Come take a look at Awesome!!!!
Are you ready for this? Because it’s AWWWWWWWWWWWESSSOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMEEEEEEE!!!!
To quote The Miz….lol
So it’s been out for about a week but I love furthering news. Universal recently released some inside looks at the Escape from Gringotts ride and the Hogwarts Express ride. They look totally epic and I can’t personally wait to see them in person. The Gringotts ride is supposed to show you the events that unfold just after Griphook, Harry, Hermione, and Ron get dumped by the waterfall. From there you battle Bellatrix, The Dragon, Voldemort and other things….did I mention it is all in glorious 3D? Because that’s important….
Also, managed to find a look at the Hogwarts Express. I have to say when I first heard the rumor of this ride…way back before Wizarding World was open and everyone was speculating about the possibility of moving to Uni…I was interested to see how it would be done. Didn’t think it would be possible. Now I’m seeing it ready to be opened to the world. In the video they tell you about their being a unique experience both ways. They also talk about the possibility of having the actual characters on the train…I just want to see this happen already. I’m sick of waiting!
I’ll try to keep you up to date as I find some more. So far I’ve not seen an open date. I’ll check Screamscape later!
Until Next Time, Cheeky Monkeys,
Malice Psychotik
Universal Studios Travel Report: LOTS OF NEW STUFF!!!
So my Cheeky Little Monkeys, I was at Universal on Holiday a couple of weeks ago with the mini Psychotik. Had some real good fun. It’s changed so much since the last I was there back at HHN. I was impressed at the progress that was made on the City Walk. Lots of new things springing up all over the place. We got to see the new Beetlejuice Graveyard Mash Up show. It was amazing. The new Diagon Ally area is looking so swell. You can see a lot of things are finished. I didn’t get to visit MegaCon this year. It was so crazy busy we got stuck on I-4 in a traffic jam for an hours and a half! But anyway, let’s get on with the review.
City Walk Construction
I’m very excited to see the big additions rolling into City Walk. I remember back a few years when they did some minor updates and tweaks, but this…this is a complete overhaul and new looks. Seemed like construction was going good. Very fast it seemed. It had only been a month maybe two since I had heard about the transformations taking place. I could be wrong. Pastamore had already been changed into the Red Oven. This new pizza concept looked a little better than Pastamore. I wanted to stop in and see how it tasted, but time didn’t really permit the stop. I did see the new Cold Stone up and busy. A few of the other places looked like they were coming nicely such as Anajito’s, The Universal Studio Store rebuild, The expansion to Margaritaville, and the new Starbucks. I didn’t get a good look at some of the others like Bread Box, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, or Cowfish. I think when this is all done, it’s going to look fantastic. I’m sure by now the Starbucks and a few other minor projects are done. Like I said, construction was moving very fast.
Cabana Bay Resort
Well, while we were there it was still getting some finishing touches, but from what i saw it looked great. The Cabana Bay is actually now up and running. It opened a week or two after we left. Would have loved to stay there as the pictures I’ve seen make it look fantastic. I will be staying there next year especially if the price holds. $100 bucks a night sounds like a lot, but your average cost for a hotel on I-Drive that isn’t on site is going to run you about $80 soooo…Yeah! You may not get the express pass that the other hotels give you, but you still get the convenience of being on site which is what I would like. Plus the whole retro thing has me totally sold!
Beetlejuice Graveyard Mashup
This was one of my highlights to the weekend. We hit it once a day for the whole weekend. Little Psychotik loved it so much. It was very refreshing to see the new show. It is totally more music driven than joke driven and a lot more fast paced. I love it! I have a video I will be posting below of the show. I thought the addition of Cleo and Phantasia would be a bit hoaky. Adding in Monster High style characters with BJ…ehh…But it was actually very entertaining. The two sets that I saw of each character were really entertaining. Thought about vaporating on stage and asking Phantasia’s number…but I think seeing a large top hatted gentleman appear on stage out of nowhere…would have caused a panic. And what kind of example would I be setting for the little one…using your powers in public…that’s just bad parenting! The best musical number I think in the whole show is the one between Drac and Phantasia. The whole Possession is 9/10ths of the law gag comes back and if strangely funnier this time regardless of being shorter. Over all…you all need to run out and catch this show. It’s totally worth it.
Diagon Alley/ London Expansion
I was surprised the amount of things I saw. I mean I guess the angles in Universal prevent them from completely obscuring a lot like they did in IOA with Wizarding World. Construction looks beautiful at this point. I’m super excited for this area. If you go to the Fear Factor live show you get a real nice looks right down Diagon Alley. It was still being heavely worked on through there, but it still looked amazing. From what I’ve seen on the concept art this area is going to quickly be my favorite and I’m going to love having both of these areas together as an experience. My cosmic friend Samhain and I promised ourselves to take a trip and do the whole experience. Shop for wizarding stuff, take a trip on the Hogwarts express, go to Hogwarts….we are nerds! Editors Note: Yes I realize as a Cheshire Cat I can just go to the real Hogwarts…I have been to the real Hogwarts…how ever it’s on thing to go to the real thing and see how that is and a complete other to live the adventure as you cheeky little monkeys interpret it!I think everone is going to have the best of times when this bad boy opens its doors. You all won’t want to miss it!
Mardi Gras 2014
We had a blast this year! The best I think I’ve been too. The little one had so much fun. I even got to catch one of the concerts. The theme this year was “Around the World in 80 days” so it was very much so Steampunk…which was totally awesome. All different modes of transportation where shown…ah you should have been there. I did manage to get pictures…however the sheer awesomeness of the parade drained my battery and I didn’t get the whole thing…poo poo. We ended up catching A Great Big World. They were surprisingly good. I enjoyed them a lot as did Jazz. Check out their music. They do the song “Say Something” with Christina Aguilera. They have a new single too called “Already Home” and another called “Everyone is Gay” Check them out they are worth it. They are easy listening. They are not hard at all, but they are good at what they do, and their music has meaning unlike a lot of bullshit that is out there.
New Dinning Plan
So i found out that the Meal Deal is gone…which is sad. However the new prepaid meal service isn’t to shabby either. It’s a way I could see totally controlling cost and still very much so worth it if you plan it right. Now I didn’t use the fancy expensive one. They do offer one that is a bit on the pricey side but would be perfect if you were on a date with a fancy lady or just had a lot of money. That one includes a snack, an extra drink, a quick service meal and drink, and a sit down fancy restaurant meal. The one that my little companion and I got costed $35 for the day for both of us. We both got a snack, and extra drink, and a quick service meal. The best values are if you get them at Mels Drive in at Uni and The Three Broomsticks at IOA. They also have a Coke Freestyle Souviner cup now. It’s cool, I wish i would have gotten it. Much better deal than the other cup. 13.99 for the day covers as many refills for the day at a Coke Freestyle machine. There is a chip in the bottom of the cup that tells the machine its ok to dispense. TECHNOLOGY!!!
Overall Experience
Our overall experience was a great one. It was so great being there all weekend and getting to enjoy everything. All of the new attractions were up and running. It was the first time there with a pass for Jazmin’s Autism. Editors Note: I’m not sure if I have ever mentioned that before. The little Psychotik is Autistic. That is not to say she is not normal. Dad and Mom are far from it. Really she is just on a different wave length from everyone else. Really this is a conversation for another time, and I will revisit it.The staff was very accommodating and sweet as could be to her taking everything into consideration. Living in this town, you forget that there are people out there that understand the condition and work with it on a daily. Universal earned so many cool points with me. I can’t wait to see what else Universal has in store for us this year. It’s going to be great.
Until Next Time, My Cheeky Monkeys,
Malice Psychotik
Spot of News with that Tea?
Hello there Freaky Darlings! I hope all is well on this fine day. Glad to see things have cooled down a bit in my neck of the woods. t won’t last long though I assure you. Don’t know why I’m complaining about the heat anyway. Have you ever been on a planet with Five suns when they are all risen in the summer? Not pleasant I tell you what…you know what is pleasant though? A LITTLE NEWS!! Yep, got some stuff for Fatality Fest, some rumor on that groovy Harry Potter Phase 2 project at Universal, AND the first little bit of HHN 23 whispers have started to trickle out. All of this…and maybe more on…
THE PSYCHOTIK NEWS ASYLUM!!!
I’m going to end with the fatality Fest News…make you sweat! DON’T YOU DARE SCROLL DOWN! I’ll know and I’ll call you a filthy cheater! Anyway, I’ve been looking around for news on the new Potterverse Project at Universal Studios Orlando. Things are really tight-lipped at this point. Security cameras are everywhere and no one is able to get very close. So far there are rumors that you will be able to venture into Borgin and Burkes, the creepy dark wizard shop in Nocturne Ally. the only other bit I’ve found that was interesting is rumors about the Hogwarts Express. So far rumor is it will have no less than six different experiences. Of those you can only imagine one will have to be a Dementor attack like in the 3rd book/movie. I can’t wait. I know I’m in the minority when I say I say i WANT to see a Dementor attack…but something is alluring about getting to see them with no danger…um…this time…Anyway. The last rumor making its way around is a possible opening date of June 2014. More specifically, June 11, 2014. So far they seem to be on track to that goal, but things can happen between know and then. We shall see….
Next order of business, HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 23! Nothing too hot, just some stirrings that we may see some info sooner than later. Apparently, the Legendary Truth page has been a buzz since it’s lock down back in January. This much is true though, the dates have been released. The dates are as follows: Sept. 20-21, 26-29, Oct. 3-6, 10-13, 16-20, 23-27, and Oct. 31-Nov. 2. I know it’s not much, but hey it’s something. Maybe they will come forward with some more info soon. We can dream till then right?
Last thing I want to share is some news from Fatality Fest. The show had a pretty nice announcement last night. Fatality Fest has added Joe Bob Briggs to their list of guests. Most of you may know Mr. Briggs as the host of TNT’s MonsterVision. Fond memories of that show. That same time frame brought us the Monday night wars between WWF and WCW. Would always watch it after that…those were the days…ahhh! Fatality Fest is growing as we speak, I really do think this convention is going to be a new staple event in Florida. Viva la Fatality Fest!
That’s all for now Freaky Darlings! Keep a look out this week…you never know what’s in store!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Universal and IOA Update for February!
Hi Freaky Darlings! I’m gonna try to make a general update on construction for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando one a month. I figure this will be easier to keep up with. Not to say that if something really cool comes up I won’t post it earlier, but I would love to just have a monthly article for this. This year is going to be big. Lots of construction. I thought there was a lot last year….no buddy! This year takes the cake!
The Simpsons Update
Last September, I started seeing rumor mill about The International Food and Wine Festival restaurant closing to make way for a new Simpsons themed eatery. Well rumor turned to truth and then grew to rumor…AND EXPLODED!!! Now we sit at beginning of February and all sorts of construction is going on. Rumor mill says you have this to look forward to: The Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern, Kentucky Fried Panda, New Simpsons Flat Ride near MIB, and Other Facades. I’m really excited for this experience. I’ve always been sort of luke warm toward The Simpsons. Mainly because of Back the the Future. But I think it’s high time to let go of old grudges. Simpsons are here to stay, and the sooner I get savvy with it…the better. It’s really not that bad of a ride, I just miss BTTF… Anyways…I’m not too sure about Kentucky Fried Panda, but i can’t wait to sit down to a Krusty Burger. I’m curious as to what the new Flat Ride is going to be…Supposedly it’s supposed to be like the Dumbo ride…we shall see…
Transformers The Ride 3D
A long, long time ago…in an article far away…I spoke of the demise of Building 44. Shortly after that came the news that we were actually going to have a Transformer ride for the east coast. Now months after that construction is in full swing and we are looking at a possible summer opening. I’m so stoked for this ride on Multiple levels. First off, it’s the Transformers. It may be Michael By’s Transformers…but it’s STILL the Transformers. Second it’s a dark ride modeled after The Amazing adventures of Spiderman, IOA’s best ride. If you don’t believe me, the proof is in the pudding. I’ll post a ride video below just so you can see. It’s also worth mentioning their exists rumors of the Monster Cafe being axed for a Transformers Themed eatery. I really hope this isn’t the case. I love the Monster Cafe with all of my heart. To me, it’s a rich part of not only film history…and not only Universal’s history…but the park as well. It reminds me of the hey day for whatever reason…probably because it’s themed after old movies? I don’t know. That’s all I on this front for now.
Harry Potter Phase 2
We’ll there isn’t much official as they have not made any official releases. Even since the last time we chatted this, we are still technically running off of rumors. Construction has begun though, and we can discuss the speculations. Of course there is a big ass building to house the huge ride through Gringott’s Bank. The only other named project is the Hogwart’s Express that will connect the two Harry Potter Areas. Still no exact details on how it will work, but rumor mill is pointing to something like the Kong 3D attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. As far as other rumored attractions…well they are the same as last time. It’s Diagon Ally and Kingscross Station. Shops so far are as follows: Ollivanders, The Leaky Caldron, and Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes. Hopefully we will hear more closer it is to open.
Not enough info about Phase 2? Where do you think the info is being kept?
Random Rumors
One last random rumor that hasn’t panned out yet before I go. This one I’m not sure how to feel about it. Mostly I hate it. Supposedly, Toon Lagoon is up on the chopping block. Not sure why. They recently. a couple of years ago, had to do extensive work on Ripsaw Falls. Then again, the maintenance is pretty high…anyway…It is rumored that a Middle Earth attraction is on the horizon. Really there is nothing more than hearsay and whispers at this point. Just know it’s out there. Only other one to report is the possible rehashing of Posiden’s Fury to a sort of Grinch Attraction. Again, not much to go off of.
Mardi Gras 2013
ONE MORE THING!! Mardi Gras is upon us, and they have announced the bands and concert dates. Here they are:
| FEB 9 | LIFEHOUSE | MAR 2 | DEMI LOVATO | APR 6 | KOOL & THE GANG |
| FEB 16 | STEVE MILLER BAND | MAR 9 | MONTGOMERY GENTRY | APR 13 | PITBULL |
| FEB 17 | BOYS LIKE GIRLS | MAR 15 | SEAN KINGSTON | APR 20 | THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS |
| FEB 23 | TREY SONGZ | MAR 16 | MATCHBOX TWENTY | ||
| MAR 22 | AUSTIN MAHONE | ||||
| MAR 23 | PHILLIP PHILLIPS | ||||
| MAR 30 | PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO |
Pick your dates and get your tickets. It’s always fun and you won’t want to miss it!
That’s all for now my Freaky Darlings. Hopefully by next time, I will have more to say. I was using this one to catch up. Next go round, we should have more. Stay tuned for more madness to come. More Psychotik Crew Profiles, and maybe some real news type stuff to boot!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Editor Note: Be sure to check out these neat sites! They are where I got the info for this article!
Screamscape
Orlando Rocks
Universal Orlando Home Page
Farewell JAWS…Hello Harry Potter?
Well Freaky Darlings, another year down and gone. But with that we have a whole new year of nonsense to look forward to and enjoy. Some people even think the world will end this year. I suppose it could…the world could be chipping away underneath our feet as we speak. A super weird mutated virus could turn everyone you know and love into flesh eating zombies. Or the world could just keep on spinning (Much more likely) and prove all of the doomsday theorists to be a bunch of whack jobs incapable of enjoying life! What ever happens, there is something definitely ending that has garnered my attention more, and that is the JAWS: The Ride attraction at Universal Studio’s Orlando. I did promise you all I would post a final farewell as well as my theories as to what is going in (Better post em’ now, because they may post whats going in tomorrow!) So let’s dive into some shark infested waters for the last time shall we!
Farewell Bruce…
Tomorrow will be the last day of operation for one of the last surviving original rides at Universal Studios Orlando. Riding it one last time was a bit bitter-sweet. I had the pleasure of making that last ride with Seras, Jazmin, and my best friend Todd. As we were going through the familiar twists and turns of the ride, I looked around and remembered all of the special memories I had from the ride. The first time I ever rode….the first time I dragged Seras on…late night at Halloween Horror Nights…the times when we had a skipper that felt the need to ham it up a bit or make it their own. So many fond memories…then it hit me. I looked around at all of the effects. Everything was dirty…it all looked so bad and it justhad a rehab a short time ago. Then, an epiphany finally hit me! I finally understood why this ride was going away. In the history of this ride, it does go down quite a bit. The cost of maintenance has to be astronomically high as compared to some of the other attractions. The fire effect has even been indecisive as to whether it would stay or go, because of the cost! Looking around…I just realized it was time.
Now don’t take me the wrong way, I will miss the ride. It may have gotten stale for me, but I have fond memories attached. More I’m saying, it won’t be as bad as Back to the Future leaving. As we progressed through our final ride it ended in the same way it always did. The only difference is for the first and last time, Jazmin saw the shark. Poor thing got the poo scared out of her…literally! One last memory was made, and I’ll remember it forever (as I’m sure Jazmin will…I’m not looking forward to the therapy bill!) I must also mention that it was somehow the first time Todd had ridden as well. His opinion, it was cool. I just wish he could have seen it on a good day. At least he got the experience of seeing the one scared child that always managed to ride…to bad it was my kid…I feel so bad, but it’s something we will laugh about later…I hope!
At any rate, we all had a nice time. It will be sad to see it go! But, at least we all got to say goodbye. Just one question remains….what will replace it?
What is going to replace it?
This is the question on everyone’s mind. What will replace JAWS and Amity? Well Darlings, it’s looking like the general census is Harry Potter Phase II. Now this isn’t just a guess! A lot of reasearch from other sites as well as my own research has been done. It looks pretty likely. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a team member to talk as I’ve done before (Ever since Water Boarding was deemed inhumane, this work is just impossible…lol…Seriously though…)
The full rumor is,(I still say rumor, Uni could throw a wicked curve ball!) The replacement will be The Diagon Ally/ London area from the movies and books. The ride looks like it may be Gringott’s (Yeah you remember that really cool scene with the white dragon in the last movie…that!) The most unbelievable of all the rumors though, is a Hogwarts Express that will link the two parks and use the Kong 360 technology. This is the evidence:
* Universal is contract bound to deliver a Phase II to the Harry Potter Park
* The contract also states that Phase II will have to have elements from the last film
* The Harry Potter attraction is contract bound to be updated every so often
If you want to see more, check my source links below. One link in particular. I won’t say too much, but I will say HHNRumors found some pretty cool info on a ‘Project 722.” A lot of speculation as to what 722 means (Some say it’s a reference to page 722 of Deathly Hallows which references Kings Cross Station. Some say it’s in reference to Gringott’s because all of the vaults 700 and above were considered High Security…can it be both?) Check them out!
HHN Rumors
Screamscape
Theme Park Insider
/Films
More info is sure to come as the month progresses. Rumor is announcement will come January 24th. Uni has other projects in the works though, so that announcement may not be about Potter Phase II. Could be sooner…could be later…but I’m sure something will be this month since the popular belief is that construction will begin February 2012. At any rate, that’s all for now. Stay tuned to more madness to come.
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Psychotik Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
All things must come to an end, funny thing is this series already did! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 marks the end of over a decade of Harry Potter films. I would say that this saddens me greatly, but if you think about it, the time to be sad has come and gone. The last book was released awhile back…at the very least it sucks there is nothing new to look forward to in this series. Still it is with great pleasure I find myself reviewing the end of Harry Potter…Let’s head into this bad boy….
***WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!!!***
Psychotik Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
There are so many good things about this movie, I find it hard to pin down just one. I do believe however, I will start with the story and work me way to the overall effect…
Story
This installment has to be the most action driven out of them all. Your really left craving more with each scene. From the Gringott’s escape to the final showdown with Voldemort, your not left with very many slow points. The parts where the action does back off you are left with overwhelming dramatic scenes that keep you fully emerged. I would also like to add that this movie, like its first part, follows very close to the book. The only parts that are really deviate from the book are parts that have to do with scenes left out to start with (Ex. The fate of the elder wand and the epilogue). All in all it’s a very over the top action based drama that will leave you wanting more even as the credits roll. The only thing I will offer you is I have not read the final book in full. I have read parts, and most of the parts I have read are featured in this movie. That being said, I was impressed by the level of attention to detail in the scenes I read. Seldom do you see that in a written word to film adaptation (Ex. See most other films based off a book including some in this series!)
Visual Effects
The only way I can describe the visual effects in this movie, is to tell you I was blown away. HP7:pt2 has some of the best visuals of all 8 movies. When you watch, look for one of the earlier scenes with the Dementors surrounding Hogwarts.The scene is one of the best visuals in the whole movie and really sets the somber mood. The Battle for Hogwarts was just too much (But in a very good way). Top this with the fact I watched it in 3D! Might I also add it was nice to see that some people are finally getting how to do the 3D effects. When the 3D fad first came back, so many movies just threw stuff together with no intention of it looking well in 3D (Ex. Clash of the Titans). My only regret is not seeing it in IMAX. I can only imagine how stunning that would have been…
Acting
If you haven’t already noticed that these films have some of the best actors in the world (If not just the best choices for the characters) You haven’t been paying attention. I was thinking a few years back about how dramatic the last movies were going to be, and found myself wondering if these kids could pull it off. I’m proud to say in this particular movies you will see some of the best performances of the main three and even some of the veteran actors. I couldn’t have been more taken away by the performance and emotion that the actors and actresses showed in this movie. If this film doesn’t sweep the academy next year, it will cement my theory that the damned thing is rigged! Honestly, Top Hats off to the cast of this movie and this series…
Overall
I’m sure you can only guess my opinion of the movie overall being in since I have done nothing but gush over it from the beginning of this review…The whole thing fits together rather nicely to make one of the best films of the summer. Sumer 2011 has given us a lot of big Blockbusters, with still some more to come as the season winds down. As much as I would love to say one of my favorite Marvel movies took my personal award for best film of the summer…I’m going to have to say Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 takes it! Action, Comedy, Drama, a Dash of Horror, and pinch of Suspense…this movie has it all. It’s with great pleasure that I give this film 5 out of 5 Top Hats…and believe me when I say I would be content with giving it 6…
Sorry I sat on that so long My Freaky Darlings, but I will tell you more about wat has been going on in my life later this week. For now I say I hoped you enjoyed this review. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it! If you haven’t watched any of them, go jump on the fad now and become apart of the sensation before we all hurt you! Ha Ha…
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
MegaCon, Mardi Gras, Harry Potter…Oh My!!!
You know in retrospect I feel I sit on my content a little to long. I apologize for this. The last little bit has been nuts. Trying to find ones place in the world and juggle to many things at once can really kill you if you let it. Fortunate for me, I have people around me constantly that act as muses. Top that off with my special girls that have this really cool ability to center me and make me see what is more important in life. So you may be saying “OK GET WITH IT YOU SLACKER PIECE OF CRAP!!!”…I’m getting to that SO LAY OFF ME WILL YA’!?…
Most of you that were in Florida last month…more acuratly Orlando…Know what was going on. The annual MegaCon convention took the Orange County Convention Center by storm, and turned I-Drive upside down. I’m not usually one to go to MegaCon…not that I haven’t wanted too, I just never end up going. This year was a little different though…This year they had my idol there Stan “The Man” Lee of Marvel Comics Legend. So I just had to do it. There were also a few things I was wanting to cover on Universal Orlando, so it gave me the perfect excuse to pack up the Psychotik clan on a ROAD TRIP!!! Even when things were looking grim, a good friend (Todd) stuck his neck out to help make it happen. I saw a lot of really cool things. Some good, some funny, and some really irritating! But it’s all here, in this review on my March off and on in Orlando…
MegaCon, Mardi Gras, Harry Potter…Oh My!!!
The best way for me to do this, is to break it down into sections. So let’s start at the beginning…
Section 1: Once Upon a Time…At Mardi Gras Universal
This year I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying Universal Mardi Gras twice in one month. This year like my last visit was pretty top-notch. The food as always was good. Now I didn’t try any of the “Authentic Cajun Cusine” for what ever reason I just wasn’t into it. They did however have these really cool twisted potatoes on a stick. I got one dipped in Garlic butter, and it felt like a sin eating it! Speaking of a sin, the drink for this year was Voodoo Juice. You know I really can’t describe it to you other than saying it was a Rum Runner with extra fruit and booze chased with a Full Throttle stinger…Basicly, I could see myself going crazy overboard with the stuff while not being supervised. As sure as I am that most would love to see a rather blitzed, super-charged Malice…Mardi Gras Universal Orlando is not the time or the place.
The band line-up this year wasn’t too terrible. It just seemed we never got to see the one’s we wanted. We were there the night Lynard Skynard played, but we didn’t stay. I only like two songs and one of those they open with the other they end with. I’m not staying for the in-between, I just don’t care enough. The next day we had went that month Blake Shelton was there, and to that I say: HELL NO!! I wouldn’t have minded seeing the B-52’s, OneRepublic, or 30 Seconds to Mars. Things being what they were, the timing was all off. Oh well, I guess there is always next year! It would be really neat if they could get Pat Benetar again. Culture Club is touring next year, so you never know…maybe we will see them…(Leave me alone Culture Club is awesome to chill out to!!)
Lastly while I’m on the subject of Mardi Gras, I will mention the parade. As always it was a sight to see. The Psychotik family has lots of fun, and caught lot’s of beads (The little Psychotik, poor dear, caught some with her face…) This year seemed to not really be a theme but more like the best of the last few years. I had only really went to 2008 before this one, and then they had all of the different Mythological lands. This year had a few of them, but also had some other very interesting ones as well. I have seen pictures of the other ones, so like I said I think it was just a best of kind of thing. I have a video for the parade I will post below. It was from the beginning of the month. I was going to try for a better one the second time around, but it seems I’m always filming the damn thing or taking pictures. I never get to enjoy it, so the second time i said to hell with it and caught me some beads!!!
* Editor Note: Unfortunatly due to a lot of problems I am unable to embed the video of the parade here….HOWEVER…I offer you the link to it on the Encyclopedia Psychotika Facebook page… Enjoy!
Section 2: I Spit on Your Con….MegaCon 2011
In the anime/manga Full Metal Alchemist, they talk about the laws of equivalent exchange. To gain something you must first give something in return. I find this holds true to good times. For every truly awesome time you have, you must first hand over a BIG disappointment. That disappointment was…survay says…MegaCon 2011. If you know anything of the guests that were supposed to appear at MegaCon 2011, you might ask yourself how it was such an utter fail? Well my darlings, let me just say you weren’t there.
The big draw for me this year was going to be meeting my idol in the flesh, Stan “The Man” Lee. It was going to be the peak of greatness for me, the God Father of Marvel comics was going to be in Orlando!! Needless to say, me being there had to freaking happen. So I’m all psyched up! I got the little one (I couldn’t miss letting her meet him too!) We get to the show sign in. There were some awesome costumes I must say. Add that to the giant pirate ship in the middle, and the S.H.E.I.L.D team promoting the hell out of the new Thor movie, it was looking pretty cool. The guest list was top-notch. You had names like Stan Lee (God-Father of Marvel Comics), William Shatner (Capt. Freakin’ Kirk), Lou Ferrigno (The Original Hulk), Doug Jones (Abe Sapien, Silver Surfer, Epic Creature actor), Vic Mignogna (Epic Voice actor for over 100 different Animes), James Marsters (Spike from Buffy and we will just forget about that live action Dragon Ball Z movie nonsense) , Colleen Clickenbeard (Very talented voice actress), Kevin Sorbo (Fucking HERCULES!) , Arthur Suydam (Cover artist for Marvel Zombies)…these are all just to name a few of the massive guest list this con promised to have. But what could possibly wreck this good time? The same thing that can wreck most shows with a guest list this massive…NO FUCKING ORGANIZATION!!!
Honestly it was awful! The lines for some of these guests were an amorphous blob. They had virtually all of these high draw guests in a small area. When I say small, I really mean small! We are talking no bigger than a Hot Topic! Will Shattners ques went right through the center of it all, making things even more chaotic. As they day went on it just got worst. I had to walk out of Vic’s line because it wrapped the room 3 times and was at a stand still because no one would come organize it. Poor guy, I felt bad for him. Wasn’t his fault. And just to give you an idea who Vic is to anime fans, he is like a Shattner or a Lee. The con should have planned for his line. The biggest upset though, I’m going to have to devote a whole other paragraph to…
The big question when I got there was…Where the hell is Stan Lee!? This was a question that stuck with me for nearly three hours. No staff could answer me, hell they couldn’t even find a con guide so I could find it myself. No, I found the con guide (In a food section I might add!) From there it still took me a good 20 minuets to find him off in a separate room away from all the madness. By the time I had got there they had already line capped it. The bald gent that was there did tell me however I could wait in a little line in the back for about 30 minutes and they would tell me whether or not they would let more people in.I waited for 45, and 15 minuets later I saw the people I was in line with walking the walk of shame. You know it might have been a good thing to post on the website that there would be a limited amount of signatures. The did have were to could pre-buy them, but the way they advertised them was like you would be able to no matter what and weren’t limited by the con closing or such. Not that “Hey, you better buy these, because we cap that shit at 11:30 AM…” Needless to say that was a bust…
Moving on to other aspects of the show, they didn’t shine for me either. Most of the vendors were just hocking crap. I didn’t really find anything of interest and when I did it was something with a price jacked way up that I just didn’t need. There was a very cool vendor in the back that had all kinds of picture ops for Star Wars fans. They even built life-sized remote control R2 units. The people there were all very cool (save for a stuck up group of Trekkies, but that was expected!) The costumes I saw were very cool. I’m always fond of cosplayers. Really the best parts of the show were spending time with my little girl who was a champ, and one of my best friends and college Seth (Video Below). It will be rather sketchy as to whether or not Malice Psychotik will go back to this show. I will have to have nothing else going on, and just be going to screw around mostly. In a small defense for the show, I was there on Friday. But to pigeon-hole that defense I was not the only one complaining this was the worst year for organization anyone had ever seen. Moving on…
The Biggest Man at the show:
Section 3: Repairs, Rebuilds, and a Regal Review
Let’s end this little review on a rather high note shall we! Back to Universal Studios Orlando, my home away from home. There was a lot of stuff going on from February to April other than Mardi Gras. Yes, lots of rehabs and rebuilds and let’s not forget that Wizarding World of Harry Potter still drawing record-breaking crowds. I hadn’t really got to go until my little March trips, so I’ll take the time to review it here. Really sorry that most of this info is late. It doesn’t make sense to do the research and not post the article until 2 months later. At least it will be out in time for any summer crowds that may be making USO it’s vacation spot.
First, let’s talk about the Incredible Hulk Coaster’s rehab. For the first time since I think the park was built, the coaster finally got a fresh coat of paint. Even if you are not a regular visitor to the park, it was getting a little hard to deny the ride needed a fresh coat of paint. Especially when you get to the back part of the ride. The track looked very rusty and didn’t encourage much faith that it was kept in repair. Really it surprised me that they let it go this long. Below there is a slide show showing off some spectacular views. I even have a shot of what was the last pieces not painted yet. I’m sure by now the whole thing is done and looking great. It still runs fantastic! Not that a paint job has anything to do with that. Rumor has it that it may go under a little more of update soon, but that is for a future article.
My next ride of interest was Dudley-Doo Rights Ripsaw Falls. The ride under went a massive overhaul because of a fire that damaged a good portion of the ride. It was actually pretty fun going on this one, as I hadn’t really gone on it since the park opened. I can tell you based on that, they did a fantastic job restoring it. It was like nothing had changed in 12 years. The restraint system was a little funky, but ultimately improved on the experience a little (for those of you that avoid log flumes because you hate the “Free Fall” experience). The ride is real laugh riot and trip down memory lane for old school Rocky and Bullwinkle fans. You really have to love that the ride throws in not just one, but multiple false drops. I highly recommend that if you have never checked it out, you really should. Especially with the hot, HOT summer ahead. A good drenching goes a long way in the Florida heat.
Last point of interest I will touch on in…you guessed it…The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To start out with, all I can really say is there are no words to accurately describe the experience. If you are a fan of the books you’ll love it. If you are a fan of the movie’s, you’ll love it. Hell, if you know nothing about it, it will make you want to learn more…AND you’ll love it!! The shops are overwhelming with all of the props and tiny details that make the whole experiance..pardon the pun…but magical! I was in that part of the park 5 times and still never got to see all it had to offer. Everytime I went through I found a new detail I missed. I know in the future I will have to devote one whole day to doing a comprehensive review. For now though, I offer you this run down:
1. Shops: The shops are an attraction all on their own. From candy to wands you will find all the things you have dreamed of having from the Potter universe. The candy shop was my favorite. Be sure to pay attention to the price tags though. I pretty confident that you could go broke easy in Honeydukes Sweet Shop. I did not get a chance to do Olivander’s because of the massive lines for this attraction. I will say on a down side that you will have to prepare to wait in line to get into many of the shops. Try to hit this part as early as possible.
2. Dinning: I was really disappointed I didn’t get to enjoy a meal at The Three Broomsticks. I will tell you from the reactions that I heard, that there weren’t any displeased customers. Everyone praised the food and loved the atmosphere. I did get to try the infamous Butter Beer. This comes highly recommended and get’s the Encyclopedia Psychotika seal of approval. Make sure to try both frozen and regular to see which you like. I prefered it more as a drink than a slushy.
3. Attractions: Here is where it get’s really fun. there are three rides in the WW. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, and the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Dragon Challenge is of course the old Dueling Dragons. They did a very cool job re-theming the castle to become the ground of the TriWizard Tournement. The only thing I was confused with was I thought they were re-themng the tracks and the cars. So far, it still appears to be the Fire and Ice even thought they call it the Chinese Fire Ball and the Hungarian Horntail. Maybe that will come later. At any rate it is still as awesome as ever. Flight of the Hippogriff is actually much more fun with it’s new theme. It’s very cool seeing an animatronics Buckbeard bow to you before you take off. Nice touch, and it get’s the little Psychotik’s approval! Last but not least is the amazing Forbidden Journey ride. It goes without saying that walking into Hogwarts pumps you way up for the ride. You might even say the que is an attraction all on its own (I know they do offer you being able to walk through and then just exit the building without riding. My only problem (besides the oversized arachnids!) is the restraints. They really are not that accommodating to the larger masses. I do hope they plan on fixing this. If somebody of my size has trouble riding, your harnesses are WAY to small. It just doesn’t make sense that I can ride The Hulk or even Dragon Challenge no problem, yet this indoor dark ride throws everyone issues. Come on Uni, get it together for your plus size fan boys and girls!
4. Atmosphere: The over all feel of the island is breathtaking. Whether it is being greeted by the Hogwart’s express or standing under the massive Hogwarts castle, you are just stripped of your descriptive vocabulary. Pay attention the shop windows for little extras here and there. Better yet pay attention while you are in the store’s because they are just as rigged up! The street performers and the actors are very good and very dedicated to bringing you the best experience possible. defiantly a must see if you are in Orlando anytime soon.
*Editor Note: I’m not sure if it was done all to recently, but I did notice that the Monster Cafe on the Universal Studio’s side was looking mighty fancy. I do know there was talk of it going under much needed rehab, but I can’t remember when…at anyrate I have some pictures included in the slideshow for it…Enjoy!
Really this was my whole March! I have even more that I will touch on in a week or so. Rumors of new attractions, upgrades, replacements, and hopefully a Halloween Horror Night rumor or two by then. Unfortunately the site I get most of my rumors from is down right now. I’ll leave you all with this small assessment for the month of March: Universal Rocks my world and MegaCon smells like Turd!!!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Dear Freaky Darlings, I do apologize for the dry spell that has taken over the last couple of weeks. recouping the Holiday is rough, and I have many adventures to share with many more to come. Rest assure the time has been well spent! Tonight, I give you this review of a great movie. Let this wet your chops because there is much more including Dusker of the Month for December! I hope this slacks your thirst for blood!
It’s been ten years since the franchise started and now it is all coming to an end. We all knew this day would come, after all, all dynasty’s have to end eventually. Harry Potter is no exception! So how did this glorious beginning of the end go? The only word that comes to mind is Epic! Lord of the Rings eat your heart out, Hit the bricks Twilight…Harry Potter has taken it to a whole new level of cool! I was absolutely wowed just by how good this movie really was. I was expecting a good movie , but for once my high standards were exceeded! There are many things I liked about this movie, and not a lot I think they could have improved upon. So grab your wands Darlings, and hold that broom stick tight! Here’s the Psychotik Review of…
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Let’s start with the story. The movie opens with all of the turmoil that is going through the wizard world. With Dumbledore dead, war is imminent.Hermione has to leave her parents and erase her existence for their sake. The Dursleys are leaving (which I’m sure is more good news then bad). The Order shows up to try to move Harry. In a cool special effect you get to see multiple people turn into Harry (Watch for Fleur-Harry…she is the funniest). After they do this they go on a high-speed broom chase through London in an attempt to confuse the Deatheaters. During this chase Hedwig is killed, George Weasley loses an ear, and Mad Eye Moody is killed. This really sets the tone for the movie. There is a lot of sacrifice and self discovery in this movie. I would go a bit further, but I’m more than positive most of you have either read the book, saw the movie already, or have seen the trailer. If not it will be posted below. Rather, I would like to move into the points I love about this film.
Now I could go on forever on what I loved about the special effects, and the casting, how the composer does a masterful job at creating an epic score…etc…We would literally be here all night! Instead, I would like to talk about the story and how it was presented. It was refreshing to see the series go back to its roots and truly show the friendship between the stories core three characters. That’s basically what this part is about. Reacquainting you with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Not since Prisoner of Azkaban has there been such a focus on the core friendship of the series. It’s understandable to an extent. Movies are different than books. You have to have more about the other characters as well. You should kind of get the picture that those three are best friends.
I also like how the story really paces itself. I was worried about this movie when I thought of how painful Return of the King was to sit through. The last in a series is usually the longest. Thank God they split this into two movies. Regardless of that, the movie does keep you wanting more. Each scene compliments the next. There is a fair amount of action, but it doesn’t over power the plot. The have the perfect mixture of Action, Drama, Special Effects, etc…it all comes together rather beautifully! If these movies don’t end in some sort of Academy Award, I think I will be really cheesed off!
Really I don’t want to give away too much. I would even love to pic out a few scenes for you, but there are just to many! The only thing I can say is if you haven’t seen it you really need to! It’s a great movie, and an awesome opener for the chaos that is going to be in Part 2. I will leave you with the knowledge that Dobby is a little bad ass. You really get to see exactly what those little House Elves are capable of! Also the way they animate the story of the Deathly Hallows is a bloody interesting way to do it. Kind of throws you for a loop! I give Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 5 Top Hats out of 5, and Malice Psychotik’s HIGHEST endorsement.
I apologize for the breif-ness, but as I said, there really isn’t much more I can say other than it is a truly epic movie, one of the greatest cinema spectaculars of the year, a life changing experience! Your life will mean less for NOT seeing it!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Check out the trailer here:
Encyclopedia Psychotika 