KIDS FIRST! News

Want a positive film that portrays teamwork and friendship for your superhero loving or LEGO loving child? Look no further. Just out on DVD and Blu-ray, “LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite” will not let you down. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 11, says this DVD teaches us that “sometimes you can’t do things all by yourself, you need help” and that relationships aren’t always easy. To make this an even more exciting gift for your favorite LEGO kid, it comes with a Clark Kent/Superman LEGO mini-figure!

“LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite”

Reviewed by Gerry O.

Click here to see Gerry’s full video review!

At first I thought this movie would be kind of like “The Avengers.” The movie turns out to be very different! All the Marvel superheroes and everything else are made out of LEGOS. It is more focused on Batman as a man and other heroes like Robin, Wonder Woman, Superman, the Green Lantern and many others.

This move has a mix of comedy which I’ve noticed is in every LEGO movie. It has action, adventure, great actors and even a lifelong lesson – sometimes you can’t do things all by yourself, you need help. There are some pretty cool structures and machines. All these structures are built out of LEGO bricks so you can really build them yourself if you knew how!

The adventure begins when Bruce Wayne wins the “Man of the Year” award. If you don’t know who Bruce Wayne is, he is Batman undercover. Then the Joker commits a crime and Batman and Robin have to capture him once again. As they are trying to achieve their goal, Superman helps him. Batman gets annoyed with Superman but at the end they work together and call in all the superheroes to defeat the Joker

What I love about this funny, action-packed film is how it shows the relationship between Robin and Batman as somewhat difficult. This isn’t very good for a side-kick and a hero. Also, it shows all the heroes’ powers like Superman’s strength and Batman’s throwing skills. The best part for me is how everything is made out of LEGOS. And, as in most LEGO movies, there are cool animations, good action and great voiceover actors.

My favorite scene is when the bat cave gets destroyed. It’s action-packed and shows Joker’s funny side with his strange humor and his pie bombs. Superman helps them. But the Joker and his partner Lex, who is running for president and using Joker to win the election, gets away. Would you like to know how he was able to defeat Superman’s power? Get a copy of this wonderful film and find out!

I recommend this film for ages 3 and up. There’s no violence or harsh language in this movie. “LEGO Batman: the Movie – DC Superheroes Unite” is extremely kid-friendly. I give this movie 5 out 5 stars. You can find it on DVD everywhere now.

“Space Warriors” is a live-action film about kids who attend Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. Though it is a fictional story, it is based on a real place and according to KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 11, it “feels very real and positive.” All of our film critics agree that this is a fun and exciting film that inspired them to want to visit the real Space Camp. Adam C., Age 7, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic tells us that they even fact-checked the story with NASA “and it was plausible that this could have happened in real life.” Proving that it has multi-age and gender appeal, 13-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Cassandra H. calls this “a fun and unexpectedly down-to-earth film for all ages.”

Airing on May 31, this Hallmark Channel Original Movie is perfect for the whole family. You can hear our discussion about this film on the KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions Radio Show. Check out Cassandra H.’s full review below and many of our Film Critic’s full video reviews as well.

“Space Warriors”

Reviewed by Cassandra H.

See Cassandra’s full video review by visiting www.kidsfirst.org

Space geeks will envy the rip-roaring adventures in the movie, “Space Warriors.” I was pleasantly surprised to see that the plot was simpler than I imagined. Before I watched the movie, the title made me cringe, suggesting that it was about teenagers battling aliens in a cheesy rampage through outer space. Clearly, I was wrong to judge a movie by its poster. “Space Warriors” is a fun and unexpectedly down-to-earth film for all ages.

Jimmy Hawkins (Thomas Horn, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”), the son of a retired NASA astronaut, is a complete astronomy geek. His dream is to go to space, and the opportunity arises in the form of Space Camp, where teams can compete for the chance to go to space. His parents, played by Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino, forbid him to join Space Camp fearing for his safety, but Jimmy joins anyway. At Space Camp he meets the brightest, nerdiest group of astronomy-lovers, called Space Warriors. They have to learn to work together as a team not only to win the competition, but to save the lives of three astronauts along the way as well.

Colonel Manley (Josh Lucas), one of the commanders at Space Camp, is one of my favorite characters – he’s witty and smart with just a touch of dry humor and sarcasm. Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer”) is the director of “Space Warriors.” Along the same lines of “Soul Surfer,” this movie has many great themes that include teamwork, leadership, overcoming fear, thinking outside the box, making wise choices and most importantly, it shines a positive light on youth. The Space Warriors don’t let anyone look down on them because of their age – they prove to the entire world that age doesn’t matter as long as you have passion, a love of discovering, and an open mind.

The movie incorporates footage from history in outer space and was shot on-location at the Space Camp in Alabama. For science-lovers, this movie is the ultimate “easter egg” hunt, where geeks will want to shout and announce to other viewers, “That’s the actual footage of landing on the moon!” or “I’ve been on a moon-gravity stimulator just like that!” I found myself thinking that if I could go to a Space Camp that looks even half as fun as the one in the movie, it’d be the best summer of my life.

I recommend this movie for all ages, especially for aspiring scientists. I give it four out of five stars. “Space Warriors” will inspire viewers to look up and rekindle an excitement for learning about the unknown universe of space. Learn more about a world outside our own that we’ve barely begun to discover and catch “Space Warriors” on the Hallmark Channel, airing May 31!

Check out our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics full video reviews of Space Warriors!

Adam C.

Keefer B.

Gerry O.

Stacy and Valdi B.

Journey down under and meet a whole new breed of hero in "Koala Kid," a laugh-filled, action-packed animated adventure with a rare white koala bear who just wants to fit in. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Canela R likes this movie "because it has a funny story and at the same time, action and suspense is thrown in with lots of twists and turns."

Koala Kid by Canela R

See Canela’s full video review here!

“Koala Kid” is a animated film about a white Koala who doesn’t he think he fits in with his community of gray Koalas and comes to believe that he has special talents which he thinks can prove to everyone that he belongs. He does this by going on a miraculous journey to defeat an evil crocodile named Bog.

The Koala Kid’s name is Johnny and he’s voiced by Rob Schneider. As his journey continues he meets Miranda, a gray Koala (Yvonne Strahvoski), Hamish the Tasmanian Devil (Bret McKenzie) and his Monkey Photographer Lokie (Charlie Bewley). They battle with their wits and through action with Bog the villainous Crocodile (Alan Cumming, the Bad Guy from Spy Kids!) and his chief henchman, Blacktooth the Dingo (Tim Curry).

There is one moment that seems to capture the humor and suspense of this movie perfectly. When Bog the evil Croc is sleeping, the tiny wombats take Snorkles into the pond and capture Bog with a net. When Bog awakes, he shrugs them off of him as if it is nothing. I didn’t want to laugh because the Wombats are so cute, but it is funny.

I really like the animation in this film because it feels as if you’re really in the hot outback with all these fun characters.

The colorfulness adds to the fun I experienced. There is also one song in the movie which continues the colorfulness and had both me AND my mom tapping our feet, “Do You Come From a Land Down Under.” I think I’m still tapping my feet.

I think the message of this movie is no matter what you look like, you can always become a hero.

If you like adventurous cartoons as much as I do, then “Koala Kid” is the movie for you. I recommend this to kids ages six to sixteen because as much as it is a lifelong lesson that you can always use. There are some suspenseful moments that could be scary to the younger ones.

I rate this movie five out of five stars because it’s hilarious and colorful which speaks to the mind of kids and teens.

Koala Kid is available now on DVD.

Check out KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O’s Koala Kid interview here!

“Parental Guidance” seems to have something to appeal to every age group. A great film that even grandparents can really relate to. 13-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Brianna Hope Beaton, says “this is a good comedy that will keep you laughing” and Cheyenne Nguyen, our 9-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic points out that this film “has something for every age group to relate to.”

Rated PG, just like the title, this film is now available at all your favorite DVD resellers on DVD and Blu-ray.

“Parental Guidance”

Reviewed by Brianna Hope Beaton

Click here to see Brianna’s full video review!

“Parental Guidance” is extremely funny and enjoyable. Artie Decker (Billy Crystal) is let go from his baseball announcing job which he truly loves. His only daughter, Alice Simmons (Marisa Tomei) and her husband Phil Simmons (Tom Everett Scott) get a chance to go on a vacation and need someone to look after their three school-age kids. Artie and his wife Diane Decker (Bette Midler) agree to look after them for a week and will do anything to not be the “other grandparents.” But their style of parenting clashes with Alice and her husband’s parenting ways.

This film keeps me laughing a lot and I must admit, shedding a few tears. My favorite character is Barker Simmons (Kyle Harrison Breitkopf). He has the cutest little face with red curly hair, and cracks me up with some of the things he does. The acting is really good and believable. I can actually see this plot happening in real life that’s how believable it is. I also like Harper Simmons (Bailee Madison) as she acts very well. She is so intense with her acting and so believable with her crying scenes.

I have two favorite scenes, one is when Harper has a mouthful of cake and then says to her mother, “yogurt is not like ice cream, you lied”; and second is when Artie is at the little league baseball game with his daughter and causes trouble because there is no 3 strike game rule.

Andy Fickman directs “Parental Guidance” and Lisa Addario along with Joe Syracuse writes this very funny script. Other talents include Jennifer Crystal Foley, Rhonda Griffis and the very funny Gedde Watanabe.

A lesson in this film is to live your life, love yourself and laugh a lot. I recommend “Parental Guidance” for ages 6 and up. This is a great film for the family and your friends to see. This is really good comedy that will keep you laughing. Get ready to laugh, cry and have a good time.

I give this film 5 out of 5 five stars.  I love the actors, the plot and comedy. Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are hilarious together with their style of parenting. Have some fun with your grandparents and see “Parental Guidance.” I’m sure you will love it.

“Parental Guidance”

Reviewed by Cheyenne Nguyen

Click here to see Cheyenne’s full video review!

I love this movie; it has something for every age group to relate to. Artie (Billy Crystal) and Dianne (Bette Midler) are asked by their daughter Alice (Marisa Tomei) to watch her three kids for one week. Alice and her husband win a trip for two to celebrate their success. However, Alice wants Artie and Dianne to use her method of parenting, not the old school way that Artie and Dianne used to raise her. The children are Harper (Bailee Madison), Turner (Joshua Rush) and Barker (Kyle Breitkopf). They are not to have any sugar and live a very structured life. Each has their own issues. Artie and Dianne have to learn how to deal with their issues using the 21st century method.

Billy Crystal owns his character. I really see Billy Crystal as Artie I did not see any acting with this character. Bette Midler also does a great job as Diane, funny and great voice. Artie and Dianne’s lines seems like they are improvised, and their comic timing is awesome. The child actors are great too. Harper’s look of awkwardness when her crush asks her to his party is so true to life. Turner’s speech impediment is so real; I thought he really has the impediment. Barker is a riot; he has that face that looks as if he’s up to something.

The movie quality is very clear. The props for the smart house are awesome. One day we will all have a smart house and our parents will think it’s creepy. The small home town setting looks just like it’s in Fresno, California.

My favorite character is Turner. He is determined to overcome his speech impediment and defend himself with the bully. He does a great job of stuttering. The lesson in this movie is each generation has their own way of parenting. I rank this movie 5 out of 5 stars. This movie age range is 5 and up.

“Jack The Giant Slayer” isn’t your ordinary fairytale. In fact, it’s rated PG-13 for a reason; intense scenes, violence and brief inappropriate images. But if you love intense special effects, complicated twisting story lines and amazing animation, this might just be the best fairy tale you’ve seen on screen yet. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven Devanney, age 15, calls it “the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with an entertaining twist.” Here is Raven’s review of “Jack The Giant Slayer.”

“Jack The Giant Slayer”

Reviewed by Raven Devanney

Click here to see Raven’s full video review!

“Jack The Giant Slayer” tells the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with an entertaining twist. Jack (Nicholas Hoult) is a farm  boy who grew up hearing stories of a time long ago when giants and men were at war in the kingdom. You know that he goes to the market, comes back with magic beans, spills them and a giant beanstalk grows all the way up to a magic land, but here’s the twist. The Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) is captured by the giants and Jack, along with the kingdoms guardians, has to rescue her. But, they are betrayed by Roderick, the Princess’ elderly fiancée and the whole kingdom has to fight against the giants to save the land.

I really enjoyed this movie. I absolutely love the more modern twist on this age-old tale. One thing that I really enjoyed about the story line is when, at the end of the film, it shows the story being passed down from generation to generation and shows how the story gets “misinterpreted” into being the fairy tale we’ve all heard.

The CGI animation is very good. It isn’t one of those movies that blows me away with special effects and cinematography, but it is definitely well-made.

My favorite character is Jack because I really enjoy Nicholas Hoult in this film. He is the British actor who recently starred in “Warm Bodies” and has played supporting roles in many other films such as “X-Men: First Class” and “Clash of the Titans.” He has also starred in the British TV series “Skins” which I am absolutely obsessed with. I love his acting skills when it comes to conveying emotion in a very simple way. Not only do I love Nicholas Hoult, but I really enjoy the fact that Jack is just a farm boy and he is given the chance to prove himself as more than a commoner. He never gives up and he shows that he is clever and there is more to him than meets the eye.

I like that in the first few scenes of the movie it cuts back and forth between Jack and Princess Isabelle as children. It shows their parents reading them the stories of the days when giants and men fought in the kingdom and later in the film it cuts back and forth between the two arguing with their parents. I like these scenes because it shows that even though they were brought up in different ways and live completely different lives, they still have a lot in common.

One thing I want to mention is that the ending is very intense. It’s not necessarily scary, but it’s very suspenseful and I found myself sitting at the edge of my seat for the last 30 – 45 minutes. The film seems like its ending and I thought that there would be a second film to finish off the story, but then it continues to show the giants attacking the kingdom. This has its pros and cons. The good thing about putting the rescue of the Princess and the invasion of the city all into one film is that I honestly don’t think there is enough material to make a second film. The bad thing about this is I feel like the last half hour is very rushed and hectic. Everything happens really fast and I feel like something should have been embellished. Then again, it is an hour and 54 minutes so adding anything else would make the film to long.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it is very entertaining and is a wonderful adaptation of the fairytale that has been passed down for generations.  I think it’s suitable for ages 10 and up because there is no foul language or sexual scenes but there is action, suspense and violence. I think everyone will enjoy this movie because it has action, adventure, comedy, romance, fantasy, drama and it’s a classic story!