Watch Kids' Reviews of
MAKING FRIENDS

I like the concept of the plot, and it is somewhat relatable as an artist myself.

The plot of Making Friends is pretty good and the execution is very basic. The film plays out exactly like how you'd expect it to; there's no real sense of conflict or growth. There's no build up to Greta learning the moral of the film, she just does. I didn't particularly care for the narration at the beginning.

The story follows Greta, a lonely middle school artist who receives a special magic sketchbook for her birthday.

I like the idea of the story, but the pacing feels somewhat rushed. There is not much of a set up for character arcs and the moral has no build up. Greta just learns the moral at the end from out of nowhere. The cinematography is quite good, aside from one over the shoulder shot where a majority of the screen is covered by Greta. There are very subtle special effects that are entirely believable. The characters are very one dimensional. The only personality traits that Greta (Clementine Adams) has are being an artist and being lonely. Meanwhile Lucy (Virginia Adams) has no discernible personality. The film doesn't take time to tell us anything about the characters or develop the story naturally, it just rushes to the message at the end.

The message I get from this is that even if you feel lonely, there's always someone out there for you.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14. Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST!

Making Friends is a short, student created film that is entertaining and relevant for anyone who has ever felt alone in the world, without friends. I like the main actor Greta, who is also the film's writer and director. Although I found the ending to be abrupt and somewhat confusing because the story completely reverses itself, the playfulness and entertainment value with Lucy, her magical friend is overall uplifting.

The story follows Greta, an artsy middle school girl, who gets a magical sketchbook from her grandmother that produces real objects of whatever she draws, like an ice cream bar or a best friend. The production value is quite good, with cute costumes from Greta's earrings to outfits that her imaginary friend, Lucy wears. The camera work is steady and well colorized. The music is fun, but unremarkable.

The message is that there is nothing more important than having a personal passion or hobby, except for having a friend with whom to share your life.

I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 15. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

An "arty" middle school girls has no friends until she gets a special sketchbook for her birthday.