My girl is a ballerina at heart. What she lacks in precise talent at age 5, she makes up for in passion, persistence and love for the art form. She’s also an unabashed fan of the color pink in all its shades. Do I even really have to tell you how much she adored watching Barbie in the Pink Shoes DVD and twirling around with her new ballerina Barbie?

Barbie’s 25th title in twelve years brings ballet back to the spotlight for the first time in years – introducing a new generation of girls to the moves and music of famous Giselle and Swan Lake. Whether your girl is a budding ballerina or just prancing in colorful tutus around the house, she’s bound to engage with Barbie in this magical adventure where dancing and dreams intertwine.

Barbie in The Pink Shoes also marks the first time a Barbie movie will be released on Blu-Ray. Scroll down to enter our giveaway for a chance to win the prize pack pictured above.

The Giveaway!

We are giving away one copy of Barbie in the Pink Shoes DVD and Barbie doll to one lucky winner! Just leave us a comment telling us who you’d like to share this prize with, and then enter the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was invited to a sneak preview of Wreck-It Ralph a few weeks ago, along with a chance to interview the cast of the film. Here are a few things the stars had to say about the making of the film which premieres everywhere today.

John C Reilly (voice of Wreck-It Ralph):

You were so perfect for this character, I’m just wondering, did you know you had the voice for Wreck-it Ralph because it fit you like a charm?

John:It was kinda the process of becoming perfect for the character or the character becoming perfect for me. When I started out I was a bit weary of this animation process, they throw all kinds of crazy ideas around. At one point I was this horned monster with orange skin, it’s a video game character so it could be anything, all I had to be was the bad guy. So I watched all these different versions coming through… That’s the wonderful thing about how they start at the beginning.  The artist can do whatever they want. Whatever comes in their head they do all these crazy experiments, stream of consciousness ideas coming out on paper. So I sort of became Ralph and Ralph became me through the process of doing it.

Sarah Silverman (voice of Vanellope Von Schweetz):

What was your favorite part about playing Vanellope?

Sarah: I think her strength, her perseverance , her scappyness, especially at the beginning she’s obnoxious and precocious and she’s tough, but like any tough kid she’s protecting this scared little girl that’s rejected who just wants to play with everyone else. It’s the survival skill, and you know that kinda makes her every girl.

How does Sarah Silverman go to PG or a Disney film? I would have never pictured you in a Disney movie, do you think it’s logical?

Sarah: They just cut out all the curse words. There’s probably an audio blooper reel. No seriously, on one hand when Disney wanted me, I was like are you sure Sarah Silverman? But I’ve always been a huge Disney fan, I’m a huge baby and kids person, even though I don’t have any of my own. I was really happy they could see beyond those things. Or I was like do they only know me from Monk and Yo Gabba Gabba? But at the same time the filthiest comedian from when I was growing up is Eddie Murphy and he’s made quite a home with Disney. I know how to bite my tongue.

Jane Lynch (voice of Sergeant Calhoun):

Were you ever a gamer?

Jane: NO! I never even stepped foot in an arcade. Maybe except to drag my brother out of there. But I did play Astroids in the 80′s a few times.

How did recording Wreck-It Ralph work with your schedule? I’m sure you are uber busy with Glee. Did they work around your schedule?

Jane: Yeah, I would get an email from my agent saying we’re gonna do a Wreck-It Ralph this week, let me know what your schedule looks like. Then I would say I have Friday morning free and I’d come in and record during my free time from Glee. Then I wouldn’t hear from them for 3  months. Then I’d come in for an hour here and there. By the end they only would need me for 15 minutes.

Would you like to see a spin-off of your character?

Jane: Oh YEAH! I think there are many stories to be told in the arcade world.

For a review of the film and a look at my Sugar Rush inspired cake click here.

I was so inspired by the film I decided to make Ralph a medal… Here is a sugar cookie medal you can make at home with your family to honor the brave Wreck-It Ralph and all his hero characteristics! Take a big heart shaped sugar cookie and decorate it with blue icing. Then with white icing pipe the words “You’re My Hero” on it. Decorate the edge with sugar candy sprinkles and attach a ribbon to it. Or better yet eat it while watching the film. Go see Wreck-It Ralph, it’s sure to touch your heart.

Check out the Wreck-It Ralph trailer here:

Puss In Boots 

Release Date: October 28

This Shrek spinoff focuses on the early life of Shrek and Donkey’s feline friend. Before Puss in Boots was the coolest and most daring cat around,  he lived in an orphanage where his only friend was the mischievous egg named Humpty Alexander Dumpty. The movie follows the adventures of Puss and Humpty that eventually lead to Puss becoming a wanted cat.  Years later the outlawed Puss decides to take destiny into his own paws and ends up having the adventure of a lifetime.

Happy Feet Two

Release Date: November 18

We all remember Mumble, The Master of Tap. Now he is all grown up and has a son of his own with Gloria. But Mumble has a problem, his tiny son, Erik, doesn’t want to dance. To top things off the penguin nation is facing new dangers. Now, it’s going to take everyone working and dancing together to save them all.

The Muppets

Release Date: November 23

Walter, the worlds biggest Muppet fan is on vacation in LA. He and his friends Gary(Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) discover the plan of an oilman named Tex Richman (Chris Cooper)  to raze the Muppet theatre and drill for oil that was recently discovered there. Now, the muppets had all gone their separate ways, but they reunite to stage the greatest Muppet telathon ever and raise the $10 million dollars that are needed to save the theatre.

Real Steel

Release Date: Now Playing

“Real Steel” is set in the near future where robot boxing is a top sport. A struggling promoter (Hugh Jackman) thinks he has found a champion fighter in a discarted robot. In the process of training the robot he discovers that he has an eleven-year-old son who wants to get to know his father. Read our full review here and interview with Hugh Jackman here.

Arthur Christmas

Release Date: November 23

Many Christmas movies evade the question: How does Santa really deliver all those gifts in one night? Well,  this November Arthur Christmas will take us into Santa’s ultra-high-tech super-hidden operation underneath the North Pole and reveal that answer.But at the heart of this story is a Christmas classic, and Arthur who must complete a very important mission before dawn.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

Release Date: December 16th

The Chipmunks and Chipettes go on vacation where they turn a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground. But then they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. While the ‘Munks and Chipettes are trying various ways to get back home, they accidentally discover that the island they are on is not as deserted as they thought.

The Adventures of Tin Tin

Release Date: December 21st

“The Adventures of Tin Tin” directed by Steven Spielberg is based on the series of books by Hergé. The movie follows the journey of Tin Tin, a relentless reporter, who sets off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship with Captain Haddock. However, they find out that someone else is in search of the ship as well, and their that’s when their adventure makes a turn.

Hugo

Release Date: November 23rd

Hugo is an orphaned boy who secretly lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station during the 1930’s. He lives a hard life looking after the clocks of the strain station and keeping his presence there hidden from the authorities at the same time. When he finds a mysterious mechanical man that has been left behind by his late father, he gets caught up in a mysterious adventure.

Whether in book or film, Winnie The Pooh has been a part of many generations of kids. This summer the new “Winnie The Pooh” movie hit theaters and delighted us all. Today “Winnie The Pooh” is available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD. This all-new and charming movie reunites us with Pooh bear and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail.

This movie was inspired by five of A.A. Milne’s books, and this time Pooh takes us on a journey to find a new tail for Eeyore,save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit Owl made up, but most importantly find some hunny.

“Winnie The Pooh” is truly a movie we can all enjoy, because Pooh Bear is no stranger to many of us who went on hunny hunting adventures with him as a kid. Now we can have the pleasure of introducing Winnie The Pooh to our little ones, and in Español too as there is a Spanish soundtrack for our kids enjoyment. This adorable movie also has an incredible soundtrack with original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, original score by Henry Jackman, and features vocal performances and an original song by Zooey Deschanel.

Check out this funny clip from the new movie and then scroll below to click to the giveaway.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNt_h7os-jc

The Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner: Amethyst Moon !

We are giving away one prize pack including:

• DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack
• Tigger mask
• Pooh mask
• notepad
• magnet

To enter, all you have to do is tell us who is your favorite Hundred Acre Wood friend. 

That’s all you have to do to enter this giveaway. If you want to up your chances at winning, then this is how you can get additional entries (only after you’ve completed the step above):

**Please leave a separate comment for each so we can count them and avoid mistakes.

1. Subscribe to receive blog updates and subscriber-only content via email and leave us an extra comment letting us know you did so or that you’re already a subscriber. Make sure to leave the comment using the same email you subscribed with.

2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway including a link to the post and @SpanglishBaby. Copy the link to the tweet in an additional comment on the giveaway’s post.

3. Like SpanglishBaby on Facebook and join a thriving community of parents.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 1st at 11:59 p.m. EST and is open to everyone over 18 years of age. Check out the Giveaway Rules.

I had the chance to join a group of bloggers in L.A. to interview the even-more-amazing-in-person Hugh Jackman about his role in this film. Hugh is well known for being incredibly charismatic and a great guy to work with. He is also a family man and dad to two adopted kids–a boy and a girl.

We kept hearing that Real Steel was a great family movie, so we wanted to get his perspective on it and, if so, had his children seen it. Below is an excerpt of that part of the conversation with a super cute bedtime-story anecdote you will enjoy.

Q : Everybody that’s been in the room has just had amazing things to say about you.  Is that important to you — your reputation with your crew?

HJ : Yeah. That’s a good question. It probably is. I think in a way the leader of the film is the director, alright. But I come up with a little bit of the old school like if the actor’s gonna be snobby and that filters around everybody — I don’t know. I think your job is to bring people together. Like it’s a team — acting, filmmaking is definitely a team effort. So, if you can’t be that kind of guy that enjoys being around other people, then don’t turn out. Like don’t be in the film, you know.

Q : Real Steel director, Shawn Levy said you called his daughter on her birthday.

HJ : Oh. I’ve had a crush on her daughter, Charlie. Same name as my character. She’s three and she’s in the movie. She’s young but she’s such a cutie. And she wrote me a little love letter.

Q : Have your kids seen the movie yet?

HJ : Oh my gosh. I have an eleven year old boy and a six year old girl — I’m gonna take you back a little ’cause when I read the script, I — I’m not proud of this moment. But I had the script for three days. And I was busy. You know what it’s like. And so I was busy and then my agent rang and said, “Shawn’s  actually flying into New York for another thing and wants to meet with you in the morning for breakfast to discuss the script.”

And I was like, “No problem.” And I was just about to read to my son. I had just read to my daughter. And, uh, he was writing to Tin-Tin. He loves Tin-Tin. She goes, “Dad, can we read Tin-Tin?” And I said, “Oh, how about we read this Real Steel story.

It’s called “Real Steel” about robots. And he was like, “Really?” A script — like he was — he’s not interested in my job at all, right. So I said, “Well I’ll read a few pages.” And he goes, “Alright.” My son always draws while I read.

So I’m reading, I’m getting into the script and I went, oh, Oscar. And I looked up. He’s like, “Go on, go on, go on, go on.” Like he was so into it. And then he made me read the script to him every night for like ten nights — at least ten nights in a row. And he goes, “You keep reading more. Read more. And then can we get back to the beginning.” He loved this script. And he sat next to me in the film. And it’s the first time I’ve ever taken my kids to a film, because none of my films have really been applicable, I thought, for them.

So my son was there, as well as my daughter who’s only six. I just knew she would love it. 

 So anyway, yes, is the very long answer to that. And they loved it. And I saw the movie with my mother in law who’s 75 and my wife and my two kids. All of them were cheering and they were crying and they just — they just loved it.

It was a really great moment for me, you know, to genuinely have all those three generations loving it.

Check out this trailer featuring Charlie {Hugh Jackman} and Max {Dakota Goyo}:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pShDn5bD3BA

Visit Real Steel on Facebook for more fun and to build your own bot banner!

Maybe you got a chance to see Disneynature African Cats when it came out in theaters on April, but if you didn’t now would be your chance to purchase this inspiring film and help protect the animals of the savanna at the same time. African Cats takes us into the lives of the kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, a lion cub who struggles to grow up and follow her courageous mother’s footsteps; Sita, a fearless cheetah who is the mother of five playful cubs; and Fang who is the proud leader and defender of the pride. This true life adventure will open your eyes to the wonders of the savanna and the powerful family bonds that can be found in the wild.

The really cool part about purchasing the combo pack or downloading this movie is that you’ll be helping protect the future of these lions, cheetahs, and all the other animals living in the African savanna. How? Well, for each purchase you make through October 10 Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will donate funds to help conserve the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor where the magnificent animals of African Cats live. You can get more information on this program here.

If you aren’t the lucky winner of the giveaway below, know that you can save $8 when you buy African Cats, and any other Disneynature Blu-ray Combo Pack on Amazon.com.

(That offer is good through November 14, 2011. Valid only in the U.S & Canada. Void where prohibited, and cannot be combined with any other offer.)

Download some printable activities here, check out the trailer and then go below to click to the giveaway!

httpv://youtu.be/cyw5KiT0tM0

The Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner:Rita M!

We’re giving away a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack of African Cats to one lucky winner. To enter just leave us a comment telling us which is your favorite African savanna animal.

That’s all you have to do to enter this giveaway. If you want to up your chances at winning, then this is how you can getadditional entries (only after you’ve completed the step above):

**Please leave a separate comment for each so we can count them and avoid mistakes.

1. Subscribe to receive blog updates and subscriber-only content via email and leave us an extra comment letting us know you did so or that you’re already a subscriber. Make sure to leave the comment using the same email you subscribed with.

2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway including a link to the post and @SpanglishBaby. Copy the link to the tweet in an additional comment on the giveaway’s post.

3. Like SpanglishBaby on Facebook and join a thriving community of parents.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, October 11 at midnight PST and is open to everyone with a U.S. mailing address over 18 years of age. Check out the Giveaway Rules.

I have to admit I thought it was odd that Disney would put so much emphasis on promoting what seems like a robot and dark-action movie to a group of parent bloggers which are usually writing about movies featuring princess, fairies and animated animals. Just a bit far-fetched for me, but I decided to go along for the ride. Oh, was I proven wrong!

I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised by how unexpectedly heartwarming Real Steel is. Yes, there´s lots of huge {and cool!} robots punching and wrestling each other to pieces, but there’s also an endearing father/son story that will rip your heart to pieces.

It really is difficult to perceive the father/son plot because of the way the movie is being marketed; the posters only show the robots, the boxing ring and Hugh Jackman in fighting poses, but there’s much more to it and something for everyone in the family, plus a couple of tears here and there!

Every person we interviewed, from the director Shawn Levy, to the Producers and even Hugh Jackman, kept going on and on about how they have invited their kids and parents to watch it and they’ve all enjoyed it for different reasons.  Director Shawn Levy thinks of Real Steel “as a father/son movie with drama and action, but that appeals to all in the family.” So much so, that he even casted three of his young daughters to play a small role in the movie.

The story starts in the year 2020 where the sport of boxing is no longer performed by humans, but by huge robots and it’s the number one sport in the world. We meet Charlie Kenton {Hugh Jackman}, a cynical and rough ex-boxer, who is always looking for an easy buck with his own fighting robots. In a turn of events, he’s reunited with his pre-teen son Max, played by the adorable Dakota Goyo, who has lost his mother and now needs to be taken care of, at least temporarily, by the father he never knew.

Max has grown up infatuated by fighting robots and proves to be a bit of a genius in the matter. He has to fight hard to win over his dad’s heart and to renew his own trust in the man that was never there for him. The father that was a fighter, but never fought for his own son.

The performances are stellar and lead the story every step of the way. The story isn’t even lost to the magnificent animatronics and motion capture robots that could easily steal the scene. The effects and the robot fights are so real and so well-integrated into the plot that you will believe it all; and no, it’s not even in 3D!

I do think this movie is better suited for kids seven and above, but it’s up to every parent to know their kid’s maturity level. Regardless, be prepared to enjoy it as much as they will.

I love this clip where you can have fun showing your kids why it’s important to know more than one language…Japanese to speak to robots!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt2ErSCDLSU&feature=channel_video_title

Real Steel opens in theaters and IMAX nationwide this Friday, October 7th. You can keep up will all the action and join the fun at the Real Steel Facebook Page here.

Share: Are you planning on going to see Real Steel? Why or why not?

Image courtesy of the Disney Channel

Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and what better time to teach our kids a little more about our history. Since we Latinos are very diverse, it’s great to be able to teach our kids a little more about not only our family’s history, but about the history of Latinos throughout North, Central, and South America, and all the beautiful islands in the Caribbean. See? We’ve got so much to cover!

Now let’s face it, our kids love to watch TV, more than we’d like them to sometimes. So this month why not take advantage of all the programming that will be honoring Hispanic and Latino culture. We’ve been paying attention to all the channels that will be airing special shows in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Image Courtesy of the Disney Channel

This month Disney Junior will be airing a special episode of “Special Agent Oso” featuring guest stars Rita Moreno, Rico Rodriguez and Raini Rodriguez. Plus,  a brand new 45-minute ”Handy Manny Great Garage Rescue” special premiering Monday, October 3rd and featuring guest stars Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”), Freddy Rodriguez (“Ugly Betty”), George Takei (“Star Trek”) and Harold Perrineau (“Lost”) alongside series star Wilmer Valderrama.

In addition to that, Disney Channel and Disney Junior started airing on September 15 a series of spots called “This is me” that feature real kids talking about their heritage and traditions.

Disney XD will introduce new spots with stars Ryan Ochoa from “Pair of Kings” and Mateo Arias from “Kickin It” discussing their family traditions. It’s great for our kids to see actors out there they can relate to and who are proud of their heritage.

Discovery Kids en Español will be taking a more historical approach to Hispanic Heritage Month, airing a series of short programs that feature the lives of  four Latin American heroes that fought for freedom in some of our  countries: General Simon Bolivar, Benito Juarez, Francisco de Paula Santander, and Jose Marti. The whole family can learn a little more about the lives of these four heroes when the series airs.

After we’ve enriched our minds with Latino history we can head on over to Discovery Familia with our kids for a game of “atuendos tradicionales” {pictured above}

Nick Jr‘s heritage page has various activities for your kids, one of those activities being Hispanic Heritage Hero trading cards that are a fun way to make sure all those history facts they’re learning stick.

Now, SpanglishBaby parents are not exempt. PBS is celebrating Hispanic Heritage with a great lineup of programs to entertain and examine our history, cultural contributions, and heritage. On September 30th, you can catch the likes of Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan and José Feliciano at the concert that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted, In Performance at the White House “Fiesta Latina.”

There is a lot on the agenda for Hispanic Heritage month, but maybe the best part of it all will be to enjoy this month with our niños and pass on more of our cultura to them.

Some of our young ones haven’t gotten to see this movie because it has been in the Disney vault since 2004, but the time has finally come! Disney is releasing “The Lion King” from the vault, and it’s coming back with a bang. This Friday, September 16, the all new 3D version of “The Lion King” will hit theaters for the first time ever, and only for two weeks.

Even if you used to see this movie on repeat with your older kids, you can be sure it will be a new experience for the whole family. Re-live the adventures of the young cub Simba, who “just can’t wait to be king,” and his two hilarious friends Timon and Pumbaa who help him along the way. This new 3D format of the all-time favorite will captivate you again with it’s epic  settings, award winning music, and lovable characters.

Then on October 4  you’ll have the chance to take this classic home with you on Disney Blu-ray and Blue-ray 3D. Your kids will be able to enjoy the Spanish version of The Lion King as well, since it is always an option with Disney movies. And of course, we’re giving you a chance to win a copy of the DVD to take home with you!

And if you want some activity and coloring Lion King printables, download them here. 

Here’s a little taste of the Lion King en español for you to share with your kids:

httpv://youtu.be/MgpNghXM_-g

The Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winners: Monica and wcc !

We’re giving away a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack of the The Lion King to TWO lucky winners! To enter just leave us a comment telling us who your kids (or your) favorite Lion King character is. 

That’s all you have to do to enter this giveaway. If you want to up your chances at winning, then this is how you can get additional entries (only after you’ve completed the step above):

**Please leave a separate comment for each so we can count them and avoid mistakes.

1. Subscribe to receive blog updates and subscriber-only content via email and leave us an extra comment letting us know you did so or that you’re already a subscriber. Make sure to leave the comment using the same email you subscribed with.

2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway including a link to the post and @SpanglishBaby. Copy the link to the tweet in an additional comment on the giveaway’s post.

3. Like SpanglishBaby on Facebook and join a thriving community of parents.

This giveaway ends Thursday, September 22 at midnight PST and is open to everyone with a U.S. mailing address over 18 years of age. Check out the Giveaway Rules.

If you are or have ever been a mom of a four year old girl you most likely weren’t able to escape the Barbie and Princess craze. We, for sure, have not and the proof is the box full of Barbies my girl loves to play with day in and day out.  Now she’s also fallen for the Barbie movies that have served to spike up her flourishing imagination even more, lots more.

The newest Barbie movie in our collection is Barbie: Princess Charm School {releases September 13, 2011}.  Barbie stars as Blair Willows, a kind girl who is chosen to attend Princess Charm School, because, you know, all princesses need to be schooled in the charms department!

At Charm School, Blair, along with her new friends Princesses Delancy and Hadley, will learn the proper ballroom dances, tea party etiquette and, of course, proper princess manners all while in a magical and adventurous journey of self-discovery.

The DVD comes with special features and a Spanish-language option which we always use.  Check out the trailer in Spanish below so you and your Princess can get a first-look of the Barbie: Princess Charm School magic.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWRpSWNc0Es

The Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner: Tina!

We have a prize pack with one Barbie: Princess Charm School DVD and a set of two Barbies from the movie, including the star: Blair Willows.

All you have to do to enter is tell us who the Princess in your life is and what she would love to learn at her Princess Charm School.

That’s all you have to do to enter this giveaway. If you want to up your chances at winning, then this is how you can get additional entries (only after you’ve completed the step above):

**Please leave a separate comment for each so we can count them and avoid mistakes.

1. Subscribe to receive blog updates and subscriber-only content via email and leave us an extra comment letting us know you did so or that you’re already a subscriber. Make sure to leave the comment using the same email you subscribed with.

2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway including a link to the post and @SpanglishBaby. Copy the link to the tweet in an additional comment on the giveaway’s post.

3. Like SpanglishBaby on Facebook and join a thriving community of parents.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 6 at midnight PST and is open to everyone with a U.S. mailing address over 18 years of age. Check out the Giveaway Rules.