The story is about the new sportsball team, which is all the talk in Mibukiville! JJ Basset, the team's owner holds a citywide contest to name the new sportsball team...but who will win?
First of all, I love the puppets. They are very well constructed, each with its distinct look, personality and voice. I like the storyline with its lessons about independence and supporting your ideas, even when others don't. The storyline is certainly predictable, which isn't an issue with younger kids. The production values are quite good. The costumes are spot on, the locations quite believable and the sound effects are very realistic. A musical element that stands out is when Miikshi submits her idea to the naming contest. The music sounds crazy and a bit angry, which represents how Miikshi feels. The script is quite clever and something kids will easily relate to. Instead of giving Chickelyna all theses layers, she just states that her opinion is better, like most little kids do. Her feelings aren't overly complex, and kids from all over the world can relate to the struggle of another kid saying, "My idea is right and yours is wrong." The voice talent is quite good and easy to hear. There's some fun humor that may fall over the heads of the target audience such as when Chickelyna comes out of the recording studio early and when questioned about it says, "Oh we just put on the tape of generic news we have for whenever I want to leave early." My favorite part is when Miikshi decides to submit her own idea for the naming contest. She shows how, even if people discourage us, we can still be heard and give our ideas.
The message of this film is about standing up for yourself so your ideas can be heard. Sometimes not everyone will listen and your ideas might not always be chosen, but don't be afraid to make yourself heard.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 11. Reviewed by Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
The story is about the new sportsball team, which is all the talk in Mibukiville! JJ Basset, the team's owner holds a citywide contest to name the new sportsball team...but who will win?
First of all, I love the puppets. They are very well constructed, each with its distinct look, personality and voice. I like the storyline with its lessons about independence and supporting your ideas, even when others don't. The storyline is certainly predictable, which isn't an issue with younger kids. The production values are quite good. The costumes are spot on, the locations quite believable and the sound effects are very realistic. A musical element that stands out is when Miikshi submits her idea to the naming contest. The music sounds crazy and a bit angry, which represents how Miikshi feels. The script is quite clever and something kids will easily relate to. Instead of giving Chickelyna all theses layers, she just states that her opinion is better, like most little kids do. Her feelings aren't overly complex, and kids from all over the world can relate to the struggle of another kid saying, "My idea is right and yours is wrong." The voice talent is quite good and easy to hear. There's some fun humor that may fall over the heads of the target audience such as when Chickelyna comes out of the recording studio early and when questioned about it says, "Oh we just put on the tape of generic news we have for whenever I want to leave early." My favorite part is when Miikshi decides to submit her own idea for the naming contest. She shows how, even if people discourage us, we can still be heard and give our ideas.
The message of this film is about standing up for yourself so your ideas can be heard. Sometimes not everyone will listen and your ideas might not always be chosen, but don't be afraid to make yourself heard.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 11. Reviewed by Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
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