Theatre Review: Wicked @ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando FL

“Wicked” opened on Broadway in New York back in 2003 and has since com “a cultural phenomenon” according to Variety and called “the best musical of the decade” by Entertainment Weekly. “Wicked” has been performed in over 100 cities in 14 countries around the world being translated into six languages and is the winner of over 100 international major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards. And this month it is in Orlando, FL at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’s Walt Disney Theater from January 11 – 29, 2017.

If you have never seen or heard of “Wicked” here is a quick premise: The surprising tale of an unlikely friendship between two women in the Land of Oz, Wicked tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy dropped in. Elphaba, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. Glinda is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. The remarkable odyssey of how these unexpected friends changed each other’s lives for good has made Wicked one of world’s most popular musicals.

This show was simply outstanding. Simply outstanding! I grew up in New York and visit the theatre district many many many times and have seen hundreds of plays. I loved the grand scale of it all. The sets, the cast, the music! It was all so amazing to me. When I moved to Florida in 2010, I thought I wasn’t going to be  able to see that scale of amazing again in the theatre…and that was true until I found the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’s Walt Disney Theater. These people put on shows like I have never seen. “Wicked” was so just epic and breathtaking that I feel like I have to see it twice to soak in all the magic that it was!

I am sure that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were amazing in their original roles on Broadway. No doubt. But these two leads in Orlando were absolutely breathtaking! Their voices really pick you up and take your through this amazing story behind “The Wizard of Oz”. The talent on this production overall is just A+. With all the shows I’ve seen I have to admit this was in no question of the best in recent year! Must see this show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or at least during its North American tour.

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Filed Under: Theatre Reviews Tagged With: arts, center, dr, fl, orlando, performing, ...

Top 10 Casino and Gambling-Themed Movies

People have always regarded gambling as one of the favourite activities, and it is not surprising that this interest also translates into the world of movies. A number of gambling and casino themed movies come out on a regular basis, but there are movies that capture the hearts and minds of viewers more than others. Here are some of the top 10 casino and gambling themed movies:

  1. Rounders (1998)

The movie features a young Matt Damon, in one of his best roles ever, and Edward Norton as two friends who are addicted to gambling. Damon plays a youngster who excels at poker and uses this skill in order to pay off the loan sharks and help his friend in the process. It may not be a big budget film, but it has all the essentials for a slick poker inspiration.

  1. Casino (1995)

A classic casino-themed movie, it features Robert De Niro as a Las Vegas mobster who is involved in the world of casinos. Yet, he tries to go about his business in a respectable way while his mobster friend is overtaken by greed. The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese, widely regarded as one of the best directors. The film goes into several details of owning and running a casino in its 178-minute runtime.

  1. 21 (2008)

A recent entrant in the world of casino themed movies, 21 is a story of MIT students being coached by their professor – played by Kevin Spacey – in order to win big at Las Vegas casinos. The students set off to Las Vegas and use card counting technique to amass huge sums of money before being eventually caught. The 123-minute runtime will reveal if there is a happy ending or not.

  1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

A star cast featuring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and many others, decide to rob Las Vegas casinos. The film gives an incredible insight into the behind-the-scenes action at a super casino, like those found in Australia and featured at https://pokiestar.com/online-casino-in-australia/. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the movie is not about robbing just one, but three Las Vegas casinos.

  1. Casino Royale (2006)

One of the first James Bond movies to heavily feature casino games, Casino Royale sees the debut of Daniel Craig as James Bond. His mission is to beat a top weapons dealer in a high-stakes game. The movie is set in Monaco, which has some of the oldest and most popular casinos in the world. Eva Green plays the love interest for Bond in the movie, which takes focus away from technology and moves it to Bond himself.

  1. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

A British crime movie, the plot follows a youngster who is indebted to the powerful crime lord to the tune of £500,000. The huge debt is created as a result of a fixed card game. In order to pay off this debt, the youngster goes on about every possible option and there is a huge amount of killing along the way. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the movie also features young Jason Statham.

  1. Owning Mahowny (2003)

A movie about gambling addiction, this Canadian film features Phillips Seymour Hoffman and John Hurt. A bank employee and gambling addiction certainly do not go along well. Large number of bank money being skimmed to fuel the gambling addiction results in everything falling apart. Just like a stack of cards, the movie shows gambling addiction destroying a life. The movie was directed by Richard Kwietniowski.

  1. Maverick (1994)

Starring Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Maverick is a movie about a young poker player trying to come up with a huge amount of money in order to enter a major poker tournament. Numerous challenges and comic mishaps happen along the way. The movie was directed by Richard Donner with Jodie Foster playing the love interest of Gibson, and someone who is also a gambler.

  1. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

This movie depicts the equivalent of a David versus Goliath contest, but in the world of poker. A young and upcoming poker player is pitted against one of the best in the business. Directed by Norman Jewison, the movie features some of the best-known stars of the time like Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson. A high-stakes poker game forms the fulcrum of the movie.

  1. The Gambler (1974)

Depicting the life of a literature professor who has become addicted to gambling, this movie shows some of the pitfalls of becoming addicted to gambling. Even after going through various stages of losing money, the lead character – played by James Caan – cannot stop gambling.

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Vampire Stories That Are More Romantic Than Twilight

Vampires are one of the most iconic figures in the horror realm and whether they’re showing off their bloodsucking prowess on film, on TV or in literature they’ve always been the popular subject matter for many writers and filmmakers who are keen to show audiences their softer sides.

There has always been a certain alluring amorousness surrounding these vampiric figures and when fiction author Stephanie Meyer unleashed her ‘Twilight’ franchise onto the world we were introduced to a whole new level of undead loving.

But whilst fans of the series still mourn the absence of Edward and Bella in their lives you may be surprised to discover that there are still plenty of other romance-filled vampire experiences out there to have.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

This popular TV series has been the perfect alternative for lovelorn teenagers ever since the demise of the ‘Twilight’ saga.

The show is now in the middle of its 8th season and still going strong. There’s plenty of action and twists and turns throughout the series which has helped keep its characters interesting and flip-flopping each and every season. At the heart of the series is a trio of characters all mixed up in an enviable love triangle which includes two brothers who just happen to be vampires. The show itself is based on the popular series of books of the same name penned by L.J. Smith.

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

This unique entry deals with love in a very different way and is an expertly crafted horror film where the characters and interactions are the key to the whole experience more so than the premise.

This beautiful and memorable romantic horror movie exported from Sweden has already had the US remake treatment however it’s the original that managed to expertly provide a special story of childhood romance blossoming between a young boy named Oskar and his strange nocturnal neighbour who turns out to be a bloodsucker.

THIRST

This South Korean offering revolves around a Catholic priest who ends up turning into a vampire following a failed medical experiment when a potential procedure to help eradicate a known virus results in the priest receiving a transfusion of vampire blood.

There’s plenty of passion and lust on show here and it’s cleverly weaved in around the themes of vampirism. It features a love triangle between the main characters and sticks with you long after the credits roll.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

Whilst fictional vampires were the perfect fodder years back in order to scare audiences they have very much become a once classic Hollywood type monster that has gone through a number of significant changes over the years.

Now even games such as Immortal Romance are being influenced by these monsters newly found romantic side. But even back in 1997 there were even complicated romantic entanglements occurring around vampires on the small screen.

In Joss Whedon’s highly influential supernatural drama series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ there was plenty of loving, especially with so much teenage angst and hormones thrown into the mix.

So when a vampire slayer falls in love with a vampire there’s bound to be plenty of moral issues raised. With such a mixed relationship things obviously don’t run as smoothly as they would hope but we won’t spoil it for you. Buffy however is a great choice for those looking to tackle a weekend of box sets.

 

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Wonder Crew Buddies Break Gender Stereotypes

 February 18, 2017, — BELOIT, Wis. – During Toy Fair in New York, PlayMonster LLC is showcasing its new Wonder Crew® Buddies, the toy line for boys designed to empower boys to connect, nurture and build empathy through friendship, imagination and adventure.

Wonder Crew is turning the table on the conversation about gender stereotypes and toys, which has largely been focused on presenting more options for girls to play. Wonder Crew fills a hole in the market by offering a toy that helps boys develop their emotional maturity, including compassion and kindness, to help them grow to be good men, husbands, fathers and more.

Combining the adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of a stuffed animal, 15″ Wonder Crew Buddies are available now. The crew includes Will (Caucasian), Marco (Hispanic), James (African American) and Erik (Asian). Each comes dressed in superhero gear, complete with matching mask and cape for kids.

Wonder Crew also has three Adventure Packs: Builder includes a construction outfit and hard hat for the buddy, and a matching vest for kids; Explorer features a safari-looking outfit and hat for the buddy, and a matching hat for the child; and Snuggler is a set of pajamas for the buddy, and a blanket for kids!  Each is sold separately.

Bringing “adventure through friendship” to boys ages 3‒5, Wonder Crew buddies are priced at $29.99‒$34.99; gear sets from $14.99‒$19.99.

Wonder Crew was created by Laurel Wider, a psychotherapist and mom, after her son came home from preschool one day and announced that “boys aren’t supposed to cry.”  Frustrated by many of the messages boys were (and weren’t) receiving and inspired by the way play influences child development, Wider created Wonder Crew to encourage kids to connect emotionally and be their full selves.

During North American International Toy Fair in New York, February 18‒21, 2017, PlayMonster can be found at booth #439. 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing quality products like the award-winning The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Mirari®, Stinky Pig™, Yeti in my Spaghetti®, Farkle, Chrono Bomb®, OK to Wake!®, Lauri®, Stratego®, Roominate™, My Fairy Garden™ and Wooly Willy® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

 

 

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Filed Under: Toys Tagged With: break, buddies, crew, gender, stereotypes

Ojo™ Smart E-scooter With Zero Emissions Provides a Real Transportation Solution

Las Vegas, NV — January 3, 2017 –  OjO Commuter Scooter™, the ultimate two-wheel smart scooter from OjO Electric, will debut at CES® 2017 followed by a retail launch later in the month. OjO is a bike lane-friendly, zero emissions, clean fun ride for adults.  It quickly accelerates up to 20 MPH and goes the distance of 25 miles on a single charge. Whether commuting or just enjoying a leisurely ride, OjO will forever change the way people travel from place to place.

This “smart” scooter incorporates the latest in smart technology with a sleek, patented ergonomic design, HyperGear motor and gear system to power up hills. Unlike other scooters on the market, OjO supports an incredible 300+ pound weight capacity with its unique heavy gauge all-welded aluminum chassis. Combined with the other best-in-class luxuries, these traits make the OjO amazingly stable, fun, smooth and easily maneuverable. The OjO Commuter Scooter complies with the same rules and guidelines as the electric bicycle market, requiring no license. With the rapid growth of bike lane infrastructures throughout the USA and the world, OjO Commuter Scooter offers the perfect solution.

“We’ve been in research and development for almost three years to solve a dire need for a simple, stable, fun bike lane-friendly and clean commuter vehicle,” said President of OjO Electric, Dale Seiden. “Enter the world of OjO, a true advancement in personal e-transportation, unmatched in quality, agility, versatility and technology.  From its many patented features to the invigorating ride itself, this first-of-its-kind smart scooter gives a riding experience like no other. ”

OjO Electric will showcase the OjO Commuter Scooter at Pepcom and Showstoppers media previews in addition to CES (Central Plaza – 23), beginning January 4th.  Watch the OjO in action HERE.

Seiden added, “In a marketplace of unstable, foldable, toy and motorcycle-like scooters that require a license for street-use only, the Tesla-inspired OjO is a ‘REAL’ true adult scooter that is economical and sustainable.”

The zero-emission scooter is equipped with state-of-the-art battery technology and features a patented on-board charger with retractable cord and plug, affording riders the ability to charge at any standard 110V wall outlet. There is no need to lug a charger or endure distance anxiety worrying about getting home to charge.

A 500-watt HyperGear motor and geared system provides more torque and increases power for climbing hills up to 15%+ grades, providing for an all-around better and more versatile riding experience.  A heavy gauge all-welded aluminum under chassis provides maximum durability, maneuverability, strength and stability.  Three speed modes provide comfort levels for any rider: Eco Mode for beginners, Touring Mode to maximize distance and Sport Mode for peak performance.

An interactive, non-glare touchscreen allows the rider to choose speed, review current and historical distance, control lighting and sound and more. The OjO’s extras include dual integrated waterproof bluetooth speakers, voice response system, LED front and rear lights, a USB port for charging phone, a motion activated alarm, wireless key fob and a patented removable seat system that converts the scooter into a stand up only experience.  The OjO’s treaded, non-slip deck and specially designed adjustable seat provide for ease of use in any position. There is a convenient, optional sleek rear basket accessory for any items riders need to carry.

OjO is available in seven colors: bright white, matte black, skyblue, rose gold, matte graphite, vibrant orange and a street art style.

Priced at $1,999.99, OjO will be available in January on Amazon.com and later this Spring at BestBuy.

About OjO Electric:

The OjO was conceived in early 2014 by a group of well-seasoned inventors and entrepreneurs in Santa Monica, California who put their energies together to create a new form of sustainable transportation for the bike lane. OjO Electric is dedicated to delivering unparalleled quality, luxury, and fun while earning the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty. The OjO revolution, “the rebirth of transportation for a better planet.”  Take a look at the OjO in action HERE. For more information visit https://www.ojoscooter.com; and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

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Filed Under: Technology, Travel Tagged With: emissions, escooter, ojo, real, smart, solution, ...

Zoobe Launches Partnership and New App with Peanuts Worldwide

Berlin, Germany, (January 5, 2017) – Zoobe Message Entertainment has confirmed both a partnership with Peanuts Worldwide and a launch of the new Peanuts StoryGIF app for iOS and Android. The app, released in late December, hit Apple’s Top 10 list almost immediately. Zoobe’s trendy app platform allows digital natives and early adopters across the globe to share in their love of this timeless property with socially shareable text-ready animations featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Lucy, Linus and more loveable characters from the iconic 66 year old property.  

Fans can choose from over 100 snarky-sweet Chuck & Friends images to create customizable, short movie messages for friends and family.  The Zoobe Peanuts StoryGIF works both from the home screen and inside the new iOS10 Messages app.

“The Peanuts brand is a classic, with adorable characters and storylines,” said Naz Amarchi-Cuevas, CEO Zoobe.  “We know that fans are choosing to communicate via snack-sized text messaging, and pairing this experience with a top brand such as Peanuts allows us to entertain and delight.”

On October 2, 1950, three kids appeared on the funny pages of seven newspapers. Over the next 50 years, Charlie Brown, Patty and Shermy would be joined by a whole cast of characters that forever changed the landscape of the newspaper comics, becoming one of the most popular and influential in the history of the business, with nearly 18,000 strips published in all.  Today, the Peanuts gang are stars of some of the most beloved holiday children’s television specials of all time, featured in books, music, theme parks, and a wide variety of consumer products, and the hit 2015 feature film The Peanuts Movie, from Blue Sky Studios and Twentieth Century Fox.

“Peanuts is timeless, and we’ve been able to maintain the brand’s popularity by knowing our audience, and meeting them where they are,” said Roz Nowicki, Executive Vice President of Peanuts Worldwide and Iconix Brands’ Entertainment Group. “Zoobe has a strong track record of digitizing classic properties, while still holding onto the authenticity that makes them great.”

Peanuts, Peanuts Winter and Peanuts New Years StoryGIF-packs just launched, Zoobe plans to add additional celebration-themed content for key times.  The Zoobe Peanuts StoryGIF app is available for both  iOS and Android for $.99.   http://storygif.net/peanuts

Additional Information:                                                             

Homepage: http://www.zoobe.com/                                          

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zoobe   

About Zoobe:

Zoobe is the leading character voice-messaging app that works for both iOS and Android. It enables 3D animated characters to perform their user’s voice messages and then creates easy-to-share video clips. Zoobe’s StoryGIF Apps are snack-size, socially shareable, text-ready animations featuring today’s most iconic characters.  These trendy apps, geared toward early adaptors, allow fans to express themselves in an exciting new way; taking text communication to a whole new level.  Easy and inexpensive. Quick and convenient.  Through its expressive power Zoobe redefines how we connect with each other in our daily smartphone communication; with an international reach that has led to major partnerships with companies such as Sanrio, Peanuts Worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Capcom, ZeptoLab, WWF, AIS, StudioCanal and more.

PEANUTS Worldwide

The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family.

 

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Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: app, launches, partnership, peanuts, worldwide, zoobe, ...

A New Way to Play: Why Canadians Love Casino Games

Canadians love to gamble. In fact, they love it so much that’s it’s one of the hottest forms of entertainment across the country right now. According to Statista, Canadian casinos raked in more than $6 billion over a 12-month period in 2016, which is up more than $500 million compared to 2006, according to statcan.gc.ca. Much of the recent rise in gaming activity has been down to growth of online casinos.

With virtual platforms offering easy access to traditional games such as roulette and blackjack, more Canadians have had the opportunity to dip their toes in the gaming waters. In fact, to increase participation further, many of the major operators actually offer free-play games. Identical to the real thing but without the cost, these games have served as a great introductory tool which has then given more people the impetus to play some casino classics.

As more Canadians take to the Internet or their local casinos to play the odds, we thought we’d take a look at some of their favoured games and features.

A Little Extra Something

6/365 I'm All in !!!!

“6/365 I’m All in !!!!” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by RTD Photography

Everyone loves something for nothing and that becomes clear when you look through the roster of Canadian casinos out there. For example, at https://top-canadiancasinos.com/, a casino review site, you’ll notice that the top ranked sites have more than $4,000 in free (or bonus as it’s called) cash available.

In contrast to live casinos, online sites actively reward new players with a bonus and this review site’s top six is a prime example of that. Indeed, if you look at the top of the shop, 888casino, the site’s reviewers have found that you can claim as much as $2,388 in bonus cash. Deals like this not only show how Canadians want something more when they ante up, but they want variety and depth so they can find a deal that suits their needs.

Slots Are a Money Spinner

Winning Slot

“Winning Slot” (CC BY 2.0) by cletch

When it comes to games, Canadians appear to have an affinity for slots. Look through the lobby of any leading operators, from All Slots and Spin Palace to 888 and beyond, slots are the most numerous games. Although each site will have a different line-up, it’s not uncommon to see in excess of 100 games inside a single lobby. One of the reasons these games are appealing is their themes. Much like pinball machines like Stern’s Spiderman offering, slots take stories and icons from popular culture, from movies to video games, as we’ve discussed on mediamikes.com before, and turn them into a high-octane game.

In terms of specifics, progressive jackpot slots are the most popular variant. From Mega Moolah to Leprechaun’s Luck, these games take a small percentage from each player’s bet, put it into a communal pot and then pay out a prize when someone hits the magic combination. The result of this system is jackpots that often top $1 million. Unsurprisingly, being able to stake a few dollars and win a life-changing sum is hugely appealing and that’s why these games are now popular with Canadian players.

Cross-Channel Entertainment

Sport bets

“Sport bets” (CC BY 2.0) by tjschloss

As much as casino games are great, too much of anything can become tedious. To counter this, many of the top Canadian online casinos offer something on top of their table games. For example, online-casinogames.ca notes that its top ranked sites offer a wide variety of betting options. From classic casino games like blackjack and roulette to live dealer tables (games with real people on the screen), dice games and “number based games” are all available in the online arena.

Having some sort of diversity is crucial because every player is different. Indeed, to ensure the casino industry remains a mainstream endeavour, operators have to cover as many bases as possible. Much like social gaming developer Zynga.com has everything from Words with Friends to poker to cover a broad spectrum, the top Canadian online casinos will offer the widest variety of betting options as possible.

Casino gaming isn’t a niche activity anymore. Thanks to the online world’s bonuses, variety and accessibility, everyone of legal age is now finding some fun in the casino arena.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: canadians, casino, games, love, play

Blu-ray Review “Deepwater Horizon”

Actors: Kurt Russell, Mark Wahlberg, James DuMont, Douglas M. Griffin, Joe Chrest
Directors: Peter Berg
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2017
Run Time: 107 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Deepwater Horizon” is the latest team-up between director Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg, last being “Lone Survivor”. It is based on a true story and features a top notch supporting cast including Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Dylan O’Brien, Kate Hudson and Gina Rodriguez. Honestly though, just not a film for me. I remember the events back in 2010 but I never thought to myself, “Damn, this will make a great movie”. Great acting and at points action packed for sure as Berg knows how to deliver but just not interesting enough topic to lock me down.

Official Premise: On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, igniting a massive fireball that kills several crew members. Chief electronics technician Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) and his colleagues find themselves fighting for survival as the heat and the flames become stifling and overwhelming. Banding together, the co-workers must use their wits to make it out alive amid all the chaos.

Even though “Deepwater Horizon” is not my favorite film of the year, it does pack a solid Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer works perfectly with the film’s epic scale. In fact, I would have loved to watched the 4K presentation of this film. I can imagine that the action sequences would love outstanding for sure. The audio track included is an outstanding Dolby Atmos (mixed down to Dolby TrueHD 7.1), which really showcases the action perfectly. Literally wall-shaking!

In terms of special features, there is no shortage here at all. In fact, there is around two hours of content included. First up there is an hour-long five-part series “Beyond the Horizon,” which features cast discussing the film behind-the-scenes. There are three all-new featurettes, the first being “Captain of the Rig: Peter Berg”, which puts the director front and center. The other two included are “The Fury of the Rig” and “Deepwater Surveillance”, which dives behind-the-scenes on this difficult production. Lastly there is a real-life tribute in “Work Like An American”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, deepwater, horizon, review

Orlando Monster Jam Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets start at $15 for Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium

ORLANDO, FL (November 28, 2016) – Feld Entertainment announced today that tickets for Monster Jam®, the most adrenaline-charged motorsports experience for families on the planet, are now on sale. Monster Jam events are affordably priced for the whole family with seats starting at $15.

Monster Jam will be performing at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Gates open at 5 PM, opening ceremonies are at 6:30 PM, and racing starts at 7 PM.

The event will feature more than 12 trucks and drivers vying to be the Orlando champion, including: Grave Digger driven by Dennis Anderson; Son-uva Digger driven by Ryan Anderson; Team Hot Wheels driven by Scott Buetow; Monster Energy driven by Coty Saucier; Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo; Xtermigator driven by JR McNeal; Rage driven by Cory Rummel; Barbarian driven by Devin Jones; plus OVER Bored, Bounty Hunter, Knucklehead, Madusa and Wrecking Crew. (Trucks/drivers subject to change without notice.)

Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

The Party in the Pits on Saturday, January 21, from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM gives fans the opportunity to get up close and personal to the Monster Jam trucks and drivers. Pit Passes are available for $10.00 at the Amway Center Box office in advance, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Same day event ticket and pit pass required for entry to pit party.

Tickets to Monster Jam are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com. All seats reserved. Subject to facility fee, plus convenience and handling charges. Camping World Stadium is located at 1610 W. Church Street, Orlando, FL 32805.

For more information on a Monster Jam, please log onto www.MonsterJam.com (click on “Tickets” and search for Orlando) or follow us via our social channels below:

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

 

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Win Free Passes to Florida Screenings of “Monster Trucks”

Calling Florida moviegoers, below please find the codes for the screenings of “Monster Trucks”. If you want to see this film before ANYONE else! Hurry fast and grab tickets below and spread the word to your friends as well! They will go VERY fast! Enjoy and be sure to leave comments below after the film!

Miami- 1/7/17 AMC AVENTURA 10AM
WPB- 1/7/17 CINEMARK BOYNTON BEACH 10AM
Miami- http://www.gofobo.com/MTMMMia
WPB-http://www.gofobo.com/MTMMWPB

Looking for any way to get away from the life and town he was born into, Tripp (Lucas Till), a high school senior, builds a Monster Truck from bits and pieces of scrapped cars. After an accident at a nearby oil-drilling site displaces a strange and subterranean creature with a taste and a talent for speed, Tripp may have just found the key to getting out of town and a most unlikely friend.

 

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Win Free Passes to Florida Screenings of “Silence”

Calling Florida moviegoers, below please find the codes for the screenings of “Office Christmas Party”. If you want to see this film before ANYONE else! Hurry fast and grab tickets below and spread the word to your friends as well! They will go VERY fast! Enjoy and be sure to leave comments below after the film!

Miami- 1/3 AMC SUNSET PLACE 7:00pm
West Palm Beach- 1/3 CINEMARK BOYNTON BEACH 7:00PM

Orlando- 1/10 AMC ALTAMONTE 7PM
Tampa- Tampa- 1/10 AMC WESTSHORE 7:30PM

Orlando- http://www.gofobo.com/SMMOrl
Tampa- http://www.gofobo.com/SMMtam
WPB- http://www.gofobo.com/SMMWPB
Miami- http://www.gofobo.com/SMMMia

In the seventeenth century, two Jesuit priests face violence and persecution when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor and propagate Catholicism.

Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson

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Blu-ray Review “Train to Busan”

Starring: Yoo Gong, Ma Dong-Suk, Yu-mi Jeong, Woo-sik Choi, Sohee, Soo-an Kim
Director: Sang-ho Yeon
Distributed by: Well Go USA
Running Time: 118 min
Release Date: Jan 17, 2017

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I came across the film, “Train to Busan”, purely by accident and I am really glad I did. This is literally one of the best zombie films I have seen in a long time! It is action packed and really well done. It does run a little long and could have been cut down a bit for pacing but otherwise, I thought this film was a wild ride. If you are looking for something to fill your “Walking Dead” void while it is on hiatus, definitely check this film out!

Official Premise: A mysterious viral outbreak pushes Korea into a state of emergency. The government declares martial law just as divorced Seok-woo and his daughter catch the KTX bullet train from Seoul to Busan to see her mother. But someone on the journey has been recently infected sending the hurtling carriages into complete chaos. As the living dead transform the voyage into a nightmare excursion, father and daughter and a small group of uninfected passengers must fight for survival. Get on board to stay alive!

Well Go USA is behind this release, so this Blu-ray does not come as a combo pack or include a digital HD copy. I would love to see this company get behind digital format and include it with their Blu-rays. It will be available on Ultraviolet, I am sure when it is released so why not throw in a code as an incentive. The 1080p transfer works for the scope of the film, which at times get very epic. The DTS-HD Master Audio track also works well with the action. the track is Korean with English subtitles. There are only two special features included, which are two generic “Behind the Scenes” looks into the production as well as “That’s A Wrap”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, busan, review, train

Blu-ray Review “31”

Actors: Malcolm McDowell, Elizabeth Daily, Meg Foster, Sheri Moon Zombie, Daniel Roebuck, Judy Geeson
Director: Rob Zombie
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: December 20, 2016
Run Time: 103 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of stars

I have been following this project from very closely from before it was even filmed and even got daily updates from Rob Zombie himself during production. I had REALLY high expectations for this film but was honestly let down quite a bit. I am a huge fan of Rob Zombie’s previous films “House of 1000 Corpses”, “The Devil’s Rejects” and even “The Lords of Salem”. This film just felt kinda bland and didn’t really draw me in. I got the whole plot idea and it is cool but it felt like it needed something more, like a hook to snag you. If you enjoy Zombie’s previous work you may did this but other than that audience, I do not see this crossing over or pulling in a cult following anytime soon.

Official Premise: From the visionary mind of the man who brought us House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects and Halloween comes the horrific story of five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs.

Lionsgate Films delivered this film to Blu-ray as a combo pack with a Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer presented with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. I love the way that Rob Zombie shoots his films, he has a very unique perspective in his films and I really enjoy it. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track worked well but honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the score and music used in this film as I have been in the past especially speaking of “The Devil’s Rejects”. In terms of special features, there are only two extras but they are spot on and worth checking out. Rob Zombie gives a great audio commentary track. “In Hell Everyone Loves Popcorn: The Making of 31” is an insane two plus hour in depth set of featurettes that follows the entire production, so if you enjoyed the film this is a must watch.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 31, bluray, review

Blu-ray Review “Blair Witch”

Actors: James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Brandon Scott, Valorie Curry, Corbin Reid
Directors: Adam Wingard
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: January 3, 2017
Run Time: 89 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Blair Witch” was previously known as “The Woods”. This movie was a big surprised when it was revealed as the long awaited third “Blair Witch” film. Right away the haters came out for this film without even seeing it and trashed it, which is not fair because this film is an awesome and honestly quite terrifying follow up to the original film. I loved everything about it. I would have liked some more questions answered but I am sure it was saved for another film. Unfortunately, due to the power of trolls and the internet, I doubt that will be happening now. Either way, if you feel like being open minded this is a rad flick and had me biting my nails and sitting on the edge of my chair.

Official Premise: A group of college students venture into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of their friend’s sister, who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.

Lionsgate Film is delivering this film in a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The films 1080p transfer is solid enough but remember it is hand shot by the actors not winning any cinematography awards. The sound though is a huge winner delivering an epic Dolby Atmos (which at base is Dolby TrueHD 7.1), which creeped the hell of out me. Especially since this film relies on subtle sounds to scare you. Very effective track!

The special features are jam-packed! There is a fantastic audio commentary track with horror duo Director Adam Wingard and Writer Simon Barrett. Love this one. “Never Ending Night: The Making of Blair Witch” is an epic 6-part documentary that is a must watch for anyone who enjoyed the film! There is focus on the story origin, the cast, shooting style, editing as well as music and sound design. Lastly there is a featurette “House of Horrors: Exploring the Set”, which gives some cool insight into how they came up the house.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: blair, bluray, review, witch

Blu-ray Review “American Honey”

Starring: Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, Arielle Holmes, Riley Keough, Will Patton
Director: Andrea Arnold
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: December 27, 2016
Run Time: 162 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

I heard a little bit of hype around this film and then poof! Nothing. This film disappeared from everywhere, showing up on Blu-ray this month out of the blue. Honestly, Shia LaBeouf was such a promising actor and seemingly threw it all away. I was willing to check out this flick and give him another chance. I have to admit performance wise, this is not a bad one for him and I hope he gets back into the spotlight. Sasha Lane, though, is one to keep an eye out. I have a feeling that we will be hearing a lot more from her in the future. Unfortunately, the film itself is just barely watchable due to lack of cohesive story and ridiculously long running time.

Official Premise: An astonishing portrait of youth on the American fringe, American Honey is told through the eyes of a vivacious teenage rebel who joins a group of fellow misfits hustling and partying their way across the country. Bursting with electric, primal energy, American Honey is an immersive, exhilarating odyssey of heartbreaking beauty — a generation-defining film that celebrates the defiant resilience of youth in pursuit of the American Dream.

Liongate Films delivered this film on Blu-ray as a combo pack with a Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is presented with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This film was definitely shot with a big ole ode to the videophiles out there. It is extremely arty and specifically shot. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is interesting and doesn’t disappoint but didn’t really grab me either. If the film wasn’t worse enough, the special features on this Blu-ray are even more disappointing. “Sasha Lane and Riley Keough on American Honey” is the only extra which includes interviews with the actresses.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: american, bluray, honey, review
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