KIDS FIRST! News

Home Before Dark is a dramatic mystery series inspired by the reporting of a young investigative journalist, Hilde Lysiak. Directed and executive produced by Jon M. Chu, the series follows a young girl named Hilde (Brooklynn Prince) who moves from the city of Brooklyn to the small lakeside town her father left behind. While there, her dogged pursuit of the truth leads her to unearth a cold case that everyone in town, including her own father, tried hard to bury.  In season two, when a mysterious explosion hits a local farm, reporter Hilde Lisko begins an investigation that will lead her to fight a powerful and influential corporation – with the health of her family and Erie Harbor in the balance.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “Calling all aspiring journalists, and father-daughter duos! This new series Home Before Dark has everything you could possibly want in a show, including a special father-daughter relationship, mystery, action, suspense and even romance.” Carlee S. adds, “Home Before Dark Season 2 has a storyline filled with many unexpected twists and mysterious happenings this season that will capture viewers’ attention. We follow alongside Hilde Lisko (Brooklyn Prince) and her family and friends as they try to discover the secrets of the past. This alluring series will have you mesmerized with surprises you won’t see coming.” See their full review and talent interviews below.

Home Before Dark (Season Two)
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST Film Critic, age 17

Calling all aspiring journalists, and father-daughter duos! This new series Home Before Dark has everything you could possibly want in a show, including a special father-daughter relationship, mystery, action, suspense and even romance.

The second season of Home Before Dark starts off the summer after journalist Hilde Lysko (Brooklyn Prince) uncovers a huge break in the Richie Fife case. Hilde, still haunted by the year before, continues to move forward and continues searching, and you won’t believe what she finds.

Hilde Lysko and Matt Lysko (Jim Sturgess) are very special to watch because their father-daughter relationship is very realistic and relatable. As are many other aspects of this show, including the discussion of important topics such as racism. The town of Erie Harbor is seeing new faces, new settings and newly developed characters, which makes the small town a little bigger. Costume designer Kelli Dunsmore creates an entire story in itself with Hilde’s wardrobe. My favorite part about Home Before Dark is when both Hilde and Matt have epiphanies about a story they are reporting on. It makes me hold my breath in suspense as I wait for the pieces to unfold and the story to fall into place.

The message of Home Before Dark is, “We are young, but we are not stupid, and we are paying attention.” The youth of today are seeing a lot wrong with our current society that we deem needs to be fixed. Do what Hilde Lysko would do and seek the truth. This television series contains some bad language, kidnapping, and other mature themes.

I give Home Before Dark 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 14 to 18 plus adults. You can watch Home Before Dark releases June 11, 2021 on Apple TV+.

Home Before Dark (Season 2)
By Carlee S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Home Before Dark Season 2 has a storyline filled with many unexpected twists and mysterious happenings this season that will capture viewers’ attention. We follow alongside Hilde Lisko (Brooklyn Prince) and her family and friends as they try to discover the secrets of the past. This alluring series will have you mesmerized with surprises you won’t see coming. 

In season two, the story continues in the town of Erie Harbor where young reporter Hilde Lisko encounters some unexplainable occurrences. Determined to figure out what’s going on, she and her friends investigate. With the help of her friends and family, Hilde finds new clues and uncovers dangerous, hidden secrets. Her sister, Izzy (Kylie Rogers) deals with finding new friends while helping her sister in her quest for the truth about what’s causing the unexplainable sickness sweeping across the town. They come to discover that searching for the truth could have deadly consequences. 

My favorite scene is when Hilde and her friends, along with her dad, Matt (Jim Sturgess), and Lt. Briggs (Michael Weston) venture onto a nearby island to look for more clues. While waiting for Hilde’s dad and Lt. Briggs, they decide to use a drone to explore. The drone crashes, and they go into the forest and look for it before the adults come back. It’s very eerie and suspenseful because we don’t know what or who lurks in those woods. The choices of settings fit well with the scenes, such as the island and the harbor that show life in a small town near the water. The clothing for the characters is modern and goes well with their personalities. Hilde has a more sophisticated look then most kids her age, which goes with her character. It is also nice to see a family that works together and supports each other. Overall, the series is remarkably interesting and entertaining—it is fascinating to see the story unravel in each episode.

The message of Home Before Dark is to never give up, even in times of doubt or uncertainty when you think it’s impossible. If you give up there’s no chance of succeeding. Stay strong and continue past the roadblocks. Home Before Dark also teaches us about courage. Doing the right thing in the face of danger takes bravery. Warnings include scary scenes that may require parental guidance. 

I give Home Before Dark 5 out of 5 stars! I recommend it for ages 14 to 17. Adults will also enjoy it. Season 2 releases June 11, 2021 on Apple TV+. 

Disney Channel’s out-of-this-world live-action comedy series “Gabby Duran & the Unsittables” has return for a second season on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. The series stars multitalented actress and musician Kylie Cantrall as Gabby Duran, a teenaged girl who inadvertently lands a job babysitting an unruly group of VIP extraterrestrial children disguised as everyday kids. In season two, a resourceful and courageous Gabby faces even bigger challenges as she continues to protect her alien charges while also navigating the everyday emotional rollercoaster of middle school. The season picks up immediately after a cliffhanger with Gabby’s mom, Dina, on the verge of learning Gabby’s secret, which the intrepid teen will have to stop in order to avoid catastrophic outcomes. Other adventures this season will include a robot replica Gabby-bot running amok, an alien friend who turns into a “Predator” when she becomes emotional, and a quest to recover Principal Swift’s home after it’s shrunken down to the size of a dollhouse by an extraterrestrial prankster.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Makena P. comments, “I love Gabby Duran and the Unsittables so much because it has an effect that keeps you connected with the show the whole time. It has so many cliff hangers; you’re always wondering what will happen next; your always on the edge of your seat. I like that there are so many mysteries in each episode and that something new happens in every episode.” See her full review below.

Gabby Duran and the Unsittables
By KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Makena P., Age 12

I love Gabby Duran and the Unsittables so much because it has an effect that keeps you connected with the show the whole time. It has so many cliff hangers; you’re always wondering what will happen next; your always on the edge of your seat. I like that there are so many mysteries in each episode and that something new happens in every episode.

The storyline is about a young girl named Gabby Duran (Kylie Cantrall) who gets picked by Principal Swift (Nathan Lovejoy) who is an alien and wants Gabby to babysit aliens. This job is so important and, if anyone finds out aliens are real, then that would destroy the earth. Principle Swift needs Gabby to keep this a secret from everyone; she can’t tell anyone about aliens or her baby sitting job. Keeping that big of a secret might be a little hard for Gabby

This show is filled with lots of animated characters and other things that aren’t there in real life. They use the characters so well, and have amazing ways to incorporate them into the show. It’s cool how some aliens that Gabby is babysitting like Jeremy (Callen Farris), Kail (Mia Bella) and Sky (Elle McKinnon) have different powers. This isn’t a great sentence. First, avoid using the term “is amazing” as it doesn’t tell us anything. I was impressed by how the actors portrayed aliens that are uncertain about how to behave as human impersonators. Considering how young the cast is makes it doubly impressive. 

I enjoyed all of the other cast members, especially Coco Christo who plays Olivia Duran, because she’s so young and plays her part as Gabby’s sister so well. My favorite episode has to be the one with Cry Baby Duran, because it really shows the part of her and her friends being in middle school. The drama really starts to show and gets inside Gabby’s head and she is determined to find out who started the rumor. The other thing I found really interesting is how different directors (Joe Nussbaum and Leslie Kolins Small) direct different episodes, which gives the show great variety. For example, Joe Nussbaum directs 9 episodes and it is interesting because it must have been hard to for Kylie Cnatrall to adjust to the different directing styles. Then, Leslie Kolins Small directs 6 episodes and it captured my interest because all the episodes really turned out the same even though they all have different styles of directing, Kylie Cantrall and the directors worked together to make a great show.

The message of this series is that lying isn’t a good thing, but when there are lives on the line, you have to do your best to help everyone. Lying can turn into a big mess, so don’t let that fool you. This series shows that some people are not worth the risk and people don’t always love the idea secrets. Tell them before they find out for themselves.

I give Gabby Duran and the Unsittables 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 14. The new season comes out on Disney + on June 6, 2021.  

In season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform “Beauty and the Beast” as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “I really like Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series because it followed up with the first season’s plot, and really drew me in. I never wanted to stop watching! The storyline is very relatable, as well as the characters. The show throws in some interesting surprises, which keeps up the suspense.” Makena P. adds, “This show has many conflicts which keep the story interesting. There are so many emotions shown by the characters and they really start to really grow on you. You start rooting for them. I found myself shouting, “Go Ricky!” I really started to feel empathy for them, which is fun when watching a show.” Hazel A. warps it up with, “This series is truly light-hearted and fun. I was blown away by Sofia Wylie’s dancing, Dara Renee’s singing and each and every performance from the main cast. The dance numbers are perfectly choreographed and well executed. In this season we see many changes in the characters – primarily character development in EJ (Matt Cornett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie). Everyone has matured and is refreshed for the new twists and turns in this season’s storylines.” See their full reviews below.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I really like Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series because it followed up with the first season’s plot, and really drew me in. I never wanted to stop watching! The storyline is very relatable, as well as the characters. The show throws in some interesting surprises, which keeps up the suspense.

Season 2 continues with the second semester of the character’s school year. No time has passed, and they are now moving on to the spring musical. Due to high competition, the cast decides to perform an unexpected show. Instead of High School Musical 2, they do Beauty and the Beast. Throughout the season they deal with unexpected changes and complicated romantic lives. This includes when the main character Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) moves to Colorado to pursue her dream, which stirs things up between Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and her.

I really enjoyed the storyline from this season. The plot is constantly changing and evolving and most characters go through a lot of development. You can see them growing from the first season to the second. I also love the songs and performances. Even though it’s a TV show, it feels like you are really there, watching them perform live. This is so important, because live performance can really capture the audience and make people want to keep watching. Lastly, this show can be very inspiring to young people. The plot is very relatable, which allows viewers to make a connection with it.

The message of this show is to always be yourself, and never give up on your dreams. This show does not have any profanity or inappropriate content.

I give High School Musical: The Musical: The Series 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18. It premieres May 14, 2021 on Disney Plus.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2
By Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 is an intriguing show and is well-directed. All the characters like Nini (Olivia Rodrigo), Ricky (Joshua Bassett), EJ (Matt Cornett) and others play their characters with great personality. They have many emotions and they work so well together.

Episodes one through three are about students at East High that strive to be cast in the upcoming musical Beauty and The Beast. Nini has decided she is moving from East High to the Youth Actors Conservatory and Ricky doesn’t take it well. They planned to try a long-distance relationship, but they both miss each other dearly. A new girl comes to East High (Olivia Rose Keegan), but she doesn’t get cast in the play and becomes very angry and wants to do something about it.

This show has many conflicts which keep the story interesting. There are so many emotions shown by the characters and they really start to really grow on you. You start rooting for them. I found myself shouting, “Go Ricky!” I really started to feel empathy for them, which is fun when watching a show. Connecting to the characters makes all the difference. The costumes really fit the scenes and I love the costumes that the trio, Ashlyn (Julia Lester), Gina (Sofia Wylie) and Kourtney (Dara Renne) wear for their audition, they are very 90s and pop out amongst the others. The big auditorium where they hold the auditions is such an amazing set; it looks so intriguing. This show has lots of characters, which is great. There are ten main ones. 

This show has many conflicts which keep the story interesting. There are so many emotions shown by all the characters and they really start to really grow on you. You start rooting for them. I found myself shouting, “Go Ricky!” I really started to feel empathy for them, which is fun when watching a show. Connecting to the characters makes all the difference. This show has lots of characters, which is great. There are about ten main ones.

The message is about how following your dream is hard and will never be easy, but you should remember what you want and stay strong. If you doubt yourself during the process, you’ll get stuck. You have to work hard to achieve what you want.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. This series premieres on Disney + on May 14, 2021.  

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2
By Hazel Avila, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series had a very successful Season 1 that revived the movie trilogy High School Musical. As successful as the first season was, buckle up wildcats for an even better Season 2. While watching the beginning of this season, I found myself having a great time as there was never a dull moment. This musical mockumentary style show is relatable, comedic and has a little slice of drama.

Season 2 starts with a recap of the previous one. We find the main gang, including Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) and Ricky (Joshua Bassett) back and better than ever. The students are getting ready to start the new semester and work on the spring musical. Ricky plans to have an amazing semester with his girlfriend Nini, but it turns out she has other plans that take her far away from East High. Everything doesn’t go as perfectly as everyone expected, but they try to do what they can to make things work.

This series is truly light-hearted and fun. I was blown away by Sofia Wylie’s dancing, Dara Renee’s singing and each and every performance from the main cast. The dance numbers are perfectly choreographed and well executed. In this season we see many changes in the characters – primarily character development in EJ (Matt Cornett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie). Everyone has matured and is refreshed for the new twists and turns in this season’s storylines. Something that I like about the show is that it has a fun and light-hearted comedic side, but it can also get serious and relatable. It gives the show balance. If you enjoyed Season 1 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series you are going to enjoy Season 2 a whole lot more! I have nothing but praise for this series that is current with trends and what teens are into these days.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 lets the audience see the dramatic lives of high school theatre kids. With musical dance numbers and an amazing plot line, this an addicting show that somehow had me asking for more.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 gets5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. You can watch Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series starting May 14, 2021 on Disney Plus.

A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a must-see animated, action packed, comedic film! It’s complete with robots, evil smartphones and one crazy unexpected family adventure to save planet Earth. The fight scenes and special effects are literally out of this world.” See her full review below.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a must-see animated, action packed, comedic film! It’s complete with robots, evil smartphones and one crazy unexpected family adventure to save planet Earth. The fight scenes and special effects are literally out of this world.

The storyline follows protagonist Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson), a creative outsider who is looking forward to meeting “her people” at her new film school. Her dad, who just wants to keep his family together, decides to go on a cross-country road trip to take her there instead of Katie flying, so they can bond one last time. On the way, the family ends up in the middle of a robot uprising and now it’s up to the Mitchells to work together to save the world.

The main characters in this film are Katie, her dad Rick (Danny McBride), little brother Aaron (Michael Rianda), mom Linda (Maya Rudolph) and family dog Monchi (Doug the Pug). This film is all about connecting. Its director, Michael Rianda, uses every part of the creative process to make sure the audience relates to the characters. The storyline and the Mitchell’s road trip are based on a real road trip some of the staff took while not using cell phones and just connecting.

I love how the film combines both an illustrative, hand-painted approach and realism animation style to help develop the characters. Rianda helped develop Katie’s character by making her love for filmmaking a focal point throughout the movie. There are hilarious freeze-frame moments where Katie is writing on a screen, it’s almost as if she is the narrator. One of my favorite scenes is when Linda turns into a “super” mom and takes on the robots to try to protect her kids. I also like that Rick and Katie’s family song “Live Your Life” by T.I. and featuring Rihanna is used to represent their relationship and wrap up the theme of the movie.

The message of this film is that everyone in a family has their own personality and you should just let people be themselves and focus more on understanding and connecting to them. In this film, Katie is considered a “weirdo” because she isn’t like everyone else. The film shows how you should embrace your “weird” qualities, because that’s what makes you unique. 

I rate The Mitchells vs. The Machines 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  It releases April 30, 2021 on Netflix.

Filmed across three years in 24 locations, the 4-part event series it’s a profoundly personal saga, venturing deep into the world of whales to reveal life and love from their perspective. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “Have you ever been told that our oceans are very mysterious and that they hold many secrets that are likely to be hidden forever?  Well, that’s certainly true – our oceans are indeed mysterious and some of the most amazing secrets hidden deep within our oceans have recently been discovered and are ready to be shared with the world in a new National Geographic four-part documentary series.”

Apurva S., adds, “The show is amazingly entertaining; it’s like a dramatic show, but with a little less drama and featuring whales instead of humans. We learn that whales feel emotions and grieve as well. Drama like this is definitely a factor that got me hooked into the show. One thing I need to call attention to is the images and cinematography. National Geographic Explorer and Photographer, Brian Skerry brings expansive knowledge and research to the film.” See their full reviews below.

Secrets of the Whales (TV Mini-Series 2021)
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Have you ever been told that our oceans are very mysterious and that they hold many secrets that are likely to be hidden forever?  Well, that’s certainly true – our oceans are indeed mysterious and some of the most amazing secrets hidden deep within our oceans have recently been discovered and are ready to be shared with the world in a new National Geographic four-part documentary series. Secrets of the Whales spotlights four species of whales and uncovers their secrets and stories of survival with “first time” evidence and never-before-seen coverage. This series is epic and one you are going to want to witness!

Secrets of the Whales brings alive the visions of both Academy Award winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron and acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry as they share their knowledge and research finding of some of the most intelligent giants living on our planet. Filmed across three years and in 24 locations, this documentary series, narrated by award-winning actress Sigourney Weaver, takes viewers on an amazing journey into the lives of orcas, humpbacks, belugas, and sperm whales. From Cameron and Skerry’s work we gain such an expansive understanding and appreciation of whale family dynamics, social bonds, communication and tradition. It’s the “secrets these mammals share which help them prevail.” 

This series has me completely captivated throughout all four episodes. Seeing the variety of marine life within their natural habitat is just jaw-dropping.  With such stunning photography and action-packed video footage, the cinematography in Secret of the Whales is the best I’ve ever seen. As each scene is presented to viewers, you get a sense of being right there and consumed within each moment.  To pick a favorite episode within this series would be impossible, since each episode is so unique with new secrets of the whales being unveiled to viewers.

The common message within all four episodes of Secrets of the Whales is centered around culture.

These whale families must work together in a sophisticated manner if they are going to survive and be successful as a species. Whales are highly evolved creatures that have the complexity of family bonds, language, feeding patterns, emotions and interesting secrets. It is critical that these traditions be taught to offspring and passed down throughout the generations.   

I give Secrets of the Whales 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. Adults, especially those interested in marine ecology and conservation will certainly appreciate these films as well. Secrets of the Whales will begin streaming on Earth Day April 22, 2021 on Disney+. What a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Don’t miss this series!

Secrets of the Whales
Apurva S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

If someone came up to you and asked whether you liked reading facts or fiction, chances are you’d probably say fiction. And I can relate. Let’s face it, the real world can be boring, but Secrets of the Whales definitely is not. Its pictures and views are absolutely outstanding; it has pretty unknown facts; and, best of all, it hooks you in! Kudos to the creators of Secrets of the Whales for making it something I can’t stop watching.

This show is a classic documentary series that gives an inside look into the lives of whales. From raising their young, to getting them food, to teaching them to swim and where they live, Secrets of the Whales is an in-depth show that doesn’t miss a fact. 

The show is amazingly entertaining; it’s like a dramatic show, but with a little less drama and featuring whales instead of humans. We learn that whales feel emotions and grieve as well. Drama like this is definitely a factor that got me hooked into the show.

One thing I need to call attention to is the images and cinematography. National Geographic Explorer and Photographer, Brian Skerry brings expansive knowledge and research to the film. Cinematographer Brian Armstrong’s images are clear and relevant, always providing a highly appreciable visual match to the story. Narrator Sigourney Weaver also has a clear voice and talks slowly as well as loudly, so we can hear her and understand her well.

When I watched this show, I definitely learned a lot about the lives of whales. They are a lot smarter than we think. This was a very educational experience. It is definitely a family-friendly show.

I recommend Secrets of the Whales for ages 6 to 18, plus adults and give it x out of 5 stars. Secrets of The Whales is produced by National Geographic and releases on Disney+ on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. Be sure to check it out.