KIDS FIRST! News

Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his footsteps and become a preacher.  As a young man, Ricky becomes a baseball phenomenon.  His desire to participate in a try-out for a legendary major league scout divides the family and threatens Rickey’s dream of playing professional baseball.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “With a hard-hitting cast and beautifully written, evocative script, The Hill surely captured my attention and should appeal to sports, drama and biographical film fans as well.” See his full review below.  

The Hill
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 17

With a hard-hitting cast and beautifully written, evocative script, The Hill surely captured my attention and should appeal to sports, drama and biographical film fans as well.

The Hill is based on the true story of Rickey Hill (Colin Ford, Jesse Berry), a kid from a poor Baptist family in rural Texas. Rickey has big dreams of becoming a baseball superstar and he’s immensely talented at batting, but he must face one problem — his dad (Dennis Quaid) won’t let him. Even when Rickey seems to have overcome congenital degenerative spinal disease, his father refuses to let him play, and he’s intent on molding him into a pastor just like him.

The direction by Jeff Celentano and screenplay by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith come together to bind the story — a riveting narrative of talent torn between passion and family. The set pieces and props, ever the wooden leg braces Rickey wears as a child, are all realistic. The dialogue in The Hill is real and raw, and I especially like how each cast member has convincing Texan accents. Dennis Quaid is an absolute superstar in the film; you’ll want to scream your head off at him sometimes and at other times, you’ll consider where he’s coming from — though that’s an angle the film doesn’t explore much. I was most taken by Jesse Berry’s portrayal of the young, fiery Rickey; he helms the film’s many tear-jerker moments. It’s certainly a stellar performance by a child actor, especially given the complexity of the role.

The Hill promotes pursuing your dreams with resilience; never saying never; and gaining a better understanding of perspectives different from you. The film contains religious content given Rickey’s upbringing in a strict, conservative Baptist family.

I give The Hill 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on August 25, 2023.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Connor S. comments, “I really love the film Blue Beetle! One thing I enjoy is the strong cultural theme at its center. It is a great sci-fi film, with a great tone and some pretty fun comedic scenes and characters, which is different for a DC movie.” Mikella G. adds, “Blue Beetle is a fascinating adventurous movie that checks off every box. It brings you to laughter, tears and everything in between all while being an intense blockbuster film!” Kira O. wraps it up with, “You won’t want to miss this heart-warming action-packed film. Throughout the entire film, the cinematography is so good that it feels like you are right in the middle of all the action. My favorite part is when Jaime is in danger and his family and Jenny rescue him by using advanced technology developed by Jenny’s late father.” See their full reviews below.

Blue Beetle
By Connor S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I really love the film Blue Beetle! One thing I enjoy is the strong cultural theme at its center. It is a great sci-fi film, with a great tone and some pretty fun comedic scenes and characters, which is different for a DC movie. 

The storyline is set in Palmera City where Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a Gotham pre-law graduate, is trying to get a job. When he meets Jenny Kord (Bruna Marqueszine), she gives him a piece of alien technology called the “Scarab” that gives him superpowers. The plot thickens when a woman named Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) tries to steal the Scarab back from Jamie, putting his entire family in danger.

The storyline is great. What this story does differently than other superhero movies is make the main character’s family a big part of the action. There are a lot of other unique things about this film, too. I love the way the director and writers bring representation of Latino culture into the film through the characters and the sets. Palmera City, Jamie’s house and Jamie’s family all feel very realistic. The costumes are incredible as well, especially the Blue Beetle suit — it’s slick and has a personality of its own. Of all the characters, my favorite is Rudy (George Lopez), who brings a lot of fun into his scenes. He is the ‘tech support’ for Jamie, but is also a conspiracy theorist, and there are a lot of jokes based on his quirky personality. The makeup effects are great too; for example the scene where Jamie transforms into the Blue Beetle.

The film’s message is that family makes you stronger, not weaker, which is a theme I love. Be forewarned that the film has a few violent scenes, a lot of action, some profanity and sexual references.

I give Blue Beetle 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters on August 18, 2023.

Blue Beetle
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Blue Beetle is a fascinating adventurous movie that checks off every box. It brings you to laughter, tears and everything in between all while being an intense blockbuster film!

Blue Beetle takes place in Palmera City, and follows Jamie Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) who starts off as a typical college graduate trying to find himself and his calling. That all changes when an ancient relic, a Scarab, chooses Jamie as its host and sends him and his family on a life changing adventure.

A huge standout in this film is the creative storyline. I really enjoyed the idea of the Scarab, and how the characters go about finding a solution. Each character really comes to life, and watching their journey is so interesting. This movie hits all the marks and has something for everyone. There are so many comedic scenes, yet still definitely has some tear-jerking moments, especially in the end. These different dynamics contribute to creating a well-rounded film, which leads up to the satisfaction that comes at the end. It is quite intense and had me on the edge of my seat most of the time.

Another thing I enjoyed are the characters. They each have their own personalities and skills, but ultimately come together through their common love of family. For example, Jamie, Blue Beetle, is more of a go-with-the-flow kind of guy and a little unsure of himself. Then there’s Jenny (Bruna Marquezine), who is confident and experienced. Rudy (George Lopez) likes to take risks and often prays for the best. All of these different characteristics and personalities come together and mesh so well in creating a power team!

Lastly, the scenery in this movie is outstanding. The island is beautiful and the CGI is extremely clear. From the clear blue ocean water, to the local heartwarming neighborhoods, everything is extremely appealing to the eye. These features draw my attention, and locked me into what I’m watching.

The message of Blue Beetle is that strength comes from love and hope. Be forewarned that this film contains some strong language, aggressive violence and use of weapons.

‘I give Blue Beetle 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Blue Beetle releases in theaters August 18, 2023.

Blue Beetle
By Kira O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Blue Beetle is an awesome movie!  I like it because the story revolves around family and it’s a comedic sci-fi film made me laugh and cry. 

Blue Beetle is about a young man named Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), who returns home after graduating from college and discovers that his family is about to lose their house. When he and his sister, Milagro Reyes (Belissa Escobedo), get jobs working at the house of Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), Milagro’s mischief causes them to get fired, but not before they meet Victoria’s niece, Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine). Jenny offers to help Jaime land a job at Kord Industries but instead, she winds up asking him to protect the Scarab, an alien artifact that turns him into the Blue Beetle. The Scarab gives Jaime superhero powers but he is reluctant to use them until his family and Jenny become the target of the film’s villain, Victoria Kord. She wants to harness the power of the Scarab to build superhuman warriors and rule the world.

You won’t want to miss this heart-warming action-packed film. Throughout the entire film, the cinematography is so good that it feels like you are right in the middle of all the action. My favorite part is when Jaime is in danger and his family and Jenny rescue him by using advanced technology developed by Jenny’s late father. Even Jaime’s grandmother, Nana (Adriana Barraza), shows off her impressive combat skills by wielding a futuristic-looking rainbow-colored cannon.

The upbeat Latin-inspired soundtrack adds even more energy to the already intense scenes as Jaime’s loved ones risk their safety to protect him. I was especially impressed by Uncle Rudy’s (George Lopez) bravery when he faced off against Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo) and narrowly avoided being hit by a fireball. Overall, this movie is truly a thrilling and action-packed ride that will have you rooting for the Reyes family as they laugh together, encourage one another, and cope with tragedy.

The film’s message is that family matters more than anything else, and the love of your family make you strong even when things seem impossible. Be forewarned that there are some strong language and scenes with blood and gore that may be scary for a younger audience. 

I give Blue Beetle 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Blue Beetle is available in movie theaters on August 18, 2023.

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+.

Based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs – a struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec – who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “A scintillating, exhilarating watch, Gran Turismo will hold your attention from start to finish with its well-written script, deep characters, and detailed and immersive graphics… Gran Turismo promotes resilience. Every time Jann fails, Jack Salter (David Harbour), his trainer, pushes him to overcome the failure, get up, dust himself off, and move on to the next race.” See his full review below.

Gran Turismo
by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

A scintillating, exhilarating watch, Gran Turismo will hold your attention from start to finish with its well-written script, deep characters, and detailed and immersive graphics.

The film follows Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), a teen from Cardiff, Wales, who’s obsessed with the video game Gran Turismo. Jann’s family doesn’t really understand his passion and worries about him, especially since he dropped out of university because of his dream to be a racecar driver. When Jann is selected as one of 10 kids worldwide to compete in Nissan’s GT Academy for a shot to be a professional racer, he must face tragedies, love, deceit, and so much more on the path to glory.

The cast shines in this film. Archie Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough captures the emotions of a teen with big dreams and the fire inside him to pursue them. He comes across as emotionless in the first few scenes but warms up into his character—by the climax, you’re sure to be rooting for Mardenborough.

My other favorite character is David Harbour as Jack Salter, a tough character to play. He’s a typical Hollywood coach, aggressive but a bit jaded because of his previous experience in racing. Over the course of the film, he warms up, which is where Harbour shines; the transformation from a brooding middle-aged has-been to a kind but fiery coach is spellbinding.

The screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin enhances the film massively, as do the cinematography and graphics, as well as the monumental score by Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski. In every racing scene, you feel like you’re in the car with Jann; my jaw was clenched throughout every hairpin turn. When the lights go green at the beginning of every race, the whole theater vibrates with the sound of the engine starting up.

Gran Turismo promotes resilience. Every time Jann fails, Jack Salter (David Harbour), his trainer, pushes him to overcome the failure, get up, dust himself off, and move on to the next race. Interestingly, Salter starts off in the film by not believing in Jann or any of the other kids in the GT Academy. Jann’s performance turns Salter into his most ardent supporter. Herein lies another message: proving your detractors wrong. Salter’s belief in always doing the right thing puts him at odds with Nissan marketing executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), but is another great takeaway.

And of course, the core of the film is about achieving your dreams, no matter how unattainable they seem; when fate, fortune, and prowess align, you will find success. Parents should be aware of scenes with slightly foul language, one kissing scene, and one scene where kids drink and hang out in an industrial area and then have to run from the police.

I give Gran Turismo 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Gran Turismo releases in theaters on August 11, 2023.