KIDS FIRST! New Endorsements

Description:

Follows a middle school softball team in the week leading up to their championship game, and each episode is told from the perspective of a different character.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode. Win or Lose is a show that all members of the family will enjoy and each person can choose their own character to root for!

Made by Pixar, Win Or Lose has the same style and quality of all of their great movies. It is a story about a group of kids, all connected by being on a softball team, but all with very different lives. Laurie (Rosanna Jean Foss) just wants to hit the ball and Frank (Josh Thomson) regrets letting go of his girlfriend.

Win Or Lose is the first Pixar original TV show, and it doesn't disappoint. The show's first episode centers around Laurie struggling with self-doubt, which manifests itself as a purple blob that grows in size as her doubt grows. Laurie eventually realizes that she doesn't need to win to have fun. In addition to the great stories, the music at the end of each episode is also super fun. It's interesting to see Pixar mix in a new animation style, kind of like a crayon animation, in Episode 3. Watching these two styles mix in this great new show is a blast. Win Or Lose is very funny, with great timing and one-liners that will make it a family favorite. I love the great idea that each episode centers around a specific member of the team, all on their journey to the championship. The characters are all funny in different ways. My favorite character is Laurie. She has great comedic lines and her motivation to hit the ball to make her father proud makes me root for her throughout the show.

The series' message is that having fun is more important than winning. The show include includes themes of joy and friendship. Parents should note that Win Or Lose includes some fearful moments, like when Laurie gets hit by a softball.

I give Win Or Lose 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The remaining six episodes will be released weekly.

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Win Or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series. With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game. From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.

Win or Lose is an animated series from Pixar following a co-ed middle school softball team's story as they prepare for the State Softball Championship. But instead of only seeing the week once from the perspective of the main character, each episode shows a face of the story, with different people having center stage. As everyone navigates the numerous challenges of getting ready for the big game, they must work through their own issues before coming together as a strong and united team.

My favorite part is definitely the animation. It is top-notch, blending not only the physical aspects of each individual's life, but also their emotions and what they may imagine. For example, Frank (Josh Thomson) the umpire, is a bit overly cautious of what other people think of him. When some of the spectators disagree with one of his calls, he dons a suit of armor and picks up a shield, saying that his stands with his call. It's quite hilarious to see how their emotions manifest in each situation. The series also does well tying in real world issues that are relatable today, like trying your hardest to succeed only to fail over and over again, or having to take care of an irresponsible parent when you need them most. Once I watched a couple of episodes, I was able to see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and how it makes the story more well-rounded and complete when you see it from all sides. The series' cast includes Will Forte, Ian Chen, Izaac Wang, Jo Firestone, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson and more.

The series' message is that things aren't always what they seem. A simple game of softball may not seem like it has that much going on, but when seen from multiple and very different angles, I found out that everything has another perspective. It only has to be found. Note that this series does contain some profanity, and a scene of stealing (real stealing, not bases in softball).

I give Win Or Lose 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Win or Lose premiers on February 19, 2025.

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

There are three words to describe how I feel about Captain America: Brave New World. Wow, wow, and wow! The action scenes had me at the edge of my seat. They are so exciting and suspenseful. The acting is especially good, as are the sets, and the graphics are amazing.

The storyline follows a man named Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who faces new challenges that threaten to leave nations in chaos. Due to a threat against peace between nations, the Red Hulk and Captain America must join forces to defeat a sinister enemy.

At first, I thought that Marvel was just going to make the Falcon the same old hero with a shield. However, Sam Wilson is so much more -- he is inspiring, courageous and really excels as the new Captain America. The fighting scenes are epic and unpredictable; just when I think someone's about to win like Sam or the Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) their plans are always foiled. The intense fights kept me interested and excited. I commend Harrison Ford as both the Red Hulk and President Ross; the emotions he expresses like sadness, anger, and pain are very realistic. As a major Captain America fan, I commend Anthony Mackie for continuing the legacy of Steve Rogers. I also have to commend Julius Onah for his direction of this film. The visuals are fantastic; I especially love the scenery, especially the cherry trees in Washington D.C. with their beautiful pink blossoms. The graphics are so realistic that it seems almost like it's in 3D without the glasses. I found myself literally ducking for cover during some of the intense action scenes. My favorite part is when President Ross first turns into the Red Hulk. His transforms from man to beast right before our eyes. I was at the edge of my seat, amazed and terrified, as he wreaks havoc on the area.

The moral of the story is that you don't have to have superpower to be a hero. All you need is grit, courage, strength, and heart. Be aware that there is lots of profanity, plus a great amount of fighting and other violence.

I rate Captain America: Brave New World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it in theaters beginning February 14, 2025.

By Eli C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Captain America Brave New World is an amazing, action packed, film with great acting, choreography and direction. This film left me speechless and wanting more. Yet, it felt like a fulfilling story, with everything fitting into place.

The story follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the new Captain America, as he meets up with the new U.S president, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). However, he gets caught up in an international incident and attempts to discover the motivation behind a nefarious global plan.

I really enjoy the acting throughout this film. All the actors are incredibly talented and show so much emotion in their characters, especially Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford, in their roles as Sam Wilson and Thaddeus Ross. Their chemistry with each other makes their relationship throughout the movie feel real. The script is also great, with each character's motivation and actions feeling extremely believable and fitting. The action and fight choreography are also incredible and creative, with many scenes leaving me speechless. It feels very different from the style of fighting we are accustomed to and takes advantage of their unique costumes and weapons. Speaking of the costumes, they are extremely interesting and well made. The suits showcase interesting ideas and features that are not really seen, while their street clothes offer a glimpse into each character's personality. The makeup is also unbelievable - it looks so realistic despite representing something that's not real. My favorite part of the film has to be the cinematography, led by Kramer Morgenthau, which adds so much to every scene and the locations. There are lots of locations throughout the plot that are undoubtedly good, but the most memorable are the scenes in Washington DC with the cherry trees all in bloom.

The film's message is to accept yourself for whom you are now, and not how you were defined in the past or the people around you. Be forewarned that there is a lot of fighting throughout the film, all very over exaggerated and bloody at some points. Also there is mild profanity used in the film.

I give Captain America Brave New World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters February 14, 2025.

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

Captain America: Brave New World is a good film, and that's all it is - good. Although I found great fun in its action, many of its characters, and the performances, there is a clear disparity between the film that was envisioned and the end result.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he fills in Steve Rogers's shoes as the new Captain America. After becoming involved with President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), he becomes entangled in a sinister plot organized by mysterious forces. With the help of Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), Sam is forced to unravel a web of dark secrecy, and reconsider his alliances along the way.

The biggest problem with Captain America: Brave New World is the struggle with its own identity - it simply doesn't know what it wants to be. The film juggles elements of drama, comedy, and thrill, but at no point does it choose which one to truly pursue. After watching the film I couldn't tell you if it is a political thriller or a buddy cop comedy. The clash of these genres is what brings this film down. The film begins in a certain style, but shortly segues to a scene of COMPLETE contrast to the previous feeling. The viewer never gets comfortable with a certain idea, or a certain vibe, because it quickly transitions to something completely out of left field.

The film has some truly great components, like many of the characters, starting with Anthony Mackie's Captain America, who just kills it in this role. After a trilogy of Steve Rogers' Captain America films, and after retiring from his role as the Falcon, he finally receives the big screen spotlight. Mackie clearly gives it his all, and effortlessly embodies this hero we all know and love. What is fascinating about his character is his struggle to adopt the mantle of Captain America. He has a kind of imposter syndrome, which makes him feel unworthy of the title. What is so wonderful is his journey to discover what it means to be a hero, what it means to be put on this godly pedestal, and what it means to be Captain America. At his side is Danny Ramirez's Joaquin Torres who fills Sam Wilson's shoes as the new Falcon. A huge running theme in this film is the 'buddy cop comedy,' which is well executed. This pair has personalities that excellently counteract each other, and their dynamic is great. Whenever we see them together, they are a thoroughly enjoyable team. The MVP though is Carl Lumbly's Isaiah Bradley, who delicately drives the dramatic narrative of the film. His character is utilized very well, because, not only is he central to the main story, but he is used to propel Sam into the right direction as a hero. Lumbly captures the essence of a man who is out of his time, broken by his past. Unfortunately, the film's downfall is that the character department of the villains feels undercooked. Tim Blake Nelson has a role that many (including myself) were excited to see. Returning from 2008s The Incredible Hulk, he is given a very intriguing position here but his character is a huge let down. Also, Giancarlo Esposito makes a long-awaited debut into this world and frankly, his talent is wasted in a role of little importance to the story. The same can be said for Harrison Ford's President Thaddeus Ross. Ford gives a great performance, but it is undermined by a lackluster script that just doesn't develop his character. The three feel more like mere "villains of the week," than villains that carry weight and nuance. The actors' performances are very good, but their characters are ineffective. In the end, I found this film to be ultimately unsatisfying. It works too hard trying to tie together elements of previous Captain America films while neglecting its own story. This film is so focused on being part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, that it falls short capturing our interest in its story. It is an undeniably enjoyable watch, but ultimately it lacks much substance.

The film's message is about the value of heroism in our world and what it means to be a hero. Sam Wilson is distinct from Steve Rogers in that he has no superhuman abilities; he is merely a man fighting for the good of his country, and the preservation of humanity. He is the epitome of resilience, bravery, and patriotism, never hesitating to jump into harm's way to fight injustice.

I give Captain America: Brave New World 2.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.

By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Captain America: Brave New World is perfect in so many ways. It is awesome to see so many characters from the early comics brought into The Marvel Cinematic Universe. From Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) to other characters like Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), it is fun to watch Marvel Studios bring the whole Captain America group together in this fantastic movie.

Captain America: Brave New World centers around Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who is struggling to uphold the mantle of Captain America. Disaster strikes in the form of a mysterious, new villain who controls the minds of innocent people. Along with the help of Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), Captain America works together with the government to take down the new villain. But if this new villain can really control minds, who can Sam trust?

This new entrant to the MCU opens up a lot of new storyline potential. While the story is great and the acting is awesome, the villain leaves a little to be desired. I love the idea of mind control, but Samuel Sterns' character doesn't go far enough to make him feel like a super-villain worthy of our new Captain America. Also, for some Marvel veterans, this may feel more like an Incredible Hulk sequel than a new Captain America. Don't get me wrong, this movie has lots of great moments, like when Sam fights the Society of The Serpent and does some crazy stunts. Speaking of stunts, this film has some awesome moments of acrobatic genius that I couldn't even process until Cap had cleared out every bad guy in the room. Sam struggles to prove he is Captain America and his friend Bucky Barnes gives him something to think about saying, "You are a human being, you do your best. Steve gave them something to believe in. You give them something to aspire to. He gave you that shield not because you are the strongest, but because you are you." This heartfelt quote stuck with me after the movie.

This film's message is that, even when you have regrets about your past, you can change and be a better person. This movie includes themes of friendship, love, and pushing yourself to be your best. Parents should note that Captain America: Brave New World includes minimal gore and frequent comic book-style violence.

I give Captain America: Brave New World 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The movie comes out in theatres on February 14, 2025.

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror 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. 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.

By Josephine K., 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.

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.

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

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.

I give Allison Wonderland 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Its release information is not available yet.

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

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror 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. 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 50th 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 is available on Apple TV+ now.

Description:

When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together -- and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.

The storyline is about a highly ranked officer (Peter Hastings) and his dog, who have an unfortunate accident while trying to detain a very evil cat (Pete Davidson) and must be combined into one being. Newly formed Dog Man has to learn how to live a life meant for both humans and animals, while also trying to impress the police chief (Lil Rel Howery). As time goes on, Petey, the evil cat, creates a clone of itself, Lil Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), who ends up playing a crucial part in showing how love is important, no matter who it's for.

The animation in this film immediately stands out - it looks like a 3-D comic book, but moves. These images are created by an entire team of people, including Paul Phippen and Aymeric Arnaud, the lead DMP artists. What makes this animation so amazing is that it includes certain features that would normally be seen in print comic books such as a pencil-like stroke, or words coming out of a person's mouth. These features truly strike the movie as an adaptation of an incredible comic book franchise. Of course, the animation is perfectly paired with the music, which is another thing that is noticeable to the audience. The orchestra, led by Jill Streater, is wonderful at conveying emotional scenes and leads the audience to feel deeply for the characters. The music was created by Tom Howe, and he nailed it. When a scene is sad, the orchestra is quiet and somber; when the characters are happy or excited, the music is upbeat and fast. These carefully thought out music choices make Dog Man all the more better.

The film's message is that no matter how evil one can be, a little bit of love goes a long way. Dog Man is very successful in leading others to be more empathetic to those who might need extra care.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Dog Man can be found in theatres beginning January 31, 2025.

By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I'm surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey's comics brought to animated life.

Dog Man starts with a police dog named Greg and his human partner, Officer Knight (Peter Hastings) who are dedicated to keeping their community safe. All is normal until an accident occurs where the two must go through a wacky surgery, which fuses them together to create the amazing Dog Man! While showing off his classic dog skills, such as playing fetch, Dog Man must also protect the city from Petey the Cat (Pete Davison), who hatches a sneaky cloning scheme. With all the craziness, we meet the lovable and adorable Li'l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) who forms a surprisingly amazing friendship with Dog Man. Eventually, a new common enemy makes Dog Man and Petey realize they must team up, setting aside their differences to tackle the challenges ahead.

Loving the Dav Pilkey books the way I do, I adore how the art style and the script of this film - they capture the wackiness of the books. I commend the director, Peter Hastings, for his outstanding work and also for Dog Man himself. The film truly is designed in such a way to appeal to the target audience, fans of the original books. It really holds true to the comic book series and its goofy nature. My favorite part is when Li'l Petey is taken hostage by the surprise villain known as Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais), which leads to Petey the Cat unlocking his inner good and teaming up with Dog Man. I also like when Petey buys a cloning machine off the internet and has a bunch of silly problems that lead to the creation of Li'l Petey.

The film's message is that everyone has good in them; it just needs the right person, or kitten, to be unlocked. This film contains very slight profanity, but is otherwise okay.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find it in theaters on January 31, 2025.

By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Description:

This animated series follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we've ever seen and a style that celebrates the character's early comic book roots.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a compelling new series on the early life of Peter Parker. It is created in a classic comic book animation style, making it something old that new fans can enjoy. The music is perfectly in sync with the story at every crazy twist and turn in this fantastic return to form for the Spider-Man Universe.

This ten episode series follows Peter Parker as "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" cruising the streets and teaching the villains that he encounters what happens when you mess with his hometown of New York City. However, when teaching these lessons, he gets caught up in some shady business that leads him to come into contact with his first big villain. The show has a legendary finale you don't want to miss!

The show's music, by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, is enough on its own to make it a must watch. When you add the great storyline and characters, such as Harry Osborn (Colman Domingo), The Scorpions, and the mysterious inventor (Hugh Dancy), to the mix you get something timeless. The actor who voices Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) is terrific at taking this well-loved character and making it his own. The show incorporates characters from the early comic series in new and interesting ways - which kept me, an avid fan, on my toes. Spider-Man without comedy is unheard of, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is no different. It has great comedic timing and one liners that make it an instant classic.

The main message of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is to always be yourself and push yourself to do your best. The series shows the importance of friendship, standing up for yourself, and working hard. Parents should note that this show has minimal gore and includes infrequent, but noticeable, cursing.

I give Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on January 29, 2025, with the remaining eight episodes being released weekly in groups of two or three until February 19, 2025.

By Jackson N, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

I like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man because of the graphics and the cliffhanger at the end of each episode. I also enjoyed the emotional part of it and how Spider-Man is so thoughtful of his friends.

This action-packed TV series explores the early years of Peter Parker (Hodson Thames) as he discovers his Spider-Man super powers. Spider-Man always protects the city, even if his life is in danger. Peter is a typical teenager dealing with common issues such as school work, friends and the pressures of trying to be everywhere and do everything that is expected of him. But he's smart in figuring out how to balance everyday life with the responsibilities of a superhero.

I really enjoyed learning more about Peter's background. That's why he's my favorite character. He always wants to be everywhere at the same time, which is another reason why he is my favourite superhero. Peter is also very smart. The supporting characters are well-developed and help us better understand Peter's personality and background. These include Peter's aunt, May Parker (Kari Wahlgren), and his best friend, Nico Minoru (Grace Song), who is really funny. Other characters help in creating interesting subplots and conflicts. These include Harry Osborn (Zeno Robinson),the co-owner of Oscorp lab who helps Spider-Man design his suit; Lonnie Lincoln (Eugene Byrd); Daredevil (Charlie Cox); Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo). The graphics are fast-paced and realistic, making the audience feel a part of the action. Another notable element of the series is the cool costume design, which evolves from comic to the current style. Cliffhangers at the end of each episode add to the excitement. In addition to his super powers, Peter reveals a kind and thoughtful side of his personality in how he cares for his friends. One scene that stood out for me is when Peter fractures his arm.

The message of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is to avoid negative thoughts when facing challenges; encourage yourself, lift your soul up and be courageous like Spider-Man. Spider-Man always acts courageously, whether he's risking his life to fight criminals or trying to balance responsibilities as a student, friend and superhero.

By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Description:

"Eva the Owlet" stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way!

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Eva the Owlet is a cute series for younger kids and I am excited to talk about Season 2 because I like this show a lot. It is imaginative and centered towards family which makes it endearing to watch.

Eva, a little owl with a big family, lives within the woodland world of Treetopinton. She is lucky enough to live next door to her best friend, Lucy and together they go on adventures, take care of her baby brother, and make notes about all of it in her journal, which encourages young viewers to follow along.

The second season follows Eva, the middle child of the Owl family. Eva is voiced by Viviane Rutherford, a young actress whose voice inflection conveys emotion perfectly. This cheeky Owlet reflects on her days by writing in her diary where she contemplates the importance of friendship, happiness, and sharing feelings with someone or something. One of my favorite things about the second series is that there are tiny projects Eva does that are totally doable with your own family - like making superhero acorns or moon wishes for summer solstice.

The show's message, which comes from the original books, book series, is about how doing good for others makes you happy. There is a lot of focus on helping others, appreciating your family, and being creative with your friends. It inspired me to do those tiny bits of good that make a big difference to someone else. Maybe I will even start to journal!

Eva the Owlet: Season 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 5 or anyone young at heart. Eva the Owlet: Season 2 premieres on Apple TV January 24, 2025. Until then, catch up on the now available season one.

By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Description:

Full of Paddington's signature blend of wit, charm, and laugh-out-loud humor, Paddington in Peru finds the beloved, marmalade-loving bear on an exciting, high-stakes adventure. When Paddington discovers his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the wilds of Peru to look for her, the only clue to her whereabouts a spot marked on an enigmatic map. Determined to solve the mystery, Paddington embarks on a thrilling quest through the rainforests of the Amazon to find his aunt...and may also uncover one of the world's most legendary treasures. The third Paddington film stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, and Ben Whishaw returning as the voice of Paddington.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Paddington in Peru is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that delivers all the charm, humor, and warmth that fans of the franchise have come to love. This delightful sequel takes audiences on an exciting journey filled with mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic, all wrapped in stunning visuals and engaging storytelling.

The story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he sets off on a thrilling adventure to the jungles of Peru after discovering that his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family by his side, Paddington embarks on a journey through the Amazon rainforest, uncovering hidden secrets and stumbling upon a legendary treasure along the way.

As the Paddington and his entourage navigate the lush landscapes and face unexpected challenges, Paddington's signature kindness and optimism shine through. Ben Whishaw once again brings Paddington to life with his endearing voice performance, capturing the bear's innocence and unwavering spirit. The Brown family, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, Samuel Joslin, Emily Mortimer, and Madeleine Harris and the rest of the talented cast add warmth and humor to the story. The breathtaking cinematography showcases the vibrant and lush beauty of Peru, making the film visually captivating. The use of practical effects and CGI seamlessly blend to create a world that feels both whimsical and immersive. My favorite part of the film is Paddington's heartfelt reunion with Aunt Lucy. The emotional depth in this moment is beautifully handled, reinforcing the film's central themes of love and family. The adventure sequences, infused with humor and thrilling moments, kept me engaged, while the touching relationships make the story deeply resonant.

At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family--both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages. There is no inappropriate language or concerning behavior, making it a perfect choice for young audiences.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults sure to enjoy it as well. This film will be out in theaters on Valentine's Day on February 14, 2025. By Ashleigh Clyde, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Paddington in Peru is the third Paddington movie based on the classic children's books written by Michael Bond. While sequels are often a let down, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline - making it the best of the Paddington series to date!

Paddington in Peru is a story about Paddington going back to his homeland of Peru to see with his Aunt Lucy. Once he arrives, he finds out that she has disappeared. From there, Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, go into the Amazonian jungle to save her. They encounter many interesting animals and people along the way.

Along with the Aunt Lucy adventure, this movie also shows us Paddington's origin story - taking us back to when he was a cute baby bear who first finds Aunt Lucy. The animation used for the bears is so adorable and fun, especially when they mix it with the live action aspects. It blends in seamlessly and makes the movie fun for kids and adults. I enjoyed the various animation and filming effects, like early in the movie when Mrs. Brown makes a painting that comes to life to help tell the story of how the Brown family is changing as the kids become teenagers. Paddington in Peru has some beautiful scenes of the Peruvian landscape and cool scenes in London that made me want to book trips to both places! Paddington in Peru has great characters who are expertly acted, including some new faces like Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) and favorites from the movies series Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) and Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville). The amazing star power makes Paddington in Peru a surefire hit.

The main themes of Paddington in Peru are to embrace who you are and that it's okay to have many places you call home and many people you call family. This movie includes positive messages around the dangers of greed and the importance of teamwork and putting family first. Parents should note that this movie includes some scenes of peril for Paddington and his family and some mildly scary scenes in the forest.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Pack your bags and grab a marmalade sandwich and join the adventure with Paddington in Peru. Get ready for running, jumping and a lot of giggles with our favourite talking bear!

This story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) after he receives a letter from a Nun (Olivia Colman) in Peru saying that Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has been acting a little different. The Brown family (Emily Mortimer, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Hugh Bonneville) all fly to Peru and the find out that Aunt Lucy has run away, so they get on a boat with a teenage girl (Carla Tous) and a man with VERY greedy ancestors (Antonio Banderas), without knowing the wild adventure they are about to experience.

This film is the perfect balance of animation and live action acting. It is amazing and funny at times, like when Paddington tried to sleep in a hammock. I think we all know what's going to happen -- a bunch of crashes. This story is very interesting and it is not a remake; this is a new story very different from the first two movies. We also see Paddington's iconic hard stare when he thinks people are being unjust. Dougal Wilson directs this film and brought a lot to the table. He was responsible for developing the script, the storyboard and working with the set designer and cinematographer. I love that he traveled to Peru in 2022 to research the country and bring in as much Peruvian culture as possible. And, the Cuzco and Machu Pichu sequences were actually shot in Peru. The music by Dario Marianelli definitely enhances the adventure in the film and the animation, directed by Pablo Grillo, makes it feel like Paddington is real. They use a combination of stop motion animation of Paddington combined with a 3D puppet. All in all, this movie is quite amazing and as good as both of the original Paddington films. My favorite scene is when Paddington uses his special umbrella as a parachute; that scene is magical and captivating.

The film's message is that you can't always be forced to do something that other people have tried doing and family is always important.

I give Paddington in Peru 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. This film will be out in theaters February 14, 2025 so don't miss it!

by Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the brand new Paddington in Peru! This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.

This film picks up where the second one left off, with Paddington (Ben Whishaw) living with his adoptive family in London. However, an opportunity for adventure strikes when Paddington receives a letter saying that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), from Peru, is missing him. The family decides to take a trip to visit, but are surprised to find Aunt Lucy gone when they arrive at her house. One thing leads to another, and Paddington is soon meeting many new characters whilst experiencing one of the wonders of the world firsthand, all in an attempt to find his aunt and reunite with her.

First off, Paddington in Peru has a very engaging storyline. I constantly wondered what would happen next and was excited to discover answers to the many mysteries. There are many newly introduced characters that add even more mystery and curiosity. It's unclear who could be working for the other side, which keeps intensity and suspense throughout the film. It's very exciting to use details and clues to determine which characters are suspicious. Similar to Paddington's first movies, this one has plenty of humor to keep up laughs and smiles in the midst of the adventure. The Brown family's banter, random jokes and sarcasm add a comical side to the film, which captivated me even further. The characters are relatable and entertaining, making this movie an even more pleasurable experience. This aspect of authenticity allowed me to connect with the characters and care about what happens to them. Paddington in Peru has a beautiful appearance as a film. Taking place primarily in the jungle of Peru, the camera shots are magnificent and add so much to the viewing experience. Paddington visits Machu Picchu, which is a stunning location. The combination of Paddington's animation along with the live action actors and scenery is seamless. They appear to clearly be there together and living in the same world, making the film even funnier and more engaging.

The theme of Paddington in Peru is that putting family and those you care about should always come first. Paddington drops everything to help Aunt Lucy in a time of need, showing true dedication and loyalty for someone he cares about. The film also highlights the importance of kindness and having a home. Be aware that there is some mild violence, including use of a gun. There is also a frightening large spider that appears on screen briefly.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can view Paddington in Peru in theaters beginning February 14, 2025. Be sure to stay for the credits - there's a fun surprise at the end!

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

I absolutely adore the movie Paddington In Peru! I am impressed by the structure of the story, and cinematography beautifully captures South American wildlife. I had so much fun watching one of my favorite childhood characters return to the screen to embark on his craziest journey yet.

Paddington In Peru follows everyone's favorite London bear, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he explores the forests of Peru in search of his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. Along the way, the Brown family encounters a gold-hungry man named Hunter (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous), who are in search of the lost city of El Dorado. When they find themselves shipwrecked and separated in the depths of the jungle, they each learn a valuable lesson about the importance of family.

The plot twists in Paddington In Peru kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, from Aunt Lucy's initial disappearance to the unraveling of the mystery surrounding Paddington's origin story- and the artifacts in his possession, which are discovered to be ancient treasures. The script keeps the audience guessing throughout the film by making multiple different characters appear to have villainous intentions. Additionally, Paddington In Peru is full of dramatic, high-speed chase scenes that take place on the edges of cliffs and mountains. Fans of the Indiana Jones franchise are sure to love the action and intrigue! One pleasant surprise is that Paddington In Peru also features a bright musical number, which includes a nod to the 1965 classic The Sound of Music. Breathtaking aerial shots of the Peruvian jungles add to the realistic depiction of the film, enhancing the excitement and intrigue surrounding Paddington's expedition. I was entranced by the cinematography, the music, and the ups and downs of Paddington's latest adventure.

The film's message is that money can't buy everything. You can't put a price on the bond a family shares, whether you were born and raised beside them or you found each other later in life. Paddington In Peru also shows how adopted familial ties can be as strong or even stronger than those made by blood. Be aware that the movie contains mild references to drinking.

I give Paddington In Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru comes to theaters on February 14, 2025.

By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Description:

Unstoppable is the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the unwavering love and support of his devoted mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) and the encouragement of his coaches, Anthony fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. But it will demand everything he has, physically and mentally, to achieve his ultimate quest to become an NCAA Champion.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Unstoppable is a moving film based on a true story. It's inspiring and offers an authentic narrative that sheds light on Anthony Robles' incredible life with great acting and a beautiful storyline.

Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) is a wrestler who's missing a leg. He comes from a dysfunctional family as his father is abusive and comes and goes as he pleases. The story begins at Robles' senior year of high school as he is applying to colleges while competing in many wrestling matches. He takes the daring choice to walk onto ASU, one of the top schools for wrestling. Not sure if he has what it takes or not, but with support from his siblings, Anthony makes the team and finds his place. He is faced with the match of his life as he competes with his biggest opponent his senior year of college. To Anthony this match means more than just winning, it is an opportunity for people to look up to him for who he is, not what he's missing.

This beautiful story is accompanied by a fantastic cast. Jharrel Jerome's portrayal of Anthony is the heart of this film. He has such great dynamics throughout the film, which truly demonstrate Anthony's personal and emotional growth, along with his physical growth throughout his training. The stunts are done by Anthony Robles himself, making this film all that more special. Jenifer Lopez, as Anthony's mom (Judy), also delivers a great performance. Her character shows a different side of Anthony's story - together the two actors have a lovely chemistry which is so vital to the story. Micheal Pe�a, who is a Latino Hollywood gem, plays Anthony's coach in the film, and is great as always. Don Cheadle, who plays Anthony's college coach, is another amazing actor who delivers a terrific performance. On the surface, the film seems to be a typical sports drama; however director William Goldenberg allows the story to shine on its own. I love when stories show awareness of unknown heroes; I am unfamiliar with wrestling, but watching this film was so inspiring and uplifting. I also love that it goes beyond being a stereotypical story of an athlete striving to reach to the top. I also really enjoyed the cinematography by Salvatore Totino. The cinematography reflects the way Anthony feels internally - his lows are shown in varied gray and cool tones; his highs are brightly and vibrantly colored, which brings life to his story.

The film's message is to persevere and fight for your dreams. Be aware that there are some violent scenes and strong language.

I give Unstoppable 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It is available to watch now in theaters or on Amazon Prime.

By Zo� C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror 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.

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 Or� (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.

By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror 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.

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.

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Description:

Aardman's four-time Academy Award�-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a brand new epic adventure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. In this next installment, Gromit's concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a "smart" gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master... or Wallace may never be able to invent again!

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is an impressive animated and well-thought out film that took me on a journey unlike any other. From the characters and their development to the animation backgrounds it is a fantastic film.

The storyline follows the character Wallace (Ben Whitehead) as he begins to get a little too dependent on all his inventions. Gromit is concerned that this has gotten out of hand. Gromit's suspicions prove to be valid when a smart gnome that Wallace has created seems to develop a mind of its own. When a figure reappears, ready to execute his revenge, it is up to Gromit to stop him or Wallace may never be able to invent again.

One of the most impressive parts of this film is its animation technique. Wallace & Gromit films all use a style of animation called claymation which is essentially a mix of computer animation and clay models of characters and sets used in the movie. Claymation involves being very careful not to mix the different clays or it could result in the colors of the clay figures being amiss. It is a very long and tedious, yet rewarding process. I also really like the plot. I can't say too much for fear of spoiling it but, the whole story really captured and held my attention. Even from the beginning when all we see is Wallace's numerous inventions. I also really enjoy how they feature a dog as a central character that drives most of the story and yet, he cannot speak. That keeps a bit of a realistic aspect to the story.

The film's message is to always be careful with what you create and trust your gut instinct.

I give Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch this film on Netflix starting January 5, 2025.

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, "Mufasa: The Lion King" enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka--the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny--their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Time to visit Pride Rock once again. Mufasa: The Lion King takes us back to the beginnings of one of Disney's most beloved characters. As a huge fan of the original Lion King, I was thrilled to see the true story of how the great Mufasa came to be.

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the untold story of Mufasa's youth long before he became the king of The Pride Lands. The film follows his journey from a humble and uncertain young lion to the wise, noble leader we know. Along the way, Mufasa forms deep bonds of friendship, faces challenges, and navigates a complicated relationship. As he learns what it means to be a leader, Mufasa discovers that true strength comes from love, loyalty, and doing what's right, no matter the cost.

Mufasa faces a lot of challenges, but he always tries to do the right thing and protect those he loves. Writers Jeff Nathanson, Linda Woolverton, and Irene Mecchi have created a strong storyline that connects the puzzle pieces together to complete the full story of the Lion King and Mufasa. In Mufasa: The Lion King, the characters come to life in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The heart of the movie revolves around Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), who brings warmth and wisdom to the young lion's journey. As the film explores his bond with his brother Scar (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), their complex relationship is highlighted through both voice acting and rich storytelling. A breathtaking moment for me is when a single water droplet freezes in mid-air, perfectly capturing Simba's (Donald Glover) face. It creates an almost surreal feeling, as if time itself has paused, and the film freezes in that very instant, allowing the emotion in that scene to linger. The music does not disappoint in this film either, with catchy, upbeat songs throughout.

The film emphasizes that true leadership comes from being kind, strong, and fair, while also reminding us that sometimes family dynamics can be complicated. The story highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, even when life is tough. The movie focuses on choosing to do what is right, no matter what happens. Be forewarned, there are a lot of fighting scenes throughout the film. While not overly graphic, it can be a bit intense especially for younger audiences.

Mufasa: The Lion King gets 3 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Mufasa: The Lion King releases in theaters December 20, 2024.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I love the film Mufasa: The Lion King! The movie has incredibly detailed animation and provides the message that everyone has a place in this world, and that you don't have to be born great to become great. These morals are conveyed through the dialogue and plot of the film.

Mufasa: The Lion King tells the backstory of the young lion, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), who is separated from his parents and taken far from home. A young Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) gladly takes him into his home, and his mother, Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) raises the lost lion. As Mufasa grows up, he learns how to understand his surroundings and hunt like a female. Eventually, Taka and Mufasa have to leave home together and go on a long adventure, to find the magical land of Milele.

One actor who really stands out to me is John Kani, who voices the all-knowing Mandrill monkey, Rafiki. Kani not only voices Rafiki with passion, but understands his character deeply. John Kani uses timing and volume to truly set in the words of the wise monkey. When saying philosophical things, which occurs often, Rafiki takes his time to ensure that the message gets across to the other animals. Another thing that stands out is the animation; the head of the team being Pascal Blais. One of the first things that I noticed when the movie started is how realistic the animation is. Every piece of fur on the lions' coats, every highlight or shadow, even every small gust of wind that blows the leaves in the trees is so carefully created. The transitions of the film flow smoothly and show how truly talented the animation team is.

The message of this film is that you have a place, and no matter where you come from, you can be something great. Mufasa is very successful in motivating others to take action and be brave in everyday life!

I give Mufasa: The Lion King 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theatres on December 20, 2024.

By Juliana S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror 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. 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 5 tars 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.

Description:

Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 far exceeded my expectations, and proves a worthy successor to the previous two films. Booming with heart, vibrancy and thrill, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 takes the Sonic franchise to new heights. Its impressive action sequences, well-written plot, and exceptional voice performances make for perfect family viewing for the holidays.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sees the return of the beloved blue hedgehog, Sonic (Ben Shwartz), enjoying his life on earth with his friends Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba). Once Sonic is met with Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a seemingly dark reflection of himself, Sonic is forced to defeat Shadow by all means necessary. Enlisting the help of his past foe, evil scientist Robotnik (Jim Carrey), Sonic and his friends are sent on a globe-trotting mission with world-threatening consequences.

Perhaps Sonic the Hedgehog 3's most impressive achievement is its action. Since Sonic derives from the classic video game, these film adaptations are able to bring in some elements we haven't seen before. They elevate the art form of computer-generated action, by introducing some breathtaking game-inspired graphics. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is no exception. With several action set pieces, spanning from Tokyo to London, the film is worth watching for its thrilling cinematography. What I find particularly appealing is how the film plays with color in its characters, especially during fight scenes. We are exposed to an extent of vibrancy that is absent from other films, so it feels incredibly refreshing to witness something that feels genuinely joyful and energetic. As for Sonic the Hedgehog 3's plot, the writing is surprisingly airtight. It's built on a foundation of familiar aspects, like cliched dialogue and predictable plot points, but the way that it reshapes an easily-digestible formula keeps the film enjoyable. While this unavoidable predictability is a given, we are exposed to numerous unexpected and fresh twists, visuals, and characters. The subplot featuring the franchise's brand new character, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), is, by far, the strongest aspect of the film. Powerful and unexpectedly emotional, it paints Shadow as a tragically complex villain, which strengthens the film as a whole. As is standard with the Sonic franchise, the voice performances are superb. Each actor, especially the incredible Ben Shwartz as Sonic, gives an impressive personality to their CGI character. They feel real, not just in the way they physically interact with the environment, but in the amount of character each one has - they have distinct features, as well as distinct personality traits. A standout is the legendary Idris Elba, who creates an incredibly rugged, but loveable character in Knuckles. Knuckles is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining parts of the film, in his impeccable comedic delivery by Elba. By far the biggest standout of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 though is Keanu Reeves' shadow, which Reeves crafts into a deeply multi-faceted villain. Reeves, venturing into voice acting, absolutely steals the show. His performance not only makes Shadow sympathetic, but a truly threatening and fitting villain.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 achieves not only good fun, but cements itself as the best film of the Sonic trilogy. It is heartwarming, uplifting, and sometimes hilarious. Solely restrained by some foreseeable plot elements, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 elevates the landscape of video game adaptations.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 receives 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters December 20, 2024.

By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

I absolutely love this film! Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is beyond funny. It is hilarious. It is laugh-out-loud, knee-slapping, hold-your-belly, funny. There are so many unexpected twists and surprises. Just when I thought I knew what was next, something or someone pops up.

The storyline continues the story of the hedgehog named Sonic (Ben Swartz) and his friends and family, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessy), Knuckles (Idris Elba), Tom (James Marsden), and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). They team up against some old and some new powerful enemies. Of course, Jim Carrey returns as Dr. Robotnik, but he is not Team Sonic's only enemy. Sonic and his team fight against new enemies that are more powerful than expected.

I have watched and loved many of the Sonic movies and television spin offs and this movie is my favorite. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 had me laughing, gasping, and dancing. Most of the characters are pretty funny but mostly, I love Jim Carrey's role as Dr. Robotnik. He is so silly in all of the Sonic movies, but he is twice as funny and silly in this one. He brings double the laughter. The jokes between Sonic, Knuckles and Tails are clever and fun. The new characters add to the comedy and the excitement. I was shocked to see the new characters and the powers they have. Plus their back stories are interesting and surprising. The music is as dance worthy as we expect from the Sonic movies. My favorite parts in the first two Sonic films were Dr. Robotnik's dance breaks. My favorite scene in this one is his dance break as well and, I have to say - he brings it twice as good and silly.

The lessons learned in this film is to be true to who you are. Problems are easier when you're part of a team and, most importantly, you always have a choice to do the right thing. There are a lot of violent fight scenes.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This film opens in theatres on December 20, 2024.

By Eli C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 9

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is an excellent, fast-paced flick. The addition of more colorful characters, a new epic storyline, and multiple plot twists take the "Blue Blur" to places he's never been before.

After the fall of Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) thought that they could finally have a moment of peace. Well, they were wrong. Enter Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a chaos-powered hedgehog with a strong vengeance against Earth. With no hope of being able to defeat Shadow by themselves, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles must partner up with the one and only Dr. Robotnik.

From the start, I could tell that this movie was special. Director Jeff Fowler utilizes the unique personalities of the characters, and their interactions with each other is fun to watch. For instance, when Sonic tells Shadow that he doesn't want to fight him, Knuckles leans over and tells Sonic, "Actually, I would like to fight!" It's hard to pick a favorite thing about this movie. However, I love the scene where the "Donut Lord," Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) sneak into a military base under holographic disguises. Who does Maddie pick to be her disguise? Her no-nonsense sister, Rachel (Natasha Rothwell). When Tom tells Maddie that she needs to add more "oomph" when she speaks if she wants to fit the part, Maddie tells Tom about all the problems he caused Rachel. After she is done, the only thing Tom can say is "Yep that sounds about right." The CGI is really advanced in this film - it is hard to tell what is computer animated, and what is real. The background music and sound effects add a nice touch, and Shadow's mysterious backstory kept me wondering what would happen next. In the beginning the plot is a bit rushed, and it's hard to appreciate the peace and quiet that existed before Shadow arrives. However, the film makes up for that by finding creative ways to tie it together with the previous two films such as showing Wade (Adam Pally), who was the assistant sheriff in the first two films, but is now the guardian of the Master Emerald, an important position granted by Knuckles.

The film's message is to not let anger define who you are. Shadow learns that maybe friendship is better than fighting and, in time, is able to forge a strong bond with Team Sonic. Be forewarned that there is a small amount of profanity.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It dashes into theaters on December 20, 2024. Be sure to stay till the end of the credits. You'll be glad you did.

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

Description:

Showcases rare footage of animal behaviors across 77 species in 24 countries, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability through pivotal life moments like birth, raising families, and finding food.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The Secret Lives of Animals is a compelling docu-series that observes nature's most interesting creatures. It takes a deep dive into the most astonishing mannerisms of animals, complete with powerful narration, a sensational soundtrack, and wildlife cinematography of the highest quality.

The 10-part docu-series follows 77 different animals in 24 countries with nature's rarest qualities, allowing viewers a close-up look at their interactions and their natural habitats. It is chronologically ordered to follow the stages of life, beginning with "Leaving Home" and ending with "Growing Old." At the end of every episode is a special feature, including behind-the-scenes footage of the wildlife photographers in action. The Secret Lives of Animals is narrated by SAG award winner Hugh Bonneville, who viewers may recognize from his roles in Paddington and Downton Abbey, and run by Showrunner Matt Brandon (Planet Earth III).

The cinematography of The Secret Lives of Animals is mind-blowing. Produced for Apple TV+ by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, it features bold shots of raging rivers, and contrasting, calmer ones capturing the very moment a raindrop falls from a leaf. The behind-the-scenes features show us just how careful the photographers have to be to avoid startling the animals while filming, in order to capture the most authentic footage possible. There is also a significant amount of risk-taking that certain shots demand -- for example, the photographers during the "Leaving Home" stage had to approach Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall on the planet, while standing in a boat. While they were required to get dangerously close to the edge, the risk definitely paid off, because what they captured is truly stunning. The angles are varied, and the ways in which the cameras move, such as when they follow the animals on a chase or shoot upwards from a burrow, help build the drama in moments of peak excitement. Instrumentals alternate between peaceful melodies and strong bursts of music, and are combined with incredibly moving narration that works with the viewer's increasing excitement to create a true masterpiece. I found myself honestly appreciating the treasures nature hides in a way I never have before.

The Secret Lives of Animals highlights the intelligence of multiple different species, while illustrating that they are not as different from us, or each other, as we think. For example, the predator-prey cycle shows our collective goal to survive and avoid danger, and featured animals are also observed making friends and raising families, much as humans do. No matter what extravagant or distinguishing qualities they may have (such as fish that can fly!), all animals are united by the desire to survive.

I give The Secret Lives of Animals 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The series comes to Apple TV+ on December 18, 2024.

By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15.

Description:

Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical Moana 2 reunites Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

I thoroughly enjoyed Moana 2 for its breathtaking animation and compelling storytelling. The vibrant visuals and the emotionally resonant narrative make it a worthy sequel to the original.

The film follows Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) as she embarks on an epic journey three years after her first adventure. Prompted by a mysterious call from her ancestors, she ventures into uncharted waters alongside Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and a diverse crew of seafarers. Together, they navigate treacherous oceans and uncover long-lost realms, confronting challenges that test their courage and unity. The stakes are higher; the landscapes are grander; and Moana's determination shines brighter than ever.

What truly sets Moana 2 apart is its rich combination of music, character development, and cultural authenticity. The soundtrack composed by Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foa?i, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear blends contemporary styles with traditional Polynesian rhythms, resulting in songs that are both memorable and deeply meaningful. Auli'i Cravalho delivers a stunning vocal performance that adds depth to Moana's journey, while Dwayne Johnson brings humor and heart again, as Maui. The film also introduces new characters, with actors Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualalai Chung, Awhimai Fraser, and Gerald Ramsey joining the cast and bringing fresh dynamics and humor to the story. Beyond the music and characters, the animation is stunning, capturing the majesty of Oceania with dazzling colors and intricate details. The filmmakers clearly respect and celebrate the cultural heritage they portray, immersing the audience in a world that feels authentic and alive.

At its heart, Moana 2 carries a powerful message: the importance of perseverance and staying connected to your roots while embracing the unknown.

Moana 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 through 12, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on November 27, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Moana 2 has visually mesmerizing visuals, great animation, and a lovely soundtrack. I saw the first Moana when I was eight, so I was very excited to see what this sequel would bring to the table.

The film opens with a call from Moana's ancestors warning her that if she doesn't find the lost island of Motufetu, the story of her people would end. Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) recruits people from her island to sail the seas with her to find Nalo, a power hungry God who believes humans can achieve anything when they are united, which threatens him. Nalo separated all of the people of the sea and hid Motufetu so that he could never be destroyed. Hesitant, Moana takes on this scary journey for the sake of her people.

This sequel doesn't really continue the story from the first film, instead it re-tells the same tale with new characters. It follows the same formula as the first Moana: a call from Moana's ancestors, obstacles in reaching the main antagonist, and the final battle. The storyline is pretty underwhelming; it feels like a recreation of the first film just with better animation, new characters, and new songs. However, what makes this film so enjoyable to watch is all its other aspects. The immersive animation is absolutely enchanting. All of the colors and textures are spectacular; I didn't expect anything less from Disney. The score by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i is also perfect. The soundtrack stuck in my head and raised the bar from the first film's score. The introduction of new characters is also a strong point. Moana's new little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) is just adorable. And the new villain, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), creates some mystery and suspense in the plot. Auli'i Cravalho, as Moana, and Dwayne Johnson, as Maui, still have their powerful duo dynamic. With all these strong aspects this film has so much potential to continue the beautiful story the first film left us with, but unfortunately the plot makes this sequel subpar.

This film explores themes of community, overcoming adversity, and shows how when people come together, they can achieve anything.

Moana 2 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Moana 2 in theatres beginning November 27, 2024.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Moana 2 is one of the best movies I have ever seen. If you liked the first Moana, you're going to definitely LOVE this one. It has even more action, cooler songs, and new characters that will make you laugh. I definitely had the most awesome time watching this film.

In this film, Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) is older, mature, and more adventurous. After getting a call from her ancestors, Moana enlists a new crew Moni (Hualalai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo) and Kele (Daniel Fane) along with the help of Hei Hei (Alan Tudyk), Pua and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to embark on a dangerous journey to sail across the seas of Oceania to help save her island from a huge, powerful storm. As Moana faces new challenges, she discovers more about her ancestor and her true destiny!

The cast of characters is fabulous! Some of the original characters return in this sequel. Auli-i Cravalho Maui reprises the lead role. Maui is back, as himself, and his hair looks better than ever. Be ready to laugh when Maui argues with his tattoos. The new characters, Moni, Loto, Kele, and Moana's little sister Simea have a new spice that entertains the audience the whole way through. One of the best things about the film is its animation. The ocean is even prettier this time, and is so realistic it made me want to jump into the screen and go for a swim. The island looks like a setting straight out of a postcard. Also the constellations are vibrant and look amazing in the beautiful night sky. Last but not least, I love how Moana's hair majestically blows in the wind throughout the film. My favorite song from the film is "Beyond." It is the most wonderful song as it makes you feel brave to undertake any adventure.

Moana 2 has a powerful message of embracing your culture and inheritance. It also emphasizes the idea that, together with others, you are stronger and can do anything. Moana embraces the wonderful ocean life and that shows throughout the movie. Be aware that there are a few scary creatures that might frighten younger audiences.

Moana 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Moana 2 opens in theaters November 27, 2024.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Moana 2 is a new and exciting journey for Moana. This sequel brings her liveliness and bravery back on the big screen, while also representing Pacific Islanders and making them feel seen.

The story follows Moana receiving an unexpected call from her ancestors telling her to restore an island that will connect all the people across the ocean. This journey is more risky than last time -- will she and her crew make it?

The main characters are Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), Moni (Hualalai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo), Kele (David Fane), Heihei (Alan Tudyk) and Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). We see the return of many beloved characters, with the addition of some new ones. It's fun to see some former characters pop up at random times. However, I question whether the addition of so many new characters is necessary -- it almost feels forced. The playful connection between Moana and Maui remains the same, but even at a deeper level as they have matured. In terms of the music, it is very upbeat and energetic, and Moana's voice has improved so much. It's stronger and has so much emotion, which adds to the plot, showing us how strongly Moana feels about taking the ancestor's call. The animation is wonderful; it truly captures the beauty of the islands with its vibrant colors and captures the characters' emotions through their expressive faces. The plot is enjoyable, despite some holes. It's a creative take on Moana's journey, not only to the ocean, but inside herself. She knows the risk of taking this journey, and she especially doesn't want to leave her little sister, Simea. But, she makes a difficult decision and ends up trying to restore the people. This could be a symbol of unity. My favorite part is the beginning, when the villagers are shown - it reminds me of the first movie and is so beautiful because it represents the Pacific Islanders' culture.

The film's message is that there's always another way to solve a problem. A goddess tells Moana that, even when it seems impossible, there's always another way. This gives Moana the motivation to push through and be strong. It also emphasizes the importance of community and sticking together.

Moana 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Moana 2 comes out in theaters November 27, 2024.

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Description:

The childhood adventures of the famous Boonie Bear brothers Briar and Bramble, along with their friends; Vick, Tiki, Herbert, Warren, Violet, Luna Loo, and all the rest. At Pine Tree Kindergarten, under the guidance of the wise owl Miss Olivia and the outdoorsy Coach Mack, the cubs learn valuable life lessons and have a ton of fun along the way.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

If you love cartoons about cute animals that go on wild adventures, then Boonie Cubs might be the perfect show for you. I found myself engaged, intrigued, and happy during each episode.

Boonie Cubs is a TV series about two bear cub brothers, Briar (Nichalia Schwartz) and Bramble (Joseph S. Lambert), who live in the forest and have all kinds of expeditions with their friends Vick, Babu, Tiki, Coach Mack, and several others. Together, Briar and Bramble are hilarious! Briar is the smarter, adventurous, and more responsible brother, while Bramble relies on his brother for help, and is more laid-back and loves to eat. The forest friends all attend Pine Tree Kindergarten and the wise owl, Miss Olivia teaches them math. They also learn valuable lessons along the way while having fun in the forest.

There are four seasons of Boonie Cubs. Each episode is around 25 minutes long, so it can easily hold the attention of younger audiences. The animation is vibrant and detailed, creating a work that feels alive and magical. The forest isn't just the backdrop for the show; it feels like its own character, full of surprises and beauty. Even the bark on the trees has such a strong texture. The detail in the character's faces really gives them each their own special personality. My personal favorite character is the squirrel, Warren, with his emerald green bright eyes. Boonie Cubs provides interesting facts about animals and nature. My favorite fun fact is how fireflies glow. Did you know they need oxygen to light their light? The more oxygen they have, the brighter their light is. I commend the director, Leon Ding, for balancing humor, adventure, and heartfelt lessons in this show, creating a series that entertains while teaching kids about teamwork, kindness, and protecting the environment.

What stands out most about Boonie Cubs is how it combines humor, adventure, and meaningful life lessons all in one series. Together the friends at Pine Tree Kindergarten learn about emotions, nature, courage, friendship, and other important social skills. The dynamic between the characters also sets the series apart. The sibling relationship between Briar and Bramble is relatable for kids with brothers or sisters. They argue and tease each other, but they always come through for one another when it matters most.

I give Boonie Cubs 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. Boonie Cubs is available now on Peacock and other streaming outlets! Go check it out.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Boonie Cubs is a bear-y cute film for younger audiences! It has fun animation, an enjoyable storyline, and adorable characters. Viewers will definitely be tuned in while watching and get to learn important lessons at a young age.

Boonie Cubs is a show for elementary schoolers that follows Briar (Nichalia Schwartz) and Bramble (Siobhan Lumsden) on their journeys throughout their forest along with their friends such as Vick. They all go on small adventures and learn lessons along the way. In Season 1, Episode 1, Briar steals Vick's ax which causes a small feud between the two as Vick tries to get it back. After a while, Briar is then taught the lesson of not taking things from others. Later on in the episode, Briar doesn't have anyone to play a game with because everyone else wants to play with Vick's car. But then Briar is again advised and told to maybe join them! It's a cute episode of life lessons and handling situations.

The main characters are Briar and Brimble as well as Vick, Miss Olivia (Nichalia Schwartz), and the other forest friends! I think that this is such an interesting series considering it's a Chinese animated series that is dubbed in English for a US audience. While you can tell that it was originally recorded in a different language, the voice actors' performances are very good and succeed in making the show appealing. I'm not the audience for this show; it is definitely a show for younger viewers because of how the story develops. It's not too much of an entertainment show, as it's honestly made to inform little kids of situations and the life lessons to be learned from them. But of course, it will keep little kids entertained and watching.

There are many messages to get from this show. Season 1, Episode 1 in particular focuses on lessons such as not taking what's not yours without permission, going in with others instead of pulling them away, and even stepping out of your comfort zone. This is definitely a cute show for parents to put on when they want some free time from their little ones.

I rate Boonie Cubs 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 2 to 8. You can stream Boonie Bears on Peacock now!

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The animated series, Boonie Cubs is fun, full of great lessons, and is very pleasing to watch. I really like it and can't wait to see more episodes.

The show's first episode is divided into two fun stories. The first story introduces us to a boy named Vick who chases a thieving bear, Briar, through the forest. Briar has stolen Vick's ax and he wants it back. Vick finds himself in Briar's world, which is a magical forest with talking animals. After getting his ax back, Vick and his new friends play together and learn lessons. The second story focuses on Bramble bear who is starting his first day of kindergarten and is very scared. His teacher and his new friends include him in fun and games, and soon Bramble is at ease.

Vick and all of the animals, including four bears, two monkeys, a squirrel, a badger, a mole and an owl, are incredibly voiced by just four actors - Siobhan Lumsden, Joseph S. Lambert, Gene Hobes and Nichalia Schwartz - who uniquely bring each character to life. The graphics are so vibrant - it looks as though they are high definition photos that are turned into animation. The snow-capped mountains and the moss growing on the sides of the trees are very realistic, so are the leaves and grass which sway as if they are real. My favorite part of the first story is when Vick meets Ms. Owl. He is afraid of her but after she comforts him with a sweet song, he knows that she is a friend. In the second story, I really like that the classmates include Bramble in their games and it makes him less fearful.

The show has many lessons including: be willing to make new friends and have new experiences; stealing is wrong; it's good to compromise; try to be brave.

I give Boonie Cubs 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. You can watch it on Peacock and other streaming outlets now.

By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Description:

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious princess who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents, the King and Queen of Lumbria, into monsters.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Spellbound is a heartfelt, fantasy-adventure movie about family and what family means. Created with beautiful animation and fantastic songs, there is a lot to love here!

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian (Rachel Zegler), the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria, who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents. The movie is a modern take on a fairytale that uses familiar elements like a kingdom, princess, king, queen, and a spell to express the story of a family.

I like that Spellbound shows unhealthy family dynamics, and the idea that many children view their parents as monsters. Yet for Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), a spell really did transform her royal parents (Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem) into monsters. In making this dark fantasy come true, this transformation makes for a good analogy with tweens and parents. The movie is full of heart, laughter, and family -- all created with vibrant, colorful animation. Every scene is so beautiful that I could not take my eyes off the screen. The characters are all adorable. Spellbound features an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler as Ellian -- the perfect princess with a beautiful voice who is independent and optimistic. I like that in a princess. Nathan Lane voices Sunny the Oracle of the Sun and Tituss Burgess is the voice of Ludo the Oracle of the Moon - they are perfect together. Other excellent cast members are John Lithgow and Jenifer Lewis.

Spellbound addresses what it is that really makes a family -- it is a modern fairytale that combines magical elements with a relatable story about family dynamics and overcoming alienation. I definitely related to this movie and think brings up good healthy conversations. It does tackle tough themes like parents' separation seen through Ellian's eyes and shows a child that blames themself and tries to 'fix' their parents' relationship, but can't.

I give Spellbound 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Netflix starting November 22, 2024.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Description:

Wicked: Part I, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

So many words to describe this film -- Oh My! Wicked is a masterpiece of enchanting visuals, a beautiful score, amazing acting, and it is a timeless tale. As someone unfamiliar with the music and storyline, this film was an absolute delight. Director Jon M. Chu masterfully embeds such great components to make this film truly something worth watching.

The story tells the backstory of the "Good" and "Bad" witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The film opens by showing Elphaba's past. She was born completely green, and considered peculiar in a repellent way as society constantly rejects her until she is welcomed at Shiz University where she meets Glinda. At Shiz, Elphaba is granted the opportunity of new beginnings, and fights back against societal norms as she speaks out for what she believes in. While the two girls are very different, they work together in Elphaba's hopes of meeting the Wizard whom she glorifies. However, after she finally meets the great Wizard of Oz, she realizes what her heart truly desires.

This highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular musical combines a compelling story line, a great soundtrack, and an amazing cast. Cynthia Erivo is perfectly cast as Elphaba, as she vocally, emotionally, and physically embodies her character perfectly. Erivo and Ariana Grande, as Glinda, work so well together and create such a unique dynamic on the big screen. Their chemistry is what really ties this story together. However, the entire cast is packed with tons of iconic actors: Kristin Chenoweth (Wiz-o-mania Superstar), Idina Menzel (Wiz-o-mania Superstar), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and many other extremely talented actors. The sound track is also spectacular; all the songs are the same as the original musical, but hearing them in this film is so satisfying. I've always loved "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," so hearing Erivo and Grande's interpretations blew me away. The cinematography by Alice Brooks is something remarkable. Watching the film I truly felt transported to the Land of Oz and I find it especially interesting how this iconic classic tale truly feels reinvented and brings a new light to the Land of Oz.

The film's message is that people should always chase what their heart desires and not allow the rules of society to prevent them from doing so.

I give Wicked 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Wicked releases in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I love this film! Wicked is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film directed by Jon M. Chu, who brings his signature style and flair to this magical adaptation. At its core, the film tells a story about friendship, courage, and staying true to yourself. It challenges the idea of good versus evil, showing that people aren't always what they seem and that everyone has their own struggles.

Wicked tells a story of how a green-skinned girl named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who everyone thinks is bad, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular girl, become unlikely best friends. It shows how being different can be powerful and how people aren't always what they seem.

Wicked isn't just a movie--it's an experience. Jon M. Chu's direction, a stellar cast, and breathtaking visuals come together to create something truly magical. The performances are outstanding. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has an incredible heart and strength of character. Her journey from being an outcast to embracing her power is inspiring, and her performance of "Defying Gravity" is unforgettable. Glinda (Ariana Grande) is equally captivating. Her bubbly, lighthearted charm balances the story beautifully, and Glinda's evolving bond with Elphaba adds emotional depth. Their relationship is the heart of the film, showing how true friendship can overcome differences. The supporting cast also excels. Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) are portrayed with depth and complexity. Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) commands attention, adding layers of intrigue to the story. Visually, Wicked is stunning. The costumes and set designs are so detailed; they make every scene magical. From the vibrant Shiz University and dazzlingly detailed Emerald City, to small touches like Elphaba's sharp green nails and Glinda's golden locks, the Land of Oz feels alive. The clever use of pink and green throughout the film reflects the contrasting personalities of the two leads. The music and vocals are the soul of the movie and are spectacular. Each song is packed with emotion, from the empowering "Defying Gravity" to the bubbly "Popular." The score makes every moment even more meaningful. Christopher Scott's choreography is big and joyful. It definitely had me "Dancing Through Life." The story's arc is deeply satisfying, exploring how Elphaba and Glinda start as rivals and grow into strong, complex women who redefine what it means to be good or wicked. The emotional highs and lows definitely captivated me from start to finish.

The film has a powerful message about how being different is a strength, not a weakness, and true friendship means accepting others for who they are. It also emphasizes the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult or misunderstood.

I give Wicked 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Wicked opens in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Madeleine H. K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The film Wicked is a fun and fantastical adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The music alone is worth a visit to the movie theater; I can't get the songs out of my head! Also remarkable are the incredibly themed costumes, the dramatic visuals throughout the film, and the acting - they could not have selected a more fitting cast.

The film begins showing the residents of Munchkinland celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda (Ariana Grande) reminiscing about the good old days when she and Elphaba were friends. From there we learn about how poorly Elphaba was treated by both her friends and family as a youth, including Glinda herself. When Elphaba and Glinda realize they are destined to become best friends, that's when the trouble really begins. Together on a trip to Oz, they discover that the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) is not all that he is cracked up to be and each of them must make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives.

Success on Broadway comes down to the music, and this remake does not disappoint. The classic songs throughout the movie are just as good (if not better!) than the originals. I have been singing the songs from the movie since I saw it, especially "Defying Gravity," sung by Elphaba. The extended version in this movie is really fun because it makes a favorite song last even longer than in the play. The costumes are a good mix between the concepts from the 1900s and today's fashion. Elphaba's witch attire is my favorite, but Glinda's pink dress in the movie is also super fun. The ruffles upon ruffles are so beautiful! The casting is also very well done, as the actors all fit their roles so well and are a blend of classic and contemporary performances. Ariana Grande's version of Glinda is so relatable because Ariana is a modern day heroine for many girls. The choice to cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was also perfect because her voice is just fantastic. I also enjoyed Jeff Goldblum's portrayal of the wizard, because he plays good and evil both so well. The colors and visuals throughout the movie are so bright and exciting. The colors of the Emerald City, and the costumes worn by the residents, are so vibrant and pretty to look at.

Wicked has many messages starting with don't treat people differently just because of how they look. For example, Elphaba's skin color is different from everyone else's and, as a result, people treated her poorly because of that. Be aware that there are themes of bullying and exclusion, as well as how babies are welcomed to the world.

I give Wicked 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It opens in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Audrey L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Description:

Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but because she is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, she is not given the same opportunities as her classmates. When a young educator notices her student's untapped potential and Melody starts to participate in mainstream education, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

I love Out of My Mind, based on the novel of the same name by Sharon Draper that is about family and friendship. I love the book and was so excited to learn that they were adapting the book into a movie. The film explores the concept that a person's intelligence and worth are not defined by how they communicate, and that everyone deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their physical limitations.

Born with cerebral palsy, Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) is nonverbal, and she is placed in a preschool level remedial academic program where her greatest source of stimulation comes from listening to Judy Blume audiobooks. When Dr. Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) recognizes that Melody's cognitive abilities exceed what the class offers, she advocates for Melody to join Mr. Dimming's (Michael Chernus) class, which puts Melody on track for the life she has always dreamed of. Best of all, it puts her on a path to receive an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device so she can finally have the opportunity to make friends. But, like her journey thus far, nothing comes easy.

I really like how the film is told through Melody's first-person narrative, with Jennifer Aniston as Melody's voice, since Melody's favorite TV show is Friends. Jennifer Aniston delivers a lot of heart, love, and laughter in the role, which is paired perfectly with Phoebe-Rae Taylor's emotional performance as Melody. I was so invested in watching Melody's dreams come true, but also feeling for her parents Chuck and Diane (Luke Kirby, Rosemarie DeWitt). You can feel the struggle they have been fighting for their daughter's future and wanting what is best for her. I also love the next door neighbor, Mrs. V (Judith Light), who often helps Melody and her family. You can feel the love Mrs. V has for Melody through the screen. Mrs. V has some great moments and she always makes me smile. If you enjoy reading, I recommend reading the book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Also available is the sequel, Out of My Heart, where Melody goes to camp for the first time and Out of My Dreams where Melody travels on an airplane for the first time and visits London.

Out of My Mind highlights the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to see the vibrant inner world of people with disabilities, particularly those who are non-verbal like Melody, who struggles with cerebral palsy but possesses a brilliant mind.

I give Out of My Mind 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Out of My Mind on Disney beginning November 22, 2024.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Out of My Mind is a coming-of-age film about a 12-year-old non-verbal girl with cerebral palsy - she must stand up for herself in order to have the same rights as other kids her age.

The storyline follows Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) who is born with cerebral palsy and can't walk or speak. Although she is extremely bright and understands complex topics similar to those her age, she has limited opportunities to learn more advanced things. All her life, she attended school in the same special education classroom since kindergarten because of her disability. Melody desperately wants the chance to be able to go to school in a regular classroom with other sixth graders. Although her mom Diane (Rosemarie Dewitt) and her dad Chuck (Luke Kirby) are both caring and dedicated parents, they disagree about her ability to learn and survive in a regular sixth grade classroom.

Early in the film, Melody is given the chance to attend a regular sixth grade classroom with a visiting doctor Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) at her side. Melody falls in love with the classroom experience because she can understand what is being taught and also makes a new friend Rose (Maria Nash). However, Melody cannot raise her hand to answer questions because she communicates by pointing to letters or to her surroundings. The classroom teacher, Mr. Dimming (Michael Chernus), becomes frustrated and does not want Melody there. The main plot of the film involves a Whiz Kids competition in which the four smartest kids in the class compete on a national level. However, Mr. Dimming refuses to grade Melody's exam because he does not think she can compete. The movie shows the various obstacles in Melody's way: fighting to stay in the sixth-grade classroom, fighting to be on the Whiz Kids team, and fighting to make friends with other sixth graders and show them she is just as capable and interesting. One of my favorite parts is when Rose takes Melody to the mall -- they laugh and have so much fun together that Rose forgets Melody has a disability. My favorite character is Melody because she is confident and strong in the face of adversity. The cinematography is great and some scenes are shot in an interesting way, such as through a mirror. I also love the upbeat and positive music.

The film's message is that people won't know what you are capable of unless you show them. Melody is brave enough to advocate for herself being in a regular sixth grade classroom, which allows others to see she belongs there. A few scenes demonstrate inappropriate behavior that may not be suitable for young children.

I give Out of My Mind 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Out of My Mind when it releases on Disney+ on November 22, 2024.

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

Description:

St Nick (Gerard Butler) receives a delayed letter on Christmas Eve from the Princess of Hearts. He and his dedicated team of reindeer set off to Wonderland where they're greeted by the mean and miserable Queen of Hearts (Emilia Clarke) who hates all things Christmas... especially presents! Can St Nick, aided by Alice (Simone Ashley), the Mad Hatter and March Hare, show the Queen the true meaning of Christmas and save the day before it's too late?

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland is a mashup of upbeat music, the twists and turns of Wonderland, and the holiday spirit! It's perfect for families and it definitely brought up some Christmas memories for me.

The film follows the story of St. Nick (Gerard Butler) on Christmas day as he gets ready to deliver presents. He receives a last-minute letter from the Princess of Hearts (Eliza Riley) who requests a special present, her own special pet. Despite being warned of the twisted Wonderland by his reindeer, St. Nick goes on a musical journey to fulfill the princess's wish. But on arrival, he has to face the Christmas hating, Queen of Hearts (Emilie Clark) and try to teach her what Christmas is all about.

The main characters are St. Nick, Alice (Simone Ashley), Prancer (Mae Muller) and the Queen of Hearts! I love how the music is super catchy and fits the holiday theme, but it also gives you a little something to dance to. I love the fun combination of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Clement Clarke Moore's poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas." The story is well-developed. The animation is unique, especially since it is not a style you see much today; it's a line-drawn style that is reminiscent of older-style holiday films. I got to speak with Gerard Butler who plays St. Nick, and he told me about how special this movie is for him. It can definitely impact people who may have lost the Christmas spirit and remind them what Christmas is all about -- having a great time during the holidays with their families. Just like the Queen of Hearts who has lost her faith in the holidays and developed a large hatred for them is helped by St. Nick who allows her to feel better and lose her bitterness.

This film reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and allows viewers to become immersed in the happiness and fun of Christmas.

I give The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It is streaming on Hulu beginning November 15, 2024.

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Description:

An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. This animated short film is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020.

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

An Almost Christmas Story is a delightful holiday short that perfectly embodies the magic of the season. This beautifully animated tale, directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuar�n, captures the spirit of Christmas with heartwarming storytelling, impressive animation, and an engaging voice cast. It is a must-watch that will appeal to audiences of all ages, showcasing the timeless values of friendship, courage, and the power of home.

Inspired by true events, the storyline follows Moon, a young owl who finds himself accidentally trapped in a Christmas tree headed to Rockefeller Plaza. Amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, Moon meets Luna, a lost girl, and together they embark on an adventure filled with wonder, laughter, and discovery. Their bond deepens as they navigate challenges and find their way back to their families, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Cary Christopher brings a lively innocence to the voice of Moon, while newcomer Estella Madrigal's portrayal of Luna is filled with warmth and earnestness. The supporting cast, including Jim Gaffigan as the wise Papa Owl and Natasha Lyonne as Pat, adds depth and humor to the story. John C. Reilly's performances of original songs as The Folk Singer infuse the short with a charming musical touch, enhancing its festive atmosphere. The animation, handled by 88 Pictures, is vibrant and detailed, creating scenes that are both stunning and immersive. My favorite part of the film is the breathtaking use of color and lighting. From the glow of the Rockefeller Center lights to the gentle hues of winter, the visuals encapsulate the enchantment of the holiday season. The attention to detail in every frame adds an extra layer of joy, making it a visual treat.

The core message of An Almost Christmas Story emphasizes the importance of resilience and companionship. It's a positive reminder that, even in the most unexpected circumstances, acts of kindness and courage can light the way. The film promotes teamwork and caring behavior, with no inappropriate language or risky behaviors to worry about for younger viewers.

I give An Almost Christmas Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults likely to enjoy it as well. It premieres on Disney+ on November 15, 2024, just in time to warm hearts for the holiday season.

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Description:

After Santa Claus (code name: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world's most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

I found myself going, "Ho Ho Ho" and "Ha Ha Ha," while watching the original Christmas movie, Red One. This hilarious, innovative film has a power cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka and more. It is full of action-packed adventure and comedy.

The storyline follows Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans), a thief who sells information on the black market. Unknowingly, a mysterious buyer recruits Jack to give up Santa Claus's whereabouts. The buyer kidnaps Santa, aka the Red One (J.K. Simmons), and plans to cancel Christmas by punishing everyone on the naughty list. Santa's bodyguard, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), recruits Jack O'Malley to recover Santa before Christmas morning. It's up to Callum and Jack to save Christmas.

Red One has an incredible ensemble cast, including some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Dwayne Johnson brings his signature humor, heart, and action to the magical, larger-than-life role of Callum Drift. Chris Evans's sharp wit and undeniable chemistry with Dwayne Johnson make their unlikely partnership a movie highlight. The memorable performances of J.K. Simmons, Lucy Lou (Zoe), Kiernan Shipka (Gryla), Wesley Kimmel (Dylan), Kristofer Hivju (Krampus), Bonnie Hunt (Mrs. Claus) and Mary Elizabeth Ellis (Olivia) create a holiday adventure like no other. The director, Jake Kasdan, infuses the holiday movie genre with fresh, new, festive, funny, and heartwarming energy. He balances the high-octane action scenes with some tender moments, producing a fun and unforgettable holiday movie. The imaginative characters of Red One are brought to life through the film's CGI and costumes, which create an engaging, whimsical story packed with excitement.

Red One embraces the holiday spirit. The film's message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that you should always look for the good in people. Jack O'Malley becomes an unexpected hero by turning around his past. He gets a second chance to help save Santa and become a better dad. Even with all the action scenes, Red One highlights the importance of family and friends and cherishing those relationships.

I give Red One 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, adults. Red One opens in theaters on November 15, 2024.

By Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Red One is a very action-packed, high-energy film. From talking polar bears to "The Rock" fighting a snowman, the film mixes humor, adventure, and fantasy all together in one. However, so much is happening at once that the plot gets confusing, making it difficult to keep up.

The plot takes us on a wild ride as Santa Claus gets captured by evil villains. A famous tracker and mythical forces team up to save Christmas. Along the way, they get slowed down by many "obstacles" (scary mythological creatures).

The main characters are Callum Drift (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans), Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), Zoe (Lucy Liu) and Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). The two leads, Callum and Jack, have incredible chemistry and they bring distinctive and signature performances of their characters. Johnson and Evans are humorous, but their characters also share a deep life lesson. Callum needs to make a decision about who he wants to be in his life, by continuing to work for Santa or move on. Meanwhile, Jack is trying to repair his relationship with his son. The actors embody their characters well. The camerawork is shaky and messy. In the beginning of the film, I couldn't even focus on the screen for a while because of the camerawork. However, apart from that, the graphics are captivating and add an exciting touch to some scenes. For instance, when Callum, Jack and Santa are fighting the evil witch, she's pictured as this gigantic ogre, and she looks very believable. In terms of the plot, there is so much going on with the characters that, by the end, it feels like there's a lot of unfinished business with all of them. As a result, the events in the story are pretty random and don't add up. Next, the music adds depth by matching the various scenes in the film. For example, when they're going to the evil witch's land, the music becomes dark. Before that, it was lighthearted Christmas music. My favorite part of the film is when Callum very seriously says, "He knows when you're sleeping..." (referring to Santa). The tone in this scene is perfect and it's very hilarious.

The film's message is to choose who you want to be. Callum states, "We choose who we want to be every day, in both small and big decisions." This applies to everyone's life. Be aware that there is mild cursing in the film.

I give Red One 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Red One releases in theaters November 15, 2024.

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Description:

Steve McQueen's Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Blitz is a very intense, immersive war-time drama right from the start. This movie has stunning performances, incredible visual effects and suspenseful scenes.

Blitz is based in Britain in 1940 during World War 2. Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a single mom living with her dad (Paul Weller), sends her nine-year-old son, George (Elliott Heffernan), to the countryside where she thinks he'll be safer away from the bombing occurring in London. Determined to get back to his family, George jumps off his train and embarks on a challenging journey back home as his mother desperately looks for him.

One word to describe Blitz is "jaw-dropping." For the majority of the film, I was at the edge of my seat wondering what could possibly go wrong next. I became very invested in what happened to the characters. However, this film isn't for everyone. At times, it can be very dark, violent, and sad, just as World War 2 was for many millions of people. The pacing and plot may seem somewhat choppy, but this is for a reason. In war, regardless of being on the winning or losing sides, everyone loses something. So, when something starts, it may abruptly end, as many of the scenes in this movie do. As I watched it, one thing I found very interesting was that the music, when the characters aren't singing, seems more fitting for a horror movie, which makes sense as the events during WWII were horrifying. When the characters are singing, which they often do, it feels more cheerful; displaying the hope and comfort that music brings to people. The acting is phenomenal. Saoirse Ronan gives an impactful performance with her beautiful singing voice as well as her fierceness for fighting for what she cares about most - her son! Elliott Heffernan outstandingly captures the defiant nature of his character and I sometimes forgot he is acting. The two of them perfectly portray a relationship between a single mother and her son.

Blitz highlights the importance of family, fighting for your beliefs, and having resilience during extremely difficult circumstances. This movie may not be fit for sensitive viewers as there are many depictions of death, violence, war, racism, and profanity and it is not targeted to young children.

I give Blitz 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on November 8 and streams on Apple TV+ beginning November 22, 2024.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

In 1980s Sweden, an immigrant boy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, identity and love, finding solace in video games and a secret friendship. As he navigates societal pressure, admiration for Prince, and a life-changing condition, he questions where true acceptance lies.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

The View has all aspects of a great movie. It conveys a message to the audience despite being a silent film. This film could be really inspirational to kids and adults who are trying to discover themselves.

The story follows a young boy trying to find connections and belonging through a time where it's difficult for him to have a sense of belonging. He goes on a long journey where he is bullied and made fun of because of his appearances. Through his journey, he discovers himself and his true identity.

This is definitely my favorite film of the week! Its perfect for KIDS FIRST!I like the message of the film. It is about self-discovery and identity and has a huge connection to today's societal issues. The animation is outstanding; it reminds me of classic animated film classics like The Iron Giant or Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The background music is great and fits each scene, helping convey messages through music and emotions. There are also visual effects that convey messages associated with identity and self-discovery. The director adapted this film from a picture book and it is really extraordinary. It is self-funded and produced independently. My favorite scene is at the beginning - I wasn't expecting the background music and character to start the story right away, which was great.

The film's message is that not everyone is the same; being different is unique and desirable.

I give The View 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The View has all aspects of a great movie. It conveys a message to the audience despite being a silent film. This film could be really inspirational to kids and adults who are trying to discover themselves.

The story follows a young boy trying to find connections and belonging through a time where it's difficult for him to have a sense of belonging. He goes on a long journey where he is bullied and made fun of because of his appearances. Through his journey, he discovers himself and his true identity.

This is definitely my favorite film of the week! Its perfect for KIDS FIRST!I like the message of the film. It is about self-discovery and identity and has a huge connection to today's societal issues. The animation is outstanding; it reminds me of classic animated film classics like The Iron Giant or Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The background music is great and fits each scene, helping convey messages through music and emotions. There are also visual effects that convey messages associated with identity and self-discovery. The director adapted this film from a picture book and it is really extraordinary. It is self-funded and produced independently. My favorite scene is at the beginning - I wasn't expecting the background music and character to start the story right away, which was great.

The film's message is that not everyone is the same; being different is unique and desirable.

I give The View 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST!

Description:

When a shy young girl and her outgoing brother come across a mysterious egg, they are shocked when a dinosaur hatches from it. When it gets loose, they have to get to it before a documentary film crew does. Along the way, they meet an older man and barista who know more about where the dinosaur came from and together, they work to get it back to its home so it won't be exploited in our world.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Jurassic Pet 3 is an entertaining family movie that kept me laughing and on my toes until the end. I was immediately engaged with its realistic CGI effects, intriguing storyline and fun wardrobe.

The story opens with Vanessa (Marila Lombrozo) and Jeff (Brooks Ryan) committed to making a documentary about dinosaurs. Meanwhile, a young girl, Madison (Ava Torres) and her brother Ethan (Kyle Rangel) find an egg and are pleasantly surprised by what is inside. Could it be a real dinosaur? They soon find out the answer is yes but then, the dinosaur escapes. They enlist the help of Wendy (Sophie Procter) and Mortimer (Ben Hall) to track down the dinosaur to make sure it doesn't get into the hands of the documentary team before it's too late.

I was drawn in immediately with the realistic opening CGI. I felt like I was looking at actual dinosaurs and couldn't wait to see how the story developed. The writers created a gripping storyline where I wasn't sure what was next in the journey to find the dinosaur. And at the same time, I couldn't stop laughing. The cast has fun on-screen chemistry and are very natural in their delivery. One of my favorite parts is the scene where they go to the theater and get in with a silly made up story. The wardrobe really caught my eye. I love Wendy's outfits as they perfectly match her bold personality. And Madison's couture at the beginning of the movie really captures her as a caring and curious kid. There are quite a few short falls in this movie - some scenes drag on and are not truly needed for the overall storyline. Also, as the movie develops, the CGI decreases in quality and it doesn't quite live up to what it is at the beginning.

There are a few important messages in the film - nature should be preserved and animals should be handled with care at all costs. Even when a situation seems impossible, if you work together, you can solve any problem with a little humor and fun.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 3 out 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It releases on VOD and streaming November 19, 2024.

By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

I really enjoyed Jurassic Pet 3 because it is a fun and adventurous movie that kept me hooked from start to finish!

The story begins when siblings Madison (Ava Torres) and Ethan (Kyle Rangel) receive a mysterious egg from a man who is hit by a car. The man tells them to deliver the egg to Wendy Jenkins (Sophie Proctor), but before they can do that, the egg hatches into a baby dinosaur they call Spike, who escapes. Wendy, the mystery man, Madison, and Ethan work together to find the dinosaur and bring him back through the portal to the dinosaur realm where he belongs. They quickly realize they have to hide Spike from the public, and things get more complicated when a film crew comes to town and captures him. The crew wants to exploit Spike for profit, which creates a lot of problems for the four of them.

One of the best things about Jurassic Pet is the adventure. It's not just about finding a dinosaur; it's about keeping Spike hidden and safe while figuring out how to get him back to his home in the dinosaur realm. Our heroes have to think quickly to keep Spike a secret from the townspeople and the film crew who want to use him in their movie. There's a lot of suspense as they try to hide him, especially when Spike gets bigger and harder to keep out of sight. The adventure really picks up when they have to figure out how to get Spike back to his world before it's too late. The idea of a dinosaur realm adds a fun twist, suggesting that dinosaurs didn't go extinct--they have their own world to return to. The mystery of this hidden world keeps the adventure fresh and exciting, making it feel like you're discovering something new with the characters. The background music is great and really stands out. My favorite part is the cliffhanger at the end.

Jurassic Pet 3 is a fun and lighthearted movie that blends adventure, humor, and a little bit of mystery. It has a lot of heart. If you enjoy movies with creative storylines, this is the film for you. The movie's message is that all living things deserve respect.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It will be released on VOD and streaming on November 19, 2024. I hope you enjoy it!

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

Jurassic Pet 3 is a delightful adventure that captures the imagination with its heartwarming story and engaging characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the film's blend of humor and excitement, which kept me entertained from start to finish.

The film follows a shy girl named Madison (Ava Torres) and her outgoing brother Ethan (Kyle Rangel) who stumble upon a mysterious egg in their backyard. To their astonishment, the egg hatches into a small dinosaur, sparking a whirlwind of chaos and excitement. As the siblings try to care for their new pet, they must also evade a team of ambitious scientists determined to capture the creature for their own nefarious purposes. With time running out, Madison and Ethan embark on a thrilling journey to return the dinosaur to its rightful home, navigating obstacles and learning valuable lessons along the way.

What sets Jurassic Pet 3 apart is its charming portrayal of sibling dynamics and personal growth. Madison's character arc is particularly resonant; her journey from timid to courageous is beautifully depicted. The film deftly balances lighthearted moments with deeper themes of friendship and responsibility. The special effects used to bring the dinosaur to life are impressive, creating a believable and adorable creature that audiences will root for. The humor is cleverly woven throughout, appealing to both children and adults, making it a family-friendly film that invites laughter and wonder. Additionally, the soundtrack complements the action perfectly, enhancing the emotional beats without overshadowing the story. Overall, Jurassic Pet 3 is an engaging and heartwarming film that combines adventure, humor, and a touch of nostalgia, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next escapade.

The film conveys the message that courage and teamwork can help overcome any challenge.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 through 12. This film releases on VOD and streaming on November 19, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Roar, get ready to be amazed! Jurassic Pet has come back in Jurassic Pet 3, but we have a problem, another dinosaur has entered earth. What will they do?

The story follows a shy girl, Madison (Ava Torres), with her outstanding brother (Kyle Rangel) who see a man (Ben Hall) get hit by a car and give a bag to the kids with a dinosaur egg inside. Before you know it, the egg hatches a dinosaur. Meanwhile, a very confident film crew comes along, looking for dinosaurs and claiming that they will have a special event.

This movie is very funny, energetic and suspenseful. When I watched it, I was at the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. I love the sets by Steve Maddox and the costumes by Valerie Parker are outstanding. I love the CGI and how the dinosaurs are animated. The acting is quite real and expressive, especially Ava Torres as Madison. The movie is so funny, especially when the two men are interviewed. Oddly enough the scene when the car hits a man and the driver starts panicking, is hilarious. The tree house scene is my favorite part because this is where the egg hatches and that is where a big chunk of comedy happens. I also like the film crew because they make the movie funnier and very interesting.

The film's message is that even though you like something, if it does not belong here you still have to let it go.

Jurassic Pet 3 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This movie will be available on streaming and VOD beginning November 19, 2024.

By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Description:

Tired of family chores, and only caring about his gifts, a teenager wishes a little too hard and accidentally makes Christmas disappear! As the only one who remembers its existence, it's now up to him to bring the holiday back to the world and learn the true meaning of Christmas.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Saving Christmas is pure entertainment and kept a smile on my face until the end! It could easily be the next holiday classic. I like the juxtaposition of funny moments, with more deep and heartwarming ones. All of the visuals and acting are engaging and definitely draw you in.

The story starts with a glimpse at a typical teenager, Nick (Ricardo Ortiz), who is annoyed that his computer isn't working and he could care less about Christmas. Meanwhile, his family is passionately preparing for Christmas and, despite Nick's lack of enthusiasm, they make him participate. Nick is shocked while putting up the lights and awakens only to discover that his family has drastically changed and Christmas has disappeared. With tables turned and as the only one who remembers its existence, Nick enlists the help of his best friend Ben (Josh Zaharia) to help him save Christmas and bring the magic of the holiday back to life for his family.

This film definitely kept my attention and I stayed curious wondering what was next in this crazy adventure. Richard Ortiz, as Nick, has great comedic timing and is very relatable. I couldn't help but root for him in his fight to save Christmas. It is so touching the great lengths he goes to get his family into the holiday spirit. The camera work is terrific with seamless transitions that make it easy to watch. The sets and props look so realistic and typical of everyday life by a middle class American family. I also enjoyed the costumes, especially when they dress up for Christmas as each outfit s personalized for each member of the family. My absolute favorite costumes are his sister Jojo's outfits and her hair styles bas they perfectly match her personality. We quickly see the fun relationship that Jojo and Nick have as well as the bond between all of the family members .I love how Nick uses simple items like pom-poms and candy canes all around and his family loves them. It really shows how much he adores his family and the strong bond between them. I love seeing the actors get into their different characters both with and without Christmas. The one shortfall is that the supporting actors didn't quite stand up to the dynamics of the main characters. Also, I was not so fond of the background music in some scenes and in a few spots the lip movements are out of sync with the person speaking.

The film's message is to always be grateful for what you have and to appreciate loved ones. It highlights the true meaning of Christmas and how traditions bring us joy. It also reminds us to never give up when we are faced with a challenge, especially if we are fighting for something we truly believe in.

I give Saving Christmas 4 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This film premieres on VOD and streaming on November 5, 2024.

By Adele B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Saving Christmas has everything I would expect from a Christmas movie, and some things that I didn't. Humor, charm, and the holiday spirit give this movie an original Christmas feel, but the mystery and dual reality make it enjoyable not just in December, but throughout the year as well.

Nick Baker (Ricardo Ortiz) is a 16-year-old boy whose only goals in life are to make movies, and open presents. So when his Mom (Casey James) tosses a thousand and one Christmas chores his way, he wishes for Christmas to disappear. To his surprise, it actually does, and with it, all the joy and opportunities Christmas provides, drastically altering the lives of those around him. Now, as the sole person who remembers the holiday, Nick must find a way to restore the season, and return Christmas to its former glory.

My favorite character in the film is Nick's best friend, Ben (Josh Zaharia). No matter what crazy idea Nick has, such as Christmas, Ben tries to find the positive in it. When Nick is late for a film group meeting, Ben tries to reason with the other members, telling them that Nick must have a reason for being late, and not to kick him out of the club. Nick's family is quite interesting. Each member of their clan brings something different to the table. When Christmas is forgotten, the way they change is fun to watch. Nick's younger sister, Jojo (Ella Wejr / Ellexis Wejr), goes from being a regular girl who loves the atmosphere of Christmas, to a professional, business women who is president of the debate club. Some parts of the film are kind of hard to understand, and make it slightly confusing. For example, in the beginning, we see Nick having the time of his life on his computer, but the montage ends and we see him sleeping at his desk. At first I thought that he only dreamt the whole thing, but later we learn that he often works during the night, as it "brings out his creativity." Some parts are kind of corny, but nothing that detracts it as a good holiday movie.

The film's message is that it is better to give than receive. Before Nick erases Christmas, he is on the receiving team when it comes to gifts. But once the holiday is gone, he sees how he took the kindness of others and everything they did for him for granted. Be forewarned that there is a bit of profanity in this film.

I give Saving Christmas 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Saving Christmas flies into theaters on Nov 5, 2024.

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

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.

By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Description:

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.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror 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.

This movie is based on the true story from 1939 about 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.

Description:

Based on the best-selling children's books by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), this show follows an adventurous 10-year-old girl named Max who embarks on a quest with her newfound friends to save the Kingdom of Byjovia from ominous forces. Throughout the series, Max leads the rest of the Midknights on challenging quests filled with all-new original songs. After King Gastley steals the throne and forces an unjust rule on the Kingdom of Byjovia, Max must come to the rescue to overthrow the power-hungry foe. With her friends and Uncle Budrick by her side, Max's courageous spirit won't back down no matter how difficult the quest gets.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

This hilarious and action-packed animated series is an absolute blast for viewers of all ages! Max & The Midknights brings medieval adventure to life. I love how the show combines humor, excitement, and a heartfelt message in a way that captivates both kids and adults. The high-quality animation and clever storytelling make this a must-watch.

Max & The Midknights follows the journey of Max (Blu del Barrio), an adventurous ten-year-old girl with a big dream: becoming a knight. She leads her friends on thrilling adventures in a fantastical medieval kingdom -- battling zombies, outsmarting evil sorcerers, and even taming dragons. Max's determination and bravery drive the story, making each episode full of surprises and laughs, while teaching valuable lessons about courage and friendship.

The voice acting is top-notch, with a cast that brings the characters to life in a truly dynamic way -- including Blu del Barrio as Max, Melissa Villase�or as Millie, Zeno Robinson as Simon and Caleb Yen as Kevyn. Max is voiced with a perfect mix of sass and sincerity, making her a standout lead character. The 3D animation is stunning, especially during the action sequences, which are full of sword fights, magical duels, and explosive moments. The world of Max & The Midknights is colorful, immersive, and full of detail, making each scene feel like a mini-movie. One of my favorite parts is the series' use of humor. The show is genuinely funny, with plenty of clever jokes that will make both kids and adults laugh. Max's imagination also plays a huge role in the series, adding another layer of fun as she dreams up wild and creative solutions to the challenges she and her friends face. The combination of humor, heart, and action makes it an exciting adventure from start to finish.

The message of Max & The Midknights is about pursuing your true passions, no matter what others may say. Max is determined to become a knight, despite those around her doubting her abilities because she's a girl. The show encourages kids to follow their dreams and not let anyone tell them they can't achieve their goals.

I give Max & The Midknights 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, though older audiences and adults will enjoy it as well. This fantastic series makes its television debut on Wednesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon.

Description:

The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully...and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

In Emmanuel it's Christmas time and it's time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?

The storyline is about a town preparing for their much awaited 75th Christmas pageant. Unfortunately, the organizer, Mrs. Armstrong (Meriam Bernstein) breaks both her legs, so Grace (Judy Greer) volunteers to replace her to organize the pageant. Hoping to get free snacks, the Herdmans force their way into the pageant, creating chaos all around them and putting Grace under a lot of pressure to replace them. Grace is facing a difficult time to get the pageant going and the final results leave everyone speechless.

I love every character in this movie, especially the Herdmans - Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Mason D. Nelligan as Ralph, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Evan Wood as Leroy, Essek Moore as Ollie, Kynlee Heiman as Gladys. The main characters are almost all kids and their performances as bullies are outstanding, and we also see their vulnerability eventually. There are so many funny moments like when Gladiys jumps and scares the three boys. This movie is based on a best-selling book by Barbara Robinson. Dallas Jenkins's direction shines in the selection of locations, sets, d�cor and acting. The film does switch eras between current and the 1920s.There are a couple of important messages in this movie - a reminder that we should not judge a book by its cover and that everyone deserves a chance to prove what they can do when they feel supported. Be aware that this is a Christian oriented movie presenting the nativity in a very refreshing way. Will it become another recurring Christmas movie? Let's hope so!

I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning November 8, 2024. Check it out.

By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

I like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.

The storyline is about the Herdmans who are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, bully, and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. The film is based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson. It follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for food and walk away with the lead roles in the town's Christmas pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time, and she and her daughter, Beth (Molly Belle Wright), along with her husband Bob (Pete Holmes), are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might just end up teaching the community the true meaning of Christmas.

This movie is full of heart and, although the antics of the Herdmans are outrageous, the behaviors of the church children and adults are humorously familiar. It is an entertaining and heartwarming movie for the whole family at Christmas time. It highlights the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most beautiful nativity scene. The costumes and the nativity scene are exceptional. The setting makes it look just like a barn the night Jesus was born. My favorite part is the ending when the children are acting out the play and the nativity scene. The community comes together and realizes what is really important on Christmas. Judy Greer, as Grace, gives a very believable performance as the mother and director of the church performance. She is patient and loving with her community and all of the children. The children in the film are Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), Claude (Matthew Lamb) Gladys (Kynlee Heiman), Ralph (Mason Nelligan). Speaking of the children, they all give fantastic performances, especially Molly Belle Write as Beth. She is funny and teaches the importance of Christmas and being kind to others. There is so much chemistry between these characters that I could feel it as I watched the film. They all connect to being there for each other, their church and community.

The film's message centers on how people should not be judged, how redemption is important, and how tradition can be altered by perspective. It is important for children to learn the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, and this story does just that.

I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters beginning November 8, 2024.

By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Description:

This lively musical introduction to French invites kids to dance and sing along to playful rhythms from reggae, merengue, and blues to African soukous, country, and more. The album enhances children's language skills as they embark on a musical journey to the zoo filled with French-learning fun!

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Singing and dancing? Sign me up! Wait -- and you can learn French at the same time. I love the new AU ZOO (At the Zoo): French Learning Songs CD. It is amusing, enjoyable, and entertaining in every way. I was having so much fun that I forgot I was learning French at the same time. As soon as the music started, I was up on my feet and didn't sit down until the entire CD was over.

This CD takes the listeners on a journey through a zoo, concentrating on different animals that you might find there including lions, flamingos, ostriches, giraffes, and monkeys, just to name a few, all while learning the French language. Each song has its own concept which acts as a mini-lesson. The songs introduce and repeat vocabulary, which builds language skills bit by bit.

The appealing thing about AU ZOO (At the Zoo) -- French Learning Songs is the creativity of the lyrics along with the fun, upbeat vibe of the music. I found myself humming along immediately to every song that played. I also appreciated the animal noises and sound effects, especially the lion's ferocious roar! The music provides a solid, creative avenue for students to learn the French language. They won't even know they are learning because the songs take the hard work out of learning a new language. The songs do not just focus on animals; they also focus on concepts like holidays, back to school, the alphabet, and dancing. All of these are appropriate for younger audiences, because they are things that young kids are familiar with. Adding another language with content that kids are familiar with in song form helps them easily learn a new language. The CD's animal them emphasizes an appreciation for nature and animals. The repetitive nature of the songs helps the children enjoy a sense of achievement as they learn new words in French. Learning a new language also promotes a sense of openness to accepting other cultures and languages.

The songs on this CD are unusual. The background instrumentals are extremely catchy and definitely had me bobbing my head, clapping my hands, and tapping my feet. There were a few songs that I immediately recognized such as The Itsy Bitsy Spider. The lyrics are selected to help the beginning student learn and understand the French language. The biggest educational benefit of this CD is that it helps even the youngest audiences begin to learn and understand French in a new and exciting way. It engages them to want to learn more because it takes the stress out of learning and makes it less of a chore. The songs are easy to sing along to and remember. The emotional support that Au Zoo offers children is a sense of pride and confidence as they increase their knowledge of French. The CD definitely encourages children to want to practice and perfect the French words they have learned.

Included are 20 quirky, fun, and vibrant songs. They are not long and are repetitive for language learning purposes and fun. It didn't take me long to sing along to most of the songs. Artist, Didier Prossaird does an exquisite job of mixing an instrumental element with lyrics and lively background noises. I truly felt that I was on a safari at one point! Besides the animal songs, songs like Your Birthday, Happy Father's, Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Back to School are included as well. My favorite songs are My Donkey, Have You Seen Fritzi, and Move and Dance. My Donkey is a silly song about a sick donkey who gets a lot of items from the doctor to feel better. And don't worry, the donkey gets better! Have You Seen Frizti had a memorable tune that I really enjoyed. Move and Dance made me want to - well move and dance! Although the songs are geared toward younger children, I found myself engaged and wanting more! Whether you're a young kid or just someone who loves animals and music, this CD makes learning French enjoyable.

I give AU ZOO (At the Zoo) -- French Learning Songs 5 out of 5 �toiles (that's French for stars!) and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. It is available now through online retailers so look for it.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 10

The Au Zoo French Learning Songs CD is an entertaining and creative way to teach the French language to beginners. I enjoyed the wide selection of songs from a variety of genres and found this CD enjoyable from start to finish.

This language learning program teaches children how to speak French at an early age. It has a wide selection of songs about animals from the zoo, foods, and holidays throughout the year, like Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and even the start of school! It uses storytelling and repetition to help listeners learn the language.

This CD is excellent! All the songs are fun and well written. The lyrics include a lot of beginning French words, and the music uses multiple genres. Everything is designed to help beginning French language students learn vocabulary and pronunciation. My favorite song is La Tortue A Faim, which means The Hungry Turtle, and is about a turtle trying to get across a yard. It is extremely catchy and creative, plus it is very educational and has lots of action words and adverbs. This song uses a lot of repetition as well as call and response methods. The singers are quite talented and have very melodic voices that are a pleasure to listen to. The music includes many different instruments, as well as scatting and whistling which fit the songs perfectly and makes them unforgettable. Many of the songs feature children's voices, which is great representation for the target audiences and makes the songs even more relatable.

The CD's purpose is to teach children how to speak beginning French at a young age. It definitely hits the mark for its educational impact while delivering fun and entertaining music.

I give The Au Zoo Learning Songs 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now through online retailers so look for it.

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

Description:

LEGO bricks tell the life story of singer/songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams -- from his childhood in Virginia to his success in the music and fashion industry. Piece By Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO� animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music's most innovative minds.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Piece by Piece is the perfect addition to the LEGO movie franchise. I was so excited for this film since the LEGO movies hold a special place in my heart. I not only grew up playing with LEGOs, and The LEGO Ninjago Movie was my first ever press interview! I love that all the LEGO movies have been so diverse and different. This film is such an innovative approach to the music-documentary genre as it tells Pharrell Williams' life story in the form of LEGO bricks. I absolutely love the music, colors, visuals, storytelling, and so much more.

The film follows the traditional documentary formula -- it starts off examining Pharrell's beginnings. He discovered music at a very young age and instantly felt a strong connection with music beyond just listening to it. He started a band with his friend Chad Hugo who was just as passionate about music; they called themselves the Neptunes. When a record label moved in across the street from them, Pharrell insisted on being heard, and eventually he was. From there his career skyrocketed. He eventually lost himself and his touch as he became obsessed with creating music for people rather than making music for himself. When he reconnected with his sense of self, his career once again went above and beyond. It was Pharrell's idea to utilize LEGOs to tell his story, which I think is such a great choice. The beauty of using LEGOs is that it's free to interpret in any way, and the animators were free to create any world imaginable. The LEGO animation is perfect. I love the sets and other visual creations. Pharrell William is a very important person in the music industry, and I think the choice of LEGOs emphasizes how unique and special his story is. So many other artists have also been a part of his journey -- Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Snoop Dog, and many other artists. The cast is incredible and they all voice themselves. Of course, one of the most important aspects of this film is the score. This film takes us back in time with some of Pharrell's greatest hits. Director Morgan Neville captivates the essence of Pharrell's story while making it interesting, fresh, and new for the audience through a completely mesmerizing cinematic experience.

The film's message is that you can reach any goal you strive for with hard work and perseverance.

I give Piece by Piece 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Piece by Piece in theaters October 11, 2024.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

The Last of the Sea Women follows an extraordinary band of feisty grandmother warriors waging a spirited battle against vast oceanic threats. Often called real-life mermaids, the Haenyeo divers of South Korea's Jeju Island are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor--without oxygen --to harvest seafood for their livelihood. Today, with most Haenyeo now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and way of life are in imminent danger. But these fierce, funny, hardworking women refuse to give an inch, aided by a younger generation's fight to revive their ancestral lifestyle through social media. Peering into what drives Haenyeo young and old, this moving documentary zeroes in on their tight-knit friendships, savvy independence, and infectious sense of empowerment, unfolding into an uplifting tale of women taking on world powers to protect their beloved ocean and inspiring a new generation.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The Last of the Sea Women is a gorgeous, moving documentary about the Haenyeo divers of South Korea's Jeju Island. Haenyeos dive in the ocean harvesting marine life using just their own breath. This documentary is beautiful, educational, and it left me wanting to learn more about the Haenyeos and their way of life. I also love the feeling of sisterhood you get from The Last of the Sea Women.

The documentary follows the Haenyeos, divers who work in a tradition handed down from mothers and grandmothers, as they tackle two main problems. One, the lack of younger Haenyeos to help with the physically hard and dangerous work. To collect seafood, they have to hold their breath underwater for up to 2 minutes and withstand water pressure, starting from a depth of 5 meters that is like a giant blue glass pushing them down. So, when emerging, a diver must break through this "blue glass" with all their strength, repeating this effort 100-300 times per dive. Also, today there are fewer women who risk becoming a Haenyeo. This documentary explores how their way of life may go extinct. Soon-E Kim (historian, Haenyeo tradition preservation committee) says being a Haenyeo is an extremely difficult occupation particularly because it's so dangerous, which is why there are so few now. Young Haenyeos have asked why they can't use an oxygen mask and yet that is not the way of the Haenyeo.

The declining population of Haenyeo is concerning, but these days, no one wants to become a Haenyeo, perhaps understandably: If you try to collect too much in one dive, you'll "eat your breath" (die). And if you go too far out to sea, the waves become much stronger. When you dive down, you can get swept too far out by the current. Death is always around the corner for Haenyeo. Another main concern of the Haenyeo is water pollution due to rising global temperatures which have changed the ocean. Soon Deok Jang, a 72-year-old Haenyeo, says she never saw trash like styrofoam in the sea when she was young - now she sees truckloads.

Directors of photography, Iris Ng and Eunsoo Cho, created a film with powerful images and Justin Turkowski's underwater cinematography brings this story to life - it's stunning. Some archival film clips are included which demonstrate that the Haenyeo have been around for a long time. The Last of the Sea Women's encourages you to be invested in what they see as their calling. And they say that, in the old days, people looked down on Haenyeos, but now they are respected for who they are. The director and producer, Sue Kim delivers a compelling story with the help of the editors, Erin Casper, Yeong-A Kim, and Stacy Kim.

The Last of the Sea Women's purpose is to bring awareness to the Haenyeo and their plight. The film's message is that we need to take care of our planet, including our seas. The message is also to celebrate and learn about different cultures. Near the end of the documentary we see a Haenyeo festival. One of the Haenyeo, Hee Soon Lee explains that the festival is to teach people about their culture and their livelihood so that it is not forgotten.

I give The Last of the Sea Women 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch The Last of the Sea Women on AppleTV+ beginning October 11, 2024.

By Alma K, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Description:

A tender boys' love tale--the final film to shoot in Lahaina, Hawai?i--two high school seniors in rural West Maui live in different worlds ... but soon learn they aren't so different. Starring native Hawaiian Kaipo Dudoit (starring in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch remake) and Jayron Mu�oz.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

My Partner is appealing in many ways. But, before I get started, I have to say that it is riddled with profanity, including the "F" word.

My Partner tells a story of how two groups of high school boys are drawn into conflict defending their cliques and cultures, Hawaiian and Filipino and, through an interesting turn of events, work out their issues and develop a close bond. Assigned to work together as partners on a class project, two of the high schoolers actually become attracted to each other.

The locations are beautiful; Hawaii is shown throughout the film in all its splendor. The actors play their parts well and, yet their stereotypes (jocks and nerds) are not overplayed. The jocks are athletic 'hunks' and the nerds are 'top of the class' smart, but each character is authentic and reveals their endearing humanity as they grew into maturity. Also, the storyline includes many aspects of Hawaiian culture and language that is rarely seen in films. There is also a land ethic theme that adds value to the story. The film does lag a bit and, as a result, feels overly long.

High school movies have a familiar flare that kids can relate to - from the 'hot' teacher gags, to the secrets told at the lockers, how the bully scenes are resolved and how 'enemies' become buddies. Teens would enjoy the things that adults like, as stated above -- the beautiful locations, environmental themes, and the actors. They might also be curious to watch how a same gender attraction expresses itself in a positive way and in a supportive society. The filmmakers play up the physical beauty of Pili (Kaipo Dudoit), using slow motion, and this could make some youngsters uncomfortable, but it feels appropriate to the story line. The humanistic beauty of Pili's and Edmar (Jayron Munoz)'s relationship sets a good example for community and love between same sex individuals.

My Partner is a well-structured film; the story flows at a steady pace; even if it feels a bit slow towards the end. The scene is a modern one, set in rural Hawaii. The Filipino tradition of arranged marriage is introduced, as is one of the Hawaiian agriculture rituals. The film's character development is excellent, and the back-story for the tree main characters, Pili, Edmar and Zach covers three different cultures and economic classes. This draws in viewers who are fascinated with other cultures and attractive people in a new way. Subtitles need to be read when the actors are speaking in various Hawaiian languages. I love that the closed captions include which Hawaiian language is being spoken. Sadly, swear words like 'mofo' and 'bitch' are used and the F-word flows like butter, but otherwise the language is suitable for high schoolers.

Unfortunately the film has an excessive amount of profanity. The F-word seems to flow out of the mouths of these young teen boys and G-damnit is heard once. The attraction that develops slowly throughout the film shows some touch and a kiss between two boys. It is implied that Pili and Edmar sleep together in a tent. They are clothed in their jeans and there is no nudity, but the music has suggestive lyrics of attraction and desire.

The main actors include seven people, but most of the drama is acted by Kaipo Dudoit as Pili, Jayron Munoz as Edmar and Dan Francis Rodriques as Zach. Sometimes what they seem to be doing is 'horse-play' but sometimes the drama is acted out in fights. No blood is spilled and the ganging up on each other is well directed and realistic. The music design is awesome. Hawaiian tunes are used as source music when musicians appear on-screen during the family luau. Modern reggae and guitar discretely seam these scenes together. Some sensual music with lyrics reinforces the attraction that is occurring between Pili and Edmar.

My Partner is a great expose on the cross-cultural aspects of Asian-Pacific cultures in a high school setting. The fresh viewpoint from teenagers on environmental exploitation and hierarchy prejudice - rich vs. poor - is educational and encouraging to see. The budding friendship between two of the boys pushes cultural norms in a tasteful way. The music includes Hawaiian, reggae, and rhythm and blues styles. This film seems good for teens, even if it uses foul language and a same gender attraction. The cultural positives along with, what I would call a realistic 2024 modern life, make it feel like a valuable film. The gang related fights end as the whole group of boys becomes friends in defense of the planet's health. The music is sensual and lovely, and the expose of the authenticity of the characters is heartwarming.

The film's message is that barriers between cultures can be broken down through dialog and forgiveness. It's okay to love who you love - period.

I give My Partner 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for adults, due to the profanity as described above. It is available on digital platforms beginning October 4, 2024.

By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

My Partner explores experiencing love in a new light. I like the overall story of this film, and I really enjoyed how this film tells a story, while simultaneously going in depth and teaching the audience about Hawaiian culture.

The storyline is about two high school seniors, Pili (Kaipo Dudoit) and Edmar (Jayron Munoz). They each have very different friend groups and experience some conflict when Pili and his friends catch Edmar and his group overfishing a native fish. Pili doesn't take overfishing lightly, which causes him to develop very negative views towards Edmar and his friends. The two boys are forced to work on a project together and, while this seems like a challenge at first, they both quickly learn that they aren't as different as they initially thought.

This film is cute; however, it falls short in many areas, such as the acting. The two strong performances in this film are from Kaipo Dudoit as Pili and Jayron Munoz as Edmar. These two work well together on the big screen and really convey the message and story of the film. I also really like how this film highlights a diverse cast of Filipinos and Hawaiians. Some scenes in this film get a bit long for me. One of my favorite parts of this film is how much I learned about Hawaiian culture. The project the boys are assigned to work on focuses on making a traditional dish that is typical of their culture. This film highlights old traditions and cultural aspects of Hawaiian culture which is very interesting and, not at all what I was expecting to resonate with. I also enjoyed the soundtrack and found it very fitting with the film.

The film's message is that love is found in unexpected places and is limitless. Be aware that it has quite a lot of profanity, which is why I recommend it for adults.

I give My Partner 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for adults. You can watch My Partner on digital platforms beginning October 4, 2024.

By Zo� C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

A trio of misfit kids band together to search for mythic treasure, only to uncover a terrible curse. The trio must find and destroy the gold before a rival group of teens gets to it first and releases an evil spirit on Halloween night.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

see youth comments

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The upcoming film Treasure Trackers has amazing technical aspects, astounding acting, and deep character development. This film has something for everyone, especially me.

The storyline follows California surfer Leah (Charity Rose) who must move to the dreary small town of Carterville, where she makes friends with fellow outcasts Marshy (Sean Jay) and Tessa (Amelia Salazar) to solve the town's hundreds of years' old mystery and find the lost treasure that comes with it. When the trio uncovers the truth behind the treasure's Halloween curse, they must outsmart the high school troublemakers before an evil spirit is accidentally released.

This storyline is very enjoyable - the whole concept of this mystery is very entertaining. The fact that the three underdogs work together makes it even cooler! As the trio tries to solve the mystery and find the treasure they form a truly amazing bond and each one develops their own strengths. For example, in the beginning, Marshy is a typical geek who's always scared, but by the end he helps solve the mystery and has lots of fun doing it. He learns to face his fears and this sends an awesome message to viewers. Something that really makes this film stand out is the quality. The audio is perfect; you can hear the snap of a branch. And the video is crystal clear - the quality is so coherent that it really heightens your experience and you can truly feel each scene like it's happening right before your eyes. The acting in this film is extraordinary. Charity Rose, as Leah, is perfectly cast. Charity's strong facial features really accentuate Leah's determined attitude and confident demeanor. Her acting is also incredible - there is one scene where there are spirits overtaking her, and her expressions look so haunted and out of this world, which makes that scene even better. When it comes to the plot, I can only say how much I enjoyed it from the heartfelt scenes to the action, every one hits home. There are some parts that are a bit drawn out, which make the film a bit lengthy; for example, one of the scenes displaying a search for a clue seems rather long. On the other hand, the sets are astounding; in one cave scene, there are stalagmites and stalactites that look so real. There is even lava. The lava really blew me away because it looks super life-like.

The film's message is that when you work with people you love by your side, you can do anything. Be aware that there are some dark themes in this film such as dark magic, ghosts, and evil spirits, which may frighten younger viewers.

I rate Treasure Trackers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Treasure Trackers will be available to purchase on Digital platforms starting October 1, 2024, just in time of the Halloween season.

By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I really love the film Treasure Trackers because it is a detective mystery film that leads you on a complex treasure hunt that leaves you guessing what the next clue may be or how they will get out of the next predicament.

The storyline follows a girl named Leah (Charity Rose) who is forced to move from coastal California to a small country town named Carterville. Upon starting school, she learns of the town's legendary gold hoard hidden by its founder, Silas Carter, hundreds of years earlier. She is intrigued by this legend and decides to search for the gold with her two new friends Tessa (Amelia Salazar) and Marshy (Sean Jay). The story follows this trio of middle schoolers on their quest in which they face numerous obstacles.

Early in the film, the diary of Silas Carter is stolen from the school library. This is how Leah learns about the legend and that the diary may provide clues to the location of the buried gold. This inspires her to figure out who stole the diary and to join forces with Tessa and Marshy. During their journey in search of the gold, they face many obstacles -- another group searching for the gold, others stealing their clues, and various dead ends. One of my favorite parts is when the trio ends up in a cave with a lava pit and Leah must walk along the cliff or risk dying. It's very suspenseful part that made me hold my breath. My favorite character is Tessa because she is fearless, daring, and willing to try anything. The country setting is beautiful which contrasts well with the scary scenes. The special effects are very realistic including the flowing lava and the talking raven. The spooky music definitely kept me on edge of my seat.

The film's message is "life is a blessing in disguise." In other words, although things may not seem desirable at first, they have a way of becoming exactly what you need. This film deals with aggressive behavior such as bullying which may be disturbing for younger children.

I give Treasure Trackers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Treasure Trackers will be available on VOD beginning October 1, 2024.

By Arya B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Description:

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.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

I have read several of the previous Upton Charles books and, even as an adult reader, find them fun and engaging to read. 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 is fun, and I love the cute illustrations at the chapter headings.

This story is told by the great Bichon Frise detective, Upton Charles, with assistance from his feline friend, Watson. It begins at a time when things seem to have reached a new calm in his household until, quite unexpectedly, a new dog joins the family. A walk on the beach reveals a possible problem when an abandoned sailboard is spotted on a nearby island and suddenly, everyone jumps into action trying to figure out what is going on.

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.

The story reminds us of how to collect clues when solving any mystery we run into as they progress step by step in solving the mystery of the missing sailor.

I give Upton Charles: Double Trouble 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found online where books are sold and in select bookstores.

By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

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.

Double Trouble is an entertaining read. Written by D. G. Stern and illustrations by Ginger Mark, it's a mystery sleuth to solve the missing person from the perspective of a dog. Detective Upton Charles, a Bichon Frise, and his best friend, Watson the cat are members of the Charles family. They have solved previous mysteries written by Stern. The story follows a detective dog, Upton Charles and his cat best friend, Watson, who are members of the Charles family. Routine is disrupted when a third dog, Arthur, is adopted into the household. Upton and Watson are resistant to this new change. When a missing person case emerges on Moon Island, Arthur proves his worth as a detective and as a family member.

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.

The book's message is about problem solving and perseverance -- to never give up when times get hard.

I give Upton Charles Dog Detective Double Trouble 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available now wherever books are sold online and at select retailers.

By Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

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.

In Double Trouble, the Charles household is turned upside down when Upton's brother, Arthur, a fluffy Bichon Frise, comes to live with them. Initially met with skepticism by Upton and Watson, Arthur soon proves his worth when the Chief of Police enlists the entire family's help to solve a puzzling case. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with twists and surprises that showcase their unique talents while deepening their bonds as a family.

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.

The book's message is that you can never judge a book by its cover.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. This book is available now at online retailers and select bookstores. Be sure to check it out.

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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.

The story follows Upton, our star detective, who is a very fun and curious dog. He is solving a mystery, but this adventure is different from others because his new brother joins him. Throughout the story they try to solve this "impossible" mystery. In the end, when he, his family and friends solve this mystery, they are triumphant.

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.

The film's message is to always keep trying and never give up. Upton and his family have a hard time solving the mystery and find what they think is a dead end, but they keep trying and eventually solve the mystery.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found wherever books are sold.

By Clara T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Description:

From the world of Wonder, which sparked a movement to "choose kind," comes the inspirational next chapter: White Bird. Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. From the director of Finding Neverland, White Bird reminds us to be brave and choose kind.?

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

see youth comments

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

This magical film, White Bird, demonstrates the power to dream, to laugh, and to enjoy the presence of others despite the evil acts of others.

From the world of Wonder and Academy Award-winning director Marc Forster, comes the sequential film White Bird, which takes us a step further into the life of Julian (Bryce Gheisar) who must finally face the consequences of past actions -- particularly the bullying of Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy born with facial differences. Expelled from school as a result of his unkind acts toward others, Julian gets a taste of his own medicine as he is alienated and challenged to make friends at his new school. His grandmother, Sara Blum (Helen Mirren), pays him a visit with hopes of sharing her haunting and deeply moving story about her survival in Nazi-occupied France during one of the darkest moments of history.

Intricately narrated, White Bird gives us two stories; one about Julian's present-day struggles and the other a stirring tale of his grandmother's harsh struggles during World War II. Flashbacks of young Sara (Ariella Glaser) and her courageous classmate Julian (Orlando Schwerdt), demonstrate for viewers how traumatic life was being a Jew during Nazi-run territories. Their relationship is more than one of survival -- it is one of kindness, love, and sacrifice. What I love most about White Bird is the visualization of young Sara Blum's life and how her story had a purpose. I connected with her story emotionally as she teaches her grandson the valuable lesson of showing kindness. The stories of two troubled teens -- young Sara and her grandson Julian, are well-channeled and they flow with ease. Although both stories contain heartache; they both end in hope. This film is a masterpiece filled with a nice balance of warmth and wisdom. The historic drama combined with the modern coming-of-age scenes adds a special touch to White Bird and kept me engaged throughout the entire film. A box of tissues nearby is a must while watching this film. White Bird has many teachable moments and contains many life lessons. This is a must-see family film.

The film's message rings loud and clear - it's a message of kindness and how kindness must be shared and practiced. Hate surrounds us; that's a fact of life. However, the smallest gestures of goodwill can lead to the greatest change. This film is also about bravery as that is what allows us to take risks and speak up for those who don't have a voice. It takes a lot of courage sometimes to be kind.

I give White Bird 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. White Bird opens in theaters on October 4, 2024. Be sure to check it out. You're not going to want to miss this one!

By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

White Bird is mesmerizing and one of the most beautiful and emotional films I've ever seen! The fantastic storytelling with its realistic costumes and exquisite imagery left me in awe. By the end, I wanted to watch it all over again!

The story starts with Julian (Bryce Gheisar ) going to a new school and struggling to fit in and find his place. When he gets home, his Nonna, Sara (Helen Mirren) is there visiting and starts telling him a story of her childhood. The story takes us back to the 1940s and World War II in France. Young Sara (Ariella Glaser) and her Jewish family thought they would be safe in France but quickly find out this is not the case. Sara's Jewish classmates are captured but she is able to escape with the help of fellow classmate Julian (Orlando Shlwerdt). He takes Sara to his family's barn to hide from the Nazis. Over several months, Zara and Julian build their friendship and admiration for each other. As time moves on, you realize her classmate Julian is someone Sara will always think of fondly.

The production team really paid attention to detail and it definitely adds to the story. I absolutely love the costumes in this film as they really fit the 1940s era in France. I especially adore Sara's red heels and her beautiful dresses! The soldiers' war time uniforms represent the period well. The sets and props are equally outstanding. The imagination scene with Zara and her classmate Julian is so gorgeous and makes you feel like you are there with them. From the old time truck to the authentic movie reels you are on a journey. It is so engaging to watch the fantastic places come to life on screen and watch the relationships grow. What excites me most is how the directors and writers connect the storytelling from present to past and back again. The acting in this movie is so convincing. I felt like I was stepping back into the 1940s during the war with each scene. Helen Mirren's calming voice is completely captivating. I could feel her emotion as she spoke and also see it in her eyes. The story is woven through time and shows how kindness is timeless. How will Sara's story affect her grandson's life choices? In the end, the film encourages you to always follow your biggest passions and aspirations to make a difference.

The film's message is to always be kind to others because you never know how they can impact your life. Be forewarned that there are several instances of gun use, flashing lights, and other violence.

I give White Bird, 5 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters October 4, 2024.

By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

White Bird is a truly charming story. With its in-depth scenery, wide range of characters and a message that still resonates with us today, this film encourages you to think twice about someone before you devise a conclusion about them.

Following the adventure of Wonder, Julian Albans (Bryce Gheisar) who was expelled from his school due to his bullying another boy, is told a tale of his grandmother's (Helen Mirren) childhood. As a young Jewish girl in Nazi occupied France, Sara Blum (Ariella Glaser) is hidden away by a boy named Julian (Orlando Schwerdt) who was born with polio. At his farm while his family searches for her parents, she starts spending time with Julian, and begins to see him not as the boy with the crutch, but as her guide, her friend, and her light.

I love the film angles in this movie. Depending on the scene, there is a great deal of variety. There may be a wide angle for a happy moment, or a close-up for an intense dialogue between the characters. However, some of the times when they talk, it is a bit hard to hear. It sounds like they are whispering most of the time. I especially like how director Marc Forester incorporates some imaginative flair into the production, showing not only the dark and truthful reality of World War II, but also the happy and comforting moments that existed during that time. Speaking of which, my favorite part is when young Sara and Julian are imagining that they are traveling the world, although they never really leave the barn. It shows that kids will still be kids no matter what might be happening around them. I also like how, as she is telling her story, Grand'Mere Sara sprinkles in bits and pieces of humor that keep the audience entertained.

The film's message is to always look for the good in people, no matter how small. Despite being the odd one out at school, Julian still shows kindness to Sara, and he keeps her company during the war, which results in a wonderful friendship between the two.

I give White Bird 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. White Bird opens in theaters on October 4, 2024.

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

Description:

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This has got to be my favorite animated film this year. Wow! What a beautiful story, beautifully told. Roz the robot is the sole survivor when a shipping container is lost at sea. To survive, she has to adapt to the environment and learn to connect with the animals living there.

Lupita Nyong'o's voiceover as Roz is right on target for her character, portraying a being who morphs from sounding and acting like a, well, a robot, to developing characteristics of empathy and caring. Kit Connor as the orphaned goose steals the day in his ultimate cuteness and Pedro Pascal, as the tricky fox, Fink, earns our distrust until even his colors turn. Catherine O'Hara, as the motherly opossum, Pinktail, reeks of wisdom and love which she multiples for all her children and the community. I hadn't read the book, so I didn't know quite what to expect and was just delighted in watching this sweet drama with a message roll out. At a time when love and kindness seem to be in short supply, this hits the heart with a big thump and I walked out the theater with a little more of a smile on my face. The thoughtful lessons throughout, the sweetness of their interaction when faced with destruction of their island - are all examples of how we really can live in harmony with each other.

The film's message is about belonging and adapting, even when it seems so out of character for us. I give The Wild Robot 5 out of 5 stars and hope it takes home an Oscar in multiple categories - writer, director, animation design, voice acting. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The Wild Robot delivers family-friendly entertainment through a robot stranded on an island that makes us experience the journey of connection, acceptance, and belonging. This animated film is heartwarming and laugh-out-loud fun.

When a shipping container is lost at sea during a typhoon, Roz the Robot (Lupita Nyong'o), emerges as the sole survivor on an island with nothing but wildlife. Programmed to complete a task, she has to learn to understand and interact with the animals there and she struggles with connecting and acceptance. Her journey takes a turn when she assists an orphaned goose, Brightbill, (Kit Connor) and gets help from a fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal). Every new and confusing experience shifts Roz's programming as she experiences things she was never programmed to imagine and finds a new way to live.

I enjoyed the humor of this film from DreamWorks Animation. The writing is great. The absurd, yet accurately dark humor, parental comments from Pinktail, a mother opossum, (Catherine O'Hara) are so relatable. Her shocking statements make her character so enjoyable. The animators illustrate the emotional reactions of island animals to perfection. Roz's help initially causes more chaos than assistance. When Roz sees a beaver building a damn, rather than help build it, her programming tells her it's an obstacle and she destroys it. The beaver's response is priceless. The confusion and disbelief when Roz provides a sticker communicating that the task is complete is hysterical. These moments contribute to the humor and build on the character development of The Wild Robot as we watch her struggle to connect with the animals on the island. Her adventures with Fink and Brightbill create bonding moments and we see how belonging, acceptance and connection can be influenced by kindness.

The Wild Robot provides an uplifting message of how belonging and acceptance come from one's heart. It successfully shows how kindness and caring are valued by all. Parents and viewers should be aware there are flashing and strobe lighting effects, loud noises and dark humor, which may be unsuitable for some viewers.

I give The Wild Robot 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. The Wild Robot releases in theatres on September 27,, 2024.

Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love The Wild Robot. It is beautifully animated, heartwarming and has powerful messages about stepping out of your comfort zone, being brave, kind, and showing compassion for others.

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown's beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot. The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot named Roz, that is shipwrecked on an island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

This movie is amazing. I really love that it explores the importance of self-discovery, the bridge between technology and nature and the question of what it means to be alive and connected to all living things. The film has the most beautiful animation I have ever seen. The colors of the island and forest look so realistic and I like the way the animals talk. I appreciate the scene when Roz is teaching the orphaned gosling how to fly. The music goes so well with this particular scene and clearly emphasizes the idea of learning how to soar on your own and doing things you did not think were possible. The Wild Robot stars Lupita Nyong'o as Roz the robot. It's remarkable how she is able to change her voice to sound like a robot, but with feeling and so much emotion. Pedro Pascal voices Fink the fox and he is devious and incredibly loving. Catherine O' Hara voices an opossum, Pinktail and she mothers with a sense of humor. Kit Connor voices BrightBill, the gosling who is adorable and so funny.

The Wild Robot is full of comedy, heart, bravery and incredible animation. It is a heartwarming movie with powerful messages about trying new things, showing compassion for others and how a mother's love is unconditional.

I give The Wild Robot 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This film has something for everyone. It made me leave the theater with a smile on my face and wanting to see it again immediately. You can watch The Wild Robot in theaters September 27, 2024.

By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The beloved award-winning children's book, The Wild Robot, comes to life in a visually stunning feature film. The Wild Robot movie highlights what it really means to be alive and connected to others in a family and in a greater community. This animated drama is sure to become a classic in the family genre and appeals to young and old alike.

The Wild Robot is an animated drama that tells the tale of Roz (Lupita Nyong'o), a robot who finds itself stranded on a remote island inhabited only by animals as Roz searches to find a purpose. Roz is programmed to find a task, and without humans to direct it, activates "learning mode" so the animals or organisms in that environment can be understood. Along the journey of self-discovery, Roz becomes the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling (Kit Connor). In accepting the task to take care of the gosling "unit," Brightbill, Roz connects with both predators and prey in the island eco-system and, in turn, finds the home where she belongs. Even though Roz doesn't have the programming to be a mother, she learns that there is no manual or predetermined path to nurture another life.

DreamWorks Animation has done it again, adapting a wonderful book to the big screen. There are many fun and delightful characters which bring to life the humorous situations that develop in this story. I really enjoyed the interaction between Roz and her new fox friend, Fink (Pedro Pascal). The cleverness in their developing relationship is shown by both Lupita and Pedro, along with other talented cast members including opossum Pinktail (Catherine O'Hara), goose Longneck (Bill Nighy) and my favorite, the curmudgeon beaver Paddler (Matt Berry). My favorite scenes and ensemble cast interaction is when Roz teaches Brightbill how to fly and when the diverse animals work together on the island. The voice contributions of the entire cast match the quality of the animation in this production and that is praise indeed. The Wild Robot is written and directed by Chris Sanders and he really builds the emotion and characters as he masterfully creates this memorable film. The film's production is really beautiful - I would be remiss if I did not mention the Art Direction by Ritchie Sacilioc as well as everyone who contributed to the art, sound, music, animation and visual effects in this movie.

The film's message is that kindness is a survival skill; and isn't that a timely message. Roz becomes more than what she was programmed to be; after all she was not meant to ever feel anything. The Wild Robot is an interesting exploration about the adaptation of technology in the natural world and how life evolves through adaptation. Roz discovers love and a sense of community which helps Roz truly find her way home.

I give The Wild Robot 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18 and, of course, adults will enjoy the message and storyline as well. It is available in theaters September 27, 2024, so don't miss this heart-warming tale!

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

In ancient China after a clash with the humans, dragons are banished from the kingdom. Many years later, innocent and freedom-yearning orphan, Ping, is looking after the last two dragons when she discovers that one has sadly died, and the other is guarding a precious and rare dragon egg. As palace guards arrive, the remaining dragon, Danzi disappears, and before Ping has the opportunity to explain what has happened, she is mistaken for an accomplice and must run away herself. Danzi and Ping escape from the palace together and must return the dragon egg to the ocean to save all dragons from extinction! On this wild and dangerous adventure, Ping finds a way to unlock her power and discovers she is a true Dragonkeeper. Dragonkeeper comes from animation studio Ilion Animation Studios (Wonder Park, Planet 51) and the visual direction of the legendary Sergio Pablos (Rio, Despicable Me) & Borja Montoro (Zootopia).

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

I like the movie Dragonkeeper because it is funny and heartfelt.

The storyline is about a slave girl called Ping (Mayalinee Griffiths), who dreams about meeting dragons. Her dream comes true, but one of the magical creatures dies and she goes on a quest to save the dragons and hatch the last imperial dragons' egg. Joining her is a dragon (Bill Nighy) as her protector and a funny "very helpful" mouse. She soon finds out that she has mystical powers and learns to use them to stop bad guys who want to steal the egg and use its powers for evil.

I really enjoyed this film. It's an animated film with special effects. It also has lots of humor - there are all sorts of humorous scenes like my favorite, where the mouse tries helping. He marches up to the big fight against something 2,000,000 times his size. Another fun scene is when he rolls the egg away from the bad guys. The movie is also sad and heartfelt because one of the dragons dies. The visual effects are great and really stand out. For example when one of the dragons heals Ping's wound with the power of the egg as shown in the trailer. I do have to admit that some parts of the movie are a little childish. For example, there is a scene about 30 seconds long of two kids blowing raspberries at each other.

The film's message is "you can do whatever you want; only you decide your destiny."

I give Dragonkeeper 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on digital in the US now and opens in theaters in UK & Ireland on September 27, 2024. I hope you enjoy it.

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

Description:

In Agatha All Along, the infamous Agatha Harkness finds herself down and out of power after a suspicious goth Teen helps break her free from a distorted spell. Her interest is piqued when he begs her to take him on the legendary Witches' Road, a magical gauntlet of trials that, if survived, rewards a witch with what they're missing. Together, Agatha and this mysterious Teen pull together a desperate coven, and set off down, down, down The Road.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Marvel's Agatha All Along has me bewitched! This series continues Agatha's story after the events of WandaVision and is filled with suspense, mystery, dark comedy, and fantasy.

The story begins three years after Wanda has taken Agatha's (Kathryn Hahn) powers. She has no powers and no recollection of who she is. Under a spell, she believes she is a detective in a small town solving a murder. With the help of a goth Teen (Joe Locke), the spell is broken. She must form a coven and travel the witch's road to regain her powers.

This show exceeded my expectations. It magically casts a coven of witches with great chemistry - Sasheer Zamata (Jennifer Kale), Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn), Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Mrs Hart (Debra Jo Rupp). The coven is hesitant to trust Agatha; her reputation precedes her. The witch's road challenges the fears of each witch on their journey to release a curse and help Agatha regain her powers. The witch's road offers five houses with a trial at each. Each house is themed and focuses on a weakness or fear of a specific witch. The trials bring chaos, suspense and self-doubt. Through this adversity, each witch faces their own fears, and the coven forms a bond strengthening their resolve as they continue their journey. Everything about this series is fabulous. The scenes are elaborate and transition into dark, fantasy-creating, spell-binding effects. From living rooms and basements, from the witch's road of glowing forests, all of the set designs and lighting bring this Marvel series to life. The costumes are elaborate and reflect the theme of each house. Special effects, combined with music, make each scene suspenseful. Agatha's character is self-centered, yet conflicted. We see her as evil and yet cannot help but love her.

The show's message is about teamwork and how trust and respect are proven through one's consistent actions. Viewers should be aware this contains witch horror, suspenseful scenes, partial nudity, foul language and other adult content.

Agatha All Along: Season 1 gets 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The series streams on Disney + beginning Sep 18, 2024.

Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

It was Agatha All Along! I love this show! It is witchy, smart, dark, and so good. It is insanely fun and the best bewitching follow up to WandaVision. Speaking of which, I highly recommend watching it before watching Agatha All Along because you learn all about Agatha there. If you are a fan of Marvel this series is a must watch.

Agatha All Along picks up right after WandaVision, when Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) is left powerless, thanks to the Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen). In a mission to get her sorceress powers back, Agatha creates a makeshift coven of her own, but not every member has the same intention. A spell-bound Agatha regains freedom thanks to a goth Teen's help. Intrigued by his plea, she embarks on the Witches' Road trials to reclaim her powers and discover the Teen's motivations.

This is the perfect show for the spooky season. The series is engaging, fun, dramatic and scary. I love the cast portraying the coven. I love the cast portraying the Coven - Sasheer Zamata (Jennifer Kale), Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn), Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Mrs Hart (Debra Jo Rupp). Kathryn Hahn is brilliant as Agatha and Aubrey Plaza, as Rio is equally outstanding. I really like seeing the two of them on screen together -- they are a dynamic duo. The entire cast delivers devious and spellbinding performances plus there is lots of magic, spells, sudden reversals, and otherworldly action. I love seeing the characters flying across the room or getting blasted with light filled explosions. The special effects are incredible. There are some wicked battles and it is all done so well on screen. I enjoy how all the characters generally have positive relationships and support one another. This show is a solid choice for family viewing if your kids are mature enough for the levels of violence and dark humor.

The message of this series is about teamwork, trusting others, respect and believing in yourself.

I give Agatha All Along 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch the first two episodes of Agatha All Along on Disney+ now and the series will continue to air a new episode each week. There are 9 episodes total and the finale will be on October 30, 3024.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Description:

A nerf-herder discovers an artifact that twists the Star Wars universe, swapping the roles of heroes and villains. He embarks on an adventure to restore order and emerge as the savior who reassembles the fractured galaxy.

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Legends aren't made, they are built! I love LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy. This four-piece animated special reimagines the Star Wars galaxy like never before. It is funny and the cast is outstanding.

In LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, the entire Star Wars galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact called the Cornerstone from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy is full of comedy, action and incredible animation. This show is filled with heart, laughter, and the important message of believing in yourself. It is a family friendly special and for fans of LEGO or Star Wars this is a must watch. I could not take my eyes off the screen. The animation and visuals are stunning - I love when the light sabers light up and the flying sequences are awesome. They could not have picked a better cast to voice these characters. It features the vocal work of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Gaten Matarazzo (Sig Greebling), Bobby Moynihan (Jedi Bob), Tony Revolori (Dev Greebling), Marsai Martin (Yesi Scala), Michael Cusack (Servo), and Ahmed Best (Darth Jar Jar). The writing is so smart and funny. I think this movie will create a whole new generation of LEGO and Star Wars fans because it has something for everyone.

This film teaches you to believe in yourself and to embrace teamwork.

I give LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy on Disney+ beginning September 13, 2024 on Disney +.

Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Description:

TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Transformers One is a must watch film with a compelling story, beautiful animation and a great overall theme.

The film is about the untold origin of Optimus Prime and Megatron. We now know that the now sworn enemies were once like brothers and their differences would create strife in their relationship. This change will forever impact Cybertron.

Going into this film I was excited but had low expectations because of the complex history of Transformers media. Transformers films in the past have often deviated from the original story that I love, however this film is unlike all the others, rooted in the origins of the Cybertron universe. I left the theater speechless at how excellent the film was. It has numerous perfectly executed moments with well paced moments. The movie introduces the lore of Transformers to new audiences rather quickly while keeping it simple, which helps someone understand everything if they are new to Transformers, while keeping long-time fans like myself happy.

The animation style is just breathtaking, I thought it would take me a while to get used to the new style but I was blown away at how colorful a planet made of metal looks. Of all the standout elements, the best part of this film is the third act, because the whole film builds up to it effortlessly, and by the time the second act ended and the third act started to kick in I was glued to my seat with my eyes locked on to the screen, excited at every moment. It had me smiling the whole way through. The hardest part for me were the voice overs, which might be a concern for long-time fans who are used to Peter Collin voicing Optimus Prime. It was a challenge for me to get to hear Chris Hemsworth's performance as Optimus Prime. While he doesn't sound like the voice we are used to, his interpretation adds a unique flare to the younger version of the character. For those of us who are concerned about the voice of Megatron by Brian Tyree Henry, there is nothing to be worried about - he kills it! I was blown away by how well he adds a new tone of voice to the character while keeping it classic. All in all, it's phenomenal casting and an amazing performance by Henry, especially in the third act. These are a few minor concerns I had. The writers, directors, and animation team knew what was best for the Transformers franchise because this film is possibly the best film of the summer, if not the best animation film of the year. It keeps what we love about Transformers while adding new elements to be excited about.

The theme in Transformers One is about how we change as individuals whether it is through ourselves or the situations we are put in. This is demonstrated by Megatron and Optimus Prime and is portrayed so well because we all know Megatron and Optimus Prime become enemies, which makes it even more engaging to find out how that happened for the very first time. The theme is touching, emotional, and impactful. You might walk out of the film feeling a little bit different after watching it.

I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This film releases in theaters September 20, 2024

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

Gear up and roll out! I love Transformers One. It is fun, laugh-out-loud funny, has some heartfelt moments, and the chemistry between the transformers is outstanding. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end. There is lots of action, incredible animation and the battle scenes are so cool.

Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who are sworn enemies, but once were friends, bonded like brothers and changed the fate of Cybertron forever. The film is definitely inspiring. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

Transformers One is incredibly well animated. I love how it makes the Transformers feel very human-like. The expressions on their faces are realistic and you can feel the emotions through the big screen. It made me feel like each one has a mind and heart of its own. The soundtrack, in some of scenes, brings out the right atmosphere and emotion. I love the songs during the battle scenes, especially when B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) is taking down the bad guys. This animated version features great voice actors. All of them are great, but Keegan-Michael Key steals the show! His comedy is fantastic. He kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. I also liked learning how Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) once were friends and what happened to make them enemies. They are so good on screen together.

This film's message is about believing in yourself and doing what is right. It is very family friendly and, for fans of Transformers, this is a must watch, but even newcomers can enjoy it.

I give Transformers One 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Transformers One in theaters on September 20, 2024.

By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love the new animated film Transformers One! It captures the excitement and action of the Transformers movies in a new light. The film allows both long-time fans and newcomers to experience its expressive animation and engaging storyline.

The plot travels back in time to the origin story of Cybertron and the beginning of the Autobots and Decepticons. Four miner bots stumble upon the greatest secret of their time. Optimus Prime and Megatron--who are current rivals--are best friends until power puts their friendship to the test. The war that becomes all or nothing is on the horizon.

The main characters are Orion Pax/Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth), Megatron/D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), Elita (Scarlett Johansson), Bumblebee/ B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), and Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm). These actors exquisitely bring life to their characters through their voices. The beloved characters are brought into a new perspective that expresses their backstory. Before Optimus Prime and Megatron become enemies, they were best friends that worked together all the time. This part of the story is explained throughout the film and it's very intriguing. Transformers One heled me understand the origin of the Transformers. Before, I wasn't as interested in the franchise because I was confused about their mission and purpose. However, this film changes the game for me. The pacing is excellent; it's neither too fast nor too slow. The film kick starts with the lives of the miners, which is contrary to the heroic figures we've seen them as. Optimus Prime is hiding in a trashcan - can you believe it? Right off the bat, I became invested in the plot line because it shows the heroes from another point of view. Two generations can experience the joy of this fandom in different ways. In addition, the animation is breathtaking. It's realistic yet creative, bringing the out-of-this-world imagination to life in a way that wasn't possible before. The attention to detail in the animation allows the bots to show lifelike emotions. For instance, Elita's feelings of anger and awe are very recognizable. This helps connect the audience to the plot. My favorite part is when Alpha Trion shows the group what happened during the Cybertronian War. In this scene, there's a huge plot twist that affects the whole storyline.

The film's message is to be loyal to your friends and always do what is right. Optimus Prime consistently chooses the path that will benefit his friends. Leadership is another central theme. If you're given the opportunity to lead, how would you approach it? In reality, I'm not going to be a leader of Cybertron, but I am the leader of my own life. The Transformers need to learn to choose the right direction, which is an important lesson throughout the film.

I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Transformers One releases in theaters on September 20, 2024.

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Description:

After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

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I love Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This movie has wit, jokes and a mix of the afterlife. It exceeded my expectations and is spot on brilliant. Every aspect of this film is jam-packed entertainment. Director Tim Burton delivers a fabulous sequel to Beetlejuice and the return of the original cast plus a few new faces adds to its charm.

The storyline dives once more into the world of the afterlife with Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and his quest to be in the world of the living. His need to become human intensifies when he realizes his soul-sucking ex-wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci) is out for revenge. Beetlejuice renews his focus to unite with human sweetheart, Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) to avoid death. Lydia is a grown adult and a famous medium. Her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega) does not believe in seeing ghosts and their relationship is broken from the death of her dad. Plots and sub-plots merge to create a chaotic and fun ending.

The opening musical score made me feel anticipation from the start. The film returns to the original white house on the hill in Winter River as the family morns for grandpa. Memories of the house from childhood have Lydia seeing flashes of Beetlejuice. The town offers an escape for her daughter to make new connections and a special friend. The original house is not the only nod to the original Beetlejuice. We revisit the long wait lines in the afterlife, shrunken head Bob, misshaped hallways and the sandworm. There's an awesome Day O serenade. All of the special effects and makeup for the dead are fabulous. Delia (Catherine O'Hara) stands out to me -- her dark tendencies for art become dark comic moments of dealing with grief. Her character is spunky and artistically fun. Beetlejuice is the consistent demon with head twirls, raspy voice and raunchy jokes. From costumes, sound effects, makeup and set design, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice does not disappoint.

The film's message is to value the love of your family, here and now. Create memories for today and not dwell on the past. As amazing as this film is, it is a bit edgy with profanity, slight intimacy, violence, unsettling imagery, gore, jump scares and endless mentions of death and the afterlife.

I give Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters September 6, 2024.

By Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I had a blast watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice! Tim Burton's original Beetlejuice (1988) was a quirky, darkly comedic journey through the afterlife, and the 2024 sequel brings that same manic energy with a fresh, ghostly twist. This film is a great pick for a fun night out with friends and family.

Set years after the original, the movie revisits the afterlife with an exciting new spin. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Tim Burton), Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is now a renowned ghost hunter and paranormal investigator. Her life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. When someone says Beetlejuice's name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

The story cleverly blends themes of family, identity, and the supernatural, creating a nostalgic yet innovative experience. The pacing is dynamic, combining humor and suspense to keep viewers engaged from start to finish. It was a joy to see Delia Deetz (Catherine O'Hara) return, alongside Lydia, and to meet new characters like my favorite, Astrid Deetz, as well as Rory (Justin Theroux) and Delores (Monica Bellucci). Visually, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a treat for the eyes. The film's creative team has expertly merged Beetlejuice's iconic gothic style with cutting-edge special effects, resulting in a visually stunning and imaginative world. The special effects are impressively whimsical and grotesque, perfectly capturing the film's dark humor and surrealism. One standout scene is when Astrid rides a bike around town, navigating a series of challenges and surprises that reflect her personal struggles and growth.

The film's core message centers on self-acceptance, authenticity, and the value of true friendship. It encourages young audiences to embrace their unique selves and stay true to their identity, rather than fitting into others' expectations. Additionally, it underscores the importance of loyalty and support in relationships, showing that genuine friends are those who accept you for who you are and stand by you no matter what.

I give Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a solid 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Don't miss it when it hits theaters on September 6, 2024!

By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Description:

Three kids discover a magical raincoat that transports them into the body of its former owner: a cursed magician last seen in the 1930s. With a scorned witch hot on their trail, they must solve the mystery of the raincoat and break its curse before it's too late.

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I love The Magician's Raincoat. It is such a great movie, with witty humor, amazing graphics, and many plot twists!

The plot follows the magician Augustus Semprini (Cory Philips) as he performs one of his magic acts. Desperate for money, he steals a golden pin from a woman named Gertrude Cambellton (Ashton Leigh). She approaches him after the show, asking if he stole her broach. He denies her accusations, causing her to harness her witch powers and trap him inside his raincoat. The only way he can free himself is to return it. Almost 86 years pass and we meet Jack, a simple high schooler. Jack (Jake Alexander William) and his siblings come across the raincoat in their grandmother's attic. The raincoat possesses the ability to turn the wearer into the spitting image of Augustus Semprini. A seemingly normal, but mean middle school teacher, Mrs Weaver (Laura Shatkus) is not that normal after all. She is a witch, and also after the raincoat!

The humor in this movie is what I am most impressed with. My favorite scene where this is shown is when Mrs Weaver's cat puts on the raincoat and is turned into Semprini. The actor's performance really convinced me that he was a cat, just in a human body. I also love that this movie has amazing actors that can really make these scenes come to life. Along with the acting, the graphics, costumes and sets of this movie are amazing. When the setting is in the 1900s, there are fitting sets and costumes that make this film come to life. The background music is always extremely fitting. When Mrs Weaver fights Jack, there is suspenseful music to match it. And when there are happy scenes, there is jolly, happy music.

The theme of The Magician's Raincoat is that not everything is always as it seems. Augustus seems like a perfectly reasonable man, but he steals just to get money. Mrs Weaver seems like a normal teacher, but she turns out to be a witch.

I give The Magician's Raincoat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available for streaming beginning September 3, 2024.

By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

What a spectacular film! The Magician's Raincoat is a magical and fantastical journey. The special effects are on point and look very realistic. The plot, sets, and script are all spectacular and organized in a way that ties the storyline together.

This story begins with a magician (Cory Phillips) performing his show in the late 1920s. He doesn't have the money to stay in the magic business so he pickpockets his attendees for money. Then, one of his victims turns his life into a disaster. So 86 years later, in present time, three siblings work together to help save the magician from an eternity of tragedy.

This film is high quality, and the plot is creative and fun. What stands out most are the camera work, acting, and storyline. The camera work is excellent and provides a variety of angles perfect for the scenes themselves. For example, when the kids are riding their bikes, the camera provides a bird's eye view that follows them on their journey. The acting is exceptional and the actors are well cast and their portrayals are believable. Olivia (Taylor Bedford) is brilliant and the actor who plays her shows this during a discussion with her science teacher (Laura Shatkus). I also like the part when the cat puts on the raincoat and "becomes" the magician; Cory Philips, who portrays him, is excellent. The story is clear, enjoyable, innovative and intriguing, providing for the overall excellent experience. My favorite part is when Jack (Jake Alexander Williams) tries to talk to his crush, Kristy (Jenna Thaxton) and is not successful, which makes for a hilariously embarrassing scene.

The film's message is that, over time, comes forgiveness, and eventually desperation. There are also strong themes of the importance of family.

I give The Magician's Raincoat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available for streaming beginning September 3 2024.

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

Description:

Sophomore year brews lots of changes for Monster High. The power of three is put to the test as Clawdeen, Draculaura, and Frankie face monstrous challenges this year-new students, new powers, evolving friendships, and a mysterious threat that could not only tear their friendship apart, but also change the world forever.

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Monster High 2 is an impressive film that takes audiences into an immersive experience within this world of monsters. It has fantastic special effects and characters that left me on the edge of my seat.

Monster High 2 is the sequel to Monster High in which Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris) is a half werewolf, half human that is running for prefect of Monster High against the new student Toralei (Salena Qureshi). Toralei ends up getting magic banded at Monster high so Draculaura (Nayah Damasen) runs off with a boy who promises that he can reunite vampires and humans as fellow witches. From there the chaos of this movie continues to unfold.

One of my all-time favorite parts of this film is the choreography. It's all very fun to watch and also believable and makes sense within the context of the storyline. The vocals, combined with the choreography, make it even better. Two of my favorite songs from the film, for both vocals and choreography, are "Reason We've Got Magic" and "You Don't Know." They both add so much to the story and are very engaging to watch. Definitely keep a look out for those in the movie. Something else I love is the costumes and sets. The whole show is set at the mythical school of Monster High and thus, they must have very elaborate costumes and sets in order to bring this school to life - the movie really pulls that through. Toralei and Draculaura have some of the coolest costumes in the film. Finally, the characters are terrific; each character is so well fleshed out and their personalities add so much to the film.

The message of this film is you don't have to change who you are for anyone else. Stay true to yourself always. Monster High 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Available now on DVD.

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Description:

A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman Joa~o (Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife's (Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years Joa~o starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed. When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, Joa~o believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

I love My Penguin Friend! By the time this charming and heartfelt true story was over, I wanted my own cute and curious penguin pal.

The story revolves around Joao (Jean Reno), an old fisherman who has been lonely most of his life. That is, until he meets Din Dim the penguin. Drenched in oil, the frail penguin is taken care of by Joao till he regains his strength. While caring for Din Dim, Joao begins to feel an emotion he hasn't felt in a long time - happy. When Din Dim leaves unexpectedly one morning, Joao is certain he will never see Din Dim again. However, unknown to Joao, a bond has been formed that not even the widest ocean can break, and it is only a matter of time before the little one returns.

The thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim. I'm not sure if an actual trained penguin was used in this film or very sharp CGI. I'm guessing he's real. Din Dim is very excited while exploring Joao's house, even though Joao's wife, Ma (Adriana Barraza) doesn't approve. He rummages through toilet paper, scarfs down fish, and makes a burrow out of old trinkets he finds. He is quite humorous and cute at the same time. I also really like the credits at the beginning; it has a cool painted compass design, with lots of details. The plot is a bit hard to follow at first, and I didn't understand it fully till later in the film. But, the chemistry between Joao, Maria, and Din Dim is spot on. Joao cares for the penguin deeply; Maria only tolerates having a wild animal in her home. And, Din Dim causes loads of chaos, making it lots of fun for everybody. The background music, composed by Fernando Vel�zquez, really brings everything together with music that highlights what an emotional story this is.

The film's message is about the loyalty that comes from caring for an animal. Joao cares for Din Dim, and the little penguin becomes a companion to Joao, making both of them very happy. After a while, even Maria starts to play with Din Dim.

I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. My Penguin Friend releases in theaters on August 16 2024. Go check it out!

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

What a heartwarming and captivating film! My Penguin Friend beautifully illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship and love. Jean Reno delivers a deeply moving performance as Joa~o, capturing a man's despair and the joy that blossoms as he bonds with this penguin. The film's breathtaking cinematography, set on the beautiful coast of Brazil and Argentina, further enhances the emotions of this true story. It's a touch that's an inspiring story, perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt adventures.

My Penguin Friend follows the true story of Joa~o, a fisherman struggling with loss and isolating himself from the world. His life takes a surprising turn when he rescues a penguin named Dimdim, who's been caught in an oil spill. As Joa~o cares for Dimdim, the bond they form helps him heal and rediscover happiness. When Dimdim returns to the wild, the story takes an emotional twist, highlighting the strength of their unique friendship.

What a perfect family film that offers a moving story which resonates with viewers of all ages. The lead characters in My Penguin Friend are brought to life by a talented cast. Jean Reno shines as Joa~o, perfectly capturing the mix of sorrow and hope in his character's journey. Adriana Barraza delivers a strong performance as Maria, Joa~o's wife, whose skepticism about the penguin adds depth to their relationship. The coastal locations in Brazil and Argentina are stunning and provide a beautiful backdrop for the story, making the film visually captivating. My favorite part of the movie is when Joa~o tries to return Dimdim to the wild, only for the penguin to find its way back home miraculously. This moment highlights their unbreakable bond and is a powerful reminder of the unexpected connections we can form with animals. This is a heartwarming, family-friendly film that leaves you with a sense of hope and warmth. It offers a positive and uplifting message that encourages viewers to embrace life's unexpected connections that can restore meaning and happiness. The movie promotes positive social behavior, emphasizing the importance of empathy, family, and resilience.

The message of My Penguin Friend centers on the transformative power of love and connection, regardless of where it comes from. It reminds us of how, even small acts of kindness, like rescuing an animal in need, can lead to profound, life-altering relationships.

I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch this delightful movie in theaters starting August 16, 2024.

By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 13

Description:

A young boy, grieving the recent loss of his mother attempts to contact her with the help of his friends.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

The Spirit of Friendship is incredibly cute and entertaining. Like friends should be, it feels good and has lots of charm. It also has a unique storyline which made me laugh throughout.

The story follows two siblings' experience with the loss of their mom. They turn to their dad, Billy (Jeremey London), for comfort. The dad offers support by telling how he experienced loss when he was a child.

The film is cute, unique, and interesting. When a brother and sister experience the loss of their mother, a story within a story ensues, as their dad retells how he coped with his own loss as a child. We go back in time to see a younger Billy (Carter Grassi) losing his mother as a child and his friend (Dante Corticelli) suggesting a ritual to communicate with the dead. While performing the ritual, the friends scatter because they think they're in trouble. Billy remains behind, upset that his attempt to reach his mother has failed. The story develops and, rather than being caught, Billy and an old man, Leonard (Sal Rendino) develop a friendship. They meet to share their memories and favorite moments. Billy lost his mother, and Leonard lost his wife, Margret. The two share a common thread; the people they lost both loved doing crossword puzzles. This similarity brings Leonard and Billy closer together as friends. When Billy wants his new friend, Leonard, to meet his neighborhood crew, Leonard never shows. The magic of this movie is the reveal at the end. There are moments of friendship, bullying, crushes and heartache. We see how the bond of friendship can withstand loss.

The film's message is to cherish and value friendships; to cherish memories of those we lose, and not let that loss affect your happiness or positivity. It is okay to grieve over a loved one, but they would not want you to let the past affect how you feel for the rest of your life. Charming as this film is be aware that there is profanity in a couple of scenes plus a few violent interactions such as fighting, bullying and harassment.

I give Spirit of Friendship 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like Spirit of Friendship because of the gorgeous scenery, appeal to kids, fitting background music and meaningful theme. Although there are some awkward moments, it is a good family friendly film.

The storyline follows Billy (Jeremy London) recalling his experience dealing with his mother's death. Twelve-year-old Billy (Carter Grassi) and his friends, Mike (Luca Corticelli) and Jake (Dante Corticelli), try to communicate with Billy's deceased mom's spirit and meet two women, Emma (Delaney Miclette) and her friend Abby (Brianna Gleason) - Emma is sympathetic, but Abby is disrespectful and mocks him. As he struggles to cope with his emotions, a mysterious man named Leonard (Sal Rendino) mysteriously shows up to help Billy deal with his grief.

This is a film about friendship; we watch Billy's friends help him deal with his grief and support his ideas about talking to his mom's spirit. One thing I like about Spirit of Friendship is the scenery and gorgeous sets that make this film look real. When Billy and his friends are walking through a forest trail, there are spectacular trees with autumn leaves falling everywhere. The background music always compliments the scenes. For example, when Billy is having fun with Mike and Jake, there is upbeat pop music. I like that this movie includes contemporary slang that kids can relate to. Mike and Jake use words like "mid" - for mediocre. This is relatable because kids actually use that slang. I am impressed with the acting of Sal Rendino who plays Leonard. He serves as Billy's role model, which makes a lot of sense. There are some awkward moments such as when the actors repeatedly stutter their lines or times when the acting seems awkward. Whenever Emma talks to Billy, it feels off. The emotional connection that Emma and Billy are supposed to have does not quite come off as real and this makes their dialogue feel corny.

The film's message is to value the people around you. It is important to treasure the people who love you especially when you are suffering from a loss. Be forewarned that there is some harsh language and minor swearing.

I give Spirit of Friendship 3.5 of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The movie Spirit of Friendship offers a unique look at a child mourning the loss of a loved one. The message and plot have a lot of potential and a great message. I liked the beginning, but towards the middle, I lost interest.

This story follows a father (Jeremy London) whose kids are trying to get over the loss of their recently deceased grandfather. The father tries to help his kids by telling them how he got over the loss of his mother when he was a child. He tells about how his younger self (Carter Grassi) and his friends helped him try to contact his mother after her death. Over a series of events and with the help of a wise stranger, Leonard (Sal Rendino), the father's younger self realizes the truth about keeping her memory alive.

The script is rather repetitive and the acting falls short, but the message, the costumes and sets are all excellent. I love the girls' costumes, especially Emma (Delaney Miclette). They are very modern. This film has breathtaking sets, which are a bright spot. It is set in fall, which provides stunning scenery. The cemetery and all its pathways are particularly pretty. The acting in the film is its weakest aspect; the actors don't give much emotion to their performances, especially the child actors who seemed to not really know their lines or say them so fast that they lack impact. There are three actors that stand out for their performances and they are all adult actors. My favorite character is Leonard because he is wise and has a good perspective on life. Also, Sal Rendino, who plays him, delivers all of his lines so well and every word feels like it has meaning.

The film's message is that loved ones are always with you even if they have passed away. This is an uplifting and relatable message.

I give Spirit of Friendship 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

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

Description:

The Turtles, as teenagers, deal with their new life as heroes while also dealing with the pressures of going to high school in New York City. The Turtles will be challenged like never before as Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey each go it alone for the first time. Faced with new threats and teaming up with old allies, the Turtles will discover who they really are when they don't have their brothers at their sides.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

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KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

KICK! SMASH! And Pizza! You know what this calls for? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! They are back with a lot of battles against... robots. As a big fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a lover of action animated series, I love Tales Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The storyline follows Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu) writing an adventure story about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles where a lady named Bishop (Alanna Ubach) wants to eliminate them for destroying her lab. In the adventure, they all learn from different experiences: Raphael (Brady Noon) learns how to distract; Donatello (Shamon Brown Jr) learns how to go beast mode; Michelangelo (Micah Abbey) finds out how to make better strategies and Leonardo unlocks his independence. Plus, they team up to fight Bishop.

This series is really good. I just love how each ninja has its moment. It is just so amazing - especially learning the reason that each of them has their own friend or has created something. This story is a new story. There are no monsters but a lot of robots. The story was written by Seth Rogen. It is just amazing how we dig into Leonardo's comedic personality. That is really cool. The animation is really cool. One of my favorite parts is when Leonardo explains to the Turtles how to take down Bishop -- such a good plan. And, I also love that the background is not perfect 3D or perfect 2D animation; it is a comic sketch in the background. They tried to make it resemble a comic book and I love that. I really love how every character except Leonardo makes a plan on their own and they all use the same line: that Leo's job. When they get back together and fight Bishop it is the best fight of the series and is awesome. The character animation by James A. Castillo is outstanding; I love the suits they have at Bishop's factory.

The show's message is to always take advice because you never know when you will need it - just like every ninja. There is some negative language used; at some times the word idiot is used.

I give Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This show consists of 12 episodes and begins streaming on Paramount+ August 9, 2024.

By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11