Latest news with #UniversalStudiosHollywood
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Jaws' turned 50 — and all these years later still gives Nancy Lopez 'the heebie-jeebies'
Want to feel old? The original summer blockbuster, "Jaws," turns 50 today. For those too young to remember (stream it!), the Steven Spielberg classic stars Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper, an ichthyologist (a scientist who studies fish), Robert Shaw as grizzled ship captain Quint, and Roy Scheider as Brody, the local police sheriff, who pursue the killer shark set to one of the all-time great musical scores. Released nationwide on June 20, 1975, Jaws held the top spot at the box office for 14 weeks and became the first film to gross over $100 million. Among those to attend: participants in the 1975 California Women's Amateur at Pebble Beach. Pat Cornett, who went on to win the title, recalled watching with a very frightened Nancy Lopez and how tournament founder Helen Lengfeld drove them to the theater in her limousine-sized Cadillac to see the shark thriller in Monterey. 'We sat in the front row and got the full force of those jaws,' Cornett said. 'Nancy didn't want us to go back to Pebble Beach along the coast. She was so scared.' More: How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida Lopez, who grew up in New Mexico, confirmed the tale, noting that, to this day, she doesn't like swimming in dark water. 'I've got to see the bottom before I jump in,' she said. 'That movie gave me the heebie-jeebies. I was scared to death.' Lopez wasn't alone. Happy 50th to Jaws.
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jason Segel pops the question and Kayla Radomski said 'Forever Yes'
Jason Segel is engaged to longtime partner Kayla Radomski. The couple shared their engagement news with a charming photo carousel on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into the romantic, flower-filled proposal. Radomski captioned the post 'FOREVER YES,' along with a diamond ring and heart emojis. Radomski, 34, a finalist on Season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance where she placed fourth in 2009, has built a diverse career as both a dancer and actor. She has performed as a backup dancer for stars like Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie, and appeared in projects including Glee, Teen Beach 2, and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. She also had a small role in the 2011 Footloose remake. Segel, 45, best known for his roles in How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Freaks and Geeks, is currently earning critical acclaim for his performance in Season 2 of Shrinking, which has stirred up early Emmy buzz. They were first photographed together in October 2023 during a date night at Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights. However, the couple made their red-carpet debut at the Golden Globes in January 2024, where Segel was nominated for his work on Shrinking. . With their careers thriving and a wedding on the horizon, Segel and Radomski appear to be in a joyful new chapter both professionally and personally.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida Show Caption Hide Caption Top 3 scary moments in 'Jaws' 'Jaws' turns 50 this summer and USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt celebrates with his favorite bloody moments. Universal Studios Hollywood features a "Jaws" encounter on the Studio Tour, along with photo opportunities and themed dining at Amity Island Cafe. Universal Studios Florida no longer has the Jaws ride, but offers photo opportunities with "Jaws"-themed props and limited-time snacks. Both parks celebrate the film's 50th anniversary with special events and entertainment, including a "Jaws"-themed parade and nighttime show. It's been 50 years since 'Jaws' first terrorized a generation of moviegoers. Nowadays, fans are more likely to squeal with delight than fear over the beloved Universal franchise, which still has an entire Amity Village at Universal Studios Japan. But fans don't have to go that far to celebrate the film's golden anniversary this summer. Here's what to do at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Do they still have Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood? Yes. There's still a Jaws encounter on the World-Famous Studio Tour. (Tip: Sit to the right of the tram for the best view.) The tour is available all year long, but guests may notice a 'Jaws' addition to the Hollywood sign replica this summer. As part of Universal Studios Hollywood's Mega Movie Summer through Aug. 10, guests can also snap photos with the park's hanging shark, which has been brought back for an anniversary photo opp, along with a new meet-and-greet with Captain Quint and Chief Brody. Guests can find these outside the WaterWorld attraction. The California park has also temporarily transformed its quick-service Hollywood & Dine restaurant into Amity Island Cafe. Its 'Jaws'-inspired menu includes a lobster roll, a vegan crab cake sandwich and an oversized donut that looks like a lifesaver. From 'Jaws' to 'The Meg': Ranking the 10 best shark movies of all time Is Jaws still at Universal Studios Florida? Universal Orlando Resort's Jaws ride retired in 2012. However, its hanging shark is still displayed year-round. In honor of the film's 50th anniversary, Universal Studios Florida has also brought out two additional photo opps tied to the former attraction: one is its original billboard; the other looks like one of the boats from the ride, being chased by a shark. Guests will find these in the park's San Francisco area through July 6, along with limited-time "Jaws"-themed snacks. Each night until Aug. 24, guests can catch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, on the park's waterfront before closing. The nighttime show features dancing fountains, projections, and music from some of Universal's most iconic films, including 'Jaws.' Pending weather, each day through Nov. 13, guests can also catch the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which features live characters, floats and Easter eggs from various Universal films, including 'Jaws.' Dates are subject to change. Guests should check Universal Orlando's free app for the latest updates.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Epic Universe Ride Reviews: What's Worth The Lines
As you probably already know, Universal just recently opened its long-awaited third theme park in Orlando: Universal Epic Universe. Not only is this Universal's first new US park in over 20 years, but nearly every attraction inside Epic Universe is completely exclusive to the resort, meaning you won't find them at Universal Studios Hollywood, Japan, or any of their other parks around the world. From brand-new coasters to some truly impressive immersive dark rides and interactive experiences, the park is offering something completely fresh to guests. The attractions are located within the park's five immersive worlds: the retro-futuristic hub land Celestial Park, a Harry Potter land set in 1920s Paris and the Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe based on the Universal Classic Monsters, Super Nintendo World (a clone land of the one they have in Japan and Hollywood), and Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon. As I mentioned in my food review post, I was lucky enough to be invited by Universal to attend the media preview ahead of Epic Universe's grand opening. Over the past few years, Universal had slowly been dropping details about the rides, and with soft previews running for a couple of months before my visit, I had a pretty solid idea of what to expect going in — at least, I thought I did. Here I am frying in the sun in front of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, one of the attractions I was most EXCITED to ride. Now, while the park doesn't have a ton of rides, it would be hard to do them all because of the crowds and the size of the park. So, I rode as many attractions as I could in order to give you my thoughts on them and, most importantly, whether they're worth waiting in line for. Full disclosure: While I was invited by Universal to Epic Universe, all opinions are my own. Hiccup's Wing Gliders in Isle of Berk Thoughts: Tucked away in the Isle of Berk, this coaster might not have the hype of Stardust Racers or the name recognition of a Harry Potter attraction, but don't sleep on it because this ride delivers in a huge way. It also travels throughout part of the land giving you great views of the Isle of Berk, while making you feel like you're flying on a dragon. I rode it more than once, and it was just as exciting the second time speaking of Harry Potter, this ride gets a lot of comparisons to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and I can see why. I'd say this is a less scary version of Hagrid' I don't know if this is truly a family coaster, as it does have multiple launches, sharp turns, and some surprise bursts of speed. If you have kids and they're not used to roller coasters, I don't know if this would be a good first one to bring them on (unless they're on the older side or have ridden Hagrid's before). One con is that a lot of the queue is outdoors and not all of it is shaded, so in the heat, this could make waiting for the ride unpleasant. Bottom line: This is a must-do. Hiccup's Wing Gliders might not be the flashiest ride at Epic Universe, but it's easily one of the best. If you're a fan of Hagrid's or just want a coaster that nails the balance between thrills and fun, make this one a priority!!! Dragon Racer's Rally in Isle of Berk Thoughts: I didn't know what to expect from Dragon Racer's Rally. I hadn't really seen anything about it on TikTok or YouTube. Now, it looks super fun from the outside, with riders spinning and flipping through the sky like they're training to become full-on dragon racers. But once I got on, the experience kind of ride gives you some control over your "dragon vehicle," letting you attempt barrel rolls by shifting the wings yourself. In theory, that sounds cool, but in practice, I found it awkward and harder to pull off than expected. I spent more time trying to make the ride fun than actually enjoying it. I would say that on the plus side, it seemed like the queue, while outdoors, was shaded. Bottom line: This is a skip. Unless the line is a short wait, then it could be worth giving it a shot. Honestly, with Hiccup's Wing Gliders being such a standout attraction next door, I wouldn't rush back for this one. Meeting Toothless at Haddock Paddock in the Isle of Berk Thoughts: Okay, so this isn't really an attraction, and more of a meet-and-greet photo opp. I also get that a photo with Toothless sounds like a must-do, especially if you've got kids who love How to Train Your Dragon (some of the most popular animated films of recent years). But trying to get a photo with Toothless ended up being one of the more disappointing parts of my line was long, like, surprisingly long, and to make things worse, there's virtually no shade while you wait. In the Florida heat, that was a brutal combo, and I can't imagine trying to do it with kids. I never ended up getting my photo because my phone was running out of battery, and I ended up getting out of line. Bottom line: Unless you're a die-hard Toothless fan, this is one experience you can probably skip. With that said, I understand that with kids, you might not have the option to ignore this one, so it would be worth doing first thing in the morning (when it's cooler) or in the evening, when most people have already done it. And prepare your kids for realistic expectations about waiting in line for this one! Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe Thoughts: We got a lot of first looks, concept art, and previews of the animatronics for Monsters Unchained. All of this led to it being one of the most highly anticipated attractions at Epic Universe, and from a technical and visual standpoint, it really is one of the best rides at any theme park anywhere. The queue alone is jaw-dropping, with very detailed sets and effects that really set the tone. Of course, the animatronics throughout the ride are next-level impressive. Another thing, I found it refreshing to see an attraction (and land) that wasn't tied to an existing IP. Sure, it's based on the Universal Monsters, but not based on the old movies. An original concept in a big theme park in 2025? That alone earns it is where I might get people yelling at me: Once the ride actually starts, things get a little shaky. The storyline felt oddly pieced together. Not that rides need huge storylines, but this one just didn't pay off narratively. Also, the ride system is the exact one used in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which immediately made me compare it to that, and IMHO, this ride isn't as good as Forbidden Journey. Bottom line: Okay, this one I think is just going to be a difference of opinion, but I would skip it. However, I know people love this ride, so you might too. If anything, it's worth checking out for the visuals and top-tier tech, and immersive world. Also, I would NOT bring little kids onto this ride because they might find this pretty scary. Curse of the Werewolf in Dark Universe Thoughts: I am going to state the common complaint about this ride: Yes, it's short, but it's also a ton of fun from start to finish and packs in a surprising amount of thrills for its size. With quick turns, smooth launches, and just the right amount of intensity, it strikes a great balance between family-friendly and genuinely thrilling (like there were a few moments where I thought my phone was going to fly out of my pocket). It also has a spinning coaster ride system, which makes it unique from most other coasters. Another pro is that this ride's queue, while outdoors, is forest-themed, so there are lots of trees to help protect you from the sun. Bottom line: Even if it's not the flashiest or longest ride at Epic Universe, Curse of the Werewolf is absolutely worth hopping on, especially if you love a smooth coaster with smaller thrills and zero filler. Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park Thoughts: I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by a carousel, but Constellation Carousel ended up being a delightful surprise. From the glowing, Art Nouveau-style creatures to the starry lighting and ethereal music, the theming wonderfully matches Celestial really makes it stand out is the movement; the carousel vehicles don't just go up and down (pretty high!), they gently perform 360-degree rotations, which adds an almost floating sensation that's totally unique. Bottom line: Yes, this is just a carousel, but it's absolutely one you shouldn't skip. It's beautifully designed and whimsical, and perfect for the entire family. One thing I would recommend is riding this at night, when all the lights and effects are more visible and the carousel takes on a dreamy look. Stardust Racers in Celestial Park Thoughts: Stardust Racers is hands-down one of the must-do rides at Epic Universe. As the park's signature high-speed roller coaster and one of its overall signature rides, it delivers exactly what you'd hope for: an adrenaline-packed thrill ride. The dual-track setup adds an extra layer of excitement, especially when the coasters seem to narrowly miss each other in a perfectly timed near-collision said, if you're going in expecting something as intense or wild as VelociCoaster over at Islands of Adventure, temper those expectations just a tiny, tiny little bit. Stardust Racers is thrilling and fast, but with slightly less intensity. Bottom line: Do NOT skip!!! Stardust Racers is a fast-paced coaster that absolutely earns its place as a headliner. And likely a ride you might want to ride way more than once. Also, the green side is slightly more intense than the yellow side, if that makes a difference to you! Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World Thoughts: I've ridden this ride before at Universal Studios Hollywood, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. First off, it's definitely a cool concept, but the actual ride just doesn't land for me. The queue and theming are incredible (walking through Bowser's Castle is a legit highlight, and it's filled with a TON of Easter eggs), but once you're on the ride, it starts to fall apart a bit. The augmented reality headset is clunky and can be confusing, especially if it's your first time riding. It's hard to tell what's actually happening in the game part, and the gameplay mechanics (steering, aiming, and trying to hit targets) just feel a little awkward and overwhelming. Bottom line: If you've never been on it before, it's absolutely worth doing once just to experience it all, especially if you're a Nintendo fan. But it's definitely not something I'd wait more than 30–40 minutes for. Yoshi's Adventure in Super Nintendo World Thoughts: This ride is an exact clone of the one they have at Universal Studios Japan (in fact, the whole land seems to be an exact clone). I don't think I have ever done a POV watch of the attraction on YouTube, so I had no idea what to expect. I really, really, really wanted to like Yoshi's Adventure because it looks adorable, gives scenic views of the land, and adds so much kinetic energy to the land. But unfortunately, the experience just didn't do it for me. Views aside, the ride is extremely boring, with most of it out in the open sun with very little there's a light gameplay element where you're supposed to search for colored eggs, but I genuinely didn't realize that was even part of it until halfway through because I heard the people in front and behind me asking themselves if there was a game involved. Bottom line: I'd skip it. Yoshi's Adventure might be best for younger kids, who will enjoy the visuals. It's definitely not something I'd wait in line for. Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country (located within Super Mario World) Thoughts: I had seen a few POV TikToks of this ride when it first opened in Japan, so I was really excited to ride this. And, it lived up to everything I expected, in fact, I walked off loving it way more than I expected. The ride does a great job mixing impressive tech, amazing animatronics, and some genuinely thrilling moments!!! Of course, there's also the "boom coaster" system that creates the illusion your cart is leaping across broken tracks, and it totally works. (Though I actually think it might even look better from the outside than while you're actually on it.)While some people have said the ride is too short, I actually thought the length was just right. Along with the other complaint that the ride is too shaky, as it's mimicking the sensation of being on a rickety mine track, which I also didn't mind, as I thought it added to the ride. With that said, be prepared because it is really shaky, and don't pull out your phones and try to film because I saw more than one person almost lose it due to the shaking. Bottom line: Mine-Cart Madness is a must-ride, full of great theming and thrills. This is also a great coaster for kids who are ready to ride something with a little more intensity to it. Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Going into Le Cirque Arcanus, I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I might have skipped the show had the people I was with not suggested we check it out. I'd heard mixed things, with some people saying it wasn't good. But after seeing it myself? I honestly don't understand the criticism. I was genuinely impressed!Based on a traveling wizarding circus from the Fantastic Beasts films, the show blends live performance, optical illusions, and large-scale puppetry in a way that's visually striking and super immersive. The performers were great, and the puppets and magical creatures were especially well done. Also, the storytelling was really good, and I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. Bottom line: Le Cirque Arcanus might not be your typical theme park show, and yes, it could be a little intense for smaller kids, but for fans of darker fantasy and theatrical storytelling, it's absolutely worth checking out. Plus, its queue and theater spaces are nice and air conditioned, which makes it a perfect place to escape on a hot day. And lastly, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Immersive and detailed, like you stepped into the movie, from the moment you enter the queue, it's clear this ride is operating on another level. This is one of those rides that instantly cemented itself as a must-do, and not just for Harry Potter fans, but for anyone who loves immersive, story-driven you're on the ride, you find out the scale is massive, the details are rich, and the experience feels more in line with something like Pirates of the Caribbean. There is a scene where a Death Eater animatronic moves so fluidly that it took me a moment to realize he wasn't a person in a costume. Yes, the ride uses screens and a lot of them, a big complaint I've seen online. But honestly, it works 90% of the time. The screen effects are blended seamlessly with physical sets and effects, and it would've been nearly impossible to pull off the storyline demands without them. The transitions between practical and digital work well together, so that you're never really pulled out of the action. Bottom line: It goes without saying that this is a MUST-DO for me!!! My first thought upon entering the Battle at the Ministry was the line in Jurassic Park where John Hammond says, "Spared no expense." You can tell the amount of money and care Universal put into the attraction to make it big, bold, and flawlessly immersive!Now, there are no front-of-the-line passes available for this attraction, and waits can get into three-plus hours. So, if you go, keep that in mind as you might have to sacrifice doing other attractions to get on this one. Okay, with everything all said and done, most of the rides at Epic Universe absolutely live up to the hype! From the jaw-dropping scale of Battle at the Ministry to the unexpectedly fun Hiccup's Wing Gliders, these attractions are not only thrilling, they're also imaginative, ambitious, and soon-to-be classics. BTW, stay tuned, I'll be sharing my overall thoughts on the park experience and some helpful tips for making the most of your visit!!!
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Jason Segel engaged to girlfriend Kayla Radomski after two years
How I Met Your Mother's Jason Segel has reportedly popped the question to his girlfriend of two years, professional dancer Kayla Radomski, with the actor proposing in California earlier this week. Actor Jason Segel and his professional dancer girlfriend, Kayla Radomski, are officially engaged after two years of dating. The How I Met Your Mother star, 45, popped the question to the 34-year-old dancer. As reported by the Mirror, the acting star got down on one knee in a picturesque setting at The Huntington Library in Pasadena, California, on Monday. The couple, who were first romantically linked in 2023, made their red carpet debut last year. The couple were spotted at the Golden Globe Awards where she proudly supported him when he was nominated for Shrinking. The pair appeared smitten with each other as they posed for photos before the main event. According to a source who spoke to the MailOnline, the proposal was captured by a photographer hired by the actor. They told the publication that the emotional couple enjoyed a private dinner together in the Huntington Library's rose garden' after she accepted his proposal. The pair were first seen together when they were spotted holding hands at Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights in October 2023. When they made their Golden Globes debut, Kayla took to her Instagram to express her admiration for him. "A beautiful day celebrating my incredible man. @jasonsegel this nomination was so deserved," she said. Kayla wrote a heartfelt message to Jason, saying: "I have seen the work and dedication you put into not just your work, but everything you do. You continue to amaze me every single day. Anyone who gets the honour to know you is so lucky. I am beyond proud of you and cannot wait to see all that is ahead. I love you beyond words! ! !". The dancers career has been impressive, finishing fourth in season five of So You Think You Can Dance at the tender age of only 18 and working as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift, including a performance at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. In a separate Instagram post, Kayla expressed her gratitude to Jason in a gushing post, saying: "We wouldn't be here without your hard work and determination. I am always amazed watching your drive and love for what you do." She continued: "You inspire me every single day. I cannot wait to continue to watch you thrive and create more magic throughout your life. Thank you for loving me and being the best man this lady could dream up. I love you."
