Hollywood has many attractions besides the El Capitan Theatre, across the street is the TCL Chinese Theatres with the Forecourt of the Stars featuring hand and footprints in the cement, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood. Across the street from the El Cap is Icons of Darkness at the Hollywood and Highland complex. I did visit there in May, http://geektruth.blogspot.com/2022/05/tour-through-icons-of-darkness.html, there is so much to take in, that a return visit is necessary. I just walked in to see if there was a tour available and after a little chat, it was in just four minutes. So if you are in the area and have time, stop by to see the props and costumes out of your favorite movies! I was told that the owner was giving the tour. I did not get a chance to look at the window display, but I did move through the new queues that do a great job of directing you to the costumes.
T-Rex at Icons of Darkness, yes, she’s about to chomp on a Sleestak and an Uruk-hai!, author’s photo.
What is exceptional for Icons of Darkness is that the costumes have sculpted heads that look like the characters/actors. This is instead of the blank mannequin heads in every other costume exhibit from studios to museums. An additional expense, but you get more of the idea of seeing the character step out of a movie rather than a store with unusual outfits. Another part is the dramatic lighting, this makes your photos come out great, blues and reds, you want the Velciraptors appearing out of the jungle. The last point, ask questions, the guides hear them all the time and have answers, very knowledgeable. The first part has sci fi and superheroes. Batmen, his villains; Catwoman and Penguin, and the new prop in a case, Mjolnir from Thor: The Dark World (2013). The extensive Star Wars collection made of molds and actual costumes. I think new was the figure of Logray, the Ewok chieftain from Return of the Jedi (1983).
There is the group of The Matrix characters and then a menagerie of dinos from the Jurassic Park movies. The exhibit has so many interesting characters and creatures, it is like my head is on a shivel, don’t worry, it is worth it for a return trip. They just added Pterandon puppets from Jurassic Park III (2001). On the other side is the costumes of Selene from Underworld Evolution (2006) worn by Kate Beckinsale and the Hunger Games outfit. Past Gremlins and Terminators, aliens from Independence Day (1996), and Mr. Spock, there is the horror section with the Faun from Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) peeking from the corner. You can see a display of the screen used Hannibal Lector and Anthony Hopkins’ life cast from Silence of the Lambs (1991). This leads to the corridor with rooms holding Pinhead from Hellraiser (1987), Pennywise’s costume worn b Bill Skarsgard from It (2017), and other horrors. Also not that for most of the tour, there are jump scares, things leap at you and other surprises.
Alien Xenomorph costume slithering from Aliens (1986), photo by the author.
There is a host of Aliens including the Alien Queen, Facehuggers, and Predators. The guide told us that all of the actors were seven feet tall. I asked about the actor in the new Prey movie, he is Dane DiLiegro, and I was told he showed up there to see the Predator costumes. Next, a toy shelf of Chuckies and new was the Freddie Kreuger “Chest of Souls” from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987). I also saw two of the Ghost-face masks used in Scream 2 (1997). It was great to walk through Icons of Darkness and expect to return more times to see familiar and new items from the collection! A part of Hollywood is the Walk of Fame stars. Do note that it is a public walkway, so a few are dirty and cracked from wear and tear. I think the city maintains their upkeep. Right next to the TCL Chinese Theatre is Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum. I think it has been some time since I visited, 2014?, eight years ago.
The wax figure of Don Corleone, you can sit next to The Godfather, Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood, author’s photo.
There are wax figures outside of the building, this is within the entrance, there is a Zac Efron from Baywatch (2017), a Danny Trejo figure, I was told that he visited the wax museum to see it. Also, a figure of Kobe Bryant, he was in the sports section where you can try to dunk on him with a hoop next to him. You pass Betty White, smiling, in her pink pajamas. Then, you ride the elevator to the third floor, I think other visitors went to the second floor and wandered up the stairs. There is Morgan Freeman, next to him is Dwayne Johnson, and on the stage is Demi Lovato. On the other side is Ariana Grande and opposite her is Zoe Saldana. Jimmy Kimmel introduces you to the next room, a recreation of his chat show that overlooks Hollywood Boulevard. In the other direction, you can see the wax figure of Angela Bassett in a fancy, red outfit, and Charlize Theron. Down the stars is classic Hollywood with Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz (1939), and at the other room is Marilyn Monroe and Elvis.
Illusions of Horror has the classic Bela Legosi Dracula and other monsters. Hollywood scenes in the othe rooms are Danny Zuko (John Travolta) with Greased Lightning, no Sandy (Olivia Newton-John)? Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) on a bench with his box of chocolates. Also, Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) from The Graduate (1967). Don Vito Corleone played by Marlon Brando sits behind a desk. Also, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen complete with bow at Sound Stage 5. New is a photo op of King Kong with his hand extended to hold hapless visitors. The 90’s Are Here features Snoop Dog, Britney Spears about to record “Crazy”, and Selena is the latest wax figure. The lower level has Marvel figures; Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson), and Captain America (Chris Evans). Tony Stark played by Robert Downey, Jr. has his arms outstretched. This leads to the Marvel Universe 4D theater. I had already seen it and had to head over to see Willow, so left through the gift shop. There of course a number of Hollywood attractions at Hollywood so check them out!
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