The Magic is in the Details: Netflix's Musical 'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey' is a Holiday Must Stream!

A lot has happened over the last few months and at this point, we could all use a moment to be whisked away on a whimsical journey that removes us from the harsh realities of the world. Even if it means for two hours of movie watching with our favorite people.

Netflix has been doing such an incredible job of creating engaging, original, diverse content and we had no doubt that their new musical 'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey' would be a must-watch magical, holiday hit! 

'A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting' a Low Key Spooky Movie that's Perfect for Tweens this Halloween

One of the biggest debates this month has been “To trick-or-treat or not trick-or-treat?” this Halloween. While we’re still on the fence on whether we’ll head out for some seasonal fun, we’ve ordered costumes even if it means we’re just dressing up for movie night and a scavenger hunt for goodies at home. 

Artemis Fowl Reviews: Spellbindingly Good or Surprisingly Awful?

Family-friendly films, wrapped up in mystery and spellbinding adventure are definitely up our alley for movie nights. Last year when I heard all the buzz surrounding Disney's release of Artemis Fowl, I admittedly was intrigued but completely clueless and surprisingly so were my guys. Now that we've watched the movie, we can let ya know if you should watch it or skip it!

'The Main Event' on Netflix: Review & Interview with Tichina Arnold and Seth Carr

Disclosure: This review and interview was written in partnership with Netflix, opinions expressed are 100% our own. 

You don't need to be a wrestling fan to enjoy watching Netflix's newly released film 'The Main Event' because it's the perfect, light-hearted comedy to lighten the mood and pile-drive into the weekend with your family. Now for those of you that are new to our site, I must admit we're a bit biased over here as big-time WWE wrestling fans for years. We were really excited to learn of the two new projects the streaming network launched this month in partnership with WWE Studios. 

We may not get to cheer on our fave WWE superstars live in any arena till the corona pandemic is under control but we can stay home and make it a movie night! No judgments but for some reason watching wrestling is one way our family likes to just chill and relax. Well, that's until we have to play referee & stop the boys from tossing each other around and flipping from couch to couch while choreographing their matches. The moment the bell rings you'll find them awkwardly twisting their bodies into submission holds in the midst of half laughing and crying before someone taps out.

Thanks to Netflix we had the chance to screen The Main Event early and my future WWE tag team boys Chris and Tristan joined me in our NYC apartment for a fun zoom interview with two of the stars of the movie, Tichina Arnold (Everybody Hates Chris, Martin) who we didn't realize was originally from our hometown of Queens, NY and young actor Seth Carr who's known for his role as young Killmonger in Marvel's Black Panther. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Review: Does Paramount Ring in a Win with Nostalgic Gamer Fans and Gen Z Kids?

Last April we all dang near lost our minds with the original release of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer and sent Paramount animators back to the drawing board well before fans of the popular gaming brand rioted. We applauded the studio for listening to their super fans who championed a redesign and were rewarded with a better suited and Puma laced up CGI animated character that resembled the icon we've all grown up with.  

Back in the day I remember playing endless rounds of the game with my younger sis and brother, trying to skip to my fave levels with cheat codes ( who else had that up, up, down, down, left, right, A, start memorized?) and binge-watching the cartoon series with a bowl of Lucky Charms in hand. Expectations were high and I was excited to share this cinematic experience with my sis and our preschool, tween and teenaged boys who've become lovers of the brand.  

With the Paramount film releasing in theaters this Friday, February the 14th, my two Gen Z kids and I agree a movie night would make for the perfect Valentine's day family date. As long time players of the 30-year-old SEGA franchise, we were visually soothed by the much-needed overhaul and couldn't wait to share our trailer reaction while counting down to the advanced screening we attended this past weekend. 

Comedy-adventure Gold: Jumanji:The Next level Goes Above and Beyond the Classic

Frank Masi © 2019 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Only one film franchise spans three decades of capturing the imaginations of what it’s like living out our favorite games: Jumanji! From the classic board game-based film in 1995 to the video reboot a little over two years ago in 2017, these films have never disappointed. This new installment in the, expected to go even longer, three-part (four if you really know your Jumanji lore) movie franchise, Jumanji: The Next Level brings back the last sequel’s cast and adds surprise performances, ageless relatable wisdom, and new adventures making for a great Christmas season release. Returning with the strong talents of what now must be considered one of the best comedy movie duos, in Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, along with Jack Black and Karen Gillan, only proves this is a recipe for comedy-adventure movie success and with a fun plot twist, this movie is definitely not just another old run at the Jumanji video game. 

Frozen 2: An Empowering Disney Princess Sequel that Shows Boys its Ok to Have Real Feelings

When Disney's Frozen hit DVD five years ago, I had no idea that the animated movie would be repeatedly played as often as it would be by our then threenager son. Tristan was absolutely obsessed with all of the layers that made the record-breaking movie so wildly popular in the theaters: beautifully engaging scenes, catchy hit songs, and a great storyline with lots of laughs. We'd both done a teaser trailer reaction video together for Disney's sequel, Frozen 2 and regardless of it being a "princess" movie, my tween son has been counting down for it to hit theaters this Friday, November 22nd. 

I'm still in complete disbelief that I  was blessed with the opportunity to walk the red carpet and attend the world premiere of Frozen 2 during my stay in Burbank California for The Geekly Retreat. The movie takes us on a visually stunning adventure alongside two fiercely determined sisters who follow a voice and their gut to understand their past. It's definitely a more complex storyline with some darker themes but there were some beautiful takeaways on owning and expressing feelings that boys can learn from. 

(Re)Considering Dog Adoption and Interviewing the Cast of Disney Plus Original Lady and The Tramp

I'll be the first to admit that I'm easily distracted by dogs, large and furry ones, stubby-legged ones with big floppy ears and even the scraggly looking ones with a lot of heart - I really don't discriminate. Looking back on pictures of me visiting my Grandmother on the Lower Eastside, I seemed really happy in the photos that included her German Shephard Nija who was practically double my height when she got on her hind legs. From stories told to me, there really is something to be said for a loyal dog, she was my protector and always by my side.

It wasn't until my first time seeing Disney's animated classic Lady and the Tramp that I most vividly recall really wanting a particular type of dog. American Cocker Spaniels were everywhere I looked in our Queens neighborhood and I begged my parents for one even though I knew the answer would be no without a hint of hesitation.  

One of my best friends in grade school had gotten the most gorgeous cinnamon brown Cocker Spaniel and I remember being so upset at my mom and dad for refusing to let me have one. My wishlist to Santa even included a new pup, and year after year I was pretty disappointed that there wasn't a surprise wrapped in a pretty hatbox under our Christmas tree. Eventually, they agreed to let me have an adopted cat named Little Bit who I loved bunches but I knew as an adult I'd always end up with a shelter dog of my own.  

The Circle of Life: Reviews of Disney The Lion King from Multi-Generational Families Across the Nation #TheLionKing

We made it a family affair and checked out Disney’s The Lion King, in theaters NOW! When I was a kid, I remember when big blockbuster movies hit theaters, our fam would rally up sometimes and go in big groups. I loved those moments so much because with tons of snacks in hand we'd fill rows of the theater with parents, grands, cousins, aunties, uncles and even the neighbor's kid from down the hall, LOL. 25 years later we knew we'd have to meet up to enjoy each others company amidst singing along and all of the laughter while watching this Disney classic unfold on the big screen once more. While scrolling through the #lionking on Instagram It was so awesome to see how many other families around the world journeyed to the pride lands, many rocking matching Lion King tees to see the film. 

With all the criticisms lately over the new genre of Disney live-action remakes (we're still not sure how to feel about the upcoming Mulan), we decided to go in with an open mind but definitely had high hopes that Director John Favreau would do one of our top 3 Disney films justice the way the animated 1994 classic gave us all the warm and fuzzy feels. To be honest, our multi-generational family of hard to impress Millenials and Gen-Z kids thought the new Lion King was a good family flick, despite any mixed reviews you've already heard or read. It's already made $185 million domestically this opening weekend, but is it really a must-see or are we all just buying tickets for the sake of nostalgia? We Chatted with other Disney loving families around the nation who shared their memories and thoughts on the movie.

Toy Story 4 Review: Every Ending is A New Beginning as We Discover Purpose, A Voice and Prioritize Happiness

Whoa, where does the time go? It just dawned on me that it has been 9 years since we all thought the Toy Story franchise had come to an end as Woody, Buzz and the gang said farewell to their college-bound kid Andy and found themselves in a new room with the adorable, imaginative new kid Bonnie. 

Last week the monsters and I had the chance to partake in an early screening of the latest Pixar adventure Toy Story 4 and I hope you all have plans to see it this weekend!  It was a truly hilarious journey between friends new and old, that highlights discovering your purpose, finding your voice and learning that it's really ok to prioritize your own happiness. You could feel the anticipation in the theater once the lights dimmed, and the sweetest giggles of a child two rows in front had us moviegoers all laughing before the opening rescue scene. 

At the root of it, these iconic Disney Pixar characters are more than just our favorite toys who've been tugging at our heartstrings and making grown folks weepy for over 2 decades, they bring so many of our human characteristics to light in a relatable way. Would you have ever believed that Pixar's very first movie could carry such longevity and through animation allow us all to reflect on our own lives: successes, disappointments, and insecurities?

There's been a lot of internet buzz surrounding the film and whether or not there was a need for a third sequel and I'm going to say heck yes! I honestly think Toy Story 4 gives us the closure we didn't even think we needed and I'm happy that Disney Pixar decided to do it. Now, not everything in the film gave me the magical feels but didn't take away from the overall enjoyment and I'll break that all down in this spoiler-free review.

Don't You Dare Close Your Eye's! 4 Reasons Disney's Aladdin is a Must See + Video Review and Giveaway #Aladdin

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jakks Pacific whose sponsoring this giveaway and our annual holiday toy drive. Thank you for reading & supporting the brands who help us support families in need. 

Growing up I remember watching Disney’s Aladdin in the living room of our 2 bedroom apartment in Queens, we'd pull off all the seat cushions from the couches and spread each of them across the floor. My sissy and I would pretend that we were hopping from one rooftop to the next like we were being chased through the city of Agrabah. I'm surprised we didn't ruin the dang VHS ribbon after the number of times we played that tape. We'd belt out all of those catchy songs at the top of our lungs and crack up at Robin Williams in his larger than life role as the Genie.

Fast forward to today and us 80’s and 90’s babies have been waiting patiently for the release in theaters, some of us with a little skepticism after seeing what felt like subpar trailers and having high expectations of Disney’s latest live-action update. Would it be masterfully produced, and visually engaging? It's freaking Disney of course and Guy Ritchie was at the helm in the director's seat giving his touch of fast action and grit, while the legendary Alan Menken would undoubtedly have us singing along on a new adventure, with 2 brand new songs.

Aladdin is one of those movies that quintessentially represents our childhood and we knew there was no way with all the cinematic magic in the world that Disney could fail us, or could they?

I'll say this, Don’t You Dare close your eyes on this movie or underestimate Will Smith in his role as the Genie! We screened the film with our 2 boys and it brought a whole new world to light in a way that was true to the nostalgiac storyline yet updated with a few modern twists that were meant to appeal to a Gen Z audience.