We knew it was time for a movie night after receiving A Minecraft Movie package from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. Note:...

We knew it was time for a movie night after receiving A Minecraft Movie package from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

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

A Minecraft Movie is full of humor and fun video game references, which is great for fans of the video game.


We quickly opened out package, which included A Minecraft Movie items

• A Minecraft Movie Blu-ray
• A Minecraft Movie Swords
• A Minecraft Movie Blanket
• A Minecraft Movie Popcorn Bucket
• Orville Popcorn

Of course we set up the popcorn bucket, had a min sword fight while making the popcorn, then grabbed the blanket and settled on the couch for movie night.


Overall we enjoyed A Minecraft Movie since it was a funny easy watch. While as Minecraft fans we expected to see a bit more on theme storylines, there was fun scenes with the characters and actions that come from the video game. So families won't mind the blend in with the "regular" movie scenes.

We also enjoyed watching Jack Black play against the other actors. His energy took things to another level and add something special overall to A Minecraft Movie.

A Minecraft Movie is now available Digitally on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Fandango at Home, and more.

A Minecraft Movie is also available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD from online and physical retailers.

SYNOPSIS

Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity doesn’t just help you craft, it’s essential to one’s survival!

Four misfits—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Momoa), Henry (Hansen), Natalie (Myers) and Dawn (Brooks)—find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination.

To get back home, they’ll have to master this world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Black).

Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative…the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world.

Stars Emma Myers (“Wednesday”), Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”), Sebastian Eugene Hansen (“Just Mercy, “Lisey’s Story”), with Jennifer Coolidge.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Building the World of Minecraft: Block Party featurette - Grant Major’s team brings Minecraft’s Overworld to life with blocky textures, vibrant biomes, and square props. Through practical effects and digital art, they craft a cinematic Minecraft world!
• Creepers, Zombies, and Endermen Oh My! featurette - Explore the unique mobs in A Minecraft Movie, including Creepers, Piglins, and Zombies. The featurette features live action looks and onscreen performances, with expert designers and artists contributing.
• A Minecraft Movie: Block Beats featurette - Music brings A Minecraft Movie to life! Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Danielle Brooks created fun tunes like “I Feel Alive.” Fans will love behind-the-scenes clips and insights into the film’s music.
• A Minecraft Movie: Pixel Pals featurette - Jack Black and Jason Momoa pour boundless energy into A Minecraft Movie, from Jack’s gaming breaks to Jason’s wardrobe design. Their chemistry and behind-the-scenes fun bring joy to this film!
• Marlene + Nitwit featurette - Marlene and Nitwit’s quirky bond shines in this film! In this piece Nitwit, voiced by Matt Berry, narrates their wild journey, parodying My Name is Earl, with hilarious moments from Jennifer Coolidge.

Hess directed from a screenplay by Chris Bowman & Hubbel Palmer and Neil Widener & Gavin James and Chris Galletta, story by Allison Schroeder and Chis Bowman & Hubbel Palmer, based on the Minecraft video game.

Roy Lee, Jon Berg, Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Jason Momoa, Jill Messick, Torfi Frans Ólafsson and Vu Bui produced, and Todd Hallowell, Jay Ashenfelter, Kayleen Walters, Brian Mendoza and Jon Spaihts executive produced.

Wacom Creativity Camp is a free online character design workshop series happening this summer, presented by Wacom in partnership with Best B...

Wacom Creativity Camp is a free online character design workshop series happening this summer, presented by Wacom in partnership with Best Buy.

Want to create your own original character for comics, manga, anime, video games, an illustrated story, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, or just for fun – but don’t know where to start? Join Wacom Creativity Camp.

Taught by MCAD professor Lafe Smith, Creativity Camp is perfect for young folks, beginning artists, or anyone else who wants to strengthen their character design skills.

It’s free, and you don’t need any digital art tools to participate – pencil and paper is fine!

During this workshop series, you’ll learn the basics of how to create a character – including finding inspiration, sketching ideas, crafting silhouettes, and creating expressive faces and poses – and will end up with a complete model sheet for your original character!

Throughout, you’ll also get expert feedback and support from a professional artist and art school professor.

Join Creativity Camp live on Zoom on Mondays, July 28 – August 18, 2025, from 3:00-4:30pm PDT!

Wacom Creativity Camp 2025 Trailer



Each session builds on the last, so if you attend every workshop you’ll have a completed character model sheet at the end.

It’s OK if you can’t make it to every session, though – they’ll have recap materials and “homework” to get you caught up, and eventually will publish recordings of the workshops on YouTube.

One more reason to attend live, though: we’ll be giving way Wacom drawing tablets during each session, and only attendees are eligible!

Learn more, visit - community.wacom.com/en-us/creativity-camp-2025/

Planning a summer getaway with little ones? Whether driving cross-country or flying to far-off places, these travel-friendly activities will...

Planning a summer getaway with little ones? Whether driving cross-country or flying to far-off places, these travel-friendly activities will keep kids engaged, entertained, and quieter the entire trip.

The Teething Egg (Price: Varies)

For tiny travelers, the Teething Eggs were thoughtfully designed for little ones—lightweight, easy to hold, and perfectly sized for tiny hands.

Made with hygienic, BPA-free materials and easy-to-clean designs, they’re must-haves for soothing, feeding, and entertaining babies while traveling.

Their ergonomic teethers and silicone feeding tools feature lanyards, suction bases, and removable choke guards for safe, mess-free use.

Learn more - www.theteethingegg.com

Hop Around Children’s Book ($12.95)

This travel book is fun and helps calm any travel jitters. Hop Around teaches children the significance of travel and the beauty of immersing themselves in new cultures.

Its 8x5 size conveniently fits in any laptop or tablet sleeve for easy packing.

Illustrated by Courtney Huddleston, the pages will captivate young readers as they embark on a journey of discovery and friendship. The adventures pop off the page and encourage kids to keep reading.

Learn more - www.hoparoundbook.com

Popdarts ($34.99)

Popdarts is a modern twist on traditional darts, with suction darts that stick to smooth surfaces. Stick the orange target marker on a smooth surface and take turns throwing towards the marker.

Earn three points for the Popdart that’s closest to the marker, one point for each that sticks and 10 points for landing on the marker! First team to 21 points wins.

Put down the screens and reconnect with friends and family with this competitive game!

Learn more - www.popdartsgame.com

Limitless Power Bank with Built-In Cables ($80.00)

Keep tablets, phones, and earbuds charged for endless entertainment while you travel with the 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-In Cables.

The portable LCD screen charger features a complete charging solution that combines practicality with performance. Its built-in cables, versatile charging ports, digital display, and portable design, makes it a great accessory to keep your devices charged, no matter where you are.

Available in Aqua, Arctic Blue, and Mauve

Learn more - www.limitlessinnovations.com

Whether your family are going to the boardwalk, an amusement park, or just grandma's house, take a Strider bike to help little kids keep...

Whether your family are going to the boardwalk, an amusement park, or just grandma's house, take a Strider bike to help little kids keep active and have fun.

Below are a few suggestions for helping kids get on two wheels.

Strider 2-in-1 Rocking Bike (ages 6 months to 4 yrs) ($269.98)

The Rocking Base securely holds the STEAM-accredited Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike in place as your child rocks, teaching them how to balance and improving their dexterity, cognitive ability, and spatial awareness as young as 6 months old.

Once they master rocking, simply detach the Rocking Base and they’re ready to roll on their first balance bike that they can use through age 4!

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike (ages 1-4 yrs) ($139.99)

The STEAM-accredited Strider 12 Sport helps kids learn to ride a bike without using training wheels. This lightweight bike is just 6.7 lbs and comes equipped with foam rubber tires that never go flat and need an air pump.

The handlebars and seat posts both have a wide range of adjustability, allowing them to grow with kids through growth spurts. They're also designed for rough and tumble play.

Strider 12 Pro Balance Bike (ages 1-4 yrs) ($219.99)

For the spirited kids 1-4 who crave freedom at their fingertips, the STEAM-accredited Strider 12 Pro Balance Bike has a mini-grip handlebar equipped with a safety pad. Plus, a pair of no-flat Ultralight Wheels that are always road-ready.

The world's lightest Strider, the Strider 12 Pro features a all-aluminum frame featherweight 5.6 lb design that enables tiny racers to easily control their first bike.

Strider Safety Kit ($74.98)

From tiny BMX racers-in-training to toddlers who just wanna have fun, the Strider Safety Kit has your kiddo covered! Help your rider build confidence on two wheels with a secure helmet, comfy pads, and durable bike stand.

The Chakra Child Helmet is designed for a safe, secure, and comfortable fit. This bike helmet for kids also offers extended rear coverage for extra protection (and peace of mind).

The elbow and knee pads features easy to adjust Velcro straps and fits most children ages 18 months to 5 years.

The durable plastic bike stand keeps your kid’s Strider Bike off the floor. With easy assembly at home or on the go, the Strider Bike Stand provides the perfect parking space for any Strider 12 Balance Bike.

Learn more, visit - www.striderbikes.com

Family vacations sounds nice. But if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the truth: snack negotiations at 10am, overloaded backpacks, t...

Family vacations sounds nice. But if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the truth: snack negotiations at 10am, overloaded backpacks, tired toddlers, and teens who just want Wi-Fi and silence.

But this year families can travel - and enjoy it- differently

According to new data from Hellotickets, a global platform for booking experiences in over 130 countries, families in 2025 are redefining how they plan their holidays.

They’re choosing shared, simple and low-stress moments — over packed schedules and “kid zones.”

What’s Changing in Way Families Travel

Goodbye to overstuffed itineraries. Today’s families are embracing a slower rhythm, with one or two key activities per day, and the rest left open — on purpose.

And they’re moving away from “kids’ activities” vs. “grown-up time.” What works best now are shared experiences that spark wonder in everyone: a boat at sunset, a treasure hunt in a museum, a skyline view with a drink in hand.

It’s not about compromising — it’s about experiencing something together.

4 Tips for a stress-free summer

• Don’t overpack the schedule: less is more
• Choose immersive, visual experiences: 90 minutes of “wow” beats 3 hours of “are we done yet?”
• Balance interests: one for them, one for you — or both at once
• Book the essentials ahead, but leave room for spontaneity

What families are really booking this year

Forget long guided tours and educational marathons. What parents and kids want this year is:

• A visit to the Harry Potter Studios in the UK — a timeless crowd-pleaser
• Musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, or Back to the Future in New York or London
• City cruises in Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam — relaxing, scenic, stroller-friendly
• Skyline experiences like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (New York), Sky Garden (London), or Torre Glòries (Barcelona)

Average duration of family experiences: 1 hour 20 minutes. Most popular time slot: 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm— before meltdowns and nap crashes

The Takeaway

Traveling with kids doesn’t mean giving up on vacation. It means reimagining how we travel — and why. Often, it’s thanks to them that we slow down, look closer, and reconnect with wonder.

With Hellotickets, families can find simple, joyful, well-designed experiences that make traveling together not a chore… but the best part of the year.

Book your next experience, visit - www.hellotickets.com