Mid Week Update

WELCOME back!! I'm SO sorry I have lagged in updating this thing lately. In all honesty, I havent written because I've been busy getting some research on future projects. I got a request to do a story on the death of WWF superstar Owen Hart. I'm also reworking my long delayed and much promised "Superman vs Batman" script review. I've also tried to get more info on the Haunted Mansion changes and the goings on at Disneyland.

So I havent used the time off to slack off or whatever. I'm really trying to get you guys some cool info and interesting stories. So please bear with me if I dont update regularly.

If EVERYTHING works out well, then next week I'll be putting up the first part of the "Superman vs Batman" script review. The biggest thing holding it up is that I wasnt sure what format to do it in. I didnt know if I wanted a quick and easy condensed version or a longer more detailed version. Its going to fall somewhere in between and hopefully it was worth the wait for you. NOW, that the excuses are out of the way, lets get to it!

 

 

Welcome, Foolish Mortals..to the (NEW) Haunted Mansion

OK, its been talked about for a long time. And here's the latest that I've found out

-The Hatbox Ghost WILL be returning to the Haunted Mansion. It wont be the Hatbox Ghost I've shown you before. Instead its expected that this version will be smaller and more advanced version. Although it will retain the same effect of the disappearing head. Unfortunately, it wont be debuting at the same time as the rest of the changes. But, then again you never know.

-The bride now TALKS as you go by. There have been various reports of the bride saying such phrases as "Here comes the bride..." and "Til death...do us part." I was able to see a video of the ride and it sounds creepy.

-There seems to be more "clutter" in the attic now. As you can see by this photo:

The room is now filled with expensive trinkets and items.

-The séance circle is now darker and more ominous. Madame Leota herself has new phrases. One report has her saying something along the lines of "Accept your fate..." Since this is the scene where we will be seeing disembodied spirits try to break thru, I can only imagine she is referring to those spirits.

Now you're probably asking yourself "When is all this going to be installed and finished?" Well, David Koenig, author of the awesome "Mouse Tales" series broke this news just yesterday:

This week the Mansion will finally unveil the rumored new show scenes and figures. New scenes tell the story of Constance, a bride who has married--and been suddenly widowed--five times. Decorative elements--including old photographs, furnishings, clothing and other props--tell us a little bit about Constance's five husbands, each coincidentally more wealthy than his predecessor. "Innovative lighting effects" simulate moonlight peeking through the rafters--and also shed some light on the fate of each husband.

So finally..after all these years...The Haunted Mansion has its story line. Also, each of "Constance's" husbands will have a hatbox with his "head" inside. Well, they wont actually be in there. But it will be implied. Each hatbox will have the name of the unfortunate groom on the side. Which is where the Hatbox Ghost comes in. :-)

This upcoming weekend should be VERY interesting. Hopefully I can grab some pics of the new ride for next Monday's update. If you're planning on heading out to Disneyland this weekend, be warned that it has been EXTREMELY busy these last few weeks. In fact this past Sunday BOTH Disneyland and California Adventure closed their gates to new arrivals!

OUCH

I have a feeling the summer is going to be VERY bad crowd wise at Disneyland. Just wait til the marketing for the "Pirates" starts up!

 

OK, that will do it for this update. I'll try to have more for you later. I've got some construction pictures from "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Tatsu" at Six Flags Magic Mountain to share with you. I want to pull up some more info for them before I post though. Til then.

 

DQ

Monday Update

Greetings one and all and welcome back to the Two Minute Drill!!! Hope you all had a good Easter!!! Hopefully we'll have some regular updates here this week. Now that the Wrestlemania saga is over! ;-) Lets get on with it!

 

Disneyland Update

The floral arrangement in the front has changed. Pretty cool colors

Its been awhile, but its only because the news has been SLOW coming out of the Disneyland Resort. Here's some tidbits

-The Haunted Mansion changes mentioned here earlier have NOT been installed yet. Although work has begun as the attic scene in the Mansion has been under tarps recently. Maybe this week? Some interesting pics have been making the rounds on the inter. What could be behind this curtain in the attic?

While rumors started up again that it was the "Hat Box Ghost" under wraps. (Fueled by this mock up)

It couldnt be??!!

Word has come out that it is just a picture frame. Well, not just an ordinary frame, but one that features some truly spectacular visual effects. I guess we'll find out soon enough

-The Subs are back!!! Last week the "Submarine Lagoon" was refilled with water so work could continue on the new Finding Nemo attraction scheduled to open in Spring of 07. But as you can see, they're keeping things under wraps

The water will be drained again in a few weeks and work will start on the various show effects. I honestly never thought we'd see those subs again! Thank goodness for new management!

Weekend Box Office Report

Anna Faris in "Scary Movie 4"

 

1) Scary Movie 4, $40.2 Million: The "Fourth and Final Film of the TRILOGY" opens strong. A great spoof movie, with lots of laughs and just silliness. For me, "Scary Movie 3" had been the best one, but this one was just as funny. By the way, according to the producers, there are plans for a FIFTH "Scary Movie" already in the works. I think if they space them out enough and dont run it into the ground, then the franchise will continue to make money. I say wait a few years between each one and they'll be ok.

2) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, $20.0 mil: The defending champ gets knocked down a peg. This was one of those rare sequels that is just as good, if not better, than the original. The jokes for this movie come quick and there's just as much for the adults here as there are for the kids.

3) The Benchwarmers, $9.6 mil: Wow, I've actually seen the movies I'm talking about. Thats a first!! ;-) This one slips down a notch from the week before. This one probably isnt for everyone. Its got a lot of comedy and slapstick stuff, but there are alot of gross jokes too. Still, it is a good story and I still recommend it.

4) The Wild, $9.6 mil: Disney's "Madagascar" opens a distant fourth. Actually, it should be noted that this film was in development BEFORE "Madagascar". Unfortunately, Dreamworks Animation beat Disney to the theatre and now everyone thinks its Disney ripping off Dreamworks. Oh well, live and learn. If you cant be the first to the theatre, then dont be surprised when people say you ripped off an idea.

4) Take The Lead, $6.7 mil: Antonio Banderas' ballroom movie is doing pretty well. It isnt a "MEGA" blockbuster by any means, but its still managing to put up some good numbers.

OK, sorry for the short update today. I'll try to have more content the next one. Take care everyone and til the next time

DQ

Mid-Week Update

Hello everyone!! Welcome back to the "Two Minute Drill". I apologize for not updating at all last week. I was seriously burned out from the "Wrestlemania" saga. I honestly didnt think I was going to finish it on time. But I went into over drive the last few days and made sure I met my deadline. I said I would do "Wrestlemania 22" to finish the series off and I'm going to do that today. I'll have a regular update for you, hopefully tomorrow. So lets get to it!

Allstate Arena, Chicago, Ill

April 2, 2006

This years edition of Wrestlemania was billed as going "Big Time". The event would return to Chicago for the third time in its history. Only SoCal (Anahiem and L.A. have hosted Wrestlemania a combined 5 times) and New York had hosted the event as many times.

There was lots of "Big Time" moments in this event. There was Mick Foley and Edge fighting a "Hardcore Match" that ended with both men going through a flaming table and Edge scoring the victory.

There was a Street Fight between Shawn Michaels and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon that saw McMahon destroyed by Michaels.

And a ladder match that featured several breath taking moves and saw Rob Van Dam victorious.

At the top of the card  were two "Big Time" title matches each one delivered a unique experience.

First up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship would be on the line with champion Kurt Angle defending against Rey Mysterio and the cocky Randy Orton. Orton's father, "Cowboy" Bob Orton was involved in Wrestlemania's very first main event and Randy would finally get to main event a Wrestlemania 21 years later.

The match got off to a bang as Orton attacked Angle before the ell rang. His early advantage however would soon be negated as Angle fired back with some high impact slams and suplexes. At one point Angle hit a jaw dropping "double" german suplex on both Mysterio and Orton that would send Mysterio halfway across the ring!!

Angle at one point made both Mysterio and Orton tap out to his "angle lock" but, the referee didnt see any of it as he was distracted both times.

Finally Angle hit Orton with his "Angle Slam" and was ready to put away Mysterio with it, but it was not to be. Mysterio reversed it into an armbar and sent the champion flying out of the ring. He then hit set up Orton for the "619"

It was followed up with a hurracarana pin and scored the victory!!

It’s something many said Mysterio could never do. But Rey Mysterio is the World Heavyweight Champion. Afterwards, Mysterio was joined by Vicki and Chavo Guerrero, Eddie Guerrero's widow and nephew. The three of them celebrated Mysterio's victory.

 

The second championship bout of the night was controversial from the get go. For weeks, fans had been turning on "good guy" WWE Champ John Cena. Where once there were cheers and support, there were boos and obscenities shouted his way. At Wrestlemania, Cena would defend his title against Triple H who was supposed to be the "heel" going into this match.

Instead Triple H was cheered loudly when he entered the arena and fans made it known who they stood behind.

The match got underway and Triple H seemed to be toying with the champion. He would push him around, sidestep his every move. Just making a joke out of him. It was if he was just going through the motions and not taking the match seriously.

Finally Cena was able to connect on offense and the match really got going. The two men went back and forth and at times it seemed that Triple H was dominating the champion.

But Cena would not quit. He kept battling back and kept the pressure on Triple H. 

Finally, after the referee had been knocked out, Triple H went to the outside to grab a sledgehammer to put an end to the match. His first attempt to clock the champion was unsuccessful, however his second attempt was not. He nailed Cena right in the head and covered him. Cena however kicked out at 2 1/2. Triple H could not believe it! He tried putting Cena in his "pedigree' finsihing move, but Cena reversed it into a STF submission move.

Triple H battled back and fought hard, but it was no use. Cena would not release the hold. Finally, after not being able to reach the ropes, Triple H tapped out and stunned the sell out crowd!! After their initial shock had worn off, most fans boo ed the champion as he celebrated in the ring.

Cena had retained the title against all odds and made Triple H tap out. It shouldve been a huge moment, but instead the Chicago fans rained boos on him as the show went off the air.  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

So there it is. All 22 Wrestlemania's for your reading enjoyment! I may touch on the subject of wrestling every now and then. But as far as HUGE multi-part series' are concerned, I think I'll pass! ;-) Til the next time!

DQ

send feedback to twominutedrill8@yahoo.com

The History of Wrestlemania, Part 7

Hello everyone!! Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the ride. This is it. The final chapters in my Wrestlemania saga. I hope you have enjoyed reading about it. I think I might need a week off to recover from all this! hehehe. To put a ribbon the whole thing, I'll have a "Wrestlemania 22" report on Monday. And thats it. No more wrestling for awhile!! So lets get to it shall we?

 

Skydome- Toronto, ON

March 17,2002

Wrestlemania X8 (18..again, gotta love those marketing people!!) returned to Skydome in Toronto which was the site of one of the biggest matches of all time. Who knew that in its return trip, it would feature a match that would not only rival it in hype, but surpass it in scale.

For the first time ever, it would be "ICON vs ICON" as Hulk Hogan made his return to the WWF to take on The Rock. Each man represented a different era of wrestling. Whereas Hogan was the golden boy of the WWF in its early years, The Rock was carrying the WWF banner in the new millennium. It was a match nobody thought they would see, but at Wrestlemania X8, history would once again be made.

When it came time for the match the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. And when Hogan's music hit the crowd went CRAZY!!! Even though Hogan was coming in as the "heel" (bad guy) the fans showed their respect for the man that made most of them fans. The Rock came out to his thunderous ovation. In a truly iconic moment, both men stared each other down as chants of "HOGAN!! HOGAN!! HOGAN!!" and "ROCKY!! ROCKY!!" echoed in the arena.

The bell sounded and both men went at each other. Hogan was in control in the early goingas he was obviously the stronger of the two physically. But soon the tables had turned and the Rock was in control which prompted boos from the crowd as they had now turned on the Rock and were solidly behind Hogan. The Rock tried to put Hogan away with the Rock Bottom and covered him but Hogan kicked out and began his "superman" like comeback. After a couple of punches he nailed The Rock with a big boot and followed it with a leg drop.

The Rock however kicked out at 2 1/2 and Hogan couldnt believe it. He tried the same sequence again but this time missed the legdrop. The Rock picked up Hogan and nailed him with TWO Rock Bottoms followed by the Peoples Elbow and the cover for the 3 count.

The crowd cheered in a sign of respect and appreciation for both men. Afterwards, Hogan shook The Rock's hand and both men walked out together as the true ICONS of the sport.

Safeco Field- Seattle, WA

March 30, 2003

Wrestemania was nearing almost two decades of excellence. "Wrestlemania XIX" (Yeah, they did away with the X# gimmick) would take place in Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners. It would be a unique Wrestlemania in that Hulk Hogan,The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin would all be on the card, but not the main event. This would also be the first Wrestlemania to use the new "WWE" name. Because of a lawsuit by the other W.W.F. (World Wildlife Fund) the WWF was forced to change their name to "World Wrestling Entertainment".

The Rock and Austin would go at it one more time. But this time it was all about pride as The Rock wanted to avenge his earlier Wrestlemania losses. The match was nowhere near as intense or "special" as the others before it. Still they managed to entertain the crowd and put on a decent match.

The Rock would dominate most of the match and after hitting Austin with a few Rock Bottom's, he was able to finally defeat Austin at Wrestlemania

Hulk Hogan would be involved in a different kind of match this time around. He would face the man that put him on the map, Vince McMahon!! The two had a falling out of sorts as McMahon claimed that Hogan would be nothing without him. Hogan responded by saying that without him the WWF would have never made it. The two men decided that Wrestlemania would be the place to settle their differences.

The match was a non stop brawl as both men fought all over the ring and around it. McMahon pulled out all the stops to beat Hogan. Even busting the Hulkster open. But it was no use as Hogan would come back and beat down Mr. McMahon

Despite some outside interference by the returning "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Hogan defeated McMahon and left him a bloody mess.

Even in defeat, McMahon was still defiant.

What would Wrestlemania bring us in its next installment?

 

Madison Square Garden,New York, NY

March 14, 2004

Wrestlemania reached its 20th anniversary and once again returned to the place that started it all. "Wrestlemania XX" would feature a new crop of superstars ready to take Wrestlemania into its third decade. None of this was more evident than in the main events.

WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero would defend his title against Kurt Angle in one main event, while WWE World Heavyweight Champion HHH would take on Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels in a Triple Threat Match. With two major titles on the line, it promised to be a big night.

First up, Eddie would defend against Kurt Angle. For months, Angle was mocking Eddie Guerrero and called him "unworthy" of carrying the gold. Eddie accepted Angle's Wrestlemania challenge to prove that he was indeed championship material.

Eddie and Angle put on a wrestling clinic and at one point even had Angle in his own Ankle Lock!

Angle was able to regain momentum and almost had Eddie tapping out as well. Guerrero escaped the lock and started untying his boot to "relieve" swelling. But in reality he had a plan. When Angle put him in the lock again, Guerrero pushed his boot off sending Angle flying. An angry Angle charged back at Guerrero only to be caught in a roll up and pinned for the 1-2-3!!!

Angle was stunned/furious and Eddie laughed all the way to the back.

It was now time for the second title bout and it didnt disappoint!

Benoit, Michaels and Triple H absolutely destroyed each other in the final match of WrestleMania XX. Michaels was a bloody mess, as Triple H looked ready to lock in the Pedigree on Benoit. Benoit somehow reversed it into the Crippler Crossface, and with Michaels out on the floor Triple H fought as muchas he could but finally tapped out due to the excruciating pain. Benoit was the new champion!!

Afterwards Chris Benoit was joined by his friend WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero in the middle of the ring as confetti flew all over Madison Square Garden and both men celebrated being at the top of the mountain.

Staples Center- Los Angeles, CA

April 3, 2005

Wrestlemania returned to Los Angeles for its 21st edition. Gone were the Roman numerals from the logo. Instead "Wrestlemania 21" would use traditional numbers for its numbering. This was also the first Wrestlemania your's truly attended in person. ;-)

Once again two titles would be on the line. WWE Champion JBL would face John Cena, while World Heavyweight Champion Triple H (yes, him again) would face Batista.

After more than nine months and nearly 300 days as WWE Champion, the historic reign of JBL finally ended at the hands of John Cena at Wrestlemania. JBL, who had overcome every obstacle and every put in his way since July, couldn’t defeat the athletic, hungry and determined Cena on this night.

Cena mounted a flurry of offense late in the match, connecting with an FU and recording the three-count he waited for his whole life.Cena had a sluggish start to the match as JBL dominated the action, hitting a crushing spinebuster, a short-arm clothlesline and a superplex from the top rope.

JBL even tossed a reeling Cena out of the ring. But Cena would recover nicely, ultimately winning his first WWE championship and defeating JBL, who had earlier guaranteed victory

 

In the second match Triple H pulled out all the stops – using a low blow and a foreign object to set up his patented finisher.

But it would not be enough on this night.

Batista remarkably powered out of the Pedigree, then reversed it into a jaw-dropping modified slam. It was something Triple H never expected, and it took the wind right out of him.

Batista then hit his punishing sit-down powerbomb in the center of the ring. A bloodied Triple H couldn’t kick out and Batista was the new champion!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For over 20 years, Wrestlemania has been entertaining people all around the world. Be it the young or the young at heart, Wrestlemania remains as popular today as it did that fateful Sunday in 1985. The wrestlers may change. The name of the company may change. But one thing will always remain the same. Wrestlemania will always be the place where history is made and legends are born.

DQ

send feedback to twominutedrill8@yahoo.com

The History of Wrestlemania, Part 6

 

Welcome back to the drill!! Ready for the stretch run? I'll be updating twice today to meet my deadline so to speak. So get ready for Wrestlemania's 15-21!!! There some graphic pics in this one also. Just so we're clear ok? On with the show!

First Union Center-Philadelphia, PA

March 28, 1999

The last Wrestlemania of the millennium would feature the biggest match since Hogan vs Warrior at Wrestlemania VI. Two of the company's biggest names would be going at it in the main event.

WWF champ The Rock, who for months had carved out a cocky persona that the fans loved to hate would face "Stone Cold" Steve Austin who was hell bent on getting his WWF title back.

The WWF was in full "Attitude" mode by the time "Wrestlemania XV" rolled around. Gone was the old WWF block logo to be replaced with the WWF "scratch" logo. This new "WWF Attitude" would put them back in the mainstream. Suddenly, being a wrestling fan was cool again.

By this time, WWF Chairman Vince McMahon had become a full time performer on his shows. Playing the evil "Mr McMahon" character, he felt that Austin was not good enough to be the champion and he wanted someone who was more to his liking. That person being The Rock. It promised to be another Wrestlemania classic.

Mr McMahon was determined to keep the WWF title off of Austin. So much so, that he appointed himself guest referee for the match. This didnt sit well with WWF Commissioner Shawn Michaels (Yes, THAT Shawn Michaels. He had been forced to retire after Wrestlemania XIV) who ordered McMahon back and brought in a new impartial referee.

The match was chaotic as both men fought hard. The Rock was determined to walk out as champion and Austin would do everything in his power to not allow that to happen.

The Rock would hit Austin with his "Rock Bottom" finishing move, but to no avail as Austin kept coming.

 

Finally after several attempts to take the other out and despite some outside interference from McMahon, Austin was able to defeat The Rock and celebrated his victory with some beer. As you can see Mr. McMahon was not too happy. ;-)

Austin's second reign had begun!

Arrowhead Pond-Anaheim, CA

April 02,2000

Wrestlemania XVI (Or Wrestlemania 2000 as it would be called later) would bring Wrestlemania back to Anahiem for a second round. It would feature the first "Fatal Four Way" main event. It included WWF Champion Triple H defending against The Rock, The Big Show and Mick Foley. This would be the first main event in the "Austin Era" that "Stone Cold" would not be a part of. This match featured a McMahon in each corner as each member of Vince McMahon's family would accompany a fighter to the ring.

WWF Chairman Mr. McMahon had chosen The Rock as the man he wanted to become WWF Champion. In order for the People's Champion to accomplish this, however, he would have to take it away from a man supported by another McMahon – Triple H.

Mr. McMahon's daughter Stephanie, who was married to Triple H, said she was going to support him no matter what her father, or anyone else in her family, had to say.

Upon hearing that, Shane McMahon, Stephanie's brother, decided that it was time for WWF to move in a new direction. And the man who would be his champion was The Big Show.

The matriarch of the McMahon family and WWF CEO, Linda, saw the fighting taking place between her family members, and decided it was time for her to take control. To do that, she convinced Mick Foley to come out of retirement so he could live his dream and fight in the main event at WrestleMania.

The stage was set for perhaps the most electrifying WrestleMania of all time. All four men went at each other like they had nothing to lose

It seemed that The Rock had the match won, but then Vince McMahon showed his true colors by turning on The Rock and costing him the victory

Triple H retained the WWF Championship becoming the first man to do so since Diesel did it at Wrestlemania XI, but Vince, Shane and Stephanie were all knocked out by The Rock after the match.

The first Wrestlemania of the new millennium was in the books!

Astrodome-Houston, TX

April 01, 2001

It took two years, but at "Wrestlemania X-7" (17..gotta love those marketing people) WWF Champ The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin would face off once more. This match was bigger than their first Wrestlemania match as both men went in as top fan favorites.

The buildup for the match rivaled only that of the "Hogan/Warrior" match in that the fans were split in their loyalties wherever they went. While one half of the fans chanted "AUSTIN!! AUSTIN!! AUSTIN!!" the other half would be chanting "ROCKY! ROCKY!! ROCKY!!!" It promised to be a huge main event.

67,925 people jammed the Astrodome in Houston to witness this confrontation. And they didn’t go home disappointed!

It seemed that both men picked up where they left off. Austin didn’t even allow The Rock to go through his pre match poses as Austin attacked him before the bell even rang. The match was a "No DQ" match so anything went as both men took turns wailing away on each other.

At one point in the match both men were bloodied.

The Rock seemed to have things under control and was getting ready to deliver his "People's Elbow" on Austin and put him away.

Suddenly, Mr. McMahon came down to the ring and made his presence known. At first no one knew what to expect, but then he interfered on behalf of Austin and the crowd was stunned. McMahon handed Austin a steel chair and he began to wail away on the champion. Finally after leaving The Rock a bloody and beaten mess, Austin pinned the Rock and captured the title again.

 

The real shocker was afterwards when Austin and McMahon stared each other down in the ring and then shook hands. It seemed that Austin had finally joined Mr. McMahon and the WWF would never be the same again.

 

To be CONCLUDED!!!

send feedback to twominutedrill8@yahoo.com