nosaur, the animators at Pixar used 3D, volumetric clouds and elements, rather than the typical 2D, wallpaper-like backgrounds studios use for animated films. The result is an ultra-realistic set design, contrasted with very stylized, more cartoon-like, characters. Arlo, an easily frightened Apatosaurus finds an unlikely companion in ‘Spot’, a fearless and
feral child that’s more canine than human. The two embark on a journey to return to their home- land, both uncovering themes of family and belonging, as Arlo battles his inner fears to return home. The story seems a more simplified narrative than Pixar has attempted to conquer in recent
films. Films like ‘Inside Out’ tackle complex and mind-bending concepts, while The Good Dinosaur steadily plays along a common beat on a Western-like buddy film, with themes comparable to that of ‘Finding Nemo.’ The characters are met with interesting dinosaurs along the way, most notable a cowboy-like rancher T-Rex named Butch, voiced to perfection by Sam Elliot. The film doesn’t fail to deliver the heartfelt moments expected of Pixar, but time may prove
the real contribution made by this film may be its uncompromising approach to pushing the ani- mation industry farther than it has been taken. The film shows Pixar’s commitment to not only providing story, but also a quantifiable leap in computer science in animation. After a decade-long era of consecutively opening number one in weekend films, both produc-
tions in 2015 failed to land at the number one position. Inside Out maintained a still successful $90M, but was edged out by Jurassic World, while The Good Dinosaur reached only $39M, and may became Pixar Studio’s first financial flop since its inception. The era of Pixar’s untouchable, and infallible record may now be considered over. Despite the upset, the film may have a strong shelf life and success in global markets, and the summer looks bright with the expectations of Find- ing Dory.
CASA ROMANTICA CULTURAL CENTER AND GARDENS 415 Avenida Granada • San Clemente, CA 92672 949.498.2139 •
www.casaromantica.org
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 11am - 4pm, Friday - Sunday, 10am- 2pm February 21, 2pm
CASA KIDS - Superconductor: An Adventure
through Music Story Reading Join Superconductor, a daring hero who goes on a comical quest to rescue Melody,
Harmony and Rhythm from the clutches of the villainous Decomposer. Admission is free for kids, and tickets can be reserved online.
February 25, 7pm CASA COOL -
Mambop Latin Jazz Band and Salsa Lesson Dance lesson starts at 6pm. Mambop is a high energy Latin, jazz band, who will be
performing Salsa music peppered with danceable Latin Jazz. They are a unique ensemble with an emphasis on exciting horn lines and charismatic vocals. Fun and exciting to watch, the band members always seem to be having a good time. The event will include a salsa lesson with professional dance instructor, Evie Quinones. She is a dynamic and passionate teacher who will give instruction prior to Mambop’s performance. Admission is $20 for Casa Members, and general admission is $25.
March 2, 7pm
CASA WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS - Gluten Free Baking with Kelly Smith Kelly Smith, a local author and creator of the popular grain-free lifestyle blog, The
Nourishing Home, will lead a talk on gluten-free baking and the related health benefits of a grain free lifestyle. The event will include a baking demonstration as well as the op- portunity to taste some of Kelly’s gluten free baked goods featured in her cookbook, Everyday Grain-Free Baking. Admission: $10 for Casa Members. General admission $12.
March 9, 9am
Casa Yoga Inspired by multiple yoga traditions as well as contemporary styles of yoga and move-
ment modalities, this class will offer a blend of various disciplines to create a unique, in- tegrated practice customized to the level of practitioners that are present. The primary focus of the class will be placed on breath, body and movement awareness, self-discovery and community connection. This class is suitable for the first time and seasoned yoga practitioner both! Classes begin at 9am, and general admission is $5 and free for Casa Members.
The Big Short Director Adam McKay makes a stark contrast from his Funny-or-Die humored films in the
past (Anchorman, Step-Brothers, The Other Guys), to bring an intriguing take on a group of out- siders’ view of the sub-prime mortgage collapse of 2008. The film is a fresh take on the mortgage collapse of 2008. As the characters one-by-one uncover
a hideous flaw in the loan and mortgage system, they take an intriguing journey along the road of a typical loan, and are appalled at each step along the way. The discussions of the intricacies of an investment company feel authentic and fascinating, though are often times ill-interrupted by a break in the story to converse directly to the audience on terms and concepts. The erratic editing style had been decided before the editor was chosen. “I didn’t want there
to be a classical structure that you settle into as far as the cut pattern goes. The whole idea is that it’s alive,” says director Adam McKay. Hank Corwin, the editor, has experience editing jagged and explosive films with Natural Born
Killers (1994) and Tree of Life (2011). With juxtaposed cameo narrations, and lead roles breaking character to explain legal jargon, the editing style is in stark contrast to the calm, dryness of the material. What sets this film apart from other financial films is its lack of coolness. Rather than the sly, sleekness that typically portrays the elegance of financial power swapping, The Big Short, focuses on a motley crue of outsiders who are both disgusted by its brokenness, and captivated by its un- tapped vulnerability. On more than one occasion, the corruptness of the characters themselves is called in to question.
They’re upset with the broken system that has been rigged to trick and rob innocent people, but what’s to say of them choosing to profit from it? Brad Pitt’s character, a world-weary ex-banker type, interjects at the younger kids’ exuberance in their found profit; he’s old and disgusted by the system and its alleged power. A strong cast, featuring Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrel and Christian Bale, add character to the dynamic relations of a group of hyper-intelligent eccentrics.
March 11, 7pm
CASA CLASSIC - An Evening with Ann Hampton Callaway Ann Hampton Callaway is a multiplatinum-selling singer, composer, lyricist, pianist,
and actress. A born entertainer, her unique singing style blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls, theaters and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film. She is best known for writing and singing the theme to the TV series The Nanny, writing songs for Barbra Streisand and starring in the Broad- way musical Swing!. This special fundraising event will include a full length concert by Ms. Callaway, dinner and a live auction. Ticket is $165 for concert and black tie fundraiser dinner.
March 24, 7pm
CASA UP CLOSE - Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman This lecture will include a viewing of the 90-minute documentary, Visual Acoustics,
about Julius Shulman who was an American architectural photographer. His vast library of images currently resides at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. After the documentary, architecture historian and writer Ted Wells will lead a discussion. Ted Wells has written several books on architecture, lectured in the U.S. and internationally and has curated museum exhibitions on numerous subjects. Admission is $10 for Casa Members, and general admission is $12.
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