Dora the explore has grown up and is now off on an live action adventure in Dora and the Lost City of Gold now available on on Blu-ray / DVD...

Dora the explore has grown up and is now off on an live action adventure in Dora and the Lost City of Gold now available on on Blu-ray / DVD and Digital.

Note: I received product sample for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

To celebrate the films release we enjoyed a family movie night with real life looking Dora, Diego and Boots (who was CGI sadly) as they discovered things and figured out teen life. Honestly as family who watched cartoon Dora, I wasn't sure how we'd relate to real life. Could she still be as adorable?

The answer is no. And ironically it was a good thing.

While real life Dora did have some quirkiness of the cartoon Dora, seeing her as an teen dealing with real life issues made her more solid as a character. We liked it! But that's not all we enjoyed about Dora and the Lost City of Gold.

Real Life Versions

Since this was a live action film, besides Dora, we also got to see Diego and some of their friends as real people. It was kinda cool. As real characters each person brought something interesting to the team and story-line.

Educational Ties-Ins

One of the things we love about Dora is she helps us learn things. We learn a bit about nature, how to solve problems and about Latin culture and history. I love that they tied that into the movie.

We continued the learning at home with some Activity Sheets.

Balance of Humor and Adventure

While this was a live action movie, there was still some fun cartoon humor in the film. For example the singing. Dora still sings and it's hilarious. But the singing is done at moments that call for it. When it's time for adventure and being serious, the film switches over well.

These are just three reason why my family enjoyed Dora and the Lost City of Gold. I'm sure your family can find more.



Explore a new world of family-friendly adventure with DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD on Digital and on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand from Paramount Home Entertainment.


The Digital* and Blu-ray releases boast a wealth of fun-filled bonus features, including hilarious bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, a look at Isabela Moner’s transformation into Dora, a tour of Dora’s Jungle House, and more!

SYNOPSIS

Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora (Isabela Moner, Instant Family) for her biggest challenge yet – high school. When her parents mysteriously disappear while searching for the Lost City of Gold, Dora must swing into action and lead a group of ill-equipped high schoolers on a wild quest to save them.

Hold on for a high stakes mission as Dora and her new friends navigate the jungle, outrun treasure hunters, and solve ancient puzzles to unlock the mystery of the fabled city.

Also starring Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, and Danny Trejo.




BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY COMBO & DIGITAL

• Bloopers - Take a trip to the wild side with hilarious bloopers of the cast's funniest on-set mishaps.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes - Journey deeper into the jungle to find the "lost" scenes not shown in theaters.
• All About Dora - Discover how Isabela Moner transformed Dora into a jungle-savvy teenage adventurer for a new generation.
• Can You Say Pelicula? - Unlock the mystery of underwater stunts and surviving quicksand with Eugenio Derbez.
• Dora In Flower Vision - Explore the movie's playful animated sequence, a treasure trove of nods to Dora's cartoon origins.
• Dora’s Jungle House - The adventure continues with this behind-the-scenes tour of Dora's jungle house, part museum, part laboratory, and always a place for family.

The DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD DVD includes the feature film in standard definition.

To learn more, visit - www.dora.movie

Can fire fighters be good childcare providers? This funny question was explored in Paramount Pictures's film PLAYING WITH FIRE. To get t...

Can fire fighters be good childcare providers? This funny question was explored in Paramount Pictures's film PLAYING WITH FIRE. To get the equally funny answers to this question, we attended an advance screening for film, followed by a kids day junket with the director and cast.

Note: I was invited as media by Paramount Pictures to the film screening and press junket. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own

Since our review of the film will post later this week, I wanted to share the Q&A interview, plus what it was like meeting John Cena and discussing My Little Pony.



While my convo with John about My Little Pony is certainly interesting. It's nothing compared to the moments my son had with John and the rest of the cast.

My son sat with the other kids in their own row and took turns waiting for the mike. And when it was his turn, he was such a professional. He asked his question clearly and to the point!

I was SO proud!  So what question did my son ask?

Is your movie from a book, real life or you just like made it up?

Andy Fickman: Movie is just made up. But it was inspired by, I think, people reading stories about the smoke jumpers. They live a very isolated existence because their depots are not like a fire station in the middle of the city.

They are up in the mountains so they can fly away and go fight in the mountains. And, that story was developed--took 14 years to make that story.


While my son had a good question, so did the other kids! Read on to learn what John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, Christian Convery, Finley Rose Slater, and director Andy Fickman shared....

Do you own up to big mistakes, like the little boy in the suds scene

Keegan-Michael Key: I feel like I'm owning up to some mistake every day. Cause it's very good to say--to hold yourself accountable for your actions. Then you can learn from them. And also, it helps wipe the slate clean every day if you--if you really do it. And, the only key to it really, I think, is that you just have to really be sincere.

Sometimes, you ever like you say you're sorry, but you're not really sorry? And then, later on you're like, I'm sorry. But you always feels better if you really apologize from a very genuine place.

So, my answer is I do it--I do it every day.

Christian Convery: Well, I've done a few big mistakes. And I learned not to climb big structures when it's raining outside, cause I had a huge scar on my face. I had to stay at the ER for a couple of hours. Yes, that was a big mistake.

Brianna Hildebrand: Yes, I've made a lot of mistakes in my lifetime. I think I would second what Keegan said, you know? It's always good to kind of clean the slate. Start fresh. Say sorry and move on.

Did any past experiences help you with the role?

Andy Fickman: I will say the experience that helped me, and hopefully we were able to pass it along to everybody, is we spent time with the real smoke jumpers in Reading, California. And, everything that you see in the movie, the look of the movie and the wardrobe, everything was helped by the actual smoke jumpers. And so, that was the thing that inspired me the most.

Finley Rose Slater: Well, I love making the movie.


Keegan-Michael Key: When we were young, I used to follow my best friend, who is now a firefighter in real life. We used to get on bikes and ride to fires and stand behind fire trucks.

And, he--my best friend--used to watch. He was like, I'm going to do that one day. I'm going to be that or a fighter pilot. So, he did do it.

So, I've been able to watch a lot of fires. So, I get experience of what it's like when they me about their job and what it's like to be in the mask, seeing the smoke and how hot it really is inside the room. So I use a little bit of that.


Christian Convery: I've been in movies that help me understand what goes on in film sets and I think that really helped me understand what goes on.

Brianna Hildebrand: I have some older brothers, so, I the experience of being a younger sibling helped me sort of wrap my mind around what it would be like to be an older sister.

As you can see both the director and cast brought something into making their characters special in "Playing with Fire". Overall they did a great job and it's a film that will connect with families.

And what about the "My Little Pony" convo with John Cena? I'll share that in my full review post!


SYNOPSIS

Playing with Fire opens in theatres on November 8



When straight-laced fire superintendent Jake Carson (John Cena) and his elite team of expert firefighters (Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo and Tyler Mane) come to the rescue of three siblings (Brianna Hildebrand, Christian Convery and Finley Rose Slater) in the path of an encroaching wildfire, they quickly realize that no amount of training could prepare them for their most challenging job yet – babysitters.

Unable to locate the children’s parents, the firefighters have their lives, jobs and even their fire depot turned upside down and quickly learn that kids – much like fires –are wild and unpredictable.

Starring: John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo, Brianna Hildebrand, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Greer

Playing with Fire - Official Trailer


Directed By: Andy Fickman
Produced By: Todd Garner, Sean Robins
Executive Produced By: Mark Moran

To learn more, visit -

Facebook - www.facebook.com/playingwithfiremovie
Twitter - www.twitter.com/PlayingWfire
Instagram - www.instagram.com/PlayingWithFire

To get a peek into the world of the Downton Abbey, I attended a pop-up experience for the Downton Abbey film at Amazon Books. It was so posh...

To get a peek into the world of the Downton Abbey, I attended a pop-up experience for the Downton Abbey film at Amazon Books. It was so posh!

Note: I was invited as media to this event and will receive the Downton Abbey Movie Blu-ray for review. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.


There was so much to do during the Downton Abbey/ Amazon Book Pop-Up Experience. Of course I made sure to do all.the.things. including:



Taking photos with the staff in Downton Abbey historical costumes.....

Checking out some of the Downton Abbey decor and guest takeaways inside the pop-up.....

Getting a personalized bookmark.....with my name handwritten in calligraphy!



and at the end getting a gift bag with Republic Of Tea and other Downton Abbey film prizes.

The whole experience gave me a very cool peek into living during the Downton Abbey time period. While the pop up experience is over, I can still experience life in the Downton Abbey world now that the film will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand



Downton Abbey | Trailer | Own it 11/26 on Digital, 12/17 on Blu-ray & DVD


DOWNTON ABBEY, welcomes fans back for a spectacular homecoming on Digital November 26, 2019 and on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on December 17, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

With a broad variety of bonus features, including exclusive conversations with the cast, deleted scenes and a series recap that whisks audiences away to a world of grandeur.

The motion picture will also be available in a Deluxe Limited Edition, featuring the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital Code, presented in exclusive packaging along with a collectible photo book and recipe cards. Available only while supplies last, this special offering is the must-own gift for any Downton Abbey fan or to add to your own collection.

Based on Carnival Films’ Emmy® award-winning television series, the feature DOWNTON ABBEY sees the original cast return, alongside a host of newcomers. The film chronicles the Crawley family one year after the conclusion of the series, as they prepare for the most important moment of their lives: an impending visit from the Royal Family.

Join the glitz, glamour and spectacle as the special visit unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue on the fan-favorite family and its staff members.

BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
• Upstairs Cast
• Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engle

The film comes from the series screenwriter and producer Julian Fellowes, and producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

To learn more, visit - www.uni.pictures/DowntonAbbey

Facebook - www.facebook.com/DowntonAbbey
Twitter - www.twitter.com/DowntonAbbey
Instagram - www.instagram.com/downtonabbey_official

Have you ever wanted to see Mario vs. Dr. Eggman? Or Sonic vs. Bowser? Now you can in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 excl...

Have you ever wanted to see Mario vs. Dr. Eggman? Or Sonic vs. Bowser? Now you can in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 exclusively for Nintendo Switch!

In the biggest video game mash-up of 2019, you can take rivalries to the skate park, diving board, archery range, and more with an incredible suite of 3D and 2D events, imaginative Dream events (who hasn't wanted to see Sonic on a hoverboard AGAIN?) and an expansive Story Mode!

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 | Fun Takes Off Trailer



Five fun things to know about Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020:

1. Brand New Story:Help Mario & Sonic escape from a 2D-themed console, the "Tokyo '64," hatched as part of Dr. Eggman's and Bowser's nefarious plans to trap the colorful and capable power pair.
2. A Bountiful Medley of Events: Skateboard, surf, and race your way to the top of the podium! With more than 30 events to master in this fun-filled Olympic Games showdown, there are plenty of ways to prove your skills to your friends in local and online multiplayer.
3. Push the Boundaries: Dream Events deliver a layer of fantastical chaos. Zip through a downhill obstacle course on your hoverboard, throwdown for territorial control with lightning-fast karate action, or smash the most targets inside a traditional Japanese manor!
4. So Many Ways to Play*: Exclusively on Nintendo Switch, determine who the real champion is while using the fun and flexibility of Joy-Con controllers to your advantage.
5. Play with a Cast of Fan-Favorite Characters: The gang's all here! Play as Mario, Sonic, and a star-studded cast of your favorite SEGA and Nintendo characters!

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 | All The Fun Trailer



The fun even goes beyond the limits of reality with all-new Dream Events:

• Dream Karate
• Dream Racing
• Dream Shooting

Enjoy all the different classic 2D events, perfect for friends and family:

• 100m
• 10m Platform (Diving)
• 400m Hurdles
• Gymnastics - Vault
• Judo
• Kayak Single (K-1) 1000m
• Long Jump
• Marathon
• Shooting - Trap
• Volleyball

You will also dash, climb, jump, surf and more in these fast-paced 3D events:

• 100m
• 110m Hurdles
• 4 x 100m Relay
• Archery
• Badminton
• Boxing
• Canoe Double (C-2) 1000m
• Discus Throw
• Equestrian - Jumping
• Fencing
• Football (Soccer)
• Gymnastics - Floor Exercise
• Javelin Throw
• Karate - Kumite
• Rugby Sevens
• Skateboarding - Park
• Sport Climbing
• Surfing - Shortboard
• Swimming - 100m Freestyle
• Table Tennis
• Triple Jump

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on November 5 in the Americas for $59.99 USD and November 8 in Europe with commensurate pricing.

For more information, visit - www.olympicvideogames.com/marioandsonic/us/