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Disney have done it again – The Media Mummy’s Moana review
IT seems us girls have never had it so good as Disney’s latest offering portrays yet another feisty ‘princess’ showing us just how she handles things.
Don’t get me wrong, Moana is also great viewing for the boys but as a mum to an easily influenced little girl, this trend is certainly something that has my backing.
Without giving too much away, the animation sees a young Hawaiian girl embark on an adventure to find a demigod and save her people from a curse.
With music, great one liners and tears (mine!), my daughter absolutely loved it. And so it seems Disney may have yet another hit on their hands.
X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger voices Moana’s mother, but the real stars of the film are Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as demigod Maui, whose interaction had the audience in stitches.
Check out the clip below for a little taster – you’re welcome..!
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and me…
No parent with a child under five can say they know nothing of the magic that is In the Night Garden. When I first encountered the programme I can honestly say it freaked the hell out of me, especially the hypnotic effect it seemed to have on any child plonked in front if it. But as my sweet baby turned into a very ‘vocal’ toddler, I’m sure I’m not the first parent to take advantage of its calming effect!
So with the news that a stage version of the BBC programme was coming to The O2, I jumped at the chance to gain some brownie points with my little one – and between the two of us, I’m not sure who was more excited at the thought of seeing the show! Although I wasn’t quite sure how she (or I!) was going to react to seeing larger than life-sized versions of her television favourites….
Performed in The O2’s Live Quarter, the excitement starts as you approach to see huge inflatable Haahoos outside the entrance. My two year old fluctuated between silent awe and astonishment, to being one of the most vocal in joining in with the songs and pointing out the characters on stage – loud enough for those in the very back rows to hear. A mixture of puppetry and costumed characters, I can’t say there was a particular moment when she became bored or tired of the action on stage. Of course, it’s not perfect viewing for adults, but seeing the pleasure experienced by younger members of the audience definitely makes it worthwhile.
The day was topped off with a meet and greet with Igglepiggle (you can also chose to meet Upsy Daisy), and despite her initial reservations about the lifesize blue character, my daughter ended up giving him a hug and smiling for a family snap. Although my own reservations weren’t helped by having Igglepiggle rest his arm on my shoulder, while he gave me a glass-eyed stare…!
It’s not a cheap day out, but if your child is a fan it’s a treat they”ll definitely appreciate.
Media Mummy rating? 4 out of 5 stars.
In the Night Garden Live is at The O2 until June 9 before continuing on its UK tour.
www.nightgardenlive.com
Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon – review
Missed having Shaun the Sheep in your life?
Well, fear not, the lovable woolly character is back with a new friend this October.
Returning to the big screen, this time around havoc is caused when a mystery visitor from another galaxy crash lands near Mossy Bottom Farm. And it’s left to Shaun and his pals to ensure the fun-loving alien Lu-La makes it back home.
Obviously their quest is not without mishaps along the way, especially with an overly keen Men In Black style agent hot on their heels.
It’s actually amazing how much fun you can have watching a feature length film with no actual proper words but I guess that’s part of its appeal to all the family.
We were lucky enough to be treated to a preview screening and my biggest fear was that my two-year-old toddler would not want to stay sitting in one place for the duration of the film.
But in the end – after a slightly rocky start when he got a tad anxious about the rather ominous music in the first five minutes – I was only forced to step out once to go and buy some popcorn!
To round up, I think when it comes to productions by Aardman Animations we as viewers expect a certain quality and type of humour – thankfully their latest offering does not disappoint.
Farmageddon hits cinemas October 18. Watch the trailer here.
Boots announce partnership with Mothercare
BOOTS has announced its latest partnership with parents’ favourite Mothercare.
So what does that mean for us mummies and daddies? Basically you can now order a range of the high street retailer’s goods online at boots.com alongside your toiletries, as well as being able to buy some items in selected stores.
Also, if you don’t see what you need in store, simply make an order by 8pm (in store or online) and collect the next day by 12pm, or have Boots deliver it to your home. That’s a thumbs up from me!
(Items pictured include Mothercare Teddy Toy box Playmat £55, Mothercare Pink or Blue Muslins – 6 Pack £13 and Mothercare Cuddle and Dry Towels – 3pk – Grey Elephant £12)