It's been quite awhile since I took the kids to the movies so I finally bit the bullet and loaded them all up last night for a little treat. Let me begin by saying that I normally do not go to the movies without another adult, preferably Hubby. The reason being is that I have two children with varying bladder capacities and one that thinks he needs to explore and play usher. The combination of peeing and wandering problems normally nip our fun time in the bud. I felt strangely brave (must have been the caffeine), and thought I'd perform a little family experiment to see how things would go on my own. Plus, at $8.25 for an adult (not counting stale popcorn, watered down soda, and hard licorice), it was nice to save a little bit of money.

After a brief argument over what movie to see, "Madagascar 2" won out by a few animal hairs over "High School Musicial 3." I breathed a sight of relief that the monsters settled on the latter because I just couldn't make myself sit through two hours of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens ogling each other over cheesy songs. I really liked the first "Madagascar" so I had high hopes for the second.

When we got to the theater, I bought our tickets ($19.75 - ouch!) and then asked the kids to corral Gunny in the little arcade while I purchased their treats. Gunny was so excited to be at the "moobies" that he ran back and forth yelling to other moviegoers, "Hi guys! I Gunnah!" I urged the concession stand gal to move at hyper speed with a look of angst and she quickly got my order together. Meanwhile, I ordered Taters and C-dub to hold Gunny down in the arcade until I had a free hand that could grab him by the scruff of his neck. Yes, a little barbaric, but with two blankies, two movie packs, a small soda, a small popcorn and a handful of napkins ($15.25 - ouch again!) it was the best I could do. The other parents in line were sympathetic to my plight and held in their nasty comments until we were out of ear range.

When we finally got into the auditorium, I selected a seat that was as far away from other patrons as possible. This corner seat also allowed me to trap the kiddos in, allowing Gunny just a small area to navigate around since one and a half hours can be an eternity for a little person to sit. I arranged movie trays, spread out the blankies and opened straws, until everyone was content with their arrangements. I then settled back in and waited for the movie to start.

The movie was cute and had a little adult humor thrown in for the parents, hence my posting title, "Tune In Tokyo!". If you're not familiar with that saying, I strongly suggest you see the movie, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" with a very young Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt. It will reconnect you with your 1985 roots and give you some great fodder for the upcoming office holiday parties. I just suggest you refrain from using "Tune In Tokyo" on your boss - or anyone who might want a successful sexual harassment suit lodged against you.

Overall, I would say that this would be a great movie for a DVD rental rather than forking over the big bucks at a movie theater. It definitely had some funny scenes and I have to admit that the hippo, Moto Moto, did bring sexy back in the flavor of a full-figured critter, but overall, it just didn't have the zingers the original movie had. If you can hit a cheap matinée and sneak in your own popcorn, it would probably be worth it. I remember as a kid going to see the movie "Popeye." My mom was able to smuggle in four sodas, candy, and a big brown grocery bag filled with homemade popcorn, so I know it can be done :-). Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful time and enjoy the experience.