Movie & Munchies Night with A Turtles Tale 2: Sammy Escapes From Paradise

Remember your childhood? When old animated films were very simple, kind and good?
Now children's movies these days seem to be geared a lot more towards pleasing an adult and many may have lost a lot of that clean and light innocence that were made for children in the first place.

A Turtles Tale 2: Sammy Escapes from Paradise has brought back good old-fashioned children's animation but with a more modern flair with it's fun and lovable characters and a lively and merry soundtrack.

Synopsis:
When Sammy & Ray find themselves trapped in The Tank, an underwater aquarium, they must hatch a plan to escape past Big D and his dopey friends to reunite with their grand-kids Ricky & Ella.
With the help of some unlikely friends, Sammy & Ray find that when you work together, anything is possible!

The movie is rated G for everyone with a target towards 3-10 year olds which I find to be the appropriate and fitting age range given the plot of this film. Although I too as an adult really enjoyed the animation and beauty of this film!

My family gathered together for our Movie and Munchies Night and also invited some of Ava's cousins, Aunt and Uncles and Grandparents to join us as we “Dive into a Fun-Filled Adventure!”



We were all really awed by the vibrancy and liveliness of this film.
The four year olds really enjoyed themselves and especially the adorable characters!
How cute are they?! Oh my goodness, it makes me want baby turtles...

In all honesty though, we are dealing with four year olds.
Had they been in a large movie theatre with surround sound and a massive screen in front of them with no place to escape, this movie may have kept them grounded for the entire film but it took about 30 minutes into the film before their attention and interest strayed elsewhere. Although there would be sporadic moments from that point to the end of the film that they would keep coming back and watching for a few minutes here and there.
It's not surprising though because it was beautifully animated!

We watched the first movie a year back and this was much better than the first in my opinion.
Picturesque underwater scenes, fine landscapes and elaborated graphics, not to mention a lot of fun.
The movie offers a great message about family, friends, and working together. It taught the children that if you work together and put in your best efforts towards one common goal, you can achieve anything.

We had a great time with this film -- it is so colourful, musical and positive, that it creates a truly festive atmosphere for kids of all ages.

A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s Escape from Paradise debuts on Blu-ray/DVD/3D Combo Pack July 9th.

View the trailer here:

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“Disclosure: I am participating in A Turtle’s Tale 2 – Sammy Escapes From Paradise Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

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Hunger Games vs. Battle Royale?

The Hunger Games, Battle Royale and Lord of the Flies.

When The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, first came out, it received a lot of criticism about being really similar to Battle Royale, a 1999 Japanese novel written by Koushun Takami. Due to all the comparisons, I actually set out to read Battle Royale for myself after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy. I found the books to have a similar approach with a survival game, but there were also a lot of differences between the two novels.

Here’s the pitch: The state forces kids into a death match where only one is left standing.

That’s “The Hunger Games,” right? Yes, but it’s also the storyline for “Battle Royale,” the brutal, harrowing and little-seen Japanese film that beat “Hunger Games” to the plot by 12 years. And that film was based on a 600-page Japanese novel published in 1999.

But with “Hunger” hysteria at a high point, “Battle Royale”—which Quentin Tarantino called his “favorite movie of the last 20 years”—might finally get the attention it deserves. This week, Anchor Bay, hungry for some of that “Hunger Games” action, has just released a four-disc repackaging, “Battle Royale: The Complete Collection,” on DVD and Blu-ray.

Set in a near-future Japan where youth crime has spiraled out of control, Kenji Fukasaku’s tense, tragic and timely film focuses on a group of 42 students who are taken to a deserted island overseen by the bullying Kitano (played by the always steely Takeshi Kitano).

They’re given a deadline (three days), a duffel bag (each with different weapons and implements), and an order to slaughter each other until there’s just one survivor. If they refuse to cooperate, all will be killed.

They did not have training at all compared to in the Hunger Games instead where caught completely off guard which was actually even more intense and creepy to me.

Most tributes had a skill and knowledge based on which district they lived in, since they were trained and had worked since they were young. On the other hand, most of the students in Battle Royale were completely unprepared and had no prior experience with weapons whatsoever.

Imagine “Lord of the Flies” with gunplay and sharp metal objects and you’ve got the idea.

But when “Battle Royale” hit the film market in 2000, it couldn’t have been released at a worse time. In Japan, where it was a hit, it was hotly debated in terms of glorifying violence. Though “Battle Royale” played in at U.S. film festivals, it never received theatrical distribution and some speculated that—coming a year after the Columbine massacre and a year before 9/ 11—that no one in the early 2000s wanted to go near it.

A decade on and “Battle Royale” has built up a fiercely loyal following after being released on video a few years back. They came out in force to see it at last year’s Asian Film Festival of Dallas. And there’s been a virtual war online as “Battle Royale” and “Hunger Games” fans go at each other like they’re the last two survivors in this ongoing teenage war that makes the whole vampire vs. zombie vs. werewolf thing so last year.

“’Hunger Games’ is like another ‘Twilight,’ taking a (great) concept and (weakening) it with a love triangle that bores the (life) outta me,” charged one “Battle Royale” fan on a You Tube “Battle Royale Vs. Hunger Games” page.

“In every ‘Hunger Games’ post, a ‘Battle Royale’ fan has to pop up and claim it’s a ripoff,” moaned one “HG” loyalist on another blog.

Now, with “The Hunger Games” finally hitting theaters and “Battle Royale” getting a renewed push, movie fans will be able to make up their minds about which they prefer.

Overall, both stories were exciting, intense, and enjoyable reads. The writing styles of each novel was different, as the Japanese Battle Royale was more complex in terms of vocabulary and sentence structure than The Hunger Games. 

If you loved reading (and watching) The Hunger Games, you should most definitely give Battle Royale a try! 

Credits: blog.ningin.com

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Golden Globes 2012

Next to the Academy Awards and Grammy's, the other much-anticipated awards show that I look forward to is the Golden Globes!

A colossal reason is to see the wonderful films, shows and their brilliant actors/actresses that I've come to love during the recent year be recognized, but hello!  I also want to see who wore what on the red carpet too! 

That, after all, is another major reason we ladies tune in, right?  To see our favourite (and some not-so-favourite) celebs get glammed up in designer gowns and strut their stuff on the red carpet.  

Yesterday night, along with thousands of others, I tuned into the 69th annual Golden Globes.

It was the best tuning and tweeting live during the Red Carpet to the Globes with fellow watchers on Twitter.   

This is my quick run-down on my favourite moments during the Golden Globes and of course, Best and Worst Dressed of the night.

Okay, so Ricky Gervais is one funny man! But boy were there some truly uncomfortable moments.  I thought he was honestly very toned down compared to how he usually is.  

In his opening monologue, Gervais related the Globes and the Oscars to Kardashian and Kate Middleton. "The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton, basically -- a bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker, and more easily bought. Allegedly."

Later, he skewered her short-lived marriage, saying, "What's with all the divorces? What's going on? Arnold and Maria, J.Lo and Marc Anthony, Ashton and Demi. Kim Kardashian and some guy no one will remember. He wasn't around long -- 72 days. A marriage that lasted 72 days. I've sat through longer James Cameron acceptance speeches." 

Ouch!

But hey, if you're a celeb, you have to be prepared to be talked about during the awards show. Especially if you're really popular.  Take it as a compliment! ;) I would.

Here are glimpses of some of the stars rockin' the red carpet. Don't they look dazzling?

As much as I thought most of these women looked amazing, here were my top pics of BEST DRESSED:

Kate Winslet wore British Designer, Jenny Packham. I loved her gown! She always looks fab.
Jessica Alba wore a Lavender Gucci with matching (and lovely) makeup.
Nicole Richie stunned us all with a silver Julien Macdonald gown. She looked amazing.
Emma Stone wowed me with her maroon and fuchsia pleated Lanvin. Looked perfect w/her hair shade!
Angelina Jolie was the talk of the red carpet! She mesmerized us with her slinky silk white with a pop of ruby red gown by Atelier Versace. Coupled with her deep red lips, she was gorgeous!

Of course, as soon as Brangelina stepped out on the red carpet, there was utter chaos.  They are the couple that everyone wants to see.  Next to his beautiful lady, Brad, with his long hair, facial hair and cane, looked handsome as ever.  Talk about power couple!  But come on Angelina, stop looking like you're ready to fight someone. :p

Okay, now you know with every best dressed category during these awards, there is bound to be a dress disaster... well, I wouldn't say disaster but let's just say that no matter the price tag or designer, I wouldn't be caught dead in these:

Lea Michele's silver skin-bearing Marchesa was totally gag-worthy to me.  Leave a little to the imagination!  Far from elegant, if you ask me.  Didn't like it one bit.

Sarah Michelle Gellar in a blue and white Monique Lhullier that she claimed her 2 year old picked out for her was probably the worst of the night.  Not really a great red carpet comeback, Sarah. Although a super cute idea to want to have your toddler pick your gown, this number that looked like it was dipped in tie-dye was a big no-no. Sorry, Sarah!

Zooey Deschanel, how I adore you. This was one dress we were all anticipating since we knew it was a custom prada dress -- what a disappointment. Although I liked the length and the way it hugged her physique, I really despised the style.  On top of that, her hair really did not go well with her gown. *sigh*

Okay enough of the gown-bashing, I feel like the mean (fashion) cop.
Let's get onto my favourite moments of the awards.

82 yr old Canadian, Christoper Plummer, still sauve and debonair as always takes home the first win for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture in Beginners.
Wrapping up his speech he thanked his wife of 43 years, saying her "bravery and beauty haunts me still."
How sweet is that?! 

Octavia Spencer's emotional win for Best Supporting Actress in The Help. I love that book & movie to bits!

Michelle Williams wins Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for My Week  with Marilyn and
talks about her daughter in her acceptance speech -- it was very sweet!

My favourite show, Modern Family, wins Best TV Comedy. Woohoo!

Morgan Freeman wins the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.

I think I should mention that it was indeed a British invasion during the awards.  Madonna (with her crazy guns and all) apparently has a British accent now, Sir Elton John was there in audience and of course, Gervais himself is British.  Everything sounds better in a British accent, right? 

So there we have it folks. My quick wrap-up of the 69th annual Golden Globes.  Were you tuning in?

Who and what were your faves of the night?

 

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An evening at TIFF

Every year, Toronto holds one of it's finest and famous film festivals, The Toronto International Film Festival (aka TIFF). The secret of the Festival’s success is its unique combination of two parallel festivals: one for a large audience passionate about film and one for the world's press and industry. The Festival also manages to be the launch pad for both big Hollywood films and art house cinema from around the world.

This year my hubby was given a Red Carpet VIP invite to attend the opening night and unfortunately I was not able to attend with him. He deserved to unwind and enjoy (seeing he's such a film buff), so he went ahead with a few of his buddies.

It was a a "Guy's Night out at TIFF".

I liked the swag he brought back so I'm not complaining and he always updated me with BBM messages including photo's he took just so I would feel like I was there.

It's funny how the first picture he sent me was of none other than Megan Fox. :p Riiiight, honey.

Overall, it looked like an amazing night and Toronto is definitely illuminating with stars (literally!).  Check out some of Toronto's best restaurants all TIFF week long and make sure you have your camera ready! You may just bump into George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt or Matthew Mcconaughey. ;)

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Top 10 Chick Flicks Men Secretly Love

I know my hubby would never want to admit it in public but being married to him the past 5 years and being together a total of 9 years, not to mention growing up with a lot of close guy friends and I also have a brother, I'm pretty sure these chick flicks we adore aren't just enjoyed by our purse-slinging and lipstick-wearing demographic.


1. Pretty Woman

A rags-to-riches tale where a young and attractive Julia Roberts goes from prostitute to lady in two hours does have its merits—but even guys felt some serious satisfaction when Roberts' character Vivian shows up those stiff upper lip, snobby shop girls.

2. The Notebook
Watching the trials and tribulations of Noah and Allie, especially their touching relationship in their golden years, made even the toughest of dudes shed a little tear...or was that just something in his eye?

3. Mean Girls
Okay, so maybe this Lindsay Lohan movie is as emotionally deep as a puddle, but comedic value aside, there's something about watching girls be absolutely evil to one another that's just plain entertaining for guys. And Rachel McAdams rocks!

4. The Devil Wears Prada
Look past the shoes, dresses and other fashion foibles, and you're left with a great story about trying to make it in an intimidating industry, all while balancing your job and relationship. And a movie with hot models is always a bonus!

5. Ghost
Yes, it's sappy. And yes there's that weird love scene near the end with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze-possessed Whoopi Goldberg, but come on: It has ghosts. So, technically, it's kind of a horror flick.

6. Say Anything
The noble underachiever tries to capture the heart of the out-of-his-league and beautiful brainy girl—who ends up dumping him at the behest of her father. Moral of the story: khaki trench + boombox blaring Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" = winning her back. Classic.

7. When Harry Met Sally
That age-old argument—can men and women be friends, without sex getting in the way—made this movie instantly relatable to both genders. But in the end, Harry and Sally do sleep together and end up getting married. So the answer is...no?

8. Dirty Dancing
As Swayze returns for a second time on this list, what makes this film stand out is its central lesson: Dancing can infinitely improve your "game." That is, if you can move like Swayze and successfully complete the lift with your girl.

9. Love Actually
While this film shows the serious and foolish sides of love from the vantage point of eight very different couples, it turns out not even men can resist the dry British wit and charms of Hugh Grant.

10. Jerry Maguire
So we have football for the guys and a journey of love for the gals, but surely men everywhere were inspired to tell their girl, "You complete me".

Have I missed any? Let me know! 

Source: www.2forcouples.com

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