"Grown Ups 2" Review

 

By D.Z.

Today I was able to see "Grown Ups 2." The movie is about a lifelong friendship between 4 guys. This is a sequel to Grown Ups, one of my favorite movies. I went into the theater having "high hopes." Sadly, this film did not entertain me as much as the first. The movie seemed to have no real plot, and was a little inappropriate. It might not be the best film for little kids. Most of the scenes seemed fake, as they would never happen in real life. I was a little disappointed in this film, as I thought it was going to be another great Adam Sandler film. I would give the film 6/10.

Corevtte Diner: Review

By D.Z.

Last week, I was able to visit the Corvette Diner in San Diego. Just minutes away from downtown San Diego, the Corvette Diner is one hot spot to not miss. This restaurant is very unique, as it has a party atmosphere.

You might be wondering why we are posting this review. Usually, we talk about movies and theme parks/travel. We thought it would be fun to share because it is in "Americas finest city."

The food is very good, but on the pricey side. The portions have a good size also. Once in a while, the waiters put on a small show. (See video above.) In one of the eatery rooms, its themed 'glow in the dark'. Really cool! If anyone is coming down to San Diego next week for Comic Con, this is a great place to have lunch or dinner. It is located in Liberty Station, very close to the international airport.

"Saving Mr. Banks" Movie Trailer

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

Disney has just released the trailer for "Saving Mr. Banks," an all new film about the creation of the Marry Poppins movie. This film is based off a true story, of how one of the best Disney films was created. In the film, Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) tries to discover the true inspiration for the beloved book. All he has to do is become friends with author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson), who wants this film to be perfect.

 One way to get the books rights (in order to create the Marry Poppins film), Walt decides to take her to Disneyland. In the movie, we will get to see what Disneyland was like in its early days. The movie was filmed back in November of 2012! To see photos from the movie shoot, CLICK HERE.

Saving Mr. Banks will hit theatres this December.

D23 Expo: Legends Ceremony

Video by Inside the Magic

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

The Disney Legends ceremony is one of the most popular presentations at the D23 Expo. In the 2009 and 2011 expo, the ceremony was on the first day, the first thing on agenda. This year, the presentation will be on Saturday, August 10th (second day of the expo) at 2 pm.

 

Each ceremony, a number of Disney contributors are honored. Here is a list of the soon-to-be legends:

-Tony Baxter: Disney Imagineer

-Collin Campbell: Disney Imagineer

- Dick Clark: TV Personality

- Billy Crystal: Voice Performer and Actor

- John Goodman: Voice Performer and Actor

-Steve Jobs: Apple Founder and PIXAR Contributor

- Glen Keane: Disney Animator

- Ed Wynn: Broadway Performer and Disney Actor

 

Sources:

- D23 

- Inside the Magic 

D23 Expo: Star Wars, Disney Books

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

The D23 Expo is just a month away. As we get closer, more will be announced. A number of new presentation were announced today!

JUST ANNOUNCED:
Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101: This presentation will be presented by Pablo Hidalgo in Stage 23. In the presentation, Pablo will talk all about the Star Wars trilogy.

 Darth Vader: The Evolution of a Villain: This event will be held at the Disney Consumer Products pavilion, as it will showcase art and early concepts of Darth Vader.

Along with Star Wars, Disney Publishing will be holding a number of presentations too:

Ridley Pearson and The Kingdom Keepers Insider App Quest: This presentation will be held on August 9th from 12-1pm. Author Ridley Pearson will talk about how the Kingdom Keepers series is coming to a close. At the last expo, we were able to listen to a Kingdom Keepers presentation:

 

 

Dave Bossert Remembers Roy E. Disney with special guest Roy P. Disney: This presentation will also be hosted in Stage 28, as author Dave Bossert and Roy P. Disney talk about the life of Roy E. Disney. (Roy E. is the son of Walt's brother.)

 

Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar Presents…Dream It! Do It!: Held at Stage 28, this presentation will be hosted by Marty Sklar, as he talks about his journey while working for Disney.


Sources: Inside the Magic and D23. 

The Exploration of Disney: "The Optimist"

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

How would you like to learn more about Walt Disney? The Disney Company has created a fictional character named Amelia. Amelia claims her grandfather was "optimist." Over the next couple of weeks, Amelia will be looking through her grandfather's old stuff. She will be asking online viewers to help her piece all stuff together for a documentary. To be apart of this special adventure, you can join by going to http://optimist.disney.com/. If you look at the bottom of the page, it will give you the chance to register. PLEASE NOTE: You will be asked for some personal information (email, address, twitter name), but that part is optional. If you do put those three down, you have the chance to get a piece of mail or even email/twitter messages from Amelia. This is an interactive experience to not be missed. It will conclude at the D23 Expo.

If we happen to get a response, email or letter, we will update this page or create a new post!

 

Resources:

Photo by http://storyorbit.com/recent-post-title

Monsters University: Review

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

A few days ago, I was able to see "Monsters University." This movie is a prequel to "Monsters Inc," a beloved Disney PIXAR film. The movie is about two monsters named Mike and Sully (the main characters in Monster's Inc) going to college, learning how to become scare students. I have never been a fan of prequels, but I thought Monsters University was a good fit. The movie is good for all ages. The film began really well, and got the audience pumped up. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ending wasn't the greatest I thought. Still, I really recommend watching the movie. Overall, I would rate it an 8/10.