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 Disclosure: I 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. 

Men in Black 3 #Movie {Review}

@Columbia Pictures Men in Black 3

I attended a special advance screening of Men in Black earlier this week and just thought I'd share my un-biased, spoiler free review with my butterflies as I'm sure many of you will be heading to the theaters for Memorial Day Weekend!

Synopses:

English Summary: In Men In Black™ 3, Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back... in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him --secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of human kind.

Spanish Summary/En Espanol: En Men In Black™ 3, los agentes J (Will Smith) y K (Tommy Lee Jones) han vuelto... al pasado. Durante los quince años que trabajó con los Hombres de Negro, J se enfrentó a fenómenos inexplicables, pero nada — ni siquiera los extra terrestres — lo deja tan desconcertado como su sardónico y reservado compañero. Cuando la vida de K y el destino del planeta se encuentren en peligro, el agente J tendrá que viajar al pasado para arreglar las cosas. Allí, descubrirá que existen secretos sobre el universo que K nunca le contó, secretos que se revelarán cuando J empiece a trabajar con el joven agente K (Josh Brolin) para poder salvar a su compañero, la agencia y el futuro de la humanidad.

@Columbia Pictures Men in Black 3

My Take:

First and foremost, I have to share that I always have doubts in the back of my mind lately when I learn  any release will be in 3D, for me, as of late, 3D movies tend to be so special effects heavy that they lose an important element, the plot. I am super happy to report that while this is a 3D release, the plot does not get lost in the special effects. There are some great plot twists that really tie the storyline of the partnership between Agents J and K. I never give out spoilers here, but you will be pleasantly surprised.

Of course I have to share that there is a butterfly sighting, so be on the look out for it, and if you do go see the film this weekend and spot the scene, please come back here and share about it!

I also have to admit I did kind of set out to not like Josh Brolin as a young agent K, but he totally surprised me and I enjoyed his potrayal of a young Tommy Lee Jones. He totally nailed it!

The movie is fun, upbeat, action-packed and well cast, and I definitely recommend it!

More Action Shots from the film:

@Columbia Pictures Men in Black 3

@Columbia Pictures Men in Black 3

@Columbia Pictures Men in Black 3

@Columbia Pictures Men in Black 3

If you are a PussyCat Dolls Fan, you are sure to recognize the lady on the left who portrays Boris the Animal's girlfriend!

Here is the trailer:

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended an Advance Screening as a member of the Digital Press, I have received no compensation to share my review of this film.

What to Expect When You're Expecting Hollywood Movie Money #Giveaway

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor @SafeConBritax! We look forward to working with you again. Congratulations to our winner, Joy F. There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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This weekend I got the chance to check out the new movie What to Expect When You're Expecting, (I am sure the movie title reference is familiar to anyone who has the read the book with the same name, which some consider to be a 'pregnancy bible' of sorts.), it's a celeb studded cast that follows parenthood at different stages in life for various couples (as well as how their paths and lives intertwine) and includes the perspective of 'the dudes', a group of dads who come together to provide each other support and a 'judgement free' comfort zone. So if you are looking for a fun movie to take Dad to see on Father's Day, I would definitely recommend this one!

The movie features products, including strollers, car seats and baby carriers by Britax and B.O.B (which is owned by Britax). As a member of Britax’s Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach program, Ascending Butterfly will get the chance to bring you exclusive giveaways, product info, un-biased product reviews, and info on all things Britax every month. So don't forget to show some love on their Facebook and Twitter page and let them know that Ascending Butterfly sent you.

Our friends at Britax want you to check out their products in action, so @SafeConBritax and Ascending Butterfly are giving you Hollywood Movie Money so you can see the movie too! Don't you just ♥ Britax USA? I know I do! (The first entry is super easy, just give us your email, the passes will be emailed to the winner so we need your email to send you your prize!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and  I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My movie pass and the movie money being used for this giveaway was provided by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

{Movie Reviews} Girl in Progress - in Theatres NOW!

It is Mother's Day Weekend Butterflies! Wishing all my butterfly mamas a very happy Mother's Day! I hope you made your restaurant reservations early, but if you didn't or are planning something more low key like a Movie, what better than a movie themed with Moms in mind!

I had the pleasure of attending a very intimate special screening of Girl in Progress, giving me the chance to catch up with some bloggers and editors that I know and meet some new ones and also check out a release that is hitting a theatre near you this weekend.

ABOUT GIRL IN PROGRESS:

Grace (Eva Mendes) in GIRL IN PROGRESS. Photo credit ©2011 Pantelion Films/Bob Akester

Grace (played by Eva Mendes) is a single mom. She is too busy juggling work,  bills, and the very married Dr. Hartford (played by Matthew Modine), to give  her daughter, Ansiedad (played by Cierra Ramirez) the attention she desperately needs. When Ansiedad's English teacher, Ms. Armstrong (played by Patricia Arquette), introduces her students to classic coming-of-age stories,  Ansiedad is inspired to skip adolescence and jump-start her life without mom. While Grace becomes preoccupied with the increasing affections of her co-worker (played by Eugenio Derbez), Ansiedad enlists the help of her loyal friend, Tavita (played by Raini Rodriguez), to plot her  shortcut to "adulthood". But as her misguided plan unravels, Ansiedad and Grace must learn that sometimes growing-up means acting your age.

Grace (Eva Mendes) and Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) in GIRL IN PROGRESS. Photo credit ©2011 Pantelion Films/Bob Akester

Distributor: Pantelion Films 
Cast: Eva Mendes, Matthew Modine, Cierra Ramirez, Raini Rodriguez
Director: Patricia Riggen 
Running time: 90 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexual content including crude references, and drinking – all involving teens.
Release Date: May 11, 2012

Dr. Hartford (Matthew Modine) and Grace (Eva Mendes) in GIRL IN PROGRESS. Photo credit ©2011 Pantelion Films/Bob Akester

My Take:

The relationship between a Mother and Daughter is a complex one, it evolves with each stage of your child's life and growing up. The movie delves into those critical years where a young teen is struggling with her identity, struggling to be the total opposite of her mom (because at that age, no one thinks it's cool to be like their parents), and the process of learning that life is really in the journey and not the destination so don't try so hard to move it ahead too quickly.

There are some cons for me, the main one is that Eva's character Grace is having an affair with a married man. I don't condone it, and as a Latina I of course wonder why this was put in there. Couldn't Grace be a bit immature, or a struggling single mom of a teenage daughter without having to have an affair with a Married Man? It just felt to stereotypical for me. Yes I know women of all races are capable of this behavior, but why did it have to be this one?

Second, the underage drinking which I also know is really happening out there, so if you want to look at it as a reflection of what is going on in some homes, then it's accurate, but I personally didn't feel so comfortable with that. If you are going to see this with a teen, use that scene as a discussion point after the movie and use it as an opportunity to re-iterate to your child what your stance is on drinking as a whole and on under-age drinking especially.

Now that being said, it was well cast and the daughter, Ansiedad, portrayed by Cierra Ramirez was definitely a stand out first performance from a break out young star in the making! Her best friend Tavita played by Raini Rodriguez (sister of Rico Rodriguez, who portrays Manny on the popular ABC Television Series Modern Family), was also a dynamic performance.

Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) and Mission Impossible (Eugenio Derbez) in GIRL IN PROGRESS. Photo credit ©2011 Pantelion Films/Bob Akester

Eugenio Derbez, who plays Grace's co-worker, called 'Mission Impossible' by his co-workers at the restaurant where they work also gave a great performance in this movie, if you haven't already seen it, he was also fantastic in the movie 'Under the Same Moon', He was also in Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill, he is unquestionably one of Mexico's best-known actors, the most recognized actor among the Spanish-speaking population in the United States and I'm happy to see him breaking ground in the mainstream US market too.

If you decide to take in this movie, please come back here and let us know what YOU think!

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FTC Disclosure: I was invited to attend a private screening of Girl in Progress, food & beverages and a lovely gift bag were provided to guests. However, all opinions regarding this film are 100% my own. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

John Carter The Movie {Review}

Disney John Carter Theatrical Poster

On Thursday night I attended the 3D Imax Screening of Disney's John Carter.  The film chronicles the adventures of former Confederate Captain John Carter, the protagonist of Edgar Rice Burroughs' 11-volume Barsoom series. Hero John Carter is transported to Mars, known by its inhabitants as Barsoom and before John Carter can even figure out how he got there, he is drawn into the conflict among Barsoom's inhabitants, which includes the Helium people, the Tharks, and the  Zodanga.

John Carter played by Taylor Kitsch

Does John Carter ever get back home? That's for you to find out! I won't give you any spoilers, especially for those of you who like me, did not read the books before heading out to see the film. Sometimes reading the books before seeing a movie can be a total mixed bag, you become more critical of the casting, and whether or not the scenes are as you envisioned them to be in your imagination.

I definitely approached this Sci Fi/Adventure film with a totally open mind, but a book that is said to have inspired both Star Wars and Avatar certainly gives an audience big expectations. I have done some research on the history of the rights of the film and the different hands it passed through before it got to it's current team and director, and I read that Robert Rodriguez was once being considered to direct the film, and to some degree I wish that had remained the case, as his sense of pacing would have made the film so much better.

I will say the movie is well cast! The actors definitely gave it their all, but the films pacing and narrative falls a bit short.

Princess of Helium, Dejah Thoris, Played by Lynn Collins

I did love that (for the most part) the Princess of Helium, Dejah Thoris was no fearful shrinking violet who couldn't fight or think for herself. Princess and Regent of the Royal Academy of Science turns out to be a very fierce fighter, and Lynn Collins did a great job striking that balance. Her and John Carter (played by Taylor Kitsch, who you might remember as Tim Riggins in the NBC television series Friday Night Lights) have a great chemistry together and played off of each other well.

But the movie stealer is actually an enormous creature who is very loyal and sweet and looks like a cross between a dog and a dinosaur called 'Woola'. John Carter is the first person to come to Woola's rescue, and as a result Woola becomes very loyal to John and becomes his constant companion and loyal friend. The Woola has this 'aw factor' and endearing appeal that makes him an absolute scene stealer, somehow that face that only a mother could possibly love, becomes the character you find yourself rooting for!

Woola and John Carter, Scene from Disney Pictures John Carter Movie

In fact I was so charmed by Woola I've opted to share a clip of him in action:

Will John Carter make the 250 million dollar budget worth it? The audiences this weekend will decide, as for this butterfly, it's a two out of a possible five butterflies. The pace can get a bit draggy at times, and it's a long run time (so don't go on an empty stomach), I don't see it as a rival to Star Wars or Avatar, but it's an interesting enough start as we wait for this year's summer blockbusters.

 

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FTC Disclosure: I attended the John Carter Screening as a member of the Digital Press. No compensation has been received by Ascending Butterfly for this review. This is NOT a spsonored post.

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.

Not So Wordless Wednesday - War Horse Screening Q & A with Actress Emma Watson {Photo + Video}

I have attended some great events this months, and slowly but surely I'm sneaking in event recaps during our annual holidays buying guide because I love to make you feel like you were there with me! I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of the movie War Horse thanks to Moms & The City, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and a live stream of a questions and answers session with Actress Emma Watson that was live streamed by the New York Daily News!

DreamWorks Pictures "War Horse" directed by Steven Spielberg is an epic adventure that tells the story of a very special friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man Albert who trains Joey, the adventure begins when they are forcefully parted due to The First World War. Joey changes and inspires the lives of all he meets including the British Cavalry, German Soldiers, and a French Farmer and his Grand-Daughter, meanwhile his friend Joey's life is forever changed in attempting to reunite with him. It's a heartfelt and touching tale of friendship, of the single thread that unites us all even under (or maybe especially under) dire circumstances, tenacity and friendship. I'd say the age range for young ones would entirely depend on your child's maturity level. There is some violence as this is a war epic after all!

As if Mimosas, warm popcorn, bagels and other assorted snacks weren't enough incentive, the screening was followed by a Question and Answer session with one of the films stars, Actress Emma Watson!

Here are my two best shots from the Q&A Session:

Emma Watson Center, holding microphone!

(Left) Raina Seitel, Moms & The City (Center) Actress Emma Watson (Right) Melissa Gerstein, Moms & The City

NY Daily News was live streaming the Q&A, and if you'd like to hear Emma's answers to moms questions, press on the video below (you might want to view this in full screen mode):

I would definitely recommend checking out War Horse the movie which will open on Christmas Day! Emma is incredibly down-to-earth, (a bit shy!), and super approachable, I enjoyed meeting her and greatly enjoyed the screening!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. I was invited to a special screening as a member of the digital press, I was fed and did receive a gift bag! :)

{Movie Review} Prep & Landing - Watch it Tonight on ABC!

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season (after trimming the tree and decking the halls of course) is watching my favorite holiday cartoons. They are absolutely timeless, and I look forward to watching them just as much now as I did when I was a kid.

But it wasn't until I checked out Disney's Prep & Landing that I realized today's kids needed a new tradition, they are way more high tech than we were at their age, and the same old story year after year doesn't have the same nostalgia for them as they do for me.

Today's kids definitely have a new holiday cartoon seemingly created with them in mind. It's North Pole gone high tech with adventure and holiday hijinx!

About Prep & Landing

Prep & Landing is an adorable holiday story about a high-tech team of elves who ensure homes around the world are properly prepared for their visit from Santa. After working for a tireless 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion. Instead he is partnered with an idealistic rookie elf named Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) to execute a special Christmas Eve mission. While on their journey, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and ultimately threaten Christmas for children around the world. But in the end, these two elves work together to guide Santa through a raging snowstorm in order to save Christmas.

Do the elves save Christmas?

Curl up with your little one and check it out on ABC tonight! Then come back here and tell me your favorite part!

My niece and nephews loved it! While I am not hosting a giveaway this time around, I wanted to recommend it as a stocking stuffer for Christmas lovers of all ages!

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FTC Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own. This is NOT a sponsored post. Refer to our Disclosure Policy.

{CLOSED} The Littlest Angel DVD Giveaway! Ends 11/23

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor The Littlest Angel on DVD! The Winner is: 'Terri S.' (We post winner site usernames for privacy reasons). Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #4 brought to you by:

KIDS CORNER

We started our Kids Corner in our Annual Holidays Buying Guide with a review of Cars 2, and now we have a review (with giveaway this time! YAY!) for The Littlest Angel! This classic childrens story has been reimagined and is now available for purchase. This rated G release has been been approved for all ages by The Dove Foundation. 

The Littlest Angel (who reminds me a great deal of my nephew, inquisitive, smart, and sometimes mischievious), is the story of a young boy who arrives in heaven way before his time, he finds himself lonely and very home-sick  and goes on an adventure back to earth with his trusty pup Halo both to earn his wings and to retrieve a gift for the baby Jesus, as well as learn valuable lessons along the way. Discovering that the greatest gifts in life are faith, friendship and doing the right thing!

With great animation and strong vocal talent including Ron Perlman (who also voiced characters in Beauty and the Beast as well as Tangled) The Littlest Angel is sure to become a favorite holiday tradition much like the book it is based on.

Wanna keep the little ones entertained while waiting for Turkey Day Dinner? How about coloring pages?

Press on each picture individually, then print as many copies as you need, do this for each picture separately if you want all of them!

Coloring Pages

I haven't colored in ages, I might have to print out a set for myself! Have the kiddos color them and then put them on the fridge!

 My Take:

This is definitely a fun & safe for all ages film, that is heart-warming and charming. With a more classic animation style that relies less on the special effects and more on telling a great story. As an Aunt and Godmother what I love is that this allows you to give a gift of faith in a way that makes it fun for the child.

As a God-Mother I really like to find gifts that are Faith based for my God-Children and it's a challenge to find items sometimes, I want to enhance their faith in a way that is age appropriate and still very fun and this movie is definitely a perfect stocking stuffer!

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Anchor Bay Entertainment would like to give 1 lucky winner The Littlest Angel on DVD!

Don't you just ♥ The Littlest Angel? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Answer the following question: What is your favorite gift of Faith to purchase for a young child?  (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. No purchase necessary. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Friday, November 18, 2011 until Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of all things with wings, what is your favorite 'winged thing'? Is it an Angel, a butterfly, a dragonfly, a bird? (I think you already know my choice!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter (this is Ascending Butterfly's new account, we will soon be hosting twitter parties which necessitates having a second account so you can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @AnchorBayEnt on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Enter to  #Win The Littlest Angel DVD #Giveaway from @AnchorBayEnt + @Ascending1  Ends 11/23 #movies - http://tinyurl.com/82o6x7h

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Anchor Bay Entertainment (a STARZ company) on Facebook HERE (Tell them which item you are trying to win on Ascending Butterfly or copy and paste 'I am trying to win The Littlest Angel DVD Giveaway on Ascending Butterfly') - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW! Here's a win/win extra credit entry if you join Scorebig from my affiliate link you will be entering for the chance to win a $100 ScoreBig Gift Card AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card (yes both) and if I get the most people to sign up via my link, I get a shot at a prize too! How cool is that? ScoreBig is the members-only place to save up to 60% on sports, concert and theater tickets. (Unfortunately if you have already signed up on your own or under someone else, you cannot claim the extra credit here) - tell us which email you used to sign up.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway:  The Littlest Angel DVD was provided for review free of charge. No monetary compensation has been received. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Cars 2 {Movie Review}

About the Movie:

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in Cars 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer). -- (C) Disney

My Take:

Boys aren't the only ones into cars. I had Matchbox cars when I was a kid (and had to constantly keep an eye on my male cousins!), all very ironic as I don't drive but I do appreciate muscle cars! The next best thing to driving fast cars is watching them race right?

Cars 2 focuses in more on the friendship between McQueen and Tow Truck Mater with a mix of international espionage thrown in for fun. The kids will love Mater's goofy charm and Pixar's fantastic animation that will take them around the world (without the expense of airfare) and teach them a thing or two about friendship in the process.

So join me in scoring cool Auntie points and check out Cars 2 today! And you can nab a coupon for $5 off HERE

There are some fun activities you can check out below:

And for my foodies:



and stuff to do on the go:

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Go back to the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh - Now on Blu Ray

Winnie the Pooh was always my favorite bear when I was a kid. I attended the screening earlier this year when the movie was released, which you can read about HERE

What I loved was the retro feel of it, no special effects, classic animation, no inappropriate humor, just a good clean family movie that you can feel confident taking the little ones to see.

Film Synopsis:

Disney returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, thisall-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very littlebrain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo – and last, butcertainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. “Ever have one of thosedays where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh. Owl sends the whole gang ona wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns outto be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey.Disney’s all-new “Winnie the Pooh” movie is inspired by three stories from A.A.Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art.

Blu-ray™ Bonus Features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  · Exclusive bonus short “Mini-Adventures of Winnie thePooh: The Balloon” – In this charming short, Pooh comes up with a daring plan to get a hold of some honey by fooling a group of bees.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  “The Ballad of Nessie” - The animated short film included in the theatrical release is the heart warming tale of  how Nessie found her new home in the Loch Ness.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  “Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too” – A fun and informative behind-the-scenes look at the film, designed for the whole family. Hosted by John Cleese (narrator of the film), and with occasional help from Pooh himself, this featurette explores Winnie the Pooh’s history from his beginnings as a character in a book, to his continued life in the movies. The filmmakers reveal how they worked to keep the look of the characters and settings in this movie consistent with their first appearances on-screen in1966. Pooh, being a bear of very little mind, finds much of this confusing, but the Narrator and the filmmakers make it all clear to Pooh – and you! 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  Deleted Scenes introduced by directors, Stephen Anderson and Don Hall – 5 deleted scenes including “TheTummy Song,” “Rabbit’s Friends and Relations,” “Original Eeyore Intro”, ”Original Tigger Intro” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail” 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  Sing-Along with the Movie – Follow the red balloon and changing word colors to seven song lyrics featured in the film.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  Disney Song Selection –“Winnie the Pooh Theme Song,” “The Tummy Song, “A Very Important Thing To Do,”“The Backson Song,” “It’s Gonna Be Great,” “Everything is Honey” and “The Winner Song Finale”

DVD Bonus Features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  “Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon”

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·   “The Ballad of Nessie”

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·   Deleted scenes introduced by directors,Stephen Anderson and Don Hall – 3 deleted scenes including “The Tummy Song,” “”Rabbit’s Friends and Relations” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail”

Movie Download Bonus Features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·   “Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon”

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·   “The Ballad of  Nessie”

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ·  Deleted Scenes introduced directors. Stephen Anderson and Don Hall – 3 deleted scenes including “The Tummy Song,” “Rabbit’s Friends and Relations” and “Pooh Searches for aTail”

And that 'silly old bear' is even cuter with a butterfly on his nose! Disney movies never disappoint on the butterfly sightings! I'd love to think they are being thrown in there just for me.

Want to keep up with your favorite bear in all places social?

Follow Winnie on Twitter and on Facebook

If you didn't catch this one in the theater you should definitely get the Blu Ray/DVD Combo to add to your home Disney library.

Happy Pooh Bear Tuesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have received no compensation to review the movie, however screening passes were provided when I saw it in theaters and the Blu-Ray was provided to me for editorial consideration. This is no way influenced my opinion.