Movie Review: Frozen II (2019)

As a follow up to its popular Frozen movie released in 2013, Disney released Frozen II in November of last year. Now available on Disney+, Blu-ray, DVD, and Prime Video, this follows Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven on a journey to discover the secrets of the past in an effort to help their kingdom.

Elsa rules over the peaceful kingdom of Arendelle with her sister, Princess Anna, but she has steadily felt her powers growing and doesn't always feel Ardendelle is where she belongs. When a mysterious song continues to keep her awake, Elsa decides to answer the siren's call. Elsa, Anna, and their friends make their way to the enchanted forest to find the answers they seek, only to discover there is more to the history of Arendelle and their relationship with the neighboring tribe of Northuldra than they could ever imagine.

Captivating, exciting, and funny are all words to describe this sequel, but parents should be aware Frozen II is a bit darker and more intense than the original movie. When Elsa agrees to answer the siren's call, it comes at a cost. While, ultimately, things turn out the way one would expect in a Disney movie--happily ever after--the journey is fraught with danger and emotion (topics like death, feeling rejected and alone, Olaf talking about how he will understand everything once he matures, and the discovery of Arendelle's past) that may be intense for some children. The scene where Elsa extinguishes the fire in the enchanted forest might be frightening.

Overall, I felt this is a great movie with superb animation. Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff all sing songs that will tug at your heartstrings, and the ending will definitely make you smile.



Official Sites: Disney+ | Official Site
Runtime: 103 min
Language: English
Release Date: 22 November 2019 (USA)
Rated PG for action/peril and some thematic elements

I watched this movie on Disney+. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Guest Post: Top 7 Kid Appropriate Movies of 2013-2014 by Jessica Socheski

With innuendos, language, and crude humor, many movies, even when rated PG, are not actually suitable for children. Utilizing different web sites and reviews can provide sound information about what movies are really right for family movie night.

For the 2013-2014 movie season, here are the top kid friendly movies parents can feel safe allowing their children to watch.

1. Frozen (2013)
Winner of two Oscars, Frozen has been receiving great reviews since its opening release. Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” Frozen is a Walt Disney Animation Studios 3D fantasy about a princess who possesses the magical ability to create ice and snow. As with all Disney movies, there are twists and turns, but the movie ends with a heartwarming scene filled with touching family values.

2. Despicable Me 2 (2013)
The cute sequel to Despicable Me, this movie was just as adorable and hilarious as the first. A Universal Pictures film, this movie was nominated for two Academy Awards. Both awards were lost to Frozen, but there is a prequel/spin-off film, Minions, set to release in 2015. With just as many touching moments as the first movie and some fun new characters, this is sure to be a favorite for all children.

3. The Lego Movie (2014)
Filled with a stand out cast, The Lego Movie loosely follows the basic plot of The Lord of The Rings with the protagonist of the movie having to save the world. Like Frodo, the hero embarks on an epic journey, braving all of the treacherous villains in order to fulfill his task. Full of comedy, action and even a little romance, this movie equals whole family fun.

4. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
With some surprising history lessons, time travel, and well-known actors playing the roles of these legendary icons, Mr. Peabody & Sherman follows a genius dog that lives with his adopted son. Sherman accidentally time travels, leaving a trail of consequences behind that force Mr. Peabody and the audience through an adventure in history to try and fix the future.

5. Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
It has been a while since Kermit and Miss Piggy have starred on the big screen, and their return is nothing short of amazing. Kermit has an evil Doppelganger who manages to switch identities with him. And, with Tina Fey and Ty Burrell as two of the main voices, the movie is sure to be a hilarious hit.

6. Rio 2 (2014)
Rio was one of 2011’s most colorful animated hits, and its sequel appears to follow in the same footsteps. Set in Brazil, Blu and Jewel are parents of three children. Ready to teach their children about their heritage, they take a trip to the Amazon where perilous dangers plague them during their adventures.

7. Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (2014)
In an animated sequel to The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy returns to Oz only to find her three pals, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow in danger of a terrible villain. Her task this time in Oz is not to get herself home, but rather to save Oz.

These movies are filled with touching moments that portray moral family values and prove perfect for any child to watch. Rent the recent releases to enjoy at home or plan a family outing to the theater.

Image Source: www.theguardian.com

TV Movie Review: Angel in the Family (2004)

When widowed father (Ronny Cox) collapses, his daughter Sarah (Tracey Needham) calls her estranged sister. Beth (Natasha Gregson Wagner), feeling like she is jeopardizing her job, begrudgingly leaves her husband and a major account behind to be with her father in Los Angeles.

Their father convinces them that they need to return home to Trinity for Christmas. The house has been closed up since the death of Buddy's wife. When a frustrated Sarah cries out to her mother, the miracle of Christmas returns Lorraine (Meredith Baxter) to her family to help heal the wounds that have torn them apart.

Hallmark Channel has been running this 2004 movie as part of its Countdown to Christmas lineup. It features a fractured family that soon realizes their late wife/mother is what held them together. Sarah feels like the unappreciated older daughter who has been left behind to care for her widowed father; while Beth, the one who got everything--including all the love and attention, is pursuing a great career and is happily married. What Sarah doesn't know is how fragile Beth's marriage is. Their father, Buddy, has struggled to let go of his late wife, and is unable to move on.

This is a touching, heartwarming seasonal story. There are a few subplots that branch off of the main story, giving Angel in the Family a great deal of depth. This is an emotional story; one that will require a tissue or two. It will also force you to suspend a bit of common sense. It's touching to see how Lorraine comes back to help her family and the magical things that she can do, but other things she can't do make no sense: she can cause a tree with no lights strung on it to light up, can make the beds and cook hot chocolate without being seen, but she can't find an old phonograph so she and Buddy can dance together to music. I have to admit, I didn't care for Beth at first, but she grew on me as the movie progressed. I feel the best part of this movie is that everyone is able to step back and reflect on how their actions contributed to the distance between them--even Lorraine. If you like movies about second chances, this would be a good choice.

Angel in the Family is available on DVD and Blu-ray. It will also air again on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 23rd at 6 a.m. EST.

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: December 5, 2006
Run Time: 88 minutes
ASIN: B000ION27G

I watched this movie on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

This Week's Countdown to Christmas Schedule on Hallmark Channel

Though my crazy schedule for November hasn't allowed me to watch any shows yet, I plan to make up for that soon.

Week Three: Monday, November 18 - Sunday, November 24

Monday, November 18
12a/11c: Karroll's Christmas
2a/1c: Matchmaker Santa
4a/3c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
6a/5c: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
8a/7c: It's Christmas, Carol!
2/1c: A Boyfriend for Christmas
4/3c: Baby's First Christmas
6/5c: A Holiday Engagement
8/7c: A Princess for Christmas
10/9c: Matchmaker Santa

Tuesday, November 19
12a/11c: It's Christmas, Carol!
2a/1c: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
4a/3c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
6a/5c: Eve's Christmas
8a/7c: A Princess for Christmas
2/1c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle
4/3c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle
6/5c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
8/7c: Pete's Christmas
10/9c: The Christmas Card

Wednesday, November 20
12a/11c: Eve's Christmas
2a/1c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle
4a/3c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle
6a/5c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
8a/7c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
2/1c: The Wishing Tree
4/3c: The Christmas Card
6/5c: Jingle All the Way
6:30/5:30c: Jingle and Bell's Christmas Star
7/6c: Jingle All the Way
7:30/6:30c: Jingle and Bell's Christmas Star
8/7c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
10/9c: A Very Merry Mix-Up

Thursday, November 21
12a/11c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
2a/1c: Once Upon a Christmas
4a/3c: Fallen Angel, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
6a/5c: Karroll's Christmas
8a/7c: Twice Upon a Christmas
2/1c: A Season for Miracles, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
4/3c: Fallen Angel, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
6/5c: Once Upon a Christmas
8/7c: The Christmas Ornament
10/9c: Snow Bride

Friday, November 22
12a/11c: Twice Upon a Christmas
2a/1c: Karroll's Christmas
4a/3c: Battle of the Bulbs
6a/5c: A Season for Miracles, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
8a/7c: Farewell Mr. Kringle
2/1c: Battle of the Bulbs
4/3c: The Santa Suit
6/5c: Catch a Christmas Star
8/7c: Eloise at Christmastime
10/9c: A Bride for Christmas

Saturday, November 23
12a/11c: Farewell Mr. Kringle
2a/1c: All I Want for Christmas
4a/3c: The Santa Suit
6a/5c: The Dog Who Saved Christmas
8a/7c: Eloise at Christmastime
10a/9c: A Bride for Christmas
12/11c: All I Want for Christmas
2/1c: Catch a Christmas Star
4/3c: The Christmas Ornament
6/5c: Help for the Holidays
8/7c: Window Wonderland, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere!
10/9c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas

Sunday, November 24
12a/11c: Mistletoe Over Manhattan
2a/1c: The Dog Who Saved Christmas
4a/3c: Lucky Christmas
6a/5c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas
8a/7c: Mistletoe Over Manhattan
10a/9c: Help for the Holidays
12/11c: Lucky Christmas
2/1c: Window Wonderland
4/3c: Snow Bride
6/5c: Naughty or Nice (2012)
8/7c: Fir Crazy, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere!
10/9c: Moonlight & Mistletoe

Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas Starts This Weekend!

I'm so excited that the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas starts this weekend. Here's the schedule for the first week of movies and specials. I've seen a few of these and can't wait to catch all the new ones.

What will you be watching?

Week One: Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 10 Friday, November 1 8/7c: A Boyfriend for Christmas 10/9c: Meet the Santas Saturday, November 2 12a/11c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame 2a/1c: Moonlight & Mistletoe 4a/3c: Help for the Holidays 6a/5c: Meet the Santas 8a/7c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame 10a/9c: Moonlight & Mistletoe 12/11c: A Boyfriend for Christmas 2/1c: Help for the Holidays 4/3c: Naughty or Nice (2012) 6/5c: Matchmaker Santa 8/7c: The Thanksgiving House, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere 10/9c: Hitched for the Holidays Sunday, November 3 12a/11c: Christmas Song 1a/1c: A Holiday Engagement 3a/2c: A Christmas Wish 5a/4c: Little House on the Praire: A Christmas at Plum Creek 6a/5c: Naughty or Nice (2012) 8a/7c: Christmas Song 10a/9c: Matchmaker Santa 12/11c: A Holiday Engagement 2/1c: The Thanksgiving House 4/3c: Love the Thanksgiving Day Parade 6/5c: Hitched for the Holidays 8/7c: A Christmas Wish 10/9c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Monday, November 4 12a/11c: A Christmas Visitor 2a/1c: The Wishing Tree 4a/3c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade 6a/5c: Mistletoe Over Manhattan 8a/7c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 2/1c: A Christmas Visitor 4/3c: The Wishing Tree 6/5c: Santa Jr. 8/7c: The Christmas Card 10/9c: Mistletoe Over Manhattan Tuesday, November 5 12a/11c: Karroll's Christmas 2a/1c: Santa Jr. 4a/3c: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving 6a/5c: Eloise at Christmastime 8a/7c: The Christmas Card 2/1c: Karroll's Christmas 4/3c: Eloise at Christmastime 6/5c: Christmas Magic 8/7c: Help for the Holidays 10/9c: Farewell Mr. Kringle Wednesday, November 6 12a/11c: Three Wise Women 2a/1c: Baby's First Christmas 4a/3c: Christmas Magic 6a/5c: Help for the Holidays 8a/7c: Three Wise Women 2/1c: Baby's First Christmas 4/3c: A Town Without Christmas 6/5c: Farewell Mr. Kringle 8/7c: The Dog Who Saved Christmas 10/9c: A Christmas Wedding Tail Thursday, November 7 12a/11c: The Christmas Pageant 2a/1c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade 4a/3c: A Town Without Christmas 6a/5c: A Christmas Wedding Tail 8a/7c: The Christmas Pageant 2/1c: Gift of the Magi 4/3c: The Dog Who Saved Christmas 6/5c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas 8/7c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade 10/9c: The Thanksgiving House Friday, November 8 12a/11c: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas 2a/1c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 4a/3c: Gift of the Magi 6a/5c: Love's Christmas Journey Part 1 8a/7c: Love's Christmas Journey Part 2 2/1c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas 4/3c: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas 6/5c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 8/7c: Pete's Christmas, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere 10/9c: Eve's Christmas Saturday, November 9 12a/11c: Once Upon a Christmas 2a/1c: Twice Upon a Christmas 4a/3c: All I Want for Christmas 6a/5c: The Santa Suit 8a/7c: Once Upon a Christmas 10a/9c: Twice Upon a Christmas 12/11c: The Thanksgiving House 2/1c: Eve's Christmas 4/3c: All I Want for Christmas 6/5c: A Princess for Christmas 8/7c: Snow Bride, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere! 10/9c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle Sunday, November 10 12a/11c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle 2a/1c: The Santa Suit 4a/3c: Silver Bells, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame 6a/5c: Fallen Angel, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame 8a/7c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle 10a/9c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle 12/11c: A Princess for Christmas 2/1c: Snow Bride 4/3c: Silver Bells, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame 6/5c: A Bride for Christmas 8/7c: A Very Merry Mix-Up, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere! 10/9c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame

Movie Review: Disney - Pixar Brave (2012)

In a world of legends and magic, Princess Merida  works to change her fate, not knowing that an ill-fated wish will toss the kingdom into chaos.

The Lil Diva (10), the Lil Princess (8) and I went to go see Disney - Pixar's Brave this weekend. I rarely go to the opening weekend of a movie, but the warm weather seems to have kept the crowds away.

This is a funny, often tender, sometimes crude story of Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), who is confronted with a lackluster life filled with marriage and duty. Her overbearing mother (voiced by Emma Thompson) has spent years showing Merida how to act properly, so that she will be prepared, but Merida would much rather let loose, riding her beloved horse, Angus, and perfecting her archery skills.

Merida's three little brothers (or devils as she calls them) get to create mischief around the castle; no doubt encouraged by their father, King Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly). But Merida's mother expects her to be the dutiful daughter. Very unfair.

The story behind Brave isn't a new one: mother and daughter don't see eye to eye on the future; an independent mind is eager to defy the conventions she was born into; what seems to be a good idea at the time ends up being a disaster (think of all those wishes Timmy Turner made in Fairly Oddparents). With Pixar's amazing animation and classic Disney appeal, Brave is an exciting, fun time for the family. Like Mulan before her, Merida makes a choice. It's when Merida realizes what that choice might have cost her and her future kingdom, that she becomes the brave soul who will make a difference.

If your family only sees one movie this summer, it should be Brave.

Rated: PG
Run time: 100 minutes
Released: June 22, 2012

My girls and I saw this movie in the theater. I was not compensated for my review in any way.

Interview with Sarah Reinhard, Author of Catholic Family Fun

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a Catholic wife, mom, and writer who lives on a farm in central Ohio. I'm an avid reader and there are rumors that I'm a little TOO fond of Twitter.

What inspired your book, Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless?

The editor who emailed me with the idea gets the credit for the inspiration. She got me thinking about the importance of family fun and the need for something that had specific resources for Catholics included.

How is this book different than other family activity books on the market?

It has specifically Catholic ideas included, which makes it unique. However, if you're not Christian but not Catholic, I think you'll find this book also very useful and relevant to your family life.

What if your favorite activity from the book?

Horseback riding, hands down. We go every week!

What are you doing to promote Catholic Family Fun?

We have a book tour going on right now, there's a Facebook page, and the book has a website, CatholicFamilyFun.com, with new content being posted biweekly.

Where can people purchase a copy?

First, I encourage everyone to go to their local Catholic retailer first. If that's not an option, I have links available on my website for other outlets.

What is up next for you?

In the fall, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism will be released from Ave Maria Press.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I'd love to hear what your readers do for family fun! Thanks so much for hosting me today!

Don't miss a chance to own a free copy of Catholic Family Fun. Enter our giveaway running now!

Book Review and Giveaway: Catholic Family Fun by Sarah A. Reinhard

Family time has always been important around here. With the hours the hubby works, quality time definitely is key. I have to admit, however, that I am not the most fun person. If I had to qualify myself under one of those characteristics in the subheading, it would definitely be clueless.

Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless by Sarah A. Reinhard helps you blend faith and fun together with tons of great ideas for families of all sizes. From silly things to story starters, from crafts to outdoor adventures and more, this book will make your family time more meaningful and a lot of fun.

The nine chapters are broken down into four themed sections so you'll easily be able to find what you're looking for. Reinhard starts each activity with important details: prep time, duration and cost. Many of these activities are low cost, which is very helpful in these tough economic times. In the spirit of blending faith and fun, each activity in the first three sections ends with a "Faith Angle," that shows how you can make the activity more meaningful for everyone. There is also a "Make It Yours" section that helps your family personalize the activities.

As a big lover of mysteries, I was fond of Mystery Food Night. I also appreciated how Reinhard provided a diverse group of activities for families no matter where they are in their Christian journey. Part 4 is entitled, "Faith with Fun." Here you have: "Saints to Celebrate," "Ways to Serve," and ways to pray together. These will truly help your family build their faith while enjoying time together. These sections still have the "Make It Yours" section, but instead of the "Faith Angle," they have "The Wider Angle." The author turns the activities into lessons, often asking reflective questions.

The Appendix offers a chart that gives you all the activities in the book at a glance. There are also lists that categorize all the activities by cost, prep time, or duration. A great deal of thought was put into making this book easy to use.

I highly recommend Catholic Family Fun to families who are looking for new meaningful activities that will provide quality time together.


Publisher: Pauline Books & Media (2012)
ISBN-10: 0819816043
ISBN-13: 978-0819816047
SRP: $11.95

Visit the author's website for ordering information: http://snoringscholar.com/.

I received a free paperback copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Eager to win one of two free paperback copies of Catholic Family Fun? Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

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Movie Review: Geek Charming (2011)

Film geek Josh Rosen (Matt Prokop) is looking for a project that will help him win the Woodlands Academy 10th Annual Film Festival. When he rescues popular girl Dylan Schoenfield's (Sarah Hyland) Serge Sanchez bag from a fountain, Josh convinces her to let him film her for his documentary on high school popularity. As they get to know each other, Dylan realizes nerds can be cool sometimes, and Josh discovers there is way more to his subject than good looks and designer shoes.

The Lil Princess (8) and I watched Geek Charming when it originally aired on the Disney Channel. Now available on DVD, this movie breaks down the barriers created by stereotypes.

Dylan seems to have it all. She's rich, popular, and has the coolest boyfriend at Los Angeles Woodlands Academy. Most of the school doesn't know or care how much she misses her deceased mother, or have a clue to the real reason she wants to win the Fall Formal Blossom Queen crown. Dylan and her A-List friends have made assumptions about Josh and his film geek friends too. They are so uncool, they can't even eat in the same section of the cafeteria as the popular kids.

What is also great about this movie is it teaches kids about knowing who your real friends are. They aren't always who you imagine them to be.

The ending of Geek Charming is superb. It's a funny family movie with talented actors who bring these characters to life. The DVD also includes 10 bonus episodes of the Disney hit show, Shake It Up.

Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Video
DVD Release Date: February 7, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes
SRP: $26.99

This review is based upon seeing the movie on TV. I received no monetary compensation for this review.