Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Ultimate Block Party: Emphasizing the importance of child's play


On Sunday, October 3, 2010, from 11 AM to 5 PM, the emphasis will be on the importance of playtime, as New York City’s Central Park (at Naumburg Bandshell - 72nd Street and 5th Avenue) transforms into the Ultimate Block Party, with a multitude of free fun activities for families and children of all ages.

What is being billed as the first event of its kind, with targeted expansion to other cities nationwide, along with parent and teacher resources, Ultimate Block Party will host the largest game of Simon Says, along with mini-master classes designed with children’s play in mind, all led by top musicians, artists, scientists, architects, inventors, engineers and business leaders.

Spearheaded by Play for Tomorrow, a consortium of leading educators, and sponsored by such companies as LEGO, Crayola and National Geographic, with support from government entities that include the National Science Foundation, Ultimate Block Party aims to increase the awareness of the importance of child’s play in developing skills that lead to successful leaders for tomorrow.

With school budgets being slashed in music and the arts, and children’s recess times being shortened, studies have shown that these measures are not the most effective approach to educational development in today’s pressured and complex learning environment.

The video below further explains the importance of play in a child’s life.

You will also find additional information about this event, and all available resources by directly visiting the Ultimate Block Party's website.


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Symphony Space in New York City brings together a stellar lineup of children's entertainment

The Story Pirates appearing Saturday October 2, 2010 at 11AM
“The Story Pirates teach kids a love of creative writing. It helps kids to see that their words and ideas are really important. I believe that what the Story Pirates are doing is helping America, nay, humanity - helping humanity itself. It’s crazy entertaining.” ~ Jon Stewart, The Daily Show ~

The spotlight for children’s entertainment focuses on New York City this autumn and all the way through spring as Symphony Space hosts the "Just Kidding" series of weekly performances for the whole family on Saturdays, featuring over 28 music, dance or theatrical shows and 62 kid-friendly films such as WALLACE AND GROMIT, and BABE.

For the live-performances, Symphony Space will be headlining both seasoned veterans as well as some of the hottest rising stars in the children’s entertainment industry in their “Fresh Sounds Showcase.”

Bringing such a wide diversity of entertainment to the Just Kidding series is no easy task and taps on talent from all across the nation, everything from Native American Dancers to traditional folksingers.

Cynthia Elliott, Executive Director of Symphony Space, says “We put a lot of consideration into developing a season that will provide a wealth of educational and entertaining experiences for kids and parents.”

Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street in Manhattan, NYC.

To find out more about each of the visiting artists, as well as upcoming films, dates, ticketing price options and discounts, link directly to Symphony Space’s website.

Monday, September 27, 2010

NAT GEO's EXPEDITION WILD new season premiere tonight



Casey Anderson takes families on a springtime trip to view some of the cutest baby animals in their habitats for the premiere episode of Expedition Wild: Yellowstone Spring on NAT GEO WILD-TV, Monday, September 27, 2010, 9 PM ET/PT.

It’s a suspenseful world in the wild as animals protect their young from predators and babies learn new survival skills.

Below are two sneak peek videos from tonight’s episode as Casey witnesses a newborn bighorn sheep traversing treacherous cliffs under its mother’s watchful eyes, and then turns his attention to help relocate an orphaned baby owl.

Future episodes of Expedition Wild will feature more animal drama with “Inside the Wolf Pack” on Monday, October 4 and “Inside a Grizzly Attack” on Monday October 11 at 9 PM ET/PT.

“Yellowstone’s Baby Animals”

“Orphaned Owls”

Friday, September 24, 2010

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers


It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, September 24, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened September 24, 2010- Buried –Action/Adventure, Drama- R- because of “language and some violent content. ” NOTE: Currently in limited release and may not be available in all markets, but opens wide on October 8, 2010.

Opened September 24, 2010- Jack Goes Boating – Romance- R - because of “language, drug use and some sexual content.”

Opened September 24, 2010- Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole-SciFi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Animated- PG- because of “some sequences of scary action.”

Opened September 24, 2010- Like Dandelion Dust –Drama- PG-13- because of “mature thematic material including domestic violence and alcohol abuse.”

Opening September 28, 2010- Tapestries of Hope –Documentary- NOT RATED

Opened September 24, 2010- Waiting for Superman –Documentary- PG- because of “some thematic material, mild language and incidental smoking.”

Opened September 24, 2010- Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps-Drama-PG-13-because of “brief strong language and thematic elements.”

Opening September 24, 2010- You Again –Comedy, Romance- PG- because of “brief mild language and rude behavior.”

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 17, 2010, which included: Alpha and Omega; Catfish; Devil; Easy A; Kinshasa Symphony; The Town and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and for all films that opened August 6 to September 10, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the weeks of June 11 to July 30, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

The lovers, the dreamers and me: Jim Henson remembered


Today marks the birth date of one of those rare, multi-talented entertainers, puppeteer-actor-producer-director-writer and composer, Jim Henson, whose legacy lives on in some of the finest children’s programming ever created.

Born in 1936 in Greenville, Mississippi, Henson accomplished an outstanding, award-winning body of work in his 53 years of life, encompassing both television and film.

Widely known as the creator of “The Muppets,” it was Henson’s skilled presentation of some of these beloved fabric characters, such as “Kermit the Frog” that provided dual stars for him and his amphibian characterization on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

It was also Henson’s puppetry talents that were instrumental to the success of one of the longest running and most honored children’s programs, Sesame Street.

Henson’s life was cut short May 16, 1990, dying within a matter of days after contracting a streptococcal infection.

Today, Henson’s creative work continues through his family-run Jim Henson Company, the Jim Henson Foundation and the multitude of products that bear his signature.

Henson’s alter ego, better known as “Kermit the frog” lives on as well and is voiced by the talented actor, Steve Whitmire.

Henson once said, “When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there.”

On September 26, 1992, Henson was proclaimed, "Humanitarian, muppeteer, producer and director of films for children that encourage tolerance, interracial values, equality and fair play," when he was posthumously awarded the Children’s Peace Award. This honor, which is part of the Courage of Conscience Awards, places his name and work alongside that of humanity’s finest contributors: names such as Mahatma Gandhi; John Lennon and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The video tribute below is also a testament to his work and is but a fraction of the outpouring of admiration for Henson that has made its way to the Internet over the years.

Featured on the video is the talented Sarah McLachlan, singing the “Rainbow Connection” from the 1979 hit film, The Muppet Movie, which was originally sung by Henson as Kermit. The song became part of music history when it made Billboard’s Hot 100 and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Clarinetist Oran Etkin takes his show on the road with new CD release


He’s an internationally acclaimed musical hyphenate. He’s been described in the media as a "great clarinet player," a "woodwind maestro" and an "excellent improviser," and now jazz/world artist/composer and educator Oran Etkin has taken his show on the road with the launch of his new CD, “Wake-Up Clarinet!”

Etkins shares his superb musicality with an enchanting and engaging delivery both in person and on Wake Up Clarinet!

His newly released nine-track CD features Etkin's working jazz group that includes vocalist Charenee Wade and drummer Jason Marsalis as well as an entertaining video from a Timbalooloo concert with Clara Net and Big Mama Tuba, which you can see below.

Etkin’s method of music education - “Timbalooloo” has also drawn rave reviews from parents and children in the New York area for its innovative approach in sharing multiple musical genres and getting children to use their imaginations.

Etkin’s tour stops in Washington, D.C. tonight and then swings into New York City and Saratoga Springs, with more stops to follow. For additional tour dates, city, venue and ticketing information visit Etkin’s gig page.

You can also sound sample and purchase all tracks for Wake Up Clarinet direct from Etkin’s website or at Amazon.com, and keep up with him through his Facebook page.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS new trailer hits the web

Below is a newly released trailer for one of the most eagerly awaited movies this year, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – Part One, which debuts on theater screens nationwide, Friday November 19, 2010

As of this writing, the film has not yet been provided with a Motion Picture Association of America rating for age suitability.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sesame Street launches new season with Oprah Winfrey and "The O Show" animated segment



For over 40 years, Sesame Street has been a top ranked television favorite with preschoolers, parents and caregivers, and on Monday, September 27, 2010, the award-winning series launches an outstanding lineup of programming produced by the nonprofit educational organization, Sesame Workshop.

Premiering in the first episode of Sesame Street’s 41st season is a charming animated segment, “The O Show,” voiced by Oprah Winfrey, which introduces youngsters to the letter “O” utilizing talk show guests “Otto the Orangutan” and “Ophelia the Octopus.”

A wide roster other celebrities are performing in many more delightful parodies during the new season and include such notables as Academy Award-nominated actor, Jude Law; Golden Globe Award-winning actors Colin Farrell, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman; Emmy Award-winning comedian Wanda Sykes; NFL superstars Reggie Bush and LaDainian Tomlinson; Grammy Award-winning artists Will.i.am, Usher and Michael McKean and pop star Katy Perry to name just a few.

Also on tap, Sesame Workshop’s continuing commitment to science-based curriculum, which invites young viewers to become active participants in the processes of scientific inquiry.

“Children are naturally inquisitive – they are always questioning and analyzing the world around them,” says Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Vice President of Education and Research, Sesame Workshop. “The goal of the curriculum is to introduce young children to vocabulary and process skills that are integral in developing scientific reasoning abilities.” She adds, “Having our characters model these skills, especially ‘Super Grover 2.0,’ is a perfect age-appropriate way to engage children while they learn science concepts and build knowledge about how the world around them works.”

Now, for your viewing enjoyment, below is a new video clip of “The O Show,” and by visiting Sesame Street’s YouTube Channel you’ll see more of the 41st season original segment clips featuring Wanda Sykes, Katy Perry and other celebrities.

Also, be sure to log in to Sesame Street on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.

Sesame Workshop. © 2010. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Beloved children's stories go high-tech and top talent with Ruckus Media Group


Ruckus Media Group, a recently launched global family entertainment company debuts a series of high definition animated children’s story applications for mobile media platforms, which include the iPhone, iTouch, iPad and Android mobile devices.

Utilizing touch screen technology along with intellectual property from award-winning celebrities and best selling children’s authors and illustrators, the goal according to Ruckus co-founder and CEO Rick Richter “is to extend a child’s imagination through interactivity and to lead more and more kids to play and to read, regardless of the medium.”

It is expected that by the end of this year Ruckus will have more than 26 apps available to choose.

The first apps (for iPhone and iTouch) include Play-Read-and-Record-Along animated stories, and will be available on September 28 from the Apple App Store at a family-friendly price of $3.99 each.

The current crop of applications (listed below) are all gems and include:

The Velveteen Rabbit, told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston

Pecos Bill, told by Robin Williams, illustrated by Tim Raglin, music by Bobby McFerrin

Johnny Appleseed, told by Garrison Keillor, illustrated by Stan Olson, music by Mark O'Connor

John Henry, told by Denzel Washington, illustrated by Barry Jackson, music by B.B. King

Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table, told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello

The video below, from Rabbit Ears Entertainment will give you a good idea of the fine production values involved in these titles.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers


It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, September 17, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened September 17, 2010- Alpha and Omega –Action/Adventure, Animated- PG- because of “rude humor and some mild action.”

Opened September 17, 2010- Catfish-Documentary-PG-13--because of “some sexual references.”

Opened September 17, 2010- Devil –Horror- PG-13- because of “violence and disturbing images, thematic material and some language including sexual references.”

Opened September 17, 2010- Easy A –Comedy- PG-13- because of “mature thematic elements involving teen sexuality, language and some drug material.”

Opening September 23, 2010- Kinshasa Symphony –Documentary- NOT RATED

Opened September 17, 2010- The Town -Drama-R-because of “strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use.”

Opening September 22, 2010- You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger –Drama- R- because of “some language.”

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 10, 2010, which included: Bran Neu Dae; Dabangg; I Am Comic; Kormaram Puli; Legendary; Lovely, Still; Never Let Me Go; Resident Evil: Afterlife; The Romantics and Virginity Hit, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 3, 2010, which included: Going the Distance; Machete; Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1; We are Family; The Winning Season and A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, August 27, 2010, which included: American: The Bill Hicks Story; The American; Avatar: Special Edition 3D; Centurion; The Last Exorcism; My Dog Tulip; My Suicide; Paul McCartney Really is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison; Takers and Wo Ai Ni Mommy, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, August 20, 2010, which included: The Genesis Code; Lottery Ticket; Mao’s Last Dancer; Nanny McPhee Returns; Piranha 3D; The Switch; The Tillman Story and What If, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of August 13, 2010, which included: Animal Kingdom; Eat Pray Love; The Expendables; A Film Unfinished; Lebanon; Matching Jack; Peepli; Scott Pilgrim vs. the World; Tales From Earthsea and Vampires Suck, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of August 6, 2010, which included: The Disappearance of Alice Creed; Flipped; Middle Men; The Other Guys and Step Up 3D, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of July 30, 2010, which included: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore; Dinner for Schmucks; The Dry Land; The Extra Man; Get Low; Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel; Twelve; Hook Ya Crook; The Sicilian Girl and for all films that opened June 11 to July 23, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

New trailer released for Disney's TANGLED

In early August we got a first peek at Walt Disney Pictures’ TANGLED, the classic Rapunzel fairytale that has been cleverly reinvented and due to hit theater screens nationwide Wednesday, November 24, 2010.

Now, for your viewing enjoyment below, a newly released trailer, which reveals more footage for this superb animated/comedy 3-D film.

This one promises to be a holiday favorite.

Enjoy!

.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Caspar Babypants to launch third album: "This is Fun!"


His lyrics are memorable; his music ranges from kid-pop to folk, and his delivery is clear and easy for sing-along; the artist’s name is “Caspar Babypants,” but you probably know him in the grown-up world as Chris Ballew, the Grammy®-nominated songwriter and lead singer with the platinum rock and roll band, The Presidents of the United States of America.

Ballew’s kid-pleasing alter ego “Caspar” received high praise for his first two album releases, “Here I Am!” and “More Please,” and his newest outing, “This Is Fun!,” scheduled for nationwide release, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, promises even more of Caspar’s same wonderful story-telling set to a variety of musical genres, plus high profile guest artists, Krist Novoselic from Nirvana and noted children’s musicians Elizabeth Mitchell and Charlie Hope.

Ballew has not only proven himself to be a master wordsmith, with tight rhyming (fun and often quirky) lyrics, but his tuneful and uncomplicated delivery keeps kids totally engaged.

You can sound sample and purchase all Caspar Babypants recordings from the artist’s website as a download, or be directed to online and stick/ brick retailers.

Below is a music video titled, “$9.99,” which is a track from Caspar’s second album “More Please!” This will give you an idea of how delightful Ballew's music is.

According to Ballew, the inspiration for $9.99 came as follows: “Suddenly, out of nowhere, the chorus to this song came into my brain fully formed! I saw a little bear all tattered and sad on a store shelf just waiting to be loved by some special kid. Poor little guy! He’s has had a rough life.” He adds, “I used to ‘rescue’ old dirty stuffed animals from the free store at the dump on an island with my kids. The song is inspired by that good feeling of saving a lost toy.”

(I guarantee you and your kids will join in on the refrain in less than a minute.)

Enjoy!

Monday, September 13, 2010

THE SECRET OF MOONACRE upcoming DVD/Blu-ray release


On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, THE SECRET OF MOONACRE, makes its way from the big screen to DVD and Blu-ray formats, debuting at retailers nationwide and brought to you by eOne Entertainment.

MOONACRE, which is based on the beloved, Carnegie Medal-winning children’s novel, The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge, is a family film, perfect for ages 8 and up.

It was White Horse that served as central inspiration for J.K. Rowling and her enormously successful creation of the Harry Potter novels.

Emmy Award-winning director, Gabor Csupo (Bridge to Terabithia, creator of “Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys”) brings the THE SECRET OF MOONACRE, to life.

Rated PG for “some mild peril and language,” this fantasy/fairytale/adventure is filled with exquisite imagery, special effects, moments of high drama, comic relief and a fine performance by Dakota Blue Richards (The Golden Compass) who plays the central role of 13-year-old, “Maria Merryweather.”

Set in the 1840’s, the recently orphaned Maria leaves her elegant London home, forced to live at the mysterious Moonacre Manor estate with an eccentric uncle she never knew. Immersed in a dark and crumbling world filled with secrets, Maria discovers she is the last “Moon Princess” charged with undoing ancestral misdeeds before the next full moon, or Moonacre disappears forever.

The DVD version of MOONACRE is presented in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) and 5.1 Surround Sound; the Blu-ray format, offers DTS-HD Master Audio. Both releases include English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired, and in addition to the 103-minute film, an extra 90 minutes of bonus features are included at a suggested retail price of $24.98.

For your viewing enjoyment, below is a behind-the-scenes look at, THE SECRET OF MOONACRE.


Friday, September 10, 2010

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers


It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, September 10, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened September 10, 2010- Bran Nue Dae –Comedy/Music, Musical- PG-13- because of “sexual content and drug use.”

Opened September 10, 2010- Dabangg-Action/Adventure- NOT RATED – NOTE: Limited release.

Opening September 15, 2010- I Am Comic –Documentary- R- because of “language, sexual content and some drug material.”

Opening September 11, 2010- Komaram Puli –Comedy, Action/Adventure, Drama- NOT RATED

Opened September 10, 2010- Legendary – Drama- PG-13 - because of “suggestive material, brief partial nudity and some fighting scenes.”

Opened September 10, 2010- Lovely, Still-Drama-PG-because of “thematic material, mild language and brief smoking.”

Opening September 15, 2010- Never Let Me Go –SciFi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Drama- R- because of “some sexuality and nudity.” NOTE: This is a limited release.

Opened September 10, 2010 – Resident Evil: Afterlife- Action/Adventure, Horror-R because of “sequences of strong violence and language.”

Opened September 10, 2010- The Romantics –Drama- PG-13- because of “sexual content, partial nudity, language and some drug material.”

Opened September 10, 2010- The Virginity Hit –Comedy- R- because of “strong crude and sexual content, nudity, pervasive language, drug and alcohol use.”

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 3, 2010, which included: Going the Distance; Machete; Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1; We are Family; The Winning Season and A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, August 27, 2010, which included: American: The Bill Hicks Story; The American; Avatar: Special Edition 3D; Centurion; The Last Exorcism; My Dog Tulip; My Suicide; Paul McCartney Really is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison; Takers and Wo Ai Ni Mommy, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, August 20, 2010, which included: The Genesis Code; Lottery Ticket; Mao’s Last Dancer; Nanny McPhee Returns; Piranha 3D; The Switch; The Tillman Story and What If… please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of August 13, 2010, which included: Animal Kingdom; Eat Pray Love; The Expendables; A Film Unfinished; Lebanon; Matching Jack; Peepli; Scott Pilgrim vs. the World; Tales From Earthsea and Vampires Suck, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of August 6, 2010, which included: The Disappearance of Alice Creed; Flipped; Middle Men; The Other Guys and Step Up 3D, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of July 30, 2010, which included: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore; Dinner for Schmucks; The Dry Land; The Extra Man; Get Low; Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel; Twelve; Hook Ya Crook; The Sicilian Girl and for all films that opened June 11 to July 23, 2010 please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A behind-the-scenes peek: Disney's SECRETARIAT


He was a magnificent colt that made horse racing history in 1973, garnering the first Triple Crown victory in 25 years; his image graced the covers of “Time,” “Newsweek,” and “Sports Illustrated” all in the same week that year; in 1999 this great stallion’s chestnut image was finally immortalized on a U.S. Postal Service stamp, and on Friday, October 8, 2010 Walt Disney Pictures releases SECRETARIAT, the film based on “the impossible true story” of perhaps one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

Rated PG for “brief mild language,” SECRETARIAT is a feature not only for equestrian lovers and history buffs, but a movie for families that stars Diane Lane as Penny Chenery, a housewife and mother, who “despite all odds and her lack of horse-racing knowledge” helps make a dream a reality in the competitive, male-dominated world of the sport of horse racing.

For your viewing enjoyment; (just released) a behind the scenes featurette, “Penny’s Story – Against All Odds” from Walt Disney Pictures’ SECRETARIAT.

Simply click on this link and you will be taken to a private screening. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Roald Dahl: Celebrating his life and legacy of literacy


During the month of September, the literary world recalls and honors the memory of Roald Dahl, versatile and prolific writer from the 20th century whose body of work spanned everything from teleplays and film scripts, to adult short stories and children’s books.

His personal life read like a good novel, and he was enormously successful during his lifetime.

Today, it is Dahl’s children’s literature that consistently crosses the boundaries of time and garners legions of new followers.

A huge proponent of literacy, his writing style was from a child’s point of view and oftentimes encompassed the dark realities of life mixed with fantasy and a good dose of humor.

Born September 13, 1916 in Wales, Dahl began his writing career in the early 1940’s and continued to work on manuscripts until his death in 1990.

Today, it is not only his printed books that have a following but his GRAMMY nominated unabridged audiobooks from HarperCollins Publishers.

These are superbly produced recordings of favorite Roald Dahl classics, which include brief musical embeds and are narrated by the author himself or performed by some of the finest actors of our time such as Jeremy Irons, Lynn Redgrave, Eric Idle, and the late Natasha Richardson.

Below is a list of available Roald Dahl audio and printed children’s books along with biographical links to the narrators.

You can preview each of the recordings, connect to a multitude of favorite online retailers for reviews, or simply purchase any of the books or recordings by following the title and actor links separately.

The Roald Dahl Audio CD Collection, narrated by the author, includes such classics as: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; James and the Giant Peach; Fantastic Mr. Fox; The Enormous Crocodile and The Magic Finger

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Unabridged CD and book narrated by David Suchet

The BFG CD Unabridged narrated by Natasha Richardson

Twits CD Unabridged narrated by Simon Callow

The Witches CD Unabridged narrated by Lynn Redgrave

Fantastic Mr. Fox Unabridged narrated by Roald Dahl

Going Solo narrated by Derek Jacobi

Boy Unabridged
narrated by Derek Jacobi

George's Marvelous Medicine CD Unabridged narrated by Richard E. Grant

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator Unabridged narrated by Eric Idle

James and the Giant Peach, narrated by Jeremy Irons

The Giraffe, The Pelly and Me (Unabridged) narrated by Richard E. Grant

Esio Trot & the Minpins (Unabridged)
narrated by Joanna Lumley

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory CD (Unabridged)
narrated by Eric Idle

Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts (Unabridged) narrated by Alan Cumming

Danny, the Champion of the World Audio narrated by Robert Powell

Matilda Audio narrated by Jean Marsh

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers


It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, September 3, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened September 3, 2010- Going the Distance-Romance- R- because of “sexual content including dialogue, language throughout, some drug use and brief nudity.”

Opened September 3, 2010- Machete – Action/Adventure- R - because of “strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity.”

Opened September 3, 2010- Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1
Biography/Crime/Drama/Action/Thriller-R-because of “bloody brutal violence, a scene of sexuality, nudity and pervasive language.” NOTE: Limited release not available in all markets.

Opened September 3, 2010- We are Family-Drama- NOT RATED – NOTE: Limited release.

Opened September 3, 2010 – The Winning Season- Comedy-PG-13 because of “some thematic elements, language including some sexual references, alcohol abuse and smoking.”

Opened September 3, 2010- A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop –Drama- R- because of “some violence.” NOTE: In limited release; not available in all markets.

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, August 27, 2010, which included: American: The Bill Hicks Story; The American; Avatar: Special Edition 3D; Centurion; The Last Exorcism; My Dog Tulip; My Suicide; Paul McCartney Really is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison; Takers and Wo Ai Ni Mommy … please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, August 20, 2010, which included: The Genesis Code; Lottery Ticket; Mao’s Last Dancer; Nanny McPhee Returns; Piranha 3D; The Switch; The Tillman Story and What If… please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of August 13, 2010, which included: Animal Kingdom; Eat Pray Love; The Expendables; A Film Unfinished; Lebanon; Matching Jack; Peepli; Scott Pilgrim vs. the World; Tales From Earthsea and Vampires Suck, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of August 6, 2010, which included: The Disappearance of Alice Creed; Flipped; Middle Men; The Other Guys and Step Up 3D, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of July 30, 2010, which included: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore; Dinner for Schmucks; The Dry Land; The Extra Man; Get Low; Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel; Twelve; Hook Ya Crook; The Sicilian Girl and for all films that opened June 11 to July 23, 2010 please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.