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The feature directorial debut of Josh Margolin, Thelma is a poignant action-comedy that gives veteran Oscar® nominee June Squibb her first leading role on-screen and features the final performance of trailblazing actor Richard Roundtree. Squibb plays Thelma Post, a feisty 93-year-old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson and sets out on a treacherous quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by an aging friend and his motorized scooter, to reclaim what was taken from her. Inspired by a real-life experience of Margolin’s own grandmother, Thelma puts a clever spin on movies like Mission: Impossible, shining the spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero. With infectious humor, Margolin employs the familiar tropes of the action genre in hilarious, age-appropriate ways to tackle aging with agency. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, Squibb portrays the strong-willed Thelma with grit and determination, demonstrating that she is more than capable of taking care of business – despite what her daughter Gail, son-in-law or grandson might believe.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella S. comments, “I love the movie Thelma! It has the perfect combination of action, jokes and emotion that makes it balanced and complete. Thelma taught me many valuable lessons and gives my generation a new perspective on technology and the world we live in.” See her full review below.  

Thelma
By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

I love the movie Thelma! It has the perfect combination of action, jokes and emotion that makes it balanced and complete. Thelma taught me many valuable lessons and gives my generation a new perspective on technology and the world we live in.

Thelma (June Squibb) is a 93-year-old, widowed woman who is easily scammed due to her hilarious lack of computer knowledge. Michael (Aidan Fiske) and Harvey (Malcom McDowell) call Thelma and impersonate her grandson, Danny (Fred Hechinger), pretending he has gotten into a car accident, Thelma wires $10,000 to an unknown source with no hesitation. When Danny returns home safe and Thelma realizes she has been tricked, she and her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree) steal a scooter from a nursing home and take off on a journey to get their revenge.

I am impressed with the execution of the character development in Thelma, particularly that of Danny. The film begins by depicting him as a caring but irresponsible individual who has good intentions but struggles with organization. However, Thelma’s sudden disappearance serves as a wake-up call, motivating Danny to take initiative, starting by renewing his driver’s license, which his parents (Parker Posey, Clark Gregg) have been reminding him to do. Thelma indirectly influences Danny’s growth by making him step up in a time of crisis. Thelma also undergoes an improvement when she finally tracks down her scammers. She originally set out to seek revenge but, once she sees that Harvey and Michael are alone and struggling for money, she finds herself sympathizing with them. She gains a sense of perspective when listening to their story and, though she still takes back her money, she leaves them $500, displaying the shift in her focus from revenge to justice.

I love that even though Thelma is based on heavier themes such as aging, death, and the flaws of technology, there is plenty of room for humor! My favorite moments in the film are when Thelma and Ben run away with their bright red scooter, angering the staff of the nursing home; and again when Thelma steals a gun without knowing how to use it. Considering that Thelma does not actually hurt anyone, the look on Harvey’s face when she accidentally shoots the wall is priceless. Watching Thelma attempt to learn about computers and pop-up advertisements is equally entertaining.

Thelma taught me many things. I learned to always consider multiple sides of a story before making decisions, and I learned that perspective can change everything. It also reminded me that sometimes people that seem the most fragile actually turn out to be the most capable — so don’t underestimate anyone. That grandma who makes amazing snickerdoodles might turn out to be quite a skilled motorcyclist. Be aware that Thelma contains smoking and mild gun violence although there are no injuries, casualties or bloody scenes.

I give Thelma 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Thelma releases to theaters on June 21, 2024.

In the first Despicable Me movie in seven years, Gru, the world’s favorite supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain League-agent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem in Illumination’s Despicable Me 4. Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina and the family is forced to go on the run. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calee N. comments, “Get ready to raise your glasses and say, “Kanpai” (cheers) in celebration as the Gru family returns in Despicable Me 4! The familiar and lovable characters are back, bringing with them a hilarious and entertaining storyline that definitely had me laughing out loud.” Katherine S. adds, “I enjoyed Despicable Me 4! It’s full of slapstick comedy plus new and old characters. The animation is so high quality it’s despicable.” Ari P. adds, “My favorite characters in this film are the Minions and Poppy Prescott (Joey King). The Minions have always been energetic and filled with slapstick comedy, and they have never failed to make me laugh.” Emma O. adds, “One thing I love about Despicable Me 4 is … the Minions. They’re consistent as the main protagonists in the Gru family.  They offer constant on-screen antics, and their silly behavior kept me laughing.”  Kendall B. wraps it up with, “My favorite part of this film is the last scene where Gru and Maxime have a karaoke competition and perform it at the local jail. In this scene there are nods to all the past movies including the Despicable Me and Minions films. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a great Easter egg that plays tribute to the previous films.” See their full reviews and Calee’s interview with Miranda Cosgrove and Joey King below.

Despicable Me 4
By Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Get ready to raise your glasses and say, “Kanpai” (cheers) in celebration as the Gru family returns in Despicable Me 4! The familiar and lovable characters are back, bringing with them a hilarious and entertaining storyline that definitely had me laughing out loud. 

The storyline follows Gru (Steve Carell) when he fails to capture his old nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his family is forced into the witness protection program. But, portraying the role of the average next-door neighbor is no easy task for Gru, his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and their adopted daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan).  The introduction of the want-to-be villain, Poppy (Joey King), sparks Gru’s desire for mischievous adventures, setting the stage for comical chaos with the assistance of his minions.

This is a fun animated film filled with compassion and comedy. Created by Illumination Entertainment, the frantic visual disorder seized my attention and took me on a wild ride filled with glee. The fantastic voice acting makes all the characters likable. Joey King, with her lisp and evil laugh, makes Poppy so menacing and likable. The screenplay by Ken Daurio and Mike White feels familiar and fresh at the same time. Gru’s loving relationship with his wife Lucy, baby boy, and adopted daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes remains heart-warming. The introduction of villains Maxime Le Ma, Valentina (Sofia Vergara), and Poppy keep Gru from living a dull life as an anti-villain.  One of my favorite scenes is the attempted theft of the honey badger. 

The film’s message reminds us to stay true to ourselves and to remember that family is essential to our happiness. By embracing his true nature, Gru is able to release the pressures of being an anti-villain and pursue his dreams.

Despicable Me 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It opens in theaters on July 3, 2024.

Despicable Me 4
By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The hilarious super-dad is back! Gru and his family return in the hilarious Despicable Me 4. This movie is action-packed, funny, and shows how important family truly is. It stars many well-known actors, including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Ferrell, and Sofía Vergara.

This comedic film starts with Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) doing their best to raise Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), Agnes (Madison Polan), and the newest member of the family, Gru Jr. (Tara Strong) The family thinks their life has finally gone back to normal, until they find out that Gru’s arch-nemeses Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and Valentina (Sofía Vergara) escaped prison and are out for revenge against Gru, which means he and his family must go into hiding. While staying undercover, each family member encounters different people and different struggles. The Minions are as crazy and shenanigan-filled as ever, but also as caring and protective of the family, no matter the cost.

My favorite characters in this film are the Minions and Poppy Prescott (Joey King). The Minions have always been energetic and filled with slapstick comedy, and they have never failed to make me laugh. I love how the director, Chris Renaud, makes sure the Minions are still the same funny, chaotic characters as they have been since the beginning of the Despicable Me series. I love Poppy because of how passionate she is about becoming a super-villainess. She is also so clever and lovable, which adds to her character. Another part of this film I enjoyed was the creativity of the new villains, Maxime Le Mal and Valentina. The writers, Ken Daurio and Mike White, created two incredible characters with loads of personality, imagination, and evil. The music is especially enjoyable in the movie. For example, there is a song in the beginning of the film called “Double Life” by Pharrell Williams, which is so fun and upbeat. The energy from this song matches the energy of the movie.

The film’s message is to never give up and persevere through every situation. Gru always has and always will care about his family. Whenever his family is in trouble, he will always be there to save them.

Despicable Me 4 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 3, 2024.

Despicable Me 4
Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

What a fun film Despicable Me 4 is. I love this film! It was great entertainment from start to finish and made me laugh the entire time. 

Gru and the minions return in this fourth installment, providing humor and entertainment at every turn.  Gru is challenged by high school rival, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his female sidekick Valentina (Sofia Vergara) and they’re forced to flee to a safe house.   As the family takes on new identities, Gru takes the opportunity to bond with his son.   More plots emerge as the family struggles with new identities and a neighbor, Poppy (Joey King), knows Gru’s identity.  

Very entertaining. I will go see it again with friends. The animation and the writing are paired perfectly. Every character has their own story line and each of their own individual journeys contributes to the plot.  They are all connected, which makes the film that much more entertaining.  One thing I love about Despicable Me 4 is … the Minions. They’re consistent as the main protagonists in the Gru family.  They offer constant on-screen antics, and their silly behavior kept me laughing.  Whether on a bus, in a vending machine, or in training as the Mega Minions, their attempt to help always creates drama and messes things up.  I enjoyed the character of Poppy, who wears braces and has a lisp, which is hysterical.  Maybe we will see her in future films. The background music and sound effects enhance the entire film. The sounds in the grocery store scene are great – with screams and pounding footsteps running through the aisles.  At other times we hear the roaring of engines, lazar sounds from the Mega Minion, and tires screeching behind the opening music as they drive up into the California hills.  This film is great in so many ways.

The film’s messages are about bonding with your family, finding a happy place, being true to oneself and protecting your loved ones. Be aware that there are some naughty Minions. Some humor is a bit inappropriate for kids, yet this humor may keep parents engaged.  My mom laughed at some of the “adult jokes” and had to explain them to me.

Despicable Me 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages to 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters July 3, 2024. Go check it out.

Despicable Me 4
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I enjoyed Despicable Me 4! It’s full of slapstick comedy plus new and old characters. The animation is so high quality it’s despicable.  

In the sixth installment of the Despicable Me franchise, Gru (Steve Carell), Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and the girls welcome a new member to their family, Gru Jr. (Tara Strong), who is set on tormenting his dad. And now, because of a new villain named Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his girlfriend (Sofía Vergara), Gru’s family is forced to go into hiding and adopt new identities. Will they take Maxime down or will their cover be blown? Watch to find out! 

This movie is really cute, but there is just a lot going on at once. There are several different subplots and a lot of new characters that are crammed into this 94-minute movie, so some scenes feel a bit random and out of place. Nonetheless, this is a great family movie. Its humor is geared more towards younger audiences, but that being said, I and a lot of adults laughed throughout the entire movie. I adore all of the characters in the franchise dearly, but my favorite is Agnes, voiced by Madison Polan. She is so sweet and lovable and always wants to do the right thing. I also really love the performances from Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, and Dana Gaier as Edith. Pierre Coffin, as always, is so impressive when voicing the minions (yes, all of them). Will Ferrell as Maxime and Sofía Vergara as Valentina, Maxime’s girlfriend, are hilarious and really fit their roles.

The film’s messages, similar to the previous installments, focus on the importance of family and doing the right thing. Be forewarned that there are some risky behaviors portrayed in this movie that young children shouldn’t try to replicate. 

Despicable Me 4 gets 4 of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. People who enjoyed the previous Despicable Me movies will definitely want to see this one. It comes out in theaters on July 3, 2024.

Despicable Me 4
By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Bringing back my favorite yellow-friends, Despicable Me 4 is hilarious, original, and chaotic in the best way. It hits the screen with all the energy expected from the first scene to the last.

Following the prison escape of his arch nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), ex-villain Gru (Steve Carell) is forced to move into hiding with his wife, Lucy (Kristen Wiig), his three daughters, and his new baby son, Gru Jr. (Tara Strong) After assuming new identities the craziness never fails to follow Gru’s family as they meet new neighbors, explore their new lives, and hide from Maxime and his fashionable girlfriend Valentina (Sofía Vergara). And of course, the minions have their own adventures as well.

Despicable Me 4 flows so smoothly despite all the plot lines going throughout the film. Many subplots are developed and, by the end, they all tie together quite nicely. It’s a perfect way to give viewers lots to enjoy without leaving them hanging. The only thing that doesn’t have enough attention is the character of Maxime Le Mal — part of his character is his obsession with cockroaches and he has a whole army of them, but apart from talking to them a bit as his evil army, they don’t help execute his master plans. This made me wonder what they were intended for exactly. Besides this, every character is wonderful to watch and I particularly enjoyed Poppy. Voiced by Joey King, Poppy has been born into an uptight family in the town of Mayflower and dreams of becoming an evil villain. I love how she is introduced as kind of a mystery until her intentions are revealed. I enjoyed seeing how dedicated she is to achieve her dreams. The side plot of the minions is not paid a lot of attention to but that never stops the minions from stealing the spotlight. We find five minions with superpowers and the writers have some hilarious situations these minions get into which, of course, all tie back to saving their beloved master, Gru. My favorite part of this film is the last scene where Gru and Maxime have a karaoke competition and perform it at the local jail. In this scene there are nods to all the past movies including the Despicable Me and Minions films. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a great Easter egg that plays tribute to the previous films.

The film’s theme is that nothing is more important than family. Gru struggles to bond with his son and he never stops trying because Gru Jr. is so important to him. Throughout the film Gru is always putting his family first and he never stops fighting for them.

Despicable Me 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters July 3, 2024.