This Day in History February 10, 1991

I actually recognized this girl when I was looking up today's feature, and once I read about her relationship to Julia Roberts, I knew where I had seen her.  I remember the 2007 film Nancy Drew, and I remember that I really liked her.  I had no idea that she had gone on to have a fabulous career.  It was on this date in 1991, that Emma Roberts was born.  She is 22 today, and I would say her future looks bright.  She is the niece of Julia Roberts, and she grew up on the film sets of her many of aunt's films.  Her mom pushed for her to have a normal childhood, but it was not to be.  Her first film for which she auditioned was her first film in which she appeared--Blow in 2001.  In 2004, she became a teen idol in the Nicklelodeon series Unfabulous.  It ran for three seasons.

She went on to star in many films including Valentine's Day with her aunt.  Evidently, she is scheduled to star in a pilot for Fox called Delirium based on Lauren Olivier's novels.  She has had a sort of music career due to her Nicklelodeon career, but her focus is movies and acting.  She did attend college for a time, but she decided that she would rather defer her college career.  I would say that she has a very bright future, and I may just have to check out that upcoming series.  I may be the only one in my household who would like it, but that's fine with me!

For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Roberts
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0731075/
http://movies.yahoo.com/person/emma-roberts/
http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/emma-roberts.html

This Day in History September 29, 1942

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IanMcShane06.jpg

Today's feature makes me think of my daughter.  On this date in 1942 (he's one year older than my mom!), Ian McShane was born.  Who is he?  Blackbeard from Pirates of the Carribean and Tai Lung in Kung Fu Panda.  But he is also known on the BBC from various television roles.  He was also Captain Hook from Shrek the Third.  I have got to share this post with my daughter!

For more information, please check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_McShane
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574534/
http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/ian-mcshane.html

"Finding Nemo" in 3D Review

One of my daughter's all-time favorite Disney films is Finding Nemo.  When I heard that it was going to be released in 3D, I knew that this was one we would want to see in the theater.  This is one of the few Disney DVD's that we do not own--something I think I will rectify when they re-release it on DVD.

We had the opportunity to go to Seattle last weekend for a screening of this film in 3D.  I'm going to begin with the negatives of the excursion.  This was only the second time we ever have gone to a screening of a film, and this theater experience was as different as night and day compared to the last one.  We were told to arrive at a certain time, and it was at least 30-40 minutes after that time before we were even allowed in.  I am not holding anything against Disney or Pixar or anyone else, but I do hope that the theaters that are chosen for screenings realize how important it is to make this  a pleasant experience rather than a nail-biting experience with much confusion.  Maybe they learned something from it.  I just had to get that off my chest.

Once in the theater, the experience was great.  Radio Disney did a little pre-show that was mainly for the really little kids, but my daughter still felt it was neat to watch.  My mom went with us also--she had never seen the film.

I loved the little Toy Story short that came before the film.  It featured the dinosaur, and we really enjoyed it. Funny, cute, and a nice way to ease into the feature film.

Seeing Finding Nemo in 3D was really neat.  It had been a while since we had seen it, and I didn't know that Ellen was Dory's voice!  Okay, I should have, but I never considered it.  I may not agree with Ellen's lifestyle, but I agree that she is one of the best hosts and comedienne's out there.  Dory is my favorite character, and it was neat to relive the adventure of this film.  Maybe you are like me and never saw it in the theater the first time.  I know I didn't nor did my daughter (she's 9).

What did my mom think?  She was exhausted and slept through a portion of it.  But she thought it was a good film to release in 3D.  And she thought the parts she saw were cute.

So make sure you don't miss Finding Nemo!  You don't want to miss it!

Check out the official site.

I was given free tickets in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Books to Movies Giveaway Hop (Ends 9/17) U.S.

Announcing the Books to Movies Giveaway Hop

September 11th to 17th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

&

Sweeping the USA

This hop features books that have been made into movies or TV shows.   
Some blogs will be giving away the book, some the movie & others both!

I let my daughter pick her favorite book that had been made into a movie, and I think she picked very well.

Read more about the movie/series here.

I'm going to make my giveaway a little bit on the unique side.  I am afraid I can only open this to U.S., and I will be giving away up to $15 worth of Legends of the Guardians products.  You can check out the various items on amazon.  There are books, DVD's, Wii games, and more.  

Here's an incentive.  If I get over 500 entries, I will add another winner.  So I could be giving away two prize packs!  Be sure to enter and hop along to the other participating blogs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE OOGIELOVES IN THE BIG BALLOON ADVENTURE Promo/Giveaway--6 winners! (Ends 9/4) U.S.

Starring:                       Toni Braxton, Cloris Leachman, Christopher Lloyd, Chazz Palminteri,

Release date:                August 29^th  National

Cary Elwes and Jaime Pressly

Directed by:                 Matthew Diamond
Story by:                      Scott Stabile and Kenn Viselman
Written by:                   Scott Stabile
Produced by:               Kenn Viselman
Co Produced by:         Angela Rivet
Exec. Produced by:     Michael A. Chirco, Scot J. Moceri and David R. Schwarcz
Original songs by:        Scott Stabile (lyrics) and Josh Gronner

MPAA Rating:            G

Synopsis:                     THE OOGIELOVES IN THE BIG BALLOON ADVENTURE is a simple story of a loving friendship, a surprise birthday party and a BIG adventure...It’s a beautiful day in Lovelyloveville. It’s Schluufy’s birthday and the Oogieloves (Goobie, Zoozie, and Toofie) along with their friends J. Edgar, Windy Window and Ruffy, are organizing a party (Ssshh! It’s a secret).  Everything is going along just perfectly until J.Edgar trips and loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville - OH NO!!! The Oogieloves immediately take action and set out to find the magical balloons in time to save their friend’s party.  Along the way the they meet some very interesting characters indeed, including Dotty Rounder (Cloris Leachman); Bobby Wobbly (Carey Elwes); Milky Marvin(Chazz Palminteri), Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton) and Lola and Lero Sombrero (Christopher Lloyd and Jaime Pressly). Can these new friends help them recover the magical balloons and get back to the cottage in time to celebrate Schluufy’s surprise birthday?

Official Site:                www.oogieloves.com

Twitter:                        @TheOogieloves

Facebook:                  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Oogieloves-in-the-BIG-Balloon-Adventure/272093112859007

                                    Have you heard of this film? I just saw an advertisement for this film as I was writing this post! It is the first one I have seen.  This movie begins on Wednesday, and you definitely want to take the whole family to see it.  After all, when was the last time that the entire family could go to something together and have a fantastic experience together?  Usually, you take your children to a movie, and you cannot be guaranteed it will be family-friendly, but not so with this movie!  

I have a special treat for my U.S. readers!  I have six gift packs to give away in honor of this film's opening.  These prize packs will include a poster, Frisbee, beach ball, stickers and the glitter stencil tattoo kits.  To be entered to win, be sure to enter the rafflecopter form below by September 4 at 9 P.M. Pacific time.  And don't forget to check out the movie with your family!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated in any way for publishing this promotion/giveaway.  My Devotional Thoughts is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

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.

Free Advance Tickets "People Like Us" Limited Availability! Seattle, WA

Want the chance to see People Like Us for free and before the general public does?  I have a deal for you!  Disney uses an electronic ticketing website called SeeItFirst and uses specialized codes for people to download tickets to the advance screening.  The advance screening is on Tuesday. June 26^th at 7:00PM in Seattle.  Log onto SeeItFirst.net, enter in the code 884944, download and print there tickets. Very easy and each ticket admits 2!


Do it now before they run out of tickets!

Tooth Fairy 2 DVD Giveaway (Ends 7/1) U.S.

Did anyone see the Tooth Fairy movie with Larry the Cable Guy that came out a while back?  I never did, but I heard it was cute.  We just never got around to seeing it.  I like Larry the Cable Guy as long as he doesn't get too off color.

Do you remember leaving your tooth for the tooth fairy so you could get money when you were a child?  I sure do!  The National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's ToothFairy^® (NCOHF) has taken this character that children dream of and transformed her into a true superhero. Did you know that tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease? In fact, millions of children are suffering in such pain, they are unable to eat, sleep and learn. While severe tooth decay is a growing problem, it is also treatable, curable, and preventable through basic education and proper oral hygiene practices. The NCOHF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive oral healthcare for underserved children. Providing preventive, restorative and educational oral health services to more than 600,000 children each year, the NCOHF: America's ToothFairy^® aims to eliminate pediatric oral disease and promote overall health and well-being for millions of children from vulnerable populations.

I have stressed good oral hygiene from the beginning with my daughter.  And I am a recipient of good oral hygiene (even though my teeth have suffered since my daughter came along--hormonal changes). And thankfully when she goes to the dentist, they tell her she has good teeth!

The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy^® (NCOHF) is asking for your help in the fight against tooth decay. Now is the time to encourage good oral health practices with your children by signing up for the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club! Members will receive personalized letters from the Tooth Fairy herself, as well as quarterly fun, educational activities!  While it costs nothing to join, it you give a donation of $10, this organization would greatly appreciate your support.  Check out how they use their funds to help children and more here.


So if you would like to have a chance to win a copy of Tooth Fairy 2, just enter the rafflecopter form below by 9:00 P.M. Pacific time July 1.  Open to U.S. entrants only.,  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney Pixar Summer Movie Weekend at AMC Theaters (May 25-28)

                                                             

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISNEYŸPIXAR FAMILY FAVORITES RETURNING TO THE BIG SCREEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ONLY AT AMC THEATRES^®

AMC Theatres Presents Pixar Summer Movie Weekend May 25-28, featuring the beloved films

 “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “WALL•E”

Kansas City, Mo. (May 16, 2012) – With the summer movie season heating up, four popular Disney•Pixar movies are returning exclusively to AMC Theatres for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. From May 25 through May 28, “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “WALL•E” will be featured at AMC locations around the country. Each film will be accompanied by a classic Pixar short film and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming movie, “Brave.”

“There are some great films coming out Memorial Day weekend but nothing specifically for families and young children,” said Sun Dee Larson, vice president of Film Marketing at AMC. “We’re excited to provide our guests with an opportunity to take the whole family out to the theatre to enjoy some of the most treasured movies of all time, plus give our guests the chance to see a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Brave.’”

Priced at $6 per movie (pricing may vary), each movie will play once every day on a rotating schedule. Participating locations, showtime information and advance tickets are available now at amctheatres.com/pixar.

About AMC Theatres.

AMC Theatres delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 347 theatres with 5,048 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 22 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content.  AMCTheatres.com.

About Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award^®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Ratatouille," "WALL•E," "Up" and "Toy Story 3." The Northern California studio has won 29 Academy Awards and its 12 films have grossed more than $7.2 billion at the worldwide box office to date. Pixar's next adventure, "Brave," takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012.

The Hunger Games Movie Review

Well, like so many people this weekend, I got to see The Hunger Games movie.  When I first found out about the upcoming movie, I watched the trailer, and I was pretty intrigued.

I had won the book during Banned Book Week in the fall of last year, and I was not sold on reading it.  I had read some Christian reviews as well as others, but I just wasn't sure I would like it.  I decided that if I wanted to be able to see the movie, I needed to read the book first.  So I decided to pick it up and give it a try.  If I didn't like it, I could just stop reading it and that would be that.

I was so engrossed in the book that I could not put it down!  It is one of my favorite books, and I don't mind telling people that.  I could hardly wait to see the movie.  And discovering that Taylor Swift did some of the music only made it better.

I went with a group today to see it.  I was the only one who had read the book!  I was mesmerized from the beginning.  I had heard so many good things about it, and after all, the author did the screenplay, so what could be better?  I did have to explain a few items to the person next to me, but I truly didn't mind.  I was the authority, after all.

So what were my thoughts?  Every character in the movie with the exception of Haymitch looked exactly as they should.  Except that for some reason, I didn't think of blacks being in it.  I don't know why, but I am glad they were.  Rue was too cute for words, and that scene made me cry.  The book's scene nearly brought me to tears, but it was definitely tears during the film.  I had pictured Haymitch as old and feeble.  I'm not sure why.  But no problem.  Haymitch's character was a little different than I imagined but was acted brilliantly.  I had to look up where I had seen that actor before--Cheers.  I never saw the show, but I had certainly seen the actor around.

I enjoyed the parts of the story that were not in the book.  I liked seeing "behind the scenes" during the Games.  It made things interesting.  And the love triangle was more pronounced.  I have just begun the second book, and there were parts that were alluded to in the movie that do not appear in the first book.  I found that interesting as well.

While it is true that you can enjoy the movie without having read the book, there are things that will not make sense.  You may wonder why some kids have their names in the lottery so many times.  You may wonder about the creatures--I wish they had focused on that a little more because I think it would have been much more chilling.  You may wonder about Catniss's family.  And what happened to the mayor and his daughter?
(See, I honestly gave no spoilers.  Those who have read the book fully understand!)

As to the rating, PG-13 is entirely appropriate.  There was a family there who brought a girl my daughter's age--8--but I do not feel that was appropriate.  There is no sex, and the language is very mild.  While the violence is not overly graphic, it is intense.  And I seriously doubt that a child who is not at least 12 would honestly not understand it.  My daughter would have nightmares if she saw it, I am sure.  This is a teenager/adult film.

As to the moral message of the film, it is outstanding.  Be willing to stand up for who you really are--do not compromise.  Good will triumph over evil.  Family is a top priority.  Don't let people change you.  Money does not buy happiness.

If you would like more information, be sure to check out the website here.  After this weekend, you should have no problem getting tickets!

Finding Nemo 3D Trailer Now Available

My daughter absolutely loves Finding Nemo.  We did not see this originally in the theater, but we plan to this time.  It will return in 3D on September 14th this year!


Check out this exclusive trailer:

FINDING NEMO (In Disney Digital 3D™)

DISNEY•PIXAR

Genre:                                                  Animation/Comedy/Adventure

Rating:                                                  G

U.S. Release Date:                           September 14, 2012

Voice Talent:                                      Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Austin Pendleton, Joe Ranft, Geoffrey Rush, Andrew Stanton,
Elizabeth Perkins

Director:                                              Andrew Stanton

Co-Director:                                       Lee Unkrich

Producer:                                            Graham Walters

Original Story by:                              Andrew Stanton

Screenplay by:                                  Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson and David Reynolds

Composer:                                          Thomas Newman

Academy Award^®-winning Best Animated Feature “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™. In this stunning underwater adventure, with memorable characters, humor and heartfelt emotion, “Finding Nemo” follows the comedic and momentous journey of an overly protective clownfish named Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould)––who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home and dumped into a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful Pacific regal blue tang, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son––who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.

Notes:

·         “Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature.

·         The film won a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy.

·         At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time.

·         Ellen DeGeneres won an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.

·         In 2008, The American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made.

Pixar Animation Studios’ classic “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a new generation of family audiences to Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould), Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres.

"Like" FINDING NEMO 3D on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingNemo 

Giving It Away: Movie Night (Ends 2/8)

Valentines Day is right around the corner, why not make it a movie night to remember? Here's your chance to win a Toshiba Blu-Ray Player, 3 New Released Blu-Ray discs AND a $25.00 gift card to tie it all together to make it a night he/she won't soon forget! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is sponsored in part by your friends helping to save you money with awesome deals, JollySavers




a Rafflecopter giveaway



.

Blue-Ray Giveaway (Ends 1/7) U.S./Canada

 Sony BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player

1: Sony BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player
Quick summary:

Enjoy Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc movies, or connect to the Internet and stream a wide variety of online entertainment including movies, TV episodes, videos, music and live sports from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora and more with the BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc player. Download the free "Media Remote" app and turn your iPhone, iPad or compatible Android phone into a versatile remote control with a full keyboard so you can search and instantly access detailed movie information. Plus, start watching your movies faster than ever with the Quick Start/Load feature.

Technical Details

• Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in brilliant high-definition resolution or upscale the quality of your DVDs to near HD
• Instantly stream a wide variety of movies, TV shows, live sports, videos, and music from Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus and many more
• Free, downloadable "Media Remote" app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone turns it into a versatile remote
• Connect your digital camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device to enjoy videos, photos, and music on the big screen
• Add a Sony USB Wi-Fi adapter to easily connect to your wireless broadband network, or connect via standard Ethernet port

Unlimited Entertainment

Blu-ray Disc Full HD 1080p Playback

Enjoy your Blu-ray Disc movies in all their high-definition glory. And don't forget about those DVDs: the BDP-S380 will upscale the quality of your DVDs to near HD, for a better picture on your HDTV.

Instantly stream a wide variety of movies, TV shows, live sports, videos and music from Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus and many more.

Streaming Content

With the BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc player, there's always something on. Using your home broadband internet connection, you can instantly stream a wide variety of movies, TV shows, live sports, videos and music from Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus and many more. Connect to your home network with a standard Ethernet cable or add Sony's UWA-BR100 Wi-Fi adapter (sold separately).

Sony's I/P Noise Reduction is also on-board, helping to improve the picture quality of Internet entertainment and enjoy crisp, clear images on your HDTV--even with compressed, streaming media.

Turn your iPhone, iPad, or compatible Android phone into a versatile remote when you download Sony's free "Media Remote" app.

Wi-Fi Ready

Access the internet without extra cables--just add Sony's UWA-BR100 USB Wi-Fi adapter (sold separately) to easily connect to your home wireless broadband network. Once connected, you can access and stream content from a large selection of entertainment apps.

Mobile Device Control

Turn your iPhone, iPad or compatible Android phone into a versatile remote when you download Sony's free "Media Remote" app. This gives you basic remote functions, a full QWERTY keyboard, plus the ability to search for information about the movies you're watching on YouTube, Wikipedia, and many BRAVIA Internet Video services. Better yet, share information with your friends via Twitter.

Add Sony's USB Wi-Fi adapter to easily connect to your home wireless network.

Faster Loading Times

Get your popcorn ready. With Quick Start/Quick Load, you will begin enjoying your entertainment faster than ever.

Movie Info at Your Fingertips

Connect to the internet and get detailed information about the movie you're watching with Gracenote service. This easy-to-navigate service displays handy info such as cast information, genre, jacket art and more right on your TV screen. You can also access select internet apps including YouTube and Qriocity to find related entertainment.

Enjoy Your Photos, Movies and Music

Hook up your digital camera, camcorder, USB flash drive, or USB-enabled MP3 player via the built-in USB input and view pictures, videos or listen to music on your TV.

2: Four Fun Blu-ray Movies

1. Marley & Me: Marley is back for more tail-wagging fun, and this time he speaks! That's right, "the world's worst dog" has a frisky voice and and an attitude to match. Release Date: 08/16/2011 Rating: PG Format: DVD Screen Format: Widescreen Run Time (in minutes): 86 minutes Language: English Audio Tracks: AC, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround
2. Bridesmaids: The delightful Kristen Wiig, who's shone in dozens of supporting roles and on Saturday Night Live, hits a bull's-eye with her first lead role in Bridesmaids. Annie (Wiig) isn't doing so well; her bakery failed and she keeps sleeping with a good-looking louse (Jon Hamm, Mad Men), but she's always had her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph, Away We Go) to buoy her up… until Lillian gets engaged.
3. Hotel For Dogs: Everyone deserves a loving family, but foster kids Andi (Emma Roberts) and Bruce (Jake T. Austin) have been placed with a flaky couple who care more for their aspiring rock careers than their foster children. Even though Andi and Bruce's mischievous tendencies repeatedly get them into trouble, the siblings are essentially good kids who care deeply for one another and their secretly adopted dog Friday. After a close call with the local pound, the kids end up searching for Friday in an abandoned old hotel where they find several stray dogs seeking shelter. The kids' compassion for the homeless dogs compels them to begin caring for the strays and they soon join forces with three other local kids to take in strays from across the city.
4. How to Train Your Dragon: A winning mixture of adventure, slapstick comedy, and friendship, Hiccup (voice by Jay Baruchel) is a failure as a Viking: skinny, inquisitive, and inventive, he asks questions and tries out unsuccessful contraptions when he's supposed to be fighting the dragons that attack his village. How to Train Your Dragon will be just as enjoyable 10 or 20 years from now as it is today. (Rated PG: suitable for ages 8 and older, violence, some intense action and scary dragons) --Charles Solomon

3: $25 Pizza Hut Gift Card

Need we say more? Fresh Hot Pizza delivered right to your door!

4: Orville Redenbacher Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn

You always need popcorn to watch a movie!

This Day in History September 30, 1955

Anyone recognize this person?  I know my mom would.  She was a big fan of James Dean.  And some of you may have been as well.  What you may not realize is that on this date in 1955, James Dean tragically died.  But before we get to that, let's examine his life.

James Dean was born on February 8, 1931, in Marion, Indiana.  When he was five, the family moved to L.A.  After his mom passed away, James Dean moved back to the Midwest to live with his aunt and uncle on their farm.  He graduated from high school and moved back to California.  He went to Santa Monica Junior College and UCLA.  He took an acting workshop and appeared in some films and stage works.

In 1951, he decided it was time to pursue a serious career in acting.  Taking some advice from his acting workshop teacher, he moved to New York.  He earned his living as a busboy in the theatres.  He did appear in a few television shows, but he finally landed a small part in a Broadway show called See the Jaguar.


By 1952, he informed his family that he had worked  hard in his acting career and finally became a member of the prestigious Actor's Studio.  Very select few ever get into this school of theatre, and he was one of the youngest.  He was confident that if he continued as he was, he would truly bring something of significance to the world.

He appeared in a few television dramas, and then he went back to New York in 1954 to appear in The Immortalist.  It was this appearance that finally landed him a screen test with Warner  Brothers.  He was cast as Cal Trask in the film adaptation of East of Eden.  He did a few move television shows, and then his epic role of  Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause came along in 1955.

In February of 1955, he returned to California and celebrated his Eden success by buying his first Porsche. He entered his first race--Palm Springs Road Races.  He began shooting Rebel the same month that Eden opened.  In between, he entered another race.  He did enter one more race before he joined the cast of Giant (which would be his final film).

His career was extremely brief--one year and three films--but he became instantly popular with America's youth.  He was nominated for two Academy Awards.  Tragically, he was killed in a car accident on the way to another race on this date in 1955.

This quote best sums up his career:  (from Little Boy Lost by Joe Hymas)

"..There is no simple explanation for why he has come to mean so much to so many people today. Perhaps it is because, in his acting, he had the intuitive talent for expressing the hopes and fears that are a part of all young people... In some movie magic way, he managed to dramatize brilliantly the questions every young person in every generation must resolve."


For more information, check out his official site.

This Day in History September 13, 1903

What a classy lady.  And today is the anniversary of her birthday.  Claudette Colbert was born on this day in 1903.  Never heard of her?  You are sure missing out, in my opinion.  Read on!

Her birth name was Emilie Claudette Chauchoin in Saint-Mande, France. Her father was a banker, and he moved his family to the U.S. when she was three.  Her one ambition in life as she grew was to be a Broadway actress.  Films were virtually nonexistent back then--only some silent films. In 1923, she made her Broadway debut in The Wild Wescotts and took on the stage name of Claudette Colbert.

When the Great Depression came, many Broadway theatres closed, and so she decided to try out movies. Her first film in 1927 (For the Love of Mike) was a disaster.  She longed for the stage, but her only options seemed to be movies.  She starred in several films that did fairly well in the 1930's opposite Frederic March.

Claudette Colbert is best remembered for her performance in It Happened One Night (1934) opposite Clark Gable.  Honestly, if you have not seen this film, I can't recommend it enough.  Even my 8-year-old daughter enjoyed it, and that is saying a lot.  She won an Academy Award for best actress for that film (Gable also won for best actor).

In the 1940's and 1950's, she did not appear in films as much, but she was seen in occasional television shows.  She did return to the stage in 1966.  She divided her time between Barbados and New York.  She died at the age of 92 on July 30, 1996 in Barbados.

For more information, check out this site.

This Day in History August 31,1897

Thomas Edison (right) demonstrating his kinetograph with the help of  George Eastman

So, I wonder how many of you even know what a kinetograph is.  I sure didn't!  I probably still don't, but I think this is an important day for those of who enjoy films.  I sure know I do!

Thomas Edison, an avid inventor, received a patent for his movie camera on this date in 1897.  It was called a kinetograph, and he had actually developed in the 1890's.  He had staged several demonstrations of this new machine already.

While still cameras and very primitive moving cameras had been around for some time, Edison's machine was quite different.  George Eastman invented celluloid film in 1889, and this was what Edison's kinetoscope and kinetegraph used.  His first demonstration was staged in front of a group of blacksmiths in 1893,  It was Edison's machine that inspired the development of the Cinematographe by French inventors.

There were really only two drawbacks to this machine.  First of all, there was no sound.  Well, that should not be too surprising.  It was not until 1927 that films were "talking" films.  (I learned that information on the movie "Singin' in the Rain.")  The second drawback was that only one person could view the picture at a time.  I think I could say that makes sense also.  I think it is very safe to say that had Edison not invented this, we wouldn't be able to see films today.

For more information,  check out these informative sites:

• http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/edison-patents-the-kinetograph
• http://www.edwardsamuels.com/illustratedstory/isc3.htm
• http://timelines.com/1897/8/31/thomas-edison-receives-a-patent-for-the-kinetographic-camera

(I realize I am behind in my normal daily posting themes, but we had a family emergency today, and there has been incredible stress around here as of late.  I plan to get back on track tomorrow!)

This Day in History August 23, 1912

I cannot be happier as I report about this day in history.  I had planned on being a little more serious, but when I discovered that this was the birthday of Gene Kelly, I knew what I would cover today.

I'm going to go on a bit of a personal note here, since this is my blog, and I can.  I grew up watching old films and musicals.  I loved The Wizard of Oz, and I faithfully watched it every year on TV.  I grew up in the time of the VCR--I know, that sounds dated, but it's true.  One of my favorite things was to go to the library and check out videos.  I saw The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady countless times.

One day, my mom and I went to the downtown library.  That was a big deal.  Yes, I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, but we lived on the North End--the old end of town.  My mom hated going downtown.  But we did.  I remember looking through the movies, and I happened to see Singin' in the Rain.  I knew nothing about it, but it was a musical, and it was old, so we gave it a try.

I was enraptured with all of the stars from the beginning.  I can't recall how many times I have seen this film, and I can go on and on about the little stories that went on behind the scenes.  I read a biography about Gene Kelly and one about Debbie Reynolds as well.  I regard Gene Kelly as one of the greatest dancers that ever lived.  He could do it all--tap, ballet, jazz, ballroom.  He often did his own stunts, much to the studio's chagrin.  He was a perfectionist to the core--nice to Judy Garland but mean to so many others, including young Debbie Reynolds.  He was a fantastic choreographer and director, and I don't think there will be ever be another.

As much as I love his musicals where he sings and dances, my favorite movie of his is not the musicals.  I could watch them over and over, but there is a movie not as well known in which he did not sing or dance.  He acted, and he acted well.  It is called Inherit the Wind.  The film is about a very controversial --evolution versus creation. He plays the reporter who is extremely cynical and smart-mouthed.  I actually loved his performance.  This film intrigues me because it is based on fact, and it shows how "religion" can give God a bad name.  Notice, I did not say faith.  I grew up defending creationism from a Biblical view that was deeply rooted in science, but so many Christians don't appreciate the need to understand why we believe what we believe.

Gene Kelly died February 2, 1996, and I may still have the original obituary published in the Tacoma News Tribune somewhere in my files.  I can remember when my parents told me.  I used to really be affected by the death of those old movie stars.  After all, I grew up watching them.  I couldn't have told you back then any of the current movie stars.

If you would like to do some more research on Gene Kelly, click here.
If you would like to find out more about Inherit the Wind, click here.


Gene Kelly - I'm Singing in the Rain by goldrausch

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.

Thoughtful Thursday--Turner Classic Movies Review

I guess I am just beginning to realize how much I may not have told my readers.  There are so many interests in my life, and sometimes I forget that you do not know me as well as I might think.  And I have a love of something that goes right along with tonight's review--classic films. In fact, as I write this, I have on my favorite station for classic films.

Turner Classic Movies

For as long as I can remember, I have loved old movies--especially musicals.  I think my first experience with old movies was The Wizard of Oz.  And then I followed this up with The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Singin' in the Rain, and the list goes on and on.  I used to read books on famous movie stars of the golden era:  Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, Gene Kelly, and the list goes on and on again.  I used to know more about the actors and actresses of old Hollywood than any of the people with whom I went to school.  I still remember little facts here and there, but I am not as nearly obsessed.  I also enjoy watching classic films that are not musicals.  I love James Stewart, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and again, the list goes on and on.

The problem I have had till now is that Turner Classic Films shows movies at odd times that do not figure into my schedule.   Recently, our family got a DVR, and that has certainly solved some problems.  I can record things during the day, and see some of the films I have never seen and see some old favorites.  Like tonight, we watched National Velvet.  I had not seen it in years, and it was so good!  With the recent death of Elizabeth Taylor, it was neat to see, but Angela Lansbury and Mickey Rooney are still alive!  Good gracious!

In addition to a fantastic channel, it is worth your while to check out http://www.tcm.com/.  On their site, you can watch videos, play games, learn about your favorite stars, and see their movie schedule.  It is kind of scary to be nearly 36 and know more about movies from well before my time than the time during which I grew up.  I often tell people that I am just now discovering the 1980's because I didn't pay any attention to that era as I was growing up.  

So if you fancy going back in time to a simpler time, be sure to check out TCM!

Well-Spoken Wednesday--I Miss the Old Movies!

First of all, I am sorry I did not post last night.  It has been a busy week, and I was busy making the necessary tweaks to my giveaway!  I considered not posting tonight, but I got inspired.

Well, it has been neat to be doing my music challenge.  I am currently listening to a CD from old Hollywood musicals.  In my younger years (when I was a preteen and teen), I was an absolute Hollywood musical buff!  Seriously!!  I read books on my favorites:  Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Julie Andrews, Gene Kelley, Danny Kaye, Debbie Reynolds, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny (okay, he was not an old-time musical star!), Marilyn Monroe--and the list goes one.  I was somewhat obsessed.  I can still tell you to this day some useless facts about certain movies and actors/actresses.

For example, did you know that Gene Kelley was a terrible perfectionist and brought poor Debbie Reynolds to tears several times during the making of Singin' in the Rain?  She took hours of dance lessons every day, and it was Fred Astaire who encouraged her.  And yet he was nice to Judy Garland (who had her share of troubles) and saw her almost as a sister!  Julie Andrews was terribly overlooked for the movie My Fair Lady, and poor Audrey Hepburn got the worst of it.  She lost out to Julie Andrews for an Oscar that year because people felt that Audrey Hepburn had "stolen" the movie from her and Julie Andrews should have been in the film  since she was the original London and Broadway star.  I mean, come on!  Julie Andrews won and Oscar for best actress for her role in Mary Poppins???

I have to admit that my mom and I love to sit and watch Turner Classic Movies when no one else is around.  My favorite film is probably still The Sound of Music.  I have probably seen it 50 times at least, and I have had it memorized since I was very young.  In fact, when we first got a VCR, we used to go to the local library every week and check out The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady because they were the only ones we could get on a regular basis!  I used to do all my homework  (and I was an A student) while watching classic musicals and films I had seen countless  times.  I used to record all the good films--they were always on late at night.

When I look at the films they make now, it is really sad that they don't have the truly romantic films and musicals like they once did.  Everything now is about special effects and dealing with social issues.  Romantic comedies have people jumping in and out of beds right and left.  It is rare for people to get married in films any more.  Why get married when you can live together?

Okay, so maybe the old films had affairs, but they didn't show everything!  Goodness, a woman and man couldn't even be filmed in bed together!  Even Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (who were married in real life!) couldn't be filmed in bed together!

That reminds me of a film  that Bob Hope and Lucille Ball made together.  I had to look it up!!  In the film, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball are happily married to other people.  Their families go on vacation together, and it ends up that their spouses are sick.  So Hope and Ball end up vacationing together.  And they fall in love!  They begin to meet each other after the vacation, and they are even planning on running away together.  It is all set up.  But they discover at the last minute that there are things that really bug them about the other person.  They decide to remain faithful to their current spouses, and the "affair" is broken off.  It is really a good movie, and if you get a chance to see it, check it out!  My dad was highly offended by the family, but I think it dealt with the subject of marriage and divorce in a really good way.  Isn't it true that the grass is always greener in someone else's yard until you get there and see it up close!!

So what is my purpose in this post?  Don't overlook the old films!  If I were  to list some of my all-time favorite films, I would mainly list films that were made many years ago.  I love the old films--Gone With the Wind, White Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life, Singin' in the Rain, Camelot, It Happened One Night, Topper, Show Boat, Oklahoma, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Kiss Me Kate, I could list so many!  I guess I'm old-fashioned at heart!  These movies will always hold a special place in my heart.  If you haven't seen an old film  recently, go check one out.  Relive the old times!  Relive those times when some things were considered sacred and morals were at least a part of our culture.