KIDS FIRST! News

Inside of his book, adventurous Harold (Zachary Levi) can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book’s pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life—and that his trusty purple crayon may set off more hilarious hijinks than he thought possible. When the power of unlimited imagination falls into the wrong hands, it will take all of Harold and his friends’ creativity to save both the real world and his own. Harold and the Purple Crayon is the first film adaptation of the beloved children’s classic that has captivated young readers for decades.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ari S. comments, “I thoroughly enjoyed Harold and the Purple Crayon for its imaginative storyline and vibrant animation. The film beautifully captures the essence of creativity and the wonders of a child’s imagination, making it delightful to watch…One of the standout aspects of Harold and the Purple Crayon is its stunning animation, which brings Harold’s drawings to life with vivid colors and fluid movements.” Kennedy P. adds, “I love Harold and the Purple Crayon.  It’s a great family movie, and one that really drew me in.  This film is inspired by the beloved 1955 children’s book that has captivated young readers for decades.  The film had me laughing out loud and imagining what it would be like to create something with my own magic purple crayon.” See their full reviews and interviews with cast and crew below.

Harold and the Purple Crayon
By Ari S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I thoroughly enjoyed Harold and the Purple Crayon for its imaginative storyline and vibrant animation. The film beautifully captures the essence of creativity and the wonders of a child’s imagination, making it delightful to watch. Its seamless blend of whimsy and real-world elements offers a refreshing cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In Harold and the Purple Crayon, grown-up Harold (Zachary Levi) steps out of his book and into the real world, bringing his magical purple crayon with him. This crayon allows him to create anything he can imagine simply by drawing it. However, Harold soon discovers that life outside the pages is more complex and challenging than he ever expected. As the power of his crayon attracts the attention of those with less pure intentions, Harold and his friends must use their creativity and wits to protect both their magical world and the real one from impending chaos.

One of the standout aspects of Harold and the Purple Crayon is its stunning animation, which brings Harold’s drawings to life with vivid colors and fluid movements. The film masterfully blends whimsical drawings with real-world settings, creating a seamless and enchanting visual experience. The storyline is engaging, striking a perfect balance between humor and heartwarming moments as Harold navigates his new reality.

The voice acting is superb, with each character adding depth and personality to their roles, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The film’s pace is excellent, keeping me hooked from start to finish, with each scene building anticipation and excitement. The creativity displayed in solving problems with the crayon is both amusing and inspiring, showing that imagination knows no bounds.

At its core, Harold and the Purple Crayon teaches us that creativity and imagination are powerful tools that can solve even the most challenging problems.

I give Harold and the Purple Crayon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on August 2, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

Harold and the Purple Crayon
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 10

I love Harold and the Purple Crayon.  It’s a great family movie, and one that really drew me in.  This film is inspired by the beloved 1955 children’s book that has captivated young readers for decades.  The film had me laughing out loud and imagining what it would be like to create something with my own magic purple crayon.

Inside of his book, adventurous Harold (Zachary Levi) can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. When he grows up, Harold draws himself off of the book’s pages and into the physical world with his pals, Moose (Lil Rel Howery) and Porcupine (Tanya Reynolds), where they meet a widowed mom named Terry (Zooey Deschanel) and her still-grieving son, Mel (Benjamin Bottani).

Harold discovers that he has a lot to learn about real life and when

the power of unlimited imagination falls into the wrong hands, it takes all of Harold and his friends’ creativity to save both the real world and his own.

This movie is tons of fun and filled with hilarious hijinks making the impossible possible. I love the comedy, the heartfelt story, the family values and the endless imagination.  I really love how they took the book and stretched it out and made it into something amusing and cinematic at the same time.

I love watching Harold draw so many things throughout the movie that come to life on the big screen, like a plane, pies, a bike, a tire, and so many other things.  Also, there is so much chemistry with all of the characters that you can feel it through the big screen, like when they all work together to help Harold find his dad.  There are so many adventures they go on during the film.  I love the scene when Harold and Moose go to Terry’s workplace and things get out of hand when Harold starts drawing whatever people are looking for.

This film has something for everyone – it is a family movie, with layers that adults will enjoy as much as kids.

The film’s message is to believe in yourself, never stop imagining and explore your creativity no matter your age.

I give Harold and the Purple Crayon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  You can watch Harold and the Purple Crayon beginning August 2, 2024.

When Bikini Bottom and all its denizens are suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants journey to Texas where they meet Sandy’s family and must save Bikini Bottom from the hands of an evil CEO.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalynn G. comments, “The film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie is very humorous, I laughed out loud at almost every joke! …Being from south Texas, myself, I found it hilarious how Galveston is portrayed. It looks like there is sand, rattlesnakes, rolling hills and cacti everywhere which is not quite the case. See her full review and interview below.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie
By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

The film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie is very humorous; I laughed out loud at almost every joke! I love the new characters they introduce from Sandy Cheeks’ family. Their costumes are very creative.

The storyline follows Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) and her friend SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) while they go on an adventure in Galveston, Texas to save their home, Bikini Bottom, and all their friends. An evil scientist (Wanda Sykes) captures their ocean companions including Squidward (Roger Bumpass) and Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) to clone them and sell them as pets. Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob face many obstacles such as rattlesnakes and dogs while they rescue their friends.

This film brings all the laughs! Being from south Texas, myself, I found it hilarious how Galveston is portrayed. It looks like there is sand, rattlesnakes, rolling hills and cacti everywhere which is not quite the case.  I also found it funny how the scientists wear cowboy hats and boots instead of normal lab coats. Every Texas stereotype is used, including their language. You hear, “I reckon and Dagnamit,” and everyone is riding a horse.

Sandy Cheeks shows her love for her hometown in a big way.  I love how they introduce Sandy Cheeks’ family. I did not expect a secret whistle to call everyone together. I also enjoy how Sandy Cheek’s family supports what Sandy wants to do since she doesn’t want to be in the circus and continue in the family business.

The film’s messages are about using teamwork to accomplish important tasks and a reminder that sometimes your friends are a part of your family.

I give Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This film releases on Netflix Aug 2, 2024.

After the Queen of Hearts incites a coup on Auradon, her rebellious daughter Red and Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter Chloe join forces and travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P., comments, “I love the new Descendants: The Rise Of Red.  It is captivating by combining thrilling action with emotional depth, amazing visuals and great musical numbers. Plus there are strong performances and a great plot…” See her full review below.

Descendants: The Rise Of Red
By Kennedy P., KIDS First!  Film Critic, age 10

I love the new Descendants: The Rise Of Red.  It is captivating by combining thrilling action with emotional depth, amazing visuals and great musical numbers. Plus there are strong performances and a great plot, which keep the magic of the franchise alive while introducing new elements.

Directed by Jennifer Phang, Descendants: The Rise of Red introduces Red (Kylie Cantrallr), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora), and Chloe (Malia Baker), Cinderella’s (Brandy Norwood) perfectionist daughter. When the tyrannical Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time using a magical pocket watch to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

The Descendants movies always have the best musical numbers and phenomenal dance choreography. The soundtrack is out now and I already know the lyrics by heart. The set designs, costumes, hair and makeup are all amazing. The brilliant Emilio Sosa designed the dazzling costumes worn by Red, Chloe, Uliana, Cinderella and Bridget / Queen of Hearts. The film is family friendly and there is so much chemistry with these characters you can feel it through the screen.  The villains in this film are so good.  They are wicked and their facial expressions and mannerism are spot on with their characters. You don’t need to see the previous Descendants movies to watch The Rise Of Red, but I highly recommend watching them all in order. They are all on Disney+. There is a beautiful tribute to Carlos (Cameron Boyce) that will have you in tears at the beginning of the movie. Cameron played Carlos in the previous Descendants movies and tragically passed away at the age of 20.  Whether you are a longtime fan (like me) or a newcomer, this film offers something magical for everyone. This movie will bring a new generation of fans to Auradon and sets up a lot more stories to come for VK’s!

The film is about friendship, not judging a book by its cover, mom and daughter relationships, doing what is right and working together.

I give Descendants: The Rise Of Red 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  You can watch Descendants: The Rise Of Red on Disney+ now.

 

The eagerly awaited follow-up to 2020’s action comedy, My Spy The Eternal City reunites a beloved cast led by Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman in a feel-good family adventure set in some of Europe’s most storied destinations. When Sophie’s high school choir is selected for an Italian tour culminating in a performance for the Pope in Vatican City, JJ sees this as an opportunity to bond with his new stepdaughter, so he volunteers to help chaperone the group through the Venetian canals, across Florence’s renowned bridges and into Rome’s most historic sites. Instead he finds that he and Sophie have become unwitting pawns in a terrorist plot that could end the world as we know it. Returning stars Ken Jeong and Kristen Schaal are joined by Anna Faris, Craig Robinson and Flula Borg in this all-new international action comedy from director Pete Segal.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I really enjoyed My Spy: The Eternal City! It’s full of action-packed fight sequences, comedic dialogue, and incredible acting.  This is a great movie for the summer. Although the movie has a few cliché moments and isn’t always realistic… it’s just a fun movie about a tech-savvy and sarcastic teenage spy and her CIA stepdad.” See her full review and interviews with cast & crew below.

My Spy: The Eternal City
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I really enjoyed My Spy: The Eternal City! It’s full of action-packed fight sequences, comedic dialogue, and incredible acting.  This is a great movie for the summer.

In this second My Spy installment, Sophie (Chloe Coleman) is no longer a nine-year-old girl – she’s in high school now. JJ (Dave Bautista) no longer works in the field for the CIA – he works on intelligence in an office and wants to stay closer to the family. And when Sophie’s school choir gets invited to perform at the Vatican in Rome, JJ takes the opportunity to chaperone and monitor his stepdaughter.  As a deadly scheme threatens to the Vatican, they go on a mission to stop the catastrophe and the bad guys before it’s too late.

Although the movie has a few cliché moments and isn’t always realistic, it’s not supposed to be. It’s just a fun movie about a tech-savvy and sarcastic teenage spy and her CIA stepdad. The chemistry between all the characters is undeniable. I was lucky enough to get to speak to some of the cast about their roles and experiences in this movie and they truly are a family, on-set and off. Every actor in this film is absolutely hilarious. Ken Jeong, who plays David Kim, has such a dynamic character as he switches between over-protective, loving and slightly embarrassing father to director of the CIA.

Kristen Schaal, as Bobbi, always delivers her lines so perfectly. Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman, as JJ and Sophie respectively, are such an amazing duo. Dave Bautista really captures a step-dad’s desire to be a bigger part of Sophie’s life and Chloe nails the rebellious teenager who wants more freedom and independence. Additionally, Chloe Coleman did many of her own stunts, which is very impressive knowing how dangerous some of those stunts were.

Similar to the first movie, the messages of My Spy: The Eternal City emphasize how family is and how family can be found, not just born into. There is some violence, mild profanity and risky behaviors that children shouldn’t try to replicate.

I give My Spy: The Eternal City 5 of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. People who enjoyed the previous My Spy movie will want to see this one. It comes out on Prime Video on July 18, 2024.

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens, the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better. As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “I was on the edge of my seat during the entire film. Twisters combines anxiety-producing suspense, heartbreak, and thrill—a perfect summer movie that left me crippled with anxiety in the best way possible.”  Mikella G. adds, “Twisters is a big adventure film that takes you on a wild tornado adventure. I really like how informative and descriptive this movie is when it comes to meteorology, while still being so exciting and entertaining.” Sydney S. wraps it up with, “Twisters is an action-packed movie with realistic special effects that make the tornados feel authentic and dangerous. However, the plot is mediocre and not very memorable. The characters don’t have much emotional range and don’t have great chemistry together, either.” See their full reviews below.

Twisters
By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

I was on the edge of my seat during the entire film. Twisters combines anxiety-producing suspense, heartbreak, and thrill—a perfect summer movie that left me crippled with anxiety in the best way possible.

The story begins with Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones). She’s a remarkably smart girl who is a storm chaser. After a horrific accident when chasing a storm, in which she loses her best friends and boyfriend, Kate decides she will never chase again. Years later, she reunites with Javi (Anthony Ramos), the only other one who survived the accident. He tells Kate that she is what his team needs to test a new, top-of-the-line storm tracking system. With much hesitation, she embarks on this journey where she meets Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), an internet sensation who’s known for chasing storms. Together they experience the storm of their lives.

The original, called Twister, came out in 1996, and I don’t know if this film will meet the expectations of those who have seen the 1996 film. However I can say that this film exceeded my expectations tremendously. From the visuals to the story line, my attention was always drawn to the screen. I love the thrill that comes along with watching the intense storm action sequences. Screenwriter Mark L. Smith captures and brings to life this compelling story, and the visuals are intense and very well done. Each storm that is chased brings so much suspense, and no boredom – and I could never predict what would happen next. Director Lee Isaac Chung perfectly combines good storytelling with immersive visuals that captivate the entire theater. I love Daisy Edgar-Jones’ portrayal of Kate. Kate is very smart but also selfless and wants to use her gift to help people. This creates a great dynamic with Tyler, played by Glen Powell, one of my favorite actors, who delivers a great performance.

I especially love the message of this film: even if it’s hard, always do what’s right for the greater good.

I’d give Twisters 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can catch Twisters in theaters July 19, 2024.

Twisters
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Twisters is a big adventure film that takes you on a wild tornado adventure. I really like how informative and descriptive this movie is when it comes to meteorology, while still being so exciting and entertaining.

Twisters takes its audience to Oklahoma and follows meteorologist Kate (Daisy Edgar Jones). After a devastating accident while working on a college science project, Kate thought she would give up her love for chasing tornadoes forever. However, years later, memories from her past resurface, and Kate soon realizes that her true calling lies in the thrill of tornadoes, and figuring out how to save her people in the place she calls home.

A huge standout in this film is the CGI and visual effects. The tornadoes, and their formations, are extremely realistic. I really enjoyed when the inside of the tornado was shown. There are multiple moments when the characters are sitting in a car as the tornado is directly above them and the CGI is outstanding in these moments – I almost felt as if I was in the tornado myself! Additionally, the characters are really connected which really helps build the plot. From the start of the movie, watching Kate and her friends working together, I could see the clear bond that they have. This signifies friendship and foreshadows just how important that will be throughout the film as it develops. Plus, the chemistry between Kate and Tyler (Glen Powell) is strong. These two actors have a camera presence that they each use to build off one another. The tension, yet curiosity, between the two characters during their earlier interactions really helps build their strong connection. The night scene at the motel when the two are going back and forth and the other characters are reacting exemplifies this and enhances their connection. Last, I really enjoyed the storyline which is extremely interesting. Learning about meteorology and how tornadoes work by watching an action-packed film is rare. It raises awareness about tornadoes and the effects that it can have on people.

The message of the Twisters is to always do what you know in your heart is right. Be aware there are scenes that contain harsh injury.

I give Twisters 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Twisters in theaters beginning July 19, 2024.

Twisters
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Twisters is an action-packed movie with realistic special effects that make the tornados feel authentic and dangerous. However, the plot is mediocre and not very memorable. The characters don’t have much emotional range and don’t have great chemistry together, either.

The film follows Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who has a history of tornado chasing. She has avoided the matter until her friend wants to collect new tornado data and asks her to come along, and they find themselves competing with others to catch a tornado. Suddenly, the group is faced with the extreme tornadoes, leaving all their lives threatened.

The main characters are Kate, Tyler Owen (Glen Powell), Javi (Anthony Ramos) and Ben (Harry Hadden-Paton). The characters don’t seem to really resonate with one another. I presumed that Kate and Tyler would eventually become each other’s love interest, but nothing actually happens between them. None of the characters really show much emotion at all and their attitude is pretty uninspired. For instance, Kate stares emotionless into the distance, and I guessed that is because she’s afraid due to her past experiences, but nothing is mentioned. Also, we know very little about Tyler besides his live-streaming. Does he have experiences that define why he is here? Again, we are left with a guessing game. In terms of camera work, at the beginning of the film, the cinematography is so shaky that it was hard to concentrate. However, the cinematography improves later on. The makeup, especially when there’s blood involved, is great. Kate’s scar on her leg looks realistic. The CGI is also convincing. The tornadoes look natural and the green screens don’t have any faults. For example, when there are twin tornadoes shown and they come apart from each other, it looks genuine! My favorite part of the movie is the exciting action, which got my heart racing. For instance, when the ceiling of a building is about to cave in, the suspense is thrilling. It’s disappointing that once the action happens, the plot plods along, which means there is a lack of balance.

The message of Twisters is hidden, but it calls the audience to action. Tornadoes happen in many places, and the film brings awareness to how fatal tornadoes can be. Climate change is not mentioned, since director Lee Isaac Chung believes the audience should not be “preached” to, but it hangs in the distance. You should be aware there is mild cursing.

I give Twisters 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Twisters releases in theaters July 19, 2024.

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