Kanine Krunchies: O-Zell Soda

Hello, everyone!

This is kind of an unorthodox blog food and beverage review.  Also, for future reference, product reviews (this is technically also a product review) will go under the heading "Gadgets and Gizmos Aplenty" in reference to my original favorite Disney princess....Ariel.

I was in Burbank a while back, and ran into Rocket Fizz for a look, only to find a piece of Disney fan treasure staring at me....O-Zell Soda.

To simplify things, here is the link to the site: http://www.o-zell.com

Their site does a lovely job at detailing the Disney origins of the brand, so I won't even attempt to replicate it.  To make a long story short, the brand was originally created by Walt's father Elias, and has recently been revitalized in the Silver Lake, CA area, its proceeds going to help restore Walt Disney's Birthplace Home in Chicago, Illinois.

So, since I was so anxious to actually try O-Zell Soda (It wasn't quite in my budget when they had a booth at the last D23 Expo), I thought I'd share my thoughts with you all, so you know what you're getting into...

In short....GET SOME!

Alright, now that I've calmed down...I'll go through each flavor.

Root Beer
The root beer float flavor is a little non-traditional, there are a few hints of a licorice-y taste in there, most likely due to its being more natural than most mainstream root beers of late.  We all found it, however to be a mild flavor.  I wouldn't drink it to quench your thirst, I'd do so to enjoy it's flavor, slowly.

Vanilla Dream
I have to confess here, I'm a cream soda girl.  It's my particular favorite, although I save it for special occasions. So I might be a tad biased, but this truly was a Vanilla Dream.  It was smooth and perfectly flavored.  I wouldn't call it an all out cream soda, hence it not being called "cream soda".  I would, if I could, buy this by the case!

Pineapple Whip
This is the first of two that are particular flavors I wouldn't call sodas, per se.  Certainly, the pineapple is meant to be a call back...call forward? Sideways....? to the Dole Whips available at the Disney parks (a favorite of my goddaughter's).  Now, it's not really my cup of tea, but it was certainly interesting, just rich enough in pineapple flavor.  Like I said, not really a soda.  I didn't taste any real carbonation, but there is an essence of the "whip" part of it in there.  As my goddaughter, Naomi, would say, "it's like drinking a Dole Whip!"

Cherry Jubilee
Other than Vanilla Dream, this was by far my favorite.  It isn't a cherry cola, which I kind of thought it would be...for some reason....but it's just a fabulous cherry treat.  Just a delight to partake.

These are, in my opinion, non-traditional drinks, not just simple novelty sodas.  i highly recommend them if you want to add a little pizzaz to your party or gathering, even though they are hard to get your hands on.  Again, you can go to their website to get the information, but I found O-Zell soda, in all four flavors at Rocket Fizz, http://rocketfizz.com.

While doing research for this post, I noticed O-Zell now has coffee as well.  I, personally, am not a coffee drinker, but my mother LOVES Grand Marceline Company Coffee, which also has Disney roots.  So, if I get enough feedback in the comments of this post, I'll snag some O-Zell Coffee and we'll do a comparison.  If it's anywhere near as good as these sodas are, it should be fabulous.

So...that's it for now.....except another Frolic from Fred soon and then a post I've been ruminating on for awhile....it's half a product review and half a rant.

Have a great week, everyone! And Just Keep Swimming!

"Can I use that curse word now?" - A D23 Discussion

Hello, Everyone

Sorry for the delay in my next post, but lately it seems I try to get my next review up (it's going to be a good one, by the way), and something comes up that I feel I should address...

Which brings me to my next segment, "Can I use that curse word now?" in honor of Inside Out's Anger (though I'm partial to Disgust).

https://d23.com/d23-expo-2017-tickets-on-sale-beginning-july-14-2016/

The link above is the announcement that tickets are going on sale for the D23 Expo 2017, on July 14th, which is next week.

There is no significant change in the price for normal tickets, for both D23 members and non-members.  

What I'd really like to discuss is the Sorcerer Package.  Last year, this package was $2,000.  I admit, I previously thought it was only $1,000 for the last Expo.  Still, there is a grievance here I would like to address with D23...

Now, let's just go by last Expo's numbers for a second....as Lou Mongello from WDW Radio would say, "Go with me here..."

If you bought the tickets during the Early Bird period, a three day adult ticket is $104. 

And the Sorcerer Package was $2,000.

Now, this year that package is $2,250.  And don't get me wrong, lots of interesting perks, but why the substantial price difference? 

With a regular ticket, my party (ok, it's my mother and me, but we are rather ruthless, I promise!) spend an incredible amount of time in line for shopping, the Disney Store being the worst offender.  I understand that Disney is most likely trying to price out or somehow deter those who just buy up everything and re-sell it on eBay, but how is this kind of a price difference going to help that? Is it really helping? And then why give so many perks that can be sold on eBay, like the luggage?

Now, this could be just another angry blog from an irate Disney fan, but I'm not mad....I'm disappointed.  Why isn't there a middle ground? I don't want to re-sell anything, I just want to maximize my time.  I don't want to miss out on meeting the cast of Girl Meets World this time..I WANT to go to the presentations (Disney Legends, Animation, Live Action, Theme Parks, etc.) without sleeping outside all night (by the way, I hope y'all are showered at some point in that process.  Another deterrent).  I just don't understand why D23 hasn't worked on a middle ground type package.  I'd even be satisfied to pay more for JUST guaranteed seating to the presentations.

You hear that, Disney? I WANT to pay more money!

I'd sincerely like to know who this Sorcerer Package caters to, because it's certainly not the fans. I even have names for the middle package, free of charge, Disney.  The Broom Package! The Dancing Hippo Package.  The Chernabog Package...???

I cannot be the only person flummoxed by this odd price tier.  Please feel free to leave your comments down below.

Have a great week, talk to you all soon!

Frolics with Fred: The Circle of Carrots

Hello, everyone!

Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events...

I went with Mariah to the Plaza Inn last week for a nice breakfast (have you tried their carrot cake?), and to meet my brethren.  Yes, I call the characters my brethren.

Anyway, I went to say Hello to Rafiki and apparently....well..that is to say...Long story short, he snatched me up and christened me the new King of the Jungle!

I was presented to all the kingdom (room full of hungry people), and anointed, as per tradition. I must say, I was a little terrified, being up so high.  And Rafiki is a little...kooky? Then, I suddenly realized what was happening...I shall be King! (I hope Simba's ok with sharing.)

Here is (blurry) proof, for all you naysayers.  I'm lookin' at you, Scar!

That day gave me a great lesson....you can be anything you want to be...or something you didn't even ask for!

So, while I'm looking for a mane made out of leaves....have a great weekend!

Love,
King Fred

Life's Like a Movie.....Finding Dory

Hello, All!

OK, so while I've been collecting interesting content for you all, the pacing has been a little funky.  Fred has a frolic for you this week (it's a doozy!), and I have a few Disney related reviews for you all.

BUT, since I took my favorite test audience to see Finding Dory today, I figured I'd get it out fast.

By the way, HERE is my test audience, in all their glory...

Naomi (12), Olivia (5), and Reuben (7).  Aren't they the cutest things?

So, we couldn't wait to see Finding Dory.  Lemme just push up my sleeves.  Wait, I don't have any sleeves.  How am I supposed to emotionally prepare for this without sleeves?!

We were, in all honesty, prepared for an emotional experience.  Truly, as excited as I was, there was also a little fear in there.  Not that I thought Pixar would ruin anything, but...you know how they are.  They like to encourage feelings we can neither understand nor explain (Much like Lightning McQueen).  

If anyone hasn't heard the impetus for the sequel, director Andrew Stanton reportedly said after Dory's line in the original, wondering about her family, his paternal instinct activated and he felt compelled to help her find her family.  Every ounce of that real feeling went into this film, and it shows.

On a mere technological level, it's beautiful.  Utterly.  As in many Pixar sequels (Or, prequel) the team takes the opportunity to step up the visuals a notch.  That's saying something when so much of the original looks like an IMAX nature film.

Story-wise, it is Pixar's usual solid story.  I really can't see a problem with it.  It's tone was light (and HILARIOUS) enough to keep the heavy from getting too heavy, without undercutting it.  

Seeing it with the kids, everyone had a marvelous time.  The two little ones tend to be quiet anyway, but neither found anything emotionally disruptive.  Oh, how I long for the days of going along for the story's ride and not being effected by it.  (Well, who are we kidding, I was an 8 year old who cried during A League of Their Own, I've always been like this!)  They all LOVED the finale, which, yeah I won't give away, but was a stroke of GENIUS.

I feel like this review is a little disjointed, but remaining spoiler free and attempting to find criticism with this film is incredibly difficult.  Time will tell how it holds up to Finding Nemo, but I think it will do just fine.  Pixar has had a habit of letting the side kick become the protagonist of a sequel.  Here, it was a perfect concept.  The movie's emotional heart is, naturally, Dory herself.  It would have been easy to continue to make Dory's short term memory loss, her disability if you will, a continued hindrance to the story.  It's allowed to deepen her character, a film intended for the audience to understand her.  Hence, heartbreak. 

What I saw in theme was really a lesson of .....well, just keep swimming.  For one thing, Dory, though accidentally, didn't let her memory loss stop her.  She just kept trying. In all things.  I'll just leave it at that. Also, I could see the analogy of disability here.  You see Dory's parents try to help their daughter through her memory loss and it emotionally pays off so beautifully in theme. 

The only criticism I can think of is from Reuben.  No sharks.  He was unhappy there was no Bruce, but that was the only disappointment expressed. 

OH! One other note.  If the short that came with it, "Piper", doesn't get the Oscar for best Animated short, I'd be surprised.  It was a perfect compliment to the film, theme wise.

Now, just one last note, something that's irked me for some time, but was further brought to my attention at my..screening.  This isn't a "kid's movie".  Well, it's a family film.  Two different terms.  Do NOT think because you took your family to see a movie geared towards families and children, that your children shouldn't have to behave in a theater.  I might do a full blog on this later, but just because a movie is animated or made by Disney doesn't mean it's stupid or just for children.  That was never Walt's intention.  Don't devalue the intense artistic and technical artistry here because of its supposed content. 

That's about it.  GO.  Now. Bring 1 tissue.  I think you'll do ok with that much. 

Oh, and STAY through the credits! (Why aren't you already doing that?)

Have a great weekend.  Just keep swimming.....

Life's Like a Movie...Alice Through the Looking Glass

Hello, Readers!

I just barely got home from seeing Alice Through the Looking Glass, so while it's fresh in my mind, let me give a review.

First off, I try not to read reviews, but the one I did read mentioned how the story was kind of thin, a lot of style and not a lot of substance.  I really take issue with this because I'm tired of movies being judged by only one measuring stick.  This review calls to mind the bad reviews for Muppets Most Wanted (same director, James Bobin), where at least one reviewer called the plot merely a device to string Muppet jokes and gags together.  The answer to that being, "Yes, and...?" Some movies are about other things than plot (as a screenwriter, that can be a difficult fact but here we are).  Also....it's Alice in Wonderland, the less sense it makes, the more true to the original material it is, so clam up, reviewers!!

The story, not to reveal any spoilers, focuses a little more on the real world than the original, as Alice is pulled back to Underland to help an ailing Mad Hatter, while at home, her family's future is in its own turmoil.  In order to help Hatter, she must go ask a favor of Time, played by Sasha Baron Conan, who was a tolerable addition to what I consider a cast of favorites.  I almost don't want to comment on Johnny Depp's performance, because he is always fantastic.  I will say his performance here does anchor the emotional underpinning of the story, properly motivating Alice's journey.

And, frankly, I've always liked Anne Hathaway as the White Queen because it seems like she's channeling Stevie Nicks.  Helena Bonham Carter's Red Queen was undercut slightly, but all for a good cause in the end.  One of those "bigger picture" issues.

It's hard to know what I really can say, in total.  Again, if you're going for a particular story being paramount to the whole, you might be in the wrong theater.  I admit, I wondered why a sequel was necessary in Disney's eyes.  What I can surmise is the need to rejoin these characters, and director James Bobin did a great job of letting you have that.  This particular Burton interpretation (and while he didn't direct, he did produce) is much more character based, in my opinion.  The sequel was made to reunite an audience with good characters.

On the basis of good characters, one place I think the movie really hits it out of the park is with Alice herself.  In the three years interim in the story, Alice has grown and changed in her own right, much to her mother's chagrin, as well as society's.  This interpretation of Alice as a strong woman of her own will in the 1870s really doesn't get enough credit for the necessity it is even in our modern world.  My goddaughter loves both versions of Disney's Alice, and I can't wait to take her to see this one just so she gets an added reminder that she really can do the impossible.

PLEASE, go see this movie and just enjoy yourself.

See you in Wonderland/Underland/Fantasyland!

Frolics with Fred: A True Frolic on Main Street

Dear Frolickers, 

Even a strapping bunny like myself needs a place to rest.  I was happy to find no mice in this bush near the Plaza Inn.  

I wonder if I can rent it out....the view is nice.....

See you in the funny papers,

Fred.

Life's Like a Movie.....Zootopia and The Jungle Book

Hello, Everybody!

Thank you for your patience during my absence... With all the movies out and coming soon, I thought I would introduce my new segment, "Life's like a Movie, Write your Own Ending" (Brownie points for those who get the reference and comment at the bottom of the page).  I plan to review movies from a few different angles.  They won't always be 100% timely partially because I'd like to see the movies with my Aunt's children (Naomi, 12, Reuben, 7, and Olivia, 5) to give a more well-rounded review.  Plus, being a student of the art of screenwriting, I feel like i can give a different point of view.  This will be a photo free blog, but (hopefully) worthy in content.

Zootopia
This is Disney Animation's latest entry into the legendary animated canon.  Now, to backtrack a little, when co-director Byron Howard was at the helm of 'Tangled', he explained the reasoning behind the production as trying to do the best version of what Disney already unapologetically did best, a princess movie.  I feel the same philosophy went into Zootopia (with equally capable 'Wreck-It-Ralph' director Rich Moore), only in terms of the anthropomorphic characters.

Zootopia somehow manages to be incredibly modern ("A rabbit can call another rabbit cute, but others can't") but still manage to tackle a more widespread theme of accepting and understanding others' differences. You could certainly discuss the themes with your children either way, and I appreciate that philosophy.

Some seem to believe DreamWorks animated films do more to make their films fun for adults as well as children by throwing in adult jokes that go right over the children's heads (until much later, and then you question your whole understanding of the world!).  Personally, Zootopia did a far better job of integrating adult and innocent humor for the benefit of the story and for all audiences.  Naomi didn't really get the Godfather references, but enjoyed the humor of it nonetheless.

As far as demographics, the children all loved it.  Naomi remarked more than once that she wasn't too impressed with the trailers but really enjoyed the movie.  Reuben asked when the movie would be released on DVD as we were leaving the theater.  High praise, indeed.  My grandmother, however, had other impressions.  She found the humor a little too mean for her taste, and my grandmother is an avid movie goer with varied taste.  So, I hope it gives you a little bit of a range of feelings if you're still considering seeing it, or purchasing the DVD/Blu-Ray upon the June 7th release date.

The Jungle Book
Let me just start with this: it's wonderful.  As a Disney history fan, these live action remakes present an interesting dilemma.  Does Disney intend to somehow replace the animated canon, or is the intention for these films to stand alongside their animated counterparts? Certainly Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' departs greatly from the film, as well as Don Hahn's 'Maleficent'.  In what appears to be the other school of thought, Kenneth Branagh's 'Cinderella' seemed to take the issues of the original and reconcile them (with no offense intended to the glorious original).  'The Jungle Book' fits beautifully in a third category.  It utilizes the original, borrows more heavily from the book's story-wise, and creates its own space on the shelf next to the animated classic, instead of leaning on it.

The echoes from the original are great and varied, while maintaining its own visual identity.  Speaking of which, if there is any danger of seeing this movie, it creates the overwhelming urge to pet wild animals.  The computer generated effects on all the animals, enabling a realism while even speaking like humans, astounds the viewer.  Obviously, a lot of time and care was taken to ensure a balance.  Director Jon Favreau certainly didn't slouch in the storyline either.  As previously mentioned, the story does take more from the book than the 1967 original did, but only to its benefit.  In a sense, the story felt like the deleted scenes of the animated version.  In the beginning and the ending (not to spoil it), there are more direct visual echoes to the original that truly succeed in honoring the original.

The last thing I feel I need to mention in lightness music.  Favreau so artfully integrated not just the Sherman Brothers/Terry Gilkyson/George Bruns songs and score, it's seamless.  Admittedly, Branagh's use of music in 'Cinderella' seemed more of an afterthought, while Favreau knew the best way to honor the original was through the music, even asking Richard Sherman to add new lyrics to one of the songs.

Now, I'd like to discuss a couple more serious matters regarding the film that were brought to my attention.  I saw this movie with only Naomi, age 12, so she will be my basis for my comments.  For one thing, I sensed some concern from others about how appropriate this was for children, some of the trailers being a little more dark and intense than the original.  Let me answer this simply...sure, it's a little more intense, being live action, but it has not suddenly been turned into a slasher flick.  That being said, you should know your children and I strongly suggest you see the trailer for yourself, or even with your own children, and make a decision together.

One last subject I feel the need to touch on is the theme of adoption in the film.  Now, my aunt's children are all adopted, the girls from China, Reuben from Korea.  The idea of taking on the responsibility of a child who is not like you (a "man cub" amongst wolves) is part of the storyline, certainly,  so the idea of differences and sameness is discussed, on both sides, right and wrong.  I'd like to emphasis the "wrong" aspect because, again, not to spoil, but some villains in life like to use misinformation to gain the confidence of others.  'The Jungle Book' is an example of that.  If you are looking for a movie that doesn't invite discussion and questions, just don't go.  Despite the discussion on both sides, by the end of the film, the opinion of the filmmakers is entirely clear.  I suggest, should you see the movie with your adopted children, use it as an opportunity to create a dialogue with them.

Naomi is an intelligent young lady, and she didn't notice this "theme" at all.  So, on the other hand, if you get the impression the kids didn't notice....don't worry about it! The theme of the film is individuality, and facing fear, and understanding you are a composite of elements, not simply your species or your family...


I hope these thoughts have been enlightening to anyone still unsure about these films.  The Walt Disney Company is firing on all cylinders in the film division, and I look forward to sharing thoughts on the upcoming 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' and 'Finding Dory' (I'm REALLY excited about this one!)

Have a great week, and.....Just Keep Swimming!