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Archives for : June2018

Movie Review: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” Fails its Predecessor

Jurassic World was everything we had been waiting for since the first Jurassic Park was released in 1993. The park was opened and running smoothly. It was also set in some attractive green scenery. Of course, one day everything goes wrong when a wild test subject is let loose and the whole park falls apart! A simple premise with so much entertainment. Now what happened to that kind of writing with this sequel?

Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom starts off okay enough. It’s been three years since the tragic incident and the Jurassic World theme park is no more. But now an impending volcanic eruption on the island will wipe out the existing dinosaurs and render them extinct once again. The question is do we save the dinosaurs and bring them to the states, or do we let them die? For Dr. Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), the decision is easy. Let the dinosaurs die and save humanity from a potential life-threatening attack. However, previous park staffer, Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) still feels a connection to the dinosaurs and jumps at the opportunity to save them when approached by Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell), the one time partner of Jurassic Park mastermind John Hammond. Mr. Lockwood and his caretaker/right-hand man, Eli Mills (Rafe Spall), plan to rescue the remaining species from the island and bring them to a sanctuary where they will be allowed to live in peace.

Only problem is they need the skilled velociraptor trainer, Owen (Chris Pratt), to come along this mission and find Blue, the only raptor left of its kind. FYI, the best thing about this movie is the connection between Blue and Owen. Luckily, Claire finds Owen in his new quiet life, building a cabin in the middle of nowhere. How convenient and cliché. After some banter about their previous relationship she convinces him to join the mission and save Blue.

I won’t go into the plot any further than that to avoid spoilers, but eventually we are taken on a chaotic ride.

There are many problems with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom; beginning with its characters. With the exception of Pratt, Howard, and the best character, Blue, I could careless about anyone else on screen. In fact, who are all you people? Claire brings along two new faces, feisty “paleo-veterinarian” Zia Rodriguez (Daniella Pineda), who knows everything about these creatures but has never actually seen one in person, and tech-geek Franklin (Justice Smith), who constantly screams at any sign of danger. They had no business being in this movie. Because again, who even are you?

The villain is weak and their “evil” motive is just lazy writing. There were other characters too but, honestly, I just don’t care enough about them.

Though the film has intense action-packed sequences that will keep you enthralled till the end, the ridiculous story is unforgiving. Oddly enough, I’d still say it is worth watching the action on the big screen, but don’t go in with high expectations. Grab some popcorn and try not to think too much while watching.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom leaves the door wide open for another sequel, and maybe, the writers will get it right on their third try with what will hopefully be the final chapter.

Rating: 2.5/5

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom hits theaters June 22.

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DSM Announces Performer Lineup for 2018 Gala: Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Shoshana Bean

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS UNVEILS TALENT TRIFECTA
JANE LYNCH, MATTHEW MORRISON AND SHOSHANA BEAN TO PERFORM AT
DSM’s 2018 GALA

Image result for jane lynch and matthew morrison

Mark your calendars for An Evening with the Best of Broadway on November 3, 2018. All proceeds support Dallas Summer Musicals and its education and community programs.

Dallas, TX (June 7, 2018) – After much anticipation, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) has finally revealed the talent lineup for its unforgettable annual Gala, An Evening with the Best of Broadway. At a launch party held this week, 2018 DSM Gala Co-Chairs Cara Owens and John Clutts unveiled, to much excitement, a talented trifecta of performers for the event, including notable actors Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison, famed for their work in the musical-comedy television series Glee and renowned Broadway performer Shoshana Bean. Surprise special guests, to be announced at a later date, will join the star-studded lineup for a spectacular evening of Broadway.

“We are ecstatic to announce this lineup of powerhouse names set to perform at the 2018 DSM Gala,” said Owens. “Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Shoshana Bean all possess an exceptional breadth of talent that will wow every guest in attendance,” agreed Clutts.

The 2018 DSM Gala lineup showcases three artists who have each risen through the ranks to achieve their independent success. These versatile performers have garnered immeasurable success and recognition through their work on Broadway and in the television, film and music industries.

Lynch, who will serve as the event’s emcee, is renowned for her comedic timing and versatile range. She is best known for starring alongside Morrison in the hit television show Glee as the one-liner powerhouse coach “Sue Sylvester”. For her role as Sylvester, Lynch won numerous awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. In addition to her role on Glee, Lynch has garnered a long list of film and television credits, including roles in Julie & Julia, The Three Stooges, Talladega Nights and more. Lynch made her Broadway debut in 2013 as “Miss Hannigan” in a production of Annie.

Morrison has also accumulated a vast collection of reputable career spotlights, receiving his big break after winning the role of “Link Larkin” in 2002 the original Broadway cast of Hairspray. He was nominated for a Tony® Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza and most recently appeared on Broadway as “J.M. Barrie” in Finding Neverland for which he received two Drama Desk Award nominations. His other Broadway credits include roles in Footloose, 10 Million Miles and the Tony® Award-winning revival of South Pacific. Alongside Lynch, Morrison rose to fame for his role as glee club director “Will Schuester” in Glee.

Bean is highly regarded in the Broadway community for her varied and versatile performances. She is best known for being the first to take over the role of “Elphaba” in the original Broadway production of Wicked, following the departure of Idina Menzel. Her most recent Broadway credits include “Fanny Brice” in Funny Girl and “Cee-Cee Bloom” in the new musical adaptation of Beaches, for which she earned a Jeff Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Bean has lent her voice to countless films and television shows and her four independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes charts, with her latest album Spectrum landing at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts.

An Evening with the Best of Broadway is an annual celebration of DSM and the magic of musical theatre. Proceeds will support the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the very best of Broadway to North Texas and its education and community programs. DSM brings the beauty of musical theatre to many through programs such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Vets, Seats for Kids, Kid’s Club, Hear Us Now!™ and the DSM Community Performance.

Guests will enjoy an incredible culinary experience, luxury auction items and an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment. This will be a wonderful opportunity to indulge in everything you love about Broadway and the DSM experience at the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.

Gala giving opportunities are available online at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org. For more information please call the DSM Development office at 214-426-6333.