KIDS FIRST! News

Mark Twain’s classic The Prince and the Pauper gets a glamorous modern makeover in the new DVD release from Universal Studios, Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar. While Twain contrasted two opposites – a prince, which everyone would want to be, and a pauper, which was not so attractive – Universal’s two heroines both live a life that every young girl thinks she wants. But glamour isn’t necessarily all it seems to be. As KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8, observes in her review, below, “There are always things that you would want to change, but accepting who you are will make you a happy person.” Viewing the film also may make you a happy person. “The dance moves are amazing and make me want to stand up and dance along with the movie,” says 7-year-old KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Morgan Bertsch, describing the music and singing as “fun and upbeat.”

Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar
Reviewed by Morgan Bertsch
(See her full review on video.)

The story follows two girls, Tori and Keira. Tori is the princess who wishes she was a popstar and Keira is the popstar longing to be a princess. Interesting fact: Did you know that the original author of The Prince and the Pauper is Mark Twain of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn fame? Whoo — say that five times fast! The original story was published in 1881. The Prince and the Pauper Tom Sawyer Huckleberry FinnTori, the princess, is the classic blonde Barbie who is bored of her royal life. Keira, the popstar, is the brunette Barbie who dreams of being a princess. When the two of them meet, they magically trade places. But it’s not all that it appears, as the pop star’s manager, Crider, has plans to steal the spotlight from Keira. The girls have to figure out a way to stop his evil plot and never forget the show must go on.

I’ve always been a big fan of the Barbie franchise and I love what they have done in this movie. The music and singing is fun and upbeat, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” They have many different songs. I loved learning to sing the words. The dance moves are amazing and make me want to stand up and dance along with the movie. The live animation and the great set designs make me feel like I was really at a live concert.

If given the choice, I would choose to be the Barbie popstar. Whoops, sorry — I’d prefer to be Morgan because you learn in this story that it’s best to be who you are. Hmm, Morgan the Pretty Princess Pop Star sounds kind of fun, though!

My favorite part of the movie is when she finds a crystal diamond gardenia. Wait till you see what it can do. The dogs are the cutest. Although they can talk I would like to hear more of what they have to say. I love all the different hair colors and styles. The dresses are incredible and amazing. I wish I could twirl and just change clothes like Barbie or at least borrow that magic microphone for the day. I also love all the glitter and sparkles. No Barbie movie is complete until the glitter sparkle ending.

The ages for this movie are 4 and up or anybody who’s a fan of Barbie. This is a must-own for your collection. I give it five twinkling stars.

This DVD is scheduled to be available September 2012 in celebration of Universal’s 100th anniversary. Thank You Universal for all your great movies!

Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar
Reviewed by Cheyenne Nguyen
(See her full review on video.)

This movie is full of great songs and dance. Princess Tori is a big fan of popstar Keira. They finally meet at the Princess Castle and hit it off right away. They start talking and the princess wishes to be a popstar and the popstar wishes to be the princess for a day. Then they realized they look so much alike and try on each other clothes and pretend to each other.

Princess Tori and Keira are so much alike that they can fool a lot of people around them. Except for Princess Tori’s two younger sisters; they knew right away it wasn’t their sister. Tori and Keira share many secrets. One of the secrets is overheard by Keira’s evil manager. This is when all bad things start to happen. They must overcome a lot of obstacles in the process of getting their lives back.

The awesome songs and dances in this movie are put together like magic. All the songs are well-known songs and the dance moves so cool. It makes me want to get up and dance to all the songs. The cartoon quality is very clear, it’s like watching real-life people dancing. The details to the hair and make-up on each character are so real. Great storyline; most little girls dream of being a princess or a popstar.

This really shows the daily routine of a princess and a popstar. Only a small portion of their daily lives are good to have, the rest of their daily routines are hard work. It’s not what most people would want for their lives.

My favorite character is Princess Tori’s dog, Vanessa. She is so wise and cute.

The message of this movie is be happy with what you are. There are always things that you would like to change, but accepting who you are will make you a happy person.

I rank this movie five out of five stars. I give this an age range of 3 to 10.

The timeless appeal of Dr. Seuss brought people into theaters a few months ago when the movie The Lorax was released. Now available on DVD and Blu-ray, as of Aug. 7, it’s a good reason for a family night at home – with the additional attraction of fun activities. Recommending it for ages 6 to 18, KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8, notes, “I like that the movie shows you how we can protect the Earth. This movie shows us how sometimes we forget that the Earth needs caring.” “It’s not only a great film for the entire family, but it also teaches everyone a great lession while being fun and entertaining,” syas KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Julianna Noone, age 12, also pointing out its vibrant colors, fantastic animation, singing fish and an overall great soundtrack – and Zac Efron and Taylor Swift voicing two of the main characters.

The Lorax
Reviewed by Julianna Noone 
(See her full review on video.)

Do you speak for the trees?  Well, even if you do or you don’t, you’ll enjoy this film. 

The Lorax is adapted from the Dr. Seuss book of the same name.  This film is about a 12-year-old boy named Ted (voiced by Zac Efron) who will do anything for his dream girl, Audrey (voiced by Taylor Swift).  All Audrey wants is a real tree and Ted is determined to get her one, even if that means discovering the story of the Lorax. 

My favorite characters are Grandma (voiced by Betty White) and Audrey. I like Grandma because she is really funny and, even though she seems a little out of it, she always knows what Ted is up to and she is just willing to help Ted no matter what. Also, Grandma is awesome with her tricks and skills on the snowboard.  I also like Audrey because she is so nice and so sweet and all she really wants is a real tree.

My favorite scene is when the fish are singing.  The fish are just so cute and always happy and singing.  They are just so adorable. 

The animation in this film is fantastic and the colors are so beautiful and vibrant.  I love the soundtrack to this movie as the music is great and adds so much to each and every scene.   As with most Dr. Seuss books/films, there is a great message in this film: to protect your environment and to not be so selfish and wasteful.  We should all do what we can to not pollute and harm the world we live in. 
I rate this film five out of five stars because not only is this a great film for the entire family, but it also teaches everyone a great lesson while being fun and entertaining.   Look for this film on DVD and Blu-ray everywhere. 

And remember, unless someone like you cares to do anything, it’s not going to get better. No, it’s not.   I am the Lorax and I speak for the trees.

The Lorax
Reviewed by Cheyenne Nguyen

If you love nature and like to laugh, The Lorax in 3-D is a must see.

This movie is about a 12-year-old little boy who’s searching for a gift for a high school girl he has a crush on. In the search for the gift, Ted learns about nature and the Lorax. The Lorax is the guardian of the forest.

The voice-overs are by Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny De Vito and Betty White.

I like that the movie shows you how we can protect the Earth.  This movie shows us how sometimes we forget that the Earth needs caring.

I give this movie five stars out of five stars and recommend it for kids ages 6 to 18.

Photos, top to bottom: The Lorax poster and activity page, Julianna Noone, Cheyenne Nguyen

A foreign film – with subtitles, no less – may seem a stretch for kids. But KIDS FIRST! youth film critics who reviewed the film have rated it highly and recommended it to their peers. Who could resist its appeal when, as 11-year-old Hunter Willow Jones says, “… the dogs are so adorable”? She emphasizes it in captial letters as she shares, “I LOVE this film …” and describes how it opened her eyes to ideas about how other people live and feel. Brianna Beaton, age 12, came away with a deeper appreciation of what it takes to learn to be a seeing-eye dog. She describes a few of the behaviors Quill must master, and observes that “… is an awful lot to ask of him.” And it inspired Camille Bajema, age 10, who says she was especially touched by the couple who raise Quill as a puppy and that the film “really got me interested in training dogs for people with disabilities.”

Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog
Reviewed by Hunter Willow Jones
(See her full review on video.)

I just watched Quill and I LOVE this movie! It is heartwarming and the dogs are so adorable.

I was not actually looking forward to watching Quill; I mean, the title didn’t seem very interesting. Also, it is a Japanese film with English subtitles, which didn’t excite me. But as the movie progressed, I liked it more and more.

Quill is the story of one special guide dog — a yellow Labrador named Quill because of a unique brown spot on his side. Shown as a docudrama, the movie follows Quill’s life as he goes from a small puppy with its mother to being picked to be a guide dog because of his calm nature and sent to live with a foster family that loves and cares for him until he is a year old and then to being off to school where he learns to be the eyes for a blind person. Though Quill does not seem to learn as quickly as the other dogs, Satoru Tawada (Kippei Shiina), Quill’s trainer, is patient and sees the potential in him. Quill is teamed up with Mr. Watanabe (Kaoru Kobayashi), who is not a dog lover and does not like being blind. Though the pair have a rocky start, Mr. Watanabe grows to trust and respect Quill. The ending is inspiring despite it being sad.
 
Technically, Quill is average with good sound and cinematography. The dogs in Quill are simply amazing. They are so well trained. I think they are the best actors in the film. The subtitles were a little distracting, I didn’t like that I couldn’t understand what was being said and had to read it, but as I got into the movie that became easier. I liked seeing what life is like in Japan and that there are differences from my town, like the way the houses look, but there are more things that are same, like how we love our pets.

When my parents and I were done watching Quill, we talked a lot about the movie, from what it is like to be blind to how dogs are trained to be guide dogs to the story and characters. Quill made us smile, laugh and cry, but it also made us think.

Quill was released in Japan in 2005, was released in America in May 2012, and is released on DVD on July 10, 2012.

Quill is a wonderful movie for any age, but it is better for kids who know how to read. Kids and adults both will enjoy it. I give Quill five stars!

Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog
Reviewed by Brianna Beaton
(See her full review on video.)

Wow, this is a very touching and emotional film cast with one of my favorite animals.
 
First off, I really love this film for a couple of reasons. One being Quill’s extreme cuteness and how he catches everyone’s attention every time he walks into the scene. Everyone feeds off of his reactions and the rest of the cast act pretty well themselves. They portray exactly what they are feeling inside. It is hard to tell they are just playing their role. Second, I feel the teamwork shown in this film just blows me away as they are sharing a bond of trust and love. One of my favorite parts is the beginning when Quill is huddling up against his siblings. They are so cute.
 
Quill, a Labrador, is a guide dog in training. He is experiencing how hard it is to stop at a street curb or corner and is having other obstacles as well. For Quill to come and stop when asked to do so, not to take a bathroom break even when he has to and most of all be loyal to his master no matter what is an awful lot to ask of a him. When Quill grows up to an adult dog, he is given over to his new master, Mitsuru Watanabe (Kaoru Kobayashi) a lonely, middle-aged man who isn’t fond of being guided around by a dog. They both go on the adventure of trust and teamwork as Mitsuru’s daughter, Mitsuko Nii (Shinobu Terajima) narrates.Yoichi Sai directs this outstanding film. It is in Japanese and has subtitles in English, so you really have to pay close attention to the screen. Don’t even pay attention to the Japanese, unless you speak and know Japanese.

I recommend this film for ages 6 to 12 because it is so adorable, funny and sweet. Older ages can definitely watch this film as they will enjoy it and understand what is happening. Puppy and dog lovers, this is your film.

I without a shadow of a doubt give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it has comedy, emotion, drama, crises and, of course, cute puppies.

Quill is a great film and I hope you love it as much as you can. Prepare to cry and laugh out loud. It is released on DVD on July 10, so please try and see this amazing Japanese foreign film. No matter where you are at in the world, a dog is truly a man’s best friend.

Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog
Reviewed by Camille Bajema
(See her full review on video.)

Quill is a 2004 Japanese docudrama. I like this movie because it really got me interested in training dogs for people with disabilities. This film is an adaptation of the novel The Life of Quill, the Seeing-Eye Dog by Ryohei Akimoto and Kengo Ishiguro, based on a true story.

Quill is an adorable Labrador Retriever puppy, who goes to live with a kind couple who raise guide dogs, Mitsuko and Isamu Nii, played by Shinobu Terajima and Teruyuki Kagawa. Quill lives with them for a year and is then taken to a training school where he is trained by a strict man, Satoru Tawada.

Quill is a bit slower than some of the other dogs during training, but he improves quickly and is sent to work with a very stubborn blind man, Mitsuru Watanabe, played by Kaoru Kobayashi. Their friendship grows and Quill never leaves Mr. Watanabe’s side, until he falls gravely ill.

My favorite characters in this film are Mitsuko and Isamu Nii, the couple who raise Quill as a puppy. I like them because they are so nice, loving and caring to Quill, and, while watching that part of the film, I felt very touched.

This film was directed by Yôichi Sai and written by Soichi Maruyama and Yoshihiro Nakamura. Yoshihiro Nakamura also wrote Pokemon: Power of One. The soundtrack was composed and recorded by the Kuricorder Quartet.

I recommend this film to kids ten and up because there are subtitles and you have to be able to read very well. There is also some bad language, and there are some very emotional scenes that would be more suitable for older children.

I give this film four out of five stars because it is slow-moving at times.

Photos: Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog DVD box art (top), Hunter Willow Jones (second), Brianna Beaton (third), Camille Bajema (bottom)

American Girl. The name is familiar to millions who either own an American Girl doll or have wished for one. American Girl characters also populate a line of books that have earned the loyalty of millions of girls as well as praise and trust from parents and educators.

A new American Girl, aspiring gymnast McKenna Brooks, comes alive in An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars, released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment just in time for the Olympic Summer Games. On Blu-ray Combo Pack or DVD, the American Girl release is available only at Walmart, American Girl retail stores and americangirl.com, or the film may be purchased via digital download through a variety of online retailers.

In recommending the film especially for girls ages 5-12, KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Camille Bajema, age 10, shares, “McKenna has difficult choices to make, but chooses to support her friends, and her friends support and inspire her as well.”

Camille also shares a one-on-one interview with McKenna star Jade Pettyjohn as the KIDS FIRST! youth film critic joined some of the movie’s stars at the Olympics gymnastics trials last week.

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars
Reviewed by Camille Bajema
(See her full review on video.)

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars is a new, direct-to-DVD, Universal Studios Home Entertainment film. I really like this movie because it’s a story about friendship and working hard to achieve your dreams.

This film is an adaptation of the American Girl McKenna stories by Mary Casanova and is about a girl named McKenna Brooks (played by Jade Pettyjohn) who is trying to balance the pressures of her life: family, friends, school and gymnastics. McKenna’s favorite gymnastics event is the balance beam, and the balance beam is a metaphor for the balance we all try to find in our lives.

McKenna has many setbacks while working hard to qualify for the regional competitive gymnastics team. She has trouble in school and has to be tutored. She’s very embarrassed about needing a tutor (Josie, played by Kerris Dorsey) and doesn’t want her friends to find out. She also struggles with her friendship with her best friend, Toulane (played by Ysa Penarejo), and doesn’t always want to listen to her gymnastics coach. Coach Isabelle is played by Cathy Rigby, the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics. McKenna’s parents (played by Ian Ziering and Nia Vardalos) and teacher, Mr. Wu (played by George Chiang) are very supportive of her. McKenna has difficult choices to make, but chooses to support her friends, and her friends support and inspire her as well. She learns many lessons in this film. She learns that it’s OK to ask for help when she needs it, to accept others despite their differences, and to overcome her fears and work toward her dream one step at a time.

My favorite scene in this film is where Toulane is sleuthing around to see what McKenna is really up to. I really like this scene because it’s funny and Toulane incorporates gymnastics into it. My favorite character in this film is Josie. I like Josie because she really believes in McKenna during their tutoring sessions and is also very kind to her. The music in this movie is very catchy and had me singing along!

This movie was filmed in Winnipeg, Canada, and the screenplay was written by Jessica O’Toole and Amy Rardin. Vince Marcello directed McKenna Shoots for the Stars and Steven Brown, Deborah Martin Chase, and Gaylyn Fraiche produced this film.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because, overall, it’s very well done and has positive messages. I recommend this film for girls ages five through twelve.

Look for this fabulous film An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars on Blu-ray and DVD on July 3.

Photos: An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars box art (top), Camille Bajema (bottom)

If you missed it in theaters a few months ago – or want to be able to revisit it at your leisure – Twentieth Century Fox is releasing Mirror Mirror on DVD and Blu-ray on Tues., June 26. In this updated version of the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the dwarfs have new names – and much stronger personalities, as KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Julianna Noone, age 12, describes in her review (below). In fact, she says, “My favorite characters are the dwarfs, because they are funny and have more personality than the dwarfs in the classic story.” KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Anthony Aranda, age 9, find Mirror Mirror “has a lot more action than the classic Snow White and there are a lot more cool parts.”

There are, of course, extras on the DVD on top of a high-quality presentation of the movie. But it’s the Blu-ray version that really turns on the magic, including a behind-the-scenes featurette, a toe-tapping dance-along to the reworked Nina Hart song “I Believe in Love” performed by the film’s Lily Collins (Snow White) that plays over the end credits, interactive digital storybook, deleted scenes and much more.

Mirror Mirror
Reviewed by Julianna Noone
(See her full review on video.)

Do you love classic fairy tales, but wish the stories could be a little more up to date? Well, then you will love the new film Mirror Mirror. Mirror Mirror is an updated take on the classic fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

The film stars Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich and My Best Friend’s Wedding) as the Queen, Lily Collins (Abduction and The Blind Side) as Snow White, Armie Hammer (J. Edgar and The Social Network) as Prince Alcott, and Nathan Lane (Birdcage and The Producers) as Brighton. The Seven Dwarfs are still part of the action, but they, too, are updated to be more relevant to today’s audiences. The dwarves are: Jordan Prentice as Napolean, Mark Povinelli as Half Pint, Joe Gnoffo as Grub, Danny Woodburn as Grimm, Sebastian Saraceno as Wolf, Ronald Lee Clark as Chuckles and Martin Klebba as Butcher. 

The Queen is left in charge of the kingdom after the King disappears. The Queen cares nothing for Snow White or the kingdom and is only interested in keeping herself rich and in power. To do that she must get rid of Snow White and find a way to make Prince Alcott love her. So you can see that the basis of the story remains true to the classic fairy tale, but don’t worry, there are twists along the way that keep the story fresh and exciting. Once the Queen believes Snow White is dead, she moves on with her plan to marry the prince and live happily ever after. Snow White and the seven dwarfs have other plans and the action picks up with their fight to save the prince and their kingdom.   

My favorite part of the movie is when Snow and the dwarfs show up at the wedding to save the prince. The dwarfs all hide in various places, such as under tables and under men’s long coats, but the funniest part is when Chuckles hides under a woman’s umbrella dress and cracks up laughing when he sees her undergarments – it’s a very funny and well-shot scene. My favorite characters are the dwarfs, because they are funny and have more personality than the dwarfs in the classic story. These dwarfs bring a great deal of character to the movie. I also do love Snow White in this movie, because she is strong and plays a heroine in this version of the story.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars, because this is a well-written and humorous take on a classic story and, while the basis of the classic story is there, there are enough twists to the story to keep it funny and interesting. Also, there are quite a few “laugh out loud” scenes that will keep you smiling throughout the film. I would recommend this film for ages 5 to adult, especially those who are fans of classic fairy tales. Enjoy this entertaining twist on this classic story.  

Mirror Mirror
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
(See his full review on video.)

I am reviewing a really funny and family-friendly movie called Mirror Mirror. This movie is about Snow White and the seven dwarfs. I really like this movie because it has a lot more action than the classic Snow White and there are a lot more cool parts. 

This movie is all about a girl named Snow White whose evil stepmother mistreats her and the people who live in the kingdom. Snow White gets help from seven unusual dwarfs to take back her kingdom and help her people.

Some of the main characters in the movie are Snow White, the seven dwarfs, the evil queen and Prince Alcott. My favorite character is Prince Alcott because he is a really funny character. He drinks a potion that gives him puppy love and he does some really funny things. When The Queen throws a book out the window, the prince runs down all the stairs to try and fetch it. It is really funny!

My favorite part in the movie is when the evil queen gets help from black magic and two puppets on strings go to where the seven dwarfs live to try and hurt Snow White. These puppets are dancing around trying to get the dwarfs while Snow White is running to help them. Snow White gets a sword and cuts the strings and the puppets fall down. Another really cool part of the movie is when The Queen goes into her mirror. She walks right though it and comes out of the water into a place out in the middle of nowhere where she does her black magic. That is really cool.

I would recommend this movie for ages 5 and up because there are some sword-fighting scenes and a few parts that might scare little kids. Kids older than 5 would enjoy this movie especially if they know the classic Snow White story.

Photos: Mirror Mirror Blu-ray box art (top), Julianna Noone (middle), Anthony Aranda (bottom)