I remember laying in front of my television after dinner, swinging my legs back and forth in my jammies, and anxiously awaiting The Muppet Show with my family.  I rooted for Kermit and Miss Piggy, wanted to snuggle Fozzie Bear and thought Animal was the coolest Muppet of them all.

The series, sadly, ended many years ago.

But today, Thanksgiving Day 2011, Jim Henson’s Muppets gather together and burst onto the big screen once again!  Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie, and a new Muppet, Howard, bring back laughter, music and joy to children – and adults – everywhere!

The Muppets Movie ROCKS!

I was very privileged to have seen this movie at a preview screening and if it were not for the fact that we drove all day, I would go back and see it today, on opening day again!

The cleverly told tale of the Muppets rise and fall and rise again is full of great one liners and lighthearted fun for the whole family.  I loved the story line, the musical numbers were awesome – Am I a Muppet or A Man alone is beyond hysterical and reason enough to go see this movie – and Amy Adams and Jason Segal are sweet and fun in their roles!  It really was a walk down memory lane with a modernized update.

I would say it is a children’s movie, but it is not.  My husband and I sat laughing and caring and hoping right along our three young girls.

This holiday season, take a moment to head to the movies and introduce your children to The Muppets.  If your anything like me, you’ll enjoy watching them watch your childhood friends more than curling up in front of the TV those many years ago.  And discover, like I did, that The Muppets Movie is more than just a Rainbow Connection!

For two weeks only, The Lion King in Disney 3D is being released in theaters starting Friday, September 16!!

And I was honored to be able to take my family to preview it a few weeks ago.  Only my husband had seen the movie.  My daughters and I were new to the film.  Nor had I ever seen the award winning play!

I know, I am sheltered.

I have to say, I understand why it won so many awards, so much acclaim, and the hearts of so many.

Since I can only assume that most of you have seen the original, I won’t bore you with non spoiler details.  What I will say, though, is that the 3D effects made this movie even more special than the story line already secured.  I watched my girls try to reach out to the screen, jump back when animals jumped from the screen, and laugh at the antics of the characters.

The music was amazing, the art work stunning, and the heartwarming characters embedded in every viewers heart!

It is too bad that this movie is only in theaters for two weeks!

Grab the kids… the tissues… and the popcorn and make sure you experience this amazing movie in Disney 3D during this limited time run!

Synopsis:

An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets the stage for “The Lion King”, a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the “Circle of Life.”

And as a little treat for the kids, try out one of these recipes!  I can not wait to see how the kids react to them!

Check your local theater listings for show times in your area!

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Just in time for its release tomorrow, here is a new Winnie the Pooh clip!

My review of the movie will be up tomorrow!  The family and I went to see it last night!

Film Synopsys

Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original short films, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail.  “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh.  Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. Inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, “Winnie the Pooh” hits theaters in the U.S. on July 15, 2011.

Last night, thanks to the good people at Disney, my hubby and I got out for a rare date night to preview Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides!

It was….

Awesome!

{singing, high, squeaky, ridiculously annoying voice}

I have not seen the first three Pirate movies.  I was having kids and all that jazz.  But after last night, I will be buying them all!

I loved the storyline, the actors, the cinematography, and the sets!

Johnny Depp was true to form.  Funny, charismatic, creative, and talented!  I loved Captain Jack Sparrow just as I have loved every character he has played since the very beginning.  He is a true artist in this role and I can see why, at the fourth movie, the hype and excitement for it is so high!

Penelope Cruz was sexy, endearing, strong, and vulnerable.  All qualities I like to see in a woman playing a character in a man’s world.

The supporting cast was genuine and the perfect balance to the clever jokes, antics, and drama of the lead actors!

I, not being a real Pirate girl, actually liked the story line and the way it was told!

But the stand out, most awesome, best thing about this movie is that it is shown in Disney 3-D!

WOW!

I felt like I was on the first row of a Broadway show and the actors were sweating on me!   I felt much more involved in the movie and loved the detail and personality of the film.  I think there is definitely a dynamic added when an action movie is shown in 3-D.  I certainly never expected to be impressed, and neither did my husband.  But we walked out saying that we should see all movies in 3-D.

Two thumbs up from the Lori and Husband movie critics extraordinaire!  Or at least the novice viewers who were thrilled to get a night out without the kids to see a fun, entertaining, addicting movie!

Go See This Movie!!  Take your kids and have a blast!

But be careful, they, and you will be wanting more when it ends!

Thank you Disney for the wonderful opportunity!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 20!

WIN a Pirates Prize Pack!

Get Your Kids Activiy Pack – only available until Friday, May 20!

**I saw this movie at the invitation of Disney.  No compensation was received.  My opinions and writings are my own.  Your viewpoints may differ from mine.**