Once upon a time ago, I blogged about how much I enjoyed watching a movie and munching on finger foods at AMC Esplanade, at 24th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix. I've gone back a few more times, and still like it a lot even if I end up spending more than I really wanted. Those brisket quesadillas just call to me.
Well, if you go in April, you can save on the food you inevitably order. From April 1-30, if you buy an entrée and two drinks, you get one entrée of equal or lesser value for free with coupon. That's about a $8-11 savings, since most entrées are in that price range. Drinks start around $3.
I'm already planning our next lunch and a movie. I still aim to save on entertainment by going to an earlier show. :)
Cheers!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
"Wrath of the Titans" amuses
So if you want some action and s few laughs, "Wrath of the Titans" may make the perfect weekend movie getaway.
The plot isn't much. But I imagine the plot doesn't matter as much as the action and digitally created special effects. This is one of those visual movies. And you get an eyeful, especially if you opt for 3D. I'm thinking this is a teen boy's idea of cool.
Synopsis: Perseus, after defeating the Krakken, has been living a quiet life as a fisherman until his dad, Zeus, comes down seeking some help. Perseus just wants to stay out of the gods game and raise his son, whose mother is now dead. But that's not going to happen. Zeus is captured by his brother Hades and son Ares in an effort to remain immortal. You see, people have stopped praying as much to the gods. That's not good for gods, who are losing their power. So they need Kronos to break free. So they drain Zeus of his remaining power. Meanwhile, all sorts of crazy creatures are unleashed on the Greek population, and it's Perseus to the rescue.
The movie is rated PG-13 for intense fantasy violence and action. There's lot of fire breathing creatures creating havoc on Greece. The cyclopes — lumbering giants with one big eye — can be a bit frightening as they bash stuff to younger audiences. Well, one of them made the woman in front of me jump. The violence is typical of fantasy action films. I noticed little blood, but there's plenty of slaying and deaths. I didn't notice any of the big bad words, and there's just one kiss...and it's not the swooning type.
My grade: B-
The plot isn't much. But I imagine the plot doesn't matter as much as the action and digitally created special effects. This is one of those visual movies. And you get an eyeful, especially if you opt for 3D. I'm thinking this is a teen boy's idea of cool.
Synopsis: Perseus, after defeating the Krakken, has been living a quiet life as a fisherman until his dad, Zeus, comes down seeking some help. Perseus just wants to stay out of the gods game and raise his son, whose mother is now dead. But that's not going to happen. Zeus is captured by his brother Hades and son Ares in an effort to remain immortal. You see, people have stopped praying as much to the gods. That's not good for gods, who are losing their power. So they need Kronos to break free. So they drain Zeus of his remaining power. Meanwhile, all sorts of crazy creatures are unleashed on the Greek population, and it's Perseus to the rescue.
The movie is rated PG-13 for intense fantasy violence and action. There's lot of fire breathing creatures creating havoc on Greece. The cyclopes — lumbering giants with one big eye — can be a bit frightening as they bash stuff to younger audiences. Well, one of them made the woman in front of me jump. The violence is typical of fantasy action films. I noticed little blood, but there's plenty of slaying and deaths. I didn't notice any of the big bad words, and there's just one kiss...and it's not the swooning type.
My grade: B-
"Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" charms
With a title like "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," I had little interest in seeing it. Then I saw the trailer. Hmm. Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. Okay, maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
It's essentially the story of a visionary sheik (Amr Waked) who believes salmon fishing can enrich the lives of people in the Yemen. He wants to bring this "peaceful" sport to the not so fish-friendly desert and is willing to spare no expense. He instructs his representative Harriet (Blunt) to turn the dream into reality. Because the sheik is a big deal, Britain's leading fisheries expert Alfred Jones (McGregor) gets involved. Of course Alfred thinks the project is insane and unachievable. But when politicians get involved looking for some good publicity in the Middle East, Alfred must find a way to make it work. In the middle of it all, Alfred and Harriet struggle with their romantic relationships at home. It also stars Kristin Scott Thomas in a hilarious role as a press secretary to the British Prime Minister.
It's PG-13 for some violence and sexual content and brief language, including a mom using the F-word with her son. "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is based on Paul Torday's political satire by the same title.
I decided that I'd take the entire family, as it was billed as humorous and inspirational. I knew there may be some romantic elements, but with a PG-13, I wasn't too worried. There wasn't any nudity. There was some kissing, but nothing too intense.
We all came away thinking it was charming. Was it unbelievable? Sure, it's based on a political satire, but the film makes you feel good. The movie was funny at times and offered up hope. Since we took the kids, It gave our family a chance to talk about another part of the world. We didn't get too deep, as the movie just touched on the violence and distaste for Western ideals (people are shot at and threatened in the movie, and a damn is busted to destroy a fishing spot; some die in the event). It also touched on Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism usually associated with social difficulties.
It's likely a good choice for date night or taking a family with young teens. My grade: B
Cheers!
It's essentially the story of a visionary sheik (Amr Waked) who believes salmon fishing can enrich the lives of people in the Yemen. He wants to bring this "peaceful" sport to the not so fish-friendly desert and is willing to spare no expense. He instructs his representative Harriet (Blunt) to turn the dream into reality. Because the sheik is a big deal, Britain's leading fisheries expert Alfred Jones (McGregor) gets involved. Of course Alfred thinks the project is insane and unachievable. But when politicians get involved looking for some good publicity in the Middle East, Alfred must find a way to make it work. In the middle of it all, Alfred and Harriet struggle with their romantic relationships at home. It also stars Kristin Scott Thomas in a hilarious role as a press secretary to the British Prime Minister.
It's PG-13 for some violence and sexual content and brief language, including a mom using the F-word with her son. "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is based on Paul Torday's political satire by the same title.
I decided that I'd take the entire family, as it was billed as humorous and inspirational. I knew there may be some romantic elements, but with a PG-13, I wasn't too worried. There wasn't any nudity. There was some kissing, but nothing too intense.
We all came away thinking it was charming. Was it unbelievable? Sure, it's based on a political satire, but the film makes you feel good. The movie was funny at times and offered up hope. Since we took the kids, It gave our family a chance to talk about another part of the world. We didn't get too deep, as the movie just touched on the violence and distaste for Western ideals (people are shot at and threatened in the movie, and a damn is busted to destroy a fishing spot; some die in the event). It also touched on Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism usually associated with social difficulties.
It's likely a good choice for date night or taking a family with young teens. My grade: B
Cheers!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Is my child ready to see "The Hunger Games"?
If you have a tween or teen at home, they've likely read best-selling young adult novel The Hunger Games. So it's no surprise they are clamoring to see the film. The question is, should younger readers/fans see it given the violence depicted in the book?
The book is set in fictional Panem, a society living in fear of the government, known as The Capitol. Every year, the government forces each of its 12 remaining districts to select two "tributes," a boy and girl ages 12 to 18, for a televised fight to the death. This gruesome battle is for keeping "peace." It's the offering to the government by the districts, a punishment for an earlier uprising that caused the destruction of national resources, including the food supply. It keeps citizens in fear of challenging the government, which rations out food and reaps the districts' resources. Families can get more food if their children put in their names for selection to the games more than once, making it more likely their child will fight to the death on TV.
The main character, Katniss Everdeen, is a hunter. She and best bud Gale Hawthorne deliberately go against Capitol rules to feed their families. Gale even throws out the idea of running away, but Katniss can't imagine being on the run with a family to support (Mom is emotionally dead). During the annual "reaping," a ceremonial lottery where children ages 12 to 18 are selected by lottery to fight in the games, she stands out for doing something no one from District 12 has done, volunteer. She's motivated because her innocent sister, a first-timer to the lottery, is selected to fight. Katniss can't have that. Another teen, Peeta Mellark, someone who has been kind to Katniss, also is selected. The book and movie focus on the build up to the games and the insanity of the battle, as well as the history and relationship build up between Katniss and Peeta.
I chose to take my daughter, nearly 12 as she often reminds me, to this PG-13 movie (for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images, all involving teens) during the midnight premiere. I didn't worry too much about rating because we both read the book, discussed the content and read enough to know the filmmaker tried to get that PG-13 rating to ensure mass audiences despite working with content that could easily turn R-rated.
Was I worried about blood and violence? I did hesitate some and wanted to see it early. She's seen plenty of fantasy violence via action movies, but this one would be more psychological. She also wanted to see it with friends, so I prepped by discussing the outrageous premise and focused more on the character development, relationships, government authority, violence in entertainment, etc. in advance. We also talked that her interpretation of the violence may be depicted very differently and much more graphically. That's the same with emotions that take place as kids die off, one in particular because of how she reminded Katniss of her own sister.
In my humble opinion, I think the filmmakers could have been much more gruesome. I'm glad they weren't. Death at the hands of young teens isn't something you want to see on the big screen. But it's a popular book, with action and a love triangle (which develops more in the series), awesome combos for the big screen.
Should your child go? I can't answer that. Each child is different in how they interpret emotionally/psychologically draining material and violence, and parents have different standards. Can't tell you how many little ones I see coming out of very violent movies with parents who apparently don't have a problem with it. In The Hunger Games, you will see kids spear and slice others, take pleasure in prepping to knife another, snap necks, get mauled by genetically enhanced creatures, etc. There is also the story of government oppression and giving underdogs hope.
There is a lot of discussion on whether it's OK for young kids to see. Common Sense Media gave it a "Pause 13+." The Hunger Games content may be hard for younger readers to understand, according to some experts interviewed by azcentral.com.
If you do take your child, be prepared to answer a lot of questions — not only about the changes from the book to the film.
The book is set in fictional Panem, a society living in fear of the government, known as The Capitol. Every year, the government forces each of its 12 remaining districts to select two "tributes," a boy and girl ages 12 to 18, for a televised fight to the death. This gruesome battle is for keeping "peace." It's the offering to the government by the districts, a punishment for an earlier uprising that caused the destruction of national resources, including the food supply. It keeps citizens in fear of challenging the government, which rations out food and reaps the districts' resources. Families can get more food if their children put in their names for selection to the games more than once, making it more likely their child will fight to the death on TV.
The main character, Katniss Everdeen, is a hunter. She and best bud Gale Hawthorne deliberately go against Capitol rules to feed their families. Gale even throws out the idea of running away, but Katniss can't imagine being on the run with a family to support (Mom is emotionally dead). During the annual "reaping," a ceremonial lottery where children ages 12 to 18 are selected by lottery to fight in the games, she stands out for doing something no one from District 12 has done, volunteer. She's motivated because her innocent sister, a first-timer to the lottery, is selected to fight. Katniss can't have that. Another teen, Peeta Mellark, someone who has been kind to Katniss, also is selected. The book and movie focus on the build up to the games and the insanity of the battle, as well as the history and relationship build up between Katniss and Peeta.
I chose to take my daughter, nearly 12 as she often reminds me, to this PG-13 movie (for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images, all involving teens) during the midnight premiere. I didn't worry too much about rating because we both read the book, discussed the content and read enough to know the filmmaker tried to get that PG-13 rating to ensure mass audiences despite working with content that could easily turn R-rated.
Was I worried about blood and violence? I did hesitate some and wanted to see it early. She's seen plenty of fantasy violence via action movies, but this one would be more psychological. She also wanted to see it with friends, so I prepped by discussing the outrageous premise and focused more on the character development, relationships, government authority, violence in entertainment, etc. in advance. We also talked that her interpretation of the violence may be depicted very differently and much more graphically. That's the same with emotions that take place as kids die off, one in particular because of how she reminded Katniss of her own sister.
In my humble opinion, I think the filmmakers could have been much more gruesome. I'm glad they weren't. Death at the hands of young teens isn't something you want to see on the big screen. But it's a popular book, with action and a love triangle (which develops more in the series), awesome combos for the big screen.
Should your child go? I can't answer that. Each child is different in how they interpret emotionally/psychologically draining material and violence, and parents have different standards. Can't tell you how many little ones I see coming out of very violent movies with parents who apparently don't have a problem with it. In The Hunger Games, you will see kids spear and slice others, take pleasure in prepping to knife another, snap necks, get mauled by genetically enhanced creatures, etc. There is also the story of government oppression and giving underdogs hope.
There is a lot of discussion on whether it's OK for young kids to see. Common Sense Media gave it a "Pause 13+." The Hunger Games content may be hard for younger readers to understand, according to some experts interviewed by azcentral.com.
If you do take your child, be prepared to answer a lot of questions — not only about the changes from the book to the film.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Surviving midnight craziness of "The Hunger Games"
So you plan to go to a midnight showing of "The Hunger Games." My guess is some fanatics are already in line now. So what's the best time to go? How do you stay entertained while you wait for hours?
Some tips:
-A quick check of theaters show tickets are still available. If you want to ensure a seat, buy them as early as possible. You don't want to be disappointed.
-Find out when the theater will be opening up doors for each movie seating. This can help you decide the best time to arrive. Says Melissa Rich of Harkins Theatres: "Depending on the theater, seating could begin as early as 9 or 10 p.m. Since the film will be showing on most of the complex’s screens, it would be mayhem if everyone was let in at the same time. The theater managers usually try to stagger the entry."
-Expect long lines, even if you arrive early. Says Rich: "There’s always those die hard fans who will camp out all day to get the best seat...For Harry Potter and Twilight we saw lines wrapped around the buildings, and the way Hunger Games tickets have been selling, this is on track to be just as big a phenomenon."
-Bring some comforts from home. Books, video games, music players, laptops, snacks, water, folding chairs, good shoes, etc. can be helpful, especially if arriving early. If you do bring chairs, know that theaters won't let those in once doors open. But you should have time to run them back to the car.
-Make it an event. Take pictures, invite friends, keep it fun. It will help time pass.
-If you have a big enough group, you can let a few take a break and walk around while the majority are in line. But arrive together. You don't want to irritate others with "cuts in line." Make sure to keep it friendly with the other fans in front and behind you so they will help you maintain your spot.
-Since fans get seated an hour or more early, that will give you some time to get snacks. It will be busy, so be patient. Have a list and send part of your party to retrieve it.
-You can hold seats, but be considerate. Remember, you want to set an example to your tweens and teens. Says Rich: "We ask that people hold no more than two seats for their companions, and if it becomes a problem a manager can always handle the situation."
-Know the curfew rules in your city. You don't want your kids, and you since you're responsible for them, getting in trouble.
Some tips:
-A quick check of theaters show tickets are still available. If you want to ensure a seat, buy them as early as possible. You don't want to be disappointed.
-Find out when the theater will be opening up doors for each movie seating. This can help you decide the best time to arrive. Says Melissa Rich of Harkins Theatres: "Depending on the theater, seating could begin as early as 9 or 10 p.m. Since the film will be showing on most of the complex’s screens, it would be mayhem if everyone was let in at the same time. The theater managers usually try to stagger the entry."
-Expect long lines, even if you arrive early. Says Rich: "There’s always those die hard fans who will camp out all day to get the best seat...For Harry Potter and Twilight we saw lines wrapped around the buildings, and the way Hunger Games tickets have been selling, this is on track to be just as big a phenomenon."
-Bring some comforts from home. Books, video games, music players, laptops, snacks, water, folding chairs, good shoes, etc. can be helpful, especially if arriving early. If you do bring chairs, know that theaters won't let those in once doors open. But you should have time to run them back to the car.
-Make it an event. Take pictures, invite friends, keep it fun. It will help time pass.
-If you have a big enough group, you can let a few take a break and walk around while the majority are in line. But arrive together. You don't want to irritate others with "cuts in line." Make sure to keep it friendly with the other fans in front and behind you so they will help you maintain your spot.
-Since fans get seated an hour or more early, that will give you some time to get snacks. It will be busy, so be patient. Have a list and send part of your party to retrieve it.
-You can hold seats, but be considerate. Remember, you want to set an example to your tweens and teens. Says Rich: "We ask that people hold no more than two seats for their companions, and if it becomes a problem a manager can always handle the situation."
-Know the curfew rules in your city. You don't want your kids, and you since you're responsible for them, getting in trouble.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Anticipating "The Hunger Games"
My daughter has loved one perk I've been lucky to have: The ability to see movies early.
Problem is, I didn't get to see this ONE, The Hunger Games, early. DISAPPOINTMENT! It was as if I were telling her Santa doesn't exist. (But honey, he does if you believe...)
Luckily, another mom asked if my daughter was interested in going with a few girls. Of course! Now, I did try to talk her into going to the dine-in theater over the weekend. But NO! How could I make her wait??? Didn't I realize she's read ALL three books and CAN'T WAIT to see the movie?
Besides, it would be social detriment if she isn't able to see before Spring Break ends. That's a possibility if I pushed it to the weekend. Life gets busy.
So I went ahead and bought an advanced ticket. NOTE: If you have a Costco membership, those Ultimate VIP Harkins gift cards (now $15.99 for two passes at the warehouse by me) work for special events such as this. Well, the gal accepted my Ultimate VIP pass. Saved me a bit that can go towards the snacks I will need to get.
Now I just have to figure out HOW EARLY to line up. I don't want to spend my Thursday in line. Got lots to do. I'm debating how we do this.
I do know that if you are thinking of letting your tween go on his or her own, check your local municipality's curfew rules. It's a big reason I'm foregoing sleep.
In the meantime, this is the advice I got for staying sane and having a good experience from Melissa Rich of Harkins Theatres, whom I've worked with on several occasions during my time at the newspaper. She always offers great tips:
-Buy tickets early! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet you can still get them at www.harkinstheatres.com or at your theatre’s box office. Whiles the Cine Capri’s at Scottsdale 101 and Tempe Marketplace are sold out for the midnights, there are plenty of other screens (even at those locations) to see the movie on at midnight. With digital projection we can show the movie on every screen in the complex if we have to!
-There’s always those die hard fans who will camp out all day to get the best seat. If you already have your tickets, plan on getting to the theater as early in the evening as you can. For Harry Potter and Twilight we saw lines wrapped around the buildings, and the way Hunger Games tickets have been selling, this is on track to be just as big a phenomenon.
-For other big midnight showings, we’ve seen people entertaining themselves in line with books, games, laptops, iPads, etc. People like to re-read the books right before they see the movie, others like to watch previous film in a series — though that doesn’t apply here...yet!
-For those who bring chairs, canopy’s sleeping bags, etc. for the wait in line, we won’t allow those items in the theatres, but there will be plenty of time to bring them back to your car.
Good luck!
Problem is, I didn't get to see this ONE, The Hunger Games, early. DISAPPOINTMENT! It was as if I were telling her Santa doesn't exist. (But honey, he does if you believe...)
Luckily, another mom asked if my daughter was interested in going with a few girls. Of course! Now, I did try to talk her into going to the dine-in theater over the weekend. But NO! How could I make her wait??? Didn't I realize she's read ALL three books and CAN'T WAIT to see the movie?
Besides, it would be social detriment if she isn't able to see before Spring Break ends. That's a possibility if I pushed it to the weekend. Life gets busy.
So I went ahead and bought an advanced ticket. NOTE: If you have a Costco membership, those Ultimate VIP Harkins gift cards (now $15.99 for two passes at the warehouse by me) work for special events such as this. Well, the gal accepted my Ultimate VIP pass. Saved me a bit that can go towards the snacks I will need to get.
Now I just have to figure out HOW EARLY to line up. I don't want to spend my Thursday in line. Got lots to do. I'm debating how we do this.
I do know that if you are thinking of letting your tween go on his or her own, check your local municipality's curfew rules. It's a big reason I'm foregoing sleep.
In the meantime, this is the advice I got for staying sane and having a good experience from Melissa Rich of Harkins Theatres, whom I've worked with on several occasions during my time at the newspaper. She always offers great tips:
-Buy tickets early! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet you can still get them at www.harkinstheatres.com or at your theatre’s box office. Whiles the Cine Capri’s at Scottsdale 101 and Tempe Marketplace are sold out for the midnights, there are plenty of other screens (even at those locations) to see the movie on at midnight. With digital projection we can show the movie on every screen in the complex if we have to!
-There’s always those die hard fans who will camp out all day to get the best seat. If you already have your tickets, plan on getting to the theater as early in the evening as you can. For Harry Potter and Twilight we saw lines wrapped around the buildings, and the way Hunger Games tickets have been selling, this is on track to be just as big a phenomenon.
-For other big midnight showings, we’ve seen people entertaining themselves in line with books, games, laptops, iPads, etc. People like to re-read the books right before they see the movie, others like to watch previous film in a series — though that doesn’t apply here...yet!
-For those who bring chairs, canopy’s sleeping bags, etc. for the wait in line, we won’t allow those items in the theatres, but there will be plenty of time to bring them back to your car.
Good luck!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
3 decent to good R-rated comedies open 3/16/12
I need good comedy these days. Something to make me laugh and escape the stress of life as it is at the moment. Three opening this weekend (3/16/12) — Casa de Mi Padre, 21 Jump Street and Jeff, Who Lives at Home — fit the bill in some way or the other. Sharing the clips so that you get a basic synopsis of each film.
Casa de Mi Padre: I walked into this thinking it could be great or terrible. I came out of it thinking it was pretty darn good. I laughed through much of the movie, which is all in Spanish with English subtitles and a total parody of telenovelas meshed with those terrible westerns. It's essentially the story of Armando Alvarez (Will Ferrell), a simpleton who works on his father's ranch, stumbles upon a drug turf war and falls for his brother's fiance. It's complicated, as telenovelas typically are. And it's not going to appeal to everyone. As we were leaving another screening, we over heard some older men who didn't seem to like it. We immediately chalked it up to wrong target audience or an inability to see that it was a well-done parody. Rated R for bloody violence, language, some sexual content and drug use.
Your teen may want to see this, so this is what you will see/hear: Since it's in Spanish with English subtitles, all cursing is printed on screen; the sex scene features close-up butt shots morphing into a nude mannequin; drug use; bloody violence, including a severed hand and child shooting a character, and a character dragged from a vehicle; and a hallucination sequence.
My grade B.
Clip includes language which may be offensive to some:
21 Jump Street: This is the most juvenile of the three movies, and the one for which I had the lowest expectation. Yet, it wasn't that bad. It's definitely a boy movie, but being a fan of the original series with Johnny Depp, I had to see it. It's silly, and yes, I laughed out loud at very inappropriate jokes. It made fun of recycling old ideas and had a few interesting surprises. It's the story of two cops — one a jock in high school (Channing Tatum) and the other a nerd (Jonah Hill) — who can't make it as regular cops so they are assigned to a special undercover division, as if that makes sense. This division puts young-looking cops into schools to bust crime, in this case a drug ring. Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material, teen drinking and some violence.
It's not a kid movie, but some teens will be interested in seeing it. Things you'll see/hear: group sex scene, which flashes quickly; teens using drugs and alcohol, including some provided by undercover cops; a character has a private part shot at and he finds it on the street; lots of blood during a shoot out; a stabbing and lots of F words.
My overall grade: C-
Jeff, Who Lives at Home: It's not your typical comedy. It's quirky and feels a bit like a Mike Nichols movie (think of The Graduate). It's both a funny and sad slice-of-life film. The adventure starts with an angry wrong-number caller seeking Kevin. This leads Jeff (Jason Segel), a 30-year-old unemployed pot smoker who lives in his mom's basement, to think his destiny intersects with someone named Kevin. So on his way to get wood glue, he follows the signs — leading to a crazy adventure that crosses paths with his brother and mom. It's a story of destiny. Rated R for language, including sexual references, and some drug use (pot).
My grade: B
Casa de Mi Padre: I walked into this thinking it could be great or terrible. I came out of it thinking it was pretty darn good. I laughed through much of the movie, which is all in Spanish with English subtitles and a total parody of telenovelas meshed with those terrible westerns. It's essentially the story of Armando Alvarez (Will Ferrell), a simpleton who works on his father's ranch, stumbles upon a drug turf war and falls for his brother's fiance. It's complicated, as telenovelas typically are. And it's not going to appeal to everyone. As we were leaving another screening, we over heard some older men who didn't seem to like it. We immediately chalked it up to wrong target audience or an inability to see that it was a well-done parody. Rated R for bloody violence, language, some sexual content and drug use.
Your teen may want to see this, so this is what you will see/hear: Since it's in Spanish with English subtitles, all cursing is printed on screen; the sex scene features close-up butt shots morphing into a nude mannequin; drug use; bloody violence, including a severed hand and child shooting a character, and a character dragged from a vehicle; and a hallucination sequence.
My grade B.
Clip includes language which may be offensive to some:
21 Jump Street: This is the most juvenile of the three movies, and the one for which I had the lowest expectation. Yet, it wasn't that bad. It's definitely a boy movie, but being a fan of the original series with Johnny Depp, I had to see it. It's silly, and yes, I laughed out loud at very inappropriate jokes. It made fun of recycling old ideas and had a few interesting surprises. It's the story of two cops — one a jock in high school (Channing Tatum) and the other a nerd (Jonah Hill) — who can't make it as regular cops so they are assigned to a special undercover division, as if that makes sense. This division puts young-looking cops into schools to bust crime, in this case a drug ring. Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material, teen drinking and some violence.
It's not a kid movie, but some teens will be interested in seeing it. Things you'll see/hear: group sex scene, which flashes quickly; teens using drugs and alcohol, including some provided by undercover cops; a character has a private part shot at and he finds it on the street; lots of blood during a shoot out; a stabbing and lots of F words.
My overall grade: C-
Jeff, Who Lives at Home: It's not your typical comedy. It's quirky and feels a bit like a Mike Nichols movie (think of The Graduate). It's both a funny and sad slice-of-life film. The adventure starts with an angry wrong-number caller seeking Kevin. This leads Jeff (Jason Segel), a 30-year-old unemployed pot smoker who lives in his mom's basement, to think his destiny intersects with someone named Kevin. So on his way to get wood glue, he follows the signs — leading to a crazy adventure that crosses paths with his brother and mom. It's a story of destiny. Rated R for language, including sexual references, and some drug use (pot).
My grade: B
Ready for the big R??
Should I or shouldn’t I? I’m grappling with whether or not to let my 15 year old see a certain R-rated movie or two coming out this weekend. It’s not that I’m opposed to letting him see an R-rated movie. Several are quite good and, in my opinion, really aren’t R-rated. They just have more bad words or an adult theme that censors feel are too much for younger audiences. Believe me, they see and hear plenty of adult talk and situations everywhere. And — gasp! — these youngins even do and say some of these things at the playground and home.
Among the recent R-rated movies I want my kids to see are The King’s Speech and The Ides of March. Why? They make for great conversations. Both have more grown up themes and language that I'm perfectly OK discussing.
Plenty of kids see R-rated movies. I remember a study printed a few years ago mentioning that nearly 1 in 4 kids whose parents don’t show them R-rated movies have seen them. I’m not a parent who allows things because others do. That’s not why I mention this. It’s just kids will find a way if they want to watch R-rated movies. Technology has made it easy.
Plenty of parents also bring their young kids to R-rated movies by choice. It's so common that some theaters have policies saying no kids are allowed with parents after 6 p.m or 7 p.m. so that the adults can enjoy the grown-up film without the distraction of crying or kids running around.
At the last few R-rated advanced movie screenings, I've seen several kids who look to be about 10 years old or younger. I wonder how those parents felt during some of the violent or sexy scenes. Did they talk about it after? Cover their eyes during the movie? Pretend it didn't happen? Laugh? Guess I still believe in seeing R-rated films before my kids so I know what to expect.
The two movies I've been debating are 21 Jump Street and Casa de Mi Padre. Both are hilarious in their own ways. I'll post reviews shortly. Both deserve R ratings for language, violence, drug use and sex.
We've definitely decided on Casa de Mi Padre. It's in Spanish with English subtitles and a parody of bad westerns and telenovelas. You see the bad words on screen. Funny how every bad word in Spanish is translated to the F word. I don't think it will make him say bad words in Spanish any more than if he doesn't see the movie. We've talked about drugs and Hollywood violence, which he's seen in various degrees in PG-13 movies. And there is a sex scene, but it's more ridiculous than sexy and only shows butts. My husband and I laughed the entire scene. It's a good opening for a discussion about sex in movies.
I'm a little more on the fence with 21 Jump Street. Part of me says every boy from about middle school up has snuck a peak at this kind of juvenile R-rated movie. This one has a flash of a group sex scene, kids high on drugs, explosions, gun violence, etc. Overall, this one has many more opportunities to discuss stereotypes and bad behavior. And it's the one I'm more likely to be embarrassed watching with him. So if we do allow it, I'm sending dad.
Cheers!
Among the recent R-rated movies I want my kids to see are The King’s Speech and The Ides of March. Why? They make for great conversations. Both have more grown up themes and language that I'm perfectly OK discussing.
Plenty of kids see R-rated movies. I remember a study printed a few years ago mentioning that nearly 1 in 4 kids whose parents don’t show them R-rated movies have seen them. I’m not a parent who allows things because others do. That’s not why I mention this. It’s just kids will find a way if they want to watch R-rated movies. Technology has made it easy.
Plenty of parents also bring their young kids to R-rated movies by choice. It's so common that some theaters have policies saying no kids are allowed with parents after 6 p.m or 7 p.m. so that the adults can enjoy the grown-up film without the distraction of crying or kids running around.
At the last few R-rated advanced movie screenings, I've seen several kids who look to be about 10 years old or younger. I wonder how those parents felt during some of the violent or sexy scenes. Did they talk about it after? Cover their eyes during the movie? Pretend it didn't happen? Laugh? Guess I still believe in seeing R-rated films before my kids so I know what to expect.
The two movies I've been debating are 21 Jump Street and Casa de Mi Padre. Both are hilarious in their own ways. I'll post reviews shortly. Both deserve R ratings for language, violence, drug use and sex.
We've definitely decided on Casa de Mi Padre. It's in Spanish with English subtitles and a parody of bad westerns and telenovelas. You see the bad words on screen. Funny how every bad word in Spanish is translated to the F word. I don't think it will make him say bad words in Spanish any more than if he doesn't see the movie. We've talked about drugs and Hollywood violence, which he's seen in various degrees in PG-13 movies. And there is a sex scene, but it's more ridiculous than sexy and only shows butts. My husband and I laughed the entire scene. It's a good opening for a discussion about sex in movies.
I'm a little more on the fence with 21 Jump Street. Part of me says every boy from about middle school up has snuck a peak at this kind of juvenile R-rated movie. This one has a flash of a group sex scene, kids high on drugs, explosions, gun violence, etc. Overall, this one has many more opportunities to discuss stereotypes and bad behavior. And it's the one I'm more likely to be embarrassed watching with him. So if we do allow it, I'm sending dad.
Cheers!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Download passes to "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen"
I know, the title does sound a bit like a documentary. But "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is not. It's billed as a humorous and inspirational story about a visionary sheik (Amr Waked) who believes salmon fishing can enrich the lives of his people. He wants to bring this "peaceful" sport to the not so fish-friendly desert and is willing to spare no expense. He instructs his representative (Emily Blunt) to turn the dream into reality, requiring the involvement of Britain's leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor). Of course he thinks the project is insane and unachievable. It also stars Kristin Scott Thomas as a press secretary who latches on to the "good will" story of bringing fish to the desert. It's PG-13 for some violence and sexual content and brief language.
Catch a clip:
A screening is planned at 7 p.m. March 21 at the Harkins Camelview 5, 7001 E. Highland Ave, Scottsdale, AZ. Get up to two passes to the March 21 screening in Scottsdale via gofobo.com. Click link (highlighted text) to get to the page with passes. You must be signed into gofobo.com for the link to work. If you don't have an account, they are easy to set up and free. Just follow instructions. Gofobo passes are first come, first serve (there are some disclosures on the site - please read them), so plan to arrive a little early as it's hard to tell what kind of demand this film will have. Here's hoping many of you get passes and enjoy the film. :)
UPDATE 3/15: Just noticed Salmon Fishing in the Yemen review. It got a B from Entertainment Weekly.
Cheers!
Catch a clip:
A screening is planned at 7 p.m. March 21 at the Harkins Camelview 5, 7001 E. Highland Ave, Scottsdale, AZ. Get up to two passes to the March 21 screening in Scottsdale via gofobo.com. Click link (highlighted text) to get to the page with passes. You must be signed into gofobo.com for the link to work. If you don't have an account, they are easy to set up and free. Just follow instructions. Gofobo passes are first come, first serve (there are some disclosures on the site - please read them), so plan to arrive a little early as it's hard to tell what kind of demand this film will have. Here's hoping many of you get passes and enjoy the film. :)
UPDATE 3/15: Just noticed Salmon Fishing in the Yemen review. It got a B from Entertainment Weekly.
Cheers!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Anticipating Disney/Pixar's Brave
The one trailer aside from The Hunger Games and The Avengers that has our household's attention right now is the animated film, Brave. It's another Disney/Pixar collaboration and it looks good. Love the whole girl empowerment theme.
The trailer:
We're putting June 22 on our movie calendar. :)
The trailer:
We're putting June 22 on our movie calendar. :)
Disney's John Carter
My family enjoys Disney productions. For the most part, they are quite well done and enjoyable, even the overly sappy ones.
This one rated well with my kids, ages 11 and 15, both giving John Carter a B. This is important because they aren't fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs books and they aren't very into sci-fi or westerns. Non-animated Disney favorites for them are the National Treasure and Pirates of the Caribbean series. They like action. John Carter offered plenty, so they were willing to watch. They were entertained and mildly interested in checking out the 100-year-old book that inspired it all. That's a good thing.
I'm also interested in reading the book. I figure it will help me understand the film better, which even at 2 hours and 17 minutes felt a bit choppy. Fans of the book may disagree. I will concede that the film offers a decent escapist ride, with what seems to be homages to Star Wars and gladiator movies, but there are better fantasy stories.
The film starts with John Carter's nephew Edgar (Daryl Sabara best known as Juni in the SpyKids movies) receiving a journal belonging to Carter, who is found dead after escaping a jail break. The journal tells the story of the Virgina native's intergalactic adventure that begins after a jail break while in the Arizona territory. During his escape, Carter ends up in a cave where he finds an alien and amulet that magically whisks him to Barsoom, or as we Earthlings know it, Mars. His arrival is comical. He can't seems to run without falling until he figures how to jump crazy distances and heights. This captivates the planet's natives, known as Tharks, who take John Carter in for what seems to be a servant exchange. Yes, everything seems far fetched. And it's more fantastical as the movie progresses. Carter finds the human civilizations on the planet at war. There are obvious good guys and bad ones. After he saves the princess of Helium (the good guys) Dejah Thoris, he's thrust into helping save her and her people. The story fast forwards to the present and Carter's nephew Edgar finds himself with a job to help in this Martian adventure. The ending gives an opening to a sequel should fans support the film.
I found myself liking the campiness of the film — loved the Jabba the Hut looking dog. I also found myself laughing more than expected given the silliness of a westerner landing on Mars and forced to wear almost nothing. But some questions about characters left me a bit unsatisfied. Overall, I'd say the movie deserves a C-.
If you take your kids, know this is a PG-13 flick for intense sequences of violence and action. Among the content that may be of concern:
-A character is tortured with a branding device for helping another.
-Several battle scenes show characters getting injured or dying, including a decapitation. One of the scenes is in an arena where the "white ape" creatures, which look a bit like a cross between a walking walrus and a white gorilla, is brutal as characters are flung through the air. Lots of sword fights. Potentially gory scenes are less intense because the Martian inhabitants bleed blue blood. Get a peak via this trailer:
-A space craft blasts a blue light weapon that obliterates those in its path.
-A romance develops between Carter and the martian princess that includes some kissing and a bedroom scene. The scene implies a sexual relation, but there isn't nudity. There are some skimpy outfits.
-A flashback show the brutality of a character's family dying in a fire and being buried.
This one rated well with my kids, ages 11 and 15, both giving John Carter a B. This is important because they aren't fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs books and they aren't very into sci-fi or westerns. Non-animated Disney favorites for them are the National Treasure and Pirates of the Caribbean series. They like action. John Carter offered plenty, so they were willing to watch. They were entertained and mildly interested in checking out the 100-year-old book that inspired it all. That's a good thing.
I'm also interested in reading the book. I figure it will help me understand the film better, which even at 2 hours and 17 minutes felt a bit choppy. Fans of the book may disagree. I will concede that the film offers a decent escapist ride, with what seems to be homages to Star Wars and gladiator movies, but there are better fantasy stories.
The film starts with John Carter's nephew Edgar (Daryl Sabara best known as Juni in the SpyKids movies) receiving a journal belonging to Carter, who is found dead after escaping a jail break. The journal tells the story of the Virgina native's intergalactic adventure that begins after a jail break while in the Arizona territory. During his escape, Carter ends up in a cave where he finds an alien and amulet that magically whisks him to Barsoom, or as we Earthlings know it, Mars. His arrival is comical. He can't seems to run without falling until he figures how to jump crazy distances and heights. This captivates the planet's natives, known as Tharks, who take John Carter in for what seems to be a servant exchange. Yes, everything seems far fetched. And it's more fantastical as the movie progresses. Carter finds the human civilizations on the planet at war. There are obvious good guys and bad ones. After he saves the princess of Helium (the good guys) Dejah Thoris, he's thrust into helping save her and her people. The story fast forwards to the present and Carter's nephew Edgar finds himself with a job to help in this Martian adventure. The ending gives an opening to a sequel should fans support the film.
I found myself liking the campiness of the film — loved the Jabba the Hut looking dog. I also found myself laughing more than expected given the silliness of a westerner landing on Mars and forced to wear almost nothing. But some questions about characters left me a bit unsatisfied. Overall, I'd say the movie deserves a C-.
If you take your kids, know this is a PG-13 flick for intense sequences of violence and action. Among the content that may be of concern:
-A character is tortured with a branding device for helping another.
-Several battle scenes show characters getting injured or dying, including a decapitation. One of the scenes is in an arena where the "white ape" creatures, which look a bit like a cross between a walking walrus and a white gorilla, is brutal as characters are flung through the air. Lots of sword fights. Potentially gory scenes are less intense because the Martian inhabitants bleed blue blood. Get a peak via this trailer:
-A space craft blasts a blue light weapon that obliterates those in its path.
-A romance develops between Carter and the martian princess that includes some kissing and a bedroom scene. The scene implies a sexual relation, but there isn't nudity. There are some skimpy outfits.
-A flashback show the brutality of a character's family dying in a fire and being buried.
Friends With Kids
I had such high hopes for this film. Maybe because four key players from Bridesmaids (Kristin Wiig, Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph and Chris O'Dowd) are in it. Maybe it was the set up — two friends deciding to have a kid thinking that by not getting married they'd be happier. They believe this because of the way their friends' lives negatively changed after getting married and having kids. The idea is replete with comedic yet thought-provoking moments. I wanted this to be rolling on the floor funny. I left thinking that my husband would have given me hell had I dragged him to this.
Learn more about the movie at friendswithkids.com.
The plot is far fetched, as typical in romantic comedies. It's a cute movie at times, but I couldn't get over the overly flat, unemotional behavior between these two best friends (Jennifer Westfeldt and Adam Scott) who are having a baby together. It mostly felt awkward - maybe that was intentional. Some plot points felt forced or coming from nowhere. Oh, there are some funny parts via sex & marriage jokes, but those were counterbalanced with gratuitous gross out scenes (baby poop & porn) and stretches of wanting to check the time on my phone. Did I mention I LOVED Bridesmaids? That was perfect gross out done well for any audience. But Friends With Kids just never hit that type of groove or pacing. It wasn't terrible, it just seems like it could have been so much better. And some of the lines...well, let's just say the end tries so hard to not be clichéd that it end up an eye roller. Westfeldt, who wrote, directed and starred in the movie, might have had too much on her plate. I commend her, though, for trying a different take on the clichéd romantic comedy.
The movie is definitely more of a mom's night out, one where friends can commiserate after. Yes, sex life definitely changes. Yes, kids can mean messy houses, stupid arguments and late starts to dinner parties. Yes, sometimes it does look like divorced people have it easy because there seemingly are two households who divide the work and care for the kid(s). Talking to divorced friends, I know this isn't true. Anyway, I just don't see guys appreciating being dragged to this one. It's one of those, as Benny & Joon was to my husband, a movie to be teased about wanting to see for a very long time. Plus, you'll owe him a few terrible guy movies.
The movie is rated R for sexual content and language. I give it a D+/C- overall. Get cocktails before. I wish I did. I'm sure it'll make the experience funnier.
Learn more about the movie at friendswithkids.com.
The plot is far fetched, as typical in romantic comedies. It's a cute movie at times, but I couldn't get over the overly flat, unemotional behavior between these two best friends (Jennifer Westfeldt and Adam Scott) who are having a baby together. It mostly felt awkward - maybe that was intentional. Some plot points felt forced or coming from nowhere. Oh, there are some funny parts via sex & marriage jokes, but those were counterbalanced with gratuitous gross out scenes (baby poop & porn) and stretches of wanting to check the time on my phone. Did I mention I LOVED Bridesmaids? That was perfect gross out done well for any audience. But Friends With Kids just never hit that type of groove or pacing. It wasn't terrible, it just seems like it could have been so much better. And some of the lines...well, let's just say the end tries so hard to not be clichéd that it end up an eye roller. Westfeldt, who wrote, directed and starred in the movie, might have had too much on her plate. I commend her, though, for trying a different take on the clichéd romantic comedy.
The movie is definitely more of a mom's night out, one where friends can commiserate after. Yes, sex life definitely changes. Yes, kids can mean messy houses, stupid arguments and late starts to dinner parties. Yes, sometimes it does look like divorced people have it easy because there seemingly are two households who divide the work and care for the kid(s). Talking to divorced friends, I know this isn't true. Anyway, I just don't see guys appreciating being dragged to this one. It's one of those, as Benny & Joon was to my husband, a movie to be teased about wanting to see for a very long time. Plus, you'll owe him a few terrible guy movies.
The movie is rated R for sexual content and language. I give it a D+/C- overall. Get cocktails before. I wish I did. I'm sure it'll make the experience funnier.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Lorax offers spunky fun
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax will delight your kids. The colors are bright, the hero is a brave young boy and there are cute animals galore. Doesn't hurt that tween faves Zac Efron voices the young hero, Ted, and Taylor Swift voices his dream girl, Audrey. The characters are named after the real life Dr. Seuss and his wife.
Also great are the voices of the Lorax (Danny DeVito), the Once-ler (Ed Helms) and granny (the awesome Betty White). The music is bright, although a bit familiar, and there's a decent adaptation to film. It's hard taking a short book and stretching it out to an 86-minute film. At times it felt a bit drawn out, but overall kept a good pace.
In essence The Lorax is a story of a boy, Ted, living in the very plastic city known as Thneedville. He falls for an older girl, who tells him a story about real trees and pledges to marry the guy who can bring her one. Well, you know he's gonna do his best to win her over. His granny tells him of the Once-ler, who knows the secret of the trees, and he's inspired to find him. This is where the Lorax comes in. In the meantime, the city is essentially run by a guy who sells clean air to people because nature is pretty much all but destroyed. And he's not so happy to hear of Ted seeking out the Once-ler.
There's a bit of action (with a tad cartoon violence) and lots of comedy and song. The 3D effects aren't over done. They aren't necessary, either, especially if you're on a budget. My grade: B.
The Lorax recently made the news when Fox News commentator Lou Dobbs discussed it being one of two new kids films indoctrinating kids to certain liberal beliefs. In the case of The Lorax, we might worry about radical environmental beliefs. Well, I doubt that. The story is an environmental one, that is that we need to avoid depleting natural resources. In the film, the trees are all but lost unless someone stands up to protect them. But the message is not one that says kids should be militant about protecting the environment. Ted's intention to bring back the trees come off as more for love than to become an environmental hero. Besides, what's wrong with taking care of our Earth?
On the flip side, for a movie that has an anti-greed message (the film's bad guy is greedy in protecting the empire he created), I'm already reading a lot of complaints about all the movie tie-ins and product licensing. That's capitalism, and our economy thrives off that.
The film is rated PG for brief mild language.
Also great are the voices of the Lorax (Danny DeVito), the Once-ler (Ed Helms) and granny (the awesome Betty White). The music is bright, although a bit familiar, and there's a decent adaptation to film. It's hard taking a short book and stretching it out to an 86-minute film. At times it felt a bit drawn out, but overall kept a good pace.
In essence The Lorax is a story of a boy, Ted, living in the very plastic city known as Thneedville. He falls for an older girl, who tells him a story about real trees and pledges to marry the guy who can bring her one. Well, you know he's gonna do his best to win her over. His granny tells him of the Once-ler, who knows the secret of the trees, and he's inspired to find him. This is where the Lorax comes in. In the meantime, the city is essentially run by a guy who sells clean air to people because nature is pretty much all but destroyed. And he's not so happy to hear of Ted seeking out the Once-ler.
There's a bit of action (with a tad cartoon violence) and lots of comedy and song. The 3D effects aren't over done. They aren't necessary, either, especially if you're on a budget. My grade: B.
The Lorax recently made the news when Fox News commentator Lou Dobbs discussed it being one of two new kids films indoctrinating kids to certain liberal beliefs. In the case of The Lorax, we might worry about radical environmental beliefs. Well, I doubt that. The story is an environmental one, that is that we need to avoid depleting natural resources. In the film, the trees are all but lost unless someone stands up to protect them. But the message is not one that says kids should be militant about protecting the environment. Ted's intention to bring back the trees come off as more for love than to become an environmental hero. Besides, what's wrong with taking care of our Earth?
On the flip side, for a movie that has an anti-greed message (the film's bad guy is greedy in protecting the empire he created), I'm already reading a lot of complaints about all the movie tie-ins and product licensing. That's capitalism, and our economy thrives off that.
The film is rated PG for brief mild language.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Calling all Hunger Games fans
I'm sharing an email that I received. You might already know that some of the "Hunger Games" cast will be in town promoting the movie. Here are some details on where and when you can catch them:
WHAT: THE HUNGER GAMES Mall Tour stop. Cast members in attendance include Liam Hemsworth (Gale), Leven Rambin (Glimmer), Dayo Okeniyi (Thresh) and Jack Quaid (Marvel).
The event gives fans the opportunity to ask cast members questions and participate in fun giveaways such as a chance to win a limited-edition Hunger Games HP Folio PC from the Microsoft Store. The nationwide tour includes stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Schedule:
1:00pm – Gates open to the public (people can start lining up as early as 9pm on March 5th)
5:00pm – Press check-in
5:45pm – Event begins
* Event is free and open to the public but limited to the first 2,500 people who show up.
WHERE: Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall,
7014 E. Camelback Road
At the rotunda in the east wing of the mall near Barney’s New York
ABOUT THE HUNGER GAMES
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in The Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
THE HUNGER GAMES (Lionsgate) is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 23.5 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.
THE HUNGER GAMES opens nationwide on March 23, 2012
WHAT: THE HUNGER GAMES Mall Tour stop. Cast members in attendance include Liam Hemsworth (Gale), Leven Rambin (Glimmer), Dayo Okeniyi (Thresh) and Jack Quaid (Marvel).
The event gives fans the opportunity to ask cast members questions and participate in fun giveaways such as a chance to win a limited-edition Hunger Games HP Folio PC from the Microsoft Store. The nationwide tour includes stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Schedule:
1:00pm – Gates open to the public (people can start lining up as early as 9pm on March 5th)
5:00pm – Press check-in
5:45pm – Event begins
* Event is free and open to the public but limited to the first 2,500 people who show up.
WHERE: Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall,
7014 E. Camelback Road
At the rotunda in the east wing of the mall near Barney’s New York
ABOUT THE HUNGER GAMES
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in The Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
THE HUNGER GAMES (Lionsgate) is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 23.5 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.
THE HUNGER GAMES opens nationwide on March 23, 2012
Enter for a chance to be a VIP at FRIENDS WITH KIDS screening
Moms, do you want to get out of the house for a night? Well, I may have a great option for you and a friend or spouse. I’m able to randomly pick three lucky winners to be VIPs at a special advanced screening of "Friends With Kids" at 7 p.m. on Thursday March 8, 2012, at the Harkins Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe.
Learn more about the movie at friendswithkids.com.
Being a VIP means you and a guest get to bypass the general screening line. If you win, you must arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. to check in with the promoters of the movie screening. Also, if you win, you are responsible for getting there on time and any travel costs.
To enter the sweepstakes, you must agree to the rules posted in the Official Rules and follow instructions for entry. Click on the highlighted rules link; entry instructions and the prize are in bold. Giveaway sponsors assume no liability for late, lost, incomplete or misdirected entries. If you do not agree to rules, you are not eligible to participate in this giveaway and should not send an email entry. You agree that by emailing a response/entry in the sweepstakes constitutes your agreement to the posted rules.
Entries will be accepted between noon M.S.T. on Thursday March 1, 2012, and 8 p.m. M.S.T on Saturday, March 3, 2012. A winner will be contacted on or about March 4, 2012. Winner must claim prize and send in publicity/liability waiver by noon March 6, 2012.
I encourage you to like my Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/moviemamablog and www.facebook.com/YvetteArmendariz.TimeStarvedMom) and follow my Twitter page (@timestarvedmom) to keep abreast of parenting tips, news and movie screenings and reviews. I’d love to have at least 1,000 followers on each site by the end of May (that’s way less than what I had with my previous blog operated by a newspaper company), but I need your help spreading the news of my blogs to your friends.
Learn more about the movie at friendswithkids.com.
Being a VIP means you and a guest get to bypass the general screening line. If you win, you must arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. to check in with the promoters of the movie screening. Also, if you win, you are responsible for getting there on time and any travel costs.
To enter the sweepstakes, you must agree to the rules posted in the Official Rules and follow instructions for entry. Click on the highlighted rules link; entry instructions and the prize are in bold. Giveaway sponsors assume no liability for late, lost, incomplete or misdirected entries. If you do not agree to rules, you are not eligible to participate in this giveaway and should not send an email entry. You agree that by emailing a response/entry in the sweepstakes constitutes your agreement to the posted rules.
Entries will be accepted between noon M.S.T. on Thursday March 1, 2012, and 8 p.m. M.S.T on Saturday, March 3, 2012. A winner will be contacted on or about March 4, 2012. Winner must claim prize and send in publicity/liability waiver by noon March 6, 2012.
I encourage you to like my Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/moviemamablog and www.facebook.com/YvetteArmendariz.TimeStarvedMom) and follow my Twitter page (@timestarvedmom) to keep abreast of parenting tips, news and movie screenings and reviews. I’d love to have at least 1,000 followers on each site by the end of May (that’s way less than what I had with my previous blog operated by a newspaper company), but I need your help spreading the news of my blogs to your friends.
FRIENDS WITH KIDS VIP Screening Passes Rules
Rules for FRIENDS WITH KIDS giveaway...
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 FRIENDS WITH KIDS 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 to timestarvedmom@gmail.com between noon M.S.T. March 1, 2012, and 8 p.m. M.S.T. March 3, 2012, with the subject line “FRIENDS WITH KIDS VIP Screening Passes Giveaway.” 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 March 4, 2012.
4. Prizes and Odds. Three (3) winners will be placed on the VIP list for the "Friends With Kids" advanced screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Harkins Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ. Each winner is allowed one (1) guest to attend. 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 6:30 p.m. March 8 to claim their seats and bring photo identification to the screening. Failure to arrive on time will 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 March 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 noon M.S.T. Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Winner's contact information will be forwarded to Barclay Communications, which oversees the VIP list for "Friends With Kids" screening. Winner also must present valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, and arrive at Harkins Tempe Marketplace by no later than 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 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 noon March 6, 2012. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release by March 6, 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 March 9, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: FRIENDS WITH KIDS 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 FRIENDS WITH KIDS 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 VIP screening giveaway, please contact Yvette Armendariz at timestarvedmom@gmail.com.
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 FRIENDS WITH KIDS 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 to timestarvedmom@gmail.com between noon M.S.T. March 1, 2012, and 8 p.m. M.S.T. March 3, 2012, with the subject line “FRIENDS WITH KIDS VIP Screening Passes Giveaway.” 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 March 4, 2012.
4. Prizes and Odds. Three (3) winners will be placed on the VIP list for the "Friends With Kids" advanced screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Harkins Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ. Each winner is allowed one (1) guest to attend. 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 6:30 p.m. March 8 to claim their seats and bring photo identification to the screening. Failure to arrive on time will 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 March 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 noon M.S.T. Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Winner's contact information will be forwarded to Barclay Communications, which oversees the VIP list for "Friends With Kids" screening. Winner also must present valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, and arrive at Harkins Tempe Marketplace by no later than 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 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 noon March 6, 2012. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release by March 6, 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 March 9, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: FRIENDS WITH KIDS 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 FRIENDS WITH KIDS 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 VIP screening giveaway, please contact Yvette Armendariz at timestarvedmom@gmail.com.
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