StuGo * Truly Went Above And Beyond My Expectations With Great Animation And Fun Characters
Saturday, January 11th, 2025
Follows six overambitious middle schoolers tricked into attending a fake academic summer camp by a mad scientist. Now they’re stuck for three months on a wild tropical island with mind-reading manatees, giant fighting fungi and fashion-forward mutants, less academia than they’d hoped for but a lot more adventure.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “The upcoming series StuGo went above and beyond my expectations. The animation style really compliments the story and the fun nature of the characters, while still keeping a serious tone to certain characters, such as Dr. Lullah and Mr. Okay, making it fun for kids and families.” See his full review below.
StuGo
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
The upcoming series StuGo went above and beyond my expectations. The animation style really compliments the story and the fun nature of the characters, while still keeping a serious tone to certain characters, such as Dr. Lullah and Mr. Okay, making it fun for kids and families.
StuGo follows six genius middle schoolers, Pliny (Tania Gunadi), Chip Manhands (Zach Reino), Merian (Zosia Mamet), Francis (Gabourey Sidibe), Larry (Charlyne Yi), and Sara (Deborah Baker Jr.) who are heading to “Dr. Lullah’s Legitimate Summer Camp” until things go quite differently than expected.
The quality of this show makes it clear how much time and effort Disney put into it and it pays off. The series has great classic humor, such as the character Francis, who is an iconic silent type who brings hilarious deadpan reactions to the show.
Another great character is the Nannytee (episode 2) a Manatee that Dr. Lullah uses to get the kids out of her hair. Over the course of this episode we see a story arc for Dr. Lullah, from wanting to get away from the kids to risking the thing she spent all day working on for them. This episode also has a witty, cautionary tale of what might happen if you could actually attract an asteroid to Earth with your fingers. Pliny teaches Larry how to “noodle,” which is the art of fishing with your fingers, and Larry lets a little too loose. We see the characters grow and become new versions of themselves, because each character has their own story arc, even in the three episodes I watched.
This show has many good messages, including the importance of friendship and the idea that you can have fun while still being careful. Each message is pushed naturally and sinks into your mind very well, subtly teaching great lessons. However, if your child has a fear of suspenseful themes and some odd looking mutated characters; you may want to review the show before letting them watch it.
I give StuGo 5 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. The series launches on Disney Plus and the Disney Channel on January 11, 2025.
A sudden attack by Wulf, a ruthless Dunlending lord, forces Helm Hammerhand and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Helm’s daughter, Héra, must lead the resistance against a deadly enemy who’s intent on total destruction.
This movie takes place around 200 years before Bilbo Baggens finds the ring. There is a free spirited woman, Héra (Gaia Wise), who lives in the kingdom called Rohan. After years without seeing her childhood friend, Wulf (Luca Pasqualino), he and his father, Lord Thorne (Jude Akuwudike), return and Wulf asks for Héra’s hand in marriage. After a confrontation gone wrong between Wulf’s father and Héra’s father, Wulf swears revenge and starts a devastating war.
Initially, this film seems to be about how the men save the day while the women cower and hide. But, it turns out that this is a women’s empowerment story which explains that women are the past and the future. I commend Gaurav Sharma as the visual effect’s artist. The fire is very realistic as if it is running wild in the theater. In the two final battles between Héra and Wulf, I could barely contain my excitement as I fought the urge to say, “Yes! Girl power! Get him!”
My favorite part is when Héra comes out in a wedding dress to face Wulf and says “You may wear a crown but you are not a king!”
Amidst renovation of an old hotel, a divorcing couple’s marriage gets a chance when their kids find love letters from the past. Saving their parents’ marriage before a developer buys the hotel becomes the siblings’ mission.
Letters at Christmas is an incredible film about love and the hardships that come with it. With amazing acting, cinematography, and writing, this film not only got me in the Christmas spirit, but also brought up many more emotions.
One thing I adore about this film is the storyline about the writers of the found letters. That impacted me and I wanted the best for them, despite knowing how it turns out. The letters are written beautifully, especially one poem.
The cinematography is great – making everything look real, and still very pretty. The background music is well selected, adding to the holiday spirit. My favorite part is the relationship between the two parents. All of their scenes together feel extremely real, and the chemistry between them feels natural. The kids’ roles are well acted also, showing how parents’ relationships can affect their children. The ensemble works so well together that they feel like a real family.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Fourteenth Season is epic. SpongeBob is still the funniest sponge ever. In this season he gets into even more wacky situations and takes us along for the ride.
Season 14 also has a lot of heart. Even though there are lots of jokes and silliness, there are moments when SpongeBob shows that he cares about his friends, and that’s really sweet. He’s always there to help out, even when things go wrong. He’s a friendly sponge that won’t let anyone down. The animation is awesome – everything looks bright, colorful, and fun, just like I expect from Bikini Bottom. The underwater world feels really alive, and it is so cool seeing SpongeBob once again go on some crazy adventures in this new season. My favorite episode is “Snow Yellow and The Seven Jellies.” In this episode SpongeBob and his friends do a super funny twist on a classic fairy tale. Snow Yellow works for the queen and does everything she asks him, but SpongeBob is claimed “the squarest of them all’ so the evil Karen wants to claim Snow Yellow’s title and be the squarest queen of them all. All in all, this season is funny, and just plain awesome.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a spin-off and sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place. The series follows an adult Justin Russo, living a normal life with his wife and two sons in Staten Island, until his sister Alex asks for help with a young wizard-in-training named Billie. He revives his magical skills in order to mentor the young girl, while balancing living a normal life and safeguarding the Wizard World’s future.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a comedic series, full of mystery and magic. I really like this show – it is fun and entertaining, while having a nostalgic feeling to it.
I really enjoy how this show feels so nostalgic. Growing up as a Disney kid, I constantly watched the Disney channel and loved Wizards of Waverly Place. Watching this spin-off reminded me of that same feeling I used to have when I was younger while watching the Disney channel. There is also the live audience aspect – hearing the laughs at the funny parts, and the “oohs” at the intense moments really adds to the show. It absolutely captures the essence of the old Disney channel, while still feeling new and fresh. Additionally, the storyline is enjoyable. Although this connects to an old show, it does not feel old. Each episode follows Billie’s journey and viewers get to experience her magic and watch her learn to navigate all of her skills in the real world.
I particularly enjoyed the first episode when we get to see all of Billie’s tricks. They take us back to the lair, where all the magic happens! Another standout in this show are the characters’ relationships with one another. For instance, Billie and Justin, despite just meeting, instantly form a tight bond. Justin acts as almost an older brother figure, helping Billie deal with her magic. There are many times when Billie doesn’t know how to control all of her powers, and just wants to use them for good. However, Justin teaches her that just because you have the ability to do something, doesn’t mean it’s always the right time to exercise that power.
Twelve-year-old Donn Fendler becomes trapped on a treacherous mountain when a fast-moving storm separates him from his family. With no food or proper clothing, he begins a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine.
This movie is based on the true story of twelve-year-old Donn Fendler (Luke David Blumm). After getting separated from his hiking party, Donn gets lost on the highest mountain in Maine. All the odds are against him, so can he survive long enough to be found?
One of them, Ryan Cook, read the book in fourth grade and was lucky enough to receive a visit from Donn in his class, and from then on, he wanted to see a movie made from this story. The other producer, Dick Boyce, developed a fondness of the book from his father who tracked Donn’s story on the radio when it was happening. When a film had yet to be made, Cook and Boyce decided to make it themselves, and here we are.
There are quite a few tips that I learned from this movie that will be helpful if I ever find myself in the same situation as Donn. Luke David Blumm as Donn Fendler portrays Donn so well; I could really feel all his emotions. Paul Sparks, as his father, and Griffin Wallace, as his twin brother perfectly portray their roles. All of them together create an incredible tension that really drew me in emotionally to the story.
Things are definitely going to be different in the Charles household, when Upton’s brother, Arthur, comes to live with the family. Like Upton, Arthur is a Bichon Frise (that’s BEE-shon free-ZEY) a little fluffy white dog. Both Watson, Upton’s feline assistant, and Upton are a little apprehensive until the Chief of Police calls to enlist the help of the entire Charles family. Arthur proves to everyone that he too is a talented canine sleuth. Join the expanded Charles family in Double Trouble.
Upton Charles Dog Detective: I really enjoyed Alex, who always says he’s hungry. The characters are fun, and creative — from police officers, cats, dogs, and a kid who loves to eat.
As the mystery grows and answers become harder to find, the book is very intriguing. This book in part of series and I wish I had read other books to know the background of the characters’ relationships. As a stand-alone mystery, the plot is easy to follow. The book is told from the dog’s perspective, which is fun because we don’t get to hear dog’s thoughts very often. The vocabulary is well suited for the target age and the book’s cover, showing a dog, Upton, also has good kid appeal. The art work on the title page of each chapter, provides a hint of what is next to come in the chapter. The book sparks thought and curiosity. My mind was trying to solve the mystery while reading it. I did not expect the plot twist at the end, which is something else that makes this book great for the target age group. When the family is investing in the abandoned boat, I was creating theories about what happened. The police involvement supports problem solving and working together. The book keeps you hooked, trying to get you into solving the mystery yourself! Each chapter provides new clues that build the anticipation and mystery. It’s a great mystery book for those who are younger because it shows perseverance, problem solving and many positive traits. The book is imaginative and incredibly well written.
What a joy it was to dive back into the whimsical world of Upton and his furry friends in Double Trouble! This sequel offers a delightful blend of mystery and heart, making it an engaging read for both young audiences and adults alike.
What I truly enjoy about this book is the vibrant character development and the humor that permeates the narrative. Stern masterfully captures the distinct personalities of Upton, Arthur, and Watson, making readers genuinely invested in their journey. The playful sibling rivalry between Upton and Arthur highlights themes of acceptance, trust, and teamwork. As Upton navigates his feelings of jealousy, we witness a heartfelt transformation that underscores familial bonds. The witty dialogue and engaging interactions make each character relatable and endearing. Arthur’s charming antics bring out a softer side of Upton, while Watson’s loyal support adds depth to their dynamic. The humor, ranging from light-hearted banter to situational comedy, creates an enjoyable atmosphere. The plot is cleverly constructed, filled with unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Additionally, the heartwarming moments among the Charles family emphasize that every member has something valuable to contribute, reinforcing the idea that love and understanding can flourish even amidst change.
I really like the book Double Trouble, especially because of its personification. The dog, Upton, is very smart and is part of the K9 force. I love how Upton is curious and always looking around for clues, which makes him different from other dogs.
Upton is a Bichon Frise that loves to explore. We see this characteristic when he is on an adventure and is always looking for new discoveries. In this book, Upton has two siblings, a dog named Arthur and a cat named Watson. He lives with a few humans, including his mom, his dad Hank, his sister Veronica, and his brother Alex. All the characters are kind and adventurous (just like Upton). Upton also has some personification and is so real that he sounds more like a human instead of a dog. There is some good onomatopoeia used in the story that shows us which animal is talking. For example, “Meow” and “Yip.” Kudos to the writer, D.G. Stern and illustrator, Ginger Marks for a well-constructed and entertaining story.
I have read several of the previous Upton Charles books and, even as an adult reader, find them fun and engaging. The language in Upton Charles: Double Trouble is just right for young readers; Upton is a delight. I love reading his thoughts. The problem-solving of the mystery makes our brains work, and I love the cute illustrations at the chapter headings.
I was not surprised that the new dog, Upton’s brother, Arthur, turns out to have natural “detective” instincts, just like Upton and, as they join the police chief investigating the stranded sailboat, he proves his skills. Bit by bit, the mystery unravels and the reader begins to make presumptions about what happened. I like how the clues are reiterated once a few have been collected, as a way to help the reader engage their deductive reasoning. I also like that there’s a lot of knowledge to be gained about boats, boat parts and how boats operate. If you’ve never been in the boating community, this story definitely teaches a thing or two about how things work. The dialogue between the family members, Upton, Watson and the new dog, Arthur, allows us an inside look at who is thinking or saying what. It makes me wonder how much the author listens to the dogs in his universe. I like how certain words, like wake, which might be unfamiliar to the reader, are explained. Another plus is how a few lessons are intertwined into the story about environmental awareness, such as the police chief’s disgust at finding plastic bottles in the sand and commenting on how long they take to disintegrate. There are a few typos such as: Chief O’Brien gives s ‘thumbs’ up (the a is missing). Also, there are some punctuation errors such as: type in the hospitals number (missing an apostrophe). But, for the most part, this is well written and definitely age appropriate.
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 runaway 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).
I like the movie Dragonkeeper because it is funny and heartfelt.
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.
Recently accepted to our film festival, Butterfly Tale is an animated feature film for the whole family set along the diverse, picturesque, and ever-changing backdrop of the great Monarch butterfly migration. A heartwarming tale of a gutsy and loveable yet inept, one-winged butterfly, named Patrick who stows away in a milkweed trailer in order to be part of the journey of a lifetime. With his best friend, a goofy caterpillar named Marty, and Jennifer, a butterfly who is afraid of heights, Patrick will become an unlikely hero. But first he must face his fear, embrace his uniqueness and triumph over adversity while battling changing weather patterns, humans and three evil birds bent on revenge.
Juror comments: Butterfly Tale is an epic and sweet tale indeed! This animated film about butterfly migration is as uplifting as it is revelatory! Scored with professional music that is a compilation of original songs and chamber music underscore, kids will be tapping their feet and wiping their eyes.
As the story unfolds, Patrick and Marty sneak their way into the food trailer that is pulled by Jennifer, a butterfly who is afraid of heights. Through thick and thin, these friends help each other and support each other’s fears and feelings of inadequacy. It is this vulnerability and courage that make the story line relatable, emotional and sentimental.
The backgrounds for the many scenes in the travelers’ journey range from the colorful waters of the tropics, to the dusty golds and oranges of the desert. The less attractive backgrounds are highways, sprawling subdivisions and parking lots which are fairly depicted, and comparatively nauseating. This is not meant to disparage humans, but perhaps give viewers a moment to consider their development templates in favor of more eco-friendly gardens and wildlife corridors. The Canadian Academy ought to nominate Butterfly Tale music for an award. From start to finish, composer Martin Roy uses multicultural rhythms and melodies to support the emotions in the film. An example from the beginning is snapping fingers and African-sounding strings that merge into violins and bass. The tender songs are performed by Shawn Mendes, Johnny Orlando and Coeur de Pirate who are sure to break the hearts of teen and tween kids with their silky innocence and bold young voices. I mean that in a delicious way. The music is not overplayed – something I do not like. The power of the visuals stands head to toe with this magical score.
The entire film is one visual effect after another. It is a masterpiece. Character development happens mostly to four characters; Patrick (Mena Massoud), his mother (Stephanie Breton), Jennifer (Tatiana Maslany), and Marty (Lucinda Davis). Patrick begins as a rebellious young butterfly who can’t seem to find his place in the butterfly clan because of his inept wing. His relationship with his mother goes from being resentful of her protective nature, disallowing him to come on the migration and insisting he stay home to mind the milkweed, to tables turning when he realizes he may have lost her during a terrible tornado, feeling guilty, but in the end, his mother and Patrick revel in being reunited and his overcoming his flight issue through perseverance and support from his friends. His mother also realizes she could have been more trusting of him and less of a worrier in hindsight. Jennifer, the butterfly who insists on pulling the food trailer with the boys in it who cannot fly, comes to terms with her embarrassment of fearing heights. She takes a leap of faith thanks to her pals who insist she can fly through the canyons although it is her first migration too and she has the nerve to ‘just do it!’
Marty’s transformation happens not only inside himself, wishing he could be a butterfly instead of a caterpillar and through his loyalty to his pals and theirs to him, but also at the end he becomes a beautiful butterfly and he wins the girl that he loves! The producers, director, funders, and animators of this film have created a tender story for children and adults and turned it into a feel-good story with very positive morals – love each other; stick together; make a plan; do your best. A special tip of the hat to the composer and musicians who carry the film to the top of the mountain!The music is what touched my heart most deeply. Many of the songs may become popular and the underscore is elegant and written for the film.
