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 Unveils First Poster for The BFG, Directed by Steven Spielberg

The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. 

Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows. But Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Says Spielberg, “It’s a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.” Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all. 

Directed by three-time Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg (“Bridge of Spies,” “Schindler’s List,” ”Saving Private Ryan”) from a screenplay by Melissa Mathison (“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Black Stallion”) based on the best-selling novel by Roald Dahl, “The BFG” stars three-time Tony Award® and two-time Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies,” “Wolf Hall”), newcomer Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Downton Abbey”), Jemaine Clement (“Rio 2,” “The Flight of the Conchords”), Rebecca Hall (“The Gift,” “Iron Man 3”), Rafe Spall (“The Big Short,” “Prometheus”) and Bill Hader (“Inside Out,” “Trainwreck”). The film is produced by Spielberg, Frank Marshall (“Jurassic World,” “The Bourne Ultimatum”) and Sam Mercer (“Snow White and the Huntsman,” “The Sixth Sense”) with Kathleen Kennedy (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Lincoln”), John Madden (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Shakespeare in Love”), Kristie Macosko Krieger (“Bridge of Spies,” “Lincoln”), Michael Siegel (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Rise of the Guardians”), Frank Smith and Naia Cucukov serving as executive producers. 

Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) was first published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since. Dahl’s books, which also include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “Matilda,” are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Originally created as a bedtime story, “The BFG” was Dahl’s own favorite of all his stories. “It was very important for us to be loyal to the language,” says Spielberg, “and the great writer Melissa Mathison, who also wrote ‘E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,’ wrote ‘The BFG.’”  

“The BFG” opens in U.S. theaters on July 1, 2016, the year that marks the 100^th anniversary of Dahl’s birth.

Disney's THE FINEST HOURS Now In Theaters

This past Tuesday, I had the honor of going to see a pre-screening of Disney's newest film, The Finest Hours. In a theater filled with members of the U.S. Coast Guard, current and retired, and other media outlets, I sat on the edge of my seat for a full two hours. Cast members Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana BRING IT in this film!

Based on the true story of the most heroic small boat rescue in U.S. Coast Guard history, the producers waste no time in getting right into the details. We immediately meet Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and his best friend as they go meet the leading lady in the film, Miriam (Holliday Grainger) and her friend for a blind date. Bernie and Miriam's onstage romance was sweet...very reminiscent of a 1950's love story. However, don't be fooled by her angelic face. Girlfriend is feisty, and NOT afraid of the Coast Guard Commanding Officer. You'll see.

Bernie and Miriam meet, fall in love, and then he sets out on the rescue mission that will take more than luck to achieve  On a boat regulated for 12, but 32 men to bring to shore, do Bernie and his men save them all? Does Miriam wait for him to come home? As I said above, I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. A few notes that I jotted down were, "Inspirational, captivating, and suspenseful." The Finest Hours is an incredible true story of faith and heroism.

Buy your tickets now. Schedule a babysitter. Go on a date night.  Tonight. This film is a must-see!

Like THE FINEST HOURS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinesthoursmovie

Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios

Follow Disney Studios on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneystudios

Visit the official THE FINEST HOURS website here: http://movies.disney.com/the-finest-hours

I received complimentary tickets to go see The Finest Hours. I was NOT asked to write a review. All opinions are my own. 

Disney's 2016 NEW Movie Line-Up

Whew! Have you seen the line-up for 2016 Disney movies? We are in for a HUGE treat this year in cinematic greatness!! I'm not going to say another word, just take a look at ALL of these great movies we can look forward to in 2016!

January 29, 2016 – The Finest Hours (Walt Disney Studios)

#TheFinestHours

***

March 4, 2016 - Zootopia (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

#Zootopia

***

April 15, 2016 – The Jungle Book (Walt Disney Studios)

#JungleBook

***

May 6, 2016 – Captain America: Civil War (Marvel)

#CaptainAmericaCivilWar

***

May 27, 2016 – Alice Through the Looking Glass (Walt Disney Studios)

#DisneyAlice

***

June 17, 2016 – Finding Dory (Disney / Pixar)

#FindingDory

***

July 1, 2016 – The BFG (Walt Disney Studios)

#TheBFG

***

August 12, 2016 -  Pete’s Dragon (Walt Disney Studios)

#PetesDragon

***

Fall 2016 – Queen of Katwe (Walt Disney Studios)

#QueenOfKatwe

***

November 4, 2016 – Doctor Strange (Marvel)

#DoctorStrange

November 23, 2016 - Moana (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

#Moana

***

December 16, 2016 – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Lucasfilm)

#RogueOne

***

TBD 2016 – The Light Between Oceans (DreamWorks Pictures)

#TheLightBetweenOceans

Which one [or two] of these movies are you most excited about? I have to say, The Jungle Book is a movie I grew up watching, I'm super excited for this live-action version! Pete's Dragon is another childhood favorite. Finding Dory is, hopefully, going to be as great as Finding Nemo. Moana has a new Disney Princess, so, of course, I'm excited for this one. Oh goodness, I think I'm excited for just about ALL of these movies. 

See you at the movies!

Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK -- Coming Soon to Theaters

Who here remembers Mowgli? You know, the lanky little boy that grew up in the jungle, that was raised by a family of wolves, and had a bear named Baloo for a best friend. It's a classic animated Disney film that most of us grew up watching. If we're being honest, it's STILL a favorite film of mine.

Disney is at it again, and has created live-action version of our favorite animated classic, to be released into theaters on April 15, 2016.

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. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016.
“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, who embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known. 

Watch the trailer here now!

A few FUN FACTS about The Jungle Book:

• Neel Sethi, now 11, was selected from thousands of candidates following a worldwide search for the perfect
  man-cub.
  
• The all-star voice cast includes Oscar®-winners Ben Kingsley (“Learning to Drive,” “The Walk”), Lupita Nyong’o
  (“12 Years a Slave,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) and Christopher Walken ("The Deer Hunter"), as well as Bill Murray ("Lost in Translation"), Idris Elba (“Star Trek Beyond”), Scarlett Johansson (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”) and Giancarlo Esposito ("Breaking Bad').
  
• Rudyard Kipling penned the collection of short stories, “The Jungle Book,” in the early 1890s from his home in Vermont.
  
• State-of-the-art technology is behind larger-than-life jungle creatures that join Neel Sethi’s Mowgli on screen in an all-new, immersive, jaw-dropping viewing experience. The film will be spectacular in 3D and IMAX 3D. 

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!

Walt Disney & Marvel Present ANT-MAN

Last week I had the privilege of being invited to a pre-screeing of ANT-MAN in New York City. Like, right smack dab in Times Square. It was surreal. {Thank you, Marshall!}

You guys, Paul Rudd, THE ANT-MAN was there! Sadly, my Uber was a few minutes late and NYC traffic was brutal, so I didn't get to see Paul in person, as I had hoped to. That's quite alright, though. I was on cloud nine just being there.

Have you seen the trailer for this new Marvel movie? Take a look.

If you remember, a few months ago, I had the privilege of getting to see Avengers Age of Ultron as a pre-screening. Before that movie I was NOT a super hero fan. Boy, am I now! Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and now Ant-Man...I'll watch them on repeat. 

So, tell me, have you seen ANT-MAN? Phenomenal, right?

Pro tip: Did you know to NEVER leave a Marvel movie until AFTER the credits? There's ALWAYS extra fun footage after the credits reel! I won't give any spoilers about this movie...but, did you see?? Will there be an Ant-Man 2?

Have Courage and Be Kind {a Disney's Cinderella Review}

Do you remember when there would be a Disney movie on TV on Sunday nights? The Magical World of Disney, it was called. I can still recall sitting on the couch with my little sister and brother, with our popcorn and blankets, to watch whichever movie was coming on that night. I grew up LOVING Disney movies. All of them. I don't think I've watched a single one and not liked it, at least a little. 

The original Cinderella was always a favorite. Even as a kid, I can remember it being a story of hope and overcoming a temporary circumstance. {My thoughts were maybe not as deep, but I could feel it.} If Cinderella could find her Prince Charming, we all can. Or, maybe I was just thinking that there's a good and handsome man out there for us all. If she found him, so can we. I digress. 

In the NEW, non-animated, beautifully written and directed, modern version of Cinderella, you can expect the same kind and gentle Ella {Lily James} being tormented by her evil stepmother {Cate Blanchett} and two ugly-hearted step sisters {Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger}. She's still very much so a lover of animals. Gus Gus is in the movie, of course! He was always my favorite mouse. 

She's given the name Cinderella after...well, you'll want to see that scene for yourself. Once her Fairy Godmother {Helena Bonham Carter} makes a way for her to make it to the Royal Ball, she finds Prince Charming {Richard Madden} and, just like in the old movie, they fall in love. 

The writers found a fresh way to re-tell a classic story. The 2015 version is not exactly like the 1950 version. {Was it really that long ago that the original Cinderella debuted?} For instance, we're given a glimpse of Cinderella's mother before she passes away...but, not before she gives her advice that could be used by all of us today. Have courage and be kind. 

I really don't want to give anymore spoilers. Trust me when I say, you are NOT going to want to miss seeing Cinderella on the Big Screen. Look for it in IMAX even. 

Disney's NEW Cinderella opens everywhere, today, March 13th. Grab your prince charming or little princesses and make it a date night tonight!

I was given advance screening tickets to see Cinderella before it opened. The review you just read is my opinion. I was NOT paid to write a review. All photos are courtesy of Disney.

Disney's Tomorrowland {a New Feature Film Coming Soon}

This trailer for Disney's Tomorrowland was just released today. As with all Disney films, in my opinion, it's going to be one we won't want to miss. Need an explanation? George Clooney. I see you checking the calendar for it's release date!

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

TOMORROWLAND opens in theaters everywhere on May 22, 2015!

Disney's PLANES: Fire & Rescue

Planes: Fire & Rescue is flying into theaters everywhere this weekend!

A small town crop duster turned racing champion, Dusty Crophopper {Dane Cook}, makes a small mistake that has him step up and make a huge sacrifice. After learning that his gearbox is damaged and no longer in production, Dusty thinks that racing is soon to be a thing of the past. Little does he know that while he may not be racing for trophies and accolades any longer, he'll be racing into the fire when everyone else is racing out.

Follow Dusty from Propwash Junction Airport to Piston Peak National Park as he meets Blade Ranger {Ed Harris}, Dipper {Julie Bowen}, Windlifter {Wes Studi}, Cabbie {Captain Dale Dye}, and the Smoke Jumpers to train to become a certified firefighting plane to help his friend, Mayday {Hal Holbrook}.

The humor in this movie is spot on. A one-liner directed at a pretty gal at a honky tonk from a "pickup truck" to a joke about a Hybrid that "he didn't hear coming", kids and adults alike will enjoy this animated film.

You'll experience moments of sadness for the Dusty. You'll see him fail {and overcome}. You'll fall in love with Dipper's quirky personality. You'll listen to the wisdom {?} from Windlifter. Oh, and you'll long for a love as deep as Harvey and Winnie's.

I totally give this film a thumbs up! Disney has done it once again with this must-see movie for the entire family.

Maleficent is MAGNIFICENT!

The other night, I had the privilege of attending a press screening for Disney's newest film, Maleficent. With me I took my 5 year old daughter, McKinley. {keep reading for my recommendation on whether or not it was age appropriate} We've seen the trailers for the movie and have been excited about it for some time.

When I was in California for Disney Social Media Moms a couple of months ago we were treated to an extended clip and that made me even more excited. What sealed the deal for me was seeing Elle Fanning {also while in Cali} talk about what becoming Aurora meant to her. Growing up, Elle told others that when she grew up she wanted to be a Disney princess. More specifically, she dreamed of being Aurora. Disney does make dreams come true! {Of course, I already knew that.} So, Elle worked very hard and took her role as Aurora very seriously.

Before I go on, watch this trailer of Maleficent, if you haven't already seen it.

Angelina Jolie was fabulous as Maleficent. I haven't seen too many of her past movies. The ones I have seen, however, it is evident that she puts heart and soul into the role she is in. McKinley and I sat in awe of the images and the special effects in this movie.

{behind the scenes with Angelina Jolie}

I refuse to give you any spoilers. The movie is an absolute must-see. If you've seen Disney's animated Sleeping Beauty and think you don't need to see Maleficent because surely it's just a "real people" version, you are mistaken. You'll HAVE to see it for yourself. Maleficent is beautiful and funny. You'll laugh and you know what, you may even cry. {bring your tissues}

"Maleficent" explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

It's rated PG but, is it okay for my younger children? It seems "dark".

Like I stated earlier, I took my 5 year old. She's seen all sorts of movies that have villains and fight scenes. However, at the end of Maleficent she jumped into my lap and hid her eyes. The last fight scene between Maleficent and King Stephan was scary for her. With that being said though, she LOVED the rest of the movie! She came home raving about it to her older brothers and her daddy.

Is there anything cool about this movie that I may not have known without reading this post?

I'm glad you asked. :o) One cool bit of insider info is that Angelina and Brad Pitt's daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, is in Maleficent. She plays Aurora as a toddler. {I just love the scene she's in, too. Wait until you see it...come back here and tell me how much YOU loved her little scene!}

MALEFICENT is rated PG and is in theaters everywhere. Go!

Do you plan to go see Maleficent? Do you have any questions before you go? I'd love to answer them. Ask me in the comments. 

All photos in this post are copyright protected by Disney Pictures.