Hotel Transylvania 3 Family Review Lessons in Building Strong Father-Daughter Bonds

Movie Review



MBE partnered with Columbia Pictures and Sony Animation Pictures for this post

Editors Note: This review is a collaboration of the daughter-mom writing team of Rebecca Elspas and Janis Brett Elspas at MommyBlogExpert.

Have you "zinged" yet? Get ready to fall in love at first sight, otherwise known as the "zing" by Dracula's family and friends in the all-new Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation  animated comedy which cruises into theaters nationwide this Friday, July 13th. 



Be prepared to experience the most monsterous cruise vacation yet in this summer's much-anticipated new family-friendly kids fantasy movie from Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation. 

Mavis & Dad Drac Jakks Licensed Toys

Joining you and your kids on the most wild and fun virtual ride adventure ever is the entire wacky and loveable Drac Pack lead by Dracula (Adam Sandler), his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez), and Drac's new romantic interest Ericka (Kathryn Hahn), as well as a host of other talent including Mel Brooks, Andy Samberg, Keegan-Michael Key, Fran Drescher, David Spade and other names you'll recognize. 

The Hotel Transylvania Saga Continues


As fans of Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2 will recall, Mavis is orphaned as a baby. The close relationship between dad and daughter was in its infancy in the beginning, but by the end of the second film has slowly evolved into something not unlike a beautiful rose bud that's poised, ready to open any day. 


In Hotel Transylvania 3, the bond between Dracula and Mavis which has been growing for years, is finally solidified -- bursting into full bloom. Despite forging  challenges along the way and balancing time spent with her husband and children, Mavis still makes quality father-daughter time with her father Drac a priority.



At the Hotel T3 Press Junket hosted at The London West Hollywood, the movie vacation-themed rooms, food, and licensing partner toy displays, set the perfect backdrop for our intimate group of family influencers to interact with the cast and director.

The interview session included a lively in-person discussion with voice-over stars Selena Gomez, Kathyrn Hahn, and Andy Samberg as well as Director Genndy Tartakovsky which was livestreamed on People's Facebook page.


Rebecca's Interview With Selena


To delve deeper into the meaningful father-daughter connection that is now blossoming, I asked Selena about how she breathed new inspiration into her character for her latest role. I was also curious about what message her Mavis is trying to convey when it comes to fathers and daughters bonding.

"Mavis is trying to be overprotective of her dad," Selena explains. "She really feels it from both perspectives -- as a mother herself but also as a daughter ... a dynamic that is very interesting to me. For many little girls, your father is the first man you love and for Mavis in some ways, that's all she has."

Selena Gomez at Hotel Transylvania 3 World Premiere

Selena adds that she comes from a broken family and the father daughter relationship in her life wasn't fully there. It seems as though Mavis and Dracula was a way for her to live through the father daughter relationship she always desired.

These insights from Selena bring the meaning of Hotel Transylvania 3 full circle. The movie is quite beautiful as the loving, concerned Mavis wants her dad to find joy in living day-to-day and happiness again. So, she insists on taking the whole family and their like-family good friends on a surprise destination vacation. 

Check out these scenes from the new movie's World Premiere in Los Angeles at the Regency Theater near UCLA.





A Funny, Multi-Generational Summer Movie


With laughs around every corner, non-stop action, an energizing music score, and hidden jokes along the way, this is a movie that has wide appeal. On different levels to kids, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents, multiple generations of families are sure to love watching this together and discussing it afterward. Rated PG for some action and rude humor with a run time of 97 minutes. See the Parents Guide for details on the rating.


This mom and daughter review writer team couldn't agree more with Andy Samberg (the voice of Johnny, Mavis' husband) who told us at the press conference, "This movie is unprecedented in the history of cinema -- a monster cruise!"

FTC Disclosure: Images courtesy of Columbia Pictures/Sony Animation Pictures unless indicated otherwise. Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation hosted us for a 2-day influencers event to screen the film and facilitate media coverage. However, opinions here are our 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.

Turtle Tale Kids Movie Review

Movies


A Family Friendly Film With Real Turtles Voiced By Actors


Those who appreciate good family-friendly home entertainment movies with an important message as much as I do, especially when they involve live action talking animals, are going to want to check this out. Just in time for summer, the award-winning kids video Turtle Tale from Lionsgate is now available on DVD, Digital and On Demand.


Turtles Sunning on a Rock


MBE partnered with Lionsgate for this story

Turtle Tale New Home Entertainment Release Review



To set the mood for screening this new DVD afterward at home, my daughter Rebecca and I were invited to a family influencers event at Reptacular Animals Ranch, a rustic nature center beautifully set against the San Gabriel Mountains in Sylmar, California.




First we enjoyed an informative hands-on presentation by Jungle Jane, educator and animal handler, that was all about turtles and tortoises. The kids, especially, were fascinated to have the experience of holding infant Sahara Tortoises in the palms of their hands. It's hard to believe these little reptiles will one day weigh hundreds of pounds.


Infant Tortoises


The naturalist then took us to visit the park's bustling Tortoise Town to learn more about these amazing hard-shelled reptiles. While there we had the rare opportunity to observe two large male tortoises rough housing with each other as you see in this short video I shot.





The nature center presentation and tour was followed by a lovely catered picnic lunch. Pincel Box then led a family-friendly DIY session to make some turtle-themed crafts. Joining me in the fun were my friend Jennifer of Real Mom of San Fernando Valley and both our daughters. From all the smiles on kids and parents at this event celebrating the Turtle Tale home video release, it was apparent everyone had a wonderful afternoon.


Turtle Tale DIY Kids Crafts


Turtle Tale Movie Review


Now let me get back to telling you about Turtle Tale from Lionsgate and why I think your little ones might enjoy this video release as much as we have. It's a kids comedy-adventure that revolves around a group of talking turtle friends -- two mouthy box turtles named Hank and Rafi, along with Goliath, a grouchy snapping turtle -- who spend their long, slow-moving days bickering with each other. 




Despite their differences, somehow these mismatched turtles manage to live peacefully and relatively happily, co-existing in the pond at a Largo, Florida nature park. That all changes one night when some mischievous high school students break into the quiet sanctuary, wreaking havoc as they release the animals from their enclosures. 


Tortoise Town at Reptacular


The next thing you know, movie turtle characters Rafi and Goliath spring into action to search for their pond mate Hank who has mysteriously disappeared. 

The movie's messages are ones boys and girls will relate to: the importance of responsibility and cooperation, about rising above adversity, confronting a problem and lending a hand (or in this case, a turtle foot) when someone else needs help. Just as importantly, the film teaches children an appreciation of nature as well as to be always be kind to animals.


Kids at Reptacular Tortoise Town



Thanks to the film's great voice talents -- namely, Tom Arnold, Mikey Bolts, Ambyr Childers and Lydia Hull, the turtles are the real stars of the show, coming to life on the screen with dialogue and personalities that will make you and you children smile and laugh. 

The voice over performers are complimented by an equally talented live action cast particularly the young actors Noah Schnacky (In Sanity, Florida), Mary Rachel Dudley (Bloodline), and Brandon Larracuente (best known for the Netflix original series Thirteen Reasons Why). 



About Turtle Tale 


Turtle Tale (Lionsgate, 2108) is rated PG for some thematic elements and is Dove Approved for All Ages. Offered in English with Spanish subtitles, the video has a runtime of 87 minutes. Special DVD Bonus Features include Giving the Turtles A Voice at the Recording Studio, The Making of Turtle Tale, and the Trailer Gallery. Available now on DVD (SRP $14.98) as well as Digital and On Demand. Visit the Turtle Tale Movie official site as well follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more.


FTC Disclosure: Lionsgate hosted us for the launch event at Reptacular Animals as well as provided the DVD to facilitate this movie review. However, opinions here are 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.

Twitter Party Calendar With Prizes Twitter Parties July 1-7 Multiple Updates Daily

Twitter Parties



Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks



Master Social Media Party  Calendar -  USA & Canada

Now listing Twitter plus Facebook Live, Pinterest, and Instagram parties with prizes, too!

Twitter Party Facebook Live Calendar



Here's how to find parties on Twitter, Facebook Live, Instagram and Pinterest offering great prizes. Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes social media parties in the U.S. and Canada.

A brand new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET. Check back often each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. 

Be the first to know when the latest MommyBlogExpert party schedule goes live by subscribing to this blog and following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Unless indicated otherwise, parties are for U.S. residents only. Parties for Canada residents are highlighted in purple.


THIS WEEK


Tuesday, July 3

A Day at the Beach Facebook Live Party from 2 to 2:45 pm ET with @resourcefulmom. Prizes: $25 Amazon giftcard. RSVP

Ant-Man and the Wasp Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @thecreativesahm. Prizes: TBA. #WDWeventchat #AntManAndTheWasp Details

Wednesday, July 4

Happy July 4th to US residents!

Thursday, July 5

TBA

Friday, July 6

Scruff-A-Luv Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @scraffaluvs @thetoyinsider. Prizes: Toy prizes for FIVE (5) winners, see RSVP for prize descriptions. #SaveAScruff RSVP

Whitetail Deer Hunter Twitter Party at 4 pm ET with @lifeofdadshow. Prizes: THREE (3) prize packs including 1 year Netflix subscription + $25 VISA giftcard, ONE (1) Grand Prize prize including 1 year Netflix + $100 VISA GC. #WhitetailDeerHunter Details


NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, July 10

Marc Jacobs Beauty Lip Gloss Stick Instagram Party from 9 am to 6 pm ET with Influenster. Prizes: TBA. RSVP

Wednesday, July 11

TTPM Live Weekly Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Fun toys, see RSVP link for prize descriptions - Both US and Canada residents eligible to win prizes. #TTPMlive RSVP

Wise Bread Weekly Twitter Chat a 3 pm ET with @wisebread. Prizes: TBA. #WBchat Details

This is Style Weekly Twitter Party at 4 pm ET with @searsstyle. Prizes: TBA. #ThisIsStyle Details

Friday, July 13

The Toy Insider Weekly Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @thetoyinsider and others. Prizes: TBA.  More info/RSVP link will be added when available

Mobile Living Weekly Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with the Mobile Living team. Prizes: TBA. #MobileLiving More info/RSVP link will be added here when available.


COMING SOON

Wednesday, July 18

TTPM Live Weekly Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Fun toys, see RSVP link for prize descriptions - Both US and Canada residents eligible to win prizes. #TTPMlive RSVP

Friday, July 20

The Toy Insider Weekly Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @thetoyinsider and others. Prizes: TBA.  More info/RSVP link will be added when available

Mobile Living Weekly Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with the Mobile Living team. Prizes: TBA. #MobileLiving More info/RSVP link will be added here when available.

Wednesday, July 25

TTPM Live Weekly Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Fun toys, see RSVP link for prize descriptions - Both US and Canada residents eligible to win prizes. #TTPMlive RSVP

Friday, July 27The Toy Insider Weekly Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @thetoyinsider and others. Prizes: TBA.  More info/RSVP link will be added when available.

Mobile Living Weekly Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with the Mobile Living team. Prizes: TBA. #MobileLiving More info/RSVP link will be added here when available.


About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com, Master Twitter Party Calendar is the most comprehensive, constantly updated resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.


How to Host a Twitter Party




For Brands




How to Add a Twitter Party
Facebook Live or Instagram Party
to the Calendar


Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar FREE by emailing janis@janiselspas.com




Hire MBE to Plan, Promote and/or
Host Your 
Twitter Party, Facebook Live
or Instagram Party


How to hire MommyBlogExpert for your next party on social media 

Email janis@janiselspas.com with "Social Media Party Consulting" in subject line and we'll be glad to prepare a free customized proposal for your brand.


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter, Facebook Live, Instagram and Pinterest Parties as a guest and works as a consultant, host, co-host and/or panelist for others. I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any party on this calendar. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every page including this one.

Coca-Cola Kelloggs Dollar General Offer Exclusive Summer Treat Bundle Savings

Deals

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and the Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #DGSummerSnacks #CollectiveBias



Coca-Cola & Kellogg’s are partnering for an exclusive summer treat bundle offer at Dollar General!
In perfect time for prepping for the Fourth of July, you can pick up the perfect snack, pairing Gold Peak Tea with Cheez-Its or Peace Tea with Pringles.
You want to enjoy every minute of the holiday weekend and the summer - so don’t waste time - stop by Dollar General to take advantage of the discount and get your perfect pairing so you can Sip, Snack and Go!
From now until July 29th, you can Save $1 when you purchase a delicious snack bundle at Dollar General.
Available bundle offers include:
1 Gold Peak Tea AND 1 Cheez-It Baked Snack Product
1 Peace Tea AND 1 Pringles Full Size Cans
The steps are simple:
*MUST BUY One Cheez-It 6oz or larger and one Gold Peak 18.5oz
*MUST BUY Pringles Can (5 oz or greater) and 1 Peace Tea 23 oz


If not enrolled in Dollar General Rewards program users will need to quickly sign-up to receive the offer.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert was compensated for this post. However, opinions here are 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.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation Movie Behind the Scenes + Giveaway

Movies



MBE partnered with Sony Pictures Animation for this post

Excited to invite MBE's family-friendly, fun-loving loyal audience to follow us virtually behind the scenes on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram today and Thursday, June 27-28. Join us as daughter and writing partner Rebecca Elspas and I head to Hollywood to cover the press junket for Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation from Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation and share our experiences along the way. 



Here's a peek back at my visit this spring to Sony Studios in Culver City, California, where Sabina, another influencer, and I covered a movie event as well as made a fun voice over clip in the same studio where Selena Gomez actually recorded her voice over for Mavis in Hotel Transylvania 3.



Over the next two days we'll be screening the movie scheduled for release in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 13th (Our review will be published on Mommy Blog Expert on July 7th). 

Here I am with actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, who returns to voice Murray The Mummy in Hotel Transylvania 3.




Rebecca and I will also be interviewing the talented voice over cast of this fun, new summer kids big screen animated feature film including Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kathryn Hahn, and Genndy Tartakovsky. Last, but not least, we'll also be telling you all about the movie-theme special event fun we'll be having with other mom influencer friends on Thursday, following the press conference.

GIVEAWAY

We can't wait for the fun to begin! Meanwhile, to celebrate the forthcoming release of Hotel T3, don't forget to enter to WIN this fun Hotel Transylvania movie prize package provided by Sony Pictures, exclusively for one lucky MommyBlogExpert fan. 



How to Enter the Giveaway
Visit MBE on Instagram and follow the simple directions for your chance to win. Contest runs now through July 6, 2018 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will receive a family prize pack that includes Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2 movie DVDs. Winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

FTC Disclosure: Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation is hosting us for the 2-day influencers event to facilitate media coverage as well is providing the prize package and shipping for the giveaway mentioned. However, opinions here are our 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.