Rampage Movie Review

My family and I attended an advance screening of the upcoming blockbuster, RAMPAGE this week. My boys have been begging to see this since they first saw a preview. They knew it would have a whole lot of action and that it featured one of their favorite stars, Dawyne Johnson. My oldest and husband loved that it is based on the retro videogame of the same name.

In a nutshell, RAMPAGE is about big mutant animals… well on a rampage! It has an easy to follow storyline and is non-stop action from beginning to end! This movie isn’t for those looking for fine cinema but for those of you who just want big monster fun, this is it!

At the beginning of the movie, we are introducted to primatologist (and very good looking ;)) Davis Okoye (Dwane Johnson). He’s been working with albino Silverback gorilla, George, ever since he rescued the young orphan from poachers. When a genetic experiment goes awry and the space station debris touches down in George’s enclosure, things get wild. This gentle giant become an raging creature of enormous size. To make matters worse, he’s not the only altered animal. Cue the super-sized wolf and alligator! These creatures won’t let anything stop them as tear across the country, racing to Chicago. Okoye teams up with geneticist Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) to secure an antidote to not only try to save his friend but everyone in the path of these terrifying creatures.

The word of the day here is ACTION. It’s seriously action packed from beginning to end. The CGI hijinks in this movie are out of this world and some of the best I’ve ever seen. In fact, there are even some “wow, I can’t believe they are going to …” moments! AMAZING!

All in all, I felt safe being my boys to this movie even with their ages being 7, 10 and 12. No one was scared or tried to creep into my bed in the middle of the night. I’d say that is a win.

Looking for some action-packed monster mayhem this Friday the 13th? This is your movie! Bring the family to see RAMPAGE and enjoy a night out!

JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle hits theaters today, Wednesday, December 20th. but my family and I were able to see an advance screening earlier this week.  So is it a movie for the whole family? Read on to hear what I think!

It’s been more than two decades since Robin Williams stared in the movie Jumanji. In fact, it was released before I was married and way before my kiddos were even thought of! Regardless, the first movie is a classic in our home and has been watched countless times. As soon as my boys saw that Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle was to be released this holiday season, we all knew it would be a must-see.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has been resurrected with more stars including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black. They truly make the movie with their back and forth banter and hilarious one-liners.

Skinny Spencer is now Dr. Smolder Bravestone, an action figure with HUGE pecs played by Dwayne Johnson; Martha becomes Ruby Roundhouse, a gorgeous, scantily clad lady played by Karen Gillan; the massive Fridge shrinks into Franklin Finbar (Kevin Hart); and best of all, self-absorbed Bethany becomes Dr. Sheldon Oberon, played by Jack Black.

It’s a role reversal for everyone and hilarities ensue! They all have to go through the stages of learning to accept their new bodies, talents and shortcomings. These jokes carry throughout the movie and never get old.  The whole audience laughed out loud when Spencer saw his new muscles and when Bethany found out she was trapped inside a middle aged man’s body!

Soon enough, they realize the only way out is to complete the game by returning a giant emerald to its rightful position on a mountaintop. Each character has to use their special skills to overcome obstacles while staying away from their weaknesses. On top of all of this they all only have three lives each to succeed.

Is Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle Safe For Kids?

This movie is rated PG-14 for some swearing and low-key violence. A few of the gags are a little crude, but I found that most went right over my kid’s heads (ages 11, 9, and 7). Overall, I found Jumanju a pleasurable family adventure that my whole family enjoyed. I didn’t feel like it was too much for my kids and I really LOVED that it was a movie we could all enjoy!

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle is now in theaters EVERYWHERE!

Disclosure: I was invited to travel to LA for the press event for the movie The Star. My expenses were paid. Regardless all opinions are my own.

I grew up watching holiday classics with my family as we gathered around the TV during Christmas. This year’s release of The Star, opening Friday, November 17th, marks the addition of a new “Christmas classic” that is sure to delight families as it shares the true meaning of Christmas.

Last weekend my son, Mason, and I flew to Hollywood to hear all about the new movie, The Star, and interview a few of the stars of the movie too! While there, we catch a sneak peek of the movie and I’m bursting with excitement to share all about it!

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What I love most about The Star is how the nativity story is told in a completely new way – through the animals who were there! Yes, you’ll still see the biblically-inspired story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus but it includes a twist from some funny, inquisitive and witty animals. I love that The Star keeps to the “original” story while making it fun for the whole family.

© 2017 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. **ALL IMAGES ARE PROPERTY OF SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC. FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY. SALE, DUPLICATION OR TRANSFER OF THIS MATERIAL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

The Star was a truly delightful movie and the soundtrack is amazing. I actually teared up when the song, Mary Did You Know came on during a touching scene with Mary. I loved how they were able to weave classic songs as well as providing some originals as well. The impressive soundtrack is filled with songs from Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony and Casting Crowns.

While the storyline and the music create a backdrop the actors in the film give it a true voice. In fact, Director Timothy Reckart shared that the cast was a “dream come true” as every actor in the film was his first choice.  In the movie, you’ll hear familiar voices from stars such as Oprah Winfrey (Deborah the Camel), Gina Rodriguez (Mary), Zachary Levi (Joseph), Tyler Perry (Cyrus the Camel) and Ohio’s own, Patricia Heaton (Edith the Cow).

The Star introduces us to the loveable donkey, Bo, who dreams of escaping his duties working for the village miller and finding a new adventure in the outside world. When he escapes, he teams up with Ruth, the sheep and Dave, the dove and they set out to start a new life. Soon after he finds Mary and Joseph who are about to embark on their own adventure as they have been forced to travel to Bethlehem by royal decree. When King Herod discovers that they is soon to be a new king born he sends off a guard to find them. Bo and his friends along with three wisecracking camels set off to protect Mary, Joseph and the baby and become a group of unlikely heroes.

The Star movie while touching, is also filled with laughs which will keep your family giggling throughout the film. I hope you’ll bring your family out to see The Star this weekend! I can’t wait to hear what you think too!

The Star Opens in Theaters Nov 17th!

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A few days ago, I got to see an advance screening of the new Cars 3 movie. Our family loved it and I am confident I’ll be seeing it again this weekend. Yea, it was that good! Honestly, Cars 3 is BY FAR the best Disney･Pixar Cars movie out of the three!

The first Cars movie featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater and the rest of the gang holds a special place in my heart. My kiddos were crazy about all things Cars when they were younger and have literally grown up with the Cars franchise. We had it all, from the Cars bedding to the toy cars, to even the clothing.

If you loved the other Cars movies, you’ll be excited to know, that this one doesn’t disappoint. It has a great plot, excellent music and a solid story. While Lightning McQueen feels like he is being overshadowed by the new generation of race vehicles, you’ll be rooting for him to get back into the game!

Picture courtesy of Disney･Pixar

I loved that this movie wasn’t all about Lightning McQueen. In fact while bringing back some of our favorite characters, it also introduced new ones that show that all cars, no matter skill level are strong and fearless. I feel that this movie, while being fun for the whole family also has a strong message of being fearless and going for your goals. It’ll have everyone cheering!

About CARS 3

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Cast: Nathan Fillion (Guardians of the Galaxy, Castle), Armie Hammer (The Lone Ranger, The Social Network), Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers, Cars), Kerry Washington (Django Unchained, Ray), Bonnie Hunt (The Green Mile, Cars), Tony Shalhoub (Monk, Men In Black), Lee DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black), Cheech Marin (The Lion King, Cars), Katherine Helmond (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Cars), Paul Dooley (Runaway Bride, Cars), Larry the Cable Guy (Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Cars), Christela Alonzo (The View, The Angry Birds Movie), Darrell Waltrip (Cars)

Remember Cars 3 races into theaters THIS Weekend!!

Be sure to follow CARS 3 via their social media outlets;

Last week, I was able to see an advance screening of The Book of Henry and meet director, Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World). This movie made me laugh and cry while also keeping me on the edge of my seat. The Book of Henry is a rare movie as it is a family drama while also being a heart pounding thriller. Surprisingly, the two genres successfully blend together.

@thebookofhenry was amazing! Get ready to laugh and cry (a lot)! Emotional, but truly worth the journey!! #thebookofhenry #mustsee pic.twitter.com/azFtGZZTU8

— Rachel K. (@CouponingRachel) June 7, 2017

Naomi Watts stars as Susan Carpenter, a single mother of two boys, 11-year-old Henry (Jaeden Lieberher) and 8-year-old Peter (Jacob Tremblay). She a mom with normal struggles that we all can relate to, such a keeping up with a messy house and getting the kids off to school on time. While she isn’t the most responsible parent and is even child-like herself, one thing that is certain is how much she loves her boys.

Photo courtesy Focus Features

Henry, her oldest, has a big brain and even bigger heart. He enjoys working on contraptions in the amazing treehouse in his backyard but still stays on top of his family’s finances, by making savvy investments. Henry is also attuned to other people’s problems and suspects that not all is well next door with his neighbor, Christina (Maddie Ziegler). She lives with her stepfather and is sullen and withdrawn. Unfortunately, while he feels that she is in danger, he finds it hard to convince others.

Photo courtesy Focus Features

Because I don’t want to give too much away, I will share very little. Sensing that Christina is in danger, Henry cooks up a plot to rescue Christina from her stepfather (who is also the town’s police commissioner). Henry develops an elaborate plan complete with maps and diagrams and puts them all in a little red book. Rounding out the cast is Susan’s best friend (Silverman’s Sheila) who is a co-worker at the local diner and charming Dr. Dreamy (aka Dr. Daniels), who spends time with the family when health issues arise.

The Book of Henry is a must-see movie, especially for moms! You will fall in love with this family and the storyline. The endearing relationship with this mom and her boys is heartwarming. This movie will remind you what a gift it is to be a mom or parent! This movie is sure to stick with you long after the credits roll.