May 31, 2012

See What to Expect When You’re Expecting with Your Baby June 5th

No time to get to the movies these days? After becoming a parent, who does? One of the first date night activities we removed from rotation was going to see a movie after having our daughters. For us, it’s difficult to justify hiring a sitter to sit in a dark room without speaking for 2 hours. I miss the enjoyment of going to the theatre, eating popcorn and drinking Coke Icees. Who knew motherhood could take that away from me?

That’s why I’m excited that TheBump.com the fastest-growing pregnancy and parenting website, has teamed up with AMC Theatres to host Bring Your Baby Matinees program in 68 theaters around the country. On the first Tuesday of every month, select AMC locations are offering a fun and relaxed atmosphere for parents to meet, share advice and enjoy viewing a new flick with their babies. Parents can enjoy movies in a baby friendly environment without worrying about baby making too much noise, access to a breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere, brighter lights and lower volume and stroller parking. Yippee!!

Tia Mowry (star of Sister Sister and author of OH, BABY!: Pregnancy Tales and Advice from One Hot Mama to the Next ) with her baby Cree and moms who attended the last Bring Your Baby Matinee event in LA!

The next event will be next Tuesday, June 5^th in AMC Theatres across the country and featuring What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Boppy will be giving away 5 water bottles to moms and dads in the audience!

To locate a theater in your city visit http://pregnant.thebump.com/bring-your-baby.aspx. Chicagoland parents can see the film at the following locations.

For our review of What to Expect When You’re Expecting HERE.

May 18, 2012

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Hits Theaters (Review)

What to Expect When You’re Expecting opens today and Sassy Moms in the City had a chance to preview earlier this week. Although my kids are 4 and 2, I was excited to relive those days of pregnancy. There are moments I wish I could have one more baby but that is NOT an option, so I live vicariously through the movies.

Inspired by New York Times bestseller of the same name and the first book in a series that has sold over 32 million copies worldwide, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a funny, heartfelt comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood. The star studded cast features Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Brooklyn Decker, Dennis Quaid, Matthew Morrison and Chris Rock.

Cameron Diaz plays TV fitness guru Jules who begins a romance with dance show star Evan (Matthew Morrison) when she competes as a contestant. Imagine Jillian Michaels (if she were straight) from the Biggest Loser competing on Dancing with the Stars, falling in love with Derek Hough and becoming pregnant with his love child. Cameron overacts and makes her usual annoying facial contortions, while Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Rock shine with memorable performances.

All five couples become parents but each experiencing vastly different journeys. At times it is difficult to understand the connection if there is any, between the couples, however in the end their lives all connect in some capacity.

Elizabeth Banks plays a baby-crazed author and breast-feeding advocate who has difficulty becoming pregnant. To her disappointment, pregnancy is not what she expected and finds it difficult to endure hormone surges, weight gain and all the “fun” things that accompany pregnancy. Meanwhile her much younger mother-n-law played by Brooklyn Decker eases through, looking amazing and stress-free making the dynamic between these two women hilariously entertaining.

Jennifer Lopez is Holly, a photographer who will do anything to adopt a child while her husband Alex is not so sure. Alex is encouraged to join a “dudes” (aka dads) group for support, where a group of fathers meet in the park, kids in tow while swapping parenthood stories. This is where Chris Rock comes in. As the leader of the tell it like it is group, the scenes are funny but obviously exaggerated. The dads come off as being entirely too goof and not relatable.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor through the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world. Overall I enjoyed and would recommend seeing, however just like any movie trying to emulate real life, there were many scenes that were awkward and ridiculously over the top. If you can overlook the silliness, it makes a great night out with your man or girlfriends.

I would take my husband to see the movie because many of the scenes brought back memories of my pregnancy. I would also take my girlfriends even those that did not have kids.

Thumbs up Sassy Mom Recommends!

Nov 25, 2010

THE NUTCRACKER IN 3D REVIEW

This week I had the opportunity to attend a private screening of The Nutcracker in 3D with a group of parents and several Chicago mommy bloggers. When the invitation appeared in my inbox I jumped at the chance because I knew several mommy bloggers from California that attended the Hollywood premiere and I have been reading The Nutcracker to my sassy kids for a few years. The evening of the Hollywood premiere I followed SavvySassyMoms, RockinMama and 5MinutesForMom live via Twitter and it seemed like so much fun and many had brought their children for a fun night out.

Not having seen any previews of the movie I decided to watch the trailer. Honestly, it did not look appropriate for children under the age of 5. I emailed my good friend who had attended the premiere with her six year old daughter and she suggested I not take sassy kid #1 because it might be a little scary for her.

Scary? The Nutcracker?? I decided to bring my MOM who was in town visiting for Thanksgiving. We had dinner and drinks prior the screening at Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge. Which by the way is my new favorite sushi restaurant. I highly recommend if you are headed to AMC River East to catch a movie.