Before we get started, let me take a moment to commend those who understood my subtle Aaron Sorkin reference in this week’s title. Now I’d like to wish each and everyone of you reading this a happy new year.
It’s almost cliche to acknowledge that each passing year goes by with increasing speed. This proved true once again in 2014. Not only was this the first full year I was married but was also the year I started enjoying what I did for a living. From starting with Laughing Place in January to getting a paid writing job elsewhere in July to starting this blog in October, it was truly a banner year for my so-called career.
Thanks to my association with the site I got to experience Disney like I never had before. My first assignment of the year was to cover a presentation by the animators of Frozen that felt like a live and in-person version of the DVD extra you wish they had. Aside from covering various events open to the public, I also got to attend Disney’s 24-hour party as press and even interview an Imagineer while riding the attraction they worked on. Perhaps my favorite experiences of the year came when I got to visit The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to learn about the making of Big Hero 6, screen the film early and interview members of the cast. For the first time in my life, my love of Disney was being expressed in a way that wasn’t costing my hundreds of dollars, which I’m sure my wife appreciated.
For Disney themselves 2014 was a smashing year that only promises to be surpassed by 2015. With the massive success of Frozen (which made $137 million of its $400 million domestic take in 2014), Disney once again reminded the world that they are the masters of animation — a title that had been taken by Pixar in the minds of many. While we as Disney fans may have grown just a bit tired of it (see my November 29th entry) it’s hard not to admit that the film is ultimately a great thing for the company we love.
One thing I think we can all agree on is the juggernaut that is Marvel. This year Disney single handedly extended the summer movie going season by releasing Captain America: The Winter Soldier in April and the #1 film of the year (for now) Guardians of the Galaxy in August. On the heels of those success stories, Marvel announced a slate of films all the way of 2019 that will surely keep the profits rolling in for the studio while creating and appeasing hardcore fans at the same time.
2015 holds a lot of promise for Disney fans. Avengers, Star Wars, and, if all goes to plan, a new theme park…. on the other side of the world. For me, the new year is shaping up to be one of personal challenges, changes and, hopefully, accomplishments. What are those, exactly? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out.
So to Doobie, Rebekah, Fanboy, Alex, my wife, and all of you: Thank you for a great year and here’s to the next one.
Be sure to follow Kyle on Twitter: @kyleburbank and check back every Saturday for another venture into The E-Ticket Life.