READY OR NOT 2 MOVIE REVIEW

Ready or Not 2 manages the rare feat of being a sequel that honors the chaotic spirit of the original while expanding its wicked mythology in unexpected directions. Picking up with Grace, who is now a hardened survivor of the Le Domas family’s ritualistic madness, the film flips the script by placing her back in the crosshairs of a different, yet equally deranged, high-society cult. Samara Weaving returns with her trademark blend of feral desperation and dry wit, proving once again that she is the ultimate modern final girl. The action is punchier, the stakes feel more global, and the dark humor is as sharp as a sacrificial dagger.

The sequel’s greatest strength lies in its world-building, which avoids the trap of simply repeating the "hide and seek" gimmick. Instead, it dives deeper into the supernatural pacts that govern the world’s elite, introducing a fresh gallery of aristocratic monsters who are as bumbling as they are lethal. The cinematography shifts from the claustrophobic corridors of a single mansion to a sprawling, gothic estate that feels like a character itself, dripping with atmosphere and inventive deathtraps. While the first film was a tight survival thriller, this installment leans harder into the "splatstick" horror-comedy genre, delivering gore that is both shocking and hilariously over-the-top.

By the time the explosive finale rolls around, Ready or Not 2 cements itself as a rare follow-up that might actually surpass the original for some fans. It’s a cynical, bloody, and riotously fun critique of inherited wealth that never takes itself too seriously. Even as the body count rises and the plot takes a turn for the truly bizarre, the movie stays grounded in Grace’s sheer will to survive. It’s a relentless adrenaline-fueled ride that leaves the door cracked just enough for more mayhem, making it a must-watch for anyone who likes their horror served with a side of pitch-black irony.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is available now on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Movies Anywhere and Fandango @ Home. The home video release on Blu-ray and DVD will be June 16, 2026. This horror flick is rated R by the Motion Picture Association [MPA].

Thank you to Walt Disney Studios for providing a complimentary Movies Anywhere code for READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME to use for my movie geek horror flick review. This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

TWISTERS WHIRLS ONTO DIGITAL PLATFORMS

Chase. Ride. Survive. Brace yourself for a wild ride into the eye of the storm, this time from the comfort of your home. As the chase of the summer continues to unfold in theaters, TWISTERS is now available exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. This summer blockbuster that is following the path of 1996's hit motion picture TWISTER has earned a Certified Fresh designation on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, becoming the best opening ever for a Hollywood disaster film. TWISTERS is an adrenaline-pumping, thrilling experience that puts you in direct contact with one of nature’s most destructive forces. When adding this flick to your home entertainment video library it includes, in addition to the feature presentation, a never-before-seen gag reel and deleted scenes, when you purchase from participating retailers nationwide including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Microsoft Movies & TV. TWISTERS is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] for intense action and peril, some language and injury images.

Starting August 13, 2024 buying or renting on Digital is the only way to watch TWISTERS at home while the movie is still in theaters. And a lucky Geek Daddy reader will be able to add TWISTERS to their home entertainment video library courtesy of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. One lucky participant in this giveaway who submits an eligible entry in the Rafflecopter form below will be selected to receive a Movies Anywhere digital code for TWISTERS. Entries need to be submitted before 11:59 pm ET on August 18, 2024. Must be over 18 years old and a United States resident to participate in this promotion. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Directed by Lee Isaac Chung [Minari], TWISTERS brings back the blockbuster disaster epic with a whirlwind of heart-stopping action and exhilarating thrills. Ever since a devastating tornado encounter, Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) gave up chasing storms across the Oklahoma prairie to safely study them on screens in New York City. Lured back to the field by her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) and a once-in-a-lifetime scientific opportunity, Kate crosses paths with Tyler (Glen Powell), a charming daredevil and self-proclaimed tornado wrangler whose thirst for tornado-tracking adventures made him a social media sensation. As storm season intensifies with terrifying phenomena unlike anything seen before, Kate and Tyler realize they may need to work together if they are to have any chance of taming, and surviving, an unprecedented outbreak of destructive tornados.

ALIEN INVASION COMING TO HULU

The next chapter in the ALIEN saga is blasting off at movie theaters on August 16 with the release of ALIEN: ROMULUS. Space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe while scavenging a derelict space station in this sci-fi flick. Before heading to see this movie on the big screen catch up on all the previous action in the ALIEN science fiction franchise by binge watching "Alien," "Aliens," "Alien 3," "Alien Resurrection," "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant" which are all now streaming on Hulu. Also Hulu will be streaming the featurette "Alien: Romulus Special Look" starting August 16. Enjoy an ALIEN movie marathon this month!

ALIEN (1979) In deep space, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The terror begins when the crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship. An organism from inside an egg leaps out and attaches itself to one of the crew, causing him to fall into a coma.

ALIENS (1986) After floating in space for 57 years, Lt. Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) shuttle is found by a deep space salvage team. Upon arriving at LV-426, the marines find only one survivor, a nine year old girl named Newt (Carrie Henn). But even these battle-hardened marines with all the latest weaponry are no match for the hundreds of aliens that have invaded the colony.

ALIEN RESURRECTION (1997) The saga continues 200 years after Ripley sacrificed herself for the sake of humanity. Her erstwhile employers long gone, this time it is the military that resurrects the one-woman killing machine through genetic cloning to extract the alien from within her, but during the process her DNA is fused with the queen and then the aliens escape. Now Ripley must decide where her allegiance lies.

ALIEN 3 (2011) Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is the only survivor when she crash lands on Fiorina 161, a bleak wasteland inhabited by former inmates of the planet's maximum security prison. Once again, Ripley must face skepticism and the alien as it hunts down the prisoners and guards. Without weapons or modern technology of any kind, Ripley leads the men into battle against the terrifying creature.

PROMETHEUS (2012) The discovery of a clue to mankind's origins on Earth leads a team of explorers to the darkest parts of the universe. Two brilliant young scientists lead the expedition. Shaw (Noomi Rapace) hopes that they will meet a race of benevolent, godlike beings who will in some way verify her religious beliefs, while Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) is out to debunk any spiritual notions. However, neither the scientists nor their shipmates are prepared for the unimaginable terrors that await them.

ALIEN: COVENANT (2017) Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, members (Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup) of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think to be an uncharted paradise. While there, they meet David (Michael Fassbender), the synthetic survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition. The mysterious world soon turns dark and dangerous when a hostile alien life-form forces the crew into a deadly fight for survival.

MONSTER HIGH 2

Follow best friends Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura , and Frankie Stein into their sophomore year at Monster High in the brand - new movie Monster High 2 from Nickelodeon. Available now on DVD at Amazon. This live - action movie musical provides original songs and fang-tastic characters in a spook-tacular adventure. 

Sophomore year brews lots of changes for Monster High. The power of three is put to the test as Clawdeen, Draculaura, and Frankie face monstrous challenges this year – new students, new powers, evolving friendships, and a mysterious threat that could not only tear their friendship apart, but also change the world forever.

Make viewing Monsters High 2 extra sweet by snacking on these Eyeball Cake Pops while enjoying the movie!

Bonus content along with the movie on the Monsters High 2 DVD include:

• Original Songs From The Movie: "My Heart Goes Boom Boom Boom" Official Lyric Video + "You Don’t Know" Official Lyric Video;
• Making Of Monster High 2 featurette;
• Monster High 2 Character Breakdown featurette;
• Monster High 2 Star Journey featurette.

This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

LOKI THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON COMING TO HOME VIDEO

Fans of the Disney+ show Marvel Studios' Loki are sure to be geeked! Loki: The Complete First Season is being released September 26, 2023 on Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD discs. All the episodes that originally streamed on Disney+ featuring the Asgardian anti-hero will be available to add to your home entertainment video library just as Loki Season 2 begins.

And you can't have a home video release without bonus features! Loki: The Complete First Season has a bunch of extra content to compliment the series' shows. Features include: 

• Designing the TVA – Step into the incredible set of Loki Season 1 with Production Designer, Kasra Farahani, and Tom Hiddleston while getting a sneak peek into Season 2. 
• The Official TVA Orientation Video – Miss Minutes explains the inner workings of the TVA timeline in her orientation video. 
• Gag Reel – Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Loki Season 1. 
• Deleted Scene: Loki’s Coronation – Mobius reviews some moments from Loki’s timeline, in which Frog Thor makes an appearance during Loki’s coronation.
•  Deleted Scene: The Standoff – Loki holds Sylvie hostage against the TVA in a standoff. 
• Assembled: The Making of Loki – Loki explores the series centering on the MCU’s chief mischief maker.

Marvel Studios’ Loki features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow. Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, this action-packed, time-defying thriller stars Tom Hiddleston as the title characters with Owen Wilson as agent Mobius.

PERCY JACKSON SHOW COMING TO DISNEY PLUS STREAMING SERVICE

My son has read all of author Rick Riordan's adventure novels so he is geeked that a brand new PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS show is coming to Disney+. Based on the best-selling book series that has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS will debut with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 on Disney+, followed by new episodes weekly. Riordan has worked closely with the creative team and showrunners Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz to help deliver a series that stays true to his vision for the heroic characters featured in his Percy Jackson books. The first two episodes are co-written by Riordan and Steinberg.

The series stars Walker Scobell (“Percy Jackson”), Leah Sava Jeffries (“Annabeth Chase”), Aryan Simhadri (“Grover Underwood") and features notable guest stars Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hermes”), Megan Mullally (“Alecto” aka “Mrs. Dodds”), Toby Stephens ("Poseidon"), Virginia Kull (“Sally Jackson”), Jason Mantzoukas (“Dionysus” aka “Mr. D”), Jay Duplass (“Hades”), Glynn Turman (“Chiron” aka “Mr. Brunner”), the late Lance Reddick ("Zeus"), Adam Copeland (“Ares”), Charlie Bushnell (“Luke Castellan”), Dior Goodjohn (“Clarisse La Rue”), Jessica Parker Kennedy (“Medusa”), Olivea Morton (“Nancy Bobofit”), Suzanne Cryer (“Echidna”), Timm Sharp (“Gabe Ugliano”), Timothy Omundson (“Hephaestus”).

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who's just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god, Zeus, accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.

PREDATOR VERSUS WOLVERINE COMIC BOOK

One of my favorite movies is a bad ass film featuring Jesse Ventura, Carl Weathers and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the prey of an alien visiting Earth to do some big game hunting in the jungles of Central America. PREDATOR is one of those movies that I never get sick of watching over and over again. In fact, my nickname for my son is Dutch, after one of my favorite movie characters...well that and when his twin sister as a toddler tried to say his name it sounded like that. Unfortunately, the sequel movies following PREDATOR have pretty much been busts. 

So, some recent news from Marvel Comics has me geeked! PREDATOR happened to hit movie theaters around the time when I was most interested in reading X-Men comic books during my middle school years. Now the Predator is returning to our planet to hunt Wolverine in a four issue mini-series debuting in September. I'm absolutely adding PREDATOR VERSUS WOLVERINE to my pull list at the local comic book shop!

Marvel's official synopsis of this mini-series reads:

THE THRILL IS THE KILL! The bloodthirsty saga you’ve been waiting for! Wolverine has lived one of the longest and most storied lives in Marvel Comics history. Now witness the untold greatest battles of Logan’s life—against a Predator! One Yautja seeks the greatest prey in existence—and finds it in Weapon X. From the blood-ridden snows of the Canadian wilderness to the sword-slinging streets of Madripor, Wolverine and a Predator break everything in their paths on their way to the ultimate victory…or glorious death. Superstar writer Benjamin Percy brings the bloodiest hunters in all pop culture to their knees!

Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox Studios has given the House of Mouse the rights to the PREDATOR movie franchise which also carries over to Marvel Comics. A perfect scenario for setting up a duel with two fearsome characters that had never matched up before due to copyrights being owned by competing companies. Are you excited about the first issue of the PREDATOR VS WOLVERINE mini-series arriving on comic book shop shelves Wednesday, September 20, 2023? I'm circling that new comic book day on my calendar! 

"I'm not going to say I was born to write this crossover ... but sometimes the universe reveals why you were created," Benjamin Percy commented to ageekdaddy.com while hyping these upcoming Marvel comic books. "I am a child of the eighties. I cannot tell you how many times I watched 'Predator,' just as I cannot tell you how many Wolverine comics I have read, because that would be like telling you how many breaths I've taken or cheeseburgers I've eaten."

"This epic hunt will span decades, as both of these giants learn and harden and grow deadlier with time," added Percy. "Neither will have time to bleed, but you better make time to read, because I'm putting everything I've got into this event, and I'm thrilled to join forces with some of the best artists in the business."

Percy is being joined in bringing his story to life by artists Greg Land and Andrea DiVito who will compliment his script with their illustrations. PREDATOR VERSUS WOLVERINE #1 will be 44 pages and priced $7.99. Check it out on September 20th! 

TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

What paths untraveled would you like to explore during your days on this Earth? There are so many adventures that I dream of going on. From going on a trek through the African savanna to hiking through Europe to visit castles, I have wanderlust to do some globetrotting. This month I've shared on Instagram and Twitter bucket list destinations that would be a dream vacay for me and will be continuing to post travel themed social media posts throughout the remainder of the year.

These vacations aren't about luxury and pampering, but rather creating experiences that provide life-long memories and let me step away from the daily stresses of life to casually experience exotic destinations. That could be as simple as wandering around a historic farmer's market in Croatia to taking a motorcycle ride through the palm groves of Morocco to riding a Zebra in Nevada. What is on your travel bucket list?

Throughout the remainder of the year this travel geek will be sharing tips on transforming vacation bucket lists from dreams to realities. Follow @Geekdad248 on Instagram and Twitter for these travel bucket list tips. I'm geeked to be sharing them with you!

Dolac Farmer’s Market in Zagreb, Croatia is a treasure trove of fresh culinary treats from nearby villages and farms, not to be missed! @Croatia_hr #TravelBucketList #Day4 #Dolac #FarmersMarket pic.twitter.com/4nNaO3elZL

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) January 5, 2022

 

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TY CHRISTMAS BEANIE BABIES

Have you been shopping for holiday gifts and finding lots of toys out of stock? It is not just a news headline or marketing ploy, the pandemic has significantly turned things upside down when it comes to supply chains and retailers are struggling to have stock available for customers. If you are having a hard time shopping for presents this year here is a tip ... you shouldn't have a problem getting your hands on Christmas themed Ty Beanie Babies as long as you aren't a Howard Langston and wait til December 24th to do your shopping.

Ty Warner, owner of the largest manufacturer of soft toys in the world, has arraigned for more than 150 air shipment flights from manufacturing facilities in Asia to the company's American distribution center in Chicago, Illinois since October. That means that Christmas themed Ty Beanie Babies are in stock and as an extra bonus aren't being affected by any price increases this year. While you may have trouble finding toys at the giant retailers, you can find Beanie Babies and Beanie Boos at smaller neighborhood book, toy, drug and grocery stores or by visiting shop.ty.com.

Ty’s 2021 Christmas line includes Howlidays dog with hat ($5.99) and Brie Christmas mouse ($4.99). Other holiday themed Beanie Babies available this year include Fudge the Christmas Reindeer, Cheer the Penguin, and Snowfall the White Unicorn. My daughter loves Beanie Babies so I'm geeked to know that families will be able to find them this holiday season and in this time of inflation with ZERO price increases. Just the news you want to hear in the nick of TYme for the holidays.

A NEW CAR OR NOT? IS A SECOND HAND CAR REALLY OK?

Purchasing a car that is second hand is just fine. As is buying a car at full price. It depends on your budget and your desires. Some of us really want to drive a GMC Sierra 1500 sports utility vehicle for example and others may want to buy a pick-up truck. It is important to know that buying second hand does come with some benefits, so let’s take a look at why buying used may not be a bad deal. 

 A lower purchase price 

The first thing that probably comes to mind when thinking of buying a used car is a lower purchase price. And you're right, that financial reason alone may be enough to motivate you to buy a used vehicle. If you are on a tight budget or don't plan on investing a hell of a lot of money in a car, then buy second-hand. The purchase price is really more affordable compared to new vehicles. 

A wide range of offers 

The second-hand market has been booming for several years. The used vehicle market has a very diversified mix of availability. We see vehicles of all brands, from the most recent to the oldest and from the lowest mileage to the most worn. Devote some time to search with the criteria and characteristics desired and will most likely find something that will interest you. 

Low damping 

It is common knowledge that cars depreciate. When you buy a new car, it can lose half of its value within three years of buying it. Even though cars last a long time, the depreciation cost can be quite high with a new car. However, by buying a used car the impact of depreciation on your purchase is much less. 

An opportunity to get a good deal 

It is not uncommon to acquire good used cars in the market. Some people for example can sell their vehicle in very good condition due to financial problems. Others like having new cars and you can get those lease turn-ins or dealer trade-ins on vehicles that are in great condition plus substantially discounted from their original sticker prices. 

However, you must be careful when shopping! Do not hesitate to compare the different costs (price of the car, replacement cost of certain worn parts, etc.). If you can have an independent mechanic look it over before buying a used car that can give piece of mind that you aren't buying a lemon. 

More affordable insurance 

As you probably already know, insurance for used cars is lower than for new cars. In addition, some coverage options may not be mandatory for second hand vehicles. These include, among others, “all risks” or “collision risk”. 

A possibility of negotiation 

Prices are not necessarily fixed in the used car market. It's not like the new dealership. It is always possible to negotiate the prices and in addition, the fact that the car itself is second-hand is already a good argument. It is common to find small flaws and mundane (or not) imperfections in these cars. This will help you gain some leeway for negotiation with the seller. As long as you don't look too much and won't settle for anything less than a faultless car there is sure to be a used car that fits your needs and budget. 

Availability upon purchase 

If you are eager to get your hands on the keys and drive away this can be an argument for buying a used car. The availability is immediate, no long waiting times for delivery as many new car dealers these days have vehicles on back order rather than waiting for you on their lot. 

STAR TREK A CELEBRATION

Today marks the date Star Trek debuted in the United States. It first aired broadcast by NBC on September 8, 1966. Creator Gene Roddenberry aimed to take the Western genre that was popular that time and transport those stories to a Sci-Fi themed outer space setting. Launching way before Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, more than fifty years later that original tv series has led Science Fiction to overtaking Westerns in popularity, has a diehard fan base, and inspired numerous television shows and movies that continue the mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise "to explore strange, new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before."

STAR TREK A CELEBRATION published by Hero Collector, the publishing division of Eaglemoss Collections which is known for crafting highly detailed science fiction themed models, toys and collectibles, is the definitive guide to the making of the original Star Trek television show. This 255 page hardcover table top book features cast and crew interviews, never before seen art and sketches, and more! It is a comprehensive collection of information and imagery that any Star Trek fan will be geeked to read through.

To celebrate Star Trek Day, courtesy of a Geek Daddy's friends at Hero Collector, this blog has one of these FAN-tastic books to give away to one lucky fan of our blog. For a chance to win it, just complete the Rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, September 12. One randomly selected entrant will receive the prize. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

STAR TREK A CELEBRATION has extensive character profiles both on the crew members featured in the pilot for the show such as Captain Pike and Dr. Boyce to the cast we all know and love from the series that made it onto NBC and into syndication including Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura. Who is your favorite Star Trek character from the original series? Mine is that indispensable engineer Mr. Scott who was a miracle worker at getting the starship out of danger in just the nick of time.

I'm always excited by blueprints and diagrams of sci-fi space ships and this book doesn't disappoint in that regard. There is a tremendous section full of artwork depicting the design of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Ever heard of Jefferies Tubes? These are what access corridors used for doing maintenance on Federation starships are called in the movies and tv series that follow the original Star Trek. They are named after Walter Jefferies who designed sets and props for the original Star Trek episodes. This chapter is complimented by commentary by Jeffries himself on his designing the Starship Enterprise. Awesome!

There are also sections of the book devoted to show props like the communicator that inspired today's wireless phones, the art department that made strange new worlds come alive on television screens, and the costume designers that dressed characters to reflect the clothing worn in this futuristic science fiction voyage. The book even has a chapter that shows some of the magic that went into creating the special effects done by the show's VFX department.

STAR TREK CELEBRATION is chock full of behind the scenes pictures, imagery from episodes, and insights by cast and crew about the series' production. I was just wowed by this book. It absolutely earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval for allowing Star Trek fans to become totally immersed within the creation of this pop culture sensation.

For more information about the book or to purchase one for yourself head at warp speed over to herocollector.com

Warner Bros Home Entertainment provided a complimentary Blu-ray of Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal: The Complete First Season

Nothing beats the bond with man's best friend. Though in Genndy Tartakovsky's animated television series Primal that relationship isn't between a man and his dog but rather a caveman and a dinosaur.  This Adult Swim tv show that received 3 Emmy Awards for achievements in animation in recognition of its successful first season on the cable network is now available on Blu-ray and DVD to add to your home entertainment library.

Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal: The Complete First Season transports audiences to prehistoric times and takes them on edge-of-your seat thrilling adventures. The show follows a caveman at the dawn of evolution and a dinosaur on the brink of extinction. Bonded by tragedy this unlikely friendship becomes the only hope for their survival in a violent, primordial world.

The Blu-ray and DVD include all 10 episodes that originally were broadcast on Adult Swim:

1. Spear and Fang

2. River of Snakes

3.A Cold Death

4. Terror Under the Blood Moon

5. Rage of the Ape-Men

6. Scent of Prey

7. Plague of Madness

8.Coven of the Damned

9. The Night Feeder

10. Slave of the Scorpion

Bonus content for this Warner Bros Home Entertainment release includes behind-the-scenes interviews with the talent that brought Primal to life. Travel back in time by binge watching all 10 episodes of the first season of Primal. FYI to the parents out there reading this → Primal is rated TV-MA so you may not want to watch this along with young children.

Buy Primal: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray or DVD utilizing a Geek Daddy affiliate link and this blog will receive a small commission at no additional expense to your purchase. Commissions are reinvested into the blog to provide non-sponsored content to share with you. Your support of ageekdaddy.com is appreciated!

HOOK WATCH ALONG TWITTER PARTY

Join in as families across America watch Steven Spielberg's adaption of Peter Pan, HOOK, during a SONY WATCH ALONG TWITTER PARTY. Stream the movie, now available in 4K Ultra HD, on digital services including Amazon, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu starting at 5pm PST/ 8pm EST on Friday, April 10, 2020.

During the movie @SonyPictures, @Nerdist & this dad blogger's Twitter account @Geekdad248 will be live tweeting. We'll also be joined by special guest @DanteBasco who played Rufio in the movie. Dante Basco will be sharing insider behind-the-scenes details and secrets about the filming of HOOK. Use the hashtag #NerdistFromHome. Hope you'll join in the fun!

Originally released in 1991, HOOK is a high-flying adventure starring Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan and Dustin Hoffman as the infamous Captain Hook. Joining in the fairy tale is Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell, Bob Hoskins as the pirate Smee, and Maggie Smith as Granny Wendy Darling, who must convince the middle-aged lawyer, Peter Banning, that he was once the legendary Peter Pan. And so the adventure begins anew, with Peter off to Neverland to save his two children from Captain Hook. Along the way, he rediscovers the power of imagination, of friendship, and of magic. A classic tale to entertain children of all ages, HOOK was nominated for five  Academy Awards® including best visual effects.

In addition to being available via Digital, HOOK is now out too on a 4K Ultra HD disc from Best Buy. If you purchase it from this affiliate link ageekdaddy.com will receive a small commission at no additional expense to you. Thanks for your support of this dad blogger!



Don't be a lost boy if you participate in this SONY WATCH ALONG TWITTER PARTY, give @Geekdad248 a shout out and say Hi! Hoping to chat with you while having some family movie night fun with Nerdist and Sony Pictures on April 10.

BUTTERBEANS CAFE GIVEAWAY

Show children that cooking can be a fun adventure by enjoying the hit Nick Jr. animated television series Butterbean's Café with them then making some delicious recipes together in the kitchen. Produced by Jonny Belt and Robert Scull, the creators of the popular Bubble Guppies show, Butterbean's Café shares the adventures of a fairy who runs a neighborhood café with her friends. The first season of Butterbean’s Café has had the highest rated launch of a preschool tv series on Nickelodeon's cable network since the debut of ratings giant Paw Patrol and the fairy cooking show is currently one of the top 5 shows among girls ages 2-5.



This dad blogger is sharing some of this show's magic with you through a special ageekdaddy.com giveaway courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment. One lucky winner will receive a Butterbean Fairy Kit that includes a Butterbean Café: Let's Get Cooking DVD, fairy wings and an assortment of other goodies. The DVD includes eight delicious episodes from Season 1 of the animated series and four family-friendly recipes inspired by the show. Butterbean’s Café: Let’s Get Cooking DVD can help you share the magic of cooking with the little ones in your life!

To toss your name in the hat for a chance to win this prize pack just complete the rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. Only one prize pack per residence allowed in this Paramount Home Entertainment promotion. The contest sponsor will be responsible for delivery of the prize to the randomly selected winner. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Butterbeans' Café: Let's Get Cooking is available now on DVD from Best Buy. If you purchase the DVD through a link in this post ageekdaddy.com receives a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting ageekdaddy.com!



In Butterbean’s Café: Let’s Get Cooking kids can help Butterbean outdo Ms. Marmalady with her yummy parfaits and tasty quiche; assist Cricket with her first menu as she learns to pipe icing on cupcakes; see Dazzle run the café herself and switch jobs with Poppy; and bake a little magic with Jasper and help the Bean Team find Cookie the cat!

LEGO DUPLO WORLD

My son and daughter are at that age when they aren't "little kids" anymore but not teens just yet. In their tween aged years, the twins have started to be less interested in toys and more into sports and video games. Yet they both still love LEGO spending hours engaged in construction and imaginative play with the bins of plastic building bricks and mini-figures that we've accumulated over the years.

Their passion for these toys all started with the LEGO DUPLO toy sets we got them as toddlers. Designed specifically for preschoolers 2 to 5 years old, DUPLO bricks are twice the size, height and weight of regular LEGO bricks so that they are easier to handle and safer to play with by young children. Despite the size difference, DUPLO toys are interlinkable with traditional LEGO bricks so that kids can intermingle the two as they grow older. As a parent I like that it takes some skill and patience to put LEGO toy kits together as well as promotes creativity and imagination when playing with them. So I appreciate seeing my kids still enjoying LEGO toys and recognize that their current interest in LEGO was spurred from those first DUPLO sets.

Because of the positive experience that my family has had with DUPLO, I wanted to share the news about the release of a new app for Apple and Android devices from game developer Touch Press' StoryToys brand that is sure to excite parents looking for interesting ways to mutually entertain and educate their children at the same time. LEGO DUPLO WORLD utilizes the highly-regarded Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework to help children achieve key learning goals while having fun being immersed within an interactive digital world based upon LEGO DUPLO toys. Gameplay is specifically designed to help children with the development of spatial awareness, working memory, and early math while they explore open world DUPLO-filled environments.



The first themed world of the game is NUMBER TRAIN which has preschoolers playing around with trains while also engaging in activities that build number identification and counting skills. This level is FREE to play when downloading LEGO DUPLO WORLD from the App Store or Google Play. Additional worlds including WORLD ANIMALS, RESCUE ADVENTURE, and WINTER HOLIDAY can be opened by parents with in-app purchases. Keep reading because I'm hosting a giveaway of some LEGO DUPLO WORLD prize packs that includes a code to unlock some of this additional content.

Managing screen time I am sure is as important to you as it has been for my family. LEGO DUPLO has also released physical toy sets based upon the scenarios in the app to promote real life play that is complimented by the virtual experiences within this game. So parents can limit screen time of the app and kids can continue their imaginative play experiences with physical DUPLO toys. For example there is a real life NUMBER TRAIN toy set based upon the world in the digital game.

To help promote the release of the LEGO DUPLO WORLD app, ageekdaddy.com is hosting a giveaway courtesy of The LEGO Group. This dad blogger is giving away 3 prize packs that include a promo code to unlock additional in-game content within the LEGO DUPLO WORLD digital game as well as a physical LEGO DUPLO Number Train Toy Set. This prize pack has a combined value of approximately $30.

Just complete the rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm on February 16, 2019 for a chance to be our randomly selected winner. Must be a United States or Canadian resident over 18 years old to participate. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LEGO DUPLO NUMBER TRAIN GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

LEGO DUPLO Number Train Set

Introduce STEM toys early with the LEGO DUPLO Number Train. It’s a colorful introduction to numbers and counting. Your toddler will love to build and rebuild this developmental toy, learning early number recognition as they go! This set is the perfect educational gift for little ones and a great introduction to the LEGO STEM sets. With two child DUPLO figures and a cat figure, the set provides endless storytelling and creativity for little minds. If you’re looking for a learning toy or STEM gift, the Number Train is your best bet, and DUPLO bricks are designed to be safe and suitable for little hands.

LEGO DUPLO WORLD Game Credits

LEGO DUPLO WORLD is packed with open-ended play experiences featuring animals, buildings, and exciting vehicles such as trains to inspire your child’s imagination and creativity through learning. Start off with the FREE to play NUMBER TRAIN level than use the promo code provided in this giveaway ($7.99 value) to unlock other themed levels. Players can save the day as a firefighter, explore different environments filled with animals and more when playing this digital game. LEGO DUPLO WORLD sparks creativity while promoting important early life skills. Multi-touch mode allows more than one person to play at the same time so kids can be joined in the gameplay by friends and family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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

BUDSIES FALL ART CONTEST

Our family has had some great experiences with Budsies. This company takes people's drawings and transforms them into impressive plush creations. My kids have dreamed up an alien, dinosaur and a sunglasses wearing sunflower that Budsies has turned into real life toys.



Now Budsies is giving families a chance to win their very own Budsie stuffed animal or doll. Just have a child do a drawing of an original character they create with his or her imagination that fits into the theme "Fairy Tales in Fall." Then post the drawing on Facebook and/or Instagram using the hashtag #BudsiesArtContest2019 and tag @Budsies for a chance to have it made and mailed to you for free. Enter this exact caption with your picture on Budsies' Facebook Wall or your Instagram feed: “Entering @Budsies sweepstakes to bring our art to life as a real stuffed animal #BudsiesArtContest2019.”

One entry per household per social media outlet. So you can enter once on Facebook and once on Instagram. Up to 5 winners selected from all submissions based upon "Best Use of Colors", "Cutest Drawing", "Most Creative Creature", and "Funniest Drawing." Click here for the official rules.

Hurry up and get your entries in! Drawings must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST on October 1, 2019. While you are on Instagram and Facebook, make sure to follow this dad blogger's accounts too! For more information about creating your own unique plush creation go to budsies.com 

HALLOWEEN COMICS FEST

Don't miss out on swinging by a comic book shop for some Halloween fun. Saturday, October 26, 2019 is Halloween ComicFest. Participating retailers will be giving away a variety of free comic books for the occasion.

There will be 19 full comic books and 9 mini comics available for visiting trick or treaters to pick up for FREE. Many of these free Halloween ComicFest edition comic books will have a Halloween theme to them. There will be something for the whole family to enjoy as some of these comic books will be for young readers, others for teens and some focused for adult only audiences too.

YOUNG READERS

Full sized comics suitable for all ages include House of Fear (Dark Horse Comics), Junior High Horrors: Halloween Special (keenspot), The Adventures of Cthulhu Jr. & Dastardly Dirk (Source Point Press), Swamp Kid (DC) and Doodleville Aster (Random House Children's Books).

There are also 9 mini-comics being handed out that are mostly for kids: Spook House, Usagi Yojimbo, Loud House, Under Dog, Archie's Mad House Magic, Blastosaurus, Super Hero Girls, Pokémon, and R.L. Stine's Just Beyond. In addition to these being handed out on an individual basis for free during Halloween ComicsFest, you can also purchase a 25-pack of these mini-comics for $4.99 to give out yourself to trick or treaters that stop by your house.

This dad blogger's kids have food allergies that really limits the candy they can eat so understanding there are other trick or treaters out there struggling with this same medical condition my wife and I are always on the look out for safe treats that anyone would enjoy to hand out at our doorstep. These mini-comics are a great non-food item to give out on Halloween that trick or treaters are sure to appreciate whether or not they have a food allergy. Supplies may be limited of packs you can purchase on Halloween ComicFest so I'd encourage you contact your local comic shop in advance to inquire about making mini-comic pack purchases.

TEENS

Marvel has Ghost Rider, Iron Man and Spider-Man comic books rated for Teen readers that are being given out at Halloween Comic Fest. DC is also giving out a scary DCEASED story about super heroes dealing with a scary end of the world apocalypse. There is also a Battlecats issue from Mad Cave Studios that has some impressive artwork to check out.

ADULTS

Dark Red from Aftershock Comics has a MATURE rating meaning it is only meant to be read by those over 18 years old. Lady Mechanika provides some spooky wild west action. Plus Marvel is also providing a one-shot story of my favorite Star Wars character, Boba Fett, for Halloween ComicsFest that many dads and moms will appreciate reading just as much as their kids will.

For more information about this event, go to halloweencomicsfest.com