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Popular Theory follows Erwin, a 12-year old genius, far smarter than any of her high school classmates. But Erwin’s genius has come at a price: isolation. She doesn’t have any friends and even her sister thinks she’s a social leper. Determined to win the State Science Fair, she teams up with classmate Winston, a fellow outcast and chemistry guru, to create a popularity chemical which they add into sticks of chewing gum.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “With compelling performances and a story emphasizing brains over social status, Popular Theory is both a heartfelt story of friendship and innovation that young viewers will love. Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), a young genius named for Nobel Prize–winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger, is the youngest student in high school and a bona fide loner.” Selene W. adds, “Popular Theory highlights the idea that friendship is all about chemistry!  The movie shows the negative aspects of popularity and how a positive charge or change through friendship can make the high school experience, and life, more meaningful.” Zoe C. wraps it up with, “I really love this film. So many aspects make it unique and really stand out. I love the camera movement; from scene to scene the film is packed with clever transitions that are so appealing to the eye. Cinematographer Damian Horan knew what he was doing – the colors are especially interesting.” See their full reviews below.    See their full reviews below.    

Popular Theory
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

With compelling performances and a story emphasizing brains over social status, Popular Theory is both a heartfelt story of friendship and innovation that young viewers will love. Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), a young genius named for Nobel Prize–winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger, is the youngest student in high school and a bona fide loner. She enjoys spending time on her own doing complex science experiments so much that her aunt and father, who raise her, grow concerned and place a science plan on her. But when she meets fellow genius Winston (Lincoln Lambert), they team up to evade the ban and invent a pheromone that threatens to upset the natural order of high school.

Lincoln Lambert and Sophia Reid-Gantzert’s dynamic is my favorite part of Popular Theory. At a young age, both actors seem to have mastered the art of owning their character, whether it’s the micro-gestures of disgust, awe, sadness and hypochondria that Lambert portrays as Winston or Reid-Gantzert’s comfort being Erwin. It’s truly a delight to see them interact on screen as they transition from rivals to “colleagues,” to friends, and as forces push and pull them apart. I’m a Lincoln Lambert fan, having spoken to him about his film Language Arts and having discussed his creative process. But I have to admit that Reid-Gantzert steals the show. That’s largely because the screenwriters (Ali Scher and Joe Swanson) have crafted a teen movie that, thankfully, doesn’t turn into a rom-com halfway through. Too often the archetype of the wannabe teenage girl eager to change herself is exploited. Yes, there’s an element of that trope in the film, both in Erwin’s character and in Erwin’s sister, Ari (Chloe East). But Erwin always stays true to who she is and takes pride in her status as a genius without coming across as too egotistical — a good role model for young viewers.

On another note, the dynamic in Erwin’s home reminds one a bit of Matilda, with her aunt and father looking at her as some freak-of-nature genius. Some comical and unexpectedly sentimental moments come from Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines), who’s an eccentric hairstylist. Erwin’s father, Arthur (Marc Evan Jackson), stricken by the grief of losing his wife, feels a little like a prop character mainly because of a lack of screen time. He isn’t given much to work with in terms of dialogue or emoting. I wonder how the film would be affected if Erwin was only raised by her aunt. The direction and production quality are other highlights. The few moments dragging the film down are wooden performances by secondary characters, but those are overshadowed by the strength and integrity of the plot.

Popular Theory shows how dangerous instantaneous popularity can be and comments on the ethics of using technology for personal and social benefit. Making change through friendship and positivity can make the high school experience and life better in more ways than one.

I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Popular Theory released in theaters on February 9, 2024.

Popular Theory
By Selene Weiss, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Popular Theory highlights the idea that friendship is all about chemistry!  The movie shows the negative aspects of popularity and how a positive charge or change through friendship can make the high school experience, and life, more meaningful.   

Erwin Page (Sophia Reid-Ganzert) is a 12-year-old genius at Magnolia High School and suffers from social isolation.  Her formative years were spent primarily alone with her scientific experiments and books were her friends.  Erwin’s Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines) is certain that science is stunting her social development and with Erwin’s Dad (Marc Evan Jackson) empties her room of all science materials to force her to interact with others.  The situation is made worse in opposition with her popular older sister Ari (Chloe East) which contrasts the difference in the girls’ social positions.  High school can be depicted as survival of the fittest where popularity is all that matters to the student body.  Erwin is disturbed when new student Winston (Lincoln Lambert), who is 13, enrolls at school and the two of them engage in competition for the upcoming science fair award and scholarship.  Erwin and Winston end up together as science partners in their quest to win the competition by utilizing pheromones to impact popularity in their “Friendship Formula.”

The ensemble cast in Popular Theory is funny and acidic and gives us the exact chemical reaction that one would hope for.  The developing friendship and competitive nature of Erwin and Winston is believable and endearing.  I really enjoyed the comedic timing of Cheryl Hines in her supporting role as Aunt Tammy.  Also, I have to mention the hysterical drama offered by high school test subjects Casey (Kat Conner Sterling) and Alan (Varak Baronian) as they experience the reactions to their popularity quotient during the social experiment.  Great performances by many other high school student cast members really make this movie combust.  Popular Theory is directed by Ali Scher, who is also a co-writer with Joe Swanson. I really enjoyed the relationships and the dialogue they created.  The movie has a fun soundtrack from music supervisor Ben Sokoler and music editor Jason Soudah which adds to the cause and effect of this film.

This film’s message is that false friends can’t replace true friends and, as in science, “particles have no meaning as isolated entities, but are better understood through their interconnections.”  You don’t need to be popular at school or in life to thrive or be liked by everybody, but people do need somebody to connect with.  Erwin and Winston don’t win the science fair, but they do discover the real friendship formula.    

I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  This movie released in theaters February 9, 2024 so go learn why popularity isn’t all that matters.

Popular Theory
By Zoë C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Popular Theory is an adorable film that showcases true friendship. The camera work, charming script, clever cinematography and great actors make this film a delightful experience.

The story begins by introducing Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), a 12-year-old genius who’s in 11th grade. She meets Winston (Lincoln Lambert), another 12 year-old-genius who’s initially her biggest competition. But, they agree to be colleagues and work on an experiment for the school science fair. They face many obstacles but discover what friendship truly means.

I really love this film. So many aspects make it unique and really stand out. I love the camera movement; from scene to scene the film is packed with clever transitions that are so appealing to the eye. Cinematographer Damian Horan knew what he was doing – the colors are especially interesting. Erwin is constantly surrounded by the color blue; while Winston is represented by the color orange. When the two first meet the juxtaposition of the colors stands out, as their friendship grows they both start wearing each other’s colors. The color palette is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also very symbolic and adds to the storytelling. I’ve seen similar applications like in the film 500 Days Of Summer, but I love the way Damian Horan shot this film, almost making the colors a standalone character. The art direction by Gavin Mosier and set design decoration by Mily Moreno is genius; kudos to the entire art department. Sophia Reid-Gantzert as Erwin and Lincoln Lambert as Winston make the cutest duo. They’re such great actors individually, but also they work so well together. One of my favorite characters is Cheryl Hines as Aunt Tammy; she’s a hairdresser and utilizes her craft as an art form. I also like how every character serves a different purpose in the film. I love the storyline; not only is it adorable but this film offers a great representation of what kids go through in high school and I think people can relate to many aspects of this film.

This film deals with many different themes like bullying, friendship, doing what is best for others, and other themes. The film’s message is that popularity isn’t everything and anyone can find true friendship. 

I give Popular Theory 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Popular Theory is available now in theaters.

Cassandra Webb is a New York City paramedic who starts to show signs of clairvoyance. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she must protect three young women from a mysterious adversary who wants them dead.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “I love Madame Web.  It is full of action, mystery, suspense, sisterhood and girl power.  There are some heartfelt moments and the chemistry between the four leading ladies is outstanding.  The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end.” Sydney S. adds, “The film Madame Web falls too off the superhero movie path which is disappointing. It includes enveloping action, suspense and violence, but it lacks a connection between the main character and their powers. It isn’t extraordinary, but it is a fun adventure.”

Avalynn G. wraps it up with, “This is a very unique film – unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. When Cassie uses her powers the special effects are very cool. They look like a web. I love how Cassie is always helping people. First she helps people that get hurt, then she helps the girls from getting killed.” See their full reviews below..

Madame Web
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

I love Madame Web.  It is full of action, mystery, suspense, sisterhood and girl power.  There are some heartfelt moments and the chemistry between the four leading ladies is outstanding.  The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end.

Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel’s most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who develops the power to see the future and realizes she can use that insight to change it. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women bound for powerful destinies if they can all survive a deadly present.

I really loved learning who Madame Web is and how she became a heroine.  I loved all the action scenes and watching the girls come together to fight against the villain Ezekiel.  I loved seeing the girls in their costumes and the action was entertaining.  The girls include Sydney Sweeney as Julia Cornwall, Celeste O’Connor as Mattie Franklin and Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon. The movie left me wanting more and hoping for a sequel so we can find out how the girls got their powers and what happens next!  The chemistry between the four leading ladies is truly amazing.  They work so well together and look like they are having so much fun together.  Their friendship seems genuine on the screen.  The battle scenes are epic, especially the last one when the girls work together and fight the villain Ezekiel.

Madame Web is about teamwork, girl power, friendship, family, heart and action.  It shows how friends will always be there for you, no matter what, and reminds you to always stay true to who you are.  It is perfect for date night or a family movie night. Everyone will love it. The best part is that if you are a fan of Marvel movies, you don’t have to see any previous movies to understand Madame Web. This movie stands alone with a phenomenal cast and great story line. It is rated PG-13 and it is 1 hour and 54 minutes.  

I give Madame Web 4 out 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  Madame Web is in theaters now.

Madame Web
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The film Madame Web falls too off the superhero movie path which is disappointing. It includes enveloping action, suspense and violence, but it lacks a connection between the main character and their powers. It isn’t extraordinary, but it is a fun adventure. Along with a barely developed superhero figure, it also fails to relate to Spider-Man in any way, which extremely disappointed me.

Madame Web follows Cassie (Dakota Johnson), a paramedic who’s connected to three teenagers through the power of a valuable spider. While a greedy, powerful man is seeking to kill them all, Cassie finds out she can actually see the future. Will her power save people or lead them to their doom?

The primary characters are Madame Web or Cassie, Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Mattie (Celeste O’Connor), Anya (Isabela Merced), Ezekiel (Tahar Rahim) and Ben (Adam Scott). The teenagers are the stars of the show. They are the most believable characters; while the rest of the cast lacks conviction or emotion. It’s bothersome. The characters are poorly developed as well. We barely know anything about Julia, Mattie or Anya’s backstory, and Ezekiel is as villainous as an antagonist should be. On the other hand, there’s a lot of interesting action that keeps the movie engaging. I was compelled to see what would transpire at the end. Cassie and the girls keep having bad things happening to them and that’s amusing to watch. The suspense adds to the plot, as well, because Ezekiel just keeps on hunting down their group, using a spy. My favorite part is when time stops underwater. It’s really cool because the sound drops to a low pitch and everything seems to be in slow motion. The camerawork is very unique in this film. Sometimes it’s almost nauseating — so watch out for that. There’s no relevance to Spider-Man as fans expected, except that Ben Parker is Peter’s uncle, but that is not mentioned at all. It’s almost as if they aren’t in the same fandom. Cassie deserves more of a superhero recognition, since the film doesn’t focus on her heroic abilities. I can understand that the producers were trying to experiment with a new type of superhero movie as this film focuses on the main character’s mental powers rather than her physical powers. I appreciate the experimentation with something new, but it doesn’t really work out very well. It has potential, but the script falls short. This has the makings of an enjoyable film but is missing huge key factors.

The film’s message is to protect the people you love. Cassie goes above and beyond to protect the teenage trio, and the girls, in turn, save Cassie’s life. They care so much about each other that they are willing to risk their own lives to make sure the others are okay. It also discourages selfishness. You should be aware foul language is used and blood is involved.

I give Madame Web 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Madame Web comes out in theaters on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024.

Madame Web
By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

The film Madame Web is an action film that is kind of like another version of Spider Man. I love the action in the film and the background music makes it really suspenseful. I don’t usually love Marvel movies but this one is really good.

The storyline follows a girl named Cassie (Dakota Johnson), a New York City paramedic who gets visions, including one showing three teenage girls getting killed by the guy that killed her mom. Cassie needs to safely get the girls away from the guy by using her clairvoyant powers and the deadly adventure takes off from there. 

This is a very unique film – unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. When Cassie uses her powers the special effects are very cool. They look like a web. I love how Cassie is always helping people. First she helps people that get hurt, then she helps the girls from getting killed. She is amazing. I love the relationship between the three girls – Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Anya (Isabela Merced), and Mattie (Celeste O’Connor). They annoy each other when they first meet but later realize how much they need each other and they become best friends.

I especially love Mattie; she is funny, does whatever she wants, and doesn’t care what other people think. My favorite part of Madame Web is when they are on top of the factory’s roof. It looks really cool when she uses her powers. 

The film’s message is to always stick together. The girls stick together and manage to survive. Plus, in the end they become best friends. This film uses adult language and has some violent content.

I give Madame Web 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters February 14, 2024. 

The relationship between Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin, the gourmet she has been working for over the last 20 years. Growing fonder of one another, their bond turns into a romance and gives rise to delicious dishes that impress even the world’s most illustrious chefs. When Dodin is faced with Eugenie’s reluctance to commit to him, he decides to start cooking for her.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “A leisurely, luminous portrait of love, culture and cuisine, The Taste of Things is a feast for the eyes. It’s all about partnership through a shared passion, conveying feelings through fewer words and baked Alaska.” See his full review below.

The Taste of Things
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

A leisurely, luminous portrait of love, culture and cuisine, The Taste of Things is a feast for the eyes. It’s all about partnership through a shared passion, conveying feelings through fewer words and baked Alaska. With such deep themes and beautiful visuals, no wonder it’s France’s selection for this year’s Academy Awards.

The Taste of Things is a tough movie to summarize. It’s about so much more than its plot… but here goes. The film takes place entirely in a 19th century French manor, mostly in its warmly-lit, wood-accented kitchen and centers on the bonds between the characters. Dodin Bouffant (Benoit Magimel), an esteemed gourmet partly based on real-life gastronome Jean Brillat-Savarin, oversees the meal, helps with the cooking and visits with his group of friends. His partner in the kitchen, Eugenie (Juliette Binoche), beams as she whips up dozens of French culinary marvels. They have two assistants, who seem more like daughters, the teen Violette (Galatea Bellugi) and her niece Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire). This scene unfolds each day for years. The film follows Dodin’s and Eugenie’s romance as it evolves from unspoken partnership to marriage to separation by illness, as well as how the younger members of the kitchen grow.

Director Tran Anh Hung opens The Taste of Things with a 38-minute long tracking-shot scene of the characters preparing an intricate meal with zero technology (it is the 1880s, after all), relishing every step of the way. I found it so satisfying to watch that I didn’t pay any heed to its length, though this may not be the case for some viewers, as the only lines said are “Put the veal in the oven” and a couple directions like this. I actually enjoyed getting to know the characters by watching what they do and observing their body language. There’s many more scenes like this one, none 38 minutes long, though. The film does have a bit of a languid pace, which takes some getting used to and might not suit some viewers’ taste (pun intended). The few events that happen outside the kitchen happen either in the bedroom, in the living room or the adjacent garden. On another note, Dodin and Eugenie’s relationship is a centerpiece of this film, and Magimel and Binoche as Dodin and Eugenie spellbind with their subtle yet powerful acting and palpable bond. Dodin has proposed to Eugénie a number of times over their 20 years together, to no avail. She says marriage is not right for them, because their bond is one of mutual respect and tenderness. The openness with which they discuss love is rare in modern films, as is their clarity on the matter — truly a mature romance. Additionally, the interactions between Binoche and Chagneau-Ravoire as Pauline are a delight to watch. Pauline’s passion for food is shown in a scene where she names each of the two dozen items in a dish and when she nearly cries after tasting a baked Alaska; Eugenie sees herself in the young girl and takes her under her wing. Jonathan Ricquebourg’s mouth-watering and skillful cinematography — tracking people as if walking beside them, sometimes peering into pots, and sitting at the same table as Dodin’s “suite” of friends — along with Tran Anh Huang’s careful direction adds an indescribable realism to the film. It’s a film that will make you hunger for more.

The Taste of Things is a film about indulgence — in food, in love, in family. It also shows viewers that truly powerful relationships are those that transcend labels and that are bound by shared love for one another and, in this case, a shared passion. It shows viewers that food is inextricably tied to love, life and joy. Be forewarned that the film does contain scenes with partial nudity and smoking.

I give The Taste of Things 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Taste of Things releases on February 9, 2024 in theaters and is an Oscar nominee. 

First of all, I want to thank those of you who have already donated to our campaign and I thought you might enjoy today’s alumni story and you might want to pass it on to a potential donor.  This fundraiser won’t last long and we do need your support. As much as we all love what we do here, we do need little love (and funds) to keep the operation in business.

Once a year we ask for support for our year-end campaign. And it’s that time once again. A little goes a long way here so please know that your contribution, no matter how small or how big, will be put to good use.  

Today I have another alumni story to share with you and believe you will find it as inspiring as I have. Harmony Makhfi was a KIDS FIRST! reporter 11 years ago and is now a happy neuroscientist. Here’s her story.

KIDS FIRST! changed my life for the better. I began my time there at the age of 14 and am now 25. I have nothing but great things to say about my time at KIDS FIRST! Through my experience, I developed skills that have truly propelled me in my career as an adult. Looking back at the content I produced (at what now seems like such a young age) makes me really proud. Analyzing media in the way we did really gave me a unique, mature perspective on media – and I am so proud to have that skill set. It has given me a lens to view the world with much more intention. Being a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic allowed me to explore my passion for movies, express my opinions, and engage with a vibrant community of film lovers. Through analyzing and reviewing films, I developed a deeper understanding of storytelling, cinematography, and the power of visual art. 

The structure of the organization is amazing…managing a bunch of kids is no easy feat! I had such an amazing time going to advanced screenings, writing and filming professional reviews, and practicing my public speaking on the recurring radio shows. For children, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of and it gives them a sort of education you can’t get anywhere else.

I’m so thankful for my time at KIDS FIRST! I continued to do reviews into my early college years while deciding to pursue cognitive science – a completely different world! My experience really stood out on my college applications, and later my resume. I am now a happy neuroscientist with a heart in film and an experience I get to brag about to this day. 

We are dedicated to training tweens and teens to act as entertainment professionals – as journalists, as YouTubers, as Influencers – but more importantly we allow them opportunities to express their opinions about entertainment and to learn and grow as young adults.

In order to continue doing the work we do, we need your support.  Our goal is to raise $50,000 in our year-end campaign, which allows us to continue doing the important work we do and will be matched by donations from other sources. We welcome  your donation of any amount — no amount is too small! If every one of our subscribers would donate $5 we would easily hit our goal tomorrow!

@kidsfirstmedia

Hanadie K. Invite you to the KIDS FIRST! End of Year Campaign @yourfavlambchop

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You can donate online here: https://fnd.us/kidsfirst?ref=sh_bCo1e4, through PayPal or Venmo, or simply mail a check to our address in my signature below.

Thank you so much for taking time to read this and for your support. Here’s wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

KIDS FIRST! Team

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.