This is a simply wonderful short film that suits KIDS FIRST! Film Festival audience to a tee. It starts out a bit confusing and slightly eerie. But, as it develops you are quickly drawn in, especially when the boy finds his hero magician behind the curtain! I found the two key actors particularly engaging. The boy carries the story, but the girl fulfills the need to both nudge him along and to become his partner in performing his coup de grace magic act. The pace is quite good as is the background music, which lends a suspenseful tone at times, celebratory at the end, and much in between. The narrator helps lead you through the story without being intrusive and there is little dialogue. In the end, it is about friendship and dispelling the myth of those you hold in high esteem, but perhaps are unworthy. The sets and costumes are excellent and suiting. Really, this is a lovely piece. It does have a bit of mild profanity, but nothing a middle school student has not heard (shit). And bullies, there are some bullies, but they are really ineffective. Oh, love the animation with the credits at the end. Absolutely, production is beautiful. It's really about friends supporting each other. I recommend this for ages 7 to 15 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend for a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. You'll be glad you selected it. Reviewed by Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
This is a simply wonderful short film that suits KIDS FIRST! Film Festival audience to a tee. It starts out a bit confusing and slightly eerie. But, as it develops you are quickly drawn in, especially when the boy finds his hero magician behind the curtain! I found the two key actors particularly engaging. The boy carries the story, but the girl fulfills the need to both nudge him along and to become his partner in performing his coup de grace magic act. The pace is quite good as is the background music, which lends a suspenseful tone at times, celebratory at the end, and much in between. The narrator helps lead you through the story without being intrusive and there is little dialogue. In the end, it is about friendship and dispelling the myth of those you hold in high esteem, but perhaps are unworthy. The sets and costumes are excellent and suiting. Really, this is a lovely piece. It does have a bit of mild profanity, but nothing a middle school student has not heard (shit). And bullies, there are some bullies, but they are really ineffective. Oh, love the animation with the credits at the end. Absolutely, production is beautiful. It's really about friends supporting each other. I recommend this for ages 7 to 15 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend for a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. You'll be glad you selected it. Reviewed by Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
Based around a primary school talent show - ALISTAIR, an introverted 10 year old is thrown into the world of magic when he comes across a leather bound magician's book by MAGIC ETOLIES' - one of the most famous magicians to have practiced. Alistair meets MARGARET, an outspoken witty 10 year old with the confidence of an 85 year old man - who helps him on his endeavor.
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KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
