KIDS FIRST! News

KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Sam Connan (age 10) had a chance to enjoy one of the special experiences of being a film critic: discovering the unexpected gem of a movie. That’s what he found A Mile in His Shoes to be - “really a very good movie” to which he gives a full five out of five stars.

Available now on DVD from Vivendi Entertainment and Nasser Entertainment, the powerful and positive family-friendly film is screening at the Beloit International Film Festival on Feb. 18. The screening is free, so if you’re near this southern Wisconsin town, consider making it a family outing.

A Mile in His Shoes
Reviewed by Sam Connan
(See his full review on video.)

I just finished watching A Mile in His Shoes, and when I was first sitting down to watch it, I thought, “Oh please, don’t be as bad as I think it’s going to be!” But that was unfair of me because, first of all, I didn’t know anything about it, and second of all, it was really a very good movie.

It’s about an autistic farm boy who has Asperger’s syndrome, and he likes to feed his pigs by throwing apples into a tub that is nailed sideways to a tree so his pigs can eat smashed apples. A baseball coach sees him doing that, so he has the kid try it with a real baseball, and the kid throws the ball so hard that it goes straight through the tub.

The baseball coach realizes that this kid is a natural pitcher, so he recruits the kid, whose name is Mickey.

Much of the movie is about Mickey’s troubles communicating with the world outside the farm, functioning in society.

Luke Schroder played Mickey in this, and I was very surprised when I went onto IMDb.com to find that there was really nothing on him. Then I realized that this movie was filmed just last year (2011), so this was probably his first film. But, I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that he is going to be a gigantic star. He was so incredibly wonderful in this role. He doesn’t have much to his credit yet, but he will.

I liked the way that they show things through Mickey’s eyes. I don’t have Asperger’s, but they show it in a way that gives you a better idea of what it’s like to have Asperger’s and look around and comprehend what’s happening. I think that is very well done.

I’d have to say that the age range is pretty much anybody. Very small kids might not like it because there’s a lot of talking, although some of the stuff that Mickey says is very funny.

All in all, I’d have to give this a five out of five stars, because this was really a wonderful movie. This is something I’d recommend to friends. It’s very good.

Photo: A Mile in His Shoes box art (top), Sam Connan (bottom)

Direct from Sea World, the world-famous attraction in Southern California where this film’s DVD-launch festivities were just held, nine-year-old KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Anthony Aranda offers this review of last summer’s theatrical release Mr.Popper’s Penguins. Anthony, one of the 2011 winners of KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Search, has a full year under his belt of being a KIDS FIRST! youth film critic, and shares some of his Sea World/DVD launch activities here and on an upcoming segment of the KIDS FIRST! radio show “Coming Attractions,” which streams on VoiceAmerica Kids.

“I was able to see Mr. Popper’s Penguins at Sea World San Diego camp. They held an overnight camp that was really fun. We got to sleep next to the penguin exhibit, get a tour of Sea World and watch Mr. Popper’s Penguins while lying in our sleeping bags. The next morning, we got to go and feed the sea lions and then went to see the turtles. My favorite part was seeing the penguins, though, because they are really cool. The movie was really awesome but even cooler to watch while lying right next to actual penguins!”

Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
(See his full review on video.)

I am reviewing a hilarious movie called Mr. Popper’s Penguins. I love this movie a lot because it is really funny and a little bit crazy!

This movie is all about Mr. Popper, played by Jim Carrey, whose father passes away and leaves him six penguins. After Mr. Popper’s son and daughter come over, they name the six penguins: Stinky, Bitey, Nimrod, Lovey, Captain and Loudy. Three of the penguins lay one egg each and one of the eggs doesn’t make it. Mr. Popper did everything he could to help the egg survive but it didn’t work. Later, the penguins get stolen by someone at the zoo. They plan to separate the babies from the older penguins. Mr. Popper goes into the zoo, frees the penguins and traps the people who stole the penguins.
 
Some of the main characters in the movie are Mr. Popper, the six penguins, Janie and Billy. My favorite character is Mr. Popper because he takes care of the penguins throughout the movie even though sometimes he doesn’t want to. He is also a really funny character; sometimes he goes nuts when he gets really mad.

My favorite part in the movie is when Mr. Popper opens up his shower door and a whole bunch of water comes rushing out because Captain had filled the whole shower up. Mr. Popper is pushed toward the stairs and has to hang on because the water is pushing him over. Then Captain comes over and poops in his face, which causes Mr. Popper to fall. It is hilarious!!

I would recommend this movie for all ages because it is super funny and there is no violence or parts that would scare anyone. This movie is a good movie because it helps to show the importance of family. Go out and buy this movie when it comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on December 7.

The 2012 KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Search is going on now. Entries must be received by KIDS FIRST! by midnight December 31. For full information, click here.

Photos: Mr. Popper’s Penguins DVD box cover (top), Anthony Aranda (bottom) 

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, reviewed below by then-nine-year-old KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Makai Weber Colvin, is one of many titles Makai has reviewed over this past year. The KIDS FIRST! youth film critic role has also given her the opportunity to attend red carpet events and interview film talent in person. The campaign is now on (through midnight December 31) for eight lucky kids aged six to 14 who will be next year’s KIDS FIRST! youth film critics, and Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer is one of five titles now available on DVD and Blu-ray they can choose from to enter. Click here for information and tips on how to enter.

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer
Reviewed by Makai Weber Colvin
(See her full review on video.)

I’ve been watching Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, based on the best-selling books by Megan McDonald. Jordana Beatty plays the part of Judy Moody, a young girl with a really wild imagination. When her summer plans get turned upside-down, Judy starts a “Thrill Contest” with her three best friends. Unfortunately, all Judy’s thrills get spoiled — until she joins her brother, Stink, on the hunt for Big Foot, who’s been seen around their town.

I liked this movie because it has a lot of fun and action in it. The super-silly mix of animation and live action is the perfect way to tell this story; it makes you feel like you’re actually there having fun with the characters.

I really liked Aunt Opal, played by Heather Graham, because she’s like a kid in a grown-up’s body. She makes every scene exciting. Judy’s teacher, Mr. Todd, (Jaleel White), is every kid’s dream — he’s charming and makes learning a joyful adventure.

If your summer is getting boring, or if you want to make it even more fun, check out Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer when it comes to a theater near you. I suggest this movie for kids of all ages and even most parents will like it. I give it five out of five stars. Catch Judy Moody to make your summer a “Not Bummer.”

Photos: Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer DVD box cover (top), Makai Weber Colvin (bottom)

The message at the heart of this slapstick tale of doggy derring-do from Anchor Bay is relevant any time of the year: Everyone deserves a second chance. Delivering it in a Christmas setting adds an extra zing because, as the mother in this story insists, “No one should be alone for Christmas.”

Shades of Home Alone, but here with a  former K-9 police dog as hero, give the film its big pay-off and most of its humor. Unfortunately, it takes far too long to get there, straining for humor and character identification along the way. Part of the problem with the movie is its ambivalence about what age audience it’s going for.

At the start of the movie, we meet Zeus, a golden Labrador Retriever who looks well fed and well cared for. But appearances must be deceiving, because Zeus shares his thoughts with us about gettting picked up and sent to an animal shelter so he can be assured of “three square meals on the inside.” (Zeus is not so much a talking character as one whose thoughts we are able to hear.) Such references are above the heads of the youngest viewers, but the tone of voice most characters use is the one that many adults affect when they try to make conversation with toddlers.

Zeus is adopted from the pound by George Bannister, who promised his wife, Belinda, that he would not buy a dog until the two of them had time to discuss it more. His sophistry (“I didn’t buy it; I got it for free”) raises a point about honesty parents may want to discuss with their kids after viewing the movie. Ostensibly, George wants a dog that can be a guard dog, as there’s been a robbery on their block; Belinda, however, suggests they get an alarm instead. What George really wants is a pet, because as a child he lost his dog. So when it becomes apparent that Zeus lacks a basic requisite — he can’t bark — George insists on giving him another chance.

The Bannister kids, Kara and Ben, are on their dad’s side, and we see them getting a DVD “Teach Your Dog to Bark.” Even though they profess to care about Zeus, we don’t see any real feeling to their words or actions.

The source of Zeus’ problem is explained in a short, confused flashback scene: On a police mission, he barked at the wrong time and blew a five-year investigation. Now, he knows he has to overcome this psychological block, and, predictably, it takes a robbery attempt on the Bannister’s house to get him past his hang-up.

Recurring gags are Zeus drinking out of the toilet and one of the robbers with a flatulence problem. The pair of robbers are, in many ways, more likeable than the family whose home they’re robbing. They are stupid and clumsy, easy foils for Zeus’ tricks, and their conversation and pratfalls — over-the-top though they are — provide the most honest humor in the movie.

A secondary story involves a hermit-like neighbor about whom Kara and Ben propagate a rumor that she poisons dogs. Zeus also plays a role in resolving her relationships in time for a merry Christmas.

Recommended for ages 9 to 12. 

Released theatrically last summer, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D comes out today on DVD and Blu-ray. It’s a fun adventure romp, as KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Anthony Aranda (age 9) shares in his review, below. And it’s one of the movies that are part of the KIDS FIRST! Filmm Critics Search to find eight new KIDS FIRST! youth critics for 2012. Kids aged 6 to 14 have until midnight, Dec. 31, to submit their review of one of the selected titles. Click here for all the information - and tips on creating a great review.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
(See his full review on video.)

I love this movie a lot because it is really cool. The movie has a lot of action and adventure.

This movie is all about two kids, Rebecca and Cecil, who find out their stepmother is a spy and go on an adventure [with her] to try to stop a bad guy named the Timekeeper. They get themselves into some trouble but always manage to find a way out. They also are really good at playing pranks on people.

Some of the main characters in the movie are Marissa (the mom, played by Jessica Alba), Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook). My favorite character in the movie is the kids’ dog, named Argonaut. The dog talks and is really funny. He helps out with the baby and he gives really good advice.

My favorite part in the movie is when the baby flips over a bad guy at the end. That is really funny. And then they call the baby Spy Baby. Marissa is really excited to see the baby do that.

I recommend this movie for ages 2 and up because there is only one scary part in this movie that I don’t think little kids would like. The movie has a lot of action and a lot of funny parts. Go out and get this on DVD.

Photos: Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D poster (top), Anthony Aranda (bottom)

Just back from a trip that was magical in its own right, 14-year-old KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Raven Devanney shares what it was like to be part of the Red Carpet excitement as Universal Studios celebrated the Nov. 21 DVD and Blu-ray release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Also enjoy the video of her interviews with the Harry Potter stars.

The Red Carpet Thrill of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2′
By Raven Devanney

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the newest and final installment in the Harry Potter series. I had the great honor of going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Fla., a the Universal Studios Adventure Island for the Red Carpet event celebrating  the DVD and Blu-ray release of the last film. While I was there, I was able to explore the park, ride the attractions, meet and interview celebrities and attend the red carpet.

 On the first day I arrived at the beautiful Royal Pacific resort, the Florida climate was shocking and warm considering that I had left Colorado with snow on the ground. I went to the theme park the next day with Ranny and my mom to do my stand-ups (introduction to the weekend). It was so fun because I got to meet some other reporters and critics, who were really nice to me and very impressed that I was only 14.

The rest of the day rushed past so fast. My media badge was like an express pass to skip the lines to the rides. I went on the Dragon Challenge, which is a crazy-fun roller-coaster that swoops you up like you’re riding on the back of a dragon. Then I went on the Forbidden Journey inside of the Hogwarts Castle. The castle itself was so incredible: The pictures on the wall had conversations with each other and the books on the shelves in Dumbledore’s office moved around and sorted themselves. The spot-on attention to detail was breathtaking. Life-sized holograms of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore appear on your way through the castle. Then the ride comes. It’s a flawless mix of projection screens and perfectly crafted animatronics and sets. I rode it multiple times. That should be your top-priority ride when you visit Adventure Island.

Later that day, I interviewed Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley) and David Yates (director). Rupert was my favorite to interview because Ron has always been my favorite character. I asked him what it was like growing up with the Harry Potter cast and he told me it was like his family and a big part of his life. He said that the Wizarding World Theme Park was even better than the set because on set there were hardly any full-scale buildings but in the theme park you are completely immersed into the magical land of witchcraft and wizardry.

The next night was the Red Carpet event. A lot of fans were lined up waiting to see their favorite stars and watch the fun begin. The red carpet stretched through Hogsmead and was very exciting. I got to interview several other cast members on the red carpet. I asked James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley, respectively) what it was like working on set together and how they related to their characters. They replied by telling me it was very easy to work with each other because they were brothers. They related to their characters a lot, except they said, “We’re not ginger,” gesturing to their hair. After all of the interviews, which lasted about two hours, we went to the after-party for the press and cast members. There was an abundance of English delights and butterbeer (be sure to try the frozen kind).

After the fest and a fantastic performance by the Frog Choir, directed by Warwick Davis, the evening was finished with a spectacular fireworks show above Hogwarts Castle. Then all the rides were available to enjoy. It was almost creepy going on an empty roller-coaster, but it was very thrilling.
 
Overall, it was an amazing weekend that I will never forget!!!

Photo at top: Raven Devanney interviewing Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) at the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 red carpet event at Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Fla.