New year, new selection of movie releases from Disney to enjoy. Yes, if you didn't already know, we are big fans of Disney movies including Marvel Studios. Last year Disney kind of knocked it out of the park with so many great releases like Endgame, Toy Story 4, and we finally got a follow up to Maleficent. This year, I have five movies that I've been amped to watch since I saw the trailers last year and am looking forward to seeing each of them.
This giveaway is sponsored by Illumination Entertainment.
"Welcome to New York. It's been waiting for you." It's been three years since we've hit the streets of the Big Apple with our favorite pet pals. Now The Secret Life Of Pets 2 is adventuring into theaters on June 7th just in time to kickoff Summer Break! Here's a look at why the kids and I are beyond excited to catch up with Max and the gang.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sony Animations. Also, I may receive a commission for purchases made through some of the affiliate links in this post.
Who's ready for a vacation? A monster summer vacation that is. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is sailing into movie theaters Friday, July 13th! Yes, Drac and the crew are back for another awesome and fun adventure.
Disney's A Wrinkle In Time hits theaters this Friday, March 9th. It's no secret that we're big fans of Disney films. You can just take a look at my reviews for Moana and Beauty and the Beast if you think I'm kidding. Also, in the spirit of full disclosure, the rest of this post does contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of my links.
Anyways, back to A Wrinkle In Time. This film is based the beloved A Wrinkle In Time Quintet written by Madeleine L'Engle. I'm beyond stoked that the film is directed by the fabulous and greatly talented Ava Duvernay!
This post is sponsored by Sony Pictures. All opinions expressed are my own.
Guess who's hopping into theaters on February 9th? If you answered Peter Rabbit, you are correct. Everyone's favorite furry rebel and michievous hero is back to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's Tale of Peter Rabbit.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Sony Pictures. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.
The Smurfs are back!! Can you guys hear me shouting and jumping with joy? Seriously, if you were a kid during the 80s and up until 2003, you should definitely be familiar with the Smurfs. Growing up I always felt like a cross between Brainy and Smurfette. So I was stoked to find out that Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy and the rest of the gang were coming to big screen in their new fully animated movie SMURFS: The Lost Village on April 7th.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Disney/Walt Disney Pictures. I received an advance screening of Beauty and the Beast to facilitate this review. Also, this post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that support YUMMommy!
Snow White might have been the first book that I learned how to read on my own, but Belle was the first Disney princess that I fell in love with. Somehow she felt different from the other princesses before her. She was the first Disney princess that I saw bits of myself in. Her love for books and her father knows no bounds. My family can you tell that I love doesn't even begin to describe the appreciation I have for the written word and it goes without saying that I love my family fiercely,
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Walt Disney Studios. We attended a complimentary screening of Moana to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are our own.
Dubbed the "ultimate anti-princess movie" by Time Magazine, the kids and I have been waiting for what feels like forever for Disney's Moana to hit theaters. Well, our wait is finally over because Moana is finally here! Now usually have a rule about not having family movie nights (outside of the house) on school nights. However when we got invited to attend an early screening right here in Charlotte, I knew that I couldn't pass this opportunity up.
Why all of the hype and excitement?
Diversity matters. No this is NOT up for debate. While Moana is Polynesian, she's still a brown girl/girl of color. As a multiracial woman and mom of color raising children of color, I will ALWAYS be here for supporting inspiring movies and stories about main characters of color. This movie is not only a win for Polynesians but brown people everywhere! The first thing Moo pointed out about Moana when she saw the first colored illustrations of Moana, was that Moana had light skin like her and curly/wavy hair.
Our children need to see the diversity of our world represented in movies, television shows, books and other forms of media. Because again, diversity matters. Also, this type of diversity opens up the door for us to talk about, research and experience different cultures. And I'm firmer believer that more we open ourselves and our families up to those who are different from us, the better we can fight ignorance when it comes race and ethnicity.
Not a damsel in distress + life lessons
While Moana is considered a "Disney Princess" Moana herself sets the record straight. She and Maui, a demigod, are sailing across the open sea when he makes the mistake of referring to her as princess in a way that hints that she's a damsel in distress. "I'm not a princess," she fires back. While there's nothing wrong with being a princess, I felt like this scene was so powerful young girls. Watching it I wanted scream "You go girl. Let him know!"
She's daughter of Chief Tui and future chieftess of Motonui. She's strong, brave, smart, head strong and determined. She is NOT a damsel in distress. She does NOT need Prince Charming to sail up on his shiny white boat to save her. In fact, it's just the opposite. Moana actually the one who tries to do the saving as she heads out beyond the reef to search for Maui to help save her people and their island.
And as much as I love a great romance, I was so glad that there were no romantic elements in this movie as far as the main characters were considered. For a while I was concerned that they were going to have her ending up in love with the demigod. This is NOT a spoiler as Disney and the stars of the movie have already revealed and made it clear that Moana is not the typical princess movie and there will be no smooching going on.
Secondly, I appreciated that Moana was so much more than a story of a 16-year old trying to save her people. It was about teaching us how to go beyond the reef. Casting aside our fear and safety nets to go outside of our comfort zones. This was story about the importance of passing down the history our ancestors to our children and encouraging them to do the same with their children.
Maui taught us that even the strongest warrior can be crippled fear/doubt. However, it's up to us to defeat that fear or that doubt so that we can rise up to our full potential. Also, Maui taught us that it's important to remain humble and not sacrifice our integrity trying to be people pleasers.
Culturally stimulating and rich
I'm going to be honest and admit that Moana was everything that I had hoped Princess Tiana would be. Don't get me wrong, The Princess and the Frog will always be in my Top 3 when it comes to Disney Princess movies. But . . . I really wished Disney had made Tiana a true African princess, left Prince Naveen where he was at and delved more into the richness and uniqueness of African cultures.
Like mentioned earlier diversity matters, but so representation. While we're not Polynesian, we did feel immersed in the Polynesian culture. From the music, to the dancing and mythology, everything felt so rich and authentic. We truly loved getting an inside look at what their culture looks like. It's so much more than hula dancers and floral necklaces.
Just learning that Maui the island was named after Maui the demigod was educational for me. Since watching the movie, I've actually been googling Polynesian culture and mythology to learn more. At the end of the day seeing Moana gives me hope that Disney will go to the drawing board in future give us another African princess movie that will really delve into the richness of African cultures.
Great cast
Dewayne Johnson aka The Rock is like a Disney pro by now. Prior to this movie, he's worked with Disney twice - The Game Plan and Race to Witch Mountain. Couple that with that fact that he's Polynesian and was born and raised in Hawaii, he was the perfect choice and fit for Maui. And when I say you guys are going to be pleasantly surprised by his singing chops, I mean it. Like he's been holding out on us.
We knew he had acting chops, but who knew he had such jazzy and smooth baritone?! I would love to see him do another animated film with singing or even take a stab at Broadway.
Did you guys know that Auli'i Cravalho, also Polynesian, was 14 years old when she started recording the vocals for her role as Moana?! She turned 16 today! Happy Birthday Auli'i! She truly nailed Moana. I've heard so many seasoned adult actors talk about how much harder it is to narrate an animated movie than it is to do a live action movie.
Why? Well, because in a live action movie, there's a set, other actors, costumes, makeup and the whole shabang to help them get into their role. When you're narrating or voicing over animation it's often times just the actor in a box watching the characters on the screen. There are no props, wardrobe or set to help your mind slip into character easily. I truly admire Auli'i for being able to master this at the age of 14. I mean she delivers her lines like a pro and her singing voice is amazing.
Overall Moana was and is an amazing movie. We laughed, we (mainly I) cried. The kids were mesmerized from the start to the finish. We all left feeling inspired, motivated, empowered and most of all proud. Disney knocked it out of the park with this. Moana hits theaters on November 23rd and we encourage you purchase tickets for your family to see it.
This post is sponsored by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
One of the main reasons the YUMMommy household proudly supports the Monster High brand and series is because each movie (and book) always seems to have a positive message or lesson for kids. I've said it before and I'll say it again: These aren't your average ghouls! As a parent, I find it comforting that Moo is learning about more than being fashionable from her favorite ghoulfriends. In their latest movie, Welcome To Monster High, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Cleo and the gang tackle the tough subjects of fighting for acceptance and how to celebrate the things that make us each unique.
Giving all of the recent happenings in our country these past few months, many of us could use a lesson in learning not only how to accept our own differences, but the differences of others around us, too! After all it's our uniqueness that makes each of us great. In Welcome To Monster High, Draculaura sets out to create a school where everyone will be accepted and welcomed as they are. No hiding their uniqueness or differences to fit in with society, but instead creating a society where their uniqueness is embraced and celebrated instead.
It's really cool to have a movie completely dedicated to showing Monster High lovers how and why Monster High came to be. However, it's not all smooth sailing and drama free as a villainess zombie tries to stir up trouble. Will her antics expose Monster High to still unaccepting human world and force everyone back into hiding? Or will Draculaura and our favorite ghoulfriends save Monster High before everyone's secret is revealed? You'll have to watch the movie (available Tuesday, September 27th) to find out.
Speaking of watching the movie, I'm delighted to announce that I am giving away 3Welcome To Monster High Blu-Ray + DVD Combo Packs. Thanks Universal! Entering is easy. Just use the widget below. Remember, you have to be 18 years or older and live in the US to enter. Good luck!
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Universal Home Entertainment.
Our favorite ghouls are back at it again. Seriously, you guys should know by now that Moo can't get enough of Clawdeen, Draculaura, Frankie, Cleo and the rest of the Monster High gang. This time around the gang is headed to Boo York in the first-ever Monster High musical, Boo York, Boo York dropping on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD combo pack on Tuesday, September 29th. Bring on the fright lights and big city!
Cleo de Nile gets invited to attend a fancy gala to celebrate the return of a magical comet. Of course she invites her BFFs (Beast Friends Forever) because what's a trip to the big city without your girls?! Needless to say their trip won't be all fun, shopping and frightseeing.
Cleo's sister, Nefera, decides harness the magical comet's powers to use for her own spooktacularly sneaky plans. Will our fave Monster High ghouls be able to unwrap the mystery of the magical comet and stop Nefera's plan before it's too late? Guess you'll have to watch Boo York, Boo York to find out. The musical will feature 8 original songs.
Want to win a copy of Monster High: Boo York, Boo York for the Monster High fan in your life? We have you covered. Universal was kind enough to offer to give three of you a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack. So just use the Gleam widget below to enter. And don't forget to spread the word! This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years & older.
Disclosure: This post and giveaway are sponsored by Universal Home Entertainment.
Thomas the Tank Engine has been a part of my life since my little brother arrived on the scene. I can recall countless afternoons of sitting him in front of the television and being so fascinated by the many adventures of Thomas and his best pals as they worked hard to be "really useful engines" on the Sodor Island. Fast forward to 2013 and I found myself enjoying Thomas and the gang all over again with my son. To say that JJ adores "Tom," Percy, Hiro, Caitlin (his faves) and the rest of the gang would an understatement. Therefore, it's needless to say that we are excited to be celebrating Thomas' 70th anniversary with the release of the new movie Thomas & Friends: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure and the introduction of four NEW friends on Tuesday, September 8th!
This movie is sure to be adventure packed as Thomas tries to hunt for Sodor's lost treasure and ends up unearthing an old pirate ship. Can you say "Shiver me timbers?!" It's no surprise that Thomas will rock boat with some new friends because where there is a possible pirate's treasure there is sure to be a bit of trouble, right?
Will Thomas be able to track down the treasure in time or will Sailor John set sail with it? Find out on September 8th, when you join Thomas & Friends for what is being described as "their most daring adventure yet!" Just see for yourself in the movie preview below.
And if you have a Thomas & Friends fanatic/lover in your household, I have a treat for you. Universal Home Entertainment has gifted me with three Blu-ray combo packs to giveaway to YUMMommy readers! All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Universal Home Entertainment.
"We are monsters, we are proud. We are monsters, say it loud!" When I hear Moo singing the lyrics to one of her favorite theme songs I don't have to guess what she's watching. I already know without a doubt that she watching her all-time favorite shows/movies- Monster High. Seriously, she can't get enough of Clawdeen, Draculaura, Frankie, Cleo and the rest of the gang.
So you can only imagine her excitement when she saw they were releasing Scaris: City of Frights on July 7th. In fact, she just stopped talking my head off about it until she saw the preview trailer again last week. As a mom, I take comfort in the fact that Moo has gotten hooked on such a great animated series. Monster High is all about teaching children of all ages the importance of being a true friend, embracing what makes you different and unity all while being funny and entertaining. These monsters are not scary at all but chic, fashionable and very charming!
Needless to say we're excited to watch as Clawdeen Wolf gets the chance of a lifetime to win an apprenticeship with legendary fashion designer Madame Ghostier. Of course the gang is tagging along to Scaris, France with Clawdeen for what is sure to be a howling adventure in the fashion capital. As her besties take in the sights, Clawdeen will be busy competing against her two opponents, Skelita Calaveras and Jinafire Long.
While exploring, Frankie and Rochelle (Clawdeen's pals) soon uncover clues that lead them to a secret hidden deep below the cobblestone streets of Scaris. What will they find in this mystery passage? We can't wait to find out. Will you be joining us as we watch the coolest ghouls around take off on this fangtastic adventure in the city where screams really do come true?!
Want to win a copy of Monster High Scaris: City of Frights for the Monster High fan in your life? I have you covered. Universal was kind enough to offer to give three of you a Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital combo pack. So just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. And don't forget to spread the word! This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years & older.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures. All opinions expressed are my own.
Happy Tuesday YUMMs! I hereby dub May Mom Appreciation Month. We need and deserve more than just one day a year to celebrate our hot awesomeness. Being a mom has by far been one of the most amazing and wonderful experiences of my life. However, there have been times where it's been very challenging and a bit stressful as well. It's easy to get so caught up in our families that we start to feel rundown and underappreciated.
That's exactly why Sofia Vergara and fellow mom, Reese Witherspoon, are in #HotPursuit of some #HotMamas. They understand how important moms are and how we as women in general have a tendency to put ourselves last. To show appreciation to moms everywhere, HOT PURSUIT is giving all moms in need of some rest and relaxation the chance to win a trip to Hollywood, California! And they've made entering easy. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself with your mom or a loved one and post it on social media including the hashtag #HotMamas and HotPursuitSweeps.com in the caption/status. Check out the official rules for more info.
To show some appreciation to you guys, Warner Bros. Pictures and I are giving away a HOT PURSUIT prize pack that includes the cute Hot Pursuit tote bag above and a $25 Visa gift card you can use to check the movie once it hits theaters on May 8th. This giveaway is open to US residents 18 & older. All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures. All opinions expressed are my own.
Who's ready for a Hot Pursuit? Mark your calendars YUMMS because it's going down May 8th! Yep, Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara are coming to a theater near you. I'm super stoked that two of my favorite Hollywood starlets have finally teamed up to star in a movie together.
Hmm... bet you're wondering what made them scream? Guess we'll find out on May 8th.
Brought to us by Warner Bros. Pictures, Hot Pursuit is a movie about an overly-controlled, uptight, Ms-I-go-by-the-book Officer Cooper (Witherspoon) whose job is to protect Daniella (Vergara), the smoking hot and outgoing widow of a drug boss. As if Officer Cooper doesn't have her hands already full handling Daniella, but now they're being hotly pursued by a group of crooked/shady cops and a band of murderous gunmen through Texas. Will these two escape with their lives?
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my laugh as this movie looks like it not only bring the action/suspense, but some belly-aching laughs as well. Check out the movie trailer below and see for yourself.
Didn't I tell ya?! So make plans to round up some your girlfriends, call a babysitter or Grandma and head out for a Mom's Night Out next Friday to enjoy some laughs, high-speed action and a little Southern charm!
Besides fellow mommy Reese Witherspoon and funny woman Sofia Vergara, Hot Pursuit also stars Richard T. Jones (Judging Amy & Why Did I Get Married), UK cutie Robert Kazinsky (EastEnders) and John Carroll Lynch (The Drew Carey Show).
You can check pictures of the cast and more on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+. Also, be sure to drop back by the blog next week for a super special Hot Pursuit prize pack giveaway that will be going live on May 5th!
If you were to stop by house any given morning you'd surely catch Moo singing the theme song to Monster High. Why? Because that's her show of choice to watch while she waits for me to stop hitting the snooze button on the alarmclock. What can I say, I'm not a morning person. After she's dressed it's back to Monster High she goes until it's time to leave the house.
And after watching several of the Monster High movies with her, I have to admit that I can understand her fascination. These are not your average monsters. And the best part of all is that they're not scary. Nope, Clawdeen (she's my favorite) and the gang are very fabulous. They're fashion forward and drop-dead gorgeous. What I also love about the Monster High movies is that they teach children, especially the girls the importance of embracing our differences and how to be a true friend.
And it just so happens that they have a NEW movie coming out on March 24th called Monster High: Haunted. You can find all the details below. Keep scrolling to the very end because there is a treat for you.
For the first time, the Monster High ghouls enter a mysterious Ghost World as they follow Spectra and discover an all-spirit school. But their scary-cute student bodies are hardly welcome with the very strict Principal Revenant, and she punishes Spectra with frightful detention chains that prevent her from re-joining Monster High™. Now, it’s up to the ghouls to become ghosts themselves in order to save one of their own from disappearing forever! MONSTER HIGH: HAUNTED is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 24, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Check out the movie trailer and the new music video below.
Want to win a copy? Well you're in luck because I'm giving away three copies to three lucky YUMMommy readers. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Good luck! Open to US residents 18 & older.
Are you a fan of David Oyelowo, House of Cards, or crime dramas? If so get ready to mark your calendars YUMMs. Earlier this week Paramount Pictures officially announced that they have secured the distribution rights for the upcoming movie, Captive. The filmed is based on Ashley Smith and Stacy Mattingly's book Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero. The film is currently slated for a September 18, 2015 release.
On March 11, 2005, Ashley Smith was held captive by Brian Nichols, who had broken out of the courthouse jail, killed the judge who sentenced him, the court reporter, a sheriff deputy and an FBI agent. Nicholas ended up hiding out from the authorities by hiding out in Smith's apartment and keeping her hostage. At the time Smith was a single mom and also struggling with a drug addiction to meth.
Smith, who will be played by Kate Mara from House of Cards, turned to her faith to help reason with Nichols and to survive the entire ordeal. So, this is more than a crime drama. It's a movie that will show and remind us that God is always with us and He always gives His angels charge over us. It'll also serve as a reminder that sometimes we put in tough (and dangerous) situations for a reason.
I for one am excited to see this movie David Oyelowo, who is most known for his role as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in the movie Selma (also from Paramount Pictures), will playing Brian Nichols, an alleged rapist. After playing such an iconic Civil Rights activist, I'm interested to see how Oyelowo will do at playing the "bad guy." He certainly has the acting chops to pull off dramatic roles. The intensity in which he embodies his characters is amazing and something that I haven't seen in a long, long time.
Another reason I'm going to support this film and encourage you to do the same is because it was filmed right here in the Queen City! Yep, Captive was filmed here in Charlotte, NC. I'm so excited that once again my city will be on the BIG SCREEN. If you're a Charlotte resident definitely make plans to round up some friends and see this movie on September 18th.
Lastly, I love crime stories and movies, especially those based on real-life events. It's always interesting to see how these crimes unfold and to find out if they ever got solved. I'm always wondering what happened to the victims? Did the offender get caught? I'm really looking forward to the suspense of this movie.
I think Captive will make a great movie night for adult church groups as well. It's the perfect conversation starter on how we as Christians can take even life-threatening situations and use our faith to help us emerge victoriously as well as to help our offenders find some redemption/forgiveness for their crimes/sins. Again, Captive comes out on September 18, 2015 and I hope to see some of my fellow Charlotteans there!
How do feel about David Oyelowo playing a "bad guy"? What role would you like to see him and Paramount Pictures take on next?
Disclosure: I received product to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed below are 100% my own.
I don't know about you but growing up, The Little Rascals was one of my all time favorite movies. And guess what? Buckwheat, Alfalfa, Darla, Spanky, Petey and the rest of the gang are all back in the new movie The Little Rascals Save The Day! This time around Grandma's bakery is on the verge of being foreclosed if she doesn't come up with $10,000 to pay back the loan she owes. Well, of course the Little Rascals can't let their grandma and favorite bakery owner go out of business, specially with their enemy Waldo Kaye and his father Mr Kaye trying to buy up the bakery and turn into a mall complex.
The Little Rascals get very creative with coming up with ways to raise $5,000 after Grandma is able to pay off half of the loan. They do everything from getting jobs to starting their own pet washing salon. Their last hope is the win the local talent competition, but can they all get along long enough to win it? Furthermore, will they have enough time to practice so that they sound great by the night of the talent show or will Grandma's bakery end up a mall complex and the Little Rascals treehouse a swanky playhouse for Waldo?
What we loved about this movie is that it's family friendly and suitable for children of all ages. There were quite a few funny moments in this film. Our favorite is the scene they attempt to make a red velvet cake. I don't want to spoil it, but you'll have see how the cake comes together and whether or not it makes it to its intended customer.
Grandma is played by Doris Roberts, who does an excellent job. I also loved that there were several messages in this movie. The most important message was probably that: Being a leader of group doesn't necessarily mean that you get to make decisions for the whole group. Spanky has to learn this lesson, but will he learn it in time before he loses his friends and their last chance at saving Grandma's bakery?
I definitely recommend that you get this movie and watch with your kids. It's available here for DVD/Blu-ray purchase and for digital download. You can also use the Rafflcopter widget to enter for a chance to win a copy! Giveaway ends April 22nd at 11:59 PM.
Disclosure: I received product to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
As a mom, there's nothing better than spending time with Moo and JJ. They're getting to that where they don't want me hovering over them quite as much. However, one thing that I doubt will change anytime soon is their love our family movie nights. We do movie night at least once a week and they absolutely look forward to it. Last week, I surprised them The Nut Job!
Moo is a sucker for any kind of animated movie that has animals in it. And we've seen the commercials for The Nut Job like million times and she had been asking if we could see it. Plus, I have to admit that I enjoy a good animated movie from time to time myself and this one looked like it would be something that I would enjoy as well. So, when I got asked if I was interested in receiving a copy, I was like "Heck yea!" So, what did we love about the movie?
Kid Appropriate
In today's society, it's getting harder and harder to find movies and shows that are appropriate for kids to watch, especially younger children. Moo is 5 and JJ is almost 3. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that a lot of shows and movies created for children now days have been slightly tainted with adult content such as overly suggestive jokes, overuse of violence and more. It was refreshing to find that The Nut Job had none of those.
From start to finish, it was a good clean movie. I didn't have to mute or fast forward through anything. That was a good thing because once JJ gets into a movie, if you pause it or fast forward or rewind it, he gets really upset. It disturbs his vibe. And I'm glad he was able to watch it all way through without any disturbances.
Funny
The Nut Job is pretty much a movie about Surly, a squirrel who is on a quest to find....you guessed it, nuts! However, he's not the only one on that quest. The rest of animals in the park are on the same quest. They need enough food to last throughout the Winter. So, Grayson and Andie are chosen for the challenge of hunting down enough nuts for everybody to share. However, this quest proves to be anything but easy for all parties.
We were so keeping our fingers crossed that this movie would be funny. After all with a title like The Nut Job, how could you expect anything less? Well, it was funny. There are definitely some great laughs in this movie. My favorite funny scene, or scenes I should say, are at the beginning of the movie and involve a runaway nut cart. I don't give too much way. Moo and JJ's favorite funny moments are almost all the scenes involving Precious, the pug.
Life Lessons
While The Nut Job was funny, there were also some lessons to be learned in this movie as well. Yes, I'm that mom who uses movies to talk to her children about life lessons. I feel like it's never to early to start schooling Moo and JJ about some of the challenges they will face. And it helps when I have examples that they can understand. One of the biggest, lessons of this movie was to never give up on doing the right thing no matter who pressures you to do otherwise.
Again without giving away any spoilers, one of the characters in this movie has a hidden agenda and manipulates others to join in on his scheming. I loved that Moo asked questions about why said character would want to do his friends wrong. "Doesn't he care about his friends, Mommy?" she asked me. And without getting too deep, I explained to her that sometimes greed and power can cause us to turn our backs on those who care about us the most.
Overall, we greatly enjoyed The Nut Job. I do recommend it for those of you who looking for a great family movie. You can purchase a Digital HD copy today from various retailers. Check out the list here. And the Blu Ray and DVD copies will be available on April 15th, but you can pre-order from any of the retailers listed here. You can also enter below using the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win your own copy. Contest ends next Tuesday, April 15th at 11:59 PM!
Disclosure: I was given an invitation to a private screening of this movie. I was not compensated for this post. As always, all opinions expressed below are 100% my own!!
This past Saturday, the kiddies and I had the opportunity to go check out a private advance screening of Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2. The Mr had to sit this one out because he was sick. And his meds had him feeling more than a little bit drowsy. Back to the movie. Did I mention that it was in 3D?!!
Moo thought it was the coolest thing that she needed "shades" to watch a movie. JJ on the other is not a fan of wearing anything on his face. No worries did not stop him from the watching the movie in a trance-like state. Now for those of you not familiar with the Cloudy movie series, it's based on the children's book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
written by Judi and Ron Barrett. (Check it out if you've never read it.)
In the first movie, we meet Flint Lockwood, an inventor, who has been striving to create a successful invention that end up in failure or smoke since he was a child. When creates the Flint Lockwood Diatonic Super Mutating Dynamic Food Replicator (FLDSLMDFR), it would seem that he's finally on to something. The FLDSLMDFR is kind of like a weather machine but instead of being able to choose rain, snow or sunshine, you can choose for it rain meatballs, ice cream or any other foods you desire. Long story short, it's not long before the machine malfunctions and causes a major food storm in which the entire town of Swallow Falls has to evaluate. Flint and a group of friends- Baby Brent, Sam, Earl, Mann- and his dad, Tim, have to then risk their lives to destroy the machine.
So, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 picks up where part 1 left off. And guess what the whole gang is back for another round of adventures- Flint (Bill Hader), Sam (Anna Faris), Earl (Terry Crews), Steve (Neil Patrick Harris), Manny (Benjamin Bratt), Tim (James Caan) and Baby Brent (Andy Samberg). The town is rescued by Flint's idol, Chester V (Will Forte) (a fellow, but uber successful inventor) and he receives a once in a lifetime opportunity to work for his idol. However, it's long before Flint discovers that his machine was not destroyed.
Instead the FLDSMDFR has started creating Foodimals (food animals). There are all kinds of species like Cheeseburger Spiders, Flamangos and Bananostiches. So, once again Flint and the gang journey back to Swallow Falls to try to save the world and prevent these foodimals from taking over.
I give this movie two thumbs up because for starters I loved the book. Secondly, the first movie did not disappoint. And lastly, this movie was not only able to hold my kids' attention but my as well. It's funny, inspiring and heartwarming all at the same time. There's a lesson to be learned about the true values and bonds of friendship as well as a lesson on parenting and how it's never too late to reconnect or find a common bond with our children. This movie had us laughing our heads off.
I saw that many of you commented on my last post wanting to know if this movie would be worth spending your money on to take your families to see? My answer is yes! You won't disappointed. And neither will your kids. There are some new faces and a twist to this movie. I don't want to spoil them. So, be sure to check out Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 when it hit theaters of September 27th to find out what they are!
In the meanwhile you can visit the movie's website with your kids and check out the official movie trailer, games, cast info and more here.
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written by Judi and Ron Barrett. (Check it out if you've never read it.).jpg)
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