I took my two older kids to see "The Bee Movie" two night ago. This was a reward that my wife and I established for them to help them get along better this past week, since they have been arguing a bit more lately. Our choices were this movie or "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium", which is rated G and looks somewhat interesting, but was panned thoroughly by critics.
While we were in the car on the way there, my son began to tell us what to expect from the movie.
"At the beginning, a bee named Barry leaves the hive, then..."
"Wait a minute," I said, "Where did you hear about the plot for this movie?"
"From a TV commercial, and from National Geographic Kids magazine." he said.
"Let's not talk about it. I just want to enjoy it, and so does Aleah." I said.
Then Aleah chimed in with, "I know how the beginning starts, too." I was thinking to myself that this was not going to be the wonder-filled night that I had originally planned.
She continued, "I think something is going to spell out, "THE BEE MOVIE"." This was both exceptionally accurate and perceptive on her part, and it didn't even ruin the plot for any of us.
I knew that I had to stop and get some cash on the way there, and if you know me very well, you know that I don't allow a lot of room for error when I am trying to make it to any appointment, including a movie.
I pulled into the bank, and headed directly to the drive-through ATM machine. I inserted my card, then put in the PIN number, then requested $60 from checking.
UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTION
CARD RETAINED
What?!? I couldn't even begin to imagine what that was all about. I decided to continue on the off chance that they took credit cards at the theater, although I was virtually positive that they did not. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong, so we made it with a couple of minutes to spare. (It turns out that my bank had already sent me a new card which was sitting in my unopened mail - they said that they thought that many of their debit cards had been "compromised by a third party institution", whatever that might mean).
The only complaint that I had about the movie experience was the especially scary preview for "The Spiderwick Chronicles" that made me want to cover my eyes, too (not really, but it was quite intense for a kids' movie).
We all enjoyed the movie, and I would highly recommend it for a family outing of your own. There are plenty of jokes to keep parents interested, and the overall message is sound. Much of it has to do with believing in the power of teamwork and the ability to overcome big obstacles. There is also a rather big lesson about the environment. Having Jerry Seinfeld as the main character's voice also certainly didn't hurt, since I am a big Seinfeld fan.
Thanks for reading!
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JENNIFER - Do you have a kid you could borrow from a friend or relative? If not, I don't think there's any shame in going by yourself, especially when it's rated "PG" and it has Jerry Seinfeld in it.
I think you would really enjoy the post I put out earlier about my daughter's artwork. Check it out if you have a minute.
Jason, It sounds like you had an enjoyable evening. I will have to watch that with my grandkids next chance I get. I love kiddie movies.
When I was very young (8 or 9) my father used to take us boys to the drive in on the weekend to watch horror movies. The catch was we always had to leave about 5 minutes early because right after the horror movies they would show the adult "nudie" movies. So we had to be out of the parking lot and down the street before they started with the previews. My older brother and I would be leaning up against the back seat to try and catch a glimpse. I think I saw a "boobie" one time:)
Jason, it is good to see that you are balancing your real estate life with family fun. I may have to grab my grands and take them to that movie...I need balancing too!
Gail Gladstone, the Long Island Realtor
BRYANT - Your comments literally made me laugh out loud, which is not common for me, as my standards are high (or low, or something). I would recommend checking it out with the grandkids if you can.
As for the drive-in movies, we lived within biking distance of an "adult" drive-in when I was growing up in Dallas. I remember sneaking over there with my friends to look through the openings in the side fences. Too much education in that area when I was young!
Jason..... your kids sound grown up per se. In regards to the movie and the messages that they sometimes display... I wonder how many kids pick up this and wonder if the movies are actually made for the adults... lol In regards to your MAC card.... that is scary if you weren't carrying anything else on you. Besides, I know that the movies take credit cards. They advertise it at the ticket counter. Maybe I will get a chance to see this movie over the weekend with my nieces and nephews.
Just kidding! Jason, I would have freaked if an ATM kept my card....but still go to a Movie? You are a good man! You make me proud to know you!! :-)
KAY - I must agree with you (see Jennifer's comment above). Thanks for reading this one!
JENNIFER - You do now. Thanks! By the way, I assume the book is a large, leather-bound volume with a brass button and a leather strap to hold it closed. You are also using a feather dipped in ink, right?
RYAN - I know that was part of the theme of the movie, but I had no idea that it was an actual problem. Thanks for letting me know, and thanks for your comments!
MISSY - We had a great time, and I bet you would like the movie. Check it out if you have a chance.
BRAD - Sorry to divulge all of those critical plot points in this blog. :-) Hey, if we are going to a movie, not much will stop me. I was happy that my prayers were answered when I got home and realized that I had a card after all (just needed to activate it via phone). Thanks for your great comments!
MANA LISA - I was just making sure it wasn't something objectionable. I might give it a shot over the holiday weekend. Thanks for the info - much appreciated.
Jason... Thanks for the review...and the trip there...classic.
I actually had a similar situation that happened to me at Walmart a few months ago... When my bank was bought out by New Alliance, they issued me a new card and I hadn't opened it, yet...
I can't tell you how much I loved the look (smirk) on the cashier's face. I hemmed and hawed...really there's money in there...try it again! And, then, rather humbly swiped another card from my wallet...
When I figured out what happened (next day), it was all I could do to restrain myself from going and showing the new card to the cashier... Can you say stalker? lol
My little ones are so big! I remember taking my son to see his first theater movie when he was three. It was Aladdin. It took a while for him to understand that he couldn't talk out loud, like in our living room. We did just watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" together and my now huge 17 year old son couldn't stop laughing.
I'm glad to hear that you are careful about what your kids watch. They have such a short time to be kids. It blows my mind to be in grown-ups movie and have a little kid in the same row, watching the violence or whatever. (Notice, I said "grown-up" not "adult" movie!)
Jason... Sure does! Let me tell ya...she sure got her 5 minutes from me... ;o)
See, I'm giving people what they need...24/7...lol
Jason,
I took my kids to see that one last week. I thought it was great! although it was hard listening to Jerry Seinfelds voice for that long :0)
Tom Weiss
Hi Jason: I'm glad you and the kids enjoyed the movie. Speaking of movies, this weekend I watched part of a really good movie on the Disney Channel called Ice Princess. It was about a young teen-age girl who wanted to pursue her dream in figure skating. Watching a movie on the Disney Channel can be a real challenge, as I found out. They show about eight minutes of the movie, then break for previews of what seemed to be every other show on the Disney Channel, then back to another eight minutes of the movie... Ice Princess... and then another marathon of Disney promos. I got all tired out just wading through all those commercials and promos.
So... today I stopped at Borders Books to order my very own copy of the Ice Princess. To my delight they had it in stock. Of course, I bought it, and watching it will be one of my Thanksgiving treats for Mollie and me. Thanks for another great post. May you and your family have a great Thanksgiving. Take care...
What a great Mommy & Daddy...so cute! I love movies with good messages! Reminds me to do a post. I'm currently waiting to buy a new DVD being released this month, Hairspray! ----On another note, I had that happen to me at a teller while passing through O'Hare airport, freaked me out! Fun post.
Crouch
It was a fun movie.....as a little treat, we went out and picked up the Xbox 360 video game....and how fun it was to play with the kids when we got home!
Happy Thanksgiving!
ELAINE - That's a funny story. As for "grown up" movies ( which ARE very different from "adult" movies), I can't stand seeing someone with a little kid at a violent movie or one with a lot of bad language. It makes me angry and sad at the same time. As always, thank you for your great comments. I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving!
LISA - Nice. Thanks for stopping back by. :)
SHANNON - Shrek is funny, but I wouldn't take my kids to see those movies, honestly. Too many innuendos and grown-up jokes for mine to understand.
TOM - Yes, I suppose you might need to enjoy (or at least tolerate) Seinfeld in order to enjoy the movie. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, too. How old are your kids?
KAREN ANNE - I could not agree more. Watching a full-length movie on the Disney Channel is torturous, unless you have it Tivo'd. Even then, they take a LOT of commercial breaks. Good for you in just buying it to enjoy later at your convenience. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
CANDI - Actually, this was just "Daddy time". My wife stayed home with our littlest one that night. I bet you would enjoy this movie - it's cute and light and enjoyable. The card thing freaked me out a little bit, too. Thanks for your comments - have a terrific Thanksgiving!
DANNY - I will move it there when I finish commenting. Thanks!
BILL - Sounds like a good time was had by all. I finally came to the office and got your book today. I am looking forward to reading it sometime soon. Thanks for sending it! I hope you also have a terrific Thanksgiving!
I too recently had a card kept. However, it was by a real person for not making sufficient payment. Visa told me that I needed to make a payment. I asked if I could send them a check...they said, "Yes!". They didn't say that it had to actually to be honored by my financial institution.
We started out the other night to go and see this with the kids too. However, it took us 45 minutes to get down a 10 mile stretch of State Highway. Why they work on this in the evening...I don't know. So, instead we bought the Wonderful Wizard of Ha's (Veggie Tales) and came back and had popcorn and sweet tarts as we watched it on the couch.
I guess we will see it when it comes out on DVD. Just be glad in knowing that the cinema did take your plastic and your little one didn't scream out "TARDS!" at you, or mention something about a Grand Prix! HA!HA! SNORT! I love it.
PS - I know I am running behind on SEVERAL of your posts. It has been a busy week and I do plan to get caught up! Thank you for being you and I would like to talk to you after the Holiday about home school. If I can talk to Mrs. Crouch about it too...that would be great! She wouldn't mind? I am sure my Jason will have questions too.
Jason.... I went to watch the Bee movie tonight with one of my nieces and one of my nephews and brother-in-law. The other 2 went to see the Enchanted with my sister and mom..... I loved this movie...
KATERINA - I fully agree. Thank for coming back by to comment again!
ADAM - I bet you and your son would have a great time with this movie. I hope you get a chance to see it. The scary preview thing was really irritating, frankly, especially when it is a kids' movie. The credit card thing was a life saver in this case. I found it odd that they don't have the Visa/MasterCard stickers posted anywhere. Talk to you soon -