KIDS FIRST! News

Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his footsteps and become a preacher.  As a young man, Ricky becomes a baseball phenomenon.  His desire to participate in a try-out for a legendary major league scout divides the family and threatens Rickey’s dream of playing professional baseball.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “With a hard-hitting cast and beautifully written, evocative script, The Hill surely captured my attention and should appeal to sports, drama and biographical film fans as well.” See his full review below.  

The Hill
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 17

With a hard-hitting cast and beautifully written, evocative script, The Hill surely captured my attention and should appeal to sports, drama and biographical film fans as well.

The Hill is based on the true story of Rickey Hill (Colin Ford, Jesse Berry), a kid from a poor Baptist family in rural Texas. Rickey has big dreams of becoming a baseball superstar and he’s immensely talented at batting, but he must face one problem — his dad (Dennis Quaid) won’t let him. Even when Rickey seems to have overcome congenital degenerative spinal disease, his father refuses to let him play, and he’s intent on molding him into a pastor just like him.

The direction by Jeff Celentano and screenplay by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith come together to bind the story — a riveting narrative of talent torn between passion and family. The set pieces and props, ever the wooden leg braces Rickey wears as a child, are all realistic. The dialogue in The Hill is real and raw, and I especially like how each cast member has convincing Texan accents. Dennis Quaid is an absolute superstar in the film; you’ll want to scream your head off at him sometimes and at other times, you’ll consider where he’s coming from — though that’s an angle the film doesn’t explore much. I was most taken by Jesse Berry’s portrayal of the young, fiery Rickey; he helms the film’s many tear-jerker moments. It’s certainly a stellar performance by a child actor, especially given the complexity of the role.

The Hill promotes pursuing your dreams with resilience; never saying never; and gaining a better understanding of perspectives different from you. The film contains religious content given Rickey’s upbringing in a strict, conservative Baptist family.

I give The Hill 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on August 25, 2023.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Connor S. comments, “I really love the film Blue Beetle! One thing I enjoy is the strong cultural theme at its center. It is a great sci-fi film, with a great tone and some pretty fun comedic scenes and characters, which is different for a DC movie.” Mikella G. adds, “Blue Beetle is a fascinating adventurous movie that checks off every box. It brings you to laughter, tears and everything in between all while being an intense blockbuster film!” Kira O. wraps it up with, “You won’t want to miss this heart-warming action-packed film. Throughout the entire film, the cinematography is so good that it feels like you are right in the middle of all the action. My favorite part is when Jaime is in danger and his family and Jenny rescue him by using advanced technology developed by Jenny’s late father.” See their full reviews below.

Blue Beetle
By Connor S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I really love the film Blue Beetle! One thing I enjoy is the strong cultural theme at its center. It is a great sci-fi film, with a great tone and some pretty fun comedic scenes and characters, which is different for a DC movie. 

The storyline is set in Palmera City where Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a Gotham pre-law graduate, is trying to get a job. When he meets Jenny Kord (Bruna Marqueszine), she gives him a piece of alien technology called the “Scarab” that gives him superpowers. The plot thickens when a woman named Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) tries to steal the Scarab back from Jamie, putting his entire family in danger.

The storyline is great. What this story does differently than other superhero movies is make the main character’s family a big part of the action. There are a lot of other unique things about this film, too. I love the way the director and writers bring representation of Latino culture into the film through the characters and the sets. Palmera City, Jamie’s house and Jamie’s family all feel very realistic. The costumes are incredible as well, especially the Blue Beetle suit — it’s slick and has a personality of its own. Of all the characters, my favorite is Rudy (George Lopez), who brings a lot of fun into his scenes. He is the ‘tech support’ for Jamie, but is also a conspiracy theorist, and there are a lot of jokes based on his quirky personality. The makeup effects are great too; for example the scene where Jamie transforms into the Blue Beetle.

The film’s message is that family makes you stronger, not weaker, which is a theme I love. Be forewarned that the film has a few violent scenes, a lot of action, some profanity and sexual references.

I give Blue Beetle 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters on August 18, 2023.

Blue Beetle
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Blue Beetle is a fascinating adventurous movie that checks off every box. It brings you to laughter, tears and everything in between all while being an intense blockbuster film!

Blue Beetle takes place in Palmera City, and follows Jamie Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) who starts off as a typical college graduate trying to find himself and his calling. That all changes when an ancient relic, a Scarab, chooses Jamie as its host and sends him and his family on a life changing adventure.

A huge standout in this film is the creative storyline. I really enjoyed the idea of the Scarab, and how the characters go about finding a solution. Each character really comes to life, and watching their journey is so interesting. This movie hits all the marks and has something for everyone. There are so many comedic scenes, yet still definitely has some tear-jerking moments, especially in the end. These different dynamics contribute to creating a well-rounded film, which leads up to the satisfaction that comes at the end. It is quite intense and had me on the edge of my seat most of the time.

Another thing I enjoyed are the characters. They each have their own personalities and skills, but ultimately come together through their common love of family. For example, Jamie, Blue Beetle, is more of a go-with-the-flow kind of guy and a little unsure of himself. Then there’s Jenny (Bruna Marquezine), who is confident and experienced. Rudy (George Lopez) likes to take risks and often prays for the best. All of these different characteristics and personalities come together and mesh so well in creating a power team!

Lastly, the scenery in this movie is outstanding. The island is beautiful and the CGI is extremely clear. From the clear blue ocean water, to the local heartwarming neighborhoods, everything is extremely appealing to the eye. These features draw my attention, and locked me into what I’m watching.

The message of Blue Beetle is that strength comes from love and hope. Be forewarned that this film contains some strong language, aggressive violence and use of weapons.

‘I give Blue Beetle 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Blue Beetle releases in theaters August 18, 2023.

Blue Beetle
By Kira O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Blue Beetle is an awesome movie!  I like it because the story revolves around family and it’s a comedic sci-fi film made me laugh and cry. 

Blue Beetle is about a young man named Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), who returns home after graduating from college and discovers that his family is about to lose their house. When he and his sister, Milagro Reyes (Belissa Escobedo), get jobs working at the house of Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), Milagro’s mischief causes them to get fired, but not before they meet Victoria’s niece, Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine). Jenny offers to help Jaime land a job at Kord Industries but instead, she winds up asking him to protect the Scarab, an alien artifact that turns him into the Blue Beetle. The Scarab gives Jaime superhero powers but he is reluctant to use them until his family and Jenny become the target of the film’s villain, Victoria Kord. She wants to harness the power of the Scarab to build superhuman warriors and rule the world.

You won’t want to miss this heart-warming action-packed film. Throughout the entire film, the cinematography is so good that it feels like you are right in the middle of all the action. My favorite part is when Jaime is in danger and his family and Jenny rescue him by using advanced technology developed by Jenny’s late father. Even Jaime’s grandmother, Nana (Adriana Barraza), shows off her impressive combat skills by wielding a futuristic-looking rainbow-colored cannon.

The upbeat Latin-inspired soundtrack adds even more energy to the already intense scenes as Jaime’s loved ones risk their safety to protect him. I was especially impressed by Uncle Rudy’s (George Lopez) bravery when he faced off against Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo) and narrowly avoided being hit by a fireball. Overall, this movie is truly a thrilling and action-packed ride that will have you rooting for the Reyes family as they laugh together, encourage one another, and cope with tragedy.

The film’s message is that family matters more than anything else, and the love of your family make you strong even when things seem impossible. Be forewarned that there are some strong language and scenes with blood and gore that may be scary for a younger audience. 

I give Blue Beetle 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Blue Beetle is available in movie theaters on August 18, 2023.

Based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs – a struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec – who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “A scintillating, exhilarating watch, Gran Turismo will hold your attention from start to finish with its well-written script, deep characters, and detailed and immersive graphics… Gran Turismo promotes resilience. Every time Jann fails, Jack Salter (David Harbour), his trainer, pushes him to overcome the failure, get up, dust himself off, and move on to the next race.” See his full review below.

Gran Turismo
by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

A scintillating, exhilarating watch, Gran Turismo will hold your attention from start to finish with its well-written script, deep characters, and detailed and immersive graphics.

The film follows Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), a teen from Cardiff, Wales, who’s obsessed with the video game Gran Turismo. Jann’s family doesn’t really understand his passion and worries about him, especially since he dropped out of university because of his dream to be a racecar driver. When Jann is selected as one of 10 kids worldwide to compete in Nissan’s GT Academy for a shot to be a professional racer, he must face tragedies, love, deceit, and so much more on the path to glory.

The cast shines in this film. Archie Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough captures the emotions of a teen with big dreams and the fire inside him to pursue them. He comes across as emotionless in the first few scenes but warms up into his character—by the climax, you’re sure to be rooting for Mardenborough.

My other favorite character is David Harbour as Jack Salter, a tough character to play. He’s a typical Hollywood coach, aggressive but a bit jaded because of his previous experience in racing. Over the course of the film, he warms up, which is where Harbour shines; the transformation from a brooding middle-aged has-been to a kind but fiery coach is spellbinding.

The screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin enhances the film massively, as do the cinematography and graphics, as well as the monumental score by Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski. In every racing scene, you feel like you’re in the car with Jann; my jaw was clenched throughout every hairpin turn. When the lights go green at the beginning of every race, the whole theater vibrates with the sound of the engine starting up.

Gran Turismo promotes resilience. Every time Jann fails, Jack Salter (David Harbour), his trainer, pushes him to overcome the failure, get up, dust himself off, and move on to the next race. Interestingly, Salter starts off in the film by not believing in Jann or any of the other kids in the GT Academy. Jann’s performance turns Salter into his most ardent supporter. Herein lies another message: proving your detractors wrong. Salter’s belief in always doing the right thing puts him at odds with Nissan marketing executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), but is another great takeaway.

And of course, the core of the film is about achieving your dreams, no matter how unattainable they seem; when fate, fortune, and prowess align, you will find success. Parents should be aware of scenes with slightly foul language, one kissing scene, and one scene where kids drink and hang out in an industrial area and then have to run from the police.

I give Gran Turismo 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Gran Turismo releases in theaters on August 11, 2023.

Icelandic lawyer Kristin gets drawn into the vortex of an international conspiracy when she receives footage of an airplane wreck, recently revealed by the melting of one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. The old German World War II plane not only brings ruthless criminals onto the scene, but also CIA director William Carr, who has been secretly trying to remove the wreck for a long time. Kristin refuses to rest until the key has been discovered that will solve the riddle of Operation Napoleon.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Eshaan M. comments, “Operation Napoleon is a great film for fans of mysteries and international intrigue. Its interesting plot shines, thanks to stellar cinematography and despite a rough screenplay and sometimes wooden performances from the cast.” See his full review below.

Operation Napoleon
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Operation Napoleon is a great film for fans of mysteries and international intrigue. Its interesting plot shines, thanks to stellar cinematography and despite a rough screenplay and sometimes wooden performances from the cast.

Operation Napoleon follows Icelandic lawyer Kristín (Vivian Ólafsdóttir), who is drawn into an international conspiracy and falsely implicated in a murder after her brother finds a Nazi plane atop the Vatnajokull Glacier. Now she must unravel the history behind the conspiracy, codenamed Operation Napoleon by the CIA, and escape U.S. agents tracking her down.

As with many Nordic films, the style of acting in Operation Napoleon is very understated. This does not do the film too many favors when it comes to scenes of life and death, in which the characters struggle to emote and to immerse the viewers in each scene.  The editing and cinematography are highlights — sets are believable; the color correction is consistently cold (to do justice to Icelandic winters); and everything looks great. The film doesn’t slow down to breathe too frequently, which helps keep the momentum of the action going.

But the screenplay is a mixed bag; the script doesn’t provide enough detail behind many characters’ goals and ambitions, and the story waits until the end to explain the real motive behind Operation Napoleon, in a relatively awkward way. Iain Glen, who plays William Carr, and Olafur Darri, who plays Einar, are the best actors of the lot. Ólafsdóttir and her male lead counterpart Jack Fox (who plays researcher Steve Rush) both come across as one-note characters. Still, the premise of the film is interesting enough to keep you watching.

Operation Napoleon promotes honor and the pursuit of truth.

I give Operation Napoleon 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Operation Napoleon releases in theaters and on demand on August 11, 2023.

The Slumber Party depicts the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone wrong as best friends Megan and Paige, along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica, wake up with absolutely no memory of the night before. Now they must retrace their steps to find missing birthday girl Anna Maria and explain why there’s a flock of baby ducks in the bathtub, what happened to Megan’s eyebrow, and why she’s wearing unattainable hottie Jake Ramirez’s signature black hoodie.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Hanadie K. comments, “I love The Slumber Party. It is a heartwarming Disney film that brilliantly captures the essence of teenage friendships and the journey of self-discovery. With its enchanting storyline and captivating moments, the movie celebrates the power of friendship while encouraging viewers to break free from insecurities, making it a genuinely empowering cinematic experience.” Giana N. adds, “Sure you have been to a slumber party before, but trust me you have never been to one like this. This film has a great message that anybody no matter what age they are, can take away. This movie is fun, enjoyable, and it kept me wondering throughout the whole movie.” See their full reviews below.

The Slumber Party
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love The Slumber Party. It is a heartwarming Disney film that brilliantly captures the essence of teenage friendships and the journey of self-discovery. With its enchanting storyline and captivating moments, the movie celebrates the power of friendship while encouraging viewers to break free from insecurities, making it a genuinely empowering cinematic experience.

The storyline follows best friends Megan (Darby Camp), Anna Maria (Valentina Herrera) and Paige (Emmy Liu-Wang) at a sleepover celebrating Anna Maria’s birthday before high school begins. However, things take an unexpected turn when Anna Maria’s soon-to-be stepsister is included, causing tensions among the girls. The night takes a magical twist when the party entertainer, Mesmer, hypnotizes them and leads them on a hilarious and life-changing adventure that makes them put aside their self-consciousness and embrace their true selves.

This heartwarming Disney film is a delightful and empowering experience for youth and family audiences that offer valuable life lessons and an enchanting adventure. The Slumber Party weaves a captivating tale of friendship and self-discovery through the remarkable performances of Megan, Anna Maria and Paige. The film’s nostalgic sets and locations immerse the audience in the world of teenage camaraderie; while the imaginative costumes, complemented by an impressive soundtrack, add depth to the characters. Mesmer’s hypnotic scenes and seamless special effects contribute a touch of magic, all masterfully directed. A standout moment is when the girls steal a hedgehog car float, showcasing youthful rebellion and friendship, leaving viewers exhilarated. The Slumber Party delivers an enchanting cinematic experience, celebrating the power of friendship and the joy of embracing one’s true self. The film is uplifting and leaves viewers with a heartwarming feeling at the end, reminding us that true friendships and self-acceptance can lead to extraordinary and magical adventures.

The message of The Slumber Party is about the power of friendship, self-discovery and embracing one’s true self as the girls learn to break free from their insecurities and support each other through the challenges of adolescence. There are no concerning elements present in the movie, making it a delightful and family-friendly film.

I give The Slumber Party 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases July 27, 2023 on Disney Channel and July 28 on Disney+.

The Slumber Party
By Giana N., Age 12, KIDSFIRST! Film Critic

Sure you have been to a slumber party before, but trust me you have never been to one like this. This film has a great message that anybody no matter what age they are, can take away. This movie is fun, enjoyable, and it kept me wondering throughout the whole movie. So sit back, relax, and enjoy The Slumber Party.

This film is about Megan (Darby Camp), Anna Marie (Valentina Herrera), Paige (Emmy Liu-Wang), and Veronica (Alex Cooper Cohen) who have a slumber party for Anna Marie’s birthday. Anna Marie wants to get her mind off of her dad’s wedding so to help her live without thinking, she hires a hypnotist. After waking up with no memory of what happened last night, they can’t seem to find out where Anna Marie is. The friends have to follow clues to try to where Anna Marie is.

An aspect of the film that I really enjoy is the comedy. All the characters in this film have such a great sense of humor which keeps you laughing the whole time. The audience can relate to many of the characters because they are going through real life situations. For example, Anna Marie’s dad is getting remarried and she is not happy about it. She doesn’t want to accept that he is moving on and this is a topic that many kids can relate to. My favorite character is Megan because she has a good sense of humor and I enjoyed her character development. Megan is afraid to try new things and to put herself out there. But with the help of her friends she is able to push past her anxiety of trying different things.

The message of The Slumber Party is that trying something new may not be easy but sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone. And who knows you may even enjoy trying something new. This film is completely appropriate and is a great movie to watch with the family in your free time.

I give The Slumber Party 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12. This film is out now and you can find it on Disney+. Be sure to check it out!