The Croods In 3D

Have you ever watched a film and found yourself totally In captured in the wonderful world of make believe? What about at the age of 30?

This was me as I sat and watched a preview screening of The Croods in 3D at the our local Odeon Cinema. Everything about this film was magical and I think the kids would totally agree with me.

The film, a DreamWorks Animation,
Is one not to be missed! Its both a funny and extremely touching story.

The film follows a prehistoric cave family (The Croods) who together embark on a magical Journey discovering the beauty of world they live in, while learning important lessons about themselves and each other along the way.

The film starts with a fantastic opening scene made all the better with the 3D element. The scene in question takes us on the Croods chase for an egg. This is real fast food that requires much more than a trip to a local drive through. Family members work as a team to grab an egg and get it back to the cave in time for tea. its one big battle to keep the egg from various strange creatures all while keeping it off the ground and free from breakage.

The Croods, however prehistoric they may be, are still very much like your everyday family. The family is made up of Grug (Nicolas Cage) who as both Caveman and father, takes his role to keep his family safe very seriously! Then there’s Ugga (Catherine Keener) Grugs devoted wife, Eep (Emma Stone) the teenage daughter who feels her fathers over protectiveness is holding her family back, Sandy (Randy Thom) who is the youngest Crood and at times acts more like an angry four legged creature then that of a baby, Thunk (Clark Duke) the tubby son and finally Gran (Cloris Leachman) Ugga’s elderly mother and to his utter “Delight” Grugs mother in law.

Some may call Grug an over protective husband and father, but his way of doing things has lead to the Croods being the only family of its kind still alive. Grug feels its safer to keep his family hidden inside the darkness of their home (the cave) While his teenage daughter Eep is just itching to discover what more life has to offer and therefore feels her father is holding the family back with his over protective ways.

When the cave is destroyed, due to the result of an earthquake, Grug has no choice but to embark on a family Journey to find a new cave for his family to live in. The only problem is Eep’s discovery & interest in a cave boy (homo sapien) named ‘Guy’ (Ryan Reynolds). Grug feels somewhat threatened and Jealous by guys intelligence. Guy introduces some great ideas and inventions to the Croods such as his discovery of fire and his creation of shoes, that he puts together to help the family cross a rocky pathway. The family want Guy to help them on their Journey while Grug is concerned that the boys ideas will lead them into danger. Yet, as the film progresses, we watch how Grug has a change in heart, soon discovering that by working together, his strength and Guys intelligence can lead them to where they need to be (and a cave isn’t it).

The Croods set travel across a spectacular landscape that is filled with weird but wonderful prehistoric species ranging from flying piraña fish to strange four legged owls. The addition of 3D Technology, makes you feel that your there with them discovering this vibrant and exciting land right there next to them.

The Sun also has a key part to play in this animation! What with Eep’s increasing fascination in the planet and the light it produces and that of Guys intentions to find it and ride it to a beautiful and magical place called tomorrow.

There are some real spectacular scenes and real funny moments. The relationship between Grug and Gran produces many of these moments as they both engage in some funny banter directed at one another.

However, if your not laughing, you may find that you’re actually shedding a tear or two. There are a few really touching scenes such as the one that sees both Grug and Guy become stuck in tar. When guy confines to Grug that this was the way his family died, Its at this moment that Grug has a change of heart towards guy and together they discover that by working together as a team they can both escape that same fate and go on to discover the land of “tomorrow”.

Its also the developing relationship amongst Grug and his daughter Eep that provides some great emotional scenes within the film. It does well to show that no matter what, humans will always experience them same emotions whether they are experiencing them today or that thousands of years ago.

I don’t want to say to much, but I will say that the world of tomorrow looks all the more brighter the closer they come to reaching it.

With the films closing scenes being as powerful as the opening scenes I’d advise that you watch the Croods with a packet of tissues close at hand.

The Croods is a magical admiration that will interest families of all ages.

I’d highly recommend watching this in 3D to really experience the film through the eyes of each character. You will truly see the world around them as they see it, so much so you will almost feel yourselves reaching out to touch it.

Checkout the trailer below… It will have you itching to watch it!

For screenings and film times for your area, please check out the Odeon Website

Disclaimer: We received an invitation to a pre-screening of the Croods by Odeon Cinemas. All words and opinions are honest and that of my own.

The Return of Olly The Little White Van

Olly & his friends are back on our screens with all new episodes of Olly The Little White Van! 

Olly (voiced by the fabulous Justin Fletcher aka Mr Tumble, Justine’s house & loads more besides) is the most helpful little white van in town, doing errands for everyone, and being helpful in anyway he can 

Olly, teaches our children this important message throughout the first series (Harley reviewed last year). Now his returned to do it all again in series 2, which consists of some 52 x 5 minute episodes, aired on Mini CITV every weekdays at 9.45 AM and then again at 12.45 Lunchtime.

Harley, has been incredible lucky and has been invited to review the second series which was sent to us on a sample dvd. I was confident he’d enjoy it, given his love of the first series and in all honesty, I could do with seeing some new episodes considering he had really worn out the last lot (Kids never seem to get bored of watching the same thing over and over again)!  

Olly is just as energetic & cute as ever, as he continues to do what he does best “Helping others” Bazza (Olly’s best friend) is still getting himself into light-hearted mischief, and a host more adventures are had with Stan Olly’s driver in episodes such as the Bumpton Cup.

We received the dvd via royal mail a few weeks back, though Harley didn’t actually get to watch it till yesterday morning! He actually posted the dvd into his Early Learning Post Box, causing me to spend the best part of 2 weeks searching high and low for it… just as I was about to give up, Harley the Little Postman delivered the dvd to me, along with the words, “Mum… What’s that?” Nonetheless, it was worth the wait, giving Harley something to enjoy on a Saturday morning and myself the chance to get “Mummy stuff done” 

Of course he loved it! His watched it again this afternoon before finally crashing out for a Sunday lunchtime nap. 

The online website is just as great as when we last checked. I’m loving how it has a facts and fun activities section, which contains a number of PDF downloadable fact-sheets and activities, which have been designed with the help of a child psychologist and number of parenting experts to encourage your child to be helpful on a daily basis. 

Plus there’s a fabulous kids section, packed with fun colouring in activities and a host of games & puzzles to keep them busy.

What’s more, Olly the little white van is currently running a fun & exciting competition with the most amazing prize, one I’m sure will delight any young Olly fan! 

If your Little one just can’t resist belting out that catchy theme tune as the credits run, get out your  video camera or mobile phone and start filming! Why? Because they could potentially win the opportunity to meet the man behind the voice, “Justin Fletcher” himself! 

There is no mistaking it, Olly The Little White Van, which first hit our screens back in June 2011 is something of a raving success, that just looks set to get bigger and better with each episode. With new toys, games and apps, set to launch this spring (sometime after Easter) plus the edition of exciting collectable die-cast models, brought to us by ‘Hornby’ (see my Toy fair 2012 post) Olly & his fun gang of friends, look set to be around for a long time yet! Harley for one couldn’t be more pleased!  

For a sneak preview of some exciting episodes and full instructions & terms and conditions on the amazing competition, visit Olly’s magical site.

Facebook loving Mums and Dad’s can check out what’s up and coming in Bumpton via the awesome Olly Facebook page, or follow this cute and helpful white van over on twitter 🙂

 

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Last Minute Christmas toys

1

DAY TILL CHRISTMAS

So, it’s just one more day till Christmas, are you excited?

Today is literally your last chance to shop!

For those of you, who still have one or two more gifts to buy, here’s a little inspiration.

Something for the toddlers

Octonauts Gup B-Vehicle with Kwazii & shark playset

This fabulous bath toy sent to my Little Harley to test by Argos, is the perfect toddler playset.

This toy is so super that you can even find it in the Argos ‘Fab 15’ (Top toys for Christmas).

If like me you have no clue what Octonauts even is, it’s a new CBeebies undersea animation that little CBeebies fans seem to love.

Strangely, on presenting the toy to Harley he shouted out “Kwazii… Wow” to which I didn’t have the slightest idea what he was talking about!

You see, I’ve never come across the series which is a tad weird considering CBeebies is daily viewing in our house, I guess I had never took notice of it! When It came on a few days later, it was only then I connected the two. Harley however seems to love Octonauts and is fully aware what it is, making this a pretty awesome choice of toy to review.

My, now 2-year-old has always been something of a water baby, so the fact this is also a bath toy makes it that bit more special!

The Octonauts set can be played with in and out the bath, just put Kwazii in the driver’s seat by opening the clear dome and your ready to go! On dry land the Gup B Vehicle can zoom about the floor with the use of it’s wheels or take it in the bath and treat it like a submarine. By pushing the Gup B’s fin its Jaws open and close and Harley just loves pretending that it’s eating all of his other toys, just yesterday I discovered Bob the builders legs hanging out of its mouth. This feature also works really well in the water and when pushing the fin Gup B chomps and squirts water everywhere (very delightful). If this wasn’t enough to amuse my little fellow, the set also comes with a small grey shark with rod that once in water, changes colour.

Harley really has had lots of fun playing with the Octonauts playset! Argos stock a whole host of Octonaut toys and considering how much of a fan Harley is of his current set, I’ve brought him a few others for Christmas.

Parental perspective

A well made, great value play set with lots of playability. Harley never seems to get board of playing with it and it’s joined him for each and every bath his had since he received it some weeks back. The set comes with an age recommendation of 3 years, Harley is 2 but plays with it without any problems whatsoever (note the rod & shark are a little small so may not be ideal for the child who enjoys chomping on their toys).

The set consists of a reasonably sized Gup B vehicle with Kwazii figure and colour changing shark.

It’s my opinion that the picture in the catalogue and that of the one on the internet doesn’t do this toy much justice! It’s much bigger than I expected, which is a good thing! It came well packaged but was a breeze to free from it’s packaging which is always a bonus (if you’re like me and hate all them twisted wires and overload of tape you’ll love how easy this one is to set free).

Priced at £13.99 I’d go as far as branding this toy a true bargain and would highly recommend it.
A deserved 5***** stars are awarded.

To view or get one for your tiny tot just click HERE

Something for the girls

Barbie Puppy water park playset

Alice was overjoyed at discovering Argos had sent her a Barbie puppy water park to review (another toy listed as one of Argos fab fifteen). This nice sized set comes complete with Barbie, her 2 puppies and a fabulous water park for them all to enjoy.

I have to admit my first thought was, “Great, my floors are going to get soaked” it’s not that this is a massive toy that holds a great deal of water, it’s just that my daughter always seems to soak her entire surroundings if she doesn’t play with this kind of thing in the bathroom! Well, I need not have worried as when she wasn’t stuck in the bath playing with this for hours on end while wrinkling up like a prawn, Alice laid down her big beach towel on the floor and just about managed not to soak a thing!

Alice’s thoughts

Alice told me she really likes her new Barbie and puppies when asked what things made it great she stated that the waterslide was lots of fun and she wishes she could ride one the same in real life (looks like we’ll be heading to the swimming baths following Christmas)! Other things she commented on was Barbie’s lovely swim wear and all the accessories that come with it.
Alice gave it a 4 star rating out of the possible 5

Parental perspective

The set includes a fair bit so isn’t badly priced, the doll is nicely made and doesn’t feel cheap and plastic. Alice-Sara is forever taking her Barbies in the bath and sometimes we end up with a good 20 Barbies draining in the sink following her bath time so this was a good edition. I’m pleased Alice likes this set as I often worry that she’s going to lose interest in dolls, she’s 8 years of age and will be 9 next month, yet at the moment fashion dolls such as Barbie, Moxie and her all time favourite “Monsters high” all seem to remain at the top of her wish list.

From a parents perspective I award this one with 4 stars.

Barbie Puppy water park playset is priced at £24.99 but can currently be purchased from Argos at a reduced price of £22.49.

To view or buy click HERE

Lastly, a huge thank you to Argos for being a fantastic brand to work with this year.

Merry Christmas to everyone

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Olly The Little White Van

Sometimes it’s Lovely to watch something other than Bob the Builder, Peppa pig or Ben and Holly in our house, so when Olly the Little white van popped through our letter box I popped it in the DVD player when Harley wasn’t looking and hoped he would somehow become drawn to it.

 Well, he did and who wouldn’t be? Olly is a lively little white van, who alongside his diver Stan is always happy to help a friend in need in any way he can, while embarking on a host of fun-filled adventures along the way!

 I’ve discovered that this energetic Little white Van is actually a very popular addition to the children’s shows broadcasted on the CITV channel. I will admit we didn’t know this, well we don’t really catch much CITV at-all! Why? Because we normally find ourselves watching Cbeebies (I say we, I actually don’t mean me, just the tiny toddler, Harley)! I was pleasantly surprised with this upbeat children’s show with funky theme tune and nicely wrote story lines, Oh, and yes… so was Harley. 

 There are many other fab-tastic characters besides Olly and his driver Stan! There’s Olly’s mischievous best friend Bazza and the ever experienced Jethro the tractor too.

When I loaded the DVD in the player, I did so before getting a look at any press release so instead of putting my coffee to one side and getting of my backside I sat thinking to oneself, “God I know that voice”and know it I did, once the penny had finally hit the ground I realised that the familiar voice being played through my TV set was in fact OBE award receiver Justine Fletcher, known to many as the lovely Mr tumble…. from “Something Special” amongst many other children’s favourites.

 We, Oops… I mean Harley 🙂 really did enjoy watching these perfectly timed episodes of Olly and his friends (each one lasting around five minutes each, therefore doing a splendid job at holding tiny tots and their tiny attention spans, unless your children are that bit older in that case you may find them a little bit short). 

 With each episode myself and the tiny terror swung our pants & pull-ups to the funky beats of the very catchy theme tune, and when it was over the tune just kept on playing (IN MY HEAD)!

 This really is one you might like to take a peek at! Little boys & girls alike will love the fun adventures of this super cool little white van who shares a very important message that… “Helping people is a good thing to do” Sadly you can guarantee you’ll be quite drawn to it too.

 Don’t take my word for it, just make sure you tune in to CITV weekday mornings at 9.45 am and if that’s to early or you’re not back from that oh so lovely school run by then, you can also catch it during the afternoons at 1pm

Image via Wikipedia

 Note

If your little one(s) get hooked and becomes a Olly fan, then get them over to the Olly site where little ones will be further entertained in one of the many activities laid on for them to enjoy, they can even make you a Christmas card… HO-HO-HO! 

 Check it out by Clicking HERE

Disclaimer

We received a sample copy of Olly The Little White Van on DVD in-order to write this review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own and haven’t been influenced in any way. 

Win the all new Tom and Jerry DVD

 Here I go again, banging on about children’s DVDs and then happily giving them away via a competition, I’m so god darn predictable!

 Last week it was ‘Humf’ and this weeks it’s a bit of  Tom and Jerry, a classic animated duo I fondly remember from my own childhood.

 However, this isn’t just any Tom and Jerry film, Oh no… it’s Tom and Jerry  and the Wizard of Oz.

 This time it was myself and all three of my little monsters who dim the lights and popped the popcorn in the microwave!

 Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz is an all new animated retelling of the classic tale, available on DVD from 19th September 2011. Brought to you by Warner Home Video, this DVD features all your favourite characters including Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Wizard and many more. Packed full of your favourite classic songs, this DVD will take you on a wonderful journey with Tom and Jerry as they soar over the rainbow and travel down the yellow brick road! DVD has a very reasonable £4.99 and is availably nationwide on the 19th September 2011

 Our thoughts

 Well, without sounding childish, I absolutely love it! Two out the three children see it through to the end, (little Harley crashed out mid way through). Little man and Alice enjoyed it and just as much as the original from what I could gather! 

I always shed a tear when hearing the song, ‘Over the Rainbow’ as it was my Grandmothers song, her favourite in fact. She loved it so much it was played at her funeral to bid her a final goodbye. I heard Alice-Sara, my daughter belting it out in her bedroom (sadly in a somewhat out of tune fashion). Thos was some hours after having watched the DVD, which is a clear indication she likes it too. 

Other great features to this film were, it wasn’t overly animated, it still had that old  classic Tom and Jerry feel to it! Only thing I found quite odd, was Dorothy and the fairy godmothers, strange appearance, a tad frightening! (OK,frightening is a bit of an exaggeration! I’ve just never seen animated characters quite like them before, that’s all)!

Nonetheless & regardless of the above, It was simply a great film, providing awesome family viewing, that my children have now watched another two or three times.

 So, with the big release date of the 19th September getting ever so close, its time for another fabulous competition to celebrate! 

 So if you want to Win a, “Tom and Jerry Wizard of OZ” DVD, then here’s how…

 Leave me a comment telling me why you would like to get your mitts on one of these beauties.

 Important! Be sure to leave an email address twitter ID or even Facebook link in order for me to contact you if you’re the lucky winner.

 For an additional entry follow the blog via Networkblogs (link in sidebar) please let me know you have taken such an action by leaving a separate comment from that above. This is important as such action will validate an entry allowing me to enter you more than once.

 Lastly for the third and final chance to win, here is your last optional entry! Simply tweet, “I want to win a copy of Tom and Jerry on DVD via @clairelouise82 (adding the URL to this giveaway) Again it’s important to return & notify me that you’ve tweeted the above. Please remember to do so in a separate comment from those above. (this will validate the extra entry)

 So, that’s a lovely three chances to win! Don’t you just love me !!!

What have you got to lose?

Good luck.

All those entering must have a UK postal address, product will not be delivered outside the UK. Competition will close on the 22nd September at mid-night and drawn at random the following day. Those who have not left the correct contact details, if any, will likely lose their prize so please remember your contact details, whether, email/twitter ID or Facebook. Winners have 48hrs to claim before a re-draw is considered, so those who do not check emails very often should do so on the 23st of  September.

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Scooby-Scooby-Doo

Image via Wikipedia

Exciting news for all you Scooby-Doo fans (Yes, including this 29 year old mum and her brood).

 For all the latest Scooby-Doo news, including details of new television shows and all the latest Scooby products, (Video games, DVDs, toys, books and more) then get yourselves over to Facebook where you can now discover and be part of the first ever UK official ‘Scooby-Doo fan page’ 

Here, you can find all the above, plus loads of fun scooby-Doo facts, games & art work. Look out for, ‘Monster Mondays’  and ‘Fun Fridays’ when games & fun content is shared, ensuring hours of Scooby-tastic fun!

Click HERE to become a Scooby-Doo fan on Facebook.

As part of the launch the Scooby gang have invited me and the children to become part of the team by reviewing Scooby-Doo’s latest products.

Wow, how could we refuse, after all Scooby happens to be one of my oldest childhood friends, (as I write this the Scooby-Scooby-Doo tune is making it’s way around my head and out my month. What will the neighbours think)!

We received our package last week, from a very smiley delivery man. It was kinda like Christmas, in the fact I had no idea what was being sent out, (well, apart from the fact it was Scooby-Doo related that is).

 We were not to be disappointed when we finally got the box open, for we had been sent the awesome, ‘Hide & Seek Scooby’ Little man too deep in his bus route planning, failed to even look up. However, an extremely excited 8yr old, accompanied by a bouncing 20m old toddler resembling, ‘Tigger’ who was shouting, “See, see” were very keen to get Scooby out of his box.

I have to confess… I was now acting the big kid by declaring, “Mum needs to have a proper look first in order to establish how it works and its suitability, much to the children’s horror!

What you get:

Hide and seek Scooby is a soft interactive toy, that comes together with a remote control which acts as a locator. 

How to play:

The idea of the game is to get someone to hide the Scooby soft toy (be sure to switch him on first) then those with the interactive remote can try to track down Scooby. The locator interacts with Scooby giving the children spoken clues as they go, (a few being, “Your colder than a snowman, and “Your on the right path” etc.) The remote has a light system which also helps the children establish just how close they are to finding him. The light goes blue for cold, yellow indicates you’re getting nearer, and Red means your red-hot (very close to finding him).

Note!

Warning… This toy requires 7  AAA batteries between both Scooby and the remote. This toy is aimed at children 5 years and over.

Putting it to the test:

It was so sweet watching my toddler of 21ms hugging and kissing Scooby. Although the whole concept of the game, is a little much for Harley to understand,the toy itself makes a great cuddle buddy. Harley also had fun finding Scooby alongside his sister. I tried my up-most best to find the most sinister of hiding places, *Evil laugh* Alice loved the clues and the lights which indicate just how close you are to finding Scooby. After about ten minutes she successful found Scooby in the airing cupboard (where the children never visit due to spiders, ha-ha-ha what an evil mummy). 🙂

Verdict:

We all really like the hide & Seek Scooby, even little man had a little go with his sister which makes a pleasant and welcome change from arguing. 

Rating: *****

Hide & Seek Scooby is featured in our Santa’s Little helpers and can be brought from all good toy stores including Argos & Toys R us for £29.99 (price does very)

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