Archives for December 16, 2022

Little Foot 3 * A Fun, Family-Friendly Mystery – Filled With Adventure That Grabs Your Attention

Say it isn’t so! Little Foot has a foot odor problem! Will King Arthur defeat Little Foot’s crawly, stinky, creepy foot cooties just in time for the Yeti Snow Party? Join the adventure and find out in Little Foot 3!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Little Foot 3 is a fun, family-friendly mystery – full of adventure and definitely grabs your attention… Something that I really enjoy about the movie is its adventurous storyline. Little Foot’s expedition is a constant process.” Avalon N. adds, “Little Foot 3 is one that I think younger kids would enjoy. The storyline is very unique, maybe a little repetitive. However, it is a funny story with many different and diverse characters.” KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer Elizabeth V. wraps it up with, “This film is all about how you should never give up. I really enjoyed the animation of this film and the vibrant colors for the characters. It is amazing that the film’s 14 voices are all made by five voice actors.” See their full reviews below.

Little Foot 3

By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 16

Little Foot 3 is a fun, family-friendly mystery – full of adventure and definitely grabs your attention.


Little Foot 3 follows Little Foot the Sasquatch who goes into space with his snowman friend. While he’s there, he visits Santa, who reveals to him that he’s suffering from something called shadow toes. This is when your feet have a terrible odor, making you, and every room you enter smell. Throughout the film we follow Little Foot as he undertakes a journey to end his shadow toes. 


Something that I really enjoy about the movie is its adventurous storyline. Little Foot’s expedition is a constant process. He is always meeting fun new characters, some of which are helpful, and some — not so much. Either way, it’s entertaining to see Little Foot interact with all these different personalities. Additionally, the picture quality stands out. All the colors are very vibrant and fun. However, I will say that the audio track isn’t always in synch with the characters’ lip movement. At times it’s very noticeable and can be quite distracting. This takes away from enjoying the film, because viewers are distracted. Lastly the storyline has a lot of creativity. They take already well-established characters like Snow White and Santa Claus, and put their own twist on them, by giving them different personalities or traits.

The message of the film is to never lose hope in finding a solution. 


Little Foot 3 gets 3 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 8. You can watch Little Foot 3 on DVD and VOD beginning December 6, 2022.

Little Foot 3

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14


Little Foot 3 is one that I think younger kids would enjoy. The storyline is very unique, maybe a little repetitive. However, it is a funny story with many different and diverse characters.


This storyline is about a Yeti named Little Foot (Simon Hill) who has a foot odor problem. He treks all over the galaxy in search of King Arthur (Kelsey Painter) who can cure his sickness. He needs his foot to be odor free for the Yeti Snow Party. On his way he meets many characters in faraway parts of the galaxy including Santa (KJ Schrock) and Mr. Fox (John Thompson) from Robin Hood. It is a standalone sequel to Little Foot 1 and 2


Little Foot 3 has a very impressive cast of voice actors. One thing that is so amazing is that there are only five voice actors, yet there are 14 voice parts! However, until I watched the credits I had no idea some actors voice multiple characters. The storyline is quite repetitive; every scene mostly involves Little Foot meeting someone and finding out where King Arthur is. There is one character that simply made me laugh every time — Misty the Snowman; he never speaks and only makes sounds. Yet somehow Little Foot understands every sound he makes. The animation style is very unique; it uses a blurred background and the animated characters have very big heads.


The message of this film is to never give up and keep on searching as you may find what you are looking for.

Little Foot 3 gets 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. Little Foot 3 releases on DVD and VOD December 6 2022.

Little Foot 3

By Elizabeth V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

Trailer:

I found Little Foot 3 entertaining and designed well for its target age. It is a funny and heartfelt story about a Yeti named Little Foot who has a foot odor problem. He embarks on a journey to cure it in time for the Yeti Snow Party. This film is all about how you should never give up. I really enjoyed the animation of this film and the vibrant colors for the characters. It is amazing that the film’s 14 voices are all made by five voice actors. Little Foot 3 gets 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It releases on DVD and VOD December 6, 2022. By Elizabeth V., KIDS FIRST! 

Disenchanted * A Magical Combination Of Part Musical, Part Fairy Tale And Part Adventure

It’s been fifteen years since Giselle and Robert wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city. They decide to move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life – unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe, who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale, placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kyla C. comments, “Disenchanted is a magical combination of part musical, part fairy tale and part adventure. The acting, singing and animated segments make the film truly shine as a worthy sequel to Disney’s beloved Enchanted.” See her full review below.

Disenchanted

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Disenchanted is a magical combination of part musical, part fairy tale and part adventure. The acting, singing and animated segments make the film truly shine as a worthy sequel to Disney’s beloved Enchanted.

Disenchanted follows Giselle (Amy Adams) and her family as they move from New York City to suburban Monroeville to find a new “happily ever after.” However, they are met with many challenges, specifically Giselle’s daughter Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) has trouble fitting in at her new school. When Giselle makes a wish to try to solve all of their problems, it backfires, and they are left in a fairytale mess once again. Who knew that Malvina (Maya Rudolph) had the potential to be an evil queen? Will Andalasia disappear altogether? Or will Giselle find a way to save both worlds?

Featuring the entire original cast, Disenchanted is an excellent sequel. Although it includes all the same core pieces as Enchanted, it is more than a rewritten version. There’s more music, with plenty of songs spread throughout the entire film. These upbeat and intense songs grabbed my attention; the ballads help tell the story and the softer pieces bring out the character’s emotions. The dancing and animation help bring out the best in each song. One thing I noticed is that the songs are slightly repetitive. Sometimes, the song you’re listening to sounds very similar to one you heard just a few minutes ago, which detracts from the musical aspect a bit. However, the singers are very talented. Specifically, Idina Menzel brings a lot to the table whenever she sings. The acting is also incredible. Amy Adams, Gabriella Baldacchino and Patrick Dempsey (as Giselle’s husband, Robert) create a relatable family dynamic. The switching back and forth, between animation and live-action, is so cool. It makes the distinction clear between Andalasia and Monroeville, which could otherwise be a very confusing transition.

The message of Disenchanted is that you should be careful what you wish for. It may seem like there are so many problems that need to be fixed, but sometimes people need to solve them for themselves. Giselle wants to help Morgan fit into her new home, but her wanting to do that is unclear and causes more problems than before. Disenchanted also emphasizes the importance of family. Note that there is some very minor inappropriate language and some violence.

I give Disenchanted 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can watch Disenchanted on Disney+ now.

Amy Adams as Giselle in Disney’s live-action DISENCHANTED, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jonathan Hession. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Color Quest AR * Fantastic! The Ultimate Creativity App Combining Digital Drawing, Coloring And Augmented Reality Features

Color, learn, and discover fun characters that come to life in your exciting augmented reality quest for health! Stayhealthy’s new educational app includes fruits, vegetables, and a magical look into the human body with engaging new characters every month! Color your favorite character, press the magic button, read a fun health fact, and see your new creation come to life and dance in front of you in augmented reality (AR). Keep on coloring to unlock all the characters to win badges, play bonus games, and become the ultimate Magic Health Master in this coloring adventure!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kyla C. comments, “Color Quest AR is a fantastic, interactive new app that I highly recommend.It is the ultimate creativity app, with a combination of digital drawing, coloring and augmented reality features that blew my mind.” See her complete review below.

Color Quest AR

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Color Quest AR is a fantastic, interactive new app that I highly recommend.It is the ultimate creativity app, with a combination of digital drawing, coloring and augmented reality features that blew my mind.

In Color Quest AR, you can choose one of three fun characters available for free, or purchase any of other themed characters for a fee. Then, you proceed to the coloring screen, where you choose between various colors and brush sizes and use your finger to color in your chosen character. Once satisfied with your character, head on over to the augmented reality feature, where you can look through the screen and watch your personalized character come to life in front of you, no matter where you are!

There are apps for digital coloring; there are apps for augmented reality. But this one-of-a-kind app allows you to pursue both interests in a single app. My jaw dropped when I first saw my personally-colored character appear in front of me. I am so impressed by how real it truly seems. Your character just pops up in front of you, wherever you are. Another detail of the app that stands out is the wide variety of color options. There are six main colors, with five shades within each color option. In addition, there are four brush sizes. This allows you to color smaller areas without going outside of the lines, and use the brush more efficiently in larger areas. Even the eraser feature has different thicknesses, making it easier to make deletions. Color Quest AR has so many additional features that I can’t even begin to name them all. An important one to call attention to is the educational aspect. While the character is being loaded into augmented reality, a health fact pops up. These involve animals, parts of the body and many fun facts. This helps hold your attention during the time the loading circle spins. There is also a music video with the app’s characters, and background music options to immerse yourself in. If you look in the menu, you can even click to find a playlist that’ll spark your creativity and motivate you as well.

Color Quest AR excels at developing creativity, problem-solving skills and patience while also being educational and tons of fun. It is totally child-safe. One thing I will note is that there are optional in-app purchases. While the app can still be enjoyed and used without these paid features, be sure that your child doesn’t accidentally buy something without permission.

I give Color Quest AR 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. Color Quest AR is available now anywhere you get your apps.

Trailer:

Hemsworth, Dec. 15th Pet of the Week

“All I want fur Christmas is outa here! I’m inna shelter for over a year!” Hemsworth is Long Beach Animal Care Services’ longest resident. He was abandoned at someone’s house and found himself at the shelter when he was just a year old. Now, he’s 2! The volunteers and staff adore him and have nicknamed him Frogman because of his resemblance to the animal! But they’d be happier to see him curled up under the Christmas tree or on the couch in a forever home. Hemsworth is affectionate toward most people. After his playtime, he settles down nicely to rest. He’d thrive with patient humans familiar with this breed in a home with adults and mature kids. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). You can email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process for adopting or fostering Hemsworth. Ask for ID#A662968.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Embrace The True Spirit & Sparkle of the Holiday Season With “Out of This World” Seaside Experiences At Ventura Harbor Village on California Highway 101

Photo Credit: Ventura Harbor Village

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit seaside at Ventura Harbor Village, located off California Highway 101, where friends and family from near and far, are invited to add sun and sparkle this season. Trade in snow for sand and snow boots for flip flops – it’s time to enjoy another iconic event lineup at this stunning destination situated along the waterfront in Ventura. The Harbor is truly a “must SEA” spot this time of year.

Ventura Harbor is mustering up more holiday magic than ever with ocean-inspired decorations in a color palette of twinkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues. On display for all to see are spiraling sea pearls, a scenic “SEAsons Greetings” photo op, whimsical holiday trees, vibrant wreaths, and other festive décor that reflects off the glistening marina waters. Seasonal décor can be enjoyed from now through the New Year!

Visitors are encouraged to take a seaside stroll to enjoy the lights and stop in for quality food on a cozy covered patio – a perfect way to entertain and spend quality time with loved ones. Following a relaxing meal, explore the Harbor Village for one-of-a-kind gifts. Ventura’s locally-owned shops and art galleries have everything from handmade treasures to fun stocking stuffers.

Ventura Harbor offers an array of community festivities for the holidays including Small Business Saturday, Santa Paddle, Winter Wonderland & Marketplace, and the most anticipated event of the year – Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/events/ to SEA a full stellar line-up of events to make your holidays merry and bright!

Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2022

Seas the day and add a little glee with Ventura Harbor Village’s annual Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2022 on Saturday, December 10th from Noon to 3:00pm. Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus for photos and get up close to two of their reindeer! Live Dickenson carolers and holiday characters will be roaming, catch the Toy Soldier band, play in the faux snowfall, and browse a Pop-Up Village Makers Market along the seaside Promenade. Featured Harbor Village artisans and creators include Lemon & Lei, Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, Mermaid Gallery and Ventura Pottery Gallery. In addition, complementary crafts for kids will provided by Lakeshore. venturaharborvillage.com/event/winter-wonderland-holiday-marketplace-2022/

Arrive early on Saturday, December 10th at 11:00am for Ventura Harbor’s 6th Annual Santa Paddle – a sure bet for holiday fun.  Santa Trades Reindeer for Paddle Board in a salute to the sea, whereby visitors rent a kayak, SUP, or stand-up YOLO board or character pedal boats from Ventura Boat Rentals to join the fun.  Everyone is invited to dress festively in the spirit of the season in red and white Santa’s elves, and of course Santa Hats! Arrive early to secure your rental needs. venturaharborvillage.com/events/

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks 2022

It’s an “Out of this World” moment when spectators get their first glimpse of the magnificent boats amid festive décor at the 45th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17,2022 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Vivid and bright, the procession of colorfully decorated boats is a spectacle to behold. This year’s theme of “Out of This World” will be all things outer space. Here’s peek at what’s planned: 

4:00pm & beyond – Kids Rides & Carnival Games on the Harbor Village main lawn
5:30pm – Faux Snowfall, LED Performers twinkle and shine along the Harbor Village Promenade
6:30pm – Boat Parade Begins (two laps throughout Ventura Harbor)
8:00pm – Fireworks (weather pending) – look northwest for best viewing

The celebration spotlights more than 25 illuminated power and sail boats per night as they cruise around the entire Harbor – plus carnival rides, sweet treats, warm drinks, and waterfront dining throughout Ventura Harbor Village. To cap off the evening, a fireworks display lights up the night sky and sea on both Friday & Saturday at approximately 8:00pm (weather permitting). Event admission and parking are complimentary. venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights/ 

Plan to vote for the prestigious People’s Choice Award on the Ventura Harbor’s Facebook page! View all parade entries on the “2022 People’s Choice Award” album and “like” your favorites. Boat owners are invited to bring holiday cheer to the Ventura County Community by joining the parade.

Entering as a boater is completely free, plus awards and participation prizes will be given, including cash and gift certificates. To join the parade with your decorated boat, visit venturaharborvillage.com/pol-boaters/ for details. 

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights is made possible by the following sponsors:Four Points by Sheraton & Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Portside Ventura Harbor, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Ventura West Marina, Ventura Isle Marina, Channel Watch Marine / Tow Boat US, Island Packers, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar, On the Alley, Ventura Yacht Club, Ventura Marina Community, Ventura Keys Association, Mavcco Market, Ventura Harbor Boatyard, Coastal Cone, Harbor Cove Café, Deep Sea Winery, Sunbelt Rentals, RP Barricade, Cumulus Broadcasting, Ventura Breeze, VC Reporter, & Valley Scene Magazine. 

Holiday goers can also revel in the true spirit of the season with these special public on-the-water activities and holiday cruises: 

Island Packers Public Holiday Cruises

Island Packers Holiday Lights Cruises:

Cruise in style to view holiday lights with friends/family during a one-hour Island Packers Holiday Lights Cruise on select dates from December 7- 23, 2022. Cost: $18 per adult, $16 per senior (55+), and $12 per child. For advance reservations call 805-642-1393.

Island Packers Parade of Lights Cruises:

For those who wish to see the colorfully-lit boats up close, look no further than Island Packers Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Cruises on December 16 and 17, 2022. Cruises depart at 5:45pm, 6:00pm, & 6:15pm. Fare is $38 for adults, $35 for seniors and $28 for children under 12. Group rates are available. For advance reservations call 805-642-1393 or visit islandpackers.com to book.

Get on the Water with Ventura Boat Rentals

A menagerie of charter boats (ducks, dragons, flamingos and swans) offered by Ventura Boat Rentals get visitors in the holiday spirit with both public daytime and nighttime rentals when the boats are lit with colorful lights. In addition, Ventura Boat Rentals is also offering private holiday boat charters to experience California Sleigh Rides and to view the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks.  For advance reservations call 805-642-7753 or visit venturaboatrentals.com.                             

Shop Local On Small Business Saturday

Get a jump start on gift shopping without the big box bustle, and partake in Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2022 from 11:00am – 6:00pm. There is no shortage of one-of-a-kind gifts and original finds for family and friends! Ventura Harbor Village has a holiday shopping trail that makes shopping a breeze with a pedestrian-friendly promenade adjacent to the glistening water, live entertainment, and complimentary parking. Holiday shoppers can give the gift of year-round experiences by purchasing gift cards too!  venturaharborvillage.com/event/shop-small-saturday-2022/

See these gift ideas to match the different personas of everyone on your list:

The AdventurerVentura Dive & SportThe Ultimate Escape RoomsIsland Packers & Gift Shop have numerous options to please adventurous tweens and adults, whether they prefer exploring the sea or solving riddles to escape a themed room on land.

The Art EnthusiastDiscover beautiful hand-crafted pottery, original art, and sea themed décor for for the art lover or new home owner in your life  at Harbor Village Gallery & GiftsMermaid Gallery, and Ventura Pottery Gallery

The Wine & Chocolate LoverFor holiday entertaining and gifting, visit the new Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room (each bottle produced in small batch) and Top This Chocolate for customized chocolate bars, table chocolates, and chocolate stocking treats.

The FashionistaBrowse Anja’s Boutique has European linen garments and jewelry, Barefoot Boutique for California casual apparel and accessories, Casa De Regalos for sporty wear, Hats Unlimited for hats of all sizes and shapes, Harbor Market & Liquor for Ventura Harbor wear, Lost In Socks for an array of themed socks, Treasure Cove  for sea themed jewelry, and Ventura Swimwear which boasts an extensive collection of swimwear and cozy accessories.

The Self Care LoverLook no further than Frenchies Modern Nail CareSilhouettes By The Beach full-service salon to complete a fantastic holiday look, and the perfect stocking stuffers are handmade holiday soaps, salves, and bath bombs from Lemon & Lei.

The Foodie FriendTake a gastronomic stroll and give the gift of a savory meal to the foodie lovers. The Harbor has cuisine from around the world all in one place – American, Cuban, French, Greek, Mexican, and fresh seafood. Grab a dining gift certificate at Ventura Harbor Village restaurant for every palate. 

Cuisine From Around the World:

Holiday Fare On Christmas

Make memories with a casual meal or gather for a special dinner with family and friends at one of the popular dining options at Ventura Harbor on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/dine/ to learn restaurants are open on Christmas Day. 

Ring in 2023 on New Year’s Eve

Enjoy the live music seaside with the band Blown Over” from Noon to 3 PM on December 31, 2022 in beautiful Ventura Harbor Village. Listen from the scenic Village promenade or while dining on a nearby waterfront restaurant patio. SEA you seaside in celebration of the New Year! venturaharborvillage.com/events

Waterfront Dining On New Year’s Day

Welcome 2023 waterside and toast the New Year with a savory selection of al la carte and pre fixe menus items accompanied by handcrafted and specialty cocktails at an array of restaurants on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/events/ to learn which restaurants are open on New Year’s Day.

Admission & Parking Information:

Admission for Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, Parade of Lights, and Santa Paddle are complimentary. Complimentary event parking is available in Ventura Harbor Village Parking Lots, designated spots along Spinnaker Drive, Surfer’s Knoll  Beach, Harbor Cove Beach, and Safe Harbor Ventura Isle (Dolphin Parking Section only).

Arrive early for best parking and shopping throughout the Ventura Harbor Village. Consider taking Uber and Lyft to the events this year. Dinner reservations are recommended or arrive early to dine in venues throughout Ventura Harbor. Parade and fireworks are weather pending. For best views of the parade, reserve a Parade of Lights cruise.

For a complete schedule of holiday events and entertainment and additional visitor information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470, or visit VenturaHarborVillage.com.  Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, CA 93001. 

Ventura Harbor Village is excited to welcome the community with an outdoor, open-air public space to spend and enjoy the holiday. The Harbor asks that visitors please be mindful during their visit and seaside safely. 

Post, share, and tag your experience @VenturaHarbor for a chance to be featured!

Credit: Ventura Harbor Village.