Topher's Blog

PHOTOPALOOZA: SUN AND MOON EDITION

1/30/2015

Greetings internet dwellers!

Chris here, and I was down at Universal Orlando on Thursday. I figured I'd get a quick trip in before the crowds descend on the parks for HP Celebration, and Mardis Gras. Took a handful of picks, mostly at IOA.

The "mystery project" at IOA, is really taking shape. Lots of new steel, and the building is just huge. There is a small structure being built, almost behind Thunderfalls Terrace as well.

I would also like to make it perfectly clear, HHN Legacy does not shoot photos beyond construction walls, or backstage. I hate when I see other places breaking the rules. If you desire to see pics of that nature, then I suggest you look elsewhere. My lens does not go beyond what my eye can see.

Thanks and enjoy the photos!

DAT SUN THO

DUDLEY GETTING SOME REFURB

"DON'T CALL IT KING KONG" FROM TOON LAGOON

STEEL!

THE BUILDING IS REALLY BIG

MORE STEEL

A SMALLER STRUCTURE THROUGH THE TREES

FROM JURASSIC PARK

IT WAS A LOVELY DAY

SPINO WAITING TO SEE IF THAT NEW DINO IS A WORTHY MATCH

VISITORS TO HOGSMEADE EXCITING THE STATION

DUCKS!

DA MOON, DA MOON!

WEIRD AL IS COMING HERE!

SOME MARDIS GRAS DECORATIONS GOING UP

HHN LEGACY'S 10 favorite FILMS OF 2014

1/18/2015

Greetings internet dwellers! When I decided to jump start HHN Legacy back in June, I had to make a decision: Do I incorporate my film side here? It's a question I struggled with way back when I started HHN Legacy 3 years ago. I did film reviews back then too. When I put HHN Legacy on hold, I was tinkering with other projects, that had a focus on film. Ultimately, those did not pan out. The answer to my question when restarting here, was yes, I will talk about films.

I have attempted to do some video reviews when I have the time. If I do have that time, I will do so. If not, my thoughts on a film will be present via Twitter (@HHNLegacy). Shameless plug, I know. I may do other things here and there in the future, so look out for that.

I love film. I studied film. I have a film degree. It is my life-blood. I love talking film. People get very passionate about all aspects of the craft. The thing is, everyone has different tastes. I genuinely fall on the side of, film is an art form, therefore it is subjective. Which is why when I do top 10 lists, I generally don't call them top 10's, but favorite.

These are my favorites for the year. Your list will probably be different; in fact, I guarantee it. These 10 films, resonated with me the most.

BUT FIRST...

Before I get started though, I want to bring up three films I absolutely hated in 2014. Sure, there are other bad films, but these three made me physically angry. And I didn't see Transformers: Age of Extinction on principle, so that won't be here if you're looking for it.

GODZILLA

Did Godzilla look good? Sure. Was the last fifteen minutes good? Sure. However, fifteen minutes of a film, doth not make a good feature length film. Godzilla is plagued with stilted acting, a horrible story, virtually no Godzilla, a lost-looking and confused Ken Watanabe, and some head-scratching directorial choices. Constantly cutting away from your title character, to a a bunch of emotionless human drones, is a sin of Godzilla-like proportions. Doing that would be fine, if the people we are cutting to, are even remotely interesting, or engaging.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

This movie is so bad, it has probably all but killed any chance of Andrew Garfield returning as the character, and could force Sony to share Spidey with Marvel Studios. I don't think I've seen a film so jumbled in all my life. There are so many cooks in the kitchen, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the most schizophrenic film I think I've ever seen. The tonal shifts that take place in this movie are whiplash inducing. They make Peter Parker's dance in Spider-Man 3, look tolerable. Jamie Foxx is horrendous as Electro, and he's channeling Jim Carey's The Riddler for some reason. Paul Giamatti shows up too, in an awfully cartoony cameo as The Rhino. It's bad. Just, bad. It's even worse to think that this film, was supposed to jump start a Spider-Man Cinematic Universe.

NOAH

There's pretentious, then there's pretentious for the sake of being pretentious. Noah, is just that. What in the holy hell is this? Noah turns one of the more popular Biblical tales into a drab, artsy-fartsy farce. The film is painfully dull, absurd, and adds a "message" which it attempts to shove down your throat. It tries to cash in on the Game of Thrones craze as well, which is utterly mind-boggling. Game of Thrones is popular right? The kids love that right? Cool. Rock Monsters! Psycho Noah! And go. Wait, what?

OK, we got that out of the way, let's take a look at a few honorable mentions for 2014.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

I would like to make something perfectly clear: I don't hate Guardians of the Galaxy. However, I'm not, and was not, on the bandwagon that Guardians of the Galaxy is the most awesome film ever. I had, and still have issues with Guardians, but there's no denying just how much fun this film is. Rocket Raccoon and Groot, are two of the best cinematic characters to grace the screen in a long time. Chris Pratt is a strong, charismatic presence, and the action and effects are quite a delight to watch. Guardians is a fun ride.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1

The penultimate film in The Hunger Games franchise, is a very strong, solid entry. However, I can't help but feel the film was just incomplete. Yes, I know it was just a "part 1", but for me that took a little something away from it. Still, Mockingjay Part 1, is a mesmerizing drama to watch unfold. The almost ungodly acting talent on screen, is a real treat to watch. Sutherland, is at his President Snow best here, and Lawrence, well, she's Jenifer Lawrence. An extremely well crafted film, that transcends its "young adult" moniker.

BIG EYES

It's fascinating to watch a film by Tim Burton, be so...normal. Yet, there's still something very Tim Burton-y about Big Eyes. In a sense, the fact that Big Eyes is so normal, is very weird by by contrast, given Burton is behind the camera. Big Eyes is an interesting look at this odd true story. Amy Adams is fantastic here, and Burton really shows us he CAN direct something without Johnny Depp in a strange wig, and globs of face paint. It's a strong film with a lot of humor and heart.

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

The adrenaline shot for the X-Men franchise that was First Class, paved the way for the jump start that was Days of Future Past. Bryan Singer returns to the franchise he started and "fixes" it, with a time-bending storyline which rights the wrongs that came before it. Days of Future past, is an incredibly entertaining film, with fantastic characters, story, action, and effects, that all come together to make one helluvamovie. And Quicksilver. Quicksilver was enough to make this one of the best films of the year.

BOYHOOD

Wait, what? But I read your tweet about this film you say? Indeed. There are things about Boyhood I hate. I found Ellar Coltrane to be incredibly annoying, some of the acting isn't quite there, the film is a bit too long, and there is definitely no real plot. However, Boyhood has an infectious charm that runs through its lengthy run-time. As someone who studies film, I did find the notion of shooting a movie over the course of twelve years very interesting, and that curiosity feeds into a viewing. Watching these characters grow and change before your eyes, is something quite unique. It's an interesting exercise in making a movie. And it's a film that does kind of stick with you after.

10. SNOWPIERCER

Snowpiercer, is an incredibly original action film. Yes, technically the movie came out in 2013, but it was released in the United States in June and July of 2014, so I'm counting it. I loved every second of this film. Chris Evans is really good here. It's nice to see him flex his acting chops. The surrounding cast which include the likes of, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, and Ed Harris, are top notch. The action is edge of your seat, the story is engaging, the characters are interesting, and the premise is quite original. Check out the flick if you haven't yet. You won't be disappointed.

9. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Apes on horses! Apes on horses! Yes, there are apes on horses, but there is also something else in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: an immensely engaging story, and heart. Throw in two incredible performances by Andy Serkis and Toby Kebbell, and here is a typical summer blockbuster transformed into something more. The motion capture technique has come a long way, and it's utilized to its full potential here. Serkis proves why he is the best in the biz at it, and Kebbell creates a pretty complex and chilling character in Koba. I can not WAIT to see where this franchise goes. Who would have thought that the Apes franchise would turn around so much, after Tim Burton's disastrous remake. Bravo Fox. Bravo.

8. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

I know some people don't like the first Captain America film, but I actually really enjoyed it. While I liked The Avengers, I feel that film gets a bit too much praise for its own good. However, Captain America: The Winter Soldier finds a spectacular balance between the Marvel fun, and adds in an impressive mix of the serious. This complex spy thriller, gives the good Captain an enthralling tale to play around in, and elevates the Marvel machine to something else entirely. It raises the stakes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, figures out that big-budget Hollywood films, can be something else entirely. The plot is a nail-bitter, The Winter Soldier is a great adversary for Captain America, the characters are all fleshed out, and there are a series of incredibly impressive action set pieces. The effects are nothing to scoff at either.

7. NIGHTCRAWLER

If you've seen my review for Nightcrawler, I loved Gyllenhaal's performance, but wasn't too taken with the overall film. After my initial viewing of Nightcralwer, I went back and watched it again. Then I saw it a third time. The film grew on me. Everything came together upon my third viewing. It's a film I just couldn't shake after I initially saw it, and Gyllenhaal gives the performance of his career. He becomes the character of Lou Bloom. In that review, I also said that if the Academy doesn't nominate him, there is something wrong with them. Indeed they did not, and that's a travesty. Nightcrawler is one of the rare films I have ever gone back on, from my initial review. If you were like me, and had mixed feelings on it after the first time you saw it, I implore you to give it a second chance. It's a gripping look at how we are fed media, with a man who will stop at nothing to give it to us.

6. EDGE OF TOMORROW

Or if you prefer, Live Die Repeat. Whatever it's called these days doesn't matter. Edge of Tomorrow is a slick sci-fi actioner, that is one of the best in years. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are fantastic in this film; the dialogue is sharp and witty, the effects are top-notch, the story is fantastic, and yet, nobody saw it. That's a damn shame when you step back and think about just how good the film is. There is a great deal of humor in the movie too, which helps the plot along. If you have not seen Edge of Tomorrow, you are doing yourself a disservice. Trust me when I say you will have a fantastic ride.

5. THE LEGO MOVIE

The Lego Movie is one of the smartest animated films to come out in a long time. It's a film that transcends age. The mere fact that this movie works at all, is a feat on its own. I really hope they don't screw it up with the sequels and spin-offs on the way. It's a film that anyone can watch and enjoy, and it has a lot of heart at its core. There is an incredible emotional core to The Lego Movie, mixed in with all the wacky shenanigans happening on screen. Everything is awesome with this one.

4. BIRDMAN

Yes, I know there is more to the title, but I'm not saying it. Birdman is a fascinating film to watch unfold. You'll hear a lot of people talk about gimmicks with both Birdman, and Boyhood. Both films do utilize a gimmick to tell their stories. However, I feel the "single shot" illusion, makes more sense here, and adds to Birdman's narrative. With Boyhood, you could easily make that film with a new lead (and make-up), as the characters grow. The single shot thing in Birdman, adds to the play-like atmosphere that's going on in the story. Everyone in this film is amazing, from Michael Keaton, to Zack Galifinakis. There's an awesome frenetic energy to Birdman, that's infectious. It's hip, drum score, only adds to that effect. I did find some of the commentary to be a bit pretentious, but for the most part, Birdman is a marvel to watch.

3. SELMA

David Oyelowo transforms himself into Martin Luther King Jr. He is the man. It's kind of eerie to watch on screen. Selma is gripping, haunting, inspiring, and also sickening at times. It's a fascinating, and periodic intimate look at Martin Luther King Jr.. Another high note about the film, is it doesn't feel like a history lesson, which I know was a criticism that Lincoln had from a lot of people. Everyone in this film is on point, and they don't miss a beat. Selma is a can't miss film. It's an incredibly powerful film.

2. GONE GIRL

People who know me personally, know how much I hate Ben Affleck. I'm just not a fan. Even as a director, I'm not a fan. I enjoyed The Town, and while I liked Argo, I didn't think it was Best Picture material. That being said, Gone Girl is an amazing film. It is a dark thriller that explores psychosis, marriage, and many other issues. Rosamund Pike, gives one of the best performances of the year (maybe ever), as the incredibly bat-shit crazy Amy Dunne. I knew NOTHING going into Gone Girl, and I suggest that you practice the same if you watch the film. David Fincher, masterfully weaves this ever-twisting plot, and it is so much fun watching everything unfold. Just when you think the film is going one way, it pulls the rug out from underneath, and you fall on your ass. And yes, I really enjoyed Affleck here. Hell, Gone Girl even made Tyler Perry watchable. Gone Girl is an incredible film.

1. THE IMITATION GAME

Everyone has been touting Eddie Redmayne, or Michael Keaton, as the two front-runners for Best Actor at the Oscars. While both are great, I feel Benedict Cumberbatch is getting criminally overlooked for his performance as Alan Turing. Out of all the performances I saw this year, Cumberbatch is the one that stuck with me the most. He creates and incredibly sympathetic character, out of a man who is extremely difficult to understand. I keep hearing criticisms about Imitation Game, being a bit too "simple" in its execution. For me, that's one of the films strengths. It is simple, but Turing is complex- he is essentially the Enigma Code. I am not one of these people screaming from the highest hills, to put Benedict Cumberbatch in everything. He is a very talented actor, but for me, Imitation Game made me "get it". It's a fantastic film, only elevated to something else entirely by Cumberbatch's performance. I was glued to the screen every second of this movie. All the stuff about breaking the Enigma Code, and winning the war is fascinating. However, it's Cumberbatch, and Alan Turing you care about here. It's also an incredibly sad film, knowing how things end. Imitation Game is an exceptionally well made film. It may not have any fancy camera tricks, or was filmed over the course of 12 years, but it has a whole lot more humanity.

So there you have it. Perhaps I will do an anticipated list for 2015. There are so many films coming out this year that I'm looking forward to. It's going to be an insane year at the cinema.

Here's to a good 2015 at the movies.

HHN XXV: FACT VS FICTION

1/10/2015

Greetings, internet dwellers. It's positively mind-boggling to believe that news for HHN XXV, is already out there. Truth be told, the first piece of news came even before HHN XXIV ended. By Universal themselves. This is also a time of year, where rampant speculation and rumors run amok around the web. I wanted to make clear what the absolute truth is for HHN XXV (so far). I'll try and sort out some of the myths floating around out there, and shed some light on early speculation.

THE FOLLOWING IS just rumor

JACK THE CLOWN IS THE ICON FOR HHN XXV

This is utter nonsense right now. While it is true that the first original Icon for HHN popped up in Universal's "thank you" video for HHN XXIV, he is at this point, not the Icon. Yes, common sense says Jack will probably show up at some point in some capacity (along with past Icons given it's the 25th anniversary), but nothing has been said about his, or other Icon's returning to the event. If you are really cynical, one can even say that Jack showing up in the "thank you" vid, was just a marketing ploy to generate hype for the 25th anniversary. Doesn't mean he will show up at all for HHN XXV.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY WILL REPLACE THE WALKING DEAD

Again, utter nonsense at this point. I had someone tell me this the other day. Rumors suggest that Universal has indeed been trying to get American Horror Story at HHN for a few years now. Supposedly, they came very close last year, but couldn't come to an agreement with Fox over the content.

THE WALKING DEAD IS RETURNING

If one is to believe that three year contract rumor, HHN XXIV would have been the last year for those pesky zombies. Truth be told, rumblings of The Walking Dead actually doesn't surprise me. From a sheer business standpoint, bringing back The Walking Dead makes all the sense in the world. The show is still immensely popular, and the property has been extremely successful for HHN. It brings people to the event.

ALFRED HITCHCOCK IS COMING

I was talking to someone the other day, and they asked me if I had heard that Hitchcock would have a House at HHN XXV. They were under the impression that Hitch was definitely coming. He read it on the internet. Yeah, not true. At least, not at this point. On a personal note, I would actually really love this to happen.

HHN XXV WILL HAVE 9 HOUSES

The same person during the Hitchcock conversation, said this to me as well. Just like Hitch, this is also not currently true. I have even heard someone say that HHN XXV will have TEN Houses. While I personally believe that it is time to add at least one more House to the event, you also have to think about logistics. Where would they put it? Add another Sprung Tent? Use the Parade Building for two Houses? Split another Soundstage? Use two parks? Which brings me to...

HHN XXV WILL BE IN TWO PARKS

This pops up every year. Someone on some message board is absolutely adamant that the event will be in both parks. Every year, someone is wrong and made to look like a fool. Truth be told, having the event in both parks is pretty expensive for Universal to do. If you look at 2004, technically, the event wasn't even in both parks, but half of each. You can't have anything in Seuss Landing either, and now you have Hogsmeade, which you can't have anything in as well. So the question becomes, why bother? I even read the other day someone say there will be a "dual event". One HHN at IOA, and another separate event at the Studios. 99.9% sure that aint happening.

INSERT FANBOY DREAM HOUSE HERE

Ghostbusters is coming. The Exorcist is coming. Freddy VS Jason is coming, Killer Klowns From Outer Space is coming...And so on. Ghostbusters gained steam last year, as it was the 30th anniversary and supposedly was a House that Mike Aiello has wanted to do for a while. It recently gained buzz again when a fake photo surfaced of an HHN XXV House treatment, with Ghostbusters in the title.

INSERT MOVIE CROSS PROMOTION HOUSE HERE

We know HHN likes to do this. One of Universal's upcoming Horror films being featured as a House at the event, is not new. Every year though, every Horror film seems to be coming as a House (and not just a Universal properties either). This year's list includes but is not limited to: The Conjuring 2, Insidious 3, As Above So Below (which came out last year), The Purge, Mama (which came out in 2013), Crimson Peak, Ouija, Paranormal Activity, the above mentioned The Exorcist, and a few others. Last year, there were a few people adamant that The Exorcist was indeed coming, as well as The Conjuring spin-off Annabelle being what we now know was Dollhouse of the Damned.

THE FOLLOWING IS FACT

THE DATES

With that "thank you" video, Universal revealed the dates for HHN XXV, before HHN XXIV ended. I personally have never seen them do that so freaking early. We know the event starts on September 25th, and will run on select nights though October 31st.

PLANNING HAS BEGUN AND BEGAN EARLY

With the early reveal of what the dates for HHN XXV would be, it's obvious early planning started before HHN XXIV ended. Mike Aiello Tweeted the other day as well, that HHN XXV is "taking shape".

ONE HOUSE CONCEPT IS ALREADY DONE

The HHN Orlando Twitter feed, recently tweeted out an image of the first House treatment for HHN XXV. What it is, we don't know, but one treatment is indeed done. The feed also revealed that the second treatment is currently underway. Based on the tweet, the second House they are working on, may be something returning from the past.

STREET EXPERIENCE

Back in December, the HHN Twitter feed tweeted a picture of what appeared to be, a concept for an HHN XXV Scare Zone/Street Experience.

While it is entirely possible some of the current rumors will turn out to be true, they are just that at this point: rumors. And even still, stuff can change in an instant with HHN. Even if they have stuff locked down and done. With this being the 25th anniversary, there will probably be a lot of crazy conjecture and rumor floating around out there, until we get something more concrete in the Spring. Truth be told, it is just so early to really say anything at all.
Until next time HHN fans.

THE UNIVERSE: PHOTOPALOOZA- ATTACK OF THE BIRDS EDITION

1/9/2015

Hello internet dwellers. Another round of photos from Universal this week. The park was actually pretty crowded surprisingly. Not just by people too, but birds. Lots of freaking Gulls flying around Universal. Some photos of the Kong construction as well. Enjoy!

THE UNIVERSE: PHOTOPALOOZA

1/2/2015

Greetings internet dwellers. HHN Legacy here, with a series of photos from my visit to the very crowded Universal Orlando Resort. New signs, "Kongstruction", and some other randomness within. Enjoy!