I watched Cats. Or: Surviving the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020

"Perhaps it’s the terrifying uncertainty of the day-to-day, or perhaps it’s Rogen’s delightfully delighted reaction to it, but Cats is starting to look like the movie we never knew we needed to spice up our quarantines."
The Guardian article

What a world we live in right now, eh? This is the craziest experience for all of us. (I know, I know -- Thanks, Captain Obvious!)

I fell off the blogging wagon around 2016 I see. I was slowing down on how frequently I blogged for awhile before that. It was a hobby I truly enjoyed, but then it sort of fizzled. Sometime around doing more browsing on a Smart Phone than on a laptop, I'm sure. It isn't like I never had downtime, but I just fell out of blogging.  I know a lot of bloggers did.

Recently, the concept of a Blog Resurgence was brought up on a post by Swistle -- a blogger I still continue to read every time there's new content.  This idea intrigued me!  It's a great hobby to get back into during these strange times. So, here I am!  (Ohmigod we're back again -- doo, doo, doo, doo /Backstreet Boys).

I watched Cats.

You know it -- that trainwreck Razzie award-winning musical based off the highly popular for a thousand years now Broadway show of the same name?  Amazing cast -- TERRIBLE CGI?

I watched it. I was getting anxious and sick of all of the covid-19 news and it was time for something completely different. Seth Rogen had also live-tweeted his viewing of it and it came to mind as just the sort of ridiculous nonsense I was searching for.

I’m pretty stoned and watching Cats. I’ve never seen the broadway show. It is truly trippy. Am I supposed to know what a Jellicle is? They’ve said it 200,000 times but I don’t know what’s happening haha.

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) March 18, 2020

It worked, by the way. Like The Guardian article I quoted at the top of this post, I think it may just be the "movie we never knew we needed" at this time.  It was cheesy and awful.  I will say that the singing was good, though. It IS a pretty great cast.  But the CGI...oh Lord, the CGI.  It was truly just THE WORST.  I know they say Jellicle Cats are small -- but HOW SMALL are they supposed to be? I felt like there was a big problem with the consistency of the size of these cats and the objects around them.  There are also a lot of strangely sensual cat ballet numbers that are more than a little off-putting.

I am a huge lover of Broadway musicals.  However, I actually DON'T love/like Cats.  There are some songs I find catchy ("Memory", "Mr. Mistoffelees")... but when I saw Cats when it came to Toronto when I was a teenager, I didn't read the description of the show and when intermission rolled around I was SO CONFUSED.  I kept attempting to find the story line.  It wasn't until I finally read the synopsis that I learned it was supposed to be vignettes and short stories about all of these different jellicle cats.  It wasn't a great theatre experience for me, even if I did find some of the songs catchy.  I think the film tries to weave a bit of a story line into it -- or the bit of story line that I did notice in the movie is a part of the stage production and it just went over my head at the time.

This pandemic situation is nuts -- let's face it, every blog post I'm about to start writing will feature this pandemic in some way.  So I'm not going to get into much else about it tonight.

I highly recommend the coping tool of watching some hilariously bad movies as a form of much-needed escapism.  Cats may have been an absolute box office disaster -- but in times of disaster, maybe it truly is just what we need.

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin
- "Memory", Cats

Oscar Night 2015!

Today is one of my favourite days -- Oscar, Oscar!

I love watching the Academy Awards, and if you've been reading my blog in the past few years, then you might recall it is a HUGE tradition to watch the show with my family, and bet on the winners!  We all fill out a ballot, and I even have a special folder for keeping past ballots.  I've been a lucky winner before, but this year I'm not so sure how it will go!

I haven't seen that many of the nominated films, unfortunately.  We just haven't been going to the movie theatre as often.  I did see The Imitation Game, which was very good, and Gone Girl, and maybe some of the films nominated for other awards but not Best Picture.

I'm torn for Best Picture between betting on Boyhood or Birdman.  Both seem to be winning at other awards shows, and both have a good shot this year according to the "experts".... I may end up voting for Birdman since it won at a few awards that are usually quite "telling" for who will take home Best Picture at the Oscars.  Boyhood won at the Golden Globes, but Birdman did better at some of the other awards (Screen Actor's Guild, Director's Guild, and Spirit Awards, for example)... bah!  It is tricky this year!  Maybe we'll all be in for a surprise and a completely different nominee will take home the golden statue!

Neil Patrick Harris is hosting this year, and I think he will put on an excellent performance.  I adored Ellen DeGeneres hosting last year.  I've seen NPH host the Tony Awards, and he does a fabulous job and I love his sense of humour... so I think we'll be in for an entertaining night.

I'm off now to make my Oscar Night Cupcakes (nothing fancy, but it's just tradition that I bring cupcakes over on Oscar Night, haha).  I am really looking forward to another fun night with my family, with our little competition making things a bit more fun. ;-)

Disney's "Savings Mr. Banks" - in theatres today!

A new live action Disney film, Savings Mr. Banks, is in theatres today.  I was fortunate enough to attend an early screening of this movie.  I loved it!

Saving Mr. Banks is based on true events -- it's the story of the woman who wrote the original Mary Poppins books, and her reluctance to sell the book rights to Walt Disney.  Emma Thompson's performance is outstanding as Mrs. Travers, and Tom Hanks is as great as ever in his portrayal of Walt Disney.  The film goes back and forth between a childhood in Australia and the two weeks Mrs. Travers is spending in California trying to be woo'd into giving up the rights to her character.

I highly enjoyed the historical aspects of this film, and some of the "behind the scenes" feeling about a movie I hold dear from childhood (Mary Poppins).  Mary Poppins is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary (the special edition DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack is now available!), so the timing of this film is perfect.

The characters are enthralling, and watching this film makes me want to research even more about the uptight and somewhat traumatized Pamela L. Travers.  Some initial "Googling" is already proving her story to be very intriguing indeed.  I recommend you stay through the credits, as the real recorded voice of Mrs. Travers is played and it just continues to affirm how perfect Emma Thompson played the role!  The actors who played the supporting cast were each outstanding in their own right, as well.

I definitely recommend this film be seen by all -- however, I believe that children may miss the nuances of the story, I would imagine this is best for young adults and older.  If you ever cared for Mary Poppins, then you will really find this history of the film interesting.  There's a chance this could be an Oscar contender, so if you're like me and you try to see as many Oscar nominated films as possible, definitely add Saving Mr. Banks to your must watch list!  Emma Thompson has already been nominated for a Best Actress Golden Globe - very well-deserved!

Saving Mr. Banks is in theatres everywhere today!

Giveaway (CAN only)! "Phineas & Ferb: Animal Agents" on DVD!

I'm back... and with an awesome giveaway!  I have one copy of "Phineas & Ferb: Animal Agents" on DVD to giveaway!

From Disney...

How well do you really know your pet…or ANY animal? Behind a cute and/or cuddly exterior there may lurk a cunning crime-fighter with a brown fedora, a top-secret identity and a license to thrill! Meet the heroic Animal Agents of the O.W.C.A. (Organization Without A Cool Acronym)

Join Perry the Platypus – a.k.a. Agent P – and his fellow operatives as they team up to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz and his dastardly “Inators.” Be they furry or feathered, scaly or slimy, these fearless agents roll over for nobody when it comes to crushing evil in the Tri-State Area and beyond. Fully loaded with over two hours of animal-themed adventures, including the exciting, two-part Phineas And Ferb cliffhanger “Where’s Perry?”, this fun-filled, action-packed laughfest will drive you wild!

I love Phineas & Ferb, it is so hilarious and cute!  This DVD is available in stores as of February 26th!

If you would like a chance to win this DVD, enter the contest via the Rafflecopter form below!  You must complete the mandatory comment entry to qualify to win.  The contest ends at 12:01 am on March 8th.  The contest is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec.  Good luck!

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Academy Award Nominations are in!

On to what I'd prefer to be blogging about.. Academy Awards nominees!  I love this time of year.  The Golden Globes air this Sunday, and I look forward to seeing which movies take home a Globe -- since it's usually an indication for good Oscar picks for my family competition!  Last year I won, and I beat Mr. Lock by a mile, so this year I feel intense pressure to prepare myself for another successful bet!

I have to admit, I'm not *in love* with the Best Picture choices this year, only because many of them are not movies of a genre I enjoy.  Not that I don't agree that these deserve to be nominated, but they do make it a little more of a challenge to try to see every nominated film, because I'd be forcing myself to make it through movies I just don't personally care about.  However, as is tradition, I'll try to see whatever I can.  The nominated films for Best Picture for the Academy Awards this year are (with IMDB.com links):

Les Miserables
Lincoln
Argo
Life of Pi
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Django Unchained
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Amour

I have never heard of "Beasts of the Southern Wild" or "Amour", so I need to look them up.  I've only seen "Les Miserables" and "Lincoln" so far off this nominated list (darn!).  This weekend Mr. Lock and I are going to go to "Silver Linings Playbook".  I wasn't interested in "Django Unchained" because I typically find Quentin Tarantino to be too dark for me, too gruesome in some scenes... but I will look more into the film, read some synopsis online, to try to make a decision about seeing it in theatres.

I now wish I had seen "Argo" before, but I didn't... I will have to track it down, a few select theatres may still be playing it I think, or it may be back in theatres for a bit as a Best Picture Nominee.  I am wavering on "Life of Pi", because I had no interest in it and have never read the book either... I didn't realize it would be so nominated (also has a Golden Globe nomination).  I'll probably try to see it before the awards.

"Zero Dark Thirty" didn't interest me, because a lot of military films make me feel very anxious, I've never really been a fan of films with guns.  I will, again, have to research it online to see what I think about the potential plot to see if I can handle it in theatres.

So, all in all, I think the theme this year of these picks is "depressing"... most of these films have quite intense, sad, dark, storylines if I remember correctly what I know about them.  Some may have great endings, but I find it hard to watch too many intensely depressing scenes -- I need to mix in some comedy and light-heartedness to keep my personal anxieties at bay.  I will try to see what I can though!  As usual, I'll share my thoughts here.  More for myself than anyone else (because everyone's thoughts and opinions about movies can be so personal, it's all a matter of personal taste), but that's why I blog... I love journaling and this is one more journal outlet for myself.

The Academy Awards air on Sunday, February 24th!  I'm excited!  Love this time of year!

Movie Review: Les Miserables

It's become a tradition for my Sitcom Group of Friends and I to go see a movie on New Years Day, following our New Years Eve "Fancy Dress House Party".  This year we chose Les Miserables.  I absolutely love musicals, and see a lot of shows on stage when they are in Toronto... however, I've never seen Les Miserables, and know only a few songs from it. (Yes, Katie Holmes singing "On my Own" in the first season of Dawson's Creek is one of the only references I have for that song. Shuddup.)

I was eager and interested in seeing this film, regardless, because of my love of musicals.  This movie DID NOT disappoint!  I was absolutely enthralled throughout the whole thing.  The story was fresh to me, so I was shocked and surprised at many of the very sad and unexpected moments (unexpected for me, again I have zero Les Mis knowledge or experience).  My friends who know Les Mis loved the film too, so it seems  it was appealing to either type of person.  I've heard they made changes from the play, some of the musical arrangements are different and some songs are shortened, but I think that makes sense since creating a film version of a stage show will need some differences in order to apply appropriate cinematic devices.

I was pleasantly surprised by all of the actors and their singing talent, and the drama and emotion brought to the screen.  Anne Hathaway was incredibly enthralling, when she sang "I Dreamed a Dream", it was so emotional!  I don't have much background knowledge of how she is as a singer, and I wasn't sure what to expect -- I was impressed!  The children were also fantastic actors and singers, and Master of the House was hilariously performed by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter -- excellent casting, that's for certain.

Overall, it was a very dramatic film, very depressing at times (but so it should be based on the title!), with a bit of comic relief by the dynamic duo of Cohen and Carter.  If you are like me and don't know the play, but absolutely love musicals, I think you'd enjoy this film.  If you do know the play, I think you'll be happy with this adaptation.  I know that can be pretty subjective, but in my personal opinion it was a fantastic movie.  I loved it.  I'm going to watch out for the next time Les Miserables is on stage in Toronto, and will be making a conscious effort to get some tickets!

Movie Reviews: "The Hobbit" and "Lincoln"

This is my favourite time of year for so many reasons, one of which is it is time to prepare for my annual Oscar night tradition with my family -- meaning, I need to be sure to see potential "Oscar-worthy films" while they are still in theatres!  Now that the Golden Globe nominations are available, it's time to consider that as an indication of later potential Oscar nominees!

I've seen two movies the past two nights.  First, The Hobbit, and then Lincoln.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
or... "Oh Gawd, More Lord of the Rings... Why am I even bothering?"

So, I don't like the Lord of the Rings series.  I know that might be shocking to some, but they were just SO LONG and BORING to watch.  I enjoyed Fellowship of the Ring, I suppose, well enough to see The Two Towers at its midnight opening screening... but I was a high school student, I went with the flow of my friends.  After that, I couldn't stand the series (not that I didn't see Return of the King in theatres, because I, of course, did).  I have zero interest in ever re-watching these long, boring, drawn out movies -- even if the New Zealand backdrop was stunning.  Okay, okay, I am also not an Elijah Wood fan so that could be part of why I don't care for these films.

I wanted to see The Hobbit, though, because I felt like I should.  I felt like it may be an Oscar-nominated series of films one day too, and so I have a duty to see it.  I've never read the book, so I don't have any background knowledge about this story.  I really like the actor playing young Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) because I absolutely love him as Watson from BBC's Sherlock.  The movie was long... as expected.  That was the "completely expected journey".  They are apparently doing two more films, so ... ack!  It had lovely cinematography and all, but was too long, and not overly interesting as someone who is not a Hobbit fan from childhood.  It was a likeable enough film, had a few funny bits, but all in all... eh.  Lord of the Rings: The Prequel - Still Boring!

Lincoln
or... "History: Disney Style"

I love history, so I definitely enjoyed Lincoln.  Daniel Day-Lewis did a stupendous job.  The film mainly follows Lincoln and the political men he works with as he tries to pass the 13th Amendment, which abolishes slavery.  There are only a couple of gruesome scenes of the Civil War, mostly the film takes place in the White House and in the House of Representatives (or whatever political building that was), and there is a lot of chatter, chatter, chatter.  It's a film that's a lot of talk, a bit bland... but that's how historical films are at times, so it's not unexpected.

I did feel like it was a film distributed by Disney that felt like a film distributed by Disney.  It was a bit light, it didn't feel like an "epic historical film" the way I would imagine a Best Picture nominee to feel.  I actually am a bit confused right now as to how much of an Oscar winner this will be -- other than Daniel Day-Lewis perhaps winning as best actor because he did a fantastic job.  It just felt a bit like those A Part of Our Heritage commercial rather than an epic film, in my opinion anyway.  It wasn't exactly what I was expecting.  Mr. Lock doesn't completely agree with me on this, so I think it was my perception and you may feel differently if you see the film yourself of course.

Oh, and I have to say that Tommy Lee Jones was a distraction for me.  I felt like I couldn't believe him as a character from that time, I just kept seeing and hearing Tommy Lee Jones... and it was too bad.  I really think he ruined it for me, though he's a fine enough actor, he isn't diverse enough and all I saw was him... not his character.

Overall, a good film, but a bit dry, and definitely not as climactic and "epic" as I would imagine a potential Best Picture Oscar nominee to be.

So, the reviews begin!  I have many more films to see... we are off to Les Miserables on New Years Day!  I'm looking forward to that one!

Giveaway! Disney's "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" Blu-ray Combo Pack (For Canadians Only)

Just in time for the holiday season, I have another awesome Disney film to give away to ONE lucky reader!  The film is "The Odd Life of Timothy Green", and the prize is a Blu-ray Combo Pack copy of this beautiful and heart-warming family movie!

I was fortunate enough to see this film in theatres, so you can re-read my review on this post here.  I will post a review of the blu-ray combo pack when I receive it, so keep an eye out soon for another post about this awesome movie!

From Walt Disney Motion Pictures:

About the film 

From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Peter Hedges (Dan in Real Life, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape), and starring Golden Globe® winner Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, Oscar® winner Dianne Wiest and CJ Adams as Timothy Green, comes this highly imaginative story about a happily married couple who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. Then one stormy night young Timothy shows up on their doorstep. Soon they and the small town in which they live learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts. The story is written by Ahmet Zappa (“American Gangster,” “Changeling”). 

THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN Blu-ray Combo Pack provides viewers with the chance to delve deeper into this captivating movie experience through never-before-seen bonus features, including the documentary “Family Roots: Bringing ‘The Odd Life of Timothy Green’ to the Screen,” which looks at this unique family story and the creative team that brought it to life; “Glen Hansard: Behind ‘This Gift” - the Academy Award® winning songwriter tells how he and Marketa Irglova crafted the moving end-credits song; “This Gift” Music Video by Glen Hansard; Five all-new deleted scenes; and a director audio-commentary.

If you would like the opportunity to own "The Odd Life of Timothy Green", and if you are a Canadian resident, then enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win!  The giveaway ends at 12:00 am on Friday, December 14th.  You will be asked a skill-testing question upon winning the Blu-ray combo pack via email when notified of your win.

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Review: Disney/Pixar's "Brave" Collector's Edition Disney Blu-Ray Combo Pack

There is still time to enter to win a copy of Disney/Pixar's Brave, a 5-disc DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack.  Just click over to this post right here to enter the contest!  It ends at 12:01 am on Friday, November 23rd!

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this Blu-Ray Combo Pack to review.  My friends and I watched Brave on Blu-Ray this Sunday, and I was again reminded of how fantastic this movie is!  I love the plot so much, and the brilliant animation using Pixar's state-of-the-art technology is so impressive.  It has sparked my interest in Scotland and Scottish history very much.

This DVD set is INCREDIBLE.  You don't only get the movie on DVD and on Blu-Ray (already so awesome to receive both in one package), but you ALSO get a Disney Digital copy of the film to enjoy on whatever device you choose, AND a copy in Blu-Ray 3D format for 3D players!  You also have an entire disc of Bonus Features, let alone the bonus features found on the other discs too!  The bonus videos are so fun, and make an excellent addition to your viewing of this film, especially for kids who may like a little extra information and experience with the characters.  The behind-the-scenes features are always interesting, I love hearing more about the process of creating films.

This is just an amazing amount of stuff in one set -- what a fantastic gift for this upcoming holiday season!  

There is also a bonus short entitled "The Legend of Mordu".  This short goes in to more detail about a legend described in Brave, and it's great to have the option to explore this legend further and hear more about the background of the character Mordu.  This bonus short may be a little "dark" for some little ones, so I do advise parents watch it first and use your discretion about what your own children can handle watching.  A lot of legends have a darker history, so this is an interesting way to inspire kids to want to explore legends, myths, and historical stories -- I do love this as a starting point for further research or storytelling!

I thoroughly enjoy this movie, and think you will too!  This "Ultimate Collector's Edition" Blu-Ray + Blu-Ray 3D + DVD + Digital Copy is available in stores now.

Thanks, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada for allowing me to receive 1 review copy of this set!  It's incredible!

"Cinderella" on Disney Blu-ray Diamond Edition Combo Pack

When I was a little girl I loved all of the Disney princess movies.  I had only one younger brother at that point in my life, and on rainy days I remember going to select a Disney movie and having my mother reprimand me because I had to be FAIR to Miles and choose something other than "the girly Disneys" now and then!

Well, one of my top three favourite Disney films to try to pressure my brother in to watching whenever I could was Cinderella.  It is so exciting that as of today it has been released from the Disney fault, and is available on Disney Blu-ray Diamond Edition Combo Pack!  I was fortunate enough to relive this amazing film at a screening event last week, and it was just as magical as I remembered!

We were treated like Princesses!  Sparkling wine!

Delicious cupcakes to enjoy while watching the film!  These were HUGE and so yummy!

Also, did you know that Christian Louboutin designed a special edition "glass slipper" in honour of this DVD release?  He only made 20 of these amazing shoes, and one pair was given away to a very lucky Toronto resident at the screening event last week!

I am so glad to have the opportunity to be YOUR Fairy Godmother... you can win your own copy of Disney's Cinderella by entering the giveaway on the Rafflecopter form below!  I have one Diamond Edition Combo Pack to give away, and the contest closes at 12:01 am this Friday - October 5th! a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Good luck!  Bippity, boppity, boo!

Flash Giveaway! Disneynature's "CHIMPANZEE" Disney Blu-Ray Combo Pack!

I just came back from a wonderful week up at a cottage Mr. Lock's parents rent each year.  I have an awesome giveaway to end the week!!!  It's a FLASH, WEEKEND ONLY giveaway of 1 copy of Disneynature's "Chimpanzee", a Disney Blu-Ray Combo Pack!  This is released for purchase on August 21st, 2012 but you have the opportunity to win a copy right now!  The contest opens immediately, and closes at 12:01 am on Monday, August 20th!

I had the opportunity to see this film in theatres, and my review is found on this post here.  It's a really interesting and adorable movie, and I think it would make an excellent addition to any home DVD library!  Enter the giveaway on the rafflecopter below, please be advised that your participation in the necessary entry activities (i.e., leaving a blog post comment, following on Twitter, etc) will be monitored and you will not be eligible to win if you have not completed the entries properly.

Good luck!  Remember, the contest ends at 12:01 am on Monday!

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Movie Review: The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Every now and then it is very refreshing to watch a film that tells a sweet story, that appeals to the whole family (young and old!).  This is exactly what you get when you see Disney's The Odd Life of Timothy Green.  I was fortunate enough to see this movie at a pre-screening event, and it was just such a feel-good, family film.  I cannot recommend it enough!

The Odd Life of Timothy Green tells the story of Jim and Cindy Green, a couple from a small town who desperately want to add to their family.  One evening, after getting the bad news that it is unlikely they can ever have a baby themselves, Jim and Cindy take the time to imagine what their child would have been like.  They try to move on from the pain of the knowledge that their child is never to be, and then something miraculous happens.  The film stars Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Garner as Jim and Cindy, and it reaffirms that I do indeed highly enjoy every Jennifer Garner film!

This story is full of heart, and optimism.  It shows you how one person's attitude can change the world, and I think it's a very encouraging and uplifting tale.  I don't want to spoil the story too much, so that's all I'm going to say about that!

I encourage you to take your family to see this film, it opens in theatres on Wednesday, August 15th.

Review & Giveaway: My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic: Royal Pony Wedding!

When I was a little girl, one of my most favourite toys were My Little Pony.  I had a massive collection that I kept in a very special toy bin in my basement, and I remember my ponies fondly.  I also had my dad record a My Little Pony movie that was on TV during my childhood, and I think I wore out the VHS tape re-watching it!

Ah, VHS.  The... good old days.... (? Eh.  The days.)

Did you know that YOUR little girl could be watching My Little Pony on DVD?  Just released, on August 7th, was My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic: Royal Pony Wedding.  This DVD from Shout! Factory in collaboration with Hasbro Studios features FIVE episodes of the show, as seen on Treehouse TV in Canada and the HUB TV Network in the USA.  The DVD also includes colouring sheets and two sing-alongs as bonus features.  The animation may be an updated style, but the thought of little girls getting as much joy out of My Little Pony as I did as a little girl myself?  Warms my heart!

Now here's where it all gets a little... weird.

I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy of this DVD set.  The first thing that happened was, my boyfriend enlightened me that there is a whole group of ADULTS who find the new My Little Pony animation omgz super awesome.  They apparently think it's "amazingly well-produced", and that the musical numbers are catchy.  I was pretty shocked to find this out, but it sure adds an interesting twist to this review!  Apparently they call themselves "Bronies", and while this totally squicks me out initially, it's oddly awesome to hear a grown male friend of mine explain the whole phenomenon (he's a producer for a radio station, he has his finger on the pulse of popular - and nerd - culture).  I have been so enlightened since receiving this DVD to review... I feel like I now possess a very treasured piece of media.  Who knew?! (I like the meme with the first date... the gal who is remembering classic Pony, which is what I did when I saw this DVD series, and the Brony being all, GET OUT OF MY CAR.  Amazing).

But what do I personally think of this series now that I've had the opportunity to watch it myself?

Well, I absolutely see why adults find this show entertaining.  Lauren Faust, the original executive producer and storyboard artist for this show, used to be a story artist for The Powerpuff Girls.  You can definitely see the similar flash animation style, and it's very appealing.  There is a lesson that is appropriate and sweet for kids, but there is a lot of humour that grown-ups would 'get' too.  I was actually impressed with how much I enjoyed watching this cartoon!  The songs are well-written and extremely catchy.  I love the way the theme song of the show begins with the classic "My Little Pony" tune and then ramps up to a newer, catchier tune.  That sets the overall tone of this show, a great nod to the classic 80s show with a very modern twist.

Would you like to receive a copy of this DVD?!  You can share it with a little lady in your life, or apparently a grown adult gaming nerd -- the possible target audience is so wide with this series!  (I feel so "in the know" now.)  All you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopter form below, and a winner (US or Canada) will be drawn on within 48 hours of 12:01 am Saturday, August 18th.  In order to be eligible to win, make sure you click "leave a comment", and leave the mandatory entry comment.  Otherwise, you will not be eligible.

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{CLOSED} See "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" at a pre-screening event!

Well, lucky readers, I have 1 family pass (good for four tickets) to give away for a pre-screening of Disney's "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" at the Richmond Hill SilverCity theatre on Thursday, August 9th at 7:30 pm!  If you live in the GTA, this is a great chance to see the "most magical movie of the summer"!



Just enter through the Rafflecopter form below!  If you are chosen as the winner, you will be notified by email and will need to send the names of the four guests so that I can have them added to the Disney guest list.  Once I have the names of those attending, Disney will send me the family pass to then forward to the winner.  Giveaway ends on Monday, August 6th at 12:01 am!  GOOD LUCK!

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Disney/Pixar's BRAVE opens today!

There's a new movie in theatres today that I really think you'll enjoy.  Yup, YOU, any of YOU who are reading this right now!

The movie is Disney/Pixar's latest hit, Brave.  I was fortunate enough to be invited to a pre-screening event, and let me tell you -- this movie is a winner!  It is so entertaining, and tells a great story.  It has everything you've come to expect from Pixar - amazing animation, with such crisp and vivid images.  As the director himself said at the event I attended, the beauty of the textures of Scotland are captured  here in computer animated form.

The plot is very funny, and also touching.  It isn't predictable.  I must not have heard much about the plot before I saw the film, but I was surprised all the time by where the story was taking us.  It was really, really enjoyable! The characters were strong, and well-developed.



For so many years now we've all been enjoying Pixar films, and I truly think you will add this to your list of favourites.  There are some dark and slightly "scary" scenes, so parents should use a bit of caution and perhaps this film is best in theatres for children over age 8 or so.  Just be advised, for parents of more sensitive children, that a few scenes get a bit loud and scary.

If you don't have any kids, GO SEE THIS MOVIE RIGHT AWAY ANYWAY!  Like usual, this Pixar film is meant for everyone out there.

Please enjoy this "Behind the Scenes" featurette as well!  I got to see a Q & A with direct Mark Andrews, and it was so interesting!  I hadn't realized that Pixar films are all written completely within the Pixar family, they take years to create because they do not buy options or scripts the way other movie studios do.
 


Anyway, it's a great movie.  Just go see it!  Really!

Movie Review: Disneynature's CHIMPANZEE

Disneynature's latest film, Chimpanzee, is out in theatres today.  I was fortunate enough to attend a pre-screening for this film, and let me tell you... it was SO CUTE!  Beautiful cinematography, a touching story, and just an amazing look at this fascinating animals.

I was impressed with how well adults or children could enjoy this film.  The narration, by Tim Allen, is lovely and funny.  The images are incredible, as well.  It was definitely a film I thoroughly enjoyed, while thinking the whole time that kids would definitely enjoy it as well.  Though Oscar experiences a sad moment, the story has a lovely happy ending.  It is just so amazing to see how human like the chimpanzees are in their mannerisms and behaviour.

If you see Chimpanzee during opening week, a donation will be made from the ticket sales to the Jane Goodall Institute to care for orphaned chimps, habitat protection, as well as to educate future generations on caring for this amazing creatures.  It's "See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzees", and I think it's a wonderful pledge.  This would be a great film to see in celebration of Earth Day on Sunday!

{CLOSED} GIVEAWAY: 1 Family Pass (4 Tickets) to Disneynature's CHIMPANZEE

This giveaway is now closed.  Congratulations to Nicole C. for winning the passes!  I have sent you an email, so reply as soon as possible with the names of the four who will attend the screening with you, then I can forward you the family pass!  Enjoy the film!

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On April 20th, Disneynature's CHIMPANZEE is being released in theatres -- just in time for Earth Day 2012!  I have one family pass (admits four guests) for you and your family to see this wonderful new film at a pre-screening event at Silvercity Yorkdale in Toronto, on Saturday, April 14th at 10:00 am.  The contest begins NOW, and ends at 12:01 am on Wednesday, April 11th.  You can enter via the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post!

Now for something VERY exciting, especially for all you animal lovers!


From Walt Disney Studios Canada:

In celebration of the film’s release, Disneynature has joined forces with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada for a “See CHIMPANZEE, Save Chimpanzees” program where for every moviegoer who sees the film on opening week, a donation will be made to JGI Canada to help protect chimpanzees and their habitats, now and into the future.

In the spirit of the film, and to further do our part to help protect these amazing animals, we are launching a “’Like’ Us, Save Chimps” program on our Walt Disney Studios Canada Facebook page today – and we need your help!

If we can reach 22,000 “likes” on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/WaltDisneyStudiosCanada) by Sunday, April 22nd – Earth Day, we will adopt two orphaned chimpanzees through the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s Chimp Guardian Program.  Our two certificates of adoption will later be shared with our fans on our Facebook wall.

STEP 1:  “Like” Walt Disney Studios Canada’s Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/WaltDisneyStudiosCanada.

STEP 2:  “Share” the post on our page about the “’Like’ Us, Save Chimps” campaign.

Please encourage all your Facebook friends to like our page and be sure to spread the word to help promote our campaign.  And of course, be sure to see CHIMPANZEE in theatres on April 20th.

For more information about JGI’s Chimp Guardian Program, please visit: http://jgi.blackbaudondemand.com/page.aspx?pid=364

So, be SURE to "LIKE" the Walt Disney Studios Canada facebook page, and share the link around!   Now, click below to enter the contest for 1 set of 4 passes to a PRE-SCREENING EVENT at Silvercity Yorkdale, Toronto! 

Oscar, Oscar!

I won!  I won!  My family and I always have a bet on picking the winners for the Oscars, and this year was my year!  I got 15 out of 24 categories correct!

I would love to say that seeing six of the nine "Best Picture" nominees paid off.  That's probably not true though.  I just took a lot of great guesses.  Most of the time I guessed Hugo or The Artist to take a category, and they did.  I didn't even see THOSE two movies.  I guess I should sometime, though!

It was a fun night.  Mr. Lock and I went to my parents house.  We played a board game with my dad and youngest brother, had dinner, and then settled in for the show.  I always love when Billy Crystal hosts, and honestly I found last night's Awards very entertaining.

I was upset that they didn't perform Man or Muppet (nominated for Best Original Song) live.  I was hoping to see that, but oh well.  It was overall a great show and a very enjoyable evening!

Plus, I won!  Hooray!  Fourteen whole dollars!  Whatever will I do with my new riches?!

Do you watch The Academy Awards?  I've been watching them for as long as I can remember, begging my mom to let me stay awake to "just see one more segment? Please?".  When I was 12-years-old I stayed up to watch the entire show for the first time, watching Titanic win its 11 awards (my most favourite movie at the time).  Ever since then, I've watched the show in its entirety annually.  It's a big tradition in my house for us to use Oscar ballots from the web to pick winners and see who can get the most right, we always bet $2 each on it to make it more interesting.

My goal is to have a house that's great for hosting events one day, so I can move the annual Oscar party there. I'd love to invite a few more friends and have ballots at the ready for everyone who wants to participate in "picking the winners" and friendly competition.  It really makes for a fun evening!

Movie Reviews: The Tree of Life and Midnight in Paris

**SPOILER ALERT:  There may be some plot talk in this post.  Nothing too spoilery, but you have been warned, to be fair to those who hate to hear anything about a film before watching it.**

The other night I was having dinner with Mr. Lock's family (it was his mom's birthday), and his dad pulled out some recent DVD purchases.  Turns out he had three Oscar nominated films on DVD.  I quickly asked to borrow The Tree of Life and Midnight in Paris, two of the films I had not seen yet (and didn't even expect to ever see).  I really didn't know anything about either of these films, but I'm on a mission to see as many Best Picture Nominees as I can, and I've made pretty great progress this year!

The Tree of Life

Mr. Lock and I chose The Tree of Life as the first film to watch, he really wasn't sure he cared about Midnight in Paris.  HA.  What a great decision! [/sarcasm, so much sarcasm].  We popped it in before going to bed on Wednesday night.

We were instantly confused.  Our initial thoughts: "Oh great, this has a religious tone.." and "Double you tee eff?!" ***

It's an artistic film in the style of... here are some flashes of images!  Put it together yourself!  Figure out what's going on! Understand our deep, deep message!  You are so dumb if you don't GET this!

Then the twenty minutes of screensaver-esque images began.  Shots of waves upon the shore, mountains, and space.  So many shots of space.  Here's sunrise over the earth!  OOH.  AHH.  And... WHAT IS THIS!?!

And, really, can you win Best Picture just for using stock photos?!  Because I'm sure those were Getty Images.

There was no talking for ages, and then some whispers... whispers and biblical type talk.  Then the kid started acting all weird... and at the 1 hour, 30 minute mark we just gave up.

So, I have no idea how it ended or what the hell was even happening in the parts I saw.  I bet this Gee Dee movie will win Best Picture.  Because it's WEIRD.  Booo.

Midnight in Paris

This afternoon I put Midnight in Paris on.  Mr. Lock and I didn't know what it was about, and then we both really enjoyed it!  It was definitely a much better film than effing The Tree of Life.   It was funny and romantic and whimsical.  Owen Wilson was his usual self, and I do tend to like his movies.  I am a huge fan of "the roaring twenties" anyway, so for me it was a fun fantasy of "better times".  I just really liked the story and the way it was told.

The actors did a great job playing famous artists and writers from the past, Adrien Brody as Salvador Dali was hilarious.  We were both big fans of the Ernest Hemingway character, too, haha.  Being very nostalgic myself, I was very drawn to the story in this film.

So, overall I really, really liked it.  I'm very glad I had the sudden opportunity to watch this movie, since before I had no clue what it was and I really would have missed out.

I am definitely unsure what to vote for for Best Picture, this year.  The films are very different from each other, and yet so many of them just tell stories without any particularly epic film-making... so it's hard to know what will win!  I am pretty impressed that I've seen six out of the nine films this year though!

*** Footnote from Mr. Lock:  Hey folks. Tree of Life was great, and I made sure to record a transcript of the insightful dialogue between Ms. Key and I as we took it all in:

"What?"

"What?"

"What?"

"Zzzzzzz"

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2012 Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees (in order of Seen, Likely to See Someday, Might Not See):
The Help  (SEEN IT, love it!  Best Picture, though?  Not sure the Academy would think so.)
Moneyball  (SEEN IT, it's okay...totally not anything more than a story, not Best Picture, kthx.)
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close  (SEEN IT, very good, has potential for Best Picture.)
The Descendants (SEEN IT, quite good actually!  Maybe potential for Best Picture?)
The Tree of Life (SEEN most of IT..... super odd, did not like, at all. Bet it will win Best Picture to spite me.)
Midnight in Paris (SEEN IT, really, really enjoyed it!)
Warhorse 
Hugo
The Artist

Movie Review: The Descendants

***Spoiler Alert:  Minor plot spoilers, though I try to dance around them rather than say them?  If you've read a summary or seen, and understood, the previews than there won't be any spoilers for you.***

To continue my quest to see some of the Best Picture nominees for the Academy Awards, my mom and I went to the theatre last night to see The Descendants.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to see this film, I wasn't really 100% clear on the storyline, and had it in my head it would be a sad, depressing film.


I'm very glad to admit I was wrong about that.  There is a sad storyline to it in a way, as the mother has been in a boating accident, though I think you'd find it sadder only if you had a personal experience that it reminded you of.  Making a more personal connection to the sad part of the film would make it infinitely more depressing, because you'd be remembering your own sad experience and would probably not be able to let that go.


Being that I've never experienced what this family does (KNOCKS ON WOOD) I found only parts of the story sad, and the rest was just a good movie that told a good story.  I only teared up twice, and I was expecting to cry more than that.  It was the perfect balance of touching, believable scenes mixed with humour.


The actors all did a great job, I was impressed with George Clooney.  Blown away?  Not by any means.  It was a good job, though.  He played his character in a believable way.
If you're looking for a film to see that tells a good story with just a touch of sadness to it, then I do recommend seeing this one.  I suppose it could be a contender for Best Picture, but I'm not sure.  


This year, I'm finding the films I've seen out of the nominees are all just good stories, but not that exciting or creative.  Perhaps The Artist will win best picture just because it's creative?  I haven't seen it, but I don't know what to think this year!  It's too bad I was only able to catch four of the nine Best Picture nominees, maybe next year I'll be more organized and I'll be able to see more.


Now I think I'll go back to watching other movies just for fun, like The Vow and Big Miracle... totally want to see those!  I'm loving this movie kick I've been on lately.  Just one more week until Oscar night, by the way!
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2012 Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees (in order of Seen, Likely to See Someday, Might Not See):
The Help  (SEEN IT, love it!  Best Picture, though?  Not sure the Academy would think so.)
Moneyball  (SEEN IT, it's okay...totally not anything more than a story, not Best Picture, kthx.)
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close  (SEEN IT, very good, has potential for Best Picture.)
The Descendants (SEEN IT, quite good actually!  Maybe potential for Best Picture?)
Warhorse 
Hugo
The Artist
Midnight in Paris
The Tree of Life