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Steadman, Feb. 9th Pet of the Week

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment

What’s Steadman doing in a swimming pool in the middle of winter? Well, the photo was taken in August! Steadman came in as a stray in May and has been beached here for too long. He’s about 5 years old and loves to have fun. If you’re not familiar with the husky breed, they’re devoted, spirited and playful and require above-normal levels of activity. But if they don’t get it, they’re notorious escape artists and will likely find adventure on their own. They also shed like mad and talk a lot! But they’re loyal and such fun! Steadman needs to find a new place to dog-paddle. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Steadman and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A674834 to meet Steadman. We’re at capacity, and everyone needs homes!

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Tweens,Teens and Younger Kids

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop – DIY Cookie Kits

Have a Tween or a Teen who loves to bake? This gift idea is sure to be a hit!

Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop – DIY Cookie Kits

Price: Starting at $30

I love these DIY Cookie Kits! Each kit comes with pre-measured dry ingredients that you need plus easy step-by-step baking directions.  Each kit makes approximately 2 dozen cookies, more or less depending on the size of each cookie.  Flavors available include Sprinkle Cookies, Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate Chip! I tried the Chocolate Chip and they were delicious!

Website: littleredkitchenbakeshop.com

Looking to get the older kids off screens? They will find this next one fun!

Gel Blasters

Gel Blasters

Price: Starting at $68

Gel Blaster Starfire blasts eco-friendly, glow in the dark water-based Gellets which disintegrate on impact, leaving only a glowing trace behind. The water-based compound ensures a mess-free experience that will make all parents happy.

  • No mess, non-toxic and eco-friendly
  • Gets kids off of screens. It’s like video games in real life!
  • The cost of ammo allows you to throw it at full speed with no regard for the price. Because they ship them dehydrated, a pack of 10,000 Gellets only costs $5!
  • Active, wholesome, family fun

Website: https://gelblaster.com/

This next one is perfect for younger kids!

Bumpas Dolls Give Hugs for Valentine’s Day!

These are sooo sweet!

This Valentine’s Day, gift love with Bumpas™ plush dolls that hug you and are weighted for soft, cozy comfort. The dolls with their weighted arms, have hands shaped in half hearts that join to create a full heart, a perfect representation of love on Valentine’s Day. 

“Hugging is loving,” says Bumpas’ creator, Drew Matilsky, co-founder of the brand Uglydolls. “Giving and getting hugs is a sign of trust and love. I created Bumpas mybumpas.com to give people of all ages a product that can love, hug, and protect them.”

Features include a deep, plush exterior for a soft, cozy, sensory feel. The arms are long, and weighted giving hands-free hugs, emotional support, and an all-important sense of love and security. With almost three pounds of weighted arms and legs, they give simulated hugs and piggyback rides while hugging and holding onto you. They also have oval, wide open “eyes” on the back of their head to make sure that when you’re holding them, they are keeping you protected and safe while watching your back. The opposite side features closed eyes expressing that moment when we give and get hugs. “Hugging creates a connection often giving the feeling of love and support,” says Matilsky.

The four Bumpas characters have their own color, personality and backstory told from the doll’s point of view. There is creative and quirky Shin Shin, daring and adventurous Zeek, gentle and soulful Oz, and cheery and encouraging Lucky. Bumpas are for everyone, especially those who crave a special warm embrace, emotional support, and sensory calming this holiday. Whether you have a special someone, or just want to give that feeling to yourself, Bumpas dolls are available at FAOSchwartz.com, LearningExpress.com Amazon.com,  Macys.com, Walmart.com, and many independent toy stores.

Matilsky says “Love is something we all crave. I created the dolls specifically to address the feeling that we all have when someone looks out for us, puts their arms around us, and tells us everything will be fine. Bumpas dolls express love and are always there for you. Let’s share the Bumpas love with the phrase my heart is yours #myheartisyours.”

“Similar to Uglydolls, we are expanding products for the Bumpas family,” says Matilsky.

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok handles: mybumpas

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday-featured gift guide. Images and information were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Light Catcher Family Workshop

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Create your own light catcher inspired by the Getty’s stained-glass collection and discover how to make art using light and color with artist Stephanie Godoy in this free family workshop.

Light Catcher Family Workshop

GETTY CENTER

Sunday, February 12, 2023, at 11 am to 3pm, Museum Entrance Hall

Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 11 am to 3pm, Museum Entrance Hall

Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 11 am to 3pm, Museum Entrance Hall

Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 11 am to 3pm, Museum Entrance Hall

Credit: Getty Center.

Filed Under: Featured Events

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood is Now Open

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Innovative Restaurant, Fueled by a Fantastical Imagination of Victorian Steampunk,
Anchors Universal CityWalk as Destination Prepares for Milestone 30th Anniversary




 The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk is now open. The innovative, original concept restaurant serves an extensive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner items along with sumptuous milkshakes, desserts and delectable confectionary treats, and is hosted by character ambassadors and world travelers Penelope and Jacques, to deliver an entirely new take on culinary inspirations for the entire family.
            This uniquely inspirational restaurant is reminiscent of a Victorian steampunk chocolate emporium. Its interior is adorned with a collection from Penelope’s archives of chocolate research and various steampunk gadgetry and inventions complete with L.A.-based artisans’ paintings of steampunk airships journeying through the sky atop the interior dome. The dynamic exterior façade features a giant clockwork marquee and towering 97-foot smokestacks.
            Within the eclectic space, guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant, a Dessert Foundry for grab-n-go over-the-top milkshakes and a Candy Smith counter to experience a cornucopia of sweet treats, including 30 different flavors of macarons, truffles and an expansive offering of deliciousness, along with unique apparel and themed collectibles.
            Executive Chef Carlos Garcia sits at the helm of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen orchestrating a symphony of exquisite meals and desserts, prepared fresh to order within its two behemoth kitchens under the watchful eye of the restaurant’s skilled Sous Chefs.
From crisp salads and hearty soups to tasty burgers, flatbreads and steaks, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen caters inspirational fare to every member of the family.
Sample tempting menus items include signature Chocolate Almond Bread, Avocado Bruschetta, Truffle Fries, Pork Belly Sliders, Coffee and Chocolate Stout Wings, Waldorf Chicken Salad, Toothsome Niçoise, French Onion Soup, Forest Mushroom Flatbread, Classic Margherita Flatbread, Southern Fried Chicken BLT, Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich, Red Ruben sandwich, Fork & Knife Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Croque Monsieur, Tour de France Burger, May Contain Bacon Burger, Brisket Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Wild Mushroom Chicken Risotto, Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Teriyaki Salmon, Brisket & Wild Mushroom Meatloaf and Toothsome Signature Beef Tenderloin…to name but a few.
Brunch features such mouth-watering options as: Nutella & Banana Crepes, Apple Pie Crepes, Beef & Mushroom Crepes, Berries and Cream Waffles, Banana Foster Waffles, Chocolate Brioche S’mores French Toast and several quiches.
Jacques Specialty Milkshakes include Red Velvet, Brownie, Cookie Jar, Espresso Buzzzz, Key Lime Pie, Heavenly Hazelnut, Marshmallow Crisp, Strawberry Cheesecake, That’s Mint and Pineapple Upside Down.
Sweet Sundaes and Desserts include Brookies, Cookies & Cream, Apple Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Brownie Bark, Chocolate Crème Brulee, Classic French Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Potted Cream, Flourless Chocolate Gooey Cake, and Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding.
A kid’s menu and vegan Beyond Burger® options are available.
Hand-crafted libations include a Chocolate Old Fashioned, Spresso ‘tini, Cacao Nut Margarita and more are available for diners 21 years or older with valid photo ID.
Reservations can be made by visiting the website, and valet parking validation is available for diners.
More than just an eclectic restaurant, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen features an entertaining backstory whose origins are as enticing as the food. Unlike most dining establishments, the eatery is hosted by two highly regarded steampunk ambassadors, Penelope and Jacques.
As the story goes…the love of chocolate is at the core of Penelope’s family. Penelope, an innovator at heart, created Jacques, her trusty robot and confidant, to travel and explore the world. Upon returning to her small cottage home in London, England, after an extended trip abroad, Penelope discovered that her parents ventured out on a quest to find her, leaving a simple message – “We have set out to join you in your adventures. Surely the world isn’t so big that we can’t find you. We shall look for you wherever chocolate can be found.”
Thus, Penelope knew what she had to do. Armed with the insight she had on all things chocolate, Penelope created The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Her mission to share her passion and love of the sweet treat with the world was also grounded in the hope that one day her parents would find her.
Spectacularly dressed in Steampunk attire, Penelope and Jacques frequent The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to await her parents’ arrival and to share their adventures and innovations with guests.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is exclusive to Universal Parks & Resorts and is one of three worldwide locations, including Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Beijing Resort. The arrival of the restaurant coincides with the 30th anniversary of Universal CityWalk and is located adjacent to the popular Universal Cinema, an AMC® theater.
More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s social channels Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

Credit: Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Book of the week!

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment

New Cookbook Delivers Recipes from Around the World for Better Health and Aging!

ANTI-AGING DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
By Grace O
ISBN-13: 9781510768604
Publisher: Skyhorse
Publication date: August 2022
Hardcover/$29.99

Chef and author Grace O has traveled the world in search of delicious, good-for-you foods. Her passion for discovering food treasures from the Blue Zones and elsewhere, where people live longer, healthier lives, is the driving force behind her new cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World. In her third cookbook, Grace O, founder of the ground-breaking healthy food website, FoodTrients.com, delivers all the hallmarks of her two previous award-winning cookbooks, and more.

In addition to 250 easy-to-make recipes using everyday favorites, exotic ingredients, and superfoods from around the world, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World includes healthy resources, guides, and tips for improving your lifespan and health-span. Grace’s global approach to her age-fighting recipes is to ramp up the flavor profiles of each dish to entice food lovers everywhere.

In Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World, Grace takes classic recipes and gives them international twists with a few simple steps, creating very interesting meals. Grace uses superfoods and spice profiles from all over the world, including Africa, Asia, South America, the South Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. Recipes range from Appetizers; Soups; Side Dishes; Vegetarian; Noodles and Sauces; Salads; to Meat; Seafood; Poultry; Flatbreads; Drinks; and Desserts. Some of the delicious anti-aging recipes found in the cookbook include: 

  • Vietnamese Shrimp & Noodle Salad with Dipping Sauce
  • California Hemp Seed Salad with Strawberries & Kale
  • Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
  • Peruvian Fresh Fish Ceviche
  • Blue Zone Apple-Sage Cauliflower
  • American Steakhouse Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
  • Israeli Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Figs
  • Polynesian Pot Roast
  • Belizean Chicken Stew
  • Lebanese Braised Lamb Shanks
  • Hawaiian Avocado Chiffon Pie
  • Turkish Apricot-Almond Cake
  • California Persimmon Cookies
  • Chinese Monk Fruit Spice Cookies

The book also features invaluable guides to Herbs and Spices from Around the Globe; Top 50 Foods for Longevity; Alternative Flours and Grains; The Healthiest Cooking Oils; Better-for-You Sweeteners; The Best Anti-Aging Teas; and the “New” Ancient Grains. Grace also includes her signature FoodTrients chart that tracks the health benefits of each recipe.

All of us are concerned with our health these days. If you want to know the top foods for aging better or the difference between prebiotics and probiotics; which cooking oils are best to use; which salts are healthier; the perfect teas to help you calm down, energize, or fight the flu, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World has the answers.

All proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to the Grace O Foundation, which supports educating the public about nutrition, working with other food-based non-profits, and participating in research that explores food and the diseases of aging.

About Grace O:

Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. When she moved from the Philippines to the U.S. in 1992, she began her impressive corporate ascent from employee to owner and operator of a number of skilled nursing facilities in California.

In 2011, Grace combined her entrepreneurial skills, her passion for the culinary arts, and her commitment to health by launching a new culinary brand, FoodTrients®, a non-profit website and cookbooks dedicated to the nutrients in foods that help prevent the diseases of aging. She is also the author of two other award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life and The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World.

Photo reprinted with permission from Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the WorldBy Grace O / Skyhorse Publishing / August 2022

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to feature this book. Information and images were provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Feb 18-19, 2023: Year of Rabbit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K/Kiddie/PAW’er Dog Run/Walk & 20/40-Mile Bike Ride; Free to the Public Expo

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment

L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Run/Walk/1K Kiddie & PAW’er Dog Run/Walk & 20/40-Mile Bike Ride — Celebrating 45 years, the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S. with its upcoming Lunar New Year run, walk, cycling, Kiddie Run and dog walk events held over the weekend of February 18-19, 2023, at the historic Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza. Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.


Registration is now open for the February 2023 Firecracker L.A. Year of the Rabbit Chinatown events with a choice to participate in-person or virtually. Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2023 Firecracker race bib, exclusive collectible finisher’s medal, limited edition commemorative t-shirt, goody bag, and much more. In addition, participants and their guests will enjoy the Lunar New Year Celebration in the heart of historic Chinatown with an opening ceremony filled with lion dancers and the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers. The Firecracker post-race expo (free to the public) includes vendors and booths as well as a new Chalk Art Festival and Boba Garden. There is also a children’s carnival just for Kiddie Run participants.

Virtual participants can take part by downloading and activating the RaceJoy App and between now and February 19 to partake in an event. The 45th Annual Firecracker has been approved as a 2023 USATF Sanctioned Event.

The 45th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), a group of volunteers who donate their time and energy to organize and stage events and programs promoting health, fitness, and cultural awareness to the greater Los Angeles community. All proceeds are reinvested in the community, supporting elementary schools and nonprofit organizations, providing service and programs that benefit local neighborhoods.


Sponsors include ABC Laboratories, Young Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc., Longo Toyota Lexus, Payden & Rygel, CXN Freight Systems, Inc., Phoenix-PDQ, Inc., RSM, ZWIFT, LANDSEA, Assam Beverages, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Chinatown Corp., RMJ Property, AEC Consultants, Inc., VCA Engineers, Inc., The Wonderful Company, Angel City Brewery, Canton Food Co., LA Central City Optimist, City of Los Ange    les, The Lab @Chinatown, GoGo Squeez, Asian Pacific Community Fund, Bicycle Angels, among others.


WHEN:
February 18-19, 2023

• Sat, Feb 18: 40-mile Bike Ride; 8:00 a.m.
• Sat, Feb 18: 20-mile Bike Ride; 8:20 a.m.
• Sat, Feb 18: 1-mile PAW’er Dog Walk; 9:00 a.m.
• Sun, Feb 19: 5K Run/Walk; 8:00 a.m. Run / 8:20 a.m. Walk
• Sun, Feb 19: 10K Run/Walk; 8:40 a.m. Run
• Sun, Feb 19: 1K Kiddie Run: 9:00 a.m.

*All Times are subject to change


WHERE:
Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza
943 N Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012


REGISTRATION:  $30 – $65


HOW TO REGISTER AND MORE INFORMATION:
• Firecracker L.A. Website: https://firecracker10k.org/
• Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LosAngeles/LAChinatownFirecracker
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefirecracker10k
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firecracker10k/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/firecracker10k
• Email: info@firecracker10k.org or call 818-925-8434
• #firecrackerLA; #45years
• Firecracker L.A. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw5h2HgDdCo&authuser=1

Credit: L.A. Chinatown.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

80 For Brady * A Perfect Movie To Remind Us That Happiness Has No Age Limit

February 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment

80 For Brady is inspired by the true story of four best friends and New England Patriots fans who take a life-changing trip to Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play, and the chaos that ensues as they navigate the wilds of the biggest sporting event in the country.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keila V. comments, “80 for Brady is a perfect movie to watch with a best friend, family member and sports fan. What I love about this movie is that it successfully connects the importance of being courageous, while trusting those closest to you to overcome your biggest obstacles in both sports and in life.” Kendall B. adds, “Along with an all-star cast, this movie has hilarious jokes throughout. All of the shenanigans the girls get into are unbelievably crazy and insanely fun to watch. I love when Betty signs up for Guy Fieri’s hot wings contest because she ends up winning and, after it’s over, she tells them that her taste buds aren’t very good so she can barely taste anything.” Nathalia J. wraps it up with, “This film provides a significant message: It is never too late to discover the wonders and experiences of life you may have missed. Happiness has no age limit—it is never too late to discover new interests and act on them.” See their full reviews below.

80 For Brady

By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

80 for Brady is a perfect movie to watch with a best friend, family member and sports fan. What I love about this movie is that it successfully connects the importance of being courageous, while trusting those closest to you to overcome your biggest obstacles in both sports and in life. Also, what else would you expect from Tom Brady (producer), but an inspiring movie about the power of attitude and belief to pull off miracles.

The story follows four best friends, Lou (Lily Tomlin), Trish (Jane Fonda), Betty (Sally Field) and Maura (Rita Moreno) who, for 16 straight years, loyally followed Tom Brady’s career. After watching the Patriots’ 2017 AFC Playoff win, Lou asks her friends to join her for an unforgettable adventure – “Let’s go to the Super Bowl LI.”

The movie is hilarious with scenes of dancing, funny sports superstitions and includes live action and original sound from the Super Bowl LI experience.  Several scenes include live audio of player commentary on the field that you’ve likely never heard before. One of my favorite scenes is when Lou finally has the chance to talk to Tom Brady in an emotional speech, which inspires us to never give up.  The game brings us back to the greatest comeback, both in Patriots history, and in Tom Brady’s incredible sports career. The love of football connects us as Americans and the true story of four loyal women, who followed Tom’s career for 16 years to finally make it to the Super Bowl, is inspiring for us all – even if you’re not a Tom Brady fan. To see Lou, Trish, Betty and Maura having a great time attending exclusive parties, dancing with Gugu’s (Billy Porter) dance crew, eating in Guy Fieri’s spicy hot wing contest and gambling with high rollers really brings one hilarious scene to another. This film shows that both your age and life challenges can’t stop you if you believe you’ve still got it. I can’t wait to have the chance to go to a Super Bowl myself someday with my best friends and family. What an adventure.

The message of the movie is about the importance of friendship and courage to overcome obstacles and embrace the unknown together. The film reminds us to trust in our loved ones; never let fear stop us; and live life to the fullest.

I give 80 For Brady 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning February 3, 2023.

80 for Brady
By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

80 for Brady is a hilarious movie. It has amazing acting and an amazing cast. Funny moments are around every corner with its hysterical plot.

The storyline follows four women all around age 80 who all idolize legendary football quarterback, Tom Brady. After Lou (Lily Tomlin) wins tickets to the 2017 Super Bowl, the girls are off on a crazy trip to Houston. Along with her best friends Betty (Sally Field), Trish (Jane Fonda) and Maura (Rita Moreno) they fly to Houston to watch their favorite team, the Patriots, on the trip of their lives. Nothing goes as planned and when Betty loses the tickets during a hot wings contest, the girls don’t know how they’ll ever make it into the game.

Along with an all-star cast, this movie has hilarious jokes throughout. All of the shenanigans the girls get into are unbelievably crazy and insanely fun to watch. I love when Betty signs up for Guy Fieri’s hot wings contest because she ends up winning and, after it’s over, she tells them that her taste buds aren’t very good so she can barely taste anything. The scenes from the Super Bowl are amazingly. Everything seems so real, like you’re actually there watching it. My favorite character is Betty because she’s so sweet and wants to do something exciting for once in her life. The funniest scene is when Maura is kind of out of it and stumbles into a poker game and wins lots of money thinking she can buy more tickets after Betty loses them, but after she cashes out she finds out it was a charity game.

The message of 80 for Brady is that you’re never too old to have fun. These women are all over 75 and think they’re destined for a life of sitting at home until this one great adventure. Parents should know that there are a couple of things to be wary of. They accidentally take some drugs at a party and there’s some profanity.

I give 80 for Brady 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theaters February 3, 2023.

80 for Brady
By Nathalia J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The film, 80 for Brady, directed by Kyle Marvin, is amusing, engaging and fresh. This film equally balances the elements of comedy and drama while still maintaining real life situations and grounded characters. Not only does this film include familiar celebrities, such as actress Rita Moreno, this film is produced by 7-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady.

The story follows best friends in their 80’s, Trish (Jane Fonda), Betty (Sally Field), Moura (Rita Moreno) and Lou (Lily Tomlin) as their yearly tradition of watching the Super Bowl finally arrives.  They decide to attend it live this time, encouraged by the quarterback of the friend group, Lou, who is dead set on this adventure after discovering there’s a possibility of her cancer returning. Throughout her time battling chemo, Lou gains the strength and courage to fight it by following the resilient and brave story of Tom Brady—watching his games weekly becomes something for her to look forward to, a sentimental tradition. So whether it means breaking out of retirement homes or joining a spicy wings contest, these four ladies are destined to step foot inside that stadium, no matter what obstacles are in their way.

My favorite character is Betty, who evolves from the beginning to end in an engaging way. Betty is known as the problem solver, not comfortable with confrontation and constantly changing her own wants and needs to benefit others, especially her husband. She doesn’t know what it is like to make decisions without needing validation. Their goal to attend the Super Bowl is finally Betty’s opportunity to experience that freedom and delivers many hilarious moments. Going from editing essays at home to partying all night long with college students has to be the greatest character development!  My favorite aspect of 80 for Brady is how scenes jump from the perspective of Lou to that of Tom Brady. At times of difficulty, Lou often looks at her Tom Brady bobble head figurine, or speaks to herself as if she asking Tom questions about her dilemma. The perspective then switches to Tom expressing his opinion on how to help the situation. Throughout the film, Tom and Lou are not aware of each other until the end, but the instant cuts from Tom to Lou immerse viewers in their conversations.

This film provides a significant message: It is never too late to discover the wonders and experiences of life you may have missed. Happiness has no age limit—it is never too late to discover new interests and act on them.

I give 80 for Brady 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters February 3, 2023. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Media Reviews