The movie is about a woman named Jordan Sanders who is the owner of a gaming company. She is also the office bully, the office Negative Nancy type. She is constantly offending her employees and ignoring team dynamics. One day at work, she meets Stevie, a young girl who loves magic. When Stevie sees that Jordan is nasty and unkind, she casts a spell on her to be little. When Jordan wakes up, she is little - as in 13-years-old little. So, she goes back to school, is bullied all over again and needs to figure out how to change herself back. Her attitude changes as well along the way.
Regina Hall plays the lady Jordan and is a great mean boss lady. Marsai Martin plays little Jordan and is an amazing thirteen-year-old diva. Something that stands out to me is Marsai's hair! It is so, so, so beautiful. My favorite character is Jordan's assistant, April (Issa Rae). She is a donut-loving assistant that helps Jordan with everything. My favorite part is when Jordan first wakes up and realizes that she is the little Jordan. Little Jordan is hilarious.
The message of the film is to be yourself! Don't let bullies change you. And, don't be mean to a girl with a wand. You should know that there is some profanity, some suggestive sexual content, some negative behavior and risky things that kids might try to do, like piercing your ears without using a piercer machine. EEEEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!
I give Little 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. Adults should enjoy it as well. It's not very appropriate for anyone younger. It is in theaters on April 12, 2019.
Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
The comedy centers on woman (Regina Hall) who, when her successes get the best of her, is forced to take the form of her younger self (Marsai Martin). This gives her not just a chance to relive more careless days, but an important lesson pertaining humbleness.
Marsai Martin, as little Jordan, is my favorite character with her introductory film role racking up well to most experienced stars. She translates her great work from Black-ish even more here. She truly plays well off Regina Hall's adult footing. She, as well, nails it with her energetic banter, but rudeness to others, being a center focus. But, all this is not complete without Issa Rae, as April, who sells the chemistry with both actors equally well. This trinity truly sells most of the comedic and heartfelt wonders.
Tina Gordon Chism aptly writes and directs with fresh takes at common plots. It also helps that every joke is well-timed and most end up landing. She really nails more heartfelt moments as the movie's tones remain natural. My favorite scene is the restaurant karaoke, because it is truly a staple of creative and relevant humor. Marsai Martin and Issa Rae really give it their all with their zappy singing being on point. However, many other jokes just don't land. It really falters when the middle school subplot becomes center focus and the talent show finale with its Fortnite dance-off doesn't help anything. It feels uninspired and, with the solid buildup, the whole setting really could have strived for more. All the characters here feel cartoonish and clichéd to a fault. Thankfully, the "friend zone" kids (J.D. McCrary, Tucker Meek, Thalia Tran) are a saving grace with their twee personalities and relatable struggles.
The message of this film is to just be yourself. Sure, it is one simple aphorism to live by, but the movie offers a fresh take by diving into the minds of kids. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, due to some suggestive content and brief language. The movie releases in theaters April 12, 2019, so check it out.
Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
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