Connect with us

INTERMISSION

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Movie Review

Published

on

Fire & Ice

High-flying DreamWorks sequel grows along with its young audience

 

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Starring the voices of Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, & Cate Blanchett

Directed by Dean DuBois

PG, 102 min.

 

A follow-up to the animated 2010 DreamWorks hit about a young Viking boy and his flying dragon, this soaring sequel has grown along with its audience.

 

This new “Dragon” reunites director Dean DuBois with most of the original vocal cast (Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and takes place five years after the events of the first movie, as Vikings have learned to coexist with dragons instead of slay them. Now, as we see in the movie’s high-spirited opening, the feisty fire-breathers have become part of the everyday life of the mythical island of Berk, where they’re used for transportation, recreation, companionship and commerce.

 

“With Vikings on the backs of dragons,” says Hiccup (Baruchel), the son of the Berk’s burly tribal chief (Butler) grooming him for an eventual leadership role he doesn’t really want, “the world just got a whole lot bigger.”

 

And certainly a bit more complicated and dangerous—at least compared to the first movie. As Hiccup, now a gangly teenager, sails through the skies on his trusty night fury, Toothless, with his female friend, Astrid (Ferrera), he discovers a place where the inhabitants don’t see things—or treat dragons—the way they do back on Berk.

 

Hiccup’s discovery puts his entire village in peril and leads to yet another, even more startling revelation, an Armageddon-like, fire-and-ice showdown, and a life-changing decision. (I won’t reveal much more, but it’s connected to having Oscar-wining Cate Blanchett aboard as the voice of a new character.)

 

The first “Dragon,” praised by both critics and audiences, combined a rollicking, family-friendly story (adapted from Cressida Cowell’s British book series) with marvelously rendered, high-tech animation, plus a cast of colorful, amusing characters—and some dazzling scenes, especially if you saw it in 3-D. “Dragon 2” upholds those high standards, even pushing them up a couple of notches. The whole movie looks fantastic—fluid, textured and alive.

 

The dragons are things of whimsy, wizardry and wonder, intended to make you think of the strong bonds between people, nature and animals—at various times they mimic characteristics of puppies, ponies, birds, and butterflies. The returning supporting characters are a gaggle of loveable oddballs (Wiig, Hill, Mintz-Plasse), and a couple of new additions—especially hunky, comically inept Eret, Son of Eret (“Game of Thrones” actor Kit Harington) and the war-mongering dragon slave master Draco Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou)—both add depth and dimension to a story that’s grown up a bit over the elapsed years, just like many of its young audience members.

 

But the real beauty of the first “Dragon,” and now this one, is how director DuBois and his team never approached them as purely “kids’ movies.” They always aimed higher than that, without ever losing sight of the children who’d find the most resonance in the fantasy-storybook-adventure elements of the tales. Witty, rousing, heartwarming, sensational-looking, and at times touching, uplifting and even moving, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is another fine feather in DreamWorks’ cinematic cap, and proof that it is, indeed, still possible for Hollywood to make movies that virtually all ages can enjoy, appreciate and admire.

 

—Neil Pond, American Profile Magazine

Continue Reading

HOME

Evening spectacular “IgNite” captivates audience with fireworks

Published

on

SeaWorld San Antonio’s new nighttime spectacular – Electric Ocean – transforms the park this summer into a sea of glowing color and energy. Electric Ocean ignites at SeaWorld on Friday, June 15, and lights up the park nightly through Aug. 12.

“When the sun goes down, our park comes alive with a celebration of illumination, featuring vibrant night shows with exhilarating performances,” said Carl Lum, SeaWorld San Antonio park president. “Immersed in exotic worlds of light, music and incomparable special effects, our guests can experience their favorite SeaWorld rides and attractions in a whole new way – lit by the Electric Ocean glow.”

Electric Ocean brings longer park hours which enable guests to voyage into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music and a brilliant energy that sparks in the evening twilight, Lum added. Guests can experience exciting nighttime shows, returning summer classics and a plethora of new food and drink options throughout the park. The energy of the night culminates with a family-friendly dance party before “IgNite” lights up the sky in a spectacular fireworks finale.

Electrifying Entertainment:

  • Electric Ocean Party Zone – Featured nightly, this party zone brings the night to life with Latin beats, glow zones and an interactive atmosphere. Guests can choose the music they want to dance to by picking up headphones and diving into the Deep Sea Silent Disco where they get to create their own dance floor experience.
  • Chill Out – Guests can cool down in the park’s new 50 degree club featuring a menu of frozen treats, glow merchandise and a live DJ.
  • IgNite – The evening comes to an amazing end when “IgNite” erupts across the park’s lake with a spectacular fireworks display, backed by a soundtrack of electronic dance music.
  • HydroPower: Xtreme FX – This high-energy, extreme water ski stunt show captures the audience’s attention with non-stop action, including unique stunts and comedy capers in a variety of individual and ensemble performances, as well as a live rock band and glittering pyrotechnics.
  • Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up the Night – This returning fan-favorite features original music, amazing production elements and a high-energy presentation of SeaWorld’s majestic orcas. Guests will watch in awe as Shamu Theater transforms with stylistic lighting and colorful backdrops to create a celebratory atmosphere as vibrant as the sea itself.
  • Sea Lions Tonite – Guests can laugh along to a hilarious, off-the-wall parody of a trip to SeaWorld through the eyes of sea lion superstars, Clyde and Seamore.
  • Evening Coaster Thrills – With extended park hours, thrill-seekers are invited to take on SeaWorld’s three iconic coasters as the sun sets. Riders can soar into the night sky on Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster, The Great White inverted coaster featuring an 8-story drop and a fan-favorite, the Steel Eel hypercoaster featuring a 150-foot drop at 65 mph.

Best Way to Play

The best way to experience Electric Ocean at SeaWorld San Antonio and all the other great events throughout the year is with a SeaWorld San Antonio $69 2-Park Flex Ticket. This limited-time offer allows guests unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio water park for up to 3 consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

For more information, park hours and how to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest park updates and Electric Ocean information.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, behavioral training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

Continue Reading

HOME

New Sesame Street Party Parade “floats” into Seaworld San Antonio

Published

on

SeaWorld San Antonio will set course for a lively summer season with the debut Saturday, May 19, of the interactive Sesame Street Party Parade starring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.

The colorful, musical, show-stopping parade, which can be seen in San Antonio only at SeaWorld, will feature 10 larger-than-life themed floats including iconic Sesame Street favorites such as Mr. Hooper’s Store and Count’s Castle. Elmo and his furry cast of friends will join more than 20 dancers, who will engage with guests during this highly-energetic, 17-minute experience. The toe-tapping good times will roll through SeaWorld May 19-20, May 26-28, June 2-3, June 9-10 and June 15 through Aug. 12 (excludes Tuesdays), and the experience is included with park admission.

The Sesame Street Party Parade includes a pair of impressive, interactive show stops. The first includes performers jumping rope, hula hooping and grooving with their favorite Sesame Street friends and dancers. The second stars Rosita, a Sesame Street favorite who likes to play the guitar and who is fluent in English and Spanish.

The parade is the latest Sesame Street addition to SeaWorld San Antonio. The park’s Sesame Street Bay of Play area is celebrating its 7th year in 2018 and, the Sesame Street Party Parade adds a whole new dimension to the Bay of Play experience.

Sesame Street has had a long and popular presence in our park,” said Sharon Aguillen, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice president of entertainment. “We’re delighted to expand our entertainment offerings for families and kids with this brand-new, engaging and endearing parade through the park. No doubt it will offer our guests some great opportunities for phenomenal photos.”

Guests can purchase a bundled package that includes access to a reserved VIP parade-viewing area and Dine with Elmo & Friends. The package is available for $35 (ages 10 and older) and $25 (ages 3 to 9).

Kids ages 3-5 get free unlimited admission all year to SeaWorld San Antonio with a Preschool Card, exclusively for Texas residents. To qualify, parents must register online by June 24, 2018 and provide a copy of their Texas ID and their child’s birth certificate or passport to redeem the card at the park.

Best Admission Deal – Flex Ticket

The best deal to experience all the Sesame Street Parade fun is with a $69 2-Park Flex Ticket. This limited-time offer allows guests unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio water park for up to 5 consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, behavioral training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

 

Continue Reading

INTERMISSION

Music series begins with string quartet at MSU

Published

on

The seventh season of Midwestern State University’s Music Series at Akin begins with an internationally acclaimed string quartet with a Wichita Falls connection.
The Escher Quartet, praised for both individual and ensemble technical proficiency will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Akin Auditorium.
Violist Pierre Lapointe and violinist Adam Barnett-Hart founded the Escher String Quartet in 2005 and soon after were recognized for work ethic and instrumentalism.
Critics also compared them to another celebrated group, the Emerson String Quartet, who were guests for the Music Series at Akin in October 2015. Cellist Brook Speltz and violinist Danbi Um complete the quartet.

Read the full story in the mid-week News.

Continue Reading
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad

Trending