Thursday, December 15, 2016

The Christmas Toy

Seeing as a new Star Wars movie is coming out at Christmas every year #RogueOne , does that make Star Wars Christmas movies now?  The debate that rages in our house every Advent is over whether a movie qualifies as a Christmas movie if it is simply set during this wonderful holiday season or must it be about Christmas to qualify?
 

Whatever side you fall on (feel free to comment below) The Christmas Toy can safely be considered a Christmas movie as it is not only set at Christmas but is about Christmas.  It is also about toys!  Which if you know anything about our family you will know us as the creators of the Toylympics .  Click on the link, share with your friends, subscribe to our channel etc.  OK plug over...  The Christmas Toy is a TV movie created by the legendary Jim Henson and is about a jealous toy who risks everything to remain the favourite toy but instead learns a good lesson about belonging and love. 

Rating: If you read a longer plot synopsis online and it sounds familiar to you, that's because it probably is.  It's the basic premise for Toy Story!  In our opinion Toy Story is a far superior film but it doesn't have puppets or song and dance numbers and that special Jim Henson something.  The kids were captured enough by the magic of the world he created but not enough that we will watch it again.  Let the debate rage again next year when we try to pick a Christmas movie.

Naughty bits: This is super clean and cute and suitable for all age children.  Nothing to see here.

Snacks: Milk and cookies!

Family In-quotes: "It's catnip! Just catnip!"

Related Goodies:
Click HERE to watch the Toylympics (suitable for all ages)
The Muppet Show

Friday, December 2, 2016

Who Am I?

Jackie Chan finally won an Oscar!  About time!!  I first discovered the legend that is Jackie Chan when my to-be-husband introduced me to his early work.  I was hooked and vowed to pass on this great filmography to my children.  Finally Friday night arrived, but which movie?  Onto IMDB's parent's guide to see which one was most appropriate.  Who Am I? fit the bill.

Jackie Chan plays a secret agent who loses his memory after a tragic accident.  He is rescued by a remote tribe before setting out to discover his true identity.  As he pieces together his past he discovers deadly secrets and a is helped by quirky journalist.  Who Am I?  delivers the classic Jackie Chan humour and legendary action sequences and some of the most outrageous stunt work you will ever see.
 
Rating: We will definitely watch this one again sometime.  Some of the acting is a bit odd due to the overdubbing (I think) but it adds to the charm rather than taking away.  If you enjoy action/comedies then this is a good introduction to the genre without worrying too much about violence/sex.

Naughty bits: There is a lot of fighting, a lot of fighting.  It is Kung Fu style and very little blood and guts but I would suggest older kids for this one (it is rated PG-13).  There is a gross dead body shot about 10mins into the film and if your kid is sensitive to that sort of thing (ours is) then be prepared for that and tell them to look away.  No romance to be found here either. 

Snacks: Coconut milk

Family In-quotes: "WHO AM I!"

Related Goodies:
For your older teenager: Rumble in the Bronx (more violent than Who Am I?)