With twelve days left until the kiddos are back in school, we're living summer to it's fullest. Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend an early screening of Oogie Loves movie. My kiddos are movie junkies. I try and snuggle with them on the couch at home, and we love the experience of a movie theater. My husband and I often speak about how when we were younger it seemed a G movie came out every week. These days, they are rare. Oogie Loves is rated GGG.
I will admit when we received the invitation to attend, I wasn't the cool mom. I had no idea what Oogie Loves were. My eight year old, The Divine Miss M, was far more savvy. She knew exactly what it was about, shared their names and gave me the biggest hug ever for being "the best mom in the whole galaxy!" All righty!
So we checked in. The kiddos enjoyed a continental breakfast:
The kiddos stayed for some Camp Oogie Loves fun which included learning the Oogie Love Cheer and crafts--like decorating their own Oogie Loves
Lunch Bag:While the kiddos went to "camp" I met with the writer and producer and learned that Oogie Loves is about kiddos. It's an INTERACTIVE movie, encouraging children to get up, shake, dance and shout!
This group of three really tapped into my values as a mother. They've created a G rated movie. Not a G rated movie where you're on the edge of your seat waiting for a word, an innuendo or something to slip in that requires covering your children's eyes, ears or hoping they didn't "get it". Nope, this movie is truly about the children.
Allow me to introduce you to the producer, Kenn Viselman. You already know of him. He's the man behind Teletubbies, one of the most successful preschool children's series in history. He was the marketing genius behind Thomas the Tank Engine, Noddy and Eloise. He's also the former chairman and founder of itsy bitsy Entertainment Company. My kiddos remember him as "the man with the VERY blue shoes!"
Viselman talked to us about how the movie has no sharp objects, very little of the color black. There are no villains, Mom doesn't get killed off in the opening scenes. There is no evil or fear.
Elaine, is Viselman's partner. They have worked together for 15 years. She witnessed first hand the power of Viselman's marketing back when Thomas the Tank Engine made an appearance at Macy's in New York many, many years ago and she took her 2 year old nephew. She didn't know Viselman then.
Scott Stabile is the writer behind Oogie Loves. He is also the author behind Brooklyn Bites, a series of food-fueled stories. He co-authored a series of Li'l Pet Hospital
books that taught friendship and compassion. He's worked with National Geographic, the History Channel, Travel Channel and Discovery Channel as well as created I (Almost) Got Away with It--the MOST successful series of all time for the Discovery's I.D. Network.
I'm sharing the above introduction with you because they are awesome individuals who collectively have created a movie unlike any other. Oogie Loves will change your family's experience at the movies.
Oogie Loves was enjoyed by my children. In fact, during the screening, they got up out of their seats! They danced, jumped and played along at the interactive screen. They encouraged the characters and shouted and giggled.
Sorry for the blur for a picture, the kiddos were having so much fun!
Viselman and company discussed how many movies today are considered to be child and family-friendly but the theme is questionable. So many movies come to mind at this. A month or so ago the kiddos and I sat down to watch I Heart Shakey and this movie that had a great message and was really fun, threw a sexual innuendo into the movie. It wasn't necessary. It was uncomfortable for me. It really left a bad taste in my mouth. Oogie Loves won't catch parents off guard.
After viewing the movie with my children I can tell you that there was repetition, which we all know helps to reinforce learning. There was music that encouraged you to get up and move, and I admit it, I was bouncing right along with the fun! There was reading. There was a story I could get behind with characteristics I want my children to emmulate: teamwork, being a good friend, problem-solving and gratitude.
There is an all start cast, in addition to the Oogie Loves characters. Stars like Chazz Palminteri, Jaime Pressly, Christopher Lloyed and Toni Braxton.
Oogie Loves is set to hit theaters Oogust (August) 29.
When the movie was over, my kiddos turned to me and said, "That was AWESOME!" and all the way home they cooed about the movie, the characters and sang the songs.
We even got to take a picture with the Writer and Producer!
About the Oogie Loves in the Big Balloon Adventure:
THE OOGIELOVES IN THE BIG BALLOON ADVENTURE is a simple story of a loving friendship, a surprise birthday party and a BIG adventure.
It’s Schluufy’s birthday and the Oogieloves (Goobie, Zoozie, and Toofie) along with their friends J. Edgar, Windy Window and Ruffy, are organizing a party. Everything is going along just perfectly until J.Edgar trips and loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville.
The Oogieloves immediately take action and set out to find the magical balloons in time to save their friend’s party. Along the way they meet some very interesting characters indeed, including Dotty Rounder (Cloris Leachman); Bobby Wobbly (Carey Elwes); Milky Marvin(Chazz Palminteri), Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton) and Lola and Lero Sombrero (Christopher Lloyd and Jaime Pressly). Can these new friends help them recover the magical balloons and get back to the cottage in time to celebrate Schluufy’s surprise birthday?
Thank you to the creators and producers for Oogie Loves for inviting us to this fun activity.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.
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