The hole in the ground behind the entrance to the old Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure has gotten a lot bigger since my last update. And they've put up some bigger barricades to block it from guests. I'm still not entirely sure what could be going on here but rumors around the web are still pointing at some type of Raptor Meet & Greet, which could be very awesome indeed. Check out the video, plus snapshots of the area and further speculation below!
Movie Review: Furious 7
This is a fun entry into the series. I only wish it could be the final chapter because so many of the main storylines are wrapped up and the send-off for Paul Walker is done tastefully, leaving me with a feeling of conclusion. But we all know they'll be more of these films... Oh well.
I still liked Fast 5 the best. It was the first one to really figure out what the franchise is best for, fun, over-the-top stunts, with a self-aware attitude. Furious 7 is more like 5 than 6, which was boring and disappointing compared to the others. The new director, James Wan, brought in a fresh feeling to the film. I especially appreciated the locked camera shots that spun when characters were flipped, creating a fun sense of disorientation.
As with the other recent Fast films, its biggest problem is just having too many characters to pay service to. Dwayne Johnson and Jordana Brewster are essentially written out for most of the film to make way for other characters, but I missed them the entire time. The Rock definitely brings an energy to the film that it sorely needs and when he shows back up at the end things pick back up. That might be why Fast 5 is my favorite.
At the end of the day, the real star of these films are the stunts. Having so many real cars being crashed, blown up, and dropped out of the sky, and with little to no CGI, is impressive, and refreshing to see. So much these days is done with computers, so it's nice to see so many practical effects. The film truly is impressive, even though the script is so flat. Out of all the car-racing-heist-movie-spy thriller-series out there, this is still the best.
3 Stars (out of 5)
Information About Last Month’s Jurassic Park River Adventure Refurbishment
If you've seen my previous photo updates and video then you know that the Jurassic Park River Adventure has undergone a renovation last month. It's open now and looking just as beautiful as it ever has. This week in UONews (Universal Orlando® Resort’s Team Member Newsletter) they reported on the refurb along with some details. As I expected the refurb focused on key visual elements including new skins for the dinos and a complete revamp of the finale's waterfall rockwork. Read the full excerpt from the publication below or check out the PDF here. Also, be sure to check out my previous posts with photos and video!
Kongstruction Update: Painting the Rockwork and Faces Appear
Workers are making quick work of the rockwork at the new King Kong attraction and Skull Island area at Islands of Adventure. A few faces have started to take shape around the entrance to the temple ruins. The paint-work is looking very complete on the left-side of the building. Most of the exterior walls are complete throughout much of the structure and from what I can see the interior work is coming along nicely as well. Check out all of the pictures below.
There have been rumors flying around the web now that the Australian company Creature Technology will have some hand in the animatronics for the ride. They were responsible for the incredibly impressive King Kong puppet from the Kong musical. Watch this video for a sample of the giant Kong puppert-work. They were also the studio behind the beautiful Walking with Dinosaurs puppets and animatronics from its arena show, which I can tell you from seeing it in person, is just amazing. See a sample of that work here. If they apply their skill to create expressive puppets and impressive skins to the figures in the Kong ride I will be very pleased.
Movie Review: It Follows
There is a definitely a creepy vibe throughout It Follows, and once you leave the theater you'll swear you're being followed, but the story and some of the decisions made in the film turned me off a bit. The visuals are incredible, well thought-out and perfectly executed. 360 degree shots and slow pans set a scary mood, and the color grade gives off an early 80's film vibe. Speaking of the 80s, the score is a brilliant mix of slasher style synthesized sound with a modern mix; very loud, very creepy.
The film felt slow, especially considering its rather short running time, dragging on like the creepy people following the main character in the film. The idea of death always following you, ever so slowly, yet still inevitably catching up with you, is always intriguing to me, whether in a zombie film or in this new take. Without much of anything else happening though, this film is just plain boring at times... But that's my take on it. It's still worth admiring for its creepy atmosphere and beautiful craftsmanship.
3 Stars (out of 5)
Garden of Allah Villas Construction Update and Permit Filings – With Video
With most of the attention on bigger things like King Kong and the new water park it's easy to miss the smaller construction projects, so today lets focus on the work being done over at the Garden of Allah Villas in Universal Studios Florida. As I previously stated it does indeed look like the two buildings are being connected. Slowly, but surely, progress is being made. No one is quite sure what this will end up being. Check out the video and pictures below!
Originally it was rumored to become a museum for Universal's 25th anniversary, but that no longer seems to be the case. Screamscape has said that the inside of the buildings are being remodeled into series of conference rooms, equipped with several monitors mounted to the walls. Permit filings show the name of the project as "NBCUniversal Media Lab". Perhaps Screamscape is right, because there is already a NBCUniversal Media Lab in New Jersey, for employees to test out new technologies. Maybe the Media Lab coming to Orlando will be a hands-on exhibit where park guests can experience the newest technologies themselves. Only time will tell. For now, check out the construction progress below and stay tuned for more updates.
Something Happening at the Old Triceratops Encounter at IOA – New Attraction Coming?
When I was at Islands of Adventure a couple of days ago I noticed a big hole in the queue near the entrance of the now defunct Triceratops Encounter at Jurassic Park. The hole was surrounded by caution tape. I managed to snap a couple quick pictures as I passed by (see below). Now rumors are flying around the Twittersphere about the possibility of a new attraction coming to the area, specifically one featuring Velociraptors! More info and pictures below.
Rumor: #JurassicWorld inspired 'Velociraptor Encounter' to replace the closed Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure Orlando.
— Jurassic World (@jurassicparkiv) March 27, 2015
Upper level Universal people walking through the Triceratops Encounter area right now…hmmm.
— Mr. Brian in Orlando (@MrBrianOrl) March 26, 2015
Kongstruction Update: Skull Themed Construction Walls and Photo Update
The walkway out in front of project 340, (AKA the new King Kong attraction at Islands of Adventure), has received some shiny new skull-themed construction walls. They jut out pretty far, but the area does look a little cleaner with them. It seems clear now with these skull themed walls what attraction they are in fact building back there, in case there were still any doubts. As far as construction progress goes, it looks like they're putting a primer and/or sealant over the rockwork before painting, the top of the rockwork is looking more and more like the Skull Island temple, and the right side of the structure is finally getting all walled up. Check out the pictures below to see the construction progress as well as the new themed construction walls. And check out the previous update for some video!
Furious 7 Screen-Used Cars on Display at Universal Studios Florida – With Video
Screen-used cars from the new Fast & Furious film are now on display at Universal Studios Florida. Get up close and take a picture with three cars from the new film. You’ll find these Furious 7 automobiles on display at the entrance to KidZone, in front of the Animal Actors stadium. These vehicles were driven by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jason Statham in the seventh installment of Universal’s Fast and the Furious franchise, which hits theaters on Friday, April 3rd. Universal has displayed other vehicles from the Fast & Furious films in the past so it's not too surprising that they're doing it again. It's always pretty cool to see something that was used in a film in person. Check out the video, and the screenshots below as well, for more details about the cars.
Food & Wine Festival and Beautiful Topiaries at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Food & Wine Festival is underway at Busch Gardens Tampa and Spring was definitely in the air when I got to visit last weekend. They're showcasing 11 new topiaries specifically for the event, which was a pleasant surprise to me. There were lots of booths with many different foods, wines, and beers to try, and the prices weren't too bad. Unlike Epcot's event, which takes place all along World Showcase, you'll find all of the tasting choices in one place here. This makes it convenient and easy to walk around and take it all in before deciding what looks best to try. See pictures and read the reviews of my food tastings below!
