LEGO STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION

There is a new LEGO Star Wars cartoon special coming to the Disney+ streaming service on August 5 that is all about summer fun! “LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation,” which is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” features the voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown, Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and returning cast members from previous “LEGO Star Wars” specials, and includes the new original song Scarif Beach Party performed by “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. While searching for his friends, he encounters three Force ghosts: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Leia Organa, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong, helping him to understand that holidays are about more than just having fun.

“LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation” features the voices of: “Weird Al” Yankovic as Vic Vankoh; Yvette Nicole Brown as Colvett Valeria; Thomas Lennon as Wick Cooper; Paul F. Tompkins as Rad; Dee Bradley Baker as Boba Fett; Ashly Burch as the Tour Droid; Kyliegh Curran as Sidero; Anthony Daniels as C-3PO; Trevor Devall as Emperor Palpatine; Allie Feder as Sy Snootles; Jake Green as Poe Dameron; Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker; Ross Marquand as Han Solo; Omar Miller as Finn; Kevin Michael Richardson as Jabba the Hutt; Matt Sloan as Darth Vader; James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi; Kelly Marie Tran as Rose; Helen Sadler as Rey Skywalker; Billy Dee Williams as Lando (Holovid); Matthew Wood as Ben Solo; and Shelby Young as Leia Organa.

 

LEGO Star Wars cartoons are always goofy fun shows to watch. I'm geeked about seeing "LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation" just as the season is heating up. Looking forward to a lazy summer day cranking up the A/C and turning on the big screen to be transported back to a galaxy far, far away thanks to Disney+ and its lineup of Star Wars tv series and movies.

MURPH FROM NERF

NERF the toy brand known for foam dart weaponry and sports balls has just unleashed upon the world its first-ever mascot ... and it is a doozy. Murph from NERF is a towering monstrosity that looks like a sasquatch mated with a koosh ball.  Mascots are supposed to be about fun and Murph is literally made out of what comes to front of mind when people think about NERF ... the foam darts that these toys are known for.

Hasbro, the parent company of NERF, will be utilizing Murph for a public relations campaign that encourages families to step away from their screens and get up and active with NERF to create memories that will last a lifetime. Can Murph encourage kids to step away from Fortnite for some backyard NERF battles? I hope so because people, my own kids included, really do need to get outside and get active more often ... and who doesn't love battling with friends and families with a bunch of NERF launchers? You can have a real life Fortnite battle royale with the cool Nerf toys that are available right now. I wish they had this quality and variety of NERF products when I was a kid!

Hasbro describes Murph as follows: Made completely out of official NERF dart materials, Murph is the personification of the playful spirit – the one that can only be unleashed with NERF. They’re a natural athlete, great at NERFoop and an expert at surprise NERF Super Soaker ambushes. They can also toss a NERF Vortex Football like no other and, of course, are a fantastic trick shooter with any NERF blaster.

Ok Twitter, I’m here now.
I had foam-o. pic.twitter.com/EfO3OBttwH

— Murph (@MurphFromNerf) June 23, 2022

Find out more about the Unleash the Play in You campaign and exciting products from NERF by checking out Murph's Twitter account. @MurphFromNerf is a Nerfoid with one goal ... to unleash the play in you! And if you start following Murph on Twitter make sure to stay in touch with this geek daddy too at @Geekdad248. Woot! Woot!

A STRANGE JOURNEY THROUGH MARVEL'S MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

Thank you Marvel Studios for providing AGEEKDADDY.COM with a complimentary digital code for DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

Marvel Studios DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS is an odd movie because I hated the story yet still found myself very entertained by this superhero flick. It is one of those films that is great to just grab a bucket movie theater style popcorn, kick your feet back and enjoy the show escaping from reality for a few hours. Full of great action scenes that will awe casual movie goers and easter eggs that diehard comic book geeks are sure to appreciate, this film provides a fun jaunt around various dimensions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that will excite a variety of audiences.

Not only does this movie explore the endless multiverse of storytelling possibilities with Marvel comic book inspired characters and settings, but viewers also journey into the dark depths of a person spiraling out of control into madness. And it is not the character you are expecting! Doctor Strange conjures up not just physical travel through an intriguing multitude of alternate dimensions but also incorporates psychological elements to elevate the energy level and tension of the film. 

Whether you haven't seen DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS at a theater or want to watch it again to try and catch details missed watching it before, now the movie is available to watch anytime and anywhere you want to with its home entertainment release so you can join in the adventure either on a television from your living room couch or on your mobile device from a hammock in the middle of nowhere. DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS is now available on digital via moviesanywhere.com and streaming on Disney+. It is also coming to 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on July 26th. 

Bonus features of the home entertainment release of DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS include featurettes, a gag reel and deleted scenes:

Featurettes 

• Method to the Madness - Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
• Introducing America Chavez - In this short and fun profile piece, learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. Meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character's unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
• Constructing the Multiverse - Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Deleted Scenes 

• A Great Team - A journalist questions Doctor Strange's integrity. 
• Pizza Poppa - Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange's spell ends.
• It's Not Permanent - Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter

DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America. Written by Michael Waldron with music by Danny Elfman, the movie has a runtime of 126 minutes. For more information check out @DrStrange on Twitter; and if you are in the Twitterverse give us a follow at @Geekdad248!

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NOBLE COLLECTION ADDS MINECRAFT LICENSE TO ITS PORTFOLIO

From BendyFigs action figures to replica props from the Harry Potter movies, there is a fantastic portfolio of products available from The Noble Collection to be geeked about. I've enjoyed an out of this world game night playing Star Trek Tridimensional Chess, had a Bowtruckle sneak into work with me, and surprised my daughter with a magical present courtesy of The Noble Collection. Now they've added a new brand to the collection that is sure to delight my video game fanatic son ... MINECRAFT!

The Noble Collection will explore the world of Minecraft with a unique and intricate line of collectibles including a signature Chess Set and real-world prop replicas that will bring Minecraft to life as never seen before. The new collection will be available for pre-order Holiday 2022, with new products rolling out through 2023 and beyond.

The Noble Collection, known for its high quality collectibles featuring intricate details and superior sculpts, will bring this expertise into the Minecraft collection. Products in the line will showcase a real world interpretation through realistic styling cues, for a new and immersive Minecraft experience. The elevated collector-grade products will allow the Minecraft community to celebrate the world of Minecraft on a new level.

See what is new with The Noble Collection on their Instagram feed. While you are doing that make sure to be following @Geekdad248 on Instagram too. Enjoying the geeky side of life from the 248 here in Metro Detroit!

HOW TO GET THROUGH THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF HEALTHILY

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging things a person can go through. The grieving process can be very long and emotional, and it is different for everyone. There are, however, some general tips that can help you get through this difficult time. This blog post will discuss the five stages of grief, as well as some helpful tips for each stage.

 1) Denial 

 

The first stage of grief is denial. This is when you refuse to believe that your loved one is gone. You may feel like this can't be happening, and you may try to convince yourself that it isn't real. Denial can be a way of protecting yourself from the pain of loss. 

It's important to allow yourself to go through this stage, even though it can be difficult. Try not to fight your feelings, and let yourself grieve in whatever way you need to. Some tips for getting through denial include: 

•  Talk about your loved one with other people who knew them. This can help you remember all the good times you had together, and it can also help make their death feel more real. 

• Talk to a counselor or therapist. This can be a great way to get support from someone who is impartial, and they can also offer helpful tips for dealing with your grief. 

2) Anger 

The second stage of grief is anger. This is when you start to feel angry about your loss. You may be angry at the person who died, at yourself, or at the world in general. You may even lash out at the people around you. It's important to remember that this is a normal part of the grieving process and that it's okay to be angry. Some tips for dealing with anger during grief include: 

•  Talk to someone about what you're feeling. It can be helpful to talk to someone who will understand and won't judge you for your feelings. 

• Write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you to express what you're going through, and it can also help you to see your progress as you move through the stages of grief. 

• Do something to release your anger. This could be physical activity, like going for a run or hitting a punching bag. Or it could be creative, like painting or writing. Doing something to release your anger can help you to feel better and may also help you to avoid taking your anger out on the people around you. 

• Remember that your anger is normal. It's okay to be angry, and it's okay to express that anger. Just try to do so in a healthy way. 

 If you're feeling angry after losing a loved one, know that it's normal and that there are ways to cope with this emotion. Talk to someone, write down your thoughts and feelings, do something to release your anger in a healthy way, and remember that your anger is valid.

3) Bargaining 

The bargaining stage is often characterized by a person feeling immense guilt. They may even try to make deals with God in an attempt to bring their loved ones back. This is usually an incredibly difficult stage to get through because it's so full of self-blame and What Ifs. 

If you find yourself bargaining, try to remember that it's natural and normal to want to turn back time and change what happened. But unfortunately, that's not possible. The best thing you can do is focus on the present moment and the people who are still in your life. It may also be helpful to talk about your feelings with a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through the guilt you may be feeling and help you find ways to cope with your loss. 

 4) Depression 

The fourth stage of grief is often characterized by feelings of depression and loneliness. This is because, after the reality of the loss sets in, you may start to feel like you'll never be able to be happy again. 

Depression can make it hard to get out of bed in the morning or even take care of yourself. If you're struggling with depression, it's essential to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling, and they can help you find ways to cope. Also, make sure to lean on your friends and family during this time. They can provide you with the support you need to get through this challenging stage. Some common symptoms of depression include: 

•  Feeling hopeless or helpless 
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities that used to bring joy 
• Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep 
• Eating too much or not enough 
• Isolating yourself from friends and family 
• Experiencing physical pain without a known cause 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out for help. These symptoms can be managed with medication and therapy. 

 5) Acceptance 

The final stage of grief is acceptance. This doesn't mean that you're okay with what happened or that you've forgotten about your loved one. It just means that you've come to terms with the fact that they're gone and that life must go on. 

During this stage, you may start to feel more like yourself again. You may even find yourself laughing and enjoying life once more. But it's important to remember that grief is a lifelong process. You will always have good days and bad days. And that's okay. 

Additionally, it's crucial to find ways to keep your loved one's memory alive. This could be through photos, journals, cemetery bronze grave markers, or even tattoos. Whatever you do, make sure it's something that brings you comfort and makes you feel connected to your loved one. 

In conclusion, grief is a complicated and difficult emotion to deal with. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this tough time.

DR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS COMING TO HOME VIDEO

Missed seeing Marvel Studios' DR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS at the movie theater? You can soon witness the mind-bending alternate realities of the Marvel cinematic multiverse by adding the film to your home entertainment video library. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness debuts via all major digital platforms and for streaming on Disney+ starting June 22 and will be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on July 26.

Journey into the unknown in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe unlocks the Multiverse, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must enlist help from old and new allies as he traverses mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities in order to confront a surprising adversary.

The home entertainment release of Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness includes the following bonus content:

Featurettes 

• Method to the Madness - Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi. 
• Introducing America Chavez - In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character's unique power presents for the future of the MCU. 
• Constructing the Multiverse - Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. 

Bloopers 

•  Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. 

Deleted Scenes 

•  A Great Team - A journalist questions Doctor Strange's integrity. 
• Pizza Poppa - Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange's spell ends. 
• It's Not Permanent - Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter. 

Audio Commentary 

•  View the film with audio commentary by Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer, and Michael Waldron.

Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America. Directed by Sam Raimi the movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange,  Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff / The Scarlet Witch,  Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo, Benedict Wong as Wong,  Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez, and Rachel McAdams as Dr. Christine Palmer. It has a runtime of 126 minutes.

For more information, visit @DrStrange on Twitter and if you are in the Twitterverse make sure to give @Geekdad248 a follow too! 

ET & JAWS BEING RERELEASED ON IMAX

Here is some news that has this '80s kid GEEKED, E.T. is being rereleased for theatrical showings exclusively on IMAX screens to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary. The trailer for the new IMAX release of E.T. will premiere during showings of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World Dominion which arrives at theaters on June 10, almost 40 years to the day since E.T. originally debuted in theaters on June 11, 1982. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will then be released exclusively on IMAX screens nationwide beginning August 12, 2022.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, originally released in the summer of 1982, not only soared to become the highest-grossing film of the year, capturing four Academy Awards® and nine Oscar® nominations including Best Picture, but it also captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. Four decades later, it still ignites the joy, wonder, discovery, magic and heartbreak of childhood. And E.T. isn't just nostalgic for us '80s kids, because my 13-year-old daughter LOVES the film and I am sure is going to demand that we go to see it on an IMAX screen this summer for a family outing to the movie theater.

IMAX is also bringing another classic Steven Spielberg summer blockbuster back to movie theaters this year with JAWS. The 1975 thriller will be released on IMAX screens and can be seen for the first time in RealD 3D beginning September 2. Duunnn dunnn… duuuunnnn duun… duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun ... will you be wrapping up your summer by going to see the original JAWS movie on an IMAX screen in 3D?

Originally released on June 20, 1975, Jaws, based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, became the first true summer blockbuster and a cultural tsunami. It shattered every record to become the highest-grossing film of the year, earning a nomination for Best Picture and winning three Academy Awards®, including one for John Williams’ iconic musical score. Almost five decades later, Jaws has become inexorable from global film culture, has inspired multiple generations of filmmakers and remains one of the most thrilling, terrifying and unforgettable films of all time.

With Jurassic World Dominion, E.T. and JAWS playing on IMAX screens it will be a great summer to go watch some great Steven Spielberg brands at the movie theater!