Roald Dahl's THE BFG -- the animated movie

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

This year The Roald Dahl Literary Estate is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the beloved children's book author who gave the world with wonderful stories such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and The BFG, with Roald Dahl Day on September 13, 2016.  Joining in the celebration PBS has recently released a digitally restored version of the 1989 animated movie, ROALD DAHL'S THE BFG on DVD.  This cartoon version of the popular children's book would be a nice to treat to include in your family's own Roald Dahl Day party or a similarly themed event at a school or your local public library.  To help you join in this year's worldwide celebration of the author's life on September 13th, a FREE downloadable party pack is available to download from the official Roald Dahl website.  Pick up a copy of ROALD DAHL'S THE BFG from the Shop PBS online store and download the Roald Dahl Day party pack to host your own fun event.

In ROALD DAHL'S THE BFG, little orphan Sophie is snatched from her bed one moonlit night by a giant who whisks her away on a magical, thrilling, and funny adventure.  Unlike scary giants, the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is a good giant who blows sweet dreams into the bedroom windows of children as they slumber.  When Sophie learns that a monstrous band of not so nice giants is off to England to gobble up innocent boys and girls, she sets out to stop them once and for all with the help of her new, rather large, friend.


If you grew up enjoying Hanna-Barbara cartoons on Saturday morning television like I did, this heart warming animated movie will bring back memories of those types of cartoons which aren't as common anymore. Parents can enjoy this cartoon experience with their kids by watching this film together.  Produced by British animation studio Cosgrove Hall, the UK's equivalent of Hanna-Barbara for children's programming, the fantastic world of Roald Dahl comes to life in this classic animated feature about the amazing power of friendship between a little girl and a big-hearted Giant.  My kids really enjoyed spending an evening munching popcorn while watching this family friendly movie on the living room television set with Mom and Dad.

In addition to the re-released movie, the DVD also includes a never-before-seen Roald Dahl documentary.  In the documentary, Roald Dahl talks about several of the well-known books he has written including The BFG, The Witches and Matilda.  It also includes excerpts from these books read by renowned British stage and voiceover actor Sir Michael Hordern.  By purchasing this entertaining movie from Shop PBS you are also supporting PBS ability to provide interesting and informative television programming as the proceeds support America's largest public media enterprise.

PAPERCUTZ publishing graphic novel tie-in to DreamWorks Animations TROLLS movie

Our family really enjoys the children's focused comic books and graphic novels created by Papercutz, so we were excited to hear the publisher is going to be producing an ongoing series of graphic novel tie-ins to DreamWorks Animation's feature film Trolls.  Papercutz's first Trolls graphic novel "Hugs and Friends" which will arrive at bookstores on September 27, 2016 is meant to serve as an introduction to the upcoming animated film that will be released at theaters across the United States on November 4th.  Subsequent graphic novels are planned to expand upon the Trolls story following the movie's release.

From the creators of Shrek comes the most smart, funny and irreverent animated comedy of the year, DreamWorks’ Trolls.  This holiday season, enter a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters and discover the story of the overly optimistic Trolls, with a constant song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomach.



Papercutz’s “Hugs & Friends” sets the stage for the movie adventure by asking important questions like Who are the Trolls? Who are the Bergens? Why is there one Troll who isn’t happy like all the other Trolls? And why does this Troll know more about the Bergens than any other Troll?  The answers to these questions appear with "Hugs & Friends" Trolls Volume 1 on September 27th.

"Hugs and Friends" is just the start though notes Papercutz Editor-in-Chief Jim Salcrup.  "While our first graphic novel features the main characters from the film, later volumes will focus on the supporting players of the Trolls world as well," Salcrup mentioned to A Geek Daddy.  "With such a fully developed world being created by the DreamWorks team, we anticipate entertaining fans and telling Trolls stories for a very long time!"

Captain America: Civil War sets a new benchmark for comic book inspired films

If you didn't make it out to the movie theater to see CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR during its opening weekend make sure to see it while you can can on the big screen because it is definitely worth the price of admission.  The brother duo of Anthony and Joe Russo teamed up to co-direct this newest addition to Disney's Marvel super hero inspired film universe which does a stellar job of making the movie's audience feel as if they've actually been immersed into the pages of a comic book as they watch it.  This film is full of epic scenes which are amazing to see on the silver screen and demonstrates that while most motion pictures are easily available within a few months of their theatrical release to watch on dvd or via digital download going to the movies can still be a great experience that can't always be replicated on a television or mobile device screen.

This movie has it all ... a dynamic script that provides a serious dramatic tone to the film, action scenes that are sure to entertain you, special effects that provide a wow factor, plus humorous moments and one liners that cause the whole theater to erupt with laughter.  Captain America: Civil War does a nice job of making its cast of larger than life super hero characters relatable to viewers with its plot themes of loss, fear and revenge and great visual elements that absorb you into their story.  With such a large cast of prominent Marvel super heroes featured in this film, it was a nice spin on things that a lesser known character such as Ant-Man becomes the biggest hero of them all. I really enjoyed the Ant-Man solo movie and am looking forward to its sequel even more after seeing the great role  Scott Lang played in Civil War.  While Captain America and Iron Man are without a doubt the two main characters of the film, the directors really did a nice job of finding screen time and a role in the plot for everyone.

Two new heroes, Spider-Man and Black Panther, are added to the film franchise in Captain America:  Civil War and they really are provided impressive introductions that do their comic book characters justice in how they are portrayed and exceeded the expectations I had going into the movie.  I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming Black Panther solo movie after seeing Chadwick Boseman's performance as T'Challa the ruler of Wakanda in Civil War, while prior to seeing Captain America it wasn't of that much particular interest to me.  Tom Holland does a nice job of portraying the wise-cracking, teen age side of Spider-Man from the comic books that hasn't been highlighted as much in previous film versions of the character while his Aunt May goes in another direction not being a grey haired elderly lady in this new take on Peter Parker's adventures.

While the first two Avengers movies were great when it came to action scenes, special effects, and comedic scenes, Captain America: Civil War creates a new benchmark for the quality of a comic book inspired movie by incorporating a nice script with a plot that adds a sense of drama to the movie while also including all the elements that have made the Avengers movies incredibly enjoyable to watch.  Yes there are some plot flaws and other aspects of the film that make it far from perfect but this is an action movie not a documentary and it fulfills its mission of transporting its audience away from the reality of their own lives and entertaining them within one filled with super heroes that awe and amaze.  The tension between Captain America and Iron Man's feud leaves you on the edge of your seat while Ant-Man and Spider-Man provide comic relief that breaks the tension of the serious elements of the movie's plot.  The CGI effects continue to be very well done with one particular scene standing out in which a 20-year old Robert Downey Jr. appears on screen alongside his modern day self.  Watching theses special effects it really appears as if Iron Man is flying through the sky or Vision is walking through someone which is a big part of what makes watching these takes on Marvel's comic books so fun. Heading to see this movie, I had reservations about whether this movie could continue the momentum of the last two Avengers movies and was pleasantly surprised to leave the theater considering this my favorite film in the Marvel cinematic universe yet.

Captain America: Civil War follows the aftermath of the incidents in Avengers: Age of Ultron where the European nation of Sokovia was devastated with death and destruction by the conflict that occurred in that film.  Combined with the civilian death toll from incidents involving the Avengers in the original Avengers movie and in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the world has become afraid of this team of super powered individuals led by Steve Rogers (Captain America).  The countries of the world come together to sign a treaty called the Sokovia Accords which would have the United Nations oversee and direct the team.  The new status quo fractures the Avengers resulting in two camps, one led by Captain America and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference and the other following Tony Stark's decision to support government oversight and accountability.

This movie absolutely did not "stank" and you'll want to keep an eye out for comic book publishing icon Stan Lee's appearance in this film which is one of his best movie cameos yet.  Also stick around after the movie ends for a special post-credit teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man movie.  Captain America: Civil War gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because I frankly thoroughly enjoyed the movie theater viewing experience and am looking forward to adding it to my home video library when it arrives on blu-ray and dvd later this year.  This is one of those movies though you really should make an effort to see on the big screen to enjoy the expansive battle scenes as you won't regret going to the theater to see it.

For more information about the movie, visit Marvel.com/CaptainAmerica

A Geek Daddy was invited to a free screening of this movie by Walt Disney Studios.  Opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI

Looking for a motion picture the whole family can enjoy for a movie night?  According to the Dove Foundation which reviews movies regarding age-appropriate content for children to help parents select films to view that are family-friendly, AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI is a show worth checking out as it has received the "Dove Family-Approved Seal."  The Dove Foundation notes "If you like a good story and animals, this is the movie for you!"

AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI is now available from Anchor Bay Entertainment to purchase on DVD or via Digital HD.  My kids always enjoy movies set in far off locations featuring wild animals so they are really excited about seeing this motion picture.  To share their excitement, A Geek Daddy has a  dvd of the movie to give away.

UPDATE:  Congrats to our giveaway winners - Hazell P. from Miami, Florida; John R. from Chicago, Illinois & Joe N. from Minerva, Ohio

Follow @GeekDad248 & RT for chance to win movie AGAINST THE WILD 2-SURVIVE THE SERENGETI on DVD from @Anchor_Bay #ad pic.twitter.com/mMJGu8L43r

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) May 10, 2016

To be eligible for this giveaway you must follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and retweet our original contest tweet which is embedded above before May 15, 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 to receive AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI on dvd.



For bickering siblings Ryan and Emma it was going to be a fun visit with their dad who is temporarily working in Africa.  But when their small plane crash-lands in the Serengeti, these two suburban kids from America have only each other -- and a Malamute named Chinook -- to rely on.  Their mom (Jeri Ryan of "Star Trek: Voyager" & "Boston Public") is panicked as rescue teams head out in search of the missing children.  Can brother, sister, and one courageous dog learn to conquer their fears and trust each other in the untamed wilderness?  Ashley Dowds ("Scout's Safari") co-stars in an exciting stand-alone family adventure from Richard Boddington, the creator of the original AGAINST THE WILD.  The original AGAINST THE WILD movie released in 2013 is a similar plot to this second film, but was set in the wilderness of Northern Canada.  By the way, Anchor Bay Entertainment will also be throwing in a bonus copy of the original AGAINST THE WILD movie for our giveaway winner along with their AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI dvd.

AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI is available to purchase from Amazon on dvd and on iTunes for Digital HD in addition to being available from other retail outlets.  For more information about the AGAINST THE WILD films, visit anchorbayentertainment.com.

Disclaimer & Rules / FTC Notice:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Anchor Bay 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. A Geek Daddy Blog hosted this contest and blog post based upon Anchor Bay Entertainment providing the prize to the selected winner. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Must be a US resident over 18 years old.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this giveaway as a benefit to our readers. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation for publishing this post but did receive one of the prizes for personal use. Personal information provided to Anchor Bay Entertainment from prize winners will only be used for the purpose of delivering the prize.

Disney is remaking Pete's Dragon

Do you know the first Walt Disney Studios feature film to be released for public distribution on video tape? It was Pete's Dragon which was made available for VHS and Betamax video cassette players in 1980.  This was one of the very few movies my parents ever purchased for our VCR, back in the days when everyone rented movies from video stores because purchasing them was absurdly expensive, and I watched it more times than I can count...so much in fact the cassette tape eventually just wore out.  It was probably a good investment for my parents as we'd gone to the theater so many times to see the movie at my urging.  Compared to today's computer generated imagery Pete's Dragon was very rudimentary yet for it being the late 70's/early 80's the combination of its special effects, Disney animation, and the Apple Dumpling Gang / Escape from Witch Mountain vibe of its live action scenes made it a mesmerizing film for a 6 year old boy to see.  I still remember excitedly stomping around during my elementary school's Halloween parade wearing my bright green and purple Ben Cooper costume of Elliot my mom let me pick out at the Ben Franklin Five & Dime wishing I could fly, breath fire and turn invisible like the dragon in the movie.

Based upon my childhood fondness of Pete's Dragon, it was exciting to find out that Walt Disney Studios is producing a new version of the movie this summer that I'll be able to enjoy with my children who are at the age I was when the original movie was popular.  This new movie is arriving August 12, 2016 to theaters across the United States will be a re-imagined telling of the tale with a modernistic tone to it.  The original film's musical numbers, slap stick comedy, and cartoonish animation will be replaced with stunning imagery, a more sophisticated script and incredible life like special effects within this new incarnation of Pete's Dragon.  Disney has been pretty hush-hush up to now on details of this brand new Pete's Dragon movie but has just recently released a poster, movie stills and a teaser reel.



Pete's Dragon will be rated PG.  It's story revolves around old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) who for years has delighted local children 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 Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott 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.

I hope that my kids find the new Pete's Dragon as magical as the original movie that I enjoyed so much at their age.  For more information, visit movies.disney.com/petes-dragon-2016

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS -- MOVIE GIVEAWAY

THE SCORCH TRIALS, this fall's sequel to 2014's hugely popular THE MAZE RUNNER movie, became available on Blu-ray and DVD December 15th. These two films are based off of the critically acclaimed young-adult series of novels by author James Dashner and the pair have earned a combined total of nearly $600 Million at the global box office. Directed by Wes Ball, these movies feature a charismatic cast including Dylan O'Brien ("Teen Wolf"), Thomas Brodie-Sangster ("Game of Thrones"), Ki Hong Lee ("The Unbreakable Kimmie Shmidt") and Kaya Scodelario ("Skina")depicting a post-apocalyptic dystopian world. Mysteries deepen and stakes are raised in THE SCORCH TRIALS as the Gladers must survive "The Scorch" in this bigger, even more suspenseful and action-packed sequel to THE MAZE RUNNER.

There's more action, more excitement and more spectacular special effects in this thrilling new chapter of the Maze Runner saga.  They may have escaped from the Maze, but Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his fellow Gladers now face a greater challenge: searching for clues about the secret organization known as WCKD which imprisoned them in the glade and forced them to challenge the maze for their chance to escape.  Their journey leads them to the Scorch, a desolate wasteland filled with unimaginable dangers.  The mystery deepens at every turn as the Gladers work together to discover their purpose and battle to survive.


A Geek Daddy is giving away MAZE RUNNER: THE  SCORCH TRIALS Ultimate Fan Edition on Blu-ray to one lucky reader.   For your chance to win the movie complete one or both of the following entries by Wednesday, December 23, 2015 before 11:59 pm EST.  Must be a US resident over 18 years old to win.

UPDATE: Congrats to Chris from Saline, Michigan who won THE SCORCH TRIALS on Blu-ray.

E-MAIL (1 ENTRY)

Follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter. E-mail thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com your name, mailing address, and twitter handle. Must be following our account on Twitter at the time winner is selected to be eligible to win. Email subject line should be SCORCH.

FACE BOOK ( 1 ENTRY )

Visit our Facebook page , LIKE the contest post, and leave a COMMENT telling us about a maze, mystery or puzzle you have solved.

 All valid entries will be assigned a number in the order they are received and one number will be  selected to determine the winner using random.org.  E-mails will only be used to contact the winner and deleted following the selection of a winner.

The limited edition MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS Ultimate Fan Edition on Blu-ray includes an exclusive 24-page printed comic book with two new prequel stories from BOOM! Comics -- one on the character of Teresa and the other a Crank (the zombies who populate the Scorch) backstory.  In addition, two hours of thrilling bonus content, including deleted and extended scenes will take fans further behind-the-scenes of the suspense and action-packed journey through the Scorch.  It also includes Janson's Report which are debriefing videos with Janson, Thomas, Newt, Minho, Frypan and Aris after the conclusion of the events in THE SCORCH TRIALS.  This Blu-ray package also includes an offer for the Maze Runner mobile game with a free "Brenda" runner plus in-game currency.

For more information about the film franchise, visit mazerunnermovies.com

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.  If you win this prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation but did receive a review DVD for the blog and the prize 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. #ScorchInsiders

Return to Middle Earth with THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES on Blu-ray

The epic conclusion to Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson movie trilogy adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien's enduringly popular novel masterpiece #TheHobbit is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.  "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" wraps up the quest of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. The dwarves have reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, but the Company has also unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world.

Are you Brave like Bilbo? One lucky A GEEK DADDY Blog reader who completes The Hobbit quiz below and shares with us how they are Brave like Bilbo will win "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" on Blu-ray courtesy of Warner Home Videos.
Complete the Middle Earth "Brave like Bilbo" Quiz and follow the instructions below before 11:59 pm EST Sunday, April 12, 2015  to earn up to 2 entries (Must be a US resident 18 years and older):

UPDATE: Congrats to Stephan from Studio City, California who won the BRAVE LIKE BILBO contest.

EMAIL (1 ENTRY) - Email thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com with your name, mailing address, and sharing why you are Brave Like Bilbo with subject line BRAVE LIKE BILBO.

FACEBOOK (1 ENTRY) - Leave a comment on this giveaway post sharing why you are Brave like Bilbo and using the hash tag #TheHobbit

In addition to the movie, the Blu-Ray includes lots of special features you'll want to check out:
• New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth Part 3
• Recruiting the Five Armies
• Completing Middle-earth: A Six-Part Saga
• Completing Middle-earth: A Seventeen-Year Journey
• The Last Goodbye: Behind the Scenes
• Music Video
• Trailers

 Disclaimer & Rules:

You must be a US resident to enter over the age of 18. A Geek Daddy Blog will select a random winner on  Monday, April 13, 2015 ( 1 winner will be selected from a random draw of all eligible entries - each submitted entry will be assigned a number and a random number will be drawn to select a winner based upon total entries ).  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Warner Home Video  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. A Geek Daddy Blog hosted this contest and blog post based upon  Warner Home Video providing the prize to the selected winner.  Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this giveaway as a benefit to our readers.  Information for this post was provided by Warner Home Video.  A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation for publishing this post.

Marvel to republish Star Wars Comic Book Adaption of A NEW HOPE with Modernized Coloring

The recent Burger King commercial promoting the return of their YUMBO sandwich which features a restaurant filled with people wearing 1970s era garb is a good reminder how much that decade loved to use yellow, oranges, brown, lime and subdued neon variations in color schemes.  That included the comic book industry and when you go back and look at issues printed in that time period those influences are very clear.  So when Marvel decided to republish in 2015 the super-sized comic book adaption of the Star Wars screen play that it originally printed in 1977 in conjunction with the film's release, it was decided they would keep the artwork and script but ditch the '70's style coloring.

New Coloring (Left) / Original Coloring (Right)

Available on store shelves in May 2015, Roy Thomas and Howard Chaykin's adaption of "A New Hope" will be reprinted as Marvel readers experienced them in 1977 which includes a few scenes that ended up cut out on the editing room floor and left out of the film but were still kept in the comic book and novel publications at that time because of miscommunications between the film studio and its publishing partners.  Well actually there will be two differences between now and then.  First, Chris Sotomayer will be recoloring all the artwork to provide a modern tone to the comic book.  Also, Adi Granov has created a brand new cover for the book.

New STAR WARS cover art

"When Star Wars took the world by storm in 1977, Marvel Comics was right there with exciting comic adaptations and new stories set in a galaxy far, far away," said David Gabriel, Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing in a press release. "With new Star Wars comics being published by Marvel in 2015, we’re proud to look back on this exciting remastered adaptation of the original film, with remastered adaptations of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi coming later in 2015."

Original 1977 Cover Art

So what do you of them taking the disco out of Star Wars?  I like the new coloring, but the original look contributed to the electricity of the times that surrounded the movie's release and created the Star Wars culture of today so I'm torn by Marvel tinkering with it. That being said as long as Marvel keeps the original version available as it is now through various omnibus collections, unlike Lucas who has tried to prevent people from accessing original versions of the Star Wars movies, than this just seems to be a fun variation for new and existing fans to enjoy which I personally think would be an interesting read to pick up.  If you buy a copy in May, share your thoughts on the comic book by tweeting us at @Geeky_Dad and let us know what you think.

We're Celebrating the DVD Release of Guardians of the Galaxy with a Twitter Party

RSVP for the #OwnTheGalaxy Twitter Party 12/8

This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser

To celebrate the Tuesday, December 9th release of Guardians of the Galaxy on Blu-Ray/DVD/HD Digital, A GEEK DADDY is going to be co-hosting a Twitter Party.  Join us for the #OwnTheGalaxy Twitter Party on Monday, December 8th @ 8pm EST as we talk about the movie and all the great bonus features available on the Blu-Ray/DVD/HD Combo pack that is available at Walmart.  Plus party attendees will have the chance to win one of five $100 Walmart Gift Cards we'll be giving out as prizes during the event.  There will also be a $50 Walmart Gift Card Early Bird Prize that will be selected from everyone who RSVP's and tweets a specially designated tweet before the start of the party.

One of the things I especially appreciate about Guardians of the Galaxy and why our family is excited about adding it to our home entertainment library is that it is an original movie for a new generation to enjoy rather than a remake or sequel to a past movie.  The film is an adaptation of a lesser known Marvel comic book so for many people this is their first introduction to the characters and settings.  It is so nice to see some real originality and creativity in a movie and I really believe this is what has elevated the movie to be such a popular hit.

Join us on December 8th to share your thoughts about Guardians of the Galaxy and discuss why you really want to bring it home for your family to enjoy.  CLICK HERE for more information on the rules for the party and to RSVP for it.  On the night of the party, join in by using the  Collective Bias party grid or search for the hashtag #OwnTheGalaxy on Twitter.  I'd also encourage you to follow my party co-hosts: @Guardians, @blm03, @mausekindmom, @ReviewDadMedia, @MattDanTodd & tsue1136.  I'll be participating using my personal twitter account @Geekdad248 instead of the blog's account @Geeky_Dad.

Here are a few fun tidbits about Guardians of the Galaxy to help you get in the mood for the Twitter party and you may want to keep an eye out for as trivia questions during the #OwnTheGalaxy event:

• The movie's soundtrack album "Awesome Mix, Vol. 1" reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, the first film soundtrack to ever reach number one without a single original song.
• Vin Diesel recorded all of his "I am Groot" lines in several different languages, including Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French so that they could use his real voice in the film around the world.  He recorded the character's iconic line over 1,000 times.
• Chris Pratt lost 60 pounds to portray the Star Lord character.  He is known for playing the part of Andy Dwyer on the NBC television series Parks & Recreation.  He will have a key role in the upcoming movie Jurassic World.
• Peter Quill's space ship in the movie is named The Milano after Alyssa Milano because the movie's director decided Quill had a childhood crush on her when developing the character's background and personality.
• Rocket Racoon was modeled after a real life racoon named Oreo.  Bradley Cooper who voiced Rocket Racoon cited Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci's character in the 1990 movie Goodfellas) as his influence for portraying the popular Guardians character.
• To prepare for the role of Nebula, actress  Karen Gillan actually shaved her head.
• Stan Lee has made a cameo in all of the Marvel movies, including the animated Big Hero Six, and was originally featured in Guardians as one of the Collector's boxed trophies giving Groot the middle finger.  Disney executives didn't like that and has the Director, James Gunn, change it to Stan Lee being an alien Casanova.
• The Collector's residence in the movie is a space station called Knowhere.  In the comic books, Knowhere is the base of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

For more fun trivia and a lively discussion about the movie, please make sure to join us for the #OwnTheGalaxy Twitter Party on December 8th (8pm EST).

George Lucas Hasn't Retired Just Yet ... New Movie Coming to Theaters January 23, 2015

George Lucas may have handed over the reins to the Star Wars universe to Disney but he hasn't completely retired from the movie business just yet.  A brand new film scripted and produced by Lucas is hitting movie theaters on January 23, 2015.  STRANGE MAGIC is a zany fairy tale of a musical inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Popular songs from the last six decades will be spun into a tale that features goblins, elves, and fairies embarking on misadventures in a battle to win control of a powerful potion.  Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic is providing the animation and visual effects for a story written by George Lucas with Disney's Touchstone Pictures production company distributing and marketing the movie. 

Check out this trailer for Strange Magic:

This movie appears to be a family focused movie more in the vein of DreamWorks flicks like Shrek and Rise of the Guardians then the format of Disney / Pixar animated movies.  Interestingly, Touchstone Pictures distributes the live action movies created by DreamWorks while 20th Century Fox distributes the animated family focused movies.  With rumors that DreamWorks Studios may be up for sale could this be a test to see how well their animated movie format plays under the Touchstone banner if it were to join the Disney family of companies?

Anyhow if you are looking for a movie to take the kids to go see for a family outing in January you may want to keep this movie on your radar screen.  For more information, visit the movie's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/StrangeMagic

Little Girls will be Thrilled - Disney bringing Live Action Cinderella Movie to the Silver Screen in March of 2015

Ever since my daughter watched Disney's classic animated movie Cinderella for the first time, she has been totally enamored with this fairy tale princess.  She tells everyone the highlight of her life (all five years of it so far) has been being able to meet Cinderella at DisneyLand.  In fact, when she had the chance to meet Cinderella she proudly showed off the t-shirt she was wearing with the character's portrait vibrantly displayed on it and exclaimed "I'm your biggest fan!"  So you know she's going to be excited when a brand new Cinderella movie sashays into theaters on March 13, 2015.

Cinderella will be directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh (THOR, HAMLET) and star Lily James (DOWNTOWN ABBEY) as Cinderella, Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett (BLUE JASMINE, ELIZABETH) as the evil stepmother, Richard Madden (GAME OF THRONES) as Prince Charming and Academy Award nominee Helena Bonham Carter (THE KINGS SPEECH, ALICE IN WONDERLAND) as the fairy godmother.  The movie's producers are promising this live action feature film will bring to life the timeless images from Disney's 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

Check out this trailer from the upcoming movie:

You know I'd be the worst dad in the world if I didn't take my little princess to see this new adaption of Cinderella.  After watching the animated Disney version of this fairy tale with my daughter more times then I can count, something new that she'll enjoy is definitely going to be appreciated in our household.  Fortunately from the looks of the trailer this movie appears to be actually a decent film to watch for both the princesses and the parents in the audience.

So the question is will my son want to go along to see the new #Cinderella movie theater?  I'm not sure though he does appear to be plotting something with Anastasia, Drisella and Lady Tremaine?

For more information about the movie, visit movies.disney.com/cinderella/

Disney Channel Hosts Fall Fairy Festival

My daughter is a big fan of Tinker Bell but she doesn't identify the character from the Peter Pan story but rather from a series of straight to DVD movies that Disney has released over the last few years.  There are six Disney Fairies animated movies out, with a seventh being released on March 3, 2015, that feature the character Tinker Bell and her fairy friends from the land of Pixie Hollow.  This isn't the mean-spirited sprite as portrayed in Disney's 1953 animated film Peter Pan who really wasn't that nice but rather a kinder gentler likeable version that is easier for audience to embrace as a loveable character.  I have to say that not only does my daughter love watching these films, but our whole family finds them enjoyable to watch together with their top notch animation, excellent musical soundtracks, and interesting stories.  Any of these movies would be a great selection for a family movie night.

If you haven't seen the Disney Fairy movies or would like to see one or all of them again, you are in luck this week as they will all be shown on cable television.  The Disney Channel is hosting a Fall Fairy Festival from November 10-13, 2014 showing these movies in the evening throughout the week.

MONDAY - NOVEMBER 10 @ 8 PM: TINKER BELL (2008)
Young fairy Tinker Bell causes chaos in Pixie Hallow when she rejects her predestined occupation as a fixer of broken objects and tries to learn a new trade instead.

TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 11 @ 6:30 PM: THE PIRATE FAIRY (2014)
Tinker Bell and her friends go in search of a wayward fairy who fled Pixie Hollow and joined up with a band of scheming pirates led by the future Captain Hook.

TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 11 @ 8 PM: TINKER BELL & THE LOST TREASURE (2009)
Tinker Bell journeys to save a Pixie Dust Tree.

WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 12 @ 8 PM: THE GREAT FAIRY RESCUE (2010)
Tinker Bell and her fairy rival strive to keep secret from humans the very existence of fairies.

THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 13 @ 8PM:  SECRET OF THE WINGS (2012)
Tinker Bell and her friends venture into the winter woods to find the secret of fairy wings.

A sixth movie the Pixie Hollow Games (2013) isn't being broadcast as part of Disney Channel Fall Fairy Festival and a seventh movie Legend of the NeverBeast is coming out in 2015.

For more information regarding anything Disney Fairies related visit: www.fairies.disney.com

As we all know kids spend too much time watching television, so I'd encourage you to also check out a great line of comics published by PAPERCUTZ if your children appreciate Disney Fairies. This company has published graphic novel portrayals of many of the Disney Fairies movies plus other comic books containing brand new stories of unique adventures featuring Tinker Bell and her friends.  CLICK HERE for a preview of the PAPERCUTZ Disney Fairies collection.  We have a few of these graphic novels and my daughter cherishes them. They are very nice to take along on a trip, reading on a rainy day or bedtime stories. 

A Geek Daddy Blog gives a nod of approval to both the Disney Fairy animated movies and the PAPERCUTZ comic books as both are very well done family friendly entertainment options.

Enjoy the Halloween Season - Take the Family to THE BOOK OF LIFE at the Movie Theater

I've been enjoying watching the new breakout hit television show THE STRAIN by filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro on the cable channel FX the last few weeks which is a really edge of your seat drama that is for vampires what THE WALKING DEAD is for zombies.  The Strain is way to gory and intense for children to view but Guillermo Del Toro has also produced a new animated feature film that will begin playing at movie theaters on October 17th just in time for Halloween called THE BOOK OF LIFE that is an animated movie you can be comfortable taking the family to for a spooky good time.

THE BOOK OF LIFE (rated PG) is a vibrant fantasy-adventure telling the legend of Manolo, a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets of on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to rescue his one true love and defend his village.  This movie directed by Jorge Guttierrez features the voices of Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Ice Cube, and Danny Trejo.

UPDATE:  STEPHANIE G. from Dover, Arkansas is the winner of our THE BOOK OF LIFE Giveaway. Congrats Stephanie!

To promote the theatrical release of THE BOOK OF LIFE we have been given a prize pack from the movie to provide one luck A GEEK DADDY blog reader.  The prize consists of a $25 VISA gift card to use towards taking your family to go see THE BOOK OF LIFE and a mini guitar and keepsake box from Cost Plus World Market.

To enter to win this prize pack:

ENTRY #1:  E-mail thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com your name and mailing address with the subject line THE BOOK OF LIFE.

ENTRY # 2:  For a second entry follow A GEEK DADDY BLOG on Google+.  Your Google+ account name must be included in your ENTRY #1 e-mail  for your second entry to count.

All valid entries will be assigned a number and one random entry will be chosen to receive the  prize pack. You must be a US resident to enter over the age of 18.  For a chance to win submit your entries before Sunday, October 12, 2014 @ 11:59pm EST.  A random winner will be selected on Monday, October  13. A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Big Honcho Media is responsible for providing the prize and its delivery to the winner.  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.  Only one entrant per mailing address per A GEEK DADDY BLOG giveaway.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.  P.O. Boxes are not allowed as mailing addresses for this contest.  E-mail addresses will only be used to notify the winner and will be deleted at the conclusion of this promotion.

While you are waiting for THE BOOK OF LIFE to hit theaters enjoy some free movie themed mini-games by CLICKING HERE.  Follow @BookofLifeMovie on Twitter and share with everyone your high score.

 

For more information about the movie, visit www.bookoflifemovie.com

If you don't win the prize pack, the items included in it are available for purchase on Cost Plus World Market's website and at its stores.  Cost Plus World Market has several exclusive THE BOOK OF LIFE toys inspired by the film available online and at stores including a colorful Tin Keepsake Box, Guitar, Maracas, Manolo Rubber Duck Bath Toy, and Kaleidoscope.

DISCLAIMER:  In addition to awarding a prize pack to the winner of this contest, Big Honcho Media also provided A GEEK DADDY Blog with a prize pack as part of the blog's participation in this promotion.