Not too long ago I wrote a post about Easter where I talked about how my husband and I would give our kids books and movies instead of stuffing their baskets full with candy. Their grandparents spoiled them enough with candy, so we opted to give them some non-sugary sweet treats in their baskets. When they were younger we’d give them a book, coloring book and crayons. As they got older we replaced the coloring books with DVDs. We love the idea of giving the kids books and movies for Easter because we don’t have to worry about our kids having too much sugar and it was something they could enjoy again and again long after we pack away the Easter decorations.
If you like to give your child or grandchild a movie or two in their Easter basket, or you are considering starting that tradition this year, I have two suggestions for you. Both titles are found at Walmart. There are even Limited Edition versions that come with toys which would make a great addition to any Easter basket.
I’m one of those people who cringe every time I hear about a classic movie being remade. Most of the time the remakes fail miserably. Sometimes a remake does OK, but never comes close to the original. And that is fine. As long as it’s entertaining and doesn’t “insult” the original I’m OK with that.
I received a special Limited Edition copy of The Jungle Book. The Limited Edition comes with a pair of figurines, Mowgli and Baloo. In this movie version Baloo wears glasses and the figurine is sporting a pair of spectacles too. I’m actually impressed by the figurines. They do look identical to the movie versions of the characters.
Here is a brief description of the movie;
There’s trouble in the jungle, and as usual, Mowgli and Mani are at the center of it all! While they enjoy their time drumming away at logs in the jungle, Shere Khan plots to put an end to the noise. Meanwhile, Tabaqui is stuck in a well, Appu gets lost, and there’s something fishy going on at the Cold Lair…
Will Mowgli escape the clutches of the evil Shere Khan, and manage to still have time to join his friends in the jungle rhythm? This action packed feature length film promises to bring you the best of The Jungle Book.
To be honest with you this didn’t feel like an actual movie. It seemed more like brief episodes that were woven nicely together. Another words, it wasn’t one movie but more like several different episodes seamlessly brought together to make a movie length feature. You could actually stop the movie in between each episode if you have younger children with shorter attention spans and pick it up where you left off.
This film is done completely in computer animation. I’m not a big fan of that style of animation, but it appeals to young children. It shouldn’t matter what I think since the demographics for this movie enjoy that style of animation.
Overall this was a cute movie. The characters were very likable. I also got a kick out of seeing a Riki Tiki Tavi character (Mongoose) in the film. That was one of my favorite movies when I was a young girl.
This would make a nice addition to your Family Movie Night collection.
Another movie that is also available at Walmart is Horrid Henry the Movie. The special Limited Edition version comes with a package of slim. That is sure to be a hit with any child. The slim is completely sealed, which will make mom and dad happy :-). It features the characters from the film and a pocket in the back that holds the DVD.
Horrid Henry the Movie is based upon the fictional character of The Horrid Henry, which is a series of books created by Francesca Simon and illustrated by Tony Ross.
Here is the movie’s synopsis;
When Henry fails yet again to hand in his homework, he inadvertently sets off an unexpected and curious chain of events. He forms an unlikely alliance with Moody Margaret, the infuriating girl next door, outwits corrupt school inspectors, topples an evil headmaster, wins a talent contest, and stands up to his ultimate nemesis. With each antic crazier than the last, Henry finds himself inexplicably trying to save the very school which he has always professed to hate.
I have to admit, this movie is specifically geared towards the 6-12 crowd. There is a lot of hijinks’s and humor that would appeal to the under 12 crowd more so then adults or teens. It kind of reminded me of 3 Stooges type of humor. The whole movie is filled with crazy, silly stuff that is sure to make your child or grandchild laugh their heads off.
I also think that a lot of young kids can relate to Horrid Henry because he hates homework and dreams of being a rock star.
Both of these film titles are from Phase 4 Films. They are a part of their kaboom! Entertainment for children and families.
kaboom! Entertainment is the dedicated kids and family label for Phase 4 Films. kaboom! releases episodic television series on DVD, along with full length animated and live action family features.
There are plenty of new kaboom! titles on the horizon including a few Berenstain Bears titles. I ♥ the Berenstain Bears. I grew up reading their books when I was a child. My kids used to read their books too.
If you would like to keep up to date on new releases be sure to follow kaboom! Entertainment, as well as Phase 4 Films, on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. All of their social network links can be found on their websites.
If you are looking for fun movies to tuck inside your child or grandchild’s Easter basket, or looking to pop some popcorn and enjoy a Family Movie Night together, check out The Jungle Book and Horrid Henry the Movie found at your local Walmart.
Kimberly
*I received free screener copies and other materials for my participation in this campaign with Child’s Play Communications. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Rachel says
I love the idea of including movies in the Easter baskets. These both seem like they would work!
bayle stoneback says
i grew up with the jungle book…limited edition would be nice for my kids.
mark smith says
i also grew up with the jungle book