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Real Steel Now Playing – Giveaway

Posted on October 9, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

My oldest son is in that in-between movie stage right now. Some of the G rated movies are a little too juvenile for him. He will go to see them to be a sport with his little brother. Truth be told, there are very few PG movies. PG-13 movies can often be acceptable for an eight year old, but we need to know why it got that rating.

TechyDad and I were talking the other day about the new movie that looks like a great opportunity for the two of them to head to together. Real Steel, just opened Friday. Although rated PG-13, it looks like it may be a film for them. Part of the story line focuses on a father and son relationship.

“Real Steel” is an action drama about a former boxer (Hugh Jackman) who, against all odds, gets one last shot at a comeback when he teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to build and train the perfect contender for the new high-tech sport of robot boxing.

Here is a trailer about the movie, specifically the relationship with Charlie and Max. This should help you get more of a feeling about the new release.

While we have not seen the movie yet, it looks like something we hope to see soon.

FYI – Real Steel is also on Facebook where more information about the movie can be found. Meanwhile, I have a fun giveaway for all of you.

Giveaway:

Thanks to DreamWorks, one lucky reader will have a chance to win a Real Steel prize pack. This will include:

Real Steel t-shirt in adult size S, M, L, or XL
Real Steel bottle opener
Real Steel stickers
Real Steel temporary tattoos

Rules for Giveaway:

MAIN RULE – If you had your own robot, what would you have it be able to do for you?

The following Bonus Entries may also be done. Please be sure to leave separate comments for each that you complete below to make sure you get the right number of entries.

1 Bonus Entry – Follow TheAngelForever on Twitter
1 Bonus Entry – Follow Real Steel Movie on Twitter
1 Bonus Entry – Tweet the following about the giveaway (May be done three times a day): Enter to #win a @RealStealMovie prize pack from @TheAngelForever http://bit.ly/nB5awY #Giveaway
2 Bonus Entries – Stop by The Angel Forever on Facebook to say hello and leave me a comment on a status message. Let me know you have done so here.
1 Bonus Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
1 Bonus Entry – Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway posts from the month of September/October. Leave a comment here to let me know which one. This Bonus entry may be done twice per day.
1 Bonus Entry if you enter one of my other current giveaway here and here.
3 Bonus Entries – Add my blog button to your website and/or add me to your blogroll. Be sure to leave a link with the location.
1 Bonus Entry – Head over to TechyDad’s blog and say hello to him. Let me know where you posted a comment. May be done once a day.

To enter, please follow the rules above within the comment section. Contest starts today October 9, 2011 and ends at 10:59 EST on October 19, 2011. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you for mailing address once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Disclosure: PR from DreamWorks sent me media information about Real Steel and asked me to conduct a giveaway for my readers. As a fan of their films, I wanted to offer this opportunity to all of you. No compensation was given, and all opinions are mine.

Categories:
giveaway Movies

Tuesday Tales – The Help Movie

Posted on August 16, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Two weeks before The Help Movie was released, I was able to head to a local screening of the movie. I went with my mother to a packed theater. We all sat there with much anticipation. Those who had read the book were busy chatting to each other on whether it would live up to their expectations and love for the book. I have to admit, I was one of those people.

I read The Help by Kathryn Stockett in the fall and adored it. I actually listened to the audio version of the book. It was powerful, hit hard, and really told a story of a time that we hope never to witness again. I did not want the tale of these amazing women to end. I was in their world and I wanted to continue their journey with them.

As I have written before, I often worry about books, especially ones with such a positive reputation, being made into a movie. I often blame it on being a teacher and watching book after book get mangled by Hollywood when it is transformed. It makes me so happy when they get it right and the book that I adore comes alive on the big screen. I am thrilled to report The Help Movie did not disappoint.

My review had to be held until the movie was released. For the last few weeks, I have tried to wrap my mind around the movie, but it truly is very hard. I think I can sum it up really easily:

The Help is THE must see movie of Summer 2011!

Words can not describe the story that comes alive in this movie that is just over two hours. One minute, I was laughing. The next, I was fighting tears in my eyes. I can not recall a movie where the entire audience was laughing, crying, and cheering together like this. The subject matter was focused on an era gone by, but the message was so much larger. The tag line for the movie “Change begins with a whisper” really lets you know what the message of the novel/movie is about. Quiet work by brave ladies to tell the story of these amazing African American women who took care of children and confronting societal expectations of women in general were clear.

So many of my favorite parts of the book were seen in The Help movie, but one in particular really hit hard. It was when Aibileen (played by Viola Davis) uttered the infamous words of wisdom to Mae Mobley. It made me tear up and wish that more parents and people in general would say things like this to our youth. Here is what I am talking about:

I can honestly say that I want to see The Help again. I want to sit and listen to the story, take away the message, and watch the amazing actors on the big screen. I do not believe that this is the last that we will hear about this movie. I have a feeling many Academy Award nominations will follow for the cast that was assembled for this extremely well done epic film.

Have you read the book or seen the movie yet? I would love to know what you thought. I am especially curious if you saw the movie and have not had a chance to read the novel.

Of course, since this is Tuesday Tales, I must ask the usual question. What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Book Posts, and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

Disclosure: I received complementary passes for two to see the pre-screening of The Help from DreamWorks PR. As a fan of the book, I wanted to share this information with my readers. No other compensation was given and no review expected. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Categories:
books interesting me moments Movies Tuesday Tales

Smurf Filled Memories – Then and Now

Posted on August 6, 2011 12:05 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JHL,

A few weeks ago, we went to see the new Winnie the Pooh movie. While waiting to get into the theater, I went over to take this photo.

The two of you sat puzzled and curious. Finally, one of you asked what they were and why I was taking the picture. Daddy tried to explain about The Smurfs that we grew up with, but it was kind of hard to explain. Later, as we walked around the mall, we arrived at Build-A-Bear where they were handing out hats for everyone.

You were officially intrigued with Smurfs and seeing what they were about. When we got home, Daddy found the old episodes that we grew up with via Cartoon Network on Demand. Since that time, I have heard a lot of Smurf jokes coming from both of you. You both want to be a certain Smurf and battle Gargamel. Luckily, you have not been singing their song.

Nana had the day off of work on Friday and wanted to take us to see the new Smurf Movie. We arrived at the theaters and who should we see while getting our tickets?

Yes, it was Smurfette and Gutsy Smurf. They must have known we were coming. The two of you were so excited. When we got upstairs by the theater, we saw the birthday room all decked out in Winnie the Pooh and Smurf clings. Since we had time, the two of you had fun standing with them for some pictures (tough since the lighting was odd).

NHL, you were blown away with seeing Clumsy’s feet at the bottom of the Smurf area. He was definitely the Smurf that you were interested in seeing.

JSL, you wanted to see Smurfette and Papa Smurf. Of course, you were very excited to have your photo with Tigger and Eeyore.

When the movie was over, the two of you immediately wanted to see my old Smurf toys. I have to see where they are, but I am sure I kept them. It certainly looks like we will be having some Smurfy days ahead.

Love,

Mommy

_______________________________________

If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday family fun jsl looking back Movies nhl photos shopping summer television

Tuesday Tales – Thank You Harry Potter

Posted on August 2, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Tuesday Tales

As I wrote a few weeks ago, Harry Potter grew up along with me. As Harry went through Hogwarts, I graduated from earned two college degrees, got married, became a teacher, had two children, and the list goes on. I started the series while I was still in college getting my teaching degree. Then, I read the fourth book as my water broke for NHL’s arrival in August 2003. I still remember devouring the last book as I nursed JSL in the summer of 2007. So many memories.

One may have assumed that I rushed out to see all of the movies when they were released. That would be a bad assumption. While I have seen all seven of the previous movies, I had never seen any of them before they were released on DVD. I am happy to report that I finally broke that this past weekend. TechyDad and I were able to go on a movie date while Nana and Papa watched the kids. We went to witness the final chapter of this saga on the big screen.

I was excited and nervous about seeing this film. Would it live up to my expectations from the last book? Would I resent Hollywood for the way they represented some very intense moments? Would I cry like a baby? So many things were running through my mind as the movie started.

In the end, I loved the movie. It lived up to my expectations and more. It was powerful, made me feel like I was in their world, and the acting fantastic. I will also admit that I fell more in love with the actor that plays Severus Snape.

*Gasp* I know – I just admitted I like Snape. I am completely fascinated with Alan Rickman’s portrayal of the professor that everyone loves to hate. I also find it interesting that Lord Voldemort was played by Ralph Fiennes, who played one of the horrid Nazi’s in the Academy Award winning Schindler’s List. While looking around online, I found this History of Snape video and adore it. I had chills watching this with interviews from many actors in Harry Potter actors and J.K. Rowling. Enjoy!

Although seeing this final movie was sad, it helped me to close this chapter of my Harry Potter life. Of course, now I am even more excited to share the wonderful world of Harry Potter with my boys as they grow up. NHL has seen the first movie and is now quite intrigued with the series. I think we may do a read aloud of the books soon. TechyDad wrote about NHL confusing something from Harry Potter and the world of the Smurfs – really he did.

Please feel free to share your favorite Harry Potter moment from the past, present, or possibly future. I would love to hear them.

What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Book Posts, and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

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Disclosure: For the record, I did have tears in my eyes for several parts of the movie. Highly recommend seeing this movie and bringing tissues or a good sleeve to wipe your eyes.

Categories:
books looking back me moments Movies TechyDad Tuesday Tales

The Help – Coming August 10 (Giveaway)

Posted on August 1, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Back in the October, I read a book that really left a mark on me. It was called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. When I finished listening to The Help I had to wait to read another book for a while. The messages within the book were beyond powerful. The amazing women depicted in it blew me away and I did not want it to end.

Soon after this, I started to hear that the book was being made into a movie and would be out this coming summer. I will admit, I was excited and nervous. You see, as a teacher, I’m often skeptical about books being turned into movies.

On August 10, 2011, The Help will burst into the movies for all to see. I was lucky enough to see it last Thursday during a screening. I am not allowed to say anything now, but I can share a preview with you:

My suggestion: if you have not read The Help, please do so. Read it with a group of friends, talk about it, and then make a girls night out to see the movie. There is even a free book club kit to use while enjoying the book. It has fun facts about the book, along with some recipes to test out. You can also keep up to date on the movie release with The Help Movie page on Facebook.

Giveaway:

While waiting for the official release date of The Help, the PR agency at Dream Works would like to add a bit of fun for you. One of you has a chance to win the following prize pack which includes:

The Help t-shirt in adult femal sizes S, M, L, or XL
The Help pocket jotter & pen
The Help fan
The Help nail file/mirror

Rules for Giveaway:

MAIN RULE – If you have read The Help, which character are you most excited to see come alive on the big screen? If you have not read the book, why are you hoping to see the movie?

2 Bonus Entries – Follow me, TheAngelForever, on Twitter and let me know you Twitter ID.
1 Bonus Entry – Tweet the following about the giveaway (May be done up to three times a day): Change begins with a whisper – #TheHelpMovie comes out on Aug 10. #Giveaway on @TheAngelForever for a prize pack http://bit.ly/qVf3I5
1 Bonus Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
1 Bonus Entry – Follow Help Movie on Twitter and leave your Twitter ID in a comment.
1 Bonus Entry – Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway posts from the month of July or August. Leave a comment here to let me know which one. This Bonus entry may be done up to three times.
3 Bonus Entries – Add my blog button to your website and/or add me to your blogroll. Be sure to leave a link with the location.

To enter, please follow the rules above within the comment section. Contest starts today August 1, 2011 and ends at 10:59 EST on August 15 , 2011. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you for mailing address once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

As always to keep up to speed on giveaways and other items, Like The Angel Forever on Facebook.

Disclosure: PR from DreamWorks sent me media information about The Help and asked me to conduct a giveaway for my readers. As a fan of the book, I wanted to offer this opportunity to all of you. No compensation was given, and all opinions are mine.