Marvin Montanaro

Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary. Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture. Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership. He can be reached via email at mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X: http://x.com/marvinmontanaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinmontanaro Facebook: https://facebook.com/marvinmontanaro YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheM4Empire Email: mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com
CI Games’ Player-First Philosophy Pays Off Big as Lords of the Fallen 2.0 Surges Past Industry Giants — 2 Year-Old Game Hits Steam Top 10 Global Best Sellers List

CI Games’ Player-First Philosophy Pays Off Big as Lords of the Fallen 2.0 Surges Past Industry Giants — 2 Year-Old Game Hits Steam Top 10 Global Best Sellers List

In an industry increasingly defined by agenda-driven design and tone-deaf development, CI Games is breaking the mold—and it’s paying off in a big way. With the launch of Version 2.0 on April 17, Lords of the Fallen has achieved what few would have predicted: a stunning resurgence that’s propelled the game into Steam’s Top 10 Global Best Sellers, 18 months after release.

Rose Tico Actress Kelly Marie Tran Lashes Out at Star Wars Fans in New Interview — Claims She Felt ‘Persecuted’ Over Race and Gender

Rose Tico Actress Kelly Marie Tran Lashes Out at Star Wars Fans in New Interview — Claims She Felt ‘Persecuted’ Over Race and Gender

More than five years after her final appearance in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Rose Tico actress Kelly Marie Tran has publicly lashed out at the franchise’s fandom, saying she felt “persecuted” during her time in the spotlight. Tran’s comments come during the promotional tour for her latest film, The Wedding Banquet, and echo similar remarks made recently by her Star Wars co-star John Boyega.

Apoloitical Christian Comedian Nate Bargatze to Host 2025 Emmys as Awards Show Shifts Away from Divisive Political Comedy

Apoloitical Christian Comedian Nate Bargatze to Host 2025 Emmys as Awards Show Shifts Away from Divisive Political Comedy

In a move that continues a notable shift in tone for Hollywood’s awards season, CBS has announced that apolitical Christian stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze will host the 77th annual Emmys. The telecast is set to air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS, with simultaneous streaming on Paramount+.

OPINION The Disney Magic Is Gone — There’s No Value Left in a Walt Disney World Vacation

OPINION The Disney Magic Is Gone — There’s No Value Left in a Walt Disney World Vacation

Once upon a time, Walt Disney World was the gold standard of family vacations. It was the crown jewel of American escapism—a place where children and adults alike could step into a world of imagination, wonder, and charm. But that era is over. The magic is gone. And no matter how much Disney’s marketing machine tries to sprinkle pixie dust over the numbers, the truth is unavoidable: there’s simply no longer any value in a Walt Disney World vacation.

OPINION: Fantastic Four Proves There’s No Saving Marvel — Not Even The X-Men Can Revive the MCU Now

OPINION: Fantastic Four Proves There’s No Saving Marvel — Not Even The X-Men Can Revive the MCU Now

Fantastic Four: First Steps was supposed to mark a bold new beginning. Instead, it’s the latest evidence that Marvel Studios has completely lost the plot — and worse, lost its audience. What once was the most trusted name in blockbuster entertainment is now a hollow brand, coasting on nostalgia and ideology rather than quality or storytelling.

Harry Potter Missing from Universal UK Theme Park Plans—But There May Be a Reason Why

Harry Potter Missing from Universal UK Theme Park Plans—But There May Be a Reason Why

One of the most puzzling omissions from Universal Studios’ newly announced UK theme park is arguably its most globally recognized franchise: Harry Potter. With a 476-acre resort now confirmed for Bedfordshire, just an hour north of London, and concept art revealing lands potentially tied to Jurassic Park, Shrek, and Back to The Future, fans were quick to notice what wasn’t there—and that’s Hogwarts.

OPINION: Disney’s Grand Mistake at the Grand Floridian—Upcoming Renovation Will Add a Bar and Remake Iconic Lobby Into Bland Floridian at Walt Disney World

OPINION: Disney’s Grand Mistake at the Grand Floridian—Upcoming Renovation Will Add a Bar and Remake Iconic Lobby Into Bland Floridian at Walt Disney World

This week, Disney Parks Blog released new concept art and design plans for a reimagined Grand Floridian Resort lobby. The changes are being sold as a “refurbishment,” a light refresh meant to breathe new life into the resort. But what’s really happening is far more insidious: Disney is dismantling one of its most elegant, timeless spaces and replacing it with something entirely ordinary that’s soaked in alcohol.

Nintendo Switch 2 Offers Last Gen Power for Next Gen Price—Experts Compare Switch 2 Power to PS4 Despite $450 Price Tag

Nintendo Switch 2 Offers Last Gen Power for Next Gen Price—Experts Compare Switch 2 Power to PS4 Despite $450 Price Tag

Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Switch 2, is officially launching at a retail price of $449.99—just $50 shy of Sony’s PlayStation 5. But while that price point puts it within striking distance of true next-gen hardware, early reports indicate that the Switch 2 will perform at roughly the same level as a PS4, a console that originally launched back in 2013 for $399.99 and now sells used for under $200.

Is Back to the Future Returning to Universal Parks? New Trademark and Concept Art Spark Rumors for Universal UK Theme Park

Is Back to the Future Returning to Universal Parks? New Trademark and Concept Art Spark Rumors for Universal UK Theme Park

The DeLorean may be revving up for another Back To The Future Universal adventure—this time in Bedfordshire.

Universal Studios’ upcoming UK theme park project just got a lot more interesting thanks to a newly discovered trademark filing for Back to the Future in the United Kingdom. The application, filed in late December 2024 and entered into the UK register in March 2025, specifically includes theme park attraction and live show services under Class 41.