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Despicable Me 3 – Action-packed, laugh-out-loud funny, family movie!

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother-a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps-one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I love this movie! It is a funny, fast-paced film about Gru and his family discovering his charming, long-lost twin brother Dru.” Madeline R. adds, “It is an action-packed film that is entertaining from beginning to end! It is an excellent sequel to the two other Despicable Me films and the Minions. But to love this film, seeing the others is not required. It is great all on its own!” See their full reviews below.

 

Despicable Me 3

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love this movie! It is a funny, fast-paced film about Gru and his family discovering his charming, long-lost twin brother Dru.  After Gru and Lucy lose their jobs and the Minions quit, the brothers team up against Balthezar Bratt, the new villain, while Lucy and the girls have some of their own adventures.

 

My favorite scene is when Gru and Dru attempt to break into Bratts’ headquarters. Dru, who isn’t used to the idea of a heist, continuously messes up the plan. Its laugh-out-loud funny!  The long lost twin brothers are two of my favorite characters, brilliantly voiced and acted by Steve Carrell. I also love Gru’s wife Lucy voiced by Kristen Wiig.

 

Now of course we can’t forget Balthazr Bratt (Trey Parker), an old school villain determined to get revenge on Hollywood for canceling his hit TV show in the 80s. Gubble gum that blows up on impact is his choice of weapon. His purple pantsuit inspires him to break into an 80s song. You can imagine that he is a fun character and, I think he is very good addition to this movie. You want him defeated, but you enjoy thinking what he might do next.  Although the good guy/bad guy element of the movie is slightly predictable, I would definitely go see it again.

 

The music in this film is all around great. The villain Bratt is stuck in the 80s and constantly breaks out in dance whenever there is 80s music. I know adults will remember those songs. In addition there are Pharrell Williams’ awesome new songs. Illumination Studios nails it again with so much creativity, great animation and new characters to join the familiar ones. The Minions are adorable as always!

 

I give this film 5 out of 5 shining stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18 because of its laugh-out-loud, but not crude humor, creative plot twists, fabulous acting and great music.  Though it’s the 3rd sequel, it doesn’t matter if you didn’t see the previous films. It is great on its own!! Check it out when it opens June 20, 2017 in theaters nationwide.

 

Despicable Me 3

By Madeline R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love this movie. It is an action-packed film that is entertaining from beginning to end! It is an excellent sequel to the two other Despicable Me films and the Minions. But to love this film, seeing the others is not required. It is great all on its own!

 

Despicable Me 3 picks up where Despicable Me 2 left off and takes us on an exciting new adventure. After Gru and Lucy get fired by the new boss of AVL (Anti-Villain League), the Minions want Gru to return to a life of crime. Instead, they are taken on an adventure to find Gru’s long-lost twin brother Dru! Gru, Lucy and their three kids fly to his brother’s house in Freedonia. As soon as they walk in, they notice Dru has an extravagant lifestyle, very different to the one they’re used to, with lots of awesome vehicles.

 

My favorite scene is when the Minions are running from the police and end up on a television show called Sing. There are three judges waiting for them to start and, at first the Minions don’t want to sing. When one Minion gets pushed to the front, he starts singing and all the others join in. Shortly after, the crowd and the judges love them. It is hilarious!

 

Although, I love the Minions, my favorite character is Lucy, performed brilliantly by Kristen Wiig. She is such a fun, high-spirited person and she is always the one to come in and save the day. I also think Balthazar Bratt, the new villain, is a great addition to the film. He starts out as a child actor in Hollywood until he is kicked off the show as a teen. He then thinks and acts as if he is the evil character he played on TV and starts destroying and stealing things.  Gru and Dru decide to take down Balthazar Bratt and carry on their family tradition as special agents.

 

The animation in this film is fantastic. It allows for creativity that live action films just can’t achieve.  Balthazar Bratt’s bubble gum guns are a great example of that, especially when they blow up Hollywood. I  love how the hundreds of Minions change their expressions, their color or their clothes, especially when they change from their jail jumpsuits to their overalls.

 

The music is awesome. It’s a fun mix of Pharrell Williams’ new songs and 80s music that adults are sure to remember! this movie is very family friendly. I recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Many teens and adults will enjoy it as well. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.  It’s a super fun summer film that opens nationwide in theaters June 30, 2017.  Go check it out. I hope you enjoy the movie.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Filed Under: Featured Content, Media Reviews

Go Back To School In Style: Introducing The New Sally Hansen + Crayola Insta-Dri Collection

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Sharpen those pencils, pack that apple, and add the final touch to your back-to-school look in an instant! The new Sally Hansen + Crayola Insta-Dri Collection transports you back to that care-free time of coloring with crayons, sketching out vibrant creations, and jumping back into the September back to school season. Color authorities Crayola and Sally Hansen joined forces to offer a bright, bold, and fun suite of hues that dry in just 60 seconds — so no time is wasted for the woman on the go. With a 60 second dry time, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri®Nail Color’s 3-in-1 formula features a built-in base and top coat to provide shiny, extended wear in a single step in just one stroke. These color specialists did their homework: From a saturated red to a marvelously mod white, here are the 12 new, specially designed shades inspired directly by the Crayola crayon colors we all know and love.

 

Wild Strawberry

Ripe and ravishing, this primary red crème shade is a classic.

Sunset Orange

As bold as it is beautiful, this hue conjures memories of blissful beachy evenings.

 

Carnation Pink

Everything’s coming up carnations in this vivid, pretty pink.

 

Dandelion

Picked right from a sprawling field, this sunny saturated yellow is a force of nature.

 

Granny Smith Apple

Take it to the tart side in this vivaciously verdant polish.

 

Cerulean

Rock this hue, it’s a go-to blue for back to school.

 

Vivid Violet

Cultivate the feeling of floral fancy in this purple shade that elevates any first-day-of-school outfit.

 

White

No better way to kick off the year than with a blank slate. Be crisper than a white board with this pristine white.
Razzmatazz

It’s your time to shine bright and be a dazzling star with this raspberry hue.

 

 Scarlet

Show off your summer tan with this red hot mani.

 

Denim

Casually cool, this jean-ius indigo hue goes with everything.

 

Purple Heart

Be the Queen Bee in this courageously colorful purple.

 

Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri® is #1 in the quick-dry segment. The Sally Hansen X Crayola Insta-Dri Back To School Collection will be available July 2017. Crayola is the worldwide leader in children’s creative expression products. The Crayola brand is known for its iconic Crayola crayons, and portfolio of colorful and innovative art tools, crafting activities and creative toys.

Credit: Sally Hansen/Crayola.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

On International Save the Vaquita Day the Aquarium of the Pacific will be holding a public event to bring light to the plight of critically endangered vaquita porpoise

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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 You can help the Aquarium of the Pacific protect a critically endangered species and spread the message of conservation on International Save the Vaquita Day. Found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, Mexico, the vaquita porpoise is the world’s most endangered marine mammal. Only about thirty vaquitas remain, according to a report by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA).

 

The Aquarium will host activities and education booths to build public awareness of the vaquita and the threats that have brought it to the brink of extinction. The Aquarium of the Pacific and a team of aquariums and zoos across the country are asking the public to get involved in a campaign to help this animal, the smallest cetacean (whale, dolphin, or porpoise) on the planet. The vaquita population has declined by more than 90 percent since 2011. Unless Mexico extends the gillnet ban enacted in 2015 and enforces regulations to stop illegal fishing, the vaquita will be driven to extinction within a few years, according to CIRVA. Guests to this event can participate in a vaquita selfie station to help spread the word about this critically endangered animal (#4aPorpoise). The event will also include Aztec drumming and dance at 10:30 a.m. and a vaquita craft table, film, game, and presentations throughout the day.

 

Aquarium guests can view a photo exhibit about the vaquita conservation on the second floor. Storied Seafood: Vaquita Conservation tells the story of the vaquita through the lens of a group of forward-thinking and innovative fishermen from the northern Gulf of California, Mexico who are working with global fishing experts and government and nongovernment organizations to develop and test non-entangling fishing gear that will greatly reduce fishery impacts on the critically endangered porpoise and other protected species in the region. Storied Seafood program developed by the Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

 

WHEN:            Saturday, July 8, 2017. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

 

COST:             Included with general admission: $29.95 for adults (12+), $17.95 for children (3-11), $26.95 for seniors (62+), and free for children under three years old and Aquarium members.

 

INFO:              For more information visit www.aquariumofpacific.org or www.storiedseafood.org

 

 

Credit:

AQUARIUM:   The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the new FROGS: Dazzling and Disappearing, Our Water Future, and Archerfish exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.

Vaquita photo taken under permit (Oficio No. DR/488/08) from the
Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT),
within a natural protected area subject to special management and
decreed as such by the Mexican Government.
Credit: Paula Olson (NOAA Contractor)
Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Local High School Student Awarded College Scholarship by The Shops at Montebello

July 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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The Shops at Montebello, a Simon center, today announced its local college scholarship winner. Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national nonprofit that champions educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds, provides the scholarship. Each year, SYF awards a scholarship to a deserving student that lives within 50 miles of a Simon property.

 

The recipient is Victoria Corona, a graduate of Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello. She will study at Pasadena City College this fall with plans to attend Sonoma State University for her bachelor’s degree. Corona is the recipient of the Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship, a $1,500 scholarship awarded to individuals based on academic achievement, financial need and leadership involvement at school as well as within their surrounding community.

 

“Simon Youth Foundation is a national organization, but we can feel the benefit of its efforts right here at home,” said Marida Petitjean, director of marketing and business development at The Shops at Montebello. “We are incredibly proud to award this scholarship to Victoria as she continues her studies this autumn.”

 

Corona received her scholarship during a special check presentation at The Shops at Montebello on Thursday, June 22. For more up-to-date news and events, follow The Shops at Montebello on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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About Simon Youth Foundation

Simon Youth Foundation is a national nonprofit based in Indianapolis and is rated as a Four Star Charity by Charity Navigator. SYF exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school stay in school. Through 30 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students by creating learning environments primarily inside Simon malls. In partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 14,000 students, and awarded more than $16 million in scholarships.  Learn more at syf.org.

 

About The Shops at Montebello

The Shops at Montebello is a modern indoor super regional shopping center featuring four department stores and more than 160 shops, eateries, and restaurants—remaining the leader for shopping in the San Gabriel Valley. The Shops at Montebello is home to Macy’s, Macy’s Home, JCPenney, Forever 21, Coach, G by Guess, H&M, Cotton On, Papaya and more, with dining options such as BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, Hikari Sushi, and Olive Garden. The Shops at Montebello serves communities in San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles including Montebello, Monterey Park, and Rosemead. With its modernized look and feel, The Shops at Montebello strives to provide the best shopping experience with its retailer and dining selections for the entire family.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces FlexPay, An Easy, Online Exclusive, Monthly Payment Option for Annual Pass Purchases

July 3, 2017 By 1 Comment

Universal Studios Hollywood introduces FlexPay™, inviting guests to purchase any one of its Silver, Gold or Platinum Annual Passes with the ease of all-new, low monthly payment options.

With an initial down payment, this interest free, online exclusive payment plan enables guests to spread their payments out while enjoying regular visits to The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

The three 12-month annual pass options available to purchase via FlexPay include the following along with key benefits (partial list). Terms and conditions are available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/annual-pass. As the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood offers unparalleled entertainment for the entire family and limitless fun for annual pass members.

  • Platinum Annual Pass:
    • 365 days of entry per year.
    • No black-out dates. 
    • Front of line privileges at all rides and attractions.
    • Free Halloween Horror Nights ticket on select dates.
    • Free general parking daily until 5:00 p.m.
    • 15% off in-park beverage, food and select merchandise.
    • Exclusive invitations to special events.
    • Discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family, on Halloween Horror Nights tickets and at participating CityWalk locations.
  • Gold Annual Pass:
    • 345 days of entry per year.
    • Select black-out dates apply. 
    • Free general parking daily until 5:00 p.m.
    • 15% off in-park beverage, food and select merchandise.
    • Exclusive invitations to special events.
    • Discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family, on Halloween Horror Night tickets and at participating CityWalk locations.
  • Silver Annual Pass:
    • Over 250 days of entry per year.
    • Select black-out dates apply.
    • Exclusive invitations to special events.
    • Discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family, on Halloween Horror Night tickets and at participating CityWalk locations.

This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood offers guests a chance to experience “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” in a whole new light as part of its all-new “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts TM Castle,” which features a dazzling light projection display against the backdrop of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Ahead of its just announced 2018 attraction based on DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda, guests will have a chance to meet many of DreamWorks lovable characters as part of its summer fun experience located within the park’s Universal Plaza venue. Characters include Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, The Penguins – Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private – and King Julian; Trolls’ Poppy and Branch; and Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots who will join existing characters Shrek and Fiona.

Non-stop thrills are literally around every corner: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” “The Walking Dead Attraction,” “King Kong 360 3-D” and “Fast & Furious: Supercharged” as the grand finale to the world-famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour; expansive themed lands, including “Springfield” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem;” next generation thrill rides such as “Transformers: The Ride 3D;” and all-time favorites  “Jurassic Park: The Ride,” “Revenge of the Mummy” indoor roller coaster and “WaterWorld: A Sea War Spectacular.”

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Credit:

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, completely redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Transformers: The Last Knight – Captivating Work with Hyper-Realistic Imagery

July 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Humans are at war with the Transformers, and Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving the future lies buried in the secrets of the past and the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Now, it’s up to the unlikely alliance of inventor Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, an English lord and an Oxford professor to save the world. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nathaniel B. comments, “This latest installment is part of the action-packed Transformers series that I love because of the captivating work of the transformers’ team. Seeing it in IMAX is even more mind-blowing.” See his full review below.

 

Transformers: The Last Knight

Nathaniel B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

 

 

This latest installment is part of the action-packed Transformers series that I love because of the captivating work of the transformers’ team. Seeing it in IMAX is even more mind-blowing. As well as the great cinematography, this film has hyper-realistic imagery that makes it ten times better.

 

This film has many great things in it, but a big problem I have with it is that it has too many things happening. By that, I mean there are new characters, lots of transformers, lots of different storylines and multiple things happening at the same time. These are all great, but there is a limit to how many things can be in a movie. This film isn’t quite over the top, but close.

 

Some of the new characters include Izabella (Isabela Moner), a young girl who is interested in transformers and quite skilled with machinery, Vivian (Laura Haddock) a teacher from England who has a large role in saving the world. Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) is also in this film as a returning character. He was in the fourth movie, Age of Extinction.

 

This film has an interesting storyline and is fun and cool. An interesting name twist occurs when a main character, Optimus Prime becomes Nemisis Prime when he is evil. Nemesis Prime is the leader of the auto-bots, a good group of transformers. The strategy of turning a good guy bad is a great strategy to attract viewers of the film.

 

This movie does a cool, sneak-peek into history. It talks about medieval times and the knights of the round table. That is a primary plot which explains why this movie is called The Last Knight. It is cool to incorporate history into the film as it adds a little extra something to it. For example, in the first film, there is a cool kind of conspiracy part which I won’t describe because it would be a spoiler. It is well acted and well executed with beautiful special effects and nearly non-stop action. You don’t really have a chance to reflect on what or why this crazy and confusing story bounces around from one country to another, landing deep in the ocean and then suddenly reappearing at Stonehenge, England. Even though it’s hard to know who is shooting at whom or for what reason, somehow it’s still enjoyable to watch and even gripping at times.

 

Overall, this is a great film. It is cool, fun and has a lot to it, even if it may be a little too much. I recommend this film for ages 9 to 18. There are some adult jokes and violence, but they are not too bad. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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