What to Watch: Top Entertainment Picks for August

We have been seeing quite a few reruns on the television lately, which is why I'm so thrilled to have so many good programs on DVD to watch with the family!  Here are our top picks for titles available in stores and online now.  Which one will you watch first?

Elmo's Magic Numbers


When we previewed the trailer for this charming film last month, I could have never guessed that our entire family would be so taken with it.  In addition to featuring some of the most adorable skits I've seen on Sesame Street (a redo of 30 Rock called "30 Rocks" -- can you believe it?), it has some nostalgia that anyone over age 30 can't resist.  The bonus features of this number-themed DVD are all of the pinball machine number songs (all 12 of them.)  I watched them over and over with my husband, as we remembered just how great it was growing up with Sesame Street!  Your kids will fall in love with them just in time to make them part of their childhood, too.  (Available at Amazon for $12.99)

LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Season 1

My kids enjoy anything with a LEGO theme, and my boys are huge fans of the LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu television series.  As my son put it,"It's about ninjas and Legos; what's not to like about that?"  While there is a bit of sass in this series (the characters are definitely works in progress when it comes to discipline and respect), it is good at showing teamwork and what happens when you do listen to your elders.  Music is fast and upbeat, action isn't over the top, and all of those Karate Kid characteristics we appreciate (patience, for example) are exemplified throughout the series.  If you are looking for something that is high fun with a bit of values thrown in, you and your kids should really enjoy all 13 episodes of LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu. (Available at Amazon for $19.98)

LEVERAGE: The Fourth Season


I became addicted to Leverage when reruns were available for online viewing a couple of years back.  I then introduced my husband to the amazing series, and just last year, my kids also became big fans.  As one of the few dramas on TV that I would actually let my kids watch, it is a great way for the family to sit down and catch an exciting one hour episode of a show that actually teaches a lesson.  In season four, our favorite criminals get back together once again to steal things for the good guys (think Tim Hutton as Robin Hood).  There is clever writing, witty dialogue, and just enough hand-to-hand combat to remind you of those fun cop shows from the 80s (and no one gets killed.)  Did I mention that the good guys always win in the end?  The DVD features bonus perks like deleted scenes and outtakes.  For a different kind of crime show (you know, the kind you can watch in front of the children), check out season four of one of the best shows on television.  (Available at Amazon for under $30.)

What fun things are your families watching this month?

*Screeners received for some titles.  Opinions are 100% my own.


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