of months. All of the sudden, I can’t wait until Squirt is old enough to watch the films with us (the real dilemma is going to be deciding which order he should watch them in). I’m already planning his Star Wars themed birthday party, and Star Wars themed room decor. And hello opening day of Star Wars Land, I will now be there with bells on. Seriously guys, I am usually one of those people who scoffs at bandwagon fans, even picking the opposite of the cool, popular choice just to be a brat, but I can’t even pretend to hate Star Wars.
My name is Falon, I drank the Star Wars Kool Aid and I ain’t even mad.
As you know already, I absolutely loved Cinderella. Hardcore. What I also loved about my Cinderella experience was seeing it at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. If you live in So Cal, visiting this theater at least once is a must. It’s gorgeous, plus there are always special extras that you don’t get when you see the movie in a regular theater.
First, there is a live organist playing all your favorite Disney songs before the show starts…
Since we got to see “Frozen Fever” before Cinderella, we also got a little visit and sing-along with Olaf…
Then there was an amazing video/light/projection curtain show before the movie actually began…
After the film, we got to walk around the theater and look at some of the costumes and props used in the actual movie. This is the fairy godmother’s dress…
The “everyday” outfits worn by Cinderella and the Prince…
The ball outfits of Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters…
And, of course, Cinderella’s stunning ball gown…
And my favorite, the glass slipper…
I had to get a shot from every angle! Pretty stunning, am I right? Cinderella is playing at the El Capitan until April 16th. Don’t miss your chance to see this fabulous movie with all the extras to go along with it!
From the moment the first images of Cinderella were released, I’ve been counting down the minutes until the premiere. That dress! Those shoes! The prince! I walked into the theater last Friday night ready to watch a gorgeous film. I saw so much more than that. Cinderella has never been my favorite princess, but the way this classic story was told was so stunning, both visually and emotionally, that I might have to put her up there with Belle and Ariel from this point on. To put it simply: I loved every minute of this movie. I’m going to assume we are all familiar with the basic storyline so I’ll just jump right into the good stuff.
Lily James is fantastic. As one of the few on the planet who has never seen an episode of Downton Abbey, I had never heard of her or seen her in anything. She brings such a genuine sweetness to the character that you can’t help but fall in love with her. The way the beginning of the story was fleshed out (we actually get to meet and spend time with her parents before their deaths) combined with James’s emotions hit me in all the feels. I cried. More than once. She is utterly fabulous.
Speaking of utterly fabulous. Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine is to die for. Given Blanchett’s extensive film credits, I expected nothing less than a brilliant performance and I was not disappointed. She is downright evil, but she also gives us a glimpse as to why she despises Cinderella so much (though it doesn’t get all touchy feely like Maleficient in her movie). Plus, she looks ridiculously good. Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera also shine as the wicked stepsisters, Anastasia and Drisella.
I mean really, just look at this guy. He could have stood there silent the entire movie and I would have been just as captivated. I have loved Richard Madden since I first saw him on Game of Thrones so I was psyched to see him cast in the role of the Prince (also known as Kit). I thought he was fabulous (and gorgeous, obv). I loved how the film explored his relationship with his father, it gave the sometimes flat character a bit more depth. I also liked seeing him become a leader at the end of the film, and how his principles as a leader were influenced by Cinderella’s motto: “Have courage and be kind.” I think it was a wise decision to have him and Cinderella meet once before the ball as well as it gave the audience a bit more time to see just why he was so captivated by her. Oh, and the boy can dance.
Of course, the costumes, sets, and overall design of the film were absolutely breath-taking. This carriage is unreal (and I wish it was here on the West Coast instead of at Disney World!). Everything was just so beautiful. Cinderella’s transformation was stunning (and I have seen it done live, in front of my face in the Broadway musical version). In general, the direction of the film was right on point. I liked the fleshed out story and the character development, I loved the original elements from the 1950’s cartoon (appearances are made by Gus and Lucifer), and I was blown away by both the performances and the visuals. I seriously cannot say enough good things about this movie (and no one is paying me to say that). If you weren’t one of the millions who went to see the film this past weekend, then get on it! This one cannot be missed.
I am such a sucker for a good sports movie. I’m partial to baseball films, but really any movie about an athletic underdog is one I’m probably going to like. So when I got the chance to check out an advanced screening of Disney’s upcoming sports movie McFarland USA, I was all over it. McFarland USA is about a group of kids from Central California (middle of nowhere Central California) and the coach who pushes them to succeed in the sport of cross country. McFarland is a predominately Hispanic town and Coach White (that’s his actual name) is one of the few white guys around. There are some racial issues that ensue, but the focus of the film is more about the kids and the relationship they build with their coach. These are kids (teenagers, really) who are dealing with abusive parents, family members serving jail time, and parents who rely on them to work before and after school in order to make ends meet. Cross country becomes their escape, and opens up a world to them that they never would have known if it weren’t for their coach and his encouragement.
McFarland USA got off to a slow start for me. The first half hour or so of the film dragged and I was actually dreading writing this review because I didn’t think I would have many positive things to say. The emotions were lacking at first, and the dialogue was stilted and ineffective. But after that first half hour, it took a sharp turn into heartwarming territory and my waterworks flowed several times before the end. Kevin Costner gives a solid performance as Coach White, though he is probably a little old for the role. But he’s Kevin Costner so I guess we’ll forgive that. The “kids” playing the students were the highlights in terms of performance. The standouts for me were Carlos Pratts as lead runner Thomas and Michael Aguero as Damacio, one of the kids who has to work in the fields for hours both before and after school. With the exception of Costner and Maria Bello (who plays his wife), the cast are mostly unknowns (like don’t even have pictures on IMDB unknown) and I think that actually had a positive impact on the movie as a whole. I was able to really believe the struggles these kids were going through.
While there were no surprises in the underdog-pulls-out-the-win sports story, the movie kept me interested because of the kids. The hard work they put in and the struggles they went through are nothing short of inspirational. Maybe it’s because I have taught at schools with a mostly Hispanic population before, but something about their story really touched me (I’m not lying when I say I cried more than once). And as an educator, I really appreciated the work of this coach who sacrificed so much for his group of students. One of my favorite parts of the movie was actually the ending, when they showed the original team members and coach and gave updates on their lives. What can I say? It hit me in the feels.
Overall, if you enjoy a good sports film, definitely head out to see McFarland USA. Just make sure you bring some tissues with you.
Into the Woods is a tale of caution, as the tagline warns: Be careful what you wish for. What happens when you actually get those wishes? How do your desires affect those around you? When some of the world’s most classic fairy tales (the real versions, not the Disneyfied ones…think birds clawing eyes out) collide, you find out.
Full disclosure time: I am a hardcore theater nerd. I grew up attending Broadway tour productions, I listen to Broadway soundtracks in my car, I worked in professional theater in during college, and now I am a theater teacher. And I have never seen a production of Into the Woods. I have never listened to the entire Into the Woods Broadway cast recording. I feel like that makes me a bit of a theater fraud. However, I am glad I had no preconceptions about the play before attending an advance screening of the film. I expected a pretty movie with good acting and decent singing and I actually got so much more than that. To put it simply: I loved this movie. Here’s why:
Meryl Streep as the Witch is fabulous. Anyone that saw Mamma Mia had to have had some reservations about seeing her in a role that required some legit singing. I was wary. Not going to lie, I had some moments during the movie when I assumed she had a voice double a la Natalie Woods in West Side Story because there is no way the woman who sounded so terrible in Mamma Mia could sound so amazing in Into the Woods. I will give her the benefit of the doubt and chalk the improvement up to a lot of hard work and training. Meryl, your vocal coach deserves a bonus. Like a huge one.
Emily Blunt as the Baker’s Wife and James Corden as the Baker are just about perfect. They sounded great and acting was on point for both. Also, love the irony that Blunt was pregnant throughout the shooting of the film when the one thing her character wants and can’t have is a baby.
Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood was an unknown for me going into this film and her performance was a highlight. When I saw the previews, she seemed like she might be a little old for the part, but it actually helped make the sexual innuendo of Little Red and the Wolf (Johnny Depp…my favorite part about his performance was that it was short) a little less yucky. Her voice is gorgeous and she and Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) worked very well together.
Anna Kendrick was by far my favorite in the film. Her voice is amazing (and it is clear to see the difference Broadway training makes) and her performance was truly a standout for me. Chris Pine was everything he needed to be as Cinderella’s Prince; he and Rapunzel’s Prince (Billy Magnussen) deliver one of the most memorable numbers of the movie with “Agony”.
The sets and costumes, of course, were both beautiful, Cinderella’s ball gown being my favorite. I also liked that Disney left some of the grittier moments in tact (let’s just say Cinderella’s stepsisters get what they deserve). The movie delivered the more gory moments without making them too gruesome. I was most impressed with everyone’s vocal performances. Other than Depp, who was in the film for probably about five minutes, I felt like everyone really met the vocal challenges that Into the Woods presents. The problem with most movie versions of musicals is that big name celebs are cast without regard for the fact that they are not trained to sing the parts. I didn’t feel like that was an issue here and that really made the film for me. In fact, I will be purchasing the movie version of the soundtrack, I liked it that much.
Bottom line: Go see this movie. Whether you are a musical fan or not, Into the Woods is an enjoyable and entertaining film.
Alexander is one of those movies that I never would have seen if I weren’t writing a blog about all things Disney. My kid is nowhere near old enough to actually understand movies and this is definitely not a flick my husband would be into for date night. But I am making a point to see and write about all Disney film releases, and, given that I went to a noon movie on a Monday, I was able to bring Squirt along with me and not bug a full theater of patrons. And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the movie. There were several times I actually laughed out loud, and while I could certainly blame my mommy hormones, I might have even teared up at the end.
Based on the popular children’s book by Judith Viorst, the movie follows a twelve year old boy, Alexander, who happens to be celebrating his birthday. When no one in his family understands his unfortunate day, he makes a wish that they all would experience a day of calamities of their own. And his picture perfect family goes from this…
Alexander quickly realizes his wish has come true as his family experiences the kind of bad luck he is subjected to on a regular basis. The trials and tribulations are quirky and humorous and Jennifer Garner is especially funny in her role as a stressed out working mother. Steve Carell is his normal, awkward funny self and all of the kids (Ed Oxenbould as Alexander, Dylan Minnette as older brother Anthony, and Kerris Dorsey as older sister Emily) are perfectly cast and endearing. The movie is what I would call cute and charming. Am I going to go out and buy it on DVD? Probably not. But I certainly felt it was worth my outrageously priced matinee movie ticket. It turned out to be more than a time killer or movie I have to see review and turned into an enjoyable two hours at the theater. Whether you have kids of movie viewing age or not, I would definitely recommend checking out Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
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