Category: Uncategorized

Barry Manilow Live At The Amway Center

 

Amway Center Barry Manilow

Multi-million selling artist Barry Manilow performs his collection of smash hits at the Amway Center on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Tickets are on sale now. 

What: Barry Manilow

When: January 18, 2014 | 7:30 pm

Where: Amway Center | Orlando, Florida

On Sale: Now!!!

Manilow, the undisputed number one adult contemporary artist of all time, brings his high-energy, hit-packed concert to Orlando for one night only.  With more than 50 top 40 hits like “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (at The Copa),” Manilow will perform many of his memorable songs.

 

$25, $50, $100 & $150 | All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.

Door opening times for the Amway Center vary according to each event. Guests may enter the arena one hour prior to the start time of each event, unless otherwise specifically noted. Guests may check door times in advance by calling 407.440.7900.

The show reserves the right to approve camera use at any time during and/or before the event and to prohibit the use of any camera that is deemed unacceptable. Cameras with a detachable lens, iPads and the use of flash photography are prohibited at all Amway Center events. Check amwaycenter.com or call the administration office at 407.440.7000 prior to the event for any camera policy updates. Camera policy is subject to change at any time at the show’s discretion.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Manilow’s inimitable career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment, including performing, writing, composing, arranging and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has produced, arranged and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career.  He has also written and produced songs for legendary artists such as Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick and many more.  He has been honored with a Grammy®, two Emmys, a Tony Award, an Oscar nomination and a top-selling autobiography.

For more information, visit:
www.manilow.com
www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
www.manilowmusicproject.org/

TICKETS: $9.49, $37.99, $67.99, $97.99, $127.49 & $157.49 – Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.  All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.  All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.  For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office).  The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

Amway Center

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows.  Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Amway Center was recently honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Orlando City Capture Win Over Sporting KC

Orlando City
Jamila St. Ann/Sporting KC

Lions Capture 1-0 Win Over 2012 US Open Cup Champs Sporting KC

Orlando downs Major League Soccer affiliate SKC, moves on to Open Cup Quarterfinals

A quick score by Forward Long Tan was all Orlando City SC needed Wednesday night at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas, topping Major League Soccer affiliate (MLS) Sporting Kansas City 1-0. The win advances Orlando to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, the first time the Lions have done so in franchise history.

“It’s a really big result and something the players can be proud of,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “All of a sudden we are a couple games from something really special. I’m looking forward to playing the next round opponent.”

Orlando City
Jamila St. Ann/Sporting KC

Orlando didn’t take very long to take the lead, with Forward Long Tan capitalizing on a well-played takeaway from Midfielder Adama Mbengue. In only the 2nd minute of play, the former Orlando City U23s star took possession away from the Sporting KC backline- finding Long Tan in stride behind the Sporting defense. The former DC United striker slotted it past Goalkeeper Eric Kronberg in the bottom-left corner to give the Lions the 1-0 advantage.

Orlando continued to move men forward against the MLS side, who responded with chances of their own throughout the later part of the second half. Sporting KC, holding a 6-5-4 record in MLS regular season play coming into the match, began to produce opportunities as the game went on- whipping in dangerous corners and crosses that kept the Lions humble moving forward. Despite the increasing chances, Orlando weathered the storm to go into the locker room on top 1-0.

Looking for a spark, Sporting subbed in Forward C.J. Sapong at the start of the second half. Sapong led the team in goals with nine last year, pushing the Lions’ backline as they held the 1-0 lead.

Orlando City
Jamila St. Ann/Sporting KC

Despite the added pressure, Lions’ Goalkeeper and Team Captain Miguel Gallardo held steady – making key saves in succession in the 60thminute to keep the Lions ahead. The 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year came up big as Sporting continued to push forward, leading the Orlando backline that featured second-time starter Justin Clark and veteran Rob Valentino.

Last-minute gasps by Sporting Kansas City in the five minutes of added time kept the game close, but ultimately Orlando prevailed 1-0 over their MLS affiliate.

Orlando City
Jamila St. Ann/Sporting KC

The win marked the club’s first-ever win over Sporting KC and advancement to the quarterfinal round of the US Open Cup. The quarterfinal opponent will be the winner of the Chicago Fire/Columbus Crew match, which was postponed until Thursday due to weather. The match will be held on Wednesday, June 26, at the opponent’s venue. The four Sporting loanees, including Dom Dwyer, Christian Duke, Yann Songo’o and Jon Kempin will be eligible barring a call-up from Kansas City.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and is open to United States Soccer Federation (USSF) affiliated teams. The Open Cup was first held in 1913, with this year marking the centennial edition of the tournament. This year’s field consisted of 68 teams, the largest field in US Open Cup history.

Orlando City Match Recap:

Team                      1    2    Final

Orlando City              1    0    1

Sporting KC               0    0    0

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Long Tan (Adama Mbengue) 2nd

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Miguel Gallardo, D Bryan Burke, Justin Clark (Oumar Diakhite 74”), Rob Valentino, Luke Boden, M James O’Connor, Anthony Pulis, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue (Freddie Braun 90’), F Long Tan, Dennis Chin (Erik Ustruck 71’)

Sporting KC- GK Eric Kronberg, D Kevin Ellis, Aurelien Collin, Ike Opara, Seth Sinovic, M Benny Feilhaber (Lawrence Olum 58’), Oriol Rosell, Paulo Nagamura, Josh Gardner (C.J. Sapong 46’) F Jacob Peterson (Teal Bunbury 76’), Claudio Bieler

Penalty Summary:

ORL- Anthony Pulis (Yellow) 71’

 Match Facts:

Time of Match: 8:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear

Attendance: 15,981

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Car Masters Weekend Returns to Downtown Disney

Car Masters Weekend

Car Masters Weekend, now in its third year, is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day as Downtown Disney West Side hosts a classic car show with a modern twist June 15-16, 2013. Featuring all things “Cars,” the event also showcases meet and greets with Disney•Pixar “Cars” and “Cars 2″ characters, a sock hop at Splitsville, select discounts on food and shopping, and more exciting entertainment for the whole family.

Car Masters Weekend
June 15 to June 16, 2013
9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Cars Meet ‘n’ Greet — Take pictures and get to know some of your favorite Characters from Cars and Cars 2, including Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile.
  • Downtown Disney Car Show — Lock your eyes on over 150 classic, muscle and exotic cars along the promenade. Pick your favorites and see which ones win awards.
  • Auto Personality Appearances — Fill up your schedule with special appearances by automotive legend Chip Foose, as well as Disney•Pixar’s Cars filmmaker Jay Ward. Purchase exclusive Chip Foose merchandise—you could get it signed by the man himself!
  • Disney•Pixar’s Cars Movie Marathon — See some of your favorite characters back on the big screen during a double feature of Disney•Pixar’s Cars and Cars 2 at AMC® Downtown Disney 24.
  • Car Masters Merchandise — Take the event home with you by making a purchase from a large selection of Cars-themed merchandise and event-specific souvenirs.
  • Exclusive Disney Activities — Race over to play Disney Infinity; then get revved up for future Disney film releases with interactive fun.
  • Go for a Test Drive — Take some of the Cars 2 RideMakerz models for a remote control test drive—you can even buy your own and take them home!
  • Exotic Driving Experience — Get up close to real-life supercars and learn how you can get behind the wheel at Walt Disney World Speedway.
  • Idle over to the Chevrolet Showcase — Pose for photos inside some of the newest models and discover the latest designs and technologies.

In a race for ‘Best in Show’ at Sunday’s awards ceremony, car enthusiasts from the local Muscle Car Network of Central Florida will display more than 150 classic, muscle and exotic cars for families to view and vote on their favorites. Guests also can take pictures with favorite Disney•Pixar “Cars” and “Cars 2″ characters Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile.

Car Masters Weekend

Revving up the fun, legendary automotive designer Chip Foose and Disney•Pixar “Cars” filmmaker Jay Ward will host celebrity chat shows on the Car Masters Stage throughout the weekend. Foose, who contributed to the design of Ramone in the Disney•Pixar “Cars” film, also will be on-hand for autograph sessions and will have Chip Foose design items available for purchase at the event.

Car Masters Weekend

New this year, Splitsville – the luxury bowling emporium — will take guests for a spin on the dance floor when it hosts the first Car Masters Weekend Sock Hop. This rockin’ and rollin’ special event, taking place Saturday from 6-9 p.m., features live entertainment, a fun bowling competition, a buffet of Splitsville delights, a limited bar, raffle prizes and special appearances by Foose and Ward. A limited number of Sock Hop tickets will be available beginning June 5 at DisneyCarEvent.com for $69 per person.

Sock-Hop at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
June 15, 2013
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

  • Disney’s Sock-Hop Dancers – Watch these dancers strut their stuff with moves from the 50s and 60s. Then, get into the groove as a DJ spins tunes both old and new.
  • Celebrity Meet ‘N’ Greets – Meet automotive legend Chip Foose, as well as Disney•Pixar’s Cars filmmaker Jay Ward—meet the minds behind the wheel!
  • Delightful Food and Beverages – Take your pick from an appetizing buffet, complete with pizza, a nacho bar and Splitsville’s famous sliders. Price of admission comes with 2 tickets for select alcoholic beverages.
  • Bowling Competition – Get out on lanes and put your skills on the line against fellow Guests during an exciting bowling contest (limited availability).

Also making Car Masters Weekend debuts are a special street performance by artists with La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, a chance for guests to play the upcoming Disney Infinity video game and new interactive activities based on future Disney film releases “Monsters University,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Planes.”

Fan-favorite Car Masters elements returning this year include the chance to test drive remote control “Cars 2″ RideMakerz models; vehicles on display from the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway; live performances by the Car Masters Singers and DJ’s spinning classic-car tunes from the ’50′s and ’60′s. Guests also can idle over to the Chevrolet Showcase, pose for photographs inside the newest Chevrolet models and discover the latest in design and automotive technology. In addition, fans can purchase tickets for an all-day “Cars” and “Cars 2″ movie marathon at AMC Downtown Disney 24.

Car Masters Weekend

The event will take place at Downtown Disney West Side from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. For more information, visit DisneyCarEvent.com.

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

DRIP offers special MegaCon events March 13-16

DRIP offers special MegaCon events March 13-16
COSTUMES!  CAPES!  LOTS of SPLAT! and POW!
ORLANDO, Fla.  – What’s cooler than an original copy of Action Comics No. 1?
How about special comic and sci-fi themed events at DRIP? It’s happening Wednesday, March 13 – Saturday, March 16 to coincide with MegaCon.

This will be a fanboys dream, complete with:
  • Performers in special comic-inspired costumes
  • Comic and sci-fi inspired artwork
  • Interactive video game station
  • Comic & sci-fi balloon artist Bruce Carr
  • Body painting
  • Giveaways and surprises!
As with all DRIP events, people are strongly urged to dress down (jeans, t-shirts, sneakers) as colored sand, paint and other media fly with abandon. Guests are welcome to wear costumes and for those who do, ponchos will be available.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Wednesday, March 13: Comic & Sci-fi inspired art show from 8 pm – midnight. Comic exchange at 11 pm. $5 cover for people who bring a wrapped comic; $10 for all others. Ages 18+.
Thursday, March 14: DRIP shows at 8 pm and 11 pm; ages 18+.
Friday, March 15: DRIP shows at 8 pm and 11 pm; ages 21+.
Saturday, March 16: DRIP shows at 8 pm and 11 pm; ages 21+.
Each night will feature an after-party from midnight to 2 am with NO COVER. The first 20 people at each event will receive a limited edition DRIP trading card.

DRIP tickets cost $35 and are available at www.ILoveDRIP.com.

 

DRIP is located at 8747 International Drive, behind Denny’s and Señor Frogs.

Map and directions

 

About DRIP

DRIP is an arts entertainment company that combines performing and visual arts to create full sensory environments that excite and move audiences. Riff LLC is the parent company of DRIP, and Jessica Mariko serves as CEO of Riff and CEO and Creative Director of DRIP. Since its inception in 2006, DRIP has performed at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, Orlando’s Red Chair Affair, ArtsFest, WrestleMania XXIV, Create Chaos Convention, Blank Space Art Lounge, the Tavistock Cup and several corporate events. In 2011, Riff LLC signed a lease for its first permanent venue on Orlando’s International Drive. For more information, please visit www.ILoveDRIP.com.
Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

2013 Florida Film Festival Feature Film Competition Announced

flordia film festival

2013 Florida Film Festival Feature Film Competition Announced Featuring Two World Premieres!

The Narrative and Documentary Feature Film selections for the 2013 Florida Film Festival American Independent Competition were announced. Nineteen of the selections will be celebrating a premiere: 2 World, 6 East Coast, 8 Southeast and 3 Florida premieres. Among the recognizable faces on screen this year are Jane Adams (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind),

Jason Ritter (TV’s Parenthood), Jesse Eisenberg(The Social Network), Tippi Hedren (The Birds), and Melanie Lynskey (Up In the Air).

AMERICAN INDEPENDENT COMPETITION

Competition Documentaries

BIG JOY: THE ADVENTURES OF JAMES BROUGHTON/USA (Director: Eric Slade, Stephen Silha, Dawn Logsdon) EAST COAST PREMIERE

DOWNEAST/USA (Director: David Redmon, Ashley Sabin) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

FAR OUT ISN’T FAR ENOUGH: THE TOMI UNGERER STORY/USA (Director: Brad Bernstein)

FIRST COMES LOVE/USA (Director: Nina Davenport) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

ICEBERG SLIM: PORTRAIT OF A PIMP/USA (Director: Jorge Hinojosa) FLORIDA PREMIERE

INFORMANT/USA (Director: Jamie Meltzer) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

MAGICAL UNIVERSE/USA (Director: Jeremy Workman) WORLD PREMIERE

SEEKING ASIAN FEMALE/USA (Director: Debbie Lum) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

SHEPARD & DARK/USA (Director: Treva Wurmfield) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

YEAR OF THE LIVING DEAD/USA (Director: Rob Kuhns) EAST COAST PREMIERE

AMERICAN INDEPENDENT COMPETITION

Narrative Features

ALL THE LIGHT IN THE SKY/USA (Director: Joe Swanberg) EAST COAST PREMIERE

BE GOOD/USA (Director: Todd Looby) EAST COAST PREMIERE

THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM/USA (Director: Andrew Mudge) WORLD PREMIERE

FREE SAMPLES/USA (Director: Jay Gammill) FLORIDA PREMIERE

THE HISTORY OF FUTURE FOLK/USA (Director: J.Anderson Mitchell, Jeremy Kipp Walker) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

NANCY, PLEASE/USA (Director: Andrew Semans) FLORIDA PREMIERE

PUTZEL/USA (Director: Jason Chaet) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

THE TAIWAN OYSTER/USA (Director: Mark Jarrett) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE

THIS IS MARTIN BONNER/USA (Director: Chad Hartigan) EAST COAST PREMIERE

THIS IS WHERE WE LIVE/USA (Director: Josh Barrett, Marc Menchaca) EAST COAST PREMIERE

 

The complete Festival film lineup will be revealed Wednesday, March 13. Early redemption occurs Wednesday, March 13 – Saturday, March 16. Individual film tickets will be available to the general public starting Sunday, March 17.

Click Here for More Information

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Coming Soon: MegaCon 2013

megacon

In a bit more than a week from now I’ll be attending MegaCon – one of the more popular Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions to regularly visit the Orlando, Florida area – will start.  It will be held in Hall D of the Orange County Convention Center (directions).  It will be held on March 15th through 17th and the hours are as follows:

Fri Mar 15th : 1pm – 7pm
Sat Mar 16th : 10am – 6pm
Sun Mar 17th : 10am – 5pm

Adult ticket prices at the door will be $30 for a single day or $60 for all three days, and children 10 and under get in for free with an adult.  Advance tickets can be purchased online or over the phone.  Parking will be $9 per day ($15 for oversized vehicles).

There are numerous Media Guests attending this years convention, but the big draw this year is a special Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion event.  There is an additional cost for this event, but there is still seating available.  Additionally there will be numerous chances to get signatures from various celebrity attendees.  To guarantee a signature you can pre-buy tickets.

This isn’t just a convention about Star Trek, television, or movie guests.  It’s also a comic book convention, and as a result many comic book guests will be available to meet as well.  The most famous of which is the renowned Neal Adams.  The convention will also have Anime Guests, Video Gaming, other Gaming, and numerous panels to choose from throughout the day.  And don’t forget the ever popular convention exclusives and the showroom floor exhibitors.

I’m excited to attend.  My favorite part of conventions is always the showroom floor.  Checking out the myriad items of memorabilia, and trinkets you can find while wandering around.  I find it fun to see them, and very often unique one of a kind items can be found.  It’s like hunting for treasure.  Not to mention the costumes.  There are some very creative people in this world who are capable of amazing costumes and conventions are their only outlet for showing them off.  If you see me there don’t hesitate to say, “Hi.”

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Marvel Studios Begins Production On Third Installment Of The Blockbuster Franchise “Iron Man”!!!

From the Desk of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures:

 

 

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THE BLOCKBUSTER FRANCHISE “IRON MAN”

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” Commences Principal Photography
In Preparation for May 3, 2013 Film Release

BURBANK, Calif. (June 4, 2012) – Following in the footsteps of the record-breaking Marvel Studios’ release “Marvel’s The Avengers,” production on the highly anticipated film “Iron Man 3,” directed by Shane Black, has commenced production in Wilmington, North Carolina. The production schedule will also include locations in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Miami, Florida and China.

Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, “Iron Man 3” returns Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”) as the iconic Super Hero character Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Gwyneth Paltrow (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2,”) as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle (“Iron Man 2”) as James “Rhodey” Rhodes and Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2”) as Happy Hogan. Set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” marks the second feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009.

“Iron Man 3” continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world’s favorite billionaire inventor/Super Hero, Tony Stark aka “Iron Man.”  Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing the film. Executive producers on the project include Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz.

The creative production team on the film includes two-time Oscar®-winning director of photography John Toll, ASC (“Braveheart,” “Legends of the Fall”), production designer Bill Brzeski (“The Hangover,” “Due Date”), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. (“Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”) and Peter S. Elliot (“Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer”), and costume designer Louise Frogley (“Quantum of Solace,” “Contagion”).

Marvel Studios most recently produced the critically acclaimed “Marvel’s The Avengers,” which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which is currently in release, continues to shatter box office records and is The Walt Disney Studios’ highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studios’ fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.

In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with “Thor,” starring Chris Hemsworth, and “Captain America: The First Avenger,” starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 “Iron Man 2,” starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.

In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk.”  “Iron Man,” in which Robert Downey Jr. originally dons the Super Hero’s powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success.  Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend.  On June 13, 2008, Marvel released “The Incredible Hulk,” marking its second number one opener of that summer.

 

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Daddy’s Movie Day – The Secret World of Arrietty

 

While Shelley was out of town, I was very excited to be able to take Zoe for a Daddy/Zoe date to see a preview of The Secret World of Arrietty.

Now I am going to begin this review with a preface.  The Secret World of Arietty, which opens today in theaters, although a very good movie may not be appropriate for smaller children as it more serious and has some emotionally intense content…You’ll see what I mean in a moment…

The story begins with Shawn, a small sickly boy, coming to his family’s house in the country to get the care that he needs.  While there he discovers Arrietty, a borrower, on her first borrowing.  Borrowers are tiny people who live under the floors and “borrow” the things they need to survive from the people where they live.  They only take the things that won’t be missed, a cube of sugar, or a single tissue.

The story follows Shawn and Arietty’s friendship developing as they share the experiences and struggles of their lives.  Through their adventures together they learn that fear cannot rule their lives and that there are things worth fighting for.

The story is sad and sweet, and has positive messages about courage and caring for others.  The story does tackle some more serious issues that could bring up some uncomfortable conversations with your children if they are not ready.  There is a lot of conversation and allusions to Shawn and Arietty’s mortality and the fear of death, but the story does end with a positive message about courage and fighting for what you care about.

The animation painted a beautiful landscape, and the story was complex and well developed while mixing in enough comic moments to keep the children involved.  Although the story tackled some serious issues, it was surrounded by messages of hope, love and trust making for a wonderful time.

Overall it was a sweet story about friendship and love that ended on a very positive note, and I would recommend The Secret World of Arriety to both fans of the genre and casual movie goers.

httpv://youtu.be/VlMe7PavaRQ

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Muppets – Possibly The Bestest Muppets Movie Yet

So when I was asked to attend a Media Preview of The Muppets my heart soared and sunk at the same time.

I grew up on the Muppets and love them dearly like they are family members, and while I was stoked from the first second I heard about this movie I was also a little nervous about how it would turn out.

As I sat down in my seat this morning, I took a deep breath and hoped for the best…

First up were trailers for The Secret World of Arrarity and Brave, both of which I am now absolutely DYING to see!!! They both look like great stories that are breathtaking on the big screen.

Then it was time for the Toy Story Short ‘Small Fry’. This short lives up to it’s predecessor ‘Hawaiian Vacation’! It was super funny, just the right length, and absolutely set the mood for the movie!!!

The Muppets is a heart warming story where three devoted fans help the Muppets reunite to save their old theatre.

The story itself is full of nods to the history of the Muppet franchise while staying current enough to be funny to newbies. And in true Muppet fashion the jokes read on the adult and child level, which led to TONS of laughter from all of us.

I am not going to lie, I cried during The Muppets. Now this may sound silly, but there were parts that struck such a cord of nostalgia for the past and hope for the future that I couldn’t help myself.

I absolutely cannot recommend this movie highly enough…I seriously want to see this movie again…NOW!!!!

 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq5LfuvRBVM

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram