KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible explores Nepal’s deep connection to high-altitude mountaineering through the eyes of Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja, a fearless, fun-loving Nepali climber on a quest he dubs “Project Possible”—to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter mountains in just seven months, breaking the previous record of seven years. With a team of skilled Sherpas, he traverses Mount Everest, K2, and other iconic peaks through extreme weather, life-or-death decisions, and the emotional weight of his mother’s illness back home. 14 Peaks is a thrilling, action-packed story about courage, perseverance, and pushing the limits of human endurance.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible is an intense emotional documentary film that highlights the reality of mountain climbing. Most importantly, it showcases the ability that a human being has.” See her full review below.

14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible

By Mikella G, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I really like 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible. It’s an intense emotional documentary film that highlights the reality of mountain climbing. Most importantly, it showcases the ability that a human being has.

This film follows the journey of Nimsdai Purja as he manages to climb the world’s 14 highest and most dangerous mountains in just a few months. He calls his mission “Project Possible,” and we see the reality of this challenge and how it affects his life. However, Nimsdai’s confidence, courage and hope inspire his team to help him break this record. 

Something I enjoy about this film is its structure. Throughout the movie there is footage of Nimsdai climbing the mountains, as well as background information. The director really makes sure that the audience has enough information about climbing to fully understand the film. They also interview some important people in Nimsdai’s life, in order to help us understand him better. Another thing that really stands out is the quality of the movie. Even during the shots of the climbers high up in the mountains with snow blowing from every angle, you can still see what is going on. The entire film feels very ready for the big screen; even though most of the mountain shots aren’t filmed by professionals, they are definitely remarkable.

The message of this documentary film is that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, even if it seems impossible. This film does include some profanity.

I give 14 Peeks: Nothing is Impossible 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. You can watch 14 Peeks: Nothing is Impossible on Netflix starting November 29, 2021.

Created by Ava DuVernay, a social experiment focuses on real families of different backgrounds who experience a new way of life when they trade homes. The participants boldly step out of their comfort zones, taking part in each other’s daily routines, getting acquainted with new friends and neighbors, trying unfamiliar hobbies and more. Afterward, the families come together to share stories as well as their new perspectives and learnings. Their emotional, inspiring journey begins as a celebration of differences, but in the end, it might just reveal that they have more in common than they think.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “This show is different from other reality television shows because it focuses on celebrating differences, things that families have in common and connecting people rather than conflicts, like many other reality TV shows.” See her full review below.

Home Sweet Home

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Home Sweet Home is not just another show where families switch lives! This show is different from other reality television shows because it focuses on celebrating differences, things that families have in common and connecting people rather than conflicts, like many other reality TV shows. It really is a breath of fresh air.

Home Sweet Home is an unscripted nine-part docu-series created by Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ms. Ava DuVernay that follows two families with very different lives as they swap homes, eat each other’s meals, meet each other’s loved ones and experience their traditions and lifestyle.

One of the best parts of the show is that Ms. DuVernay picked families that have never been on a television, had no desire to be famous and are genuinely interested in understanding other people. I love that different families, even the children, learn about other cultures and ways of life that they may not be able to experience any other way. During the social experiment, the families must remove personal photos or anything that may give the other family clues about who they are so the “switch family” really keeps an open mind while staying at their house. It’s hilarious watching the families try to guess things about each other based on what they see in their homes, like their food and decorations. It’s really cool that, at the end of each episode, the two families sit down for a meal together to share what they learned about each other and themselves throughout the experience.

Home Sweet Home is all about kindness and understanding others. The lesson in this series is to learn how to have an open mind and heart to see life through other people’s eyes. The families are able to appreciate how other lives and learn that we all want the same things at the end of the day and that we are all human.

I give Home Sweet Home 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. You can enjoy a free screening of episode 4 of Home Sweet Home now through November 28 during the American Black Film Festival at www.abff.com. The series premiered on October 15, 2021, on NBC and moved to Peacock on November 12, 2021.

A married couple and indie band duo, who never reached the success that they had always hoped, decides to stop pursuing their dream when a financial opportunity arises for them to perform on a new children’s program called “The Rumperbutts.” In spite of all the money and newfound success, the two of them are miserable and have spilt up. However, on one magical evening, a mysterious stranger comes into their lives and gives them a second chance.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alma K. comments, “The Rumperbutts was interesting and fun to watch, but it’s geared for an older audience than me. I did like the storyline a lot and the editing is great. My favorite bit is probably the music. Yeah, definitely the songs – some are a little corny (the Rumperbutts ones), but some are actually really, really beautiful.” See her full review below

The Rumperbutts

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

The Rumperbutts was interesting and fun to watch, but it’s geared for an older audience than me. I did like the storyline a lot and the editing is great. My favorite bit is probably the music. Yeah, definitely the songs – some are a little corny (the Rumperbutts ones), but some are actually really, really beautiful.

Bonnie (Kori Gardner) and Jack (Jason Hammel) met in 2005, formed a band and started dating. Three years later, they became partners on a popular kids’ show, The Rumperbutts. The show made them break up and become miserable and they still had another THREE years on their contract! Then, they both are invited to meet with a guy named Richie (Josh Brener) who tricks them into smoking magical pot which sends them on an unexpected journey.

The acting in this is one of the highlights. I especially like the performances of Josh Brener as Richie and Kori Gardner as Bonnie. Kori Gardner has a gorgeous voice and the songs are quite beautiful. Some of the songs have nice messages like “listen to your parents.” Josh and Kori really embody their characters in a way that is very fitting. I also really like the costumes. Julia Knapp made the Rumperbutts costumes which are the funniest ones in the movie. The photography and editing are really good and the animation when Richie snaps his fingers and the setting changes is excellent. I like the plot. The storyline is well thought out and well written, planned and directed. It has multiple sets that are all really good.

The message of the film is: you made your bed, now you have to lay in it. You should be aware that there are some curse words in the movie and there is pot smoking.

I rate The Rumperbutts 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 16 to 18, plus adults. The Rumperbutts releases on digital November 19, 2021. Go check it out!

Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and upends their well-ordered life with her newfound independence. Befriending Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery, she invites his family to a weekly dinner gathering with her parents’ wealthy friends. She is shocked to learn that her perfectionist mother Sheila (Manisha Koirala) has a previous connection to Varun’s mother Bhairavi (Deepti Gupta). Alia’s surprise turns to indignation when she uncovers secrets about both her parents that push her toward a daring and transformative confrontation. India Sweets and Spices celebrates a young woman’s coming of age set against a lovingly framed glimpse of the life of an Indian American family.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “India Sweets and Spices is the South Asian-American coming-of-age film of the year – a tale of family, feminism and biscuits and bravery. With masterful acting, beautiful cinematography, and a strong script, it’s certainly not a film to miss!” See his full review below.

India Sweets and Spices

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

India Sweets and Spices is the South Asian-American coming-of-age film of the year – a tale of family, feminism and biscuits and bravery. With masterful acting, beautiful cinematography, and a strong script, it’s certainly not a film to miss!

Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) returns to her family’s New Jersey hometown after a year away at UCLA and upends their life with her free-spirit personality. She befriends Varun (Rish Shah), the son of the new owners of the local grocery store, India Sweets and Spices. But when she invites his family to a dinner party at her house, family secrets from their Delhi University days are uncovered and lives are changed. Alia is motivated by the new discoveries to seek out more information about her parents’ pasts, which mounts up to a powerful (and slightly hilarious) rebellion.

Everything about this film is well thought-out and executed. I’m a massive fan of the star cast. Veteran Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala plays Alia’s mother Sheila. She is known for her work promoting women’s rights, and so it was only logical that she chose to be a part of this film. Her journey with feminism in the film (which I won’t spoil for you) is also one you won’t want to miss. A master of her craft, Koirala shows great depth of emotion and truly becomes her character in the film. Sophia Ali seems to hit one note for a large part of the film, and comes through with an emotionally dynamic performance towards the last half hour of the film. Deepti Gupta plays Bhairavi Dutta, Varun’s mother. Her portrayal of the warm, yet fiery shopkeeper truly steals the show. There’s so much mystique to Bhairavi, which Deepti plays beautifully.

India Sweets and Spices promotes standing up for yourself, especially in the context of women’s rights. It teaches others to never bend to the will of others if it goes against your principles. Some profanity is used and there are some intimate scenes.

I give India Sweets and Spices 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. India Sweets and Spices releases in theaters November 19, 2021

From the award-winning creative team behind Notes On Blindness and Listen To Me, Marlon comes a contemporary take on cinema’s most iconic figure. In an innovative blend of newly-unearthed audio recordings, dramatic reconstructions and personal archive, the film traces Charlie Chaplin’s meteoric rise from the slums of Victorian London to the heights of Hollywood superstardom, before his scandalous fall from grace. Refracting his life through a kaleidoscope of previously unheard voices and perspectives, the film sheds new light on the many sides of a groundbreaking, controversial and visionary artist. For decades he was the most famous man in the world but who was The Real Charlie Chaplin?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “The Real Charlie Chaplin is an earnest attempt to characterize the legendary silent film star Charlie Chaplin, showing more about the man behind the Little Tramp character, and explaining his significance. At times this documentary’s somewhat bland narration and spotty coverage of Chaplin’s life seem to undermine the actor and his legacy.” See his full review below.

The Real Charlie Chaplin

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The Real Charlie Chaplin is an earnest attempt to characterize the legendary silent film star Charlie Chaplin, showing more about the man behind the Little Tramp character, and explaining his significance. At times this documentary’s somewhat bland narration and spotty coverage of Chaplin’s life seem to undermine the actor and his legacy.

Almost everyone knows who Charlie Chaplin is, at least by his image:  The bowler hat, scraggly coat, thin cane, and trademark mustache are well-known symbols of the first landmark actor of Western cinema. The Real Charlie Chaplin does its best to do the impossible — capture the essence of Charlie Chaplin — using archival footage and tape-recorded interviews.  It’s a compilation of perspectives and personal impressions, told in dramatic fashion, rather than a linear storyline. Really, The Real Charlie Chaplin is all about Chaplin’s rise and fall to and from fame, his political opinions, and his contributions to film history (which have been surveyed in a slightly haphazard fashion, only grazing the surface of some of Chaplin’s works).

The film draws on rarely-heard recordings made by Chaplin, his family, and Effie Wisdom, a childhood friend who grew up with him in London. It’s surreal to hear all these voices talk about one of history’s most-loved personalities. Directors Charles Middleton and James Spinney orchestrated reenactments of these recordings, with actors lip-synching and emoting precisely to the audio. It’s an approach that works for some and may not for others, since it entails actors adding gestures or expressions that the original speakers weren’t able to, and so feels a bit unnatural at times. Wisdom’s recording is by far the clearest, and this reenactment method begins to fall apart when Chaplin’s recording is introduced, as Chaplin’s voice is grainy and the tape recorder makes him sound strained.

Many scenes of Chaplin’s films are dissected by narrator Pearl Mackie, as is his family life through a series of photographs accompanied by the aforementioned recordings. Her narration slows the pace of the film quite dramatically, and it may have been a better idea to have the recordings guide the film more, instead of the narration. In all other aspects, though, The Real Charlie Chaplin is a well-made film.

The Real Charlie Chaplin is all about individualism, perspective, and devoting yourself to your craft. There are some mature themes like domestic abuse and manipulation to watch out for.

I give The Real Charlie Chaplin 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. The Real Charlie Chaplin begins its theatrical run at Cinema Village (New York) and Laemmle Santa Monica (Los Angeles) on Friday, November 19, 2021.

In a consumerist society where everything, including man’s best friend, is treated as disposable, everyday people aiding stray dogs remind us what being human(e) is all about. Through their experiences, successes, difficulties and dilemmas, the documentary exposes the problem and its solutions, while tackling the human condition in the western world. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “The Stray Story: A Dogumentary will have you in tears. All audiences will have their heart strings pulled in every which way and, by the end of the film, you’ll want to get up off your couch and advocate.” See her full review below.

The Stray Story: A Dogumentary

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The Stray Story: A Dogumentary will have you in tears. All audiences will have their heart strings pulled in every which way and, by the end of the film, you’ll want to get up off your couch and advocate.

The Stray Story: A Dogumentary is a documentary pieced together by multiple advocates of stray dogs. They all spread their messages to aid abandoned dogs, and to limit the number of dogs on the street. Clips include protests and interviews of ambassadors for the cause.

This film is heart wrenching and motivational. The advocates make everyone aware that they have a voice and encourage us to help those that don’t. Their compassion for this cause makes us want to help any way we can. The film is also incredibly educational. Title cards with statistics help those that are not as aware about abandoned animals learn the truth about these animals. The movie serves as a master class. At the end of the documentary, you have a huge load of knowledge that you probably didn’t know before. It’s the perfect package to encourage anyone who wants to stand up for strays, but doesn’t know how to start. The movie provides problems – some major and some that go unnoticed – while including the solutions. They share the achievements and progress of these groups, while adding how they’re still not done advocating.

The lesson audiences learn is an awareness of how large the stray population is, how to help out, and how to limit that population. We’re taught how every voice matters and how to use it for good. The film serves as motivation for everyone to do their part, and help all the dogs we can.

I give The Stray Story: A Dogumentary 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 16 to 18 plus adults. Playing at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival November, 2021.

In Jackson Heights, Queens, career-driven sisters Maryan and Sam and their newly-immigrated cousin Ameera must navigate the consistent and sometimes conflicting demands of romance, culture, work, and family. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “Americanish is a perfect and unlikely rom-com! It’s hilarious, has incredible representation, and it gives all audiences a great laugh. You’re sure to find yourself in fits of hysteria.” See her full review below.

Americanish

By Heather Suarez, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Americanish is a perfect and unlikely rom-com! It’s hilarious, has incredible representation, and it gives all audiences a great laugh. You’re sure to find yourself in fits of hysteria.

Americanish is the first of its kind, romantic comedy following Muslim-American Sam (Aizzah Fatima) and her sister Maryam (Salena Qureshi). Both sisters navigate life in America, while trying to find romance and learning the meaning of being an immigrant in the USA. Maryam finds herself falling in love with handsome Shahid (Shenaz Treasury).

This is a completely hilarious movie with perfect comedic lines, while tackling huge and extremely relevant problems that Muslim-Americans face today. It is such a grand breath of fresh air to have a rom-com following a couple that we’ve never seen before – Muslim-Americans. The characters learn to speak their truth, face stereotypes and their parents’ expectations. To have these actors on screen representing their culture is beautiful in its authenticity.

The film gives audiences a break from the usual on-screen couples, while providing a platform for Muslim-American actors. The best part is the wonderful storyline of the relationship between Maryam and Shahid. The two of them find themselves having an adorable relationship. They help one another feel comfortable in their own skin, learn how to be themselves, and learn how to maintain a healthy long distance relationship. Their engagement scene is beautiful; showing the love of their family surrounding them as they appear dressed in incredible outfits. Shahid and Maryam face their troubles while putting on a brave face, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

The lesson Maryam learns is to always follow her heart. She’s trapped in the decision to stay and get married and follow tradition, or head for Harvard to attend medical school. She chooses what will make her happiest, putting herself first.

I give Americanish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18 plus adults. It is playing now at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival.

Soundtrack to Sixteen is a coming-of-age film about two anxious teens growing up in London in the 2000s. Maisy is self-conscious and constantly overanalyzing. She is obsessed with having her first kiss this year, before she turns seventeen, but stalking the boy next door doesn’t seem to be working. Meanwhile Ben, a boy from a nearby school, is happy being a nerd and thinking he’s better than everyone else until his grades start plummeting. For the first time he must come face to face with the idea that he might, in fact, be average. When the two meet each other on the night bus things get even more confusing for them as they attempt to navigate their first potential romance under the stress of exams that will define their future.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “Soundtrack To Sixteen is a film every teen can relate to! Simple and easy to connect to watching these teens experience what it’s like to fall in love and go against the status quo. You’ll fall in love with these relatable characters.” See her full review below.

Soundtrack To Sixteen

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Soundtrack To Sixteen is a film every teen can relate to! Simple and easy to connect to watching these teens experience what it’s like to fall in love and go against the status quo. You’ll fall in love with these relatable characters.

The storyline follows teens Maisey (Scarlett Marshall) and Ben (Gino Wilson), two socially awkward teens navigating the world and trying to find their place in it, while falling in love with one another. The film is accompanied by rock music and voice overs provided by the main actors as their characters’ thoughts.

This film accurately represents the lives of teens for which finding their place in the world is difficult and they feel awkward and out of place. It’s so refreshing to watch two characters go through their daily life experiences, and watching ourselves in them. The soundtrack is incredible. It’s as if the songs represent the thoughts and emotions of the characters – all wild and crazy. The romance between Ben and Maisey is something very peaceful to watch, almost comforting. In society, it’s rare to have a Romeo and Juliet romance. Watching these two characters have a calm relationship, get to know one another and still have insecurities is so beautiful because it’s the relationship the majority of us experience. I really love the opening credits; they’re a perfect way to open up the movie. It gives a wonderful introduction to the actors, and the unique sketches of the characters set the tone for the rest of the film. The perfect way to describe this movie is hilarious and definitely a feel-good flick. 

The moral of the story is to love yourself and soon enough you’ll find people who will love and relate to you. Maisey was always left out of her friend’s group and, once she stopped worrying about trying to fit in, she meets Ben, who loves her for who she is. Ben, on the other hand, feels as though he needs to pretend to be someone he’s not. His worries are quieted when he meets Maisey.

I give Soundtrack to Sixteen 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18. Playing at Fort Lauderdale Film Festival November, 2021.

Julia tells the story of the legendary cookbook author and television superstar who changed the way Americans think about food, television, and even about women. Using never-before-seen archival footage, personal photos, first-person narratives, and cutting-edge, mouth-watering food cinematography, the film traces Julia Child’s surprising path, from her struggles to create and publish the revolutionary Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) which has sold more than 2.5 million copies to date, to her empowering story of a woman who found fame in her 50s, and her calling as an unlikely television sensation.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kendall B., comments, “If you’re looking for a fun, yet informative documentary, then Julia is a perfect film for you. This documentary is great both cinematically and educationally. The detail and effort put into this documentary is seen throughout the film.” See her full review below.

Julia
By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

If you’re looking for a fun, yet informative documentary, then Julia is a perfect film for you. This documentary is great both cinematically and educationally. The detail and effort put into this documentary is seen throughout the film.

Julia is a new documentary about famous cook, author and television personality, Julia Child. It follows her through the struggles of being a woman in the film industry, her 12 year struggle to publish Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and her fight with breast cancer. This film talks about how Ms. Child changed the cooking industry, and America in general – forever.

This film takes an extra deep dive into Child’s life, going from where and when she was born all the way through her cooking career, up to her tragic death. It has great detail, exceptional archival footage and sound bites, which add to its interest. Some of the information about Julia is so fascinating that I really just had to learn more. She really was a hilarious person! Julia was such a character and that is what makes this film really fun to watch. My favorite part is when it talks about Child’s love life, because I really love learning that Julia was such an independent woman. She didn’t get married until she was 35! I thought that was really cool.

The message of Julia is that dedication and hard work will help you achieve your goals. Julia had some struggles as a woman in the television industry, but with her hard work, she was able to overcome all of it. There are a few sexual references in this documentary and a very small bit of profanity to watch out for.

I give Julia 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters November 12, 2021.

Hal, a reclusive hermit, pays tribute to his mother’s death by calling various “Questions and Comments” hot-line to capitalize on their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee until the country’s biggest food and beverage conglomerate, KNACK, hits him with a lawsuit. Armed with nothing but free food samples and the less than mediocre legal aid of his eccentric next door neighbor Amelia, Hal must lead the battle against the corporate giants to retain his peaceful solitary existence. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “Questions and Comments is a great film about harsh realities. It has excellent characters and serves as a wonderful motivator to some viewers. It’s easy to want to get up off your seat and change the world.” See her full review below.

Questions and Comments

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Questions and Comments is a great film about harsh realities. It has excellent characters and serves as a wonderful motivator to some viewers. It’s easy to want to get up off your seat and change the world.

The storyline follows Hal (Danny Leonard), a reclusive young man who is facing a hard time coping with his mother’s death. Hal decides to phone almost every Questions and Comments hotline to be able to receive free samples. When he gets discovered by the law and ordered to court, he’s accompanied by his lawyer and friend Amelia (Nathalie Galde).

This film is as funny as it is relatable and tragic. Hal, wallowing in his sorrows, represents so many people around the globe dealing with their grief. He feels very alone and doesn’t have anyone to turn to, which then leads to him falling off the deep end. Hal makes the audience sympathize with him as it’s easy to see ourselves in his shoes. Amelia also represents many around the globe; a young woman not knowing how to get her foot in the door. She faces all odds and becomes a fan favorite for being a powerful lawyer and a good friend. The production is extremely solid and holds up well. It is clear the movie is an independent production; however they take complete advantage of their budget and provide adequate visuals, lighting and music. The music especially stands out, because it points directly to Hal’s emotions, almost as if his feelings were translated to tunes.

The lesson Hal learns and teaches audiences is that there is always someone who loves you and will be there for you. Hal feels lonely and doesn’t have anyone to comfort him, but he soon learns that help is always around the corner, in his case, literally. Amelia becomes a close friend, putting her career on the line for Hal.

I give Questions and Comments 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages for 15 to 18, plus adults. Playing in November 2021 at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival