MOVIE REVIEW: CARS 3 AT THE EL CAPITAN

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CARS 3 AT THE EL CAPITAN

cars3_elcap_marquee_1080x1080Why anyone in Southern California would ever see a Disney film anywhere other than the El Capitan in Hollywood is a mystery to me.  That place is magical.  Mr. X and I just saw Cars 3 there, and had a wonderful time, of course!

Before I tell you about the movie itself, I have to say how perfect the El Capitan is on a hot summer’s night.  The air-conditioning was such the perfect temperature that night that I actually forgot about the heatwave until I got back outside!

On top of that, the sound system is fantastic.  I’ve noticed it before, but even moreso this time for Cars 3.  (I wish I had seen 1 and 2 there, as well!!!) Mr. X remarked that it “enhanced the soaring Disney soundtrack.”

One of the decorated balcony boxes.  Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big pic at the top of this page.

One of the decorated balcony boxes. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big pic at the top of this page.

And they always go the extra mile (get it?–“mile” because of the races in the film,) with every little touch. For this run, the Cars logo is on the souvenir popcorn buckets, there’s a giant poster of the movie on display in the lobby for patrons to take photos in front of, the balcony boxes are adorned with all pertinent decorations, and—my favorite touch—the ushers wear mechanics outfits!!!  I really love that!  I think they have as much fun wearing them as we have seeing them!  Everyone is happy at the El Capitan!

On top of all that, when everyone is seated, the theatre manager gives a brief little greeting speech.  That’s something you won’t get anywhere else.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

And then the fun begins.  First up are some colorful Disney previews, and then a live stage show featuring energetic dancer/athletes.  When we saw it, one girl was jumping so high I couldn’t believe it, and then I realized she was on a trampoline!  There are people on skates, bikes, and even a giant spinning hoop.  There’s so much going on at once that I’ll need to see it again to take it all in.  When you go, don’t forget to look up to these balcony boxes because, all of a sudden, there are a couple of performers up there, and they unleash colorful giant beach balls down to the orchestra seats. My row giggled the whole time we batted them around.   They end the show with day-glo confetti, which signals that the screening is about to being.

But before the big film comes an adorable short cartoon, Lou.  It melted my heart, and is quite the little lesson for kids.  I just love those Disney animators!!!

Part of the mural in the soda fountain next door.  Photo by Karen Salkin.

Part of the mural in the soda fountain next door. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Another perk of the El Capitan is the location.  Yes, I always think of that area of Hollywood as being for tourists, as many of us Angelenos do, but that’s what makes it fun!  I feel like I’m out of town when I go there.  Mr. X, who really isn’t into going many places, even agreed to accompany me to this one because he knows he’ll always have a good time at this theatre.  We got there early, and shopped along that strip of Hollywood Blvd.  We even made time to go to the soda fountain next door for delicious, creamy sundaes before the movie.  It’s just such an easy, entertaining experience!

Speaking of entertainment, let me tell you how wonderful Cars 3 is!  I was actually shocked at how much we enjoyed it.  I think many of you know how much I love animation, but let’s face it—as a girly-girl, I’m usually about only princess type of cartoon films.  I just want to see pinks and blues dancing before my eyes.  But I can’t tell you how engaged I was with these autos, and what I kick I got out of the film.  Those Disney creators are so wonderfully clever. With just a few digital brush strokes, they made these cars seem so real. And the variety of vehicles in the film is mind-boggling! As someone who has kept the same car for so long that it’s now considered a classic, that assortment really impressed me.

car-s3jpg-6dac15_1280wAnd Mr. X made note that the sounds the filmmakers attributed to some of the older cars in the movie are actually the sounds the cars made in real life!

Another interesting thing about it is that, while I was laughing and smiling, I noticed that kids around me were enjoying it just as much.  We laughed at some of the same lines, but the film includes nuances aimed at kids and some just for adults.  I love that about Disney films!

So, I recommend Cars 3 at the El Capitan for everyone—boys, girls, women, and men alike. But not children who are too young, please. And if you have a screaming youngster, please take them out to the lobby to calm them down. Don’t be selfish and ruin it for everybody! Duh. Bring them instead to Tiny Tot Tuesdays, where the lights aren’t dimmed all the way, and the sound is much lower. What a wonderful idea for families with children of all different ages!

Cars 3 running through July 30, 2017
El Capitan 6838 Hollywood Boulevard 1-800-DISNEY6 www.elcapitantheatre.com

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