Watch Kids' Reviews of
ALPHA

This is a beautiful film about survival. I love everything about this live action film. The editing flows nicely and there are many visually stunning scenes. The story is about survival, loyalty and, most importantly, following your instincts.

In this film, a boy named Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is attacked by a buffalo. His father thinks he died, so he leaves him on the cliff where he was attacked. When he finally makes it to the ground, a pack of wolves attack. One of the wolves is very hurt and he decides tries to help him. During the course of movie, they help each other in many different ways. At the end of the film, you discover a beautiful surprise about the wolf.

Please keep in mind that this film takes place in prehistoric times and the dialogue is not in English, but is subtitled in English. I could understand the movie perfectly, even though it isn't in English. Keda becomes a man as the story unfolds. It is a coming-of-age story, wherein the boy and the wolf look out after each other as if they are family. The boy tries to prove to himself and his tribe that he can become a man and can be strong. By bonding with the wolf, he accomplishes the unimaginable.

This type of film is uncommon in contemporary cinema. The editing is very well done and there is a flash back at the beginning that helps you understand the back story. The costumes are tribal, which makes the characters seem more believable and tribe-like. The landscapes are quite extraordinary. In so many ways, this film is truly beautiful. Everything that happens takes place in natural environments.

The message of this film is that we should bond with nature, follow our own instincts and preserve our innate quality of being kind. I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars because of the beautiful landscapes and touching story. I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, as well as adults. I was very lucky to watch this movie with my dog, because I attended a special screening that allowed dogs, so that experience was truly unforgettable. Alpha opens in theaters August 17, 2018 so, look for it. Reviewed by Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Everyone get your time machines set up to go to a land filled with adventure and love because we are going to the Ice Age. On our journey we will find stunning views and magnificent creatures that no longer exist, so get ready for one terrific ride.

The graphics in Alpha are breathtaking. I love that we get to see so many animals and different views because they make this film really stand out from other films. We don't see animals like mammoths, saber tooth tigers and warthogs everyday. This not only adds history, but also a few fun facts for kids to enjoy as they watch this film.

During this era there were hardships that were dealt with by brutal force. However, sometimes one finds a kind, cautious and adorable friend to help you along the way. In this case, Alpha. love the wolf Alpha and his new found owner Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Since there are only two main charters, I might add that I like them both because they are too gosh darn cute together. Also Keda's performance as a caveman is quite believable.

My favorite scene is when Alpha and Keda spend the night together for the first time. I admire this scene because it shows Alpha's love when he listens to Keda. This scene made me miss my dog Dusty because Alpha reminds me of him. Alpha is definitely a film for pet owners, especially those with furry friends. Even if you don't have a pet, you will want one after seeing Alpha. This film is truly about man's best friend and how the bond was made over a short period of time.

I recommend this film for ages 10 to 18. Kids will love the wolf and will learn a few things about being future pet owners. Also they will learn about the Ice Age and the creatures that lived during this time period. Older kids and adults will love the animation and the acting. Please note that children need to be able to read, because this film is subtitled. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Alpha is in theaters now so check it out.

Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This unpredictable film is a roller coaster of emotions. Although some parts are pretty graphic, it makes the whole thing more real and it helps you feel empathy for the characters.

The film starts off with the turning point scene, then goes to the backstory, then goes back to review what happened in the turning point scene in dramatic snippets and finally continues with the rest of the story. The film tells the story of how a man's best friend came to be. In the story, Keda helps an injured wolf who he eventually become friends with and they help each other survive.

The actors all have amazing abilities. They really draw in the audience in an emotional way. Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Keda wonderfully in this film. He cries tears of sadness, longing and joy. Keda also leads us to believe he is cold or sick in different scenarios.

The cinematography in this film is amazing. The different camera scenes are shot most creatively. The cinematography really helps conveying different emotions, depending on how different scenes are shot. All the different biomes and climates look so beautiful.

My favorite scene is the scene where Alpha, the wolf, cuddles up next to Keda one cold night. Usually, whenever Alpha tries to get close to Keda, he pushes Alpha away. Seeing Alpha and Keda finally become close warmed my heart.

The message of this film is to always show kindness. Even though the wolf tried to hurt Keda, he still helped it heal. Later on, Alpha is very helpful to Keda. The wolf, who was once his enemy, becomes his best friend. Another message of this film is to never give up. Many times Keda considers giving up. He feels so hopeless at times and thinks he isn't getting anywhere. Even so, he keeps going no matter how hard it is and it pays off big time in the end.

This film is such a wonderful experience. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, as well as adults. This film will also appeal to nature lovers and dog lovers! Even if you don't fall into one of these categories still check this film out. You might become a nature or a dog lover! It opens August 17, 2018, so go check it out.

Reviewed by Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

An epic adventure set in the last Ice Age, ALPHA tells a fascinating, visually stunning story that shines a light on the origins of man's best friend. While on his first hunt with his tribe's most elite group, a young man is injured and must learn to survive alone in the wilderness. Reluctantly taming a lone wolf abandoned by its pack, the pair learn to rely on each other and become unlikely allies, enduring countless dangers and overwhelming odds in order to find their way home before winter arrives.