KIDS FIRST!
35 Most Recent Endorsements

An extraordinary team of ten young environmentalists from different parts of the world, ranging in age from 5 to 17, have taken on a bold mission to save our planet. With their boundless creativity and scientific curiosity, they are developing groundbreaking environmental initiatives that have the potential to make a significant impact,

This film is a masterpiece of visual storytelling, created with cinematic precision. Using the latest technology, including a green screen, stunning drone shots, and imaginative visual effects, this movie takes viewers on a journey unlike any other. It inspires children to take action and protect the environment, planting a seed of awareness that will grow for years to come. These young environmentalists are a testament to the power of youth and innovation in addressing the ecological crisis that our planet is facing. They are working tirelessly to combat issues such as plastic pollution in our oceans, deforestation, and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment. Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring, and they are a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together to make a difference. As we witness their journey of hope, they remind us of the urgent need for action and the crucial role that we all have to play in protecting our planet for future generations. The plot development in this movie is captivating. It is interesting and well-organized, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. The movie masterfully introduces ten green superheroes, before showcasing a group of young environmentalists from around the world who unite to make a difference. Their audacious quest to save the planet is truly inspiring, as they develop ground-breaking environmental initiatives to protect our only home - the Earth. This movie is an absolute must-see and will motivate you to make a difference in the world. The film truly amazed me with its seamless transitions between different scenes. It features ten environmentalists, each presenting their own unique conservation project. The accompanying camera footage is equally impressive, showcasing various environments that have been severely impacted by human activities. From dry lands to polluted oceans and floating debris, the visuals are both disheartening and eye-opening. The plight of animals that died due to entanglement in the garbage is particularly hard-hitting. It is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to take action and address these pressing issues before it's too late.

The quality of the camerawork is suitable for exhibition; it's a high quality work! The sets and location were meticulously chosen to perfectly complement the story. The Earth Protectors' presentations are accompanied by informative videos and data presentations that leave a lasting impact. One video showcases the commendable efforts of the team in sorting out a large number of toys from landfills and distributing them among children in low-income areas. Another video highlights the dire need for marine conservation, detailing the tragic deaths of marine life due to marine debris and showcasing alarming footage of vast amounts of plastic polluting our oceans. All of the information is carefully curated to resonate with the storyline and leave a lasting impression on the audience. The carefully crafted soundtrack complements its message perfectly. For example, during the discussion of data, the video showcases a plethora of digitized data and is accompanied by upbeat techno music. Even the background music, which is typically tranquil, is robust and influential. It is evident that the background music greatly enriches the video, making it a more immersive experience. The ten young individuals featured in the film are the shining stars of environmental activism. Their stories are a source of inspiration and motivation for all of us. Kyle Tianshi, a 15-year-old, has designed a device called NEREID, which is a ray of hope for the world's oceans that are choking on micro-plastic pollution. Ryan Hickman, a 13-year-old, has taken the concept of zero waste to the next level with PROJECT 3R, which promotes reuse, reduction, and recycling. Katia Thomas, a 14-year-old, has developed DAESSE, an award-winning device that generates electricity from trash, a game-changer in the world of renewable energy. Janeth Guanulema, a '16 graduate, has taken up the cause of saving the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest from deforestation and fracking and is a true hero for her community. Connor Berryhill, a 15-year-old with autism, founded the Micro Activist Foundation, which is an excellent platform for educating young people on marine conservation. Sam Torres, a '17 graduate, has launched campaigns such as #MeatlessMonday, which is an innovative way to promote sustainable eating habits. Jessica Ong, also a '17 graduate, is doing her bit to save the planet by saving old toys from landfills and donating them to children in need. Justin Sather, an 11-year-old, has taken up the cause of protecting habitats such as rainforests through the Justin Frog Project and is a true champion of the environment. Ianna Mallyaka, a 13-year-old, has planted thousands of trees in Kenya through her foundation and is working to protect the soil through her ENVIROSAVE! Program. Finally, 5-year-old Nina Gomes may be the youngest of the lot, but she is doing her bit by collecting plastic on her father's surfboard in the bay of Rio de Janeiro every day after school. These young individuals have shown us that age is just a number and that we can all make a difference in our ways.

Director, Los Angeles Barea studied at the famed Cristina Rota School of Theatre in Spain. Discovered by Director Pedro Almodovar, Angeles made her debut acting in his Academy Award winning film Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown which received an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Angeles went on to work with acclaimed directors such as Jess Franco and Alex de la Iglesia. Los Angeles became a well-known personality making countless television appearances. Los Angeles was inspired after working for six years with the environmental non-profit Grades of Green - watching young people develop amazing projects to help the Planet and looking for solutions. It is so inspirational that she realized she wanted to show the world how these young, brilliant minds create such new and innovative ideas and projects to help the planet with plastic pollution, clean energy, water contamination, fossil fuels, and climate change. These young people are role models, and heroes.

The scene where Connor Berryhill advocates for ocean conservation is truly inspiring. It's unfortunate that many species are on the brink of extinction, despite laws in place to protect them. Human activities continue to cause irreversible damage to wildlife, and marine life is particularly vulnerable due to the serious threat of fishing nets and garbage. We have a responsibility to follow the example set by animals and protect the ecosystem rather than destroy it. We can all do our part, no matter how small, to make a difference. Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of our planet's diverse wildlife.

The film's message is about taking responsibility for our actions is key to achieving a healthy environment, clean air, and peace that we all desire. Let's do our part and work together to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

In a world full of different people, this storyline takes an incredible turn and showcases a different perspective from what we tend to know. It addresses the lives of a deaf boy and a blind girl, showing how disabilities don't necessarily have to bring us down, but rather, strengthen our determination. In the end, everything always works out.

This film stands out compared to other short films that I've watched - it takes a different approach and still manages to be completely engaging. I like how the young boy, Bruno, is determined to get the attention of the girl, Ana. The cinematography is fabulous - very clear, well lit, with various angles to help attract the viewer's attention. The use of sign language with the boy is well executed and so descriptive. The background music tends to be low-tuned and calm, making it effective in the storyline as it fills in any silence. I love all the characters. The relationship between Bruno and his mom is particularly warm and heartfelt. I also was deeply touched by Bruno overcoming the bullies and taking the initiative to be with Ana. Ana, on the other hand, is there for Bruno when he needs a friend the most. My favorite part is when Bruno goes to the salon and meets Laura, who has a customer that is oversharing. However, the customer isn't aware that Laura is, in fact, deaf. She makes a joke about it, adding humor to the film. The ending is so touching and truly brought tears to my eyes as these two young people find a friend in each other.

The film's message is that, regardless of who you are, you are likely to face challenges on the path you choose. However, it's your resilience that allows you to overcome them, together with the support of those that surround you on your journey, whether you've known them for a long time or have just met. Be aware that it does contain some profanity. When Bruno is being bullied at the beginning the word "Mute dick" is used to emphasize the extent of bullying.

Celeste (Pamella Rodrigues), the main character, wants to get home in time for her Mama's birthday, but she is stuck in a tower with a dragon (Alfredo Rollo) guarding her. Celeste convinces the dragon to go on an adventure out in the real world, but little does she know, the dragon has a sickness and to cure this sickness, there are two very important ingredients she needs. Will she find the ingredients and get home in time for her Mama's birthday? The film is from Brazil with dialogue in Portuguese with English subtitles.

I like how Celeste always tries to make things right when something is going wrong with someone else and how she cares about everyone. There is also never a moment where I took my eyes off the screen. This isn't the best animation, but I did like the bold and bright colors and the backgrounds. The scenes almost always show a wide shot of all the characters interacting with each other. For example, in one scene, when Celeste is trying to convince the Dragon to go on the adventure it is just the both of them not one or the other. There aren't any shots that really impressed me except when Celeste shows up at her first stop where she is going to help one of the other characters. The animated characters always wear the same thing in the whole film but the costumes suit the storyline well. The backgrounds in this movie are very pretty - on the Dragon and Celeste's adventure there are many types of weather and each of the backgrounds has different colors and settings. The only music of note is when Celeste is helping her first friend and is having a hard time fitting in, so Celeste helps her by letting her find her voice and telling her that everyone is different and has different types of appearances. There are only a few visual effects but they aren't very believable. For example, when one of the characters blows a candle out there is smoke coming from it, but the smoke doesn't look very realistic. I really enjoyed Pamella Rodrigues' voice acting of Celeste; she has the perfect voice for Celeste. Alfredo Rollo's voice of the Dragon is also exceptional. The characters grow throughout the story showing the great synergy between each other. The director, Fernando Macedo is to be commended for his work in telling the story of Celeste. My favorite character is Celeste; she is a little girl with a huge heart, a love of family and wants to help anyone she sees.

The film's message is to always look at life from another perspective and look at the beautiful side of things, other than just complaining and feeling upset about something. It promotes a great message and doesn't have one dull moment.

Perfect for a festival addressing climate change and the environment, this plot twist, thanks to the rewind button, moves from Dad gifting the family with a gas guzzling car that they diss him about to an electric that they give him props about.

Well produced, aside from some wind noise in the shots outside. The kids play all the roles so don't be surprised to see very young looking parents here. But the kids are confident performers and deliver their lines like pros. Well shot and edited. Commendable. I would put this into any film festival with student made films. It's adorable and meaningful. My favorite shot is the Dad's wink when he presses the rewind button.

The film's message is pretty overt - climate change calls for environmentally friendly vehicles.

The storyline of this short animated film follows a dog who lives at a senior care facility and works as an emotional support dog for the residents there.

This 2D animated film is simply made and has a poignant storyline. I'm to going to rave about the animation - it's serviceable and entirely watchable, but isn't going to win any awards. It doesn't matter because the storyline of this film is the true winner here. Anyone who has loved a dog will relate to this as our pup here spends his day visiting the various residents and providing comfort for them as if she was their long lost "best friend." The narrator is uncredited, but I would like to point out that his voice is definitely toned down and yet, at the same time, works for this sweet working dog. The writer/ director, Donna W. Guthrie, definitely has a handle on older people and their needs - especially as it comes to needing a furry friend.

The film's message is that "man's best friend doesn't abandon you, even in the sunset years of your life."

In this animated adventure, a group of plucky kids, known as the Creature Catchers, embarks on an exciting journey to witness their soccer heroes, Zlatan and Megan Rapinoe (voiced by themselves) in action. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they discover that the players have been mutated by a strange slimy slug concocted by the eccentric Weird Al (voiced by Weird Al Yankovic). Now the creature catchers must team up with superstars to thwart a monstrous creature created by the nefarious slime.

This movie is a true gem! The clever humor, stellar voice acting, and stunning animation make it a joyride from start to finish. The jokes had me laughing out loud, and the voice acting by the remarkable cast brings the characters to life in a way that is both entertaining and endearing. The animation is top notch, with vibrant visuals that capture the excitement of the soccer matches, and the chaos of the creature's rampage. Moreover, the underlying message of unity and camaraderie adds depth to the storyline, making it a film that resonates long after the credits roll. Watching the creature catchers and the soccer stars come together to overcome obstacles and defeat the common enemy is not only thrilling, but also uplifting. The Soccer Football Movie is a winner for both soccer fans and animation lovers.

The film's message is that teamwork makes the dreamwork, and that with support anything can get done.

I give The Soccer Football Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12; this film is available on most streaming platforms now, be sure to check it out.

The story follows a group of misfit teenage friends, named the Krewe, who secretly fight the evil that threatens their world. Soleil (Sydney Mikayla), the protagonist and leader of the Krewe, is at the center of the nightmare that threatens the city of New Orleans. Belial (Jacques Colimon), the antagonist, summons monster after monster to combat the Krewe. Each Krewe member has special power that they must hone in order to save themselves, their city, and all those who are possessed by the evil spirits that threaten them. Will Soleil and her friends successfully ward off the demons, or will they fall into the possession of wickedness?

Sydney Mikayla's portrayal of Soleil's courage is beautifully balanced with her portrayal of Soleil's love of all things horror. Another key member of the Krewe, Missy, is played by Grace Lu whose vocal style conveys power and empathy at the same time. Terrance Little Gardenheigh, who plays Pat, and his co-stars create a wonderful ensemble to bring life to the rest of the Krewe. They speak just as teenagers would, making the Krewe easy to root for. The film mixes a modern realistic character animation style with a more classical animated background style, resulting in a unique look that viewers are drawn to. The monsters are otherworldly and inhuman, making them creepy enough for the audience to feel the fear behind the screen. The classical music and sound effects add an element of suspense during the climax of each episode when the Krewe fights the evil monsters.

This film's message centers around community and friendship, emphasizing the need to maintain our relationships through the hardships of life. There are consequences to our actions, and we must put friendship and love before all else that may tempt us. Note there is some graphic violence in the film and scary creatures.

Fright Krewe Season 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Hulu and Peacock March 29, 2024.

After ten years, there is a new virus appear in the world. One day, several kids are playing outside and one girl touches the plant. However something wrong happens and she can't move. Other kids also can't move because they all touched the plant. At the end, they find teacher to help them.

I really like this storyline; this story relates to the environment and is super interesting. The storyline is not super strong, but it is very nice. I also like that when the young children face difficulties they are willing to help each other. The cinematography is quite good; it has a lot of Dutch angle shots to show some kinds of tension. The background music changes throughout the film; changing from the soft, quiet background music to tense music, to steel band sounds when the problem is resolved. I love the acting by the kids and I like their teamwork.

The film's message is about the importance of teamwork, especially in protecting the environment.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.

Inspired by a true story, in 1966, a young Black girl, Dottie (Ramiyah DeGray), resides with her parents and grandmother in a comfortable neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Being part of a middle-class family and living in a harmonious community, the girl did not experience racial discrimination or the hardships of segregation. The warmth and love of her family provided her with a happy childhood. However, as she grows up and interacts with white people, she begins to witness the harsh realities of the world.

The grown-up protagonist, Adult Dottie (Zealyne Marchelle Williams), remembers bits and pieces of his childhood. The production is exquisitely made, using warm colors to contrast with the nostalgic images. The camera angles and video style create a captivating visual experience, while the high-quality video lends a calming effect to the overall viewing experience. The sets and locations perfectly fit the story and the era. The entire film is shot around the scenes of the main character's life and the locations were carefully chosen to match the overall effect of the movie. For instance, at the beginning, the house is surrounded by flowers and a brightly colored tree. As the film transitions back to the main character's childhood, the tone of the entire movie changes to a yellowish-gray color. This change in color tone is maintained throughout the rest of the movie. The background music is well chosen in this film, with a variety of selections that really enhance the mood from scene to scene. The ending music is particularly insightful. Kudos to director Aimiende Negbenebor Sela for tackling a difficult topic. The most impactful part for me is the moment when Dottie is subjected to malicious discrimination and her friend courageously stands up for her. Witnessing a friend standing up for what is right is truly heartwarming. It is a reminder that by supporting each other and speaking up against injustices, we can make a positive impact on the world. I feel this movie is an important one for children to watch because they may be subjected to stereotyping associated with their race, which can lead to discriminatory treatment by their peers, including behavior can be harmful. Educating children about discrimination is important, especially before they encounter it personally.

The film's message is about how there is brutal racism, not just in 1966, but even in our world today, but there are also people who are brave enough to stand up against it and speak up for their friends. Be aware that there is definitely an unsavory of nasty racism and use of the "n" word.

Directed by Ari Folman, the story unfolds as Anne Frank's diary comes to life years after Anne's death. Anne's imaginary friend, Kitty, embarks on a journey to find Anne, spending a lot of time trying to uncover the truth about Anne's fate. Kitty learns about the harrowing experience that Anne and her family experienced during the holocaust, and the heartbreaking reality of their demise.

The film captivates audiences from the outset with its imaginative premise, as her imaginary friend Kitty, embarks on a quest to find Anne years after her death. This narrative device not only provides a fresh perspective on Anne's life but also allows for a deeper exploration of her experiences and legacy. The animation is beautifully crafted, bringing both the historical setting and the fantasy elements of life with vibrant visuals and rich detail. The adventure that Kitty undertakes to uncover the truth about Anne's fate is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant, keeping viewers engaged throughout.

The film's message is that anyone has the right to live in freedom, no matter their race, religion, or culture. Be forewarned this film does contain moderate profanity.

I give Where Is Anne Frank? 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 12, plus adults. It was featured on March 10 at the New York International Children's Film Festival. You can watch it on Prime Video, Vudu or Apple TV. Be sure to check it out.

Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black) is about to experience a transition in his kung fu role in the Valley of Peace. Kung Fu Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs Po that he is needed to become a spiritual leader and to choose and train the next Dragon Warrior. This new role is a challenge for Po as he enjoys butt-kicking moves to counter villains and questions his fitness for a new cerebral role. While searching for inner peace we are reminded that for Po everything comes back to dumplings. Resisting his new role, Po determines it is necessary to first thwart a powerful new sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis), who can shapeshift and seeks total kung fu domination. He finds an unlikely partner in a tricky thief, Zhen (Awkwafina) who ends up teaching him that heroes can be found even in a den of thieves.

The computer animation of this film is so beautiful that, in the beginning, it almost appears to be 3D. The backgrounds are stunning and you'll love the various scenes in this wonton wonderland from DreamWorks Animation. I really enjoyed the interaction between the unlikely duo of Po and Zhen and the comedy created between their two characters. I absolutely love the new villain Chameleon and Viola Davis really illustrates how small and stylish stature doesn't impact the extent of evil evident in a character.

This film's message is that true change comes from within and that support from family and friends makes a great impact while helping to enable that change. After all, every step someone takes, no matter how large or small creates a footprint for others to follow.

Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases in theaters March 8, 2024 so go enjoy this hilarious new chapter in a favorite action-comedy franchise!

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Kung Fu Panda 4 is just the feel-good movie I needed this year. It's an incredibly entertaining family-friendly movie that seamlessly weaves humor and heartwarming messages.

When our favorite Dragon Warrior and Kung Fu fighting panda, Po (Jack Black), is chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, he must step down and train a new Dragon Warrior. However, he isn't quite ready for that change and has no idea who to choose as his successor. To top it off, the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a powerful sorceress, has set her eyes on Po's Staff of Wisdom, so he must go on one last Dragon Warrior adventure to save the Valley of Peace with the help of the clever bandit corsac fox, Zhen (Awkwafina).

Even though the target audience for this movie, based on its humor, is pretty young, this film is enjoyable for the whole family. Plus, it embeds some deep messages about change and redemption. The animation style and quality is top notch - reflecting exactly what we expect and more from DreamWorks. The animation style of the bunnies and pigs is so iconic and adorable, and I love seeing the new types of animals the movie introduces. I also love how they portray the energy coming from the Staff of Wisdom and the Chameleon's magic. One of my favorite duos in this movie is Mr. Ping (James Hong), who is Po's adoptive dad, and Li (Bryan Cranston), Po's biological dad. You can really tell how much they both care for Po and they make a great team. Awkwafina's distinct and unique voice really fits the personality of Zhen. It's so endearing to see her character grow and develop, and the contrast between her sneakiness and Po's genuineness makes them complementary partners. Of course, Jack Black never fails to make the audience laugh - he makes Po so lovable and relatable. There's a lot more star power in this film with voice actors like Viola Davis, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, Mr. Beast, Seth Rogen and more. I only wish we got to see more of the Furious Five.

The film's messages include recognizing that even though change is hard, it isn't always bad, and it's never too late to do the right thing. Also, as with the previous Kung Fu Panda movies, we are reminded to never judge a book by its cover.

Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 4 of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters on March 8, 2024.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Exciting. Dynamic. Captivating. Our favorite panda, Po is BACK in the fourth installment of Kung Fu Panda. With a daring adventure and character development that gives the movie an appropriate pace, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a new lighthearted film that I definitely enjoyed.

Kung Fu Panda 4 focuses on Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black), who has been promoted to the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. This means that he now has to select and train a new warrior. In his process, he discovers that the evil shapeshifter Cameleonul (Viola Davis) is trying to steal his Staff of Wisdom. Joining forces with a witty and sly fox named Zhen (Awkwafina), Po has to try to stop Cameleonul's plan.

This animated film is geared toward a younger audience and with that in mind, the plot is a bit predictable. The viewers can sense the plot twists and changes throughout the movie. Despite this, the fast paced scenes like the chase in the town, keep you engaged the whole time. The animation pays great attention to detail, which helps move the story forward while keeping the audience interested. One of the biggest examples of captivating animation is when Cameleonul is shape shifting. Audiences anticipate what she will turn into next, big or small, and what vibrant colors are coming. One of the characters that stands out is Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina. Her delivery and comedic timing is on point, and she fits the character perfectly. Her banter with Po creates a friendly relationship that audiences can invest in. Kung Fu Panda 4 is perfect for a family movie night, and has an important message that all audiences can relate to.

The film's message is that, while it may not be easy, change is what builds character and makes you the best version of yourself. Po doesn't know who he is, if not the Dragon Warrior, but he eventually realizes that passing wisdom down and helping others succeed is one of the greatest accomplishments he can achieve.

Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 4 out 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can find Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters on March 8, 2024. Make sure you check it out!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 16

Kung Fu Panda 4 may not pack the punch of earlier Kung Fun Panda movies, but the breathtaking animation, frenetic fights and well-placed humor more than deliver. Families must check this out for fun pandemonium that both adults and kids can enjoy.

This film starts a new journey for Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black) once he is commanded by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) to find a replacement Dragon Warrior and complete his transformation as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Unfortunately, Po knows little of spiritual learning, preferring a good fight and dumplings; worse yet, he runs into a mysterious thief Zhen (Awkwafina), who really gets under his fur. Worst of all, a sinister, shapeshifting sorceress Chameleon (Viola Davis) seeks to usurp Po's Staff of Wisdom to lead and re-summon the spirit realm that is littered with Po's finest foes. Desperate times call for desperate measures from Po as he trains and relies on Zhen. Can Po once again save the day and make a Dragon Warrior out of Zhen?

The cast is full of hilarious talent that works well off each other. Jack Black, as Po, picks up his character compellingly since he last picked up the mantle. Black's liveliness is always present, but here, he also gets to show off his emotional chops while coming to terms with change. Po might be at a career crossroads, but thankfully Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) is here to help with his elderly wisdom. The Furious Five might leave a void in their absence but thankfully Awkwafina, as Zhen, naturally fills that void with Po as their hunt for the Chameleon turns into a buddy-cop spectacle. I can't think of a better complement for Po as the duo bond over their similarities and weaknesses; furthermore, it's Zhen's inner struggle with her inherent shadiness that remains most compelling. For that reason, Zhen's inclination to improve and do the right thing is a memorable and honorable character arc. Viola Davis, as Chameleon, absolutely carries the foe's presence with her commanding, sinister voice. Sadly, the Chameleon is the weakest antagonist in the franchise. Her underdeveloped, generically villainous endgame does not bring the nuances and complexities of Po's previous rogue gallery. Last but not least, Po's parents Mr. Ping (James Ping) and Li (Bryan Cranston) undergo a wholesome quest to find Po; Cranston, in particular, comedically shines in a recurring subplot where he must fool enemies into thinking he's Po. Mike Newell aptly directs the animation with stylistic choices that allow for breathtaking world building and fluid, stadium-like fights.

The film's message is that violence never solves conflicts. Although the film is full of fisticuffs, Po goes to great lengths to first reach an understanding with his foes. Po's reluctant transformation from Dragon Warrior to Spiritual Leader is at the heart of this nonviolence; furthermore, it develops Po's brazenness into a source of peace. Despite the film's child-friendliness, parents should be aware of mild violence. A few characters unfortunately die, but thankfully the deaths are comically unfocused and mostly implied.

Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 4 out of 5 stars and from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on March 8, 2024 in theaters. Be sure to check it out in theaters.

By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 22

Set in the fun and humble town of the Valley Of Peace, Kung Fu Panda 4 had me laughing from the amusing story, amazing acting and great animation.

Po (Jack Black), the great Dragon Warrior, now has to become a spiritual leader who has to identify a successor and guide the next Dragon Warrior. He does not believe he can be a mentor and a leader, and while meditating to find a solution, he encounters a fox named Zhen (Awkwafina). A fight ensues and when Po puts her behind bars, he finds out that a new villain, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), has taken over Juniper City. With her shape shifting powers, she can turn into anyone and is planning to take over more land, including The Valley of Peace. Together, Zhen and Po go on a dangerous journey to bustling Juniper City to fight The Chameleon. They are met with countless challenges, and ultimately with the help of a team of bandits, take down The Chameleon.

Kung Fu Panda 4 definitely is entertaining with its funny and amusing characters, plus great morals and stories. The animation is mind blowing with amazing detail for these two different locations. The Valley of Peace is shown to be a small, colorful, village where everyone knows each other. Compared to the Valley of Peace, Juniper City is shown to be a darker, bustling city with many hardened people. The 60s style fight scenes, reminiscent of old Batman TV shows, kept me engaged and are very enjoyable. Jack Black definitely skadooshes as Kung Fu Panda! His empathetic and hilarious tones make it impossible not to love Po. Awkwafina is so great as Zhen because you can feel the hurt she carries with her in her voice. Viola Davis shows her Oscar prowess by delivering a very intimidating Chameleon. Dustin Hoffman, as Master Shifu, shows his annoyance and frustration towards Po in a very funny, yet kind way. Finally, Bryan Cranston and James Hong play Po's Panda and Goose dads, Li and Ping respectively, showing their love and support of Po throughout the movie. Kung Fu Panda 4 reminds us to always believe in ourselves and, even when we do not, at least pretend to. After Po gets hurt, he does not believe he can defeat The Chameleon, but his belief in himself grows with his parents' support. When it gets challenging, his panda dad, Li, is extremely worried, but acts brave just to save Po. We also are reminded that anyone has the ability to grow into a successful or beautiful thing. At first, Zhen does the wrong thing and then she remembers Po's kindness and how he believes in her and that changes her.

The film's messages are to believe in yourself and remember that kindness is important - everything we say to others affects them as it can affect how they think about themselves and ultimately, their actions.

Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on March 8, 2024

Based on the true story of Mikeal Lindnord (Mark Wahlberg), the movie takes us on a thrilling ride as Mikeal and his group set out to win a race that will go down in history. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Arthur (Ukai), a lovable dog who becomes an integral part of their team.

What makes Arthur The King truly special is its ability to resonate with both dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike. The film's visuals are breathtakingly natural, capturing the beauty of the outdoors with stunning cinematography and seamless editing. It's evident that the crew poured their hearts into bringing this true story to life, and their dedication shines through in every frame. Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Mikeal Lindnord is nothing short of remarkable. He exudes leadership and compassion, especially towards Arthur, which instantly endears him to the audience. Ukai's performance as Arthur adds depth and charm to the film, elevating it to new heights. One of the film's greatest strengths is its pacing. Despite its quick pace, Arthur The King never feels rushed. Instead, it effectively conveys the message of the film - that a dog truly is man's best friend - in a short amount of time, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The message is "dog is man's best friend" and it serves as a reminder of the special connection between humans and dogs.

I give Arthur The King 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults (and dog lovers.) This film is a heartwarming tale that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling uplifted. Don't miss your chance to experience this emotional thrill ride when it hits theaters on March 15, 2024.

By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Arthur the King is a great family film and a good movie with a strong main character and a heartwarming story. However, even with all these great aspects, the greatest part of this film is the dog.

The story focuses on Mikael Linord (Mark Wahlberg) is a renowned adventure racer who has a lot of medals but has never won the championship. He tries to get back into the sport that he loves, but along comes a furry friend to help him overcome his fears and possibly win the championship. The team adopts the dog and the adventure begins.

Arthur the King does everything right. To start off the protagonist, Mikael goes through a simple but great character journey, starting off the film as someone who refuses to listen to other people's point of view but grows as a person learning to consider others ideas by the end. Mikael isn't the only thing that makes this film good-- it's also a heartwarming story about family. If you're looking for a good film you can see with your family this is the one--you'll be happy watching this film. You may feel a little sad but mostly you'll be rooting for the characters to succeed. And Arthur the dog will win you over. The filmmakers make sure you love Arthur and hope that it never gets hurt and that it succeeds. That leads to us getting invested in this dog, and in Mikael's story, which creates strong emotional moments.

The theme of Arthur the King is that sometimes you have one goal and yet achieving that goal isn't necessarily the most important thing in your life. The theme is portrayed by Mikael as learns that his goal isn't what's most important to him--it's what he has that he takes for granted.

I give Arthur the King 3.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters March 15, 2024.

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Based on an amazing true story, Ordinary Angels takes us on a journey to a small Kentucky Town where a bold, yet emotionally struggling hairdresser, Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), finds meaning to her life by helping a tragedy stricken family who are complete strangers. With the recent loss of his wife, Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson) faces yet another hardship when his youngest daughter must have a lifesaving liver transplant in order to survive her illness. With mounting medical bills and other expenses which the Schmitt Family cannot afford, saving his daughter's life seems out of reach until Stevens sets out to move mountains in making this happen. With renewed purpose, this "ordinary angel" brings her community together in this near impossible mission.

There is so much to love about this film! The cast, with both its lead and supporting actors, are dynamite and are an absolute perfect fit for their roles. Although some scenes are bitterly sad and required a box of tissues within reach, others I found to be comedic, which offered a great balance and some time for the tears to dry up. I was totally connected to the film from beginning to end as each scene delivers something so unique, setting off a gamut of emotions. A big two thumbs up for writers Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly, as well as for director Jon Gunn, for such a powerful timely film which is a true gift in a world so divided. Ordinary Angels reminds us that we must see beyond our flaws and appreciate one another, which I can certainly appreciate. This film is the perfect family movie one in which I will be encouraging families far and wide to watch!

Ordinary Angels delivers a message of faith within "community" and allows that faith to encourage good deeds for one another. God shows up in a big way when there is faith allowing for such a unique ripple effect. Serving within your community is a powerful tool and can result in significant positive change in people's lives. "Find a reason to be here and find meaning outside yourself."

I give Ordinary Angels 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Ordinary Angels is available in theaters now.

This documentary follows Lionel Messi through the World Cup of 2022. The documentary shows his journey from when he was young to current time. It touches on his time at Barcelona, his previous World Cups, the challenges he had to overcome, his hopes and dreams for the 2022 World Cup, and finally the World Cup itself from the group stages all the way through the finals and how he feels and what he's thinking in between and throughout. The documentary does this across four episodes ranging from 44 minutes to 49 minutes in length titled "The Last Cup," "We Can Dream Again," "The Weight of a Nation," and "Redemption."

This is a feel-good documentary as we observe an inspiring man getting to accomplish his biggest dream. There's a wonderful beauty to that and this documentary is a beautiful depiction of it. Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend is really very well-made. It offers an intimate view into Lionel Messi's life. He speaks of Diego Maradonna, his soccer hero. Messi tells us that when he doesn't do well, he's very self-critical and explains how he feels guilty. The documentary includes interviews with Messi's teammates, his first coach and Argentina's coach, Lionel Sebasti�n Scaloni. It delves into what happened after the Saudi Arabia loss - 36 matches undefeated ended in the opening match. The Saudi Arabia win against Argentina came as one of the World Cup's greatest shocks. Roger Bennett says, "watching Lionel Messi walk off the field... It was agony. At this moment, he looked defeated." Everybody started attacking Messi after the World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia, saying he was overhyped and similar things. The documentary excels at comparing that incident to when Messi quit Argentina in 2016. When Messi did quit, everyone suddenly freaked out. People begged him to stay, to change his mind, there were even hash tags such as #LioDon'tLeave. Enzo Fernandez was 15 at the time and wrote a letter to Messi that ended up going viral. Six years later, Messi reverted his decision and Fernandez played alongside him in the World Cup. They won it together. The documentary is full of heart touching anecdotes like this. I truly had a smile on my face the entire time I watched it. I love seeing how Messi and his teammates celebrate after a goal - all smiles and jumping on each other. It's heartwarming how happy they look and how they support one another. Watching the team hang out together makes me smile as they sing, dance, chant, play card games and celebrate! This is all Messi's story. Throughout the documentary, you can tell he truly loves his children, his wife, his sport, his country, his team and his life. What a legend! Like Messi or not, you cannot deny that he is one of the greatest players of all time. This documentary helps us understand him, his journey, and his story. You can't say you're a soccer fan and not know the story of one of the greatest players the world has ever seen. Messi's teammates say that they all grew up watching him play. Emiliano Martinez says "We feel that we have to defend our hero." Fernandez says "The team always had the sense of wanting to win it for Leo." It felt like all of Argentina was watching, saying "We need to win because it's Messi's last one." This is an absolutely amazing documentary. I wish it had included interviews with the French team in the fourth episode, which would have given us a very interesting perspective. Argentina would have lost to France, 3-4, if not for Martinez's brilliant last-minute save.

The film's message is that you can't do it alone. The World Cup final is one of the best and most interesting matches I've ever seen. It was Messi's World Cup. But it was also Martinez's world cup. And Fernandez's world cup. Alvarez, Di Maria, De Paul, Scaloni, every other person on that team. It was Argentina's World Cup. Messi could never have done it without them. The documentary ends with Messi saying "I'm just a kid from Rosario who loves to play ball." That makes the documentary all the more inspiring. Messi says "If something is meant to happen to you, it will happen." That's another one of the messages. Messi worked really hard. This documentary shows that truly anyone can do it. Work hard enough, and you can achieve all your dreams. Don't give up. That's 100% true. But by Messi saying that, he acknowledges there's an aspect of luck to it as well.

I give Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults, but this is truly a must-watch for all fans of the sport. You can watch this documentary starting February 21, 2024 on AppleTV+.

By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend follows pro soccer player Lionel Messi's journey through obstacles and triumphs during the 2022 World Cup. Tasked with leading his team and acting as the face of Argentina, Messi must lead his teammates and country to victory.

This documentary series tells the story of all-star Messi's background throughout the episodes, often non-chronologically. However, at times this method doesn't work, and the story feels disjointed, underdeveloped and the flashbacks feel out of place. We undoubtedly root for Messi throughout the series, but only because the series urges us to cheer him on, not because we have fully gotten to know him. Also, the documentary's formula grows repetitive. We continuously witness Lionel and Argentina's performance during the World Cup, which becomes hard to watch. Messi never remains at a high or low because the series swiftly cycles between the media disliking him, him gaining back their support, and the media disliking him again. This trend is utilized so many times throughout the episodes that it's hard to cheer for a win when we know there is another devastating loss around the corner. Fortunately, Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend thrives from its frequent use of footage from Messi's games. As an audience, we truly get a sense of why Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the all time greats of soccer. He is fueled by his peers and country, which is quite inspiring. His collaboration with teammates and talent in the game is truly entertaining to watch. Viewing the way in which the Argentinean team bonds throughout their wins and losses is something very special to see.

There is no question that Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend has aspects that soccer fans and Lionel Messi fans will enjoy, but the series fails to include many additions that it would benefit from.

I give Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Catch the series when it releases on February 21, 2024 on Apple TV+.

Lincoln Lambert and Sophia Reid-Gantzert's dynamic is my favorite part of Popular Theory. At a young age, both actors seem to have mastered the art of owning their character, whether it's the micro-gestures of disgust, awe, sadness and hypochondria that Lambert portrays as Winston or Reid-Gantzert's comfort being Erwin. It's truly a delight to see them interact on screen as they transition from rivals to "colleagues," to friends, and as forces push and pull them apart. I'm a Lincoln Lambert fan, having spoken to him about his film Language Arts and having discussed his creative process. But I have to admit that Reid-Gantzert steals the show. That's largely because the screenwriters (Ali Scher and Joe Swanson) have crafted a teen movie that, thankfully, doesn't turn into a rom-com halfway through. Too often the archetype of the wannabe teenage girl eager to change herself exploited. Yes, there's an element of that trope in the film, both in Erwin's character and in Erwin's sister, Ari (Chloe East). But Erwin always stays true to who she is and takes pride in her status as a genius without coming across as too egotistical -- a good role model for young viewers. On another note, the dynamic in Erwin's home reminds one a bit of Matilda, with her aunt and father looking at her as some freak-of-nature genius. Some comical and unexpectedly sentimental moments come from Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines), who's an eccentric hairstylist. Erwin's father, Arthur (Marc Evan Jackson), stricken by the grief of losing his wife, feels a little like a prop character mainly because of a lack of screen time. He isn't given much to work with in terms of dialogue or emoting. I wonder how the film would be affected if Erwin was only raised by her aunt. The direction and production quality are other highlights. The few moments dragging the film down are wooden performances by secondary characters, but those are overshadowed by the strength and integrity of the plot.

Popular Theory shows how dangerous instantaneous popularity can be and comments on the ethics of using technology for personal and social benefit. Making change through friendship and positivity can make the high school experience and life better in more ways than one.

I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Popular Theory released in theaters on February 9, 2024.

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Popular Theory highlights the idea that friendship is all about chemistry! The movie shows the negative aspects of popularity and how a positive charge or change through friendship can make the high school experience, and life, more meaningful.

Erwin Page (Sophia Reid-Ganzert) is a 12-year-old genius at Magnolia High School and suffers from social isolation. Her formative years were spent primarily alone with her scientific experiments and books were her friends. Erwin's Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines) is certain that science is stunting her social development and with Erwin's Dad (Marc Evan Jackson) empties her room of all science materials to force her to interact with others. The situation is made worse in opposition with her popular older sister Ari (Chloe East) which contrasts the difference in the girls' social positions. High school can be depicted as survival of the fittest where popularity is all that matters to the student body. Erwin is disturbed when new student Winston (Lincoln Lambert), who is 13, enrolls at school and the two of them engage in competition for the upcoming science fair award and scholarship. Erwin and Winston end up together as science partners in their quest to win the competition by utilizing pheromones to impact popularity in their "Friendship Formula."

The ensemble cast in Popular Theory is funny and acidic and gives us the exact chemical reaction that one would hope for. The developing friendship and competitive nature of Erwin and Winston is believable and endearing. I really enjoyed the comedic timing of Cheryl Hines in her supporting role as Aunt Tammy. Also, I have to mention the hysterical drama offered by high school test subjects Casey (Kat Conner Sterling) and Alan (Varak Baronian) as they experience the reactions to their popularity quotient during the social experiment. Great performances by many other high school student cast members really make this movie combust. Popular Theory is directed by Ali Scher, who is also a co-writer with Joe Swanson. I really enjoyed the relationships and the dialogue they created. The movie has a fun soundtrack from music supervisor Ben Sokoler and music editor Jason Soudah which adds to the cause and effect of this film.

This film's message is that false friends can't replace true friends and, as in science, "particles have no meaning as isolated entities, but are better understood through their interconnections." You don't need to be popular at school or in life to thrive or be liked by everybody, but people do need somebody to connect with. Erwin and Winston don't win the science fair, but they do discover the real friendship formula.

I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This movie released in theaters February 9, 2024 so go learn why popularity isn't all that matters.

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Popular Theory is an adorable film that showcases true friendship. The camera work, charming script, clever cinematography and great actors make this film a delightful experience.

The story begins by introducing Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), a 12-year-old genius who's in 11th grade. She meets Winston (Lincoln Lambert), another 12 year-old-genius who's initially her biggest competition. But, they agree to be colleagues and work on an experiment for the school science fair. They face many obstacles but discover what friendship truly means.

I really love this film. So many aspects make it unique and really stand out. I love the camera movement; from scene to scene the film is packed with clever transitions that are so appealing to the eye. Cinematographer Damian Horan knew what he was doing - the colors are especially interesting. Erwin is constantly surrounded by the color blue; while Winston is represented by the color orange. When the two first meet the juxtaposition of the colors stands out, as their friendship grows they both start wearing each other's colors. The color palette is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also very symbolic and adds to the storytelling. I've seen similar applications like in the film 500 Days Of Summer, but I love the way Damian Horan shot this film, almost making the colors a standalone character. The art direction by Gavin Mosier and set design decoration by Mily Moreno is genius; kudos to the entire art department. Sophia Reid-Gantzert as Erwin and Lincoln Lambert as Winston make the cutest duo. They're such great actors individually, but also they work so well together. One of my favorite characters is Cheryl Hines as Aunt Tammy; she's a hairdresser and utilizes her craft as an art form. I also like how every character serves a different purpose in the film. I love the storyline; not only is it adorable but this film offers a great representation of what kids go through in high school and I think people can relate to many aspects of this film.

This film deals with many different themes like bullying, friendship, doing what is best for others, and other themes. The film's message is that popularity isn't everything and anyone can find true friendship.

I give Popular Theory 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Popular Theory is available now in theaters.

The storyline is about sharing as one kid loses a coin, which is picked up by another and, in the end they learn to share.

The animation is well executed with the exception of "the missing legs" as described above. There is no narration so the background music plays an important role and is well suited for the film.

Park Slope Panics follows a dog owner who takes his dog to the park. The dog sees a rabbit and runs off wreaking havoc around the park, ruining a picnic, and causing another dog to get loose. The film is short and it's certainly a good watch.

It's cute and, because it's so short and stop-motion at that, there's not a whole lot of leeway to fully develop a story. This one is interesting and, given the time constraints, delivers. I'm a big fan of stop motion films and this is well put together. The movement of the dog running through the streets and even some of the swift movements and face changes of the LEGOS hit home. I love the use of sound effects in the film, from objects and movements in the town, to the dog barking. The sounds are realistic; you can tell they were self-produced which makes it cool, especially since it shows the commitment of the filmmaker to create unique sounds. There isn't much voice acting, just exclamatory sounds from the characters, the dog barking, and some small speaking lines. The creator, Jack, is the writer, director, editor, animator and star. His work speaks for itself - it's terrific. As someone who loves watching those kinds of films, I was impressed at the high quality of the stop motion work, and look forward to seeing more from Jack. My favorite part is just the stop motion LEGOS. This film doesn't have much of a message - it just follows a dog chasing a rabbit around a park. Perhaps the message is to keep an eye on your pets at a park because bad things can happen.

Lia IRL follows a boy named Simon who doesn't speak much around others. He receives a new phone from his parents with an AI Assistant on it named Lia. He tries to develop conversation with LIA as if she's a real person, but as AI assistants do, she only has a limited number of capabilities. Simon, with the help of LIA, gets social experience leading up to him making new friends.

This film focuses on introverted people who have social anxiety or some form of a learning disorder. The plot has a good message but has some shortcomings. The beginning doesn't give us too much backstory on what the situation is. The film is cute though, and is a good watch. In terms of camera work, the film's scenes mostly consist of a wide view that shows Simon in the middle and you also get a sense of the world around him. It doesn't move around much, mostly it stays in one spot, focusing on the phone once in a while. Since the film focuses on a normal life, the costumes fit that standard with typical clothes a kid wears today. The sets are mostly in Simon's home and some other places that he has to go to that are mostly sports or school related. The character Simon goes from being distant and quiet at the beginning of the film to being happier and actually making a friend as the film develops. LIA becomes a friend and when she leaves, he is forced to make new friends. That experience ultimately helps him in terms of his social life and understanding of social life. The production team did well on this film. It is well made. My favorite part is when Simon is beating up his phone with the pillow and the feathers are flying everywhere. It is funny because Lia had turned into Larry, which he didn't want, and he ends up doing a lot of damage with it.

The film teaches people about social life. Especially for those who can relate to it on a different level, they will find connections of wanting to find a friend but having trouble doing so. In this case, when you do find a friend and you lose that person, it can be very upsetting. It shows us that and how, while it may be hard to make friends and you may lose friends, that's okay. You will eventually find a good friend that's worth it, helpful, and loyal.

This is a story about mending a family and how two girls take control to help foster change. It focuses on the relationship between the sisters and how they confront their parents about the stress that their fighting is causing them along with a reminder of the importance of family.

The story of a broken or hurting family is relatable to many kids. Two sisters hear their parents argue upstairs and the youngest, Cassandra, wishes that her family could return to happier times. On the day her father is moving out, she has an idea to stop the constant fighting by recreating the Christmas feeling of earlier years. Together with her older sister, Kenya, the girls confront their parents and work to unite their family by mending a family heirloom quilt. Working together they start to rebuild not only the quilt, but their family as well. I love how the girls collaborate to make their parents stop fighting and think of the effect of their arguments. The production quality is very good. Director of Photography, Esteban Quesada, really reveals the family members' emotions with all the close-ups in this short film. The set works well; the film takes place in a middle class family home. The background music and soundtrack truly add to the emotion in this film but they are not credited. The background music is well selected, whether conveying sadness or happiness like the upbeat Christmas song at the end during the credits. I really enjoyed the closeness of sisters Cassandra (Liliane Amina Hamilton) and Kenya (Suzanne Hillary Hamilton) who are sisters in real life. They have good chemistry with both their dad (Andrew Salmon) and their mom (Dana Pierce) and are all believable together as a family. The film is written and directed by Christopher Emmanuel London and you feel his message of hope in the storyline and the film. The sound is also very good thanks by Sound Operator Sergio Gutierrez and Lev Kovalenko. My favorite scene is when the family works together to mend their family heirloom quilt and make new positive memories. It gives you hope that they can live harmoniously together again if they want to.

The film's message is about hope and a reminder that what is broken can be mended if everyone works together from a place of love.

This film starts off with breaking news: tape is being stolen from around the world! Soon, everyone relies on the town superhero, Cardboard Man. Along his journey, Cardboard Man encounters different people that help him find out who is stealing all of the tape. Can Cardboard Man stop this villain?

I like how, even though the film is 5 1/2 minutes, the producers manage to fit the entire plot of the film in, without cutting any important parts. It is very interesting to see how well all of the scenes fit together. The cinematography is great! I like how, in two different scenes, they make the movements of the first scene happen just before the second one starts. For example, in the scene with the three kids playing, the first scene shows the boy pointing his hand up, and then the scene afterwards shows the same action but he is starting to talk to his sister.

The costumes definitely fit the time period in this movie because, since it is set in the present time, the people are dressed like how people dress now. For example, in the beginning of the news scene, the news reporter is dressed exactly like how a news reporter on WBAL would dress. The locations suit the story since this helps watchers understand where the story is happening. For example, when Cardboard Man is talking to his neighbor at his house, the neighborhood helps the watcher understand that Cardboard Man is not talking to a person at the grocery store. The sound effects help develop the story because, surprisingly enough, they make you understand what Cardboard Man is thinking. For example, if you hear a 'ding', you understand that Cardboard Man agrees with something another person said.

There isn't much character growth in this, but one of the characters that is well written is Feta Thunberg (Mollie Weiss) because she has a certain "villain" charm that I like. She is evil, but she also acts nice. I like the theme song that the music composer (Ruth Weiss) made because it is a simple yet interesting song. My favorite character is Feta Thunberg because, as soon as she is introduced, she makes it clear that she does not want Cardboard Man to be successful, which is great because it shows she is confident in her actions.

I liked how the story continues to get more suspenseful every minute, it really hooked me in. The cinematography is excellent, I like the shots showing the girls walking up the stairs in a trance, it looks suspenseful. The sets and locations are great! Since it's Halloween and the kids are out trick-or-treating, it makes sense that the girls are at another house. The background music makes the film seem a lot more suspenseful. I also love the music at the end, when the witches are running away; it signifies that the problem is over. There are plenty of visual effects - ghosts and monsters - and they are all incredible. It feels that both girls earned more confidence throughout the film. At first, they were afraid of the witches, but in the end, the girls know what to do and are very clever on how to escape them. The costume designer did an amazing job, especially with the Halloween costumes. They resemble the Halloween costumes I wore when I was younger. My favorite part of the film is when the girls dress up as werewolves to scare the witches away. That is funny and adorable!

The message of this film is that perseverance is everything. Without perseverance, the girls would not have made it out of the house and escaped from the witches.

The story follows three high school friends who explore an abandoned high school which they would have attended if it hadn't closed. Suspicious circumstances and a dark secret add to their interest in exploring this location.

This is a great example of student filmmaking, using special effects. The production quality is really outstanding. Excellent high school student production, although I wish there was more suspense built up before the kids discover the glowing locker. I really like the distorted scenes where Jake and Megan are in another dimension or universe. The lighting is really good throughout and adds to the eeriness of the film. The sets and locations fit the story. The high school is too pristine for a building that was supposedly abandoned 10 years ago. The sound mixing is quite excellent; the dialogue is easy to hear and the sound effects are appropriately scary and add to the mystique of the film. The special effects by Hunter Nickless are amazing, especially for a high school student who has only made one previous film. Hunter made all the graphics and created the editing himself (overseen by teachers) and it is very impressive. The three key characters in the film are Jake (Sam Broome), Megan (Chance Hagen) and Madison (Lorelei Lee). The three actors seemed quite comfortable together and enjoy the humor shown by Jake. Hunter Nickless is the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, special effects and sound designer of this film. This is his second film and I hope that he continues to learn about film production and brings his creative talents to the screen. My favorite scene is when Megan opens the locker and disappears to another dimension. I really love the graphics and special effects showing her and Jake's travel.

The film's message is that friend's stick together.

The film features two squid that dance around the screen. That's it. No storyline beyond that.

The animation is acceptable and would work well at a film festival as an interstitial.

This film is certainly impactful in outlining climate change, its causes, and offers some amazing solutions on how to fix the world in which we live. The animated characters easily captivate and educate viewers making this a perfect film for elementary classrooms.

Can Hydroponic Farming Help Reduce the Effects of Climate Change? Is an animated short film which presents viewers with the problem of climate change and reasons for which it is occurring. Worried for their future on Earth, Rachel and her robot friend Rex ponder ways to improve the world that they live in. Rex's alien encounter and the journey that they take allows the robot to get a first hand perspective on the need for immediate change on Earth.

The title of this film is somewhat misleading as I expected to learn more about the technique of hydroponics as a solution to global warming. The story line is excellent, however most of the film focuses on climate change, rather than on hydroponics. I enjoyed the way in which the information is presented and the animation is perfect for early learners. The animation is engaging, making it fun for young viewers. The characters are effective in bringing focus and detail to the problems our generation is facing and easily allows kids to understand the bigger picture. Camera angles on the characters are eye level which are great allowing viewers to more easily connect with them.

The animated characters are brightly dressed and have an intriguing look to them. All characters appear sci-fi which are perfect for the story line. The animators mixed it up a bit by adding a variety of life forms as characters; humans, robots and aliens. Backgrounds include Earth, other planets, and outer space all of which are creative and very interesting. The other planets and outer space backgrounds are imaginative which helps to hold our interest. Those backgrounds depict a very depleted world plagued with overcrowding, pollution, and deforestation and send a powerful message to viewers. The choice of music for both the intro and outro doesn't seem to fit the film. Something more sci-fi or techno may have fit the film better. Other music throughout was appropriate, especially when giving scientific meanings of concepts being explained. Animated characters show good emotion allowing connection to viewers. Rachel is full of fear for the unknown and delivers her concerns appropriately given the circumstances. The alien in an attempt to give a call to action to make change for Earthlings, speaks in a monotone and direct manner which gives great importance to his words. Star power goes to Rex the robot, as he delivers great knowledge to viewers in such a fun and expressive way. It is obvious that director Kevin Leadingham has a true passion for entertaining, educating, and making positive change. This is an impactful short film that I hope finds its way into elementary classrooms everywhere. This film delivers such important education in a fun way and the film's message of making positive change is critical for future generations. Although I absolutely love the film's message, the animation, and the problems addressing climate change, I question whether the production values are high enough to screen it on the big screen. Its use might be restricted to online or classroom type viewing. Also, the title is misleading. The film's focus is more on the impact of climate change rather than on the solution of hydroponics. My favorite part of the film is its message which addresses the need for change. Humans are depleting valuable resources on Earth and if we are to make positive change for future generations, change is critical. Several solutions with proven positive results are possible but change starts with each of us.

This high school student film starts following a young girl named Rose (Rose Borden) who asks her grandpa for a bedtime story. Her grandpa agrees, and tells Rose about how grandparents shrink as they get older. Rose goes to bed, afraid, and wakes up the next morning not knowing where Grandpa is.

This film is definitely kid-friendly, and it resembles a "perfect" weekend with the grandparents. I like the suspense in the storyline. It makes good use of how dialogue with children can be confusing at times when grandpa tells Rose that older people start shrinking. That causes Rose to have nightmares and then, when she wakes up, we don't know where Grandpa has disappeared to, which starts a small adventure for her and us. The camera work is quite good and makes use of medium shots, long shots and close-ups. . One shot that stands out to me is when Rose is tossing and turning in her sleep. The camera really captures the worry on her face as she is sleeping. The sets and locations suit the story. I like how they contributed to Rose trying to find her grandpa, since she goes to a few different places searching for him - his bedroom, the pier, and other places. The sound effects stand out to me. When Rose is walking, she steps on a raspberry and it makes a squishing sound. This makes the audience think she squished something, and it made me think that perhaps Rose stepped on Grandpa! There isn't much character growth shown with any of the characters, but I love how, in the end, Rose realizes she didn't squish Grandpa. The costumes all stand out for me; they remind me of what I wore when I went to my grandparents' house. My favorite part of the film is when Grandpa comes back home, because it is so heartwarming to see Rose hugging her grandpa, knowing he is alright.

The film's message is to never jump to conclusions. Rose immediately thinks she squished her grandpa, which made her very worried, until she found out that he was okay.

The storyline is about a poor vampire who has lived through the centuries, apparently in the basement of a house. She's gotten colder and colder every year and is fed up with it to the point that she is ready to do anything to get warm, including becoming human again. She visits an alchemist for a concoction to solve her problem and... you'll have to watch the film to find out what happens.

Fun animation, well executed. Love the color palette of purple, black and grey. The background music is noticeably an integral part of this film, enhancing her every movement and thought. The film is entirely non narrative, which makes the music even more important. With kids' interest in vampires keen right now, the topic is particularly relevant.

The film's message is to follow your goosebumps - I mean your desires - in order to get what you need.

The story follows four friends who sneak into their school's science lab to make their favorite thing - slime! They soon discover that the secret ingredient that they used to make the slime has given them extraordinary brilliance in science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M)! Excited about their newfound abilities, the Sci-kids work together to avoid mayhem as they solve mysteries at the school.

My hat is off to the director creating an entertaining and relevant film. The storyline is good, but very predictable. Kids do something wrong; get covered in mysterious goo; and gain special abilities -- this reminds me of every superhero story. I really like the cinematography, especially the shots when Javier is getting ready and transitions from outfit to outfit. I enjoyed the storyline, but did notice some flaws. For example, the mics pick up background noises like shoes brushing against the pavement. The background music stands out; the scene where the janitor is dancing is super fun. The cast all play their roles exceptionally well, especially Hunter Silverman who plays Mike, who sold every bit of his role with his facial expressions and the intonation of his voice. My favorite part is when the janitor is dancing; this scene was hilarious.

The film's message is that there is nothing you can't do. Be aware that it does contain bloody, gory acts of violence; shows negative behavior; and shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate -- the kids sneak into the school during recess and make a mess.

This film is about young peoples' experiences with bullying and their thoughts on why it exists and how to stop it. There are points of view from children and adults. Each person gives their story and how they have dealt with bullying.

I like that everyone that spoke expressed how they moved past the bullying. They discussed different things like keeping good friends, talking to a therapist and working hard to not judge people. The interviews are about everyone's bullying experiences and what they learned from it. I particularly enjoyed the anti-bully boy and wanted more from that character. There is nothing particularly interesting about the camera work, angles or shots. Students are filmed against a plain backdrop. The lighting is not particularly good, but works well enough to not detract from the impact of the film. Many of the interviews have the camera angled up at the person being interviewed, which I found to be distracting. It seems that we are often looking up at the speaker. There are many different angles and uses of lighting that cause shadows. It is unclear if that was intentional or not. The session with Navi has different lighting but it is the same interview format. The audio is pretty serviceable, although one scene outside suffers from lack of use of a windscreen. There isn't background music during the film. There is only music in the introduction and outro. My favorite part is when the anti-bully boy comes out! The film quality may not work well on a big screen; I recommend a small screen or virtual screening rather than a big screen event.

The film's message is about how to deal with any bullying encounter you have and offers ways to stop bullying from happening.

The story follows two NASA engineers who work together to make a Mars Rover. After many failed attempts of making the Mars Rover, Alex (Eben Mahan) tells his colleague that he's been fired. After hearing the devastating news they decide to spend their time with one more space tour.

I like how unpredictable this storyline is. I would've never thought the two elders in the film are the two engineers. The cinematography is amazing; the shots are amazingly clear, especially the images at the end which are great. The visual effects of space nebulas are amazing. I love the shots of the Rover too! The majority of the film takes place in a lab and the lab set here is perfect for the film. The background music adds the dramatic effect, building to a crescendo at the height of Alex's frustrating monologue about having been fired. The actors, Eben Mahan and Angie Sandoval, play their roles exceptionally well from their facial expressions to the intonation of their voices, plus there is great chemistry between them. Although colleagues, it's clear that they care for each other and are respectful of each other's work. I love the ending shot. The love of the filmmaker, WadeBE, for the work of those at the NASA Houston Space Center is clear and he brings magic to the screen.

The film's message is that we are not our mistakes, and we can always learn from them and move on.

How to Make a Film About My Son, Jack explores the complexities of a filmmaker trying to make a film about his young son. This documentary is a love letter from a father to his son - a snapshot in time.

The production quality is quite good with lots of beautiful shots, good lighting and good audio. The documentary is supposedly about Jack but, in reality, the story is more about the father and him experiencing fatherhood. Jack is an adorable subject. He does not effectively communicate at his age so the graphic interpretation of his communication on screen is most welcome. We see how much Jack enjoys flowers and, in fact, flower was one of his first words. I love the focus of some of the shots, especially those from Jack's perspective that are shot low to the ground. For example, Jack is running to pluck a dandelion and the camera is solely focused on the dandelion until Jack arrives and his hand grabs the flower. It's one of my favorite shots. The background music by Benjamin Pawlak is very soothing and fits this documentary quite well. The sound mix throughout the film is very good and the dialogue is very clear. The film's progression is a little confusing because the film starts showing Jack walking and running and then later shows him as an infant and beginning to crawl - later, it reverts to scenes of him walking and running once again. The film is directed and narrated by Michael Plewa, who is also Jack's father. My favorite scenes are those showing Jack's happiness as he looks and touches various flowers and other natural foliage.

The film's main characters are two blobs - one white, one black. They appear to be competing in the beginning, transforming themselves into various critters - one more interesting than the last. In the end, they conform in a way that indicates their cooperation.

The animation is very well made, giving the blogs distinctive characteristics. The background music helps push the story along - it is simple but poignant with the bass driving the pulse of the film. This was submitted in the middle school category, yet the filmmakers age is give as age 44 - so that is confusing. I'm unsure if actual students were involved in creating this or the filmmaker just selected the wrong category. This will be important as far as categorizing it for KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

The film's message seems to indicate that even opposites can find a way to collaborate.

Three friends, Roy (Kyle Collesano), Gee (Peter Jurado) and Biv (Leah Voysey), start off the show by getting today's activity delivered: paints! They learn how to mix paints, paint on a canvas, and meet three new friends who are professional artists.

The plot is very adorable; it is so cute to see the puppets struggle with their portraits, and in the end they look lovely. The storyline is similar to Elmo's World but they add the twist of having multiple puppets. The camera work is a bit shaky at times - there are often white streaks across the screen, and the quality is very pixelated. Not only does the video need work but the audio is second rate. It is muffled at times and I have to strain my ears to hear. The puppets are adorable and their appearances fit their names. I like how colorful the artist's outfits are. The set was mediocre, with just a black curtain and a black table; however the artist studios' are beautiful and I love seeing their artwork displayed. The voice acting for Biv is stellar. Leah Vysey completely portrays the posh and bossy puppet and is, without a doubt, my favorite character! The screenplay is impeccable. The most outstanding part of the film is when Maria Lomboni (one of the artists) starts talking about how you should never give up and that all art is beautiful because everybody's style is different, so there is no 'wrong' way in art.

The film's message is about exploring new hobbies and having fun while doing it.

The film explores an outdoor area that children use to explore and play. The audience listens to the children as they explain how they interact with nature and express their joy while doing so.

Denise Sheridan (preschool owner) and Rachel Doolin (film director) have created an outstanding collaboration that shows the importance of unstructured play in a natural setting. There isn't really a plot, or linear storyline. It is more of a descriptive piece about an area where children play. The camera shows many areas of the play place and includes interesting closeups of things such as flowers and bees. The set is paramount to the storyline. I enjoyed the introduction and outro music. In the intro and outro there is a scene with mini fairy boots and a welcome sign - at the beginning I wondered if the film would be about fairies and "their land," however, that is not the case. The subjects in the film are children and they accurately describe the space in the film and how they feel about being there. They feel happy, curious and joyful. I enjoyed listening to the children talking about where bugs live, singing about the different kinds of dirt and expressing their joy for the log walk.

The film's message is about the importance of unstructured play in a natural setting that supports children's curiosity and learning.