KIDS FIRST! News

Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in life, including an abusive husband. With support from a sultry singer named Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter, Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I love this reimagined, musical version of The Color Purple! It has a really good balance of joyful and sorrowful scenes, which made me care deeply about the characters. Its cast is brilliant, as all of them fit their roles perfectly and have absolutely outstanding and powerful voices.” Sydney S. adds, “I absolutely love the film, The Color Purple! This musical remake of the 1985 film is a tear-jerking story with engaging musical numbers and brilliant acting. The film holds so much power and I like that it promotes hope.” See their full reviews below.

The Color Purple (2023)
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I love this reimagined, musical version of The Color Purple! It has a really good balance of joyful and sorrowful scenes, which made me care deeply about the characters. Its cast is brilliant, as all of them fit their roles perfectly and have absolutely outstanding and powerful voices.

This movie is a musical adaptation of the novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker and also the movie The Color Purple from 1985. It follows two teenage sisters named Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi/Fantasia Barrino) and Nettie (Halle Bailey/Ciara) in the American South in the early 1900s. Celie and Nettie are best friends, but then they get separated once Celie gets married to a man named Mister (Colman Domingo). The movie then tells the story of the struggles that Celie faces and her attempts to find her sister.

If you’ve seen the original movie and or read the book, you will notice the storyline is the same. However, how the story is portrayed is very different. It’s full of singing and dancing as in a Broadway musical. I like this rendition of The Color Purple the best out of the three because thesinging and dancing are so engaging – I really connected with the characters and their emotions. My favorite character is definitely Sophie, played by Danielle Brooks, because she is very funny and powerful, has a rich voice, and I loved every scene she was in.  The actors with the strongest performances are Fantasia Barrino as Celie and Colman Domingo. Celie, is such a dynamic character as we see her grow and change so much while she overcomes all of her traumas. Also, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi is definitely the right choice to play young Celie since she and Fantasia look very similar. Also I absolutely despise Mister because of Colman Domingo’s incredibly convincing performance!  The Color Purple also stars Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, Deon Cole, and H.E.R. Be sure to look for a couple cameos by people who were in the original movie adaptation.

The messages of this movie include the power of perseverance, the importance of forgiveness and of having the fortitude to overcome oppression and abuse. It also emphasizes the importance of family. Be aware that there is profanity, alcohol consumption, and rape.

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

The Color Purple
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I absolutely love the film, The Color Purple! This musical remake of the 1985 film is a tear-jerking story with engaging musical numbers and brilliant acting. The film holds so much power and I like that it promotes hope.

The storyline follows Celie who struggles to find freedom in her life. After her children are taken from her, she is sent away to live with a husband who doesn’t allow Celie to contact her sister. 

The main characters in the film are Celie (Fantasia Barrino), Young Celie (Phylicia Pearl), Young Nettie (Halle Bailey), Nettie (Ciara), Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Sofia (Danielle Brooks), Harpo (Corey Hawkins), Mister (Colman Domingo), and Squeak (H.E.R.). The actors are incredible. They bring so much emotion that enhances the storyline and brings the movie to life. You can tell how they’re feeling by the look in their eyes! I love the amount of laughter in this movie. Sofia’s remedy to her depression is laughter. Celie never fails to laugh and smile when she’s happy. The relationship between Celie and her sister Nettie is so heartwarming, but seeing them get separated is crushing. I found my emotions flailing all over the place. There’s tension between some of the characters, too, which adds suspense.

The costumes are relative to the time and setting. They get interesting when Shug Avery comes to town, though. The lighting dims when there’s tension or something awful happens, which is a great touch. The direction of this film is incredible because it focuses on important details, such as body language or angles. Steven Spielberg did a wonderful job once again. I really like the musical theater side incorporated in the film. The music touches hearts and helps the characters express their feelings. The songs are catchy, too. The dances are so well-choreographed and detailed. There’s a perfect balance of musical theater. It’s also beautiful to see the characters brought together by music. My favorite part of the film is the character Celie and her breakthrough with finding herself. No matter how difficult her life gets, she pushes through and finds joy in the little things. She’s grateful for what she has and deals with abuse at the same time. At the end, her message about herself and her life is beautiful. 

The message of this film is that life can be difficult, but life is beautiful when you learn to persevere and stay positive. It also encourages you to stand up for yourself. Themes of family and friendship are also included. You should be aware there are some sensitive scenes that contain abuse, foul language and sexual content.

I give The Color Purple 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Color Purple comes out in theaters December 25, 2023.

After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Hoping to end his reign of terror, Aquaman forges an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Setting aside their differences, they join forces to protect their kingdom and save the world from irreversible destruction.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “I really like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom; it’s very action-packed and the plot is detailed. It isn’t too overwhelming, with just the right amount of storyline and adventure. Plus, the characters are quite enjoyable.” Miguel C. adds, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, directed by James Wan, is one of the best films I have seen by DC so far. It really reminds me of some of my favorite Marvel movies – filled with action and excitement. I honestly got a lot of that from watching this film.” See their full reviews below.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I really like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom; it’s very action-packed and the plot is detailed. It isn’t too overwhelming, with just the right amount of storyline and adventure. Plus, the characters are quite enjoyable. 

The plot follows Aquaman, who spends his time both on land and in the sea. Black Manta aspires to kill Aquaman, guided by an evil power. It’s up to Aquaman and his brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to defeat the evil, save his son, and keep Atlantis safe.

The main characters are Aquaman (Jason Mamoa), Mera (Amber Heard), Orm (Patrick Wilson), Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), Atlanna (Nicole Kidman) and Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park). Aquaman is a hilarious character – his lines are delivered smoothly and easily, and made me laugh. The brother relationship between Orm and Aquaman is heartwarming but also amusing. They say they hate each other, but deep down, they care a lot for each other. This film is unlike any superhero movie I’ve seen before. It’s very unique in its storyline and its special effects. This movie is available to be seen in 3D, but sometimes that interferes with the quality of the green screen imagery. Other than that, the special effects are absolutely wonderful. The fighting scenes look realistic and it seems very believable that the underwater scenes are real. It sure made my heart beat fast.

The sets in the ocean and the lost kingdom have a spooky, cold feeling. The lost kingdom is underwater, but it’s dark and entirely made up of ice! I also especially like the costumes, especially Aquaman and Black Manta’s suits. They are well-designed and look impressive. The camerawork is breathtaking. Kudos to director, James Wan, for really capturing all these aspects to make an exciting and enjoyable adventure movie. My favorite part of the movie is the transitions. In the beginning, the aquarium in Aquaman’s house changes into an iceberg so smoothly! 

The film’s message is about the importance of family. We see this when the two brothers form an alliance and eventually forgive each other. Also, Aquaman and Mera’s top priority is keeping their son safe. You should be aware there are violent scenes and some foul language used.

I give Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Aquaman is available in theaters now.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, directed by James Wan, is one of the best films I have seen by DC so far. It really reminds me of some of my favorite Marvel movies – filled with action and excitement. I honestly got a lot of that from watching this film.

The storyline starts showing Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and his son, Junior (Tyler Burger, playing around and having fun. Later we learn that he is now King of Atlantis and rules it alongside his wife Mera (Amber Heard). Then, we discover that the kingdom is being invaded and Aquaman needs to free one of his biggest enemies to destroy the one who wants to bring him down. 

There are a lot of war scenes in this film as Aquaman battles some of his biggest enemies, such as Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). We also see how his relationship with his brother, King Orm (Patrick Wilson), has grown. There are a lot of similarities between Aquaman and his brother. Throughout the film we see a lot of different worlds and kingdoms created by CGI but it’s not over exaggerated like many films. The story is very well thought out. At the beginning it is a little slow but gets better as it develops and definitely held my interest.

The film’s message is to never leave a brother behind and to stick together. Be aware that there is a lot of fighting and acrobatic action. I give Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom releases in theaters December 22, 2023.

A 25-yr-old influencer struggles to cling on to her status but is running out of tricks. Will she have to separate her online persona from her authentic self?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic SaniyaRain F. comments, “Under The Influencer is one of the most optimistic films I’ve ever seen! You get a taste of what it’s like behind the scenes in a social media influencer’s life, including all the struggles and accomplishments, too.” Avalon N. adds, “Under The Influencer is an amazing tale of social media and self-identity. The topics are very relatable and modern to teens as well as others.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “Under the Influencer is an uplifting and satisfying film with a very important message. Romance is blended with working and friendship elements, which gives it a little bit of everything. The acting and writing deliver an important message, despite some slower patches in the film.” See their full reviews below.

Under the Influencer
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Under The Influencer is one of the most optimistic films I’ve ever seen! You get a taste of what it’s like behind the scenes in a social media influencer’s life, including all the struggles and accomplishments, too. Not everything turns out as planned and life gets in the way, which makes for a great film for those on a journey to finding themself.

We follow Tori (Taylor Scorse) as her YouTube account following begins slowly plummeting but that’s all she eats, sleeps, and breathes. During this time she is not only desperately trying to find ways to fix it, but is also trying to heal from a messy Internet break up . Throughout this time Tori  is coming to terms with the fact that her personal life and her social media life might need to cross paths, but she is not comfortable with making that happen. She enjoys learning new things about herself but struggles to grasp the fact that her content is taking over her life, and not in a good way. Tori hits complete rock bottom, and that’s when she starts to make a breakthrough. She lets go of some people and has new experiences with others that affect her for the better. As for locations, from the sunsets to the mansions the settings were great. The acting was pretty spot on as well and some of the characters make their mark when it comes to learning the life lessons. Overall this film is great and watching it unravel will definitely prompt emotions in audiences.

Under The Influencer is relatable and shows realistic challenges for not just influencers but all people, too. When you see what the true meaning behind this film is it really touches the heart. Tori starts to see how social media is crushing the real her behind the mask she puts on. And yet she is not completely alone, as her best friend and employee Sara (Chandler Young) helps her through her journey of showing who she really is. Tori never really stays low when she gets knocked down; she just keeps learning and doing what’s best for her.

The film’s message is to not be afraid to show the world the real you. You never know what is going to happen or change in your life. So learn from the mistakes you make to improve yourself.

I give Under the Influencer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Under The Influencer is available now on VOD!

Under the Influencer
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 15

Under The Influencer is an amazing tale of social media and self-identity. The topics are very relatable and modern to teens as well as others.

The plot of this film centers around a girl named Tori who has a large following on her YouTube channel. No matter what she does though, the channel gets a large amount of hateful comments on it for no reason. As the film progresses she begins to resent the life she’s built and the tension continues as the plot develops..

One of the most exquisite parts of this film is simply how relatable it is today. The presence of social media and the hate that spirals from it is not uncommon. This sort of tension is what a lot of people face now with the influence of the internet growing as rapidly as it has. It helps the film’s relatability to teens and other influencers. Another spectacular part of the film that is very interesting to see is the way they portray YouTube channels as a type of business or enterprise. Rather than just one person filming videos in their basement they showed a team of people working to plan everything out perfectly and keep the image of the influencer intact. It’s one of the reasons the fans of the fictional channel in the film thought everything was so fake. It just didn’t seem genuine. Going off of that another really important part of the movie is the way the fans react when the content is fake vs genuine. People like to see the real and unfiltered side of people on YouTube and other social media platforms rather than just the scripted highlights of others’ lives. It makes the whole thing a lot more relatable.

The film’s message is to just be yourself and never change or destroy yourself for others, because that’s never going to get anyone anywhere.

I give Under The Influencer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film is available now on DVD and VOD.

Under the Influencer
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Under the Influencer is an uplifting and satisfying film with a very important message. Romance is blended with working and friendship elements, which gives it a little bit of everything. The acting and writing deliver an important message, despite some slower patches in the film.

Under the Influencer follows Tori (Taylor Joree Scorse) as she starts off as a very successful influencer. Her views and popularity start to decline significantly, and she can’t figure out why. She realizes that, not only has she lost the approval and support of fans, but she’s also lost herself. She put all of her effort and focus into her social media persona. When she can no longer rely on fame and positivity, she takes off on a journey to determine who she really is when she’s not in front of a camera. She has to figure out what she, not the girl on the camera, enjoys.

The highlight of this film is how the message is incorporated in a way that not only emphasizes it, but also keeps it entertaining and related to the storyline and the protagonist. Taylor Joree Scorse places such a strong emphasis on this message through her acting. She lets her emotions shine through; demonstrating how being lost and not knowing who she is affects her.  She uses her facial expressions and body language to accentuate the theme, plus, her dialogue allows the message to shine through. There are lines and moments when her inner struggle is so clear — she doesn’t know who to be, and the things she says or doesn’t say really show the impact this has on her. The ending wraps up the film so nicely, tying the new romantic element into the message, and leaving viewers with a positive feeling. While this part of the film is very enjoyable, there are definitely some weaker aspects. There are a few stretches that seem unnecessarily long and get a bit boring. There are some very important scenes and moments within these stretches, but there’s a bit too much extraneous stuff that takes away from the stronger, more important parts of the film.

The film’s message is that finding yourself is the most important thing in life. It’s easy to get lost in pretending to be someone else, especially as a social media influencer who’s constantly trying to please other people. This theme makes the film uplifting, encouraging people to find parts of themselves they either didn’t know they had or wanted to hide before.

I give Under the Influencer 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. You can watch Under the Influencer on VOD beginning December 12, 2023.

Based on the extraordinary, iconic character at the center of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how a young chocolate-maker, armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, “Wonka takes place prior to the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, so we follow a young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), who travels to London to make his name known and share his chocolate with the world.” Kira O. adds, “Wonka is an amazing movie! This film, directed by Paul King, is a feel-good musical that took me on a very emotional ride. Viewers learn the origin story of the eccentric chocolatier and magician.”  Kennedy P. adds, “As a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I loved Wonka.  I love all the songs and dance numbers.  It is a scrumdiddlyumptions musical.  I was laughing out loud in the theater and the entire cast had me in awe.” David E. wraps it up with, “In the enchanting realm of Wonka, where dreams ignite, a musically funny delight, gleaming with light. Timothée Chalamet, as Wonka, takes the lead, in a tale of chocolate, a candy-coated deed.” See their full reviews below.

Wonka
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Wonka is a magical, vibrant and fresh retelling of the classic story that the world needs right now. With a spectacular cast, eye-catching visuals, and an absorbing story, Wonka is the perfect holiday treat.

Wonka takes place prior to the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, so we follow a young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), who travels to London to make his name known and share his chocolate with the world. Opposed by Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman) and Bleacher (Tom Davis), Willy is prevented from selling his candy, but with the help of his companion Noodle (Calah Lane), he just may have a chance. 

Wonka’s cast is nothing short of incredible. Every single performance adds to the overall feeling of the world with some wacky and eccentric characters. For me, Timothée Chalamet delivers the most surprising and fun performance. He really embodies Willy Wonka’s older self, but adds younger nuances, with his innocence, enthusiasm and wit. Hugh Grant, who has a much smaller, but unforgettable role as an Oompa-Loompa, delivers by far the funniest lines in the film. He is pretty much playing Hugh Grant, but in the best way possible, and he adds so much flair to the movie which makes it so much more enjoyable. 

Wonka’s visuals are one of the best parts of the film, and are very unique and dream-like. A distinct visual style is seen in the sky, the outfits, and setting. Director Paul King and Production Designer Nathan Crowley create a very fantastical and whimsical 1930s London. Wonka is incredibly atmospheric in its set design and feels pulled right out of the pages of a storybook. Wonka feels necessary and worthwhile because it truly embraces the elements that viewers were drawn to in the first place –  a magical escape into a world of vibrant imagination. On the other hand, Wonka is surprising because while it precedes a well-known story, it introduces elements that surpass the classic. The story feels original and refreshing. 

Wonka beautifully captures the importance of aspirations and dreams. Willy begins the movie without anything, but is pushed by his undying imagination. Wonka encourages viewers to embrace creativity and passion, forgetting all limitations and striving for a bright future. 

I give Wonka 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Catch Wonka December 15, 2023 in theaters.

Wonka
By Kira O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Wonka is an amazing movie! This film, directed by Paul King, is a feel-good musical that took me on a very emotional ride. Viewers learn the origin story of the eccentric chocolatier and magician.

Willy (Timothée Chalamet) dreams of opening a chocolate shop in the Gallery Gourmet but  quickly runs out of money. He meets Bleacher (Tom Davis), who introduces Willy to Mrs. Scrubbitt (Olivia Colman), who tricks him into a contract and forces him to work in her laundry room to pay off his debt. There he meets other indentured workers – Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), Piper Benz (Natasha Rothwell), Lottie Bell (Rakhee Thakrar) and Larry Chucklesworth (Rich Fulcher). Noodle (Calah Lane) becomes Willy’s closest ally and joins him to defeat the corrupt Chocolate Cartel and reach his goal of opening a chocolate shop.

I never expected to feel so many emotions in a Willy Wonka movie. There is the familiar  magicalness of Willy who whips up the most amazing chocolate and candy confections, like Hoverchocs that can make you fly. Yet the performances, musical score and art direction really pulled me into the story. The song, “Pure Imagination,” appears in different versions throughout the film and adds to the emotional experience. I really like the character development and the sibling-like friendship between Willy and Noodle.  When Willy agrees to secretly leave town to free his friends, Timothée Chalamet’s singing of “Sorry Noodle” had me crying my eyes out. The evilness of the Chocolate Cartel led by Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph) had me so angry as they repeatedly try to defeat Willy and they eventually trap Willy and Noodle. My favorite part is when the Oompa Loompa Lofty (Hugh Grant) saves Willy and Noodle from being drowned in chocolate.

The message of Wonka is to let your imagination run wild and keep striving for your dreams even when the odds are stacked against you. In the end, the struggle will be worth it, especially if you have friends to share your success with.

I give Wonka 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film will be released in theaters on December 15, 2023.

Wonka
By Kennedy Patricio, KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 9

Let’s step into a world of pure imagination! The new Wonka film is nothing short of magical! The entire cast shines and my whole family loved this movie. This movie is extra colorful, extra magical, extra sweet and deliciously decadent. 

Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s book, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.  It is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world — one delectable bite at a time, proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and, if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

As a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I loved Wonka.  I love all the songs and dance numbers.  It is a scrumdiddlyumptions musical.  I was laughing out loud in the theater and the entire cast had me in awe.  The movie has an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. 

Timothee Chalamet is extraordinary as Willy Wonka.  He is brilliant as he dances, sings, makes chocolate, and follows his dreams. He had me smiling from ear to ear the entire movie.  Keegan Michale Key as the chief of police is hilarious.  He is just so funny throughout the entire movie as he is always trying to catch Wonka and eating way too many sweets.  Calah Lane, as Noodle, is perfect for this role.  She is brilliant in the movie and her story in the movie is beautiful.  I loved watching her and Timothee Chalamet on screen together.  The chemistry between the two of them is just perfect.  I love all the vibrant colors throughout the movie.  The costumes are amazing and fit the movie perfectly.  I predict that audiences will be singing and dancing and loving every minute of this movie just like I was and leaving the theater with a sweet tooth for more Wonka!

The film’s message is about following your dreams.  The character Wonka is full of ideas and has a wonderful imagination.  He is determined to change the world, open a store and he does not let anything get in his way or stop him.  He follows his dreams and believes in himself. 

I give Wonka 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.  You can watch Wonka in theaters beginning December 15, 2023.

Wonka
By David Eason, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

In the enchanting realm of Wonka, where dreams ignite, a musically funny delight, gleaming with light. Timothée Chalamet, as Wonka, takes the lead, in a tale of chocolate, a candy-coated deed.

The story commences with Wonka, full of glee, dreaming of chocolate, sweet as can be. Yet, troubles arise, a troublesome tide, hateful chocolate makers, in greed they confide.

A factory of care, for Willie’s delight, crafted characters, applause in the night. Visuals mind-breaking, a spectacle so grand, light shining upon it, pure creativity sand.

Timothée Chalamet, in Wonka’s sole portrayal, vibrant and better, a chocolate dream so surreal. His charisma shines, Wonka so grand, a performance expanding every heart strand.

Calah Lane as Noodle, a name so unique, her strong performance, kids’ capabilities peek. In the candy lands, unique and strong, in the Wonka light, where they all belong.

A colorful array, from Wonka to Noodle, each character with a say, a cinematic doodle.

The pacing – deliberate, a choice well-made – allows the story to unfold, in the Wonka cascade. Absorb every moment, let the magic flow, in the world of Wonka, where dreams grow.

Humor sprinkled musically, a funny tale spun, Enjoyed by all, a journey begun. Wonka’s world, a place of pure delight, a cinematic adventure, taking flight.

The factory, a wonder, a magical sight, filled with sweetness, in the soft moonlight. Care for characters gleams, a round of applause, for the Wonka dreams, without a pause.

The film’s message, a guiding theme, “every good thing started by a dream,” fits seamlessly into the movie’s song, a melody of dreams, where they all belong.

Five stars for Wonka, a perfect score, for ages five to eighteen, and adults wanting more. Released on December 15, 2023, in theaters it beams, a Wonka wonderland, fulfilling dreamers’ dreams.

In conclusion, Wonka stands tall, a chocolate adventure, captivating all. With humor, visuals, and a dreamy theme, a movie that’s truly a delightful dream.

As the credits roll, the magic stays, in hearts and minds, a Wonka craze. 525 words of praise and cheer, For Wonka, a movie we hold dear.

From Academy Award winning and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy And The Heron follows the incredible journey of young Mahito. After he experiences the tragic loss of his mother, Mahito settles into a new town that is anything but ordinary. After several strange encounters with a grey heron, Mahito goes on a search for his mother that leads him to a magical world unknown. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning. A semi-autobiographical fantasy from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tia O. comments, “The Boy And The Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki is a very unique Japanese film. The amazing high quality sound effects and suspenseful background music are spectacular. However, this film does get confusing very quickly.” Avalynn G. adds, “The film The Boy and The Heron is unlike any film I’ve ever seen before. I was in awe with the beautiful scenery and the music that goes from simple piano notes to complex orchestrations.” See their full reviews below.

The Boy And The Heron
By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

The Boy And The Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki is a very unique Japanese film. The amazing high quality sound effects and suspenseful background music are spectacular. However, this film does get confusing very quickly.

This semi-autobiographical animated movie follows the story of young Mahito Maki (Soma Santoki), who tragically loses his mother in a fire and  moves to the country with his dad Shoichi (Takuya Kimura) and his step-mom Natsuko (Yoshino Kimura). Action soon rises after Mahito interacts with a talking gray heron (Masaki Suda) who is revealed to be a shapeshifting avian guide. The gray heron alludes to Mahito’s mother still being alive and Mahito goes on a journey to find her.

The sound effects in The Boy And The Heron enhance the film tremendously. Even though this film is animated the sound effects make it seem almost as if it is a live action film. From realistic deep footsteps to the realistic sounds of crashing ocean waves; sound director Kôji Kasamatsu absolutely brought this movie to life. I also enjoyed the background music throughout this film. The music by Joe Hisaishi creates suspenseful and surprising moments that kept me engaged throughout my viewing experience. My favorite scene in the movie is when Mahito and a fisherwomen named Kiriko (Kô Shibasaki) watch the Warwara (creatures whole embody both life and death) be released into the normal world. The music is beautiful and creates a sense of awe and wonder. Who could forget the gorgeous animation by the world renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki?

Every scene in this movie is animated to perfection. For example, when Mahito first enters this new world he lands on an island surrounded by a vast deep blue ocean and stormy clouds. The ocean waves crash very fluidly and the clouds are different shades of purple and move very realistically. The detail and fluidity of the animation does not go unnoticed. As much as I like this film, I did find it somewhat confusing. Over the course of two hours we primarily follow the main character searching for his mother, but this plot is somewhat drowned out by many other side plots taking place, which makes things murky and difficult to track.

The film’s message is to not let grief hold you back and to find different healthy ways to move on. However, this film delivers this message in a very confusing way. It’s important to note that this movie contains mentions of self-harm, minor cursing, gore and small jump scares that could be frightening to younger audiences. 

I give The Boy And The Heron 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Japan Society held a preview screening of “The Boy and the Heron” on Friday, November 17, prior to its nationwide release on December 8, 2023.

The Boy and The Heron
By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

The film The Boy and The Heron is unlike any film I’ve ever seen before. I was in awe with the beautiful scenery and the music that goes from simple piano notes to complex orchestrations. 

The storyline follows a family living during a time of war in Tokyo. Tragically, the main character, Mahito Maki’s (Soma Santoki) mother dies in a fire at the hospital where she works. Years later, Mahito and his father move from Tokyo to start a new life with his new step-mother. Outside this new home, Mahito is drawn to a gray heron that seems to be taunting him and leading him to a tower on the property.  His step-mother, Natsuko, (Yoshino Kimura) disappears and Mahito follows the heron into the tower in search of her. Entering the tower brings him into another world where he meets his mother from another time and together they race to find Natsuko while battling many obstacles such as pelicans, parakeets and the heron’s sneaky and selfish ways.        

I love the character, Kiriko (Ko Shibasaki), both in her younger and older self. She is helpful and fierce and stays by Mahito’s side. The ship she lives on in the strange tower world is so beautiful and the idea of her taking care of the warawara before they float into our world and are born as human beings shows how nurturing she is. I really enjoy how this movie makes me think and make connections between parallel worlds. I knew that Lady Himi was going to be his mom and when I realized that he was meeting her during the year she vanished into the tower when she was younger, my mind was blown as the puzzle came together. I was also shocked when Natsuko said that Mahito’s mom is her sister! There are many twists and turns in this film that kept me on the edge of my seat. The artistry in the animation, by Hayao Miyazaki, is really neat to watch and made me want to research and learn more about the film and about anime. 

The film’s message is to find acceptance after the loss of a loved one and to find peace during a time of turmoil. Mahito struggles with personal grief while his country is also struggling during a period of war. 

I give The Boy and The Heron 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Japan Society held a preview screening of “The Boy and the Heron” on Friday, November 17, prior to its nationwide release on December 8, 2023.