KIDS FIRST! News

The title character in this Disney animated film is a small woodland pigeon who yearns to do noble duty in the war effort and join the Royal Homing Pigeon Service. KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Makai Weber Colvin (age 10) give the film five out of five stars “because it’s just so great for everyone,” and adds an enthusiastic “And I’ll bet you’ll love it, too.” Valiant is voiced by Ewan MacGregor, part of a stellar cast - it might be fun to try to match the voices of Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie and John Cleese to their avian characters. The 2005 film was nominated in 2006 for the Young Artist Award’s Best Family Feature Film - Animation. One of many classics brought to your home by HDnet Movies kidScene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families, Valiant screens on Fri., Jan. 20 and Sun., Jan. 29.

Valiant
Reviewed by Makai Weber Colvin
(See her full review on video.)

I’m reviewing the movie Valiant, a Disney film. This movie is about a small, little bird that lives in a small, little town. But he wants to become a messenger bird. A messenger bird is a bird that carries important messages to people across the country. So, if a person was in the army, a messenger bird would go send the letter to the army and then they would send the letter back to the army back at home.

But the evil hawks are trying to stop that, and they have to fix it. They need new messenger birds, so they decide to train them. Valiant wants to be a messenger bird so badly that he goes to try out to be one. Nobody thinks he can be a messenger bird, because he’s so little. But Valiant is much bigger than he appears to be.

This movie is a really good movie to watch with the whole family. The animation in this movie is very detailed. And I loved the picture of Valiant because he has colors right below his neck. They were pink and blue, and they were very cool to see.

I give this movie five out of five stars because it’s just so great for everyone. And I’ll bet you’ll love it, too.

Photos: Valiant poster (top), Makai Weber Colvin (bottom)

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, a 1999 film nominated in 2000 for the Young Artist Award’s Best Family Feature Film - Animation, is a Sesame Street mix of puppets and people. It would be fun viewing for toddlers and early elementary-school-aged kids, says 10-year-old KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Makai Weber Colvin. Another of the many classics brought to your home by HDNet Movies kidScene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families, it will run Jan. 23 through Feb. 27.

If you’re in the business of creating programming for kids, take note of the Kid, Youth and Parent Power conference presented by International Quality & Productivity Center in Orlando, Fla., March 26-28. The conference will focus on top business challenges and engaging the family with innovative, responsible marketing strategies. IQPC is offering a limited number of special package prices to KIDS FIRST! Contact Michael.Brothers@iqpc.com.  

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
Reviewed by Makai Weber Colvin
(See her full review on video.)

I’m reviewing the movie The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. This movie is about Elmo and all of his friends from Sesame Street. Elmo has a very beloved blanket that he loves so much, but when the blanket gets lost and goes down the portal to Grouchland in Oscar’s trashcan home, Elmo has to get it back.

Trying to get the blanket back, Elmo falls down the portal into Grouchland. And he can’t find his blanket in Grouchland. Everybody’s grouchy in Grouchland, as you can guess. But he doesn’t really know how to act grouchy because Elmo’s always happy.

Elmo has to get his blanket back, so he has to get to the evil master who stole his blanket. The evil master does not want to give the blanket back but Elmo thinks he can get it back. He goes through amazing adventures through the woods and finds giant chickens and even goes through the Garbage Queen’s kingdom.

This movie has so many amazing adventures in it, you’d like to watch it. The music is very upbeat and joyful. Almost every scene has a song in it, and Elmo or one of the characters sings it. It’s very joyful, but also kind of grouchy since they’re in Grouchland.

My favorite character in this movie would probably have to be Elmo’s friend from Sesame Street, most likely Big Bird, because Big Bird says that they have to go save Elmo when they can’t find him. They don’t really know he’s in Grouchland until Oscar tells them he’s in Grouchland. They all go off on a mission to go find Elmo.

This movie is not for older kids, and it might have been a little bit too young for me. I suggest this movie for two and up. Teens and ten-year-olds and nine-year-olds probably won’t be the most interested in it because it’s kind of a younger kid’s movie. But if you’re younger, I’ll bet you’ll love it. I give this movie three out of five stars.

Photos: The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland poster (top), Makai Weber Colvin (bottom)

KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Gabriella Chu (age 14) shares her insightful review of made-for-TV family film Game of Your Life, which NBC will air on Friday, Dec. 2. The film’s lead, Titus Makin Jr., came by to visit with KIDS FIRST! youth film critics for this week’s Coming Attractions radio show, and talks about himself and the movie. Check it out (here) as many times as you like, as the episode continues to stream on the VoiceAmerica Kids Channel.

Game of Your Life
Reviewed by Gabriella Chu
(See her full review on video.)

Game of Your Life is an inspiring movie about a bunch of teens who are accepted into a prestigious video game-designing school. The teens are divided into groups to compete among each other to design a video game. The movie focuses on one group in particular, made up of Zach Taylor, Sara Ramirez, Donald Wallace and Phillip Reese. The movie depicts the struggles and difficulties of teamwork, especially with Zach (Titus Makin Jr.), since he’s always preoccupied with helping his father keep their home because the bank is about to foreclose it, and designing another video game for the head of the school, Marcus Bentton. Will Zach stay committed to his team even though he is working on many other things as well?

I enjoyed watching the struggles of the team. The movie shows that in order for a group to be successful, all members have to be involved. As the movie progresses, Zach straightens out his priorities and learns that he shouldn’t be so focused on saving his home because the meaning of home is friends and family and not the physical house you live in. Moreover, the movie makes a comparison between games and life. In life, you always have to choose between options, just like the game Zach and his group designs.

I recommend this movie to kids 10 and up. The subject matter of the movie will most likely appeal to tweens and teens. Game of Your Life is an uplifting made for TV family film presented by Walmart and P&G. Watch it on Friday, Dec. 2 at 8/7 central on NBC!

To view the trailer, visit http://bcove.me/g6mnatlq           

Photos: Zach (Titus Makin Jr.) and Dr.  Lambert (Lea Thompson) in Game of Your Life (top); Gabriella Chu (bottom)

Settle in Saturday night for some heartwarming family fare as NBC screens the made-for-TV movie Game Time: Tackling the Past. The movie is part of Walmart’s Family Entertainment Initiative, and was featured in an episode of KIDS FIRST!’s Coming Attractions radio show. Check that out at your leisure, as the shows are streamed on the VoiceAmerica Kids Channel, and read on for a review of the movie from 14-year-old KF film critic Raven Devanney.

Game Time: Tackling the Past
Reviewed by Raven Devanney
(see her full review on video)

Game Time: Tackling the Past is a made-for-TV film by Walmart and P&G Family entertainment Initiative. This film is a touching story about a family with two brothers - one is a professional football player and the other is an assistant coach for his old high school football team. When a near-tragedy strikes the family, the two brothers have to come together to rebuild their family. 

I think this movie is very good. The cinematography is wonderful because it is done in a documentary style, which makes it seem more realistic.

My favorite character is Mica because he really pulls Jake to his senses and helps him along the way.

My favorite scene is when the football players do cheerleading warm-ups to help improve their grace and agility on the field, because it was really funny.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars because it was good, but I did lose interest a little.

I recommend this movie for 13 and up because younger children will get bored.

Be sure to catch Game Time on NBC on Sept 3.

Photos: Game Time (top), Raven Devanney (bottom)

When HDNet Movie’s kidScene plays the 1995 movie Babe (airing Aug. 19), it’s not only a chance to root for the most appealing piglet since A. A. Milne created Winnie the Pooh’s sidekick but a chance to be awed by the exceptional feat of Babe’s trainer, Karl Lewis Miller. As KF Film Critic Gabriella Chu (age 14) expresses in her review, it’s hard to tell where the animatronics leaves off and carefully orchestrated live action comes in. And Gabriella finds more great animal acting in Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (premieres Aug. 1).

Babe
Reviewed by Gabriella Chu
(and see her review on video)

Babe is a marvelous family classic! The movie tells the story of an innocent piglet who befriends animals on a farm and becomes especially close to a sheepdog named Fly. With Fly’s help and all of the animals on the farm, Babe enters a sheepherding competition. Will Babe win the competition even though he is just a piglet? Watch the movie for yourself!

I liked this movie a lot because all of the animals are great actors and have personalities similar to people. At times I wondered if the animals were just extremely well-trained or if the use of animatronics was this effective. The dubbing was also wonderful. The format the movie uses to tell the story is like a children’s storybook, with each chapter telling an interesting story with a moral. The movie is also well directed. I especially liked the scene where Babe is trying to steal the farmer’s alarm clock, because director Chris Noonan used suspenseful music to make the audience feel the anticipation more.

I recommend this movie to children ages 4 and up because very little kids will still be able to enjoy it. Babe delivers a positive message that you can do anything despite your appearance.

Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog
Reviewed by Gabriella Chu
(and see her review on video)

Are you a dog lover and into adventure? Then Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog is the movie for you! This movie tells the story of a young boy named Angus who adopts a stray dog and names him Yellow. Angus, his father, and Yellow set sail one day, but a huge storm causes their boat to topple. Rescue teams are only able to find Angus’ father. Stranded on an island far from civilization, Angus’s and Yellow’s survival skills are put to the test. Will they get rescued? Watch this movie to find out!

I liked this movie because it is a heartwarming tale. The movie builds anticipation in the rescue team’s pursuit to find Angus and Yellow. I was especially impressed with Yellow’s acting! His facial expressions and actions resemble that of a person’s.

I recommend this film for children ages 7 and up. Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog is an uplifting journey and is a splendid family film.

Both films are among the many classics brought to your home by HDnet Movies on kidScene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families.

Photos: Babe (top), Gabriella Chu (middle), Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (bottom)

The story of Annie has continued to warm the hearts through the decades, since Harold Gray created the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” in 1894. The sons from the musical version, Annie, which hit movie theaters in 1982, seem to be as enduring - “Tomorrow” is eternal. Take seven-year-old KIDS FIRST! film critic Ny’Asia Bell’s review to your heart, and plan to tune in to HDNet Movies on July 11 and even sing along.

Annie
Reviewed by Ny’Asia Bell

Today I will be reviewing one of my favorite movie musicals - the original classic Annie.

This movie is about a cute optimistic little orphan named Annie, played by Aileen Quinn, who gets lucky and is chosen to spend the week with Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire, played by Albert Finney. Only he does not like her and wants to trade her in for a little boy. His private secretary, Grace, played by Ann Reinking, persuades him to let her stay. While there, she softens him up, and opens his eyes to see things in a different way. Mr. Warbucks wants to adopt Annie, but she does not want to be adopted, and wants to find her biological parents. So he agrees to help her. Does she find her biological parents or does he adopt her? Find out for yourself.
 
My favorite part is when Annie rescues Sandy from the boys in the alley. I thought that was hilarious.
 
My favorite character has to be Annie, because even though she was an orphan she still remained hopeful.
 
Annie is one of many film classics being brought to your home by HDNET movies on Kid Scene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families.
 
I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars because it is fun and entertaining. I recommend this movie to everyone because it is definitely family oriented.
 
This has been Ny’Asia Bell reporting for KIDS FIRST!
Photos: Annie poster (top), Ny’Asia Bell (bottom)

Annie is one of many film classics being brought to your home by HDNet Movies, a KIDS FIRST! sponsor. HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, including the best classics of the 1950s-1970s, favorites from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films. Additionally, HDNet Movies offers kidScene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families. HDNet Movies kidScene can be followed at hdnetmovies.com and via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNetMovies.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight and Verizon FiOS.

With the familiar whimsy that Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” employed to instill in children a love of reading, PBS Kids’ “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That” is poised to inspire the innate scientist in them.

In the original “The Cat in the Hat” book, the Cat offered Sally and Nick a diversion from a dreary rainy day. In the TV show, he offers them adventures to learn why, for instance, Nick can’t make honey for his ice cream by glopping an assortment of syrups on it.

“Show Me the Honey” was one of the episodes in the debut show Sept. 6. Characters and the environment they inhabit are rendered in the distinctive Dr. Seuss style, and the Cat even talks (taking on the voice, now, of award-winning actor Martin Short) in the same wise and silly manner as he tells Nick and Sally — what else? — “Your mother will not mind at all if you do.” (But they do always check with her before hopping in the thinga-ma-jigger to seek out the answer to their latest “Why?”)

In “Show Me the Honey,” the starting point is one that children (and, let’s be honest, adults, too) can readily identify with: Nick’s rational child-logic of “If bees can do it, so can I; I just need to find the secret ingredient.” When the Cat takes him and Sally to a beehive, they learn not only how it’s really done (science) but that bees are the only ones that can make it (nature). These aren’t one-track-mind kids, though; there’s plenty of play, too, such as when they follow the bees to flowers and bounce around on the petals.

Shorter sketches break up the longer ones, with quizzes such as “What makes it a bird?” Pointing out that whales sing, too, and that not all birds fly, our hero sums up the solution in a Dr. Seuss-style chant: “The mystery’s solved by The Cat in the Hat. All birds have feathers, and that’s simply that.”

Parents, you’re missing out if you don’t watch this show with your kids. Besides enjoying an entertaining review of scientific facts and relationships you might have forgotten about, you can catch a few sly ones that seemingly are written to go a little higher than three to four feet: the “Show Me the Honey” title, for one, and this response from one of a flock identified as Canadian gees — “How should I know? I’m a goose, eh?”

Produced by Portfolio Entertainment Inc. and Collingwood O’Hare Productions in association with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Random House Children’s Entertainment, Treehouse and PBS Kids, “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That” was created in response to recent findings that children graduating from kindergarten are less prepared to learn about science than about other subjects. The series supports young children’s science learning by introducing scientific inquiry skills, teaching core science concepts and vocabulary, and preparing preschoolers for kindergarten and first-grade science curriculum — all in whimsical style. “Dr. Seuss was so passionate about science, nature and the survival of the planet, he surely would have loved that the science-based book series he conceived is being brought to television in such a grand fashion,” says Kate Klimo, Dr. Seuss’ Random House publisher and executive director of development for Random House Children’s Entertainment.

From Monday, October 5 – Friday, October 9, “Around Town with Cyberchase” launches on air with five awesome adventures, including two premiere episodes on October 5 and 6.  Each episode will tie to a special “Around Town” printable activity at Cyberchase Online. In the first new episode on October 5, “The Deedle Beast,” the Cyberchase kids chart the bizarre behavior of a pet Deedle Beast and uncover a bigger mystery than they bargained for.  In the premiere of “Spellbound” on October 6, the CyberSquad must discover how to use a grid to communicate what a spell-breaking symbol looks like and save Pompadoria from Wicked’s everlasting rule.

On Cyberchase’s new Facebook page, fans will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the stars of Cyberchase making it all happen. Cyberchase is a production of THIRTEEN and Title Entertainment, Inc. in association with WNET.ORG – one of America’s most prolific and respected public media providers.

“We’re excited to give on-the-go kids and parents some great ideas on how to incorporate math into their outings around town, whether to the grocery store, the ballpark or the zoo,” says Sandra Sheppard, executive producer for Cyberchase.  “We developed ‘Around Town with Cyberchase’ to support critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) initiatives in local communities and to give kids and adults the tools to create their own math adventures where they live.  We’re also thrilled that the many fans of our Cyberchase For Real star, Harry, have an opportunity to see him in brand new web videos,” she continues.

Two new sets of web-exclusive videos, “The Harry Show” and “Math on the Street,” launched on September 21 at Cyberchase Online and feature Harry, played by actor Matt Wilson, encountering wacky math moments all around New York City.  The videos take place in fun spots like the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo and feature real kids and adults.  All the videos are about 1 – 2 minutes long and are available for streaming or download Cyberchase Online.

“I love meeting kids and finding out how they approach math,” says Wilson.  “I’m really excited because in these web videos, Harry talks with real kids who probably solve problems the same way as many kids at home.”  He continues, “I’m always crunching numbers – leaving a tip, comparison shopping or estimating the time it’ll take to get to the front of a line.  Through these adventures around town, Harry shows kids that we encounter math everywhere, and everyone can be good at it – often without realizing it!”

Emmy Award winner Wilson has been the live-action face of Cyberchase for the show’s seven seasons.  He is also well known on stage and screen where he has worked with Pulitzer Prize, Tony and Grammy Award winners.  Currently he is performing in the World Tour of “The Circus, Starring Britney Spears.”

The PBS KIDS GO! video player will also stream full episodes and clips from the “Around Town” episodes, plus the web videos. Also beginning September 21, the new Cyberchase Facebook page will go behind the scenes with Matt Wilson on his “Around Town” adventures, featuring exclusive photos and behind-the-scenes footage from the taping of “The Harry Show” and “Math on the Street.”  Wilson will also bring fans into a promotional photo shoot and a voiceover recording session at THIRTEEN studios.  In addition, Facebook fans will be treated to a glimpse of Christopher Lloyd and Gilbert Gottfried recording their lines as the villainous Hacker and the lovable Digit for the new episode, “The Deedle Beast.” New footage will be posted daily leading up to the “Around Town” broadcast launch on October 5.

Cyberchase – the only math series for children on American TV – airs daily on PBS KIDS GO! across the country.  Check local listings at Cyberchase Online.  In the tri-state area, Cyberchase can be seen weekdays at 4:30 p.m. (beginning Sept. 7) and 8 a.m. on THIRTEEN, Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. on V-me and Monday-Friday at 7 a.m. on WLIW21.

“Around Town with Cyberchase” kicks off September 21 when Cyberchase Online launches new web videos starring Harry and new activities that encourage kids to explore math in their own neighborhoods.  The activities will correlate to five episodes in a weeklong “Around Town” broadcast event on PBS KIDS GO! from October 5 – October 9, premiering two brand new episodes, “The Deedle Beast” and “Spellbound” (check local listings).  On Cyberchase’s new Facebook page, fans will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the stars of Cyberchase making it all happen.

Cyberchase is a production of THIRTEEN and Title Entertainment, Inc. in association with WNET.ORG – one of America’s most prolific and respected public media providers.

“We’re excited to give on-the-go kids and parents some great ideas on how to incorporate math into their outings around town, whether to the grocery store, the ballpark or the zoo,” says Sandra Sheppard, executive producer for Cyberchase.  “We developed ‘Around Town with Cyberchase’ to support critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) initiatives in local communities and to give kids and adults the tools to create their own math adventures where they live.  We’re also thrilled that the many fans of our Cyberchase For Real star, Harry, have an opportunity to see him in brand new web videos,” she continues.

Two new sets of web-exclusive videos, “The Harry Show” and “Math on the Street,” launch on September 21 at Cyberchase Online and feature Harry, played by actor Matt Wilson, encountering wacky math moments all around New York City.  The videos take place in fun spots like the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo and feature real kids and adults.  All the videos are about 1 – 2 minutes long and will be available for streaming or download Cyberchase Online.

“I love meeting kids and finding out how they approach math,” says Wilson.  “I’m really excited because in these web videos, Harry talks with real kids who probably solve problems the same way as many kids at home.”  He continues, “I’m always crunching numbers – leaving a tip, comparison shopping or estimating the time it’ll take to get to the front of a line.  Through these adventures around town, Harry shows kids that we encounter math everywhere, and everyone can be good at it – often without realizing it!”

Emmy Award winner Wilson has been the live-action face of Cyberchase for the show’s seven seasons.  He is also well known on stage and screen where he has worked with Pulitzer Prize, Tony and Grammy Award winners.  Currently he is performing in the World Tour of “The Circus, Starring Britney Spears.”

From Monday, October 5 – Friday, October 9, “Around Town with Cyberchase” launches on air with five awesome adventures, including two premiere episodes on October 5 and 6.  Each episode will tie to a special “Around Town” printable activity at Cyberchase Online. In the first new episode on October 5, “The Deedle Beast,” the Cyberchase kids chart the bizarre behavior of a pet Deedle Beast and uncover a bigger mystery than they bargained for.  In the premiere of “Spellbound” on October 6, the CyberSquad must discover how to use a grid to communicate what a spell-breaking symbol looks like and save Pompadoria from Wicked’s everlasting rule.

The PBS KIDS GO! video player will also stream full episodes and clips from the “Around Town” episodes, plus the web videos.
Also beginning September 21, the new Cyberchase Facebook page will go behind the scenes with Matt Wilson on his “Around Town” adventures, featuring exclusive photos and behind-the-scenes footage from the taping of “The Harry Show” and “Math on the Street.”  Wilson will also bring fans into a promotional photo shoot and a voiceover recording session at THIRTEEN studios.  In addition, Facebook fans will be treated to a glimpse of Christopher Lloyd and Gilbert Gottfried recording their lines as the villainous Hacker and the lovable Digit for the new episode, “The Deedle Beast.” New footage will be posted daily leading up to the “Around Town” broadcast launch on October 5.

Cyberchase – the only math series for children on American TV – airs daily on PBS KIDS GO! across the country.  Check local listings at Cyberchase Online.  In the tri-state area, Cyberchase can be seen weekdays at 4:30 p.m. (beginning Sept. 7) and 8 a.m. on THIRTEEN, Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. on V-me and Monday-Friday at 7 a.m. on WLIW21.

Brittany Curran stars in the KIDS FIRST! title, Legally Blondes, which airs on ABC Family on August 2nd, 8pm.

Check out her new web-site if you want to take a peek! http://www.brittanycurran.com/Brittany_Curran/Welcome.html