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

 

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.

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

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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The crazy scientist, Doctor Rex Vector, and his hamster assistant, Mister Pete, return to Pine Tree Mountain with Vector’s new, evil invention: a robo-monster complete with animal abilities. But first, Vector needs to collect these skills. He comes up with a power absorbing gadget, which he often disguises, in order to trap and steal abilities from the innocent animals. Vick, Briar and Bramble, along with other animal friends, must stand up against this “monster plan” of Vector’s. It’s going to be a fierce fight between wild animals and poaching villains.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Entertaining, kid-friendly, and adventurous are just the words to describe the animated film, Boonie Bears: Monster Plan 3! From adorable characters to an amazing animation style, young kids are sure to love watching.” Hanadie K. adds, “What do you get when you combine a mad scientist, a crazed hamster sidekick, a pack of brave bears, and a forest full of animal friends? You get a lighthearted, adorable, funny animated comedy. Boonie Bears: Monster Plan is quirky and fun to watch.” Selene W. wraps it up with, “The animation in Boonie Bears: Monster Plan is really superb.  I love the detail and the movement of all the various characters, as well as the beautiful forest backgrounds.  There is so much detail and movement in all of the character’s facial expressions.” See their full reviews below.

Boonie Bears: Monster Plan
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Entertaining, kid-friendly, and adventurous are just the words to describe the animated film, Boonie Bears: Monster Plan! From adorable characters to an amazing animation style, young kids are sure to love watching.

Dr. Rex Victor, the evil and crazy scientist, and his hamster assistant are back in Boonie Bears: Monster Plan 3 with a new, evil invention: a robo-monster with animal abilities. They are wreaking havoc on Pine Tree Mountain with their “monster plan” and it’s up to the bear brothers, Briar (Rick Jay Glen) and Bramble (Justin J. Wheeler) to stop them. With Dr. Victor trying to create a perfect monster, the Boonie Bears stand up against him, which sends the characters into endless adventures.

This is a great film that’s sure to keep young viewers entertained. Boonie Bears: Monster Plan is the third installment of the Boonie Bears: Monster Plan movie series. This is the most popular Chinese kid’s television show and it’s cool that it not only has been adapted into a film franchise but also is translated into English for non-Chinese speakers to watch and enjoy. I love the animation style as well as the voice acting which is very soft and cute, just like you would expect from a kids’ show. My favorite part of this film is when Briar, Bramble and Logger Vick help save Dr. Rex Victor by dressing up as him and distracting the Badger from chasing Victor. 

There are multiple messages of Boonie Bears: Monster Plan. The film shows how important friendships are and that they are something worth saving, because a friend is someone who is there for you and always cares for your well-being. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and how, when you work together, you can accomplish more, whether it’s to help someone or to accomplish a joint project.

Boonie Bears: Monster Plan gets4 out of 5 stars from me and, since it is very kiddy, I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can watch Boonie Bears: Monster Plan on digital platforms and DVD starting October 4, 2022.

Boonie Bears: Monster Plan
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

What do you get when you combine a mad scientist, a crazed hamster sidekick, a pack of brave bears, and a forest full of animal friends? You get a lighthearted, adorable, funny animated comedy. Boonie Bears: Monster Plan is quirky and fun to watch.

The storyline follows Doctor Rex Vector and his dedicated hamster comrade, Mister Pete, as they set out on a vicious mission to create a robot monster. The wicked duo has a brilliant idea to steal the animal abilities from the forest animals and give their powers to the robo-monster. Led by the bears, Briar and Bramble, the animals join forces to prevent Doctor Rex Vector from stealing their special skills and taking over the forest they call home. 

As a lover of animated films, I must admit that this cast presents some of the most unique and comical voices. For example, you might expect the bears would have deep baritone voices. Ironically, the bear characters in this film have high-pitched, squeaky voices; this makes them fun to watch. The storyline follows bear best friends, Briar (Rick Jay Glen) and Bramble (Justin J. Wheeler), as they team up with the other animals to defeat the evil scientist. This dynamic duo makes an excellent team and is incredibly entertaining to watch. They are best pals, but they are more like brothers. It is as if one bear always knows what the other is thinking without them having to say anything. Their connection ultimately helps save the day. My favorite part of the film is when the animals have an intense fight scene with Doctor Rex Vector, Mister Pete, and a weapon that fires jelly and ice. Despite a determined Doctor Rex Vector and Mister Pete, they are no match for the forest animals. The fight between the forest animals and the wicked villains kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

This film empowers viewers to never accept defeat. Doctor Rex Vector is relentless in his mission to steal the forest animals’ special skills, but they persevere and never give up. The story reminds us that, sometimes, the only way to be victorious is to work with others. The animals alone are not strong enough to fight Doctor Vector and Mister Pete, but together they are a mighty force.

I give Boonie Bears: Monster Plan 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 9; it is perfect for family movie night. Boonie Bears: Monster Plan releases on VOD and DVD October 4, 2022.

Boonie Bears: Monster Plan
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14  

Boonie Bears: Monster Plan is a fun and upbeat romp through the forest!  There are lots of fun forest friends and many loveable characters to get to know in this wildly popular animated series.  You don’t need to have watched the previous episodes to fall in love with these furry friends and join their adventures saving their home.

The story follows bear pals Briar and Bramble, along with their animal friends, who must stand together to defeat the “Monster Plan” of crazy scientist Doctor Rex Vector and his hamster assistant Mister Pete.  Rex Vector returns to Pine Tree Mountain with his newest invention, a robo-monster, made with various animal abilities. Mister Pete is sent on a mission by his master to steal the best abilities from different animals and the Boonie Bears have their work cut out for them to defeat Rex Vector’s technological wizardry and save their friends.

The animation in Boonie Bears: Monster Plan is really superb.  I love the detail and the movement of all the various characters, as well as the beautiful forest backgrounds.  There is so much detail and movement in all of the character’s facial expressions.  The forest scenes are so beautifully depicted that you can see each leaf and appreciate the depth of field.  The voice actors in this series each take on multiple roles and really bring each character to life through dialogue and all their funny sounds.  The music directors Kate Qin and Zhiping Li bring in a fun and upbeat tempo to the series as well.

The message of this series is that you can choose to do the right thing and follow your instincts.  It is important to pay attention and learn your lessons while supporting your friends.  However, friendship can be complicated and it is interesting to watch the forest friendships evolve.

I rate Boonie Bears: Monster Plan 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. These new episodes will be released on October 4, 2022.

https://vimeo.com/730539471/e6afae9ccc

Alba the seal is leaving Fishtale Reef to go to Seal School in the big bay! All her friends in Fishtale Reef work around the clock to prepare the best farewell party for the adorable seal in Fishtales: Seal World!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alma K. comments, “Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World is a very sweet show. It’s geared for a younger audience than me, but I believe it will be a favorite among younger kids. Parents will like it too as aspects of it are educational.” Avalon N. adds, “I really like the way Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World quietly sneaks in life lessons threaded throughout the storyline. It’s smart and yet subtle; perfect for a kids’ TV show. I love how vibrant and colorful the entire show is – the backgrounds and the characters — both in looks and personality.” See their full reviews below.

Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World
By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World is a very sweet show. It’s geared for a younger audience than me, but I believe it will be a favorite among younger kids. Parents will like it too as aspects of it are educational.

The latest in the acclaimed Fishtales: Seal World series, the storyline of Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World  follows Fifi, a bubbly pink fish, and her best friend Lily, a whale, who get news about one of their friends moving away. They go visit the Magic Pearl who is the only one that can confirm if this is true and if so, why? It turns out that Alba the seal is leaving Fishtale Reef to go to Seal School in the big bay! Fifi and Lily struggle with keeping the secret, but once the secret comes out they decide that they’re going to throw Alba the best surprise farewell party ever.

I really like the way Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World quietly sneaks in life lessons threaded throughout the storyline. It’s smart and yet subtle; perfect for a kids’ TV show. I love how vibrant and colorful the entire show is – the backgrounds and the characters — both in looks and personality. I also appreciate how detailed the characters are. Fifi is a fish and, obviously, her parents are the same type of fish, but you can clearly tell who is who because of the slight changes in color, eyelashes or headpieces. I really like how they paid so  much attention to these small things. The same applies to the backgrounds. There are two rooms that look almost exactly the same, but have small differences, barely noticeable, but enough so you can appreciate it.

The message is that you have to be happy for others and want the best for them. Lily and Fifi are obviously sad that Alba is leaving, but at the same time, are happy she gets to live out her dream of going to Seal School. There are some really nice lessons for young children in the film – touching topics like secrets, not getting what you want and similar.

I give Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. Fishtales: Seal World: Seal World will be available on VOD and DVD beginning September 6, 2022. Go check it out!

Fishtales: Seal World

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Fishtales: Seal World is a film that really shows how people, or fish, can care for each other. It really speaks to my heart; what makes it amazing is how it has so much love and support for all the characters.

This show is about a fish named Fifi and a baby whale named Lily. They find out that Alba, the seal, is leaving and plan a surprise party for her called “Operation: Secret Party.” All of this has to be kept secret from Alba the seal.

There are so many cool things to talk about in Fishtales: Seal World. First, there are so many minor characters, which is so amazing. Throughout the show the main characters, Fifi and Lily meet many diverse characters that help them out and give them advice. Second, there’s even a moment where the characters of the show break the fourth wall and address the audience. For example, it asks kids to figure out a word starting with the letter “P” that means: asking nicely. Third, the animation is quite good and differs from other animation I’ve ever seen; it really showcases the marine life in a different, more kid friendly way. 

The voice actors, starting with Sarah Taylor, KJ Schrock and Simon Hill, are all so impressive. It can often be hard to figure out how a sea creature might speak, yet these actors manage to pull it off. The voice actor for Tickles, a starfish, has a very bland animated face but the voice actor really brings him to life by giving him more excitement and joy than his face portrays.

The message of this film is that secrets should stay secrets, especially if they’re not yours to tell. We should always trust and care for each other.

I give Fishtales: Seal World 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. It releases on DVD and digital September 16, 2022.

Snow White and Rose Red begin to cross paths with magical characters from their fairy tale book! On their adventures, learn the importance of sisterhood, friendship, and kindness. Life can be far from ordinary if you just believe in a little magic.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red is an amazing tale of two sisters. It takes many different fairy tales and puts them all into one film. The excitement and adventure never stops.” Tom W. (KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer) adds, “The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red is a fantastic movie. It is comprised in short episodes that are filled with lessons such as the importance of reaching a compromise if you cannot reach what you want from the other person. The characters are familiar characters from fairy tales we all grew up with.” See their full reviews below.

The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red is an amazing tale of two sisters. It takes many different fairy tales and puts them all into one film. The excitement and adventure never stops.

The storyline follows two sisters, Snow White (Demetra Zorbas) and Rose Red (Callista Zorbas) who go on many adventures together, such as exploring the world of Alice in Wonderland, and helping Little Red Riding Hood. At the end, the fate of the world hangs in their hands in the last original story about the golden key.

I found it interesting that Demetra Zorbas and Callista Zorba are sisters in real life. One thing I really enjoyed about this film are the camera angles; there are some cool shots such as one from a treetop looking down on them. My favorite character is Prince Ferdinand (Angelo Polito). Prince Ferdinand has a brother in the show that appears in the “Cinderella” section who happens to be Prince Charming (Daniel Batista). Angelo is a prince who appears a few times and can even change into a wolf.

I also like the cute little bunny that appears at the end of Alice in Wonderland; he’s an albino. The little bunny is played by a real bunny. As for locations, there are some cool places such as the quaint little cottage, which the characters always return to after ever story. This film is filmed almost completely outside in a forest. I enjoyed the background music throughout; the song at the beginning sets the tone and the one at the end stands out.

The message of this film is to be kind and always help others.

I give The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14. It releases on DVD and VOD – streaming and hundreds of cable platforms – across the US and Canada on December 7, 2021.

The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red

By Mikella G, KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 15

I like The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red because it’s a lighthearted and enjoyable film. It has a very happy energy to it, and really reaches its intended audience.

This film follows two main characters, Snow White (Dematra Zorbas) and Rose Red (Calista Zorbas), as they embark on adventures. Throughout the film the two girls help multiple characters, including Cinderella, Alice and Wonderland and Little Red Riding Hood. They constantly are doing good deeds, and helping people solve their problems. The girls encounter some troubles along the way, but with the help of some friends, they contribute to the peace in the land.

Something that I enjoy about this film is the genre. The entire movie is very light and relaxing to watch. You don’t really have to think too hard or pay a lot of attention to understand what is going on. Plus, it’s a good length, not too long or too short. Another thing that stands out is the interpretation of the characters. The cast is mainly made up of children, playing roles that were originally played by adults. It is interesting to see how the director creates these characters in different ways. For instance, Rapunzel has blue hair and is in a tree instead of a tower. I personally love the original Tangled and it is cool to see that character brought to life in a new way. Finally, the set designs are really terrific throughout the entire film. The production quality, from lighting to camera work is all exceptionally well executed and makes for a pleasant viewing experience.

The message of this film is to never stop having faith in yourself.

I give The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red 3 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 4 to 9. The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red releases on multiple streaming platforms and on DVD December 7, 2021.

The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red

By Tom W., KIDS FIRST!

The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red is a fantastic movie. It is comprised in short episodes that are filled with lessons such as the importance of reaching a compromise if you cannot reach what you want from the other person. The characters are familiar characters from fairy tales we all grew up with.  

In The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red the two lead characters, Snow White and Rose Red, meet magical characters from their book of fairy tales. On each adventure, they solve problems such as finding a way to rescue the fairy queen or finding an alternative when Alice cannot be the princess’s knight.

Each story presents new challenges that the princess has to face and solve, which is refreshing from traditional fairy tale-based movies. A child would enjoy this film as it involves typical fairytale characters but drastically differs from typical stories. The costumes are signature outfits that we identify these characters with such as Alice’s blue dress. I like the props a lot, in particular the fairy book.

The movie has some problem-solving scenarios such as when they are rescuing the fairy queen, where the princesses have to solve a simple mathematic question to get the key to bring the fairy queen back. I was disappointed by the simplicity here because I expected something more elaborate. Some of the lessons are things that you can relate to in real life. I enjoyed the issue with Alice where she cannot be the princess’s knight and she throws a tantrum due to that. The story does flow well and I empathized with some of the characters such as when Cinderella is left out.

The messages in the film are to be nice to other people and value the importance of teamwork.

I give The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. It releases on DVD and VOD – streaming and hundreds of cable platforms – across the US and Canada on December 7, 2021.