KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

Death is the only certainty we have in life, and yet we know so little about it. This documentary explores the different aspects of the afterlife including near death experiences, channeling the dead and the attempt to extend one’s lifespan thru cryonics. After living through a global pandemic, death has been placed at the forefront of our lives however what actually happens to us when we die is still shrouded in mystery. There are some cultures that believe that death is truly the end, however there is a growing community of people around the world who claim to have had near death experiences. These people, in the 10s of millions believe that they have traveled beyond the grave and have proof of the afterlife and that consciousness lives on after our bodies die. If this is true then can the terminally ill freeze their bodies at the time of death, to be brought back to life and healed in the future? There are others who possess a sixth sense and claim to have conversations with the dead or have experienced paranormal phenomena involving visitations by ghosts. Does this mean that humans can communicate with the spirits of people who have died and if so, can these spirits come back to haunt us? Serena DC meets with the world’s leading scientists, doctors, experts, mediums & paranormal investigators to discover if there really is life Beyond The Grave.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic SaniyaRain F. comments, “Beyond the Grave is one of the most informative and awakening documentaries I have ever watched! The whole concept of it is alluring because who wouldn’t want to learn about what happens in the afterlife. I also enjoy it because of how everything is so clearly explained. The documentary covers lots of spiritual discoveries and intriguing stories.” See her full review below.

Beyond the Grave   
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15  

Beyond the Grave is one of the most informative and awakening documentaries I have ever watched! The whole concept of it is alluring because who wouldn’t want to learn about what happens in the afterlife. I also enjoy it because of how everything is so clearly explained. The documentary covers lots of spiritual discoveries and intriguing stories. It is also amusing to watch if you are interested in paranormal activity. 

The plot of Beyond the Grave follows Serena DC who is on a mission to figure out as much as she can about what happens after you die. She travels around meeting with different experts, doctors, mediums, and even paranormal investigators who all have stories to disclose. Throughout her trips Serena attains new knowledge that she is using to answer the main question of what really happens to one’s soul after they pass and other factors that involve their life before death. 

 Beyond the Grave has loads of information and each piece adds a bit to the puzzle. The main reason Serena interviews all of these people is because the majority of them share at least one thing, which is the fact that they faced death head on in their own way. For the ones who didn’t, they are professionals when it comes to life and death situations. One of the people she meets whose narrative touched me was Susana Grau. She gained abilities after her near-death experience to the point that she can communicate with present spirits. She gave Ms. DC some really interesting information. Another interesting person is Ellen Whealton, who witnessed things out of earth’s reach that changed her life for the better and made her who she is today. Each of the people Serena talks with explains their stories and how they changed their lives. The documentary is very well executed from the camera work to the interviews.   

The film’s message is to show and prove that death, the one assured thing in life, may sound scary but it could truly be just the beginning of something unimaginable to the human mind and its analysis should be seen as such. 
  
I give Beyond the Grave 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Beyond the Grave releases September 5, 2023, on VOD! 

The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that follows a rebellious and charismatic Monkey and his magical fighting Stick on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons, an eccentric Dragon King, and Monkey’s greatest foe of all —his own ego! Along the way, a young village girl challenges his self-centered attitude and shows him that even the smallest pebble can have a big effect on the world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “The Monkey King is a modern twist on the classic Chinese tale. It takes you on an exciting adventure of discovery and growth, while being packed with fun and suspense.” See her full review and interview below.

The Monkey King
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Monkey King is a modern twist on the classic Chinese tale. It takes you on an exciting adventure of discovery and growth, while being packed with fun and suspense.

The storyline follows a journey of the Monkey King (Jimmy O. Yang). Although he is strong and powerful, the praise that he receives can sometimes go to his head. When he is faced with the ultimate challenge of defeating the Dragon King (Bowen Yang), he must learn to put his pride aside and work with the secretive, but friendly Lin (Jolie Haong-Rappapert) who can help him conquer this journey.

A huge standout is the character development in the film. The Monkey King changes a lot throughout the movie. He starts off conceited and relentless and, by the end, he’s changed for the better. His character learns multiple lessons along the way which helps teach young viewers about selflessness and understanding that sometimes the right answer isn’t always what’s best for you. 

I enjoy the creative storyline. The Director (Anthony Stacchi) and Producer (Peilin Chou) have incorporated aspects of traditional Chinese culture and tales to create a modern day version of The Monkey King that grasps multiple audiences. The townspeople are inspired by the Ming Dynasty, which was cool for me to see as I have been learning all about that during the past year. I always get excited when I’m able to connect and understand historical references! Lastly, the film’s animation is top notch! The quality is clear, and the color scheme really fits the aesthetic. The Monkey King feels so alive and vibrant, which definitely catches my attention.

The message of The Monkey King is that everyone has the power to create their own path in life.

I give The Monkey King 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. You can watch The Monkey King on Netflix beginning August 11, 2023.

Dreamin’ Wild, the true story of love and redemption, is about what happened to singer/songwriter Donnie Emerson and his family when the album he and his brother recorded as teens was rediscovered after thirty years of obscurity and was suddenly hailed by music critics as a lost masterpiece. While the album’s rediscovery brings hopes of second chances, it also brings long-buried emotions as Donnie, his wife Nancy, brother Joe, and father Don Sr. come to terms with the past and their newly found fame. 

Dreamin’ Wild
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

With its toe-tapping music and sincere performances, Dreamin’ Wild definitely entertained me and I believe will enrapture pop-rock fans as well as those who have never heard of Donnie and Joe Emerson.

The film tells a true story with immense heart. It is shot elegantly and the story is fascinating; the at-times flat narration is the only chink in Dreamin Wild’s armor.

Dreamin’ Wild opens in the rural Pacific Northwest, as singer/songwriter Donnie Emerson (Casey Affleck) and his family, are approached by a representative from Light in the Attic, who says he thinks the album Donnie and his brother Joe (Walton Goggins) recorded as teenagers is the next big hit. When the album, also named Dreamin’ Wild, makes its rounds, it is hailed by music critics as a lost masterpiece. And whereas the brothers see this stroke of luck as a second chance for stardom, it also unmoors other deep-seated emotions, fears, and hopes, as Donnie, Joe, and the family come to terms with the past, present and possible future.

The moving story is shot with clarity, care and craft; the lighting and framing do justice to the Emersons’ bucolic hometown as well as their eclectic and ethereal ‘jam space.’ Casey Affleck has somewhat patented the ‘damaged man exploring his trauma’ trope, perhaps because of his real-life experience fending off his demons with alcoholism. That takes nothing away from his deep performance as Donnie in Dreamin’ Wild. His portrayal of emotional damage and hope is enough to keep you gripped.

Walton Goggins is equally spectacular. Every dialogue-heavy scene is followed by the brothers jamming, and then another dialogue-heavy scene; this format gets a little tiring by the 60-minute mark, but the plot developments and emotional performances redeem the film’s at-times slow pace.

Dreamin’ Wild encourages following your dreams but staying grounded, being hopeful but never forgetting where you’ve come from, and caring for your family and yourself.

I give Dreamin’ Wild 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Dreamin’ Wild will release exclusively in theaters on August 4, 2023.

A chronicle about how the Lakota Indians fight to reclaim control of the Black Hills. Will investigate how the sacred land was stolen in violation of treaty agreements and feature interviews with Indigenous citizens.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Lakota Nation vs. United States educates and entertains with hard-hitting interviews and lyrical narration. It’s an incredible watch for history buffs, especially those looking to learn more about a significant moment in US history.” See his full review below.

Lakota Nation Vs. United States
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Lakota Nation vs. United States educates and entertains with hard-hitting interviews and lyrical narration. It’s an incredible watch for history buffs, especially those looking to learn more about a significant moment in US history.

A chronicle of the Lakota people and their homeland of the Black Hills, Lakota Nation vs. United States traces the journey of a marginalized people. It starts with the Indian Wars of the 1800s, describes how sacred land was stolen in violation of treaty agreements. It progresses through the centuries all the way to today, as people protest a most ironic shrine to white supremacy, Mount Rushmore, and continue to call for the recognition of their tribal rights.

The film is unique for a variety of reasons. First, it’s co-directed by Jesse Short Bull — an Oglala Lakota man — and Laura Tomaselli, one of the few times in mass media we see Native Americans telling their stories. It is a wonderful touch that provides the whole film with a spirit of warmth and respect. The film is written and narrated by acclaimed Oglala poet Layli Long Soldier, and its narration will be the first thing to strike you in Lakota Nation vs. United States.

The rhythmic refrain of “X marks the spot,” the soft, dignified, yet strong voice of Long Soldier, and the emotional roller-coaster of the story are truly mesmerizing. Tomaselli also serves as the editor of the film, and she, along with cinematographer Kevin Phillips use a wealth of archival and modern footage and rousing interviews with activists and leaders to tell this beautiful story of a land and a people who have survived exploitation, forced migration, and genocide, and who still wait for justice to come.

Lakota Nation vs. United States promotes resilience, valuing culture, standing up to oppression, and honoring history. The Lakota provide us with so many lessons from which to learn and grow into better versions of ourselves.

I give Lakota Nation vs. United States 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It releases July 21, 2023 in select markets and will roll out later to other locations.

There’s just one dream for the women of Ballygar to taste freedom: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. With a little benevolent interference from their local priest, a group of close friends get their ticket of a lifetime.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ari P. comments, “If you like dramatic movies with comedic relief and you believe in Lourdes, The Miracle Club is the perfect film. Alongside its thorough plotline, it stars many known celebrity figures, such as Maggie Smith, Laura Linney and Kathy Bates.” See her full review below.

The Miracle Club
By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

If you like dramatic movies with comedic relief and you believe in Lourdes, The Miracle Club is the perfect film. Alongside its thorough plotline, it stars many known celebrity figures, such as Maggie Smith, Laura Linney and Kathy Bates.

The storyline begins in 1967 in Dublin, Ireland and Lourdes, France with three women, Eileen (Kathy Bates), Lily (Maggie Smith) and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) participating in a talent show to win tickets to the Lourdes. Unexpectedly, Chrissie (Laura Linney), the daughter of Eileen’s and Lily’s late friend, shows up for the funeral of her mother. While grieving, Chrissie finds her mother’s voucher for Lourdes and decides to join them. Together, these four women experience the ups and downs of friendship and life and, although they all go to visit the Lourdes for different reasons, they have one thing in common: each prays for a miracle.

This movie is truly a gift to watch. It is the definition of hope and faith. Although the four actresses are all spectacular in their performance, my heart leans towards Maggie Smith playing Lily Fox. Lily struggles with the death of her son and her own health, yet always seems to make those around her happy. My favorite scene with Lily is when the women are at the Lourdes bathhouse and she hears Eileen scream. Then a nun comes out and says they are ready for Lily, to which she replies, “Well, I’m not!” which is kind of funny. I also love Agnes O’Casey’s portrayal of Dolly as a kind, but mentally struggling mom and wife, who takes her child Daniel (Eric D. Smith) to the Lourdes so she can make him speak. She believes it is her fault that he cannot speak, and tries her best to overcome his mental obstacle – that is my favorite characteristic about her. I also love the scenery of Lourdes; it is tranquil and peaceful, the perfect place to recollect your thoughts and find miracles.

The film’s message is that miracles do happen, although they may take time to occur. Please be aware that there is partial nudity, miscarriage and abortion references, slight suicide references, and some profanity.

I give The Miracle Club 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in select theaters on July 14, 2023.

The incredible story of the greatest cycling race in history, the 1989 Tour de France, and how American Greg LeMond faced down betrayal, childhood sexual abuse and death completing one of the most inspiring comebacks in history.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “The Last Rider is a powerful and inspiring true story that truly touched my heart and I believe will touch many others as well. This life story is brought to the screen with captivating and impressive storytelling.” See her full review and interviews together with David E. below.

The Last Rider
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Last Rider is a powerful and inspiring true story that truly touched my heart and I believe will touch many others as well. This life story is brought to the screen with captivating and impressive storytelling.

This documentary is about Greg LeMond, a famous cyclist who won the Tour de France three times; he is the first and currently, last American to do so. It reveals his life story, starting from when cycling was simply a sport he did to keep fit for skiing in the winter.

The story progresses as he wins his first Tour de France in 1986. He gets shot in 1987, which puts his career and life in jeopardy. The documentary focuses mostly on his struggle to get back into cycling and winning the Tour in 1989 and 1990 after his near death — showcasing one of the greatest comebacks in sports’ history. The story is truly motivational and has many good messages. 

What makes The Last Rider so captivating due is the amount of actual footage they used. The footage came mostly from news broadcasts or LeMond’s personal collection — all from different events that took place, with perhaps a bit of stock footage. A lot of the footage has never been shown to the public before.

Another thing that impressed me is the amount of interviews that are used. There are interviews with Greg and Cathy LeMond as well as a few other people that were impactful in LeMond’s life such as Laurent Fignon. The film can be very confusing at tims due to the use of a lot of cycling terms, which are not explained.

The film’s message is to never give up and keep trying, because you never know what might happen and the race isn’t over till you cross the finish line. It does contain a lot of more difficult topics that aren’t necessarily appropriate for younger audiences.

I give The Last Rider 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters now.

We love cats because they are fun, playful, warm, soft, and cuddly animals! There is a lot of fun in The Cat-Faced Cat, a book about a cat looking for a place to live and a family to love. The Cat-Faced Cat Named Benny is the first of a series of inspirational tales. It’s time to start the journey of The Cat-Faced Cat with this first book. Children will love following him on his exciting adventures with his wonderful new family!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ari P. comments, “Do you adore cute cats? Do you enjoy reading about them? Well, you’re in luck! The Cat-Faced Cat is one of the cutest children’s books you will find…about cats! It has cute graphics and a hidden message about family, love and finding a home.” Alma K. adds, “The message of The Cat-Faced Cat revolves around themes of perseverance, companionship and the search for a place to belong. It highlights the importance of not giving up, even in the face of loneliness and adversity.”  See their full reviews below.  

The Cat-Faced Cat
By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Do you adore cute cats? Do you enjoy reading about them? Well, you’re in luck! The Cat-Faced Cat is one of the cutest children’s books you will find…about cats! It has cute graphics and a hidden message about family, love and finding a home.

This wild, heartwarming adventure follows the Cat-Faced Cat, who starts life alone, wanting to find a family of his own. He finds different places to sleep, new toys and eventually a new friend; but in this case, not everything is permanent. All the Cat-Faced Cat wants is a new family and, when you read the book, you will answer the main question: does the Cat-Faced Cat ever find a place to call “home?”

The elements I love most about this book are the graphics. The cats are absolutely adorable and, even though there isn’t much detail in the drawings, it makes it so much better for younger children who read this. The people also have simple facial expressions, which helps clarify things for the reader. The only shortcoming for me is the lack of rhyming or alliteration. There are small segments of the book where it does rhyme, but the majority of the book does not, so the “younger child” in me missed that. Other than that, what I like about this story is that it promotes perseverance and the importance of family, human or not.

The message of The Cat-Faced Cat is that, at one point in life, you will find people that are like family to you, blood related or not. This book proves this because at the end, the struggling, lonely cat finally finds a place, and a family, to call home.

I give The Cat-Faced Cat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. It is available in both paperback and e-book format at online bookstores, so look for this cuteness overload!

The Cat-Faced Cat
By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Cat-Faced Cat is an adorable book by Arlette Thomas-Fletcher about an adorable cat. It’s written in a rhyming style which makes it much fun to read aloud and the illustrations by Kristina Stansell are so cute.

The Cat-Faced Cat is a tale that follows the journey of a little kitten in his quest to find a loving home. Benny is a cat that longs for companionship. As time passes, he grows older and starts exploring the town in search for it, going on adventures, seeing all sorts of things and meeting all kinds of people.

While this may not be the most complex story, its simplicity and heartwarming message make it a worthwhile read for young children. The illustrations are great. I especially love the detailed appearance of the cat. At the beginning, he’s a young kitten and, at the end, an adult cat. I don’t know how Kristina did it but you can clearly tell it’s the same cat, just older. Ms. Thomas-Fletcher’s writing makes the readers feel something. This book, although not for my age group, even made me feel bad for the poor kitten that wanted some friends, family or a home. He’s so cute, how can anyone not want him? My favorite part is the illustration on page 7. And I know that doesn’t say much because you can’t see it -the illustration of Benny in that page melts my heart. He looks so happy and adorable.

The book fosters a sense of compassion and understanding as it encourages readers to empathize with the cat’s longing for a loving home and family. Additionally, the story emphasizes the impact of simple acts of kindness. It demonstrates how a chance encounter and a genuine connection can change someone’s life. The book promotes the idea of finding one’s place in the world and serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the importance of human connections and the joy that comes from finding a place to call home.

The message of The Cat-Faced Cat revolves around themes of perseverance, companionship and the search for a place to belong. It highlights the importance of not giving up, even in the face of loneliness and adversity.

I give The Cat-Faced Cat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus parents. It’s available now at online book retailers.

Are you concerned about your future? Do you feel the pressure of picking the right career? Do you think about the future all the time? Have you thought about a way to map out your career choices? If you said yes to any of these questions, then you should look at Planning Your Dreams book, which gives you the strategy to understand how to make your dreams a reality.  This book gives you a jump on thinking about how to find your dream career. Whether you are 12 or 18 this book can guide you to looking at your dreams and planning your career for the future.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “The insightful book, Planning Your Dreams, is a valuable resource for teens seeking guidance in mapping out their future careers. With practical advice and a clear strategy, it empowers young readers to make their dreams a reality.” Kendall B. adds, “If you’re concerned about your future or feeling unsure about what you want to do after high school, there are many ways you can prepare for life beyond your teenage years. This book examines ways to turn hobbies into careers, and how to turn dreams into reality by setting goals and making plans.” Gavin S. wraps it up with, “This book teaches the reader many skills they could use in life to find a job and be successful in life. I like how it gives you steps towards achieving your goal and teaches kids to have an entrepreneur mind set, even at a young age.” See their full reviews below.

Planning Your Dreams
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 19

The insightful book, Planning Your Dreams, is a valuable resource for teens seeking guidance in mapping out their future careers. With practical advice and a clear strategy, it empowers young readers to make their dreams a reality. The author presents compelling reasons explaining why planning for a successful career is essential, capturing the concerns and pressures many young people face in choosing the right path. By addressing these concerns head-on, the book immediately connects with its intended audience.

Planning Your Dreams provides a concise overview of the book’s intent. It emphasizes the importance of starting career planning early and highlights the benefits of doing so. While it doesn’t delve into every detail, it offers enough information to spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore the strategies presented.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its relatable examples and personal anecdotes. The author introduces the concept of understanding dreams and aligning them with career choices. The book goes beyond conventional advice, encouraging readers to identify their passions and translate them into viable career options. The book also addresses various aspects of career planning, such as mapping out goals and developing a strategic plan.

The author’s guidance on these topics is clear and practical, providing readers with actionable steps to follow. Planning Your Dreams carries a positive and uplifting message, emphasizing the importance of pursuing fulfilling careers that align with one’s passions. It successfully motivates readers to take action and offers a realistic approach to achieving their dreams. The book is entirely suitable for its target audience. It promotes positive social behavior by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.

I give Planning Your Dreams 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as it specifically targets teenagers who are navigating career choices. However, adults who are seeking career guidance may also find it insightful and beneficial.  You can purchase the book online at various bookselling platforms or directly from the author’s website.

Planning Your Dreams

By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The book Planning Your Dreams is super educational and beneficial for teenagers. It focuses on thinking ahead and what you want to do with your life to make you happy and fulfilled.

Planning Your Dreams focuses on thinking ahead in your life and finding things you’re passionate about and ways you can turn them into careers. It looks at finding things that combine your skills and your interests.

If you’re concerned about your future or feeling unsure about what you want to do after high school, there are many ways you can prepare for life beyond your teenage years. This book examines ways to turn hobbies into careers, and how to turn dreams into reality by setting goals and making plans. It explains how to have a career that truly makes you feel fulfilled. The entire book is based on how to plan your life in a rewarding way. This is a useful thing for kids to know and think about.  Plus, it has great information about careers and jobs. The author has a spectacular way of talking about things that kids love doing such as playing video games or exploring nature and turning them into exciting careers. It can help even the laziest kids think ahead in life. All this is important for teenagers to learn and will help them think about careers they might want to pursue in the future.

The book reminds us that it’s never too early to think about what you want to do with your life, and there are many careers that can focus on your passions.

I give Planning Your Dreams 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find it online at book retailers.

Planning Your Dreams: Dreams Are The Plans Of Our Future

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Planning your Dreams is very inspirational. What I like most about this book is how the author uses pictures at the start of every chapter.

This book is about having dreams, and planning them. It teaches you the steps to take toward achieving your goals and, gives you options if you do not achieve your goals.

This book teaches the reader many skills they could use in life to find a job and be successful in life. I like how it gives you steps towards achieving your goal and teaches kids to have an entrepreneur mind set, even at a young age. It reminds you that if you do what you love, you won’t have to work a single day in your life. It gives options of jobs for certain interests and encourages people to try new things and find new interests. I like how it emphasizes that it’s okay to fail and that, even if you don’t have the talent to do something, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it — you can always get trained.

The book flows very well. Plus, I like how it teaches you what to do if you fail to achieve your goals. The vocabulary is definitely suitable for kids as well as adults. The illustrations are bright and colorful. One special feature I like is the sidebar where you can scroll through different chapters and pages. Another practical thing is that it has pages where you can write down your own goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

The book’s message is that if you know what you want to do in life you have to work hard.

I give Planning your Dreams 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It is available online at many online retailers.

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything — and everyone — he loves.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “Fast X is an unabashed next step in this series’ mission to depict escalating vehicular mania. It’s certainly enjoyable and even thrilling at points, but it does lack some novelty. As Fast X speeds the Fast and Furious franchise into its final lap, it can’t help but feel like we’re going in circles.” See his full review below.

Fast X
By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Fast X is an unabashed next step in this series’ mission to depict escalating vehicular mania. It’s certainly enjoyable and even thrilling at points, but it does lack some novelty. As Fast X speeds the Fast and Furious franchise into its final lap, it can’t help but feel like we’re going in circles.

Fast X follows Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) as they raise their son away from their enemies and the battles that have taken up much of their time for decades. Dominic’s friends and soldiers of the wheel—Roman (Tyrese Gibso), Tej (Ludacris), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) —all go on a mission to Rome, Italy, for an underground government organization. However, the mission isn’t real and both the agency and Dom’s pals are duped by an old foe that emerges from the shadows to exact revenge on Dom and his family. This villain, Dante (Jason Momoa), threatens to break Dom’s family into pieces, so the family must figure out how to save themselves from Dante and new government agents who have Dom in their crosshairs.

These Fast and Furious characters used to steal TVs off of moving trucks—now they save the Vatican. These movies succeed most when they know what they are and what you want. It’s a rollercoaster, so at a certain point you just throw your hands up and enjoy the ride. Dominic Toretto is basically inhuman by now; nothing can kill him and he can bend the laws of reality and science to his will. Action is the primary draw of these films—story has become secondary as the saga of Dom and his band of street racers turned superheroes cruises into its 11^th entry. Fast X, however, goes all in on plot, which feels like a miscalculation. Especially as the second half refuses to reach any kind of conclusion, barreling towards a silly cliffhanger that does little to maintain the stakes the first half establishes. None of the racers we’ve come to know and love are safe, but the way Fast X wraps up, it’s hard not to feel like all of them are.

Jason Momoa is unbelievable in this movie as Dante. He’s easily the best villain Dom and the crew have ever fought against. This level of gleeful, over-the-top evil is hard to find in any movie, but it’s a gift in the heightened world of Fast and Furious. He gets all the movie’s best laughs—you almost wish he would crush Dominic’s world so we could watch him laugh, twirl, and dance as it all goes up in flames.

John Cena’s a lot of fun, too. He takes a page from Momoa’s playbook, an action hero who loses the self-seriousness and has a good time playing uncle to Dom’s young son. Tyrese Gibson is ever a delight as Roman. Gibson always has a lot fun with this role, and he understands exactly what energy he must bring to keep the franchise full of life. Practically every time he comes on screen, the audience erupts into laughter.

I give Fast X 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, for some language, frequent intense action and some graphic violence.  Fast X zooms into theaters on May 19, 2023. Vroom vroom.

Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common … but they are also very different. Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common, but embracing the things that make you different. Since our differences are what makes us special, Frog and Toad celebrate what makes them unique! 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keila V. comments, “I love how this series constantly reminds me of how opposites really do complement each other. The animation is adorable, although some scenes are quite unrealistic. The storyline is terrific and the voice actors are fantastic. The voice actor for both Frog and Toad (Kevin Michael Richardson) is so enthusiastic.” See her full review below.

Frog and Toad
By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Frog and Toad is a new TV series based on the classic fictional children’s story. In every episode Frog and Toad go on a new adventure and each adventure provides a valued life lesson.

The story follows a very joyful Frog and a groggy Toad on unique journeys around their neighborhood. Frog and Toad are the best of friends and spend every day together. Toad loves to bake, relax and enjoy his life at a slow pace; while Frog, on the other hand is an outgoing, upbeat and cheerful character. The main theme of the story in all the episodes is how Frog and Toad always help each other and never leave one another’s side.

I love how this series constantly reminds me of how opposites really do complement each other. The animation is adorable, although some scenes are quite unrealistic. The storyline is terrific and the voice actors are fantastic. The voice actor for both Frog and Toad (Kevin Michael Richardson) is so enthusiastic. Throughout the series we see the characters really being authentic to what they are trying to say and, in one particular scene, Frog is trying to convince Toad to wake up from hibernation on the first day of spring (even though toads hibernate until late spring).

My favorite scene of the series is in the episode called “The Letter” where Frog hears Toad say that he has never gotten mail before. Frog goes back home to write Toad his very own first letter and after he finishes it, he brings it to the town’s post office and tells the little postman (a snail) to take the letter as fast as he can to Toad’s house. As you know, snails are awfully slow, so when Frog goes back to see Toad he is lying in bed and feeling upset that he isn’t getting any mail and thinks he never will. Little does he know Snail is on his way, but definitely taking a while to bring his letter. Frog is a true friend to Toad because he waits two days with Toad waiting for Snail to come and bring his very first mail. You just have to see it!

The message of this series is to always enjoy our friends and appreciate our life; we only have a certain amount of time. Another message is to love the outdoors, just as we see Frog and Toad love spending their time going on walks and having a picnic. This teaches children not just to be on their electronics but to also savor the great outdoors!

I give Frog and Toad 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. It is releases on Apple TV+ April 28, 2023.