Movie Review: Disney Winnie The Pooh

 Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS film journalist

Wow! It’s been 35 years since the adventures of Winnie thePooh from the Walt Disney Animation Studios has emerged onto the silver screen.So, back by popular demand, the celebration to reunite Christopher Robin (voiceof Jack Boulter), Winnie the Pooh (voice of Jim Cummings) and their fine furryfriends from the Hundred Acre Wood will begin on July 15, 2011. To mark thisspecial release, the Disney Studio, under the direction of filmmakers, StephenAnderson and Don Hall unveil another delightful tale from the inspired storiesof A.A. Milne’s books in Disney Classic.

The narrative opens with Winnie the Pooh waking up from agood night of rest and feeling a rumbly in his tummy says, "Pooh Beartakes care of his tummy by never forgetting to eat.” On this particular day, noform of honey could be found in Pooh’s house. In his search of a big pot ofhoney he goes to visit the neighbors. On his way, he meets his good friend,Eeyore (voice of Bud Luckey). Pooh finds out that Eeyore has troubles of hisown--his tail is missing. Pooh feels so sorry for his friend and offers tohelp. Pooh Bear calls for assistance and enlists their good friends Tiger(voice of Jim Cummings), Owl (voice of Craig Ferguson), Piglet (voice of TravisOates), Rabbit (voice of Tom Kenny), Kanga (voice of Kristen Anderson-Lopez)and Roo (voice of Wyatt Hall). The Hundred Acre Wood inhabitants togetherembark on an unforgettable quest to help Eeyore find his missing tail.

In the process of helping Eeyore, the group getsside-tracked by a few misadventures. One calamity being that Christopher Robinneeds to be rescued from a bad guy named “Backson”. Their well-intended effortsend up in chaos due to their friend, Owl being the perpetrator of a bigmisunderstanding. At the end of the day, the mission to find Eeyore’s tail isrenewed with rigorous momentum because he is still in need. The search seemslike an eternity to Eeyore but is comforted by Pooh’s words of encouragement,“If you find yourself missing something important, like a tail, always rememberthat it can take a lot of trying to find the right ending. And, even in therumbliest of times, a good friend should come before a rumbly tummy.”

Winnie the Pooh’s executive producer, John Lasseter, notes,“We always set out to make a movie that will transcend generations—appeal tokids, entertain their teenage brothers and sisters, and make Mom and Dad laughout loud.” In my opinion, their goal is accomplished with a combination ofcreative animation and charming music. The actress/musician/songwriter andsinger Zooey Deschanel performs an adorable rendition of the beloved “Winniethe Pooh” theme song. The feature’s music selection made way for smoothtransitions to develop the storyline much like a mini- musical, or like asing-a-along morality tale when, Pooh says, “It’s good to face your fears,particularly when you’ve been hiding from them for a while”.

The original illustrations by E. H. Shepard continue to bethe inspiration the Disney animators use to make the characters pop-off of thepage—literally! Disney’s veteran animator Burny Mattinson was the senioradvisor to dynamic directorial duo of Anderson and Hall. I thought there evenmight be an educational subliminal message with the use of the letters of thealphabet-- to encourage reading, or to emphasize its importance. Well, I thinkmany parts of stories are left to the imagination. One thing we do know, PoohBear has a good heart! He might a little slow but he describes himself as, “Abear of very little brain and long words bother me”. But, he truly believes hisformula for life by encouraging Eeyore that, “The Thing To Do isn’t the easiestThing To Know”.  On Pooh’s words ofwisdom here rests another day of adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood.  

Released in local theaters: July 15, 2011

Movie rating: PG

Movie Review - Monte Carlo

Every year someone happens to make a summer girly-flick and FoxPictures creates a cute one for a 2011 release. Film director, Thomas Bezucha,teams up with screenwriters April Blair, Maria Maggenti and Kelly Bowe to makean adaptation of Jules Bass novel “Headhunter” for the girly-adventure in Monte Carlo. Bezucha notes that, “Thisstory is about the experiences and memories of youth that forever affect theirlife. He adds, “I felt that it (the storyline) was a meaningful and emotionallyhonest take of what resonates with girls this age.”

A small town realist, Grace (Selena Gomez) along with her fashion consciousand best friend, Emma (Katie Cassidy), take the pomp and circumstance of theirhigh school graduation to a new level. The two diner waitresses put their earningstoward a dream vacation to Paris, France to escape their small town existence fora few short weeks. As luck would have it, Grace’s mother (Andie MacDowell) andsoon-to-be stepfather (Brett Cullen) put a damper on the trip with the purchaseof a ticket for Meg (Leighton Meester), Grace’s soon-to-be older stepsister, tojoin the high school grads. Their idea was as that the “older and wiser” chaperonewould keep the inexperienced teen’s in-line in spite of their mutual love-loss.Meg, annoyed at the parental guidance scheme, agrees to travel but only forselfish reasons: to take advantage of the chance of a life-time and with thehope to come to terms with the abandonment she’s felt by the death of hermother.

The girls arrive in Paris and are off to a normal start with theircatty banter ranging from the shoes they wear to the city tour they chose totheir interesting European accommodations. The grand illusion of the Parisvacation of their dreams unravels when they miss the tour bus at the EiffelTower. They must walk through the city in search of their hotel in a miserablywet thunderstorm. Money for a cab to the frugal threesome was not in thebudget. Lost and cold, the girls can’t bear to walk on one more cobblestone road,sopping from head to toe, so they enter a near-by hotel in search of warmth andshelter.

The Hotel is one of the most elite in the city; unbeknown to them.Their only concern is that the lobby restroom is wonderfully warm with dryers.Posh and luxurious was an added benefit. Shocking is who Meg and Emma encounterin the special convenience room, while Grace is still occupied. It is a Gracelook-a-like! The semblance to Grace is the very bratty British heiress,Cordelia Winthrop Scott (Selena Gomez). Emma and Meg eavesdrop on Cordelia’srestroom telephone conversation complaining that she must attend a charity inMonte Carlo at the request of her Aunt Alicia (Catherine Tate) but her luggagedid not arrive at her layover in Paris and must return home immediately.Cordelia leaves the restroom and the hotel but stops to yell at the hotel staffof their incompetency. Grace, Meg and Emma eventually exit the restroom andattempt to leave the hotel until the staff mistakes Grace for Cordelia. They informthe girls that their luggage has arrived safely and hands over the key to thereserved suite for the night. One night of luxury and a good night of rest isall Emma wants and strongly convinces Grace and Meg to indulge her.  

Morning dawns and the girls hurriedly try to leave the hotelbefore their true identity is revealed. The hotel hopes to regain theirpositive reputation with the heiress and properly whisk the girls away to theirprivate jet bound for Monte Carlo under the stolen identity of CordeliaWinthrop Scott. Their dream vacation begins as they seize the moment to handleCordelia’s charity engagement but must conceal their identity for a whole week.The romantic adventure is complete with available bachelors, beautiful jewelry,clothing and parties. They experience all that high society has to offer; but, thesegirls with heart can’t masquerade with a clear conscious. Truth is revealed butnot without a comedic adventure, involving endearing characters that contributeto the threesome learning serious life lessons at a very formative age. (KarenPecota)

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS film journalist

Released in local theaters: July 1, 2011

Movie rating: PG 13

Movie Review: Cars 2

TheDisney Pixar connection in animation film brings on the big sports car race ofthe summer in CARS 2. In 2006, PixarAnimation Studios chose the feature film debut of CARS to celebrate its 20^th Anniversary and itacquisition by the Walt Disney Pictures. CARS2 will be presented in Disney 3D, IMAX 3D and the traditionaltwo-dimensional formats to audiences across the U.S.A. beginning June 24, 2011.It is no coincidence that CARS 2 sharesthe spotlight on another Pixar milestone, its 25^th Anniversary ofanimation creations. 

InCARS, a hotshot greenhorn sports carracer, Lightening McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) heads out west to participatein the big Piston Cup Championship in California. He is anxious to race in thebig-time professional competition. He is confident he will be the next rookiechampion. Oddly, Lightening McQueen gets side-tracked on the famous HighwayRoute 66 in the town of Radiator Springs. The detour is an enlighteningstop-over and a life-altering adventure once McQueen heeds the advice from someof the towns’ eccentric characters, such as, Doc Hudson (voice of Paul Newman),Sally Carrera (voice of Bonnie Hunt) and Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy),that a reality check is necessary to address his competitive spirit of racing.

TheDisney Pixar sequel CARS 2 opens with a reunion in the sleepy town of RadiatorSprings when Lightening McQueen makes a surprise appearance. He comes to townto ask his friend, Mater, to assist him in a competition that determines theworld’s fastest sports car. The event is The World Grand Prix held in threedifferent countries: Japan, Italy and England. McQueen knows he has a shot forthe title but needs help from his friends. McQueen, Mater and their sleepy townpit crew take on the challenge to put McQueen to the test and embark on a newadventure around the world. The competition for The World Grand Prix isknowingly stiff which gives the team due concern. The events that surround eachrace are complicated. It takes the stress level for the American team to an all-timehigh, especially on the relationship between McQueen and Mater. In a case ofstolen identity, Mater is innocently taken for a spy. Maters curiosity in theworld of espionage undermines his focus to help his friend win the race of alife-time. McQueen and Mater are forced to depend on new friends or foe, suchas, Finn McMissile (voiced by Michael Caine), Francesco Bernoulli (voiced byJohn Turturro) and Holley Shiftwell (voiced by Emily Mortimer) to refocus andset priorities in perspective for the win. The Disney Pixar morality talecommunicates the importance of friendship, faithfulness, commitment, andtruth-telling told from a variety of animated cars with a personified humanheart by each of their characters. Actress Bonnie Hunt (voice of Sally Carrera)says, “Their (John Lasseter and the artists at Pixar) imaginations go to thefantasies of the heart, and of life, and of our values. The heart and soul iswhat turns a steel car into a character and a person.” CARS 2, the Disney Pixarsequel worth the effort to make, will be remembered for its individuality, aswell as, the hit film to celebrate Pixar Animation Studios 25th Anniversary inanimation. Oh Happy Day!

KarenPecota

24/7MOMS film journalist

Movierelease in theaters: June 24, 2011

Movie Review: AFRICAN CATS

The world ofDisney collaborates with several seasoned artists to bring to the silver screenthe latest saga in the Disney Nature adventure African Cats. The Disney Studios continue to be the leader of thepack with their nature preservation emphasis and renewed branding in DisneyNature.“Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producingthirteen True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1949 and 1960, whichearned eight Academy Awards®.”In April 2008, over fifty years later, The Walt Disney Studios refreshed theirheritage of True-Life Adventure films and coined the project DisneyNature. TheStudio’s project now brings the world’s top nature filmmakers together to sharea wide variety of wildlife subjects and creates real stories with theatricalbalance.  The Walt Disney Studiosnature-feature documentary “Earth” opened in 2009, and was the first topremiere under the new DisneyNature label. In 2010, “Oceans” appeared on thesilver screen and was the third highest grossing feature-length nature film inhistory.

Filmmakers, KeithScholey and Alastair Fothergill join with narrator, Samuel L. Jackson to takethe film audience on a mesmerizing nature safari in African Cats. It’s more than a movie; it’s a true to life close-up,moving tale of the survival-of-the-fittest on the African Savanna. African Cats was filmed in Masai Mara,Kenya over a two year period observing the lifestyle of a variety of AfricanCats. The diversity of these species lives in a hierarchical world where theLion is the King. He rules over many animals of the African wild but his prideis the pack of lionesses that follow him day and night. The story with this lotof furry animals begins with crisp cinematography of a real live Antelope Herdmaking their seasonal trek. Their travel at racing speeds will draw on yourimagination of the visuals in the Disney animation feature-film The Lion King. The scenes are incrediblysimilar though one is the animation copy of the other’s reality. Their movementis absolutely stunning. The beginning to the African Cats story is due to the Herds’ movement. The Herd isgenerally the Cats’ source of nutrient. So, when the Herd moves, the Cats tryto follow but they end up in a different part of the Savanna tundra where theyare not in control. Each breed of the big African Cats must manage to survive onforeign soil searching for food and water, as well as, a safe environment fortheir young.

African Cats is a magical account that follows the true-lifeadventures of Layla, a strong River Pride lioness and her daughter, Mara; Fang,leader of the River Pride Lions; the single cheetah mother, Sita and her fivecubs; as well as, the Lion King of the North River, Kali and his four burleysons, as they journey where deadly foe and life dragons dwell.*

Foreducational purposes and a fun activity that you can do with your kids go tothe Disney Nature website and link http://www.disney.go.com/disneynature/africancats and downloadthe guide. You will engage in conversation with your kids to answer questionssuch as: How does the African Savanna Compare to where I live? Or, what is inan African Savanna? Or, what jobs do living things have on the Savanna?

*Rated: G,but a very slow moving film with up-close and personal cinematography notnecessarily appropriate for the very young in some scenes.

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS film journalist

Released in local theaters:April 22, 2011

Soul Surfer Movie Review - A Must See Movie

By: Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS film journalist

The veteran filmmaker, Sean Patrick McNamara (“Big Mac”), brings to life the telling story of Kauai’s surfer girl, Bethany Hamilton in his latest motion picture Soul Surfer.  The Webster dictionary describes a Soul Surfer as, “a term coined in the 1970s, used to describe a talented surfer who surfs for the sheer pleasure of it. Although they may still enter competitions, a Soul Surfer’s motives go beyond winning.” McNamara and six screenwriters (Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz, Michael Berk, Matt R. Allen, Caleb Wilson and Brad Gann) adapt Hamilton’s book about her grueling deep water experience and the following consequences of her life choices. McNamara’s well executed narrative gets Hamilton’s story right--especially in regard to her faith. Hats off to McNamara for a proper portrayal of her Christian faith as a positive life-style and not one that is questionably strange. The stellar cast and amazing cinematography put sheer sparkle into visualizing Hamilton’s story and the amazing impact on the world thorough her eyes as a sold out surfer girl.

A Native of the island of Kauai, Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) was the third child born to surfer dude parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt) Hamilton in 1990. Bethany and brothers, Noah (Ross Thomas) and Timmy (Chris Brochu) were natural surfers but she was different—the type of girl that was born to surf. At the age of thirteen, Bethany and best friend, Alana Blanchard (Lorraine Nicholson) received sponsorship from the surfing icon Rip Curl after placing in several national surfing competitions. Shortly before their first major championship Bethany, Alana, Alana’s brother Byron (Jeremy Sumpter) and dad, Holt Blanchard (Kevin Sorbo) are surfing in a beautiful remote cove off the Kauai Coast known for its awesome morning waves.  Out of nowhere Bethany is attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark that takes huge chunk out of her surf board, carrying with it her left arm and almost her life.

Facing the giants of other famed surfers, Bethany’s twisted journey of broken dreams and a lack of purpose is nothing like a smooth ride through the ultimate pipeline. Youth leader and friend, Sarah Hill (Carrie Underwood), helps Bethany to look at life with a whole new set of eyes pushing Bethany’s strong faith, family ties and the will to take her adversities to a different level of maturity. Bethany’s tenacity and determination to take a horrific casualty and use it to make a difference in the world is a riveting narrative wrapped in the arms of love and grace. A story to remember!

"Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of.” -- Bethany Hamilton

Released in local theaters: April 8, 2011

Movie rating: PG (note: a scary shark attack scene)

Change Of Plans - It's Family Movie Night

Let's face it... America loves TV. It is an enjoyable part of their daily life. It is entertaining, enlightening and even educational. But unfortunately, there are very few programs that you can watch together as a family. Most programming is either inappropriate for certain family members or uninteresting for others. As a result, families become divided by the shows they watch.

Remember when we actually watched TV together? Fortunately, there are companies that care about families and are working to create better television options. Moms4FamilyTV is a national group of moms who support and encourage companies that are creating entertainment options we can enjoy together. The group works with partner organizations to help spread the word and expand the efforts of these companies. I know you are already thinking so when is the next movie airing so we can have our own Family Movie Night?

The movie "Change Of Plans" will air January 8th on FOX at 8/7C.

So grab the family, make a bucket of pop corn and get ready to watch a Family movie on TV once again.

2:30 Change Of Plans Trailer from Moms4FamilyTV.com on Vimeo.

Movie Review - Alpha And Omega 3D

Filmmakers Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck use screenwriter, Steve Moore’s imagined story about a road trip involving wolves as the premise for their latest 3D animation Alpha And Omega. Moore had been reading an article about a federal program designed to save the wolf population in the Idaho wilderness. Moore says, “They were capturing wolves up in Canada and releasing them in Idaho for mating purposes.” Moore’s imagination began to run wild with the thought of two wolves being caught but the mating thing was an unrealistic venture. Screenwriter, Christopher Denk helped Moore put together the fabulous script which, with ease, an accomplished cast would bring to life a magical world according to wolves. Lionsgate and Crest animation team up with the experts to produce an emotional loving story of animation adventure. The directors describe, “It is a “painterly” look that the audience has not seen before. They will feel like they are watching a moving canvas also using unique graphic wolf characters so that it is a world where people will say that it is amazingly beautiful and a place I would love to be”.

Kate (Hayden Panettiere) and Humphrey (Justin Long) are childhood friends who belong to a large wolf-pack residing in a Canadian national park. As they become of age to learn the trade of the wolf-pack, leadership responsibilities await them for which they need special training to fulfill their respective roles. Kate is sent to a special school to be trained as an alpha wolf – a strong, serious leader in charge of hunting and finding food for her pack. Humpfrey, an omega wolf, has the job to keep things in life fun. Hence, he is one of the light-hearted comedian’s of the pack. The time comes for the alpha and omega youngsters to find a significant other. Kate is pursued by a brainless stud with no impressive moonlight howl causing Kate to abruptly end their evening together escaping the clan to the nearby lake. Humpfrey is bemoaning the fact that he will never be able to be the wolf of Kate’s dreams. As fast as one can blink an eye, the two are shot with tranquilizers. The human huntsmen have drugged the two youngsters and whisked them to a U.S. national park in Idaho to populate the state with wolves. Awake from a drowsy spell, Kate and Humpfrey find a couple of feathered friends, Paddy (Eric Price) and Marcel (Larry Miller), who explain to them their new destiny. The news of their abduction and plan for their life could not have come at a worse time, especially for Kate. Paddy and Marcel clearly see that the two are the opposites that will not attract and understand their troubles within their own wolf pack. The fine-feathered comedic-duo agrees to escort Kate and Humpfrey back home. The journey they embark is a dangerous one; but, an adventure of a lifetime that ignite and uphold true love.

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Released in local theaters: September 17, 2010

Movie rating: PG

ALPHA & OMEGA 3D - LIONSGATE film Giveaway

WIN: It’s giveaway time at 24/7 Moms and you could be the lucky winner to receive the prize pack to celebrate the film ALPHA & OMEGA 3D Adventure that will be released in theaters this coming Friday, September 17, 2010. What is in the prize pack? See below the full color photo and description: it includes A&O Posters, A&O Bookmarks, A&O Activity Booklets, A&O Wolf Ears, and ROE (Run of Engagement)* passes to see the film. The film rating: Rated PG and Runtime: 88 minutes. *Note: ROE passes may only be for Seattle area theaters.


Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on September 19, 2010.

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Film Synopsis:
What makes for the ultimate road trip? Hitchhiking, truck stops, angry bears, prickly porcupines and a golfing goose with a duck caddy. Just ask Kate and Humphrey, two wolves who are trying to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country. Humphrey is an Omega wolf, whose days are about quick wit, snappy one-liners and hanging with his motley crew of fun-loving wolves and video-gaming squirrels. Kate is an Alpha: duty, discipline and sleek Lara Croft eye-popping moves fuel her fire. Humphrey’s motto – make ‘em laugh. Kate’s motto – I’m the boss. And they have a thousand miles to go. Back home rival wolf packs are on the march and conflict is brewing. Only Kate and Humphrey can restore the peace. But first, they have to survive each other.

Good Luck!
Karen Pecota
24/7 Moms Film Editor

KIDTOONS BRINGS “BARBIE™ A FASHION FAIRYTALE TO THEATRES THIS SEPTEMBER

KIDTOONS BRINGS “BARBIE™ A FASHION FAIRYTALE TO THEATRES THIS SEPTEMBER

Nationwide matinee screenings at 155 theaters starting

Saturday, September 4th

WHAT: Kidtoons Films Inc., a division of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (NASDAQ: CIDM), will bring “Barbie™ A Fashion Fairytale” to 155 Kidtoons theatres across the nation beginning Saturday, September 4, 2010 just in time to celebrate Kidtoons 6th birthday.

While at the theatre, Barbie® fans of all ages will be whisked away to a colorful modern-day fairytale filled with fashion, friends and fun. Viewers will join Barbie® and her dog Sequin on a fantastical journey to Paris. Through her Parisian adventures, Barbie® discovers that magic is what happens when you believe in yourself. In addition to viewing the new film, audience members will receive a complimentary giveaway item and an opportunity to win a “Barbie™ A Fashion Fairytale” raffle prize.

BARBIE is offering a “BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE” coupon for admission to Kidtoons. The coupon can be found at kidtoonfilms.com.

WHEN: Every weekend in September, beginning September 4^th.

WHERE: A full list of participating theatres can be found at www.kidtoonfilms.com

NOTE: National Amusements Theaters will feature “Barbie™ A Fashion Fairytale” for one weekend only on September 11 and 12 at 12:00 noon local time. At all other theaters look for “Barbie™ A Fashion Fairytale” every weekend in September.

Movie Review - Nanny McPhee Returns

Nanny McPhee Returns

Universal Pictures presents Nanny McPhee Returns starring Academy Award Winning actress Emma Thompson as none other than, Nanny McPhee. The tenacious work ethic of the miracle worker Nanny McPhee and her support to help struggling families has transformed generations of imagined misbehaved children for over 100 years. You see, Thompson’s screenplays (Nanny McPhee and Nanny McPhee Returns) are adaptations from the adventures of “Nurse Matilda” written by the Malaya-born author Christianna Brand and illustrated by her cousin, Edward Ardizzone. The three book series of Nurse Matilda (Nurse Matilda, Nurse Matilda goes to Town and Nurse Matilda goes to Hospital) were first written down and illustrated in 1960. They are remnants of the actual bedtime stories Christianna and Edward heard as children told by their grandparents, who had heard them from their grandparents going back to 100 years of their traditional family storytelling. Over time, each generation would add to the original version of the magical nanny who mysteriously appears on the doorstep of households with ill-behaved children with the soul purpose to assist with the task of disciplining the brood, creating a personal family legacy on how to deal with the unruly kinfolk.

Thompson’s excellence in her adaptation of Nurse Matilda’s quest also keeps true to Brand’s family storytelling of Nurse Matilda (in the films now, Nanny McPhee) to be a timeless character every generation could imagine a magical force of integration into their own lives.

Those who meet Nanny McPhee for the first time are rather frightened by her appearance and find it difficult to concentrate on her last name so in order to move the introductions along, she schools those who question by saying, “I’m Nanny McPhee, that’s little c, big P”. After the introductions, Nanny McPhee will lay her ground rules to only those who need to hear:
“I am going to explain to you the way I work. When you need me, but do not want me…then I must stay. When you want me, but no longer need me…then I have to go.” –Nanny McPhee

In Nanny’s latest adventure Nanny McPhee Returns, she arrives at the home of Mrs. Isabel Green (Academy Award nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal) who is a young mother struggling to care for her unruly three children, Norman (Asa Butterfield), Megsie (Lil Woods) and Vincent (Oscar Steer) and the family farm in the absence of her husband, Rory (Ewan McGregor) who is away at war. It all hits the fan when Isabel’s snobbish niece, Celia (Rosie Taylor-Ritson) and nephew, Cyril (Eros Vlahos) from London come for an unexpected visit. A string of calamities bring Isabel to her breaking point trying to keep peace in the family with the war between her children and the cousins-- The battle known as, The Covered-in-Poo People vs. The Perfumed Townies. Nanny McPhee gets wind of the horrific crisis and unexpectedly appears on the doorstep of the Green farm knowing her help and beauty will be welcomed…eventually.

Karen Pecota
24/7 MOMS official film journalist
Released in local theaters: August 20, 2010
Movie rating: PG

Coming to theaters - SECRETARIAT

Coming to theaters October 8, 2010 - WALT DISNEY PICTURES presents:

SECRETARIAT

Based on the true story taken from the book “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion” by William Nack and written for the silver screen by Mike Rich, filmmaker Randall Wallace brings to life the remarkable true story of “Secretariat” that chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery—with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)—manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.—Walt Disney Pictures.

Become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyBacklot

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Released in local theaters: October 8, 2010

Movie rating: PG

Ramona and Beezus Movie Review

Ramona and Beezus *****

Fox 2000 Pictures and Walden Media team up to present the summer family hit of 2010 in Ramona and Beezus. Director Elizabeth Allen, screenplay writers Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay along with a fabulous cast of performers bring to life the adventures of Ramona Quimby. Ramona’s escapades were written over fifty years ago by Beverly Cleary in her series called the Collection of Ramona. One of the stories in the collection deals with the life and times of sisters. The adventure of the siblings Ramona and Beezus is the first film featuring Cleary’s writings and begins with an energetic, accident-prone nine-year-old, Ramona (Joey King) vying for the attention of all the members of her family, especially her older and wiser sister, Beezus (Selena Gomez). Unfortunately, Ramona’s mishaps, though unintentional, seem to forever be a source of contention among the family members making her feel displaced. Cleary’s message comes to fruition with the sensitive guidance and direction of filmmaker Allen, as well as the screenwriters who honor Cleary’s style with vivacious dialogue in order that the cast can give a delightful face to Ramona Quimby and the overactive imagination that dictates her world of dreams.

The nine-year-old Ramona Quimby lives on Klickitat Street where in her every day world there is a new day for adventure and discovery. Her escapades often end in horrific mishaps making her appear to never have a clue for what is right. Beezus Quimby, on the other hand is the perfect teenager who never does anything wrong, similar to coloring perfect and neat inside the lines of her world. Beezus is forever sticking up for her accident-prone little sister because she adores the fact that Ramona works so hard to be true to herself, knowing that it rarely involves conformity. She loves and respects the fact that Ramona is a natural lover of the soul and freely acts upon her heartfelt whims. As the life and times of sisterhood would have it, Ramona ticks teenage sister off, big time, severing daily communication between the two. Ramona has colored outside the lines of her world one too many times making this phase of their sister relationship very messy. It is not until two drastic family situations begin to dominate their world that they engage upon a journey of reconciliation. Never dreaming their expedition could be so much fun or the amazing adventure planned just for sisters would be one to cherish forever and ever.

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Released in local theaters: July 23, 2010

Movie rating: PG

Movie Review: Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter

Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter * * * *

DreamWorks Pictures brings the ten year Shrek saga to an end with an electrifying finale in Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter. It is the first of the Shrek chronicles to be filmed in 3D animation. The usage of this type of energy allows the audience to feel the story because of how the filmmakers emotionally use the 3D capability. Instead of knowing Shrek and his journey the audience will be able to come alongside of Shrek to experience his plight. Director Mike Mitchell believes that Shrek has come full circle and the conclusion is extremely satisfying to those who have put their heart and soul into the project. Many will look back on DreamWorks Pictures Shrek as a classic work of art in animation that will forever be apart of the American film culture worthy of praise.

For the past ten years, Shrek (voice of Mike Meyers) has not lived the life of a typical ogre that routinely scares villagers. Instead he has converted from a life of meanness to one of happiness, kindness and joy. He has managed to make good friends, find true love and be a protector of a Kingdom not his own. Yet, he feels something is missing and confides in the cunning Rumpelstiltskin (voice of Walt Dohrn) of his longing to be a “real” ogre for just one solitary day. Rumpelstiltskin, beguiled by the news of Shreks wish to re-enter his old lifestyle, takes the opportunity to be of assistance. Shrek is blinded by Rumpelstiltskin’s manipulative act of service in order to gain control of Far Far Away; and, enters into an agreement to be an ogre for one day through a magical transaction. Shrek is initially pleased until he realizes that his previous life of meanness isn’t fulfilling. He wants out of the contract but realizes that unless certain things occur during his one day of being an ogre there is no return. Shrek must rectify the situation or he will be the cause of destroying the land and the good people of Far Far Away, which he is gratefully indebted for his personal transformation.

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Released in local theaters: May21, 2010

Movie rating: PG

Movie Review - Babies

Babies * * * *

It’s a new world for Babies outside of the mothers’ womb. Their day-to-day journey hits the silver screen up-close and personal, with the assistance of Focus Feature Pictures. Entertainment not to be missed!

Filmmakers Thomas Belmés and Alan Chabat present an insightful study of the human development within the first year of an infant’s life in Babies. Belmés and Chabat’s inspiring research along with their captivating cinematography follows the intricate daily life of four infants during their first year of life. Each infant resides in a different country around the world (Japan, Mongolia, Namibia, and USA) making their initial life experiences charming and engaging to any audience. What influence to culture dictates a child’s development during its first year of life? What similarities or differences naturally occur? What sounds and sights impact their world?

A baby’s first word or its first step or how it sleeps or what it eats endears many no matter what the nationality and those “firsts” will forever be recognized as a celebration to life. The four infants featured, in their respective surroundings, gives audience to the simplicity of human nature’s response to learning. It gives credence to how environment influences behavior that is unique to building individual character. The sequence of each film-frame in Babies builds upon the other in eloquent fashion to showcase the awesome miracle of life and human development in its true form—a celebration to life.

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Released in local theaters: May 7, 2010

Movie rating: PG

Movie Review - Oceans

It's the weekend and possibly you are looking for what fun to do with your kiddos.



Karen Pecota our newest member to the 24/7 MOMS team and our official 24/7 MOMS official film journalist has given us a great review of the new movie "Oceans" it opened in theaters and is waiting for your family to attend.

Oceans* * * *

In celebration of Earth Day 2010, Walt Disney Studios with DisneyNature pictures releases on the big screen Oceans. This visually stimulating account of the earth’s water coverage, its creatures and inhabitants only adds to the quality of Disney’s creative expertise.

Walt Disney, founder of Walt Disney Studios and Productions, felt that nature provided the perfect stage for the worlds most interesting stories to be told. The production of his educational films made in the 50s supports the ideal theater venue not only with facts from the animal kingdom but also with human resources and natural history, equally significant.

There is much of our earth’s ocean still to be discovered but what we do know, we can celebrate and Oceans gives us that privilege. DisneyNature presents the ocean stage in brilliant color and splendor that mesmerize both the young and the old audience. Today’s skilled technology in cinematography allows us to see up-close-and-personal how creatures live above and below the deep as if in co-habitation. In conjunction, the tools used for transmitting sound enables us to listen to strange communication and noises that accompany the life at sea. Oceans takes the audience one step closer to a thrilling marine ride without getting wet and countless opportunities for family discussions of what populates our vast ocean both deep and wide.

Review by Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Released in local theaters: April 22, 2010

Movie rating: G

Movie Review The Perfect Game

The Perfect Game*****



Filmmaker William Dear’s feature narrative The Perfect Game is inspired by W. William Winokur’s book The Perfect Game and is based on a true story of the courage a group of impoverished kids from Mexico demonstrate to see their dreams materialize. Their story is a thrilling reality tale never to be forgotten.



In a poor section of Monterrey, Mexico, a group of neighborhood kids try to play the game of baseball in their own fashionable way. Their economic status does not allow them to have the right equipment to seriously play the game but they enjoy being together and making light of their pastime just the same. One day a down-and-out baseball coach, Cesar (Clifton Collins Jr.) from the St. Louis Cardinals baseball franchise observes their efforts. He sees potential in the home grown boys, especially Angel Macias (Jake T. Austin) as a pitcher. He observes the boys passion to learn the game and a desire to play it well. This inspires the coach which in turn inspires an idea to build a Mexican Little League team. He talks with the nine boys about the dream and one by one each of them blindly sign-on including the town Padre Estaban (Cheech Marin). None of them have any idea what their destiny holds: but, as they learn to engage in the sport with passion, they grow together as a team and their talent continually moves them toward a higher level of play. Although they are tagged as underdogs they qualify to enter the 1957 American Little League Champion World Series. The faith to believe in themselves and each other carries them through several adverse situations to make it to the championship-- including a twelve mile trek, on foot, across the Mexican Rio Grande to enter America. Their courage and zeal for life gives inspiration and hope when all odds are against them to succeed.

Review by Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS official film journalist

Release in local theaters: April 16, 2010

Movie rating: PG