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Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence. Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “What a film! I was ecstatic about seeing Barbie and it definitely exceeded my expectations by far…For a film like this it’s very easy to create something corny, disappointing, or unappealing to viewers. I’m so glad that Gretta Gerwig stepped up to the plate and created an absolute masterpiece.” Sydney S. adds, “I love Barbie, the movie, and how it takes the magic of a childhood doll and brings it to life. It’s a very powerful and moving production, and yet also has bursts of comedy. This film has an interesting and clever concept that I really enjoy.” Ella S. wraps it up with, “Barbie has a few messages—it puts a playful spin on gender stereotypes, calling attention to the unfairness girls and women face in today’s world. The Barbies using themselves to try to turn the Kens against each other so they can regain power represents the way women are pitted against each other because of outdated beauty standards.” See their full reviews below.

Barbie
By Zoe C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 14

What a film! I was ecstatic about seeing Barbie and it definitely exceeded my expectations by far. As much as I was excited, I was a bit scared that the stakes were too high; after all Barbie is an icon and a part of so many people’s childhood. For a film like this it’s very easy to create something corny, disappointing, or unappealing to viewers. I’m so glad that Gretta Gerwig stepped up to the plate and created an absolute masterpiece. 

The film starts with showing the origin of Barbie in 1959. It explains how little girls used to play with baby dolls and commonly acted as their mothers, but wanted a doll that they could really play with instead of taking care of. And that’s how Barbie came about. Then we see the beautiful Barbie world where every Barbie is a part of something. We see Barbie doctors, Barbie novelists, Barbie astronauts, Barbie everything! And in Barbie’s world every day is perfect. The star of the show Margot Robbie plays “Stereotypical Barbie” and she starts to notice strange things happening to her. She has to visit the real world to see who was playing with her to discover why these strange things are happening. The rest of the film is about Barbie trying to find herself and discovering scary aspects of the real world that she was blinded by before.

There was so much love put into this film and you can really see that on screen. The comedy in this film is so on point that the whole theater was laughing when I went to see this film. Huge kudos to Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, writers of this incredible screenplay. The script is pure genius; I love how the film really honors Barbie and what she was made for. The cast of this film is exceptional. Margot Robbie was originally producing the film until she was cast as Barbie. Margot is the perfect Barbie; she plays this role so well she is like a real-life Barbie on screen. The way she embodies Barbie is just so perfect. I was really excited to see Ryan Gosling as Ken since he’s one of my favorite actors. There’s a lot of controversy as to why Ryan Gosling was cast as Ken but he makes perfect sense. He plays Ken so well he really nails what it means to be Ken in this film. America Ferrera plays a Mom named Gloria and she is such an interesting character. She plays a mom who’s going through struggles of just being a woman and I’m sure her character will speak to so many mothers. 

It would be a crime to not talk about the insane set. Funny enough, Greta Gerwig used so much pink paint for this set that it actually drained an entire company’s supply. The Barbie world is exactly as you’d expect it — from Barbie dream-houses to Barbie beaches — everything looks like it came right out of a toy store. Rodrigo Prieto shot this film and the cinematography is extraordinary. As someone who grew up with Barbie, this film really speaks to me. I am in love with the score of this film. Billie Eilish’s “What was I made for” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard. This film is packed with so many great artists like Tame Impalla, Lizzo, Dua Lipa and many others. 

The film is packed with so many messages. I was surprised with how many topics this film covers — what it means to be a woman, what it means to be a mother, what it’s like to grow up in today’s society, what is love, and so much more. This film is a celebration of women and girlhood but I also love how it represents men. Ken is discovering how men are viewed in today’s society in a similar way to how Barbie is discovering who she is.

I give Barbie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Don’t miss Barbie in theaters July 21, 2023.

Barbie
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love Barbie, the movie, and how it takes the magic of a childhood doll and brings it to life. It’s a very powerful and moving production, and yet also has bursts of comedy. This film has an interesting and clever concept that I really enjoy.

Barbie revolves around the life of a stereotypical Barbie doll (Margot Robbie) living in Barbie Land. Everything seems to be perfect, until she starts to get human thoughts as well as features. To get everything back to normal, Barbie and Ken (Ryan Gosling) adventure to the real world to speak with Barbie’s owner.

The main characters are Barbie and Ken. And there are many “Barbies,” including those played by Emma Mackey, Hari Nerf, Nicola Coughlan, Alexandra Shipp and some “Kens,” such as Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, and John Cena. Other characters are Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt), Gloria (America Ferrera), and Mattel CEO (Will Ferrell). These actors were absolutely convincing and exciting at portraying their characters and the relationship between them. Everyone in Barbie Land has some sort of connection, and I admire that. The characters’ costumes are vibrant, funky, and of course, some are pink! Every additional detail enhances the plot and makes me feel like I am in Barbie Land with the other characters. From Barbie’s plastic breakfast to her massive wardrobe, each part of this film is touched by Barbie’s magic. The subtle differences between Barbie Land and the real world add up, though, and it’s drastic enough to show that we don’t live in fantasy. That opens Barbie’s eyes and makes her see the beauty of our planet. It’s a positive reminder that life is beautiful.

My favorite part of the film is the music. Well-known artists like Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice composed songs to fit the plot as well as Barbie’s upbeat energy. Billie Eilish’s song gave me chills and fits the storyline perfectly! The way the film is directed keeps me engaged and entertained throughout the entire thing. I applaud the director, Greta Gerwig, as well as the whole crew that made this film incredible. Next, while Barbie connected with her owner, I had a rush of nostalgia. Barbie’s owner used to play with her a lot because she gave her a sense of empowerment and motivation, but our current society made her feel like she doesn’t belong anywhere. I think many people can relate to this, as it’s a reconnection with a past self. I like that it shows how much meaning a doll can have, and how Barbie has changed so many lives.

The message of this film is to never give up, but to always persevere. Barbie learns this as she’s about to give up. There are conversations regarding inappropriate body parts, so that’s something to look out for.

I give Barbie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Barbie releases exclusively in theaters July 21, 2023.

Barbie
By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Barbie is a sassy, funny movie with remarkable acting, gorgeous sets and costumes, and the ultimate summer soundtrack! I really enjoyed watching my favorite toys come to life in a world of pink and beaches, and the movie has some meaningful messages to deliver.

The film starts in glamorous Barbieland, where gender roles are reversed—all women are high-powered career Barbies who run the society, but men are just…Ken. They only exist for their Barbies. Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) has a perfect life—she parties every night and never has a bad hair day. But when things start to go wrong for Barbie, she and Ken (Ryan Gosling) must make the journey to the human world and find her owner, reconnecting a mother (America Ferrera) and her daughter Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) and discovering their own purposes along the way.

The first thing I noticed in the movie was the whimsical, impeccably-designed set. Barbie’s dreamhouse is flawlessly recreated—and everything is pink! The roads are paved with pink bricks, and the beach has pink sand. There is a recreation of Mount Rushmore with the faces of four Barbies—and it’s pink! There are also some cute animated effects, such as a puff of pink dust. Margot Robbie is a perfect Barbie—with perfect outfits! She knows when to be shallow and superficial (without it looking like bad acting!) and when to go deeper. Throughout the movie, Barbie’s experiences in the real world transform her from a plastic doll to a human being, and Margot Robbie captures that perfectly. Barbie’s soundtrack is perfect for it, featuring songs such as “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa, which captures how fun, free, and glitzy Barbie is. “Just Ken,” sung by Ryan Gosling, brings some attention to the ignored Kens, putting them in the spotlight. Another thing I love about this movie is the amount of people it can reach—younger kids will immerse themselves in Barbieland and enjoy the toy aspect of the movie. Adults will appreciate the film’s messages about feminism, motherhood, stereotypes, and just being human and making mistakes. And everyone will feel recognized, regardless of their gender or ethnicity.

Barbie has a few messages—it puts a playful spin on gender stereotypes, calling attention to the unfairness girls and women face in today’s world. The Barbies using themselves to try to turn the Kens against each other so they can regain power represents the way women are pitted against each other because of outdated beauty standards. The movie also reminds us that we are all human, and we don’t always get it right. But that’s the beauty of life, because imperfection leads to change—new ideas and things we never knew we could have. Note that the film contains comical violence and mild language and suggestive material.

I give Barbie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters on July 21, 2023.

In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “This film is one of my favorites of the year. I had little to no expectations for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One since was unfamiliar with the franchise, but this movie really blew me away.” Mikella G. adds, “The outstanding aspects of this film are the visual effects and the editing during the high-action scenes. For instance, there are multiple car chases throughout this movie. They all feel so realistic and exciting, which definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Everything happens so fast, but yet the imagery is clear.” Katherine S. remarks, “The 7th installment of the Mission: Impossible doesn’t disappoint. It’s full of blade fights, fast-moving car chases, speeding trains, crazy motorcycle stunts, cyber-attacks and more – perfect for adventure-movie lovers.” Rayce S. wraps it up with, “Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One is like a roller coaster ride. There are many ups and downs and twists and turns, and by the end of it you’re left wanting more. What makes it such an enjoyable ride is the action—this movie takes its action sequences to a whole other level.” See their full reviews below.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
By Zoe C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I left the theater in awe after seeing Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One. This film is one of my favorites of the year. I had little to no expectations for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One since was unfamiliar with the franchise, but this movie really blew me away. 

The film opens with Ethan Hunt, (gracefully played by Tom Cruise) and his team who are trying to track down the second half of a key. Many other people are also after the same parts of the key, but no one knows what it unlocks. This scary weapon has the power to control the whole world, so it’s pivotal that both halves of the key go to the right person. The entire film showcases the journey in tracking down the key, and the many scary life-threatening obstacles everyone must go through.

I love the way this film was shot. The cinematography by Fraser Taggart caught my attention almost immediately. The only wide or full body shots are the intense action scenes. Every other moment is captured beautifully. 50% of this film is pure acting and the close-ups serve that purpose. The other half is the action scenes – those had the whole theater at the edge of their seats.

Director Christopher McQuarrie really knew what he was doing as the action scenes are absolutely incredible. Tom Cruise is one of those actors who truly goes above and beyond for his films. The stunts he pulls off in this film are jaw-dropping. His stunts, together with the crazy action scenes, really add a whole other level of excitement for the viewer. This film has such an incredible cast — of course, Tom stands out as one that always excels in his films. I love the performance by Hayley Atwell who plays Grace, a character Ethan meets who is also after the key. I love that Hayley plays her character in such a way that makes it impossible to know what is coming next — she is so unpredictable! Simon Pegg, as Benji Dunn, and Ving Rhames, as Luther Stickell, are two fascinating actors as well. They work together beautifully on the big screen, and they both carry their characters in an outstanding way. If you’re like me and have not seen the Mission Impossible films before or any of the franchise for that matter — don’t worry! I was skeptical that, since I don’t have much context, the story could be confusing, but I followed along perfectly. Of course if you have seen the previous films or the TV series, certain elements of the plot might be more exciting. Nonetheless, this film delivers the wow factor 100%!

The message of the film is that everything we do in our lives matters and we shouldn’t waste a second. Be aware that there is a lot of intense action violence.

I give Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Check out this film when it releases in theaters July 12, 2023! 

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is an attention-grabbing blockbuster film that took me on an exciting world of mystery and adventure.

The film follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the IMF team as they embark on a mission to gain possession of a dangerous gold key, which threatens the humanity of the world. While on this journey, Ethan encounters many obstacles, along with some familiar faces and some new ones. However, this mission is unlike any other, and he must put everything aside in order to achieve his high stakes goal.

The outstanding aspects of this film are the visual effects and the editing during the high-action scenes. For instance, there are multiple car chases throughout this movie. They all feel so realistic and exciting, which definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Everything happens so fast, but yet the imagery is clear. I really enjoy these scenes because it makes me focus on what’s happening. The suspense in this film ties right into that excitement factor and is extremely powerful. The entire airport scene had me on my toes, fully engaged with what was happening. The whole movie feels like this and, by the end, I was completely blown away with what I’d just watched.

Additionally, I enjoyed the storyline. It definitely lives up to the Mission Impossible name and is relatively easy to understand. Sometimes films like this can get complicated and the main objective can get thrown on the back burner, but that is definitely not the case with this film — the message and mission are definitely clear. This is important because it is likely to appeal to a wide age range, as well as many different types of personalities. Lastly, Tom Cruise’s performance is one to remember. He once again embodies the character of Ethan Hunt in a way that feels so realistic and exciting. Ethan goes through a whirlwind of emotions and Tom Cruise executes them so well, whether he’s risking his life jumping off a cliff, or having a vulnerable moment with a loved one, Ethan Hunt fully comes to life.

The message of this film is to always make it work with what you have and to never give up. Be aware that there is some action violence and use of weapons.

I give Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters July 12, 2023.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I love Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One! The 7th installment of the Mission: Impossible doesn’t disappoint. It’s full of blade fights, fast-moving car chases, speeding trains, crazy motorcycle stunts, cyber-attacks and more – perfect for adventure-movie lovers.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is back and tasked with yet another impossible mission. He must hunt down a threatening weapon that could destroy humankind if it is in the wrong hands. This assignment takes him and his team across the globe on a mission that could cost him not only his life but also the lives of everyone he cares about.

There is no need to see any of the other Mission: Impossible movies before watching this one because I hadn’t seen any before this one and followed the storyline quickly. There are a few references and characters from previous movies, but not enough to be confusing. Even though this movie is a whopping 2 hours and 43 minutes long, it leaves you wanting even more, and I can’t wait for part two. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One has the funniest and most intense high-speed car chase I’ve ever seen. The humor is subtle and very nicely placed as it breaks up the intensity at key moments. It also deals with very current topics like AI. The various filming locations, such as Italy, Abu Dhabi and Norway, makes this a visually stunning movie.

I have only one word for the stunts in this movie: insane. And even though he is 61, Tom Cruise performs almost all of his stunts, including one where he rides off a cliff on a motorcycle. Since a lot of stunts today are computer generated or performed by stunt people, this aspect really sets the movie apart and makes it even more enjoyable. I love the dynamic of Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames) and Ethan because they reflect the comradery and jokes only a close team of people can share. Some other notable performances are from Hayley Atwell as Grace, the cunning pick-pocketer, Rebecca Ferguson as the talented sniper, and Esai Morales as Gabriel.

The film’s message is that with the power of teamwork, you can accomplish impossible things. There is some profanity, intense fighting scenes, and death. This movie shows that no one is truly good, and no one is truly bad.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Fans of the Mission Impossible movies and any adventure movie will love this. This movie releases in theaters on July 12, 2023.

Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I liked Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. The action sequences are the best part of this film; what also stands out is the suspense it creates and the characters.

The storyline follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he is tasked with an impossible mission to find and destroy an AI machine before it gets into the wrong hands.

Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One is like a roller coaster ride. There are many ups and downs and twists and turns, and by the end of it you’re left wanting more. What makes it such an enjoyable ride is the action—this movie takes its action sequences to a whole other level. A strong example of this is when Ethan Hunt is fighting against Paris (Pom Klementieff) and her partner in a small narrow alleyway. The choreography that shows him having to fight and defend both of them at the same time is spectacular to watch. Another key aspect of this film is the way it builds suspense. Every moment of this film is builds suspense and there’s always a big payoff and that works surprisingly well. For example, the airport scene has a dual mission happening: One involving a physical person that they have to stop, and the other involving the AI machine trying to sabotage the mission. This creates a great sequence where you as an audience member are focusing on two stressful things at the same time. 

The final part that makes this film is its characters. Ethan Hunt and Grace (Hayley Atwell) are a really fun duo to watch in the car chase scene.  I also really enjoyed watching Benji (Simon Pegg) as he was kind of the comedy relief for this film.

The message of this film is that your past doesn’t matter but your future does—this is mainly shown through the character of Grace. Her life was terrible and meaningless and she was a bad person, but by the end of the film she’s given a choice to become a little bit better, showing us how your past doesn’t define you but your future does.

I give Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One four out of five stars. And I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film will release in theaters on July 12, 2023.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken * A Hilarious Film With A Captivating Story, Talented Voice Actors And Terrific CharactersSometimes the hero you are meant to be lies just beneath the surface. This summer, DreamWorks Animation dives into the turbulent waters of high school with a hilarious, heartfelt action comedy about a shy teenager who discovers that she’s part of a legendary royal lineage of mythical sea krakens and that her destiny, in the depths of the oceans, is bigger than she ever dreamed.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella S. comments, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a hilarious film with a captivating story — I couldn’t even get up for more popcorn! It is illustrated by bright and interesting characters that you will root for and evil ones you’ll be afraid of. I love the music chosen for the film, but my favorite part is definitely the animation.” Connor S. adds, “The film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is great! I like that they center the film on a 15-year-old and her struggles as a teenager. The film also has some really talented voice actors and hilarious characters that made it really fun to watch and a great time at the movies.” See their full reviews below.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a hilarious film with a captivating story — I couldn’t even get up for more popcorn! It is illustrated by bright and interesting characters that you will root for and evil ones you’ll be afraid of. I love the music chosen for the film, but my favorite part is definitely the animation.

The storyline follows 16-year-old Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a kraken girl who just wants to be a normal teenager, but the universe has other plans for her. When she accidentally sends Connor (Jaboukie Young-White), the boy she had planned to ask to prom, overboard and dives in after him, she discovers that she is not only a giant kraken, but underwater royalty, granddaughter of the kraken queen (Jane Fonda). With the help of her new kraken superpowers and her Uncle Brill (Sam Richardson), she uncovers her family history and the ancient rivalry between the krakens and the evil mermaids, all while trying to maintain her friendships and avoiding the monster-hunting sailor, Gordon Lighthouse (Will Forte).

You need to know that the kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the power-hungry mermaids. The characters in Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken immediately drew me in. Viewers will cheer Ruby on from the beginning because of her determination and her vivid personality. Her little brother, Sam, has a contagious happy energy that made me feel more awake when I watched him destroy his opponents at dodgeball. Uncle Brill is so effortlessly hilarious, even when he doesn’t mean to be — such as when he accidentally reveals Ruby’s lineage to her. His goofy antics kept me entertained throughout the film. It’s hard not to adore Connor, with his big eyes and innocent personality. The wicked mermaid (Annie Murphy), on the other hand, is malicious and terrifying. The soundtrack of Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken features upbeat songs that many teenagers will find relatable, such as I Just Wanna Shine by Fitz and the Tantrums. What I find most stunning about the film is the animation. I love the way the mermaid’s hair is like a glowing white mist — and how all the krakens’ markings glow in the dark. The underwater Kraken Kingdom is beautifully constructed, and I love the way the main building is designed with a skylight. The lights and darks and the animation’s color scheme make a huge impact on the film as a whole. Even the fast-moving scenes, such as the fight for the trident, are seamlessly animated, and it almost feels like a three-dimensional experience.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken reminded me that anyone can do anything, regardless of their age or species! Our differences don’t make us weird; they make us special. We can’t all have laser eyes, but everyone has a superpower unique to them, just waiting to be unlocked.

I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The movie releases in theaters June 30, 2023.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
By Connor S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is great! I like that they center the film on a 15-year-old and her struggles as a teenager. The film also has some really talented voice actors and hilarious characters that made it really fun to watch and a great time at the movies.

The film is set in a seaside town where Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) is a teenage kraken just trying to fit in when, after an accident, she turns into a giant kraken! She is embarrassed about her newfound power and desperately wants to hide it. The conflict arises when Ruby tries to learn about her powers, but her mother (Toni Collette) tries to stop her. Ruby decides to learn anyway and finds out that she is much more than just a giant kraken.

Thematically, this film explores coming-of-age and how to treat each other nicely. There are a ton of great things about the movie. To begin, the animation is very creative and colorful. While mostly CGI, it includes traditional 2D animation mixed in. The design of the town is well crafted, and the krakens are very interesting because they have tentacle-like arms and legs that stretch and bend in hilarious ways. The voice actors are great in this film, as well. Annie Murphy’s portrayal of Chelsea really covers a wide range of personalities, from sweet to menacing. One of the funniest characters is Uncle Brill, who is just trying to help but always seems to end up getting bonked. My favorite scenes are all the ones under water, because of the wide variety of creatures we see. The ending has a bit of a plot twist.

The film’s message is very uplifting — to answer the call and discover your true self. It’s a very positive social message, especially for teenagers. Be aware that there is one mildly disturbing scene where a character almost drowns.

I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is available now in theaters.

The League celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. The story is told through previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews with legendary players like Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil — whose early careers paved the way for the Jackie Robinson era — as well as celebrated Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Hank Aaron who started out in the Negro Leagues. From entrepreneurial titans Cumberland Posey and Gus Greenlee, whose intense rivalry fueled the rise of two of the best baseball teams ever to play the game, to Effa Manley, the activist owner of the Newark Eagles and the only woman ever admitted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, THE LEAGUE explores Black baseball as an economic and social pillar of Black communities and a stage for some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game, while also examining the unintended consequences of integration.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “The League is an intriguing sports film documenting the camaraderie and competition embedded in the evolution of the Negro leagues.” Sydney S. adds, “I like the documentary, The League, and how it celebrates racial justice through a common passion: baseball. The combination of animation and film footage makes it visually appealing. I admire all the people involved in the film, as well as its historical perspective.” See their full reviews and interviews below.

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

The League is an intriguing sports film documenting the camaraderie and competition embedded in the evolution of the Negro leagues. Despite its mix of newly unearthed interviews, carefully chosen music, and crisp and clear b-roll, the film falls short of a home run due to its slightly sluggish pace.

The League uses Black baseball as a lens to view the US pre-, post-, and during integration. An economic and social pillar of Black communities and a stage for some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game, The League also explores many unintended consequences of integration. It’s a story of trials and tribulations, but also rousing victories.

The film offers a portrait of a community that weathered discrimination and marginalization and used a common passion — the sport of baseball — to shape their community in a time of new rights and a more integrated society. A jazz fan and lifelong film student himself, director Sam Pollard effectively sews together never-before-seen interview footage, historically rooted jazz tunes and a clear, if at times circuitous, narrative in The League. At times, the film loses itself in descriptions of individual players and it becomes hard to maintain the big-picture view of the Negro leagues. However, the crisp visuals and voiceovers – one by Pollard himself, of the late Negro league umpire, author and US marine, Bob Motley.

The League promotes resilience through a mix of self-reliance, resourcefulness and teamwork.

I give The League 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The League releases exclusively in AMC Theaters on July 7, 2023.

The League
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

This documentary is perfect for anyone interested in sports and/or history. It has eye-opening material that is very educational while keeping one invested in the story. I learned so much about the Negro leagues and their importance to baseball and all of America.

The League honors the journey of the Negro leagues baseball and highlights the contributions of many, including Bob Motley, Rube Foster and Effa Manley, while also spotlighting the incredible teams like the Newark Eagles, Kansas City Monarchs, Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays. It investigates the start, the glory days, the challenges and the decline of the Negro leagues from many different points of view. It also explores the impact the Negro leagues had on the communities where they played.

If you have a passion for history and baseball, this is a great watch. It goes behind headlines and takes an opportunity to dig deeper into everything about the leagues and the MLB. Even if you’re not very knowledgeable about baseball (like me), this documentary is certainly one to watch. The director, Sam Pollard, gives a very thoughtful performance as he voices Bob Motley’s perspective and experience as an umpire in the Negro leagues. In addition to Bob Motley’s thoughts, this movie also uncovers never-before seen interviews with Negro leagues’ players and explanations from amazing historians and authors such as Larry Lester, Andrea Williams, Bob Kendrick and Dr. Lawrence Hogan.

The League demonstrates all the courage, passion, and determination of so many people. It gives you an in-depth view of the complexity of the Negro leagues. There are a few heavy topics covered in this movie that may not be suitable for a younger audience.

I give The League 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I especially recommend it to those interested in baseball. It releases in theaters July 7, 2023.

The League
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I like the documentary, The League, and how it celebrates racial justice through a common passion: baseball. The combination of animation and film footage makes it visually appealing. I admire all the people involved in the film, as well as its historical perspective.

This storyline follows the creation of the Negro League and how playing baseball changed the course of history forever. Despite their obstacles, the league is part of an important social movement.

The directors of the film are Jeff Schaffer and Jackie Marcus Schaffer, both of whom are also part of the fifteen person writing team. They excel at spotlighting the various points of view and personal stories for the large number of people involved. The interview subjects include Phil Dixon, Andrea Williams, Larry Lester, Bob Kendrick, Leslie Heaphy, Rob Ruck, James Brunson, Layton Revel, Larry Hogan and Jim Overmyer. Each of them has a story about how the Negro League changed their life or their family’s lives. A big part of bringing together the Negro League is collaboration. Every person involved helped grow the league and connect it altogether. Baseball is for everyone. That is shown when the Eastern Colored League and the Negro National League play each other in the very first Colored World Series. Fantastic players such as Hank Aaron and Willie Mays actually started their career in the Negro League. They made it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This shows how foundations are built from the ground up.

These players were not spectacular when they started, but they kept practicing and were dedicated to learning the sport. In fact, the League was pretty unprivileged at first, but that didn’t stop them from playing their hearts out. They did the best they could with what they had and that led the Negro League to victory later on. It brought people together and also brought better opportunities to their lives. The League is full of pride about how much they have accomplished and how it sparked the rise of Black professionals in the 20th Century. I like how animation is used in this film, varying from never-before-seen footage to animated run-throughs of the game in action. The music also adds to the effect because it builds anticipation. Despite the Great Depression and segregation through America, baseball was a tie that kept people together.

The film’s message is that passion and stamina are essential for achieving your dreams. It also enforces that idea that your ethnicity, or what someone else thinks about you, doesn’t dictate who you are as a person or an athlete.

I give The League 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in Theaters July 7, 2023 and will begin streaming July 14, 2023.

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history. Experience the return of legendary hero, Indiana Jones, in the fifth installment of this beloved swashbuckling series of films. Finding himself in a new era, approaching retirement, Indy wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of an old rival, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyis another classic adventure with Harrison Ford’s intrepid archeologist, but the movie shifts into a better gear when it reinvents rather than repeats. That said, nothing beats seeing this character back in the saddle…”  David E. adds, “Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure that transported me to a world of ancient mysteries and daring exploits.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure film that captures the essence of the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. This action-packed movie, directed by James Mangold, delivers an exhilarating experience from start to finish. The captivating storyline, impressive visuals and talented cast make it a must-watch for fans of the series.” See their full reviews below.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is another classic adventure with Harrison Ford’s intrepid archeologist, but the movie shifts into a better gear when it reinvents rather than repeats. That said, nothing beats seeing this character back in the saddle, riding off into the sunset in search of the next great artifact.

The movie opens in 1969 — we’ve landed on the moon, but Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) has landed a job as a professor at a sleepy university in New York. The adventure begins when his goddaughter, Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) offers him a chance to find a dial from ancient times that is rumored to have extraordinary capabilities. Indy soon discovers he’s not the only one in search of the dial. A foe from Indy’s past is on the trail with a posse of armed, dangerous associates and he wants to use the dial to rewind time and undo the events of World War II in the Nazi’s favor. Indy and Helena’s quest for a relic becomes a globe-trotting mission to stop the dial from being used for evil.

It’s a winning celebration of all things Indiana Jones, the character, Harrison Ford’s performance, the movies, and a reminder of why we love them. When the movie turns its focus away from honoring the past and instead tells a whole new Indy adventure, that’s where it gets really good. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny starts with a thud. We see a flashback featuring a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford as a younger Indy in his first brush with the titular Dial, aided by an anxious professor (Toby Jones). It sets up the fabric of the story ahead, but the de-aging effect doesn’t work like it needs to. It immediately creates a distance between us and the adventurer we’re here to see. It’s disquieting to see Indiana Jones not as we’ve known him for five movies now, but as a manipulated, augmented version of himself. A large portion of the rest of the movie suffers from the same flaws — in honoring the franchise’s past it feels like it keeps doing things we’ve seen before. In the final stretch, though, it does something I’ve never seen these movies do before, more specifically, somewhere Indy has never ventured.

There isn’t a lesson per se to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny but all stories that deal with time and its manipulation remind us that we have to try to be happy where we are, rather than live in the past. If you’ve seen an Indiana Jones movie, you know that faces can get melted off or hearts pulled out in the pursuit of treasure, be warned that there is frequent violence and some profanity.

I give Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny swings into theaters nationwide on June 30, 2023.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure that transported me to a world of ancient mysteries and daring exploits.

Starring the legendary Harrison Ford, this film takes us on a journey alongside the iconic archaeologist, Indiana Jones, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Dial of Destiny.

The film delivers an entertaining experience that will satisfy those seeking adrenaline-fueled escapades. From the moment the movie begins, I was immediately captivated by the action-packed scenes and breathtaking locations. The film seamlessly blends intense action sequences with moments of suspense and discovery, keeping me engaged and on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film. Harrison Ford delivers yet another stellar performance as Indiana Jones, effortlessly portraying the charismatic and resourceful character we all know and love. His performance adds depth and authenticity to the film, making me feel as if I was right there alongside him, facing danger and unraveling ancient puzzles.

The plot of Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny is filled with twists and turns, taking the audience on a globetrotting adventure from ancient ruins to hidden temples. The quest to unlock the secrets of the Dial of Destiny is both thrilling and intriguing, with each new discovery bringing Indiana Jones closer to the truth. However, there are moments when the pace slows down, and the plot feels a bit convoluted, which can be a minor drawback. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The stunning cinematography showcases the exotic locations and beautifully crafted sets, immersing the audience in the world of Indiana Jones. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the special effects enhance the overall cinematic experience, adding to the excitement and grandeur of the film.

The film’s message is that some things shouldn’t be discovered. Be aware that there is some profanity.

I give Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny 4.5out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults, especially those who are devoted fans of adventure films. Mark your calendars for its release on June 30, 2023, and brace yourself for an action-packed adventure.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 19

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure film that captures the essence of the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. This action-packed movie, directed by James Mangold, delivers an exhilarating experience from start to finish. The captivating storyline, impressive visuals and talented cast make it a must-watch for fans of the series.

In this installment, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a race against time to retrieve the legendary Dial of Destiny, a powerful artifact that holds the potential to alter the course of history. Accompanied by his courageous goddaughter, they face off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who now works for NASA. As the stakes rise, the characters find themselves in a thrilling pursuit that certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.

This film is an absolute treat for fans of the franchise and adventure enthusiasts of all ages. With its thrilling storyline, impressive performances, and breathtaking visuals, it captivated me from beginning to end. The protagonist, Indiana Jones is flawlessly portrayed by the talented Harrison Ford whose performance captures the charismatic and adventurous spirit that has made the character iconic. The film’s production design, by Adam Stockhausen, is exceptional, transporting viewers to stunning and immersive locations around the world. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and special effects truly brings the world of Indiana Jones to life. My favorite parts of this film are the incredible action sequences. The choreography and execution of these scenes are top-notch, providing exhilarating moments that showcase the daring nature of Indiana Jones. Additionally, John Williams’ musical score perfectly complements the on-screen action, adding to the overall excitement and immersion.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny delivers a powerful message about the importance of preserving history and the consequences of tampering with it. The film successfully conveys the idea that our actions in the present can have far-reaching effects on the future. It also highlights the significance of teamwork and courage in the face of adversity. Parents should be aware that the film contains some intense action scenes and mild language.

I give Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny a stellar 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Both young viewers and adults will enjoy the exhilarating ride that this film offers. Make sure to catch it in theaters starting June 30, 2023.