*We were invited as media to attend a sneak peek of Kung Fu Panda 3 and interview with Jack Black.*
I have to admit, by the time a popular film is on its 3rd installment, my usual question is, Will it be any good? There are definitely the ones out there that just don’t have the touch by the time #3 rolls around.
So, you can imagine that when I was invited to check out Kung Fu Panda 3, a series that has yet to disappoint me, I hoped for the best that I would not be let down. But, guess what? Kung Fu Panda 3 is easily my FAVORITE of the franchise!
In part 3, we’re once again taken to the world and life of Po, a panda who has been raised by his over protective father, Mr. Ping. When a strange, new panda, Li Shan (voiced by Bryan Cranston), shows up in town, we quickly learn that he is Po’s biological Dad….and eager to take Po to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible — learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
Kung Fu Panda has many layers that we do not always see in a children’s film; there’s the questions brought up regarding adoption, as well as Po assuming that Li Shan can explain everything there is to know in life about being a Kung Fu Warrior, since he is expected to be just that and lead everyone to peace as Kai is out to get revenge. But, what if Po’s Dad cannot provide him with all that he thinks he can?
Po must face his fears and find all he needs within himself; not always what he hopes his fathers can give him.
An element I loved to Kung Fu Panda 3 is that, we finally get to meet other panda’s! When Po returns with Li Shan to the village he is from, we quickly learn with Po that “he hasn’t been eating to his full potential” as he discovers with his relatives the art of eating more than ONE dumpling ball at a time!
In just over a week now, Cavalia’s Odysseo, a most spectacular equestrian show is coming to Orange County, California February 3rd through February 14, 2016 and tickets are now available! I had the pleasure and joy of seeing Cavalia’s Odysseo a couple years ago when the show was performing in Burbank. The show is without question, the most spectacular display of equestrian riders in the world that you will ever see! Most of these talented riders are actually from all around the world. You can see my Rendez-Vous experience here!
If you’ve driven in Irvine along the 405 Freeway, you might have seen the large white tent that has gone up! This is for the Odysseo show. You can watch the time lapse for the tent raising above. It’s pretty neat to see how the tent goes up! Odysseo is unlike any show you will ever see.
What exactly is Odysseo ?
A live equestrian performance that tells tales from around the globe. Beginning in a misty, enchanted forest where horses graze and frolic under a sky of rolling clouds and a setting sun, Odysseo takes the audience on a fantastical journey to some of nature’s greatest wonders, from the Mongolian steppes to Monument Valley, from the African savannah to Nordic glaciers, from the Sahara to Easter Island, and even to a lunar landscape, illuminated by shooting stars and brilliant nebulas.
*Photo: Cavalia’s Odysseo*
Producers for Odysseo, by the internationally acclaimed entertainment company Cavalia, are thrilled to announce Irvine as the host city for the Orange County debut of the largest touring production on earth. Odysseo will be presented under the White Big Top at the junction of the I-405 & the SR-133 with performances beginningWednesday, February 3, 2016 under the White Big Top in Irvine.
Odysseo is a $30 million extravaganza! Expanding the definition of performance into an epic and soulful experience that is astonishing audiences and wowing critics across North America. Double the size of Cavalia’seponymous creation which enjoyed a very successful run in Irvine back in 2007, Odysseo is a show unlike any other featuring 65 horsesand 48 riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians in a soulful and touching journey around the globe, celebrating the bond between the two species.
*Photo: Cavalia’s Odysseo*
The horses are the stars of the show. They are the heart and soul of every Odysseo performance.These magnificent animals play in complicity and with freedom, in a symbiotic and respectful relationship with their human co-stars, charming and fascinating everyone who has the chance to witness this moving artistic and emotive partnership. One of my favorite numbers is the liberty number, when purebred Arabian horses are directed only by the soft murmurs of their trainer, and the fabulous caravan act that comprises people and horses too numerous to count, will leave every spectator captivated and touched by the splendour created in front of their eyes.
Acrobats present an amazing mix of force and sensitivity, interacting with the spellbound audience, while the live musicians and vocalist perform in the most enthralling way to immerse spectators of all ages in a beautiful sensorial experience they will remember forever. Whether it is the dexterity of the African acrobats, the enchanting sound of the Kora, or the majestic life-size merry-go-around, the cast and set of Odysseo are inspired and inspiring, delivering crowd-pleasing wonders and stunts.
*Photo: Cavalia’s Odysseo*
The theatrical effects are mindboggling! A state-of-the-art video screen three times the size of the world’s largest cinema screens, a three-story mountain for dazzling perspectives, and a real lake made of 40,000 gallons of recycled water which magically appears for a splashing finale. The layers of mesmerizing decor make the audience part of the action while the gigantic stage takes everyone’s breath away. Odysseo’s technological and scenographical effects create places no one has ever seen before; places where one can feel the deep connection between horse and man.
*I was invited as a guest of Disney to the early press day of Zootopia for purposes of this post*
Last month I introduced you to the World of Zootopia, a city filled with different neighborhoods that celebrate the various animal cultures. So who lives here then, you’re probably thinking? Zootopia is a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. Let’s take a look then at some of the critters we will find running around in Zootopia!
Judy Hopps
Zootopia’s first bunny officer Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) is the first bunny ever to join Zootopia’s police department, but is sidelined into a boring career as a meter maid as she is not as big and tough as other members on the force. Judy is determined to prove herself and she jumps at the chance to crack a case, even if it means teaming up with a con-artist fox.
Nick Wilde
Con-artist fox Nick Wilde is voiced by Jason Bateman and is a charming, small-time, con artist fox with a big mouth and a lot of opinions. But when he gets outsmarted by a rabbit cop, he suddenly finds himself helping her solve a mystery.
Gazelle
International superstar Shakira is the voice of Gazelle, and performs an all-new original song, “Try Everything.” Gazelle is very popular in the world of Zootopia, and has many adoring fans, including Judy Hopps and Clawhauser. She is very socially-minded and is all about acceptance and equality for all.
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