Category Archives Movies

Movies and Sensory Concerns

TechyDad’s birthday was on Sunday and we were trying to figure out what to do for his special day. I asked if he wanted to see a movie. More specifically, I mentioned going to see Guardians of the Galaxy. I had heard that, while it was rated PG-13, it would probably be a nice option for our family. TechyDad searched online for a movie time and we went to the mall to get tickets and then have lunch.

My Guardians of the Galaxy

When we went to get our tickets at this Regal Cinema location, we realized that there was a snaffu with the online movie guide that TechyDad had viewed. We did not want to see a 3D version of the movie because JSL is not a fan. While we thought that it was a regular showing, it was not. That time was actually for a viewing of Guardians for the Galaxy in an RPX theater. We explained to the person at the ticket counter what happened and told her we would regroup and walked away.

Why did we leave?

There were a few reasons. The cost of the RPX was significantly more, but that was not the big issue in my mind. The sensory experience was something that concerned me. I did not want to ruin TechyDad’s birthday by starting the movie and leaving part way through. Did I know that it would bother NHL? No, I did not know how he would react. At the same time, I was aware that some movies have been too loud and bothered him though he has never had to leave before. Coping strategies have greatly improved as NHL has gotten older. Still, TechyDad and I were unsure about it and felt it was best to regroup.

As we stood off to the side looking online for options at other Regal Cinemas in the area, something happened that we never expected. Another person from Regal asked us to go back to the counter. The woman who had been helping us felt horrible that we left and wanted to make sure we saw the movie for TechyDad’s birthday. Jennifer was beyond amazing and made our day. As she was assisting us, I explained that it was not simply the increased cost of the movie. I told her that our son has Asperger’s and that the bigger screen and better sound system may be too much sensory overload for him. She assured me that IF it was a problem we could simply see someone in the theater and they would help us to see another movie, or we could get our money back. She asked if we would please give it a try and hopefully become fans of the RPX technology. We agreed and thanked her and I noted it on Twitter as well.

After lunch, we made our way to the RPX theater. It was beautiful. It really reminded me of a slight variation of an IMAX theater. We got seats on a side in case we needed to move. When the previews came on, I held my breath. NHL jumped back and immediately held his ears. I feared we would be leaving shortly.

Movies and Sensory Concerns

When the actual movie began, I watched NHL out of the corner of my eye. Slowly he eased back into his chair and his hands dropped down to his side. Yes, the actual movie sound was much less intense than the previews has been. I sat with a smile on my face and enjoyed the movie along with the boys and TechyDad. Thanks to a kind person at Regal Cinemas, our birthday celebration was not ruined by our mistake and NHL had another major milestone. He plowed through something that was overwhelming, but coped to reap the reward.

If you have children on the autism spectrum or with sensory concerns, how do they do at the movies? I would love to know if you have ever been to an RPX showing and if you noticed the sound variation with previews compared to the regular movie.

It's Me

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Must See Movies 2014

I love going to the movies with the kids, but finding ones that work for everyone is not always easy. Thank goodness Disney animated movies are still something that our entire family enjoys. I suppose you can say they help us to show our Disney Side a bit more when we are away from Walt Disney World. We started the year by going to see Frozen and everyone fell in love with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. I mean what is not to love about a snowman who craves spending time on a beach.

FROZEN - Walt Disney Pictures

Of course, as the Polar Vortex moved into our area we stayed home keeping warm for a day while listening to the amazing soundtrack. There is something extra powerful about being inside and asking the kids Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Or perhaps thinking of In Summer as we sat under layers of blankets to keep warm.

I have a lot of catching up to do on movies that came out in 2013. Still, I am looking ahead to 2014 and new releases have me marking my calendar to head to the theater. Three that I am most excited about are Muppets Most Wanted, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Maleficent.

2014 Movies

So what was your favorite movie of 2013 and movie are you most interested in seeing when it is released in 2014?

It's Me

Disclosure: I wrote this post because it is always fun to talk about movies. I receive emails from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and their future releases were inspiration for this post. As a long time Disney fan, I love sharing items on The Angel Forever and no compensation was received.

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Saving Mr. Banks and Disney Movie Favorites

It is no secret that I am a huge Disney fan. I adore learning about the history related to the man that made so many magical memories from my life and countless others possible. In December, movie goers around the world will be able to head to theaters to see Saving Mr. Banks featuring Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers.

Saving Mr. Banks - from Disney Pictures

Saving Mr. Banks is the untold story based on true events of how Walt Disney obtained the rights to make the movie Mary Poppins. Mr. Disney promised his daughter twenty years before that he would bring Mary Poppins to life. Disney Pictures just released a trailer for the movie that left me with goose bumps. I seriously can not wait to see the movie. Here it is to see for yourself.

As we all wait until December for the release of the new movie, my Aloha Friday question of the week is: What is your favorite Disney Movie to date? It could be an animated classic or one featuring live actors. I know I am not sure if I could select just one, so do not feel limited.

It's Me

Disclosure: I received information about Saving Mr. Banks from Disney PR and was under no obligation to share. As a life long fan, I was excited about this movie and wanted to use it within a post.


Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An Island Life Aloha #246

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Finding Dory in November 2015

Often times, I have to just keep swimming and I try to channel my inner Dory to remind myself of these powerful words. It should be no surprise that I was thrilled to learn that there will finally be a sequel to Finding Nemo and this time it will feature a popular and funny blue fish that we all know and love.

Finding Dory coming November 25, 2015

Yes, you read that right. On November 25, 2015, Nemo and friends will be back in Finding Dory. This time around, the story will be centered on Dory.

According to Stanton, “Finding Dory” takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.

Finding Dory

I know I can not wait to see Dory and all of the other old and new friends. Of course, while we wait, we can all watch Ellen announce the big news on her show. I love how excited she gets about her love for Dory.

So, will you be going to see Finding Dory when it comes out? I would love to hear about your Finding Nemo memories and what you look forward to seeing in the new movie.

It's Me

Disclosure: None! This was news that I received from Disney and simply wanted to share. As a long time Dory fan I wanted to pass along this fantastic news.

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Monsters University is Coming

Rewind to 2001. It was the year I finished college, the summer I got married, and the moment I fell in love with monsters. Monster’s Inc. came out at a time when we needed to laugh, believe, and be innocent once more (less than a month after September 11). The movie brought us into a world where we learned that laughing was a far more powerful item than fear. We watched the beautiful friendship of Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. Then, we watched the pair overcome their fears to work as a team and help Boo when she ends up in Monstropolis.

TechyDad and I saw the movie when it came out. Now we share our passion for all of our monster friends with the boys. The boys had to go back to see their friends last spring with Nana and Papa just because.

Mike and Sully at Hollywood Studios

Now, the entire family is excited about a new chapter of the monster tale coming out. This summer, Monsters University hits the big screen on June 21. We will head back to school and see Mike and Sully as they get educated at MU.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

I know that we will be going to see it as a family treat to celebrate the end of the school year. Until that time, the boys will likely watch new trailers about the movie over and over. If you have not seen them yet, here is one to check out what the new movie will be about.

What do you think? I would love to know if you plan on going to watch how it all began with Mike, Sully, and our other monster friends.

It's Me

Disclosure: Disney PR notified me of the some Monsters University news.  I was not compensated for this and simply wanted to share since I adore all things Disney. You know we will be going to see Monsters University when it is released June 21, 2013.

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