The Finest Hours - In theaters today!

I was invited to a free screening of The Finest Hours. 

Images provided by Disney. 

All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So. 

The power of the human spirit never ceases to amaze. I attended a screening of Disney's latest film, The Finest Hours, the other night. And to say I was blown away... is a serious understatement.

About the film

On February 18, 1952, a massive storm (a nor'easter) struck New England. This storm was so powerful that it nearly destroyed the eastern seaboard, tearing two 500-foot oil tankers in half, leaving the crews in the middle of nowhere facing nearly impossible odds. 

The crew aboard the stern half of one of the tankers, the Pendleton, under the reluctant leadership of chief engineer, Raymond Sybert, the crew uses their dwindling resources to stay afloat. In the meantime, the U.S. Coast Guard in Chatham, Massachusetts, sends a small but courageous crew, in a wooden lifeboat, on a life or death mission to save the day.

Starring:

Bernie Weber ...................  Chris Pine
Raymond Sybert ...............  Casey Affleck
Miriam Webber ................. Holliday Grainger 
Richard Livesey ................  Ben Foster
Daniel Cluff ......................  Eric Bana

My Thoughts

This is one Action Thriller that stressed me OUT! In a good way. I mean I was on the edge of my seat for a good part of this outstanding movie. The fact that it was based on a true story made it even worse! The Finest Hours is very well made. And the cast is excellent. 

The entire audience was enthralled for the duration of the movie. Aside from the occasional gasp, I am not sure that I heard anyone speak a single word. It was that captivating!

If you are looking for a movie of substance, something you can really get caught up in, I highly recommend this movie. It's got action, love, and passion too! It will renew your belief in the hunan spirit and remind you that we really are in this together. 

The Finest Hours is in theaters today... 

GO OUT AND SEE IT!

LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray And Lego Set Giveaway - Closed

**Warner Bros. Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. 

The opinions I share are my own.**

Friendship is one of my favorite things! Oh the adventures I have had with my friends! I have friends that I have known my entire life (a.k.a. my sisters) and friends that I met on this journey I call life. I share a special bond with each of these phenomenal woman... and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I truly believe that friendship between girls is sacred. 

That's why I am so excited about the Lego Friends: GIRLZ 4 Life movie! 

This movie is all about friendship and what it means to stand up for what's right. And as if the theme is not enough, the movie has a fantastic soundtrack!

Check this out:

Enter to win

Win: Because I think these little ladies are so awesome, I'm giving away (1) LEGO Friends: GIRLZ 4 Life on Blu-ray + Friends Pop Star Dressing Room Building Kit to one (1) lucky reader!

Mandatory Entry: After watch the video (above), tell me which part was your favorite, in the comments below. Don't forget to leave your name and email address. 

Bonus Entry: Download the "Girlz 4 Life" Activity Pack (at the bottom of the video above) and leave an additional comment telling me which activity you enjoyed doing at home with your daughter(s) the most.

***** Closed*****

Each household is only eligible to win LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray & LEGO FRIENDS: Pop Star Dressing Room Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Disney-Pixar's Inside Out - In theaters TODAY

I attended a free screening of Disney-Pixar's Inside Out.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

I am an inspiration junkie. I love anything that lifts my spirits and tickles my heart. I had the pleasure of viewing Disney-Pixar's Inside Out a couple of weeks ago... and I'm still riding the inspiration high!

About the film

The control center of 11-year old Riley's mind is run by five (5) emotions.  The leader of the pack is Joy, the optimist of the bunch, her job is to make sure that Riley is happy, and she takes her job very seriously. Fear is in charge of safety, Anger stays on top of fairness, and Disgust does whatever she needs to do to make sure that Riley is not poisoned.  Sadness feels like the odd man out, because she really has no idea what her role is... and the others do not really know either. 

Starring:

Joy .................................... Amy Poehler

Sadness .......................... Phyllis Smith

Fear ................................. Bill Hader

Anger .............................. Lewis Black 

Disgust ........................... Mindy Kaling 

Riley ..............................  Kaitlyn Dias

Mom ............................... Diane Lane

Dad ................................. Kyle Maclachlan

 

My thoughts

As a grown-up, I know how difficult it is to maneuver the world of my own emotions on a daily basis... and it was even worse when I was 11 years old! Inside Out offers a refreshing and clear perspective of how emotions work. 

I think what I liked best about the film was the way encourage the audience to recognize that all emotions are important, none more than the other. And that emotions are fluid, we can flow in and out of them at any given moment. 

What more can I say... this is a smart movie that the entire family will love. The characters are lovable. Their adventures will tickle your funny bone and pull at your heart strings. You will not just relate to one part of the movie, you'll relate to the every single moment. Definitely a must see film!

Inside Out is in theaters now!

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 prize pack #giveaway!

This is not a paid post. I will receive a free Paul Blart Prize Pack.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Paul Blart is back! 

This time he's on vacation... or is he?  

He's headed to Sin City on holiday with his daughter, but "safety never takes a holiday." You know he's gonna act up, right?!





Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 hits theaters on April 17th!

And to commemorate the occasion I've got something for you!

Giveaway Alert

I'm giving away a Paul Blart prize pack! This is what you're gonna get:

• Fanny pack
• Adult t-shirt
• Youth t-shirt
• Security Badge sticker
• Mini poster
• Full-size poster

Enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Disney's McFarland USA - in theaters today!

I'm all about inspiration. That's the way I live my life. That's the way I choose to show up in the world. And I can honestly say that I am inspired by something or someone every single day... in fact I am a self-described inspiration junkie (and proud of it).

I got my latest (as in two-days ago) inspiration fix through Disney's McFarland USA. 

About the film

McFarland USA is based on the true story of a group of high school kids who witness their extraordinary strengths when they join a cross-country team, organized by a coach who has no cross-country experience.

These kids were born and raised in the predominantly Latin community of McFarland, California. They each come from hard-working, farm families. Even though they are in high school, most of these kids already knew what it was like to go to work before dawn, while still attending school. 

Through running they manage to form a bond amongst themselves and with their coach, Jim White, all while uniting + inspiring the entire community. 

Starring:

Jim White............................. Kevin Costner

Danny Diaz.......................... Ramiro Rodriguez

Thomas Valles..................... Carlos Pratts

Jose Cardenas...................... Johnny Ortiz

David Diaz.......................... Rafael Martinez

Victor Puentes....................  Sergio Avelar

Johnny Sameniego.............. Hector Duran

Damacio Diaz...................... Michael Aguero

My thoughts

I cried through a good portion of the film. I was touched by the determination every kid embodied. I was moved by their willingness to venture into the unknown, while facing adversity in and out of their community. And Coach White was just as inspiring as they were. He too pressed on against the odds. He believed in each one of those kids. He was willing to push them harder because he could see what they were capable of, even when they couldn't.

McFarland USA is a story of perseverance and courage. It inspired me to rethink what I believe is possible. I am currently training for a 5k and now I'm more determined than ever, because I know I can... because they did.

Here's one of my favorite scenes:

McFarland USA is in theaters now.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 - in theaters February 20th

This is a sponsored guest post.

Let’s face it, we’ve all dreamed about traveling back in time to make right some wrongs, relive our favorite moments or change something about our past. In honor of the release of Hot Tub Time Machine 2 this Friday, February 20th, our team collected a list of places and faces you and your bros would NOT want to see on your journey back through space. Take a look below and be sure to head to a theater near you this Friday to catch Hot Tub Time Machine 2.

1. The Jurassic Period

You may think that dinosaurs are cool and all, but can you imagine walking out the front rock of your cave and being greeted by a sabertooth tiger? No thanks, back in my time traveling hot tub please…

2. The Great Depression

The time period says it all – people were greatly depressed! The American economy was completely abysmal and the average household income dropped 40% from $2,300 to $1,500. Things were so bad, unemployed men would wait in line for hours at soup kitchens just to receive a free coffee and donut.

3. High School

No matter what anyone says, you are not at your peak in high school. Acne, raging hormones and insecurities galore, you’re really just this angsty hot mess trying to survive in a world with people who think they’re cooler than you. Sorry hot tub but please keep me out of those 2003-2007 years.

4. The Revolutionary War

Even the guys from Hot Tub Time Machine 2 don’t want to go back here!

5. Your First Bad Break Up

Remember that time your “awesome” significant other turned out to be a huge jerk and dumped you for no reason at all? Remember how you stayed in bed for weeks wearing those ratty sweatpants, eating three day old pizza, listening to Beyonce’s “If I were a Boy” on repeat? Don’t go back there. You’re better than that.

6. Medieval Times

We’re not talking about the fun restaurant where you eat chicken with your fingers and cheer for the blue knight. We’re talking about the Middle Ages where men wore corsets, eating a hunk of bread could kill you and bridges did not exist. Don’t even get me started on the torture methods. Ever heard of Heretics Fork?!

7. When Your First Pet Died

We all had a puppy, kitten or goldfish who was our best friend. You grow up and love that little critter so much. He sleeps on your bed, cuddles with you on the couch, plays with you outside – he’s basically the most loyal creature in your entire life. Until one day he gets old and your mom tells you that Rover went to live on a farm with plenty of space to run around…or was that just me?

8. The Vietnam War

I mean…this is pretty self explanatory.

9. Your First Car Accident

I totaled my car a few years ago and I have no desire at all to go back in time to revisit that scene, not to mention the huge bill that came along with it. Hey hot tub, can we fast forward through that moment in my life please? Thanks!

10. The 2013 VMAs

You can’t forget it if you tried, so why revisit it?

Big Hero 6 is in theaters now... And it's awesome!

I was invited to an advanced screening of this film.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Big Hero 6 is Disney's latest animated feature film. The story is an action-comedy-adventure about Hiro a teenage robotic genius who develops an unlikely bond with a marshmallowy inflatable robot designed by his brother.

I had the pleasure of screening the movie earlier this week... and I totally ❤︎'d it! So much so that a review could not do it justice. I implore you to go see it for yourself!

But I will offer this snippet to prep you:



Big Hero 6 is in theaters N-O-W!

Check out images from the movie on Tumbler.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, #VeryBadDay review

This is not a paid post. I was invited to free screening of this movie by Disney.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So. 

I checked out Disney's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day early last week and I have to tell you that I thought it was pretty funny! 

About the movie

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is the story of 11 year old Alexander who has a day that was terrible from the moment he awakened with gum in his hair and it never got better. Every one else in his family seems to experience great days, every day, so they don't exactly sympathize with him. But on Alexander's birthday the tables turn in his favor, he's having the best day ever while everyone else experiences a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!

Review

This movie was LOL funny! There were several scenes that had the entire theater in stitches! At the same time the storyline was pretty darn good, it warmed the cockles of my heart. 

We all experience bad days, sometimes several in a row. It often feels like it only happens to us, which isn't true, so it's always nice to remember that the fickle finger of fate does not discriminate. Even more than that, it's nice to be reminded that bad times don't last, and being able to laugh in the face of adversity makes it bearable. 

This is a movie for all ages. Be sure to put it on your TBS (to be seen) list. Bring the kids along... and the adults too!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is in theaters now!

If you check out the movie and you love it, make sure you tweet #VeryBadDay :-)

This is not a paid post. I was invited to free screening of this movie by Disney. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So. 

The Equalizer - Self Defense Training

The Equalizer (starring Denzel Washington), is the story of a man who believes in justice. His life is quiet and seemingly normal, but his attempt at normalcy is disrupted when he encounters a young girl under the control of Russian gangsters.  Unable to stand by and watch while helpless people are attacked by hoodlums, he uses his "hidden skills," to obtain retribution. 

The main premise of the film is that Robert McCall (Washington) uses his martial arts skill to help people who can't help themselves. Which got me thinking... if I were being attacked by an assailant, could I defend myself? Before a few days ago, I would have said probably not, but that was before I participated in the Equalizer self-defense training at McDuffy's Kajukenbo Self-defense Institute. 

Located in Inglewood, CA, McDuffy's Kajukenbo specializes in self-defense training techniques, tournament sparring, weapons self-defense, and street fighting.  They even offer special programs for children, which includes transportation to and from his after school tutoring and martial arts program. The institute is run by Sifu Cliff McDuffy and his family. 

The training was only for one hour, but that was a very looooong hour! It had been quite a while since I had such an intense workout, but I'm not complaining. This wasn't just any total body workout. In the span of an hour I learned how to fend off an attacker, in a very effective way. I'm not just talking escape here, I learned how to put someone down long enough to put some serious distance between me and danger. 

Sifu Cliff is professional, engaging and encouraging. He connected with every person on the floor, while making sure that the moves were being performed with accuracy and intensity. Sifu Cliff says, "if you're being attacked, your attacker isn't going to wait for you to get ready," that's why you have to be serious and prepared for anything. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and if I'm ever in a situation where it is necessary to defend myself... I can. Although I hadn't given it very much thought before, I feel better knowing that I know a few moves that could potentially save my life.

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The Equalizer will be in theaters on Friday, September 26th. 

This is not a paid post. I was invited to the free self-defense training, as a part of The Equalizer promotion, by THAurban. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

A Haunted House 2 DVD Giveaway - CLOSED

What's better than a scary movie? A parody about a scary movies!

A Haunted House 2 starring Marlon Wayans is coming to DVD on Tuesday August 12th.

You can wait to buy yours on Tuesday... or you can enter to win a copy! 

Giveaway Alert

Win: I'm giving away A Haunted House 2 DVD to three (3) lucky winners!

Mandatory Entry: Leave your name and email address in the comments.

Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each, including your name and email address):
         
 (1) Follow Just Say I Told You So on Twitter
 (1) Become a Just Say I Told You So Facebook Fan
 (1) Subscribe to Just Say I Told You So via email (right side bar)
 (1) Follow Just Say I Told You So on Pinterest

Winners will be chosen at random and contacted via email. The winner(s) will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. DVD vouchers will be sent via mail. Transportation will not be provided. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on 8/14/14.

This is not a paid post. A Haunted House DVD will be supplied through THAurban. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

The 100 Foot Journey - Movie Review

DreamWorks The 100 Foot Journey is probably the only movie this year that I absolutely could not wait to see. I mean there were others that I was excited about seeing, but I was giddy with anticipation for this one....  I had the pleasure of screening the movie a couple of days ago and it was even more than I thought it would be!

About the movie

The 100 Foot Journey is the story of the Kadam family who moves to France in the wake of tragedy.  They settle into a small French village by chance and decide to open an Indian restaurant. Trouble is the location of their new restaurant is 100 feet away from Le Saule Pleureur, which is run by Madam Mallory (Helen Mirren) who is anything but pleasant. When Hassan Kadam (son + cook) develops an interest in French cuisine the divide between the two cultures is suddenly not as vast as it once seemed.

Review

This movie made my heart immensely happy! Feel good is not strong enough to describe how it felt. I laughed and cried (a little bit), I imagined food combinations and spices, and my eyes feasted on all sorts of culinary delights. 

What moved me the most was the connection between people and food. I have always felt that love makes any dish taste better. I strongly believe that our energy, emotion, and intention gets infused into every dish, and this movie captured that perfectly.

Life is intended to be experienced together and food builds a connection from the heart of one to the heart (and stomach) of another. 

If you are interested in being moved and cajoled into hunger, I highly recommend you check out The 100 Foot Journey today!

 

The 100 Foot Journey is in theaters now!

For recipes and updates on the film follow the #100FootJourney on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

This is not a paid post. I was invited to a free screening of this movie by Disney. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

the Other Woman is coming to DVD on 7/29 + DIY Viewing Party Tips

the Other Woman is a fabulously funny movie starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton... and it's coming to DVD on July 29th!

About the movie:

When Carly (Cameron Diaz) discovers her boyfriend is married she decides to do the right thing, leave him alone. But a chance meeting with his wife, Kate (Leslie Mann) changes everything. As it turns our Carly + Kate have a lot in common... they've both been duped by the same dude! The two not-so-instantly become BFF's. As if things couldn't get any worse, Carly and Kate discover that he's having another affair, with Amber (Kate Upton) a super hot young hottie. The three women team up to get revenge on Mr. Casanova!




The Other Woman is a must own! I saw the movie while it was in theaters with my best girls and we all LOVED it! It was perfectly cast... these ladies are funny and totally relatable. 

The real story is the unlikely sisterhood that is formed out of a seemingly heartbreaking situation. Friendship is one of the most rewarding and magical parts of being human, and I think that this is especially true for women (yes, I am biased because I happen to be one). It's always nice to watch movies that celebrate that kind of bond.

Have a DIY Viewing Party!

Now that we've established that you will be going out to pick up a copy of the Other Woman DVD, you need to invite some of your best chicks over to watch it with you! 

You can serve up a few appetizers like:

* B.F.F. Bruschetta
* Slimmed Down Buffalo Chicken Dip
* Ladies Choice Brownies

And of course your have to have a signature drink, like The Carly or The Summer Fling, so you can play a few games:

The Other Woman is currently available on Digital HD now and on will be available on Blu-Ray or DVD on July 29th.

This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a free copy of the Other Woman DVD. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So. 

Disney's The Hundred Foot Journey

This is a movie that I cannot wait to see!

The Hundred Foot Journey hit's theaters on August 8th.

This is not a paid post. Videos + images provided by Disney. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 - opening this weekend!

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is coming to theaters this weekend!

I'm so excited that the second installment of one of my personal favorite animated films opens on Friday, June 13th... in IMAX (at select theaters). And for added coolness, the IMAX 3D release has been digitally re-mastered to IMAX Experience quality - SWEET!

Hiccup (who is now officially a viking) and his cute dragon, Toothless, will be off on new adventures, reconnecting with his long lost mother, and discovering new kinds of dragons!


The film stars:

Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, T.J. Miller, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kristen Wiig who are all returning from the first flick. And this time Cate Blanchett, Djimon Honsou and Kit Harington, have joined up as well.

So, if your schedule is free this weekend... go check it out!

This is not a paid post. Images + video provided by IMAX.  All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So!

Maleficent - in theaters now!

We've all been eagerly awaiting the release of Disney's Maleficent for what seems like forever! Well the wait is finally over... Maleficent is in theaters today!

I had the great privilege of attending an advance screening of Maleficent earlier this week... can you say brilliant? I believe that this is my favorite movie of 2014 (so far). 

Angelina was made for this role. I cannot imagine anybody else playing Disney's "most iconic villain." 

If you thought Maleficent was just Sleeping Beauty from an alternate perspective, you were wrong... it's much deeper than that. This is the untold story of the events that led Maleficent's to place the irrevocable curse on Aurora.


Maleficent is much more than you could ever imagine. If you don't do anything else this weekend CHECK OUT THIS FLICK!

In the meantime, here are some activity sheets for the kiddos. Enjoy!

This is not a paid post. I received free tickets to an advanced screening of this film. Images provided by Disney. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.