Review — Learn Our History

Political correctness has sadly altered the history that many children learn today.

Mike Huckabee has helped to start a company with resources to combat this sometimes inaccurate view of the past and to help build pride in our country and our heritage. These videos can easily help your student gain an understanding of historical events while taking pride in our national heritage.

This particular video looks at the challenges the world faced leading up to World War II. Both in Europe and Japan, Learn Our History shows the attacks on freedom and the need for America to take a stand.

Product: Origins of World War II by Learn Our History

Details: A DVD that uses five cartoon teenagers to travel through time to get a behind the scenes look at the events and personalities instrumental in the origins and duration of World War II.

Price: $19.95 plus s/h or take advantage of their free gift offer and get it for $9.95 plus s/h. This second option also signs you up to receive a new video each month for $11.95 plus s/h until you cancel your order. You can also choose video streaming and not pay shipping. Scroll down their preview page for all the pricing details.

A significant event that took place less than a hundred years ago can still seem like ancient history to young students. This video series helps it come alive and is a great supplement to any study of this time period. You might want to try to find a veteran from WWII that could help the kids see even more clearly how close this is to them and to take pride in our history and our country today.

WWII veterans are getting more scarce as the years go by, but this video is readily available. My kids enjoyed watching this round the world look at some of the events of WWII. We have not studied modern history extensively, so much of this was new material to them. It gave them a great overview of the causes, people, and events without bogging them down in details or in too many of the gruesome facts. Even my 2 year old asked to watch the “airplane” movie again.

It is a short film, but packed with information. The cartoon characters were a little predictable, but they got the job done, and taught the lessons well. We felt this was definitely worth the time and we enjoy having it around as a resource and supplement to our history program.

Disclosure: I received this product free from Learn Our History for the purpose of posting a review. This review contains my honest opinions and experiences.

Review and Giveaway: The Woodcarver

Teenage conflict, a marriage that needs work, God blurring out of focus. These create the backdrop for a family ripe for renewal.

Nothing brings a family together like manual labor in stressful situations. Working side by side, the individuals in this fractured family begin to remember what they liked about each other and what they lost sight of in the pressures of everyday life.

Ernest Otto challenges Matthew to just ask himself one question before acting, “What would Jesus do?” And, Matthew finds that the answer sometimes surprises him, and his change of heart surprises everyone else in the process. He continues to learn from Ernest as his family is pieced back together along with the wood he had destroyed in an act of vandalism.

I appreciate that the film does not make it out that trusting God will make your life hunky-dorey. Otto lost his wife to cancer in the past, but did not lose his confidence in the power of prayer.  The story kept the attention of our whole family and had enough ups and downs and unexpected challenges to keep us on our toes.

The only disappointment to me was the ending. Poor Otto sitting by his wife’s grave crying over how much he misses her. I would have preferred him expressing his sorrow but remembering that he doesn’t mourn as those that have no hope. But, I guess they were just keeping it real.

Overall, a great film that might make you reconsider some of your own priorities and brush the dust of that well worn question, “What would Jesus do?”

The Woodcarver - DVD
The Woodcarver DVD
(releases Tuesday, March 13th)


About the Movie:
Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church’s beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of this movie please leave a comment on this post. You can earn a second entry by sharing about this giveaway on facebook, twitter, etc. and leaving a second comment. The drawing will be open until Friday March 16th in the evening. Make sure to leave an email address that I can reach you at when you win!

“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.”

Review and Giveaway

If you enjoy checking these reviews of “hot off the presses” items, this movie will sound a bit familiar.

When this first hit the screens we had the opportunity to give out tickets to the screening, but now we have the actual DVD to giveaway!

Same great story, just the in-home version. We absolutely love finding family friendly films that we can enjoy together and re-enjoy together, so I was thrilled to add this to our movie collection.

This story line appealed to each member of our family and stayed clean enough to earn a “G” rating. Love that!

The triumphant underdog is a story that simply doesn’t get old. Seeing people come together as a team despite the odds stacked against them is an inspiring conversation starter and an encouragement on a personal level as well. The Mighty Macs does that and will easily draw your family together to cheer on this team of determined athletes.

About the Movie:

It’s 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time … and she’s about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women’s basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women’s Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she’s willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she’s just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school’s Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don’t have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing’s for certain: there’s never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

Of course, with the DVD you get some bonus features that were interesting as well including a clip from ESPN about the movie. I definitely would recommend this film for a family movie night soon.
If you would like to enter into the giveaway to win a free copy of this movie, please leave a comment on this post with an email so I can reach you if your name is drawn. You are welcome to a second entry as well by simply sharing about this giveaway somewhere else (facebook,  twitter, etc.) and returning here to leave a second comment.
The giveaway will wrap up on Sunday night, March 4th in the evening.
Giveaway closed. Winner is commenter #4 — Melissa
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.”

Free Educator Screening!

You and one (1) guest are invited to a Free Educator Screening of SEA REX 3D: JOURNEY TO A PREHISTORIC WORLD. Additional guests will be charged $7.00 per person.

Date: Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Time: 5:30pm – (please arrive a half hour prior to showtime to check-in and register)

Place: Randall 15 IMAX – 550 N. Randall Road, Batavia, IL 60510  Get Map

RSVP: Email or Call 630-659-6762. RSVP by noon on Tuesday February 28th. IMPORTANT Please leave us your first and last name, school name, theater, email address, and number of people attending. If registering via email, you will receive an email confirmation. If registering via phone, you will not receive a phone call to confirm your space.

Through the power of IMAX 3D, experience a wondrous adventure from the dinosaur age. Join Julie, an imaginative young woman, in a unique voyage through time and space. Explore an amazing underwater universe inhabited by larger-than-life creatures which were ruling the seas before dinosaurs conquered the earth. See science come alive in an entertaining manner and get ready for a face-to-face encounter with the T-Rex of the seas!
Website & Trailer Educator Guide Classroom Guide
SciTech Hands-On Museum is bringing hands-on exhibits & novelties to purchase

Paleontologist Rob Sula is bringing fossils of prehistoric sea creatures & dinosaurs, and hand-drawn dinosaur artwork.

Teachers!  Book your Group Today! Call 630-659-6762 or email
MOVIES BELOW ARE AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATIONS!
Visit our website for more information on IMAX and Teacher Resources at www.GQTI.com/IMAX

Review: The Christmas Lodge

Starting in November we begin to rewatch our favorite Christmas movies. We have a new one to add to the mix from now on — Christmas Lodge.

Thomas Kinkade Presents: Christmas Lodge [DVD]

Synopsis:

Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

We enjoyed this film. A heart warming tale that everyone in the family can enjoy together. We all have our own treasured family traditions and this film was a great reminder to hold tight to them and keep their memories alive. A movie with a slightly romantic story line, but not one that would keep my kids from watching. The family talks about their faith in the everyday and takes on the rebuilding of the Christmas Lodge as one that is synonymous with saving the family heritage and even a spiritual calling.In our house we enjoy watching the reality TV shows that show home renovations, so this gave us a little taste of that without the bleeped out profanity or stress of cameras videotaping amateurs.

I appreciated that the PDA did not go beyond hand holding and an occasional hug. They even emphasized that dating couples had separate hotel rooms, a novel idea in this day and age. On the other hand, I did find it a little odd as they seemed to over-spiritualize the construction project of a run down building, but the importance of family and passing on a legacy was a point well made.

The more films we have on our shelf that we can pull out without hesitation the better. And, we have been known to watch Christmas movies in July, so don’t think this is relegated to a seasonal movie only.

And, of course these fun Fly Propeller reviews often come with a giveaway, and I do get to give one of these DVDs away to one reader. So, if you would like to enter to win your own copy of the Christmas Lodge DVD please leave a comment on this post with an email address at which I can reach you. The contest will close Monday evening and I will draw a random winner at that time.

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.”

Movie Review: The Mighty Macs

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It’s 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time … and she’s about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women’s basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women’s Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she’s willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she’s just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school’s Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don’t have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing’s for certain: there’s never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

LOVED it!

A movie you can watch with your preschooler  in the room  and your teenager across the couch and all enjoy it, and not have to fast forward any parts. I highly recommend this film for its fast paced story line and family friendliness.

It lays out the importance of family values and keeping faith alive. Even when struggles and obstacles pile up, this team pulls together and works toward their goal from day one: We will be #1.

It is in theaters starting today, and you will want to jump at this chance to see a movie that is rated ‘G’ and isn’t just a light-hearted kids’ movie. This is a true family film that adults will enjoy, will keep kids’ attention, provide a few laughs, and will offer some great talking points on the ride home.

Don’t miss it!

More info on the film:


Disclaimer: I received an opportunity to view this movie prior to its release in exchange for my honest review.

Free teacher screening

Reminder: You and one (1) guest are invited to a Free Educator Screening of Mysteries of the Great Lakes and Born to be Wild 3D. Additional guests will be charged $5.50 for Mysteries of the Great Lakes, $7.00 for Born to Be Wild 3D, or make both screenings for only $10.75.

Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Time: 4:30pm – Mysteries of the Great Lakes and at 5:30pm see Born to be Wild 3D (please arrive a half hour prior to showtime to check-in and register)

Place: Randall 15 IMAX – 550 N. Randall Rd.  Batavia, IL 60510  Get Map

RSVP: Email or Call 630-659-6762. RSVP by noon on Friday September 2nd. IMPORTANT Please leave us your first and last name, school name, theater, email address, and number of people attending. If registering via email, you will receive an email confirmation. If registering via phone, you will not receive a phone call to confirm your space.

BORN TO BE WILD 3D is an inspired story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them-saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they and their team rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. Narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild 3D is directed by David Lickley and written and produced by Drew Fellman. Website Educator Guide
MYSTERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES: It takes a drop of water nearly 400 years to travel from the headwaters of Lake Superior to the edge of Lake Ontario.  Along the way, the water passes by towering cliffs dotted with early Native American pictographs, caribou and moose grazing on the shores, over giant prehistoric sturgeon lurking among thousands of shipwrecks and past nearly 40 million people who live along the more than 10,000 miles of coastline.  It is a dramatic journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.  Now, you can witness the Mysteries of the Great Lakes on the only screen large enough to reveal them, in IMAX!  Website Educator Guide 1-3, Educator Guide 4-6 Educator Guide 7-8
Teachers!  Book your Group Today! Call Jeannette at 630-659-6762 or email

Summer movies $1


Starts June 13th!   Runs 9 weeks!  $1 per ticket, all ages!  Each week, Monday through Friday at 10:00am we offer an entertaining PG movie.

Playing at the following 12 theaters: Canton Cinema, Capital 8, Eastside 9, Forum 8, Hamilton 16 IMAX, Kalamazoo 10, Kendall 10, Portage 16 IMAX, Quality 16, Randall 15 IMAX, Savoy 16, Willow Knolls 14

www.gqti.com/kidsummermovies.aspx