#EverythingIsAwesome about The LEGO Movie

Disclaimer: I was provided with passes to The LEGO Movie screening. All opinions are my own. 

When we first saw the preview for The LEGO Movie, The Boy said "I want to see that in the movie theater." Which was a really big deal for because we really go to the movies, and The Boy rarely expresses what he wants to see in theaters.

Going to the movies used to be a huge challenge for us. Over this last year, The Boy has gotten better and we've learned how to prepare. 

So The LEGO Movie. 

We are HUGE LEGO fans. And it was so cool to see our favorite Lego characters (and new ones) and scenes come to life. Fun and action packed, The LEGO Movie is a perfect family film as it appeals to kids and adults. 

What The Husband Loved: The Husband is a fan of Ray Harry Hausen and Rankin and Bass, The LEGO Movie was nostalgic of the Stop Motion features he grew up watching.

What The Boy Loved: The Boy loved all the fast-paced, action sequences. Some of the talking went over his head and he didn't get all of the humor. But he liked watching it. He did get antsy at point and I knew to take him out and walk him around. (This also caused me to miss what The Husband called "The best part of the movie…" ***spoiler alert*** it involved Lando Calrissian.) 

What I Loved: The LEGO Movie goes beyond being a fun film, it's a movie with a message and for me that was the real appeal. It also surprised me. There was a twist toward the end that I never saw coming which just made the movie all the more special. 

Whether you're a lover of LEGO or not, The LEGO movie will dare you to live your life more creatively.  

The LEGO Movie opens in theaters on February 7th. 

On February 15 at 10 am, there will be a Sensory Friendly Viewing of The LEGO Movie - for more details visit: www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films 

With The Boy waiting for The LEGO Movie to begin!

Disclaimer: I was provided with passes to The LEGO Movie screening. All opinions are my own. 

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. 

#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.

The Muppets (Sensory Film Screening)

When: Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: a local AMC theatre near you (see below for details)

I don't know about you all, but I grew up on The Muppets.  So I am really excited to see them back on the big screen.  But going to the movies with an autistic 5 year is not always a good time.  (And The Boy's not at all interested in The Muppets - I know, I've asked.  Several times.) We've been to 3 movies so far with The Boy.  And he's getting better.     

If you haven't ventured to a movie, the sensory friendly film screenings are the perfect introduction.  It's also a great way to network and meet other parents. 

The Sensory Friendly Film Screening initiative began in 2008, when AMC Entertainment partnered with the Autism Society of America to allow families living with autism and other disabilities to experience the pleasure of the movies – with a few tweaks.  Many children on the autism spectrum have sensitivities to light and sound, are on special diets and have extreme difficulty waiting and sitting still.  During the Sensory Friendly Film screening, the lights are not completely dimmed, the sound is turned down, families are permitted to bring in their own gluten free and casein free snacks, no previews or advertisements will be shown and most importantly AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy does not apply.  Your kids can move around, talk and laugh out loud; No one will stare or tell your kid to be quiet!  

*Ticket prices may vary. All dates and times are subject to change

Below is a listing of participating AMC theatres in New York. 

New YorkAMC Maple Ridge 8 (4276 Maple Rd Amherst, N.Y. 14226)
AMC Bay Plaza 13 (2210 Bartow Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475)
AMC 84th Street 6 (2310 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10024)
AMC Loews Stony Brook 17 (2196 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, N.Y. 11790)
AMC Vestal Towne Square 9 (2425 Vestal Parkway, Vestal, N.Y. 13850)
AMC Webster 12 (2190 Empire, Webster, N.Y. 14580)
AMC Palisades Center 21 (4403 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, N.Y. 10994)
AMC Galleria Metroplex 16 (1 Galleria Drive, Middletown, NY, 10940) 

For a complete listing of theatres in the United States go to Autism Society.org or amctheatres.com/SFF.

All shows are at 10:00 am local time.

Dates and films are subject to change.

Can't make it to see The Muppets?  Save the dates for these in 2012 ~

January 7 - The Adventures of Tin Tin

February 25 - The Secret World of Arrietty

March 10 - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

April 7 - Pirates! Band of Misfits

*AutismWonderland.com has not been compensated in any way for this post

CARS 2 - Sensory Friendly Film Screening July 2nd

I don't know about your kid(s), but The Boy has been anxiously awaiting Cars 2.  We rarely go to the movies as a family, we've gone twice, actually.  This Saturday, July 2nd at 10:00 am, we're taking The Boy to see the sensory friendly film screening of Cars 2 at a participating AMC theatre.  If you haven't ventured to a movie, the sensory friendly film screenings are the perfect introduction.  It's also a great way to network and meet other parents.    

The Sensory Friendly Film Screening initiative began in 2008, when AMC Entertainment partnered with the Autism Society of America to allow families living with autism and other disabilities to experience the pleasure of the movies – with a few tweaks.  Many children on the autism spectrum have sensitivities to light and sound, are on special diets and have extreme difficulty waiting and sitting still.  During the Sensory Friendly Film screening, the lights are not completely dimmed, the sound is turned down, families are permitted to bring in their own gluten free and casein free snacks, no previews or advertisements will be shown and most importantly AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy does not apply.  Your kids can move around, talk and laugh out loud; No one will stare or tell your kid to be quiet!  

*Ticket prices may vary. All dates and times are subject to change

Below is a listing of participating AMC theatres in New York.  Please go to Autism Society.org or amctheatres.com/SFF to see the complete listing of theatres in the United States.

New York
AMC Maple Ridge 8 (4276 Maple Rd Amherst, N.Y. 14226)
AMC Bay Plaza 13 (2210 Bartow Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475)
AMC 84th Street 6 (2310 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10024)
AMC Loews Stony Brook 17 (2196 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, N.Y. 11790)
AMC Vestal Towne Square 9 (2425 Vestal Parkway, Vestal, N.Y. 13850)
AMC Webster 12 (2190 Empire, Webster, N.Y. 14580)
AMC Palisades Center 21 (4403 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, N.Y. 10994)
AMC Galleria Metroplex 16 (1 Galleria Drive, Middletown, NY, 10940)