Description - When a street magician's stunt begins to make their show look stale, superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton look to salvage on their act - and their friendship - by staging their own daring stunt. Starring Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Jim Carrey, James Gandolfini and Alan Arkin.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This movie starts out a bit over the top in terms of its cheesiness. Don't get me wrong, it's well played. Steve Carell as Burt and Steve Buscemi as his sidekick Anton take on the task of portraying some tired Las Vegas show biz types with a verge that fringes on craziness. We see the seedier side of things as Burt hits on everything in a skirt while under the illusion that he is truly a gift to women! Olivia Wilde, who I adored in the role of Thirteen on House, attempts to bring a sense of reality to Burt's life but to no avail. She ends up joining the flashy showman, Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) whose magic acts are enough to make you nauseous. His idea of magic takes a black turn as he cuts open his own cheek to pull out a playing card, lies down upon a bed of hot coals and more. I found myself closing my eyes during portions of his performance. Ug. But, there is a little light in this show in the form of Alan Arkin who plays Rance Holloway, an aging magician whose magic "kit" was the inspiration behind Burt's career. During a chance encounter at a nursing home, Lance helps bring the sparkle back to Burt's performing career. In the end, the movie redeems itself with Burt and Anton's "great trick" - something that is sure to bring a giggle out of even the most seasoned movie goer. I thought I didn't like this movie about a third of the way in and then, it turned and I walked out with a smile on my face. So did my 10 year-old grandson though I would have not taken him had I a better idea of what took place earlier in the film.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This movie tells the story of a Las Vegas magician named Burt Wonderstone played by Steve Carell. He has been doing the same magic act with his best friend Anton (Steve Buscemi) for 10 years and his life is grand, but when a new street magician threatens to steal Burt's spotlight, Burt will do whatever it takes to keep his fans. I'm actually that impressed with this movie. When you think of Steve Carell and Jim Carrey (stars of this film) you think of all-out humor, but this movie is lacking in laughs. I feel like they put most of the funny parts of the film into the trailer and left nothing for the movie. I had such high expectations for this film and they were let down. Don't get me wrong, the movie is entertaining and has a few hilarious moments, but it isn't what I expected from a film with so much hype.
There is nothing special about the cinematography, it is a quality picture, just like any other 2D film you would see in a theater today. However, I do like the use of colors when it comes to costume and set design by Dayna Pink and Andrea Fenton because they show the more cheesy side of Las Vegas entertainment.
My favorite scene is the very end of the film when Burt and Anton pull their biggest stunt. It's so funny when you see the "behind the scenes" work that goes into their trick because it seems so ridiculous and over-the-top-funny.
My favorite character is Rance Holloway played by Alan Arkin because he is such a witty character. Rance is the old magician who inspired Burt to become a magician and when Burt meets Rance later in life, it is very comical. Not only are their interactions funny, but also touching. Burt had lost touch with the wonder and amazement that magic brings and Rance is able to re-teach Burt a few old tricks that help him rediscover why he first became a magician.
Overall I give The Incredible Burt Wonderstone 3.5 out of 5 stars because it isn't as incredible as I expected, but it does have an entertaining quality to it. I recommend this film for ages 13+ because it contains quite a bit of rude humor, sexual situations and references and some disturbing images. So if you want to check out the magic, be sure to head to a theater near you when this film hits the big screen on March 15th. Reviewed by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Raven Devanney, age 15.
Runtime: 100 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 19-14
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
 |
 |
I SPY UNIVERSE FOR NINTENDO DS - SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT
Series: VIDEOGAME, AGES 5-8
Description - Players search for and find objects located on twelve photorealistic planets to reach and re-power the sun. Players unlock and explore the universe by finding over 400 objects in 36 I SPY riddles, playing six brain-teasing games.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Great game for early school-aged kids. Especially helpful in early reading skills, and the words are displayed on the screen, and also can be read. The hint option/function is helpful and can keep a player from being frustrated. By successfully locating the hidden objects, the player can unlock games that involve critical thinking skills. As a fan of the I SPY books, this is a great alternative for a generation of computer savvy kids. Helps children to develop visual-motor skills and critical thinking. They can feel accomplished as they complete different levels. There is no violence, bad language or unsafe behavior we see in many other games. I really liked the idea of my child learning while she played her video game.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids loved playing this game. "I didn't even read the direction or get help from mom!" "I like the pictures and hiding things." "I had fun finding the toys." This was easy for my child to use. Even the 17-year-old enjoyed it. Younger kids needed little or no assistance. All the kids were excited to play, recognizing the I Spy series. Some children squealed with delight whenever they found something. One young boy yelled "that's what I'm talking about!" The kids really liked it, in fact, we had to work out a "fair" schedule to play so each would have their turn. They all asked to play again and loan it out to their friends who are all able to enter their own unique entry name in the system.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media:
|
|
 |
GOONIES, THE - WARNER HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Description - The Goonies are a band of misfit youngsters who have to break up - the neighborhood is going to be razed. But when they set out to spend one last day together, they find a treasure map that lands them in a cavern with pirate ship, treasure and monster.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This classic Spielberg film (1985) often comes up on people's 10 fave lists. It is filled with action, treasure maps, a buried pirate treasure and told with sense of style that keeps you glued to the screen. It is now somewhat dated with its special effects but still has the ingredients that kids love - solving a mystery and outwitting the adults. It does contain some stereotyping and has some mild profanity and scary scenes.
Juror Recommended Age: 10-13
Suggested Retail Price: $ 12.95
Media:
ISBN # 0-7907-0827-2
|
|
 |
SCOOBY-DOO!: FIRST FRIGHTS (NINTENDO DS) - WARNER BROS INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: VIDEOGAME, AGES 8-12
Description - Explore spooky environments as Scooby, Shaggy or any of the super-cool teen Mystery, Inc. team. The game also features co-op play allowing two members of Mystery, Inc. to work together.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Entertaining and a lot of fun. It stimulates the mind and encourages kids to solve problems. You have to solve mysteries by working together as a team and figuring out clues. Each team member has special attributes (like Scooby can go through small holes and Shaggy can get things with his yoyo) that help them move through the courses and solve the mysteries. The characters are recognizable from the TV show and the music is pretty good. The words are easy to read and the narration and directions are clear. Some of the skeletons and other "bad guys" might scare younger viewers. There are different courses but not different levels of difficulty. Kids are praised for correct answers and given other chances when they are wrong. The main characters are never killed, even in battles. It does contain some cartoon-type violence but no blood and guts. If you exit out during the game you need to start the level over the next time you play but you don't have to go all the way back to the beginning. User can't control the pace of the material and it only has one level of difficulty. The content is geared for a younger crowd who enjoys Scooby Doo (8-10), yet the game is a bit difficult for users of that age. Users can review past materials but you cannot skip ahead nor can you make the game easier or harder. The mysteries are generally easy to solve; it is finding the clues that is difficult.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids enjoyed it. "I think it is a good game but the problem was that there weren't enough levels to play in." "It is really easy. The difficult part was remembering what to press and when." "The characters stop the other people from doing other things they want to do by dressing up like monsters and scaring the other ones. Of course, there are bad guys." "We loved the sound but the images were kind of fuzzy and you couldn't see them all that well. But, overall, I'd say, pretty good and I would play it again." "It was easy for experienced people but the instructions were written very tiny on the screen so you pretty much had to figure it out on your own." "It was a short game. It only took me an hour to get through half of it." "In five minutes, I was great at the game. (11-year-old) " Favorite part: Scooby Doo! Probably most suited for 8 to 12-year-olds though kids who like Scooby Doo will enjoy this at 6 or 7. Some kids, who are scared by Scooby Doo at a younger age, will most likely not like this game until they are older.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media:
 |
 |
SCRIBBLENAUTS (NINTENDO DS) - WARNER BROS INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: VIDEOGAME, AGES 8-12
Description - Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS is a videogame where players use their imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to help their character Maxwell solve a series of puzzles. Write anything; solve everything!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very entertaining. The main character locates the little stars and has to figure out how to get to them by using tools and overcoming obstacles. You feel good for getting through the obstacles and finding the stars. This game definitely encourages planning and strategy and using tools on hand. The levels get more difficult and challenging. The child loses information from the level they are on, but can start the level again when they restart without having to repeat the lower levels. Provides hours of entertainment that is engaging, creative and wholesome. Good value. This is a terrific problem solving game. Really encourages "out of the box" thinking. Cause and effect is easily and readily seen. Encourages creative use of everyday items. Offers pracr5tice in spelling in a fun way. It is not only inventive but is highly entertaining, with a bit of learning thrown in. It is actually very clever and requires the player to not only figure out how to get out of situations or solve puzzles but also requires them to be creative and to be able to spell words. If a player spells something wrong, then they are shown several options, so they actually learn spelling along with the normal game play and problem solving. Like most games for the 10-14 age group, the player can choose more violent methods of solving problems such as using a gun to stop an animal from attacking you, although the animal poofs away and there are bonus points given for selecting non-violent methods. Graphics are pretty standard for current DS games although what is unique is that you can write almost any word down and that object will appear on the screen.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Enjoyed it. It is a very fun game where you get to draw things that come to life. It's really cool. Awesome!" "I can control the game with my clicks and it is very easy to get started. "You just type things and they come to life. Love that." "Maxwell, the main guy who you are, during missions sometimes helps save cats and stuff like that." "I would definitely play this again."
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media:
|
|
 |
I SPY FUN HOUSE - SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT
Series: VIDEOGAME, AGES 5-8
Description - Features over 100 levels of play, 18 riddles set across six photo-realistic scenes and unique magic riddles. Play three fast-paced games that test your brain power, toss objects from screen-to-screen, & advance to bonus rounds. Platform: Nintendo.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Overall, this game is packed with benefits and fun. It is a great value at the price. It is easy to use, the child can control the pace of the material and it holds your place when you exit so you can easily return to it. Kids can easily turn it on and run it by themselves. It is a terrific game for problem solving and creative thinking. There are multiple levels of difficulty to choose from. This is a game that gets the brain working. It is not simply, "not harmful," it is engaging, creative and fun. Kids will want to play this and have their friends play along. Trying to find hidden objects on a small screen is quite challenging and, as with most I Spy products, you have to think outside the box. Great graphic design. The only drawback is that it may be too frustrating to find the hidden objects on such a tiny screen. The game is well thought out and a great instructional tool. Users are positively encouraged and instructed, if they make an error in a non-demeaning way.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Enjoyed it, some loved it. All ages wanted to play it. The kids said they would tell their friends about this game. It was very easy to play. Some were frustrated because they couldn't change the level of difficulty. "It just starts out hard." Earning the tickets gave the kids a goal within the game. Favorite part: They loved the riddles. Many were challenging even for the 11-year-olds."Awesome!" "It was a little challenging at parts."
Juror Recommended Age: 5-10
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.99
Media:
ISBN # 47875-75407
|
|
 |
ANIMAL GENIUS - SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT
Series: VIDEOGAME, AGES 5-8
Description - Five games will test your animal smarts, quick thinking and instincts on your quest to populate habitats around the world. Gameplay features include over 140 rounds, five different games, hundreds of photos, and trivia questions. Platform: Nintendo.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Right on target for kids 5-10 - the market for this group has been largely ignored. This is a great start to changing that. Fun, flashy, great music, easy to use. The "no fail" system encourages you to play on. Kids can learn about animals, they can repeat games until the facts become a part of their memory. Great educational value. It's a valuable tool to get kids thinking about animals and early science. It's enjoyable to play so kids will want to play it. As a handheld game, kids can take it anywhere. On the go, it will keep them edu-tained.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Loved the game. It's a terrific addition to the Nintendo DS library. It is easy to play independently. "My friends would definitely like this game. If I had it and they had it we would play it together." "I leaned stuff about sea animals and artic animals that I didn't know." I liked the mazes." "I liked the guessing game where you had to figure out which animal it was." Nothing negative to say about this game. It brings fun and learning together. All the kids enjoyed playing it. During free play time, after play9ing the game you could overhear the kids talking about the facts they learned from the game.
Juror Recommended Age: 6-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.99
Media:
ISBN # 47875-75413
KOMANEKO - DWARF INC.
Series: SERIES, AGES 2-5
Description - Made up of five films: 'The First Step', 'Hands on Camera', 'Koma and Radi-bo', 'Radi-bo's Battle' and the film's main attraction 'Real Friends' - a story of a toy box sent by the creative Koma.
Runtime: 60 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
 |
LITTLE HEROES (GIBORIM KTANIM) - NOA - INTERNATIONAL FILM MARKETING
Series: INDEPENDENT FEATURE, AGES 8-12
Description - A boy who is trying to cope with his father's death, a Russian girl with telepathic abilities, her mentally-challenged brother, and a boy who is an outsider in the close-knit society of a kibbutz embark on a courageous expedition to rescue the lives of two injured teenagers in the Negev, the arid desert in the south of Israel. During the course of numerous trials and tribulations, the four social outsiders try to bond together, bridge the gaps between them and learn to face their fears. Gradually and unexpectedly, they form a heroic team: a warrior, a magician, a good-hearted giant and a thief. But will they do so in time to save the injured people? Sub-titled in English.
Runtime: 76 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
ISBN # 1/9/2007
|
|
 |
BACKYARD BASEBALL 2007 -
HUMONGOUS ENTERTAINMENT
Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: BACKYARD SPORTS
Description - Fifth iteration of best-selling youth baseball video game. Only kids' baseball game with Major League Baseball licenses. Features top MLB pros as kids. Includes all thirty Major League teams in realistic fields and environments. Game is easy for rookies, yet challenging for veterans. Works in full season or single game mode.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Fun, wholesome, non-violent entertainment. Teaches about the game of baseball. Installation is a breeze. "An eight-year-old picked it up and showed me how to use it." Graphics are great. Audio is first class. The design is easy to navigate and the difficulty of the games easy to control.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Really easy to figure out how to play. You can play mini games like the Home Run Derby and you can play with another person by linking. You can pick what team you want to be on. You can choose your players and position them where you want them. You can also choose how you want to hit the ball, like bunting, line drift, power hitting, and grounder. It's fun and easy to learn and really fun to play. Girls loved it as much as boys. Challenging for a variety of ages, including adults.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.95
Media:
 |
SHIRLEY TEMPLE: JUST AROUND THE CORNER -
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: SHIRLEY TEMPLE
Description - Plucky Penny Hale (Shirley Temple) is excited to return from boarding school to live with her widower dad (Charles Farrell), but when she learns that he's lost his real estate project, and they now live in a basement, she sets out to win over a crotchery real estate developer - whom she mistakenly believes is "Uncle Sam."
Runtime: 70 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: VIDEO
ALASKA'S COOLEST BIRDS -
WONDERVISIONS
Click to purchase directly from the producer
Description - Alaska is a cool place for beautiful scenery, animals and BIRDS. Birds especially like Alaska in the summertime when it is like a giant refrigerator filled with their favorite foods. Narrated by five-year-old, Zachary Clifton, who wonders unabashedly about the many different kinds of birds and the amazing things that they do during this migration vacation.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Stunning photography by Emmy award-winning photographer, Daniel Zatz who used robitic and HD cameras to capture these fantastic birds. Narration by five-year-old, Zachary Clifton is truly refreshing. Chock full of fascinating facts and images that will enthrall any animal or bird lover. Delivered with such panache that even non-bird lovers will enjoy this.
Runtime: 54 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
 |
PEEP: DRY DUCK, PART 1 & 2 -
DISCOVERY KIDS
Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD
Description - Open your child's eyes to the wonders of the natural world with the Emmy Award-winning program, Peep and the Big Wide World. Joan Cusack narrates as young viewers join Peep, a newly hatched chicken, Chirp, a smart and sassy robin, and Quack, an endearingly egotistical duck, as they explore their world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Great title; great series. Everyone in our office stops to watch these Peep episodes which are cleverly designed for snealth learning, masked in an entertaining format. Joan Cusack's narration is just perfect, understated but deliberate. If you haven't watched Peep, you're in for a treat.
Runtime: 22 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
ISBN # 7/30/2006
|
|
 |
GRAB BAG OF VHS TAPES FOR AGES 2-5 - COALITION FOR QUALITY CHILDREN'S MEDIA
Description - This grab bag assortment of vhs tapes is worth at least twice the purchase price at MSRP. All titles are KIDS FIRST! Endorsed, recommended for ages 2-5, and are sure to be a hit with your kids. We are discontinuing all VHS tapes which is why we're offering you this grab bag assortment for this Holiday Season.
Runtime: 100 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 26.6
Media: VIDEO
 |
BUBBLEMAN, THE - POINT OF VIEW PRODUCTIONS
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 5-8
Description - Bubble Artist Sterling Johnson, creates whimsical, fascinating bubble sculptures using a simple soap mixture and his hands alone. See giant bubbles, sliding bubbles, bubbles within bubbles, chains of bubbles, vibrating bubbles, and much more.
Runtime: 5 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO
ISBN # 7/30/2006
 |
MBIYA AND HIS COW - MIND POOL PRODUCTIONS
Description - Mbiya, receives a traditional gift, Bantom the black and white cow, symbolizing the beginning of his initiation into manhood. For Mbiya, his journey into manhood is just beginning. And the road that will take him there will begin when he least expects it. Here is an African adventure full of mysticism, magic, and miracles.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Catches the viewer from the beginning and hold you til the end. Beautiful, rich colors, catchy music. Takes the theme of finding something that is taken away and deals with it in a beautiful manner. Great title for cultural studies. Excellent discussion starter about what means a lot to you and what would you do if it was taken away.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - All of our child jurors sat through it voluntarily and thoroughly enjoyed it. They all thought it would be great in a festival because of the cool tricks.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media:
ISBN # 4/3/2006
|
|
 |
SO SMART: FIRST WORDS (VHS) - SO SMART! PRODUCTIONS
Series: SO SMART!
Description - Learn vocabulary with simple stories; adorable, bright, bold animation; and original music.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Slow and simple. Beautifully constructed with perfectly suited vocabulary and images. Interactive game shows similar content in a different format, good for parent and child interactions. "Best infant program I've seen."
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Very interested. Pointed at pictures and attempted words. Danced to the music and giggled at animal pictures. Great when used in short user sessions to keep kids' interest high.
Runtime: 120 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.95
Media: VIDEO
ISBN # 0-9713747-5-9
|
|
 |
SO SMART: COLORS (VHS) - BABY SCHOOL COMPANY INC., THE
Series: SO SMART!
Description - Pink pigs, orange tractors and green grasshoppers introduce your child to the world of colors. Original music soundtrack.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sweet, uncomplicated and entertaining. Fabulous little stories, captivating presentation, gentle pace. A wonderful way to learn colors and introduce language. Useful suggestions for parent at the start of the video. CD-ROM features are a great bonus.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kept them glued to the set. Liked guessing the color before the word was read, and talked about some of the things they saw afterward. The CD was a big hit with all - "Can we play the music with dinner?"
Runtime: 120 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 1-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.95
Media: VIDEO
|
|
 |
ASTRONOMY FOR K-8 - COALITION FOR QUALITY CHILDREN'S MEDIA
Series: COLLECTIONS
Description - Includes:
An Eclipse: The Day The Sky Went Dark (201103) $12.00
Pisces and Gemini: a Case of Vanishing Stars (201102) $12.00
Value=$24.00
Runtime: 77 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24
Media: VIDEO
|
|
 |
CHILDREN OF THE WORLD FOR K-12 - COALITION FOR QUALITY CHILDREN'S MEDIA
Series: COLLECTIONS
Description - Includes:
Families of Puerto Rico (200159) $19.99
Families of Israel (201108) $19.99
Families of Russia (202052) $19.99
Families of United Kingdom (202053) $19.99
Families of China (200158) $19.99
Families of Korea (201109) $19.99
Value=$119.94
Runtime: 148 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 100
Media: VIDEO
|
|
 |
MORE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD FOR K-12 - COALITION FOR QUALITY CHILDREN'S MEDIA
Series: COLLECTIONS
Description - Includes:
Families of China (200158) $19.99
Follow Jade! Let's Go to Market in China (203079) $19.99
Families of Korea (201109) $19.99
Value=$59.97
Runtime: 88 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 59.97
Media: VIDEO
|
|
 |
RANNY'S BEST BABY COLLECTION VHS - COALITION FOR QUALITY CHILDREN'S MEDIA
Series: COLLECTIONS
Description - Includes:
So Smart! Shapes $9.95 (205281)
So Smart: Spanish (200162) $9.95
So Smart: First Words (205281) $9.95
So Smart: Colors (205280) $9.95
Value = $39.80
Runtime: 300 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 0-2
Suggested Retail Price: $ 39.8
Media: VIDEO
|
|
 |
BABY LOVES TRAINS - TM BOOKS AND VIDEO
Description - The idea is to entertain, delight, and encourage cognitive development with a gentle mix of colorful trains, animals, toys, and music.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - It's a catalog of trains, no story. Requires more knowledge than one can expect from an infant or toddler. Might appeal to hobbyists if they know trains because there isn't much explanation. This title is really designed to appeal more to older kids rather than babies.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Babies enjoyed seeing the many images of trains. The real trains didn't capture their attention as much as the animated characters. Loved the classical music, so did the parents. Blue Grass music didn't catch their attention.
Juror Recommended Age: 0-2
Suggested Retail Price: $ 12.99
Media:
|
 |
PICTURE PERFECT VHS - PICTUREPERFECT PRODUCTIONS
Description - This award-winning video challenges the unrealistic media depictions of females surrounding us. It makes an excellent discussion starter for a wide range of settings and children of different ages and backgrounds. Gives voice to a diverse group of girls and women.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Examines myths about female appearance as exploited by the media. Important topic that doesn't just state the problem but offers solutions. Shows how real people and media images are not alike. Explores the different ways in which young females are 'brain-washed- by deceptive advertising. Excellent photography and comments by diverse group of women, young and old, varied races.Promotes good health and positive self esteem.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Shows how media exploits women as sex objects. "Very true to life. Stereotyping influences us. We feel inadequate if we're not drop-dead gorgeous." "I never thought about other races and what they have to deal with. The statistics were really interesting." "They used music and jokes that I could relate to." "I wish they had included boys in this."
Runtime: 40 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 10-25
Suggested Retail Price: $ 99.95
Media: VIDEO
|
|
 |
GINA D'S KIDS CLUB: LET'S GO TO THE ZOO - MG STUDIOS
Series: GINA D'S KIDS CLUB
Description - Kitty, Birdie, and Fishy take center stage with Gina to entertain and teach young viewers about different animals at the zoo and household pets. TV Ted, Doggie Brown, and the neighborhood children are featured in a music video.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wacky. Nonsensical, random segments. Frenetic pace. Ideas are not fully developed. Most songs are good. Gina D has a nice singing voice, unnatural affect. Some characters are annoying, even disturbing. "One of the female characters is a man dressed as a woman, which I find odd for preschoolers."
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mostly were turned on by the songs, particularly when Gina D sang, and tried to sing along. "The monkeys and bananas are funny." "The lion song is cool." Many became confused - segments would be almost over by the time they would get into it. Some needed encouragement to finish the video.
Runtime: 29 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: VIDEO
|
 |
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE -
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Click to purchase directly from the producer
Description - A lonely girl adopts an orphaned dog who helps her make friends in the small town where she and her preacher father live. The two of them bring the community together, and in the process, are able to make peace over being abandoned by the girl's mother. Based on the boo by Kate DiCamillo.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wholesome family entertainment that demonstrates the positive differences that friendship can make in individuals, families, and communities. Emphasizes the values of generosity and individual uniqueness. Leaves you with a feeling of hope for the future. Contains profanity, rude insults, bathroom humor, and alcoholism. Portrayer of police as a bumbling southern idiot that is mocked and the landlord as the mean man it's ok to lie to were unnecessary and not part of the book.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Loved it. Great story and characters. It has some bad language. "Lots of people like dogs and so do I. The boys reminded me of our neighbors. " I know how Opal feels - sad - because my Mom and Dad don'tlive together anymore." Favorite part: When the dog pulls down the sheriff's pants.
Runtime: 106 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: VIDEO
