Links we love right now

Johnny Manziel shows off his arm, a giant squid surfaces and Batman makes a precious phone call

Editor's note: There's so much that's beautiful, funny, smart and informative on the Internet. Problem is, there's also a bunch of garbage. Here's the best of the web right now:

1. Johnny Manziel does Dude Perfect. If you aren't familiar with the basketball trick shots of Dude Perfect, well, I feel sorry for your eyeballs. Highlights of this edition include Manziel throwing a football into a basketball goal from the stands of Kyle Field, Manziel skeet shooting at Kyle Field "football style," and, of course, a whole lot of Superman celebrations.

2. Giant squid filmed in Pacific depths. Despite measuring 26 feet, the giant squid has stealthily eluded filming from the dawn of time until now. Japan's National Science Museum, in conjunction with the Discovery Channel, recently captured the tentacled beast in action.

3. Eleven people paying it forward. It's amazing how far a little kindness can go.

4. Internet Explorer appeals to children of the ’90s. The secret's out. All it takes to get a link here is a reference to pogs and fanny packs.

5. Local link shout-out. Preston Hollow People shares the story of Zach Guillot, a Dallas child with acute myeloid leukemia who got a call from Batman (a.k.a. Christian Bale) while in the hospital. The conversation includes Zach explaining the mechanics of his cardboard Batmobile and Bale telling Guillot to be strong. Pass the tissues, please.

If you thought Johnny Manziel was entertaining when he was just playing football, wait until you see him combine pigskin with basketball, darts and skeet shooting.

Film News

KidFilm Festival in Dallas will screen first-ever Looney Tunes feature

The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

Photo courtesy of Ketchup Entertainment

The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie will headline the 41st annual KidFilm Family Festival, taking place January 18 and 19 at Angelika Film Center in Dallas.

A kid-themed film festival is coming to Dallas: Called The 41st Annual KidFilm Family Festival, it will take place January 18-19 at the Angelika Film Center Dallas, featuring 12 programs with feature films, short films, and author appearances.

KidFilm is a spinoff of the USA Film Festival, the Dallas-based, 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in film and video arts.

The highlight of KidFilm is a screening of The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, the first fully-animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history.

The buddy comedy, scheduled for release on February 28, stars the comedic duo of Porky Pig and Daffy Duck and features hand-drawn 2D animation.

Other highlights include an appearance by author Aaron Reynolds, who's written books like Creepy Carrots!, Creepy Pair of Underwear!, Creepy Crayon!, The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter, and more.

The program will include a screening of the short film version of Creepy Carrots!, followed by a reading of Creepy Crayon!. Free copies of Creepy Crayon! will be distributed to families at the show (while supplies last), and Reynolds will sign books for the kids.

Other feature-length films will include:

Pedro Solís García & Juan Jesús García Galocha's Buffalo Kids (Spain), a hilarious yet heartwarming film filled with devious villains, unexpected heroes and unimaginable adventures.
Richard Claus & Karsten Kiilerich's Panda Bear in Africa (Netherlands/Germany/Denmark/ France), an exciting, adventurous, fish-out-of-water comedy.
Kristina Dufková's Living Large (Czech Republic/Slovakia/France), a charming coming-of-age stop motion film that follows a witty, overweight 12-year-old boy.
Mike Johnson's A Tooth Fairy Tale (USA), a magical tale with a star-studded voice cast that includes Fran Drescher, Jon Lovitz, Boo Boo Stewart, Vivica A. Fox, and Larkin Bell.
Eric Power's Brambletown (USA), a musical film featuring songs from popular children's musicians The Okee Dokee Brothers that explores connections with each other and nature.
Winfried Oelsner's Max and the Senior Squad (Germany), a film about teamwork and finding friendship in the unlikeliest places.
Rodrigo Zanforlin's fantastical Galactic Cat and the Spell of Time (Brazil).

There will also be three short film programs featuring 26 animated and live-action short films from around the world, including two Texas-made films.

National Popcorn Day takes place on Sunday, January 19, and KidFilm will celebrate the occasion by offering 50 percent off popcorn orders at the Angelika that day.

All programs will be presented free, but tickets are required. Tickets for all shows are available at the theater on the day of show only, beginning one hour before each showtime. (Note: Lines can form earlier.)

The full schedule of KidFilm programs may be viewed online at usafilmfestival.com. For additional information, call 214-821-3456.

KidFilm is just one of year-round programs of the USA Film Festival, now in its 55th year, and coming to Dallas in April with lineup and details still to be announced. The USA Film Festival is supported by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

movies festivals kids families film

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