This morning, Universal Orlando revealed the worst-kept secret in the theme park industry, and finally admitted that an expansion of their uber-popular Harry Potter attraction is being built inside Universal Studios Florida. Massive construction has been going on in full view of guests since shortly after the iconic Jaws ride was shuttered in early...
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In an interview with Vodkaster last week, Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle lamented the “family-friendly Pixarification” of the mainstream cinema, foreseeing a future cinema that that features less violence, less sex and less brainpower — films so very unlike the hardnosed British films of his punk rock youth. In the interview, he specifically cites the films...
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With author J.K. Rowling having moved on to adult novels, and the saga's final film finally slipping out of heavy rotation on HBO, you might expect the Harry Potter phenomenon to be petering out. But as the robed crowds filling Universal's Portofino Bay Resort for last weekend's Ascendio 2012 convention proved, this fandom still...
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Ascendio 2012 offers everything a not-ready-for-detox fan could want in a celebration of the phenomenon they just plain need.
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The evening showcases Potter stars in fan meet-and-greets and autograph sessions.
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Lots to talk about this week, but first, The Hunger Games, because no one else is really talking about it an it could use a bump. Here’s a few spoiler-filled thoughts. Skip to the underlined section if you’re that one dude who hasn’t seen it yet. A few weeks ago I called the book...
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So, Ben Gazzara died this week. Stop it. I hate talking about actors and directors and writers that I loved dying. He was probably generally best known for his work with John Cassavettes in films like The Killing of a Chinese Bookie or Otto Preminger’s Anatomy of a Murder with Jimmy Stewart, though people...
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At 8 p.m. on 1/2/2012, an icon of Central Florida’s attractions industry was unceremoniously euthanized, as Universal permanently shuttered their JAWS! boat ride. I covered the closing of the “mistake on the lake,” and the final reunion of the ride original “skipper” employees, here and here. But I couldn’t miss being there until the...
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Friday, Nov. 11 – Harry Potter Home Entertainment Celebration Now that pesky Halloween is out of the way, the holiday season can officially get underway. To that end (and many others, most involving money or statuettes of golden naked guys), Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is hosting a three-day marathon – excuse...
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Today, November 6th, 151 years ago (or seven score and 11 years ago, if you will), the nation elected Abraham Lincoln to the White House. Yesterday, November 5th, was also the 56th anniversary of Doc Brown cracking his head open and inventing the flux capacitor, which, indeed, is still fluxing. But enough of that....
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Back to School Events College Guide: By Aimee Shea 8/25/2011
Fringe Fest 2013 shows Arts & Culture: Some choices for geeks, gamers, those who prefer to fly solo, kids, oldsters and more By Seth Kubersky 5/15/2013
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival News: A guide to Orlando’s most exhilarating arts festival 5/15/2013
How to Fringe Arts & Culture: Tips and tricks for making the most of your Fringe Fest experience 5/15/2013
Attorney John Morgan backs marijuana legalization News: Local celeb-attorney is new chair of statewide marijuana advocacy organization United for Care By Billy Manes 4/24/2013
Drinking, Nightlife and Parties Drink: Where to drink and party in Orlando this week 5/15/2013