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A Night Out With My Kids - "The Bee Movie"

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Austin Texas Homes, LLC 453249

 

 

I took my two older kids to see "The Bee Movie" two night ago.  This was a reward that my wife and I established for them to help them get along better this past week, since they have been arguing a bit more lately.  Our choices were this movie or "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium", which is rated G and looks somewhat interesting, but was panned thoroughly by critics. 

 

 

While we were in the car on the way there, my son began to tell us what to expect from the movie

"At the beginning, a bee named Barry leaves the hive, then..."

"Wait a minute," I said, "Where did you hear about the plot for this movie?"

"From a TV commercial, and from National Geographic Kids magazine." he said. 

"Let's not talk about it.  I just want to enjoy it, and so does Aleah." I said.

Then Aleah chimed in with, "I know how the beginning starts, too." I was thinking to myself that this was not going to be the wonder-filled night that I had originally planned.

She continued, "I think something is going to spell out, "THE BEE MOVIE"."  This was both exceptionally accurate and perceptive on her part, and it didn't even ruin the plot for any of us.

 

 I knew that I had to stop and get some cash on the way there, and if you know me very well, you know that I don't allow a lot of room for error when I am trying to make it to any appointment, including a movie. 

 I pulled into the bank, and headed directly to the drive-through ATM machine.  I inserted my card, then put in the PIN number, then requested $60 from checking. 

UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTION

CARD RETAINED

What?!?  I couldn't even begin to imagine what that was all about.  I decided to continue on the off chance that they took credit cards at the theater, although I was virtually positive that they did not.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong, so we made it with a couple of minutes to spare.  (It turns out that my bank had already sent me a new card which was sitting in my unopened mail - they said that they thought that many of their debit cards had been "compromised by a third party institution", whatever that might mean).

The only complaint that I had about the movie experience was the especially scary preview for "The Spiderwick Chronicles" that made me want to cover my eyes, too (not really, but it was quite intense for a kids' movie). 

We all enjoyed the movie, and I would highly recommend it for a family outing of your own.  There are plenty of jokes to keep parents interested, and the overall message is sound.  Much of it has to do with believing in the power of teamwork and the ability to overcome big obstacles.  There is also a rather big lesson about the environment.  Having Jerry Seinfeld as the main character's voice also certainly didn't hurt, since I am a big Seinfeld fan. 

Thanks for reading!

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If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Thanks!

Elaine Hanson
Coldwell Banker Realty - Malibu | Topanga - Malibu, CA
REALTOR - Topanga, CA Real Estate Agent

My little ones are so big!  I remember taking my son to see his first theater movie when he was three.  It was Aladdin.  It took a while for him to understand that he couldn't talk out loud, like in our living room.   We did just watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" together and my now huge 17 year old son couldn't stop laughing. 

I'm glad to hear that you are careful about what your kids watch.  They have such a short time to be kids.  It blows my mind to be in grown-ups movie and have a little kid in the same row, watching the violence or whatever.  (Notice, I said "grown-up" not "adult" movie!)

Nov 19, 2007 12:47 PM
Lisa Rapose
ReDesign To Sell (TM) - Woodstock, CT

Jason...  Sure does!  Let me tell ya...she sure got her 5 minutes from me...  ;o)

See, I'm giving people what they need...24/7...lol

Nov 19, 2007 12:48 PM
Shannon Lefevre
John R. Wood Properties - Naples, FL
Shannon Lefevre, PA Your Naples Smart Girl
That movie looks cute but seriously...can anything beat Shrek?  Those movies crack me up! :)
Nov 19, 2007 01:02 PM
Thomas Weiss
Thomas R. Weiss - West Palm Beach, FL

Jason,

I took my kids to see that one last week. I thought it was great! although it was hard listening to Jerry Seinfelds voice for that long :0)

Tom Weiss

Nov 19, 2007 02:54 PM
Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Hi Jason:  I'm glad you and the kids enjoyed the movie.  Speaking of movies, this weekend I watched part of a really good movie on the Disney Channel called Ice Princess.  It was about a young teen-age girl who wanted to pursue her dream in figure skating.  Watching a movie on the Disney Channel can be a real challenge, as I found out.  They show about eight minutes of the movie, then break for previews of what seemed to be every other show on the Disney Channel, then back to another eight minutes of the movie... Ice Princess... and then another marathon of Disney promos.  I got all tired out just wading through all those commercials and promos.

So... today I stopped at Borders Books to order my very own copy of the Ice Princess.  To my delight they had it in stock.  Of course, I bought it, and watching it will be one of my Thanksgiving treats for Mollie and me.  Thanks for another great post.  May you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.  Take care...

Nov 19, 2007 06:01 PM
Arizona Real Estate Associate Broker
MR Realty - Mesa, AZ

What a great Mommy & Daddy...so cute!  I love movies with good messages! Reminds me to do a post. I'm currently waiting to buy a new DVD being released this month, Hairspray! ----On another note, I had that happen to me at a teller while passing through O'Hare airport, freaked me out! Fun post.

Nov 19, 2007 06:03 PM
Danny Thornton
R & D Art - Knoxville, TN
WordPress Guru
Jason, this would go good in my forum The Movie Club. From what i hear, people with kids are loving this movie.
Nov 20, 2007 03:22 AM
Bill Nazur
First Lending Solutions - Riverside, CA

Crouch

It was a fun movie.....as a little treat, we went out and picked up the Xbox 360 video game....and how fun it was to play with the kids when we got home!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 20, 2007 03:30 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

ELAINE - That's a funny story.  As for "grown up" movies ( which ARE very different from "adult" movies), I can't stand seeing someone with a little kid at a violent movie or one with a lot of bad language.  It makes me angry and sad at the same time.  As always, thank you for your great comments.  I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving!

LISA - Nice.  Thanks for stopping back by. :)

SHANNON - Shrek is funny, but I wouldn't take my kids to see those movies, honestly.  Too many innuendos and grown-up jokes for mine to understand.

TOM - Yes, I suppose you might need to enjoy (or at least tolerate) Seinfeld in order to enjoy the movie.  I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, too.  How old are your kids?

KAREN ANNE - I could not agree more.  Watching a full-length movie on the Disney Channel is torturous, unless you have it Tivo'd.  Even then, they take a LOT of commercial breaks.  Good for you in just buying it to enjoy later at your convenience.  Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

CANDI - Actually, this was just "Daddy time".  My wife stayed home with our littlest one that night.  I bet you would enjoy this movie - it's cute and light and enjoyable.  The card thing freaked me out a little bit, too.  Thanks for your comments - have a terrific Thanksgiving!

DANNY - I will move it there when I finish commenting.  Thanks!

BILL - Sounds like a good time was had by all.  I finally came to the office and got your book today.  I am looking forward to reading it sometime soon.  Thanks for sending it!  I hope you also have a terrific Thanksgiving!

Nov 20, 2007 08:42 AM
Jessica Horton Jessica Horton Realty
Jessica Horton - Jessica Horton & Associates - Griffin, GA
Jessica Horton: I'm not #1... You Are!
Jason:

I too recently had a card kept. However, it was by a real person for not making sufficient payment.  Visa told me that I needed to make a payment.  I asked if I could send them a check...they said, "Yes!".  They didn't say that it had to actually to be honored by my financial institution.

We started out the other night to go and see this with the kids too.  However, it took us 45 minutes to get down a 10 mile stretch of State Highway.  Why they work on this in the evening...I don't know. So, instead we bought the Wonderful Wizard of Ha's (Veggie Tales) and came back and had popcorn and sweet tarts as we watched it on the couch. 

I guess we will see it when it comes out on DVD.  Just be glad in knowing that the cinema did take your plastic and your little one didn't scream out "TARDS!" at you, or mention something about a Grand Prix!  HA!HA! SNORT!  I love it. 

PS - I know I am running behind on SEVERAL of your posts.  It has been a busy week and I do plan to get caught up!  Thank you for being you and I would like to talk to you after the Holiday about home school.  If I can talk to Mrs. Crouch about it too...that would be great!  She wouldn't mind?  I am sure my Jason will have questions too. 
Nov 20, 2007 01:29 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
JESSICA - We have loved "Veggie Tales" for years in our house.  Popcorn and Sweet Tarts sounds like fun, too!  The little one didn't have the opportunity to yell "TARDS!" because she was still at home with my wife.  However, my son did mumble something about me and Grand Prix (kidding).  I am also behind on some of your posts.  I would be happy to speak with you next week about homeschooling, and my wife would also be willing to do this (already asked her).  Thanks for your terrific comments, as always!
Nov 20, 2007 02:23 PM
Brandi Hollerich
Watson Realty Corp. - Fernandina Beach, FL
Fernandina Beach, Yulee & Amelia Island Realtor®
I took my kids to see this and we liked it.  Honestly, if I have popcorn and a drink then I can sit through pretty much any movie! : )
Nov 20, 2007 11:53 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
BRANDI - I must agree with you there, but if I have popcorn and a drink then I must be rolling in money with the prices they charge these days.  Glad to hear you liked the movie, too.  Have a great Thanksgiving!
Nov 21, 2007 01:29 AM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!
Jason- We were going to take Tristan to see it this weekend but we had a better event for him to be a part of!  A birth of new baby! Thanks for sharing the movie with us. Katerina
Nov 21, 2007 01:01 PM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Jason.... I went to watch the Bee movie tonight with one of my nieces and one of my nephews and brother-in-law. The other 2 went to see the Enchanted with my sister and mom.....   I loved this movie...

jeff belonger
Nov 21, 2007 01:53 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
KATERINA - I don't think any movie can compare with the birth of a baby.  Honestly, I don't know how anyone can watch a baby being born and not believe in God.  It is an amazing experience.  Have a terrific day tomorrow!
Nov 21, 2007 01:56 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
JEFF - Glad you liked it, too!  Thanks for commenting, and have a terrific holiday weekend, my friend.
Nov 21, 2007 01:58 PM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!
Jason- Either can I! It amazes me, this tiny little perfect baby is born with all her fingers, all her toes, hair and every tiny detail being attended to. Who else but God, what else but God, there is just no other theory ( of course to me, God is not a theory), that can explain the miracle of birth. Katerina
Nov 21, 2007 04:33 PM
Adam Waldman
Westcott Group Real Estate Company - Hauppauge, NY
Realtor - Long Island
JASON:  I hadn't thought about going to see this with my son, but now that you've reviewed it, I'll try to check it out.  I never get why they do scary previews inside these movies.  I've had that experience also.  Glad that the theater took credit cards.  That would have stunk if they didn't.
Nov 21, 2007 08:25 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

KATERINA - I fully agree.  Thank for coming back by to comment again!

ADAM - I bet you and your son would have a great time with this movie.  I hope you get a chance to see it.  The scary preview thing was really irritating, frankly, especially when it is a kids' movie.  The credit card thing was a life saver in this case.  I found it odd that they don't have the Visa/MasterCard stickers posted anywhere.  Talk to you soon -

Nov 22, 2007 10:58 AM