My guide to the Oogieloves

I’ve already written about it twice- first on the marvels of taking a preschooler to a movie meant for then and secondly what can happen when you take that kid to the movie.

Now, I am going to actually tell you what you need to know about going to see The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure.

Yes, we’re going to learn about taking a toddler, preschooler or anyone else to the Oogieloves. The littles- the ones that fidget, can’t sit through a movie, get scared, get hungry, get sleepy… this is who the movie caters to and who should enjoy it the most.

This movie is meant for the little ones to stand up, dance, laugh, be silly, and ask questions. It is completely interactive. It will be a little surreal in the movie theater is everyone gets involved. That is a good thing.

Just think of it like Rocky Horror for the preschool set, minus black leather and squirt guns and well, everything Rocky.

I’ve been twice now, and with my, um, ‘active’ son I’ve watched to see what he did JUST so I could pass some of that on to you.

Pulled down pants and everything.

You’re welcome.

First of all, let them get excited about the movie.

There is a whole Oogieloves website with videos, games and information about the characters. Let them hear the songs a few times so they are excited when they happen in the movie. Have them color a picture or do a puzzle. Celebrations.com also has a great coloring book.

Before the movie, let them sit down to a pile of pineapple upside down pancakes, like the flajacks in the movie (and this way, they won’t spin around in the air as kids devour them, like in the movie.)

Take them out for milkshakes afterwards or make some at home, adding a drop or two of food coloring to make crazy colored milkshakes.

Second- timing is everything. Work around nap times or avoid when your children are already tired. Trust me, they may want a nap AFTER seeing this movie. It’s happened twice for me, and for other children in the theatre, they didn’t make it through the whole movie.

I suggest having a snack and a potty break before entering the theatre, so popcorn doesn’t go flying when they jump up, but all that dancing may make someone thirsty!

Third- talk about your expectations. Tell them it is a movie where they will be able to get up, sing and dance, but set the rules before going and remind them. Do you want them to stay by their seat? With the family?

My son went a little crazy and ran off a couple of times to join other kids- maybe you’re fine with that, maybe you’re not.

And lastly, be prepared.

Parents- I totally, absolutely, recommend you flip through the parent’s guide on the Oogieloves website. I downloaded it onto my iPad and looked at a few pages before heading out the first time. it not only talks about the ‘whats’ about the movie, but also the ‘whys’ and gave me an appreciation for how much careful thought went into this movie. Better than dollar signs as an incentive, right?

Will all of it apply? Depending on the ages of your children, probably not.

My son wasn’t going to ask the question, ‘What does (insert word) mean?” in the middle of the movie, but maybe yours will. Especially when Goobie talks in his scientist-speak.

Oh! Also, before you go to the theater, make sure everyone has plenty of practice with the Oogieloves cheer! (under videos) It will happen several times in the movie and is a great way for the whole family to be involved at the same time.

Yes, you too. Your children will love it, and since the theatre is dark, no one will see who you are.

Or they may be too busy being silly themselves.

I STRONGLY encourage you to ‘like’ the Oogieloves on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and help spread the word about this innovative film.

On Twitter, use the hashtag #ratedggg to find other Oogieloves conversations and help spread the word!

Check out and download the soundtrack on iTunes.

And now, a gift for one of my lucky readers!

I’m giving away an Oogieloves gift set to one of you that includes a tent, mobile, two glitter tattoos, two stickers, and two beach balls! (Worth $150)

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is comment here telling me about the first movie you remember seeing in the theatre.

This giveaway will run until midnight on Oogust- um, I mean August- 30. I will announce a winner from qualifying comments August 31, 2012.

I am not being compensated to run this giveaway, nor was I compensated to write this post. All opinions are my own.

P.S. want to learn just a little bit more? Here you go!

Kenn Viselman, the creator of The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure (due out “Oogust” 29th) believes in the The Power of Mom. So much so he and his team have been traveling around the country engaging bloggers in conversations about what constitutes quality G-rated entertainment. Other than a few wildlife documentaries and a re-release in a popular children’s movie in 3-D, Hollywood has completely ignored the youngest moviegoer. The best they give us for our kids – animated PG films – are loaded with aggression and bloodshed.

Moms: You have the power to change what Hollywood pushes on your children. In fact, there is no voice more powerful than yours. You control the home, the family budget and your child’s welfare. Aren’t you tired of watching moms die in the first ten minutes of so many animated movies? Aren’t you tired of seeing your children confused by the aggression towards their beloved movie characters? There’s no place for such violence in a children’s movie. Enough is enough.

It’s this “enough is enough” attitude that got Kenn Viselman, the marketing genius who introduced us to Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine, Noddy and Eloise, mad as h*ll. The end result: The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure, a film that reinvents the movie-going experience. This film – basically a movie and a live show rolled into one – is the first-of-its-kind interactive family musical that encourages the audience to get out of their seats, dance, and sing. Visual and auditory cues invite the audience to “move” the action along, allowing parents and kids to interact not only with the characters, but also with one another.

The story follows the Oogieloves – Goobie, Zoozie and Toofie – as they prepare for a surprise birthday party for their friend, Schluufy. When their guardian, J. Edgar, loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville, the Oogieloves take action. Along the way, they meet Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton), Dottie Rounder (Cloris Leachman), Lola and Lero Sombrero (Jaime Pressly and Christopher Lloyd), Milky Marvin (Chazz Palminteri), and Bobby Wobbly (Cary Elwes). The movie opens in theaters “Oogust” 29th.

For this movie to be successful – and change the way children’s movies are made in Hollywood. – we need you to tell your readers about this movie. Go see it and make your own judgments. Please support us at twitter: @TheOogieloves and #ratedGGG. More info can be found at www.oogielovesinfo.com.

Be sure to check out the educational Parent Guide at www.oogieloves.com. There is no force greater than The Power of Mom. Kenn hopes and believes a “mom army” of blogging supporters can be a game changer.

Remember, to enter the giveaway simply comment with what was the first movie you remember seeing in the movie theatre!