The Theater Industry Wants More Family Films

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This just in . . .

The theater industry is looking for more family films and they are saying that the lack of the family genre is hurting their box office numbers. Well – this is interesting and very telling. Many have felt that there is a HUGE void regarding the lack of choices for families these days when they venture out to take in a film at their local theater.  So with this void, the question that rises to top for me is this. Will there continue to be a void or will the dark hole be filled with some creative, quality family films that engage, entertain and leave audiences wanting more?  Frances Schaffer Sr. ( Author and Theologian) often talked about how the church has abandoned the arts over the years and really stepped away from creative expression.  I believe that the church should be setting the standard and allowing creative story telling to rise up and take center stage. There are so many incredible stories still yet to be told.  At the end of the day  I believe that are many creatives  that have come to the same conclusion and they are doing something about it! They are telling their stories and allowing God to use their creative process to enrich our culture with powerful movies that can impact and shape modern culture.

So Here is the kicker. When these films arrive on the scene and we (the church) have an opportunity to support those who are telling their stories through the use film, we need to show up and support them!!!  Here it goes . . .  Stop complaining about culture and DO something about it. Vote with your wallet, do what you can to champion the film arts and creative families films that are so desperately needed. Not just to satisfy the box office numbers for the theater industry, but to impact culture with family friendly, clean, wholesome, entertaining movies.

Click here to read the story from Deadline.com

Random Thought #422 The Bible

Random thought of the day:
You may have heard that one the most popular shows on tv right now is The History Channels new series called The Bible (68 Million viewers). It seems like there are many who are watching and learning about the most read book in history. Many today do not know much if anything about the Bible and the stories between the pages. So is the visibility of this series causing people to talk? Are there conversations around the water cooler at the office as well as the virtual water cooler taking place? I believe there are many conversation regarding issues of faith taking place and God is using this series to bring people to place where they are having healthy discussions about the Bible and its core message of hope and God’s love for the world.

James Hong Interview in Portland

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In 2013 I was working on a new family movie called “The Lost Medallion” and I had the chance to interview one of the stars of the film. You may not recognize his name, but at some point in the last sixty years you surely have seen the face or heard the voice of James Hong on TV or in film. James has appeared in over 500 film and television shows, not to mentioned the many voice over roles throughout the years. James did the voice over for Mr.Ping in Kung Fu Panda #1 and #2 and he says maybe in Kung Fu Panda #3.

The day of the interview just happened to be Mr. Hong’s 84th birthday. He shared that he really started out in thIMG_4845e business as a comic  and included impersonations of Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney and others in his routine ( he shared a few impersonations with us as well). James Hong is classy gentleman and it was a thrill to meet this Hollywood legend.

Summer Staycation Ideas for Families!

SUMMER STAYCATION IDEAS

Summer staycation ideasIt’s summer time once again and it is also time to be creative with regards to family outings that will not break the bank. Gas prices are still very high and the cost to travel can add up very fast. We have a few ideas that will apply to specific events in Portland Oregon – but many cities will also feature similar events for families. Be creative and use the local resources in your community to enrich your family summer experience. As a result you will not spend more money than you need to – but you will create some lasting memories for your family.

GREAT FAMILY PLACES TO EAT!

Check out The Grilled Cheese Grill in North East Portland (Alberta Street area). This cool eatery sits on the  corner and is an old Air stream Trailer and you order your Grilled Cheese Sandwich ( that is all they serve) any way you may want it served. Than you can mosey on over to the old school bus where you can grab a seat for the entire family and enjoy your Grilled Cheese master piece.

KIDS EAT FREE!

Many restaurants offer FREE meal for kids with with the purchase of an adult meal. These offers can really help this summer and can keep costs down as you plan you Staycation events this summer. Do a Google search to find all the kids friendly restaurants in your community. Consider going out once a week with your family and create some summer time memories. 

FREE MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE PARK!

Check your local parks for Free movies for families. Portland Oregon has a full summer schedule of Free movies in the park. Check your local parks and Rec web site for more details on times and locations and movies playing.

CREATE YOUR OWN FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

images-1It is Friday night. What are you going to do? Going to a movie at the theater can set you back $50.00 or more images-2after popcorn, drinks and tickets. We suggest that you buy or rent a family movie and show it at home. Make some popcorn, roll out the blankets and enjoy the evening together. Another option is to check out the secondary theaters that usually show family movies during the summer at a reduced rate.

NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE NIGHT

Or create a family movie night for your block with families in the neighborhood. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and to get outside the walls of your house. This past summer one entire street was blocked off and a screen was set up in the middle of the street for the movie. Everyone had a great time and neighbors were talking and creating memories together.

KidzOnEarth.com features a wide variety of faith and family movie titles that will deliver a great entertaining story.

Click here to view the movie titles at KidzOnEarth.com


Veggietales Kids Pool Has Arrived!

 

Let your little kids cool off this summer with the VeggieTales inflatable pool!  Measuring 5 ” tall by 36″ diameter, making it the perfect size for backyard fun. Easy to inflate and to store, kids will adore splashing along with  Bob The Tomato and Larry The Cucumber.  Featured now at KidzOnEarth.com for only $12.99.

321 Penguins Are Back & You Are Going to Love Them!

The Penguins from Big Idea are back with an all new episode that is due to hit the street July 12th, 2008. This series has been around for a number of years and has been re-energized for a new generation. Kid and parents will love this unique and lovable series.

Go to kidzonearth.com for information about purchasing Penguins DVDS.

Huckleberry Larry is Coming Down Stream

Huckleberry Larry ad Bob SawyerMeet Tomato Sawyer & Huckleberry Larry – two friends homesteading along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Tom & Huck look forward to owning their own land, building a home and opening Huck’s Jerkey Land and Tom’s Tax Service. But everything changes when they meet a mysterious stranger who is on the run and trying to find his mama. Will Huck & Tom risk losing all they’ve worked for in order to help someone they hardly know? A lesson in helping others.

This new episode is the latest all new Veggietales episode to arrive on the scene since the Pirates Movie. Rumor is that Phil Vischer wrote this story – if this is true it will be a great episode. There was a screening last night for a conference in the south (April 14th). If anyone happened to be at this screening of Huck Larry – please chime in and let us know what is in store with this clever spin on Huck Fin.

Find out in this all-new adventure Veggietales – Big River Rescue! Coming to DVD this July 12th, 2008. Pre order this new title at Kidzonearth.com.

If you live in Portland Oregon – Mark your calendars for ( Saturday July 12th 10:30am) the big screen premiere of Huckleberry Larry. This event will be held at the Hollywood theater in Portland Oregon.

Click here to view a trailer of the new Veggietales episode.

The Veggietales Pirates Movie – What Do you Think?

January 11th has come and gone ( the 11th was the opening day of the new Veggie Pirates Movie). The fate of the new Veggietales movie in the box office is not what was expected and is slowly moving along in the $$ box office numbers. As of this past weekend the total box office take is $11.2 million (slow and steady). Look at how well The Hannah Montana movie performed – it hit $29 million in just 3 days – wow!!

So what is the deal? Why did the Veggie Pirates Movie perform below expectations? I believe that the Pirates movie is a good solid family film. Good music, great story, silliness and just pure fun to watch for kids. Well – enough of what I think – What do you think? I am curious to hear from Veggie fans.

Here is what a few Veggie fan’s thought . . .

“Great Family night opportunity”

“It was a great family film”

“It was great and taught a great lesson”

“It was the best! Loved it and all the kids that went loved it! Thanks Big Idea!

“It was delightful and taught a great lesson that with God’s help we can do anything.”

“Nothing in the movie about God will make church people NOT go to see the movie.’

“Excellent Biblical teaching in a great entertainment format.”

‘I would not recommend this as a Christian Movie as there was not one mention of God or any Bible verses. Just another movie – it was okay. I expected alot more from Big Idea remember why you started and return your roots!!!

 
 

Welcome Veggie Pirates!

Greeting Veggie Fans!
Welcome to the new blog for Kidzonearth.com where we feature all things Veggietales. The new family film “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” debut was this past weekend. The movie opened to an excited audience throughout the land! In day and age where there are very few safe family films to go see – the Veggies deliver with delightful adventure that families are sure to love. If you have not yet seen the movie on the big screen – then pull up your stakes and head on out this weekend!

Here is what a few of the critics are saying. . .
So what’s the good word on Pirates? The critics love ‘Pirates!’

“Veggies the kids will love” – Newsday

“Tots will eat this Veggietales up.” – New York Daily News

“For values-based produce, a heroric Seafaring Quest.”- New York Times

“Veggietales has fun with swashbucklers.” LA Times

“Moral nutrients of the latest ‘Veggietales movie are pureed to perfection.”
Chicago Sun Times