Cirque du Soleil fan-tastic celebration Dec. 8

If you're a Cirque du Soleil fan and can't wait for the theatrical 3D release of ”CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY,” you may just want to head out to Scottsdale on Saturday, Dec. 8.

In celebration of the upcoming 3D film special event from Paramount Pictures, some of the film’s feature performers will be appearing exclusively at the Scottsdale Fashion Square aboard the “Vessel of Dreams” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. The Saturday event is billed as "allowing shoppers to experience the magic of the movie event of the year before it hits theaters December 21st."

Fans will have the opportunity to buy discounted tickets to showings of “CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY” onsite, courtesy of Fandango, as well as enter for a chance to win two fantastic prizes: A trip for two to Las Vegas to see a Cirque du Soleil show or a year of free movie passes from Fandango.

If you go

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 8

Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square

7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

*Performances will occur at the food court.

Catch screening of "Guilt Trip" on Dec. 2 at AMC Desert Ridge

It's the holidays, a time to get together with family. Hopefully it's mostly pleasant for you. Many of us won't stay too long so we will want to come back next year. Admit it. :) Now, imagine going on a road trip with your mom. Could you survive a day? What about 8?

It's the premise of Paramount's new movie "The Guilt Trip," starring Seth Rogan and Barbra Streisand. And you have a chance to can catch an early screening at 2 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2012, at the AMC Desert Ridge 18, 21001 N. Tatum, Phoenix, AZ. Click here for the link.

You can download two passes per gofobo.com account. If you don't have one, it's easy to sign up. Then just follow the instructions. Please read the disclosures and arrive early. Sometimes movies are overbooked to ensure a full house.

Check out the trailer. It's funny.

The film, in theaters Dec. 19, is rated PG-13 for language and some risque material.

BTW, a live-by-satellite Q&A with the stars (yes, Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogan) is planned after the screening. The will take a few audience questions. How cool is that?!

Hope you can make it out. Cheers!

Believe in "Rise of the Guardians"

Where will you find Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Sandman working together to keep kids around the world happy? Well, in movie theaters, of course. "Rise of the Guardians" opens just in time for the holidays to bring young boys and girls a little cheer. Will it become a classic holiday film? I'm doubtful of that, but it was a fun hour and a half.

The fantastical beings are part of "the guardians," who have a big job: Protecting children from the scary realities of the world. They keep kiddies believing in Sandman's sweet dreams, the Tooth Fairy's teeth-for-cash program, the Easter Bunny's colorful eggs, and Santa's presents for good little girls and boys. And they keep kids loving life and having fun.

That world of innocence and happiness is threatened by Pitch Black, who has a grand plan to instill fear in kids around the world, as well as stop them from believing in everything the guardians represent.

Will the guardians be able to stop Pitch? Well, the wise Man on the Moon thinks they'll need a little help. Enter Jack Frost, whose sole focus has been winter mischief and fun. But it's something inside him that makes hims worthy of being part of this elite group of childhood protectors.

Check out the trailer:

The film is fun, and full of action. The voices are great, too. The voice cast includes Chris Pine (Jack Frost), Alec Baldwin (Santa), Jude Law (Pitch Black) and Hugh Jackman (Easter Bunny). At times the film can be a bit scary for younger viewers — Pitch does turn a golden, happy unicorn into an army of scary stallions. Lots of great (and maybe funny) discussions, though, for kids of all ages. They'll be talking about Santa's yetis that build toys, Santa's tattoos, the Easter Bunny's boomerang, the Tooth Fairy's feathers, etc. And you might want to discuss some topics such as personal beliefs, self confidence, childhood memories, sacrifices, perseverance and fears.

My kids, who are now 12 and 15, both enjoyed the film. My daughter asked for it on DVD, though she did say it wasn't as good as "Wreck It Ralph." I can't say, as I've not seen Ralph on the big screen yet. My grade: B-.

Disney Movies Online closing Dec. 31

In case you sign up for stuff with an email you barely check, I'm sharing this email I got from Disney Movies Online. Do check out the FAQs, as each account will be affected differently.

Dear Guest,

Disney Movies Online is closing on December 31st. As part of this change, purchases, upgrades, and Magic Code entries can no longer be made on the Disney Movies Online website. You can continue to stream your existing movies until December 31st.

You can still enter Magic Codes on DisneyMovieRewards.com, and Disney Movies Rewards services will not be interrupted. You can also continue to use your Disney member name and password to access and enjoy other Disney websites. In addition, if you purchased a Disney Combo pack with Digital Copy, your Digital Copy can still be transferred and watched from either iTunes or Windows Media Player. Please visit our FAQs for more details.

We truly appreciate your support of our service—we have enjoyed serving you!

Best regards,

The Disney Movies Online Team

Get jazzed about 'Rise of the Guardians' and see Santa

Can't wait for Rise of the Guardians? Then check out this event featuring Santa (one of the upcoming movie's guardians) and some giveaways:

WHO: Santa Claus, straight from the North Pole!

WHAT: Santa will meet & greet with children and their families while Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic reads short stories from William Joyce's ‘Guardians of Childhood’ children’s book. Families are welcome to enjoy free hot cocoa samples, holiday arts & crafts, free candy canes, and complimentary giveaways from the upcoming DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures film, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS – in theaters everywhere Wednesday, November 21st!

Note: Giveaways are while supplies last.

WHEN: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2012

WHERE: Barnes & Noble at Tempe Marketplace

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy #1032

Tempe, AZ 85281

ABOUT RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is an epic and magical adventure that tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost – legendary characters with previously unknown extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children everywhere.

Fun Size is a mixed bag of mishap

Halloween is next weekend, so it makes sense that Nickelodeon puts out a movie where Halloween is central to the plot. The problem is "Fun Size" isn't exactly sweet/funny kiddie fare typical of Nickelodeon films. Think "Hotels for Dogs" with Emma Roberts and "Imagine That" with Eddie Murphy.

This one hopes for some teen edge and aims for more grown-up comedy. The thing is, the people who want to see this will be mostly 10-14 - the demo who loves, loves, loves Victoria Justice on "Victorious." But the movie is a little too raunchy for this demo. To quote my 12-year-old daughter: "This is definitely PG-13. Not for little kids!"

I asked her what stuck out as inappropriate for younger audiences, and she listed off several things — from the humping chicken-car scene and party scenes to the sexy kitty costume and boob touching. I'm glad she noticed, and I'm sad she noticed. This stuff no longer goes over her head.

A mom and I talked about the content after viewing the film. Is this really appropriate for kid fans of Victoria Justice? Should we keep them from watching? Every home is different. I mentioned seeing "Pretty in Pink" (1986, PG-13), "Sixteen Candles" (1984, PG) and "The Breakfast Club" (1985, R - mostly for the F words) as a kid. I was my daughter's age watching "Sixteen Candles." And had my parents been in the theater with us, I'm sure they would not have been happy with the underwear scene or the drunk foreign student handing from a tree, etc. It was PG, though. The PG-13 rating wasn't started until July of that year. If it were PG-13, I'm not sure if mine would have let us see it until they saw it first.

The movie is about nerdy, but pretty senior Wren (Victoria Justice), who is invited to the hot guy's Halloween party. She's geared to go with her bestie April (Jane Levy), who dresses sexy and wants nothing to do with boy nerds. Too bad Wren's mom (Chelsea Handler) is making her watch her little brother, so that she can go to her own party with a much younger boyfriend. Wren's brother, of course, gets lost and silliness ensues as she recruits two nerd friends to help find her brother, who won't speak but takes rides from strangers. None of these adults call the police, but rather take this kid to vandalize an ex-girlfriend's home and to a party. It's totally unbelievable in the attempt to be hilarious. Oh, and I forgot, Johnny Knoxville has a part as a martial arts doofus who steals Wren's brother's candy and later holds him hostage. I'm thinking most parents will be offended. Kids will likely be forgiving, because, well, it stars Victoria Justice and she is a good girl throughout, including wearing a costume that isn't overtly sexy.

My guess is the movie will quickly be at the bargain theater. But then again, kids will want to go even if many of the jokes fall flat or are just not really appropriate (there's exploding poop, sexy dancing that's supposed to be funny, streaking, etc.) Now, I did laugh even at some dumb stuff. But most jokes were quickly forgotten after the film. Memorable lines? I can't recall any. But the Songify clip had a few laughing out loud.

Overall, I'd say it's a D+. My daughter says it's a solid C. It's really for teens who don't mind dumb jokes and like Victoria Justice.

The trailer:

Madagascar 3 DVD combo-packed fun

Just got a copy of the recently released "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from DreamWorks, which includes the circus-afro wig. First, if you have a big head, the wig won't fit. It's really meant for kids, but we know some of you will wish it fit you. :)

If you and your kids liked Madagascar 3 (we did - I gave it a B+ back when I first saw it), the DVD will be a nice addition to your family movie collection. At our house, even with one teenager and a tween, we still love animated movies. It's scary, but we have quite a collection of animated DVDs at home (lately the kids have been watching another Dreamworks film, "How to Train Your Dragon"). You'd think we have preschoolers at home.

The DVD is nice for watching when you like, but I like DVDs for the extras. This one does OK. There are some computer games, but I love watching the commentary and behind the scenes. This one doesn't go over board with info, but maybe that's because fans aren't as hungry for the back story as they are for the Twilight saga and the Hunger Games trilogy. You do learn a lot about the creative process of of the film, such as how sound effects are adjusted to make a scene funnier and how Chris Rock created the circus-afro song on the fly. For those of you who like to learn more of the film techniques, there is discussion about creating night scenes, recreating the look of Monte Carlo and story pacing. It would have been nice, though, to have a few of the actors in on the film commentary.

Haven't seen the movie yet, but thinking about the DVD? It's pretty funny. Check out the trailer to learn more:

Fun Size fan frenzy

It's amazing how the Disney and Nickelodeon folks really know how to get fans hyped about their films. My daughter knew about Nickelodeon's latest tween/teen flick, FUN SIZE, long before I learned of the screening. But she also watches a lot of Disney and Nickelodeon.

Thousands of fans showed up for a special visit this past Saturday from FUN SIZE stars Victoria Justice and Thomas Mann at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. They were joined by special guest Carly Rae Jepsen. Since I know there are many Victoria Justice fans among your households, as well as Carly Rae Jepsen fans (she debuted her latest video there), I'm sharing some photos from the event.

Just curious, would you go out to an event like this? I know I've seen lots of moms and their daughters at these star-studded promotions. :)

Madagascar 3 DVD giveaway and special event Oct. 20

I've have a copy of the new Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Blu-ray/DVD combo pack to give away. And it includes the circus afro wig like the one Marty wears in the movie. Just follow the rules in the link to enter.

Also, the Phoenix Zoo will have a Madagascar 3 DVD party from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 20. Radio Disney will be there with lots of games, music, dancing, and prizes. The first 100 kids at the Radio Disney booth get a gift.

I encourage you to like my Facebook pages: Time-Starved Mom and Movie Mama blog to stay on top of giveaways and my movie reviews.

Official Rules for Madagascar 3 DVD giveaway

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED DVD Giveaway Official Rules

By entering for a chance to be randomly selected from all valid entries in this giveaway, you agree to these official rules:

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

2. Eligibility. The Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Sweepstakes is open to residents of the State of Arizona who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog, Allied Integrated Marketing and each of their respective affiliated companies, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies, and other agents, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Google, Gmail, Blogspot or Twitter.

3. Entry. Enter by sending an email between 10 p.m. P.S.T. Oct. 17, 2012, and 10 p.m. P.S.T. Oct. 20, 2012, with the subject line “Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted DVD Giveaway” to timestarvedmom@gmail.com. To be considered a valid entry, the email must include your full name, mailing address, and daytime phone number to reach you if needed in relationship to this giveaway (i.e. Jane Garcia, 1234 E. Baseline, Tempe, AZ 85000, 480-555-5555). Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, incomplete or misdirected entries. Only one email entry per person. Multiple entries by one person using other email addresses will be disqualified. Winner will be chosen at random on or about Oct. 21, 2012.

4. Prizes and Odds. One (1) winner will receive Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Blu-Ray/DVD Wig Combo Pack. Approximate value of the prize is $25. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

5. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner will be notified by email and/or phone number listed on email entry on or about Oct. 21, 2012. Please check junk mail, in case the prize announcement is inadvertently delivered there. To accept the prize, winner must respond to prize notification email and follow instructions for accepting prize on the email by no later than 6 p.m. P.S.T. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. Prize will be mailed from Allied Integrated Marketing to the address on the entry form. Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are nonassignable and nontransferable. Winner is solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. Winner will be required to complete a prize acceptance form (except where prohibited by law), which must be returned via email by 6 p.m. Oct. 23, 2012. Failure to sign and return the prize form by Oct. 23, or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner's disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to an alternate winner except where prohibited. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant's consent to the publication of his or her name announcing his or her winning for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsors. For prize winner list after Oct. 28, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: Madagascar 3 DVD Winner.

6. Participation. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsors. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, incomplete, late or misdirected entries. Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsors. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsors, which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the Sweepstakes, Sponsors reserve the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Sweepstakes. Should the Sweepstakes be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsors reserve the right to award prizes based on the entries received before the termination date.

7. Limitations of Liability. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrant agrees that (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action, and entrant waives his or her right to a jury trial for such disputes, claims, and causes of action; (2) any claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental or consequential damages and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased and any other damages, other than damages for actual out-of-pocket expenses.

8. Construction. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of any contestant and Sponsor, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of Arizona, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Arizona. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the valid or enforceable provision was not contained therein.

9. General Release. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants release Yvette Armendariz, who blogs as Time-Starved Mom and Movie Mama, Allied Integrated Marketing, any other promotional sponsors, and each of their respective affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, representatives, partners and agents from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes or with the acceptance, possession or use of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light).

10. Sponsors. The Time-Starved Mom Madagascar 3 DVD giveaway is sponsored by Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog and Allied Integrated Marketing (collectively, "Sponsors"), whose decisions regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of the Sweepstakes shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsors will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Sweepstakes. If you have any questions regarding this Contest, please contact Yvette Armendariz at timestarvedmom@gmail.com.

Download free passes to screening of "Fun Size" on Oct. 20

If you have a tween or teen at home, you've probably heard the name Victoria Justice. She's the star of "Victorious" on Nickelodeon.

She's also starring in a new movie opening Oct. 26. "Fun Size" is about a high school senior (Justice) who can't wait to go off to college and get away from her dysfunctional family (mom is played by Chelsea Handler). Happens she must watch her little brother during Halloween, and a comedic adventure develops.

The film has not yet been rated. Watch the trailer:

I got a link to share with Phoenix-area moms. You can pull down up to two passes per gofobo account to an advanced screening planned for 11 a.m. on Oct. 20 at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, via gofobo.com. Click here for the link. If you don't have an account, it's free and simple to set up. Please read pass details carefully. Screenings often are overbooked to ensure a full house.

Cheers!

Madagascar 3 Circus Party at Blockbuster

I really enjoyed "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" — more than I thought I would. The circus Afro song still makes me smile. And I did laugh throughout the movie

Happens the DVD comes out on Oct. 16, and Blockbuster is throwing a party to celebrate this Saturday. So if your kids were crazy about the movie, this could be fun. Participating stores will play the first two movies for fans, as well as have crafts, games and face painting. There's also a $5 gift card deal if you reserve a copy of the movie early. Check with your local store for details.

Blockbuster's circus parties will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 6. Find locations: Blockbuster.com/Promotions

Check out TV show CHICAGO FIRE on the big screen free

It's not every day that you get to see a TV show on the big screen — and definitely not six days before it airs for the first time on the little screen. But Universal Television and Wolf Films, which are producing new thrilling drama CHICAGO FIRE, are showcasing it via a private screening to get people buzzing about the new NBC TV show.

The promotional screening will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 4, at AMC Arizona Center. I have 100 pairs of passes via this gofobo link. Get several girlfriends together and go out! Just click to get on the site. You need a login, but registration is free and relatively simple. :)

More about the show:

From renowned, Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf ("Law & Order" brand) and creators Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, the writing team behind "3:10 to Yuma," comes the high-octane drama "Chicago Fire," - an edge-of-your-seat view into the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America's noblest professions. For the firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51, no occupation is more stressful or dangerous, yet so rewarding and exhilarating. These courageous men and women are among the elite who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way and whose actions make the difference between life and death.

The pressure to perform on such a high level has a way of taking a personal toll, sometimes putting team members from the Truck and the specially trained Rescue Squad at odds with each other. Despite any differences, this is an extended family, and when it's "go time," everyone inside Firehouse 51 knows no other way than to lay it all on the line for each other. When a tragedy claims one of their own, there's plenty of guilt and blame to go around. Lt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer, "House"), in charge of the Truck, tries to carry on, but butts heads with the brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney, "The Vampire Diaries") of the Rescue Squad - and each blames the other for their fallen team member. Adding to the turmoil, Casey, unbeknownst to his colleagues, is in the midst of a separation from Hallie (Teri Reeves, "Three Rivers").

The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker, "Oz"), a fireman's fireman who is confronted by important personal decisions, paramedics Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund, "The Good Wife") and Leslie Shay (Lauren German, "Hawaii Five-O"), who share a close bond and team together to face some of the most harrowing situations imaginable, Peter Mills (Charlie Barnett, "Law & Order: SVU"), an academy graduate who is the latest generation in a family of firefighters, and Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg, "Sex and the City"), a seasoned veteran who loses his home to foreclosure and now must uproot his family to move in with his in-laws.

In addition to Wolf, Haas and Brandt, executive producers also include Matt Olmstead ("Breakout Kings"), Joe Chappelle ("The Wire"), Danielle Gelber and Peter Jankowski ("Law & Order" brand). Haas and Brandt wrote the pilot, which was directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff ("Homeland").

The first episode of CHICAGO FIRE premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, on NBC, Channel 12 in Phoenix.

Enjoy!

Ruby Sparks thoughtful & funny

Totally enjoyed Ruby Sparks because it's funny & thought provoking. I'm even debating taking my 12 year-old daughter for the incredible discussion we could have after. I'm just hung up on one little part where two characters talk about BJs. I plan to discuss that more in my Time-Starved Mom blog.

For a romantic comedy, it's not the typical blend. It comes with true questions about relationships and expectations. Interesting that a female wrote the script.

Essentially the film is about a writer (Paul Dano) who found early fame with his first book; he then hits a dry spell. With the help of his therapist, he begins writing again and develops a character that he comes to love. He can't stop writing about Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan) and him, and then she's suddenly real. But when she starts getting a mind of her own, he tries changing her. You don't always get what you wish for is a key theme.

Kazan writes the screenplay, and the film is directed by the duo behind Little Miss Sunshine, another good, poignant and funny movie. Ruby Sparks also stars Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas and Chris Messina.

Rated R for language including some sexual references, and for some drug use. My grade: A-

The Babymakers

Making babies is potentially quite funny. There's lots of material for laughs, especially if you don't mind crossing into the politically incorrect and raunchy territory. I'm good with both, if done right.

The Babymakers (Paul Schneider, Olivia Munn) didn't do it for me. Oh, there was some funny material, and offensive material, too. But the delivery of the potentially funny stuff was just bad.

The plot is essential guy and girl, married three years, decide it's time to have a baby. They then start doing it EVERYWHERE. Months later, sex is a chore. Maybe something is wrong? Hmmm, well he's shooting blanks, but he didn't before. So he recruits help for stealing bad his sperm from a sperm band from the days he was potent. Funny, maybe...but then.

I wish I had looked at the director credit so I'd know what I was in for. Jay Chandrasekhar is known for films Beerfest and SuperTroopers. I mostly saw bad reviews for these raunchy comedies.

Anyway, this film offers stereotypes of the Indian guys (incidentally the director plays that role) and Chinese babies, female sex fantasies (including a turn to bestiality porn - ick!), body part jokes, sperm jokes (and a gross out scene at a sperm bank), etc. They will offend some, potentially many. I'm not easily offended, but some of these jokes were plain dumb.

Sadly, as the actors delivered all these one-liners, it seemed as though they would crack up mid scene. Somehow they supressed their laughter. I just wanted to laugh.

Rated R for crude and sexual content, brief graphic nudity, language and some drug use. My grade: D-

The trailer:

The Dark Knight Rises

I couldn't wait to see the final chapter in the Batman trilogy featuring Christian Bale as the Dark Knight. Where would his story go? Could he recover from some very deep wounds - emotionally more than physical? Would Batman find his happy ending? The movie is pretty good, and I felt satisfied with the end, though not very surprise with of the turns the film takes. The minuses overall are few, among them is the film's length — nearly 3 hours. And there were some character issues, such as a disjointed coming together of two people. But the visual effects are great. If you like things getting blown up, it's pretty awesome. You also get some more of the lore of Batman and the League of Shadows, which makes me want to watch the first film again. I'm certain my teen son and his friends will go multiple times just for the action - there's lots, maybe too much for some. It's not a bad date night movie either, not in the romantic sense, but rather for the discussion you'll have after about tortured souls and emotions...OK, explosions, too. My grade: B-. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language.

ParaNorman VIP pass giveaway

I've got three (3) VIP passes to give away to the upcoming animated film ParaNorman. These passes allow a total of four people in your family to attend.

The movie comes from the makers of Coraline, and is considered a zombie comedy. It's about a boy, Norman, who must use his ability to speak with the dead to save his town from an ancient curse, a hoard of invading zombies, and their own small-mindedness. It features the voice talents of Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone), Anna Kendrick (Twilight series), Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Leslie Mann (Knocked Up). The film is rated PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language.

The official rules are posted on my Movie Mama blog. Essentially, send an email to timestarvedmom@gmail.com with the subject line PARANORMAN VIP SCREENING PASSES GIVEAWAY. In the email, include your name, city shown on your driver's license and a phone number between now and 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 3 for a chance to be randomly selected winner to be selected on or about Aug. 4). The screening is at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 16, 2012, at the AMC Arizona Center 24, 565 N. Third St., Phoenix. Winners need to arrive by 6:30 p.m. to check in with the movie promoters. Instructions for entering in official rules

I encourage you to like my Facebook pages: Time-Starved Mom and Movie Mama blog to stay on top of giveaways and my movie reviews.

Paranorman opens Friday, August 17. Here's a peek at the trailer:

Paranorman VIP Passes Official Rules

PARANORMAN VIP Screening Passes Giveaway Official Rules By entering for a chance to be randomly selected from all valid entries in this giveaway, you agree to these official rules: 1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. 2. Eligibility. The Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog ParaNorman VIP Screening Passes Sweepstakes is open to residents of the State of Arizona who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog, Barclay Communications and each of their respective affiliated companies, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies, and other agents, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Google, Gmail, Blogspot or Twitter. 3. Entry. Enter by sending an email between 8:00 a.m. P.S.T. July 17, 2012, and 11:59 p.m. P.S.T. August 3, 2012, with the subject line “ParaNorman VIP Screening Passes Giveaway” to timestarvedmom@gmail.com. To be considered a valid entry, the email must include your full name, city listed on your driver’s license, and daytime phone number to reach you if needed in relationship to this giveaway (i.e. Jane Garcia of Tempe, 480-555-5555). Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, incomplete or misdirected entries. Only one email entry per person. Multiple entries by one person using other email addresses will be disqualified. Winner will be chosen at random on or about Aug. 4, 2012. 4. Prizes and Odds. Three (3) winners will be placed on July 16 VIP screening list for ParaNorman. The screening takes place at 7 p.m. on July 16, 2012, at AMC Arizona Center 24, 565 N. Third St., Phoenix, AZ. Winner may bring three (3) guests; the entire party must arrive together. Travel arrangements and cost of travel associated with attending the screening is the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner must arrive at AMC Arizona Center no later than 6:30 p.m. July 16 to claim their seats and bring photo identification to the screening. Failure to arrive on time may result in loss of your seats. Approximate value of the prize is $0. Screening passes are often available for free on a variety of websites. Holding a VIP screening voucher and/or being on the VIP list has no additional monetary value. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. 5. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner will be notified by email and/or phone number listed on email entry on or about Aug. 4, 2012. Please check junk mail, in case the prize announcement is inadvertently delivered there. If selected winner cannot be reached after three attempts, including original notification attempt, such person will be disqualified. Winner's failure to open prize announcement email before the prize deadline and follow acceptance rules will result in forfeiture of the prize. Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are nonassignable and nontransferable. To accept the prize, winner must respond to prize notification email and follow instructions for accepting prize on the email by no later than 11:59 p.m. P.S.T. August 8, 2012. Winner's contact information will be forwarded to Barclay Communications on Aug. 9, which oversees the VIP list for the Paranorman screening. Winner also must present valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, when arriving at AMC Arizona Center 24 by no later than 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 16, 2012. No substitutions allowed. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. Winner will be required to complete a liability and publicity release form (except where prohibited by law), which must be returned via email by 11:59 p.m. August 8, 2012. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release by August 8, or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner's disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to an alternate winner except where prohibited. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant's consent to the publication of his or her name announcing his or her winning for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsors. For prize winner list after August 17, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: Paranorman VIP Screening Winner. 6. Participation. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsors. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, incomplete, late or misdirected entries. Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsors. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsors, which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the Sweepstakes, Sponsors reserve the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Sweepstakes. Should the Sweepstakes be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsors reserve the right to award prizes based on the entries received before the termination date. 7. Limitations of Liability. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrant agrees that (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action, and entrant waives his or her right to a jury trial for such disputes, claims, and causes of action; (2) any claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental or consequential damages and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased and any other damages, other than damages for actual out-of-pocket expenses. 8. Construction. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of any contestant and Sponsor, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of Arizona, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Arizona. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the valid or enforceable provision was not contained therein. 9. General Release. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants release Yvette Armendariz, who blogs as Time-Starved Mom and Movie Mama, Barclay Communications, any other promotional sponsors, and each of their respective affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, representatives, partners and agents from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes or with the acceptance, possession or use of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light). 10. Sponsors. The Time-Starved Mom ParaNorman VIP Screening Passes giveaway is sponsored by Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog and Barclay Communications (collectively, "Sponsors"), whose decisions regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of the Sweepstakes shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsors will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Sweepstakes. If you have any questions regarding this Contest, please contact Yvette Armendariz at timestarvedmom@gmail.com.

Magic Mike will mostly please

I like a good story. I also appreciate a bit of flash.

Magic Mike scores on flash, and gets good effort for trying to get in a good story.

Frankly, I don't think the story will matter to most women going to the movie. It's all about the visuals. And there are plenty. Plus, the dance choreography is very well done.

There's good laughs, too. And yes, the story tries to be more than a superficial stripper flick. Sadly, it comes off a bit choppy and lacking good chemistry. My rating: C+/B- I'm torn here because the flash is hot, but the story fizzles.

The trailer:

LOL at Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

This is a fun family film. Plenty of jokes for all ages, even then teen I took with me who didn't initially want to be there.

The animated film features the same gang from the previous Madagascar movies - Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) and Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett-Smith). Yes, the penguins and monkeys show, too. It begins in Africa, the gang longing for home. But the penguins take off for Monte Carlo. Feeling abandoned, the zoo crew (remember they escaped from the Central Park Zoo) figure a way to catch up to the penguins. That's when Capt. Dubois (Francis McDormand) - an animal control chief who makes trophies out of animals she catches - sets her eyes on Alex. She needs only a lion to complete her collection. She's odd, and hunts like a dog. Lots of hijinks trying to escape her grasp, which leads to joining a zoo. Circus-Afro song and lots of silliness follows. There's also a bit of a story of overcoming fears that will be good to talk about with little ones. The end will have you laughing and singing.

The only precaution for parents of little ones is they may be fascinated by the use of "Bolshevik" in place of BS. Overall grade: B+

Check out the trailer:

Get advanced screening passes to see BRAVE

I've been waiting for Brave to come out, as has my daughter. It look just so fun! You have to check out the trailer:

The film is rated PG for some scary action and rude humor. It follows the story of Merida, a young Scottish princess who challenges the traditions and expectations laid upon her. She's a skilled archer, and she's determined to create a new destiny for herself, unleashing chaos in the kingdom. There's a curse, battles and plenty of adventure promised.

Well, I'm happy to say we have a link to 25 pairs of passes to the advanced screening of this Disney/Pixar film at 7 p.m. on June 20, 2012, at the AMC Westgate, 9400 W. Hanna Dr., Glendale, AZ. Just click on the link to get to the SeeItFirst advanced screening site. This is a site used by Disney. When you register, you may get information sent to you about Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and other Disney companies. If you don't want that info sent, just click on the appropriate link to opt out.

This is an advanced screening, so do plan to arrive early. Often these free advanced seats for popular movies fill up quickly. Most are first-come, first-served. Some films are overbooked to ensure a full house. Please read all the info about the screening on the SeeItFirst website.

Snow White and the Huntsman

This is not the happy Disney version of Snow White. It's a much darker story what will at times remind you of the Tom Cruise movie Legend, as well as Excalibur. The acting is uneven, but Charlize Theron puts on a good performance as the Evil Queen Ravenna. Kristen Stewart, as Snow White, shows she can do a better job acting than in Twilight, but only at times. The film may be too intense for younger audiences. Among the more intense scenes: A character is seen eating the insides of animals and digging nails into another character's heart, lots of sword violence, characters are in peril in the dark forest, a troll tries killing some characters, etc. Women are drained of their youth and beauty, so some of the kingdom's women purposely scar themselves to avoid that fate. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence and brief sensuality. Grade: B.

The trailer:

Men in Black III

It's silly, but generally fun. Men in Black III is an action-packed adventure back in time to kick alien booty and save a beloved MIB agent. The opening scene is a bit nauseating as Boris the Animal (an alien played by Jemaine Clement) deep kisses a sexy girl who comes to break him out of a high-security space prison. You will roll your eyes at times, but you'll be nicely surprised by Josh Brolin's performance as a younger version of Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). You also learn Agent J's (Will Smith) involvement in the early Men in Black days. Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, language and brief suggestive content. Grade: C.

The trailer:

Download advanced screening passes for MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED

You've seen the commercials for Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. I know you have. I have the circus-afro song in my head.

If you haven't seen it, I'm sharing a YouTube clip that I found. It's infectious. It'll be stuck in your head the rest of the afternoon. :)

The movie looks like a lot of fun. And isn't that what summer family movies are about?

Well, Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama (that's me!) has been connected with 25 "family four packs" of advanced screening passes to Madagascar 3 at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, at the AMC Desert Ridge 18 theaters, 21001 N. Tatum, Phoenix. You need a gofobo.com account to download the passes. Accounts are free to set up, and each gofobo account is able to pull down up to 4 passes (thus, a family four pack). Once these passes are gone, they are gone. So if you think you have time for a free movie Saturday morning since school is out, then download your passes and come out for some laughs. Do arrive early, and carefully read the rules for using the passes. Often screenings are overbook to ensure a full house.

To download Madagascar 3 advanced screening passes via gofobo, click this link.

A synopsis of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted:

Animal pals Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) are still trying to make it back to New York's Central Park Zoo. They are forced to take a detour to Europe to find the penguins and chimps who broke the bank at a Monte Carlo casino. When French animal-control officer Capitaine Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand) picks up their scent, Alex and company are forced to hide out in a traveling circus. Opens in Theaters Friday, June 8, 2012. Rated PG for mild action and rude humor.

See the full trailer:

The Dictator's offensive, funny humor

I knew going in that I'd be offended way more than once by The Dictator. But I still couldn't wait Sasha Baron Cohen's newest comedy. Nor could my husband.

The political satire offers some great totally politically incorrect humor. Some is subtle. Some is in your face. We found the audience didn't catch all the geo political references, such as to Zimbabwe and sub-Saharan African. Keeping up with the news is helpful in this one, but not totally necessary. Plenty of crass racist and sexist jokes fill the movie without the need to understand politics. Oh, and if it isn't obvious, this film isn't for the easily offended.

The film is about General Aladeen of the fictional oil-rich North African Republic of Wadiya (Cohen) coming to the U.S. to address the United Nations. However, things don't work out as planned. He's double crossed and his right-hand man (Ben Kingsley) uses a body double to get Wadiya promising democracy, something Aladeen is seriously against. Aladeen also loses his well-known beard which suddenly makes him unrecognizable as he tries to take back his rightful place.

See trailer:

Luckily, not all the funny parts are in the trailer. I don't want to give much away, but one hilarious part deals with what happens to the people Aladeen sends away for execution just because they get in his way or disagree with him. Oh, and there's a self pleasure scene that was outrageously funny. That's not to say there aren't plenty of misfires. Of course the plot is totally predictable, and the film ends as expected. But the ride is decent. I gave it a C+. My husband a solid B.

It's rated R for crude and sexual content, brief male nudity, language and violence. This one isn't for kids unless you want to blush sitting next to them and explain it all later.

Battleship sinks

My son has been talking about Battleship (Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker) for weeks. When I left the screening, I was disappointed and sleepy. But at the same time, I know my son and the main demographic this movie is marketed to will be happy with it. What I think won't matter.

The trailer:

It's loud and heavy on special effects. Boys will love that. And the script is slightly better than the Transformer sequels. I kept thinking of those as I watched. I didn't care for those.

There are some funny parts, too. Getting Tased in order to get a chicken burrito to impress a girl...you know that will have guys laughing. But my mind kept drifting to the time and what I could be doing instead of watching Battleship.

The story is ridiculous, but the main feature are the ships and alien machinery. Explosions make you forget, right? Toss in a bit of patriotism, so you can't totally hate it without feeling guilty. You gotta love guys who serve our country, especially those retired helping the young guns kick some alien butt. How dare I not love it? I did like the celebration of military in the film; but it just wasn't enough.

Rated PG-13 for for intense sequences of violence, action and destruction, and for language. My grade: D.

What to Expect When You're Expecting better than expected

Honestly, I worried going into this film. Lots of characters, no huge star (Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, etc). Will the movie flow well? Will the script be filled with tired old stereotypes? Will the trailer have the only funny parts?

The movie flowed well, meaning it didn't feel extra long. The trailer did have a lot of funny parts, but there are a few surprises, particularly the viral video. But I don't want to spoil that for you. And yes, it's filled with stereotypes. Sometimes it makes it funny. Sometimes it's just sad. But overall, the movie had me laughing after an exhausting work day.

The film looks at five couples about to have babies. In one case, it's a couple unable to conceive, so they opt for adoption. Another is a celebrity couple featured on a dance show similar to Dancing With the Stars. The third is an unexpected pregnancy after a couple decides to stop trying. Happens the fourth couple, having twins, is related to the previous couple. And the last couple having a baby are practically kids.

Then there is a side story of "the dudes," featuring several funny men (Chris Rock, Thomas Lennon). Tons of stereotyping here.

You have to let go that this is not going to be a movie focused on reality. There are bits of it. The last couple, with the unintended pregnancy, have to face a rough reality. But with so many stories, little time is devoted to their issue.

See the trailer:

It's rated PG-13 for PG-13 for crude and sexual content, thematic elements and language. My rating is a C.

And yes, I don't think of either Lopez or Diaz as big stars these days. Banks (Hunger Games), though, is rising and grabbed many funny scenes, as did Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids). And that kid (featured in trailer) playing one of Chris Rock's many kids offered comic relief. It's pathetic what movie makers do to make you laugh, but then again, I laughed.

Enter for a chance at VIP screening passes to Snow White and the Huntsman

One of the movies I've been most interested in seeing this year is Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Oscar® winner Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor). And, yay, I've got five (5) VIP passes to give away.

The official rules are posted on my Movie Mama blog. Essentially, send an email to timestarvedmom@gmail.com with the subject line SNOW WHITE VIP SCREENING PASSES GIVEAWAY. In the email, include your name, city shown on your driver's license and a phone number between now and 5 p.m. May 21 for a chance to be randomly selected. The screening is at 7 p.m. May 29, 2012, at the Harkins Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Winners need to arrive by 6:35 p.m. to check in with the movie promoters.

I encourage you to like my Facebook pages: Time-Starved Mom and Movie Mama blog to stay on top of giveaways and my movie reviews.

Snow White and the Huntsman opens June 1. Here's a peek at the trailer:

The synopsis: In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, the evil queen (Theron) is out to destroy the one person fairer than her in the land, Snow White (Stewart). But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Hemsworth) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.

The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders. More info: www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com

Official Rules for Snow White and the Huntsman advance screening passes

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN VIP Screening Passes Giveaway Official Rules

By entering for a chance to be randomly selected from all valid entries in this giveaway, you agree to these official rules:

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

2. Eligibility. The Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog Snow White and the Huntsman VIP Screening Passes Sweepstakes is open to residents of the State of Arizona who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog, Barclay Communications and each of their respective affiliated companies, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies, and other agents, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Google, Gmail, Blogspot or Twitter.

3. Entry. Enter by sending an email between 11 p.m. P.S.T. May 15, 2012, and 5 p.m. P.S.T. May 21, 2012, with the subject line “Snow White VIP Screening Passes Giveaway” to timestarvedmom@gmail.com. To be considered a valid entry, the email must include your full name, city listed on your driver’s license, and daytime phone number to reach you if needed in relationship to this giveaway (i.e. Jane Garcia of Tempe, 480-555-5555). Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, incomplete or misdirected entries. Only one email entry per person. Multiple entries by one person using other email addresses will be disqualified. Winner will be chosen at random on or about May 21, 2012.

4. Prizes and Odds. Five (5) winners will be placed on May 29 VIP screening list for Snow White and the Huntsman. The screening takes place at 7 p.m. on May 29, 2012, at Harkins Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ. Winner may bring one (1) guest; both must arrive together. Travel arrangements and cost of travel associated with attending the screening is the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner must arrive at Harkins Tempe Marketplace no later than 6:35 p.m. May 29 to claim their seats and bring photo identification to the screening. Failure to arrive on time may result in loss of your seats. Approximate value of the prize is $0. Screening passes are often available for free on a variety of websites. Holding a VIP screening voucher and/or being on the VIP list has no additional monetary value. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

5. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner will be notified by email and/or phone number listed on email entry on or about May 21, 2012. Please check junk mail, in case the prize announcement is inadvertently delivered there. If selected winner cannot be reached after three attempts, including original notification attempt, such person will be disqualified. Winner's failure to open prize announcement email before the prize deadline and follow acceptance rules will result in forfeiture of the prize. Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are nonassignable and nontransferable. To accept the prize, winner must respond to prize notification email and follow instructions for accepting prize on the email by no later than 6 p.m. P.S.T. Thursday, May 24, 2012. Winner's contact information will be forwarded to Barclay Communications, which oversees the VIP list for the Snow White and the Huntsman screening. Winner also must present valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, when arriving at Harkins Tempe Marketplace by no later than 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012. No substitutions allowed. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. Winner will be required to complete a liability and publicity release form (except where prohibited by law), which must be returned via email by 11:59 p.m. May 24, 2012. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release by May 24, or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner's disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to an alternate winner except where prohibited. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant's consent to the publication of his or her name announcing his or her winning for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsors. For prize winner list after June 1, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: Snow White VIP Screening Winner.

6. Participation. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsors. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, incomplete, late or misdirected entries. Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsors. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsors, which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the Sweepstakes, Sponsors reserve the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Sweepstakes. Should the Sweepstakes be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsors reserve the right to award prizes based on the entries received before the termination date.

7. Limitations of Liability. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrant agrees that (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action, and entrant waives his or her right to a jury trial for such disputes, claims, and causes of action; (2) any claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental or consequential damages and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased and any other damages, other than damages for actual out-of-pocket expenses.

8. Construction. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of any contestant and Sponsor, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of Arizona, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Arizona. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the valid or enforceable provision was not contained therein.

9. General Release. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants release Yvette Armendariz, who blogs as Time-Starved Mom and Movie Mama, Barclay Communications, any other promotional sponsors, and each of their respective affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, representatives, partners and agents from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes or with the acceptance, possession or use of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light).

10. Sponsors. The Time-Starved Mom Snow White VIP Screening Passes giveaway is sponsored by Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog and Barclay Communications (collectively, "Sponsors"), whose decisions regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of the Sweepstakes shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsors will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Sweepstakes. If you have any questions regarding this Contest, please contact Yvette Armendariz at timestarvedmom@gmail.com.

"What to Expect When You're Expecting" movie passes available

I have a link to pull down passes for up to two people to see an advanced screening of What to Expect When You're Expecting at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012. It will be held at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. You must be registered with gofobo.com to pull down the passes.

Passes are first come, first serve. Once they are gone, they're gone. Please read the screening pass disclaimer on the passes and arrive early to improve your chance at a seat.

I also have an extra prize pack for one lucky Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog follower. Click link for OFFICIAL RULES. In short, you need to send in an email between 9 p.m. P.S.T. Friday May 11, 2012, and 3 p.m. P.S.T. Sunday May 13, 2012, with the subject line “Expecting Giveaway” to timestarvedmom@gmail.com. To be considered a valid entry, the email must include your full name, mailing address, and daytime phone number to reach you if needed in relationship to this giveaway.

One (1) winner will receive one (1) promotional T-shirt and one (1) What to Expect When You're Expecting movie poster. Approximate value of the prize is $25. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Movie Synopsis:

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood. Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco’s surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date? A kaleidoscopic comedy as universal as it is unpredictable, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world.

Opening date: May 18th

Check out the trailer:

More info: http://whattoexpectthefilm.com/

What to Expect When You're Expecting Giveaway Rules

Official Rules By entering for a chance to be randomly selected from all valid entries in this giveaway, you agree to these official rules:

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

2. Eligibility. The Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog What to Expect When You're Expecting Sweepstakes is open to residents of the State of Arizona who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog, Allied Integrated Marketing and each of their respective affiliated companies, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies, and other agents, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Google, Gmail, Blogspot or Twitter.

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What to Expect When You're Expecting

Another comedy will be taking a stab at parenthood. This one is named after a popular book for new parents, What to Expect When You're Expecting.

It stars quite an ensemble of stars: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew Morrison (Glee), Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Ben Falcone (Bridesmaids), Chris Rock and Dennis Quaid. I'm hopeful. Dudes doing dad stuff can be funny if done right. I want it to make me laughing until I cry. I need a good laugh.

The movie is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, thematic elements and language. Could be a date night movie because of the focus on men (no judging!)...but it better be FUNNY. The trailer:

Why make another chihuahua movie?

I'm not surprised Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 is going straight to DVD on Sept. 18.

Check out an early scene.

I doubt I'll watch. Unfair to say? Maybe. But I'm back to being time starved and this isn't on my list of must-see films.

Now, I did enjoy the first movie. I didn't want to see it and made my mom take my kids. She swore it was funny, so I eventually saw it when it was released on DVD. I was totally shocked that I liked the goofy humor. I was OK with my kids wanting to own it. Shocking! So yes, it's in our DVD collection.

The second movie did not impress. That's why I question a third. But then again, Disney is big on animal flicks. Think of golden retriever Buddy, star of the Air Bud franchise that lead to a series of Air Buddies movies. This doesn't happen if the movies don't resonate with kids and moms. And while I know many moms who won't dare watch, they still buy these movies to put on for their kids to have a wholesome laugh or two. Besides, puppies can do anything and be adorable, right?

The Avengers come together in a good way

I love May. It's the beginning of blockbuster movie time. Which will make the biggest impression this summer?

In my family, The Avengers has been high on our summer list. The only concern, would too much superhero makes for a terrible movie?

I'm delighted that it meshed well, and the fun zingers and pop culture references kept coming. My grade: A-

So what brings these superheroes together? Loki (Tom Hiddleston). The adopted brother of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) transports to Earth to collect the terreract, a powerful energy source introduced in Captain America, to open a gateway to Earth for the ultimate alien takeover. Loki takes two key SHIELD players, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and scientist Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård) from the Thor movie, and turns them to his cause with the touch of his magical staff.

That's when super-secret government agency SHIELD calls in superheroes Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), and the Hulk (now Mark Ruffalo). Some come reluctantly, questioning SHIELD's motives beyond containing bad boy Loki. The boys have their own ego conflicts, but in the end come together to save the day.

It takes time to play out, but the nearly 2 1/2 hour film moves quickly. You don't notice how much time passes because action and quick-witted lines keep you entertained. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference.

Things to know if you take young kids:

-Not surprising: Lots of destruction via explosions, lasers, guns and superhero/villain brute strength. Bodies get tossed around aplenty, and there's lots of casualties, including one likeable character.

-Some characters drink alcohol, and one character asks another if he takes weed to stay calm.

-Mild sexual innuendo between characters.

-Near nudity (except for a strategically placed building block) of one character after a certain transformation.

-Mild language. I don't recall any of the big bad words.

Things to talk about with kids if you go:

-How does ego affect teamwork?

-Do you think having done some not so nice things in your past makes it impossible to really be a good guy?

-Why do you think there is so much violence in comic book stories?

-Would you stand up to a power play as the one older man did when Loki was exhibiting his domination?

The Avengers was a great kick off to summer fun at the movies. Other summer movies that we can't wait to see: Snow White and the Huntsman, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, Brave, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises.

Bring on summer!

Picking your movie seat and not standing in line for hours

I have become a big fan of movie theaters that let you pick out your seat when purchasing your ticket online or at the theater. Yes, you can do that once inside any movie theater. Sometimes you get those coveted middle seats, just far enough away from the screen, but not too far. But think about all the popular films you've attended. Did you have to show up hours early to get in line to get a decent seat?

I bought my tickets for The Avengers — a movie the whole family can't wait to see — yesterday. I'll drive a little farther, but I know I'll be seated in the center in the row I preselected. I won't need to stand around for hours to get my preferred seat. I'll show up just early enough to put in my snack order. And that makes for one happy Movie Mama.

A Little Bit of Hell

Pulling out a romantic comedy about a gal who believes she doesn't need a loving relationship but then gets cancer and finds she's missing love in her life is a difficult task.

The material has to be really good to not come off as too flip or unbelievable. The chemistry among characters needs to be strong. The story needs to pull you in emotionally.

Sadly, "A Little Bit of Heaven" doesn't pull it off. Oh, it has a few moments that'll make you laugh. But they are in between what seem to be long stretches of painful awkwardness.

Had I seen the trailer before the screening, I probably would have skipped this one. You can just tell.

In "A Little Bit of Heaven," Kate Hudson plays Marley, the gal who doesn't believe in love. She's been adorable at times in romantic comedies. This time, she's not. She's a girl with a guys sensibilities - work hard, play hard, no need for being tied down for love. As you watch, you don't believe it. Then, in good romantic comedy fashion, there's a spark. But the chemistry between her and her doc (Gael García Bernal) is nonexistent. I get that it should be awkward at first, but after they've been in bed? Well, it just seemed that way. Then something gets in the way, and then they make up. Yada, yada.

Making it even more unbelievable was Marley's trip to heaven during his medical scare. This is where, obviously, she meets God and makes three wishes. Huh? Isn't that supposed to happen with a genie? Anyway, happens God appears in the form of Whoopi Goldberg. The whole heaven in the clouds comes off as silly and old fashioned. Maybe it's me?

My feeling is if you drag your guy to this one, you'll owe him for a long time. This 106 minute movie feels like it's closer to 2 1/2 hours. You'll celebrate when it's over.

That said, te movie did eventually pull at my heart just a little. My eyes did get misty near the end. Can't say why. Rated PG-13 for sexual content, including crude references, and language. My grade D.

A very British 'Pirate' adventure

I like dry humor. That's why I was quite delighted that my kids wanted to see the newly released animated film The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

The movie was solidly funny, that is if you like British humor. If you don't, it can still be entertaining but not as fun to watch.

This comedy features a band of pirates who aren't that great at pillaging, looting, drinking and all those other typical pirate activities. But they do enjoy "Ham Night" and loving on their overly plump parrot, who turns out to be a dodo bird. Turns out the bird is a key to the silly, dramatic action-filled adventure the pirates will take involving Charles Darwin and a scientific contest that guarantees the winner many riches.

Despite his pirate shortcomings, Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant) is set on entering and winning Pirate of the Year. As he enters, thinking he has a shot, three others — Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek), Black Belamy (Jeremy Piven) and Peg Leg Hastings (Lenny Henry) — show him up in with flashy entrances and huge treasures. He's defeated and tries to hide his interest in entering. But he's found out and laughed at. Captain tries to save face by raiding a number of ships. All are funny, but they don't land him the riches he needs to pirate up. Then he meets Charles Darwin, who recognizes Captains parrot is the only living dodo bird. Darwin wants to win a scientific contest and cunningly convinces Captain to take the bird to London. Oh, there are missteps and a hilarious monkey who speaks with cards. And then there's Queen Victoria, who hates pirates and loves rare animals. She has her eyes on the bird. You'll have to watch to see what happens.

The film, while funny, touches on friendship, fame and money. Would you give up someone you love for fame and fortune? How far would you go to make a name for yourself? It's a good conversation for the ride home.

It's rated PG for mild action, rude humor and language. Honestly, I can't remember any real bad words. There is some humor aimed at parents, and best of all, it features a Flight of the Conchords song. So proud of my daughter for recognizing it. My rating: B.

Dreary Raven never reaches potential

The Raven is an interesting concept for a movie. It just never reaches it's potential.

The film takes many liberties in telling a story where Edgar Allen Poe's fictional works (The Masque of the Red Death, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Pit and the Pendulum) are used as inspiration for a serial killer. For additional intrigue, it's set days before Poe's true mysterious death (historians can't agree on what happened, which has lead to many myths) on Oct. 7, 1849. Interesting? Yes. Something worth suspending beliefs? Sure. Sadly, it just ends up being a bit messy whodunit. Boo!

The movie begins with Poe (John Cusack) getting kicked out of bar, meanwhile the first grisly copycat murder takes place. Poe is briefly a suspect, and then joins Baltimore Detective Fields (Luke Evans) on the case to solve the crimes. Poe gets emotionally involved after his beloved Emily (Alice Eve), his love interest in the movie, is taken by the lunatic recreating Poe's dark, gruesome stories. Suddenly, Poe is a bit of an action star and sleuth. Hmmm.

My husband and I walked out thinking that the movie producers had to be trying to capitalize on the success of Sherlock Holmes and our recent love for gore. The problem is the screenplay wasn't written as sharply, nor did it move with the same cadence of Sherlock Holmes. Besides, John Cusack isn't Robert Downey Jr. And some of the gore just seemed over the top. Then again, the crimes recreates some of Poe's disturbing deaths. Still, the film just didn't win me over. My rating: D+.

Rated R for bloody violence and grisly images. This really is one for grown-ups and possibly older teens who are used to seeing gore. Among the images: nearly severed head, spurting blood, a person sliced in half, lots of blood on dead bodies, a cut off human tongue and a raccoon eating a human heart.

Avengers mania at home

Every time The Avengers commercial comes on, my son perks up. "Mom, I want to see that."

I think, "Haven't you told me that a million times?" But I say, "You can go if you pay with your own money. I'll buy popcorn."

My daughter recently got into the begging. I think she doesn't want to be left out of the movie talk at school. With so many commercials for toys and the movie, what kid doesn't know Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk and others will hit the big screen May 4?

I can understand their enthusiasm. I, myself, can't wait to see Robert Downey Jr. play Iron Man again. Oh, and that Thor guy isn't bad to watch either...But I play it off as though it's gonna be a burden to take them.

It's adorable watching my sometimes angels talk about a movie they both want to see. They didn't even argue when they were talking about the movies leading up the The Avengers last weekend. I took a photo to document their friendly discussion in front of the movie poster. They discussed how they wouldn't mind watching an Avengers movie marathon before the new release. We have several of the movies on DVD, so I can accommodate them at home.

Once in the car, the arguing again began. But for a moment, they had something in common.

Cheers.

"Touchback" isn't a touchdown

I expected a feel good movie with Touchback, starring Kurt Russell and Brian Presley. I could tell by the trailer that this one would be a reminder that life as you know it is pretty good.

It would be predictable, but would it make me feel like I did for George? Let's just say, I wasn't captivated, nor did I get misty-eyed. Maybe it was the distracting aging makeup. Maybe it was the acting. It wasn't terrible, but what I saw on screen made me think that I was watching a Hallmark Channel movie.

The film centers around Scott Murphy (Presley), the star quarterback of the Coldwater High School football team. He's on his way to become a star at Ohio State. He just has the big championship game to play. And then tragedy strikes. In making a crazy play to win the game, he breaks his leg in a way that'll make even manly sports fans cringe.

Fast forward about 20 years. Scott is still in Coldwater, looking like he's pushing 50 instead of 40. He didn't live the dream. His best friend did. Instead of a famous quarterback of his dreams, he's a soybean farmer in corn country. He's about to lose everything after his crop freezes, so he desperately attempts taking his life. Instead, he's taken back to high school knowing all he knows about the future. He finally sees what the girl he later marries is like in high school, and he sees how terrible he and his friends can be to unpopular kids. And he has a chance to change his outcome. Will things change, a la Back to the Future? Or will he realize his life is full, ala It's a Wonderful Life? You will know as you watch. No surprises here.

The story is one of redemption, true friends and gratitude. It's a good talker, should you invite your older tweens to see this one. Would you make changes if you could "fix" your past? If you did, do you think the people important in your life now would still be there for you in your alternate future? Why do you think so many people talk about regretting past decisions? Oh, so many questions... It's rated PG-13 for some mature thematic elements.

I have to go back to the makeup because it REALLY bothered me. As high schoolers, they looked almost 30. As 40-year-olds, they looked ancient. Yes, many movies have had this issue, and you can get past it if the acting and/or story is great. This movie was just OK, so it bothered me. I remember having the same issue with Grease, but at least it had good music.

Toouchback gets a D+. If it's on TV, I'll encourage my kids to watch it. But really, the ultimate story for loving your life for us is It's a Wonderful Life. My husband adds that Mr. Destiny is pretty good story about destiny, too. I've not seen it, but I guess I have to now. :)

Two documentary films worth seeing

Both Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Marley open today. Both are films worth seeing. That's not to say both will be loved by most moviegoers. Documentaries require you to experience the subject rather than the movie thrill ride. That doesn't mean they aren't entertaining. But they don't seem to keep the mass population in mind in their edits.

I'd say both are worth taking older tweens and teens, particularly those interested in world culture and food for Jiro Dreams of Sushi and music and politics for Marley. Waiting for the DVD is fine, too.

I liked learning about Jiro more than Marley. I found him fascinating and adorable. I laughed many times, too. Plus, the film is paced fairly well. Bob Marley is a music legend and pioneer in Reggae music and I loved learning more about him — there were many segments that made you laugh or you think, interesting. However, the length of the movie made the film experience less enjoyable.

Check out the trailers:

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief smoking. In Japanese with English subtitles.

MARLEY, rated PG-13 for drug content, thematic elements and some violent images. Some subtitles.