Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Tomorrowland Movie: Review (Spoilers)


Trailer courtesy of YouTube channel "Disney Movie Trailers"

 By Zach Cooper
(This review does contain some movie spoilers)

After almost two years of waiting, I was finally able to watch the Tomorrowland movie! Directed by Brad Bird, and co-written and produced by Damon Lindoff, this action-packed film takes moviegoers into the "future"! The movie follows the story of three main characters, Casey Newton (Britt Robertson), Frank Walker (George Clooney) and Athena (Raffey Cassidy).

© D23.com from article d23.com/here-comes-tomorrow
Following two different generations of optimists, the journey begins with Young Frank Walker, who is on the road to the 1964 New York World's Fair, where he is presenting his (sort-of-working) Jet Pack, in hopes to win a contest. David Nix (Hugh Laurie) examined the invention and told him to come back when it works. Soon, Young Frank is greeted by Athena, a young girl, who gives him a pin with a "T" symbol, with the invitation to follow her.

© Disney
This leads to Frank sneaking onto the Fair's  it's a small world  attraction, where the pin activates an underground barge, which takes him to "Tomorrowland". In this new world, he sees everything is possible. A machine repairs his jet pack, and before you know it, Frank is sent soaring around the city.

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Fast forward 50 years later, Casey Newton is facing jail bond for sneaking into NASA. Getting back her belongings, she spots the same "T" pin in her stuff. Touching it, she is sent into "Tomorrowland", although only for a small period. The back of the pin shows a countdown clock, which ended shortly after.

After stepping into danger, Casey ends up being saved by Athena, who takes Casey to a now older Frank Walker. Casey soon finds out that the world will be ending in just a matter of few months. How to stop it? Go see the film!!!

© Disney
It was truly a pleasure to finally see the film. Although very long, it was a fantastic film. At times, it was hard to follow and confusing. Any fan of science, space, the future or Disney should see the film!   Out of 10, I would rate it a 9.5.



Sunday, May 24, 2015

LEGO Friends Heartlake City Grand Opening at LEGOLAND California: Trip Report


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By Zach Cooper
On Wednesday, May 20th, we were able to attend the V.I.P. grand opening of the the all-new Heartlake City, an area inside LEGOLAND California based off of the LEGO Friends brand and show.


Our day started around 11am, when celebrities took position for photos and interviews on the "purple carpet".


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Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and his daughter with a few of the LEGO Friends.

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Former "Baywatch" star Gena Lee Nolin and husband Cale Hulse (former NHL player) together with their kids. 

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Voice of 'Lucinda The Witch' on Disney's "Sofia The First" Merit Leighton with the LEGO Friends. 

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Sister of Merit and actress (seen on television shows Parenthood and Jessie) Marlowe Peyton on the carpet.

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San Diego Padres pitcher Ian Kennedy posing with his "LEGO Star of Fame".

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Caitlin Carmichael (seen on Shake it Up!, iCarly, 300: Rise of an Empire) on the carpet. 

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Emmy Perry (Wiener Dog Internationals) posing for the camera.

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Right: Briana Rene'e Manson (Little Women: LA) posing with fun props.


OPENING CEREMONY: At 12pm, celebrities and the media gathered for the official opening ceremony.


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LEGOLAND California's Julie Estrada came out and welcomed everyone to the event. She also thanked some of the people that make this new area possible. Then, the microphone was passed onto the Mayor of Heartlake City.

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A very frantic Mayor came out. He could not find the key to unlock Heartlake City. Without, he could not start the carousel or even open the stables. 

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Suddenly, a little girl came out. In her backpack was the key, which she found herself. 

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Together, they unlock Heartlake City. 

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Then adjacent to the left of them, all five LEGO Friends came out and preformed a musical number.

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Confetti cannons blasted confetti out and onto the crowd. 

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MIA'S RIDING CAMP: 

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With over 60 horses, this carousel is not to miss.

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Tony Hawk and his daughter were one of the first to experience this new attraction. 

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HEARTLAKE STABLES:

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The stables include a number of building stations, where kids can express their creativity using the bricks. 

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The Friends Forever Stage hosts daily shows featuring the LEGO Friends.


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The Heartlake Fountain is a perfect place for kids to get cool on a summer day! 

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The City Park Creperie is place to get freshly made crepes. 

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The Heartlake City Boutique carries all your favorite toys, shirts, mugs and other fun items. 


We had a great time visiting the all-new LEGO Friends Heartlake City. It is surely a must see area! Visit california.legoland.com for ticket info and more to plan your next visit!