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Movie Review: Snow White And The Fairytale Fun Force * Unique Fairytale Where Children Learn With Adventure, Comedy, Friendship And Heroes

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Movie Review: Snow White And The Fairytale Fun Force * Unique Fairytale Where Children Learn With Adventure, Comedy, Friendship And Heroes

Little Snow White is growing up fast! When her best friend, Dorothy, is in trouble, the sassy princess quickly calls on the bravest gang of fairytale characters ever assembled to come to her friend’s rescue! Together they are the Fairytale Fun Force and they are ready to spring into action!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like Snow White and the Fairytale Fun Force because it is a unique kid’s fairytale cartoon where children are learning with humor. This show combines adventure and comedy with friendship and heroes.” Kendall B. adds, “My favorite thing about this movie is all the characters. They’re the normal fairytale characters that we all know and love, but each one has a little twist. Also, they’re all tiny and their animation is so adorable. I love the animation in this movie because the characters are so unique.” See their full reviews below.

Snow White and the Fairytale Fun Force By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST!, Age 14

I like Snow White and the Fairytale Fun Force because it is a unique kid’s fairytale cartoon where children are learning with humor. This show combines adventure and comedy with friendship and heroes. Snow White and the Fairytale Fun Force is about the first adventures of the Starship Fairy Dust. The Fairytale Fun Force is a group of fictional characters that includes Snow White, King Arthur, Robin Hood, Cupid, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Pinocchio, Little Red Riding Hood, Cheshire Cat, Hatter and more. These fictional characters work together to investigate strange situations such as the disappearance of Cupid’s magical bow, the Mad Hatter’s tea set and the Cheshire Cat’s body. The characters travel together in a spaceship named Starship Fairy Dust with Snow White as their captain. The graphics are very vibrant, colorful and neat. Each scene has unique colorful backgrounds with floating objects that catch the audience’s attention. For example, Cupid’s scene has white and pink clouds with floating red hearts and confetti. Every scene has confetti and floating objects except the Starship scenes. The characters are illustrated as little children with heads bigger than their bodies. They are not typical fairytale characters like we are used to seeing in storybooks or movies. The voiceovers suit each character. Snow White looks and sounds tough; King Arthur looks smart and sounds slick; Pinocchio looks like a laid-back kid with a relaxed voice; Robin Hood sounds and acts like a smart teenager. My favorite scene is when Snow White visits Cupid to help him resolve the disappearance of his magic bow. She uses a little black humor by advising Cupid to make sure not to sit on a white couch.

This program teaches the audience fun facts about science, different languages, fruits or animals. For example, Easter Bunny explains to Pinocchio that rabbits’ ears are long to help rabbits control their body temperature. I give Snow White and the Fairytale Fun Force 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases on DVD and Digital Media February 14, 2023.

Snow White And The Fairy Tale Fun Force By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

If you’re looking for a movie to entertain your little kids then Snow White and The Fairy Tale Fun Force is a great film for just that! It has lots of adventures and fun animated characters.

Snow White and The Fairy Tale Fun Force follows Snow White, a sassy and adventurous princess. When her best friend, Dorothy (Dailyn Brunck), is in trouble she assembles The Fairy Tale Fun Force, a group of fairytale characters who are ready to do anything to save Dorothy. They go on many adventures and see many different characters on their mission.

My favorite thing about this movie is all the characters. They’re the normal fairytale characters that we all know and love, but each one has a little twist. Also, they’re all tiny and their animation is so adorable. I love the animation in this movie because the characters are so unique. They all have their own special features that make them different. Arthur (Simon Hill) is my favorite character because he’s so cute and sweet. His voice is really high and squeaky and he’s always trying to help out. Another thing I enjoy about this film is that all of the characters get their own part of the movie when they go to different lands to find out what happened; not only do we get to see every character together, but we get to see them by themselves as well. My favorite scene is when Arthur visits the Cheshire Cat, because he’s lost his body and to find it the cat starts chanting. Arthur is so confused that eventually he just starts chanting along with the cat.

The message of Snow White and The Fairy Tale Fun Force is that friendship is stronger than anything. Snow White will do anything to save her best friend and it’s because she really cares about her.

I give Snow White and The Fairy Tale Fun Force 3.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It releases on Digital and Blu-Ray February 14, 2023.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/764256107/efe18087a3

Movie Review: Fantasy Football * A Comical, Family-Friendly Movie. With The Potential To Become A Perennial Favorite

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Movie Review: Fantasy Football * A Comical, Family-Friendly Movie. With The Potential To Become A Perennial Favorite
FANTASY FOOTBALL –Marsai Martin as Callie, Kelly Rowland as Keisha and Omari Hardwick as Bobby in Fantasy Football streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Nickelodeon/Paramount+© 2022 Paramount Global. All Rights Reserved.

In this hilarious and heartwarming father-daughter sports fantasy, everything changes when Callie A. Coleman (Marsai Martin) discovers she can magically control her father, Bobby’s (Omari Hardwick) performance on the football field. When Callie plays as her dad, a running back for the Atlanta Falcons, in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 23, Bobby is transformed from a fumblitis-plagued journeyman to a star running back bound for superstardom alongside his daughter and wife Keisha (Kelly Rowland). With the NFL Playoffs looming and the pressures of Callie’s new commitment to her friends on the robotics team mounting, the two must forge ahead to keep the magic a secret as they juggle the highs and lows of their newfound success, all as they rediscover what it really means to be a family.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N., comments, “Fantasy Football is a film that has the potential to become a favorite. Since American football is one of the most popular sports in the world, what could be better than to combine a seasoned cast with beloved sport in a new movie?” See her full review and Gavin S.’s interview below.

Fantasy Football by Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 15

Fantasy Football is a film that has the potential to become a favorite. Since American football is one of the most popular sports in the world, what could be better than to combine a seasoned cast with beloved sport in a new movie?

The storyline follows Bobby Coleman (Omari Hardwick), an NFL running back constantly hit with misfortune on the field. As his life fills with questions, he and his daughter Callie (Marsai Martin) argue and Callie’s discovers she can control Bobby’s playing through a video game. You have to watch the film to find out if Bobby is able to use this to his advantage, or if it creates more trouble for everyone.

Fantasy Football is a comical, family friendly movie. Bobby’s big problem is that he cannot keep the football in his hands long enough to land himself a starting spot or make a positive impact on any team. Although actual NFL players may not be in the exact same circumstance as Bobby, this movie nicely represents what their real experiences may be like. For me, it was fascinating to see what the life of a professional athlete might look like. The actors express multiple emotions, and their ability to drop hilarious lines and make faces that catch the audience’s attention is what makes this so much fun. The dynamics and banter between Bobby and Anderson (Rome Flynn) helps carry the movie, and make it one that I would watch more than once. Led by Sekinah Brown, the costume designs display dedication and attention to detail. The uniforms that Bobby and the players wear look identical to actual Atlanta Falcons’ uniforms.

The message of Fantasy Football is that nothing worth having comes easy. Bobby has had the worst luck in the NFL, after not breaking the rushing record, but all of his struggles become worth it when he finally gets his opportunity to shine.

I give Fantasy Football 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Fantasy Football is available now on Paramount+. Make sure you check this out!

Trailer:

Living with the Impacts of Terrorism (w/ Ann Travers)

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Business
Living with the Impacts of Terrorism (w/ Ann Travers)

Join me Thursday, March 30/23 at 1pm on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel!

The most personal and gripping episode I’ve ever done.

We plan for various crises and disasters, making plans to prepare and respond to such things as terrorism, but what we often forget are those that have been impacted terrorism. In the most personally gripping and heartfelt episode I’ve ever done, I’m joined by terrorism survivor and victim advocate, Ann Travers.

Ann talks about her experiences of growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and how it impacted – and still impacts – her today.

1. Defining terrorism, living in fear, The Troubles;

2. Ann’s personal story of terrorism, the hurt, survival and lingering impacts;

3. Ann’s Law, victim’s rights, re-traumatization, and support.

It’s an episode that raises the question of why we prepare and respond to disasters, but we seem to fall short when it comes to caring for those living with the impacts of terrorism…or any disaster.

Don’t miss this episode! If you are a survivor of terrorism and want to talk to someone, you can find help at www.seff.org.uk

Don’t suffer alone!

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Movie Review: Elvis the Pig * Appreciates The Concept Of Deep Love For Family, Even If That Member Is Not Human

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Movie Review: Elvis the Pig * Appreciates The Concept Of Deep Love For Family, Even If That Member Is Not Human

A young girl learns she may have to sell her beloved pet pig Elvis to a local farmer to save the family farm. Unbeknownst to her, the farmer is planning a pig roast and not a forever home. The whole family bands together to save Elvis, uniting to reclaim their farm, proving that love is worth more than money.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “How far would you go to save something you love? Many people have been faced with a dilemma such as this and, no matter how old you are, your love for something can run so deep that your heart involuntarily leads the way. Elvis the Pig is a film that allows viewers to appreciate the concept of deep love for family, even if that member is not human.” Eunette C. adds, “Elvis The Pig is such an exciting film; it keeps you on your toes and puts you in a good mood as you watch the show. Elvis’ constant remarks lighten the mood of the film.” Anna Clara B. wraps it up with, “Elvis The Pig is an incredible film, full of life lessons that will influence audiences. I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end.” See their full reviews below.

Elvis the Pig By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

How far would you go to save something you love? Many people have been faced with a dilemma such as this and, no matter how old you are, your love for something can run so deep that your heart involuntarily leads the way. Elvis the Pig is a film that allows viewers to appreciate the concept of deep love for family, even if that member is not human.

This drama film is about a young girl named Riley (Aggie Bell) and her beloved pet pig, Elvis, who live a great life on the farm they love until the family is forced to sell their home due to financial hardship. Riley’s life is soon turned upside down when she learns that her best friend Elvis will not be moving to the city with their family. A local farmer makes a deal with the family to give Elvis a good home but his intentions are deceitful as his real plan for Elvis is to host a pig roast with Riley’s best friend as the main course. Riley and her older sister, Nylee (Camryn Macdonald) make it their mission to find their missing family member and reunite him at the farm.

What I really like most about this film is the dedication the family has for one another and their willingness to bond together when they need each other the most. Riley and Nylee don’t appear to have a close sister bond, but when Elvis’s life is in danger, Nylee is not going to let her sister’s best friend fall victim to a horrible fate. The film is very relatable as many families have pets which seem to be the glue holding families together. Elvis the Pig is a bit slow to get going and some of the scenes tend to be drawn out, but overall the storyline is enjoyable and it is a wonderful family movie. The set location of the family farm with its variety of animals is a dream come true for many kids and the talking animals give the film a special touch.

You don’t have to be a big animal lover to connect to this film’s message. Elvis the Pig is about love, friendship and special bonds. Love runs deep, no matter if that love is between family, friends, or pets; many people will go to great lengths to protect those bonds. Elvis isn’t your “usual” pet, but one thing is for certain, he has won the hearts of his family and their lives would not be the same without him in it.

I give Elvis the Pig 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Elvis the Pig releases on December 6, 2022 on DVD and video on demand.

Elvis The Pig By Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST!

Elvis The Pig is such an exciting film; it keeps you on your toes and puts you in a good mood as you watch the show. Elvis’ constant remarks lighten the mood of the film.

The film is about Elvis, a funny character with a good sense of humor that he portrays even in difficult moments. We witness quite a bizarre relationship between a young girl named Riley and Elvis the pig who are best friends. However, Riley’s family struggles financially and has to sell their family farm and leave Elvis behind. Little does the family know that the new owner has plans to roasting a pig (Elvis), but this leads to new adventures and a better understanding between all the family members.

The theme of the film revolves around family and friendship. I enjoyed seeing the quality time that the family spends together and how they are able to put aside their differences and come together solve the issue at hand. The story is really beautiful and demonstrates how unity can help overcome our difficult moments. Elvis captured my attention from the start, especially with his humorous comments. He motivated me to continue watching the film. What really stands out in this film is how involved the animals are and how they are personified they are in communicating their thoughts. It gives you an insight of how you will imagine animals talking. I particularly enjoyed the voice of Elvis, by Ryan Coates, which is brilliantly done. From the beginning of the film, through the end, you are drawn to Elvis’ comments.

The message assures kids that things always work out regardless of the situation you find yourself in. It also showcases the importance of family relationship. Lastly, it reminds you that “a man’s best friend” doesn’t only apply to dogs, but can be any pet.

I give Elvis The Pig 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases December 6, 2022 on DVD and VOD.

Elvis the Pig By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Elvis The Pig is an incredible film, full of life lessons that will influence audiences. I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end.

The storyline follows a little girl named Riley (Aggie Bell) who is unsatisfied with moving to another city and being away from her best friend, little Elvis, a pig. Something wrong happen and she and her sister help to rescue the pig from the hands of two silly bad guys.

The story is well written. I especially enjoyed the characters and their development during the film. They are special. My favorite parts are when the bad guys appear. Their scenes are so funny, because every time they plan to do something bad, they fail in a funny way. I also like the part when the parents are watching old family videos and they are emotional. I was emotional too during those scenes. The scene transitions are good and everything happens naturally. I love everything in this film. Congratulations to the production team!

The film’s message is that love is above everything and, with teamwork, we can do things easier.

I give Elvis The Pig 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This film releases on DVD and VOD December 6, 2022.

Holiday With Kids – How To Make The Holiday Exciting

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Health & Wellness
Holiday With Kids – How To Make The Holiday Exciting

The holiday season is a very special time for families around the world. It is the time when you get the chance to meet your friends and families and celebrate the festive season with them. The festive season is on its way and it is wise to start making plans and preparation early so that you can have the best and stress-free holidays with your family. 

If you are planning a trip to one of the fantastic Inverness hotels you will have a long trip ahead of you. Here are some tips to make the journey more fun.

Packing

Packing the car for a holiday can feel like a chore. However, it does not need to feel like it. First, you should consider using soft bags since they are easy to squish into a packed vehicle. Do not forget to check accommodations beforehand so that you can carry essentials.  If you are traveling with a child (maximum 6 years), consider a travel stroller. They come in handy since they cannot walk for long.

Electronics

It is highly important to keep kids entertained on long journeys. You may hate your kids staring at the screen all day, but there are exceptions, like while traveling.

Music

Music makes a huge difference and plays a role in the overall entertainment. When it comes to music, you have to pick something that appeals to the whole family (not unless you are planning to use headphones).

Books

Books can help enhance the appeal of the whole trip. There are many types of books for all ages. For example, if you have young kids, consider having coloring books and other child geared books. For teenagers, you can consider magazines, comics, and others.

Backpacks

While on holiday, it is wise to consider letting your child pick their activity pack. For example, a child can do a lot with blank paper and colored crayons. In other words, consider what your kids are carrying for the trip. It is not wise to include sharp things.

Traveling Game

Ever since traveling became a thing, many traveling games have been created. Good examples are the Volkswagen Zap, I Spy, Twenty Questions, I’m Going On A Camping Trips and others. There are plenty of board games like Bingo, snakes, and ladders, crosswords, etc. These games are what make or create memorable moments in a road trip.

Snacks

When traveling, it is wise to consider your snacks options. The sad truth is that snacks tend to make a vehicle messy, but they are worth it. For this reason, consider healthier snacks such as grapes, cheese cubes, crackers, cereals, and others. To prevent the mess, consider carrying a rubbish bag rather than littering in the vehicle.

Bribes

By mentioning the word bribe, it makes people curious and shocked at the same time. However, when it comes to bribing our young ones, there is a way to do it correctly. In other words, the key to a bribe is using them sparingly and when there is an immediate reward, like promising sweets and magazines at the end of a trip.

Surprises  

We all love surprises. They help shake things up. While traveling, consider purchasing a gift that you can surprise them with. Taking this small action will make a huge difference in the whole traveling experience.

Never forget wipes

Wipes come in handy when you are traveling or going on holiday with your kids. For this reason, you can never have too many wipes. These are useful for wiping off sticky hands before and after a snack. It can be used to clean other areas like spills.  

Frequent Stops

Travelling, especially using a vehicle can be tiresome. This is why scheduling frequent stops can make a huge difference, especially for your kids. Take full advantage of rest stops and kids playing parks along the way. A little break will go a long way in making things easier for your kids.

How to Keep Track of Family Members Online Activities : Online Safety & Wellness

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Health & Wellness
How to Keep Track of Family Members Online Activities : Online Safety & Wellness

Family safety is the main priority of every household. People are always worried about their family’s safety online. Especially parents, they always want the best for their kids and they want to keep an eye on kids’ phones. The phone is a great source of information because it collects important data about the habits and life of your family members, and this will include their possible bad behavior and suspicious activities. Below are some behaviors that can be a sign of something;

Are they very protective when it comes to their phone? Is it hard for them to leave their phone and need to have it everywhere they go? Is the phone always out of sight? (Do they place it face down?) Are they always locking their phone or have a privacy screen that makes it hard for someone to look over the shoulder angle? Do they put the “Do Not Disturb” function when they are around you to keep notifications silent or at bay? (Look for this feature on the iPhone, a half-moon symbol in the upper right corner.)

If you notice any behavior you will want to consider tracking their phone. You also need to look out for a second phone or a burner or even another Sim card (this is not that convenient, but there are some who do it). One way to find some information is by asking them for their phone when you are together and pretending that yours is dead.

It is even better if you manage to get the phone first before you ask for it. This way, they have to give you the password.

Touch ID

Once you have their phone, if they have enabled the Touch ID feature (or similar variant), go to the security settings tab, then add your fingerprint (if they have installed more than one print, delete one and replace it with yours so they don’t get suspicious). With this, you have easy access to their phone even if they change their password.

The Google Chrome Password hack

If your family member refuses to share their password when you want to do something innocent like order a cab or check the weather, or you cannot observe their code, then it can be tricky to gain access.

The good thing is some people are not that protective when it involves their computer passwords (you can easily unlock most of their passwords). Ask them for their computer for some believable reason and you are in.

When you get the computer, go to chrome, settings, passwords, and autofill.

When you get to the password log page, you will see which sites they have accessed that ask for passwords. The next step is the obscured passwords that are denoted by the character ‘****’. There is an eye icon next to it, click on it. You will be asked to type the computer password and now you can see the passwords. You can go ahead and save the passwords because you might need them. An easy way to save is by taking a quick photo using your phone (be careful with this because it is evidence that you have been snooping). You now need to be careful with your phone, keep it out of reach.

Downloading keyloggers

It is a software you can install on a computer and the other person won’t know that it is running in the background. You can have them record what you want, see the passwords, pages they visit, emails they send, even record them as they use the computer. This is creepy, but there are times when you have to do this.

Using a spyware app

This works like the keyloggers, but on a phone. If you have tried everything else but hasn’t worked, or you want to have complete access to their phone, you can install spyware like Spy Tracker on their phone and you get access to what they do. This can help you bust them once and for all. Keep in mind that there are legal ramifications if they choose to take action.

Tracking their movements

If they use Google, you can easily track their location history. Just click the ‘previous destination’ menu option on the navigation system. If they use android, click the Google Timeline feature on both the Google Maps app and online. This is going to work if they are logged in when they move about. Another option is typing ‘Find My Phone’ on the search bar to see where they are now.

If they are using an iPhone, there are a number of ways to track their location. You can tap into a family account if they have enabled location sharing (Find My Friends and Find my iPhone apps can work well in such cases). If this isn’t possible, then the next feature is very interesting because many people don’t know it is there. You can easily see their frequent locations by going to their Settings, Privacy, Location Services, System Services, and Significant Location. It is hard for most people to take time to disable or delete the settings every time they go out unless they are super-savvy. This makes it easy for you to see the locations they visit frequently.

There are many ways of keeping tabs on your family members for their own safety. You can put a super-small GPS device fixed under their car or an app like Spy Phone. When you track using GPS, you can see where they are going and you can easily check their activities.

Spirit Untamed * A Sequel That Is Sure To Capture New Audiences, Especially Horse Lovers

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Movie Reviews
Spirit Untamed * A Sequel That Is Sure To Capture New Audiences, Especially Horse Lovers

After moving to a sleepy little town, young Lucky Prescott befriends a wild mustang named Spirit, who shares her rebellious spirit. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her new friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime to rescue the horse that forever changed her life.  KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, “Spirit Untamed is from DreamWorks Animation so you know the characters and scenery are going to be depicted flawlessly.  I love how this film keeps the feel from the original movie but adds another layer of lush detail under the guidance of Director Elaine Bogan who has a personal connection with horses.” Maica M. adds, “Spirit Untamed is a fun-filled animated movie that will have you on the edge of your seat with its rollercoaster of emotions. It is full of suspense, humorous moments and scenes showcasing beautiful relationships. Spirit Untamed is one of the most captivating animated films I’ve seen…” Giana M. wraps it with, “Spirit Untamed is a thrilling and exciting animated film that keeps you entertained throughout the whole movie. It showcases the friendship between humans and horses, has great messages and holds your interest until the end.”

Spirit Untamed

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

https://youtu.be/8LRd7E16YYE

spirituntamed.e.jpg

Adventure awaits in Spirit Untamed, the next chapter in the beloved animated Spirit franchise which is sure to capture a new audience of followers. Spirit Untamed is the story of connection between a girl named Lucky (Isabela Merced) and a wild mustang stallion she names Spirit.  Lucky is a spirited girl and has difficulty fitting into the traditional life that her family plans for her.  Her Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore) takes her away from social pressure for the summer to the frontier town of Miradero to live with her estranged father Jim Prescott (Jake Gyllenhaal).  On the train to Miradero she encounters Spirit and his wild herd.  The story evolves as both Lucky and Spirit adapt to new circumstances and learn to embrace change as well as rely on the friendship and support of others.

Lucky is fortunate to find two steadfast friends in Abigail Stone (Mckenna Grace) and Pru Granger (Marsai Martin) who emulate the connection between a girl and her horse that Lucky desires with Spirit.  Both girls teach her about equestrian and human connections.  I love the fun-loving and spunky character, Abigail, who brings so much humor to the movie which is offset by the sarcasm of Pru. Together these three girls are unstoppable in their efforts to rescue Spirit and his herd from a group of wranglers that threaten their freedom.

Spirit Untamed is from DreamWorks Animation so you know the characters and scenery are going to be depicted flawlessly.  I love how this film keeps the feel from the original movie but adds another layer of lush detail under the guidance of Director Elaine Bogan who has a personal connection with horses.  My favorite scene is what I call “the tango” between Lucky and Spirit when she is trying to coax him to accept her.  The pull of their relationship shows and is enhanced perfectly by the light and playful music composed by Amie Doherty.  I really like how the movie incorporates the actors singing with their roles—I love to hear Isabela Merced’s beautiful voice and even Jake Gyllenhall trying to sing badly.

The one segment that bothers me is when Lucky first mounts Spirit.  The riding is unbelievable for a girl who is just learning and is more akin to a trained circus or stunt rider.  Horses are powerful animals, and I hope young viewers will understand that they need guidance around horses and to respect them.  I did love the personality that was given to all the horses in Spirit Untamed—each horse had its own lovable character and expressions.  Everyone will, of course, love the cuteness overload of the brave baby foal.

What really stands out to me among this film’s many underlying messages is the theme of letting go and how hard that can be. I don’t want to elaborate further, as it would be a spoiler, but there is one great “letting go” scene with Lucky doing the right thing.  Friendship and loyalty are also important themes in Spirit Untamed, as Lucky searches for a place where she belongs.

I rate Spirit Untamed 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 12.  This movie will be in theaters June 4, 2021, so don’t miss this heartwarming story and adventure!

Spirit Untamed

Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3h8h-0QEVQ

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Spirit Untamed is a fun-filled animated movie that will have you on the edge of your seat with its rollercoaster of emotions. It is full of suspense, humorous moments and scenes showcasing beautiful relationships. Spirit Untamed is one of the most captivating animated films I’ve seen, with humorous scenes and a great message. Watching this movie on the big screen brings a special kind of magic that draws you in and makes you feel every emotion the characters are feeling. Whether it is a sense of elation, anger, determination or love; I felt it all.

The storyline follows a mischievous girl named Lucky (Isabela Merced) who goes to live with her grandfather after her mother passes away. After pulling too many stunts, her Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore) decides to take her to spend the summer with her father Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal). Lucky wasn’t expecting to have any fun or make a connection with anyone there and then she meets a beautiful wild mustang that she names Spirit. When she discovers that a horse wrangler named Hendricks (Walton Goggins) is trying to steal Spirit and his family, she teams up with her new friends Abigail (Mckenna Grace) and Pru (Marsai Martin) to save them.

Although Spirit Untamed is an animated film, it is filled with suspense. Lucky loves to take risks, and that means she is willing to do anything and everything she feels is right. For instance, while Lucky, Abigail and Pru ride their horses through Heck Mountain and over the Ridge of Regret, they are incredibly close to falling off the edge. The way these scenes are designed, and how the events unfold, had me genuinely nervous for the girls. The relationships in the film are well developed. Lucky and Jim’s relationship starts out shaky, but gradually grows throughout the movie. By the end of the movie, the father/daughter relationship is made whole. The friendship between Lucky, Pru and Abigail grows throughout the movie as well, which makes the film much more enjoyable. Something else that stands out is the music. The background music adds greatly adds to the suspense and propels the action. The songs highlight the stunning vocals of the talented performers Becky G. who sings “You Belong.” Its tempo builds as the excitement in the film builds. This sets the perfect tone for the movie, giving it a sense of hope. The cast is very diverse and featuring people from different backgrounds, which I appreciate as well. Spirit Untamed has it all!

The message of Spirit Untamed is: if you see something that’s wrong, speak up and do everything you can to put an end to it. Lucky is aware that it is wrong for Hendricks and his gang to take Spirit and his herd away. No matter what anyone tells her, she doesn’t rest until she finds a way to make everything right.

I rate Spirit Untamed 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14, plus adults Spirit Untamed is available in theatres June 4, 2021. You better hurry; you don’t want to miss this!

Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Spirit Untamed is a thrilling and exciting animated film that keeps you entertained throughout the whole movie. It showcases the friendship between humans and horses, has great messages and holds your interest until the end.

The story follows a girl named Lucky Prescott (Isabella Merced) who returned to live with her dad (Jake Gyllenhaal) for the summer. On the way, she meets a wild horse named Spirit that is adventurous and daring, just like her. Since Spirit is wild, he doesn’t trust Lucky at first. It takes him some time, but eventually he and Lucky become friends. Lucky comes across horse wranglers that are trying to capture Spirit and his herd. She is determined to do whatever it takes to save Spirit and his family.

Something that really impresses me about this film is the lip-syncing of the animated characters. Their mouths match exactly what they are saying. The background music sets the mood such as when scenes are intense, the music intensifies, which helps the audience connect with the mood of the scene. My favorite character is Lucky because she is adventurous, curious and fun. The moment she arrives at her father’s home, she sets off to explore and which leads her to an adventure right away. Her dad, Jim’s character develops the most during the movie. In the beginning, he is afraid something bad is going to happen to Lucky if she gets close to the horses, so he forbids her from being near them. Over time he realizes he can’t keep her from everything and learns to let her follow her heart.

The message of Spirit Untamed is “when you trust someone they will learn to trust you.” The only warning I have for this film is that in some scenes, ropes are wrapped around the horse’s necks.

Spirit Untamed is an amazing film. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 14, plus adults. You can watch Spirit Untamed opens in theaters June 4, 2021. Go check it out!

7 Factors To Consider When Buying A Family Car

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Health & Wellness
7 Factors To Consider When Buying A Family Car

Nowadays, purchasing something is like finding a needle in the haystack.

There is so much saturation in markets that hunting your ideal match can be a confusing and daunting process. You need to research, compare, and evaluate to ensure you are not wasting your hard-earned money.

Well, are you seeking an amazing family car that fulfills your needs perfectly? If so, then you’ve arrived on the right page. Below we have compiled all the essential factors to consider to make the wisest and the easiest family car purchase ever!

1. Cost (Not Just the Car)

You need to budget for two types of costs when buying a car: upfront and ongoing. Some of the costs you need to consider include:

  • The upfront cost of the car, whether it is a financial deal or cost upfront
  • Finance repayments – if it is dealer finance or a personal loan, you need to factor in the repayments you have to make
  • Insurance, see Car UK for great deals on insurance.
  • Annual Road Tax
  • Servicing
  • Other spending’s like repairs, new tires, and valets

All of the above costs are going to add up, which makes it important to have some breathing room in your budget.

2. Fuel

Different families have different ways of using their cars, so make sure you think about how the car you want to buy is going to be used. Are you going to drive it at low speeds in an urban environment? Avoid diesel-powered cars because they are not good at low-mileage driving and low-speed. If you get such a car, you are going to spend a lot on maintenance costs.

The best option in such a case is a modest petrol power, or if you have the budget, a pure electric or hybrid vehicle. If the family car is going to double up as a commuting vehicle that will spend time on the motorway, then it might be a good idea to go with a diesel-powered car because the fuel costs will be lower. A diesel car is a good idea if you are going to spend something like 20,000km, every year.

3. Seating

The number of kids is going to play a part when choosing a car to buy. If you have just one child, then many of the Honda models should be enough. If you have three or more children, then you have to make a lot of considerations when choosing a vehicle. This doesn’t mean going with a full seven-seat car, there are many Honda vehicles in the market that come with five seats that are going to do the job well.

4. Safety

Don’t make the mistake of not giving safety enough focus, whether you are buying a used or new car. If you are getting a new car, then go through the list of standard safety equipment carefully and then see what is on the options list – this way, you can make sure your family remains safe. Honda has great safety ratings, which is why more and more people are choosing it.

5. Finance

There are many options when it comes to financing a new car. Some of them include cash, PCP, credit union/bank loans, or dealer financing options. Take your time and choose a financing option that works best for you.

6. Consider More Than One Vehicle

It is very easy to be caught up in the process of finding a car that is going to fulfill the many roles in your life when the best option could be getting more than one car in your household. You can get a cheap petrol/electric/hybrid model to use for school runs, while you can choose something suited to long-distance driving to use for your daily commute to work. Sit down and think how easier things can be with two vehicles.

7. Interior Trim

One thing that some parents don’t consider when choosing a car is if the interior trim is good for family life. Things can get messy, especially with young kids. This is why you should choose dark upholstery (leather trim is a good option because it is easy to clean)

How to Prepare for Divorce: Divorce Support Guide

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Empowerment
How to Prepare for Divorce: Divorce Support Guide

Are you going through a divorce? Here is a good guide to help you in the process.

1. Do not Believe What You Might Have Heard

There is a good chance you have heard a lot from friends, family, co-workers, and tv characters. This “legal advice” should be written down then shredded. You should not put any value in such advice. Lawyers are used to hearing people saying “my friend got X amount of money in spousal support, why am I not getting the same” or “my co-worker got sole custody of his children, why can I also get it?”

It is not a good idea to let those who have been through separation or divorce to set your expectations when it comes to legal entitlements and obligations. You will often end up disappointed.

Each case has to be analyzed individually by looking at the unique set of circumstances: the assets and liabilities of this particular couple, their income, and the interest of the children. Cookie-cutter or prototype approaches don’t apply in family law matters. You cannot relate two different cases because the outcome might not be the same. You can still listen to and value what it is they are saying because you can know how they felt about the process.

2. Making Sure You Have a Reliable Support Network

During the divorce process, you are going to need a lot of support; both emotionally and financially. Emotional support can be in the form of counseling, a solid core family and friends you share with, or even an online support group. There are times when you might start feeling like the walls are closing in. When you have the right people in your corner who are ready to listen to you during those bad days, then you can expect to have an easier time. It is advisable to look at any form of emotional self-treatment because it is how you are going to find your happy place. Visit clarityclinic.com for support.

It can be a challenge to deal with the legal fees involved with Divorce and Family Law matters. Make sure you choose a lawyer who is within your financial means. Make sure you have a plan for financing their fees, upfront payments, and other related costs.

3. Choosing the Right Lawyer

The lawyer you are going to work with needs to be someone who is experienced and ready to help you with your case. Take the time to choose the right lawyer because he/she is going to have a big impact on your case. Different lawyers have different levels of experience and also different styles. If you feel like your spouse is going to use the “scorched earth” approach, then it might be better to look for a lawyer experienced in cases involving high conflict matters. A lawyer with a more collaborative style is a great option when you have a good relationship that you want to salvage and cultivate even after you have divorced.

4. Distinguishing Battles from the War

There are Divorce and Family Law issues that might come with a high degree of urgency and have to be resolved in the shortest time possible. There are issues that can be considered as “low-hanging fruit” because the fair and just outcome can be seen by all. It is important to resolve them upfront, even if it is on a temporary basis, as you wait for the final decision.

Talk with your lawyer about your priorities and triage the issues. The genuine impasse is going to reveal itself with merit, urgency, and priority assigned to your case. The remaining part will be about solving these issues.

5. Looking at Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The court is not the only option for solving issues. The best way to look at it is as a final resort. There are many models of ADR out there and they are becoming more and more popular. This is usually referred to as “mediation”, and the forum is going to provide amicable, economical, and emotionally healthier ways for both parties to resolve any issues they might be having.

There are no limits on where ADR can be applied. It is going to be a good option whether it involves child/spousal support, parenting matters, or property division.

5 Healthy Marriage Habits to Develop During Your Engagement

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Health & Wellness
5 Healthy Marriage Habits to Develop During Your Engagement

It’s our loved ones that spoil us the most. Sometimes, showering us with buckets of compliments over something so petty that you’d start questioning your perception of that thing. And sometimes, leaving you with questions in the middle of nowhere.

It works both ways. Doesn’t it? And this explains why things fall apart if not tended to. Spoiled and reckless can’t win from nurtured and nourished. Isn’t it?

Well, this is exactly why we’re going to list down five of the best habits to develop to add the ever-lasting element to your relationship. With these habits, your bond with your significant other is going to become growth-oriented, which of course, will make it all healthier and happier.

So, without further ado, here we go!

1.      Communicating Thoroughly and Smoothly

Emotional bonding forms the core of whatever exists between you two. And so, you surely do not want to get it corrupted.

To keep it from happening, both of you need to communicate thoroughly and smoothly. Discuss your take and opinion on essential matters. And if there’s a conflict, talk it out until you reach a mutual agreement. Or have established peace with a difference of opinion.

Withholding your say will only lead to the development of feelings of frustration, suffocation, aggression, and resentment. And these will then lead to passive-aggressiveness and whatnot. Hence, it’s best to start practicing your communication skills before you exchange your wedding bands.

Note that there’s a difference between giving space to one another and getting distanced. You don’t want the latter to happen, so keep an eye on your better half. If things seem to be going irreversibly downhill, then it’s to confront the issue right away!

2.      Getting on the Same Page Financially

Well, you’re going to be a couple. There’s no point shying away from discussing your bank account status and goals. And no, it shouldn’t be anything provoking for either of you if you look forward to a healthy marriage. (If it is, it’s a red flag. Fix it right away!)

Share and discuss your financial goals and become each other’s back. Encourage your significant other to save up where they need to and combinedly think of ways that will help you lead a financially smart and efficient lifestyle. So, you may be able to make it to your dream house, car, or vacation one day!

3.      Finding Newer Ways to Have Fun

The engagement period’s going to be fun and cheesy. But you need to have a sneak peek at yourselves ten years down the lane. Will you both continue to enjoy your favorite coffee shop if you repeatedly hang out there for years? Well, yeah. We know. All you need is each other’s company.

But why bore yourselves out when the world is buzzing with adventure. Indulging yourself in thrilling rides and exciting explorations together will not only keep your enthusiasm alive but will also allow your relationship to thrive and survive. So, develop a habit of seeking the new during your engagement period. This way, by the time you get married, it will not be an effort but a habit.

4.      Developing Healthier Eating Habits

Your physical well-being decides your degree of contentment with life. Failing health status will not only keep you and your loved ones worried but will also be a major obstacle in your way to living life. It’s best to begin recommending each other ways of keeping nutrition intake in check. In actuality, we’d say strive to become each other’s fitness coach. If your significant others need to abide by a weight-loss plan, then be their coach and make sure that they don’t deviate from it. Generally, as well, try adopting a healthier eating pattern.

5.      Prioritizing Self Care

When in a relationship, getting lost in the other’s head is a common dilemma. You need to be each other’s back and not chains. Just because you’re in a relationship, it doesn’t mean your self has become any less important to you. Listen to some of the top health and wellness podcasts, continue practicing that skin-care routine, your fitness plan, your mind relaxation hacks, and relax as you must. Pursue your passions and enjoy bits of your alone time, at least in a week if not daily.

Author Bio:

Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copy-writing, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical field has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He is also fond of writing interesting articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.

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