Showing posts with label The Moms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Moms. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2016

{#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.

Friday, December 18, 2015

{#FridayFlick} Reco @danishgirlmov Highlights from #TheDanishGirl NYC Advanced Screening event + Actor Talk Back! #movies #theater


With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the few times I have found myself last minute shopping or a last minute addition to my gift list to shop for, I have always made it a point to catch a movie as a way to unwind after shopping.

If you find yourself needing a break from the holiday shopping madness and find yourself by a theater playing The Danish Girl, I definitely recommend you go see it!

ABOUT:

The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (portrayed by Academy Award Winner, Eddi Redmayne ["The Theory of Everything" - which I reviewed HERE] and Alicia Vikander ["Ex Machina"], directed by Academy Award Winner Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech," "Les Miserables"). Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

I had the opportunity to attend an Advanced Screening with Actor Talkback with co-star Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda in the movie. The Advanced Screening was hosted by the dynamic duo  - Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein - we call "The Moms" in the Dolby 88 Screening Room in New York City!

On my way to the theater, this was my view:


Holidays in New York City takes on a magical quality and so many buildings and business go all out and put up such beautiful holiday trees!

The building where the screening took place also had a beautiful holiday tree indoors (and a coat clothing drive bin!):


We arrived to Coffee and Danishes of course! And we got to leave with a copy of the book - which I can't wait to dive into!


If you want to pick up the book too, check out our friends over at Amazon for a copy!


The movie is both powerful and moving and holds nothing back, for me seeing Eddie Redmayne dive into another equally intense role was fascinating to watch. He has a way of immersing himself in his roles and portrays the nuances of each of his characters perfectly. As convincing as he was as Stephen Hawking, he is as powerful and emotionally giving as Lili Elbe. There is actually no weak performance in the bunch, and Alicia Vikander who plays Gerda, gives the role the strength that is needed while never losing track of the vulnerability.

What stays with me after seeing it is how Gerda an independent spirit and tough girl in her own right, so easily not just accepts what is happening so much as becomes his immediate advocate and champion. I don't think most women could handle the situation the way Gerda does. With a love and friendship for her partner that is so strong she puts her own pain aside to be the friend that he needs during a journey of discovery and unknown.

Matthias Schoenaerts who plays Lili's old friend Hans Axgil also gives a very strong performance. (And of course much like anything with children and animals - the pet dog is a little scene stealer in his own right!)

After the film there was a talk back with Actress Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda.

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Alicia Vikander, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein
Much like Gerda, Alicia is very grounded and centered - just slightly more 'soft-spoken'. It was interesting getting her thoughts and insights into Gerda, and of course behind the scenes about the movie you don't see on film.

I am going to include the video of the Q&A, but there was a moment during the Questions and Answers where someone in the audience shared how much she related to the story and to Gerda, Alicia was very moved, and after the Talk-Back I was touched to see that Alicia made it a point to connect with the person who made the comment. I managed to capture that moment and couldn't resist sharing it here:


I hope neither of them mind, but this was such a poignant moment and one you don't always experience during press junkets and actor talk-back experiences. Just a real, raw moment and a genuine 'non-posed' connection.


One of the pro photogs in attendance managed to nab her for this shot and since I was close enough and thankfully my DSLR didn't take forever to warm up I managed to nab it too! I can see why the camera loves her, there is something just naturally 'soulful' and expressive about her.

Here is the Video of the Talk Back:



MY TAKE:

I think it's good for millenials to know that Bruce aka 'Caitlyn Jenner' is not a 'pioneer' in the world of Transgender, and seeing someone live through one of the first gender change surgeries and getting a such a raw and honest glimpse into that process was fascinating! This story is moving and powerful, but it's the way the subtle moments - like watching Lili learn to emulate the things women do naturally - a flirtatious gaze, smile or glance - and then the ramifications of doing so, her ease with managing the perfect cat eye, how lucky she was to have such a fierce partner and warrior in her Gerda.

This is definitely a bring your Kleenex type of movie but it's a good one!

Will you be catching any movies this Holiday Season in the Theater? Which ones?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. This post also contains affiliate links. 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.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

{Summer Read} Photo Highlights from the @WendyWilliams #HoldMeInContempt #Book Signing #burlingtonootd



































I got several of my summer reads early this year, but haven't had a chance to start on them yet, yes it's been THAT busy. But with the debut of the trailer today of 50 Shades of Grey (which I also haven't read by the way) it made me realize that those hazy days of summer will soon come to an end, and me and this book still haven't had our much needed 'me' time.

About the Book:

Move over 50 Shades, there’s a new romance in town. Television Personality and Author Wendy Williams brings on the heat in her first ever, no-holds-barred, down and dirty, romance novel.

Kimberly Kind is trying to get beyond her roots. A successful, beautiful, smart lawyer, she’s finally finding direction in her life and getting out of the streets. But a terrible accident threatens to throw her carefully laid plans off course. Now Kim’s hiding a huge secret… one that could threaten everything.

Enter King. A perfect mix of Justin Timberlake and David Beckham, the man oozes sex and has more swagger than anyone Kim’s ever met. Their chemistry is off the charts. But after passion-filled nights, the intensity of their emotions takes both of them by surprise.

Love was not supposed to be an option. Now it’s the only thing holding them together. When their pasts come back with a vengeance, can love possibly be enough?

Photo Higlights from The Book Signing:

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Recap of @RobinRoberts Everybody's Got Something Book Signing! #robertsmamarazzi #OWNERS

Everybodys Got Something Book Cover Art Robin Roberts


Ironically the same hospital that saved Robin Roberts nearly killed me, and since then I have been closely following Robin's story - a story of not just recovery, but of victory, strength, grace and amazing personal triumph.

The Moms (Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein) put together tons of interesting events, but for obvious reasons the #RobertsMamarazzi event (that is the twitter hashtag for the event if you want to follow the thread and see everyone's photos and perspective on the day), was particularly near and dear to my heart. I had wanted to pick up Robin's book "Everybody's Got Something" since it was released. 

I know this is probably the longest I have ever taken to recap an NYC based event, but I knew somehow that re-visiting this event would inevitably bring me back to my own recent health struggles, and I found myself procrastinating because the memories that those days bring back are tough for me to face.

I thought tonight would be the perfect time to share this book with you as Robin Roberts will appear on The Emmy-nominated series "Oprah's Master Class" on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network tonight, June 15th at 10:00pm ET/PT. Here is a sneak peek Video! (and no butterflies, this is NOT a network plug nor is this a sponsored post, I just happen to be a fan of the show and I am a huge admirer of Robin and thought you'd like to know!)



The Book signing was held at NYY Steak in Manhattan and the restaurant was quite welcoming and offered a wonderful luncheon menu served directly to us so we could focus on our guest of honor! As you can see from the photo above, it was a wonderful menu!

 "As my mother would say: 'Make your mess your message," ~ Robin Roberts


Robin was as warm in person as she has always struck me from watching her on television, and she took the time to answer all questions and personalize a copy of everyone's book, she was exceptionally gracious with her time, and offered tremendous insight into her recent bone marrow transplant, her battle with MDS, and how she juggled her professional and personal journey - and the marriage of the two as her personal journey was shared along the way before the book was ever released.

Regardless of how much money you have, your race, where you live, what religion you follow, you are going through something. Or you already have or you will. As momma always said, “Everybody’s got something.

I am definitely in agreement with the message that Robin shared from her mom, it's so true, we all have our own struggles, and sometimes we forget to look outside our own pain and personal journey to remember that everyone we meet and everyone we touch also has their own struggles!

And you know how much I love being able to help Ascending Butterfly Readers feel like they were there with me when I attend events, so I thought you'd love to see the video, and hear it directly from Robin:



My Take:

Robin's new memoir is raw, powerful and incredibly candid, she has shared her entire journey with everyone, every step of the way and I know firsthand just how difficult that is. Her strength, grace and sense of humor along with an amazing group of supporters and her sister's amazing gift got her through, and this book is inspiration and empowerment personified, I highly recommend it!

And of course me being a foodie and a snack person I just had to share a shot of my Creme Brulee Dessert:



Butterflies, watch Robin tonight on OWN (or DVR it if you are spending the day with your dad) and just remember, EVERYBODY'S GOT SOMETHING!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our event recap coverage. We were provided with a copy of the Book and a Gift Bag courtesy of The Moms. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

Monday, July 29, 2013

When an @Audi A8 picks you up to take you to the #movies it's going to be EPIC! @WolverineMovie #HughMamarazzi

The Wolverine


As some of you may remember, many moons ago I worked as a film critic for a well known print publication (which shall remain nameless, to protect the innocent, namely ME). And I've done a lot of Press Screenings. In the beginning the Private Screening Rooms and Snacks were impressive (I started pretty young so often times I was the youngest journalist in the room), the Press Junkets and meeting the celebs were fun (I actually have a scrapbook with my clippings), but I think The Moms have finally finished creating a Movie Monster in me with their most recent Screening Experience!

Audi A8 2014 Automobile, Black, Vehicle, Cars, Ascending Butterfly
Check out Team Butterfly peeking out from behind the passenger side of the 2014 Audi A8!

When an Audi A8 and a driver show up at your door to take you into the city for a film screening you know it's going to be EPIC!  First of all I have to tell you that it was the smoothest ride I've ever experienced,  I love New York City, but anyone who has visited as well as locals know, there are A LOT of potholes, I mean A LOT, and while riding in the Audi A8 the very first thing I noticed was just how smooth the ride is. I know where most of the potholes are by heart and know when to brace myself (especially when I'm in a yellow cab) but this car ride was absolutely the smoothest I've ever experienced, and my driver was awesome too! I'm not sure I want to go any screening that doesn't come with Audi ride to and from my door after this!

Audi A8 2014 Automobile, Black, Vehicle, Cars, Ascending Butterfly
Team Butterfly outside AMC 25 Movie Theatre in New York City, check out the super hot 2014 Audi A8 Automobile and there is my super cool driver!

Seriously folks if you are considering a new vehicle, look no further, the 2014 Audi A8 is pure perfection! The Audi quattro all-wheel drive system is super smooth, it's LED lighting, Audi MMI touch technology, Audi MMI Navigation plus with voice control system, and absolutely gorgeous interior, make this vehicle pure perfection as far as I'm concerned! I will be dreaming of this car for quite awhile! I looked great as a passenger, but I'm thinking I'd look even better behind the wheel!

Hugh Jackman, The Wolverine, Audi A8 Automobile
Wouldn't it have been amazing if we were picked up by Hugh Jackman? (A girl can dream can't she?)

















But I digress! Despite how amazing the ride is, the true star of the show was the movie of course, The Wolverine!

Hugh Jackman, Logan, The Wolverine


Plot Summary/About:

Lured to a Japan he hasn't seen since World War II, century-old mutant Wolverine (Played by Hugh Jackman) finds himself in a shadowy realm of Yakuza and Samurai. Wolverine is pushed to his physical and emotional brink when he is forced to go on the run with a powerful industrialist's daughter (Played by Tao Okamoto) and is confronted - for the first time - with the prospect of his own death. As he struggles to re-discover the hero within himself, he must grapple with powerful foes and the ghosts of his own haunted past.

Rila Fukushima, Yukio, The Wolverine


In every movie there is a scene stealer, and for me, The Wolverine's scene stealer, is Rila Fukushima who plays Yukio who becomes a 'body guard' for Wolverine/Logan, it's an understated yet very well delivered performance!

I don't want include any spoilers, but I will tell you don't pop up when the credits start to roll, stay put and pay attention, something cool happens, but I won't tell you what, you'll just have to go check that out for yourself to find out what it is! All I can say is....the plot thickens my friends!

Hugh Jackman:

The best part of attending Screenings with The Moms is the opportunity to have a questions and answers session with stars of the movie, Hugh was very open and very down-to-earth, here is the video of his Q&A:





Here are some of my shots: (apologies butterflies they are a bit grainy, I think my camera has really had it, it died after me trying to take 4 hi-res shots which is NOT a good sign as the batteries were fully charged!)










Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow all things Wolverine on Twitter @WolverineMovie
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" The Wolverine Movie on Facebook




My Take:

This is definitely a summer must see! It's action-packed and has great visuals, there is something that has always fascinated me about Japanese culture and the scenes there are visually beautiful to watch and certainly make me want to go visit. Hugh couldn't have been nicer and the Audi A8 ride to and from the theatre was smooth and fantastic! As we were leaving we were treated to cupcakes by Baked By Melissa, they used 1,700 cupcakes and they spelled out the word 'The Wolverine' with the chocolate ones which I thought was pretty cool!

Even 'The Wolverine' can't resist cupcakes, NOM! NOM! NOM!


Butterflies, The Wolverine is a definite 'TICKET', once you've seen it, 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 in exchange for our event recap coverage. We were provided with Roundtrip Transportation to and from the Theatre compliments of Audi. We were provided with a private screening experience courtesy of The Moms. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Mamarazzi® with @WendyWilliams & @themoms "Ask Wendy" book signing & launch @Tavern29 in New York City!

Ask Wendy Book Cover Art
Ask Wendy Book Cover Art


You know just how much I love sharing the great events I attend both in and outside of New York City, this has been the summer of book launches that's for sure and I got to attend another fun one for none other than the 'friend in everyone's head' Wendy Williams, host of the popular Wendy Williams Show, where audiences join her in a fun 'HOW YOU DOIN'?' and also get the chance to ask her a question of advice.  And audience members have asked her all kinds of questions throughout the course of the show. Questions submitted to her by audience members and fans are now in her latest book!

Denise Albert, Wendy Williams, Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City
Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City

Her new Book, "Ask Wendy" Straight-Up Advice for All the Drama in Your Life, launched at a fun book signing and Q&A at Tavern 29 in New York City hosted by The Moms. What I love about Wendy is that what you see is what you get, she is exactly the same person you see on her show, she tells it like it is and she pulls no punches!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein

What I enjoyed best was that she shared so much of her own life with everyone there, and she shared about a wide variety of topics including her own marriage, her friendships and how she is keeping her life drama free!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City
Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein

If finding out the answers to questions like these sounds intriguing:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My husband is always commenting on how hot the babysitter is. Should I be Worried?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My teenage daughter is a Klepto. I found a bunch of stuff with tags in her closet, and I know she didn't buy them. What should I do?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My guy stays in touch with his exes on Facebook. He says it's not cheating, but it makes me really angry. What Should I do?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I feel like all I do is run around and take my three kids to school, soccer, swim team, and gymnastics. I have no life. Help!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Then you definitely want to check out this book!

Wendy Williams fields audience questions at Ask Wendy Book Signing Launch Event

My Take:

Ask Wendy is definitely a great summer read that you can knock out poolside or beach side this summer and you will definitely get some good laughs because you know Wendy is going to tell it like it is and give the advice you are thinking as soon as you finish reading the questions! So slip this one in your beach bag and take it with you!

Wendy Williams Signs her new Book "Ask Wendy" for Ascending Butterfly at the Mamarazzi launch event at Tavern 29 in New York City
Wendy Williams Signs her new Book "Ask Wendy" for Ascending Butterfly at the Mamarazzi launch event at Tavern 29 in New York City

There are a few more pictures on our Ask Wendy Pinterest Board that didn't make this post so be sure to check them out!

What is your reading standout favorite so far this summer butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage, all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

{#Movie #Review} @AfterEarth In theaters now - Ticket or Skip It? #AfterEarth

After Earth Theatrical Poster


On Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the MAMARAZZI With Jaden and Will Smith event that in addition to a Questions and Answers Session also included a Screening of the Movie After Earth. We entered to a lovely reception where food and frozen treats were offered to attendees by LYFE Kitchen. I didn't try out the food items because after getting off super hot trains with no air (gee thanks MTA) and the weather being hazy, hot, and humid, I went straight for the Frozen Greek Yogurt Bar in Strawberry! And I'm so glad I did, it was delicious! (Yes, I know butterflies, you can say it New York Problems, some of you will tell me your cities offer limited Public Transportation and I should be happy.....)

Since the event started with the screening, I'll start with that too!

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:

A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (played by Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (played by Will Smith) stranded on Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape.

With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

MOVIE TRAILER:



Questions and Answers:


Video Credit: Fredy Mfuko , Mission 101 media


Denise Albert, Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Melissa Musen Gerstein, The Moms, After Earth
Left: Denise Albert, from The Moms, Jaden Smith, Will Smith Far Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, The Moms

Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Melissa Musen Gerstein, The Moms, After Earth
Left: Jaden Smith, Center: Will Smith Far Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein


Jaden Smith, Will Smith,The Moms, After Earth
Left: Jaden Smith, Right: Will Smith


Left: Jaden Smith, Right: Will Smith


MY TAKE:

When I found out that the movie was based on a story presented by Will Smith (based on a television show called I Shouldn't Be Alive), and was directed by M. Night Shyamalan, I was definitely curious, it's described as a 'scary sci-fi' flick and you all know that horror is my favorite movie genre! And you have to figure if it's a summer movie blockbuster where the world needs saving then you need Will Smith for sure, but unfortunately butterflies I'd be doing you a dis-service if I didn't warn you to SKIP IT.

M. Night peaked with The Sixth Sense as far as I'm concerned. With all of his movies since The Sixth Sense, I set out to the theater with hope it will be, well good.....and the movies have just all fallen short for me, and this one is another one, you leave wondering where the 'meat' was.

I did like that you see a Father and Son who come together and learn about themselves and each other in the process, but it's just predictable and that's the nicest thing I can say about it.

I appreciate the Q&A because it gives you the juxtaposition of the characters they portray and their real life Father/Son dynamic. Will is learning to allow Jaden to become his own man, even when their Fashion Tastes differ, which was the highlight of the Q&A when someone asked Jaden about his 'Skirt/Kilt' and Will ribbed him lovingly along with the audience. They were also asked if we can expect a movie featuring the entire family and Will mentioned that this is something that they have been considering for awhile now, but teased that they would have to work it around daughter's Willow's schedule.

Will Smith is always personable and down to earth so the Questions and Answers was fun. But the movie just falls short for me.

If you do go to see After Earth, please come back and share with us you thought!

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. This is NOT a compensated post. I attended a screening and questions and answers session hosted by The Moms, I was under no obligation to share my movie review and all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

{#Movie Review} @EpicTheMovie in theaters now + Armando Pérez aka @Pitbull discusses his role as 'Bufo' #EpicMamarazzi



Happy Memorial Day Weekend Butterflies!

It's a rainy Memorial Day Weekend in New York City so far, and I don't know about you, but I'm not letting Mother Nature get in the way of my 3 day weekend! A favorite rainy day activity of mine is definitely the movies, and if a family friendly movie is on your agenda this holiday weekend, then I  have one that just might fit the bill!

Yesterday, the movie Epic hit theaters and last week I had the opportunity to attend the #EpicMamarazzi with the dynamic duo behind TheMoms who hosted a Mamarazzi® With Pitbull.









ABOUT:

EPIC is a 3D CG adventure comedy that reveals a fantastical world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to destroy it. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she teams up with an elite band of warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures to save their world ... and ours.


Left: Denise Albert, Center: Pitbull, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein


CAST:

Beyoncé Knowles (Voice of 'Queen Tara')


Colin Farrell (Voice of 'General Ronin')


Josh Hutcherson (Voice of 'Nod')



Christoph Waltz (Voice of 'Mandrake')


Amanda Seyfried (Voice of Mary Katherine 'MK')


Armando Pérez aka Pitbull (Voice of the frog 'Bufo')



Steven Tyler (Voice of 'Nim Galuu')


Aziz Ansari (Voice of 'Mub')



Chris O'Dowd (Voice of 'Grub')
+ Jason Sudeikis (Voice of the dad, 'Bomba')

VIDEO:

Pitbull participated in a very brief Q&A before the movie:


Credit: Fredy Mfuko , Mission 101 media

MY TAKE:

Epic is definitely family friendly fun that offers laughs for both the little ones and the adults! Often times a movie will have what I call a 'scene stealer' and in this movie Aziz Ansari, the voice of 'Mub' steals every scene he is in! Mub and Grub were lovable, cute and provide quite a few of the laugh out loud moments in the movie. Beyoncé is a warm Queen Tara and Pitbull is a believable Frog, and Jason Sudeikis delivers as the clueless Dad that was so tapped into his 'work' that he was missing what was right under his nose.

It's a great reminder for parents to spend more time living than just 'making a living'.

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Pitbull, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein - Pitbull reminded the young ones in the audience the importance of heeding the advice of their mothers!

I have to apologize for the grainy photos, but for some reason unknown to anyone else who arrived almost 1 hour and a half before start time like I did, we were forced to move super far back, and vacate great seats only to have late comers take our seats. Because the theater wanted the seating filled from back to front upon arrival, so as far as the theater goes AMC 25, in midtown they were an epic fail, but the movie was a definite 'Ticket'. Seeing as how my online persona is 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I was hoping to get a picture with Pitbull, but from my nosebleeds that didn't happen......hopefully I will get the chance to meet him person someday and get my photo opp!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No compensation has been received to share my event recap or film review. There were no gift bags either, in case you were curious!