Ages 2-5 Titles from KIDS FIRST!

The storyline begins when a boy writes a note and puts it in the bottle and releases it into the ocean. This bottle is discovered and rediscovered time and again, as it travels across the world. The story is told without very little dialogue and the movements of the people and places relay the story as the bottle travels from India to Africa, Japan to Hungary, Chile to Israel and more. It gives us an overview of how people are alike and different.

This is a very heart warming story about how we are all connected. As the bottle travels around the world, people pick it up, study it, take their time to add a note to it and, eventually it returns to the original boy, now a grown man. The animation is a bit inconsistent - sometimes the same person is animated differently. In the African dance scene, people blend together or disappear entirely. I really like the scene where the boy wakes up in bed. There are many characters in this film; each of them writes a message that gets put into the bottle. I like how the bottle travels to different places and shows people of different ethnicities discovering it. Since this takes place around the world notes are left in many different languages. I love the inclusion of music and dancing, which beautifully tie the film together. I like the act of kindness when the boy gives a man on the street some food and how kindness is repeated as the bottle travels the world. I love the inclusion of the lighthouse in the story; the boy's journey begins and ends there - with him as the lighthouse keeper. I also like how the locations are included in the end credits. My favorite part is at the end when the messages are all taken out of the bottle and we see what every person wrote. The film's message is that everybody has a different story to tell and that we are all connected in some way.

The film opens at Christmas time when a gift under the tree is a toy train. The train is used happily for many years until it breaks and is discarded. Someone rescues it from the trash and reinvents it beautifully.

Kudos to Angel Wang for a beautifully animated story that brings back memories of times past in the form of this sweet Christmas train. It reminds me of one that my own family had for many years.

This short animated film follows a young girl walking through a park with her dog and we observe her encounters with other children, adults, dogs, and the natural elements in the park. People are kind to each other, helping each other out, and engaging with the park's pond, leaves and rainbows.

The film is written, directed and produced by Frank Passalaqua, who also composed the music. I presume he used AI to create the animation, and it's exceedingly well executed. The story portrays how the simplest things can make us happy - whether it's the smile of a friend in the park, or a grandparent's blessing, or someone helping a child recover from a fall on a bike, acts of kindness are their own reward.

The film's message is about the value of kindness in our everyday lives.

This short documentary was created by students at St Luke's Primary School, Northampton, England. Over 40 students, ages 5 to 11 participated over the course of a year to create this. They wrote the script, selected costumes, and acted in it - all under the guidance of their teacher. Their focus is on the impact of computers, social media and the internet on young people and they nailed it!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and, when I learned how involved the students were from scripting it to performing, I was doubly impressed. The camera work, audio recording and editing are all outstanding. The background music is adequate - nothing stands out really. The graphics, however, do stand out - and the use of text enhances the presentation greatly. This is really impressive work and so timely.

Joy O' Dance highlights young performers in Yorkshire, England preparing for a show. The film demonstrates how dance practice and performance builds confidence and deepens relationships. Pure joy for the dancers and the audience is the result.

This 20 minute documentary is easy to understand because of backstage interviews and preparation. The camera work and locations are beautiful. Lighting is a challenge when shooting backstage and even on-state, but it's quite acceptable. Some of the footage seems spliced together from different shots so the quality varies, some of it feeling pretty home spun. The intense feeling of the cast members is evident. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with the twins and the group of boys. The costumes, hair and makeup are quite good in this production. I particularly loved the animal costumes. My favorite scene is when the twins are dancing in the roles of Aslan and the White Witch. I also enjoyed scenes with the youngest dancers as ballerinas and mice. I love the sense of comradely in the film. Joy and fulfillment can result through dance, especially when connecting with the other performers around you. Opening oneself to these opportunities and experiences enriches your life whether you are performer, audience, a volunteer or a family member.

The film's message is that connection and community are important.

The story follows the Dog and the Pony who are hanging out in a field when they see a plane, pack their bags and decide to travel. Their first stop is London where we watch them traveling and having a good time.

I really like the animation of this film and especially like how everything has a rounded look to it. I particularly like the shot of the plane going up into the sky. We see Dog and Pony arrive in London, which is easy to identify because the scenery clearly depicts London. I really enjoyed the closeup when they stare at the guard. Dog and Pony are animated and they don't talk, but we can tell it is happening from their facial expressions, especially the closeups of their eyeballs! It takes place in the present. The background music offers a happy vibe and really the entire film has an upbeat feeling. I commend the animators for the attention to detail. The way the animation is done makes it feel softer. Also, the colors are very vibrant and cheerful. My favorite part is when they are trying to break the British Guard's concentration. That is very funny and I love how it is animated. I can't wait to see more from these two characters as this seems like the start of a fun series.

The film's message is that animals want to have fun too.

I give MALIBU AND ROXIE'S ADVENTURES - A Tale of Two Tails 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults.

This silly short film has a plethora of short riddles to solve and, offers some tips along the way.

I give Riddle-Solving Techniques 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12.

This documentary is sort of like a moving image encyclopedia, featuring various animals that live on Earth and describing their lives, habitat and more.

I enjoyed this, although I wanted to know more. For example, is this part of a series? If so, how will that be organized. I liked the information presented here; the narration is clear; but, the animal selection seems a bit random. There are great images of the animals, both in live action and still photos. Tell me, what's next?

This educational animated music video introduces the letters D, E and F. The colors are bright, the characters are multicultural with a darn skinned little girl the main human component. The music drives the action which is focused on teaching the letters D, E and F by showing images and interactions that are fun, healthy and easy to relate to.

This educational animated music video introduces the letters G, H, and I, representing the words Good Things, Happy, and Imagination. The colors are bright, the characters are multicultural with a darn skinned little girl the main human component. The music drives the action which is focused on teaching the letters G, H and I by showing images and interactions that are fun, healthy and easy to relate to.

The story's main character is MeloRaka, a kind little poodle, who becomes involved with an autistic blobfish named Blobblot, who has a unique take on the world. As they spend time together, MeloRaka begins to understand Blobblot better and bit by bit, their relationship grows. Part of the intent of this film is to introduce young audiences to neurodiversity and encourage them to accept them.

The animation is well done and the characters are appealing. One thing that doesn't appeal to me much is the use of a squeaky voice for the main character -- I find it grating. Also, the background music is very repetitive and doesn't add much to the over impact of the film. Otherwise, it's a cute show and has an admirable purpose.

This is a kid friendly live-action musical short film featuring the Rainbow Rangers, Jeff, Paige, and Shaun as they explore nature and the environment. The film uses song, dance, storytelling and play to explore the natural world and teach viewers about science, the environment, and nature. It also incorporates some Spanish language vocabulary, which adds to its charm and educational impact.

Well produced with delightful lead characters and additional performances by charming children, either as a group or individually. This film is primarily live action, but it makes good use of brightly colored animation as transitions from one scene to another. The lead actors cosplay elements when discussing things such as composting, animals in nature, and physics - and I wasn't always enamored by that as it sometimes seems to make these things confusing. For example, an actor plays a bobcat which may confuse younger viewers about what a real bobcat looks like. However, during a song about bobcats, an actual bobcat is featured. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of positive things about this show - On the plus side, explaining certain scientific concepts, such as density and animal classification based on what they eat, is done very well. This really is a terrific way to learn scientific principles. Also, the songs are spot on and the principals are accomplished singers. The film flows quite well - the scenes are organized so that each one relates to the next one. For example, a Rainbow Ranger throws a rock into the water, and the scene changes to a game called "sink or float," where the Rangers experiment with objects to see if they will sink or float. Then, it changes to a lab where they discuss density and its real life effects. The content is accurate and kid appropriate. It is definitely suitable for the intended audience and discusses concepts and ideas in a way that is easily understood. I like that it ends with a sitting meditation and encourages the viewer to turn off the TV and go outside and explore. There are no credits, which is a disappointment as we always like to learn who did what.

The story is about a lonely ghost who has no friends and realizes that the first day of school might offer the opportunity to change that. I love how the little girl approaches the ghost to become their friend and, they do. Sometimes, life is just as simple as that. Know what you want and it might just come your way. Well produced with good camera work, audio recording and editing. I really like the song that plays under the credits at the end.

The story follows Drill the Mole as he undertakes the task of stopping Captain Reload and his band of bird pirates from destroying his quiet town.

Great animation. Fact paced action. This truly would work well as an interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and I'd love to see it turned into a feature film.

This short film blends live action, with Andy as the main character, and a smidge of 2D animation to create the spider. The music really drives the storyline and it's spot on, well recorded, easy to listen to and easy to sing along.

The storyline follows a girl named Mabel (Piper Curda) trying to save her local glade filled with peaceful animals. She would go there with her grandma whenever she wanted to find some peace in her life. The Mayor of Beaverton (Jon Hamm) has plans to destroy the glade with new construction. With the help of her teacher, Mabel uses technology to hop into a beaver's body and teams up with the animals and mammal King George (Bobby Moynihan) to save her land.

The animation in Hoppers is bright, lively and full of motion. Every scene feels like it's bursting with color and energy. The characters move so smoothly that I easily smiled along with them, especially during the funniest moments. The voice actors' performances stand out and really make this film shine. Piper Curda, as Mabel, shows her passion for nature through her voice so well. You can hear the excitement and the energy in her voice when she's happy and feel the desperation when her animals are hurt. Bobby Moynihan, as King George, has a parental tone when he teaches Mabel the ways of the pond and when he teaches her lessons about friendship, family, and trust. Jon Hamm, as the Mayor of Beaverton, also delivers a great performance; I particularly like how he shows how sometimes people try to be there for others, but hurt other things in the process. Meryl Streep's presence is felt even in a small body as the Insect Queen. Though she is small, she is formidable. The music adds so much joy to the story, with upbeat melodies that fit perfectly with the action and softer tunes that make the emotional parts feel warm and touching. The music works together with the animation to bring the world of Hoppers to life in a way that's fun for both kids and adults.

The film's message is about being still, watching, and listening; it shows that everyone and everything is connected, and how paying attention to the little things can help you understand the world around you. It also reminds us that everyone has good in them, even when they make mistakes. We see characters making choices that aren't always perfect, but by looking for the good in others, they learn kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Finally, trust is shown like a dam - sometimes it might leak or get broken, but it can always be repaired when people work together to fix it.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages to 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on March 6, 2026.

By Avani M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

From the very first scene, Hoppers jumps straight into the kind of fun, heart, and adventure that Pixar does best. I was instantly pulled in by the humor, the colorful world, and the lovable characters. Before I knew it, I was fully invested in their journey. What I love most is how the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, making it entertaining for kids while still meaningful for adults.

In Disney/Pixar's all-new animated comedy adventure, Hoppers, animal lover Mabel gets the chance to use groundbreaking technology to "hop" her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate directly with animals. As she uncovers incredible mysteries of the animal world, she befriends the charismatic beaver King George and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face an imminent human threat: smooth-talking local mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm).

Visually, Hoppers is stunning. The animation is vibrant, detailed, and bursting with life - every frame feels thoughtfully crafted. The character designs are expressive and full of personality, making their emotions feel real and relatable. The voice cast brings incredible energy and heart to the film, perfectly matching both the humor and emotional beats. Bobby Moynihan voices King George, the leader of the pond, and his voice is perfect for the role. Piper Curda shines as Mabel, a passionate animal lover with so much heart, while Dave Franco is hilarious as Titus, a demanding and spoiled character who transforms into the Insect King. The music and sound design elevate key moments throughout the film, making the action exciting and the quieter scenes especially touching.

Hoppers delivers a powerful message about empathy, teamwork, and embracing differences. It reminds us that everyone has a voice and a purpose, even if they do not fit the mold or feel confident at first. It encourages viewers to be brave, to listen to others, and to believe that working together can lead to positive change, making Hoppers not just a fun movie, but a meaningful one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Hoppers in theaters March 6, 2026.

The story follows the real life penguin, Patrick the Penguin, who found himself in Australia after trying to find fish for his family.

Well made production, making good use of stock footage of penguins to pull together this tale.

The story takes place on Midwinter's Eve on Tulipop Island! The Yodies anxiously await Midwinter's Eve and gifts from the Munchkin, but when they arrive, the gifts are wacky. The Yodies take off to find out what is going on and discover that Munchkin's younger sister Aurora has inadvertently mixed up all the gifts and set out to make it right again.

The animation stands out in this short film; it's well executed, with smooth movements, interesting camera shots and adorable characters. The plot is easy to understand, even for younger children - someone mixes up everyone's gifts and we need to fix that! The background music is unremarkable, but helps move the story alone. My favorite part is the ending, when all is set right again.

The story follows 11-year-old Jordan and how he takes action after seeing homeless people on the streets of LA. His teacher encourages him to write a book about it; sell the book; and use the proceeds to help the homeless -- which he does.

This is truly a family affair with Jordan's dad and sister as producers; his dad as director and his sister as the writer. It's beautifully narrated by Jordan, with live video and illustrations from Jordan's book. Most importantly is its inspiring lesson that anyone can make a difference.

Will Harris (Caleb McLaughlin) is one of the best Roarball players in the town of Vineland, and he pursues the dream of one day joining the big leagues to play for his hometown team, the Thorns. There is just one... small problem. Will is a goat, and no animal his size has ever even attempted to set foot on the court. But that's all about to change. When Will gets the golden opportunity he's been waiting for to join the team, he jumps at the chance. Unfortunately his towering teammates aren't exactly stoked that he's joining their ranks. However, with a little work, Will is determined to win over his team and show the world that "smalls can ball!"

What set this film apart from others is the level of authenticity and attention to detail that it provides. I had the opportunity to go onsite at Sony Pictures Animation and meet some of the creatives that worked on this film. From John Clark, GOAT's head of cinematography, and Keely Propp, the head of story, I discovered that many of the Roarball play sequences were inspired by actual basketball plays used by the Golden State Warriors. The moves were modeled like a game of chess using 3D printed incarnations of the characters before being animated. Speaking of the animation, the style is unique and very fast, with camera angles that zoom right into the middle of the action. It felt like I was on the court with the team! The storyline is one that I am able to appreciate, with Will giving his all to make his mother, Louise Harris (Jennifer Hudson) proud. The other members of the Thorns, Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union), Modo Olachenko (Nick Kroll), Olivia Burke (Nicola Coughlan), Archie Everhardt (David Harbour), and Lenny Williamson (Stephen Curry) have unusual chemistry, and Will's small-town personality clashing with their big-league personas is a great source of humor. Jett has been Will's hero since forever and, though things start off rocky between them, they soon learn to trust each other, and work together with the team.

This film's message is that no one is too small to dream big. Though Will might be the smallest player in all of Roarball history, he doesn't let that stop him from bringing his team together, and becoming the G.O.A.T.

I give GOAT 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 13, 2025.

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The new animated film Goat comes out of the gate strong and never misses a shot. The film delivers high energy, heart, and style. I love how confidently Goat blends sports excitement with emotional storytelling. It's the kind of movie that had me cheering from the get go, laughing on the sidelines, and fully invested in every play.

Goat is an animated sports comedy following Will, a small underdog goat with big dreams to play "roarball," a high-intensity, full-contact sport dominated by large animals. Produced with Stephen Curry, the film follows Will's journey to prove that "smalls can ball" in a story inspired by overcoming odds.

Set against a sports-driven backdrop, the story centers on perseverance, teamwork, and finding your inner strength when it matters most. As the pressure builds and challenges mount, the journey becomes less about winning the game and more about discovering what it truly means to have heart. The characters are dynamic, relatable, and full of personality, each bringing their own strengths to the court. The music is phenomenal, perfectly amplifying the emotion and adrenaline of every major moment. The bold animation style, vibrant colors, and eye-popping visuals are truly a feast for the eyes, every frame feels alive and in motion. Combined with a sports-driven storyline, nonstop visual creativity and an all-star voice cast, which includes Stephen Curry as the voice of Lenny, a giraffe, Gabrielle Union, who voices Jett, a black panther, and Caleb McLaughlin, who voices Will, a goat. Goat plays like a fast break straight to the hoop, keeping audiences engaged and energized the entire time. It is truly an animated slam dunk that proves Sony Animation is still playing at an elite level. With its uplifting themes and emotional payoff, Goat proves that when you trust your game and keep pushing forward, anything is possible.

Goat delivers a powerful message about self-confidence, resilience, and never giving up, even when you miss a few shots along the way. It reminds viewers that greatness isn't just about talent, but about heart, determination, and believing in yourself when it counts.

I give Goat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. So lace up your sneakers and sprint to the theaters to watch it on Friday, February 13, 2026.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I love this film! GOAT is a fun filled, humorous, inspirational animated story that made me feel happy throughout the film. I found myself laughing and being drawn into the plot and caring about each character's storyline.

GOAT is about a young goat, Will (Caleb McLaughlin) who dreams of playing professional Roarball. He works hard and trains until one day his wish comes true. However, he has a lot to learn about being on a team, believing in yourself, and never giving up. His teammates, Jett (Gabrielle Union), Lenny (Stephen Curry), Olivia (Nicola Coughlan), Archie (David Harbour) and Modo (Nick Kroll) are along for the journey with their own challenges.

This is one of those films that is a feast for your eyes. The background animation looks like it comes from a story book and every scene is filled to the brim with details. The film also includes camera angles that make it feel like you are there in the story instead of feeling like you are watching from the audience. There are so many details that I plan to watch this film again to see what I missed the first time. It excels in incorporating modern trends and music. I love the creativity that went into making each stadium where Roarball is played. I really like how each character is developed with anthropomorphic behaviors unique to each character. My favorite part is when Will takes Jett to the diner where he and his mom used to work at so she can meet some of her most loyal fans.

The film's messages include follow your dreams, never give-up, and embrace the qualities that make us unique. There are also messages about the importance of family and friends and a reminder that there is so much more to every individual than what we see on the surface. I also like that this film demonstrates taking ownership and responsibility for your actions.

I give GOAT 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. GOAT releases in cinemas February 13, 2026.

The story picks up where Zootopia left off with Fox/Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Carrots/Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) being teamed up for their first assignment. But this is no ordinary assignment and, as usual, this team cannot stay away from getting involved in a real crime case. The two take on various battles to ultimately help Gary De' Snake (Ke Huy Quan) recover the loss of reptiles from Zootopia. Bellwether (Jenny Slate) corruptly tries to keep Zootopia a land of predator vs prey, but Nick and Judy bamboozle her in a way that is unexpected to save Zootopia. A suspenseful plot twist centering around antagonist Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) and his family brings the story full circle as a reminder that villains never win.

Disney has outdone itself with the animation as it even surpasses the animation of Zootopia. The vibrant colors and attention to detail absolutely nail all the weather scenes. Plus, the funny scenes are endless. My favorite ones involve a recording carrot pen that is used several times for amusing blackmail tactics between Nick and Judy. Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) returns as one of my most liked characters because of his integrity in helping Nick and Judy by giving them tips along the way. LaMarche's voice fits Mr. Big's character perfectly. Shakira brings the vocals again for another stunning performance as Gazelle. It fascinates me how many big-name celebrities are in this film with minor roles. The character name puns are hilarious. For example: Bartender Slick Di'Giguani is played by Nick DiGiovanni, Zeke AKA That Dik-Dik Stuck in that Tuba is played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michael J. The Fox by Michael J. Fox, and Ed Shearin is played by none other than Ed Sheeran, to name a few.

This film's message is about how when everyone works together, despite their differences, everyone wins. The importance of friendship and how to maintain relationships are also common themes throughout the film. Note that there are some violent scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Zootopia 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on November 26, 2025.

By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I love the movie Zootopia 2 because of its action-packed intensity, emotional layers, and how it talks about making difficult decisions.

The story takes place in the famous Zootopia, and follows Judy and Nick (Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman) as they work to expose the cunning Lynxleys and save an innocent snake (Ke Huy Quan) from being captured. They infiltrate a gala, and Judy meets a kind Lynxley named Pawbert (Andy Samberg), but they see that the snake has stolen the journal celebrating weather walls, supposedly invented by the Lynxleys, and become the police's number one target. In the end, Nick goes to jail, but escapes, and Pawbert betrays them, trying to kill Judy and Nick, but they find the original patent for the weather walls, and snakes are welcomed back into Zootopia.

The story really demonstrates how one must look beyond what is obvious, and find what is hidden, even if it means sacrificing how you thought the world was. My favorite character is Nick Wilde, because of his obvious care for Judy, and his rational thought patterns. The voice talent is spot on. There are several main characters that weren't in the first, as well as the return of many characters we have come to love, such as Chief Bogo, Gazelle, Dawn Bellweather, and Clawhouser (Idris Elba, Shakira, Jennifer Slate, Nate Torrence). The new characters are also very intriguing-Gary, Nibbles, Pawbert Lynxley, and Milton Lynxley (Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, and David Strathairn). My favorite part is when Judy and Nick reveal a lot of emotional trauma between themselves in a very sweet way.

The film's message is about learning to look beyond what is obvious to find what is hidden, physically, mentally and emotionally. Be forewarned that there are some extremely violent scenes, betrayal, and fear.

Zootopia 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It will be released in theaters on November 26, 2025.

By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I was thrilled to dive back into the magical creature world of Zootopia 2, this time exploring the Marsh Market, a vibrant realm dedicated to water animals. I enjoyed seeing Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) step away from his criminal past and absolutely love the new mayor in town. The plot is filled with perfectly balanced twists, a few jump scares, and just the right amount of justice.

This sequel to the beloved Disney animated film picks up only a week after the first movie ends. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde are navigating their new partnership and trying to prove they're more than a one-hit duo. Once again, they uncover a long-buried secret within Zootopia, and the discovery sends them into brand-new territories as they work to make their city better for all creatures.

I love seeing familiar faces like Flash (Raymond S. Persi) and meeting new characters such as the helpful Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan), who drives much of the plot, and the hilarious and heroic Mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton). One of my favorite moments is when Judy and Nick discover the Reptile Ravine. The homes feel truly reptilian, with scale-like textures and long, curved shapes. It feels like a lost world we didn't get to see in the first movie--because it was buried under the snow! The villainous Lynxly family does not disappoint, and I was excited to see Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate), who remains delightfully evil and even escapes from prison... which definitely feels like a hint at Zootopia 3! The film's message centers around the need to prove you belong. Whether it's Judy and Nick proving their partnership, or Gary De'Snake showing that snakes aren't the bad guys, the message of accepting others for who they are shines throughout the film.

Zootopia 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 26, 2025.

The film follows Chicken and his person, Mr. Birke, as Chicken overeats at the school lunchroom and has to go to the vet to find out what's wrong.

All of the characters are puppets, and quite cute ones at that, especially the main characters, Chicken and Mr. Birke. The backgrounds - Mr. Birke's home, the school lunchroom, and the vet's office - perfectly suit the story and are well illustrated. The voice actors, Mia McGlinn and Birke Raymond Duncan (who is also the director) give great performances. The topic, of overeating, is one that resonates well for young kids who sometimes get carried away until their tummy hurts.

The film's message about not overeating is age appropriate and suitable.

This short film is an episode from a new live action TV series called "Run the Marbles." In this, two on-camera hosts, one in a wheelchair, explore different ways to make marbles move.

What a great way to explore various principles of physics! This is as entertaining as it is educating. Well made with great camera work, audio recording and editing. I can't wait to share this with my grandson.

The film's message is about how STEM principles apply to everyday tasks - well, if you consider running marbles every day. Perhaps I should say, things you can relate to.

The story follows Hawkeye (Chris Cox), who finds himself in a strange new situation after the Avengers mysteriously vanish. With his teammates gone, Hawkeye ends up leading a group of leftover heroes on a mission to stop a social media-obsessed villain who turns cats into a full-blown crisis. As if fighting evil wasn't hard enough, now he has to deal with literal cat chaos! Along the way, he learns what it really means to be part of a team--even when things get weird--but can he put a stop to this CAT-tastrophe?

The animation in LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails looks great and feels sharper and more colorful than ever. The LEGO characters move smoothly, and their expressions are full of energy, which makes every joke land perfectly. The backgrounds, like Doctor Strange's magical world and the city streets packed with cats, are filled with fun details that made me want to pause and look closer. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Chris Cox giving Hawkeye just the right mix of confidence and sarcasm. What really stands out, though, is the music-- something that's not common in many LEGO series. The custom soundtrack adds a lot to the action scenes and makes everything feel more epic. This installment also has a ton of surprises for Marvel fans. Seeing Spider-Man, the Thing, and Wolverine all pop up in LEGO form is really exciting. One of the funniest moments happens when Sabretooth gets thrown through a wall while a group of heroes plays Go Fish in the background--it's random and ridiculous in the best way. The humor works for both kids and adults, balancing silly puns with clever jokes about the Marvel universe. This is absolutely the best series to introduce kids to Marvel fandom.

The show's message is that teamwork is the key to success. It also shows how friendship and trust help people overcome even the strangest situations. Parents should know there's some mild cartoon fighting, but it's all in good fun and totally age-appropriate.

I give LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can stream the show in full on Disney+ beginning November 14, 2025.

By Jackson N., age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a good film for younger kids. Though it is quite different from the original Marvel Movies as well as other LEGO movies, it is a worthwhile watch.

The storyline follows Hawkeye and The Avengers facing their wildest threat yet - social media. To save the world, The Avengers have to recruit a new team to fight their new rival - cats! Specifically, these magic cats are controlled by the evil influencer, Meryet (Alia Shawkat), who is also in control of The Avengers. She devises an evil plan of world domination all for likes and views on her channel.

From a huge fight scene, recorded by an aspiring cat influencer, Meryet, the Avengers save the day, but not without the help of Hawkeye (Troy Baker). It seems that fighting comes easy to him, but nothing could prepare him for his biggest rival to be cats. Let's talk about the humor in this film because a big part of Marvel Movies is the humor. Though this film definitely has some good lines, it is a lot more toned down than The Avengers. I like the irony that Hawkeye hates cats while having to work with a team of cat superheroes in episode 2. The film does keep the lightheartedness of the jokes that are so well loved in the original Marvel films, but a lot of the humor is geared for a younger audience. Viewers, like me, who are attached to the original Avengers' movies, might have a hard time adjusting to different voice actors and aged-down humor. The animation of action scenes is beautiful in the LEGO style, but I missed Marvel's well-delivered jokes. I was expecting something similar to LEGO Batman but got an extremely watered-down version of that. Despite that, the characters are fun, and it is interesting to see different interpretations of their voices. As a long time Marvel fan, I enjoyed seeing new characters like Meryet and Tigra (Cat Taber). These characters have the potential for a bigger presence in future movies and TV shows.

The film's message is about how being famous or popular does not define how good of a person you are. Hawkeye gains fame and then loses it to all the cats. He feels irrelevant and questions why he even tries when no one likes him. But he remembers why he is an Avenger and that he does good things regardless of his fame. We are also reminded how a lust for fame can corrupt someone. Meryet starts out as an innocent aspiring influencer, but becomes power hungry and doesn't stop until she gets what she wants. This is a very important and powerful theme for a kids' movie.

I give LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on Disney+ starting November 14, 2025.

By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I absolutely love Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails. It is comedic, has a great storyline and amazing voice acting. It teaches an important lesson as well.

This series follows Hawkeye (Chris Cox) who has recently experienced a surge in fame and little does he know that fame will soon disappear. Suddenly nobody cares about superheroes; instead everyone is obsessed with cat videos. Hawkeye despises cats and is maybe a little jealous of them. He is able to see that something fishy is happening and it turns out that all the cats are being controlled by an evil influencer. Hawkeye must put together a team of cat themed superheroes to save the world.

This series is hilarious -it had me laughing throughout the episodes. Not only does it have humorous scenes, but the entire storyline itself is ridiculous. It had me cracking up and completely invested in it. I am a huge Marvel fan, and I love how LEGO adds a comedic twist to this series. It is so fun seeing the Avengers get defeated by cats - that had me laughing up a storm. I find it amusing how Hawkeye puts together a team of cat themed superheroes to defeat an army of evil cats. Even if you look past the comedy, it still has a great plot. I was completely enthralled by the action and the plot. The voice acting is fantastic. Chris Cox perfectly captures the pitch and tone of Hawkeyes' voice throughout the series. There is a fine line between doing something for fame and doing it because it is the right thing to do, and it is easy to mistake one for the other. This show reminds us to watch that line and choose to do things for the right reasons. My favorite part is the ending when Santa comes in and beats up a bunch of bad guys.

The film's message is that fame doesn't define you, but your actions do. Note that there is some violence but nothing bloody or gory.

I give Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18 plus adults. You can find it on Disney Plus beginning November 14, 2025.

The story follows an 11-year-old girl named Billie who is spending time at a busy hotel for the holidays with her mom who is the owner of that hotel. An inspector comes to inspect the hotel and Billie's mom is stressed out about that. If it doesn't pass, Billie's mom will have to close the hotel down. Ever since her dad passed away all Billie wants is to have time with her mom, so she begins to investigate and find out who the secret inspector is to help her mother out and be with her like old times. The film is from The Netherlands and the dialogue is in Dutch, with English subtitles.

The story develops really well and held my interest. The film is well produced, with good camera work, audio recording, editing and acting. I really like the opening shot of the blue car driving up to the hotel. There are a lot of nuances to this story and it's amazing that they have been told in 21 minutes! Billie is my favorite character, played by Jolene Horowitz. She is adorable and reminds me of Eloise at the Plaza in some ways as she maneuvers her way around the hotel, having fun in a way that only someone completely familiar with it could. I could relate to her wanting to be closer to her mom after her dad passed. I particularly like Billie's detective costume with her oversized coat; it expresses her love for being a detective just like her favorite book series, Sherlock Holmes. We all try to emulate our favorite characters from books and movies, don't we? The film takes place in a rural area and the hotel seems to be sort of vintage. I like the background music that is used to introduce Billie's character, it provides a foreshadowing of Billie's personality. And, I love the dance and pancake happy ending scene at the end.

Julia van Braak, the director of this film, really stands out here. You can tell the work and effort that Julia put into making this film into a masterpiece. She directed this film and created the character of Billie similar to her own childhood, which I find interesting. My favorite part is when Billie is hiding in the closet and when she's busted by the inspector, she says, "I am inspecting for woodworms."

The film's message is that without family, there is nothing. Families aren't just our blood relatives, they are the people who are close to us in our lives.

This short film set to the song by the same name is toe-tapping fun.

The images are a montage of holiday type preparations by Santa and his helpers as well as kids and families of every type - old and young, varied races, in lots of different places. I love seeing Santa on a surfboard and dogs with hats on.

The film's theme focuses on families and Santa preparing for a splendid Christmas holiday.

The storyline follows a young boy who dreams of getting a bicycle and gets a job as a delivery boy, which he does on his skateboard, to earn money for it. However, when he earns enough money to purchase it, something else becomes a priority and he buys a gift for his father instead. That selfless act has its own surprise award.

What a lovely piece of animation, beautifully constructed with the just the right amount of details like the boy's eyebrow movements. The story unfolds at a reasonable pace and is easy to follow it, even without any dialogue. The background music is well selected and helps enhance the tone of the various scenes as they unfold. In the end, when the boy presents his gift to his father and the father pulls out one for him - we are all surprised and delighted. It's such a statement about the kindness of taking care of each other.

The film's message is about how doing good has its own rewards.

The film's central theme is deceptively simple: it's about how to grow a pineapple from the top of an old one. But it's far more engaging than a simple science lesson. The story introduces a group of wonderfully fun Sri Lankan animals who decide the best way to spend the six months it takes for a new pineapple to grow is by having a giant, continuous dance party! That's a lot of dancing, and it works perfectly.

The animation is bright, colorful, and highly stylized. The background music is incredibly upbeat and entirely danceable, making the whole experience feel like a continuous celebration. The narration is pleasant and easy to follow, making the film ideal for younger viewers.

While Ananasi isn't a scientific guide, it's certainly inspirational--I know I'm now tempted to try growing my own pineapple! The film's message is a blend of practical learning and emotional patience: It teaches you how to start a new project (growing the fruit) and how to handle the long wait with joy (by dancing and having fun).

This is a fun, positive animated short that would be fantastic as interstitial programming at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

On the surface this is a children's song -- bright, bouncy, fun for car-rides. But peel back the confetti and you'll discover it's far more: a sly, joyous tutorial in how songs are built, disguised in the kind of melody that has kids tapping their feet and adults nodding along with satisfaction.

What sets this apart? First, the scale -- Doctor Noize doesn't shy away from orchestral ambition: the participation of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the Colorado Children's Chorale and jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz add texture, depth and a genuine "big stage" feel. Trust me, when you hear the swell of the strings and then the children's chorus jump in--you realize this isn't kids' music cut from the usual cloth.

Yet, Doctor Noize balances it with approachability. The concept is smart, but inclusive: counting one through seven becomes a map of song-sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.). Kids pick up the rhythm; parents pick up the structure, and everyone leaves humming something they didn't know they'd learned. It's sneak-syllabus: art plus edutainment without the scare-quotes. This seasoned artist definitely knows his audience and leads the proceedings like a pied piper maestro.

Production-wise this is crisp, exuberant, and lively. You hear the energy of the children's voices, the richness of the orchestra, and just enough jazz flourishes to keep it fresh. The key change? The hook? The moment when everything clicks? It's there, and it's satisfying. The structure is sound, no pun intended, because he outlines from 1 to 7 the structure of writing a song.

And then there's the birthday release angle: dropping such a song on the artist's own birthday (October 30) gives it a little extra sparkle -- like a party you're invited to whether you know it or not. If I were to pick a minor note -- in the sea of children's music, ambitious cross-genre pieces still run the risk of "too big" for little ears -- so my guess is the song's success will lean heavily on how the arrangements support repetition and accessibility. But in this case, Doctor Noize seems more than up for the job.

Verdict: "1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song" isn't just another counting tune -- it's a milestone in kids' music; it's intelligent, fun, and fully produced. It's the kind of song that makes you want to press replay in the car, let the chorus buzz through the house, and maybe, just maybe, you find yourself tapping along, picking up something you didn't know you were learning. I highly recommend this. It is a music video retrospective of the artist's career through music and song.

I give 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12.

The story follows an aviation passion cat whose plane is rejected at the local airshow for not conforming to the aesthetics. Later, when a thunderstorm causes chaos, who comes to the rescue of the dignitaries, but our Passionate Cat!

I love the fun style of animation by the college student filmmaker, James Baroro. Well crafted animation and well crafted story as well. All that, combined with a good message, makes this an ideal short film for KIDS FIRST!

The film's message is that honesty and hard-work always delivers and to stick by your belief system.

The story is adapted from and Aesop's fable, featuring two cosmic rivals - the sun and the wind - who challenge each other in seeing who will be most successful in getting a man to take off his coat.

It's really appropriate to see whose power is most effective in this challenge - the wind with its gale like force only motivates the man to wrap his coat around him even tighter whereas the sun provides a welcoming warmth that allows the man to shed his coast and sit down in the sun-filled day. The animation is simple and effective. The narrator's voice is firm and delivers the story in a welcoming way. The background must is subtle and enhances the mood by its gentle presence.

The film's message is about the effects of power with the welcoming warmth of the sun being more effective than the gale force of the wind.

This animated short tells a tale of a magical house (Marjan Navidpour) that has waited a long time to find the "perfect witch" to live inside. One night, a traveler (Madeline Palmer) who has no witch-like powers, asks the house to stay the night. The house reluctantly agrees, on the condition that she leaves by the morning. The next day, the traveler offers to show the house where they can find the perfect witch. As they travel together, they create their own kind of magic.

The animation is amazing! I love the animation style which reminds me of pieces of pottery put together to form a design. The protagonist, the house, is portrayed with a childlike personality and a passion to create its own kind and loving future. I love how the plot develops throughout the film, starting with showing us how picky the house is about finding the perfect witch to live there. When a traveler pleases to stay because of the storm outside, the house reluctantly agrees, with the caveat that she leaves early the next day. The traveler offers to introduce the house to some witches to help it find the perfect witch and throughout their journey, their relationship begins to blossom. The house meets the "perfect" witch, but declines taking on the witch. She realizes that the traveler is the caring and loving witch that she so desires and the traveler moves in. This film, directed by Yanzhang Song, is short and sweet with a beautiful message. My favorite part is the ending, when the traveler stays to live in the house and says, "Well, if we call love magic. Then, maybe that is my witch power." I really enjoy watching this scene for its heartwarming ending.

The film's message is that love is its own special kind of magic that we all have.

Annie is a young woman who is "perfectly normal," except for one small detail: she has a carrot for a nose! This unfortunate feature makes it impossible to enjoy her favorite meal: spaghetti. Displeased with her dilemma, Annie leaves home on an adventure to find a friend she can share a plate of pasta with.

This live-action film uses impressive life-sized puppets to bring its characters to life. While the film's narrator guides us, the characters themselves are striking. Annie, the protagonist, is designed to be intentionally imperfect--with a wide mouth and bedraggled hair, she looks unconventional. But it's this unique look that highlights her struggle to feel "normal." Annie confides her displeasure to her friend Pinky, a knitted hand puppet (Christina McNeily). The scene where Annie FaceTimes Pinky on a cell phone is clever and funny, making the film feel modern even with its classic puppet style.

Annie's travels take her past a charming village, alongside a body of water, and past an old lighthouse. The background scenery, filmed on location in Newfoundland and Labrador, is truly lovely. The picturesque seaside, cobblestone bridge, and castle make the world feel authentic and charming, proving the Production Designer did a wonderful job choosing the setting. Annie eventually encounters Prince Parsnip. He also has a vegetable for a nose--a parsnip! They laugh together and finally enjoy spaghetti, discovering the simple joy of having a friend to share your favorite things with. While the final ending scene with the witch in the rain felt a bit confusing and didn't clearly wrap up that plot point, the core story of Annie and Prince Parsnip finding acceptance is delightful and provides a satisfying "happily ever after."

The film's message is clear and important: Friendship matters, and your unique differences are what make you special.

Shenzi's owner admires a male peacock in her yard which Shenzi considers his territory. She is not allowed to chase the peacock from the yard or garden. The peacock meets his mate and a family is created and now Shenzi must allow the entire flock in his domain. The late night crowing and other behaviors change the girl's opinion and Shenzi is finally allowed to protect his home.

The plot is completely realistic and relatable and plays out in my backyard every day except with a different type of invader. Even without much dialogue or narration a viewer can easily understand the story by the characters' facial expressions and actions.

The stop-motion clay animation is outstanding. This is such a demanding format to use and its execution is terrific here with lots of details on the various characters. Kudos to the filmmaking team. My only complaint is that some night scenes are poorly lit and very dark, making it hard to see. Shenzi exhibits a lot of different physical positions and the peacocks do as well including some beautiful flight scenes. Shenzi has so many facial and body expressions that it is easy to fall in love with him and his personality. His intentions are easily understood, and those of the girl and peacocks as well. The background music sets a good pace for the story and the sound is crisp and clear. I love Shenzi's panting sounds and the crows of the peacock. Kudos to Lindsay van Blerk, the writer, director and animator and his team for creating an enjoyable film. I particularly enjoyed the provocation from the peacock when he displays his feathers and pecks Shenzi when the girl holds him back from defending his yard. I also love the dream scene where Shenzi dreams that the peacock is stealing his food.

The film's message is that tolerance has its limits. Motives should be considered while keeping an open mind and observing behavior.

The storyline is about a boy named Stitch Head (Asa Butterfield), a small creature who is the Mad Professor's (Rob Brydon) very first creation. He lives in a castle in the town of Grubbers Nubbin with a bunch of other monsters, who are all kept hidden from the townspeople. The Professor never really notices Stitch Head, which makes him feel unloved. A new creation called Creature (Joel Fry) comes along and calls Stitch Head his "bestest of best friends." When a circus called "Are You Ready for Monsters" comes to town and tries to scare people, things get wild.

The animation is cool and colorful. The monsters are super fun and creative, and the castle feels like a monster orphanage, in a good way. Creature is one of my favorite characters because he's so wild and loves Stitch Head like a best friend. One of the funniest parts is when Stitch Head runs away and Creature says he will bring him home, or not come home at all. When he finally finds Stitch Head hanging out with a girl, he totally freaks out and falls out of a tree. My favorite scene is when Creature picks up an entire trailer and runs away with it. It is so hilarious!

The film's message is that you might be more loved than you think - and it's a reminder to show your love for others too. There's no bad language or scary parts, but there is a fire and an angry mob.

I give Stitch Head 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It will be released in theaters on October 29, 2025.

By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Welcome to the super creepy and awesome world of Stitch Head. Created by the Mad Professor, Stitch Head and other monsters live in a castle where lots of monster mayhem takes place. This movie was a blast to watch.

The storyline follows Stitch Head (Asa Butterfield), a forgotten creation of the Mad Professor, who joins the circus with a money hungry director Fulbert Freakfinder (Seth Usdenov) in the town near their castle. Misled by Fulbert, the townspeople plan to attack the castle to try and eradicate the monsters. Then BOOM! It breaks into a very epic fight scene.

The action, the comedy and most importantly the monsters are just so funny, gross and cool. It`s the monsters that make this movie so amazing because they add so much comedy into the film. My favourite character is Fulbert the money hungry director because he's so funny; when he tries to convince Stitch Head to join the circus and when he sees Stitch Head's real face. The animation, by David Nasser, is phenomenal; it is smooth and very fun to watch. I love how the monsters all move in different ways; Creature has three hands but they move way differently than you would expect. The story, by Dietmar Kremer, kept me hooked the entire time and got me thinking about the message of this movie. The music, by Nick Urata, helps to give this movie life in so many different ways, just like at the circus. The big chase scene made me think I was in the movie.

The film's message is that making money off of people will not make you rich and it's just wrong. It is also a reminder to recognize who your true friends are.

I give Stitch Head 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It will be released in theaters on October 29, 2025.

By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Stitch Head is a movie filled with (almost) life, inspiration, and music. I predict that fans of the Stitch Head books will love this lively animation, and newcomers will certainly want to read more about him. Stitch Head is touching to watch and made for an all-around fun and inspirational family watching experience at my house -- from the characters to the message.

Based on Guy Bass's books with the same name, Stitch Head follows the story of Stitch Head (Asa Butterfield), a boy who lives in a castle working for the Mad Professor to take care of all his almost-life monsters from an angry mob they're taught to be afraid of. Being the first creation, he deals with being left out at times, and being unappreciated starts to affect him. One day, Fulbert Freakfinder (Seth Usdenov), a circus-owner in need of a new act, shows up at the castle and is impressed with his appearance. He tells Stitch Head that people will love him. From there, Stitch Head has to decide whether to stay at the castle and house the monsters or go live out what could be a new chapter for him.

The main character of the movie is Stitch Head, but it also includes Creature (Joel Fry), Fulbert, and Arabella (Tia Bannon). The animation of Stitch Head is bright, smooth, and lively, making for an entertaining film. The 3D style truly stands out with its bright color palette, light, and fun style. The characters add a unique element to the film; all the different monsters, are unique in the colors and special designs used. Being monsters, they're made to look like monsters, but at the same time, they don't feel like monsters based on their fear, personalities, and human-like natures. Stitch Head is always worrying about the approval of the Professor and thinking that he truly needs him there to help. The monsters, though, see him as someone who is brave and could protect them. Stitch Head stays so worried about being loved by the Professor and others; in a way, he holds himself back and does not allow himself just to be free and content with who he is.

The film's message is to be true to yourself and confident in who you are. This is a great movie for families to go see together.

I give Stitch Head 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Head releases in theaters on October 29, 2025.

The story takes place in a futuristic city called Robotia which is full of robots that all have jobs and live their lives. One robot, Bbi (Caitlin Mcloughlin), dreams of playing football, but her parents won't let her. Her friends, Alex (Faye Hadley) and his team, invite her to play to fulfill her wish and to show everyone what they are capable of in the upcoming Children's Football Tournament.

Throughout the story, all the characters grow closer together as a team. For example, at the start, they all play while letting Alex play most of the game. When Bbi joins them, it challenges the team to work together more and help each other out. When Bbi gets banned from playing football, the team comes together to fulfill her dream of playing. When they get to the finals of the tournament, they all come together to play their best and it strengthens their friendship.

The animation is well executed; I especially like the close-ups, such as when Bbi is nervous about the finals. Alex comes to comfort her and tells her that whatever happens, the only thing that matters is that they all tried, together as a team. During this scene, the close-ups with Alex and Bbi really stand out. The main character is Bbi, but the whole football team is a lead character. All the voice actors bring out the personality of their characters so well through their voices. You can often hear childish fun through their voices. Their attire is appropriate for robots. The football jerseys and ballet attire for the students in the boarding school stand out. This film takes place somewhere in the future in a city called Robotia. There are flying cars and no humans; the only inhabitants are robots. The background music is most noticeable in the scenes at The Children's Football Tournament where its futuristic suspense helps enhance the event. That was my favorite music. The robots have very human-like expressions. When they gather to get their wish to play in the Children's Football Tournament their faces show their determination and their love of the game of football. My favorite part is my favorite character, Bbi. She kind of reminds me of myself. When she gets really excited, she becomes a chatterbox, and we both have friends who help us fulfill our dreams. For Bbi, it is her football team. For me, it's my two best friends and my friends in choir and theatre.

The film's message is to never give up on your dreams and to help others and yourself to make dreams come true. It also reminds us that "teamwork makes the dream work!

The storyline follows a young girl who steals a small toy in the toy store and, as she walks away we see how her conscience does a number on her.

I love the animation of this film. It's crisp with just enough details to tell the story without being overly so. From her first steps out of the store as the camera zooms in on her foot stepping across the threshold of the security scanner, to the last scene, this film is filled with emotions in a non-dialogue way. We don't need to hear her thoughts as we can feel them inside our own brain. She spots the mall cop and immediately feels the impact that he might have on her life. She spots the security camera peering down at her, only to discover that workers are repairing it and it's not looking at her. Her arm grows bigger, her hand become gigantic as it tightly holds onto the stolen item. It weighs her down as she ascends the escalator. The ending takes a positive twist and, without telling what happens, let's just say that the girl redeems herself and leaves the stores with her mom.

The film's message is about what happens to you when you steal something and how it weighs on you in ways you never anticipated.

The storyline follows a community of woodland rabbits and other critters at their neighborhood bookstore, famous for being a literary haven safe from dangerous predators. As they prepare for a book launch by a famous author, everyone gathers to meet her -- everyone including the fox!

The animation is the star of the show here as it is created using the Blender platform and oozes with charm and realism. The creatures, especially the rabbits that run the bookstore are just yummy. I wanted to adopt several and bring them home. The backgrounds are very detailed and, for any book lover, reminiscent of your favorite local book store that hosts these types of community events. I particularly like the sign in the woods saying "no predators allowed." It's a cute reminder that the bookstore is a safe haven for the community. That is, until, the fox shows up! As you might guess, chaos results, but the ending takes a twist and, without giving it away, let's just say "no creatures were harmed in this film."

The film's message is about the importance and comfort of community. Don't we all need a neighborhood book store like the Woodland Book Nook in our lives?

The documentary is centered on Ainara Sofia, a 10-year-old girl who resides with her parents in "El Para�so" (Paradise), a neighborhood in Bogot�, Colombia. The house where Ainara and her family live, however, is far more than just their residence; it doubles as "Biblioteca Comunitaria Violeta" (Violeta Community Library). It's a workplace for Ainara's parents, a learning center for youth in the community, and Ainara's "El Para�so." The dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles.

This film tackles issues that permeate society worldwide: family time being impeded upon as parents work long hours, and the inaccessibility of learning resources. Just like Ainara's family, people have sought and found workarounds to these issues to improve their lives and the lives of others. Not only is the film relatable on a global scale, but how Ainara's life is portrayed benefits the audience, as the progression of events is made concise and easy to follow. The camera work dictates the visual storytelling of the film. With the opening shot of children on a playground, the wide shots of buildings clustered together, and the close-ups of murals within "El Paraiso," the theme of community is emphasized without needing that to be said outright. The background music is extraordinary, driving a positive and energetic beat throughout the film. It made me want to get up and dance. The focal point of the film is spectacularly portrayed as a closely knit community whose members truly care for one another. This is exemplified through "Biblioteca Comunitaria Violetta," which connects Ainara's parents closely to Ainara, her sister and other children in the community. In a world filled with struggles and hardships, I deeply appreciate the efforts of communities like these. My favorite part is when Ainara details what "Biblioteca Comunitaria Violetta" is and how it came to be. What I find most touching about this is Ainara's mention that the library was named after Violetta, a child in "El Paraiso" who passed away. Although death is a morbid topic, this illustrates the community's resolve to push through while honoring those that have passed.

The film's message is to always look out for your family and community.

In this season, Billie grapples with the fact that being part of the Russo family might be more complicated than she thought, especially now that she's not the only wizard in the house. Thanks to Roman and Milo's new magical powers, Justin is now tasked with training three young wizards for the Family Wizard Competition. As the stakes rise inside and outside the family, a mysterious new threat emerges, one that could unravel the Russos forever.

The cast is amazing! I love how not only Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) and Justin (David Henrie) have powers, but now Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko) also have powers and they're definitely stirring things up in the Russo household. I also love how the new characters add more depth and excitement to the story. One of my favorite new characters is the talented Freya Skye, who plays Piper, a girl who can see visions of the future. The setting continues to be beautifully magical, with awesome spell effects, enchanting sets, and a sense of wonder that feels brand new. Season 2 really takes the magic to the next level with bigger visual effects and deeper character moments, while still keeping the heart and humor that the series is known for. What is really special about Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is its message.

The show's message teaches us that family, love, and responsibility are more powerful than magic alone. It shows that being true to yourself, helping others, and working together can overcome even the toughest problems and real magic comes from caring, courage, and staying strong in your beliefs.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. There are ten episodes; many are available on the Disney Channel now and new ones release every Friday night through October 17, 2025. All of Season 2 will premiere on Disney Plus on October 8, 2025.