This past week, I won tickets from a local radio station (KROQ) to go to Universal Studios. They had a special event, where you got to enter the park before it opened, & go on the new "The Simpsons Ride." This meant, we had to there between 7-8am Friday morning. Which in turn meant, getting up at the really damn early. But it was worth it. "The Simpsons Ride" is whole lotta fun. Even the line itself had things to keep you entertained. They showed Simpsons cartoons, spoof-posters of other attractions in "Krustyland" and video vignettes of characters running different kiosks in the park.
The ride is of the simulation style. The car doesn't go anywhere, but moves on hydraulics to give you the sensation of movement. It's a far improvement over the "Back To The Future" ride it replaced. A much more immersive experience. But, maybe a little too immersive at parts...
Monday, May 26, 2008
Universal Spit-In-Your-Face Studios
Posted by MnkyBoyCWB at 8:59 PM 0 comments
Labels: Favorite Things, Liz And I
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Rant #2 - Give Me Back My Voom HD!
I hadn't planned to do another one of these so soon, but I discovered something that must be vented upon. But, this one will probably be pretty short & to the point.


Psst. If ya like, you can just click the logo & it will take ya right to them. Do It!
Posted by MnkyBoyCWB at 7:10 PM 1 comments
Labels: Favorite Things, Movies, Rants
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Rant #1: Comic Book Movies ≠ Kids
The top description of things covered in this blog lists three Rs. This is the only one that truly hasn't been covered. But, after my experience this weekend, I think it's time to post my first rant.
I went to see "Iron Man" this weekend & really enjoyed the movie. Why did I enjoy it? Not just for the special-effects, even though they were amazing. But, what really sold the movie for me were the things that an older viewer, like myself, would appreciate. The back story was well fleshed out & the actors were of a high caliber & delivered their performances to that level. Who didn't appreciate those aspects of the film? How about the group of 4-6 year olds that were seated next to Liz & I. This was not a high-action, flashy colors, fancy powered comic book movie. This was the story of a alcoholic, womanizing billionaire who puts on a high-tech suit of armor. He does this not only to fight the bad guys, but because he loves the attention he gets from doing it. All, of these things go beyond the reach of the children spread throughout the theatre. Because of this, the group next to us soon lost interest & became very antsy, unable to sit still. Eventually, becoming a distraction, as I tried to enjoy the movie. This could all have been avoided, with a little research on the film. And when I say a little, a mean infinitesimal. All you need do, is look at the rating. This was a PG-13 movie. Not G, not even PG. This movie was made for an older audience. Hence the rating. Pay attention to these things people!

Let me do you a favor now. Movies to show 'em: The Fantastic Four (both of 'em), Any of the Superman movies, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin (I'm not saying you hafta watch them, but they will probably enjoy all the flash & over-the-top performances), the Spider-Man franchise & next year, take 'em to see Dragonball. All of these are made with a younger audience in mind. Don't take your kids to "Batman: The Dark Knight." Don't take 'em to see "Hellboy II: The Golden Army." And for the love of all that's holy, do not take them to see "The Punisher: War Zone" later this year! "The Incredible Hulk," might be okay, but there's no rating yet. But they have promised a whole lot more Hulk Smash goodness & it's only about 90 minutes long. Which usually means, not a whole lot of talky-talky, but a whole lot more boom-boom. But, definitely, take 'em to "Speed Racer." I know this is technically speaking, not a comic book move. But, it falls into the same overall genre of films. It's got lots of pretty colors, high speed races & chimp shenanigans. What's better kid entertainment is there than chimp shenanigans!?! For my money, there isn't one.

Posted by MnkyBoyCWB at 1:47 PM 4 comments
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