The Princess and the Frog DVD Review

I think every little girl's dream is to be a princess and Disney has aspired to at least allow each and every little girl feel that way even if it is only in their imaginations.  The much waited for Princess and the Frog came out on Tuesday and has taken its place among the much loved "princess" movies.

Synposis:  Magic, music and romance are waiting around every corner of the legendary Big Easy as Disney’s newest princess sets out on an exciting adventure through a magical new world. Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose) is a beautiful and hardworking young woman determined to fulfil her father’s dream of owning an elegant New Orleans supper club.  When Naveen (Bruno Campos), a handsome prince arrives in town looking for romance, the evil Dr. Facilier (Keith David) hatches a nefarious plot and turns Naveen into a frog. A kiss from Tiana should return him to his true form, but in a hilarious twist on the classic story, she is instead transformed into a frog herself! The pair must travel into the heart of the mysterious Louisiana bayou with only a trumpet-playing alligator and a love-struck firefly as guides to find the priestess who can reverse the curse in order to find their “happily ever after.”

My Opinion:  The Princess and The Frog follows in the footsteps in its predecessors such as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin.  The music in the movie was sweet and still held on to its child like magic.  The Princess and The Frog  while released in 2010 could almost be mistaken for being released almost 10 or 15 years ago.  I liked this because it had what little girl's are looking for in a princess.  I honestly was afraid this movie wouldn't have the sweetness of previous Disney princess movies but that was not the case.

While every "princess" movie has some darkness because it is all the fight against good and evil, I did not think The Princess and The Frog had as much The Little Mermaid and other princess movies have had in the past.  There were still some very dramatic moments that a preschooler or younger child may not understand.  I definitely think that this is a movie that a parent should watch with your younger child.

Overall, this movie was well made and I believe will become a precious addition for all those that have loved the previous Disney movies.

You can purchase The Princess and The Frog (Three Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo with Digital Copy) from Amazon.com, the Disney Store, or any local store that sells DVD. 

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this product. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Disney was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Old Dogs Review

I am always on the lookout for a movie that has good clean fun for the whole family.  We look for movies that the little people in our family can enjoy as well as the big people.  When I revieiwed Old Dogs, I had concept in mind as the jacket clearly states - "Fun for the Whole Family."

Synopsis:  Dan (Robin Williams) and his best friend and business partner Charlie (John Travolta) are on the verge of the biggest deal in the history of their sports marketing firm when their lives are turned upside down by a surprise visit from Dan’s ex-wife Vicki (Kelly Preston). Vicki has big news for Dan—their ever-so-brief liaison produced twins Zach (Conner Rayburn) and Emily (Ella Bleu Travolta), now seven-years-old and in need of a dad to keep an eye on them for two weeks. With only high-living playboy Charlie for support, Dan’s bumbling attempts at “on the job training” in fatherhood result in a series of disastrously funny exploits that lead him to a new understanding of what really matters in life. Featuring an extraordinary cast of comedy purebreds including Seth Green, Matt Dillon and Lori Loughlin, Old Dogs will have audiences rolling over and begging for more.

My Opinion:  This movie was hilarious and almost too much at times. This would not have been my favorite kind of movie as the comedy bordered on just plain dumb at times.  However, the last time I said that about a movie, my brother thought it was great.  My husband who also viewed it with me found that the majority of the humor was over the top but towards the end, he was glued and dying of laughter.  The movie has a sweet story of a father getting to know his children for the first time and the sacrifices he must make to get to know them.

There were times when the humor was not appropriate for young children and they might question what the actors were talking about.  Overall my husband and I would give this movie a B rating.  He would probably watch again but I don't know as I would have my two year old watch it. 

You can purchase Old Dogs - 3 Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Includes DVD + Digital Copy) from Amazon.com or any local store that carries DVDs.

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this product. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Disney was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey DVD Review

My daughter, like many preschoolers, love animals.  She especially loves monkeys and even has one that she has named after one of her aunts.  Curious George was a favorite of mine growing up so I am thrilled that Curious George is still around for me to share with my daughter today.

Synopsis:  In this sidesplittingly funny and heartwarming sequel to the hit 2006 animated feature, George sets out on a coast-to-coast journey to reunite Kayla, a homesick elephant, with her family.

A few bonus features:
• Two Never Before Seen Bonus Shows from the all-new TV season! See the premiere episode 6 months before it airs!
• Curious George’s Cross Country Caper Game – It’s more fun than a barrel of you-know-what when George and Kayla go on the run with security specialist Marcus Wolfe hot on their trail! Exciting puzzles lead the way from New York to California so Kayla can visit her brother and sister. But be careful—a wrong answer could bring the Wolfe right to their door!
• Hold On, Here We Go – Exclusive Music Video
• Coloring Pages and Wallpapers

My Opinion: Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey was engaging and definitely a fun movie for a preschooler.  Curious George and Kayla are just so cute and the adventures that they have through New York City all the way to California are quite funny.  I actually like that the animals do not talk in this movie because in reality - animals don't talk. 

I was not a huge fan of the music because I felt it was on there more to appeal to adult viewers rather than preschoolers.  As an adult, I'm not going to watch a movie like Curious George unless my preschooler is next to me and then I want the music to be for a preschooler. 

Overall the movie was fun, exciting, and just what you would expect from Curious George.  The bonus features are fun as they have 2 never, before seen shows that will be on the TV series in the fall.  Gracie loved the coloring pages. 

You can purchase Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey from Amazon.com for just $12.99.

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Fox Home Entertainment was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

VeggieTales: Pistachio DVD Review

As a teenager, I was introduced to VeggieTales and loved them.  My brother, my sisters, and some other teenage friends all loved them also.  Yes, we would spend hours singing those crazy songs.  As I got a little older, I decided that the Bible stories were not something I wanted in my home because I really didn't want my two-year old thinking that David was a Cucumber or thinking that her Bible stories were just like Winnie the Pooh or Mickey Mouse - pretend.

I had forgotten that VeggieTales does have some other DVDs that are not Bible stories but that have great moral lessons.  When I found out about VeggieTales: Pistachio, I decided to take a look and see what I thought and whether I wanted them for my little girl and if I could recommend them.

First, like always, I'll give you the synopsis and then my thoughts.  This time, I am going to use the trailer for the movie:

My Opinion:  This movie captivated and drew Gracie and I in from the very beginning.  This was one of the only movies that I have let Gracie watch with me right away because I knew that Big Idea Entertainment has morals, values, and standards that they put into place for every movie that they produce.  The story line is as cute as the trailer depicts.  It has its very funny moments and the music is quite cute.  (Coming from a mom who gets tired of kid's music - this music is pretty good.)

Will I recommend this movie to other parents?  Wholeheartedly!  I loved how Pistachio learns the consequences of his disobedience and how right his father is.  I love how Big Idea Entertainment reinforces the importance of obeying and trusting your parents even when you don't want to.  We are working so hard on this that I am thrilled that a cartoon upholds this standard rather than brings it down.

You can purchase VeggieTales: Pistachio, The Little Boy That Woodn't from Amazon for just $11.99!  I love how inexpensive this movie is.

Big Idea Entertainment has also provided all of my readers with some great coloring pages and some ideas for some family fun ideas.  I have included them below for you print out to use with your kids if you would like.

Veggie Tales Pistachio Family Time Fun Games

PISTACHIO_5 Coloring Pages

PISTACHIO_4 Coloring Pages

PISTACHIO_3 Coloring Pages

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Big Idea Entertainment was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Amelia DVD Review

From the time I was a little girl, I admired Amelia Earhart.  I admired her tenacity to do something no other woman I done.  As a girl, I wanted to be like her but even more I wanted so badly to know what happened to her on that fateful day when she just disappeared.

When I had the opportunity to review Amelia, I was pretty excited.  I really didn't know much about her life so I was thrilled to know more about her.

Synopsis:  Experience the romance, struggle and triumph of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart as she chases love and lives her dreams in Amelia, landing on Bluray Disc with Digital Copy and DVD February 2 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Hailed as “The Queen of the Air,” Amelia boldly flew into the annals of history with her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Bound by ambition and love, her enduring marriage to George Putnam could not be broken by her determination to fly, or a secret passionate affair. Equal parts gripping drama, stirring romance and epic adventure, Amelia will take your breath away and send your spirit soaring!

My Opinion:  I was totally surprised about Amelia's life.  I had no idea the "loose" life that Amelia had led up until just days before her disappearance.  Parts of my childhood love for Amelia was stripped away with the truth but at the same time, it was fascinating to find out about the "real Amelia."  This movie portrayed Amelia's adventures still as being exciting and totally revolutionary for her day.  This movie was well done, I believe, in aspects of the life that Amelia led. 

This movie is not for children.  The life that Amelia led is not the best thing for children to see.  The movie had very little language that you had to watch for.  It does have a brief part where a bit of Amelia's affair is shown - no nudity. 

I also had the opportunity to watch the special features on the Blu-ray edition and especially loved the "Making of Amelia".  My husband is big into the special features of movies so he was quite taken with the many special features that the Blu-ray copy had to offer. "The Plane Behind the Legend" and "Re-constructing the Planes of Amelia" are exclusive to the Blu-ray edition and these two features were really quite neat to see.  They really helped to tie together the movie and more of Amelia's life. 

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed Amelia and would recommend it as an eye opening view into the life of Amelia Earhart.  It will show you how human we can be but also shows how loving and forgiving her husband was during her time of infidelity. 

You can purchase the Amelia Blu-Ray Edition from Amazon.com for $24.99 or Amelia DVD edition for $17.99.


Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Fox Home Entertainment was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Whip It DVD Review

 

I recently had the opportunity to review Whip It.  I was uncertain of what to expect but was intrigued because I have always enjoyed sports movies where the main character overcomes extreme obstacles to come out as one of the best.  I was hoping that Whip It would be similar.  

Synopsis:  Ellen Page (Juno) scores huge laughs as Bliss Cavendar, a small-town teenager with a big dream; to find her own path in the world. Tired of following in her family’s footsteps of compliance and conformity, Bliss discovers a way to put her life on the fast track...literally. She lands a spot on a rough-and-tumble roller derby team and becomes “Babe Ruthless,” the hottest thing on eight wheels. Whip It is a triumphant, free-spirited comedy loaded with high-speed action and nonstop fun.

My Opinion:  The first part of the movie starts with loud, rocky music and you realize quickly that Bliss Cavendar, played by Ellen Page, is a rebellious teenager trying to throw off what her mother wants for her.  Her mother is into pageants and wants that for her daughter.  I laughed so hard when Bliss walked out on stage with blue hair and talks about Amelia Earhart.  It sure did not win points in her mother's book nor in anyone represented at the pageant.  While the movie is funny and a great picture of becoming what you were meant to be rather than trying to be someone else, the language, dress, and lack of modesty did cause me to not give as high a recommendation.

This movie is rated PG-13 and should not be watched with younger children because of it's dramatic themes, bloody noses, and language.

I did watch the movie on Blu-Ray and found the picture and details to be phenomenal.  The Blu-Ray copy includes these special features:

• Alternate Opening
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• Bliss Gets Out of Brooke’s Truck
• No Tip
• Bliss, Pash and Bird Man on Oink Joint Roof
• Celebrity
• Razor Quits (Long Version)
• Bliss and Oliver Kiss, Bliss Listens to CD
• Bliss Asks Razor to Come Back (Raw Cut)
• Maggie and Riley Wake Up Bliss
• Writers Draft with Shauna Cross

I did not find the Special Features engaging nor really worth watching. I would have loved to see a little more included on the Blu-Ray Special Features.  

You can purchase Whip It Blu Ray Edition from Amazon.com for $23.99 or the Whip It DVD Edition for $17.99. 

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Fox Home Entertainment was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bow-tique Giveway CLOSED

Winner - #51 - Jill

 

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Disney is releasing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bow-tique!  Gracie was very excited when I opened the package and she discovered "mou-mouse" inside.  We love Mickey Mouse and we love hairbows so I felt this would be a perfect fit for our house.  

  
Synopsis:  – For the first time ever, Minnie Mouse will star in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Bow-tique when it comes to Disney DVD on February 9, 2010.  This new release features four Minnie-themed stories including a never-before-seen episode and a fun Minnie magnet bow frame. Two episodes, ‘Minnie’s Pajama Party,’ and ‘Minnie’s Bee Story,’ include Disney’s Adventure Mode – an interactive game using the remote control with multiple play levels. It's the grand opening of Minnie's Bow-tique, a store jam-packed with every kind of bow and bowtie imaginable. The selections include: the "Glow-Bow", a bow that changes color with every mood; the "Grow-Bow", a bow that grows to tremendous size by just adding water; flying "Butterfly-Bows"; and a "Photo-Bow" that snaps instant pictures. Problems arise when Pete, embarrassed about buying a lady's bow for his favorite aunt, causes a few accidental mishaps in the new store.

However, super salesperson Minnie finds the perfect bow for Pete. The Bow-tique's grand opening is a success - and it all ends in a Big Bow Show with the Clubhouse gang modeling the latest fashions under the biggest bow of all, a colorful, sky-high Rain-Bow.

In a never-before-seen episode, Minnie’s Pajama Party Minnie and the girls set up a fun Pajama Party sleepover for the day – but it’s not as easy as it sounds, especially with the addition of Pete and Willie the Giant!


My Opinion:  As Gracie and I snuggled together to watch this movie, I was watching for three things - music, language, and appeal to a toddler.  It has great fun activities for a toddler and Gracie was counting along with Mickey and Minnie.  She was answering their questions and engaging in some learning.  (I do not let the TV "teach" my daughter but I do love when something I am working with her is enforced.)  The music was generally cute except for one song.  Even my husband who was in another room had me turn it.  It was a disco song and I did not feel it was appropriate for a child to listen to.  The words were fine but the music was not.

The language used in Mickey Mouse was appropriate for a young child and I did not catch any words that I did not want Gracie repeating.

We think it was a fun cartoon and other than the one song - loved it!  I am sure it is already on Gracie's list to watch again and again.  :-)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bowtique releases on Tuesday, February 9th.  You can preorder it from Amazon.com to ensure delivery by Valentine's Day. 

Win It!!

Disney is generously offering to give one of my readers their own copy of this fun movie!  

1.  Leave me a comment telling me your favorite cartoon as a child. Be sure to leave me your email address as well.  Do this one first!

Extra Entries:

2. Become a follower of this blog. Leave me a comment letting me know you follow. This will be verified.

3. Subscribe to this blog by email. Leave me a comment letting me know you did so. This will be verified.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Please leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you did so.

5. Become a fan of Money Saving Tips for a Keeper at Home on Facebook. Please leave a comment along with your facebook name letting me know you did so.

This giveaway ends February 9, 2010 and is open to US residents only. Make sure that you leave your email address in each comment. Leave a separate comment for every entry that you make so that these will count for you! Have fun and I look forward to announcing the winners of this great giveaway!

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Disney was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Air Bud: Gold Receiver Giveaway CLOSED

Winner - #146 - Miss Beez

On Friday, we received Air Bud: Golden Receiver to review and Gracie was thrilled!  Puppy movies are her number one favorite movies right now and since daddy likes football so much, this movie was a hit.

Synopsis: This time out, Buddy, the hoop-shooting, hotshot canine, tackles a new sport—football. When his teenage owner reluctantly becomes the school’s new quarterback, Buddy catches the spirit and joins the team. Soon, the two find themselves leading the Timberwolves to the state championship. But victory hopes are sidelined when two sinister Russian circus owners take a bite out of everyone’s plans and dognap Buddy for their star attraction. 

My Opinion:  This family friendly movie was a nice reprieve from the cartoons that we often watch together as a family.  I loved that this non-cartoony movie was perfect for my toddler but also entertaining enough to have mommy and daddy laughing too.  Given the choice, I probably wouldn't choose this movie for my viewing pleasure but for my daughter it was perfect!

I think this movie is a fun way to introduce a young child to football and a great way to prepare for the Super Bowl.  Gracie doesn't have a clue about football, super bowl, and all those crazy things that fans do (and frankly I think she could care less) but since we will be watching the Super Bowl after church is over on Sunday night, it was a fun way to prepare for it.

I did find the movie a little long for a toddler but it is the perfect length for an older child.  Air Bud: Golden Receiver releases today so you can pick it up at your local store or online at Amazon.com.

Win It!!

Disney is generously offering to give one of my readers their own copy of this fun movie!  

1.  Leave me a comment telling me who you are rooting for to win this year's Super Bowl. (Leave nice comments about the opposing team, please.  I know how you fans can be :-)) Be sure to leave me your email address as well.  Do this one first!

Extra Entries:

2. Become a follower of this blog. Leave me a comment letting me know you follow. This will be verified.

3. Subscribe to this blog by email. Leave me a comment letting me know you did so. This will be verified.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Please leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you did so.

5. Become a fan of Money Saving Tips for a Keeper at Home on Facebook. Please leave a comment along with your facebook name letting me know you did so.

This giveaway ends February 5, 2010 and is open to US residents only. Make sure that you leave your email address in each comment. Leave a separate comment for every entry that you make so that these will count for you! Have fun and I look forward to announcing the winners of this great giveaway!

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Disney was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You Giveaway {Ends 1/14}

Winner - #74 - Stephanie

Winnie the Pooh and his friends are very special to my daughter.  Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger are all very special friends so anytime she gets the opportunity to watch them - she is excited.

We recently had the opportunity to review Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You Special Edition and were as thrilled with this movie as ever.  This is a classic Pooh movie that will be re-released on January 5th.  While I feel it is too early to think about Valentine's (didn't Christmas just end?), this will be a cute movie for any toddler or preschooler for Valentine's Day.

Synopsis:  This Valentine themed animated collection features three Winnie the Pooh stories including a new-to-DVD adventure (“My Hero) a fun bonus feature (“Catch the Love Bug” game), Pooh-themed Valentines cards inside each DVD plus all features from the original.  In Un-Valentines Day, it's that warm and wonderful time when Pooh and his pals like to show how much they care. But Rabbit wants to cancel Valentine's Day because last year, he was up to his ears in the flood of cards that littered the Hundred Acre Wood. Reluctantly, everyone agrees -- until someone anonymously sends Pooh a pot of honey. Suddenly, the Valentine rush is again out of control, much to the delight of all -- including Rabbit. In A Valentine for You, Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Rabbit see Christopher Robin making a valentine for a girl and find he's been bitten by a "Smitten" and is lovesick. Worried that he'll no longer have time for them, and hoping a second bite from the love bug will cure him, they set out on a wild adventure to capture the Smitten. My Hero is a new-to-DVD adventure that shows the lesson of two friends truly helping each other. When Piglet saves Tigger’s life, Tigger decides to repay the favor by being Piglet’s servant. But Tigger’s new job causes Piglet more harm than good. When Tigger saves Piglet’s life, his obligation to be the servant is erased and all is back to normal.

My Opinion:  Gracie loved this new movie and enjoyed the Bonus Features the most.  There is a great "Catch the Love Bug Game" that she adored and we played together for an hour.  The special Valentine cards included inside the movie will be great fun for her to hand out to her friends and they are so cute!

You can preorder or purchase Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You Special Edition from Amazon.

Win It!!

Disney is generously offering to give one of my readers their own copy of this fun movie!  

1.  Leave me a comment telling me something fun you or your family do for Valentine's Day.  Be sure to leave me your email address as well.  Do this one first!

Extra Entries:

2. Become a follower of this blog. Leave me a comment letting me know you follow. This will be verified.

3. Subscribe to this blog by email. Leave me a comment letting me know you did so. This will be verified.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Please leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you did so.

5. Become a fan of Money Saving Tips for a Keeper at Home on Facebook. Please leave a comment along with your facebook name letting me know you did so.

This giveaway ends January 14, 2010 and is open to US residents only. Make sure that you leave your email address in each comment. Leave a separate comment for every entry that you make so that these will count for you! Have fun and I look forward to announcing the winners of this great giveaway!

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this movie. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Disney was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Sarah's Choice: My Movie Pick of the Year

Just recently I found out about Pure Flix Entertainment and their desire to bring good wholesome movies into today's society.  These movies are not meant to not only entertain but also meant to cause you to think and meditate on the story that unfolds on the television in front of you.

I am thrilled to have just finished Sarah's Choice today and am so touched by the story that this movie is now on my list of movies to watch again.  It is also on my list to recommend over and over again.

Synopsis:  Sarah Collins is a young woman on the elevator of success, poised to attain her dream of an executive corner office. There’s only one thing that’s going to keep her from getting it, an unexpected pregnancy.
Sarah is now faced with a moral and potentially career ending choice.
She is torn between keeping the life growing inside her and her legal right to abort the baby. In the midst of her turmoil, a mysterious stranger foretells the coming of three visions that will challenge her heart.
With financial pressures mounting and her dream career at stake, what will Sarah choose?

My Opinion:  This movie really challenges our society's thoughtline that abortion is just killing a fetus.  It challenges and opens the eyes to the fact that abortion is something that women live with and regret for as long as they live.  This movie focuses on the consequences that every person faces when they choose to make decisions that are outside of God's plan.  If you want to see a movie that envokes conversation, thinking, and mediation this is definitely a movie worth watching.  If you want to watch a movie that challenges our young people to consider the consequences of their actions - this a movie worth buying and investing in.


I truly believe that Sarah's Choice is a movie you will not regret watching.  You can purchase Sarah's Choice from Amazon.com or Pure Flix Entertainment's online store. 

You can view the trailer in the video below:

Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of Sarah's Choice. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Pure Flix Entertainment was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review.

Movie Tuesday: G-Force

A new movie has been released today called G-Force.  This is Walt Disney's newest cartoon release and it is definitely different than anything else that they have done to date.

Synopsis: 


My opinion:  What an action packed, suspense filled cartoon!  I was shocked with how much was packed into a cartoon.  I definitely do not recommend this cartoon for a preschooler as there are some parts that can be pretty traumatic.  I personally had a hard time with a guinea pig was thrown near the snake but my husband loved the suspense and action.  The humor at times was a bit off and neither my husband nor I appreciated that.  It also definitely had some strange parts.  Overall, this is a fun cartoon that teenagers and adults would enjoy.

You can purchase G-Force at Amazon.com starting at just $9.99.

Handy Manny: Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure

My toddler has been a huge fan of tools every since her daddy, grandpa, and uncle introduced her to the art of fixing things.  She has also loved motorcycles every since daddy let her ride on the back.

When we had the opportunity to review Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure, it was the perfect match for our family. 


Synopsis: In this road trip adventure, Manny decides to bring his friends and tools along for the ride to a fiesta grande – Manny’s family reunion. With everyone safely aboard his magnificent motorcycle, Manny helps the communities he passes through with fixes and repairs, and even has time to teach Pat the hammer that families come in all shapes and sizes. With quick teamwork and clever steering, Manny manages to rescue Pat, Squeeze, and Flicker who strayed from the group and get everyone to the reunion on time to partake in the exciting family festivities.

My Thoughts:  Gracie and I both thought this movie was fun.  She just loves that the tools talk and go on their own adventures.  I love that the music isn't loud and obnoxious.  Warning: Do not let the songs get stuck in your head - they will be there for good!  If you find yourself singing Handy Manny songs all day, it is time to have your child watch a different cartoon!

I also loved that the movie was less than 60 minutes.  This made it easy for the whole family to watch the cartoon together for a family movie night.  We also loved "The Very Handy Holiday" bonus episode.  Anything with Manny's tools, Gracie is in love with!


You can purchase Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure for $15.99 on Amazon.com.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo-Choo Express

My daughter loves Mickey Mouse - in fact, the whole family does.  The day this DVD arrived we were finishing cleaning our apartment before we moved so it was fun to give her something to watch while I cleaned.  I knew she would love it and have something more fun to do.

Synopsis:  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo Choo Express stars the Fab Five: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy. While Professor Von Drake goes to the top of Mistletoe Mountain to create snow that never melts, the gang put together his old Clubhouse Choo Choo train. They use the train to help the professor carry back loads of his special non-melting snow so that they can build snowmen and make snow angels in the middle of summer. Mickey invites more friends to the Easy Freezy Snow Party so they can all join in on the fun. In order to get everyone out to the clubhouse, they adhere to a train schedule where different folks, including Santa and Ms. Claus, are picked up along the way at designated times. When Mickey and friends all make it back just in time for the party, Professor Von Drake presents them a gift – a golden car train – in appreciation for picking up everyone on the Clubhouse Choo Choo train.

My Opinion:  Gracie and I loved this fun movie.  I found the music to be a bit obnoxious but Gracie loved all the fun things especially the Choo Choo train.  This is not just a Christmas or winter movie because the Mickey and his friends take their train to get Easy Freeze snow and it never melts.  My daughter loves snow so what is better than snow that you can play in during the summertime!


You can purchase Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo-Choo Express from Amazon.com for $19.99.  This would make a great gift this holiday season!

Night At The Musuem: Battle of the Smithsonian

It is rare for my husband and I to sit down to actually watch a noncartoon movie anymore but while his mother was here, we had the fun opportunity to watch Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. We had watched the first one when my mother-in-law had come to visit the last time so it was funny to watch the sequel with her. 

Synopsis:  History is larger than life — and twice as funny — in this monumental comedy sequel. Ben Stiller (Meet The Parents, There’s Something About Mary) stars as Larry Daley, a former night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the exhibits come alive after dark. But now Larry’s nocturnal friends are being retired to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, luring him back for a hilarious, all-out battle against a cranky Egyptian Pharaoh who plans to take over the museum... and the world!

My Opinion:  After a long day of blogging, I needed a good laugh and this movie sure provided it.  I felt that it was as good as the original however my husband disagreed.  I felt that Larry Daley had some big lessons to learn and it was fun to watch the characters come to life once more.  I absolutely love how much history a child can learn from Night at the Musuem: Battle of the Smithsonian.  As a former history teacher, this would have been a fun movie for a history class to see as they can learn interesting facts without ever realizing that they did!

I highly recommend Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian for the laughs, the life lessons, and the fun learning experience!

You can purchase Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian at Amazon.com for just $19.99.