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Showing posts from February, 2014

GIVEAWAY - Snickers Ultimate Movie Prize Pack: $15 Fandango card + 5 Snickers bars, ends 3/8

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*Disclosure: this post is sponsored by Snickers. All opinions expressed here, however, are my own. Snickers will be airing a new "You're Not You When You're Hungry" commercial during the 86th Annual Academy Awards  (this Sunday at 7pm on ABC - so excited!), and to celebrate, they want to give one of my readers #MonsterSatisfaction. Snickers wants to know: what was your most satisfying movie experience?  You can tweet with the #MonsterSatisfaction hashtag about a first date or even the first time you saw your favorite movie of all time on the silver screen. GIVEAWAY: Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Saturday, March 8th, at 11:59pm EST,  and winner will be emailed on March 9th  and have 24 hours  to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. U.S. & Canada residents  only. Prize will be shipped via FedEx or USPS - no P.O. boxes, please. Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Snickers Movie Prize Pack containing 5

Movie Review: Non-Stop

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Liam Neeson seems to have made himself a stereotype, but it's a stereotype that works: he's just plain good at being in action movies. Non-Stop is no exception, and it's a fun ride (no pun intended) until the very end of the film. Bill Marks (Neeson) is an air marshal who has stumbled upon rough times lately. He's an alcoholic who had a sick child, and he's on a six-hour flight to London. As soon as the flight takes off, he gets a text message over the plane's secure network saying that every twenty minutes, someone on the airplane will be killed, unless he wires $15 million to an offshore account. Marks immediately tells the pilots and crew, but it turns out the bank account is in HIS name; which, of course, ruins his credibility. The only people Bill trusts on the plane are the crew and Jen (Julianne Moore), who was sitting in the seat next to him when he got the first text. Bill must now figure out who is sending the messages before more people die, and t

TICKET GIVEAWAY: On My Way, 3/4 at the Maple Theater (Detroit area) - 2 winners

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The  Gathr film series giveaways continue this week with On My Way,  playing Tuesday, March 4th, at 7:30pm at the Maple Theater (Bloomfield Hills, MI). The best way to experience the Gathr film series (and also the most cost-effective) is to buy a one-month subscription - it's $14.99 for 4 films a month, which works out to a little less than $3 a movie. That's much less than you'd pay regularly, and for a first-run movie, too. Film synopsis: Now in her early sixties, former beauty queen Bettie finds herself jilted by her lover and left alone to deal with the financial problems facing her family's restaurant. What begins as a quick drive to clear her head turns into a full-fledged road trip, and along the way there are chance meetings, an ex-Miss France gala, renewed ties with her estranged daughter and grandson, and possibly, at the end of the road, love... GIVEAWAY: Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. The ticket giveaway will end this Sunday, M

CONTEST: Disney's Austin & Ally + Play It Loud CDs + Mom's Night Out grab bag

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I spent two weeks ago at the ENMN Conference , and ended up with some swag that I don't have a particular use for, but that I think you, my readers, might like. First off, these: I had no idea who these people were (I'm 27 and no longer watch the Disney Channel  officially old, I suppose) but apparently they are quite popular. Neither CD has been opened so they would make great gifts for the kids/grandkids or nieces/nephews in your life. We were also able to screen Moms' Night Out , which will be out over Mother's Day weekend, so I have a bit of swag from there that I can also share: The "Dad's Big Book of Tips" is quite funny, and the Resource DVD has some behind-the-scenes clips from the movie that are fun to watch - I popped it into my computer's CD-ROM to check it out first. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Monday, March 3rd at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be notified via email on March 4th . I will be shipping t

Moments from the inaugural Entertainment New Media Network conference, Anaheim, CA

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The group with Genevieve from Disney Channel - thanks to @SoCAcouponmommy for the pic! I joined the ENMN ( Entertainment New Media Network ) group on Facebook a few months ago, and the network has really started to blossom since then. It was started by Erica Pena-Vest last year, and already has an Alexa rating of about 60,000 and 10,000 in the U.S. (which is very impressive: my site is about 40,000 in the U.S. right now, and lower is better on Alexa). When I heard they were doing their inaugural conference in Anaheim, I really wanted to go, but between the ticket and airfare I wasn't sure if I could swing it. I received a partial scholarship making the ticket only $99, though, so I decided to attend. The sunny, 80-degree weather had a lot to do with it had absolutely nothing to do with it. I have been to two previous blogging conference before, BlogHer '12 and '13 (in NYC and Chicago), and that one was huge. I knew this one would be a lot smaller, but I didn&#

Movie Review: 3 Days to Kill

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3 Days to Kill is a fast-paced thriller that should keep audiences captivated this weekend. Kevin Costner (who seems to be in every movie this year) does a fine job as Ethan Renner, a Secret Service agent dying of cancer who wants to reconnect with his daughter and estranged wife. Before seeing the film, all I knew about it was the cast and a vague definition of the plot, but it ended up surprising me with how interesting it was. Ethan Renner (Costner) is headed back to Paris, where he will see his long-estranged wife Christine (Connie Nielsen) and his daughter, Zoey (Hailee Steinfeld). When his wife asks him if he's out of "the business," he says yes, but soon an intriguing offer from Vivi (Amber Heard), who claims to work for the CIA, gets him back in the biz - that is, the biz of killing for hire, to wipe out bad guys. The bad guy in question is The Wolf (Richard Sammel) and his associate, The Albino (Tómas Lemarquis), terrorists who like blowing up buildings. The

Disneyland: where movies come to life

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Disney's California Adventure park *Disclosure: I received Disneyland media passes to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. Today it is a snowy, rainy day in Michigan, but exactly one week ago, I was in sunny Anaheim visiting Disneyland. I was fortunate to be able to go with fellow blogger Mandy, from The Romance Bookie , whom I had been talking with online for a long time but had never met in person, and her boyfriend, Vincent. I say this not only because they are awesome, but because they are Disneyland PROS - they have season passes and know the park inside and out. This was my first trip to California and to Disneyland. I had been to Walt Disney World in Orlando multiple times with my parents when I was younger, and the last time was in 2006, so I wasn't sure what to expect with DL. It's a much smaller area of land but that turns out to be a good thing, because you're able to do both parks (California Adventure and Disneyla

GIVEAWAY: Valentine's Day DVD, ends 2/25 #WBValentine

Did you all have a good Valentine's Day? I was in Anaheim at the ENMN Conference (check back later for recap posts!) so I didn't do much for it. But I know that some people celebrate with their family and/or significant other, so hopefully you all had a fun day. To continue the celebrating, I have a belated Valentine's Day giveaway for my readers! One winner  will win one of the following DVDs, to be chosen at random: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition A Charlie Brown Valentine Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers Happiness is... Peanuts: Friends Forever Elmo Loves You Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: For The Love Of Snack First, check out the widget below: Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end Tuesday, February 25th  at 11:59pm EST , and winner will be contacted on February 26th  via email and have 24 hours  to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. U.S. & Canada residents only, please. Each hou

Movie Quick Pick: Love Potion No. 9 (1992)

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Reason I watched it:  I downloaded a few movies off the Xfinity app before my Anaheim trip, and this was one of them. Everyone knows Sandra Bullock, of course, since she's still famous, but since this was an older movie I hadn't seen it yet. Recommended for:  fans of romcoms and "transformation" movies (dorks gone glam) Keep an eye out for:  Although some of the music and lines were cheesy, Bullock and Tate Donovan have great chemistry in the film. The '90s things throughout were funny, like Donovan's character's stereo, and check out Bullock's teeth near the beginning of the movie - I couldn't figure out if they were really like that or she had them fixed later on in her career (later in the movie you see the answer to this). Why I liked it : The story was cute and funny, and kept me entertained. You can probably guess the ending but I wasn't entirely sure how it was going to get to that point. Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. {click

Movie Review: About Last Night

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About Last Night is a remake of the 1986 film starring Rob Lowe and Demi Moore. I haven't seen that version, but I have heard that this incarnation, starring Kevin Hart and Regina Hall, among others, has been made more comedic compared to its predecessor. The film follows two couples: Bernie and Joan (Hart and Hall) and Danny and Debbie (Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant). Bernie and Danny are best friends, and he introduces Danny to Debbie, who is Joan's best friend, after Bernie had started "hanging out" with Joan. Danny and Debbie fall fast and hard for each other, whereas Bernie and Joan start having problems in their relationship - and of course, each of the friends wants to vent to their best friend about their significant other's behavior. I ended up liking this movie a lot more than I thought I would. The chemistry between the two couples is spot-on, and the two men and women friend pairings were great too. Kevin Hart's character is crazy in this fil

Guest post: Top 5 U.S. TV Destinations for 2014

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Guest post by: Marta López Have you ever wondered what it would be like walking down the streets of Manhattan? Seeing our favourite TV shows on screen clearly impacts us, the audience, encouraging us to travel to the places where they have been shot. If you are planning your vacation calendar for 2014, this is your chance to get off the sofa and experience it for yourself. If you need some inspiration, here you have 5 cool TV destinations across the USA! 1. New Mexico: Breaking Bad Terrible decisions are made by a very ordinary chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with inoperable lung Breaking Bad is one of those TV series that makes you think of what would it happen if one day you decide not to follow the rules? The producer and director of the TV show, Vince Gilligan, definitely achieved the objective. The TV series, which has been nominated for a variety of different awards, was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a city full of personality, good weather and a great cuisine. Beca

GIVEAWAY: Monster Energy Supercross, March 15 at Ford Field - ends 2/19

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I've never been to a Supercross race before, but I'm looking forward to attending this year's at Ford Field. Just by watching the video (see below) it looks like an awesome time! About the show: Monster Energy Supercross is the world’s premier indoor motocross series, comprised of seventeen rounds of heart-stopping action in some of the largest venues in North America. Every week, the best riders from across the globe, like two-time champion James Stewart, three-time champion Chad Reed, and defending champion Ryan Dungey, seek to outrace each other on motocross’ most challenging courses. Featuring tight corners, fast straightaways, challenging rhythm sections, and vertigo-inducing jumps, these tracks pack excitement into every inch of dirt. I have your hookup for $5 off tickets : use the code SXMOM  when you purchase them (click here for Ticketmaster link). Valid on the $20 and $25 price levels only Not valid with any other offer or discount Must purchase via

GIVEAWAY: Disney on Ice, March 19-23 at the Palace - ends 2/21

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Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate  is returning to the Palace of Auburn Hills this March! I've spoken before how my mom and I love going to see Disney On Ice , and this year will be no exception. Here's a bit about the show: It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown! I have a great deal  for you for this performance: you can buy tickets for only $18  with the code 18MOM  on Ticketmaster. Click here for the link. [valid

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Adult World, 2/11 at the Maple Theater (Detroit area) - 5 winners

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The  Gathr film series giveaways continue this week with Adult World,  playing Tuesday, February 11th, at 7:30pm at the Maple Theater (Bloomfield Hills, MI). Gathr is in the process of limiting their Detroit-area films  to one or two per month instead of four, so make sure you get in on this contest to have a chance at winning tickets. This film looks interesting - I'm a big John Cusack fan, and I like Emma Roberts as well. Film synopsis: Amy is naive, awkward and anxious to get her poetry career off of the ground in a postgrad existence that is going nowhere. Living with her parents in a seemingly bland upstate New York town and desperate for income, she begrudgingly accepts a job at Adult World, the local, wood-paneled sex shop. Owned by a frisky elderly couple and staffed by diva transvestite Rubio and sweet local boy Alex, Amy balances her work amongst the pornography and sex toys by fiercely pursuing a surefire kick start for her success, a mentorship with reclusive wri

TV on DVD review: Charlie's Angels Season 1 (1976) and Bewitched Seasons 1 & 2

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*Disclosure: I received both of these TV on DVD sets to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. Mill Creek Entertainment has recently released a slew of "vintage" shows to DVD, including Charlie's Angels  season 1 (the very original, from 1976) and Bewitched seasons 1 and 2 (1964). I have seen the Charlie's Angels  movies featuring Drew Barrymore, from 2000 and 2003, and the failed, more-current series, but never the old one, so I was interested in trying it out. I watched the pilot, which was about two hours long when it aired, and was an hour and fifteen minutes on the DVD. It was fun to see a "new" Bosley and the Angels, though the voice of Charlie was the same: John Forsythe has played the voice in both the 2000s movies and this version. And of course, it also has the iconic theme song that has stayed with the series since the beginning. Some fun trivia about Charlie's Angels that you might not know,