The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Walt Disney Studios, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, the creators of the “National Treasure” franchise, present THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE — an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the center of an ancient conflict between good and evil.

Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA). Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

Opens July 16th.

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Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

From the team that brought the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy to the big screen, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME, an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia. A rogue prince (JAKE GYLLENHAAL) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (GEMMA ARTERTON) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world.

Directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) with a cast that includes SIR BEN KINGSLEY and ALFRED MOLINA, PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME hits theaters Memorial Day weekend 2010.

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Walt Disney Studios Announces Wondercon 2010 Lineup

STUDIO TO SHOWCASE “PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME,”
“THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” AND “TOY STORY 3″

Jake Gyllenhaal, Jordan Mechner, Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Teresa Palmer-
plus Filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer, Mike Newell, Jon Turteltaub and Lee Unkrich expected at San Francisco convention

BURBANK, Calif. (March 11, 2010) – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has tappedkey cast members and filmmakers from three upcoming films to take part in WonderCon 2010, one of the industry’s most popular comics and pop culture conventions, April 2-4, 2010, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ presentations include:
* “PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME” – Jake Gyllenhaal (the film’s Prince
Dastan), Jordan Mechner (executive producer and creator of the video game that inspired the film), director Mike Newell and producer Jerry Bruckheimer share insights about and footage from this epic action adventure set in the mythical lands of Persia. Geoff Boucher will moderate. Saturday, April 3, 2010, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Esplanade Hall.

* “THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” – Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Teresa Palmer, director Jon Turteltaub and producer Jerry Bruckheimer discuss this summer’s most magical adventure that stars Cage as the sorcerer and Baruchel as his reluctant apprentice-all in modern-day Manhattan. A sneak-peek of footage from the film will be shared. Geoff Boucher will moderate. Saturday, April 3, 2010, 12:45-1:15 p.m. Esplanade Hall.

* “TOY STORY 3″ – Director Lee Unkrich from Disney*Pixar’s all-new comedy adventure shares a few toy stories, plus a sneak peek of footage from the film, which stars Woody, Buzz and all of Andy’s favorite toys, as well as some new faces, including Barbie’s friend Ken, a pink teddy bear named Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear and a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants. Saturday, April 3, 2010, 1:15-1:45 p.m. Esplanade Hall.

ABOUT THE MOVIES
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME
From the team that brought the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy to the big screen, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME, an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia. A rogue prince (JAKE GYLLENHAAL) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (GEMMA ARTERTON) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time-a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME is directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) with a cast that includes BEN KINGSLEY and ALFRED MOLINA, a screenplay by Boaz Yakin and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard, and a screen story by Jordan Mechner. In theaters May 28, 2010.

TOY STORY 3
The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring
moviegoers back to the delightful world of our favorite gang of toy characters in
TOY STORY 3. As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future. Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2″ and “Finding Nemo”), TOY STORY 3 is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D(tm) that lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can’t wait to get their sticky little fingers on these “new” toys. It’s pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring “no toy gets left behind.” Meanwhile, Barbie comes face to plastic face with Ken (yes, that Ken), and a few new toys join in the fun, including a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a strawberry-scented teddy bear named Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. Pixar veteran Darla K. Anderson (“Cars,” “Monsters, Inc.”) produces, while Michael Arndt, Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities. In theaters June 18, 2010.

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Walt Disney Studios, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, the creators of the “National Treasure” franchise, present THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE — an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the center of an ancient conflict between good and evil. Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA). Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE. The screenplay is by Matt Lopez and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard from a screen story by Matt Lopez and Larry Konner & Mark Rosenthal. In theaters July 16, 2010.

ABOUT WONDERCON
Brought to you by the same people who produce Comic-Con in San Diego, WonderCon is one of the country’s leading and most popular comics and pop culture conventions.

Review – Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Could you think of a more perfect paring than director Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll’s classic heroine Alice? Disney has brought them together in easily the most-anticipated film of the spring, Alice in Wonderland which opens on Friday March 5th with an impressive cast and in glorious 3-D. Well hurry up, you’re already late for a very important date.

Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) finds herself in an unenviable situation. Bright and imaginative she’s bristling under the pressure of family obligations and expectation for her future. At a key moment during her surprise engagement party, Alice spies a curious and somewhat familiar sight of a white rabbit in a waistcoat. She delays her fate to pursue the rabbit. Her quest leads her to a sizable rabbit hole and you know what happens when a girl named Alice explores a rabbit hole – she falls in. We’ve seen this before, haven’t we?

But Alice recognizes nothing familiar in these fantastic surroundings and its unusual inhabitants. She’s convinced she is in a dream, despite numerous attempts to awaken herself. And her dream quickly becomes a nightmare when The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) tells her she is destined to become the White Queen’s (Anne Hathaway) champion and to do battle with the dreaded Jabberwocky, ultimately bringing about the downfall of the horrible Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). It’s all too much for Alice. She must finally embrace her true self, face her fears and put the power of her imagination to the test.

There is a lot to like about this movie. Firstly, the visuals are sumptuous. If anyone could create the world of Underland it is Burton and his production design team. If the 3-D version is available in your area I highly recommend seeing it in this format. Secondly, the performances of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are great. Depp’s characterization of The Hatter is layered with sadness as well as madness. I have to add though that sometimes when he mumbles, especially in a Scottish brogue it’s next to impossible to understand him. And Helena gets to camp it up, just a little, as the irascible Red Queen. Additionally, the voice talents used for the animals is an array of Burton alums and great British talent, from Christopher Lee to Timothy Spall and Alan Rickman to Michael Sheen and Stephen Fry. I always enjoy trying to figure out who’s who.

Conversely, there are things that don’t work in this movie. The script relies too much on people having seen the 1951 Disney animated film or having read the books. Like Alice we stumble into Wonderland with no introductions to the characters, who then experience no real development other than what we already know about them. The story itself jumps from setpiece to setpiece with Alice riding some giant animal to get there. The end result is a bloodless and soulless film that looks very pretty but leaves you hollow. To me it was reminiscent of The Golden Compass (2007) in that respect. This leads me to suspect that there is a director’s cut out there in the world somewhere.

As I said, anticipation is pretty high for this film and it should have a decent opening weekend. But I fear the lack of heart to the story will make high box office in the weeks that follow an impossible task. That’s a disappointment when you consider it was the seemingly perfect combination of director and character. Sadly Alice has lost much of her “muchness”.

Review – The Princess and the Frog

“Three cheers for the return of Disney 2-D animation!” That has been the mantra running through my head since watching The Princess and the Frog. What a pleasure and delight this film is. It has great characters, art direction, songs, and a story that appeals to both young and old alike, as the best animated films always do. This is Disney’s return to the animated musical, to hand-drawn animation, to the fairy tale, and to a princess-centered story. And it is highly recommended.

For those of you who know the Grimm Brothers’ story of “The Frog Prince,” you may be pleasantly surprised at how the filmmakers have taken the story, altered and expanded it. Now taking place in New Orleans during the jazz age, the film begins as the heroine, Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose, of Dreamgirls fame), is a poor young girl. We learn of her love of cooking and her dream to one day run her own restaurant. The film quickly advances to Tiana as a young woman, where we find her working two jobs just to save enough money for a down-payment on a vacant building she plans to renovate and turn into her dream restaurant.

Now, as I am the type of person who doesn’t like to know too much of a story before I see it, I will refrain from detailing too much of the plot. Although anyone who’s seen the trailer should know that it involves a prince (Bruno Campos) who turns into a frog, who then accidentally turns Tiana into a frog. The remainder of the film is the crazy adventure they go on to find a way to become human again. Along the way they will meet a trumpet playing alligator named Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley), a hysterically funny Creole lightning bug named Ray (Jim Cummings), and a bayou voodoo priestess named Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis). There is also a villain, the evil Dr. Facilier (Keith David), a fortune teller and practician of the dark arts.

The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who were both responsible for the Disney films Aladdin, Hercules and The Little Mermaid which are all classic films of the Disney cannon. It has a musical score by Randy Newman, in his first non-Pixar animated film. While I am not a fan of Randy Newman’s work, I will admit that his score and his songs are very appropriate to the time period of the film and, in fact, are quite entertaining. There are seven new songs in the film. (Nine, if you count the fact that one song has 3 different versions.) All of the major characters get a song to sing and all of the songs are of the New Orleans jazz variety. Plus, there’s a new contemporary radio track by Ne-Yo that plays over the end credits. My favorite song was “When We’re Human,” a scene in the film which had a distinct The Jungle Book feeling to me. As well as “Ma Belle Evangeline,” which reminded me a bit of the “Kiss the Girl” scene from The Little Mermaid.

Overall, there really isn’t much to criticize about this film. I enjoyed it immensely and will definitely be adding it to my library once it hits home video. I think it’s safe to say that if you enjoyed Disney’s previous films of this type, you will like this one too.

NOTE: If you live in the Los Angeles or New York areas, there is the option of seeing the film along with “The Ultimate Disney Experience,” which consists of a Disney princess meet-and-greet, Bayou Adventure playground, etc. Details can be found here.  Unfortunately, for the screening I attended, the only “Ultimate Experience” attraction that was up & running was the display of props and costumes from the Disney archives, which consisted of many items from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, as well as Up, Race to Witch Mountain and more. Also, for those of you who are iPhone users, Disney has released a free iPhone game called Bayou Beats, which can be found here.

Official Site

Disney @ Comic Con 2009

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES’ COMIC-CON AGENDA IS FULL OF “FIRSTS”

DIRECTORS ZEMECKIS, BURTON TO TAKE PART IN FIRST-EVER 3D PANEL; ANIMATION LEGENDS MIYAZAKI & LASSETER TO ANCHOR ANIMATION PANEL

Studio to Showcase Key Titles—PONYO, TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 DOUBLE FEATURE, DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, TOY STORY 3 and TRON

BURBANK, Calif. (July 9 , 2009) — Animation greats Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter and directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton will take part in their first ever Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center July 23-24. The filmmakers will be on hand to help Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures showcase a wide-ranging roster of upcoming films, including 3D juggernauts ALICE IN WONDERLAND, TRON and DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and animated gems THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PONYO and the TOY STORY trilogy.

Zemeckis, Burton , Miyazaki and Lasseter will take part in industry panels.

* COMIC-CON’S FIRST EVER 3D PANEL — Veteran directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton join TRON producers Sean Bailey and Steve Lisberger on Thurs., July 23 at 11 a.m. for an unprecedented presentation featuring behind-the-scenes filmmaker insights about the highly anticipated 3D adventures DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ALICE IN WONDERLAND and TRON. In addition to Q&A opportunities with each of the filmmakers, the 90-minute panel will feature never-before-seen concept art, trailers, actual 3D film footage and other Comic-Con-only footage debuts. In a groundbreaking technical feat, this is the first time ever that 3D footage will be shown at Comic-Con. Patton Oswalt will moderate.
* ANIMATION PANEL — Animation legends Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter join veteran animation directors Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements and John Musker on Fri., July 24 at 12:45 p.m. for an animation panel which will highlight upcoming animated films, including Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY/TOY STORY 2 double feature, Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 3, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ half-hour holiday TV special PREP & LANDING, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG and Miyazaki ’s PONYO. John Lasseter will host the panel and Patton Oswalt will moderate a group Q&A following the presentation, which will include filmmaker insights, trailers and select film sequences.

ABOUT THE MOVIES

PONYO

From the Academy Award®-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes PONYO, a story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” Already a box-office success in Japan , the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by NOAH CYRUS) and her quest to become human features an outstanding roster of voice talent, including CATE BLANCHETT, MATT DAMON, TINA FEY, FRANKIE JONAS, CLORIS LEACHMAN, LIAM NEESON, LILY TOMLIN and BETTY WHITE. PONYO opens in U.S. theaters on Aug. 14, 2009.

TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 – DOUBLE FEATURE (In Disney Digital 3D™)

Disney●Pixar’s TOY STORY and TOY STORY 2 return to the big screen in an exciting double feature Oct. 2, 2009—this time in Disney Digital 3D™.

TOY STORY

They’re toys, they talk—at least when people aren’t around—and they’re back… celebrating the return of the “Toy Story” franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3Dä! TOY STORY, the film that started it all, takes moviegoers back to that fantastic fun-filled journey, viewed mostly through the eyes of two rival toys— Woody (voice of TOM HANKS), the lanky, likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN), the fearless space ranger. The comically-mismatched duo eventually learn to put aside their differences when circumstances separate them from their owner Andy and they find themselves on a hilarious adventure-filled mission where the only way they can survive is to form an uneasy alliance.

TOY STORY 2

Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 2 picks up as Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (voice of WAYNE KNIGHT), owner of Al’s Toy Barn, kidnaps Woody (voice of TOM HANKS). At Al’s apartment, Woody discovers that he is a highly valued collectible from a 1950s TV show called “Woody’s Roundup,” and he meets the other prized toys from that show – Jessie the cowgirl (voice of JOAN CUSACK), Bullseye the horse and Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice of KELSEY GRAMMER). Back at the scene of the crime, Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN) and the gang from Andy’s room – Mr. Potato Head (voice of DON RICKLES), Slinky Dog (voice of JIM VARNEY), Rex (voice of WALLACE SHAWN) and Hamm (voice of JOHN RATZENBERGER) – spring into action to rescue their pal from winding up as a museum piece. The toys get into one predicament after another in their daring race to get Woody home before Andy returns.

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL (In Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D)

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event. Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 6, 2009.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans . From the creators of “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman. Opens on November 25, 2009 in NY and LA, and on December 11, 2009 nationwide.

PREP & LANDING
PREP & LANDING is ABC’s first television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The half-hour holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing. Every Christmas Eve, this high-tech organization ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for a visit from the Big Guy (aka Santa Claus). After working tirelessly on Prep & Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voice of Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee (voice of Sarah Chalke), the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny (voice of Derek Richardson), an idealistic rookie who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (In Disney Digital 3D™)

Walt Disney Pictures’ magical animated classic BEAUTY AND THE BEAST returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. Opening Feb. 12, 2010, the film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of PAIGE O’HARA), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of ROBBY BENSON) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince. Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was the first—and only—animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (In Disney Digital 3D™)

From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast also includes ANNE HATHAWAY, HELENA BONHAM CARTER and CRISPIN GLOVER; Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. Capturing the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and “Through the Looking-Glass” (1871) with stunning, avant-garde visuals and the most charismatic characters in literary history, ALICE IN WONDERLAND comes to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ on March 5, 2010.

TOY STORY 3 (In Disney Digital 3D™)

The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings. TOY STORY 3 comes to theaters nationwide in Disney Digital 3D™ on June 18, 2010.

TRON (title not final) (In Disney Digital 3D™)

TRON is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDGES), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.

Jonas Brothers: 3D Concert Experience

Like most parents, I often feel like I’ve sold my soul to Disney for the sake of smiles on the faces of my children.  I certainly was dreading the money ($18 a ticket for the “experience” on IMAX) and the 76 minutes of my life I would never get back when it came time to take my pleading teen to this carefully packaged showcase for the boy band of the hour, the Jonas Brothers.

The money and the time aside, you can’t help but tap your feet to the catchy tunes of this sugary sweet trio.  I will admit that the film on IMAX, along with the 3D, gave me the argument with my teen that there was no way she would ever see them that up close at a concert. It was better than being stuck in nosebleed seats of some arena and certainly was a bargain compared to concert ticket prices.  I may win that argument and get out of the anxiety of trying to get tickets the next time they are in our area.

Add to that the added bonus of her being able to see glimpses of them in bed, at breakfast and backstage, along with a couple music video clips and she got a real deal for her $18!   She even got a shirtless Joe Jonas (and don’t think that was lost on me – as I am still smarting from no shirtless Chris Evans in Push)!

The film was a variety show.  Carefully orchestrated clips and peeks into a life of teen idols.  They do their job well and the joy in the faces of the fans in the film isn’t fake.  They even use the word “fanatics” glaringly projected onscreen with its meaning, “A person marked or motivated by an extreme, unreasoning enthusiasm.”  Damn….maybe they do “get it,” which is to say, they don’t get it.  No reason, but sincere appreciation and overwhelmed awe for their following and savoring the moment before reason wins.  They may not be the best of singers (the girls, Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift, were far stronger in their one song appearances), but they play to their strengths and fill the screen with flirtatious energy.

Music is the universal language and the lyrics and pop ditties this trio produces makes these kids happy.  Even though I haven’t been a kid for a very long time, I can still appreciate the power of a lyric that speaks to them about their world and the catchy, infectious tunes that go with them.    The little girls were dancing out of the theater with their home made t-shirts proclaiming their love for one, two or all three of the brothers.  The smiles were huge.  That’s what the parents paid for, and we got it in spades.

So, where will these boys be in five years?  Who knows.

Where are my teen idols?  Shaun Cassidy produces for television and Rick Springfield is still fostering a living on General Hospital and making music.  They both had their ups and downs.  No doubt the JoBros will too.

For the moment, they are still just a pre-packaged product for Disney who will take my money and use it for the greater good of fixing the PR nightmare that is Miley Cyrus or finding the next Hilary Duff.   That is clear with this film.  The kids will love it.  The parents better bring earplugs if they are sensitive to screaming and squealing, but it is still a viable and cost effective alternative to attending an actual concert. Disney may have done me a favor this time around.

Up

From the Pixar site: Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and living life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. Up takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounters wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. Read more