This Day in History November 22, 1995

See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

I can remember when this happened, and I remember that I was rather disinterested.  I figured I wouldn't like this movie, so I avoided it.  Yes, it was on this date in 1995 that Pixar animation studios released Toy Story.  And this was the first full-length, computer generated film.  I did not realize that Steve Jobs was the executive producer--no wonder it did so well!  It was the top film its opening weekend and went on to make over $361 million worldwide.  By the way, I like it now--my daughter loves it!

For more information:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story
http://famousdaily.com/history/toy-story-released-first-computer-generated-film.html

Disney Pixar "Brave" Movie Review

Brave

In theaters now.

This is the first time I have ever gotten to do something like this.  I was given advance screening tickets to Brave, and last night, my mom, my daughter, and I made the trek to Bellevue, Washington (near Seattle, about an hour and a half away) to see Brave before it came out officially.  We had no trouble finding the theater, and we ate at Red Robin just down the road from the theater.  We arrived with plenty of time, and yes, we had to wait.  It was really neat to be able to go up to the people with the clipboards, give our names, and get our stamp that let us enter early.

Once in the theater, we got fantastic seats.  And we were treated to a show including bagpipes and highland dancers from the Puget Sound area.  That was really neat to see!  It put us in the mood to see this great film set in Scotland.

The movie began with a typical Pixar short--nothing that terrific, but normal Pixar.  And then it was onto the movie.  I was blown away by the beauty of the scenery (yes, I saw it in 3D).  Absolutely gorgeous!  And I absolutely loved Merida and her family.  I had not followed all the press releases about the film, so I have to admit, I didn't know that much about the story.

I found the story charming and beautiful until one portion of the film came.  There is a witch.  I am used to that with Disney films, and that was not really an issue.  But when the magic spell happened, I literally thought to myself, "Are you serious?"  It made no sense to me, and it made things kind of strange.  My mom agreed as did my daughter (though she enjoyed it the most).

There were some very intense scenes--parents beware lest your children are too young.  I wasn't sure how it would end, but thankfully, it was typically Disney.  And I was able to excuse the magic spell to a degree.

I have to say my feelings are mixed on this film.  I think Disney missed a chance to truly develop the mother-daughter relationship.  The trailer I picked concentrates on the portion of the film I like.  It seems like there is so much more that could have been done.  The spell could have taken a different path.  The message came across, but why did Disney have to add something in that seemed so strange?

As I began to search online reviews after the screening, I found that the reviews online are mixed.  Maybe I am the only one who found some of the film weird.  I could compare it to The Princess and the Frog.  That was strange, too, even though a lot of that film is charming.

This is not a film I plan to purchase for my library.  I can only hope that Disney will put out some more films that capture my attention and make a little more sense.  I know I am probably in a minority amongst mom bloggers.  And I respect your views completely.  I just was not enthralled with this film, and I did not feel that it lived up to its hype.  Am I glad I saw it?  Yes!  And the screening was outstanding!  I plan to go to another one some time.  That was worth the experience.

I was given free tickets with no strings whatsoever.  I chose to review this movie of my own free will, and all opinions are 100 percent  mine.

Cars 2 Movie Review and Merchandise Giveaway (ends 8/13) (CLOSED)

Well, I am blown away!  When I realize that I now have over 550 followers after less than a year of blogging, I am absolutely amazed at the goodness of God!  I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, following, subscribing, liking, tweeting, and much more!  I wish I could reward all of you individually.  But I have a plan to at least show my appreciation to you.

Well, my daughter and I saw this movie today, and I am so glad we did!  My daughter was a huge fan of the first Cars film--her room was in that theme when she was in kindergarten--and I was hoping that she would enjoy this film just as much or even more.  I read a lot of movie reviews in the blogging community, and I wasn't sure if Cars 2 would meet my expectations.  Well, let me tell you--it far exceeded my expectations!

The story was certainly much more exciting than the first--almost a spy film for kids.  I loved Mater--he was always my favorite.  But I was amazed that Michael Caine added his voice talents to the film.  I did not recognize his voice, but that means nothing.  I often do not pick up on those things  in animated films.  I didn't even make the connection in the first film that Larry the Cable Guy was Mater until much later.

I understand the concerns that some mothers expressed about the film.  My daughter was 3 years old when she saw the original film.  That film was tame and very entertaining for her.  Now, five years later, Pixar has put out a film that has a much more explosive story line.  I can see how children that are 4 or under may be scared or possibly even bored since they cannot connect with the film.  I really don't fault Pixar nor Disney for that.  After all, not every animated film is for every child at every age.  For example, my daughter is not allowed to watch Sponge Bob although it is marketed to preschool age kids.  (I often get a lot of flack for that!)  There are some older Disney films that would bore her and possibly even frighten her at her age or even any age.  So I, as the parent, make the decision what she watches and does not watch.  If my daughter were preschool, I probably would not have taken her to this film. I always try to check out any issues with films beforehand.  Gone are the days when Disney always meant that it was suitable for all ages.  Indeed it is a different world we live in.

One more comment.  I actually figured out the mystery in the film and then second-guessed myself.  When will I learn not to do that??

Now, I did mention something about a giveaway, didn't I?  Yes, well, as a special treat for my readers, I am giving away a $20-$25 worth of Cars 2 merchandise.  I am not going to tell you what will be in the giveaway--seriously, I do not at this moment know.  All I can tell you is that it will be merchandise that will be related to Cars 2.  When the winner is chosen, I will correspond with the winner to find out how many children are in the family, sizes (if applicable), and anything they might like.  I will then send them a package full of surprises!

Now, this giveaway is open internationally with some restrictions.  What that means is that if it is very expensive to ship items to your country, I will probably substitute some kind of gift card or code for equal or lesser value.  Or I may choose to send only lightweight things that can fit in a small priority box.  Since I am financing it, I will be calling the shots.  I only put this provision in because I am but a substitute teacher who will not be paid again until  some time in September.  This giveaway will end at 9  P.M.  Pacific time on August 13.