Mama I Want to Sing

Summary: A story about faith, family, and the power of love, MAMA, I WANT TO SING smashes onto DVD February 14 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Adapted from the hit off-Broadway musical, MAMA, I WANT TO SING brings down the house with electrifying performances by R&B and gospel music legends.

Talented but naïve, Amara Winter (multi-platinum selling artist Ciara) is a young gospel singer who dreams of pop stardom. Raised in a tight-knit community, Amara is discovered by agents who quickly propel her to the top with recording sessions and television appearances.  Soured by the sudden media attention, Amara’s preacher mother (Emmy Award®-winner Lynn Whitfield, Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story) implores her to stay grounded.  Amara faithfully pursues her music career even in the face of creating a strained relationship with her mother, and turns to her father (Grammy Award®-winner Marvin Winans, I Can Do Bad All By Myself) and Sister Carrie (Grammy Award®-winner Patti LaBelle, “A Different World”) for support.  On her way to the limelight, Amara must learn to navigate the often-treacherous world of celebrity and find a way to remain true to herself and to her family.

MY REVIEW:

This movie is very VERY gospel!  I personally did enjoyed this movie, but I think I'm the only one in my house who did.  It was very predictable.  The father dies and the mother takes charge, taking away from giving praise to the Lord she wants followers for herself and in the process she loses sight of what is most important, family and the love of the Lord.  I feel this movie is very much something that could and likely does happen in the daily lives of many people.  She put her children on the back burner trying to push them to lead lives she felt appropriate, which just pushes a child further away.  We are all here for our own reasons and it's a parents job to guide their children and show them what they feel is best, but you cannot shove them in the "right" direction.  We all need to live and learn and make our own mistakes, this woman had lost her husband, who was a minister, and while trying to make the world a holier place she lost her children.  Her daughter wanted to be a singer and instead of supporting she stood against it, drove a wedge in their family of three, four if you include the grandfather.   In the end she loses her son as a casualty to war and it brings her closer to her daughter.  Religion is a huge factor of this movie and of course, singing.  There is one thing that can be said about religious gospel singing, they sure get into it.  I love it, I really enjoy listening to them and wondering how they hit the notes that they do.

  This movie will not be for everyone, like I said, out of six people I am the only one who liked it, but it just shows what they know (laughing), it's a great movie.  Great story.

I give this movie 2 out of 2 (or 3 out of 6) 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~~

Immortals


Summary: One brave warrior, touched by the gods, must overcome all odds to save mankind from a merciless and powerful tyrant when IMMORTALS comes to Blu-ray and DVD on March 6th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Directed by visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall) and written by Charles Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides, the home entertainment release is chock-full of must-see bonus features including an alternate beginning, two alternate endings, deleted scenes and an amazing graphic novel, creating the ultimate viewing experience. 

From the producers of 300, Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, and Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, IMMORTALS explodes off the screen with action-packed battles, mythological adventure and an all-star cast including: Henry Cavill (Superman: Man of Steel), Luke Evans (Robin Hood), Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Isabel Lucas (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Stephen Dorff (Public Enemies), John Hurt (Hellboy) and Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2). In this epic tale of vengeance and destiny, power-mad King Hyperion (Rourke) threatens to destroy all of humanity on his maniacal quest to obtain the ultimate weapon – the legendary Epirus Bow that gives the power to unleash war on both Heaven and Earth.  But Theseus (Cavill), a heroic young villager chosen by the gods, rises up to stop Hyperion’s brutal rampage.  With supernatural help from the beautiful oracle Phaedra (Pinto), Theseus embraces his destiny and leads a fierce band of warriors in a desperate fight for the future of mankind.
  
MY REVIEW:
  FANTASTIC!!  

Okay, so that is not all I'm going to say about this movie, but it most certainly sums it up.  I loved it, what a fantastic cast.  I did find myself telling the virgin oracle that she was blessed from the Gods as well on more than one occasion, although I do see her point that the ability of seeing the future would be a blessing and a curse.  I would not want that ability, to see what is going to happen and not be able to do anything to change it or fix it.....  I love Greek Mythology and mythological movies, stories, etc.  so I knew I was going to love this movie and I surely did. 

My husband said that the people were to "young" looking, as in from our time, and the Gods had the dumbest looking head gear.  It was so fake looking and by far they were the most ridiculous things I have ever seen.  Oh my lord, if you take all the costumes away, the movie was great.  I really didn't like the wardrobes of the Gods at all, but the actors did a great job in their roles, even looking as silly as they did.  And everyone else was wearing pants?  I'm pretty sure they didn't wear pants back in that time.  The concept behind the movie was pretty cool though.  There is a constant battle on Earth between good and evil, and if the Gods were really looking down upon us I'm sure they would have jumped in too.  They picked a good time to intervene.  Right on the brink of war between the Gods and the Titans, and the Gods were not all immortal. 

  Although my 11 year old would love this movie as much as I do, it is not appropriate for the young ones, there is too much fighting and the sex scene is too much in our opinion. 
Although this is from the producers of 300 the action was lacking a lot.  I was hoping for a lot more of it, but this movie was at a huge loss for action and excitement, but I did still enjoyed it.
  I love how they left the movie open at the end for another one....YEAH!!!  I will definitely be looking forward to getting my hands on that....lets hope it comes to be.

I give this movie 3 out of 4 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~~

Mo Phillips' CD Monster Suit



Beloved by families in Portland, Oregon, independent musician Mo Phillips is ready to burst onto the national scene with the April 10 release of his third kids’/family CD, Monster Suit.

The uncomplicated charm of Monster Suit stems from its refreshing connection to what was happening in the late ‘50s, when rock ‘n’ roll was evolving from a cultural mix of country, folk, and African-American influence. With a style and delivery sometimes reminiscent of Woody and Arlo, Mo Phillips offers classic acoustic rock ‘n’ roll with a minimum of electric effects in a finely tuned but fiery blend of Americana, soul and blues.




 MY REVIEW: 

This CD is so different from any child's music I've heard, I think maybe I need to listen to family/children's music more often.  I was not expecting this when I put it in my car.  At first I was confused I wasn't sure what to think of it, but the more I listened to it the more I liked it.  My children really enjoy it, my 11 year old is always trying to put it on when we're driving somewhere.  This CD has replaced the radio in my car.  It's wonderful.
  The "music" portion of the songs is fantastic, if you take the words away and only focus on the music it is such a wonderful sound.  And then when you add in Mo Phillips' wacky songs, it's hard not to enjoy it.  I have turned it on a few times with random people in my car and they had no idea what that was I was listening to, but when they realized it was a children's CD they warmed up to it.  I really enjoy knowing that I can put this CD on and my children will love it, it isn't terrible for these mom ears either.  I find myself laughing at the words, I sit back and shake my head and say "what?!" then we all laugh, the children think it's funny.  I guess mommy is just too old for this kind of stuff.  If you have young children you may want to grab a copy of this CD, and you know what, even if you don't like it, keep in mind that they likely will LOVE it.  Just like mine.

  I give this CD 10 out of 12 thumbs up!!

~~I received the CD 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~~

Alexa's Angels ~Giveaway~

Alexa’s Angels is all about connecting women with inspiration and meaningful messages.

Bracelet Description

Love is Patient, Kind, Gentle, Hopeful, and Forever...

Send your emotions in circles with our Love Heart Charm Bracelet. Rhodium. Double toggle closure. Adjustable 7" to 8"



MY REVIEW:

I was so excited when I saw this bracelet, I had to have it. This bracelet has so much meaning to me, because my love for my family is definitely all these things. Each heart represents one of my children, and one for my husband because we are "Forever"! When I first received it I thought it was quite bulky and was going to weigh a lot on my wrist. Luckily once I actually had it on, I didn't even notice the weight. I love finding jewelry and things that have true meaning and represent my husband and children, they are the most important things in my life and to be able to have them all "linked" together around my wrist is just fantastic. I love this bracelet and I have checked out Alexa's Angels website and I WILL be getting some more very meaningful jewelry.

Whomever created these pieces clearly have a deeper feeling towards what is important in their own lives. I love these pieces so much, they are very beautiful. If you have a wife, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother or any other woman you love in your life I would suggest getting them a beautiful piece of jewelry from Alexa's Angels. Heck, buy your mother in law that you don't like too much a little something wonderful! There are so many occasions to celebrate loving some woman in your life (or yourself), birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, baby, any occasion is worth having an amazing piece of jewelry.

~~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~~

The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Addition on Blu Ray


The Longest-Running Broadway Musical of All Time Celebrates 25 years of Romance with a Spectacular Live Production on One of the World’s Most Legendary Stages
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience Available on
Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand from
Universal Studios Home Entertainment on February 7, 2012

 The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall stars Ramin Karimloo (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actor in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the lovestruck Phantom and Sierra Boggess (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the beautiful and gifted soprano Christine.  The show also features Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson and Wynne Evans, as well as special guest appearances from the actors who originated the roles of The Phantom and Christine, Tony® Award winner Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, in a memorable final curtain call.

MY REVIEW:

I was thrilled at the opportunity to review The Phantom of The Opera 25th Anniversary on Blu Ray. My husband LOVES musicals and especially the Phantom of the Opera. And with the Blu Ray 25th Anniversary Addition you are blessed with 2 hours and 40 minutes of one of the greatest Operas ever written. To say that Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall captured on Blu Ray is fantastic would be a complete understatement! This Blu Ray is jam pack full of amazing scences and it's music to the ears, and even my ears. I'm not much for musicals unless they are cartoons, but I knew I liked another version of this and figured since it was the anniversary it would be worth watching, and it most certainly was worth it. Even my middle daughter loved it...go figure! There has always been much positive to be said about this Opera, and this Blu Ray goes to the inner depths of showing us why. We will definitely watch this again, and again, and I'm sure a few more times than that. They did a spectacular job with this production! It is a must have for any "Phantom" fans!

I give this movie 6 out of 6 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~~

Printable Teen Truth or Dare Scavenger Hunt



Product Description
This printable scavenger hunt features everything you need to throw an awesome around town teen scavenger hunt.  In this hunt players must go to different destinations and complete at least one truth and dare off that destinations card to earn the points.  Players only have a specific amount of time to complete as many of the truth or dare challenges as they can and get back home.
 NOTE: The challenges are not off the innappropriate sort, just the funny and wacky varierty.
The printable truth or dare scavenger hunt comes with:
  • Nine destination cards for each of the five teams.
  • Printable invitations.
  • Five sets of color coded team badges.
  • Five team car tags.
  • themed water bottle labels in each teams color.
For complete product description and set up instructions go to http://www.print-to-play.com/teen-scavenger-hunt.html
 
 MY REVIEW:
I was really excited to have this opportunity, until I got them, I was kind of disappointed with these printable truth or dare scavenger hunt "dares". It's just not my style, first off it's more geared to someone who lives in a town and let's their children run all over, you need to go to the mall, most of them you take photos doing the act, like "dress like a manikin and pose with it". There are four colors, which means you can play in teams, fantastic! I really LOVE the idea behind this but just not the dares, and truths they provide you with. First off we live in the country and driving a bunch of kids to the mall would not be an option, nor do I personally, for my own children, think some of these are appropriate. I guess it depends on the age of your teen and what you think is acceptable public behavior. We will modify the options and that will make it so much better for my children.
Great idea! Not so great choices!

  If you have older teens who like to hang out with groups of friends and you will allow them to run wild in the mall then I "dare" you to go ahead and get these, the concept is great, all it takes is a little adjustment.  Good luck teams!!!

I give this product 2 out of 4 thumbs up!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Rebound DVD ~Giveaway~

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO FIND LOVE!

Enter To Win The Charming Romantic Comedy Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD February 7
Spend Valentine’s Day cuddled up with a captivating comedy, and learn that age is just a number with Academy Award®-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (No Reservations, Chicago) and Justin Bartha (The Hangover, National Treasure: Book of Secrets) in The Rebound, coming to Blu-ray and DVD February 7 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Upon discovering her husband’s infidelity, Sandy (Zeta-Jones) and her two kids move from the suburbs to pursue a new life in the big city.  There she meets Aram (Bartha), a local coffee shop employee whose wife only married him as a means to getting her green card.  The two strike up a friendship which eventually evolves into something more.  But it isn’t long before they’re faced with the big question - “Is this real or just a rebound?”

Check out Silkki's Review

To win a copy of the DVD, simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter...Good Luck Everyone.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney's Lady and the Tramp Diamond Anniversary on Blu Ray

 

LADY AND THE TRAMP Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack
A classic love story unfolds in the best Disney tradition as a lovely young pedigreed cocker spaniel named Lady, who lives a pampered life, finds herself falling romantically for Tramp, an amorous street-smart pooch without prospects. Although they have fun together on several dates, including a sentimental spaghetti dinner by moonlight at Tony’s restaurant, their relationship is strained not only by Lady’s loyalty to her human family and their newborn baby, but by Tramp’s devil-may-care attitude that eventually gets Lady in trouble and tossed into the dog pound. However, good-hearted Tramp redeems himself by saving the baby from potential harm and thus wins Lady’s love and the affection of her human family.
 
Share this timeless Disney Classic with your family as Walt Disney’s beloved classic, Lady and the Tramp, finally releases from the Disney Vault for the first time ever on Blu-ray. This heartwarming tale now charms a new generation of families and fans with its exquisite animation and unforgettable songs in one of the greatest love stories of all time.  Featuring high definition sound and immersive bonus features your family can enjoy together, Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition is a must own addition to your Disney collection. 
Blu-ray Bonus:           Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings*
Audio Commentary: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
Never Recorded Song: “I’m Free as the Breeze”
Classic DVD Bonus:
Ø  Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp
Ø  Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard
Ø  Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film
Ø  PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
Ø  “The Siamese Cat Song,” Finding a Voice for the Cats
Ø  “Bella Notte” Music Video
Ø  Trailers
Ø  Excerpts from “Disneyland” TV Shows
 
DVD Bonus:               Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
Digital Bonus:            Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
 
MY REVIEW:
A Disney classic on Blu Ray, hmmm what really needs to be said about this?

What a fantastic movie, my children love it, they had it on repeat for a couple days, any time it was "movie time" it was "yeah, Lady and the Tramp!". There is one thing to be said about all of Walt Disney's older movies... they have heart and soul, love and caring, everything that makes a cartoon worth letting the children watch Disney has succeeded in doing making it. This movie is fantastic, I was making dinner the other night (this movie was playing) and my husband started to sing along to a song that was made famous by two sneaky Siamese cats, it was awesome. I would suggest everyone who has children grab this Blu Ray edition with all the special features and goodies for the kids; you will not regret it, your children will love it and you will be able to rest assured knowing they are watching an appropriate children's movie! Even if you don't have young children, buy it for a friend, everyone deserves to know that love has no bounds, rich or poor, what was meant to be will be. With a kind heart one dog(or person) can change your entire world.  It's so simple even cartoon's can find true love, why do people make it so much more difficult.  I love this movie, there are many great values in the words and scenes and best of all, and most importantly, my children love it.  That makes it a winner in my mind.  A great film when I was a child and now I get to enjoy it with my own, and some day I'm sure with grand-children, I've said it before and I'll say it again, time can never change the magic and wonder of the excitement of a Disney cartoon. 

This movie takes me back to my childhood, it never gets old. Great movies never age with time, this is a great movie!

I give this movie 12 out of 12 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~~