The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure Review and Audience Feedback

We went to see The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure this morning with our Playgroup. It was a blast! The kiddos each received a butterfly glow stick wand that they waved eagerly as the movie started. 

When those butterflies first fluttered across the screen this mama was moving! Hello parents! This movie also gives you permission to get up and move. This is great considering the fact that while I was sitting, I was snacking, so I burned off a few M&Ms, thanks Oogieloves!  There were a couple other moms getting up with their kiddos and moving but the rest were either to comfy in their seats or didn’t want to be “that mom”.  I will gladly take that title; I am “that mom”. Why miss out on a wonderful and fun opportunity with your kiddos because you are afraid of what others will think? So my advice to all you parents who plan on seeing the movie is to get up out of your seat and enjoy it with your kiddos.

Also, don’t be overly concerned if your child is loud, getting out of their seat, or starting to get cranky. You are among friends, ALL of us parents have been there and this movie allows for getting up out of your seat and talking, shocking but true!

So, when viewing this movie let your child be…well, a child.  Embrace the experience, don’t over think things, and most of all, have fun!

Another added bonus of this feature film, letting your kiddos dance, sing, and get in and out of their seat tires them out. So you know what that means, they sleep!! Yet another reason to say….Thank you Oogieloves!

You’ll notice in the following video that all the kiddos look tired and on the verge of napping, that means they enjoyed the film!!  And the moms did to…but don’t take my word for it, listen to their feedback….

 

Mom on the go in Holy Toledo’s Review….

As a parent to young children I thought the plot was perfect.  The topics were appropriate; in fact I liked the fact that the story included shapes, animal sounds, and undertones that encourage cognitive development.  As a mom to younger children it was also encouraging to have them practice following directions. The characters were vibrant and contained unique features which I think is important because each child is unique.  I also liked the fact that the inanimate objects were characters too, it added to the innocence of the movie.  The cameos from Hollywood actors, the adult undertones, and the opportunity to dance with your children in a theater make this a positive experience for parents too!  No need to bring the aspirin but do wear some comfy shoes!

 

The price it right too! Earlier this summer our children were begging my hubby and I go see The Fresh Beat Band live show. We had to tell them no due to the cost. It was going to cost more than $150 for our entire family to see the show. And of course as parents we were disappointed too that we couldn’t take our entire family. The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure is the perfect solution; it is like a Live show experience for the price of a movie ticket. (Also, if you go early ticket prices are discounted and 2 and under are FREE! At least here in Toledo.)

 

I give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure an A, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up!!

Calling all MOMS!!!

 

In order for this movie to be successful and to hopefully encourage Hollywood to create more TRUE G-Rated films we need your help.  Hollywood needs to hear your voice, how?

 We need you to support and promote the RatedGGG hashtag.

Like Oogieloves on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheOogieloves)

 Follow The Oogiesloves on twitter   (http://twitter.com/theoogieloves)

Lastly please share your experience, feedback, thoughts regarding the movie. Did you enjoy the film? Have you been yet? Do you plan on going? Do you feel that Hollywood is lacking when it comes to G rated films? You have a point of view and I want to hear it…so please share.

GIVEAWAY: Spreading the Oogielove

Kenn Viselman, the creator of The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure (due out “Oogust” 29th) believes in the Power of Mom. So much so he and his team have been traveling around the country engaging bloggers in conversations about what constitutes quality G-rated entertainment. Other than a few wildlife documentaries and a re-release in a popular children’s movie in 3-D, Hollywood has completely ignored the youngest moviegoer. The best they give us for our kids – animated PG films – are loaded with aggression and bloodshed.

Moms….

You have the power to change what Hollywood pushes on your children. In fact, there is no voice more powerful than yours. You control the home, the family budget and your child’s welfare. Aren’t you tired of watching moms die in the first ten minutes of so many animated movies? Aren’t you tired of seeing your children confused by the aggression towards their beloved movie characters? There’s no place for such violence in a children’s movie. Enough is enough.

It’s this “enough is enough” attitude that got Kenn Viselman, the marketing genius who introduced us to Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine, Noddy and Eloise, mad as h*ll. The end result: The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure, a film that reinvents the movie-going experience. This film – basically a movie and a live show rolled into one – is the first-of-its-kind interactive family musical that encourages the audience to get out of their seats, dance, and sing. Visual and auditory cues invite the audience to “move” the action along, allowing parents and kids to interact not only with the characters, but also with one another.

GIVEAWAY….a $150 value….

It’s Oogieloves Kids Prize Pack that includes:

Tent

Mobile

Glitter   Tattoos (2)

Stickers   (2)

Beach   Balls (2)

To win this awesome GIVEAWAY you need to:

1. Like The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure facebook page.

2. Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo facebook page.

3. Follow The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure on Twitter and help spread the #RatedGGG

4. Post a comment below stating you have done all 3 and who you will be taking with you to see The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure (due out “Oogust” 29th)

***Winner will be randomly selected August 26th***

About the Movie….

The story follows the Oogieloves – Goobie, Zoozie and Toofie – as they prepare for a surprise birthday party for their friend, Schluufy. When their guardian, J. Edgar, loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville, the Oogieloves take action. Along the way, they meet Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton), Dottie Rounder (Cloris Leachman), Lola and Lero Sombrero (Jaime Pressly and Christopher Lloyd), Milky Marvin (Chazz Palminteri), and Bobby Wobbly (Cary Elwes). The movie opens in theaters “Oogust” 29th.

Live Experience & Review of The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure

As the movie began and the audience received instructions on the Oogieloves “dance” I have to be honest I did think to myself…will I be able to tolerate this movie….is it going to be obnoxious ….should I have taken an aspirin or two?  Then the vibrant colors, those cute Oogielove characters, and the entire storyline unfolded and I forgot about that preconceived notion that children’s movies are often intolerable to parents. Speaking of parents, the movie contains adult undertones to, the first one being J. Edgar, the vacuum, get it?  Then the fun began….

The butterflies fluttered across the screen and my 2 year olds eyes lit up as she sprang to action. She boogied her little heart out and then as the turtles slowly walked across the screen she made her way back into her seat. What I found was that she was so much more attentive to this movie than any other she has seen in the theater.  This was a pleasant surprise because again, I have to be honest; I was worried about how I would get her back in her seat and calm down in order to continue watching the film. After I had put aside my worries what I found was I was having fun dancing with my two-year old in a movie theater, never thought I would say that!

Meanwhile my 6-year-old followed the queuing with ease. She also sprang to action at the first sign of the butterflies.  She got up and danced, said the phrases when queued, and was captivated by the plot and the Oogieloves adventures!

My only child that seemed a little apprehensive about getting up out of his seat and talking during the film was my 5-year-old son. He has just gotten to that point where he knows what is appropriate movie going etiquette. So as the butterflies fluttered across the screen he eased to the edge of his seat but that was about as far as he would go. It was as if he was afraid that the usher was going to ask him to leave if he looked like he was having too much fun. But he wasn’t the only one experiencing this dilemma.

Most of the theater stayed seated during the dance portion.  I think this is just a norm that is difficult for  to break. In fact, as I got up to dance the third time it dawned on me that maybe the people behind me couldn’t see and that I should sit.  But then it occurred to me that if they can’t see, perhaps they should be getting out of their seats and dancing too? Why would you want to miss out on this fun experience with your children?

And a wonderful experience it was!

Review….

As a parent to young children I thought the plot was perfect.  The topics were appropriate; in fact I liked the fact that the story included shapes, animal sounds, and undertones that encourage cognitive development.  As a mom to younger children it was also encouraging to have them practice following directions. The characters were vibrant and contained unique features which I think is important because each child is unique.  I also liked the fact that the inanimate objects were characters too, it added to the innocence of the movie.  The cameos from Hollywood actors, the adult undertones, and the opportunity to dance with your children in a theater make this a positive experience for parents too!  No need to bring the aspirin but do wear some comfy shoes!

The price it right too! Earlier this summer our children were begging my hubby and I go see The Fresh Beat Band live show. We had to tell them no due to the cost. It was going to cost more than $150 for our entire family to see the show. And of course as parents we were disappointed too that we couldn’t take our entire family. The Oogieloves in The Bog Balloon Adventure is the perfect solution; it is like a Live show experience for the price of a movie ticket.

I give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure an A, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, and I can’t wait to see it again. In fact, I plan on placing it on our play group’s calendar and can’t wait to share this experience with other moms and their kiddos.

I would like to send a special thank you to the followingin  The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure family for providing a TRUE G-Rated film for my family to enjoy.

Matthew Diamond (director), Scott Stabile and Kenn Viselman (story creators),  Scott Stabile (writer), Kenn Viselman (producer), Angela Rivet (co-producer), Michael A. Chirco, Scot J. Moceri and David R. Schwarcz (Executive producers), Scott Stabile (lyrics) and Josh Gronner (original song writers) and stars…..Toni Braxton, Cloris Leachman, Christopher Lloyd, Chazz Palminteri, Cary Elwes and Jaime Pressly

Calling all MOMS!!!

In order for this movie to be successful and to hopefully encourage Hollywood to create more TRUE G-Rated films we need your help.  Hollywood needs to hear your voice, how?

We need you to support and promote the RatedGGG hashtag.

Like Oogieloves on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheOogieloves)

Follow The oogiesloves on twitter   (http://twitter.com/theoogieloves)

UPDATE:

We’re having a party! Join Celebrations.com in celebrating the upcoming release of the new interactive film for kids, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure! We hope you can join us for a fun filled Twitter chat about the Oogieloves. Come ready for trivia about the movie and talk kid’s party ideas with us for the chance to win some BIG Oogieloves themed prizes.

Date: Monday, August 20th

Time: 8-9pm EST

Hashtag: #OogielovesParty

Host: @Celebrations

Sponsor: @Oogieloves

Tweet Grid:  http://bit.ly/MDpe41

And if you’re   planning a back to school party or just a birthday bash, check out the   Oogieloves/Celebrations party info at http://www.celebrations.com/content/oogieloves-theme-party-for-the-kids

The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure World Premiere

Wow! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure world premiere. The second word, or question rather, that comes to mind is, why Michigan?

The Michigan film tax incentive played a huge role in giving life to the film.  It was written by Michigan native Scott Satible and funded by Mike Chirco and Scot Moceri both of whom reside in Michigan. Also, the movie was filmed in various locations throughout Michigan, one such example is the Tulip Festival in Holland Michigan and another scene, Milky Marvin’s, in a diner in Canton. Also, over 90% of the film crew was from Michigan. But there was also a little Hollywood in the movie thanks to the cameos from Cloris Leachman, Chazz Palminteri, Toni Braxton, Jamie Pressly, and Christopher Llyod. So, as Tim Allen would say, The Oogieloves in the Big Ballon Adventure is Pure Michigan. On with the Premiere….

As we entered the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak Michigan the lobby had been transformed into a child’s dream come true. Our first stop was Sparkeliciousness stencil glitter tattoos that caught the eye of my 5 & 6-year-old. What better way to express your Oogie love than in glitter?  

Meanwhile the cubes and tubes seemed to be very entertaining to my toddler, I don’t get it but toddlers love it!

Then the excitement began, the masses crowded to hit the red carpet for a photo opportunity followed by the introduction of the creator, writers, marketers, etc.

After which the film producers presented Henry Ford Health Systems with a check for $150,000 to support funds for a new program aimed at combating childhood obesity. Then the party was officially started….

As we entered the party space the atmosphere was inviting, it was a symphony for the senses. The aroma took you back to childhood memories, like a day at the circus.  The aroma potpourri of pizza, hot dogs, root beer floats, cotton candy etc. was a warm welcome.  The golden balloons that danced in the air, the screens playing clips from the movie, clowns with animated expressions, and the smiles on the children’s faces was such a wonderful vision. They even had a favorite snack for adults that were sure to channel childhood memories, Cracker Jacks!  

The soirée successfully awakened our senses and in doing so brought back fond childhood memories and it was as if you couldn’t tell where childhood ended and adulthood began. The crowd had transformed and we were all childlike at heart.  The anticipation, excitement, and energy continued building as we made our way to the theater to view the world premiere of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure.

Synopsis: 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 a beautiful day in Lovelyloveville. 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 (Ssshh! It’s a secret).  Everything is going along just perfectly until J.Edgar trips and loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville – OH NO!!! 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 Sombero (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?

Review to follow…..

The Oogieloves: Roundtable Discussion with the Creator & Camp Oogie

As many of you may have noticed I took a brief hiatus Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. But it was for an exciting reason and one that I can’t wait to share with all of you!

 

I had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with Kenn Viselman (pictures below with me), The Oogieloves creator and marketer behind Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine and Eloise.  During the roundtable discussion the subject of appropriate FAMILY friendly films was addressed and the fact that there is a lack of QUALITY family entertainment.  True, Hollywood has released films that they felt were appropriate for young children but if you really sit back and contemplate those movies most, if not all, were not appropriate. True many were cartoons, but, just because movies are animated doesn’t make them appropriate for young children. Take a moment and think about the movies that have been released for children this summer. Now, if you were to make those animated movies into a movie with live actors would that movie be appropriate for your young child? I know I personally wouldn’t allow my 2-year-old to view those movies. 

As a mother to 3 children ages 2, 5, and 6 years old I want to be able to take all 3 of my children to an APPROPRIATE QUALITY FAMILY film and…..

I do not want to have to leave my older two children in the theater by themselves while I walk around with my 2-year-old because there was a “scary” scene during a film. (True story, this did happen and thankfully my mom was with us to stay with the older two kiddos while I walked the halls of the theater with my 2-year-old while they finished watching the film).

Or, worse, after spending over $40 for my family to enjoy an afternoon at the theater together, having to leave because there are just too many “scary” scenes.  Given our family budget I know I can’t afford to take a gamble like that!

I do not want to have an awkward discussion with my children during or after the film about adult issues. (Up was one such movie that was followed by a slew of questions from our preschooler that I was not prepared to address at such a young age).

The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure has heard us moms loud and clear and is a TRUE G-rated film. In fact this movie is a mommy film going ally.  Not only do us moms not have to worry about scary scenes in the film for our toddler, or awkward discussions with our preschoolers, but we can also eliminate the constant request to…”sit down please”…” be quiet please”….”shhh”….”put your hands down”….”sit on your bottom”….etc.

Asking young children to sit still for over an hour is asking a lot. Also, they are young and inquisitive, they will have questions, and that is good. Now imagine if you could address the questions and actually interact during a film?  Shocker right!?! Once again The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure delivers.

Children are encouraged to get up, out of their seats, and dance! As well as talk and interact with the film while in the theater. There is queuing in the film that indicate when it is time to standup and dance and when it is time to sit back in your seat.  The queuing is easy for a child to comprehend and follow, the butterflies fluttering across the screen indicate it is time to get out of your seat, while the turtles indicate that it is time to slow down and be seated.

At the culmination of the round table discussion I found myself quite eager to attend The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure Premiere the next day.  As I left the roundtable discussion I felt such gratitude because my voice as a mommy had finally been heard! The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure was finally going to provide the quality family entertainment us moms have been longing for.

Speaking of moms, Kenn Viselman’s mom attended the roundtable discussion and I also invited my mom to attend. Here is a picture of Kenn Viselman with his mother, me, and my mom. We give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure a thumbs up!!

While I was attending the roundtable discussion my children were attending Camp Oogie!  Where they had fun decorating an Oogieloves lunch bag, learned songs from the movie, learned some dances from the film, and had an all-around fabulous time.

As we left The Townsend Hotel on Tuesday we were all elated and in much anticipation for the premiere of The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure the next day.

Here is The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure trailer….