Description - The relationship between Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin, the gourmet she has been working for over the last 20 years. Growing fonder of one another, their bond turns into a romance and gives rise to delicious dishes that impress even the world's most illustrious chefs. When Dodin is faced with Eugenie's reluctance to commit to him, he decides to start cooking for her.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A leisurely, luminous portrait of love, culture and cuisine, The Taste of Things is a feast for the eyes. It's all about partnership through a shared passion, conveying feelings through fewer words and baked Alaska. With such deep themes and beautiful visuals, no wonder it's France's selection for this year's Academy Awards.The Taste of Things is a tough movie to summarize. It's about so much more than its plot... but here goes. The film takes place entirely in a 19th century French manor, mostly in its warmly-lit, wood-accented kitchen and centers on the bonds between the characters. Dodin Bouffant (Benoit Magimel), an esteemed gourmet partly based on real-life gastronome Jean Brillat-Savarin, oversees the meal, helps with the cooking and visits with his group of friends. His partner in the kitchen, Eugenie (Juliette Binoche), beams as she whips up dozens of French culinary marvels. They have two assistants, who seem more like daughters, the teen Violette (Galatea Bellugi) and her niece Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire). This scene unfolds each day for years. The film follows Dodin's and Eugenie's romance as it evolves from unspoken partnership to marriage to separation by illness, as well as how the younger members of the kitchen grow.The Taste of Things is a film about indulgence -- in food, in love, in family. It also shows viewers that truly powerful relationships are those that transcend labels and that are bound by shared love for one another and, in this case, a shared passion. It shows viewers that food is inextricably tied to love, life and joy. Be forewarned that the film does contain scenes with partial nudity and smoking.I give The Taste of Things 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Taste of Things releases on February 9, 2024 in theaters and is an Oscar nominee.
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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MY LITTLE SISTER - ALLA ANDREEVA
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18
Description - As far back as Yamil can remember, the war was always. But Yamil is waiting for its end, because then his Father, known to the boy only through photos and letters, will be back home. One day his Mother goes to a distant city and brings a silent girl Oksana. Mother also brings his Father's order to take care of Oksana as if she were his sister...The film adaptation of the novel The Joy of Our Home by the canonical Soviet writer Mustai Karim.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed the film My Little Sister with marvelous young actors, terrific cinematography, detailed ethnic design of the interior settings and clothing, and showing the best of human values amidst the pain of war. However, parents need to decide if their children are familiar with, or ready for, a drama with the backdrop of World War II and in the foreground, the families who live and love through it. Also of note to parents: There are initial images zooming past two shot corpses to a child hidden in a chimney, as well as some scenes of bullying by children. What I find enjoyable about the film is the slower pacing and the focus on characters, feelings, and a part of the world that is becoming familiar through contemporary news accounts. That may not satisfy today's kids who are more used to action, quick editing, and special effects. While a deeper analysis will likely reveal biases currently imposed by the Russian Federation on historical films from the region, this film is, at its heart, a touching story about friendship, family, trust, courage, and, ultimately, hope.For Yamil, a six-year-old Bashkir boy, the war has always been. He is waiting for his father, known only through photos and letters, to come home from the Front. One day, Yamil's mother travels far and brings home a silent Ukrainian girl, Oksana, along with Father's order to take care of her as if she were his sister. This is a filmed adaptation of the novel "The Joy of Our Home" by Soviet writer Mustai Karim.
This film has been shown in numerous children's film festivals, though not in the US. It has also garnered some awards. The acting is top-notch, the production values beautiful. This is a professionally-made film that reveals other cultures within a historical context. I like how the story reveals both the differences between our cultures and how children conduct themselves, as well as the universality of children's behavior - through play, humor, emotions, adventure, and solving challenges. The cinematography is part of what makes this film so watchable. Sweeping vistas of mountains, forests, snow - of nature and beauty juxtaposed against close-ups of faces, marked by joys and sorrows, vivacity and resolve.
The layered costumes are authentic to the ethnic community of the Bashkirs -- with colorful or earth-toned hats for the men and boys and scarves for the women and girls. Also authentic are the uniforms and arms of the soldiers. I admire the rich, natural landscapes, the sometimes harsh conditions of snow as well as pastoral calm, and the majesty of the cinematography capturing the terrain. The interiors of the basically log cabin-type houses are fascinating - the colorful cloth patterns, the rustic kitchen and hearth, even the mattresses and bedding are authentic and of visual interest. The background music by film and television composer Ilya Dukhovnyy adds to the sweeping cinematography, tension and joy, and the emotional content of the film.
The main two child actors are brilliant and natural. Arslan Krymchurin as Yamil gives a stand-out performance -- authentic, vivacious, and we see every emotion - from love to anger to resolve - registering on his face. Marta Kessler as Oksana easily emotes without words in the beginning of the film, evolving from a tearful and traumatized orphan to a fun-loving and supportive older "sister." The other main characters of mother and grandmother, the villagers, and the other children all do their part to bring the story to life. I really enjoyed watching the performances of the children - so authentic and endearing.
The film's message is about the harsh collective effects of war on the people left behind and yet the enduring human spirit of family, community, hope, courage, and love. Be forewarned that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence and shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. Disturbing images of the initial fast zoom of shot corpses and child hidden in a chimney; the rocks thrown by kids at soldiers, bullying and teasing by some characters to others, two boys head out secretly to "fight in the war."
I give My Little Sister 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Ann B., KIDS FIRST!
By Ann B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - See adult comments
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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ARGYLLE - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - THEATRICAL DIVISION
Series: FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18
Description - A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes the plot of the new book she's writing starts to mirror real-world events, in real time.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Argylle is a very exciting action film with a lot of plot twists. The high quality sound effects and background music are spectacular and terrific acting.The storyline follows a writer Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), who is seen at a reading for her new book, Argylle 4. At the reading we meet the key characters including Lagrange (Dua Lipa) and Aidan Wilde (Sam Rockwell) who is revealed to be a spy. After it is revealed that Elly has been writing about a super secret spy mission, things begin to get heated.
Kudos to director Matthew Vaughn for delivering such an exciting film. The special effects really stand out, especially the sound effects which make it seem almost as if I was there. I also enjoyed the background music throughout the film. The music by Lorne Balfe creates suspenseful moments that kept me engaged with the movie. The best scene has to be when Aiden has to fight against the undercover spies on the train. We get to see how Elly interacts with the whole situation and, of course, there is amazing fight choreography. We notice how Argylle (Henry Cavill) is always alongside Elly and Aiden, but not in a way you might expect. Over the course of the film Elly is searching for the ending of her fifth book, but the plot completely changes throughout the movie.
The film's message is to always remember who you are and this film delivers this message in a suspenseful way. It's important to note that this film contains a lot of fighting, blood and crazy action scenes.
I give Argylle 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters February 2, 2024.
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Argylle has some funny moments and some good action scenes, but for the majority of the movie the dialogue falls flat. The VFX look like they were rushed, and the star studded cast is not used to their full potential which is disappointing.
The story follows an introverted novelist who writes about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate--and she discovers that the plot of her latest work is mirroring actual events in real time.
Argylle is a movie that starts off bland in the beginning then teases you with some enjoyable moments that don't pay off. The main character Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) was not that interesting, and I became more interested in Argylle (Henry Cavil). However, the biggest disappointment of the film is its dialogue. In the theater I found myself wanting to leave after hearing one-liners over and over that for me just didn't land well. And the poor visual effects kept stopping my immersion into the film. Toward the climax it becomes distracting and the final action scene looks fake, mainly in the background. I do have to give this film credit for having a lot of twists and turns--until halfway through the film I was engaged. All of the shocking twists kept me wanting more. Argylle might secretly be a work of genius simply based on its ending credits scene, which I won't spoil.
The theme of Argylle is remembering who you are, and it is best represented by Elly Conway as she embarks on a journey through her old books to find parts of herself. I quite liked this aspect of the film because it really gives us a chance to know more about Elly Conway.
Overall, I give Argylle 2 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. This film releases in theaters February 2, 2024. By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
I like the detailed spy movie Argylle because it has an involving plot that put me on the edge of my seat while watching it. It starts off slowly, but then the storyline kicks up. This movie is well-produced, with smooth camerawork and appealing characters, but does have a smattering of unnecessary bits and pieces.
Argylle follows an author named Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) who is famous for her secret agent novels. Just as she is about to release her next book, Elly notices that the characters and scenes in her books are coming to life. If her stories are coming to life, Elly is in grave danger.
The main characters are Elly Conway, Aiden (Sam Rockwell), Argylle (Henry Cavill), Wyatt (John Cena), Ruth (Catherine O'Hara), Director Ritter (Bryan Cranston) and Alfie (Samuel L. Jackson). All of the actors are quite wonderful at portraying their characters. For instance, Elly Conway's character dramatically shifts intentions and the actor, Bryce Dallas Howard, is quick to change from evil to the hero. Aiden is a hilarious character, especially when he fights the bad guys. He's nonchalant and chill about taking out 20 people. Additionally, the camerawork is great because it shows many different perspectives, which make the scenes more exciting and suspenseful, but also helps the audience feel like they're in the film. This is prominent during the fight scenes - and note that there are a lot of them. Some are unnecessary, especially during the long two and a half hour movie. The first half is slow and doesn't have a lot of action, but the second half is action-packed. The storyline is well-written, filled with many surprises that shocked me. It is based on the real author, Elly Conway, whose identity is unknown. There are clues that hint about Elly's true identity, and you'll just have to wait to find out. I particularly enjoyed the dancing scenes with Elly and Aiden. They are hilarious because they're ballroom dancing and shooting people at the same time. This is just one example of the many quirky things of the movie.
The film's message is to trust yourself and don't ignore your gut feelings. Elly keeps seeing Argylle in the mirror instead of her reflection, which has a deeper meaning. Elly wants to shut "him" out, but Argylle is trying to warn her of the dangers ahead. In actuality, Argylle is her voice because she created him. It's a good reminder to always listen to yourself. Be aware that there is foul language, violence, gun usage, and murder in the film.
I give Argylle 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Argylle releases in theaters February 2, 2024.
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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UNDER THE INFLUENCER - VISION FILMS
Series: FEATURE, AGES 8 - 18
Description - A 25-yr-old influencer struggles to cling on to her status but is running out of tricks. Will she have to separate her online persona from her authentic self?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Under The Influencer is one of the most optimistic films I've ever seen! You get a taste of what it's like behind the scenes in a social media influencer's life, including all the struggles and accomplishments, too. Not everything turns out as planned and life gets in the way, which makes for a great film for those on a journey to finding themself.We follow Tori (Taylor Scorse) as her YouTube account following begins slowly plummeting but that's all she eats, sleeps, and breathes. During this time she is not only desperately trying to find ways to fix it, but is also trying to heal from a messy Internet break up . Throughout this time Tori is coming to terms with the fact that her personal life and her social media life might need to cross paths, but she is not comfortable with making that happen. She enjoys learning new things about herself but struggles to grasp the fact that her content is taking over her life, and not in a good way. Tori hits complete rock bottom, and that's when she starts to make a breakthrough. She lets go of some people and has new experiences with others that affect her for the better. As for locations, from the sunsets to the mansions the settings were great. The acting was pretty spot on as well and some of the characters make their mark when it comes to learning the life lessons. Overall this film is great and watching it unravel will definitely prompt emotions in audiences.
Under The Influencer is relatable and shows realistic challenges for not just influencers but all people, too. When you see what the true meaning behind this film is it really touches the heart. Tori starts to see how social media is crushing the real her behind the mask she puts on. And yet she is not completely alone, as her best friend and employee Sara (Chandler Young) helps her through her journey of showing who she really is. Tori never really stays low when she gets knocked down; she just keeps learning and doing what's best for her.
The film's message is to not be afraid to show the world the real you. You never know what is going to happen or change in your life. So learn from the mistakes you make to improve yourself.
I give Under the Influencer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Under The Influencer is available now on VOD!
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Under The Influencer is an amazing tale of social media and self-identity. The topics are very relatable and modern to teens as well as others.
The plot of this film centers around a girl named Tori who has a large following on her YouTube channel. No matter what she does though, the channel gets a large amount of hateful comments on it for no reason. As the film progresses she begins to resent the life she's built and the tension continues as the plot develops.
One of the most exquisite parts of this film is simply how relatable it is today. The presence of social media and the hate that spirals from it is not uncommon. This sort of tension is what a lot of people face now with the influence of the internet growing as rapidly as it has. It helps the film's relatability to teens and other influencers. Another spectacular part of the film that is very interesting to see is the way they portray YouTube channels as a type of business or enterprise. Rather than just one person filming videos in their basement they showed a team of people working to plan everything out perfectly and keep the image of the influencer intact. It's one of the reasons the fans of the fictional channel in the film thought everything was so fake. It just didn't seem genuine. Going off of that another really important part of the movie is the way the fans react when the content is fake vs genuine. People like to see the real and unfiltered side of people on YouTube and other social media platforms rather than just the scripted highlights of others' lives. It makes the whole thing a lot more relatable.
The film's message is to just be yourself and never change or destroy yourself for others, because that's never going to get anyone anywhere.
I give Under The Influencer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film is available now on DVD and VOD.
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 15
Under the Influencer is an uplifting and satisfying film with a very important message. Romance is blended with working and friendship elements, which gives it a little bit of everything. The acting and writing deliver an important message, despite some slower patches in the film.
Under the Influencer follows Tori (Taylor Joree Scorse) as she starts off as a very successful influencer. Her views and popularity start to decline significantly, and she can't figure out why. She realizes that, not only has she lost the approval and support of fans, but she's also lost herself. She put all of her effort and focus into her social media persona. When she can no longer rely on fame and positivity, she takes off on a journey to determine who she really is when she's not in front of a camera. She has to figure out what she, not the girl on the camera, enjoys.
The highlight of this film is how the message is incorporated in a way that not only emphasizes it, but also keeps it entertaining and related to the storyline and the protagonist. Taylor Joree Scorse places such a strong emphasis on this message through her acting. She lets her emotions shine through; demonstrating how being lost and not knowing who she is affects her. She uses her facial expressions and body language to accentuate the theme, plus, her dialogue allows the message to shine through. There are lines and moments when her inner struggle is so clear -- she doesn't know who to be, and the things she says or doesn't say really show the impact this has on her. The ending wraps up the film so nicely, tying the new romantic element into the message, and leaving viewers with a positive feeling. While this part of the film is very enjoyable, there are definitely some weaker aspects. There are a few stretches that seem unnecessarily long and get a bit boring. There are some very important scenes and moments within these stretches, but there's a bit too much extraneous stuff that takes away from the stronger, more important parts of the film.
The film's message is that finding yourself is the most important thing in life. It's easy to get lost in pretending to be someone else, especially as a social media influencer who's constantly trying to please other people. This theme makes the film uplifting, encouraging people to find parts of themselves they either didn't know they had or wanted to hide before.
I give Under the Influencer 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. You can watch Under the Influencer on VOD beginning December 12, 2023.
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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WONKA - WARNER BROS. PICTURES
Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-18
Description - With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wonka is a magical, vibrant and fresh retelling of the classic story that the world needs right now. With a spectacular cast, eye-catching visuals, and an absorbing story, Wonka is the perfect holiday treat.Wonka takes place prior to the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, so we follow a young Willy Wonka (Timoth�e Chalamet), who travels to London to make his name known and share his chocolate with the world. Opposed by Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman) and Bleacher (Tom Davis), Willy is prevented from selling his candy, but with the help of his companion Noodle (Calah Lane), he just may have a chance.
Wonka's cast is nothing short of incredible. Every single performance adds to the overall feeling of the world with some wacky and eccentric characters. For me, Timoth�e Chalamet delivers the most surprising and fun performance. He really embodies Willy Wonka's older self, but adds younger nuances, with his innocence, enthusiasm and wit. Hugh Grant, who has a much smaller, but unforgettable role as an Oompa-Loompa, delivers by far the funniest lines in the film. He is pretty much playing Hugh Grant, but in the best way possible, and he adds so much flair to the movie which makes it so much more enjoyable. Wonka's visuals are one of the best parts of the film, and are very unique and dream-like. A distinct visual style is seen in the sky, the outfits, and setting. Director Paul King and Production Designer Nathan Crowley create a very fantastical and whimsical 1930s London. Wonka is incredibly atmospheric in its set design and feels pulled right out of the pages of a storybook. Wonka feels necessary and worthwhile because it truly embraces the elements that viewers were drawn to in the first place - a magical escape into a world of vibrant imagination. On the other hand, Wonka is surprising because while it precedes a well-known story, it introduces elements that surpass the classic. The story feels original and refreshing.
Wonka beautifully captures the importance of aspirations and dreams. Willy begins the movie without anything, but is pushed by his undying imagination. Wonka encourages viewers to embrace creativity and passion, forgetting all limitations and striving for a bright future.
I give Wonka 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Catch Wonka December 15, 2023 in theaters.
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15
Wonka is an amazing movie! This film, directed by Paul King, is a feel-good musical that took me on a very emotional ride. Viewers learn the origin story of the eccentric chocolatier and magician.
Willy (Timoth�e Chalamet) dreams of opening a chocolate shop in the Gallery Gourmet but quickly runs out of money. He meets Bleacher (Tom Davis), who introduces Willy to Mrs. Scrubbitt (Olivia Colman), who tricks him into a contract and forces him to work in her laundry room to pay off his debt. There he meets other indentured workers - Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), Piper Benz (Natasha Rothwell), Lottie Bell (Rakhee Thakrar) and Larry Chucklesworth (Rich Fulcher). Noodle (Calah Lane) becomes Willy's closest ally and joins him to defeat the corrupt Chocolate Cartel and reach his goal of opening a chocolate shop.
I never expected to feel so many emotions in a Willy Wonka movie. There is the familiar magicalness of Willy who whips up the most amazing chocolate and candy confections, like Hoverchocs that can make you fly. Yet the performances, musical score and art direction really pulled me into the story. The song, "Pure Imagination," appears in different versions throughout the film and adds to the emotional experience. I really like the character development and the sibling-like friendship between Willy and Noodle. When Willy agrees to secretly leave town to free his friends, Timoth�e Chalamet's singing of "Sorry Noodle" had me crying my eyes out. The evilness of the Chocolate Cartel led by Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph) had me so angry as they repeatedly try to defeat Willy and they eventually trap Willy and Noodle. My favorite part is when the Oompa Loompa Lofty (Hugh Grant) saves Willy and Noodle from being drowned in chocolate.
The message of Wonka is to let your imagination run wild and keep striving for your dreams even when the odds are stacked against you. In the end, the struggle will be worth it, especially if you have friends to share your success with.
I give Wonka 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film will be released in theaters on December 15, 2023.
By Kira O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Let's step into a world of pure imagination! The new Wonka film is nothing short of magical! The entire cast shines and my whole family loved this movie. This movie is extra colorful, extra magical, extra sweet and deliciously decadent.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl's iconic children's book, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. It is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Starring Timoth�e Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world -- one delectable bite at a time, proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and, if you're lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
As a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I loved Wonka. I love all the songs and dance numbers. It is a scrumdiddlyumptions musical. I was laughing out loud in the theater and the entire cast had me in awe. The movie has an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Timothee Chalamet is extraordinary as Willy Wonka. He is brilliant as he dances, sings, makes chocolate, and follows his dreams. He had me smiling from ear to ear the entire movie. Keegan Michale Key as the chief of police is hilarious. He is just so funny throughout the entire movie as he is always trying to catch Wonka and eating way too many sweets. Calah Lane, as Noodle, is perfect for this role. She is brilliant in the movie and her story in the movie is beautiful. I loved watching her and Timothee Chalamet on screen together. The chemistry between the two of them is just perfect. I love all the vibrant colors throughout the movie. The costumes are amazing and fit the movie perfectly. I predict that audiences will be singing and dancing and loving every minute of this movie just like I was and leaving the theater with a sweet tooth for more Wonka!
The film's message is about following your dreams. The character Wonka is full of ideas and has a wonderful imagination. He is determined to change the world, open a store and he does not let anything get in his way or stop him. He follows his dreams and believes in himself.
I give Wonka 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Wonka in theaters beginning December 15, 2023.
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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BOY AND THE HERON, THE - GKIDS
Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-18
Description - From Academy Award winning and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy And The Heron follows the incredible journey of young Mahito. After he experiences the tragic loss of his mother, Mahito settles into a new town that is anything but ordinary. After several strange encounters with a grey heron, Mahito goes on a search for his mother that leads him to a magical world unknown.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Boy And The Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki is a very unique Japanese film. The amazing high quality sound effects and suspenseful background music are spectacular. However, this film does get confusing very quickly.This semi-autobiographical animated movie follows the story of young Mahito Maki (Soma Santoki), who tragically loses his mother in a fire and moves to the country with his dad Shoichi (Takuya Kimura) and his step-mom Natsuko (Yoshino Kimura). Action soon rises after Mahito interacts with a talking gray heron (Masaki Suda) who is revealed to be a shapeshifting avian guide. The gray heron alludes to Mahito's mother still being alive and Mahito goes on a journey to find her.
The sound effects in The Boy And The Heron enhance the film tremendously. Even though this film is animated the sound effects make it seem almost as if it is a live action film. From realistic deep footsteps to the realistic sounds of crashing ocean waves; sound director K�ji Kasamatsu absolutely brought this movie to life. I also enjoyed the background music throughout this film. The music by Joe Hisaishi creates suspenseful and surprising moments that kept me engaged throughout my viewing experience. My favorite scene in the movie is when Mahito and a fisherwomen named Kiriko (K� Shibasaki) watch the Warwara (creatures whole embody both life and death) be released into the normal world. The music is beautiful and creates a sense of awe and wonder. Who could forget the gorgeous animation by the world renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki? Every scene in this movie is animated to perfection. For example, when Mahito first enters this new world he lands on an island surrounded by a vast deep blue ocean and stormy clouds. The ocean waves crash very fluidly and the clouds are different shades of purple and move very realistically. The detail and fluidity of the animation does not go unnoticed. As much as I like this film, I did find it somewhat confusing. Over the course of two hours we primarily follow the main character searching for his mother, but this plot is somewhat drowned out by many other side plots taking place, which makes things murky and difficult to track.
The film's message is to not let grief hold you back and to find different healthy ways to move on. However, this film delivers this message in a very confusing way. It's important to note that this movie contains mentions of self-harm, minor cursing, gore and small jump scares that could be frightening to younger audiences.
I give The Boy And The Heron 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters December 8, 2023. Make sure you give it a watch!
By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14
The film The Boy and The Heron is unlike any film I've ever seen before. I was in awe with the beautiful scenery and the music that goes from simple piano notes to complex orchestrations.
The storyline follows a family living during a time of war in Tokyo. Tragically, the main character, Mahito Maki's (Soma Santoki) mother dies in a fire at the hospital where she works. Years later, Mahito and his father move from Tokyo to start a new life with his new step-mother. Outside this new home, Mahito is drawn to a gray heron that seems to be taunting him and leading him to a tower on the property. His step-mother, Natsuko, (Yoshino Kimura) disappears and Mahito follows the heron into the tower in search of her. Entering the tower brings him into another world where he meets his mother from another time and together they race to find Natsuko while battling many obstacles such as pelicans, parakeets and the heron's sneaky and selfish ways.
I love the character, Kiriko (Ko Shibasaki), both in her younger and older self. She is helpful and fierce and stays by Mahito's side. The ship she lives on in the strange tower world is so beautiful and the idea of her taking care of the warawara before they float into our world and are born as human beings shows how nurturing she is. I really enjoy how this movie makes me think and make connections between parallel worlds. I knew that Lady Himi was going to be his mom and when I realized that he was meeting her during the year she vanished into the tower when she was younger, my mind was blown as the puzzle came together. I was also shocked when Natsuko said that Mahito's mom is her sister! There are many twists and turns in this film that kept me on the edge of my seat. The artistry in the animation, by Hayao Miyazaki, is really neat to watch and made me want to research and learn more about the film and about anime.
The film's message is to find acceptance after the loss of a loved one and to find peace during a time of turmoil. Mahito struggles with personal grief while his country is also struggling during a period of war.
I give The Boy and The Heron 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters December 8, 2023.
By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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CANDY CANE LANE - AMAZON PRIME
Series: FEATURE, AGES 5-18
Description - Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood's annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Eddie Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper's spell, battle deviously magical characters and save Christmas for everyone.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Eddie Murphy nails it in this holiday film that is definitely destined to become an evergreen Christmas go to. I really didn't know too much about it before watching it and was surprised at the inclusion of the CGI generated miniature people, which adds another layer of zaniness to it. The story follows the annual holiday seasonal competition in El Segundo, CA, known as Candy Cane Lane where neighbors fiercely compete for best decorated house. This year's competition is amped up with the promise of a $100K prize wife (Tracee Ellis Ross), daughter Joy (), son Nick (Thaddeus J. Mixon and younger daughter Holly (Madison Thomas) aren't quite on board until they learn the severity of the situation.
Madison Thomas definitely steals the show as her dad's sidekick, following him into the popup mysterious and somewhat ominous Christmas shop called Kringle's hidden away under a freeway overpass. Another show stopper is Pepper (Jillian Bell), the shop owner whose ethics are questionable from the get go. Then, there are the magical little village people - Pip (Nick Offerman), Cordelia (Robin Thede), Gary (Christ Redd) and a group of seemingly innocent carolers who burst into song with the slightest provocation. The twisted tale of how Pepper has connived capturing these little people unravels as the plot develops. My favorite part is the 12 Days of Christmas "tree" that Chris falls for and brings home only to learn that each of the elements becomes real - and real enough to be real problems. All of a sudden seven swans are swimming in the Carver's pool. Geese are laying eggs while air borne and dropping them on innocent bystanders, like Carver's wife! Pipers are piping and dancing in the street; drummers are drumming and making pests of themselves. All this madcap craziness comes to a head as Chris hustles to complete his tasks of gathering the golden rings before the magic hour, only to discover minutes before that the number of rings he thought he needed to procure, was vastly underestimated, since the song repeats them with each round and it's 40, not 5 that he needs to collect or become one of the little village people that Pepper bosses around. However the family rallies, Santa shows up, and ultimately, the good guys win and the bad guys are punished.
The film's message really comes down to the importance of family. As Chris tells his family, "everything I do I do for you." And they come to understand that is really true.
I give Candy Cane Lane 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, or those who are kids at heart. It is available now on Prime Video so, check it out. I promise you'll get some good laughs out of it.
Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Candy Cane Lane is the perfect Christmas Movie to watch with your family and friends in 2023. Candy Cane Lane is filled with adventures, magic and laughter. It definitely brings the Christmas spirits to life!
The story follows a family from El Segundo, California who live on a street called Candy Cane Lane, where every year there is a contest for the best house lit up for Christmas. During this year's contest the competition between all the neighbors is way more intense than in previous years. To win this competition families must have the best and brightest lighting, the biggest Santas, the most colorful elves, the loudest music and the most incredible angels on their front yard. The dad, Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) finds out about this huge contest on TV and goes crazy. He tries everything to win first place, even making a deal with a lunatic elf, Pepper (Jillian Bell), without even realizing that what he is doing would create a big problem for his family and the whole town.
The film is hilarious, has a twist on classic songs, and a family we can all relate to. Mom, Carol Carver (Tracee Ellis Ross), is a super hard-working woman who is trying to get a promotion at work during the busiest time of the year. The oldest daughter, Joy Carver (Genneya Walton), has a dream to go to college and be part of the track team. The middle son, Nick Carver (Thaddeus J. Mixxon), is not a big math student, but has a passion for music and the youngest daughter, Holly Carver (Madison Thomas), loves Christmas as much as her dad. One of my favorite scenes is when Chris and Holly Carver are looking for Christmas decorations and find a store in the middle of nowhere. The special effects in that store are super fun and magical. Another great scene is when the contest starts at Candy Cane Lane and Santa shows up in his sleigh, points his finger at every house on the street, and viewers erupt with excitement as each house brings a Christmas theme to life. You must watch and see the seasonal magic happening at Carver's house. I know you will just love it as much as I did.
The film's message is that family comes first and they will always be there for you. It doesn't matter what challenges you are facing, when you have your family by your side, you will always figure out a way to find solutions.
I give Candy Cane Lane 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Prime Video beginning December 1, 2023.
By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie Candy Cane Lane, directed by Reginald Hudlin. The witty humor and stunning set design make this one of my new favorite holiday movies.
This adventurous comedy follows Christmas lover Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) and his family as they compete in the annual neighborhood house decorating Christmas contest. However this year the stakes are higher; the winner of the contest will receive a $100,000 cash prize. After unintentionally making a deal with mischievous elf Pepper (Jillian Bell), she casts a spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life. To prevent disaster before Christmas, Chris and his family must break Pepper's spell before it's too late.
The humor in Candy Cane Lane is one of its biggest highlights. Eddie Murphy's comedic timing and quick-witted performance make for some laugh-out-loud moments. He also brings charm, joy, and relatability to his character through his distinctive comedic style, making him one of my personal favorite characters. Chris Carver is the type of dad every kid would love to spend time with during the holidays. The set design in this film is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Set designer Adam Mull absolutely captures the wonder of the Christmas Spirit in every set design. My favorite scene is when Chris and his daughter Holly (Madison Thomas) first meet Pepper at her Christmas Shop. As soon as they both walk through the door the scene explodes with Christmas magic; each Christmas tree is decorated with beautiful unique ornaments and the environment made me feel like I was right there in the scene. Adam Mull transformed this movie into an onscreen winter wonderland; in every scene you can see how much time and effort went into this film's creation.
The film's message is that, through thick and thin, families should stick together and use teamwork when tackling a problem. This message is important for families to hear year round but especially during the holidays; a time where many families come together and spend quality time with one another.
I give Candy Cane Lane 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Candy Cane Lane premieres on Amazon Prime Video December 1, 2023. Make sure to check it out!
By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14
Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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