Family Fun (Theater)

  Lights, camera and action!  Showtime at Downing Gross for the family!  We won tickets a couple months ago for the Willy Wonka show and boy waiting for the show date to get here took so long.

My kids are familiar with both versions of Willy Wonka so they knew the plot but, they also knew from previous theater show experiences that anything is possible.  This show was no different.

Willy Wonka was a little different in this version.

Going to a show is so fun because it proves it's not about who plays the part as much as it is about the story.  Charlie was also a surprise!  Charlie was a girl too!

The show ran for a couple hours with a short intermission in the middle.  My kids sat through the duration without any problems.  They were extremely entertained by the movie.  I wish I could give them a theater experience monthly.

This show was great.  There was a lot of singing and action.  The story focused on the winners of the golden tickets and then followed them through the factory.

Each golden ticket winner was just as animated and entertaining as the next.  It was interesting to watch what would actually happen to each winner on the tour of the chocolate factory.

The audience even got to become a part of the show at one point when bubbles came out from the ceiling.  That was a highlight for my kids.  We were not sitting directly under them to fully appreciate them but it was nice to see them falling.  There second favorite part was the blueberry scene.  In this scent the little girl's suit actually blew up!  

I think a great family show is one with a lot of kid actors and actresses.  My kids enjoyed seeing all the little people playing various parts in the show.  

We had a great time.  No snacks, electronics and sitting still was not even a concentrated effort.  Our time at the theater just flowed.  We had a good time and finished our experience with some photo opportunities! 

Look it's the Oompa Loompas!

Hello Willy Wonka!

Well this concludes our family fun for the week.  Do you have any family fun planned?  Or what family fun did you do already? 

This is a great cultural arts center.  We have enjoyed a few events there as a family and I look forward to more in the future.  They offer a range of classes and events throughout the year.   Along with special summer programs.  We even caught some local school artwork on our way out.  That was fun for the kids to see too.

Moana (movie review)

 

What is the number one kids movie out right now?  Moana in case you haven't heard!  The new Disney Princess movie came out last month just before Thanksgiving.

  Moana was the first time I enjoyed myself so much at a Disney Princess movie!  We went last week after the rush, in the early evening on a matinee all day rate.  You can't get better then that when you are looking at being comfortable with less of a crowd.  There was probably 20 people if that in the entire theater.

 Before I discuss the movie or my opinion let me just start with the color, animation and music all flowed.  I loved scenes in the movie specifically because of the picture.  It was so clear but animated but real.

  Moana is a princess on an island in Hawaii.  She loses someone dear to her whom also encourages her to save the island and her people.  She takes a journey  past the forbidden reefs but don't dear she is not alone.  She is backed up by nature on her quest to save nature.  She faces various threats but still stays focused on completing the overall objective.  Watch the movie all the way through as there is a point to the journey.

  I loved this movie.  I would see this movie again.  I would buy this movie.  There that's my opinion!   I go back to the color and animation of this film it's amazing.

Will you child like it? Yes!  There are a couple not so good kind of creepy parts.  I agreed with my 5 yo on one and the other she wasn't phased by.  Otherwise we talked about how cute Moana was, how beautiful the land was and how brave she is.  There is a guy sidekick Maui with Moana.  He brings humor and entertainment to the movie so it's not all about the princess so boys should like this movie too!

The crowds should have died down now.  Run out and see it!  You will not be disappointed.  Oddly enough the music and songs sprinkled throughout the movie were just as pleasant and enjoyable as well.

Shut In (movie review)

 Friday evening due to a sold out show and a late lunch had me checking out the movie Shut In.

  The thriller Shut In runs for 1 hour 31 minutes.  Get there there in time to see some great previews for future thriller movies!! Hint Wick and vampires to come in 2017! The movie is rated PG-13 and the cast includes Naomi Watts and Oliver Pratt.

  Two parents have come to the decision that it's better to send their troubled teen away for a bit but an accident has the teen coming back to reside.  As a single parent and psychologist the stress becomes unbearable again and after this ice storm passes another decision has been made to place the teen in a care facility.

    This is only the beginning as one of her clients a boy named Tom arrives at her doorstep Mary wants to help but its too late and he disappears at the height of the storm.  The movie follows Mary as she worries about the missing boy Tom, takes care of her son Stephen and struggles with her own sanity.

  Follow Mary as she tries to figure out what goes bump in the night.  Of course you have the theatrical music to keep the excitement alive.  A few spots to make you jump.  However the whole movie had a plot to follow.  Your concerned for the single parent , for the sick son, for the missing boy and the storm that's approaching. Watch closely as this movie presents a lot of oh moments as you connect the dots.

  Definitely a great movie to go see this weekend.  Save some money and catch a matinee if you can and then maybe grab some lunch or dinner before or after.  This movie was entertaining enough I would rent it to watch.

#nablopomo

Troll (movie review)

  It's showtime parents of little people.  What are you plans this weekend?  Regardless of mine this is where we went today!  They say if you can't beat 'em join 'em.  I try to get to the theater before the crowd and the matinee is over so it's a win-win all around.

  Trolls opened today and with all the hype and promotions in stores on shelves and McDonald's.

 Your kids have been bound to have heard it somewhere.  My kids heard the 3 day countdown and were more excited as each day passed.  Of course a recent birthday gift fueled the excitement.

  Trolls stars Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick joined by a bunch of other celebrities.  You can almost easily identify the others as soon as they speak.  The movie runs for a comfortable hour and 33 minutes.  This fantasy/adventure film is appropriately rated PG.

    This movie is full of bright, vivid colors.  A lot of singing (which surprised me) and some dancing to accompany it.  The songs are great though for any 80's child who also had the original Troll toy anyways.  

  There was an actual storyline and it was easy to follow. Enough troll characters with individual personalities to keep you entertained.   The trolls are all about happiness and want everyone else to be happy to.  These trolls party, do makeovers and give hourly hugs.  This is a nice movie for the family.  Kids will enjoy the trolls and colors will mesmerize them.  Adults hang out and enjoy the songs and jokes.

  Have a good weekend and if you going to the movies what will you be seeing?

#NaBloPoMo 

Storks (review)

  When you have kids and the television is on they are bound to catch a preview of a movie.  Then when a movie declares it's coming out tomorrow their ears perk up with full on attention.  They stop what they are doing listen to the commercial then proceed to let you know

 who:them
 when: tomorrow
 where: movies
 what: "we are seeing it!"
 how: your paying and popcorn is mandatory

  That's how every discussion goes when a new movie comes out.  A new animated film that is.  I must admit we have gone to a lot, some I didn't want to go to others I wished I hadn't but, some I'm glad I did.  Lucky for the kids I wanted to see this one.

  Storks is rated PG.  This was a clean PG rating.  I don't recall anything I was uncomfortable with my children seeing or hearing.  The movie runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes.  Starring roles go to Kelsey Grammer and Jennifer Aniston.

  The storks used to deliver babies but are in a new business.  They shut the baby business down due to an accident.  One stork is up for promotion and is tasked with termination.  This termination is what makes the story along with a letter.

  My kids and I all enjoyed the movie.  This isn't a freak occurrence.  Sometimes I like something and they don't.  Also I can rate this movie good because I didn't have to take anyone to the bathroom .  I could start rating movies with toilet icons based on how many times I have to take a child sometimes.  The were able to provide a summary of the movie, retell funny parts and laugh throughout the movie.  I enjoyed it as it was funny and entertaining.  The jokes are not geared towards adults as much as most animated films are.  This is a very funny wholesome movie.  The colors are bright, the babies are adorable and use this show as a springboard to learn more about storks.

  During the movie....... the question does rise of where do babies come from.

  You have to watch it to find out.  I did and now I know!

10 Cloverfield Lane (Movie Review)

  So another week has passed and another movie I did see.  Over the weekend I got to see 10 Cloverfield Lane.  From the previews I had seen it was one of two shows that I wanted to see so I am glad I got out to see it.

  10 Cloverfield Lane is rated PG -13 and runs for 1 hour and 46 minutes.  It has a great cast to include: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr.  This movie is not exactly a thriller but more of a suspense mystery movie.

  With such a small cast of actors it's axing I didn't get bored following the plot.  All the actors played a great role.  An important role to keep the movie going.  They played convincing roles throughout the movie and I enjoyed all their unique acting styles.

  The movie circles around a young lady stuck, held captive, kidnapped or just residing there of her own free will in a home.  She tries to convince herself that all is well but slowly loses reality throughout the movie.  People have got to be lying to her with such a bizarre story how could it be true.

  Aliens, monsters , nuclear attacks whatever is going on outside you are safer in the house. Your alive if you stay inside.  How many people are prepared to ride out a national disaster?  How close are they to your house and are you friends with them.  The house was definitely set up to sustain life.

  I liked this movie as everything was kept clean.  A movie without couples making out or even kissing was nice.  This movie was about finding out the real reason why she was where she was and why was she there.  She makes friends with another individual and they will get out of that house one way or the other.

  This is a nice little snuggle with you friend movie and focus on the plot of the movie.  I enjoyed my tub of popcorn and watched the whole thing just wondering what was going to happen next.  The suspense was great.

  Check out the movie and see how it ends. This is definitely one you watch all the way through.

Date 25

  Ok, ok no running around today!  It's actually Thanksgiving here!  So take it easy.  The movie theaters are open here and although I didn't plan my dates out today's date can still happen.

  Yesterday, The Good Dinosaur came out and we will be going to check that out!  I'm excited as after 3 girls I can appreciate a boy movie where there isn't a princess!  I may be all princesses out!

  Have a great day and even if you don't get out to the movies may be you can get a Redbox movie. Pop some popcorn, let the child or children pick out a movie and get ready to enjoy their world!

  Have a great time! Happy Thanksgiving!

Movies Old School

  Theaters are so yesterday!  Everyone is doing it.  Yes, the theaters are getting better with their spacious reclining leather seats.  Movie viewing is not the same when I sit in a standard cloth covered upright, constricting seat! Although I am easy to pacify with refillable popcorn and a drink.

  Why follow the norm though? Why not try a classic experience?  Those theaters will be there forever.  However the drive-in theaters will not be.  Why miss out on such a great, unique experience?  I now realize how fortunate I was to have grown up surrounded by two fairly close drive-ins. Later in life I moved near home and was close to another 2.  That's a total of 4 within an hour of each other!  My mother lives in Florida and I have even went to them near her down there. Some of them even have double screens!

  Which brings me to my point of how faithful I am to them still to this day.  I looked them up around my current area and they are not close. The closest one is two hours away.

Two hours may not be that far except when a movie gets out at 1 or 2 am.  I had tried to find camping accommodations in the area but that was unsuccessful.  So yes, we did drive all the way home!

  I think my favorite part is double features!! You can't get that at a theater.  One price of $8.50 for adults and $4.00 for childrenand thats for two movies!  We as a family were excited to see both movies; Jurassic World and Pitch Perfect 2.  Now after the movies I can say I was not impressed with one but that is well after the fact.  Check the lineup it is not always easy to line up same rated movies with each other.

  At goochlanddriveintheater there is a fully stocked concession stand with everything you need. Popcorn, nachos, pretzels, hamburgers and soda.  The food alone is great but so are the prices!! (Refillable tea anyone?)  A small kids play area to entertain children until show time which varies based on dusk.  

  Arrive early to pick your best viewing spot and also to ensure you catch your blockbuster movie! (Driving 2 hours for a movie and not seeing it would not be a good thing)

There are lots of seating options.  Inside your vehicle or outside on some chairs, blanket or grass.  I was impressed that this theater had staff walk around to tie down your hatch so people behind you could see the screen.  The movie is only played on a certain radio station at this location versus individual theater speakers you place in your windows.

  Overall great experience by everyone in my family and we will be back!