The Dog Who Saved Summer DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on May 20, 2015July 21, 2015 by FCA Editor

Zeus the adorable dog that has stolen the hearts of viewers in his past films returns for another adventure.

When former police K-9 Zeus (voiced by Lopez) accidentally destroys an important party, the Bannister family decides it’s time to send him to obedience school. Classes start off on the wrong paw when the no-nonsense instructor Vernon and his Marine K-9 assistant Apollo fail Zeus on every lesson. Fearing the pound may be his next stop, Zeus and the Bannister children enlist help from a janitor who teaches them his unique training methods that could help Zeus win “Top Dog” at the school’s showcase. Meanwhile, a familiar trio of bumbling burglars is planning a daring diamond heist. Zeus must outsmart the thieves, as well as his hard-nosed instructor, in order to win the big tournament and foil the jewelry robbery before it’s too late.

We have some DVDs to giveaway to our readers that love Zeus, dogs, and fun family films.

To be eligible to win a copy of The Dog Who Saved Summer, email us at [email protected] with “Summer Dog” Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is June 2, 2015.

The Legend of Longwood DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on May 20, 2015July 21, 2015 by FCA Editor

Crumbling castles, mysterious riddles, frightening spirits, beautiful horses and a plucky, fearless heroine combine in this coming-of-age film, set in the starkly beautiful landscapes of rural Ireland, with music from Brave composer Patrick Neil Doyle.

Mickey Miller is a thoroughly modern 12-year-old American girl whose great love is horses. She has little enthusiasm for her mother’s plan to take Mickey and her little brother to start a new life in a run-down mill she has inherited in Longwood, a windswept Irish town at the end of the world. Mickey’s presence in Longwood coincides with the return of the Black Knight, a legendary ruler who found no peace after his baby daughter was taken from him, and whose appearances always mean that something evil is going to happen to the villagers. Mickey hears and sees things that others can’t, and forms an immediate bond with Silver, the proudest, haughtiest, most untamable horse in the stalls of a nearby castle. There is plenty of suspense and drama in this tale.

We have some DVDs to giveaway. To be eligible to win a copy of The Legend of Longwood, email us at [email protected] with “Longwood Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The movie is meant for ages 12 and above.

The deadline for this giveaway is June 2, 2015.

The Dog Who Saved Summer on DVD

Posted on May 20, 2015 by FCA Editor

First there was The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009), then The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (2010), The Dog Who Saved Halloween (2011), The Dog Who Saved The Holidays (2012), followed by The Dog Who Saved Easter (2014), and now Zeus returns in his newest film, The Dog Who Saved Summer. The Bannister family, including Zeus, has become beloved by family viewers.

To fill you in, if you have been living on another planet and are not familiar with Zeus, he is a former police K-9, was adopted by the Bannister family who was interested in a guard dog. However Zeus didn’t turn out to be the rough and tumble pooch they had in mind. This adorable yellow Labrador was less than impressive when it came to his job. But the kids and the entire family loved him.

In his newest role, Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez) is sent to obedience school after he accidentally caused havoc at a party. The school is more like Army basic training camp, and Zeus is not interested in learning all the things he is supposed to in order to pass the class. A former Marine K-9 named Apollo, whose owner runs the facility, bullies him.

Seeing this bullying going on, the janitor (James Hong) takes pity on Zeus and begins teaching him on his own. But what he teaches Zeus doesn’t have any relevance to what is being taught in the school. Or does it? The janitor is using the same methods as Mr. Miyagi did in The Karate Kid (1984). By putting Zeus to work doing chores, the dog learns the basics of what is actually being taught in the class.

But during the final graduation class, Zeus has something on his mind other than showing his new talents. He discovers thieves are stealing from the jewelry store in the mall. Again, it’s Zeus to the rescue.

While this is a simplistic show for parents, they will enjoy many aspects of the film. For instance there is Versace, a spoiled pooch who manages to cause problems for Zeus, but has some very funny lines. There are other parts of this film parents will find entertaining, making this not only a fun show for kids, but for the entire family. And who doesn’t love the sweet little face of Zeus? He’s adorable.

The Dog Who Saved Summer is rated PG for some mild rude humor (there are plenty of farts in this show).

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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The Last Unicorn Blu-ray GIVEAWAY

Posted on May 18, 2015July 21, 2015 by FCA Editor

One of the most beloved fantasy films of all-time, The Last Unicorn has enraptured generations of fans with its poetic tale of a brave unicorn’s journey through a mystic land seeking others of her kind.

Upon hearing that she may be the very last of her kind on Earth, a Unicorn goes in search of others like her. Her quest won’t be easy, as it leads her straight to the evil King Haggard and his infamous Red Bull! And the journey is made even more complicated when, to protect her from the envious wrath of Haggard, a spell is cast to turn the Unicorn into the Lady Amalthea, a young, beautiful, human woman. But with this new body comes new thoughts and feelings, such as love for Haggard’s son, Prince Lir. Will the Unicorn get lost inside this new body? Will she meet the fate of the other Unicorns? Or will she be able to defeat Haggard and his Red Bull with the aid of her friends, Schmendrick the bumbling magician and Molly Grue?

The Last Unicorn: Enchanted Edition Bonus Features

Audio commentary with Peter S. Beagle, Michael Chase Walker, Connor Cochran, Terri Kempton and Travis Ashmore
True Magic: The Story Of The Last Unicorn featurette
“Highlights from The Last Unicorn Worldwide Screening Tour with Peter S. Beagle”
Animated storyboards
Original theatrical trailer

To be eligible to win a Blu-ray copy of The Last Unicorn, email us at [email protected] with “Last Unicorn Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is June 4, 2015.

Amazing Space DVD

Posted on May 17, 2015 by FCA Editor

It has been 25 years since the Hubble space telescope began sending back extraordinary images from space. Many of the breathtaking images are included in Amazing Space, an audio-visual journey that will calm your senses.

The three discs in this set include an hour of stunning visuals from earth and space. The set includes a Blu-ray and a DVD of these amazing sights. The music accompanying the images is wistful and contemplative and makes for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The music CD makes up the third disc.

The music, from Kristin Hoffmann, is an ethereal blend of sounds that ease away the stress of the day. It’s a wonderful CD to play at the end of the day to relax and unwind.
The DVD or Blu-ray are nice to play when you have people over for a cocktail party or a gathering. This is a fun little backdrop to any gathering, and it’s also a nice backdrop to a yoga or meditative session.

Amazing Space is also a good disc to play when preparing dinner. It eases away all the noise of the outside world while giving your senses a break from traffic, long lines, telephone marketers, and all the rest of the things that put us in a less-than-happy mood.
The beautiful images are amazing, hence the title of the disc. Some of them lure you into the deepness of the universe and a land far, far away.

For a unique and peaceful escape from the world and for a journey with sights and sounds, this fits the bill.
Amazing Space is not rated, however it is fine for all ages. Everyone will be absorbed by the beautiful images and mesmerizing music.

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Dyson AM08 Pedestal Fan

Posted on May 17, 2015May 17, 2015 by FCA Editor

It’s summer and that means warm weather, and in many cases, very hot weather. If you’re spending most of your time in one room, why are you cooling the entire house with an air conditioner? With energy costs rising, it makes sense to use this great fan for times when you only need to cool one room. The Dyson AM08 Pedestal Fan is powerful, attractive, and it really works.

Instead of being a table fan, this pedestal fan sits on the floor so it is a great fan to cool the warm summer nights when you’re sleeping. Simply place it in the bedroom or next to the bed and adjust the aperture (the big round circle) to the precise angle that will keep you cool during the night.

Why would you want this as opposed to a conventional fan with blades? First of all, Dyson has been producing reliable and sturdy products for years. They incorporate design with functionality. Second, the Dyson fans do not use blades, making them safe to have around children. Third, they are easy to clean. You don’t have to get between slots or grills to clean the unit. There are none. Just wipe it with a cloth. Fourth, they look amazing. Fifth, they really do work.

How do they work if they don’t have blades pushing the air around? That’s where their ingenuity comes into play. All round the aperture there are air channels that use the Dyson Air Multiplier technology. Not being an engineer I won’t attempt to describe how it works, all I can say is that the technology creates a smooth stream of cool air.

The pedestal has a telescopic tube that when fully extended is 55.4 inches high. The entire unit weighs 8.5 pounds and has a 6.6-foot cord. The AM08 also comes with a remote control. This is a great benefit, especially when you’re using it in your bedroom. There is a programmable sleep timer with preset intervals so you can set it to stay on from 15 minutes up to 9 hours. And the remote lets the user adjust the airflow as well as the oscillation. If you don’t want it to oscillate, you can turn it off from the remote. Plus, with ten settings, the remote allows for adjusting the amount of airflow. Simply look at the bottom of the fan to see which setting it is currently set at. The setting is lit up by LED numbers. Adjust accordingly. If you want more air, raise the setting. If you’re cool and comfortable and want a little less air, decrease the setting. All without getting up from your chair or bed.

It’s no secret I have been a Dyson fan, no pun intended, for a long time. Why? Because I love the way they look and because I honestly think they do what they are intended to do. Without grills to open or squeeze my fingers through to clean dusty blades, these fans are a blessing. And for families with kids, there are no blades that can cause injuries to little fingers.

I have never had a fan that is 100 percent quiet. I don’t think it’s possible to make a fan that really cools the air and doesn’t make a sound. The Dyson Pedestal fan does make some noise, I will admit, however it is much quieter than any of the other big fans I have ever heard. And, if it is possible to make a completely silent full force fan, I’m sure the engineers at Dyson will find a way. In the meantime, we have this unit that is definitely not loud.

To find out if this is the best fan for your needs, go to Dyson.com.

The Dyson AM08 lists for $449.99 and is available in white with silver. It looks like it was taken from the Jetson’s home. How cool is that? Again, no pun intended.

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Sundrops CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on May 17, 2015July 21, 2015 by FCA Editor

This uplifting collection of 12 acoustic songs provides listeners with nourishing, organically grown music for the soul, capturing joyful moments of life: singing in the sun, splashing in puddles, digging in the dirt, and simply plucking a ukulele or pretending to be a monster.

Sundrops was produced using solar energy at The Harmonica Pocket’s island studio. Band mate and songwriter Keeth Apgar notes, “As musicians and parents, we’re trying to make uplifting all-ages music, full of vocal harmony and acoustic sounds.” Apgar and partner Nala Walla are raising their 4-year-old son Montana with lots of outdoor time, so the idea of “rolling in the dandelions” in “Sing in the Sun,” getting soaked by a rainstorm, planting seeds and coming home with dirty fingernails are all part of the free-range childhood that they remember. “Now more than ever I feel real strongly that playing outside is as important as eating well and getting enough sleep,” Apgar explains.

Colorfully packaged with cover art designed by paper cut artist Hannah Viano, Sundrops was produced using solar energy at The Harmonica Pocket’s island studio. Band mate and songwriter Keeth Apgar notes, “As musicians and parents, we’re trying to make uplifting all-ages music, full of vocal harmony and acoustic sounds.” Apgar and partner Nala Walla are raising their 4-year-old son Montana with lots of outdoor time, so the idea of “rolling in the dandelions” in “Sing in the Sun,” getting soaked by a rainstorm, planting seeds and coming home with dirty fingernails are all part of the free-range childhood that they remember. “Now more than ever I feel real strongly that playing outside is as important as eating well and getting enough sleep,” Apgar explains.

For more information about the band, go to www.harmonicapocket.com.

We have some CDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Sundrops, email us at [email protected] with “Sundrops Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is May 27, 2015.

Against the Sun on DVD

Posted on May 17, 2015May 17, 2015 by FCA Editor

The American Film Company prides itself on recreating the most realistic stories. Against the Sun is their newest movie. It is the true story of three Americans in World War II who discovered they had what it takes to survive under the harshest of conditions.

When three US Navy airmen crash into the water in the South Pacific, all they have is a raft and a few supplies. They don’t have food, water, a flare, or anything most of us would think of as useful. Everything went to the bottom of the ocean. What they did have was a strong determination to survive. They had that and they had hope.

Against the odds these three did what it took to stay afloat and survive, all the while trying to navigate their tiny raft toward any island, and hoping that wherever they ended up was not occupied by the Japanese. This incident occurred just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor and tensions were high.

The three men were the pilot, Harold Dixon (Garret Dillahunt), the radioman Tony Pastula (Tom Felton), and the bombardier Gene Aldrich (Jake Abel). Alone and adrift in the middle of the South Pacific, they fought off sharks, survived storms, and ate what they could catch or shoot.

To make this movie as realistic as the actual events, the actors were put on a strict diet and lost plenty of weight through the filming. By the end of the movie they looked like they had not eaten much in over thirty days. That is something makeup cannot achieve. But the makeup did achieve the blisters, sunburns, cuts and bruises they got during their time in the raft under the hot sun.

The bonus features on this DVD show the lengths the filmmakers went through to create the story as realistic as possible. And they did an amazing job. Viewers will see a true story playing out in front of them. As the men sailed more than a thousand miles, they were tested at every turn. But their hope and determination saved them. The bonus features are just as impressive as the film itself.

At 99 minutes this might seem a bit long, but think about the more than 30 days these men actually spent on the raft. There are some tense scenes but the ultimate story of survival is impressive and memorable.
Against the Sun is rated PG.

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Escape from East Berlin DVD

Posted on May 17, 2015 by FCA Editor

Many people today were not alive when Berlin was a divided city. And those who were alive might have forgotten the inhumanity imposed by the communists on the people of Berlin. Most countries build walls to keep people out, but the communists built their wall around East Berlin to keep the people in. Escape from East Berlin is based on an actual event of a daring and dangerous escape by several people who desperately wanted their freedom.

When the wall went up, families were divided. It was a dark time in human history. One of those who desperately wanted to leave the east side of the city and get to the west was a young woman with a baby whose husband was caught on the western side of the city when the wall was erected.

The wall instantly divided families and those who attempted to cross over or drive through were shot. But there was a group of brave people who decided they would dig under the wall. Little by little they dug a tunnel from the basement of a house, while the East Germans patrolled directly above them. Since this house was located next to the wall, their job was both easy and more difficult. There were patrols ongoing but these brave people were steadfast in their plan. The thought of freedom was enough to keep them going, and going.

In January 1962, the wall was new, the people on the East were experiencing a strange and confined life, and the world was astonished that a city could be divided. But these brave 29 East Berliners were spurred on by the thought of living a free life without the constant threats imposed by the communists.

Escape From East Berlin was produced in 1962, just after the actual incident. Don Murray plays Kurt Schroder, the man with the plan. Kurt was apprehensive about it at first, but due to the heartfelt pleas of his family and friends to find a way to the west, he came up with the idea to dig under the wall.

Werner Klemperer, who later played Colonel Klink in the hit TV series Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971), plays Walter Brunner, another desperate East German who only wanted to live in freedom.

Through the years there have been many movies about escaping from East Berlin. This one was among the first. People tried jumping off the wall, flying over the wall, driving through the wall, and digging under the wall. It was a time in history that showed inhumanity at its height.

Escape from East Berlin is a drama that demonstrates how clever and driven people can be when their freedom is on the line. It is not rated, however it is not appropriate for very young viewers.

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Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan – Book Review

Posted on May 17, 2015 by FCA Editor

In Small Acts of Amazing Courage, Gloria Whelan explores the themes of freedom, loss and change in really beautiful ways.

The story starts in India in the 1950s. Rosalind has never even visited the far away “home” called England. She loves India – the culture, the people, and the language.

But when her father returns from the war, he is dismayed to find that Rosalind has practically become an Indian with no respect for her English Heritage. Rosalind’s father sees her ‘small acts of amazing courage’ as insubordination and sends her off to Britain, despite her mother’s protests. England is rife with new struggles including her two aunts and the death of a brother she barely knew but feels she ought to mourn.

An interesting thing about the setting of the book that people who know about history is that this book occurs during Ghandi’s revolutionary protesting. The idea of doing what you feel is most important through nonviolence keeps pushing the novel’s plots in very unpredictable ways. The way people deal with this approach is unique to everybody and flavors the novel.

I felt like this book was slightly anticlimactic. So much attention was being given to the depth of the text that none was given towards varying levels of writing tone. There was very little action, just reaction to events already happening. Maybe this was the author’s way of agreeing with Ghandi that the best way to protest is peacefully. In having no climax, perhaps she wanted us to think more about the little struggles Rosalind wins and loses, which is more comparable to life. In that, I think the book was a success.

About the Author

Becka Olsen is a 15-year old student and a book lover to the max. She loves Regency Romances and anything by J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull as well as Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and other classic authors. Becka brings a unique perspective for our young adult readers as well as parents looking to find a book for their children.