Scooby Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon DVD Review

Brand new for 2013 comes this latest offering from Warner Bros. featuring Scooby, Shaggy and the gang, Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon.  Scooby Doo is a character whose appeal transcends the generations.  Both the grown-ups and the kids love him, so this original movie really will please the whole family. 

We were sent a copy by Warner Bros. which has been watched and enjoyed by both Daddy and Freddy, a testament to the appeal of Scooby!

The gang are attending the Mega Mondo Pop Cartoon-a-Con where celebrated comic book characters are headlining and a new megabucks Blue Falcon film is premiering.  However a hoarde of evil creatures become released by villainous Mr Hyde, threatening to destroy the event.  It's up to Scooby and co. to solve the clues, unmask the identity of the bad guy.  Faced with sinister slime, monster bats and howling hounds, it's up to Scooby and Shaggy to harness their inner super heroes and save the cartoon-a-con!  There are a few bad guys in the frame so it keeps you guessing!

What is great about this full length feature film is the nods to other cartoon characters at the Cartoon-a-Con.   It is also very refreshing to see the way the film lampoons the whole comic book convention culture and in essence pokes fun at itself. I love a franchise that doesn't take itself too seriously!

The film has a PG certificate and is 73 minutes long.  It is available to purchase from all good retailers now.  The DVD includes an Ultra Violet copy for watching the movie on the go on other devices.  It's a great addition to your online film library in The Cloud.  There are also some bonus vintage cartoons included to keep us grown ups happy!

The DVD is available now from good stockists such as Amazon.

Argo Film Review

One of the most talked about movies this awards season was Argo.  Unsurprisingly it won an amazing amount of accolades including:

BAFTA Awards for Best Film, Best Direction and Best Editing.

Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture- Drama and Best Director – Motion Picture.

Academy Awards for Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Editing and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published.

The official synopsis of the film is: “Based on true events, Warner Bros. Pictures' and GK Films' dramatic thriller "Argo" chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis—the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades.”

When I was sent a copy of Argo to review, I was not entirely sure that I would enjoy this film as the subject of  the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979  failed to fill be with much enthusiasm. Thankfully however, I was so very wrong! I loved it.

The film, based on a declassified true story, follows Tony Mendez (Affleck), an exfiltration expert working for the CIA, as he garners a plan to rescue six Americans who manage to escape from the US Embassy in Tehran after Iranian militants storm the building and take everyone hostage.  They take shelter with the Canadian Ambasssador who keeps them hidden.  They know that it is just a matter of time before the militants realise they are missing, track them down and kill them.

Mendez comes up with an incredible plan to rescue the six.  He teams up with a Hollywood make-up artist (played by the brilliant John Goodman) and a Hollywood film producer (equally brilliantly played by Alan Arkin) to create a fake film company.  They get a script, Hollywood real estate and put in motion the production of a Sci-Fi blockbuster called Argo. Posing as a Canadian film crew on a location scouting mission, Mendez plans to rescue the six Americans and fly them out of Tehran right under the noses of the Iranians.  It is a spectacular plan that would seem unbelievable, had it not really happened!

The film includes lots of  footage of  the actual hostage crisis, giving a real feeling of the era and the enormity of the situation.  There is a great deal of dry humour interjected into the film delivered mainly by Goodman and Arkin, but it does not distract from the seriousness of the plot at all.  In fact it adds another dimension which I think transcends this movie into something far beyond just another political thriller.  It is suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat as the plan encounters problem after problem.  The sense of realism and urgency is palpable.  It is such a compelling story, and knowing that it is based on a real rescue mission makes it all the more exciting.

The credits of the film give the viewer an insight into the reality of the crisis, as we are shown real photos of the people involved and actual images of key moments.  Affleck certainly delivered a film that was true to the  spirit of the original story both visually and in the storytelling itself.  Tony Mendez is portrayed as the unassuming hero, a guy simply doing his job, who put his life on the line to save six lives against all the odds. Inspirational stuff.

Argo is available to buy now at all good retailers on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Now Is Good Film Review

Now Is Good is a film based on the young adult book Before I Die by Jenny Downham.  Tessa Scott is a 17 year old girl (played by Dakatoa Fanning) who is dying from Leukaemia after refusing further treatment.  She has a bucket list of things she wants to experience before she dies.  Things that 'normal' teenagers do such as losing her virginity, breaking the law and taking drugs.  However, an unexpected romance turns out to be the biggest and most exhilarating experience of all.

I was expecting a bit of a sentimental weepy movie but was surprised at how gritty, sincere and moving it actually was.  There was a realism to the story and to the characters that transcended the storytelling above the schmaltzy sad film that I was anticipating.  It reminded me a bit of 'Skins' (especially as the girl who plays Effy in Skins plays Tessa's best friend in the film).  The simple filming style has the feeling of a quality TV drama and the UK seaside setting strips it back, bringing the focus onto the scripting and the acting which are both excellent.

Tessa's dysfunctional family and the situations that arise are very true to life.  The issues of raising a teenage daughter are explored, complicated by the fact that Tessa is dying. Her family copes with the fear and grief, each in their own way, while Tessa makes the most of the time she has left. When she meets Adam, the boy next door, Tessa's life changes and although she is dying she feels alive.  Dakota Fanning and Jeremy Irvine play the bittersweet love story so well.  They give assured, mature performances and the chemistry between them is authentic.

This heartfelt and inspired adaptation had us laughing and crying as we shared the final weeks of Tessa's life. The story was beautifully told and utterly heart-wrenching.  But rather than it being depressing, it celebrated life, reminding us to live every moment and love every minute. We all cried real tears and the film stayed with us long after the credits rolled.

Now Is Good (Certificate 12) is released on DVD on January 21st 2013 from all good stockists.

Wizarding With Harry Potter

The Interactive Harry Potter Game for the XBox 360 Kinect

The all-new Harry Potter for Kinect video game exclusively on KINECT™ for Xbox 360® from Warner Bros allows players to experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the wizarding world like never before!  Through the innovative KINECT capability, each player can scan their face to create a wizard avatar in their likeness – and then play as their avatar in the game. Using controller-free and voice recognition technology available only on KINECT, players will attend Hogwarts, interact with professors, students and friends, call out spells to cast against opponents, brew potions, and even fly as they race on broomsticks to be the first to catch the Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match.

GAME FEATURES:

• For the first time, create a witch or wizard character in your likeness that will become part of the gameplay through KINECT’s scanning technology.
• Experience unforgettable moments from all eight films -- from having your wand choose you at Ollivanders and being Sorted as a first-year student at Hogwarts, to battling You-Know-Who in a climactic wizard battle.
• Cast spells at your opponents by performing the proper casting manoeuvres and calling out spell names using KINECT’s controller-free and voice recognition capabilities.
• Hone your casting, brewing and duelling skills (among others) in class to unlock even more lessons and challenge
• Challenge a friend in competitive mini-games, or join forces against a mutual opponent in co-op games.
• Jump, duck and dodge the wild branches of the Whomping Willow, swipe at annoying and sometimes dangerous pixies, repel terrifying Dementors, swim among Grindylows in the lake, and shove opponents out of the way as you soar above the Quidditch Pitch.

We were sent a copy to play and the children have been transforming themselves into wizards waving their wands and shouting out spells as they immerse themselves into the magical world of Hogwarts.  The animation is quite realistic (even a little bit scary in parts which justifies it being a PEGI 12) and is very true to the imagery of the films.

The game incorporates all eight of the films, so you can recreate your favourite magical moment from the entire Harry Potter series.  There are competitive mini-games to play and you can join forces in the co-op multiplay mode to help each other out of tricky moments.  The game includes all the main characters including the terrifying Voldemort a.k.a. He Who Must Not Be Named, who you meet in a climactic showdown.  Scary stuff!

The real fun of this game is the fact you can create your avatar in your own (similar) likeness which heralds the beginning of an exciting technological breakthrough in gaming.  The use of voice recognition is also a great addition with huge potential for the future.  I look forward to seeing where this technology takes us next!

This is a must have for Potter fans who will enjoy immersing themselves in the magical world of wizardry.  It is not designed for younger children, which is a shame as little ones would love to see themselves on screen with Harry Potter.  But older kids will thoroughly enjoy this innovative game.  The Quidditch game is proving very popular with my children, bringing Hogwart's favourite sport straight to our living room.

Available now at Amazon.co.uk and other good stockists.

Warner Bros Festive Films

Warner Bros know exactly the sort of thing I like to find in my Christmas Stocking.  Nothing beats a good Blu-Ray as a gift and this Christmas they have sent me The Dark Knight Rises and New Year's Eve.

New Year’s Eve celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, with intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.  With an all star cast, it is a feel good movie that is perfect for this time of year.  It's a fabulous seasonal chick flick with an excellent soundtrack.  My eldest daughters really enjoyed watching it in the run up to Christmas and it got them into the spirit of the season.  It was funny, moving and entertaining in equal measure.  We enjoyed spotting all the A-list stars in their roles and particularly loved Ashton Kutcher and Bon Jovi!  This film is exactly the sort of film we love to sit down and watch together!  We thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Dark Knight Rises is the final installment to the gritty superhero trilogy.  Batman has gone from hero to fugitive after taking the blame for events that was for the greater good of Gotham City.  Eight years on he is a shadow of his former self.  The arrival of hulking masked man Bane threatens to destroy Gotham.  Can a broken, tortured superhero find it in himself to get back to his former glory and save the day?  

The action scenes are immense!  The appearance of Anne Hathaway as Cat Woman is a revelation. The back stories are interesting, the emotional content of the film is powerful and the villains are as ever amazing.  The story is very dark and heavy, but the over-riding theme of heroism and the emotional conflict of Bruce Wayne is a great portrayal of the human spirit.

Both films are available to buy now from stockists such as Amazon and both are well worth a watch!  

Half Term Movie Fun From Warner Bros.

This half term was almost a bit of a disaster as I got really ill on the first weekend meaning that our short break to London was cancelled.  Thankfully, I had recovered enough by Tuesday to enjoy Halloween, but we did spend a lot more time stuck at home than we intended to.  Thank heavens for Warner Bros and their well timed delivery of kids' DVDs which went a long way to keeping the children entertained.

We received Tom and Jerry Tricks and Treats, a compilation of 22 classic cartoons on one DVD.  Tom and Jerry meet ghosts, werewolves, a mummy and witches galore as they continue their own longstanding rivalry.  The spooky theme is just right for little ones to enjoy, while grown-ups can indulge in the nostalgia.
Freddy was absolutely riveted to the screen.  He has developed quite a taste for retro cartoons!

Freddy watching Tom, Jerry and the Ghosts!

Scooby Doo and The Big Top is the eighteenth direct-to-DVD installment of adventures for Shaggy, Scooby and the gang.  During a trip to Atlantic City, they find themselves embroiled in a mystery as werewolves terrorize the performers and the audience of a circus.  Can the gang save the Greatest Show On Earth?  (Of course they did!!!)  Although this is a brand new film, it still holds true to the spirit of the original and we enjoyed watching the gang as they take on the roles of a clown, trapeze artist, human rocket, ringmaster and trick dog in Brancusi's Circus.

Ben 10 Destroy All Aliens is an all new CGI animated movie featuring the shape shifting 10 year old Ben Tennyson, the boy who fights evil aliens with the help of his Omnitrix which changes him into alien form.When an enemy comes looking for revenge and the Omnitrix malfunctions, he has to call upon the help of his Grandpa and cousin Gwen.  The action is really fast paced as the fate of the world hangs by a thread.  Ben's super powered alien adventures are really exciting with some mild peril thrown into the mix.  The CGI animation is really impressive. This DVD comes complete with a UV copy for watching on mobile devices which is great for keeping kids entertained on the go.

Lego Hero Factory Savage Planet is an adventure based on Lego's Hero Factory product line.  You are immersed into the world of Lego where the heroes do battle to defeat an evil Witch Doctor (who has a distinctly evil laugh).  This DVD was a bit too grown up for Freddy at the moment although he liked the Heroes'  animal upgrades to give them special animal powers.  I liked the idea of teamwork to save the day, which is how the Heroes save the world.  The animation is just so "Lego-y" (it's so clever, I love it) and I think this will definitely be a film that Freddy enjoys more and more as he gets into the more grown-up Lego products.

Thank you Warner Bros for entertaining my kids this half term with a great selection of children's films, all of which are available now from retailers such as Amazon.co.uk.

*STOP PRESS*

A new Lego movie is coming out in 2014 and Warner Brothers and LEGO are giving one child aged between 5 and 13 years old the chance to create a vehicle entirely from LEGO which will star in the film!

All you have to do is build a great vehicle – it can be anything from a train to a plane, to a car or space ship or boat – and then take a photo and upload it to the website www.lego-themovie.co.uk (see the website for further details).

Entries need to be in by 31st December 2012.

The Return of Dallas

I'll never forget the days when Dallas first graced our screens.  The feuds, families, wealth, power, sex, revenge and rivalry kept us all hooked on the saga of the oil magnate Ewing family across fourteen seasons.  Whether you were Team Bobby or Team JR, there was plenty of excitement to keep you hooked.  I am more than a little bit excited that a brand new series of Dallas, starring some big names from the original cast, is coming to Channel 5 on September 5th, but I will never lose the soft spot in my heart for the original!  Whether they were fighting over the love of a woman or over a business deal,  the sprawling saga never disappointed!

When Warner Bros sent me a box set of the original Dallas Seasons 1 and 2, I was filled with such nostalgia and a pang of pure guilty pleasure, rekindling my old love for a family favourite!  This is a vintage classic US soap from the late 70s and 80s that reflects a bygone era.  The theme tune is so iconic and draws you into Southfork Ranch from the opening bars.

From the moment that young bouffant-haired Bobby Ewing arrives home with his new wife Pam, the daughter of Digger Barnes, love rival and business rival to patriarch Jock Ewing, sparks begin to fly!  It is the perfect scenario to unleash the evil that is JR, the man we all love to hate, as he plots and schemes to drive her away.  Throw into the mix the alcoholic, ex-beauty queen Sue-Ellen and the spoilt, flirty teenager Lucy, long suffering matriarch Miss Ellie, vengeful rival Cliff Barnes and broody foreman Ray Krebbs and you have the complex ingredients for the larger than life storylines that made Dallas one of the best loved shows of its time.  Just how far JR is prepared to go to get his own way is always shocking!

As this was made 30 years ago, the picture and sound quality are representative of the time it was filmed.  It gives it a certain authentic 80s charm which transported me back to my childhood...just don't expect HD.   The five double sided discs feature every one of the episodes from both seasons.  It is a bit tricky reading the writing on the dual discs to work out which side is which, but I blame that on the fact my eyesight isn't quite what it used to be!!

Season One was a mini-series with five episodes and Season Two has 24 episodes.  This equates to a lot of TV viewing!!  Dallas is such a classic that I love dipping back into to it.  It does become quite addictive and the 'oh let's just watch one more episode' syndrome has meant a few late nights!

Some of the plot lines include black market babies, kidnapping, bigamy, a plane crash, infidelity, alcoholism, drug taking, accusations of murder, premature birth and near death experiences.  The stories come thick and fast.  The seasons end with gripping cliff hangers that leave you wanting.  Season 2 ends with a rare moment of compassion, emotion and heartache for JR which has left me hankering for series 3!

The Dallas Season One & Two boxset is available from Amazon for £13.19.  It is a must have if you have the same nostalgic love of the series that I have and you want to experience the epic saga with its incredible story lines and fabulously larger than life characters!

LEGO® Batman™ 2: DC Super Heroes

Our Review Of Lego Batman 2 For The XBox 360

Batman and Robin return in LEGO® Batman™ 2: DC Super Heroes, the highly-anticipated sequel to the best-selling LEGO® videogame of all time, which to date has sold more than 11 million units worldwide.  This time the Dynamic Duo join forces with other famous DC super heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern to stop the notorious villains Lex Luthor and The Joker from destroying Gotham City.   Batman fans of all ages will enjoy a new and original story filled with classic LEGO videogame action and humour as players fight to put the bad guys back behind bars.

We were sent a copy of Lego Batman 2 for the XBox 360 to try out.  I was particularly excited about this as I had had a sneak peek of the game at the Warner Bros Blogger Event earlier in the year where it was demonstrated on a cinema sized screen.

The most exciting development in this title is that for the first time the characters can speak, allowing for plot progression using dialogue.  Favourite characters are beautifully portrayed in Lego form and you can get to play as some other iconic comic heroes such as Superman, who can even fly!

A whole host of vehicles such as the Batmobile and Batwing can be used in the game, and new suits and gadgets allow the characters to solve certain tasks along the way.  There are super powers to be discovered such as Superman's heat vision and superbreath, making this the most exciting Lego game to date!

Gameplay is solo or co-op which allows for some real family fun as players adopt the roles of the Dynamic Duo et al!  An amazing Gotham City hub can be fully explored which is absolutely breathtaking.  It includes all the famous landmarks such as Wayne Manor. You can the city and interact with the landscape collecting items and discovering mini-games.  Once you complete the game, free-play is unlocked and you can even get to fly over the city as Superman, which I witnessed at the Warner Bros. event.  The addition of the John Williams' Superman theme tune is nothing short of pure genius.

Ian and the kids have been playing Lego Batman 2 and are enjoying the challenge of solving puzzles and completing levels.  The co-op experience is always an enjoyable aspect of the Lego games which my family loves.  The game leads you through the levels quite nicely giving hints along the way making it great for novice gamers and younger players alike.  The use of the suits is an interesting way of solving certain problems.  Robin's Acrobat Suit helps him climb to inaccessible areas and the Invisibility Suit helps Batman to sneak past the security systems.

This game is pure entertainment.  Beautifully made with superb graphics, this game is a joy.  The soundtrack is very movie-like and the voice talents add an extra element of fun.  My family adored the Lego characters, The Joker being our favourite!  The familiar Lego gameplay of building things and bashing things and collecting things remains the same and is fondly carried out.  The humour is simply brilliant and includes a great deal of slapstick that the little ones giggled at.

There is so much to do in Lego Batman 2.  For instance there are 250 gold bricks to find (we have about 3!!)  Characters and items can be unlocked and levels replayed extending the longevity of this title. It really is fun for everyone, and equally fun to sit and watch being played which is a real bonus for those of us who don't get a go on the XBox very often! 

Lego Batman 2 is currently available to buy from GAME for £34.99.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Film Review

Extremely Loud &Incredibly Close is a film that received huge critical acclaim following its cinematic release, making it into the Best Picture nominees at the Oscars.  After seeing the publicity surrounding this film, I was intrigued and put it on my must-see list. Now, thanks to Warner Bros I have had the chance to watch this movie on Blu-Ray.

The film is based on a novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, written following the devastation of 9/11.  It focuses on the life of Oskar Schell, a young boy trying to come to terms with the unfathomable loss of his much adored father (Tom Hanks) following the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.  

Oskar is a very sensitive and highly intelligent child with an inconclusive Asperger's diagnosis.  His father always challenged his condition in a fun way giving his son adventurous expeditions to complete in order for him to face his fears.  Losing his dad in such a sudden, violent and inexplicable manner leaves Oskar feeling bereft and helpless. Hanging on to his memories and to his father's final ansaphone messages made on "the worst day" Oskar is desperate to make sense of his loss and find answers.

When he finds a key hidden in a blue vase in his father's closet on the anniversary of his death, Oskar is certain that it is a final mission that will bring him closer to his dad.  The name 'Black' written on the envelope that the key is in, leads Oskar to search out all of the residents of New York with that surname, a daunting task for someone with Oskar's fears and one that he calculated would take 3 years.  He meticulously plans his mission and sets out to find the lock that the key will open.

On his journey he discovers many people who all have their own story to tell and who are touched by this special little boy and his quest. He forms an unlikely friendship with a mute man that rents a room with his grandmother.  Communicating by scrawling down notes in a book, there is humour and warmth in their encounters.  There is also an unanswered question as to the true relationship between Oskar's family and 'the renter'. Newcomer Thomas Horn who plays Oskar is an incredible actor with such depth and emotion in his portrayal of a lost boy looking for answers in a world which makes no sense.  Definitely a face to look out for in the future.

For me, it was Sandra Bullock's performance that really tugged at my heartstrings.  Her character doesn't feature heavily in the film but is pivotal to the whole story.  As a mother to a troubled boy, she struggles with the loss of her husband alongside the loss of her relationship with her son.  She seems distant and unable to offer any support or provide any answers to Oskar.  Her grief is palpable and her helplessness is a reflection of Oskar's in the aftermath of 9/11. The film is a testament to the endurance of love in the face of both personal and national mourning. I wept buckets at the end of the movie, but I won't give any of the plot away by explaining why!

Although Oskar doesn't find the answer he is looking for, his mission brings him and the people whose lives he touches so much more.  The resolution is one of acceptance and forgiveness.  Many questions remain unanswered because as in life, some things just can't be explained.

I really enjoyed this film as did my husband and 16 year old Ella.  It is quite a long film (2 hours 10 minutes) but I didn't feel it drag at all.  It is gentle storytelling with a powerful edge.  The subject matter is very emotional as Oskar's grief is so raw and something we can all relate to.  Don't expect action or a fast paced plot line.  Instead immerse yourself in this moving and unusual journey and enjoy some excellent acting performances along the way.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is available to buy now (certificate 12).

Journey 2 The Mysterious Island Film Review

Warner Bros are inviting us to 'believe the impossible and discover the incredible' with the release of Journey 2 The Mysterious Island.

To celebrate, we were sent this incredible bundle of film merchandise all contained in a giant leaf!  How totally cool is that?!

As a huge fan of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (I had the hugest crush on him in his World Wrestling Federation days) I was really excited about watching this movie.  We received the Triple Play pack to review which includes the Blu-ray, DVD and Ultraviolet Digital copy.  (A 3D version is also available.)

The story follows angsty teen Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson from the first movie) who receives a coded message from a mysterious location where no island should exist in the Pacific Ocean. Convinced that this message is from his grandfather on the Mysterious Island, as written about by Jules Verne, Sean is determined to investigate. He is eventually joined by his step-dad Hank (The Rock!!), a hilarious helicopter pilot Gabby and his daughter (played by High School the Musical's Vanessa Hudgens!)

After a perilous helicopter flight they discover the beautiful island and set out to find the sole inhabitant who sent the distress signal before earthquakes threaten to swallow up the island into the sea.  It is an action packed adventure involving giant animals, volcanoes made of gold and a lost city.  Flying on giant bumble bees, battling a giant electric eel and coming face to face with a rampaging mama lizard provide some edge of seat entertainment!

Along the way bonds are formed, relationships are tested and lessons are learned as the group pull together to save themselves from the sinking island.  There are a lot of funny moments many of which emanate from the strained relationship between Sean's grandfather (brilliantly portrayed by Michael Caine) and Hank.  As the story progresses, the tensions diminish and are replaced by family feel-good moments.  Hank's ukele playing and the pec popping scenes were personal favourites.

Journey 2 The Mysterious Island is definitely an extremely enjoyable family movie. Both parents and kids will love this fast paced, funny and action packed adventure!

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

RELEASE DATE: 28 May 2012
RUNNING TIME: 95mins
CERTIFICATE: PG
GENRE: Action Adventure
DVD /BLU-RAY PRICE: Blu-ray 3D £29.99
Blu-ray Triple Play £24.99
DVD (single disc): £19.99

Warner Bros Welcomes Bloggers

Batman, Ultra Violet and Blinkbox With Warner Bros!

Yesterday I ventured into the big smoke with my blogging buddies Lou and Helen to attend the Warner Bros Bloggers Event at their head office in Central London.  Upon arrival, we were greeted by a lifesize Batman and a six foot tall Happy Feet Mumbles penguin model.  My love of movies was instantly re-ignited!

We were given the opportunity to find out more about the latest technologies in film viewing including Ultra Violet, blinkbox, Rovi, Flixster, X Box Live and PSN.  We also had a sneaky peek of a brand new WB game due for release in Summer.  There was a plethora of knowledgeable young men eager to chat about their areas of specialism, plus a constant supply of food and drink.  I was set for a good couple of hours of being immersed in the Warner Bros. experience.

Here Inside the Wendy House, we love films.  I was really interested to discover the new ways to watch them, utilising games consoles, tablets, laptops, iphones and PCs.  The world of digital technology is opening up our viewing options allowing us to have movie experiences wherever, however and whenever we want them.  With options to stream or download films, this is the future of movie entertainment.

I was particularly impressed with blinkbox which is a simple and easy to use, non-subscription based service enabling you to pay for the things that you want to watch and view them instantly.  With a huge library of over 10,000 titles from all genres of movie and TV, blinkbox lets you watch movies on your Smart TV, games consoles (such as via XBox Live), PC or tablet.  New films become available on the same day as they are released on DVD making your choices totally up to date.  Films can be rented for 48 hours or purchased and remain on your account indefinitely. Excitingly, blinkbox has just become part of Tesco.  Anytime you buy a new DVD release  from Tesco and swipe your Clubcard, you will get a digital copy stored on your blinkbox account to watch anytime you like. I have made an account and am really impressed with the range of free films and shows available to watch and the special offer rentals which start at just 99p.  I've already watched Battle Royale  for free on my laptop!  I was very pleased to see the series of Alcatraz on blinkbox as I missed the first two episodes...I'll be catching up tomorrow!

Ultra Violet seems to be the next step in flexible film viewing.  Blu-Ray Triple Play Packs include a UV digital copy allowing you to watch your film on the go.  The movies are stored in a free online personal library so they can be viewed on laptops, tablets or smart phones, anytime, anywhere.  It adds another dimension to your choice when it comes to buying and watching films.  Warner Bros are at the forefront of this, being the first studio to launch Ultra Violet enabled titles last year.

The real appeal of having 'virtual' copies of films as well as the original discs, is the fact that I will no longer have to deal with the unholy combination of kids and DVDs.  I like my children having the independence of watching a film on their own terms, but hate the aftermath of sticky finger prints, scratches and lost discs.  Letting them choose from a virtual library online will keep my discs safe and sound.  Especially now when we are venturing into ugrading our collection to Blu-Ray and 3D Blu-Ray, the discs are more expensive and I'd hate to see them damaged by my over eager film buffs.  I wonder how long it will be before hard copies become obselete?

The highlight of the day for me was watching some of the yet to released game Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, being played by the supreme gamer Dan on a cinema size screen!  I know it's a bit geeky but I thought it was totally awesome!  We are big fans of the Lego videogame franchise having the Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Batman titles.  I love the combination of humour, action, puzzles and animation that make up the games.  They are sheer genius.  The latest title takes the genre a step further with some amazing  new features.  The Dynamic Duo join forces with other DC super heroes to stop the notorious super villains from destroying Gotham City.  The new and original story sees players fighting to get the bad guys back behind bars.  The co-operative play is intuitive and entertaining, and the unlockable characters are a joy to behold!  I won't give away too much as it is all a bit hush hush at the moment...but this is definitely going to be on my wishlist this summer!

A range of Lego toys:  The Super Heroes DC Universe collection have just been released and include sets such as the Batcave and three buildable action figures.  Well worth checking out!  The Lego Joker was fantastic.

We were given a fantastic bundle of goodies to take home with us including some 3D Blu-Ray titles.  My husband has now got the excuse he has been waiting for to invest in a 55" 3D TV.  He has started Googling them already!   On our way out, me and Lou took a look at an amazing display of genuine Harry Potter props including the Nimbus 2000 and a Death Eater mask.  We got a bit over excited truth be told!  Unfortunately the tight security did not allow photos to be taken, but trust me when I say it was quite incredible.

I left the event, very excited about the future of film, gaming and their associated technologies...thank you Warner Bros!

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!

Happy Feet Two

On March 26th, everyone's favourite penguin is back on DVD and Blu-Ray with the release of Happy Feet 2!  This time it is Mumbles's son Erik causing the drama!

To celebrate its release, Warner Bros have sent us a wonderful box of goodies including Haapy Feet 1 and 2 and March of The Penguins on Blu-Ray, and some fabulous film merchandise.

The story of Happy Feet Two introduces us to cute little Erik who can not dance.  His father may be choreographically gifted, but Erik is seriously rhythmically challenged!  In fact his first try results in a very embarrassing mishap where he ends up with his head in the snow!  He runs away and encounters the god-like Mighty Sven, a 'flying penguin' who isn't all he seems to be!  Mumbles heads off to bring back his son who now dreams of flying, much to his dad's frustration. Meanwhile, trouble is afoot in the Antarctic as an iceberg threatens  Emperor-land, trapping the penguins below a wall of ice.  Will the animals of the South Pole, from the tiny and very funny Krill to the huge Elephant Seals be able to save the penguins?  Will Erik and Mumbles be able to work together to save the day? Through the power of friendship, song and dance anything is possible!

This film is visually amazing.  The stunning landscape and the animals are portrayed in eye-popping animation that is beautiful to behold.  Films like this are what Blu-Ray was made for.  The detail, the colours and the sheer spectacle are breathtaking.

In terms of the story itself, the narrative is a bit complicated and chaotic in parts.  And the sub-text of  conformity over acceptance is possibly at odds with the sentiment of the original. The film goes bigger and bolder than its predecessor, but some of the charm and originality are lost because of it.   However, the visual feast, the fabulous all singing, all dancing performances and the voice talents of a host of stars more than make up for any plot flaws.  Matt Damon and Brad Pitt as the ambitious Krill Will and his long suffering friend Bill are fabulous were the stars of the show for me!  

The visual jokes and gags make the kids giggle and the songs are truly entertaining.  There are even some scenes of peril that have you on the edge of your seat (Bryan the Elephant Seal's predicament had me holding my breath!) . Happy Feet Two is an enjoyable watch for all the family which will have everyone tapping their toes and singing along.  Perfect for a family movie night over the Easter holidays!

Happy Feet Two is available to buy now at Amazon.

                   

Crazy Stupid Love

Crazy Stupid Love was the film I chose to watch last night from my Valentine's Package from Warner Bros. with my daughters Megan 20 and Ella 15.  I didn't know anything about this film, other than it starred Ryan Gosling who we all love, so had no expectations whatsoever.  I would now rate it as one of my favourite films in the romantic comedy genre ever!

The all-star cast includes Steve Carell,  Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Ryan Gosling and the adorably quirky Emma Stone.

Middle-aged Cal Weaver is living the American dream with a beautiful wife who was his high school sweetheart, a lovely home and great kids.  Suddenly, his life is turned upside down as his wife admits to having an affair and asks him for a divorce.  His 'perfect' life unravels as he realises he has forgotten who he is and is completely out of his depth as a singleton.  A meeting with handsome player and serial womaniser Jacob Palmer in a bar, leads to Cal finding himself a mentor.  New clothes, new hairstyle, new confidence and new opportunities with women open Cal's eyes to a whole new world.  But the one thing he can't change is his heart.

Meanwhile, Cal's teenage son is harbouring a crush on the babysitter, but the babysitter has a crush of her own.  Other characters are having their own dilemmas, seeking love in all the wrong places. Then ladies' man Jacob eventually finds what he has always been looking for leaving Cal feeling abandoned.  When all the loose ends come together it culminates in a fantastically funny confrontation, with the characters having to face up to the reality of "Crazy, Stupid Love".

The intertwined story, the inspired performances and the beautifully written script make this an absolute gem.  I laughed out loud so many times and found myself totally rooting for the characters!  

I genuinely loved this film.  My girls loved it too and are now even more in love with the very sexy Ryan Gosling.

Buy "Crazy, Stupid Love" now at Amazon on Triple Play for just £13.99.

Half-Term Film Fun with Warner Bros

My children are very, very lucky!  A parcel arrived from Warner Bros Kids to keep them entertained over half term, and what a lot of lovely things it contained!

Two Scooby Doo Mystery Incoporated DVD's arrived along with an activity book, some sweets and an alien head.  Scooby, Shaggy and the gang are extremely loved in our household.  Me and Ian feel nostalgic as we enjoy Scooby Doo with our little ones.  These titles are updated animations full of paranormal events and monsters centred around Crystal Cove.  I love how Scooby Doo spans the generations.  These two volumes include eight full episodes of spook hunting antics!

We also received a fabulous Warner Bros Kids Bumper Box of Toons, ten full length DVDs in a Big Faces Box Set!  Including favourites from Road Runner, Tom & Jerry, Tweetie Pie, Taz, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Speedy Gonzales, Porky Pig  and Wile E. Coyote, this set introduces the classic characters from my childhood to a whole new generation.

Ian was extremely excited to rediscover the cartoons from his youth and took huge delight sharing his favourites with Freddy.  He used to enjoy watching them with his own dad as a child, now he gets to do it with his youngest son!   I was surprised how much my toddler enjoyed watching the episodes of the classic toons and giggled his way through the DVDs.  They contain scenes of cartoon comedy violence which really tickled him.  As Wile E. Coyote got buried alive by falling rocks, Freddy chuckled away!  It never did me any harm watching them, so I have no qualms about him doing so.  He loved the characters, proving that they are ageless and appeal to old and young alike.

We spent a lovely afternoon watching cartoons with the children.  It is a lovely way to spend a few hours during a grey, wet and windy half term holiday.  It is great to have some classic titles in the DVD collection, especially ones that appeal to both us parents and our little ones.  When it comes to Scooby Doo and Looney Toons there is no such thing as a generation gap.

Warner Bros Romantic Movies

This morning, a knock on my door heralded the delivery of a wonderful Valentine's Day surprise.  It wasn't from Ian or even a secret admirer, it was from the lovely, romantic folk at Warner Brothers!

A big, shiny red box and a scattering of glittery, red heart confetti put me in the perfect mood for Valentine's Day.  Inside the box was a selection of chick flicks that will keep me and my daughters in rom-coms for weeks to come!

The titles which we will be enjoying together include:

• Midnight in Paris - a 2011 Woody Allen film starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams about an engaged couple facing up to their differing views of a perfect life.  
• Valentine's Day - an all star cast explore Valentine's Day from the perspective of their characters' experiences.  There are make-ups and break-ups as the day goes on.
• Casablanca - a classic that is celebrating its 70th year!  Bogart and Bergman star in the 1942 movie set in Africa in World War 2.
• The Bodyguard - the late, great Whitney Houston stars alongside Kevin Costner in the film that brought us "I will always love you".
• Going the Distance - a Drew Barrymore rom-com about a long distance relationship. Drew is the queen of the chick flick!
• The Lake House - Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reduce me to tears in this love story that transcends time itself.
• Crazy, Stupid Love- a brand new release starring funny man Steve Carell  and the gorgeous Ryan Gosling.  When a middle-aged man's life changes dramatically after his wife asks for a divorce, he seeks to rediscover his manhood!

I also received some lovely film merchandise and a bag of Maltesers.  Warner Bros really know how to treat a girl on Valentine's Day.

I will be throwing myself into some intense girlie film nights with Megan and Ella.  We love watching rom-coms together whenever Meg is home from university.  We can quote way too many chick flick scripts!  I'm sure we will be finding some great new quotes in these titles!  I look forward to introducing my girls to the joys of The Body Guard, The Lake House and Casablanca and I equally can not wait to discover some great new favourites from Warner Bros for myself!

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.

Warner Bros Festive Family Films

I was delighted to get a surprise delivery from Warner Brothers.  A beautiful gingham lined Hessian sack arrived addressed to 'Wendy and Family'.

Inside was an amazing selection of family films, perfect for the festive season.  We love snuggling up to watch a film together with a bowl of popcorn.  Thanks to Warner Brothers we now have some real classics to watch together.

The Films we received were:

Polar Express (Blu-Ray)

Happy Feet (Blu-Ray)

Yogi Bear (Blu-Ray)

Scooby Doo and the Curse of the Lake Monster (Blu-Ray)

The Grinch

Ben 10

Yogi Bear's First Christmas

Scooby Doo Mystery Machine Box Set

The beautiful sack and the thrilling selection of films were met with whoops of joy from the children and my husband Ian was a little over excited by the Mystery Machine DVD box set.  Scooby Doo is a firm favourite of ours, a reminder of our youth.  I think this limited collector's edition complete with eight discs has made his Christmas!

It is Polar Express that really sums up Christmas for a lot of people who love the magical story, beautiful animation and powerful message about the wonder of  Christmas!

This year the ultimate feel good festive film is available to buy on 3D for those lucky enough to have a 3D TV and  3D Blu-Ray player.  The action will be brought to life with stunning picture and sound quality.  We received it on Blu-Ray and the high definition imagery is simply breath taking. 

The story of the boy who doubts the existence of Santa, is perfect for young and old alike.  It is my parents favourite Christmas film and one that we watch year after year.  The extraordinary steam train journey to the North Pole up and down mountains, across a frozen lake and across teetering bridges is full of  excitement.  Tom Hanks is captured exquisitely as the animated conductor.  "Seeing is believing!" and you'll see wonders and you'll believe!

The film is a bit dark in parts, but if you truly believe in the magic of Christmas you will love this film.  Especially in fabulous high definition or 3D!

So, I consider myself very lucky to have such a great collection of films to enjoy thanks the the fabulous folk at Warner Bros!  Thank you to them and happy festive viewing to one and all!

Happy Feet Two on the XBox 360

The latest game that my kids have been playing is Happy Feet Two from Warner Brothers Games, a musical, adventure for all the family. The gorgeous graphics portray the whimsical world of Antarctica beautifully, and the penguin characters are really cute and their dance movements are fun.  It is visually really impressive and very true to the movie.

New dangers are threatening the Penguin Nation and everyone has to work and dance together to save the penguins from extinction.  Players use dance moves to collect other penguins into their group, stun their enemies with their moves and manipulate their environment to solve puzzles.  The first level walks you through all the elements of the game, practising the moves needed as you collect notes.  The dance moves are great and had the kids giggling...especially the way the penguins jumped up onto the steps!   As you progress you use spins, jumps and other moves to bash through rocks and move items around.  Much of the game is based on hitting rhythms using the buttons on the controller.  There is also some racing as the penguin slides across ice and 'flies' through the air.

Playing as Mumble you get to recruit other penguins to join your adventure, tap to the beat and get into the rhythm.  It is a beat bumping, feet thumping, move busting game featuring original music.  You get to unlock new songs as you progress through the game.

Happy Feet Two can be played on 3D which is as yet not a feature we can test, although my husband keeps trying to convince me that we need a 3D TV.  So at some point (if he gets his way) I might be embarking on 3D gaming!  It is definitely the future of entertainment.

So far the game doesn't have much of a storyline.  However, Kizzy seems quite happy dancing her way through the levels collecting notes and recruiting various penguins into her troop!  The game controls well making it easy to walk through the environment so younger children can definitely have a go and make the penguins dance, spin and slide, which they will enjoy.  It is quite cute and the penguins are fuzzy little fellas who boogie for fun but  I hope the gameplay becomes a bit more involved with more challenging puzzles in later levels because I can see pressing buttons on the beat and sliding on the ice may wear a bit thin.



Fans of Happy Feet will enjoy this game, which is available in all formats.  We were sent it for our XBox 360 which retails at £34.99.  I would have loved a Kinect compatible feature which would have worked well with the dancing element of the game and got the kids up and dancing with Mumble rather than just controlling him by pressing buttons.  It is for 1 or 2 players with a 2 player co-op mode where you can work together.

Overall, I like that this game is suitable for the very youngest gamer.  The first level is easy enough for them to handle and enjoy, especially as you can make the penguins dance around freely.  The music is fun and the scenery is lovely.  Parents and kids alike will enjoy this game.  However, I think the game play seems a little limited so it may not keep the more hardcore gamers entertained for too long.  It's definitely a family game played for fun and laughs!