Captain America Rocks the Screen

The last time I looked forward to a movie as much as this, an "event film", it was The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp. (Well, yeah, we all know how that turned out.) After seeing Captain America: The Winter Soldier, I left the theater thinking the series may just replace the Indiana Jones series as one of my favorites. Maybe.

This jury may be out until the next in the series, but Chris Evans' take on the Marvel hero strikes all the right notes. What is it that makes the character so compelling?

Innocence and optimism. Perseverance. A strong belief in right and wrong. Justice. Self-sacrifice for the sake of others. A belief that good things- in this case, freedom- are worth fighting for. Democracy. And last but not least, humility. In the first film Steve Rogers was picked for the experiment for reasons fairly rare in the world of the movies. It wasn't because of his physical abilities. He was chosen because of his good character, passion to do the right thing, and caring for others above himself. True superhero qualities.

The film sets our Captain in the perfect storm of intrigue. There's no spoilers here, but I will say the twists keep you guessing while the action keeps your pulse racing. In the midst of it all, Evans grounds the film with his good humor, unwavering integrity, and determination. 

As much as I thought Scarlett Johansson was miscast as Black Widow, I will admit she is growing on me. There's some subtlety and complexity to her story here, a refreshing change. 

One of the most pleasant surprises in the film is actor Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka Falcon. Sure, it adds the buddy film angle to the story, but his partnership with our hero fits perfectly. Here's hoping his role becomes a recurring one.

We all know Disney suits are watching the Marvel series closely. It's a hot franchise for teens, men, and young boys. Should the Imagineers decide to build an elaborate Marvel based third Disney park in California, I'd be happy. If it's as good as the movie I saw last night, I'll be first in line.

Thoughts from Dear Old Dad

So many random and crazy thoughts going through my head as I read the headlines and on line conversation boards! 

Let's start with Cory Monteith from Glee. It wasn't a show I saw more than once or twice, but here's a guy who from most accounts had everything- looks, talent, charm, friends, success, and money. But all the things the world offers couldn't take the edge off his drive for living on the edge. And this time, he lost. Very sad. I hope his death helps someone else find help with their addictions.

Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman. Clearly, the race / justice tensions are bound to continue anew now. Black kid, Hispanic man. Guns, fear, violence, tension. The world and the human race continues its downward spiral.

Lest you think all I do is bemoan the state of the human race, I also bemoan the state of other aspects of life! 

Yes, Monsters University will probably outdo The Lone Ranger in the United States. Big loss- enough money to feed a small nation for years. 

My family continues to be a blessing. With my sister recently in town and my kids raising their own kids (with three more on the way), it's clear I'm a pretty blessed man. Besides, my wife is well worth her weight in gold.

The State of Disney's American Parks and D23.  Now that California Adventure mostly rocks, and Disneyland is in tip top shape, isn't it time for Walt Disney World to see some serious upgrades? And not just to compete with Universal Orlando in the ongoing battle! (Psst. Disney's losing, by the way. The edge now belongs to the newcomer who has come out swinging for years now and their Royal Pacific Hotel is tons less than Disney's Polynesian Resort. I know. I looked at the rates for our next trip. Sorry, Disney.)

Let's be honest: Epcot is traveling full speed ahead to become the World's most beautiful shopping and dining center; Animal Kingdom has de-evolved into just a zoo; and Disney's Hollywood Studios makes California Adventure sparkle in comparison. Only the perennial favorite, the Magic Kingdom seems slightly fresh thanks to a New Fantasyland environment (but not the new attractions). The bright spot? The competition for the dollar might bring on a slew of new and first class attractions worldwide.

The Political environment: more of the same. And under President Obama, we continue to move backwards in about every area. How's that change working for you? It's not for me.

A rant? A rave? Absolutely. It's time we stopped taking it on the chin and start fighting back. It starts by looking within and realizing we need help. We mouth the words that we belong to a higher power but our lives show much too little of His influence. Mine included. Please, God, let that change!

Ranger No Pirates

Disney's The Lone Ranger is a pretty gutsy, politically incorrect, film. Where else can you find a contemporary film in this century that a- shows slavery hits a multitude of races and b- exposes the fallacies associated with the liberal agenda regarding firearms and corporal punishment? Yes, I said that.

Hidden in a very long story without many moments of pure fun (until the last quarter of the film), our hero, John Reid, played with a strange quirkiness by Armie Hammer,  comes to the conclusion that sometimes bad guys will remain evil- and that no amount of idealistic talk of justice will change them. Am I all for citizens to take the law into their own hands? Not at all- at least not in the 21st Century. The Lone Ranger also discovers villains sometimes are hidden behind the most pleasant of men and women. Tough lessons to learn in the Wild West.

Oh yeah, Tonto and Johnny Depp. Typical twisted hero role we've seen before. Nicely played but risks becoming a stereotype.

The movie had the potential to be fantastic as the storyline is gripping and the scenery spectacular. However, that said, this Ranger is not on par with the first and best Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe the next chapter in the saga will be better.

(Image copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

60 Years of Imagineering

Summer's here and that means D23 Summer 2013 edition is on its way. In addition to the expected front page photo of Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer in The Lone Ranger, there is a nice article and back cover art about Imagineering. Ex-Imagineer Tony Baxter gets some props- just look at what is featured.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

More Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger rides again- and I cannot wait for July 3, 2013 to come! With great iconic characters and a fresh take on the story, seems like Johhny Depp and Armie Hammer will be riding into theaters on a winning thoroughbred.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Lone Ranger Saves Frontierland!

Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger- who can resist it? Not me! I cannot wait for this film to come out. And let's just hope it is a mega hit. The success of the Lone Ranger film could bring a renewed interest in the American West, and with it, a reason to revitalize Frontierland. Get those pencils sharpened, Imagineers! Who is up for a re-Imagineered version of Marc Davis' Western River Expedition?

(Photograph copyright Walt Disney Pictures)

Frontierland: Disneyland in Anaheim Meets Disneyland in Paris

Here's just a snazzy little piece of Imagineering concept art for Disneyland's Frontierland. There's much to like about it, although I must admit that having the Indian encampment outside the fort's gates feels very politically incorrect these days.

As far as I can tell by looking backwards, this buildout never happened once the park was opened. Instead, the tepees made their way over to the far side of the park out in a secluded area of wilderness far from Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and other heroes of the American West. In a sense, the park was all the better for it. The new remote area was a perfect place to showcase the customs and art of the peoples who occupied the land long before settlers from the East Coast.

However, at Disneyland Paris, where being politically correct is not an issue, this same piece of concept art looks similar to what was actually built for Disneyland Paris decades later. The tepees and their occupants are out in front, next to the fort, and the references to American folk heroes are not nearly as pronounced. But there is much detail to be found everywhere you look.

A walking journey up inside the stockades of the fort provides some great information as well as some truly spectacular views of Frontierland. This is one of the areas in which Disneyland Paris outshines the other Magic Kingdoms, even Walt's original park. The vistas are so expansive and yet so focused on only the land in which you are presently inhabiting. It's so easy to imagine yourself really being there "back in the day". Well done! (It's a trademark of the entire park. Read my detailed article here.)

In place of the Old West focused on cowboys and Indians, the town of Thunder Mesa is present with its folklore tied to a search for gold (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) and a rich mining family torn apart by greed and suspicion (Phantom Manor). With the beautifully majestic Molly Brown cruising the river, Paris' Frontierland has an energy and a presence that the other kingdoms can only dream to possess. Kudos to Tony Baxter, Jeff Burke, and the team of Imagineers for pulling this off.

Back in the States, Disneyland's ode to the Wild West is in need of some love and care. The original saloon show at The Golden Horseshoe needs to return, pirates need to be given the boot at Tom Sawyer's Island, and the Mike Fink Keelboats should return to the river.

There's even room for expansion, and I hope a newer version of the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland can take its place next to whatever Disney Imagineers have planned for the area. Let's face it, it will never be rebuilt. Most likely, we will see a tie-in to the soon coming Lone Ranger movie starring Johnny Depp. An even longer shot would be to build Imagineer Marc Davis' unrealized Western River Expedition. We can dream, can't we? In California, where the Pirates of the Caribbean plays to full audiences even after 45 years, Western River Expedition would be appreciated perhaps as much as the beloved New Orleans Square staple.

For one more additional improvement to return Frontierland to its glory days, I would go so far as to say Fantasmic needs to disappear as well. In fact, save Fantasmic's return for the Third Park. With the nighttime show removed, the evenings on that side of the park could once again feel as remote, romantic, and mysterious as they were years ago. It would make those delightful nighttime cruises on the Mark Twain all the more possible.

Needless to say, if I had the money to transform Disneyland, it would certainly go to Frontierland (and of course, Tomorrowland as well). And let me say one more thing: please do not add Splash Mountain to Disneyland Paris' Frontierland. We do not need more characters invading this gorgeous park!

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Pirates Rides Again!

According to Variety mgazine, Mr. Johnny Depp is doing Pirates 4 and playing Tonto in Disney's The Lone Ranger. Can't wait! This gives Disney a chance to regain the excellence of the first Pirates film and create a new great franchise with Lone Ranger- depending on who gets cast in the title role.

Reading Between the Lines

Just caught the 2009 version of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. As he has done with the past few additions, Jim Hill shares his insights and predictions. Among them, a Lone Ranger series of additions for Big Thunder Mountain, the obvious Little Mermaid for Magic Kingdom, a Kim Possible type, National Treasure themed game for Liberty Square, his long-standing rumor of a Russian pavillion for World Showcase, minor changes for the Studios- and absolutely nothing mentioned for Animal Kingdom. Time will tell, kemo sabe.

(Come back Monday for a piece of rare concept art for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion!)