Is Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK Too Scary For Little Ones?

When asked if I'd like to go screen Disney's newest live-action film, The Jungle Book, I jumped at the opportunity. I've loved Disney's The Jungle Book classic [the animated version] for as long as I can remember. There's just something about little Mowgli and his best bear pal, Baloo. The fun loving duo could conquer the jungle...together. With a little wise guidance from Bagheera, that is.

While the 1967, animated film was fun, with all the sing-along music and dancing, the 2016, live-action film is full of ACTION, not a lot of singing. From the moment the movie began, I was on the edge of my seat. Mowgli [played by new actor, Neel Sethi] is a sweet little boy who was, just as the original, raised by a family of wolves. When Shere Kahn visits Peace Rock during the dry season, he tells Akela, the leader wolf and Mowgli's wolf dad, that he wants Mowgli out of the jungle. Akela and Raksha decide now is the time for Mowgli to mosey on down to the man village. And, so begins his journey...

So, you're wondering if you should take your little ones? I took my Jett. He's a brand new 9 year old. There was a little boy behind us that was maybe 4 or 5. I honestly think it depends on your kid. Have you shown him scary-ish movies in the past? Jett LOVES animals and watches animal documentaries that show about the same amount of territorial violence that The Jungle Book shows. Are there a few scenes that have "jump at you" type action? Yes. But, my 9 year old wasn't afraid. And the little boy behind us didn't seem spooked either. I say, use your best judgement on whether or not it's okay to take your young children.

I wouldn't take small children who are easily spooked, or who are afraid of growling animals. There are some pretty intense scenes.

Overall, The Jungle Book is a phenomenally made movie. We loved it!

How To Draw Judy Hopps From Disney's ZOOTOPIA

Ask me what my favorite movie of 2016 has been so far. Go ahead, ask me. ZOOTOPIA!! Hands down, best movie of 2016!

I took my 8 year old, Jett, with me to see a pre-screening, and it was fabulous! The trailer, honestly, didn't have me too excited for this film. But, I'm glad I went against my instincts to go see it.

Zootopia is laugh out loud hilarious. It'll teach you that no matter how small you may be, BIG things can happen when you believe in yourself. Also, when told you can't do something, try harder. Seriously, you guys, so many life lessons rolled into one film. I LOVE IT!

FUN FACT: Artists were inspired by Mufasa from Disney’s classic film “The Lion King” when creating the look of Mayor Lionheart. I thought he resembled some lion we've seen before. 

Wanna draw that go-getter little bunny who has hopped her way into everyone's heart? Grab a pencil and some paper, and watch this video. Oooohhh, she's just so cute!

If you haven't gone to see Zootopia yet, what are you waiting for?? If you have gone to see it, what did you think? Awesome, right?!?!

Like ZOOTOPIA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyZootopia  

Follow ZOOTOPIA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyZootopia   

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official ZOOTOPIA website here: http://movies.disney.com/zootopia

  

Disney's The Jungle Book OFFICIAL TRAILER

Another fascinating movie is hitting the big screen this year. Disney's The Jungle Book, a movie I grew up watching in animation, is coming to life. Join Mowgli, the man-cub, and his furry friends in an epic adventure though the jungle of faith, family, and courage. 

If you missed the debut of the official trailer on the televised Disneyland Special a couple of weeks ago, watch it below. 

Directed by Jon Favreau ("Iron Man"), based on Rudyard Kipling's timeless stories and inspired by Disney's classic animated film, "The Jungle Book" is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self- discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. 

Like THE JUNGLE BOOK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyJungleBook  

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJungleBook

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneythejunglebook

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/the-jungle-book/

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Google+: https://plus.google.com/112416455929607370682/posts

Visit Walt Disney Pictures on Tumblr: http://disneystudios.tumblr.com/

Follow Walt Disney Pictures on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyMovieTrailers

Visit the official THE JUNGLE BOOK website here: http://movies.disney.com/the-jungle-book-2016

THE JUNGLE BOOK opens in theatres everywhere in 3D, RealD 3D, and IMAX 3D on April 15th!

Watch the Brand New Music Video for Shakira's "Try Everything," An All-New Original Song from ZOOTOPIA!!!

You can purchase Shakira's single "Try Everything" here.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is Coming to Jacksonville, FL [WIN Tickets, Too!]

As a kid, my mom took me to the circus almost every year. I loved seeing the clowns {I know that seems weird...most kids are afraid of clowns.} and the tight rope act. I was always fascinated with the elephants. I loved to see them sit on their hiney and balance the colorful ball on their head. Remember the guys who rode the motorbikes in the big cage ball? How in the world did they never crash? The bright lights. The contagious excitement. The talented performers. My little eyes were trying to keep up with everything that was happening in each of the three rings under the Big Top. The circus is definitely a favorite pastime of mine. 

Once I had kids of my own, my mom continued the tradition of taking all of us to the circus. My kids all love the circus, from the 13 year old to the 2 year old, they LOVE it.  If I asked them their favorite act, they'd all have a different one. {Okay, maybe not the 2-year-old, but her eyes light up when she steps foot in the arena!}

Now, I take my kids to the circus each year, and I still love it as much as I did as a kid.

Want to know what my most favorite part of the circus is? The All Access Pre-Show! The Greatest Show on Earth is building up the excitement one hour before the show begins, at the All Access Pre-Show where children of all ages are invited to join our performers on the show floor! It's your chance to be right in the middle of the circus action. Clown around with the world-renowned Ringling Bros. Clown Alley, learn circus skills and get autographs from extraordinary circus stars, try on an iconic Ringmaster jacket and be part of our sensational Ringling Bros. dance party! Be mesmerized by one of our talented Asian elephants as they step into the center ring to show off their artistic aptitude and then enter for a chance to take home an exclusive piece of pachyderm art!

Great news, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming back to Jacksonville, FL!

BELIEVE IN THE UNBELIEVABLE! 

TICKETS FOR 

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^® PRESENTS LEGENDS ^SM

ON SALE NOW FOR JACKSONVILLE SHOW JANUARY 21-24, 2016

Jacksonville, FL (January 2016) – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®Presents LEGENDS^SM unveils the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages. Legendary circus artists from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder. Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena from January 21-24, 2016.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on a quest to discover real, living legends from around the world. Audiences will experience Alexander Lacey and his enduring bond with his lions, majestic leopard and tigers during one of the most captivating acts. The Solar Hawks, a dream team of acrobats, come together to amaze by attempting four consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze specifically designed for The Greatest Show On Earth^®. The Riders of the Wind, Cossack trick-riders will thrill as they thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses stealing your breath with their daring stunts. Experience and learn about the special relationship between trainers and treasured Ringling Bros.^® Asian Elephants as each trainer shows off individual elephant’s natural skills and abilities.

Last year, I had the honor to go to a Pachyderm Picnic with the Ringling Elephants. Should something like this be available to the public again this year, I will be the first to tell you about it.

Show times in Jacksonville, Florida for January 21-24 are as follows:

• Thursday, January 21 - 7:30 pm
• Friday, January 22 - 7:30 pm
• Saturday, January 23 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, January 24 -  1:00 pm, 5:00 pm

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presemts LEGENDS start at $15. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by visiting www.ringling.com or calling 800-745-3000.  For group rates and information, call 866-248-8740.

Ticketholders can purchase an upgrade and go backstage with a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The backstage experience includes an insider look at props and wardrobe, an up close and personal encounter with the animals and a chance to meet stars from the show. Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures and learn educational fun facts.  To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just log on to ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, e-mail and phone number to become a VIP circus insider.

Want to WIN tickets? I have TWO Family 4-Packs of Tickets to giveaway to two of YOU! Follow the directions in the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. [Tickets are ONLY valid on Opening Night, January 21st, for the 7:30 performance.]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have any questions about this giveaway please email me at jonahbonahinjax at gmail dot com. 

I was given tickets for my family to attend the circus in exchange for this post. No monies were exchanged. All opinions are my own. Tickets provided by Liz Morgan PR and Feld Entertainment. Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney Live! Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt and Marvel Universe LIVE!  More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.FeldEntertainment.com.