KIDS FIRST! News

Seven foster kids are heartbroken when they learn that their group home has been sold and they are to be separated. When they cross paths with a successful attorney who also grew up in the foster system, they find that there is always help, hope, and family can be who you choose.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Hanadie K. comments, “It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system.” Dominic D. adds, “Crescent Gang follows a group of children from different worlds yet sharing similar circumstances, who bond together to save the only family they have left.  Crescent Gang tugged at my heartstrings and I think it will tug at yours as well.”  Bria H. wraps it up with, “I had no idea what to expect going into the film Crescent Gang, but my heart is filled with joy! I love films that have skilled child actors that can match the energy of the adults. I loved this film from start to finish and am so honored to be reviewing this work of art.  Not only did this movie make a 29-year-old question how she interacts with individuals on a day-to-day basis, but it filled my heart with so much pain to understand the foster care system.”

Crescent Gang
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 12

What an incredibly heartwarming and uplifting film Crescent Gang is! It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system. It is family-friendly and uplifting.

Crescent Gang follows seven foster kids who face heartbreak when they discover their beloved group home is being sold and they will be separated. Determined to stay together, they embark on a high-stakes scavenger hunt in Las Vegas, where they encounter a family court attorney in search of her inner peace. The film beautifully captures their quirky and adventurous quest, highlighting the importance of friendship, resilience and the possibility of finding a loving family.

I like Crescent Gang for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and positive message of resilience and family. The film is captivating and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the talented young actors, including Valeria Camero as the determined new kid. The cast also includes Kira Marie, the spirited family court attorney, and Mariah Taveres, the resilient foster child, both of whom deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The production elements are noteworthy, with the vibrant and bustling backdrop of Las Vegas adding dynamic energy to the story. The imaginative and well-designed costumes add to the visual appeal, complementing the characters’ personalities and enhancing their individuality. The direction by Gino Payne and Onyx Keesha, who have drawn from their personal experiences in the foster care system, shines through in the film’s heartfelt portrayal of the foster care journey. The plot development and pace keep the audience engaged — perfectly balancing the kids’ quirky adventures with their emotional journeys. Without giving away too much, one of my favorite parts of the film is when the kids realize their hard work and tenacity finally pays off.

The film’s message is one of resilience and the power of a chosen family. It reminds us that support, love, and hope can be found in unexpected places and that no matter the challenges we face, we can find strength within ourselves and in the bonds we form with others.

I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It releases on VOD on major platforms June 13, 2023.

Crescent Gang
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Crescent Gang follows a group of children from different worlds yet sharing similar circumstances, who bond together to save the only family they have left.  Crescent Gang tugged at my heartstrings and I think it will tug at yours as well.  

Unfortunate circumstances have brought seven kids together in The Crescent House group home where they learn to form a strong family unit. Devastated by the sale of the home and their fear of once again being separated from those they love, these brave kids set out to save the only family they know. Liberty (Mariah Tavares) who is the new kid on the block, devises a plan that may be their only hope in staying together. Her plan takes them on a scavenger hunt adventure through Las Vegas and leads them to the only person who can help keep them together, a successful family attorney (Kira Marie) who also grew up in the foster system.

This is a perfect family film that teaches so many valuable lessons about life and empowers us to believe in ourselves no matter what journey we are on. What I enjoyed most about Crescent Gang is witnessing the kids’ teamwork and perseverance. Their fight to save their “family” is so heartfelt and noble. Their circumstances before coming to The Crescent House doesn’t matter; what does matter is the strong family bond they now have and the will do anything to protect it.  I found the film to be empowering in that children have powerful voices that must be heard. The film has some suspense in it which keeps viewers engaged. The humor throughout is enjoyable and easily relatable. The plot is fantastic however the film falls short in a few areas. The dialogue between characters at times seems unnatural and, in several scenes, the audio does not match the video. Also, the music in some scenes is overpowering. These shortcomings only slightly affect the mood of the film and, for the most part, Crescent Gang is an enjoyable film.

The film’s messages all center around family relationships — families must work together to build friendships; they must be dedicated to each other; they need to be inclusive with all the members within it represented. It also gives us a message of hope in that, no matter how rock bottom an individual believes they have hit, if there is hope you can overcome challenges.

I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Crescent Gang releases June 13, 2023 on VOD.

Crescent Gang
By Bria H., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

I had no idea what to expect going into the film Crescent Gang, but my heart is filled with joy! I love films that have skilled child actors that can match the energy of the adults. I loved this film from start to finish and am so honored to be reviewing this work of art.  Not only did this movie make a 29-year-old question how she interacts with individuals on a day-to-day basis, but it filled my heart with so much pain to understand the foster care system.

The first section of the film tells the stories of different children from various backgrounds who are dealing with the foster care system. The middle part of the film curtails the dilemma of their foster home, Crescent Avenue, being sold and closed, leaving the children who are currently in the home to be moved to other group homes and being split up. The children find a time capsule hidden in the attic of their home and inside it is a map detailing a former foster child’s favorite places in the city. This leads to the children escaping the home and embarking on a quest.

Crescent Gang is a prime example of having a heartwarming message and amazing actors. The story flows seamlessly. I was invested the entire time in how the story of Reena Jeffcoat (Kira Marie) and the foster children would come together. There are quite a few characters to keep up with. At the middle mark of the film, I understood where the story was going with the premise of the scavenger hunt and learning who the mysterious Karina H was. I put myself in the mindset of a child and could see the big twist as a surprise in a child’s mind. I was blown away by the production values and the cinematography, especially the scenes where Daisy (Natalya O. Hudson) is on social media documenting different events taking place and we see it all on camera. Audiences can tell that this was shot on location in Las Vegas, Nevada which is showcased in various shots throughout the film. One great shot shows the children on a scavenger hunt at sunset and ask an adult to drive them to Red Rock Canyon. Shots like that make the experience more real to viewers, even if they have never been to the destination. A lot of other Vegas landmarks are shown such as the M & M store, the Hard Rock Cafe.

There is a scene that stands out to me when the characters are reflecting and a song is playing in the background with lyrics that say, “A broken heart it grows.” It is sung beautifully by Jordyn Diew and adds to the moment of heaviness. There are some scenes where I wanted to focus on the actors’ conversations, but the background music took me out of the moment. For example, when Reena is talking with her father, Mr. Jeffcoat (Joseph Adu), there is a good three minutes when there is no sound, but the emotional score starts up and I lost focus. I would have enjoyed a few more quiet moments throughout the film.  The child actors excel in their roles. I was truly impressed with Liberty (Mariah Tavares).  A memorial performance is by Haven (Valeria Camero) who is perceived to be the intellectual of the Gang. Another standout is Daisy (Natalya O. Hudson). The other foster children are Carleigh (Olivia Kaiser), Lailah (Mia Denae Brathwaite), Dayja (Eva Kauvon Thomas), and Kyle (Remy Payne). The adult standouts for me are Ms. Terry, the caretaker of the Crescent Gang children, (Shaquita Smith) and Reena Jeffcoat (Kira Marie.) Every character in this film is relatable and that aspect alone makes this film a pleasant viewing experience.

When a film just flows cinematically, it can be difficult to choose what impacts the viewer most.  I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching these children come together as a group. It can be a tedious task showcasing on screen the group dynamic of characters, let alone children. So seeing all these children becoming of team is very refreshing to witness. I was very impressed by the production value, the actors and actresses, and the story overall. I am honored that I was able to watch this film before its US release date. There are three celebrities in this film. Shaquita Smith (Ms. Terry) is known for the role of Jordan Davis in the drama series, Wicked City and she was also an actress on NCIS: New Orleans. Jarry Lee (Mrs. Hyatt) has acted in Dating Around, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and an episode of the show Billions. Mariah Tavares (Liberty) made her debut in the three-time Emmy-Winning television series, Abbott Elementary.

The film’s message is that, as adults, we have to make sure we find the purpose behind the jobs we take. The film also made me reflect on the way I speak to children. They are so impressionable so, as adults we have to make sure that even if a situation is not the best for them we give them hope so they can keep pressing forward.

I give Crescent Gang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

This film releases on VOD and as a digital release June 13, 2023.

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Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformer — the Maximals — to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic David E. comments, “Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts is a captivating film that blends comedy, action, adventure and drama. As a young film watcher, I was thoroughly impressed by the movie’s ability to keep me entertained… Although the film takes a bit of time to build up in certain parts, it ultimately contributes to the overall experience.” Sydney S. adds, “I love the new Transformers movie, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. An action-packed and immersing film, it has incredible special effects and digital animation that make everything look so realistic. It’s also packed with comedy lines that made me laugh.” See their full reviews below.

Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts
By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts is a captivating film that blends comedy, action, adventure and drama. As a young film watcher, I was thoroughly impressed by the movie’s ability to keep me entertained. One of the standout performances in the film is Mirage (Pete Davidson), who brings a delightful touch of comedy and showcases a genuine heart for humans.

 The idea of the story revolves around the Maximals joining forces with Noah, (Anthony Ramos) and the Autobots as they work together to defeat the menacing Scourge (Peter Dinklage) and the Terrorcons in a battle that could potentially be the fate of the world.

Although the film takes a bit of time to build up in certain parts, it ultimately contributes to the overall experience. The camera work is flawless, providing a fresh and new perspective for viewers. Anthony Ramos delivers an outstanding performance as Noah Diaz, effectively portraying a range of emotions and going above and beyond to embody the character.

Peter Cullen, the voice of the heroic Autobot Optimus Prime, presents a new side of Prime that we have never seen before, adding depth to the character. Peter Dinklage takes on the role of the perfect villain Scourge, adding a scary, creepy and dark twist to the story—a crucial element that superhero movies often need.

The message of “never quit and keep getting back on your feet” resonates strongly throughout the narrative. It’s important to note that the film contains a significant amount of profanity.

I give Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults who appreciate the Transformers franchise. Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts rolls into theaters June 9, 2023.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

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

I love the new Transformers movie, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. An action-packed and immersing film, it has incredible special effects and digital animation that make everything look so realistic. It’s also packed with comedy lines that made me laugh.

The film takes us back to the Autobots trying to find a way back to their home planet. However, they have to battle the Terrorcons to get possession of the “key.” The Maximals and a human duo assist the Autobots to try to save the world.

The main characters are Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos), Elena (Dominique Fishback), Mirage (Pete Davidson), Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), Optimus Primal (Ron Perlman) and Airazor (Michelle Yeoh). I admire the hard work the human characters Noah and Elena contribute. They never intended on saving the world and they try their best to help the Transformers get back home. The duo’s teamwork enhances the plot and adds more action, especially when they battle the Terrorcons multiple times. Being attacked underground or in a museum won’t stop them from using clever tactics and keeping eyes on their mission.

We learn the backstory for both Noah and Elena, which makes me feel more attached to them. The characters’ costumes are awesome and they really exemplify how far CGI has come. This is, by far, the most lifelike Transformers movie yet. When the Autobots, Maximals and Terrorcons are fighting, the special effects are spectacular, and I felt very engaged while watching it. The metamorphosis when the Autobots change from cars to their Transformer avatars looks extremely convincing, as well. The soundtrack consists of nostalgic 90s hip hop playlists, since the plot is set in the early 90s.

My favorite part of the film is when Noah attempts to steal Mirage (when he is in car form) without knowing he is a Transformer. Mirage controls the car and leads Noah to where the other Autobots are. The look on Noah’s face is a mix of confusion, disbelief and most definitely horrified. It’s my favorite scene because it’s the turning point in the plot that starts their adventure, and it’s hilarious, too.

The message of this film is to never give up on something you really desire, even if it takes a lot of work. It also promotes teamwork. You should be aware of some foul language in the film.

I give Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film will releases in theaters on June 9, 2023. 

Hailey Banks, a risk-averse but resourceful teenager on a mission to complete every item on her long list of challenging (and sometimes impractical) tasks in order to save the world. Hailey will be pushed outside her comfort zone to discover the greatness within as she systematically conquers her fears, whether she is winning a sand-building competition, wrestling a honey badger, eating a raw onion, or facing her ever-growing and complicated feelings toward her best friend, Scott.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “Hailey‘s On It is an incredibly fun and entertaining animated comedy-adventure series that captivated me and is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. With its unique premise and engaging characters, this Disney production showcases creativity and humor in every episode.” See her full review below.

Hailey’s On It
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 19

Hailey’s On It is an incredibly fun and entertaining animated comedy-adventure series that captivated me and is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. With its unique premise and engaging characters, this Disney production showcases creativity and humor in every episode.

From the very first scene, it’s clear that Hailey’s On It is a delightful series. The combination of risk-averse yet resourceful teenager Hailey (Auliʻi Cravalho) and her futuristic sidekick Beta (Gary Anthony Williams) create a dynamic duo that viewers will instantly connect with. The chemistry between the characters is charming, and their interactions provide a perfect balance of comedy and heart.

The series revolves around Hailey’s mission to complete a list of challenging tasks, some of which may seem impractical but ultimately contribute to saving the world. While the overarching storyline is compelling, the show wisely balances it with episodic adventures that allow for individual character development and exploration. Each episode of Hailey’s On It introduces a new item from Hailey’s list, presenting unique challenges that require her problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. The plotlines are well-crafted, keeping viewers engaged and eager to see how Hailey and Beta navigate each task.

Hailey’s On It is a family-friendly series that promotes positive social behavior. The characters treat each other with respect and support, and the show emphasizes the value of teamwork and problem-solving.  Hailey’s determination serves as positive examples for young viewers, encouraging them to embrace their own abilities and take on difficult tasks.

The lead characters, Hailey and Beta, steal the show with their distinct personalities and relatable traits. Hailey’s relatability lies in her risk-averse nature, which many viewers will find endearing and familiar. Beta, the AI from the future, adds a delightful futuristic touch to the series, providing both comedic relief and technological prowess. AI has recently become woven into all of our lives and it is great to see Disney jumping on the bandwagon so quickly. The animation in the show is top-notch, with vibrant colors, smooth movements, and detailed backgrounds. The visual aesthetic perfectly complements the adventurous tone of the show, creating an immersive viewing experience.

The underlying message of Hailey‘s On It centers on the importance of facing challenges head-on, even when they seem daunting.

I give Hailey’s On It 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. The series releases on Disney+ and Disney Channel on June 8, 2023, so mark your calendars and get ready for an adventure-filled journey alongside Hailey and Beta!

Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.        

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nathalia J. comments, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is mind-blowing, engaging and suspenseful…This film surpassed all expectations and I believe is the absolute finest Spider-Man film…” David E. adds, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse is an incredibly enjoyable film that definitely captivated me with its abundance of exciting Spider-Man references. I really like the inclusion of Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya).” Rayce S. wraps it up with, “I love Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The cinematography is excellent and the pacing is amazing. It has some of the best storytelling that I have seen in years … It also brought back the joy of seeing Spider-Man for the first time. See their full reviews below.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
By Nathalia J. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson is mind-blowing, engaging and suspenseful. Following the 2018 release, Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse, this film surpassed all expectations and I believe is the absolute finest Spider-Man film that follows the plot of Miles Morales.

The storyline follows 17-year-old Miles Morales, who was bitten by a radio-active spider, gained spider-like abilities, and became the one and only Spider-Man in Brooklyn, NY after the death of Peter Parker. Miles is working hard to balance school and social life, while trying to live up to his parent’s expectations, all while saving the world. During this time, an old friend, Gwen Stacey (Hailee Steinfeld) comes to visit Miles. As she leaves, Miles follows her and is catapulted across the universe, jumping from universe to universe on an extreme adventure where he needs to refine what it means to be a hero so he can save those he loves most.

This film managed to keep me hooked throughout the entire two plus hour run time. It equally balances elements of comedy and drama, while portraying the characters experiencing some real life situations.

My favorite character is Miles’ long-time, devoted friend, Gwen Stacy, a.k.a Ghost-Spider.  Gwen comes from an extremely rough home situation. Considering her father, soon-to-be police captain, has a personal hatred for Ghost-Spider, she spent most nights debating her worth as a person — if her own father does not see the good she does as Ghost-Spider, what is her purpose? However, this allows her to quickly bond with Miles, whose father also works in the police field. In this film, Gwen experiences obvious character development and proves her loyalty to Miles. Even though she associates herself with the “spider-verse” secret society, which eventually works against Miles, she tries endlessly to keep Miles away, since she knows the danger. She never encourages him to join, nor does she even inform him of it. Once it is made clear the spider-verse secret society is in no way going to help or agree with Miles, she makes it clear whose side she is on. Eventually she gathers alongside a few other Spider-Men and forms her own group, specifically devoted to saving Miles. Though it hasn’t been confirmed, Gwen and Miles do have a relationship developing — the chemistry between them made me want to see Gwen save him even more.

The film’s message is to always make the right choice, even if it does not benefit your own wants or needs. You must always rise above and make the choice between selfishness and selflessness. 

I give Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters June 2, 2023. Check it out!

Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse
By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse is an incredibly enjoyable film that definitely captivated me with its abundance of exciting Spider-Man references. I really like the inclusion of Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya). He is serious, yet funny with his British accent, which is also Daniel Kaluuya’s native language.

The story continues the journey of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who has been Spider-Man for a year and four months. As he navigates the multiverse, Miles must find his place while facing his past and confronting new challenges.

This film delivers an exciting multiverse adventure, packed with surprising Easter eggs for Spider-Man fans to enjoy.  The storyline fits perfectly within the realm of animated superhero movies, providing a solid foundation for the narrative of superheroes. The film has a lot of twists and turns, which keeps the story engaging throughout. The camera work is incredible and seamless, especially how they formatted the graphics and shape patterns, with no noticeable issues. Shameik Moore delivers an outstanding performance as Miles Morales, embodying the essence of both Spider-Man and Miles, who is just a kid that has superpowers. Hailee Steinfeld portrays an ideal daughter and friend who cannot understand why there is chemistry between her and Spider-Man, which showcases her exceptional acting abilities. Jason Schwartzman, as The Spot, brings an intriguing twist and laughter with a sense of darkness to the character, challenging our expectations. The movie concludes with exceptional music and an ending that left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The film’s message: “You can’t save everyone you want,” reminds viewers of the limitations that come with being a hero and how you shouldn’t forget to be yourself. It’s important to note that there is a small amount of profanity in this film, so parents should take that into consideration.

I give Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for 12 to 18, plus adults. It swings into theaters June 2, 2023. Make sure to mark your calendars and experience this thrilling Spider-Man journey firsthand.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I love Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The cinematography is excellent and the pacing is amazing. It has some of the best storytelling that I have seen in years and the character development in this film is absolutely astonishing. It also brought back the joy of seeing Spider-Man for the first time.

The storyline follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) propelled through the Multiverse and coming across a group of Spider-People tasked with safeguarding the very existence of the multiverse. Miles must reevaluate what it means to be a true hero when the heroes disagree about how to handle a new threat.

This film made me feel like a kid again watching Spider-Man swinging through the sky — that’s what makes this film great. It brings back memories of my childhood and I think it will for others also. This film takes its time and hits on moments that make it truly an amazing film. The voice acting is phenomenal. Miles Morales excels at bringing out his character even better than he did in the first film. That’s not all; Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) brings more heart to her character compared to the last film as well. My favorite voice actor is Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac). His voice suits this character so well and there are some scenes where you notice how great a voice actor he is.

The voice acting isn’t the only thing that makes this film special. I really appreciated the cinematography. After watching this film some scenes stayed in my mind because they are so stunning. They impacted my experience in a positive way. The character development and the storytelling are both spectacular. There are moments where you feel sad; moments when you feel joy; and moments when it builds suspense. The movie runs 2 hours and 20 minutes and doesn’t rush at all. For me this film was more than I expected and I loved every second of it.

The film’s message is that anyone can be Spider-Man. No matter where you come from; no matter wgat your past or your future is — you can be who you want to be. You can do your own thing. This film shows us that sometimes you have to do your own thing and make sure that you never feel like you don’t belong.

I give Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters June 2, 2023.

Based on the book by LeBron James and the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Friday Night Lights, Buzz Bissinger, Shooting Stars is the inspiring origin story of a basketball superhero, revealing how LeBron James and his childhood friends become the #1 high school team in the country, launching James’s breathtaking career as a four-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I love the new movie, Shooting Stars. You don’t need to be a basketball lover to enjoy this one! This movie is so motivational, relatable and hilarious. It is a must-see, and definitely a “slam-dunk.”   David E. adds, “I love this storyline and learning how Lebron’s career got a jump start when he played with these childhood friends. That’s what makes the film so good, with its multiple sources of first and second hand stories.”

Shooting Stars 
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I love the new movie, Shooting Stars. You don’t need to be a basketball lover to enjoy this one! This movie is so motivational, relatable and hilarious. It is a must-see, and definitely a “slam-dunk.”    

The film highlights the inspirational story of the ultra-famous NBA player, LeBron James and his high school friends. It takes place in 1994 through 2003, during his childhood and high school years, and focuses on the “Fab Four” – young LeBron James (Marquis Cook) and his best friends Lil Dru Joyce (Caleb McLaughlin), Willie McGee (Avery Wills) and Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage).

I’ve never been an avid basketball follower or fan, but that didn’t make Shooting Stars any less of an enjoyable movie for me. Even though I never played basketball seriously, I can relate to this movie as a high school athlete. It was so interesting to learn things I never knew about LeBron James and his life. And what’s great is that if you want to learn even more about LeBron, you can read the book by LeBron James and Buzz Bissinger, Shooting Stars, which the film is based on. Since the film was produced by LeBron himself,  it provides an accurate representation of his early years. In a voiceover in the first-look teaser trailer James says, “People think they know my story, but this is our story.”

The sets, locations and props all reflect the time period and give us a bit of nostalgia. Additionally, the actors look so much like the people they play. Speaking of which, Marquis Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Avery Wills, Khalil Everage, and Sterling Henderson work so well together and have a lot of chemistry. Additionally, they all are fabulous basketball players. Shooting Stars marks the acting debut of Marquis “Mookie” Cook as young LeBron James. Although he is a rookie actor, Cook has a substantial basketball background. He is not only a top-ranked high school athlete but has also participated in the 2023 All-American games. Throughout the movie, be on the lookout for some cameos! 

The message ofthis movie is to follow your passions and work hard for them. Additional themes are that your family isn’t just blood and that teamwork is important when you’re trying to achieve your goals. Be aware that there is some profanity and language that people may find offensive. 

I give Shooting Stars 5 of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Athletes and LeBron fans will particularly enjoy this movie. It releases exclusively on Peacock June 2, 2023.

Shooting Stars
By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really like Shooting Stars — it has a perfect balance between brotherhood, basketball, family and friends and dramedy. Lil Dru is my favorite in the film.

Shooting Stars is based on the book by LeBron James and Buzz Bissinger. It starts in the year 1994 as we watch 10-year-old Lebron James (Marquis “Mookie” Cook) and childhood friends Lil Dru (Caleb McLaughlin), Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage) and Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills Jr.) play together and bring a story of friendship to their senior year in 2003 and their high school team becomes #1 in the country.

I love this storyline and learning how Lebron’s career got a jump start when he played with these childhood friends. That’s what makes the film so good, with its multiple sources of first and second hand stories. The pace feels really fast. Watching this film makes me realize what well-deserved credits go to the camera team. Shooting Stars was filmed in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Marquis “Mookie” Cook’s performance as young Lebron is outstanding. This is Cook’s acting debut and he gives a great performance, especially portraying both the humor and anger of Lebron. Plus, he has a great deal of expertise laying basketball is a top-ranked high school athlete.

Caleb McLaughlin’s portrayal of Lil Dru gives truth to the idea that size really doesn’t matter. Avery Willis Jr. as Willie Mc Gee, the second-best basketball player of the Fab 4 is also noteworthy. And finally, Khalil Everage is the funniest playing Sian Cotton — when he is on screen the movie just gets better. The movie ends with the Fab 4 enjoying their lives.

The film’s message is that friends are your family. Be aware that there is a lot of profanity in this movie

I give Shooting Stars 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.. Shooting Stars can be found on Peacock beginning June 2, 2023.