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What to Expect When You’re Expecting – review
When I heard about this film I thought it would be the perfect film to review for my blog – with an all-star cast including Jennifer Lopez, Matthew Morrison, Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock, Chace Crawford, Elizabeth Banks (the list goes on) – it covers everything from conception to childbirth, in all its glory!
I really enjoyed the film, directed by Kirk Jones, the ensemble cast and different strands to the storyline gives it a kind of New Year’s Eve/Valentine’s Day feel to it. A comedy with some laugh out loud moments, the not so happy aspects of pregnancy are also covered, so be warned that it’s not all smiles and without giving anything away, there may be some tears…
But the thing people seem to want to know about is Cheryl Cole’s cameo in the film. But to be honest it’s a moment I’ve tried to block from memory, as I always have an irrational desire to scream or lash out whenever I see her or hear her voice. But for those of you interested, she said about two lines, appeared as herself – so no real acting involved – and was on the acreen for less than five minutes.
Also, the film is definitely not just a chick flick, the cinema had its fair share of guys in the audience when I saw it, who were laughing and cringing in equal measure. As Vic, Chris Rock leads the pack of fathers making regular trips to the park with their broods, providing several of the laughs as they try to convince Alex (Rodrigo Santoro) to join their world of parenthood.
I’m not gonna lie, this isn’t the movie to see if you like hardcore action movies, but for a couple of laughs and several soppy moments, it’s definitely worth a try.
Media Mummy rating? 3.5 stars out of 5
Shaun the Sheep Movie – review
To say this latest offering from Aardman – the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run – was long-awaited is a bit of an understatement..! And so as a bevy of children and adults gathered at a preview screening to watch Shaun the Sheep’s big screen debut, there was a certain sense of excitement in the air.
I’m glad to say we – both myself and my four year old – didn’t leave disappointed. With lots of laughs for both the kids and the big kids (ie adults) Shaun the Sheep’s journey into the big city to rescue his Farmer is well worth a watch. To be honest I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it through 90 minutes of no real dialogue, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Admittedly my little one was a bit scared when the ‘not very nice’ animal catcher came onto the screen, but overall lots of jokes for all ages and a big thumbs up!
In cinemas February 6.
#ShauntheSheepMovie
Review: Pete’s Dragon
To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect as I walked into the screening for this latest Disney offering.
But I have to admit I was definitely touched by (I may have even teared up a little…!) this film about a little boy and his not so imaginary friend.
I absolutely loved Pete’s Dragon, there was something very real about the film’s subject matter (apart from the fact it was about a dragon of course!) but I really connected with the themes of loss, family and belonging.
With Oakes Fegley playing the charming Pete, an orphaned boy who has survived a life in the forest with the help of his big green furry friend.
Some secrets are too big to keep 🐲 Watch the brand new trailer for #PetesDragon! See the film in theatres August 12!https://t.co/GisQ4wdL9Z
— Pete's Dragon (@disneypetes) June 14, 2016
My six-year-old daughter adored the film and found the characters relatable and the storyline easy to follow, able to recount several scenes to me on the journey home.
Oakes leads a strong cast including Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban and Oona Laurence.
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Lockdown Lessons and Smiles for Smart Works
LOCKDOWN life has become way too much of a reality for my liking, but, it’s also been a chance to explore the opportunities out there, open new doors and find comfort in talking to strangers who you can’t help but connect with over this crazy shared experience.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m struggling with this new way of life just as much as the next person, but I’m desperately trying to remain positive.
For me it was a great moment when I was asked to be involved in Joanne Warren Moore‘s amazing photography series raising funds for Smart Works, a UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for their job interview.
After months of being stuck indoors with a hyper toddler and the challenges of homeschooling a tweenager, I was more than ready to put on some lippy and (attempt to) strike a pose! Not to mention the challenge of juggling all that with my ‘day job’ as a journalist AND my clothing and home decor business, By Kala X.
The project is entitled This Woman’s Work and in her own words, Joanne, who is a fellow East Londoner, explained: “I’m an advocate for women supporting women and this project is designed to do just that.”
“Juggling homeschooling, a business & in general keeping everyone alive & well is not easy!”
She went on: “I also want to provide a platform where women can share their strengths in having to adjust during very difficult circumstances and to tell other women of any success stories or top tips in business reform.
“In return for the photography session and images I am asking those that can for a voluntary donation to Smart Works to help support unemployed women into work during the recovery of this pandemic.
“All proceeds raised will go directly to this cause. There will be so many more women in need of support during these uncertain times.”
I couldn’t have put it better myself and to date, Joanne has helped raise over £3,000 for the much-needed organisation.
I loved having the chance to focus on just me for my session with Joanne and as you can tell by the resulting pictures we got on like a house on fire!
And what was my own little Lockdown Lesson, I hear you ask? Read on for my pearls of wisdom…
“I think lockdown has helped thousands of us to realise just how strong we are. Juggling homeschooling, running a business and in general keeping everyone alive and well is not easy!
“For me forward planning went out of the window, but I found it easier to deal with smaller, daily, bite-sized tasks. It felt more manageable and much more of an achievement when completed.
“I’m also very lucky to have a network of friends who regularly remind me to not be too hard on myself.”
To find out more click here.