{#MovieMonday} #MyBigFatGreekWedding2 Movie Review and talk back with @NiaVardalos & @ElenaKampouris

As we veer toward Mother's Day I know a lot of folks will be looking for fun Family Films so I thought I would put My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 on your radar. I had the opportunity to attend an Advanced Screening with a Talk Back with Nia Vardalos and Elena Kampouris that was sponsored by Windex (if you remember the first film you will know Windex plays heavily in the movie, well both movies actually because of Toula's Dad - who feels most every problem can be solved by 'putting Windex on it'), Fujifilm Instax was an additional sponsor.

ABOUT:

In this highly anticipated sequel a Portokalos family secret is revealed that will bring the characters back together for 'a bigger and Greeker Wedding'. This one is written by Academy Award Nominee and movie co-star Nia Vardalos, directed by Kirk Jones and produced by Gary Goetzman, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks. Executive Producers include Paul Brooks, Steven Sharesian, Scott Niemeyer and Nia Vardalos.

Nia wanted to wait until she had experienced Motherhood herself to pen the sequel and this time around due to the economy her character's travel agency as well as the Family Dry Cleaning Business is now closed and what remains is the family restaurant started by Toula's Dad Gus (Played by Michael Constantine). Toula's husband Ian (Played by John Corbett) is now the Principal to their daughter Paris's  (Played by Elena Kampouris) School,  Paris is checking out away schools, Gus becomes convinced he is a direct descendant of Alexander the Great, Aunt Voula tries to help Toula to put the spark back in her marriage and her mother Maria (Played by Lanie Kazan) wants the wedding she never had. Along with a Family Secret that is exposed that sheds light on her parents marriage.

The Talk Back:

After the screening there was a Q&A/Talk Back Session with Nia Vardolos and Elena Kampouris. Here are some Video highlights taken during the entire event including the Q&A Session:

Some Photo Highlights:

Above: Nia had a great vibe with Elena who plays her daughter in the movie!

Above: Nia's cousin made a brief appearance during the Q&A as well.

The Swag:

Above: Our swag bag included Greek Pastries, Windex and a Fujifilm Instax Camera as well a Tshirt (not shown in photo)

MY TAKE:

The film definitely scores as a feel-good family film and enjoying the continuity of the characters and their stories evolving. It's fun to see Toula experience juggling the struggles of parenthood, keeping the flame alive in her marriage all while dealing with the impositions that come along with a close-knit family unit.

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a Sponsored Post, it is an event recap and All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{In Theaters TODAY} So little, So cute, So NAUGHTY?!?! #Minions #FamilyMovieFriday

If you didn't get enough Minions in Despicable Me, or in Despicable Me 2, they are BACK! In 2015's Minion Movie, our little yellow friends are back and are yellowier, cuter and naughtier than ever!

You guys all know I don't have kids, but certain things do bring out the little kid in me and I have been a big minions fan since Despicable Me, they are super mischievous and are on an endless pursuit for an evil leader to follow.

SYNOPSIS:

One Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he-alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob-embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill, the world's first-ever female super-villain.

The pursuit of an evil leader takes them FAR and WIDE:

Above: With Minions the adventure is always half the fun!

Above: Remember butterflies, hitch hiking is NEVER a good idea!

Above: What is about NYC that makes everyone wanna let out a little BOO YA!

Above: After quite a few twists and turns they get to "Villain Con" and find themselves charmed by Scarlet Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock)

Above: And of course who wouldn't become equally enchanted by those cute little yellow faces?

Above: Sometimes the 'high life' isn't everything you think it's going to be!

Above: The Minions are bout that life! They are feeling Iggy Azalea 'fancy' right now!

And check out the official trailer to find out why I've been yelling BANANA!!! for the past two weeks:

MY TAKE:

The Minions Movie is in theaters today and it's my recommendation for #FamilyMovieFriday!

Who is your favorite Minion? Have you already The Minion Movie, if so what did your family think of it?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! Ascending Butterfly was given press passes to an advance special screening for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#Movies} Highlights from the NYC @hotpursuitmovie Media Screening + Meet and Greet with @SofiaVergara #HotPursuit

At the movies and in theaters now is Hot Pursuit, a comedy/action/adventure starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara and I had the chance to attend the Media Preview that included a Meet and Greet with Sofia!

ABOUT THE FILM - IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE MAY 8

An uptight and by-the-book cop (Reese Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Sofía Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.

Walking into the Screening and seeing this, PRICELESS:

I spent my morning at BeautyPress Spotlight Day (more to come on that later) so this display of treats definitely perked me up! Hungry New York City Media like to be FED!

Sofia Vergara's Jewelry Line with Kay Jeweler's was on display:

But she was definitely focused on promoting her new movie Hot Pursuit which was filmed during her hiatus from the television series Modern Family.

BELOW: Killing some time before the Media Screening I was in the Time Warner Center in New York City where I came upon this movie poster and took a moment to snap a shot in front of it:

BELOW: I also got the chance to get a Photo with Sofia:

Above: We are lipstick twinsies! She is the face of Covergirl and I'm wearing Covergirl Lipstick in this photo!

Here is the Movie Trailer so you can take a peek:

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Google+

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit ‘Hot Pursuit’ on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tag your Social Posts about the movie #HotPursuit

MY TAKE:

While the pursuit movie format - protagonists on the run - is certainly not new, Vergara and Witherspoon play off each other well, and the out-takes at the end definitely make you laugh out loud. But it's probably Sofia's purchase of a t-shirt while she is on the run that reads "Butter my Biscuits" that will make you laugh hardest and the interjection of a love interest/bad boy (yes a bit a la Thelma and Louise) that picks the movie up a bit. I will let you guys decide whether or not to 'ticket or skip it' on this one as this is either a plot device you will like or not like. (and you guys all know my preferred Genre is Horror, although on occasion even I will relent and watch a comedy!)

Did you already see or will you go see this movie? Why or why not? Sound off with your opinion as a comment below!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I was attended a Media Screening of Hot Pursuit for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Top 3 lessons I took away from @DeliverFromEvil #SinisterSunday #HorrorMovie #CableTVCouchCritic

"Deliver Us from Evil (2014 film) poster" distributed by Screen Gems

I am a horror movie buff. I have been since I was a kid. I would slip Fangoria Magazine into my text books when classes weren't challenging me enough. And about the only thing I ever really got into trouble for as a kid was watching The Exorcist when I wasn't supposed to.

For those of you on Optimum, the Starz Channel switched their new movies to Friday Nights, and this Friday they were giving a movie I really wanted to see in the theaters but missed, Deliver Us From Evil. The movie is supposed to be based on the book 'Beware the Night' by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool. The movie is marketed as being based on the book, but it turns out that it actually features a completely original plot and is not based on the cases recounted in the book by New York cop, Ralph Sarchie - portrayed by Eric Bana in the movie.

My Top Three Takeaways from this Movie are:

(1) It's hard enough for single ladies as it is, but ladies we now need to add this question to the list we ask prospects "Do you (or anyone in your bloodline) have any supernatural gifts I should be aware of?" - If you see the movie you will understand exactly why I am adding this list to my questions I ask prospects.....And Guys, yes you should ask this question too! - Sometimes people carry 'spiritual' baggage they aren't even aware about. SCARY SHIT!!!!

(2) I need to leave the Bronx as soon as possible. Just saying. (I may also be avoiding the Bronx Zoo from now on because of this flick!)

(3) Do not buy children stuffed toys. They end up being creepy and scary - and if you hear something under the bed, never investigate, RUN!

Below is the Official Trailer: (Flip the lights on if you need to while watching the trailer!)

My Take:

Now that I know that the movie created an original script and did not really base itself off the book I want to read the book and find out just how much creepier the real life cases that were investigated really were.  Although maybe I don't want to hear about all the supernatural shit that Detective Sarchie and the Castillan Priest encountered in the Bronx until I move away from here!

The lead role was actually supposed to be played by Mark Wahlburg, no offense Mark but I am glad it went to Eric instead!

Are you a horror fan butterfly? Did you see Deliver Us From Evil? If so what did YOU think about it?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wanna wish Stephen Hawking a Happy Birthday? Then Go See @FocusFeatures #TheTheoryOfEverything

On January 8, 1942 (73 years ago) Stephen Hawking was born, and with it being the famed physicist's birthday, I thought it would be the perfect day to post about Focus Feature's The Theory of Everything which is a British Biographical Romantic Drama directed by James Marsh and adapted by Anthony McCarten from the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Wilde Hawking.

The movie stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones (who portray Stephen and Jane), the movie outlines how the two met at Cambridge University in the 60's and chronicles their relationship and lives.

Eddie and Felicity offer a spot on performance and it is uncanny just how much they resemble the real Stephen and Jane, take a look at this photo:

Left: The Real Stephen and Jane Hawking, Right: Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones!

I got to attend a fun Advanced Screening with Q&A that was hosted by The Moms that was followed by a question and answer with Felicity Jones!

Now I am the first to tell you guys that I am normally not a big romance movie person, but this one is compelling, well cast, and the performances couldn't have been more spot on! I understand that it took almost 3 years to convince Jane Hawking to agree to a film adaptation, and I hope she agrees that the performances did her memoir justice. The sheer difficulty of the physicality of the role should certainly win Redmayne some kind of award in my book! The voice you hear in the latter part of the movie is Stephen's real voice.

Here is a video of the Q&A:

My Take:

This is as real life as it gets, life gets messy, it has it's ups and downs and this is a romantic drama that really hit the mark for me.

Have you already seen The Theory of Everything? What did you think of it?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, it is an event recap. This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#Movies} Looking for a family flick to see for the holidays? Check out @AnnieMovie #NorwegianMOMS

Annie Theatrical Movie Poster

As my butterflies know I am NOT a Mom, and I do NOT have children, but that doesn't mean I don't occasionally enjoy a family friendly movie or two. (My movie genre of preference is actually Horror, but there aren't exactly a ton of horror flicks being released during Christmas! LOL Although 'Dexter Claus' has a kind of nice ring to it right?).

I recently had the opportunity to see the new Annie movie at a very special screening hosted by The Moms which was sponsored by Norwegian (ssh don't tell anyone but I have never actually taken a cruise before, I'm a 'Cruise Virgin') and held in the Sony Screening Room in New York City!

And while I am a huge lover of music, I am not normally a big fan of musicals, so I always approach them with a bit of caution, I tend to find them contrived as life doesn't come with people spontaneously bursting into song for hours. So when I actually enjoy a musical - be it a play or a movie, it surprises even me. I read so many bad reviews on this one, and honestly it surprises me. I found it a perfect family movie, and I thought it was very well cast, had a great pace, and the songs were done well.

I get that we all know the story by now, but so many movies have been re-made with the actors of that generation that I hate to see this one getting so much backlash when it was very well done.  I'm not a big instagram lover and the movie even made me see it in a whole new way! (No spoilers here, but it's the most creative use of a social media channel integrated into a movie - second only to the Facebook movie of course!)

After the screening there was a Questions and Answers Session with the young ladies who play the 'Foster Kids' in the movie, they are not 'orphans' in this movie, they are 'Foster Kids'. Here is the video:

Photos from the Questions and Answers:

Far Left: Denise Albert of THE MOMS, to her left Nicolette Pierini who portrays 'Mia', then Zoe Margaret Colletti who portrays 'Tessie', then Eden Duncan-Smith who portrays 'Isabella' and Amanda Troya who portrays 'Pepper' and Far Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein of THE MOMS.

My Take:

Oddly enough I was invited to a Sony screening before this one where Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhané Wallis were slated to appear but I wasn't available that night so I was super happy that the chance to catch this movie came around again at a time that I was available to see it!

I personally liked the twists that made this more modern and up-to-date.

Will you catch a movie this Christmas this Butterfly? If you do go so see Annie, then come back here and let us know what you thought!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. This post does serve as a contest entry (so if you want to give it a re-tweet I would certainly LOVE that!). As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.