movie Archives - The Mom Maven

It’s Christmas Again

cindy — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Many thanks to Mapelle Films for providing a sample of the IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.

Do you want to put Christ back into the center of your Christmas season? We often get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of the year that we forget what it’s really all about, the birth of the Savior. Make plans now to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters for one night only, November 29, 2022. This modern-day Christmas musical is suitable for the whole family, though I think ages 9-adult will enjoy it the most.

About It’s Christmas Again

Jake Young (Lawson Touliatos) wants nothing more than to spend his Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker (Leela Owen). So when Abbey volunteers for her church’s Christmas play, Jake is ready to skip Christmas this year until an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. While on his journey with the shepherds to find the promised
Messiah, Jake discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

We really enjoyed this movie. I am a musical theater lover and IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN didn’t disappoint. We felt that at times it gave off vibes of some other recent famous musicals, and that’s a good thing. The story was well thought out and executed. The time travel sections fit seamlessly, and that doesn’t always happen. The music was fresh and some had a definite hip-hop feel. The choreography was great but sometimes it felt like it was too much and took away from the moment.

Lawson Touliatos, who played the lead character, Jake Young was amazing! Lawson is a musician first and a relative newcomer to acting. He is a talented singer, his voice is wonderful. I commented to my husband a few times how great his voice was while we watched the movie.

Get It’s Christmas Again Tickets Now

IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN will be in theaters one night only, Tuesday, November 29, 2022. You can check where it’s playing near you and buy your tickets at the official website.

The Giveaway

I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card, US residents only. The giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on 12-6-22. The winner will be verified and then their information will be sent to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Gigi & Nate Coming to DVD

cindy — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Gigi & Nate arrives on Blu-ray +Digital and DVD November 15 from Lionsgate. Directed by Nick Hamm (Driven, The Journey, The Hole), Gigi &Nate is an inspiring story about how hope and companionship can come in all different sizes.

Synopsis

In this uplifting drama inspired by actual events, Nate (Charlie Rowe) suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic just weeks before departing for college. As Nate tries to adjust to his new life challenges, his mother (Oscar^® winner* Marcia Gay Harden) helps him bring home an unlikely service animal, Gigi — a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey. Nate and Gigi form an unbreakable bond, but when it’s threatened by a group trying to outlaw capuchins, Nate’s family rallies behind him to help him regain what he needs most: hope.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

This is a hard review to write. I wanted to love Gigi & Nate, but I didn’t. On the other hand, I didn’t hate it either. I’ve been looking forward to this movie since I heard about it over the summer. I have an interest in service animals and I had never heard of a capuchin being one. The trailer looked entertaining so I was happy to check it out.

The movie is inspired by actual events, to me that makes it more interesting. Unfortunately the talented cast of veteran and newer actors didn’t have a great script to work with. The entire film felt pretty flat. A story that should have gripped us with emotion played more like a documentary than entertainment.

There was a lot of wasted time at the beginning of the movie, both in Gigi’s origin story, which wasn’t really necessary, and the 4th of July gathering at the beginning. Then it jumps from the hospital to 4 years later without letting the audience see or feel any of the difficulties Nate was experiencing that led them to wanting and needed a service animal. The movie never touched on why Nate was paired with a capuchin monkey instead of a more traditional service animal.

The middle of the movie is nice. We enjoyed getting to see Gigi & Nate bond and how Gigi helped with physical therapy and other needs. There was a sweetness in this part of the film, you could feel the love between the man and animal, even when other family members didn’t understand.

Then the movie starts to go downhill when the militant animal rights activist is introduced. For the most part, the heart leaves the story and what should have been another time of emotional upheaval, all you get is anger from both sides. The courtroom scene and the ending are very contrived.

My husband and I both felt the movie felt flat. We wanted to feel more and be more invested in the characters. I feel the jump from the hospital to 4 years in the future is one place that could have been used to help us feel empathy for Nate. The film was interesting and had potential that it just didn’t deliver on.

Giveaway

I am giving away one Blu-Ray + Digital copy of Gigi & Nate. To enter you must have a physical US address, no PO Boxes please. The giveaway ends 12:00am ET 11-11-22, the winner will be verified and notified via email. They have 24 hours to claim their prize. Prize fulfillment will be handled by the sponsor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tyson’s Run Movie Review

cindy — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Don’t miss Tyson’s Run, in theaters March 11, 2022, a feel-good story of faith, courage, grit, and unlikely alliances for a teen on the autism spectrum.

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.

About Tyson’s Run

When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father’s approval.
With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.
TysonsRun.com

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Have you ever found yourself trying to get the approval of a parent? If not, you likely know someone who has. That’s where Tyson, a teen with autism, finds himself as he watches his hero father lead the high school football team. Tyson’s Run is not only relatable, but also a beautiful picture of the rewards of dreams, determination, and relationships when we don’t quit.

What I loved about this movie is that two characters showed a lot of growth. Tyson, of course, as he navigates the public high school setting after years of being homeschooled because of his autism. This transition puts him in new and difficult social settings that he has to learn to navigate. He is also now attending the school where his father is the renowned state championship football coach, so there is a lot of underlying stigma that Coach Hollerman is dealing with since his son is “different”.

Both Tyson and his dad grow as individuals and as a family in this movie. Tyson, played by Major Dodson, who is himself on the autism spectrum and credits acting to helping him better reach his potential, gains confidence and friends as he maneuvers through high school. Coach Hollerman, played by Rory Cochrane, opens his heart and learns to see his son as the blessing he truly is.

Tyson’s Run hits theaters this weekend, 3-11-22 and you can get your tickets here.

Tyson’s Run is rated PG for offensive slurs, thematic elements, and some language.

Enter HERE to win a $20 Amazon giftcard.

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Paddington Bear is Coming to the Big Screen

cindy — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:00:02 +0000

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”As a child my parents gave my sister and I Paddington Bears and books. I enjoyed traveling with Paddington on his adventures as I read his books. I loved Paddington so much, I got my boys Paddington Bears when they were young and they read some of the stories as well. Now, Paddington is making his way to the big screen!

About Paddington the Movie

This Christmas, a small bear will make a big splash.
From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (HARRY POTTER), PADDINGTON tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear who travels to the city in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined – until he meets the kindly Brown family who read the label around his neck that says “Please look after this bear. Thank you,” and offer him a temporary haven. It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist.

I can’t wait to hear more about this film. For now we can check out the website, Facebook and Twitter pages to stay updated.

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Secret of the Wings Available Today

cindy — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:26:55 +0000

Disney’s favorite fairies are back on Tuesday October 23rd with the release of SECRET OF THE WINGS, and they have brought along some of their new fairy friends to meet you! Check out the clip to see them in action and take the quiz below to learn more about the fairies and find out which one you’re most like. SECRET OF THE WINGS is coming to 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download today!

I took the quiz and I am…Tinker Bell! She just happens to be my favorite Disney character, besides Mickey Mouse, so this quiz result made me happy!

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A Closer Look at Secret of the Wings

cindy — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:26:24 +0000

I’ve shared with you my love for Tinker Bell, my excitement for her all-new, original full-length CG-animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” and some great activities you can do with your kids to celebrate the latest Disney Fairies movie. Today I want to look a little closer at the cast, the story and share a new movie clip with you.

FILM SYNOPSIS:

Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever.

Cast:

Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’)
Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights)
Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels)
Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’)
Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’)
Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’)
Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’)
Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’)
Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’)
introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’).

A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.

“Secret of the Wings” is coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on October 23rd!

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Ice Age:Continental Drift Prize Pack Giveaway

cindy — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:23:11 +0000

In ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT (Rated PG), Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences – a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

The film features the voice talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, with Jennifer Lopez and Queen Latifah. Peter Dinklage, Wanda Sykes, Aziz Ansari, Keke Palmer, Drake, Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk, Nick Frost, Joy Behar.

This brry cool film hits theaters July 13th and is a great way to cool off from this summer heat by spending some time in an air conditioned movie theater.

The Giveaway: 2 winners will receive an ICE AGE 4:CONTINENTAL DRIFT prize pack which includes 3 fun-filled Ice Age activity and coloring books with crayons PLUS 4 limited edition candies from Topps including their limited edition Ice Age Ring Pop flavor, BRRRY starring Scrat!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway is open to US residents only. The giveaway ends at 12:01am on 7/20/12.

Disclosure: I received compensation for hosting this giveaway in accordance with my blog policies. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Sneak Peek

cindy — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:52:54 +0000

In ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT, Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences – a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

The film features the voice talents of Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Wanda Sykes, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Joy Behar, Drake, Keke Palmer, Chris Wedge, Alain Chabat, Rebel Wilson, Nick Frost, Aziz Ansari, Peter Dinklage, Jennifer Lopez.

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift hits theaters July 13th and is sure to be a family hit this summer movie season. Keep up with the movie on Facebook, Twitter and the Ice Age website. Also keep checking back here because I have a cool Ice Age giveaway coming up as we get closer to opening day!

Disclosure: I am being compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Happy Mothers Day

cindy — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:50:30 +0000

I can’t wait to see Disney-Pixar’s BRAVE when it hits theaters June 22nd. I am excited for a great story with a strong female lead. Happy Mothers Day from The Mom Maven and BRAVE!

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Rise Music Video from DisneyNature’s CHIMPANZEE

cindy — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:34:49 +0000

“Rise,” written and performed by McClain Sisters after being inspired by Disneynature’s feature film CHIMPANZEE, is the latest Disney Friends for Change anthem. With the motivating lyrics “Together we can do anything,” the song captures the central message of the program: when kids and families work together, they can inspire each other and their communities to make a lasting, positive change in the world. “Rise” is the fourth Friends for Change anthem to be released with a benefit back to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. This contribution marks nearly $1 million awarded through the music campaign to charities working to protect the planet and conserve nature for future generations.

Like CHIMPANZEE on Facebook. CHIMPANZEE arrives in theaters April 20th.

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