Mike Gencarelli, Author at MediaMikes

7 Popular Classic Movies Turned Into Gaming Hits

Showbiz is all about the CGI, high definition graphics, the action and the glitz and glam, all of which is often mimicked by leading gaming brands. The unique partnership between the movie and the gaming industry has on more than one occasion successfully delivered a masterpiece, allowing fans to be a part of the action, romance or fun depending on their movie preference.

One of the biggest industries to boom in 2019 is the online casino industry. The success of video slots based on movies has thrived through the availability of free online slots and as a result, there have been a number of fascinating releases to grip the attention of online audience. According to accurate readings from both movie critics and gaming providers, these are the 10 most popular movies morphed into video gaming.

Gladiator

This golden oldie has proved to be an incredible movie hit with a rather intense storyline. The game is just as intense as you once again witness Russell Crowe perform his artful warrior strategies over 50 paylines and 5 reels. What makes this box office hit remain a popular choice amongst gamers is the 100 free spins bonus round.

Superman

It seems like Superman has been transformed from a comic character into movies, series, games and all sorts of paraphernalia. It goes without saying that this is one comic hero who will most assuredly remain in the top 7 rankings simply based on the popularity of this DC Comic character. On another note, the second Superman and Man of Steel are also included under the title and can also be found in gaming lobbies.

The Dark Knight

No list is complete without the mention of Batman. The Dark Knight Rises was made famous before its release, when fans caught wind of it. What made it a memorable movie turned game was the unfortunate loss of Heath Ledger, a famous Hollywood actor with a bright future ahead, taken far too soon. However, fans are still lapping up the excitement trough the video slot game which has been redesigned to deliver a multitude of bonus features while unlocking snippets of the movie.

Planet of the Apes

Way ahead of its times, in both the movie and the gaming industry, Planet of the Apes has managed to collect a number of fans thanks to outstanding graphics and an intricate appealing gaming interface. Andy Serkisis the mastermind behind the movie and NetEnt is the expert gaming provider to have recreated the movie into a gaming hit.

Pink Panther

Once a classic, always a classic. Pink Panther may be more popular in the gaming realm as our current generation evolves and forgets the classic cartoon hits many enjoyed as kids. Now available for adults, Pink Panther is a progressive jackpot creation from NetEnt and a favourite amongst classical movie and cartoon lovers as well as high rollers.

Rocky

No doubt Sylvester Stallone will be making an appearance as one of the top movie hits, full stop. Now gamers too can enjoy the classic movie theme music, high hits and a number of bonus features which just brings back the world of memories!

Highlander

Now this is one blockbuster to live on with the immortals. Although a true classic, the game can still be found in many gaming lobbies.

Although these are classic movies and the millennial player prefers to enjoy more modern gaming hits, there are also a number available. Twilight, Jumanji, Ted, Jurassic Park and several others have been released in the past year. So should there be any recent movies to make millions, you can bet on it, it will only be a matter of time before it turns into a gaming sensation.

Enter to Win a Blu-ray of “UglyDolls”

To celebrate the release of STX Entertainment’s “UglyDolls” on Blu-ray, Media Mikes would like to our fans a chance to win a digital download of this season. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment with your favorite Kelly Clarkson song. This giveaway will remain open until August 1st at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Unconventionality rules in UglyDolls, the fun and quirky animated musical debuting on Digital on July 16, 2019 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on July 30, 2019 from STXfilms and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.Centered around the adorably unique town of Uglyville, the film follows Moxy and her friends as they confront what it means to be different and discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing. Inspired by the global plush phenomenon and based on the UglyDoll characters created by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, UglyDolls is filled with colorful and adorable characters and packed with powerful messages of inclusion and empowerment. Join the fun and keep the party going with the music-filled comedy on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital showcasing an exclusive, all-new sing-along edition and stuffed with exciting bonus features allowing fans everywhere to dive deeper into the world of Uglyville.

Featuring a star-studded voice cast including Kelly Clarkson (The Star, “The Voice”), Nick Jonas (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Janelle Monáe (Hidden Figures, Rio 2),Blake Shelton (The Angry Birds Movie, “The Voice”), Pitbull (“Empire,” Epic),Wanda Sykes (“Black-ish,” Bad Moms) and Gabriel Iglesias (Ferdinand),the humorous and heartwarming film comes home with vibrant bonus content such as featurettes that reveal how the talented cast brought their characters to life, hilarious games with the cast and a sneak peek of the exclusive sing-along edition’s interactive entertainment.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, enter, uglydolls, win

Nickelodeon Celebrates 20 Years of Spongebob With a 75-hour Dvd Collection of Nautical Nonsense “Spongebob Squarepants: The Best 200 Episodes Ever!”

30-Disc collection with special anniversary poster available exclusively on Amazon Prime Day on July 15, 2019. Available nationwide on August 27, 2019

NEW YORK – July 10, 2019 – Nickelodeon is celebrating twenty years of the worlds’ most recognizable yellow sponge with a special DVD release, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Best 200 Episodes Ever! This DVD collection, made up of two box-sets, will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Day on July 15, 2019, followed by a nationwide release on August 27, 2019 wherever DVDs are sold. Each DVD comes with the special-edition 20th anniversary SpongeBob SquarePants poster, which was created specifically for Nickelodeon San Diego Comic-Con and features all 760 characters and creatures that have ever appeared on the show.

This collection contains SpongeBob SquarePants: The First 100 Episodes & SpongeBob SquarePants: The Next 100 Episodes and features every deep-sea adventure from the first 200 episodes of the series. Get lost in the zany and wonderful world of Bikini Bottom and relive every “F.U.N.” episode from the first nine seasons including classic episodes such as “SpongeBob You’re Fired,” “It Came from Goo Lagoon,” and “Mermaidman Begins.”

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Best 200 Episodes Ever! fast facts:
Street Date: June 15, 2019 (Amazon Prime); August 27, 2019 (nationwide)
Catalog: 59207160000 (US); 59207161000 (CAN)
Running Time: 75 hrs 33 min
Audio: Dolby Digital English Stereo
S.R.P.: $76.99

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 20, 200, 75hour, celebrates, collection, dvd, ...

Theatre Review: “Flashdance: The Musical” @ Garden Theatre – Winter Garden, FL

“Flashdance the Musical” is a stage adaptation of the 1983 musical film “Flashdance”. The show features original music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Roth and Robert Cary. It originally had its world premiere in 2008 as part of a ten-month UK tour, followed by a London West End run in 2010. It also had a US tour in 2012-2014, but never made it to Broadway.

“Flashdance: The Musical” premiered at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, FL on July 5th and will continue there until the 28th. When I attend a show, I try and stick around and listen to everyone’s comments when they leave. I love hearing everyone’s thoughts, which also helps me properly form my thoughts as a critic. Some of the comments, I heard was “felt like a high school production” and “lead girl couldn’t even dance”. I enjoyed the show for the most part but did agree with some of what I heard.

From discussing with my date, we decided we agreed with some of the comments we overhead. I do not feel like the actress that played Alex Owens was the best choice. Her profile said she was dancing for 17 years but she was definitely not great in my humble opinion. The ensemble cast stole the show for me and had the best dancers by far. As far as the high school production comment, the Garden Theatre might not have scene changes like Dr. Phillips Center but it has charm and delivered a good set for “Flashdance: The Musical”.

Official Synopsis: Dance like you’ve never danced before! FLASHDANCE: THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dreams.

The show was jam packed with the classic pop hits from the movie including “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “I Love Rock & Roll” and everyone’s favorite by Irene Cara, “Flashdance…What a Feeling.” I wasn’t a huge fan of the original songs from the show but when these classics came on, I perked up and definitely wasn’t the only one. Overall, I enjoyed the show. Ensemble dancing and supporting cast definitely delivered another winner for the Garden Theatre. Look forward to their next performance.

Once again, “Flashdance: The Musical” will be playing at the Garden Theatre from July 5th-28th, 2019. Support local theatre and buy tickets here: https://www.gardentheatre.org/play/flashdance-the-musical/

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Filed Under: Theatre Reviews Tagged With: fl, flashdance, garden, musical, review, theatre, ...

Five Things to Do on Vacation, No Matter Where You’re Traveling

Many of the things you will plan to do on vacation will depend on where you travel. It’s true that every single city has something unique to offer, but every city has a lot more things in common than you think.

You aren’t doomed to spend all of your time next to the hotel pool if you aren’t sure what kinds of activities are worth doing where you’re staying. No matter where you find yourself during your travels, these ideas will give you a great place to start because they can be found in nearly every city across the globe.

Listen to Some Local Live Music

There is always an option to listen to some live music when you’re on vacation. Even if you’re in a small town seemingly in the middle of nowhere, if you ask the locals, they’ll likely be able to tell you about a bar that hosts live music at least once a week.

Of course, many cities have unique venues that host musical acts, and many of them have buildings that are just as interesting to tour as it is to see the musical act itself. For example, the Grand Ole Opry is located in Nashville, Tennessee and is known around the world for hosting modern, classic, and local musical acts.

Listening to big name bands is always an option, but focus on listening in to some local music. You can learn about the local culture, and you just may discover a new band that you like.

Visit an Art Museum

Nearly every city has an art museum. It’s true that some are bigger than others, and some contain more famously-known artists than others, but every kind of museum is worth a visit.

Paintings not really your thing? Art museums contain a lot more than just two-dimensional paintings and drawings. Some contain pottery, jewelry, textiles, and much more.

If you’ve got kids, you should definitely visit the local art museum. They will experience many benefits of visiting the museum, and it’s not likely to be something that’s part of the curriculum at school. The only way to get closer to the arts and be inspired is if you expose your kids yourself, so why not do it on vacation!

Visit a History Museum

Just as every city is likely to have an art museum, so too is every populated area likely to have a history museum. Just like every art museum is different, every history museum is different too.

You can learn a lot about the local area by visiting a museum, but you’re also likely to discover some quirky history that you never knew existed by entering a weird museum.

Some of the most interesting museums you’ll find around the world include:

The Dog Collar Museum in Kent, United Kingdom
International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine
The Lunchbox Museum in Columbus, Georgia
The Sewer Museum in Paris, France
Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico

Catch an Act

Musical acts were mentioned earlier on the list as a must-do activity on your next vacation, but that isn’t the only kind of act you should seek out when you’re looking for something to do.

There are many different kinds of acts that you can find in nearly any city. You can catch a set by a local comedian, see a community play, or even catch a magic act.

If you’re having a hard time finding local talent, head to the town square or wander around downtown. You might run into a juggler or a dancer.

Find Something Free

Just because you don’t have a lot of money doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time on vacation! Every city has plenty of things to do for free, if you know where to look.

Many museums are free, which is an even better reason to check out some art or learn about the local history, but there are other free things you can do too. Search for free local events on the internet, stop by a local farmer’s market, or find a free walking tour.

There are a lot of things you can do on vacation, but sometimes, having all those choices can be overwhelming. In other cases, you may not even know what’s available where you’re staying! This list of ideas is a great place to start when looking for something fun to do on your next vacation.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: matter, traveling, vacation

Hookup Geek Film Review “Hotel Mumbai”

November 26 – 29, 2008 India experienced several of the most dramatic days in its history – the attack of the terrorist organization “Lashkar-e-Tayyiba” on Mumbai. The objectives were Victoria Station, the Oberoi Hotel, the police station, and the culmination was hostage drama at the Taj Mahal Hotel. These events became the basis of the thriller “Hotel Mumbai” directed by Anthony Maras.

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The plot

On November 26^th a group of young people on boats are ferried to India. Their goal is to die, but to die by performing jihad – and “to avenge the poverty and misery that the infidels doomed them to.” One group attacks the station, the second – a cafe, and eventually a wave of chaos carries them into the luxury Taj Mahal hotel. The plot gathers other heroes – waiter Arzhun, chef Hemant Oberoi, rich architect David Duncan with wife, Russian oligarch Vasiliy Archevskiy and other guests.

The first impression

The film is watched smoothly from the very beginning: the authors were able to show the “brilliance and poverty of India”, walking side by side. The waiter Arzhun comes to work from a poor apartment in a glittering luxury hotel, the terrorists jump in good suits to the shore of a dirty Ganges to begin their mission in the name of a fanatical idea.

Actually, the drama of the characters here does not set off the real facts of the assault, when special forces from Delhi had to wait all day, the red-hot drama of the fight – which is transmitted through excellent camera work and sound. It was almost impossible for the authors to show them human, to reveal the motives of even armed fanatics, as is usual in Hollywood movies. Also in this movie, there is no traditional image of a superhero – the hero is everyone who has shown restraint and the ability to support others. This movie has short inserts also used in a real documentary.

The characters

The characters are quite diverse – from the terrorists, who are shown more likely to be victims of fanaticism and their general social situation, to characters that change during the film. As an example, the Russian businessman Vasiliy Archevskiy, performed by Jason Isaacs, cynically sorting out the cards of elite “call girls” in a restaurant, and use his knowledge of psychology to return the self-control to the survivals. The waiter Arzhun, also appears from the unexpected side organizing a departure of the guests to the safe place.

Conclusion

Almost the only complaint to this film is the fact that the artistic performance will never accurately convey the drama of real people, but in terms of the intensity, “Hotel Mumbai” perfectly conveys those red-hot and dramatic events that took the lives of 175 people.

Enter to Win a Family of Four Tickets to See Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures in Orlando!

Disney on Ice is coming back to Orlando September 6-8th at the Amway Center. Media Mikes is working with the show to giveaway a family four (4) pack of tickets to our readers to attend either the opening night, Friday, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. performance. If you are interested in entering this content, please tell us your favorite place or dream trip to road trip to. The giveaway will be open until August 19th. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Media Mikes will also like to share our special discount for tickets to our readers: Save 20% off select seats with code SAVE20. Not valid on premium VIP seating. Hurry for the best available seats! Code expires September 5, 2019.

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.” Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky. Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals during the Disney edition of Road Trip Karaoke as they introduce Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Tiana. Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, upclose character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes a pitstop right in Orlando!

I am a Feld Entertainment Blogger Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and other exclusive opportunities.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: adventures, disney, enter, family, ice, orlando, ...

6 Hard to Believe Facts About Popular Gambling Movies

Hollywood has always been in love with the world of gambling. The result of this affection is a large number of gambling-related movies that have been made to date. We don’t blame them as we understand this entirely.

A large number of movies that explore this topic have turned into classics that people watch again and again. These pieces of art are appreciated both by those who enjoy placing a bet or spinning the reels from time to time and by those who have never entered a casino or a sportsbook before.

Regardless of which group you fall into, we’ve collected a list of hard to believe facts about popular gambling movies that will certainly spark your interest. Check them out!

1. Casino Royale: The Most Expensive Gambling Movie

Gambling movies do not have to be very expensive to make. However, the producers and directors usually reserve a large budget to present the luxury and the opulence of casino resorts. If you also add James Bond to that story, you get the most expensive gambling movie ever.

According to this infographic, the production cost ended up being $150 million.

2. 250 Gambling Movies Filmed in Las Vegas

As you can assume, Las Vegas is the most popular destination for making gambling movies. In the past 70 years, more than 250 movies have been made in Sin City. This does not surprise us as Las Vegas is basically one huge casino resort.

The most popular destination for filming in Vegas is the Strip, where all of the most luxurious casinos are located.

3. Gambling Movies Are Bad for Business

Many people are against movies about gambling because they believe this is a way to promote another vice. However, that’s far from the truth as these movies often promote negative images about gambling as a whole.

For example, the typical Hollywood gambler is run down, addicted, in debt, with little support from his loved ones. Gamblers are also shown as cheaters and immoral individuals, and the Hollywood gambling world is ruled by the mafia.

4. Six Gambling Movies Made Between 1908-1930

Did you know that gambling movies only became popular after WW2? In the infant years of filmography, gambling was not at all an important topic. In 22 years between 1908 and 1930, just six gambling-related titles were made in the whole world. However, today, we can choose from hundreds of awesome movies that were filmed around the world.

5. Gambling Movie Stars Love Gambling

A lot of popular movie stars who played significant roles in gambling movies have started to like gambling in real life as well. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood include George Clooney, Edward Norton, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and so on.

Some of them, like Clooney, for example, have become entrepreneurs and opened their own casino resorts. Others, like Affleck, have ended up struggling with gambling addiction for a time.

6. Gambling Movies Are Not Realistic

Hollywood is generally not always trying to be as realistic as possible. That’s true when it comes to gambling movies as well. If you come from the gambling world and you watch one of the popular movies about this topic, you will notice a lot of scenes that are not at all realistic.

Such scenes include those where gamblers are able to make consistent wins and earn millions. This is something that does not happen in real life. You could get lucky a couple of times in a row, but luck will not stand by your side all night long.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 6, facts, gambling, hard, movies, popular, ...

Slot Machines Based on TV Shows

With the recent development of online casinos, which has caused a transformation in how people all over the world play their favourite casino games, online slots have become very popular. While traditionally, games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette have dominated the world of gambling, online slots are now more popular than ever before. This is often explained as due to the simple and easy to understand plots and genres that online slots seem to follow, as well as the immersive graphics that technological advances have been able to offer players.

However, one of the latest trends in online slot machines is the development of themes, plots, and genres based on popular TV shows. While TV programmes are continuing to get better, both in terms of their narrative as well as special effects, it is no surprise that online slot developers are jumping on the popularity of current TV shows. Even some of the more traditional and classic shows, such as cartoons can be found at online casinos in the form of a modern slot machine. Slot machines based on TV shows offer players to immerse themselves, even further into the imaginary world created by the programme, such as fantasy kingdoms, your favourite game show, or even a popular reality TV show. When it comes to playing online slot machines that are based on TV shows, the opportunities are endless.

Game of Thrones

While the phenomena that is Game of Thrones has gone from strength to strength since the American network channel, HBO, brought G R R Martin’s book series to life through the creation of an on-screen TV series, it has also become a very popular online slot machine. If you loved the books or the series, then this is the game for you. Provided by Microgaming, the Game of Thrones slot machine has some of the best graphics available, meaning that you truly are playing the game of thrones! The 4 main houses of Westoros that we have all come to either love or hate, Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, and Baratheon feature in the online slot game, and you can pick to join and defend your chosen house, or make an attempt for the Iron Throne yourself!

Family Guy

The popular American animated sitcom follows the life of the Griffin family that is currently in its 17^th season. Game developers have jumped on the show’s popularity and developed its very own slot machine for fans to enjoy. Through this game, you can spend some time in Quahog and immerse yourself in Seth MacFarlane’s imaginary world. The slot machine has 30 paylines and 5 reels for you to enjoy, meaning that you have a good chance of becoming a winner. It offers great high-quality graphics and realistic sound effects that will bring the slot themes to life.

Bullseye

If you enjoy a bit of nostalgia, then this online slot is the one for you. This typically British game show that ran from 1981 to 2006 and followed a darts theme, has now been brought back to life by online slot machine developers. This is also supported and provided by industry leaders Microgaming, and this retro game will transport you right back to the youth of your 80’s. From the well-known theme tune to the recognisable voice of presenter Jim Bowen, this is a great reflection of the tv show. The famous game mascot Bully is the highest valued symbol in the entire game, so be sure to keep looking out for him! Bullseye is an easy to navigate game and if you were a fan of the TV show, then it won’t take you long to figure out how everything works. Bullseye the online slot also provides free spins, and any wins you do have during your first 15 free spins will be doubled!

Britain’s Got Talent

Popular and current talent show Britain’s Got Talent is providing us with even more entertainment through the development of its very own slot machine. The TV show, produced by talent manager and talent show judge Simon Cowell, has provided the world with icons such as Susan Boyle and dance troupe Diversity, and many of the show’s favourites feature in the game. By spinning the wheel, you will find out which acts will represent you, and through the live show bonus you can get the chance to decide which acts to take through to the live finals. The plot is very similar to the talent show itself, so fans of Britain’s Got Talent will enjoy everything that the online slot has to offer.

Due to the popularity of both new and old TV shows, it is hardly surprising that more and more slot games are being developed with these shows in mind. As their titles are well-known, they are also becoming increasingly popular with online players.

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures is Coming to Orlando September 6-8, 2019!

Orlando, Fla. – Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this multigenerational experience visits Orlando from September 6-8, 2019 for six performances at Amway Center.

Orlando Show Times: Friday, September 6, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Venue: Amway Center, 400 W. Church Street #200, Orlando, FL 32801

For ticket information, visit DisneyOnIce.com.

To learn more about Disney On Ice, go to DisneyOnIce.com. Stay current on the latest developments through social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #RoadTripAdventures
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2019, 68, adventures, coming, disney, ice, ...

Book Review “The Art of Toy Story 4”

“Toy Story” is a franchise that started Pixar and continues to win the hearts of audiences over 20 years. With the recent release of the latest installment, “Toy Story 4”, that means a new art of book has been released. I still have my “The Art of Toy Story 3” and was just looking through it recently, which is still one of my favorites. This book dives right into the movie and behind-the-scenes content including great concept art, landscapes and character development over the film’s development. If you are of fan of these book and the “Toy Story” franchise, I would definitely recommend checking this out!

Official Synopsis: With a story that’s spanned more than 20 years, the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang have captured the hearts of millions. The Art of Toy Story 4 invites readers to explore the next installment of Pixar’s beloved franchise through never-before-seen concept art, character studies, process animation, storyboards, colorscripts, and more. Featuring exclusive interviews with the production team on the making of the film and insights into their creative vision, The Art of Toy Story 4 reveals the vivid imagination that brought this story to life.

“The Art of Toy Story 4” kicks off with a solid introduction from Josh Cooley, who actually directed “Toy Story 4”. Josh also directed “Riley’s First Date”, which was a short film following the film “Inside Out”. He also worked as a story artist on the Academy Award®-winning films The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up, and Golden Globe®-winning Cars, and served as the story supervisor on Academy Award®-winning Inside Out. I personally was a bigger fan of “Toy Story 3” in terms of favorite films in the franchise but I do feel like he gives a lot of heart to “Toy Story 4” and delivers a solid film.

Closing out the book there is a great foreword from the incomparable Annie Potts, who voices ‘Bo Peep’ in “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2”, and returns in “Toy Story 4”. She has appeared in numerous feature films including the “Ghostbusters” franchise, Pretty in Pink, and Corvette Summer for which she received a Golden Globe Award nomination. I enjoyed this foreword and it is a great ending to the book given great insight into the role and her involvement with the film. Overall the book is another hit for Chronicle Books, they have been extremely consistent with their “Art of” books and never disappoint.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: 4, art, book, review, story, toy, ...

ZURU Toys’ X-Shot Brand Takes Aim to Win the Holiday Season!

The holidays are right around the corner believe it or not, we are less than halfway to the season. X-Shot from ZURU Toys is looking to take the win for this holiday season. They have tons of great new products for kids of every age. If you are looking for the perfect gift, check out some of the amazing products below and get a jump start on the holidays.

X-Shot Fast Fill – Be the king of the backyard water battle with X-SHOT Fast-Fill, award-winning toymaker ZURU’s latest addition to the popular brand. The fastest filling blaster ever created with a superb blasting performance, the X-SHOT Fast-Fill’s tank structure allows it to be dunked and filled anywhere in two seconds. RapidSeal technology closes the blaster tank instantly allowing battlers to get back to the blasting action long before their opponents. Holding up to 24 ounces (700 ml) and reaching distances of 34 feet (10 meters), the X-SHOT Fast-Fill is designed for kids 5+, Available at Target and Amazon. Ages 5+, SRP $9.99

X-Shot Ninja No Rez – The power of X-Shot continues to grow with an exclusive partnership with the world’s #1 Fortnite Player, Ninja. Fortnite gamers can encompass Ninja’s skills with the extremely accurate X-Shot Ninja No Rez. This blaster allows foam fighters to fire 4 darts in just one round in no time with its automatic rotating barrel! No opponent resurrects when hit by this blaster. The elite accuracy of this blaster will up your game when firing away the included 8 Darts and sporting the Ninja inspired dog tags. Ages 8+, SRP $7.99. Available at Target.

X-Shot Ninja Quick Scope – The power of X-Shot continues to grow with an exclusive partnership with the world’s #1 Fortnite Player, Ninja. Bring to life your favorite gaming experience with the X-Shot Ninja Quick Scope. Now you will never miss an aim with this blaster’s attachable scope and “Break ‘n Load” action that allows you to take on targets outside of close combat range with extreme accuracy and power! This partnership combines the epic popularity of Ninja’s 40 million devoted fans with the innovative design and value of the X-Shot blaster range. With 12 reusable darts, a Bandana and dog togs included – you will be set to up your game! Ages 8+, SRP $14.99. Available at Target soon!

X-Shot Ninja Justice – Prepare to serve justice to all your opponents and be sure to mod it your way with the X-Shot Ninja Justice. The power of X-Shot continues to grow with an exclusive partnership with the worlds #1 Fortnite Player, Ninja. This partnership combines the epic popularity of Ninja’s 40 million devoted fans with the innovative design and value of the X-Shot blaster rang e. Made for a good time, the 12 attachable parts included in the pack, allow you to customize your own blaster. There are +1000 of different unique combinations possible to create the ultimate blaster for the ultimate Fortnite player. The package includes 48 Darts to fire away and a Ninja inspired bandana and dog tag to complete the look so you can up your game. Ages 8+, SRP $39.99. Available at Target soon!

X-Shot Ninja Laser 360 – The power of X-Shot continues to grow with an exclusive partnership with the worlds #1 Fortnite Player, Ninja. This partnership combines the epic popularity of Ninja’s 40 million devoted fans with the innovative design and value of the X-Shot blaster rang e. Up your game with unique accessories and an arsenal of customized blasters that promise to deliver supreme accuracy and power. UP YOUR GAME with the Laser360°. The new X-Shot range brings the ultimate laser tag experience and takes blasting fun to the next level. Players can team up or face off their opponents alone in intense laser battles. The multiple sensors integrated in the goggles of the players enable you to tag them from any direction. Pack includes: -2 laser blasters with unique features -360° -goggles with multiple sensors. Ages 8+, SRP $29.99. Available soon at retail!

X-Shot Ninja Turbo Strike – The power of X-Shot continues to grow with an exclusive partnership with the worlds #1 Fortnite Player, Ninja. This partnership combines the epic popularity of Ninja’s 40 million devoted fans with the innovative design and value of the X-Shot blaster range. Up your game with unique accessories and an arsenal of customized blasters that promise to deliver supreme accuracy and power. As perfect addition to your artillery, the Turbo Strike comes with a monstrous 20–dart & auto-rotating barrel and features the innovative ‘Slam-Fire’ rapid shot technology. Opponents stand no chance in close quarters and from the distance. Pack to includes: – Turbo Strike Blaster – 48 Darts – Bandana – Dog Tags. Ages 8+. SRP $39.99. Available soon at retail!

ZURU Toys Delivers the Summer Fun with Great New Bunch O Balloons Products!

Who’s ready for a Bunch O Balloons Party?! Party planning can be tons of fun, but the execution itself can literally take your breath away, especially when it comes to balloons, but there is a magical game-changer to it all! With Bunch O Balloons Self Sealing Party Balloons you can fill, tie and string 40 balloons in only 40 seconds. There is literally no more blowing, no more tying and no need to add ribbon or string! Simply attach the stems to our Electric Party Pump nozzle and press GO! Within seconds, your Bunch O Balloons Party stems will fill and selftie with ease and convenience and once inflated, you can cut the stems (hard cord) and the ribbon remains! All our Balloons are totally reusable and refillable and come in so many colors and themes. Our Electric Party Pump is also compatible with helium tanks for even more fun and convenience! Whatever you choose, make sure you join the party and fill, tie and string up to 40 balloons in just 40 seconds! See it for Yourself – BOB Party In Action for a WOW Factor:

Bunch O Balloons Party is available in Walmart. The ZURU Bunch O Balloons Party Pump Starter Pack with attachment accessories and two balloon stems (16 balloons) SRP $16.99 and ZURU Bunch O Balloons 3 stem (24 Balloon) packs including a helium adaptor will be offered in various colors for SRP $9.99. Shop Walmart at and Target.

Bunch O Balloons 100 Self-Sealing Water Balloons – Unleash the thrill of summer with ZURU Bunch O Balloons! Fill and Tie 100 water balloons in less than 60 seconds with these sensational self-tying water balloons! With innovative O-Ring technology and Rapid Fill capabilities, say goodbye to the stress and mess of filling individual water balloons and say hello to never ending splash out loud fun! Simply connect to a tap or a hose, fill and make hundreds of water balloons with no hand- tying. Take them to a pool party, to your backyard, to a barbecue, the beach or anywhere else to unleash summer no matter where you are! Summer’s too short, make sure you spend it having splashing refreshing fun! This pack includes 3 Bunch O Balloons (100 Self-tying, Rapid Fill Water Balloons). Bunch O Balloons are the award-winning (Toy of the Year) patented invention that helps you make the most out of summer with friends and family! Ages 3+, 3 pack $9.99, Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.

Bunch O Balloons Rotten Eggs – Calling all Pranksters! Who will get hit with the surprise stinky water balloons!? Fill and Tie 100 stinky Rotten Eggs scented water balloons in less than 60 seconds with these sensational self-tying water balloons, the latest from ZURU’s Bunch O Balloons line, revolutionary self-sealing and biodegradable water balloons that quickly and easily fills and ties 100 water balloons in less than one minute. Ages 5+, 3 pack $7.99 Available at Costco, Walmart, and Target.

“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Mystery Mansion – Available September 3, 2019

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU!:THE LIMITED EDITION 50^TH ANNIVERSARY MYSTERY MANSION RELEASED BY WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 FEATURES ALL EPISODES OF THE ICONIC SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU! SERIES ON BLU-RAY™ FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

Four-Disc Collection Includes 41 Episodes Packaged in a Limited Edition Collectible Mystery Mansion Giftset that Features Enhanced Content Plus Unique Memorabilia Including an Exclusive Scooby-Doo Funko Keychain and A Mini Scooby-Doo Encyclopedia!

BURBANK, CA (June 25, 2019) – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) salutes that lovable Great Dane, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang with the release of Scooby-Doo, Where are You!: The Complete Series Limited Edition 50^th Anniversary Mystery Mansion. Available in stores on September 3, 2019, this release is packaged in an eye-catching, limited edition collectible mystery mansion giftset that includes all 41 episodes of the original series, Scooby-Doo! Where are You!, released on Blu-ray™ for the first time, as well as a Digital Copy of the series. This must-own box set has some fun extras. The set contains all-new HD content and Scooby-Doo collectibles including an exclusive Scooby-Doo Funko keychain, and a mini Scooby-Doo Encyclopedia. Scooby-Doo, Where are You!: The Complete Series Limited Edition 50^th Anniversary Mystery Mansion will retail for $89.99 SRP.

For 50 years, the Mystery Inc. gang has entertained Scooby-Doo fans with zany hijinks, action-packed adventures and engaging mysteries that have captivated viewers of all ages. What started as a Saturday morning cartoon, exploded into an enormously successful franchise encompassing multiple spin-off series, original animated and live action films, consumer products and much more. Now fans have the opportunity to enjoy the original series which launched Scooby-Doo into worldwide stardom. Scooby-Doo follows the adventures of four teens, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and his lovable, but cowardly Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, as they travel far and wide in their stylish van, the Mystery Machine, to solve mysteries involving ghosts, monsters and other supernatural forces. Their entertaining adventures are always filled with hilarious hijinks and sometimes even catchy musical moments. Through teamwork and clever investigation, the teen sleuths solve case after case, while unmasking the villains who are usually behind each of the mysteries they encounter. “We are thrilled to celebrate the golden anniversary of Scooby-Doo, with the release of this gorgeous, limited edition, collectible set,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. She added, “The original Scooby-Doo! Where are You! series is an iconic cartoon that has captivated audiences for generations. We are delighted to release the series on Blu-ray™ for the first time ever. Scooby-Doo fans and collectors won’t want to miss the chance to own this unique, classic animation collectible.” Brand-new Bonus Content:

My Life with Scooby – Frank Welker’s Animated Journey (Featurette):
Frank Welker is the only voice actor to work on Scooby-Doo in its many incarnations, since the very first series debuted in 1969. Welker has been the voice of Freddy since the beginning and has provided the voice of Scooby-Doo since 2002. My Life with Scooby is a personal look at the seminal voice actor’s five-decade body of work on Scooby-Doo, complete with personal stories and fun memories from the recording booth.
A Scooby-Doo for Everyone (Featurette):
The iconic look and feel of the original Scooby-Doo cartoon is a beloved classic… and within 50 years of animated adventures, WB Animation has created a host of different versions of the series for each new generation. From the kid-friendly approach of A Pup Named Scooby-Doo to the envisioned look of Be Cool Scooby-Doo, WB Animation has consistently reimagined the characters in fun and exciting ways over five decades. Interviews with the animators behind the many different Scooby-Doo versions, reveal the compelling creative process.
50 Years of Scooby Snacks (Featurette):
A narrated history of the cultural impact of everyone’s favorite mystery-solving gang over the last 50 years. This fun-filled featurette is brought to life by interviews with creatives and cultural historians, plus clips from the TV series, films, toys lines, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Scooby-Doo ride, and upcoming animated feature…Scoob.
Scooby-Doo and the Lost City of Gold Trailer:
A sneak peak of the all-new Scooby-Doo! Live stage production.

Bonus Content (Previously Released):

Scooby-Doo’s Ultimate Fans: Hail the Gang’s Followers and Memorabilia Collectors
Get the Picture: How to draw Scooby-Doo and the Gang.
Funky Fashion
America Loves Scooby-Doo: Music Video
Scooby-Doo Street Smarts: Favorite cases of Scooby-Doo Fans
Take the Scooby-Doo Challenge
Hanna-Barbera: From H to B: Uncover how the studio’s artists and animators collaborate internally and connect with fans externally.
Scooby-Doo The Whole World Loves You!: It’s a fun-filled exploration of the world’s on-going love affair with all things Scooby-Doo. With interviews with actors, writers, and directors of various Scooby-Doo TV series and movies from the last 50 years.
The Eerie Mystery of the Scooby-Doo History: This featurette talks about the beginnings of Scooby-Doo and how the show came to exist from the point of view of the executives and creative team behind the show.
The Scooby-Doo Gang: In Their Own Words: This featurette talks about the original voice cast of Scooby-Doo and how they originated the characters’ distinctive voices.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!:The Complete Series Limited Edition 50^th Anniversary Mystery Mansion Featured Episodes:

1.What a Night for a Knight
2.A Clue for Scooby-Doo
3.Hassle in the Castle
4.Mine Your Own Business
5.Decoy for a Dognapper
6.What the Hex is Going On?
7.Never Ape and Ape Man
8.Foul Play in Funland
9.The Backstage Rage
10.Bedlam in the Big Top
11.A Gaggle of Galloping Ghosts
12.Scooby-Doo and a Mummy, Too
13.Which Witch is Which?
14.Go Away Ghost Ship
15.Spooky Space Kook “That crazy spaceman, yeah!”
16.A Night of Fright Is No Delight
17.That’s Snow Ghost
18.Nowhere to Hyde
19.Mystery Mask Mix-Up
20.Scooby’s Night with a Frozen Fright
21.Jeepers, It’s the Creeper
22.Haunted House Hang-Up
23.A Tiki Scare Is No Fair
24.Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Werewolf?
25.Don’t Fool with a Phantom
26.Watch Out! The Willawaw!
27.To Switch a Witch
28.A Creepy Tangle in the Bermuda Triangle
29.The Creepy Case of Old Iron Face
30.A Highlight Fling with a Monstrous Thing
31.A Scary Night With a Snow Beast Fright
32.The Tar Monster
33.Jeepers, It’s the Jaguaro
34.The Creepy Creature of Vulture’s Claw
35.Who Was That Cat Creature I Saw You With Last Night? (a.k.a. Make A Beeline Away From That Feline)
36.The Diabolical Disc Demon
37.Scooby’s Chinese Fortune Kooky Caper
38.A Menace in Venice
39.Don’t Go Near the Fortress of Fear
40.The Beast is Awake in Bottomless Lake
41.The Warlock of Wimbledon

Digital – Scooby-Doo, Where are You!: The Complete Series is now available to own on digital. Digital ownership allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and others.

The Credits – About Warner Bros. Animation Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s TV series include Teen Titans Go!, Unikitty!, DC Super Hero Girls and the upcoming ThunderCats Roar for Cartoon Network; Bunnicula, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, The Tom and Jerry Show, New Looney Tunes, Wacky Races and the upcoming Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who? and Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs for Boomerang; Mike Tyson Mysteries for Adult Swim; Green Eggs and Ham for Netflix; Harley Quinn and Young Justice: Outsiders for DC UNIVERSE; Animaniacs for Hulu; and the upcoming Looney Tunes Cartoons content initiative. Theatrically, WBA’s full-length film, Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, released in summer 2018. As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD, Blu-ray^®and digital media. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

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Alpha Group Celebrates Spongebob Squarepants’ 20th Anniversary with Fresh Line or Imaginative, Unique Toys

EL SEGUNDO, Calif – “Are you ready kids?” Just in time for the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants, Alpha Group, the global master toy partner of Nickelodeon’s iconic and top-rated animated series, is introducing a brand-new, never-before-seen product line. Building upon two decades of incredible SpongeBob content and fandom, these toys have evolved from the conventional preschool toy range and are certain to excite a multi-generation fan base – Kids, Tweens, Teens and Millennials. The company’s imaginative range includes collectible pop culture figures, fun-loving novelties, plush and – for the first-time ever – SpongeBob toys that include Nickelodeon Slime! SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a global pop culture phenomenon since first premiering on Nickelodeon in July 1999. The series has been the most-watched animated program for more than 17 consecutive years, is seen in over 208 countries and translated in more than 55 languages. The Spring line up hitting retail now is as follows:

Slimeez with Nickelodeon Slime Experience the world of Bikini Bottom like never before with SpongeBob Slimeez Figures! Load each 3-inch figure with Nickelodeon Slime (included), push and watch the ooey gooey Slime ooze through the figures. Six figures are available this spring at Target, each packaged with 2oz. Slime and collectible SpongeBob cube for the ultimate blind package experience. Will you find the rare Gold SpongeBob Slimeez? Seven figures debut in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $6.99 – Slimeez in action :

SpongeBob StretchPants Play with SpongeBob in a crazy new way! Stretch his arms and legs to activate over 20 unique silly sounds and phrases from SpongeBob himself! Parents, siblings and friends can join in the fun by grabbing an arm and a leg. Keep pulling to hear what he will say next! The more you pull, the funnier he gets! Available on Amazon and Target for ages 4+, SRP: $24.99.

Masterpiece Memes 8-inch collectible vinyl figures bring to life fan favorite show and movie moments that have now become some of the most popular viral memes. Featuring exceptional details and window packaging for collector displays, the Spring Masterpiece Memes figures include Mocking SpongeBob, Imaginaaation SpongeBob, Surprised Patrick, Spongegar and Handsome Squid ward. Available at Amazon and Target for ages 6+, SRP: $19.99

SpongeHeads Young-and-old alike, dress up as your favorite SpongeBob SquarePants characters with the 20-inch soft, inflatable head wear! Made to fit most kid and adult heads, Sponge Heads allow fans of all ages to show off their favorite characters in a silly fashion statement! Let the party begin! Available on Amazon and Target for ages 6+, SRP: $12.99

Mini Plush – Bring Bikini Bottom to the toy collection with these soft, 6-inch Mini Plush friends! These adorable little SpongeBob characters are perfect for play and display. Six characters debut at Hot Topic and Target. Ages 4+, SRP: $7.99

SpongePop CulturePants The 4.5-inch vinyl collectible figures celebrate and capture iconic pop culture in a unique SpongeBob way. The Spring line includes B-Movie SpongeBob, Patrick and Dr. Plankton, based on the horror episodes from the show, as well as Old Timey SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward in an all-new timeless style inspired by the golden age of animation. Available on Amazon for ages 6+, SRP: $9.99

Giggle Blaster – SpongeBob is silly and wacky and now kids can be too with the SpongeBob-styled Giggle Blaster. Featuring a real working periscope, the fun-themed blaster sprays aerosol party string (included) and shouts over 15 SpongeBob phrases and sounds. Packaged with one can of aerosol party string, and compatible with most standard size cans, the Giggle Blaster arrives in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $19.99

Socialize with Alpha Group Facebook – @AlphaGroupUS IG – @TheAlphaGroupUS Twitter – @TheAlphaGroupUS Stay Connected with SpongeBob SquarePants Facebook – @Spongebob IG – @Spongebob Twitter -@SpongeBob

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