Guardians of the Galaxy: Our Review, Why We Took Our Daughter, and Her Thoughts

My husband grew up as a Marvel comic book fan, so he has been thrilled with the recent Marvel movies. About 2 years ago we began to introduce our daughter to the movies and she is mostly caught up (except for the Toby Maguire Spiderman series). We started our daughter on the movies by watching them at home and worked our way up to the theater with Iron Man 3. Until this spring, we watched the movies first (rated PG-13) and then made a decision. With Captain America, Amazing Spider Man 2, and X-Men Days of Future Past (also rated PG-13) this spring we felt confident enough with the past films in those series to let her watch the movie without watching them first.

However, with Guardians of the Galaxy which opened on Friday, we were less certain that the film would be one we would let her see based on my husband's knowledge of the comic having more adult themes. So, my husband and I wanted to watch the movie before letting her see it. Fortunately, Disney invited me and a guest (my husband) to a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy last week so we were able to determine whether our daughter could see the movie.

For background on Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel provided the following synopsis and information:

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy's fate in the balance. Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which first appeared in comic books in Marvel Super-Heroes, Issue #18 (Jan. 1969), stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector. James Gunn is the director of the film with Kevin Feige, p.g.a., producing. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” is written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman and releases in U.S. theaters on August 1, 2014.

Catch the extended first look below:

My husband and I loved the movie and the way that it continues the Marvel tradition of combining laughs with the action. Guardians of the Galaxy has a run-time of 2:01. The movie was very tight and did not suffer from the bloat that bogs down some movies with longer run times. If anything, the movie could have been a few minutes longer to include a little more backstory on some of the characters or more screen time for the villains. Unlike Loki in Thor/Avengers, the villains, particularly Thanos, suffered from a lack of development/screen time. I can only hope that this is a teaser to a larger role for Thanos in a future movie. While Guardians of The Galaxy is the movie least connected to the other movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it contains a couple of nods to previous movies, particularly as we meet The Collector (who was introduced in a post-credit scene in Thor: The Dark World). Since my husband and I both grew up in the '80s,  it was fun to see Quill's references to '80s music, decor, and pop-culture (he left Earth in 1988). My only disappointment was how they left things with The Collector as I had unanswered questions. When we initially saw the movie at the screening, the post-credit scene was not included so I was hopeful that it would resolve some of my lingering questions (I heard it was not included in most of the advance screenings, even the premiere). We took our daughter to see the movie at a regular showing and did see the post-credits scene. While the post-scene involved The Collector, it did not answer my lingering questions.

Guardians of the Galaxy is rated PG-13 and after evaluating it at a screening, we decided to allow our daughter to see the movie. The violence is in-line with the other Marvel movies (The Avengers, The Amazing Spider Man, X-Men Days of Future Past). With the lighter tone of the Marvel movies, the violence is more comic-book than gory (as compared to the DC movies such as Batman Begins and Dark Knight which have a darker, bleaker tone and the violence is more real despite also having a PG-13 rating). The language in Guardians of the Galaxy is a bit coarser than in a movie like Captain America or Spider Man, but less than Space Balls (PG rated) which we recently watched. I also found the sexual content to be less than the Iron Man series. For some children, the beginning of the movie may be disturbing as Peter Quill's mother is dying from cancer. Since we didn't get to see the post-credit scene at the screening, I am glad that we saw the movie again with our daughter. Our screening of Guradians of the Galaxy was in 3D and I do recommend that. However, we saw a 2D showing this weekend in part because my daughter isn't always fond of wearing 3D glasses over her regular glasses.

My daughter loved the movie and is now talking of being Rocket for Halloween. Her comment was: "It was the best Marvel movie since The Avengers". She also liked Groot. My daughter really hates long boring sections of movie (aka plot bloat), so she really appreciated the tightness of Guardians of the Galaxy. She also enjoys the humorous side of the movie and even the fun music.

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While you will pay a service fee, it may be worth having your tickets in advance if you will be attending a crowded evening show. I know we often make a special trip to the theater to buy the tickets in advance particularly if we are on a tight time schedule, so the service fee would be worth saving the trip.

"Alice in Wonderland: Through The Looking Glass" and "A Wrinkle in Time" Movie News

Earlier this week I received a press-release about the beginning of filming "Alice in Wonderland Through The Looking Glass".  The movie is a sequel to the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland and featuring many returning characters has started primary filming for release on May 27, 2016. The press release is at the bottom of the post.

The other upcoming movie I read about last night was "A Wrinkle in Time". The movie is still in development with Frozen director/co-writer starting work on the adaptation of Madeline L'Engle's 1962 book. Ironically on Monday, I had checked "A Wrinkle in Time" out of the Library for my 8 year old daughter to read. I remember loving the book (and the sequels) as a child.

DISNEY’S “ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS” KICKS OFF PRODUCTION WITH AWARD-WINNING CAST & PRODUCTION TEAM

Filmmakers Return to Beloved Stories of Lewis Carroll for

All-New Adventure to Underland and Beyond

BURBANK, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2014) – Disney’s “Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass” begins principal photography this week, featuring an award-winning production team and all-star ensemble cast, including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen. James Bobin (“The Muppets,” “Muppets Most Wanted”) helms the film, which revisits Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories with an all-new new tale that travels back to Underland—and back in Time. “Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass” is produced by Joe Roth (“Maleficent,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Jennifer Todd (“Alice In Wonderland,” “Memento”), Suzanne Todd (“Alice In Wonderland,” “Memento”) and Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Frankenweenie”). John G. Scotti (“Muppets Most Wanted,” “The Muppets”) is the executive producer; Linda Woolverton (“Maleficent,” “Alice In Wonderland,” “Beauty and the Beast”) penned the screenplay. Shooting on location and at Shepperton Studios in England, the film is slated for release on May 27, 2016.

The all-star ensemble cast includes:
Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Alice In Wonderland,” “Mortdecai,” “Black Mass”) returns to the big screen as the Mad Hatter—Hatter Tarrant Hightopp.
Anne Hathaway (“Les Misérables,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Alice In Wonderland,” “Rachel’s Getting Married”) portrays the White Queen—Mirana.
Mia Wasikowska (“Tracks,” “Jane Eyre” and “Alice In Wonderland”) once again appears as Alice Kingsleigh, who’s on a quest to help the Mad Hatter.
Helena Bonham Carter (“Cinderella,” “Les Misérables,” “Alice In Wonderland”) returns as the Red Queen—Iracebeth.
Rhys Ifans (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I,” “Nanny McPhee Returns,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”) fills the shoes of Zanik Hightopp, the Mad Hatter’s father.
Matt Lucas (“The Labrynth,” “Alice In Wonderland”) returns to the revelry in a dual role as Tweedledee and Tweedledum.
Ed Speleers (TV’s “Downton Abbey,” “Eragon”) portrays James Harcourt in the film.
And Sacha Baron Cohen (“Hugo,” “Les Misérables”) was called on to bring Time to the big screen.

“Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass” also boasts an extraordinary voice cast.
Stephen Fry (“24: Live Another Day,” “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” “Alice In Wonderland”) is back as the voice of the Cheshire Cat.
Toby Jones (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Infamous,” “The Girl”) provides the voice of Wilkins.
Alan Rickman (“Harry Potter” film series, “Alice In Wonderland,” director/actor/co-writer “A Little Chaos”) returns as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar.
Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” Parts 1 & 2, “Alice In Wonderland,” “The Queen,” “Frost Nixon”) once again serves as the voice of the White Rabbit.
Timothy Spall (“Mr. Turner,” “The Kings Speech,” “Harry Potter,” “Alice In Wonderland”) returns to voice Bayard.
BAFTA-winning actor, writer and comedian Paul Whitehouse (BBC’s “Harry and Paul’s Story of the 2s” and “The Fast Show”; “Alice In Wonderland,” “Corpse Bride”) is back as the March Hare.
Barbara Windsor (“Carry On,” “EastEnders,” “Alice In Wonderland”) provides the voice of Dormouse again.

The film welcomes back several key members of the “Alice In Wonderland” team, including award-winning composer Danny Elfman (“Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Big Eyes,” Silver Linings Playbook”), three-time Oscar®-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Chicago”), who won Oscar, BAFTA and Satellite awards, among others, for her work on “Alice In Wonderland,” and five-time Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Ken Ralston (“Forrest Gump,” “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”), who won a Satellite Award for best visual effects for “Alice In Wonderland.”

Bobin’s award-winning production team also includes Oscar®-winning production designer Dan Hennah (“King Kong,” “The Hobbit” trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Oscar for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), and Stuart Dryburgh (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” Oscar nomination for “The Piano”) as director of photography. The film welcomes Oscar-winning make-up and hair designer Peter King (“Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,” Oscar nominee for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”), and Oscar winner Neil Corbould (“Gravity,” “Gladiator”) is special effects supervisor. Andrew Weisblum (“Noah,” Oscar nominee “Black Swan”) is editor.

Star Wars Light Saber Cake

My daughter wanted a Star Wars birthday party. Even though she likes brownies and not cake, she always wants a decorated cake as well as her brownies. So, I am usually perfectly content to buy a store bought cake since I know that I'll be making her brownies anyway. When we browsed the cakes at our local stores, the Star Wars themed cakes were mostly The Clone Wars themed which she was ver clear that she did not want.

One idea that I had was an R2-D2 cake. My mom had made my brother one in the early 80s. You start with a 13x9 cake and round the corners of one short end to make the dome and use those for feet at the bottom. Frost in white icing and add decorations (mostly blue), to match R2-D2

However, when I searched Pinterest, I found Light Saber Cakes. I was intrigued. Even better, I could combine my daughter's requested brownies into the cake as the handles for the lightsabers.

To start, I baked a 13x9 sheet cake and a 9x9 brownies. I used a box cake mix for the cake and my homemade brownie recipe. When making your brownies, make sure you use a recipe that is sized for a 9x9 pan. I used my 13x9 recipe and it did not bake well in the 9x9 pan. Next time, I would either use a box mix for a 9x9 pan or make a 13x9 pan and not use all of the brownies in the light sabers.

Once your cake and brownies are baked, allow them to cool completely. Select your light saber colors (my daughter chose red, blue, and green). I asked about a purple for Mace Windu, but she wanted the red, blue, and green.

Slide your 13x9 cake into 3 strips that are 13" long and approximately 3" wide each. These will be the blades of your light sabers. Slice the brownies into 3 strips that are 3" wide and 9" long. These will be the hilts of the lightsabers.

You will need to find a long board to hold your cakes (each light saber is ~22" long). I have a panel scrap from our family room built in that is the perfect length. I cover it in wax paper and two layers of foil. You could also use sturdy cardboard as your base.

Prepare your icing. I used homemade buttercream icing following the Domino Sugar recipe (made a batch and a half). However, any white based icing including store-bought would work. I split my icing into 3 equal amounts (light saber blades) and two smaller amounts (black and white). To dye my icing, I purchased the Wilton gel colors in red, green, and black. I used standard food coloring for the blue. The gel coloring will allow you to obtain more vibrant colors without using so much food coloring that you alter the taste and consistency of your icing. (Tip: Use the black very sparingly.)

Frost each cake section (tip: Freeze the cake sections for up to 30 minutes to reduce crumbling of the cut edges as you ice them). I find it easiest to frost one side and the top before placing them in position on the board. For the two that have a non-cut edge, I find it easiest for this to be the last side to frost as it does not crumble as much.

Place the brownies on the board. Use a small amount of icing under the brownie to anchor them in place. When I looked at my daughter's light sabers I noticed they all had different designs on the hilt, so I used a variety of Xs, stripes, etc in black. I also used a little bit of white at the base and to form the button.

Finally, I added "Happy 8th Birthday" in icing writing on the board below the light sabers. Trust me, this is why you want your brownies anchored...I didn't anchor them with icing and they slid into my writing as soon as I moved the cake. Fortunately I moved it right away and still had icing to redo the writing.

The cake was a big hit! The kids who prefer cake got cake, those who preferred brownies got brownies. With 13 kids and some parents, the cake was almost completely gone. It is a good thing that I had both the cake and brownie. Having the cake width already cut in thirds, it was very easy to cut the cake at the party.

Frozen Sing-Along Comes to Theaters Tomorrow

Have you seen Disney's Frozen yet? My daughter was originally disappointed that our trip to Walt Disney World interfered with the Frozen screenings that we were invited to. However, she was more than thrilled that she got to meet Anna and Elsa at Walt Disney World.

After that meeting, she decided that she wanted an Anna costume. Since we don't have a local DisneyStore, we ordered one online. She has had many Disney costumes over the years (including Disney Parks, Disney Store, and versions sold in toy stores). Without a doubt, I would say that the Disney Store version of the Anna costume is the one that has impressed me the most. Sadly, it is probably her last Disney Princess costume as she now wears a 10 - the largest size the costumes are available in.

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After returning from our trip, we saw the movie on Opening Weekend and we both loved it. Over Christmas, my daughter enjoyed singing along to the Frozen Soundtrack with her cousins. I have already pre-ordered Frozen (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy) from Amazon which will be released on March 18, 2014. You can also preorder a digital copy of the movie through iTunes for a February 25, 2014 release. We have also bought the Frozen Soundtrack for her to listen to (from Amazon or Frozen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Various Artists on iTunes).

My daughter is going to be so excited to hear that there is a Sing-Along version of Frozen coming to theaters beginning tomorrow. We attended a Sing Along Screening of The Little Mermaid at one of our local theaters two years ago and she loved it.

The press release below has more information on the Sing-Along version.

FANS GET IN ON THE ACT:

ALL-NEW SING-ALONG VERSION OF DISNEY’S “FROZEN” HITS THEATERS NATIONWIDE JAN. 31, 2014

Moviegoer Response to Film’s Original Songs Triggers Sing-Along Experience in More Than 1000 Theaters

BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014) – “Frozen” audiences are invited to join the act—literally—as more than 1000 theaters nationwide introduce an all-new sing-along version of Disney’s Oscar®-nominated, Golden Globe®-winning big-screen adventure beginning Jan. 31, 2014.

“‘Frozen’ fans have embraced the film’s original songs and its soundtrack with such passion—there are countless YouTube videos from people singing songs like ‘Let It Go’—we decided to create a version that would celebrate that enthusiasm,” said Dave Hollis, executive vice president, theatrical distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s a great opportunity for families to get together and have some fun with these songs.”

According to Hollis, on-screen lyrics and a magical bouncing snowflake will accompany select showings; moviegoers can check local listings for showtimes and theaters. The duration of the sing-along run will vary by theater.

Disney’s “Frozen” received two Oscar® nominations, including best animated feature and best original song (“Let It Go”). Named best animated film by more than a dozen critics associations, the film won a Golden Globe® for best animated feature, two Critics Choice Movie Awards, including best animated feature and best song (“Let It Go”), and a Producers Guild of America Award for outstanding animated feature.

In wide release since November 27, the film posted the No. 1 all-time Thanksgiving debut and the largest opening ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film. “Frozen,” WDAS’ 53rd feature film, has earned more than $773 million worldwide, including $337` million domestically. The film’s soundtrack was No. 1 in the Billboard top 200 for two straight weeks.

At Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, the “Frozen” sing-along version includes on-stage appearances from the movie’s Elsa prior to each showing, plus snow flurries inside the theater. Showtimes are at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

On Digital HD & 3D Feb. 25 and Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & On-Demand March 18, the in-home version of “Frozen” promises continued family fun with a blizzard of never-before-seen bonus extras to complement the film’s gorgeous animation, memorable characters and unforgettable music.

ABOUT THE MOVIE
Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), who also wrote the screenplay. It is produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring original songs from Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Winnie the Pooh”) and Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”), and an original score by Christophe Beck (“The Muppets,” Oscar®-winning short “Paperman”), “Frozen” opened in theaters nationwide on Nov. 27, 2013. Accompanying “Frozen” is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Get A Horse!” With Walt Disney himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse, the all-new short features Mickey, his favorite gal pal Minnie Mouse and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical haywagon ride. For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation.

In the meantime, get ready for the Sing Along version with this multi-lingual version of Elsa singing "Let it Go"

New Trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier

It's almost my daughter's bedtime, but we have one more thing to do before bed...watch the trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier which debuted today. My daughter is hoping to see Black Widow in the trailer.

Disclaimer: The information in this post was provided to me by Walt Disney Studios to share with my readers. I have not been compensated for sharing this information.

The new poster for Captain America: The Winter Soldier was released earlier this week:

Learn More about Captain America: The Winter Soldier in the release below:

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
MARVEL STUDIOS
Website and Mobile site:
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Genre: Action-Adventure
Rating: TBD
U.S. Release date: April 4, 2014
Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, Hayley Atwell with Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
Producer: Kevin Feige
Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Alan Fine, Stan Lee
Screenplay by: Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (credit not final)


After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1941, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is produced by Kevin Feige, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp and Hayley Atwell, with Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

In Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Steve Rogers teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.

FREE Monsters University Craft at JoAnn Fabric

This weekend all* Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores will celebrate the upcoming release of Monsters University on Blu-ray, DVD, and HD Digital (Tuesday, October 29) with a Monsters University themed Simple Sunday Make It-Take It project. Kids will create Monsters University themed puppets. The event will begin at 2p and continue until supplies run out or 3p (whichever comes first).

Sounds like a fun event! My daughter loved Monsters University when we saw it in theaters. We are looking forward to watching it again at home with my husband who was not able to attend the screening that we attended. Amazon has great prices on the preorders. I love preordering my movies from Amazon. With their pre-order price guarantee and delivery with Prime, I know that I will get a great deal.

Ad:

 

Read the press release below for more details:

Jo-Ann invites you to celebrate the release of Disney • Pixar’s Monsters University

Free Make It-Take It event October 20 at all Jo-Ann stores nationwide

HUDSON, OHIO – Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty retailer in America, is hosting a free Simple Sunday Make It-Take It event on October 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at all Jo-Ann stores nationwide* to celebrate the release of Disney • Pixar’s Monsters University available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and HD Digital October 29.

“We are excited to partner with Disney • Pixar to celebrate the Blu-ray and HD Digital release of Monsters University with this free Make It-Take It event for crafty fans,” said Beth Shivak, manager of special events for Jo-Ann. “Kids will love these puppets inspired by the characters’ time on the campus of Monsters University.”

During the Simple Sunday event on October 20, fans of the popular series can create their own Monsters University themed puppets with the help of Jo-Ann Team Members. The event will last as long as supplies do, or until 3 p.m. – so come early!

Simple Sundays provide an opportunity for crafting and sewing enthusiasts to learn firsthand about the foundation of the Creativity Made Simple campaign: simple solutions to creativity. The simple solutions to creativity are simple skills, simple supplies, simple steps and simple shopping.

To learn more about Creativity Made Simple, including an entire list of this year’s Simple Sunday events, visit Joann.com/creativitymadesimple/.

Creativity Made Simple was developed to support the Craft and Hobby Association’s CRE8TIME movement. CRE8TIME is a movement designed to help people recover eight hours a month and devote it to their particular craft, and to create a place for them to share their experiences. You can learn more about CRE8TIME at CRE8TIME.org.

To find the Jo-Ann store nearest you, use the store locator on Joann.com.

About Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft retailer with locations in 49 states, was founded in 1943 as a single retail store. Today, more than 800 Jo-Ann stores across the country provide consumers all the fabrics, craft supplies and inspiration they need, conveniently under one roof. For additional information, visit Joann.com. To make creative connections, visit Joann.com/community.

About The Walt Disney Studios
For nearly 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Disney|Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

*Except Paramus, NJ, and other stores closed on Sundays.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and am compensated for sales through Amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Thor: The Treasures of Asgard - Win a Trip to Disneyland

My daughter loves the Marvel Super Hero movies and is getting excited for the release of Thor: The Dark World on November 8. This weekend we re-watched Thor and are planning to re-watch the Avengers before the movie releases. Our schedule over the next few weeks is pretty busy so we wanted to make sure we had time to watch both movies.

Disclaimer: I was provided with the clip, poster, and synopsis by Walt Disney Studios. I have not been compensated for posting this information.

As part of the promotion for Thor: The Dark World, Disneyland Park is opening the new experience Thor: The Treasures of Asgard on November 1. The new experience will be located at Innoventions in Magic Kingdom and will feature treasures from Asgard and a meet & greet character experience with Thor. My daughter is going to be so jealous that this is at Disneyland since we have an upcoming Walt Disney World Trip planned.

For 24 hours beginning at noon today, you will have the opportunity to win one of 2 family vacations for 4 people to Disneyland on October 26 for the opening of Thor: The Treasures of Asgard. Your trip will include 4-day park tickets.

The contest is super easy to enter. You just have to visit the Thor page on Facebook and answer the following question in the comments of the sweeps post (I'll link the post when it goes live): Who would you travel with if you had the chance to go to Asgard:  #Thor or #Loki? Full rules and details will be on the Thor Facebook page. It appears there will be one winner for each response.

Don't forget to watch the newest trailer:



The official boilerplate summary is below:

Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano and Jaimie Alexander with Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” is directed by Alan Taylor, produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., from a story by Don Payne and Robert Rodat and screenplay by Christopher L. Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and is based on Marvel’s classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book “Journey into Mystery “ #83 in August, 1962.

“Thor: The Dark World” is presented by Marvel Studios. The executive producers are Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Craig Kyle, Alan Fine, Nigel Gostelow and Stan Lee. The film releases November 8, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

New Clip for Thor: The Dark World

My family is starting to get excited for the November release of Thor: The Dark World on November 8. This weekend we re-watched Thor and are planning to re-watch the Avengers before the movie releases. Our schedule over the next few weeks is pretty busy so we wanted to make sure we had time to watch both movies.

Disclaimer: I was provided with the clip, poster, and synopsis by Walt Disney Studios. I have not been compensated for posting this information.

 The new clip:


My daughter will be happy to see Loki and have more information about his role in the new movie. She was confused with one clip where it looked like he was a "good guy".

The official boilerplate summary is below:

Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano and Jaimie Alexander with Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” is directed by Alan Taylor, produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., from a story by Don Payne and Robert Rodat and screenplay by Christopher L. Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and is based on Marvel’s classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book “Journey into Mystery “ #83 in August, 1962.

“Thor: The Dark World” is presented by Marvel Studios. The executive producers are Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Craig Kyle, Alan Fine, Nigel Gostelow and Stan Lee. The film releases November 8, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

New Frozen Poster & Clip

My daughter gets excited every time she sees a clip or picture from Frozen. I wanted to share the new poster and clip released this week.

Disclaimer: Information in this post was provided to me by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. I have not been compensated for sharing this information.

With the new poster we are getting a glimpse of the characters:

The new trailer provides more information on the story and characters compared to the teaser which just  featured the snowman Olaf and reindeer Sven.

The following boilerplate was provided by Walt Disney Studios:

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” is in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013. For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation.

Live Action Cinderella to Hit Theaters in March 2015

Somehow I missed the original announcement  about a Disney's live-action production of Cinderella. I am excited about the film and can't wait to see how it turns out.  Learn more about the movie and see a first-look picture.

Disclaimer: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures provided me with the information and image to share with my readers. I have not been compensated for posting this information.

DISNEY’S LIVE ACTION “CINDERELLA” BEGINS PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN LONDON

Starring Lily James, Richard Madden, Academy Award®-winner Cate Blanchett and Oscar®-nominee Helena Bonham Carter and Directed by Academy Award®-nominee Kenneth Branagh

Burbank, Calif. (September 23, 2013)—Walt Disney Pictures announced today that principal photography has begun at Pinewood Studios in London, on “Cinderella,” Disney’s first-ever live action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale.

Directed by Academy Award®-nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Jack Ryan,” “Thor”), the film stars Lily James (“Downton Abbey,” “Wrath of the Titans”) in the title role, Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones,” “Birdsong”) as the Prince, Oscar®-winner Cate Blanchett (“The Aviator”) as the infamous stepmother Lady Tremaine, and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham Carter (“The King’s Speech,” “Alice in Wonderland”) as the Fairy Godmother. Holliday Grainger (“Great Expectations,” “Anna Karenina”) and Sophie McShera (“Downton Abbey,” “Waterloo Road”) play Ella’s stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella, respectively. Stellan Skarsgård (“The Avengers,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) and Nonso Anozie (“Game of Thrones,” “The Grey”) play the Arch Grand Duke and the Prince’s loyal friend, the Captain. Tony® Award-winner Derek Jacobi portrays the King.

“Cinderella” is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: First Class,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”), David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” “Jack Ryan”), from a screenplay by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

The filmmaking team includes three-time Academy Award-winning production designer Dante Ferretti (“The Aviator,” “Hugo,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell (“The Aviator,” “The Young Victoria,” “Shakespeare in Love”), director of photography Haris Zambarloukos (“Sleuth,” “Thor”) and Academy Award-winning editor Martin Walsh (“Chicago,” “Clash of the Titans”).

The timeless story of “Cinderella” dates back to 1697 when first created by Charles Perrault, although it truly came to life for millions all over the world in 1950 with Walt Disney’s celebrated animated feature.

Director Kenneth Branagh says: “It is impossible to think of Cinderella without thinking of Disney and the timeless images we’ve all grown up watching. And those classic moments are irresistible to a filmmaker. With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, wit, fun and physical grace. Her Prince is being played by Richard Madden, a young actor with incredible power and charisma. He is funny, smart and sexy and a great match for Cinderella.”

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming “Kit.” Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Production on “Cinderella” will take place at Pinewood Studios and locations throughout England.

“Cinderella” will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13, 2015.

Trailer & Poster from Disneynature's Bears

Disneynature is releasing Bears on April 18, 2014. Today, they shared the poster and trailer with me and asked me to share them with my readers. They have also shared details of the See "Bears", Protect Our National Parks program.

With the SEE "BEARS", PROTECT OUR NATIONAL PARKS, Disneynature will make a contribution to National Parks Foundation (the official charity of America's National Parks) through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

The official boilerplate on the movie and more about Disneynature:

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE: In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf pack. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska! Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee”) and Keith Scholey (“African Cats”), “Bears” arrives in theaters April 18, 2014, to celebrate Earth Day. For more information about Disneynature, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature.

ABOUT DISNEYNATURE: Disneynature was launched in April 2008. Its mission is to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories on the big screen in order to engage, inspire and educate theatrical audiences everywhere. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. The first four Disneynature films, “Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee,” are four of the top five highest overall grossing feature-length nature films to date, with “Chimpanzee” garnering a record-breaking opening weekend for the genre. Disney’s commitment to conservation is a key pillar of the label and Disneynature films empower the audience to help make a difference. Through donations tied to opening-week attendance for all four films, Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, has planted three million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, established 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas, protected 65,000 acres of savanna in Kenya, protected nearly 130,000 acres of wild chimpanzee habitat, educated 60,000 school children about chimpanzee conservation and cared for chimpanzees. For more information about Disneynature, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature.

Disclaimer: The information provided above was provided by Walt Disney Studios. I have not been compensated for sharing this information with you.

Muppets Most Wanted Teaser Trailer Released

Are you a big Muppets fan? We loved The Muppets when it was released in November 2011. The sequel to The Muppets is coming out in March.

The teaser trailer was just released:


Below is the official movie boilerplate:

Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon. Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” is directed by James Bobin and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Bobin co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller, who is also executive producer with John G. Scotti. Featuring music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, “Muppets Most Wanted” hits the big screen March 21, 2014. For more information, visit Disney.com/Muppets, like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/Muppets, and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/MuppetsStudio.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and am compensated for sales through Amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Disney Planes Opens Today

Disney's latest movie Planes opens today. We were unable to attend a screening of the movie since we were on vacation in Toronto and Niagara Falls over the past week when the screenings were held.

However, I want to share a few reviews of the movie on blogs that I follow:
Mrs Weber's Neighborhood
Yes/No Films
The Disney Blog

The consensus seems to be that the movie is a little slow to start and that it picks up speed as it goes on. The kids should enjoy the film, so it is worth seeing.


Here is the trailer:

Disney has two online games available:

• FlewTube Website with Videos featuring
• Recipes
• Aerogami
• RC & Model Planes
• Meet the Characters Clips
• More
• Online Game -Propwash Pursuit
• Online Game - Jetstream Racers

Thor: The Dark World Poster Released

Our family is big fans of the Avengers movies that have been released. We just finished watching the last of the movies with our daughter. She is now looking forward to the Phase 2 movies which started with The Avengers and continue with Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers 2.

Earlier this week my husband and I were watching Disney XD (Pirates of the Caribbean was on) and at the breaks they had a Fandom segment that discussed Phase 2 of the Avengers films. One film we had not seen confirmed prior to this was Ant-Man which is now scheduled for 2015. My daughter loves Ant-Man (and Wasp) who she learned about in the Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes cartoon that previously aired on Disney XD. She was very excited to hear that they are making Ant-Man.

Disclaimer: Information and Images below was provided by Walt Disney Studios for me to share with my readers. I have not been compensated for sharing this information.

Walt Disney Studios has released the new poster for Thor: The Dark World.



The official movie boilerplate is below:

Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.


Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano and Jaimie Alexander with Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” is directed by Alan Taylor, produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., from a story by Don Payne and Robert Rodat and screenplay by Christopher L. Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and is based on Marvel’s classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book “Journey into Mystery “ #83 in August, 1962.


“Thor: The Dark World” is presented by Marvel Studios. The executive producers are Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Craig Kyle, Alan Fine, Nigel Gostelow and Stan Lee. The film releases November 8, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Lowe's Build & Grow Workshops with Disney Planes

Lowe's offers Build & Grow workshops for kids. The events are typically held twice a month on Saturdays from 10a-noon. This August they will be having two weekends of Disney Planes themed projects with sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget to check out the Planes Trailer.

On Saturday, August 10 at 10a and Sunday, August 11 at 2p, kids can create Dust from Planes in celebration of the August 9 release of Planes. Advance registration for this event is now available on the Lowe's Build and Grow website. (And as normal, the store nearest me is already booked for both days...although the one across town is available).

Later in August, kids can build El Chupacabra on Saturday, August 24 at 10a and Sunday, August 25 at 2p.

I took my daughter to a Lowe's Build and Grow workshop last spring and she had a really great time. We would have attended again except the location near our house books up quickly so I often don't know our schedule before it fills up.

Disney Planes Character Posters

Disclaimer: I was provided the images and boilerplate by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. I have not been compensated for sharing this information. 

Disney's Planes is releasing to theaters on August 9. Disney has released several character-focused posters in advance of the movie's release.

The movie features Dusty (voiced by Dane Cook), Rochelle (voice by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Ripslinger (voiced by Roger Craig Smith), and Bravo and Echo (voiced by Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards).

The official movie boilerplate:

“Disney’s Planes” is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013. For more information, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.

Monsters University Activity Sheets - Now in Theaters

Disclaimer: I was invited to a free screening of Monsters University in order to review it. Activity sheets and pictures have been provided by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for me to share with you.

Monsters University is now in Theaters. My daughter and I enjoyed Monsters University and definitely recommend it. Before you head out to see it (or after you have enjoyed the movie), check out these cool activity sheets.

The activities include:

• Archie on the Loose where you have to pin the MU badge on Archie the Scare pig - similar to pin the tail on the donkey.
• Design an MU ID - Kids can design their own Monsters University ID with their own monster design
• Test Your Memory - A printable memory game
• Design Your Own School Crest - Kids can design their own crest and slogan for a school
• Spot the Difference - Spot the differences in two Monsters University images
• Coloring Sheet - Color the monsters of Oozma Kappa Fraternity

Also, if you live near a Meijer, head to their 11a-4p Monsters University event.

Final Trailer for Monsters University Released

Disney-Pixar has released the final trailer for Monsters University. Monsters University opens on June 21 and will be shown in both 2D and 3D.

See the official studio boilerplate for more information on Monsters University:

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). Check out disney.com/MonstersU, like us at facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity, and follow us on twitter.com/disneypixar. Rated G by the MPAA, the film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters.

Disclaimer: I was provided the above information by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. I have not been compensated for sharing information in this post.

Marvel's Avengers Assemble Premiers This Weekend

My husband and daughter loved watching the cartoon Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes on the Disney XD Channel and have been missing the show since it ended in November. We have all 6 volumes on DVD and they re-watch the episodes frequently.

My daughter is looking forward to the new Marvel cartoon series that are coming to Disney XD this summer. She loves the Hulk, so she is really looking forward to Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. which will air beginning in August. Tonight she was excited when I showed her a sneak peek at Marvel's Avengers Assemble which will begin airing regularly on July 7 at 11a. The first two episodes will be airing this weekend, on Sunday, May 26 at 11a. I have already set my DVR to record the episodes for my daughter.

from Disney XD's Website

Check out this promotional clip from Disney XD:


You can also find a longer sneak peek on tvline.com and also find out more details.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and am compensated for sales through Amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Disney Junior Live on Tour: Pirate & Princess Adventure

Does your preschooler love Disney Junior?

If so, you will want to check out the Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure Tour. The Show will feature Sofia the First and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Join Sofia and her family as they prepare for a royal celebration that includes a visit from Cinderella then set sail with Jake and friends as they battle Captain Hook to find treasure hidden in a volcano.

Make sure to arrive to your show in time for the Doc McStuffins pre-show which starts 10 minutes before showtime. In the pre-show, you will help Doc care for one of her toys.

When my daughter was younger, she loved Disney Junior. She watched the first few episodes of Jake and the Neverland Pirates, but was outgrowing the preschool shows at the time. My nieces love Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First. We never saw a Disney Junior (or Playhouse Disney as it was called at the time). However, my daughter really enjoyed the Disney on Ice and Imagination Movers shows that we saw when she was younger.

The Tour starts on July 26 in Savannah, GA and continues through March 16 in Rosemont, IL.

• Friday, July 26 - Savannah, GA - Johnny Mercer Theatre at Savannah Civic Center
• Sunday, July 28 - Fayetteville, NC - Crown Theatre
• Friday, August 2 - Florence, SC - Florence Civic Center
• Saturday, August 3 - Greensboro, NC - War Memorial Auditorium
• Sunday, August 4 - Johnson City, TN - Freedom Hall
• Friday, August 9 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Coliseum
• Saturday, August 10 - Charlottesville, VA - John Paul Jones Arena
• Sunday, August 11 - Salisbury, MD - Wicomico Youth and Civic Center
• Friday, August 16 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center
• Saturday, August 17 - Charleston, WV - Municipal Auditorium
• Sunday, August 18 - Wheeling, WV - WesBanco Arena
• Friday, August 23 - Erie, PA - Warner Theatre
• Sunday, August 25-26 Binghamton, NY - Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena
• Thursday, September 5 - Yakima, WA - Yakima Valley SunDome
• Saturday, September 7 - Salt Lake City, UT - EnergySolutions Arena
• Sunday, September 8 - Boise, ID - Taco Bell Arena
• Friday, September 13 - San Diego, CA - Valley View Casino Center
• Saturday, September 14 - Fresno, CA - William Saroyan Theatre at Fresno Convention Center
• Sunday, September 15 - Stockton, CA - Stockton Arena
• Saturday, September 21-Sunday, September 22 - Long Beach, CA - Terrace Theater
• Friday, October 4-Sunday, October 6 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Arena
• Wednesday, October 9 - Rio Rancho, NM - Santa Ana Star Center
• Friday, October 11-Saturday, October 12 - Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Center
• Friday, October 18 - Moline, IL - i wireless Center
• Saturday, October 19 - Cedar Rapids, IA - U.S. Cellular Center
• Sunday, October 20 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
• Monday, October 21 - Grand Forks, ND - Ralph Engelstad Arena
• Friday, October 25 - Fort Wayne, IN - Expo Center at the Memorial Coliseum
• Saturday, October 26 - Youngstown, OH - Cavelli Centre
• Sunday, October 27 - Columbus, OH - Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein Center
• Friday, November 1 - Auburn Hills, MI - Palace of Auburn Hills
• Saturday, November 2- Saginaw, MI - The Theater at the Dow Event Center
• Sunday, November 3 - Indianapolis, IN  Bankers Life Fieldhouse
• Friday, November 8 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
• Saturday, November 9 - Hershey, PA - Hershey Theatre
• Sunday, November 10 - Wilkes Barre, PA - Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza
• Friday, November 15 - Worcester, MA - The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
• Saturday, November 16 - Lowell, MA - Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
• Sunday, November 17 - Syracuse, NY - The Oncenter War Memorial Arena
• Saturday, November 23-Sunday, November 24 - Providence, RI - Veterans Memorial Auditorium
• Friday, November 29-Saturday, November 30 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre
• Sunday, December 1 - Trenton, NJ - Sun National Bank Center
• Friday, December 6-Saturday, December 7 - Baltimore, MD - Lyric Opera House
• Sunday, December 8 - Norfolk, VA - Constant Convocation Center
• Wednesday, December 11 - Baton Rouge, LA - Theatre for the Performing Arts
• Thursday, December 12-Friday, December 13 - New Orleans, LA - Lakefront Arena
• Sunday, December 15 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
• Thursday, December 19 - Lafayette, LA - The Cajundome
• Friday, December 20 - Houma, LA - Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
• Sunday, December 22 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
• Monday, December 23 - Laredo, TX - Laredo Energy Center
• Thursday, December 26 - Hidalgo, TX - Reliant Arena
• Friday, December 27-Saturday, December 28 - Houston, TX - Reliant Arena
• Monday, December 30 - Allen, TX - Allen Event Center
• Friday, January 3, 2014-Saturday, January 4, 2014 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic Auditorium
• Sunday, January 5 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
• Saturday, February 8 - St Louis, MO - Caifetz Arena
• Sunday, February 9 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena
• Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16 - Rosemont, IL - Rosemont Theatre

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and am compensated for sales through Amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.