It has been three years since Peter Rabbit first popped up on the big screen and I am so excited to announce: he's baaaaaack!

If you are at all like me, you might be feeling desperate for cinemas to open but hoppily, we can still enjoy new releases from the comfort of our own home. And what better way to kick off summer vacation with the kids than munching on veggies and watching Peter Rabbit 2, which is now available to rent from home across Canada! Last week, my son and I snuggled up, snug as a bug in a rug, and enjoyed an advanced screening while laughing at all the punny jokes and hilarious scenes. In fact, we liked it even more than the original. I think it has to do with all the adorable and delightfully entertaining characters that share the screen with Peter, from Flopsy and Mopsy to Felix D'eer. Plus, we were also quite impressed by how realistically the animated characters interact with the real world characters, sets and props. Lettuce just say, we give the movie two floppy ears up!

Synopsis: 

In PETER RABBIT™ 2, the lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.

Watch the trailer below!

Hop on over to the Peter Rabbit 2 official site for Canada to rent via CineplexStore, Microsoft, PlayStation Store, Prime Video, Apple TV or YouTube.

Si vous cherchez la version française Pierre Lapin 2, cliquez ici.

Disclosure: Complimentary screening and images are courtesy of Sony Pictures Canada.

(From L-R): Octavia Spencer as Roberta Taylor, McKenna Grace as Mary Adler and Chris Evans as Frank Adler in the film GIFTED. Photo by Wilson Webb. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

Mckenna Grace as “Mary Adler” and Chris Evans as “Frank Adler” in the film GIFTED. Photo by Wilson Webb. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved.

I laughed. I cried. I cried some more. All thanks to @ChrisEvans and @MckennaGraceful. @GiftedtheMovie #GiftedMovie

— Diana Mancuso (@TeacherMomOfTwo) March 3, 2017

 Watch this featurette and correct me if I'm wrong:

Win 1 of 3 copies of Expecting on DVD!

Last week marked the premiere of the movie "The Help" and by now, I'm sure you've heard that everyone's talking about it. It could be that it's based on the New York Times best-selling book by Kathryn Stockett. Or it might just well be the collective performances of a talented cast. I like to think it's both.


I have not read the book yet, but have been advised that it's a must-read. If the movie did it any justice, then I'm sure I would enjoy the paperback version. "The Help" tells the story of "three very different women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk." Can you just imagine all the gossip?


When I was invited to the screening, I knew I had to take my friend Marianne along with me. She has not yet read the book but is an avid reader and writer who has kindly written a couple of book reviews for me. She also grew up in a country where it was commonplace to have hired help, similar to the scenario in this movie. So I valued her opinion. "The Help" may come across as a 'chick flick' and by the large ratio of women to men in the theatre that day, you might think it is. However, I highly recommend this movie to anyone, man or woman, who enjoys a good story about courage and to anyone is willing to let themselves be moved by a touching story based on real events, a story that is wonderfully portrayed by brilliant actresses.



AIBILEEN CLARK

(VIOLA DAVIS)

A third-generation housemaid, who at 53 years old has raised 17 children in her care, Aibileen discovers her voice and the courage to defy the conventions of the early 1960s.






SKEETER PHELAN

(EMMA STONE)

A bright, enthusiastic recent college graduate and aspiring writer, Skeeter bucks the trend for southern women of the time by being more interested in her career than marriage.




HILLY HOLBROOK

(BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD)



Pretty, well-groomed Hilly Holbrook is the queen bee of the young mothers’ social network in Jackson, Miss., and the epitome of southern charm and hospitality—especially when she is manipulating someone.





MINNY JACKSON

(OCTAVIA SPENCER)


Known as much for her sass as her great cooking, Minny won’t take much guff from anyone, but her heart is always in the right place.





CELIA FOOTE

(JESSICA CHASTAIN)



Unpretentious, rough-around-the edges Celia snagged the hottest bachelor in Jackson, Miss., and now is paying the price by being shunned from all the social circles.



If you haven't seen "The Help" yet, pack some tissues in your purse (or your date's purse) and be prepared to dive into the lives of women who risked losing everything in the hopes of creating change. My friend and I both shed a few tears near the end and agree that the movie was worth seeing. In fact, "The Help" could very well be the movie of the summer.

Before closing, I would like to announce the winner of "The Help" prize pack giveaway.

21. D. Calvert

Congratulations! I will be emailing you soon!

Disclosure: I was able to attend an advance screening with a friend in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.


Images courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Cars 2 zoomed into theatres on June 24, much to the anticipated delight of little McQueen fans. Steering away from the serene backdrop of Radiator Springs, the international espionage film takes the audience on a visually stunning adventure across the world, full of action, suspense and humour. Only, this sequel adds a bit of twist. It isn't Lightning McQueen who saves the day, but rather, his unsuspecting friend Tow Mater.

The friendship between McQueen and Mater is certainly put to the test as McQueen enters the first ever World Grand Prix and decides to take his good friend with him. From Tokyo to Paris, the European Riviera to London, Mater and McQueen set out on a mission to prove that McQueen can beat his European rival Francesco Bernoulli (pronounced with a very thick Italian accent). The storyline takes a quick turn as Mater unknowingly becomes tangled up in a top secret operation, one which could lead McQueen to his unfortunate demise.

With all the twists and turns, Cars 2 easily appeals to those seeking action and suspense. It has most certainly veered into an entirely different genre than its predecessor. The movie boasts incredible imagery that is remarkably life-like, and a wonderfully talented cast, including Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and, my personal favourite, Michael Caine. And, while some scenes may have been a little loud and explosive for the younger ones, the general message behind the storyline evoked that of the original Cars movie. That what is most important in life is not coming out on top as the winner or the wealthiest or the most famous. What really counts is being true to yourself and holding on to those relationships that make your life richer. It's about lending a helping hand whenever you can and showing that you care. Can you fuel the love?



My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the movie and even more so sitting next to her friend Little Boo. We were fortunate enough to have him and his mother, author of Raising My Boys, join us for an advance screening last week. It was great to see our two kids completely enthralled by the action on-screen. When we left the theatre, my daughter had a big smile on her face which made it quite clear that she loved the movie. I honestly felt the same way, too.

Disclosure: I was invited to the advance screening of Cars 2 by Walt Disney Studios Motions Pictures Canada in order to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.

This Earth Day saw the premiere of Disneynature's African Cats, a True Life Adventure narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Following the lives of Sita the Cheetah, mother of five, Layla the Lion and her cub Mara, and the notorious Fang, leader of the pride, the film provides a breathtaking look into the circle of life on the Savanna.

Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada

African Cats is replete with stunning video and imagery. The majestic landscape of the Masai Mara National Reserve alone makes it worth the while to watch the movie on the big screen. From sunrise to sunset, the beauty of the land is wonderfully captured in this film.

Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada

The cats who call the Savanna their home each possess a beauty of their own. The slow-motion frames gracefully capture their strength, agility and stunning physical features. Of particular note are the cheetah and lion cubs who, so innocent and unaware of the dangers they will face, sent the audience oohing and aahing on more than one occasion. Watching them as they grew up also allowed the viewers to empathize with them and their mothers during some of the more difficult scenes.

While the narration provided some necessary tidbits of information, both myself and my sister-in-law agreed that it did not seem to fit the movie. She felt that the narration was more suited for a younger crowd while the actual movie and storyline was more befitting of a mature crowd. I, on the other hand, felt that there was almost too much narration but thought that African Cats could be suitable for children as young as seven or eight. There weren't any terribly gruesome scenes but there were indeed some scenes that would have frightened my 5-year-old. We also agreed that, even though we're both Jackson fans, his narration was overdone and disappointing. My sister-in-law struggled to find a reason for the awkward narration, contemplating whether or not Jackson ever watched the film before recording his narration. On a side note, we also kept laughing when we recalled the shots taken of the lions' behind. The king's jewels were predominantly on enlarged display during a couple of the scenes. I, personally, could have lived without that imagery.

All in all, I would recommend African Cats simply based on the quality of the footage. The story itself has enough substance to it and is easy to follow, though it might be better enjoyed if you can tune out some of the narration.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend an advance screening of African Cats to help facilitate this review. I was not compensated in any way. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Milo, Gribble and Ki to the rescue.

Below you will find a YouTube video of Joan Cusack sharing her thoughts on her role as "mom" in Mars Needs Moms.

You can also view the trailer, play games and more on the Mars Needs Moms official website.

Disclosure: I was asked to attend an advance screening of Mars Needs Moms to help facilitate this review. I was not compensated in any way. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.