Music rules and rainbows rock as Twilight Sparkle and her pals compete for the top spot in the Canterlot High “Mane Event” talent show. This latest installment of the My Little Pony franchise does not disappoint and is perfect for your younger set as well as the die hard Brony fans. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, age 12 comments, “It is definitely a combination of adventure with a crème of comedy and a sprinkle of excitement all rapped up in a friendship sandwich.” See his full review below and catch his interviews with Tara Strong, Andrea Libman, Will Anderson and more at the premiere below.
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks
Reviewed by Gerry O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
What an addition to the “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic” franchise! This film has references to the first movie, a bit of story from the last season of the show and even all the little extra characters that My Little Pony fans love!
It is definitely a combination of adventure with a crème of comedy and a sprinkle of excitement all rapped up in a friendship sandwich.
The adventure starts when a band performance is planned at Canterlot High where the kids can make bands and raise funds and three very unusual girls turn it into a super competitive battle of the bands. When they run out of things to do, Twilight’s friends from that world call to another world where Twilight is. Will they be able to come there and save them or will evil prevail?
This film is just fantastic! Hasbro was smart to include a lot of little fun things from the shows that fans adore including the beloved Derby Hooves pony who is really never part of the story, just in the background for fun. The songs are great as well. We hear not just the classic My Little Pony songs from the TV show. Instead, the music is very pop like which suits the story well. I imagine that sing-along coming to the fans shortly and being a smash hit. The show’s creators also connected to the first Equestria Girls movie which I thought was perfect.
My favorite scene is when girls are having a sleep-over at Pinkie Pie’s house. When Twilight gets out of bed and walks to the kitchen she finds Pinkie’s older sister feeding her pet boulder. I love this scene because, in the show, there is an episode where we meet this sister. So, I thought having her in the movie is a great idea and so unexpected.
This film does not have anything parents should be worried about and for extremely little kids who do not understand the ponies, they will enjoy the bright colors. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars for its original story, fantastic songs and those little characters that fans and Bronies love so much! If you want to see My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic, Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks, it comes out in theaters, near you, September 27th 2014.
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This film is a sleeper. We were all surprised how much we enjoyed it. In this film, a new member joins the Shane Gang. Junjie is a master of the mysterious slugslinging art of Slug Fu. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B, age 14, comments, “This animation is adventurous with specks of comedy and laughter throughout the film. It’s an enjoyable film to watch.” See her full review below.
Slugterra: Return of the Elementals
Reviewed by Brianna Hope Beaton, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
This animation is adventurous with specks of comedy and laughter throughout the film. It’s an enjoyable film to watch.
The Shane Gang is back and they now have the power and talents of five Slugslingers. With new member Junjie, they discover that they and their world are in deep trouble. The Elemental Slugs are being corrupted by an evil force and the only way to stop them is to gather up all of the 5 elementals, before it’s too late.
Surprisingly, I really enjoy this movie with having all the Elementals coming together for a common cause. The aspect of the film that I love the most is that you never know what‘s going to happen next and it keeps you guessing. The action and anticipation makes it great especially when watching the fighting scenes. The film keeps moving at a good pace. It has lots of colors, but it is dark at times. The comedy keeps the film light and it never stays very serious for too long. Speaking of comedy, my favorite character is Pronto (Lee Tockar, voice), because he’s funny and he’s definitely the goof of the group. He is doing things that you wouldn’t think that he would do.
Other voice actors include Sam Vincent (Eli Shane), Shannon Chan-Kent (Trixie) and Andrew Francis (Kord Zane). They all have high energy and are true to their on screen characters. The interaction between all of the slugs is great. Director, Johnny Darrel, is no stranger to adventurous animations, he also directed Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 (2009), Spider-Man (2003) and Heavy Gear: The Animated Series (2001).
Trust people who have proven they can be trusted and who’s good for you is one great message in this film. Trust is earned and not just given away.
I recommend Slugterra: Return of the Elementals for ages 8 to 14. It’s a film that’s perfect for a family movie night. Kids who love being courage and animation, this is your film. I give this film 4 out of 5 five stars because it interests me, it’s adventurous and funny at times. I love the message about trusting. Slugterra: Return of the Elementals is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. So please check it out.
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Your favorite cat and mouse are back with song, sorcery, and slapstick in this enchanted tale. The adventure begins when Tom and Jerry happen upon a mysterious glowing egg. Little do they know, this egg was stolen from a very large fire-breathing dragon! In a short time, baby Puffy hatches from his egg and chooses Tom as his mommy. The angry mama dragon wants her baby, but she’s not the only one…a powerful witch named Drizelda captures the baby dragon for her own wicked plans! With the help of powerful allies and animal friends, Tom and Jerry fight tooth and claw to stop the witch and get the baby dragon back to his mother. The action takes flight in a climactic ending filled with might, magic and cartoon mayhem, of course! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry Orz comments, “This is a story with a lot packed in it – adventure to start with covered in Tom and Jerry classic humor, with a sprinkle of thrills and all topped with family wrapped in one huge delicious story sandwich.” See his full review below.
Tom And Jerry: The Lost Dragon
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
This is a classic Tom and Jerry film with all the goodness included! I thought Tom and Jerry would find a lost dragon in their normal house, but no! Tom And Jerry: The Lost Dragon is a hilarious family friendly adventure with a lot of unexpected turns.
This is a story with a lot packed in it – adventure to start with covered in Tom and Jerry classic humor, with a sprinkle of thrilling and all topped with family wrapped in one huge delicious story sandwich.
The story begins with a girl who owns an animal-care shop but, it is going out of business. Then, they find a dragon egg and a whole bunch of stuff happens including the girl facing her evil Aunty Witch! Of course, the girl’s two little helpers are a cat named Tom and a mouse named Jerry!
What a fantastic Tom and Jerry film! This has everything right about it. Tom and Jerry don’t talk, but imitate talking. The slapstick humor makes you crack up throughout the entire film and much, much more! They cover all of it! The voices of the talking characters are fantastic and they also make it so that Tom and Jerry are very close to main characters but are not in every scene. I like this because it lets the story develop much smoother and takes it much further.
My favorite scene is probably in the very beginning when Jerry is awake and running around doing chores while Tom is lazily chilling on his pillow not doing anything – the classic Tom and Jerry scene. As usual, Jerry gets upset and teaches Tom a lesson. I love it because it’s such a classic moment for these favorite characters.
This film is extremely family friendly. Even kids who don’t understand the characters will enjoy the bright colors, so a good age rating is 4 to18. I also give it 5 out of 5 stars for just an overall fantastic Tom and Jerry adventure.
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Opening last weekend, this film received rave reviews from our teen film critics. The story involves a teen who is deposited into a community of boys with no memory of his past save his own name. The world he is deposited to is comprised of 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in this completely closed-off environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies. The original group has been in “The Glade” for two years, have tried to escape and have, for the most part, given up hope. Their world begins to change with the latest boy and then, the first girl arriving. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D, age 17, comments, “It kept me on the edge of my seat and made me hold my breath during the intense situations, and I love when a film gets me so involved, but that may be too much for some to handle.” Willie J adds, “Using the element of surprise and leaving unanswered questions, this film proves to be a very formidable mystery, action-thriller.” See their full reviews below.
The Maze Runner
Reviewed by Raven D.
The Maze Runner is an action packed, visually stunning new film that made hold my breath and kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end. The Maze Runner tells the story of Thomas, played by Dylan O’Brien, who wakes up in a giant crate with no memory of his passed. He is taken to “The Glade,” a place full of boys who were taken and had their memories erased as well. Thomas soon learns that they are trapped in a giant maze, and once you’re stuck inside, you never make it out alive. Everything begins to change when a girl is brought to the Glade and so Thomas decides it is time to face the maze and find the whole truth about the people who placed them there. But the truth they find might be even more horrible than the maze itself.
I absolutely love this film. It is so intense and visually stunning. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made my heart race through the entire the film. Every time Thomas is inside the maze, I felt as if I was there with him, running for my life. But this isn’t just an adrenaline packed adventure. The Maze Runner also moved me to tears and made me think about the way we can work together when we are truly faced with a challenge. The visuals are incredible as well. The maze is so complex and ever changing and it’s so cool to be able to “explore” it in a sense and see all of the detail put into the CGI.
The entire cast is incredible. All the characters are so unique and have their own personality and quirks, but they work together in such a seamless way. My favorite character is Thomas played by Dylan O’Brien. He is the main character in this film and really makes the whole thing come to life. The boys that live in the Glade have been there for three years and, of course, they have tried to find a way out. But, most of them have essentially decided that they will live out the rest of their days there. When Thomas shows up, he tests the system and refuses to accept his fate of being stuck in the maze. I admire his character because he thinks outside of the box and finds his own way. He looks past his fear and is a strong leader despite the doubts people may have in him.
It’s been very interesting seeing the theme of films that have been coming out recently. Hunger Games, Divergent, Enders Game, The Giver and now The Maze Runner all have something in common. They tell the story of young adults, children really, who have to group together and take on some very serious situations, sometimes things even adults can’t handle. It shows youth questioning authority, standing up for what’s right and making their own way. These strong themes send out a message of empowerment to the youth of our generation, but this can also be a bit overwhelming. I know it’s difficult watching adults fight for their lives, kill and be killed, and have their worlds torn apart. But it’s even more shocking to see children go through these trials.
Because of this, I recommend The Maze Runner for ages 13+ because of the intense situations and violence. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made me hold my breath during the intense situations, and I love when a film gets me so involved, but that may be too much for some to handle. I give The Maze Runner 5 out of 5 stars and can’t wait to see it again. Catch it in theaters near you now!
The Maze Runner
Willie J., age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
In a generation where the “teenagers face adversity in a dystopian future” is the popular piece of entertainment, The Maze Runner is a refreshing entry. Using the element of surprise and leaving unanswered questions, this film proves to be a very formidable mystery, action-thriller.
The acting in this film isn’t much different than many other films with teen or child ensembles. They give good performances and they all come off as veterans, especially Blake Cooper (Chuck) who, in only his second feature film, seems like he’s been acting on-screen for years. I found him very impressive. The leading performance by Dylan O’Brian is also very good but, is limited to his rather conventional and predictable character. The most impressive performance in the cast comes from Will Poulter who plays Gally. His performance earlier this cinematic season in The Giver was also impressive and his performance in We’re the Millers was hilarious so, he is really showing his range. His character is wonderfully written and wonderfully portrayed, so props to him.
The visual effects in the film are also quiet amazing. Enrique Chediak, whose beautiful cinematography was at its best in 127 Hours, gives this film a very crisp look. He doesn’t over do his shot composition nor does he try to give unnecessary landscape shots. He lets the beauty of the film come from the special effects, which is a smart move (although there are some genuinely stunning shots). The seemingly effortless movement of giant set pieces is a testament to the great work of the visual effects team.
But, the best aspect of this film is the writing. The secret this film has is what Alfred Hitchcock famously called the “MacGuffin.” It is a plot device that the main protagonist pursues with little or no explanation. This film starts with a boy entering the world but we don’t know why. We get to the middle of the film and we still don’t know why these kids are isolated, who is keeping them there or how big their obstacle is and what stakes are attached. Usually, in a movie of this kind, those questions are all answered in the exposition of the film. Even when this film ends, we are still uncertain about why what we just saw happened. What is the motivation and who is behind it? Then, in a wonderful plot twist we leave with questions that only a next installment can answer or maybe not.
This is the rare case of a film that makes us WISH FOR a sequel not because more books were written and a bunch of producers feel the need to adapt every book in series, but because we are generally interested in what happens next. That is why I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for anyone age 14 and up, as it is a little bloodier and more profane than your average pg-13 thriller.
The Maze Runner is a tense, suspenseful mystery thriller, that keeps you asking and on the edge of your seat.
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Innocence is a thrilling new film based on the best selling novel by Jane Mendelsohn. After her mother dies unexpectedly, 16-year-old Beckett moves to the city with her father to get a fresh start. When she begins attending a prestigious preparatory school, Beckett becomes consumed by the past as a string of mysterious suicides unfold at Hamilton Prep and Beckett is determined to get to the bottom of it before this mystery claims another life, or even worse, her own.
Innocence
Reviewed by Raven Devanney
I really enjoyed this film. Director Hilary Brougher creates a suspenseful, psychological teen thriller while also keeping it very grounded and real. I love the cinematography. It’s dark and overcast, which is my favorite type of weather and the rainy feel of the film adds an eerie element of fear. The sound effects are also a huge part of the thrill and suspense. From attention grabbing bass to shrill and off-putting violin notes, the musical score and sound effects gave me chills and captivated me from the very beginning.
My favorite character is Beckett played by Sophie Curtis. She goes through so much over the course of the film and does a wonderful job of subtly showing what she’s going through. She’s in shock from watching her mother die, then she is trying to fit into a new home and a new school, and on top of that she witnesses a suicide and begins hallucinating and hearing voices! As if that is not enough to make someone lose their mind, I don’t know what is. She is very closed off and doesn’t want to speak out about what she’s going through, but you can still sense her inner turmoil. She is very relatable and unique from most leading ladies you might find in teen films. Not all of us can be bubbly and confident all the time. Beckett shows the shy, quiet side of young girls, but also proves that she has the power to take on whatever comes her way.
I recommend this film for ages 14 to 18. It is definitely in the horror/thriller category and will scare younger kids, plus it has mild language and sexual situations. I give Innocence 4 out of 5 stars. This film opens in theaters on Sept 19.
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Music rules and rainbows rock as Twilight Sparkle and her pals compete for the top spot in the Canterlot High “Mane Event” talent show. This latest installment of the My Little Pony franchise does not disappoint and is perfect for your younger set as well as the die hard Brony fans. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, age 12 comments, “It is definitely a combination of adventure with a crème of comedy and a sprinkle of excitement all rapped up in a friendship sandwich.” See his full review below and catch his interviews with Tara Strong, Andrea Libman, Will Anderson and more at the premiere below.
