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SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP

The Spirit of Friendship is incredibly cute and entertaining. Like friends should be, it feels good and has lots of charm. It also has a unique storyline which made me laugh throughout.

The story follows two siblings' experience with the loss of their mom. They turn to their dad, Billy (Jeremey London), for comfort. The dad offers support by telling how he experienced loss when he was a child.

The film is cute, unique, and interesting. When a brother and sister experience the loss of their mother, a story within a story ensues, as their dad retells how he coped with his own loss as a child. We go back in time to see a younger Billy (Carter Grassi) losing his mother as a child and his friend (Dante Corticelli) suggesting a ritual to communicate with the dead. While performing the ritual, the friends scatter because they think they're in trouble. Billy remains behind, upset that his attempt to reach his mother has failed. The story develops and, rather than being caught, Billy and an old man, Leonard (Sal Rendino) develop a friendship. They meet to share their memories and favorite moments. Billy lost his mother, and Leonard lost his wife, Margret. The two share a common thread; the people they lost both loved doing crossword puzzles. This similarity brings Leonard and Billy closer together as friends. When Billy wants his new friend, Leonard, to meet his neighborhood crew, Leonard never shows. The magic of this movie is the reveal at the end. There are moments of friendship, bullying, crushes and heartache. We see how the bond of friendship can withstand loss.

The film's message is to cherish and value friendships; to cherish memories of those we lose, and not let that loss affect your happiness or positivity. It is okay to grieve over a loved one, but they would not want you to let the past affect how you feel for the rest of your life. Charming as this film is be aware that there is profanity in a couple of scenes plus a few violent interactions such as fighting, bullying and harassment.

I give Spirit of Friendship 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like Spirit of Friendship because of the gorgeous scenery, appeal to kids, fitting background music and meaningful theme. Although there are some awkward moments, it is a good family friendly film.

The storyline follows Billy (Jeremy London) recalling his experience dealing with his mother's death. Twelve-year-old Billy (Carter Grassi) and his friends, Mike (Luca Corticelli) and Jake (Dante Corticelli), try to communicate with Billy's deceased mom's spirit and meet two women, Emma (Delaney Miclette) and her friend Abby (Brianna Gleason) - Emma is sympathetic, but Abby is disrespectful and mocks him. As he struggles to cope with his emotions, a mysterious man named Leonard (Sal Rendino) mysteriously shows up to help Billy deal with his grief.

This is a film about friendship; we watch Billy's friends help him deal with his grief and support his ideas about talking to his mom's spirit. One thing I like about Spirit of Friendship is the scenery and gorgeous sets that make this film look real. When Billy and his friends are walking through a forest trail, there are spectacular trees with autumn leaves falling everywhere. The background music always compliments the scenes. For example, when Billy is having fun with Mike and Jake, there is upbeat pop music. I like that this movie includes contemporary slang that kids can relate to. Mike and Jake use words like "mid" - for mediocre. This is relatable because kids actually use that slang. I am impressed with the acting of Sal Rendino who plays Leonard. He serves as Billy's role model, which makes a lot of sense. There are some awkward moments such as when the actors repeatedly stutter their lines or times when the acting seems awkward. Whenever Emma talks to Billy, it feels off. The emotional connection that Emma and Billy are supposed to have does not quite come off as real and this makes their dialogue feel corny.

The film's message is to value the people around you. It is important to treasure the people who love you especially when you are suffering from a loss. Be forewarned that there is some harsh language and minor swearing.

I give Spirit of Friendship 3.5 of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The movie Spirit of Friendship offers a unique look at a child mourning the loss of a loved one. The message and plot have a lot of potential and a great message. I liked the beginning, but towards the middle, I lost interest.

This story follows a father (Jeremy London) whose kids are trying to get over the loss of their recently deceased grandfather. The father tries to help his kids by telling them how he got over the loss of his mother when he was a child. He tells about how his younger self (Carter Grassi) and his friends helped him try to contact his mother after her death. Over a series of events and with the help of a wise stranger, Leonard (Sal Rendino), the father's younger self realizes the truth about keeping her memory alive.

The script is rather repetitive and the acting falls short, but the message, the costumes and sets are all excellent. I love the girls' costumes, especially Emma (Delaney Miclette). They are very modern. This film has breathtaking sets, which are a bright spot. It is set in fall, which provides stunning scenery. The cemetery and all its pathways are particularly pretty. The acting in the film is its weakest aspect; the actors don't give much emotion to their performances, especially the child actors who seemed to not really know their lines or say them so fast that they lack impact. There are three actors that stand out for their performances and they are all adult actors. My favorite character is Leonard because he is wise and has a good perspective on life. Also, Sal Rendino, who plays him, delivers all of his lines so well and every word feels like it has meaning.

The film's message is that loved ones are always with you even if they have passed away. This is an uplifting and relatable message.

I give Spirit of Friendship 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

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A young boy, grieving the recent loss of his mother attempts to contact her with the help of his friends.