KIDS FIRST! has endorsed 3042 total DVD titles

Below are up to 26 of them

KIDS FIRST! has linked to external websites through which you may order many of the KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
BLUE'S CLUES & YOU! RAINBOW PUPPY ADVENTURES

Click above to view YouTube video of
BLUE'S CLUES & YOU! RAINBOW PUPPY ADVENTURES
open in new window
BLUE'S CLUES & YOU! RAINBOW PUPPY ADVENTURES - NICKELODEON
Series: DVD, AGES 2-8
Description -
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Nickelodeon kids show Blue's Clues & You is back for yet another adventure with Rainbow Puppy. This DVD is full of captivating and fun episodes for younger children. Rainbow Puppy had such a positive attitude that it makes every episode so enjoyable to watch. If you are a Blue's Clue's fan or just a person ready for some adventure, you should check this out.

This DVD follows Rainbow Puppy (Brianna Bryan) as we watch her through multiple adventures with Blue (Traci Paige Johnson) and Josh (Joshua Dela Cruz) from "skidoo" to "skidoo" finding different clues to get answers to things. While she grew up in the Blue's Clues world, she's made it Broadway BIG in New York City! With a vibrant personality to match her colorful fur, she has a song in her heart and is always singing, dancing, and is positively bubbling with talent!

This is a great show for young children. The music in the show is one of the key factors that keeps the audience entertained. With catchy beats and lyrics, you will be singing along with them in no time. "Mail Time" and the theme song are definitely songs that get stuck in your head. I like all the different colorful places that they travel like Clue Lagoon and the colorful house they live in. This aspect could be something that audiences find appealing. My favorite character is Rainbow Puppy because she brings so much positivity and creativity to the show.

The message of this DVD is that life can be an adventure if you let it be an adventure. Blue, Josh, Rainbow Puppy and the other characters show that if you use your imagination and your creativity you can create your own adventures. This show is completely family-friendly.

I give Blue's Clues & You: Rainbow Puppy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. The DVD releases October 4, 2022. Be sure to check it out!


Runtime: 60 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.96 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
GIGI & NATE

Click above to view YouTube video of
GIGI & NATE
open in new window
GIGI & NATE - ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Series: FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18
Description - Nate Gibson's life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic. Moving forward seems impossible until he meets his unlikely service animal, Gigi - a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey - who helps Nate find what he needs most: hope.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Gigi & Nate is an uplifting movie with an encouraging message. This movie will put you through a range of emotions, and may even bring on the "waterworks."

After barely surviving a tragic accident that left him paralyzed, Nate Gibson (Charlie Rowe) has nothing worth living for, until he meets Gigi, a capuchin monkey. The two develop an inseparable bond, but not everyone's a fan of the relationship. Can Gigi and Nate stay together?

This movie is inspired by the organization Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled which helps to match people with disabilities to monkeys who will help them in their day to day life. The special effects are so impressive as I could barely tell when it switched from CGI to real life. Allie (who plays Gigi), the adorable capuchin monkey, makes her acting debut in this movie, and she is trained incredibly well. Too bad for Allie that there aren't Oscars for animals, because she would win one! Kudos to Allie's trainers for making her actions seem so organic and natural! The chemistry with Charlie Rowe (Nate) and Allie feels so real that sometimes I forget I'm watching a fictional movie and not a documentary.

The primary message of Gigi & Nate is to never give up - whether that means on yourself or on something you believe in. This movie has some profanity, alcohol consumption and attempted suicide.

I give Gigi & Nate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Gigi and Nate comes out in theaters September 2, 2022.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Runtime: 114 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SUPERMAN & LOIS: COMPLETE SEASON 1
SUPERMAN & LOIS: COMPLETE SEASON 1 - WARNER BRO. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 10-18
Description - After years of facing supervillains, monsters, and alien invaders intent on wiping out the human race, the world's most famous superhero (Tyler Hoechlin) and comic books' most famous journalist (Elizabeth Tulloch) come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever - dealing with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today's society.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Superman & Lois: Complete Season 1 is a unique take on Superman because it focuses on his life as both a husband and father. There are action sequences like we expect to see from a Superman show. Like a lot of other interpretations, the tone is very light and has a bright and hopeful nature, but it does have some high stakes, because it ventures into a new aspect of the superhero.

The story follows Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechilin) and famous journalist Lois Lane ( Bitsie Tulloch) facing a big challenge, which is dealing with the stress, pressures and complexities that come from being working parents in today's society. This is complicated by Superman's already daunting job of being a superhero and Lois knowing his big secret.

In Superman & Lois, Clark and Lois return to Smallville where Clark grew up. The first season is about the family dynamics of raising two very different twins, Jordan (Alex Garfin) and Jonathan (Jordan Elsass). Jordan is moody and temperamental; Jonathan is happy and popular. The family experiences another change when the boys discover their father's secretary identity and again, when one of the boys develops his own superpowers. This all happens as an ominous stranger comes to town. Superman & Lois incorporates everything you would expect from a Superman show. The main difference is adding marriage and kids - the family element. This allows Clark to become more human in a way because he struggles with family issues like we all experience. I can see a bit of my own family in their conflicts. This brings out more of Superman's human qualities; we see the man just as much as we see the superhero. The show's CGI is more improved compared to other Arrowverse shows. For example, Superman has an improved suit, which looks good against the CGI. Also, the dynamics between the characters seems true. There is a natural flow to their dialogue, making them believable and more relatable.

The message of the show is that, even though Superman may have all these superpowers, they can't help him with everything. Despite being Superman, Clark Kent still struggles with the being a "man" and balancing his family life with his superhero persona. Plus the fact that, no matter how different or how many issues a family may have, at the end of the day they still love and support each other.

Superman & Lois: The Complete Season 1 gets 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Superman & Lois: The Complete Season 1 releases on DVD October, 19 2021.

By Ayden P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 450 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.98 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
CHARLIE'S COLORFORMS CITY: FANTASTICK ADVENTURES

Click above to view YouTube video of
CHARLIE'S COLORFORMS CITY: FANTASTICK ADVENTURES
open in new window
CHARLIE'S COLORFORMS CITY: FANTASTICK ADVENTURES - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-6
Description - Once upon a time, there was... Charlie! A friend like no other! Charlie is YOUR silly, creative playmate and best friend. He is SOOOOO excited to take YOU on adventures with him. Charlie created Colorforms City out of his imagination so that he can tell the best stories possible... like a knight trying to save a balloon, adventuring to the other end of the rainbow, or Charlie's epic quest to solve a mystery. Come along with Charlie and his friends as they solve problems using creativity, ingenuity, and the shapes Charlie sees all around him.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - In Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures Charlie and his friends create stories and imagine doing different things around their city such as being a mechanic and solving mysteries. Charlie invites the audience to use their imagination to create the story along the way. This DVD is educational and promotes problem-solving while simultaneously teaching children about shapes and colors.

I find this show appealing as an adult, because even though the questions Charlie prompts the audience with are simple, it is still fun to participate in an interactive show. I think children will enjoy this show because they will feel immersed creating the story along with Charlie. The city where Charlie lives is funky and vibrant, which will keep the children engaged and interested.

The episodes are easy to follow. Each one begins with Charlie introducing the audience, followed by the main theme song. After that, Charlie invites the audience to join him in creating a story. Usually throughout, Charlie asks the audience to create something with him to help fix a problem that arises in the story. In the end, all the loose ends are tied up perfectly and Charlie proposes that the audience continue the story on their own. The characters, especially Charlie, are very likable. We are inclined to relate to Charlie and feel empathy towards him. The vocabulary is very suitable for the intended age group. The concepts are also easy to follow. For example, when Charlie talks about shapes, it is not expected that children know what each shape is. Charlie prompts the audience by asking what is the best shape to create a particular animal and then explains why or why not each shape would or wouldn't work. It also teaches children what colors are associated with what feeling. For example, when Charlie says "paint me blue" and is sad, the viewer understands that blue is often associated with feeling gloomy. The visual quality is very inviting and cheerful. The DVD allows one to access specific episodes they want to watch. It also is equipped with subtitles, but I only saw them available in English. The most important benefit of the show is giving children the confidence to make their own decisions and use their imagination to help create their own story. Charlie's Colorforms City does allow for children to problem-solve when they need to use their imagination to create the remainder of the story.

I give Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures 5 out of 5 stars because it encourages children to use their imagination, is interactive and visually appealing. It is significant that children continue to use their imagination and Charlie promotes just that. In each episode, Charlie asks the audience to create something with him to help fix a problem that arises in the story. In the end, even though all the loose ends are tied up, Charlie proposes that the audience continue the story on their own. This further encourages the children to think on their own. The vibrancy of the series will easily draw children in, as well as all the funky shapes of the city. The main takeaway for both children and adult viewers is to remind them that they have the power to tell and create their own story. I recommend it for ages 4 to 10, plus adults.

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Are you ready for a colorful, playful and interactive adventure that's both fun and educational for the whole family? Then you've got to watch the amazing Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures. In this educational animated series, you'll be inspired to create colorful and magical stories, while developing your critical thinking skills. So, buckle up and get ready for new and exciting adventures that are better than ever!

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is all about exploring Colorforms City with Charlie and his two best friends, Red and Violet. In this series, you go on eight whimsical, interactive, storytelling adventures in Colorforms City while learning about different colors, shapes and sizes. Every story Charlie and his friends create is an adventure, so you never know what's coming next because Charlie is always shaking things up! Whether Charlie's a mechanic or a chef - you're in for a real treat.

This cast is filled with so many talented actors throughout the series. Jacob Soley plays Charlie, your creative, fun companion. He connects with his character in such a way that you all will be best friends instantly. Tyler Barish plays one of Charlie's best friends, Red. He is engaging and really connects with his character. Saara Chaudry plays Violet who delivers a dynamic performance. She is my favorite character because she always looks on the bright side of things. My favorite episode is "Mystery Charlie" because someone is stealing all the color from Colorforms City! Charlie and his friends have to work together using their problem solving and critical thinking skills to solve the mystery and save the day. Oh! And I just love the animation and music. The theme song is so catchy! When you hear it you can't help but jump to your feet and dance.

The intent of this DVD is to motivate kids to learn more about colors, shapes and sizes. With Charlie's imagination leading the way, you'll be inspired to create colorful and magical stories, while developing your problem solving skills. Charlie also teaches friendship skills such as being kind, respectful, supportive and being an active listener.

I highly recommend Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures for ages 2 to 6 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. This DVD is available now so, jump to it because you've got a great story to create!

By Ella M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is a new DVD where we get to revisit our good friend Charlie who is back and more creative than ever. With new stories and new adventures, young kids will feel like they are a part of the journey too!

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is about a young boy named Charlie (Jacob Soley) who loves to go on adventures and create stories. He lives in a very vibrant and fun place called Colorforms City, where everyone is friendly and works together. In this DVD, Charlie does things he's never done before, like becoming a cowboy and having his own restaurant. Kids will learn so much as they join Charlie on his colorful journeys!

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is a show that will teach kids valuable lessons. I've seen previous episodes of Charlie's Colorforms City, but this new DVD has a uniqueness of its own. The main thing that sets this DVD from previous ones is the new storylines. We all know that Charlie is very fond of stories and in the episode "Sick Charlie" we see a plethora of stories in a short amount of time. That's because Charlie has a case of "story sneezing." Yup, that means every time Charlie sneezes, he is transported into another story. This is something Charlie has never experienced before, which can be a welcome adventure for fans of the show. It definitely shows off his out-of-this-world imagination. Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventure is geared towards younger audiences. Kids who are just starting school may even be watching this show, which is perfect if they want to have more practice learning about shapes, colors and using their minds to entertain themselves. Because the characters and the objects are two-dimensional, it's simpler for young kids to understand. Audiences will never be overwhelmed when watching this DVD; they'll only want more.

The message of this show is that you don't have to wait to be creative. You can be creative anytime, anyplace. No matter where Charlie is, he's thinking ingeniously and wondering what he can do next. This is very family-friendly and is perfect for parents to watch together with their young children.

I rate Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. The DVD is available now, so make sure you check it out!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 90 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-6 Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
JOEY AND ELLA

Click above to view YouTube video of
JOEY AND ELLA
open in new window
JOEY AND ELLA - GRINDSTONE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: FEATURE, AGES 7-18
Description - A mysterious diamond causes a baby kangaroo named Joey to grow quickly and gain the power of speech. When two bumbling thieves try to retrieve the magical gem, a teen and her new boyfriend try to get Joey to safety before it's too late.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth review
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love Joey and Ella! It is an adventurous comedy that is perfect for the whole family. This movie has it all - boy meets girl, girl likes boy, a mysterious jewel heist, an adorable kangaroo and a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet. So, buckle up and get ready for an action packed, fun filled family adventure that will inspire you.

This modern-day movie opens with two criminals stealing and then losing the Mazinski Diamond, which is a rare alien diamond. This unique gem is unknowingly swiped by a baby kangaroo from a traveling circus. Ella, a young girl who just moved to her grandfather's countryside house, discovers a cute kangaroo, Joey, hiding out in her grandfather's barn. Quickly, Ella discovers that the Mazinski diamond is not only rare, but magical. The diamond's magic allows Joey to grow rapidly and gives him the amazing power to speak! Word gets out that Joey has the Mazinski Diamond and soon everyone is on the chase for this special kangaroo. Ella and her new friend from school, Luke, have to work together to save Joey.

This cast is filled with many talented actors - Jennifer Michele (Ella), Angela Tran (Joey) and Jude Manley (Luke). Each one really connects with their character and delivers strong performances throughout the movie. My favorite part is when Joey and Ella meet for the first time in the barn, because it is such a heartwarming and sweet moment. You can really feel the bond between the two of them. And, I absolutely love the animation for Joey. It is so realistic. You think that he is a real kangaroo throughout the movie.

The intent of this film is to spread awareness about the effects of climate change and encourage us to work together in our communities to protect our planet. Climate change has negatively impacted Australia where there are many wildfires and droughts that put the kangaroo population at risk. This movie inspires us all to help keep our environment and animals safe by playing an active role.

I recommend Joey and Ella for ages 7 to 18. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. It releases on DVD and Digital July 27, 2021. So, hop to it! This is a movie you don't want to miss. ELLA OUT!

By Ella M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Juror Recommended Age: 7-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
OCTONAUTS: SEASON 4

Click above to view YouTube video of
OCTONAUTS: SEASON 4
open in new window
OCTONAUTS: SEASON 4 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 3-10
Description - The Octonauts are a team of adventurers who explore the world's oceans, rescue aquatic creatures and protect their habitats - from the bustling eco-system along the Amazon River to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Octonauts is educational, adventurous and appealing to younger audiences due to its fun characters and missions. Additionally, the musical score that accompany the action are terrific and help heighten tension when necessary. The educational aspects are hidden well within the adventurous missions. So, while children may think they are watching a fun adventure, they are actually learning. All the episodes are colorful and vibrant, which children will also enjoy. Octonauts is a great series for children that love adventures and helping animals.

The Octonauts are a group of animals that help protect creatures in the ocean or other bodies of water. Their adventures begin with reading or seeing the creatures, and then, if the creatures need help, the whole group of Octonauts assembles to create a plan. They go on adventures all over the world to save creatures.

The structure of the show makes sense and flows well. Each episode begins with Captain Barnacles and other members reading or seeing something associated with the creature they are going to save. Then, the Octonauts assemble and venture off to see that creature and help them resolve their problems. The episodes drew me in since the action occurs fairly quickly. I felt empathy towards the creatures that need help, but also the Octonauts when they struggle during their mission.

The vocabulary and concepts are suitable for the intended audiences. Even if the concept may be challenging to grasp, the Octonauts explain multiple times in different ways exactly what they are doing. For example, they explain what a tidal wave is with graphics on their TV and then other Octonauts join in and explain to one another what a tidal wave is. Repetition is excellent for learning, as is incorporating different learning styles. Visually, the show is vibrant and colorful. The images are definitely easy to identify; the animation is very crisp and clear. The DVD cover design is appropriate and matches with the episodic adventures within.

The viewer can click on individual episodes to watch specific ones, or play them all. Also, it keeps your place and remembers where you left off so you can pick up from there. It is also subtitled in English, which makes it useful for those wanting to learn to read or speak better English. After each episode, Captain Barnacles talks about Creature Reports, which you can find in the main menu. The Creature Reports are adorable; they give a little update on the creatures the Octonauts saved.

One big value to the show is that it involves the viewer in problem-solving. Since all the episodes are based around problem solving and devising plans to help creatures, it definitely encourages children to do the same in their own lives. It also teaches the viewer about different environments. Lastly, is the emphasis to work as a team, which helps you gain insight on problem-solving from another viewpoint.

Octonauts: Season 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 3 to 9, perhaps older. Children may find this appealing because the educational aspects are hidden well within the adventurous missions. Not only will this appeal to the younger audience, but Octonauts will also appeal to the parents/guardians that are viewing it as well. Even adults can learn something new about aquatic creatures in each episode. Octonauts is appropriate for ages 3 to 9. The concepts and vocabulary are suitable for younger viewers; even if some concepts or terms may be difficult to comprehend, the team explains them thoroughly.

By Tor R., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The DVD Octonauts: Season 4 is collection of episodes from the colorful, animated series with unique storylines and cleverly imbedded educational information. I would watch a cute scene, go back over it in my head, and realize that I just learned something!

This show, in Season 4, follows Captain Barnacles (Ross Breen) as he teaches some young Octonauts to get their badges, which are earned by completing certain tasks. Some of the episodes revolve around these missions, while others are based on specific characters or events introduced solely for that episode.

Octonauts: Season 4 is similar in quality to previous seasons. It mostly keeps the themes, educational values and entertainment from the past seasons alive. The animation is colorful and bright, which makes the screen an interesting sight and compels you to keep watching. Although the animation and acting may not be quite the level of other animated TV shows, the bright colors, educational aspects and themes are important for young kids and make for an interesting show. One shortcoming is the unrealistic way the characters' mouths move when they talk, with mouths moving differently than the words they are speaking. Some of the more suspenseful parts are less intense because their speech doesn't quite seem real. Besides that, important educational impressions are seamlessly imbedded in the entertaining storylines. In one episode, I learned some interesting facts about sea creatures and their young pups. Whether it is facts about animals, environments, habits or anything else, education is the best part about this show.

The message of Octonauts: Season 4 varies, depending on the theme of each episode. However, the overall themes are about teamwork and kindness.

Octonauts: Season 4 gets 3 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 3 to 6. It is available on DVD now, so go look for it!

Reviewed by Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Octonauts: Season 4 is a very fun and educational show to watch. It allows viewers to have entertainment while learning learn more about animals and become more educated.

This DVD centers around Captain Barnacles (Ross Breen), Kwazii (Rob Rackstraw) and Peso (Paul Pattington), as well as other Octonauts in the series. They go on various adventures exploring the animal kingdom such as saving baby walruses and sea turtles.

Octonauts: Season 4 has a lot of cool things to talk about. First, this show is educational, especially about the animal kingdom. You learn things throughout the show and, at the end; there is a creature report where they teach you more. Second, the creature report. The creature report is a fun part of the show where they sing out facts about an animal and, at the end; they show pictures of that animal in real life to show you what they look like since they don't always look the same when they are animated. Third, the theme songs are another really fun part of the show; there is a theme song playing in the background at the beginning when we first see the Octonauts. There is also a theme song to accompany the Octo Alert. Fourth, the show shows kids how to be kind and caring and help others. In the DVD the Octonauts often help other animals do lots of things; they help them find their moms or get to the ocean safely. This can teach kids how to help each other and how to be kind to others and how to care for the environment.

The message of this show is to always help others when they need it. If you can help, do it and make the world a better place.

Octonauts: Season 4 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 10. Adults will also enjoy watching it with their little ones. Octonauts: Season 4 is available now on DVD.

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The beloved children's show, Octonauts is back for its fourth season, now on DVD. This collection of episodes has new creatures, new lessons and new adventures. If you watched this show when you were younger, the nostalgia will come to you immediately. However, if you are a new fan of Octonauts, you're sure to be entertained because Octonauts Season Four is both educational and engaging.

The DVD Octonauts: Season Four follows Captain Barnacles (Ross Breen) and his crew of sailors who live in an Octopod in the ocean. This team's purpose is to find and save ocean animals in need. Each member of the team has a different and unique duty to ensure that everything is in place for their rescue missions and their working together makes each mission successful.

Something that stands out in this show is the approach taken towards its educational aspect. Young children don't want to sit down and watch a show that just states facts about animals. Octonauts Season Four uses a predictable format for each episode that keeps young viewers entertained, while learning new things. For example, "Creature Report" is an upbeat and fun song that plays at the end of each episode and summarizes the events of that rescue mission. During the song, viewers get to see a realistic picture of the animal the storyline is written about. Kids will be learning about these marine animals without even realizing it. This show also has a lot of diversity with the animals on the team, as well as the roles they play. For example, the three leading animals on the team are Captain Barnacles, who is a bear; Kwazzi, who is a kitten; and Peso, who is a penguin. With these characters alone, kids are introduced to three different animals. Additionally, the creators and writers of the show give each of the characters different positions for the missions. Barnacles is the leader; Kwazii is the daredevil who always goes on the quests; Peso is the medic; Dashi is the photographer and overseer at headquarters; Shellington is the scientist; Tweak is the engineer; Inkling is the oceanographer; and Tunip (along with many other Vegimals) is the helper in the Octopod. This showcases the idea that, even in real life, we have different roles to play as we learn to live and work together.

The message of Octonauts Season Four is stated in their motto - explore, rescue, protect. The Octonauts work together, committing their lives to exploring the sea and different environments so that they can help all of the other creatures. This might inspire kids to get creative, stay curious and explore.

I give Octonauts Season Four 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. Octonauts Season Four is the perfect DVD for parents to watch along with their kids. Even I enjoyed watching the team go on new quests. Octonauts Season Four is available on now on DVD so look for it. Make sure you check it out!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 90 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 3-10 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED

Click above to view YouTube video of
LLAMA LLAMA: FAMILY VACATION
open in new window
LLAMA LLAMA: FAMILY VACATION - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 3-6
Description - Join Llama Llama, Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep, and Gilroy Goat as they explore their friendly hometown and make childhood memories. It's a vacation of many firsts for Llama Llama.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I find this DVD appealing as an adult because vacationing, traveling and spending time with friends or family are activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Children may enjoy Llama Llama: Llama Family Vacation because it can prepare younger viewers for the ins and outs of traveling, if they are slightly nervous. Other episodes consist of fun adventures with Llama Llama and his friends in their neighborhood where the children use their problem-solving skills to help with issues that arise, so this can inspire to children to do the same.

The episodes follow Llama Llama and his family taking a vacation to Sandy Island. Llama Llama creates new memories with his family and experiences a number of "firsts" such as meeting his cousins, flying on a plane and riding on a boat. Llama Llama learns about life in different towns and how similar or different they are from his life at his home. The remaining episodes in the DVD follow a standard day in the life of Llama Llama and friends.

The episodes follow the same structure beginning with Llama Llama having fun playing with his friends or family and an adult explains the adventure that is going to happen. There is typically an obstacle that Llama Llama needs to conquer, usually with the help of his friends and or family. Llama Llama and the others around him learn a lesson at the end of each episode. Since the DVD is filled with episodes surrounding children and their adventures, the adventures and problems they face are age appropriate and easy concepts to comprehend and utilize suitable vocabulary. For example, some of the episodes include figuring out how to have fun as a child on a family vacation; how to calm down a sibling; or how talk to new neighbors. Nothing detrimental happens in any of the episodes. This is super small, but I want to point out that, if a viewer has an extreme fear of flying, this may make them uncomfortable. Not that the flying scene is shown in a way that is scary or harmful. The animation is clear and the images are vibrant. The music matches the action of each episode. For example, when Llama Llama and his family are riding on the boat, the music has sort of a beach or tiki theme. There is lots of music in each episode, especially when the characters are walking, eating or just hanging out. The DVD cover design is appropriate and appealing to the intended audience. It shows Llama Llama and his family on Sandy Island. The main menu allows the user to choose which episode you want to watch and it remembers where you left off. There are subtitles available, but only in English. The show offers young viewers the opportunity to follow along with him and his friends as they experience problem-solving and working as a team to overcome the obstacles. The show does not touch on looking further into a situation, such as the historical or cultural background, since the episodes show simple day-to-day activities and problems.

There are multiple messages of the program including: Traveling is great because you can create new memories and learn about other places. Capture memories and savor each moment that happens in life. Even if someone is scared about experiencing something for the first time, if they have support given by people that care for them, the experience won't be as scary. The first try is simply a way to learn better for the second, or multiple other tries. The main theme throughout is - You can learn how to get through obstacles that life places in the way by believing in yourself and allow your loved ones to help you when its needed, plus perseverance.

I give Llama Llama: Llama Family Vacation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10, plus parents who can enjoy watching it with their youngsters.

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Llama Llama: Family Vacation is a fun new DVD for the little ones. With animated, talking animals and a special new location, these episodes are sure to excite your toddler for hours as they experience the silly and thrilling life of Llama Llama along with his friends and family.

This DVD is a compilation of episodes from the TV series where Llama Llama is back at having exciting adventures and new friends! He's exploring new things like babysitting Baby Newman, flying on a plane for the first time, and befriending the new kid in the neighborhood, Audrey. With more whimsical music and shenanigans, Llama Llama and his friends are having tons of fun.

The voice acting in this show is exquisite, particularly Jennifer Garner as the voice of Mama Llama. All the other voice actors are equally terrific, such as Islie Hirvonen as Nelly Gnu and Shayle Simons as the voice of Llama Llama. I love the playful music in all the scenes and how it fits the lively plots of this cheerful show. Parents can take a break while their child watches this DVD. Kids can learn about including other people and helping out their friends. Llama Llama is such an inspiration for kids everywhere as he helps out around town, creates Thanks-For-Giving Day and is kind to others. This show has excellent and original plots which make the show all the more exciting! I love the music because it always seems to fit exactly what the scene is about, using light and upbeat music during an adventure or a slower and lower-pitched music for defeat. My favorite part is when Llama Llama learns about how much people around the town do to make the community a better place because he realizes that he can help out too.

This show demonstrates friendship and teamwork. As Llama Llama makes new friends and explores new places, he learns how important these things age.

I give Llama Llama: Family Vacation 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 6. This DVD is available now so look for it.

Reviewed by Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Llama Llama: Family Vacation is a DVD filled with fun experiences as you watch Llama Llama and his friends make childhood memories. They do new things that lead to new adventures. If you enjoy the Llama Llama books, then you should definitely check this out.

In each episode of Llama Llama: Family Vacation, the storyline follows Llama Llama, Mama Llama, and their friends as they go on different quests and try new things along the way. For example, Llama Llama goes on his first airplane ride to visit Sandy Island with Mama Llama and Gram. There he meets his extended family and his cousins for the first time. Llama Llama makes new friends and meets new people, which makes the storylines more enjoyable.

I really like how this DVD introduces more characters in each episode and we get to meet more of Llama Llama and Mama Llama's family. My favorite episode is "Llama Llama Family Vacation" because they add new members of Llama Llama's to the storyline and it shows Mama Llama helping Llama Llama get on the plane for the first time. "New Neighbors" is another episode I enjoyed because they introduce a new character that becomes Llama Llama's new friend, which makes the episode's plot more interesting. The storyline is easy to follow and shows the audience how to handle trying new things and might help them get over their fears. My favorite character is Mama Llama because she teaches Llama Llama and his friends that trying new things helps you learn better and grow. Also, the theme song of the show is fun and upbeat and it helps make this a fun and exciting kids show.

The message of Llama Llama: Family Vacation is: if you try new things you might surprise yourself. This DVD is very kid and family-friendly.

I rate Llama Llama: Family Vacation 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 6. This DVD was released June 15, 2021. Be sure to check it out!

Review by Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Llama Llama: Llama Family Vacation is an educational and entertaining show with lots of good messages and fun stories.

This DVD is about Llama Llama (Shayle Simons), his friends and family who go on fun adventures where they learn and help each other. There are many positive messages in the show. Some of their adventures include going on vacations and helping their mom by being persistent in getting the baby to calm down.

There is some fun stuff to talk about in this DVD. First, the show has many positive messages and teaches kids to not fear new things and be inclusive. Second, is about the music; there are some cool ways they use music here. When it is a calm moment the music is calm; when it's lively, so is the music. They set the theme of each vignette with background music used in that scene. Of course, then there is the theme song. At the beginning of every episode a theme song that summarizes what the show is about is played; it's a fun and catchy song that kids will be singing afterwards. Let's talk about the characters. There are many fun characters in this series that help make the story what it is. There is lots of inclusion when new characters are introduced that send a positive message about being inclusive. Last, I have to talk about the animation, which is clear, attractive and a highlight of the show.

Each episode has a different message, but the overall messages of the show are to be yourself, be inclusive and be kind to everyone and everything.

I give Llama Llama, Llama Family Vacation 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 10, plus adults will find it fun to watch with younger kids. This DVD is available now so look for it.

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 100 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 3-6 Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99 Media: DVD



This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
DOUBLE LIFE OF HUGH, THE
DOUBLE LIFE OF HUGH, THE - BEN TOBIN
Series: SHORTS, AGES 6-10
Description - Hugh (Nate Ruth) and his father Hugo (Colin Allen) have very different ideas about what it means to be a mime.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed this short film about a boy and his father who learn to accept each other on their own terms. The characters cleverly use mime rather than dialogue to tell their story in The Double Life of Hugh. I could relate to seeing the father and son with their different personalities and wanting to do things differently.

The storyline follows Hugh, a young mime who has his own ideas about how he wants to perform. He struggles with understanding what it means to be normal and in getting his dad's approval on his performance ideas. The storyline has a conflict that teens can relate to. Hugh and his father have different ideas about performing; Hugh is trying to find his own identity as a mime. This is something that many teens experience in their own lives - when they and their parents disagree about how things should be done. The various camera angles help give us insight into the characters, such as when we see the boy looking into the mirror or reading a book. Another shot, from above, shows the father's anguish when his son runs away and he is alone, grieving. Some shots, such as those onstage are a bit dark and not well lit. The mine's costume is a traditional one and works well. The outfits he changes to for normal street-ware work well. I particularly enjoyed Hugh's new mime costume at the end because it follows his own style, yet still fits a mime. The main location is a stage. It has a simple background that is appropriate for the performance. The location of the small town gives us a sense of where he lives. I like how the music changes to fit the mood of the characters. It is upbeat in the happier scenes and more dramatic when they are arguing. My favorite part is the performances. All of the actors - Ben Tobin as Hugo's Father, Nate Ruth as Hugh and Colin Allen as Hugo - deliver admirable performances. My favorite scene is when Hugh decides to return and join his father again. The father is glad to welcome his son come back and accepts his new costume and his new ideas. They also cleverly make use of the written word occasionally, to show the passage of time, which is similar to how silent movies were made and applicable to this non-narrative film. I love the ending, when the boy returns and the two of them make up! It shows that, in the end, we can all accept changes from the younger generation.

The message is about accepting others for who they are. The father wants the boy to perform his way; Hugh wants to perform in his own style. In the end the boy wants to continue to perform with his father and the father accepts the boy's way of performing so they can continue to perform together.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14. Reviewed by Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed this short film about a boy and his father who learn to accept each other on their own terms. The characters cleverly use mime rather than dialogue to tell their story in The Double Life of Hugh. I could relate to seeing the father and son with their different personalities and wanting to do things differently.

The storyline follows Hugh, a young mime who has his own ideas about how he wants to perform. He struggles with understanding what it means to be normal and in getting his dad's approval on his performance ideas. The storyline has a conflict that teens can relate to. Hugh and his father have different ideas about performing; Hugh is trying to find his own identity as a mime. This is something that many teens experience in their own lives - when they and their parents disagree about how things should be done. The various camera angles help give us insight into the characters, such as when we see the boy looking into the mirror or reading a book. Another shot, from above, shows the father's anguish when his son runs away and he is alone, grieving. Some shots, such as those onstage are a bit dark and not well lit. The mine's costume is a traditional one and works well. The outfits he changes to for normal street-ware work well. I particularly enjoyed Hugh's new mime costume at the end because it follows his own style, yet still fits a mime. The main location is a stage. It has a simple background that is appropriate for the performance. The location of the small town gives us a sense of where he lives. I like how the music changes to fit the mood of the characters. It is upbeat in the happier scenes and more dramatic when they are arguing. My favorite part is the performances. All of the actors - Ben Tobin as Hugo's Father, Nate Ruth as Hugh and Colin Allen as Hugo - deliver admirable performances. My favorite scene is when Hugh decides to return and join his father again. The father is glad to welcome his son come back and accepts his new costume and his new ideas. They also cleverly make use of the written word occasionally, to show the passage of time, which is similar to how silent movies were made and applicable to this non-narrative film. I love the ending, when the boy returns and the two of them make up! It shows that, in the end, we can all accept changes from the younger generation.

The message is about accepting others for who they are. The father wants the boy to perform his way; Hugh wants to perform in his own style. In the end the boy wants to continue to perform with his father and the father accepts the boy's way of performing so they can continue to perform together.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14. Reviewed by Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 6-10 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
LA MUSICA

Click above to view YouTube video of
LA MUSICA
open in new window
LA MUSICA - WHISTLEFRITZ LLC Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: DVD, AGES 5-10
Description - Pack your bags--we're going on a musical adventure! Join Mar�a and a playful group of peers as they embark on a fun-filled journey from Spain to Latin America, singing, dancing, and learning Spanish along the way!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - La Musica promotes interactive engagement between the audience and the lessons on screen. This DVD utilizes the concept of language immersion, which means that, instead of simply using words to teach children a new language, it uses visuals and songs to ingrain Spanish words and phrases. The use of animation, and the overall structure of the DVD creates an easy to understand and enjoyable flow.

I find this immersive concept appealing and engaging. When I learned a new language the teacher just wrote the words on the board in English and then in French. Nothing clicked! This DVD is so much more fun, vibrant and personable. I did not know very much Spanish before watching this and now I have learned some new words over the course of 35 minutes.

I think children will enjoy this DVD because of the songs. They have a good beat and, honestly, are very catchy. The way the main instructor, Maria, speaks to the audience makes it extremely personable and it seems as if children will engage with the welcoming environment she creates.

The DVD flows very well. The structure is that Maria talks to the children who are on-camera with her, but also to the audience, about what they are going to discuss. Maria explains it a little bit more and then invites one of her friends to sing a song about it. After each song, she reflects a bit about it and then the process repeats. There is not much connection with the characters, yet it is still enjoyable to watch them sing in Spanish. The material is suitable for the intended age group. There are times when Maria repeats a phrase or word a couple of times in a row to reinforce the Spanish words, but I believe that is important for 4 to 10-year-olds.

This is all shot using either a green screen or animation. The green screen allows the production freedom to travel virtually to Spain and other Spanish speaking countries. Sometimes it is a bit style-less, but I do not think children will notice. The actor that plays Maria is great. The cover of the DVD is very appealing with its border of a rainbow, and showing Maria dressed in her flamenco outfit. This DVD teaches children not only fundamental Spanish words, but also about the Spanish culture. During one song, Ileana sings about where she is from and gives examples of other countries where Spanish is spoken. There is a map behind her showing native animals of these Spanish speaking countries also. There is not much problem-solving, but there is definitely cultural lessons woven throughout the language lessons.

The message of this DVD is about getting children excited to learn about Spanish culture and the language through interactive engagement, song and dance with the guidance of native speakers.

I give La Musica 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 10, plus adults. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the DVD La Musica because it is very entertaining and makes it easy to learn Spanish. I like how children can interact with this DVD while learning Spanish and having fun at the same time.

This DVD has lively Spanish melodies and it includes both Spanish and English subtitles to make it easier for the audience to follow and learn the language. It includes ten Spanish songs and is approximately 35 minutes filled with fun and learning experiences. The graphics and backgrounds are vibrant and colorful as are the characters. The main character, Maria, takes the audience on a Spanish sing-along adventure around the world with the help of Fritzi the mouse and the rest of the playful cast as they journey from Spain to South America. This DVD includes a lot of singing, dancing, stomping, clapping, solving riddles, helping Maria find Fritzi and figuring out what the next dance will be as you learn the language. The music is very appealing and catchy.

Whistlefritz is creator of this language learning DVD. Their Spanish for Kids DVDs, CDs and lesson plans have received more than 100 national honors and awards from most respected organizations in children's media. My favorite part of La Musica is that it incorporates some songs from the Spanish CD, Buenos D�as! Learning Songs which I had the pleasure to review in 2020. This DVD takes some of the songs from Buenos D�as! And turned them into scenes. My favorite scene is "Se Habla Espa�ol."

La Musica is the latest DVD release in the award-winning Spanish for Kids series. It is an excellent tool for non-Spanish speakers or for young children to learn Spanish as a second language.

I give La Musica 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it ages 3 to 18, plus adults. La Musica DVD is available now in stores and digital download. You can visit the Whistlefritz website at www.whistlefritz.com to keep updated about their DVDs, CDs and other programs.

By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Whistlefritz has done it again with their newest Spanish language DVD, La Musica. La Musica is an exciting journey through the world of music with easy to learn Spanish songs that make you want to get up and dance along! With a fun and diverse cast this DVD is a great next step for kids hoping to become more conversational in Spanish.

Maria (Sara Jerez) and her friends put on an outstanding show as they travel around the world on a Spanish adventure. With catchy songs, a fun cast, native speakers, and fun animated characters, this DVD will keep you watching until the end. All elements of La Musica come together to create a great musical experience along with teaching fundamental Spanish that can be used by teachers, parents and kids themselves. There are English subtitles for those that are just beginning to learn Spanish.

This DVD has a fun and colorful feeling that is sure to keep your children entertained. The colorful background and award-winning music all contribute to a great educational film. With just the right amount of education and amusement, it offers a perfect way to help teach your child conversational Spanish. I love La Musica because its light and exciting theme it is perfect for all ages, not just the younger children. My favorite part is when Maria dances a traditional Flamenco dance, because it is so interesting and fun to watch.

The message of La Musica is that education doesn't need to be boring. This DVD shows that you can lighten it up with songs and dance! Even though it may be difficult to learn a new language, anybody can do it, even children!

I give La Musica 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 10. You can buy this DVD online now.

By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

La Musica is a short language learning course for kids in a series by Whistlefritz. Presented entirely in Spanish, La Musica is filled with dancing, singing and more. This educational DVD keeps you moving and humming to its catchy tunes. Kids learn how to say numbers, days of the week and many other words in Spanish thanks to the English subtitles. It's a fun way to learn the language.

This 35 minute conversational course features a cast of kids, teens and a host, Maria, who takes viewers on an entertaining adventure while teaching Spanish words and dances. In one scene Maria flamenco dances and wears a traditional Spanish dress which helps kids learn more about Latin culture. La Musica (The Music) also incorporates animated characters, including Rito the fox and Fritzi the mouse, that help viewers navigate the language. My favorite part is when Rito goes shopping at the grocery store. That scene teaches Spanish words for orange, peach, cookie and other tasty foods.

The excitement is at high levels throughout the lessons, which keep the viewer's attention focused on learning Spanish. The teaching method encourages kids to repeat different words, which are easy to note and understand, based on how they are presented. English subtitles are shown throughout so you can translate while the characters speak. As a beginning Spanish learner, I found that this made it a lot easier for me to understand and found this DVD very newcomer-friendly.

I recommend La Musica for ages 5 to 10, but older kids may find it useful as a fast review or study tool. This course is sure to capture your attention and you too will soon be speaking Espanol. This is available from Whistlefritz at www.whistlefritz.com and online wherever DVDs are sold.

By Ava H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 35 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
GIGANTOSAURUS: SEASON 1, VOL.2

Click above to view YouTube video of
GIGANTOSAURUS: SEASON 1, VOL.2
open in new window
GIGANTOSAURUS: SEASON 1, VOL.2 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-8
Description - Life is an adventure for 4 dinosaurs - new volcanoes are popping up all the time, long-necked brachiosauruses and enormous triceratopses roam free, meteor showers light up the night sky and the big bad Gigantosaurus reigns over it all!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Vol.2 is such an upbeat and fun series and has the most delightful and beautiful color palette. The friendship between the dinosaurs seems very genuine.

The storyline follows a group of dinosaurs that take off on adventures and deal with struggles such as planning parties and combating seasonal allergies. These dinos have fun together and their friendship is exceedingly strong. Some of the other dinosaurs claim that Gigantosaurus is the biggest and baddest of them all, but through their adventures together they realize that Giganto is not so bad after all.

Young children will enjoy this because of the fun, different-looking dinosaurs that are also spunky and likable. Of course, the adventures are fun and definitely relatable. Most importantly, various life lessons are woven into their dialogue, making it easy for kids to grasp. Each episode flows well and certainly makes sense. The structure goes as follows: the dinosaurs encounter a problem (whether it is losing an hour of daytime or dealing with the sniffles), then the group faces obstacles, but ultimately Giganto helps them solve their problem. The material and vocabulary are suitable for the intended age group. For example, instead of using the word allergies, they call it the sniffles, since children can grasp the action of sniffling and sneezing better than the word allergies. The animation is great. The color scheme is always vibrant - light blue, green and yellow, which is also calming. The DVD cover shows a big jungle that is also shown in the episodes. The backgrounds are whimsical and vast and incorporate small details such as volcanoes and big trees. The visuals most definitely relate to the dinosaurs' jungle adventures. The user can select any episode they want, fast forward through them, or drag the buffer button across the screen. It also remembers where you left off.

The show focuses on problem-solving and not jumping to conclusions. For example, while planning a party, everything seems to go wrong, but through communication and problem solving, the dinosaurs are able to create a fun party and Giganto makes them realize, all the elements of the party do not matter, it's being with friends that makes a party. Two takeaways for children are "never judge a book by its cover" and "do not jump to conclusions."

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Vol.2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 3 to 10. Younger children will enjoy the beautiful visuals and cool, vibrant looking dinosaurs. Older ones will understand the messages, while also appreciating the visuals.

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 will bring much entertainment to young dino-lovers. The animation is colorful, the storyline is full of adventures and the message is always positive.

This DVD follows the travels of four young dinosaurs named Rocky (Dylan Schombing), Bill (Nicholas Holmes), Tiny (Aine Sunderland) and Mazu (Nahanni Mitchell), who live in the Cretaceous period. Episodes include The Floating Stone, Racing Giganto, A Tiny Favor, Crying Wolfasurus, and How Giganto Got His Roar. This DVD has four hours of fun with 26 episodes.

I found the animation very appealing and really unique. It has vibrant backgrounds and a distinctive style that looks like the characters are hand drawn, but also look 3D. The voice work is very well executed. Mazu, voiced by Nahanni Mitchell, is a clever Ankylosaurus that always has a plan. Rocky, voiced by Dylan Schombing, however, just goes for it. Even his voice sounds adventurous. Aine Sunderland has a peppy and bubbly voice that fits Tiny's character perfectly. Bill, who is a shy Brachiosaurus, is voiced wonderfully by Nicholas Holmes. My favorite character is Tiny, the playful Triceratops, because she has a fun personality and I think I would be most like if I was a dinosaur in the Cretaceous period. My favorite episode is An Artist is Born, which is about Tiny's older brother finding a new passion. The award-winning series is produced by Cyber Group Studios in France and directed by Olivier Lelardoux.

There are many positive messages throughout this DVD, including the benefit of helping others and having patience, learning from trying new things and, of course, the power of teamwork and friendship.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 3 to 8. Dinosaur-lovers will really enjoy is. This DVD is available now, so look for it!

Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 is a very unique DVD, based on the TV show. It has four main characters, plus Gigantosaurus, who does not speak.

This show is about four little dinos, Rocky (Dylan Schombing), Tiny (�ine Sunderland), Bill (Nicholas Holmes) and Mazu(Nahanni Mitchell) who go on all sorts of adventures together such as frozen party and finding a flower. Gigantosarus is a dino that does not talk; he only growls and roars and is generally seen as a big, mean, scary and green dino. Once you get to know him he is not such a bad guy, but he often gets blamed for things he didn't do.

This DVD is amazing. This show has truly fascinating characters and storyline. All the voice actors are really terrific. They are all adult actors yet, in the show, they sound like kids. If you listen to them and then see what they look like in person, you would be surprised. This show has lots of cool animation. It is very clear and cool looking. The background scenes are like nothing I have seen before. All are unique to this show and include scenes that show us jungle where the dinosaurs live. The growls and roars made by the dinosaurs are really amazing. They sound like a real dinosaur made them.

The message of this show is that friendship is what matters. In the end, friends will always prevail and you can count on them for anything. If you can't, they are not real friends. You should always be able to trust your friends and rely on them.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 8. The DVD is available now, so look for it. This could also be a fun family show to watch with younger kids.

by Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 is a beautifully animated, lively and positive DVD that kids will surely enjoy! With crisp voiceovers, sweet messages and lovable characters, you'll find it difficult to tear yourself away from the screen.

The show follows the life and times of four dinosaurs - Rocky (Dylan Schombing), Bill (Nicholas Holmes), Tiny (�ine Sunderland) and Mazu (Nahanni Mitchell), who live in the adventurous Cretaceous period. And of course, the title character - Gigantosaurus. Known by the four as Giganto, this seemingly scary, yet actually kind giganotosaurus aids the four dinosaurs in their efforts. This DVD includes 26 "Dino-mite" episodes that, in total, span four hours. Episodes include "The Shortest Day," "The Best Crest," "Coco Bill" and "Patchy Sees the Light."

This DVD has some amazing, vibrant animation that goes perfectly with the tone of the episodes; that's my favorite part of the whole viewing experience. All elements are intricately drawn, including details like water droplets, nostrils and even skin texture. The voice actors show their talent in their portrayal of the various characters; you feel the emotion in the characters' voices throughout the show. When Tiny is dejected, you too feel sad. When Rocky is off on another adventure, you feel like you're along for the ride with him, and are absorbed by his happy-go-lucky tone. My favorite character is Mazu, because he's pragmatic and a great role model for kids. That's one clever Ankylosaurus! I love all the episodes, but one of my favorites is "The Best Crest," because it encourages perseverance and resourcefulness, and promotes the message that even things that seem disadvantageous have an upside.

This brings me to the values and morals that Gigantosaurus promotes. Each episode has a different focus, but courage, teamwork, friendship, perseverance, kindness and selflessness are just a few of the amazing lessons that kids are taught in this DVD.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 7. This DVD is great for dino-lovers and is available now.

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Runtime: 286 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN, THE: ALL ABOUT EARTH

Click above to view YouTube video of
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN, THE: ALL ABOUT EARTH
open in new window
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN, THE: ALL ABOUT EARTH - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-13
Description - Bus, do your stuff! Field trips with Ms. Frizzle are wilder than ever, into space, over to the Galapagos Islands even a plunge into the depths of the Sun itself.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Every moment in The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is exciting! The brilliant colors, constant excitement and movement create a fun and fast paced adventure. I love how the action starts right from the beginning. The energy in the characters' voices adds to the enthralling energy of the whole series.

The storyline follows the Magic School Bus taking the class on out of this world field trip adventures. The bus and the class all turn into things to demonstrate firsthand knowledge of science and how things work!

I like that the storyline is repetitive throughout, yet very unique in the individual stories. Kids will love that they won't know what the next adventure will be, but they know it will be an exciting experience on each field trip. The camera shots that give quick close-ups when something exciting is going on make it suspenseful and exciting. The costumes for the kids are brightly colored and still normal for kids of this age. The costumes for Ms. Frizzle, the teacher, are always eccentric and smartly indicative of the current adventure. One constant set that is used in each episode is the magic school bus that takes them on all the adventures. The sets for each episode are unique to that field trip and are always brilliantly colored.

The music is suspenseful, typically fast-paced and captivating. The special effects are limitless since it is animated. The bus turns into anything imaginable. Ms. Fiona Frizzle is played by Kate McKinnon and Lily Tomlin plays professor Frizzle. Both of them give stunning performances.

The message of this show is that "learning can be fun and exciting." My favorite character is Ms. Frizzle. Her colorful character and crazy antics keep the adventure constant.

I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 12. Younger ones may not entirely understand but the colors and upbeat, fast-paced music will keep them entertained.

Reviewed by Melissa M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Looking for an entertaining, educational and nostalgic TV series on DVD? Well, then the Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth! is perfect for you. Although it is targeted toward a younger audience, I still found myself attentive and interested in the story lines. Each episode has a fun adventure, mixed with an enthusiastic learning experience. It reminds me of how much I liked reading the original The Magic School Bus books when I was younger.

In the four episodes on this DVD, "Pigs in the Wind," "Hides and Seeks," "The Tales Glaciers Tell," and "Tim and the Talking Trees," the characters learn about the Earth's patterns and ways of communicating and how it's important to take care of the Earth. They also learn about wind patterns, how animals camouflage, how oxygen and carbon is preserved in glaciers for thousands of years and how ecosystems communicate with each other. And they also see many sights from different time periods and places that make amazing field trips.

My favorite episode is "Hides and Seeks," especially when half of the kids get to travel to different geographic locations and study animals camouflaging to report back to the other half of the kids. We see animals in the environmental atmosphere blending in, and in contrast we see the kids in their game of hide and seek. This show is for younger audiences, but some of the concepts are explained too quickly for me to grasp and won't make sense to everyone. A few characters are pretty different from the book, which makes them unique in this TV show. The voicing of the characters is realistic and fitting for their personalities. Although there is some repetition in ideas and story lines, it isn't enough to make the show any less fun to watch. I would definitely watch this show in my free time just for fun.

One of the messages in this series is love the earth and to protect it. This inspires people to preserve the wildlife and habitats. We are also shown that you can always find fun in learning and it's easier to learn when you get an inside look and explore things on your own, instead of read about them in a textbook. Sometimes the kids in the show find themselves in a scary situation, but they are never in grave danger. Apart from some concepts being a little hard to understand this series is pretty kid friendly great for school-aged kids.

I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 13. Adults and teenagers may enjoy it too. The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth! Is available on DVD now so look for it.

Reviewed by Rosemary K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is a great choice for young kids and schools. Apart from a few minor flaws, these four episodes are well worth your time. Colorful animation, creative incorporation of important messages and nice humor are a few of the things that make is DVD unique Based on the original The Magic School Bus, this collection follows an elementary school class on their field trips and creative experiments that are all about Earth. When a scientific topic needs investigation, Miss Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) and the class jump aboard the magic school bus and get creative to figure out solutions to their problems.

There are many impressive elements in this show - from trees, to animals, to kids, the colorful animation is eye-catching. The animals are also very cute, as are some of the plot points. Humor for all ages, but primarily aimed toward younger kids, is woven throughout and laughs are spread out nicely. Another touch of creativity is the way that these episodes are supremely entertaining, but also very educational. It's seemingly just your normal animated show, and then all of a sudden, you're learning things without even realizing it! With all of this being said, there are a couple aspects that don't quite hold up. This collection has the same characters as the original The Magic School Bus, but most of their personalities don't match too well. Sometimes I find myself wondering if they really are the same characters. This could be disappointing for fans of the original The Magic School Bus series. Also, some things are just not realistic. Besides the school bus's magic, which is clearly fantasized, a lot of events occur that don't make much sense. For example, the students build a tower with hundreds of bricks in a short amount of time.

The message of this show is that teamwork is necessary to accomplish tasks. Whether it be setting the stage for a play or playing hide and seek, working together is vital. This DVD is terrific for learning science concepts.

I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 9, plus adults. This DVD is available now so look for it.

By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth DVD is the perfect thing to give you a much-needed laugh and a much-needed lesson. While traveling all over the world, the characters in this show learn essential facts that help them with the problems they face. This series is worth the watch!

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth DVD is compilation of episodes from The Magic School Bus: Rides Again, a spinoff of the 90s series, The Magic School Bus. The episodes in this DVD have everything to do with the Earth. Ms. Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) takes her students on epic adventures all around the world, in different time periods, and through various situations. And, of course, this is with the help of their magic school bus. The characters in this show use their smarts and creativity to have a blast, while learning new things about our planet.

When you watch this DVD it's evident that this is a fantastic show. First of all, the facts they learn are very useful, especially because they are related to concepts being learned in school. For instance, if you are learning about plants, then the episode "Tim and the Talking Trees" is perfect for you. It teaches about how the roots in trees and other plants are connected and therefore communicate in order to survive. Even if you're NOT in school when you watch this, it's still great to have the knowledge. Something else that makes this series so intriguing, are the settings. They are all very colorful and have a nice balance. This includes the way the characters are dressed. The colors of the wardrobe complement the backgrounds, context and the personality of each character. There are some flaws, like the comedy. Of course this is a kids' show, however, some of the jokes are a little unsubtle. Also, there are times when the acting seems very scripted, and the pace of the dialogue and interactions seem a little off. I had a high expectation for this show, since I used to watch the original when I was younger. While this show didn't exactly meet my expectation, it could prove to work really well for young kids now.

The message of The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is that exploring and being curious is a good thing, and that curiosity can lead to extraordinary discoveries. The characters aren't afraid of showing how fond they are of exploring and learning new things. This can be uplifting for kids who may get made fun of for being intelligent or inquisitive.

As you can probably already tell, The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is an engaging DVD that you can watch whenever you want to learn something, have a laugh, or just want to watch an entertaining show! I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This is an amazing DVD for parents to watch with their kids, and it provokes discussion afterwards. The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth DVD is available now. So look for it.

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 90 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-13 Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
LLAMA LLAMA: FUN WITH FRIENDS

Click above to view YouTube video of
LLAMA LLAMA: FUN WITH FRIENDS
open in new window
LLAMA LLAMA: FUN WITH FRIENDS - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 3-7
Description - Join Llama Llama, Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep and Gilroy Goat as they explore their friendly hometown and make childhood memories.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Llama Llama: Fun With Friends is perfect for someone that loves adventures with friends. I love this series because, for every problem Llama Llama comes across there is a solution that is found with the help of his friends. No matter how difficult the problem is, all of Llama Llama's friends were happy to help however they could.

This DVD is comprised of a series of episodes from the TV series, where Llama Llama overcomes obstacles throughout his daily life. He is able to accomplish this with the help of his friends and his family. Every obstacle teaches Llama Llama and his friends an important life lesson.

In every episode my favorite part is when all of the animals come together and find a way to bring happiness and fun to whatever situation they are currently in. I love how they make the best out of what they have and learn to enjoy it. The voice actors in this series are terrific. Specifically Jennifer Garner who plays Mama Llama; her performance stands out above the rest. The care she feels for Llama Llama comes through loud and clear. Another actor that stands out is Islie Hirvonen who plays Nellie Gnu. I love how her character is always happy. Her voice sounds so upbeat and the character charms you from the get go.

The important message you get from this show is that you should enjoy what you do. If you don't enjoy what you are doing then you should find something that is fun and enjoyable. I can relate to this message and think that most children can also.

The animation in this film is terrific. The backgrounds look very realistic. The way the scooters move and the water looks are also realistic. I love the life lessons in each episode and seeing all the teamwork it takes to solve their problems.

I give Llama Llama: Fun With Friends 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7.

Reviewed by Lorelei T., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Llama Llama: Fun With Friends makes the childhood stories we all know and love come to life in a spectacular and fun way. This DVD is a compilation of episodes from the animated series based on the children's book Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney.

Each episode in this show is full of adventure, whether it's looking for a missing tooth, losing a race, or just flying kites. Every episode, Llama Llama and his friends learn something new and so does the audience.

Jennifer Garner (13 Going on 30) has a very distinctive and warm voice while portraying Mama Llama. While Llama Llama is voiced by Shayle Simons, whose voice is very young and natural sounding. The animation, especially of the characters, is very colorful and feels like the pages of a storybook awakening. Each episode consists of different plot lines and introduces new characters and scenes. You never know what to expect or what will happen next in each episode, making this show one of a kind. Voice director and series casting by Doug Parker makes this entire show worth the watch!

Even though every episode has a different message, the overall theme is like the words that Llama Llama's many friends say: "Never say never! Don't give up." You don't know how far you can go. This show promotes positive social behaviors, such as caring, helping one another and being there for your friends.

Llama Llama: Fun With Friends gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 8. You can find Llama Llama: Fun With Friends on DVD now. Look for it!

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Llama Llama: Fun with Friends!, like so many of the other Llama Llama DVDs, teaches helpful life-lessons, like patience and discussing how you feel with others. The animation is simple and 2D, with a variety of adorable animals.

This collection follows Llama Llama (Shayle Simons), a playful Llama and some of his adventures with his friends Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep and Gilroy Goat. It has 165 hours of fun, with 15 episodes, each lasting around 11 minutes. Episodes include some about the seasons like Last Day of Summer, Spring Fever and Snow Show. Others cover a variety of experiences such as Happy Birthday Llama Llama, Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! and Llama Llama Shopping Drama.

This show is based on the beloved Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney. I admire how the creators of this show do so much with just a little help from the books. Kudos to the writers and to George Gabriel, who wrote the show's theme song; it's very catchy. This cast includes Jennifer Garner who voices Mama Llama and her soothing voice fits the role perfectly. My favorite episode is Happy Birthday Llama Llama because it shows how much friends care for one another. My favorite characters are Grandma (Kathleen Barr) and Grandpa Llama (David Orth/David Poole) because wherever they are, they bring fun along with them.

There are many positive messages throughout this DVD, including patience, making the most out of everything and problem solving and friendship.

I give Llama Llama: Fun with Friends! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 9. This DVD is available now, so look for it.

Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The DVD Llama Llama: Fun With Friends is a collection of episodes from the animated children's show, Llama Llama, on Netflix. In this DVD Llama Llama and his friends go on adventures and learn valuable lessons.

The stories in these episodes follow Llama Llama (Shayle Simons), and his friends having fun and learning along the way. Even though Llama Llama is obviously a llama, this show talks about issues that real kids deal with. Mama Llama (Jennifer Garner) is also a part of the activities with Llama Llama and his friends, encouraging him to have fun, be kind, and trust that everything will be okay.

In all the episodes, Llama Llama and his friends learn something new and viewers can learn along with them. My favorite episode is "Llama Llama Shopping Drama," because it shows Llama Lama being impatient as his mother shops, which I am sure many kids can relate to. In this episode, Llama Llama learns that, in life, you need to be patient. Another thing I like about this show is that it includes the events that happen in the Llama Llama books, but as a TV episode. I used to read these books all the time, and I was both surprised and happy when I recognized the familiar storylines. The lessons that Llama Llama and his friends learn are something a viewer may need a refresher on, or they may even be something they want to teach someone else. Either way, this show has great reminders of what's important about life.

The message of Llama Llama: Fun With Friends is that there is always something to learn. Whether it's an educational or character development lesson, it can be helpful in knowing how you live your life.

Llama Llama: Fun With Friends is an awesome DVD! I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 7. The DVD is available now so go check it out!

By Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Runtime: 185 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 37-7 Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
RAINBOW RANGERS: RANGERS TO THE RESCUE

Click above to view YouTube video of
RAINBOW RANGERS: RANGERS TO THE RESCUE
open in new window
RAINBOW RANGERS: RANGERS TO THE RESCUE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 4 - 12
Description - Seven girls live a rainbow ride away and whenever there's trouble, the Rangers zoom into action across the sky to save the day!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Rainbow Rangers: Rangers To The Rescue is a perfect choice for kids who like adventure and friendship. All the episodes present real problems that the Rainbow Rangers have to solve. This is a good way to show young viewers how to problem solve. The characters are always working together and demonstrate how working together gets things done much quicker.

In the seven different episodes there are different problems on Earth that the Rangers go down and help solve. While doing that they teach important life lessons.

My favorite part out of all of the episodes is when Floof makes an entrance into the main space. It shows that they, even when working to solve problems, the Rangers still have fun and are relaxed about things.

The voice actors in this series are terrific, making sure you know what emotions the characters are feeling though their voice talent. I especially like the voice of Kalia which is played by Phillipia Alexander. Her performance stands out because she makes her tone motherly when she talks with the Rangers and always sounds worried when telling them about the horrible problems taking place. I also like Dan Russell's voice-acting as Preston Praxton, especially when his character sounds indifferent. I love the animation and the storylines also. They make the show. One of the things that jumped out to me in this show is what how the animation makes making the movements of the characters look so natural and how they take positions that real people would stand in, rather than stand straight upright. By mimicking human stances, the characters feel more lifelike.

The message of this series is about teamwork and how you can get a lot more done and do a much better job at something if you have work together with your peers. In all of the episodes teamwork is a prominent part.

I give Rainbow Rangers: Rangers To The Rescue 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 7. Reviewed by Julie S. and Lorelei T.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the Rainbow Rangers, Rangers to the Rescue! DVD because it is an educational and fun animation show, for mostly a girl audience, but boys can enjoy it too.

This DVD is about seven girls who are named Rainbow Rangers. They have colorful hair and space type outfits. Each one of these girls is unique. They each have their own personalities and powers. They live in a place named Kaleidoscopia. The Rangers have wristbands that ring when they are needed. Whenever there is trouble for people or animals on Earth, the Rangers ride a rainbow in their space-type scooters and go to their rescue. They have a unicorn named Floof as a pet that helps them too. This DVD includes eight very exciting episodes filled with adventures. Each episode is approximately eleven minutes long.

My favorite episode is "Bee Safe," because it is about a mama elephant and her two baby elephants crashing into a farm, looking for food to feed her babies. The Rangers come to rescue their friend's, Milika, farm. One of the Rangers finds out the mama elephant is afraid of bees so the Rangers use their powers to protect the farm by constructing small bee houses and placing them in front of Milika's farm. They tie them all together so the mama elephant will trip on them and all the bees will come out and scare the elephants away. Also, the Rangers find a food source for the elephants so Milika's farm will be safe from the elephants. This show's animation is digital, which makes it very neat. The graphics are colorful and bright. The theme song is appealing and very catchy. The voiceovers for each character are great.

Each episode's storyline promotes the idea of "team work makes the dream work." All seven Rangers help those who are in need. Each one has their own powers, but when work together they are stronger and their job is made much easier.

I give Rainbow Rangers, Rangers to the Rescue! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 18 plus adults. Even though this animation show is mostly for girls, boys will enjoy it as well. This DVD is available now so look for it.

By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love Rainbow Rangers, Rangers to the Rescue! so much!! It made me smile and laugh the whole time. I kept on watching until there were no more episodes left and watched it again. I am sure this DVD will become every little girl's favorite one!!

This DVD is about a group of girls and little cute boy unicorn saving the world!! There are seven main characters, each with different strengths. And there are seven episodes. These girls face challenge issues in each episode and have to use their power to make each other stronger to solve problems.

The characters include Rosie Redd, Mandarin Orange, Anna Banana and there are many more. They are as adorable as much as their names. My favorite character is Fluff, the magical unicorn. He can magically present yummy treats and share them with his friends. In addition, his hair is awesome like a rainbow. The director Rob Minkoff and the writer Shane Morris have created a unique story as ell as characters. The bright and vivid colors keep your eye on the story every second. And their costumes are just so cute. The main song perfectly matches the characters and stories. It is hard to let it go after hearing a few times.

The message is of this film is to be kind to others, then others will be kind to you. The Rangers all help each other, make each other more powerful and always care about others.

I give Rainbow Rangers, Rangers to the Rescue! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. It is available now on DVD so look for it.

By Alexis J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Epic! I recommend the DVD Rainbow Rangers: Ranges to the Rescue! because it shows how important is to help others and work as a team. What I like best is how all the girls are adventurous, have different powers and work together to solve problems.

This DVD is a compilation of episodes from the TV show Rainbow Rangers. It follows the Rainbow Rangers who live in Kaleidoscopia. They protect nature and the land. Each of the eight girls has different powers. Their home is full of unicorns, trolls and other creatures that they value greatly. The Rainbow Rangers show up to help wherever they are needed. They are strong, kind, thought and smart leaders. The show is full of unexpected circumstances that the Rainbow Rangers are ready to assist and get things back on track.

Mandy Orange is my favorite Ranger because she always finds a way to keep things positive. I love how the girls solve problems. Rainbow Rangers is full of girl power. The cinematography and special effects are extraordinary. The production uses vibrant colors and engaging attributes in the characters, down to their costuming. What makes this show stand out is how it empowers girls with very different appearances. I like that the show is inclusive of all types of girls and characters. My favorite part is when the girls fly off to an adventure to protect the creatures, people and the land of Kaleidoscopia.

The message of the show is to always be considerate and help others.

I give the DVD Rainbow Rangers: Ranges to the Rescue 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 8. This DVD is available now, so look for it.

Reviewed by Bailey Rae F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Runtime: 88 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 4-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
OCTONAUTS: OPERATION DEEP FREEZE
OCTONAUTS: OPERATION DEEP FREEZE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-12
Description - The Octonauts are a team of adventurers who explore the worlds oceans, rescue aquatic creatures and protect their habitats - from the bustling eco-system along the Amazon River to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze's characters and stories are cute. The DVD's educational Arctic theme flows throughout every episode, giving you the option to enjoy all 66 minutes at once or to split up them up to view only one episode at a time if you want to limit screen time.

The Octonauts, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii, Peso and crew, travel to the Antarctic to respond to a call for help. In each of the five episodes the team encounters a dilemma under the ocean or in the environment near the water. The Octonauts work together to come up with a plan and quickly put it into action. Always upbeat and never too scary, they face challenges and overcome them as a team.

The animated characters have unique voices and depict various animal types. The main characters include a polar bear, a cat and penguin. While there are a variety of animals, they all have the same black eyes and most of the background landscapes are flat. For example, the clouds don't move in the sky. The colorful characters, their movement and the music would likely keep children engaged enough that the backgrounds are not particularly important.

The Octonauts vow to explore, rescue and protect. Each episode provides a few educational points and talks about protecting wild life and the environment in terms younger viewers can easily understand. In this DVD you learn about penguins, the Arctic vs. Antarctic and fossils (to name a few).

The message of teamwork is woven into each episode and every character has its own skillset that is valuable to the team, further depicting uniqueness. The Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze has no violence, profanity or bias present.

I give Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 7. It is available on DVD now so look for it.

Reviewed by Angela G, KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze, like so many of their other DVDs, is so enjoyable! It has the cutest animation that has a near stop-motion look and fun adventures.

The Octonuats are a group of animals that explore, rescue and protect. On this thrilling DVD, we join the Octonauts on their numerous exciting adventures to the Arctic and Antarctic (yes, there is a difference). And for those that have watched previous episodes, this DVD introduces some new characters. There are five episodes in this DVD, each running about 13 minutes and include Operation Deep Freeze, Walrus Pups, Emperor Penguins, Coelacanth and Hidden Lake.

Octonauts once again never fail to keep people entertained. There is something new to learn for everyone. The animation is very high quality, yet simple, and always has a new landscape to see, even if it is just snow and water. The voice cast includes Simon Greenall, who plays Captain Barnacles, the leader of the Octonauts, who also happens to be a polar bear and really nails the leader-type voice. Rob Rackstraw plays Kwazii, the adventurous pirate cat, and has a splendid "piratey" voice. Paul Panting plays Peso, the expert penguin medic, and does a perfect shy but kind voice. My favorite episode is Hidden Lake because I had no idea that red lakes existed, let alone that anything lives in them!

There are many positive messages throughout the DVD, including helping others, protecting the ecosystem and the importance of teamwork. Younger children should keep in mind that they should not be interacting with wild animals in real life. However, this show might inspire them to be a vet or animal researcher.

I give Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 8. Adults will think that the DVD is fun and probably learn as much about different animals as their kids will. This DVD is available now, so look for it.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze is a superb, educational DVD that will capture your attention for its entire duration. The intricately-designed characters (both their personalities and outward look) and the unique storylines are wondrous!

This 66-minute DVD follows a team of sea-adventurers (Captain Barnacles the daredevil polar bear, a friendly ex-pirate named Kwazii the cat, a medic: Peso the penguin and others), as they embark upon an expedition to Antarctica to help out marine life. They prevent a group of penguins from falling into an ice chasm, rescue walrus pups with the Captain's niece and nephew, and discover some microscopic creatures under a hidden lake.

I have a bit of a history with the show Octonauts; I loved it when I was younger and, to be totally honest, still have a soft corner for the super awesome animated animals. Specifically two: the resourceful and level-headed Captain Barnacles who is voiced by the highly talented Simon Greenall; he's one of my favorite voice actors. And, of course the scaredy-cat Peso who is the first to show vulnerability, but is one of the most resilient characters in the show. He's played by Wayne Grayson. Also, the animation is absolutely spectacular; the deep colors and super cutely designed characters will surely catch your eye. Overall, it's a beautifully executed show!

Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze promotes messages of teamwork, helping others, perseverance and resourcefulness. It's an uplifting DVD that will surely put a smile on your face.

I give Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 4 to 6. Octonauts: Operation Deep Freeze is available now on DVD! Look for it!

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Runtime: 70 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SONIC BOOM: ROBOT UPRISING!

Click above to view YouTube video of
SONIC BOOM: ROBOT UPRISING!
open in new window
SONIC BOOM: ROBOT UPRISING! - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-12
Description - It's a Sonic you haven't seen before Wherever he goes and whatever he's up against, Sonic the Hedgehog is aided by his sidekick, Tails, and his friends Knuckles, Amy, and Sticks and, of course, attacked by his arch nemesis, Dr. Eggman.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sonic is back in Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising with his usual wise-cracking, fast talking...well, fast everything! This DVD includes eight episodes (four of these are parts of one story) and runs for 90 minutes. It begins with the story "Robots from the Sky" in which Sonic and his friends Tails, Knuckles, Sticks and Amy must defend themselves when a past mistake turns into a robot civil war. Robots from Morristown, a robot utopian planet, try to recruit others. Unknown to them, they are infected with malware and are controlled by a vengeance-seeking robot. The robot uprising theme continues in the episode entitled "Strike!" in which Dr. Eggman's robot minions become fed up with their maltreatment and decide to strike until their demands are met. With help from Amy, the robots and their evil overlord come to a compromise...but not necessarily in the way she had hoped. In "Evil Dr. Orbot" Dr. Eggman needs to pass a test to get his evil permit--but forces one of his robot lackeys to take it for him. After Orbot downloads the textbook, he begins devising his own evil plans. Will he replace the evil genius Dr. Eggman? Sonic fans won't be disappointed with these action-packed animated stories. I recommend this for ages 5 to 12 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Christine R., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - You have "got to go fast" in this new action-packed DVD Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising! with everyone's favorite super-powered hedgehog Sonic Boom. This DVD is running with 600 miles per hour speeds, fantastic animation and plenty of action-packed scenes. While it has amazing animation and action-packed scenes, unfortunately, it doesn't have the best dialogue and didn't grip me as much as I thought it would. Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising starts off with our favorite hedgehog team, Sonic (Roger Craig Smith), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), Knuckles (Travis Willingham), Rose (Cindy Robinson) and Sticks (Nika Futterman) as they are attacked by everyone's favorite eggtastic villain, Dr. Eggman (Mike Pallok). Later, Sonic and friends encounter a couple of recently crash-landed robots, and the team learns of a mysterious robot world in the sky. One day the robots suddenly go evil! The team must uncover the mystery and save the robots of this world.

I am a long-time fan of Sonic the Hedgehog. I was nervous about viewing this DVD because I have high standards for this character. I was not disappointed. I would like to give major congratulations to the Animation Director Riash Tadeo Shahnawaz for overseeing and creating such beautiful animation with a beautiful set of characters. My criticism of this DVD is with the dialogue. The dialogue is extremely basic and doesn't really go into as much depth. I feel that if the writers took a little more time to work on the script, it would be a lot better.

This DVD is entertaining for children, with comedic action and plenty of jokes that young kids will understand. The characters DVD provide very important examples for children, like the importance of charity, teamwork and more. It also promotes many morals. When something gets in your way, problem-solve and think out of the box to reach your goal!

Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising goes above and beyond Sonic's top speeds, and provides an entertaining, action-packed story that all children will enjoy, but lacks clever and gripping dialogue. I give Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 12. You can find Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising in stores or at your digital retailer. Check it out.

Reviewed by Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

This colorfully animated Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising! DVD is great for young kids! The voice-over actors add silliness and comedy to the scenes, and the theme song and other sound effects are great elements as well. Plus the animation is truly incredible. There isn't much of a story, and the one there is, is a bit difficult to follow with all of repetitive action and combat. This DVD includes (eight) fifteen-minute-long episodes all together. Four of them are part of the same general story. Sonic (Roger Craig Smith) and all of his friends have to decide which robots to befriend, knowing that whomever they don't choose become their enemies. The other four episodes are individual but similar in the way that Dr. Eggman is the Antagonist.

The highlight of this collection of re-released episodes is definitely the animation. It's bright, detailed and full of imagination. It's a little kid's dream world! I applaud the animators, voice-over actors and foley artists on their spectacular work. One thing that definitely has room for improvement is the storyline. The animation and acting are great, but a TV show needs a story, even if just for each individual episode. Most of the time I only see fighting and have no idea what is going on. Although this might be great for younger kids, who are just interested in seeing their favorite characters come to life, older kids will probably get bored after a few minutes. Overall, this the greatest, but also possibly the only flaw of these select episodes.

The message is that teamwork and friendship are important. Sonic and his friend have to use teamwork to face off against Dr. Eggman and his robot bad guys. There are some arguments, but the protagonists work it out and learn their lesson, the way little kids should take away that lesson. This is okay, but I think actually saying the lesson to be learned helps people understand it better. There is only some mild cartoon violence, but nothing inappropriate or extremely violent takes place.

I give Sonic Boom: Robot Uprising! 3 out of 5 stars and recommend the DVD for ages 4 to 7. The DVD is available now so look for it.

Reviewed by Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 90 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
GIGANTOSAURUS: SEASON 1, VOL. 1

Click above to view YouTube video of
GIGANTOSAURUS: SEASON 1, VOL. 1
open in new window
GIGANTOSAURUS: SEASON 1, VOL. 1 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-11
Description - Four curious young dinosaur friends explore the mystery of Gigantosaurus, the largest, fiercest dinosaur of all.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The DVD Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1, a collection of episodes from the animated children's TV show, is incredibly adorable and perfect for preschoolers. The voice acting is very high quality and the dialogue easy for kids to understand. Cyber-Group Studios' animation is quite smooth, plus the cinematography, by Director Olivier Lelardoux tells the story clearly with its high-key lighting and, for the most part, eye-level shots. With each episode presenting a new fun adventure for four friendly dinosaurs, it will surely keep your kids' interest peaked.

The storyline follows Rocky, Tiny, Marshall and Mazu - a pack of dinosaurs that spend their time going on exciting journeys that often involve provoking the most threatening dinosaur of all, Giganotosaurus! As time passes, the group finds out that perhaps that the biggest dinosaur isn't so scary after all.

The way the story is told is very engaging for young minds. The episodes stand alone quite well so you don't need to watch it in chronological order to understand what's going on -- always a plus in a kids' show. The production design is appropriate for youngsters. For one thing, the color schemes are bright and eye-catching, so it really sets a childish mood. There are plenty of things for children to learn from in the show - being smart is like a superpower, boldness is essential to success. When it comes to preschool DVDs, Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1 is the cream of the crop.

The message that Giganotosaurus always promotes is "never judge a book by its cover." The other dinosaurs often fear Giganotosaurus because he is huge, but he is actually very nice and completely unlike their expectations.

I rate Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1 a 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 8. The DVD is available now so look for it.

By Joshitha B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed the DVD Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1 because this collection of episodes is full of adventure. I think kids will really like to watch this series featuring four young dinosaurs named Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu who are all afraid of a huge dinosaur named Gigantosaurus.

Each one of these 26 episodes tells stories about this crew of four characters who are best friends. In one episode, they try to get one of Gigantosaurus's scales; in another episode, Rocky (Dylan Schombing) tries to be brave and goes to the top of a volcano. Many wild things happen to the group of friends through their adventures, but they always seem to figure things out.

My favorite part of this series is the time when Gigantosaurus slaps Rocky with his tail, and Rocky flies through the air. It is a super funny part because what seems like a bad thing at first--getting hit with Gigantosaurus's tail--ends up helping Rocky get to where he wanted to go. I also like the upbeat theme song at the beginning of each episode--it sets an energetic tone. I like the animation because each character is cute and colorful. Rocky is my favorite character because he may be small, but he's super confident.

The message of the film is don't judge people or things by what they look like. Just because Gigantosaurus looks scary, he might not necessarily be mean or evil. And even though Rocky is on the smaller side, he still can be really brave. (I understand because I get judged for being small, but I am capable of many things that might surprise people!)

give Gigantosaurus 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This DVD is available now, so look for it.

By Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1 is a very cute and entertaining animated series for younger kids to enjoy with friends and family. What I like the most about this DVD is that it comes in a gift box package which includes two discs with 26 episodes of Gigantosaurus and two action figures, Rocky and Mazu adding up to over four hours of fun.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1 is about four small funny dinos living in the forest and discovering new things. The dinos Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu are the perfect team. Rocky is a red dino who is very brave. Bill is a blue dino that is kind of scared of literally anything. Tiny is a green dino who loves to be silly, tell jokes and have fun. Mazu is a brown dino who is extremely smart, and he is the one with the brains. These four together have incredible adventures and they help anyone along the way. There's one thing that they cannot do, which is go near Gigantosaurus. Gigantosaurus is the biggest, fiercest dino of all. He is 100x their size and can destroy anything in his path. He does help them, though; he gets them food by walking because the trees shake when he moves around causing the coconuts to fall.

This educational preschool TV series is based on a book and was first made into a series in France. The graphics are super impressive, the voice-overs fit each character and the music is appealing. My favorite episode is "Don't Cave In" because it's about how Tiny hears a rumor that there's a monster in a cave. The gang is running away from Giganto, when they run into the cave that they weren't meant to.

One of the morals of the series is not to brag because Rocky brags about how he was going to win the talent show, but instead he crashes it. This tells kids not to brag in any way or form--instead just do your best.

I rate Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 1 the highest, 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18 plus adults can enjoy this DVD with their kids as well. It is available now, so look for it.

By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 290 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! AMAZING ANIMALS!, THE

Click above to view YouTube video of
CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! AMAZING ANIMALS!, THE
open in new window
CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! AMAZING ANIMALS!, THE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 3-10
Description - The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! follows the adventures of 6-year-old best friends, Sally and Nick, as they are whisked off on extraordinary voyages of scientific discovery with the Cat in the Hat. Thanks to the Thinga-ma-jigger and our friends, exploring has never been more exciting! So let s go, go, go, go on an adventure, we re flying with The Cat in the Hat today!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Cat in the Hat, Fish, Sally and Nick learn about animals in The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Amazing Animals! DVD which offers a collection of short episodic adventures. The four friends fly around the world in The Cat's special Thinga-ma-jigger, which allows them to safely travel to different animal's homes. Although the topic of animals and their ecosystems may be a more difficult concept for children to grasp, this series conveys information in a very kid-friendly way.

In one episode, Sally and Nick travel to a bamboo forest after The Cat (Martin Short) hears that they need a surprise birthday present for their stuffed animal, Pammy. Sally and Nick talk to Zhu Zhu, the panda, that lives in the bamboo forest who teaches them about a panda's diet, why pandas eat bamboo and how and why bamboo grows extremely tall.

All the episodes follow the same structure - Sally and Nick are in a predicament, The Cat takes them on an adventure relating to the problem and the children glean how to solve their original problem and also get a snippet of what life is like for various animals.

Some younger audiences might struggle with educational shows because sometimes they can be too wordy or complicated. With this series, the educational aspect is not heavy nor draining. Witty, funny dialogue and songs offer a bit of "stealth education" that translates well from the animals to Sally and Nick. This DVD gives children the confidence they need to learn new things and exit their comfort zones while exploring the world around them. I recommend this DVD to ages 5 to 10 give it 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the DVD The Cat in The Hat Knows A Lot About That! Amazing Animals! because all six episodes are super fun and exciting. Every episode features an animal that Cat in the Hat (Martin Short) and his friends, Sally (Alexa Torrington) and Nick (Jacob Ewaniuk), visit. It's interesting to find out what animal they get to meet. At times, the voices of the kids get a little annoying, but that might be because they remind me of my younger siblings. For the most part, the episodes are entertaining, and I think younger kids (the target audience) especially will love this DVD.

The Cat in The Hat Knows A Lot About That! Amazing Animals! is about the adventures that Cat in The Hat goes on with his two best friends, Sally and Nick. In one episode, Nick has trouble finding his yo-yo, so Cat in The Hat brings him and Sally to a red squirrel named Bucky, who teaches them how to find hidden things. Another story is about Sally wanting to learn how to do a somersault. Cat in The Hat comes back with an armadillo named Louie to help. Although the crew of friends needs to figure out a way to surprise Louie, so he can show how he rolls. You'll have to watch this episode to find out how they surprise Louie. You'll enjoy the other episodes as well, since each one teaches you about an animal.

My favorite part is when a fish hops out of the water multiple times and gets mad about it. He keeps getting shaken around and his facial expressions are hilarious. My favorite character in the collection is Cat in The Hat, because he is so funny and has a great personality. The animation is cute and I love how the characters make pretty much everything rhyme.

The message of this DVD is to work together to solve problems. Solving problems with friends is a lot easier than trying to figure them out by yourself. Most likely you'll learn something that you would have never guessed. An example of this is when Nick gets help from the red squirrel named Bucky to find his yo-yo. Bucky is more of an expert on finding and hiding things, so with his help, Jack has an easier time looking for his lost toy.

I give The Cat in The Hat Knows A Lot About That! Amazing Animals! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. Reviewed by Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! The Cat In The Hat Knows a Lot About That! Amazing Animals! is a real treat for kids to watch! On the surface, it looks like seemingly goofy stories filled with silly humor, but when you look deeper, kids can learn a lot about the animals featured and the life lessons hidden within the story. Songs also play a large role and add an extra element of fun to the show. You might catch your child singing along.

Throughout the course of six episodes, viewers are taken on fun adventures with friends Sally, Nick and The Cat In The Hat in his Thinga-ma-jigger. In order to solve problems or learn new things, The Cat takes these kids to places with silly names like bam wama booboo or wobble bobble woods and we meet new animals.

My favorite part of the entire show is the songs. Sally, Nick and The Cat sing a fun go-getter song each time they embark on an adventure and it is so catchy. There is also another song in each episode that relates to the adventure they are on. But the music doesn't stop there. Often times, The Cat will simply sing and rhyme his dialogue, which I enjoy, because it doesn't sound forced like rhyming can sometimes sound. The animation in this show, especially the houses at the beginning of each episode, are really funky, which gives a unique texture that makes them look even more animated but enjoyable for kids. What also makes this show fun is how The Cat often appears from weird places such as a potted plant or a backpack. The fish that accompanies the three on each journey on the Thinga-ma-jigger also brings comedy to the show and one can't forget about Thing 1 and Thing 2 and their mischievousness. All these characters make the show completely entertaining. Honestly, I feel like I am back in my 6-year-old self when I watch this.

The viewer can take away a lot from this show. Each episode teaches something new about a different animal such as how some animals eat, protect their food and themselves or find their way when they are lost. Other life lessons are taught like asking parents for permission before you go on an adventure, being resourceful, finding positive solutions, thanking others when they help you, apologizing for scaring someone and eating vegetables.

I give The Cat In The Hat Knows a Lot About That! Amazing Animals! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to kids ages 5 to 10. This DVD is available now so look for it.

Reviewed by Anokhi L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Runtime: 66 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 3-10 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SUMMER FUN WITH MOLANG

Click above to view YouTube video of
SUMMER FUN WITH MOLANG
open in new window
SUMMER FUN WITH MOLANG - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD AGES 5-12
Description - Summer is here! Molang and Piu Piu are ready to make the most of it. From deep-sea diving and discovering underwater wonders, to meeting new friends and travelling in an RV, our two friends will live a summer bursting with fun, surprises and friendship.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - In the Summer Fun with Molang DVD Molang and Piu Piu are having a blast experiencing summer. Molang and friends are put in comical situations with a bunch of surprises during their summer adventures.

The characters in the world of Molang do not speak a distinct language and their adventures are more action-based and visually pleasing. Dialogue boxes that usually contain words, contain pictures instead to help the younger audience more easily understand what they think. The musical scores and beautiful pastel colors heighten the overall viewing experience as well.

On one summer day, Molang and Piu Piu are at a fair. Molang jumps up and down when seeing a unicorn stuffed animal at a carnival game. Piu Piu acknowledges this happy behavior from Molang and Piu Piu's dialogue box shows a picture of a unicorn and a question mark. Molang jumps up and down again and laughs. The younger audience understands that Molang is happy about the unicorn stuffed animal through her body language and giggling. The remaining part follows the two enjoying the rest of their day at the fair.

Sometimes funny mishaps occur during Molang and Piu Piu's adventures, but when sticking with each other they easily reach a solution together. This show is universally friendly in regards to language since it relies on emotion, music, body language and pictures to engage audiences and it does that quite well. I recommend the Summer Fun with Molang DVD to ages 3 through 10 and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Summer Fun with Molang because the characters are super funny and the animation is the cutest thing ever. I also love all the stories in each of the six episodes on this DVD. I don't like that the characters don't talk and only make noises. Sometimes that can get a little annoying, but younger kids will probably love it. Rather than dialogue, the animation includes little pop-up bubbles that show what the characters are thinking. You can also tell what they are thinking by their expressions and the tone of the sounds they make.

This DVD is about a bunny named Molang and a duck named Piu Piu who have a lot of fun and go on many adventures together. In one episode, Molang and Piu Piu go on a vacation to Hawaii. They meet friends on the way, but one of them gets stuck and when they try to help them, they get stuck on the island too. Luckily they work together to get back to Hawaii, but you'll have to watch it to see what they do. Another adventure has to do with a whale. At first everyone is so scared of it, but then they want to help the whale get back to the ocean. Check out the episode called "The Rescue" to see what happens.

I love the settings of all the episodes because they are mostly the ocean and the sand. I'm not familiar with that because there is only a lake and not an ocean where I live. Lake Superior is beautiful, but I love when I get to hang out on the beach in Los Angeles, California. The animation looks realistic and reminds me of having fun on the coast. My favorite part is when the characters have a hula dance in Hawaii because it's funny and cute.

All of the episodes have their own little messages, but overall the message of this DVD is that if you work together you can get things done quicker and easier. I know my dance group performs far better when we are working together instead of dancing as a group of individuals.

I give Summer Fun with Molang 4 out of 5 years and recommend this DVD for ages 3 to 9. This DVD is available now, so look for it.

By Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I love this DVD, Summer Fun with Molang. It has such adorable animation. Summer is here. A bunny and a chick drive around to find a little fun together and are very cute. The anthropomorphic characters seem to be enjoying summer more than anyone!

The bunny, Molang and chick, Piu Piu are the main characters. There are six episodes on this DVD experiencing summer adventure together. In first episode, Molang and Piu-Piu go underneath the water together to face the sea monster, even though everyone is afraid of it. Even during their scary adventure, they find ways to have fun and share good times together. In another episode, they are together at the fair. Molang sees a unicorn on a shelf and really wants to have one. Molang tries several different games but fails to win. Piu Piu doesn't hesitate to help Molang as a best friend. However, Piu-Piu also fails in all game. Piu Piu doesn't stop there. Piu Piu came up with a brilliant idea. It makes Molang smile. I love Piu Piu's brilliant idea and it makes me smile, too.

Director Marie-Caroline Villand really delivers a super cute animated show. The anthropomorphic bunny and chick do everything together. However, even though they act like humans, their speaking is not like humans. Don't worry! You will find ways to understand them while watching this DVD. They go snorkeling underneath the ocean, tubing around an island, build a sand statue of friendship and drive a RV together. In each episode, the adorable bunny and small friend face new adventure with laugher and joy. It seems like their friendship gets stronger and stronger every second.

The message of this animation is, "Friends are always there for each other."

I give Summer Fun with Molang 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Adults will enjoy it as well. This DVD is available now so look for it!

Reviewed by Alexis J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Runtime: 30 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD ISBN # ASINB0863TQ3RJ


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN: BLAST OFF

Click above to view YouTube video of
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN: BLAST OFF
open in new window
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN: BLAST OFF - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 6-16
Description - Bus, do your stuff! Field trips with Ms. Frizzle are wilder than ever, into space, over to the Galapagos Islands even a plunge into the depths of the Sun itself. And along the way, the kids we know and love bring their science investigations into the 21st century still taking chances, making mistakes and getting messy! Climb aboard for a field trip you will never forget.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - coming soon
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Magic School Bus Rides Again! Love this reboot of the magical series I grew up with. In our household Miss Frizzle can do no wrong as she makes learning complicated science lessons easily understandable and fun. I was worried that our family's all-time favorite learning series would be compromised in some way, but I'm happy to share that I can't wait to watch all the new episodes.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again starts with a new Miss Frizzle and a new school year in science class. Fortunately, we learn that Miss Frizzle is the younger sister of the original Miss Frizzle who is now Professor Frizzle, as she has been busy getting her Ph.D. and continues to be voiced by the incredible Lily Tomlin. Like classmate Arnold, I was nervous about accepting the new Miss Frizzle, but Kate McKinnon adds her voice and personality to her role as Miss Fiona Frizzle and we soon accept her as our new teacher. I say our because as a viewer you are pulled into the lessons being taught in each episode.

All of the original characters return in this series except for Phoebe who has moved and we are joined by a new classmate, Jyoti. The Blast Off! DVD contains four field trips and you will enjoy the new high-tech school bus and other updated gadgets in the new series which bring it into the 21st century. The animation is updated by animator Matthew DaSilva; you still recognize the characters and classroom, but it has a more modern feel and integrates well with the story. You just have to watch these episodes to see the other minor updates.

If you're new to the series, jump on the bus! The Magic School Bus Rides Again is such a fun way to learn, while being massively entertained. Each episode explores a science topic and the magic of the series is that it can take you forward or backward in time, place or size and alters your appearance in an effort to experience life as the subject you are studying.

The message of this series is to learn by taking chances and making mistakes and that is still as true today as when the original series aired. Kids learn through exploring the world around them and seeing how everything is interconnected. Miss Frizzle not only teaches us science but life lessons as well!

I rate this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 16 and, of course, adults will like it too as our family watched this incredible series together. This compilation is available now on Digital or DVD from NCircle Entertainment.

Reviewed by Selene W, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I was absolutely wowed with The Magic School Bus Rides Again Blast Off! This adventurous DVD collection kept me entertained, laughing and wanting more. You will ride along with crazy Ms. Frizzle and her lovable class on the adventure of a lifetime. 3...2...1 BLAST OFF!

The Magic School Bus Rides Again Blast Off is a collection of four episodes: Frizzle of the Future, Space Mission: Selfie, Ready, Set, Fail! and Making Magic. Each episode has a new, exciting field trip to watch and enjoy. In this series you will travel from space to the Galapagos Islands while learning lessons about failure, teamwork, getting messy and having fun while doing it all! The kids and teacher you know and love are back and better than ever, so hop on for an experience you'll never forget!

While watching this DVD, many details stuck out to me. To start, the theme song is sung by Lin-Manuel Miranda! Not to mention that Ms. Frizzle is voiced by Kate McKinnon. Talk about some serious star power. On the topic of Kate McKinnon, she makes a great Ms. Frizzle, as she gives the character the craziness and yet, calm attitude that makes her really come alive. She isn't the only voice actor that sticks out to me. Miles KV, as Arnold, conveys realistic emotion through his character by only using his voice. Even when listening, you can tell he is worried about Ms. Frizzle and her shenanigans. The animation in this show has a very interesting touch. While the character and objects remain cartoonish, the backgrounds look magnificently real, especially when the glass goes to space.

The message of this series is: if at first you don't succeed, try again. The kids learn this through trying to take the perfect space selfie, to getting a magical orb that seems to hold all of life's answers. While doing these things, they figure out that failure can be a good thing, because you can learn from mistakes. They also learn that with good teamwork and a positive mindset, anything is possible.

I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again Blast Off! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 7 to 14. This series can now be found on DVD and Digital.

By Allison Buck, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Let me take on you on a field trip because today we are learning about the new children's DVD The Magic School Bus Rides Again Blast Off! This new DVD brings back the characters we all know and love and doesn't fail to bring back that hilarious, but educational feeling we get from these fifth graders and their wacky teacher! This DVD doesn't just deliver a flying school bus and a catchy theme song; it also delivers hilarious dialogue and creative adventures.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again Blast Off! follows the same group of students and teachers as the original 90s show The Magic School Bus. Once again, it captures the adventures that Ms. Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) takes her fifth grade class on. This DVD includes four wild adventurous episodes, including going into space and repairing near-by satellites, and flying over the Galapagos Islands.

As a fan of the original show, I was skeptical at first because remakes can sadly sometimes diminish the love for the original. The new show is a breath of fresh air and leaves you wanting more of these wild field trips. Kate McKinnon is the best possible actress for the role of Ms. Frizzle because of her overall humor and energy. What a perfect fit!

This show is educational and provides belly-laughing humor without sounding forced. Many morals are also provided as it teaches children about the importance of teamwork and friendship. Along the way, this show teaches children that mistakes are okay; the best thing about mistakes is that you can learn from them.

This DVD goes above and beyond the stars just like Ms. Frizzle and her class do and provides an educational, yet fun-loving show that all children can enjoy. I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again Blast Off! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 8. It's available on DVD or Digital now so look for it.

By Jude Adler, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I like The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Blast Off! because this collection of four animated episodes is very adventurous. What makes the episodes interesting is the magic school bus that can turn into any size or shape, which is pretty amazing. I would love to ride on that with my classmates. If I could go on such a fun and educational field trip, that would be something else.

This series features a science teacher, named Ms. Frizzle (Kate McKinnon). The older Ms. Frizzle (Lily Tomlin) is now a professor, so her sister (also named Ms. Frizzle, of course) takes over teaching the science class. In one episode, a student named Arnold (Miles KV) doesn't like the new Ms. Frizzle, so he takes her special plant and puts it on a turtle. When the plant falls, it turns into a huge problem when they go into the future. Another episode focuses on a girl named Keesha (Mikaela Blake) who is really excited for space camp, so she tries to get a really cool photo for her application. This results in yet another adventure with Ms. Frizzle. She goes to outer space with her class. You'll have to watch this DVD to see how these adventures turn out.

My favorite part is when the class goes to the future and everything is very upgraded. I love how the students get to fly on discs to school, because I would really like to do that myself. My favorite character throughout the episodes is Dorothy Ann (Gabby Clarke); she is very smart and always has great ideas, which are good traits. I value learning things to become smarter and coming up with new and different ways of doing ways to solve problems.

The message of this DVD is to never give up. Sometimes you don't succeed right away, but it you stay at it you'll get there. When I can't do something I want to give up, but I know that if I keep trying I can get better at anything.

I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Blast Off! 5 out of 5 starts and recommended it for ages 4 to 12. This DVD is out now, so go look for it!

Reviewed by Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Blast Off! DVD blends engaging science topics with a touch of magic. The new Ms. Frizzle dazzles us with her magical adventures and uplifting sprit that makes learning entertaining. This leaves viewers with a deeper understanding of science and a love for learning.

It's a new school year, and there's a new Ms. Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) driving the beloved Magic School Bus on engaging field trips while the old Ms. Frizzle (Lily Tomlin) travels the world as a professor. Most of the characters from the original series are back for new adventures including Arnold (Miles KV), Carlos (Leke Maceda- Rustecki), Dorothy Ann (Gabby Clarke) and others. There is also a new student, Jyoti (Birva Pandya). With the new Ms. Frizzle in charge of the class, Arnold is having trouble adapting to this new change in Episode One, "Frizzle of the Future." This leads to quite the adventure and a lesson in the effects of an invasive species in the Galapagos Islands. Episode Two, "Space Mission: Selfie," sends students into orbit to learn about satellites. "Ready, Set, Fail!" challenges students to create a rover for an exoplanet while learning that mistakes are a part of the learning process. "Making Magic" takes the school principal on a ride with the class to the sun. All the episodes are enjoyable and full of facts.

It's exciting to see the characters Ms. Frizzle and Arnold continue to delight viewers with their humor, love for science and quirky ways. Kate McKinnon and Miles KV truly bring their characters to life. My favorite episode is "Making Magic." During a surprise bus inspection the principal overhears them discussing a field trip to the sun and decides he wants to come along for the ride. Little does he know this field trip is not a simulation but, in fact, a real trip to the center of the sun! They need to get to the center of the sun to charge the bus and, along the way, lots of things go wrong. It doesn't help that they have to keep the principal from figuring out that all of this is real.

Each episode expertly delivers educational lessons on the topics of the environment, technology in space, engineering and the sun. At the same time, it teaches the importance of team work, problem solving and courage. These lessons are taught with humor, facts, and of course, magic which keeps the viewer entertained.

I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Blast Off! 5 out of 5 stars. It is full of interesting facts and makes learning fun. I recommend this series for ages 7 to 14. It is available on DVD and Digital now.

Reviewed by Carlee S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Runtime: 99 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 6-16 Suggested Retail Price: $ 7.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR

Click above to view YouTube video of
YO-KAI WATCH: THE MOVIE
open in new window
YO-KAI WATCH: THE MOVIE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: FEATURE, AGES 5-15
Description - Jibanyan, Whisper, and Nate travel back in time where they team up with a heroic Yo-kai named Hovernyan and Nate's adolescent grandfather to stop an evil Yo-kai from taking over the world! Together, they fight Dame Dedtime and her evil Wicked Yo-kai minions to save the world from her evil plans. Can they discover the secret origin of the Yo-kai Watch and save humanity before time runs out!?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Although I'm not an anime fan, Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie definitely held my interest. The cute Yo-kai and Nate keep me engaged and curious to know what their next actions would be.

The film is centered around Nate Adams, his grandfather and their Yo-Kai. The movie begins in Nate's home town, Springdale, where suddenly things become enlarged. Megnnyan is enlarging everything and tells Nate that the world is in trouble. Confused, Nate goes to his Grandma's house where a Yo-kai leads him to Hovernyan who tells Nate that they must go back in time to find his Grandpa and his Yo-kai Watch, so they can fight the Wicked who are trying to destroy everything.

The script creates a story full of events and exciting fight scenes, which are the main focus of the film. By creating bizarre scenes of enlarging things at the beginning, the screenwriter catches the viewers' eyes early on. Subsequent events are fast-paced, so presumably, young viewers will not get bored. Nevertheless, the story with "good fighting evil" brings little innovation to the table and renders predictable results. Moreover, a few minor details are not carefully planned for consistency. For example, Nathaniel hesitates helping his friends in the factory, but at the beginning of the movie he saves Nate without hesitation.

My favorite part is the ending when all of the Yo-kai combine their powers to fight the Wicked. Whisper is my favorite character; the actions and his dialogue are hilarious. In one scene, Whisper is flying around trying to find Master Yada who is standing right in front of him. One thing that stands out is the animation, which is some of the best anime that I have seen. The scenery and characters are very detailed and colorful and the action scenes are high-octane, with well matched background music.

Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie definitely meets the KIDS FIRST! criteria. I give it 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 11. Since fighting scenes in films were my favorites as a young boy, I think boys would prefer this over girls. The primary message is that when people work together as a team, they can overcome many obstacles and achieve almost anything. This is a very positive and powerful message for the film's target audience.

Reviewed by Justin Y., KIDS FIRST! reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie is such an entertaining film. I really like it. First off, the animation is out of this world. The animation has an intriguing aspect to it. Moreover, there is a large amount of imagination in this film. One can only wish that creatures like the ones in this movie really existed. Also, meaningful stories are always good to see and this one is definitely that.

Nate Adams (Johnny Yong Bosch) is "the chosen one" in this film. There are magical creatures called Yo-Kai and only Nate can see them. In this story the bad Yo-Kai are up to no good, so Nate and his friends team up against them. This is a good plot, although a bit typical. However, this story has some unique and interesting twists to it, with some humor mixed in as well.

As Nate and his friends unite, they make some puns that will surely get a smile from the audience. The effects in this film are so colorful and they really stick out. Furthermore, I love how each Yo-Kai is unique. Humans can relate in a way, since no two humans are exactly the same. In addition, plot twists really develop the storyline and make it even more interesting. One of my favorite characters is Whisper, one of the Yo-Kai. He is silly, but very friendly and loves helping. The best part of this film is the battle between Nate and his friends and the bad Yo-Kai. There is so much action that, if you blink, you might miss something of importance. Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie does not fail to keep your attention.

This film has many messages about friendship, teamwork and perseverance. We see the characters learn about teamwork and how essential friendship and determination are. The mood if this movie is hopeful.

I give Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 11. It is available on DVD now, so look for it.

By Ginebra Q., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like Yo-Kai Watch: the Movie because it is very funny. The story line of this movie is quite unique. I like that this film is not a sequence of the Yo-Kai Watch TV show.

Yo-Kai Watch: the Movie captures the fun of one of the hottest Japanese video game and collectible toy brands in the world. This famous video game was created in 2013 and the show Yo-Kai Watch first aired in 2014. The show has three seasons and a total of 214 episodes.

Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie is about a boy named Nate and his grandfather who can see the Yo-kai. Yo-kai are mischievous creatures that become friends with Nate. Nate and Yo-kais Jibanyan and Whisper go back in time where they meet a heroic Yo-kai by the name of Hoveryan and Nate's grandfather when he was a kid. Together they take on evil Dame Dedtime, an old and ugly, evil lady and her evil Yo-kai minions. This DVD is approximately one hour and thirty-five minutes.

This show's animation is Japanese anime and is very neat and colorful. The graphics are amazing and the voice-overs fit each character. The graphics are similar to the TV show. My favorite scene is when Hovernyan saves Nate and his grandfather from Dame Dedtime who is trying to kill them for rescuing Jibanyan. It is cool to see someone fight a mob of bad Yo-kai and then save people after surviving a huge attack like that.

The moral of this movie is that having friends is a positive thing; everybody needs a friend. Nate's grandfather said he didn't need friends and yet, all the Yo-kai want to be his friend. When he needs help the most, the Yo-kai are there to catch him when he falls to help him.

I give Yo-Kai Watch: the Movie 5 out 5 stars and recommend it ages 6 to 18, plus adults. This movies is available on DVD now, so look for it. Reviewed by Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 95 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 4-15 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
LLAMA LLAMA'S BEST SUMMER EVER! (2020)

Click above to view YouTube video of
LLAMA LLAMA'S BEST SUMMER EVER! (2020)
open in new window
LLAMA LLAMA'S BEST SUMMER EVER! (2020) - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-7
Description - Llama Llama springs to life in these heart-warming tales based on the award-winning book series by author and illustrator Anna Dewdney. Join Llama Llama, Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep and Gilroy Goat as they explore their safe, friendly hometown and make childhood memories. On this DVD, join Llama Llama as he camps, boats, floats and swims his way through his BEST summer ever! Adventure and learning awaits with Llama Llama and pals!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Llama Llama Best Summer Ever! DVD is tons of fun and will appeal to kids and families. It's a bright and happy animated series that is based on Anna Dewdney's books about an adventurous llama and his circle of family and friends. This DVD has eight episodes with an option to play all the episodes or select them one at a time at an approximate run time of 90 minutes of lively entertainment. The series employs bright colors, fun animals and engaging story lines that align with the daily activities that many kids are involved in, to capture their interest. The cute story lines deliver positive messages. For example, Llama Llama's kite is torn on the last day of summer and his mom teaches him resourcefulness. There's no need to buy a new one, we can fix this one and it will be better than before. The writing structure is straightforward and geared towards its target audience. The continuity and style reinforce each episode's message, teamwork, resourcefulness and helping others. The series uses vocabulary that appeals to young kids. For example, when Llama Llama's kite is torn his mom states that she will help him make a swirl-o-rama kite!

Through Llama Llama and his friends Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep and Gilroy Goat, kids will learn how to problem-solve, work as part of a team, help others, develop friendship and enjoy their families with awesome summer activities such as making lemonade, camping, boating, swimming and kite flying. The series visually appeals to kids with its bright colors and cute animal friends. The DVD cover is appropriate and appeal as it features Llama Llama and his friends. There is also a listing of each episode included, with a picture next to it representing what the episode is about. There are educational benefits as kids are taught about problem solving and teamwork. For example, Llama Llama wants to help his friend buy a new bike tire, so he opens a lemonade stand to earn the money. His friends help him improve his product and help with marketing it. Additionally, kids are shown that everyone can be included even if they don't do the same things. i.e. Euclid the Sheep shows up when everyone's flying kites. He doesn't have a kite, but he can make calculations on wind, temperature and time to help the other kites fly. There are several messages in this series about teamwork, resourcefulness, friendship, family and helping others. The DVD menu has an option to watch all the episodes or select them one at a time. I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 11.

Reviewed by Jennifer V., KIDS FIRST! juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Llama Llama is an animated series full of family values and nature adventures! This heartwarming series is based on the beloved children's books by Anna Dewdney who also illustrated the books. There are eight episodes on the new DVD Llama Llama BEST Summer Ever!

Llama Llama has exciting adventures with his family and friends which include valuable life lessons at the beach, camping and around the town. The series features Jennifer Garner as the voice of the loving Mama Llama. My favorite episode is "Last Day of Summer" where Llama Llama seizes the day with friends and goes to the park to fly kites and ends up using imagination when the weather complicates their plans. Change can be exciting and fun!

The message of this series is to learn from family and friends and to enjoy childhood. Change can be tough but you can always enjoy time with family and friends.

I rate this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 6. The DVD is available now.

Reviewed by Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Llama Llama's Best Summer Ever! is so entertaining to watch. It has adorable characters, fun animation, great music and lots vibrant content. The short episodes are the perfect length to keep young children entertained.

This DVD is about Llama Llama and his friend having the time of their lives on their summer vacation. Episodes include Let's Go Camping, Beach Day, Boat Float and Last Day of Summer. Wherever Llama Llama goes, there will always be fun.

The Llama Llama animated series is so cool, because they are based on the award-winning book series by author and illustrator Anna Dewdney. There are several lovable characters including Llama Llama, Nelly Gnu and Luna Giraffe. This DVD is approximately 90 minutes long with eight episodes. My favorite episode is Last Day of Summer, because it shows that even if the weather is bad you can still have fun indoors during the summer.

There are a lot of positive messages in this DVD including keeping a positive attitude when your plans change unexpectedly and, if you go with the flow and have a positive attitude, the outcome can still be fun. We also learn that a little bit of practice can make you feel more confident and that if you feel as if you are not getting enough attention from your parents, just know that they still love you. This DVD has no bad language and there is nothing risky or dangerous that kids might try to do. However, there are scenes showing jealously.

I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. This DVD is available now. I totally recommend this DVD for your kids.

Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I like Llama Llama's Best Summer Ever because it is very entertaining. It is a great tool to entertain young children or kids my age, especially during this pandemic. Each episode is very well illustrated and the script is well written.

This DVD is based off the award-winning book series by author and illustrator Anna Dewdney. One of Dewdney's of the first books in the series is Llama Llama Red Pajama. Her Llama Llama books have been adapted into an animated television series for Netflix and this DVD is a compilation of episodes about summer. Llama Llama and his friends Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep, Gilroy Goat explore their hometown and have fun at the same time making childhood memories. This is truly the best summer ever for Llama Llama and his friends! Every episode is a new story with a new story line. This DVD includes eight episodes with a duration of approximately 11 minutes each for a total of 90 minutes of fun and adventure.

The animation is neat with bright colors, very detailed and colorful landscaping and excellent voice-overs that match each character. My favorite episode is "Last Day of Summer" which is about Llama Llama going kiting with his mom and friends at the beach, but it starts raining so his mom suggests doing indoor activities. His mom thinks of a fun way to go kiting indoors. They place a sand-looking mat on the floor; turn on a fan and Luna stands on the background to move fake waves made by cardboard. This episode is my favorite because it gives you a very good idea of how to have fun while staying at home during this pandemic.

The moral of this show is to never give up because Llama Llama does not stop trying to sell lemonade and keeps trying till he eventually gets customers. This shows how to keep trying even when things don't work out the way you want them to. It teaches children to be persistent because there is no worse battle than the one you don't fight for. This show also teaches children to be creative and to be resourceful like when they are kiting inside the house.

I'd give Llama Llama's Best Summer Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it ages 5 to 18, plus adults can watch and enjoy this DVD with their children! This DVD is available now so go and look for it! It's perfect for summer and pandemics.

Reviewed by Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Juror Recommended Age: 2-11 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media:


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
OCTONAUTS: OCEAN ADVENTURES

Click above to view YouTube video of
OCTONAUTS: OCEAN ADVENTURES
open in new window
OCTONAUTS: OCEAN ADVENTURES - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-12
Description - The Octonauts are a team of adventurers who explore the world s oceans, rescue aquatic creatures and protect their habitats - from the bustling eco-system along the Amazon River to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench. Deploying a set of aquatic vehicles, Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii, medic Peso and the rest of the crew embark on missions around the globe before returning safely to their home base, the Octopod. On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they journey to the Midnight Zone to rescue a bomber worm! Come along with Dashi as she teams up with her sister, Koshi, so solve a mysterious disappearance. And when Shellington crashes the Gup-D, he and Kwazii team up to pick up the pieces. Enjoy these adventures and more with the Octonauts!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Octonauts Ocean Adventures is an exciting educational DVD that follows the adventures of a team of friends that explore the world's oceans. It is comprised of six colorful and fun episodes including titles such as Kelp Monster Mystery, The Loneliest Whale and Operation Cooperation. Follow the crew in this action-packed series as they explore mysterious ocean life, learn about and rescue curious sea creatures and teach us how to protect their environments and habitats. The team is lead by Captain Barnacles, the bravest polar bear you will ever meet and always the first to rush in and help whenever there is a problem to be solved. Other characters include Kwazii - the daredevil cat, Dr. Shellington - the coolest marine biologist sea otter around, Dash dog - a sweet natured IT officer and Tweak - a bunny who's ready to lend a helping hand. From their underwater Octopod, they are always ready for excitement and the challenges that await them in the deep blue sea. The DVD's run time is 66 minutes and includes menu options such as episode selection and comes with a colorful booklet with information about The Octonauts and other shows from NCircle Entertainment. This series is highly recommended for any child that enjoys colorful characters, fun songs, adventure and learning about the ocean and its creatures. I give Octonauts Ocean Adventures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 through 10. It's available on DVD now, so check it out. Reviewed by Eli B, KIDS FIRST! Juror.

Octonauts: Ocean Adventures is a DVD collection of episodes from The Octonauts, a group of sea creatures lead by Captain Barnacles to go on exciting missions all across the world. This is a highly educational show, though this fact is hidden in many fun and informative adventures. Kids enjoy the mindful characters and upbeat music while learning a lot.

All the characters are engaging and interesting. They have good interpersonal relationships. The storylines oftentimes highlight problem solving-skills and thoughtful learning. The characters work together as a team, which is great modeling for kids to see. The animation has bright colors and backgrounds. The backgrounds make the film really interesting and fun to watch. The music is very catchy and any child who has heard it will recognize it immediately. It's definitely danceable for both preschoolers and young elementary school aged. The music is very much a highlight of the show.

Of course none of these stories would happen in real life, as it is a fictional cartoon. Captain Barnacles and Dashi are the most memorable characters in the series. They are mindful, personable characters. My favorite part is when they're surrounded by all the creatures that want to eat Little Jimmy and they try to fight off the creatures. They use the boat to get out and are followed to the main ship and then they turn on the lights. Captain Barnacles is a brave person and a true leader. He helps people when necessary, especially people in need. Always help people in need when you can is a prominent message in each episode. I learned all about bomber worms and how they use flares to defend themselves and signal their friends. They live in the middle of the trench because if they go to the bottom they can't swim back up and can easily die.

I give Octonauts: Ocean Adventures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 9. It is available now on DVD so look for it.

By Hanna M., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the Octonauts: Ocean Adventures because the animation is so cute and the characters are super funny. It can get a little repetitive for older kids when you watch more than a couple episodes, but I think little kids would want to watch all six episodes on the DVD. I really like how each episode shows the actual animal, and not just the animated one. It allows viewers to get a better idea of what the animals looks like in real life.

This DVD has different episodes about a specific animal that lives in the ocean. The Octonauts, featuring Captain Barnacles, ex-pirate Kwazii (a cat) and medic Peso (a penguin) go on a bunch of adventures under the ocean. In one episode, the Octonauts help two very competitive shrimp that are fighting, become best friends. In another one, a confident polar bear goes underwater with Kwazii and Peso to talk to little worms they meet and look for one worm that sank to the bottom of the ocean. Other characters, like an otter, help Kwazii search for parts after their ship crashes to the bottom of the ocean. It's a very fun DVD because there is a lot of action and you always want to know what will happen next.

All of the characters have their own personality, such as the penguin, named Peso. Peso is very scared, but Kwazii (the cat) is not afraid of anything. I love how all of the characters are so different from one another. It reminds me of some of my friends who like different things than I do, or have a shy personality. Even though we are different, we still have fun together. My favorite part about this DVD is when Peso gets so scared of the huge "monster," but it's not quite a monster. You'll have to watch the DVD to find out what the creature actually is. I also like the blobfish who always wants food--especially worms--but is so slow he often misses out on a snack. That character is probably the funniest part of the DVD.

The message of this show is: if you work together, you can even save people's lives. It's amazing what you can do when you work together. Even if you different from one another, you can still use the strengths of each person in the group to be successful.

I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 9. This DVD is out now, so go look for it.

Reviewed by Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I was absolutely thrilled with the stories told in the DVD Octonauts: Ocean Adventures. This series of tales is full of twists and turns that will keep you engaged throughout the six action packed episodes. You will have tons of fun and learn valuable lessons along with the Octonauts, Captain Barnacles, ex-pirate Kwazii and medic Peso.

Octonauts: Ocean Adventures follows a team of underwater explorers that save ocean life and protect their habitats. The Octonauts help all animals and sea life ranging from the predatory mantis shrimp to the wiggly bomber worms. While doing this, the gang faces troubles such as transportation breaking down and fights between other animals. Even though the troubles seem tough, the Octonauts always manage to come through and learn skills to help them in life.

In this DVD, we are introduced to six episodes: Mantis Shrimp, Kelp Monster Mystery, Bomber Worms, Loneliest Whale, Operation Cooperation, and Spinner Dolphins. Each episode tells a unique story. I truly enjoyed each episode and did not get bored with any of them. The fun ocean setting captivated me, since there are so many things that are unknown about the ocean habitat. I was happily surprised when I heard the voices of all the characters. Instead of having high, cartoonish voices, the Octonauts voices are deep, and some even have accents. I particularly liked Captain Barnacles' English accent voiced by Ross Breen. That isn't the only audible thing I enjoyed. I was very entertained by the music. It sets a tone and makes situations seem much more relaxed, dire or whatever the mood may be. The clever theme music composer Darren Hendly is to thank for the catchy intro. Lastly, I really appreciate the animation style in this show. It is funny and adorable, without giving a fake impression of how these animals truly look.

The message behind these episodes is that, even when there are problems that seem tough and unsolvable, you can count on teamwork and kindness to always help you out. If we all help each other out, the problems can be fixed and you can gain important lessons from them.

I give Octonauts: Ocean Adventures 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to ages 6 to 12. This collection can be found on DVD and Digital now.

Reviewed by Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I am a big fan of the Octonauts series and this DVD is one of my favorites. It never gets boring and kept me looking forward to the next episode.

Octonauts: Ocean Adventures is about a team of under-the-sea adventurers. They explore, rescue and protect everything in the ocean. We follow them along many expeditions like cleaning the ocean and helping a lonely whale. Episodes include Mantis Shrimp, Operation Cooperation, Kelp Monster Mystery and more. The DVD runs about an hour, so it is the perfect amount of entertainment for a younger audience.

This is such an educational, yet fun DVD. I learned about animals that I had no idea even existed! Children will enjoy it, and so will others! It is great for the whole family to watch. The animation is simple, yet adorable, and the sea animals are darling. There are a lot of episodes in the Octonauts series and, just when you think that you have learned it all, NCircle Entertainment always throws more stuff at you to learn, and you're having a blast doing it. The characters' voices in Octonauts fit their personalities perfectly. Simon Greenall has a flawless, bold polar bear voice, Paul Panting plays a wonderful, gentle penguin and Bob Rackstraw voices a magnificent, dare-devil cat. My favorite episode is Bomber Worms because I learned about this animal for the first time and how interesting and unique they are.

There are many positive messages throughout the DVD including teamwork, friendship, being adventurous, and loving animals.

I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 through 9. This DVD is currently available.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Octonauts: Ocean Adventures is such a fun and educational DVD! It offers a good mix between learning about marine life and entertaining younger kids. This series will entertain kids for more than an hour while they explore the world's oceans.

Octonauts: Ocean Adventures is about a team of adventurers called the Octonauts that explore the world's oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats on land and sea. The DVD includes 6 episodes of fun, underwater adventures that teach kids all about the oceans and many of the animals that live there.

The protagonists in the movie are Captain Barnacles (Simon Greenall), Kwazii (Rob Rackstraw), an ex-pirate and a doctor named Peso (Wayne Grayson). Other animal friends show up on different episodes to join the Octonauts on their various quests. My favorite episode was The Loneliest Whale because I love how the Octonauts help the lonely whale, named Joe, find other whales and food. It is really heart-warming. The characters are all really nice, sweet, open-minded and have hearts of gold. While I love the main Octonauts, my favorite characters are Dashi and her little sister Koshi, because they work well together, have a great bond, love the same things and can relate and understand each other. The animation is so fun that it makes you feel like you are on missions with the Octonauts. The setting under the sea is really beautiful with neon colors that kids will love watching. It is really creative how everything the Octonauts use, such as the Octopod and the Gups, look like real animals.

This DVD encourages friendship, kindness and teamwork. The message across all episodes is that when you have kindness you can build great friendships and that teamwork is really important because it helps you get the job done faster. This movie has a G rating and there isn't anything parents need to be warned about.

Octonauts: Ocean Adventures is a great show for younger kids. Kids will definitely learn about the world's oceans, smarine life and how to be great friends and work together. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 2 to 8. This is out on DVD now, so make sure you go check it out.

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Runtime: 66 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
GIGANTOSAURUS: DINO TALES

Click above to view YouTube video of
GIGANTOSAURUS: DINO TALES
open in new window
GIGANTOSAURUS: DINO TALES - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-8
Description - ROCKY, BILL, TINY and MAZU are four young dinosaurs growing up in the Cretaceous period. Life is always an adventure: new volcanoes are popping up all the time, long-necked brachiosauruses and enormous triceratopses roam free, meteor showers light up the night sky and the big bad Gigantosaurus reigns over it all! On this exciting DVD, join Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu as they explore the world of Cretacia. Embark on a mission to help find a lost egg s missing parents. Join the four friends as they venture out on a sleepover at the lake and camp among the herds in the desert. The adventures don t end there! Race with Mazu to see a once-in-a-lifetime comet and join Bill as he becomes invisible during a game of hide and seek. Enjoy these adventures and more with our Dino pals!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Gigantosaurus: Dino Tales is an English dubbed collection of episodes from the titular French CGI-animated preschool series. Kids learning through early childhood education will find plenty of great messages and funny characters. Most of the episodes follow a repetitive structure, although there are a few standouts.

This anthology follows the adventures of Rocky (Dylan Schombling), Bill (Nicholas Holmes), Tinu (Aine Sunderland), and Mazu (Nahanni Mitchell) who are four young dinosaurs growing up in the Cretaceous period. Surrounding these tales is the overarching mysterious Gigantosaurus who helps them on a few adventures.

The four leads share great banter allowing for believable friendships. Keep in mind, they are all child actors who are slowly coming into their own. Dylan Schombling, as Rocky, is easily my favorite of the bunch overcompensating his masculinity towards his inner fears. His dynamic with Bill, voiced by Nicholas Holmes, is strongest with a touching episode addressing how he helps his friend face his fears. The dynamic between Tinu, Mazu and other pair-ups are not as strong, although Aine Sunderland and Nahanni Mitchell give charismatic performances.

The animation is easily the most impressive feature here. The character models appear swiftly, and the environments fully capture the Cretaceous aesthetic. I should point out that the episodic plots follow a similar pattern, and the characters lack distinct personalities, especially the antagonists who are always juvenile bullies. Granted this is a cartoon made for preschoolers, so this will not be as obvious to them as it is to an older viewer such as myself. "The Island" is the one episode that really stands out for me, featuring a touching plot about friendship as Bill helps Rocky face his fear of swimming.

The message of this film is to always value friendships. All four of the dinosaurs have a great dynamic that revolves around trust and teamwork. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7. This DVD us available now on DVD and digital so check it out.

Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the Gigantosaurus Dino Tales DVD because it is very entertaining and funny. This show amuses younger children as well as older children like myself.

This DVD is a compilation of eight funny episodes with each episode a duration of 11 minutes approximately. The episodes do not follow a sequence. Each one has its individual story line. This DVD is about four "dino" friends, named Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu, who explore the world of Cretacia, where they live and make missions along the way. This show is very entertaining for young audience, keeping their attention their entire time.

The graphics are very bright and colorful. I especially like the jungle background. The voice-over talents suit each character. The music is appealing, especially the theme song. The episodes are short and interesting. My favorite episode is "Mazu's Comet," which is about Mazu wanting to see a comet with his name, because he is actually named after the comet. This is a special day for him because the comet only passes by every 100 hundred years. He makes a telescope, but the lens of the telescope breaks, so he scavenges to find a new lens in the desert. He only has a limited time to get back to the mountain to watch the comet. Finally, he finds the lens he needs but he gets distracted by another dinosaur in need of assistance and forgets all about the lens that he needs to see this special comet. He travels back without the lens and keeps helping more fellow dinosaurs along the way. When he finally arrives at the mountain he realizes that he forgot his lens. All the dinosaurs that Mazu helped along the way help him get his lens back and Mazu watches the comet successfully. My favorite character is Rocky because he is very adventurous dinosaur.

The moral of this DVD is that "teamwork makes the dream work," while having fun together. There is nothing like having a strong bond with our closest best friends to experience adventures together while exploring our surroundings or hometown.

I give Gigantosaurus Dino Tales DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults can watch this DVD with their children as well. This DVD is available now so look for it!

Reviewed by Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

What I like about this DVD is seeing how all the characters of different types get along as great friends. I like how they work together as a team to solve problems. I also love the animation.

This DVD is a collection of episodes from the TV show by the same name. The story line is four young dinosaurs growing up in the Cretaceous period where there is a new adventure every day from volcanoes popping up, to meteor showers lighting up the night sky to all the various dinosaurs that you might run into at any time. The young dinosaurs, Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu invite the audience to join them in their adventures.

What stands out in these animated episodes are the minute details of each dinosaur and the positive relationship between the four characters. The dinosaurs are very distinguished so that the viewer can determine their various types. The lead character Rocky pretends to be very brave, but his friend assures him that it's okay to have fears. The character Bill shows his loyalty as a friend. Mazu and Tiny are committed to their friendship. It's also fun that the dinosaurs have human-like qualities, making them anthropomorphic.

The message of this DVD is to demonstrate friendship, acceptance and compassion. The episodes focus on taking care of one another and being thoughtful. I learned to continue to value my friends and enjoy fun times together. I also learned how to pronounce some of the difficult names of dinosaurs.

I give Gigantosaurus: Dino Tales 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. It is available now on DVD or digital, so look for it.

Reviewed by Bailey Rae F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Runtime: 90 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
DOOZERS WE DIG SPRINIG!

Click above to view YouTube video of
DOOZERS WE DIG SPRINIG!
open in new window
DOOZERS WE DIG SPRINIG! - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-8
Description - Doozers: We Dig Spring! - Living at the edges of our world and right under our noses are Doozers. Just who are the Doozers? They're green, they're cute, they're three inches tall, full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm they're AWESOME! Doozers love to create, build, and innovate. Doozers are DOERS they put their ideas into action! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, "The stories follow four green Doozers that love helping wildlife and building things. Doozers are little green, cute and energetic creatures - two boys and two girls. Each one has a unique talent. For example, one has the power of science, another has technology, the third one has engineering and the fourth one has arts and math. All together it equals STEAM (science, technology, engineering arts and math)." See his full review below.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Doozers We Dig Spring! DVD because it is very entertaining, even for an 11-year-old, like me. This animation has very unique story lines in every episode.

The DVD has six episodes, each about 11 minutes long. The stories follow four green Doozers that love helping wildlife and building things. Doozers are little green, cute and energetic creatures - two boys and two girls. Each one has a unique talent. For example, one has the power of science, another has technology, the third one has engineering and the fourth one has arts and math. All together it equals STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). In every adventure they learn something new such as the stages of a butterfly, what bees like or how to work together.

My favorite episode is Oh Beehive where one of the Doozers is hungry and goes to a bakery to get something to eat. When he is about to go inside, a storm of bees swoops in front of the bakery's door so the owner has to shut the bakery down. The Doozer calls his friends to come and help him. All four Doozers together think of a genius plan so they can stop the bees and remove them from the door. The animation is cute with vibrant colors. The voice-overs are all by kids and their voices fit each character perfectly. The theme song is very energetic. Each episode is a different adventure and they don't necessary follow a sequence. My favorite catch phrase they say is, "Doo, doo, doo..." and, right after that phrase, they start working together as a team to resolve a situation or to build something.

The moral of Doozers We Dig Spring! is "team work makes the dream work," because in all six episodes all four Doozers team together to solve situations or to build something and they always put their ideas together to make things happen as a team.

I give Doozers We Dig Spring! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 18, and adults can enjoy this DVD as well. This DVD is available now so go get it before it runs out! Reviewed by Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 66 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 4-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
FLOOGALS: INVESTIGATION STATION

Click above to view YouTube video of
FLOOGALS: INVESTIGATION STATION
open in new window
FLOOGALS: INVESTIGATION STATION - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 4-12
Description - EXPERIMENTAION, DISCOVERY, OBSERVATION, HUMANS
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Floogals Investigation Station because it is very funny, original and creative. It captured my attention the whole time. I like that it is not just animation, as some parts are real life graphics. I also like that it is always teaching kids to explore and experiment in every episode.

This DVD is about three purple lookalike aliens called Floogals - Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo and Junior Boomer. The Floogals learn new things and report back to their boss to inform him what they have learned on Earth. This DVD contains six episodes about experimentation, discovery and observation. Each episode has about 11 minutes of adventure and funny situations. One of the funniest things of this show is that the aliens call the humans "hoomans."

My favorite episode is "Project Popcorn." This episode is about the Floogals discovering a food called popcorn. When a human accidentally lets go of the popcorn, it falls and the dog eats it, so they think it is dog food. Later they start to realize what popcorn is. Another one of my favorite episodes is "Project Sleep" which is about how a "hooman" girl invites her friends over for a sleepover. The Floogals spy on the girls to see what a sleepover is all about. The Floogals slowly learn about and process the word "sleepover," The Floogals do not realize that the whole time they are actually part of the sleepover. The graphics are real live backgrounds and the Floogals are little animated aliens. The animation is neat and very colorful. The voiceover talent suits each character. I like Junior Boomer's character the most, because he is clumsy, funny, and always curious about learning new things.

The moral of this show is: don't ever let someone stop you from doing what you desire. Don't allow anyone to discourage you from doing what you are capable of doing. For example, Junior Boomer investigates this thing call "popcorn" and Captain Fleeker tries to stop him, but Junior Boomer still investigates.

I give Floogals Investigation Station 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it ages 6 to 18, plus adults. By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
Runtime: 66 minutes Juror Recommended Age: 4-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99 Media: DVD


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
ADVENTURE BOYZ

Click above to view YouTube video of
ADVENTURE BOYZ
open in new window
ADVENTURE BOYZ - HOWARD FORD
Series: FEATURE, AGES 5-12
Description - When speedway racing champ Mike Harris has his kids for the summer holidays, he is stunned they want to sit inside playing on their devices. Insisting they get out into the real world for adventure and exercise, little does he realize, he is about to set off a chain of events that will change their lives forever.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Adventure Boyz is an engaging film in which family ties are tested and strengthened. The beginning of the movie shows the toll that family separation takes and the father realizing where his children are headed if they continue on that road. It ends with the returning of a missing family member and becoming a family again.

Adventure Boyz encourages family activities as healthy ways to nourish family relationships between parents and children, denouncing the use of electronics as some kind of epidemic that turns people into zombies.

What I found appealing are the main characters, the views and scenery. Plus, there is adventure and fun involved. Although the film lacks in creativity, it flows well most of the time. There are some things that don't quite make sense such as like the father being allowed to compete again and winning. It offers a please feeling of familiarity with the characters and their environments. The movie exceeds in showing positive family and faith values.

Adventure Boyz offers a positive message about family and the importance of good parenting. It emphasizes trusting God and positive advice that a committed parent should give her children. It does have some unnecessary physical violent scenes, that you should be aware of.

I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommended it for ages 13 to 18. This film is available now on DVD and digital.

Reviewed by Carolina S., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Adventure Boyz because it has a good, interesting story. This film is full of action and adventure. It is cool how the two boys, Sam and younger brother Jake (Rory Ford, Felix Ford) work together to solve a mystery. I like how the boys' dad is a speedway racer, because that is something I'm not ever around. I also like the mom, because she is very protective of her kids. You can tell she loves them very much.

The story starts off with a news reporter reporting that 50 diamonds has been stolen in the castle. This grabbed my attention right away. When the two brothers are biking, they find a hideout where the diamonds hidden. That is just the beginning of their big adventure. The boys get chased by two bad guys pretty much throughout the movie and have quite a few close calls. They have to fend for themselves because their mom is away and their dad winds up in jail. It's really up to them to set things straight.

I love one of the bad guys in the story--one of the antagonists. He has a great personality, because he is always getting distracted by things and it's funny when he gets off task. The other antagonist is the complete opposite; he is very focused and very serious about his job. My favorite part is when one of the bad guys is admiring flowers. It's ironic because, earlier on in the film, he tells his partner he never wanted to be a criminal, he wanted to be a gardener.

The message of the film is to trust yourself. Sam sometimes has moments when he doubts himself and then, he learns to be more confident and does the right thing. I know when I'm more confident, I tend to do better at something, like when I'm singing, dancing and acting. There is one scary part, the abduction scene, when someone is tied up and has duct tape over his mouth.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 14, but even older kids and some adults may like it. Adventure Boyz is available now on Blu-Ray/DVD and streaming services, so look for it.

Reviewed by Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Juror Recommended Age: 4-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 12.99 Media:



NEW SEARCH

All content ©Copyright 1991-2024 by Coalition for Quality Children's Media

Database search interactivity by NET MAN
Entertainment News for Kids:
Join KIDS FIRST! on Twitter Join KIDS FIRST! on YouTube Join KIDS FIRST! on Instagram Join KIDS FIRST! on Tik Tok Join KIDS FIRST! on Facebook