Wonder Woman – Lives Up to Its Hype
June 2nd, 2017
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B., comments, “I can say that it is absolutely amazing! It definitely lives up to its potential.” Miles T. adds, “Wonder Woman caught me off guard. I thought it would be a girly movie about her trying to go against gender issues. But that is not the case.” Benjamin P. wraps it up with, “Wonder Woman is a defining example of a great superhero movie. While the movie struggles in its final act, it still delivers compelling action, great directing and good performances.” See their full reviews below.
Wonder Woman
By Calista Bess, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
When this movie was announced, I was super excited, but at the
same time, skeptical. Because all the recent DC Movies didn’t live up to all the hype. However, once I sat down in the theatre, all comfortable with my popcorn and icee and watched the film, I can say that it is absolutely amazing! It definitely lives up to its potential. Once the movie was over, I started clapping and, after I left the theatre, I realized my hands were red because I had clapped so hard.
The story of this film starts on Themyscira, an island cloaked from society and home to the Amazons. Diana, Princess of the Amazons, finds an allied spy who washed on shore named Steve Trevor. He tells her about the horrors of World War l and she decides to join him to stop The War to End All Wars.
Gal Gadot plays Wonder Woman and, oh my gosh, she is awesome! 
She is courageous and fierce, but also intelligent and empathetic. She is the perfect role model for every little girl. She is the iconic Wonder Woman! But in all seriousness, all the actors are awesome and really likeable. One particular character that didn’t get enough screen time was Steve’s secretary, Eta Candy, played by Lucy Davis. She is really funny and has some great one liners. She really deserved more time to shine.
The special effects and fight scenes are also extraordinary. During 
most of the action scenes, I found myself leaning forward, wide-eyed and gripping my seat. Unlike Batman V Superman or Suicide Squad, I could actually SEE what was happening! To me, the best scene in the movie is when Diana, Steve and his crew lead an invasion of a German controlled town and liberate it. The action is so exciting and, when the Wonder Woman theme starts playing, I literally started smiling until the scene was over.
Surprisingly, this film is also extremely hilarious. I was laughing for a good chunk of time. The humor mainly comes from Diana’s lack of knowledge of our civilization. There’s a really funny scene where Eta tries to give Diana a normal outfit and she kicks and rips the skirt.
I definitely give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for 
ages 13 to 18. This movie opens in theatres on June 2, 2017. I could say I recommend this movie for comic book fans, but honestly everyone should see this movie. Wonder Woman is an iconic role model and Gal Gadot definitely lives up to the part. Director Patty Jenkins lassoed this hit film and I love that a woman directed it – Girl Power! That’s the truth.
Wonder Woman
By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11
Wonder Woman is a defining example of a great superhero movie. While the movie struggles in its final act, it still delivers compelling action, great directing and good performances.
Gal Gadot plays Diana, the princess of an island called Themiscyra, 
inhabited by Amazon warriors. As a child, she is taught to be a fierce warrior. One day, a plane crashes just offshore. The pilot is a spy named Steve Trevor, who is trying to escape the German army after stealing their secrets. Diana saves him from the wreckage. Soon, German troops besiege the island in search of Steve. After a clash between the Amazons and the troops, Steve warns Diana and her people of a war in the outside world. Her strong urge to help others leads her to follow Steve to the frontlines to end the conflict. As her journey continues, she must embrace her destiny and become the hero she was born to be.
Gal Gadot is very good as Diana a.k.a. Wonder Woman. There is something very generous and kind about her character. Gadot is convincing as a strong female heroine who cares deeply about the lives of others and is willing to risk her own to save them. This character make a great role model, someone ready to 
spring into action to fight for things such as justice and freedom, but also some who cares about other people. Gadot studied a lot of martial arts and other training to prepare for this film and it certainly pays off in the thrilling action scenes. She carries the movie very well and I hope to see her in more DC films.
Diana’s fish-out-of-water dynamic is explored to great effect for 
some good laughs. She has little knowledge of life beyond the island. Her reactions and conversations in the outside world are very funny. She also has enjoyable banter with Steve Trevor.
Director Patty Jenkins had a very clear vision of what she wanted 
the film to look like and it translates to the screen very well. She shot it on a very epic scale and used techniques like shooting on film instead of digital to get the grainy feel of the World War I era. This makes for a more real cinematic experience.
One of my main criticisms of the film is its third act. The first two thirds are near perfect. The final act almost
descends into a dumb, explosion-filled mess, but redeems itself in a way that doesn’t ruin the first two acts for me. I recommend Wonder Woman for ages 12 to 18 due to some violence and language and give it . It opens in theaters June 2 so, go check it out.
Wonder Woman
By Miles T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Wonder Woman caught me off guard. I thought it would be a girly 
movie about her trying to go against gender issues. But that is not the case. It fits right in with the other superhero movies. This movie starts off with the characteristic young kid that has a burning fire within them. She grows up and becomes strong. Then she goes out into the real world. It, along with the other origin story films, is a great example of a really good movie.
Wonder Woman instantly became one of my favorite superhero 
movies because, when there is action, you can actually follow it. Let me explain. Some movies (James Bond) are really difficult to follow when there is action. Because of constant quick editing and constant changes in shots and angles, it becomes really hard to understand the action or see what you are looking at. That is not the case with this film. However complicated the fight scenes are, you can understand what she does and follow her movements. In order to do this, the movie utilized slow motion. It’s not annoying. I kind of liked it, but it happens a lot.
Not only does action dominate the movie, but every second of the 
movie has a well placed shot. What I’m saying is that the camera angles are amazing throughout and the whole movie looks fantastic. In this way, thankfully, the movie does not follow the usual way of things. There is, let’s just say it, a totally boss battle where they could have easily taken a wide angle shot. And they do, but only for a second. And, the rest is fabulous to watch.
Wonder Woman is played by Gal Gadot. Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis), Steve (Chris Pine) and basically all the other actors are amazing. Every character is necessary and the movie would be poorer without any one of them. Not that I didn’t hate any of the characters. Of course there are ones that the movie wants me to hate. But they are all well built and quite lively. 
They seem to fit like gloves to the time and place of when the film takes place. This brings me to the sets. Every set looks like they just barged into real and existing buildings and started filming. This realism is especially challenging since it’s set during WW I. The locations and sets make sense and the way the filming is done made me want to visit them. The green screen work is especially amazing because they did not scream “look at me!” Instead, they are just backgrounds and are very 
believable. So much so that, if I hadn’t known these settings exist I would not think anything was fishy about the backgrounds.
My favorite part of the film is the scene when Wonder Woman jumps out of the trenches and single handedly fights the opposing side. My second favorite is when she completely demolishes an entire building. Yeah, she does not kid around.
This movie also explores working with the obvious feminist issues. 
After all, this is a female superhero! They depict a very strong character, just like all other superheroes, and they are able to add some humor as well. Throughout the movie everyone underestimates and doubts her because she is a girl. Ha! She creams everyone else. Unfortunately, at the very end, the movie pops the great feministic bubble they created by getting sappy and making Wonder Woman say that love is the answer. *POP*
I recommend this movie for ages 7 to 18 and adults will love it too. I
say age 7 because, what kid above 5 doesn’t see action movies these days? But if you are one of those parents who doesn’t let their kids see these types of superhero movies, this one has is rated PG-13. I caught no cursing. There is one sexual statement that will go unnoticed by kids who aren’t already knowledgeable about that. I this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars, because the ending is girlish. Everything is great besides that though. It opens nationwide in theaters June 2, 2017 so, go check it out.
George Beard and Harold Hutchins are two overly imaginative pranksters who spend hours in a treehouse creating comic books. When their mean principal threatens to separate them into different classes, the mischievous boys accidentally hypnotize him into thinking that he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic By Benjamin P. comments, “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is an unexpectedly enjoyable family film filled with inventive animation, hilarious humor and charming characters.” Alejandra G. adds, “I freaked out when I went to see this film because I have been a loyal fan reading all the Captain Underpants stories and books since I was little. I’m so happy that they have brought these books to life and have taken another step to continue the story of the series.” See their full reviews below.
turn him into their signature superhero created for their own comic books, Captain Underpants. George and Harold know how to bring Mr. Krupp back but realize that if they do, he’ll separate them. As Captain Underpants struggles to pretend to be a principal, danger looms over the school in the form of a mysterious new science teacher with an evil hidden agenda.
This film is a pleasant surprise. It dives more into the friendship between George (Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch) than the books do and sidelines Captain Underpants (Ed Helms) to a smaller role. Readers know and love the character of Captain Underpants and may be angered by this decision. By giving you more exposition about Harold and George, the film makes itself more accessible to those who have not read the books. This film is quite different from the books, but has enough callbacks to its source material to still feel linked to it.
that will be very appealing to younger audiences. I appreciate the different animation styles used to showcase George and Harold’s infinite imaginations. It’s very creative and makes it stand out from other animated films.
I give Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie an age rating of 4 to 12 for some crude humor. The lesson is never let anyone change who you are. Our heroes constantly see their ideas and creativity challenged and destroyed by Mr. Krupp. He never lets them be creative and instead resorts to confiscating all their comics because he doesn’t appreciate them. Having an imagination is an important part of growing up and helps George and Harold solve their problems. I rate this film 3.5 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters June 2, 2017 so be sure to go check it out.
Harold, who hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s the incredible superhero they created named Captain Underpants. Along with this comes event after event that makes this adventure unforgettable for these children as they accomplish their dreams watching their very own superhero come to life. 
Underpants and they freak out and get very excited. I love this scene because it shows the creativity these two kids have and how they think. It also shows how the makers of the film are so creative at developing the story line. They could have just made the film based on one of the books, but instead, they go out of their way to create a more interesting plot that makes the film truly stand out!
problem with a bad attitude, the result will not be good. But if we look at it from a positive point of view, the result will be better and greater. I believe it’s awesome that they teach little kids this message. It’s something they can learn and grow up with and eventually apply it to their own life! I rate the film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 13. You can watch this film in theaters starting June 2 so be sure to check it out!
Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts! Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii and medic Peso Penguin, along with the other Octonauts as they explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats – above and below the waves! On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they embark on not one, not two, but 12 rescue missions! From attempting to dive deep into the abyssal zone to encountering a school of toothy barracudas to Barnacles seeking guidance from a mysterious sea turtle. It’s time to sound the Octo-alert! KIDS FIRST! Juror Eli B. comments, “This show helps children look at the world around them and realize that there are other forms of life that may need our help.” KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella L. adds, “The writing is intelligent and the amount of information supplied to the audience is plentiful. The show makes learning a fun, yet understandable experience for young kids.” See their full reviews below.
This is a great DVD! The collection not only features a new sea creature every episode, but includes facts about the ocean in general. This show helps children look at the world around them and realize that there are other forms of life that may need our help.
and also use teamwork to solve problems together. The interactions are done respectfully and characters with certain stronger skills step in and help out those who could use guidance and support.
female characters, Tweak and Dashi are generally left behind on the base while the three main male characters take an active role. Unfortunately, it’s missed opportunities via media such as this that could encourage girls to pursue an interest in science.
intelligent and the amount of information supplied to the audience is plentiful. The show makes learning a fun, yet understandable experience for young kids. For the most part, this film succeeds in doing exactly that! However, I have some issues with the pace of the show.
episodes from their TV show Octonauts.
survival mechanisms such as camouflage. All of these are important for kids to know, even at such a young age. I have an issue with the pace of the show. It feels too fast for me and I had a difficult time keeping up with the information presented.
This collection features two episodes: Overloaded where the Autobots must split their forces to battle two different, but both dangerous, Decepticons. While Optimus takes his team to the Artic Circle to face off against Polarclaw, Bumblee and his team must battle against Overload, an ancient Decepticon who has a grudge against Optimus. Second episode is Decepticon Island where the Autobot teams are reunited, but all is not well as they discover that Steeljaw is leading a Decepticon guerilla army. Though outnumbered, the Autobots will have to defeat Steeljaw’s army if they want to keep the world safe. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen comments, “This movie has great animations! The battle scenes are very detailed and it is pleasing to see that there are diverse types of conflict. In this film, the conflict isn’t always good vs. bad.” Arjun N. adds, “Transformers Robots in Disguise is a great double-feature package. The animation and voice acting are really good. Transformers fans will rejoice at this movie.” See their full reviews below.
are diverse types of conflict. In this film, the conflict isn’t always good vs. bad. Sometimes it is conflict within the team itself. The plotline is awesome as well. It really held my interest.
Bumblebee (Will Friedle) is the leader of the autobots. Will Friedle’s voice sounds strong and makes you think that he knows what he’s doing. Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) is the mentor of Bumblebee and was the leader before Bumblebee. Peter Cullen’s voice sounds old, making Optimus Prime seem wise and experienced. The casting director really found great voice talent for these roles!
the backdrops are nicely done as well. Everything is very detailed and looks quite realistic. My favorite part is when the whole autobot team works together and comes up with a strategy to defeat the polar bear Decepticon. It is amazing to see them planning and then actually following through with their plan until it works out in the end. I loved seeing the autobots accomplish something together.
The message of this film is to stay strong, focused and remember that teamwork is important. Bumblebee and Optimus prime fight over something so small, but it almost tears apart their friendship. It almost costs the lives of their comrades. But they stay focused, work together and are successful in their mission. The autobots are very moral characters who fight for the greater good. The film tries to influence people to be like the autobots and teaches people how to react in times of trouble.
are really good. Transformers fans will rejoice at this movie.
Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime steals the show with a voice of iron. His portrayal of leadership works well, too and he is my favorite character. Will Friedle as Bumblebee presents an immature attitude to Optimus especially when he disagrees with Optimus. Dave Fennoy as Overload is funny with his finesse of theater. Troy Baker as Steeljaw is deceptive with his use of tricks to climb the power ladder of the Decepticon. Darren Criss as Sideswipe displays a constant, competitive banter with Strongarm, who is another Autobot. Constance Zimmer as Strongarm portrays her banter with Sideswipe quite well. Khary Payton as Grimlock, a Dinobot transformer, provides excellent comedic relief. Mitchell Whitfield as Fixit, is a Mini-Bot who expresses his care to his fellow captured Mini-Bots.
The movie’s message is all about the importance of teamwork. Despite Optimus Prime’s weakness, the team works together to complete the mission with tremendous success. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12 because the action scenes between the two robot factions appeal to the younger audiences. This DVD collection releases on May 30th, so check it out if you want to see some impressive animation.
Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.
terrific Javier Bardem as the new villain, Captain Salazar. Brenton Thwaites plays Henry Turner and Kaya Scodelario plays Carina Smyth. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley have cameos as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, respectively. Full disclosure: I am a huge Johnny Depp fan and I have loved the Pirates of the Caribbean movies since I was 5 years old.
humorous way. Captain Salazar is Jack Sparrow’s oldest nemesis. He takes revenge on Sparrow by unleashing the vicious ghost pirates of Devil’s Triangle. The ghost pirates are hell-bent on killing Sparrow and destroy multiple pirate ships in the process. The only way to break the curse is to find and destroy the Trident of Poseidon. Along the way, we learn the background of Will Turner’s son, Henry Turner. He’s looking for Sparrow and also trying to find the Trident in order to save his father who is trapped in Davy Jones Locker. Carina Smyth is a young astronomer who is also searching for the Trident. What ensues is a humorous, 
action packed adventure on the high seas.
Captain Jack Sparrow. His interpretation of Jack Sparrow is one of the most entertaining and memorable characters in recent film history. The inimitable Geoffrey Rush is again terrific as Captain Barbossa and Javier Bardem, an acclaimed actor from art house and independent films, is riveting as the vicious Captain Salazar.
e because it seems gratuitous. However, it doesn’t distract from the impact and excitement of the film. Compared to other movie sequels, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales flows surprisingly well and moves along at an exciting pace. The film is appropriate for 10 to18 year olds. I give Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales 5 out of 5 stars. It opens May 26, 2017 in theaters nationwide so be sure to check it out.
Johnny Depp is impressive in his charisma as Jack Sparrow, a funny yet intelligent pirate and he is always my favorite. Javiar Bardem as Captain Salazar excellently presents his pain from his cursed life. Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner represents determination in his quest to save his father. Orlando Bloom as Will Turner appears as a protective father. Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth is feisty in the struggles faced by women who believed in science. Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa nicely displays his efforts to rescue his crew from Captain Salazar’s cursed army.
However, the characters keep the movie entertaining.
