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3 Min Read May 7, 2018 2 Replies

4 Underrated Disney Movies to watch with the kids

Entertainment

I love movies. I could talk about movies for days, and watch one daily. I hold a special place in my heart for Disney movies (and yes, I was excited when they took over Marvel and Star Wars) but Disney cartoons define our childhoods and continue to such an integral part of our lives as parents.

The Wonderful World Of Disney continues to play movies on Sunday nights on CBC. Have you noticed that? I often tune in to PVR one that we want to watch again or that the kids haven’t seen (like Mary Poppins a few months ago!)

It’s been thrilled to watch the re-make of Beauty and the Beast (and how well it turned out) because that was one of my favourite movies as a kid. And even more exciting for myself and my children when we visit Walt Disney World and see references to our favourite movies or meet the characters. These memories are such an integral part of our lives.

However I do believe there are some underrated Disney movies that need more attention. Ones that deserve a larger following and more buzz. Before Frozen and newer movies (many of which we have really loved) there were some amazing movies that I can watch over an over again. So if you haven’t seen any from this list, I highly recommend you make one of them your next family movie.

Hercules

This movie has heart and hilarity making it a real win in my book. I love classical history so references to mythology are appreciated and the messaging is nice. The romance is sweet but not too sugary and again, the humour. There are some quality jokes in this movie. Plus, the villain, Hades, is funny and menacing all at once.

Robin Hood

I remember watching Robin Hood over and over again as a child at my grandparent’s house. They had a copy on VHS that they taped from The Wonderful World of Disney. The cartoon fox, Robin Hood himself, was the best. He had swagger and charm and the entire movie is so well done. I was beyond happy when my kids were younger and they too fell in love with the movie and wanted it on repeat. I can still hear the rooster doing that whistle at the beginning of the movie. This is one that just because it’s older (way older) doesn’t mean it’s not still watchable.

The Emperor’s New Groove

Hilarious. This movie has given us so many one-liners and Gifs that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. The story is well done but it’s the characters that stay with you. The Emperor is so funny but the side characters (the villain and her dim-witted henchman) are beyond hilarious together. Watch it and then go around asking ‘Why do we even have that lever?” Trust me.

Mulan

“But Becky, Mulan is a huge hit!” It should be, and yet I feel it isn’t as big as some movies! And in many ways, I think people who love it really love it, but I think Mulan doesn’t get the attention she deserves in the sea of other princesses. This movie is well paced, full of action, heart and the songs are excellent. I was just graduating high school when this movie came out so I missed out on the original excitement, but after watching it as a parent, I fell in love. Also, Li Shang is one of my favourite Disney dudes ever.

What’s on your list of Disney movies that are must-watch but don’t get enough attention?

1 Min Read December 22, 2017 No Reply

Before you travel this holiday season, you’ll want to do this

Entertainment

Did you know you can download certain Netflix movies and shows to your device before you travel? That’s right, you don’t need wifi (just enough battery power) for the kids to watch extra episodes of Paw Patrol when hitting the road or boarding the plane this holiday season.

While a few of us in our family have to be careful about screen time in the car and on the plane (thank you, motion sickness), the kids can usually watch a movie or two on long drives and flights without much issue. That’s why it’s great that they can download their favourite ones right from Netflix. They may want to check out Hotel Transylvania again, or Monster Trucks, or Gnomeo and Juliet. Of course, they can watch their favourite shows too if they prefer.

Before you travel for the holidays, check your devices and load them up with enough shows or movies to help even when you are stuck at the airport because the flight is delayed, or when you need some quiet time at the hotel before packing up and hitting the road again. Just don’t forget to pack the headphones for everyone.

Learn more on the Netflix website or in your app.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team and receive special perks. All opinions are my own. 

3 Min Read July 26, 2017 No Reply

Family Movie Night: The Boss Baby (Now on Blu-Ray DVD)

Entertainment

We love movie night (or movie afternoon time) as a family. There’s something special about cuddling up together to watch a movie and immersing ourselves into a story. While we enjoy going to the theatre as well, the closeness, relaxation and connection that we get in our own home is comforting.

When a movie is planned, the kids always ask for popcorn (movie treats are essential). We get all the treats ready, bring glasses of water to our family room in the basement where the TV is, and grab the blankets. We have a large, soft couch that we all can comfortably snuggle on. Almost always, everyone changes into their pyjamas before we press play on the movie. Sometimes, we plan to have a picnic at the same time and we lay out a blanket and our snacks. These moments are hard to beat. They are simple, not extravagant, but it’s the time together that counts.

Recently, our family movie was The Boss Baby. We had a chance to watch it in advance of the Blu-Ray DVD release on July 25!

It’s been one on our ‘watch list’ since we missed it in theatres. It was a sweet, funny movie that the entire family enjoyed! As parents, Andy and I laughed at many of the parts about parenting and dealing with kids and babies. And of course, all of us were laughing at the in-charge baby with a briefcase (voiced by Alec Baldwin). Other voices in the movie that you’ll recognize are Tobey McGuire, Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel.

The family-friendly movie is about Tim, a seven-year old, with a huge imagination, who finds his life turned upside down when a briefcase-carrying, suit-wearing baby shows up. The secrets that the baby is keeping aren’t noticed by the parents, but Tim wants to get to the bottom of what his new baby brother is up to.

In the end, I was surprised at how emotional it made me feel (although, I shouldn’t have been. I tend to tear up at most movies!)  The Boss Baby was a sweet story filled with funny jokes that left us all feeling happy!

The Blu-Ray DVD for The Boss Baby is available on Blu-Ray and includes special features like a mini-adventure bonus scene, deleted scenes and more. My kids LOVE having DVDs, my eldest especially, because he likes looking at the behind the scenes features.

Do you have a special tradition for movie night? Does it involve pjs, popcorn and snuggles like in our house, or something a bit different?

 

Disclosure: This is part of a promotional campaign for The Boss Baby and I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are my own.

2 Min Read February 19, 2016 8 Replies

Things I noticed in made for TV romantic movies…

Entertainment

There’s no secret that I love a good romance. I’ve written about my Netflix romance obsession before, and even if the books I usually read have a little fantasy/mystery/action to them, there is ALWAYS a romantic sub-plot (or major plot, preferably).

Over the Christmas holidays I was watching more made-for-TV romantic movies (think Hallmark Christmas ones) and eating them up. I mean, they are super predictable, but I love them still.

There are a few things that I noticed while watching them though. Let me know if you notice this too (if you are into cheesy romances like I am).

1- Someone works at a clock or antique shop

I think I watched three movies out of four or five that involved either an old clock repair shop or an antique shop where someone worked or owned or was trying to keep in business.

I love antique shops, but are there that many around? More specifically, do we know that many people who can do clock repair? How many 25 year olds know this skill? I suspect an antique shop offers a romantic feel for the past.

2- Snow isn’t as cold as we think

So most of these movies are set around Christmas time which means there’s snow on the ground. I live in a city with a lot of snow, I get it. I was engaged on a cold, dark night with Christmas lights speckled in the backdrop of old buildings and snow fell around us. It’s mega romantic, for sure.

But in these movies, no one needs a jacket. Are you upset about something? Run outside with no jacket. Just need to take a walk to think about things? No biggie if you have no jacket. I get it, there are mild days, but seriously, put on your jackets!

3- If the protaginist is dating someone at the beginning of the movie, they are a jerk and aren’t truly meant to be with them

Character A and B are destined to be together. Before they meet, we know who the two romantic leads are. But in a lot of these movies, one of the characters are already dating someone (or engaged!) Most of the time, that Character is a jerk. Or they aren’t nice. Or they don’t like puppies even though Character A and B both have a mutual love of dogs. There isn’t a chance for a love triangle because we never want to root for that third character.

Have you noticed this too? Do you love these movies like I do? Cheese and all?

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