Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men

Posted on March 6, 2012 at 7:00 am

B+

Lowest Recommended Age:	All Ages
MPAA Rating:	NR
Profanity:	None
Alcohol/ Drugs:	None
Violence/ Scariness:	None
Diversity Issues:	None
Date Released to Theaters:	March 5, 2012
Date Released to DVD:	March 6, 2012
Amazon.com ASIN:	B006JN87QG

The latest from Veggie Tales is the delightful and heartwarming Robin Good & His Not So Merry Men. Larry the Cucumber stars as Robin Good, a fearless man who roves the town of Bethlingham with his band of merry men to help people by fundraising from the one percent and giving to the poor. But when a greedy Prince starts stealing the townspeople’s hams, donations are down and Robin’s friends take off and decide to give robbing from the rich a try. Feeling rejected, Robin thinks things can’t get any worse, until he finds out that the ham-hoarding Prince has also captured his friends. Can Robin overcome his own hurt, rescue his friends and restore the townspeople’s hope?

Once again, Veggie Tales combines wit, heart, and gentle but illuminating lessons that help families talk about issues like loyalty, kindness, and hearing the still, small voice within that knows what’s right.

I have a copy to give away! Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Robin” in the subject line and don’t forget your address! (US addresses only, please.) I’ll pick a winner at random on Friday, March 9.

Contest: Thomas the Tank Engine 3 DVD Movie Pack

Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:48 am

“Hero of the Rails,” “The Great Discovery,” and “Calling All Engines” are included in this terrific collection featuring Thomas and his friends. There are also bonus features, deleted scenes, games, and even a karaoke sing-along.

I have one to give away. Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Thomas” in the subject line and tell me your favorite Thomas character. Don’t forget your address! (U.S. addresses only.) I’ll pick a winner on March 9. Good luck!

Related Tags:

Contests and Giveaways Preschoolers

New Barney and Angelina Movies Available on DVD and On Demand

Posted on January 6, 2012 at 3:56 pm

Two preschooler favorite series have new movies released this week on DVD and On Demand.

Barney: I Love My Friends The big purple dinosaur and his friends learn some valuable lessons about what it means to be a friend — keeping promises, sharing feelings, and sticking together. Included: a read-aloud book of hugs and a sing-along “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

I have one copy of this DVD to give away! Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with Barney in the subject line and tell me your favorite Barney song. Don’t forget your address! I’ll pick a winner at random on January 9.

Angelina Ballerina: Sweet Valentine The adorable mouse dances, skates, and sings in five episodes about love and friendship, helping each other, celebrating Ms. Mimi, and being inclusive. Included: Angelina’s picture game and “Get Up and Dance” music video

Little Angels

Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:00 am

Roma Downey knows something about angels after playing one on television in the fondly remembered “Touched by an Angel” series. Now her Little Angels DVDs are a faith-based series for pre-schoolers to help them learn numbers and letters. Animated twins Alex and Zoe have eight little angels watching over them, living on the ceiling of their bedroom and guiding them through the challenges of learning and growing.

Downey says, “For many years I had the privilege of playing an angel on television, bringing the message of God’s love to millions of Americans. As a mother I have longed to be a part of a project that would help to bring that same message to children through the foundations of education.” She calls the series “critical learning skills through the lens of timeless and appropriate Bible stories,” including spiritual, moral, and ethical lessons along with the three R’s.

I have a “Little Angels” DVD to give away! Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Angels” in the subject line and don’t forget your address! I’ll pick a winner November 26. Good luck!

New Study on Children’s Increasing Immersion in Media

Posted on November 9, 2011 at 8:00 am

How families use media and what it means for kids’ health and well-being is the subject of Zero to Eight: Children’s Media Use in America, the first study by Common Sense Media’s new Program for the Study of Children and Media, released late last month.

The study shows that everything from iPods to smartphones to tablet computers are now a regular part of kids’ lives, with kids under 8 averaging two hours a day with all screen media. Among the key findings:

42% of children under 8 years old have a television in their bedroom.
Half (52%) of all 0- to 8-year-olds have access to a new mobile device, such as a smartphone, video iPod, or iPad/tablet.
More than a third (38%) of children this age have used one of these devices, including 10% of 0-to 1-year-olds, 39% of 2- to 4-year-olds, and more than half (52%) of 5- to 8-year-olds.
In a typical day, one in 10 (11%) 0- to 8-year-olds uses a smartphone, video iPod, iPad, or similar device to play games, watch videos, or use other apps. Those who do such activities spend an average of 43 minutes a day doing so.
In addition to the traditional digital divide, a new “app gap” has developed, with only 14% of lower-income parents having downloaded new media apps for their kids to use, compared to 47% of upper-income parents.

What troubles me most in the results of this study is the pervasive exposure to media for under-2’s, contrary to the recommendations of pediatricians and the increasing digital divide that limits the opportunities to use the best of what is available to kids who already have greater access to traditional resources.

I agree with the recommendations of Common Sense Media:

Balance the types of media your kids are exposed to.
Choose age-appropriate, quality content that reinforces your family’s values.
Watch, play, read, and listen with your kids. Don’t underestimate the value of co-viewing.

But my own recommendations go a little further.