Showing posts with label animated movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animated movies. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Croods + Questions and Answers with Actress Catherine Keener and Directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco!




Da Da Daaaa! By now I'm sure you've seen the super cute commercials for the upcoming movie The Croods.



About The Movie:

The Croods tells the story of the world's first family road trip. When their cave is destroyed, the Crood family must embark on a comedy adventure into strange and spectacular territory in search of a new home. As if patriarch Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage) didn't already have enough to handle, it goes from bad to worse when they encounter an imaginative nomad named Guy (voiced by Ryan Reynolds.) With Guy's help the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive - each other.

The Cast:

Crug (The Dad) is voiced by Nicolas Cage
Ugga (The Mom) is voiced by Catherine Keener
Eep (Daughter) is voiced by Emma Stone
Gran (Grandmother, Ugga's Mom) is voiced by Cloris Leachman
Thunk (Son) is voiced by Clark Duke
Sandy (baby) is voiced by Randy Thom
Guy (The New Guy) is voiced by Ryan Reynolds
Belt (The Sloth) is voiced by Chris Sanders (III)

The Event:

As you know Mamarazzi screenings with The Moms are not your typical movie screenings, they are EVENTS! This screening was followed by a Questions and Answers Session with the films two directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco as well as Actress Catherine Keener the voice of Ugga who is the family matriarch in DreamWorks animated film The Croods.

You know me, I like to take you through the event via photos from begining to end so you can see everything I got to see! Before we got upstairs a very special mascot made his entry in the lobby and caused quite a bit of excitement, it was BELT!!! So when we got upstairs there he was so we could take pictures, and you know I love Mascot photos (as all my photos from most BlogHer Conferences are with the Mascots I find on the exhibitor floor!).

Left: Ascending Butterfly, Center: Belt Mascot from DreamWorks Pictures The Croods, Right: Mama Butterfly
My eyes were closed in the first photo above, so thankfully they got another one!



Now we're talking! DA DA DAAAAA!

And there was another cute photo opp waiting at the entrance to the auditorium:



I didn't dare sit on that little chair, so I snapped a picture of it!

And there was cute Crood branded Popcorn Bags at the ready for us too!



The screening was followed by a Questions and Answers Session led by Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein the dynamic duo behind The Moms, Catherine Keener the voice of Ugga, and directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco!

Below is a video with Questions and Answers that were asked prior to the audience Q&A but it opens with some of the pre-screening reception and don't blink because I'm in the beginning of this video posing for my picture with Mama Butterfly and Belt!



I can see why Actress Kristen Bell likes Sloths, Belt is kind of sweet and cuddly! Here are my photos from the Questions and Answers Session, thankfully it's accompanied by the video of the session as my shots weren't super clear. (This butterfly definitely needs a new camera!)

Left: Denise Albert from 'The Moms', Center: Actress Catherine Keener, to Catherine's Right  Director Chris Sanders, Far Right: Kirk DeMicco

Left: Catherine Keener (Voice of Ugga in DreamWorks Pictures The Croods), Center: Director Chris Sanders, Right: Director Kirk DeMicco

Left: Vincent DiCaro, Director of Public Affairs, National Fatherhood Initiative, Right: Denise Albert from 'The Moms'


Here is the Video of the Questions and Answers Session:



My Take:

The Croods is good family fun for ALL ages! While I did enjoy Oz The Great Powerful, that movie is definitely for older children and teens, while The Croods is good for all ages. It touches on so many different aspects of what being a family means, and the great lessons they learn along the way when they were forced to embrace change ready or not. Parents learning how to let their children grow and go, and the struggles that children go through when they want more freedom than they may necessarily be quite ready for.

The Croods hits theaters on March 22nd and I would definitely say it's a 'Ticket' if you are looking for a family friendly film that is fun for all ages!

Once you've had a chance to see it, come back here and let us know what you thought! And Bloggers feel free to link us to your Wordless Wednesday Posts here too!


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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly attended a Private Screening of DreamWorks Pictures The Croods, we were provided with snacks and a gift bag, however this is NOT a sponsored post and no monetary compensation has been received to share our screening experience or film review. Full disclosure policy: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Disney Secret of the Wings DVD/Blu Ray Video Release Review!



Disney's Secret of The Wings is now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD and I got a chance to see a Special Sneak Peek of it during a Disney Screening of The Odd Life of Timothy Green that I attended during the BlogHer Conference back in August, after the screening there was a special cocktail reception and in our Gift Bags was a pair of Fairy Wings! Now you know Ascending Butterfly loves all things with Wings so I was super excited to see my wings in the bag! And now the Movie is finally out on Blu-Ray and I can share all about it!

Center: Secret of the Wings Blu-ray Combo Pack Box between Fairy Wings! (I am so wearing those wings on Halloween!)


Plot Summary



English: Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever.

SpanishViaje con Tinker Bell y sus amigas hadas en el mundo prohibido de los misteriosos bosques de invierno, donde curiosidad y aventura llevan Tink a un asombroso descubrimiento y revelan un secreto mágico que podría cambiar su mundo para siempre.

The direct-to-DVD 2012 computer-animated comedy film, based on the Disney Fairies franchise, produced by Disney Toon Studios revolves around Tinker Bell, a fairy character created by J. M. Barrie in his play, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, and featured in subsequent adaptations, especially in animated works by the Walt Disney CompanySecret of the Wings is the fourth film in this series of direct-to-DVD films and was released on October 23, 2012. In the film, Tinker Bell ventures into the forbidden world and discovers a frost fairy named Periwinkle.


Secret of the Wings by Disney Box Cover Art



Voice cast and characters:


Soundtrack:

The soundtrack was released on October 16, 2012, and I wouldn't be 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' without presenting you with a full track listing:

  • "Time to Mystery, Time to Winter" - Bella Thorne
  • "The Great Divide" - McClain Sisters
  • "We'll Be There" - Thia Megia
  • "Dig Down Deeper" - Zendaya
  • "Gift of a Friend" - Demi Lovato
  • "Fly to Your Heart" - Selena Gomez
  • "How to Believe" - Bridgit Mendler
  • "Let Your Heart Sing" - Katharine McPhee
  • "Shine" - Laura Marano
  • "Smile" - Sabrina Carpenter
  • "Magic Mirror" - Tiffany Thornton

  • My Take:

    As you know I have always had a fascination with Disney Movies since my childhood because they are always good for a butterfly sighting! Someone at Disney obviously shares my obsession with 'winged creatures', and magical adventures! This Family Friendly release would be perfectly placed in your Disney Fairies Themed Halloween Party this year! The video would make a great inclusion in your party treat bags if you are hosting a more intimate party for a few kids! (Could of course get expensive if you are hosting a lot of little girls and ghouls this year!)


    Are you team Disney 'Princess' or Disney 'Fairy'?



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    FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received for this review. The video was provided for our editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Questions about our Disclosure? Visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

    Wednesday, August 8, 2012

    Wordless Wednesday: HELP! The @TheLorax is stalking me! {Photos}

    You may remember in February of this year during New York Fashion Week that Ascending Butterfly and The Lorax made the cover of page 6. It was a Wordless Wednesday Post that month, and you can check it out here to refresh your memory. Here is the picture:

    Photo Credit: Dirty Sugar, Left: Ascending Butterfly, Right: The Lorax


    Well it appears that I cannot escape that furry ball of love! I think the Lorax may be stalking me as he appeared out of nowhere during BlogHer 2012 and insisted on a photo for his scrapbook!

    Photo Credit: Ascending Butterfly

    Hmm....Stalking me much?

    I love taking pictures with Mascots, so it was fun getting photos with the Lorax both at Fashion week and now again at BlogHer 2012! (The way some people stalk celebrities, I stalk mascots to take photos!)

    The Lorax 3D Box Art Photo Credit: Universal Pictures, photo used with permission


    Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is now available on DVD, and for those of you not lucky enough to get stalked at events by the fun loving guy, you can now bring him home with the new BLU-RAY™ 3D COMBO PACK!

    SYNOPSIS

    The imaginative world of Dr. Seuss comes to life like never before in this visually spectacular adventure from the creators of Despicable Me! Twelve-year-old Ted will do anything to find a real live Truffula Tree in order to impress the girl of his dreams. As he embarks on his journey, Ted discovers the incredible story of the Lorax, a grumpy but charming creature who speaks for the trees. Featuring the voice talents of Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle, Jenny Slate and Betty White, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is filled with hilarious fun for everyone!

    SINOPSIS


    El mundo imaginativo de Dr. Seuss viene a la vida como nunca antes en este visualmente espectacular aventura de los creadores de Despicable Me! Solo doce años Ted hará cualquier cosa para encontrar un árbol de Truffula vida real con el fin de impresionar a la chica de sus sueños. Cuando se embarca en su viaje, Ted descubre la increíble historia del Lorax, una criatura cascarrabias pero encantador que habla de los árboles. Presentando los talentos de voz de Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle, Jenny Slate y Betty White, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax está lleno de hilarante diversión para todos!

    I know what are you thinking, but butterfly I thought we were going to go retro this week and keep focusing exclusively on inspiration, well in way we are! The thing I love about hanging out with my nieces, nephews and Godchildren is that I get to re-visit my inner child in a healthy way. 

    Remember that sweet time of your life, where every stranger became a friend solely by knowing their name? Remember when love was the one thing worth risking everything for? ~ Ascending Butterfly

    What we do to find love is our journey! Professional success is wonderful, but finding someone to share the fruit of your labors, makes those fruits that much sweeter.

    As an adult is love so simple? Probably not, but it's not quite as complicated as we make it either. 

    Today's Challenge: Ask yourself: How far would I go for real love? Could you put yourself out there completely?

    MY TAKE:

    As I loved Despicable Me, I had no doubt I'd love The Lorax too. I am long time Dr. Seuss fan and I am happy to pass along that tradition with the little ones in my life. 

    NOTE: The BLU-RAY combo pack comes with Featurettes and Exclusives!

    Dr. Seuss + Universal Studios Home Entertainment = Fun for Everyone! 

    Want to keep up the fun after the movie is over? Check out the Lorax Activity Sheet Below:


     


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    FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. I was provided with a review copy of the DVD for editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own. Please do not 'borrow' my personal watermarked Lorax photos!

    Tuesday, June 26, 2012

    Disney/Pixar's Brave {Movie Review}

    @ Disney Pixar's Brave


    Movie Synopsis:


    English: Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

    @ Disney Pixar's Brave


    Spanish/Espanol: En la película, Kelly Macdonald presta su voz a Merida, una habilidosa arquera hija del Rey Fergus (voz de Billy Connolly) y de la Reina Elinor (voz de Emma Thompson). Merida está decidida a labrarse su propio camino en la vida y desafía una costumbre milenaria y sagrada de los ruidosos señores de la tierra: el enorme Lord MacGuffin (voz de Kevin McKidd), el huraño Lord Macintosh (voz de Craig Ferguson) y el cascarrabias Lord Dingwall (voz de Robbie Coltrane). Sin quererlo ni beberlo, las decisiones de Merida desencadenan el caos y la furia en el reino. Y cuando acude a una excéntrica y sabia anciana (voz de Julie Walters) en busca de ayuda, se le concede un desventurado deseo. El enorme peligro que corre obligará a Merida a descubrir el significado del auténtico valor: tendrá que deshacer una terrible maldición antes de que sea demasiado tarde.

    Brave - Film Clip "Wisps"




    My Take:

    I do enjoy the Scottish accent, and the greens of the forests and the craggy peaks did set off a case of wanderlust (then again what doesn't right?), what I love most about this movie is that the heroine is strong, independent, persistent and resourceful. She refuses to dance to the beat of someone else's drum and is determined to find her own way in life. Does she stumble along the way? Sure she does. We all do. But she learns that even if it's hard, even when the people you love don't necessarily agree with you, that you can be your own person, and experience life on your own terms.

    Brave is rated PG and is definitely family safe!

    I love comedians Billy Connolly and Craig Ferguson who both voice characters in the film, and as you all know I love all things Atlantic City so I recognized Kelly Macdonald who voices the heroine Merida in Brave immediately as she plays Margaret Schroeder in the HBO Television Series Boardwalk Empire.

    Brave enough to get social? Then link up with Brave here:

    Website & Mobile site: Disney.com/Brave 

    Like Brave on Facebook: facebook.com/PixarBrave

    Follow Brave on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar



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    FTC DisclosureI attended an Advanced Screening of Disney/Pixar Brave, however, this is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for writing this movie review. 

    Thursday, February 16, 2012

    Lady and the Tramp! {Movie Review}



    With the insanity that is Fashion Week and other simultaneous events happening back to back, I just realized we never got anything into our Valentine's Day 2012 Buying Guide for the little ones!

    So as a belated Kids Corner pick, Ascending Butterfly recommends Disney's Animated Classic Love Story 'Lady and the Tramp' - I remember seeing it when I was a little girl and was happy to see that the 2 disc Combo Pack was released on February 7th 2012, just in times for Valentines Day!

    It's my earliest memory of a 'romance' movie, Lady a pampered Cocker Spaniel and Tramp a free-wheeling Mutt with a heart of gold, meet and fall in love! They made it look so easy! A great adventure set to un-forgettable music......I don't think there is any love story sweeter than this one, so while the kiddos get wrapped up in the Dogs and their fun adventures, there is still a sweet romance story in there for moms and dads to enjoy along with the kiddos.

    Yes in reality we know Dad never would have approved of Tramp, and Lady may have come home with Tattoo in the modern day version, and of course the only restaurant open at that hour in the modern day version would have been fast food......but I digress.....

    So if you haven't already, pick this up to watch with the kids this weekend! It is Family Approved, and Fun for all ages.

    I think everyone's favorite scene in the movie is the 'Bella Notte' Spaghetti Scene Hands Down:




    And now I have the sudden urge to make some Pasta! :)

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    Ascending Butterfly received the products mentioned above free of charge for editorial consideration, no additional incentives have been received. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commisions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Our full Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy can be found HERE.