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.

3. Entry. Enter by sending 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 (i.e. Jane Garcia, 2151 E. Baseline Apt 2B, Tempe, AZ 85283; 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 13, 2012.

4. Prizes and Odds. 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.

5. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner will be notified by email and/or phone number listed on email entry on or about May 13, 2012, after contest closes. 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. Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Winner's contact information will be forwarded to Allied Integrated Marketing, which is providing the prize. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. 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 May 29, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: Expecting 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 What to Expect When You're Expecting 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.

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.