tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9714269143290315782024-03-05T14:46:41.040-08:00Adoption at the Movies Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-68546825185219744882019-12-19T21:38:00.002-08:002019-12-19T21:38:13.646-08:00Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Spoiler Adoption Movie Guide<br />
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Adoption issues have been present throughout the Star Wars
series – Luke Skywalker lives under misconceptions about his birth father, then
believes he must oppose him, and finally reconciles with him. Luke and Leia meet
as strangers (and love interests) and later learn that they are siblings. In
the most recent movies, we meet Rey, a young woman with no family connection,
and no last name. We meet Kylo Ren, who has turned away from his birth parents
and birth name in favor of the destiny he believes awaits him because of his
ancestry. In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the galaxy faces an ultimate
threat, while Kylo and Rey both wrestle with deep questions of identity. What
determines someone’s identity? Is your future determined by your ancestry or by
your choices? The age-old question of nature between nurture is explored among
lightsaber duels and starships in a galaxy far, far away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAYFhzzfpWFCFFqQeqb-_1bvka_W4CdHbNdTGhyphenhyphenbauBjyg5hHOW25Pvddrh3aT5Cieiz4S5pLkBT1ZfHAkSuM4rHum3AmUajiYnXJU0Dxn-VZRvinRvtFX_ud8JTl9cppLu-0e15bSxMS/s1600/Skywalker2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAYFhzzfpWFCFFqQeqb-_1bvka_W4CdHbNdTGhyphenhyphenbauBjyg5hHOW25Pvddrh3aT5Cieiz4S5pLkBT1ZfHAkSuM4rHum3AmUajiYnXJU0Dxn-VZRvinRvtFX_ud8JTl9cppLu-0e15bSxMS/s1600/Skywalker2.jpg" /></a></div>
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(Spoilers ahead the rest of the way – I’ll try to avoid
fully disclosing important plot points, but it might be impossible to analyze
the movie without alluding to any plot points.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Adoption Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Several prominent characters in the Star Wars universe are
either adopted or are dealing with issues relevant to adoption. In this movie,
Rey and Kylo struggle with parallel questions of identity: who are you? Does
knowing your heritage determine your future? How important is a name? <o:p></o:p></div>
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And how important is your story. One character appears to
hold information over Rey, saying “I need you to see who you are; I know the
rest of your story.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The question of Rey’s full name is raised twice in the movie.
Her initial answer is that she doesn’t have a last name. When the question resurfaces
later in the film her answer is incredibly powerful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One character was badly mistreated at home; he finds himself
surrounded by safe people, but initially backs away from them nervously. A friendly
character assures him, “Someone treated you badly; you’re with us now,” and he
makes some improvement, but his fear appears to remain constant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9u5tEr4TfZMUXAcBrcnJEvo0kK3xhCg8LXFJc6d_BTAiPeQFt9tUq3pgkC5HGz-uDYj-6VzyOxq98qxhw78pNg0LJgwZ266uSFMlpqgjKogh4KTI5jZIPiPb9IbMhPbEDrEc1UdVqrPF/s1600/Skywalker3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9u5tEr4TfZMUXAcBrcnJEvo0kK3xhCg8LXFJc6d_BTAiPeQFt9tUq3pgkC5HGz-uDYj-6VzyOxq98qxhw78pNg0LJgwZ266uSFMlpqgjKogh4KTI5jZIPiPb9IbMhPbEDrEc1UdVqrPF/s1600/Skywalker3.jpg" /></a>A character struggles with whether broken relationships can
be restored. Another character’s family loyalties are tested in a way that
could be relevant to some adoptees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In several ways, the adoption-relevant story elements are
resolved in ways that seem positive and affirming for most adoptees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Some things are stronger than blood” could be a validating
statement for some adoptees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although Rey has spent much of her younger years without
family, it’s clear that she has found a new family made of the friends that
have grown to love her. Some of the closest bonds don’t depend on genealogy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Characters make good decisions when faced with hard,
impactful decisions. Characters act selflessly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I can imagine that some children who are fearful of abusive
relatives that they lived with in the past might see some of their deeper fears
reflected in some aspects of this movie. Families in the Star Wars universe are
often plagued by separation and violence. Luke was estranged from his father,
then fought him, each badly injuring the other. Earlier in this trilogy, Kylo
Ren killed his father. In this film, there is potential for estranged relatives
to cause each other serious physical harm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A child calls after their departing mother, screaming in
terror. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A common theme in movies is parents separating themselves
from their child for the child’s own good. In many movies, this is a plot
device which portrays the absent parent as noble, but also leaves the child
relatively free to make complete, whole attachments to their new family. In
this movie, a child has been “sold” away from their parents. For real life
adoptees, this is probably an oversimplification of most stories, and it’s
certainly different from the experience of kids adopted from foster care after experiencing
abuse or neglect. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IAiMVZI_aoXZ-V-qfCXHwt7rrjnzedWFTW4GUDJSVCakyLcPaZYXPmLFRLBMwvoQeUlIEeT_3EK-3el_S7nzfkacQ1xxMWnQqi6kbCVsjzUHBWuIpoYW5ZEty8GHDKU4TjfYVr8kTLME/s1600/Skywalker4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IAiMVZI_aoXZ-V-qfCXHwt7rrjnzedWFTW4GUDJSVCakyLcPaZYXPmLFRLBMwvoQeUlIEeT_3EK-3el_S7nzfkacQ1xxMWnQqi6kbCVsjzUHBWuIpoYW5ZEty8GHDKU4TjfYVr8kTLME/s1600/Skywalker4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Rey believes for a time that no one truly knows her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a fitting, satisfying
end to the recent trilogy of films, and does a moderately fair job of concluding
the saga. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The action, violence, and
struggles of the film seem to suit it best for an audience of ages 11 or 12 and
up. Preteens and teens might also notice the parallels between the film and
their own story, and it could be helpful to them to have parents ask what they
thought about elements of the film that seem most relevant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvXDPr1e91Ki5pR21CN7q2u2eg-1-Q_8Q86gyhwaqPG9bBVL7A3ner9lIbHEH7caN-qsfa7tsbk8beeawX0wNvECt_mOAponqAalxekXoBRV-I191gTREisngLWFXBwR99rHUdByMHwG-/s1600/Skywalker1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvXDPr1e91Ki5pR21CN7q2u2eg-1-Q_8Q86gyhwaqPG9bBVL7A3ner9lIbHEH7caN-qsfa7tsbk8beeawX0wNvECt_mOAponqAalxekXoBRV-I191gTREisngLWFXBwR99rHUdByMHwG-/s1600/Skywalker1.jpg" /></a><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Questions for Discussions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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What do you think of the last question and answer in the
film?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What part does ancestry play in someone’s life? What parts
are free will? How do you see that in Rey and in Kylo? How does that match up to
what you think about real life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Welcome to Adoption at the Movies. If this is your first
time, I’m glad to meet you. If you’ve been a longtime reader, you probably know
that this is our first post in a long time. I'm not sure how often I'll post, but it's good to be back, and thanks for sticking around!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-73030611406042096112018-11-28T23:00:00.000-08:002018-11-28T23:00:16.322-08:00Ralph Breaks the Internet Adoption Movie Review<br />
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When Vanellope’s arcade game is damaged, and her arcade gets
WiFi, Vanellope and her friend Wreck-It Ralph go online in hopes of saving her
game, but when exposed to a whole new world, Vanellope starts to wonder if she
really does want to reclaim her past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX9h1PJZSW_q8E5Gec-ylkZ9nG_WFc1OI_C2qDELIOgU4RwOiZ1zxTt7y7nR6ZUQ5ShSmIfiAIivV6tbca33yB9i_nIq2GQcW0NZL7jFZrprmut5W-TvQ5RwSYMbBEbXmBpqTZMFpT-hK/s1600/Ralph1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX9h1PJZSW_q8E5Gec-ylkZ9nG_WFc1OI_C2qDELIOgU4RwOiZ1zxTt7y7nR6ZUQ5ShSmIfiAIivV6tbca33yB9i_nIq2GQcW0NZL7jFZrprmut5W-TvQ5RwSYMbBEbXmBpqTZMFpT-hK/s320/Ralph1.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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A scene lasting a few minutes makes light of adoption; When
Vanellope’s game is unplugged, she declares that she and the other characters
of her game are homeless. A married couple from other games express that they
will adopt 15 of the young characters. One expresses that the children are “feral,”
and another describes them as “lost lambs in need of parents.” Another
expresses that parenting will be easy, since it just requires you to “give them
everything they want.” A character describes the children as “lovable scamps
destroying my sanity.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitAl6Z6CJfD3QNi3UV_9S5dGLYA8RQiK5DPnq3rcMtoWFKtwqi4p8MJdmADRTaQ_IE1-xEaswKCcA0HgYHcguCkTOyywKEL7fUDpsrEVSrGrqeuexqueSVbMCxHA7JTyPN4R7fo1rYsl9/s1600/Ralph2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitAl6Z6CJfD3QNi3UV_9S5dGLYA8RQiK5DPnq3rcMtoWFKtwqi4p8MJdmADRTaQ_IE1-xEaswKCcA0HgYHcguCkTOyywKEL7fUDpsrEVSrGrqeuexqueSVbMCxHA7JTyPN4R7fo1rYsl9/s320/Ralph2.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The film shows that friends can stay friends, even when
circumstances change, and even when friends move away. It shows that hurt
feelings can be overcome. It offers an opportunity to explore how clinginess
could be harmful to friendships, while also helping to understand where
clinginess might come from. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For a moment, it appears that Ralph’s clinginess has cost
him his best friend. This could be hard for some sensitive young viewers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The adoption scene is mostly played for laughs, but could be
bothersome to some families.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUr4fiLSSnYjZUzB_ArHAEBjlHrOhq4ODrhoaRnNs9aD6d3BdQgU6pFadn2zVwwRkFScainEOFnNLbcJxxC6vCliXxzgPscynyU7UdANQP93yql9EK_CkpmBFGhYOxJghXOUyOtp8H9nS/s1600/Ralph3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUr4fiLSSnYjZUzB_ArHAEBjlHrOhq4ODrhoaRnNs9aD6d3BdQgU6pFadn2zVwwRkFScainEOFnNLbcJxxC6vCliXxzgPscynyU7UdANQP93yql9EK_CkpmBFGhYOxJghXOUyOtp8H9nS/s320/Ralph3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aside from some scenes that could frighten young viewers, and
an adoption scene that seems a bit out of place, Ralph Breaks the Internet is a
fun movie. It should be good for most kids ages 9 and up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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How will Ralph and Vanellope stay friends even though they
live far away?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How can you stay friends with people that you don’t see very
often?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What video game would you like to live in?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-61980220022336833872018-11-28T21:51:00.001-08:002018-11-28T21:51:34.623-08:00The Grinch Adoption Movie Review<br />
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The furry, green hermit known as The Grinch hates the boisterous
Christmas celebrations in Whoville. They rub against sore memories from his own
childhood. And so, the Grinch has an idea, an awful idea – to stop Christmas
from coming. Can the joy of Christmas break through the Grinch’s pained hatred
of the holiday? <o:p></o:p></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-85wVNIF9ZovbFrBfTdfLL55UqbMMk1KVwqN9JsKcJgqbmlAxvo_ung5qb-H4XetwCGXb9epgt98asoo1zzKw8TVPvC__VT4uHZ_gNfaQggmsTdE5g9mkIZbmqa8ATQRJNplcOCcTdS-Q/s1600/Grinch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-85wVNIF9ZovbFrBfTdfLL55UqbMMk1KVwqN9JsKcJgqbmlAxvo_ung5qb-H4XetwCGXb9epgt98asoo1zzKw8TVPvC__VT4uHZ_gNfaQggmsTdE5g9mkIZbmqa8ATQRJNplcOCcTdS-Q/s320/Grinch1.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The film opens by teasing the fact that The Grinch felt
upset around Christmas time, but wasn’t sure of why he felt that way. Over
time, we see clips from The Grinch’s childhood. He was abandoned, alone,
rejected, and lived in an orphanage. Although he dreamed of spending Christmas with
loving friends, his Christmas was spent alone in an undecorated room. The pain
from the letdown of that Christmas in the prisonlike orphanage has led to The
Grinch’s lifelong hatred of the holiday. The love of his neighbors eventually
warms his heart and helps him find the healing he needs to embrace the holiday
and embrace his neighbors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0XUl9TIjCcqcXvyQvXd-vRBUbl-k_1KcEQuVgcV_SQ0on5W1m3f6IWPyxEJaiAWDd8qmzFhjqRMtEVLxKv2OSK4XAX1r_YXbI_8fag1aCn40Rkwy36fA5TmkGOCUd52UpQsChzpuwPS8/s1600/Grinch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="477" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0XUl9TIjCcqcXvyQvXd-vRBUbl-k_1KcEQuVgcV_SQ0on5W1m3f6IWPyxEJaiAWDd8qmzFhjqRMtEVLxKv2OSK4XAX1r_YXbI_8fag1aCn40Rkwy36fA5TmkGOCUd52UpQsChzpuwPS8/s320/Grinch2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cindy Lou Who (who in this film is quite older than two,)
cares deeply about her mother. Cindy Lou’s mom is a single mom who cares for
Cindy Lou and her two infant siblings, and Cindy expresses “Mom works, cares
for us, and it’s not fair. She acts like it’s fine, but it’s really hard, and
if anyone can fix it, it’s Santa.” I admire Cindy Lou’s empathy, but it does
seem like a lot of emotional insight for a five(ish) year old. I also would
want to make sure that a kid who’s been abused or neglected wouldn’t hear Cindy
Lou’s words and then start to wonder if caring for them might be too big a
burden for their parents to bear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The film’s orphanage scenes could be hard for children, but
they also offer significant insight into how a seemingly happy day or occurrence
can be triggering for kids who’ve had hard experiences. The Grinch hated
Christmas every year, because he was very sad on a Christmas as a child and “he
feels these feelings every year.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The film also shows how love and acceptance, and not rebuke,
is what finally helped the Grinch overcome the pain of his past. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Grinch does honestly explain to the Whos, “I stole
because I thought it would fix something that happened a long time ago.” He
expresses surprise when they invite him into their homes anyway. Finally, he discovers,
“It wasn’t Christmas I hated; it was being alone,” and adding that Cindy Lou’s “kindness
changed my life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvA9eZ-Daym9M4S2xJ9PUvX0EBgKH9FTmiG4x2h8DRSlRX3eoxtWbbtYcaRigd2Xd3LiQ7lbhcedudrM-DzW6f2KcT70T3XeWpdxoaALQEIDe5YU00lyV__0N-kLfcjtdBnR5vuleNWtq/s1600/Grinch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="842" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvA9eZ-Daym9M4S2xJ9PUvX0EBgKH9FTmiG4x2h8DRSlRX3eoxtWbbtYcaRigd2Xd3LiQ7lbhcedudrM-DzW6f2KcT70T3XeWpdxoaALQEIDe5YU00lyV__0N-kLfcjtdBnR5vuleNWtq/s320/Grinch3.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Although the film only spends two minutes in the orphanage, it
could be quite difficult for some kids – especially those who have unresolved
grief regarding childhood experiences of abuse, neglect or loss. In rhyming verse,
the narrator reflects on The Grinch, who was “isolated and sad, with no home of
his own, no mom, and no dad” and who “remembered Christmas where nobody cared, nobody
showed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRQMC_l9rxNmvrruR5RcIHcqLTPhOJ-He0uQdNjjozSt-mzisVLrnqcGfljDi_j-zJOjuhX-FZpkxfM5wg_6ZXavAr0QsTcoArkIziO1J0nvt-VP0TPUoGiCy3eZX14Sle08MUlj2_WYi/s1600/Grinch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRQMC_l9rxNmvrruR5RcIHcqLTPhOJ-He0uQdNjjozSt-mzisVLrnqcGfljDi_j-zJOjuhX-FZpkxfM5wg_6ZXavAr0QsTcoArkIziO1J0nvt-VP0TPUoGiCy3eZX14Sle08MUlj2_WYi/s320/Grinch4.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Grinch is surprising in two ways – it could be very triggering
for young kids with unresolved grief regarding familial loss, and it could be
very insightful for parents of kids from hard places. For some kids, the
orphanage scene will push it out of the bounds of comfort; for others, it could
be a helpful tool to talk about the times when we’re sad, but don’t really know
why. It's a judgment call on whether the orphanage scene will be hard for your kiddos, but I'd guess it's most likely to be hard for kids ages 9 and under.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What made the Grinch hate Christmas? Why did he think he
hated it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What can help someone feel better when they’re sad about
something from long ago? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-59443597859509620612018-11-24T10:34:00.002-08:002018-11-24T10:34:55.669-08:00Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Adoption Movie Review (Spoilers)<br />
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A powerful dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald, intends to create
a new world order which will see wizards rule over non-wizards. Grindelwald gains
followers through his persuasive speeches, but he believes that for his plan to
succeed, the great wizard Albus Dumbledore must be eliminated. Grindlewald
cannot fight Dumbledore, but he believes that he knows a wizard who can. The
forces of evil and the forces of good both pursue a disturbed teenage orphan,
believing that his pre-adoption history is key to their victory. <o:p></o:p></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVmYozFEHeay3yFbvGnV7aYirDh1jJPpiMsxWZqJuzPQ56me9YeZBdN9mocH_21k_nc5CH-T_GoHB53GOtMYOA7fpi44mKEAy1APZuVAGDWtwydPfe2OT_zw66Vfkm2Hq2ePTwEorAN9X/s1600/Grindelwald1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVmYozFEHeay3yFbvGnV7aYirDh1jJPpiMsxWZqJuzPQ56me9YeZBdN9mocH_21k_nc5CH-T_GoHB53GOtMYOA7fpi44mKEAy1APZuVAGDWtwydPfe2OT_zw66Vfkm2Hq2ePTwEorAN9X/s1600/Grindelwald1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NfA2z-B1xpTX65YlHSkDHQNrzffca4zLxdGDaRyxrHhdGHix3nprj-Eq1Sf3RmzWU1iLeWhqTTPZRedMq6zX8Rs-esTX0JiO9L9GUm6ftZHpZ-DZ3Lz76NHa9XC3Jz8vvMLFz0y1hlTk/s1600/Grindelwald4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NfA2z-B1xpTX65YlHSkDHQNrzffca4zLxdGDaRyxrHhdGHix3nprj-Eq1Sf3RmzWU1iLeWhqTTPZRedMq6zX8Rs-esTX0JiO9L9GUm6ftZHpZ-DZ3Lz76NHa9XC3Jz8vvMLFz0y1hlTk/s320/Grindelwald4.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Credence Barebone was violently abused by his adoptive
mother, and now is free from her control. He has a magical parasite which can
cause great destruction, and because of this he is feared by many, and desired
by power-hungry wizards who hope to exploit him. Credence has a strong desire
to know who he is. An evil mind reader advises Grindlewald to speak gently to
Credence, and Grindlewald exploits his knowledge that Credence is desperate for
a sense of family. It’s explained that Credence was abused by the woman who
raised him, and now seeks the woman who bore him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Credence travels to find his birth mother; he does find the
woman whose name is on his adoption papers, but she affirms that she is only a
servant of Credence’s parents. She embraces him; however, shortly after
Credence meets her, she is murdered by one of Grindlewald’s followers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Credence aches to know his history. Facing death, he asks
someone, “Tell me my story before you end it.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYZtBx4JJW7ib-iV84c64CPBJE9C6pr7wvtoNxuEMuWPJNLThIkVLtIBrvCHGq9WuaaBO30Tm0xE0DUqodDRIyRzlWU60U6b-PXLVPKbnoUhVHU6-rqU6lvuDxJ-4Y_xbDb4SqudODMVv/s1600/Grindelwald2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYZtBx4JJW7ib-iV84c64CPBJE9C6pr7wvtoNxuEMuWPJNLThIkVLtIBrvCHGq9WuaaBO30Tm0xE0DUqodDRIyRzlWU60U6b-PXLVPKbnoUhVHU6-rqU6lvuDxJ-4Y_xbDb4SqudODMVv/s320/Grindelwald2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Newt Scamander is affirmed, “You do not seek power or
popularity; you ask if a thing is right, and do it no matter the cost.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One character affirms that Credence’s identity is more than
just his history – his history is not the only thing that defines who he is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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An infant is murdered off-screen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One character confesses that, when she was a young girl
during a ship voyage, she became frustrated by her infant brother’s constant
screaming. Hoping for a brief break, she switched her brother with another
infant, intending to reverse the switch in a little while. However, while the
babies were switched, the ship sunk, and the girl’s mother rescued the baby she
incorrectly believed to be her own. Years later, this character blames herself
for her infant brother’s death; this also complicates Credence’s questions
regarding his own identity – Credence was the baby who was taken in the switch,
and the girl who took him knows nothing about his previous identity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The film has a very dark tone with several frightening
scenes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Characters refer to Credence’s pre-adoption identity as “who
he really is.” One character corrects this, telling Credence that there is a
difference between “who he was born” and “who he is.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp0dLXebi34E-jhplMu7kmDuHVYYmWBRzw7-L-lgKGtkpNmRFcCQF3jSTM-AZ5UPud2uOqphLyg-Ogk-KCgBO1I0LxUo632LNkvwA3oF-Sq42A3otVnziba0HA4aDfeg2P1ZH__CldoRT/s1600/Grindelwald3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp0dLXebi34E-jhplMu7kmDuHVYYmWBRzw7-L-lgKGtkpNmRFcCQF3jSTM-AZ5UPud2uOqphLyg-Ogk-KCgBO1I0LxUo632LNkvwA3oF-Sq42A3otVnziba0HA4aDfeg2P1ZH__CldoRT/s320/Grindelwald3.jpg" width="320" /></a>A character has sworn a vow to avenge his father by killing
the child of the man who seduced his mother away from his father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A young woman is told – and believes – that her father never
loved her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is entertaining,
but it also seems darker than most of the other films in the Harry Potter world.
Adoption is profoundly woven into the story, but in a way that seems likely to
be troubling, confusing, or upsetting for most young viewers touched by
adoption. </div>
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This one seems best left to adults and older teens who are mature enough
to process the film’s adoption elements without embracing them as fact.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you believe determines Credence’s identity?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grindelwald says that Credence is desperate for family, and
this leaves him vulnerable to </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grindelwald; what would help Credence stay safe?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which characters seem like the safest people that Credence
could trust?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-17124156493668510222018-11-16T01:00:00.000-08:002018-11-16T01:00:04.272-08:00Instant Family Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Pete and Ellie have enjoyed their lives as a childless
couple. They develop houses and have freedom that others might envy. Each
believes that the other has no intention to have children, but they have not talked
deeply about it. After a conversation with relatives, Ellie starts thinking
about having children. Pete makes an offhanded joke; he is too old to have an
infant – but if he adopted a five-year-old child it would seem like he started
having children at a reasonable age. Pete gives no further thought to his joke,
but Ellie begins researching adoption, and her heart is touched by the profiles
of children on AdoptUSKids, a website geared towards recruiting adoptive
parents for children waiting in the foster care system. Pete’s heart is also
eventually touched, and Pete and Ellie begin their journey towards certification
as foster-adoptive parents; they ultimately meet Lizzy, Juan and Lita at a
matching event. The film follows them through a very realistic experience of
the California foster and adoption system, through their certification,
matching process, and placement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
!! Did you know, we’ve got a book out! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Adoption at the Movies by Addison Cooper provides a year’s worth of family-friendly movie nights to getyour family talking about adoption. Check it out on Amazon! !!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Filmmaker Sean Anders based this film on his journey through
the foster-adoption system. The challenges, processes, doubts, and joys that Pete,
Ellie, and the children experience are very realistic. The film captures the
foster-adoption experience thoroughly without being exploitative. Pete and
Ellie express the real doubts that many foster-adoptive parents experience; Lizzy,
Juan and Lita encounter and present challenges that are realistic to many
children in foster care. Instant Family is honest without being overanxious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFwkHbTNRyRB6_iqizg0AnmK6rWQIql_9E2GKMPFjJgBbD1VL4Py108vUeNjDS6qDhRptHWeMfwItsQ36qS80-VhzZYpsU9XcLYHTKUMtHFeMVmyesB0BNXZKaZrY224mLPGay8jp_gKY/s1600/InstantFamily1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFwkHbTNRyRB6_iqizg0AnmK6rWQIql_9E2GKMPFjJgBbD1VL4Py108vUeNjDS6qDhRptHWeMfwItsQ36qS80-VhzZYpsU9XcLYHTKUMtHFeMVmyesB0BNXZKaZrY224mLPGay8jp_gKY/s1600/InstantFamily1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Spoilers ahead throughout the rest of the review*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instant Family accurately, compassionately and optimistically
captures the foster-adoption experience. It will resonate with many that have
adopted from foster care, and will be helpful for those considering adoption
from foster care. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl9X-iWC2Q8Z-gICXM0isUX4Dqhd4w-stO5s2RYyXUookmNid7EM8spyzMEbbOsbzg85PlFcIunOlQnjEYkHAiDRM8smmqfoEkWGo1AdM_2C-3a_f-2tSKAXAGC5Y5-4L3duPuNTiiYti/s1600/Instant+Family+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl9X-iWC2Q8Z-gICXM0isUX4Dqhd4w-stO5s2RYyXUookmNid7EM8spyzMEbbOsbzg85PlFcIunOlQnjEYkHAiDRM8smmqfoEkWGo1AdM_2C-3a_f-2tSKAXAGC5Y5-4L3duPuNTiiYti/s320/Instant+Family+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although Lizzy, Juan and Lita – and Pete and Ellie – all have
mixed feelings at times about the placement, they work through their motivations,
feelings and doubts responsibly, and ultimately finalize their adoption. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instant Family provides a lighthearted opportunity to
explore and challenge several of the misconceptions that people have about
adoption; the film explores peoples’ fear of adopting teenagers, unrealistic
expectations of adopted children, fear of openness with a child’s birth family.
It also challenges the unfortunate connection that some people make between pet
adoption and the adoption of children. It explores questions of identity (Pete
and Ellie temporarily feel as though they’re “babysitting someone else’s kid.”)
They stand up against the insensitive comments made by their extended family.
They don’t give up when their kids are resistant to bonding. This has the
potential to be such a helpful film. The agency that Pete and Ellie go through is
the real-life agency most closely connected to defining the Seven Core Issues
in Adoption (Grief, Loss, Rejection, Guilt, Identity, Intimacy, Control). The film
is very theoretically sound and healthy in its approach to adoption.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Pete and Ellie express their doubts and fears, they appear
to consider sending Lizzy, Juan and Lita back. Other prospective adoptive
parents talk insensitively about their expectations of the children they hope
to adopt. These are realistic conversations, but would likely be triggering to children
and pre-teens touched by adoption, as well as some teenagers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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As a long-time foster-adoption social worker, I love Instant
Family. I don’t recommend it for kids; I think there’s a lot of material that
could be triggering for children touched by adoption because it’s so real – but
for adoptive parents or people considering adoption, this is a perfect
opportunity to explore many of the real-life aspects of foster care adoption. It’s
funny and entertaining, and has the potential to help prospective adoptive
parents be more thoughtful and better-prepared. Because of this, it can have a
positive impact on kids waiting to be adopted. Instant Family has Adoption at
the Movies’ strong recommendation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did Pete and Ellie end up with three kids? What
challenges did this bring, and how did they overcome the challenges?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqZR7SDHAmaIWzwa4VfFiVHsLtHRy7iQKA8lyW7I782DIY6Vyoc7dHqwIdskFOG6Sq_NsxfgBknmngvSiD8DYw-dio16EEwwNWEG55V6TMvp9S2T-YSt3XdYUIwmyER59LMOyMSulW6kV/s1600/InstantFamily4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1278" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqZR7SDHAmaIWzwa4VfFiVHsLtHRy7iQKA8lyW7I782DIY6Vyoc7dHqwIdskFOG6Sq_NsxfgBknmngvSiD8DYw-dio16EEwwNWEG55V6TMvp9S2T-YSt3XdYUIwmyER59LMOyMSulW6kV/s320/InstantFamily4.jpg" width="320" /></a>How helpful was the support group for Pete and Ellie? How do
you think the support group impacted their parenting?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Which do you think would have been the hardest moment for
Pete and Ellie? How did they remain committed to their kids?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What growth did Pete and Ellie need within themselves to be able
to be the parents that their children needed? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How does Lizzy feel about her birthmother Brenda? How can
Pete and Ellie best honor that moving forward? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What moment most touched your heart?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-80939619290922988162018-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:002018-08-13T21:01:09.630-07:00Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again - Adoption Movie Review<br />
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A year after her mother’s death, Sophie intends to re-open
her mother’s hotel. Sophie’s mother, Donna, was never sure who Sophie’s father
was, but all three possible fathers took an active role in Sophie’s life, and
continue to serve as supportive fathers to her even now that she is grown. As
Sophie deals with the stress of reopening the hotel, we see interspersed scenes
of Donna’s life when she was Sophie’s age, settling on the island, dreaming of
opening the hotel, and dealing with an unexpected and largely unsupported
pregnancy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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**SPOILER ALERT**** By the end of the film, Sophie learns that she
is pregnant – and although this helps her feel closer to her mother, she
realizes that, unlike her mother, she is supported by a boyfriend and her three
fathers, and she will not have to do this alone. ***END SPOILER***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lm_0TO7Hqmrum2rBxNj2MMmDc59kpMs9peDJIRtWnFx38QovRhLQaidcn8Magkz1NR-zvzMyDJJy_wLcSKovjedC826GopESrI8g7TFsqJ4DuI5uJfkUmlX_tFMGYgrH6Q7kNy1Svum7/s1600/Mamma+Mia+2+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lm_0TO7Hqmrum2rBxNj2MMmDc59kpMs9peDJIRtWnFx38QovRhLQaidcn8Magkz1NR-zvzMyDJJy_wLcSKovjedC826GopESrI8g7TFsqJ4DuI5uJfkUmlX_tFMGYgrH6Q7kNy1Svum7/s320/Mamma+Mia+2+A.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some people, including people touched by adoption, may
relate to Sophie’s situation; several people have entered her life as
supportive parental figures, but she is not certain who her biological father
is. However, all of her father figures have learned to work together and have
become friends in support of Sophie. This is an ideal outcome, and a similar
outcome, although more specific to adoption (and more likely to appeal to
kids), was presented in Kung Fu Panda 3.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really like how supportive Sophie’s three dads are of her,
and how they have generally learned to treat each other as family as well; they
are united by their care for Sophie. This models a very positive outcome for
any blended family, whether formed by remarriage or adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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This film doesn’t seem likely to appeal to a young audience,
but it doesn’t seem likely to pose many challenges for a mainstream adult
audience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWkO-IKQDRxKm9bMxcX1GSVN5R6r8NCTP7XO62KxdS_xvn0HxRM9D4YNiOPWoK6oJMaQFXZL0NBQ9QGKTSN5tfSbZXrNWc9tgO2NgyIWJCV7z7kyjvLmlswrZdMH3YqUVfGcfkEmTGctq/s1600/MammaMia2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWkO-IKQDRxKm9bMxcX1GSVN5R6r8NCTP7XO62KxdS_xvn0HxRM9D4YNiOPWoK6oJMaQFXZL0NBQ9QGKTSN5tfSbZXrNWc9tgO2NgyIWJCV7z7kyjvLmlswrZdMH3YqUVfGcfkEmTGctq/s320/MammaMia2b.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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While this isn’t an adoption film, adoptive parents could
enjoy watching it, paying attention to the positive relationship between the
three dads, and reflecting on what a healthy, open relationship could look like
with their children’s birth family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you think made it possible for Sophie’s dads to
function so well together?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How important is language or terminology for Sophie in
referring to her dads?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which songs did you like best?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-38259524287010411382018-08-07T03:30:00.000-07:002018-08-07T03:30:05.530-07:00Christopher Robin Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Christopher Robin last left the Hundred Acre Woods as a
preteenager; although he knew that his life would require him to move on from
his cherished memories there with Pooh and his other friends, he promised that
he would never forget them. Decades later, Christopher is a manager of a
luggage company; he feels the pressure of knowing that he may have to lay off
several of his staff if he cannot find a way to reduce costs, and feeling the
pinch of this pressure, he decides not to accompany his wife and young daughter
on a vacation. His family is hurt by his absence, feeling that he consistently puts
work in front of them. Still, he sends them off to the cottage he knew as a
child while he stays home alone – and he would have stayed home alone, had not
a friend from his past come to visit. Pooh has discovered that all of his
friends are missing, and he has come to ask Christopher for help finding them.
Christopher intends to take Pooh back to the Hundred Acre Woods, and he must
determine how he will prioritize the competing demands on his time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS2AdJ8TqzxKSBWOkkDosMiWYv9wENhAimRJiN0BIUfwZGKU9JTGvb6a0spXe6rxwSM4ak7Oj1tyfmLaP8a8vdhfqoq6dl4IFLtn8WXiEJdWFPbNZvFvYT6KTxepr4SnvRF92zi6t1LOQ/s1600/ChristopherRobin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="680" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS2AdJ8TqzxKSBWOkkDosMiWYv9wENhAimRJiN0BIUfwZGKU9JTGvb6a0spXe6rxwSM4ak7Oj1tyfmLaP8a8vdhfqoq6dl4IFLtn8WXiEJdWFPbNZvFvYT6KTxepr4SnvRF92zi6t1LOQ/s320/ChristopherRobin1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is no mention of adoption in the film. Some of the
film does center on Christopher’s unavailability to his daughter, which could
be particularly sad for kids who have experienced neglect. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Some could interpret
Christopher as developing into a father figure for Pooh and the other friends
from the Hundred Acre Wood. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christopher was forced to mature quickly when his father
died. A young Christopher is told, “You’re the man of the house now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Christopher Robin struck me as a very endearing film. I
think the live-action-ish stuffed animals reminded me of the feel of Ernest and
Celestine, another favorite. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSHuVEkrKaCBUT8vrqL50GMVHJIVpVnzM0X3ojGSfvEN7eCZ_DVb90XEci_RecqbmFCmzb8Brn25sX-sbFoo3imIwCjnL1kUJVrKp5sFfr1DyujpWS3VTMZOPwVXODqmYF2keuI87-9v0/s1600/ChristopherRobin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSHuVEkrKaCBUT8vrqL50GMVHJIVpVnzM0X3ojGSfvEN7eCZ_DVb90XEci_RecqbmFCmzb8Brn25sX-sbFoo3imIwCjnL1kUJVrKp5sFfr1DyujpWS3VTMZOPwVXODqmYF2keuI87-9v0/s320/ChristopherRobin2.jpg" width="320" /></a>By the end of the film, Christopher has understood the
importance of family. That realization also helps him have insight into the
work problem he is facing, but his work success is almost incidental – the true
victory is that he tells his daughter that nothing is more important to him
than she is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The value of recreation and relaxation, even for grown-ups,
can be conveyed by a very wise statement, “Doing nothing often leads to the
very best something.” Christopher’s wife challenges him to focus on the
present, instead of putting all of his efforts into a future life; she reminds
him, “Your life is happening now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Christopher does get in touch with his imagination, and
comes through as a great friend to Pooh and the others in the Hundred Acre
Woods.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pooh is perpetually accepting of Christopher; he is perfectly
understanding and good-natured. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pooh confides to Christopher that he has been lost, but Christopher
responds, “But I found you, didn’t I?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christopher’s friends learn about his daughter, Madeline,
and ask him if a Madeline is more important than all of the papers he worries
about for work. He acknowledges that she is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYZbI6pjHmd5JB-uBZ6z5BmgUl9Xr9Y8xojF4ZWT-RtB6YCNXFzmqhwAZ7otySGO8Vqy-VQh_QLVKXT7cAKvssOmG3QrunaOVpQg-SCjcULNMjXVUpoKVHFZMDHmHWijpTF_Y_38smO1Q/s1600/ChristopherRobin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYZbI6pjHmd5JB-uBZ6z5BmgUl9Xr9Y8xojF4ZWT-RtB6YCNXFzmqhwAZ7otySGO8Vqy-VQh_QLVKXT7cAKvssOmG3QrunaOVpQg-SCjcULNMjXVUpoKVHFZMDHmHWijpTF_Y_38smO1Q/s320/ChristopherRobin3.jpg" width="320" /></a>Madeline confides in Christopher that she doesn’t want to be
sent away to boarding school, and he agrees that she never has to leave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christopher seems to have forgotten his dear friends in the
Hundred Acre Woods, even though he promised that he never would forget them. Christopher
acknowledges that he “let Pooh go” the same way that an employer lays off
employees. He yells at Pooh, and then Pooh walks off, saying that Christopher “should
let me go – for efficiency.” This could be difficult for children who fear that
they may be forgotten by their first families. Christopher does shortly
reconcile with Pooh. These children could also be saddened by Christopher’s
daughter longing to know her father, and wondering when he would be home – and even
when he comes home, he is largely unattuned to her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some children could have a hard time watching a scene where it’s
implied that Christopher’s father </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
dies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christopher Robin is an endearing film with a worthwhile
message. It isn’t scary, although there are some moments that could be
particularly sad for young viewers if they come too close to the child’s own
history. Parents should consider how their children’s experience of neglect and
parental loss might interplay with the film; for general audiences it seems
suitable to all ages, but most likely to appeal to adults and kids ages 11 and
up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmR8XbKwgzTB2gMvzhcTP3NP8UWIjb-CYs5XpRHSVye5eudWTmaq4i2uqwdv_lfV1pEPOL6QnSvhyBtpaTKS6xyhAXbD4ucDuzsTM2XXWUNijMms_y_0tIK74Ucu8ql_KOrHJYM6DV4jG/s1600/ChristopherRobin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmR8XbKwgzTB2gMvzhcTP3NP8UWIjb-CYs5XpRHSVye5eudWTmaq4i2uqwdv_lfV1pEPOL6QnSvhyBtpaTKS6xyhAXbD4ucDuzsTM2XXWUNijMms_y_0tIK74Ucu8ql_KOrHJYM6DV4jG/s320/ChristopherRobin4.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How in touch are you with your own childhood? What are some
of your favorite childhood memories?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are (or were) some of your favorite childhood games?
Toys? Stuffed animals?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can you prioritize “today”? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do your children feel that they’re more important than your
job and your possessions? If not, how could you communicate that to them in a
way they’ll understand? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-18153884879244700922018-08-04T11:38:00.001-07:002018-08-04T11:38:21.954-07:00Teen Titans Go to the Movies Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Robin, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire are
collectively the Teen Titans. They belong to the superhero universe, but
they’re more sidekicks than heroes – something that the superheroes often rub
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Teen Titans confront a villain,
but become distracted in explaining their identities, allowing the villain to
escape. The Teen Titans want to legitimize their status as superheroes, and
decide that they need to have a movie made about them; in order to do this,
they are willing to travel through time to ensure that no other superheroes
exist – when this doesn’t work out, they decide instead that they need to have
an arch-nemesis. Thankfully (?) one arises in Slade. The Titans must work to
stop Slade’s intention of brainwashing the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpuUnLj6hIfMH9OGKpK8-zrLPZMB37yYb04FuZR6HzPwIw__5ss3jUmpEmaGx_VCpXlOUtaMD2QwQ4EznCbS3W2JX6vJ6R9lu1iM-wrU-Uu4nQY9dDIat6lPo3zFf8INqS3O7XRs733mk/s1600/Titans1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpuUnLj6hIfMH9OGKpK8-zrLPZMB37yYb04FuZR6HzPwIw__5ss3jUmpEmaGx_VCpXlOUtaMD2QwQ4EznCbS3W2JX6vJ6R9lu1iM-wrU-Uu4nQY9dDIat6lPo3zFf8INqS3O7XRs733mk/s320/Titans1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>The Adoption
Connection</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no real adoption connection in the plot of the
story; however, there are some scenes that could surprise viewers. Most
notably, Batman’s origins are briefly shown. Batman became a hero due to his
parents being murdered in a dark alley. In an attempt to stop Batman from
becoming a superhero, the Teen Titans travel back in time and direct Batman’s
parents away from that alley; they live, but Bruce Wayne never becomes Batman.
When the Titans realize that this has caused the present-day world to be
overrun by villains, they travel back in time again, and this time, shove
Batman’s parents off-camera into a dark alley, where we hear the gunshots that
kill them. The Teen Titans also cause another aquatic superhero to die, but
later go back again and correct it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNizj3LMtJjIZmdtzDUk63j3Uiz8LRyT3dzZzLnLvJnkU10CpSlqp1kwhteriyA193DL3wdHm4chuX451DwcoS0i_yAai00iBBY4HS-tbf_ABTqXx85NQJvbytCz9T7Opb0BHTlIM7gKfN/s1600/Titans2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNizj3LMtJjIZmdtzDUk63j3Uiz8LRyT3dzZzLnLvJnkU10CpSlqp1kwhteriyA193DL3wdHm4chuX451DwcoS0i_yAai00iBBY4HS-tbf_ABTqXx85NQJvbytCz9T7Opb0BHTlIM7gKfN/s320/Titans2.jpg" width="320" /></a>In a scene that seems very disjointed from the rest of the
film, at the very end of the movie, Robin pops on screen and says, “Kids, ask
your parents where babies come from.” And then the credits roll.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time-travel scenes could lead some kids to think about
how their lives would have been different had the tragedies that shaped their
life – and perhaps necessitated their adoptions – been avoided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Robin is discouraged, his friends try to cheer him up
by helping him see that he truly is a hero. The film does capture the value of
friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCfYX5l4f3_n3dgQzxNmhJAqj3IAZpSpbFQU0puDlhL-ntjDLWnWxl0P_ELDI9JG4GiTHIRkO46Almkxlp98nOf18zO1xRLRpO1ddWWvcAPqi7PqDcplxl0NA9ud4ZiXYJAG0lrku7d0t/s1600/Titans3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="800" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCfYX5l4f3_n3dgQzxNmhJAqj3IAZpSpbFQU0puDlhL-ntjDLWnWxl0P_ELDI9JG4GiTHIRkO46Almkxlp98nOf18zO1xRLRpO1ddWWvcAPqi7PqDcplxl0NA9ud4ZiXYJAG0lrku7d0t/s320/Titans3.jpg" width="320" /></a>In addition to the more significant challenges which are
covered in the “adoption connection” section, the film has a lot of toilet
humor. Batman’s parents being forcibly shoved into the alley where they are
murdered is probably the most concerning scene; Robin’s film-ending quip,
“Kids, ask your parents where babies come from” could also be somewhat bracing
or complicated for some adoptive families if they are unprepared. It’s an
important discussion to have, but it’s one that requires some thought, and
Robin’s hurried play-it-for-a-laugh comment isn’t probably the right bridge
into this conversation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Teen Titans Go To The Movies was silly, and funny at points,
but seems to be geared towards a fairly young demographic. Lots of kids in the
theater laughed during toilet jokes, including one scene that had also been
featured in the trailer which centered around a very lengthy bout of flatulent
sounds. I think it is the youth of the demographic that concerns me for
audiences touched by adoption or parental loss, mostly because of the scene
involving Batman’s parents. The Teen Titans are almost cavalier in shoving
Batman’s parents to their death, and although in the context of the movie
they’re setting the world right, it could be surprising and painful for kids
who have lost – or who have fears of losing – their parents. The fact that
gunshots are heard signifying their murder could also be hard for some young
viewers, especially those who have experienced violence. It’s possible that
these scenes won’t be triggering to your kids, but I feel they’re risky.
Because of them, at least for families touched by adoption, foster care, or
trauma, it feels like a safer bet to leave this one to kids 13 and up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLvwLCIsCqJrjUZt6tWdU0d4-yM2JWItVhUCibdRRmmeP_VF2GNzYMA0pz8WDQGYI27d2Mmfu2QbtGafCI37nDeZbJ_VzqGxqm1oHcUIR83nqPxdmrcSbW467_rCcQP_eM1_bE5ZVcsAA/s1600/Titans4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLvwLCIsCqJrjUZt6tWdU0d4-yM2JWItVhUCibdRRmmeP_VF2GNzYMA0pz8WDQGYI27d2Mmfu2QbtGafCI37nDeZbJ_VzqGxqm1oHcUIR83nqPxdmrcSbW467_rCcQP_eM1_bE5ZVcsAA/s1600/Titans4.jpg" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What changes in his thinking did Robin need to make in order
to become content?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Given a choice, do you think Superman and Batman would
choose to erase the traumas that they experienced? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who was your favorite of the Teen Titans? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-36156135173554381892018-07-24T03:30:00.000-07:002018-07-24T03:30:18.284-07:00Hotel Transylvania 3 Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the late 1800’s, Abraham Van Helsing tried several times
to rid the worlds of monsters, but he failed. In the present day, monsters live
peacefully among themselves, and they spend much of their relaxation time at Hotel
Transylvania, which is operated by Dracula. Dracula’s daughter Mavis convinces
her father to take a family vacation, and so Dracula goes on vacation with his
daughter, son-in-law, grandson, father, and a host of friends. Together, they
board the cruise ship Legacy – but unbeknownst to them, the ship is captained
by Val Helsing’s great-granddaughter – and Van Helsing himself is aboard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi47R6UdOK43rC36P1buTyswbSpSSq64PCoCVWCH3pievACQrxafGvbXHfsSY23-_Pv5eDAQM293m70hVqN_f0ZFiFWUez8ralgHx882C6yZa3nu8M4YHS8KcgESJjYzPyvskmY_qXKKnw/s1600/HT3A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi47R6UdOK43rC36P1buTyswbSpSSq64PCoCVWCH3pievACQrxafGvbXHfsSY23-_Pv5eDAQM293m70hVqN_f0ZFiFWUez8ralgHx882C6yZa3nu8M4YHS8KcgESJjYzPyvskmY_qXKKnw/s320/HT3A.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIZRCEYcMI84PPNnj5KW2Pdfx2e3Ak8mn_lt-4LK3PRIdcc5cS8gZVS_4KdFTapYpCeTRLekgVw46Bl3L8F1X5G5i2nzNUuQztXakgxs47erl5JyvhjvYLUWVSnUQhHCGqwCnwcgzy0Mt/s1600/HT3B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIZRCEYcMI84PPNnj5KW2Pdfx2e3Ak8mn_lt-4LK3PRIdcc5cS8gZVS_4KdFTapYpCeTRLekgVw46Bl3L8F1X5G5i2nzNUuQztXakgxs47erl5JyvhjvYLUWVSnUQhHCGqwCnwcgzy0Mt/s320/HT3B.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t observe an adoption connection in the film. Dracula
has been lonely since being widowed, and though he wants to find love, his adult
daughter has to process her feelings about that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dracula is supported by friends and family, and obviously
cares for his family, even though he is lonely. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mavis acknowledges that she has never thought of her father
being with anyone besides her mother, but says that she wants him to be happy. A
character has an admirable goal (the phrasing of which could also be applied to
adoption,) “We honor the past, [and] we make our own future.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqziN5cBAu8gJyACymXfMMvwXodWb2JOXbTnG2AKOaV1gyHssiRHQeVBg_jC16rAGKYs4DmTZs_bnY5geFA8CSlsiLcJCFA5pyXunxoCURz4UiodVWIjzwuUAc_QdJ1cWy1zQXgAiYMxc0/s1600/HT3C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="780" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqziN5cBAu8gJyACymXfMMvwXodWb2JOXbTnG2AKOaV1gyHssiRHQeVBg_jC16rAGKYs4DmTZs_bnY5geFA8CSlsiLcJCFA5pyXunxoCURz4UiodVWIjzwuUAc_QdJ1cWy1zQXgAiYMxc0/s320/HT3C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This may seem like quite a stretch, but a young viewer could
leave the film understanding that a person will immediately know, on sight, who
they should marry, and that that destiny can’t be stopped, even if the other
person refuses or tries to hurt you. Dracula’s love interest does try to kill
him several times. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hotel Transylvania 3 is a fun, fast movie that should appeal
to most kids; it may scare younger kids, but kids ages 9 and up should be able
to enjoy this one, unless they are scared by monsters or by Erica’s efforts to
kill Dracula. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRawfbz5hZHxfHCFDaUFCPrTm0-ycmO0BvrDFeBMJHjdMWIEHTLG0om8frP4KNyyB1Cnrz6CHQJDDXnOZnDZk1JnC7KlQcUgPP0cZyTm7EjfPM6evJnJCoysQEI3Ok_X138HoKpuIqHPV/s1600/HT3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRawfbz5hZHxfHCFDaUFCPrTm0-ycmO0BvrDFeBMJHjdMWIEHTLG0om8frP4KNyyB1Cnrz6CHQJDDXnOZnDZk1JnC7KlQcUgPP0cZyTm7EjfPM6evJnJCoysQEI3Ok_X138HoKpuIqHPV/s1600/HT3D.jpg" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you think Dracula’s family will be able to trust Erica?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What would help Mavis feel comfortable with her dad getting
married again?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What music makes you want to dance?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-53033574698361022172018-07-22T16:19:00.001-07:002018-07-22T16:19:31.340-07:00Ant-Man and the Wasp Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Decades ago, Janet van Dyne shrunk to sub-molecular size to
disable a nuclear weapon. She was trapped in the quantum realm. Hank Pym
believed that Janet died, and raised their daughter, Hope, as a single parent. When
Ant-Man has a dream about Janet, Hank and Hope begin to believe that Janet may
be alive. Hope assumes her mother’s former superhero identity as the Wasp, and along
with the conscripted services of Ant-Man, she and her father try to save Janet.
Meanwhile, Ant-Man is on house arrest for previous acts of heroism which nonetheless
violated a law, and his efforts to save Janet jeopardize his
otherwise-soon-coming release. The technology that they hope to use to save
Janet would also bring healing to Ava, who tries to steal it; it is also pursued
by others who value it for the price it would bring. The heroes must try to accomplish
the impossible while being challenged by multiple adversaries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe5zkatgNx8c6XaDBA_aabIGstLgeC1F8tB27OhK24iMmWtjlNjGDodpJ7fDmuDjZJSc62ky1IllbhXZhPT73qAFRwCcNlnQRj0CLOX1f-eQbZIOdNZhltiZ2KPzetQEzKh9YbGBRyhRb/s1600/AntMan1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe5zkatgNx8c6XaDBA_aabIGstLgeC1F8tB27OhK24iMmWtjlNjGDodpJ7fDmuDjZJSc62ky1IllbhXZhPT73qAFRwCcNlnQRj0CLOX1f-eQbZIOdNZhltiZ2KPzetQEzKh9YbGBRyhRb/s320/AntMan1.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ant-Man enjoys spending time with his daughter, and she is
excited for when they’ll be able to spend time together outside of his home,
once his house arrest is completed. Ant-Man tries to maintain a positive
relationship with his daughter’s mother and her new boyfriend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hank and Hope try to rescue Janet’s mother after believing
her to be permanently lost throughout all of Hope’s life. When Hope was young,
she was taught that her mother “saved countless lives knowing that [the cost of
it would be] that she’d be gone forever.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ava’s parents died tragically. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5SDqJ1m0bqGEViEYtUSG5XrpeMLzrBe5oOUVEK0WPQABoqfc-jARtEWUQhpDopOYf3FYw9nnrjFdrJ7HQyyk1xhEHtKjdS_SCwFS8I2UWHQ51ROxpWD-ompuHrJEjVVh-k9mj1Yyz1up/s1600/AntMan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="650" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5SDqJ1m0bqGEViEYtUSG5XrpeMLzrBe5oOUVEK0WPQABoqfc-jARtEWUQhpDopOYf3FYw9nnrjFdrJ7HQyyk1xhEHtKjdS_SCwFS8I2UWHQ51ROxpWD-ompuHrJEjVVh-k9mj1Yyz1up/s320/AntMan2.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ava is assisted in her survival efforts by a scientist, but
he puts limits on the tactics she can use in her attempt to survive; she
intends to kidnap a young girl, but the scientist says he will stop helping her
if she does that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Janet understands Ava’s pain, and shows her compassion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some aspects of the story could be frightening or sad for
younger children or children who have lost parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several characters unexpectedly disintegrate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Ant-Man and the Wasp is engaging. Some scenes, and themes of
parental loss and parents in danger of arrest, could be hard for some viewers,
but it seems likely to be fine for – and most appealing to – kids ages 11 and
up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtpVsyi_qIn5-uLAXBywDfWAHcgORPz17Veu0Ks3UWXZk7Bq_cxGS6mDIa5lMcHT0WIGyr2JlJEhA0dDnMmu8YHzy00ZuMkoinaLTO5-O2RjhN40rzUp8zHMEO8PAU_fNpSDpZGrXVvd6/s1600/AntMan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="634" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtpVsyi_qIn5-uLAXBywDfWAHcgORPz17Veu0Ks3UWXZk7Bq_cxGS6mDIa5lMcHT0WIGyr2JlJEhA0dDnMmu8YHzy00ZuMkoinaLTO5-O2RjhN40rzUp8zHMEO8PAU_fNpSDpZGrXVvd6/s320/AntMan3.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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What right does Ava have to try to get the technology she
needs to survive? Are there limits on what she should be allowed to do in her
efforts?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How do you think Hope felt when she was told that her mother
went away forever to save other people? <o:p></o:p></div>
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When Ant-Man told his daughter that he doesn’t know how to
help The Wasp without hurting his daughter, what did he mean? Why did his
daughter tell him to help The Wasp?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do you think <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it
would be like to go sub-atomic?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-81632782492981465502018-07-17T04:00:00.000-07:002018-07-22T16:23:03.607-07:00For A Better Life - documentary short review (spoilers)<div class="MsoNormal">
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(Spoilers ahead)</div>
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As a young boy in Tunisia, Fekri Kram was saved by a French
tourist who prevented a shopkeeper from cutting off Fekri’s hand after Fekri
had stolen bread. The tourist then followed Fekri home – and his life changed
for the worst. Fekri’s mother sold him to the tourist in hopes of giving him a
better life, but the life he experienced was horrific. Fekri was sexually
abused and physically brutalized by the woman, and he came near death before he
was finally rescued from her. Even in foster care, Fekri’s life was difficult;
a suicide attempt led him to a residential treatment center, where after nearly
a decade, he found healing, and was finally able to forgive his mother.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A1_umWCr3xHYKDs-iCnTwbutk6dU75BhHdqupM4s9uaOP4-pudqL42YelfNrGfy0xxg1ADipR3ybVzC_NTxVKOtosBxCdvjMyGt9vekJzFkwSMr4arcO3NX2sa9kOtHWEjce0OrLWNmP/s1600/FABL_art02_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A1_umWCr3xHYKDs-iCnTwbutk6dU75BhHdqupM4s9uaOP4-pudqL42YelfNrGfy0xxg1ADipR3ybVzC_NTxVKOtosBxCdvjMyGt9vekJzFkwSMr4arcO3NX2sa9kOtHWEjce0OrLWNmP/s320/FABL_art02_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this powerfully-narrated, animated documentary short
(10-minute) film from Yasmin Mistry, Fekri shares his story. Foster and adoption
agencies could consider incorporating this film as part of their training
curriculum, and, for people considering becoming foster or adoptive parents,
Fekri’s vulnerable sharing of his own life experiences can be simultaneously
heartbreaking and inspiring. This one is recommended for adults. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As you watch it, imagine what life experiences your kids may
have had. How can you help them feel safe talking to you about them? How might
their life experiences show up in their behaviors? What would be the most
helpful parental responses in situations where a child’s troubling behavior is
reflective of the abuse they’ve previously experienced? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
To find out more about this film, check out <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.fostercarefilm.com/forabetterlife&source=gmail&ust=1532388141809000&usg=AFQjCNG3dDtUYvazNuHVdY2KCFICXEPAAg" href="http://www.fostercarefilm.com/forabetterlife" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">www.fostercarefilm.com/<wbr></wbr>forabetterlife</a><br />
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Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-51752144628816407552018-07-03T04:00:00.000-07:002018-07-03T04:00:17.037-07:00Tomb Raider Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Lara Croft’s father left years ago, and never returned. Lara
has been reluctant to claim her inheritance because she does not want to
believe that her father may be dead, however, when she does claim it, she begins
to uncover clues as to the destination of his last journey. Lara bravely sets
off to try to find her father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOoUoCJvoUtljT3EgaKnAv7J2TBxNnd9rZxPXavbQQ6SEdUlLNMewEv_KJQJTbfUlJXARhu-Y846ykihTjsERTA3niLL3BT7S0grd2sCuqANmjFbwEEd_TmUKj5PYB551udXg3hWwB-Mg/s1600/Tomb+Raider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOoUoCJvoUtljT3EgaKnAv7J2TBxNnd9rZxPXavbQQ6SEdUlLNMewEv_KJQJTbfUlJXARhu-Y846ykihTjsERTA3niLL3BT7S0grd2sCuqANmjFbwEEd_TmUKj5PYB551udXg3hWwB-Mg/s1600/Tomb+Raider.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lara has been looked after by one of his father’s
associates, who seems to have ulterior motives. Lara misses her father, and continues
to hold out hope that he will return. She eventually goes out to find him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WkiEcFL44Nr7HUmj56MRkLmKTQ6Our0xOYj7RoFtZKrGOwNIiGRpBJD66oPUed4ucT6hMjh7aJX4pHsdZ9ZOokuzdbVhK2mfy_1b9dVm78Eph8z6i16ZUD6lkvhqbYkMhRJBYjYE_zrN/s1600/Tomb+Raider+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WkiEcFL44Nr7HUmj56MRkLmKTQ6Our0xOYj7RoFtZKrGOwNIiGRpBJD66oPUed4ucT6hMjh7aJX4pHsdZ9ZOokuzdbVhK2mfy_1b9dVm78Eph8z6i16ZUD6lkvhqbYkMhRJBYjYE_zrN/s320/Tomb+Raider+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Lara is able to find closure with regard to her dad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As a child and teenager, Lara is often left behind by her father
as he pursues his life work. She begins protesting, but he always ends up
leaving. This could be hard for some viewers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A character lies, and brags that he killed Lara’s father. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lara’s dad does die a gruesome death, as do other
characters.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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One character enslaves others and murders them when he finds
them to be no longer useful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lara is attacked, but manages to drown her assailant by
holding his head under water. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lara does find her dad, but she loses him shortly thereafter.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01YYz9Eldnf2HinDCiC0oq7wtu2FUPUm9oPN3U-kP7-it95EM4x2sQ5upednzXCFRx1UegYUrcYVcJnFQMFyG4t4cfMLOl1yWlBJWkXU70v-RHD-fwxZjE6O7hr68ZFtTP3-WjauFd0Xw/s1600/Tomb+Raider+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01YYz9Eldnf2HinDCiC0oq7wtu2FUPUm9oPN3U-kP7-it95EM4x2sQ5upednzXCFRx1UegYUrcYVcJnFQMFyG4t4cfMLOl1yWlBJWkXU70v-RHD-fwxZjE6O7hr68ZFtTP3-WjauFd0Xw/s320/Tomb+Raider+3.jpg" width="320" /></a>Tomb Raider is (unsurprisingly) frightening and violent.
Lara’s relationship with her father could be triggers for teens with issues of
loss or parental abandonment, and it is a bit disturbing that her guardian is
untrustworthy. The frightening and violent scenes of this film probably relegate
it to teenagers, but for families touched by adoption, even teens might struggle
with the intertwined themes of parental loss, untrustworthy guardians,
abandonment, and violence. This one is probably safe to skip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Have you ever thought about seeking for someone that you
haven’t seen in a long time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How do you think Lara’s dad’s work will impact Lara’s life
moving forward?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Was Lara’s dad right to leave her behind so often?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-54296569594926564332018-06-26T04:00:00.000-07:002018-06-26T04:00:12.628-07:00Won't You Be My Neighbor adoption movie review<br />
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In response to what he perceived as a barrage of flashy,
insubstantial children’s programming geared towards turning children into
consumers, Fred Rogers created programming that treated children as people with
their own inherent value. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood placed value on
imagination, but also talked with children about difficult real-world issues
like death, divorce, and segregation. Won’t You Be My Neighbor looks beyond the
show at the real Fred Rogers, who it turns out is very much like the patient,
gentle, caring character he portrayed on television. This documentary is an
insightful look at a person who served children in a unique and impactful way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM-trnlKNQK8sCvbB5Q9ppzOE_24Of7gmYwY6XI8E4zygRLn0-0gaYi0jc4xCjPjrY1KVgeEbwhSQ4751RzX7Avt8L4SOgrR4v-xDWnaxKFxO4DPKGDcfKFcg0j2HQWMKTwei3tOI9qyv/s1600/Neighbor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM-trnlKNQK8sCvbB5Q9ppzOE_24Of7gmYwY6XI8E4zygRLn0-0gaYi0jc4xCjPjrY1KVgeEbwhSQ4751RzX7Avt8L4SOgrR4v-xDWnaxKFxO4DPKGDcfKFcg0j2HQWMKTwei3tOI9qyv/s1600/Neighbor1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There is no adoption aspect to the film. If you’re
interested, though, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Talk-About-Adoption-Rogers/dp/0698116259">Mr. Rogers did write a book on adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7e1SmFTfXzKy0t_S5xjyZaUEZu9RkjzOqwCbtkiIA3lfQ7PJcqAJXe5avMNemWGuUXQE0SwzhAoMGEIhQAmKVaT70A5l_EgBokGHWRPP2eRA3DxEMaWWwucbtP1w0sdHh_LbxxbQQN1E/s1600/Neighbor5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7e1SmFTfXzKy0t_S5xjyZaUEZu9RkjzOqwCbtkiIA3lfQ7PJcqAJXe5avMNemWGuUXQE0SwzhAoMGEIhQAmKVaT70A5l_EgBokGHWRPP2eRA3DxEMaWWwucbtP1w0sdHh_LbxxbQQN1E/s320/Neighbor5.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There’s a lot of good here; so much of Mister Rogers’
philosophy could be helpfully applied to parenting or working with children. Here
are a few, paraphrased: <o:p></o:p></div>
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“There are so many difficult modulations of life, you’ve got
to weave so many things; if you’ve got someone to help you, it is easier.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Love is at the root of everything… All learning, all
relationships. Love. Or the lack of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Kids’ feelings are as powerful as adult feelings. Kids have
deep questions [and if you take their questions seriously] you have passed the
test, and can come into their lives.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I like you as you are. Children can’t grow unless they’re
accepted as they are.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Respectful communication is the most spiritual thing I can
do.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Kids need to be appreciated not for who they will be or
what they will do, but for who they are.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“One of the first things a child learns in a healthy family
is trust.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvCCUSYQFe0YoK7iyDqtK5G3YxshGmzBeVxCgIRTZAA97xlWoJa_yPJVSZQYjNCPsFbrP4l5FLg6VyPitGbEIwT95ldQIorlQp0QjtRL7PvSHom-RrRvokJF18XmSkQnlmyS_vs18_vU0/s1600/Neighbor4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvCCUSYQFe0YoK7iyDqtK5G3YxshGmzBeVxCgIRTZAA97xlWoJa_yPJVSZQYjNCPsFbrP4l5FLg6VyPitGbEIwT95ldQIorlQp0QjtRL7PvSHom-RrRvokJF18XmSkQnlmyS_vs18_vU0/s320/Neighbor4.jpg" width="212" /></a>“Feelings are mentionable and manageable.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The most important part of communication is to listen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Children need adults who will protect them from the ever-ready
molders of the world.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Love is what keeps us together, and grief shows the depth
of love.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Those who would try to make you feel less than who you are –
that is the greatest evil.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You don’t ever have to do anything sensational for people
to love you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Everyone longs to be loved and to be loveable, and consequently
the greatest thing we can do is help people know they can be loved and that
they can love.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of Mister Rogers’ cast members found acceptance in Mister
Rogers that he hadn’t found elsewhere, saying “I needed a man to tell me he
loved me; he became my surrogate father [and told me] ‘I’m so proud of you.’”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4njsQGInDSCuJzM-bt8uvRV5KMURh0_mBgleBX2TxzYLxlFZo2wDRpjGc1dhlI-C9UyYeDksZjRTHhu7B6HHmjQ2VDrQMYGXAbe7fwzjO4cYWZDcTjYDMaqOP5PIsLyOB3PpjUawbSAJY/s1600/Neighbor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4njsQGInDSCuJzM-bt8uvRV5KMURh0_mBgleBX2TxzYLxlFZo2wDRpjGc1dhlI-C9UyYeDksZjRTHhu7B6HHmjQ2VDrQMYGXAbe7fwzjO4cYWZDcTjYDMaqOP5PIsLyOB3PpjUawbSAJY/s320/Neighbor3.jpg" width="320" /></a>Some news footage related to an assassination and some late
night talk show clips could be out-of-bounds for younger viewers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Won’t You Be My Neighbor is a well-made invitation to get to
know a gentle, willful, intentionally impactful television star who genuinely
used his position to serve children. While kids might not be entertained by the
documentary, it is valuable viewing for parents.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF7tD6W6cLg8phcXc3BpkUserb3g06mg0BWr6OQk30FqTcf6-TOkY-WWjU717Kclkm8tmoKRX1GWABMp8Tdgk2RbpixLbimNnIs7vGgQax9SCZHmZBuNoeJjVRaSbK4WkLdc886Bbz4yv/s1600/Neighbor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF7tD6W6cLg8phcXc3BpkUserb3g06mg0BWr6OQk30FqTcf6-TOkY-WWjU717Kclkm8tmoKRX1GWABMp8Tdgk2RbpixLbimNnIs7vGgQax9SCZHmZBuNoeJjVRaSbK4WkLdc886Bbz4yv/s320/Neighbor2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What messages might your kids need to hear from you about
themselves?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What could help you talk to your kids about uncomfortable topics
in a way that’s age-appropriate to them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who are the people that have invested in you? Who’s one person
that helped make you who you are today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-29529888479425860422018-06-20T19:41:00.003-07:002018-06-20T19:41:43.232-07:00Incredibles 2 (SPOILERS) Adoption Movie Review - Good Movie but Scarier Than You Might Guess<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the superhero family The Incredibles are unsuccessful
in their attempt to stop a villain, the community sees the damage caused by
their attempt, and the government moves to ban superheroes. The program that
had overseen superheroes is shut down, and superheroes are obligated to stay in
their secret identities; the Incredibles temporarily move into a motel and assume
their given names – Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack Parr – and try to figure
out how to avoid homelessness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of the blue, Helen and Bob are called to a secret
meeting, and there, Helen is invited to take part in a secret mission to
rehabilitate the image of superheroes everywhere. To support her, Bob begrudgingly
stays home, and discovers how hard it is to be a stay-at-home parent – and how “Incredible”
his baby boy is. In the meantime, Helen works in the service of the two
siblings who run DEVTECH – Winston, a devoted fan of superheroes, and Evelyn, a
crafty inventor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8PNT3X6ej702Nwuu129vAve2kdQ0Aw8dZC5I5LkOHyNGbmbjRSL_vqGJKDN84m1qm0nlOLfy28sGncaoNyYV7uQIiz8Zh2E9TDPcpI1hdK32AxHGPpQFQzgKBhY0ZjvapmfPBZDJuloL/s1600/Incredibles1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="820" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8PNT3X6ej702Nwuu129vAve2kdQ0Aw8dZC5I5LkOHyNGbmbjRSL_vqGJKDN84m1qm0nlOLfy28sGncaoNyYV7uQIiz8Zh2E9TDPcpI1hdK32AxHGPpQFQzgKBhY0ZjvapmfPBZDJuloL/s320/Incredibles1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adoption is not part of the film. Kids who have been adopted
may relate to the Incredibles being known under alternate names. Kids who have experienced
insecurity of resources may find it uncomfortable to see the Incredibles living
on the border of homelessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evelyn and Winston’s life changed when their father was murdered
by home intruders. Their father tried to call his superhero friends instead of
hiding, but they did not answer their phones. When the intruders saw him on the
phone, they shot him – we do see the barrel of the gun on screen. Winston and
Evelyn share that their mother died a few months later. Winston continues to believe
in superheroes; Evelyn rejects superheroes, blaming her father’s death on peoples’
tendency to allow themselves to be dependent on superheroes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdpbZrNGEnnrPdD1dJ1pC6eKeAGjVftOkRqAQRISAULXiENCWz1zpSNsLoIeKxk3IARLZV6-geN8SM5gQek-paPuELRTslBaIBDiLv5G2VOVpMK1sIRmFc0rslRyug6UG5_auxVS7mQXQ/s1600/incredibles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="727" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdpbZrNGEnnrPdD1dJ1pC6eKeAGjVftOkRqAQRISAULXiENCWz1zpSNsLoIeKxk3IARLZV6-geN8SM5gQek-paPuELRTslBaIBDiLv5G2VOVpMK1sIRmFc0rslRyug6UG5_auxVS7mQXQ/s320/incredibles2.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Incredibles is accompanied by a nearly wordless, very
touching animated short that captures a parent’s struggle allowing her child to
transition into adulthood. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Incredible learns how hard it is to be an at-home
parent, but with the help of a family friend, he begins to develop his infant
son’s newly-discovered gifts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-CUvA0zV5c7G02MoQq_adZdrUqWLlGY76p17_EbeVI1YW_1JvLi8xh6fPeMQF8j61kIMZnV6kjh98JaUyiv_A2a9LNL8vOBT1wuyOwYw1jEeB3FRSApjbns9KNqa6ltKvMVW6DdmqyDu/s1600/incredibles3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-CUvA0zV5c7G02MoQq_adZdrUqWLlGY76p17_EbeVI1YW_1JvLi8xh6fPeMQF8j61kIMZnV6kjh98JaUyiv_A2a9LNL8vOBT1wuyOwYw1jEeB3FRSApjbns9KNqa6ltKvMVW6DdmqyDu/s1600/incredibles3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. and Mrs. Incredible genuinely care about doing good, and
about their kids; Mrs. Incredible is often obviously aware of her family even
when she’s in the midst of a high-stakes mission. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even the villain demonstrates a lasting concern for her
sibling. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Certain scenes involving flashing lights could trigger epileptic seizures. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some surprisingly frightening scenes; Mr. and Mrs.
Incredible are temporarily brainwashed, and attempt to attack their children.
When Winston and Evelyn’s father is killed, we do see the barrel of the gun on-screen;
this could be too frightening for some of the young children to whom this film
is likely to appeal – especially if they’ve previously experienced or feared
in-home violence. It falls to the children to rescue their unsafe parents, trying
without adult assistance to free them from Evelyn’s control while avoiding
their attacks; for most viewers, this will be fun heroism, but it could be
difficult or confusing for children who, prior to entering foster care, felt responsible
for their parents’ unpredictable, unsafe, or abusive behaviors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDi6LGTxT_Ce2Q0fOiy8-DD66WGATUOxkT1uKqwk83y1_RZH18pIJMPTLOQ-DO6UwLSoVQrmgPoVujsk09G5I9LTJh8_Txkoo1YKvBPYC98AilYIIGS36w2mQIhIMozo7djBp3timjJgx/s1600/Incredibles6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDi6LGTxT_Ce2Q0fOiy8-DD66WGATUOxkT1uKqwk83y1_RZH18pIJMPTLOQ-DO6UwLSoVQrmgPoVujsk09G5I9LTJh8_Txkoo1YKvBPYC98AilYIIGS36w2mQIhIMozo7djBp3timjJgx/s320/Incredibles6.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs. Incredible fights hand-to-hand against a frighteningly-masked,
ax-wielding foe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Violet’s would-be boyfriend forgets her when his memory is erased
in an effort to preserve the s</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
superheroes’ anonymity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evelyn is upset that her father died waiting for heroes; she
accuses her brother of conflating superheroes with his parents, implying that
he believes he’ll reclaim his parents if he successfully restores legal status
to superheroes. She mockingly frames his perspective as, “Mommy and Daddy left
when superheroes did.” It might be rather insightful, but it’s also cruel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNLNsglTS3A37E0U_rzTHq9ZkrHVxr_FkEHYsA53ylDI2F4eSxkDiLRjsbMC96XWJ5bOWU3u5HkMGorRUPROlgYSCNG3PQKAdTzmX_AsX9qOBPPfYfMxD1yrXAXKVon4peQnYn3TSX55V/s1600/Incredibles5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNLNsglTS3A37E0U_rzTHq9ZkrHVxr_FkEHYsA53ylDI2F4eSxkDiLRjsbMC96XWJ5bOWU3u5HkMGorRUPROlgYSCNG3PQKAdTzmX_AsX9qOBPPfYfMxD1yrXAXKVon4peQnYn3TSX55V/s320/Incredibles5.jpg" width="320" /></a>Incredibles 2 is a fun film that will likely be regarded
as a classic; it successfully blends humor and action while creating characters
and relationships that are easy to care about. It’s also scarier than I was expecting;
a nightmarish villain, and some surprising realism in the description of the
murder of a father could be very troubling for young or sensitive viewers. I’d
feel most comfortable recommending this to most kids ages 12 and up. Parents of
sensitive kids, or of younger kids, should probably screen it before their kids
do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEoAOrz91iLmPy6HU0jaKu1eacrbrKKo8rHcIAgSgZvjYUT4ZP8-n0ESTlUp5lFDXDmSJe5wiLMVhb9Cxv4Bvl9RmxJMjyhxETrHUw0ymtkZEfmKYNYxepCkpE5mSlhxd7GvVDcMcK9WE/s1600/incredibles4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="780" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEoAOrz91iLmPy6HU0jaKu1eacrbrKKo8rHcIAgSgZvjYUT4ZP8-n0ESTlUp5lFDXDmSJe5wiLMVhb9Cxv4Bvl9RmxJMjyhxETrHUw0ymtkZEfmKYNYxepCkpE5mSlhxd7GvVDcMcK9WE/s320/incredibles4.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why didn’t the Incredibles want to hide their super powers? Did
each character have a different reason?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evelyn and Winston had the same loss; why do you think it
impacted them differently? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Incredible depended on Edna to help him with Jack-Jack.
Who are some people that your family depends on?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which Incredible has the coolest super power? If you could
pick a power, what would it be?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-66604968942446773332018-06-12T03:30:00.000-07:002018-06-12T03:30:04.078-07:00I Can Only Imagine Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Bart’s mother leaves, he is left to be raised by his emotionally
and physically abusive father. Bart’s father consistently tells him not to
waste time dreaming or following his interests, but does encourage him to play
football. An injury on the field leads Bart to a music class, and although a
teacher discovers that Bart is gifted, his father is unsupportive. Bart ultimately
leaves home to pursue a career in music, but he is quickly disheartened, and continues
to have unresolved feelings towards his father. Fortunately, Bart is able to
make peace with his father before his father dies, and his reflections on his
father’s conversion to Christianity and subsequent death and anticipated arrival
in Heaven lead Bart to pen the song, “I Can Only Imagine,” which brings
inspiration to many and launches Bart’s musical career.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_aPZ80rRD_YE85qfEGwsMLCSVFxRoQF-zxzv7b8WZQDaAyR7YlITeN-Cm_OdmKGrvVABF1w1Fv9SrQ8klFrUkCQLPCl0RUKhqb5cUsUJ7jNWYAQlqkeiySYO_53TN-oNiJ54wKfwufTA/s1600/Imagine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_aPZ80rRD_YE85qfEGwsMLCSVFxRoQF-zxzv7b8WZQDaAyR7YlITeN-Cm_OdmKGrvVABF1w1Fv9SrQ8klFrUkCQLPCl0RUKhqb5cUsUJ7jNWYAQlqkeiySYO_53TN-oNiJ54wKfwufTA/s1600/Imagine1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>The Adoption
Connection</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some viewers may relate to Bart’s experiences; his father
was abusive, and his mother left. They may also relate to Bart’s feelings towards
his father – anger and pain at what has happened, but an eventual openness to
forgiveness and reconciliation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraHryYPdB9zDkQIrm8t7uQJu4gGdbDRII5mG6mDZUKMEb0IkWEc8SEL07VwJPim5do3zmlRRLg33jhXUA-KHgZUzWo-PuNGSCwAzpMZCBBCp2zoSCviMUtux6c3TzKnT4452B9U99JPDy/s1600/Imagine3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="992" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraHryYPdB9zDkQIrm8t7uQJu4gGdbDRII5mG6mDZUKMEb0IkWEc8SEL07VwJPim5do3zmlRRLg33jhXUA-KHgZUzWo-PuNGSCwAzpMZCBBCp2zoSCviMUtux6c3TzKnT4452B9U99JPDy/s320/Imagine3.jpg" width="320" /></a>The film presents a connection between the discouragement
Bart received from his father and Bart’s reaction to negative but constructive
feedback from music executives. The scene highlights for me the fact that no behaviors
or reactions exist in a vacuum, and most behaviors and reactions make sense
within a certain context. Part of effectively parenting kids from hard places might
be working to understand the internal contexts which inform their behaviors and
reactions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bart ultimately forgives his father and finds healing. The
healing that Bart finds also helps others to find hope and healing in the face
of their own losses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EDYllm6GbI2IAFfeJCpAqceXUrg63KX3OiCFyOR1p63VjjtSsUngvN90sBAzsydIKtl4rlNRT0opIu40lnjyXo4mPTlDrgHYpi-eBvH4BXDZpoOEDUYC3qrdenlwGP3rdYyTAYawfT-u/s1600/Imagine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EDYllm6GbI2IAFfeJCpAqceXUrg63KX3OiCFyOR1p63VjjtSsUngvN90sBAzsydIKtl4rlNRT0opIu40lnjyXo4mPTlDrgHYpi-eBvH4BXDZpoOEDUYC3qrdenlwGP3rdYyTAYawfT-u/s320/Imagine2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some viewers could be triggered by Bart’s dad; when Bart is
young, his father burns a project that Bart had worked on. When Bart his older,
his father physically abuses him, and he and Bart nearly come to blows. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE4Vx6XuqIL_3IDJLMs0sCg9Uj_bLzSB9xdfLvK-yOii1W52Nj_wTOZfvUn4aANzZLsb4nq_z3lIpaaRrTlAcmwhC08Mw57IFWgaf0hoctSXtsl29lovRDIgDHqYQdVxcTUo38UY_ZbV5/s1600/Imagine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="768" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE4Vx6XuqIL_3IDJLMs0sCg9Uj_bLzSB9xdfLvK-yOii1W52Nj_wTOZfvUn4aANzZLsb4nq_z3lIpaaRrTlAcmwhC08Mw57IFWgaf0hoctSXtsl29lovRDIgDHqYQdVxcTUo38UY_ZbV5/s320/Imagine4.jpg" width="320" /></a>Bart tearfully wonders what he did to make his mother leave
him. We see him chasing after the van that is taking away the last of her
belongings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I Can Only Imagine could appeal to some older teenagers, but
seems most likely to appeal to adults. Some viewers could be triggered by the
abuse and abandonment that Bart experiences, but the film provides a good
opportunity to reflect on the way that childhood experiences can impact a
person’s behaviors and reactions into adulthood. For folks considering becoming
foster parents, this film could be an invitation to begin thinking about the experiences
that your kids may have had and how their undesirable and hard-to-understand behaviors
might reflect their experiences rather than their character.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKatzoNxsHtR6ijgOSDHYrkxTBfsYvOTNaTAbbl0bjGsRRe8_ZxdoRFrQ4ljqltqAxSsLkpXM7YkvEFdA8SCVFDMSgXxxskDpnI0i5RLy8BjoKf_Z7vm1sX7N7d7Y0Ez-N2faiqoMIfzwo/s1600/Imagine5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKatzoNxsHtR6ijgOSDHYrkxTBfsYvOTNaTAbbl0bjGsRRe8_ZxdoRFrQ4ljqltqAxSsLkpXM7YkvEFdA8SCVFDMSgXxxskDpnI0i5RLy8BjoKf_Z7vm1sX7N7d7Y0Ez-N2faiqoMIfzwo/s320/Imagine5.png" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why did Bart react so negatively to the music executives’
negative feedback?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How was Bart able to forgive his dad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What gifts do you have that you’d like to pursue?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-81808722285554009582018-06-05T06:30:00.000-07:002018-06-05T06:30:02.008-07:00I Feel Pretty Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renee Bennett feels invisible and unconfident because of her
body. In an attempt to change her life by changing her physique, Renee joins a
cycling class, but suffers a serious fall which renders her unconscious. When
she wakes up, Renee sees herself differently. She is amazed at her newly-realized
good looks, and with her new confidence, her career soars but her friendships
suffer. Can she find a balance between confidence and shallowness? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzcensM5biTw-NjglRw5aHr11VB9JheqcCf9726ATErHVMgweKEIQePhz9lR_Vyy8GB9_xUu1KksCOLBw15xgmZxaQV4kxCL6QYI5GbULkgpUB-zmsNmIjJ71JM-MlkKg7ssvp__1Z1u2/s1600/Pretty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzcensM5biTw-NjglRw5aHr11VB9JheqcCf9726ATErHVMgweKEIQePhz9lR_Vyy8GB9_xUu1KksCOLBw15xgmZxaQV4kxCL6QYI5GbULkgpUB-zmsNmIjJ71JM-MlkKg7ssvp__1Z1u2/s1600/Pretty1.jpg" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no adoption element to the story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renee eventually realizes that her physique never changed –
only her confidence did. She affirms the importance of women accepting
themselves as they are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We learn that even people in positions of power have
insecurities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSZZXY_EXB2CSp0ru8jSZQB5Rn3BQSNy3uq29Ai5wC6KOjPydNmYy4bdioezgpR-pWOB-9ecVd8MFJ2cC77FunmWgK0oq1fRb9sjAC27uht3A7L86bQYH8v5jAsag3y5DElspfv1vaefJ/s1600/Pretty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSZZXY_EXB2CSp0ru8jSZQB5Rn3BQSNy3uq29Ai5wC6KOjPydNmYy4bdioezgpR-pWOB-9ecVd8MFJ2cC77FunmWgK0oq1fRb9sjAC27uht3A7L86bQYH8v5jAsag3y5DElspfv1vaefJ/s320/Pretty2.jpg" width="320" /></a>A sex scene and the general flavor of the film aims at an
audience of adults and older teens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For adults and older teens, I Feel Pretty has a generally
positive message accompanied by some off-color but laugh-out-loud moments. Some
reviewers have felt that the movie is hypocritical – having a positive message
but also making fat jokes – but it didn’t strike me that way. Good for adults,
and possibly some older teens, but parents should pre-screen it to decide. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did Renee believe made the difference in how she felt
and in her career trajectory? What actually made the difference?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you think it’s more important to look good or to feel
good? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-8869920595931061312018-05-29T04:00:00.000-07:002018-05-29T04:00:07.262-07:00Solo: A Star Wars Story - Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the galaxy in chaos, orphaned children are forced to
steal to survive. Two young lovers escape gang control, but they are separated
before they can make it offworld. Han escapes, and promises that he will come
back to rescue Qi’ra.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** I will try to avoid spoilers, but do be aware that there
may be SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrL5DU18ZsaMi0s3wuoAkX0Wcsj7ShVhRRvf2WhHGoBmdM1yJS3ld-B5blIU6uy1tbN2nHol9b6ElG_qF5YERSCoZf4DChzHzK7D5Xuc7BKFWfCAOMfB5nEqigYI_wdogBfr6rj66CmOj/s1600/Solo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrL5DU18ZsaMi0s3wuoAkX0Wcsj7ShVhRRvf2WhHGoBmdM1yJS3ld-B5blIU6uy1tbN2nHol9b6ElG_qF5YERSCoZf4DChzHzK7D5Xuc7BKFWfCAOMfB5nEqigYI_wdogBfr6rj66CmOj/s1600/Solo1.jpg" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Han’s last name, “Solo” is arbitrarily assigned by a
government official who learns that Han “has no people.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Han’s friend Chewbacca reveals that he is trying to find his
own tribe or family (Han couldn’t differentiate between the two terms in
Chewbacca’s language). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From a fan perspective, this is a fun movie, and it answers
questions that I hadn’t thought to ask. It is worth seeing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOMOUiEyVlV6gi1a84DymJVhYufnRYROKParYeN3Za6RPUM60HzYzb4Ta-8tDUNViC-zAzp69Wz1qmk_bG3M7hF3_8u-GNHn5QnqdKRoG5qP3VtpQXnKKSnHo_0AtG4xuFjvC38zpKpV8/s1600/Solo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1400" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOMOUiEyVlV6gi1a84DymJVhYufnRYROKParYeN3Za6RPUM60HzYzb4Ta-8tDUNViC-zAzp69Wz1qmk_bG3M7hF3_8u-GNHn5QnqdKRoG5qP3VtpQXnKKSnHo_0AtG4xuFjvC38zpKpV8/s320/Solo3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents and children are separated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The realistic nature of some war scenes could surprise some
younger viewers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some soldiers try to feed Han to a beast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One character’s life philosophy is to “assume everyone will
be tray you and you’ll never be disappointed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Solo: A Star Wars Story has some violence that feels more realistic
than sci-fi, and there are some on-screen (or just-off-screen) deaths of some sympathetic
characters; both of these could make the movie a rough experience for the
youngest viewers. The film is rated PG-13 and that feels like a pretty good
guideline; I’d recommend it for most kids ages 12 and up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GQySJjPbkLARGKHWdJMxj7DIE8fcPijD-CiyFLX8WglgA73YZ-GGdKCdeDki4hmjtg9xaefhzkhVYs81juwdxDfqHrRZ8sLTCTSDHFBnaOYKg73_HMOXqXzxYDh4RMHZarsbJmjuZ1DE/s1600/Solo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GQySJjPbkLARGKHWdJMxj7DIE8fcPijD-CiyFLX8WglgA73YZ-GGdKCdeDki4hmjtg9xaefhzkhVYs81juwdxDfqHrRZ8sLTCTSDHFBnaOYKg73_HMOXqXzxYDh4RMHZarsbJmjuZ1DE/s320/Solo2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you feel about how Han was given his last name? Should
he have been able to choose one?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who do you think Han can trust? What makes you think that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would you like to have a friend like Chewbacca?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-77231319349036456582018-05-25T11:04:00.000-07:002018-05-25T11:09:34.091-07:00Show Dogs Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When police dog Max botches a sting operation, smugglers
escape with a baby panda. Max promises that he will successfully retrieve the
panda, who is being taken to Las Vegas. Max teams up with a human agent and, in
order to get close to the panda, Max has to enter a dog show. He believes that
if he wins the show, he will be targeted as the next kidnapping victim, which
will bring him into proximity to the panda; however, Max’s love interest wins
and is also kidnapped; now he has two victims to rescue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bZLyqK7BnqBR96odLeyFOeWZTNjWDEN86sPcszzrNTgaC4DKhUowb-_AwJJBD9P5I02QKfz4JPBevGh5eHvvbmlQap9bl13hRoyaw7wlMIw76WhkGwUc72mepBu73ZIdnAqOal_QUyyZ/s1600/ShowDogs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bZLyqK7BnqBR96odLeyFOeWZTNjWDEN86sPcszzrNTgaC4DKhUowb-_AwJJBD9P5I02QKfz4JPBevGh5eHvvbmlQap9bl13hRoyaw7wlMIw76WhkGwUc72mepBu73ZIdnAqOal_QUyyZ/s320/ShowDogs1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some themes that could be relevant – and troubling
– for adoptive families. Kidnapping plays a central theme in the film – a baby
panda is separated from its mother. This could be a triggering theme for some
viewers. For kids who have been sexually abused, a particular scene could be
very problematic; I’ll cover that more in the “Challenges” section of this
review. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The entire field of Rottweilers, except Max, learn that they
are all related when Max guides them to discovering that they were all adopted
from the same town in Kentucky. While the newfound siblings celebrate, another
dog joins the scene declaring that she had puppies adopted from that town. The dogs
realize that this is their mother, and they have a joyous reunion, and are promptly
disqualified from the show because of their unruly celebration. It feels like
the adoption connection here is presented in a rather thoughtless way which
could be bracing and hurtful for some viewers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max and his human handler Frank overcome a rough start and
are able to work together to save kidnapping victims. The film does affirm that
we are better off when we trust people who see the world differently than we do.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Felipe, a former dog show champion, has been abandoned. Max
finds him in a cage in the pound. When Felipe re-encounters his hold owner, he
attacks him. He complains that his owner “stole my dreams, ruined my life, and
abandoned me.” The owner’s new dog coldly says that Felipe “needs to be put to
sleep.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adoption is treated in an offhanded way in a scene discussed
in the “Adoption Connection” section.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDk7_nyqBrqOJPPV8grm6CUnhV1QJpzo3di6plIqpzp2-ERrhSZ6cl_vaMjV34apkw0WPXAteaDRk-BNfV4O2SPNY_-Xq9ob3ucM5g4TI1rekT2oc1w11RsrskC4XiKp-vsDxcRATBPgF/s1600/ShowDogs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="770" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDk7_nyqBrqOJPPV8grm6CUnhV1QJpzo3di6plIqpzp2-ERrhSZ6cl_vaMjV34apkw0WPXAteaDRk-BNfV4O2SPNY_-Xq9ob3ucM5g4TI1rekT2oc1w11RsrskC4XiKp-vsDxcRATBPgF/s320/ShowDogs3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Show Dogs has come into the news for a disturbing scene. Max
had to get a bikini wax in order to give the judges “a good look” at his
genitals, and part of being a show dog is having genitals examined by a judge.
Max is not comfortable with this. Frank and Felipe to prepare Max for the contest
by coaching and practicing with him. Max snaps at Frank’s touch, but Felipe
encourages Max to go to his happy place and to “focus on not reacting”. In the
actual contest, Max does go into his imagination while the judge is touching
his genitals – he dreams of dancing with Frank, and it would not be impossible
to interpret the scene as being romanticized. Max is congratulated after the
judge finishes touching him. I feel like the scene is profoundly troubling and
unwise. It would likely be particularly triggering and confusing for kids who
have experienced sexual abuse and is likely a poor choice for any child,
because regardless of the filmmakers’ intent, it could have the effect of normalizing
grooming behavior. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A creepy character tries to proposition Frank into having
Max breed with another dog. Max doesn’t want to, which infuriates the creepy
man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are so many problems with this one. Earlier this week
(I’m writing on 5/25/18), the filmmakers announced that they would be
re-cutting the film to remove the concerning scenes, and they’ll be
re-releasing it for the weekend of 5/27 with the scenes removed. It may be a
safer film to see, but the adoption elements are still insensitive, it’s
unlikely that the bikini wax scene will be removed as it didn’t generate the
same attention as the more obvious scene, and the underlying theme of
kidnapping could also be troubling for some viewers. The film doesn’t seem
likely to be entertaining for older kids, and for younger kids it feels like a strong
“skip.” I wouldn’t recommend this one. It’s not without some decent moments, but it is sitting at 18% on Rotten
Tomatoes right now, which feels about right. There are better movies with less problems. If your kids want to hang out with
talking animals, <a href="http://www.adoptionlcsw.com/2016/03/zootopia-adoption-movie-review.html">think about subbing in Zootopia this weekend.</a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Help Us :) <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check out our book for some great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIEJwlKT7rR2ZR15qqYKvhHJddIAYjKF3f_BBLdKdw_GCbK2LQxdu3I3Xnf02gyLxjB1Ihi8x-6tEB5E6z87FxL0G8p8vQq-OQrV1dxkOe1Bd2S122xjGOEWyH3oLTVoSamOhG2ub5fwH/s1600/ShowDogs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="620" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIEJwlKT7rR2ZR15qqYKvhHJddIAYjKF3f_BBLdKdw_GCbK2LQxdu3I3Xnf02gyLxjB1Ihi8x-6tEB5E6z87FxL0G8p8vQq-OQrV1dxkOe1Bd2S122xjGOEWyH3oLTVoSamOhG2ub5fwH/s320/ShowDogs2.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max hurt his friend’s feelings when she realized that he didn’t
think dog shows were important. How could he have told her what he thought
without hurting her feelings?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What animal would be your ideal pet?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What would you have told Max if you knew that he didn’t want
to be touched by the judge? (Here’s a good chance to affirm to your kids the importance
of boundaries… but again, I’d suggest a different film.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-76955571598515849232018-05-22T03:30:00.000-07:002018-05-22T03:30:15.674-07:00Pacific Rim Uprising Adoption Movie Review<br />
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The monstrous Kaiju are back, and Jake, the son of war hero
Stacker Pentecost, is pressed into service. Using large robots, Jake and his
team must defeat the Kaiju before they destroy the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3F1MXpXDmupgrI34GPKQSD8ry8xitx3JhIvxB3aFSWn7o-CTtOr28eCjpRQ5-jZtUeh_Nr7Izimdf1EPwYyl3tQpnLXCkT8fpXGONvJsvzurIHU-qkrpEPF4kjGvYJUV1I_NZTliu_9j/s1600/PacificRim2A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3F1MXpXDmupgrI34GPKQSD8ry8xitx3JhIvxB3aFSWn7o-CTtOr28eCjpRQ5-jZtUeh_Nr7Izimdf1EPwYyl3tQpnLXCkT8fpXGONvJsvzurIHU-qkrpEPF4kjGvYJUV1I_NZTliu_9j/s1600/PacificRim2A.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the first Pacific Rim movie, we learn that Stacker
Pentecost adopted Mako. Mako offers her adoptive brother Jake a way out of
going to prison. Their relationship isn’t very developed, and Mako does die
before the film ends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Many characters act bravely. Some characters are able to
resolve interpersonal differences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41lJDn4ZGUPckNRiZ6YL3FQ1XWw7jRNU_L_EZgBBp0rb2M2CfUgFB1hILn6uJqyYKtZyWSjN5-Yh4HGoA5E9_xDrWvXCwe6klprRJxTVZsADleFAInQM9P8CCIywQBHRh65CuOFkSvxF4/s1600/PacificRim2C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="618" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41lJDn4ZGUPckNRiZ6YL3FQ1XWw7jRNU_L_EZgBBp0rb2M2CfUgFB1hILn6uJqyYKtZyWSjN5-Yh4HGoA5E9_xDrWvXCwe6klprRJxTVZsADleFAInQM9P8CCIywQBHRh65CuOFkSvxF4/s320/PacificRim2C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jake reflects on Mako, “My dad took her in. She was my
sister, my family.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A character is told, “It doesn’t matter who your parents
are, who believed in you and who didn’t. We are a family now. You need to
confront your past [in order to bond with others and function in the present.]”
It’s quite a stretch to apply this to adoption, but it was, I think, a good
line. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mako’s death isn’t really processed. It’s also sad in
context; in the first film, Mako was in danger and so Stacker took her in to
protect her. Ultimately she died in a similar war – but as a hero, not as a
victim. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watching Pacific Rim Uprising feels like watching a Transformers movie. Big,
mechanized creatures fight on screen for much of the runtime of the film. There
are some interesting moments of dialogue, and some good lines which I’ve
highlighted in “Strong Points.” The adoption connection is present, but very
thin. The film seems likely to appeal to most teens 13 and up, and parents
could potentially make some conversation after the film about the concept of
sharing one’s mind with another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCka9kOoYByVd68YoS1BemQNHh-Xk9RZAanLZZCE-ugnX-zIYEE59BXwwS1XviJOoXsl_84l1Gg8Hr11EVo9fYz0Mxk4IqzVTUZX8vKa8Cm5RQvBBDcDW31N6_LdKEG7zbcaTb2HkiDLiD/s1600/PacificRim2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCka9kOoYByVd68YoS1BemQNHh-Xk9RZAanLZZCE-ugnX-zIYEE59BXwwS1XviJOoXsl_84l1Gg8Hr11EVo9fYz0Mxk4IqzVTUZX8vKa8Cm5RQvBBDcDW31N6_LdKEG7zbcaTb2HkiDLiD/s320/PacificRim2B.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why did Amara need to confront her past? How could
confronting her past help her function in the present?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Is there anyone with whose mind you think you’d be compatible
enough to “drift”?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What made Jake and Mako a family? How did their family connection
show up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-45340950344994953652018-05-15T04:00:00.000-07:002018-05-15T04:00:01.711-07:00Foster Parents Speak<div class="MsoNormal">
Foster Parents Speak is a short documentary from PhotoSynthesis
Productions which features several real-life foster parents speaking candidly
about their experiences serving kids in the system. Although the film does
appear dated, the content of the interviews continues to be relevant and valuable
to incoming foster parents, without falling into cliché. One foster parent
advises that there’s an important shift for foster parents to make away from “that’s
mine” to “that’s ours.” One reminds new parents that foster parenting “takes
more than love.” One reassures that the good “always outweighed the negative.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS8UpboPadDHJzuORPESzL5I9OX5iMm77dESPGLPPKC17AGbLg_iVKRE3AzQoNgkVgxFSmCHsGvRie4JBkVcTi7k1QlvTsctu5wnEO4LATQhFH9HRTaeMqkgpVyzgZexs5KbH2JG2uA6G/s1600/FPSpeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS8UpboPadDHJzuORPESzL5I9OX5iMm77dESPGLPPKC17AGbLg_iVKRE3AzQoNgkVgxFSmCHsGvRie4JBkVcTi7k1QlvTsctu5wnEO4LATQhFH9HRTaeMqkgpVyzgZexs5KbH2JG2uA6G/s1600/FPSpeak.jpg" /></a>The film covers a range of important topics for incoming
foster parents to consider; birth parent relationships, a child’s reunion with
their birth family, empathy for the birth parents, monitored visitation, and
cooperation with other foster parents and family service professionals are all thoughtfully
discussed. One foster parent reflects on her time as a foster parent with gratitude,
“I have grandkids and children that I’d never thought I’d have.” Foster parents
are encouraged to know that experienced foster parents believe that it is worth
it, and they’re promised, “You will get your joy!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foster Parents Speak is part of a trio of foster-adoption
training videos that will find a home in the training curricula of foster and adoption
agencies. The other two films are Gay Parents Speak and Struggle for Identity.
Gay Parents Speak features several foster and adoptive parents speaking
candidly and optimistically about their experiences. Struggle for Identity
features a group of young, transracially-adopted adults sharing honestly about
the difficult aspects of being adopted transracially, and has been a part of
the trainings I’ve presented to prospective foster and adoptive parents for the
past decade. These videos are worth considering as part of a foster family
agency’s onboarding training for new foster and adoptive parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-69285815221085806342018-05-08T02:30:00.000-07:002018-05-08T02:30:06.014-07:00Phoenix Wilder Adoption Movie Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phoenix Wilder is 13 years old. His parents have died, and
he lives in an uncaring foster home until he is able to fly to Africa to live
with his Aunt Sarah and her husband Jack. While on safari with Jack and his
company, Phoenix is separated from the party and is lost in the wilderness. He frees
a bull elephant, and Phoenix and the elephant travel together. Together they
work to try to stop elephant poachers while Sarah, Jack, and government forces
try to locate Phoenix. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://fathomevents.com/">Check out Fathom Events for other limited-release engagements.</a></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJP8Wh8HAoPisjTQJXcC4qEZ9xDNPWBIliu9HcQ4QDYhJ1xxyBoVrJ3hPViviPciDO9QmUh6yl85Mk-RrJovSeAfegNRxaHj8TUCMFzawEJfO_-n3YN6XQhIC4HBXEeWTPRC_ANpxmP4r/s1600/Phoenix1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJP8Wh8HAoPisjTQJXcC4qEZ9xDNPWBIliu9HcQ4QDYhJ1xxyBoVrJ3hPViviPciDO9QmUh6yl85Mk-RrJovSeAfegNRxaHj8TUCMFzawEJfO_-n3YN6XQhIC4HBXEeWTPRC_ANpxmP4r/s320/Phoenix1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4btUwvhLbMdv5lcLifQe_ABSTN8-m0VSN7ZVp2YhvLNEgU6txMsifPLqXIBLUJ0csBtrEUiBUhwWeAcToGnm2eJQwIMEA7gYIOgNCkLS0Zy2mBfkJGXp2S3B1AI_0BTDnzJ-Eg6wgHd7/s1600/Phoenix2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4btUwvhLbMdv5lcLifQe_ABSTN8-m0VSN7ZVp2YhvLNEgU6txMsifPLqXIBLUJ0csBtrEUiBUhwWeAcToGnm2eJQwIMEA7gYIOgNCkLS0Zy2mBfkJGXp2S3B1AI_0BTDnzJ-Eg6wgHd7/s320/Phoenix2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phoenix’s parents have died. He is briefly in an uncaring
foster home, and then travels a great distance to live with his aunt and her husband.
Phoenix and his aunt mourn their loss together. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phoenix and his aunt are able to grieve together. Sarah
assures Phoenix that she misses her sister, and affirms “You and I will be OK.
We’re gonna get through this and be a family.” Phoenix is brave in the face of
adversity. His loss of his own parents causes him to demonstrate empathy when
he perceives that another character has suffered a similar loss. Phoenix’s uncle
ultimately decides to be trustworthy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8D01lAeJ43OlqN1zYHvorNCBOI91HhPVkN5pkUYW3l2CZTkkBXNF_F-ApcyaymZ6eC564PBjdf3yClzYbkCHjUQ4NNDRZ-4Ck7bTTgNQbqWfgA-_KoWe9dH6YegTxteKhrkmTv9M1ak4/s1600/Phoenix3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8D01lAeJ43OlqN1zYHvorNCBOI91HhPVkN5pkUYW3l2CZTkkBXNF_F-ApcyaymZ6eC564PBjdf3yClzYbkCHjUQ4NNDRZ-4Ck7bTTgNQbqWfgA-_KoWe9dH6YegTxteKhrkmTv9M1ak4/s320/Phoenix3.jpg" width="320" /></a>There are some elements that could be troubling for some
young viewers: Phoenix is separated from Jack and spends a considerable amount of
time alone in the wilderness. He is kidnapped by poachers, but manages to
escape. Then, Phoenix learns that his aunt’s husband is in league with the
poachers. Although Uncle Jack finally sees the error of his ways and saves
Phoenix, Phoenix has still faced the danger of death due to poachers and due to
prolonged exposure to the wild. At one point, it seems that Uncle Jack has
information that could save Phoenix, but he chooses not to pass it on to the
other searchers because it would compromise the poachers. Kids who have been
neglected, kids who have experienced or witnessed violence, and kids who have
had untrustworthy guardians or foster parents, and kids who have been separated
from their caretakers could be triggered at certain points in the film. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Phoenix Wilder could be triggering for some younger viewers,
and it’s written in a way that might not appeal to many viewers over age 14 or
15. For kids ages 9-12, with parental guidance, it could be a positive picture
of a young teenager perseveres in the face of adversity even after losing his
parents. When coupled with the love of animals that is common in this age
group, Phoenix could be a sympathetic hero for some.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnoImV07Lt_zZSDNrb9IPHSmN7V_Razd1gqTyfTZ-CVstGVppsYEZSaA9KhfTFAWPJUGqBc-jflIWRRXlUtRyUk7m-DV2ifRvneODzFJ-7CwP9HXruvirlboAUn3RzL_6-y049h0vCddk/s1600/Phoenix4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnoImV07Lt_zZSDNrb9IPHSmN7V_Razd1gqTyfTZ-CVstGVppsYEZSaA9KhfTFAWPJUGqBc-jflIWRRXlUtRyUk7m-DV2ifRvneODzFJ-7CwP9HXruvirlboAUn3RzL_6-y049h0vCddk/s320/Phoenix4.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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What is the bravest thing Phoenix did?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Moving forward, what needs to happen for Phoenix to be able
to trust Uncle Jack?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why did Phoenix love his elephant so much? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-89412517572593954872018-05-04T09:04:00.000-07:002018-05-04T09:04:12.143-07:00Avengers: Infinity War (SPOILERS) Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Thanos is pursuing powerful artifacts known as Infinity
Stones. If he can collect them all, he will destroy life throughout the
universe. In an attempt to stop Thanos and save lives throughout the universe, dozens
of heroes from other Marvel movies join forces, but this may be the toughest
challenge they’ve ever faced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXYYpn6RNtZilQrAJKhXr0rlO16T5wE4gtUI_PCHHXulqsD1INPlHARZGp_nMqUcv1793Kq51qMOl1FgSKCyIg0NQzUxBDT5_fwK3boTm2WCnxXEFgse5mZSsPU7vKUUeXBYd-44yQD0A/s1600/InfinityWar1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXYYpn6RNtZilQrAJKhXr0rlO16T5wE4gtUI_PCHHXulqsD1INPlHARZGp_nMqUcv1793Kq51qMOl1FgSKCyIg0NQzUxBDT5_fwK3boTm2WCnxXEFgse5mZSsPU7vKUUeXBYd-44yQD0A/s320/InfinityWar1.jpeg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection – MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There are two adopted characters who are murdered on screen;
in one case, the killer is the adoptive father, in another, an adoptive sibling
watches helplessly as the murder happens. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7HVzIp6kxHFidWlPyObirJPUDEbgawjv-rkMe0_dnasG4CHMEwy3xWcRU09Lf8TpCxDvoUnPd3Mr4DuH58UxcZyuXocq5Z1RM6SEkSf8bjUh8UW5I1_3zanhREkZk5FCSBEByMTGdSJJ/s1600/InfinityWar5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="920" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7HVzIp6kxHFidWlPyObirJPUDEbgawjv-rkMe0_dnasG4CHMEwy3xWcRU09Lf8TpCxDvoUnPd3Mr4DuH58UxcZyuXocq5Z1RM6SEkSf8bjUh8UW5I1_3zanhREkZk5FCSBEByMTGdSJJ/s320/InfinityWar5.jpg" width="320" /></a>Thanos has been killing large numbers throughout the galaxy
in an attempt to stop other planets from experiencing the overpopulation that
decimated his own world. With a new weapon, Thanos believes he will be able to
kill in a more merciful manner, but in the past, he killed through warfare.
Thanos has two daughters; he took Gamora into his life after he killed her
parents while waging war on her planet. Thanos seems to care deeply for Gamora,
but she tells him that she does not love him and that he has never been her
father. Thanos ultimately sacrifices her, hurling her off a cliff to satisfy
what he believes is a higher purpose. Thanos’ other daughter, Nebula, has tried
to kill him. Thanos tortures Nebula to manipulate Gamora into giving him information.
Thanos’ adoption of one of his daughters came after he killed her parents, and
his treatment of both of his daughters is brutal. This could be a trigger for
some viewers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In one scene, Gamora attempts to kill Thanos, and believes
she succeeds. She is tearful as she does this, though, reflecting that although
she says she hates him, she also has conflicting feelings towards him. This could
reflect the conflicted feelings that some viewers might have towards parents
who have neglected or abused them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81Rajbjd_3RsctH1fERGh7bzCZRPvNlGdpg5Jq-zsbuLe6O_5UU84dhMNW1euKgZ0YS0h4t3BltAHAypT-XrjTXsNeXxW7wx1BnUMA6zRx8it0FK9Sf6KeK8MFYxqSjJdJB6LmXGEMrXj/s1600/InfinityWar6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81Rajbjd_3RsctH1fERGh7bzCZRPvNlGdpg5Jq-zsbuLe6O_5UU84dhMNW1euKgZ0YS0h4t3BltAHAypT-XrjTXsNeXxW7wx1BnUMA6zRx8it0FK9Sf6KeK8MFYxqSjJdJB6LmXGEMrXj/s320/InfinityWar6.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Nebula and Gamora managed to build a collaborative relationship
with each other in spite of the feuding that characterized their relationship
in earlier films. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thor and Loki are brothers by adoption. Thor watches
helplessly as Thanos strangles Loki to death. They appear to have developed
some level of care for each other, as opposed to the rivalry that characterized
their earlier interactions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QfcHS67PbE2fofZETSZpD7U77WG9d0t3KJrcXzOqR1Sfip93ZbFvl1B_x2BYVkM6ri4tynIKvVR6uT444iAomC9N43WuYslgBZufzSwm_5vUfMCBUqxt6U-1XeNS2YQl80mATAoovMk6/s1600/InfinityWar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="724" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QfcHS67PbE2fofZETSZpD7U77WG9d0t3KJrcXzOqR1Sfip93ZbFvl1B_x2BYVkM6ri4tynIKvVR6uT444iAomC9N43WuYslgBZufzSwm_5vUfMCBUqxt6U-1XeNS2YQl80mATAoovMk6/s320/InfinityWar2.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is a very full film. Characters form new relationships,
and old broken relationships appear to be reconciled. Characters act heroically
in the face of dire odds. It is a thought-provoking and engaging film. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges – MAJOR SPOILERS
IN THIS SECTION<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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**MAJOR SPOILER ALERT ----------------------------------------
For kids who’ve experienced violence or who have unresolved grief regarding
loss, this could be a difficult film. Many heroes appear to die. Some are brutally
murdered on screen.***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gamora has a pseudo-adoptive relationship with Thanos, but
is presented as his adopted daughter, and some of the history, dialogue, and
actions between them could be difficult for some families touched by adoption. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Gamora fears falling into Thanos’ hands, and pleads with her
boyfriend, “If THanos takes me, promise to kill me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbgN7Tc1nN73kxu7x_OvYr5H6KBjv0zQrraXiVBSWAjr1cHYCyGOq82ZPJzZlEwKQsO9gxQbYuRUaVL5huiPicbrXFqrDDOVfNAASFowyefUNdca4g5Eb_22tUA3ACc98z_WJL00WCyke/s1600/InfinityWar3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="920" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbgN7Tc1nN73kxu7x_OvYr5H6KBjv0zQrraXiVBSWAjr1cHYCyGOq82ZPJzZlEwKQsO9gxQbYuRUaVL5huiPicbrXFqrDDOVfNAASFowyefUNdca4g5Eb_22tUA3ACc98z_WJL00WCyke/s320/InfinityWar3.png" width="320" /></a>***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some viewers, particularly young viewers who’ve identified with favorite
heroes, could be left sad or shaken at the end of the film, because the good
guys are left decimated, many of the superheroes (including Black Panther and
Spiderman, who might be characters that kids have identified with recently)
appear to have died, and the villain appears to have triumphed. ***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Avengers: Infinity War has succeeded in creating a powerful,
memorable film that flies through its 160-minute runtime. There are definitely
elements to the story that could pose challenges to (particularly younger)
viewers who have identified with superheroes or who have unresolved issues with
regard to grief, loss, violence or death, as well as for those who struggle
with memories of an abusive father or distrust of an adoptive parent. For most
teenagers, the film will probably be enjoyable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll stick with the PG-13 MPAA Rating of this
film, and recommend it for ages 13 and up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTowrwCIVQ9lixhjEIvfLtbnLX7fsNQJr-u6SPmTXetxzftUUH0Wqq3aVqcgmD4OMg_xX4B6QFbGVIVbixy6LMzWply6jcXCcsp6g72zYEKRiSrZt6rfc28ikseo63S0RpvxO0RebKv4B/s1600/InfinityWar4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTowrwCIVQ9lixhjEIvfLtbnLX7fsNQJr-u6SPmTXetxzftUUH0Wqq3aVqcgmD4OMg_xX4B6QFbGVIVbixy6LMzWply6jcXCcsp6g72zYEKRiSrZt6rfc28ikseo63S0RpvxO0RebKv4B/s320/InfinityWar4.png" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have you ever had a part of your personality that didn’t
want to come out?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do you think will happen in the next movie? How can the
heroes recover from the losses they’ve experienced? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you think Thanos is Gamora’s father? Why or why not? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Why is Thanos trying to kill so many people? Why does he
think he’s right? Why do the Avengers think he’s wrong?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-39213414976401309042018-04-24T03:30:00.000-07:002018-04-24T03:30:30.276-07:00The Dark Crystal<br />
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Fathom Events recently brought The Dark Crystal back to the
big screen. <a href="https://www.fathomevents.com/events">For more information on upcoming Fathom Events dates, including their April 29 showing of another Jim Henson film, Labyrinth, click here.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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When a magical crystal shattered, two new species came into
existence on the planet Thra; the evil Skeksis and the kind Mystics. A third
species, the Gelfling, are thought by the Skeksis to be extinct, but one – a young
male named Jen – has been taken in and raised by one of the Mystics. The Mystics
are growing older, and to save the world, Jen must go on a quest to repair the magical
crystal. On his quest, Jen meets Kira, another Gelfling. Together, they must
escape the hunters sent out by the Skeksis, and bring healing to their world
before it is too late. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfujAoFBeOrzAutiErLYa4pd0XeBrMLyMUKHDEv4fkw5VK1CIc_eEiSUhj7scJJe-gWllXt2Y9rdPyXG8pa42zmZ-MHGp22U1JUjlfxk0hxsYPy7_fD9MH4vadDQnqjhyphenhyphen3cjWUj_WU81wy/s1600/DarkCrystal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfujAoFBeOrzAutiErLYa4pd0XeBrMLyMUKHDEv4fkw5VK1CIc_eEiSUhj7scJJe-gWllXt2Y9rdPyXG8pa42zmZ-MHGp22U1JUjlfxk0hxsYPy7_fD9MH4vadDQnqjhyphenhyphen3cjWUj_WU81wy/s320/DarkCrystal1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jen’s parents and Kira’s parents have died, and Jen and Kira
were raised by kind members of other species. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jen is surprised to learn that there is
another Gelfling – someone who looks like him and who has had a similar history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Jen and Kira act bravely and sacrificially for the good of
their world, and they are rewarded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The film provides an opportunity to think about the good and
evil that are within all of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2GeSHJROVf9eg8fUopTR3LvfksGwtz623U3sY5RBWEkqwDtpHFg9vsHWimJ7K4Yhs2QTsEqiaRAvMgEgYsYyZeSHKjQMJyx2PpQsMFqDdmuFJP33j8p03kT1FPAB1BXTe-Gb-jeNNZ8o/s1600/DarkCrystal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2GeSHJROVf9eg8fUopTR3LvfksGwtz623U3sY5RBWEkqwDtpHFg9vsHWimJ7K4Yhs2QTsEqiaRAvMgEgYsYyZeSHKjQMJyx2PpQsMFqDdmuFJP33j8p03kT1FPAB1BXTe-Gb-jeNNZ8o/s320/DarkCrystal2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jen reflects on the Mystic that adopted him, saying he is “family
and friend.” A character reflects on the family that adopted them by saying
that from them, “I learned the shapes of kindness.” That’s a great phrase.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Skeksis, and the monsters they send out, are
frightening. We learn that Jen’s parents were killed by Skeksis. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jen’s adoptive father-figure dies in front of him, of old
age.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A conniving character attempts to earn the trust of Jen and
Kira, but intends to betray them. This could be triggering for children who
have been exploited. The evil characters attempt to drain the essence out of
Kira. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Kira is killed on screen. Although she is resurrected, she is
a sympathetic, childlike character and her death could be traumatic for some
young viewers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VtIZbp1xjjMHr1B0rJnC_ig_vcrMkuz0aVCV7beqyGzIAmtAW3hKuLJ8jq4bF6XcIU7QNK20iCB2tXdYEMWDl-diOL431RzlBxS9c8WifjaIXSFz5TGp15hOBtWMRkeV6OmLyE0Mw30v/s1600/DarkCrystal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VtIZbp1xjjMHr1B0rJnC_ig_vcrMkuz0aVCV7beqyGzIAmtAW3hKuLJ8jq4bF6XcIU7QNK20iCB2tXdYEMWDl-diOL431RzlBxS9c8WifjaIXSFz5TGp15hOBtWMRkeV6OmLyE0Mw30v/s320/DarkCrystal4.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Dark Crystal is an interesting film. Every character is
a puppet, and the world created in the film is one with a deep sense of history,
but the tone is dark, and it seems likely to be frightening for most young
viewers. Additional aspects could be make triggering for young viewers who have
been abused, exploited, or who have unresolved issues regarding the death of
parents or friends. The Dark Crystal could be an interesting film for older
teens who could reflect afterwards on the spirit of adventure and the shape of
kindness – but even they might experience some challenges with the fact that Jen’s
adoptive parent does die.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnpouK7i4eoQaD24WxKI9_SvvEwaKfTsjKUQsDT8cahK52PWCw33BjVzH5SJXuu-T91nAzDQoMgstoNwmIsw_U3DBKhPEOGGPPyy03ZurncoiiSO8c1jawJ5jSHHtACePb56ZB6EXFB_m/s1600/DarkCrystal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="550" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnpouK7i4eoQaD24WxKI9_SvvEwaKfTsjKUQsDT8cahK52PWCw33BjVzH5SJXuu-T91nAzDQoMgstoNwmIsw_U3DBKhPEOGGPPyy03ZurncoiiSO8c1jawJ5jSHHtACePb56ZB6EXFB_m/s320/DarkCrystal3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who has shown you “the shapes of kindness?” What does
kindness look like?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jen and Kira are able to see each other’s thoughts and
dreams. What dreams do you remember having? Would you like to see anyone else’s
dreams?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you could go on any adventure, what adventure would you
want to go on?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-91834492580222647122018-04-17T03:30:00.000-07:002018-04-17T03:30:12.552-07:00Ponyo Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Fathom Events recently brought Ponyo back to the big screen
as part of this year’s <a href="https://www.fathomevents.com/series/studio-ghibli-fest">Studio Ghibli Fest. For more information on upcoming dates,click here.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When young Sosuke finds a goldfish trapped in a glass jar,
he rescues her, takes her home, and names her Ponyo. This is a magical
goldfish, though; she has healing powers, loves eating ham – and learns how to
talk. Ponyo decides that she loves Sosuke, and she would be content to live on
land with him. However, her father, Fujimoto, wants to get her back. Fujimoto
is a wizard and scientist who was once human, but now lives underwater. He is
eager to reclaim Ponyo. Ponyo desires to return to Sosuke, and the strength of
her desire combines with her magical abilities to create a great storm – and to
turn Ponyo into a human. Will she be able to stay that way?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas2v0rw9S8kqSYcEPq_xyLZWqogn4Gfz9bIbJ_h8Kosgq7OcBE8kdcRJ2oRZQJ3fAkAv4JcnE9eM720OQLIrowWXqPtVTWd0VayMDtPWKQ7xQBsEU5lgjhai56ks4xLTWq_LoDjpZu2lV/s1600/Ponyo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas2v0rw9S8kqSYcEPq_xyLZWqogn4Gfz9bIbJ_h8Kosgq7OcBE8kdcRJ2oRZQJ3fAkAv4JcnE9eM720OQLIrowWXqPtVTWd0VayMDtPWKQ7xQBsEU5lgjhai56ks4xLTWq_LoDjpZu2lV/s1600/Ponyo1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMK4FMSkgtiiKrKYX5djSZ5XMvj-91O4Xl3JWDjFjCEZfFjUAIgwV0IQAFMyvnIOWRz38QYbSzA0JDphCdsU3N2YvYEGjk5AwJh2T6XyM3DkdroCjDbMNUBZzgOA00Rj3L54ZQuKrvsMy/s1600/Ponyo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="992" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMK4FMSkgtiiKrKYX5djSZ5XMvj-91O4Xl3JWDjFjCEZfFjUAIgwV0IQAFMyvnIOWRz38QYbSzA0JDphCdsU3N2YvYEGjk5AwJh2T6XyM3DkdroCjDbMNUBZzgOA00Rj3L54ZQuKrvsMy/s320/Ponyo4.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sosuke finds Ponyo in a dangerous situation. He provides her
safety, and names her Ponyo. When Ponyo returns to her home, she refuses to
allow her father to call her by her birth name. Sosuke, Ponyo, and their
families must make sense of what has happened, and Ponyo’s parents must decide
whether Ponyo can remain a human.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sosuke and Ponyo are both brave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We learn that Ponyo’s father is caring – even though he
seems creepy and even though Ponyo describes him in frightening ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sosuke and Ponyo become friends in spite of their
differences. Aware that Ponyo has been a human and a fish, Sosuke says that he
loves Ponyo, “whatever she is.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqw-xgT5MwQYCesXJXRZJqjFiCy6tIUo37EQsiF1FyYxPt7baaDlTAKme3wUaT_SpSmTnvwtMS1C2g2UaDld2l6zhACvne3Bfgx1PNLDlg0DS9LcR9qlEXoO-iW-srZiNNup75BMzpPfL/s1600/Ponyo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqw-xgT5MwQYCesXJXRZJqjFiCy6tIUo37EQsiF1FyYxPt7baaDlTAKme3wUaT_SpSmTnvwtMS1C2g2UaDld2l6zhACvne3Bfgx1PNLDlg0DS9LcR9qlEXoO-iW-srZiNNup75BMzpPfL/s320/Ponyo3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some frightening storm images could be unpleasant for young viewers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The uncertainty that surrounds whether Ponyo can stay with Sosuke
or if she must return to her birth family could be difficult for some viewers
who have had instability of family status.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For a season, Sosuke is separated from his parents. Even though
he is only five years old, his mother leaves him and Ponyo alone during a storm
while she goes off to check on the seniors at the center where she works. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zZxpAGBGx9peTIWQbgUC32NrayDGfYLDtmwbXXAnVRDAj17AF1sVxva4vL31-2XbKmbNODok1xJWD0tvQVvHqIHw_YLsWzA7kc9apk-l6jbwZuRW6bz1R4y2gJpp5RgnT8A-d3x1wIbd/s1600/Ponyo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="768" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zZxpAGBGx9peTIWQbgUC32NrayDGfYLDtmwbXXAnVRDAj17AF1sVxva4vL31-2XbKmbNODok1xJWD0tvQVvHqIHw_YLsWzA7kc9apk-l6jbwZuRW6bz1R4y2gJpp5RgnT8A-d3x1wIbd/s320/Ponyo2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ponyo is a charming but sometimes scary story about an unlikely,
magical friendship. Some viewers who have been touched by adoption may find
parallels as Ponyo adjusts to being in a new world and as she takes ownership
of her new name. Although some frightening scenes could make this one uncomfortable
for some young viewers, Ponyo seems likely to be OK for most kids ages 10 and
up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Why did Ponyo love Sosuke? Why did Sosuke love Ponyo?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do you think it was like for Ponyo to be in a new home?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgssSFOeY7-FHzk4S8ag3lMLOP8mx0BA8Mm_2dU2qQFPeW8b4poY97JjAxQxYt8NG0cp-bTbJ4qxRd5ElGU1cZLMbOV5bEpY6Uqx5oV6nRyvXKMIDg4G_LmYKovdr2Ad65vIEKXxRciPLc/s1600/Ponyo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgssSFOeY7-FHzk4S8ag3lMLOP8mx0BA8Mm_2dU2qQFPeW8b4poY97JjAxQxYt8NG0cp-bTbJ4qxRd5ElGU1cZLMbOV5bEpY6Uqx5oV6nRyvXKMIDg4G_LmYKovdr2Ad65vIEKXxRciPLc/s1600/Ponyo5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you think Ponyo will miss Fujimoto and Granmamare? Do you
imagine that they’ll find ways to see each other?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971426914329031578.post-18716641239216517002018-04-10T03:30:00.000-07:002018-04-10T03:30:45.657-07:00Sherlock Gnomes Adoption Movie Review<br />
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Gnomeo and Juliet have been named the leaders of gardenful
of gnomes. While they’re sorting through the emotional challenges of taking on
new roles in a new home, they are shocked to find that all of their fellow
gnomes have been kidnapped. Gnomeo and Juliet join forces with the famous
detective Sherlock Gnomes and his underappreciated assistant Gnome Watson to
try to find the missing gnomes, who they believe have been captured by the evil
Moriarty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DfVIXZgxcgZn_R9MRZjEQ8AefIgr_hkFz-KEJTJDyfiPpy40AwgI8J1fADixezhVfORPt7ugYX4vpm15uyGeATXazSTfamK8weF32toYwy9PhyphenhyphenOky0GB1Y6wt1t7_SLTeiKu653VWTSW/s1600/SherlockGnomes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DfVIXZgxcgZn_R9MRZjEQ8AefIgr_hkFz-KEJTJDyfiPpy40AwgI8J1fADixezhVfORPt7ugYX4vpm15uyGeATXazSTfamK8weF32toYwy9PhyphenhyphenOky0GB1Y6wt1t7_SLTeiKu653VWTSW/s320/SherlockGnomes1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Adoption
Connection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no adoption element to the film, although some
viewers will relate to the concept of having new lives in a new location.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strong Points<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The film has a relatively thickly-laid-on theme of “don’t
take your friends for granted.” It’s not a bad message, it’s just applied
heavily and a bit carelessly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDnaFbgKKA73cAk9UQk0if3Gond1_nR0Eh9WWA_o0OAO6t_mT_iG6z74fGOcZr8d10hjNtjY8BrRNjUsraTiNopBU2onnWkv5-4V4yBPbLmGFA0RwEP7EDSqthu4mzWhsc_4lZF7J70fD/s1600/SherlockGnomes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDnaFbgKKA73cAk9UQk0if3Gond1_nR0Eh9WWA_o0OAO6t_mT_iG6z74fGOcZr8d10hjNtjY8BrRNjUsraTiNopBU2onnWkv5-4V4yBPbLmGFA0RwEP7EDSqthu4mzWhsc_4lZF7J70fD/s320/SherlockGnomes2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The theme of mass kidnapping could be scary for some
viewers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It appears that Watson falls to his death. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It feels like Juliet ends up being repentant for having healthy
boundaries with Gnomeo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A twisted genius tries to have Sherlock be the “unwitting
executioner” of all those that he has tried to protect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recommendations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sherlock Gnomes could be scary for very young viewers or for
viewers with a particular fear of kidnapping, but it seems likely to be fine
for most viewers ages 9 and up. It probably won’t appeal to viewers much older
than 11. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Questions for
Discussion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeDP_YBEQuJ_k5HA_NbvmK7Bsz3XnJcCGVShTK1xjXndwsirxTWhVXaLPAcy_Wc-p0yxUwD8pm6i0PXAxXIro-wytUjSKtleR4Z6BlbZTfXZHpL9b31kI3dUp5Kp9sjD7tBxpmHgVcNnm/s1600/SherlockGnomes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="605" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeDP_YBEQuJ_k5HA_NbvmK7Bsz3XnJcCGVShTK1xjXndwsirxTWhVXaLPAcy_Wc-p0yxUwD8pm6i0PXAxXIro-wytUjSKtleR4Z6BlbZTfXZHpL9b31kI3dUp5Kp9sjD7tBxpmHgVcNnm/s320/SherlockGnomes3.jpg" width="320" /></a>How could Sherlock and Watson have improved their communication
ahead of time to avoid all the hurt feelings? Whose job would it have been to
fix that relationship? Sherlock? Watson? Both?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When he thought Watson had died, Sherlock did not
demonstrate any negative feelings. This upset Juliet. Why don’t you think
Sherlock seemed sad? Sherlock said that “sadness and anger won’t help. Emotion
is the enemy of logic.” In what ways is he right? In what ways do you disagree
with him? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Who are some of your most dependable friends?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Ideas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Movies-Adoption-Friendly-Nights-Talking/dp/1785927094">Check
out our book for other great movies to get your family talking about adoption!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Addisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732176527883570863noreply@blogger.com0