KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

In a world ravaged by ecological disaster and war, controlled by the AI-driven corporation known as GAMMA, a hidden realm endures—ruled with wisdom, magic, and resilience by the benevolent Once and Future Queen. Thirteen-year-old Allison is thrust into a universe of shifting realities and cryptic realms, guided by a mercurial White Rabbit, a mysterious Viking Sunstone necklace, and an array of newfound allies. On a quest to find her father—the inventor of an experimental virus capable of toppling GAMMA—Allison uncovers secrets that could change the fate of her world. As she faces dangerous foes, unexpected betrayals, and powerful revelations, she discovers she holds the key to restoring hope in a broken world. Welcome to Allison Wonderland—where magic, adventure, and destiny collide.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Josephine K. comments, “Allison Wonderland is a remarkable story! Sci-Fi, fantasy, and adventure all meet and make a delightfully entertaining book. I love the intricate and amusing descriptions of the people and places in the book.” Anna Clara B. adds, “I like the way the story is written, making us understand the plot which takes place in the future.” Kinsley H. wraps it up with, “Allison Wonderland is an unexpected take on Alice in Wonderland. Allison is a handicapped girl who makes the choice to fight the unknown in order to save the world. She is given the chance to walk again through an astral projection that allows her to leave her body behind.” See their full reviews below.

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

Allison Wonderland is a remarkable story! Sci-Fi, fantasy, and adventure all meet and make a delightfully entertaining book. I love the intricate and amusing descriptions of the people and places in the book. I also love each character’s individual personality and how that makes each one of them memorable.

The story follows Allison, a 13-year-old girl living in 2099 where the economic conditions are deteriorating. The AI robots are taking over the world, GAMMA, and threatening to destroy Wonderland. Allison has been called upon as the missing piece to destroying GAMMA once and for all. When one disaster leads to another, Allison gets caught up in a realm of down-right bombastic mayhem. From following a mysterious white rabbit to saving her android-infested world, Allison is in for an unforgettable adventure.

This book is delightful. I love how Allison is portrayed; she is smart, witty, and emotionally strong. You can see some of Allison’s personality traits in her mom, dad, and Aunt Genevieve, adding a layer of complexity to the characters. Reading the story through Allison’s eyes is comical because she makes witty jokes that tell us more and more about her character. The vocabulary is unique and challenging, adding a level of appeal to the lexophiles of the world. My favorite setting is when Allison is in The Last Train to Clarksonville Station because it is described with so much bizarre detail that it’s fun to imagine what it would look like. My favorite character is Puffin because she is hilarious and has a lot of charisma. She may be small but her personality definitely isn’t.

The book’s message is that your friends and family are always by your side through thick and thin. The story effectively conveys just how important family is. This is a positive and uplifting message that is thoughtful and relatable.

I give Allison Wonderland 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This book will be released later this yet; no date has been set.

Allison Wonderland
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Allison Wonderland, a fantasy-sci-fi novella by J.R. Wood, is a quick trip through alternate realities and cryptic realms with an apocalyptic twist on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland. I enjoyed this new view of Wonderland and all of its oddities.

This short novel is about a ravaged world that has been taken over by an AI-driven corporation called GAMMA. The once and future Queen provides salvation by creating a hidden realm full of magic and wisdom that is protected from the disaster outside its walls. Allison (with two L’s) is a wheelchair bound thirteen-year-old who has been chosen by her father to defeat GAMMA and restore a broken world.

Allison Wonderland is an unexpected take on Alice in Wonderland. Allison is a handicapped girl who makes the choice to fight the unknown in order to save the world. She is given the chance to walk again through an astral projection that allows her to leave her body behind. Alice, on the other hand, is suddenly thrust into Wonderland by accident and has to find her courage through trials and tribulations. She comes from a privileged world and is merely bored and looking for something to do.

Allison, like Alice, follows an unpredictable White Rabbit, falls through rabbit hole-like portals, encounters strange creatures, and gets to enjoy the enchantments of Wonderland. The text provides vivid details that are candy for the imagination and allow the mind to travel away from the descriptions of the original, famous tale. There are some details that are in stark contrast, like the queens. Allison gets the privilege of the once and future Queen who is both wise and kind, whereas Alice gets a crazy Queen of Hearts who enjoys beheadings. It was a lot of fun to read and look for parallels to the first version.

The message of this novella is that everyday people can be heroes. Readers get to follow a young girl who does not let her disability or a destroyed world stop her from making a difference. Parents should be aware that the text has a lot of advanced vocabulary, so it may be difficult for younger readers. There is no bad language; however, the content does include scary topics.

I give Allison Wonderland 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Its release information is not available at this time.

Allison Wonderland
By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Allison Wonderland is an intriguing book that captured my attention from the first page. I like the way the story is written, making us understand the plot which takes place in the future.

The book talks about Allison, a balance beam athlete, who suffers an accident. In 2099, the world is upside down and she decides to go to Wonderland, where everything changes.

I like the book because from the first few pages it made me want to read until the end. I like science fiction books; it is one of my favorite genres. While I was reading, a special part captured my attention – the part when the phrase “one of all and all for one” is written, because this is something necessary for us, even if you want to be alone. We really need others in our adventures and special moments. The characters in the book are very well developed. Learning how to deal with different kinds of situations gives them maturity.

I like how the narrator tells us about their personalities. I can perfectly imagine the scenes exactly how they develop in my mind. For example, there’s a phrase about “a very skinny lady” that makes me visualize the character and the scene she is in. Another thing that I like is the way how the location is referred to – it’s so far from our reality and described in a way that intrigues me.

The book’s message is that we are not better alone; there’s always someone we can count on in our life. It also reminds us to be careful because the world can change suddenly.

A raw, intimate look at the Vietnam War’s impact on America. Through personal stories, the series examines the conflict’s far-reaching consequences and lasting influence on society as the 50th anniversary of Saigon’s fall approaches.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “From the moment the trailer begins, it is clear that Vietnam: The War That Changed America is more than just an historical account—it’s an emotional exploration of the war’s human cost. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal testimonies, the series provides a nuanced portrait of the soldiers, civilians, and activists who experienced the war firsthand.” See her full review below.

Vietnam: The War That Changed America
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Bill Broyles, US Marine Corps, in “Vietnam” The War That Changed America,” on Apple TV+ now.

From the moment the trailer begins, it is clear that Vietnam: The War That Changed America is more than just an historical account—it’s an emotional exploration of the war’s human cost. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal testimonies, the series provides a nuanced portrait of the soldiers, civilians, and activists who experienced the war firsthand. The inclusion of long-awaited reunions between former soldiers, as well as perspectives from both American and Vietnamese individuals, adds an element of reconciliation and raw authenticity rarely seen in war documentaries.

Apple TV+’s compelling documentary Vietnam: The War That Changed America is a gripping six-part series, narrated by Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke, that marks the 50^th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, offering an unfiltered look at one of the most divisive conflicts in American history.

One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is its wide array of voices. From Bill Broyles, a former Marine turned Hollywood screenwriter, to Hilary Brown, ABC News’ first female foreign correspondent, and Melvin Pender, an Olympic gold medalist who served between deployments, the series provides a multifaceted look at the war’s impact. Even more striking are the perspectives of Viet Cong fighters and Vietnamese civilians, offering a crucial counterpoint to the American narrative. These voices help construct a more complete and deeply humanized understanding of the conflict.

Director Rob Coldstream and producer Caroline Marsden craft the series with a level of detail and sensitivity that elevates it beyond a simple historical retelling. The visuals, drawn from over 1,100 hours of archival footage, immerse viewers in the reality of war, while Ethan Hawke’s narration provides a steady, reflective tone that balances the intensity of the material. What makes Vietnam: The War That Changed America truly stand out is its ability to connect past and present. The war left scars not only on those who fought but on the entire American political and cultural landscape.

This series really shows how the Vietnam War reshaped the United States in ways still felt today, from attitudes toward military intervention to the power of protest movements. For history enthusiasts, war documentary fans, or anyone seeking a deeply human look at one of the most defining conflicts of the 20th century, Vietnam: The War That Changed America is essential viewing.

I give Vietnam: The War That Changed America 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It premieres on Apple TV+ on January 31, 2025.

Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships – a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and having grown accustomed to city life, Autumn discovers her childhood village is under threat from animal traffickers and decides she must return to the Amazon to her beloved jaguar. Anja – Autumn’s endearingly clumsy biology teacher – unsuccessfully tries to dissuade her from this reckless plan. Joined by Anja, Autumn embarks on a journey to reunite with Hope and save her from those who seek to destroy the rainforest and its wildlife.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, “Autumn and the Black Jaguar is a passionate tale of friendship that surpasses human boundaries. Told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.” See her full review and interview with Lumi Pollack below.

Autumn and the Black Jaguar
By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Autumn and the Black Jaguar is a passionate tale of friendship that surpasses human boundaries. Told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.

The film follows Autumn (Lumi Pollack), a teen girl who loves animals but has none of her own. Autumn lives in New York City with her single father (Paul Greene), who moved them out of their former home in the forest after the murder of Autumn’s mother (Eva Avila) by animal poachers. When Autumn learns that Hope, the jaguar who was her childhood best friend, is in danger, she makes the journey to the Amazon rainforest to save her, trailed by her agoraphobic biology teacher (Emily Bett Rickards) and her hedgehog.

One of the most impressive aspects of Autumn and the Black Jaguar is the character development of multiple people. Almost every character undergoes some kind of transformation. Autumn learns to ask for help when she needs it, and that, while she should trust her instincts, being careful is just as important as activism. Autumn’s father learns to let people in instead of pushing them away. Her teacher opens up and is forced to reenter the world and make friends. Even Autumn’s uncle Oré (Wayne Charles Baker) learns to take a stand when something is wrong, rather than sitting still. The cinematography is also worth mentioning – Autumn and the Black Jaguar takes place in a rainforest and we see many breathtakingly beautiful shots of the Amazon jungle and its wildlife, rivers and waterfalls.

Finally, the chemistry between Lumi Pollack and the real jaguar used for the film blows my mind. Before filming for Autumn and the Black Jaguar began, Pollack spent one year bonding with the jaguar, which is very apparent when they are on-screen together. Their interactions are very natural, and Pollack displays no fear or tension around the jaguar (which is really saying something, considering its size!). I was greatly moved by this touching story of one girl’s unwavering bond with an animal and how she uses it to make a change.

Autumn’s inspiring journey is a reminder to stand up for those who would do the same for you in your time of need – animals as well as people. Be there for those who have been there for you, because one day you could be depending on them to save you. Autumn and the Black Jaguar also highlights the importance of perseverance. Determination can be the difference between failing and making an impact, even when it seems like the cards are stacked against you.

I give Autumn and the Black Jaguar 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters nationwide on January 17, 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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, “I love The Lord Of The Rings: The War of the Rohirrim because it focuses on girl power. I like the intense ending fighting scenes, and how the graphics run wild.” See her full review below.

The Lord Of The Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love The Lord Of The Rings: The War of the Rohirrim because it focuses on girl power. I like the intense ending fighting scenes, and how the graphics run wild.

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.

This movie is so good.

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!”

The voice acting is so good; Gaia Wise’s emotions are so impressive and Luca Pasqualino’s voice acting is realistic – you can really hear the sadness and anger in his voice.

Olwyn (Lorraine Ashbourne) is so awesome; Wulf says she is too old for fighting and then Olwyn kicks his butt. I have to mention Kenji Kamiyama as the director, because he really delivers a great film.

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!”

The film’s lesson is don’t underestimate women and what they are capable of. Note that there is a lot of violence, bloodshed, and death.

I give The Lord Of The Rings: The War of the Rohirrim 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on December 13, 2024.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “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. ” See her full review below.

Letters at Christmas
By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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.

The story takes place at a hotel, with a couple (Dean Cain, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard) wanting to sell it in order to have enough money to divorce. However, their children (Hanna Huffman, Raejon Jones), find old toys and love letters in a wall – letters that were written back in the 1950s. They attempt to get their parents to stay together by forging love letters, all while finding out more about the writers of the found letters.

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 acting is quite good; I especially appreciated the acting from Dean Cain, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, who plays Jason and Nadia, and teenage Laura (Elizabeth Hemmingsen). Each of them brings their character to life in a believable way, so much that it made me empathetic whenever something bad happened. The comedic acting is also great, particularly in Junior (Steven Micheal Quezada) – I laughed out loud multiple times the first time I watched it.

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.

The film’s message is to never give up on love, despite the challenges and obstacles that are in the way. Be forewarned that some racism is shown – it is shown negatively, however it’s still present.

I give Letters at Christmas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is currently available to watch on Prime Video.

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The Complete Fourteenth Season continues the nautical adventures of Nickelodeon’s longest-running animated series featuring SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Plankton and Squidward in a two-disc collection.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Junior R., comments, “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.” See his full review below. 

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Fourteenth Season
By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

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.

This two disc DVD collection features 26 episodes and totals just under five hours of SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), Sandy (Carolyn Lawrence), Gary (Tom Kenny), Squidward (Rodger Bumpass) and the rest of the gang along with new faces.  The fourteenth season of this animated television series, created by former marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, began airing on Nickelodeon in the United States on November 2, 2023. The series chronicles the exploits and adventures of SpongeBob and his various friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.

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.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Fourteenth Season is filled with everything I love about the show – silly jokes, fun adventure, and lovable characters.  As a longtime fan of this show it made me laugh and smile. But you don’t have to be a longtime fan; I think newcomers will enjoy it also.  Beware; there are some moments that involve slightly gross and inappropriate material that might be offensive to younger audiences.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 14 gets 5 out of 4 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This collection releases in time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show.  SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Fourteenth Season is available on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment beginning November 19, 2024.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G., comments, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a comedic series, full of mystery and magic. I really enjoyed how this show is 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.” See her full review below.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 18

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.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set years later from the original Disney channel show, Wizards of Waverly Place. It stars Janice LeAnn Brown (Billie) who is brought to the Russo house by Alex Russo (Selene Gomez). Alex leaves her there in hopes that her brother, Justin (David Henrie) will help her to control her magic; she has a big heart, but can sometimes get carried away. Justin must learn to come to terms with who he is while helping Billie navigate this wonderful but dangerous gift that they share.

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.

The show’s message is to never give up on the people you care about.

I give Wizards Beyond Waverly Place 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18. You can watch Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on the Disney Channel beginning October 29, 2024.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I enjoyed Lost on a Mountain in Maine.  This inspiring story of survival has strong acting and moving messages with beautiful cinematography and landscapes.” See her full review below.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I enjoyed Lost on a Mountain in Maine. This inspiring story of survival has strong acting and moving messages with beautiful cinematography and landscapes.

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?

Donn’s story was written about in a book with the same name as this film and the book inspired the making of this movie. Two of the producers were very fond of it growing up.

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.

Throughout the film, we get to see actual footage of interviews of people involved in Donn’s search – Donn’s family and, eventually, Donn himself, with each video marking somewhat of a new chapter in the movie.

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.

This movie has many messages about the values of family and being resourceful. There are some risky behaviors portrayed in this movie that young children shouldn’t try to replicate and some scenes that might be scary for young children.

I give Lost on a Mountain in Maine 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters on November 1, 2024.

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Are You Afraid of the Dark and the Midnight Society return in this nightmarish collection of the limited series events! In the first installment, Rachel must tell a truly terrifying tale in order to join the secret Midnight Society. When the chilling events of her “Tale of Mr. Tophat and the Carnival of Doom” start to come true, Rachel must face her fears to end Mr. Tophat’s reign of terror. Next, Are You Afraid of the Dark? Curse of Shadows features and all-new Midnight Society and a spooky new seaside location. When the group’s leader suddenly vanishes, the remaining members must uncover the truth behind the town’s terrifying curse before it’s too late. In Are You Afraid of the Dark? Ghost Island, four best friends and members of the Midnight Society get more than they bargained for when their fun summer vacation on a resort island turns into something sinister. They are pulled into the mystery of the island’s ghosts leading them to the terrifying and shocking revelation of room 13!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalynn G. comments, “The series Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection is scary and suspenseful. It takes place at a spooky carnival and the music and lighting effects make it even more frightening.” See her full review below.

Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection
By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

The series Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection is scary and suspenseful. It takes place at a spooky carnival and the music and lighting effects make it even more frightening.

The storyline follows a group called The Midnight Society which includes Rachel (Lyliana Wray), Gavin (Sam Ashe Arnold),Graham (Jeremy Ray Taylor), Louise (Tamara Smart) and Akiko (Mya Cech). As the new kid at school, Rachel gets accepted into The Midnight Society, which meets at midnight to tell scary stories. Rachel tells a story about the Carnival of Doom and Mr. Tophat, and the next day her story comes true. She and the rest of the group face many challenges trying to save their friend Adam and Gavin and stopping Mr. Tophat.

I love how unique this series is. It has been around for a while, however, I have never seen anything else like it. The music and special effects definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. My favorite part of this series is when Rachel, Gavin, Graham, Louise, and Akiko find out that The Carnival of Doom is a real thing. The looks on their faces when they learn that show their fear, confusion and worry. I love the character Akiko. She is brave, very independent, and definitely is not afraid to share her opinions. I love the teamwork that is shown between the various characters as The Midnight Society works together to stop Mr. Tophat and find their friends. I also love the friendships that develop during their exciting mission and adventure.

The film’s message is about teamwork and friendship. The Midnight Society has to work together in order to find Gavin and Adam and stop Mr. Tophat, and the group develops strong friendships while on that mission.

I give Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This series is available now on DVD.