This week we received a fun package from Lionsgate for their film "Four Kids and It", which is now available on Digital, Blu-ray, ...

This week we received a fun package from Lionsgate for their film "Four Kids and It", which is now available on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand.

Note: This posted was written in partnership with Lionsgate for the films home release. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own

Our packed was filled with items for us to have a "Four Kids and It" Home Premiere Night, as we watched the film together at home.


What was inside our "Four Kids and It" Home Premiere package?

• Four Kids and It poster
• Doordash Gift cards (to order food!)
• VIP Party pass
• Bow Tie
• Gold Statue
• Concessions Snacks!

After opening our package, I was excited to turn our living room into a "mini home theater" for a family movie night!



First thing I did was put up the poster. All home theaters need a poster of the latest film being shown.

Then I ordered our food via Doordash. The kids wanted Mexican, so I ordered classic nachos and appetizers including boneless buffalo wings and southwestern egg-rolls. The food arrived hot and ready!


I quickly set up a mini concessions area with the food and snacks including popcorn and candy. Then it was time to get the seats in order before the guest arrived. I was really proud of the finished looked. We were ready for movie night!


My son was excited to be part of our "mini home theater" so he welcomed his cousins and gave out the all access pass so they can enter as VIP guest. Once all "checked in", the kids grab their meals, some snacks, found their seats and got ready to watch "Four Kids and It".


The kids enjoyed "Four Kids and It" and seeing the funny ways the kids in the film had their wish's come true. The film has a good mix of funny moments for the young kids and "tween" issues like sibling fussing about for older kids.

I enjoyed giving them a special "movie" experience since all theaters are closed due to the pandemic. Thanks to Lionsgate, this was a nice way for the kids to relax and have some fun in our new Stay-at-Home lifestyle.


Would you like to have a "Four Kids and It" Home Movie Night?

• You can download and print these "Four Kids and It" Activity Sheets, which include a VIP badge.
• Get "Four Kids and It" on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand, including major digital platforms including iTunes, Amazon Prime, Vudu, and others.

SYNOPSIS

On a seaside holiday, four kids from a blended family visit the beach, where they discover a floppy-eared creature that grants their wishes.

But there’s a catch: the kids’ adventures in rock-climbing, pop stardom, and flying end promptly at sunset — leaving them in danger each time. Can they learn to control the magic before something dreadful happens?

Four Kids and It is a charming and whimsical story featuring a star-studded cast including Paula Patton (2 Guns, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) and Matthew Goode (TV’s “Downton Abbey” and “The Crown”), with Russell Brand (TV’s “Ballers,” Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and the voice of Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (1999, Best Supporting Actor, The Cider House Rules; The Dark Knight franchise, The Prestige).

Four Kids and It Trailer



Based on iconic children’s author Jaqueline Wilson’s Four Children and It, the story is a modern twist based on E. Nesbit’s 1902 classic Five Children and It, and also stars Teddie Malleson-Allen, Ashley Aufderheide, Billy Jenkins, and Ellie-Mae Siame.

The film adaptation is directed by Andy De Emmony (TV’s “The Nest” and “Spitting Image”) and written by Simon Lewis.

To learn more, visit - www.lionsgate.com/movies/four-kids-and-it

ENTER TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!

• (1) of (5) digital movies codes for "Four Kids and It"

WAYS TO ENTER:

Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. July 3, 2020.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Winner will be selected by random.org. Giveaway main entry must be completed before extra entries will count. Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the U.S. with a valid street address.

Ashley Aufderheide joined me for a one-on-one interview (via Zoom) to discuss her role as "Smash" in Lionsgate's "Four Ki...

Ashley Aufderheide joined me for a one-on-one interview (via Zoom) to discuss her role as "Smash" in Lionsgate's "Four Kids and It", available on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand on June 30th.

Note: This posted was written in partnership with Lionsgate for the films home release. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own


Much like her character in the film, Ashley is full of smiles and energy. I had a fun time interviewing her about being confident females, getting wishes fulfilled, and how families can enjoy traveling together.

What made you excited to play your character "Smash"

Ashley Aufderheide: What initial drew me to the movie is that it has all genres. It's fantasy, romance, drama. It has everything put together.

My character "Smash" in the beginning seems to be very angry and a harsh person. But throughout the movie you see she becomes very venerable and sweet. So that's what I like her, that the first impression is very different.

I like how the movie has many twists and turns and not everything is what it seems.

Your character "Smash" is a bit of a leader, What's your advice for younger girls who want to be more outspoken?

Ashley Aufderheide: I think confidence is so important. I think that if you believe in something, you should fight for it. Always state your opinion. If you don't agree with what someone said, don't shy from saying how you really feel and what your opinion is.

I think Smash definitely does that. While some people in the beginning might see it as anger, I think it just shows her confidence as well.

Fight for what you believe in. Have your own opinion. That's something that I live by and that others can live by as well.

Acting with "It" (Psammead/Sand Fairy)

Ashley Aufderheide: It was a puppet sort of. It wasn't a stuffed animal. And there was a sound box with Michael Cain voice inside of it. So we all were talking to it and saw an object there.

It was very similar to how it was in the movie, it kinda had the same shape, etc. It wasn't very difficult to act with it.

In the film you experience your wish. If you could have a wish for a day, would it be the same?

Ashley Aufderheide: Literally so cool. That was the coolest experience ever. I've always loved dancing, so when I get to dance on stage, that is insane. I get to wear the cool costume and I just went all out. It was an incredible experience.

If I had a wish in real life, I always said I want to fly. In the movie, my character got to fly as well. There was harness, a robot arm, green screen, all that stuff.

When I saw the movie, it all look very realistic. So I kinda got my wish there.

Part of the film is about families traveling together. What fun travel tips do you have for families?

Ashley Aufderheide: For sure. I feel like we live in a age where a lot of our lives are centered around our phones. I feel that creates sort of a disconnect because everyone is on Instagram, Snapchat, etc.

What was nice about this movie, was that there was no cell service. Everyone had to spend the time together and not be on their phones all the time.

Ashley Aufderheide: So a tip that I have is to put the phone now, leave it in the car or your bag. And just really focus on spending time with the ones you love. Live in the moment because your not going to get those moments back. You just have to be grateful for everything that you have.

So spend time with everyone and don't be distracted with other things.

Such a great advice from Ashley! Make sure to spend time with your family on June 30th, when Four Kids and It releases everywhere.


SYNOPSIS

On a seaside holiday, four kids from a blended family visit the beach, where they discover a floppy-eared creature that grants their wishes.

But there’s a catch: the kids’ adventures in rock-climbing, pop stardom, and flying end promptly at sunset — leaving them in danger each time. Can they learn to control the magic before something dreadful happens?

Four Kids and It is a charming and whimsical story featuring a star-studded cast including Paula Patton (2 Guns, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) and Matthew Goode (TV’s “Downton Abbey” and “The Crown”), with Russell Brand (TV’s “Ballers,” Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and the voice of Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (1999, Best Supporting Actor, The Cider House Rules; The Dark Knight franchise, The Prestige).

Four Kids and It Trailer



Based on iconic children’s author Jaqueline Wilson’s Four Children and It, the story is a modern twist based on E. Nesbit’s 1902 classic Five Children and It, and also stars Teddie Malleson-Allen, Ashley Aufderheide, Billy Jenkins, and Ellie-Mae Siame.

The film adaptation is directed by Andy De Emmony (TV’s “The Nest” and “Spitting Image”) and written by Simon Lewis.

To learn more, visit - www.lionsgate.com/movies/four-kids-and-it

The filmmakers from Disney & Pixar’s “Soul,” offer an exclusive sneak peek at the film as a part of the Essence Festival of Culture duri...

The filmmakers from Disney & Pixar’s “Soul,” offer an exclusive sneak peek at the film as a part of the Essence Festival of Culture during a virtual panel titled Finding “Soul.”

Director Pete Docter, co-director and screenwriter Kemp Powers and producer Dana Murray, partnered with American anthropologist/educator Dr. Johnnetta Cole and globally-renowned jazz pianist Jon Batiste.


The sneak peek features the song “Parting Ways” written, produced and performed by Cody ChesnuTT. Both Dr. Cole and Jon Batiste, who lent his expertise to the jazz arrangements and compositions in “Soul,” serve as cultural consultants on the film.

FINDING “SOUL” PANEL FROM ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE

Synopsis

What is it that makes you...YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town.

But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.

Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Inside Out,” “Up”), co-directed by Kemp Powers (“One Night in Miami”) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short “Lou”), Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020.

To learn more, visit -

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pixarsoul
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pixarsoul
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pixarsoul

Did you know that the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville offers virtual family programs? Families can join the museum educat...

Did you know that the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville offers virtual family programs? Families can join the museum educators for art, music, storytelling and history programs at 11:00 a.m. on FieldTripZoom.

Upcoming July online family programs


Online Family Program: Shel Silverstein’s Playful Poetry
Wednesday, July 1; 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Shel Silverstein is most famous for writing and illustrating children’s books, but did you know he also wrote songs that were recorded by many outlaw country musicians? Join a museum educator on FieldTripZoom to explore the exhibit Outlaws and Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s and listen to poems from Silverstein’s collection A Light in the Attic.

Inspired by his whimsical writing, draw an illustration along with visual artist Britt McDermott and learn to write a Silverstein-style poem. Recommended for ages four to eleven, but all are welcome. Guardian is required to be present for children under thirteen. Takes place via FieldTripZoom. Space is limited. Registration required. Free.


Online Family Program: Songwriting 101: Boudleaux and Felice Bryant Style
Wednesday, July 8; 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Join a museum educator on FieldTripZoom to write a song as a group in this introductory workshop. Music professional Adam Ollendorff will teach the fundamentals of songwriting, including form, theme, and rhyme scheme. Via the chat functionality, participants will share ideas and write an original song inspired by “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” written by Hall of Fame member Boudleaux Bryant. Ollendorff has toured with Kacey Musgraves, performed with Willie Nelson, and written songs with Natalie Hemby and Maren Morris. Recommended for ages seven and up, but all are welcome. Guardian is required to be present for children under thirteen.


Online Family Program: DeFord Bailey DIY Harmonicas
Wednesday, July 15; 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Create your own harmonica from craft sticks and rubber bands, inspired by country music’s first African American star, DeFord Bailey. A popular early star on the Grand Ole Opry, Bailey played innovative harmonica music that was influenced by sounds around him, such as chugging trains and barking hounds. What sounds will you make on your new harmonica? Led by a museum educator on FieldTripZoom. Recommended for ages six and up, but all are welcome. Guardian is required to be present for children under thirteen.


Online Family Program: Songwriting 101: The Blues
Wednesday, July 22; 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Join a museum educator on Field Trip Zoom to write a song as a group in this introductory workshop. Music professional Adam Ollendorff will teach the fundamentals of songwriting, including form, theme, and rhyme scheme. Participants will learn a blues song to get the creative juices flowing, then share ideas via “chat” to write an original song. Ollendorff co-wrote “Moonlight, Mistletoe, and You,” the title cut on Keb’ Mo’s 2019 holiday album, which spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard blues chart. Recommended for ages seven and up, but all are welcome. Guardian is required to be present for children under thirteen.


Online Family Program: One Sheet Songwriting Journal
Wednesday, July 29; 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Many songwriters keep a notebook on hand to jot down ideas. Join a museum educator on FieldTripZoom to learn about the influential songwriting duo Boudleaux and Felice Bryant—responsible for penning “Rocky Top,” “Bye Bye Love,” and many other classics—and view pages from their songwriting ledgers. Then, learn how to make your own pocket-sized journal using only one sheet of paper. What new ideas will fill your book? Recommended for ages seven and up, but all are welcome. Guardian is required to be present for children under thirteen. Presented in support of the exhibit We Could: The Songwriting Artistry of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.

Weekly Songwriter Sessions

For older children and families, the Museum also hosts its weekly Songwriter Sessions on Instagram Live, Tuesdays starting at 8:00 PM Central on the Museum's Instagram, @OfficialCMHOF.

These weekly, live social media events will connect fans with songwriters, allowing participants to ask questions and songwriters to share answers, inspiration and stories.

In addition to these live programs, country music fans can explore past programs on the museum’s website, where they can hear interviews, great music and insightful commentary.

Visitors to the website may also bring the history and magic of the museum home, while exploring at-home resources to use as a family on the Fun at Home page.

To learn more, visit - wwww.countrymusichalloffame.org

Facebook - www.facebook.com/countrymusichof
Twitter - www.twitter.com/countrymusichof
Instagram - www.instagram.com/officialcmhof

Peyton Elizabeth Lee ("Andi Mack") leads a dynamic ensemble cast of royal recruits who inspires audiences of all ages to forge the...

Peyton Elizabeth Lee ("Andi Mack") leads a dynamic ensemble cast of royal recruits who inspires audiences of all ages to forge their own destinies and tap into their inner superheroes.

The new live-action Disney+ original movie, “Secret Society of Second-Born Royals,” will stream exclusively on the service starting Friday, July 17, 2020.

"Secret Society of Second-Born Royals" follows Sam, a rebellious teenage royal who unknowingly develops superpowers from a genetic trait attributed only to second-borns of royal lineage.

Second-in-line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria, Sam constantly questions what it means to be royal and wants to create her own legacy. Unlike Sam’s picture-perfect older sister Eleanor who will become the next queen, Sam would rather rock out with her bandmate and best friend Mike at an illegal protest or ditch a royal engagement for a wild night out.

Watch the the trailer for this cinematic movie that combines the allure of royalty with the action-packed adventures of superheroes-in-training.




Fed up with her daughter’s misbehavior, Queen Catherine sends Sam to a summer boarding school where she and four other second-born royals – Tuma, Roxana, January and Matteo – discover they have unique super-human abilities and are invited to join a secret society with a longstanding tradition of covertly keeping the peace.

With a new sense of purpose and a little help from their Secret Society instructor James, Sam and her fellow royal recruits must learn to harness their newfound powers and work together as a team before they can save the world.

Starring is Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Sam; Skylar Astin (Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist") as James; Olivia Deeble ("Home and Away") as Roxana; Niles Fitch ("This is Us") as Tuma; Faly Rakotohavana ("Raven's Home") as Matteo; Isabella Blake Thomas ("Once Upon A Time") as January; Elodie Yung ("Daredevil") as Queen Catherine; Ashley Liao ("Always Be My Maybe") as Eleanor; Noah Lomax ("Trial By Fire") as Mike; and Greg Bryk ("Handmaid's Tale") as the villainous Inmate 34.

"Secret Society of Second-Born Royals" is directed by Anna Mastro (Marvel's "Runaways," "The Bold Type") and executive produced by Zanne Devine ("I, Tonya"), Mike Karz ("Valentine's Day") and Austin Winsberg ("Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist") with Juliana Janes ("Butter") serving as co-producer.

The teleplay was written by Alex Litvak ("Masters of the Universe") and Andrew Green ("Hannah Montana") and is based on an original story by Litvak, Green and Winsberg.

To learn more, visit - wwww.disneyplusoriginals.disney.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/DisneyPlus
Twitter - www.twitter.com/DisneyPlus
Instagram - www.instagram.com/DisneyPlus