Watch Kids' Reviews of
MOLECULES TO THE MAX

The movie Molecules to the Max is cool. I like that the atoms are all different colors, and I liked when they went into the person's body. I learned that everything is made out of molecules. Oxy was my favorite atom because she was fun. I think other kids would like it because the atoms do lots of fun things like going inside an American penny, a snowflake, and gum. They also go into a tunnel that leads to the other side of the Galaxy. It's an awesome movie. Luke A., Age 6

This title is really well animated, has cute informative songs, is very funny with comical movie references and word play. The flow of the show is great. There is a clear beginning, middle and ending. And, it is entertaining and really funny throughout. Even if the viewer knows little or nothing about molecular science, the characters explain the very basics in a way that is easy to understand and fun to watch. The animation is really good and there is nonstop action to keep the viewer's attention.

It has cute, informative songs and makes comical movie references. There are lots of complicated information presented in a kid friendly way. The animation is quite good and there is nonstop action to hold the viewer's attention.

It is suitable for ages 6 to 14. It's a great way to learn simple molecular science principles. The characters are molecules. They portray moments of friendship and rejection, depending on which molecules are together in a scene. This title will encourage kids to question everything. It's very informative and yet, acknowledges that there are many unanswered questions in science and in life.

Excellent production values. It has special features such as scene selection, soundtrack in five different languages, filmmaker's commentary and information about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the producer of this title. It is very easy to navigate and fun to explore.

Our adult reviewers enjoyed it as much as their kids. Reviewed by Eli B.

Molecules to the Max is an exciting trip into the tiny world of polymers, DNA, atoms, and many other microscopic structures. The viewer follows some hydrogen and oxygen atoms, along with a traveling computer and miniature spaceship, into space and to the planet Earth. There, the atoms learn all about molecular structures and life.

This was entertaining and very educational. The concepts explored were things the viewer could identify with. The show included some catchy upbeat songs and some fun characters as the teachers. I was learning along with my kids, as we watched it together.

My only negative feedback is that I felt like some of the wording would not be understandable to the suggested age range. A few of the concepts, such as DNA and polymers, were explained in a way that I'm not sure children would understand. There were also numerous references to carbon dating, along with a song about Carbon, that I think would probably be very confusing to most children. Having said that, my 6-year-old walked in while I was watching the show and said, "Oh I LOVE this movie!" He then sat and watched the entire thing with me. He also watched several of the bonus animated shorts, which explain some concepts more clearly. He may not have understood it all, but he enjoyed it all. And I'm sure when he learns about molecules and atoms, it will be familiar to him. So I would recommend this DVD for ages 8-16, but I think if a child were interested in science, then maybe even down to age 6 would enjoy it. I give it 5 stars. Reviewed by Karyn A.

Molecules to the MAX!, a 42-minute film created by scientists and professors from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is an animated, colorful and engaging Giant Screen adventure film about a curious oxygen atom ("Oxy") and her friends who have a lot of fun exploring the nanoscale building blocks of matter as they travel through nanospace. In the film, Oxy, Captain of the Molecularium, is dispatched from the Unified Field of Atoms on an expedition to discover the secret of life on Earth. Along with her crew - Hydra and Hydro, the curious hydrogen twins and Mel, the uptight computer- they have many misadventures exploring the Earth's atmosphere and the cycle of water molecules, through clouds, snowflakes and raindrops. Lost in the far reaches of outer space, Oxy and her crew are rescued by Carbon and his gang of intergalactic carbon atoms. With lots of bravado and a little luck, Carbon is able to pilot the ship back to Earth. The film is showing around the globe on select IMAX screens and has been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Japanese. In addition to the film, the DVD is packed with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes commentary on the making of the movie; five educational animated shorts from NanoSpace; and a glimpse of the award-winning film "Riding Snowflakes." The DVD is the latest release of Rensselaer's Molecularium Project, an educational initiative designed to teach children about science in an entertaining environment.