Juno Jr. - The Day the Music Stopped DVD

The Juno company has released this wonderful dvd Juno Jr. The Day the Music Stopped. My children love the puppets, the music and the real live rabbit and cat that are in Juno and Rai Rai's room.  

The mayhem begins with the "Shush machine" I have to tell you that I secretly want one of those! lol - The big red button on the "Shush machine" gets pushed by bunny and the town of Harmonia Springs is silenced. 

Juno and her baby brother Rai Rai join in with Bunny, Buzz, Murphy and Indie to discover melody, rhythm, harmony and working together to bring the sound of music back to Harmonia Springs. 

We loved the music, the introduction to the instruments and all the fun characters along the way! My children were head bobbing along with each of the songs. This is the type of dvd that your children will want to watch over and over again! 

For every Juno Baby product sold, they donate a very special music education DVD to a child in need. What a wonderful way to give back. I can't wait to see what composer and mom Belinda Takahashi, Ph. D., comes up with next! Right now you can get free downloads of audiobooks, original orchestral music and iPhone and iPad applications at www.junobaby.com. Special thanks to USFamilyGuide.com and Juno Company for allowing our family to review a free copy of this dvd.

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Aloha Friday #242 - Chic Flick!

A friend of mine recently asked me to go to a movie. I figured I would go check out a chic flick and spare my husband the agony. My choice:

It really should have been renamed Sex and Drugs. Here I thought we were going to see a light hearted comedy and instead ended up watching a skin flick in the early afternoon. I'm pretty sure my friend and I could have been seen blushing even in the dark! Save your money on this one unless you just have to have movie theater popcorn or something. My friend told me that next time she was picking the movie. lol

My question to you is... have you ever picked out a stinky movie to watch? What was it?

Kailani at An Island Life has created this really fun idea. If you are interested in joining in, please visit her site for more details. Share with your friends and click on those "Like" and Retweet buttons. Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Date Night with Denzel

Two weeks ago I caught this Date Night??? post at 5 Minutes for Mom. While I was reading it I was so happy for her and at the same time trying to squish any jealousy that I felt. Instead I said a prayer and in this prayer I asked that I be led to a babysitter. My husband and I haven't been able to have time to ourselves in years. That's not healthy. It is very hard (as most parents know) to leave your children with someone you trust, especially three children. Friday, I asked a girl I have known for a while and low and behold she baby sits! She has a lot of experience for a young adult. She was a nanny for a year and she is majoring in education. She is moving away in the summer but I don't care. I'm going to take whatever time I am given.

So where did we spend our Saturday night? With Denzel Washington of course!


I LOVED this movie. If you have read my movie reviews you know that I don't get all that excited about movies too often. They really have to stand out and the last one was The Blind Side.  I promise I'm going to get the Blue-Ray edition of The Book of Eli. Denzel was fantastic! I didn't know if I was going to get past Mila Kunas because of her role on That 70's show. She did a great job and at the end there was a bit of a cheesy moment for her character but who cares. I'm not usually a fan of post apocalyptic films but this was different. Go!, get thee to a theater and check out this movie. Come back and tell me what you thought of it.

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Tear Jerkers - Movie Review

Some times I read reviews before I see a movie and some times I don't. Usually I can tell by the trailer whether I'm going to like it or not. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button always peeked my curiosity (pardon the pun) but I never got around to seeing it until now. Geez, I cried like a baby! I loved the movie but please do yourself a favor and grab a box of Kleenex or something so you can wipe your face and nose because you are going to need it. It's a must see but I don't think it is one that I could watch over and over again. I'm really glad I didn't see it in a movie theater either. I like to reserve my melt downs for at home.

I own the book but have not gotten around to reading it so I borrowed the movie from my local library. I really didn't think it would be all that great to begin with but by the middle I was pretty sucked in. I won't spoil the movie for you but grab your box of Kleenex! You are going to need it. The problem I have with reading is that by the time I get the chance to curl up with a good book, I'm passing out! It's really annoying. Either way, if you need a good cry then either one of these movies will do the trick.

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The Blind Side & New Moon - Movie Reviews

Can I get a Whoot! Since it was my semi-annual "Girls Day Out" I got to see not one but two movies. How awesome is that? I haven't done that since I was in junior high. First up! The Blind Side -



If you haven't seen this movie yet get yourself to a theater! It is worth the trip. I LOVED it. Sandra Bullock was FANTASTIC, honestly this has been her best role to date. If I didn't know better I would have thought the character she played was a native Texan. We love Leigh Anne Tuohy. The entire cast was phenomenal and Jae Head who plays SJ stole many scenes. I love this movie so much that it may very well become part of my small dvd collection. I love the story, I love the happy ending and well that's just great entertainment. I'm so glad that I got to see this film.

Next up - New Moon
Sorry their site isn't as cool as The Blind Side, they won't let me share videos with you. You can always click on the link though. Maybe you are like me and you haven't bothered to see Twilight but you figure you can catch up with New Moon. Karen was with me and it was her second time to see it so she filled me in. Honestly, HD is not kind to actors who are suppose to be vampires. Personally I was thrown by all the silly contacts and pasty make up. Poor Pattinson and that dreaded lipstick. GAK! It was really hard to buy that he was supposed to be a high school student. But I do have to say that I bought the love struck chemistry between Edward and Bella. That went over pretty well but insert Jacob played by Taylor Lautner and that was hard to digest. Now, I'm feeling my age! Now, I'm baffled. He transforms and enters the wolf pack and kudos Lautner for all your hard work at the gym. I can appreciate his hard work but seriously felt like I was crossing that line of pervert or cougarville inappropriateness. Come on! I'm old enough to be this kids mother! older sister. He's 17 for crying out loud. My brain just had a hard time wrapping itself around any scene he was in. However, I have to say the wolf pack scenes were awesome! WOW computer graphics and special effects have come a long way. The fight scene among the vampires was pretty sweet too. Am I too old for this flick? Am I too old for the saga? Maybe so. I know the other women in the theater didn't have a problem swooning! rofl.... Crazy COUGARS!


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Seven Pounds & Hard Candy - Movie Reviews

Every now and then someone will ask, "What is the worst movie you have ever seen?" Most of the time I never can think of any, until now. I wish I could have back the 3 plus hours I spent watching these two movies. Let's start with Seven Pounds. I'm a huge fan of Will Smith. Will and I have been together since he started out as a rapper and then moved to the small screen with Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Poster design by BLT & Associates

Summary courtesy of Netflix.com

Distraught over his wife's death -- and convinced that his own actions had something to do with it -- a depressed IRS agent (Will Smith) begins plotting his suicide, vowing to improve the lives of seven strangers in the process. But a chance meeting with a woman who has a life-threatening heart defect (Rosario Dawson) makes him think twice when their budding relationship suddenly feels a lot like love.

For thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality

14Iffy for 14+ (more)

Stream this from

Length:

123 minutes

Director:

Gabriele Muccino

Cast:

Will Smith			Rosario Dawson
Woody Harrelson			Madison Pettis
Barry Pepper			Michael Ealy
Sarah Jane Morris			Robinne Lee
Bill Smitrovich			Steve Tom
Elpidia Carrillo			Gina Hecht
Judyann Elder			Joe Nunez

Apparently what happened when I added this to my Netflix queue I saw Will Smith and the words  IRS agent and changing the lives of others.  In my world I thought he was going to embezzle funds and give it to seven people and that is how he would change their lives. That will teach me to read the summary more carefully! This flick was depressing as it focused on survivors guilt. I understand that it exists but that is not what I thought I was going to see. It was generous of him to provide pounds of flesh and give back to those in need but I would not waste your time with this one. Sorry Will, maybe next time.

I'm not sure where I had heard the buzz about Hard Candy but I do like Ellen Page. She was fun in Juno and I can't wait to see her in Whip It. I knew this movie was about vigilante methods on a child molester but I don't think I was really prepared.

photo courtesy of lafiaca.com

 Summary courtesy of Netflix.com
In this suspenseful drama from director David Slade, Hayley (Ellen Page) is an intelligent teen who's been spending time with Geoff (Patrick Wilson), a much older man she met online. Even though Geoff is a charming, good-looking photographer, Hayley should know better than to go home with a guy in his early thirties, especially since he may have ulterior motives. Of course, Hayley may have underlying motives of her own. …

DVD

For disturbing violent and aberrant sexual content involving a teen, and for language

Length:

103 minutes

Director:

David Slade

Cast:

Patrick Wilson			Ellen Page
Sandra Oh			Jennifer Holmes
Gilbert John

The subject matter didn't shake me but honestly I just couldn't believe that a 14 year old could do the things that the writer was asking me to believe. She was selling it but I wasn't buying it at all. Sandra Oh as the nosey neighbor? After seeing her as Dr. Chang in Grey's Anatomy I wasn't buying her character either. Sorry Ellen & Sandra, maybe next time. Patrick Wilson did give me that creepy vibe, his character was believable. Save your time on this one and do something else!

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17 Again - Movie Review

 

                                                                  photograph courtesy of iwatchstuff.com

Before the drama of my own life took hold this weekend I was able to catch this flick from my On Demand channel from Comcast. Predictable? A little, but who cares! I needed a good laugh and it fit the bill. The side story of Ned and the principal cracked me up! I don't want to spoil it for you but I will say this is a worthy movie rental. Then again I'm one of those people that use to dream of having a do over, now I know better. Maybe that just comes with age.

The following summary is provided by Netflix.com.

On the brink of a midlife crisis, 30-something Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) wishes he could have a "do-over." And that's exactly what he gets when he wakes up one morning to find he's 17 years old again. With his adult mind stuck inside the body of a teenager (Zac Efron), Mike actually has the chance to reverse some decisions he wishes he'd never made. But maybe they weren't so bad after all. Leslie Mann and Michelle Trachtenberg co-star.

For language, some sexual material and teen partying

12Iffy for 12+ (more)

Length:

102 minutes

Director:

Burr Steers

Cast:

Matthew Perry			Zac Efron
Leslie Mann			Thomas Lennon
Michelle Trachtenberg			Allison Miller
Tyler Steelman			Katerina Graham
Sterling Knight			Melora Hardin
Hunter Parrish			Melissa Ordway

Gran Torino - Movie Review

photo courtesy of uncinema.files.wordpress.com

Mmmmm love me some Clint Eastwood! He's a such a legendary cool guy. After seeing the trailer for Gran Torino I knew this was going to be a film to see. I loved it! His character reminded me a lot of my grandpa (may he rest in peace). He was a cantankerous, very direct kind of character.
The beginning of the film nearly made me cry. His sons and their families were so disrespectful to him. Those scenes made me crazy. I looked over at my husband with my jaw dropped and then I told him, "Oh my God! our kids could be saying that about us some day!"
This is a must see film so go ahead and put it in your queue to be rented. If your a Clint Eastwood fan you are going to love it. Oh be sure to turn it up though it's a little hard to hear Clint talk.

Here is the summary provided by Netflix.com -
Crusty, inflexible Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) must confront his Hmong immigrant neighbors – and his own long-held prejudices – when the family's teen son, Thao, tries to steal Walt's beloved 1972 Gran Torino. Walt soon assumes the unlikely role of guardian angel to young Tao and his sister, who are vulnerable to disturbing gang influences in this intimate drama from 78-year-old director Eastwood.

For language throughout, and some violence

16

Iffy for 16+ (more)

Length:

116 minutes

Director:

Clint Eastwood

Cast:

Clint Eastwood			Bee Vang
Cory Hardrict			Brian Haley
Brian Howe			Dreama Walker
Christopher Carley

He's Just Not That Into You

photo courtesy of flicks.stanford.edu

Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson lead an all-star cast in this adaptation of the bestseller that follows an ensemble of characters dealing with the pitfalls of love and human interaction. Set in Baltimore, director Ken Kwapis's film moves swiftly between a host of storylines and characters brought to life by a stellar lineup that includes Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin and Justin Long.

summary courtesy of Netflix.com

I didn't go to the theater for this flick instead I went with "on demand." I'm glad I waited because I think it is a movie you should watch at home with the girls or your favorite guy. What a great cast! I loved the variety of story lines and how they were interwoven together. I'm sure most of us can relate to some of these characters. You might see some characteristics of yourself in a few. If you could use a good laugh put this one in your rental queue.

Up - A Movie Review

photo courtesy of blogcdn.com

If you haven't seen Up go get your ticket now! It's babysitter worthy. We usually ask my mom to babysit so we can take the other kids. Up is worth waiting in line, it's worth the cost of a movie ticket. If you don't have kids who cares, go see it any way. Pixar did NOT disappoint and I think this may very well be my favorite one yet. I loved all the characters and the multiple story lines and all the twists and turns. I can't say enough good things about this film. Normally I would say wait to rent on dvd but this film should be seen in a theater. Click on any of the links to see the trailer. You can bet that we are going to buy the dvd when it becomes available. I'm giving it two thumbs up and my two big toes too! It's a bit of a tear jerker with lots of laughs, get ready to be amazed.

Bring on The Movies

photo courtesy of unrealitymag.com

There's nothing like having an extra holiday to catch up on watching movies. I have three to share with you! First up - The Dark Knight. Maybe, most of you have seen this one but if you haven't it, rent it or put it in your Netflix queue! It's true Heath Ledger's performance was legendary. Personally I'm not a big fan of all the Batman movies but with all the hype surrounding The Dark Knight I had to see the film. Christian Bale was really the supporting actor. The voice change when he is in his Batman suit sounds like a raspy Clint Eastwood. I found it irritating but his toys were cool!


Next up Night at The Museum The Battle of The Smithsonian. We had to wait in line to see this flick! Was it worth the wait? No, not really but the popcorn rocked. It was fun and had some laugh out loud moments (General Custer and Brendan) but personally if you don't have kids begging you to go I would wait for the dvd and rent it.

Are you into foreign films? Do you like movies that will stick in your head long after you have watched it? This is the film for you! Get ready for subtitles and it is well worth the reading. The Orphanage is full of twists and turns that you don't even see coming. The story line is full of mystery, chills and thrills and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I'm recommending this one with a five star rating.

Yes Man - Movie Review

photo courtesy of impawards.com

Summary courtesy of Netflix.com

Based on the comedic memoir by Danny Wallace, this film stars Jim Carrey as Carl, a man who, as an antidote to unhappiness, resolves to say "yes" to everything that comes his way. Initially, Carl's new practice proves successful in lifting his spirits, but soon he is confronted with unexpected and seemingly unbeatable challenges stemming from his unique self-imposed regime. Zooey Deschanel co-stars as Allison, Carl's love interest. Rated - PG 13

I really enjoyed the concept of this film. As a busy mom I would love to have time to throw myself into different classes and learn all sorts of stuff. Jim Carey was ok in the film. The thing that I found most bothersome was his really young love interest Allison. Personally I found Zooey Deschanel way too young to be a love interest for Jim Carey. It was just weird and unbelievable. I guess if they were going for the mid life crisis stereotype then yes it fits. It's a fun movie though and worthy of puting in your Netflix queue.

American Teen - Movie Review

"A modern day Breakfast Club?" No it's not. Breakfast Club was just one day in the life of teenagers sitting in detention. Teenagers that were actors reading a script. No, this is not that at all.

American Teen caught my eye when I was at my library. Something possessed me to check it out. Could it be my fascination with behavioral science? That would be a firm yes.

I would recommend that all parents
watch American Teen. Even better watch it with your teenager. There will be plenty to discuss. I think it would give parents not only a refresher course but an eye opener. I don't think that the clicks have changed much. My mother told stories of her high school days and the same clicks were pretty much there in the 50's. What has changed? It's the technology! Break ups can occur through a text message. Real nice Mitch. You will now always be remembered in film as "that guy." Let us not forget Erica who sent a photo of herself to one guy. He could have let it end there but no, no he didn't. You have to watch the movie to see how far it went.

There were a few key things that jumped out at me. Colin and the pressure of a sports scholarship. When he broke down in the locker room I just really felt for him. Hannah and her need to move to San Fransisco. Her mother told her "You're not that special, Hannah!" Ugh. To see her face after that was just painful. Megan, I can't imagine the pressure it takes to get into Notre Dame, especially when your whole family has gotten in. Other than that she really did behave poorly. You have to watch to find out. Then there is Jake, oh geez, this was so painful to watch. How can you not feel for this kid? Nearly every seen was painful because he was just so socially awkward.

I think that it would be great to see something like this for kids in junior high where it begins. I remember always telling my daughter "hang in there because high school isn't real." It's like living in the land of make believe. It's really not like that out in the "real" world. I'm so happy that they put what happened to each of them at the end of the movie. Hey Jake! I promise that viewers are pulling for you, at least I hope they will be.

I Am Legend - Movie Review

I know I'm late for the dance again but I had I Am Legend in my Netflix queue and it came today. What a fun movie! I was on the edge of my seat and bugging my hubby the whole time. He read the book so naturally I was asking him tons of questions. This is a great couples movie. I jumped a lot and it was so much fun. It was a great way to spend a Friday night. Will Smith, I'm giving you two thumbs up for this flick!

Monsters vs Aliens

We did it! We took our toddler to see his 2nd movie with hopes that he would actually sit and watch the entire movie. We dropped the baby off at grandma's house and off to the movies we went. I wish I could say that the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogan, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Colbert were enough to keep me awake during Monsters vs Aliens but it wasn't. It's true, I fell asleep! I was completely bored with the film but my 8 year old loved it. That's really all that is important right? I'm more excited to see the new film UP by Pixar. I will say that the most memorable part of the film was Stephen Colbert's music keyboard antics. The adults laughed so hard and thankfully that scene is at the beginning of the movie. If you have to endure this movie you might want to take a pillow and a blanket with you! It's great for a nap.

Bride Wars Movie Review

Miranda & Thao thanks for following along! Today my Mom, Gram and I saw Bride Wars. This was such a fun movie. As you can see by the image I used, these two characters took their sabotage pretty far. This movie is about two childhood friends who have great dreams of getting married in June at The Plaza. A scheduling error has them booked on the same date and neither of them is willing to change their date. We got some good laughs out of this film. Anna Hatheway always seems to be suprising in her roles. Wait till you see the bachlorette party scene! It's a RIOT. Kate Hudson did a great job as well but I can't say that she shocked me. Should you rush out to the theatre? Nah, I think you could wait until it comes out on NetFlix.
What was fun about this film is it reminded me of my childhood friend. We have been friends for nearly 32 years. WOW! I'm so lucky to be able to say that. Thank goodness we didn't have any grand dreams of getting married in the same place but we did get married about 3 months apart. That was a lot of fun. There was a lot of young love in the air during that time. lol - ah good times.

Marley & Me

I finally went to see Marley & Me yesterday. Much like "The Notebook", when you read the book you worry they won't be able to capture it in a movie. When I read Marley & Me I bought several copies of the book and gave them to family and friends. I laughed and cried. John Grogan did a wonderful job writing about a topic many pet owners can relate to. It's amazing how our pets are part of our families, they just happen to walk on all fours.
Owen Wilson did a fantastic job, sorry Jen but he out shined you. They did a good job capturing the story but personally I liked the book better. I remember trying to read past the tears at the end. There was suppose to be this really tear jerking scene between Owen and the dog but lucky for me something happened. There was this person who opened their cell phone which of course shines light and distracts everyone around them from the movie. Annoying for people to text during a movie. Either way it was worth seeing but do yourself a favor and bring a tissue or two!

The Illusionist - A Movie Review

Set in early 1900s Vienna, Neil Burger's romantic thriller centers on illusionist extraordinaire Eisenheim (Edward Norton), who falls for an aristocrat (Jessica Biel) well above his social standing. When she becomes engaged to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), the master magician employs his powers to win her love. His daring scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti). - Netflix

The summary of this film doesn't do it justice! I love it. My dh even thought it was cool. We LOVE movies with great plot twists. I'm a long time fan of Edward Norton. He's played in a lot of great movies and this one is right up there on the top of my list. I was pleasantly surprised by Jessica Biel's performance. They had great chemistry I thought. I would not only see this movie again but I would buy it! Put this one in your Netflix rental queue if you haven't seen it yet. You won't be disappointed.

For some sexuality and violence

13

Iffy for 13+ (more)

Length:

110 minutes

Director:

Neil Burger

Cast:

Edward Norton			Jessica Biel
Brian Caspe			Dusan Fager
Tom Fisher			Paul Giamatti
Aaron Johnson			Eddie Marsan

Bucket List: Movie Review

When corporate mogul Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) wind up in the same hospital room, the two terminally ill men bust out of the cancer ward with a plan to experience life to the fullest before they kick the bucket. In a race against the reaper, the new friends hit the tables in Monte Carlo, down obscene amounts of caviar and tear up the road in supercharged cars. Rob Reiner directs this comic caper.

I <3 Jack Nicholson and I <3 Morgan Freeman! How can you go wrong with this film? You can't, put it on your list if you haven't already. The beginning is sort of tough to watch but it really picks up and takes off. You will be laughing in no time. Of course the film has to bring you back around to the inevitable and yes you're going to need that box of kleenex but it's good and worth the watch! It made me think and ask myself what would be on my Bucket List? Have you seen this film? What did you think?

For language, including a sexual reference

13

Not for kids 13 and under (more)

Length:

97 minutes

Director:

Rob Reiner

Cast:

Jack Nicholson			Morgan Freeman
Sean Hayes			Beverly Todd
Rob Morrow			Alfonso Freeman
Christopher Stapleton			Ian Anthony Dale
Richard McGonagle			Lauren Cohn

Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Day 66

Why this song? Well when I got my new bundled package with Comcast it came with DVR and lots of new channels. After watching The Biggest Loser I decided I was going to test out my dvr. I had previously recorded Tim Gunn who I just <3. What a treat! I can watch my show and flip back and forth from a live show. I can pause, fast forward, rewind and that's just madness! I'm in love with my DVR. I'm sure most of you already have this handy tool and I'm late to the dance but it's ok because I'm still excited about it. I set it up to record Top Chef which premiers tonight! I don't have to miss a thing. However, I did get caught up in The Housewives of *.* county. Goodness! It's like a train wreck and it's hard to believe that people with that much money don't behave better. Then again it's tv and there's editing so.... I also caught I want to be Paris Hilton's new BFF. Are you serious? GAK!

Then I caught this movie (rated R) that I hadn't seen on one of my new movie channels. "In this contemporary retelling of director Eric Rohmer's cerebral 1972 film Chloe in the Afternoon, Chris Rock stars as Richard Cooper, a happily married man with a young daughter at home. Problem is, he fantasizes about other women -- and soon finds his fidelity tested when a friend's former paramour (Kerry Washington) enters the picture and puts the moves on Richard. Gina Torres portrays Rock's wife, Brenda." - Netflix

WOW - That about sums it up in one word. Not that it is a great movie but rather it's thought provoking. It's more of a tale about how a marriage can quickly become stale, mundane, routine and head in an entirely different direction. It gave me a lot to think about. I'm sure there are lots of couples that can see themselves in this movie. I'm sure all marriages are tested at one time or another. It also reeked of midlife crisis! Don't rent this one for the comedy aspect although it has funny moments. If you want to delve off into analyzing your relationship then go for it. I also wouldn't recommend watching it with your significant other. It's a watch by yourself or friends movie.