"Transformers One"

From 9/14/2024 press screening:

After Michael Bay left the "Transformers" series, the subsequent movies got more coherent and human. "Transformers One” goes back to the very beginning, to the origin of the wise protector and leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, and his archenemy, the vengeful and megalomaniac Megatron, leader of the Decepticons.

Planet Cybertron has been torn by war for centuries and the Primes died as heroes fighting the Quintessons, except one, Sentinel Prime (voiced by Jon Hamm, “Top Gun: Maverick”), who is admired and respected by all.  The Matrix of Leadership, the artifact of great power, is missing.  Sentinel Prime periodically goes on trips to the surface to look for it.  

Cybetron's population is divided into the two factions – droids who were born without cogs and couldn't transform shapes, the working class, and those born with cogs, enabling them to transform, the elite upper-class.  The working class work as miners, working hard in shifts to mine Energon, the energy source that fuels everything in Cybertron.  

Young Orion Pax (future Optimus Prime, voiced by Chris Hemsworth; “The Avengers” series, “Thor” series, “Rush”) and D-16 (future Megatron, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) become best buddies.  Arlita (future Arcee, voiced by Scarlett Johansson; "Fly Me to the Moon," “Black Widow,” “Hail Caesar!,” “Her”) is a lead among the miners.  

Orion Pax is a rebel who goes into all kinds of mischiefs.  He refused to believe that being a miner is all there is to it and that there's something better out there.  D-16 is a rule follower and loyal soldier.  He works hard, believes in Sentinel Prime's leadership and is grateful for the relative safety and stability by working in the mines.  From time to time, he has to save Orion Pax from trouble.  In turn, Orion Pax has D-16's back. Orion Pax's tendency to find himself in trouble annoys Arlita and endangers her reputation since she's the lead.  

The Iaconrace, a high-speed and high-stake racing reserved for powerful transformers with cogs, is such an exhilarating sequence.  Spectacular computer-generated graphics, so vivid and alive, which put you in the race among these multidimensional robots. Orion Pax somehow gets him and D-16 accidentally into the race, as he wants to prove himself that, as miners, they are more than capable to compete with these elite transformers.  

The end of the race doesn't end exactly how the duo envisions and they end up in a hidden section of the mine, along with Arlita, and they run into a talkative miner, B-127 (future Bumblebee, voiced by Keegan Michael-Key).  The interactions among these young robots are hilarious.  They act like teenagers and are facially expressive.  B-127, in particular, is a riot.  

Through a series of mishaps, the quartet reach the glossy surface is bewildered by what they see and encounter.  Long story short, they find out that the lives they know all along are not what they've been told.  D-16 is particularly hit hard and shattered to his core, unleashing anger-fueled destructions.  

Since their characters are established well, it's easy to see why they react the way they do.  Even though you know how the future ends, that Optimus Prime and Megatron are forever-nemesis, you can't help but root for Megatron to stay good and for these brotherlike friends to keep their friendship. The robots have to pick sides.  The fights are chaotic, hard and fast.  

The story shows what a singular leadership can do and the power it holds.  How influential such power is in moving masses and how dangerous it is when corrupted by ego, greed, hatred, revenge or misguided sense of justice.  

“Transformers One” is a classic class warfare, friendships, trust, loyalty and betrayal.  More importantly, it's about the choice each individual makes, to find the strength and character within, to either succumb to darkness or rise above into the light for the greater good.  

Fully animated film, “Transformers One” is thrilling with high energy and heart, and may be the most human story of all. 

2024 Comic-Con "Transformers One" panel with Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key. 

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"Slingshot"

What's scarier than monsters and aliens?  The human mind.  What happens when you're losing your mind in space?  

Spaceship Odyssey 1 is bound for Titan, Saturn's moon where methane is abundant and the substance can be used to help with the climate crisis on Earth.  Three astronauts are traveling billions of miles for nearly three years, where the ship will be slingshot from Jupiter to reach Titan.  

John (Casey Affleck; “Interstellar,” “The Finest Hours,” “Manchester by the Sea"), Captain Franks (Lawrence Fishburne, “John Wick: Chapter 4”), and astrophysicist Nash (Tomer Capone) go into hibernation in their individual sleep pod for 90 days.  They wake up every cycle to eat, shower, exercise, walk around and check on the ship.  

The drug-induced hibernation is heavy with side effects, causing exhaustion, anxiety and paranoia, to the point that it would lead into hallucination.  The total isolation and silence, especially after losing communication with Earth, amplifies the stake.

John begins to see Zoe (Emily Beecham) on the ship, the spaceship designer and former girlfriend,  even as he convinces himself it's not real.  When an object hits the ship and part of the ceiling pops out, but the computer diagnostics don't show anything's wrong, Nash begins to fear that staying the course would seriously jeopardize their safety.  Franks, as the captain, holds his ground and believes nothing is wrong, and instructs Nash and John to continue the journey to Titan, for the good of mankind.   

Mudslinging follows.  At the end of the day though, disobeying the captain's order is considered insubordination, and there's serious consequence, especially in space with no way out and no escape.  John has to pick a side, although it doesn't mean he doesn't doubt his choice or that he sticks to it.  

John's relationship with Zoe is shown in flashbacks, from their first chance encounter to  private moments, and differences that led to their separation.  Pay attention to the conversations, imageries, dreams and symbolisms, as they will come in handy later.  

The atmosphere contained within the sterile, greyish teal walls is claustrophobically tense, awash with extreme fear.  Soon each one of them doesn't know who to trust, as they can't even trust their own mind and begin to lose grip on reality.  Franks is very frank with his position and is forced take drastic measures.  

Who is right and who is wrong?  Which scenes are real and which ones are hallucinations?  What is reality when no one can say with certainty what they see, hear and experience is real?  The scenes are eerily executed and unnervingly acted by all three actors that you can't possibly be sure either. The scenarios and explanations are all plausible.  Everything looks and feels real; you would be hard pressed to tell who's who and what's what.

The penultimate scenes present a rationally plausible explanation about what's going on... until the final scene hits you in the head with mind-twisting veracity.  No ambiguity, “Slingshot” is bracingly gutsy and will make you question what you've believed to be true.  

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"Strange Darling"

One night stand gone wrong.  

If your mind is still reeling from recalling “Blink Twice," prepare to squirm with “Strange Darling.”  “Blink Twice” makes you challenge reality; “Strange Darling” will make you question assumptions.  These back-to-back, gendered horror thrillers will linger longer in your mind after you leave the theater.  

A man (Kyle Gallner) and a woman (Wilia Fitzgerald) meet at a bar and decide to hook up at a hotel.  The man is simply called the Demon, and the woman the Lady.  Alcohol, cigar and cocaine are involved.  What could go wrong mixing these things and being impaired with a stranger?  Especially if that stranger may be a serial killer.  Fitzgerald is a fierce force and Gallner goes for broke.

“Strange Darling” sounds straightforward... except it's not.  The story is unfurling in six chapters, told out of order.  The opening scenes start with chapter 3, right in the middle.  A bloodied Lady is out on the run and hiding in the woods, hunted by a gun-totting Demon. Scared and screaming, she's able to narrowly escape and runs into a farmhouse in a field, occupied by an elderly couple.  

The story lurches forward a couple chapters, showing the Demon closing in on the Lady in the house,  but then it rewinds to the very beginning before everything happens, and then skipping chapters ahead to show what happens in the house.  Then it regresses and progresses again.  While this non-linear, sectioned storytelling method may look like a gimmick, surprisingly, it's electrifyingly executed that it strangely works on all levels.  

The cinematography is a darling.  Bright pops of red for blood, hair, car, scrub and shoes.  Bathed in neon-lit blue for nighttime rendezvous in the car. 

Slashing and shooting are rapid and sharp.  Violent and vicious, even innocent people fall into victims in this predator-and-prey game.  To tell more would be a disservice; going in blind is best.  

Strangely shocking and deeply deranged, “Strange Darling” sublimely subverts expectations.  The story tantalizingly turns on its bloody head and continues to tensely twist itself, keeping you guessing until the last drop.

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"Blink Twice"

From 8/14/2024 press screening:

“Forgetting is a gift.”  

Would you rather forget or remember your trauma?  What if it tortures you with pain and suffering?  Would you rather live a fabulous life but it's fantasy or a life with struggles but is real?  

This thought-provoking theme has been explored before (“Don't Worry Darling,” “Shutter Island,” “Inception”), but Zoe Kravitz (“Insurgent”), in her daring directorial debut, proves that nothing is off limits.  And if you blink too often, you'll miss the clues in “Blink Twice.”  

Tech tycoon Slater King (Channing Tatum; “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Hail Caesar!”)  blitz the news with apologies for his abuse of power for non-specified wrongdoing.  He tells the word that he's sorry and in therapy, and will be taking a leave of absence, jetting off to his private island.  

Frida (Naomi Ackie), is a cocktail waitress with a crush toward Slater, despite of his transgressions.  She realizes how fortunate she is to run into and rub elbow with Slater at a glamorous gala for the King Tech Foundation.  They hit it off when Frida has a mishap at the gala.  Frida feels like floating in paradise when Slater invites her and her friend, Jess (Alia Shawkat) to join him in his private island, along with select guests.  Sarah (Adria Arjona, “Hit Man”) is one of the female guests, who later will befriend Frida.  

The tropical island is every bit of paradise.  Private and secluded, where sunny days and dark nights blend in endless vacations.  Immaculate all-white linens and flowing attires are provided, along with pleasant perfumes.  Picture-perfect pools, pretentious parties, boundless booze, copious cigars, dazzling drugs, marvelous meals, and decadent dinners with a sea of candlelights.  Frida doesn't want this to ever end – even with voluntarily confiscated cellphone and no connection to the outside world.  

Everyone's living the dream.  Or are they?  There's something off about the island.  Groundskeepers seem to be all mute, except for an elderly lady, who creepily keeps mouthing off a specific phrase to Frida, which may or may not have something do with slithering snakes.  There's also a secret cottage that is closed for guests, although Frida can't help but snoops in.  

Strange occurrences begin to happen, culminating in Jess' disappearance.  Even far stranger, no other guests remember Jess.  Frida couldn't remember how she got dirt under her fingernails. Sarah doesn't know a bruise appeared on her arm.  They seem to have memory gaps and couldn't remember events.

If the vibe felt off before, it's ominous now.  Underscored by a sinister score, spectacular turns into scary, particularly when they are cut off from the rest of the world.   As far as who, what, when, why and how, these are best left untold.  Ferocious fear and rampaging rage take over.  Plot holes aside, venomous revelations and vicious revenges are best served cold.  And the endmost vengeance is ghastly tied with a gold bow fit for a king.  

“Knives Out: Glass Onion” meets “The Menu” and “Ready or Not,” “Blink Twice” is not for the meek of heart.  Brutally disturbing; the macabre factor is off the charts.  

Devilishly twisted psychological thriller with malevolent machinations, mind-blowing mind games and merciless manipulations.  “Blink Twice” is savagely entertaining.   

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FREE Movie Screening: "City of Dreams" (San Diego, CA)

FREE movie screening of "City of Dreams," if you're in the greater San Diego area:

August 27, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.

AMC Mission Valley

Get your FREE movie passes here: (have your pass ready at the door, click below)

https://gofobo.com/screenings/movie_landing/NDVXVXd1b2R1Sg%3D%3D//

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Inspired by true events, City of Dreams follows Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop making fast fashion in downtown Los Angeles. Thrust into a world of exploitation and despair; he’s forced to adhere to the grueling work schedule dictated by El Jefe, a boss who promises freedom for those who complete their quotas. Despite Jesus’s hellish existence, he finds solace in Elena, a girl who was similarly betrayed and sold into slavery. When she goes missing and another co-worker Carlito’s is severely beaten, Jesus realizes that his only hope for freedom is to make a daring escape.

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FREE Movie Screening: "It Ends with Us" (San Diego, CA)

In partnership with Sony Pictures Studios, FREE movie screening, if you're in the greater San Diego area:

August 6, 2024 - 7 p.m.

Regal Mira Mesa

Get your FREE movie passes here: (VERY limited availability; 1 pass = 2 people)

(have your pass ready at the door, click below)

Redemption code: MOVIEMAVENIEWU (case-sensitive)

https://events.sonypictures.com/screenings/unsecured/main/screeningInfo.jsf?code=MOVIEMAVENIEWU

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"It Ends with Us," the first Colleen Hoover novel adapted for the big screen, tells the compelling story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents relationship. When Lilys first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with Ryle is upended, and Lily realizes she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for her future.

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Free Movie Screening: "Didi" (San Diego, CA)

In partnership with Focus Features, FREE movie screening, if you're in the greater San Diego area:

August 5, 2024 - 7 p.m.

Regal Mira Mesa

Get your FREE movie passes here: (1 pass = 2 people)

(have your pass ready at the door, click below)

Redemption code: DIDIMovieMaven (case-sensitive)

https://focusfeaturesscreenings.com/movie_landing/RElESU1vdmllTWF2ZW4%3D

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During the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.

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"Twisters"

No warning.  No escape.  

There's no twist per se in "Twisters."  You know what you'll get before walking in, a good ol' natural disaster movie.  "Twisters" is a standalone movie and not a sequel to the 1996 blockbuster, "Twister."  

Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is a former storm chaser in college who experienced a tragic tornado encounter years ago.  These days, she monitors storm patterns safely on monitor screens in New York City.  

After being persuaded by her friend (Anthony Ramos) to test a cutting-edge tracking system, backed by a pedigreed corporate team, Kate is back in rural Oklahoma, crossing path with a social media star Tyler Owens (Glen Powell; "Hit Man," "Top Gun Maverick").  Tyler chases storms as spectacle with his ragtag crew, like shooting fireworks into a tornado, for popularity and dollars.  

Tyler’s instantly intrigued by the “city girl” chasing storms, not knowing her personal story or scientific background. As one spinning funnel after another gets closer to the area, Kate’s team and Tyler’s team tries to one up each other.  

Soon it’s clear to everyone that Kate’s not merely a city girl.  She’s storm expert, and a tornado whisperer, if you will, combining science with intuition in predicting its path.  Kate is not amused when she uncovers something about her crew’s motive behind in utilizing those tornado trackers. Surprisingly, Tyler and his team are more than meet the social media eye.  And with a meteorology background, Tyler himself is not merely a self-proclaimed “tornado wrangler."

Scientific jargons pepper conversations, dealing with wind shear, structure, moisture, temperature, cap and flow, but the gist is easily grasped. This storm season is no laughing matter, not that it ever was.  

Terrifying threats materialize and monstrous tornados are unleashed.  The convergence of multiple systems not only put the teams in a frightening run of their lives, it also destroys town after town into debris and swallows lives whole.  

It’s utterly scary to see how hopeless it is once those tornadoes are approaching the great plains and then touching down in an instant.  Hairs stood at the back of my neck.  Whipping wind, assailing hail, pelting rain, twirling fire, striking lightning turn into twisting tornadoes – wrecking grounds, destroying buildings, tearing into walls, shredding roofs, flying away vehicles, raining rubbles and crushing people.  Chaos abounds and lives are gone.  

The massive, maelstrom impact cannot be understated.  Devastated communities have to rise and rebuild their lives. Beyond the thrills of special effects, there’s a real human story about the caring spirit, resilience among the rubbles, and making a difference.

No matter how powerful we've become as humans, mother nature's tremendous power remains one to be reckoned with.  Ferocious and fearsome, the tornadoes storm with boisterous bluster and furiously batter anything and anyone on its destructive path.  

“Twisters” is visceral in power and grounded at heart.  Thrilling, yet terrifying twister of a ride.  

*I watched it at a press screening earlier in the week on a regular theater screen.  Just finally had the time to write the review.  If you can, see it on ScreenX, immersive wraparound screens.  Or 4DX, if you like lengthy simulation rides.  

**I went back and saw it in ScreenX!

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2024 Comic-Con: Those About to Die Chariot Race

Immerse yourself in the glory of Ancient Rome at the San Diego Comic-Con International with Peacock's "Those About To Die: The Chariot Race."   Step inside the betting tavern, join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself.  Inspired by the new Original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District across from the convention center. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair of reins to power their team’s chariot to victory.  

The activation will be open on July 25-28, 2024 (Thursday, 12:00-6:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), 170 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

NO badge required!  While pre-registration is full, standby lines are available.  

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THOSE ABOUT TO DIE is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics and dynasties.  You can stream all 10 episodes on Peacock right now.  

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2024 Comic-Con: The Planet of the Apes

ENTER THE FORBIDDEN ZONE!  THE PLANET OF THE APES EXPERIENCE

20th Century Studios’ summer epic action-adventure, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," will reign at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International. Fans will have multiple opportunities to engage with filmmakers, artists and talent that created this masterpiece. 

NO badge and NO ticket required!  July 25-July 28, 2024; 10 am.-7 p.m. daily, except July 28,  10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center (across the street from the Convention Center, 200 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101)

Dive into six decades of one of the world’s most popular and thought-provoking franchises with this immersive exhibition of costumes, comics, props, and so much more from the beloved the "Planet of the Apes" series. Go behind-the-scenes on the latest hit film "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," and re-live some of the best moments and most compelling characters that have graced both page and screen since the dramatic cinematic debut of "Planet of the Apes" in 1968.  There is also a Dylan Cole steelbook autograph signing.

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2024 Comic-Con: FX Activations

Stop by "The Bear" Restaurant Pop-Up, Descend on the FX "Fearless Hellevator."  Pose for Photos at "Paddy’s Pub" and the "Vampire Residence."  July 25-28, 2024 at the Hilton Bayfront lawn at the San Diego Comic-Con International.  FREE Swag.  NO badge and NO ticket required!

FX will host a can’t-miss series of immersive experiences transporting fans into their favorite FX series with interactive experiences, exclusive merch and photo opportunities including:

THE BEAR Restaurant Pop-Up - Step into the interior of THE BEAR restaurant, where fans will be served up a daily chef’s special featuring exclusive merch, while supplies last.

FX Fearless Hellevator - Take a ride through twelve spine-chilling moments from THE AMERICAN HORROR HISTORY universe and get a glimpse into the world of Grotesquerie, the new Ryan Murphy horror series premiering this fall.

IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA - Paddy’s Pub: Pose for photos outside The Gang’s beloved Irish bar.

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS - Vampire Residence: Visit the Vampire’s Staten Island mansion for a spooky photo op complete with props from the series.

Hours of Operations: July 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 27 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 28 - 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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2024 Comic Con: Hulu Animayhem

Hulu is bringing Animayhem back to the San Diego Comic-Con International with a zany, 2D factory where its beloved animated series are made.  Plenty of mayhem and FREE swag to be had with NO badge and NO ticket required!

Hulu Animayhem Factory is located right next to the Convention Center on the Hilton Bayfront’s parking lot. Starting July 25 from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., July 26-27 from 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. daily, and July 28 from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Hulu Animayhem will transport mayhem-seeking fans into a zany 2D factory where fans of all ages can interact with their favorite shows and take home themed memorabilia from popular titles like "Solar Opposites," "Hit Monkey," "Futurama," "The Simpsons," and many more. The immersive activities include a theatrical Cutawayland that celebrates "Family Guy" 25th Anniversary, a singing booth from "Bob’s Burgers" that showcases beloved songs from the series, and a life-size replica of the Slurm Factory from "Futurama."

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Tour the Slurm Factory from FUTURAMA (Hulu Original/20th Television Animation)

FUTURAMA fans will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the Slurm Factory from the hit show. A larger-than-life Slurm Queen and thirsty Bender will welcome fans into the space, where they can see first-hand how Slurm is created. Bender even gets a taste of the infamous lime green beverage straight from the Queen’s anus! Audio excerpts of Futurama’s “Willy Wonka-inspired” Slurm Factory music will be playing to get fans in the spirit and large-scale 2D cutouts of the show’s beloved characters like Fry, Lela and the Grunka Lunkas will be stationed throughout the space for special photo ops. 

Cutawayland Storage with FAMILY GUY (FOX/20th Television Animation)

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of FAMILY GUY, fans will be welcomed into Cutawayland where 25 years of the show’s best cutaways are stored for safekeeping. Guests will be prompted to select a 2D object that corresponds to a cutaway scene and take it to one of many viewing stations that line the walls. Once the object is placed onto the factory machine, retro TV screens are triggered to display their favorite scenes and jokes from the show’s impressive history. Life-size 2D cutouts of the entire Griffin clan, dressed in their finest yellow tuxedos, will be prominently placed throughout the space, giving fans a special keepsake photo op that celebrates 25 years of Family Guy.

Enjoy a Sweet Pick-Me-Up from THE SIMPSONS “LardLad Donut Factory” (FOX/Disney+/20th Television Animation)

To celebrate THE SIMPSONS, there will be Springfield’s LardLad Donut factory. Inside the factory, Mr. Burns is at it again — dumping toxic waste and passing it off as donut icing! In partnership with SoCal’s cult-favorite donut shop Randy’s Donuts, the LardLad Donut factory will invite guests to watch the sweet treats get hand-glazed with “toxic” icing, then grab one to enjoy! 

Put Roger the Alien from AMERICAN DAD Back Together at the CIA Lab (FOX/20th Television Animation)

Oh no! Roger the Alien has been captured by the CIA again. Visitors passing through will hear Roger calling out for help. Those who stop to help Roger will be transported into a CIA lab, where they’ll find his dissected organs scattered across the lab. Here, guests will team up to try and put Roger back together on the operating table in an “Operation-inspired” challenge! Win or lose, fans will get a chance to take a photo with Roger’s Golden Turd once they complete the game.

Sing Your Heart Out at “Bob’s Record-O-Matic” from BOB'S BURGERS (FOX/20th Television Animation)

BOB'S BURGERS is famously known for their huge catalog of end credit songs. ‘Bob’s Record-O-Matic,’ a recording studio where fans can dance and lip sync to a song of their choice with characters from the show, will be featured. Once their performance is complete, participants will receive a shareable video for social! 

Take a “Goobler Stress Test” with SOLAR OPPOSITES (Hulu Original/20th Television Animation)

THE SOLAR OPPOSITES “Goobler Stress Test” machine measures fans’ stress levels - from totally chill like Terry to super stressed like Korvo. Fans will place their hands on a ‘stress sensor’ that determines how stressed they are. Based on the results, participants will receive a corresponding Goobler stress ball to hash out their frustrations on — purple for sorta stressed and red for really stressed. 

Find the “Bonsai Master’s Sword” from HIT MONKEY (Hulu Original/Marvel)

In the all-new season of HIT MONKEY, fans learn that the titular assassin’s katana has an ancient sister sword. Guests will be challenged to find the “Bonsai Master’s Sword” in the Katana factory. Guests will approach a large-scale installation with several katanas stuck in a forge, then they’ll choose which sword they believe is the “Bonsai Master’s Sword.”  Only one will release and reveal itself to be the true sister sword. The guest who pulls the ancient sister sword will win an exclusive pack of HIT MONKEY pins.

Take a Break with THE GREAT NORTH, KRAPOLIS, GRIMSBURG

Every factory needs a break room. Guests will be invited to take some time to “R and R” after their long shifts at the Factory. 

THE GREAT NORTH (FOX/20th Television Animation)

Visitors in the break room will be able to cool off from the summer heat and enjoy some fresh Alaskan air in the fridge from THE GREAT NORTH. By opening the refrigerator door, fans will get blasted with a shot of cool air while looking out across the vast Alaskan landscape with a great view of Tobin's iconic house.

KRAPOLIS (FOX)

What’s a break room without a vending machine? The room will also feature a custom KRAPOLIS vending machine in the style of the show’s ancient Greek world. The vending machine is filled with memorable items and easter eggs from the show for guests to select. Each item triggers the machine to play the corresponding clip from the hilarious series.

GRIMSBURG (FOX)

Fans of GRIMSBURG will notice every true crime junkie’s obsession — a ‘Crime Board’ filled with suspect pictures, maps and clues from Detective Flute’s latest mysteries. Fans can pose with their favorite characters in front of the board for a shareable photo opp! 

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