Jodi Benson aka The Little Mermaid (OMG - I MET HER!) #FindYourVoice

Disclaimer: I was invited to a Disney Q&A Event with Jodi Benson and provided with a complimentary Blu-Ray DVD of The Little Mermaid. All opinions (and gushing over Jodi Benson) are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Earlier this week I attended a Q&A with the Jodi Benson - the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid. It was an afterwork event and usually I have to pass on these events but this was an opportunity to meet Jodi Benson. And I have to go. 

I showed up more than an hour late and out of breath. (I literally ran out of my office to the Empire Hotel.) But Jodi greeted me and asked my name. She was talking about her childhood dream of being on Broadway, even though she grew in Illinois and had never seen a Broadway show. Jodi confessed that she never wanted to be rich or famous, she simply wanted to be a working actress. 

I remember going to see The Little Mermaid, I wasn't a little girl - I was 13 and it was the first movie I took my little sister to. I remember sitting in the theatre and just being mesmerized by Ariel's voice and the story. As a 13 year old girl, the story was totally relatable...I mean, except for the fact that I was a human, not a mermaid but you know what I mean. And one of my favorite Disney songs is "Part of your world." 

The Boy hasn't seen The Little Mermaid yet and I haven't seen it in years. I asked Jodi how/if it could appeal to boys. She said the action scenes were fun for boys, as well Ursula, the Sea Witch and the underwater world.

After the Q&A, Jodi autographed copies of The Little Mermaid Golden Book. I was torn whether I should have the book signed to me or The Boy. In the end, I had her dedicate the book to The Boy.

Then Jodi asked me about The Boy and we started talking about autism and parenting. She asked questions and was genuinely interested. I was moved by her sincerity and concern. I had always loved the voice of Ariel but after meeting Jodi Benson, I admire her as a person.

I can't wait to sit down and watch The Little Mermaid with The Boy. The movie means so much more to me now and I want him to love it as much as I do.

Are you a fan of The Little Mermaid? What's your favorite scene? 

With its unforgettable characters and thrilling adventures, The Little Mermaid has been spectacularly transformed for the first time on Blu-ray with digitally restored picture and brilliant high-definition sound! The Little Mermaid will be in stores on October 1st, 2013.        

Disclaimer: I was invited to a Disney Q&A Event with Jodi Benson and provided with a complimentary Blu-Ray + DVD combo of The Little Mermaid. All opinions (and gushing over Jodi Benson) are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Major Milestone for The Boy! We Went To See #DisneyPlanes in 3D

Disclaimer: I was provided with free passes to the 3D advance screening of Disney Planes. All opinions are my own. 

Last night we went to see Disney Planes and before I tell you all about the movie and why we loved it, I need to tell you how MAJOR this was for us!

We haven't been to a movie theater in years. The last time we went to see a movie was the sensory screening for Cars 2 and The Boy was scared to go in and kept asking to leave. The movies - until last night - have always been a challenge for us. And I was skeptical about taking him to see Planes because I didn't know how he would react or if he would even stay. 

But The Boy likes to watch Wreck It Ralph in 3D at home and he keeps the glasses on so we decided to give Planes a go. And I'm so happy we did! 

The Boy waited on line. He sat in his seat the entire time. He kept his glasses on. And when it got too loud, he put on his noise reducing headphones. There were moments when he spoke too loudly. But in a theater full of kids, no one even cared. 

I was so proud of him last night. And I'm grateful that Disney makes such awesome movies that The Boy can enjoy in a theater and not just in the comfort of his own home. And I feel good knowing that we have one more family fun activity to add to our list.  

So...about Planes!    

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9, 2013, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

If your kids love Cars they will ADORE Planes! I don't want to give anything away but Planes is everything you'd expect from a Disney classic - simply fun for the kid in all of us. I was laughing out loud and cheering along with every other kid in the place.

My favorite character is El Chupacabra or "El Chu" - you will absolutely love the scene when he serenades the plane he passionate about. (See no spoilers...)

And Dusty...as a mom of a kid with autism, I really love the message he sends to our kids.   

Speaking of El Chu and Dusty...looky who joined The Boy for breakfast this morning! 

Planes opens in theaters on Friday August 9th!

On August 31, 2013 (usually at 10am est) there will be a Sensory Friendly Film Screening of Planes click the link for participating AMC theatres in your area - http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films


For Disney Planes Coloring Pages click HERE.  

Disclaimer: I was provided with free passes to the 3D advance screening of Disney Planes. All opinions are my own. 

I Finally Saw Les Miserables (and I may be a little obsessed)

Yesterday I treated myself to a lazy day - meaning, I didn't leave my apartment at all. I spent much of my day, on the sofa - writing, thinking and watching LesMiserables.

I can't believe I didn't see it in the theaters. I can't believe I never saw it on Broadway all those years it was running. I am kicking myself.

After I watched the movie, I took another hour to watch the extras - to learn more about the story and making of the film. And then I downloaded the book. And I'm ready to purchase the soundtrack. (I'm a little obsessed.)

I knew it would be good. And I knew I would like it. But I was surprised how strongly I would feel about it. How quickly I would fall in love with these characters. Or how much I would identify with them. 

I've loved Anne Hathaway for years - ever since I saw her in Ella Enchanted. As Fantine, I was captivated by her. I cringed when they cut off her hair. And winced when they yanked out her tooth. And when she sang, "I dreamed a dream" - I was sobbing like a baby. Sobbing.

The entire cast was amazing. But one my absolute favorite characters? Gavroche. 
I am just so impressed by this kid.

And it's sparked a new curiosity to learn more about the French Revolution.

Today I'll have another lazy day. I have a ton of laundry to wash, fold and put away. And I'm  thinking LesMiserables would be a great movie to watch while doing my chores.

What's your favorite movie to watch on a lazy Sunday?

Are you a Les Mis fan? What do you love about it?

* I purchased this movie. I just loved it so much, I had to write about. All opinions are my own.

#BRAVE ~ Movie Review/Sensory Friendly Film Screening

Last Thursday, I was invited to the film premier of "Brave" and I was lucky enough to be part of the first audience to see the film in 3D. 

It wasn't anything like I expected - not your typical Disney "princess" movie.  I think that's what I loved most.  Merida isn't looking for a Prince - she's looking for the freedom to live her life on her own terms.  And I believe this is an extremely important message for our children. 

"Brave" also focuses on the importance of familial bonds.  I don't want to give too much away about the plot but it's a touching film filled with pure Disney Pixar magic.  

I laughed.  I cried.  I jumped in seat. 

Would I take my six year old autistic child to see the 3D version?  Probably not.  "Brave" opens in theaters on Friday, June 22nd.  (Making it a great Stepping Up Ceremony treat). Not because I don't think he would enjoy it, but because the 3D version would be sensory overload for The Boy. 

That's why I am excited that there is also a Sensory Friendly Film Screening of  "Brave" on Saturday June 30 at 10:0o am at select AMC theatres across the county.  

If you've been too nervous to take your child to the movies, going to a Sensory Friendly Film Screening, is a great place to start.  And it's a great way to meet other families who "get it".   

What's a Sensory Friendly Film Screening?  

"In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned."

          

For details & locations please click on the link below -  

http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/  

In The Bronx

AMC Bay Plaza 13
2210 Bartow Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475



More about "Brave":

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida(voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.

“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor that audiences of all ages around the world have come to eagerly expect. The film takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature PixarScotland where the headstrong Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom and inadvertently unleashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true bravery before it’s too late. Opens June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Disclaimer:  I was granted free admission to view "Brave."  Opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Movies that make me cry the ugly cry

So last Wednesday I asked "Can You Name That Movie?" and posted 4 pictures from films that have both inspired me and turned me into a sobbing hysterical snot sniffling mess.  

Now I'm ready to tell you what films and why.

A Streetcar Named Desire - If you've never read or seen Streetcar - you should.  I've read the play several times, seen the movie hundreds and saw it when it came to Broadway.  I could say so much on this movie but I don't want this to turn into a literary critique.  It's the one scene and one line I want to focus on: "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."


So many special needs parents depend on "the kindness of strangers." The bus drivers and matrons, the school security guards and social workers, receptionists, aides, teachers, therapists, nurses, doctors - are just a few of the strangers, parents and children encounter.  Parents of special needs children depend on the kindness and humanity of these professionals.  I know I depend on them.  The Boy is not the kind of child who can tell me when something is wrong, I need to trust these strangers; trust that they will fill in the gaps and keep me in the loop. 


I get that for many it's just a job.  But it has to be thought of as so much more.  I've encountered my fair share of employees who are quick to tell you what their job description is.  But some jobs need that little extra step.  When those steps are taken, it's appreciated.        

Terms of Endearment - No matter how many times, I see this movie, this scene makes me cry the ugliest of the ugly cry.  It reminds me so much of my relationship with my mother - except, I wasn't an only child and we didn't have Renoir's hanging on the walls and my mother did not do the do with an astronaut.   

Anyway...in this scene Aurora Greenway yells, "I don't understand why she has to have this pain. All she has to do is hold out until ten, and IT'S PAST TEN! My daughter is in pain, can't you understand that! GIVE MY DAUGHTER THE SHOT!"  I can't handle it.  I cry.  And it's messy and it's ugly.  

Not that The Boy is in pain but sometimes I sit in IEP meetings and I just want to scream,  "JUST GIVE MY KID THE SERVICES!"  And the fact that I am STILL waiting for The Boy to get the OT services mandated on his IEP, the fact that last week, in a meeting I was promised an RSA letter to start services and the fact that I have sent 3 emails, left 2 voicemails and actually spoke to a human being and I'm still waiting for that damn RSA letter - I am 60 seconds away from rolling into some one's office and pulling an Aurora.  Seriously.    Again...going back to the whole "kindness of strangers" thing.  

Mask (based on a true story) - For those that know me personally, know that I obsess over 4 women: Cher, Madonna, Barbara and Joan (Crawford - google her if you must).

  

So back to Cher.  I haven't thought about Mask in a long time and then for some reason this line just popped into my head - "First you told me he was gonna be retarded, then you told me he was gonna be blind AND deaf. If I'd dug his grave every time one of you geniuses told me he was gonna die, I'd be eating fuckin' chop suey in China by now!"  

I admire Cher's character - Rusty Dennis.  I understand her - even though our circumstances are extremely different.   This line is powerful.  It's about the faith that only a mother can have.  In spite of what doctors tell her, she has faith in her child.  Hope is the best kind of medicine/therapy.  And for many us, it keeps us going.       

(I chose this picture because I think The Husband can totally rock this look. He has Sam Elliott hair!)      

Forrest Gump - There are so many quotable lines from this movie.  But there is one that I especially love.  "Remember what I told you, Forrest. You're no different than anybody else is. Did you hear what I said, Forrest? You're the same as everybody else. You are no different." 

The Boy may see the world differently and learn differently but essentially he is just like any other 5 year old boy.  The Boy likes Sponge Bob, Cars and Star Wars.  The Boy laughs and cries and feels like any other kid. 

And The Boy's potential is like any other kid - unlimited.  



What movie/movie character do you identify with? 
What movie(s) make you cry the ugly cry?
   

Can You Name That Movie?

Just a few of my favorite movie moments.  
Tomorrow I'll tell you why.