Judy Moody Not Bummer Summer Behind Scenes

Movies

MBE partnered with the Judy Moody Movie for this post


MBE interviews stars of the film

Photo Above
Front: Megan McDonald, Parris Mosteller, Jordana Beatty 
Back: MommyBlogExpert's Daughters
Photo by MommyBlogExpert.com 

With so many popular book authors, celebrities, and high profile personalities making appearances and multiple stages operating simultaneously, the 2011 Los Angeles Festival of Books was definitely one activity I can check off my bucket list.  For sure, covering an event like this with my family in tow really makes me appreciate the fabulous benefits of working as a professional mommy blogger.

Truly the high point of that day was when my triplet daughters and I sat down for an exclusive interview with Megan McDonald, author of the popular and best-selling Judy Moody Book Series, and kid stars Jordana Beatty and Parris Mosteller.  Our talk zeroed in on Judy Moody and The Not Bummer Summer, the movie from Relativity Media and Smokewood Entertainment that's opening Friday, June 10th.



Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer Movie
Image, Relativity Media & Smokewood Entertainment

This kids feature film, rated PG for mild rude humor and language, centers around bummed-out Judy who is left behind for the summer when all her friends go off to summer camp.  Now, with only buddy Frank and little brother Stink still around, all she has to look forward to is the most boring summer ever.  That is, until her fun-loving Aunt Opal makes an impromptu visit and the kids soon discover what they're really in for is the funnest summer of anyone in their crowd.

What a pleasure as a mom it was for me to finally meet Megan, Judy Moody's creator, who says the main character is modeled after herself.  For the last ten years, this youth author has been writing the wholesome Judy Moody series, enchanting an entire generation of girls with her prose, including my daughters.
  

Judy Moody props from the movie
Photo by MommyBlogExpert.com


"Sometimes I think I am Judy Moody," the author tells us with a giggle when we first meet. "I'm certainly moody like the character is and Judy's always speaking up for herself, just like I do.  I have messy hair and love collections of odd things like Judy does, too."

My girls are 13, BTW, just like Australian actress Jordana who plays the title role of Judy Moody, so the three of them connected almost instantaneously.  And, I hope Parris -- who performs the role of kid brother Stink Moody -- won't smack me for saying this, but my girls and I all thought you were absolutely Adorable with a capital A.
  


Jordana (Judy Moody) with Heather Graham (Aunt Pearl)
Image provided by Smokewood Entertainment

From talking to the two young actors, these talented kids certainly appear to be ideal for the characters they play on screen.  The sister-brother chemistry between them really showed through as we chatted.  That day, we didn't get to meet Heather Graham, who plays the wild and wacky fun-loving Aunt Pearl to these youngsters, but from the clips of the movie we've seen so far, this A-list actress seems to be well-cast for her character as well.

This is Jordana's first lead role in a motion picture.  Previously, she played the little girl in Superman Returns (2006) as well as acquiring some television credits.  An only child in real life, she's a regular teen girl who is also strikingly beautiful with her naturally curly red hair even without wearing any makeup.  During our interview she shares that having to cut her long locks was probably the single-most difficult thing she had to do for her role in the film.


Jordana Beatty
Photo by Tashi Palmer


"I really enjoyed working on this film," says the budding actress.  "I was far away from my home in Australia filming on locations around Southern California for three months.  But, this project was great fun to work on.  In fact, without this movie I probably would never have had the chance to learn to walk a tightrope -- which was my favorite scene to film -- or ride on the Goliath Roller Coaster at Magic Mountain."

Parris, who lives in a Southern California beach town, has the perfect spunk and wise-cracking attitude that any annoying little brother would be proud to own.  Though he's only 8 years old and does still act like a kid, he's also able to articulate at a level that goes way beyond his years.  Among his other acting credits are the Worst Week TV series and voice overs for a trio of Paramount Pictures projects: The Last Airbender, Fred Claus, and Into the Wild.  He has had several other roles on screen and in commercials, as well.


Parris Mosteller during our interview
Photo by MommyBlogExpert.com

This blond-headed fellow with a sparkling smile that disarms you, tells us that he is one of five boys (second to the oldest).  So, I'd say that his mom sure has her work cut out for her with five sons, right?  

I hope to be reviewing both the book based on the screenplay as well as to screen the movie Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer shortly.  So, watch for book and movie reviews soon as well as more posts on this topic in the coming weeks on MommyBlogExpert.

Meanwhile, please leave a comment.  What's your (or your child's) favorite Judy Moody book?  What do you think makes Judy so lovable among her target audience?


FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one. 
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D - A DreamWorks Masterpiece Blending Modern Comedy With Ancient Culture



Family Movies

Kung Fu Panda 2 Giveway details below review

My Oldest Son & Me at the Mommy Blogger DreamWorks Event
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com
 
When I was invited as one of about 20 other mommy bloggers to bring my family to screen Kung Fu Panda 2 and spend the day on the lot at DreamWorks in Glendale, California, my kids were ecstatic.  

Having seen and loved the original Kung Fu Panda (2008) which was nominated for both Academy and Golden Globe Awards and grossed $633 million at the box office, they were truly thrilled to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the sequel in the world-class screening room on the studio's peaceful green campus where this was made.
Two of the DreamWorks Oscar Awards on Display at the Studio
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com


On May 26, the animated comedy in 3D and 3D Digital opens in theaters nationwide.  The feature stars the voices of A-listers Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride, Victor Garber, Dennis Haysbert, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.  This landmark film is directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson who, notably, breaks a glass ceiling for females in Hollywood for her leadership.  It is rated PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence by the MPAA. 

As the story unfolds in Kung Fu Panda 2, Po, the lovable rollie-pollie panda voiced by Black, has achieved his life-long dream.  He's The Dragon Warrior and his duty is to protect the inhabitants of the Valley of Peace with the help of his cohorts and and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five.  The fab five, BTW, include the Tigress (Jolie),  Monkey (Chan), Mantis (Rogen), Viper (Liu), and Crane (Cross). 
My Daughters at the DreamWorks On-Campus Theater
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

In short order, conflict arises in the form of a new bad guy in town.  Po’s new life of awesomeness is threatened by a horrific force of evil, Lord Chen (Oldman) -- a virile, wicked peacock who seeks to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer all of China and destroy kung fu forever.  Stuck in this major predicament, Po realizes that to gain the strength he needs to succeed, he must revisit his upbringing as a child to retrieve the secrets of his mysterious origins and find out the real reason why is father was a goose.
 
According to DreamWorks production notes from the film provided to the press, "Not only the kung fu got kicked up a notch, but so did the sets.  The whole city, the big vistas, the gorgeous ancient Chinese landscapes and sunsets—and now, ker-ching, they’re in 3D."

Audiences young and old who see this are in for a treat.  That's because -- perhaps without even realizing it -- they'll find themselves learning all about ancient Chinese culture that has been artfully disguised as entertainment for kids.  The painstaking attention to detail in creating intricate interiors of the palace is Architecture 101 while the many different types of weaponry in various fight and battle scenes is a historical overview on the topic.  

In fact, I was fascinated to learn that the creative team actually spent a bit of time in China, visiting the walled city of Pingyao, the Shaolin Monastery, historic Beijing, and Chengu in the southwestern Sichuan Province.  The filmmakers also drew visual inspiration by visiting a panda reserve and some Buddhist and Taoist temples and shrines in the mist-enshrined mountains.

Truly spectacular was the Final Battle at the movie's end.  Along with almost 30,000 wolf bad buys, there were 16 types of Chinese boats with 771 vessels in all.  That's not even to mention all the animation and fabulous musical score that showcase various Asian classical instruments that most of the public might have previously seen only in museums.

Image provided by DreamWorks

In this fast-paced, action packed sequel to Kung Fu Panda (2008), DreamWorks once again out does itself in accomplishing animated feats like never before.  The fireworks (also known to the Chinese as sky flowers) are spectacularly executed.  The water scenes -- from mist, to waterfalls, to rivers and other bodies of water are replete with realism, the viewer is convinced of all its wet and cool properties.

Overall my kids and I largely enjoyed this movie, which was so fast-paced that the time watching it seemed to fly at warp speed.  I would, however, suggest that parents of very young children seriously consider whether or not this is appropriate for their little ones' ears or eyes.  This animated film has some rather violent fight scenes incorporating many types of weapons, some very vicious characters, and scary scenes.  Also, the fireworks did look real and were pretty to look at but might make some of the smaller kids not accustomed to loud noises cry.

View the trailer by visiting DreamWorks official Kung Fu Panda 2 site
Image provided by DreamWorks

Kung Fu Panda 2 Sweepstakes - Ends 6/7/11
One lucky person will win a treasure trove of Kung Fu Panda 2 licensed merchandise. Enter for your chance to win up to 3 times daily HERE

Have you seen Kung Fu Panda 2 yet? If so, what did you think? I encourage you to share your own impressions with this blog's readership.

FTC Disclosure: My family and I attended attended a special event at DreamWorks to screen Kung Fu Panda 2 to facilitate this review. We also received a lovely lunch, behind the scenes tour of the DreamWorks campus and a goodie bag.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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Classic Peace Symbol of the 1960s Comes Back in Style, Especially in Kids Fashions & Accessories



Girls Fashion Trends

As a Baby Boomer I remember and have an affinity for the original peace sign.  When this cultural icon faded away in the 70s who'd have thought any of us would ever see it again? 
Trendy Clips Peace Hairbands
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas

Surprisingly, in the last few years we've seen a resurgence in popularity again, especially among kids, tweens, and teens.   These lovely peace hairbands by Los Angeles-area based Trendy Clips exemplifies that return to vogue.
Peace Sign Chalk Art by 13 year-old Mini MommyBlogExpert
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas

The peace symbol, by way of introduction, was conceived in 1958 by Gerald Holton for the British Nuclear disarmament movement, long before hippies arrived on the scene.  But the peace sign as we know it today didn't become well-ingrained until the 1960s, inspiring the V sign hand gesture that evolved into a way for the young generation of the time to communicate their disillusionment with the Vietnam War.  During that turbulent decade ridden with violence, a counter culture of  peace emerged that elevated the peace symbol to cult status among the masses.

This trio of delicate pastel peace fashion hairbands are a modern interpretation of that classic beginning.  Available in hot pink, turquoise, and lavender, each is beautifully hand crafted by the designer with quality layered grosgrain ribbons and features a peace sign fabricated with more than 2 dozen sparkling crystals.  
Above and Below: 
My Triplet Daughters Flash Peace Signs While Modeling Their Favorite Hairbands
iPhone Photos by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Priced at $17 each, these one-size fits all hair accessories fit most girls and tweens.  They are available retail at this talented mom designer's Trendy Clips online shop and in select boutiques nationwide and in Japan.  Also sold wholesale through the Trendy Clips West Coast Rep.  The company sells a range of original hair accessories that are not available elsewhere, including bows, barrettes, hairbands, and more for girls and women. 
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Do you or your children like fashion and accessories featuring the peace icon?  If, so tell us about your favorite product that incorporates this American cultural design.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I receive product samples to facilitate this review.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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DealPop Special 15% Off Discount for All Plus WIN $80 in VistaPrint Products Thru 5/25/11 

Discount & Giveaway 
Through May 25, 2011

Just in time for graduation and Father's Day, DealPop is running an offer through Wednesday with VistaPrint for note cards, announcements, thank-you cards, return address labels, pens and sticky notes.

Everyone Gets a Discount
MommyBlogExpert's readers can get a 15% discount just by using the code VistaPrint15 at checkout through Wed., May 25, 2011 on the DealPop Deal Site.

PLUS

Enter to WIN $20 in DealPop Points, Details below
  • Redeemable for $80 worth of custom stationery from VistaPrint
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DealPop VistaPrint
GIVEAWAY CONTEST
Runs through May 25, 2011

HOW TO ENTER
Leave one or more comments below this post. Contest runs through May 25, 2011 ending at 11:59 pm and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only.

For the Required (Mandatory) Entry
Simply leave a comment below this blogpost with your email address, Facebook or Twitter contact info so we may contact the winner.  In the event that you are the lucky one, MommyBlogExpert will contact you for your shipping address.

For Additional Chances to Win
Get extra entries for following MommyBlogExpert and DealPop on Twitter and/or Facebook and for subscribing to this blog.  Remember: Be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert to leave an additional comment after each individual action you do to confirm them so we can record all your extra chances to win.

Earn EXTRA Entries to WIN by:

Following MommyBlogExpert (1 or 2 more extra entries)
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Subscribing to MommyBlogExpert's blog (1 more extra entry) - Go to right column above to sign up

Tweet for Even More Entries!
In ADDITION to doing any or all of the extra entries above, you can earn one more extra entry each time you Tweet the message exactly in the paragraph immediately below (limit 3 separate tweets for 3 extra entries per day).  Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link to every Tweet you do so you'll receive extra entries for all your RTs.

DealPop VistaPrint GIVEAWAY $80 val - PLUS #discount code http://tinyurl.com/3rcar7x #contest #giveaway #deals RT 2 #WIN

FTC Disclosure: DealPop is providing the prize for this giveaway to one winner as well as a discount code that any MommyBlogExpert readers may use. I disclose that I am a regular mommy blogger columnist for DealPop's blog.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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A Better World Facebook Game is a Hit With Both Mom & 13 Year-Old Daughter



Just got back from a major multi-day women's blogging conference called SheCon '11 Conference in Miami last night.  

Whenever I have to travel for business, like lots of other moms with careers, I really do miss my family and kids and this trip was no exception.  I've even written a post about good ways for moms to keep in touch with children while on a business trip that was inspired by my last trip to attend Martha Stewart's Dreamers Into Doers Conference in January.

Mini MommyBlogExpert Shows Off Her A Better World Page
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

As I was catching up this morning, I had a big surprise when I logged into Facebook to see what my kids had been up to while I was out of town.  The first thing I noticed was that my teen triplet daughter, who occasionally guest posts on this blog as Mini MommyBlogExpert, had joined a new Facebook game called A Better World.  

That alone isn't particularly remarkable as my kids play other Facebook games, too.  But, what is amazing is that my girl loves the game she is now playing that she discovered just because she first read about it on her mom's Facebook wall.

Interestingly, the people at Toonups that developed A Better World (ABW) tell me that originally the product's premise was intended to target primarily women (both mothers and not) to play a game that rewards you virtually for doing good turns in the real world.  The logic is that women by nature are givers and many of us have an innate built-in tendency toward altruism -- ABW blends the fun of a game together with doing something meaningful and productive.

There are so many ways for parents teaching children about giving back to community and I have been trying very hard to do that with my own family.  

So, imagine my pride when I find out my own daughter wants to join in playing a virtual game like this.  One that is meant for women and moms -- but also is not offensive for kids to play -- and one that is an entertainment diversion with which you can actually help make a difference in the real world we live in.  It makes me feel really good to know that I'm passing on those types of values and devotion to helping others on to my kids.
My Daughter's Gratitude Grotto Page on A Better World
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

 The game offers more than 15 locations which I've just started venturing into
  • Department of Do Good
  • Gratitude Grotto
  • Sanctuary of Hope
  • And 12 more
Though I signed up a few weeks ago, I'm not that deep into the game yet.  But, my daughter that just joined A Better World a few days ago is already way ahead of me.  So far, we both have found it fun and gratifying.  

As a busy mommy blogger I don't have much spare time to play games online. So this one really appeals to me not only because of the do good to others aspect, but also because I can play for short periods of time as a break from my work without fearing that it will distract me too much.
Here's MommyBlogExpert With a Gray Cloud Over My Head
Screen shot from ABetterWorld.com
For sure, my daughter and I are already fans of this new game. In fact, both of us keep telling our friends about it and they are getting involved too. We both look forward to progressing in the game and interacting with other players in ABW's growing community.

Which reminds me.  I need to get rid of that gray cloud that's still over my head so I think I'll play this game some more after I finish my work for the day.  Watch for future posts about our adventures as my daughter and I each progress with this game.

How about you? What's your favorite game on Facebook? Have you tried A Better World yet? If you don't play games online, why not? 

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I am an actual playing member of the game mentioned in this post.  I am also a Mom Ambassador for A Better World which was developed by ToonUps.  However, the opinions in this post are solely my own.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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