Movie Mania

We are huge movie people. The best thing that has happened with us lately has been a $3 movie theater that has opened up in town... yep.... the best thing that has happened to us!! Not that things have been hard and that is the only thing we have to look forward to, but we just love movies. It has saved as a bundl for date nights.. And the best part is I have just seen great movie after great movie.

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This was just a wonderfully cute movie. I am a little bit of a hard person to please when it comes to family feel good movies. To me there is a fine line between heart warming and cheese ball central. This family movie actually had both my husband and I tearing up and cracking up through out the whole time. I can't really go into the movie at all without giving up too much information, but this has been one of our favorite movies this year.

The Time Traveler's Wife

I saw this movie on a girl's night out and I was not looking forward to it. The only reason I was going to go see it was because I wanted to hangout with my girls friends. I usually don't like these kind of chick flick movies. World, please don't hate me... but I hate the "Notebook". I just do, I'm sorry.... but as for The Time Traveler's Wife.... totally different. This movie was not only sweet, sad, and feel good, but really interesting. This movie had such an interesting take on time traveling in a realistic way.... as weird as that may sound. How could someone have anything of a normal life if they were forced to time travel? How could they have any relationship, job, family? This movie follows the meeting, dating, marriage, and life of a man that has the ability to time travel, but no control over it. I went in thinking there was going to be a little too much sexual moments, but it was fairly safe. There was a little bit of tushy... but other than that.. fairly clean.

Julie & Julia

I never knew much about the chef Julie Childs, but afterward this movie I wish I knew even more. This was a delightful movie that kept me smiling the whole time. The movie follows the true story of the self made chef Julie Child and a no-name government worker that wants to improve herself by forcing herself to follow through with one thing in life. Julia decides to cook all of Julie Child's recipes in a year.... 500 something recipes in 365 days. The movie goes back and forth in and out of their lives. Any scene with Meryl Streep was just wonderful and I found myself just entranced with her.

My Sister's Keeper

I just saw this one last night and all I can say is that I hope I never have to go through what this family did. This is the story of a family that has a child dying of cancer. The only way to help save their daughter Kate is to find a donor. So, mom and dad agreed to conceive a genetically perfect daughter, Anna, that could help donate what their other daughter Kate needed. Anna is asked to donate a kidney and she has come to a point where she wants a say in the matter and sues her parents. I can't say it was a feel good movie, but it definitely was a good movie. It pulls at your heart strings and also really makes you think about your own family. I don't know if I would recommend this movie for anyone who has gone through anything like this, I think it might be a little too real. I was a little disappointed that it didn't do better. And I never thought I would ever say this, but... Cameron Diaz is a really good actress. She did an amazing job as playing a mom with so much on her shoulders.

So, if you have been going through a movie dry spell, then hopefully a couple of these might give you the pick-me up you have been looking for.

Fred Claus

FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY
Well, last week I asked people for their family traditions during the holiday season so I could post them and help pass some along to other families, but unfortunately though....... there weren't enough. I was going to post the top 10, but so many people already had the same traditions that there were only about 3 to choose from. So, sorry that there weren't more to share, but hey... there is always next year. So, for this F.M.M. I am going to share something our family enjoyed.

Curtis and I Netflixed "Fred Claus" and I have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised. We thought that not only was it a nice Christmas movie, but very funny and cheery. "Fred Claus" is about the brother of Santa Claus; with poor Fred living in the shadow of his saintly brother Nick. Fred finds himself trying to forget the family he comes from and trying to make a name for himself. But soon Fred is needing a little bit of help and is forced to turned to his brother for it.

It was a cute movie and Vince Vaughn was pretty freakin' hysterical. Appropriate for most ages, rated PG and starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, and Kathy Bates.

Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so others can learn about F.M.M. and participate too.

Movie List Filled With Warm Fuzzies

I am such a movie freak, wait... what am I talking about... it isn't just me... it's my whole family, we are all a bunch of movie freaks. We could probably sit down at the dinner table and talk all in movie quotes.... sad? probably, yet it is stillll true :) I can definitely recall on more than one occasion where we have practically quoted that scene in, "While You Were Sleeping", where the whole family is at the table and everyone seems to be having their own conversation, even though no one is really listening. Um, wow... we sooo don't sound cool right now :)

But anyways, as you can tell, we are movie people. And since we are movie people I figured that I would post a list of some great feel-good movies that we love around here.

Secondhand Lions

This is one of my favorite movies, really cute, super clean, and you can't help but love all the characters. Michael Cain and Robert Duvall play the guardian to a sweet Haley Joel Osment who has, up till now, had a less than happy childhood. The movie is as charismatic as it is funny. This is a movie that I have watched over and over.

Rudy

Who didn't cry in Rudy!? Seriously! It still gets me every time when the players come in and each place their jersey on the coach's desk. This gripping true story of Rudy Ruettiger, a small town boy with no future, sets out to make something of himself and to accomplish his dream of playing football for Notre Dame, the whole time hearing "no" after "no". If you haven't seen this movie, then you must.

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About A Boy

I heard a lot of bad things about this movie, but my husband said he liked it, so we watched it. And I have to say... I liked it. It isn't a happy movie really, but a sad/happy/funny/painful coming of age story of Hugh Grant a man-boy who's life turns upside down when he meets a sad little boy who is in need of some company. It isn't one of the best movies I have seen, but one of those movies I have yet to get sick of. I still enjoy it every time.

The Mirror Has Two Faces

This is the best romantic movie that I have ever seen. Barbra Streisand directs this movie about a plain, frumpy, lovable woman named Rose, who has lived most of her life in her beautiful sister's shadow. Living her life constantly reminded about how plain she is, she finds a man, Greggory, played by Jeff Bridges, who believes sex has ruined his life, and has deliberately set out to find a woman with absolutely no sex appeal. So, when Rose and Greggory meet and become friends and Jeff figures a marriage built on mutual respect is better than one built on appeal and sex and Rose would rather be together than living alone. This movie is just amazing, I get goosebumps every time I see the ending. You will enjoy this truly sweet movie and even the interesting philosophy that arises throughout the movie.
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The Family Man

This is one of my husband's favorite movies. Nicolas Cage plays a cold empty business man who is interested in work, work, work. With a kind of "Its A Wonderful Life" twist Nicolas Cage losses his old life to find himself dumped in the middle of the suburbs, with a mini-van, and family. This heart melting story of this man trying to make himself be a good dad, husband, and neighbor is always a nice watch if you are looking for some warm and fuzzies.

Cinderella Man

Russel Crowe and Renee Zellweger play husband and wife in this true story about the boxer James Braddock; who is at the top of his game until the depression hit and he is left with nothing, but the fight to save his family. This struggling tale really shows you what matters in life, how you can be happy with nothing, and how much hope can help. Paul Giamatti plays Russel Crowe's manager and is as wonderful as ever. He has great pep talk after pep talk and can always make you chuckle.

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Adam Sandler plays a work-aholic dad that can't seem to understand how important family is. Spending his time constantly putting aside vacations, swim meets, camping trips, and even dinner time to try and rise in his company. Needing a break from his hectic life, he is given a remote control that can control his life. Unfortunately the remote starts to take over his life and Adam Sandler start to understand all he has been missing. This movie is a bit more scandalous, definitely more dirty humor than... lets say, The Family Man, but the movie still has a great message and my husband and I were both bawling like babies when we saw it in the theater.

Finding Neverland

Another true story of J.M. Barrie's (Johnny Depp), how he created the story Peter Pan, and his friendship with a family that seems to see the world has he does. His bond with the family is deepened as Barrie's wife starts to pull away and friends began to doubt his writing abilities. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet are just amazing in this calm true story of friendship and acceptance.

Hairspray

Now this is just a fun movie filled with fun characters, good music, and playful scenes. There are so many people to enjoy watching including Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken, and even James Marsden (cyclops in X-Men) is enjoyable and charming. The movie is filled with fun songs, silly scenes, and a good message of integration and acceptance.

Raising Helen

I don't know many who have seen this movie, but this is a "under the radar" good movie. Kate Hudson plays Helen, a woman who is living her dream life; working at a model agency, her days filled with fashion shows, night clubs, great looking men, and nothing holding her down. Unfortunately, her sister and brother-in-law die in a car accident and leave their children to her. Helen soon finds that her dream life is not the right life when it comes to raising children. She finds her life turned upside down, making mistake after mistake, trying to learn the ropes and reaching out for help. Her other sister Jenny (Joanne Cusack) is super-mom that tries to help out and pastor Dan (John Corbett - Big Fat Greek Wedding) tries to help Helen adjust to mommy hood.

Fun With Dick And Jane

Funny, funny, funny. We love this movie. Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni are great together as a husband and wife who lose everything. Dick (Jim Carrey) looses his job shortly after getting a promotion and has just convinced his wife Jane (Téa Leoni) to quit her job. With the money is gone, and the house ends up in foreclosure. Dick decides to turn to a hilarious life of crime to pay the bills with his wife by his side.

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Dan In Real Life

A heart wrenching story of lost, love, family, and trials is a great watch. Steve Carell plays Dan a widower and writer with three young girls who is trying to find the strength to continue through the day and be there for his girls. Dan and the girls pack up to head off to a family reunion, but while on his way, meets Maria a funny, sexy, intellectual woman that is the first woman who has caught Dan's eye. But unfortunately, Dan soon discovers that Maria is actually dating his brother. It's a dicey couple of days at the house as Dan can't keep his eyes off her and his brother is obviously falling in love with her as well. Tensions rise and family is tested in this heart warming movie.

What are some of your favorite warm and fuzzy movies?

Batman, The Dark Knight

Sorry I am getting so late to posting today, but I was out last night and didn't get home till LAAAATE so I never got a chance to post my Tuesday craft.... but have no fear, there is still a post to come.... but it is not a craft. It is a review of BATMAN!

Curtis and I went with some friends last night to see "Batman, The Dark Knight" and all I can say is ..... WOW. It was really REALLY good and I can say that because I didn't even really like the first Batman all that much.

This one is really dark and really eerie because of the Joker, which Heath Ledger does an amazing job as. I did get a bit creeped out and had to cover my eyes in a few parts just because I was sooooo intense, but again... it is still an amazing movie. But if you get bothered by darker movies, then this one might be a little much.... it was almost for me (but I am a complete weenie when it comes to this sort of thing). So, if you have been wanting to go see it.... SEE IT! It is definently worth it. :)

Baby Einstein DVDs

WFMW
I am a pretty anti-TV type of mom. My husband and I try not to watch too much; in fact, we don't even have cable. I mean, we do watch TV here and there, usually only for "The Office" and "Scrubs", but TV for my kid..... no no. I see so many children these days being glued to the TV set and that is something I refuse to let happen to my kids. Don't get me wrong, I am alllll up for letting them watch stuff here and there, but I have a limit. I am okay with our children (when they are old enough) to watch a Disney movie here and there, because who doesn't love watching "Aladdin" or "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"? But since Lucy is only 9 months old TV is not really something I want on while she is in the room.... well... except for Baby Einsteins.
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I am sure most of you have seen these, but for those of you who haven't heard of them, they are shows designed for children 3 months to about 2 years old to help teach them anything from, shapes, colors, animals, Bach, Beethoven, Shakespeare, to sign language. The DVDs use puppets, actors, toys, children, and cartoons to help teach. They even will teach things is several languages. Lucy has the "Baby da Vinci" and they help show and teach body parts in English, French, and Spanish. Lucy loves it, especially when they show the cute little puppets. I just recently got her one that plays music by Bach and one that teaches sign language.

Besides feeling that they are a nice way to show baby something new, since most of the time they see the inside of the house, they are a nice break for mom. I'm not saying put baby in front of Baby Einsteins as a babysitting tool, even though they are educational, but I do save them for when Lucy is acting up. If there is a certain day where she is just fussy and I can't help the situation, then the Baby Einsteins will help to educate and to calm her down. Since they are only 20 mins long, that is just enough time to settle her down and to give me a chance to finish what I was doing, whether it be dishes, cleaning, crafts, or blogging.

And if you don't have a baby in the house right now, but small children, then you will LOOOOOVE the Little Einsteins. This show is truly amazing! It is four sweet little kids running around trying to help someone or something with SOME kind of problem, but on the way they teach art, history, and music. There is always an artist and musician of the day. They are really enjoyable to watch, even as an adult, and I even learned a few things. These are really good, they air on the Disney channel and on the Sprouts channel sometimes.

These shows are really fun for kids and infants, plus I don't feel guilty about letting my Lucy watch them either... I am actually really excited for when she is old enough to watch Little Einsteins and learn about Von Gogh, Monet, and Chopin! They are also a little pricey; new they go for $19.99, but I have found them on Craigslist, Amazon, or at second hand stores for as low as 3-5 bucks. I did buy one brand new and have not regretted it, but I wouldn't go out and buy the whole collection for the original; having just one or two is good enough until they out grow them, which takes a while.

So, help your baby learn and experience something new and let them try out a Baby Einstein. (plus what mom doesn't enjoy a nice 20 min break)

Fung Fu Panda

WFMW

If you all are looking for a good movie... look no further. Curtis and I were celebrating one of my sister's birthdays, so we took her out to dinner and a movie... and what can I say, we saw Kung Fu Panda and it was... HYSTERICAL! Really truly funny. It had all three of us belly laughing in the theater and I don't want to be cheesy too, but it had a few good messages like, believing in your self and have faith... just all around good stuff.

Jack Black was just wonderful and if you didn't like him before, you will like him now. It will be hard for me not to think of him as a big ol' lovable panda from now own.

So whether you are a minivan mom, a college child, or a burly woodsman... you will like this movie. And for all of you out there who already know this, all I can say is, "Skadoosh" :)

Horatio Hornblower

WFMW

I like movies and there are even a bit out there that I can watch over and over again. But there are only a few flicks that can make me get just as excited as the first time I saw them; and if you have seen the Horatio Hornblower movies, then you understand.

A&E several years ago filmed a made-for-tv series of the novels written by C.S. Forester, and well, they are just amazing. Besides being filled with adventure, honor, and passion.... Horatio is simply... well, yummy! :) There is nothing like sitting down after a long day, curling up with some popcorn and watching hours of a dreamy lookin' guy fighting for honor and bravery. He is the best of what good men should be and everything you like to see in a human.

These movies tell the adventures and life of Horatio Hornblower, who is a sweet humble guy that is out to work hard and always ready to prove himself. The story takes place the early 1800's right around Napoleon's time. The British and french are constantly fighting and they are either trying to stop Napoleon or help end the french revolution.

We have introduce these movies to several families and we have all loved them. Not many people have seen these, but there is a strong following. A&E has been selling the complete box set for a little while now. I have seen them on Amazon for around $37 and the A&E website for $39. But if these are a little too pricey for you, you can rent them from Netflicks, they have all 8 of the discs.

So if you are ready for a good fella that loves sailing the high seas and can make McDreamy look dreary... then check out Horatio Hornblower, you wont be disappointed.

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And p.s. .... the hubby will love it too... well, hopefully not for the same reason we women do :)

Night of Narnia and Darth Vadar

Here it is, 1:00 A.M and my hubby and I just came walking in the door. Party animals; I know! We just came back from seeing "Prince Caspian"... and it was good. When it started off... you kind of get thinking, "Is this going to be as good as Narnia?", but it is. It is different and MUCH darker than the first.... but still really good. I would consider maybe leaving some younger children behind... most of the movie is fighting and murder. I.. um.. may have gotten a tad... a bit... teary eyed during it too. What can I say.... I am a total cry baby :) But be prepared, this movie is LONG, almost 3 hours and worth the time. So, instead of me posting some wonderful tid-bit of information, I am going to leave you all with a nice hardy chuckle because I am tired and my poor husband is falling asleep on the couch while he waits for me to finish... so for his sake, I need to be brief... enjoy :)

Sky High Fun

Family Moment Monday

These days I find it hard to find a good family friendly movie. Movies most of the time are not super appropriate for children ooooor the movie is so mind-numbingly boring that you are tempted to jam a pen in your eye to get out of watching it. So, when I stumble across one that is family friendly and we like.... we go crazy. One of our favorite family movies is "Sky High" is cute coming of age story in the world of superheroes. Will Stronghold, the main character, is the son of the two most famous superheroes ever. He and his friends are starting superhero school and not only have to deal with learning their powers and place in the world, like being a superhero or side kick, but bullying and handling their powers.

It is surprisingly a very cute movie, entertaining for all, and actually pretty funny... we definitely got a few good chuckles out of it. With characters names like Warren Peace, gym class consisting of saving the citizens, and having the kids be trained in being super heros or side kicks there are bound to get some nice giggles. Well, we liked it enough that we don't even have kids old enough to enjoy it and we still watch it. So, just remember if you are needing a cute movie for the kids, but want to keep your sanity try popping in "Sky High".

And here we are with Mr. Linky! I have finally figured it out and have it posted, well.. duh... I guess you don't need to be told that... you all can see it! :) But if you are wanting to participate in Family Moment Monday (family activties, lessons you want your children to learn, or activities your family does to bond) then go ahead and post with Mr. Linky. If you are wanting to participate next week then plan ahead... or if you would like me to remind you then email me and I will remind you on Sunday about Family Moment Monday!

Movie Ratings For Kids

When it comes to what Curtis and I watch on TV or in the movies, we have guidelines. Not just for our selves, but for our children as well. Okay, so we only have 1 kid and she is only 6 months, but we are planning our rules and guidelines for all those future kids. We do this because I feel pretty strongly about movie ratings. I believe that if Hollywood can actually stand up and say that they feel no one under 13 should see that movie, then we probably shouldn't. I don't know about you, but I don't think Hollywood usually sends the best messages and standards, so if they have set a bar then I think that I should at least follow their standards.

But their is still problems with Hollywoods ratings because certain kids are more mature or certain movies really aren't rated fairly. Like "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" it is rated PG-13, but still written for younger children. Would I let my kids under 13 see it, probably, because it is PG-13 for adult concepts such as fighting for your life and witchcraft type fighting scenes, not nudity and swearing. The movie doesn't have any sex, drug use, or horrible language.

It is hard for parents to decide what a child should see when the movie industry can lump movies like, "Harry Potter", "Austin Powers", and "I Am Ledgand" all into the same catergory. Austin Powers has sexual jokes and contant filled throughout the movie, but then I Am Ledgend would give some children nightmares. So, Hollywood has set their standards and yet, they are still sometimes off. So how does a parent help keep their children away from seeing filth, but at the same time letting your little angels (sometimes devils) enjoy movies and slowly start letting them see movies more age appropriate? Well, I have an awnser for you...... http://www.kids-in-mind.com/.

Curtis and I love this website. It is completely free and allows adults to go online and see why each movie was given its rating. It break everything down into three main standards; sex & nudity, violence & gore, and profanity. An individual can sit down and see exactly how many swear words, which ones even mild words like idiot. What kind of nudity, everything from cleavage in a low cut shirt to how graphic a love scene. Every movie is profiled by these categories with a scale of 1-10 and a written explanation in detail. At the bottom of the movie page, they have even posted a summary of the message behind the movie and what you can learn from it.

We have even used this website for ourselves many times to help us avoid some of the movies that we might not want to see. So, if you are a parent, wife, husband or even just an individual that has been wanting to be more informed about what you and your family is viewing, simple go to Kids In Mind and check out the flick for your self.

Netflicks Came A-Knockin'

My husband and I have finally hopped on the Netflicks band-wagon. The house we are living in right now does not have cable and our boxes are nowhere near arriving. We saw a free trail offer for Netflicks and so we figured why not. I guess we also had the option of maybe reading more and picking up some more hobbies, but we didn't, we went the lazier route :)


Netflicks has this option where it will give you a suggestion of movies you might like based upon movies that you have rated, so to help them know your viewing pleasured. But the only problem with this, at least for us, was that we had seen most of the movies that they had suggested. So we were on a hunt for some fun new movies. And this is where we pass the help on to you all.




We just rented a cute little movie called "Miss. Potter" which is the true story of Beatrix Potter the author and illustrator of the childrens book Peter Cottontail. I hadn't really heard anything about it, but it happened to be a pleasant surprise. We were in the mood for just a simple, feel good movie and it was. All we were missing was a warm cup of coco for the evening to help the warm and fuzzies.....yea yea...I know! I need to get over missing my Hot Chocolate Maker, but I only have a month or so left of hot chocolate season and it is slowly ticking away.


So if you happen to be a fan of Sense and Sensibility, Emma, or any other Jane Austinish movies filled with cute witty lines, I think you might enjoy this little flick.