Description - The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully...and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - In Emmanuel it's Christmas time and it's time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?The storyline is about a town preparing for their much awaited 75th Christmas pageant. Unfortunately, the organizer, Mrs. Armstrong (Meriam Bernstein) breaks both her legs, so Grace (Judy Greer) volunteers to replace her to organize the pageant. Hoping to get free snacks, the Herdmans force their way into the pageant, creating chaos all around them and putting Grace under a lot of pressure to replace them. Grace is facing a difficult time to get the pageant going and the final results leave everyone speechless.
I love every character in this movie, especially the Herdmans - Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Mason D. Nelligan as Ralph, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Evan Wood as Leroy, Essek Moore as Ollie, Kynlee Heiman as Gladys. The main characters are almost all kids and their performances as bullies are outstanding, and we also see their vulnerability eventually. There are so many funny moments like when Gladiys jumps and scares the three boys. This movie is based on a best-selling book by Barbara Robinson. Dallas Jenkins's direction shines in the selection of locations, sets, d�cor and acting. The film does switch eras between current and the 1920s.There are a couple of important messages in this movie - a reminder that we should not judge a book by its cover and that everyone deserves a chance to prove what they can do when they feel supported. Be aware that this is a Christian oriented movie presenting the nativity in a very refreshing way. Will it become another recurring Christmas movie? Let's hope so!I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning November 8, 2024. Check it out.
By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11
I like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.
The storyline is about the Herdmans who are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, bully, and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. The film is based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson. It follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for food and walk away with the lead roles in the town's Christmas pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time, and she and her daughter, Beth (Molly Belle Wright), along with her husband Bob (Pete Holmes), are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might just end up teaching the community the true meaning of Christmas.
This movie is full of heart and, although the antics of the Herdmans are outrageous, the behaviors of the church children and adults are humorously familiar. It is an entertaining and heartwarming movie for the whole family at Christmas time. It highlights the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most beautiful nativity scene. The costumes and the nativity scene are exceptional. The setting makes it look just like a barn the night Jesus was born. My favorite part is the ending when the children are acting out the play and the nativity scene. The community comes together and realizes what is really important on Christmas. Judy Greer, as Grace, gives a very believable performance as the mother and director of the church performance. She is patient and loving with her community and all of the children. The children in the film are Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), Claude (Matthew Lamb) Gladys (Kynlee Heiman), Ralph (Mason Nelligan). Speaking of the children, they all give fantastic performances, especially Molly Belle Write as Beth. She is funny and teaches the importance of Christmas and being kind to others. There is so much chemistry between these characters that I could feel it as I watched the film. They all connect to being there for each other, their church and community.
The film's message centers on how people should not be judged, how redemption is important, and how tradition can be altered by perspective. It is important for children to learn the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, and this story does just that.
I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters beginning November 8, 2024.
By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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GALACTIC CAT AND THE SPELL OF TIME - DREAMBOX PRODUCOES
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 12-18
Description - Gato Galactico receives a pocket watch as a gift from his father, made by his great-grandfather Pedro Pontual, the former watchmaker from Cron�polis, a small village where his family's ancestors came from. However, without finding a battery that fits the strange clock, Gato runs away to Cron�polis to look for someone who can make it work. Upon arriving at the location, Gato is faced with a bizarre scenario: in the first minute of every hour, the entire village is completely frozen in time. Frightened, Gato tries to leave, but the city's exits are blocked by a macabre invisible barrier.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This movie takes a lot of twists and turns between time travel, magical beings and a young man that saves the day for a town lost in time.Gato Galactico, known as Roni (Ronaldo de Azevedo), receives a pocket watch made by his great-grandfather, Pedro Pontual (Blota Filho), the former watchmaker from Cron�polis. However, there is no battery for it, so Gato runs away to Cron�polis to look for a battery. Upon arriving, Roni learns that the entire village is completely frozen in time once an hour. Roni tries to escape but can't. Meanwhile, he is befriended by Pepe (Erick Torres) and Lisa (Luiza Mezadri), who reveal the legend of the Phantom of Time. Perpetuo (Daniel Infantini) is responsible for the curse and the only way to defeat him is with the watch that Roni has. The kids join forces and when they finally repair the clock and imprison the ghost, the spell is undone and a big surprise is revealed.
This film has a lot of depth, a few heroes and one nasty villain. It's a twisty little tale with a young man who undertakes a big adventure, is befriended by some young people and learns an important lesson about friendship, bravery, and teamwork.
The film is well constructed and lead us on a fantastical adventure. The ghost, Perpetuo, is extra creepy with his distorted face, dark teeth, long nails and tongue movements. Although Roni is pretty disrespectful to his parents at the beginning, his attitude definitely changes as the film develops and he steps up to the plate as a hero. The camera work is outstanding, as is the audio track, the locations and sets. The costumes vary according to the location, wearing ancient clothing in Cronopolis and contemporary clothing in current day. The setting in his home is very contemporary with books, a computer, and a tablet and quite 18th century looking in the town in Cronopolis. The background music is well selected and when the clock chimes and everyone freezes, there is complete silence. I commend the special effects coordinator, Rafael Mancini, for making the magic elements seem believable, eye-catching, and entertaining.
The film's message is about believing in yourself and not being afraid to seek the truth. Friendship and the importance of family are also great messages of this film. Be forewarned that there are scary parts showing potential danger to children. For example, the ghost has a machine that turns children and humans into dolls. There is a child yelling, "Help me, help me," because he is caught by the ghost. There is some mild profanity.
give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Junior R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This movie takes a lot of twists and turns between time travel, magical beings and a young man that saves the day for a town lost in time.
Gato Galactico, known as Roni (Ronaldo de Azevedo), receives a pocket watch made by his great-grandfather, Pedro Pontual (Blota Filho), the former watchmaker from Cron�polis. However, there is no battery for it, so Gato runs away to Cron�polis to look for a battery. Upon arriving, Roni learns that the entire village is completely frozen in time once an hour. Roni tries to escape but can't. Meanwhile, he is befriended by Pepe (Erick Torres) and Lisa (Luiza Mezadri), who reveal the legend of the Phantom of Time. Perpetuo (Daniel Infantini) is responsible for the curse and the only way to defeat him is with the watch that Roni has. The kids join forces and when they finally repair the clock and imprison the ghost, the spell is undone and a big surprise is revealed.
This film has a lot of depth, a few heroes and one nasty villain. It's a twisty little tale with a young man who undertakes a big adventure, is befriended by some young people and learns an important lesson about friendship, bravery, and teamwork.
The film is well constructed and lead us on a fantastical adventure. The ghost, Perpetuo, is extra creepy with his distorted face, dark teeth, long nails and tongue movements. Although Roni is pretty disrespectful to his parents at the beginning, his attitude definitely changes as the film develops and he steps up to the plate as a hero. The camera work is outstanding, as is the audio track, the locations and sets. The costumes vary according to the location, wearing ancient clothing in Cronopolis and contemporary clothing in current day. The setting in his home is very contemporary with books, a computer, and a tablet and quite 18th century looking in the town in Cronopolis. The background music is well selected and when the clock chimes and everyone freezes, there is complete silence. I commend the special effects coordinator, Rafael Mancini, for making the magic elements seem believable, eye-catching, and entertaining.
The film's message is about believing in yourself and not being afraid to seek the truth. Friendship and the importance of family are also great messages of this film. Be forewarned that there are scary parts showing potential danger to children. For example, the ghost has a machine that turns children and humans into dolls. There is a child yelling, "Help me, help me," because he is caught by the ghost. There is some mild profanity.
give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Junior R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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LAST OF THE SEA WOMEN, THE - APPLE TV
Series: FEATURE, AGES 12-18
Description - The Last of the Sea Women follows an extraordinary band of feisty grandmother warriors waging a spirited battle against vast oceanic threats. Often called real-life mermaids, the Haenyeo divers of South Korea's Jeju Island are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor--without oxygen --to harvest seafood for their livelihood. Today, with most Haenyeo now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and way of life are in imminent danger. But these fierce, funny, hardworking women refuse to give an inch, aided by a younger generation's fight to revive their ancestral lifestyle through social media. Peering into what drives Haenyeo young and old, this moving documentary zeroes in on their tight-knit friendships, savvy independence, and infectious sense of empowerment, unfolding into an uplifting tale of women taking on world powers to protect their beloved ocean and inspiring a new generation.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Last of the Sea Women is a gorgeous, moving documentary about the Haenyeo divers of South Korea's Jeju Island. Haenyeos dive in the ocean harvesting marine life using just their own breath. This documentary is beautiful, educational, and it left me wanting to learn more about the Haenyeos and their way of life. I also love the feeling of sisterhood you get from The Last of the Sea Women.The documentary follows the Haenyeos, divers who work in a tradition handed down from mothers and grandmothers, as they tackle two main problems. One, the lack of younger Haenyeos to help with the physically hard and dangerous work. To collect seafood, they have to hold their breath underwater for up to 2 minutes and withstand water pressure, starting from a depth of 5 meters that is like a giant blue glass pushing them down. So, when emerging, a diver must break through this "blue glass" with all their strength, repeating this effort 100-300 times per dive. Also, today there are fewer women who risk becoming a Haenyeo. This documentary explores how their way of life may go extinct. Soon-E Kim (historian, Haenyeo tradition preservation committee) says being a Haenyeo is an extremely difficult occupation particularly because it's so dangerous, which is why there are so few now. Young Haenyeos have asked why they can't use an oxygen mask and yet that is not the way of the Haenyeo.
The declining population of Haenyeo is concerning, but these days, no one wants to become a Haenyeo, perhaps understandably: If you try to collect too much in one dive, you'll "eat your breath" (die). And if you go too far out to sea, the waves become much stronger. When you dive down, you can get swept too far out by the current. Death is always around the corner for Haenyeo. Another main concern of the Haenyeo is water pollution due to rising global temperatures which have changed the ocean. Soon Deok Jang, a 72-year-old Haenyeo, says she never saw trash like styrofoam in the sea when she was young - now she sees truckloads.
Directors of photography, Iris Ng and Eunsoo Cho, created a film with powerful images and Justin Turkowski's underwater cinematography brings this story to life - it's stunning. Some archival film clips are included which demonstrate that the Haenyeo have been around for a long time. The Last of the Sea Women's encourages you to be invested in what they see as their calling. And they say that, in the old days, people looked down on Haenyeos, but now they are respected for who they are. The director and producer, Sue Kim delivers a compelling story with the help of the editors, Erin Casper, Yeong-A Kim, and Stacy Kim.
The Last of the Sea Women's purpose is to bring awareness to the Haenyeo and their plight. The film's message is that we need to take care of our planet, including our seas. The message is also to celebrate and learn about different cultures. Near the end of the documentary we see a Haenyeo festival. One of the Haenyeo, Hee Soon Lee explains that the festival is to teach people about their culture and their livelihood so that it is not forgotten.
I give The Last of the Sea Women 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch The Last of the Sea Women on AppleTV+ beginning October 11, 2024.
By Alma K, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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MY PARTNER - KSG FILMS
Series: FEATURE, AGES ADULT
Description - A tender boys' love tale--the final film to shoot in Lahaina, Hawai?i--two high school seniors in rural West Maui live in different worlds ... but soon learn they aren't so different. Starring native Hawaiian Kaipo Dudoit (starring in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch remake) and Jayron Mu�oz.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - My Partner is appealing in many ways. But, before I get started, I have to say that it is riddled with profanity, including the "F" word.My Partner tells a story of how two groups of high school boys are drawn into conflict defending their cliques and cultures, Hawaiian and Filipino and, through an interesting turn of events, work out their issues and develop a close bond. Assigned to work together as partners on a class project, two of the high schoolers actually become attracted to each other.
The locations are beautiful; Hawaii is shown throughout the film in all its splendor. The actors play their parts well and, yet their stereotypes (jocks and nerds) are not overplayed. The jocks are athletic 'hunks' and the nerds are 'top of the class' smart, but each character is authentic and reveals their endearing humanity as they grew into maturity. Also, the storyline includes many aspects of Hawaiian culture and language that is rarely seen in films. There is also a land ethic theme that adds value to the story. The film does lag a bit and, as a result, feels overly long.
High school movies have a familiar flare that kids can relate to - from the 'hot' teacher gags, to the secrets told at the lockers, how the bully scenes are resolved and how 'enemies' become buddies. Teens would enjoy the things that adults like, as stated above -- the beautiful locations, environmental themes, and the actors. They might also be curious to watch how a same gender attraction expresses itself in a positive way and in a supportive society. The filmmakers play up the physical beauty of Pili (Kaipo Dudoit), using slow motion, and this could make some youngsters uncomfortable, but it feels appropriate to the story line. The humanistic beauty of Pili's and Edmar (Jayron Munoz)'s relationship sets a good example for community and love between same sex individuals.
My Partner is a well-structured film; the story flows at a steady pace; even if it feels a bit slow towards the end. The scene is a modern one, set in rural Hawaii. The Filipino tradition of arranged marriage is introduced, as is one of the Hawaiian agriculture rituals. The film's character development is excellent, and the back-story for the tree main characters, Pili, Edmar and Zach covers three different cultures and economic classes. This draws in viewers who are fascinated with other cultures and attractive people in a new way. Subtitles need to be read when the actors are speaking in various Hawaiian languages. I love that the closed captions include which Hawaiian language is being spoken. Sadly, swear words like 'mofo' and 'bitch' are used and the F-word flows like butter, but otherwise the language is suitable for high schoolers.
Unfortunately the film has an excessive amount of profanity. The F-word seems to flow out of the mouths of these young teen boys and G-damnit is heard once. The attraction that develops slowly throughout the film shows some touch and a kiss between two boys. It is implied that Pili and Edmar sleep together in a tent. They are clothed in their jeans and there is no nudity, but the music has suggestive lyrics of attraction and desire.
The main actors include seven people, but most of the drama is acted by Kaipo Dudoit as Pili, Jayron Munoz as Edmar and Dan Francis Rodriques as Zach. Sometimes what they seem to be doing is 'horse-play' but sometimes the drama is acted out in fights. No blood is spilled and the ganging up on each other is well directed and realistic. The music design is awesome. Hawaiian tunes are used as source music when musicians appear on-screen during the family luau. Modern reggae and guitar discretely seam these scenes together. Some sensual music with lyrics reinforces the attraction that is occurring between Pili and Edmar.
My Partner is a great expose on the cross-cultural aspects of Asian-Pacific cultures in a high school setting. The fresh viewpoint from teenagers on environmental exploitation and hierarchy prejudice - rich vs. poor - is educational and encouraging to see. The budding friendship between two of the boys pushes cultural norms in a tasteful way. The music includes Hawaiian, reggae, and rhythm and blues styles. This film seems good for teens, even if it uses foul language and a same gender attraction. The cultural positives along with, what I would call a realistic 2024 modern life, make it feel like a valuable film. The gang related fights end as the whole group of boys becomes friends in defense of the planet's health. The music is sensual and lovely, and the expose of the authenticity of the characters is heartwarming.
The film's message is that barriers between cultures can be broken down through dialog and forgiveness. It's okay to love who you love - period.
I give My Partner 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for adults, due to the profanity as described above. It is available on digital platforms beginning October 4, 2024.
By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - My Partner explores experiencing love in a new light. I like the overall story of this film, and I really enjoyed how this film tells a story, while simultaneously going in depth and teaching the audience about Hawaiian culture.
The storyline is about two high school seniors, Pili (Kaipo Dudoit) and Edmar (Jayron Munoz). They each have very different friend groups and experience some conflict when Pili and his friends catch Edmar and his group overfishing a native fish. Pili doesn't take overfishing lightly, which causes him to develop very negative views towards Edmar and his friends. The two boys are forced to work on a project together and, while this seems like a challenge at first, they both quickly learn that they aren't as different as they initially thought.
This film is cute; however, it falls short in many areas, such as the acting. The two strong performances in this film are from Kaipo Dudoit as Pili and Jayron Munoz as Edmar. These two work well together on the big screen and really convey the message and story of the film. I also really like how this film highlights a diverse cast of Filipinos and Hawaiians. Some scenes in this film get a bit long for me. One of my favorite parts of this film is how much I learned about Hawaiian culture. The project the boys are assigned to work on focuses on making a traditional dish that is typical of their culture. This film highlights old traditions and cultural aspects of Hawaiian culture which is very interesting and, not at all what I was expecting to resonate with. I also enjoyed the soundtrack and found it very fitting with the film.
The film's message is that love is found in unexpected places and is limitless. Be aware that it has quite a lot of profanity, which is why I recommend it for adults.
I give My Partner 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for adults. You can watch My Partner on digital platforms beginning October 4, 2024.
By Zo� C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Juror Recommended Age: 18-99
Suggested Retail Price: $
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TREASURE TRACKERS - LEVEL 33 ENTERTAINMENT
Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-12
Description - A trio of misfit kids band together to search for mythic treasure, only to uncover a terrible curse. The trio must find and destroy the gold before a rival group of teens gets to it first and releases an evil spirit on Halloween night.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The upcoming film Treasure Trackers has amazing technical aspects, astounding acting, and deep character development. This film has something for everyone, especially me.The storyline follows California surfer Leah (Charity Rose) who must move to the dreary small town of Carterville, where she makes friends with fellow outcasts Marshy (Sean Jay) and Tessa (Amelia Salazar) to solve the town's hundreds of years' old mystery and find the lost treasure that comes with it. When the trio uncovers the truth behind the treasure's Halloween curse, they must outsmart the high school troublemakers before an evil spirit is accidentally released.
This storyline is very enjoyable - the whole concept of this mystery is very entertaining. The fact that the three underdogs work together makes it even cooler! As the trio tries to solve the mystery and find the treasure they form a truly amazing bond and each one develops their own strengths. For example, in the beginning, Marshy is a typical geek who's always scared, but by the end he helps solve the mystery and has lots of fun doing it. He learns to face his fears and this sends an awesome message to viewers. Something that really makes this film stand out is the quality. The audio is perfect; you can hear the snap of a branch. And the video is crystal clear - the quality is so coherent that it really heightens your experience and you can truly feel each scene like it's happening right before your eyes. The acting in this film is extraordinary. Charity Rose, as Leah, is perfectly cast. Charity's strong facial features really accentuate Leah's determined attitude and confident demeanor. Her acting is also incredible - there is one scene where there are spirits overtaking her, and her expressions look so haunted and out of this world, which makes that scene even better. When it comes to the plot, I can only say how much I enjoyed it from the heartfelt scenes to the action, every one hits home. There are some parts that are a bit drawn out, which make the film a bit lengthy; for example, one of the scenes displaying a search for a clue seems rather long. On the other hand, the sets are astounding; in one cave scene, there are stalagmites and stalactites that look so real. There is even lava. The lava really blew me away because it looks super life-like.
The film's message is that when you work with people you love by your side, you can do anything. Be aware that there are some dark themes in this film such as dark magic, ghosts, and evil spirits, which may frighten younger viewers.
I rate Treasure Trackers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Treasure Trackers will be available to purchase on Digital platforms starting October 1, 2024, just in time of the Halloween season.
By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I really love the film Treasure Trackers because it is a detective mystery film that leads you on a complex treasure hunt that leaves you guessing what the next clue may be or how they will get out of the next predicament.
The storyline follows a girl named Leah (Charity Rose) who is forced to move from coastal California to a small country town named Carterville. Upon starting school, she learns of the town's legendary gold hoard hidden by its founder, Silas Carter, hundreds of years earlier. She is intrigued by this legend and decides to search for the gold with her two new friends Tessa (Amelia Salazar) and Marshy (Sean Jay). The story follows this trio of middle schoolers on their quest in which they face numerous obstacles.
Early in the film, the diary of Silas Carter is stolen from the school library. This is how Leah learns about the legend and that the diary may provide clues to the location of the buried gold. This inspires her to figure out who stole the diary and to join forces with Tessa and Marshy. During their journey in search of the gold, they face many obstacles -- another group searching for the gold, others stealing their clues, and various dead ends. One of my favorite parts is when the trio ends up in a cave with a lava pit and Leah must walk along the cliff or risk dying. It's very suspenseful part that made me hold my breath. My favorite character is Tessa because she is fearless, daring, and willing to try anything. The country setting is beautiful which contrasts well with the scary scenes. The special effects are very realistic including the flowing lava and the talking raven. The spooky music definitely kept me on edge of my seat.
The film's message is "life is a blessing in disguise." In other words, although things may not seem desirable at first, they have a way of becoming exactly what you need. This film deals with aggressive behavior such as bullying which may be disturbing for younger children.
I give Treasure Trackers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Treasure Trackers will be available on VOD beginning October 1, 2024.
By Arya B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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WHITE BIRD - KINGDOM STORY COMPANY, DALLAS
Series: FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18
Description - From the world of Wonder, which sparked a movement to "choose kind," comes the inspirational next chapter: White Bird. Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. From the director of Finding Neverland, White Bird reminds us to be brave and choose kind.?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This magical film, White Bird, demonstrates the power to dream, to laugh, and to enjoy the presence of others despite the evil acts of others.From the world of Wonder and Academy Award-winning director Marc Forster, comes the sequential film White Bird, which takes us a step further into the life of Julian (Bryce Gheisar) who must finally face the consequences of past actions -- particularly the bullying of Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy born with facial differences. Expelled from school as a result of his unkind acts toward others, Julian gets a taste of his own medicine as he is alienated and challenged to make friends at his new school. His grandmother, Sara Blum (Helen Mirren), pays him a visit with hopes of sharing her haunting and deeply moving story about her survival in Nazi-occupied France during one of the darkest moments of history.
Intricately narrated, White Bird gives us two stories; one about Julian's present-day struggles and the other a stirring tale of his grandmother's harsh struggles during World War II. Flashbacks of young Sara (Ariella Glaser) and her courageous classmate Julian (Orlando Schwerdt), demonstrate for viewers how traumatic life was being a Jew during Nazi-run territories. Their relationship is more than one of survival -- it is one of kindness, love, and sacrifice. What I love most about White Bird is the visualization of young Sara Blum's life and how her story had a purpose. I connected with her story emotionally as she teaches her grandson the valuable lesson of showing kindness. The stories of two troubled teens -- young Sara and her grandson Julian, are well-channeled and they flow with ease. Although both stories contain heartache; they both end in hope. This film is a masterpiece filled with a nice balance of warmth and wisdom. The historic drama combined with the modern coming-of-age scenes adds a special touch to White Bird and kept me engaged throughout the entire film. A box of tissues nearby is a must while watching this film. White Bird has many teachable moments and contains many life lessons. This is a must-see family film.
The film's message rings loud and clear - it's a message of kindness and how kindness must be shared and practiced. Hate surrounds us; that's a fact of life. However, the smallest gestures of goodwill can lead to the greatest change. This film is also about bravery as that is what allows us to take risks and speak up for those who don't have a voice. It takes a lot of courage sometimes to be kind.
I give White Bird 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. White Bird opens in theaters on October 4, 2024. Be sure to check it out. You're not going to want to miss this one!
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14
White Bird is mesmerizing and one of the most beautiful and emotional films I've ever seen! The fantastic storytelling with its realistic costumes and exquisite imagery left me in awe. By the end, I wanted to watch it all over again!
The story starts with Julian (Bryce Gheisar ) going to a new school and struggling to fit in and find his place. When he gets home, his Nonna, Sara (Helen Mirren) is there visiting and starts telling him a story of her childhood. The story takes us back to the 1940s and World War II in France. Young Sara (Ariella Glaser) and her Jewish family thought they would be safe in France but quickly find out this is not the case. Sara's Jewish classmates are captured but she is able to escape with the help of fellow classmate Julian (Orlando Shlwerdt). He takes Sara to his family's barn to hide from the Nazis. Over several months, Zara and Julian build their friendship and admiration for each other. As time moves on, you realize her classmate Julian is someone Sara will always think of fondly.
The production team really paid attention to detail and it definitely adds to the story. I absolutely love the costumes in this film as they really fit the 1940s era in France. I especially adore Sara's red heels and her beautiful dresses! The soldiers' war time uniforms represent the period well. The sets and props are equally outstanding. The imagination scene with Zara and her classmate Julian is so gorgeous and makes you feel like you are there with them. From the old time truck to the authentic movie reels you are on a journey. It is so engaging to watch the fantastic places come to life on screen and watch the relationships grow. What excites me most is how the directors and writers connect the storytelling from present to past and back again. The acting in this movie is so convincing. I felt like I was stepping back into the 1940s during the war with each scene. Helen Mirren's calming voice is completely captivating. I could feel her emotion as she spoke and also see it in her eyes. The story is woven through time and shows how kindness is timeless. How will Sara's story affect her grandson's life choices? In the end, the film encourages you to always follow your biggest passions and aspirations to make a difference.
The film's message is to always be kind to others because you never know how they can impact your life. Be forewarned that there are several instances of gun use, flashing lights, and other violence.
I give White Bird, 5 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters October 4, 2024.
By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10
White Bird is a truly charming story. With its in-depth scenery, wide range of characters and a message that still resonates with us today, this film encourages you to think twice about someone before you devise a conclusion about them.
Following the adventure of Wonder, Julian Albans (Bryce Gheisar) who was expelled from his school due to his bullying another boy, is told a tale of his grandmother's (Helen Mirren) childhood. As a young Jewish girl in Nazi occupied France, Sara Blum (Ariella Glaser) is hidden away by a boy named Julian (Orlando Schwerdt) who was born with polio. At his farm while his family searches for her parents, she starts spending time with Julian, and begins to see him not as the boy with the crutch, but as her guide, her friend, and her light.
I love the film angles in this movie. Depending on the scene, there is a great deal of variety. There may be a wide angle for a happy moment, or a close-up for an intense dialogue between the characters. However, some of the times when they talk, it is a bit hard to hear. It sounds like they are whispering most of the time. I especially like how director Marc Forester incorporates some imaginative flair into the production, showing not only the dark and truthful reality of World War II, but also the happy and comforting moments that existed during that time. Speaking of which, my favorite part is when young Sara and Julian are imagining that they are traveling the world, although they never really leave the barn. It shows that kids will still be kids no matter what might be happening around them. I also like how, as she is telling her story, Grand'Mere Sara sprinkles in bits and pieces of humor that keep the audience entertained.
The film's message is to always look for the good in people, no matter how small. Despite being the odd one out at school, Julian still shows kindness to Sara, and he keeps her company during the war, which results in a wonderful friendship between the two.
I give White Bird 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. White Bird opens in theaters on October 4, 2024.
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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DRAGONKEEPER - SC FILMS INTERNATIONAL
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12
Description - In ancient China after a clash with the humans, dragons are banished from the kingdom. Many years later, innocent and freedom-yearning orphan, Ping, is looking after the last two dragons when she discovers that one has sadly died, and the other is guarding a precious and rare dragon egg. As palace guards arrive, the remaining dragon, Danzi disappears, and before Ping has the opportunity to explain what has happened, she is mistaken for an accomplice and must run away herself. Danzi and Ping escape from the palace together and must return the dragon egg to the ocean to save all dragons from extinction! On this wild and dangerous adventure, Ping finds a way to unlock her power and discovers she is a true Dragonkeeper. Dragonkeeper comes from animation studio Ilion Animation Studios (Wonder Park, Planet 51) and the visual direction of the legendary Sergio Pablos (Rio, Despicable Me) & Borja Montoro (Zootopia).
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - SEE YOUTH COMMENTS
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the movie Dragonkeeper because it is funny and heartfelt.The storyline is about a slave girl called Ping (Mayalinee Griffiths), who dreams about meeting dragons. Her dream comes true, but one of the magical creatures dies and she goes on a quest to save the dragons and hatch the last imperial dragons' egg. Joining her is a dragon (Bill Nighy) as her protector and a funny "very helpful" mouse. She soon finds out that she has mystical powers and learns to use them to stop bad guys who want to steal the egg and use its powers for evil.
I really enjoyed this film. It's an animated film with special effects. It also has lots of humor - there are all sorts of humorous scenes like my favorite, where the mouse tries helping. He marches up to the big fight against something 2,000,000 times his size. Another fun scene is when he rolls the egg away from the bad guys. The movie is also sad and heartfelt because one of the dragons dies. The visual effects are great and really stand out. For example when one of the dragons heals Ping's wound with the power of the egg as shown in the trailer. I do have to admit that some parts of the movie are a little childish. For example, there is a scene about 30 seconds long of two kids blowing raspberries at each other.
The film's message is "you can do whatever you want; only you decide your destiny."
I give Dragonkeeper 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on digital in the US now and opens in theaters in UK & Ireland on September 27, 2024. I hope you enjoy it.
By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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HI NOEL - ERIC WHITE
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12
Description - Hi Noel delves into the enchanting realm of a child's creativity and self-discovery. A shy young boy named Leon stumbles upon the heart-wrenching possibility that his parents might be on the verge of a divorce. As his parents wrestle with their personal challenges, Leon is left to grapple with feelings of loneliness and hurt that he can't quite comprehend. In this moment of emotional turmoil, Leon's creative spirit ignites, and he creates an imaginary friend called Noel. Noel is a charismatic and endearing companion and becomes a comforting presence in Leon's life. Together, the two boys set out on a magical adventure that transcends the boundaries of reality and imagination. From Singapore. Dialogue in Mandarin Chinese and English.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoy Hi Noel. It hits home on a serious topic and brings up lots of issues that I could relate to and I believe others will as well. It is funny and sad and insightful all in 90 minutes. It is from Singapore, which shows that families worldwide have similar issues.Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.
This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.
I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?
The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.
I give Hi Noel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoy Hi Noel. It hits home on a serious topic and brings up lots of issues that I could relate to and I believe others will as well. It is funny and sad and insightful all in 90 minutes. It is from Singapore, which shows that families worldwide have similar issues.
Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.
This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.
I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?
The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.
I give Hi Noel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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TRANSFORMERS ONE - PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 8-18
Description - TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Transformers One is a must watch film with a compelling story, beautiful animation and a great overall theme.The film is about the untold origin of Optimus Prime and Megatron. We now know that the now sworn enemies were once like brothers and their differences would create strife in their relationship. This change will forever impact Cybertron.
Going into this film I was excited but had low expectations because of the complex history of Transformers media. Transformers films in the past have often deviated from the original story that I love, however this film is unlike all the others, rooted in the origins of the Cybertron universe. I left the theater speechless at how excellent the film was. It has numerous perfectly executed moments with well paced moments. The movie introduces the lore of Transformers to new audiences rather quickly while keeping it simple, which helps someone understand everything if they are new to Transformers, while keeping long-time fans like myself happy.
The animation style is just breathtaking, I thought it would take me a while to get used to the new style but I was blown away at how colorful a planet made of metal looks. Of all the standout elements, the best part of this film is the third act, because the whole film builds up to it effortlessly, and by the time the second act ended and the third act started to kick in I was glued to my seat with my eyes locked on to the screen, excited at every moment. It had me smiling the whole way through. The hardest part for me were the voice overs, which might be a concern for long-time fans who are used to Peter Collin voicing Optimus Prime. It was a challenge for me to get to hear Chris Hemsworth's performance as Optimus Prime. While he doesn't sound like the voice we are used to, his interpretation adds a unique flare to the younger version of the character. For those of us who are concerned about the voice of Megatron by Brian Tyree Henry, there is nothing to be worried about - he kills it! I was blown away by how well he adds a new tone of voice to the character while keeping it classic. All in all, it's phenomenal casting and an amazing performance by Henry, especially in the third act. These are a few minor concerns I had. The writers, directors, and animation team knew what was best for the Transformers franchise because this film is possibly the best film of the summer, if not the best animation film of the year. It keeps what we love about Transformers while adding new elements to be excited about.
The theme in Transformers One is about how we change as individuals whether it is through ourselves or the situations we are put in. This is demonstrated by Megatron and Optimus Prime and is portrayed so well because we all know Megatron and Optimus Prime become enemies, which makes it even more engaging to find out how that happened for the very first time. The theme is touching, emotional, and impactful. You might walk out of the film feeling a little bit different after watching it.
I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This film releases in theaters September 20, 2024
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Gear up and roll out! I love Transformers One. It is fun, laugh-out-loud funny, has some heartfelt moments, and the chemistry between the transformers is outstanding. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end. There is lots of action, incredible animation and the battle scenes are so cool.
Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who are sworn enemies, but once were friends, bonded like brothers and changed the fate of Cybertron forever. The film is definitely inspiring. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
Transformers One is incredibly well animated. I love how it makes the Transformers feel very human-like. The expressions on their faces are realistic and you can feel the emotions through the big screen. It made me feel like each one has a mind and heart of its own. The soundtrack, in some of scenes, brings out the right atmosphere and emotion. I love the songs during the battle scenes, especially when B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) is taking down the bad guys. This animated version features great voice actors. All of them are great, but Keegan-Michael Key steals the show! His comedy is fantastic. He kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. I also liked learning how Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) once were friends and what happened to make them enemies. They are so good on screen together.
This film's message is about believing in yourself and doing what is right. It is very family friendly and, for fans of Transformers, this is a must watch, but even newcomers can enjoy it.
I give Transformers One 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Transformers One in theaters on September 20, 2024.
By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I love the new animated film Transformers One! It captures the excitement and action of the Transformers movies in a new light. The film allows both long-time fans and newcomers to experience its expressive animation and engaging storyline.
The plot travels back in time to the origin story of Cybertron and the beginning of the Autobots and Decepticons. Four miner bots stumble upon the greatest secret of their time. Optimus Prime and Megatron--who are current rivals--are best friends until power puts their friendship to the test. The war that becomes all or nothing is on the horizon.
The main characters are Orion Pax/Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth), Megatron/D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), Elita (Scarlett Johansson), Bumblebee/ B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), and Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm). These actors exquisitely bring life to their characters through their voices. The beloved characters are brought into a new perspective that expresses their backstory. Before Optimus Prime and Megatron become enemies, they were best friends that worked together all the time. This part of the story is explained throughout the film and it's very intriguing. Transformers One heled me understand the origin of the Transformers. Before, I wasn't as interested in the franchise because I was confused about their mission and purpose. However, this film changes the game for me. The pacing is excellent; it's neither too fast nor too slow. The film kick starts with the lives of the miners, which is contrary to the heroic figures we've seen them as. Optimus Prime is hiding in a trashcan - can you believe it? Right off the bat, I became invested in the plot line because it shows the heroes from another point of view. Two generations can experience the joy of this fandom in different ways. In addition, the animation is breathtaking. It's realistic yet creative, bringing the out-of-this-world imagination to life in a way that wasn't possible before. The attention to detail in the animation allows the bots to show lifelike emotions. For instance, Elita's feelings of anger and awe are very recognizable. This helps connect the audience to the plot. My favorite part is when Alpha Trion shows the group what happened during the Cybertronian War. In this scene, there's a huge plot twist that affects the whole storyline.
The film's message is to be loyal to your friends and always do what is right. Optimus Prime consistently chooses the path that will benefit his friends. Leadership is another central theme. If you're given the opportunity to lead, how would you approach it? In reality, I'm not going to be a leader of Cybertron, but I am the leader of my own life. The Transformers need to learn to choose the right direction, which is an important lesson throughout the film.
I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Transformers One releases in theaters on September 20, 2024.
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE - WARNER BROS. PICTURES
Series: FEATURE, AGES 12-18
Description - After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This movie has wit, jokes and a mix of the afterlife. It exceeded my expectations and is spot on brilliant. Every aspect of this film is jam-packed entertainment. Director Tim Burton delivers a fabulous sequel to Beetlejuice and the return of the original cast plus a few new faces adds to its charm.The storyline dives once more into the world of the afterlife with Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and his quest to be in the world of the living. His need to become human intensifies when he realizes his soul-sucking ex-wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci) is out for revenge. Beetlejuice renews his focus to unite with human sweetheart, Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) to avoid death. Lydia is a grown adult and a famous medium. Her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega) does not believe in seeing ghosts and their relationship is broken from the death of her dad. Plots and sub-plots merge to create a chaotic and fun ending.
The opening musical score made me feel anticipation from the start. The film returns to the original white house on the hill in Winter River as the family morns for grandpa. Memories of the house from childhood have Lydia seeing flashes of Beetlejuice. The town offers an escape for her daughter to make new connections and a special friend. The original house is not the only nod to the original Beetlejuice. We revisit the long wait lines in the afterlife, shrunken head Bob, misshaped hallways and the sandworm. There's an awesome Day O serenade. All of the special effects and makeup for the dead are fabulous. Delia (Catherine O'Hara) stands out to me -- her dark tendencies for art become dark comic moments of dealing with grief. Her character is spunky and artistically fun. Beetlejuice is the consistent demon with head twirls, raspy voice and raunchy jokes. From costumes, sound effects, makeup and set design, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice does not disappoint.
The film's message is to value the love of your family, here and now. Create memories for today and not dwell on the past. As amazing as this film is, it is a bit edgy with profanity, slight intimacy, violence, unsettling imagery, gore, jump scares and endless mentions of death and the afterlife.
I give Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters September 6, 2024.
By Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I had a blast watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice! Tim Burton's original Beetlejuice (1988) was a quirky, darkly comedic journey through the afterlife, and the 2024 sequel brings that same manic energy with a fresh, ghostly twist. This film is a great pick for a fun night out with friends and family.
Set years after the original, the movie revisits the afterlife with an exciting new spin. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Tim Burton), Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is now a renowned ghost hunter and paranormal investigator. Her life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. When someone says Beetlejuice's name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
The story cleverly blends themes of family, identity, and the supernatural, creating a nostalgic yet innovative experience. The pacing is dynamic, combining humor and suspense to keep viewers engaged from start to finish. It was a joy to see Delia Deetz (Catherine O'Hara) return, alongside Lydia, and to meet new characters like my favorite, Astrid Deetz, as well as Rory (Justin Theroux) and Delores (Monica Bellucci). Visually, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a treat for the eyes. The film's creative team has expertly merged Beetlejuice's iconic gothic style with cutting-edge special effects, resulting in a visually stunning and imaginative world. The special effects are impressively whimsical and grotesque, perfectly capturing the film's dark humor and surrealism. One standout scene is when Astrid rides a bike around town, navigating a series of challenges and surprises that reflect her personal struggles and growth.
The film's core message centers on self-acceptance, authenticity, and the value of true friendship. It encourages young audiences to embrace their unique selves and stay true to their identity, rather than fitting into others' expectations. Additionally, it underscores the importance of loyalty and support in relationships, showing that genuine friends are those who accept you for who you are and stand by you no matter what.
I give Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a solid 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Don't miss it when it hits theaters on September 6, 2024!
By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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MAGICIAN'S RAINCOAT, THE - VISION FILMS
Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-12
Description - Three kids discover a magical raincoat that transports them into the body of its former owner: a cursed magician last seen in the 1930s. With a scorned witch hot on their trail, they must solve the mystery of the raincoat and break its curse before it's too late.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love The Magician's Raincoat. It is such a great movie, with witty humor, amazing graphics, and many plot twists!The plot follows the magician Augustus Semprini (Cory Philips) as he performs one of his magic acts. Desperate for money, he steals a golden pin from a woman named Gertrude Cambellton (Ashton Leigh). She approaches him after the show, asking if he stole her broach. He denies her accusations, causing her to harness her witch powers and trap him inside his raincoat. The only way he can free himself is to return it. Almost 86 years pass and we meet Jack, a simple high schooler. Jack (Jake Alexander William) and his siblings come across the raincoat in their grandmother's attic. The raincoat possesses the ability to turn the wearer into the spitting image of Augustus Semprini. A seemingly normal, but mean middle school teacher, Mrs Weaver (Laura Shatkus) is not that normal after all. She is a witch, and also after the raincoat!
The humor in this movie is what I am most impressed with. My favorite scene where this is shown is when Mrs Weaver's cat puts on the raincoat and is turned into Semprini. The actor's performance really convinced me that he was a cat, just in a human body. I also love that this movie has amazing actors that can really make these scenes come to life. Along with the acting, the graphics, costumes and sets of this movie are amazing. When the setting is in the 1900s, there are fitting sets and costumes that make this film come to life. The background music is always extremely fitting. When Mrs Weaver fights Jack, there is suspenseful music to match it. And when there are happy scenes, there is jolly, happy music.
The theme of The Magician's Raincoat is that not everything is always as it seems. Augustus seems like a perfectly reasonable man, but he steals just to get money. Mrs Weaver seems like a normal teacher, but she turns out to be a witch.
I give The Magician's Raincoat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available for streaming beginning September 3, 2024.
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
What a spectacular film! The Magician's Raincoat is a magical and fantastical journey. The special effects are on point and look very realistic. The plot, sets, and script are all spectacular and organized in a way that ties the storyline together.
This story begins with a magician (Cory Phillips) performing his show in the late 1920s. He doesn't have the money to stay in the magic business so he pickpockets his attendees for money. Then, one of his victims turns his life into a disaster. So 86 years later, in present time, three siblings work together to help save the magician from an eternity of tragedy.
This film is high quality, and the plot is creative and fun. What stands out most are the camera work, acting, and storyline. The camera work is excellent and provides a variety of angles perfect for the scenes themselves. For example, when the kids are riding their bikes, the camera provides a bird's eye view that follows them on their journey. The acting is exceptional and the actors are well cast and their portrayals are believable. Olivia (Taylor Bedford) is brilliant and the actor who plays her shows this during a discussion with her science teacher (Laura Shatkus). I also like the part when the cat puts on the raincoat and "becomes" the magician; Cory Philips, who portrays him, is excellent. The story is clear, enjoyable, innovative and intriguing, providing for the overall excellent experience. My favorite part is when Jack (Jake Alexander Williams) tries to talk to his crush, Kristy (Jenna Thaxton) and is not successful, which makes for a hilariously embarrassing scene.
The film's message is that, over time, comes forgiveness, and eventually desperation. There are also strong themes of the importance of family.
I give The Magician's Raincoat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available for streaming beginning September 3 2024.
By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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MONSTER HIGH 2 - PARAMOUNT PLUS
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 12-18
Description - Sophomore year brews lots of changes for Monster High. The power of three is put to the test as Clawdeen, Draculaura, and Frankie face monstrous challenges this year-new students, new powers, evolving friendships, and a mysterious threat that could not only tear their friendship apart, but also change the world forever.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - See youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Monster High 2 is an impressive film that takes audiences into an immersive experience within this world of monsters. It has fantastic special effects and characters that left me on the edge of my seat.Monster High 2 is the sequel to Monster High in which Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris) is a half werewolf, half human that is running for prefect of Monster High against the new student Toralei (Salena Qureshi). Toralei ends up getting magic banded at Monster high so Draculaura (Nayah Damasen) runs off with a boy who promises that he can reunite vampires and humans as fellow witches. From there the chaos of this movie continues to unfold.
One of my all-time favorite parts of this film is the choreography. It's all very fun to watch and also believable and makes sense within the context of the storyline. The vocals, combined with the choreography, make it even better. Two of my favorite songs from the film, for both vocals and choreography, are "Reason We've Got Magic" and "You Don't Know." They both add so much to the story and are very engaging to watch. Definitely keep a look out for those in the movie. Something else I love is the costumes and sets. The whole show is set at the mythical school of Monster High and thus, they must have very elaborate costumes and sets in order to bring this school to life - the movie really pulls that through. Toralei and Draculaura have some of the coolest costumes in the film. Finally, the characters are terrific; each character is so well fleshed out and their personalities add so much to the film.
The message of this film is you don't have to change who you are for anyone else. Stay true to yourself always. Monster High 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Available now on DVD.
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 13.99
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MAGIC LAB, THE - MARIANA MECHOULAM
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12
Description - Eli is an inventor who has a laboratory where she has created a game to solve problems. She has bottles with value capsules and a screen with animated stories that complement the secret formula. Her assistant, Pau (10 years old), helps her in her experiments. Tino, his cousin (5 years old), arrives angry. Trying and seeing various values, they get Tino to resolve the conflict that has him in bad shape.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Magic Lab introduces children to the concept of values, an explanation of how to apply them, and when to use them in combination to resolve a problem--and it teaches with play and plenty of music.Eli, a "social" scientist, conducts a laboratory in which children (and adults) can learn how to acquire personal characteristics that enable them to problem solve effectively. She and Pau, her little assistant, help Tino understand why he feels angry and uncommunicative, and then work out a way to put things to rights with his friends.
This film's storyline presents quite sophisticated values. Many of these words, let alone their meanings, are likely to be unfamiliar: sociability, solidarity, loyalty, honesty, dignity, excellence, and love. In the play land of Living Water, children can create scenarios that are analogous to their own difficulties and then work them out in a safe space free of condescension and judgment. By and large, these values are presented in terms of absolutes: things are black and white, right and wrong. Perhaps this is a good starting point for young hearts and minds, and later they can explore the many shades of gray that are less than moral imperatives.
This movie uses live actors as well as animation. Eli and the children discuss Tino's dilemma, choose a value to apply, and select toy characters to participate in an animated play scenario. Animated characters are simple and colorful, appealing and recognizable, which provides a nice contrast to philosophical complexity. The film's spoken language is Spanish, and there are noticeable misspellings and translation errors in the English subtitles. Also, the subtitles are in a white font which makes them difficult to read when superimposed on the film.
Children will find all the rows of colorful glass jars in the laboratory appealing, as each of them contains a particular value. Eli literally feeds the chosen value, which looks like a glistening orb of sticky candy, to Tino...the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. After every segment exploring a particularly suitable value, there is a lively song to reinforce understanding. They are subtitled in Spanish (as well as English) so children can read and sing along. Music reinforces memory.
Tino is the character showing the most development. He begins the story sullen and untalkative because he is in a pickle. As he is drawn out by Eli, then given values and an understanding of how to apply them to his situation, he becomes more and more invested in the play scenarios. In the end, Tino decides for himself how he is going to handle cleaning up his own mess--no adult has handed him the script. Eli does give him a Love candy to share with his friend who will probably be mad about the outcome, but that's the extent of adult intervention other than providing the tools to create his own solution. That's a great lesson in empowering children while still keeping the gentlest guiding hand on the rudder.
I appreciate the smooth transitions from live actors to animation. I especially admire the parsing out done when presenting an explanation of Dignity. The music box ballerina, who spurned the affection of the Count, was required to pose like a statue for 60 minutes in order to participate in his dance pageant. Solomon, the wise toy elephant, asks her if she has reconsidered, and she steps off the timer with five minutes remaining. "Dignity is the limit you put on being offended. On being disrespected. And you should never allow that," explains Solomon to all her friends. He makes a fine distinction between being tested or being humiliated. In my opinion, this is a rich lesson for young children to understand, especially since there's such a prevalence of trendy "dares" on social media. Dares humiliate. Solomon also knocks out false dignity: acting dignified because someone has called you out on your questionable behavior. This lesson helps children calibrate their internal compass.
The film's message is: acquiring a set of personal values is like having a rainbow to chase away the storm clouds: the more values you have, the better decisions you can make.
I give The Magic Lab 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is great fodder for parent-child discussion, good medicine for developing character and a tonic for social dysfunction. I do recommend that the filmmaker address the issues of the subtitle - fix the misspelled words and poor grammar and change the color so they don't get lost. By Debra L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Magic Lab is the story of how two lab techs - one older, one younger - grapple with solutions for people, and animated characters in everyday problems. The Magic Lab is a character itself, using animated, imaginary characters in an attempt to role play better behaviors and attitudes that children and adults face. The film uses music and animation to underscore these story lines and make 'lessons learned' fun and entertaining. The dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles, which affects age appropriateness based on reading levels.
This film is both challenging and charming. The actors are engaging and attractive, although it takes a couple of minutes to get into Eli's (Elianne de la Pena) exaggerated style of acting, but she is adorable. As the themes of loyalty, honesty, excellence, friendship, optimism and love are slowly rolled out, the younger actors learn to 'magically' solve problems. Eventually the viewer meets imaginary animated characters that represent real actors in a make believe world called aqua life. The songs really help tie film segments together.
The characters in the film have a good script to follow. Even though the English translation has several inaccuracies, the ideas conveyed are wise words, succinctly spoken. The magic lab has lots of cool gizmo's and kids would love that they have to eat certain jelly beans in homeopathic doses to become the quality or value that they need to possess to solve their problems - candy with a fog machine to make it magic - yum!! That's just one of the reasons to like the film, along with upbeat kid-rock songs. And who doesn't like talking elephants and dinosaurs?
The structure of the show is well suited to cover the various values that they are underscoring. The dialogue is in Spanish and English subtitles are poorly written in about eight spots - bad spelling, wrong words and even one curse word that the translator was confused about as the curse word is not even correctly used. The word I'm referring to is a Spanish word that means angry and the English translation reads "pissed out!" Some people might be offended by it. But this happens only once. The characters do draw you in and the energy of the story is balanced and interesting. If this was played in a classroom setting it could be broken into parts, so that students could discuss the merits of the values being taught.
The Magic Lab has many moving parts and that is intriguing. The images are either live action or 2D animation. The acting grows on you as the characters become more and more real. There is definitely chemistry between them. All three of the main human characters develop as the story evolves, especially the young boy, Tino (Constantino Alonso), whose mood brightens and integrity improves with counseling by his sister and their lab coach, Eli.
The film's message is that you can always figure out a better way to do things with help from wise friends, and with faith (magic). By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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MARK - A CALL TO ACTION - RON SMALL
Series: DOCUMENTARY FEATURE, AGES 12-18
Description - The story of Dr. Mark Bookman, a severely disabled American who resided in Tokyo full-time, becoming one of Japan's leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations. His tireless efforts helped raise awareness and positively impacted the lives of not only disabled persons, but also children, seniors and vulnerable populations in the United States, Japan and many other countries around the world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Mark - A Call To Action focuses on the lifetime of Mark Bookman and his influence on many others around him. His life experiences are remarkable and inspiring and this film truly brought tears to my eyes - not in sadness, but in admiration for a life well spent.This documentary explores Mark Bookman's life story and shows how Mark experienced a lifetime of developing mobility disabilities as well as his skyrocketing intelligence. Mark resided in Tokyo as a severely disabled American and became one of Japan's leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations. His efforts to raise awareness of disabled persons influenced not only populations in Japan, but in the US and many other countries worldwide.
The documentary shows Mark in action and talked about by his father, sister, friends and teachers as he grows up with a slow and continuous loss of his mobility. It's interesting to experience Mark's tremendous increase, though, of his intelligence that develops, compensating for his continuous mobility losses. As an older teen, Mark amazingly is invited and moves to Japan into higher education due to his intellectual talents, particularly in philosophy. While there, he learns to speak Japanese fluently, while he also affects and makes accessibility with physical barriers happen for his needs. His process also affects many others with mobility disabilities. This all happens because of his intellectual strengths and by influencing many others in both Japan and the US.
This film documents Mark growing up in both US and Japanese environments with interviews conducted in one-on-one situations in these environments. All the speakers - father, sister, friends, assistants, and teachers - are progressively documented along with Mark's developments throughout the documentary. I was greatly impressed by learning about Mark's successes, as he became tolerant and accepting of his mobility paralysis impairments. His success progresses through his intellectual talents which results in benefiting accessibility for himself and for others with disabilities while he lives in the US and Japan.
This film is very well crafted, from the camera work, to the audio recording and the editing. It never feels like a bunch of talking heads, but it totally immerses you in Mark's life. I felt as if I knew this man by the time the credits roll. Mark is well documented as he transitions from walking to being a full time wheelchair user. There is no favorite part of the film for me. I feel, in a holistic way, that the film shows Mark in his life process with his disability developing and how he also develops an amazing intellectual capability to overcome the disability by helping himself, and also others, like him get accessibility to work.
The film's message is about how an individual with remarkable intellectual strengths has helped himself and others, in different cultures, overcome a lifetime of progressive severe physical weaknesses. It is also a statement about what serves people with disabilities best and a reminder that their disability does not define who they are.
I give Mark - A Call to Action 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By William N. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mark - A Call To Action focuses on the lifetime of Mark Bookman and his influence on many others around him. His life experiences are remarkable and inspiring and this film truly brought tears to my eyes - not in sadness, but in admiration for a life well spent.
This documentary explores Mark Bookman's life story and shows how Mark experienced a lifetime of developing mobility disabilities as well as his skyrocketing intelligence. Mark resided in Tokyo as a severely disabled American and became one of Japan's leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations. His efforts to raise awareness of disabled persons influenced not only populations in Japan, but in the US and many other countries worldwide.
The documentary shows Mark in action and talked about by his father, sister, friends and teachers as he grows up with a slow and continuous loss of his mobility. It's interesting to experience Mark's tremendous increase, though, of his intelligence that develops, compensating for his continuous mobility losses. As an older teen, Mark amazingly is invited and moves to Japan into higher education due to his intellectual talents, particularly in philosophy. While there, he learns to speak Japanese fluently, while he also affects and makes accessibility with physical barriers happen for his needs. His process also affects many others with mobility disabilities. This all happens because of his intellectual strengths and by influencing many others in both Japan and the US.
This film documents Mark growing up in both US and Japanese environments with interviews conducted in one-on-one situations in these environments. All the speakers - father, sister, friends, assistants, and teachers - are progressively documented along with Mark's developments throughout the documentary. I was greatly impressed by learning about Mark's successes, as he became tolerant and accepting of his mobility paralysis impairments. His success progresses through his intellectual talents which results in benefiting accessibility for himself and for others with disabilities while he lives in the US and Japan.
This film is very well crafted, from the camera work, to the audio recording and the editing. It never feels like a bunch of talking heads, but it totally immerses you in Mark's life. I felt as if I knew this man by the time the credits roll. Mark is well documented as he transitions from walking to being a full time wheelchair user. There is no favorite part of the film for me. I feel, in a holistic way, that the film shows Mark in his life process with his disability developing and how he also develops an amazing intellectual capability to overcome the disability by helping himself, and also others, like him get accessibility to work.
The film's message is about how an individual with remarkable intellectual strengths has helped himself and others, in different cultures, overcome a lifetime of progressive severe physical weaknesses. It is also a statement about what serves people with disabilities best and a reminder that their disability does not define who they are.
I give Mark - A Call to Action 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By William N. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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MY PENGUIN FRIEND - ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 8-18
Description - A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman Joa~o (Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife's (Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years Joa~o starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed. When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, Joa~o believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love My Penguin Friend! By the time this charming and heartfelt true story was over, I wanted my own cute and curious penguin pal.The story revolves around Joao (Jean Reno), an old fisherman who has been lonely most of his life. That is, until he meets Din Dim the penguin. Drenched in oil, the frail penguin is taken care of by Joao till he regains his strength. While caring for Din Dim, Joao begins to feel an emotion he hasn't felt in a long time - happy. When Din Dim leaves unexpectedly one morning, Joao is certain he will never see Din Dim again. However, unknown to Joao, a bond has been formed that not even the widest ocean can break, and it is only a matter of time before the little one returns.
The thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim. I'm not sure if an actual trained penguin was used in this film or very sharp CGI. I'm guessing he's real. Din Dim is very excited while exploring Joao's house, even though Joao's wife, Ma (Adriana Barraza) doesn't approve. He rummages through toilet paper, scarfs down fish, and makes a burrow out of old trinkets he finds. He is quite humorous and cute at the same time. I also really like the credits at the beginning; it has a cool painted compass design, with lots of details. The plot is a bit hard to follow at first, and I didn't understand it fully till later in the film. But, the chemistry between Joao, Maria, and Din Dim is spot on. Joao cares for the penguin deeply; Maria only tolerates having a wild animal in her home. And, Din Dim causes loads of chaos, making it lots of fun for everybody. The background music, composed by Fernando Vel�zquez, really brings everything together with music that highlights what an emotional story this is.
The film's message is about the loyalty that comes from caring for an animal. Joao cares for Din Dim, and the little penguin becomes a companion to Joao, making both of them very happy. After a while, even Maria starts to play with Din Dim.
I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. My Penguin Friend releases in theaters on August 16 2024. Go check it out!
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
What a heartwarming and captivating film! My Penguin Friend beautifully illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship and love. Jean Reno delivers a deeply moving performance as Joa~o, capturing a man's despair and the joy that blossoms as he bonds with this penguin. The film's breathtaking cinematography, set on the beautiful coast of Brazil and Argentina, further enhances the emotions of this true story. It's a touch that's an inspiring story, perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt adventures.
My Penguin Friend follows the true story of Joa~o, a fisherman struggling with loss and isolating himself from the world. His life takes a surprising turn when he rescues a penguin named Dimdim, who's been caught in an oil spill. As Joa~o cares for Dimdim, the bond they form helps him heal and rediscover happiness. When Dimdim returns to the wild, the story takes an emotional twist, highlighting the strength of their unique friendship.
What a perfect family film that offers a moving story which resonates with viewers of all ages. The lead characters in My Penguin Friend are brought to life by a talented cast. Jean Reno shines as Joa~o, perfectly capturing the mix of sorrow and hope in his character's journey. Adriana Barraza delivers a strong performance as Maria, Joa~o's wife, whose skepticism about the penguin adds depth to their relationship. The coastal locations in Brazil and Argentina are stunning and provide a beautiful backdrop for the story, making the film visually captivating. My favorite part of the movie is when Joa~o tries to return Dimdim to the wild, only for the penguin to find its way back home miraculously. This moment highlights their unbreakable bond and is a powerful reminder of the unexpected connections we can form with animals. This is a heartwarming, family-friendly film that leaves you with a sense of hope and warmth. It offers a positive and uplifting message that encourages viewers to embrace life's unexpected connections that can restore meaning and happiness. The movie promotes positive social behavior, emphasizing the importance of empathy, family, and resilience.
The message of My Penguin Friend centers on the transformative power of love and connection, regardless of where it comes from. It reminds us of how, even small acts of kindness, like rescuing an animal in need, can lead to profound, life-altering relationships.
I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch this delightful movie in theaters starting August 16, 2024.
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 13
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP - BURDEN MEDIA
Series: FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18
Description - A young boy, grieving the recent loss of his mother attempts to contact her with the help of his friends.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - 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
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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