KIDS FIRST! News

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?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comment, “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.” See her full review below.

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

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.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calee N. 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.” Sydney S., adds, “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.” See their full reviews and Calee’s red carpet interviews below.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. 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 Cuarón, 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…” See her full review below and Arya B.’s interview director, David Lowery.

An Almost Christmas Story
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

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 Cuarón, 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.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “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. Blitz is a very intense, immersive war-time drama right from the start. This movie has stunning performances, incredible visual effects and suspenseful scenes.” See her full review below.

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

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.

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.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adele B. 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.” Ariel K. adds, “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. Gavin S. adds, “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.” Ryan M. wraps it up with, “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.” See their full reviews below.

Jurassic Pet 3
By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

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.

Jurassic Pet 3
By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

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!

Jurassic Pet 3
By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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.

Jurassic Pet 3
By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

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.