KIDS FIRST! News

From the minds behind Searching comes Missing, a thrilling roller-coaster mystery that makes you wonder how well you know those closest to you. When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June’s search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it’s too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers…and when June unravels secrets about her mom, she discovers that she never really knew her at all.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Miguel C. comments, “Missing is absolutely breathtaking. There are many suspense films, but the way this one is made is so new and different. It’s a new era of filmmaking because we never see a real shot; it all takes place on a computer.” Zoe C. adds, “Missing kept me at the edge of my seat. Unlike any film I’ve seen before, directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick use a different approach to tell this story. The film is entirely narrated from the perspective of technology. Not once is the camera facing any of the actors. I found this innovative and captivating.” Natalia J. wraps it up with, “This film provides a very significant message, especially to younger viewers – admire, cherish and be grateful for those around you. In a split matter of seconds, you can lose someone you care about. Take the time to show you appreciate their existence every day.” See their full reviews below.  

Missing 
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST!* Film Critic, age 13 

Missing is absolutely breathtaking. There are many suspense films, but the way this one is made is so new and different. It’s a new era of filmmaking because we never see a real shot; it all takes place on a computer. 

The storyline follows Junes’ (Storm Reid) mom, Grace (Nia Long) who goes on a trip to Colombia and mysteriously goes missing. 

This film has a lot of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, plus I cried because there is a very touching mother and daughter relationship. 

This film will most likely become a fan favorite because it has a really good cast and the story line is amazing. I saw some of them coming but I was still shocked at things that happen. It is also super funny. There is a lot of Gen Z slang and different inside jokes that Gen Zers understand. The best part is how the characters look and act in their respective ways. We see a side of different people but we really don’t know if it’s really them or just an act until the end. There is also a lot of suspense and I got scared a lot. It’s also crazy seeing how much Storm has grown up and it’s really cool seeing her appear in more mature and darker roles. She is a great actress who is not afraid to take risks.  

The message of this film is that everyone can know absolutely everything about you from the internet so really look at what you say and post. This movie definitely is on the more dangerous and darker side because it addresses kidnapping and there are parts where we see some hostages and some inappropriate behavior and words such as someone getting shot and other physical violence

I give Missing 4.5/5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Missing comes out in theatres January 20, 2023.  

Missing 
By Nathalia J. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The mystery film, Missing, directed by Nicholos D. Johnson and Will Merrick, is immersive and suspenseful. This film covers familiar grounds, similar to the 2018 film Searching. Missing is held to a high standard which definitely is fulfilled; it hit me with one stunning reveal after another that reoriented my perspective and kept me clinging to the edge of my seat. 

The story follows 18-year-old June Allen as she embarks on an desperate journey to locate her missing mother, Grace Allen, after failed efforts by the FBI. At first, Grace’s disappearance is suspected to be committed by strangers whose only interest was getting money. However, as June begins to broaden her search and look into her mother’s short-term boyfriend, Kevin Lin, she discovers that this mystery is more complex. In fact, the disappearance of her mother is the result of dangerous secrets Grace has kept hidden, which alter the significance and speculation that June is now also in great danger. Her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin, is directly tied to someone from Grace’s past who wants nothing but to destroy her life and Kevin is the perfect asset to this person’s desire for revenge against Grace. 

My favorite character is June Allen, portrayed by the award-winning actress, Storm Reid. Throughout the film, June proves to be persistent, resilient and steadfast. Her eagerness to solve the mystery also provides an opportunity for June to acknowledge her love for her mother. She is driven to solve this mystery by her guilt of how she mistreated her mother before she went missing. I admire June for the mindset she carries within herself; she understands the risk and consequences that come with certain decisions she makes, yet overlooks them and plays an enormous role in solving her mother’s disappearance. Storms Reid executes the role of June Alle with precision.  My favorite aspect of this film is how it immerses the audience – watching this film made me feel as if I was right there with June and at times with the kidnappers.

Directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick make engaging use of technology in this film.Considering the only resource June has right at her fingertips is technology, she spends sleepless nights on her MacBook searching for information. However, every time she acts on it, she is always one step behind. It is as if someone is watching her, and knows her every move. Towards the middle of the film, we begin to get the perspective of the kidnapper and learn that June is in fact being watched, but not in the way she imagines. The person is watching her computer activity, discovering all her resources, information, contacts and future plans, which make it nearly impossible for June to find the person responsible until she comes face to face with death. I would like to admire the editing department for their work; the numerous plot-twists and countless perspectives in this film move at a fast pace and the editors excel in the execution of that. Each moment comes unpredicted or speculated from previous events, and the editing plays a huge role in achieving this. The constant cuts between June to Grace to the kidnapper, allows viewers to never focus deliberately on one character or moment as it’s always in motion. 

This film provides a very significant message, especially to younger viewers – admire, cherish and be grateful for those around you. In a split matter of seconds, you can lose someone you care about. Take the time to show you appreciate their existence every day. 

I give Missing 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film is now available at your local movie theaters. Enjoy!

Missing
Zoë Cannella, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Missing kept me at the edge of my seat. Unlike any film I’ve seen before, directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick use a different approach to tell this story. The film is entirely narrated from the perspective of technology. Not once is the camera facing any of the actors. I found this innovative and captivating.

Missing is a story purely captured through technology. The movie focuses on a young girl named June, Gracefully played by Storm Reid. June’s mom, Grace Allen (actor) and her boyfriend Kevin (actor) go on a vacation in Colombia. After the trip, June waits countless hours at the airport for her mom to arrive and, to her surprise, she never does. From there the investigation begins — conducted by the teenager and helped with tech devices. The film shows her journey tracking down her mom and investigating the mystery of her disappearance, like a modern Enola Holmes. The movie shows how accessible the internet is and all June’s creative tactics her tracing finding her missing mom. This is also the story of a mother and daughter that missed each other when they were together.

This film really goes to show how even without the camera facing any of the actors, there is no absence of storytelling. Presenting this story through technology really adds to the experience of watching it. This film has a great cast as well. Storm Reid as June is a really nice fit; although, her performances in the TV series Euphoria and A wrinkle in Time” showcase her acting more than this film does. My favorite character is definitely Javier played by Joaquim De Almeida. In this film Javier helps June in her journey to find her mom and Joaquin’s performance brings a fresh comedic value to the film. The ending is a bit too drawn out, but the rest of the movie keeps you locked in with all its twists and turns. The cinematography is perfect for the style of the film and the editing works as well. The story is a bit predictable and fortuitous at some moments but overall, it keeps tension and engagement.

The message of the film is never underestimate the joy of living with your parents. 

I give Missing 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theatres January 20, 2023.

A young girl learns she may have to sell her beloved pet pig Elvis to a local farmer to save the family farm. Unbeknownst to her, the farmer is planning a pig roast and not a forever home. The whole family bands together to save Elvis, uniting to reclaim their farm, proving that love is worth more than money.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “How far would you go to save something you love? Many people have been faced with a dilemma such as this and, no matter how old you are, your love for something can run so deep that your heart involuntarily leads the way. Elvis the Pig is a film that allows viewers to appreciate the concept of deep love for family, even if that member is not human.” Eunette C. adds, “Elvis The Pig is such an exciting film; it keeps you on your toes and puts you in a good mood as you watch the show. Elvis’ constant remarks lighten the mood of the film.” Anna Clara B. wraps it up with, “Elvis The Pig is an incredible film, full of life lessons that will influence audiences. I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end.” See their full reviews below.

Elvis the Pig
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

How far would you go to save something you love? Many people have been faced with a dilemma such as this and, no matter how old you are, your love for something can run so deep that your heart involuntarily leads the way. Elvis the Pig is a film that allows viewers to appreciate the concept of deep love for family, even if that member is not human.

This drama film is about a young girl named Riley (Aggie Bell) and her beloved pet pig, Elvis, who live a great life on the farm they love until the family is forced to sell their home due to financial hardship. Riley’s life is soon turned upside down when she learns that her best friend Elvis will not be moving to the city with their family.  A local farmer makes a deal with the family to give Elvis a good home but his intentions are deceitful as his real plan for Elvis is to host a pig roast with Riley’s best friend as the main course. Riley and her older sister, Nylee (Camryn Macdonald) make it their mission to find their missing family member and reunite him at the farm.

What I really like most about this film is the dedication the family has for one another and their willingness to bond together when they need each other the most. Riley and Nylee don’t appear to have a close sister bond, but when Elvis’s life is in danger, Nylee is not going to let her sister’s best friend fall victim to a horrible fate. The film is very relatable as many families have pets which seem to be the glue holding families together. Elvis the Pig is a bit slow to get going and some of the scenes tend to be drawn out, but overall the storyline is enjoyable and it is a wonderful family movie. The set location of the family farm with its variety of animals is a dream come true for many kids and the talking animals give the film a special touch.  

You don’t have to be a big animal lover to connect to this film’s message. Elvis the Pig is about love, friendship and special bonds. Love runs deep, no matter if that love is between family, friends, or pets; many people will go to great lengths to protect those bonds. Elvis isn’t your “usual” pet, but one thing is for certain, he has won the hearts of his family and their lives would not be the same without him in it.

I give Elvis the Pig 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Elvis the Pig releases on December 6, 2022 on DVD and video on demand.

Elvis The Pig
By Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST!

Elvis The Pig is such an exciting film; it keeps you on your toes and puts you in a good mood as you watch the show. Elvis’ constant remarks lighten the mood of the film.

The film is about Elvis, a funny character with a good sense of humor that he portrays even in difficult moments. We witness quite a bizarre relationship between a young girl named Riley and Elvis the pig who are best friends. However, Riley’s family struggles financially and has to sell their family farm and leave Elvis behind.  Little does the family know that the new owner has plans to roasting a pig (Elvis), but this leads to new adventures and a better understanding between all the family members.

The theme of the film revolves around family and friendship. I enjoyed seeing the quality time that the family spends together and how they are able to put aside their differences and come together solve the issue at hand. The story is really beautiful and demonstrates how unity can help overcome our difficult moments. Elvis captured my attention from the start, especially with his humorous comments. He motivated me to continue watching the film. What really stands out in this film is how involved the animals are and how they are personified they are in communicating their thoughts. It gives you an insight of how you will imagine animals talking. I particularly enjoyed the voice of Elvis, by Ryan Coates, which is brilliantly done. From the beginning of the film, through the end, you are drawn to Elvis’ comments.

The message assures kids that things always work out regardless of the situation you find yourself in. It also showcases the importance of family relationship. Lastly, it reminds you that “a man’s best friend” doesn’t only apply to dogs, but can be any pet.

I give Elvis The Pig 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases December 6, 2022 on DVD and VOD.

Elvis the Pig
By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Elvis The Pig is an incredible film, full of life lessons that will influence audiences. I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end.

The storyline follows a little girl named Riley (Aggie Bell) who is unsatisfied with moving to another city and being away from her best friend, little Elvis, a pig. Something wrong happen and she and her sister help to rescue the pig from the hands of two silly bad guys.

The story is well written. I especially enjoyed the characters and their development during the film. They are special. My favorite parts are when the bad guys appear. Their scenes are so funny, because every time they plan to do something bad, they fail in a funny way. I also like the part when the parents are watching old family videos and they are emotional. I was emotional too during those scenes. The scene transitions are good and everything happens naturally. I love everything in this film. Congratulations to the production team!

The film’s message is that love is above everything and, with teamwork, we can do things easier.

I give Elvis The Pig 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This film releases on DVD and VOD December 6, 2022.

Niah, Ari, Ellie and Jax are members of  Team Zenko Go, a secret squad of stealthy do-gooders who harness the art of distraction to perform anonymous acts of kindness for the unknowing residents of Harmony Harbor. These four kids have been taught by their mentor, Auntie Yuki, a special set of skills that allow them to do good deeds (or Zenkos) for others, making their town the happiest in the world. Like Auntie Yuki says “when we help people without them knowing, they start to think that the world is just a nicer place.”

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Giana N. comments, “Team Zenko Go is a positive children’s series that shows kids that you don’t need to be a superhero to do something good. And that even though you might not agree on the same things as other kids, you can problem-solve to figure things out.” See her full review and interview below.

Team Zenko Go

Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Team Zenko Go is a positive children’s series that shows kids that you don’t need to be a superhero to do something good. And that even though you might not agree on the same things as other kids, you can problem-solve to figure things out.  

Team Zenko Go focuses on a group of kids named Niah (Nakai Takawira), Jax (Dominic Mariche), Ellie (Penelope Good), and Ari (Hartley Bernier), who live in a town called Harmony Harbor. Together, they are Team Zenko. The people who live in Harmony Harbor think their town is the happiest place on Earth, and it’s all because of Team Zenko, who, in their free time, devote themselves to anonymously doing good deeds. The best Zenkos are the ones that are kept secret.

What makes this show unique is that the kids aren’t doing good deeds for fame and glory. They are doing it just to be nice and to help out. In fact, this is probably my favorite aspect of the show. Another thing I like about this show is the diversity. For example, Ari is in a wheelchair which demonstrates that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish things you would be able to do without it. My favorite character is Ari because he is optimistic and intelligent for his age. For example, in episode one, when Ari messes up his first mission, he gets kicked out of the team. But he uses his intelligence to figure out that it was all a test for him to prove he is worthy to be on Team Zenko. In most of the episodes when something goes wrong, Ari thinks positively and finds a way to get the job done.

The message of Team Zenko Go is that when good things happen to you, you are more likely to do good things for others, and that just makes everyone happy. The series is completely family-friendly.

Team Zenko Go is an amazing show for kids to watch with their families. I give Team Zenko Go 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 10. Parents will also enjoy watching it with their kids. This show is available to watch on Netflix starting March 15, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

Street-smart thief Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a fortune lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who believes he and his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world’s oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps even Nate’s long-lost brother…but only if they can learn to work together.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like Uncharted because it is based on the 2007 PlayStation video game of the same name.  You never know who to trust in this action-packed, two-hour treasure hunt game turned movie.” Katherine S. adds, “I love Uncharted! Uncharted has been a mega-successful game franchise, and now, Sony is transforming it into a swashbuckling prequel film fit for all:  gamers and non-gamers alike. It is full of massive, action-packed sequences, comedy, objects of desire, globetrotting, booby-traps, and loads of double, and even triple, crossers.” See their full reviews below.

Uncharted
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

I like Uncharted because it is based on the 2007 PlayStation video game of the same name.  You never know who to trust in this action-packed, two-hour treasure hunt game turned movie.

Uncharted is about the adventures of treasure hunter and fortune seeker Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) as he discovers the truth behind a mythical treasure during his journey with Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). Nathan and his brother grew up in an orphanage until one day they got caught stealing a map. Nate’s brother runs away. Sometime later Nate meets Sully who convinces Nathan to look for the lost treasure. Nathan and Sully team up to get the keys that open doors and traps in order to find more clues. Nate follows what his brother and him wanted to do ever since they were younger and that’s when the action begins.

This film has extraordinary computer-generated imagery effects. The explosion scenes look real. The cargo airplane scene is one of the most breathtaking and intense scenes of this film, keeping the audience at the edge of their seat. The actors’ wardrobe is the same wardrobe as the characters in the video game: typical explorer or hunter’s clothes and gear. Mark Wahlberg and Tom Holland work masterfully well together while Antonio Banderas as villain Santiago Moncad will stop at nothing to get what he wants, including killing his own father. You don’t have to be a video game fan to enjoy this treasure-hunting movie. Director Ruben Fleischer expressed that Tom Holland, as the younger version of the video character Nathan Drake, is a key to making a movie adaptation that offers something for gamers and newcomers alike. My favorite scene is when Nate gets hit by a car when he finally gets to the cargo plane.

The moral of this film is to be very careful who you trust. Don’t trust anyone, only yourself and your instincts. The audience will confirm my statement when watching the movie: Every character pursues same goal—the mystical treasure—and they will do anything and everything in order to get it, even if that means they have to kill.

I give Uncharted 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This movie is available in theatres February 18, 2022. If you are an Uncharted video game fan, you will recognize a special cameo appearance that you just have to “listen” for.

Uncharted

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I love Uncharted! Uncharted has been a mega-successful game franchise, and now, Sony is transforming it into a swashbuckling prequel film fit for all:  gamers and non-gamers alike. It is full of massive, action-packed sequences, comedy, objects of desire, globetrotting, booby-traps, and loads of double, and even triple, crossers.

Nate Drake (Tom Holland) is a bartender and street-smart criminal, who, along with his brother Sam, dream of finding the long-lost fortune of Ferdinand Magellan. But when Sam disappears, Nate is left with nothing but Sam’s ring, some old postcards and his undying love of adventure. One night, he meets the professional treasure hunter and scoundrel, Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg), who tries to recruit Nate to set out on a thrilling expedition to find the lost treasure of Ferdinand Magellan and his crew. At first, he is hesitant, but he joins Sully to carry on Sam’s unfinished work. But they must do this before Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas), a man who believes he’s the heir to the lost riches, gets to it—if they don’t, all their work will be lost forever. Who will get there first and what lengths will they go to?

Getting Uncharted to the big screen has been a wild ride. I heard it went through six directors before hiring Rueben Fleischer for the job.  And Mark Wahlberg was originally cast as Nathan Drake. True to the game, the adaptation features unrealistic fight scenes and a clichéd storyline. I still find Uncharted to be very fun and entertaining. The violent combat scenes kept me on the edge of my seat, and the perfectly timed comedic lines kept me laughing. Make sure to watch this on the biggest screen possible. The sets are realistic, the props pack a big punch, and the historical symbolism blends everything together perfectly. The beaches and caves provide the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s biggest scenes. Tom Holland delivers a knockout performance and his performance is very likeable:  he’s charismatic, handsome, intelligent, and naïve perhaps to a fault. Tom does some of the biggest action sequences of his career in this film, and he kills it! Mark Wahlberg and Antonio Banderas also have notable performances.

The messages of the movie are that family bonds last forever and that adventure awaits. There is some profanity, intense fighting scenes, alcohol use and weapons.

I give Uncharted 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Fans of basically any adventure movie will love this. This movie releases in theaters on February 18, 2022.

Set 1,300 years after the events of How To Train Your Dragon, dragons are now just a legend to the modern world. When a geological anomaly opens up an immense, miles-deep fissure in the Earth’s surface, scientists from all over the world gather at a new research facility to study the mysterious phenomenon. Soon a group of misfit kids, brought to the site by their parents, uncover the truth about dragons and where they’ve been hiding — a secret they must keep to themselves to protect what they’ve discovered.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Dragons: The Nine Realms is a fun, animated, action-packed and mystical kids TV series that will entertain young kids everywhere! Anyone who is a fan of the How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise and/or loves dragons and themes of friendship and uniqueness will enjoy watching the series, set 1,300 after the Dragon films…” See her full review and interview below.

Dragons: The Nine Realms
By Tiana S. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Dragons: The Nine Realms is a fun, animated, action-packed and mystical kids TV series that will entertain young kids everywhere! Anyone who is a fan of the How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise and/or loves dragons and themes of friendship and uniqueness will enjoy watching the series, set 1,300 after the Dragon films, Dragons: The Nine Realms features a group of kids: Tom Kullersen (Jeremy Shada), Jun Wong (Ashley Liao), D’Angelo Baker (Marcus Scribner) and Alex Gonzalez (Aimee Garcia) who form a group called The Dragon Club. The group starts after Tom breaks the rules and travels deep into Earth into a place called the Fissure and they end up befriending a dragon who is hiding there with other dragons. Now, it’s up to The Dragon Club to unite, protect the dragons from getting hurt and to save the dragons’ homes from being destroyed.

One of my favorite scenes in Dragons: The Nine Realms is when a sheep randomly shows up and tries to blow the cover of the kids who were trying to keep their dragons a secret. The sheep constantly tries to sneak up on them or make noise to blow their cover, so it is funny how the kids always have a “not again” moment but are still able to avoid the sheep. I also love how each character is unique, but they come together and have fun with each other like they are one of a kind. My favorite character is Alex Gonzalez because of her combination of personality traits.  She is really into electronics and anything that has to do with cameras or using advanced technology, and yet she also is willing to help out others and make friends. Alex will even break some rules, though she is very introverted and shy person at first, which seems to make her an unlikely rule-breaker.

The message of Dragons: The Nine Realms is to be yourself, take time to appreciate who you are and stand up for what you believe in. Coming together is a key theme: all the characters have different personalities and beliefs in this series, but they all come together in The Dragon Club and protect the dragons from their parents who may harm them with their experiments.

I rate Dragons: The Nine Realms 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 10. You can find Dragons: The Nine Realms streaming on Hulu and Peacock starting December 23, 2021.