Ages 5-8 Titles from KIDS FIRST!

The story tells the backstory of the "Good" and "Bad" witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The film opens by showing Elphaba's past. She was born completely green, and considered peculiar in a repellent way as society constantly rejects her until she is welcomed at Shiz University where she meets Glinda. At Shiz, Elphaba is granted the opportunity of new beginnings, and fights back against societal norms as she speaks out for what she believes in. While the two girls are very different, they work together in Elphaba's hopes of meeting the Wizard whom she glorifies. However, after she finally meets the great Wizard of Oz, she realizes what her heart truly desires.

This highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular musical combines a compelling story line, a great soundtrack, and an amazing cast. Cynthia Erivo is perfectly cast as Elphaba, as she vocally, emotionally, and physically embodies her character perfectly. Erivo and Ariana Grande, as Glinda, work so well together and create such a unique dynamic on the big screen. Their chemistry is what really ties this story together. However, the entire cast is packed with tons of iconic actors: Kristin Chenoweth (Wiz-o-mania Superstar), Idina Menzel (Wiz-o-mania Superstar), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and many other extremely talented actors. The sound track is also spectacular; all the songs are the same as the original musical, but hearing them in this film is so satisfying. I've always loved "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," so hearing Erivo and Grande's interpretations blew me away. The cinematography by Alice Brooks is something remarkable. Watching the film I truly felt transported to the Land of Oz and I find it especially interesting how this iconic classic tale truly feels reinvented and brings a new light to the Land of Oz.

The film's message is that people should always chase what their heart desires and not allow the rules of society to prevent them from doing so.

I give Wicked 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Wicked releases in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I love this film! Wicked is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film directed by Jon M. Chu, who brings his signature style and flair to this magical adaptation. At its core, the film tells a story about friendship, courage, and staying true to yourself. It challenges the idea of good versus evil, showing that people aren't always what they seem and that everyone has their own struggles.

Wicked tells a story of how a green-skinned girl named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who everyone thinks is bad, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular girl, become unlikely best friends. It shows how being different can be powerful and how people aren't always what they seem.

Wicked isn't just a movie--it's an experience. Jon M. Chu's direction, a stellar cast, and breathtaking visuals come together to create something truly magical. The performances are outstanding. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has an incredible heart and strength of character. Her journey from being an outcast to embracing her power is inspiring, and her performance of "Defying Gravity" is unforgettable. Glinda (Ariana Grande) is equally captivating. Her bubbly, lighthearted charm balances the story beautifully, and Glinda's evolving bond with Elphaba adds emotional depth. Their relationship is the heart of the film, showing how true friendship can overcome differences. The supporting cast also excels. Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) are portrayed with depth and complexity. Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) commands attention, adding layers of intrigue to the story. Visually, Wicked is stunning. The costumes and set designs are so detailed; they make every scene magical. From the vibrant Shiz University and dazzlingly detailed Emerald City, to small touches like Elphaba's sharp green nails and Glinda's golden locks, the Land of Oz feels alive. The clever use of pink and green throughout the film reflects the contrasting personalities of the two leads. The music and vocals are the soul of the movie and are spectacular. Each song is packed with emotion, from the empowering "Defying Gravity" to the bubbly "Popular." The score makes every moment even more meaningful. Christopher Scott's choreography is big and joyful. It definitely had me "Dancing Through Life." The story's arc is deeply satisfying, exploring how Elphaba and Glinda start as rivals and grow into strong, complex women who redefine what it means to be good or wicked. The emotional highs and lows definitely captivated me from start to finish.

The film has a powerful message about how being different is a strength, not a weakness, and true friendship means accepting others for who they are. It also emphasizes the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult or misunderstood.

I give Wicked 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Wicked opens in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Madeleine H. K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The film Wicked is a fun and fantastical adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The music alone is worth a visit to the movie theater; I can't get the songs out of my head! Also remarkable are the incredibly themed costumes, the dramatic visuals throughout the film, and the acting - they could not have selected a more fitting cast.

The film begins showing the residents of Munchkinland celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda (Ariana Grande) reminiscing about the good old days when she and Elphaba were friends. From there we learn about how poorly Elphaba was treated by both her friends and family as a youth, including Glinda herself. When Elphaba and Glinda realize they are destined to become best friends, that's when the trouble really begins. Together on a trip to Oz, they discover that the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) is not all that he is cracked up to be and each of them must make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives.

Success on Broadway comes down to the music, and this remake does not disappoint. The classic songs throughout the movie are just as good (if not better!) than the originals. I have been singing the songs from the movie since I saw it, especially "Defying Gravity," sung by Elphaba. The extended version in this movie is really fun because it makes a favorite song last even longer than in the play. The costumes are a good mix between the concepts from the 1900s and today's fashion. Elphaba's witch attire is my favorite, but Glinda's pink dress in the movie is also super fun. The ruffles upon ruffles are so beautiful! The casting is also very well done, as the actors all fit their roles so well and are a blend of classic and contemporary performances. Ariana Grande's version of Glinda is so relatable because Ariana is a modern day heroine for many girls. The choice to cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was also perfect because her voice is just fantastic. I also enjoyed Jeff Goldblum's portrayal of the wizard, because he plays good and evil both so well. The colors and visuals throughout the movie are so bright and exciting. The colors of the Emerald City, and the costumes worn by the residents, are so vibrant and pretty to look at.

Wicked has many messages starting with don't treat people differently just because of how they look. For example, Elphaba's skin color is different from everyone else's and, as a result, people treated her poorly because of that. Be aware that there are themes of bullying and exclusion, as well as how babies are welcomed to the world.

I give Wicked 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It opens in theaters November 22, 2024.

Born with cerebral palsy, Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) is nonverbal, and she is placed in a preschool level remedial academic program where her greatest source of stimulation comes from listening to Judy Blume audiobooks. When Dr. Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) recognizes that Melody's cognitive abilities exceed what the class offers, she advocates for Melody to join Mr. Dimming's (Michael Chernus) class, which puts Melody on track for the life she has always dreamed of. Best of all, it puts her on a path to receive an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device so she can finally have the opportunity to make friends. But, like her journey thus far, nothing comes easy.

I really like how the film is told through Melody's first-person narrative, with Jennifer Aniston as Melody's voice, since Melody's favorite TV show is Friends. Jennifer Aniston delivers a lot of heart, love, and laughter in the role, which is paired perfectly with Phoebe-Rae Taylor's emotional performance as Melody. I was so invested in watching Melody's dreams come true, but also feeling for her parents Chuck and Diane (Luke Kirby, Rosemarie DeWitt). You can feel the struggle they have been fighting for their daughter's future and wanting what is best for her. I also love the next door neighbor, Mrs. V (Judith Light), who often helps Melody and her family. You can feel the love Mrs. V has for Melody through the screen. Mrs. V has some great moments and she always makes me smile. If you enjoy reading, I recommend reading the book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Also available is the sequel, Out of My Heart, where Melody goes to camp for the first time and Out of My Dreams where Melody travels on an airplane for the first time and visits London.

Out of My Mind highlights the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to see the vibrant inner world of people with disabilities, particularly those who are non-verbal like Melody, who struggles with cerebral palsy but possesses a brilliant mind.

I give Out of My Mind 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Out of My Mind on Disney beginning November 22, 2024.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Out of My Mind is a coming-of-age film about a 12-year-old non-verbal girl with cerebral palsy - she must stand up for herself in order to have the same rights as other kids her age.

The storyline follows Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) who is born with cerebral palsy and can't walk or speak. Although she is extremely bright and understands complex topics similar to those her age, she has limited opportunities to learn more advanced things. All her life, she attended school in the same special education classroom since kindergarten because of her disability. Melody desperately wants the chance to be able to go to school in a regular classroom with other sixth graders. Although her mom Diane (Rosemarie Dewitt) and her dad Chuck (Luke Kirby) are both caring and dedicated parents, they disagree about her ability to learn and survive in a regular sixth grade classroom.

Early in the film, Melody is given the chance to attend a regular sixth grade classroom with a visiting doctor Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) at her side. Melody falls in love with the classroom experience because she can understand what is being taught and also makes a new friend Rose (Maria Nash). However, Melody cannot raise her hand to answer questions because she communicates by pointing to letters or to her surroundings. The classroom teacher, Mr. Dimming (Michael Chernus), becomes frustrated and does not want Melody there. The main plot of the film involves a Whiz Kids competition in which the four smartest kids in the class compete on a national level. However, Mr. Dimming refuses to grade Melody's exam because he does not think she can compete. The movie shows the various obstacles in Melody's way: fighting to stay in the sixth-grade classroom, fighting to be on the Whiz Kids team, and fighting to make friends with other sixth graders and show them she is just as capable and interesting. One of my favorite parts is when Rose takes Melody to the mall -- they laugh and have so much fun together that Rose forgets Melody has a disability. My favorite character is Melody because she is confident and strong in the face of adversity. The cinematography is great and some scenes are shot in an interesting way, such as through a mirror. I also love the upbeat and positive music.

The film's message is that people won't know what you are capable of unless you show them. Melody is brave enough to advocate for herself being in a regular sixth grade classroom, which allows others to see she belongs there. A few scenes demonstrate inappropriate behavior that may not be suitable for young children.

I give Out of My Mind 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Out of My Mind when it releases on Disney+ on November 22, 2024.

The film follows the story of St. Nick (Gerard Butler) on Christmas day as he gets ready to deliver presents. He receives a last-minute letter from the Princess of Hearts (Eliza Riley) who requests a special present, her own special pet. Despite being warned of the twisted Wonderland by his reindeer, St. Nick goes on a musical journey to fulfill the princess's wish. But on arrival, he has to face the Christmas hating, Queen of Hearts (Emilie Clark) and try to teach her what Christmas is all about.

The main characters are St. Nick, Alice (Simone Ashley), Prancer (Mae Muller) and the Queen of Hearts! I love how the music is super catchy and fits the holiday theme, but it also gives you a little something to dance to. I love the fun combination of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Clement Clarke Moore's poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas." The story is well-developed. The animation is unique, especially since it is not a style you see much today; it's a line-drawn style that is reminiscent of older-style holiday films. I got to speak with Gerard Butler who plays St. Nick, and he told me about how special this movie is for him. It can definitely impact people who may have lost the Christmas spirit and remind them what Christmas is all about -- having a great time during the holidays with their families. Just like the Queen of Hearts who has lost her faith in the holidays and developed a large hatred for them is helped by St. Nick who allows her to feel better and lose her bitterness.

This film reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and allows viewers to become immersed in the happiness and fun of Christmas.

I give The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It is streaming on Hulu beginning November 15, 2024.

The story begins with a little boy explaining what ego and waste management are. Then a grandma that sews old clothes into new things makes some items for the boy's mom. The grandma's niece steals a shirt that she really likes, but the grandma finds out and takes it back. The girl is mad but the grandma finds a solution. This is from India, with dialogue in both English and Hindi, and English subtitles as needed.

The story flows well and makes a lot of sense. I like how the girl changes the most. At first she is mad at her grandma because she would not allow her to do anything, but in the end she is happy. I was empathetic with the girl because she really liked the shirt but she could not have it because it didn't belong to her. But, grandma finds a solution. The images are very clear and easy to identify. As a live action film it is very realistic and kid friendly. It invites the viewer to problem solve, especially the girl's conflict with wanting something she can't have. We observe grandma's problem solving solution as she makes both people happy. It teaches us a bit about Halduwala culture and the importance of recycling as a way to protect the environment.

The film's message is about the importance of taking care of the environment and how recycling helps do that.

The story opens with Vanessa (Marila Lombrozo) and Jeff (Brooks Ryan) committed to making a documentary about dinosaurs. Meanwhile, a young girl, Madison (Ava Torres) and her brother Ethan (Kyle Rangel) find an egg and are pleasantly surprised by what is inside. Could it be a real dinosaur? They soon find out the answer is yes but then, the dinosaur escapes. They enlist the help of Wendy (Sophie Procter) and Mortimer (Ben Hall) to track down the dinosaur to make sure it doesn't get into the hands of the documentary team before it's too late.

I was drawn in immediately with the realistic opening CGI. I felt like I was looking at actual dinosaurs and couldn't wait to see how the story developed. The writers created a gripping storyline where I wasn't sure what was next in the journey to find the dinosaur. And at the same time, I couldn't stop laughing. The cast has fun on-screen chemistry and are very natural in their delivery. One of my favorite parts is the scene where they go to the theater and get in with a silly made up story. The wardrobe really caught my eye. I love Wendy's outfits as they perfectly match her bold personality. And Madison's couture at the beginning of the movie really captures her as a caring and curious kid. There are quite a few short falls in this movie - some scenes drag on and are not truly needed for the overall storyline. Also, as the movie develops, the CGI decreases in quality and it doesn't quite live up to what it is at the beginning.

There are a few important messages in the film - nature should be preserved and animals should be handled with care at all costs. Even when a situation seems impossible, if you work together, you can solve any problem with a little humor and fun.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 3 out 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It releases on VOD and streaming November 19, 2024.

By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

I really enjoyed Jurassic Pet 3 because it is a fun and adventurous movie that kept me hooked from start to finish!

The story begins when siblings Madison (Ava Torres) and Ethan (Kyle Rangel) receive a mysterious egg from a man who is hit by a car. The man tells them to deliver the egg to Wendy Jenkins (Sophie Proctor), but before they can do that, the egg hatches into a baby dinosaur they call Spike, who escapes. Wendy, the mystery man, Madison, and Ethan work together to find the dinosaur and bring him back through the portal to the dinosaur realm where he belongs. They quickly realize they have to hide Spike from the public, and things get more complicated when a film crew comes to town and captures him. The crew wants to exploit Spike for profit, which creates a lot of problems for the four of them.

One of the best things about Jurassic Pet is the adventure. It's not just about finding a dinosaur; it's about keeping Spike hidden and safe while figuring out how to get him back to his home in the dinosaur realm. Our heroes have to think quickly to keep Spike a secret from the townspeople and the film crew who want to use him in their movie. There's a lot of suspense as they try to hide him, especially when Spike gets bigger and harder to keep out of sight. The adventure really picks up when they have to figure out how to get Spike back to his world before it's too late. The idea of a dinosaur realm adds a fun twist, suggesting that dinosaurs didn't go extinct--they have their own world to return to. The mystery of this hidden world keeps the adventure fresh and exciting, making it feel like you're discovering something new with the characters. The background music is great and really stands out. My favorite part is the cliffhanger at the end.

Jurassic Pet 3 is a fun and lighthearted movie that blends adventure, humor, and a little bit of mystery. It has a lot of heart. If you enjoy movies with creative storylines, this is the film for you. The movie's message is that all living things deserve respect.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It will be released on VOD and streaming on November 19, 2024. I hope you enjoy it!

By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Jurassic Pet 3 is a delightful adventure that captures the imagination with its heartwarming story and engaging characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the film's blend of humor and excitement, which kept me entertained from start to finish.

The film follows a shy girl named Madison (Ava Torres) and her outgoing brother Ethan (Kyle Rangel) who stumble upon a mysterious egg in their backyard. To their astonishment, the egg hatches into a small dinosaur, sparking a whirlwind of chaos and excitement. As the siblings try to care for their new pet, they must also evade a team of ambitious scientists determined to capture the creature for their own nefarious purposes. With time running out, Madison and Ethan embark on a thrilling journey to return the dinosaur to its rightful home, navigating obstacles and learning valuable lessons along the way.

What sets Jurassic Pet 3 apart is its charming portrayal of sibling dynamics and personal growth. Madison's character arc is particularly resonant; her journey from timid to courageous is beautifully depicted. The film deftly balances lighthearted moments with deeper themes of friendship and responsibility. The special effects used to bring the dinosaur to life are impressive, creating a believable and adorable creature that audiences will root for. The humor is cleverly woven throughout, appealing to both children and adults, making it a family-friendly film that invites laughter and wonder. Additionally, the soundtrack complements the action perfectly, enhancing the emotional beats without overshadowing the story. Overall, Jurassic Pet 3 is an engaging and heartwarming film that combines adventure, humor, and a touch of nostalgia, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next escapade.

The film conveys the message that courage and teamwork can help overcome any challenge.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 through 12. This film releases on VOD and streaming on November 19, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Roar, get ready to be amazed! Jurassic Pet has come back in Jurassic Pet 3, but we have a problem, another dinosaur has entered earth. What will they do?

The story follows a shy girl, Madison (Ava Torres), with her outstanding brother (Kyle Rangel) who see a man (Ben Hall) get hit by a car and give a bag to the kids with a dinosaur egg inside. Before you know it, the egg hatches a dinosaur. Meanwhile, a very confident film crew comes along, looking for dinosaurs and claiming that they will have a special event.

This movie is very funny, energetic and suspenseful. When I watched it, I was at the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. I love the sets by Steve Maddox and the costumes by Valerie Parker are outstanding. I love the CGI and how the dinosaurs are animated. The acting is quite real and expressive, especially Ava Torres as Madison. The movie is so funny, especially when the two men are interviewed. Oddly enough the scene when the car hits a man and the driver starts panicking, is hilarious. The tree house scene is my favorite part because this is where the egg hatches and that is where a big chunk of comedy happens. I also like the film crew because they make the movie funnier and very interesting.

The film's message is that even though you like something, if it does not belong here you still have to let it go.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This movie will be available on streaming and VOD beginning November 19, 2024.

The story of this high school student-made film follows two girls whose friendship is tested when they both like the same guy. Unexpectedly one finds a magical crystal that maintains harmony in the world. The crystal is lost when one jealous girl tosses it into the snow and war breaks out around the world. However, the girls eventually collaborate to find the lost crystal to save the world.

High school friendships can be pretty rocky, especially when two girls have a crush on the same guy, which happens here. Fortunately, the girls are able to get beyond that and attend to the more meaningful task of finding the lost crystal in order to restore harmony in the world. The camera work is quite good, as is the audio recording and the girls are adorable. The editing is a bit rough at times - some of the transitions between scenes are quite abrupt. It is confusing when the girl who finds the crystal goes to bed and sees herself finding the crystal once again. I guess that was her dream. I like the part when one girl lies down in the snow, has an epiphany and turns around, reaches through the snow and pulls out the crystal. I also like the ending when peace returns to their lives and spring brings an abundance of new growth in the woods and wildflowers bloom.

The film's message is that strong friendships are those who stand by your side in good and bad times.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set years later from the original Disney channel show, Wizards of Waverly Place. It stars Janice LeAnn Brown (Billie) who is brought to the Russo house by Alex Russo (Selene Gomez). Alex leaves her there in hopes that her brother, Justin (David Henrie) will help her to control her magic; she has a big heart, but can sometimes get carried away. Justin must learn to come to terms with who he is while helping Billie navigate this wonderful but dangerous gift that they share.

I really enjoy how this show feels so nostalgic. Growing up as a Disney kid, I constantly watched the Disney channel and loved Wizards of Waverly Place. Watching this spin-off reminded me of that same feeling I used to have when I was younger while watching the Disney channel. There is also the live audience aspect - hearing the laughs at the funny parts, and the "oohs" at the intense moments really adds to the show. It absolutely captures the essence of the old Disney channel, while still feeling new and fresh. Additionally, the storyline is enjoyable. Although this connects to an old show, it does not feel old. Each episode follows Billie's journey and viewers get to experience her magic and watch her learn to navigate all of her skills in the real world. I particularly enjoyed the first episode when we get to see all of Billie's tricks. They take us back to the lair, where all the magic happens! Another standout in this show are the characters' relationships with one another. For instance, Billie and Justin, despite just meeting, instantly form a tight bond. Justin acts as almost an older brother figure, helping Billie deal with her magic. There are many times when Billie doesn't know how to control all of her powers, and just wants to use them for good. However, Justin teaches her that just because you have the ability to do something, doesn't mean it's always the right time to exercise that power.

The show's message is to never give up on the people you care about.

I give Wizards Beyond Waverly Place 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18. You can watch Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on the Disney Channel beginning October 29, 2024.

The storyline is about a 12-year-old girl, Ruby (Gemma Pakzad), whose father (Justin Lopez) has passed away and she is trying to make him proud by getting into a sword combat team, following in his footsteps, but she just does not fit in. In the end she realizes her dad will be proud of her no matter what.

This film is really great and I think that even teens would enjoy it. The main characters are Abuelita (Maria Candeleria), Ruby, Papa and Pippa (Bricine Mitchell). The storyline really kept me interested and I could really relate to Ruby's emotions. I think some children will relate to Ruby and her grief -- this will provide a great message for them. But, you don't have to have lost a parent for this to make an emotional impact. The film flows seamlessly and it's easy to relate to the characters. I especially enjoyed how the girl's attitude changes when she realizes that she does not have to win anything or be the best in order for her dad to love and be proud of her.

The camera work is very good, as is the audio recording and the editing. The sets look realistic. I especially like the shrine to the deceased family members, with skulls and marigolds, and paper cuts-outs (papel picado) to honor them.

The film's message is that you don't have to be the best to make your parents proud. It also reminds us that our family member is always with you, even after they are gone. Note that it addresses the topic about death which may be disturbing to some.

Max & The Midknights follows the journey of Max (Blu del Barrio), an adventurous ten-year-old girl with a big dream: becoming a knight. She leads her friends on thrilling adventures in a fantastical medieval kingdom -- battling zombies, outsmarting evil sorcerers, and even taming dragons. Max's determination and bravery drive the story, making each episode full of surprises and laughs, while teaching valuable lessons about courage and friendship.

The voice acting is top-notch, with a cast that brings the characters to life in a truly dynamic way -- including Blu del Barrio as Max, Melissa Villase�or as Millie, Zeno Robinson as Simon and Caleb Yen as Kevyn. Max is voiced with a perfect mix of sass and sincerity, making her a standout lead character. The 3D animation is stunning, especially during the action sequences, which are full of sword fights, magical duels, and explosive moments. The world of Max & The Midknights is colorful, immersive, and full of detail, making each scene feel like a mini-movie. One of my favorite parts is the series' use of humor. The show is genuinely funny, with plenty of clever jokes that will make both kids and adults laugh. Max's imagination also plays a huge role in the series, adding another layer of fun as she dreams up wild and creative solutions to the challenges she and her friends face. The combination of humor, heart, and action makes it an exciting adventure from start to finish.

The message of Max & The Midknights is about pursuing your true passions, no matter what others may say. Max is determined to become a knight, despite those around her doubting her abilities because she's a girl. The show encourages kids to follow their dreams and not let anyone tell them they can't achieve their goals.

The storyline is about a town preparing for their much awaited 75th Christmas pageant. Unfortunately, the organizer, Mrs. Armstrong (Meriam Bernstein) breaks both her legs, so Grace (Judy Greer) volunteers to replace her to organize the pageant. Hoping to get free snacks, the Herdmans force their way into the pageant, creating chaos all around them and putting Grace under a lot of pressure to replace them. Grace is facing a difficult time to get the pageant going and the final results leave everyone speechless.

I love every character in this movie, especially the Herdmans - Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Mason D. Nelligan as Ralph, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Evan Wood as Leroy, Essek Moore as Ollie, Kynlee Heiman as Gladys. The main characters are almost all kids and their performances as bullies are outstanding, and we also see their vulnerability eventually. There are so many funny moments like when Gladiys jumps and scares the three boys. This movie is based on a best-selling book by Barbara Robinson. Dallas Jenkins's direction shines in the selection of locations, sets, d�cor and acting. The film does switch eras between current and the 1920s.There are a couple of important messages in this movie - a reminder that we should not judge a book by its cover and that everyone deserves a chance to prove what they can do when they feel supported. Be aware that this is a Christian oriented movie presenting the nativity in a very refreshing way. Will it become another recurring Christmas movie? Let's hope so!

I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning November 8, 2024. Check it out.

By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

I like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.

The storyline is about the Herdmans who are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, bully, and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. The film is based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson. It follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for food and walk away with the lead roles in the town's Christmas pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time, and she and her daughter, Beth (Molly Belle Wright), along with her husband Bob (Pete Holmes), are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might just end up teaching the community the true meaning of Christmas.

This movie is full of heart and, although the antics of the Herdmans are outrageous, the behaviors of the church children and adults are humorously familiar. It is an entertaining and heartwarming movie for the whole family at Christmas time. It highlights the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most beautiful nativity scene. The costumes and the nativity scene are exceptional. The setting makes it look just like a barn the night Jesus was born. My favorite part is the ending when the children are acting out the play and the nativity scene. The community comes together and realizes what is really important on Christmas. Judy Greer, as Grace, gives a very believable performance as the mother and director of the church performance. She is patient and loving with her community and all of the children. The children in the film are Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), Claude (Matthew Lamb) Gladys (Kynlee Heiman), Ralph (Mason Nelligan). Speaking of the children, they all give fantastic performances, especially Molly Belle Write as Beth. She is funny and teaches the importance of Christmas and being kind to others. There is so much chemistry between these characters that I could feel it as I watched the film. They all connect to being there for each other, their church and community.

The film's message centers on how people should not be judged, how redemption is important, and how tradition can be altered by perspective. It is important for children to learn the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, and this story does just that.

I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters beginning November 8, 2024.

The storyline follows Ricky, a tour guide, who has a group of people he is guiding, but they do not find it interesting. Then, a girl named Tara tells him that there is a group of other tour guides which are not actually tour guides, in fact they are there to take an artifact. Tara and Ricky go on an adventure to get the artifact back.

I really enjoyed the story, especially when they have a fight to try and get the artifact back. It is really funny and suspenseful. The camera work is quite good, as is the audio recording and editing. . I really like the scene where they zoom into the glowing stone. The locations are well selected; my favorite is the hall that is decorated with Christmas lights. The scene when the Christmas lights do not light up is funny. I also enjoyed the little fight scene. Yes, one special effect that is pretty cool is when Ricky is looking at the crystal in the beginning. It is not believable, but that is the intention. I really enjoyed the character Ricky (Ray Cuevas) and how he develops. In the beginning he does not know who he truly is; at the end he finally figures it out. I appreciate the director's (Jackson Huffman) work. My favorite part is the adventure and the battle they have to get the artifact back.

The film's message is about how, even if something may seem boring, it may have an exciting twist to it. Be aware that there is a fight scene; it is not bloody or realistic.

The story follows Pip (Natalie Lane), an 8-year-old girl, who finds a homeless man at the playground alone and begins to play with him. Pip shows Jessie (Michael Merritt) the friendship that he has been longing for when he needs it most.

This is a tricky story because it triggers people's concerns about talking with strangers and the mom reminds her daughter about her concern as they walk away. The young girl behaves in the most innocent way and she is guided by her faith. She only wants to help the man and her efforts pay off as we see the girl, her mom and the homeless guy enjoying flying kites and having a picnic together. The film is well produced from its writing to direction and editing. It has good camera work and good audio recording and a terrific music track by Michael Merritt, who also plays Mr. Jesse. I love the music; it really adds another dimension to the film. The costumes and locations all work well for the story. Jessie's clothes are typical of a homeless person and the girl and her mom are dressed as typical middle class Americans. The person who has the most visible character change is Jessie -- he goes from being lonely and sad to having a friend and being the happiest he has been in some time. Pip's mom, Jackie (Jackie Marsden) goes from being mad at Pip for talking to strangers to showing real compassion for Jessie and taking him into her heart. The ending is heartbreaking and may be too much for some audiences. Jessie passes away and is found by Pip and her mom. The striking part is the reveal at Jessie's funeral when the pastor tells his life story about how he lost his wife and daughter in a car accident with a drunk driver. In the end Pip's kindness brought happiness to a man who was alone and broken and he was not alone anymore.

The film's message is about how being kind to someone, being their friend, could change their lives forever. It's a beautiful message, but one might add that you should be careful about how you interact with strangers, because they are not all that nice. The film does have a slight Christian element to it, so be aware of that.

I give The Light of Pip 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

The film follows Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad on an imaginative world tour, visiting 20 different countries and sharing the music from each one. The images are drawn and they move a bit but aren't fully animated.

I love the music and the sets in each country. It really gives you an overview of so many different cultures in a quick way. It reminded me of Guido Sarducci's 90 second vacation on SNL back in the day, only from a kids' point of view. We see penguins in Antarctica, the tower of London in the UK, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the coliseum in Rome, and so much more. I could see this five-minute short as an interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It's cute; it's fun; it's childlike and I love the dad and daughter narrators.

The film gives us a quick overview of the different countries, cultures and music that exist on our great planet.

Time for Art is a fun and quirky collection of activities for school-aged kids that revolve around humor and creativity. The host, Bill Dougal, is joined by a few other interesting characters who lend their silly jokes and input on - on gosh, everything. Bill teaches basic drawing techniques sprinkled in with songs, jokes, and other stuff.

I have to say that I just love this guy, with all his quirks. I especially love the drawing lessons. They are so simple and straightforward; it makes you think that anyone could do it. When he bursts into song, which he does quite often, it just makes me giggle. And then there are the "bad" jokes; they are definitely kid appropriate and parents will appreciate that.

The film's message is really about creativity and fun. Who doesn't like that?

The story follows a young boy, who, together with his pet pigeon, walk into a cave where they stumble upon a bat like creature who turns out to be a vampire, a youth vampire. Their mutual parents show up to pull them apart but, surprisingly, they establish a friendship that proves to be long lasting.

Very impressive animation work by these young filmmaker. Interesting storyline and great voice overs by the cast. I also love the soundtrack which adds a lot to the story. And, one of my favorite scenes is the one at the very end, showing both families picnicking together, the vampire family all sitting under the shade.

The film's message is that friendship comes in many different flavors, sometimes with people who are completely unlike you.

The story follows Grandpa (Liu Xue) who has grown old, lost his wife and has become lonely and nostalgic for the old days. His daughter, Pingping (Han Huimin) returns to her family's small village with her own children to celebrate Chinese New Year with her elderly father and hopes he will join her in the southern city of Hainan after the New Year. When his daughter visits, Grandpa expresses the powerlessness he feels in his old age and how he does not want to move to Hainan. After much deliberation, the father decides to go with his daughter, but he dies before that happens. The film is from China with dialogue in Chinese with English subtitles.

The film is very well produced, with wonderful camera work and audio recording. The lighting for interior shots is lacking at times, making it difficult to see these scenes. But, I have to say that the images in the movie are extremely beautiful, and it seems that the director, Fengkai Liu, as well as the production staff really understand the Northeast as they show the charm of the ice and snow so well. When Grandpa introduces Baolai (Xue Tianxiao) to the land, the snowy landscape surrounds the two characters and we see the entire breadth of the land. The set very much keeps with the times, which made me feel like I was back at my grandparents' house, even though they lived in southern China. The somewhat dated, but uniquely beautiful set in the Northeast makes the story more convincing. There is relatively little music used in the movie, except at the end, when the daughter is sitting alone in the car and the sun appears in the distance; the music then drives home the emotions of the story even more. Of the three main characters in the film, the character of Grandpa is the most colorful -- he is very much like an elderly Chinese man. He shows a sense of loneliness in his body movements and his tone of voice. The Chinese New Year is of great importance to the Chinese people and is the equivalent of Christmas for Westerners. My favorite part is the scene during Chinese New Year when Baolai walks out to watch the fireworks, followed Pingping, and finally Grandpa stands to watch in the doorway. It's a long shot, full of invisible love. I am reminded of how a woman cares for her child and express her love directly, but when a father cares for his grown daughter, it's hard for him to show his love for her. At the end, Grandpa dies; we don't really see what happens, only his casket being taken away, Pingping sorting through his things, and the image of her face in the window of the door as she departs and drives away. Her face is devoid of emotion, and we are left with our own emotions about losing a loved one.

The film's message is about love and family and how, as we age, life changes but out love for our family never goes away.

This CD takes the listeners on a journey through a zoo, concentrating on different animals that you might find there including lions, flamingos, ostriches, giraffes, and monkeys, just to name a few, all while learning the French language. Each song has its own concept which acts as a mini-lesson. The songs introduce and repeat vocabulary, which builds language skills bit by bit.

The appealing thing about AU ZOO (At the Zoo) -- French Learning Songs is the creativity of the lyrics along with the fun, upbeat vibe of the music. I found myself humming along immediately to every song that played. I also appreciated the animal noises and sound effects, especially the lion's ferocious roar! The music provides a solid, creative avenue for students to learn the French language. They won't even know they are learning because the songs take the hard work out of learning a new language. The songs do not just focus on animals; they also focus on concepts like holidays, back to school, the alphabet, and dancing. All of these are appropriate for younger audiences, because they are things that young kids are familiar with. Adding another language with content that kids are familiar with in song form helps them easily learn a new language. The CD's animal them emphasizes an appreciation for nature and animals. The repetitive nature of the songs helps the children enjoy a sense of achievement as they learn new words in French. Learning a new language also promotes a sense of openness to accepting other cultures and languages.

The songs on this CD are unusual. The background instrumentals are extremely catchy and definitely had me bobbing my head, clapping my hands, and tapping my feet. There were a few songs that I immediately recognized such as The Itsy Bitsy Spider. The lyrics are selected to help the beginning student learn and understand the French language. The biggest educational benefit of this CD is that it helps even the youngest audiences begin to learn and understand French in a new and exciting way. It engages them to want to learn more because it takes the stress out of learning and makes it less of a chore. The songs are easy to sing along to and remember. The emotional support that Au Zoo offers children is a sense of pride and confidence as they increase their knowledge of French. The CD definitely encourages children to want to practice and perfect the French words they have learned.

Included are 20 quirky, fun, and vibrant songs. They are not long and are repetitive for language learning purposes and fun. It didn't take me long to sing along to most of the songs. Artist, Didier Prossaird does an exquisite job of mixing an instrumental element with lyrics and lively background noises. I truly felt that I was on a safari at one point! Besides the animal songs, songs like Your Birthday, Happy Father's, Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Back to School are included as well. My favorite songs are My Donkey, Have You Seen Fritzi, and Move and Dance. My Donkey is a silly song about a sick donkey who gets a lot of items from the doctor to feel better. And don't worry, the donkey gets better! Have You Seen Frizti had a memorable tune that I really enjoyed. Move and Dance made me want to - well move and dance! Although the songs are geared toward younger children, I found myself engaged and wanting more! Whether you're a young kid or just someone who loves animals and music, this CD makes learning French enjoyable.

I give AU ZOO (At the Zoo) -- French Learning Songs 5 out of 5 �toiles (that's French for stars!) and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. It is available now through online retailers so look for it.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 10

The Au Zoo French Learning Songs CD is an entertaining and creative way to teach the French language to beginners. I enjoyed the wide selection of songs from a variety of genres and found this CD enjoyable from start to finish.

This language learning program teaches children how to speak French at an early age. It has a wide selection of songs about animals from the zoo, foods, and holidays throughout the year, like Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and even the start of school! It uses storytelling and repetition to help listeners learn the language.

This CD is excellent! All the songs are fun and well written. The lyrics include a lot of beginning French words, and the music uses multiple genres. Everything is designed to help beginning French language students learn vocabulary and pronunciation. My favorite song is La Tortue A Faim, which means The Hungry Turtle, and is about a turtle trying to get across a yard. It is extremely catchy and creative, plus it is very educational and has lots of action words and adverbs. This song uses a lot of repetition as well as call and response methods. The singers are quite talented and have very melodic voices that are a pleasure to listen to. The music includes many different instruments, as well as scatting and whistling which fit the songs perfectly and makes them unforgettable. Many of the songs feature children's voices, which is great representation for the target audiences and makes the songs even more relatable.

The CD's purpose is to teach children how to speak beginning French at a young age. It definitely hits the mark for its educational impact while delivering fun and entertaining music.

I give The Au Zoo Learning Songs 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now through online retailers so look for it.

The story follows two childhood friends, Thomas and Naevy, who are torn apart when Naevy's dad gets a job out of state. They promise to stay in touch with one another and do until they don't. Circumstances change and Naevy's dad is relocated again, back to their home town. Naevy can't wait to see Thomas again, but when she does, something is very much amiss and he has lost his memory. Slowly they rebuild their friendship, creating new memories.

This is very well produced with great camera work, audio recording, terrific acting and direction. Really this is outstanding and, as a student film, even more remarkable. The plot development leads us down the rabbit hole, wondering what happened to Thomas and kudos to Naevy, for coming up with a solution to help him. This will make a great addition to any student film festival that KIDS FIRST! partners with.

The film's message is about rolling with the punches, and never letting your friends down.

The story follows a young girl, NingNing, who has come home to visit her father and has multiple situations to deal with that she never anticipated. Her dad almost abandons her at the bus station, and then she discovers that her grandmother has been sick for a long time. The morning after she arrives her dad disappears and she becomes completely distraught until she finds him in an unlikely place.

Bravo to the director, Jiaxin Xu, for an outstanding film with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The key cast members, especially the little girl and her dad, are perfect for their roles. The locations are quite appropriate, especially the religious temple. The pace is painstakingly slow in the middle, but it holds your interest as you try to figure out what happened to the dad. When she finally finds him, I took a big sigh of relief, and then when they return to grandmother's house and she is no longer on her deathbed, the whole film takes a major turn.

The film's message is about the importance of family.

The storyline follows a cat named Thumper as she moves about her home, lies down to sleep and dreams. Her dreams reveal experiences of Blackfoot culture and beliefs. The dialogue is in Blackfoot language with both Blackfoot and English subtitles.

I loved learning more about the Blackfoot people through this animated film. The images are exquisite. I especially enjoyed the buffalo images during the dream sequence. But the cat and the woman are delightfully animated also. The background music by Lance Tailfeathers perfectly suits the storyline, particularly during the dream sequence. I loved hearing the native language and seeing the written words. My hats off to creators Celestine Twigg, Celestine Twigg, Troy Emery Twigg and Xstine Cook for creating such an original film that is both educational and entertaining.

The film is a reminder of the influence of First Nations' people worldwide and to honor their stories.

Two city girls (Lei Leong and Paige Stepherd) explore rural life when they join Peter at his farm overlooking the ocean in Taiwan. They go through all of Peter's task that he usually does - feeding chickens, picking fruit, making jam, even helping dig a new humanure toilet. The girls are unfamiliar with nature but they slowly start to enjoy being in nature and learn to enjoy its many gifts. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles.

This documentary really gives an inside look at rural life in Taiwan. The camera work and audio recording are terrific. I really enjoy the creative camera work at the beginning. I also love the scene when the camera follows them while they are walking through the trees. The girls' enthusiasm for learning new things is palpable and it's fun to observe and learn from their experience. Peter is a wonderful guide and very patient with the girls. They always find a way to mix play in with getting chores done. I enjoyed watching the girls experience everything that goes on at the farm and develop a new relationship with nature. My favorite part of the film is when they feed the ducks and chickens. In the end, the girls experience a whole different side of life by living "off the grid" in a marvelous sustainable rural environment where one works hard but has a lot of fun at the same time. It's quite a contrast to city life.

The film's message is that nature is your friend and could be exciting and lead to great adventures. There are some scenes that may be considered a bit too risky for US audiences like when they are standing up in the back of the truck or cracking open coconuts with machetes.

The story follows a drop of water and chloroplast who unexpectedly meet and fall for each other, but they have some serious differences that make it difficult to even kiss each other. Fortunately, things evolve and they at last... well, you'll have to watch to find out.

The animation in this short film is terrific and the storyline has classic elements to it. Not exactly a Romeo and Juliet because there are no warring families, but the two protagonists definitely come from different worlds. Their efforts to make things work eventually pay off and we have a happy ending. Great background music. All around well executed short film that would make lovely interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! festival.

The storyline is about how two individuals from different backgrounds can somehow make things work out between them if they are clever and focused enough.

The storyline follows California surfer Leah (Charity Rose) who must move to the dreary small town of Carterville, where she makes friends with fellow outcasts Marshy (Sean Jay) and Tessa (Amelia Salazar) to solve the town's hundreds of years' old mystery and find the lost treasure that comes with it. When the trio uncovers the truth behind the treasure's Halloween curse, they must outsmart the high school troublemakers before an evil spirit is accidentally released.

This storyline is very enjoyable - the whole concept of this mystery is very entertaining. The fact that the three underdogs work together makes it even cooler! As the trio tries to solve the mystery and find the treasure they form a truly amazing bond and each one develops their own strengths. For example, in the beginning, Marshy is a typical geek who's always scared, but by the end he helps solve the mystery and has lots of fun doing it. He learns to face his fears and this sends an awesome message to viewers. Something that really makes this film stand out is the quality. The audio is perfect; you can hear the snap of a branch. And the video is crystal clear - the quality is so coherent that it really heightens your experience and you can truly feel each scene like it's happening right before your eyes. The acting in this film is extraordinary. Charity Rose, as Leah, is perfectly cast. Charity's strong facial features really accentuate Leah's determined attitude and confident demeanor. Her acting is also incredible - there is one scene where there are spirits overtaking her, and her expressions look so haunted and out of this world, which makes that scene even better. When it comes to the plot, I can only say how much I enjoyed it from the heartfelt scenes to the action, every one hits home. There are some parts that are a bit drawn out, which make the film a bit lengthy; for example, one of the scenes displaying a search for a clue seems rather long. On the other hand, the sets are astounding; in one cave scene, there are stalagmites and stalactites that look so real. There is even lava. The lava really blew me away because it looks super life-like.

The film's message is that when you work with people you love by your side, you can do anything. Be aware that there are some dark themes in this film such as dark magic, ghosts, and evil spirits, which may frighten younger viewers.

I rate Treasure Trackers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Treasure Trackers will be available to purchase on Digital platforms starting October 1, 2024, just in time of the Halloween season.

By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I really love the film Treasure Trackers because it is a detective mystery film that leads you on a complex treasure hunt that leaves you guessing what the next clue may be or how they will get out of the next predicament.

The storyline follows a girl named Leah (Charity Rose) who is forced to move from coastal California to a small country town named Carterville. Upon starting school, she learns of the town's legendary gold hoard hidden by its founder, Silas Carter, hundreds of years earlier. She is intrigued by this legend and decides to search for the gold with her two new friends Tessa (Amelia Salazar) and Marshy (Sean Jay). The story follows this trio of middle schoolers on their quest in which they face numerous obstacles.

Early in the film, the diary of Silas Carter is stolen from the school library. This is how Leah learns about the legend and that the diary may provide clues to the location of the buried gold. This inspires her to figure out who stole the diary and to join forces with Tessa and Marshy. During their journey in search of the gold, they face many obstacles -- another group searching for the gold, others stealing their clues, and various dead ends. One of my favorite parts is when the trio ends up in a cave with a lava pit and Leah must walk along the cliff or risk dying. It's very suspenseful part that made me hold my breath. My favorite character is Tessa because she is fearless, daring, and willing to try anything. The country setting is beautiful which contrasts well with the scary scenes. The special effects are very realistic including the flowing lava and the talking raven. The spooky music definitely kept me on edge of my seat.

The film's message is "life is a blessing in disguise." In other words, although things may not seem desirable at first, they have a way of becoming exactly what you need. This film deals with aggressive behavior such as bullying which may be disturbing for younger children.

I give Treasure Trackers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Treasure Trackers will be available on VOD beginning October 1, 2024.

This story is told by the great Bichon Frise detective, Upton Charles, with assistance from his feline friend, Watson. It begins at a time when things seem to have reached a new calm in his household until, quite unexpectedly, a new dog joins the family. A walk on the beach reveals a possible problem when an abandoned sailboard is spotted on a nearby island and suddenly, everyone jumps into action trying to figure out what is going on.

I was not surprised that the new dog, Upton's brother, Arthur, turns out to have natural "detective" instincts, just like Upton and, as they join the police chief investigating the stranded sailboat, he proves his skills. Bit by bit, the mystery unravels and the reader begins to make presumptions about what happened. I like how the clues are reiterated once a few have been collected, as a way to help the reader engage their deductive reasoning. I also like that there's a lot of knowledge to be gained about boats, boat parts and how boats operate. If you've never been in the boating community, this story definitely teaches a thing or two about how things work. The dialogue between the family members, Upton, Watson and the new dog, Arthur, allows us an inside look at who is thinking or saying what. It makes me wonder how much the author listens to the dogs in his universe. I like how certain words, like wake, which might be unfamiliar to the reader, are explained. Another plus is how a few lessons are intertwined into the story about environmental awareness, such as the police chief's disgust at finding plastic bottles in the sand and commenting on how long they take to disintegrate. There are a few typos such as: Chief O'Brien gives s 'thumbs' up (the a is missing). Also, there are some punctuation errors such as: type in the hospitals number (missing an apostrophe). But, for the most part, this is well written and definitely age appropriate.

The story reminds us of how to collect clues when solving any mystery we run into as they progress step by step in solving the mystery of the missing sailor.

I give Upton Charles: Double Trouble 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found online where books are sold and in select bookstores.

Lupita Nyong'o's voiceover as Roz is right on target for her character, portraying a being who morphs from sounding and acting like a, well, a robot, to developing characteristics of empathy and caring. Kit Connor as the orphaned goose steals the day in his ultimate cuteness and Pedro Pascal, as the tricky fox, Fink, earns our distrust until even his colors turn. Catherine O'Hara, as the motherly opossum, Pinktail, reeks of wisdom and love which she multiples for all her children and the community. I hadn't read the book, so I didn't know quite what to expect and was just delighted in watching this sweet drama with a message roll out. At a time when love and kindness seem to be in short supply, this hits the heart with a big thump and I walked out the theater with a little more of a smile on my face. The thoughtful lessons throughout, the sweetness of their interaction when faced with destruction of their island - are all examples of how we really can live in harmony with each other.

The story follows a little girl and her grandmother, as the girl studies ballet and we learn of her and her grandmother's love of yellow butterflies. The grandmother dies, but she turns into a yellow butterfly and eases the little girl's grief.

The filmmaker is so creative and I really love the unique visual arts. The story is touching and uses the butterflies in a way that nicely represents the impact of the grandmother's death on the little girl. The death of an elder can be a very traumatic time in a child's life, but this story is presented in a much warmer and creative way that lessens the sadness of the story. It's a short 2D animated movie and the whole presentation is very creative with fabulous angles showing various points of view. Every part of the story is visualized very well. For example, the connection of the grandmother's death with the butterflies, is very creative and strongly connects to the theme of the story. The backgrounds have a clipart-like feel to them, and the colors are especially vibrant, which can get a child hooked on the film very quickly. I really like the music - it is very simple, and fits the theme of the story very well. It is also very soft and that softness fits the sadness of the death of the grandmother, adding a touch of tenderness. The protagonist of the story, the little girl, changes through her grandmother's death and her transformation into a butterfly, thus the girl's initial sadness becomes acceptance of her loved one's death and allows her to move on with her life happily. The way the character is presented in this story is a good way to show the perception of death for a child. My favorite scene is when granny becomes a butterfly. This scene is so creative and starts the whole story. This short film is really creative and educational.

The film's message is about the love between grandma and granddaughter.

The storyline is pretty simple. Kid President dislikes vegetables so he issues a ban on all vegetables. What a concept!? Ultimately, he is faced with the reality that french fries are made from potatoes, which are a vegetable.

This is truly a silly film, but perhaps it evokes a call to kids as to what they might do to change the world they live in like banning vegetables. Don't panic, vegetarians, it's only a joke! I love the animation and the pace of this short film. It would make a perfect interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. And, it makes an interesting conversation starter for kids and families. It's a treat to see such comedy that is so well executed.

This film makes you think about what you might do to change the world, if you could.

The story follows a little girl who dresses up as a fairy. When she does so, her older brother tells her that fairies aren't real. She decides to teach him a lesson and show him that, in fact, fairies are real.

This film is very heartwarming. The two kid protagonists (Mila Diaz, Niko Diaz) are quite something. The little girl is absolutely adorable and I loved seeing her teach her brother a lesson. She is so feisty. The storyline is cute but it is a bit confusing. And there is very little dialogue. The plot is pretty obvious, and the little sister gets the upper hand in the end, which is very cute and humorous. The quality of the video is incredibly clear and really makes the film. There are a few close-ups that are well placed and accentuate the different characters. Some camera work is a bit shaky during the scenes where the characters are walking. The costumes work well, especially the little girl's fairy costume. The forest location is gorgeous and quite a bit of the film takes place there. The trees are so tall and the rich green colors surrounding the characters is striking. The background music is a critical part to this film, since there is very little dialogue. The music drives a lot of the action and gives the film a mysterious energy, especially during the scenes with the fairy - it gives her a very ethereal feeling. It's definitely worth a good laugh, especially for siblings that can relate to it. The film's message is to respect other people's ideas and opinions.

The storyline is about a slave girl called Ping (Mayalinee Griffiths), who dreams about meeting dragons. Her dream comes true, but one of the magical creatures dies and she goes on a quest to save the dragons and hatch the last imperial dragons' egg. Joining her is a dragon (Bill Nighy) as her protector and a funny "very helpful" mouse. She soon finds out that she has mystical powers and learns to use them to stop bad guys who want to steal the egg and use its powers for evil.

I really enjoyed this film. It's an animated film with special effects. It also has lots of humor - there are all sorts of humorous scenes like my favorite, where the mouse tries helping. He marches up to the big fight against something 2,000,000 times his size. Another fun scene is when he rolls the egg away from the bad guys. The movie is also sad and heartfelt because one of the dragons dies. The visual effects are great and really stand out. For example when one of the dragons heals Ping's wound with the power of the egg as shown in the trailer. I do have to admit that some parts of the movie are a little childish. For example, there is a scene about 30 seconds long of two kids blowing raspberries at each other.

The film's message is "you can do whatever you want; only you decide your destiny."

I give Dragonkeeper 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on digital in the US now and opens in theaters in UK & Ireland on September 27, 2024. I hope you enjoy it.

This touching story follows a young girl and her mom on her 8th birthday. We learn that her dad has passed, but has left a recorded tape wishing her a happy birthday and, as her mom carefully puts the tape away, we see how the Dad planned for subsequent mile markers in her life.

Well produced. The camera work, audio recording, background music, editing and editing are all terrific. The storyline, even if a bit predictable, pulls at your heartstrings. Who can't empathize with a widowed young mother and her daughter? The filmmaker, Dean Milan, definitely has a way of creating a story that touches on the raw emotions of its characters, even as told in a short five minute film. Kudos to him.

The film's message is about the love between a dad and husband for his child and wife.

The storyline follows a girl who has a pencil that is now dead and she calls it useless. She has a flashback showing her as younger with the pencil. Then she experiences a lack of thoughts (her project) and has visions of her pencil everywhere- in the book, cooking pot, and bathroom. Finally she learns that it's okay to miss things and grieve for something you loved because it helps you move on.

I really enjoyed the movie and I believe that children and parents will too; plus, it gives a good message. I really appreciate the camera work. I like how the camera zooms in to the most important thing in every scene. My favorite one is when they are in the kitchen and she sees pencils. The camera zooms in to the pencils, then her reaction, then the pencil again, then the reaction again. I really enjoyed the flashback because it contributes to the plot in a good way and helps the viewer see what the short film is about. The film is amazingly well written and the other aspects of the production are quite good. The costumes go well with the timeframe and the story line. My favorite costume is the one in the flashback. I like her artistic outfit and it goes well with the film. The sets suit the story well. The set that I really like is the animated one when she is throwing the paper. It includes the world, the Eiffel Tower and space. It stands out the most because it is cool and funny. The background music is well chosen; though there are a lot, my favorite one is the background music played in the kitchen. It really brings tension and suspense to the film. This movie used a lot of effects; they are not realistic, but they bring excitement to the movie so they are effective. My favorite one is the coffee pot, which made me laugh. The main character is an illustrator, (Lucia Schaab), who goes through a character change by ignoring her grief, which makes her lose ideas and go through not being able to move on, to finally embracing the grief which allows her to move on and accomplish things. My favorite part of the film is when the paper is thrown across the world and the animation takes us 'round the world. That is funny and cool. This could be considered an educational film, because it teaches people that grieving something that is lost is the best way to move on.

The film's message is about how grieving for something you used to love is the best way to move on to something new. Be aware that the film talks about death, although in a good way, but it could be a sensitive topic for some kids.

The storyline follows a young alchemy student who attempts to solve issues with his mentor's greatest creation without getting caught.

I really enjoyed the film and I think it's perfect for younger kids. It begins with the master making a potion and he keeps messing up. His young apprentice tries to help and when the master tells him to go away the boy gets sad. The 2D animation is very good; it's bright and colorful and well designed. This could easily turn into a longer film because it holds up well. There is no dialogue, only computer-like sounds. The backgrounds are excellent. The kingdom is so colorful and beautiful. The characters are all designed very well; it definitely brought to mind the classic Disney film, The Sorcerer's Apprentice - without the whole craziness of that. What I like most is when the apprentice is able to get the potion right. The apprentice is the most interesting character to me; he starts out sad because the master won't let him help, but after he fixes the potion, he's happy, even though the mast still doesn't let him help. My favorite part of the film is the cute little frog. I like when the scene zooms into the frog after it jumps out of the cauldron and the frog is glowing. I kept watching the frog after the credits.

The film's message is that helping does not always mean you get a reward but it still makes you feel good.

The storyline is about a young girl, Emilie, who doesn't quite fit in, especially not to her mother's world. Against her desires, she agrees to attend a picnic with her mom, because that's a way to keep peace. Ultimately, she ends up discovering some new friends who are more like she is than she imagined.

The storyline develops well, and all the components come together -- the camera work and the locations are great. The young girl, Carlotta Sclano, who plays Emilie delivers a believable performance.

The film's message is about fitting in. Sometimes you have to put yourself out there to find your tribe.

Up and Away is a short animated film that follows a journey by a young girl and boy through space in a quirky looking spacecraft exploring the universe.

This film is fairly esoteric and leaves much to the viewer's imagination. This non narrative film, by Edward Ramsay-Morin, is well crafted although I need to point out that the animation is limited. The two child characters look like cutouts from a Dick and Jane reader and are not animated. They travel about without any movement from their bodies or mouths, which can be an issue for younger kids. The kids travel past various objects in space - rocks, piles of blue things. The film begins and ends with a face floating in space and it's unclear exactly what that face represents. One of the key characters is a bird who appears early on and later, attacks Dick and Jane's craft with lightning bolts. The bird doesn't have any motion in its body either, it moves as a still image across the screen. The bird's attack is odd and we have no idea what it is all about or why it is attacking Dick and Jane. Once the spacecraft crashes other birds appear and attack the "big" bird until it disintegrates and, la voile, the craft rises to continue its journey and the face reappears - perhaps happily so? The score, by Trent William Hanna, is well designed also. It consists of various pieces of music assembled into sort of a musical collage that helps create the mood of the film.

The film's message is to never get too off-guard because there could always be an obstacle.

Two scientists, Mark Langry and Amy Hassett are joined by an alien Muppet character named Zoom and they go on a fun, educational adventure exploring different aspects of climate change. The main issue to solve is how greenhouse gasses severely increase global warming and climate change. They team up with some elementary students to conduct experiments and teach kids about climate change by making greenhouses. This is from Ireland, with dialogue that has a lovely Irish accent to it.

The show's pace is really quick because it tries to fit a lot of information into a short period of time. I like how the animation shifts to realism and back again to animation. It is very upbeat and positive, without talking down to kids or being trivial. There are three main characters - Mark Langry, Amy Hassett, and the alien named Zoom, voiced by Charlie Wolfe. Mark and Amy focus on explaining things very clearly using vocabulary that is appropriate for school aged kids. The three adventurers begin observing the Earth from their spaceship, which is cleverly created using greenscreen technology and animation. Later, they zoom down to Earth to visit kids at a school. Amy is in a wheelchair, but that never restricts her participation in any way. I love the animated props they use, because everything looks futuristic, but based on technology we are familiar with today. I love the part when their spaceship lands in the school yard. My favorite part is when two elementary students conduct a science experiment based on greenhouses. It reminds me of PBS Kids shows. I love the music at the end. It's fun and completely dance-able.

The film's message is that humans need to stop destroying mother nature because it's leading to not so good things on Earth like global warming and climate change.

The story, told solely through 2D animation, follows a young girl who receives a dress that is a bit too big for her, but she adapts and ends up wearing it in various ways for some time. Eventually, she takes it to a thrift shop and next thing we see is another girl enjoying the dress.

I love the sweet and simple animation and the film's message - recycle, reuse, donate. It brings home a message about making things last and, when they no longer work for you, to pass them on to someone new. The background music is perfect and non intrusive. The characters are well drawn and easy to relate to, no matter what your background is. This would make a perfect interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! film festival.

The film's message is about reusing and recycling the materials things in our lives.

The story follows a Komodo Dragon who aspires to be a "real" dragon and admires one she has seen. She goes to great lengths to create wings so she fly! And accomplishes it, but not for long. Dejected, she lands back on the ground, only to be surprised by the real dragon coming towards her on foot to hang out with her. Together they fly with Koru on the real dragon's back, showing us how things can work out in the end. I love the animation; it's quite beautiful. The narrator's voice is perfect for this short animated tale and the background music works well also.

The film's message is that we all can be who we are and fit right in with others. We don't need to try to be something we are not.

Shelter follows Nikita (Martin Dytyniuk), a 10-year-old school boy from Ukraine who recently moved to the Netherlands with his mother. While struggling to adjust to the new culture and language, Nikita plans to cycle back to Ukraine but first, he needs help from one of his classmates as he does not know how to cycle.

I really like how we can see the Nikita's (Martin Dytyniuk) transition, struggling with his new living arrangement and then finding small ways to make the best out of his situation, like building a treehouse with his new classmates.

This film is fun, engaging, and audiences could find this film quite relatable. Even though the protagonist is a Ukrainian refugee, his situation is similar to anyone who has to move and adapt to a new situation at school and in their community. Of course, his experience in a country at war has made an additional emotional impact on him. Nikita is an artistic and determined school boy and Martin Dytyniuk plays this role very well. During the course of the film we see Nikita develop from a shy and isolated kid into an outgoing and motivated character. Writers Anna Sherstiuk and Maarten Sleegers really capture a relatable experience, particularly in the scene where Nikita is crying because he misses his friends. The camera work, by Johannes Van Beeck, is extraordinary; each shot is visually engaging, polished, and nuanced. The cinematography is one of the highlights of this film because it's so professional and visually stunning. My favorite scene is when Nikita is learning how to ride a bike alongside his classmate in an open field. I love seeing Nikita having fun and goofing around with his friend. We finally get to see Nikita socializing and making friends. Another great scene is when he is planning his cycling journey. The locations fit the story very well -- my favorite location is the large field, because it gives a cozy warm vibe. The background music and sounds are very impactful; one scene that stands out is the one where Nikita is scared by the test alarms. The sounds are like war sounds and remind the audience that Nikita came from an environment where he constantly lived in fear of war. However, in later scenes, the music is completely different. For example, when Nikita finally learns how to cycle, the music is inspirational and motivating. There is a special effect in the scene where Nikita is planning out his journey, where we see multiple images of him preparing for his trip. This scene is well edited and looks realistic.

The film's message is that sometimes you need to step outside of your comfort zone to make new friends. Note that it does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate and we see Nikita skipping school to cycle without telling an adult.

The storyline is pretty simple. An older brother, nagged by his little sister to read her a bedtime story, thinks he's pulled a fast one on her by reading a horror story. But, it backfires on him.

This is well shot and well edited with good audio and a comprehensive storyline. Kudos to the 12-year-old filmmaker. As an advocate for student filmmakers I give credit for Dylan Langendorf's attention to detail here. The story, if predictable, is still a good one and one that siblings can easily relate to. My favorite part is how the little girl responds to her brother's distress. She is non-pulsed.

Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.

This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.

I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?

The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.

The plot follows a boy named Oke who meets an elderly fairy and travels through time on a journey that impacts his view of life. Oke is given the responsibility to save his culture from being forgotten in the technology-filled future. Humans have destroyed nature by building large skyscrapers on top of the native land and Oke develops a sense of knowing what is to come and tries to stop it. He helps the fairy find her children and, along the way, her children give Oke gifts that will help him in the future.

I found the story line very engaging and entertaining. There isn't a dull moment! The story takes a regular boy on a journey with divine beings, while relating to Filipino culture. It's adventurous, cultural, funny, and visually appealing. The animation is incredible with a very unique style that I have never seen before. The backgrounds are suited to Filipino culture. The architecture is traditional, such as the nipa huts. They are often blurred in order to focus our attention on the character speaking in the foreground. One captivating scene is when Oke visits the modern day world and the background zooms out but the focus zooms in on Oke. This sets an emotional focus. Nature plays a significant role in the film, including tropical forests and rice paddies, which were found in that area historically. The color of the sets changes depending on the scene. For instance, when Oke visits the modern day city, everything is dark with splashes of bright pinks and blues. However, in Oke's day, the colors are golden and natural. The difference of the colors contrasts the time difference very well. The costumes suit the culture and the story -- the girls wearing baro't saya and balintawak, which are Filipino dresses. At some points Oke wears a salakot, a traditional Filipino hat. The background music helps enhance the mood, switching from exciting to daunting depending on what's needed.

The main voice actors are Sigmund Roy Pecho (Oke), Margie Moran Floirendo (Impong Grayat), and Adrienne Vergara (Lola Basyang). The writer, Christine Bellen-Ang, has created a script that goes back in time but still relates to every one today. She captures the true meaning of the film through her clever writing but also doesn't fail to keep it entertaining. Kudos to her. My favorite part of the film is the animation. It's so unique, vibrant, and detailed. The animation really sets the film apart. It emphasizes the character's expressions and also supports the storyline by spotlighting certain scenes. The animation is carefully and has a lot of attention to detail. I really appreciate how the film recognizes Filipino culture with an invoking message.

The film's message is about respecting the environment, honoring your culture and working hard for what you believe in. It is demonstrated in Oke who helps save the land, works very hard every day, and respects his elders and his heritage.

The story follows a young girl who moves in with her grandmother and soon discovers a tiny boy living in the basement, no bigger than a finger. The boy possesses a magical amulet, which sets them off on an extraordinary adventure that alters both their lives in unexpected ways. Together, they explore new worlds, confront challenges, and form a strong bond, all while unraveling the amulet's powers. Their journey is filled with magic, friendship, and personal growth.

The film is a bit odd, but its unique animation style and cinematography would appeal to younger creatives. What I like most about the film is how the storyline blends elements of whimsy and magic, reminding me of movies like Thumbelina and the Arthur series. The idea of a tiny boy living in the basement with a magical amulet adds an adventurous and fantastical layer to an otherwise simple premise. I also appreciate how the story focuses on the bond between the girl and the boy, making their journey not just about external challenges, but also about their emotional growth and friendship.

The animation style is cool and unique, making it appealing to younger audiences. The animation stands out with its distinctive use of paper figures and vibrant colors, creating a visually engaging experience. The one aspect that is a drawback is the lack of movement of the characters for the most part and also, that their mouths don't move when they speak. I do like that the animators use stop-motion techniques to make the characters move at times, with a charming, handcrafted feel. Their facial expressions are similar to classic anime, adding emotional depth and humor, especially during key moments like when the tiny boy discovers the amulet's powers.

The costumes are simple and basic, fitting well with the minimalist design of the characters. Since the characters are made of paper, their attire is represented through vibrant colors rather than intricate details. For example, the young girl wears a plain dress in bright colors, which helps her stand out against the simple backgrounds. The boy's tiny, finger-sized appearance is matched with equally straightforward attire, emphasizing his small size and magical nature. While the costumes don't carry elaborate designs, they suit the whimsical and magical tone of the story perfectly. The backgrounds are simple yet effective, with minimal detail, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and their magical journey. The lighting is particularly well done, enhancing the vibrant colors and giving a soft, glowing feel to scenes like when they first activate the amulet. The background music plays a significant role in setting the magical and adventurous tone, but at times it overshadows other audio elements like dialogue and sound effects. For example, during the first encounter between the girl and the tiny boy, the music swells in a way that distracts from their dialogue, reducing the impact of their initial bond. While the music fits the mood, better balance would enhance the overall experience.

The characters in this animated film are brought to life with distinct personalities and emotional depth, thanks to the voice acting of Anja H�vik Str�msted, who plays several key roles, including Blossomele, Wahkeen-Lee, Grandma, The Hare, The Neighbor, and Baddle-Bart. The voice acting on some level is odd, as each character has a different personality that needs to be embodied by one person. The behind-the-scenes contributors of this animated film have made notable contributions that elevate its unique style and storytelling. The director stands out with the way they blend various animation techniques, like paper animation and stop-motion, to create a visually distinct world that feels fresh and engaging. The decision to use vibrant colors and exaggerated facial expressions to enhance character emotions is a testament to their creative vision, helping to make the film appealing to younger audiences. My favorite part of the film is the scene where Blossomele and Wahkeen-Lee first activate the magical amulet and are transported to a vibrant, mystical world.

The film's message is about the power of friendship and self-discovery. Through Blossomele and Wahkeen-Lee's journey with the magical amulet, the story highlights how forming connections with others can lead to personal growth and reveal new possibilities. It emphasizes that, even in the midst of seemingly ordinary circumstances, there is magic to be found when we embrace new experiences and build meaningful relationships.

The storyline follows a young girl, Jaz (Leah Park), who doesn't want her step dad, Lloyd (Garfield Wilson) to join her family so she tries to make her friends steal some of his stuff - but they end up not going along with it and actually liking him.

The plot is a bit confusing. It is a story about the child of divorced parents who doesn't want change in her life. Although the film doesn't offer anything new in terms of blended families, the story plays out well and is well developed from writing to execution. Plus, I love their very diverse group of cast and crew. The production values are quite good. I particularly enjoyed the varied camera angles, showing different points of view from the girl, her friends and the stepdad. The lighting is exceptionally well done, which is a challenge with so many indoor shots. I like the quirky movements like when the girls do cartwheels in the hall to move from one room to another. And the props are fun and slightly goofy also. The background music works - although I found it annoying at times. Jaz (Leah Park) shows noticeable growth. At the beginning she is abrupt, irate and whiney. She just wants to get rid of her stepdad - even to the point of planning to violently attack him - though her friends are terrified at that idea. As the film develops, and her friends tell her that the guy is cool, she finally manages to accept that her step dad is now part of her family and discovers that change may not be so horrible after all. The best part of the film is how they switch from young girls to adults and portray themselves as secret agents.

The film's message is that not all change is bad. It can be exciting and beneficial. It can still be hard though.

In LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, the entire Star Wars galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact called the Cornerstone from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy is full of comedy, action and incredible animation. This show is filled with heart, laughter, and the important message of believing in yourself. It is a family friendly special and for fans of LEGO or Star Wars this is a must watch. I could not take my eyes off the screen. The animation and visuals are stunning - I love when the light sabers light up and the flying sequences are awesome. They could not have picked a better cast to voice these characters. It features the vocal work of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Gaten Matarazzo (Sig Greebling), Bobby Moynihan (Jedi Bob), Tony Revolori (Dev Greebling), Marsai Martin (Yesi Scala), Michael Cusack (Servo), and Ahmed Best (Darth Jar Jar). The writing is so smart and funny. I think this movie will create a whole new generation of LEGO and Star Wars fans because it has something for everyone.

This film teaches you to believe in yourself and to embrace teamwork.

I give LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy on Disney+ beginning September 13, 2024 on Disney +.

The film is about the untold origin of Optimus Prime and Megatron. We now know that the now sworn enemies were once like brothers and their differences would create strife in their relationship. This change will forever impact Cybertron.

Going into this film I was excited but had low expectations because of the complex history of Transformers media. Transformers films in the past have often deviated from the original story that I love, however this film is unlike all the others, rooted in the origins of the Cybertron universe. I left the theater speechless at how excellent the film was. It has numerous perfectly executed moments with well paced moments. The movie introduces the lore of Transformers to new audiences rather quickly while keeping it simple, which helps someone understand everything if they are new to Transformers, while keeping long-time fans like myself happy.

The animation style is just breathtaking, I thought it would take me a while to get used to the new style but I was blown away at how colorful a planet made of metal looks. Of all the standout elements, the best part of this film is the third act, because the whole film builds up to it effortlessly, and by the time the second act ended and the third act started to kick in I was glued to my seat with my eyes locked on to the screen, excited at every moment. It had me smiling the whole way through. The hardest part for me were the voice overs, which might be a concern for long-time fans who are used to Peter Collin voicing Optimus Prime. It was a challenge for me to get to hear Chris Hemsworth's performance as Optimus Prime. While he doesn't sound like the voice we are used to, his interpretation adds a unique flare to the younger version of the character. For those of us who are concerned about the voice of Megatron by Brian Tyree Henry, there is nothing to be worried about - he kills it! I was blown away by how well he adds a new tone of voice to the character while keeping it classic. All in all, it's phenomenal casting and an amazing performance by Henry, especially in the third act. These are a few minor concerns I had. The writers, directors, and animation team knew what was best for the Transformers franchise because this film is possibly the best film of the summer, if not the best animation film of the year. It keeps what we love about Transformers while adding new elements to be excited about.

The theme in Transformers One is about how we change as individuals whether it is through ourselves or the situations we are put in. This is demonstrated by Megatron and Optimus Prime and is portrayed so well because we all know Megatron and Optimus Prime become enemies, which makes it even more engaging to find out how that happened for the very first time. The theme is touching, emotional, and impactful. You might walk out of the film feeling a little bit different after watching it.

I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This film releases in theaters September 20, 2024

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Gear up and roll out! I love Transformers One. It is fun, laugh-out-loud funny, has some heartfelt moments, and the chemistry between the transformers is outstanding. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end. There is lots of action, incredible animation and the battle scenes are so cool.

Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who are sworn enemies, but once were friends, bonded like brothers and changed the fate of Cybertron forever. The film is definitely inspiring. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

Transformers One is incredibly well animated. I love how it makes the Transformers feel very human-like. The expressions on their faces are realistic and you can feel the emotions through the big screen. It made me feel like each one has a mind and heart of its own. The soundtrack, in some of scenes, brings out the right atmosphere and emotion. I love the songs during the battle scenes, especially when B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) is taking down the bad guys. This animated version features great voice actors. All of them are great, but Keegan-Michael Key steals the show! His comedy is fantastic. He kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. I also liked learning how Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) once were friends and what happened to make them enemies. They are so good on screen together.

This film's message is about believing in yourself and doing what is right. It is very family friendly and, for fans of Transformers, this is a must watch, but even newcomers can enjoy it.

I give Transformers One 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Transformers One in theaters on September 20, 2024.

By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love the new animated film Transformers One! It captures the excitement and action of the Transformers movies in a new light. The film allows both long-time fans and newcomers to experience its expressive animation and engaging storyline.

The plot travels back in time to the origin story of Cybertron and the beginning of the Autobots and Decepticons. Four miner bots stumble upon the greatest secret of their time. Optimus Prime and Megatron--who are current rivals--are best friends until power puts their friendship to the test. The war that becomes all or nothing is on the horizon.

The main characters are Orion Pax/Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth), Megatron/D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), Elita (Scarlett Johansson), Bumblebee/ B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), and Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm). These actors exquisitely bring life to their characters through their voices. The beloved characters are brought into a new perspective that expresses their backstory. Before Optimus Prime and Megatron become enemies, they were best friends that worked together all the time. This part of the story is explained throughout the film and it's very intriguing. Transformers One heled me understand the origin of the Transformers. Before, I wasn't as interested in the franchise because I was confused about their mission and purpose. However, this film changes the game for me. The pacing is excellent; it's neither too fast nor too slow. The film kick starts with the lives of the miners, which is contrary to the heroic figures we've seen them as. Optimus Prime is hiding in a trashcan - can you believe it? Right off the bat, I became invested in the plot line because it shows the heroes from another point of view. Two generations can experience the joy of this fandom in different ways. In addition, the animation is breathtaking. It's realistic yet creative, bringing the out-of-this-world imagination to life in a way that wasn't possible before. The attention to detail in the animation allows the bots to show lifelike emotions. For instance, Elita's feelings of anger and awe are very recognizable. This helps connect the audience to the plot. My favorite part is when Alpha Trion shows the group what happened during the Cybertronian War. In this scene, there's a huge plot twist that affects the whole storyline.

The film's message is to be loyal to your friends and always do what is right. Optimus Prime consistently chooses the path that will benefit his friends. Leadership is another central theme. If you're given the opportunity to lead, how would you approach it? In reality, I'm not going to be a leader of Cybertron, but I am the leader of my own life. The Transformers need to learn to choose the right direction, which is an important lesson throughout the film.

I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Transformers One releases in theaters on September 20, 2024.

The plot follows the magician Augustus Semprini (Cory Philips) as he performs one of his magic acts. Desperate for money, he steals a golden pin from a woman named Gertrude Cambellton (Ashton Leigh). She approaches him after the show, asking if he stole her broach. He denies her accusations, causing her to harness her witch powers and trap him inside his raincoat. The only way he can free himself is to return it. Almost 86 years pass and we meet Jack, a simple high schooler. Jack (Jake Alexander William) and his siblings come across the raincoat in their grandmother's attic. The raincoat possesses the ability to turn the wearer into the spitting image of Augustus Semprini. A seemingly normal, but mean middle school teacher, Mrs Weaver (Laura Shatkus) is not that normal after all. She is a witch, and also after the raincoat!

The humor in this movie is what I am most impressed with. My favorite scene where this is shown is when Mrs Weaver's cat puts on the raincoat and is turned into Semprini. The actor's performance really convinced me that he was a cat, just in a human body. I also love that this movie has amazing actors that can really make these scenes come to life. Along with the acting, the graphics, costumes and sets of this movie are amazing. When the setting is in the 1900s, there are fitting sets and costumes that make this film come to life. The background music is always extremely fitting. When Mrs Weaver fights Jack, there is suspenseful music to match it. And when there are happy scenes, there is jolly, happy music.

The theme of The Magician's Raincoat is that not everything is always as it seems. Augustus seems like a perfectly reasonable man, but he steals just to get money. Mrs Weaver seems like a normal teacher, but she turns out to be a witch.

I give The Magician's Raincoat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available for streaming beginning September 3, 2024.

By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

What a spectacular film! The Magician's Raincoat is a magical and fantastical journey. The special effects are on point and look very realistic. The plot, sets, and script are all spectacular and organized in a way that ties the storyline together.

This story begins with a magician (Cory Phillips) performing his show in the late 1920s. He doesn't have the money to stay in the magic business so he pickpockets his attendees for money. Then, one of his victims turns his life into a disaster. So 86 years later, in present time, three siblings work together to help save the magician from an eternity of tragedy.

This film is high quality, and the plot is creative and fun. What stands out most are the camera work, acting, and storyline. The camera work is excellent and provides a variety of angles perfect for the scenes themselves. For example, when the kids are riding their bikes, the camera provides a bird's eye view that follows them on their journey. The acting is exceptional and the actors are well cast and their portrayals are believable. Olivia (Taylor Bedford) is brilliant and the actor who plays her shows this during a discussion with her science teacher (Laura Shatkus). I also like the part when the cat puts on the raincoat and "becomes" the magician; Cory Philips, who portrays him, is excellent. The story is clear, enjoyable, innovative and intriguing, providing for the overall excellent experience. My favorite part is when Jack (Jake Alexander Williams) tries to talk to his crush, Kristy (Jenna Thaxton) and is not successful, which makes for a hilariously embarrassing scene.

The film's message is that, over time, comes forgiveness, and eventually desperation. There are also strong themes of the importance of family.

I give The Magician's Raincoat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available for streaming beginning September 3 2024.