Adventures In Babysitting

About Adventures in Babysitting

Synopsis: “Adventures in Babysitting,” unfolds when Jenny Parker (Sabrina Carpenter) and Lola Perez (Sofia Carson), two teen girls with distinctly different personalities, each interview for a coveted photography internship and accidentally swap phones. When the Anderson family calls Jenny’s phone looking for a last-minute babysitter, audacious Lola, in need of some extra cash, picks up and nominates herself. Meanwhile, dependable Jenny is already set to babysit the Cooper family for the evening. Unfortunately, Lola’s first attempt at babysitting takes an unforeseen turn when one of the Anderson kids sneaks out to go to a concert. Jenny, determined to protect her reputation, and Lola with the remaining kids in tow, head out and have the adventure of a lifetime during one magical night in the big city.

Cast:

• Sabrina Carpenter as Jenny Parker
• Sofia Carson as Lola Perez
• Nikki Hahn as Emily Cooper
• Mallory James Mahoney as Katy Cooper
• Max Gecowets as Trey Anderson
• Jet Jurgensmeyer as Bobby Anderson
• Madison Horcher as AJ Anderson
• Kevin Quinn as Zac Chase
• Gillian Vigman as Helen Anderson
• Gabrielle Miller as Donna Cooper
• Michael Northey as Tiny
• Ken Lawson as Scalper
• Max Lloyd-Jones as Officer James
• Kevin O’Grady as Barry Cooper
• Hugo Ateo as Hal Anderson.

Director: John Schultz (“Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer,” “Like Mike”)
Writer: Tiffany Paulsen (“Nancy Drew”)

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Hubby and I watched together. Neither of us have seen the 1980s movie of the same title so we couldn’t compare the two. We both felt Adventures In Babysitting reminded us a lot of “Home Alone” but with babysitters. It is well written and well-acted and will be enjoyed by tween boys and girls. This movie is a fun-filled over-the-top comedy of babysitting errors. It was nice to see Sabrina Carpenter play the good girl for a change. If you are looking for a great family comedy, get yourself a copy of “Adventures in Babysitting” on DVD.

You might also like:

Girl Meets World-The Best TV show You’re Probably Not Watching
Descendants DVD Review
Teen Beach 2 DVD

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Descendants

About the Movie

“Meet the next generation of villains in Disney’s Descendants!

Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, home of the most infamous villains who ever lived, the kids of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island…until now. Sent to idyllic Auradon, to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, these villainous kids must execute a plan that helps their evil parents achieve “world domination” once again.

Will Maleficent’s daughter and the other rebel teens follow in their rotten parents’ footsteps or will they choose to embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?”-Kenny Ortega, Director/Choreographer

The Cast

Kristin Chenoweth (“Wicked,” TV’s “Glee”) as Maleficent
Dove Cameron (TV’s “Liv & Maddie”) as Mal the daughter of Maleficent
Wendy Raquel Robinson (“The Game,” “Miss Congeniality”) as Cruella de Vil
Cameron Boyce (TV’s “Jessie”) as Carlos the son of Cruella de Vil
Maz Jobrani (“The Interpreter,” “13 Going on 30”) as Jafar
Booboo Stewart (“X-Men Days of Future Past,” “Twilight”) as Jay the son of Jafar
Kathy Nijimy (“WALL-E,” “Sister Act”) as the Evil Queen
Sofia Carson (TV’s “Austin & Ally”) as Evie the daughter of the Evil Queen
Mitchell Hope (“Down the Way,” “Yes Mum”) as Ben the son of Beast and Belle
Melanie Paxson (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “Happy Family”) as Fairy Godmother
Brenna D’Amico as Jane the daughter of Fairy Godmother
Sarah Jeffery (“Shades of Blue,” “Rogue”) as Audrey the daughter of Princess Aurora
Zachary Gibson (“Zapped”) as Doug the son of Dopey
Jedidiah Goodacre (“If There Be Thorns,” “Zapped”) as Chad Charming the son of Cinderella
Dianne Doan (“Last Night in Suburbia”) as Lonnie the daughter of Mulan

Bonus Features

The bonus features on this DVD are minimal.

• Backstage Dance Rehearsals – Join the cast for their rigorous dance rehearsals conducted by director Kenny Ortega.
• Bloopers – Kristin Chenoweth and the cast crack-up on set.
• #Mal – #fakeaccounts #bestofMal #funnymoments #VideoAndGraphics2TellMoreOfHerStory
• Preview of “Descendants Wicked World”-a series of animated shorts coming to Disney Channel

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I would give Descendants 4 out of 5 stars! The story was intriguing, I love the thought of the villains having children and sharing their villainy with the next generation. The cast has star power that can sing and dance! Without giving away any spoilers, I’ll say this is a fun movie that most Disney families will enjoy.

Have you watched Descendants? What were your thoughts?

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From the Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical” franchise) comes this original contemporary story of classic Disney characters reinvented and the introduction of modern Disney lore. Enter this new epic universe of relatable tween characters on a journey of self-discovery.

In a present day idyllic kingdom, the benevolent teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney’s iconic “Beauty and the Beast”) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at redemption to the trouble-making offspring of Cruella de Vil, Maleficent the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters. These villainous descendants (Carlos, Mal, Evie and Jay, respectively) are allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school alongside the offspring of iconic Disney heroes, including Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Mulan. However, the evil teens face a dilemma. Should they follow in their nefarious parents’ footsteps and help all the villains regain power or embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?

Want to have a Descendants viewing party? Just click the link above and download invitations, decorations, menus, treat toppers and more! Descendants debuts on the Disney Chanel, Friday, July 31, 2015 at 8:00pm!

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On Monday night, May 11, 2015 at 8:30pm ET/PT season two of the Disney Channel show “Girl Meets World” will debut. Unless you have kids in the 6-14 year old age range you may not be aware of this show. Who knows, even if you do have kids in that age range, you may not know what you are missing. My husband and I have been watching “Girl Meets World” since episode 1 and it is truly an enjoyable show. Compared to most of what is currently available for this age group on TV, “Girl Meets World” has heart, good writing, great acting and…a life lesson in each episode.

Riley & Maya-Girl Meets World photo courtesy of Disney Channel

About Girl Meets World

“Girl Meets World” introduces Riley, the daughter of Cory and Topanga Matthews, and older sister to Auggie Matthews in a series that comes nearly two decades after the beloved hit comedy “Boy Meets World” premiered on ABC-TV.

The series focuses on relationships with family and friends and the important, indelible values therein as the curious Riley and her bold best friend, Maya, traverse the twists and turns of teenage years at Manhattan’s John Quincy Adams Middle School where Riley’s dad is their History teacher. Among their classmates is an intelligent and quirky boy named Farkle and Riley’s crush, Lucas, who has relocated from Texas and is adjusting to life in the city with his new friends.
Riley is still learning how to be comfortable in her own skin and often turns to her parents for guidance. Best friend Maya appears to have a ton of self-confidence but often leans on the Matthews family when she struggles over her relationship with her single mother. Although opposites, Riley and Maya strike the perfect balance as friends and as individuals – all while putting themselves in situations that show them who they are and who they want to be.
High school sweethearts Cory and Topanga have their hands full, juggling their careers and the needs of their almost teenaged daughter and precocious five-year-old, Auggie. Cory must walk a thin line between being Riley’s dad and teacher while also allowing her to explore her world and make her own mistakes. Topanga, a loving and devoted mother, searches for a way to balance the demands of her successful law practice with the needs of her family and ultimately becomes involved in an interesting business venture.

photo courtesy of Disney Channel

Season One hasn’t made it to Netflix yet, hopefully it will arrive with the other Disney Channel shows soon. You can watch a few of the recent episodes on the Watch Disney Channel app or website.

I suggest you watch “Girl Meets World” as a family. I’m sure each episode will create a jumping off point for some great family discussions. You won’t be disappointed and hopefully you will be happy knowing that there is still safe, entertaining and education television available for your family.

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Teen Beach Movie follows teen surfing sweethearts Brady (Ross Lynch) and McKenzie (Mack) (Maia Mitchell) as they ride the last wave of summer. Mysteriously this wave takes them into Brady’s favorite movie, the 1962 beach party movie, “Wet Side Story” where the rival surfers and bikers are vying for control of the beach hangout. Brady and Mack must get back to present day but to do that they need to get through the movie. During their visit to 1962 they alter the romantic storyline of the movie and they have to rectify this before they can leave. Of course all of this happens while there is the requisite singing and dancing found in every classic beach party movie.

Teen Beach Movie is a cute family film that will resonate with ages 8+. The dancing and soundtrack are well done, though there is some really bad lip-synching at times. The storyline is endearing and the underlying theme of the movie-be true to yourself-is a good lesson for kids who are always trying to fit in.

I did find it a bit disturbing that the character of Tanner (Garrett Clayton) seemed to me to be a Zac Efron wanna-be while Seacat (Jordan Fisher) was a young, not-as-good-looking Corbin Bleu. There are so many different types of kids out there did we really need Disney Channel stereotypes? Just my opinion.

On Saturday, July 27th at 8pm ET/PT Disney Channel will air a Dance Along telecast of Teen Beach Movie hosted by the cast. Dance tutorials will also be available on DisneyChannel.com. Since July 19th the DVD has been available at Walmart and these come specially packaged with a collectible surfboard zipper pull-while supplies last. On July 30th the DVD will be available at retailers nationwide. The DVD also includes an exclusive new music and dance number including behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage.

Most of you have probably already seen the movie several times on your DVR but I suggest you pick up a copy of the DVD and set is aside for Christmas or a birthday. Your child will appreciate owning their own copy of this summer’s hit movie.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the DVD for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

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In case you don’t know about RADIO REBEL it is a huge hit DCOM that originally aired in February. We have watched it 8-10 times before getting the DVD to review so this was a hit in our home. The story, acting and music is all top notch and is a great fit for families, kids, teens and tweens.  In my opinion this was Debby Ryan‘s best work yet.

The DVD includes the movie, 5 featurettes, deleted scenes, a blooper reel and the music video. The best of the bonus features is the music video.

Have you or your kids seen RADIO REBEL yet? Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite part of the movie. If you haven’t seen it, add it to your shopping list, your family will enjoy it.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the DVD for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Earlier this week I told you that the latest DCOM, Let it Shine was premiering June 15th. If you missed it last night is is re-airing on Disney Channel this weekend and I assume over the rest of the summer. I watched last night and it was better than I expected it to be. While this is no High School Musical or Lemonade Mouth, it was a very good movie.

The movie follows 16 year old Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams), an aspiring musician who has the gift of rhyme but lacks the self confidence to take the stage.Cyrus and his best friend Kriss McDuffy (Trevor Jackson) both enter a songwriting contest and Kris is mistakenly named the winner for the song Cyrus wrote, a song where Cyrus shares his feeling for his longtime crush, Roxanne Andrews (Coco Jones). Cyrus panics and lets Kris take credit for the song and soon he is on the sidelines while Roxanne begins to fall for Kris.

As the movie progresses we learn that Cyrus’ father, a Baptist minister is very anti hip hop and rap, the music his son is passionate about. So along with the confused love triangle and web of lies, there are also themes of redemption, reconciliation and understanding that are woven into the fabric of the movie.

The story is strong, though somewhat predictable. The music and dancing are very well done, though especially in the final scene, there are some very obvious lip synching issues. I was very impressed with the caliber of acting. Newcomer Coco Jones reminded me a lot of Keke Palmer in Jump In! I was most impressed with Brandon Mychal Smith as Lord of Da Bling. I have always seen him playing a good guy and I actually had trouble accepting him as the bad guy at the beginning of Let it Shine. Brandon did a great job and I really disliked his character at the end of the movie.

Let It Shine is a great movie for families, tweens and teens. I hope your family enjoys this Disney Channel Original Movie this summer.

The post Let it Shine Review appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Celebrating family and friendship, the story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams) and his best friend Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson) reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews (Coco Jones), whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writesmusic under the name “Truth,” crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics, but ultimately begins to win Roxie’s heart too. Now, it’s up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self, and pursue his dreams. At the same time, Cyrus must convince his preacher father (Courtney B. Vance) that hip-hop music can convey a positive message.

Will your family be watching, leave me a comment and let me know? I’ll be watching and recording it on the DVR for my kids since they will be out of town.

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Disney Junior, a 24-hour basic cable/satellite channel expressly for kids age 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, will launch FRIDAY, MARCH 23(12:00 midnight, ET/PT) in the U.S., joining 28 other Disney Junior channels around the world. The announcement was made today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California, by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. Disney Junior was introduced as a daily programming block on Disney Channel in February 2010 and, year to year, its ratings are up 26% among Kids 2-5 and 36% among Boys 2-5.

The popular Disney Junior daily programming block will continue on Disney Channel while the new 24 hour channel will fulfill parents’ demands forquintessentially Disney programming throughout the day. The Disney Junior channel will be available via major cable and satellite providers Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Bright House Networks and Verizon, among others. Additional information regarding Disney Junior is available at DisneyJuniorTheChannel.com.

Marsh said: “This marks the beginning of a sea change in the ‘preschool plus’ television landscape. The response to our Disney Junior programming block has been extremely positive from both our affiliate partners and our viewers’ parents. On March 23, when it launches as a stand-alone channel, our audience will have the opportunity to experience an engaging, learning-focused and uniquely Disney destination on a 24-hour basis.”

Disney Junior invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. A council of academic advisors comprising experts in the fields of child development, transmedia, storytelling, early education and creativity will guide Disney Junior’s learning and development curriculum.

Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said: “Disney Junior series each have specific curriculum experts and now, to maximize overall learning value, we are deepening our conversation to include a channel advisory council that will share research and knowledge in the world of education and bring important perspectives on innovations in early childhood learning.”

The 24 hour Disney Junior schedule will include daily telecasts of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” (the #1 series among Boys 2-5 for 2011) and the hit series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” It will also introduce the animated series “Doc McStuffins” at launch, and will feature new editions of the acclaimed short-form series “A Poem Is…” and a weekend movie block, “Magical World of Disney Junior.” New interstitials featuring Disney heritage characters, including Sebastian and Flounder from “The Little Mermaid,” Mrs. Potts and Chip from “Beauty and the Beast,” and pups Lucky and Pepper “101 Dalmatians,” will also debut.

The programming schedule includes:

“Doc McStuffins” – an animated series about a six-year-old girl who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and toys in her backyard clinic. Under the consultancy of the Hollywood Health & Society division of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center, the series will highlight the importance of taking care of oneself and others, while showcasing the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling – fantasy and wish fulfillment. Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Chris Nee (“Little Bill” and “Deadliest Catch: Crab Fishing in Alaska”) is the creator and executive producer, and Emmy Award-winning Norton Virgien (“Rugrats”) is the director. “Doc McStuffins” is a production of the Dublin, Ireland-based Brown Bag Films (two time Academy Award nominee for “Granny O’Grimm” and “Give Up Yer Aul Sins”). DisneyJunior.com will debut a “Doc McStuffins” supersite featuring an interactive clinic where kids can assist Doc in nurturing toys back to health.

“A Poem Is…” — Laura Linney, Viola Davis, John Leguizamo, Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson and Liev Schreiber are among the narrators of the second season of the acclaimed short-form series designed to introduce young children to the beauty of a poem.

“Magical World of Disney Junior” — a weekend movie night featuring telecasts of Disney’s vast array of classic and contemporary movies, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Bambi,” “Dumbo,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Cars,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Aladdin,” among others.

“Gaspard and Lisa” — the adventures of two best friend puppies as they experience the wonders and challenges of school and family life in their Paris neighborhood. Based on the books by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, “Gaspard and Lisa” is produced by Chorion.

“Guess How Much I Love You” — a tender animated series centered on the father-son relationship between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare. Based on the UK picture book, Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, the series will air exclusively on Disney Junior the Channel. “Guess How Much I Love You” is a production of the Australia-based SLR Productions.

In addition to current hits “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and “Special Agent Oso,” the channel will also present viewer favorites from the past, “Higglytown Heroes,” “Stanley,” “JoJo’s Circus” and “Rolie Polie Olie,” among others.

Other upcoming programming includes “Sofia the First,” a television movie and series introducing a new little girl princess with stories designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool-aged children; and “Oki’s Oasis,” the first western for preschoolers, starring actress and singer-songwriter Mandy Moore (Disney’s “Tangled”) as the voice of Oki, a kitty cat sheriff who ensures that the town of Nice and Friendly Corners remains the friendliest town in the West.

Mark your calendars for March 23, 2012 and welcome Disney Junior Channel into your home.

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Traveling with Tots

I have a few tips to make Holiday traveling with your toddler a bit easier.

1. You can thank the late, great Steve Jobs for tip #1. The iPad! Albeit an expensive convenience, it is one that is well worth the $$$. No longer do you have to bring crayons, coloring books, puzzles, games, blocks, cars or DVDs and DVD players. One lightweight iPad and a few clever downloaded apps can provide all of these things and more while making your travel bag a lot lighter and your trip through the security line a lot faster.

2. If you often face the dreaded “stop kicking the seat in front of you” scenario, there is a simple but often overlooked solution. Instead of sitting your husband next to you in flight, reserve him the window seat in front of your kicking toddler.

3. Give your toddler a new treat for car trips or plane rides. One of my favorites is Mrs. Grossman’s Peel and Play Activity Set. In one simple folder it reveals a setting for over twenty reusable stickers to create endless scenarios. Another classic yet creative way to pass the time is with Play-Doh. Challenge your toddler to make you a yummy cake. Then you can take turns singing Happy Birthday to each other.

Keeping the kids entertained during cold winter days

1. Go camping inside! Build a tent out of dining room chairs and extra sheets and blankets. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as time and bedding allows.

2. On rainy days, my husband and I move our cars and turn our garage into a toddler art studio. When we are finished, we roll up our art work, wrap a rubber band around the middle and place it in a small basket secured to the handle bars of our son’s tricycle. He then pretends he’s a newspaper delivery boy and rides around our garage tossing his “papers” to all of our pretend neighbors.

3. Cuddle up in a blanket on the couch and watch Good Luck Charlie. It’s good for the whole family!

Festive Cooking with your Busy Toddler

By far, the easiest and safest Holiday treats to make with your toddler are rice cereal treats. I opt for organic low sugar rice cereal, organic butter and mini organic marshmallows. To add a punch of protein, add a ½ cup of almond butter to the mix after the melting of the marshmallows. Of course, always make sure that the children enjoying these treats are not allergic to nuts. These treats are great for impatient toddlers because they can be actively involved in the making of these simple treats and not just waiting on the sidelines while Mommy does the hard stuff. For extra fun, let your child cut out different shapes and characters with festive cookie cutters. Decorate with sprinkles and frosting. Or for a healthier alternative, try decorating with carob and yogurt chips and chopped berries. And serve with a tall glass of low-fat milk.

Don’t forget to tune in to Disney Channel Friday, December 2nd for “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!”

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