Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret!

The beloved and best-selling classic that has impacted generations, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. arrives on Digital June 6, On Demand June 27, and on Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Combo and DVD July 11 from Lionsgate. Abby Ryder Fortson (Ant-Man and the Wasp, Forever My Girl) is joined by a remarkable all-star cast, including Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Mean Girls), Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza, Good Time), and Kathy Bates (TV’s “American Horror Story,” Misery). Written for the screen and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen), Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. will be available for the suggested retail prices of $39.99 for Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Combo, and $29.96 for DVD.

In this long-awaited movie adaption of Judy Blume’s classic, groundbreaking novel, eleven-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates). A timeless coming-of-age story, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret sparkles with insightful humor while candidly exploring life’s biggest questions.
 
Written for the Screen and Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. Based on the Book by Judy Blume. Produced by James L. Brooks, p.g.a., Julie Ansell, p.g.a., Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, p.g.a., Judy Blume, Amy Lorraine Brooks, Aldric La’auli Porter. Executive Producer Jonathan McCoy.

My Thoughts

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret! is a touching movie inspired by the best-selling novel. In this film, a little girl named Margaret moves from New York to New Jersey and has to make new friends at a difficult time in her development. Being the new kid is never easy, but its especially difficult for a pre-teen going through the throes of puberty. The story touches on teasing and Margaret getting her first period.  While  she struggles to make friends, she also bonds with her mother and grandmother and learns the importance of family.

This is definitely a great movie to watch with your daughters. It will open the door to conversations with your kids. For my family, it was even more relatable because we moved from Philadelphia to a small town in New Jersey when I was a kid. There were tons of touching moments and lots of humor as well. Its a great film for the entire family. If you want to grab a copy of the DVD or Blu-ray for yourself, you can find it online on Amazon or in stores nationwide.

Disney's ZOMBIES on DVD on April 24th

Disney's "ZOMBIES" is a music- and dance-filled story set in the fictitious world of Seabrook, a cookie-cutter community brimming with perky conformity 50 years after a zombie apocalypse. Today, the zombies pose no threat, but are required to live in Zombietown, an isolated, rundown community infused with their unique creative spirit. When zombies are finally allowed to enroll in Seabrook High School, the charming, charismatic zombie Zed, who is determined to play football, meets freshman Addison who dreams of being a cheerleader -- the ultimate form of status in Seabrook. Addison takes a lot of flak for befriending Zed and his zombie friends, but comes to learn that zombies and cheerleaders aren't so different after all. Zed and Addison work together to show Seabrook what they can achieve when they embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them a community.


My Thoughts


Zombies is a fun musical about a group of teens. In a school where everyone is perfect, zombies are suddenly allowed to attend. Though once they were at war, the zombies are no longer a danger thanks to their Z-bands. But that doesn't mean the regular kids are going to accept them. The zombies struggle to fit in, and only Addison is willing to give them a chance. Of course, she is a little different herself, though she has been able to hide it. To try to win over the humans, Zed tampers with his Z-band to help win football games. When one of his rivals figures it out, it could mean trouble for zombies and humans alike.

My kids just loved this movie, and as a fan of corny musicals, I enjoyed it was well. The characters are stereotypes and the ending is predictable, but that doesn't stop you from wanting to watch it over and over again. The music is catchy and you'll root for the union of humans and zombies. I think the kids all did a great job. I especially loved the goofy Zed. The DVD set also comes with a cute set of glow-in-the-dark tattoos. It's definitely a fun movie for family movie night.

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A STORK'S JOURNEY arrives on DVD, Digital HD, and On Demand July 4

Take flight on a grand adventure for the whole family with debut of A Stork’s Journey for free for a limited time on Google Play, beginning June 1 from Lionsgate.

Featuring the voice talents of Drake Bell (Superhero Movie, “Drake and Josh”), YouTube star Justine “iJustine” Ezarik, and Jane Lynch (“Glee,” Wreck-It Ralph), A Stork’s Journey follows Richard, a sparrow orphaned at birth and raised by storks who believes that he is a stork, too! But when winter comes and the storks prepare to migrate to Africa, his stork family must reveal his true identity and leave him behind in the forest with the other sparrows since he would not survive the long journey. Determined to prove he is a stork after all, Richard ventures south on an epic adventure, accompanied by friends big and small, to unleash his true potential and be reunited with his family.

This family-friendly, feature-length animated adventure will be available to redeem for free* for a limited time on Google Play from June 1 to June 28, 2017. A Stork’s Journey will make its debut in theaters on June 30 and will be available on DVD, Digital HD, and On Demand on July 4.

My Thoughts

A Stork's Journey is an adorable film about a little sparrow named Richard. After losing his parents, he is taken in by a loving stork family who believes he is one of them. Even once they realize the truth, they still love him. However, a sparrow's life is very different than a stork's. When winter comes around, the storks migrate to Africa, but Richard 's family thinks he is too small to make such a long journey. So they leave him in the forest with the other sparrows. Richard misses his family and decides to prove that even a little bird can do anything. He takes off to Africa with the help of a few friends. They encounter many adventures and some danger along the way, but Richard is determined to find his family.

This was a fun movie that my kids really enjoyed. The story line was original and the cast of characters were charming. I also loved the message it sends. It teaches children that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to. It also reminds us that we shouldn't stereotype someone for any reason. My kids just loved this story and have already watched it twice!

Oddball DVD #Giveaway

An eccentric chicken farmer, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a penguin sanctuary from fox attacks in an attempt to reunite his family and save their seaside town.






My Thoughts

My kids love movies with animals, so I was sure that Oddball would be a big hit with them.This story centers around a little girl and her grandfather. He's a chicken farmer with a dog named Oddball.  There's a penguin sanctuary in their hometown that is having a fox problem. Together, they manage to teach oddball to guard the penguins. In the process of saving the penguins, they also bring their own family closer together. 

Oddball is a sweet movie with endearing characters and a interesting story-line. What makes it even more enthralling is that it's inspired by actual events. How cool to think that there is a real Oddball out there that befriended a colony of penguins. Both the animals and the humans did a great job, and the farm setting is very realistic. This is a an adorable movie and a great choice for family movie night. My daughter has watched it three times already and can't wait to see it again. Grab a copy for yourself on Amazon.

The Giveaway 

One lucky winner is going to receive a copy of Oddball. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  3/2/17. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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Disney's Pinocchio Signature Collection

 This weekend at D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures event at Walt Disney World Resort, Tyler Slater and Nicole Nalty announced the addition of Disney’s triumphant animated classic “Pinocchio” to the celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection and gave members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club the first look at the film’s all-new trailer. “Pinocchio,” which inspired the world to wish upon a star, arrives for the first time on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on Jan. 10, and on Blu-ray™ and DVD on Jan. 31 with hours of new and classic bonus features.

“Pinocchio” is considered one of the greatest animated films ever made, with two Academy Awards® -- for best original score and best original song "When You Wish Upon a Star" – and a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, it will delight a whole new generation of dreamers with its masterful animation, unforgettable characters and award-winning music.

The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes hours of classic bonus material and exclusive features including a reinvented rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star” created and performed by music influencers from Disney’s Maker Studios; never-before-seen artwork from the film’s Pleasure Island sequence; archival recordings of Walt himself during “Pinocchio” production; and a recently restored and scored 1927 short featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

“Pinocchio” tells the tale of wood-carver Geppetto's beloved puppet who embarks on a thrilling quest – with faithful friend Jiminy Cricket – that tests his bravery, loyalty and honesty, all virtues he must learn to fulfill his heart’s desire: to become a real boy.

D23 is the official Disney fan club named in honor of the year 1923, when Walt left Kansas City, headed for Hollywood and founded what would become the Disney Studios. D23 celebrates Disney’s stories, characters, songs, and experiences that have captured imaginations the world over, offering members behind-the-scenes exclusives, member events, discounts and special offers.

My Thoughts

I love being able to share the classics with my family. The Disney signature collection brings some of the all-time best movies to blu-ray so that a whole new generation can enjoy them. In Pinocchio, the lonely Gepetto creates a wooden puppet and a desire for a son brings it to life. But the puppet must prove himself to earn the right at true life. The magical fairy charges Jiminey Cricket to be his guide as Pinocchio goes out into the world. Though he tries his best, he does get into some trouble, which leads him all the way into the belly of a whale.  

Pinocchio was just as magical as I remember it being as a child. From the beautiful fairy to  Jiminey Cricket the conscious, every moment of this film is powerful. I especially love the bad kids turning into donkeys because we all know someone who acts like an A** who would deserve a similar fate. Not only does this movie provide entertainment, it also teaches kids not to lie and to always be on their best behavior.

Ice Girls Skates to Digital HD and DVD

Fifteen-year-old aspiring figure skating champion Mattie Dane is forced to put her dreams on ice after a bad fall during a tournament — and her mother’s decision to relocate the family to a new town. But a chance encounter with the owner of a local skating rink ultimately rekindles Mattie’s passionto compete and sets up an intense rivalry with a talented classmate who’ll stop at nothing to win. Featuring legendary skating stars Elvis Stojko and Tessa Virtue, Ice Girls is an uplifting underdog tale that will leave you cheering!

ICE GIRLS DVD Includes Digital HD:
Street Date:                 October 04, 2016
Prebook Date:             August 31, 2016      
Screen Format:           Widescreen 16:9 (2.40:1)
Audio:                         English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:                     English / Spanish
Total Run Time:          Approximately 91 minutes
U.S. Rating:                PG    
Closed Captioned:      Yes


My Thoughts

It's always hard to move to a new town, but it's even harder when you're recovering from an injury that set your biggest dream on hold. Mattie is a little nervous about getting back on the ice after she hurt her knee, but she knows she can't give up on her dreams. To make things more nerve-wracking, the resident skating champ isn't happy to have new competition. She and her mother are less than welcoming and do everything they can to make things more difficult for Mattie.  Mattie doesn't let any of this keep her down, and she keeps pushing to do her best.

This is a cute movie to watch on family movie night. My girls are 6 and 16, and they both enjoyed it. It is a little predictable, and the stereotypical blonde snob is a little overdone, but there are still a lot of great moments in this movie. One of the best parts is getting to see the real shaking champs on the ice. We all enjoyed the film and would definitely watch it again.

When Calls the Heart: It Begins With Heart (Movie Review)

This movie serves as an introduction of sorts to the TV series starring Laurie Loughlin. Set in a frontier town, the residents are preparing for a New Year's event while dealing with different personal issues. 

The period piece also stars Jack Wagner, Erin Krakow, and Daniel Lissing. I enjoyed seeing some old favorites back on the screen while also getting introduced to actors I unfamiliar with. They all handled their roles with ease and charm that drew me in despite being a bit quick to flip back and forth between different characters. 

I particularly enjoyed the settings, costuming, and humor that was spread throughout the movie (Like the dog that was jealous of Elizabeth and Jack). If you're into period pieces and enjoy family-friendly stories that can, at times, veer into the cheesy, you should enjoy this one. 

Santa's Little Helper #Giveaway #SantasLittleHelper #SantasInsiders

 May the best elf win! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and WWE Studios present outrageous holiday fun when SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER arrives on DVD and Digital HD™ on Tuesday, November 17.


Ho-ho-hold on tight for holiday hijinks in this hilarious family comedy starring WWE®  Superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin®, WWE Diva Paige™ and AnnaLynne McCord. After losing his job, a slick-talking businessman is given the chance of a lifetime—to be Santa’s second-in-command. But to earn the coveted position, he’ll have to wage an outrageous battle against a scheming elf who wants the gig for herself!

The SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER DVD is stocked full of behind-the-scenes featurettes that are sure to bring holiday cheer.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a copy of Santa's Little Helper.  To enter just fill out the giveaway tools  form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end  11/20/15. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Fox Home Entertainment for offering this fantastic prize.

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DVD Review: Strange Magic

STRANGE MAGIC is a music-filled fairy tale about finding true love in the unlikeliest of places. This magical adventure features a host of colorful characters, including a princess who has sworn off love, a dubious villain, a slightly nutty Sugar Plum Fairy, a tenacious elf, a mischievous imp, and a knight who is no Prince Charming. Bring home the enchanting tale the whole family can enjoy today!



My thoughts

Strange Magic is a magical tale of fairies with a musical twist.  The movie revolves around Marianne, a princess who doesn't want to fall in love again after she catches her prince kissing another fairy. Roland wants to win her back, and convinces another fairy to help him get a love potion from the Sugar Plum Fairy. An Imp helps them find her, but uses the love potion to create havoc and love mismatches.

Not only does Strange Magic have a fun storyline, its also chock full of great music. I haven't enjoyed a kids film this much since The Labyrinth.  The characters are fun, the graphics amazing and colorful, and the storyline has an interesting twist to it. I especially loved that the couple who wind up together in the end fall in love for reasons that aren't superficial.

I have four children who range in age from three to fourteen, and they all enjoyed this film, even the boys. However, it is a little dark and scary at some points, so use discretion with younger kids. Its the perfect movie to watch on family movie night, and anyone whose a fan of fantasy will want to have the DVD in their collection, which also has some fantastic bonus footage that includes outtakes and meetings with the cast and filmmakers.

Family Movie Night with Russell Madness #RussellInsiders #FamilyMovieNight

This weekend, we had an extra special family movie night courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment. Russell Madness will be officially released  this week, but we got to get an early look at this fun film while enjoying tasty recipes from Minute Rice. Plus we had some ice cream for dessert! We're going to share our fun night, but first, here's a little info on the movie:

Get ready to “Russell!”  Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination, and Air Bud Entertainment are proud to announce an all-new movie from the creators of the beloved ‘Air Bud’ and ‘Buddies’ franchise -- RUSSELL MADNESS.  Debuting in theatres February 21, 2015 as part of the Fandango Family Screening Series, and on home entertainment in Spring 2015 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, the hilarious, all-new family adventure is the first feature film from newly-launched Air Bud Entertainment, the creative force behind the #1 live-action, direct-to-video movies in the family category.  The exciting action-packed adventure introduces ‘Russell,’ an adorable TALKING Jack Russell Terrier who accidentally becomes a professional wrestling superstar, on the way to discovering the true power…of family.   The official RUSSELL MADNESS movie trailer launched today and can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Ur6XdaGNlTY.
RUSSELL MADNESS stars John Ratzenberger (‘Toy Story,’ ‘Cars,’ TV’s Cheers), Fred Willard (TV’s Modern Family) David Milchard (TV’s Convos with my 2-Year Old), Mason Vale Cotton (TV’s Mad Men and Desperate Housewives), McKenna Grace (TV’s Crash and Burn and The Young and the Restless) and John Hennigan (former WWE star) along with the voices of talking animal stars including Will Sasso (TV’s ‘MadTV’ and ‘The Three Stooges’) and Sean Giambrone (TV’s The Goldbergs).  RUSSELL MADNESS is directed by ‘Air Bud’ and ‘Buddies’ veterans Robert Vince, written and produced by Robert Vince and Anna McRoberts.

We started out evening with a nice Super Easy Tuna Casserole using out Minute White Rice. This is the recipe we used, compliments of Minute Rice.

Ingredients

1	can	(10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
2	cups	milk
1	cup	frozen peas
2	cups	Minute® White Rice, uncooked
2	cans	(6 oz. each) tuna fish, drained and flaked
1	cup	cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix soup, milk and peas in medium saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add rice and tuna; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-quart casserole dish; sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Substitute 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, for the peas.

Once dinner was over, we had some ice cream. We really wanted to run to Cold Stone Creamery, but we discovered the only local store doesn't open until May (this happens a lot in a seasonal tourist town), so we had to settle for some other ice cream as we sat down to watch the film. However, we will definitely be running out to get a Hunk's Banana Split Decision as soon as they open on Memorial Weekend! If yours is open, you can grab a coupon for $2 off the DVD or Blu-ray!

Russell Madness is a really cute film loaded with lots of laughs and a little adventure. It's a great family film that fans of wrestling are really going to enjoy, but its also a great choice for animal lovers. The movie starts out with a family trying to open up an old wrestling ring. In the midst of a match, a dog named Russell wonders in and takes down a big wrestler. Things get even more interesting when the dog has a talking monkey named Hunk for a manager.

 Things get a little hairy when a promoter tries to con the family out of their livelihood, and the whole team has to pull together to save the day. This is a great kid's movie. My  kids range in age from three to fourteen, and they all enjoyed it. It's definitely a great choice for family movie night, and highly recommended. Grab a copy for yourself in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

JINGLE ALL THE WAY 2 #GIVEAWAY #JingleInsiders

 ill your stocking with a new holiday classic that will have the whole family laughing when Jingle All The Way 2 arrives on Blu-ray Combo, DVD and Digital HD December 2 from WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Comedy superstar Larry the Cable Guy and WWE Superstar Santino Marella bring laughs and holiday spirit to this second installment of the successful film franchise.

Two desperate dads compete in a no-holds-barred battle to be the best father and make this the best Christmas ever! Fun-loving, laid-back dad Larry (Larry the Cable Guy; Cars, Tooth Fairy 2) is having a bear of a time finding the perfect Christmas gift for his eight-year-old daughter, Noel. The season’s hottest toy, The Harrison Bear, is all sold out, and Noel’s new stepfather wants to keep it that way — so he can be the one to make her holiday wish come true. When Larry learns all Noel wants for Christmas is the bear, he’ll stop at nothing to make his little girl happy and get her the toy of her dreams…Co-starring WWE Superstar Santino Marella, Jingle All The Way 2 is heartwarming and hilarious fun for the whole family!

Jingle All The Way 2 is directed by Alex Zamm (Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts, The Tooth Fairy 2) and produced by Michael Luisi (Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery, Christmas Bounty, The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown) and Vicki Sotheran (The Sandlot 2, The Sandlot: Heading Home).

The holiday cheer continues in the Blu-ray Combo and DVD bonus features including deleted scenes, making-of featurettes, a mock Public Service Announcement from Larry and Santino advising how you can stay safe while shopping this holiday plus a special Harrison the Bear TV commercial and an exclusive interview with the hottest toy of the season.


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The Giveaway



One lucky winner is going to receive a DVD/Blu-ray combo of Jingle All the Way 2. To enter just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 12/9/14. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Fox Home Entertainment for offering this fantastic prize.

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DVD Review : My Dad Is Scrooge

 

"A Christmas Carol" turns into "A Christmas Corral" as the animals of Woodsley's Farm help Oliver and his little sister June stage the classic tale to shock their Dad into embracing the spirit of the holidays

My thoughts:

EB is quite the Scrooge!  And he proves that by serving the owners of the Woodsley Farm a foreclosure notice, without warning.

This story takes a funny turn when the farm animals wake up EB's son, Oliver.  Talking! Yes, talking farm animals.  So in the midst of Oliver and June, EB's son and daughter, getting ready for their mom's Christmas show, they are both also helping the farm animals get their farm back.

The things that the animals and kids do in this film with make your laugh, and hope that this story has a happy ending, and that families will be brought  back together.  The things these animals and kids due to EB will have you laughing till the end.

This is a great movie for the whole family to watch. We have actually watched it three times already. And I am quite certain, we will be watching it numerous times more. Children of all ages, as well as adults will love this movie, and will want to add it to their movie library.

Paramount Pictures Presents “Interstellar” - @Interstellar #InterstellarCountdown

If you're looking for a family friendly film both children and parents will enjoy,  Interstellar should be top on your list.  It has tons of action and a star studded cast.  You'll be guided on a journey to another galaxy while you fight to save mankind. Check out the synopsis  and trailer below or visit the Interstellar blog to learn more.

With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history; traveling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.   

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Bill Irwin and Ellen Burstyn.

Paramount Motion Pictures "Interstellar" In theaters and IMAX  November 5th and everywhere November 7th.

To help you get excited about the film, we've come up with a fun craft that goes along with the theme of the movie. You can make your very own rocket ship in only a few easy steps. What better way to prepare for the most exciting film of the year than to envision yourself on the same kind of journey. While this rocket will only soar as high as your imagination, it's still a fun way to count down the days to the movie release. 

Here's what you need to get started: A bottle, Popsicle sticks, glue, cardboard, duck tape and crayons (optional). Here are the steps to building your rocket:

1) Use the Popsicle sticks to create four wings as shown. They should be a triangular shape.  The size you need will vary according to the bottle size. Use the glue to hold them together.

2) Use  paper or cardboard for the interior of the wings. You can color them or decorate them if you like or you can cover the whole thing in the duck tape.The wings can be attached to the bottle using the duck tape. 

3) Decorate your rocket in any way you like. Silver duct tape or tin foil will make it look more authentic, but get creative and be expressive!


So there you have it! Your rocket is done. Now all you have to do is count down the days until the release of Interstellar! I know my son, who dreams of being an astronaut one day, is super excited, and I'm looking forward to it myself!  Don't forget, Interstellar is hitting IMAX on November 5th and theaters everywhere November 7th.  You can even order your tickets in advance here.  To keep up with all the fun, be sure to follow them on face book or twitter.  Make sure you aren't left behind.

***This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Paramount Pictures blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.***