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How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Review

June 13, 2014 by Mama Carmody 1 Comment

How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets to attend the screening of “How to Train Your Dragon 2”; however, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

I was excited for the opportunity to review How to Train Your Dragon 2 but I thought that I should probably see the first movie before I saw #2. There is a link to my review of the first movie at the bottom of this post.

When I was young I loved dinosaurs; and dragons are just fire-breathing, flying dinosaurs, aren’t they? So I was looking forward to this 2nd movie in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. I mentioned, in my review of the first movie, that I was concerned that young children might be scared by the fighting between the dragons and the Vikings, however, I didn’t have that concern with this movie. Yes, there is fighting and dragons but in my opinion it isn’t as scary because, at the beginning of this movie, the dragons and Vikings are friends.

The movie starts out with a humorous dragon race. There were lots of giggles from children and adults as Astrid, Fishlegs and the others compete in a pretty silly race that involves tossing sheep into baskets. The sheep didn’t look like they were having quite as much fun as everyone else.

This movie again takes place on the Island of Berk but the dragons and Vikings now live peacefully with each other. Hiccup is still the thinker and adventurer. He and Toothless are traveling near and far mapping out the new lands they find.

During their explorations they come across a band of marauders that catch and enslave dragons. The marauders try to capture Toothless but Hiccup and Toothless are able to break free. They are still faced with the problem of how to free the other dragons that have been enslaved. And what about the stories of a mysterious Dragon Rider that the marauders are worried about?

How to Train Your Dragon 2: The Dragon Rider

If you liked the first How to Train Your Dragon, then you will love How to Train Your Dragon 2.

I would again like to warn parents, if you have a sensitive child or one that worries about monsters, this movie might be a bit scary for them. There is a lot of fighting between people and dragons. There are also a couple of extra huge dragons in this movie. However, if your child isn’t bothered by this type of action then they will really enjoy How to Train Your Dragon 2.

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How to Train Your Dragon – Review

“The Nut Job” 3D Movie Review

January 17, 2014 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

“The Nut Job” 3D Movie Review

Disclaimer: I was given 2 tickets to attend the screening of “The Nut Job”; however, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

When I received the screening invitation for “The Nut Job”, it came with this description, “In animated 3D, THE NUT JOB is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop in order to help his pals in the park gather food to survive the winter. Together with his sidekick, Buddy, he will assemble a ragtag crew to help him get inside – and take them on a fun-filled adventure that they’ll never forget.”

I know some people will call me a prude but I was a little concerned about a children’s movie where the theme was stealing. I worry about the questions and lessons that a child might learn; such as, are they going to get the idea that sometimes it’s okay to steal things?

After seeing the movie, I wouldn’t change anything about it except maybe the way it is being promoted. I wouldn’t have promoted it as a heist. They wouldn’t even have to change the title because several of the characters are real “nut jobs”, which makes for a cute and funny film.

The storyline for the movie is about a group of animals that live in a park. They are trying to store up enough nuts for the winter but are falling short of their goal.

Surly, a squirrel, is a self-sufficient rogue. He would rather look out for himself and not depend or worry about anybody else. Regardless of his want for independence he has a faithful and silent friend, Buddy (a rat). Buddy is always there for Surly, no matter what.

Grayson, also a squirrel, is known as the park’s hero. It’s not clear how he received that title. Mostly he is a puffed up, neurotic fellow that talks big but is scared of his own shadow.

Andie is a female squirrel and, in my opinion, the actual heroine of the story. Andie tries to stand up for Surly when he gets banished from the park. She believes that there is good in everyone.

Because of an accident, caused by Surly, the park has lost what little it had stored away for the winter. Surly is sent away and Andie and Grayson are given the task of finding a food supply so the park animals don’t starve.

While making his way through the city, Surly runs across a Nut Shop. The Nut Shop is actually a front for the real bad guys of the movie; some mobster type guys. They are planning to rob the bank that is right next door to the Nut Shop they purchased. The men have no use for the nuts so the fact that Surly and the animals of the park need them does not bother my moral compass (maybe I’m simply justifying).

Surly plans on keeping all the nuts for himself and Buddy but Andie messes up that plan. She happens to run into Surly and discovers his secret. She makes a deal with Surly to split the nuts and now the real fun begins.

A rag-tag group of animals come together to help get the nuts from the shop. They are not the most organized group of animals which makes for lots of laughs. There is suspense, a double-cross, a police chase and did I mention laughs?…lots of laughs.

And be sure not to leave before the credits. You might want to get on your feet and dance…definitely worth the wait.

For more information and some fun games check out their webpage The Nut Job

Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts at the Center for the Performing Arts, in Carmel

December 22, 2013 by Mama Carmody 5 Comments

Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Disclosure: I decided to do this review, for the Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts, on my own. I was not asked to do it. I purchased the tickets for my great-nephew and myself.

I had first read about the Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts in the Indianapolis Star. They are geared for children ages 1 to 7 years old. The entire experience is just under an hour. There is 30 minutes of music followed by 15 minutes for the audience to touch and play the musical instruments. The purchase of a child’s ticket allows the admission of two adults for no additional charge.

Today’s performance was given by the Sounds of Brass, from the Hendrick’s Symphony Orchestra. I was especially interested in this performance because my husband was one of the musicians. We picked up our 2 year old great-nephew and took him to this concert.

Brass Group from the Hendrick's Symphony — Brass Group from the Hendrick’s Symphony

When you first arrive, each child receives a carpet square to sit on. (I taught preschool for several years and I used carpet squares in my classroom. They are wonderful for helping children to get a concept of their personal space.)

Carpet Squares to Sit on at Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

There are chairs that the adults can sit in but many sat on the floor with their children. It is a wonderfully intimate setting for little ones to be introduced to different styles of music.

View from behind the band at the Peanut Butter & Jam Concert

The interaction with the musicians at the end of the concert seemed to be a big hit with everybody. A few of the children were able to get musical sounds out of the instruments which is quite a feat on brass instruments. You don’t simply blow air through a brass instrument to get a sound, you have to buzz your lips just right as you are blowing the air.

Interacting with the musicians at the Peanut Butter and Jam Concert

This was an extremely entertaining and educational event. I highly recommend taking time to attend at least one (if not all) of the Peanut Butter and Jam concerts. They have one concert each month and they fill up fast so be sure to call and get your tickets early. Please look for me. It is very likely that you will see me at several of these events.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

December 19, 2013 by Mama Carmody 8 Comments

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets and a parking pass to attend Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo. However, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

The temperature was approximately 34͒ F, which was double the temperature from the day before (thanks goodness). We bundled up our little Texan (my 4 ½ month old grandson) and headed out to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.

This was the welcoming view we received as we entered the zoo.

I couldn’t wait to get inside to see how the rest of the zoo was decorated. It was even more beautiful and magical than I remembered. My pictures hardly capture the beauty but you can at least get an idea.

One of the first animals to greet us were the seals. One of them was barking quite loudly. We walked over to take a look but he was hiding among the rocks so we didn’t get a good look at him from up top. We did get to see him swimming from underneath though.

We were waiting on some family members to show up so we decided to walk over to the gift shop to wait inside. We didn’t want the little one getting too cold. On our way, we ran into one of Santa’s reindeers.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa's Reindeer — Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa’s Reindeer

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: The Oceans Building at the Indianapolis Zoo

Our next stop was the Oceans’ building. It was a warm place with lots of interesting animals to interact with.

Petting sharks was a hit with the whole family (no matter what the age).

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo, Petting Sharks

We enjoyed spending time looking at the penguins; even though they seemed to be resting.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Checking out the Penguins

There were so many wonderful things to see in the Oceans exhibit.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Oceans Exhibit

It was too dark for me to get a good picture of the polar bear but he was sitting right next to the window. We were able to get a good look at him.

We then walked over to the Dolphin Pavilion. I found out, from my sister, that we were supposed to have been offered tickets for the dolphin show when we went through admissions but it wasn’t mentioned, so we didn’t have tickets. My sister and her family came in after us and they were offered tickets so they got them, but then didn’t go to the show since we couldn’t. I thought that was really sweet. We did go underneath and watch the show from below. It was interesting from below too. I think it would have been nice if they would have the audio for the show running through speakers down below so we knew exactly what was going on.

It was getting late for my grandson so he got fussy, because he was ready for bed, so we cut our trip short. We are hoping to get back there this week, if the weather permits. Regardless of whether we get back this year or not, we will be back. It was beautiful and the snow made it magical. I hope you and your family gets a chance to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Snow and Lights during Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo

You might also be interested in:

Review – Christmas on Monument Circle Indianapolis

PBS Kids in the Park Review

June 16, 2013 by Mama Carmody 6 Comments

PBS Kids in the Park Review, 2011

It was a beautiful sunny day to be out with friends and their kids. The parade of characters signals the beginning of PBS Kids in the Park. I arrived at Military Park in time to get a great spot to see all the characters marching in. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a little one in the house so I’m not sure who most of these characters are. I’m going to need my friends and followers, with small children, to leave me comments as to who they are. I will number them as I post them so then you can put the number in the comments and tell me who the character is. I need to learn them anyway since my first grandchild is due the end of July and I’m sure my great-niece and great-nephews are going to know most of these characters soon, if they don’t all ready.

So I will start this post with the parade:

1) I knew this one: Curious George

2. I don’t know this one:

3. & 4. I don’t know this pair either….are they sister and brother?

5. I don’t know who this is but I have loved dinosaurs since I was little and this one is absolutely adorable!

PBS Kids in the Park: Dinosaur Character

6. Isn’t she pretty?…whoever she is. I think she was waving to me!

7. I”m not sure who this is either (I sure hope you guys are leaving comments to help me out).

8. Ok, I have this one…it’s Clifford the Big Red Dog. He always seemed so much bigger in the books.

9. & 10. These two look like they may be related too but I don’t know who they are.

11. This is The Cat in the Hat.

12. I don’t know who this is.

13. I learned this one from Carson because this was his favorite. This is Daniel Tiger. His show is a spin-off of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

14. I missed this character. I had to edit her out of the back of Daniel Tiger’s picture.

15. Not sure of this one either…I sure hope you guys are helping out by letting me know who these guys are.

16. And this would be why I missed character #14, Mr. McFeely! I was most excited to see him because my younger sister and I used to watch Mr.Roger’s Neighborhood when we were little.

Mr. McFeely stopped right next to me because the little boy standing beside me was named Daniel and it was his birthday. I was so excited to see Mr. McFeely that I had to have my picture taken with him.

PBS Kids in the Park: Mr. McFeely & Mama Carmody

Ashley, her sister, Katie, and their kids joined me right at the end of the parade. Ashley had her picture taken with Mr. McFeely too.

PBS Kids in the Park: Ashley & Mr. McFeely

The characters were the big attraction for the day. I’m glad we arrived early and were able to see them standing around after the parade because even though they had special meet and greet times the lines were so long we didn’t even attempt to get in them. I thought about taking a picture of the line waiting to see Daniel Tiger but it was so long there was no way I could even get it in a picture.

Some children are scared of costumed characters but Carson loved them and wanted to give every one of them a hug.

PBS Kids in the Park: Carson & Character Collage

Madison found a character that she liked too.

PBS Kids in the Park: Madison with a character

Cody just wanted them all to keep their distance.

There were several booths with activities for the kids. Some of the activities were educational and some were just for fun.

There was a sandbox to play in….

…and flowers to paint.

Madison learned that bad stuff sticks to your teeth and you have to brush it away. I learned that the first time you should take a child to the dentist is after they turn 1 year old.

Carson enjoyed a PB & J at the PB & J Stage…

…while we enjoyed a puppet show with lots of fun music.

As we were leaving we ran into a couple of police officers on horseback. I believe this was the biggest smile I saw out of Madison all day. I wish I had been able to get a better picture but I just couldn’t get the correct angle.

Everyone stopped to get a drink from the water fountain….

…and a group picture.

Overall it was a great day.

To sum up our day:

+ It was great getting to see all the characters during and right after the parade.

– The characters are the big draw of the day so it was disappointing that the lines are so long that you either have to wait forever or you don’t get to see them.

+ There were lots of other activities to do such as crafts, puppet shows and dancing with one of the many shows going on at the different stages.

I would love to hear from anybody that went to PBS Kids in the Park. Please let me know what you and your child liked or didn’t like about the day.