We’ve been giving you updates on Iron Man 3 since the day the trailer was released and we told you more about how Screenwriter Drew Pearce (along with Director Shane Black) created this thrilling tale in our Director Series. Last night, the movie released to sold-out crowds, but we’re here to give you the scoop on a few interesting details and give you an extra push towards the theater in case you need one. Don’t worry; from here on in, you’re in a spoiler-free zone!
When we last left Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.), he learned the true meaning of the word “teamwork” thanks to some of the most powerful superheroes on the planet and he lost Stark Tower during the Chitauri invasion. The trailers for Iron Man 3 show us Tony’s left New York for his home in Malibu, Calif., but nothing ever stays quiet for long. Critics are already calling the latest installment as possibly the most explosive and thrilling to date. We have a feeling part of this is due to a fresh, new director.
This time around, Jon Favreau bowed out of directing Iron Man 3, although movies one and two saw some of his best work. Marvel Studios was quick and locked in famed action filmmaker Shane Black, the visionary behind the first two Lethal Weapon films, The Last Boy Scout and Last Action Hero. Black and Downey, Jr. previously worked together in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and everyone expects they’re destined to score another huge hit.
With a change in directors, here’s what you should be on the lookout for with Black at the helm:
· Stunningly technical action sequences. With Iron Man’s firepower and the film’s fantastical universe, expect some fast-paced flying, heavily armed foes and heaps of property damage.
· An “odd couple” friendship. All of Black’s films feature a strong, yet unlikely friendship between two characters. See Iron Man 2: Tony and Rhodey’s (Don Cheadle) relationship.
· A larger spotlight on Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Black is a fan of strong, female characters ever since he wrote The Long Kiss Goodnight. Pepper has been perpetually frustrated with Tony’s hours and being an obsessive inventor is Tony’s nature, so their relationship is bound to be on the rocks. Pepper now has an opportunity to step off the sidelines and into some armor.
If you’re a Marvel Comic fan, watch out for classic Iron Man villains/conflicts to differ from to the comic books. You’ve seen Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin and Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian (founder of A.I.M) in the trailers. We don’t know how far screenwriters Pearce and Black strayed from the original material and there’s no way to tell who the real big baddie will be. Whoever it is, we can expect an epic, climactic battle.
Opening weekend for Iron Man 3 has already sold out in several areas, so if you haven’t bought your tickets yet, be sure to double check your favorite theater’s availability at Eventful. If you didn’t buy tickets early enough, this is a good time to revisit Iron Man 1 and 2, and you might as well as pick up Marvel’s The Avengers, before catching Downey Jr. in action next weekend. Buy your tickets now because this might mark the end of an era.
Why? Downey, Jr.’s contract is up for this film and may or may not be extended. The actor’s career is booming between Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes sequels. Tony will return, but Marvel Studios and Disney will have to decide, if they make more Iron Man films, who’s going to replace our quick-witted hero we’ve all come to love over the past five years.
This post was brought to you by our friends at Eventful.
Need help finding what’s in store for your family this weekend? Don’t stress - we have ideas!
New York
The sun’s coming out in New York this weekend, so don’t worry about Spring cleaning this Sunday. Instead, step outside and bait your hook in Central Park at the Catch & Release Fishing expedition from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about the aqueous life in the Harlem Meer while watching a largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or carp dangle from your fishing line. Don’t worry- the event is free and you get to put the fish back in their watery home when you’re done- as the name says, “Catch & Release!”
Seattle
Who’s one of the most iconic characters in American literature? Huck Finn. And, you can see the story unfold live on stage at the Book It Repertory Theatre. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn runs from now until May 12 and tickets range from $23-45. Don’t wait- hurry to see one of Mark Twain’s best adventures come to life.
Boston
The Diablo Glass School is offering Bostonians a Family Experience. This Sunday, from 1 to 2 p.m., you can stop in and enjoy the mesmerizing experience of glassblowing. If you haven’t seen it- it truly is something to see. From 2 to 3 p.m., you can have your own hands-on experience- make a colorful, fused-glass pendant. Not to give you any ideas, but Mother’s Day is coming up…
San Francisco
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is hosting Family Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give kids a chance to explore are, create their own and discover virtual worlds. Join the family-friendly gallery tours, watch a movie or enjoy hearing a story read out loud. The philosophy this Sunday is think and create!
Houston
This Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., join Art Improv day at the Museum of Fine Arts. Families can choose any piece of art from the museum and sketch, write or talk about the piece with friends and family. There’s more to do once you’re inside: Visit the Kinder Foundation Education Center for more family-filled fun activities.
This post was brought to you by our friends at Eventful
While you may have read Huckleberry Finn in school when you were growing up, Mark Twain’s classic is actually the fourth most banned book in the United States according to the Associated Press. Controversy surrounds this revolutionary literary work and now is your chance to experience it live and uncensored with your family.
Families in Seattle have the rare opportunity of catching a performance of Huckleberry Finn at the Book-It Repertory Theatre at 305 Harrison Street as part of the Danger: Books! series, which showcases and examines the always growing number of challenged or banned books in our nation’s middle schools and high schools.
In the story, Huck escapes his drunken, abusive father by faking his own death and lives out a series of adventures with an escaped slave named Jim. Twain’s depiction of a black man as a human being was a moral awakening for Americans in 1885 and the novel’s impact is still felt today.
Back in 2003, Book-It company artist Laura Ferri spent two years adapting and directing scenes from the novel and toured more than 60 schools around the Puget Sound Region. The controversial subject matter sparked heated discussion and that controversy hasn’t lost steam since.
Don’t miss this chance to engage in a meaningful discussion with your family about topics that were as important then as they are now, and take a trip through American literary history!
For more information, visit: http://feelday.com/activity/4234/adventures-of-huckleberry-finn-uncensored
Baseball season is in full swing! But if you can’t make it to a game this weekend to experience the pop of leather gloves, hot dogs and cheers, you and your family have another chance to experience that excitement (minus the long lines for the restroom): catch the new Jackie Robinson biopic, 42. The man who pushed backed against racism and segregation his entire life has given baseball one of its most inspiring stories, and it’s one you can share with the whole family.
The story of Jackie Robinson becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues is a familiar story, but not one many younger generations may have heard. Plus, critics are praising the cast’s stellar performances. Chadwick Boseman isn’t the first to play the part of Jackie Robinson, but he brings dual charm and tenacity to the role that hasn’t been seen before. Harrison Ford is receiving praise for his uncharacteristically spirited portrayal of Brooklyn Dodgers Executive and mastermind of the “noble experiment,” Branch Rickey, who became a father figure to Robinson during those dark and difficult early days in the league.
Although the Jackie Robinson story is well known, it’s one that hasn’t been told in a while. It’s easy to become complacent in a society filled with comforts, but 42 reminds us that sometimes we need to strive for something larger, no matter how difficult. 42 opens today. Find showtimes and tickets for a theatre near you.
This post was brought to us by our friends at Eventful.
Celebrate the Houston Children's Festival's 25th Birthday!
Certainly if Frommer's Travel Guides crowns something as one of the "World's 300 Unmissable Events", you couldn't possibly miss it, right? If you live in the Houston area, be one of the 50,000-plus people expected to be in attendance for the Houston Children's Festival, April 6-7, which is celebrating it's 25th birthday!
Proceeds from the event benefit Child Advocates, Inc. and the abused and neglected Harris County children it serves. So not only is this a great time, but you'll be helping children in need too!
The lineup for this year's bash includes Victoria Justice, star of Nickelodeon's hit series Victorious, Radio Disney AM 1590 Houston presents Radio Disney LIVE! featuring Laura Marano from Disney Channel's "Austin and Ally," Dora the Explorer, and Sid the Science Kid, presented by SABIC.
Get ready for five stages of music and entertainment and more than 300 fun activities, music, crafts, exhibits, rides, sports and games. And don't forget to swing by the interactive Family Adventure Areas.
This is sure to be one big, wonderful, birthday bash!
Eventful for iPhone: It’s All About You And What You Want To Do
That’s what Eventful’s new, iOS app, Eventful for iPhone, is all about- making sure you always can find what you want to do. The app offers the most comprehensive selection of what’s happening in local markets around the world. And, it’s powered by Eventful’s own personalization engine, so you are guaranteed a customized experience.
Discover the events and entertainment you’re passionate about: Watch your favorite band play at a small, intimate venue, stay on top of the latest movie trailers and releases, find the best tickets in the house for opening day, plan a family day on the town or attend the latest gallery opening. You get the idea, whatever you like to do Eventful for iPhone will help you find it, share it with friends, and you can tell us if you like it or not.
What do you have to do to stay in the know and receive tailored alerts to all your favorite events?
That’s easy. Download the app- it’s free.
Sign in with Facebook or create a free Eventful account. Then, scan your iTunes, Spotify and Last.fm to personalize your experience. The more you interact with the app, the more you can tailor and customize your experience using our personalization engine.
Traveling? No problem. Your event preferences go wherever you go, so you can always find something you like to do no matter where you are. We said it’s all about you and we meant it. So dive in and discover what you’re doing this weekend.
- This post was brought to us by our friends at Eventful
It’s official. Spring is here, but the gloom and cool temps around the country might not make it seem like the seasons have changed. When the weather warms up you’ll be rushing around to the pool, beach, sporting events, vacations, BBQs, and a whole slew of springtime events. For now, take advantage of some stellar films that will put a smile on your face whether you’re entertaining the kids or need a romantic evening out of the house.
The Romantics
Tina Fey and Paul Rudd are known for starring in excellent buddy comedies. Audiences have been waiting a long time for the combination of these two wildly popular actors, and Admissionis finally giving the people what they want. Fey plays an uptight admissions officer at Princeton who discovers a gifted student who could be the son she gave up for adoption years ago. Admissionis a must–see film for anyone who loves strong women and opposites attract. Watch the trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6fp8KswbCE
The Kids
Whether you have kids or you’re a kid at heart, The Croodspromises to provide hilarious, animated fun. Created by Dreamworks Animation – the studio has brought you such films as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon – the film follows one of the last surviving families of prehistoric cavemen led by alpha hunter, Grug (Nicholas Cage). When an inventive and charismatic stranger (Ryan Reynolds) arrives, Grug might lose the closeness of his family as well as his reliable way of life. With stunning 3D animation and additional voices by Cloris Leachman and Emma Stone, The Croods is a great way to spend a couple hours this weekend.
See the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBdiFU6DgpE
-This post was brought to us by our friends at Eventful
Seattle and San Francisco families have a reputation for being very outdoorsy. They enjoy spending time near the ocean or going for a nature walk. Some might even say they are crunchy.
The following are two activities that are perfect for active, nature-loving families that live in these two great cities.
Presidio Mystery Hike
Are you looking for great kid activities San Francisco families can do together? Then take them to the Presidio for a fun and energizing Mystery Hike. This is an approximately two-hour adventure that will take you and your family on an intriguing three-mile jaunt through this treasured San Francisco park. This hike, which will be held on March 6, will be led by Ranger James Osborne. Lucky guests may be able to spot some wild critters or interesting birds on the Mystery Hike.
Family Bird Walk
Are you looking for nature-related activities for children in Seattle? Then head over to Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center. This center, which is a partnership between the National Audubon Society and Seattle's Parks and Rec department, holds a number of family-friendly, nature-related events throughout the year.
For example, it recently held a family bird walk, where youngsters and their families could learn about these beautiful feathered jewels and then try to spot them out in the wild. There are also guided pet walks where you and your family can bring your canine friend to enjoy the Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center as well.
San Francisco and Seattle parents are lucky to be blessed with a number of fun ways to get their children out into nature. These are just two such activities that you can find here on Feelday.
Meet Sam Raimi- the director behind the family-oriented Oz, the Great and Powerful. If you follow movie directors, you may be thinking, isn’t Raimi a horror film director? Yes- you are correct. He created the terrifying Evil Dead and Army of Darkness. You may also recognize the name from the Spider-Man trilogy starring Toby Maguire. Whether you follow directors or not, there’s a good chance you’ve seen his work on television or the big screen. He’s directed such films as The Quick and the Dead and For the Love of the Game, and produced television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess and Starz’s Spartacus. Although, fans enjoy Raimi’s sometimes frightening, sometimes slapstick work, his latest film is 100 percent family friendly.
Raimi has a skill for adapting other people’s work, i.e., the Spider-Man series and he used Greek mythology to create the world of Hercules and Xena. And, as everyone knows this classic tale, you may wonder what else Raimi can do. But, that is the art of the being a visionary director: Raimi makes the world of Oz his own. The original film was limited by technology and budget; Raimi not only makes Oz more realistic, he creates the sprawling, fantastic world Oz was always meant to be. Remember the mental image you created when reading about the Land of Oz, you invented a land of wonder and enchantment filled with an occasional evil. Raimi’s directorial ability makes those elements come to life and offers the perfect opportunity to introduce your children into a world where anything can happen. See you at the show- find tickets now.
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and hopefully you and your significant other already have plans. If you don't, well, it was nice knowing you. Kidding! No matter what your Valentine’s Day plans are, you can always make time for a romantic movie -- it may bring you and your special someone closer together. Even if you’re spending this V-Day with the family, we have you covered.
A Romantic Evening for Two
If this is you, consider the tried and true “dinner and a movie” idea. Find a good trustworthy sitter for the kids who is loaded up with good Valentine’s day fun, maybe some card making crafts or a good Valentine’s day movie. Once the kids are taken care of its back to planning your romantic eventing. You can customize your romantic dining experience from a romantic candle lit dinner at a quiet little bistro to sliding that onion ring she’s been wanting on her delicate finger. And, what better way to follow up a romantic meal than with the brand new Nicholas Sparks movie?
That’s right, the author who brought you The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and Nights in Roadanthe released another big screen adaptation of one of his novels. Safe Haven with perfect timing- it opens tomorrow. Julianne Hough stars as a woman with a mysterious past who moves to a small town for solitude, but falls for a man (Josh Duhamel) who is worth facing her demons. Watching a film by one of the most romantic storytellers of our time, Save Haven is the perfect Valentine’s Day date.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj6i_Z1Srsw
A Night with The Family
Just because you spend most of your time playing chauffeur, chef and maid doesn’t mean your Valentine’s Day isn't full of love. Picking up some heart-themed cookies to bake with the kids is a fun for everyone. There are several heart-grabbing Charlie Brown Valentine’s Day specials on TV, but if you miss them, you can find the DVDs at Target or Walmart. While you're there look for those gorillas holding pillow hearts that say “I wuv wu.” They dance to the tune “Wild Thing.” Trust me, adults and kids alike will love ‘em. And, after the little ones are asleep, you can have a little “after hours” Valentine’s Day fun with your beloved.
This post was brought to you by our friends at Eventful
San Francisco parents, do you want to go out but you can’t find a babysitter you trust? Feelday has the perfect answer to your dilemma. Each Saturday between the hours of 5:30pm and 9pm, Tree Frog Treks on Hayes Street in San Francisco offers a fun play night for your kids at the low rates of only $25 to $35.
The center is open to any children between the ages of four and ten, and it is recommended that you preregister to reserve a position. There are many fun activities for your children including movies, seeing live animals, arts and crafts, and science projects. Pizza and other snacks will be offered as well.
Some of the upcoming activities at the center include Super Sharks, Viva Volcanoes, Bug Bonanza, Magical Magnets, and Rocket to the Moon. Why not choose childcare that will enrich and educate your children as well as provide them with tons of fun? Tree Frog Treks offers all this and more!
Happy Pancake Day!!! Pancake Day is this Tuesday, February 5, 2013 starting at 7am. It is IHOP’s way of celebrating the pre-Lenten holiday of Shrove Tuesday, or as we call it today, Mardi-Gras. So gather your family and bring them to your local IHOP for a delicious free breakfast. IHOP will celebrate National Pancake Day by offering their guests one free small stack of buttermilk-flavored pancakes.
In exchange for your free breakfast, IHOP asks (but does not require) that you make a small donation to the Children's Miracle Network or another charity. Your useful donation will help to provide such things as hospital equipment, training, research, and medical care for needy patients.
IHOP started National Pancake Day in 2006 and has raised over 10 million dollars for charities since. The goal for this year is to raise at least three million dollars. So, why not bring your family on down to one of their restaurants on Tuesday morning, February 5 and help them reach their goal?!
It’s always more fun to watch the Super Bowl with others, so figure out who has the biggest TV and gather around it on Sunday (6:30 pm ET) to watch the Baltimore Ravens clash with the San Francisco 49ers! Family is the theme of the day – with two brothers coaching against each other for the first time in Super Bowl history- do you think their parents will draw straws to see which one they’re rooting for?
Round up your family and friends and get ready for an amazing day. Invite your aunt with the delicious cheese dip and all other acquaintances who make amazing appetizers, laugh at the hilarious commercials with your parents, and get ready to turn Animal Planet on at halftime so the kids can watch the Puppy Bowl. There’s something for everyone on Super Bowl Sunday – including the game. Which Hollywood ending are you rooting for: the veteran trying to end his career on top (Ray Lewis of the Ravens) or the underdog looking to prove his doubters wrong (Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers)? Whoever wins it is sure to be a day full of fun and excitement.
If you happen to be in New Orleans for the big day check out Eventful to see what fun Super bowl activities are taking place before and after the game!
Would you like to take your family somewhere intriguing this weekend? Feelday.com has the perfect solution. Come on down to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum on Newton Street in Brookline, MA for a day of fun for the entire family. Cars, Crayons and Creativity is part of the museum's Family Fun Days from 10am to 4pm.
Admission is free for members and $5 to $10 for nonmembers. Kids aged four years old and older can experience the fun of Cars, Crayons and Creativity on February 3 or February 17 of 2013. On these dates, children can learn all about Britain's car manufacturers and how they imported vehicles all the way to the United States.
Kids can also partake in various arts and crafts activities including creating their own British cars and making colorful car banners. Cars, Crayons and Creativity will be held in conjunction with the Britain Can Make It exhibit, and kids can learn what is involved in selling cars in America as well.
If you are not a member of the museum, make sure you join before you leave. When you become a member, you will receive emails notifying you of the museum's latest news and activities. You will also gain access to the museum's Joseph S. Freeman Research Library.
As a member, you and your family will have access to all of the latest collectible cars and historic automobile memorabilia that is for sale in the museum. So, be sure to bring your kids down between the hours of 10am and 4pm on one of the above Sundays for a day that your family is sure to enjoy.
Experience China Town, San Francisco Alleyway Tours
If you are looking for something fun for you and your family to do in San Francisco this weekend, Feelday.com has the perfect solution. Come on down to Portsmouth Square at Washington and Kearny and experience China Town, San Francisco Alleyway Tours. This Saturday from 11am to 1pm you and your family can learn all about this unique location.
The tour is for all ages and will cost you from $5 to $18 depending upon you and your family's ages. However, you must register in advance. The tour is lead by a not-for-profit group known as the Chinatown Community Development Center. During your tour you will experience some of the history of the neighborhood's alleys.
Some of the things you will learn include why Wentworth street is also known as Salty Fish Alley, and you will be able to see the many beautiful murals that children painted on various boarded-up buildings. You will learn about how the early immigrants of the area struggled to survive, and you will have the opportunity to see such businesses as Jun Yu's Barber Shop and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
The youths who lead the tours clean the area at least once a month under a program known as the Adopt an Alleyway program. The idea to make young people tour guides was the brainstorm of Norman Fong, the group's deputy director. He believed that the tours would help youths learn about the area's history as well and give them a sense of pride by passing it along.
Too many businesses in Chinatown go unnoticed because they are hidden away in the alleys. However, Seattle Alleyway Tours is a great way to experience all that Chinatown has to offer. This tour is one of the best historical tours available today, and you will be sure to want to return again and again.
We are happy to announce that starting today, in addition to New York & Seattle, Feelday is expanding to include San Francisco and Boston. Now families in these areas can use Feelday to find things to do around them.
With more locations coming soon, we are hard at work making our vision into a reality by helping parents find great activities to do with their children together as a family. With Feelday you can find things happening around you, find what right for your family, invite your friends and go out into the real world.
Expanding our reach, we have partnered with another great event site and from today on Feelday will power some of Eventful's family events section.
Eventful’s philosophy is “Be Social. Live Eventful”. This leading digital media company connects consumers with live entertainment, movies and local events. Over 20 million people rely on Eventful to find out what’s happening and decide what to do. Eventful provides the most comprehensive collection of local event information with millions of events spanning 27 categories.
