Avengers: Age of Ultron - This Weekend's Must See Movie #Avengers #AgeofUltron

The other night I got to attend the Seattle sneak peek of Avengers: Age of Ultron, and I had a great time.

The movie started with a bang, ended with a bang, and everything in between flowed and soared, entertained and amazed.  (Full disclosure here - while I loved the movie and consider it to be one of my favorite Avenger related movies, my husband enjoyed the show, but preferred Winter Soldier).

I think the difference for me with this movie is that we got to see more into each of the characters, the development of their interactions and their back stories.  It was more than just an action movie.

The movie also brought a look into Hawkeye's life, and introduced us to Scarlet Witch and and Quicksliver, along with the creation of Vision - all who play a part with the regular cast when Ultron comes to power.

Ultron (played by the voice of the amazing James Spader) comes to life after the combined efforts of Bruce Banner and Tony Stark work to explore the possibility of artificial intelligence.

A few fun pictures for you:

Scarlet Witch and Quicksliver

Ultron

The Avengers Team

I loved this movie, and it is one of my favorite Avengers related movies yet.

While the movie is rated PG-13 and running time is 141 minutes, I will be taking my boys to see it (ages 5 and 8), I will tell them ahead of time to cover their eyes when I tell them an uh-oh tummy scene is coming up as the only issues I think we'll have with them watching it were the slightly darker dream scenes that the Scarlet Witch gave the Avengers when she used her mind-control mojo on them.

Synopsis:

Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Chris Evans as Captain America. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963. Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

The Odd Life of Timothy Green - Embrace the Unexpected In This Feel-Good Family Movie (Sneak Peek)

I was blown away by The Odd Life of Timothy Green!  Not only was it a very touching movie, but the actors were AWESOME... all of them!

The boy who plays 10 year old Timothy Green (CJ Adams) was one of the cutest 10 year old boys I've ever seen!  He brought such depth to Timothy throughout the entire movie, right along with his light-hearted smile and selflessness.

Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton were beyond believable in their portrayal of Timothy's parents, and their grief was so real at the beginning of the movie when they learn that they really can't have their own biological children.  That combined with their celebrations and acceptance of Timothy's achievements and trials, as well as their acceptance that they made mistakes and would continue to do so and learn from them made them simply perfect as parents.

Odeya Rush was wonderful as Joni, the girl that befriends Timothy and accepts him for who he is.  She brought so much joy (and quirky fun - tell me you didn't just love what she did in the 'cherry on top' scene) to the movie.

While I'm talking characters, it was also great to see other wonderful actors and actresses who made up the supporting cast including: Ron Livingston, David Morse, Dianne Wiest, Lois Smith

Without giving too much away, I'll admit that my eyes teared up during at least two scenes, if not three, and I seriously DOUBT there was one dry eye in the theater by the end of the movie (yes it has a great ending, but there is one particular scene that you are just about certain to shed a tear or two in).

Cindy and Jim find out they are unable to have biological children of their own, and both are struggling to move on, so for one evening they give themselves the freedom to pretend they have a child, and they write down all the things their child would be/do... their child would have Cindy's kind heart, would score the winning soccer goal, would have Uncle Bub's humor, etc.  It is a very touching scene, and by the end, they place their "memories" in a box and bury it in the garden.

Later that night, there is a storm outside and Timothy enters their lives, complete with his leaves.  You then watch as they accept that Timothy is theirs, and make him a part of their lives.

Timothy has this way of unexpectedly touching the lives of the people around him with his honesty, laugh, encouragement and friendship.

This is a great movie, dealing with family, honesty, community, life, dreams, hope and so much more.  You will laugh... and you will probably cry... and you will laugh again, so go see Timothy and find out what he is all about!

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

by Disney
Find The Odd Life on Facebook and Twitter

In theaters August 15, 2012  ~ Rated PG ~ 1 hr 44 min

Comedy / Drama / Family

About the Movie: (From Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Academy Award®–nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life,” What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”) brings enchantment to the screen with “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” It’s the inspiring, magical story of a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim—and their small town of Stanleyville—learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.

Disney presents “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” with Ahmet Zappa, Scott Sanders and Jim Whitaker producing, story by Ahmet Zappa and screenplay by Peter Hedges. “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” is slated for release on August 15, 2012.

Movie Clip From YouTube:


*Disclosure: I got to go to an advance screening of The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Movie Review: People Like Us Starring Chris Pine #PeopleLikeUs

People Like Us (in theaters June 29th) explores the amazing journey (based on true events) of hot shot salesman Sam, who, in the span of one day finds his job in jeopardy and finds out that his Dad, whom he has only seen a handful of times over the past years, has died.

He travels to his childhood home with his girlfriend and receives a cool welcome from his Mother, played by Michelle Pfeiffer.  The next day he is contacted by his father's lawyer, whom he meets with.  After this meeting, he finds out that his father wants him to give $150,000 to someone he has never heard of (meet Frankie, who turns out to be his half-sister he had no idea existed), which is really what starts his journey of discovery and growth.

As Sam's personal life seems to be unraveling, he is also developing into a better person.  I loved this aspect of the movie.  While he is at it, Frankie (played by Elizabeth Banks, who was amazing as well) is surviving with her own problems, including her 11 year old son, Josh, who is both smart and getting into trouble in school.  (I dare you NOT to find Josh endearing)

One of my favorite scenes of the movie is when Sam shares the Six Rules that his father taught him with Josh (sorry I can't recall all of them, but here is what I do remember in no particular order):

 - Always Lean In (Speaking of committing to something all the way)
 - Some doors will be open, but a lot will be closed, so make sure you have a good knock
 - Don't shi* where you eat (metaphorically speaking)
 - Everything you think is important isn't, and everything you think isn't important, is

The rules certainly give us something to think about.  :)

The acting was wonderful, as was the heartwarming and very touching story.  The last scene of the movie was very sweet and I know there was more than one teary eye in the theater.  I saw the movie with a few friends, and we all agreed that the movie was wonderful, but that is was a lot heavier (dramatic) than expected.  Still love it and recommend it, but go knowing that not all is light and comedic in this story.

My one and only real complaint with the movie is that Sam's legal problems pertaining to his job were not resolved, so that aspect felt a little unfinished to me.

Synopsis from DreamWorks:

From DreamWorks Pictures comes “People Like Us,” a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.

 The film also stars Olivia Wilde, Michael Hall D’Addario, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Duplass and Michelle Pfeiffer.

 A DreamWorks Pictures presentation, “People Like Us” is directed by Alex Kurtzman, produced by Roberto Orci, Bobby Cohen and Clayton Townsend, and written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jody Lambert. The film releases in U.S. theaters on June 29, 2012.

Starring: 
Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, Michael Hall D’Addario, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Duplass and Michelle Pfeiffer

Clip From The Movie:





*Disclosure: I was invited to see a sneak peek of the movie People Like Us.

Movie Review: Disney/Pixar's BRAVE (3D)

Last night, our family got to go see a sneak peek of the Disney/Pixar movie BRAVE in 3D in Seattle.

This was the first movie that our youngest (almost 2 1/2) has seen from start to finish IN the theater, and he did GREAT, even through the darker, more scary scenes.  In fact both boys really enjoyed it, and my husband and I shared many smirks and laughs together throughout the film.

The details and quality of the film were amazing!  There were many scenes where I found myself wanting to reach out and touch something on the screen because it looked so real and textured.

The story was fun, even if a little predicable.  I will caution parents that there are a few really scary scenes with the bears that may scare younger children... and if you've ever wondered what those highlanders have under their kilts... well, you'll find out with a lot of laughter!

Loved the characters, the humor, and the family aspect of the movie.

Synopsis:

Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) andcantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

BRAVE Film Clip:  Whisps





BRAVE Film Clip: Potion Making

Seattle Movie Sneak Peek: Get FREE Tickets To See People Like Us June 26th

If you are in the Seattle area (or will be visiting) on June 26th, and would like to attend a sneak peak for the upcoming movie People Like Us starring Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, Jon Favreau and Michelle Pfeiffer click below and print off a ticket that will allow you and a guest to see the movie for free!!

Synopsis:

From DreamWorks Pictures comes “People Like Us,” a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.

Where:  Seattle
Date: June 26th
Time:  7:00 PM

To Get Your FREE Ticket:  Log into SeeItFirst.net and use code 884944