Review of TripFlix DVD
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Everywhere I turn, the term "staycation" is being thrown around. Daunting gas prices and weather instability has kept many families home this summer. Kids may get bummed out about the lack of exciting new places to visit, and I totally understand. Giving them a way to learn and explore top vacation destinations, however, doesn't have to be completely squashed.
TripFLIX is a very new (and very cool) interactive DVD that lets kids teach kids about the best parts of top vacation destinations (and we're not talking amusement parks, here.) With more education than is first suspected, choice U.S. landmarks are presented in kid-friendly terms and with all the brilliance of video.
Quizzes and other interactive tools keep viewers engaged, and the featured spots are actually very fascinating. (Carhenge is in my own state, and I didn't know anything about it until watching this video.) Aimed at kids of all ages (even toddlers at my house loved watching it), it's a great way to stretch those vacation dollars from the comforts of home. 25 hot spots that kids are sure to love come alive at the push of your "play" button -- it doesn't get any better than this!
More info on TripFLIX is available at their website, or purchase today at Amazon.com
Labels: education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 3:08 PM,
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Review of the Zula Patrol on Qubo
Monday, July 14, 2008
School hasn't started yet, but that doesn't mean that the learning can't start now! Since preschoolers are eager to learn basic skills, it's great when a TV show meets that need with fun characters and the best music. What show am I talking about? The Zula Patrol, and it's airing this summer!
If you don't love the quirky theme song, there's something really wrong with you. Add in the engaging characters and the not-so-subtle educational value, and you have the makings of a successful show that won't waste your kid's time. After just a few minutes, even my 9-year-old was sitting down to watch, and Zula had my toddlers "at hello." What did I think? I got a refresher course in planetary rotation and I still can't get that theme song out of my head!
Science doesn't have to be overly complicated or out of reach for your kids. Thankfully, Zula Patrol takes the wonders of the universe and brings it down to a child-sized serving sure to entertain and create a new passion for astronomy. Zula is just one of many high-quality programming options offered by Qubo. If you don't have cable, you can catch Zula on Saturday mornings on NBC! Or play a game at the official Zula website. It's a blast!
Labels: education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:33 PM,
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Review of Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs Software
Monday, May 12, 2008
Computer games are a fun hobby at our house, but I really prefer those that teach basic learning skills over those for pure entertainment. We recently had an opportunity to test out Kutoka Interactive's Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs with both my 4 and 9-year old children, and the response was overwhelmingly positive!First, let me give you a little background: Mia Reading is a DVD-ROM computer learning software game that provides hours of fun activities for reinforcing the foundational reading skills that every child needs to succeed. But this really is no ordinary educational software! The graphics are beyond amazing! My daughter and I were shocked to see that the game played much like a high-budget computer-animated movie, and she even told me that it was more realistic than games she had played on a Nintendo DS or a PS3. The game was quick-loading, and very easy to set up (it only required a short installation and allowed children to type their name for their play settings.)
In addition to really clever activities that challenged phonics, adverbs, sentence structure, and so much more, the game provided:
• Adventure game includes 12 educational activities
• Two game styles: Adventure Mode and Activities Mode
• Four age-appropriate difficulty levels
• Easy to consult evaluation report to follow the child’s progress
• Educational activities seamlessly integrated into the story
• Colorful environments and endearing characters in a rich
3D environment
• Feature-film quality animation
• Unique navigation system enabling real-time control of
the main character
• On DVD-ROM for an even better graphic quality
(This is a screen shot from our favorite activity in the game! Who doesn't love jellybeans?)This game was just as fun for me to watch as it was for my kids to play! Children will enjoy helping Mia (the mouse) find ways to rid her home of stinky, nasty bug invaders while they build upon their reading skills. Adults will enjoy having a game played in the home that is worthwhile and pleasant to be around (as we all know how annoying some video games can be).
Mia Reading is perfect for summer learning, supplementing homeschool curriculum, or just as a way to pass time in a uniquely enriching way. See more about Kutoka Interactive and the Mia Reading program at their website! (This game is available at major electronics retailers and Amazon.com)
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, electronics, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:20 AM,
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Review of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Movies with heart don't come along every day. But when they do.... they remind you why you love movies in the first place.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is not a contrived, simple, or purely entertaining piece of film. Suitable for all ages, and perfect for those children who are starting the ask the "big" questions in life, adults will find it engaging as well as educational.
Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is over 200 years old, and is destined to leave this life and his magical toy shop behind. With Molly (Natalie Portman) chosen to carry on his legacy, things seem to be headed for the perfect ending. Things are not as sweet as they seem, however, as the toy shop begins to mourn Mr. Magorium's departure, and Molly is crushed to learn that his time will come sooner than she thought.
Heavy topics such as life, death, and all the magical stuff in-between will be portrayed with whimsical charm and a soft heart, making it the perfect opportunity for children and parents to discuss their views on death and the afterlife. A little sad, and a lot of sweet, viewers will enjoy this fresh film with wonderful character development and a tender performance by Jason Bateman. (And did you catch the adorable little Sock Monkey?)
Our favorite line from the movie? When Molly asks her mentor, "Are you dying?" Magorium points out, "Light bulbs die, my dear. I am departing." Wonderfully said, Mr. Magorium.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:00 PM,
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Review of National Geographic's Green Guide Magazine
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Like most moms I know, I am really trying to be more environmentally-friendly in my daily habits. I realize that it starts small: turning off the water when I brush, turning down my hot water heater a notch or two, recycling when I can. These are just a few ways to help out, but what else can I do?
National Geographic has put out another great magazine, with the claim that it is "The Resource for Consuming Wisely." Would I agree? I think so. The first of it's kind to reach a wider audience of normal families, the Green Guide doesn't assume everyone can afford to ditch their minivan for a Prius -- and they don't even ask you to.
Topics covered in the preview issue include how to improve gas mileage in your current vehicle, the 12 worst cosmetic ingredients, and how to look for safer food. All things that I care about, and each tip was applicable and easier to implement than the suggestions offered by some other green publications.
The publication has the kind of quality and class that you would expect from NatGeo, but without any snoot or sass aimed at those of us who are new at being green or only have one toe in the waters.
For complete subscription details on this quarterly gem, and to see all their great green blogs, visit www.thegreenguide.com.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:33 AM,
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Holiday Promotion: Braincandy
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
We love Braincandy. In our recent review of the education DVD series, we looked at how the sense of touch is an important one in a child's world. With Valentine's Day coming up, we have been given an opportunity to celebrate my favorite sense, the sense of taste!
Braincandy will be giving a FREE "Taste My World" DVD with ANY purchase from now until Valentine's Day! Simply add the DVD to your cart, and it will ring up free upon checkout! See all the details HERE.
Are you entered to win our Valentine's Day goodie bag? If not, post a comment here or on any of our other Holiday Spotlight posts to be entered. (One entry per holiday post.) The winner will receive a goody from Braincandy, along with stuff from all our other sponsors!
Labels: education, entertainment, giveaway, Valentines
posted by Kylinsmom @ 11:51 AM,
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Review of Pokemon Champion Island DVD Game
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Have any Poke' fans in your house? They will go crazy over this new DVD board game from Snap TV Games! A fun mixture of Pokemon card collecting, live DVD entertainment, and competitive board game play, Pokemon Champion Island from Snap TV is engaging and exciting!
Not a Pokemon fan? Following along isn't too hard, even if you don't know the difference between a Bug-type or an Ice-type! Each one of four players has the chance to cruise around the game board, using the DVD to answer puzzle challenges and view video clips. Challenges allow players to continue along their journey or even collect the valuable pieces needed to graduate from the Academy!
Recommended for ages 6 and up, this game could be played by younger players, with assistance. The most difficult part of the game is mastering the DVD remote controls. The highlight of the game is that there is no confusion over who plays next -- the DVD stays on track to call out players by name, and lets the next person know when it's their turn!
Pokemon Champion Island is available at Snap Tv's website and Amazon for under $25!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, entertainment, games
posted by Kylinsmom @ 11:15 AM,
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Review of "Touch My World" DVD by Braincandy
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Puppets have always kind of been my thing. Growing up in love with a certain small green frog from my favorite prime-time muppet show, I always wanted the same kind of entertainment for my kids.
Braincandy has come up with a series of DVD's for kids that teach them about the 5 senses. They also use puppets -- But these are not your Mama's puppets! A little sassy, kind of weird, but totally lovable, the Sense Gang will have your little one engaged and learning in ways you probably haven't seen before.
At first I was a little surprised at the approach Braincandy takes towards teaching. It isn't a classroom-type experience, that's for sure! Through what they call "organic" learning, kids view things they are already familiar with (squishy spaghetti and holding hands) and make the connection between tactile experiences and their physical sense of touch.
The music is catchy and contagious (but not insane.) The children are adorable and easy to relate to. The end result is a very effective video for kids to explore. Harry Hand looked a little bit like a strange sea creature to me, but my two toddlers assured me that, "He's cool... not scary.." OK, it's cool with me, too!
Just one of 5 DVD's in the series, "Touch My World" is an award-winning adventure for ages 6 months to 4 years. For more information, please visit www.braincandykids.com! Available for purchase at Amazon.com and other online retailers.
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 7:20 PM,
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Review of Little Laureate Development Series
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Learning DVD's for little ones are nothing new. Everywhere you look, someone else has developed the video for young children to learn by viewing. While I think these efforts are noble, the videos often leave much to be desired.
Fortunately, that is not the case for this review. Little Laureate has created a series of learning DVD's and CD's that are vastly different from anything I've ever seen before. A visual masterpiece set to audio delights, each video presents learning in a way that seems to leave me taken aback! Their "My World Colors" DVD was 30 minutes of bold pictures and photographs that had movement and life. (These videos are also optimized for HDTV, something you'll appreciate!)
Not only do the videos pair music with art, but they interact with children, as well. Intended for kids aged 18 months and up, they don't attempt to "dumb-down" their viewers. Kids are challenged with questions from the adorable main cartoon-character "Star." I was impressed that my sons answered each and every one of the challenges for each color. They even had the opportunity to learn the color names in 3 different languages! (Spanish, French, and English.) Imagine how impressive it was to hear my 4-year old mimic "morado" (which is Spanish for purple.) Parents will also appreciate that the videos were designed to be shared WITH their children, not as a substitute babysitter.
Each 30-minute DVD in the series also comes with a 60-minute CD of classical pieces performed by the Moscow International Orchestra and a 24-page parent book with tips and tricks to keeping kids engaged in their learning adventures. This series will be available with 3 titles to choose from: My World Gallery, My World Adventures, and My World Colors (discussed above.)
For more information on this truly different learning series, visit www.littlelaureate.com!
(Would you like to try out the HDTV experience for yourself? From now until Dec. 31, you can enter to win a 42-inch plasma TV from Little Laureate! Details are at their website....)
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, entertainment, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:38 AM,
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Review of Answer That! DVD Trivia Game
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
We love trivia games at our house. The problem with most of them, however, is that they aren't easily made to accommodate players of all ages and skill level. The invention of the DVD board game has helped to solve this problem, and I have enjoyed trying out many of them over the last year.
The newest addition to the DVD trivia board game family is the Answer That! Family DVD Trivia Game by Digital Praise. Those of you who are familiar with and love the Adventures in Odyssey series will adore this game for ages 6-adult!
The game is made for many different play options. Short on time? Play the shortest route on the game board for a game that will last under 20 minutes. Not familiar with the Adventures in Odyssey crew? While you may not have as much enjoyment as the fan club that has followed the Adventure for the past 20 years, there are still questions chosen especially for you.
The game includes a board, dice, 4 playing pieces, trivia cards (with variations on questions and answers, including Bible verse knowledge), Room of Consequence cards, and the DVD for multimedia quizzing.
While I wasn't quite as jazzed up over the game as my kids were (they were ecstatic), it's probably because I'm a little old school when it comes to my board games. Using the DVD player at first seemed daunting, but once I did the first few trivia questions, it was a breeze. My favorite part of this game was the Room of Consequences card stack. When landing on the ROC square, players must draw a card and face their consequences... (cards describe behaviors that are undesirable: i.e treating a friend badly, and they must move back on the gameboard as a result.) It is a great way to teach children how their actions affect others!
Movie clips, sound bytes, puzzles, and more will keep this game moving at a fast pace. With its flexible playing options, it can be customized for all kinds of groups. (We played a team game, where everyone helped with the answers and we all cheered each other on! The little ones were able to enjoy it too!)
Available at Digital Praise and Christian gift retailers!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, entertainment, games, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:13 AM,
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Review of TVTime Kit
Monday, November 19, 2007
Ok. I'll admit it. My kids can sometimes watch a little too much TV. While I don't question the quality of what they watch (we only have one channel where we live with any children's programming), I do acknowledge that it can get a bit out of hand.
Like when I'm sick. Or they are sick. Or I'm just not paying attention. They can consume as much television as they're allowed, so the responsibility really falls on me. But what if there was a way to teach children to be responsible (to a certain point) of their own television and video entertainment quantity?
TVTime is a new twist on an old ideal. Give children a certain amount of time they can watch TV in advance, and allow them to determine how they will spend it -- a TV allowance if you will. The TVTime kit contains everything you need to get started: A timer that children can easily restart each time a new television segment starts, tickets representing 15 minutes of TV time (and a special "movie" ticket for even more viewing), and a handy box to set on the TV and put the tickets in.
While I will be the first to say that I possibly could do the work and set up something similar myself, I never will. The ticket box construction is durable, tickets are a thick glossy material that kids will dig, and the timer is virtually break-proof (It is glass, but housed in a nifty wooden frame.) There are also tickets in different colors so that each child may have their own color.
Based on the John Hopkins study that reducing tv watching can have a positive effect on children's behaviours, TVTime truly is a timely product. For more information on the study, TVTime or it's creators, visit www.mytvtime.com!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, entertainment, household
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:30 PM,
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Review of Netflix
Friday, November 16, 2007
Do you still rent movies from your local video store? We stopped a few years back, simply because of the distance to travel back and forth. Plus, we always seemed to have late fees!
I was excited to start subscribing to Netflix recently, as it made renting movies so much more easy! Anyone with internet access can quickly set up an account and get started building their rental queue (queue is a fancy name for "wishlist"). I can add movies that haven't even been released yet to my queue, and when they become available, they ship automatically.
Recently, Netflix added a "Watch It Now" feature to their memberships. For every dollar you spend on a monthly plan, Netflix will give you one hour of instant viewing from your computer. While movie titles are a bit limited for this service (children's titles especially), I have enjoyed watching hours of my favorite seasons of television programs instantly, with no time spent downloading or buffering. (Yes, you can watch an entire season of The Office in one night!)
Since Netflix ships from shipping centers all over the country, there is sure to be one close to you! Movies put in my mailbox today will get to them tomorrow. Then they turn around and ship my next selection out the SAME day! I never go more than one day without a new movie of my choosing. My children have come to expect the little red envelopes with our movie selections to arrive several times a week, and they love watching movies together as a family. (See our latest favorite viewing....)
Netflix memberships make great gifts for friends and family. They even offer gift certificates. Plans start at just $4.99 for one-at-a-time plans. For details on how you can get started, visit the Netflix website. New subscribers are eligible for a FREE trial to see if it's right for you and your family.
(Note: Not too long ago, I received a notice that the price of my Netflix membership was changing. I expected an increase. When I logged onto my account, however, I found that Netflix was lowering the price of all their plans. Can you say that about any other movie rental service?)
Labels: 2007 Reviews, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:00 AM,
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Review of Evan Almighty
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I was really doubtful of another spoof on the Biblical account of Noah's ark. I had already decided NOT to watch this movie with my family. After a brief discussion with my husband on the potential merits of watching our favorite Steve Carell in the starring role of Evan, I gave in. I'm glad that I did.
Evan Almighty is a modern twist on the ancient account of a man following God, regardless of the social consequences. Evan, played by Steve Carell (of television's Office fame), takes office as a junior politician under the direction of a senior player (played by John Goodman.) After trying unsuccessfully to avoid God's calling to build an ark (God is again played by Morgan Freeman), Evan plunges head-first into the world of wacky animal pairs, unique family bonding, and dirty politics.
The animals are adorable, the family endearing, and the plot almost believable. I was taken aback at how non-offensive this movie really was. It featured a quality cast, plucky writing, and enough animal antics to keep the youngest of kiddos engaged. (Llamas with hammers, now that's entertainment!)
There was little to be concerned about in this movie. Kids will learn about the importance of family. Adults will be cautioned about the potential for answered prayer. (Remember what happens when you ask for patience?)
Evan Almighty is a new household favorite. Available anywhere DVD's are sold and at Amazon.com!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:16 AM,
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Review of One Wee World DVD
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
My kids love to learn. In fact, most children are geared towards exploring new places and meeting new people. That's why I was excited to view the One Wee World Celebrates Mexico DVD!
One Wee World has such a different approach to their products. Seeing the world around us in an entertaining way that will appeal to the viewpoint of children (but intelligent enough for adults to enjoy), they share destinations and cultures that we may never get to experience up close. This DVD was amazing in its vivid colors, pictures, and music! I was so impressed with the way may kids were engrossed in the drumbeats and costumes of the traditional Mexican culture!
One Wee World DVDs offer so much on one disc. Musical performances and language introductions let kids get involved and become part of the country they are "visiting." And the disc featured an official tour guide, too -- Ambassador Kiki - an animated character who brought a friendly face to the entire journey.
One Wee World is just starting their exciting adventure by bringing us Mexico in a way you may never have seen before. Extra DVD commentary gives adults additional info to facilitate discussion and offline learning long after the DVD is over. And One Wee World promises to give back by helping Paintbrush Diplomacy and the Global Fund for Children.
I'm so excited to see what countries One Wee World will bring us next! To see more about this fantastic company yourself, visit OneWeeWorld.com.
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 6:30 AM,
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Review of PBS Kids "Super WHY"
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Adorable and catchy, the new educational program in the line-up of morning PBS children's shows is "Super WHY." Designed for preschoolers age 3-6, the premise is simple -- and genius. Super heroes engage kids in the basics of reading. And the consequences are delightful!
If the cute characters facing every day preschool-type dilemmas don't get you, there's always the sounds effects and the memorable theme song (that I'm still singing from this morning.) Taking place in a village where fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters come to life, the stars of the show learn to solve problems using their spelling, reading, and literacy skills. Your child gets to play along!
Empowering kids while they learn, Super Why is addictive in the best kind of way. To learn more about the program, visit PBS for all the details! (And kids can get in on the action with online games and coloring pages at PBS Kids!)
Labels: 2007 Reviews, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:23 AM,
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Review of Kidz Bop All Time Hits
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
I haven't always been a Kidz Bop fan. I didn't really understand the necessity of taking pop songs and revamping them to have kids singing the lyrics that really should only apply to someone ages 14 and up. The my daughter turned 9. She became a different person, obsessed with pop stardom, singing, cartwheels in the living room, and being famous. She wanted to sing along to all the songs on the radio... problem was, there were some very questionable things being played.
When Kidz Bop released their "All Time Hits" 2-disc set, I thought we'd give it a try. I was so surprised! Songs that I thought would be annoying or inappropriate were really made to be family-friendly! (And my daughter didn't know the difference..) Songs included "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Move It Like This," and "Get the Party Started." The best part of the disc? The second disc contained "golden oldies" like "Yellow Submarine," "I'm a Believer," and "We got the Beat." Now I have some backup for that "Who are the Beatles?" question she posed to me last week.
30 songs on 2 discs make for hours of listening. I may never truly be a fan of "The Ketchup Song.." but the hits release allows for some common ground as we discuss the musical relationship between Pink and the Go-Go's.
Available in stores later this year. See other Kidz Bop releases at Amazon.
Labels: 2007 Reviews, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:11 AM,
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Review of Baby Einstein Discovering Shapes DVD
Monday, August 20, 2007
We home educate at our house, so it's not unusual to find a few videos or DVD's at our house with an educational theme. We play them once and a while as part of a unit study or to give the kids a break from the usual Public Broadcasting cartoons. I don't, however, solely rely on DVD's to "educate" my young ones. I enjoy them as a fun alternative to some of the mindless programming options that seem to overwhelm the tube these days.
So it was with great excitement that I was able to preview the new Baby Einstein Discovering Shapes DVD from Disney. Looking for a movie that was more fun than flashcards, I put the DVD in and allowed my 2 and 3 year-old boys to give it a try! I have to admit, that I was very surprised. The uplifting classical music was a favorite for my kids. (We often incorporate music into our daily routines -- it keeps the kids happy and cooperative.) And while I wasn't sure if they were "getting" much of the learning concepts that was playfully presented in the video, they were bopping along and giggling at the adorable puppets and sweet little babies.
The DVD had almost a soothing effect (which is nice when you have a couple of sometimes aggressive boys that get a little carried away watching some shows.) I played the DVD during naptime, and by the time the DVD had played all the way through, my youngest son was relaxed and quietly napping. I wasn't even sure he had "learned" much from the DVD (which was OK with me.) But a few minutes after waking from his afternoon nap, he brought me a lump of modeling clay that he had been playing with earlier in the day. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said, "Oval"... or a gooey variation of it, anyway.
I guess learning can be more about fun than I had thought! Baby Einstein DVD's and this special introduction of shapes can be purchased at most retailers of children's videos and Amazon.
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 6:31 AM,
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Review of Firehouse Dog on DVD
Thursday, August 16, 2007
If you are like me, you sometimes indulge your kids in a movie that you know will be a little too immature to be enjoyed by the adults. You figure that you will put the movie in, and do a little laundry with the time you just bought yourself. Firehouse Dog (20th Century Fox) caught me by surprise, however, when I dropped the laundry to actually watch this surprising comedy!
A tale of a displaced movie-star pooch who finds a new home at the fire station, Firehouse Dog stars the young and talented Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia) and Bruce Greenwood as a father and son with a distance between them. When Dewey (the dog) comes into the lives of the firefighters and the boy, fun and faith come with it! While this movie will probably not win any awards for special effects, your kids will enjoy the off-the-wall and unbelievable sight gags and jokes.
This movie is rated PG for peril (dogs chases, a few intense fire rescues, a dog falling from a plane into the back of a tomato truck), language (uses of the word "butt" and few other words we don't use at our house), and some potty humor (a dog poops into a pot of soup). These elements are minor, brief, and almost forgettable in comparison to other PG movies out there. I had absolutely no problem letting my kids watch the movie -- twice. I found myself laughing, and really enjoyed the message of family, dedication, and teamwork.
This overlooked movie gem can be purchased at any DVD retailer, and for more reviews of the movie, check out Amazon's customer comments.
Labels: 2007 Reviews, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:29 AM,
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