Calling all WALL-E Fans! If your kids (or you) can’t get enough of this adorable new character, we have compiled a selection of our WALL-E links that will keep any fan happy until they see the movie again.

Concept Art and Behind the Scenes Shots: It looks like the folks had a great time working on WALL-E. Now you can check out all the cool concept art and shots that occurred during the making of the film.

Hidden Things: This is a downloadable PDF that will challenge the entire family into finding things hidden in the movie. Can you find everything on the list before your kids?

WALL-E Press Release: Information and clips about WALL-E finally coming to DVD.

Film Facts: This is another Downloadable PDF that includes a list of film facts that the whole family should enjoy. If your kids love the movie, they will be sure to enjoy these facts.

WALL-E 3-Disc Special Edition Review: If you haven’t seen the movie (or you have and want to leave your 2-cents) our WALL-E review is the page to visit.

(more…)

Written by Janey - Visit Website
---

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Director: Andrew Stanton
Writers: Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Jim Reardon
Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, MacInTalk, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver
Rating: G
Studio: Disney/Pixar

Release Info:
Theatrical Release Date: June 27, 2008
DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.99

I have officially seen the most adorable movie of the year. I don’t normally use words like adorable, nor do I tend to like movies that are adorable. Maybe I should rephrase by saying the “most awesome” movie. That might just sum up my feelings about WALL-E. It’s hard not to fall in love with the little guy. He is just that darn adorable (oops! I used that word again!). I wasn’t as interested as I should have been in seeing this movie, merely because I’d just seen Tinker Bell and was disappointed, but WALL-E was all that a Disney movie should live up to being and more!

I first heard about WALL-E during a screening for a Disney movie I reviewed a while back. I can’t remember which one. It might have been Meet the Robinsons. I recall the “intro to WALL-E” said something about, Joe Ranft. one of the men who helped create Toy Story amongst other Pixar titles. Joe helped to come up with the idea for WALL-E. In fact, it was one of the last ideas he helped develop for Pixar before he died in a car crash. The staff and Pixar decided to go with it and they worked tirelessly to do the story justice.

Leading up to the release of WALL-E, Disney/Pixar pumped it up to the point where I wasn’t sure if it could live up to my expectations. Well, I was thoroughly surprised and delighted to learn that this movie was excellent. It wasn’t just excellent. It was downright amazing. I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to watch this movie again. WALL-E is a movie everyone should see regardless of age, gender, or whether they like Disney movies or not. Pixar really went all out for this and they deserve as much praise as I can give. I don’t always enjoy Disney/Pixar movies, but this one is definitely a keeper.

(more…)

Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
---
Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Writer: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan , Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Randall Duk Kim
Rating: PG
Studio: Dreamworks

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: June 6, 2008
DVD Release Date: November 8, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $20.99

I’m going to start this review off with a warning. If you have young kids, you may want to sit them down *before* watching Kung Fu Panda and have a discussion about what is a movie. Our four year old nephew, Lil B, saw Kung Fu Panda. He’d been talking about seeing it non-stop. After checking it out at the movie theater, he proclaimed, one day, that he wanted to show his aunt, Ashtyn, his Kung Fu moves. He then proceeded to kick her, full on, in the knee. When asked where he learned such moves, he said he learned them because he was the “Kung Fu” panda.

That being said, it’s not that I think that you should ban your child from watching this movie. You just need to remember that young kids like to emulate what they see. We now have a “no Kung Fu in the house or on other people” rule enforced. So far, we’ve had no trouble with said rule being upheld. With all that in mind, I have to say that Kung Fu Panda really is a good movie. If you can avoid having your child practice their ‘Kung Fu moves’ on you, then you should really be able to enjoy this as a family.

While Kung Fu Panda is a traditional “believe in yourself” kind of heartwarming movie, you should find plenty of humorous moments and quirky lines to amuse and entertain throughout the movie. It really is kind of funny to think of a tubby panda as the “master” of Kung Fu, but with Po (portrayed fabulously by Jack Black) you can pretty much believe anything. While probably not the most realistic animation out there (it is a cartoon - so disbelief suspension is required!), this film has a lot of heart and a nice, moral lesson to go with it.

(more…)

Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
---
Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

In anticipation for the upcoming release of Disney’s newest movie we have posted several Wall-E Clips for your enjoyment. Wall-E will be released on November 18, 2008 in standard definition editions and in Blu-Ray. This is sure to be one of the hottest DVD gifts this holiday for kids so you’ll want to make sure to get a copy when it’s released! In the meantime, enjoy the clips.

Treasures & Trinkets

Elbows (Bonus)

Notes on a Score (Bonus)

(more…)

Written by Janey - Visit Website
---

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Rating: G
Studio: Disney

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: September 9, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon

Parents tend to get more nervous when it comes to letting babies in front of the television. This was not as much an issue when I was a child or when my son was. I am a big believer in educational television and things in moderation. If you’re using your television as a babysitter well then your child may end up with some issues. If you only let them watch it occasionally though and you pay attention to what you’re letting them watch then it shouldn’t be so bad.

The Baby Einstein series is creative, fun, and educational. Parents that want to introduce their children to classic music and baby-friendly images will enjoy these DVDs immensely. When these came out my son was too old to enjoy them, but my nephew really loved them. It was nice to see this tenth anniversary DVD come out and I was impressed by not only the series, but the bonus section, as well.

There are plenty of good songs on the Baby Mozart DVD. These songs include one of the all time children’s favorites “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Along with the music there are images of puppets, children playing a number of instruments (piano, violin, etc), and a selection of common and not so common toys that flash along the screen.

Normally I would not be as impressed by Baby Einstein, but it is the combination of elements that appeal to me as a parent and to the children watching the DVD. I appreciate the bright colors and images mixed with the perfect musical elements to create a fun and educational DVD for the youngest audience available.

(more…)

Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
---
Ashtyn lives in her home state of Michigan with her life partner, Dominick, her 14 year old son, and her baby, the Shih-Tzu, Oliver Twist. Ashtyn is in college, going for a degree in Psychology. She plans to get her Ph.D and work as a therapist in the field of human sexuality. Ashtyn is an experienced and talented chef. She also excels at writing and has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. Ashtyn enjoys spending time with her son and four year old nephew, watching movies, listening to music, and writing works of fiction.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Writer: Robert Reece, Evan Spiliotopoulus
Director: Peggy Holmes
Cast: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Sally Field, Jim Cummings, Parker Goris, Tara Strong, Kari Wahlgren, Grey DeLisle
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: N/a
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

If I had to choose my favorite Disney movies, The Little Mermaid would certainly rank as one of the higher movies. Ariel is a likable character that is surrounded by comical and adorable creatures that work together to accomplish whatever their interests might be. I have yet to meet a little girl that didn’t love Ariel and the role that she plays in the princess category of Disney movies.

So, it was with some mild apprehension that I approached Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning. After seeing the direct to DVD release of Jungle Book 2 I was worried that The Little Mermaid would suffer the same lackluster fate. I am happy to report that I was wrong for thinking that and while The Little Mermaid is not exactly the same the second time around it certainly is fun and befitting of the Disney name.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning Plot
Ariel (Jodi Benson) is the youngest of seven daughters by her father, King Triton and her mother, Queen Athena. Her parents are incredibly in love and they rule the kingdom with compassion, happiness, music, and joy. The family and other mermaids often spend time at a hidden lagoon where they can relax and enjoy the sun above the water. However, one day a pirate ship comes along and ruins everything when Queen Athena is unable to escape.

She goes back for a music box that Triton just gave her and ends up meeting her end in the process. As he is unable to cope with the loss of his wife and his best friend Triton changes from the happy, loving father he was to a colder, more mechanical king. He becomes a mere shell of a man compared to what he was and he ends up banning music from Atlantica.

(more…)

Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
---
Ashtyn lives in her home state of Michigan with her life partner, Dominick, her 14 year old son, and her baby, the Shih-Tzu, Oliver Twist. Ashtyn is in college, going for a degree in Psychology. She plans to get her Ph.D and work as a therapist in the field of human sexuality. Ashtyn is an experienced and talented chef. She also excels at writing and has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. Ashtyn enjoys spending time with her son and four year old nephew, watching movies, listening to music, and writing works of fiction.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writers: Bill Peet, T.H. White
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Cast: Sebastian Cabot, Karl Swenson, Rickie Sorensen, Junius Matthews, Ginny Tyler, Martha Wentworth, Norman Alden, Alan Napier, Richard Reitherman
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney
Release Date: June 17, 2008

With so many of Disney’s early movies being such magnificent works of art, a few of the lesser known classics have been left to get lost in the shuffle. One of those movies is The Sword in the Stone. I have to be honest. The Sword in the Stone isn’t my favorite Disney movie. However, it is one I grew up watching on the old VHS tapes we used to own. Still, it really is a Disney classic that needs to be seen by a new generation, who might not even know it exists.

The Sword in the Stone is an excellent film. The movie is based on part of the book The Once and Future King (The section aptly titled “The Sword in the Stone” – which was originally released as its own novel in 1938) by T.H. White, which is about the legend of King Arthur. While this is your typical Disney film, with some frivolous, marshmallow-y Disney goodness thrown in to adapt the story into a light, fluffy cartoon, The Sword in the Stone does follow the basic storyline from the book. Of course, I find the mythological tales of King Arthur all very fascinating so this makes the movie all the more entertaining.

Release Information:
The Sword in the Stone was originally released in U.S. theaters on December 25, 1963. This was the 18th animated feature film by Walt Disney and the last movie to be released before his death. While the film was successful at the box office, the critics of the 1960s didn’t like the film. In the 40+ years since its release, the film has developed a following. In 2008, the film is highly regarded as a true Disney classic and while less popular than other Disney films, it is considered a must have film for any Disney collector.

(more…)

Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
---
Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writer: Charles Schulz
Director: Phil Roman
Cast: Bill Melendez, Lynn Mortensen, Stephen Shea, Duncan Watson, Melanie Kohn
Rating: G
Studio: Warner Bros
Release Date: January 15, 2008

Growing up, like most people, Charlie Brown was a big part of my life. I grew up with The Great Pumpkin, The Easter Beagle, the Christmas and Thanksgiving shows, and my personal favorite, Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown. I imagine that I have this in common with many kids of the 80s. You couldn’t get through a holiday without Charlie Brown and Garfield leading the way with cartoon specials. No matter how many times you see these they don’t get old. So, when Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown showed up, like a child, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to pop it in.

In remastered form, this DVD is as good as I remember it. I have to admit, I would have gladly purchased this one all on its own, but it was exciting to learn that it also included two additional episodes of Charlie Brown. Parents and children will find these DVDs to be some of the best in family entertainment. As something that both parents and children will love, Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown really is a must have for your collection.

(more…)

Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
---
Ashtyn lives in her home state of Michigan with her life partner, Dominick, her 14 year old son, and her baby, the Shih-Tzu, Oliver Twist. Ashtyn is in college, going for a degree in Psychology. She plans to get her Ph.D and work as a therapist in the field of human sexuality. Ashtyn is an experienced and talented chef. She also excels at writing and has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. Ashtyn enjoys spending time with her son and four year old nephew, watching movies, listening to music, and writing works of fiction.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!