Childhood Toys Turned Movies

It always seems to surprise me at how exciting it is to see one of our childhood toys come to life on the big screen. Fairly recently, a friend and I were talking about the latest kid cartoons turned movies (and sequels) and our kids' desires to see them. However, the sad truth is that our kids will most likely miss out on these big screen releases.

My husband is an enormous fan of Transformers. Before we had children, he collected a few of the old and new robots in disguise. These were mainly "mint in box" but I will admit that one red and blue leader of the Autobots made it to his work desk. His love stems from endless hours of being entertained by the cartoon and the toy in his childhood. When the first Transformer movie was released to the big screen, he was there (and multiple times afterwards as well). Sharing this great piece of his life with his sons is one thing that he really looked forward to.

Transformers the movie holds a "PG-13" rating, but with the majority of the "bad parts" being clumped together in a couple of different spots, it was easy enough to distract or block out for our sons. After my husband had seen the movie, he knew just when to strategically cover eyes and/or ears. As much as we wished these portions were not included within the movie, we were able to swing it. When Transformers 2 Revenge of the Fallen was schedule to come out, we assumed this would also be the case. Unfortunately, this is not so.

My husband, back at the theatre on opening day, was disappointed that there wasn't a clear way to block out "just the bad parts" so he could again enjoy a Transformers movie with our sons. The sequel, to one of the most popular movies of Summer 2007, is littered with swearing (among other things). In fact, according to director Michael Bay, characters Mudflap & Skids were said to be created specifically for the kids but seemed to have the worst potty mouths in the movie. My boys love Transformers, and the toys are everywhere, but I refuse to let them have these 2 characters as toys.

This leads me to the newest release, GI Joe. I have not yet seen this feature film presentation, so I can't say exactly how this one will play out. However, before the PG-13 rating was announced, a rumor was floating around that it would be placed in the R rating category. My thoughts were instantly... Seriously? GI Joe? Please say it isn't so Joe!

I have no problem with these movies being full of fun and excitement, but why must we take our innocent childhood toys and cartoons and turn them into sexual, violent, cuss word filled movies? Wouldn't we love them without all of the extra "filler?" Wouldn't those of us who enjoyed these characters as kids love to have our own children embrace them as well? How can we do that if the rating is going to be above PG? Why do we set up endless displays in the toy aisles for our young kids to ooh and aah over if we don't intend to make the movies kid friendly? Take a look at the toys out there as well. Flip open level 1 Transformers were created for young fans, ages 3 and up, and I have seen Mr Potato Head with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee pieces as well. Why make some of these movie toys geared toward the very young if they aren't even able to watch the movie?

I'm not saying I don't enjoy the movies, but I just wish I didn't have to tell my kids, "you can play with the toys, but you can't watch the movie." Maybe it's not that at all. Maybe I'm just a little jealous of the full grown boys getting all of their toys made into movies. I mean I just wish Rainbow Brite or My Little Pony would get a movie and call someone "b****" or something... that'd grow up our girl cartoons! I even have a few ideas that could work....

Extreme Makeover: Rainbow Brite Edition

Actually, this one is partly real. Rainbow Brite dolls will be re released this Fall with a "new look" per a website I came across. RainbowBrite could come back bigger than ever!

Pony Talk
Smurfette Goes Wild Meets SNL's Greatest Hits

It's amazing to think that Barbie has been around for 50 years and still manages to be a lady! Well... almost! Barbie Girl by Aqua

Thank you for the music...

For those who are unaware, my first love in the "arts" was not writing. My heart will always belong to music and singing. I have even recorded 2 traditional country indie cds. Truthfully, my personal music selections have always bounced all over the place. I enjoy singing and listening to many different artists and genres. My kids are also music buffs and have their own favorites. I can't say that I don't enjoy listening to their heroes, the Jonas Brothers, and so far agree that they are the kind of role models I want my boys to have. Of course the breaking of Taylor Swift's heart might have knocked Joe Jonas down on the "hero charts" with my youngest, he has a huge crush on the amazingly talented girl, but beyond that, these boys seem to have it together. Hopefully that doesn't change over the years. As mentioned, we listen to plenty of Taylor Swift as well. Some of my other favorites are Josh Groban, Michael Buble (go see him in concert! WOW!), Rick Nelson, Martina McBride, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Bryan White, Vince Gill, Jesse McCartney, Christina Aguilera, Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Usher, Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas, Aly & AJ, and on and on and on... You seriously do NOT want me to keep going or you'll never finish this blog! So the point, I LOVE MUSIC! Heck, my entire family loves music!

I'm one of those people that loves music so much that I make up songs all the time. Silly songs to make my kids laugh, smile, and even about eating their food. lol Yes, I'm a big goofball! I do this so often, that my kids think it's completely normal. They are now into the habit as well. I feel as though I should apologize to their future teachers, however I have also tried to teach them to pay attention. Regardless, this does make our life more entertaining. How many kids are walking into school singing "Mama Mia" or instantly respond to someone saying "uh-huh" with a "honey honey" sung right on cue? Did I mention that they love the Mama Mia soundtrack? Of course, Disney has become a huge factor in my kids desire to live life as a musical. They have created such beautiful kid friendly musicals with High School Musical 1, 2, & 3. I don't believe either of my boys have stopped singing and dancing since HSM has hit the tv screen! Do I even have to say that I couldn't be prouder?

Life is instantly more fun when you add music! Wouldn't you agree? It enhances every emotion and there are so many options to choose from. Music even enhances our movies. Think of your favorite movie... got it? Does a song, or more than one, stick out in your mind when you think of that movie as well? There is so much in life that music enriches. Simply, and mostly, music improves our lives. I know I wouldn't feel like a whole person without it. I believe one of my favorite songs (ABBA) says it best... "thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing, thanks for all the joy they're bringing, who could live without it, I ask in all honesty, what would life be, without a song or a dance what are we, so I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me..."

What is your favorite song/singer/music type? Do you listen to music more when you are feeling happy or sad or all the time? What is your favorite movie music selection? Do you have a moment in your life that you associate with a special song?