Vincent Daly, Author at CuteMonster.com

Guardians of the Galaxy: Come and get your love

June 27, 2015August 10, 2014 by Vincent Daly

About a year ago, I read that Marvel Studios was producing a movie titled “Guardians of the Galaxy” which would be based on characters from the comic book series. Admittedly I’d never heard of these Marvel characters before. The movie trailer offered a glimpse of the story yet ultimately left me feeling perplexed. Was it supposed to be a screwball action comedy? After all, the lead character, Peter Quill aka Star Lord, was being played by Chris Pratt, an actor best known for his portrayal of Andy Dwyer on the relatively obscure comedy television series “Parks and Recreation”. Also, what exactly was the deal with the 1970s based music soundtrack? In the time it took me to consume a cool tasty beverage, I concluded a science fiction movie with its roots and music from the 1970s had to be worth a look. Besides, it worked for “Star Wars”, right?

Kid Conversations #3

September 16, 2014July 30, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Overheard on a recent vacation road trip:

7yo: Who would win? Kung Fu Panda or Wolverine?

5yo: Um…Kung Fu Panda.

7yo: Why?!!

5yo: ‘Cause he’s so cute.

7yo: That makes no sense.

Planes: Fire & Rescue

July 25, 2014July 24, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Following up on 2013’s surprise hit “Planes”, Walt Disney Pictures ushered in a sequel for the summer of 2014, namely “Planes: Fire & Rescue”. The original movie was largely panned by critics yet kids loved the assortment of colorful planes as well as the formulaic yet engaging story of the underdog, Dusty Crophopper, overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. “Planes: Fire & Rescue” offers up a new challenge for Dusty as expressed by the easy to comprehend title.

A Parent’s Dilemma: Where are the G-Rated Movies for my Kids?

July 3, 2014July 2, 2014 by Vincent Daly

In the past decade, Summer G-rated movies geared towards kids ages 10 and under have become alarmingly scarce. Consider this year’s offerings, namely, “Maleficent” and “How to Train Your Dragon 2”, both highly entertaining stories, yet each movie has a PG rating based on assorted criteria such as use of language, violence, and sexual content. In other words, parents should expect to be fielding a boatload of questions from their children while viewing each film. An unfortunate situation since these movies have been marketed to young kids yet are not necessarily appropriate for them.

How Time Travel and Fatherhood are one in the Same

May 24, 2016June 15, 2014 by Vincent Daly

power of dad
I woke up this morning aware it was Father’s Day. My children, although making an earnest attempt, have not quite mastered the whole whispering so no one within earshot can hear them. “Hurry up and finish making the card before Daddy wakes up!” “Daddy is going to love, love, LOVE THIS!” Still, even though I was semi-comatose from a combination of broken sleep and downright strange dreams(Running for my life holding a bag of Cheetos while fighting off giants from the Game of Thrones), I couldn’t help cracking a smile. Moments like these have filled my life since becoming a Dad. Like guideposts, each memory interconnects allowing my mind to time travel from place to place. I can’t always trace the exact origin of the details, but the feelings ring true as if experienced for the first time.

Destination Dad? For Father’s Day this year that can only mean Sears

June 12, 2014June 5, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Admittedly I’ve been an online shopper for years. When the teeming masses are all in a frenzy at shopping malls across the United States, this Dad is comfortably at home perusing the internet for the best deals. Yet being cooped up inside has its drawbacks too. Over time, your humble abode feels smaller, the ambient noise becomes deafening and the air you breathe turns stale. Your inner being cries out for an oasis, a place where dreams can come true. You get in your car and drive putting your faith in your heart to guide you. As you arrive at your destination your senses awaken as if being reunited with a long lost friend. You’ve made it. You’re at Sears.

Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Review

May 30, 2014May 28, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Mario Kart 8 is Nintendo’s amazingly fun new Kart racing game for the Wii U in full HD. Building on Nintendo’s 22 year kart racing franchise, both classic play and new innovative ideas are built into the game featuring new racing circuit designs and anti-gravity karts. Sporting both local and online gameplay for single or multiplayer, Mario Kart 8 offers a huge bang for the buck.

Wolverine’s Excellent Adventures aka X-Men: Days of Future Past

May 24, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Since the first installment of the X-Men movie series in 2000, the cinematic history of the Wolverine and the X-Men has the Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, as the glue that connects all of the stories together. And why not? As portrayed by Mr.Jackman, he’s a charismatic loner albeit a dangerous, complex, and hot-tempered mutant prone to fits of rage and violence. Toss in some retractable claws and a nearly unlimited healing ability and you get quite the compelling protagonist. Case in point, the just released “X-Men: Days of Future Past” directed by Bryan Singer. The X-Men in the future are in deep trouble. They desperately need someone who has amazing healing abilities allowing the person to travel 50 years into the past by way of powerful psychic but brain damaging means. Enter Wolverine.

Interview with Kelli Bixler, Co-Creator and Exec. Prod. of Tumble Leaf, an Amazon Studios Kids Series

May 19, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Amazon Studios has embarked on a new journey introducing original kids series for members of its Amazon Prime Instant Video. CuteMonster.com had the privilege to preview several of the upcoming kids series including “Tumble Leaf”. I recently spoke by phone with Kelli Bixler, Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the new original Amazon Studios kids series “Tumble Leaf”, to find out details behind the creation of the show as well as what hopes and aspirations she, co-creator Drew Hodges and Educational Psychologist and Advisor Dr. Alice Wilder have for the millions of pre-schoolers and parents who’ll watch “Tumble Leaf”.