Annie: The Classic Comes to Life in A Whole New Way!

Annie: The Classic Comes to Life in A Whole New Way!

annie-2014The holiday hit of 2014 is here! Annie has been an American cultural icon since the musical’s first production in 1977 (and even longer before that, with the comic strip that serves as its inspiration beginning its run in 1924!) With classic songs like “Tomorrow,” “Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “NYC,” Annie has undoubtedly left its mark on the Broadway scene, and it’s no stranger to the silver screen either– the musical has been adapted to film several times before, but never like this!

Annie, which hit theaters on December 19, takes the classic musical and brings it up to date with new songs, new characters, and a completely modern setting. Starring Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) as Annie, Jamie Foxx (Dreamgirls, Ray) as William “Will” Stacks, Rose Byrne (BridesmaidsNeighbors) as his assistant Grace Farrell, Bobby Cannavale (Romance & CigarettesPaul Blart: Mall Cop) as Guy, his political advisor, and Cameron Diaz (ShrekThere’s Something About Mary) as the wicked Miss Hannigan, this movie’s got a star-studded cast that’s simply packed with talent!

If you and your family are heading to the movies anytime soon, Annie is definitely a great choice to see together. It’s got toe-tapping tunes, a great message, and most of all, heart. You can really tell that this movie was made with love by all involved– the cast’s fantastic chemistry is incredibly apparent, and helps Annie to go the extra mile and become a truly special moviegoing experience. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming tale of love, hope, and musical joy.

Check out Annie with your family this holiday season, in theaters now!

And be sure to stay tuned to see our exclusive interviews with the director and cast of Annie!

The Best Video Games Gifts for Older Kids (and Dads)

The Best Video Games Gifts for Older Kids (and Dads)

Even though we may be a bit older than the kids you typically think of playing video games, for teens, twentysomethings, and even dads, video games are always going to be a popular choice. So if you’re still searching for the perfect gift this holiday season, check out our top picks for video games, head down to your local GameStop, and pick one out– we guarantee yours will be the favorite present!

 

150017bDestiny, $44.99, PS4

Everything changed with the arrival of the Traveler. It sparked a Golden Age when our civilization spanned our solar system, but it didn’t last. Something hit us, knocked us down. The survivors built a city beneath the Traveler, and have begun to explore our old worlds, only to find them filled with deadly foes. You are a Guardian of the last safe city on Earth, able to wield incredible power. Defend the City. Defeat our enemies. Reclaim all that we have lost. Be brave. From the team that brought you Halo: Combat Evolved, this is Destiny.

Also available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.

 

150062bAssassin’s Creed Unity, $49.99, PS4

Paris, 1789 – The French Revolution turns a once-magnificent city into a place of terror and chaos. Its cobblestone streets run red with the blood of commoners who dared to rise up against the oppressive aristocracy. As the nation tears itself apart, a young man named Arno will embark on an extraordinary journey to expose the true powers behind the Revolution. His pursuit will throw him into the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation, and transform him into a true Master Assassin. Assassin’s Creed Unity builds on the proud tradition of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and delivers next-generation gameplay, brilliant story, and the kind of action and adventure that only an Assassin’s Creed game can offer up.

Also available on Xbox One.

 

107446b1Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, $39.99, Xbox One

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, developed by Sledgehammer Games (co-developers of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3), harnesses the first three-year, all next-gen development cycle in franchise history. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare envisions the powerful battlegrounds of the future, where both technology and tactic have evolved to usher in a new era of combat for the franchise. Delivering a stunning performance, Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey stars as Jonathan Irons – one of the most powerful men in the world – shaping this chilling vision of the future of war. Whether you’re in the mood for gripping story, epic multiplayer, or a bit of both, Advanced Warfare is the game to get!

Also available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PS4.

 

102047bGrand Theft Auto V, $59.99, Xbox One

If you’re a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, you’re in luck. Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed open-world comes to a new generation with the remastered edition of Grand Theft Auto V. Enter the lives of three very different criminals, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, as they risk everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life. Explore the stunning world of Los Santos and Blaine County in the ultimate Grand Theft Auto V experience, featuring a range of technical upgrades and enhancements for new and returning players. In addition to increased draw distances and higher resolution, players can expect a range of additions and improvements including new weapons, vehicles and activities, additional wildlife, denser traffic, enhanced weather effects, and more! Grand Theft Auto V also comes with Grand Theft Auto Online, the dynamic and ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe with online play– now for up to 30 players. And don’t worry if you’ve already played the game on Xbox 360 or Ps3 already– your existing online character and progression will carry over, and there’s special content available for returning players as well!

Also available on PS4.

 

210063bMiddle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, $59.99, Xbox 360

In Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, based on the popular Lord of the Rings books and films, you are Talion, a Ranger of the Black Gate, keeping watch over Mordor which has remained undisturbed for ages. In the blink of an eye, everything is taken from you – your friends, your family, and even your own life. Resurrected by a vengeful spirit, you must now embark on a relentless vendetta against those who have wronged you. Fight through Mordor and uncover the truth of the spirit that compels you, discover the origins of the Rings of Power, build your legend and ultimately confront the evil of Sauron in this new chronicle in Middle-earth. Shadow of Mordor also introduces the acclaimed “Nemesis System,” enlivening the game world with enemies that can remember their encounters with you, rank up, and most importantly, hold a grudge. It brings a new level of immersion and detail to video gaming that is nothing short of revolutionary.

Also available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PS3, and PS4.

 

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Dragon Age Inquisition Deluxe Edition, $59.99, PS4

In this follow-up to the acclaimed Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2, wield the power of the Inquisition over the course of an epic character-driven story, and lead a perilous journey of discovery through the Dragon Age. Discover the ultimate Dragon Age: Inquisition experience with the Deluxe Edition which includes the legendary Skyhold Throne, great-horned Red Hart, ominous Bog Unicorn, digital soundtrack, and more! Intensify your battle readiness with the mighty Flames of the Inquisition weapons, armor, and armored mount!

 

Also available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.

 

106748bSunset Overdrive, $39.99, Xbox One

Unlike many of the games out right now, Sunset Overdrive delivers a fun and frantic romp that combines witty and irreverent humor, wild action, and great third-person shooting for a game you won’t want to miss! A contaminated energy drink has transformed most of the population of Sunset City into toxic mutants. For many it’s the end of the world, but for you it’s a dream come true. Your old boss? Dead. Your boring job? Gone. Transform the open world into your tactical playground by grinding, vaulting and wall-running across the city while using a devastating, unconventional arsenal. With hyper-agility, unique weapons, and customizable special abilities, Sunset Overdrive rewrites the rules of traditional shooters and delivers an explosive, irreverent, stylish, and totally unique adventure exclusively to Xbox One.

 

101903bHalo: The Master Chief Collection, $59.99, Xbox One

Xbox fans rejoice! For the first time ever, The Master Chief’s entire story is on one console. Featuring a re-mastered Halo 2: Anniversary, along with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4, new digital series, Halo: Nightfall, and access to the Halo 5: Guardians Beta, this is the definitive Halo experience. This is the definitive gift this holiday season for fans of Halo, Xbox, and first-person-shooter overall.

 

Only available on Xbox One.

 

101410b1Far Cry 4, $59.99, PS4

In the sequel to the #1 rated shooter of 2012, Far Cry 3, you are thrown headfirst into Kyrat, a country steeped in tradition and violence under the shadow of the towering Himalayas. You are Ajay Ghale. Traveling to Kyrat to fulfill your mother’s dying wish, you find yourself caught up in a civil war to overthrow the oppressive regime of dictator Pagan Min. Explore and navigate this vast open world, where danger and unpredictability lurk around every corner. Here, every decision counts, and every second is a story. Welcome to Kyrat. Be sure to pick up Far Cry 4 this holiday season for an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Also available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.

 

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The Last Of Us Remastered, $49.99, PS4

Prepare yourselves to re-live the breathtaking story in an all-new way– the winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards, The Last of Us has been rebuilt for the PlayStation 4. Now featuring full 1080p, higher resolution character models, improved shadows and lighting, and several other gameplay improvements, experience The Last of Us like never before. 20 years after a pandemic has radically changed known civilization, infected humans run wild and survivors are killing each other for food, weapons, and whatever they can get their hands on. Joel, a violent survivor, is hired to smuggle a 14 year-old girl, Ellie, out of an oppressive military quarantine zone, but what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal journey across the U.S. The Last of Us Remastered includes the Abandoned Territories Map Pack, Reclaimed Territories Map Pack, and the critically acclaimed The Last of Us: Left Behind Single Player campaign that combines themes of survival, loyalty, and love with tense, survival-action gameplay. Joel and Ellie, brought together by harsh circumstance, must survive a brutal journey across the US in a dangerous post-pandemic world. It’s a gripping and emotional journey that will change how you look at video games.

Only available on PS4.

 

WWE’s Holiday “Tribute to the Troops” To Air on NBC Dec. 27

WWE’s Holiday “Tribute to the Troops” To Air on NBC Dec. 27

WWE_Trubute_to_the_Troops_logoMulti-platinum recording artists and two-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners, Florida Georgia Line will join WWE Superstars and Divas to honor the United States Armed Forces with the 12th annual WWE holiday special, Tribute to the Troops, which will air on USA Network as a part of “WWE WEEK” on Wednesday, December 17, from 8-10pm ET, and will re-air as a one-hour special on NBC on Saturday, December 27, from 8-9pm ET.

 

In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances for our servicemen and women to celebrate their dedication and commitment to our country with a holiday program that is considered one of television’s most patriotic and heartwarming shows. NBCUniversal joins WWE in saluting our troops with special messages from some of their networks’ biggest names such as TODAY anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales, and Al Roker, Seth Meyers,The Kardashians, Andy Cohen, Giuliana Rancic, Katherine Heigl, Lester Holt, Padma Lakshmi, Mark Feuerstein, Debra Messing, Tom Brokaw, Rachel Maddow and Carson Daly, as well as the coaches of The Voice, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Adam Levineand Blake Shelton.

 

“For 12 consecutive years, WWE has been entertaining American military personnel both overseas and domestically as a way to thank them for their commitment to our country,” said WWE Chairman & CEO, Vince McMahon. “Our servicemen and women work tirelessly for our freedom and we are proud to continue our Tribute to the Troops tradition.”

 

WWE Tribute to the Troops will chronicle WWE’s visit to United States Army post Fort Benning, where WWE Superstars and Divas will spend two days giving back to those who serve and their families with hospital visits and Be a STAR anti-bullying rallies. Fort Benning supports more than 120,000 active-duty military, family members, reserve soldiers, retirees, and civilian employees and has been the home of the Infantry division since 1918.

 

The television special will also highlight WWE’s annual goodwill visit to our troops who are fighting for our freedom overseas. WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Superstars Big Show® and R-Truth® and WWE Divas Summer Rae™ and Alicia Fox™ will travel abroad to spread some holiday cheer to the men and women serving our country far from home during the holiday season.

 

WWE’s dedication to the military is a long-standing tradition that continues year-round, through programs that boost morale for soldiers, offer free tickets for active servicemen and women, and provide workforce assistance for veterans through a partnership with Hire Heroes USA.

Holiday Kids Gift Guide 2014: Everyone!

Holiday Kids Gift Guide 2014: Everyone!

The holiday season’s upon us, and with all the toys and games out there, it can certainly be tricky to sort through all the products and pick out a good present. Let us help you figure it all out– check out our top picks for kids’ gifts in 2014 (and be sure to check out our gift guides for boys and girls as well!)

blue-ket-slate-01-sm._V334782830_Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet, $119.00

Looking for a durable and dependable tablet for your kids this holiday season? Check out the Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet! It’s got the technical specs covered– featuring a quad-core processor for great performance, a vivid HD display, front and rear-facing cameras, and Dolby Audio– and it also comes with an unprecedented 2-year worry-free guarantee from Amazon, as well as a year of Amazon FreeTime! The Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet includes a sturdy, lightweight “kid-proof” case so you don’t have to worry about your little ones breaking it… and with a free year of Amazon FreeTime, they’ll have tons of fun with unlimited access to 5,000 books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games—at no additional cost! The Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet is a great tablet for you to give your kids without having to worry about damage, add-ons, or accessories.

 

71sBGniBgVL._SL1253_Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack, $54.99 

For the first time ever, the full Skylanders console video gameplay experience is available on your tablet device! Now kids can bring the Skylanders to life, defeat villains and trap them wherever you go using the ALL NEW Wireless Traptanium Portal and Wireless Game Controller that comes with the Tablet Starter Pack. In Skylanders: Trap Team, Kaos has blown up the walls of the feared Cloudcracker Prison, freeing the most notorious villains in Skylands. It’s up to the Skylanders to find and capture them. Using Traptanium, a magic material that can harness the power of the Elements, your kids have the amazing ability to trap the villains and return them to Skylands to fight on the good side! As always with Skylanders, it’s a fantastic game and a holiday favorite with kids!

 

pTRU1-16177804dtMinecraft– Core Player Survival Pack, $16.99

Everybody loves Minecraft, and with Jazwares’ new toys based on the game, your kids can bring their favorite elements of Minecraft into the real world! The Core Player Survival Pack includes Steve (the game’s main character) in his basic leather armor, as well as the game’s iconic Pick axe, Sword, Workbench, Bed, Chest (that opens to hold items!), and Torch. It’s got everything a Minecraft player could want to start their real-life Minecraft play!

 

91-PuN8LrGL._SL1500_Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Starter Pack, $59.96

Though its big draw is the addition of the new Marvel Super Heroes (like The AvengersGuardians of the Galaxyand Spider-Man) there’s plenty of Disney fun for everyone to enjoy in the new Disney Infinity 2.0! Featuring new characters like princess Merida from Disney/Pixar’s Brave, Tinker Bell, Donald Duck, Aladdin and Jasmine, and more, Disney Infinity 2.0 is a great choice for all the kids on your list this year! Kids will love the game’s myriad opportunities to explore and build worlds based on their favorite Disney and Marvel movies and tv shows!

 

81FzDq36oRL._SL1500_Boom Boom Balloon Board Game, $15.26

What’s the hottest board game this holiday season? It’s SpinMaster’s Boom Boom Balloon, the crazy game where you take turns keeping the balloon from popping! Roll the die, and carefully push in a stick until it clicks. Watch as the balloon changes shape – will the next click make it pop? It’s the ultimate game of anticipation where you never know when the balloon will go BOOM! Pick one up and share some fun with your family by playing it after your holiday dinner– what a treat!

 

 

Disney-Frozen-Snow-Cone-Maker--pTRU1-19228710dtDisney Frozen Snow Cone Maker Olaf, $26.99

This holiday season, your little one can enjoy the magic of transforming ice cubes into tasty treats with the Disney Frozen Snow Cone Maker based on the loveable snowman Olaf. First, simply add the flavor powder and water to the flavor bottle to make a delicious, sugar-free syrup. Add ice cubes to the snow cone maker and crank the handle to make “snow,” to which your child can then add as much flavor as he or she wants. Ideal for making Frozen treats in summer or any time of the year, the snow cone maker is styled to look like Olaf from the hit Disney film for a toy that will melt hearts. It’ll surely become a year-round staple in your house if you’ve got kids who love Frozen (and who doesn’t?)

 

Razor-PowerRider-360--pTRU1-17640924dtRazor PowerRider 360, $159.99

Your young rider will love the 360° electrical ride of the Razor PowerRider 360 Electric Three-Wheeler, which features dual inclined rear caster wheels for great drifting and 360° spinning action. The hand-operated front brake provides sure stopping, and the high-impact front wheel gives stability and power. Your young one can ride for up to 30 minutes per charge at speeds of up to 9 mph for three-wheeling fun– if you pick one of these up this holiday season, your child will be itching for the second the warmer weather hits so they can test it out!

 

 

Fisher-Price-Power-Wheels-Teenage-Mutant--pTRU1-18183745dtFisher-Price Power Wheels Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Dune Racer, $249.99

Another great ride-on to check out this holiday season, the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Dune Racer is designed for up to two riders and designed with two forward speeds and a reverse speed. This battery-powered ride-on is built with safety concerns in mind, and features a Power-Lock brake system and metal sidebars for your child to hold onto for support. The racer’s Monster Traction system allows the car to safely travel across wet and rough terrain, providing for an excellent and fun ride no matter where your child is driving it. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphics and colors, along with the faux chrome wheels and grille, help your little one drive in style!

 

Crayola-Light-Designers---See--pTRU1-16740156dtCrayola Light Designers– See-Thru Light Designer, $14.98

This holiday season, splurge on your child’s creativity– with the Crayola See-Thru Light Designer! The Light Designer provides a fun, interactive creative experience that lets children add real-life objects to their art! The two reusable transparent panels provide plenty of space to draw and doodle light-up art. To take the fun to the next level, your child can place objects, pictures, or even family and friends behind the panels to combine their art with real life. A great choice for ages six and up, the See-Thru Light Designer takes three AA batteries (sold separately) and comes with four markers.

 

bemo-phoneBemo, $129

Ever wanted a good quality camera that’s easy for kids to control and can withstand the treatment they’d give it? Bemo to the rescue! This camera is designed to fit in the palm of your hand and shoot with a single touch.
Each camera is rugged, water-resistant, wonderfully portable and comes in three fun-loving colors: Moroccan Red, Manhattan Black, and Mykonos Blue. Whether you clip it on, keep it close with the lanyard, or slip it easily into your pocket, Bemo lets you capture the everyday, the epic, and everything in between. Get one for your kids this holiday season (or buy one for yourself too– we won’t judge!)

 

81Zx297DutL._SL1500_

MiP RC Robot, $89.99

Any kid would love a robot as a present, and this holiday season, WowWee’s RC Robot MiP is just the robot for the job! MiP has an inquisitive and responsive personality communicated through motion, sounds, and RGB LED eyes. With his unique dual wheel balancing, MiP is able to navigate his surroundings, follow hand gestures, and even follow objects around! Unique dual-wheel balancing, fast speeds, on the dime turning, and hand gesture command recognition makes MiP a fantastic robotic friend for all!  Also included is a tray accessory that can be plugged in so you can watch MiP balance multiple objects while moving or standing still.  MiP has multiple robotic modes including Roam, Stacking, Dance, and Programming.

 

 

 

TTPM Holiday Showcase

TTPM Holiday Showcase

ttpm_logo_300x185Though it would seem too early to start counting down to the holidays for some, with Halloween just a few weeks away, the season of giving is just around the corner! So it should be no surprise that we’ve already gotten a look at what we’re projecting to be this year’s hottest gift items. From toys to video games and more, we sure got an eyeful of the must-haves for 2014 at the Time To Play Media Holiday Showcase event! Check out our top picks below to see what we’re looking forward to finding (and giving) all wrapped up during this year’s holiday season!

Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition: Marvel Super Heroes

It’s no secret that we’re big Disney Infinity fans in this house (and big Marvel fans as well)– and as such, we’re thrilled with the new Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition: Marvel Super Heroes. Where else can you get all the creative fun of Disney Infinity and all of your favorite Marvel heroes like Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy? This game’s got it all, and with new toys rolling out all the way until spring 2015, Disney Infinity 2.0 is a perfect holiday surprise that’s sure to excite and entertain Disney and Marvel lovers of all ages!

Skylanders: Trap Team

Continuing the hit franchise that started with 2011’s Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure, the fourth and latest installment, Skylanders: Trap Team features a unique new perk. The combination of a redesigned “Portal of Power” and new Trap Crystals allow players to trap Skylands’ most dangerous villains and use them to fight for good. In an unprecedented move for the franchise, which traditionally had the player putting characters into the game (still possible, with the pre-existing figures and new Trap Masters), Skylanders: Trap Team lets players take the characters out of the game as well. It’s a definite must-have for the 2014 holiday season!

Zoomer Dino

Finally, to divert from video games for a moment, there’s Zoomer Dino by Spin Master. A robotic dinosaur that you can tame, Zoomer uses “True Balance Technology” to perfectly balance on two wheels as he freely explores your home! Additionally, Zoomer responds to both the included RC remote and touch from your hands, giving you the freedom to build your friendship with this dino and tame him however you like! Zoomer Dino is a great toy for younger kids, and sure to be a hit this year!