Bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Orlando, FL - www.runningonpixiedust.com
When families think of a Walt Disney World vacation, they typically think characters, theme parks, and rides. But a hidden gem located inside the gates of Walt Disney World Resort is Disney Springs - a shopping, dining, and entertainment mecca for families to enjoy outside of the parks. Recently, we had the chance to visit Splitsville Luxury Lanes located on the West Side of Disney Springs. Between the great food, fun atmosphere, and relaxed vibe, it was the perfect place to kick off our vacation!
Thank you to Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs for hosting our family!
Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Orlando, FL - www.runningonpixiedust.com
We had an early flight out of Baltimore on our arrival day to Orlando and knew that we didn't want to head to the parks on our first day after being up at 4AM. Splitsville Luxury Lanes turned out to be a great choice to grab a bite to eat and have some fun in a much more "low key" atmosphere than heading to a park. We arrived around 11:30 and, despite having a later reservation at 12:30, they were able to accommodate us! From the outside it's easy to see that Splitsville is a huge location. Upon entering, guests can choose between bowling and eating or just dining. There are lanes both downstairs and up to easily accommodate A LOT of bowlers. . .and there's also some pool tables to enjoy as well. If you're bowling, you get a lane for a set period of time depending on the size of your party. Each lane also has a table and wait staff to bring food and drinks.
1 - 2 People - 1 Hour
3 - 4 People - 1 Hour 15 Min.
5 - 6 People - 1 Hour 30 Min.
7 - 8 People - 1 Hour 45 Min.
Bowling pricing includes unlimited bowling during your lane time and shoe rental. Current pricing as of March 2022 is $20 per person before 4PM on weekdays and $24 per person after 4PM and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Orlando, FL - www.runningonpixiedust.com
The bowling lanes are well maintained and have a retro feel to them. At this Disney Springs location, you even get a little "Disney magic" with some bowling balls featuring Mickey and Minnie! While all the bowling at this location is ten pin with larger bowling balls, they do have options to help little ones in your family. Bowling balls are available as light as 6 lbs. and you can see easily printed on the ball hand sizes XS - XL that will help size the ball appropriately. We ended up also making use of bumpers for our 7 and 10 year old and they had a ramp if you have someone young enough in your party that can't yet manage rolling the bowling ball on their own. Everything is computerized in the bowling alley - including the bumpers - which automatically popped up and down when it was my kids turn to bowl (although I probably needed them just as much!). The bowling screen also has a countdown of how much time is left on your reservation so it's easy to see and keep track of while enjoying your visit.
The food and drink at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs is also a big draw - and not just your typical bowling alley food. We kicked off our visit with a round of drinks from the bar and a cone of fries. The chive dip was every bit as good as our server promised! For our main courses, my kids chose of the children's menu and had the pizza and chicken tenders. My husband had the Southern Goddess Salad which he said was the delicious. As a vegetarian, there were several options on the menu including pizzas and salads, but I chose to go the the veggie sushi roll. All of the ingredients were fresh and it was nice to visit the a bowling alley and have some healthier options to choose from! This trip to Disney was during my birthday week and Splitsville helped me celebrate with some birthday ice cream as an extra special treat.
Food at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Orlando, FL - www.runningonpixiedust
I was worried that we may feel rushed to eat and bowl during our reservation time, but the timing was perfect. With kids, it was great to have them engaged in something active and fun while we were waiting for our food to arrive and after we finished eating. Our server was wonderful and we truly loved our visit! Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great choice on a day off from the parks, family dinner at Disney Springs, or a fun adult night out. For all of my runDisney friends, you can also find Splitsville often participating in the runDisney discounts at Disney Springs during race weekends - check them out!
We'll definitely be back to Splitsville in the future and with so many options of fun things to do in Disney Springs, it's becoming more and more of a must-do for us on every Walt Disney World vacation!
Self-care has never been more important in our daily rituals and the folks at Mantra Labs know that we all need a little "boost" to keep going strong. I was excited to partner with this company and try their products as making good choices throughout the day can sometimes be hard. I recently had the chance to try their Chrono Bundle and Hydrate products to review and honestly have to say that I'm thrilled to share just how amazing these products are with you.
Disclaimer: I received products from Mantra Labs to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Who is Mantra Labs?
Mantra Labs specializes in making "simple, science-backed, plant-based nutrition." That's right, vegans (and even those of you who are vegan-ish like me) can rejoice in a product that fits your specific dietary needs while tasting delicious as well. Their company is not just focused on physical health, but mental health too. BibRave Ambassadors had a chance to chat with the company and you can tell this is much more than a career for them. . .it's a passion.
Challenger International Soccer Camp - www.runningonpixiedust.com
We were super psyched to partner with Challenger International Soccer Camp in 2021! If you know my oldest, you know he eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer. Seriously, my son watches games on TV, practices skills outside, plays regularly with his travel team, learns new tricks on YouTube. . .the list goes on and on! So when we had the chance to check out Challenger International Soccer Camp, we jumped at it and he has lots of good things to share!
Thanks to Challenger International Soccer Camp and US Family Guide for providing us with a free week of camp! As always, thoughts and opinions are our own.
Before Camp
Challenger International Soccer Camp has a host of information on their website about their programs and, with locations around the country, you can hopefully find a camp close to you! We were fortunate to have a camp about 30 minutes away in Mt. Airy, MD. Registration on the site was quick and easy. Since we registered more than 30 days ahead of camp, Brody received an awesome soccer jersey. I love the colors!
Challenger International Soccer Camp - www.runningonpixiedust.com
We received a lot of communication from Challenger ahead of camp including ways to access virtual content and prepare for camp. There are camps for a variety of ages and skill levels. The littlest soccer players (Ages 3 - 5) can participate in the TinyTykes Camp for one hour per day. Older kids have more options including a Half-Day Camp, Full-Day Camp, Next Level Skills Combine, and Full Day Competitive Camp. Brody signed up for the Full-Day Camp - 6 hours of soccer per day! He could barely contain his excitement as camp got closer!
For several years now, I've been watching people I follow enjoying their Knockaround sunglasses and finally took the plunge in April purchasing my first pair. Shortly after, I had the chance to work with them through my partnership with BibRave and review even more product. The #1 comment I have to share about my Knockaround sunglasses - I wish I would have listened to my friends and bought them sooner! Now I'm 5 pairs of Knockaround sunglasses in and I find myself stalking sales to add even more to my collection. Why? Find out the 5 BEST reasons to add some Knockarounds to your life.
Disclaimer: I received 2 pairs of Knockaround sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
1. Bang for Your Buck - Let's start with one of my favorite things about these sunnies, the price! Long gone are the days of thinking that quality shades have to cost an arm and a leg. With price points starting as low as $20 for adult sunglasses, you won't feel guilty adding so many pairs to your collection. There's also frequent opportunities to score sales from their website.
2. Function & Performance - I use these as my everything-in-one sunglasses. I have several pairs of the sports sunglasses which have a rubber padding on the nose to reduce movement. They are awesome to run in. . .and equally awesome to run errands in! Knockaround sunglasses are lightweight and stay in place, making them a perfect choice for an active lifestyle. Need some blue light blockers? They've got those too. . .and so do I!
Mittens aren't just for kids anymore! If you're a runner and haven't thought about using mittens before (like I was), then this is the review for you. There was a lot that interested me about trying WhitePaws RunMitts - they were a local business being from Baltimore (and me from a suburb about 45 minutes west) and a black-owned small business. Being from Maryland, I'm used to running in all kinds of weather in the winter. One day can be in the 60s, the next in the 20s with snow, and then back to the 40s and rain. The joke in Maryland in the winter is that if you don't like the weather - just wait 5 minutes. With that in mind, it's important to be prepared for anything!
Disclaimer: I received WhitePaws RunMitts to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
My WhitePaws RunMitts
I chose to try out the Wind and Water Resistant RunMitts. With the weather being so crazy around Maryland in the winters, I wanted to be prepared for anything and one thing I can't stand is being wet. The Wind and Water Resistant RunMitts are one option on the website as well as the Double Velour Fleece. My choice came in one color option - black - which was fine for me because I generally choose simple colors anyway. If you like to add more color to your RunMitts, the fleece options offer several bright and fun color choices.
Do you ever feel like you get incredibly lucky from time to time? Well, one night back in December, I was participating in a Twitter chat and at the end of the chat found out I had won a pair of AfterShokz Aeropex headphones. I was so excited! For years, I've heard about the quality and wearability of these popular headphones, but I hadn't had the chance to try them. When they arrived, I had to celebrate with an unboxing. . .
This past weekend we did something we hadn't done in months. . .stayed in a hotel. As you know, my family loves to travel and we are always on the go having new adventures. But coronavirus has sidelined us, as well as everyone else, from our "normal." So for Father's Day we decided that we were going to load up the bikes and head on a quick road trip up to Jim Thorpe, PA in the Pocono Mountains for some trail riding. Along with that road trip, would be our first hotel stay in the era of coronavirus. Long story short, travel fans can rejoice that while hotel stays are different thanks to COVID, they are still doable in my opinion.
Where did we stay?
Readers of my website will know that we are a Hilton family thanks to their great loyalty program and the amount of Hilton points we accumulate. We used our points to stay at the Hampton Inn-Lehighton for two nights. This hotel is just a few miles outside of downtown Jim Thorpe and provides a convenient location for cyclists and families that may want to check out the Lehigh Gorge Trail, part of the much larger D&L Trail. The hotel staff could not have more friendly! They were accommodating even before we arrived, talking us through some questions we had about the area and bike storage in the days leading up to our visit. The room was a nice size to accommodate our family of four and there was easy access to the highway.
Hotel Cleanliness During Coronavirus
Top on everyone's list of concerns right now is keeping this clean and sanitized wherever you go, so traveling to a hotel can feel like a big decision. You'll be happy to know that we were really pleased with the efforts of Hilton as a brand and this Hampton Inn location in particular. When we arrived, the check-in area was blocked with sheeting so that germs could not pass back and forth. Even with the barrier in place, employees wore masks and guests were required to wear masks in the lobby area. The employee who checked us in was warm and welcoming. She explained that with concerns about transmitting germs, they have currently opted guests out of daily housekeeping - that way once you enter your cleaned and sanitized room, no one but your family will be in there until you check out. I really liked that option. Now, if you're someone who isn't worried about having someone enter your room and you really like a "freshen up" each day - you could opt in to housekeeping, but you need to request it and alert the front desk. If you have an extended stay and would just like fresh towels on different days, you can also call and request them from the front desk and they will be delivered outside your door in a sealed package.
Despite all the measures that were in place, we still brought our own Clorox wipes and wiped down high touch surfaces like the vanity area, dresser, nightstand, desk, etc. before be began unpacking and settling in. I will also say that every time we were in the lobby, we saw employees wiping surfaces and cleaning. It's easy to see that Hilton is taking the precautions seriously and we felt good about how clean everything was being kept.
Hotel Amenities During Coronavirus
Something worth noting as you decide whether or not to travel is that some of your typical hotel amenities may not be operating or may be different than what you're used to seeing. In our case towards the end of June, the indoor pool, fitness center, and business center were all closed. The commons area also featured socially distanced seating which means less seats available. We went down to the lobby to eat delivery our first night and were the only ones there and both mornings we ate breakfast in our rooms so we never felt crowded or like seating was an issue during our stay.
One of the biggest changes worth noting is modified breakfast service. Hotels that typically offer breakfast to guests may have some modifications in place. Usually, Hampton Inn offers continental options and a daily hot option to guests on a buffet. This trip, we found the experience to be different - which we expected and is completely understandable. They had three types of cereal in individually wrapped bowls, a few types of pre-packaged muffins, one hot option individually wrapped in a warmer, and then fruit, yogurt, juices, and milk in a small refrigerator. Coffee and hot tea were also available with coffee cups individually wrapped in plastic and stirrer / sweeteners also offered in one prepackaged set. We anticipated that options may be limited so we took advantage of the fact that we were driving and brought some items with us - the kids' favorite cereals, protein bars, and protein shakes. We grabbed drinks from the lobby each morning, but otherwise ate breakfast in our room.
While these experiences were in one hotel, I have a feeling that you could expect similar realities wherever you travel. My best advice, call your specific hotel and ask questions ahead of your arrival so you know what to expect! Happy Travels!
New movie releases continue to drop despite the closure of movie theaters an the latest one for family movie fans to enjoy is Disney's Artemis Fowl. Artemis Fowl was scheduled for a theatrical release, had it's date pushed, and then moved to a Disney+ release when COVID-19 sent us into lockdown mode. This movie has some serious star power for a straight to Disney+ streaming release including Colin Ferrell and Josh Gad in leading roles. Artemis Fowl also has a built in fan base from the popular children's books. But would it live up to it's promise?
Artemis Fowl Movie Review
So, now it's time for my confession. I didn't finish the book before seeing the movie. And according to some of my friends like Patty and Tessa, maybe that's a good thing. In the movie, we meet young Artemis Fowl - his mother has passed and his father travels away from Fowl Manor frequently on mysterious trips. Young Artemis is a very intelligent and curious boy. When his father disappears off of his super yacht in the South China Sea, Artemis receives a cryptic phone call demanding a mystical object - the Aculos - as ransom. Artemis begins formulating a plan to save his father from his captors while also clearing his name a a criminal.
What follows is a story of trolls, fairies, dwarves, and human lives intersecting into one big adventure. I'll be honest. . .there were parts of the movie that I was confused about what was happening. Books and movies with a lot of "fantasy" elements generally aren't among my favorites (I've never been a Harry Potter fan - shocking, right??) and the hodgepodge of characters was difficult for me to follow. I felt like there were some serious plot holes that movie just glazes over. For example, when Artemis' dad goes missing and Butler introduces him to the work his dad had been doing with fairies and this whole underground world, it all just clicks for Artemis. No struggle, no questioning - just straight to work. It wasn't for me and didn't hold the attention of my kids either who I think couldn't figure out what was going on.
The movie isn't BAD though. . .it's just not something I know I'd rush to watch again. The bond between Artemis and Holly Short is endearing as is the way that Artemis cares for Butler. He acts as someone with the soul of someone much older. Despite the separation between the fairy world and the human world, there is a strong connection between the two and the fairies demonstrate more times than one their care for humanity. Josh Gad is also a highlight in this film. . .I mean, isn't he always? His character, Mulch Diggums is funny and kept me hanging in when I wasn't sure about where the movie was heading. Director Kenneth Branagh did a beautiful job visually creating the worlds of both Artemis and the fairies as the colors, scenery, and camera work is very well done.
Overall, I think this was a good call by Disney to release this movie straight to Disney+ instead of pushing the release date again in hopes of a big theatrical release post COVID-19. The ending of the film certainly leaves it open for more adventures from Artemis to come. After all, "I'm Artemis Fowl and I'm a criminal mastermind."
About Artemis Fowl (From Disney+ and Walt Disney Studios)
Disney's "Artemis Fowl," based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he desperately tries to save his father who has been kidnapped. In order to pay his ransom, Artemis must infiltrate an ancient, underground civilization - the amazingly advanced world of fairies - and bring the kidnapper the Aculos, the fairies' most powerful and coveted magical device. To locate the elusive object, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan - so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.
I don't know about you, but I feel like some of the entertainment side of my site has really gone to the dogs lately! Over the past few weeks, we had the at home movie premiere of SCOOB and the new series It's A Dog's Life with Bill Farmer on Disney+, dogs are certainly a hot trend in entertainment. The newest release for at home viewing from Lionsgate Movies is no exception. In the new film, Think Like a Dog, families will get to do something they only dream of. . .get inside a dog's head.
Think Like a Dog Movie Review
Think Like a Dog was exactly what I wanted to see with my family right now. It was cute, funny, and also relatable. It's not only a movie about a middle school student who creates a way to talk with his dog, but also a movie about the life of a pre-teen in general.
At 12 years old, Oliver is dealing with some similar pressures and realities that other kids in elementary and middle school can relate with in their own experiences. Oliver deals with a classmate picking on him, which has a pretty significant impact on his presentation of his science fair project in front of the famous inventor he is trying to impress. He's also a pre-teenager who has a crush on a girl in his class and is going through all of those awkward puberty phases of figuring out how to talk to her. In addition, Oliver's parents are struggling in their marriage. While they try to cover a lot to protect him, he can tell something is off and that stress weighs on him. Just when you think Oliver has too much on his young plate to handle, he discovers that his technology has been found out and that means people are after him. . .and Henry too!
Image from Lionsgate Movies
But through all of the uncertainty and adventure that unravels, Henry the dog is there for his best friend Oliver. Even though Henry may be going through life on four paws instead of two legs, he shares his own insecurities and complex feelings with Oliver. I think it makes Oliver feel better to know he's not alone in struggling with things and his dog becomes and even strong friend than before. Henry shows the whole family how to live the simple life - it turns out that's why dogs are so happy all the time.
"When humans grow up they start to focus on the wrong things and forget about what matters." ~ Henry
Want more doggone fun? Download a Think Like a Dog word game here!
About Think Like a Dog (From Lionsgate Movies)
Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox star in this whimsical family comedy about a boy and his dog, and a science project that will change all of their lives forever. Think Like a Dog follows 12-year-old Oliver (Gabriel Bateman), a tech prodigy whose middle-school science fair experiment goes awry, creating a telepathic connection between him and his furry friend, Henry. The bond brings Oliver and Henry even closer as they join forces to comically overcome complications at school, and help Oliver's parents rekindle their marriage along the way.
Think Like a Dog is now available to buy on your favorite digital platform!
I received a digital copy of this film to provide this review.
As parts of the country still are under stay-at-home orders and others are slowly opening up, Warner Bros. Pictures came to the home entertainment rescue with the at home digital release of SCOOB!, the latest Scooby Doo movie in this longstanding franchise. With a talented cast and a fancy at home premiere night, hopes were high for this film. . .but does it live up to the expectations? Let's take a look.
SCOOB! Movie Review
I have to admit, all of this time at home has me really excited when something new hits the digital entertainment world and I was probably more excited about the "newness" of SCOOB! then I was for the actual movie. I've never been much of a Scooby Doo fan and I actually don't think my kids have really seen much of anything Scooby Doo previously. Regardless, we all excitedly tuned in and weren't disappointed.
Scooby fans will be excited to get a little backstory at the beginning of the film as to how Scoob and Shaggy become friends then their first interaction with Velma, Fred, and Daphne - the rest of what will become Mystery, Inc. As the group of friends grow up from kids to young adults, they are taking on more and more cases. Like many small businesses, they are looking for investors - enter Simon Cowell. Yes, you read that right, a cameo by Simon Cowell! In true Simon fashion he critiques the work of Mystery, Inc. - particularly where Scooby and Shaggy are concerned. Hurt by the meeting, Scooby and Shaggy go bowling and that's where this newest adventure really begins. The two friends come under attack and then are mysteriously rescued by one of their favorite superhero duos - Blue Falcon and Dynomutt. While on board, they begin putting pieces together about an evil plot by the villain, Dick Dastardly, who is after Scooby himself! Meanwhile, Fred, Velma, and Daphne learn of the attack on the bowling alley and the mysterious disappearance of their friends. They jump into action themselves to try and rescue Scooby and Shaggy.
The overarching theme of this movie is all about friendship. Simon Cowell makes a comment when he is meeting with Mystery, Inc. that friendship won't save the day and throughout the movie, that theory is put to the test. Viewers see Fred, Velma, and Daphne wrestling with the advice of Simon Cowell to distance themselves from Scooby and Shaggy while also wanting to remain loyal to their longtime friends. But more poignantly is the changing dymanic of Scooby Doo and Shaggy on their adventure with Blue Falcon. They challenge their beliefs about themselves and each other. Can people (and dogs!) grow and change while still having their friendship survive? Without spoiling the details of their adventure, there are many valuable lessons about friendship that you'll find in the film.
Overall, my kids really enjoyed the movie. We watched it twice in a 24 hour period and they probably would have watched it more if we would have let them! There are life lessons sprinkled among the laughs and it's a solid choice for family movie night.
"SCOOB!" reveals how lifelong friends Scooby and Shaggy first met and how they joined with young detectives Fred, Velma, and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc. Now, with hundreds of cases solved and adventures hared, Scooby and the gang face their biggest, most challenging mystery ever: a plot to unleash the ghost dog Cerberus upon the world. As they race to stop this global "dogpocalypse," the gang discovers that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone imagined.
If you're like me, as soon as you see Pixar's studio attached to an animated film, you know to pack the tissues. While the stories told in these movies are often heartwarming and filled with laughs, they also pack an emotional punch that leaves softies like me ugly crying in theaters. Would Onward be any different? The newest film from Disney and Pixar actually had me questioning it during the trailers, but would Onward defy my initial trailer reactions and live up to the hype? Let's find out. Before taking a look at my thoughts on the film, let's take one more look at the trailer and information from the studios.
Sonic the Hedgehog raced into theaters and back into our hearts. He's been delighting fans for decades in the world of video games so it's no wonder this movie met with big success opening weekend. If you think this movie is one that just the kids will enjoy though, you're mistaken. Fans young and old of the little "blue devil" will find comedy and life lessons to enjoy.
Ben Schwartz is the voice of Sonic
Image from Paramount Pictures
So why Sonic now? I spent some time thinking about this as I watched the movie and came to the conclusion it was the perfect time for a Sonic the Hedgehog movies. Those of us that grew up playing Sonic on our SEGA Game Gear's and SEGA Genesis systems now have kids playing Sonic on their devices. As soon as the movie began, I felt a twinge of nostalgia at the excitement of seeing one of my favorite childhood games come to life on the big screen.
An adventure is just what you'll find when you head to theaters to see The Call of the Wild starring Harrison Ford as John Thornton and his loyal companion, Buck. We have long heard that a dog is man's best friend and in this movie we see that come to life. I have always been a fan of Harrison Ford and you know my love of family films that appeal to kids and adults alike so I was really hoping to fall in love with this movie. While I won't say it's a film that everyone will love, I left the theatre with my heart full and warm. Wondering if it's right for you and your family? Let's find out.
Review
Overall, I really enjoyed the film with my kids. Having never read the book, I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. I feel like the trailer tells the story of Buck and John Thornton on their grand adventure and I didn't realize how much of the move would take place before this adventure even begins. There is a whole life that Buck has prior to going into the wild with Thornton. Watching him go from a spoiled house pet, to a scared and captured pup, to a struggling mail dog, and ultimately to a confident leader, Buck embodies a transformation that humans can relate to as we go through the different seasons of our lives. I felt a connection to Buck in a way I didn't expect to. And then there's Harrison Ford as John Thornton. His performance is memorable and just as you experience Buck's emotional journey during the film, you also do with Thorton. As a man who has lost his family and is really trying to lose himself, he turns his life around and awakens to have the adventure he always dreamed of with the dog he never knew he needed.
It's the finale that was 42 years in the making. Fans have been waiting to see how the Skywalker arc ends in the Star Wars universe and now they finally have their answers. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is quickly taking the world by storm, but should it be? I waited 24 hours to post my review so I could process what I saw and what I wanted to say. In an effort to keep this post spoiler-free, I'm going to discuss my thoughts on the film by breaking down some questions you may have before you see it.
Do you have to be a serious Star Wars fan to enjoy this film?
Yes and no. I'm gauging this answer the same way I look at Avengers: Endgame. If the only experience you have with Star Wars are more recent films (like my husband - Episodes VII and VIII, Solo, and Rogue One are it for him), you can certainly see the movie and mostly follow along, but you want appreciate the entirety of the story. I'm not spoiling anything by telling you that Palpatine factors into this film as his presence was felt in the trailers. My husband, a Star Wars novice at best, would have no idea who he is and his importance in the Skywalker saga.
JJ Abrams definitely made this film for the fans - even including several fabulous cameos and easter eggs. Knowing your Star Wars history will maximize your enjoyment of the film. I'm not a diehard fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I've seen the entire Skywalker saga and was armed with all the knowledge I needed to see this movie. I'll openly admit though that I probably missed some other nods to the Star Wars universe because I have not watched all of the other shows / stories so those of you that have a PhD in a galaxy far, far away will have a field day watching this!
Is this movie appropriate for my kids?
The film carries a PG-13 rating like some other Star Wars films. Judge my parenting you may, but I have allowed my 7 year old to watch Episodes I - VIII in their entirety and there is nothing in this film that is more or less appropriate than any of the others. Star Wars films mainly carry that rating due to the violence that is portrayed. Most of this fighting in this film is again lightsaber battles, air fighting, and large explosions.
But just because I feel like my son COULD see this movie, I don't know that it means he SHOULD be seeing it in theaters. I'm still torn on whether or not I'll take him to the movies over the winter break from school to see it. This movie is very dark. Read that as you will. Dark scenes both from a lighting standpoint and a "heaviness" to them. It's an emotional end to a powerful saga - keep that in mind. Knowing my son too, he'd ask A LOT of questions during the movie because, while he's seen all of the Skywalker movies, he doesn't necessarily have the details memorized. Seeing this in your home might be a better option for little ones. . .if you can keep them waiting that long!
Was the end everything it should be?
This is going to be a very personal question for Star Wars fans. It's an end. You will walk out of the movie feeling like the Skywalker story is complete. But will it be what you wanted? That depends on you. Again, I think Abrams worked hard to create a movie that fans will appreciate. I did feel like some of the pithy one-lines from characters were a bit forced. Don't get me wrong, I like Rey, Finn, and Poe as much as the next fan. . .but they don't have the same chemistry that Luke, Leia, and Han had and at times it feels like filmmakers are trying to force that chemistry on screen.
You will walk away with strong feelings about Ren and Rey. Both of these actors delivered powerful performances and I think this is Adam Driver's best Star Wars performance yet. CGI Leia was a little weird for me in all honesty - just felt a little weird, but she needed to be there to end her story as well. Notably absent was Rose who featured so prominently in Episode VIII. She's there, but simply as a background character. I really thought we'd see more of her. And we also meet a few new faces as the final chapter comes to a close.
What happens with the Star Wars universe from here?
While the Skywalker story has come to a definitive end, there were several openings I noted during the movie where I can see more to develop. I don't want to ruin any of the plot points for you so I'm not going to say much here, but keep an eye on Finn. I don't think we've seen the last of him!
Overall, I think Episode IX will satisfy fans. Will it astound you? Maybe. Maybe not. As a fan of Star Wars, I walked away emotionally drained and very content with how the story ends. I have a lot more I WANT to say about this film, but I'll write a spoiler post in a few days to unpack more of my thoughts after hopefully more of you have had the chance to see it. Enjoy the final chapter and. . .may the Force be with you!
I feel the need. . .the need for speed! OMG - between Ghostbusters and Top Gun, I'm really living my best 1980s life right now. When I heard that a new Top Gun movie was heading our way, I was on board from the beginning. Bringing back Maverick to the big screen is amazing in my eyes. I can't wait to see what this film brings and we just had another trailer released. Let's take a look at what Maverick's up to when he hits theaters in 2020!
I don't know about you, but this trailer brings back that loving feeling! The throwback imagery from the bar scene, the motorcycle ride, the air stunts, and more is everything I hoped it would be. I mention in my reaction video that I didn't feel like I had a good sense of the plot and then, as I was putting this post together, I saw that a plot summary was released with the trailer as well! Now more of the pieces are falling into place and it appears Maverick is going to be reunited with Goose's son (remember. . .he played with him in the piano "Great Balls of Fire" scene in the original?) for some intense training! I'm here for all of this!!!
About Top Gun: Maverick
After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.”
Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.
Top Gun: Maverick releases June 2020 from Paramount Pictures.
What do you get when you combine the voice talents of Tom Holland and Will Smith with a great story and a talented animation team? The answer. . .Spies in Disguise, an action packed comedy that will have you championing Team Weird! I had the chance to be among the first in the world to see this movie complete - weeks before the "world premiere" even! When I was out in California for The Geekly Retreat we had the opportunity to screen this movie with some of creative talent behind it. I already had a sense this movie was going to be a hit, but I walked out loving every minute of the film and having a really hard time staying silent about it until embargo broke. So let's dive right in to see what makes this the perfect spy movie for kids.
About Spies in Disguise
Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is … not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril. “Spies in Disguise” flies into theaters this Christmas.
The Perfect Spy Movie for Kids
There are several reasons why I loved this film. First, the characters - particularly Beckett. Beckett and Sterling are the perfect on screen duo with the classic "opposites attract" feel to their relationship. While Sterling may appear to be the obvious hero, Beckett proves to us that heroes can also come from unlikely sources. "Let's get weird" becomes a tagline of the movie and I love the fact that a kid who is fascinated with science and engineering follows his dreams and sees them become a reality. As a mom of a boy who is also a STEM lover and an educator, I think it's awesome to have kids see it's cool to be smart - not just cool to be tough. When it comes to brains, Beckett doesn't just have smarts in the science world, but also in the political philosophy department. Some of the messaging of this movie is incredible and just what I want to have my boys hear as they are watching an action packed spy movie. Here is just a sampling of lines that Beckett delivers in the movie that teaches kids fighting, violence, and war are not always the best or only option to consider. Without turning this into a political piece, we see a lot of violent messaging in our world - it's popular and it sells. This film shows that while the world may have violence, maybe it doesn't always have to be that way. Here's just a sampling of Beckett's lines throughout the film:
"You can do more by bringing people together than by blowing them up."
"I believe together we can find a good way to beat the bad."
"There's not good guys or bad guys - just people."
The value of teamwork is also central to this story. Sterling was an incredible super-spy, but he needed help from an unlikely source. In fact, early on in the film, Sterling remarks "Team? I fly solo." Little does he know how important the kid from research and development will become in his life. Not only does Beckett become a member of Sterling's team, but he develops his own "flock" of support as the movie progresses. This doesn't mean that everything is smooth sailing though as these team relationships develop. Friendships are tested and feelings are hurt - just like in real life. Characters learn what it means to change and grow, to apologize, and to accept the beauty of each other's differences.
I think this movie truly has it all for families to enjoy - action, humor, and heart. I can't wait for my boys to see it in theaters when it opens this Christmas. Make plans to fly to the movies too and see it with your family this holiday season!
Over the past several months, I've seen the trailer for Playmobil: The Movie as we've headed to theaters to watch other family friendly films and my boys were excited to see this when it released. So when opening night found us with nothing to do, we decided to head to the theaters and check this out. I'll have to admit we were very surprised (and slightly concerned) that our local theater was running a "sale" on tickets for this movie on opening night - just $5 per person. In fact, when we showed up just 5 minutes before the start of the movie, we were the only ones to have bought tickets and remained the only people in the theater for the whole show. So why? Was the movie really going to be that bad??
The answer is a definitive no - the movie is not THAT bad. Now, compared to more popular competition like Playing with Fire and Frozen 2 still out and going strong in the family film genre, I think there's some tough competition. Marketing of this film was also sparse in my opinion. Honestly, outside of the trailers in theaters, I don't know that I really would have known anything about this film so opening weekend was likely not too exciting to draw crowds. Out of these three films, Playmobil was my least favorite, but the boys enjoyed it which is what matters in the end. The movie begins with live action characters who get swept into the make-believe world of Playmobil where they have the adventure they always imagined they would and remember the magic of their sibling relationship. Musical numbers are placed throughout, but I think they seemed forced and even my boys said they didn't like the music. They did enjoy the super secret agent Rex Dasher voiced by Daniel Radcliffe (aka Harry Potter) and I enjoyed the character of Del voiced by Jim Gaffigan. There's nothing GREAT about the film, but little ones will find moments to laugh and will likely enjoy the action. Sorry grown-ups, you'll probably be bored with this one.
Overall, you can definitely wait until this one hits Netflix - no need to rush to the theaters. But if you're kids are interested and excited, it's an OK film for the trip to the movies.
About Playmobil: The Movie
In PLAYMOBIL’s® animated action adventure, a top secret organization has caused citizens from different lands to vanish from thin air. The dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher (Daniel Radcliffe) must partner with smooth-talking food truck driver Del (Jim Gaffigan) and Marla (Anya Taylor-Joy) a smart, savvy civilian with her own secret agenda, to rescue them. Against unthinkable odds, the trio go on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds as they gather clues for their rescue mission. #PlaymobilTheMovie
Reviews are pouring in for Frozen 2 as it gets ready to open everywhere on November 22. But you don't have to wait until then to start enjoying this magical journey in your own home! The soundtrack just released and it is a force to be reckoned with. Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who were also the songwriters for Frozen and Coco, really come through on this film with a soundtrack that is as memorable as the first. I had some favorite musical moments that stood out from the film, but listening to the soundtrack (over and over again!), brings that whole flood of emotions back and I once again find myself in the woods with our favorite Frozen friends. As an animated movie musical, the songs enhance the story so listening to the soundtrack may give you a few details about the plot itself, but no major spoilers to be found in the music or in this post! Take a look at my top 3 songs from the film.
#3 - Some Things Never Change
This song comes early in the movie as we are catching up with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf. I think part of what I like about this song is it features all of our lead characters singing to and about each other. It's a cute song to watch as you see those close relationships the between each of the characters and the perfect way to bring them all back to us on the big screen. Listening to the song again after seeing the movie, I enjoy the message of the song even more. The world is constantly changing around us and sometimes it feels like things are spiraling beyond our control. It's in these times that we look for the constants in our lives. Who are the people that are always there for us no matter what? When life gets scary, lean on those around you and take comfort knowing that "some things never change."
#2 - Into the Unknown
Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, songwriters for Frozen 2.
Much like it's predecessor, Frozen 2 turns to Idina Menzel to deliver a powerful and memorable musical performance as the rising action in the story climbs and our characters embark on their daring journey. I mean, as if there were any doubt, this song is a technical masterpiece. Menzel is spectacular. It's mystical, beautiful, and powerful - all at the same time. But don't overlook the alternative version of the song performed by Panic at the Disco during the closing credits and also available on the soundtrack. It takes a totally different spin on the song which is equally delightful for listeners. Whether your journey into the unknown is a new job, a new beginning, or venturing into the North Woods, you'll find all the courage you need to face the unknown with confidence in this song.
#1 - Lost in the Woods
Ok, ok. . .hear me out on this one. If you are just listening to the soundtrack, I hope that you're enjoying this song like I do, but this is also one that you have to "see it to believe it" when I tell you this is simply the best musical moment of the film. As you can tell from the lyrics, we find Kristoff at a bit of a crossroads emotionally and in a true 1980s power ballad way, he delivers a heartfelt song where he puts all of his feelings on the table. He is in love and not afraid to say it. The way he loves Anna during this film will leave people talking about how every man should treat his Disney princess. I really fell in love with Kristoff during this movie and this number is a big reason why. I have listened to it on repeat and each time can't help but feel my heart smile. The delivery of this song in the movie is a highlight which will leave you feeling all the feels with Kristoff and also laughing out loud at the creative minds of the animators. Hands down #1, I don't care what anyone else says!
If you haven't downloaded the music yet, what are you waiting for?? This is the perfect way to pass the time until the film opens and to relive all of your favorite parts once you've seen it. Looking for more Frozen posts? Check out what it was like to walk the red carpet and attend the Frozen 2 after party, read my review, and download FREE printable activities for the family to enjoy all here at Running on Pixie Dust!
About Frozen 2
Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019. Facebook - www.facebook.com/disneyfrozen Instagram - www.instagram.com/disneyfrozen Twitter - http://twitter.com/disneyfrozen
#Frozen2
