KIDS FIRST! News

Calling all rock stars, fashion icons and naked mole rat lovers! Mo Willems’ fan-favorite Naked Mole Rat, Wilbur J. Mole Rat, Jr. emerges from his underground tunnel for a stunning CGI-animated hour of “underground” music and comedy in Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience! Based on Willems’ book, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed this animated rock opera strikes a power chord about accepting others. The musical event is accessorized by a fun and funny tale about a sensitive, curious and rockin’ Naked Mole Rat named Wilbur (Jordan Fisher) who “scandalously” decides to (gasp!) get dressed! Find out what happens when Wilbur’s newfound love of rocking outfits rocks Naked Mole Rat society to its core.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A. comments, “The adorable film Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton gives viewers a story that explores the true meaning of originality. Wilbur The Mole Rat is loveable and a fan favorite and, even though he is an animal, we can all relate to his search for acceptance within his community.” Hanadie K. comments, “With adrenaline pumping rock ‘n’ roll, high fashion and naked mole rats, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience combines three unrelated things and makes a perfectly-mixed animated production. Based on best-selling author Mo Willems’ children’s book, this is a super fun and funky animated adaptation.” See their full reviews below.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience
By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The adorable film Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton gives viewers a story that explores the true meaning of originality. Wilbur The Mole Rat is loveable and a fan favorite and, even though he is an animal, we can all relate to his search for acceptance within his community. In this film, viewers will find a deeper meaning behind the well-crafted plotline and creative music. The viewers will root for Wilbur as he explores how clothes can give us personality.

The storyline follows the protagonist, Wilbur (Jordan Fisher) as he discovers the potential for clothes to bring joy. He also happens to live in a community of naked mole rats who shudder at the thought of a mere sock. Although he aspires to open a clothing store in the town center, his band mates (Yvette Nicole Brown, Kate Mucicci, Michael Richardson) discourage his newfound dream, threatening to turn him in to the great Grandmah. Although she is a hero to the colony, she is also the most feared and powerful mole rat to exist. Will Wilbur continue to fight through the constant bumps in the clothing road, or will he become a menace to the colony and no longer be able to follow his dreams?

Jordan Fisher plays Wilbur with an innocence that makes his already charming character even more relatable. Yvette Nicole Brown as  Wilbur’s bandmate, Grande is hilarious and brings sass into this sweet film. Music is the most special part of this film– bringing emotion to the plotline. Because this film is directed towards younger kids, the music is easy to understand and the beats are catchy! The animation is unique and each mole rat is special and diverse. The clothes add a touch of color to the colony which enhance the message of this film. My favorite part of this film is the first time Wilbur watches clothes fall from the sky. He is filled with wonder and sings an upbeat musical number celebrating the beauty of self expression.

The message of this film is that everyone is special no matter what they choose to wear, act, say or do. Following the trend may not always be right for everyone and that is okay, because being oneself makes us happy and the whole world more interesting. This is an amazing message to send to every kid and adult who feels like they don’t belong because they are “different.” This is definitely a film for younger kids, but parents/guardians would enjoy watching it with their children.

I give Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. It releases on Cartoonito on HBO Max June 30, 2022.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

With adrenaline pumping rock ‘n’ roll, high fashion and naked mole rats, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience combines three unrelated things and makes a perfectly-mixed animated production. Based on best-selling author Mo Willems’ children’s book, this is a super fun and funky animated adaptation.  

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience is also a rock opera that tells the story of strong-willed, progressive-thinking, and fashionable mole rat, Wilbur J. Mole Rat Jr. (Jordan Fisher), who decides that he is willing to risk public humiliation to stand for what he believes in.

The cast of this film are all strong actors and actresses with a reputation for delivering excellence. Mo Willems and Tom Warburton are the geniuses behind the script for this remarkable film. With the help of world-renowned music composer Deborah Wicks La Puma, the script adaptation turned out to be a lighthearted, inspiring, rockin’ good musical.

The storyline follows Wilbur facing scrutiny and resistance from many mole rats in the community, including law-abiding and gentle-natured Tall (Kate Micucci). Venti (Kevin Michael Richardson) refuses to get dressed; there is nothing he cares about more than being a rock ‘n roll musician, his mole rat bandmates, music and being naked. Yvette Nicole Brown gives a remarkable performance as Grande, the lead member of the high demand rock band, “The Mole-ing Stones.”

This film encourages viewers to be courageous enough to ask the question, “Why not?” It’s no longer enough to go along to get along. Wilbur reminds us that tradition is not a strong enough motivator to deny the passion and purpose you have in life. Thanks to Wilbur Mole Rat Jr., the moles in the tunnel are now liberated and dressed to the nines.

I give Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience releases on Cartoonito on HBO Max June 30, 2022.

The propulsive new season of the alternate-reality series takes viewers to a new decade, moving into the early ‘90s with a high-octane race to a new planetary frontier: MARS. The Red Planet becomes the new front in the Space Race not only for the U.S. and the Soviet Union, but also an unexpected new entrant with a lot to prove and even more at stake.  Our characters find themselves going head-to-head as their ambitions for Mars come into conflict and their loyalties are tested, creating a pressure cooker that builds to a climactic conclusion.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “Are you looking for a good TV series that’s quite literally out of this world? Well, if you are, then Season 3 of For All Mankind is the perfect choice for you! It doesn’t matter if viewers are not up to speed or have missed the first two seasons — this next series of episodes is so full of suspense and unpredictable circumstances that viewers are able to jump right in and enjoy it.” See his full review below.

For All Mankind: Season Three
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Are you looking for a good TV series that’s quite literally out of this world? Well, if you are, then Season 3 of For All Mankind is the perfect choice for you! It doesn’t matter if viewers are not up to speed or have missed the first two seasons — this next series of episodes is so full of suspense and unpredictable circumstances that viewers are able to jump right in and enjoy it. Whether you are a NASA enthusiast, have a love for science fiction, or you really enjoy history, For All Mankind will not disappoint you.

For All Mankind is a science fiction drama series which poses to viewers the question, “what if?”  What if, for example, history didn’t happen as we know it? Season 3 episodes expose viewers to an alternative global space race that puts the Soviet Union in the lead ahead of the United States.  As the United States is defeated in their race to put the first man on the moon, NASA must now work with great speed and efficiency to make certain that this alternative history doesn’t repeat itself in the race to inhabit Mars!  This renewed challenge has a new twist in which a third contender enters the space race—an ambitious, independent entrepreneur.  Who will be the first to cross that finish line? You’ll have to watch the series to find out!

What I enjoyed most about For All Mankind is that you never know what’s coming next. Events are unpredictable and have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Some of the scenes are slow at times which allows viewers to critically think and imagine what’s ahead within the episode. I also enjoyed how emotionally intense this series is. You don’t have to be a part of that generation in history to appreciate For All Mankind. Anyone can enjoy these episodes which are brilliantly written, supported by a talented cast, and that offer such tremendous cinematography.

For All Mankind is a timely film series that provides us with a strong sense of teamwork which encourages people to work together despite division in society.  The NASA team, made up of diversified astronauts, works so closely on their race to be the first to reach the Red Planet.  There are plenty of obstacles on this path to success, yet with their strong communication, decision making, and optimism, the U.S. Space Team is determined to come out the winner.

I give For All Mankind 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Season 3 began streaming on Apple TV+ June 10, 2022.  This is a great series and one you won’t want to miss.

Eureka! tells the story of a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. Utilizing creative out-of-the-box thinking, she designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. With the help of her supportive parents, teacher, best friends — Pepper and Barry — and beloved pet mammoth Murphy, Eureka is learning to embrace that she is not ordinary … she’s extraordinary.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Eureka! Coming your way is a new animated, music-filled series full of life lessons, adventures, and “thinkering!” Eureka! is the perfect show for kids to learn more about the world of S.T.E.A.M. and problem solving.” See her full review and interview with star Ruth Righi below.

Eureka! 
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Eureka! Coming your way is a new animated, music-filled series full of life lessons, adventures, and “thinkering!” Eureka! is the perfect show for kids to learn more about the world of S.T.E.A.M. and problem solving. This show has a diverse cast of characters, endless entertainment, and relatability, and is perfect for the whole family to watch.

Eureka! follows a fearless, young girl inventor named Eureka (Ruth Righi) who lives in Rocky Falls with her parents and pet Mammoth, Murphy (Fred Tatasciore). Eureka is always designing new inventions and contraptions in her prehistoric community to help make it more modern. From finding a way to get Murphy into the house when he couldn’t use the door to creating a one-person band of instruments, whenever she “thinkers” she is sure to solve whatever issue she comes across.

Eureka as the lead character is the perfect role model for younger girls. It’s amazing to see a young female like Eureka showing other kids that they aren’t too young to be in the world of S.T.E.A.M. I love the support Eureka gets from her family, friends, teachers and the rest of her community. It really encourages her to be confident even when she doesn’t always fit in. One of my favorite scenes is when Eureka and her mom Roxy (Renée Elise Goldsberry) are singing about the Rubber Tree Soup, and she shows that her mom doesn’t give up when the soup doesn’t come out the way she expects it to. While this series is set in a prehistoric time period, viewers will love watching Eureka modernize her community. An example is when Eureka redirects underground steam to create an oven for her mom’s restaurant. It gives the show a unique twist that will draw viewers to it.

There are multiple messages throughout the series, like never giving up on your goals, and that even when you fail it’s important to try again. Eureka also teaches young viewers about responsibility by taking care of her pet Mammoth, Murphy. Overall Eureka! teaches kids all about the world of S.T.E.A.M., being fearless when solving problems, and creating inventions even as kids.

I give Eureka! 5 out of 5 stars. This is definitely a kid-focused, family-friendly series, so I recommend it for kids 2 to 8. Eureka! debuts on Disney Junior June 22, 2022, and on Disney+ the same day.

This short film tells the story of Peppermint Patty. All the other kids are excited to celebrate the special day, Mother’s Day. But Peppermint Patty never had a mother, so she decides to celebrate her father instead since he does mother things.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha P. comments, “To Mom (and Dad), with Love is a funny and heartwarming animated film about different types of families and how not every family is the same. This 40-minute story featuring the much-loved Peanuts gang appeals to all ages  — old and new fans alike – and will pull you in with its bright colors and sweet storyline.” See her full review below.

Snoops Presents: To Mom (And Dad), With Love
By Samantha P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

To Mom (and Dad), with Love is a funny and heartwarming animated film about different types of families and how not every family is the same. This 40-minute story featuring the much-loved Peanuts gang appeals to all ages  — old and new fans alike – and will pull you in with its bright colors and sweet storyline. The film has an original point of view on Mother’s Day because the main protagonist, Peppermint Patty, doesn’t have a mom, though the reason isn’t specified. Audiences can only tell that she has a dad, who is very special to her.

The story of To Mom (and Dad), with Love jumps from character to character as each does something original for Mother’s Day. The main character, Peppermint Patty (voiced by Lexi Perri), has to find her own way to celebrate a holiday that has always been hard for her. By the end, Patty figures out how to celebrate her own unique family. This film shows almost every character celebrating Mother’s Day. Lucy (Isabella Leo) tries to make an art project; Charlie Brown (Tyler Nathan) and his sister, Sally (Hattie Kragten), experiment with a lot of ideas; and other characters, including Snoopy (Terry Mcgurrin) and Woodstock (Rob Tinkler) do something creative and unique for their families, too!

To Mom (and Dad), with Love has a theme of embracing differences and being yourself, as well as celebrating moms (and dads) and caretakers in whatever form they take.

I give To Mom (and Dad), with Love 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14, plus adults. It releases on Apple TV May 6, 2022, just in time for Mother’s Day/Week! 

Sally’s bond with a special little flower on the baseball field may spell disaster for the big game. For Charlie Brown and the team, it’s just the inspiration they need to make a positive impact on their environment. It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown is the Peanuts Earth Day TV special which features an original song by American singer-songwriter Ben Folds, Tyler Nathan as Charlie Brown, Terry McGurrin as Snoopy, Hattie Kragten as Sally, Rob Tinkler as Woodstock, Lexi Perri as Peppermint, Patty Isabella Leo as Lucy van P.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Since 1965, the characters in Charles M. Schulz’s famous Peanuts comics have brought joy to so many families during the holidays and have also served to promote mature conversation among them… With a deep message and multilayered characters, It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown is the perfect special to galvanize kids into climate action this Earth Day. Tiana S. adds, “Just in time for Earth Day, Charlie Brown and the gang are back with a special message about environmental protection and using your voice in a fun, yet educational way only the Peanuts gang can deliver! In the new short film, It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown, they are ready to plant flowers, and clean up trash to make our planet a better place.” Avalon N. wraps it up with, “In It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown there are many fun things to talk about. One is the use of the old style Charlie Brown comics. Rather than use the new style of 3D animation, like some recent Charlie Brown movies, this film goes back to 2D style animation, although it still is very high quality and has cool animation.” See their full reviews below.

It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Since 1965, the characters in Charles M. Schulz’s famous Peanuts comics have brought joy to so many families during the holidays and have also served to promote mature conversation among them. Not much has changed in 2022, as Craig and Bryan Schulz bring the new Earth Day special It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown to Apple TV+. With a deep message and multilayered characters, It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown is the perfect special to galvanize kids into climate action this Earth Day.

In this short filmCharlie Brown (Tyler Nathan) is determined to help his team win the big baseball game against Peppermint Patty’s (Lexi Perri) team so he can claim the neighborhood pennant. But things turn into a fiasco right before the game when Sally (Hattie Kragten) bonds with a flower on the pitcher’s mound and vows to protect it at all costs. Charlie Brown tries his hardest to get her off the mound but repeatedly fails. Throughout her sit-in, all the characters learn to value nature.

What I find intriguing about this special is that it’s one big metaphor; Charlie Brown represents the average person, and the ball field represents the planet. Charlie Brown is so obsessed with winning this ballgame that he doesn’t see that the ball field is going downhill. Sally represents the new generation, whose focus is on conservation and enhancing the planet.

The animation style of this special is the part of the production that stands out the most to me. It is somewhere between the 70s still-frame animation and The Peanuts Movie. In each scene, the lighting is manipulated to make the characters look more lifelike and three-dimensional. It’s absolutely beautiful. Though Snoopy (Terry McGurrin) isn’t the focus of the special, I still love how his character develops throughout the 38 minute short. By the end of the film, he too realizes how important it is to save the environment. For kids like me who love Snoopy even more than Charlie Brown, this sends a great message. I’m also a big fan of Tyler Nathan as Charlie Brown and Hattie Kragten as Sally; their voice acting really completes the package of the show and makes the plot more believable.

It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown promotes taking initiative, caring for others (whether people, animals or plants), saving our planet and serving as a positive role model for others.

I give It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown is available to stream now on Apple TV+ in celebration of Earth Day 2022.

It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Just in time for Earth Day, Charlie Brown and the gang are back with a special message about environmental protection and using your voice in a fun, yet educational way only the Peanuts gang can deliver! In the new short film, It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown, they are ready to plant flowers, and clean up trash to make our planet a better place. Everyone loves the Peanuts gang, so what better way to spread the message?

In It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown, the main characters in this short film are Sally Brown (Hattie Kragten) and Charlie Brown (Tyler Nathan). In the story, Charlie Brown just wants to play a baseball game, but his little sister, Sally, finds a special little flower on the baseball field that reminds her of herself. She decides she must protect this flower and give it a voice. Sally relates to the flower because she is also small and tends to be lonely and ignored. It is a nice touch that the flower’s petals are the same color and shape as Sally’s hair.

The film has updates to the animation techniques, but still gives us the look and feel of the original animation we’ve come to love. I love the diverse cast and how it reflects what our world looks like today. One of my favorite parts is when Ben Folds’ original song, “It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” plays as Sally is singing about the flower on the mound. It really breaks down how we are all connected to the Earth and can come together to make things happen.  

It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown shows us how important and easy it is to take care of our planet, no matter how young or small you are. Even though Sally was told she was too small to play baseball, she wasn’t too small to take a stand to try to help protect and save the flower, which represents the Earth. Sally was able to use her voice to show how we should speak up to help save the world.

The Peanuts world is known for creating content that prompts conversations for adults and that also inspires young people, and this film does just that. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 3 to 18, plus adults. You can watch It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown on Apple TV+ now!

It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown 
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown is a funny, inspirational and entertaining movie. Though it’s only 40 minutes long it really embodies the classic Charlie Brown spirit.

This film is about Charlie Brown (Tyler James Nathan). There is a big baseball game between Charlie’s team and Peppermint Patty’s (Lexi Perri) – a championship. Unfortunately, Sally (Hattie Kragten) grows attached to a flower on the pitcher’s mound, preventing the game from happening. In the film, we find out what Charlie Brown does about this.

In It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown there are many fun things to talk about. One is the use of the old style Charlie Brown comics. Rather than use the new style of 3D animation, like some recent Charlie Brown movies, this film goes back to 2D style animation, although it still is very high quality and has cool animation. Another thing is the use of words during the practicing baseball scene. When they hit the ball there is a fun “POP!” animation on the screen and it really caught my eye and kept my attention. Lastly, there is a really fun song about how “It’s The Small Things” – hence the title. It is a really beautiful song about a dandelion and, while others consider it a weed, Sally promises to keep it safe. 

The message of the film is that sometimes it’s not about the thing, but the love you show for it.

I give It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 16, plus. It’s available on Apple TV+ now – just in time for Earth Day!