Granny Ranny’s Coming Attractions

Up to date information about children’s entertainment - film, TV, DVD and more…. from founder and president of KIDS FIRST! Ranny Levy

Archive for the 'New Releases' Category

THOMAS & FRIENDS®: FULL STEAM AHEAD 3-DVD Available On DVD February 19

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Thomas and his engine friends have the inside track on adventure with the all-new Thomas & Friends®: Full Steam Ahead 3-DVD & Bonus Toy Gift Set, available on February 19, 2013 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. It features three action-packed DVDs - Team Up With Thomas, Wobbly Wheels & Whistles and Railway Friends.

Thomas & Friends: Team Up With Thomas Synopsis

Everyone’s favorite true blue engine, Thomas, is back with friends old and new in four fun adventures on the Island of Sodor in Thomas & Friends: Team Up With Thomas. This DVD is enhanced with CG animation and a live-action host, Mr. Arkwright, who welcomes viewers with a smile and a fun project for Lady Hatt’s grandchildren. Thomas, Edward, Toby, James and the rest of the engines introduce young engineers to Hank, a big, strong, new engine and Flora, a lovely new lady steam engine. Together, they take us along on their tasks around the island. Be careful: trouble may lie around the next bend. But one thing’s for certain – you’ll always come home with a brand new friend!

Thomas & Friends: Wobbly Wheels & Whistles Synopsis

Travel along with Thomas for a wonderfully wobbly and wheel-spinning good time! The No. 1 blue engine has bridges to cross and tracks to uncover in these exciting adventures. When Victor gets overloaded with too many tasks, can Thomas help him let out steam? And while trying to get Scruff as clean as a whistle, will Thomas have to get his own wheels dirty? Just when things seem to be rolling along, will Ol’ Wheezy make a wobbly mess of Thomas’ special delivery? Hold on for exciting surprises waiting to be delivered just for you!

Thomas & Friends: Railway Friends Synopsis

All aboard for six all new adventures with Thomas and his engine friends in Thomas & Friends: Railway Friends. Meet Thomas’ best friend Percy, attend a festive winter party at the wharf, take a wrong turn on a mistaken shortcut and see Thomas worry about his squeaky brakes and strive to become a ‘Really Useful Engine.’ Filled with charming characters and heroic displays of loyalty, responsibility and friendship, this DVD will be a treasured addition to any home entertainment library.

Did you know that Thomas the Tank Engine was created by a father for his son over 65 years ago? Today the stories are enjoyed by families in more than 185 territories and in 30 languages.

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Peter Pan App + Peter Pan Diamond Edition DVD

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

This year, Disney’s Peter Pan turns 60 years old. To celebrate, today Disney released an all-new “Diamond Edition” DVD/Blu-ray; however, fans can also experience the classic tale on mobile devices with the Peter Pan: Disney Classics book app. The iOS story takes readers to Neverland like never before. With read along activities, games and more, readers will join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the whole gang on a magical adventure whenever, wherever, and however they choose.

The swashbuckling interactive story features:·
Reading modes for all ages·
Coloring pages, interactive puzzles and memory matching games
Activities including a musical instrument activity similar to Peter’s

The Peter Pan: Disney Classics book app is available now for the iPhone and iPad on the App Store : http://bit.ly/USOCEm

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Finding Nemo 3D Opens Today in Theaters.

Friday, September 14th, 2012

Disney-Pixar’s feature film Finding Nemo in 3D opens nationwide in theaters today. Running in front of the movie is the new Toy Story Toon titled Partysaurus Rex. Directed by Mark Walsh, the short features Rex, the insecure and kind of neurotic T-Rex toy voiced by Wallace Shawn, as finds his inner soapy strength and new persona when Bonnie, his new owner, takes him into a bubble bath with some of her other toys.

Our youth critics reviewed Finding Meno 3D earlier this week and here are are the comments from Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8. Watch the video review by both Cheyenne and Morgan Bertsch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRhQ87qMeh0

Watching Finding Nemo 3D is like you are snorkeling and looking through your goggles and enjoy the colorful fish and sea life. This story is about Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks), an overprotective father of Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould), as a clown fish with a defective fin.

It all started with Nemo’s mom and dad looking at all 400 eggs and try to determine names for each of the egg. Suddenly, a barracuda came to the coral and knock Marlin unconscious. When Marlin wakes up, the reef is empty; with no fish around, the only egg left under the coral was Nemo. Marlin became very protective dad and will not let Nemo out of his sight. However, Nemo is the opposite of his dad. He always wants to swim into the unknown.
On the first day of school, Nemo wander off outside the reef and was captured by a dentist. This started Marlin’s journey to find his son. He swims as fast as he can and asks for help finding Nemo. The only fish stopped to help Marlin is Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres). Dory has a big heart and always positive. The only problem is she has short term memory loss.
The story line is the father and son love, unpredictable, and very funny. There are so many punch lines in this movie that will keep you laughing throughout the movie. The clear and crisp color with 3D is magical. It feels like I am snorkeling and ready to touch these sea creatures. I can see the layers of rainbow coral reef, several rows of teeth in Bruce the shark mouth, the pelican beak and jelly fish seem so soft and real. The best 3D part is with the whale and the krill swimming toward the audience.

I love how production and design makes Dory velvety, Marlin and Nemo soft and gummy. The rest of the fish are metallic, typical scaly fish. This makes Dory, Marlin and Nemo more lovable. The sound effects of water sloshing and crashing are very realistic.

The only part I did not like is what happens to Nemo mom. Will Disney come back with Nemo reunited with his mom? The lessons in this movie are Marlin deal with his fear and swims all the way to Australia to find his son Nemo and he learn to have faith.

My favorite character is Dory with her big heart and Crush the laid back father turtle and his children. The message of this movie is listens to your parents, they only try to protect you and give you good advice. Parents are alive longer so they know a lot more than their children.

I rank this movie 5 out of 5 stars. I give this age ranged 3 and up.

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Flicka Country Pride - Heartwarming and Inspiring

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Three of our youth film critics reviewed this film, which releases this week at WalMart and Sam’s Club. All loved it, particularly the horse lovers. Casey Chandler (age 10), one of our KIDS FIRST! film critics is also a horse owner. Here’s what she has to say about this film:

Flicka, Country Pride, is a heartwarming story about a girl who finds courage and determination to make her dreams come true. This inspiring story is sure to touch the hearts of all you horse lovers out there!

The third in the series of Flicka movies, originally inspired by the classic novel by Mary O’hara, Flicka is based upon a beautiful mustang horse said to have a heart so bold, she can win a restless spirit. In this movie, the “restless spirit” is a girl named Kelly, played by KaceyRohl.

As a horse lover and owner, I have to admit that horse movies usually win me over. There is such an amazing connection between riders and horses and I think that the Director, Michael Damien, once again, succeeds in showing us how truly magical that connection is between Flicka and Kelly.

The story begins when Toby (Clint Black) takes a temporary job at the Cherry Creek Stable with several horses, including Flicka in tow. Lindy’s teenage daughter, Kelly, instantly connects with Flicka. The spirited black mare helps Kelly get through her day of chores, school and thinking about her deceased father. She no longer competes as a three day eventer and to make matters worse, she is pushed aside by her snobby ex-best friend. Life is complicated for Kelly and she cannot seem to stand up for herself until Flicka comes along. Flicka not only inspires Kelly to compete but also helps her find new and old relationships.

The movie was filmed in Kelowna, British Columbia with a storybook farm setting and countryside. One of my favorite characters is Toby. He became a strong link between the family’s tragic past and future filled with possibilities. Although the story was very predictable, it is hard to not enjoy the classic theme based on working hard and achieving your dreams!

I enjoyed this movie for its great cinematography and main characters. Although the story could have been a bit stronger, I give it a 3 ½ out of 5 stars. The movie is best enjoyed by pre teen and early teens

This is Casey Chandler reporting for KIDS FIRST!

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Cheers for “Growing Up with Hello Kitty”

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

“Growing Up with Hello Kitty” was released by AnimEigo last week and is available at Walmart, Target, CVS, Amazon and many grocery stores. Our seven- and eight-year-old film critics gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up! Take a look at their reviews:

Growing Up with Hello Kitty 1
Reviewed by Camille Bajema
(See her full review on video.)

I’m reviewing the movie Growing Up with Hello Kitty 1. This movie is about two sisters, Mimi and Hello Kitty, growing up. Throughout these six seven-minute episodes, Mimi and Hello Kitty learn how to answer the telephone, eat their vegetables, clean up their messes, change their clothes, sleep by themselves and help their mother with chores around the house.

I like this movie because Mimi and Hello Kitty learn to have a positive attitude toward doing things that their parents want them to. They also learn how to be more independent. Parents will like these movies for their kids because it teaches basic skills and to respect and listen to their parents.

These episodes are short, so they hold a young child’s attention.

I recommend this movie for girls aged 4 through 7. I give this movie four out of five stars.

Growing Up with Hello Kitty
Reviewed by Morgan Bertsch
(See her full review on video.)

Today, we’re going to learn about the movie Growing Up with Hello Kitty. She has six episodes in each of two DVDs. You guys will love these episodes, just like I did.

It teaches you these: Talking on the phone; eating their vegetables; and also saying, “I’m sorry.” And cleaning your own mess. Oh, and [Hello Kitty] also has a twin sister – which they are nothing alike – and she has friends.

I loved it! Five twinkling stars. [It’s for] boys and girls, or anyone who’s a fan of Hello Kitty. The ages are 2 to 7. It’s coming out on March 27.

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Roma Downey Creates Christian Pre-School Series
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Little Angels is a new DVD series created by Executive Producer, Roma Downey, star of the Touched By An Angel TV series. This animated series teaches life lessons to preschoolers through stories from the Bible.

Brother and sister, Alex and Zoe, are two ordinary kids who find that the angels their parents put on their ceiling (decorations) come to life to help them through their daily discoveries and adversities.

KIDS FIRST! reviewed two DVDs in the Little Angels series: ABC’s and Animals. In ABC’s, our main characters, Alex and Zoe, are first introduced to the Angels. They help them learn to read by showing them how you can recognize letters by their shapes and relate them to real life images. Using concepts from the Bible to help them remember, for instance, “J” looks like a fishing hook, like one you might use to catch the Big Fish that ate Jonah - which starts with a “J.” The angels also help Zoe and Alex appreciate each other and treat each other fairly, with honesty and without jealousy.

In Little Angels Animals, the angels make Bible stories come to life, allowing the children to interact with its characters while learning lessons of cooperation and hard work. Throughout, the message that “God Loves You,” helps them navigate their feelings and overcome fears and adversity. When Zoe is afraid of lightning and climbing to the top bunk, she learns from Jonah that facing her fears is less scary than not doing what God wants you to do, and as she chants “God loves me,” she is able to reach the top bunk and overcome her anxiety.

Young children from religious families will delight in seeing Alex and Zoe as they are helped by angels and get to talk to characters they’ve only read about - or, since they are preschool-aged, been told about. It is comforting to children of this age to feel as if they are never really alone and they are always loved.

Each vignette is short, three fit nicely into a 30 minute DVD, and you can choose a single episode, or story, at a time. The DVDs also include some special features. Roma Downey explains her underlying idea and gives parents tips for listening to their children. You can watch music videos covering the topics of each of the stories and animated with images from each.

You can purchase these DVDs for $14.99 each at Amazon.com

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Watch for These Preschool Valentines Day Shows on PBS
Sunday, February 12th, 2012

Two of Scholastic Media’s award-winning kids’ television shows celebrate Valentine’s Day this Tuesday, February 14. Follow Clifford and his owner, Emily Elizabeth, as they help friends on everyday adventures that teach life lessons through Clifford’s Big Ideas. An award-winning, top-rated series on PBS KIDS ®, Clifford the Big Red Dog airs Mon.-Fri.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 on PBS KIDS
“CLIFFORD’S BIG HEART”
To show how much he loves her, Clifford works hard to make Emily Elizabeth the perfect valentine. In the end, he learns that it’s his presence, not his presents, that means the most to her.

“CLEO’S VALENTINE SURPRISE”
With some help from K.C., Cleo goes overboard preparing a special gift for Clifford and T-Bone. When she doesn’t get a big gift in return, Cleo learns to recognize the joy in giving.

The Emmy Award-winning WordGirl airs on PBS KIDS GO! (Check local listings). Whenever there is trouble in The City, fifth-grader Becky Botsford transforms into WordGirl, using super strength and amazing vocabulary to stop quirky villains in their tracks. A special one-hour episode of WordGirl that focuses on bullying and stars Jane Lynch airs Feb. 20 on PBS KIDS.

Tuesday, Feb 14 on PBS KIDS GO!

“CHERISH IS THE WORD”

All the kids at school are making valentines to share with their special friends. But when Victoria Best (Kristen Schaal) runs off with all of the cards, it’s up to WordGirl to stop her and save Valentine’s Day. Vocabulary Words: Flee, Cherish

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Journey 2: Mysterious Island
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Watching one of our new youth film critics conduct their first interviews is really one of the most fun parts of my job as their producer and coach. Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying 14-year-old Blake Hawes to the press junket for the new Warner film, Journey 2: Mysterious Island. Blake attended as one of the finalists in our 2012 youth film critics search competition. Today, he was announced as one of our official winners! (Congratulations Blake). Check out his interviews here.
Blake is a truly wonderful young man with the good fortune to have two equally wonderful parents. Both Blake’s Mom and Dad accompanied him at two days of events all over Oahu as we screened the film, met the cast and hung out with the other critics who virtually took Blake under their wings.

All of us loved the film which is a story about a mythical island where small critters become huge and huge ones become miniaturized. The underlying message of the story deals with something many young people can relate to: getting along with a step parent. Dwayne Johnson, who not only stars in the film but is also one of the producers, was beyond kind to Blake - particularly after Blake told him this was his first interview ever. “The Rock’s” response was to stand up and say, “then let’s take a picture.” Afterwards, he coached Blake on his now famous, “pec-pop of love.”

Be sure to take a look at his video review here or read it below:

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a fun and entertaining movie and offers some brilliant eye candy in some of the most impressive action scenes. Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) has a new man in his life, his stepfather Hank (Dwayne Johnson). This movie is more about the relationship between Sean and Hank than a mindless cliché adventure movie. Sean grew up with a lot of loss of loved ones and people coming in and out of his life. Sean has trust issues with his new stepdad and doesn’t want to get too close to him, for he’s afraid that he’ll leave him due to his unfortunate past. Hank wants to play a bigger role in Sean’s life and hopes to finally make a bond between them.

Then they uncover the mystery of the Mysterious Island and go on an adventure to find Sean’s long-lost grandfather (Michael Caine). The only way to get to the island is by flying by helicopter. The quirky and fun tour guide (Luis Guzmán) is the comic relief in this huge journey. His daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) is Sean’s love interest in the movie. The plot itself is easy to understand for younger audiences and it is fun to see how it plays out in the end. The movie is chockfull of massive set pieces, which all are creatively brought to life by cinematography and editing.

Hudgens doesn’t deliver the most believable performance of her career because of the fact that she acts more like a big-city girl than a hardened islander of their destination. But all in all, she has great chemistry between Hutcherson in the movie, and should be commended for it. Guzmán however, delivers some tongue-in-cheek jokes throughout the film. He’ll offer a couple of chuckles throughout the movie for older viewers, but most of his jokes will appeal to the younger audience.

I like this movie because of its frantic action sequences and surprisingly well-suited soundtrack. This movie may be scary for younger viewers at points such as the lizard chase sequences. The intensity and the importance of the given situation during the final act of the movie gives the audience a very good reason to sit on the edge of their seats. Overall, I think the movie is very entertaining and has many great moments. I give it eight out of ten stars.
Nice start Blake. Keep up the good work. We can’t wait to see your next one.

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Big Miracle - Inspiring Film Based on a True Story
Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Nine-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic loved this film. Watch his video review or read below what he had to say:

“This is one of the best movies I have ever seen that is based on a true story. This movie is really awesome because there were so many people that came together to save three whales. It was really heart-breaking because a lot of people put their own lives in danger to save the lives of the whales. This movie is all about Adam and Nathan who are out and see three whales that are trapped under the ice and can’t find their way to the ocean. There is a small hole that the whales keep using to breathe so first they try digging that whole to make it bigger. Adam’s friend Rachel comes to help save the whales and do everything she can. She asks the governor for help but he says no so she tells the news about what he said. The governor then decides to help. They have to work fast because the hole keeps freezing and getting smaller and the ice leading to the ocean keeps freezing over making the distance even longer. Some of the main characters in the movie are Adam, Rachel, and Nathan. My favorite character is Nathan because he is such a funny character at first and then he really starts to care about the whales. He also starts to spend a lot of time with his grandfather because his grandfather likes to spend a lot of time around the ocean and helps animals in need. My favorite part in the movie is when everyone started to dig the holes to help the whales breathe and get back to the ocean. I really like this part because it really shows how everyone cares about saving the whales and how much people love the whales. A part that was really funny was when the Governor had to help save the whales because Rachel told the news that he wouldn’t help. It was funny to see him shaking the hand of a guy dressed up as a whale. I would recommend this movie for all ages because it is a really good movie. There are not any violent parts in this movie. This movie is a little sad but overall a really great family movie. Go out and see this movie in theaters on February 3rd. Review by Anthony Aranda, age 9, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

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Barbie: A Perfect Christmas - A Hit with Younger Girls as Well as Their Older Sisters
Thursday, December 1st, 2011

If you want to have the perfect Christmas, you must see this movie! Three of our youth critics who watched it loved it. Here’s what they have to say:

This movie is about family fun, working it out, and knowing that your loved ones are there for you. It all takes place at Christmas with wonderful stories for you to come along! The music in this move is so cool and I really enjoyed listening to the lyrics. It is a musical, so be prepared for the most pop Christmas Music you can imagine. I think it is a lot of fun and even though it seems a little early, I am always ready for some Christmassy cheer. My favorite part in this move is when they are sliding on the sled. Everyone is happy. It’s a wonderful scene with lots of Christmas joy and laughter. The MakaiCcolvin.jpganimation in this movie is so detailed you can really see the wardrobe of the characters. My favorite photo is of Barbie’s sitter’s sparkly coat and boots. This outfit is very shiny and pretty, just my style. I enjoy fashion and that is one thing this Barbie movie delivers. “Barbie: A Perfect Christmas” is best suited for ages 2 to 10. I’m not sure older kids will like it because sometimes, or most of the time, you grow out of Barbie. But I still like Barbie because of the fashion ideas I get from the movies. Girlie girls will love this movie, and maybe even some boys who enjoy fashion and good stories about Christmas and family. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars! Credit: Makai Weber Colvin, Age 10, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. Video review here.

This movie is about Barbie and her three sisters Stacie, Chelsea, and Skipper. They are on their way to New York City to have the perfect Christmas with their Aunt Millicent. Due to a snowstorm, they have to land in Rochester Minnesota. There, they check in to the magical Tannenbaum Inn and they meet the amazing Christie Clauson, and the Elif family. Do they make it to New York in time for Christmas? You must see this movie for yourself to find out. My favorite part is Skipper’s Christmas Concert, especially the opening act where the dogs are dancing. My favorite characters are Christie Clauson, because she loves Christmas aNy__Asia.jpgnd giving to others, and Barbie, because she loves her sisters and really tried to get them to New York to have the perfect Christmas. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars, because it’s the perfect holiday movie, and I recommend this movie to everyone. Reviewed by Ny’asia Bell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 8. Video review here.

Barbie: A Perfect Christmas is an uplifting film that will put you in the mood for Christmas. It’s about Barbie’s plan to take her sisters, Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea to New York for the perfect Christmas, but a storm delays their plane flight, causing them to stay in a hotel a bit far from New York. If you want to find out how Barbie and her sisters improvise their plans so that they can still have a wonderful Christmas in the hotel, watch the movie to find out!

This movie contains a lot of musical numbers emphasizing the spirit of Christmas. Barbie and her sisters face many obstacles in the movie, but I found it inspiring how they always resolved their problems by having an optimistic mindset, which led them to come together in the end. Therefore, the essential message of this movie is that if you think positively and keep all of your options open, your goal may come true! On the contrary, the animation of the characters in the movie is a bit rigid.

I recommend this film for children ages 4 and up. This movie will appeal more to little kids because it is very straightforward and cheerful. Even if young children can’t understand the plot of the movie, they will still enjoy the music and singing. This family film will spread the Christmas spirit and bring children and their parents closer together for the Holidays!Credit: Gabriella Chu, age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. Video review here

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