The Boss Baby Out Now on DVD

From the director of  Madagascar and Megamind, Tom McGrath, comes a laugh out loud adventure-comedy all about family and belonging. THE BOSS BABY features the voice talents of an all star cast including Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow and Tobey Maguire.

Tim Templeton is a much loved little boy with a big imagination, whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of his new baby brother. He soon discovers that his problems go way beyond regular sibling rivalry, and his new brother is actually an undercover boss from a secret organisation called BabyCorp who is on an important mission involving Tim's parents and the launch of a new, super cute pet from their employers Puppy Co. Tim realises that if he helps the Boss Baby to complete his mission, he can get rid of him and go back to being an only child again. An exciting adventure ensues where Tim and the Boss Baby discover the evil truth behind Puppy Co and learn to work together to save the day, leading them to re-evaluate what it is that they really want in life.

The Boss Baby is heartwarming and hilarious in equal measure. Freddy aged 8 thought it was a "great, funny and imaginative" movie with his favourite part of the whole film being when the baby farts out talcum powder when Tim is getting him dressed. There is a lot of baby centric visual humour, which is very enjoyable and beautifully observed. The characters are interesting and the dynamic between Tim and the baby explores the subject of sibling rivalry, family, love and belonging. There is a lovely message in the film where we learn that there is always enough love in the world for everyone.  It really is a great watch for the whole family and perfect entertainment for the summer holidays.

THE BOSS BABY Blu-ray™, Blu-ray 3D, 4K Ultra HD and DVD each include more than 30 minutes of extras, which we really enjoyed watching after the film:

●     NEW Mini Adventure: The Boss Baby and Tim’s Treasure Hunt Through Time ­– Narrated by Wizzie, the magical wizard. Join the fun as Boss Baby and Tim battle pirates, travel through outer space, swim deep into the sea, and go toe-to-toe with some ferocious dinosaurs!

●     The Forever Puppy Infomercial – Always playful, always snuggly, and everlastingly cute; the Forever Puppy is destined to win the cuteness competition with babies once and for all.

●     BabyCorp and You – Helpful advice and more for new infants on the job at BabyCorp.

●     Babies vs. Puppies: Who Do You Love? – Who has won the hearts of familes once and for all? This “scientific” experiment compares and contrasts factors such as “cuddliness,” “adorability,” and “attention grabbing techniques” used by both demanding competitors.

●     The Boss Baby's Undercover Team – From Staci, the note taker who can’t read, to Jimbo the huge baby who’ll take a suction cup arrow for the Boss, to the triple-threat of the Triplets, Boss Baby dives deeper into this team of cute corporate board members.

●     Cookies are for Closers: Inside BabyCorp – Go behind the scenes with Director Tom McGrath as he introduces us to BabyCorp, a secret organization of infants united for a common goal in

THE BOSS BABY.

●     The Great Sibling Competition – A fun, kid-friendly and humorous look at the competition among siblings to win the affection of their parents. Explore conversations with the cast and crew on their competitive sibling relationships and get very special insights from Boss Baby himself, Alec Baldwin.

DreamWorks Animation’s THE BOSS BABY is available now on Digital Download, Blu-ray^™ and DVD, from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. 

Nine Lives out on DVD plus some Cool Cat Facts

This Christmas, treat the family to the new feline caper Nine Lives, which follows the escapades of a businessman who becomes trapped in the body of the family's new pet cat. 

Tom Brand, a successful billionaire businessman has grown distant from his wife and daughter. Obsessed with developing the highest building in the Northern hemisphere, he arrogantly pursues his career at the expense of those around him. When he forgets to buy his daughter Rebecca a present for her 11th birthday he rushes off to try and find the gift she most wants, a pet cat. He finds himself in a mystical pet store run by eccentric owner, Felix Perkins (played wonderfully by Christopher Walken). He has the perfect pet for him: fluffy feline, Mr. Fuzzypants.

On his way back to his daughter's party, Tom is called to his tower block, where he and the cat are involved in a freak accident. Tom regains consciousness to discover that his mind has somehow become trapped inside the body of the cat. He watches as his body is wheeled away into an ambulance in a coma. 

Mr Fuzzypants comes home to live in the family home and it takes Tom some time to adjust to cat life, resulting in some very funny moments. Tom quickly realises that occupying the body of a pet cat can be a blessing as he gets to spend more time with his family and gets to know his daughter. He soon learns what is important in life and is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for his loved ones.

Nine Lives is a purrfectly heart-warming tale about the importance of family and our furry friends.

NINE LIVES is out to own on Blu-ray & DVD from 12th December, 2016, courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

The Nine Lives DVD will make a great gift for the cat lover in your life. How about creating a gift basket containing cat goodies and a copy of the DVD?

Cool Cat Facts

To celebrate the release of Nine Lives here's some cool cat facts courtesy of the feline charity Cats Protection.

SLEEP – Cats sleep upwards of 15 hours a day. They laze about a good portion of the day and expend their energy in bursts nearer dawn and dusk as that is when they typically hunt.

KNEADING – Cats knead or paw at the ground when they are happy in a habit leftover from kittenhood.

TOMS AND QUEENS – A male cat is often referred to as a ‘Tom’, while a female cat is called a ‘Queen’.

HEARING - Cats can hear sounds up to 77,000 Hertz, even higher than dogs and much higher than humans. Most cats will respond to noises their owners can’t even hear.

KINDLE AND CLOWDER – A ‘Kindle’ is a group of kittens and a ‘Clowder’ is a group of adult cats.

LANDING ON THEIR FEET – All cats carry an incredible ability to right themselves in mid-air and turn to land on their feet when falling. Handy for learning to climb trees.

HEIGHTS – Cats like finding high perches where they can survey their surroundings from above. Cats Protection suggests making sure your cat has access to resting places that give it a good view of the rest of the room.

HEAD RUB– Cats say hello to each other by rubbing their heads or side of their bodies on each other. So if they do this to you, they like you!

SUNBURN – Cats can get sunburn. Most cats love to laze in the sunshine, but light-haired cats are susceptible to sunburn. Cats Protection suggests asking a vet for recommended non-toxic sun creams that are safe for furry felines.

Stick Man out on DVD #StickManDVD

On Christmas Day, 10 million of us settled down with our little ones to watch the BBC transmission of Stick Man, and what a wonderful treat it was! The latest Julia Donaldson adaptation really captured our hearts and imaginations, with its emotional storytelling and magical animation.

The DVD of Stick Man is available to own on February 1st 2016. Starring the voice talents of Martin Freeman, Hugh Bonneville, Rob Brydon, Jennifer Saunders, Russell Tovey and Sally Hawkins, the short film tells the story of Stick Man's epic journey home, after unintentionally ending up miles away from his family tree. His marathon adventure features many predicaments where he finds himself in a swan's nest, being used as a dog's toy, in a fire and on a sandcastle as a flag. But he knows he isn't an ordinary stick - he's Stick Man and his family are waiting for him to come home.

Stick Man promises to be a real classic and a family favourite. At 27 minutes long it is perfect for little ones. We have received a copy of Stick Man to enjoy together along with some of the lovely merchandise accompanying the film.  My family loves it - we may even have shed a tear or two, sharing in Stick Man's adventure as he journeyed home to his loved ones who wanted him back so desperately. It's a tale of love, bravery, family and self belief. The animation is beautiful, true to the illustrations of Alex Scheffler, creating a charming visual experience.

Fans of Julia Donaldson and the Stick Man book  will love the DVD, which comes with some special features including an artwork gallery, a live performance by the author and illustrator and a behind the scenes documentary.

Click and print out this activity sheet for some Stick Man fun.

Stick Man is the latest film adaptation from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler based on their timeless classic, which is available on DVD from 1^st February 2016, courtesy of Entertainment One.

The Nut Job - Film Review

The Nut Job is a beautifully animated film featuring the voice talents of Will, Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson and Katherine Heigl.  The plot hinges around Surly the Squirrel who after a series of events is blamed for destroying the animals' winter nut stash and finds himself banished from his group.  In the city, he discovers a new supply and plans a nut heist that runs concurrently to a real life bank heist masterminded by some pretty mean bank robbers.  Surly comes up with a plan to get the nuts and gets a motley crew together to pull off the job.  As the heists progress and things get more complicated, it is up to the animals to unite in order to foil the robbers, get the nuts and save the day.  Prepare for an action packed, fun filled adventure with funny and furry woodland critters!

There are some cute critters, lots of visual humour, some nut puns and a few fart related gags, which get the kids giggling. There is a beautiful rodentesque bromance, lots of tested friendships and some moral growth to add some depth to the plot progression.  With a corrupt raccoon who needs to learn a big life lesson, some gassy groundhogs and a self-serving squirrel who needs to discover his inner good guy, there are some interesting characters in this charmingly good-natured film.  

The animation is really lovely, with a comforting retro feel that harks back to the cartoon classics. The attention to detail is really good and there is a lot to look it in every scene. The use of music is effective and the animals dancing to Gangnam Style was a real high point for Freddy who jumped up to join in.  The end credits also featured this catchy tune along with a little cartoon Psy!  You can't help but smile.

The kids, Kizzy 12 and Freddy 5, enjoyed their Saturday afternoon showing of The Nut Job. Thankfully,we are not offended by toilet humour, slapstick scenes, explosions and cheap gags which are the mainstay of the comedy, so we all happily laughed along with the characters' antics.  There is a mass of kid appeal and a lovely underlying moral message in this fun filled and action packed  movie. This film appeals to both children and to the young at heart.

Some of the film seemed a little familiar with plot similarities to Over the Hedge and characters that seem to be influenced by Ratatouille's Remy and Ice Age's Scrat. But I found enough original and comic content to make this an enjoyable and amusing watch, with plenty of laughs, lots of action and some touching scenes.

The Nut Job is released on December 8th from Warner Home Video.  It is 86 minutes long and has a U certificate. It is available on DVD and Blu-ray and also in stunning Blu-ray 3D.

It will be a perfect stocking filler and is a great film for a festive family movie night.

I was sent a copy of the film to review and Tweeted my thoughts using #TheNutJobMovie.

The Adventurer - The Curse of the Midas Box Film Review

In THE ADVENTURER: THE CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX, 17 year old Mariah Mundi's life is turned upside down when his parents disappear and his younger brother is kidnapped by an unknown enemy.  With the help of Charity, his father's friend and partner from the secret government Department of Antiquities, Mariah discovers a world of ancient mysteries and powerful evil as he follows the clues to the Prince Regent Hotel where Otto Luger is searching for a long lost and very powerful artifact, the Midas Box.

Mariah takes on an undercover cover role as a porter at the hotel.  He has the fate of his family and the world in his hands as he faces his quest, where he discovers the mystery of a child stealing monster and what really goes on within the majestic Prince Regent Hotel and on the island upon which it stands.

With an all star cast featuring Sam Neill, playing the awesomely evil villain who will stop at nothing to find the Midas Box, this is an entertaining if not slightly hammy romp into steam driven Victorian England.  It has the feel of a Saturday evening family TV drama (a little old school Doctor Who-ish but without a Tardis or aliens!)  It's quite dark and scary in parts, with guns, fighting, kidnap and dark magic aplenty, but still kid friendly enough for older children, with the promise of hidden treasure and magic amulets to keep up the intrigue.

Charity, played by Michael Sheen, is a quintessentially British eccentric who hunts the powerful and potentially damaging artifacts from around the world, keeping them out of the hands of the sinister bad guys.  His role adds a splash of colour to the darkness of  the Victorian era.  Lena Headey plays a wonderfully wicked role as Monica the hotel manager. Keeley Hawes plays Sasha who finds herself embroiled in the adventure and ultimately becomes Mariah's love interest.

The very final scene in the film throws a big twist into the tale and opens the door to a potential sequel.  It's all quite tongue in cheek and never takes itself too seriously, making it an enjoyable film for the whole family to enjoy on a winter's evening.

The Adventurer is out on DVD and digital download from October 27th 2014.

       

The Croods on Blu-Ray

The Croods is out to own on DVD and Blu-ray on December 9th, just in time for Christmas.  It tells the story of a pre-historic family as they embark on a  perilous journey through an incredible new world. 

The family have lived by a set of rules to keep them alive and protective father Grug teaches his brood to be afraid of everything in order to stay alive. They spend all their time hidden in their dark cave, but teenager Eep has had enough of this life and she wants more. One night she sneaks away from her cave home and meets Guy, who tells her that the world they know is changing and 'The End' is coming. The Croods are forced to join Guy on a crazy road trip through a fantastic world filled with fabulous creatures and fraught with danger, to find a safe new place to call home.

The film is visually stunning.  The fabulous scenery, animals and plants are wonderfully imaginative and bring to life this rich and detailed world full of beauty and danger.  You feel the peril of the catastrophic, world changing events and you experience the wonder of The Croods as they see brand new things for the first time.  

The relationship between the family members is similar to the dynamics of many modern families and you feel empathy for the characters as you recognise your own traits! We see the rebellious teenager and her over-protective father as they clash heads again and again. Grug's dismay at his daughter's developing relationship with Guy shows his reluctance to let her grow up.  Something I'm sure most dads can relate to.  But the love between them is strong enough to see them through.  The daddy/daughter relationship is a very precious thing. The Croods is a great story which takes on the universal subject of family brilliantly.

The emotional journey of the film is really powerful, and it made me and my girls cry!  It really pulls at the heart strings as you see Grug's acceptance and understanding of the changes going on in his family and in the world as a whole.  Everything he trusted and believed in is challenged, but he finds a capacity for change inside himself.  Grug is a great character and his evolution throughout the story is one of my favourite parts of the film.  He is beautifully portrayed as the big, strong protector of his family, who is doing his best to keep them safe using brawn but not brain.  Meeting Guy, who is an ideas man, really challenges everything he believes in but he finds a way to adapt for his family's sake.  It is really moving!!

There are lots of funny moments.  Some of my favourite gags came via Guy's overly dramatic pet sloth 'Belt', so-called because he helps keep his trousers up!  Belt is really cute and funny and all the children loved him. 

The scene where Grug tries his hand at being an 'ideas' man brings a host of laugh out loud moments as his plans all backfire.  His camera invention was particularly funny!!  There is humour for both adults and grown-ups to enjoy.

The stunning hybrid animals of the imagined pre-historic world are remarkable.  The flesh-eating, swarming, pink Piranhakeet birds were my personal favourite. The colourful, sabre-toothed tiger style Macawnivore was gorgeously illustrated.  His fur looked positively stroke-able. The Extras includes a Croodacious Creature feature explaining all about the amazing animals of the film.  

The Croods' journey is fraught with peril as earthquakes, explosions and rock slides threaten their every step, but with determination, teamwork and imagination they overcome the obstacles that stand between them and a happy ending.  A perfect metaphor for modern living!

4 year old Freddy enjoyed watching The Croods with his big sisters. He laughed at all the slapstick comedy moments and liked the animals, especially the colourful Macawnivore.  His favourite part was the song "Shine Your Way" at the end of the film, which he danced to with gusto!

11 year old Kizzy said, "It was a really enjoyable film and it made me cry.  My favourite character was Guy because he was funny and cool and his pet Belt was adorable.  I loved the way that they wanted to ride the sun to tomorrow and find a better life."

17 year old Ella said, " It was such a good film. Nicholas Cage and Emma Stone were brilliant and well cast as Grug and Eep and I loved their relationship."

This DVD is definitely a great idea for a Christmas present or stocking filler that the kids will love.  It is a film that can be watched and enjoyed again and again!

We received The Croods from Mumsnet so we could do this review.

Win A Hotel Transylvania DVD and Book! - Closed

To celebrate the release of Hotel Transylvania on Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 4^th, we’re giving away a DVD plus The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania book to 1 lucky winner. 

Out now from Titan Books, The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania features over 400 pieces of concept art, character sketches, storyboards and digital art, plus interviews with key filmmakers and crew. A spooky treat for the eyes! Visit www.titanbooks.com for more information!

All you have to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment below telling me who your favourite monster is.  Are you a fan of Frankenstein? Are you mad about Mummies? Personally, I love a good werewolf!!  Don't forget to leave an email address or Twitter id so I can contact you if you win.

For a second entry Tweet:

I've entered to win #HotelTransylvania on DVD with @wendymcd83 at http://tinyurl.com/auaxa69

Leave me a second comment to let me know you've done it.  Competition closes at 11.59pm on February 8th 2013. (Full T&C's below.)

If you’d like to win even more Hotel Transylvania goodies, check out the MONSTER ME Facebook competition  You could win a Micro Scooter for the kids by uploading a video of them doing monster impressions from the film, enter if you dare!

© 2012 Sony Pictures Animation Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms and Conditions

UK only.  No automated or bulk entries permitted.  Maximum of two entries per entrant.  

 • The winners will be drawn at random from all the correct entries, and only they will be contacted personally. Prize must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. There will be no cash alternatives.

• Sony Pictures UK and Inside the Wendy House do not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries due to the Internet or email problems. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt. Entrants must supply full details as required on the competition page, and comply with all rules to be eligible for the prizes.

• No responsibility is accepted for ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently.

• Unless otherwise stated, the Competition is not open to employees of: (a) the Company; and (b) any third party appointed by the Company to organise and/or manage the Competition; and (c) the Competition sponsor(s).

• This competition is a game promoted by Inside the Wendy House.  Inside the Wendy House’s decision is final in every situation and no correspondence will be entered into. Inside the Wendy House reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of its control.

• Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.

• Prizes unclaimed after  10 days will be deemed to have been forfeited and Inside the Wendy House reserves the right to either offer the prize to the entrant whose name is next drawn at random.

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

The Winner is:  @rachcowling76  Congratulations!!  Please email your address details to me at :  wendy_mcd83@hotmail.co.uk and I'll forward them to the PR company for your prize to be sent out to you!!

Arthur Christmas Review

Arthur Christmas is out on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD on 19th November from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  It is a fabulous feel good festive family film, voiced by an all star cast, filled with warmth, humour and answers to the age old questions about how Santa does it all in one night!

We have had a sneaky peek at Arthur Christmas on Blu-Ray, which is an Aardman Animation CGI production.

So how can Santa deliver millions of presents to the whole world in just one night? The answer is with an army of one million combat-style Field Elves and a vast, state-of-the-art control center under the ice of the North Pole under the control of Santa's son Steve! However, one Christmas something goes wrong and in spite of this incredible operation they accidentally  MISS one child?! 

To Santa’s young son, Arthur, the forgotten present threatens to end the magic of Christmas. With retired Grandsanta, a rebellious young elf from the Wrapping Department, and an old sleigh, Arthur sets out in a crazy mission to deliver the last present and save Christmas!

We thought this film was great.  The comedy element is brilliant, the vocal talents work incredibly well, the animation is quirky, the storyline is original and creative and the message that every child matters is heartwarming. We loved the dynasty of Santas and the family dynamic which drives the plot.  The film delivers the perfect dose of comedy and sentiment and is definitely one of my favourite Christmas movies of recent years.  The children agree.  Kizzy aged 10 said it was "really funny and cute and Arthur is so lovely".  Freddy who is 3 was spellbound and giggled at the visual humour.  Sixteen year old Ella also loved it.  It's definitely one for all the family to watch together.

The DVD and Blu-Ray include a host of special features and also come with a UV copy of the film.

Release date: November 19th 2012
Running time: 93/97 minutes
Certificate U

While you are waiting for the film to be released you can get into the Christmas spirit by printing out the activity sheet below to help design a Christmas jumper for Arthur!

Arthur Christmas is out on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD on 19th November from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

© 2011 Sony Pictures Animation Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Scooby-Doo! Spooky Games on DVD

If, like me, the conclusion of London 2012 has left an Olympic sized hole in your life, and you yearn to be cheered up and entertained then Warner Bros may be able to help soften the blow.  Scooby-Doo! Spooky Games is an action packed, fun filled sports themed DVD starring a whole host of your favourite characters.

Incorporating episodes of the Laff-A-Lympics alongside an all new 23 minute Scooby-Doo feature, there is a lot of sporting action in this collection to keep all the family happy.

The fun and games begin when Shaggy inadvertently breaks the 100m record whilst running for his life from a spook.  He is then invited to compete at the World Invitational Games where a 1000 year old statue comes to life and threatens the whole event.  Will the games go on?  Will Shaggy get gold?  Will records to broken?  It's exciting stuff!!

The high jinks continues with world hopping episodes of Hanna Barbera's classic Scooby's All Star Laff-A-Lympics.  The Scooby Doobies, the Yogi Yahooeys and the Really Rottens get ready to compete in eccentric events across the globe.  Bullfights, mountain climbing and even leprechaun hunting feature in this animated adventure.  Special guests Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble join in with the antics as they all go for gold!

It was a real blast from the past seeing the Laff-A-Lympics which I remember from my childhood.  Mutley was a particular favourite of mine!  And I always love a new Scooby-Doo adventure!

The DVD offers 113 minutes of cartoon fun, plenty enough to entertain the family through the post-Olympic blues!!

Dartmoor Zoological Park and Interviewing Benjamin Mee

A Wild Day Out At Dartmoor

On July 16th We Bought a Zoo is being released on DVD and Blu-Ray.  Based on the book written by Benjamin Mee, it tells the real life story of how the Mee family bought and saved a run down zoo.  I was incredibly fortunate to be invited by Twentieth Century Fox to meet Benjamin Mee at Dartmoor Zoo and experience this amazing story firsthand.

Benjamin Mee had always imagined that if Hollywood came calling it would be for an eco-thriller work of fiction that he would have written.  Never did he imagine that a book of his life would be made into a movie. "We Bought a Zoo" was written in a short and intense period of time, chronicling his family's real life adventure when they purchased the 33 acre zoo nestled in beautiful Dartmoor woodland.  

We Bought A Zoo In the Gift Shop

Directed by Cameron Crowe, the film stars Matt Damon in the lead role.  Benjamin Mee said that he had envisioned "Sean Connery 20 years ago" when he imagined who would play him in the story of his life and added that he anticipated more adventure, action and risk taking being involved.  He never expected We Bought A Zoo would have made the big screen.  However, he has been bowled over by the sensitive portrayal of his personal life in the film and found the kindness of Crowe and Damon to be beyond reproach.

Benjamin and Me

When his family took on the run down zoo, they threw everything they had into saving it.  The task had became personal when Mee realised that someone had to do it and made the stand to save the animals who were just days away from being destroyed if no buyer could be found.  Mee saw the zoo as a place for his children to grow up in, providing a tangible outlet for them to thrive which became particularly poignant following the death of their mother.  Together the family have overcome obstacles, financial difficulties and heartbreak.  The story is one of hope, healing and growth after their bereavement, with the rebuilding of the zoo providing a metaphor for the family's personal journey.

Interviewing The Man Behind The Story

Benjamin Mee has taken on the challenges in his role as single parent to his children Ella and Milo alongside the challenges of running the zoo.  He considers himself lucky to have an amazing support network with the dedicated keepers on hand to keep an eye on the children as well as the animals!  I met the children who are thriving in their idyllic environment.  They are blessed with a freedom that most children could only dream of, and even though they have now been thrown into the limelight they have stayed grounded and clearly have a fantastic relationship with their dad and a deep respect for their home.  

The zoo itself has a quirky, rustic charm.  It has such heart and a magical quality that makes you feel privileged to be a part of.  The keepers love what they do and Benjamim Mee is hands on in his role.  The animals are clearly well looked after and happy.  The enclosures are large and stimulating.  Benjamin Mee empathizes with his animals, striving to give them the best life possible.  Running this zoo is clearly a labour of love for everyone involved.

As part of my day at the zoo, I got up close to the Siberian Tigers Vlad, Stripe and Blotch.  When one approached the wire fence and looked me straight in the eye it was an amazing and intense moment.  The magnificent creature was close enough to touch, much like in the scene where Matt Damon is face to face with the Tiger in the film. 

Face to Face With a Tiger

I also went into a cage with the Coatis (who loved raisins) and helped feed the Racoons.  I learned about the most feared inhabitant of the zoo, the calculating and powerful Jaguar, Sovereign, who once managed to evade his keeper and got into the tiger enclosure spoiling for a fight before the zoo was open to the public.  We witnessed Benjamin Mee attempt the first hand-feeding of the tigers and listened to tales of the wild cats demonstrating their natural killer instincts.  The enclosures have great visibility making wildlife photography really rewarding.

The Animals of Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo is situated in natural woodland providing green areas for picnics and play.  The Jaguar Restaurant serves hot and cold food with lunchboxes or hot meals for the kids.  Veggie options are readily available. There are highchairs and a mother and baby changing room.  A large under 5's indoor play area with a selection of toys was a big hit with Freddy (and great if it rains).  

Play Area

Jaguar Restaurant

Picnic Area

There are a number of unique experiences that you can choose to participate in such as Big Cat Keeper, Meet The Tigers, Adoptions or a Mini Safari.  Full details and prices are available online. There are also opportunities for volunteering at the zoo.  You can also donate to projects through sponsorship giving you a plaque at the zoo and special perks for being a donor.  The latest project is to build an enclosure for Japanese Macaques (or Snow Monkeys).  Weddings, kids' parties and corporate events can all be hosted at Dartmoor Zoological Park which would be a magical venue for animal lovers. 

If you are in the area this summer do go and show some support for the Mee family and see the real life inspiration for the Hollywood family movie We Bought a Zoo!  The zoo is open all year round and children under five go free.   Dartmoor Zoo also has Single Parent Tuesdays offering cheap entry for single mums and dads and their children.

Find out more at www.dartmoorzoo.org

We Bought a Zoo is available on Blu-ray Triple Play and DVD on 16^th July, from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

We Bought A Zoo

The Uplifting Tale Based On a True Life Story

We Bought A Zoo is a heartwarming and uplifting adventure based on the real life story of Benjamin Mee and his family who  bought and saved a zoo!  Looking for a fresh start for his family following the death of his wife, Mee (Matt Damon)  quits his job and buys a run down rural house outside of the city which has the unique bonus feature of also being a zoo.  Dozens of rare and beautiful animals reside under the care of  zoo-keeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) and her dedicated team, but time is running out for them.

With no experience, limited time, the challenges of single parenthood and a hand to mouth budget, Mee sets out to re-open Rosemoor Animal Park to the public.  This adventure is a life changing one which helps rebuild the fractured Mee family, bringing hope, healing and purpose to their lives.

Starring a cast of exotic animals, this film is sure to delight the family.  Cameron Crowe directs with sensitivity and we share the highs and lows of Mee's journey to save the zoo and have it ready for opening day.  A host of problems stand in the way including escaping wild animals, an uncharitable inspector and the weather, but where there's a will there's a way!

We were sent a copy of the film and it proved to be a wonderful watch.  My girls and myself shed floods of tears as we experienced Benjamin Mee's life affirming story.  Matt Damon's performance was touchingly sensitive and we were rooting for him to succeed in saving the zoo and rebuilding his broken family.  The animals are all gorgeous and add to the emotional highs and lows of the film, evoking both tears and laugh out loud moments!

Knowing that this film is based on the real life story of  Benjamin Mee who bought and saved Dartmoor Zoo makes it all the more poignant.  I was incredibly lucky to be invited along to Dartmoor Zoo to meet the man himself and was given the chance to go behind the scenes and get up close and personal with some of the animals.  You can read all about my own amazing zoo adventure here!

Special features on the WE BOUGHT A ZOO Blu-ray include:

• “The Real Mee” Travel to the Dartmoor Zoo for a heartwarming look at the real Benjamin Mee and his incredible family whose actual story inspired "We Bought A Zoo"
• “We Shot a Zoo” Join the cast, crew and animals in this behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling their exciting journey filming "We Bought A Zoo"
•  “Their Happy is Too Loud” Director Cameron Crowe joins Composer Jónsi in the recording studio for a never-before-seen look at the making of the music for the film.
• Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy including theatrical film
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Gag Reel
• Audio Commentary with Director Cameron Crowe, Star J.B. Smoove and Editor Mark Livolsi

We Bought a Zoo is available on Blu-ray Triple Play and DVD on 16^th July, from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

A Monster in Paris Review

A MONSTER IN PARIS

Available on Blu-ray Family Pack & DVD

June 4, 2012

Be prepared to get acquainted with a tuneful talent of monstrous proportions this summer as Franc the musical flea wins hearts and minds in A Monster In Paris, arriving on Blu-ray Family Pack and DVD from June 4, 2012, courtesy of Entertainment One.

A wacky inventor, his camera-crazy best friend and a madcap monkey make a massive mistake when let loose in a mad scientist’s laboratory. With lotions and potions spilling everywhere, the troublesome trio accidentally creates Franc, the product of a reaction between a common flea and one of the scientist’s mystery concoctions. What they fail to realise, however, is that this ‘monster’ is actually a soft-centered soul with a spooky talent for music.

With the help of a feisty nightclub singer, Franc becomes the talk of the town, just as stories of Paris’s newest monster attract the attention of the egotistical police commissioner, hell bent on securing a big prize to help his battle to become mayor. The unwitting scientists and the singer must team up to protect Franc, a monster with more than a musical career to protect!

The brilliant value Blu-ray Family Pack includes 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film, catering for all your entertainment needs in one handy package. And with fun-packed extras including ‘Charles’ Challenge’ and a ‘Meet The Characters’ featurette, there’s even more to keep you occupied!

What We Thought:

We watched this film together and it was a huge hit with the older girls.  After a slightly strange start, the plot quickly had us quite transfixed as Franc was created and unleashed into the Parisian streets.  With elements of King Kong and Beauty and the Beast, the theme of the persecuted gentle giant tugged at the heartstrings.  Franc's singing talent (voiced by Sean Lennon) left a heartwarming glow that really enabled you to feel the humanity of the monster. The film was poignant and quite beautiful! It left you rooting for romance, acceptance and justice...and it delivered.

A Monster in Paris is definitely one for the older kids who will understand the story and the theme, although Freddy aged 3 did love the musical numbers and the action packed car chase and finale that took place on the Eiffel Tower!

A MONSTER IN PARIS – BLU-RAY FAMILY PACK & DVD DETAILS

Release date:                                                                   4 June, 2012

Running time:                                                                   87 minutes         

Cert:                                                                                      U                                                                            

Price (DVD):                                                                   £15.99

Price (Blu-ray Family Pack):                                            £19.99

An Easter Delivery From Warner Bros

A Chocolatey Film Fix for Easter with Warner Bros.

It was not only the Easter Bunny that visited us this year!  We were delighted to receive a wonderful Easter basket from Warner Bros which was just perfect for the Easter holidays.

Inside the basket was Blu Ray copies of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) alongside a Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies DVD.  

After the indulgences of Easter, it was nice to experience the calorie-free confectionery fix that comes from watching the Roald Dahl classic in both its guises.  The Gene Wilder original will always hold a place in my heart as one of my all time favourite films.  The story of Charlie Bucket discovering the golden ticket and entering the magical chocolate factory is filled with incredibly catchy songs and heart warming moments, offset by a touch of Dahl's darkness.  It is a timeless movie that holds as much charm for today's children as it did for me as a little girl.  The Oompa Loompas, who provide the moral lessons of the film through the medium of song, are perfectly imagined and portrayed.

The Johnny Depp remake has a very different complexion to its predecessor.  It is truer to the book and darker in nature, and Depp's edgy and damaged portrayal of Wonka is very different to Wilder's showman. The effects and visual splendour of the film do not disappoint and the ending is perfectly crafted in its sweetness.  The two films are very different in their interpretation of the story, but neither disappoint in providing great family entertainment.

Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies is a 48 minute cartoon romp featuring that other favourite bunny Bugs.  Ever since receiving the Warner Bros Looney Toons boxset, my children have become big fans of retro cartoons.  The DVD stars Bugs, Sylvester, Daffy, Tweety and the gang as they try to cover for the Easter Bunny who is poorly.  Everyone wants in on the action but only one of the Looney Tunes characters can step into the role.  Only Looney Toons can come up with characters called Sir Rosis of the Liver and Sir Loin of Beef!  It's a good fun family film that everyone will enjoy.  We watched it with the grandparents and 2 year old Freddy enjoyed it as much as 79 year old Grandad!

As ever, we were over the moon with our Warner Bros selection of movies.  Perfect entertainment to keep the family happy and entertained together!

Get Chipwrecked This Easter

On April 2nd, Alvin, Simon and Theodore return to DVD in a brand new, un-fur-gettable family film.  The fun begins as the Chipmunks and the Chipettes go on vacation with Dave on a luxury cruiseliner.  The all singing , all dancing chipmunks are back to their best, getting up to mischief and having fun from the offset!

We are lucky enough to have had a sneaky peek at the film and we enjoyed it!  It is real family fun, which is exactly what you need to entertain the kids, especially with the Easter holidays fast approaching.  The kids were singing along to the songs and laughing at the antics of the chipmunks throughout.  They were delighted to see the return of the rather mean Ian, down on his luck and intent on getting revenge!

Alvin and the gang find themselves having a bigger adventure than they anticipated when they wind up marooned on an island after one of Alvin's pranks goes wrong.  Queue the infighting, the acapella renditions of "Survivor", journeys of self-discovery and shipwreck gags!  They soon realise that they are not alone on this tropical island!! Some escapades including an erupting volcano, a personality altering spider bite and some hidden treasure add to the excitement.  Will Dave be able to save the day??  Will they get off the island with friendships intact and still be able to perform at the International Music Awards? 

If you can put up with the squeaky, rodent voices and predictable humour, then you will be able to enjoy this latest offering from the Chipmunk franchise.  It is energetic, a bit silly and full on with its slapstick humour and funky covers.  For me, the novelty of singing Chipmunks is still enough to keep me entertained...I can't help it .  The rendition of  "I Whip My Tail Back and Forth" sold it for me!  

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is available on DVD and Blu-ray Triple Play 2 April. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

If you want something more to keep the kids entertained, you can click on the activity sheet below and print it out, so the kids can learn how to draw their own Alvin! 

Tissues at the Ready for Dolphin Tale

It is not often that a family film has each and every one of us completely enthralled, but Dolphin Tale most definitely did.  We all sat down together snuggled under blankets and watched the amazing, inspirational story of Winter, a young dolphin who overcame the odds and triumphed over adversity after losing her tail.

The film is a touching story based on the classic premise of 'lonely young boy meets injured animal and forms a life changing friendship'.  But what makes Dolphin Tale so special is that it is based on a true story and the real Winter plays herself in the film.  It makes it so emotional and draws you in from the onset.

The cast includes Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr, Kris Kristofferson and the wonderful Morgan Freeman.  Youngster Nathan Gamble plays Sawyer, the young boy who finds the dolphin tangled in the ropes on a metal crab trap.  He cuts the dolphin free whilst waiting for the rescuers from the Clearwater Marine Hospital to arrive.  From that point, Sawyer becomes involved in saving the life of the dolphin they name Winter.  They cannot save her terribly damaged tail, but Winter does not give up hope. It is Sawyer's idea that they make a prosthetic tail for Winter and with lots of dedication, perseverance and determination, they eventually come up with a fully functional prosthesis.  As well as battling to save Winter, they also have to battle to save the Marine Hospital which is broke and under threat of being sold off to hotel developers.

The film touches on the plight of servicemen who have had limbs amputated or have sustained injuries and have to adjust to the change in their lives.  Winter's story has parallels with those who are striving to overcome adversity.  Her bravery and tenacity has seen Winter become a symbol of inspiration for children and adults with disabilities across the world.  In fact, the research done in constructing a new tail for Winter has gone on to improve the lives of amputees as the doctors had to invent a special gel that is super soft and non-irritating for Winter's tail stump.  This is now used to make wearing prosthetic limbs much more comfortable for people.

The film ends with real life footage of Winter's rescue and rehabilitation.  It also includes scenes of Winter interacting with her visitors who obviously get such joy from meeting such an amazing animal.  Her story has touched the souls of millions of people.  Winter should have died from her injuries, but she never stopped fighting and never lost her spirit.

I admit that I cried like a baby while watching this film, especially knowing that the real Winter was the star of the show.  It was so emotional, beautiful and heart warming.  The special features on the Blu Ray were excellent and we watched them all, finding out more about Winter's story, behind the scenes information and more real life footage of this wonderful tale. We even went onto the website at seewinter.com to find out more about this incredible creature and catch a glimpse of her on webcam.

If you want a feel good movie that oozes with hope, inspiration and triumph over adversity, then this is the film for you.  Knowing that the animal stars are real rescue animals and that the film was made at the actual hospital where the budget went to improve the facilities, makes you feel even better about the whole project.

We received the Triple Play Blu-Ray, DVD and digital copy of Dolphin Tale for this review from Warner Bros.  It is released on Monday and available to pre-order now.