KIDS FIRST! News

As their last summer before middle school comes to a close, four best friends face the uncertainties of growing up and embark on their biggest adventure yet.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N. comments, “We all know what it’s like to face change and challenges. And we always desire the best possible outcome from a predicament. Summering tells a relatable story about young girls finding their way through a challenge, while delivering a distinctive storyline.” Tiana S. adds, “Just in time for back-to-school season, the new adventure film, Summering, is here to throw a plot twist into your summer adventures! Summering has a strong cast and loads of twists and turns. Even when the movie seems to be slowing down, something surprising happens.” See their full reviews below.

Summering
Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 14

We all know what it’s like to face change and challenges. And we always desire the best possible outcome from a predicament. Summering tells a relatable story about young girls finding their way through a challenge, while delivering a distinctive storyline.

Summering focuses on four best friends Dina (Madalen Mills), Lola (Sanai Victoria), Mari (Eden Grace Redfield), and Daisy (Lia Barnett) who are about to start middle school. With that comes plenty of questions and new challenges. On the weekend before school starts, the girls find themselves embarking on a peculiar adventure. These four best friends must work together to find the answer to their mystery and prepare for this new chapter in their lives.

Even though the characters in Summering are facing a fictional and fantasy-like situation, the plot is still somewhat relatable. These four best friends have to explore themselves and find out who they really are as they are growing older. They know that it is best to go on this journey together, but they worry about what obstacles will get in the way. Dina, Lola, Mari and Daisy also all have specific issues present in their life, making their friendships even more crucial. Anybody that is going through significant changes, no matter if they are young or old, can find something applicable to their lives in this story. The plot of Summering does seem a bit incomplete and choppy at certain parts of the film—the main mystery and conflict aren’t really resolved which can leave viewers confused after watching. The background music of the film is particularly interesting as it matches the tone of the film and the events taking place in the scenes. Summering has a darker style, and the dark music compliments that—“props” to Drum & Lace for providing this high-quality soundtrack.

The message of Summering is that a lot of times opposites attract. Dina, Lola, Mari, and Daisy need each other to balance themselves out. Each brings something different to the friend group, ultimately bringing them all closer together.

I give Summering 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. This film has minimal mild language and a middle school to high school demographic would enjoy it. You can find Summering in theaters now. So make sure you check it out!

Summering
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Just in time for back-to-school season, the new adventure film, Summering, is here to throw a plot twist into your summer adventures! Summering has a strong cast and loads of twists and turns. Even when the movie seems to be slowing down, something surprising happens.

Summering follows four best friends who are reaching the end of their summer break. With many events and drama amongst family members, including keeping secrets, the characters try to make the best of their last week of summer. One particular day, they head to the woods to leave memorabilia at a tree. While in the woods, the kids come across a man’s dead body and set off on a mysterious adventure to discover his identity.

The leading young ladies in Summering are Daisy (Lia Barnett), Dina (Madalen Mills), Lola (Sanai Victoria) and Mari (Eden Grace Redfield). Overall, this movie is very interesting with multiple plots. Even though the plot doesn’t answer many of the questions that are being uncovered, it still portrays the friendships and adventurous side of the four main characters. The parents in the film are interesting, too; they love watching their kids grow up together and seeing how they are just like them when they themselves were younger. There is a scene where the parents are peering upstairs and enjoying hearing their kids laughing and having fun together. Fun fact: This was the first film director, James Ponsoldt, has made for a young audience.

Summering touches on how friends are always there for you—the four girls are always finding ways to help and support each other when needed. And this film delivers the messages that things can always change, and that telling and knowing the truth is important. For example, Daisy’s mother was not honest and kept a huge secret from her. The truth would have been less harmful and possibly saved Daisy from making poor decisions. Things parents must look out for are kids using a gun, a bar scene, creepy flashing images, the showing of a dead body, and the topic of suicide.

I give Summering 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 12-18, plus adults.  Summering is now playing in theatres.

In Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) –an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases –must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is a series that jumpstarts into action. It’s an adrenaline-fueled, adventurous journey that ties into Marvel superhero movies. The series tells the engaging story about a lawyer who might lose her job due to some very interesting conditions.” See her full review below.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is a series that jumpstarts into action. It’s an adrenaline-fueled, adventurous journey that ties into Marvel superhero movies. The series tells the engaging story about a lawyer who might lose her job due to some very interesting conditions.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law features Jennifer Walters, an attorney living in Los Angeles. Jen happens to be the cousin of Bruce Banner (the Hulk). Unexpectedly, Jen and Bruce got into a car crash. After the crash, some of Bruce’s blood got into Jen’s wounds, which caused her to transform into an adapted version of the Hulk—hence, the name She-Hulk. 

The main characters in this series are She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Nikki Ramos (Ginger Gonzaga), Titania (Jameela Jamil) and Abomination (Tim Roth). These actors impersonate their characters incredibly well. Additionally, the sets and animation are extremely realistic. When there is a fight, the animation made my heart beat super fast. In the first episode, my favorite part is when Bruce is training Jen to learn how to control the intense amount of strength she has. After demonstrating how to throw boulders, for example, she adapts quickly, and sometimes even does the exercise better than the Hulk himself. I also appreciate the quote when Bruce proclaims that what triggers turning into a hulk is anger and fear, and Jen responds, “Those are like the baseline of any women existing.” It’s hilarious and also true. I would recommend watching previous Marvel movies, especially the ones that include the Hulk. However, it’s not a necessity, although it would help knowing the backstory of how hulks were created.

The message of this series is that females can be strong, too. I believe that the “She-Hulk” nickname isn’t merely random, but has a meaning to it, which is female empowerment. Furthermore, this series establishes that women’s emotions are normal, and that it is okay to have strong feelings, including anger. There is a lot of fighting and violence, and it has rough language. If young kids have seen other Marvel movies with parent/guardian approval, they should be fine watching this series.

I give She-Hulk: Attorney at Law 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The first episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law begins streaming on Disney+ August 18, 2022. Each upcoming episode streams every Thursday after that.

Never Have I Ever is an American coming-of-age comedy-drama television series starring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher. Though it takes place in the San Fernando Valley, the show is loosely based on Kaling’s childhood experiences in the Boston area. The story centers around Devi Vishwakumar, a 15-year-old Indian-American Tamil girl from Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. In the third season, Devi and Paxton have become an official couple much to the school’s shock. After being shamed in the girl’s bathroom and given advice by Dr. Ryan, Devi realizes that being in a relationship will not solve all her problems. After a confrontation with Zoe, she realizes that Paxton might not stay in a relationship with her if she doesn’t have sex with him. After a conversation with Kamala, she realizes she is not ready to lose her virginity and Paxton supports her as well. Meanwhile, following Kamala’s departure from Prashant’s engagement dinner, the latter decides it is best for them to break up, much to Devi’s grandmother’s dismay while Fabiola, realizing that a long-distance relationship with Eve is taking a toll on her grades, decides to break up with her.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “The third season of this teen “rom-dramedy” is back and even more drama filled! Existing fans and new fans will enjoy this new season of Never Have I Ever as it picks up where it left off in season two and continues to deliver young adult entertainment.” See her full review and interview below.

Never Have I Ever: Season 3
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The third season of this teen “rom-dramedy” is back and even more drama filled! Existing fans and new fans will enjoy this new season of Never Have I Ever as it picks up where it left off in season two and continues to deliver young adult entertainment.

The story of hotheaded but lovable Devi Vishmakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) continues as she goes through the challenges of high school. And her love triangle with Ben (Jaren Lewison) and Paxton (Darren Barnet) isn’t nearly over yet.  

Since this is the third season, I highly recommend watching the previous seasons to catch up on everything in the storyline thus far. Returning fans will love that the series stays consistent with its themes: dramatic irony and horrible decision-making. The entire cast is super talented with the best performances coming from Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Devi), Jaren Lewison (Ben) and Poorna Jagannathan (Dr. Nalini.) As always, Maitreyi keeps the perfect balance of being rash and rage-filled with being sweet and relatable. She really makes you love to love and to hate her character. Jaren, similarly to Maitreyi, can be very cocky at points, but you can’t help but forgive him. Poorna Jagannathan, while still the same person in essence, really morphs into a new character in this season. My favorite character is Dr. Jamie Ryan (Niecy Nash) because she delivers comedic relief while also providing comfort.                              

The messages of Never Have I Ever are similar to season one and two. Essentially, they are to make good decisions and think things through, while also remembering to have some fun along the way. The series also shows how powerful love from friends and family can be. There is profanity and some suggestive material.

I give Never Have I Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18. It comes out on Netflix on August 12, 2022.

https://youtu.be/d_N99x0gAAk

13: The Musical centers on Evan Goldman, who, after his parent’s divorce, moves from NYC to small-town Indiana and must master the complex social circles of his new school and win friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party of the year. McNellis plays Lucy, a popular and mischievous cheerleader who has a crush on the boy that her best friend Kendra also likes. She plots an elaborate scheme to prevent them from kissing, roping in an unwitting Evan. The role, which originally starred Elizabeth Gillies on Broadway, also features one of the most elaborate and impressive musical numbers (Opportunity) of the whole film, with Frankie leading the song and dance routine. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “13: The Musical is the perfect teen film! A relatable protagonist and outstanding acting help audiences see themselves in this movie. Elaborate choreography and an ensemble of young actors make you feel like you’re watching a Broadway production.” See her full review and interviews below.

13: The Musical
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

13: The Musical is the perfect teen film! A relatable protagonist and outstanding acting help audiences see themselves in this movie. Elaborate choreography and an ensemble of young actors make you feel like you’re watching a Broadway production. 

13: The Musical follows Evan Goldman (Eli Golden), a twelve-year-old boy whose life has been turned upside down when his parents divorce. He prepares for his bar mitzvah and moves from New York to Indiana as he tries to figure out who he is and what he wants from life.

This film hits every mark. The soundtrack is upbeat with catchy tunes; the dance numbers are exciting; and the acting takes center stage. Eli’s performance as Evan is remarkable as it’s light and relatable. He’s a triple threat as his acting, singing, and dancing are superb. He’s a rising star. Everyone can remember themselves as being thirteen when watching Eli portray Evan. The film is a perfect translation of the Broadway show. Every dance and song capture the greatness of its predecessor.

This film sets standards for what movies aimed at teenage audiences should be. This accurate representation of kids transitioning into teens is what viewers crave watching. Evan’s desire for independence and uncertainty of who he’s supposed to be is a bright take on our youthful years. He struggles with his parents’ divorce and moving to a new town. He learns what it means to be a good friend and what love really is.

His friend, Patrice (Gabriella Uhl), really steals the show. She’s funny and kind, the type of friend anyone would want to have. Her chemistry with Evan makes viewers want more of this unlikely duo. This movie is visually beautiful. Every character wears bright colors; the lighting balances out the wardrobes, turning each scene into aesthetic pastel shots. Each character shines in their own way, intriguing viewers to find out more about them. All their personalities make this friend group as interesting as possible. Other standout cast members include Rhea Perlman, Josh Peck, Debra Messing and Lindsey Blackwell.

The moral of the film is that it’s okay to not know who you are. Evan tries to solve all of his problems before his bar mitzvah. Throughout the movie he learns that life is messy and fun and to enjoy every moment of it.

I give 13: The Musical 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It begins streaming on Netflix August 12, 2022.

When a charming but naïve young woman inherits her late -Grandfather’s estate, she soon discovers the house’s ghostly inhabitants who have taken a pledge to protect her family’s century-old secrets and powerful artifacts. Now, to guard the future, she teams up with spirits of the past to fight treasure-hunting criminals and discovers the power of life itself.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Giana N. comments, “Kung Fu Ghost is a unique film that incorporates different messages and the basics of learning something new. If you like to watch films with a good message that everyone can relate to, then you should check this out.” Maica N. adds, “I like that it (the film) shows us some new talent like Jennifer N. Linch, David S. Dawson and Noah Sargent. These actors are clearly passionate about this project and it shows in their performances. Jennifer N. Linch shows fear, admiration, shock, anger, disappointment and so many other emotions.” KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer Pamela L. wraps it up with, “Kung Fu Ghost is a fun movie that is both action-packed and a love story. The cinematography is strikingly beautiful and it is filled with both kung fu fighting and teenager love which makes it appealing for a cross section of people and ages.” See their full reviews below.

Kung Fu Ghost
Giana N., KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Kung Fu Ghost is a unique film that incorporates different messages and the basics of learning something new. If you like to watch films with a good message that everyone can relate to, then you should check this out.

The story follows Daisy (Jennifer N. Linch) who has just inherited her grandpa’s house, but discovers that the house is haunted and she has to stay there for a whole week. During her stay she encounters ghosts who have come to protect Daisy’s family’s secrets and special artifacts. When robbers come to steal these artifacts, Daisy has to learn how to defend herself and how to keep her family secrets safe.

This film is very family friendly. Although this film isn’t a big budget production, I like how they got creative and used what they had. For example, Daisy’s grandpa’s house doesn’t look like how you would expect it to look, but without all the cobwebs and trash all over the place, it is still a very nice house.  At times in the film it is difficult to understand the dialogue because the characters speak too low or their pronunciation is off. When Daily first arrives at her grandfather’s house you can barely understand what she is saying.  But for the most part, the actors’ performances are believable. My favorite character is William (Noah Sargent), because he is mysterious and he adds more suspense to the film, plus he is a nice guy. Anytime he appears in a scene, he makes you anticipate what is going to happen next.

The message of the film is that if you try hard enough you will succeed. In the beginning Daisy isn’t a person that people would call “strong,” so when she has to learn to defend herself it’s not easy at first. In the end she learns how to do defend herself and proves people wrong.

I give Kung Fu Ghost 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and DVD August 2, 2022. Be sure to check it out! 

Kung Fu Ghost
By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 14

Kung Fu Ghost is a film with many good qualities – a unique storyline and inclusion of up-and-coming new actors that do a fair job portraying their characters.

The storyline follows a young woman named Daisy (Jennifer N. Linch) who has moved from Vietnam to California after inheriting her late grandfather’s (David S. Dawson) estate. Quickly after she arrives, she discovers that the estate is haunted by the spirit of her grandfather and a ghost named William (Noah Sargent). The ghostly inhabitants vow to protect her family’s secrets and special artifacts, but when treasure-hunting criminals threaten the future, she teams up with the ghosts to try and stop them. 

Kung Fu Ghost is a film with a lot of potential. I like that it shows us some new talent like Jennifer N. Linch, David S. Dawson and Noah Sargent. These actors are clearly passionate about this project and it shows in their performances. Jennifer N. Linch shows fear, admiration, shock, anger, disappointment and so many other emotions. Her reactions to certain situations are realistic, which makes the audience more interested in the story. You can also tell that the actors were well prepared for their roles. Kung Fu Ghost has a few editing flaws, such as the scenes where Daisy is on a video call with her aunt. The picture of Daisy’s aunt is noticeably edited onto the phone. An honorable mention is Jennifer N. Linch, who serves as the director and producer, and also plays the lead role. Not only does Jennifer N. Linch have all of these credits for this film, but she also specializes in various martial arts, which is incorporated into the film. Adding this element to the Kung Fu Ghost makes it feel more authentic.

The message of Kung Fu Ghost is to give people a chance before you judge them. Although Daisy is quick to not want anything to do with her ghost grandfather, she finds that she can rely on him more than she initially thinks.

I give Kung Fu Ghost 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Viewers who enjoy movies about ghosts and spirits may find Kung Fu Ghost particularly fascinating. You can find Kung Fu Ghost on VOD and DVD August 2, 2022.

Kung Fu Ghost
By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

Kung Fu Ghost is a fun movie that is both action-packed and a love story. The cinematography is strikingly beautiful and it is filled with both kung fu fighting and teenager love which makes it appealing for a cross section of people and ages.

The story follows a young Vietnamese woman named Daisy (Jennifer N Linch) who inherits her grandfather’s US estate. She plans to stay in the house only long enough to sell it and return to Vietnam to re-open her grandmother’s restaurant. However, she discovers that her deceased grandfather’s (David S. Dawson) ghost haunts the house along with his friend William (Noah Sargent). They are protectors of a magic relic. The film tells the story of the lengths the ghosts take to protect the girl and the relic from harm.

It is easy to be drawn into this film. The story flows seamless from scene to scene. The characters are believable and are very well developed and it is easy to be empathic to what everyone is going through. The vocabulary and concepts are suitable for the target audience and, although the kung fu fights are realistic, they are in the realm of martial arts and not particularly violent. There certainly is no bloody, gory violence. The cinematography is outstanding. The images are clean and crisp and the outdoor scenes are exquisite. The background music is also beautiful. I like how the film teaches us a bit about teenage Asian culture.

The message of the film is about honoring our elders and being open to new experiences. I highly recommend Kung Fu Ghost for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on DVD August 2, 2022.