Silkki's Reviews: 2012

Celebrating 25 years of WILLOW look for it March 12, 2013

GEORGE LUCAS AND RON HOWARD BRING THE CLASSIC TALE TO LIFE

ON BLU-RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME

Blu-ray + DVD Combo-pack Features All-new Digital Transfer Overseen by Lucasfilm and

Never-Before-Seen Bonus Material

Journey to the far corners of your imagination with Willow, for the first time ever on stunning Blu-ray! Written and produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, the film tells a timeless fantasy tale in which heroes come in all sizes...and adventure is the greatest magic of all. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the unforgettable classic has been fully digitally restored and debuts on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack March 12, 2013 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

When young Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis; Harry Potter franchise) finds an abandoned baby girl, he learns she is destined to end the reign of the wicked Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh; “Upstairs, Downstairs”). In order to protect the child, Willow must team up with a rogue swordsman (Val Kilmer;Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) and overcome the forces of darkness in the ultimate battle of good versus evil!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days of Summer

SYNOPSIS:

During his summer vacation, "Wimpy Kid" Greg Heffley, the hero of the phenomenally successful book series, hatches a plan to pretend he has a job at a ritzy country club - which fails to keep him away from the season's dog days, including the embarrassing mishaps at a public pool and a camping trip that goes horribly wrong.

Deleted Scenes

MY REVIEW:

Well, one thing you can always expect from Greg, embarrassment follows him everywhere he goes! My children really like this movie, it was a van favorite for long trips down to visit my husband's grandmother. If your children have enjoyed the other movies in this series they will be sure to enjoy this one just the same. It has everything we've come to expect from Greg, with an unexpected romance interest? I wasn't really expecting it anyway. Maybe I missed part of the last movie, but I didn't realize he would have an interest in girls yet.

I can't say this was one of my favorite movies but my children have enjoyed it so that's good enough for me. There isn't much too inappropriate in the movie. There may be a scene or two that some would consider them to be touching on that "bully" issue we have but I think if you talk to your kids about it then they will understand what's right and wrong.

I give this movie 8 out of 10 thumbs up!

~~I received the movie mentioned above for free for my written review of my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~

Alternate Ending

Ice Age: Continental Drift GIVEAWAY

The Extraordinary Family Adventure Floats to Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD on December 11

In Ice Age: Continental Drift, Manny and Peaches butt heads as Manny becomes over-protective of his daughter. In this feature, we will offer some tips on how dads and daughters can spend some time together and help create a stronger bond between the two, including going to the movies, camping or creating a DIY project for mom.

Sub-zero heroes Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon a high-seas adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they try to reunite with their herd. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

Here are some Daddy & Me Time activities our children and men might enjoy:

Go to the Movies

The movies are a fun outing for any day of the week. Choose a new movie that interests you both, or check out a theater that plays classic family favorites. Depending on the time of the movie, you can go to lunch, dinner, or dessert afterwards to talk about your favorite characters.

Camping

Camping is a great way to take a break from everyday distractions like texting and Facebook and enjoy the great outdoors instead. It provides the perfect opportunity to teach your daughter how to pitch a tent and start a fire. Many campgrounds also offer great hiking trails and rentals of canoes and paddleboats if near a lake.

DIY Project

Everyone has a creative side and a DIY project is perfect for showing it off. You can try a large project such as sprucing up an older piece of furniture. Or maybe try a smaller project such as a plant holder for the back patio. Whatever you choose, make sure mom approves and consider all safety precautions.

Day Trip to the Zoo

Even though the chances of seeing a wooly mammoth are slim, the zoo is a perfect place to take your daughter for quality bonding time. You can walk around in search of your favorite animals or take a guided tour to learn new and interesting facts. Make sure you bring a camera along so you and your daughter can take plenty of photos with the monkeys!

Shopping… Dad’s Don’t Be Scared

A great way to bond with your daughter is to let her roam in her natural habitat… the mall of course! In order to keep things from getting out of hand, make the time about picking out the perfect gift for mom or another relative. And to balance it out, you can bring your daughter along the next time you are shopping for the latest gadget or sporting equipment.

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Ice Age: Continental Drift on Blu-ray along with this awesome ice cube tray:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days of Summer GIVEAWAY

Silkki's Reviews is currently hosting these Giveaways......

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Indoor Camping Tricks

Relive your summer this December 18th with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy

Everybody’s favorite wimp, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is back for three times the fun in the latest film based on the super-popular book series! When Greg’s dad (Steve Zahn) threatens to send him to military school if he doesn’t stay out of trouble, Greg finds all-new ways to land himself in the doghouse! For starters, Greg’s in over his head when he pretends to work at the swanky country club where Rowley’s family has a membership. Things don’t go much better on a father-son camping trip with the Wilderness Explorers, and then there’s the Heffley’s new dog, Sweetie, who fetches even more trouble for Greg in this hilarious family film!

Greg has to learn how to camp with his dad as a summer activity, and for this feature, we will give kids and families tips on how to bring the fun of camping indoors for wintertime. These will include, how to make s’mores in the oven and the best way to build a tent inside.

S’mores 101

S’mores are one of the yummiest camping treats and can be easily made indoors. First, gather the classic ingredients: graham crackers, Hershey’s milk chocolate, and large, fluffy marshmallows. Place a couple pieces of chocolate on one half of the graham cracker. Next, heat the marshmallow. You may heat the marshmallow over the stovetop or in the oven as an alternative to roasting over a traditional campfire.

For stovetop: Turn flame to high heat. Place the marshmallow on a skewer and hold above the flame until toasted.

For oven: Set to broil on high. Place a plate on the oven rack in case the marshmallow falls off the skewer. Hold skewer in the oven until marshmallow is toasted.

Once toasted, place the marshmallow on top of chocolate and stack the other half of the graham cracker on top. Now eat and enjoy!

Pitching a Tent

Why sleep in a boring old bed when you can build an awesome indoor tent? There are several different ways to pitch a tent, some being simple while others a little more complicated. Here are a couple suggestions of different ways to do it!

Rope and Sheets: Tie a rope to two large, stable pieces of furniture that are a good distance apart. Make sure the rope is tight. Drape a big sheet over the rope, making certain that the ends touch the ground. Place a stack of books on the bottom of the sheet to hold the tent in place.

A-Frame: If you want to build a legitimate indoor tent, the A-Frame is a great DIY project for the family. You will need whitewood moulding, a popular dowel, a drill, measuring tape, a pencil, fabric, thread, elastic, and scissors. First, you build the frame with the wooden materials and drill. Then you make the cover by sewing the elastic on the fabric to loop it onto the frame.

Click here for specific instructions

Movie Marathon

One of the perks to camping indoors is that you can have a movie marathon of all your favorite camping films. The best way to view them is to set up a projector on a large blank wall so the movie fills the whole space. Or even better, project the movie onto the ceiling! That way, you can lay back and relax. Some camping film favorites are Stand By Me (1986), The Parent Trap (1998), Heavyweights (1995), RV (2006), and of course, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.

Fun & Games

Every great campout includes games and silly activities. Our top picks for games are good ol’ playing cards, Catch Phrase, and Charades. Another fun camp tradition is to tell ghost stories. Turn out the lights and set a lantern in the middle of the circle to create a spooky ambiance. Make sure everyone gets a turn to share his or her favorite urban legend. But don’t make it too scary!

COMING TO BLU-RAY AND DVD DECEMBER 11, 2012!!

SILKKI'S REVIEWS IS VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THERE WILL BE A GIVEAWAY FOR THIS MOVIE STARTING NOVEMBER 26TH SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET IN ON THIS GREAT MOVIE...AND IT IS!! I WILL BE POSTING A REVIEW ON THIS SHORTLY, BUT UNTIL THEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, NIECES, NEPHEWS, WHOEVER YOU KNOW WHO WOULD LOVE THEM... ENJOY!! AND DON'T FORGET TO STOP BACK ON THE 26TH FOR THE CONTEST!!

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF MY MANY READERS ALL OVER THE WORLD. ENJOY THIS FRIGHTFUL DAY!!! ONE OF THE MANY DAYS THAT ARE MADE SO MUCH BETTER ONCE YOU HAVE CHILDREN!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!!

Happy Halloween!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL OF MY 'FANS', 'FRIENDS', 'LIKES', 'FOLLOWERS', TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF MY MANY READERS ALL OVER THE WORLD. THERE WILL BE NO REVIEWS POSTED TODAY BUT I DO HAVE FOUR TO DO TOMORROW. TIME TO CATCH BACK UP, AFTER THIS FRIGHTFUL DAY IS OVER!!! ONE OF THE MANY DAYS THAT ARE MADE SO MUCH BETTER ONCE YOU HAVE CHILDREN!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!!

People Like Us

From the studio that brought you the award-winning blockbuster “The Help,” comes an emotional and inspirational story about a young man’s journey of self discovery as he connects with a family he barely knows. Starring Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), Olivia Wilde (Tron) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Dark Shadows), DreamWorks Pictures releases “People Like Us” - a must-own, heartfelt and relatable story - on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital and On-Demand on October 2, 2012.

Inspired by true life events, the “People Like Us” Blu-ray Combo Pack comes complete with bonus material that delves deeper into the story that inspired the making of this great film. These extras include audio commentary with filmmakers and talent, an extended scene of L.A.’s popular Henry Taco Stand featured in the film, deleted scenes and bloopers.

MY REVIEW:

My husband and I sat down to watch this movie the night that I got it in the mail and I absolutely LOVE it.

I think many people will be able to relate to this story, either from their own experiences or friends, maybe just a similar situation. I could understand how both of the siblings were feeling growing up. One not knowing why her dad just disappeared and stopped coming to their Sunday visits in the park and not knowing that even though he wasn't "there" he really was there watching. And the other one who just didn't understand why his dad was unhappy, why when he would take him to the park he would always sit in the car and never come out and enjoy the park with him. Living with that must have been terrible, not knowing why your dad was distant, feeling like it's your fault. I guess everyone has a story whether you know it or not. Like I've always said, everything in my past led me to be where I am and who I am today!

When the son finds out about his sister, after his dad dies. He becomes part of his sisters life without her knowing that they are siblings, I kept telling the screen "Tell her already before she falls in love with you", to say the least he wasn't listening to me. He finally told her and there was not a warm reception to the news, although, what did he expect?! He lied to her and she was very angry about that, I would be too. But in the end they discovered that even though they never knew each other growing up they were friends on the play ground every Sunday. When the movie was over I wondered if he was then able to forgive his dad for sitting in the car on their Sunday Park dates. Once you understand why your parents do the things they did do you really forgive them? Do you understand why they did what they did?

This review is a little more vague then some of my reviews, but I don't want to give the story away to much, I really think this movie is great and that most people will really enjoy it. I think you should go out and watch it... Great movie in my opinion!!

I give this movie 4 out of 4 thumbs up!! It's definitely one we will watch again!

CLICK HERE FOR SILKKI'S GIVEAWAY

Live Q&A TODAY GoodReads.com

Deborah Moggach, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, will be doing a live Q & A today on GoodReads.com and will answer your questions about her book and the process of turning it into a film. You can find a link to the Featured Author Groups with Deborah HERE

October Baby Giveaway

I all,

I wanted to let you all know that to coincide with the release of October Baby, which came to Blu-ray and DVD on September 11th, I have two copies of the October Baby novel that I’d like to offer you a chance to win.

1. For your chance to win one novel in this giveaway, I would request that you answer question 1 from the Discussion guide below, in the comment section.

2. For other entries into the draw follow the Rafflecopter below!

Good luck everyone. Don't forget this a printable discussion guide!!

Snow White and The Huntsmen GIVEAWAY

Straight Shooters: Featuring Sam Claflin in Snow White and the Huntsman

Thanks to characters like William (Sam Claflin) in Snow White and the Huntsman (premiering on Blu-ray Sept. 11), Hawkeye in The Avengers and Katniss The Hunger Games, archery has been increasing in popularity. Take a look at these recent cinematic archers that join William in his love of the bow and arrow.

Hawkeye, The Avengers

Clint Barton, AKA “Hawkeye,” has no superhuman powers like his Avengers teammate, Captain America or superior technology like Ironman, but he is unbeatable in combat and a master archer to boot. And his arrows aren’t just ordinary arrows. Among them are tricksters with flares, explosives, electrical discharge, suction cups, smoke bombs, boomerangs and more.

Legolas, Lord of the Rings

Legolas, an elf of the Woodland Realm and one of nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring, might be the quickest and fastest archer the big screen has ever seen. Of course, while his keen eyes, ears and fighting skills are of immense use to the Fellowship, his friendship and loyalty make him even more important.

Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games

Katniss hails from District 12, a coal-mining district that is the poorest district in the dystopian fictional nation of Panem. Outside the district’s borders, Katniss and her best friend, Gale, hone their hunting skills to keep their families fed. Her top-notch skill and determination are ultimately what gets her through the Hunger Games as a victor.

Robin Hood

Who is more famous for perfect archery skills than Robin Hood? Historically, his motto of robbing the rich to give to the poor is as synonymous to him as his precise aim with a bow and arrow. His story has been told in over a dozen television and film incarnations starring the likes of Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, Cary Elwes, Russell Crowe and more.

Neytiri, Avatar

As the daughter of Eytukan, the leader of the Omaticaya, it is not surprising that Neytiri knows how to use a bow and arrow. She begrudgingly takes on educating Jake Sully after her mother, a spiritual leader, deems him worthy. And even though she at first thinks him a fool, she eventually falls for him and together, they save Pandora from a human threat.

William, Snow White and the Huntsman

William, son of Duke Hammond, is traumatized as a child when he is unable to rescue Snow White from the evil queen and her maniacal brother. But as an adult – now an expert bowman – he is able to infiltrate a group of henchmen trying to find Snow White, who’s escaped, so he can successfully rescue her and help her reclaim the throne that is rightfully hers.

As many of you may already know, Snow White and the Huntsman comes out on September 11th. Here is your chance to WIN a free copy on BluRay. But that's not all....included in your prize is a little something for everyone.

Here is what you're prize pack will contain :)

Hello Kingston and area,
I'm posting this because I thought maybe some of you might be interested in seeing this exciting event.
I am going to be taking my four children and husband to this event tomorrow night. A friend of ours skates in this and she has a blast. So we thought it would be fun to go out and support her and watch all the fun.
I just thought I would help to spread the word about this event because I don't think a lot of people know this happens in our little city, maybe you all do, until my friend started doing this I had no idea it happened here.
Well, I have to get going but I hope you can all go to this. To buy tickets follow this link.
If you would like more information on the Kingston Derby Girls head over to their website.

Have a great day everyone. And good luck to all the skaters tomorrow, I can't wait to watch, I'm super excited.

NOT A REVIEW: Fun event to see for those living in Kingston On, Canada

Hey everyone, I'm posting this because I think it would be very exciting to see. I am going to be going with my family. A friend of mine skates in this, she has a blast so we thought it would be fun to watch. I thought I'd spread the word because a lot of people don't know this happens in our little city.

Have a great day everyone.

Petcetera Sizzling Summer savings! Aug 14- 19th

What a great weekend to live in a big city. The Petcetera that was in my town closed down and I still receive their emails telling what fantastic deals they have going on at the time. Some times I get the urge to drive the 2 hours (one way) to grab something but then I sit back and think, saving $20 on something isn't really worth the $40 gas I would have to spend to get there. I mean, if I was smart I would just delete my name off the list but I have a brother who lives in the next major "big" city in the province and I know if I really wanted something he would get it for me and bring it down the next time he visited.

So, I thought I would share this sale with you because it looks fantastic, if you live in the area. Great cat items and the crates for dogs are only half price. Seriously, who isn't trying to save money nowadays?

Listerine Smart Rinse

LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® is an anticavity mouthwash for kids ages six and older that: Provides 12-hour cavity protection* Strengthens teeth 99% better than brushing alone* The MAGNETIC CLEANING ACTION™ works like a magnet to attract what brushing may miss* Make rinsing even more fun with Barbie™ and Phineas and Ferb rinses.

*Based on laboratory tests. Data on file, McNeil PPC, Inc.
**Applies to LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® MINT SHIELD® and LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® BERRY SHIELD®

Remind your kid to

brush for two minutes

twice daily.
Have them vigorously swish LISTERINE^®

SMART RINSE^® from cheek to cheek and

in-between teeth for

one minute.

LISTERINE^® SMART RINSE^® attracts

particles that brushing may have missed.

Let them spit and see. LISTERINE^® SMART RINSE^® leaves proof

in the sink of a cleaner mouth.

MY REVIEW:

My children absolutely love this!! And of course that makes me love it! My children have always enjoyed brushing their teeth, we have nightly "toothbrush party" parties, and let me tell you, when a 2 year old is telling you to get up to the bathroom for a toothbrush party, you go! My husband uses Listerine mouthwash, always has always will, my teeth and mouth cannot handle the intensity of the mouthwash so I never did, that of course was until I discovered Listerine Total Care (my review) and now we have this for kids. My little ones love the flavor it leaves in your mouth, my son is always "here smell this" and a big 'huff' it's super cute. I am really thrilled that Listerine has given my children a reason to enjoy rinsing their mouths out. They have always wanted to use daddy's and I always say NO, I know, I'm mean because the bottle says not under 12 and I don't let them, not even my oldest daughter who will be twelve in less than 3 months. Maybe it's overkill, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I have always tried to read things and let the kids do them when the instructions/warnings say it's okay.
Well, I would like to leave this with one recommendation (or two), if you use mouthwash and your child drives you nuts wanting to use it too and you won't let them, go buy this stuff, it's great, they will get mouthwash and you will rest assured knowing that it's not likely to hurt them. I would love everyone to try this product with their children, maybe it will take some of the struggle out of teeth brushing, if you have that issue.

I give this product 6 out of 6 thumbs up!

~~I received the product mentioned above for free for my written review of my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~

New Kellogg's Special K Chocolate Crisps

Kellogg's says that we've been so good, they have decided to give us a special treat. Introducing their new Special K® Pastry Crisps: Chocolate flavour Crisps. Irresistible chocolate flavor inside their light and airy Pastry Crisps they say will delight your taste buds as well as your waistline.

Two Special K® Pastry Crisps are only 100 calories. Yep, that's two Crispy bars for 100 calories. Now you've got permission to lose yourself in chocolately sweetness.

MY REVIEW:
MMM, wow, these taste great. My children loved them, my husband likes them (he has a sensitivity to sweets and a lot of chocolate is too "rich" for him). I absolutely loved them, there was just one thing missing.... quantity. I only gave each of the kids one of the bars out of the pack, it was a before dinner snack just to tide them over. But I, on the other hand, ate two and I found them lacking in quantity. They are only 100 calories, luckily not lacking in flavor, but unfortunately they just don't seem to have enough to them to satisfy my hunger I guess. I felt that I would honestly need to eat a few more to feel satisfied, maybe I was just too hungry. I have another box to test (different flavor) so I'll do that when I'm not so hungry. All in all I really did enjoy the product, I just wish it was bigger. I think the flavor is fantastic, maybe that is my issue, it just tastes too good I need more, either way, if you want a nice light snack I would recommend getting this for yourself, or your kids.

I give this 11 out of 12 thumbs up!

~~I received the product mentioned above for free for my written review of my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~