KIDS FIRST! News

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jude A. comments, “After a long absence from the big screen, Seth Rogan successfully revived the beloved franchise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with his new and authentic-style film that veers away from the look of its predecessors…” Valerie R. adds, “If you’re looking for a humorous and family-friendly film to go see this summer, this is just the film for you…” Carter P. contributes, “I love that this movie really explores the youthful side of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and that they add depth to each of the characters.” Mikella G. adds, “I really enjoy the style of animation in this film. Every animated detail, from the design of the streets, to the small food items, all contributes to the vibe and aesthetic of the film.” Katherine S. wraps it up with, “This animated rendition of everyone’s favorite turtles is “oozing” with distinctive and eye-catching graphics and upbeat music.” See their full reviews below.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

After a long absence from the big screen, Seth Rogan successfully revived the beloved franchise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with his new and authentic-style film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

The movie veers away from the look of its predecessors with a fresh art style that combines 2D and 3D animation, resembling Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse films. On top of that, the film is the brainchild of “permanent teenager” Seth Rogan, who is a comedic genius. Rogan’s more age-appropriate humor featured within the film will have audiences belly-laughing the majority of the time.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have always struggled with being accepted. Ever since birth, they have been outcasts. After being raised while hidden away within the sewers of New York City, the turtles start hoping for a shot at a normal teenage life. They come to believe that the only way for them to be accepted is to share their own heroic story with the world. This encourages them to investigate and stop the local evil-doer, Superfly (Ice Cube), and his band of mutant misfits.

Many modern-day movies and TV shows often miss the mark when trying to portray the authentic experience of being a teenager in this day and age. However, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hits that mark spot on. The language and whole dynamic between the turtles is incredibly accurate for what it means to be a teenager today, and most likely will give young-adult audiences more of a laugh because of this hysterical and relatable portrayal. It’s clear that the star-studded cast really respects the material and just has fun with it all, especially Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko, who, quite frankly, steals the show.

The large theme of the film is acceptance, while teaching the moral that in order to truly be accepted, you just have to be yourself. It also teaches the importance of brotherhood, and the significance of simply watching out for your own. It is rated PG, which definitely is appropriate rating as it has its fair share of action, crude humor and mild language. Any intensity is often balanced out with little jokes that keep the mood light and enjoyable.

I give Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can find Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem flipping into theaters on August 2, 2023. Make sure to check it out!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
By Valerie R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

If you’re looking for a humorous and family-friendly film to go see this summer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is just the film for you.

The story begins with brothers Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Raphael (Brady Noon) and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) who try to live normal teenage lives, despite having an overprotective father who tries to keep them safe and hidden away from the dangerous humans. They meet a human girl named April (Ayo Edebiri) who helps them prevent the evil villain Superfly (Ice Cube) from killing all humans and mutating every animal on earth, and taking over the world. In return, April learns to accept herself as she also struggles to fit in.

The comedic timing of the characters is my favorite thing about this film. The jokes and references had me laughing out loud. And I love how this film relates to not only the younger generation but also to the older generation—it appeals to the perfect mix of audiences. I also like how it shows the struggles of trying to fit in as a teenager. For example, the turtle brothers are willing to defeat a villain to be accepted by humans. I also really enjoy the visual effects. For example, during a fighting scene, the fire and explosions are absolutely spectacular. The animation and character designs are also worth mentioning. I love how the mutants’ designs are crazy and abstract. My favorite personality belongs to Splinter (Jackie Chan) — Chan really brings Splinter to life and shows how a dad may feel towards his children.

The film’s message is to accept yourself for who you are— you do not need validation from others. It also reminds us that no one is “normal” and that we should accept others as well as ourselves. Please be advised there is brief profanity in this film.

I give Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will be released in theaters August 2, 2023.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
By Carter P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 11

I love Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.  The film is laugh-out-loud funny and includes a powerful message about acceptance.

The film tells the story of how, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) helps them take on a mysterious crime group, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them. 

I love that this movie really explores the youthful side of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and that they add depth to each of the characters.  It works so well that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are teenagers, and that teenagers voice them.  Raphael (Brady Noon) has a temper; Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu) just wants to be a good leader and do what is right; Donatello (Micah Abbey) is super smart, and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) is fun and carefree.  They could not have picked a better group of boys to voice these turtles.  The writing is so smart—the boys really get to act like teens and say things teens would say. The boys also recorded all their lines together, which I think was so good for the overall chemistry of the characters.  The animation and style of this film is phenomenal, and the visuals are stunning.  My favorite part is when the turtles meet April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) for the first time and they help get her scooter back that was stolen and the turtles have their first fight scene. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is full of comedy, heart, action and incredible animation.  I think this movie will create a whole new generation of TMNT fans.  The film teaches you to accept people, turtles, or mutants for what they are and appreciate everyone’s differences.  This is an important message everyone should understand and appreciate.

I give Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters August 2, 2023.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 17

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a touching yet thrilling animated film that brings back the iconic Ninja Turtles, and dives deeper into their lives.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem brings back this well-known group of Ninja Turtles; Leonard (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Raphael (Brady Noon), and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.). The film features their everyday lives as teenagers living in NYC. They’ve always been told to stay unseen, but that all changes when their curiosity overpowers them, and they start to realize their potential. This movie takes these Ninjas along with its audience on a fun journey, and teaches important lessons along the way.

I really enjoy the style of animation in this film. The filter used gives a dystopian modern day feel that really takes you to a different world. The warm colors and dark features all add to this, and, to me, the film feels like a realistic fantasy. Every animated detail, from the design of the streets, to the small food items, all contributes to the vibe and aesthetic of the film. Another standout in this movie is the soundtrack. Each song matches that scene, and overall has a nostalgic, freeing feeling. For example, there were some older songs that reminded me of my life. The track at the end of the movie really put everything I just watched into perspective. The entire film is relatable, and, deep down, shows the young innocence of teenagers discovering who they are.. The Ninjas embark on a mission after getting tied up with wrong people, and the execution of that plot is outstanding.  Overall, the storyline is powerful and helps to develop the message of accepting others.

The message of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is to never judge someone from the outside. Also the meaning and message of the film teaches us to accept others and always do what you know is right.

I give Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to ages 8 to 18. You can watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in theaters beginning August 2, 2023.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a breath of fresh air and certainly the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie so far. This animated rendition of everyone’s favorite turtles is “oozing” with distinctive and eye-catching graphics and upbeat music. The movie dives deep and expands on the personalities of the characters we know and introduces new mutants that I love. Although it has a predictable plot, it’s certainly enjoyable and appealing to kids, teens and adults.

After many years of hiding from the human world in the sewers, Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon), Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr) and Donatello (Micah Abbey) want nothing more than to be accepted as normal teenagers. They find that the only way to do this is to save New York City. They plan to take down the notorious villain, Superfly (Ice Cube) and be hailed as heroes. Easy enough, right?

This movie “milks” the strengths of the franchise with an updated view. It’s great for all ages, but I feel it caters the most to a teenage audience. It uses current slang (such as “sus” and “rizz” – which made me laugh) music and pop culture. Director Seth Rogen’s creativity in this movie elevates it. Compared to other turtles seen in previous installments, the turtles here feel way more like actual teenagers. Even Master Splinter (Jackie Chan) feels more genuine and like a dad. Some of the best performances in this movie come from Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo), Brady Noon (Raphael), Micha Abbey (Donatello) and Ayo Edebiri (April O’Neil). The dynamic of the Turtle brothers is one of my favorite parts of this movie. April (Ayo Edebiri) is very realistic because she just wants acceptance and to get through high school. She is also very relatable to me personally because she is a journalist and trying to make it in the world. There is also some big star power in this movie, represented by Ice Cube, Maya Rudolph, Giancarlo Esposito, Rose Byrne, John Cena, Paul Rudd and Post Malone! Master Splinter, voiced by Jackie Chan, is my favorite character because he is so endearing. Make sure to stay for the post-credits scene. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem displays that love for friends and family overpowers even the worst evils. This movie also deals with acceptance and bias and demonstrates the importance of not judging a book by its cover – or shell. Another idea demonstrated is don’t let the haters get to you because you can’t really hide from the world in a sewer for the rest of your life. There is some mild profanity and actions that are risky for children (like being ninjas).

I give Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This movie comes out in theaters August 2, 2023.

Based on the popular children’s book by Donna Morgan it is about a dog whose fur turns into money.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kyla C. comments, “Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have a dog that sheds money? Welcome to the life of twins Dax (Mason Blomberg) and Zoe Taylor (Juju Journey Brener). An absurd story is executed with comedy and charm, portraying the importance of family over money in the film The Furry Fortune.” Valerie R. adds, “What I like the most about this film is the brother-sister relationship Zoey and Dax have. I also adore how the actors make their characters look and feel like they are a family. The acting by the child actors is outstanding.” See their full reviews below.

The Furry Fortune
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have a dog that sheds money? Welcome to the life of twins Dax (Mason Blomberg) and Zoe Taylor (Juju Journey Brener). An absurd story is executed with comedy and charm, portraying the importance of family over money in the film The Furry Fortune.

The Furry Fortune follows Dax and Zoe on their adventures as they start out as bored and neglected children and navigate their way through unexpected events to eventually arrive at a very important realization. Not only does Furry Fortune focus on Dax and Zoe’s lives, but it also shows snippets of their parents, Doug (Shane Hartline) and Emily Taylor (Mo Allen), and their next door neighbors, William Kearst  (Adam Kulbersh) and Odom Kearst (Mason Wells). The neighbors are willing to do whatever it takes for money, which becomes a problem when the Taylors are forced to hide their windfall from everyone. Will the secret stay a secret, or will the money become a curse rather than a blessing?

The acting in The Furry Fortune truly makes so much of a difference. Specifically, Mason Blomberg and Juju Journey Brener, as the twins, emphasize the message of the film. Through their sad and left out expressions, we are able to further relate to the characters and understand the importance of the theme. Their parents are constantly putting work and money over spending time with their kids, and the twins demonstrate the effect it has on them. In addition, the acting performances of Shane Hartline and Mo Allen, as the parents, show what not to do, and how one person’s actions can affect someone so much without them even realizing it. Without these in-depth acting performances, the message wouldn’t be as strong or seem as relevant to viewers’ lives. The comedy throughout provides a nice break from some of the sadder and more serious moments. On top of some jokes and hilarious moments, the film is funny as a whole because of the absurdity of the world they are living in — a dog that sheds money?  How much more ridiculous can a film get? But it is such a fun concept and kept me engaged the entire time.

The message of The Furry Fortune is that time can make more money, but money can’t make more time. Dax and Zoe think that the more money you have, the happier you will be. They both come to realize that if you spend all of your time chasing money, you lose time that you can’t get back. The Furry Fortune emphasizes the importance of putting family first and spending time doing the things you love with the people you love while you can. There is some very mild inappropriate language.

I give The Furry Fortune 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It releases on video on demand and DVD beginning August 1, 2023.

The Furry Fortune
By Valerie R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Furry Fortune is a very entertaining film about learning to not take advantage of the things you have. Also it reminds us that family should always come first, especially before money.

The story follows young twins, Zoey (Juju Brener) and Dax (Mason Bloomberg), and their dog Nuzzles (Henry) who sheds money from his fur due to a wish Dax made to help their mother (Mo Allen) and father (Shane Heartline) who are struggling with money. They end up with so much money and it gets in the way of their family, plus their neighbors get suspicious of how the Taylor family suddenly has so much money. This makes them obsessed with finding out their secret.

What I like the most about this film is the brother-sister relationship Zoey and Dax have. I also adore how the actors make their characters look and feel like they are a family. The acting by the child actors is outstanding. I love how Zoey’s characteristics are mature, sassy, smart and very grown up. Dax characteristics on the other hand are very childish, sweet and kind. The actors show what siblings actually act like — even when they fight, they still love each other. The neighbors, William Kearst III (Adam Kulbersh) and his son Odom Kearst (Mason Wells), bring humor into the film by their spying on the Taylor family.

I also really enjoyed the cinematography; the images are steady, in focus, and very clear. Another thing worth mentioning are the set designs — the Taylor family’s house feels like a nice, clean and cozy home. And, the twin’s treehouse with all its gadgets, pulleys and other crazy stuff that allows people to go in and out of the tree house is outstanding.

The film’s message is to never take what you have for granted and that family is everything! It also reminds us that money can’t buy you happiness, so appreciate what you have and always make family a priority. Never let anyone or anything get in the way of family; family always comes first.

I give The Furry Fortune 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases on video on demand and DVD beginning August 1, 2023.

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers. Directed by Justin Simien, the film features an all-star cast ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ari P. comments, “If Halloween is the perfect holiday for you, then buckle up for Haunted Mansion! The acting and humor are just as riveting as the special effects involved.” Kennedy P. adds, “This film—inspired by the classic Disney theme park attraction—is so funny, and the cast is outstanding. There are a few jump scares and even some emotional moments. I love Haunted Mansion.” Sydney S. comments, “I love the movie, Haunted Mansion! It’s based on Disneyland’s theme park attraction, and its perfect mix of horror, comedy, and emotional scenes kept me intrigued throughout the whole movie.” Katherine S. wraps it up with, “Based on the beloved attraction at Disneyland, it has a great mix of comedy and scariness, which makes this a “gateway movie” to horror films for kids. As this is the second attempt to create a movie out of this ride, I am thrilled to say that this movie is “terrifyingly” good.” See their full reviews below.   

Haunted Mansion
By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

If Halloween is the perfect holiday for you, then buckle up for Haunted Mansion! The acting and humor are just as riveting as the special effects involved. There are so many memorable moments, from spooky ghosts to joyful laughs to heartbroken tears.

The storyline begins in New Orleans, Louisiana, with single mom Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), and her son Travis (Chase Dillon) moving into a new mansion. As as soon as they step into the house, weird things start to happen. Soon, they rely on ghost tour leader, Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), who is currently grieving from his wife’s death, to help. They also gather together Father Kent (Owen Wilson), psychic Harriet (Tiffany Haddish), and Historian and Professor Bruce Davis (Danny DeVito) to catch a ghost named Alistair Crump (Jared Leto). As they work together to catch this evil ghoul, they grow a closer bond and begin to trust each other with secrets and hidden truths.

This film is based on the attraction at Disneyland, and it is definitely spooky. The humor is abundant, and it comes at spontaneous times. One example is when Harriet, Ben, Kent, Travis and Gabbie are getting ready to perform a seance, and Kent tells the group he wants to say a prayer, then says, “God, give us a break!”— perfect comedic relief in the scene. The special effects also blow me away, especially the CGI. And I love Jared Leto’s character, Alistair Crump, and all of the effects, especially his sharp chin and creepy grin. The ghosts done in CGI are great and seem to me so real! When Ben enters the ghost world, you see all of these ghosts go into the floor, through walls, and more, which is so cool. Alongside all of this, the chemistry between the characters and actors works incredibly well. I especially love the friendship between Kent and Bruce, since it is so pleasing to see how well they get along.

The message of this film is no matter what life throws at you, friends will always be there by your side. Note that the film contains mild profanity, jump scares, scary action, and references to death.

I give Haunted Mansion 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, including adults. This movie will be released in theaters on July 28, 2023, and later in the year to Disney+, just in time for the scary season.

Disney’s Haunted Mansion
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 9

Welcome Foolish Mortals to Disney’s Haunted Mansion!  This film—inspired by the classic Disney theme park attraction—is so funny, and the cast is outstanding. There are a few jump scares and even some emotional moments. I love Haunted Mansion.   

Disney’s Haunted Mansion is about a single mom named Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her 9-year-old son, Travis (Chase W. Dillon), who move into a New Orleans mansion filled with long-buried secrets and several unpleasant ghosts. Hoping to cleanse the house of the evil, Gabbie hires a team of experts to help.

This family-friendly film is full of heart, laughter, chills and thrills.  The film is loaded with Easter eggs from the attraction. Pay attention if you dare because the movie has so many fun cameos and references in it.  The movie takes you on a ride full of light scares mixed with plenty of humor throughout.  The production was filmed in New Orleans and the setting looks so authentic and very spooky.  The use of CGI to create the ghosts throughout the movie is outstanding. They look like they are really flying throughout the mansion.  My favorite part, without giving away the ending, is when a cat appears on the doorstep of a house, and they share the name of the cat—it has a very special meaning to the movie, and it was so sweet. 

The film’s message is about the importance of family. There is so much chemistry with the different characters that you can feel it through the big screen. They all connect to find a way out, and in the process find deeper layers to themselves. They all start out as individuals dealing with their own problems, insecurities, and troubles, but wind up coming together as a family by providing one another with exactly what they have been missing all along.

I give Haunted Mansion 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  You can see Haunted Mansion in theaters July 28, 2023. 

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

I love the movie, Haunted Mansion! It’s based on Disneyland’s theme park attraction, and its perfect mix of horror, comedy, and emotional scenes kept me intrigued throughout the whole movie.

The plot follows a mother and son who move to a mansion to start a new life. However, soon mysterious and spooky things happen in the house. They have no choice but to contact spirit experts to hopefully put an end to the ghostly encounters.

The main characters are Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), Travis (Chase Dillon), Father Kent (Owen Wilson), Harriet (Tiffany Haddish), and Bruce (Danny DeVito). These are all wonderful actors that made me believe the story is real. The characters make strong interactions with each other, and I love the energy throughout the movie. They exemplify teamwork to help each other get rid of the ghosts haunting them—you could say they’re the dream team! The animation is wonderful and the ghosts look realistic. Since it’s live-action, the contrast between humans and ghosts can look rough, but the transitions are smooth. When Ben and Gabbie are being chased by supernaturals, the ghosts look extremely real (or what I’d expect a ghost to look like). Additionally, the music changes dramatically as the scenes do, and so do the characters’ emotions. When Ben is thinking about his past and his regrets, for example, the music is soft and slow. However, when Harriet begins to talk with the dead, the music becomes eerie and dark.

My favorite part of the film is the sets and locations. This movie was based on the Haunted Mansion attraction in Disneyland, so it’s incredible to see it come to life. The sets look spectacular and give a very creepy vibe. The lighting plays an important role in making the house look haunted, too. Another part of the movie I really like is the character of Travis. He’s a young boy that lost his father. He is lonely, and being haunted by spirits can be a lot for a kid to handle. Lastly, the comedy in this film ties it all together. The jokes are hilarious, and, overall, it’s the perfect combination of horror and comedy.

The message of this film is to live life to the fullest and to prioritize happiness. It also mentions the theme that it’s okay to let go. Some scenes are quite scary, so that’s something to look out for.

I give Haunted Mansion 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Haunted Mansion releases in theaters July 28, 2023.

Haunted Mansion
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I really enjoyed Haunted Mansion. Based on the beloved attraction at Disneyland, it has a great mix of comedy and scariness, which makes this a “gateway movie” to horror films for kids. As this is the second attempt to create a movie out of this ride, I am thrilled to say that this movie is “terrifyingly” good.

When Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and Travis (Chase Dillon), a single mom and her son, discover their newly-purchased mansion is haunted by ghosts, they team up with an eclectic group of people to rid the ghosts from their house: a rude tour guide (LaKeith Stanfield), a questionably competent medium (Tiffany Haddish), a non-traditional priest (Owen Wilson), and a peculiar historian (Danny DeVito). However, they soon realize it’s way more complicated to get rid of the ghosts, and that their situation is graver than they could ever have imagined.

I recently went to Disneyland in California and – of course – went on the aforementioned Haunted Mansion ride. And since that experience is still fresh on my mind, I picked up on so many references to it while watching this movie. Some of the lines, characters, objects and places come straight out of the ride. And for any Disney amusement park fans, like me, you’ll notice that the mansion in this movie more closely resembles the one in Disneyland compared the one in Disney World. Most of ghosts in this movie are not overly realistic, which makes it more fit and less scary for a younger audience. I like this aspect, but I do love scary ghosts, and Jared Leto’s ghost is pretty ghoulish.

The cast really pulls this move together. ­­­­Owen Wilson as Father Kent, Tiffany Haddish as Harriet, and Danny DeVito as Bruce make Haunted Mansion hilarious with all their funny lines and different personalities. LaKeith Stanfield, who plays Ben, brings the film down to earth with his emotions and relatability. My favorite character is definitely Harriet because you never know what to expect from her next. This movie does drag on a bit in the middle but closes strong.

I expected that this movie would be somewhat lighthearted, funny, and a bit scary. However, Haunted Mansion has some surprisingly deep messages. It talks about dealing with grief and social anxiety, which I think will be positive for children to see. This movie might be too scary for young children or sensitive people. 

I give Haunted Mansion 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. If you love the Haunted Mansion ride, I encourage you to go see it. Haunted Mansion comes out in theaters July 28, 2023.

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.