31 Days to Be Wicked on Disney Channel

Disney

This year's Halloween lineup on the Disney Channel is called 31 Days to Be Wicked, a riff on the song from Descendants 2.

It's an entire month of Disney Halloween favorites, old and new. Several of the Disney Channel Original Halloween movies have already been added to On-Demand, such as Girl vs. Monsters and the Halloweentown series. Which movie is your can't miss?

October 8

• 9:30AM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson
• 10:00AM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 10:30AM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo!
• 2:40PM Jessie: The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein
• 3:10PM Bunk'd: Camp Kiki-slasher
• 3:40PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 4:10PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 4:40PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 7:00PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 7:30PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 8:00PM The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular
• 9:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 10:30PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 11:00PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 11:30PM The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular

October 9

• 1:15PM The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular
• 1:45PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 2:15PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 2:45PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 3:10PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 3:35PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 6:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 9:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 10:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 10:30PM Bunk'd: Camp Kiki-slasher 
• 11:00PM Liv and Maddie: Cali-Style: Scare-A-Rooney

October 10

• 8:00AM Spookley, the Square Pumpkin 
• 9:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Ghostly Gala
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Hallie Halloween
• 2:00PM The Zhuzhus: The Pumpkin Whisperer
• 2:30PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 3:00PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 4:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary

October 11

• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadster Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala
• 10:30AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Princess Butterfly
• 1:00PM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical

October 12

• 9:00AM Spookley, the Square Pumpkin 
• 12:30PM Elena of Avalor: A Day to Remember 

October 13

• 7:00AM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 7:30AM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 9:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadster Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala
• 11:30AM Sofia the First: Too Cute to Spook
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Cauldronation Day
• 12:30PM Doc McStuffins: Boo-Hoo To You, It's Glow Time
• 1:00PM Spookley, the Square Pumpkin 
• 2:30PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 3:00PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 5:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 6:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 7:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 7:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 

October 14

• 10:00AM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts
• 10:30AM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth
• 11:00AM Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie
• 2:00PM Austin & Ally: Costumes & Courage
• 2:30PM Liv and Maddie: Kang-A-Rooney
• 3:00PM Girl Meets World: Girl Meets World of Terror 2
• 4:30PM Best Friends Whenever: Cyd and Shelby's Haunted Escape
•  7:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark
• 9:00PM Descendants 
• 11:05PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 11:30PM K.C. Undercover: All Howl's Eve

October 15

• 9:00AM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 11:00AM Invisible Sister 
• 2:30PM Liv and Maddie: Haunt-A-Rooney
• 3:00PM K.C. Undercover: Virtual Insanity
• 3:30PM Jessie: The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein
• 4:00PM Austin & Ally: Scary Spirits & Spooky Stories
• 4:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson
• 5:00PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 8:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 9:00PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 10:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 

October 16

• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Boo-Hoo To You!, It's Glow Time 

October 17

• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadster Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala
• 10:30AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: The Ghostly Gala 
• 5:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark 
• 7:00PM K.C. Undercover: All Howl's Eve 
• 10:00PM Liv and Maddie: Cali Style: Scare-A-Rooney 

October 18

• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat
• 9:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade 
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Cauldronation Day 
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Hallie Halloween 
• 3:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 8:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 9:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark 
• 10:30PM K.C. Undercover: All Howl's Eve 

October 19

• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadster Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala 
• 10:30AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Too Cute to Spook 
• 2:00PM Pat the Dog: Trick or Treat Terror
• 2:30PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts 
• 9:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 11:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 

October 20

• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade 
• 9:00AM Mickey and the Roadster Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala 
• 10:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Princess Butterfly 
• 1:00PM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat
• 1:30PM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 5:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo!
• 5:30PM Jessie: Ghost Bummers
• 6:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 7:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo 
• 10:00PM Liv and Maddie: Cali Style: Scare-A-Rooney 

October 21

• 11:00AM Twitches
• 1:30PM Jessie: The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein 
• 2:00PM Austin & Ally: Horror Stories & Halloween Scares
• 2:30PM Girl Meets World: Girl Meets World of Terror 2
• 3:00PM Liv and Maddie: Helgaween-A-Rooney
• 4:30PM Liv and Maddie: Cali Style: Scare-A-Rooney 
• 5:30 Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 6:00PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary

October 22

• 11:00AM Twitches Too
• 12:35PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 1:00PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary
• 1:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo! 
• 2:00PM Bunk'd: Camp Kiki-slasher 
• 2:30PM K.C. Undercover: Virtual Insanity 
• 3:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark 
• 4:25PM K.C. Undercover: All Howl's Eve 
• 5:15PM Strange Magic
• 8:00PM Toy Story of Terror 
• 8:30PM The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular
• 10:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary

October 23

• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade 
• 10:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Cauldronation Day 
• 12:30PM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 2:00PM Strange Magic
• 6:30PM Jessie: The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein 
• 9:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark 

October 24

• 7:30AM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth 
• 8:00AM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 9:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat 
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Boo-Hoo To You, It's Glow Time 
• 3:00PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth 
• 8:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 
• 9:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark: Part Boo!

October 25

• 7:00AM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts 
• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadsters Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala 
• 10:30AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 12:00PM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Hallie Halloween 
• 2:00PM Pat the Dog: Trick or Treat Terror 
• 2:30PM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts 
• 11:00PM The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular 
• 11:30PM Toy Story of TERROR!

October 26

• 8:30AM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 11:30AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Boo-Hoo To You, It's Glow Time 
• 2:00PM The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular 
• 2:30PM Toy Story of TERROR!
• 3:00PM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth 
• 3:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 4:00PM Bunk'd: Camp Kiki-slasher 
• 4:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 

October 27

• 7:30AM Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth 
• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat 
• 9:00AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadsters Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala 
• 12:30PM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 1:30PM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade 
• 9:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo!

October 28

• 7:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 9:30AM Pat the Dog: Trick or Treat Terror 
• 10:00AM Hotel Transylvania: The Legend of Pumpkin Guts 
• Tangled: The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth 
• 11:00AM Halloweentown
• 12:35PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 1:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo! 
• 2:00PM Bunk'd: Camp Kiki-slasher 
• 2:30PM Jessie: The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein 
• 3:00PM K.C Undercover: All Howl's Eve 
• 3:30PM Austin & Ally: Horror Stories and Halloween Scares
• 4:00PM Austin & Ally: Scary Spirits and Spooky Stories 
• 4:30PM Girl Meets World: Girl Meets World of Terror 3
• 5:00PM Best Friends Whenever: Night of the Were-Diesel 
• 5:30PM Jessie: The Ghostess with the Mostest
• 6:00PM KC Undercover: Virtual Insanity 
• 6:30PM Liv and Maddie: Haunt-A-Rooney 
• 7:00PM Liv and Maddie: Cali Style: Scare-A-Rooney 
• 7:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark 
• 8:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 8:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 
• 9:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo! 
• 10:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 
• 11:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 11:30PM KC Undercover: Virtual Insanity 

October 29

• 8:00AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 11:00AM Halloweentown 2: Kalabar's Revenge
• 12:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 
• 1:00PM Jessie: The Ghostess with the Mostest
• 1:30PM Bunk'd: Camp Kiki-slasher 
• 2:00PM KC Undercover: Virtual Insanity 
• 2:30PM Liv and Maddie: Cali Style: Scare-A-Rooney 
• 3:00PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 
• 3:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo! 
• 3:55PM Descendants 
• 6:00PM Descendants 2
• 10:30PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo! 
• 11:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 

October 30

• 8:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade 
• 8:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat 
• 9:00AM Mickey and the Roadsters Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala 
• 10:00AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 12:00PM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 1:00PM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 2:00PM Halloween High
• 3:35PM Return to Halloweentown 
• 6:05PM Jessie: The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein 
• 6:30PM Jessie: The Ghostess with the Mostest 
• 8:00PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 
• 8:30PM Stuck in the Middle: Stuck in a Merry Scary 
• 9:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo! 

October 31

• 8:00AM Spookley the Square Pumpkin 
• 9:00AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical 
• 10:00AM Mickey and the Roadsters Racers: The Haunted Hot Rod, Pete's Ghostly Gala 
• 10:30AM Puppy Dog Pals: Return to the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Howl-oween 
• 11:30AM Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat 
• 12:00PM Sofia the First: Too Cute to Spook 
• 12:30PM Sofia the First: Ghostly Gala 
• 1:00PM Doc McStuffins: Boo-Hoo To You, It's Glow Time 
• 1:30PM Doc McStuffins: Hallie Halloween 
• 2:00PM Spooky Buddies 
• 3:35PM-11:00PM Hotel Transylvania: The Series Marathon
• 11:00PM Bizaardvark: Halloweenvark Part Boo! 
• 11:30PM Raven's Home: The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson 

Girl Meets World Series Finale

Yesterday, I discovered the surprising news that Girl Meets World is coming to an end. After only three seasons, Disney has decided to cancel what may be their best series for teens. I've loved this show since the beginning, and have looked forward to each week's life lesson from Riley, Maya, and their classmates. This show was a fantastic sequel to Boy Meets World and I'm truly sorry to see it go.

The final episode, which features a reunion with much of the cast of Boy Meets World, airs next Friday.

Disney Channel Monstober

The Disney Channel is celebrating Monstober once again. This year there will be special episodes of your favorite shows, a new movie called The Swap, and several short videos, premiering nightly as part of "Monstober Theater," including monstrous transformations, makeup tutorials, and "Zombodies" animated shorts.

Here's a look at the schedule:

Sunday, October 9
6:10 PM Monsters University
8:00 PM Ghost Patrol - a new animated special Gabi, Spence, and Spooky the dog are the "Ghost Patrol," supernatural pest control who've never seen a real ghost. When they are called to investigate Heist Manor, they may find more than they bargained for.

Monday, October 10
10:00 AM Monsters University
5:00 PM Bizaardvark "Halloweenvark"
5:30 PM K.C. Undercover "Virtual Insanity"
6:00 PM Best Friends Whenever "Night of the Were-Diesel"
6:30 PM Bunk'd "Camp Kiki-slasher"
7:00 PM The Swap

Thursday, October 13
6:00 AM Spookley the Square Pumpkin

Friday, October 14
8:00 PM Liv and Maddie: Cali Style "Scare-A-Rooney"
8:30 PM Girl Meets World "Girl Meets World of Terror 3"
9:00 PM Invisible Sister

Saturday, October 15
1:00 AM My Babysitter's a Vampire
12:00 PM My Babysitter's a Vampire
8:00 PM Toy Story 3
9:50 Lab Rats: Elite Force "Sheep-Shifting"

Sunday, October 16
12:00 AM Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend?
12:00 PM Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend?
5:10 PM Toy Story 3
7:00 PM Elena of Avalor "A Day to Remember"

Monday, October 17
5:00 PM The Lodge "The New Girl"

Wednesday, October 19
12:00 PM Spookley the Square Pumpkin
5:30 PM Twitches
7:10 PM Twitches Too

Thursday, October 20
7:00 PM Toy Story of Terror
7:30 PM Ghost Patrol
8:00 PM Elena of Avalor "A Day to Remember"

Friday, October 21
11:30 AM Spookley the Square Pumpkin
2:00 PM Toy Story of Terror
2:30 PM Ghost Patrol
8:00 PM Descendants & Descendants: Wicked World "Slumber Party"

Saturday, October 22
12:00 PM Girl VS Monster

Saturday, October 29
8:00 PM R.L. Stine's Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls
When a travelling Hall of Horrors arrives in Danville, a group of high school friends can't wait to be spooked. The monsters are lifelike and Dr Hysteria and his assistant Lilith really know how to scare. But when the kids discover a haunted cabinet that traps souls, it's up to them to stop the mayhem before they're trapped forever. Starring Dove Cameron and Ryan McCartan of Liv and Maddie.

Halloween is coming to the Disney Channels!

Disney

It's nearly time for Halloween again, and that means movies, magic, and fun, fun, fun! Disney Junior is set to kick off their Boo For You Halloween programming starting this today. Special episodes of Sofia the First, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Doc McStuffins will appear each Friday all month long.

The Disney Channel is also planning a special Monstober line-up featuring Halloween episodes from several of their popular series as well as Disney Channel original movies. New episodes of Dog with a Blog, Girl Meets World, and Jessie air tonight. Phineas and Ferb scare up some fun in "Night of the Living Pharmacists" alongside a new Gravity Falls on Saturday night, while Austin and Ally and Liv and Maddie will be on Sunday. Some of the movies this month include Under Wraps, Girl vs. Monster,  both Twitches films, and all four Halloweentown movies. And since it's Disney,  there will most likely be a new Halloween movie as well.

Disney XD will also get in on the fun beginning October 17.  Lab Rats, Mighty Med, the 7D, and Marvel's Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. will all have special Halloween episodes. An animated cross-over featuring the cast of Jessie and Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man: Web-Warriors is also set to debut in October.

With all of the new episodes and great movies,  it should be a Monstober to remember. And since Halloween is my favorite time of year,  I can't wait!

Disney Channel Halloween Movies

Disney

Every year, the Disney Channel debuts another Halloween movie. There have been many great movies over the years. The Halloweentown series and Twitches are a few of my favorites. (Though I also love the really corny films such as Under Wraps and Mom's Got a Date With a Vampire.)

This years film is called Invisible Sister. It stars Rowan Blanchard, Riley of Girl Meets World, and Paris Berelc, Skylar of Mighty Med, as sisters Cleo and Molly. Molly is the older of the two. She's captain of the lacrosse team, popular, and very outgoing. Cleo is a bit goth and a bit nerdy, with a serious head for science. The sisters couldn't be more different. The night before Molly is set to compete in a High School lacrosse tournament, Cleo is busy trying to complete the science experiment her teacher unexpectedly assigned. Cleo accidentally creates a concoction that turns a moth invisible. When the moth lands in Molly's drink, she swallows it, turning her invisible, too. As the sisters realize what has happened, they race to set things right, learning a lot about each other (and the difficulties of being "invisible") in the process. Everything comes together during the annual Romp the Swamp Halloween bash, where the sisters and their friends, including Cleo's nerdy friend George (played by Karan Brar, Ravi on Jessie and Bunk'd), work together to save Molly from a lifetime of invisibility.

I loved this movie. Bean and I watched it when it premiered and plan to watch it again. I really liked the way each sister learned from stepping into the other's shoes for a day. And while there were a lot of funny moments, in the end, it was a movie about the bonds of family. And that may be my favorite type.

If you missed the premiere if Invisible Sister, it's airing again tonight at 8:05pm Eastern time as well as next Saturday, 10/17, at 7:00pm. Disney is also showing Halloweentown, Twitches, Under Wraps, and Mom's Got a Date With a Vampire over the next two weeks. One movie airs each weekday at 3:00am Eastern time. That's a bit early, so don't forget to set your DVR.

Sabrina Carpenter Home for the Holidays

Disney

I just love Sabrina Carpenter of Girl Meets World. She's so adorable and she sure can sing!

Cinderella and Frozen Fever

I finally had the chance to see Cinderella and Frozen Fever last night. They were both so good! I loved the Frozen short. The story, although brief, is a great addition to the original story, and the Snowgies are so cute! Elsa is preparing to celebrate Anna's birthday, but an unexpected cold puts a kink in her plans. As you can probably guess, laughter ensues.

Cinderella was also fantastic, and truly a beautiful production. (Caution, major spoiler alert, although if you know the tale of Cinderella, none of this will come as a surprise.) They did a wonderful job of retelling this classic tale, while staying true to the original story. Lily James is amazing as Cinderella. The story begins as you'd expect with Ella being the center of her parents world. Although this could have caused her to be conceited or proud, Ella grows up humble and kind to human and animal alike. When her mother falls ill, she gives Ella the best advice she can, "Have courage and be kind." Young Ella takes these words to heart, even when her father died unexpectedly and she is left to live with her wicked stepmother and two vain stepsisters. Although they treat her horribly, Ella decides to stay in her family home, to honor her parents memory. However, one day she fears that she can take no more abuse, and rides off alone toward the woods. There she meets a handsome stranger named Kit, and impresses him with her kindness and wisdom. She decides to return home, and soon after discovers that the King has decided to throw a ball to find his son a bride, and the Prince has insisted that every eligible maiden is invited. With a bit of help from her Fairy Godmother, the amazing Helena Bonham Carter, Cinderella is able to go to the ball. It's at the ball that she meets Kit again, and realizes that he is the Prince.

They begin to fall in love, but Cinderella must flee when the clock strikes midnight. Fortunately for the Prince, she loses a shoe on the steps. In a slight twist to the story, the King dies soon after the ball, but not before telling his son that he should marry for love and not political advantage. This leads the Prince to search for his mysterious Princess, whoever she may be, highborn or low. Unfortunately for Cinderella, her stepmother has discovered her remaining glass slipper and attempts to blackmail Cinderella into promoting her after she marries the Prince. This time, however, she's gone too far; Cinderella refuses to allow her stepmother to harm either the Prince or the Kingdom. Cinderella's household is the final stop in the Kingdom for eligible maidens try on the glass slipper. Her stepsisters' feet are too large, so the Prince's men are preparing to give up the search and leave, when they hear Cinderella singing. The Prince, who has hidden among his soldiers, insists that they find this girl and allow her to try on the slipper. When Cinderella enters the room, he recognizes her immediately, and they promise to accept each other as they are, just as soon as the shoe fits. Of course, the wicked stepmother and stepsisters get their just desserts, and Cinderella receives what she deserves: her own happily ever after.

I loved the message throughout the film that kindness and courage are both important and powerful qualities. I also loved the way Ella embraced who she was, although she saw the world not as it was, but as it could be. This world would be a happier place if we could all embrace such qualities and make them a part of our everyday lives. I also loved the way the Prince fell in love with her not just for her physical beauty, but for the beauty of her kindness and wisdom. Finally, I adored the costumes! While Cinderella's dress was the same for much of the film, it was beautiful and deceptively complex for such a simple gown, and her ballgown was simply stunning. If you have the chance, be sure to watch this latest version of Cinderella. You'll be glad you did.

Patriotic Movies For A Festive Fourth

It's that time of year again. Time to dust off favorite patriotic movies and celebrate the old red, white, and blue. I love watching what I consider to be great holiday movies for the Fourth of July. Many of these movies are ones I've watched hundreds of times, and I still love them.

Let's with the family friendly films:

My favorite is still Stars and Stripes Forever, which is a fantastic musical about the life of the March King, John Phillips Sousa. I've always been especially fond of his "ballads".

Liberty's Kids is my favorite series for teaching kids, both young and old, about the Revolutionary War. The stories followed three kids: Sarah, a British subject from England, James, an American-born orphan, and Henri, a French orphan, as they sought to tell the stories behind the Founding of America.

The American Girl movies, especially Felicity, Kit, Samantha, or Molly. Each shows what life was like for kids living in America during a particular era, from the Revolutionary War to WWII.

Schoolhouse Rock: America is educational with a fun twist. These shorts help introduce kids to interesting facts about our country with catchy songs and fun animation. I still remember watching the one about how a bill becomes a law.

I grew up watching Disney's American Legends, a simple retelling of stories that have grown to become legend. From the true story of Johnny Appleseed and Casey Jones, to the tall tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry, and John Henry, these family friendly stories will help kids get a glimpse into American history.

National Treasure 1 and 2 are a fun mix of historical fact and fiction. I love the idea that the Founding Fathers left clues to a treasure of significant importance hidden in some of our most beloved national symbols. The first movie also provides a glimpse into the wisdom and foresight of the men who created our system of government. The second looks into events from the end of the Civil War and the long lasting effects they've had on America, as well as the search for another treasure.

Captain America: The First Avenger is an action packed look at what could have happened if a man who simply wanted to fight for his country was given an unexpected advantage to do so. Most of the film takes place during WWII, with Steve Rogers proving that sometimes it's what's in your heart that matters the most.

And now films that are more appropriate for teens and adults:

1776 is another musical, which takes place, as the title suggests, during the Continental Congress of 1776. The film stars William Daniels (better known to Boy Meets World fans as Mr. Feeny) as John Adams, along with most of the original Broadway cast. It's a wonderful sneak peek into the minds of the Founding Fathers at one of the pivotal moments in our nation's history.

The Patriot, although somewhat depressing, is an intense look at one family's struggles during the American Revolution. While not appropriate for children, it's a fascinating look at our fight for independence.

Glory, while definitely not for children, is one of the best Civil War movies. Its an intriguing look at the first all-black volunteer company that fought for the Union. This movie is intense, but also a very interesting look at what these men had to overcome to fight for what they believed in.

The John Adams mini-series is told from the perspectives of both John and Abigail Adams, and how each worked, both separately and together, to forge our nation.

Independence Day is an alien invasion movie with action, adventure, and a hefty dose of comedy. It also has my favorite presidential speech of all time. Its sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, isn't as good as the first, but the story is pretty decent and they kept a lot of the original cast.

Cinderella Man is a look at the true story of one man's life during the Depression. A former boxer whose fallen on hard times, James Braddock, with the help and support of his family, overcomes the odds to become a champion and a national inspiration in the 1930s.

Forest Gump, while not obviously patriotic, shows American society at its best and worst over several decades. It is the story of the American Dream, and the wisdom that the attainment of that dream isn't always what you expect.

If you're like me, you see nothing wrong with celebrating our freedom and this great country of ours for an entire month, or maybe even longer. So I hope you will watch at least a few of these great films. And who knows, maybe you'll find a new favorite, too.

Patriotic Movies for a Festive Fourth

It's that time of year again. Time to dust off favorite patriotic movies and celebrate the old red, white, and blue. I love watching what I consider to be great holiday movies for the Fourth of July. Many of these movies are ones I've watched hundreds of times, and I still love them.

Let's with the family friendly films:

My favorite is still Stars and Stripes Forever, which is a fantastic musical about the life of the March King, John Phillips Sousa. I've always been especially fond of his "ballads".

Liberty's Kids is my favorite series for teaching kids, both young and old, about the Revolutionary War. The stories followed three kids: Sarah, a British subject from England, James, an American-born orphan, and Henri, a French orphan, as they sought to tell the stories behind the Founding of America.

The American Girl movies, especially Felicity, Kit, Samantha, or Molly. Each shows what life was like for kids living in America during a particular era, from the Revolutionary War to WWII.

Schoolhouse Rock: America is educational with a fun twist. These shorts help introduce kids to interesting facts about our country with catchy songs and fun animation. I still remember watching the one about how a bill becomes a law.

I grew up watching Disney's American Legends, a simple retelling of stories that have grown to become legend. From the true story of Johnny Appleseed and Casey Jones, to the tall tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry, and John Henry, these family friendly stories will help kids get a glimpse into American history.

National Treasure 1 and 2 are a fun mix of historical fact and fiction. I love the idea that the Founding Fathers left clues to a treasure of significant importance hidden in some of our most beloved national symbols. The first movie also provides a glimpse into the wisdom and foresight of the men who created our system of government. The second looks into events from the end of the Civil War and the long lasting effects they've had on America, as well as the search for another treasure.

Captain America: The First Avenger is an action packed look at what could have happened if a man who simply wanted to fight for his country was given an unexpected advantage to do so. Most of the film takes place during WWII, with Steve Rogers proving that sometimes it's what's in your heart that matters the most.

And now films that are more appropriate for teens and adults:

1776 is another musical, which takes place, as the title suggests, during the Continental Congress of 1776. The film stars William Daniels (better known to Boy Meets World fans as Mr. Feeny) as John Adams, along with most of the original Broadway cast. It's a wonderful sneak peek into the minds of the Founding Fathers at one of the pivotal moments in our nation's history.

The Patriot, although somewhat depressing, is an intense look at one family's struggles during the American Revolution. While not appropriate for children, it's a fascinating look at our fight for independence.

Glory, while definitely not for children, is one of the best Civil War movies. Its an intriguing look at the first all-black volunteer company that fought for the Union. This movie is intense, but also a very interesting look at what these men had to overcome to fight for what they believed in.

The John Adams mini-series is told from the perspectives of both John and Abigail Adams, and how each worked, both separately and together, to forge our nation.

Independence Day is an alien invasion movie with action, adventure, and a hefty dose of comedy. It also has my favorite presidential speech of all time. Its sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, isn't as good as the first, but the story is pretty decent and they kept a lot of the original cast.


Cinderella Man is a look at the true story of one man's life during the Depression. A former boxer whose fallen on hard times, James Braddock, with the help and support of his family, overcomes the odds to become a champion and a national inspiration in the 1930s.

Forest Gump, while not obviously patriotic, shows American society at its best and worst over several decades. It is the story of the American Dream, and the wisdom that the attainment of that dream isn't always what you expect.

If you're like me, you see nothing wrong with celebrating our freedom and this great country of ours for an entire month, or maybe even longer. So I hope you will watch at least a few of these great films. And who knows, maybe you'll find a new favorite, too.

Patriotic Movies

It's that time of year again. Time to dust off favorite patriotic movies and celebrate the old red, white, and blue. I love watching what I consider to be great holiday movies for the Fourth of July. Many of these movies are ones I've watched hundreds of times, and I still love them.

Let's with the family friendly films:

My favorite is still Stars and Stripes Forever, which is a fantastic musical about the life of the March King, John Phillips Sousa. I've always been especially fond of his "ballads".

Liberty's Kids is my favorite series for teaching kids, both young and old, about the Revolutionary War. The stories followed three kids: Sarah, a British subject from England, James, an American-born orphan, and Henri, a French orphan, as they sought to tell the stories behind the Founding of America.

The American Girl movies, especially Felicity, Kit, Samantha, or Molly. Each shows what life was like for kids living in America during a particular era, from the Revolutionary War to WWII.

Schoolhouse Rock: America is educational with a fun twist. These shorts help introduce kids to interesting facts about our country with catchy songs and fun animation. I still remember watching the one about how a bill becomes a law.

I grew up watching Disney's American Legends, a simple retelling of stories that have grown to become legend. From the true story of Johnny Appleseed and Casey Jones, to the tall tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry, and John Henry, these family friendly stories will help kids get a glimpse into American history.

National Treasure 1 & 2 are a fun mix of historical fact and fiction. I love the idea that the Founding Fathers left clues to a treasure of significant importance hidden in some of our most beloved national symbols. The first movie also provides a glimpse into the wisdom and foresight of the men who created our system of government. The second looks into events from the end of the Civil War and the long lasting effects they've had on America, as well as the search for another treasure.

Captain America: The First Avenger is an action packed look at what could have happened if a man who simply wanted to fight for his country was given an unexpected advantage to do so. Most of the film takes place during WWII, with Steve Rogers proving that sometimes it's what's in your heart that matters the most.

And now films that are more appropriate for teens and adults:

1776 is another musical, which takes place, as the title suggests, during the Continental Congress of 1776. The film stars William Daniels  (better known to Boy Meets World fans as Mr. Feeny) as John Adams, along with most of the original Broadway cast. It's a wonderful sneak peek into the minds of the Founding Fathers at one of the pivotal moments in our nation's history.

The Patriot, although somewhat depressing, is an intense look at one family's struggles during the American Revolution. While not appropriate for children, it's a fascinating look at our fight for independence.

Glory, while definitely not for children, is one of the best Civil War movies. Its an intriguing look at the first all-black volunteer company that fought for the Union. This movie is intense, but also a very interesting look at what these men had to overcome to fight for what they believed in.

The John Adams mini-series is told from the perspectives of both John and Abigail Adams, and how each worked, both separately and together, to forge our nation.

Independence Day, which has a sequel in theaters this month, is an alien invasion movie with action, adventure,  and a hefty dose of comedy. It also has my favorite presidential speech of all time.

Cinderella Man is a look at the true story of one man's life during the Depression. A former boxer whose fallen on hard times, James Braddock, with the help and support of his family, overcomes the odds to become a champion and a national inspiration in the 1930s.

Forest Gump, while not obviously patriotic, shows American society at its best and worst over several decades. It is the story of the American Dream, and the wisdom that the attainment of that dream isn't always what you expect.

If you're like me, you see nothing wrong with celebrating our freedom and this great country of ours for an entire month, or maybe even longer. So I hope you will watch at least a few of these great films. And who knows, maybe you'll find a new favorite, too.

Wolfwalkers Is Wonderful

Cartoon Saloon

I absolutely adore the Irish folklore films from Cartoon Saloon. The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea are beautiful stories filled with magic and legends. The latest tale is called Wolfwalkers. It's a story about a young hunter, Robyn, who quite unexpectedly meets a creature of myth, a wolfwalker, Mebh, who is a girl by day, but a wolf by night. 

Here's the official synopsis from Cartoon Saloon:

In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the WOLFWALKERS and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

I loved this latest tale of Irish folklore. It is beautiful to look at and a wonderful story of magic and unexpected friendship. I can't wait to watch it again!

We're Off To Neverland!

Disney

Disney's Peter Pan and Wendy is just three days away. I'm looking forward to seeing how much of the original JM Barrie story they kept, and how much has been changed.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

The film introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever. The film stars Jude Law, Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Yara Shahidi, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan. “Peter Pan and Wendy” is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on the novel by J. M. Barrie and the animated film “Peter Pan.”

Peter Pan and Wendy arrives on DisneyPlus this Friday, April 24.