Cirque du Soleil fan-tastic celebration Dec. 8

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

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

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

If you go

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

Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square

7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

*Performances will occur at the food court.

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

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

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

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

Check out the trailer. It's funny.

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

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

Hope you can make it out. Cheers!

Believe in "Rise of the Guardians"

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

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

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

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

Check out the trailer:

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

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

Disney Movies Online closing Dec. 31

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

Dear Guest,

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

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

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

Best regards,

The Disney Movies Online Team

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

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

WHO: Santa Claus, straight from the North Pole!

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

Note: Giveaways are while supplies last.

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

WHERE: Barnes & Noble at Tempe Marketplace

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy #1032

Tempe, AZ 85281

ABOUT RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

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

Fun Size is a mixed bag of mishap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The trailer:

Madagascar 3 DVD combo-packed fun

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

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

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

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

Fun Size fan frenzy

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

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

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

Madagascar 3 DVD giveaway and special event Oct. 20

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

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

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

Official Rules for Madagascar 3 DVD giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Madagascar 3 Circus Party at Blockbuster

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

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

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

Check out TV show CHICAGO FIRE on the big screen free

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

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

More about the show:

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Ruby Sparks thoughtful & funny

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

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

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

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

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

The Babymakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The trailer:

The Dark Knight Rises

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

ParaNorman VIP pass giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

Paranorman VIP Passes Official Rules

PARANORMAN VIP Screening Passes Giveaway Official Rules By entering for a chance to be randomly selected from all valid entries in this giveaway, you agree to these official rules: 1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. 2. Eligibility. The Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog ParaNorman VIP Screening Passes Sweepstakes is open to residents of the State of Arizona who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog, Barclay Communications and each of their respective affiliated companies, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies, and other agents, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Google, Gmail, Blogspot or Twitter. 3. Entry. Enter by sending an email between 8:00 a.m. P.S.T. July 17, 2012, and 11:59 p.m. P.S.T. August 3, 2012, with the subject line “ParaNorman VIP Screening Passes Giveaway” to timestarvedmom@gmail.com. To be considered a valid entry, the email must include your full name, city listed on your driver’s license, and daytime phone number to reach you if needed in relationship to this giveaway (i.e. Jane Garcia of Tempe, 480-555-5555). Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, incomplete or misdirected entries. Only one email entry per person. Multiple entries by one person using other email addresses will be disqualified. Winner will be chosen at random on or about Aug. 4, 2012. 4. Prizes and Odds. Three (3) winners will be placed on July 16 VIP screening list for ParaNorman. The screening takes place at 7 p.m. on July 16, 2012, at AMC Arizona Center 24, 565 N. Third St., Phoenix, AZ. Winner may bring three (3) guests; the entire party must arrive together. Travel arrangements and cost of travel associated with attending the screening is the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner must arrive at AMC Arizona Center no later than 6:30 p.m. July 16 to claim their seats and bring photo identification to the screening. Failure to arrive on time may result in loss of your seats. Approximate value of the prize is $0. Screening passes are often available for free on a variety of websites. Holding a VIP screening voucher and/or being on the VIP list has no additional monetary value. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. 5. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner will be notified by email and/or phone number listed on email entry on or about Aug. 4, 2012. Please check junk mail, in case the prize announcement is inadvertently delivered there. If selected winner cannot be reached after three attempts, including original notification attempt, such person will be disqualified. 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Winner will be required to complete a liability and publicity release form (except where prohibited by law), which must be returned via email by 11:59 p.m. August 8, 2012. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release by August 8, or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner's disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to an alternate winner except where prohibited. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant's consent to the publication of his or her name announcing his or her winning for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsors. For prize winner list after August 17, 2012, email timestarvedmom@gmail.com. Please include subject line: Paranorman VIP Screening Winner. 6. Participation. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsors. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, incomplete, late or misdirected entries. Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsors. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsors, which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the Sweepstakes, Sponsors reserve the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Sweepstakes. Should the Sweepstakes be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsors reserve the right to award prizes based on the entries received before the termination date. 7. Limitations of Liability. 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The Time-Starved Mom ParaNorman VIP Screening Passes giveaway is sponsored by Time-Starved Mom/Movie Mama blog and Barclay Communications (collectively, "Sponsors"), whose decisions regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of the Sweepstakes shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsors will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Sweepstakes. If you have any questions regarding this Contest, please contact Yvette Armendariz at timestarvedmom@gmail.com.

Magic Mike will mostly please

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

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

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

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

The trailer:

LOL at Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

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

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

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

Check out the trailer: