Are You Here

Winter time seems always be a good time for a romantic comedy. When you put together such cinematic "ingredients" as a well known comedic cast like Owen Wilson (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Internship), Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover Trilogy, Due Date) and Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and a script written by talented Matthew Weiner (creator of Mad Men) that sounds like a winning combination, right? What could possibly go wrong? I was very enthusiastic to watch the latest comedy Are You Here (Lionsgate), especially that my husband mentioned a comedy with Owen Wilson he saw at the last film festival in Venice, which he said was very funny.
I made myself a big cup of tea and sat comfortably on a sofa to enjoy the film which was hailed as a fantastic comedy.

Image credit: Lionsgate UK

There are two main protagonists - an immature Ben Baker, whose purpose in life seems to be to get high, and Steve Dallas, a womanizer and a semi-successful weatherman. When Ben receives the news that his estranged father dies, both men travel to the funeral. At his old home, Ben meets his mother-in-law Angela. With Angela, I had a feeling the script writer wasn't quite sure whether to portray her as a positive role-model or a wanton man-eater. She works with disabled children (this was mentioned once, but never actually shown), weds an elderly man and is quite free with her favours. She is like an unbaked baguette, i.e. there is a promise there which is not quite fulfilled. Apart from obvious bodily assets, there is not much substance in her.
Then there is a money-driven sister Terry who hates Angela (for all the right reasons, if you ask me).
After discovering just how much he inherits from his father's will, Ben dreams of a commune of free people and wants to change the world.

After the first ten minutes, I was left more puzzled than amused. I wasn't sure why it was supposed to be a romantic comedy. Would it get funny further along? I carried on, and when the film ended, I asked myself, Is that all?

The actors try their best to do a good performance of rather flat role parts.
And then there was a horrible scene of a chicken being butchered. I'm glad I wasn't eating anything at that point, as it was truly sickening. This is not even remotedly comic or romantic.

This comedy didn't appeal to my sense of humour, but other people might find it amusing. That is, if a naked bum and a sight of an Amish pinny covering one's family jewels makes you chuckle.

Lionsgate UK presents Are You Here starring Owen Wilson, Zach Galifiakis, Amy Poehler and Laura Ramsey to watch on demand and download to own from 25th December 2014 and in cinemas January 2nd 2015.

Image credit: Lionsgate UK

Alpha and Omega 3: The Great Wolf Games DVD

When the weather is far from perfect, and we cannot go for long walks or play and dig in the garden, we enjoy watching movies together. If you've watched Alpha and Omega 1&2, you might be pleased to know that the third episode - Alpha & Omega 3: The Great Wolf games - is out on DVD on 14 April, just in time for Easter. It comes with a cheerful promise of the "biggest adventure is yet to come".

The official blurb informs us:
"Join the pack in this wild, warm-hearted and totally pawsome adventure starring everyone’s favourite alphas and omegas! It’s time for “The Great Wolf Games,” when all the alphas in the packs set aside their differences for some friendly competition. When an unexpected accident puts many of the star alpha wolves out of commission, a new team is assembled that includes forest friends not in the pack. Can Coach Humphrey lead his ragtag group of “underdogs” to victory? Find out in this thrilling movie that will leave you howling for more!"

Eddie and I cuddled on the sofa together, with some Dairylea Dunkers and Hula Hoops, and giggled at the antics of three wolves: Stinky, Claudette and Runt who have found the most unusual team mates. The little bear with the bird issues and the bossy little porcupine join the team. Who will run the fastest? Will they win? Well. you'll have to watch to find out.

This animation will most likely appeal to pre-schoolers and primary school kids (as well as their parents). It is amusing and entertaining, and also teaches the youngsters about fair play and teamwork, and even gender discrimination in sport (I was definitely rooting for Claudette).
It is 43 minutes long, which is just about right for the younger audience with the short attention span.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the DVD for the purposes of reviewing. All opinions are Eddie's and mine.

SeaFood Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

"Mama, it's so beautiful!" (Eddie)

As my kids are big fans of "fishy" animation (Finding Nemo, Shark Tale etc), I was curious to see how SeaFood (Lionsgate UK) compares in the oceania adventures department. We missed SeaFood when it came out on DVD last year, but on the 3rd of February 2014 Lionsgate UK releases SeaFood ( as well as Daddy, I'm a Zombie which I reviewed a while ago) on Blu-ray.

SeaFood starts with a dramatic chase, which we later learn is only a pretend game between two friends. Later Pup the bamboo shark, who is the smaller of two friends, witnesses the cruel human divers stealing a whole lot of shark egg sacks from his reef.
He goes on a mission to rescue his family. To do that he must venture on the dry land.
His friend Julius is afraid for Pup's safety and goes in search of him with the help of a scientist octopus Octo who builds a mechanical suit for Julius.
This film has been produced with the financial support of Ministry of Science,Technology and Innovation (Malaysia) and addresses some serious issues like the pollution of the ocean and consumption of the sharks.
The scene where the sea turtle Myrtle is being suffocated by the plastic bag is harrowing. The pollution breeds the aggressive and sinister sea bottom dwellers.
The main message is that it's the human beings who are the main predators. Sharks are actually good guys in this film.
My younger son was a bit worried, seeing the evil creatures, and while safely sitting on my lap, kept commenting "This is not a very good movie, Mama, shall we switch it off?". I know this means he was a bit scared but didn't want to admit it.
We watched it together, and cheered Julius escaping from the cruel chef who tried to capture the shark for its fins. We both screamed "Faster, Julius, faster!" and were biting our knuckles during the chase, will they reach the ocean safely?!

It never stops to amaze me what kids find strange or believable in animation. Eddie wasn't surprised that the sharks and other sea creatures talk, but when he watched the scene where the woman driver with her daughter were waiting for the traffic lights to change, he commented: "Mama, why is the girl not buckled in?"

Image credits: Lionsgate

It might be a bit predictable but if the weather is grey and miserable, you could still have a fun afternoon, watching a film together as a family and having sweet'n'salty popcorn. We loved cute little Pup and his true friend Julius, and enjoyed the fabulous fighting chickens.

Disclosure: I received SeaFood Blu-Ray for the purposes of reviewing. All opinions are mine.

Mumfie's White Christmas

At Christmas time we all crave magical stories, preferably with a happy end. For me, it is Back to the Future, it is my Christmas treat, which I enjoy watching every year. Then there is the Snowman which always leaves me emotional. With my boys growing up, I am discovering all kinds of animation as well as stories that I missed as a child. Until recently I have never heard of Mumfie. I didn't watch the show as a child, and haven't read the books (they were originally published in 1936). So, when "Mumfie's White Christmas" DVD (based on the classic Mumfie novels and the 1990s TV animation) arrived, I didn't know what to expect. Eddie and I snuggled under the duvet on the sofa and started watching...

What immediately caught my attention is the style of the animation, it is rather old-fashioned and different from the recent digital/computerized images. By old-fashioned I don't mean dull or uninventive, but rather quaint, charming and heart-warming. The storyline was based on the adventures of a little elephant Mumfie and his friends Scarecrow and a little flying pig Pinkie who wish for a white Christmas.

They decide to follow the advice given by the mysterious Black Cat who appears and disappears by magic. Who's the best person to ask for their wish come true? Of course, Santa. So, they embark on a big trip of discovering the true meaning of Christmas.

Eddie and I liked the story and the characters. There is quite a bit of singing going on as well, which I didn't enjoy as much. I do have issues with songs in animation and mostly find them annoying, but Eddie was dancing with the eels and other creatures, so he obviously enjoyed the music.

This classic Christmas story comes from the award-winning creator of the Thomas &Friends TV series Britt Allcroft. If you enjoy watching children's animation either with your kids or even on your own, Mumfie's White Christmas might make a lovely treat for a cold winter afternoon, when it is dark outside.

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You can now buy Mumfie's White Christmas on itunes.

Alpha & Omega 2: a Howl-iday adventure DVD

Are you a kid at heart who feels like there's nothing better than snuggling up with your kids and watching a new animation? Then you'll be glad to know there's a new animation from Lionsgate: Alpha & Omega 2: a Howl-iday Adventure.

This film is 45 minutes long, which is great for the younger audience whose attention span is quite short.

Synopsis:

ALPHA & OMEGA 2: A HOWL-IDAY ADVENTURE

Kate and Humphrey and their three wolf cubs (Smokey, Claudette and Runt) are happily preparing to celebrate their first Christmas together when their smallest cub, Runt, mysteriously disappears. They must now go on a journey across the wilderness to find and bring back Runt before the winter festivities begin at home. It’s their greatest adventure yet, filled with action and suspense as well as plenty of the humour and heart-warming moments that all the family will enjoy.

The characters are very cute. The smallest cub is absolutely adorable.

Yes, the plot is quite predictable, and the dialogue is a bit banal, so it wouldn't be winning any Oscars any time soon, but the younger audience might be more forgiving. I haven't seen the original, so cannot make comparisons.

My little man enjoyed the film, and as he is the target audience and not me, I believe it would find its fans among the preschoolers and primary school children.
And who knows, if I watched it on a Christmas day after a tipple or two, I might have been less critical.

Alpha & Omega is also available as a double pack. Both DVDs would make a nice little Christmas stocking filler.

ALPHA & OMEGA DOUBLE PACK

Both chapters of the fun filled animated adventure are released in one set. In the first part of this new double pack two young wolves at opposite ends of their pack’s social order are thrown together into a foreign land and need each other to return home, but their unexpected romance complicates everything. In the second part of the adventure the couple must travel across the wilderness in order to bring home their youngest cub in time for Christmas.

ALPHA AND OMEGA 2: A HOWL-IDAY ADVENTURE & ALPHA AND OMEGA: DOUBLE PACK ARE RELEASED ON BLU-RAY AND DVD ON 4thNOVEMBER 2013

Hummingbird DVD (review and giveaway NOW CLOSED)

Are you a fan of deftly twisting action movies? I am more of a Downton Abbey girl, but sometimes enjoy gritty dramas and thrillers. Hummingbird which is avaiable on DVD and Blu-ray from 21 October 2013 starts rather slowly.
Joey Jones (Jason Statham), an ex-serviceman, is on the run from a court martial. He is what could be decsribed as damaged goods, a tramp sleeping in the box, drinking himself into the oblivion. When he and his girlfriend Isabel are attacked by the local thugs, he manages to escape and literally falls into an empty apartment whose owner is away in the States for several months. Rather conveniently (and that I found a bit implausible) there is a credit card and a pin number in the mail, the car keys and the whole lot of trendy suits. But once you decide to swallow this slightly unlikely scenario, it gets interesting.

This film marks the directorial debut of the screenwriter Steven Knight who is famous for Eastern Promises (in fact that alone sold the film to me, as Eastern Promises was a truly engrossing thriller).
Joey assumes the identity of the conveniently absent owner of the apartment and attempts to reinvent himself. He is empolyed by the Chinese mafia and excels in his job.
Along the way he is trying to find out what happened to his girlfriend Isabel. A Polish nun Christina helps him with the information. Joey is bent on revenge when he learns of the brutal death of Isabel.
The strong points of this film are the honest scenes of the London criminal underground (there are some very memorable and heartbreaking scenes of the human trafficking).
Angels have their dark secrets, and baddies are capable of doing good deeds. The films uses a variety of forays in the past, exploring the hidden memories, both of Joey and Christina.
While Statham is pretty convincing as a thug and vigilante, Agata Buzek's nun is less so. Her face hardly shows a change of emotions. And though Joey and Christina's relationship is touching, it is not a very cogent storyline. Joey's sexual identity is also under a big question mark, it's not very clear whether he is gay or only pretends to be in order to deceive the prying neighbours.
This film is not flawless, but the narrative is gripping, and only the stone-hearted won't sympathize with the main protagonist. Will the twilight criminal world destroy Joey completely or will he be able to escape?

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If you think you might enjoy this film, Lionsgate has kindly offered 3 copies of Hummingbird DVD for my blog readers.


If you would like to win this prize, please fill in the Rafflecopter form.
T&Cs:
Only the first step is mandatory: all you need is to answer the question by leaving a comment (there is no right or wrong answer)
(if you login as Anonymous, please leave your Twitter name or FB name, so that I could identify you, I do not suggest leaving the email address in the comment)

All the other steps are optional, you don't have to do them all. All it takes to win is just one entry.
Only one entry per person is allowed (however, you can tweet daily to increase your chances).
The giveaway is open to the UK residents only.
Once the Rafflcopter picks the winner, I will check if the winner has done what was requested. I will contact the winner, if they do not reply within a week, the prize will be allocated to another person.

If you haven't used the Rafflecopter before, you might want to watch this simple video.
The giveaway will close on 17 November 2013 at midnight (the night from the 16th to the 17th)

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a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Many thanks to everyone who entered this giveaway! I enjoyed reading your DVD choices and recommendations!
The Rafflecopter picked the winners, big well done to Rob, Tracy and Lowri! I have just emailed you all, asking for your address details.

Snowflake the White Gorilla DVD (review)

Last Sunday Eddie and I sat comfortably to watch Snowflake the White Gorilla DVD. Sasha was busy with his ipad, but he was nearby and kept glancing at the screen. This family film has just been released on DVD and Blu-Ray on 7 October 2013.

What's the plot?
An albino baby gorilla comes to live with the human family and befriends Wendy, a vivacious girl, before being sent to reside in Barcelona Zoo. Wendy names the baby gorilla Snowflake. The other gorillas won't accept her in their tribe because she is different. Incidentally this rejection has been imposed by the pater familias of the gorillas' family. Doesn't it reflect the real life, when children copy their parents' behaviour and nasty ways?!
Snowflake becomes a major tourist attraction at the Zoo.
And she plots to escape from the Zoo together with her friend, red panda Ailur who considers itself to be a reincarnation of a Buddhist black panther. They approach a powerful witch and ask her to make Snowflake's fur go black.
Will the witch help Snowflake? Will she be able to turn her "normal"? You'll have to watch the film to find out.

As often happens in children's animation/feature films there is a villain who wants to capture Snowflake. He believes her white fur would be a powerful amulet against the bad luck. He is a masculine version of Cruella De Vil.
What did we think of the film?
First of all, I expected it to be pure animation from the cover image. But this is a film with real/live actors. The animals are the product of animation.
The voice cast includes David Spade (Grown Ups), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the future) and Janette McCurdy (Malcolm in the middle). (I must confess, I only ever watched Back to the future, so don't quite know who two of the actors are).
This film is targeting a family audience but I found that at 3 years old, Eddie's attention was wandering. He enjoyed the animation scenes and got easily bored with the live actors, so at some points I had to fast-forward it. It is also probably a bit too childish for teenagers. So, in my estimation it is for ages 3+-12 and the benevolent parents who enjoy watching family films.
The plot is entertaining enough, and the message that we should appreciate that we are all different is a good one.
As I was searching for white gorillas online, I found out that the film is based on the real life story of the albino gorilla Snowflake who lived in Barcelona Zoo for almost 40 years and became the emblem of the city.

If you want to read more reviews of Snowflake, read Madhouse Family Reviews.

Leapfrog Numbers: Learn Numbers and Shapes DVD

Eddie is pretty good at counting, even if he gets over-enthusiastic occasionally and keeps counting fingers up to 11. The latest release from the popular children's learning series Leapfrog called Leapfrog Numbers: Learn Numbers and Shapes encourages kids to learn their numbers, counting and shapes.

This DVD comes as a bumper pack of 3 episodes. The cartoon is a loosely-based story of adventure, the main purpose of which is to learn to count and recognise numbers and shapes.
Eddie enjoyed watching it and counting with Tad and Lily.

You meet little buddies Lily, Tad and Scout, and follow them on an undersea adventure in Numbers Ahoy.
"Tad and Lily need a little number sense to help them get through a complicated game. So their magical firefly friend, Edison, takes them on a fantastical journey under the sea! When a pirate mistakenly captures their cute puppy pal Scout, they must use their new understanding of counting, grouping and estimating to rescue him. Join them as they navigate the deep and face foes such as sharks, crab henchmen—even Pirate Pythagoras himself—and begin to see numbers in a whole new way!"

In Numberland Axle the magical car takes Scout and his buddies to Numberland "where the pets (thanks to the help of Max, a new friend) meet some very helpful numbers, and learn basic arithmetic along the way. In the meantime, the residents of Numberland team up to give Max a surprise birthday party"

Adventures in Shapesville Park is designed for preschoolers learning about shapes, measurements and dimensions while helping to complete the construction of a new playground.

Personally I found the music a "tad" annoying (it's not just the DVD, we have one of the Leapfrog books with Tad singing about animals, and more than once I felt like throwing it away, as I cannot stand the jolly music). Eddie didn't mind, if anything, he was quite happy to listen to the songs, and as he is the target audience for this DVD, it works (and if you are a long-suffering parent, buy the ear plugs).
As you can see from the photo, he loved counting the undersea creatures.

This DVD introduces the concept of number 0 as well, and tots learn some beginner math skills, for example, how to do an estimate.
It will work well as an educational tool. It is interactive, and I would advise watching it together with your child so that you can ask him questions along the way. But I can consume it only in small portions.

Released on DVD on 17 June 2013.

Cupid Dog DVD (Now CLOSED)

If talking dogs rock your boat, there is a new DVD out today called "Cupid Dog" (Lionsgate).
It’s CUPID DOG to the rescue this Valentine’s Day!
Cupid Dog is supposed to be a light rom-com.

Synopsis:

"Watch CUPID DOG, the mischievous, matchmaking mutt work his magic in this heart-warming romantic comedy.
When Eric is told he will be sent to England for work, his canine companion Gabe is unimpressed. Gabe does not want to face six months in quarantine with big rottweilers and mastiffs waiting for an OK to the UK and decides to fix the situation quickly. Gabe becomes CUPID DOG! His mission: to set Eric up with his ideal date in the hope he will find love and change his mind about moving to another country!"
And what I thought of it:
I have a tendency not to read any reviews of a product before I test/watch/use it, so that I won't be swayed by anyone's opinion. Reading the reviews afterwards is a different matter. After watching part of the film and googling for reviews, I came across someone's words "I watched this film, so that you don't have to". I must say, I couldn't even do that.

I have only managed to watch about 40 minutes of the film, and not a single minute more, I haven't seen how it ends and if honestly, don't care. I presume there is a happy end for the witless protagonist.

If I were asked to rate this film, I'd give it 2/5, and this will be pretty generous, and only thanks to the cute dog. The human actors do not deserve even half a point. Actually watching this film made me think that if they took some totally random people from the street and invited them to act, it could have been higher quality acting. I think our school plays were more convincing.

But as my husband has "kindly" pointed out recently: "They send DVDs to you not because you are a film buff, but because you are an average housewife with a blog". Erm, nice.

Some other bloggers were more generous and kind in their reviews, if you want to read some different opinions, please have a look at
Madhouse Family Reviews
and
Inside the Wendy House


Available on DVD and Download to Own and Rent on 4th February 2013

However, if you are undeterred by my criticism of the film and would like to give it a go, I have a copy of the DVD to give away to one of my blog readers.

To be in with a chance of winning one copy of "Cupid Dog" DVD, please leave a comment, answering the following question:

What is the best (worst) movie you have ever seen?

The giveaway is open to the UK residents.
Closing day: 11 February 2013 (midnight)
After the closing date all the entries will go in the Raffleking, and the winner will be selected randomly (there is no right or wrong answer).
The prize will be sent by the Lionsgate PR to whom I will pass the winner's details.

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Thank you for all the comments! All the names were put in the Raffleking.
And the winner is...

olivia280177

Well done! I'm going to get in touch with you re address details.

Tower Block

Tower Block DVD (Lionsgate)

A tower block, destined for demolition. A few families left living at the top floor. Apatehtic, indifferent, trapped by the circumstances and poverty, they are a mix of decent people who cannot escape the sad reality and the dregs of the society. A grey urban location and people who seem to have lost all hope. It looks like a gritty and claustrophobic British drama that exposes the evils of the urban neglect. A young boy has been brutally kicked to death by two hooded figures, and nobody came out to help him except the main protagonist, young woman called Becky (Sheridan Smith) but as she has been beaten senseless herself, the murder happens while the others are hiding behind the locked doors. Fearing retribution, nobody wants to come forward with any information when the police go around the block asking questions. Even Becky is too scared to be a witness.
A few months later, she has a coffee with her one-night stand, and it appears to be a beginning of a new awkward romance when all hell breaks loose. A mystery sniper starts to pick off the tenants, one by one, sparing noone, even killing children. A few suvivors escape into the hall and try to figure out what is going on and how they are going to outwit the sniper.

The tenants have to put their differences aside and come up with a plan on how to escape the building.
Guilt-ridden Becky becomes a mastermind behind the escape plan, she bravely tries all the possible options and inspires the others to follow her lead. After a rather slow start, the action hardly stop to have a breather. And though you expect some new deaths along the way, you are still shocked by the unfairnesss of it all and are really hoping that they would manage to escape. All the twists and turns of the plot keep you on tenterhooks.

Sheridan Smith as Becky is a tough cookie with a gentle soul, who is joined by Russell Tovey, an alcoholic loner, and Jack O'Connell, a thug that you hate to start with and begin to admire by the end of the film (he also comes up with some of the best one-liners in the film).

This film is co-directed by James Nunn and Ronnie Thompson.

There were a few inconsistencies in the plot (i.e. regarding the plans of ecsape) but I won't be discussing them as that would reveal the plot. And I would certainly recommend watching this film, as it is truly a nail-biting thriller.

Tower Block is released on DVD & Blu-Ray across the UK on 18 February 2013.

The Yummy Gummy Search for Santa

Are you a Christmas movie traditionalist who watches the same golden oldies like "It's a wonderful life" and "White Christmas" or do you enjoy watching something new every year? I confess to being a mix of both. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas for me without "Back to the future". But I also love discovering new films with my children. And when "The Yummy Gummy Search for Santa" DVD (from Lionsgate) dropped on the doormat in an envelope as a surpise pack (together with a gummy bear jelly mould and a pack of jelly), I knew it would be a hit with my guys.

What's the plot summary?
"When Santa vanishes on Christmas Eve, Gummibär and his band of wacky misfits shake their booties from the North Pole to the tropics on a madcap search. But when they discover that Santa was abducted by a dance-crazed alien, the fate of Christmas morning rests in the hands -  and feet- of our lovable green gummy bear!"
Does this plot sound amusing to you? I grant you it is not for "bah-humbug"-ians, and yes, it sounds silly and not profound, but my guys didn't care. As the big fans of Gummy Bear, they had fun, watching their favourite Youtube song character move to a longer animation with more dancing, bum-shaking and bouncing.

Gummibär and his buddies Cala the cat, Vamp the bat, and Harry the chameleon, are determined to find out what happened to Santa after he is reported missing by his elves on Christmas Eve.
The alien named Allen (very imaginative, lol) didn't take Santa very far away. He took Santa to a nearby island, and has convinced him that he stopped time with his magic wand so that Santa could have a longer vacation. Now it's Gummi's turn to convince Santa that Allen has lied to him and that it is time to do his Santa's job and deliver the gifts to children around the world.

The eccentric adventure is interspersed with some of the Gummibär hits from the internet, including his original "I'm a Gummy Bear (The Gummy Bear Song)" that has over 2 Billion views on YouTube. I think my guys have contributed immensely to that total number of views. It was first Sasha who kept playing the original song again and again and again. This year Eddie discovered the  masterpiece, and he also sings along.

If, however, you can only groan at the mere mention of the words "Gummy bear", steer clear, it will be tough on you. I think it has kind of grew on me, as I have listened to the original song so many times, that at some point it kept ringing in my ears every time I went to bed.

And my sons were also very excited about the jelly mould. Here is our lime green creation, wobbly and bouncy.

It's not easy to eat jelly, is it? It tends to slide off the spoon. The solution? Eat it off the plate.
As you can see, Eddie has mastered the jelly-eating technique.

If you are still looking for Christmas stocking fillers, this DVD might be just the right gift for any Gummy bear fan, be they young in age or young at heart.