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The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie * What happens when Daffy Duck and Porky Pig have to save the world from an alien invasion?

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

That’s not all folks! From Ketchup Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, director Pete Browngardt, and the creative team behind the award-winning “Looney Tunes Cartoons” comes a brand new buddy comedy starring one of the greatest comedic duos in history–Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This richly-crafted, hand-drawn 2D animated adventure marks the first fully-animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history, told on a scope and scale that’s truly out of this world.  Porky Pig and Daffy Duck venture to the big screen as unlikely heroes and Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)… that is if they don’t drive each other totally looney in the process.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Junior R. comments, “What happens when Daffy Duck and Porky Pig have to save the world from an alien invasion? A whole lot of chaos, laughter, and classic Looney Tunes fun!  This film is loaded with new content, delivered in Looney Tunes fashion that I really enjoyed!” Kinsley H. adds, “I really enjoyed the humorous and sticky adventure of The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie which is the first fully animated feature length film in Looney Tunes history. I was launched into a very gooey and fun adventure.” See their full reviews below.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

What happens when Daffy Duck and Porky Pig have to save the world from an alien invasion? A whole lot of chaos, laughter, and classic Looney Tunes fun!  This film is loaded with new content, delivered in Looney Tunes fashion that I really enjoyed!

The storyline follows the wacky adventures of Daffy Duck (Eric Bauza) and Porky Pig (Eric Bauza) straight from the mind of producer (Peter Browngardt), who try to stop aliens from taking over the world.  Daffy is so silly, unpredictable, and always gets into trouble, while Porky tries to keep things under control, with his nervous but kind-hearted personality.

I absolutely love the animation because it looks just like the classic Looney Tunes cartoons my parents used to show me and it brought back a lot of nostalgia, with a twist of new age technology. Every explosion, chase, and gag is packed with eye-catching colors that keep the energy high and the fun non-stop. Porky and Daffy become world heroes by accident when they get off task and mess around at a bubble gum factory and discover a secret alien plan to control people’s minds! A spunky new character joins this crazy duo which makes the perfect Looney Tunes trio, and their adventures are unforgettable and super silly to keep the audience intrigued.  See for yourself to find out what the alien leader is really after.

The film carries themes of friendship, teamwork, and embracing individuality as Daffy Duck and Porky Pig face challenges that test their bond and require them to work together to save the world.  Their journey underscores the importance of collaboration and accepting each other’s quirks to overcome obstacles.  Be forewarned there is content with adult humor and some moments that might frighten younger audiences.

I give The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.  It opens in theaters March 14, 2025.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I really enjoyed the humorous and sticky adventure of The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie which is the first fully animated feature length film in Looney Tunes history. I was launched into a very gooey and fun adventure.

The storyline is about Daffy Duck and Porky Pig as they work together to fulfill their promise to Father Jim (Fred Tatasciore) to always take care of their home. Due to very looney space activity, this oath is put to an extreme test that not only challenges Daffy and Porky’s home but also the planet.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie stays true to the classic animation of Looney Tunes. The hand drawn cartoons have intricate details that are eye catching and enjoyable to watch. Slapstick humor is definitely at the forefront. Daffy Duck wears his feelings for all to see with everything from bulging heartbeats to a very sensitive exploding head. Unexpected laughable moments occur frequently like when Daffy and Porky desperately try to find a job in a momentary combination of the new and the old. They try to start a rideshare business with a horse and even attempt to become influencers but quickly get cancelled due to inappropriate content. Petunia Pig (Candi Milo) even has a humorous entrance. It is entertaining to watch Porky see her through rose-colored glasses. Petunia’s real look versus what Porky really sees demonstrates that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Even the Invader (Peter MacNicol) is ridiculous due to being a clumsy alien dictator. His scariness does not last long as he continuously falls and drops items all at the worst moments.

The film’s message is that friendship conquers all. Daffy and Porky always stick together, no matter what challenges come their way. They are direct opposites of each other: Daffy is crazy, and Porky is cautious. However, this mismatched pair ends up being exactly what the world needs. You should be aware that the show does have some cartoon violence action and rude, suggestive humor.

I give The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters on Friday, March 14, 2025.

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Night of the Zoopocalypse * Entertaining And Cute Sci-Fi Movie With An Interesting Story And Likeable Characters

Friday, March 7th, 2025

After a meteor unleashes a virus that turns zoo animals into zombies, a mountain lion (David Harbour) and wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) lead a team of surviving animals to stop the virus and rescue their zoo.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “Night of the Zoopocalypse is an extremely entertaining and cute sci-fi movie with amazing build-up. It has an interesting story and likeable characters, which allows the viewer to become invested in the situation. The film’s message is to be loyal to those that you love and appreciate those around you despite their differences. Be forewarned that there are intense scenes and action sequences, including fake limbs coming off. See her full review below.

Night of the Zoopocalypse
By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Night of the Zoopocalypse is an extremely entertaining and cute sci-fi movie with amazing build-up. It has an interesting story and likeable characters, which allows the viewer to become invested in the situation.

The story takes place in a zoo, where Gracie, a wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) and Dan, a mountain lion (David Harbour) are forced to team up when a meteor turns animals into zombies. They, and the other survivors of the zombie virus, attempt to stop the virus from spreading any further, and save those infected.

The animation in this film is incredible; everything looks so lively and each animal moves exactly like their real-life counterparts. I especially love the way Xiavier, the red ruffed lemur, moves – all his movements are not only extremely smooth but also true to the real animal. I love the visuals throughout this movie and the character designs; the details for small things in the background that represent the zoo are outstanding. However, I am not the biggest fan of Dan’s design as it is difficult to tell what animal he is supposed to represent.

I also really like following the main character, Gracie. She’s such a fun character to watch and Gabbi Kosmidis really brings the character to life through her voice acting. The script is so well done; I love that there’s so much thought behind how the zombies work and what they are able of doing.

The characters are particularly well scripted; the main characters feel real thanks to their believable actions and the secondary characters are quite funny. The pace of the storyline works well, with the audience discovering information as fast as the characters do. There are a few scenes that feel a little too long, but still, the film is extremely funny and enjoyable to watch. Even though it’s geared towards a younger audience, I found myself laughing out loud at times.

The film’s message is to be loyal to those that you love and appreciate those around you despite their differences. Be forewarned that there are intense scenes and action sequences, including fake limbs coming off.

I give Night of the Zoopocalype 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters March 7, 2025.

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Plankton: The Movie * Fun Storyline, Fantastic Voice Acting and Encouraging Message

Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

When Karen the Computer decides to take over the world, it’s up to Plankton to stop her – with a little help from SpongeBob and the Gal Pals (Pearl, Sandy, and Mrs. Puff).

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ari C. comments, “I absolutely love Plankton: The Movie. The fun storyline and fantastic voice acting gave me lots of giggles. I also love the visually amusing graphics and the fun and happy atmosphere. You may be thinking that this is just another SpongeBob movie, if so, you are sorely mistaken. This is Plankton’s (Douglas Lawrence Osowski / Mr. Lawrence) movie. The film’s message is that love is all you really need.” See his full review and interview below.

Plankton: The Movie
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 12

PLANKTON: THE MOVIE – Cr: Netflix/Nickelodeon Movies © 2025

I absolutely love Plankton: The Movie. The fun storyline and fantastic voice acting gave me lots of giggles. I also love the visually amusing graphics and the fun and happy atmosphere.

You may be thinking that this is just another SpongeBob movie, if so, you are sorely mistaken. This is Plankton’s (Douglas Lawrence Osowski / Mr. Lawrence) movie. After 20 years of being pushed around and dismissed, Plankton’s wife, Karen (Jill Talley), has had enough. Plankton’s epic failures at world domination has Karen fed up. She is ready to remind him that she can be three times as evil and should not be ignored. Their marriage problems swirl into world-wide chaos. Unlikely characters must team up to save Bikini Bottom, the whole world, and a marriage.

PLANKTON: THE MOVIE – Cr: Netflix/Nickelodeon Movies © 2025

This film is engaging with its amazing graphics; I feel like I am in a visual circus.  I commend Mr. Lawrence for voice acting Plankton and for writing the story.  Mauricio Bartok and Piyush Dhuppe are the animators for this film and they have created a virtual visual playground.  This film is like a roller-coaster that took me on an awesome adventure with its many twists and surprises. It still keeps the classic SpongeBob characters such as SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), and Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown). This movie is absolutely hilarious.

 

PLANKTON: THE MOVIE – Cr: Netflix/Nickelodeon Movies © 2025

Even though I don’t watch SpongeBob a lot, I really enjoyed the comedy and have always been a Plankton fan. I love how Mr. Lawrence has held on to his role as Plankton, going back to when he started in 1999. It’s amazing that he has stuck to this role for so long. Everything from the fantastic storyline to the mesmerizing animation make this film a treat to enjoy. There are a couple of heartwarming scenes, but there are also plenty of action scenes that give the movie a thrill. My favorite part is when an implant causes Plankton to have a wild hallucination. That was crazily exciting and fun.

The film’s message is that love is all you really need.

I give Plankton The movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Netflix March 7, 2025.

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A Sloth Story * A Heartfelt Theme, Great Animation And Complex Characters Like A Sloth Who Wants To Move Fast!

Friday, February 28th, 2025

After a terrifying storm destroys their home, a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusted old food truck hoping to make their business a success.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoey F. comments, “I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters. I especially like the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals.” Adele B. adds, “The movie has a terrific balance of comical and heartwarming moments. I constantly found myself entertained and laughing. I especially loved watching Luis’s character with his fun sense of humor despite his challenges.  Laura’s family always supports her and has her back.” Luna C. wraps it up with, “A Sloth Story is a delightful and unexpected film, brimming with real-life moments, valuable lessons, and a refreshing dose of hard work that kept me hooked from start to finish.” See their full reviews below.

A Sloth Story
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters.

The plot follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth as she goes through the struggles of her life. Laura feels as though no one, especially her mother, Mama (Olivia Vasquez), takes her seriously. But after a horrible storm her family is forced to move to the city. Laura’s idol, Dotty Paste (Leslie Jones) is also in the city, motivating her to want to go. After business at Laura’s family’s café starts booming, Dotty gets jealous. She devises a plan to steal Mama’s recipe book. Now, the Romero-Flores’ family must try to find a way to get the precious recipe book back!

One aspect I especially like is the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals. I also enjoyed the complexity of Mama’s character. She is portrayed as Laura’s main enemy. Laura feels as though her mother is always getting in her way. But it turns out that Mama was exactly like Laura when she was young. Her age is a huge struggle for her, and she keeps forgetting things, but she keeps Lyra close in fear of forgetting Laura too.

A Sloth Story explores the rich culture of Spanish culture and is incorporated in the food, language, and clothing in the film. This adds a lot to the movie.

The message of A Sloth Story is about the importance of family. This is shown when Laura sacrifices so much for her family. She is constantly reminded that her family is her ultimate team, which is an important theme to remember.

I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters February 28, 2025.

A Sloth Story
By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

A Sloth Story is an exciting family friendly movie with heartwarming themes. The story takes you on a dynamic adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat with so many hilarious moments. Overall, the vibrant and crisp animation brings to life the engaging and unique character designs.

The story follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth whose family owns a restaurant. After an unexpected storm destroys their restaurant, they move to the city to start over, but business isn’t so good and Laura‘s Mom (Olivia Vasquez) and Dad (Ben Gorrono) start to think maybe the move to the big city wasn’t such a good idea. Laura comes up with the idea to bring in more business which works well, but the owner of a competing restaurant (Leslie Jones) is jealous .  Laura and her family embark on a mission fighting for their family legacy. You’ll have to watch to find out if it works.

The movie has a terrific balance of comical and heartwarming moments. I constantly found myself entertained and laughing. I especially loved watching Luis’s character with his fun sense of humor despite his challenges.  Laura’s family always supports her and has her back. I like Laura and her brother Mani’s (Facundo Hache Herrera) relationship. They are believable as playful and loveable siblings. A perfect moment is when Laura comforts Mani, when he thinks his ideas for the mural are terrible. And, in the next scene we see him pick on Laura, but in a sweet way. One of my most memorable moments is the way the mom, Gabriella, is there for her daughter by putting her above all else. It’s very touching and shows true love.

The animation kept my attention with its crispness and smooth character movement. It makes it very easy to watch, like effortless paint strokes across canvas. The animation is very detailed such as the scene where little sparks form around Laura’s head to highlight her worried feelings. To show excitement they added stars in her eyes. I love the overall character designs – Laura’s character is fantastic, right down to the details of her necklace and the striking color of her pink belt. I also love Dotti’s suit as it’s very colorful and it shows her bubbly, yet mischievous, personality.

The film’s message is that family always has your back and believes in you when it matters most. Family can always see the spark in you and will stop at nothing to protect that.

I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 28, 2025.

A Sloth Story
By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

A Sloth Story is a delightful and unexpected film, brimming with real-life moments, valuable lessons, and a refreshing dose of hard work that kept me hooked from start to finish.

After a devastating storm destroys their rural home, Laura (Teo Vergara), a quick-witted sloth, and her quirky family move to the bustling big city. Eager to make their food truck business a success, they must adapt to the fast-paced, high-energy expectations of city life. Along the way, Laura juggles her responsibilities as a team member in her family business while also playing on a cricket team with her new friends.

This is a charming, heartfelt film. I appreciate the relatable animation and storyline – even though the film features animals, the environments and situations are familiar to real life. One of my favorite moments is when Laura finally finds time to bond with her cricket team. It’s heartwarming to see her kind and welcoming relationship with her teammates. The music, composed by Aalex Heffe, is another standout element.

 

With its Spanish influence, it adds a vibrant rhythm to the film that had me tapping my feet along with the characters.

The film offers two key messages: sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we truly need and home is wherever you put your heart.

I give A Sloth Story 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, or anyone who enjoys a story about family, friendship, and traditions. It releases in theaters on February 28, 2025.

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The Unbreakable Boy * Heartfelt And Uplifting Film Beautifully Capturing The Power Of Joy, Faith, And The Indomitable Human Spirit

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “unbreakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C., comments, “The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.” Chase L. adds, “The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.” See their full reviews below.

The Unbreakable Boy
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.

The film follows Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), parents who face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval), a child who is not only autistic but also suffers from a rare bone condition that makes him vulnerable to fractures. Despite these challenges, Austin’s unwavering optimism and unbreakable spirit inspire his family and community, teaching them to find joy in every moment. Scott’s journey of faith becomes intertwined with Austin’s unique outlook on life, leading to a powerful and heartwarming story about the bonds that make a family truly unbreakable.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

Zachary Levi delivers a raw and emotional performance as Scott, portraying the complexities of a father struggling to understand his son while rediscovering his faith. Meghann Fahy is remarkable as Teresa, balancing strength and vulnerability with grace. However, it is Jacob Laval as Austin, who steals the show. His portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing Austin’s innocence, humor, and infectious optimism in a way that feels genuine and deeply moving. Director Jon Gunn crafts a narrative that is both inspiring and grounded, avoiding clichés while delivering powerful emotional moments. The screenplay balances humor, heartbreak, and hope, making the characters feel relatable and their journey resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Gunn’s direction brings authenticity to the story, ensuring it remains heartfelt without being overly sentimental. Visually, The Unbreakable Boy is beautifully shot, capturing the warmth and vibrancy of everyday moments.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

The cinematography complements the narrative, creating an intimate portrayal of the family’s highs and lows. The musical score enhances the emotional depth of the film, underscoring key moments with sensitivity and elegance. What sets The Unbreakable Boy apart is its ability to inspire without feeling preachy. The film’s message of embracing life’s challenges with faith and joy is universal, touching hearts regardless of religious beliefs. It reminds us that happiness can be found even in the most difficult circumstances and that resilience is often rooted in love.

The Unbreakable Boy is more than just a feel-good movie; it’s a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance. With outstanding performances, genuine storytelling, and a message that lingers long after the credits roll, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking hope and inspiration.

I give The Unbreakable Boy 4 out of 5 stars. The film releases in theatres February 21, 2025.

The Unbreakable Boy

By Chase L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.

The storyline follows a boy named Austin (Jacob Laval), who has brittle bone disease and is also autistic; he’s had a challenging time in life, because oftentimes he can’t understand what others mean when they speak. At the same time, his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval)  and his brother Logan. We observe this family as they go through difficult times, adventures, and more, which ultimately make this a fun, exciting, and truly enjoyable movie.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

I can relate to this story because I have a sister with a genetic disorder so I can understand and relate to the struggles they have as a family. The film is well made and easy to understand, even for people who don’t know what brittle bone disease is. For example, when they talk about brittle bone disease I completely understood, but one thing I didn’t quite get is how autism affects people. I don’t really understand what autism is even after watching the film. There are believable characters and the story has a good beginning, middle and end.

It is set in the modern day, so everything looks appropriate and accurate for today. Nothing looks pixelated, glitchy, or has low graphics; and almost everybody is wearing typical clothes that people wear today.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

This film reminds us that not everything goes perfectly in life and sometimes life has unexpected things that happen and we have to do our best to live with those, even when we can’t fix it. In this movie Scott’s son Austin is not perfect – he was born with autism and brittle bone disease and that causes Scott and his wife to become aware of those things and learn how to deal with them together as a family.

The film’s message is about being prepared for the unexpected, and to always remember that your friends and family are there to support you in times that are tough, even when you don’t think you can handle the challenges that life throws at you.

I give The Unbreakable Boy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters February 21, 2025.

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