Showing posts with label movie review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie review. Show all posts

TGIF Movie Night

We finally made it to Friday.  Did you ever think this week would end?  I was beginning to wonder.  Of course we are on pins and needles over here.  You see, after today, Dear Hubby is off work for a whole week!  A vaca!  It is rare for him.  You see, he normally has to take them off for his surgeries and such.  Not to sound like a whining baby, but he has had some illnesses in these last ten years to deal with.  This is only the second time we have taken vacation time for relaxation on his schedule.  


Well we are going to kick off his TGIF opener with movie night.  Yeppers, got the popcorn, sodas and tons of candy all ready.  Pulled out the snuggies, lap blankets and throw pillows too.  Time to get some real lazing around done, don't you think?


We are starting of with a kid friendly movie.  A fav of Dear Hubby's and one to please Princess Emma.  (Her poppi is having hand surgery today and may be hanging with us.)  So we are going to start off with "The Garfield Show: Dinosaurs and other Animal Adventures".  Garfield has been a fav cartoon of Dear Hubby's since the 80's.  He even had a stuffed Garfield that went to the Navy with him.  So when we get a chance to enjoy that lasagna loving, dog fighting, lazy ol kitty then we are all curled up with him.  In this DVD we are going to join in on adventures from digging up dinosaur bones, working with farm animals and discovering life under the sea.  No stone is left unturned as Garfield takes us through the history of dogs, attends a pet show and even prepares to eat a pet goldfish! Being part of the animal kingdom has never been any more exciting!  Of course being the lucky souls we are this is a preview for us.  The actually DVD will be released on the 10th of January.  


Next we are going to move on to another family friendly and kid friendly show.  "A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures".   I love that this is based on the actual course of a sea turtle’s life.  Sammy was born on a Baja, California beach in 1959 and must do what his fellow newborn sea turtles are doing: race across the beach to the ocean before a seagull or crab captures them. Thus begins Sammy’s incredible fifty-year ocean journey.  Along the way he meets his best friend, a fellow turtle named Ray, and overcomes obstacles both natural and man-made while trying to fulfill his dream of travelling around the world.  Throughout his travels, Sammy never forgets about Shelly – the turtle he saved on his first day and loves passionately from afar.   I know many have seen this one but it will be a new one for me.  I can't wait to sit and enjoy it.  I love sea turtles and how graceful they are.  Carrying that big ol shell of a home on your back all your life yet living for such amazing long lives.  You can get this DVD on January 3rd!


Our last movie of the night will be a Thomas Kinkade Presents "A Mile in his Shoes".  I love that it had Dean Cain in it.  Do you remember him from  Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.   Based on a true story, A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.  Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team.  As Murph sets out to recruit new talent, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.  Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit.   This show will be released on DVD on January 10th.  


I am so thankful to Vivendi Entertainment for hosting our family movie night.  Of course we are doing marathon movies today.  But you know some times you just have to indulge.  Hope you have a great evening and TGIF!

81 or 18

Well here in the middle of our week we are pulling out all the stops.  Why?  Well to celebrate my Mom-in-law's birthday.  She is 81 but acts much younger.  Having fought her way through strokes (using only 1/3 of her heart), knee replacement (on both knees) and a myriad of falls and illnesses, she just keeps skipping along.  This week alone she has ran a booth for the teens of her church at Pow Wow.  She is the teacher for the teens.  
;Ran across the state to visit the doctor and a granddaughter who was in a horrid car accident.  (She is going to be okay, Thank God!)  And today, will get to sit at my dining table and eat in her favorite way.  By picking at this and that.  Yeah, I love that she loves to 'graze' through a meal.  So I made nothing but finger foods so we can just pick away.  And of course talk, giggle and sing Happy Birthday.  My mom-in-law is not slowing down so we decided to just re celebrate her 18th birthday instead!

I am glad to see that my mom-in-law keeps looking at life with a spunky attitude.  And that she can stay in touch with the youth so well.  What will drive Dear Hubby and I up the wall just makes her chuckle, pat us on the shoulder and say "Why that is the way of youth today.  Let it roll off your back."  We eventually see it is not worth all of our upset and sure enough let it 'roll off our backs'.    She is so excited to see all the family this weekend too.  It is our annual family reunion that Dear Hubby and I 'host' at the lake.  A great time to visit, watch the kiddos play and eat fantastic food.  We also have a white elephant auction, door prizes and a quilt raffle.

Our grandbabes are going to be here too.  And as Landon would say....he wants to fight the kids.  That means play fencing on the Wii.  Well that copy of Wii Sports Resort is getting pretty damaged.  So instead we are going to play with a new set of kids.  I have the newly released DVD of Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away!, a DVD packed full with seven episodes from the series and two incredible bonus features including Yo Ho, You Want To Be A Pirate?, where Jake teaches viewers how to talk like a pirate, and Pirate Party With Pirate-oke, a collection of music videos performed by The Never Land Pirate Band that allow viewers to enjoy with or without the sing-along/karaoke-like feature.  It will be fun to also sing and dance to the Cd of songs included. The album features a variety of songs that kids and parents can enjoy together. Songs include the kooky, comical "Hot Lava," “Aw Coconuts,” "Pirate Password,” and the arrrghhh-rated “Talk Like a Pirate.” Some songs refer to popular characters in the show, such as “What’s Cookin’ Smee,” "Captain Hook (Is A Cranky Crook)," “Tick Tock Croc” and “Bucky’s Shanty.” Others capture the island spirit of Never Land, such as “Castaway on Pirate Island," "Shipwreck Shuffle" and "Never Sky," as well as the "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" theme song. All songs can be heard in episodes of the show.  Oh and best yet, there is a eye patch too.  So we can all swagger around and look like a pirate too!

It is all going to be a fun week and weekend.  Well it is time for me to dash.  I know we still have plenty of goodies in the fridge to nibble on.  And there has to be some cake left somewhere.  Thanks to Disney Junior for sharing the DVD with me.  Gosh I am so lucky!

TV, DVD or Book?

I tell you, I think I am losing it.  I understand that television is not a good way to spend the day.  But surely there is something to watch.  But, I am beginning to wonder.  Today I had choices....like.....

  • 10 minute workout.  But it was a 30 minute show.  Why?  Was there 20 minutes of commercials?
  • How the States got their Shapes.  Honestly.  And one 30 minute show is not enough.  You can watch this over and over again on different states.  Oh how fun that could be?
  • Offbeat Cinema.  Where else could you watch Teenagers from Outer Space or Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.  B movies or would these be more D ratings?
College Girl pointed out that we can watch DVD's instead.  She pulled out two cartoons.  I should have seen this coming.  She has always been a cartoon fan.  Well today's choices were Hey Arnold!: Season One or The Garfield Show: Spooky Tails. Well of course we popped up some pop corn and settled in for a fun afternoon.  It felt like we had taken the day off from being in control and more letting go of responsibilities.

Hey Arnold was one of College Girls favorites growing up.  She loved being able to watch cartoons and not have the irritable commercial breaks.  I can so agree there.  She said the images seemed clearer watching it now than when she was growing up.  But that could be from the HD TV here were we are house sitting at.  I do not remember watching this when she was younger...I was aware it was on, but had not sat down with her.  I loved learning the family dynamics for Arnold living with his grandparents in their rooming house.  It made for some interesting story lines.  His best friend, Gerald and Helga, the doting girl next door, help Arnold in his daily adventures.  Hey Arnold! debuted as an animated short for the Nickelodeon film Harriet the Spy in 1996. This sure made a good afternoon of bonding time.

Next we put in Garfield.  Now here is Dear Hubby's favorite cat in the world.  He is off on a Halloween trip with Odie, the world's most loyal dog ever.  I had to giggle thinking of how would he find enough lasagna to make it on any road trip.   I laughed at Catzilla and so want a mind-reading helmet.  But most of all please do not let our one and only pizza joint close or I will have to go crazy like Garfield did.  This DVD will be released on the 23rd of this month....just a week away. 

I know more and more why I am such an avid reader.  Books can be judged by their covers too.  I know I could not read a book with a cheesy title.  Or wait could I?  Teen favorites were Pardon Me, Your Stepping on my Eyeball and My Darling, My Hamburger.  But they were wonderful stories for an angst teen.

Thanks so to Shout Factory and Vivendi for providing the days entertainment.  We loved reviewing the shows.  Of course, (everyone chime in with me) these were unpaid and the thoughts are my own.  Family bonding was great.  Now I need to go and sweep up the remnants of the popcorn fight.  BTW, I won!

Fun & Games

We are having so much fun during our lil staycation house/dog sitting weekend.  Playing games on the Wii as a family challenge.  And watch out for our wild games on the air hockey table.  Boy does that disc fly!  Last night College Girl and I relaxed in the hot tub looking at the big Texas sky.  How beautiful.

We even had Princess Emma here yesterday.  And her and her folks will be back tonight.  We all want to pile in the hot tub.  But College Girl said she would play with Princess Emma so the adults can relax.  Isn't that sweet!  I have a DVD of Pocoyo for them to dance too.  Yes, dance.  Dance, Pocoyo, Dance! is the newest DVD out in this series that will be release on the 16th of August.  Beginning August 1 through August 31, you can receive an all-new Pocoyo DVD – Dance Pocoyo Dance!–with the purchase of 10 Langers Juices (plus $1.99 shipping and handling), while supplies last. Maybe Princess Emma can help her sissy, College Girl learn some moves.  My poor C.G. is very WHITE.  But they will have fun with Ellys Ballet Class and Drummer Boy.  Some things that P.E. loves to do.  I am wanting to see the Dance Off with the Sissys.  12 musical stories that teach how to dance to your own beat.  Perfect since I always say "there is always time to DANCE."

I also have a DVD for the grandson of the house that we are 'sitting'.  I meet him last weekend and had an enjoyable talk.  Also loved seeing 'knockers' again.  Have not seen them since I was in jr. high.  Well I brought him Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Volume 3: The Return of Heatblast on a 2 disc set.  He will have 10 episodes and the special features to watch.  Most often there is a gaggle of girls here so being the oldest boy can get to be a bore at times.  That was why I thought he might need a lil guy time.   Ben 10 continues to be one of the network's most beloved series, as Ben 10: Ultimate Alien has ranked as the #1 show among Boys 6-14 on Friday nights so far during its second season, according to Nielsen Media Research.  If your interested there is a giveaway til August 10th for this DVD at Seat42F.

But for now it is game time.  I love getting these DVD's to review.  Of course no cash payment.  But fun all the way around.  Hey.....wait for me.....time to go beat Dear Hubby on the Air Hockey table1

Birthday Gifts for the Grandbabes

Next month is the birthday of my Grandbabes. Actually just one day apart at that. So we have been looking at different things to put in their packages. We found something for them to share in their bedroom.  And a lil to help decorate it up some for our Grandson.  But there has to be all the extra fillers too.  At least for me that is how I always see it.

I have to always have in some books as reading is so important to me.  And the Grandbabes both love stories.  My Grandson will love the cardboard book 'Rocket Town'.  It is perfect with rockets, trucks and trains while they are traveling in an old pickup.  Bright colors that help the countdown to blastoff.  This was done by Bob Logan who worked on Madagascar, Open Season and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs too!

I also think that both Grandbabes will love the book 'I Love to Swim' with summer coming up.  Time is the water is part of summer in Texas with the heat we have.  Rita Goldberg wrote this book to help children who so wish to swim.  She started teaching children to swim in a basement pool in England back in 1981.   There is also a dvd in the back of the book to share with your lil ones.  Perfect!   And seeing the joy that water has always brought to kids she was able to show that to children everywhere with this book.  Teaching water safety rules and ways to move so you can swim.  I am thankful for anyway to help alleviate the fear of water that some children have.  I remember being scared when I was a child....thankfully I finally learned how to enjoy the water.  Now I just like to hydrate anytime I can!

My pick for my Granddaughter is 'Bluebonnet Time!'.  What a bold book that has beautiful facts popping out all around you.  Along with the cd of songs to listen to when we are out looking for the wildflowers on our roadsides.  The Bluebonnet is our state flower and one that makes me so happy to see fields covered in the bright colors.  I have shown off my own favorite photo that I took one Easter morning.   I hope that sometime soon I will have time to take some more photos of my own Grandbabes in a field of bluebonnets.  It is almost a Texas tradition.  My Granddaughter loves to read to me, her Nonnie.  This will be a perfect evening read on the porch this summer.  I can't wait.  Can you?

My other lil extra is a Disney dvd for my Granddaughter of Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure.  Sharpay Evans plays a small town Diva who has hit New York City with her lil dog, Boi.  And then the adventure begins.  TK loves to sing along with shows so I know she will be performing right along with the songs here.  Especially the son Baby that Justin Bieber released performed here with  Ashley and Ryan Evans of High School Musical.  See for yourself right here.  You can get your own copy next week as it is being released on April 19th.  I think that it is going to be cute seeing TK with the Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure Limited Edition Clutch that comes with the 3 disc set.

This has been so much fun setting up gifts for the kids.  I wonder what else I might find between now and then.  Thanks so to the different PR reps that sent me these books and the DVD.  I am so lucky to get the sneak peek at them all.  Of course you know I am not paid for this....just lucky to show off the items to you.  What a life!

Date Night Desires

I have so been wanting to go out with Dear Hubby.  And not just out...but OUT!  We have not had dinner and a movie in several years.  Why?  Well first off we live a bit of a ways out of the way from anywhere.  Second after a 6o mile trip and dinner...who can afford a movie too?  Hate to put it that way but we are tight budgeted.  So we always wait til we can see it on DVD.  But I do not wish to wait to see this one.  I wanna see it on the B I G Screen.  In Technicolor!   Bright and beautiful with 3D images.  What is it?  Why it is GNOMEO & JULIET of course!  It was just released on the 11th.  And it would be so fun to see.  Yeah, I know I am a kiddo at heart!

I love some of the celebrity cast voices too. Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne and Dolly Parton to name a few.  And did you know that Elton John is the executive producer?  Bernie Taupin and Elton did the songs.  I mean who can resist the greatest love story ever told, done up with...garden gnomes?  Add in the plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, it spells fun all the way around. 
You can even become a fan of GNOMEO & JULIET on Facebook.



Sad as it is that I have not been able to go see this, you can.  And I can help you with your Gnoemo & Juliet obsession with a giveaway hosted right here!


ITEMS FOR GIVEAWAY:
 
- Gnomeo & Juliet t-shirt in youth sizes of S, M, L, XL and colors of red or blue
- Gnomeo & Juliet one-size fits all beanies in colors of red or blue
- Gnomeo & Juliet mini-notebooks shaped like a Gnome hat (front cover is red, back cover is blue)






Yeah this can be yours all for the space of one comment!  Tell me why you want to see Gnomeo & Juliet and I will tell them to send you a goodie bag.  Yeppers....but just one.  So hurry!