KIDS FIRST! News

As of today, the general public can start purchasing Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on Blu-ray and DVD - in 3-D. It’s a viewing experience the kids at this summer’s KIDS FIRST! boot camp were able to enjoy earlier - and with added appreciation, as the boot camp was held at Disney Studios and KF coupled the screening with an informative presentation on how the movie was made and how the effects were created. “This film … is pretty much great for anyone,” says KF film critic Jonah Menegaz. “I know many adults who love this movie and many kids who love it, too.”

Jonah and a couple of his fellow Boot Campers share their impressions:

Tiarra (age 9) enthuses, “The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D is great! Don’t expect so many things to pop out at you, but the 3-D aspect of the film makes it better than the 2-D version. It makes the film seem so alive. I love it especially because it was created by Tim Burton and I think every film Tim Burton is involved in is GREAT! I think the age range for this is everyone over age 5. This is a great family film. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. I love it!!”

Kate (age 10) started off with a little more skepticism: “Before I saw the movie, I said to myself, ‘Don’t get your hopes up, it is just another presentation that is as good as any regular 2-D movie. Why bother?’” But that attitude got a quick readjustment: “But by the end of the movie, I didn’t want it to end. Everything seemed too real. The snowflakes were surrounding me and the Oogie Boogie man was going to kill me. I noticed things that I had never seen before, like the graveyard has texture and when Sally burns something, the embers stay lit. Then, I got a glimpse of just how long it took to make Nightmare Before Christmas when I read that Jack Skellington and Sally had over 200 faces each for talking and expressions. Wow! This pack is definitely worth getting. I give this additional feature 4 out of 5 stars.”

And the review from KF film critic Jonah Menegaz (age 13): “The Nightmare Before Christmas. The name pretty much spells out the story. Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king, and all of his friends in Halloween Town like to scare people on Halloween. But Jack is getting tired of all the shrieks and then he finds Christmas Town.

This is an AMAZING MOVIE. The claymation, or stop-motion animation, is incredible. Everything moves smoothly and has a certain style to it that I just love. It is also great because the film was made in the ’70s which makes it even [more amazing] considering that the technology is so much better today than it was back then.

The movie is coming out on Blu-ray / 3-D. The 3-D home experience is good 3-D, except since the movie wasn’t made for 3-D (because 3-D wasn’t invented when they were making the movie) nothing really pops out at you. It just adds depth.

This film, I would say, is for ages 5 and up. It is pretty much great for anyone. I know many adults who love this movie and many kids who love it, too. Overall, I would give this movie 5 out of 5 stars because it is so amazing.”

Some movies are best suited to a niche audience, and KIDS FIRST! film critics find Disney’s Prom - about high school teens getting ready for that titular big occasion - one that will be best enjoyed by kids not quite into their high school years. Nine-year-old Makai Colvin singels out her favorite part (”I really like the music …”) and 13-year-old Raven Devanney shares why the music struck a chord with her, too (”… awesome because it really shows the emotions of the scenes.”). Prom is as much comedy as it is drama, and eight-year-old Anthony Aranda shares how his favorite character, Lloyd, plays to both genres (Lloyd uses rose petals to ask a girl to the prom, but puts them on the wrong car. “So he was kind of embarrassed.”).

With the film set for Blu-ray and DVD release on Aug. 30, here are Makai’s, Raven’s and Anthony’s full reviews, and be sure to catch them also on video.

Prom
Reviewed by Makai Colvin
(and see her review on video)

I just saw the movie Prom starred by Aimee Teegarden and Thomas McDonell. The movie Prom is about five different love stories. Some of them stay together, some of them grow apart, and some of them are together for the first time.

I really like the music except for some didn’t fit into the plot. I think it could have been a little bit more realistic.

I give this movie three out of five stars. I think the age limit for this movie is nine, maybe up to 15.

Prom
Reviewed by Raven Delanney
(and see her review on video)

Disney’s Prom is the story of average teenagers dealing with the challenges of preparing for their big prom night. This movie was entertaining although it’s not my favorite. I thought the cinematography was wonderful, and the soundtrack was awesome because it really shows the emotions of the scenes.

My favorite character is Lloyd because he can never find a date and the worst is always happening to his very creative ways of asking girls to the prom.

I give this movie four out of five stars. I also think it’s for ages 8-12 because younger kids will get bored by all the high school drama and I think older teens might get bored also by the storyline.

Prom
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
(and see his review on video)

This movie was great. I liked it. My favorite character in the movie would have to be Lloyd because he couldn’t a date for prom and he was really funny. My favorite part in the movie is when Lloyd thought he was putting some flower petals on a girl’s car but he really put it on the principal’s car, and that said “prom.” So he was kind of embarrassed.

I would recommend this movie for [ages] 8-12 because this movie was great but not all 8- to 12-year-olds might like it.

Go out and see this movie when it premieres in theaters.

Due out this month on Blu-ray and DVD, Prom is also one of the films featured on the Aug. 30 episode of KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions hosted by Raven Devanney and fellow KIDS FIRST! film critic Sam Connan. Check it out here.

Photos (top to bottom): Prom poster, Makai Colvin, Raven Devanney and Anthony Aranda

“This movie is out of this world literally, because it takes place on Mars,” says KIDS FIRST! film critic Ny’Asia Bell (eight years old), talking about what happens after the hero’s mom is “Martian-napped” away from him. With its theatrical run only a few months ago, the Disney movie hits shelves (and online catalogs) on Aug. 9 in DVD and Blu-ray formats - standard and 3-D - enabling you to follow the earnest recommendation of KF film critic Anthony Aranda (in his full review below). The animated film’s action and storyline earned it high marks from Ny’Asia and an “awesome” from Anthony, who adds the insightful observation that different ages may enjoy the film on different levels. For instance, he says, “I am 8 and I found the movie to be a little scary because it made me think about how sad I would be if I lost my own mother.”

Mars Needs Moms
Reviewed by Ny’Asia Bell
(and see her review on video)

This movie is out of this world literally, because it takes place on Mars, AKA The Red Planet. The movie is about a little boy named Milo, voiced by Seth Dusky, who says some pretty mean things to his mom. Before he has a chance to apologize, she is Martian-napped and taken to Mars. He has 6.93 earth hours until sun rise to save her. Does he make it in time?!
 
My favorite part is when Gribble, voiced by Dan Fogler, saves Milo’s mom with the helmet that was meant for his mom. I thought that was very thoughtful.
 
My favorite characters are Gribble, because he’s just simply Gribbletastic; Ki, because she helps Milo, and she does something that no other Martian has ever done — she stands up to the supervisor, head of all Martians; and Milo, because he realizes that he needs his mom and is determined to do whatever he needs to save her.
 
I rate this movie 4 out of 5 stars because the Martians are a little scary, especially the supervisor. So for this reason, I recommend this movie to kids ages 7 and up.
 

Mars Needs Moms
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
(and see his review on video) 

Hello everyone. My name is Anthony Aranda from KIDSFIRST! I just got finished watching an excellent movie called Mars Needs Moms. The movie is about a boy named Milo who goes on a big adventure to help save his mom from aliens. The aliens that live on Mars are not very good mothers so they look to Earth to find good mothers to steal.

My favorite characters are Milo, Milo’s mom, and Gribble. I liked Gribble because he helped Milo get his mother back and he helps Milo to see how important his mother truly is. My favorite part of the movie is when Milo has to save his new friend Gribble from the aliens. Gribble gets captured and the aliens are going to shoot him. Milo swings in to save the day and it is awesome.

This movie does have some characters that are bad and try to stop Milo from saving his mom. The aliens in the uniforms are bad because they listen to the Supervisor. The Supervisor controls everyone and wants everyone to do what she says.

I would recommend this movie for ages three and up. I think depending on what age you are is how you will see this movie. For example, my brother is 5 and he didn’t think the movie was scary at all. I am 8 and I found the movie to be a little scary because it made me think about how sad I would be if I lost my own mother. But don’t worry, everything turns out OK in the end! Go out and buy this movie when it comes out on Disney DVD and Blu-ray.

Photos: Mars Needs Moms (top), Ny’Asia Bell (middle), Anthony Aranda (bottom)

Recent theatrical release Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is available today from Fox on Blu-ray and DVD for home viewing. The Wimpy series continues to connect with kdis, and KIDS FIRST! film critic Raven Devanney (age 13) - who recently interviewed the movie’s star Zachary Godeon - shares why:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Reviewed by Raven Devanney
(and see her review on video)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a fantastic sequel in the Wimpy series. This film is a super fun adaptation from the popular book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I really enjoy that it shows the relationship between Greg and Rodrick, because it shows the ups and downs of being siblings.

I especially like the fact that I related to this movie so much. I have a brother, like Greg, and I’m also a middle-schooler. I feel that this film truly captures a lot of the real struggles of middle school life.

My favorite character is Greg Heffley, played by Zachary Gordon, because he gets into so many funny embarrassing situations. I had the privilege to talk with him in a recent interview. His favorite scene is when he and Rodrick run from their coach over the dumpster, because it was so fun to do. This is also my favorite scene because when Rodrick and Greg are pranking all the people and running from their coach at the gas station, they really bond.

This wonderful movie is for everyone because it is funny for an audience of many different age groups.

Overall I give Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules two thumbs up.

Photos: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules poster (top), Raven Devanney (bottom)

An Australian high schooler dreams of making his life in music. In fact, Tommy daydreams in music, mentally creating orchestral performances out of the sounds that surround him - such unlikely noises as post-hole diggers in the rugged Outback and construction site clamor. As Broken Hill enacts these imaginings, we experience the artistic beauty that inspires Tommy.

Reviews by KIDS FIRST! film critics Gabriella Chu (age 14) and Raven Sky Devanney (age 13) share how well Broken Hill connects with its audience. “I love this movie because it is very creative. I never heard someone play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” so authentically until I heard Tommy and the inmates improvise with the song and make it sound so awesome by using all kinds of instruments - from buckets to violins. The final piece Tommy’s band plays is also excellent,” says Gabriella. Below are the full reviews from both teens. 

‘Broken Hill’
by Gabriella Chu

Broken Hill is a wonderful movie. The first few minutes of the movie instantly capture my attention! It tells the story of a teenage boy named Tommy (played by Luke Arnold) who dreams of starting a band to get into music school but is distracted from his goal because he likes a girl in his class named Kat (played by Alexa Vega), and he is also discouraged by his father. Tommy and Kat end up doing community service at a jail after they pull a juvenile prank and get caught by the police. The two do not get along initially, but they gradually become friends and form an original band with the prison inmates. Is Tommy’s band good enough to get him into the Sydney Conservatory music school? You have to watch this movie for yourself!

I love this movie because it is very creative. I never heard someone play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” so authentically until I heard Tommy and the inmates improvise with the song and make it sound so awesome by using all kinds of instruments — from buckets to violins. The final piece Tommy’s band plays is also excellent. I think the original music by Christopher Brady and the orchestrator David Long are fantastic! I also like how director Dagen Merrill shows how Tommy hears music everywhere. Just by listening to things in nature such as grasshoppers, the wind, and rivers, in the middle of the Australian desert, Tommy can replace these normal noises with the sounds of instruments to compose a beautiful symphony in his mind. I am impressed at the way the director made this comparison.
 
It is difficult for me to hear everything the actors are saying because most of them have an Australian accent. Other than that, I think this is a great movie. I would recommend it to children ages 11 and up because the movie contains some deep messages that may be hard for younger kids to understand, such as music can be found everywhere and music can lift anyone’s spirits. This movie will suit most viewers, especially those who are interested in music. 

For Tommy, the prison band seems his last chance to put together the audition performance he needs to get into the prestigious music conservatory, though he keeps his goal a secret from everyone but his private music maestro. The prisoners are not so enthusiastic at first about the band, but are persuaded to participate by another inmate, Kalai, who seemingly feels he owes Tommy for an earlier act of kindness. There are many strands of relationships that develop around Tommy, as KIDS FIRST! film critic Raven Sky Devanney shares:

‘Broken Hill’
By Raven Sky Devanney

Broken Hill is an amazing movie about a boy from Australia who wants to become a composer but his father disapproves, so he makes a band with local prisoners.

I really really like this film. It is funny and touching and super great! The cinematography was nice and it is pretty funny in the beginning when Tommy is imagining the orchestra.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Kat and Tommy throughout the film. My favorite character is the drumming prisoner because he was clueless and hilarious.

I was really shocked, in the end, after Kalai escaped and there was no closure between him and Tommy. It left me wanting more.

This film is for ages 12 and up because it is a little mature for younger kids. Broken Hill is a great movie for teens. I give this film a thumbs up!

Released for home viewing by E One Entertainment, Broken Hill is available on DVD May 17.

Photos, from top to bottom: Broken Hill, Gabriella Chu, Raven Sky Devanney

If your kids are into rubber band bracelets, it’s no stretch to imagine they’ll be into Bands on the Run: The Rubber Band Movie, a DVD release from E One Entertainment scheduled for May 31 (with 10 limited-edition bands as a bonus feature!). Five specialty shaped rubber bands are carelessly left behind on a deserted stretch of desert highway after the box they’re in is jostled off the delivery truck. Attempting to “follow that truck” and get back on track to the toy store that’s expecting them, they get run over by a speeding car - which turns out to be a good thing, as they happily roll along, stuck to the spinning tire as it unknowingly carries them where they wanted to go.

Shapes and dialog coordinate perfectly in this 50-minute animation, rendered in very elementary form that the youngest of ages can easily follow, although some of the dialog hits a little above that level in wordplay and message. Each of the novelty bands has a unique talent they are proud to show off (”I sparkle,” flower-shaped Daisy repeatedly reminds the others), but it’s an ordinary rubber band they meet after a second mishap sends them to a recycling center in a garbage truck who really snaps them into focus. “We all have different talents, but we’re all made from the same stuff,” Stretch tells the novelty bands. “We’re a team.”

As a team, now, all six continue on their journey to the toy store – and, they hope, the wrist of a novelty-rubber-band-loving child.

White Lion is a magnificently lensed coming-of-age film that follows the titular white lion from cub to king. A 25-year labor of love from producer Kevin Richardson, who was also the lead animal wrangler, and director Michael Swan, the Screen Media Films release features cinematography that ranges from awe-inspiring panoramas of flat-topped mountains rising out of densely verdant valleys to closer shots of dew-dropped flowers glistening in the moonlight.

The lion’s saga is related as a narration by an African storyteller (veteran actor John Kani) holding his audience of children in thrall around a campfire. While we return to the campfire from time to time to connect with the children and their reactions, the camera cuts away to what is essentially a nature film of the unfolding story: A white cub, Letsatsi, is born into a lion pride. Playful as any kitten, he has some close calls with hyenas and venomous snakes as romps in the tall grass. And just being different from a lion’s usual tawny color causes challenges for him with the other lions in his pride. He slowly learns the skills he needs to survive the natural perils of the wilderness – lightning-sparked fires, hidden dangers such as alligators in the river from which he must get water to drink – as well as meeting the basic need to find food. Humans pose yet another danger.

Giving a framework for the story of Letsatsi’s life is a secondary story of Gisani, a native villager who has been raised with the traditional legends that revere the rare white lion as a messenger of the gods that brings peace and prosperity. Gisani is little more than a child when he first sees Letsatsi, and he takes on himself the responsibility for watching over the lion through the years, to be his storyteller. This culminates in a showdown with hunters who see value in Letsatsi only as a trophy.

As a nature film, White Lion is true to the genre in its honest depiction of the animals’ lives. Kills are acknowledged, although the camera takes a respectful view and avoids grisly sensationalism. Nor are there groomed manes or other attempts to prettify the animals. Life includes moments of heart-pounding adventure punctuating long days of quieter existence, and the film’s slow pace – with music as a low-key accompaniment – seems to capture life in real time.

The DVD’s bonus feature on how the wranglers worked with the lions to capture authentic actions is a livelier piece, and the behind-the-scenes views add to rather than detract from an appreciation of the feature film.

Everything about Strawberry Shortcake: Puttin’ on the Glitz is as sweet as the title character’s name - from the voices to the music to the almost Candyland-style village sure to captivate all little girls who like to play with dolls. But, hey, that’s OK - because, as Mary Poppins has famously pointed out, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” The medicine being, in this case, messages about right and wrong and getting along.

The DVD, which 20th Century Fox released March 20, contains three 20-minute “Berry Bitty Adventures.” None are separately titled, but the final one is obviously the source for the DVD’s title. Lemon Meringue has created a dazzling new manicure she calls a “glamicure,” with sparkly polish and a special gem that plays music customized for each girl. Strawberry Shortcake, Blueberry, Orange, Raspberry and Plum are all thrilled at first with how the glam livens up their days, until the dazzle becomes a distraction and the constant music interferes with their regular activities. How can Plum practice in her dance studio when the glamicure music competes with her dance music? How can Blueberry relax with a book when every time she moves her hand, the glamicure music sounds off? And Strawberry Shortcake wonders if the incessant glamicure music is the reason no customers come into her pastry shop.

When they catch each other surreptitiously trying to get rid of the glamicure, they discuss whether to ask Lemon to remove it. The problem the girls wrestle with is whether Lemon’s feelings will be badly hurt if they tell her they’d rather be without the glamicure, and they steadfastly vow to put up with the annoyance rather than make Lemon feel badly. (By the way — kudos to the writers, who employ grammatically correct language throughout, and never lapse into such common malconstructions as “I feel bad.”) Strawberry has not been part of these discussions, but she catches on. And Strawberry also lends Lemon the ear to cry in when no one comes to her beauty salon any more. Strawberry — always the most mature among the friends — approaches the issue from two directions: First, she suggests Lemon overcome her timidity and ask everyone if they’re OK with the glamicure (”Could it be more terrible than what you’re afraid of?”). Second, she sets an example for the other girls, who notice right away when she shows up with plain fingernails (”Part of being a good friend is having the courage to give constructive criticism — telling the truth so they can do better next time” and “You can’t make her feel worse than you did by avoiding her.”).

Each of the other episodes has its distinct moral. In the first, it’s Lemon again who focuses the central issue: The need to feel useful (well, age appropriate: the need to make her own special contribution to the community and do something she has fun doing). The second tackles the sticky subject of rules: Plum disregards some of their community’s rules, and her actions cause difficulties for her friends. But when they try to make her understand, she retaliates with petulance and makes up some rules they must follow at her dance studio. The story makes a good case not only for observing the rules but for realizing that rules need to serve a good purpose rather than just an arbitrary whim.

Chuggington’s appealing train-yard toddlers … er, trainees, are ready to ride into your home on Anchor Bay Entertainment’s DVD Chuggington: Chuggers to the Rescue, released April 5. In each of the six 10-minute episodes starring the young locomotives, Brewster, Wilson and Koko eagerly rush into a new escapade in their pleasingly pastel world much like any human child would do.

Which is a big part of why the TV series connects with its 2- to 5-year-old audience. And the simplified sets add to the sense of playfulness. But there’s a serious lesson within each adventure as the three trainees test where the limits are and learn what the consequences may be for not listening to the older-and-wiser trains.

In the first episode, trains not only talk but they fly. Not with wings, of course — grounding the fantasy with a little reality, the trains achieve this feat by being outfitted with jet packs. But it’s no joy ride. In “Jet Pack Wilson,” the threesome take training from Action Chugger, a Superman-like hero who makes girls swoon but keeps a level head and concentrates on the rescue at hand. Training isn’t the fun and games that Wilson, Koko and Brewster had anticipated, as they push and pull heavy loads up steep hills to build stamina. Even the practice rescue of a kitten from a tree seems a little silly to Wilson, who points out the practice “kitten” is a teddy bear. But Action Chugger stays serious, pointing out, “I can’t put [real] small creatures in danger while you learn.”

Always the hot-headed one, Wilson finds some jet packs in the train yard and takes off with them in spite of Koko’s and Brewster’s warnings that he’s not ready yet. He can’t handle himself in the air, and, after Action Chugger saves him, Wilson admits, “It looked easy in the movies.” Action Chugger drives home the point: “Real life isn’t like the movies.”

In “Wilson and the Wild Wind,” it isn’t just himself whom Wilson puts in danger. Dunbar, another mentor for their training, has created a weather simulator and can call up wind storms, rain storms, even thunder and lightning so the trainees can learn how to handle such weather. The simulator responds only to Dunbar’s voice, so Wilson practices copying it — and sets off gale-force winds that blow the train yard topsy turvy. But at least Wilson remembered one lesson, that they should couple-up in a headwind so they’ll be heavier. Hooking together their couplings, Brewster, Koko and Wilson chug back to the weather simulator to try to turn it off. “I didn’t think about what could happen,” Wilson admits to Dunbar. 

In spite of the main characters being metal machines, there’s a sense of warmth among the characters. And whatever the challenge, the fear factor stays in the mild range, just enough for young viewers to understand that something bad could happen without being so alarming as to send them hiding under the bed.

Tangled, Disney’s update of the Rapunzel fairy tale, garnered rave reviews from our KIDS FIRST! film critics (visit www.kidsfirst.org/filmfestival/Tangled.htm for their full reviews, written and video.) Due out on DVD March 29, Tangled earned five out of five stars from Makai Weber Colvin (9 years old), who sums it up, “If you like a classic story, great songs and one BIG adventure, this is the DVD for you. Fun, fun, fun for the whole family!” Raven Devanney (13 years old), recommending it to all ages - “even teens” - says, “The colorful animation is great as well and adds brilliance to a familiar story.” Ny’Asia Bell (8 years old) points out especially that it is “full of lots of action and great special effects.”

Rapunzel, who has been locked away in a tower for years, captures the kingdom’s most-wanted bandit, Flynn Rider, when he tries to hide out in her tower. Seeing an opportunity to escape her tower prison, the beautiful and feisty teen tressed with 70 feet of magical, golden hair strikes a deal with the charming thief, and the unlikely duo set off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an overprotective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs. Spiced with humor and heart, the story is only one part of what Raven Devanney liked about the film.

Go On and Get ‘Tangled’!
A review by Raven Devanney

The story we all grew up with is back and better than ever. The lovable tale of Rapunzel is here with an all-new comical and musical twist, and things are about to get Tangled! I really enjoyed this film. The music is excellent and extremely funny. The voice of Mandy Moore as Rapunzel is fantastic. She is really talented. She is totally perfect for Rapunzel’s bubbly voice and character, while empowering viewers to follow their hearts. Plus, she can really sing. Her voice is super clear, and I really loved hearing her beautiful singing.

Zachary Levi, the voice of the kingdom’s most wanted bandit, Flynn Rider, is amazing! Just listening to him talk makes me laugh. He does an excellent job.

The colorful animation is great as well and adds brilliance to a familiar story. I wasn’t sure how I would like this movie, especially because of the fact that it is a musical, but I was so surprised how much I fell in love with it. My favorite character is Maximus, Flynn Rider’s bloodhound of a horse. I like this character because of his hilarious facial expressions and outstanding personality. My absolute favorite scene that sticks with me is the montage right after Rapunzel leaves the tower with Flynn, because she is totally battling with herself.

This movie is most definitely for all ages, even teens. So if you want a good laugh, and awesome animation, then this movie is perfect for you.

So go on and get Tangled!!!