Rss

  • linkedin

Archives for : Family

Kilburn Live and Hasbro Team Up to Bring NERF Challenge to Dallas

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 22, 2021
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kilburn Live and Hasbro Team Up to Bring NERF Challenge to Dallas For the Ultimate Adrenaline-Pumping Active Play Experience at Centennial Hall at Fair Park This Summer

Dallas, TX (April 20, 2021) – Today, Kilburn Live, a global live entertainment company, and HASBRO, Inc., a global play and entertainment company, announced they are bringing their groundbreaking, live entertainment experience NERF Challenge to Dallas starting May 28 at Centennial Hall at Fair Park. After a highly successful debut in Los Angeles in 2019, Kilburn Live anticipates Dallas to be eager to show why everything is bigger (and more competitive) in the Lone Star State. 

“We are thrilled to bring this amazing experience to Dallas, and it feels like a natural fit to kick-off our 2021 tour in this great city,” said Mark Manuel, CEO at Kilburn Live. “It has been a tough year, and we know that now, more than ever, people just want to get back out there and start playing again, especially by this Summer. And if it is play they are looking for, nothing compares to NERF Challenge. It is 90,000 square feet of active, competitive play in a variety of sports, blaster play, obstacle courses, carnival games, and insane one-of-a-kind activations, like our human wrecking bowl.  And with our giant leaderboard keeping track of everyone’s scores, we are sure to ignite that competitive Texas spirit.”

Housed in the massive Centennial Hall, NERF Challenge offers guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the ultimate heart-pumping, action-packed, competitive sports experience. Whether you are an adrenaline-seeker, competitor, or simply a NERF fan, NERF Challenge offers kids and enthusiasts the opportunity to be among the first to get hands-on with the latest in cutting-edge NERF technology.

“We’re excited to partner once again with Kilburn Live to bring this interactive experience to Dallas and around the country,” said Matthew Proulx, Vice President, Location Based Entertainment at Hasbro. “We know that people are ready to get out and play, and NERF’s cutting-edge play-centered technology will get pulses racing and brains working double time.”

Kilburn Live and Hasbro have created the ultimate gamified live experience featuring NERF’s iconic blasters and sports products designed to test a player’s speed, agility, concentration, and accuracy. Must-try NERF Challenge experiences include:

  • Dodge Blast – Partner up and storm a fortified position held by your friends using NERF blasters to score points on stationary targets, all while avoiding a barrage of darts.
  • Wrecking Bowling – Try your hand at bowling, NERF style! Strap in and become a human wrecking ball with a single purpose: scoring the elusive strike!
  • Try-athlon Ninja Style Circuit Course – The ultimate test of speed and agility, this soft play obstacle course is designed to put your athletic prowess to the test.
  • Bernoulli Baseball – The ultimate test of eye-hand coordination as you attempt to score a line drive hit on a floating, moving ball. 
  • Vortex Throw – Climb to the top of the leaderboards by rapidly firing NERF footballs at a giant dartboard-like target.
  • Colossal Foosball – In this super-sized version of the classic game, you and your friends can step onto the field and compete in a larger-than-life game of Foosball.

The NERF Challenge will kick off on May 28 in Dallas and run through August 8. Presale tickets will be available on April 21, with general ticketing opening to the public on April 23. For more information about the NERF Challenge experience and to purchase tickets, visit www.nerfchallenge.com or @nerfchallenge on Facebookand Instagram.  

Kilburn Live and The NERF Challenge teams will be strictly following state and city-mandated Covid-19 protocols to ensure safety of all of our guests. Furthermore, Kilburn has adopted best-in-class cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all of its events. 

Interview: Jeff Rosenberg & Laura Jacqmin talk “We Broke Up”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 15, 2021
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Lori (Aya Cash) and Doug (William Jackson Harper), a longtime couple who break up just days before Lori’s little sister Bea’s wedding to Jayson. In order to not disrupt the fun, the couple decides to pretend they’re still together until the weekend is over. “

I spoke with Director/Co-writer Jeff Rosenberg and Co-writer Laura Jacqmin to discuss long term relationship break ups, the key to a good wedding speech, which celebrity couple they hope never breaks up and much more!

Listen to the full interview below!

“We Broke Up” opens on April 16, 2021

(Left) Laura Jacqmin & (Middle) Jeff Rosenberg
“We Broke Up” Interview with Director/Co-Writer Jeff Rosenberg & Co-Writer Laura Jacqmin
Share

Movie Review: “Raya and the Last Dragon”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 4, 2021
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Raya and the Last Dragon” follows a warrior named Raya, whose on a mission to find the last dragon and save her world from the monsters that destroyed it. Watch the video below to see my full review of the movie.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” opens in theaters March 5 and available on Disney Plus Premier Access.

Share

Interview: Carlson Young talks “The Blazing World”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : January 30, 2021
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“The Blazing World” premieres at Sundance this weekend. I spoke with Director, Writer, and star of the film, Carlson Young to discuss production, the meaning behind the movie, and fun facts about the actor/filmmaker.

“The Blazing World” will be screening indoors at the Texas Theatre on Sunday, January 31, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through thetexastheatre.com. Or, if you would like to watch the film at home for the same price, you can buy tickets through tickets.festival.sundance.org.

Share

Interview: Writer Mike Jones talks “Soul”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 19, 2020
0

Category: Interviews, Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Soul” follows Joe (Jamie Foxx) , a music teacher who has lost his passion for music and sense of purpose. But when he is transported into another realm to help someone find their spark, he discovers a new appreciation for life. I chatted with writer Mike Jones to discuss the film, what little things he appreciates about life, the value in asking people questions, and much more.

“Soul” is available to stream on Disney+ December 25.

Share

Kilburn Live Teams Up with Dr. Seuss Enterprises for The Grinch’s Grotto

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 26, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events, Special Features

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fans, Families, and Who-ville Citizens Unite With Their Favorite Holiday Grump to Un-Celebrate 2020.

Select Westfield, Brookfield, Macerich, Turnberry & Oxford Properties Across North America to Feature A Santa Photo Alternative for Those Who Are Feeling a Little Bit “Grinchy” This Year.

“You’re a mean one, 2020.” It’s been a year to say the least and even as the holidays approach, some may be feeling more grouchy than usual.  If taking those traditional cheerful holiday photos with the family is exactly what you don’t feel like doing, there’s now an alternative! Kilburn Live, a market leader in the Live Entertainment industry, has announced a new partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a global leader in educational entertainment, to create “The Grinch’s Grotto,” an imaginative take on holiday photo shoots that will give guests a fun way to show off a bit of their grumpiness during  what is still the most wonderful time of the year.

Presented in partnership with retail leaders such as Westfield Group, Brookfield Properties, Macerich, Turnberry and Oxford, “The Grinch’s Grotto” will launch on Black Friday across a limited number of flagship malls throughout North America including ones in Los Angeles, Chicago, DC, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Miami, Toronto, Northern California and the New York Tri-State area. Guests will enter these free-standing locations for a one-of-a-kind visit with The Grinch in his special cave for a photo-shoot and other special surprises that are both intimate and in true Grinch fashion – socially-distant.

“If there was ever a year where The Grinch really would take over the holiday season, it’s 2020,” said Kilburn CEO Mark Manuel. “It’s been said even the meanest soul is moved by Christmas and at its core this Dr. Seuss story is about finding your own way to redemption which is what inspired us here. It is great to be once again collaborating with our partners at Dr. Seuss Enterprises on this project. Through these challenging times, we still wanted to find a way to give families some joy this holiday season in a lighthearted and fun way. After all, 2020 has been a tough year, but it can’t take away our ability to smile and laugh which are oftentimes the first steps of continued hope”.

Complete with a burlap sack full of presents, a Grinch stylized holiday tree and a backlit fireplace with hanging stockings just as depicted in the book, this true-to-form experience will place guests inside the classic tale in one of the most authentic ways possible. Guests will also be given the opportunity to pick a sign with their choice of a favorite 2020 slogan to be placed in their photo with the Grinch. Sample slogans include, “You’re a mean one, 2020” “2020: “Stink, Stank, Stunk,” “2020 – How The Grinch Stole, Well, The Whole Year” and some positive ones including “The Grinch still can’t steal Christmas!

“The Grinch’s Grotto” will kick off on November 27th across North America. Tickets for each engagement will go on sale on November 12th. Tickets will be limited and it is recommended guests pre-book their visits online prior to visiting. To see a list of locations and to pre-register for tickets please visit https://www.grinchgrotto.com/.

Movie Review: “Let Him Go” – A Powerful Portrayal of a Grandparent’s Love

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 3, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Diane Lane and Kevin Costner are heartbroken grandparents ready to do whatever is needed to protect their grandson.

Focus Features new drama, “Let Him Go” opens with retired sheriff George Blackledge (Costner) and his wife Margaret (Lane) at their ranch in Montana spending time with their son James (Ryan Bruce), his wife Lorna (Kayli Carter), and their baby boy. Later that day, James has a fatal accident while riding a wild horse.

Years later, Lorna remarries. Her son, Jimmy, is now a toddler. On her wedding day, she seems uncomfortable around her new husband, Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain). It isn’t until Margaret sees Donnie hit Lorna and Jimmy that she recognizes the problem. When she discovers they have mysteriously taken off to go stay with Donnie’s family; Margaret and George leave their Montana ranch, and set off to rescue their only grandchild from the dangerous Weboy family.

Based on Larry Watson’s novel, the film is directed and written by Thomas Bezucha (“The Family Stone”, “Monte Carlo”). Bezucha has a way of writing compelling family dynamics. Every character has depth. The relationships between the Blackledge family isn’t picture perfect. Margaret and George have a loving and respectable marriage, but they don’t always see eye to eye. And Margaret’s relationship with Lorna is a bit rocky, as Margaret can be overbearing.

The Weboy family is a special, terrifying case; led by their vicious and abusive mother, Blanche (Lesley Manville). She controls her sons and any other man in her life. What these men lack in brains, they make up for in strength and violence. They are an odd and horrifying bunch.

“Let Him Go” is a tense journey, but the scenic drive to their destination is beautiful and adds a brief unexpected tranquility. From the tragic beginning, you’re hooked till the very end. It’s unbearable to think about the pain parents must feel after the loss of a child, but to know their is still a piece of him in their grandchild makes their mission heroic and cathartic.

The film is heavy and there is some graphic violence, but it’s a fantastic story with incredible performances. Lane and Costner are a duo that deserve a longer screen time together than they had in “Man of Steel”. The two feed off each other so naturally. And Lesley Manville is an intimidating scene stealer. You dread her character, but you anxiously await her next appearance.

“Let Him Go” is not exactly groundbreaking, but it is an engaging script and exquisitely shot. The performances alone are enough for me to recommend this watch, but there’s also thrilling action and a powerful story. It’s the perfect movie to watch with the whole family.

Rating: 4.25/5

“Let Him Go” opens in theaters November 6, 2020.

Share

Movie Review: “The Willoughbys” & “The Wrong Missy” Preview

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 8, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This week, I review the Netflix animated film, “The Willoughbys”. It’s a dark comedy about four kids looking to get rid of their horrible, selfish parents. What follows is a wild adventure that uncovers the true meaning of family. Then enjoy a preview of the zany, new David Spade comedy, “The Wrong Missy”.

“The Willoughbys” is available on Netflix now

“The Wrong Missy” is available on Netflix May 13.

Share

Movie Review: “The Lost Husband” Sparks a Glimmer of Light

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 9, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

All is not lost in the new romantic comedy, starring Leslie Bibb and Josh Duhamel.

Based on the novel by Katherine Center, “The Lost Husband” follows Libby (Bibb), an attractive young woman, who has lost her husband in a tragic car accident. Libby and her two children (Callie Hope Haverda & Roxton Garcia) have been living with her difficult mother (Sharon Lawrence); but when they wear out their welcome, they pack up and head to her aunt Jean’s (Nora Dunn) house.

Jean lives in central Texas on a goat farm with no TV, no Wi-Fi, and no dishwasher. However, she does have an espresso maker! In order to make herself useful, Libby is forced to help out around the house and farm. Luckily, she has the conveniently handsome and single ranch hand, James (Duhamel), to guide her through the process of things.

The relationship between Libby and James is about as predictable as you would imagine. It begins with a dislike for each other. James thinks she’s too much of a city girl and can’t possibly get her hands dirty, and Libby thinks James is a jerk. Well, good thing opposites do attract. The transition from hate to love goes quick. Besides a few bickers here and there, the film doesn’t try to fight off the pair’s instant chemistry for too long. Both Bibb and Duhamel do a great job with their roles and are a fun and charming couple to watch.

The film identifies itself as a “romantic comedy”. Though it is a big element to the story, “The Lost Husband” centers more around Libby’s growth and healing over her husband’s death and mother’s mistreatment. This is not a bad thing, and it’s refreshing that the movie went this route instead of trying to make a Nicholas Sparks knock-off.

The entire cast does a solid job and there’s even a little “Popular”(1999 TV Series) reunion between Bibb and her former co-star Carly Pope that will be nice for fans of the show to see.

There’s just no high risk conflict in this movie. Little issues pop up like a child being bullied, an annoying new friend, and even a “shocking” secret. However, these issues are either resolved quickly, glossed over, or feel very anti-climactic. We never earn our resolution.

You can easily sit back, relax, and watch this mildly dramatic story unfold. Which may be exactly what we all need right now. I point out these flaws of the film not to deter you away, but to better prepare you going in. At no point will you question where the story is headed, but you can still enjoy this smooth ride.

“The Lost Husband” is a heart-warming drama about love and the family/people in our lives who truly bring us up when we’re down.

Rating: 3/5

“The Lost Husband is available to rent On Demand April 10.

Share

Movie Review/Interview: Set Designer Carlos Felipe Leon talks “Onward”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 5, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Onward” is the first MUST-SEE movie of 2020. The film follows two teenage elf brothers, Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt), who are on a quest to finish a spell that will allow them to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him.

I sat down with set designer, Carlos Felipe Leon, to discuss the bonds with our siblings, which film’s setting/world he’d like to spend 24 hours in and more about the movie! Check out the interview w/ Carlos AND my full ICTN review of the film below!

“Onward” opens in theaters March 6.

Share
Share