Monster University {Review}

Mike and Sulley weren't always best buds and Disney's Monsters University tells the story of how their friendship came to be so strong. It's a classic weak-unite-to-beat-the-strong storyline loaded with laughs and a few heartfelt moments.

Similar to the first movie, Monsters University had a message that friends can accomplish more together than alone. Mike and Sulley find themselves relying on each other and a group of misfits for a chance to stay in the scare program. The movie also teaches kids to look past the exterior and see that some of the people we are prone to overlook are capable of the unexpected. You'll also find a message about honesty and resisting the urge to win at all costs.

Storyline
Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a professional Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot MU legacy James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Overall
If you liked Monsters Inc. you will enjoy this follow up. While Cars 2 seemed to diverge from the tone set in Cars (i.e., cars shooting at each other, impossible-for-kids-to-solve mystery element), Monster's University stays true to the spirit of Monsters Inc. I will say I was a bit nervous though when Mike and Sulley found themselves walking into a party at a fat house, but the scene didn't feature any of the college shenanigans that you might expect. Monsters walked around with the “red cups” and I recall seeing one monster taking a fall from too much to drink but that was about it.

Lil' Man loved Monsters University. It's practically all he's talked about since we saw it. He's been developing his own movie with some of the characters from MU and a few of his own creations. We are, however, having a hard time explaining to him why we won't be able to get the same people to do the voices for Mike and Sulley. (We don't have those kinds of connections...yet alone that much money.)

  

This was a great family movie and one we recommend.  Have you seen it?  What did you think?



Some extras
Looking for some fun family activities to go along with this movie?  Check out the free monster resources from 2 Teaching Mommies.  Plus, make sure and grab the family kit from Disney below.

MU Family Kit

A Mommy Talks Review Disclosure: I  received passes to attend the featured movie for this review, at no cost, from Disney for my honest review. I do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. All opinions expressed are my own.

What’s in the Bible- Jesus is the Good News {Giveaway}

We can’t get enough of this series.  They have been a real life saver.  They have helped my son to better comprehend terms that are hard to understand by providing fun and entertaining visuals.  They’ve helped me by making it a lot easier to talk to him about faith topics, such as sin, by bringing in things we saw in the video during conversations.  Some big topics that have come up these days are getting to heaven and how Jesus takes our sins away, so you can imagine how excited I was when our What’s in the Bible Vol. 10 – Jesus is the Good News came in the mail! It was perfect timing.   

  

My Thoughts

Like I’ve already mentioned our family loves What’s in the Bible! But, WOW, Volume 10 is really special.  Here’s my three favorite things:

• Thorough - As always a good bit of background is given around the life of Jesus and how God sent his son at the opportune time in human history.  Plus, it  provides information on each of the writers of the gospels and how they wrote them.
• Relevant - I was amazed by how well the crucifixion scene was done.  It made it understandable for my son, while also still tugging on my heart strings.
• Reverent - It melts your heart when the characters all remember the crucifixion. They stand in silent reverence while a choir sings the hymn "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" It really is a touching moment from a cast of puppets.

Overall, this is a DVD you must add to your collection.  And guess what, you have a chance to get it for free!?! I’m teaming up with What’s in the Bible to giveaway Vol 1: The Beginning AND Vol 10: Jesus is the Good News!  If you’d like a chance to win just keep reading!

About the DVD

It contains two 25-minute episodes:

Episode 1: "God's Perfect Timing" Buck Denver and crew learn about the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus arrives at just the perfect time.

Episode 2: "The Messiah has come!" Learn about the life and ministry of Jesus - how he died for us and rose again to launch the kingdom of God in the world and in us!

Run Time: approx. 60 minutes

Here’s a little promo for it.

(Can’t see the video? Don't miss out, head over to the post.)

Want More? 

• Video Clips- If you’d like to get a better glimpse into this new DVD you can check out several other clips on What’s in the Bible’s website.
• Coloring Pages- They have a whole bunch of coloring pages available for this DVD. To download them them just click the image below. 

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The Giveaway
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Vol 1: The Beginning AND Vol 10: Jesus is the Good News!  This giveaway is OPEN FOR US Residents ONLY. Ends March 23rd at 12:01 am EST.

Don’t want to wait? 

• Purchase it directly through What’s in the Bible for $14.99. 
• Don’t have any of them yet? Grab their bundle at 20% off with BUNDLE10

ENTER by using the Rafflecopter widget below and make sure to grab some extra entries. (Feed/Email readers you’ll have to click over to the blog to enter). Before entering make sure you look over the Terms and Conditions. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Mommy Talks Review/Giveaway Disclosure:  The featured product for this review was provided to me, at no cost, by What's in the Bible?  All opinions expressed are my own. I am an affiliate, so if you purchase anything through an affiliate link, you give back a percentage to our family…thanks!

Our Favorite Family Holiday Movies

With the holidays quickly approaching I thought I would share a few of our favorite family holiday movies.  Most of you will probably recognize some of them, since they would come on TV every year, at least when I was a kid. There are also a couple you’ve might not have had the chance to see, so make sure and check those out.  I love being able to pull these shows out for our family movie nights. 

VeggieTales: The Ultimate Christmas Collection ~ This set contains VeggieTales’ entire Christmas collection. (The Toy That Saved Christmas—a lesson in giving; The Star of Christmas—a lesson in how to love; Saint Nicholas—a story in joyful giving; It's a Meaningful Life—a lesson in being content; and The Little Drummer Boy—a story about hope, love and forgiveness.)

We were just introduced to this collection this year and it is already a favorite with the boy. It delivers like most VeggieTales do.  It offers equal parts fun and faith.  I love the central message of these videos, putting the focus where it should be at Christmas.

It’s available only in DVD.

 

Peanuts Holiday Collection ~ Includes the following titles: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown/ A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving / A Charlie Brown Christmas and more.

We love this collection.  Every October, November and December we pull them out and watch them more than once.  They have definitely become a family tradition. A matter of fact after our Thanksgiving meal the kids head downstairs to watch the Thanksgiving episodes while the adults skim the Black Friday ads.  It is perfect set-up.

It’s available in both DVD and Blue-ray formats.

 

Buck Denver asks…Why Do We Call it Christmas ~ With humor and tact Buck Denver and his puppet pals cover everything from cutting down trees, hanging stockings, Santa Claus and what all of these things have to do with Jesus' birthday.  Want to know more? Check out my review from last year.

It’s available only in DVD.

 

More Christmas Favorites

Here are a few more of our favorites, but some younger kiddos may not be so entertained. A lot of these movies can be found in both DVD and Blue-ray formats.

Special Note:

Use your discretion on what is appropriate for your child.  These movies are merely suggestions and you should read and consider reviews of these movies before watching them.

Be sure and check Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or another provider if you have an instant streaming option.

A Mommy Talks Disclosure:  A few of the featured products were provided to me, at no cost, for the sole purpose of product testing. All opinions expressed are my own. Please be aware that affiliate links may be present.  If you purchase anything through an affiliate link, you give back a percentage to our family…thanks!

Original Christmas Classics {Review}

I recently received Original Christmas Classics box set {Blu-ray}  from The Morris + King Company for Classic Media to do a review.  I quickly jumped on it.  I mean, who wouldn’t!  I grew up watching these movies every year on the television.  It was something we looked forward to every Christmas season.  And now I can’t wait to make it a tradition for my kiddos.

 

About the Blue-ray Set

The cute and family-friendly box set contains four of the most beloved holiday TV specials of all time, including the Rankin/Bass classics “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “Frosty Returns.”

You can purchase the collection wherever Blu-rays ($44.95 SRP) are sold.   If you don’t own a Blu-ray player, you can also purchase it in DVD format on Amazon.

Just for fun you click the image below to download this Original Christmas Classics Wish List!

So, here is my honest opinion:

• Classic – These movies are timeless. There’s nothing like them to get you into the Christmas spirit. Personally, Rudolph is my favorite. We’re all misfits in one way or another and I love the message behind this classic.
• Quality – For my money it’s worth going for these movies on Blu-Ray. The picture quality is amazing and with everything going high def these days you’ve got to have these in the latest version. 
• Family-Friendly – Let’s face it, some of the movies you remember from your childhood aren’t as innocent as you recall. There’s nothing to blush about in these classics. You’ll love watching them with your kids, but you can also press play, leave the room and not worry about having to explain anything to them afterwards.

In the end I would definitely recommend this Christmas Collection for every family.

A Mommy Talks Review Disclosure:  The featured product for this review was provided to me, at no cost, by The Morris + King Company for Classic Media.  All opinions expressed are my own. I am an Amazon affiliate, so if you purchase anything through an affiliate link, you give back a percentage to my family…thanks!

$25 off What’s in the Bible Old Testament Bundle

What's in the Bible series now covers the entire Old Testament! To celebrate they are offering $25 OFF their OLD TESTAMENT BUNDLE with FREE US SHIPPING.

Click on the coupon below and use code OTSAVE25 at checkout.

This deal is even sweeter! The bundle is currently on sale, so you get $25 off the already reduced price!! So, basically each DVD would cost you about $9.45 (normally $14.99) when purchased as the bundle with sale and coupon code as of today. I've been told that the price will go up. It won't be back at the full price, but it will be higher, so get it while the price is low.

Now is the time to stock up!!

Crazy for the Lorax

Dr. Seuss’s The LORAX opens in theaters Friday! 

I look forward to reading the reviews, so I will know if it will be age appropriate for my kiddo.  Of course that won’t stop us from having some Lorax fun here at home.  2 Teaching Mommies has a new unit out just in time to celebrate Read Across America.  Did you guess…it’s The Lorax.

If you’re looking for some additional Lorax fun for your preschooler or tot, then go check it out!

Why Do We Call it Christmas?

I recently received Buck Denver asks…Why Do We Call It Christmas? DVD from What's in the Bible? to do a honest review. 

About the DVD

With humor and tact Buck Denver and his puppet pals cover everything from cutting down trees, hanging stockings, Santa Claus and what these have to do with Jesus' birthday.

Run Time: approx. 60 minutes

You can purchase it for $12.99 (normally $14.99). However, right now they are having a huge deal. You can get  Volumes 1-5 of Buck Denver Asks...What's in the Bible? plus the Christmas special for just $37.95 plus shipping & processing. (That's nearly 50% off regular prices.)

Here’s a little promo for it.

(In a reader? Don't miss out on the video, head over to the post.)

Ok, now what you all have been waiting for…here are my thoughts about Why Do We Call It Christmas?

Plus(es):

• Funny – The silly characters appeal to most every child. The silly things the characters say appeal to the child within the parents. This is a children’s DVD that even the parents can enjoy.
• Informative – I wasn’t even aware of the origins of some of our most cherished Christmas traditions. It was fascinating to hear the story behind Christmas as we know it.
• Focused – While much ground is covered in the 50+ minute video the host, Phil Vischer, wraps it all up by saying that many of the traditions we hold dear point back to Jesus. They may seem silly when you think about it (hanging socks on a fireplace, putting a giant tree in your living room, etc.) but in some way each tradition tells a part of the Christmas story.

Wish(es):

• Maybe more songs– I don’t think my 4 year old son enjoyed this Buck Denver video as much as What’s in the Bible?: Part 1. It didn’t seem to have as many songs, which is what appeals to him the most. 

In the end I recommend this DVD for every family. It will balance out your Christmas DVD collection by doing an excellent job of putting the focus back on Jesus.

A Mommy Talks Review Disclosure:  The featured product for this review was provided to me, at no cost, by What's in the Bible?  All opinions expressed are my own. I am an affiliate, so if you purchase anything through an affiliate link, you give back a percentage to our family…thanks!

Save 50% on What’s In the Bible!

I had to share this great deal with you!  We love What’s In the Bible! Right now they are having a huge Christmas deal, where you can purchase the first set of  6 DVD’s for $37.95, which is 50% OFF their retail price!!!!  They usually run about $12 each!! This is an amazing deal! 

These DVD’s are the real deal mommies.  With humor and tact Buck Denver and his puppet pals cover everything from why each book of the Bible was chosen, to subjects like idol worship, original sin, and ceremonial law.  These are topics I didn’t learn about until I was an adult!  Some of you still may be learning them!  The fun thing is you will learn right along with your kiddo. 

Here’s a little more info from the creator himself:

Grab this deal while its hot! It is sure to be a favorite among the Christmas gifts!

 

I did not receive this product to review, but wanted to share it because we love it.  Please note, that I am an affiliate with What’s in the Bible.

The Lorax

Did you know that Dr. Seuss’s The LORAX is coming to theaters in March! 

I just saw a preview for it.  Danny DeVito will be the voice of the Lorax.  Plus, Betty White will be in it.  Those two should add some fun comical relief to the show for sure! 

Check out the trailer here.

Here are some more links for you to go check it out for yourselves. 

Website: http://www.theloraxmovie.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theloraxmovie

I look forward to hearing its rating and reading the reviews, so I will know if it will be age appropriate for my kiddo.

Do you like the new Dr. Seuss movies that have been coming out lately?