Veggie Tales - Merry Larry And The True Light Of Christmas, DVD review AND GIVEAWAY

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS –ALL NEW VEGGIE

TALES® MERRY LARRY AND THE TRUE LIGHT OF

CHRISTMAS FEATURING SI ROBERTSON 

AND OWL CITY

(SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY INFORMATION BELOW!)

• DVD Release Date: October 22, 2013
• Run Time: 46 minutes
• ASIN: B00DS79GY8

SYNOPSIS:

Larry The Cucumber stars as "Merry Larry", an enthusiastic employee of the Spring Valley Mall who serves as "Head Elf" during the Christmas season. 

Each day he hears countless children's requests for what they'd like under their Christmas trees. But one little girl's request catches his attention - Little Christina just wants to help her friend, Mrs. Crespie, who lost her house in a fire, get a new house for Christmas! 

Merry Larry sets off on a caper to create the biggest light show EVER to bring attention to Mrs. Crespie's situation. Meanwhile, the mall manager, Philip Fleagle (Bob the Tomato) finds he has NO lights and no head elf for the mall's spectacular Christmas display - right on the day the owner of the mall is supposed to visit! 

Will Philip realize what the "true light of Christmas" is really all about and help Merry Larry rally the community to get Mrs. Crespie's in a home by Christmas? Find out in this all new VeggieTales story where kids learn that "Christmas shines most bright and true, when you give the love God gave to you.

Here are my thoughts:

If you are looking for great fun and entertainment for little ones along with a wonderful message look no further! 
Merry Larry and the True meaning of Christmas latest Veggie Tales is spot on!
A global leader in children faith based entertainment, Veggie Tales offers once again a good lesson for little ones (and big ones!) in this DVD.

Featuring Si Robertson of Duck Commander (if you don't know them, check their website for a unique celebration of faith and family!) and Owl City radio hit maker 'Light Of Christmas' sang by TobyMac this Christmas DVD release is going to be a hit this season!

So get in the spirit of Christmas and take a look at the trailer below!

5 Stars for its heartfelt message! 

Like it? Would you like to win your own copy? 

Then here is your opportunity!

No need to follow me, like me on Facebook or have a Twitter account Folks! 

Of course I always welcome comments so just place a comment on this post and be sure to include your email address (in a safe format!) for contact.

The Giveaway is open to US and Canada only (Sorry) until 20 November, 2013 at Midnight!

Winner chosen with Random.org and winner's name posted on blog. 
I will send confirmation by email and request postal address for sponsor to send DVD!

God speed!

All are welcome to visit VeggieTales website, see the behind the scenes of Merry Larry and request their newsletter or download colouring pages!!

I received a copy of this title from MEDIACONNECT/A Division of Finn Partners to review . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.  

The Bouquet (Or Every Dream Deserves A Chance To Grow), DVD review

DVD Release Date: February 5, 2013

ASIN: B00A4Y62K4

Synopsis:

Two estranged sisters torn apart by their differences suddenly find themselves working together towards a common goal in the heartwarming drama, The Bouquet. 

For years, overachiever Terri (Kristy Swanson) and her idealistic sister, Mandy (Alberta Mayne), have kept their distance from each other, as well as from their parents struggling florist business. But when a tragic turn of events brings both women home, they discover just how much they need one another in order to continue their family legacy. 

Filled with romance, humor and hope, it s an endearing story about making time for the ones you love. 

My thoughts:

If like me you like a clean, well done family movie with a heartfelt message, this one is for you! I spotted this title a while back and I was very happy to have a librarian recommended only this past week! 
Kristy Swanson of 'What If' stars in this movie along with Michael Shanks, Nicola Canvendish and UNICEF Ambassador Danny Glover amongst others. 

In 'The Bouquet' Nasser Group North delivers once again a moving story which merits a big accolade for its stunning set, family portrait and of course its warm message. 
Like many siblings, business savy Terri and ecology lover sister Mandy have grown apart, each invested in their own interest, one living some 2000 miles away and the other, a mere 20 miles away.

Despite their rural America warm and caring childhood, neither makes much of an effort to be close to their parents or the family florist business, now struggling. 
When tragedy occurs, they must reach an agreement and either help each other or see everything their Mum and Dad worked for lost forever. 
And in doing so, they just might discover love in the air if only they take the time to smell the roses!

This wholesome story is directed by Ann Wheeler, an excellent director known for her approach to scripts we can all relate to. Danny Glover (actor/executive producer) in turn is the preacher and friend whose task it is to bring to the family the serious reality of the failing business. 
The amazing thing is this Christian movie does not rely on Hollywood's Fx but instead showcases some real talents! Bravo!

With colourful floral scenes, (the garden and house are breathtaking!), a sweet romantic story to remind us to be closer to our loved ones whilst there is still time and provides entertainement for the whole family!

5 Stars!
 
Note to readers: Unless stated otherwise reviews are not requested and reflects only my opinion!

The Woodcarver, Faith & Family Films DVD REVIEW/GIVEAWAY

Synopsis:

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. 

While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. 

Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

My personal thoughts:

This is one movie I would like to recommend to anyone and in particular, I would like to suggest every Pastor/Youth Group Leader shows it at their very next meeting! Make that an open house and be sure parents sees it as well!

A heartwarming story of people just like you and I, of hurting youth and bewildered parents who try very hard to do the right thing. It is sure to open discussion betwixt generations and communication is so important!

I do no think much has to be said about John Ratzenberger's acting skills. His presence alone with its quiet demeanor and simple and honest faith guarantees any movie to be a winner. Dakota Daulby plays your average angry teenager in need of someone who cares and understand the anger factor behind the vandalism.

The story in itself is nothing new. We see it around us everyday, perhaps even in our own family. But in 'The Woodcarver' the message is clear and sure to reach out no matter how estranged we feel from the ones we love: WWJD? With this simple question, 'Ernest' reaches out to the teenager who destroyed his beautiful carvings and even Matthew's parents. Amazing, the reactions to such thought!

I found the part of the grieving widower to be played with exquisite taste! Love such as 'Ernest' describes is not found everyday. I shall credit the director for knowing when to apply just the right emotion  to the right scene!

As to the beautiful house used as set for this movie, be sure to check out the special features! I am ready to move in!

For my part, I have started to believe angels comes in many shapes (see What if?) and John Ratzenberger might well counsel youths in lieu of acting one day!

A must see for any family and worth 5 stars!!

Here are the details for the GIVEAWAY! 

Thanks to the sponsor's generosity I am able to offer one (1) reader the opportunity to receive a copy of this amazing movie.

All you have to do is place a comment on this post before Sunday 18 March 2012 at midnight PDT. I will then use Random.org to choose one entry and contact the winner via email! 

That's all!

I received this book free from PROPELLER as part of their blogger review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

For Anyone Who Has Not Seen This Yet... Christmas Story, DVD Review

This being the Christmas Season we have a rule in our household: all movies selected for viewing must be about the Holidays! Thus we take turns to select one or more of our favourites such as 'A Christmas Carol', 'Joyeux Noel', 'The Christmas Card', 'The Forgotten Carols', etc...

Winter will soon be here and the days are getting much shorter and the nights are long...hence we like to get together around the table for something warm to eat and once the dishwasher is loaded, we settle down for a movie...This year (would you believe this is our first time?) we discovered 'It's A Wonderful Life', an amazing story sure to be become one of our favourites and then....'Christmas Story' or how Santa became Santa!

Here is the actual description of the DVD contents:

This Christmas, a great secret will be revealed. Have you ever wonder how Santa Claus came to be Santa?
A long time ago, the world's greatest story was born when a young boy named Nikolas took on a mysterious
mission and created a legend that would be carried on from generation to generation. This magical and
heartwarming tale of how the gift giving tradition was created will bring holiday joy to the entire family!

My review:

'Joulutarina' or 'Christmas Story' is a Finnish movie of how Santa...became Santa! 

Filmed against the stark but beautiful landscape of Lapland this is the long ago story of a young Finn named Nicholas whom a village adopts after he becomes an orphan. 

Each family in the fishing village commits to open their home to Nicholas for one year...Years are going by, Nicholas is growing and shares their lives, always helping by day, and carving small toys at nights with his father's knife...When Christmas comes, he leaves these wooden carvings outside of children homes...

Six years are going by and Nicholas must find a new home...

If you have not seen this beautiful movie, please take a moment and check your local library or another venue! It is 76 minutes short, perfect for little viewers!

A magical tale of this Santa we each still believe in no matter our age!

I give this one 5 stars!

Christmas Story or the joy of giving! A must see for anyone who still believes in Santa! (Me, me, me!)

Note to readers: I was not asked to review this DVD and all comments reflects entirely my own opinion!

Blessings to all,

Game Of Your Life, DVD review

DVD sypnosis:

When industrious high school gamer Zach Taylor lands a prized scholarship to the prestigious Digital Institute of Game Design (DIGD), his future breaks wide open. The opportunity to study under gaming legend Marcus Bentton and alongside the country’s most creative minds will certainly propel him into a successful career as a video game designer. That is, if he can pass the infamous freshman project that eliminates more than half of the class within the first three months.

Paired with brilliant yet socially awkward teammates Phillip and Donald, the trio persuades Sara Ramirez – a determined and striking team leader with whom Zach has a history (and possibly a future) – to join their team. Working off-campus in the teched-out Lincoln Alley loft, the four set out to involve the entire campus in a quirky new social interactive game. But as the group becomes entrenched in the project, Zach learns that his father Billy, a widower, is facing growing financial woes at home. To help out, Zach accepts an opportunity to work directly with Marcus Bentton on a secretive side project that seems too good to be true. The effort requires nearly all of Zach’s time and energy, which he should be devoting to the project. Struggling to keep it together, Zach is torn between his responsibility to his team, his admiration for Bentton and a chance to help his father.

Everything comes to a breaking point when Zach’s team threatens to remove him from the group and the deceptive truth behind Bentton’s project comes to light. With the guidance of Professor Abbie Lambert, Zach must make a decision that not only affects his future, but the lives and livelihoods of the people around him as well. It’s a revealing story that recognizes the magnitude behind the choices we make and the importance loyalty plays in making good decisions.

My review:

Computer games are an unknown entity to me! For years I have heard my children, friends and acquaintances speaking of their favourite pastime (games) and I never quite grasp the idea of sitting in front of a little screen for the sole purpose of moving little people/objects around a background and all to simulate a treasure hunt, a sport or even a fight!

There is however a flight simulator on this laptop for ex-RAF flyboy's pleasure and he loves it!

The subject of this particular movie was therefore very new. It did not take long however for me to finally understand the complexity of designing a computer game and I loved to discover the numerous ideas a programmer uses to create a new game. Even better, this is a very entertaining movie!

'Game of your life' is a family movie which you can share with children of any age and adults alike! In fact I will recommend you take the time to see it as a family for the many life lessons it uncovers. Right and wrong decisions influence not just your life but also others. Consequences results ultimately from these decisions but it is never, ever too late to change!

'Game of your life' shows an amazing group of talented young people, dedicated and caring teachers, (you will recognize Lea Thompson from 'Back to the Future') and supporting families!

There is of course a bad guy but never fear...remember if you choose your moves carefully, this game will teach you something very special!

I rated this DVD 5 stars!

Note to readers: 'GAME OF YOUR LIFE' premieres on NBC, 2nd Decembre at 8/7!

Website: http://www.familymovienight.com/game-of-your-life/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/fmnib
Trailer: http://vimeo.com/31917601

Also Family Movie Night offers you a chance to win $5000 for your favourite Grade School or High School!

See (here) for more information! Sweesptakes ends 2 Decembre!

I received this book free from PROPELLER as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Great Family Movie 'What If', review

Movie description:

Fifteen years have passed since Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo) shared a tearful goodbye with girlfriend Wendy (Kristy Swanson) at the bus stop in their small town. Instead of going to seminary as he'd originally intended, Ben headed into the business world, and now he's a successful investment banker who's completed his biggest deal yet. But on the eve of a celebratory trip to Paris with his new fiancee Cynthia (Kristin Minter), his brand-new Mercedes breaks down and Mike (John Ratzenberger), a mechanic calling himself an angel, gives him a sucker punch that sends him into a sort of "parallel universe" where he never left Wendy behind.

Ben resists his new life, delivering the world's lamest sermon on his first Sunday as the new pastor in his old hometown. He alienates his older daughter Kimberly (Debby Ryan) by forgetting her name, and sends Wendy into paranoiac tailspins thinking that he's going to divorce her. He wants desperately to be Banker Ben again, but Mike explains that God isn't going to let that happen until Ben surrenders completely to the life he was supposed to have.

My review:

Since we do not have broadcast telly here, we like to indulge in a good movie in the evening, especially now that it gets so dark so early! And choosing a movie is easy as ex-RAF fly boy and I share a liking for the old movies or 'Family' movies (I let him enjoy Scifi's all by himself). We tend to shy away from anything with expletives or violence as we prefer to be 'entertained' not offended or scared out of our wits!

Included on our list for i.e., 'The Blind Side', a warm hearted story, perfect for family viewing and best of all, based on a true story! So far, I have seen it twice and I love it!

Years ago our then teenager son begged to see a series called 'Hercules: The Incredible Journeys' and the name Kevin Sorbo was first spoken in our household. 

As a Christian this well known actor is nothing like his fellows Hollywood actors. A good model for today's youths, he will not disappoint concerned parents! His acting career proves he remains a great entertainer!

Whilst visiting our daughter a few days ago and enjoying her large flat screen telly (!) I discovered one of Kevin Sorbo's latest movies called 'What If'' (see also description above) and I could not wait to show it to my husband (huh...on our 27" old telly - no worries, it's at least a colour one!). The best part? Mum (yes me!) got to introduce her son to one of Kevin Sorbo's latest movies as we all sat down to watch it!

This is a wonderful story of a successful man who is given a second chance when he finds the courage to face the decisions he made and the ones he could have made and finally follow God's path. 

I was struck by the emotional performance of the actors, their faith alive and strong for all of us to witness. 

It is a story which reaches out and grabs you! This is a movie about discovering what truly matters even if you are not a Christian!

Unlike the Hollywood epic movies, it is not ascetic. 'Ben Walker' is a man who identifies what he could have had when he realizes the treasure of having a family who loves you no matter what!

In a recent interview Kevin Sorbo said: 'A lot of the faith-based movies in the past have always been shot sort of cheesy, kinda soap opera in a way. This movie isn’t like that at all. I don’t look at it as a Christian movie per se. It’s a movie about redemption. … We all have what ifs in our life. … This movie is sort of a guiding light to show people that no matter where you are, no matter how upset or disappointed or frustrated you are in your life, if you want to change, you can change your life'.

In 'What If' you will enjoy a great performance, a story of redemption and even have a few chuckles for 'Ben Walker' as a preacher is unlike any I ever met, never mind the Angel who looks like a mechanic! 

I give it 5 stars!

Note: An other movie (also starring Kevin Sorbo) added to our list: 'Soul Surfer'!


As always Readers, remember that unless stated otherwise, this post reflects my opinion only! I was not asked to review this movie!