KIDS FIRST! News

A troubled security guard begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. During his first night on the job, he realizes that the night shift won’t be so easy to get through. Pretty soon he will unveil what actually happened at Freddy’s.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Five Nights at Freddy’s is a comedic horror film, filled with intensity and suspense. It brought me to the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more… The message of Five Nights at Freddy’s is to listen to your heart and never give up on what you believe in.” See her full review below.

Five Nights at Freddy’s
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Five Nights at Freddy’s is a comedic horror film, filled with intensity and suspense. It brought me to the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more. 

Based on the popular and highly-engaging video game, the storyline follows Mike (Josh Hutcherson), who is struggling to make it financially while having to care for his younger sister. He gets offered a security job night shift for the abandoned “Freddy’s Pizzeria” and, at first, is hesitant, but eventually realizes that he has no choice. Mike struggles with past family trauma and has very vivid dreams at night. When he starts to fall asleep at work his dreams get longer and clearer. He soon learns that the job he has taken can be the answer to more things than he could have ever imagined.

A huge standout in this film is the cinematography. Every camera angle holds so much purpose, and is made with such intention. Moods are created from a singular camera angle and set the tone for the entire film. For example, the flashbacks scenes that accompany Mike’s dreams focus on specific moments to highlight their importance. The director, Chris Columbus, creates this uncomfortable feeling through his work, and delivers an outstanding film.

Additionally, I really enjoyed the suspense throughout the entire movie. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I was riveted to the screen. I wanted to cover my eyes, but didn’t want to look away at the same time! There is the perfect amount of scariness, laughter and surprise. Lastly, the message of this film is both heartwarming and intriguing.

The importance of never giving up is highlighted in such an interesting way and can almost be hard to spot. However, at the end, even though we are left wanting more, it is clear that hope is one of the only ways to get through life. Joy and happiness is a must in order to continue successfully, and that is the underlying meaning of this movie.

The message of Five Nights at Freddy’s is to listen to your heart and never give up on what you believe in. Be forewarned that this film does include gruesome content.

I give Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Five Nights at Freddy’s in theaters and on Peacock October 27, 2023.

Loki: Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius, Hunter B-15 and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Episode 5 of Loki: Season 2 is a unique, thrilling portrait of Loki rocketing through the multiverse, paying for his past mistakes; it offsets Marvel’s other tedious TV projects with action and vivacity. It didn’t disappoint my expectations, and I’m sure it won’t let down ardent Marvel fans, those binging the show, or others looking for an episode to catch on Disney+.” Tiana S. adds, “Loki: Season 2, Episode 3, 1893 is the climax episode that will keep viewers entertained. Filled with action, time travel, plot twists and dramatic irony, this is one of the most engaging episodes. Gavin S. wraps it up with, “I really enjoyed the new season of Loki because of the CGI, the acting, the time manipulation in the show and the messages in the show. This series is kid-friendly with some moderate violence and could also be of interest to adults as well.” See his full review below.

Loki, Season 2 Episode 5
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Episode 5 of Loki: Season 2 is a unique, thrilling portrait of Loki rocketing through the multiverse, paying for his past mistakes; it offsets Marvel’s other tedious TV projects with action and vivacity. It didn’t disappoint my expectations, and I’m sure it won’t let down ardent Marvel fans, those binging the show, or others looking for an episode to catch on Disney+.

Loki: Season 2 picks up with Loki  (Tom Hiddleston) searching for the soul of the Time Variance Authority, an authority dedicated to preserving the Sacred Timeline. In Episode 5, he’s focused on using his almost-funny time-slipping abilities to get to all the people who were at the Time Variance Authority when wires were crossed. None of them recognize him, and Loki can’t stop slipping into new times and locations. For example, he sees Mobius (Owen Wilson) selling jet skis as a middle-aged dad in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2022. The God of Mischief assembles a team and tries to earn their trust. Perhaps it’s because I was entering this episode blind, but the plot seems extremely complex for the first half of the episode as I pieced things together; luckily, things were much easier to understand after establishing some context.

In Season 2, the stakes are elevated, and the writing is super strong; I was glued to the screen throughout the 45-minute Episode 5. The visual effects are very realistic, as are the practical sets — the color-correction across timelines differs, but it adds to the aesthetic of each character whom Loki is trying to find. The cinematography is wonderful, with lots of close-ups and medium shots to capture Tom Hiddleston’s emotions, along with those of the other characters. Mentioning the cast, all skillfully carry the complex plot, which could have become overwhelming. Tom Hiddleston is one of my favorite actors – the lovable yet full-of-himself Norse god Loki. Ke Huy Quan as OB, the techie trying to help Loki, is another favorite I didn’t expect; his earnest effort to help and bumbling personality go together wonderfully. Owen Wilson as Mobius adds a wonderful comedic tint to the episode, with physical comedy (miming that he’ll call the police on Loki when he first arrives), zingers, and more subtle lines (He remarks with a bewildered expression that when Loki time-slips, “it looks like you’re being born, or dying – or both at the same time.”). Overall, a wonderful package.

This episode of the show promotes teamwork and taking responsibility to solve problems when they arise. Loki may be the God of Mischief, but he takes a remarkable amount of accountability to restore the TVA and works with every character across timelines. Loki’s time-slipping can feel a little bit like a jump scare, with his face and body contorting and some demonic noises accompanying it, so parents with young children might want to tell them to brace themselves.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 5 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Loki Season 2 is playing exclusively on Disney+ now, with new episodes weekly.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3, 1893
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3, 1893 is the climax episode that will keep viewers entertained. Filled with action, time travel, plot twists and dramatic irony, this is one of the most engaging episodes.

This episode continues Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) journey at the TVA with Mobius (Owen Wilson), but it travels back in time to visit another variant of “He Who Remains,” named Victor Timely (Jonathan Majors) in 1893, who, after being given a TVA notebook by Ravonna (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and the rouge cartoon clock, Miss Minutes (Tara Strong), proceeds to work on various invention prototypes. This leads to a feud between the many teams in a battle of their wants and needs from this new “He Who Remains” variant. You’ll have to watch to see how the story unfolds.

I love seeing Jonathan Majors as the “He Who Remains” variant. His character’s stutter is realistic, adds depth to his role while he gives an incredible performance. It is hard for me to even believe it’s him. The costumes are also amazing. When the present-day characters travel to 1893 their outfits change to reflect the new era.

The special effects of characters like Miss Minutes’ and Loki’s powers are mind-blowing. Keep in mind this episode is pretty lengthy, but it doesn’t feel like it, at all. It’s incredible how the writers can stray from a typical Loki storyline and still make it engaging and entertaining. Music also plays a big part in this show, especially in relation to the different time periods and the action scenes. And keeping with the time travel, even the regular Marvel intro is updated with the sounds of classic piano tunes, which is really creative!

This episode touches on believing in yourself, finding where you belong, and trusting in others. This episode shows many examples of these messages from Victor Timely presenting all his new ideas to the times when evil strikes and betrayal occurs. The only scene that is somewhat inappropriate is one where Miss Minutes tries to flirt with Mr. Timely.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3,1893 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. You can watch it on Disney+ now and new episodes release every Thursday.

Loki Season 2, Episode 4
By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Loki Season 2, Episode 4 is a new fun, adventurous and action-packed experience for those who have already seen the first season as well as those who are just beginning to watch the show. I really enjoyed the new season of Loki because of the CGI, the acting, the time manipulation in the show and the messages in the show. This series is kid-friendly with some moderate violence and could also be of interest to adults as well.

The storyline follows the mercurial villain, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Along with Mobius (Owen Wilson), Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) and a team of new and returning characters, Loki tries to stop the temporal loom from exploding and destroying not only the TVA (Time Variance Authority), but also a big fraction of the quantum realm with it. Throughout his journey he makes new friends and meets new enemies. Once he and his team begin their mission to prevent the explosion of the temporal loom, something horrible happens, something so horrible that it would change their lives forever.

This new episode is phenomenal, and I enjoyed it a lot, primarily because of the CGI. The CGI makes everything like space debris and the particles flying around in the quantum realm look so realistic. Another thing I really enjoyed about this episode is the acting. The cast play their roles so well and put on terrific performances. Additionally, the time manipulation is absolutely mind blowing. In one scene we see Loki talking to Sylvie, and when Sylvie goes to the next floor, she sees present day Loki zapping another Loki from a different timeframe. This scene is the icing on the cake for me. I like how this show is kid-friendly but can easily interest some adults as well. 

Although there are many messages this series portrays, the one that I really like and rings very true to life is that the most valuable thing a person can spend is time, whether it’s time with family, time at work, or time alone. Be forewarned that it does contain moderate violence, some cursing, and some alcohol use.

Loki Season 2, Episode 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available now on Disney+ so be sure to check it out. See ya!

One-of-a-Kind Marcie follows Marcie, an introvert who loves her solitude but also enjoys helping her friends. During the school golf championship, Marcie assists Peppermint Patty as her caddie, offering thoughtful and deliberate advice to help her win. Meanwhile, back at school, Marcie is nominated for class president and starts to observe other friends and classmates needing help — from traffic jams in the hallway to not having enough to share with everyone at lunch. Full of great ideas, Marcie wants to offer help but struggles to share them in a way that doesn’t force her to be in the spotlight. She is eventually empowered to buck other people’s expectations and embrace her own unique way of doing things — allowing her to help her friends in her own way out of the spotlight.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “In the new and first feature film about the infamous and brilliant Marcie from the Peanuts gang, the true essence of the beloved character is revealed. It’s quite different from the style and messages of previous Peanuts films but still with the look and feel we’ve come to love of the classic franchise.” See her full review and interview with producer Charles Schultz and director, Raymond Persi.

Snoopy Presents: One-Of-A-Kind Marcie
By Tiana S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-kind Marcie is truly one of a kind! In the new and first feature film about the infamous and brilliant Marcie from the Peanuts gang, the true essence of the beloved character is revealed. It’s quite different from the style and messages of previous Peanuts films but still with the look and feel we’ve come to love of the classic franchise.

In Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, Marcie (Arianna McDonald), the main character, is an introvert who struggles with using all her amazing ideas to help solve problems for her friends and classmates on the big stage … from wanting to solve the pizza shortage at her school, to helping Peppermint Patty (Lexi Perri) with playing golf. Peppermint Patty suggests Marcie run for Class President since she has such great ideas; however, since Marcie is too shy, she doesn’t want to do it. Throughout the film, we get to see the challenges Marcie faces while trying to juggle being an introvert and wanting to help everyone.

My favorite aspect of this film is what the director Raymond S. Persi refers to as “still picture” scenes, which are used to show Marcie’s feeling when talking about not wanting to run for Class President. She goes into her own little world surrounded by black shadows that appear to be “coming for her.” This film is unique because the other films tend to focus on Charlie Brown, the whole gang, or characters who are popular, special events, and holidays. Instead this one highlights a personality type and Marcie’s challenges. I love that the Executive Producer and son of Charles M. Schultz, Mr. Craig Shultz, drew inspiration for the film from the movie Hidden Figures and wanted to make a film about a smart girl with big ideas that just needed a way to show them off!

The message of this film is to just be yourself, be one-of-a-kind. Even if you are introverted, you can do anything and even if you feel overwhelmed, that’s okay. You can find other ways to get your ideas out there! In the film, Marcie speaks about this multiple times to herself and to her friends. Don’t let your personality type stop you in life.

I give Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-kind Marcie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it on Apple TV+ starting August 18, 2023.

After an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they prepare a stage production of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited “High School Musical 4: The Reunion” movie on location at their beloved high school.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 is a great new season to add to the previous three. The series features many returning characters that are known and loved, as well as some new additions to the cast.” Madeleine H. adds, “I love High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4. It’s filled with engaging content and storylines that keeps you hooked. The characters and themes are easy to enjoy and understand, especially if you are a High School Musical fan and even if you are new to the series.”  See their full reviews below.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 is a great new season to add to the previous three. The series features many returning characters that are known and loved, as well as some new additions to the cast.

Season 4 has the East High students putting on a production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. However things take a twist when it’s revealed by a famous couple that they, along with some of the original cast of the High School Musical trilogy are going to be making High School Musical 4 right in the East High School. With tensions brewing and the movie crew taking over the school, the East High students are in for a wild ride this season. 

The twists and turns that happen throughout this season are amazingly captivating. Every time I think things can’t get crazier, they do. The relationship between Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie) is very cute and one of the best parts of this season. Actually all of the relationship and friendship dynamics in the show are very cute and scripted. Another cool part of this season is the return of lots of alumni from the original series, including Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel and the legendary Alyson Reed. The whole cast excels in their performances of their characters — the dynamics of the various relationships are well defined and make sense. For example the relationship between characters Ashlyn (Julia Lester) and Maddox (Saylor Bell Cruda) starts as a platonic friendship with lots of texting yet seems to be developing into more. 

The show is filmed again at the iconic East High School, which is an appealing part of the series that we all relate to now. One of my all-time favorite parts of this season is the creation of an entirely fake show called Mark and Spark with its own intro and theme song.  A new character, Mack (Mathew Sato), comes to East High to star in High School Musical 4 and Mark and Spark is the show that made him famous when he was young.  The show features many revised versions of Disney songs such as Now or Never from High School Musical 3 as well as lots of new original songs that are very catchy.  One of my favorites is the song in episode one that Ricky and Gina write together about their relationship.  Other returning actors include Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Frankie Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Liamani Segura and many more.

The message of this season is to be in the moment and don’t get caught up in the past. It is a continuing message throughout the entire series.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. The new season releases all episodes August 9, 2023 on Disney+.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4
By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I love High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4. It’s filled with engaging content and storylines that keep you hooked. The characters and themes are easy to enjoy and understand, especially if you are a High School Musical fan and even if you are new to the series.

The new series joins the East High drama club’s return from a hectic summer camp when things take an unexpected turn. The original cast of High School Musical, the movie, arrives to introduce a new movie idea with the East High drama club included in the cast. The drama club will also stage an adaptation of one of the HSM films. The plot moves quickly and is fun and easy to follow with some unexpected surprises along the way. Each episode recaps the previous storyline and keeps it going with new twists, subplots and characters that make them easy to watch and watch again. 

The camera work with smooth zooms and clear focus on the actors enhances the viewing experience. I love how the costumes match the vibe of average teens, featuring popular brands and fresh styles. I appreciate the attention to detail with the set design; they truly reflect high schoolers rooms from the neat and organized to the truly messy. I couldn’t help but enjoy the music. The background music really sets the mood and moves the story along.  But it is the cast’s songs that really tell the story with well-rounded lyrics and fun-to-listen-to melodies.  I really enjoyed the harmonies of the Halloween special; full of fun and a great surprise to start off the first episode of the season—an excellent beat. The new main character Gina (Sofia Wylie) shows a deep emotional side while remaining strong and confident. I enjoy how relatable her character is.  The scriptwriter did a strong job with fast-moving dialogue that is witty, complex and heartfelt. The writers create a series that entertains, with a story inside of a story, without being confusing. My favorite part is when Gina meets Mark (Matthew Sato) her childhood crush and her current boyfriend Ricky (Joshua Bassett) jealously and comically tries to prove he’s better than him.

The message of this season is about taking things slowly, not rushing into decisions, and figuring things out calmly.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Season 4 releases August 9, 2023 on Disney+.

Seven foster kids are heartbroken when they learn that their group home has been sold and they are to be separated. When they cross paths with a successful attorney who also grew up in the foster system, they find that there is always help, hope, and family can be who you choose.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Hanadie K. comments, “It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system.” Dominic D. adds, “Crescent Gang follows a group of children from different worlds yet sharing similar circumstances, who bond together to save the only family they have left.  Crescent Gang tugged at my heartstrings and I think it will tug at yours as well.”  Bria H. wraps it up with, “I had no idea what to expect going into the film Crescent Gang, but my heart is filled with joy! I love films that have skilled child actors that can match the energy of the adults. I loved this film from start to finish and am so honored to be reviewing this work of art.  Not only did this movie make a 29-year-old question how she interacts with individuals on a day-to-day basis, but it filled my heart with so much pain to understand the foster care system.”

Crescent Gang
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 12

What an incredibly heartwarming and uplifting film Crescent Gang is! It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system. It is family-friendly and uplifting.

Crescent Gang follows seven foster kids who face heartbreak when they discover their beloved group home is being sold and they will be separated. Determined to stay together, they embark on a high-stakes scavenger hunt in Las Vegas, where they encounter a family court attorney in search of her inner peace. The film beautifully captures their quirky and adventurous quest, highlighting the importance of friendship, resilience and the possibility of finding a loving family.

I like Crescent Gang for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and positive message of resilience and family. The film is captivating and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the talented young actors, including Valeria Camero as the determined new kid. The cast also includes Kira Marie, the spirited family court attorney, and Mariah Taveres, the resilient foster child, both of whom deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The production elements are noteworthy, with the vibrant and bustling backdrop of Las Vegas adding dynamic energy to the story. The imaginative and well-designed costumes add to the visual appeal, complementing the characters’ personalities and enhancing their individuality. The direction by Gino Payne and Onyx Keesha, who have drawn from their personal experiences in the foster care system, shines through in the film’s heartfelt portrayal of the foster care journey. The plot development and pace keep the audience engaged — perfectly balancing the kids’ quirky adventures with their emotional journeys. Without giving away too much, one of my favorite parts of the film is when the kids realize their hard work and tenacity finally pays off.

The film’s message is one of resilience and the power of a chosen family. It reminds us that support, love, and hope can be found in unexpected places and that no matter the challenges we face, we can find strength within ourselves and in the bonds we form with others.

I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It releases on VOD on major platforms June 13, 2023.

Crescent Gang
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Crescent Gang follows a group of children from different worlds yet sharing similar circumstances, who bond together to save the only family they have left.  Crescent Gang tugged at my heartstrings and I think it will tug at yours as well.  

Unfortunate circumstances have brought seven kids together in The Crescent House group home where they learn to form a strong family unit. Devastated by the sale of the home and their fear of once again being separated from those they love, these brave kids set out to save the only family they know. Liberty (Mariah Tavares) who is the new kid on the block, devises a plan that may be their only hope in staying together. Her plan takes them on a scavenger hunt adventure through Las Vegas and leads them to the only person who can help keep them together, a successful family attorney (Kira Marie) who also grew up in the foster system.

This is a perfect family film that teaches so many valuable lessons about life and empowers us to believe in ourselves no matter what journey we are on. What I enjoyed most about Crescent Gang is witnessing the kids’ teamwork and perseverance. Their fight to save their “family” is so heartfelt and noble. Their circumstances before coming to The Crescent House doesn’t matter; what does matter is the strong family bond they now have and the will do anything to protect it.  I found the film to be empowering in that children have powerful voices that must be heard. The film has some suspense in it which keeps viewers engaged. The humor throughout is enjoyable and easily relatable. The plot is fantastic however the film falls short in a few areas. The dialogue between characters at times seems unnatural and, in several scenes, the audio does not match the video. Also, the music in some scenes is overpowering. These shortcomings only slightly affect the mood of the film and, for the most part, Crescent Gang is an enjoyable film.

The film’s messages all center around family relationships — families must work together to build friendships; they must be dedicated to each other; they need to be inclusive with all the members within it represented. It also gives us a message of hope in that, no matter how rock bottom an individual believes they have hit, if there is hope you can overcome challenges.

I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Crescent Gang releases June 13, 2023 on VOD.

Crescent Gang
By Bria H., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

I had no idea what to expect going into the film Crescent Gang, but my heart is filled with joy! I love films that have skilled child actors that can match the energy of the adults. I loved this film from start to finish and am so honored to be reviewing this work of art.  Not only did this movie make a 29-year-old question how she interacts with individuals on a day-to-day basis, but it filled my heart with so much pain to understand the foster care system.

The first section of the film tells the stories of different children from various backgrounds who are dealing with the foster care system. The middle part of the film curtails the dilemma of their foster home, Crescent Avenue, being sold and closed, leaving the children who are currently in the home to be moved to other group homes and being split up. The children find a time capsule hidden in the attic of their home and inside it is a map detailing a former foster child’s favorite places in the city. This leads to the children escaping the home and embarking on a quest.

Crescent Gang is a prime example of having a heartwarming message and amazing actors. The story flows seamlessly. I was invested the entire time in how the story of Reena Jeffcoat (Kira Marie) and the foster children would come together. There are quite a few characters to keep up with. At the middle mark of the film, I understood where the story was going with the premise of the scavenger hunt and learning who the mysterious Karina H was. I put myself in the mindset of a child and could see the big twist as a surprise in a child’s mind. I was blown away by the production values and the cinematography, especially the scenes where Daisy (Natalya O. Hudson) is on social media documenting different events taking place and we see it all on camera. Audiences can tell that this was shot on location in Las Vegas, Nevada which is showcased in various shots throughout the film. One great shot shows the children on a scavenger hunt at sunset and ask an adult to drive them to Red Rock Canyon. Shots like that make the experience more real to viewers, even if they have never been to the destination. A lot of other Vegas landmarks are shown such as the M & M store, the Hard Rock Cafe.

There is a scene that stands out to me when the characters are reflecting and a song is playing in the background with lyrics that say, “A broken heart it grows.” It is sung beautifully by Jordyn Diew and adds to the moment of heaviness. There are some scenes where I wanted to focus on the actors’ conversations, but the background music took me out of the moment. For example, when Reena is talking with her father, Mr. Jeffcoat (Joseph Adu), there is a good three minutes when there is no sound, but the emotional score starts up and I lost focus. I would have enjoyed a few more quiet moments throughout the film.  The child actors excel in their roles. I was truly impressed with Liberty (Mariah Tavares).  A memorial performance is by Haven (Valeria Camero) who is perceived to be the intellectual of the Gang. Another standout is Daisy (Natalya O. Hudson). The other foster children are Carleigh (Olivia Kaiser), Lailah (Mia Denae Brathwaite), Dayja (Eva Kauvon Thomas), and Kyle (Remy Payne). The adult standouts for me are Ms. Terry, the caretaker of the Crescent Gang children, (Shaquita Smith) and Reena Jeffcoat (Kira Marie.) Every character in this film is relatable and that aspect alone makes this film a pleasant viewing experience.

When a film just flows cinematically, it can be difficult to choose what impacts the viewer most.  I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching these children come together as a group. It can be a tedious task showcasing on screen the group dynamic of characters, let alone children. So seeing all these children becoming of team is very refreshing to witness. I was very impressed by the production value, the actors and actresses, and the story overall. I am honored that I was able to watch this film before its US release date. There are three celebrities in this film. Shaquita Smith (Ms. Terry) is known for the role of Jordan Davis in the drama series, Wicked City and she was also an actress on NCIS: New Orleans. Jarry Lee (Mrs. Hyatt) has acted in Dating Around, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and an episode of the show Billions. Mariah Tavares (Liberty) made her debut in the three-time Emmy-Winning television series, Abbott Elementary.

The film’s message is that, as adults, we have to make sure we find the purpose behind the jobs we take. The film also made me reflect on the way I speak to children. They are so impressionable so, as adults we have to make sure that even if a situation is not the best for them we give them hope so they can keep pressing forward.

I give Crescent Gang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

This film releases on VOD and as a digital release June 13, 2023.

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