KIDS FIRST! News

Santa’s pups are at it again in Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups, available now on DVD and blu-ray. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Anthony Aranda, says this DVD is full of great holiday songs, “so good it has been stuck in my head for three days!” Santa Paws 2 teaches everyone about the true meaning of Holiday Spirit, with lots of music and mayhem throughout. Make sure it is on your holiday shopping list for all your puppy loving friends and family!

Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
See Anthony’s full review on video.

This movie is all about some pups being taught some lessons since birth. Some of the lessons make them curious like the one about some magic crystals. They think that they are ready to be like their dad so they steal one from Eddie (the elf dog). At the same time Mrs. Claus is flying to town so they hitch a ride and want to try to grant wishes. They give some good wishes, but then they accidentally grant a very bad wish, and everyone starts to lose their Christmas spirit.

The main characters in the movie are Mrs. Claus, Eli (Santa’s head Elf), The Reynolds family and the pups. My favorite character is Mrs. Claus because she cares a lot about others and loves all the Christmas spirit in the world. She is really good with kids and shows them all about Christmas spirit. I also really like the pups because they want to grant wishes, but it doesn’t work out so well, so they have to help save Christmas for the world.

My favorite part in the movie is all the singing. I love movies that have a lot of music in them and I think that helps to make them more enjoyable to others too. The best musical number in the movie is when Mrs. Claus is in jail with some people she met and sings a really good song. It is so good it has been stuck in my head for three days! It makes me want to see the movie over and over again until I memorize the words.

I would recommend this movie for all ages because it is a really good movie and I think everyone will like it. It has mostly singing that is all about Christmas, joy and cheer. I guess that there were some things that just might scare you but I think you will be alright. It is a really great holiday movie. Go out and buy this movie on DVD and blu-ray now! Anthony Aranda, age 10, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

“Who doesn’t love Tom and Jerry?” asks KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Morgan Bertsch, age 8. And who doesn’t love Robin Hood? Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse, recently released by Warner Home Video on DVD and Blu-ray, combines both favorites in a rollicking adventure with all the familiar good guys and bad guys.

“The story is the traditional story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, with Jerry Mouse as Robin Hood’s sidekick,” explains 11-year-old KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Camille Bajema. Enjoying the movie’s “wacky humor,” she adds, “I think that the animation in this film is actually pretty good because it’s not too perfect and it’s a little goofy, like the characters.”

Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse
Reviewed by Camille Bajema

I really love the wacky humor in this movie.

The story is the traditional story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, with Jerry Mouse as Robin Hood’s sidekick. When the King comes back home from war, he finds his brother has taken over the kingdom and has decided to kill him. Tom Cat must kill Jerry Mouse so he doesn’t find out and alert Robin Hood. When Maid Marian, Robin Hood’s true love, and Jerry Mouse (and, later, even Tom Cat) find out about this, they must join forces and help Robin Hood and his men escape from jail in time to save the good king and overthrow the bad one.

My favorite character in this film is Tom Cat. I’ve always loved Tom & Jerry, and Tom has always been my favorite character because he’s always trying to catch Jerry, but the little mouse always outwits him and Tom ends up looking like a fool!
 
My favorite scene in this film is when Jerry is ordered to bring a poem to Maid Marian, and of course everyone loves her. Tom and Jerry watch her sing together, but then realize that they’re supposed to be fighting!

Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse is directed by Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone and is produced by Tony Cervone.

I think that the animation in this film is actually pretty good because it’s not too perfect and it’s a little goofy, like the characters!

I recommend this film to people between the ages of three to thirty because I think that the humor and silliness of the Tom & Jerry films can appeal to just about everyone!

I give Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse four-and-a-half out of five stars because it gets a bit repetitive. Overall, I really enjoyed this film!

Tom & Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse
Reviewed by Morgan Bertsch
(See her full review on video.)

I like the twist on the classic Robin Hood. I love the high-flying adventure, and also the sword-fighting was amazing.

This was classic Tom & Jerry animation, and who doesn’t love Tom & Jerry?

My favorite characters are Droopy Dog and Jerry, because Jerry was pretty brave for a mouse! And Droopy Dog because he has the cutest voice ever. My favorite scene is when Maid Marian is singing, because she has a great voice.

The age range is 4 and up, as long as the little ones know that this is not real. I give it five twinkling stars.

A fairy tale with tongue firmly in cheek that adults can enjoy (and did; the film won the People’s Choice Award when it screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1987), PG-rated The Princess Bride has plenty of fun elements for young viewers, too. Pirate ships, magic, gore-free sword fights. Even some kissing, apologetically admits the kindly grandfather who narrates the fairy tale as a story within a story to entertain his convalescing grandson. Indeed, part of the charm of William Goldman’s screenplay is there are characters for all ages to relate to.

Newly released by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Blu-ray for its 25th anniversary, The Princess Bride is one of the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Search Competition Official Titles.

The titular princess is Buttercup, who is in danger of being forced to marry the evil Prince Humperdinck. Westley, her one true love, , returns after a long absence to scale the cliffs of insanity, battle rodents of unusual size and face torture in the pit of despair in order to save her. From celebrated director Rob Reiner (The Bucket List) and Oscar®-winning screenwriter William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) The Princess Bride is “an enchanting fantasy” (Time) filled with adventure, romance and plenty of “good-hearted fun” (Roger Ebert).  Featuring a spectacular cast that includes Robin Wright (Forrest Gump), Cary Elwes (No Strings Attached), Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland”) and Billy Crystal (Tooth Fairy), this wonderful fairy tale about a Princess named Buttercup and her beloved is “a real dream of a movie” (People).

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has released this 25th-anniversary edition in Blu-ray only (earlier versions on DVD are available), loading it with several special features. Exclusive to this edition is an all-new, two-part featurette, “True Love: The Princess Bride Phenomenon,” which includes brand new interviews with director Reiner; cast members Elwes, Wright, Christopher Guest (For Your Consideration) and Chris Sarandon (Fright Night); as well as writer Goldman and executive producer Norman Lear.

The KIDS FIRST! adult juror who reviewed the film calls it “a jewel” and describes it further: The beautiful Buttercup and her “one true love,” Westley, part and lose touch for many years. When an evil prince arranges to marry Buttercup, Westley returns to battle warriors, giants and wizards to rescue his true love. Humorous, slightly fractured fairy tale with a princess who stands up for herself. Charming sets and period costumes, well acted and seamlessly edited. Employs extensive vocabulary and a variety of literary devices.

Many people who attended the 1982 Cannes Film Festival remember E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as an overwhelming force that so captured everyone’s heart and interest that “phone home” was the catch-phrase along the Croisette. The darling of that prestigious film fest that year, E.T. (one of the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Search Competition Official Titles, now out on DVD and Blu-ray) has stood the test of time and eqully delights a new generation, as our youth film critics’ reviews attest: “This quirky family classic is a favorite of mine,” says Blake Hawes, age 15. Julianna Noone, age 12, rates it “six out of five stars because it’s absolutely amazing, entertaining and enjoyable.” “This is the best sci-fi film” says Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8. “Steven Spielberg, even in the 1980s, went above and beyond to create something new,” says Victoria Burns, age 14, comparing the film’s special effects favorably to what has evolved now, 30 years later.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Reviewed by Blake Hawes
(See his full review on video.)

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial is an instant classic. It is one of Steven Spielberg’s best movies: an adventure about a young boy named Elliott and his new alien friend E.T. trying to get E.T. back to his planet. It is a heartwarming journey full of memorable scenes and incredible lighting and photography.

This quirky family classic is a favorite of mine and is a part of my childhood. E.T. has some of the most amazing music I have ever heard in film. “Heartlight” by Neil Diamond is the main theme of this movie, and a good one at that.

The storyline and character development are extremely well done. By the end of the film, you have an emotional attachment to the majority of the characters. The scene where Elliott and E.T. are riding bikes and then suddenly start to float into the air over a silhouette of the moon is fantastic photography at its finest.

Overall, I give the movie five out of five stars. I find this movie suitable for all ages.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Reviewed by Julianna Noone
(See her full review on video.)

If you love films about aliens, then this classic film is for you. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is as good today as it was when it was released 30 years ago. Also, this film has a star-studded cast, including Dee Wallace as Mary, Peter Coyote as Keys, and an adorable drew Barrymore as Gertie.

Follow along as Elliott, played by Henry Thomas, finds a lost alien that he names E.T. Can Elliott help E.T. find his way home? You’ll just have to watch to find out.

My favorite character is E.T. because E.T. is just the most adorable thing ever. He’s just so cute and so funny.

Also, my favorite scene is when Elliott realizes that his plant is coming back to life and he’s, like, “Oh, my gosh, E.T. could be alive again.” And so he goes over to the coffin, opens it, and he’s, like, “Oh, E.T.” and E.T. goes, “Home phone, phone home” and he just starts yelling “home” and “phone.” It’s absolutely hilarious. Elliott has to go running and get a blanket and wrap it around his head so no one will know E.T. is alive. He’s so happy after that. So, I love that scene.

The cinematography and special effects in this film are absolutely amazing. I am so impressed with how they made E.T. look so cute and so real. Also, the music adds such great effect to this movie. I think it is great; they did a great job.

I think that this film is for people of all ages because it’s such a great film and it’s a classic. I think everyone is going to enjoy this. It’s very entertaining.

Also, I think that this film is rated six out of five stars because it’s absolutely amazing, entertaining and enjoyable. I love it.

Look for this film out on DVD and Blu-ray everywhere near you.

And remember, wherever you are in the world, you can always “phone home.”

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Reviewed by Victoria Burns
(See her full review on video.)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a family movie that moves you to tears. Steven Spielberg, even in the 1980s, went above and beyond to create something new.

E.T. is accidentally left on Earth, and flees to avoid being captured. By chance, he meets, Elliott, portrayed by Henry Thomas. They form an extraordinary bond that boggles many minds.

E.T. is found and captured by an unknown government agency. But he still continues to try to “phone home.”

And the rest, you’ll have to see for yourself.

I give this movie five out of five stars and I recommend it for ages 7 to 70 because of its heartfelt bond between man and alien.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Reviewed by Cheyenne
(See her full review on video.)

This is the best sci-fi film, directed by Steven Spielberg. This movie is about a boy named Elliott who meets an alien named E.T. Elliot’s little sister, named Gertie, is too young to understand why E.T. is on planet Earth. Elliott and Gertie have to go through a lot of twists and turns because they have to keep E.T. a secret.

The best scene in this movie is when Elliott and E.T. are touching fingers. It’s such a touching and magical moment.

The message in this movie is Elliott and E.T. are so connected that they do not have any barriers.

My favorite character in this movie is E.T. because he’s so magical, loving and caring.

I give this movie five out of five stars. This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I give this age range 3 and up because some little kids might always say, “E.T. phone home.”

Titanic, newly released from Paramount on DVD and Blu-ray 3-D and digital, didn’t completely sweep the Academy Awards in 1998 – it only took 11 of the Oscar statuettes. Among them: Best Picture, a Best Director for James Cameron and a Best Cinematography for Russell Carpenter. Some of that sweeping cinematography has been enhanced in the Blu-ray 3-D version, so if you are among those with a 3-D home TV, you’re in luck. If not, you won’t be disappointed with the regular Blu-ray version and, of course, home surround-sound can do a nice job on its Oscar-winning Best Sound.

Seasoned KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Raven Devanney, age 15, calls Titanic a “romantic masterpiece.” The film evokes strong emotion partly because of the real-life tragedy it recreates but also thanks to the intimate love story Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet bring to life. That the film is 15 years old does not diminish its impact. Says Raven, “… even though I’ve seen it about a billion times, I still get choked up.” On a scale of one to five, she rates it a five only because higher numbers aren’t available.

Titanic
 Reviewed by Raven Devanney
(See her full review on video.)

Titanic is my favorite movie by far. This romantic masterpiece starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet tells a tale of love, loss and tragedy. I remember the first time I watched Titanic. I was 7 years old, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This was the first film that really made me cry, and even though I’ve seen it about a billion times, I still get choked up.

This movie is beautifully done. I love that the cinematography is so grand and breathtaking even though the film came out in 1997. I especially love the way they capture the Titanic in all its glory. I’m a total history geek when it comes to the Titanic. I’ve seen every documentary and read every book there is to read about the Titanic, so the fact that they used actual footage of the wreckage of Titanic was really cool.

My favorite characters are Rose and Jack, of course! They defy the rules of their different social statuses and are in true love. Not only are those characters great, but Kate and Leonardo do a masterful job in these roles. I love the whole movie, but my favorite scene would have to be when Rose and Jack are running through the ship away from the butler after the drawing scene. It lightens the mood of the film before the sinking and is quite funny. Plus, you almost get a mini tour of the ship. I also admire the final few scenes in which the ship is sinking. The way it is captured is amazing. It’s the perfect mix of chaos and emotion, which really conveys the tragedy in a brilliant way.

Like I said, this film is very tragic, and that fact that it was an actual event makes it even more sad. I would recommend this film for all ages, even though it is sad and slightly inappropriate. I watched it when I was 7 and nothing bothered me. This is a must-see movie, and I give it five out of five stars. I’d give it more if I could! Titanic is in stores now on DVD and Blu-ray, so be sure to add it to your home movie collection today!