BATMAN DAY 2021

Holy Coloring Pages and Activity Sheets Batman! It's Batman Day! Enjoy this Caped Crusader themed activity kit courtesy of DC Comics to have a super fun time today:

 

CATS AND DOGS 3

A Warner Bros Home Entertainment Promotion

It is raining cats and dogs outside! Should we get wet and still go for our daily walk? Or go back inside and watch the new CATS & DOGS movie with my kids?

CATS & DOGS 3: PAWS UNITE is available now via your favorite digital outlets. It will be out on DVD and Blu-ray on October 13, 2020. This family friendly movie featuring the voices of George Lopez as Pablo the Parrot, Melissa Rauch as Gwen the Cat and Max Greenfield as Roger the Dog is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).  This live action film has a run time of approximately 80 minutes.



Movie Synopsis -- CATS & DOGS 3 PAWS UNITE 

It's been 10 years since the creation of the Great Truce, an elaborate joint-species surveillance system designed and monitored by cats and dogs to keep the peace when conflicts arise. But when a tech-savvy villain hacks into wireless networks to use frequencies only heard by cats and dogs, he manipulates them into conflict, and the worldwide battle between cats and dogs is BACK ON. Now, a team of inexperienced and untested agents will have to use their old-school animal instincts to restore order and peace between cats and dogs everywhere.

Family Movie Night Activities

You can purchase CATS & DOGS 3: PAWS UNITE in digital format starting September 15 from moviesanywhere.com and a variety of other online video services. It will be available to view via cable television Video On Demand on September 29. The movie will also available on DVD and Blu-ray from Best-Buy beginning October 13. Purchases of CATS & DOGS 3 utilizing an affiliate link on ageekdaddy.com will provide this dad blogger with a small commission at no additional expense to you.

FROZEN 2 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Quarantined with youngsters during the pandemic? Break up the monotony of staying around the house with an extra special family movie night. Just because you can't leave home doesn't mean your family can't make some magical memories spending time together. Putting a little extra effort into planning some activities, snacks and decorations that tie-in to the theme of the movie you will be watching can really make an otherwise ordinary night at home stand out.

Frozen 2 is now available to stream on Disney+ or to add to your home entertainment video collection via Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital. When it comes to the worries of today's troubled times let it go by enjoying a Frozen 2 themed night of family fun.

DECORATIONS

Add some whimsical ambience to your place by ordering some Frozen themed decorations from WHOLESALEPARTYSUPPLIES.COM that can be delivered right to your doorstep. Cardboard cutouts of Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Sven making it seem as if the characters have stopped by to spend an evening with you. Pick up some Frozen costumes to have shipped to you from WHOLESALEHALLOWEENCOSTUMES.COM, which is open all year long, to get into character during your family movie night. Take some pics of your kiddos in costumes in front of a ice castle cutout or get a Frozen photo booth kit with props to goof around with.

Or if you are handy create some diy decorations to sparkle up your home to look like a scene from one of the Frozen movies. If you have some creativity and craft supplies why not make your own decorations to help make your movie watching experience standout. Click here for tips to make your own birch tree forest backdrop for a Frozen 2 family movie night courtesy of my friends over at the Wholesale Party Supplies blog.

ACTIVITIES

Enjoy these activity sheets courtesy of Walt Disney Studios that include bookmarks, coloring pages, puzzles and mazes:



Another fun activity is having a snow ball fight in your living room. Ball up some white socks to creates some faux snow missiles or you can purchase some plush snowballs from different retailers like Oriental Trading Company  that has ones with wacky faces printed on them.

Playing tabletop games is also a nice way to spend some family time together. Dodge falling boulders and escape the Earth Giant's anger with the Spin Master Frozen II Rumbling Rock board game. Or play a more traditional game like the Frozen 2 edition of Monopoly.

SNACKS

Of course you need to have the go to movie snack, popcorn, to munch on. Better Made Old Fashioned Movie Theater Butter Popcorn is great for a family movie night. One of my family's favorite snack food brands! Hand out some melted snow to drink along with your snacks.

Rice Krispies Treats shaped like snow flakes are another tasty treat to add a Frozen atmosphere to your family movie night. Rock Candy is another delicious thing to snack on that can compliment your theme with a look that resembles icy crystals. It is also candy you can make yourself at home. Click here for some instructions on making your own rock candy.

Take a pair of donuts and turn them into Elsa’s snowman, Olaf, with the help of this free Olaf printable.

FROZEN 2

Elsa the Snow Queen has an extraordinary gift -- the power to create ice and snow. But no matter how happy she is to be surrounded by the people of Arendelle, Elsa finds herself strangely unsettled. After hearing a mysterious voice call out to her, Frozen 2 tells the tale of how Elsa travels to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond her kingdom -- an adventure that soon turns into a journey of self-discovery.

Frozen 2 is available from Best Buy on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. They also have an exclusive SteelBook edition available that includes the movie on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link in this post a geek daddy will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This dad blogger appreciates your support!

CALL OF THE WILD FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Thanks to Fox Home Entertainment for providing us with a free code so we could watch THE CALL OF THE WILD on Movies Anywhere. The movie is now available to purchase digitally and will be out on Blu-ray beginning May 12, 2020. In addition to sending THE CALL OF THE WILD our way for a family movie night, we were also provided with some great activity sheets to share with our ageekdaddy.com audience.



Pick up the movie for yourself and have a good time with these activity sheets for a night of family fun. You know what else would go great with THE CALL OF THE WILD? S'mores!

Grab some graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate to make yourself a sticky treat that would be perfect to snack on during a THE CALL OF THE WILD family movie night.  Sticking with the theme of the movie's plot revolving around the wilderness of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s I'm going to make a fire in our chimney for roasting up S'mores and to give our living room a rugged ambience while we enjoy the movie.



Adapted from the classic novel by Jack London, THE CALL OF THE WILD vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly kidnapped from his cushy California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Canadian Yukon to be sold as a sled dog during the Gold Rush. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team -- and later its leader -- Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime. Overcoming new found challenges and hardships, Buck ultimately finds his true place in the world by becoming his own master.

THE CALL OF THE WILD is a live - action/animation hybrid. The movie employs visual effects and animation technology in order to bring the animals in the film to life. Directed by Chris Sanders, THE CALL OF THE WILD stars Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford, Cara Gee, Michael Horse, Jean Louisa Kelly, Colin Woodell, Adam Fergus and Abraham Benrubi. It is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for adventure/drama.

STORM BOY

Good Deed Entertainment made a donation to the World Animal Foundation to symbolically adopt a pelican on my family's behalf in promotion of the April 5, 2019 theatrical debut of STORM BOY within the United States. This Australian film starring Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney, Finn Little, Trevor Jamison, Morgana Davies, and Erik Thompson tells the story of a young boy and his extraordinary friendship with an orphaned pelican. STORM BOY is based upon a short story written by Colin Thiele that is beloved by Australians and is now being shared with us Americans through this film.

STORM BOY is rated PG for thematic elements, mild peril and brief language by the Motion Picture Association of America. Filmed on location in South Australia’s remote Coorong National Park, the movie compliments the context of Thiele's novella with wonderful visual imagery. Visit gooddeedentertainment.com/stormboy to find theaters and purchase tickets to this movie.

Whether it is taking a casual stroll through a local park or an adventurous trek while on vacation, my kids always enjoy having an encounter with wildlife. It could be as simple as seeing a cardinal sitting on a backyard fence or a stunning encounter like observing a flock of pelicans on a rocky outcrop while exploring Florida's gulf coast, but whatever the situation I always notice a look of wonder on my kids' faces when they see creatures out in their natural habitat. So it is frustrating that because of human disregard when it comes to conservation, pollution and habitat preservation impacting our planet's environment and its variety of eco-systems that so many animals are threatened with extinction. Just think about what are lives would be like void of the wonder of wildlife in our world around us?

ADOPT A PELICAN

By making a financial donation to symbolically adopt a pelican from the World Animal Foundation, people are supporting this non-profit's mission to make the world a more compassionate place for all animals - wild animals, companion animals, aquatic animals and farm animals -- through grass roots action and activism. The greatest threats to pelicans are habitat loss, hunting, human interference with nesting activities, poisoning from insecticides and industrial pollutants, oil spills and fishing injuries. Money raised from the World Animal Foundation's Adopt An Animal program funds lobbying for legislation at local, state and federal levels to counter these threats plus supports hands-on activities to protect wildlife in their natural habitats.

The ADOPT A PELICAN package we received from Good Deed Entertainment included a plush pelican from Wild Republic. They truly make some wonderful stuffed animals! Plus we received a World Animal Foundation adoption kit.

Our World Animal Foundation adoption kit included a color photograph of one of the pelicans that would be assisted by the non-profit along with a certificate of adoption. It also included some informational sheets with trivia about pelicans. Did you know there are eight species of pelicans? These birds live on every continent except Antarctica, can fly as high as 3,000 feet and can have a wingspan that can reach a length of over 12 feet. These really are some magnificent creatures.

ACTIVITY SHEETS

Enjoy these STORM BOY activity sheets that include coloring pages, puzzles and pelican trivia:

FAN ART FRIDAY

Decorate the coloring pages and post a scan or picture of them on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #StormBoy. The movie's official social media accounts will be sharing some of their favorites for Fan Art Friday corresponding with the film's theatrical opening on April 5.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

A beautiful and contemporary retelling of Colin Thiele's classic Australian tale. 'Storm Boy' has grown up to be Michael Kingley, a successful retired businessman and grandfather. When Kingley starts to see images from his past that he can't explain, he is forced to remember his long -forgotten childhood, growing up on an isolated coastline with his father. He recounts to his grand-daughter the story of how, as a boy, he rescued and raised an extraordinary orphaned pelican, Mr. Percival. Their remarkable adventures and very special bond has a profound effect on all their lives. Based on the beloved book, Storm Boy is a timeless story of an unusual and unconditional friendship.



For more information about the film, check out its official website plus Instagram and Facebook feeds:

StormBoytheFilm.com

@StormBoyMovie on Instagram and Facebook

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET

Ralph of FIX IT FELIX JR game fame reached out to ageekdaddy.com to share some Internet safety tips for kids and plug the home entertainment video release of the movie sequel to WRECK IT RALPH. WRECK IT RALPH 2: RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET is available now through Digital services such as Movies Anywhere and will be out on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on February 26, 2019.

In addition to sharing some Internet safety tips, Ralph and his friends from Walt Disney Studios also provided us with some coloring pages to share and a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code movie pack for RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET.  Just download and print out the coloring page templates below to enjoy them for free. Plus while you are here don't miss out on a chance to win the movie to add to your home entertainment video library.

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS

COLORING PAGES

MOVIE GIVEAWAY

Complete the entries in the form below before 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2019 for a chance to win a WRECK IT RALPH 2: RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code movie package. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. One lucky winner will be selected from all eligible entries. Walt Disney Studios will be responsible for delivery of the prize to the winner randomly selected by ageekdaddy.com. Good luck!

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RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET

In WRECK IT RALPH 2, video game bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope's video game, "Sugar Rush." In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet -- the netizens -- to help navigate their way, including an entrepreneur named Yesss, who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site BuzzzTube.

WRECK IT RALPH 2: RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET is rated PG for some action and rude humor. For more information about this animated film, visit movies.disney.com/ralph-breaks-the-internet-wreck-it-ralph-2

THE LITTLE MERMAID ANNIVERSARY EDITION

After jumping into the pool for swimming practice, my daughter dove onto our living room couch when we got home to watch the anniversary edition of the home entertainment video release of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Though it came out twenty years before she was born she enjoys watching this animated film just as much as the current movies that are out there for kids.

She has been watching this movie since being a little girl and knows all the songs by heart. It really is a timeless film that is entertaining to watch no matter what your generation is. With its PG rating, THE LITTLE MERMAID is a movie that people of all ages can enjoy together. That makes it a great selection for a family movie night!

In honor of the 30th anniversary of this two - time Academy Award® - winner (Best Original Score and Best Original Song “Under the Sea,” 1989), THE LITTLE MERMAID dives into the Walt Disney Signature Collection with all - new bonus features and a sing - along mode . This magical, musical tale of mermaid princess Ariel — along with loveable sidekicks Sebastian and Flounder, and the love-to-hate sea witch Ursula — is sure to make a splash when it comes available to add to home entertainment video libraries for the first time Digitally in HD on February 12, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu - ray ™ on February 26.

The Signature Edition of THE LITTLE MERMAID showcases its award - winning musical score and iconic songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” with a sing - along mode allowing you to accompany this beloved cast of characters on their journey. Never - before - seen bonus features bring legendary composer Alan Menken and some of Disney’s most recognizable leading ladies together around a piano to reminisce, sing and celebrate THE LITTLE MERMAID. The latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office” compares Walt and Ariel ’s love of collecting treasures. Viewer s will also receive an inside look at THE LITTLE MERMAID cast in their original recording sessions , explore hidden treasures and fun facts from the film , and enjoy a special performance of “Part of Your World” by a cappella singing sensation DCapella. Plus, fans will have access to hours of additional classic bonus features!

ACTIVITY SHEETS AND COLORING PAGES

In addition to providing ageekdaddy.com with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code of THE LITTLE MERMAID, Walt Disney Studios has also provided us with the same combo pack to giveaway to one lucky winner. Plus they have given us some activity sheets and coloring pages a family movie night extra fun. Complete maze and word puzzles or color in illustrations of Ariel and her friends before watching the feature presentation.

They are FREE to use. Just download and print them out. My daughter had a good time recreating the memorable row boat scene with Ariel and Prince Eric using her Crayola crayons. There are also some coloring pages featuring Sebastian and Flounder that are sure to delight kids.

MOVIE GIVEAWAY

One winner will be randomly selected from all the entries submitted in the form below by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, March 10, 2019 to receive THE LITTLE MERMAID -- ANNIVERSARY EDITION Blu-ray + DVD + Digital movie pack. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate in this promotional giveaway. Walt Disney Studios will be responsible for delivery of the prize to the winner selected by ageekdaddy.com. Good luck!

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WALT DISNEY SIGNATURE COLLECTION

THE LITTLE MERMAID is the seventh title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. The film takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King” and “Lady and the Tramp.”

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about a beautiful mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human , THE LITTLE MERMAID was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements (“Aladdin”) . It features the voice talents of Jodi Benson (“Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3”) as Ariel, Pat Carroll (“Laverne & Shirley”) as Ursula, Samuel E. Wright (Broadway’s “The Lion King”) as Sebastian, Christ opher Daniel Barnes (“The Brady Bunch Movie”) as Eric, Kenneth Mars (“Young Frankenstein”) as Triton, Buddy Hackett (“The Music Man”) as Scuttle, Jason Marin (“Back to the Future”) as Flounder and René Auberjonois (“The Patriot”) as Chef Louis. The film was originally released in theaters on Nov. 15, 1989 and is the 28th film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the first in what many described as a new Disney animation renaissance.

You can bring home the Walt Disney Signature Collection anniversary edition of THE LITTLE MERMAID on Digital today using MoviesAnywhere.com or other online movie providers and via 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray or DVD on February 26.  For more information, head on over to disneysignaturecollection.com

DISNEY NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS

Puzzled about what to view for your next family movie night? National Puzzle Day brings us the Blu-ray and DVD release of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS.  This is Disney's live-action adaptation for the well-known ballet which portrays the story with spellbinding imagery transporting audiences to a colorful fantasy world. My daughter who has been dancing ballet for several years now enjoyed the film's performances by Misty Copeland as the Ballerina Princess while her brother appreciated the adventurous aspects of the movie, especially the battle scenes that include sword fights and life-sized toy soldiers.

Walt Disney Studios kindly sent us a 200-piece jig saw puzzle along with THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS Blu-ray+DVD+Digital combo pack to commemorate the National Puzzle Day home entertainment video release of the movie.  With a polar vortex putting our neighborhood in a deep freeze, we had a fun evening putting together this puzzle showcasing Copeland as the Ballerina Princess on our dining room table after supper followed by bundling up in blankets together on the living room couch to watch THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS for an impromptu family movie night. It was a nice movie to watch at home on a cold winter night.

Disney's film is loosely inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman's short story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written in 1816 and Alexandre Dumas later adaption of this tale titled "The Story of a Nutcracker" which were later turned into a ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. There is a wonderful dance sequence during one scene in the movie but THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS is more focused on portraying a fantasy adventure than recreating the ballet on the big screen. For some that may be a disappointment and others a blessing. Copeland's performance joined by Ukranian dancer Sergie Polunin though does provide a nice connection to Tchaikovsky's ballet whose holiday time performances have become an iconic part of the Christmas season without making dancing a mainstay of the movie's plot.

The movie is set in Victorian England starting with a father giving his children Christmas presents his wife had set aside for them before she died. His youngest daughter, Clara, receives a handcrafted egg-shaped box that she is unable to unlock. In her quest to unlock her present, Clara becomes transported to a parallel dimension that consists of four realms. The girl discovers that her mother created this magical place populating it with toys that were brought to life. Unfortunately, the four realms are in a state of turmoil and war and Clara is tasked with bringing peace and stability as the heir to this fantasy world's creator. The key to solving the dilemma she is confronted with is being able to open that mysterious Christmas present. Clara thus takes part in an adventure to restore harmony to this land and get back home to her family in England.



THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS is rated PG for some mild peril.  As a parent, I appreciated that the movie promotes Clara's interest in science, engineering and tinkering with mechanical things highlighting important STEM themes for kids. It also has valuable messages for children that can be taken away from the story such as learning from one's mistakes, the value of self-confidence, and the importance of perseverance which make it a good film to view for a family movie night. Because of these educational elements presented within an entertaining story, THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval. The fact that my daughter was delighted by Copeland's dance number factored in to this movie getting a good review too.

Add some extra fun to a family movie night with these THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS activity sheets and coloring pages:



Bonus segments included with the Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code combo pack of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS that ageekdaddy.com received to review include deleted scenes, a featurette on ballerina Misty Copeland titled On Pointe, "Unwrapping The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" documentary, and music videos for “Fall On Me” By Andrea Bocelli and “The Nutcracker Suite” By Lang Lang from the movie's soundtrack. THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS is now available on 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital to add to your home entertainment video library. For more information, visit movies.disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms

FREE DESPICABLE ME 3 ACTIVITY SHEETS

Courtesy of our friends at ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT and UNIVERSAL PICTURES, A Geek Daddy has some free Despicable Me 3 themed activity sheets to share with you.  Just download and print them out.  Enjoy!



Despicable Me 3 arrives at movie theaters across the United States on Friday, June 30, 2017.  In the movie, the mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time. The reunited siblings soon find themselves in an uneasy alliance to take down the elusive Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star who seeks revenge against the world.  For more information about the movie, visit www.despicable.me

Batman Day 2016

Saturday, September 17th is DC Comics' annual BATMAN DAY fan appreciation event.  Stop by local comic shops, book stores, libraries, Six Flags parks and other participating locations to pick-up a FREE copy of BATMAN #1 from this year's DC REBIRTH written by Tom King and illustrated by David Finch, Matt Banning and Jordie Bellaire featuring a special BATMAN DAY 2016 cover.  I picked up that issue when it first came out and it is actually a very good comic book to be able to get for free.  CLICK HERE to find a location participating in this BATMAN DAY giveaway near you.

Pottery Barn Kids is also hosting a special BATMAN DAY event at their stores across the USA at 11am on Saturday, September 17, 2016.  Space is limited so you'll need to contact Pottery Barn Kids to reserve a spot for children plus purchase a Batman Pencil Case from them.  The pencil case will be filled with crayons and other goodies that kids can enjoy during a Batman themed craft and story time.  CLICK HERE to find a out more information about contacting a store to reserve a spot.

If you want to enjoy BATMAN DAY without leaving the house, A Geek Daddy has you covered!  Just  print out this Batman coloring page or CLICK HERE to download a free BATMAN DAY fun pack filled with activity sheets, trivia and games courtesy of DC Comics, Warner Bros. and their publishing licensees.



For more information about BATMAN DAY, visit dccomics.com/BatmanDay

Summer Games with the Skylanders

As the Summer Games in Rio move into their final week add some Skylander fun into the mix as your family cheers on its favorite athletes.  Just as you can customize your characters in the upcoming Skylanders Imaginator video game, personalize these Skylanders printouts and their accessories in the colors of the teams you are rooting for to add some Skylander spirit to the Summer Games.






As the events in Rio wrap up it is time to start think about training for the 2020 games!  How can use a kid's passion for Skylanders video games to get them outside getting exercise and inspiring them to want to be healthy like an athlete #trainingfor2020?  We used our family's Skylander figures in a weight lifting challenge and as a baton for a backyard relay race.

What creative ways can you utilize Skylander toys-to-life figures to inspire your kids to pretend they are training to be an athlete for the 2020 Summer Games?  Share your pictures and videos with the Skylanders team on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #Skylanders and #Trainingfor2020 and they'll share some of their favorites with the world.

For more information about the newest installment of the Skylanders video game franchise Imaginators, visit www.skylanders.com/Imaginators‎

Movie Review: PETE'S DRAGON

Our family had the opportunity to see an advance screening of Disney's PETE'S DRAGON before its August 12th opening weekend and we all really enjoyed the show.  My daughter specifically was delighted by PETE'S DRAGON sitting on the edge of her seat through the whole movie.  When my wife suggested she sit back in her seat my 7 year old exclaimed "I can't it's too exciting!"

This movie is a re-imagining of the 1977 family film that combined Disney's hallmark animation with live action sequences that were similar to other campy movies of the time like The Apple Dumpling Gang and Herbie the Love Bug.  The original movie featured musical singing and dancing routines, slap stick humor, and a cartoonish dragon with purple hair and wings.  While the new adaption features an orphaned boy named Pete who is befriended and protected by a dragon he names Elliot that is about all the similarities between the two movies as 2016's PETE'S DRAGON really is its own stand alone tale.  While the original film is known for outlandish characters and musical numbers, the new movie stands out as a drama that tells a story which absorbs audiences into it through well developed characters, impressive stunts, stunning natural backdrops, and wonderful special effects.  It also features some comedic moments that had the whole theater laughing, mostly involving the reactions by people in the movie the first time they get their eyes on Elliot.

I have to give a lot of credit to the Disney special effects team who created Elliot as they had a difficult balancing act of attempting to make Elliot into a "realistic" dragon that also wouldn't be scary for most children as this is meant to be a family friendly film.  They did an extraordinary job bring to life on the screen a magical creature that can be viewed both as fierce and intimidating but also as cuddly and affectionate.  The dragon has the look of a giant green labrador retriever with wings providing a character that has a warm appearance but also should have people wary of its bite -- or in this case breathing fire!  As a kid I liked Pete's Dragon so much that Elliot was my Halloween costume one year, so as a parent enjoying the new movie with my kids I appreciated that it paid homage to the original beloved character by preserving the dragon's snaggletooth and ability to turn invisible.  While the stories aren't connected it was nice to see a few elements of the 1977 movie incorporated into the 2016 version in Elliot's appearance...and I have to say I don't miss the purple hair.  Disney really did an impressive job of creating Elliot for PETE'S DRAGON and while watching the movie you don't view it as a special effect but rather see it as a character in the movie on par with the human actors.

Pete's Dragon 1977

PETE'S DRAGON 2016

 In PETE'S DRAGON, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children for years with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.



PETE'S DRAGON is rated PG for action, peril and brief language.  In my opinion this rating is primarily for three scenes.  The movie starts off with an accident which leaves Pete alone in the woods being stalked by some very vicious looking wolves that appear very ready to eat him.  Another sequence has men with rifles shooting at Elliot.  There is also a scene where Elliot attacks several characters by breathing fire at them putting them at risk of being killed.  The film really is suitable for children of any age, but as a parent if you have a child who may be sensitive to intense situations or easily scared these scenes are what you should really be aware of before he or she sees the movie.  For the most part though this is a great movie for a family outing filled with some great messages for kids such as valuing family and wildlife.

Please enjoy these free downloadable PETE'S DRAGON activity sheets and for more information about the movie visit movies.disney.com/petes-dragon-2016

PETE'S DRAGON: Activity Sheets + Coloring Pages

Look at this!  We ran into Elliot from Pete's Dragon while taking a hike through the woods!  Of course you can't see him because the dragon can make himself invisible; but trust me he's standing right there getting a hug from my kids.  You'll actually be able to see what Elliot looks like though in Disney's new adaption of PETE'S DRAGON when it opens at theaters across the United States on Friday, August 12, 2016.

For a sneak peek at Elliot before the move hits theaters, A Geek Daddy has some activity sheets and coloring pages to share with our blog readers featuring Pete and his dragon:







In PETE'S DRAGON, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children for years with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.



For more information about the movie visit movies.disney.com/petes-dragon-2016 or follow the movie's twitter feed @disneypetes.

A Summer of Awesomeness with Kung Fu Panda 3

Enjoy a summer of awesomeness with KUNG FU PANDA 3.  In the newest sequel to Dreamworks Animation's Kung Fu Panda movie franchise, Po is reunited with his long-lost father and travels to a secret village where he meets hilarious new panda friends and family members.  But when the supernatural villain Kai challenges all the Kung Fu masters across China, Po must discover the teacher within himself and train his clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!  My kids thought this movie was AWESOME when they saw during its theatrical run and now families can enjoy it all summer long as Kung Fu Panda 3 is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.



While the story of course revolves around Po as the Kung Fu Panda, my daughter's favorite character is Tigress so A Geek Daddy let her select a few fun activity sheets to share with you courtesy of our friends at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment who are distributing the video formats of the film.  In addition to the movie themed activity sheets, we also have a KUNG FU PANDA 3 - AWESOME EDITION on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD to give away! Who wants it?!

Skadoosh! Follow @Geekdad248 & RT before July 10 for chance to win #KungFuPanda3 on Blu-ray #PandaInsiders #ad pic.twitter.com/s2iipq2IEZ

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) July 5, 2016

To be eligible for this giveaway you must follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and retweet our original contest tweet embedded above before July 10, 2016 @ 11:59 pm EST.  Must be a US  resident over the age of 18 to participate.  One entry per person and we'll randomly select a winner from all eligible entries.

The KUNG FU PANDA 3 - AWESOME EDITION includes 2 all-new Kung Fu Panda animated short films (Po's Posters of Awesomeness and Panda Paws) , Everybody Loves A Panda Party Karaoke with Po, Make a Panda Party Paper Pal and more!  The special features will also for the first time ever reveal the extra-super-secret origin of Po's world-famous catchphrase "Skadoosh" so you won't want to miss out on watching them.

 A Geek Daddy hopes you have a summer of awesomeness enjoying watching KUNG FU PANDA 3 as part of your home video library and having fun with these activity sheets.





FTC DISCLOSURE / DISCLAIMER:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Fox Home Entertainment is responsible for fulfillment and delivery of the prize.  By participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with this promotion.  Winner must be following the twitter account @Geekdad248 at the time winner is randomly drawn to be eligible and so he or she can be notified.  Must reply to DM within 48 hours of notification or a new winner will be selected. If you win this prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Must be a US resident over 18 years old. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation but did receive the same gift package that is being awarded to one of our readers for this contest.  A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this contest as a benefit to our readers. Any opinions in this post are my own. A Geek Daddy is a member of the Fox Home Entertainment Insiders Blogger Program receiving special information and perks as part of its participation. #PandaInsiders