About Miracle at Manchester

Brycen Newman is a beloved member of his Catholic high school’s football and baseball teams. He starts experiencing unexplained headaches. As the headaches continue and other symptoms crop up, Brycen’s parents take him to the hospital for evaluation where a very rude ER doctor dismisses them as dehydration and/or puberty symptoms. Brycen’s father, at the urging of a friend, seeks help from a neurosurgeon who determines that Brycen needs surgery immediately.

The rest of the movie is filled with the roller coaster of emotions that dealing with a tragic diagnoses will bring. A father questioning his faith, students praying for their friend, and a community supporting a family during difficult times.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Miracle at Manchester was a well made movie. It’s based on a true story and I always like that. It honestly just felt like we had seen it before. Nothing new in the kid gets horrible diagnosis/community prays for and rallies around the family type movie.

This movie is for you if:

• You have teens and tweens that need to be inspired by the power of prayer.
• You need hope in a time of despair.
• You like a good underdog story.
• You like sports stories.

Watch Miracle at Manchester on Pure Flix starting March 31st!

About Pure Flix

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids’ content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix Giveaway

One US based winner will receive a 3 month subscription to Pure Flix. The winner cannot have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last 6 months. The giveaway ends at 12:00am EDT on April 8, 2023. The winner will be verified and their email will be forwarded to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I have been attending the circus since childhood. Growing up we would to travel to Boston to see the circus. When we moved to Florida in 1980, we settled in Venice which was the winter home for the circus. Over my 11 years in Venice I babysat for the children of circus folk, went to school with circus performers, enjoyed the annual circus parade from the train station to the circus grounds, volunteered as an usher for the pre-tour shows that were held at the Venice Circus Arena. My high school graduation was held at the circus arena, affectionately known as the “elephant palace”. As an adult I have taken my children and my friend’s children to see the Greatest Show on Earth. For me, my favorite circus acts have always been the animals, especially the big cats and the elephants. In my opinion, Gunther Gebel-Williams was the best animal trainer ever, and his son Mark did a great job following in his father’s footsteps. Unfortunately, the elephants left the circus in 2016 under pressure from animal rights activists.

Circus Xtreme 2017

We enjoyed Circus Xtreme, though as has been the case the last few years, the theming was a bit lost in the production. Newcomer and first, and last ever Ringling female Ringmaster, Kristen Michelle Wilson did a good job. Unfortunately, from our seats behind the bandleader, I struggled to get a decent picture of her facing us. I spoke to friends who attended the circus while it was in Tampa and the favorite act was the female human cannonball! She was amazing. Of course, I loved Taba and his tigers, I just wish we could have seen their faces. The addition of slackline, parkour, trampoline, and BMX was a great way to add some more modern acts to the traditional circus.

We truly felt the lack of the elephants at the show. The opening Grand Parade wasn’t very grand without elephants Also, this production had no trapeze artists and we missed that too. The camel act was unique and different compared to the usual horse act. My husband enjoyed the dog act the most.

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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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About The Eleventh

One of those original series is “The Eleventh”. In “The Eleventh” a teenage girl fulfills her late mother’s request to reconnect with the grandmother she never knew, and uncovers secrets her family has buried for years. The series has heart-warming themes of family, forgiveness, healing, and love and stars Cloris Leachman (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Malcolm In The Middle), Christopher Atkins (The Blue Lagoon), Tracy Nelson (Father Dowling Mysteries, Down and Out in Beverly Hills), Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch, Dancing With The Stars), Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Roots, Up), and newcomer Ren Harris. With that kind of star power you know it is going to be a great show.

I had the opportunity to watch the first episode of “The Eleventh” with my son Jordan. We can’t wait to find out the real story of what is in the green photo album and why this family was torn apart. We have also been guessing what the meaning of the title is. We are both hooked and can’t wait to watch the rest of the series through our Feeln subscription. I can’t wait to re-watch episode one so that my husband can catch up with us before we move forward in the series.

To watch full episodes of ‘The Eleventh’ on Feeln go to: subscribe to Feeln for as little as $1.99 a month!

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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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Finally, last weekend the Disney Channel debuted Teen Beach 2, the musical Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) of the summer. This movie had been advertised forever with fans screaming for it right after Teen Beach Movie aired in July of 2013. If you have kids in the 8-12yo age range, you have probably already seen the movie multiple times, Disney Channel aired it all weekend long! Instead of being glued to the DVR, you can pick up the Teen Beach 2 DVD so your kids can watch it over and over again.

About the Movies

Dive in and rock out with the hottest surf sequel under the sun! Now that summer ‘s over and school has begun, Brady (Ross Lynch) and Mack’s (Maia Mitchell) relationship seems headed for a wipeout – until Lela, Tanner and the “Wet Side Story” kids show up! Dazzled by the novelty and variety of the modern world, Lela wants to stay, but the real world and the “reel” world just don’t mix. Can Mack and Brady find the magic to get the kids home and get their own romance back on track before it’s too late? Packed with electrifying song & dance numbers and hilarious fish-out-of-water wackiness, Teen Beach 2 is “wow-abunga” fun for everyone.

TEEN BEACH 2 – Day 2. (Disney Channel/Francisco Roman).MOLLEE GRAY, GARRETT CLAYTON, WILL LOFTIS, KENT BOYD, GRACE PHIPPS

Bonus Features

Exclusive: Cast Dance Rehearsals – Exciting new contemporary and retro music with dance numbers choreographed by Christopher Scott. Join Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell and the rest of cast as they learn some of the crazy steps for the movie. See how they put the moves into the songs Best Summer Ever, Gotta Be Me, Falling For Ya, and That’s How We Do.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Disney Channel did a great job…again! This movie is fun for the whole family. The soundtrack is great and the dance numbers are phenomenal. The story is even more far-fetched than in the first movie but it is so cute. This movie reminded me a bit of “Grease”, where Danny and Sandy go back to school after an amazing summer…but their relationship has a new dynamic when their summer selves clash with their school selves. Teen Beach 2 would be a great theme for a summer or end-of-summer party. The retro 60s costumes and music are fun. Get your own copy of Teen Beach 2 wherever DVDs are sold.

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McFarland, USA Blu-ray + Digital HD

About McFarland USA

In the tradition of Disney sports movies comes “McFarland, USA” based on a true story of underdogs triumphing over tremendous obstacles. This heartwarming drama follows novice runners who strive to build a cross-country team under Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) in their predominantly Latino high school. Everyone has a lot to learn about each other, but when Coach realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability, things change. Beyond their talent, it’s the power of family, commitment to each other and work ethic that transform them into champions — helping them achieve their own American dream.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

McFarland, USA is a movie full of heart and love of family. While slow at times, this movie shows us that when we work together towards a common goal and respect each other-even our differences, we can reach our goals. I recommend a family movie night that includes some tacos or enchiladas and McFarland, USA . The movie is rated PG and is full of life lessons that you can discuss as a family after the movie.

Have you seen McFarland USA? Do you want to? Just click any of the links above to order your copy today.

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When you check in you are given cards with your team color and table number on them. Take these cards to the cart where you receive your crown. The color on your card and crown designates which knight you will be cheering for during the tournament, we had the Blue Knight, aka Don Alberto del Mau. Next you proceed to a photo area where you have a group picture taken of your party.

Before entering the arena, we had plenty of time to check out all of the wares available for purchase including swords, shields, flags, princess hats and other medieval trinkets.

Also in this area, you can purchase a Knighting Package. Prices run from $20-$225 (most are $30). I think this is a very cool addition if you are celebrating a birthday or special occasion. We watched a few kids get knighted and then at the beginning of the tournament the King and Princess read the names of those who have joined the realm as knights.

The Lord Chancellor announces when it is time to enter the arena. Due to the way the arena is configured with long bench seating, you are called in by color and table number to facilitate easy seating. **Mom Note-I highly recommend making sure everyone in your party use the restroom before entering the arena. Leaving during the show is difficult due to the bench seating.** We were in the first group seated way down the end near the Royal Box. When we arrived at our seats, our places were set and our menu listed the night’s bill of fare. It also warned us we would not be using any utensils, other than our hands.

The meal was served in courses throughout the duration of the show. Tomato Bisque, Garlic Bread, 1/4 Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Herb-Basted 1/2 Potato and Apple Turnover. The food was very good and well seasoned. Personally I would have liked some butter with my potato, but other than that it is delicious. The do offer a vegetarian meal, which must be requested in advance. That meal includes Hummus, Warm Pita Bread, Carrot and Celery Sticks, 3-Bean Stew with Fire Roasted Tomato and Brown Rice, with Fresh Fruit or Italian Ice for dessert.

The tournament includes colorful pageantry, beautiful horses, graceful dressage, amazing falconry and feats of skill. The six knights are put through their paces with several skills using multiple weapons. My favorite is the joust. Each joust ended with the knights on the ground engaged in hand-to-hand combat. At the end of the tournament, an overall winner is declared. The entire show is full of excitement and lots and lots of loud cheering and booing from the crowd.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I wish I had visited sooner. I really wish we had brought the boys when we finished our homeschool study of the Medieval period. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a wonderful night out for family, friends or even co-workers. It is also a unique way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion.

I agree, the base price of $62.95 for adults and $36.95 for kids ages 3-12 seems steep but it really is in line with similar theatrical experiences. Be on the lookout for deals and coupons. If you follow me on Facebook, you’ve already seen this deal: Buy one full-priced admission and receive the second admission of equal or lesser value FREE. Not valid with other discounts, offers or group rates. Not valid for the Sat shows at the Buena Park location. Restrictions may apply. Valid thru 5/3/15. Make your reservations by call 1-888-935-6878 or visit medievaltimes.com. Must mention or enter code BOGORB at time of purchase.

Have you ever been to Medieval Times? I’d love to know your thoughts on this experience!

The post Go Back in Time at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament appeared first on The Mom Maven.

On February 10, 2015, three classic “Peanuts” movies featuring our friends Charlie Brown and Snoopy are making their way to DVD! These movies have been remastered and are ready for a new generation. I even have a FREE coloring sheet you can download! Just click on the image below.

About the Peanuts Movies

Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown

($14.99 U.S./$16.99 Canada)
Written by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, RACE FOR YOUR LIFE, CHARLIE BROWN is a delightful and fun-filled adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Newly remastered for this release, the film arrives on DVD for the first time ever.

Ah, the joys of camp: The fresh air! The lousy chow! The obnoxious kids from that other tent! But Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, Woodstock and all the rest are ready to face whatever camp throws at them. And when the day of the Big Rafting Race comes around, they’ll fearlessly take to the water, pitting the boys against the girls – and Snoopy and Woodstock against all of them – as they face raging rapids, wild weather, and sneaky sabotage from a bevy of bunkhouse bullies. Teamwork, courage and leadership are the keys to success. Will Charlie Brown have what it takes to be a leader?

A Boy Named Charlie Brown

($14.99 U.S./$16.99 Canada)
Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang in their very first big screen adventure! Take a jazzy joyride through the streets of Manhattan as Charlie Brown sets out to bolster his shaky confidence at the National Spelling Bee. Charles M. Schulz and franchise director Bill Melendez weave a world made of witty dialogue, magical security blankets and bright-eyed beagles, all set to an Academy Award®-nominated score by Rod McKuen and Vince Guaraldi. Sit for a spell with the Peanuts gang as they learn that if at first you don’t succeed, take a step back. Maybe a nap. Then grab the closest beagle… and dance.

Snoopy Come Home

($14.99 U.S./$16.99 Canada)
When America’s most beloved beagle suddenly goes missing, the whole Peanuts gang bands together to bring him back home in this full-length feature. With “Dogs Not Allowed” signs everywhere he turns, Snoopy and his newfound feathered friend Woodstock (making his big screen debut), leave the comforts of home behind and head for the highways in search of their true place in the world. Camping out, eating up and just living the life of the open road, the intrepid twosome make their way across the country, dodging possessive pet-collectors, less-than-hospitable hospital workers, and bullying bus drivers on their way to reveal Snoopy’s secret past—only to discover that there really is no place like home.

The Giveaway

One lucky reader will win all 3 “Peanuts” movies! This giveaway ends at 12:00am on 2/13/15. This giveaway is open to US residents only. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and verified. The winner will be notified via email and they will have 48 hours to claim their prize. The Mom Maven is not responsible for prize fulfillment, that is the responsibility of the giveaway sponsor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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About Big Hero 6

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends — adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred — who transform into a band of unlikely heroes. Bring home Disney’s “Big Hero 6,” featuring comic-book-style action and hilarious, unforgettable characters — it’s fun for the whole family!

Disney’s “Big Hero 6” on Digital HD/ Disney Movies Anywhere February 3rd and Blu-ray Combo Pack on February 24th! Exciting bonus features include the theatrical short “Feast” as well as a host of deleted scenes and extras.

Bonus Features:

Digital HD/3D/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

• FEAST Theatrical Short
• The Origin Story of “Big Hero 6”: Hiro’s Journey (hosted by Jamie Chung, voice of Go Go Tomago) – Join the team behind the team that brought Big Hero 6 to the big screen as they travel on research trips to Tokyo and San Francisco and go behind the scenes of this epic film. Explore everything comic-book about Big Hero 6, from director Don Hall’s passion for comics to the story’s roots in a lesser known Marvel property. We’ll talk to Marvel’s Joe Quesada and Jeph Loeb, who were consultants on the film, to learn what makes a good comic-book story, and how these devices were used to help create Disney’s “Big Hero 6.”
• Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind the Characters – Join the six lead animators of Big Hero 6 as they talk about each of the characters and how they came to be the heroes they are now.
• Deleted Scenes (intro by Directors Don Hall & Chris Williams) – Includes two alternate openings and more.
• Big Hero Secrets (Easter Egg) – The movie is filled with Easter Eggs, and this Buzzfeed-type list piece will give you a sampling of some of the hidden treasures in the film. See if you can find this Easter Egg about Easter Eggs! (BLU-RAY ONLY)
• Gag Animations (intro by Directors Don Hall & Chris Williams) – For fun, animators made alternate versions of scenes they were working on and threw them into the mix at review sessions. The directors will present some of these gags for the first time to the public in this piece. (DMA ONLY)
• Beatmax – Check out some of Baymax’s greatest lines auto-tuned like you’ve never heard before. (DMA ONLY)

DVD:

• FEAST Theatrical Short
• Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind the Characters
• “Big Hero 6” Theatrical Teaser

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer

Here is a sneak peek at some “Frozen” Easter Eggs in “Big Here 6”? Check them out in this video.

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