Detective Pikachu on ScreenX

We watched Warner Bros' "Detective Pikachu" on ScreenX at Cineplex Cinemas Queensway in Toronto, Ontario Canada. It is also playing at several locations in the USA. ScreenX is the world's first multi-projection theatre technology used within a theatre setting, marking it as the most visually immersive theatre experience of CJ 4DPLEX.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Three Movie Gift Set and Toys

Looking for fun gifts to give My Little Pony fans, then you will love giving this Three Movie My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Gift Set. Children will enjoy joining Twilight Sparkle and her Canterlot High friends in these three animated adventures of My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games, Rainbow Rocks, and Equestria Girls. This gift set holds the three movies, and comes in a lenticular cover that features a transforming Twilight Sparkle. 

A Million Words of Kindness Inspired by Cinderella

My children and I enjoyed watching Cinderella. This modern classic shines with beauty, imagination, and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, a spirited Ella resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother and a glass slipper, and suddenly magic becomes reality!

Little Ones Will Enjoy These Movies

 

Shout! Factory in collaboration with Hasbro Studios will release The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: Bumpers Up! on DVD August 13th. Chuck and his friends are getting ready to throw good times into high gear. The unbelievably fun adventures of Chuck, the little dump truck with big dreams, and his friends—Digger, Handy, Rowdy, Biggs, Boomer and Flip — continue with 10 exciting cartoons from The Adventures Of Chuck & Friends. Chuck’s adventures in movies, music and art will have us rolling with laughter and cheer. No matter what obstacles are in his way, Chuck knows that with good friends and a little imagination, he’s always going to cross the finish line a winner.

Disney Junior Dream Cruise Contest

My children are fans of Disney Pixar Toy Story, so they were excited when they got a chance to build their own RC and the Pizza Planet Delivery Shuttle in July. Toy Story 2 will premiere on Disney Junior, Saturday August 10th at 6pm EST. 

Go Behind the Scenes with these Movie Maniacs DK Books

Every Disney fan, young or old will enjoy the Pixar: Character Encyclopedia. We are big fans of Disney Pixar movies so we enjoyed looking through this book and learning about more than 200 characters. We like that the characters are separated by the movies such as Toy Story 1, 2, 3, a bug’s life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, Wall. E, Up and Brave. 

Win your own copy of Peter Pan Diamond Edition

Disney celebrates the 60th anniversary release of Peter Pan with its Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy & Storybook App) on February 5th.  
This is a classic tale of Wendy, John and Michael as they fly with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell to the enchanted world of Never Land. 

 

The blu-ray combo pack is filled with bonus features including the groundbreaking feature Disney Intermission, Growing up with Nine Old Men short film, never-before-seen Deleted Scenes and a never-before-heard Deleted Song and more.
My children enjoyed watching the whole movie.  They had lots of favourite parts such as the time Peter Pan fought with Captain hook, when Wendy was with the mermaids and when Peter Pan returned the children to their home.
Here are some Printable Pirate Puzzles, Connect the Dots Darling Star Gazer and Never Land Fun & Games complement Magical Bookmarks featuring your favourite characters!

The big theme of Peter Pan is not growing up, which I think is sometimes a good thing so we can be carefree and play, not worry about time so much :)  

I join my children sometimes when they play or do crafts, which is a nice way to spend time without thinking of all the work that needs to be done :) and my children do inspire me to many things I do including this blog.  Playing is fun as it helps us learn, so I would say it is okay to play with food :) as long as there is no waste.   

Seeing the world the way children do with innocence makes a difference and helps a lot when we are dealing with grown up problems.

Giveaway:
Please enter this giveaway through the rafflecopter below.  This is open to people in Canada and US until February 16th.  Please make sure to follow all my social media networks and comment. Winner will have 24 hours from the time of contact to confirm their win.
Update: The winner is Florence
(If rafflecopter is not working for you, click the rafflecopter link it will take you to another page where you can enter OR please leave a comment on this post, on another post in my site and follow my Facebook, twitter, pinterest and google friends and I will count your entry Thank you)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Movies for the whole family: E.T, Great Mouse Detective Mystery and Peter Pan

Steven Spielberg's adventure E.T. The Extra-terrestrial debuts in a digitaly remastered 30th Anniversary Edition.  It will be available on blu-ray combo pack, DVD, Digital copy & UltraViolet on October 9th.  
This story is about an imaginative boy who meets a lost alien and becomes good friends.  The boy helps this alien whom he calls E.T. to find his way back home before the government agents capture him.
In the blu-ray of this 1982 theatrical movie, we can watch the all-new interview with the director, the E.T. Journals, footage from the film set and relives the mystery, laughter and wonder of this movie.  We enjoyed watching this movie, it is a lovely movie to own.  There were moments we laughed, sat in awe, got a little scared and also cried :)  

There will be a E.T.: The Green Planet game available in iTunes, which is inspired by the novel based story.  The players can travel with E.T. to his home planet, explore and build extraordinary intergalactic botanical gardens and share the experiences with their friends.

Giveaway
4 people in Canada can win a copy of the E.T Blu-ray by entering through the rafflecopter below.  Giveaway ends October 12th.
Update: The winners are Chantale, Courtney, Laurie and Tammy.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Great Mouse Detective Mystery in the Mist Edition comes to blu-ray combo pack and HD digital on October 9th.  This movie will be enjoyed by children.  The brilliant Basil of Baker Street and his trusted sidekick Dawson embark on a thrilling adventure when the diabolical Professor Ratigan kidnaps London’s master toymaker, and only this tiny duo can save the day.  This Disney classic proves big heroes come in small packages.  

Peter Pan: Diamond Edition will be available for a limited time on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy.
Join mischievous Peter Pan, the young boy who refuses to grow up, his hot-tempered pixie pal, Tinker Bell and the Darling children as they soar away to the mysterious Never-Never land where childhood lasts forever in this magical, musical adventure.

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Act of Valor on Blu-ray and DVD June 5th

Act of Valor shows the tremendous skill, dedication and professionalism of men and women in the forces.  It honours the community, brotherhood and family sacrifices.  This action adventure movie has combat sequences, battlefield technology and heart pumping emotion.  This R rated movie is not to be watched with young children.


I like what the letter read towards the end of the movie, which said "... live your life that fear of death can never enter your heart.  Trouble no one about their religion.  Respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.  Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life... always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend even a stranger... show respect to all people and bow to none.  When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.  If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.  Abuse no one... abuse turns the wise ones to fools..."


We must remember not to judge people after all we are brothers and sisters.  We must not be biased or criticize one person based on another person's action; each one should be treated as an individual.


Some proceeds from the sale of Act of Valor Blu-ray and DVD will benefit operation home front, which is a national non-profit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded soldiers.  Do get the movie on Blu-ray and DVD combo pack on June 5th.


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Love's everlasting courage

Love's everlasting courage appeared on DVD just in time for Mother's Day.  

This story is inspired by Janette Oke's Love comes softly book series.  It centers on family values in the 19th century.  In this movie Clark Davis struggles to maintain his land to support his family during a long drought.  He and his daughter turn to his parents for support as he tries to repay the bank loan, save his farm and survive his wife's death without losing his daughter.

I really enjoyed watching this movie with my daughter.  I like these types of movies, which make us think and reminds us about the power of God.  We must trust and believe that God is always with us especially during trying times without loosing hope.  

The movie also makes us feel thankful for the simple blessings of life we have such as having accessible water, a home, friends and family.  It shows the values of communities and family, which is really important for us to remind ourselves as well as teach our children.

Hope you get to watch Love's everlasting courage with your dear ones and become thankful for the simple blessings of life.

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Flicka Country Pride

Flicka Country Pride is a heartwarming family adventure based on Mary O'Hara's popular novel My Friend Flicka.  The movie is on Blu-ray and DVD with behind-the-scene features, which is available at Walmart, Sam's club and Walmart online.

Flicka Country Pride is lovely movie to watch during the Mother's Day weekend with the whole family.  We enjoyed this fabulous countryside movie with stables and horses.  There were moment of sadness, laughter and excitement while we watched Flicka.

I haven't watched the previous Flicka movies, but after watching Flicka country pride I am looking forward to watch those as well. 

Towards the beginning of the movie a ranch owner Toby takes a job as a Manager at Cherry creek farms and he brings some of his horses with him.  One of these horses is Flicka a wild mustang horse.  The Cherry creek farm is run by a mother and a teenage daughter who is facing emotional and financial crisis at this time.  The farm owner's daughter Kelly bonds with Flicka and she hopes to take Flicka to a horse competition.  There are lots of drama that happen before they get to go to the competition between friends, teenage romance and boys, mother and daughter relationships and Toby helping the family.  

It was a lot of fun to watch how the rider and horse get ready for the competitions.  Overall it is a good movie to watch as a family.  

While adding Flicka Country Pride to the  list of movies to watch, here are a few other movies that show strong bond between mother and daughter that you might like 

The Joy Luck Club, Anywhere But Here, White Oleander, Spanglish and Mamma Mia.

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Star Wars: May the 4th Be With You

I am glad Star Wars still exists.  There are lots of Star Wars themed books available through DK publishing. Even if you aren't a fan of Star Wars, do give your children a chance to know about it as they may become interested in reading about this. 

Marvel the Avengers hero toys and fundraiser

We are excited to watch the up coming Avengers movie.  Hasbro has a wide range of Marvel the Avengers toys for children over the age of 3.  

My son being a superhero fan loves all these toys.  One of his favourite is the tri-power repulsor.  The tri-power repulsor launches little missiles, blasts sounds and has a pulse light when the hand is lifted.  The toy is comfortable to wear.  It attaches to the hand with velcro.  My son wears it to play for a long time without complaining of any discomfort.

Children can pretend like their favourite Avenger hero with the repulsor, smash fists, attack shield, flying shield, thunder clash hammer and brigade blaster depending on their age.

Hasbro has an assortment of hero masks that come with padded eyepieces for comfort.  The masks fits comfortably.  The padding underneath protects children from accidents when they run with this mask on.  It is easy for children to put and remove on their own as just goes over the head.  The soft velcro attaches to the back of the head, which can be adjusted to fit the child's head.  It is also easy to see with the mask on.  

There are lots of collectible figures in different sizes, which will be enjoyed by children and anyone who likes action figures.  Hasbro has 12 unique Earth mightiest heroes figures, which is a series of collectable toys.  The ultra strike Captain America figure is a 10" tall figure that makes sounds when the belt is pressed and the attachable shield flies when the arm is pulled back.

Most toys are battery powered which is included in the toy.  All the toys are for children age 3 and up.

On a separate note:

There will be a Charity fundraiser on May 26th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Dryden School (40 Rolling Acres Whitby, Ontario L1R 2A1)

Lunch, games and prizes are included for a cost of $10.  Please attend and support this Sick Kids hospital event.

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War Horse

War Horse is an engaging superb movie. It is on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital and On-demand since April 3rd. This classic is well worth owning for the family collection. The Blu-ray DVD combo pack as special features such as filmmaking journey, editing & scoring music for the movie, the sophisticated sounds on War Horse and more.

Steven Spielberg, the director and producer of this epic adventure has done a wonderful job. The movie is visually stunning with lots of action and drama. The audience will totally love this heartwarming story. The movie has received six academy award nominations for best picture, best cinematography, best original score, best art direction, best sound editing and best sound mixing.

The movie is seen through the eyes of an unforgettable horse named Joey. It is about the extraordinary friendship, loyalty, courage and hope. We enjoyed every part of this powerful moving story. It is totally worth watching.

The movie may even open up discussions and thinking about the perception of war and its impact. War Horse will make us realize that war causes everyone the same problems and it doesn't matter which side of the barricade we are in.

Follow War Horse on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to see what others are saying and join the conversation.

Updated: If you want to win a copy of this fabulous movie, War Horse combo pack please leave a comment on this post; make sure to leave a contact email.

Follow my twitter and Facebook so you know when the winner is announced.

Giveaway is open for people in USA and Canada and ends on April 25th.


The winner is comment #4

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Hop to watch HOP this weekend

HOP is a fabulous movie to watch this Easter Weekend. It is directed by the same director as Alvin and the chipmunks and producers of Despicable me. It has been out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital download since March 23rd.

It is about a young rabbit that was destined to be the Easter Bunny that wanted to be a rock star drummer instead. He goes to Hollywood to pursuit his dream and befriends Fred an underachiever in Los Angeles. Together E.B and Fred have a series of hilarious mishaps and adventures; in the end they both recognize the importance of family.

HOP is a non-stop adventure that is packed with humour and lots of funny lines that makes you think and relate :) Most things were in the shape of an egg, including the earth. There was a few parts I loved, one being when David Hasselhoff says that his best friend is a talking car (relating it to the Knight Rider one of my favourite childhood show :). Another when E.B.'s dad says that the Easter egg concept isn't in China yet :) The image of how chocolate is made in the beginning of the movie is very real. We enjoyed the music and dances.

The HOP blu-ray DVD combo pack has a limited digital copy, it also has the new technology UltraViolet copy to store the movie in cloud and stream it to watch on other devices. The combo pack has hi-definition picture and sound with new mini-movies, bonus features and interactive games that are lots of fun.

HOP would be a perfect treat for your bunnies :) Here is a homemade drum we made that was inspired by the movie.

To make this drum you will need...

a balloon that is blown

recycled tin container without any sharp edges

rubber band

strong tape

decorations i.e. HOP stickers

This activity requires the help of an adult. Pop a blown balloon. Cover the opening of the recycled tin container with the popped balloon by stretching it, ask someone else to put a rubber band or two around it to secure the balloon. You can use tape over the rubber band if needed for safety with young children or to make it pretty. Decorate the container with stickers. Enjoy and make some noise :)

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Alvin and the chipmunks: Chipwrecked a family entertainer

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital download on March 27th.

The story is about Alvin the chipmunk, his friends and the chipettes on a trip in a luxury cruise ship. The chipmunks are looking to have fun and they try to find excitement by turning the cruise liner into their own personal playground. While having fun the chipmunks accidently fall into the ocean. Their managers, Dave and Ian also accidentally fall in the water. The chipmunks end up in a remote island and the managers get to the same island and are looking for the chipmunks. The chipmunks try to find ways to survive on their own for the first time.

The music, storyline, images are a lot of fun for the whole family. There are lots of special features including a colouring chipmunk app on the blu-ray. Children and adults will enjoy this hilarious action filled comedy. This G rated movie would be a good one for the upcoming long weekend.

Here are some cute e-cards (click on the image to make it big).

Some postcards click on the image to make it big and send it to family and friends.

These fun activity sheet will be enjoyed by children.

There is also a pin it and win it contest on pinterest to win the combo pack.

Here is an entertaining craft idea for your mini-'munks.

To make this paper crowns you will need...

construction paper

scissors

crayons or markers

stickers

stapler

tape

Cut a long strip of paper that will be at least 5" longer than the child's head. It could be any preferred size for the width. Decorate with crayons/ markers and stickers. Measure the paper around the child's head and overlap the extra part and staple it, then cover the staple pins with tape for safety.

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Movies for the March break: We bought a zoo, The Descendants, ToothFairy 2 and The Lion King

We bought a zoo is a fabulous movie for the whole family.

This is a heartwarming adventure is based on a true story. It is directed by Cameron Crowe starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

It will be available on Blue-ray, DVD and Digital download April 3

Benjamin Mee (Damon) is a LA newspaper columnist and adventure writer. He is a single father who raises 2 young children on his own. He wants to start a new life and give his family a fresh start after his wife passes away. He decides to quit his job and move outside the city to an old rural house which is part of a zoo.

This story about his adventures of reopening the zoo. It has lots of wonderful family scenes between a teenage son and father, a caring father to a seven year old daughter, and a loving person who cares about everyone including the animals.

He is a father who tries to make his family feel good during hard times i.e. financial and loss of his spouse.

The movie has a beautiful beginning and ending, the conversations are superb. I would definitely recommend this movie and give it a 5 out of 5.

The blu-ray and DVD has lots of special features, so enjoy it with your family.

The Descendants

The story is set in Hawaii. It is about Matt King (George Clooney) a husband and father of two girls, who is forced to think about his past and embrace his dying wife. She had cheated on him and he only got to know about it after her accident. Matt is also a trustee of a large plot of land inherited by his family, and he had to decide if they were going to sell it or preserve it.

I liked the story which was about making time to spend with the family before its too late. It didn't matter how much we have or where we live because in the end we can't get back the time we've missed spending with our family.

If you haven't watched the movie I would recommend this movie for youth and adults and give it a 4 1/2 out of 5, only because I would have preferred the movie without the swear words.

If you have read the book and watched the movie, what do you think about these questions? (Click on it to make it larger)

Join Kaui Hart Hemmings chat on GoodReads on March 13th, you would be able to win DVD/book bundles.

ToothFairy 2, a funny comedy already out on Blu-ray and DVD. It is about Larry, an irresponsible immature man who tells a child that the tooth fairy is a fairy tale. He couldn't take back what he said, so he is sentenced to be the Tooth fairy and to collect 20 teeth in 20 days.

A funny movie that children will enjoy.

Another fabulous movie for the children: The Lion King 1 1/2 and The Lion King 2 on Blu-ray and DVD. Who doesn't love the Lion King right?
Click on the image for the activity sheets children will enjoy.

Enjoy this trailer clip.

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Movies: Previews, activities and upcoming giveaways

Tooth Fairy 2 is coming to Blu-ray and DVD today, March 6th.

Check out this cute activity sheet, the children will enjoy this (click on the image to make it big and print).

Here are 5 top film fairies :) ...

Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)

Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2 (2004)

Tinker Bell in Hook (1991)

Crysta in FernGully: The last rainforest (1992)

Mandy in Ella Enchanted (2004)

The Descendants is coming to DVD and Blu-ray Disc combo pack on March 13th. The story is based on Kaui Hart Hemmings novel. The movie is directed by Alexander Payne and has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards and the winner of the Best Adapted Screenplay. 

The author Kaui Hart Hemmings will have a chat on GoodReads on March 13th, and you would be able to win DVD/book bundles.

The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD will be available on March 20th.

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The Rebound

Dear parents :) Looking for a movie to watch. Check out The Rebound, a romantic comedy now available in Blu-ray and DVD. A good movie to watch with this months "romantic mood."

The main actors are Catherine Zeta-Jones and Justin Bartha. The movie is about a lady with two children that moves to the suburbs for a new life in the big city, after she finds out her husband cheated her. She meets a local coffee shop employee who was married once to a lady who wanted to get a green card. Both of them become friends and eventually lovers. They wonder if their love is for real or if it is a rebound.

I would rate this movie 3 out of 5. Check this quiz just for fun "What Age Mate is Right For You?"

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Empire reel babies program giveaway

To enjoy new release movies in a baby-friendly environment check out Empire reel baby program.

The theatre is equipped with change table, bottle warmer, play mat and swing. With these comforts you can comfortably enjoy the movies and watch your little one at the same time.

The lights in the theatre are kept dim and the volume lower for convenience.

Check out their new promotion "Bring a Friend" month where you can buy one admission and get the second for free.

You also have a chance of winning 14 free passes and 5 $3 off coupons by leaving a comment on this post by March 15th.

Updated: The winner is Aisha

Disclosure: I am part of MC Canada's Empire Reel Babies program, and get special perks for being part of it. All opinion and rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First