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Is Avengers Endgame Kid Friendly?

We finally made it to the Endgame with the Avengers. After the cliffhanger of an ending with Avengers: Infinity War we’ve all been on edge and waiting for the film to pick back up with Avengers: Endgame after the two filler films: Ant Man 2 and Captain Marvel left us all waiting for more. With that infamous Thanos snap we as viewers know that the three hour film is going to be action packed and may or may not be okay for our smaller viewers. Now, I have to say, that my children are exposed to more and are wiser than their years. I took Brayden to see Avengers: Infinity War and Captain Marvel. While it might have moved fast at times for him I knew he understood most of the film. For this screening I decided not to take him so I could make sure we’re all kosher before his seven-year-old eyes and ears witness what could be the third and final phase of MCU. Because, let’s be real, even one of your three assumptions about the film will come true. It’s hard to go into too much detail without spoiling any parts of the film. So here are a few of my tips on whether or not Avengers: Endgame is kid friendly.

Avengers: Endgame is rated PG-13 and it earns that for it’s language and violence. If your child is familiar with most Marvel films then they should be okay. But for super small kiddos it might be too overwhelming. Heck, even for me, I am still in shock of what happens and feel like I cannot move on. If your child watched Avengers: Infinity War and handled it okay then he or she will probably be okay with this film.

Violence in Avengers: Endgame

Violence in Endgame is just like it is with Infinity War but there is one scene in particular with Hawkeye that is disturbing and ends with a head being cut off. There’s sword fighting, gunfire, stabbings, etc.

The mature themes that arise might be unsettling as well. There’s death, grief and suffering. If you or your child have recently lost someone there are some scenes that may be too difficult to process. There is also a cliff hanging heroic suicide that is tough to swallow.

Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME..Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2019

Sexual Content in Avengers: Endgame

There is almost zero sexual content. There are a few kisses but that is about it. Even for us lusty Thor lovers out there it is all zero’d out with his PTSD post soul world war bod.

Foul Language in Avengers: Endgame

There are roughly thirty obscenities and fifteen profanities (including a strong GD, OMG, Jesus’ name is used as a curse word, and a few of the profanities are borderline).

Is Avengers: Endgame Kid Friendly?

I am going to say that for kids over the age of ten they will be okay. However, if they are familiar with the films then just be cautious of the violence and mature situations that do arise and be prepared to discuss them afterwards. I am happy that I screened the movie first so I know what’s to come and to anticipate what questions they might have.

Avengers: Endgame is worth the hype. The film is legit and I enjoyed the entire three hours and one minute. Not including the last ten minutes of the longest credit reel of my life. But that’s because I decided to drink 3/4 of a Cherry Coke and was doing the pee-pee dance for the last 45 minutes of the film. The friend I took kept yelling at me to go but…people! There is really no good exit to use the bathroom. Something is constantly happening. Each character has their story, their timeline is being intertwined into this film. It’s basically three films put into one epic Endgame. You will laugh a lot, you will be holding onto the edge your seat, you will cry, yes, you will cry. Even if your the manliest of men you will cry. Be prepared. Your heart will be full one minute then completely yanked out the next. This film is intense, it may not be perfect but overlook some things and just enjoy it. It’s entertaining and it’s satisfying. If you have not watched any Marvel movies I suggest at least watching Avengers: Infinity War, Ant Man and the Wasp and Captain Marvel. But if you want to binge watch some films I suggest to watch in this order not in order of release because just like Star Wars they are all intertwined and unless you want to try and piece the puzzle together it might be easier to just watch them in this order:

Captain America: The First Avenger – This movie essentially introduces the concept of superheroes and takes place decades before any other movie. Watch this first.
Captain Marvel: Although this movie just came out in 2019, it starts early on in Marvel history.
Iron Man
Iron Man 2
The Incredible Hulk: Not my fav, one of the weaker films and not necessary to watch.
Thor
The Avengers
Iron Man 3
Thor: The Dark World: This film pieced a lot together for me. I did not watch these in this order and I think it would make a lot of sense as a new viewer. I had many ahhh-haaa moments in this film.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians of the Galaxy: These films are what sparked my love for Marvel. Up until they came out I wasn’t hooked, they were entertaining but now I am hooked and maybe I love Chris Pratt just a lil.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Ant-Man
Doctor Strange: I still have not seen this. It’s the only time I am lost. Watch it. It’s important!
Captain America: Civil War
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Thor: Ragnarok
Black Panther: So well done and probably my fav film. Wakanda forever!
Avengers: Infinity War
Ant-Man and the Wasp (my review here)

Take your time. Trust the hype. Watch the films. Iron Man is the hand of hope and you must watch Avengers: Endgame which hits theaters Friday, April 26th!

Dumbo Review: A charming remake of a classic

EARS TO YOU – In Disney’s all-new, live-action feature film “Dumbo,” a newborn elephant with oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But Dumbo takes everyone by surprise when they discover he can fly. Directed by Tim Burton, “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29, 2019. ©2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

On Monday I took Payton out of school early so we could screen Tim Burton’s live-action remake of the 1941 animated classic, Dumbo. I had several mixed emotions heading into this film but as the movie opened it was like I was a kid again humming along to “Casey Junior”. The circus’ next stop was Joplin, MO. We are introduced to all the usual circus characters, and then two children race to the train station when they hear a new train coming. They find their dad, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), at the end of the walkway missing one arm as he returned from World War I. My emotions were overwhelming and pulled me out of my theatre chair into the film as we learn that their mother had just passed from influenza. Holt who is excited to get back to work, learns that Max Medici (Danny DeVito) has sold his horses and no longer has his #1 act in the circus. Holt’s PTSD is painful to watch because you just want him to snap out of it and let the focus get back to the film’s leading star. Max offers Holt a job with his new prize elephant, Mrs. Jumbo, who is expecting a baby any day. The storks fly through the night sky, leaving no baby animals behind like the original. The next morning while Mrs. Jumbo is being abused by the creepy animal handler, Milly & Joe Farrier see a pile of hay moving. Holt moves the hay and we are immediately emersed into Dumbo’s blue eyes; the fear, diffidence, love and ultimately the leap of faith that makes him the worlds only flying elephant. All of this quickly changes with Mrs. Jumbo being ripped away from her new baby once again pulled my emotional strings as I now had uncontrollable tears sliding down my cheek, (to be real it seemed like my tears were present for the first thirty minutes of the film). When the ukulele began the hum to “Baby Mine” I grabbed Payton’s hand. The mermaid began to softly sing the tune and it was like my first days of being a mom all over again. Max orders Holt to figure out a way to disguise the ears because the people of Joplin are awaiting a baby elephant. Milly and Joe sneak into Dumbo’s stall and discover that Dumbo can fly and encourage him to fly for his mama. The upcoming circus scenes are silly and typical. When Dumbo’s ears are revealed, hearing phrases like “freak” and “ugly” made me angry. This is where the mom in me wanted Dumbo to shine and prove to them how amazing and unique he is.

MOTHER AND SON – In Disney’s live-action reimagining of “Dumbo,” a circus owner purchases an expectant mother elephant in hopes that her adorable offspring will bring in the crowds. Directed by Tim Burton, “Dumbo” opens in U.S. theaters on March 29, 2019…© 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

In addition to the heavy emotional impact, I was in awe of every scene in thanks to Tim Burton’s visually stunning affects, the art direction, the costumes, really every little detail is remarkable. The cinematic beauty was colorful and the CGI was seamless. To me there were many similarities between this and The Greatest Showman in terms of characters that I kept wanting it to stand up to the 2017 musical. Burton’s classic formula finally makes it’s way into the film as V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) is introduced and a reunion of role reversals from Batman Returns. The splendor that Vandevere offers Max to bring his circus to Coney Island is when the film takes a turn. It’s jaw dropping gorgeous, and what you would expect New York to be in the early 20’s but with modern day wealth and the endless imagination of Burton. Their first show in Dreamland was anything but perfect. I loved how they worked in the Dumbo plush display and I may be wrong but I thought I caught a glimpse of a stuffed Winnie the Pooh as they scanned through the audience. The performance of Dumbo and Collette (Eva Green) was beautiful. The anxiety of the danger that their act was about to encounter had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

DREAMING BIG — In Tim Burton’s all-new, live-action reimagining of “Dumbo,” persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) decides that a young elephant from a struggling circus belongs in his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Directed by Burton and produced by Katterli Frauenfelder, Derek Frey, Ehren Kruger and Justin Springer, “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29, 2019. © 2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The darkness that ensues the last half of the movie; the remarkable pink dancing bubble elephants were intensely dark and the ever-so scary Nightmare Island might be too much for the younger audience. This part of the film strays away from Dumbo and focuses more on the money hungry Vandevere and Holt overcoming his grievances from the first part of the film. The movie ends with happiness and the ultimate message of circus’ removing their live animal acts from their shows. I wanted more from the ending. I wanted more of Dumbo. All in all, it was a charming film and a wonderful experience with my daughter and I know we both fell in love the story as much as we loved Dumbo’s beautiful eyes. Dumbo hits theaters this Friday! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the film too!

Click on the coloring pages below to print at home! The kiddos will be so excited. Make sure to follow me on IG @treatsofdisneyland

Ant-Man and The Wasp – Review

It’s been two months since the epic Avengers: Infinity War and I have to say that I am still dealing with the shock of that grim film. I have been so pumped for all the Marvel films this year and Ant-Man and The Wasp was at the top of my Summer films to watch. I am happy that Peyton Reed (director) came off the dark cliffhanger of Infinity War with this light hearted, action packed film.

The chemistry of Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lily) is ahh-mazing. Paul Rudd is one of my all-time favs and the charisma of his character along with intuitive daughter is magical. I enjoy that Scott Lang is just an everyday man, living a “normal” life. He doesn’t have super powers, he just has the suit and without it, he’s a normal fun loving dad. I especially love how The Wasp was introduced as a full-fledged Super Hero with amazing power into the heart of Marvel Cinematic Universe. She’s badass and I cannot wait for my daughter to see how young girls and women can be: scientists, smart, passionate, and fully capable on their own to fight for what and whom they love.

The film will leave you laughing out loud, gripping your seat and has moments of gut wrenching love. The visual effects are amazing and the size manipulation is creative and clever.

Ant-Man and The Wasp flies into theaters Friday, July 6th.

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HDBeauty – The Skincare Boutique

Last week my thirty-five-year-old face got just what it was craving, a facial! But it wasn’t just any facial, because I have had several facials. This facial done by, Melanie Trehan owner and expert esthetician of HDBeauty – The Skincare Boutique, was customized to what my skin needed. I entered her darling boutique in Rancho Bernardo (which by the way, is so convenient and close to my house) she greeted me with a friendly smile and we soon got to talking about my skin. My skin has become drier than normal, I have several age/sun spots and I have to be honest here, I am always super self-conscious about my face. Melanie made me feel at home and soon I was in her treatment room laying on the warm bed, listening to soothing music which helped calm my nerves.

When she started the facial she knew exactly what my face needed. She started out by cleansing my face, then moved onto to the DermaSweep microdermabrasion which helps improve circulation and oxygenation to promote healthy skin and to boost collagen. Collagen gives our skin its strength and structure, and also plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells. The rest of my facial consisted of the following:

Vitamin C and Pumpkin treatment
Steam and mild extraction
Oxygen treatment
LED Photofacial for 10 minutes with a mask
Massage
Moisturizer with SPF

Melanie is dedicated and passionate about skin health. Nationally recognized Master Esthetician with NCEA, she prioritizes education and continually grows to be at the forefront of the profession. As she was performing my facial, she explained every step and why it was beneficial for my skin. I really enjoyed this because most estheticians don’t educate. I wanted to leave my experience at HD Beauty feeling knowledgeable about how to be proactive with my skin as I am aging.

After my facial, I was relaxed and we all know that we can all use some serious relaxation this time of year! Not only was I relaxed, but I felt radiant. I text a few friends right away because I couldn’t wait for them to hear my experience with Melanie. My skin almost a week later is noticeably brighter, tighter and I am glowing because I feel better about my skin. Melanie sent me home with the HD revitalize C-serum 7 in 1 Rejuvenator. I am using this product along with my normal skin regimen. I can already see a difference and I am eager to try other products.

If you are looking for a last minute gift for someone you love or if you just need some personal time, you should really consider purchasing a gift certificate to HDBeauty – The Skincare Boutique. You can purchase directly from her website or in person.

Do you want to plan a spa day? Go to the HDBeauty website to schedule your appointment today!

HD Beauty Skincare Boutique
16486 Bernardo Center Dr. STE 120-C
San Diego, CA 92128

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The Nut Job 2 DVD Combo Pack Giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with a The Nut Job 2 DVD Combo Pack to giveaway for promotional purposes. No other compensation was provided.

Did your kids love The Nut Job when it came out in 2014? We were lucky enough to screen The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature in the theatre. The DVD was released this week and it’s the perfect timing because Thanksgiving break is upon us.

Surly Squirrel (Arnett) and the gang are back, returning to Liberty Park after they are forced to leave their easy life at the nut store. Getting back to nature is the last thing Surly wants to do, but when a greedy mayor decides to destroy the park to build an amusement park, Surly and his ragtag critter friends must band together to save the place they call home.

When the kids got out of school on Friday they had the movie setup and then we made super yummy Nutty by Nature cookies. The kids got to relax and we had many laughs as we kicked off a lot of family time this Thanksgiving break.

I’ve been given a copy of The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature DVD combo pack as well as an activity mat and a cookie cutter to give away to one lucky winner! To enter the giveaway, leave me a comment telling me your favorite family activity. Giveaway will close on Tuesday, November 21st. Also, feel free to try the Nutty By Nature Almond Butter acorn shaped cookies to snack on while watching the movie! Click NJ2_activities_FINAL to download activities too!