Do you love movies? Do you have a passion for helping other children make good media choices? If so, then you’re invited to audition for a spot on our awesome 65 member team. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yeywrrxb
Our deadline is July 13, so jump on it now!
KIDS FIRST! is a national educational organization that empowers children to become media-literate consumers. We do this by providing children with the tools and resources they need to critically evaluate the media they consume. One of the ways we do this is through our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics is open to children ages 9 to 15, worldwide – as long as you speak and write in English. As a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, you will have the opportunity to:
Watch new children’s films before they are released to the public
Attend film festivals and industry events
Meet and interview filmmakers and actors
Write reviews of these films for our website, blog & social media channels
Videotape reviews for our YouTube Channel, blog, website & social media
Check out Hanadie K.’s review of the new Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid.
We are looking for children who are passionate about movies, who are articulate and have a strong desire to learn more about the entertainment business. If you think you have what it takes to be a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, then we encourage you to audition for a spot among our 65 worldwide team. That’s right, you can join from anyplace in the world, as long as you speak and write in English.
Our audition deadline is July 13. But don’t despair. If you can’t make this one, we’ll have another one later this summer.
In addition to the information above, here are some additional reasons why you should consider becoming a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic:
It’s a great way to learn about the film industry and how movies are made.
You will get to see new films before they are released to the public.
You will have the opportunity to meet and interview filmmakers and actors.
You will be able to share your thoughts and opinions about movies with other children.
You will be helping to shape the future of children’s media.
To learn more about the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program and how to apply on our website: https://www.kidsfirst.org.
Asteroid City takes place in a fictional American desert town circa 1955. Following a writer on his world famous fictional play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to small rural Asteroid City to compete in a junior stargazing event, only to have his world view disrupted forever. Director Wes Anderson brings another all-star cast to this striking, imaginary world.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “Wes Anderson’s unique style is all over the film Asteroid City. While watching it, I vacillated between being confused with the storyline and captivated by the eye-candy cinematography. I love the coloring of this film, and like Asteroid City as a whole but, despite the amazing cast and fascinating moments, the film left me blank.” See her full review below.
Asteroid City By Zoe C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 14
Writer/director Wes Anderson on the set of ASTEROID CITY. Credit: Courtesy of Roger Do Minh/Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features
Wes Anderson’s unique style is all over the film Asteroid City. While watching it, I vacillated between being confused with the storyline and captivated by the eye-candy cinematography. I love the coloring of this film, and like Asteroid City as a whole but, despite the amazing cast and fascinating moments, the film left me blank.
The story starts showing a dad, Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) with his three daughters and one son, visiting Asteroid City’s western meteor crash site hosting a sort of “space camp.” The family is attending a science competition. While there, an alien visits everyone attending the science competition. This extreme world-changing event causes Augie, his family and everyone else at the competition to quarantine, leaving them stuck.
I really like the style of this film, the cinematography and set designs. The film takes place in 1955 and really embodies this time era. The bright colors of Asteroid City are mesmerizing but become overwhelming at times.
(L-R) Mike Maggert, Fisher Stevens, Jeffrey Wright, Tony Revolori and Bob Balaban in Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features
Throughout the film, there are cuts in the storyline that make it confusing. It seems that Wes Anderson tries to tell the author’s story while telling the story of Asteroid City at the same time. I like the storyline, although the multi-narrative detracts from the story itself and makes it difficult to understand where the story is going. The ending does piece together the straggling parts and everything becomes a lot clearer. After the first hour there is a turning point where I could better understand what was going on.
I love the cast! I am a huge fan of Maya Hawke who plays a teacher named June. I love Maya’s ability to be so in touch with the roles she plays and I really love her performance in this film. Scarlett Johansson also delivers a great performance as the character, Midge who is an actress in the film. Both Jake Ryan as Woodrow Steenbeck and Jason Schwartzman as Augie Steenbeck nail their performances — their characters are surprisingly very alike, both having awkward, yet interesting personalities.
(L-R) Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks on set of ASTEROID CITY. Credit: Courtesy of Roger Do Minh/Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features
There are so many other incredible actors in this film like Tom Hanks who plays the grandfather of the three girls and their brother. I love the performance of the three young daughters — they are so funny and adorable.
The film’s message is about scientists and artists finding a common place and longing to connect. Be aware that there is brief nudity, smoking and suggestive material.
I give Asteroid City 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Asteroid City releases in theaters June 23, 2023.
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Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire, Water, Earth and Air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The voice cast includes Leah Lewis as the fiery Ember; Mamoudou Athie as the water-guy Wade; Ronnie del Carmen as Ember’s soon-to-be retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember’s love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade’s stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O’Hara as Wade’s welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember’s admiring neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “I absolutely love the movie Elemental! It shares an uplifting message that’s perfect for the younger generation. The animation is visually captivating, too. The whole concept and plot of the film (and the forbidden love story) is very clever and well-written.” Kendall B. adds, “Elemental has so many wonderful ‘elements,’ such as its detailed animation, playful voice-acting, and hilarious lines.” Emma D. wraps it up with, “Elemental is a beautiful animated film that fills the screen with color and excitement and is a great viewing experience for audiences of all ages. The animation is definitely the highlight of the film; the plot leaves a little to be desired.” See their full reviews below.
Elemental By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I absolutely love the movie Elemental! It shares an uplifting message that’s perfect for the younger generation. The animation is visually captivating, too. The whole concept and plot of the film (and the forbidden love story) is very clever and well-written.
The film takes us on the journey of a girl from the fire side of Element City meeting a guy from the water side. They try their best to solve a serious problem without conversing much. Who knows what happens when fire and water mix?
The main characters are Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), Wade (Mamoudou Athie), Gale Cumulus (Wendi McLendon-Covey), Cinder (Sheila Vosough), Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen), Brook Ripple (Catherine O’Hara) and Alan Ripple (Matthew Yang King). The fire people usually stay away from all the other elements, so when Wade starts conversing with Ember, her parents don’t approve. Wade could extinguish Ember, and Ember could make Wade evaporate. All in all, it’s not a good mix. The concept of water and fire mixing is so clever and I applaud Pixar / Disney for this new idea. It represents everyone’s differences and the idea that each element is special. Also, Ember learns to control her anger issues, which is a lesson many people can learn from. This movie appeals to me visually as well as emotionally.
The animation is incredible and it looks realistic even for being animated. Element City is beautiful and looks like a futuristic city. I felt like I was in the city with them while watching it. There’s a drastic change between the city and Ember’s hometown solely for fire people. I like the sets and how they relate to the elements. For instance, Wade’s house is mostly underwater, while other elements in the city live in trees. My favorite part of the film is when Wade starts the wave at the air basketball game they’re watching. All the water residents turn into an actual wave! All these pieces come together to make the movie entertaining, emotional, funny and captivating.
The film’s message is to follow your dreams and ignite your passions. It encourages others to do what they want to do with their life, rather than doing what other people ask them to do. In other words, be true to yourself. It also celebrates everyone’s differences.
I give Elemental 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. It releases in theaters June 16, 2023 and is expected to start streaming on Disney+ shortly thereafter.
Elemental By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Elemental has so many wonderful ‘elements,’ such as its detailed animation, playful voice-acting, and hilarious lines.
The storyline is about Ember (Leah Lewis), a girl who has lived in Firetown in Element City her entire life and dreams of one day taking over the family shop, run by her father (Ronnie Del Carmen). When a city inspector, Wade (Mamoudou Athie) bursts through the pipes under the shop he notices many violations in the shop and threatens to send notes of these violations to the city. Ember chases him throughout the city to get the notes back but it’s too late. After hearing her story he decides to help her, and the two eventually develop a bond. But can fire and water ever be together?
The best thing about this film is the intricate detail put into every bit of animation. The city has so many different parts and the animation provides a look into every nook and cranny. Also, there are many element-related puns in every scene. This attention to detail and creativity is seen everywhere, but I particularly noticed it in the scene where Wade and Ember go to an air ball playoff game. From the team names to the game itself everything is so well crafted. Leah Lewis has so much emotion as Ember and her personality really shines throughout the film. The chemistry between Wade and Ember is remarkable for an animated film. We only hear their voices but the two voice-actors work so well together. My favorite part of Elemental is the scene where Ember and Wade try to touch for the first time. They don’t exactly know what is going to happen since they are fire and water so the audience is left in anticipation.
The theme of Elemental is that differences shouldn’t separate people, and you should not judge somebody because of theirs. Throughout the film grudges are held against Ember due to her being from Firetown. Water and fire are not allowed to be together, but the love Wade and Ember share overcomes the differences that were supposed to keep them apart.
I give Elemental 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theatres June 16, 2023.
Elemental Emma D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Elemental is a beautiful animated film that fills the screen with color and excitement and is a great viewing experience for audiences of all ages. The animation is definitely the highlight of the film; the plot leaves a little to be desired.
Elemental tells the story of Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), a fire element who lives in the Element City, where water, land, fire and air residents live together. Ember lives in the fire neighborhood and hopes to take over her dad’s fire shop, but her anger issues and inability to control her temper is standing in her way. One day, Ember meets Wade (Mamoudou Athie), a water element who tries to shut down her dad’s business. After convincing Wade by explaining what the business means to her family, Wade tries to help her; only it’s too late since the paperwork has already been sent to his boss. Wade and Ember must work together to save her dad’s business, and along the way, they discover more than they ever knew was possible.
Elemental is a beautiful film to watch. The animated creation of Elemental is incredible; every scene is filled with vibrant colors. I love all the elements that they incorporate into the city’s design, especially with the multi-cultural neighborhoods like those that you would find in an actual city. The character animation is also great, especially with Ember; it is fascinating to see her flames become brighter and change shape depending on the weather. My favorite scene of the movie is the one underwater, as those visuals are the best in the film. However, the plot leaves a little to be desired. There are a lot of conflicts that are fixed quickly, so none of them feel that significant. Although I love Wade and Ember together, it is a little confusing since it is shown multiple times that water and fire shouldn’t touch, so it feels counterintuitive to what is being stated in the film. Gale Cumulus (Wendi McLendon-Covey) is very funny and I loved watching her and wanted more. Also, Clod (Mason Wertheimer) is absolutely adorable; it was nice watching other elements to see how they operate, not just fire and water. My favorite relationship in the film is between Ember and her father (Ronnie del Carmen) — it was heartwarming to see the respect the two have for each other and the love they share.
Elemental conveys the message of family, respect and loving others. It also has underlying messages of not discriminating against others, which is important in a world where some people are not always treated fairly.
I give Elemental 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on June 16, 2023.
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Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “Let’s travel back in time to January, 1940 when Flash first appeared in a comic book. Since then we’ve seen Flash in The Flash TV series that came out October 7, 2014. And now The Flash is on the big screen! This film is packed with action, comedy and many warm messages.” Kendall B. adds, “If you’re looking for a thrilling movie full of action, twists and turns and a fun plot, I suggest you watch The Flash. It features all that and more.” Benjamin P. wraps it up with, “The Flash is a truly rollicking, high-speed adventure through the multiverse loaded with action and countless heroes from all over the DC universe, and is equally adept at slowing down to linger on moments of humor and emotion throughout. It’s this approach to telling such a large-scale, densely plotted story that makes The Flash not just a good superhero movie, but just a good movie.” See their full reviews below.
The Flash By Zoe C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 14
Let’s travel back in time to January, 1940 when Flash first appeared in a comic book. Since then we’ve seen Flash in The Flash TV series that came out October 7, 2014. And now The Flash is on the big screen! This film is packed with action, comedy and many warm messages.
The film opens with Barry Alen (Ezra Miller) at a coffee shop and, as danger arises we see the fascinating way he turns into the Flash. With Barry’s dad in jail, balancing the life of being a superhero and suffering the loss of his mother, Barry gets worked up and discovers he has the ability to go back in time. He takes advantage of this new skill and accidentally changes the course of history. Barry becomes trapped in a new reality where General Zod is blood thirsty and wants to take over. He needs to create a new Justice League to fight back and undo what he’s done in hopes of returning to his normal life.
I like this film very much. I’m not huge on superheroes, but nonetheless I’ve always found them interesting. Despite not having much knowledge of superheroes and the DC universe I understood almost everything. There is a lot going on. Luckily the film keeps you captivated throughout and the story line is easy to follow. I love the cast! Especially outstanding are the appearances by Wonder Woman, Batman and especially Supergirl! Ezra Miller’s portrayal of Barry Alen is terrific. Ezra plays a younger version of Barry as well as an older version. He really touches into the youth of his character and his contrast of the two personalities is terrific. Sasha Calle is the very first Latina to play Supergirl and plays her beautifully. She definitely is my favorite character in this film. And of course, huge kudos to Andy Muschietti, the director of this fantastic movie.
The film’s message that spoke to me is that our past is meant for us to learn and grow from, not to go back and change it. Be aware that there are brief sexual references, some nudity and some harsh language.
I give The Flash 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Don’t miss The Flash when it opens in theaters and on MAX June 16, 2023.
The Flash By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
If you’re looking for a thrilling movie full of action, twists and turns and a fun plot, I suggest you watch The Flash. It features all that and more.
The film follows Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), better known as The Flash, a superhero with abilities to run at impossible speeds. After learning his powers can be used for time travel, he changes the tiniest detail in the life of his mom (Maribel Verdú) to ultimately save his whole family. He then arrives back to find that he has altered the future completely and is now trapped in a different reality, along with the current version of himself. In an attempt to recreate the moment he received his powers for this version, Barry loses his own. Now stuck in this new reality, how will he fix the mess he has created and defeat General Zod (Michael Shannon), who has come for superman?
While time travel storylines are common, the play this movie puts on it is very unique and exciting. When Barry is running and can see all the past moments of his life it is such a cool idea and the film’s editors bring it to life in their own special way. Barry shares a really great relationship with his mom, which isn’t focused on a lot in the movie but, when it is featured the actors execute the scene so perfectly and with so much heart and soul. Ezra Miller gives a spectacular performance as both versions of Barry. He shows off both the childish and mature traits of both characters, with lots of different viewpoints of them. I must give lots of credit to the writers because the script is fantastic. The only thing holding this movie back is the distracting CGI in some scenes. My favorite part of the movie is a very emotional scene that is shared between Barry and his mom while he is in disguise. The scene is really sweet to watch and the emotion is conveyed throughout the screen.
The film’s message is that everything happens for a reason. Barry’s personality is shaped by some of the traumatic events that happened in his life; he tries to erase them which changes his life entirely. It just goes to show that everything in your life has made you the person you are today and you should not regret those situations that formed you, even if they did hurt a bit.
I give The Flash 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theatres June 16, 2023.
The Flash By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17
The Flash is a truly rollicking, high-speed adventure through the multiverse loaded with action and countless heroes from all over the DC universe, and is equally adept at slowing down to linger on moments of humor and emotion throughout. It’s this approach to telling such a large-scale, densely plotted story that makes The Flash not just a good superhero movie, but just a good movie.
The storyline follows the titular speedster, known as Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), a fidgety, nervous forensic tech who’s struggling to balance everything he’s got going on. When he’s not off helping the other members of the Justice League with their many adventures, he’s scrambling to make things work on time and fumbling his way through small talk with a former crush from college. All the while, he is haunted by the death of his mother and the father he lost as a result, locked up for a murder he didn’t commit. It’s a pretty standard character setup, but the story ramps up when, in a moment of sadness, Barry discovers he can rewind time by running at a speed faster than light. From there, he attempts to reverse his mother’s death, even at the caution of Bruce Wayne a.k.a Batman (Ben Affleck) that things can go out of control if time is manipulated. Barry succeeds in ensuring that his mom lives, but is thrust into a new universe with a different Batman (Michael Keaton) and no super-humans to avert a familiar, cosmic threat. He must also reckon with a wholly new, unanticipated obstacle: a different version of himself (Ezra Miller).
I had a good time – I laughed; I oohed and ahhed; and I was moved. It turns out that the key to keeping these DC movies, maybe not fresh but lively, is just making them as much of a blast as this one is. The Flash isn’t an origin story per se, but delves into the concept of origin. This is where so much of the friction of the film is derived. Are our greatest heroes supposed to accept that they are inevitably borne out of tragedy? And if they can change what made them the way they are, should they? Multiverses are everywhere in films right now, but The Flash uses the concept to ask new questions of established heroes and test the limits of their selflessness. As the film develops, Christina Hodson’s screenplay becomes a victim of its own ambition – there is a loaded roster of heroes and villains: Batman, Supergirl, The Flash, General Zod, making a return from his memorable appearance back in Man of Steel. It sometimes becomes too much to bear and there are points where it’s difficult to remember whose movie this is.
The lesson of The Flash is that we can’t change the past, so we must accept it. When Barry changes the past, the universe radically transforms — a metaphor for how we must accept what’s happened to us, rather than dwell on the past to the point that we deny ourselves a pleasant future. Be aware that there is some brief violence and some foul language.
I give The Flash 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Flash zooms into theaters June16, 2023.
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Seven foster kids are heartbroken when they learn that their group home has been sold and they are to be separated. When they cross paths with a successful attorney who also grew up in the foster system, they find that there is always help, hope, and family can be who you choose.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Hanadie K. comments, “It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system.” Dominic D. adds, “Crescent Gang follows a group of children from different worlds yet sharing similar circumstances, who bond together to save the only family they have left. Crescent Gang tugged at my heartstrings and I think it will tug at yours as well.” Bria H. wraps it up with, “I had no idea what to expect going into the film Crescent Gang, but my heart is filled with joy! I love films that have skilled child actors that can match the energy of the adults. I loved this film from start to finish and am so honored to be reviewing this work of art. Not only did this movie make a 29-year-old question how she interacts with individuals on a day-to-day basis, but it filled my heart with so much pain to understand the foster care system.”
Crescent Gang By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 12
What an incredibly heartwarming and uplifting film Crescent Gang is! It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system. It is family-friendly and uplifting.
Crescent Gang follows seven foster kids who face heartbreak when they discover their beloved group home is being sold and they will be separated. Determined to stay together, they embark on a high-stakes scavenger hunt in Las Vegas, where they encounter a family court attorney in search of her inner peace. The film beautifully captures their quirky and adventurous quest, highlighting the importance of friendship, resilience and the possibility of finding a loving family.
I like Crescent Gang for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and positive message of resilience and family. The film is captivating and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the talented young actors, including Valeria Camero as the determined new kid. The cast also includes Kira Marie, the spirited family court attorney, and Mariah Taveres, the resilient foster child, both of whom deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The production elements are noteworthy, with the vibrant and bustling backdrop of Las Vegas adding dynamic energy to the story. The imaginative and well-designed costumes add to the visual appeal, complementing the characters’ personalities and enhancing their individuality. The direction by Gino Payne and Onyx Keesha, who have drawn from their personal experiences in the foster care system, shines through in the film’s heartfelt portrayal of the foster care journey. The plot development and pace keep the audience engaged — perfectly balancing the kids’ quirky adventures with their emotional journeys. Without giving away too much, one of my favorite parts of the film is when the kids realize their hard work and tenacity finally pays off.
The film’s message is one of resilience and the power of a chosen family. It reminds us that support, love, and hope can be found in unexpected places and that no matter the challenges we face, we can find strength within ourselves and in the bonds we form with others.
I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It releases on VOD on major platforms June 13, 2023.
Crescent Gang By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
Crescent Gang follows a group of children from different worlds yet sharing similar circumstances, who bond together to save the only family they have left. Crescent Gang tugged at my heartstrings and I think it will tug at yours as well.
Unfortunate circumstances have brought seven kids together in The Crescent House group home where they learn to form a strong family unit. Devastated by the sale of the home and their fear of once again being separated from those they love, these brave kids set out to save the only family they know. Liberty (Mariah Tavares) who is the new kid on the block, devises a plan that may be their only hope in staying together. Her plan takes them on a scavenger hunt adventure through Las Vegas and leads them to the only person who can help keep them together, a successful family attorney (Kira Marie) who also grew up in the foster system.
This is a perfect family film that teaches so many valuable lessons about life and empowers us to believe in ourselves no matter what journey we are on. What I enjoyed most about Crescent Gang is witnessing the kids’ teamwork and perseverance. Their fight to save their “family” is so heartfelt and noble. Their circumstances before coming to The Crescent House doesn’t matter; what does matter is the strong family bond they now have and the will do anything to protect it. I found the film to be empowering in that children have powerful voices that must be heard. The film has some suspense in it which keeps viewers engaged. The humor throughout is enjoyable and easily relatable. The plot is fantastic however the film falls short in a few areas. The dialogue between characters at times seems unnatural and, in several scenes, the audio does not match the video. Also, the music in some scenes is overpowering. These shortcomings only slightly affect the mood of the film and, for the most part, Crescent Gang is an enjoyable film.
The film’s messages all center around family relationships — families must work together to build friendships; they must be dedicated to each other; they need to be inclusive with all the members within it represented. It also gives us a message of hope in that, no matter how rock bottom an individual believes they have hit, if there is hope you can overcome challenges.
I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Crescent Gang releases June 13, 2023 on VOD.
Crescent Gang By Bria H., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
I had no idea what to expect going into the film Crescent Gang, but my heart is filled with joy! I love films that have skilled child actors that can match the energy of the adults. I loved this film from start to finish and am so honored to be reviewing this work of art. Not only did this movie make a 29-year-old question how she interacts with individuals on a day-to-day basis, but it filled my heart with so much pain to understand the foster care system.
The first section of the film tells the stories of different children from various backgrounds who are dealing with the foster care system. The middle part of the film curtails the dilemma of their foster home, Crescent Avenue, being sold and closed, leaving the children who are currently in the home to be moved to other group homes and being split up. The children find a time capsule hidden in the attic of their home and inside it is a map detailing a former foster child’s favorite places in the city. This leads to the children escaping the home and embarking on a quest.
Crescent Gang is a prime example of having a heartwarming message and amazing actors. The story flows seamlessly. I was invested the entire time in how the story of Reena Jeffcoat (Kira Marie) and the foster children would come together. There are quite a few characters to keep up with. At the middle mark of the film, I understood where the story was going with the premise of the scavenger hunt and learning who the mysterious Karina H was. I put myself in the mindset of a child and could see the big twist as a surprise in a child’s mind. I was blown away by the production values and the cinematography, especially the scenes where Daisy (Natalya O. Hudson) is on social media documenting different events taking place and we see it all on camera. Audiences can tell that this was shot on location in Las Vegas, Nevada which is showcased in various shots throughout the film. One great shot shows the children on a scavenger hunt at sunset and ask an adult to drive them to Red Rock Canyon. Shots like that make the experience more real to viewers, even if they have never been to the destination. A lot of other Vegas landmarks are shown such as the M & M store, the Hard Rock Cafe.
There is a scene that stands out to me when the characters are reflecting and a song is playing in the background with lyrics that say, “A broken heart it grows.” It is sung beautifully by Jordyn Diew and adds to the moment of heaviness. There are some scenes where I wanted to focus on the actors’ conversations, but the background music took me out of the moment. For example, when Reena is talking with her father, Mr. Jeffcoat (Joseph Adu), there is a good three minutes when there is no sound, but the emotional score starts up and I lost focus. I would have enjoyed a few more quiet moments throughout the film. The child actors excel in their roles. I was truly impressed with Liberty (Mariah Tavares). A memorial performance is by Haven (Valeria Camero) who is perceived to be the intellectual of the Gang. Another standout is Daisy (Natalya O. Hudson). The other foster children are Carleigh (Olivia Kaiser), Lailah (Mia Denae Brathwaite), Dayja (Eva Kauvon Thomas), and Kyle (Remy Payne). The adult standouts for me are Ms. Terry, the caretaker of the Crescent Gang children, (Shaquita Smith) and Reena Jeffcoat (Kira Marie.) Every character in this film is relatable and that aspect alone makes this film a pleasant viewing experience.
When a film just flows cinematically, it can be difficult to choose what impacts the viewer most. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching these children come together as a group. It can be a tedious task showcasing on screen the group dynamic of characters, let alone children. So seeing all these children becoming of team is very refreshing to witness. I was very impressed by the production value, the actors and actresses, and the story overall. I am honored that I was able to watch this film before its US release date. There are three celebrities in this film. Shaquita Smith (Ms. Terry) is known for the role of Jordan Davis in the drama series, Wicked City and she was also an actress on NCIS: New Orleans. Jarry Lee (Mrs. Hyatt) has acted in Dating Around, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and an episode of the show Billions. Mariah Tavares (Liberty) made her debut in the three-time Emmy-Winning television series, Abbott Elementary.
The film’s message is that, as adults, we have to make sure we find the purpose behind the jobs we take. The film also made me reflect on the way I speak to children. They are so impressionable so, as adults we have to make sure that even if a situation is not the best for them we give them hope so they can keep pressing forward.
I give Crescent Gang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.
This film releases on VOD and as a digital release June 13, 2023.
