THE ADDAMS FAMILY MOVIE GIVEAWAY

SPONSORED BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

For the very first time those creepy and kooky characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams known as THE ADDAMS FAMILY are being featured in a full-length animated movie. Though they live life as if Halloween takes place everyday, THE ADDAMS FAMILY have endeared themselves to the world by representing the uniqueness of every family and providing spooky fun that can be enjoyed all year long. Invite them into your home for a family movie night now that this animated flick is available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital.

Thanks to Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, this dad blogger has a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital movie pack to giveaway to one lucky winner. Think your family is weird? Watch THE ADDAMS FAMILY and think about how yours compares! Maybe you'll start to chuckle about some of the outlandish things your family members do and everyone is sure to laugh at the exploits of Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester and Grandma shown in this movie.

For a chance to win THE ADDAMS FAMILY for your home entertainment video library simply complete the entries in the rafflecopter form below before 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will be responsible for delivery of the prize to the randomly selected winner. If you've won this movie from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment from another website giveaway, they reserve the right to have us select an alternate winner per their one prize per household policy. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is rated PG for macabre and suggestive humor and some action. Directed by Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2, Madagascar 3) and Greg Tiernan (Sausage Party, "Thomas & Friends"), the movie includes a vocal cast highlighted by Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker), Charlize Theron (Kubo and the Two Strings), Finn Wolfhard (It, "Stranger Things"), Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick Ass), Nick Kroll (The Secret Life of Pets 2, Sing), Bette Midler (Hocus Pocus), Allison Janney (Minions) and Snoop Dogg (Hotel Transylvania). THE ADDAMS FAMILY was nominated for two Annie Awards which recognize excellence in animation for film and television in the categories of "Best Character Design" and "Best Production Design."

In this adaption of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester and Grandma are preparing for a visit from their even creepier relatives. But trouble soon arises when shady TV personality Margaux Needler realizes that the Addams' eerie hilltop mansion is standing in the way of her dream to sell all the houses in the neighborhood. This movie shows that New Jersey just may be the spookiest place on Earth and that isn't a bad thing!



The home entertainment release of THE ADDAMS FAMILY also includes extra features beyond the movie including some never before seen content:

Deleted and Extended Scenes

Welcome to the Family -- In this combined Making of/Character Profiles, we hear from the filmmakers and stars of The Addams Family about how the film came about, the animation process and insight into the characters.

Life of a Scene -- From black & white storyboards and layouts to animation and lighting , follow along with filmmakers as they bring to life a scene from the movie.

Charades with Thing -- here’s nothing quite like a game of Charades with your friends. But what happens when the person giving the clues isn’t exactly a person? What if he’s just... a hand? On talent day, stars of the film are invited to play Charades with Thing. Talent goes h ead - to - head, competing to see who can guess Thing’s clues. Graphics reveal the answers and keep score for each player.

Addams Family Throwback

"Haunted Heart Lyric Video -- performed by Christina Aguilera

"My Family" Lyric Video -- performed by Migos, Karol G, Rock Mafia & Snoop Dogg

For more information about this animated film head over to addamsfamily.movie. Purchase the movie on Blu-ray or DVD through these links to Best Buy and this dad blogger will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thanks for your support of ageekdaddy.com!

SPIES IN DISGUISE AGENTS ON THE RUN

I've loaded the new SPIES IN DISGUISE: AGENTS ON THE RUN mobile game on my phone and  been having fun playing it whenever finding myself with some downtime to goof around for a few moments. Based upon the animated movie SPIES IN DISGUISE featuring the voices of Will Smith (Disney's Aladdin) and Tom Holland (Sony's Spider-Man), the AGENTS ON THE RUN video game utilizes the popular running platform format to let players take part in their own adventure based upon the film. This game is FREE to download and play on Android and Apple mobile devices via GooglePlay and The App Store.



SPIES IN DISGUISE: AGENTS ON THE RUN does include in-app purchases and advertising. These allow players to have extra lives to continue their progress without having to restart a game after being knocked out by bad guys and obstacles that can block your running path. You can also purchase resources to more quickly upgrade character's special abilities. With that in mind, the creators of the game, Denali Publishing, has provided this dad blogger with a code to giveaway that will provide one lucky winner with 5,000 currency for in-app purchases within SPIES IN DISGUISE: AGENTS ON THE RUN. A nice way to provide someone with an edge in playing the game!

Want to win this in-game currency for SPIES IN DISGUISE: AGENTS ON THE RUN? It is easy to toss your name in the hat for a chance to win this prize. Just follow my Twitter account @Geekdad248 and retweet the original giveaway post that is embedded below. Retweets must be completed by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, January 24, 2020. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible to win. Good luck!

Follow @GeekDad248 + RETWEET for chance to win 5,000 currency for in-app purchases when playing the new @SpiesInDisguise AGENTS ON THE RUN video game for @Android & @Apple mobile devices @SpiesGame #AD pic.twitter.com/P7UZSUqxYw

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) January 20, 2020

AGENTS ON THE RUN has players dashing through the world of SPIES IN DISGUISE. Start off as scientist Walter Beckett who by avoiding obstacles and gathering items allows you to not to just progress through the game's levels but also unlock other characters and their variety of special abilities. Slide swipe henchmen out of your way, zig zag around killer robots, or hurdle fire hydrants and trash cans that get in your way while running through settings of international espionage. Get off your feet by earning a jet pack to soar over obstacles or a sports car to race around in. Have a good time pretending to be a super secret agent on the run to save the world in this entertaining video game.

MALEFICENT MISTRESS OF EVIL

A FREE Blu-ray of Maleficent 2 was provided to this blog from Walt Disney Studios

Our first family movie night of 2020! The adventure of Sleeping Beauty and her fairy-stepmother continue in MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL. Available January 14 from Walt Disney Studios on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital to add to your home entertainment video library. Rated PG for sequences of fantasy action/violence and brief scary images.

Directed by Joachim Ronning, MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL carries on the story of Disney's most iconic villain. The years have been kind to Maleficent and Sleeping Beauty, known as Princess Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Yet hatred between man and the fairies still exists.



Aurora's impending marriage to Prince Philip is cause for celebration as the wedding serves to unite the Kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors. But, when an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be a family.

A favorite aspect of mine about home video releases of movies is that they often times include bonus features that you don't see during when the film is being shown at theaters. MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL has a number of extra goodies included with it. You'll absolutely want to check out the deleted scenes, featurettes and outtakes included with the home release of MALEFICENT 2. Plus Star Wars fans won't want to miss a Digital exclusive bonus that has Warrick Davis giving expanded details about his character Lickspittle in this movie.

Extended Scenes 

The Queen Comforts Aurora - Queen Ingrith takes advantage of Aurora’s fragile state to gain her confidence and accelerate the wedding plans.

Philip and Aurora Dance - Aurora struggles to gain Queen Ingrith’s approval when she realizes how she is viewed among aristocracy.

Featurettes

Origins of the Fey - Angelina Jolie discusses Maleficent’s lore, her newly discovered origins, and the diversity of the cast who portray the Fey.

Aurora’s Wedding - Elle Fanning gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding; plus, hear from some special guests as they give their best to the bride and groom.

If You Had Wings - Get a glimpse of the elaborate visual effects that allow the Fey to take to the skies.

 “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” VFX Reel – Discover how a perfect blend of practical and visual effects were used to create the stunning landscapes in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”

 Outtakes

Goofy clips – Uncooperative cats, a serious case of the giggles and even the “floss dance” found their way into Ulstead.

Music Video

 “You Can’t Stop The Girl”  performed by Bebe Rexha

Pick up MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL (2019) from Best Buy for your own family movie night. If you purchase the movie in 4K Ultra HD or the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack through one of these links this dad blogger will receive a small commission at not additional expense to you. The original MALEFICENT (2014) movie is also available from Best Buy on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD. Thanks for your support of ageekdaddy.com!

JEEPS OF FORD EXHIBITION

One of the most iconic vehicles of all time has to be the jeeps that propelled the American military through conflicts from World War II through Vietnam. When I think of a jeep the first things that come to mind are these military vehicles depicted in TV episodes of The Rat Patrol, George C. Scott rolling through Europe in one during PATTON, wounded soldiers being transported on them during the opening sequence of M.A.S.H., as well as real life family pictures of my grandfather working on them in a motor pool during the Battle of the Bulge.

The next thing that comes to mind is the favorite car I ever owned. A boxy Jeep Cherokee that was the first "new car" I ever owned bought when I finally has some financial stability in my late 20s. Jeeps may have been replaced on the battlefield by Humvees and other military motorized vehicles but they are now one of the most successful brands in the civilian automotive industry.

While the Jeep name is currently trademarked and the brand is owned by Chrysler when it comes to the sports utility vehicles being built for consumers today, Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford played a big part in producing the vehicles for the United States military. The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society is presenting a temporary exhibit at its Eastepointe museum this Winter highlighting the JEEPS OF FORD. On display will be 3 examples of Ford built jeeps, including a 1941 Ford GP prototype which on short-term loan to the museum. Thee will also be a number of Ford jeep related items from the museum's permanent collection to view. Stop in to discover this often-overlooked aspect of the “Truck, ¼ Ton, 4X4” story from Michigan's Arsenal of Democracy history.

Going into World War II if you can believe it the U.S. Army was still utilizing horses and mules for its ground transportation needs along with some heavy-duty trucks supplied during World War I from the Dodge Brothers Motor Company. The Defense Department contracted with auto manufacturer Willy (the precursor to Chrysler's ownership of the brand by way of American Motors Corporation) and Ford to create prototype vehicles to determine which would be mass produced for use by the Army.

Willy's MA was selected over the Ford GP (general purpose vehicle) though the production model used in World War II utilized design elements from both prototypes. In fact, the pressed-metal grille that has become engrained with Jeep's brand image was actually a design feature in the Ford prototype that was incorporated into the final design by the Army. In fact, Jeep may have been slang originating from the GP in the Ford prototype name.

Because Willys couldn't keep up with the war time demand on their own, the automotive manufacturer, granted the United States Government a non-exclusive license to select allow another company to also manufacture these vehicles. Ford was selected as the second supplier building Jeeps based upon Willys' final design specifications. During World War II approximately 360,000 Willy MA models were manufactured and 280,000 Ford GPW jeeps were built. The G stood for "government contract." The P for the vehicles' 80 inch wheelbase. And the W for the Willy specifications of the vehicle. Not only were both of these jeeps used by American forces during World War II but they were also provided to the Soviet Union in their front against the Nazis and the Chinese in their confrontations with the Japanese.

In the 1950's Ford was awarded the contract to revise the design of the aging World War II fleet of jeeps. They created the M151 that became known as "Mutts." American Motors Corporation (which was an evolution of Willys through mergers and acquisitions) was granted a secondary contract to also build these 1/4 ton 4x4 general purpose trucks based upon Ford's specifications. Because of AMC's trademark of the Willy Jeep grille being used in civilian vehicles the Mutts used a different design. Ford Mutts were in service by the military until they were phased out in the mid-1980s by Humvees which were designed and manufactured by AM General, a military contractor spun off from AMC that continues the Willy heritage within the country's defense industry.

So the history of the military jeep really is a tangled web isn't it? Gear heads and history geeks like this dad blogger are sure to appreciate the JEEPS OF FORD exhibition at the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society Museum. Get a close up look at these iconic vehicles by stopping by for a visit. This volunteer driven museum located at 16600 Stephens Road, Eastpointe Michigan 48021 is open on weekends. Saturdays 10 am - 5pm + Sundays Noon to 4pm.

The 11,000 square foot museum maintains and preserves Michigan's "Arsenal of Democracy" heritage. Have fun participating in a scavenger hunt through the museum's military equipment, uniforms, weapons and vehicles that points out educational trivia meant to pique the interest of kids and kids-at-heart. This place isn't just for military enthusiasts!

See NASA astronaut space gear worn on the space shuttle. Watch a Cold War "duck and cover" Civil Defense television public service announcement. Learn about Rosie the Riveter and the role women played in building the airplanes, cannons and jeeps used in World War II. There is a lot to discover at the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society Museum.

For more information about the museum and special events hosted by the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society, go to mimths.org

MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER COLORFUL PLANET DAY

Saturday, January 11 is COLORFUL PLANET DAY at the Michigan Science Center located within the Cultural Center of Detroit. Thanks to Axalta Coating Systems there will be FREE admission from 10 am - 5pm for people to experience the science center's new exhibit CONSERVE THIS COLORFUL PLANET. Visitors can also check out 220 other hands-on exhibits, live science demonstrations, the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and a STEM Playground while there. Pre-registration is requested to participate in this free opportunity to receive general admission tickets to the Michigan Science Center.

CONSERVE THIS COLORFUL PLANET  aims to inspire people to learn about water conservation in a colorful and engaging way. Through partnering with Ducks Unlimited and Six Rivers Conservancy, the Michigan Science Center provides a colorful exhibit experience with activities that aren't just fun but educational as well. It is a great way to appreciate the colorfulness of our planet.

Parking is available at the Detroit Institute of Arts parking lot or one of the nearby Wayne State University parking structures. There is a fee to park at these locations. Limited metered street parking is also available in the vicinity. Download the Park Detroit App to assist with parking arrangements for downtown visits.

For more information about the Michigan Science Center go to mi-sci.org

GRAPE FIZZ RECIPE

Let your kids toast in the New Year with some homemade GRAPE FIZZ, a fun non-alcoholic drink that is made with just three ingredients including grapes. A great soda style beverage you can make as an activity together with your kids to add some fizzle to activities such as a New Years Eve celebration or a family movie night. Drinking some GRAPE FIZZ would be an especially fun treat for an evening at home watching UP by Disney PIXAR. This dad blogger is planning on making up a batch with my kids to enjoy while streaming the movie on Disney+ this weekend.

Thanks to Kidstir for sending this recipe our way along with a template for some amusing Silly Staches & Smiles cutouts to add some goofiness to this diy kitchen activity. Kidstir is a unique subscription service for children that can be joined or given as a gift, or you can send one of the single kits, as well. Each month, Kidstir will send your child a cooking kit filled with three delicious, nutritious recipes, kid-size cooking tools, games and activities! With a focus on fresh, nutritious food and hands-on fun, Kidstir was created by moms who know that through cooking, children will gain important life skills in the kitchen — and cook up some fun family memories through the process.

GRAPE FIZZ RECIPE

Have you looked at the ingredients label on a soda bottle? Soda is full of artificial coloring, preservatives, and up to 50 grams of sugar! Kidstir provided this better-for-you-soda with just three ingredients—fruit juice, carbonated water, and a little sugar.

Ingredients

+2 cups seedless red grapes, washed
+2 cups sparkling water (plain carbonated water)
+Simple Syrup (optional, see recipe below)

Directions

1. First, pull the rinsed grapes off the stems. Place them into a blender.

2. A grown-up can help blend the grapes until they turn into juice.

3. Set a strainer over a measuring cup. Pour the juice into the strainer. Press it through the strainer by stirring with a spoon. You should now have about 1 cup of grape juice.

4. Fill a small pitcher with the sparkling water. Add the grape juice and stir well.

5. Taste the grape fizz. What do you think? If it's too tart, stir in 3 to 6 tablespoons of Simple Syrup to the pitcher. Pour into glasses.

 6. To make a sweetener for your grape fizz, a grown-up can heat 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and stir. When the sugar has dissolved, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Add 1 tablespoon of syrup at a time until your drink tastes perfect to you!

Makes 4 Servings

SILLY STACHES & SMILES CUTOUTS

Cut out these shapes then tape them to a straw or cup for some goofy fun while enjoying a Grape Fizz:

ABOUT KIDSTIR

Monthly, 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month subscriptions are available with free shipping. Plus, Kidstir will debut a new surprise kit which will be revealed on the 21st of each month! All subscribers receive a 2 years Magazine Subscription to Real Simple, Parents or All Recipes magazines as a thank you bonus. A Cookbook Binder and Sibling cooking tools & creative materials can be added at checkout. Learn more at www.kidstir.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season from ageekdaddy.com