Buddha Birthday Festival - Kids Performance

Although Morgan and Lilly went to the rehearsals for a month beforehand, on the day, Morgan was really ill with the flu and couldn't go. Lilly made it up for both of them!

Here are the two links to the kids performance at the opening of the Buddhas Birthday Celebrations at Southbank this year.


First Song


Second Song

Miss Lilly is the little grey bunny rabbit with the yellow (?) ears

Wizards of Waverly Place a Winner

My second DVD review..

"Wizards of Waverly Place" focuses on the Russo family who live in a suburban TV style large city. With a fairly typical middle class family,( which includes a mother, father and three kids) they live a normal life; except that the children are wizards in training a fact they attempt to hide from friends and other family members with sometimes disastrous results. Disney won several awards when this was first aired, and for good reasons.

Most of the story lines focus on the sibling rivalry between the children as the rules within this magical world is that only one child in a family may keep their powers. As each episode is revealed, the audiences opinions as to which one is likely to be triumphant, changes. When all of the children within the family turn 18 a family competition is to be held to determine who keeps their power. This is a constant threat and promise throughout the episodes. Each episode looks at how each child wields their powers and the lessons they may learn from abusing or using it.

The show is a definite winner in the Tweenage market; but has plenty of humour and one liners which keeps older family members amused. Although the humour can be a little cheesy, its clean and doesn’t lower itself into bathroom behaviour or language to gain its laughs. As it is rated PG, the material is suitable for young children and contains very little ‘scary’ or unnerving aspects.

The storylines are held together by strong characters, who unlike may family sit coms, are not perfect. The family members are accessible and believable to a wide range of young people. The Russos are dysfunctional on a number of levels, proving that even with special powers, themes of sibling rivalry, jealousy, bickering and love are constant throughout. Although the characters may fight amongst themselves or compete, they still manage to stay friends; upholding the Disney banner of blood being thicker than water and the importance of family ties.

The Episodes reviewed came from Season 1, Volume 2 ; which was launched this week in stores. The titles include Curb Your Dragon, Movies, Pop Me And We Both Go Down, Potion Commotion, Justin's Little Sister, Wizard School Part 1, Wizard School Part 2.

My kids loved it and have watched the entire series twice this week. ( ages 5 and 7)

DVD review - The Princess and the Frog

 

At least once a week, I'll be reviewing brand new family orientated DVDs and posting them up here.the first of the mark is The Princess and the Frog - which opened in the cinemas in January herein Australia - but is only *just* available on DVD this month.

The Princess and the Frog is Disneys latest feature; but one which has swerved from the current trends and has purposely sidestepped the race in realistic animation and scripted irreverent wisecracks to go back to their foundations in both design and messages. Traditionalists will be pleased to see a return to hand drawn animation and children of all ages delighted with this charming retelling of a favoured fairytale. Most importantly, are the many positive messages deeply embedded throughout the film; not least of all the power of dreams.  

The Princess and the Frog warm and witty narrative, inspired by a well known fairy tale, wrapped generously around song and dance numbers sprinkled with plenty of talking animals and neatly twisting modern messages into a fantasy setting in 1920s New Orleans. Its a nostalgic return to the classics Disney is well known for, but with a modern feeling that stops this being a rehash. 

What was important of a number of levels was that the main character, Tiana, was not only black, but flawed and the scriptwriters at Disney worked extremely hard to ensure there were no racist overtones; allowing messages of the power of dreams to fuel the plot. The Prince within this story is not a two dimensional lacklustre prop; but rather another flawed character who grows and learns throughout the movie. Tiana joins the long line of Disney Princesses with a new mature outlook, driven by career rather than the long established dreams of finding a husband. She is brash and judgmental and despite her workaholic ethics, she is full of grace and beauty deserving a place amongst Disney's Pantheon. She is a sign that Disney's writers have moved with the modern times; allowing their heros to have depth.  

Unlike some of the previous Disney storylines, the characters have more depth and backstory. Tianas journey forces her to understand that there is more to life than just hard work, while Prince Naveen learns to value more than money and leisure. Both main characters and supporting characters are forced to revisit their dreams, ensuring that these are their driving passions, rather than pursuing what is expected of them.  

This is a sincere fairy tale full of passion and heart but never wanders into the naive or dull. As would be expected from Disney, the film brims with wholesome lessons which will strengthen the next generation of children. One of the main themes throughout the film surrounds the power of dreams and of keeping ones word and integrity. Although the film is aimed for children between 4 and 10; its themes, music and upbeat messages are suitable for all ages.  

Despite critics negative feedback on the inclusion of voodoo and black magic, the story doesn't dwell on these ceremonies or specifics; but rather the outcomes being pursued. Just in any good fairytale, this is a battle of good over evil and even the youngest child could identify between them. In saying this, some scenes may be scary for very young or sensitive children; particularly when Dr Facilier is dragged into the graveyard by the evil spirits.  

Disney works hard at recreating its artwork with one foot in realism and the other in fantasy. The animation is gorgeous, dialogue amusing and witty and defiantly suitable for the whole family. The Princess and the Frog is an elegant and touching story filled with New Orlean jazz music, vibrant colours and strong characters. Its particularly refreshing for those who are weary of the cynicism and perfection of the new wave of digital cartoons.  

Morgan and Lilly of course ADORED the film... and now we have to watch it at least three times a week.