ROCK DOG, the new Lionsgate animated film, follows Bodi the Tibetan Mastiff living on Snow Mountain as he journeys through a dream in a new city. He leaves his Tibetan village to pursue his dream of becoming a rock ‘n’ roll star. 
The all-star cast includes Lewis Black and Luke Wilson. ROCK DOG hits theaters February 24 and is sure to be a family favorite!
Check out the official trailer:
You can also enter to win my giveaway for a Rock Dog prize package which includes: a tambourine, kid’s beanie, temporary tattoos, and two (2) screening passes to see the film when it’s in theaters. To enter, leave a comment below telling me why you’re excited to see Rock Dog. I will close comments on 2/20/17 at 11:59 p.m. and choose one (1) winner via Random Number Generator. Winner will be emailed and mailed the package.
For more movie info, visit the official ROCK DOG site here. Follow Rock Dog on Facebook, and Twitter.
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This heartwarming, holiday movie is based on American Girl’s previously launched BeForever character Maryellen Larkin. The special is set during Christmas in 1955 in Daytona Beach, Florida, where middle child Maryellen longs to stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of her big, busy family. A boisterous and artistic girl, Maryellen’s adventurous spirit is sometimes at odds with the era she’s living in: when conformity was valued above individuality. When Benji, a family friend afflicted with polio comes to stay with them and visit Daytona Beach’s hospital for care, Maryellen is inspired to help the polio patients have the best Christmas ever. With guidance and advice from Maryellen’s wise and sympathetic mother, Maryellen learns the key to helping others is through listening. 
The story centers around 10-year-old Melody, who is coming of age in Detroit in 1963. In the film, Melody’s eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her, including the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing. As a result, her belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance comes into question as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this given the horrific tragedy. After an emotional journey of self-reflection, her mother gives her the courage she needs by instilling in her that love brings out the best in everyone; reminding Melody that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.”
When I received a very special opportunity to attend an advanced screening and a press junket with some of the cast of Trolls, I walked around asking my friends to pinch me! I think my family was equally excited to see it early! Can you tell we’re big movie fans in our home?
The Story of Trolls 
Here’s a synopsis:
Once I screened Trolls, I found that I’d completely fallen in love with it! By the time I walked out of the theater, I felt so happy, colorful, invincible, empowered, and positive. Part of my empowerment may have come from the adorable Trolls wigs they gave us! 
1. It features an all-star cast.
And did I already mention that I got to meet Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick?
3) The music
4) Princess Poppy
I don’t believe in posting spoilers or any sort of details that will ruin it for someone who has yet to see a film, so don’t worry, nothing I’ve written will spoil any of it for you! I can honestly say that Trolls is appropriate for all ages and will definitely keep anyone from young child to senior citizen engaged and interested! DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls is in theaters November 4th! Please come back and tell me how much you loved it, ok?
The Amazon Studios special is set to premiere on Friday, October 21 on Prime Video in the US and UK and is the first of four original American Girl specials that will be made for Prime Video.
“Melody Ellison” is one of American Girl’s newest historical dolls and she’s beautiful. Each of the American Girl historical dolls has her own “story”. Melody’s story is an extremely important one and is based in Detroit, in 1963, during the civil rights movement.
The Amazon Original Special is based on American Girl’s Melody character and inspirational story. 10-year-old Melody’s eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her, including the tragic 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing. As a result, her belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance comes into question, as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this given the horrific tragedy. After an emotional journey of self-reflection, her mother gives her the courage she needs by instilling in her that love brings out the best in everyone, reminding Melody that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.” 
You’ll instantly fall in love with Marsai Martin (Black-ish) as the title character Melody. Idara Victor (TURN: Washington’s Spies) who stars as Melody’s mother, Frances Ellison and Frankie Faison (The Wire) who stars as Melody’s grandfather, Frank Ellison. Together, these 3 have such a special family that you just want to be a part of it. Frances Fisher (Titanic) also stars as Miss Abbot, Melody’s teacher. The feature is Executive Produced by Alison McDonald and Common. 
My Own Thoughts
The Amazon special addresses a big issue that was presented as being in the 1960’s but sadly, there is so much of these kinds of things that still happen in today’s world. It was an eye opener for me and as I sat there with my 7 year old niece. I did have to explain some of the scenes to her but I believe it was an important her to see how so many other children lived (and live) this way as their reality. 
This story presents themes that are very timely and relevant for the world we live in today and in my opinion, it is a way to start a healthy dialogue in families about the topic of racism, both historically and present day.
Melody’s character was one that was filled with so much grace. She endured so much ugliness in her little world and because of her momma, she continued to have hope and respond with kindness and kept love in her heart.
I won’t post a complete spoiler of the film but I will say that it’s a must-watch for everyone. It’s a topic that may be uncomfortable to watch but that’s all the more reason to watch and maybe even learn something. Also, it is an American Girl story, so rest assured that it will have a happy ending…but the story will always remain in my heart. Melody Ellison is one special little girl and I’m happy we will always have her doll, her books, and her movie in our home. 
Where to Shop for Melody
Don’t Forget to Watch
A very special thank you to American Girl and Amazon Video for hosting us at this very special event and also for the beautiful Melody Ellison doll. It was a night to remember! 
This all-new take on the SMURFS features an all-star voice cast which includes Demi Lovato (Smurfette), Rainn Wilson (Gargamel), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), Danny Pudi (Brainy) and Jack McBraye (Clumsy), and Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf).
Not soon after the preview started to play, I began to worry it would suddenly trigger some questions about babies that I wasn’t ready to answer. I mean, everyone knows what storks traditionally bring but I just wasn’t ready to talk about the topic of “babies”, right then and there! Well, I’m happy to report that it didn’t trigger any unwanted questions from my child. The STORKS preview was so adorable that I couldn’t wait to see the whole movie! 
Fast forward. I was elated to receive a special invitation for my family and I to attend an advanced screening and “Blue Carpet” event for STORKS on the Warner Bros. lot. My daughter was so excited to go, she could hardly sleep the night before!
It’s always exciting to pass the lot when you’re driving in the area, but going inside those gates is way more fun! (Have you ever done a tour of the lot?)
As we proceeded to walk around, we saw some of the characters from the film on movie posters. You’re going to love Tulip, you’re going to love The Gardners, and you’re probably going to fall head over hills with The Baby! and ALL the babies!
Inside the theater, I think there were more kids than adults, anxiously awaiting for it to start. If you’re wondering about whether or not you can take your young kids to see it, I’d say yes. 
There were so many toddlers in the audience with us, and not only were they engaged in the story the entire time, I heard no crying. I don’t believe in spoilers, but as a mom, I would say that this film is “safe” to take kids of all ages to see. (other than your newborn, who isn’t going to be interested in anything for that long).
Here’s a little bit about the STORKS movie:
STORKS is now playing in theaters everywhere. Grab your flock and head out to see it! Don’t forget to come back and tell me your favorite part about the film! 
Visit the STORKS official site