INTERMISSION
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Movie Review
Monkey Business
‘Apes’ sequel further muddies the line between monkey and man
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Starring Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell & Jason Clark
Directed by Matt Reeves
Rated PG-13
Whose side are you on when battle lines are drawn between people and other primates? The answer may not be as clear-cut as you think, especially in this terrific second installment of the latest Planet of the Apes series, which muddies the moral ground—as well as other things—between monkey and man.
As Dawn begins, we’re reminded that some ten years ago (in 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes), scientific experimentation—and exploitation—resulted in a proliferation of genetically modified apes and began a widespread viral wipeout of the world’s human population.
Now, in a decimated, post-ape-ocalyptic world, a tribe of hunting, gathering apes—who have learned to communicate through sign language, rudimentary writing and grunted spoken language—rule the densely forested hills outside the city that once was the metropolis of San Francisco.
When a small group of humans are discovered deep inside ape territory, it begins an uneasy truce—until dissenting factions on both sides stoke tensions to something much more aggressive.
Director Matt Reeves, whose resume includes the monster movie Cloverfield, the moody vampire saga Let Me In and several episodes of TV’s 1998-2002 series Felicity, draws from all those projects for his talent pool and technique. Felicity star Keri Russell is the movie’s female lead, Kodi Smit-McPhee played the bullied young teen in Let Me In, and several of Reeve’s bravura sequences—like the one of apes on horseback, firing machine guns—are as tense and scari-fying as almost anything you’ll see in any monster movie.
But Reeves and his team of FX wizards also create something above and beyond any of those movies—and most other movies, period—when it comes to blending live-action with digital effects. The apes, created through a process of “motion capture” photography where live actors are first filmed then digitally “overlaid” with their personalized primate characteristics, are nothing short of spectacular. You won’t be to separate pulse from pixels, no matter how closely you look.
And even though the “human” cast also includes Gary Oldman and Jason Clark (from Zero Dark Thirty), top billing goes to someone you’ll never see, at least out of his digital ape-draping: Andy Serkis, who plays Caesar, the chief of the apes, is the true star of this show. Serkis, who’s also portrayed Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and the biggest ape of them all in King Kong, is a marvel, humanizing Caesar as a diplomat, a father, a husband and a leader who knows that leading can sometimes mean making difficult, unpopular, dangerous and even life-or-death decisions.
With a story that connects to contemporary (as well as ancient) issues and themes—trust, family, betrayal, racism, war, survival—this smart, muscular, action-packed blockbuster is easily one of the summer’s most rousing sci-fi crowd-pleasers. It’s some seriously strong, exceptionally well-made monkey business.
—Neil Pond, American Profile Magazine
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.
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.
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.
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