KIDS FIRST! News

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “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 a character …One of my all-time favorite parts of this film is the choreography.” See her full review below.

Monster High 2
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

L-R: Miia Harris as Clawdeen Wolf and Ceci Balagot as Frankie Stein in Monster High 2 on Nickelodeon and streaming on PARAMOUNT+. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman/Nickelodeon/Paramount+.

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.

L-R: Kyra Leroux as Demi Boovais and Miia Harris as Clawdeen Wolf in Monster High 2 on Nickelodeon and streaming on PARAMOUNT+. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman/Nickelodeon/Paramount+.

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.

For more reviews of the latest films rated PG13 or younger, be sure to visit https://www.kidsfirst.org. Support our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic by donating to our annual fundraising campaign: https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal?ref=ab_bCo1e4

Dear Friends,

A Matching Gift Opportunity: I am thrilled to announce a $25,000 matching gift to KIDS FIRST! This means every dollar you donate will be doubled, up to $25,000.

The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (CQCM), home to the KIDS FIRST! Film Critic program and KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, is seeking your support to bridge a critical funding gap between now and the end of the year.

We have a matching opportunity!  An anonymous donor will match your donation, up to $25,000.  This means your gift will have twice the impact on empowering young media consumers.

Since 1991, KIDS FIRST! has been at the forefront of media literacy, empowering young people to become discerning media consumers. Our unique approach centers on the voices of children, providing them with a platform to review films as they develop essential life skills. We have a team of 65 kids, ages 9 through 22, who attend press screenings, press junkets and film premieres. They review the latest films rated PG13 or younger and interview celebrities. Their reviews reach over 5 million people every week through the KIDS FIRST! website, blogs, social media and partnerships with like-minded publications. As one alumna, Samantha Marcus, recently told us:

“I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego with a BA inInternational Business. My journey toward the entertainment industry began with a pivotal role at KIDS FIRST! in 2016, where I worked as a radio show host and film critic. This rewarding experience provided me with a unique glimpse into the entertainment world, sparking my passion for marketing and business within this vibrant field. Witnessing Ranny Levy’s remarkable leadership and success at KIDS FIRST! deeply inspired me, positively shaping my professional path, encouraging me to find my voice and make the world a better place. 

Additionally, KIDS FIRST! curates a collection of indie and student films that we provide to film festivals, children’s museums and others that host screenings for youth and families. We have 30+ partners all across the US, plus 4 international partners in Ukraine, Pakistan, Uganda and India. These festivals focus on deep cultural, environmental and sociological issues such as environmental solutions, cross-cultural understanding, and empowering marginalized communities. Our festival screenings will reach over 500,000 kids and parents in 2025.

The young people we work with are truly remarkable. They aren’t just talking about making a difference; they’re doing it. I thought that you would resonate with the goals of this organization and be honored to help support its cause.

Become a partner!  Help us double our impact!  Donate today and have your gift matched, up to $25,000 at https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal. Alternatively, you can send a check to the address below.

Your donation supports:

• KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Empowering young voices, reaching millions.
• KIDS FIRST! Film Festival: Inspiring change through film, reaching half a million.
• Education: Training the next generation of media critics and advocates.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

SKIDS FIRST! Team

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 João (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 João 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, João 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 a true story 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! Film Critic Braedyn M. 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 thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim.” Hanadie K. adds, “My Penguin Friend beautifully illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship and love.” Their full reviews and Braedyn’s interview are below and here is Zoe C.’s interview with the star and director:

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

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 Velázquez, 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!

My Penguin Friend
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 13

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 João, 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 João, 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 João 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 João, perfectly capturing the mix of sorrow and hope in his character’s journey. Adriana Barraza delivers a strong performance as Maria, João’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 João 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.

For more reviews of the latest films rated PG13 or younger, be sure to visit https://www.kidsfirst.org. Support our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic by donating to our annual fundraising campaign: https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal?ref=ab_bCo1e4

Dear Friends,

For 33 years, KIDS FIRST! has been at the forefront of empowering young people to become critical media consumers. Our programs equip kids and their parents with the tools to discern age-appropriate content and make informed choices.

@kidsfirstmedia

Help support KIDS FIRST. Make a donation at https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirst global

♬ original sound – Kidsfirstmedia

Central to our mission is the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program. Our team of 65 dedicated young reporters, ages 9 to 22, immerse themselves in the world of film, attending press screenings, junkets, and red carpet events. They review the latest PG-13 and under-rated films, interview celebrities, and share their insights with over 5 million people through our website, social media, and partner publications.

Today, we are at a critical junction. To sustain and grow these impactful programs, we need your support. As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we’re asking for your help to fuel our mission. While our young reporters volunteer their time, our dedicated staff – responsible for training, coaching, editing, and promoting their work – requires financial support.

Another cornerstone of KIDS FIRST! is our Film Festival. We curate a collection of inspiring films that promote pro-social values, cultural understanding, environmental responsibility, and gender and racial equity. We have successfully co-hosted screenings with 30 venues across the USA and worldwide, including the Atlanta Children’s Film Festival, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Tallgrass Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Peoria Film Festival plus partners in Ukraine, Pakistan, Uganda and India where we will reach over 500,000 youth and families in 2025.

Our goal is to cultivate a generation of informed and conscientious consumers. We measure our success not by awards, but by the positive impact we have on young lives. As we celebrate our 33rd Anniversary, we invite you to join us in shaping the future by making a donation of $33, $330, or $3300. https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal

Your donation supports:

• KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Empowering young voices, reaching millions.
• KIDS FIRST! Film Festival: Inspiring change through film, reaching half a million.
• Education: Training the next generation of media critics and advocates.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

KIDS FIRST! Team

The all-new Paramount+ original 2D animated series, Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, explores the adventures of everyone’s favorite pizza-loving heroes as they emerge from the sewers onto the streets of NYC. Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey are faced with new threats and team up with old allies to survive both teenage life and villains lurking in the shadows of the Big Apple.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan M. 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. 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.” See his full review and talent interviews below.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles streaming on Paramount+ 2024. Photo credit: Paramount+

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.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit:Paramount+

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

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit:Paramount+

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 film begins streaming on Paramount+ August 9, 2024.