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MOANA 2

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
MOANA 2
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES
Series: FEATURE, AGES 10 - 18
Topic - Family
Description - Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical Moana 2 reunites Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I thoroughly enjoyed Moana 2 for its breathtaking animation and compelling storytelling. The vibrant visuals and the emotionally resonant narrative make it a worthy sequel to the original.

The film follows Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) as she embarks on an epic journey three years after her first adventure. Prompted by a mysterious call from her ancestors, she ventures into uncharted waters alongside Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and a diverse crew of seafarers. Together, they navigate treacherous oceans and uncover long-lost realms, confronting challenges that test their courage and unity. The stakes are higher; the landscapes are grander; and Moana's determination shines brighter than ever.

What truly sets Moana 2 apart is its rich combination of music, character development, and cultural authenticity. The soundtrack composed by Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foa?i, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear blends contemporary styles with traditional Polynesian rhythms, resulting in songs that are both memorable and deeply meaningful. Auli'i Cravalho delivers a stunning vocal performance that adds depth to Moana's journey, while Dwayne Johnson brings humor and heart again, as Maui. The film also introduces new characters, with actors Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualalai Chung, Awhimai Fraser, and Gerald Ramsey joining the cast and bringing fresh dynamics and humor to the story. Beyond the music and characters, the animation is stunning, capturing the majesty of Oceania with dazzling colors and intricate details. The filmmakers clearly respect and celebrate the cultural heritage they portray, immersing the audience in a world that feels authentic and alive.

At its heart, Moana 2 carries a powerful message: the importance of perseverance and staying connected to your roots while embracing the unknown.

Moana 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 through 12, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on November 27, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

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

Moana 2 has visually mesmerizing visuals, great animation, and a lovely soundtrack. I saw the first Moana when I was eight, so I was very excited to see what this sequel would bring to the table.

The film opens with a call from Moana's ancestors warning her that if she doesn't find the lost island of Motufetu, the story of her people would end. Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) recruits people from her island to sail the seas with her to find Nalo, a power hungry God who believes humans can achieve anything when they are united, which threatens him. Nalo separated all of the people of the sea and hid Motufetu so that he could never be destroyed. Hesitant, Moana takes on this scary journey for the sake of her people.

This sequel doesn't really continue the story from the first film, instead it re-tells the same tale with new characters. It follows the same formula as the first Moana: a call from Moana's ancestors, obstacles in reaching the main antagonist, and the final battle. The storyline is pretty underwhelming; it feels like a recreation of the first film just with better animation, new characters, and new songs. However, what makes this film so enjoyable to watch is all its other aspects. The immersive animation is absolutely enchanting. All of the colors and textures are spectacular; I didn't expect anything less from Disney. The score by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i is also perfect. The soundtrack stuck in my head and raised the bar from the first film's score. The introduction of new characters is also a strong point. Moana's new little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) is just adorable. And the new villain, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), creates some mystery and suspense in the plot. Auli'i Cravalho, as Moana, and Dwayne Johnson, as Maui, still have their powerful duo dynamic. With all these strong aspects this film has so much potential to continue the beautiful story the first film left us with, but unfortunately the plot makes this sequel subpar.

This film explores themes of community, overcoming adversity, and shows how when people come together, they can achieve anything.

Moana 2 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Moana 2 in theatres beginning November 27, 2024.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Moana 2 is one of the best movies I have ever seen. If you liked the first Moana, you're going to definitely LOVE this one. It has even more action, cooler songs, and new characters that will make you laugh. I definitely had the most awesome time watching this film.

In this film, Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) is older, mature, and more adventurous. After getting a call from her ancestors, Moana enlists a new crew Moni (Hualalai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo) and Kele (Daniel Fane) along with the help of Hei Hei (Alan Tudyk), Pua and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to embark on a dangerous journey to sail across the seas of Oceania to help save her island from a huge, powerful storm. As Moana faces new challenges, she discovers more about her ancestor and her true destiny!

The cast of characters is fabulous! Some of the original characters return in this sequel. Auli-i Cravalho Maui reprises the lead role. Maui is back, as himself, and his hair looks better than ever. Be ready to laugh when Maui argues with his tattoos. The new characters, Moni, Loto, Kele, and Moana's little sister Simea have a new spice that entertains the audience the whole way through. One of the best things about the film is its animation. The ocean is even prettier this time, and is so realistic it made me want to jump into the screen and go for a swim. The island looks like a setting straight out of a postcard. Also the constellations are vibrant and look amazing in the beautiful night sky. Last but not least, I love how Moana's hair majestically blows in the wind throughout the film. My favorite song from the film is "Beyond." It is the most wonderful song as it makes you feel brave to undertake any adventure.

Moana 2 has a powerful message of embracing your culture and inheritance. It also emphasizes the idea that, together with others, you are stronger and can do anything. Moana embraces the wonderful ocean life and that shows throughout the movie. Be aware that there are a few scary creatures that might frighten younger audiences.

Moana 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Moana 2 opens in theaters November 27, 2024.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Moana 2 is a new and exciting journey for Moana. This sequel brings her liveliness and bravery back on the big screen, while also representing Pacific Islanders and making them feel seen.

The story follows Moana receiving an unexpected call from her ancestors telling her to restore an island that will connect all the people across the ocean. This journey is more risky than last time -- will she and her crew make it?

The main characters are Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), Moni (Hualalai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo), Kele (David Fane), Heihei (Alan Tudyk) and Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). We see the return of many beloved characters, with the addition of some new ones. It's fun to see some former characters pop up at random times. However, I question whether the addition of so many new characters is necessary -- it almost feels forced. The playful connection between Moana and Maui remains the same, but even at a deeper level as they have matured. In terms of the music, it is very upbeat and energetic, and Moana's voice has improved so much. It's stronger and has so much emotion, which adds to the plot, showing us how strongly Moana feels about taking the ancestor's call. The animation is wonderful; it truly captures the beauty of the islands with its vibrant colors and captures the characters' emotions through their expressive faces. The plot is enjoyable, despite some holes. It's a creative take on Moana's journey, not only to the ocean, but inside herself. She knows the risk of taking this journey, and she especially doesn't want to leave her little sister, Simea. But, she makes a difficult decision and ends up trying to restore the people. This could be a symbol of unity. My favorite part is the beginning, when the villagers are shown - it reminds me of the first movie and is so beautiful because it represents the Pacific Islanders' culture.

The film's message is that there's always another way to solve a problem. A goddess tells Moana that, even when it seems impossible, there's always another way. This gives Moana the motivation to push through and be strong. It also emphasizes the importance of community and sticking together.

Moana 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Moana 2 comes out in theaters November 27, 2024.

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


BOONIE CUBS

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
BOONIE CUBS       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORK
Series: TV SERIES, AGES 2-8
Topic - Family
Description - The childhood adventures of the famous Boonie Bear brothers Briar and Bramble, along with their friends; Vick, Tiki, Herbert, Warren, Violet, Luna Loo, and all the rest. At Pine Tree Kindergarten, under the guidance of the wise owl Miss Olivia and the outdoorsy Coach Mack, the cubs learn valuable life lessons and have a ton of fun along the way.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - If you love cartoons about cute animals that go on wild adventures, then Boonie Cubs might be the perfect show for you. I found myself engaged, intrigued, and happy during each episode.

Boonie Cubs is a TV series about two bear cub brothers, Briar (Nichalia Schwartz) and Bramble (Joseph S. Lambert), who live in the forest and have all kinds of expeditions with their friends Vick, Babu, Tiki, Coach Mack, and several others. Together, Briar and Bramble are hilarious! Briar is the smarter, adventurous, and more responsible brother, while Bramble relies on his brother for help, and is more laid-back and loves to eat. The forest friends all attend Pine Tree Kindergarten and the wise owl, Miss Olivia teaches them math. They also learn valuable lessons along the way while having fun in the forest.

There are four seasons of Boonie Cubs. Each episode is around 25 minutes long, so it can easily hold the attention of younger audiences. The animation is vibrant and detailed, creating a work that feels alive and magical. The forest isn't just the backdrop for the show; it feels like its own character, full of surprises and beauty. Even the bark on the trees has such a strong texture. The detail in the character's faces really gives them each their own special personality. My personal favorite character is the squirrel, Warren, with his emerald green bright eyes. Boonie Cubs provides interesting facts about animals and nature. My favorite fun fact is how fireflies glow. Did you know they need oxygen to light their light? The more oxygen they have, the brighter their light is. I commend the director, Leon Ding, for balancing humor, adventure, and heartfelt lessons in this show, creating a series that entertains while teaching kids about teamwork, kindness, and protecting the environment.

What stands out most about Boonie Cubs is how it combines humor, adventure, and meaningful life lessons all in one series. Together the friends at Pine Tree Kindergarten learn about emotions, nature, courage, friendship, and other important social skills. The dynamic between the characters also sets the series apart. The sibling relationship between Briar and Bramble is relatable for kids with brothers or sisters. They argue and tease each other, but they always come through for one another when it matters most.

I give Boonie Cubs 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. Boonie Cubs is available now on Peacock and other streaming outlets! Go check it out.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Boonie Cubs is a bear-y cute film for younger audiences! It has fun animation, an enjoyable storyline, and adorable characters. Viewers will definitely be tuned in while watching and get to learn important lessons at a young age.

Boonie Cubs is a show for elementary schoolers that follows Briar (Nichalia Schwartz) and Bramble (Siobhan Lumsden) on their journeys throughout their forest along with their friends such as Vick. They all go on small adventures and learn lessons along the way. In Season 1, Episode 1, Briar steals Vick's ax which causes a small feud between the two as Vick tries to get it back. After a while, Briar is then taught the lesson of not taking things from others. Later on in the episode, Briar doesn't have anyone to play a game with because everyone else wants to play with Vick's car. But then Briar is again advised and told to maybe join them! It's a cute episode of life lessons and handling situations.

The main characters are Briar and Brimble as well as Vick, Miss Olivia (Nichalia Schwartz), and the other forest friends! I think that this is such an interesting series considering it's a Chinese animated series that is dubbed in English for a US audience. While you can tell that it was originally recorded in a different language, the voice actors' performances are very good and succeed in making the show appealing. I'm not the audience for this show; it is definitely a show for younger viewers because of how the story develops. It's not too much of an entertainment show, as it's honestly made to inform little kids of situations and the life lessons to be learned from them. But of course, it will keep little kids entertained and watching.

There are many messages to get from this show. Season 1, Episode 1 in particular focuses on lessons such as not taking what's not yours without permission, going in with others instead of pulling them away, and even stepping out of your comfort zone. This is definitely a cute show for parents to put on when they want some free time from their little ones.

I rate Boonie Cubs 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 2 to 8. You can stream Boonie Bears on Peacock now!

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

The animated series, Boonie Cubs is fun, full of great lessons, and is very pleasing to watch. I really like it and can't wait to see more episodes.

The show's first episode is divided into two fun stories. The first story introduces us to a boy named Vick who chases a thieving bear, Briar, through the forest. Briar has stolen Vick's ax and he wants it back. Vick finds himself in Briar's world, which is a magical forest with talking animals. After getting his ax back, Vick and his new friends play together and learn lessons. The second story focuses on Bramble bear who is starting his first day of kindergarten and is very scared. His teacher and his new friends include him in fun and games, and soon Bramble is at ease.

Vick and all of the animals, including four bears, two monkeys, a squirrel, a badger, a mole and an owl, are incredibly voiced by just four actors - Siobhan Lumsden, Joseph S. Lambert, Gene Hobes and Nichalia Schwartz - who uniquely bring each character to life. The graphics are so vibrant - it looks as though they are high definition photos that are turned into animation. The snow-capped mountains and the moss growing on the sides of the trees are very realistic, so are the leaves and grass which sway as if they are real. My favorite part of the first story is when Vick meets Ms. Owl. He is afraid of her but after she comforts him with a sweet song, he knows that she is a friend. In the second story, I really like that the classmates include Bramble in their games and it makes him less fearful.

The show has many lessons including: be willing to make new friends and have new experiences; stealing is wrong; it's good to compromise; try to be brave.

I give Boonie Cubs 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. You can watch it on Peacock and other streaming outlets now.

By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV


This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
BASANTI TAILORS
RITIKA BHANTIA
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - In the small Himalayan village of Halduwala, near Dehradun, Basanti (59) runs a tailoring shop with her young granddaughter, Ginny (9). When Anupama (39), a newcomer to the village, requests Basanti to repurpose old clothes into cushion covers, bed sheets, and bags, Ginny becomes attached to a t-shirt designated for recycling. As Basanti teaches Ginny about the importance of honoring commitments and recycling, she discovers that the t-shirt belongs to Anupama's son and is his favorite. Struggling to balance her love for her granddaughter with her promise to Anupama, Basanti must find a way to resolve the situation that respects both her familial bond and her commitment to sustainability. From India; dialogue in Hindi, English subtitles
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Basanti Tailors is really entertaining. I really enjoyed how the grandma found a solution to make both people happy.

The story begins with a little boy explaining what ego and waste management are. Then a grandma that sews old clothes into new things makes some items for the boy's mom. The grandma's niece steals a shirt that she really likes, but the grandma finds out and takes it back. The girl is mad but the grandma finds a solution. This is from India, with dialogue in both English and Hindi, and English subtitles as needed.

The story flows well and makes a lot of sense. I like how the girl changes the most. At first she is mad at her grandma because she would not allow her to do anything, but in the end she is happy. I was empathetic with the girl because she really liked the shirt but she could not have it because it didn't belong to her. But, grandma finds a solution. The images are very clear and easy to identify. As a live action film it is very realistic and kid friendly. It invites the viewer to problem solve, especially the girl's conflict with wanting something she can't have. We observe grandma's problem solving solution as she makes both people happy. It teaches us a bit about Halduwala culture and the importance of recycling as a way to protect the environment.

The film's message is about the importance of taking care of the environment and how recycling helps do that.

I give Basanti Tailors 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Basanti Tailors is really entertaining. I really enjoyed how the grandma found a solution to make both people happy.

The story begins with a little boy explaining what ego and waste management are. Then a grandma that sews old clothes into new things makes some items for the boy's mom. The grandma's niece steals a shirt that she really likes, but the grandma finds out and takes it back. The girl is mad but the grandma finds a solution. This is from India, with dialogue in both English and Hindi, and English subtitles as needed.

The story flows well and makes a lot of sense. I like how the girl changes the most. At first she is mad at her grandma because she would not allow her to do anything, but in the end she is happy. I was empathetic with the girl because she really liked the shirt but she could not have it because it didn't belong to her. But, grandma finds a solution. The images are very clear and easy to identify. As a live action film it is very realistic and kid friendly. It invites the viewer to problem solve, especially the girl's conflict with wanting something she can't have. We observe grandma's problem solving solution as she makes both people happy. It teaches us a bit about Halduwala culture and the importance of recycling as a way to protect the environment.

The film's message is about the importance of taking care of the environment and how recycling helps do that.

I give Basanti Tailors 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 16 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


ALMOST CHRISTMAS STORY, AN

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
ALMOST CHRISTMAS STORY, AN       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
DISNEY+
Series: SHORT FILM, AGES 5-18
Topic - Family
Description - An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. This animated short film is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020.

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth reviews
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - An Almost Christmas Story is a delightful holiday short that perfectly embodies the magic of the season. This beautifully animated tale, directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuar�n, captures the spirit of Christmas with heartwarming storytelling, impressive animation, and an engaging voice cast. It is a must-watch that will appeal to audiences of all ages, showcasing the timeless values of friendship, courage, and the power of home.

Inspired by true events, the storyline follows Moon, a young owl who finds himself accidentally trapped in a Christmas tree headed to Rockefeller Plaza. Amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, Moon meets Luna, a lost girl, and together they embark on an adventure filled with wonder, laughter, and discovery. Their bond deepens as they navigate challenges and find their way back to their families, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Cary Christopher brings a lively innocence to the voice of Moon, while newcomer Estella Madrigal's portrayal of Luna is filled with warmth and earnestness. The supporting cast, including Jim Gaffigan as the wise Papa Owl and Natasha Lyonne as Pat, adds depth and humor to the story. John C. Reilly's performances of original songs as The Folk Singer infuse the short with a charming musical touch, enhancing its festive atmosphere. The animation, handled by 88 Pictures, is vibrant and detailed, creating scenes that are both stunning and immersive. My favorite part of the film is the breathtaking use of color and lighting. From the glow of the Rockefeller Center lights to the gentle hues of winter, the visuals encapsulate the enchantment of the holiday season. The attention to detail in every frame adds an extra layer of joy, making it a visual treat.

The core message of An Almost Christmas Story emphasizes the importance of resilience and companionship. It's a positive reminder that, even in the most unexpected circumstances, acts of kindness and courage can light the way. The film promotes teamwork and caring behavior, with no inappropriate language or risky behaviors to worry about for younger viewers.

I give An Almost Christmas Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults likely to enjoy it as well. It premieres on Disney+ on November 15, 2024, just in time to warm hearts for the holiday season.

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20
Runtime: 21 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MAX & THE MIDKNIGHTS

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
MAX & THE MIDKNIGHTS       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
NICKELODEON
Series: TV SERIES, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Based on the best-selling children's books by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), this show follows an adventurous 10-year-old girl named Max who embarks on a quest with her newfound friends to save the Kingdom of Byjovia from ominous forces. Throughout the series, Max leads the rest of the Midknights on challenging quests filled with all-new original songs. After King Gastley steals the throne and forces an unjust rule on the Kingdom of Byjovia, Max must come to the rescue to overthrow the power-hungry foe. With her friends and Uncle Budrick by her side, Max's courageous spirit won't back down no matter how difficult the quest gets.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This hilarious and action-packed animated series is an absolute blast for viewers of all ages! Max & The Midknights brings medieval adventure to life. I love how the show combines humor, excitement, and a heartfelt message in a way that captivates both kids and adults. The high-quality animation and clever storytelling make this a must-watch.

Max & The Midknights follows the journey of Max (Blu del Barrio), an adventurous ten-year-old girl with a big dream: becoming a knight. She leads her friends on thrilling adventures in a fantastical medieval kingdom -- battling zombies, outsmarting evil sorcerers, and even taming dragons. Max's determination and bravery drive the story, making each episode full of surprises and laughs, while teaching valuable lessons about courage and friendship.

The voice acting is top-notch, with a cast that brings the characters to life in a truly dynamic way -- including Blu del Barrio as Max, Melissa Villase�or as Millie, Zeno Robinson as Simon and Caleb Yen as Kevyn. Max is voiced with a perfect mix of sass and sincerity, making her a standout lead character. The 3D animation is stunning, especially during the action sequences, which are full of sword fights, magical duels, and explosive moments. The world of Max & The Midknights is colorful, immersive, and full of detail, making each scene feel like a mini-movie. One of my favorite parts is the series' use of humor. The show is genuinely funny, with plenty of clever jokes that will make both kids and adults laugh. Max's imagination also plays a huge role in the series, adding another layer of fun as she dreams up wild and creative solutions to the challenges she and her friends face. The combination of humor, heart, and action makes it an exciting adventure from start to finish.

The message of Max & The Midknights is about pursuing your true passions, no matter what others may say. Max is determined to become a knight, despite those around her doubting her abilities because she's a girl. The show encourages kids to follow their dreams and not let anyone tell them they can't achieve their goals.

I give Max & The Midknights 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, though older audiences and adults will enjoy it as well. This fantastic series makes its television debut on Wednesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV


ADVENTURES OF JAIME JANGLES AND HER ZANY DAD JEFF, PT3:THE WORLD TOUR

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
ADVENTURES OF JAIME JANGLES AND HER ZANY DAD JEFF, PT3:THE WORLD TOUR
JAIME JANGLES
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - Join Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad Jeff on Part Three of their imaginative adventures: The World Tour. The duo tours 20 different countries learning about famous landmarks, music and cuisine, all while listening to the brilliant "Jangles International Orchestra" - 26 musicians from around the world playing authentic Jangles tunes in their local genres. The animation is voiced by the real daughter/father combo Jaime and Jeff Lurie. Director Biography - Jeff Lurie
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Adventures of Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad Jeff Part Three: The World Tour is an unusual short film, made by a dad and his young daughter. I'm not sure how to categorize it, but I like it.

The film follows Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad on an imaginative world tour, visiting 20 different countries and sharing the music from each one. The images are drawn and they move a bit but aren't fully animated.

I love the music and the sets in each country. It really gives you an overview of so many different cultures in a quick way. It reminded me of Guido Sarducci's 90 second vacation on SNL back in the day, only from a kids' point of view. We see penguins in Antarctica, the tower of London in the UK, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the coliseum in Rome, and so much more. I could see this five-minute short as an interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It's cute; it's fun; it's childlike and I love the dad and daughter narrators.

The film gives us a quick overview of the different countries, cultures and music that exist on our great planet.

I give The Adventures of Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad Jeff Part Three: The World Tour 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Adventures of Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad Jeff Part Three: The World Tour is an unusual short film, made by a dad and his young daughter. I'm not sure how to categorize it, but I like it.

The film follows Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad on an imaginative world tour, visiting 20 different countries and sharing the music from each one. The images are drawn and they move a bit but aren't fully animated.

I love the music and the sets in each country. It really gives you an overview of so many different cultures in a quick way. It reminded me of Guido Sarducci's 90 second vacation on SNL back in the day, only from a kids' point of view. We see penguins in Antarctica, the tower of London in the UK, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the coliseum in Rome, and so much more. I could see this five-minute short as an interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It's cute; it's fun; it's childlike and I love the dad and daughter narrators.

The film gives us a quick overview of the different countries, cultures and music that exist on our great planet.

I give The Adventures of Jaime Jangles and her Zany Dad Jeff Part Three: The World Tour 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


TIME FOR ART, EPISODE 1

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
TIME FOR ART, EPISODE 1
BILL DOUGAL
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - A variety of fun educational segments in this unique video series for kids, & adults. Demos, Music Videos, Art of many Cultures, Creativity Games. Elements and Principles of art. Quirky humor in mini lectures, skits & cartoons. Tips, tricks, artist interviews, styles and talking paintings.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Bill Dougal, you've done it again. You make me laugh; you make me draw; you make me think. Thanks.

Time for Art is a fun and quirky collection of activities for school-aged kids that revolve around humor and creativity. The host, Bill Dougal, is joined by a few other interesting characters who lend their silly jokes and input on - on gosh, everything. Bill teaches basic drawing techniques sprinkled in with songs, jokes, and other stuff.

I have to say that I just love this guy, with all his quirks. I especially love the drawing lessons. They are so simple and straightforward; it makes you think that anyone could do it. When he bursts into song, which he does quite often, it just makes me giggle. And then there are the "bad" jokes; they are definitely kid appropriate and parents will appreciate that.

The film's message is really about creativity and fun. Who doesn't like that?

Time For Art: Episode 1 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Take a look at it, I'm sure it will make you smile and maybe even giggle. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Bill Dougal, you've done it again. You make me laugh; you make me draw; you make me think. Thanks.

Time for Art is a fun and quirky collection of activities for school-aged kids that revolve around humor and creativity. The host, Bill Dougal, is joined by a few other interesting characters who lend their silly jokes and input on - on gosh, everything. Bill teaches basic drawing techniques sprinkled in with songs, jokes, and other stuff.

I have to say that I just love this guy, with all his quirks. I especially love the drawing lessons. They are so simple and straightforward; it makes you think that anyone could do it. When he bursts into song, which he does quite often, it just makes me giggle. And then there are the "bad" jokes; they are definitely kid appropriate and parents will appreciate that.

The film's message is really about creativity and fun. Who doesn't like that?

Time For Art: Episode 1 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Take a look at it, I'm sure it will make you smile and maybe even giggle. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


	AU ZOO (AT THE ZOO): FRENCH LEARNING SONGS

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
AU ZOO (AT THE ZOO): FRENCH LEARNING SONGS       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
WHISTLEFRITZ LLC
Series: AUDIO CD FOR AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - This lively musical introduction to French invites kids to dance and sing along to playful rhythms from reggae, merengue, and blues to African soukous, country, and more. The album enhances children's language skills as they embark on a musical journey to the zoo filled with French-learning fun!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Singing and dancing? Sign me up! Wait -- and you can learn French at the same time. I love the new AU ZOO (At the Zoo): French Learning Songs CD. It is amusing, enjoyable, and entertaining in every way. I was having so much fun that I forgot I was learning French at the same time. As soon as the music started, I was up on my feet and didn't sit down until the entire CD was over.

This CD takes the listeners on a journey through a zoo, concentrating on different animals that you might find there including lions, flamingos, ostriches, giraffes, and monkeys, just to name a few, all while learning the French language. Each song has its own concept which acts as a mini-lesson. The songs introduce and repeat vocabulary, which builds language skills bit by bit.

The appealing thing about AU ZOO (At the Zoo) -- French Learning Songs is the creativity of the lyrics along with the fun, upbeat vibe of the music. I found myself humming along immediately to every song that played. I also appreciated the animal noises and sound effects, especially the lion's ferocious roar! The music provides a solid, creative avenue for students to learn the French language. They won't even know they are learning because the songs take the hard work out of learning a new language. The songs do not just focus on animals; they also focus on concepts like holidays, back to school, the alphabet, and dancing. All of these are appropriate for younger audiences, because they are things that young kids are familiar with. Adding another language with content that kids are familiar with in song form helps them easily learn a new language. The CD's animal them emphasizes an appreciation for nature and animals. The repetitive nature of the songs helps the children enjoy a sense of achievement as they learn new words in French. Learning a new language also promotes a sense of openness to accepting other cultures and languages.

The songs on this CD are unusual. The background instrumentals are extremely catchy and definitely had me bobbing my head, clapping my hands, and tapping my feet. There were a few songs that I immediately recognized such as The Itsy Bitsy Spider. The lyrics are selected to help the beginning student learn and understand the French language. The biggest educational benefit of this CD is that it helps even the youngest audiences begin to learn and understand French in a new and exciting way. It engages them to want to learn more because it takes the stress out of learning and makes it less of a chore. The songs are easy to sing along to and remember. The emotional support that Au Zoo offers children is a sense of pride and confidence as they increase their knowledge of French. The CD definitely encourages children to want to practice and perfect the French words they have learned.

Included are 20 quirky, fun, and vibrant songs. They are not long and are repetitive for language learning purposes and fun. It didn't take me long to sing along to most of the songs. Artist, Didier Prossaird does an exquisite job of mixing an instrumental element with lyrics and lively background noises. I truly felt that I was on a safari at one point! Besides the animal songs, songs like Your Birthday, Happy Father's, Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Back to School are included as well. My favorite songs are My Donkey, Have You Seen Fritzi, and Move and Dance. My Donkey is a silly song about a sick donkey who gets a lot of items from the doctor to feel better. And don't worry, the donkey gets better! Have You Seen Frizti had a memorable tune that I really enjoyed. Move and Dance made me want to - well move and dance! Although the songs are geared toward younger children, I found myself engaged and wanting more! Whether you're a young kid or just someone who loves animals and music, this CD makes learning French enjoyable.

I give AU ZOO (At the Zoo) -- French Learning Songs 5 out of 5 �toiles (that's French for stars!) and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. It is available now through online retailers so look for it.

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 10

The Au Zoo French Learning Songs CD is an entertaining and creative way to teach the French language to beginners. I enjoyed the wide selection of songs from a variety of genres and found this CD enjoyable from start to finish.

This language learning program teaches children how to speak French at an early age. It has a wide selection of songs about animals from the zoo, foods, and holidays throughout the year, like Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and even the start of school! It uses storytelling and repetition to help listeners learn the language.

This CD is excellent! All the songs are fun and well written. The lyrics include a lot of beginning French words, and the music uses multiple genres. Everything is designed to help beginning French language students learn vocabulary and pronunciation. My favorite song is La Tortue A Faim, which means The Hungry Turtle, and is about a turtle trying to get across a yard. It is extremely catchy and creative, plus it is very educational and has lots of action words and adverbs. This song uses a lot of repetition as well as call and response methods. The singers are quite talented and have very melodic voices that are a pleasure to listen to. The music includes many different instruments, as well as scatting and whistling which fit the songs perfectly and makes them unforgettable. Many of the songs feature children's voices, which is great representation for the target audiences and makes the songs even more relatable.

The CD's purpose is to teach children how to speak beginning French at a young age. It definitely hits the mark for its educational impact while delivering fun and entertaining music.

I give The Au Zoo Learning Songs 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now through online retailers so look for it.

By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 45 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: AUDIO

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WHISPER TO THE VOID

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
WHISPER TO THE VOID
DONNIE CAI
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - NingNing is back to hometown for the first time with her father, Ang, only to find out her grandma was sick for a long time, and her father's sudden disappearance on the next day makes their visit an unexpected turn.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a touching film about family and taking care of the ones we love.

The story follows a young girl, NingNing, who has come home to visit her father and has multiple situations to deal with that she never anticipated. Her dad almost abandons her at the bus station, and then she discovers that her grandmother has been sick for a long time. The morning after she arrives her dad disappears and she becomes completely distraught until she finds him in an unlikely place.

Bravo to the director, Jiaxin Xu, for an outstanding film with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The key cast members, especially the little girl and her dad, are perfect for their roles. The locations are quite appropriate, especially the religious temple. The pace is painstakingly slow in the middle, but it holds your interest as you try to figure out what happened to the dad. When she finally finds him, I took a big sigh of relief, and then when they return to grandmother's house and she is no longer on her deathbed, the whole film takes a major turn.

The film's message is about the importance of family.

I give Whisper to The Void 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a touching film about family and taking care of the ones we love.

The story follows a young girl, NingNing, who has come home to visit her father and has multiple situations to deal with that she never anticipated. Her dad almost abandons her at the bus station, and then she discovers that her grandmother has been sick for a long time. The morning after she arrives her dad disappears and she becomes completely distraught until she finds him in an unlikely place.

Bravo to the director, Jiaxin Xu, for an outstanding film with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The key cast members, especially the little girl and her dad, are perfect for their roles. The locations are quite appropriate, especially the religious temple. The pace is painstakingly slow in the middle, but it holds your interest as you try to figure out what happened to the dad. When she finally finds him, I took a big sigh of relief, and then when they return to grandmother's house and she is no longer on her deathbed, the whole film takes a major turn.

The film's message is about the importance of family.

I give Whisper to The Void 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


LOVE PHOTOSYNTHESIS

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
LOVE PHOTOSYNTHESIS
ALISA ZOLONZ
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Within the microscopic realm of a leaf, Water embarks on an improbable love story with Chloroplast with the duo struggle to overcome their differences. Battling to unify it triggers a transformative journey for the pair, and others around them.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a fun fantasy. What I love about animators is their ability to create stories one would never think of and this one is exactly that.

The story follows a drop of water and chloroplast who unexpectedly meet and fall for each other, but they have some serious differences that make it difficult to even kiss each other. Fortunately, things evolve and they at last... well, you'll have to watch to find out.

The animation in this short film is terrific and the storyline has classic elements to it. Not exactly a Romeo and Juliet because there are no warring families, but the two protagonists definitely come from different worlds. Their efforts to make things work eventually pay off and we have a happy ending. Great background music. All around well executed short film that would make lovely interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! festival.

The storyline is about how two individuals from different backgrounds can somehow make things work out between them if they are clever and focused enough.

I give Love Photosynthesis 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a fun fantasy. What I love about animators is their ability to create stories one would never think of and this one is exactly that.

The story follows a drop of water and chloroplast who unexpectedly meet and fall for each other, but they have some serious differences that make it difficult to even kiss each other. Fortunately, things evolve and they at last... well, you'll have to watch to find out.

The animation in this short film is terrific and the storyline has classic elements to it. Not exactly a Romeo and Juliet because there are no warring families, but the two protagonists definitely come from different worlds. Their efforts to make things work eventually pay off and we have a happy ending. Great background music. All around well executed short film that would make lovely interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! festival.

The storyline is about how two individuals from different backgrounds can somehow make things work out between them if they are clever and focused enough.

I give Love Photosynthesis 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


UPTON CHARLES DOG DETECTIVE: DOUBLE TROUBL

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
UPTON CHARLES DOG DETECTIVE: DOUBLE TROUBL
NEPTUNE PRESS LLC/ D.G. STERN
Series: BOOK, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Things are definitely going to be different in the Charles household, when Upton's brother, Arthur, comes to live with the family. Like Upton, Arthur is a Bichon Frise (that's BEE-shon free-ZEY) a little fluffy white dog. Both Watson, Upton's feline assistant, and Upton are a little apprehensive until the Chief of Police calls to enlist the help of the entire Charles family. Arthur proves to everyone that he too is a talented canine sleuth. Join the expanded Charles family in Double Trouble.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I have read several of the previous Upton Charles books and, even as an adult reader, find them fun and engaging to read. The language in Upton Charles: Double Trouble is just right for young readers; Upton is a delight. I love reading his thoughts. The problem-solving of the mystery is fun, and I love the cute illustrations at the chapter headings.

This story is told by the great Bichon Frise detective, Upton Charles, with assistance from his feline friend, Watson. It begins at a time when things seem to have reached a new calm in his household until, quite unexpectedly, a new dog joins the family. A walk on the beach reveals a possible problem when an abandoned sailboard is spotted on a nearby island and suddenly, everyone jumps into action trying to figure out what is going on.

I was not surprised that the new dog, Upton's brother, Arthur, turns out to have natural "detective" instincts, just like Upton and, as they join the police chief investigating the stranded sailboat, he proves his skills. Bit by bit, the mystery unravels and the reader begins to make presumptions about what happened. I like how the clues are reiterated once a few have been collected, as a way to help the reader engage their deductive reasoning. I also like that there's a lot of knowledge to be gained about boats, boat parts and how boats operate. If you've never been in the boating community, this story definitely teaches a thing or two about how things work. The dialogue between the family members, Upton, Watson and the new dog, Arthur, allows us an inside look at who is thinking or saying what. It makes me wonder how much the author listens to the dogs in his universe. I like how certain words, like wake, which might be unfamiliar to the reader, are explained. Another plus is how a few lessons are intertwined into the story about environmental awareness, such as the police chief's disgust at finding plastic bottles in the sand and commenting on how long they take to disintegrate. There are a few typos such as: Chief O'Brien gives s 'thumbs' up (the a is missing). Also, there are some punctuation errors such as: type in the hospitals number (missing an apostrophe). But, for the most part, this is well written and definitely age appropriate.

The story reminds us of how to collect clues when solving any mystery we run into as they progress step by step in solving the mystery of the missing sailor.

I give Upton Charles: Double Trouble 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found online where books are sold and in select bookstores.

By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Upton Charles Dog Detective: I really enjoyed Alex, who always says he's hungry. The characters are fun, and creative -- from police officers, cats, dogs, and a kid who loves to eat.

Double Trouble is an entertaining read. Written by D. G. Stern and illustrations by Ginger Mark, it's a mystery sleuth to solve the missing person from the perspective of a dog. Detective Upton Charles, a Bichon Frise, and his best friend, Watson the cat are members of the Charles family. They have solved previous mysteries written by Stern. The story follows a detective dog, Upton Charles and his cat best friend, Watson, who are members of the Charles family. Routine is disrupted when a third dog, Arthur, is adopted into the household. Upton and Watson are resistant to this new change. When a missing person case emerges on Moon Island, Arthur proves his worth as a detective and as a family member.

As the mystery grows and answers become harder to find, the book is very intriguing. This book in part of series and I wish I had read other books to know the background of the characters' relationships. As a stand-alone mystery, the plot is easy to follow. The book is told from the dog's perspective, which is fun because we don't get to hear dog's thoughts very often. The vocabulary is well suited for the target age and the book's cover, showing a dog, Upton, also has good kid appeal. The art work on the title page of each chapter, provides a hint of what is next to come in the chapter. The book sparks thought and curiosity. My mind was trying to solve the mystery while reading it. I did not expect the plot twist at the end, which is something else that makes this book great for the target age group. When the family is investing in the abandoned boat, I was creating theories about what happened. The police involvement supports problem solving and working together. The book keeps you hooked, trying to get you into solving the mystery yourself! Each chapter provides new clues that build the anticipation and mystery. It's a great mystery book for those who are younger because it shows perseverance, problem solving and many positive traits. The book is imaginative and incredibly well written.

The book's message is about problem solving and perseverance -- to never give up when times get hard.

I give Upton Charles Dog Detective Double Trouble 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available now wherever books are sold online and at select retailers.

By Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

What a joy it was to dive back into the whimsical world of Upton and his furry friends in Double Trouble! This sequel offers a delightful blend of mystery and heart, making it an engaging read for both young audiences and adults alike.

In Double Trouble, the Charles household is turned upside down when Upton's brother, Arthur, a fluffy Bichon Frise, comes to live with them. Initially met with skepticism by Upton and Watson, Arthur soon proves his worth when the Chief of Police enlists the entire family's help to solve a puzzling case. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with twists and surprises that showcase their unique talents while deepening their bonds as a family.

What I truly enjoy about this book is the vibrant character development and the humor that permeates the narrative. Stern masterfully captures the distinct personalities of Upton, Arthur, and Watson, making readers genuinely invested in their journey. The playful sibling rivalry between Upton and Arthur highlights themes of acceptance, trust, and teamwork. As Upton navigates his feelings of jealousy, we witness a heartfelt transformation that underscores familial bonds. The witty dialogue and engaging interactions make each character relatable and endearing. Arthur's charming antics bring out a softer side of Upton, while Watson's loyal support adds depth to their dynamic. The humor, ranging from light-hearted banter to situational comedy, creates an enjoyable atmosphere. The plot is cleverly constructed, filled with unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Additionally, the heartwarming moments among the Charles family emphasize that every member has something valuable to contribute, reinforcing the idea that love and understanding can flourish even amidst change.

The book's message is that you can never judge a book by its cover.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. This book is available now at online retailers and select bookstores. Be sure to check it out.

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

I really like the book Double Trouble, especially because of its personification. The dog, Upton, is very smart and is part of the K9 force. I love how Upton is curious and always looking around for clues, which makes him different from other dogs.

The story follows Upton, our star detective, who is a very fun and curious dog. He is solving a mystery, but this adventure is different from others because his new brother joins him. Throughout the story they try to solve this "impossible" mystery. In the end, when he, his family and friends solve this mystery, they are triumphant.

Upton is a Bichon Frise that loves to explore. We see this characteristic when he is on an adventure and is always looking for new discoveries. In this book, Upton has two siblings, a dog named Arthur and a cat named Watson. He lives with a few humans, including his mom, his dad Hank, his sister Veronica, and his brother Alex. All the characters are kind and adventurous (just like Upton). Upton also has some personification and is so real that he sounds more like a human instead of a dog. There is some good onomatopoeia used in the story that shows us which animal is talking. For example, "Meow" and "Yip." Kudos to the writer, D.G. Stern and illustrator, Ginger Marks for a well-constructed and entertaining story.

The film's message is to always keep trying and never give up. Upton and his family have a hard time solving the mystery and find what they think is a dead end, but they keep trying and eventually solve the mystery.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found wherever books are sold.

By Clara T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: Book ISBN # 979--8-986881-2-9


YELLOW DAISY BUTTERFLY

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
YELLOW DAISY BUTTERFLY
BIANCA O'NEILL
Series: FOREIGH SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - Cheri-lee is inconsolable when her Granny Daisy dies. As Daisy ascends, she sees Cheri-lee's grief, and returns as a little white egg that transforms into a butterfly. A metamorphosis that mirrors Cheri-lee's stages of grief.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Yellow Daisy Butterfly is a very great and heartwarming story. Using butterflies to represent love and grandma is a very creative concept and a loved one's death is a topic that everyone can relate to. Also, the visuals are very special and creative.

The story follows a little girl and her grandmother, as the girl studies ballet and we learn of her and her grandmother's love of yellow butterflies. The grandmother dies, but she turns into a yellow butterfly and eases the little girl's grief.

The filmmaker is so creative and I really love the unique visual arts. The story is touching and uses the butterflies in a way that nicely represents the impact of the grandmother's death on the little girl. The death of an elder can be a very traumatic time in a child's life, but this story is presented in a much warmer and creative way that lessens the sadness of the story. It's a short 2D animated movie and the whole presentation is very creative with fabulous angles showing various points of view. Every part of the story is visualized very well. For example, the connection of the grandmother's death with the butterflies, is very creative and strongly connects to the theme of the story. The backgrounds have a clipart-like feel to them, and the colors are especially vibrant, which can get a child hooked on the film very quickly. I really like the music - it is very simple, and fits the theme of the story very well. It is also very soft and that softness fits the sadness of the death of the grandmother, adding a touch of tenderness. The protagonist of the story, the little girl, changes through her grandmother's death and her transformation into a butterfly, thus the girl's initial sadness becomes acceptance of her loved one's death and allows her to move on with her life happily. The way the character is presented in this story is a good way to show the perception of death for a child. My favorite scene is when granny becomes a butterfly. This scene is so creative and starts the whole story. This short film is really creative and educational.

The film's message is about the love between grandma and granddaughter.

I give Yellow Daisy Butterfly 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Yellow Daisy Butterfly is a very great and heartwarming story. Using butterflies to represent love and grandma is a very creative concept and a loved one's death is a topic that everyone can relate to. Also, the visuals are very special and creative.

The story follows a little girl and her grandmother, as the girl studies ballet and we learn of her and her grandmother's love of yellow butterflies. The grandmother dies, but she turns into a yellow butterfly and eases the little girl's grief.

The filmmaker is so creative and I really love the unique visual arts. The story is touching and uses the butterflies in a way that nicely represents the impact of the grandmother's death on the little girl. The death of an elder can be a very traumatic time in a child's life, but this story is presented in a much warmer and creative way that lessens the sadness of the story. It's a short 2D animated movie and the whole presentation is very creative with fabulous angles showing various points of view. Every part of the story is visualized very well. For example, the connection of the grandmother's death with the butterflies, is very creative and strongly connects to the theme of the story. The backgrounds have a clipart-like feel to them, and the colors are especially vibrant, which can get a child hooked on the film very quickly. I really like the music - it is very simple, and fits the theme of the story very well. It is also very soft and that softness fits the sadness of the death of the grandmother, adding a touch of tenderness. The protagonist of the story, the little girl, changes through her grandmother's death and her transformation into a butterfly, thus the girl's initial sadness becomes acceptance of her loved one's death and allows her to move on with her life happily. The way the character is presented in this story is a good way to show the perception of death for a child. My favorite scene is when granny becomes a butterfly. This scene is so creative and starts the whole story. This short film is really creative and educational.

The film's message is about the love between grandma and granddaughter.

I give Yellow Daisy Butterfly 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


FAIRIES AREN’T REAL

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
FAIRIES AREN�T REAL
MCKENZI DIAZ
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - A brother discredits his sister and she gets revenge in a magical way.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I very much enjoyed the short film Fairies Aren't Real. The amazing setting, adorable storyline, and crystal clear video quality really give this film a spark.

The story follows a little girl who dresses up as a fairy. When she does so, her older brother tells her that fairies aren't real. She decides to teach him a lesson and show him that, in fact, fairies are real.

This film is very heartwarming. The two kid protagonists (Mila Diaz, Niko Diaz) are quite something. The little girl is absolutely adorable and I loved seeing her teach her brother a lesson. She is so feisty. The storyline is cute but it is a bit confusing. And there is very little dialogue. The plot is pretty obvious, and the little sister gets the upper hand in the end, which is very cute and humorous. The quality of the video is incredibly clear and really makes the film. There are a few close-ups that are well placed and accentuate the different characters. Some camera work is a bit shaky during the scenes where the characters are walking. The costumes work well, especially the little girl's fairy costume. The forest location is gorgeous and quite a bit of the film takes place there. The trees are so tall and the rich green colors surrounding the characters is striking. The background music is a critical part to this film, since there is very little dialogue. The music drives a lot of the action and gives the film a mysterious energy, especially during the scenes with the fairy - it gives her a very ethereal feeling. It's definitely worth a good laugh, especially for siblings that can relate to it. The film's message is to respect other people's ideas and opinions.

I give Fairies Aren't Real 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I very much enjoyed the short film Fairies Aren't Real. The amazing setting, adorable storyline, and crystal clear video quality really give this film a spark.

The story follows a little girl who dresses up as a fairy. When she does so, her older brother tells her that fairies aren't real. She decides to teach him a lesson and show him that, in fact, fairies are real.

This film is very heartwarming. The two kid protagonists (Mila Diaz, Niko Diaz) are quite something. The little girl is absolutely adorable and I loved seeing her teach her brother a lesson. She is so feisty. The storyline is cute but it is a bit confusing. And there is very little dialogue. The plot is pretty obvious, and the little sister gets the upper hand in the end, which is very cute and humorous. The quality of the video is incredibly clear and really makes the film. There are a few close-ups that are well placed and accentuate the different characters. Some camera work is a bit shaky during the scenes where the characters are walking. The costumes work well, especially the little girl's fairy costume. The forest location is gorgeous and quite a bit of the film takes place there. The trees are so tall and the rich green colors surrounding the characters is striking. The background music is a critical part to this film, since there is very little dialogue. The music drives a lot of the action and gives the film a mysterious energy, especially during the scenes with the fairy - it gives her a very ethereal feeling. It's definitely worth a good laugh, especially for siblings that can relate to it. The film's message is to respect other people's ideas and opinions.

I give Fairies Aren't Real 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


DRAGONKEEPER

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
DRAGONKEEPER       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
SC FILMS INTERNATIONAL
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - In ancient China after a clash with the humans, dragons are banished from the kingdom. Many years later, innocent and freedom-yearning orphan, Ping, is looking after the last two dragons when she discovers that one has sadly died, and the other is guarding a precious and rare dragon egg. As palace guards arrive, the remaining dragon, Danzi disappears, and before Ping has the opportunity to explain what has happened, she is mistaken for an accomplice and must run away herself. Danzi and Ping escape from the palace together and must return the dragon egg to the ocean to save all dragons from extinction! On this wild and dangerous adventure, Ping finds a way to unlock her power and discovers she is a true Dragonkeeper. Dragonkeeper comes from animation studio Ilion Animation Studios (Wonder Park, Planet 51) and the visual direction of the legendary Sergio Pablos (Rio, Despicable Me) & Borja Montoro (Zootopia).
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - SEE YOUTH COMMENTS
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the movie Dragonkeeper because it is funny and heartfelt.

The storyline is about a slave girl called Ping (Mayalinee Griffiths), who dreams about meeting dragons. Her dream comes true, but one of the magical creatures dies and she goes on a quest to save the dragons and hatch the last imperial dragons' egg. Joining her is a dragon (Bill Nighy) as her protector and a funny "very helpful" mouse. She soon finds out that she has mystical powers and learns to use them to stop bad guys who want to steal the egg and use its powers for evil.

I really enjoyed this film. It's an animated film with special effects. It also has lots of humor - there are all sorts of humorous scenes like my favorite, where the mouse tries helping. He marches up to the big fight against something 2,000,000 times his size. Another fun scene is when he rolls the egg away from the bad guys. The movie is also sad and heartfelt because one of the dragons dies. The visual effects are great and really stand out. For example when one of the dragons heals Ping's wound with the power of the egg as shown in the trailer. I do have to admit that some parts of the movie are a little childish. For example, there is a scene about 30 seconds long of two kids blowing raspberries at each other.

The film's message is "you can do whatever you want; only you decide your destiny."

I give Dragonkeeper 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on digital in the US now and opens in theaters in UK & Ireland on September 27, 2024. I hope you enjoy it.

By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


MY PENCIL'S DEATH

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MY PENCIL'S DEATH
DIEGO ROTMISTROVSKY
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-18
Topic - Family
Description - A girl has a pencil that is now dead and she calls it useless. She has a flashback showing her as younger with the pencil. Then she experiences a lack of thoughts (her project) and has visions of her pencil everywhere- in the book, cooking pot, and bathroom. Finally she learns that it's okay to miss things and grieve for something you loved because it helps you move on. From Argentina.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoy My Pencils Death because it has a great message. One of my favorite parts is when the girl has a flashback to when she was younger and how she loved the pencil. That scene is really sad because the pencil is now dead, but it contributes to the message. Another part I like is how she throws the paper and it flies across the world. That part is really funny and entertaining.

The storyline follows a girl who has a pencil that is now dead and she calls it useless. She has a flashback showing her as younger with the pencil. Then she experiences a lack of thoughts (her project) and has visions of her pencil everywhere- in the book, cooking pot, and bathroom. Finally she learns that it's okay to miss things and grieve for something you loved because it helps you move on.

I really enjoyed the movie and I believe that children and parents will too; plus, it gives a good message. I really appreciate the camera work. I like how the camera zooms in to the most important thing in every scene. My favorite one is when they are in the kitchen and she sees pencils. The camera zooms in to the pencils, then her reaction, then the pencil again, then the reaction again. I really enjoyed the flashback because it contributes to the plot in a good way and helps the viewer see what the short film is about. The film is amazingly well written and the other aspects of the production are quite good. The costumes go well with the timeframe and the story line. My favorite costume is the one in the flashback. I like her artistic outfit and it goes well with the film. The sets suit the story well. The set that I really like is the animated one when she is throwing the paper. It includes the world, the Eiffel Tower and space. It stands out the most because it is cool and funny. The background music is well chosen; though there are a lot, my favorite one is the background music played in the kitchen. It really brings tension and suspense to the film. This movie used a lot of effects; they are not realistic, but they bring excitement to the movie so they are effective. My favorite one is the coffee pot, which made me laugh. The main character is an illustrator, (Lucia Schaab), who goes through a character change by ignoring her grief, which makes her lose ideas and go through not being able to move on, to finally embracing the grief which allows her to move on and accomplish things. My favorite part of the film is when the paper is thrown across the world and the animation takes us 'round the world. That is funny and cool. This could be considered an educational film, because it teaches people that grieving something that is lost is the best way to move on.

The film's message is about how grieving for something you used to love is the best way to move on to something new. Be aware that the film talks about death, although in a good way, but it could be a sensitive topic for some kids.

I give My Pencil's Death 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoy My Pencils Death because it has a great message. One of my favorite parts is when the girl has a flashback to when she was younger and how she loved the pencil. That scene is really sad because the pencil is now dead, but it contributes to the message. Another part I like is how she throws the paper and it flies across the world. That part is really funny and entertaining.

The storyline follows a girl who has a pencil that is now dead and she calls it useless. She has a flashback showing her as younger with the pencil. Then she experiences a lack of thoughts (her project) and has visions of her pencil everywhere- in the book, cooking pot, and bathroom. Finally she learns that it's okay to miss things and grieve for something you loved because it helps you move on.

I really enjoyed the movie and I believe that children and parents will too; plus, it gives a good message. I really appreciate the camera work. I like how the camera zooms in to the most important thing in every scene. My favorite one is when they are in the kitchen and she sees pencils. The camera zooms in to the pencils, then her reaction, then the pencil again, then the reaction again. I really enjoyed the flashback because it contributes to the plot in a good way and helps the viewer see what the short film is about. The film is amazingly well written and the other aspects of the production are quite good. The costumes go well with the timeframe and the story line. My favorite costume is the one in the flashback. I like her artistic outfit and it goes well with the film. The sets suit the story well. The set that I really like is the animated one when she is throwing the paper. It includes the world, the Eiffel Tower and space. It stands out the most because it is cool and funny. The background music is well chosen; though there are a lot, my favorite one is the background music played in the kitchen. It really brings tension and suspense to the film. This movie used a lot of effects; they are not realistic, but they bring excitement to the movie so they are effective. My favorite one is the coffee pot, which made me laugh. The main character is an illustrator, (Lucia Schaab), who goes through a character change by ignoring her grief, which makes her lose ideas and go through not being able to move on, to finally embracing the grief which allows her to move on and accomplish things. My favorite part of the film is when the paper is thrown across the world and the animation takes us 'round the world. That is funny and cool. This could be considered an educational film, because it teaches people that grieving something that is lost is the best way to move on.

The film's message is about how grieving for something you used to love is the best way to move on to something new. Be aware that the film talks about death, although in a good way, but it could be a sensitive topic for some kids.

I give My Pencil's Death 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


ALCHEMIST'S APPRENTICE, THE

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
ALCHEMIST'S APPRENTICE, THE
ERFAN PARSAPOUR
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - A young alchemy apprentice tries to fix his master's creation discreetly.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoy The Alchemist's Apprentice. I love the humor, the storyline and the background music.

The storyline follows a young alchemy student who attempts to solve issues with his mentor's greatest creation without getting caught.

I really enjoyed the film and I think it's perfect for younger kids. It begins with the master making a potion and he keeps messing up. His young apprentice tries to help and when the master tells him to go away the boy gets sad. The 2D animation is very good; it's bright and colorful and well designed. This could easily turn into a longer film because it holds up well. There is no dialogue, only computer-like sounds. The backgrounds are excellent. The kingdom is so colorful and beautiful. The characters are all designed very well; it definitely brought to mind the classic Disney film, The Sorcerer's Apprentice - without the whole craziness of that. What I like most is when the apprentice is able to get the potion right. The apprentice is the most interesting character to me; he starts out sad because the master won't let him help, but after he fixes the potion, he's happy, even though the mast still doesn't let him help. My favorite part of the film is the cute little frog. I like when the scene zooms into the frog after it jumps out of the cauldron and the frog is glowing. I kept watching the frog after the credits.

The film's message is that helping does not always mean you get a reward but it still makes you feel good.

I give The Alchemist's Apprentice 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoy The Alchemist's Apprentice. I love the humor, the storyline and the background music.

The storyline follows a young alchemy student who attempts to solve issues with his mentor's greatest creation without getting caught.

I really enjoyed the film and I think it's perfect for younger kids. It begins with the master making a potion and he keeps messing up. His young apprentice tries to help and when the master tells him to go away the boy gets sad. The 2D animation is very good; it's bright and colorful and well designed. This could easily turn into a longer film because it holds up well. There is no dialogue, only computer-like sounds. The backgrounds are excellent. The kingdom is so colorful and beautiful. The characters are all designed very well; it definitely brought to mind the classic Disney film, The Sorcerer's Apprentice - without the whole craziness of that. What I like most is when the apprentice is able to get the potion right. The apprentice is the most interesting character to me; he starts out sad because the master won't let him help, but after he fixes the potion, he's happy, even though the mast still doesn't let him help. My favorite part of the film is the cute little frog. I like when the scene zooms into the frog after it jumps out of the cauldron and the frog is glowing. I kept watching the frog after the credits.

The film's message is that helping does not always mean you get a reward but it still makes you feel good.

I give The Alchemist's Apprentice 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


UP AND AWAY

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
UP AND AWAY
EDWARD RAMSAY-MORIN
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Up and Away is a journey through space and time that explores different themes and motifs of creation stories.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like the short film, Up And Away for its experimental approach to storytelling. The images and the score drive a powerful story that is open to interpretation.

Up and Away is a short animated film that follows a journey by a young girl and boy through space in a quirky looking spacecraft exploring the universe.

This film is fairly esoteric and leaves much to the viewer's imagination. This non narrative film, by Edward Ramsay-Morin, is well crafted although I need to point out that the animation is limited. The two child characters look like cutouts from a Dick and Jane reader and are not animated. They travel about without any movement from their bodies or mouths, which can be an issue for younger kids. The kids travel past various objects in space - rocks, piles of blue things. The film begins and ends with a face floating in space and it's unclear exactly what that face represents. One of the key characters is a bird who appears early on and later, attacks Dick and Jane's craft with lightning bolts. The bird doesn't have any motion in its body either, it moves as a still image across the screen. The bird's attack is odd and we have no idea what it is all about or why it is attacking Dick and Jane. Once the spacecraft crashes other birds appear and attack the "big" bird until it disintegrates and, la voile, the craft rises to continue its journey and the face reappears - perhaps happily so? The score, by Trent William Hanna, is well designed also. It consists of various pieces of music assembled into sort of a musical collage that helps create the mood of the film.

The film's message is to never get too off-guard because there could always be an obstacle.

I give Up and Away 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the short film, Up And Away for its experimental approach to storytelling. The images and the score drive a powerful story that is open to interpretation.

Up and Away is a short animated film that follows a journey by a young girl and boy through space in a quirky looking spacecraft exploring the universe.

This film is fairly esoteric and leaves much to the viewer's imagination. This non narrative film, by Edward Ramsay-Morin, is well crafted although I need to point out that the animation is limited. The two child characters look like cutouts from a Dick and Jane reader and are not animated. They travel about without any movement from their bodies or mouths, which can be an issue for younger kids. The kids travel past various objects in space - rocks, piles of blue things. The film begins and ends with a face floating in space and it's unclear exactly what that face represents. One of the key characters is a bird who appears early on and later, attacks Dick and Jane's craft with lightning bolts. The bird doesn't have any motion in its body either, it moves as a still image across the screen. The bird's attack is odd and we have no idea what it is all about or why it is attacking Dick and Jane. Once the spacecraft crashes other birds appear and attack the "big" bird until it disintegrates and, la voile, the craft rises to continue its journey and the face reappears - perhaps happily so? The score, by Trent William Hanna, is well designed also. It consists of various pieces of music assembled into sort of a musical collage that helps create the mood of the film.

The film's message is to never get too off-guard because there could always be an obstacle.

I give Up and Away 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


LET'S FIND OUT - PROTECTING PLANET EARTH! (GREENHOUSE EFFECT)

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
LET'S FIND OUT - PROTECTING PLANET EARTH! (GREENHOUSE EFFECT)
TOM JOHNSON
Series: FOREIGN ENVIRONMENTAL SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - From taking the bus or hopping on a bike a bit more often, to showing how seaweed might help cows make better burps, this fun show features ways to protect our planet that are achievable and fun! With scientists Mark Langry and Amy Hassett and an alien called Zoom, this season is dedicated to the themes of climate action, biodiversity, sustainability and the circular economy.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Let's Find Out- Protecting Planet Earth! (Greenhouse Effect) is great as an educational film for early elementary science. There is a lot of talking about scientific aspects. It is similar to Sesame Street in the way the characters are included and their voice.

Two scientists, Mark Langry and Amy Hassett are joined by an alien Muppet character named Zoom and they go on a fun, educational adventure exploring different aspects of climate change. The main issue to solve is how greenhouse gasses severely increase global warming and climate change. They team up with some elementary students to conduct experiments and teach kids about climate change by making greenhouses. This is from Ireland, with dialogue that has a lovely Irish accent to it.

The show's pace is really quick because it tries to fit a lot of information into a short period of time. I like how the animation shifts to realism and back again to animation. It is very upbeat and positive, without talking down to kids or being trivial. There are three main characters - Mark Langry, Amy Hassett, and the alien named Zoom, voiced by Charlie Wolfe. Mark and Amy focus on explaining things very clearly using vocabulary that is appropriate for school aged kids. The three adventurers begin observing the Earth from their spaceship, which is cleverly created using greenscreen technology and animation. Later, they zoom down to Earth to visit kids at a school. Amy is in a wheelchair, but that never restricts her participation in any way. I love the animated props they use, because everything looks futuristic, but based on technology we are familiar with today. I love the part when their spaceship lands in the school yard. My favorite part is when two elementary students conduct a science experiment based on greenhouses. It reminds me of PBS Kids shows. I love the music at the end. It's fun and completely dance-able.

The film's message is that humans need to stop destroying mother nature because it's leading to not so good things on Earth like global warming and climate change.

I give Let's Find Out- Protecting Planet Earth! (Greenhouse Effect) 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This film qualifies as an environmental film because it emphasizes the importance of global warming and how humans need to modify their behavior in order to protect the Earth. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Let's Find Out- Protecting Planet Earth! (Greenhouse Effect) is great as an educational film for early elementary science. There is a lot of talking about scientific aspects. It is similar to Sesame Street in the way the characters are included and their voice.

Two scientists, Mark Langry and Amy Hassett are joined by an alien Muppet character named Zoom and they go on a fun, educational adventure exploring different aspects of climate change. The main issue to solve is how greenhouse gasses severely increase global warming and climate change. They team up with some elementary students to conduct experiments and teach kids about climate change by making greenhouses. This is from Ireland, with dialogue that has a lovely Irish accent to it.

The show's pace is really quick because it tries to fit a lot of information into a short period of time. I like how the animation shifts to realism and back again to animation. It is very upbeat and positive, without talking down to kids or being trivial. There are three main characters - Mark Langry, Amy Hassett, and the alien named Zoom, voiced by Charlie Wolfe. Mark and Amy focus on explaining things very clearly using vocabulary that is appropriate for school aged kids. The three adventurers begin observing the Earth from their spaceship, which is cleverly created using greenscreen technology and animation. Later, they zoom down to Earth to visit kids at a school. Amy is in a wheelchair, but that never restricts her participation in any way. I love the animated props they use, because everything looks futuristic, but based on technology we are familiar with today. I love the part when their spaceship lands in the school yard. My favorite part is when two elementary students conduct a science experiment based on greenhouses. It reminds me of PBS Kids shows. I love the music at the end. It's fun and completely dance-able.

The film's message is that humans need to stop destroying mother nature because it's leading to not so good things on Earth like global warming and climate change.

I give Let's Find Out- Protecting Planet Earth! (Greenhouse Effect) 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This film qualifies as an environmental film because it emphasizes the importance of global warming and how humans need to modify their behavior in order to protect the Earth. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 16 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


ABIGAIL'S DRESS

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
ABIGAIL'S DRESS
DONNA GUTHRIE
Series: ENVIRONMENTAL SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - A little girl receives the perfect dress on her birthday, but it is a bit too large. We watch as she wears this favorite dress throughout the seasons and the years. Finally, cleaning and repairing it for the thrift shop for another little girl. Recycle, Reuse and Donate
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely short, non-narrative film with a great message.

The story, told solely through 2D animation, follows a young girl who receives a dress that is a bit too big for her, but she adapts and ends up wearing it in various ways for some time. Eventually, she takes it to a thrift shop and next thing we see is another girl enjoying the dress.

I love the sweet and simple animation and the film's message - recycle, reuse, donate. It brings home a message about making things last and, when they no longer work for you, to pass them on to someone new. The background music is perfect and non intrusive. The characters are well drawn and easy to relate to, no matter what your background is. This would make a perfect interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! film festival.

The film's message is about reusing and recycling the materials things in our lives.

I give Abigail's Dress 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a lovely short, non-narrative film with a great message.

The story, told solely through 2D animation, follows a young girl who receives a dress that is a bit too big for her, but she adapts and ends up wearing it in various ways for some time. Eventually, she takes it to a thrift shop and next thing we see is another girl enjoying the dress.

I love the sweet and simple animation and the film's message - recycle, reuse, donate. It brings home a message about making things last and, when they no longer work for you, to pass them on to someone new. The background music is perfect and non intrusive. The characters are well drawn and easy to relate to, no matter what your background is. This would make a perfect interstitial for a KIDS FIRST! film festival.

The film's message is about reusing and recycling the materials things in our lives.

I give Abigail's Dress 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


DRAGON IN NAME ONLY, A

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
DRAGON IN NAME ONLY, A
JACYNTA SCURFIELD
Series: FOREIGN UNIVERSITY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Topic - Family
Description - A lonely Komodo dragon goes to great heights to befriend a 'real' Dragon.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Yes, absolutely adorable and well executed. Great moral to this story. Really perfect for KIDS FIRST!

The story follows a Komodo Dragon who aspires to be a "real" dragon and admires one she has seen. She goes to great lengths to create wings so she fly! And accomplishes it, but not for long. Dejected, she lands back on the ground, only to be surprised by the real dragon coming towards her on foot to hang out with her. Together they fly with Koru on the real dragon's back, showing us how things can work out in the end. I love the animation; it's quite beautiful. The narrator's voice is perfect for this short animated tale and the background music works well also.

The film's message is that we all can be who we are and fit right in with others. We don't need to try to be something we are not.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Yes, absolutely adorable and well executed. Great moral to this story. Really perfect for KIDS FIRST!

The story follows a Komodo Dragon who aspires to be a "real" dragon and admires one she has seen. She goes to great lengths to create wings so she fly! And accomplishes it, but not for long. Dejected, she lands back on the ground, only to be surprised by the real dragon coming towards her on foot to hang out with her. Together they fly with Koru on the real dragon's back, showing us how things can work out in the end. I love the animation; it's quite beautiful. The narrator's voice is perfect for this short animated tale and the background music works well also.

The film's message is that we all can be who we are and fit right in with others. We don't need to try to be something we are not.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


HI NOEL

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
HI NOEL
ERIC WHITE
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Hi Noel delves into the enchanting realm of a child's creativity and self-discovery. A shy young boy named Leon stumbles upon the heart-wrenching possibility that his parents might be on the verge of a divorce. As his parents wrestle with their personal challenges, Leon is left to grapple with feelings of loneliness and hurt that he can't quite comprehend. In this moment of emotional turmoil, Leon's creative spirit ignites, and he creates an imaginary friend called Noel. Noel is a charismatic and endearing companion and becomes a comforting presence in Leon's life. Together, the two boys set out on a magical adventure that transcends the boundaries of reality and imagination. From Singapore. Dialogue in Mandarin Chinese and English.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoy Hi Noel. It hits home on a serious topic and brings up lots of issues that I could relate to and I believe others will as well. It is funny and sad and insightful all in 90 minutes. It is from Singapore, which shows that families worldwide have similar issues.

Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.

This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.

I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?

The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.

I give Hi Noel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoy Hi Noel. It hits home on a serious topic and brings up lots of issues that I could relate to and I believe others will as well. It is funny and sad and insightful all in 90 minutes. It is from Singapore, which shows that families worldwide have similar issues.

Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.

This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.

I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?

The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.

I give Hi Noel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


DANCE (2024)

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
DANCE (2024)
MARK KELLY
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Twelve princesses and twelve princes are forced to dance themselves to exhaustion nightly by Fairie magic and their only hopes to be freed are a middle-aged veteran searching for his lost wife and a young African girl hoping to free her brother.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - DANCE is a terrific fairy tale that benefits from an updated approach in how to deal with those pesky magical problems that haunted the Middle Ages. This is a classic hero's journey that takes us into a fairy realm populated by mystical beings from German folklore. The story is clear and has an interesting twist plus a satisfying resolution. It has a strong moral core and is light-hearted, funny and carries an important message to even older audiences. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - DANCE is a terrific fairy tale that benefits from an updated approach in how to deal with those pesky magical problems that haunted the Middle Ages. This is a classic hero's journey that takes us into a fairy realm populated by mystical beings from German folklore. The story is clear and has an interesting twist plus a satisfying resolution. It has a strong moral core and is light-hearted, funny and carries an important message to even older audiences. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Juror #11.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: Screenplay


LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
DISNEY+
Series: TV SERIES, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - A nerf-herder discovers an artifact that twists the Star Wars universe, swapping the roles of heroes and villains. He embarks on an adventure to restore order and emerge as the savior who reassembles the fractured galaxy.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Legends aren't made, they are built! I love LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy. This four-piece animated special reimagines the Star Wars galaxy like never before. It is funny and the cast is outstanding.

In LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, the entire Star Wars galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact called the Cornerstone from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy is full of comedy, action and incredible animation. This show is filled with heart, laughter, and the important message of believing in yourself. It is a family friendly special and for fans of LEGO or Star Wars this is a must watch. I could not take my eyes off the screen. The animation and visuals are stunning - I love when the light sabers light up and the flying sequences are awesome. They could not have picked a better cast to voice these characters. It features the vocal work of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Gaten Matarazzo (Sig Greebling), Bobby Moynihan (Jedi Bob), Tony Revolori (Dev Greebling), Marsai Martin (Yesi Scala), Michael Cusack (Servo), and Ahmed Best (Darth Jar Jar). The writing is so smart and funny. I think this movie will create a whole new generation of LEGO and Star Wars fans because it has something for everyone.

This film teaches you to believe in yourself and to embrace teamwork.

I give LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy on Disney+ beginning September 13, 2024 on Disney +.

Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV


CHORUS TO DERO

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
CHORUS TO DERO
DANA CORRIGAN
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - In a small town plagued with new disasters, a gifted barmaid meets a mysterious cavalryman far from home. Experience the courage that begins their magical journey into a world on a slightly different course in: Chorus to Dero. This story pilots a new, animated action adventure series.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What an impressive pilot Chorus to Dero is. I can't wait to see the rest of this series!

The storyline follows a young woman, Larkspur, whose town is hit by an earthquake and, in the midst of the confusion, a mysterious cavalryman appears. Larkspur has the gift of healing people and cures the young man of his injuries only to discover eventually that they have shared skills, which may just save her town from complete oblivion. This is a pilot for a new animated series.

Great animation - simple and straightforward, and quite charming. The characters are interesting and well developed. The storyline begins here and has a cliff-hanging ending. The voiceover talent is excellent; each character is well defined by the individual voices. The background music is reminiscently medieval which suits the story.

The film's message is yet to be determined, but we can see from this pilot that it's about chivalry and taking care of your community.

I give Chorus to Dero 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an impressive pilot Chorus to Dero is. I can't wait to see the rest of this series!

The storyline follows a young woman, Larkspur, whose town is hit by an earthquake and, in the midst of the confusion, a mysterious cavalryman appears. Larkspur has the gift of healing people and cures the young man of his injuries only to discover eventually that they have shared skills, which may just save her town from complete oblivion. This is a pilot for a new animated series.

Great animation - simple and straightforward, and quite charming. The characters are interesting and well developed. The storyline begins here and has a cliff-hanging ending. The voiceover talent is excellent; each character is well defined by the individual voices. The background music is reminiscently medieval which suits the story.

The film's message is yet to be determined, but we can see from this pilot that it's about chivalry and taking care of your community.

I give Chorus to Dero 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 21 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MAGIC LAB, THE

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MAGIC LAB, THE
MARIANA MECHOULAM
Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Eli is an inventor who has a laboratory where she has created a game to solve problems. She has bottles with value capsules and a screen with animated stories that complement the secret formula. Her assistant, Pau (10 years old), helps her in her experiments. Tino, his cousin (5 years old), arrives angry. Trying and seeing various values, they get Tino to resolve the conflict that has him in bad shape.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Magic Lab introduces children to the concept of values, an explanation of how to apply them, and when to use them in combination to resolve a problem--and it teaches with play and plenty of music.

Eli, a "social" scientist, conducts a laboratory in which children (and adults) can learn how to acquire personal characteristics that enable them to problem solve effectively. She and Pau, her little assistant, help Tino understand why he feels angry and uncommunicative, and then work out a way to put things to rights with his friends.

This film's storyline presents quite sophisticated values. Many of these words, let alone their meanings, are likely to be unfamiliar: sociability, solidarity, loyalty, honesty, dignity, excellence, and love. In the play land of Living Water, children can create scenarios that are analogous to their own difficulties and then work them out in a safe space free of condescension and judgment. By and large, these values are presented in terms of absolutes: things are black and white, right and wrong. Perhaps this is a good starting point for young hearts and minds, and later they can explore the many shades of gray that are less than moral imperatives.

This movie uses live actors as well as animation. Eli and the children discuss Tino's dilemma, choose a value to apply, and select toy characters to participate in an animated play scenario. Animated characters are simple and colorful, appealing and recognizable, which provides a nice contrast to philosophical complexity. The film's spoken language is Spanish, and there are noticeable misspellings and translation errors in the English subtitles. Also, the subtitles are in a white font which makes them difficult to read when superimposed on the film.

Children will find all the rows of colorful glass jars in the laboratory appealing, as each of them contains a particular value. Eli literally feeds the chosen value, which looks like a glistening orb of sticky candy, to Tino...the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. After every segment exploring a particularly suitable value, there is a lively song to reinforce understanding. They are subtitled in Spanish (as well as English) so children can read and sing along. Music reinforces memory.

Tino is the character showing the most development. He begins the story sullen and untalkative because he is in a pickle. As he is drawn out by Eli, then given values and an understanding of how to apply them to his situation, he becomes more and more invested in the play scenarios. In the end, Tino decides for himself how he is going to handle cleaning up his own mess--no adult has handed him the script. Eli does give him a Love candy to share with his friend who will probably be mad about the outcome, but that's the extent of adult intervention other than providing the tools to create his own solution. That's a great lesson in empowering children while still keeping the gentlest guiding hand on the rudder.

I appreciate the smooth transitions from live actors to animation. I especially admire the parsing out done when presenting an explanation of Dignity. The music box ballerina, who spurned the affection of the Count, was required to pose like a statue for 60 minutes in order to participate in his dance pageant. Solomon, the wise toy elephant, asks her if she has reconsidered, and she steps off the timer with five minutes remaining. "Dignity is the limit you put on being offended. On being disrespected. And you should never allow that," explains Solomon to all her friends. He makes a fine distinction between being tested or being humiliated. In my opinion, this is a rich lesson for young children to understand, especially since there's such a prevalence of trendy "dares" on social media. Dares humiliate. Solomon also knocks out false dignity: acting dignified because someone has called you out on your questionable behavior. This lesson helps children calibrate their internal compass.

The film's message is: acquiring a set of personal values is like having a rainbow to chase away the storm clouds: the more values you have, the better decisions you can make.

I give The Magic Lab 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is great fodder for parent-child discussion, good medicine for developing character and a tonic for social dysfunction. I do recommend that the filmmaker address the issues of the subtitle - fix the misspelled words and poor grammar and change the color so they don't get lost. By Debra L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Magic Lab is the story of how two lab techs - one older, one younger - grapple with solutions for people, and animated characters in everyday problems. The Magic Lab is a character itself, using animated, imaginary characters in an attempt to role play better behaviors and attitudes that children and adults face. The film uses music and animation to underscore these story lines and make 'lessons learned' fun and entertaining. The dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles, which affects age appropriateness based on reading levels.

This film is both challenging and charming. The actors are engaging and attractive, although it takes a couple of minutes to get into Eli's (Elianne de la Pena) exaggerated style of acting, but she is adorable. As the themes of loyalty, honesty, excellence, friendship, optimism and love are slowly rolled out, the younger actors learn to 'magically' solve problems. Eventually the viewer meets imaginary animated characters that represent real actors in a make believe world called aqua life. The songs really help tie film segments together.

The characters in the film have a good script to follow. Even though the English translation has several inaccuracies, the ideas conveyed are wise words, succinctly spoken. The magic lab has lots of cool gizmo's and kids would love that they have to eat certain jelly beans in homeopathic doses to become the quality or value that they need to possess to solve their problems - candy with a fog machine to make it magic - yum!! That's just one of the reasons to like the film, along with upbeat kid-rock songs. And who doesn't like talking elephants and dinosaurs?

The structure of the show is well suited to cover the various values that they are underscoring. The dialogue is in Spanish and English subtitles are poorly written in about eight spots - bad spelling, wrong words and even one curse word that the translator was confused about as the curse word is not even correctly used. The word I'm referring to is a Spanish word that means angry and the English translation reads "pissed out!" Some people might be offended by it. But this happens only once. The characters do draw you in and the energy of the story is balanced and interesting. If this was played in a classroom setting it could be broken into parts, so that students could discuss the merits of the values being taught.

The Magic Lab has many moving parts and that is intriguing. The images are either live action or 2D animation. The acting grows on you as the characters become more and more real. There is definitely chemistry between them. All three of the main human characters develop as the story evolves, especially the young boy, Tino (Constantino Alonso), whose mood brightens and integrity improves with counseling by his sister and their lab coach, Eli.

The film's message is that you can always figure out a better way to do things with help from wise friends, and with faith (magic). By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


METAMORPHOSIS (2024)

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
METAMORPHOSIS (2024)
BRYN WRIGHT
Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Metamorphosis is a metaphor for the challenges everyone experiences during adolescence... FROG wants to be stronger, AXOLOTL doesn't want to grow up, LADYBUG is going through "phases" and CATERPILLAR wants things to move more quickly. Written & Animated by 12-year-old Bryn Wright, Metamorphosis is an upbeat and encouraging film for all ages - especially for youth in transition. Often the simplest solution is to "wait a while".
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I absolutely love this short student film, Metamorphosis. The claymation is diligently executed and has a very creative look overall. It shows a unique perspective on the theme of growing up and I especially love that it was created by 12-year-old, Bryn Wright. Kudos to her.

The film shows various creatures, including frogs, ladybugs, caterpillars and axolotls that go through metamorphosis. However, this is also a metaphor for growing up and going through the different stages in life. The different animals go through different phases to find their true self, just like people.

I recommend this film for a youth and family film festival because it's a visually appealing film that has a deep message behind it. I like that the story uses nature to describe something that humans can relate to -- change. Animals go through metamorphosis and, in their own way, humans morph through adolescence. I like that each animal develops to its true self in the end. I love the claymation; it is very encapsulating, creative and well-made. For instance, when the axolotl (a type of salamander) is coming out of the water, it starts as a little piece of pink clay to become a full amphibian in just a few frames. The quality of the camerawork is quite good. The animated creatures change in many different ways. For example, the ladybug's haircuts change when the narrator says "going through phases." Another example is when the caterpillar goes into a cocoon and then changes into a monarch butterfly. The backgrounds are quit inventive and perfect. Whether there are real rocks or a paper replica in the underwater scene, the background looks so realistic. Since frogs are aquatic creatures, they have underwater backgrounds illustrated by flat paper. Also, when a frog jumps into the water, the "splashes" are pieces of clay against a blue background. The sound effects are amazing because they're timed perfectly to make it look like an amphibian splashing and swimming in water. An example is when the fully developed frog jumps onto a lily pad. So, the water sound effects definitely enhance the story. All of the characters are so interesting and their characters develop throughout this two minute film. Ladybug goes through phases before finding out who she really is and she learns to be herself. Frog morphs from tadpole to frog over time, and aspires to be stronger. Axolotl doesn't want to grow up, but discovers a whole new world when she does. Caterpillar is impatient but learns to soar and not take the moment for granted. All the characters grow by the end of the film. I am astonished that this is written, animated, and directed by twelve-year-old Bryn Wright. It really shows that kids can do incredible things and follow their passions. She should be proud; the film is very original and inspiring. My favorite part is at the beginning when the tadpole changes into a frog. The tadpole swims around and changes form in each frame. I love the water sound effects in the background. It's my favorite part of the film because I can tell a lot of hard work went into making the clay models by hand - and I know how tedious it is to make stop motion animation. This film is perfect for an entry into a student film festival and shows what an extraordinary film can be made by a young creative.

The film's message is about finding yourself through life's obstacles and embracing change. Transition can be difficult and the film reminds the audience to be patient and "wait a while."

I give Metamorphosis 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I absolutely love this short student film, Metamorphosis. The claymation is diligently executed and has a very creative look overall. It shows a unique perspective on the theme of growing up and I especially love that it was created by 12-year-old, Bryn Wright. Kudos to her.

The film shows various creatures, including frogs, ladybugs, caterpillars and axolotls that go through metamorphosis. However, this is also a metaphor for growing up and going through the different stages in life. The different animals go through different phases to find their true self, just like people.

I recommend this film for a youth and family film festival because it's a visually appealing film that has a deep message behind it. I like that the story uses nature to describe something that humans can relate to -- change. Animals go through metamorphosis and, in their own way, humans morph through adolescence. I like that each animal develops to its true self in the end. I love the claymation; it is very encapsulating, creative and well-made. For instance, when the axolotl (a type of salamander) is coming out of the water, it starts as a little piece of pink clay to become a full amphibian in just a few frames. The quality of the camerawork is quite good. The animated creatures change in many different ways. For example, the ladybug's haircuts change when the narrator says "going through phases." Another example is when the caterpillar goes into a cocoon and then changes into a monarch butterfly. The backgrounds are quit inventive and perfect. Whether there are real rocks or a paper replica in the underwater scene, the background looks so realistic. Since frogs are aquatic creatures, they have underwater backgrounds illustrated by flat paper. Also, when a frog jumps into the water, the "splashes" are pieces of clay against a blue background. The sound effects are amazing because they're timed perfectly to make it look like an amphibian splashing and swimming in water. An example is when the fully developed frog jumps onto a lily pad. So, the water sound effects definitely enhance the story. All of the characters are so interesting and their characters develop throughout this two minute film. Ladybug goes through phases before finding out who she really is and she learns to be herself. Frog morphs from tadpole to frog over time, and aspires to be stronger. Axolotl doesn't want to grow up, but discovers a whole new world when she does. Caterpillar is impatient but learns to soar and not take the moment for granted. All the characters grow by the end of the film. I am astonished that this is written, animated, and directed by twelve-year-old Bryn Wright. It really shows that kids can do incredible things and follow their passions. She should be proud; the film is very original and inspiring. My favorite part is at the beginning when the tadpole changes into a frog. The tadpole swims around and changes form in each frame. I love the water sound effects in the background. It's my favorite part of the film because I can tell a lot of hard work went into making the clay models by hand - and I know how tedious it is to make stop motion animation. This film is perfect for an entry into a student film festival and shows what an extraordinary film can be made by a young creative.

The film's message is about finding yourself through life's obstacles and embracing change. Transition can be difficult and the film reminds the audience to be patient and "wait a while."

I give Metamorphosis 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


WICK

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
WICK
WHOLE LIFE LEARNING CENTER
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - In this suspenseful drama-thriller 'Wick,' a young girl's life is inexplicably bound to a mysterious candle that, if extinguished, spells her doom- a deadly secret revealed when a disbelieving friend snuffs it out at a slumber party, inadvertently cursing herself to protect her own flickering flame or face the same fate.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wick is a mysterious film! I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. What I like about it is that it offers a genre that I love, suspense, and a style of film that I enjoy watching - films that take place in a school environment.

The storyline is about Analise (Inez Hubbard), a new girl at school, who has a very important secret. Her friends want to find out what the secret is and end up making tragedies happen.

I like that this film only lasts a few minutes and yet, I quickly managed to understand what it was about. The film is five minutes long and in the first two minutes, I managed to capture the message of the film. The camera work is very good. There is a scene that impressed me in this regard where one of Analise's friends is entering her house and I couldn't even notice the transition. The costumes are casual contemporary clothing, which are suitable for the story. The locations work well - both the school and Analise's home. The background music is essential to the film; in certain parts, such as when a friend is running to her house, the background music is frightening, which matches what the girl is feeling. The girls' performances are incredible. They are super natural. And they have great development too. The friends Ellie (Ellie Maxwell) and Florence (Arya Whitney) go from being suspicious to being frightened by Analise's secret throughout the film. Their performances in this change of thought are very perfect. The director of the film, Iris Taylor is actually a 12-year-old young film. She worked in collaboration with the Whole Life Learning Center classmates. My favorite part is where we discover Analise's secret. It definitely took me by surprise and I had never seen anything like it in any film. It is very creative and it makes me create crazy theories about this secret even now.

The film's message is, do not trust everyone you think you can trust.

I give Wick 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wick is a mysterious film! I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. What I like about it is that it offers a genre that I love, suspense, and a style of film that I enjoy watching - films that take place in a school environment.

The storyline is about Analise (Inez Hubbard), a new girl at school, who has a very important secret. Her friends want to find out what the secret is and end up making tragedies happen.

I like that this film only lasts a few minutes and yet, I quickly managed to understand what it was about. The film is five minutes long and in the first two minutes, I managed to capture the message of the film. The camera work is very good. There is a scene that impressed me in this regard where one of Analise's friends is entering her house and I couldn't even notice the transition. The costumes are casual contemporary clothing, which are suitable for the story. The locations work well - both the school and Analise's home. The background music is essential to the film; in certain parts, such as when a friend is running to her house, the background music is frightening, which matches what the girl is feeling. The girls' performances are incredible. They are super natural. And they have great development too. The friends Ellie (Ellie Maxwell) and Florence (Arya Whitney) go from being suspicious to being frightened by Analise's secret throughout the film. Their performances in this change of thought are very perfect. The director of the film, Iris Taylor is actually a 12-year-old young film. She worked in collaboration with the Whole Life Learning Center classmates. My favorite part is where we discover Analise's secret. It definitely took me by surprise and I had never seen anything like it in any film. It is very creative and it makes me create crazy theories about this secret even now.

The film's message is, do not trust everyone you think you can trust.

I give Wick 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MOOD SWING, THE

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MOOD SWING, THE
MATTHEW THOMPSON
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - In this whimsical short film based on an original children's book created by the filmmaker, a loving mother, Nancy, comforts her grieving five-year-old son, Jack, with the help of a magical storybook whose main character mirrors his own life-- helping him to navigate the emotional ups and downs after the loss of his father.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love The Mood Swing; it brings B.R. Duray's beloved children's book to life using whimsical animation and playful music. The actors, who narrate the story, perfectly capture its essence and exhibit the emotions of the book characters.

The storyline follows a young boy named Jack (Grey Bahat Stolarz), who is grieving the loss of his father. Jack's mother, Nancy (Chelsea Alden), brings him a special picture book to read about an enchanted swing on a hilltop that mirrors the ups and downs of his own feelings during a time of loss.

The Mood Swing's emotional message will reach anyone experiencing a loss or other hardship, whether mental or physical. The production is excellent! The animation, combined with the live-action shots, makes it an intriguing and enchanting experience. I like how the film not only retells the book, but has a story within a story. Jack has his own conflict, separate from the boy in the book - the book simply helps Jack cope. The book has significance to Jack because of his ordeal, so the film shows a real, relatable kid reacting to what he sees in the book and a mom who has chosen it for a specific reason. All that adds a layer of depth to the film and makes it seem more authentic and less like a straightforward reading of the book. I was very impressed by the animation. It has a unique, 3-dimensional style, and the images are bright, colorful and detailed, creating a magical world that I love. I felt like I was flying up to space with the characters.

The live-action portion of the film takes place in Jack's bedroom at night. His bedroom features telescopes, lava lamps, dinosaur statues and posters, and soft ambient lighting that gives it a cozy feel. Despite being a very stereotypical boy's bedroom, it has a peaceful glow to it that adds to the charming, dreamlike tone of the film. The background music immediately stood out to me, as it is the first thing I heard as scenes in his bedroom take place. The tinkling sounds are reminiscent of a lullaby or a child's music box, or even a rotating mobile above a baby's crib. It put me at ease immediately, as if I was getting ready to hear a bedtime story. The live-action shots have plenty of special effects, including beams of light from the book, stardust swirling around Jack and Nancy as they read, and quicksand that shakes Jack's bedroom, nearly swallowing his bed.

I like the way that Nancy reads the story in a way that engages not only her child, but the film's audience as well. Her voice matches the emotions of the book's characters, and I could tell that she, like Jack, was fully captivated by the story and was experiencing it, rather than simply reading the words. Nancy has a maternal presence, with a graceful air that I found instantly calming. Jack's character is also worth mentioning, as there is a significant difference between the way he acts before and after Nancy tells the story. At the beginning of the film, Jack is tense and somewhat upset but, as he becomes engrossed in the book, he relaxes and seems at peace by the end of the film, as though it has reassured him.

One thing from The Mood Swing that will definitely stay with me is the music. The gentle twinkling reminds me of the magic of being a little kid, when your imagination could take you up to the stars or to a land of fairies if you just closed your eyes. This is exactly where Jack is as well - his imagination allows him to live inside the book, and to resonate with the book character on a deeper level. My favorite part of this film is the animation. I was especially impressed by the shot showing Nancy and Jack holding the book while animated characters literally dance across the pages.

The film's message is that your emotions can make you feel as if you are losing control and sinking, but by asking for help and learning to cope on your own, you will gain it back and land on the ground.

I give The Mood Swing 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love The Mood Swing; it brings B.R. Duray's beloved children's book to life using whimsical animation and playful music. The actors, who narrate the story, perfectly capture its essence and exhibit the emotions of the book characters.

The storyline follows a young boy named Jack (Grey Bahat Stolarz), who is grieving the loss of his father. Jack's mother, Nancy (Chelsea Alden), brings him a special picture book to read about an enchanted swing on a hilltop that mirrors the ups and downs of his own feelings during a time of loss.

The Mood Swing's emotional message will reach anyone experiencing a loss or other hardship, whether mental or physical. The production is excellent! The animation, combined with the live-action shots, makes it an intriguing and enchanting experience. I like how the film not only retells the book, but has a story within a story. Jack has his own conflict, separate from the boy in the book - the book simply helps Jack cope. The book has significance to Jack because of his ordeal, so the film shows a real, relatable kid reacting to what he sees in the book and a mom who has chosen it for a specific reason. All that adds a layer of depth to the film and makes it seem more authentic and less like a straightforward reading of the book. I was very impressed by the animation. It has a unique, 3-dimensional style, and the images are bright, colorful and detailed, creating a magical world that I love. I felt like I was flying up to space with the characters.

The live-action portion of the film takes place in Jack's bedroom at night. His bedroom features telescopes, lava lamps, dinosaur statues and posters, and soft ambient lighting that gives it a cozy feel. Despite being a very stereotypical boy's bedroom, it has a peaceful glow to it that adds to the charming, dreamlike tone of the film. The background music immediately stood out to me, as it is the first thing I heard as scenes in his bedroom take place. The tinkling sounds are reminiscent of a lullaby or a child's music box, or even a rotating mobile above a baby's crib. It put me at ease immediately, as if I was getting ready to hear a bedtime story. The live-action shots have plenty of special effects, including beams of light from the book, stardust swirling around Jack and Nancy as they read, and quicksand that shakes Jack's bedroom, nearly swallowing his bed.

I like the way that Nancy reads the story in a way that engages not only her child, but the film's audience as well. Her voice matches the emotions of the book's characters, and I could tell that she, like Jack, was fully captivated by the story and was experiencing it, rather than simply reading the words. Nancy has a maternal presence, with a graceful air that I found instantly calming. Jack's character is also worth mentioning, as there is a significant difference between the way he acts before and after Nancy tells the story. At the beginning of the film, Jack is tense and somewhat upset but, as he becomes engrossed in the book, he relaxes and seems at peace by the end of the film, as though it has reassured him.

One thing from The Mood Swing that will definitely stay with me is the music. The gentle twinkling reminds me of the magic of being a little kid, when your imagination could take you up to the stars or to a land of fairies if you just closed your eyes. This is exactly where Jack is as well - his imagination allows him to live inside the book, and to resonate with the book character on a deeper level. My favorite part of this film is the animation. I was especially impressed by the shot showing Nancy and Jack holding the book while animated characters literally dance across the pages.

The film's message is that your emotions can make you feel as if you are losing control and sinking, but by asking for help and learning to cope on your own, you will gain it back and land on the ground.

I give The Mood Swing 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MY LITTLE BABIES

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MY LITTLE BABIES
JUSTIN LAMAY
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - A mockumentary about those I consider as my children, Ourse, Zboun, Monky et Pinpin. They talk about our family.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I just smiled for six straight minutes while watching My Little Babies. It is simple and heartwarming, creative and original. I still have my favorite stuffed animals from childhood and that's what this film reminded me of.

My Little Babies is about a bunch of stuffed animals being interviewed. Each one talks about its background and tells the story of how they were given to their child. The dialogue for the short film is almost entirely in French, except for a scruffy old bear who uses sign language. There are English subtitles however.

This film is great for any kid who loves their stuffed animal. It is a simple independent film so it doesn't use the highest technology and the camerawork is a bit jumpy at the start. But the essence of the film are the interviews, so it is very much like a documentary where you get to see how the set and lighting are set up. What I most enjoyed about this film is how it humanizes the stuffed animals. It is entirely likable and charming. It is cute to see the stuffed animals moving with the help of strings and their actions match their personalities. The background stories help further define them. For example, there is a monkey who is a retired Ninja; his personality is quite spunky. The scruffy bear is quite shy. All of the stuffed animals look well-loved as they are all quite worn and scruffy. When the stuffed animals tell the story of their first day with their kid, the flashbacks show them as a new stuffed animal and now, years later, we see how worn they have become. I love this element as it makes the film so heartwarming. This film has a documentary feeling to it from the way the stuffed animals are interviewed. All the animals sit on a stool and are animated with strings, which makes it very believable that they are talking. The only sound effects that stand out are the sounds of clicking - like a camera. When the Rabbit, PinPin, talks about meeting his dad for the first time and the many adventures they have, we hear a clicking sound, like a camera, when the photos transition. That effect works quite well. There is no storyline here per se; we simply connect with the stuffed animals as they tell of their experiences with their humans. We get to learn about the relationship between the stuffed animals and their humans. My favorite character is the scruffy bear, Ouse. He is unique because he doesn't speak at all, instead he uses sign language to communicate. This makes him seem very kind and gentle.

The film's message is to cherish your stuffed animals. I'll be snuggling with mine tonight.

I give My Little Babies 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Emma O., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I just smiled for six straight minutes while watching My Little Babies. It is simple and heartwarming, creative and original. I still have my favorite stuffed animals from childhood and that's what this film reminded me of.

My Little Babies is about a bunch of stuffed animals being interviewed. Each one talks about its background and tells the story of how they were given to their child. The dialogue for the short film is almost entirely in French, except for a scruffy old bear who uses sign language. There are English subtitles however.

This film is great for any kid who loves their stuffed animal. It is a simple independent film so it doesn't use the highest technology and the camerawork is a bit jumpy at the start. But the essence of the film are the interviews, so it is very much like a documentary where you get to see how the set and lighting are set up. What I most enjoyed about this film is how it humanizes the stuffed animals. It is entirely likable and charming. It is cute to see the stuffed animals moving with the help of strings and their actions match their personalities. The background stories help further define them. For example, there is a monkey who is a retired Ninja; his personality is quite spunky. The scruffy bear is quite shy. All of the stuffed animals look well-loved as they are all quite worn and scruffy. When the stuffed animals tell the story of their first day with their kid, the flashbacks show them as a new stuffed animal and now, years later, we see how worn they have become. I love this element as it makes the film so heartwarming. This film has a documentary feeling to it from the way the stuffed animals are interviewed. All the animals sit on a stool and are animated with strings, which makes it very believable that they are talking. The only sound effects that stand out are the sounds of clicking - like a camera. When the Rabbit, PinPin, talks about meeting his dad for the first time and the many adventures they have, we hear a clicking sound, like a camera, when the photos transition. That effect works quite well. There is no storyline here per se; we simply connect with the stuffed animals as they tell of their experiences with their humans. We get to learn about the relationship between the stuffed animals and their humans. My favorite character is the scruffy bear, Ouse. He is unique because he doesn't speak at all, instead he uses sign language to communicate. This makes him seem very kind and gentle.

The film's message is to cherish your stuffed animals. I'll be snuggling with mine tonight.

I give My Little Babies 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Emma O., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MY TURN!

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MY TURN!
MY TURN! SHORT FILM
Series: COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - One sunny morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, Beth and her younger sister Liz become fierce rivals in their race to the bathroom. Beth regrets unintentionally hurting her little sister during the scuffle, and they both realize how much they care about each other. This short film embraces the charm of 2D animation, paying homage to the classic styles of Saturday morning cartoons. At its core, My Turn! is about the childhood experiences of director Isabelle Tumboimbela growing up with her younger sister. This film hopes to provide Southeast Asian representation to the animation medium. Produced in San Jose, California, USA at San Jose State University in association with the Shrunkenheadman Club
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - My Turn is a great animated student film by a college student. I like its riveting comedy and the 2D animation and effects kept me on the edge of my seat for the time.

In the beginning we see that Beth and her younger sister Liz wake up and rival each other in a race to use the bathroom first. As they scurry to beat each other to the bathroom they do some funny and dangerous things such as Liz catapulting herself to a ceiling fan with floss. They progress through several scenarios in which the bickering continues, and the film ends with a strong lesson in sisterhood and family values.

This film will add value to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals with its strong message about sisterly love, family bonding and Indonesian culture. The 2D appeal and smooth animations are wonderful to watch and enjoy. I found myself laughing throughout the film as the sisters hilariously fight so hard just to be the first to use the bathroom! Their other antics are equally funny such as when Liz throws a bath bomb into the fish tank which makes a big explosion and when Liz throws a toothbrush at Beth and Beth's eyes get all fiery. I love the animation, especially at the beginning when we are introduced to the girls' room. It looks very well thought out and is very colorful. The 2D animation is phenomenal; it is very crisp with virtually no lag in the animation. It reminds me of some Disney cartoons I have watched. The film is set in Jakarta, Indonesia and the attire of the characters represents the culture well - everything is bright-colored and representative of their culture. The backgrounds are all amazing, especially those of the house interior. They look exactly what I imagine Indonesian houses would look like and they are very detailed. Even the plants and the geckos throughout the film transport me to Indonesia. The background music is also very good. The opening scene has very calm and tranquil music but soon we are transported into a more chaotic environment with music that picks up in tempo and suspense. The visual effects are also great; for example, when Liz hits Beth with a toothbrush her eyes get all fiery. When Beth sprays Liz in the face with hairspray Liz's eyes turn bloodshot. When Liz throws the bath bomb in the fish tank it makes a big explosion. These are all executed well.

The sisters both grow tremendously in the short time of the film. They start out as both being very selfish and not caring for the other. However, by the end, both Liz and Beth transform into caring sisters that appreciate each other's faults and strengths. Love for each other is ultimately what brings them back together. I have to commend the two directors, Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela and Daisha Lin Sherman for their excellent work; the animation, direction, and storyboarding shine in this film. My favorite part is when Liz gets some floss that she sees on the floor and grabs it so she can catapult onto the ceiling fan to swing to the bathroom. However, she ends up swinging back and forth until Beth turns up the fan speed. Then she starts swinging out of control!

The film's message is that, even though family members sometimes get into skirmishes there will eventually be something that grounds you to make you realize how much you truly love each other. Note that it does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. The scene where Liz is sprayed by the hairspray could easily be replicated.

I give My Turn 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Adele B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - My Turn is a great animated student film by a college student. I like its riveting comedy and the 2D animation and effects kept me on the edge of my seat for the time.

In the beginning we see that Beth and her younger sister Liz wake up and rival each other in a race to use the bathroom first. As they scurry to beat each other to the bathroom they do some funny and dangerous things such as Liz catapulting herself to a ceiling fan with floss. They progress through several scenarios in which the bickering continues, and the film ends with a strong lesson in sisterhood and family values.

This film will add value to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals with its strong message about sisterly love, family bonding and Indonesian culture. The 2D appeal and smooth animations are wonderful to watch and enjoy. I found myself laughing throughout the film as the sisters hilariously fight so hard just to be the first to use the bathroom! Their other antics are equally funny such as when Liz throws a bath bomb into the fish tank which makes a big explosion and when Liz throws a toothbrush at Beth and Beth's eyes get all fiery. I love the animation, especially at the beginning when we are introduced to the girls' room. It looks very well thought out and is very colorful. The 2D animation is phenomenal; it is very crisp with virtually no lag in the animation. It reminds me of some Disney cartoons I have watched. The film is set in Jakarta, Indonesia and the attire of the characters represents the culture well - everything is bright-colored and representative of their culture. The backgrounds are all amazing, especially those of the house interior. They look exactly what I imagine Indonesian houses would look like and they are very detailed. Even the plants and the geckos throughout the film transport me to Indonesia. The background music is also very good. The opening scene has very calm and tranquil music but soon we are transported into a more chaotic environment with music that picks up in tempo and suspense. The visual effects are also great; for example, when Liz hits Beth with a toothbrush her eyes get all fiery. When Beth sprays Liz in the face with hairspray Liz's eyes turn bloodshot. When Liz throws the bath bomb in the fish tank it makes a big explosion. These are all executed well.

The sisters both grow tremendously in the short time of the film. They start out as both being very selfish and not caring for the other. However, by the end, both Liz and Beth transform into caring sisters that appreciate each other's faults and strengths. Love for each other is ultimately what brings them back together. I have to commend the two directors, Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela and Daisha Lin Sherman for their excellent work; the animation, direction, and storyboarding shine in this film. My favorite part is when Liz gets some floss that she sees on the floor and grabs it so she can catapult onto the ceiling fan to swing to the bathroom. However, she ends up swinging back and forth until Beth turns up the fan speed. Then she starts swinging out of control!

The film's message is that, even though family members sometimes get into skirmishes there will eventually be something that grounds you to make you realize how much you truly love each other. Note that it does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. The scene where Liz is sprayed by the hairspray could easily be replicated.

I give My Turn 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Adele B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


EVERYDAY HERO

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
EVERYDAY HERO
DIANE BAUMANN
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 2-5
Topic - Family
Description - Everyday Hero is a story that raises awareness in children about kindness and doing good deeds and that doing one good deed goes a long way. Tyrion, our lead character, gains the understanding of helping others and how one act of kindness can make a difference in someone else's life. Tyrion is a born helper - or should we say, an Everyday Hero!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Everyday Hero is a cute short film for younger kids. It has a nice melody accompanying an animated story that reminds us to practice random acts of kindness.

This short animated video focuses on the concept of raising awareness in children about kindness and doing good deeds. The protagonist, Tyrion, practices kindness in a variety of situations and we see how it affects the lives around her, making Tyrion an "everyday hero."

The video demonstrates various acts of kindness in the lyrics and the visuals. It is very simple 2D animation and works well for this presentation. The idea is augmented with a lively music track by Diane Baumann, who is also the writer, director and voiceover talent of the piece. The key character is a purple dog-like character that performs random acts of kindness, such as picking up a wallet for a stranger, planting and watering seeds, carrying packages for someone and being a supportive friend - all of which make the world a better place. Doing kind things makes us all an everyday hero. The opening scene introduces the concept of everyday heroes and introduces us to Tyrion. All of the animation is well executed and very colorful. The entire video has an easy-to-follow message, appropriate for younger audiences and very positive without being cheesy. I commend the animation crew, Jaswinder Singh, Narinder Singh, Gurpreet Sing, for their outstanding work. Ms. Baumann's singing is also commendable. Along with the message about random acts of kindness is one about recycling. Because Tyrion is recycling, he causes a ripple effect for all of his friends to recycle as well.

The film's message is about how spreading random acts of kindness can make the world a better place.

I give Everyday Hero 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. By Emma O., KIDS FIRST!

By Emma O., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Everyday Hero is a cute short film for younger kids. It has a nice melody accompanying an animated story that reminds us to practice random acts of kindness.

This short animated video focuses on the concept of raising awareness in children about kindness and doing good deeds. The protagonist, Tyrion, practices kindness in a variety of situations and we see how it affects the lives around her, making Tyrion an "everyday hero."

The video demonstrates various acts of kindness in the lyrics and the visuals. It is very simple 2D animation and works well for this presentation. The idea is augmented with a lively music track by Diane Baumann, who is also the writer, director and voiceover talent of the piece. The key character is a purple dog-like character that performs random acts of kindness, such as picking up a wallet for a stranger, planting and watering seeds, carrying packages for someone and being a supportive friend - all of which make the world a better place. Doing kind things makes us all an everyday hero. The opening scene introduces the concept of everyday heroes and introduces us to Tyrion. All of the animation is well executed and very colorful. The entire video has an easy-to-follow message, appropriate for younger audiences and very positive without being cheesy. I commend the animation crew, Jaswinder Singh, Narinder Singh, Gurpreet Sing, for their outstanding work. Ms. Baumann's singing is also commendable. Along with the message about random acts of kindness is one about recycling. Because Tyrion is recycling, he causes a ripple effect for all of his friends to recycle as well.

The film's message is about how spreading random acts of kindness can make the world a better place.

I give Everyday Hero 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. By Emma O., KIDS FIRST!

By Emma O., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


WHO NEEDS TEACHERS

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
WHO NEEDS TEACHERS
NEHA JAIN
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Isha Sahni, a spirited ten-year-old, grows weary of her teachers' rules and control. Determined to rebel, she challenges them at every opportunity. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets her match in Mrs. Khanna, her new English teacher. Instead of scolding, Mrs. Khanna responds with playful wit, leaving Isha intrigued. As their clashes continue, Isha learns valuable lessons about respecting teachers and knowing they aren't just authority figures but mentors who place our well-being before theirs.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a clever short film that addresses an important issue, about lack of respect for teachers or elders.

The storyline follows a young girl, Isha, who excels in all subjects at school, to the bewilderment of her instructors. The other kids love her smarty pants attitude as she puts her teachers "in their place." Then, along comes a new English teacher who beats Isha at her game and meets her head on - tit for tat.

Very well produced and delivers a great and timely message. The acting is all spot on, particularly Dipannita Sharma and Suhani, who play Mrs. Khanna and Isha respectively. Also, I have to credit the narrator for his excellent commentary which fills us in on what's going on behind the scenes. The camera work and audio recording are quite good - nothing spectacular but very suitable for this short film. The one shortcoming is the background music which doesn't quite do the film justice - it's rather bland and stock feeling. If I could make one change, it would be to use music that is a bit more contemporary and hip. I love the use of the third wall when the students directly address the camera and make comments about Isha, or the new English teacher, Mrs. Khanna. The script is cleverly written and definitely held my attention as I wondered how Isha was going to maneuver her way around Mrs. Khanna and then how Mrs. Khanna was going to maneuver her way around Isha as they dueled for control. When the script flips and Isha becomes the teacher just desserts are delivered as she learns that teachers don't go home when the bell rings and have to correct the students' work in the evening after school is out, things she never thought about before. When she becomes overwhelmed with work and shows up to class late and her classmates humiliate her, Isha's willingness to be such a smart aleck takes yet another fall.

The film's message is pretty straightforward - reminding us how hard teachers work and how under appreciated they are at time, especially by smarty pants students.

I give Who Needs Teachers 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a clever short film that addresses an important issue, about lack of respect for teachers or elders.

The storyline follows a young girl, Isha, who excels in all subjects at school, to the bewilderment of her instructors. The other kids love her smarty pants attitude as she puts her teachers "in their place." Then, along comes a new English teacher who beats Isha at her game and meets her head on - tit for tat.

Very well produced and delivers a great and timely message. The acting is all spot on, particularly Dipannita Sharma and Suhani, who play Mrs. Khanna and Isha respectively. Also, I have to credit the narrator for his excellent commentary which fills us in on what's going on behind the scenes. The camera work and audio recording are quite good - nothing spectacular but very suitable for this short film. The one shortcoming is the background music which doesn't quite do the film justice - it's rather bland and stock feeling. If I could make one change, it would be to use music that is a bit more contemporary and hip. I love the use of the third wall when the students directly address the camera and make comments about Isha, or the new English teacher, Mrs. Khanna. The script is cleverly written and definitely held my attention as I wondered how Isha was going to maneuver her way around Mrs. Khanna and then how Mrs. Khanna was going to maneuver her way around Isha as they dueled for control. When the script flips and Isha becomes the teacher just desserts are delivered as she learns that teachers don't go home when the bell rings and have to correct the students' work in the evening after school is out, things she never thought about before. When she becomes overwhelmed with work and shows up to class late and her classmates humiliate her, Isha's willingness to be such a smart aleck takes yet another fall.

The film's message is pretty straightforward - reminding us how hard teachers work and how under appreciated they are at time, especially by smarty pants students.

I give Who Needs Teachers 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 19 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Inside of his book, adventurous Harold (Zachary Levi) can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book's pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life--and that his trusty purple crayon may set off more hilarious hijinks than he thought possible. When the power of unlimited imagination falls into the wrong hands, it will take all of Harold and his friends' creativity to save both the real world and his own. Harold and the Purple Crayon is the first film adaptation of the beloved children's classic that has captivated young readers for decades.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I thoroughly enjoyed Harold and the Purple Crayon for its imaginative storyline and vibrant animation. The film beautifully captures the essence of creativity and the wonders of a child's imagination, making it delightful to watch. Its seamless blend of whimsy and real-world elements offers a refreshing cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In Harold and the Purple Crayon, grown-up Harold (Zachary Levi) steps out of his book and into the real world, bringing his magical purple crayon with him. This crayon allows him to create anything he can imagine simply by drawing it. However, Harold soon discovers that life outside the pages is more complex and challenging than he ever expected. As the power of his crayon attracts the attention of those with less pure intentions, Harold and his friends must use their creativity and wits to protect both their magical world and the real one from impending chaos.

One of the standout aspects of Harold and the Purple Crayon is its stunning animation, which brings Harold's drawings to life with vivid colors and fluid movements. The film masterfully blends whimsical drawings with real-world settings, creating a seamless and enchanting visual experience. The storyline is engaging, striking a perfect balance between humor and heartwarming moments as Harold navigates his new reality. The voice acting is superb, with each character adding depth and personality to their roles, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The film's pace is excellent, keeping me hooked from start to finish, with each scene building anticipation and excitement. The creativity displayed in solving problems with the crayon is both amusing and inspiring, showing that imagination knows no bounds.

At its core, Harold and the Purple Crayon teaches us that creativity and imagination are powerful tools that can solve even the most challenging problems.

I give Harold and the Purple Crayon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on August 2, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

By Ari S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love Harold and the Purple Crayon. It's a great family movie and one that really drew me in. This film is inspired by the beloved 1955 children's book that has captivated young readers for decades. The film had me laughing out loud and imagining what it would be like to create something with my own magic purple crayon.

Inside of his book, adventurous Harold (Zachary Levi) can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. When he grows up, Harold draws himself off of the book's pages and into the physical world with his pals, Moose (Lil Rel Howery) and Porcupine (Tanya Reynolds), where they meet a widowed mom named Terry (Zooey Deschanel) and her still-grieving son, Mel (Benjamin Bottani). Harold discovers that he has a lot to learn about real life and when the power of unlimited imagination falls into the wrong hands, it takes all of Harold and his friends' creativity to save both the real world and his own.

This movie is tons of fun and filled with hilarious hijinks making the impossible possible. I love the comedy, the heartfelt story, the family values and the endless imagination. I really love how they took the book and stretched it out and made it into something amusing and cinematic at the same time. I love watching Harold draw so many things throughout the movie that come to life on the big screen, like a plane, pies, a bike, a tire, and so many other things. Also, there is so much chemistry with all of the characters that you can feel it through the big screen, like when they all work together to help Harold find his dad. There are so many adventures they go on during the film. I love the scene when Harold and Moose go to Terry's workplace and things get out of hand when Harold starts drawing whatever people are looking for. This film has something for everyone - it is a family movie, with layers that adults will enjoy as much as kids.

The film's message is to believe in yourself, never stop imagining and explore your creativity no matter your age.

I give Harold and the Purple Crayon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Harold and the Purple Crayon beginning August 2, 2024.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


SAVING BIKINI BOTTOM: THE SANDY CHEEKS MOVIE

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SAVING BIKINI BOTTOM: THE SANDY CHEEKS MOVIE       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
NETFLIX
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - When Bikini Bottom and all its denizens are suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants journey to Texas where they meet Sandy's family and must save Bikini Bottom from the hands of an evil CEO.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie is very humorous; I laughed out loud at almost every joke! I love the new characters they introduce from Sandy Cheeks' family. Their costumes are very creative.

The storyline follows Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) and her friend SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) while they go on an adventure in Galveston, Texas to save their home, Bikini Bottom, and all their friends. An evil scientist (Wanda Sykes) captures their ocean companions including Squidward (Roger Bumpass) and Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) to clone them and sell them as pets. Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob face many obstacles such as rattlesnakes and dogs while they rescue their friends.

This film brings all the laughs! Being from south Texas, myself, I found it hilarious how Galveston is portrayed. It looks like there is sand, rattlesnakes, rolling hills and cacti everywhere which is not quite the case. I also found it funny how the scientists wear cowboy hats and boots instead of normal lab coats. Every Texas stereotype is used, including their language. You hear, "I reckon and Dagnamit," and everyone is riding a horse. Sandy Cheeks shows her love for her hometown in a big way. I love how they introduce Sandy Cheeks' family. I did not expect a secret whistle to call everyone together. I also enjoy how Sandy Cheek's family supports what Sandy wants to do since she doesn't want to be in the circus and continue in the family business.

The film's messages are about using teamwork to accomplish important tasks and a reminder that sometimes your friends are a part of your family.

I give Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This film releases on Netflix Aug 2, 2024.

By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


IMAGINATION TIME WITH PATRICK:

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
IMAGINATION TIME WITH PATRICK:       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
PATRICK ADAMS
Series: AUDIO CD FOR AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - My new album of fun, silly, imaginative and empowering songs for kids, tackling topics such as hairless werewolves, fluffy dinosaurs, zombie ballerinas and much more!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The appealing variation on limitless imagination here is fun, but the over synth heavy production is distracting and vocals drenched in reverb is also a weak point. I found the music overpowering the lyrical messages presented in the songs, unfortunately.

Certainly, imagination can be fun and there are some clever titles and lyrics here. The artist seems a bit more interested in the groove than the message. The structure, continuity and style of this collection come from a specific genre that the artist is familiar with, which is fine, but it lacks variety in terms of different influences musically.

I had a hard time getting drawn into the content of this album. Though the album is named Imagination Time and includes songs named for werewolves, zombies, dinosaurs and pizza, I wonder how well it connects with the target audience, but let's let the youth reviewers decide. I am curious to see what our younger reviewers have to say to this point.

Many of the lyrics feel somewhat shoe-horned into the verses. The vocalist does not have a lot of range which is not a bad thing but you have to adjust accordingly. There are certainly musical chops evident here, but knowing when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em is critical.

I give Imagination Time With Patrick 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, just because I think younger ones might find things like werewolves scary.

By John Wood, KIDS FIRST! Music Pro
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Imagination Time with Patrick is an up-beat and peppy musical album, combining topics such as zombies and ballerinas to create an adventure that keeps kids guessing, "What's next?"

Made by children's musician and author Patrick Adams, this goofy collection of songs is designed to spark imagination in kids, and keep them active. It wonderfully showcases what you can do with a bit of creativity, and loads of fun. It takes kids on a journey from the Milky Way, to an underwater airplane, and wherever they can think of.

These songs are definitely a fun experience! I would not have thought songs like "Puppy Cat," "Football Bat" or "Fluffy Dinosaur" could exist. Despite the unusual titles they are actually very catchy songs, with most of them having a pop or techno beat to them. My favorite song is "Fluffy Dinosaur" -- the lyrics go into great detail explaining what it would be like to be a "Fluffasaurus Rex." They actually don't seem too scary. You can tell that Patrick had a very fun time making this album. He definitely has the heart of a child. The songs definitely seem whimsical and quirky, with most having a Dr. Seuss feel to them. They cover a wide range of topics that kids are interested in, from unicorns, to werewolves, and nearly everything in between. The sound quality is very good, and not muffled or blurred. It comes across quite clear and understandable despite the out of the box lyrics. The whole album is unusual from start to finish, and entertaining at the same time. Patrick talks, or sings, about being yourself. Through song, he lets his audience know that there is no one like you, and encourages you to go out and show the world what you can do.

The album's message is that things aren't always as they seem. Though a hairless werewolf or a zombie ballerina might seem scary at first, there is no doubt that these silly creatures' main goal is to have fun, and enjoy life. There is no bad language in this album, and nothing to be worried about (unless you are weary of an alien dance party!).

I give Imagination Time with Patrick 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Imagination Time with Patrick is available now with online retailers or streaming.

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Imagination Time with Patrick is an album full of imagination. My five-year old self would have really enjoyed these songs. It is perfect for younger audiences who want to be silly and have fun. The lyrics discuss everything from hairless werewolves to fluffy dinosaurs.

Patrick Adams is a singer and creator of children's music. His latest album, Imagination Time with Patrick, empowers kids through creative oddities such as a puppy cat, a peanut butterfly, and zombie ballerinas. The songs are designed to make kids laugh and explore all areas of their imagination.

Imagination Time with Patrick has youthful songs that are full of unexpected lyrics. All of the music involves silly topics like the song "Purple Pepperoni Pizza." This is my favorite song, and it reminds me a lot of Sheb Wooley's "Purple People Eater." The words are catchy and easy to remember. I can totally see little kids being inspired to try to order purple food! There are also opportunities for the creation of cute dance moves to the tune of "Alien Dance Party" and "Zombie Ballerina." Some of this music would even be great for brain breaks in elementary classrooms as well as surprise performances in listeners' living rooms. There is some educational value in a few of the songs. For example, kids can learn about the eight planets in "Space Train" as well as the dwarf planet, Pluto. Songs like "Fluffy Dinosaur" and "Puppy Cat" are full of describing words that can help develop creative writing skills. The music does have some unappealing characteristics. The songs can be monotone and repetitive. It is more speaking than singing. The rhythms are very electronic and do not seem to have the same quality of mainstream music. They also are long, so it can be easy to tire of hearing the same lyrics. However, these things make the tunes catchy and easy for young minds to remember.

The album's message is to use your imagination. There are no creatures or ideas too small that can't be activated in young minds. It also encourages children to get off of technology and to unleash their fun power that is already inside of them .The music is kid-friendly and parents do not have to worry about any bad language or content.

I give Imagination Time with Patrick 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. The album is available now on Streaming and Online Retailers.

By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 52 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: AUDIO


LIGHT UP LULU

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
LIGHT UP LULU
ANNA GABRIELLA AGOSTO
Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - A young girl with a new set of shoes challenges the coolest kid on the block in a battle for neighborhood supremacy.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed the film Light Up Lulu because it has an upbeat soundtrack, colorful costumes, bright actors, and many detailed themed sets. The film has a very cheerful tone that definitely caught my eye.

The storyline follows a young girl named Lulu (Jesalie Lopez) who is very pleased with herself for convincing her mother to buy her a pair of light-up sneakers that give her the confidence to stand up to Susie (Alexandra Pierce), who thinks she owns the neighborhood playground. With Lulu's friend group and Susie's posse cheering them on, the girls engage in a dance battle for dominance, both learning a lesson about friendship along the way!

I recommend Light Up Lulu for a youth & family film festival because it is an upbeat and energetic film that younger viewers will enjoy. It offers positive role models that demonstrate the importance of friendship and kindness. The plot development is very fast-paced and doesn't quite give us adequate time to get to know the characters. Of course, this college student film is only seven minutes in length, so that does not allow a lot of time to learn the backstories of the characters. It introduces the conflict immediately and the majority of time is occupied by the girls' dance battle. When Susie and Lulu make up so quickly and begin to play together again, it happens so suddenly and feels unnatural that the girls would put their conflict aside so fact and with no discussion after being at odds for most of the film. The camera work stands out, especially during Lulu and Susie's initial scene together, where they stand facing each other at opposite ends of the screen. Because of the angle that scene is shot at, the conflict between the girls is clear immediately, even before the dialogue begins. Combine that with the soundtrack, the cinematography in this shot makes it reminiscent of a scene from a Western movie in which the two rival characters come face-to-face for the first time. Each scene in the dance battle has its own costume and set which suits the music perfectly. For example, Lulu has a hip-hop segment in which she wears chains, sunglasses and a jacket and dances against a background of silver streamers. Susie does a ballet routine in an elegant tutu, standing on a stage with red curtains. The sets and costumes perfectly set the tone for each of those scenes. The soundtrack is an essential component, as music and dance go hand in hand. Each piece of music fits each dance style well. The background music adds to the film's energy, such as during Lulu and Susie's initial introduction, where foreboding music adds to the already tangible tension.

Though it occurs quite quickly, I was impressed with Lulu and Susie's character development. At the beginning, both girls are arrogant, convinced that the territory "belongs" to them, and reluctant to allow the other to set foot on "their" turf. They act competitive and lofty, thinking the other is inferior and undeserving. However, as the story progresses, they both become more compassionate and learn to respect one another and care about the other's feelings. Susie falls down at the end and, rather than gloating, Lulu helps her up -- and Susie accepts the help without complaint. Both of the actresses are also very promising dancers. I thoroughly enjoyed their performances. The costumes are fantastic. The girls' outfits during the dance battle show that the costume designer has a very good sense of different styles of dance and the attire appropriate for each. I particularly love Susie's ballet outfit. It is a beautiful leotard and tutu with intricate detailing that matches the classical music she dances to. My favorite part of this film is the dance battle between two girls. Though they are dancing for the purpose of fighting, it is harmless and entertaining. The music is so cheerful; I felt like getting up and dancing with them.

The film's message is that friendship comes with conflict, but your best friends are worth fighting for. When given the choice, you should always choose kindness over being right. Disputes happen, but you can choose to resolve them in a creative, peaceful or even fun way, rather than choosing violence. Be aware that it shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. There is a scene toward the end that shows a boy intentionally placing something on the ground that causes Susie to slip. She falls, which was clearly what the boy's intent was, though she does not appear to be seriously injured.

I give Light Up Lulu 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed the film Light Up Lulu because it has an upbeat soundtrack, colorful costumes, bright actors, and many detailed themed sets. The film has a very cheerful tone that definitely caught my eye.

The storyline follows a young girl named Lulu (Jesalie Lopez) who is very pleased with herself for convincing her mother to buy her a pair of light-up sneakers that give her the confidence to stand up to Susie (Alexandra Pierce), who thinks she owns the neighborhood playground. With Lulu's friend group and Susie's posse cheering them on, the girls engage in a dance battle for dominance, both learning a lesson about friendship along the way!

I recommend Light Up Lulu for a youth & family film festival because it is an upbeat and energetic film that younger viewers will enjoy. It offers positive role models that demonstrate the importance of friendship and kindness. The plot development is very fast-paced and doesn't quite give us adequate time to get to know the characters. Of course, this college student film is only seven minutes in length, so that does not allow a lot of time to learn the backstories of the characters. It introduces the conflict immediately and the majority of time is occupied by the girls' dance battle. When Susie and Lulu make up so quickly and begin to play together again, it happens so suddenly and feels unnatural that the girls would put their conflict aside so fact and with no discussion after being at odds for most of the film. The camera work stands out, especially during Lulu and Susie's initial scene together, where they stand facing each other at opposite ends of the screen. Because of the angle that scene is shot at, the conflict between the girls is clear immediately, even before the dialogue begins. Combine that with the soundtrack, the cinematography in this shot makes it reminiscent of a scene from a Western movie in which the two rival characters come face-to-face for the first time. Each scene in the dance battle has its own costume and set which suits the music perfectly. For example, Lulu has a hip-hop segment in which she wears chains, sunglasses and a jacket and dances against a background of silver streamers. Susie does a ballet routine in an elegant tutu, standing on a stage with red curtains. The sets and costumes perfectly set the tone for each of those scenes. The soundtrack is an essential component, as music and dance go hand in hand. Each piece of music fits each dance style well. The background music adds to the film's energy, such as during Lulu and Susie's initial introduction, where foreboding music adds to the already tangible tension.

Though it occurs quite quickly, I was impressed with Lulu and Susie's character development. At the beginning, both girls are arrogant, convinced that the territory "belongs" to them, and reluctant to allow the other to set foot on "their" turf. They act competitive and lofty, thinking the other is inferior and undeserving. However, as the story progresses, they both become more compassionate and learn to respect one another and care about the other's feelings. Susie falls down at the end and, rather than gloating, Lulu helps her up -- and Susie accepts the help without complaint. Both of the actresses are also very promising dancers. I thoroughly enjoyed their performances. The costumes are fantastic. The girls' outfits during the dance battle show that the costume designer has a very good sense of different styles of dance and the attire appropriate for each. I particularly love Susie's ballet outfit. It is a beautiful leotard and tutu with intricate detailing that matches the classical music she dances to. My favorite part of this film is the dance battle between two girls. Though they are dancing for the purpose of fighting, it is harmless and entertaining. The music is so cheerful; I felt like getting up and dancing with them.

The film's message is that friendship comes with conflict, but your best friends are worth fighting for. When given the choice, you should always choose kindness over being right. Disputes happen, but you can choose to resolve them in a creative, peaceful or even fun way, rather than choosing violence. Be aware that it shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. There is a scene toward the end that shows a boy intentionally placing something on the ground that causes Susie to slip. She falls, which was clearly what the boy's intent was, though she does not appear to be seriously injured.

I give Light Up Lulu 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


SHOES, ALL WALKS OF LIFE

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
SHOES, ALL WALKS OF LIFE
VINCENT CASTRO
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - In a world populated by human-like shoes, this short animation, entitled "Shoes, all walks of life," introduces Mikey, a middle-schooler, his dog Lacey, and his like-minded nerdy friends. Faced with the challenges kids often struggle with, bullying being one of them, Mikey reinvents himself.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed the short animated film, Shoes, All Walks Of Life, and its life lesson about overcoming fear and relying on friends to help you move outside your comfort zone.

The storyline follows a young middle schooler named Mikey, who faces typical issues kids his age do. When soccer tryouts at his school are announced, Mikey decides to try out, even when the antagonist bully, Cleat, challenges him. Fortunately, Mikey's friends pitch in to help him train and eventually face off with Cleat.

The 2D animation of this film is exceptional; it's so well constructed and the characters are absolutely adorable. I love that the key characters are shoes - what an interesting concept - they have hands, mouths and eyes and talk. And the shoes even have a dog. The sign on the wall, "Believe in your dreams" is a reminder of Ted Lasso's sign in the locker room of AFC Richmond. When Mikey decides to try out for his school's soccer team, his friends question him at first, but then support his goal. As Mikey plunges into his practices, his self-confidence builds and, by the time comes to tryout, he is well prepared to face off with Cleat.

This film's message is about building confidence, overcoming fear, taking risks, friendship, and teamwork.

I give Shoes, All Walks Of Life 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I enjoyed the short animated film, Shoes, All Walks Of Life, and its life lesson about overcoming fear and relying on friends to help you move outside your comfort zone.

The storyline follows a young middle schooler named Mikey, who faces typical issues kids his age do. When soccer tryouts at his school are announced, Mikey decides to try out, even when the antagonist bully, Cleat, challenges him. Fortunately, Mikey's friends pitch in to help him train and eventually face off with Cleat.

The 2D animation of this film is exceptional; it's so well constructed and the characters are absolutely adorable. I love that the key characters are shoes - what an interesting concept - they have hands, mouths and eyes and talk. And the shoes even have a dog. The sign on the wall, "Believe in your dreams" is a reminder of Ted Lasso's sign in the locker room of AFC Richmond. When Mikey decides to try out for his school's soccer team, his friends question him at first, but then support his goal. As Mikey plunges into his practices, his self-confidence builds and, by the time comes to tryout, he is well prepared to face off with Cleat.

This film's message is about building confidence, overcoming fear, taking risks, friendship, and teamwork.

I give Shoes, All Walks Of Life 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MY DARLING DAFFODIL

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MY DARLING DAFFODIL
KELLI CALDWELL
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - A charming duet between a Dandelion and a Daffodil, all about love and admiration, that pays homage to the unsung patience and persistence of flowers in nature and anticipation of the coming joy that springtime can bring.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Well, I have to say that I am unabashedly in love with these creative artists. Their first film they submitted to KIDS FIRST!, "Robots Don't Tell Jokes," is one of my all time faves. But this one I entirely different and charming in its own unique way. I guess you would categorize it as a music video, since music is the driving force here. But the visuals are super fun and the message - about love and patience, are evergreen and so sorely needed today.

The storyling is told in a duet between a Dandelion and a Daffodil, who sing praises of each other and about the persistence of awaiting for the joy of the coming spring.

Aside from the lovely lyrics and song, the concept of using a VW Beetle and a BW Camper Van as means of transporting these two is just brilliant. The 2D animation is perfect for presenting this story and song. And the layers of images - flowers, cars, locations - are spot on. The cutaways to photos of actual daffodils and dandelions in bloom is a terrific addition. The bees, the drive-in theater, all make lovely additions. You've got to love the outtakes with the dog joining in on the recording session. Truly a joy to watch and any child, especially little ones, will love this.

The film's message is above love and patience, and patience and love.

I give My Darling Daffodil 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Well, I have to say that I am unabashedly in love with these creative artists. Their first film they submitted to KIDS FIRST!, "Robots Don't Tell Jokes," is one of my all time faves. But this one I entirely different and charming in its own unique way. I guess you would categorize it as a music video, since music is the driving force here. But the visuals are super fun and the message - about love and patience, are evergreen and so sorely needed today.

The storyline is told in a duet between a Dandelion and a Daffodil, who sing praises of each other and about the persistence of awaiting for the joy of the coming spring.

Aside from the lovely lyrics and song, the concept of using a VW Beetle and a BW Camper Van as means of transporting these two is just brilliant. The 2D animation is perfect for presenting this story and song. And the layers of images - flowers, cars, locations - are spot on. The cutaways to photos of actual daffodils and dandelions in bloom is a terrific addition. The bees, the drive-in theater, all make lovely additions. You've got to love the outtakes with the dog joining in on the recording session. Truly a joy to watch and any child, especially little ones, will love this.

The film's message is above love and patience, and patience and love.

I give My Darling Daffodil 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


DESPICABLE ME 4

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
DESPICABLE ME 4       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Series: FEATURE, AGES 5-18
Topic - Family
Description - In the first Despicable Me movie in seven years, Gru, the world's favorite supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain League-agent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem in Illumination's Despicable Me 4. Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina and the family is forced to go on the run.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Get ready to raise your glasses and say, "Kanpai" (cheers) in celebration as the Gru family returns in Despicable Me 4! The familiar and lovable characters are back, bringing with them a hilarious and entertaining storyline that definitely had me laughing out loud.

The storyline follows Gru (Steve Carell) when he fails to capture his old nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his family is forced into the witness protection program. But, portraying the role of the average next-door neighbor is no easy task for Gru, his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and their adopted daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan). The introduction of the want-to-be villain, Poppy (Joey King), sparks Gru's desire for mischievous adventures, setting the stage for comical chaos with the assistance of his minions.

This is a fun animated film filled with compassion and comedy. Created by Illumination Entertainment, the frantic visual disorder seized my attention and took me on a wild ride filled with glee. The fantastic voice acting makes all the characters likable. Joey King, with her lisp and evil laugh, makes Poppy so menacing and likable. The screenplay by Ken Daurio and Mike White feels familiar and fresh at the same time. Gru's loving relationship with his wife Lucy, baby boy, and adopted daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes remains heart-warming. The introduction of villains Maxime Le Ma, Valentina (Sofia Vergara), and Poppy keep Gru from living a dull life as an anti-villain. One of my favorite scenes is the attempted theft of the honey badger.

The film's message reminds us to stay true to ourselves and to remember that family is essential to our happiness. By embracing his true nature, Gru is able to release the pressures of being an anti-villain and pursue his dreams.

Despicable Me 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It opens in theaters on July 3, 2024.

By Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The hilarious super-dad is back! Gru and his family return in the hilarious Despicable Me 4. This movie is action-packed, funny, and shows how important family truly is. It stars many well-known actors, including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Ferrell, and Sof�a Vergara.

This comedic film starts with Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) doing their best to raise Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), Agnes (Madison Polan), and the newest member of the family, Gru Jr. (Tara Strong) The family thinks their life has finally gone back to normal, until they find out that Gru's arch-nemeses Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and Valentina (Sof�a Vergara) escaped prison and are out for revenge against Gru, which means he and his family must go into hiding. While staying undercover, each family member encounters different people and different struggles. The Minions are as crazy and shenanigan-filled as ever, but also as caring and protective of the family, no matter the cost.

My favorite characters in this film are the Minions and Poppy Prescott (Joey King). The Minions have always been energetic and filled with slapstick comedy, and they have never failed to make me laugh. I love how the director, Chris Renaud, makes sure the Minions are still the same funny, chaotic characters as they have been since the beginning of the Despicable Me series. I love Poppy because of how passionate she is about becoming a super-villainess. She is also so clever and lovable, which adds to her character. Another part of this film I enjoyed was the creativity of the new villains, Maxime Le Mal and Valentina. The writers, Ken Daurio and Mike White, created two incredible characters with loads of personality, imagination, and evil. The music is especially enjoyable in the movie. For example, there is a song in the beginning of the film called "Double Life" by Pharrell Williams, which is so fun and upbeat. The energy from this song matches the energy of the movie.

The film's message is to never give up and persevere through every situation. Gru always has and always will care about his family. Whenever his family is in trouble, he will always be there to save them.

Despicable Me 4 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 3, 2024.

By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

What a fun film Despicable Me 4 is. I love this film! It was great entertainment from start to finish and made me laugh the entire time.

Gru and the minions return in this fourth installment, providing humor and entertainment at every turn. Gru is challenged by high school rival, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his female sidekick Valentina (Sofia Vergara) and they're forced to flee to a safe house. As the family takes on new identities, Gru takes the opportunity to bond with his son. More plots emerge as the family struggles with new identities and a neighbor, Poppy (Joey King), knows Gru's identity.

Very entertaining. I will go see it again with friends. The animation and the writing are paired perfectly. Every character has their own story line and each of their own individual journeys contributes to the plot. They are all connected, which makes the film that much more entertaining. One thing I love about Despicable Me 4 is ... the Minions. They're consistent as the main protagonists in the Gru family. They offer constant on-screen antics, and their silly behavior kept me laughing. Whether on a bus, in a vending machine, or in training as the Mega Minions, their attempt to help always creates drama and messes things up. I enjoyed the character of Poppy, who wears braces and has a lisp, which is hysterical. Maybe we will see her in future films. The background music and sound effects enhance the entire film. The sounds in the grocery store scene are great - with screams and pounding footsteps running through the aisles. At other times we hear the roaring of engines, lazar sounds from the Mega Minion, and tires screeching behind the opening music as they drive up into the California hills. This film is great in so many ways.

The film's messages are about bonding with your family, finding a happy place, being true to oneself and protecting your loved ones. Be aware that there are some naughty Minions. Some humor is a bit inappropriate for kids, yet this humor may keep parents engaged. My mom laughed at some of the "adult jokes" and had to explain them to me.

Despicable Me 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages to 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters July 3, 2024. Go check it out.

Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I enjoyed Despicable Me 4! It's full of slapstick comedy plus new and old characters. The animation is so high quality it's despicable.

In the sixth installment of the Despicable Me franchise, Gru (Steve Carell), Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and the girls welcome a new member to their family, Gru Jr. (Tara Strong), who is set on tormenting his dad. And now, because of a new villain named Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his girlfriend (Sof�a Vergara), Gru's family is forced to go into hiding and adopt new identities. Will they take Maxime down or will their cover be blown? Watch to find out!

This movie is really cute, but there is just a lot going on at once. There are several different subplots and a lot of new characters that are crammed into this 94-minute movie, so some scenes feel a bit random and out of place. Nonetheless, this is a great family movie. Its humor is geared more towards younger audiences, but that being said, I and a lot of adults laughed throughout the entire movie. I adore all of the characters in the franchise dearly, but my favorite is Agnes, voiced by Madison Polan. She is so sweet and lovable and always wants to do the right thing. I also really love the performances from Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, and Dana Gaier as Edith. Pierre Coffin, as always, is so impressive when voicing the minions (yes, all of them). Will Ferrell as Maxime and Sof�a Vergara as Valentina, Maxime's girlfriend, are hilarious and really fit their roles.

The film's messages, similar to the previous installments, focus on the importance of family and doing the right thing. Be forewarned that there are some risky behaviors portrayed in this movie that young children shouldn't try to replicate.

Despicable Me 4 gets 4 of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. People who enjoyed the previous Despicable Me movies will definitely want to see this one. It comes out in theaters on July 3, 2024.

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

Bringing back my favorite yellow-friends, Despicable Me 4 is hilarious, original, and chaotic in the best way. It hits the screen with all the energy expected from the first scene to the last.

Following the prison escape of his arch nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), ex-villain Gru (Steve Carell) is forced to move into hiding with his wife, Lucy (Kristen Wiig), his three daughters, and his new baby son, Gru Jr. (Tara Strong) After assuming new identities the craziness never fails to follow Gru's family as they meet new neighbors, explore their new lives, and hide from Maxime and his fashionable girlfriend Valentina (Sof�a Vergara). And of course, the minions have their own adventures as well.

Despicable Me 4 flows so smoothly despite all the plot lines going throughout the film. Many subplots are developed and, by the end, they all tie together quite nicely. It's a perfect way to give viewers lots to enjoy without leaving them hanging. The only thing that doesn't have enough attention is the character of Maxime Le Mal -- part of his character is his obsession with cockroaches and he has a whole army of them, but apart from talking to them a bit as his evil army, they don't help execute his master plans. This made me wonder what they were intended for exactly. Besides this, every character is wonderful to watch and I particularly enjoyed Poppy. Voiced by Joey King, Poppy has been born into an uptight family in the town of Mayflower and dreams of becoming an evil villain. I love how she is introduced as kind of a mystery until her intentions are revealed. I enjoyed seeing how dedicated she is to achieve her dreams. The side plot of the minions is not paid a lot of attention to but that never stops the minions from stealing the spotlight. We find five minions with superpowers and the writers have some hilarious situations these minions get into which, of course, all tie back to saving their beloved master, Gru. My favorite part of this film is the last scene where Gru and Maxime have a karaoke competition and perform it at the local jail. In this scene there are nods to all the past movies including the Despicable Me and Minions films. I won't spoil it, but it's a great Easter egg that plays tribute to the previous films.

The film's theme is that nothing is more important than family. Gru struggles to bond with his son and he never stops trying because Gru Jr. is so important to him. Throughout the film Gru is always putting his family first and he never stops fighting for them.

Despicable Me 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters July 3, 2024.

By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


DISNEY JR.'S ARIEL

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
DISNEY JR.'S ARIEL       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
DISNEY JUNIOR
Series: SERIES, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Set in the fantastical Caribbean-inspired underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows Ariel as she embarks on fun-filled, action-packed mermaid adventures with her friends. Driven by a deep and unending curiosity about the world around her, Ariel discovers land treasures, like a big floppy hat, squeaky rubber ducky and whisk, that she collects and keeps safe in her crystal cavern. Sometimes, Ariel uses the treasures to help solve problems. With each discovery, Ariel is filled with joy, and her mermaid tail, which changes colors depending on her emotions, lights up and shimmers. Full of charm, big ideas and a powerful voice, "Disney Jr.'s Ariel" is coming into her own, learning how to discover and appreciate the world around her and use her voice to inspire others.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Jumping Jellyfish! Ariel is back for another under-the-sea adventure in Disney Jr.'s Ariel. It's full of friendship, aquatic fun, and music! It's perfect for kids to watch and enjoy with their family. Young fans of any version of The Little Mermaid will certainly love watching this series!

Disney Jr.'s Ariel is based on the classic story and film, The Little Mermaid, and takes you on a musical journey following a young Ariel (Mykal-Michelle Harris) and her friends Flounder (Gracen Newton), Lucia (Elizabeth Phoenix Caro) and Fernie (Cruz Flateau) as they experience various adventures in Atlantica. They use the power of friendship, music, and magic to help each other and their friends throughout the show.

The cast of this series is perfect. The actors really connect to the characters, including the way they look. Mykal-Michelle Harris, who voices Ariel, fits this character perfectly in both her personality and her singing voice. The character designs are amazing culturally as well from the hair, to the skin tones, to their dialect speech. I like that they kept the cultural status of Ariel, even making King Triton and Ursula Black characters. I found it interesting how they gave Ursula more human traits and added a special plot twist to her character, which I love. The music in this series is so fun, catchy, and upbeat! I believe that young people will love it; I honestly feel that it adds more to Ariel, considering her love of music and singing. The design of this show is so colorful and vibrant - it really captures the beauty and uniqueness of the ocean. Each episode is 23 minutes long, with two titles included, so audiences can be entertained for quite some time.

There's a new message in every episode of this series, addressing issues such as friendship, understanding each other, and patience. This series is educational plus it's an entertaining experience that gives parents a break.

I give Disney Jr.'s Ariel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. Disney Jr.'s Ariel premieres on Disney Junior on June 27, 2024.

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

After the hit 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid, audiences have been waiting to see more of Ariel and her unique adventures. Disney's newest animated series, Disney Jr.'s Ariel, gives us a fresh perspective of Ariel in her childhood. Even though this show is geared toward younger audiences, I definitely enjoyed the show's upbeat and entertaining style.

This series follows eight-year-old Ariel (Mykal-Michelle Harris) growing up in the underwater world of Atlantica. With her best friends Flounder (Gracen Newton), Lucia (Elizabeth Pheonics Caro) and Fernie (Cruz Flateau) she goes on fun and action-packed quests. Ariel's curiosity drives her adventures, inspiring her to collect pieces of treasure and solve problems in remarkable ways.

Disney Jr.'s Ariel is the perfect new show for families, especially those with younger children. The first thing that grabbed my attention when watching Ariel was its use of vibrant colors. The bright pinks, blues, and yellows are perfect for younger audiences, giving the characters energy, and keeping kids engaged in the show even if they can't quite understand the plot yet. A key moment of each episode is when Ariel's tail shimmers and changes colors when she gets an idea, or her emotions change. Not only do those colors provide energy to the show, but I predict the upbeat and catchy songs will help Ariel become a fan favorite. Mykal-Michelle Harris carries the lead role, Ariel, extremely well, showcasing her well-rounded talents as both an actress and singer. Ariel has a star-studded cast, with seasoned actors like Taye Diggs and Amber Riley joining this series as King Triton and Ursula. Each character, old and new, brings a new point of view to the story of the Little Mermaid, making this a thrilling family-friendly show.

There are many positive messages from Ariel, but a prominent one is: don't be afraid of adventure. Ariel is a very curious young girl, and sometimes she faces problems she doesn't know the answer to. However, she stays persistent and makes the best out of every situation, learning something new along the way.

I give Disney Jr.'s Ariel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find Ariel on Disney Junior on June 27, 2024 and on Disney+ on June 28, 2024. Make sure you check it out!

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV


SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT
Series: FEATUREFILM, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - The students of the school of magical animals want to perform a musical for the school's anniversary. Will the rehearsals end in chaos or will the class pull together? And what's up with the strange holes on the school grounds? With the help of their magical animals, the children learn what really matters: teamwork. From Germany, base on bestselling children's book series by Margit Auert. Dubbed in English.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - See youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I absolutely love the movie School of Magical Animals 2! The sets are very detailed and are beautifully designed to fit the lighthearted style of the movie. The animals' hilarious antics kept me laughing throughout the film! Best of all, you don't need to have seen the first film, School of Magical Animals. You can enjoy and completely understand the film for what it is!

School of Magical Animals 2 follows a group of students and their talking pets preparing to celebrate their school's anniversary with a musical performance. They want to honor their school by recreating the story of its foundation. The only problem is, they cannot agree on how to do it! Ida (Emilia Maier) is appointed director, but when the school's most popular girl, Helene (Emilia Pieske), attempts to take control, the class is torn. Additionally, the school director, Mr. Siegmann (Justus von Dohn�nyi) has his own vision for the musical and insists that it is followed. With the advice and assistance of the magical animals, the students eventually realize they must join forces, each learning a valuable lesson along the way.

The sets immediately stood out to me, especially the individual characters' bedrooms. The room decorations reflect each of their personalities. My favorite room belongs to Anna-Lena (Lilith Johna). She is a shy but happy, welcoming girl with a wonderful singing voice and a talent for textiles. Her room is covered with beautiful fairy lights, warm pastel-colored cushions, and sewing equipment, because she is sewing the main character's dress for the musical. There is a wooden bunk bed with a ladder and there are plants and vines around the room, in adorable white or neutral pots. Her room looks like it belongs to a garden fairy, which describes Anna-Lena perfectly! Aside from the characters' rooms, the rest of the sets are also beautifully designed, such as the stage for the performance and the set for Ida's rooftop birthday party. Both maintain a light, happy color scheme to support the movie's cheerful tone. They are very detailed as well, with star-shaped cutouts and strobe lights for the stage and a whole snack booth with cafe-style tables set up by the trampolines for Ida's birthday party. The animals are essential to the plot and the character development. Each main character's animal represents either their internal thoughts or a lesson they need to learn. For example, Anna-Lena receives a chameleon named Caspar (Rick Kavanian), who pushes her to overcome her shyness and step out of her comfort zone, even encouraging her to take on the lead role in the musical. And Juri (Axel Stein), Jo's penguin, represents his conscience when he makes a mistake and guides him to the right decision by sharing advice, as well as his own hilarious stories from when he was in Antarctica.

The message of School of Magical Animals 2 is that teamwork makes the dream work! At the end of the film, the students realize that they are more powerful together than apart, and to make their musical the best it can be, they need to work together, share their ideas and listen to others' opinions. Be aware that this film was originally recorded in German and is dubbed in English, with subtitles provided.

School of Magical Animals 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. School of Magical Animals 2 releases in theaters on June 7, 2024.

By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I like the film School of Magical Animals 2. It is entertaining with all the magical animals talking and having fun personalities. I also really like how the animals match their owners' personalities. The movie has a castle in a village for the school which makes the setting very interesting. The only drawback is that, at times, it is a little repetitive.

The storyline follows Ida and Benni who attend the Winterstein School where the students are practicing a musical to show their parents and they sometimes disagree and make each feel upset or left out - but they work it out. At the end when they put on the play something strange happens and they are shocked to find out.

Based on the successful German children's book series by Margit Auer, this film is a blend of CGI animation and live action. What makes it particularly fun is the talking animals, which include a talking fox, tortoise and magpie. Director Sven Unterwaldt beautifully brings this story to life. Ida, a kind and nice girl, is played by Emilia Maier, who portrays her perfectly. Her pet, Rabbat, is wonderfully voiced by Max Von der Groeben. I love watching the magical animals sing, rap, talk, and dance, and at times they advise their human friends. The animals help teach lessons in friendship, perseverance, and the importance of sharing feelings. Another fun fact about the animals is that they can transform into stuffed animals when needed, so they can hide from strangers. Throughout the movie, you see beautiful landscapes and European villages and castles.

The film's message is about teamwork. In the beginning, the children struggle to come together as a team, but when they start to work together they start to accomplish more.

I give School Of Magical Animals 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available in theaters June 7, 2024.

By Clara T., KIDS FIRST! Film critic, age 11

School of Magical Animals 2 is an enchanting sequel that absolutely captivated me! This film continues the magical journey with even more excitement, heart, and humor. The combination of great acting, a fantastic soundtrack, and impressive CGI makes it a must-watch for fans of the first movie and newcomers alike.

In this sequel, the students of the School of Magical Animals are preparing a musical for the school's anniversary. However, things don't go as smoothly as planned. With strange holes appearing on the school grounds and the pressure of rehearsals mounting, the students must rely on their magical animal friends to navigate the chaos. Together, they discover the importance of teamwork and friendship in overcoming obstacles.

The lead characters in this film are brought to life by a talented cast. The dynamic between the students and their magical animal companions is both heartwarming and entertaining. The CGI used to create the animals is top-notch, making each magical creature feel real and full of personality. The sets and scenery are vibrant and perfectly complement the magical atmosphere of the story. The costumes are wonderfully designed, adding to the visual appeal of the film. One of my favorite parts of the movie is the cute and enjoyable love story between the two main characters. It's a delightful extension from the first movie and adds an extra layer of charm to the story. The musical numbers are catchy and well-executed, thanks to the great soundtrack. Every element of this film, from the direction to the special effects, contributes to its overall magical feel.

The message of School of Magical Animals 2 is that teamwork and friendship are essential in overcoming challenges. The film successfully conveys this message through its engaging storyline and relatable characters.

School of Magical Animals 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, and adults will enjoy it as well. You can catch this magical film in theaters on June 7, 2024.

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


TOMORROW'S GAME

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
TOMORROW'S GAME       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
STREETS AHEAD PRODUCTION
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Daniel de la Rosa travels back in time to 1957. To get home, he must find a way to restore his family's legacy and rewrite baseball history. A fun adventure for the whole family ensues, full of baseball and time travel, featuring Paul Rodriguez.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The appeal of Tomorrow's Game lies in its blend of time travel and baseball nostalgia, combined with a heartwarming story about family and self-discovery. The dynamic between Daniel and Sally provides engaging, relatable moments, while the historical setting adds charm. The plot twist of Daniel becoming the unexpected commentator is particularly satisfying.

In the time-traveling family adventure, Tomorrow's Game, young Daniel De La Rosa, uninterested in baseball despite his legendary uncle, is transported back to 1957 after a mishap with a mysterious recorder. With the help of a spirited girl named Sally and a young commentator named Jorge, Daniel embarks on a mission to return home, discovering a newfound passion for baseball and forging a surprising connection to his family's past.

This family-friendly film masterfully blends time travel and baseball nostalgia, creating a heartwarming and adventurous tale about self-discovery and family legacy. The story kicks off with young Daniel De La Rosa, initially disinterested in baseball despite his legendary uncle, being transported back to 1957. With the help of spirited Sally and young commentator Jorge, Daniel embarks on a mission to return to his own time, discovering a newfound passion for baseball along the way.

Children might enjoy this film for its adventurous time-travel plot and the relatable, likable characters. Daniel's journey from indifference to passion for baseball mirrors many kids' experiences of discovering new interests. The humorous and exciting moments, like Daniel's chaotic first encounter with Sally, keep the story engaging. Additionally, the nostalgic setting and the idea of influencing history provide a fun and imaginative escape for young viewers. The show's well-crafted writing and seamless structure create an engaging flow between past and present. Key moments, like Daniel's first encounter with Sally and his unexpected commentator role, are well-paced, driving his character development. The screenplay balances humor, drama, and adventure, with relatable characters that build empathy. The rich historical setting enhances the narrative, making the story immersive and emotionally resonant, drawing viewers into Daniel's journey. The material is accurate and suitable for its intended age group, using vocabulary and concepts appropriate for children. The dialogue is simple and relatable, avoiding complex jargon. For example, Daniel's explanation of his time travel and the playful banter with Sally, are clear and engaging. The historical references, like the 1957 setting, are presented in an accessible, educational manner.

The film boasts vibrant visuals, with clear, easily identifiable images. The live-action scenes are complemented by well-designed sets and authentic 1957 costumes, enhancing the historical feel. The acting is engaging, especially the dynamic performances by Daniel and Sally. The music is nostalgic, fitting the film's adventurous and heartwarming tone. The promotional image is appealing, capturing the film's family-friendly essence. The only shortcoming may be that the story's premise might feel overly familiar to those who prefer more original narratives. The film encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as Daniel navigates time travel and devises plans to return home. The film supports inquiry into history and sports, making it educational and appropriate for its intended age group, sparking interest in cultural and temporal exploration. The program conveys that discovering one's passion often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone. It highlights the importance of family, legacy, and perseverance.

The film's message is about how one might need to step outside of their comfort zone to discover their passion. It highlights the importance of family, legacy and perseverance. Through Daniel's journey, the film shows that understanding and appreciating history can lead to personal growth and unexpected connections. It teaches valuable lessons about perseverance, family, and embracing new experiences, making it both educational and suitable for its intended age group. It also emphasizes the value of teamwork and friendship in overcoming challenges, encouraging viewers to embrace new experiences and learn from the past.

I give Tomorrow's Game 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available now in theaters, VOD, AVOD, streaming and through online retailers.

By Gloria J., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Tomorrow's Game is not only a baseball movie but a time traveling adventure. I really enjoyed this film, and its inspiring message about equality. Everyone can learn something important from this story.

This movie is about Daniel De La Rosa (Alejandro De Anda) who takes an unexpected trip back to 1957 to see his uncle, Santiago De La Rosa (Carlo Mendez), become part of baseball history. The story begins in 2002 as Santiago De La Rosa (David Arturo Sanchez) is being inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame for his baseball career with the JetHawks. Daniel is unsure of himself during this time which leads to a heart-to-heart with Jorge Robles (Paul Rodriguez). This encounter quickly leads to a time traveling adventure that leads Daniel to help make big changes in the past.

Tomorrow's Game kept me engaged with its story line. The actors make the characters come alive and are true to the time period. The 2002 Jorge Robles made me chuckle. He has amazing comedic timing. I especially like when he makes sure Daniel knows about the number 207. The viewer has no doubt that this number is important. Another character that sticks out, but in a different way, is Sally McDavies (Miranda Meadows). Her acting is more theatrical than the other characters, and it seems to interrupt the flow of the dialogue. Despite this, she is still entertaining to watch, and she adds variety to the film. The props and set are amazing. It really feels like you have time-traveled into the fifties. The broadcast station, which is the time travel machine, made my jaw drop. It is so intriguing how it spins with flashing lights and clicking date changes. The special effects make Daniel's transition to 1957 seem realistic. The setting change is flawless.

The film's message is about fairness. In 1957 not all baseball players were treated equally, especially Puerto Rican players. These individuals did not get the same air time as their white teammates. Daniel, Sally, and young Jorge Robles (Jerry Hernandez) worked together to change this while restoring the De La Rosa family legacy in the process.

I give Tomorrow's Game 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available in theaters, VOD, AVOD, streaming and through online retailers now.

By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Tomorrow's Game is a wild journey through time that combines the thrill of baseball with a heartwarming family adventure. The story's creativity and the strong performances by the cast make it an unforgettable movie experience.

In Tomorrow's Game, Daniel de la Rosa (Alejandro de Anda), travels back in time to 1957. To return to his present day, Daniel must find a way to restore his family's legacy and rewrite baseball history. This film is packed with excitement as Daniel navigates the challenges of a different era while discovering the importance of family and perseverance.

The film features a stellar cast with standout performances. The supporting cast enhances the film's charm -- including notable appearances by talented actors such as Miranda Meadows who plays Sally McDavies, Paul Rodriguez, who plays Jorge Robles and Carlo Menddez, who plays young Santiago de la Rosa. The period sets and costumes transport viewers back to the 1950s, adding an authentic feel to the time-travel adventure. The special effects used for the time travel scenes are impressive and add a magical touch to the story. The soundtrack perfectly complements the film, enhancing key moments and adding to the overall enjoyment. My favorite part of the movie is when Daniel finally understands the true value of his family's legacy. This pivotal moment is both touching and inspirational, showcasing the film's core message about believing in yourself and the importance of family.

Tomorrow's Game promotes positive social behavior and highlights the importance of treating others with respect. The film's message is clear: believe in yourself and cherish your family.

I give Tomorrow's Game 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this film for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. You can catch this delightful family adventure now in select theaters plus on VOD, streaming and at online retailers.

By Ashleigh Clyde, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: FeatureFilm


JOHNNY PUFF: SECRET MISSION

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
JOHNNY PUFF: SECRET MISSION       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORK
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-8
Topic - Family
Description - Four Puffins, under the guidance of Johnny Puff (Johnny Depp), develop their superpowers and use them for good. When their home, Taigasville, comes under threat from the evil Otto von Walrus, Johnny Puff and co. embark on a secret mission. Releasing in theaters, VOD, AVOD, streaming and online retailers July 12, 2024.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Johnny Puff: Secret Mission is fantastic! The animation is top-notch, and it vividly chronicles the tale of four heroic Puffins using their extraordinary powers to defeat the villainous walrus, Otto von.

The story takes place in Tuss V., a tiny coastal town in the Arctic where four inseparable friends live among the Puffins. They're naughty and playful and always looking for new adventures. They find something even more valuable than any treasure - meteorite that gives them incredible powers.

This film is very imaginative and very organized, plus I'm impressed by the story development. It has a well-structured plot that beautifully showcases how the four Puffins use their superpowers for good and ultimately triumph over Otto the walrus. The quality of the animation is great - the film constantly switches scenes along with the storyline, and the production is smooth. The background music changes with the development of the plot. For example, when the Puffins are stripped of their food source by Otto, they go to Otto to get back their food, fall into Otto's trick, and are captured and taken to Otto's base camp. Throughout this scene the background music is tense and creates a tense atmosphere. The four Puffins include Tick, the littlest of the team, who is clumsy, naive and has a good heart. He is able to control nature. Pi is the giant of the group; he is moody and impulsive and never gets tired. He is unstoppably strong. Dak is the brains of the bunch; he examines everything very closely. Didi is the most self-absorbed of them all; her powers are being able to break the sound barrier and make time go slower. Johnny Puff (Johnny Depp) is a retired rock star who lives a peaceful life in harmony with nature and can transform into a sneaky ninja warrior. Otto von Walrus is famous for his craftiness and intelligence and his dirty tricks. At the end of the story, Otto's mother visits Otto and instructs him to go on the right track. Under the influence of his mother, Otto gradually gives up his prank plan and reunites with the animals in the town. My favorite scene is the opening scene where Tick, Pi, Dak and Didi are introduced; it beautifully portrays the distinct personality traits of each little auk. It's a captivating and engaging start that draws you into the story from the get go.

The film's message is about the four little Puffins that accidentally discover meteorites with superpowers during their expedition, and they each acquire superpowers and use them for good things, and their secret mission to save the arctic Johnny Pop mission.

I give Johnny Puff: Secret Mission 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8.

By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The animated adventure, Johnny Puff: Secret Mission is a colorful journey with Johnny Puff. I love how the characters' unique personalities and superpowers come together in a classic, yet thrilling plot. The narration adds a comedic touch that keeps you entertained throughout the movie.

In Johnny Puff: Secret Mission, the peaceful town of Taigasville is threatened by the evil Otto von Walrus. Johnny Puff (Johnny Depp) and his team of four super-powered Puffins--Tic, Tac, Didi, and Pie--embark on a secret mission to save their home. The storyline is straightforward and predictable but executed in a charming and engaging way.

The characters are one of the highlights of the film. Johnny Puff is the wise and brave leader, while each Puffin has distinct traits that match their superpowers. The animation style might remind viewers of the Ice Age franchise, giving it a nostalgic feel. Although the movie lacks dialogue other than the narrator, it compensates with vibrant visuals and expressive characters. The narrator's humor is a standout, adding a light-hearted and fun element to the film. One of my favorite parts is the dynamic between the Puffins and how their abilities complement each other during their mission. The special effects and animation bring their powers to life in a visually appealing way. The sets and locations are beautifully designed, creating an immersive environment that enhances the storytelling.

The movie's message is about teamwork, bravery, and using your unique talents for good. It's a positive theme that encourages viewers to value their individuality and work together to overcome challenges. The film promotes positive social behavior.

I give Johnny Puff: Secret Mission 3 out of 5 stars. It's perfect for ages 5 to 12. You can find this movie in theaters and on major streaming platforms and DVD beginning July 12, 2024. Get ready for a fun-filled journey with Johnny Puff and his heroic Puffins!

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Johnny Puff: Secret Mission is an innovative and hilarious movie. It incorporates a lot of different theatrical elements to add to viewer enjoyment.

This film is about the super puffins, specifically Johnny Puff (Johnny Depp) who has to save Taigasville from all the evil shenanigans that Otto von Walrus keeps pulling. Every ten to 15 minutes he tries something new and the super puffins must stop him from destroying the arctic. It is based on the TV series, Puffins.

This film has many unique components -- most noticeable is that none of the characters speak. The only voice heard in the whole film is that of the narrator, Johnny Depp. The rest of the characters simply grunt and make other vocal noises, which allows the disagreements and plot to be up to the interpretation of the viewer. Another aspect of this film is its ever changing plot. Rather than just one big evil scheme throughout the film, Otto von Walrus constantly tries different things and continually gets defeated. It feels like a full TV season of ten to 15 minute episodes put into a fun, entertaining movie. The animation is very impressive; it uses an animation style that is not often used in movies which therefore makes the whole film much more interesting. The villain, Otto von Walrus, is more of a bully than a true evil villain, which makes the character relations even more unique.

The message of this film is to never give up and keep having fun because the world doesn't stop for you.

I give Johnny Puff: Secret Mission 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. It releases in theaters and streaming on July 12, 2024.

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I thoroughly enjoyed Johnny Puff: Secret Mission for its imaginative storyline and dynamic characters. The film masterfully combines adventure and fantasy, and it is a captivating watch for audiences of all ages.

Johnny Puff: Secret Mission follows four Puffin friends, Tic, Pi, Dak and DD, who stumble upon a mysterious glowing meteor that grants them incredible powers. Alongside their retired rockstar friend, Johnny Puff (Johnny Depp), who can transform into a ninja through his music, they embark on an epic quest filled with challenges and discoveries.

The movie excels in character development and creativity, which are two aspects that particularly stand out to me. Tick's ability to control nature adds a beautiful, almost poetic element to their journey. Pi's super-strength provides both humor and heroism, while Dak's technological prowess offers clever solutions to the group's obstacles. DD's ability to break the sound barrier and manipulate time introduces thrilling, high speed sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Johnny Puff's transformation into a ninja through his music is a unique and entertaining twist that highlights the importance of following one's passion. The film's animation is vibrant and detailed, making the Puffin's world come alive in a way that is visually stunning and deeply engaging.

The film's message is about the power of friendship and teamwork.

I give Johnny Puff: Secret Mission 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. This film releases July 12, on VOD, AVOD, Streaming, Online Retailers, and in theatres. Be sure to check it out.

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


SPROUT

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
SPROUT
CAROLINA BERMUDEZ
Series: COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Sprout is a light-hearted 3D animated short created for children. The story follows Sprout, a tiny robot, who quickly becomes overwhelmed by his list of garden tasks that he's unable to complete. After chaos ensues, misfit animals turned friends offer support and Sprout learns that it's ok to accept help from others. Together, Sprout and his new friends accomplish all of their tasks in the garden through teamwork.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What an adorable little animated short. I want a Sprout in my life!

This college student made film follows a juvenile robot, named Sprout, who is left a note by his parent about the garden chores he is to accomplish while the parent is at work. Thing go from controlled to chaos fairly quickly and the critters in the garden become helpers as they work to put things back in order once again.

If you have ever gardened, you can relate to this story, where things go amuck without even trying - as critters chomp on the tomatoes and the whole basket of tomatoes falls on Sprout's head. The animation is well done, very smooth and colorful. The background music perfectly backs up the action in the film without being obtrusive. I would enjoy sharing this with young people whether or not they have an interest in gardening.

The film's message is about asking for help in order to get your tasks done.

I give Sprout 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an adorable little animated short. I want a Sprout in my life!

This college student made film follows a juvenile robot, named Sprout, who is left a note by his parent about the garden chores he is to accomplish while the parent is at work. Thing go from controlled to chaos fairly quickly and the critters in the garden become helpers as they work to put things back in order once again.

If you have ever gardened, you can relate to this story, where things go amuck without even trying - as critters chomp on the tomatoes and the whole basket of tomatoes falls on Sprout's head. The animation is well done, very smooth and colorful. The background music perfectly backs up the action in the film without being obtrusive. I would enjoy sharing this with young people whether or not they have an interest in gardening.

The film's message is about asking for help in order to get your tasks done.

I give Sprout 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


BOY A-NEE-GU FIGHT WITH MAGICAL BUGS!

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
BOY A-NEE-GU FIGHT WITH MAGICAL BUGS!
HSUAN WANG
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-18
Topic - Family
Description - A-Nee-Gu stumbled upon what seemed to be an ordinary puppy, Donnie, but little did he know, it was actually an extraterrestrial scientist. Together, they uncovered a conspiracy from the alien headquarters. A-Nee-Gu decided to form a defense alliance to protect the safety of Earth and his loved ones! As a war fueled by imagination approaches, can A-Nee-Gu and Donnie rely on their imagination to protect their beloved family?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This film tells the story of A-Nee-Gu and his League of Super Guardians who defend the earth with imagination. A-Nee-Gu stumbles upon a seemingly ordinary puppy named Donnie, who, unbeknownst to him, is actually an alien scientist. Together, they uncover a conspiracy at alien headquarters. Aneegu decides to form a defense alliance to keep Earth and his loved ones safe.

This film is perfect for kids - it is powerful, creative, and depicts people's unrestrained imagination to create an interesting story. The film is animated and suitable for children. I like the development of the story line, which is composed episode by episode, with each story having a corresponding storyline, just like a short film. It has great characteristics and creativity. In this animation, the backgrounds arrangement are critical for the storyline; for example, when A-Nee-Gu uses imagination to create a dinosaur, the image of a dinosaur appears in the background. The background music is very much in tune with the actual theme, such as A-Nee-Gu's rabbit battle, which features techno electronic sounds, as well as the attack effects of fighting. A-Nee-gu is a very mischievous child in the beginning and he has a rich imagination, like all children. He meets a stray puppy, Donnie, and takes him home. A-Nee-Gu is thrilled when he finds out that Donnie came to Earth specifically to catch imagination worms, and asks Donnie to use them to grant his wish. Although A-Nee-Gu does not believe that the earth will be in danger if he fails to catch the imaginary worm in time, when he really learns that the earth will be destroyed, he enters his father's dream and asks him to trust him this time, expressing his love for him and his own feelings. My favorite part is the scene at the end when A-Nee-Gu learns that the Earth is going to be destroyed by Donnie's team and A-Nee-Guy enters his father's dream and asks him to help them fight together using his imagination. A-nee-gu sincerely expresses his thoughts to his father, even though his father thinks A-Nee-Gu is playing a joke on him, A-Nee-Guy reveals his love and insists on his father joining the fight. At last, his father appears and tells A-Nee-Gu that he will always be proud of him. The image of his dad always supporting him is so moving.

This film's message is about the wonder of imagination. It can be said that many things on Earth come from people's imagination, because only imagination can develop creativity.

I give Boy A-Nee-Gu Fight With Magical Bugs! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!i
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This film tells the story of A-Nee-Gu and his League of Super Guardians who defend the earth with imagination. A-Nee-Gu stumbles upon a seemingly ordinary puppy named Donnie, who, unbeknownst to him, is actually an alien scientist. Together, they uncover a conspiracy at alien headquarters. Aneegu decides to form a defense alliance to keep Earth and his loved ones safe.

This film is perfect for kids - it is powerful, creative, and depicts people's unrestrained imagination to create an interesting story. The film is animated and suitable for children. I like the development of the story line, which is composed episode by episode, with each story having a corresponding storyline, just like a short film. It has great characteristics and creativity. In this animation, the backgrounds arrangement are critical for the storyline; for example, when A-Nee-Gu uses imagination to create a dinosaur, the image of a dinosaur appears in the background. The background music is very much in tune with the actual theme, such as A-Nee-Gu's rabbit battle, which features techno electronic sounds, as well as the attack effects of fighting. A-Nee-gu is a very mischievous child in the beginning and he has a rich imagination, like all children. He meets a stray puppy, Donnie, and takes him home. A-Nee-Gu is thrilled when he finds out that Donnie came to Earth specifically to catch imagination worms, and asks Donnie to use them to grant his wish. Although A-Nee-Gu does not believe that the earth will be in danger if he fails to catch the imaginary worm in time, when he really learns that the earth will be destroyed, he enters his father's dream and asks him to trust him this time, expressing his love for him and his own feelings. My favorite part is the scene at the end when A-Nee-Gu learns that the Earth is going to be destroyed by Donnie's team and A-Nee-Guy enters his father's dream and asks him to help them fight together using his imagination. A-nee-gu sincerely expresses his thoughts to his father, even though his father thinks A-Nee-Gu is playing a joke on him, A-Nee-Guy reveals his love and insists on his father joining the fight. At last, his father appears and tells A-Nee-Gu that he will always be proud of him. The image of his dad always supporting him is so moving.

This film's message is about the wonder of imagination. It can be said that many things on Earth come from people's imagination, because only imagination can develop creativity.

I give Boy A-Nee-Gu Fight With Magical Bugs! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. By Changyang L., KIDS FIRST!i
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MUSHROOM MAGIC

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MUSHROOM MAGIC
MARIA MAC DALLAND
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 2-5
Topic - Family
Description - A couple of little mushroom fairies put on a magic show for Tiny Toot and her friends. They use their magic wands to shoot mycelium at the fallen fruit, turning it into fertile dirt to help new life grow. Tiny Toot also gets to try the magic wand and learns some mushroom magic.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I found Mushroom Magic completely enchanting with its cute character, especially Tiny Toot and Gato, and an interesting storyline.

Created by Danish filmmaker Maria Mac Dalland, Tiny Toot is an adorable 2D animated series featuring Tony Toot, her cat Gato, her family, Pixie and other friends. Pixie has an oranichopper and is able to shrink Tiny Toot and Gato so they can ride along with him and visit others and learn new things. In this episode they visit the Mushroom Fairies who put on a magic show for Tiny Toot and Gato where they shoot mycelium at a fallen fruit and turn it into fertile soil to help new plants grow. Tiny Toot gets to try out the magic wand herself.

The animation is top notch here with very detailed images and bright colors. The backgrounds are quite wonderful as Tony Toot explores the world around her, led by Pixie the Elf. There is very little dialogue, which is fine because the story is revealed visually for the most part. The background music is upbeat and fun. I was unfamiliar with the Tiny Toot series before so I did a little searching to find out more about it. Other episodes are available on various online sites, if you are curious.

The show's message is about exploring the world around us and learning new things about daily life on our planet.

I give Mushroom Magic 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, provided you have someone to read the subtitles for you since the dialogue is in Danish. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I found Mushroom Magic completely enchanting with its cute character, especially Tiny Toot and Gato, and an interesting storyline.

Created by Danish filmmaker Maria Mac Dalland, Tiny Toot is an adorable 2D animated series featuring Tony Toot, her cat Gato, her family, Pixie and other friends. Pixie has an oranichopper and is able to shrink Tiny Toot and Gato so they can ride along with him and visit others and learn new things. In this episode they visit the Mushroom Fairies who put on a magic show for Tiny Toot and Gato where they shoot mycelium at a fallen fruit and turn it into fertile soil to help new plants grow. Tiny Toot gets to try out the magic wand herself.

The animation is top notch here with very detailed images and bright colors. The backgrounds are quite wonderful as Tony Toot explores the world around her, led by Pixie the Elf. There is very little dialogue, which is fine because the story is revealed visually for the most part. The background music is upbeat and fun. I was unfamiliar with the Tiny Toot series before so I did a little searching to find out more about it. Other episodes are available on various online sites, if you are curious.

The show's message is about exploring the world around us and learning new things about daily life on our planet.

I give Mushroom Magic 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, provided you have someone to read the subtitles for you since the dialogue is in Danish. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


BIRDS (2024)

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
BIRDS (2024)
JOAKIM HAUGE VOCKE
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5 -12
Topic - Family
Description - The connection between six children and nature is explored through improvised dance and movement, showcasing the unique perspective of children as they interact with nature through play. Through the eyes of these young adventurers, we rediscover the world and how to cherish and comprehend our environment.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This film is truly unlike any other in its quiet exploration of the forest by a group of young children.

The connection between a group of children and nature is explored through dance, movement, and sound as the children interact with the forest around them. Join them as they join the chirps, rustles, and dances of the environment around them. This film followed a class of third graders who delved into a multidisciplinary art experiment to explore, understand, and articulate the essence of their local woodland. This non-narrative film invites you to explore a deeper relationship with the forest along with these children.

I found myself mesmerized watching this film in the quiet of my studio, studying the actions and reactions of these children as they respond to the bird sounds in the forest. The camera attempts to capture the essence of their experience and accomplishes that to some degree. My guess is that being there is an even more profound experience. I really enjoyed the pace of this film as it allows one to slowly absorb the children's interactions.

The film's message is about exploring the natural environment around us and to allow ourselves to let it penetrate our being.

I give Birds 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Samantha M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This film is truly unlike any other in its quiet exploration of the forest by a group of young children.

The connection between a group of children and nature is explored through dance, movement, and sound as the children interact with the forest around them. Join them as they join the chirps, rustles, and dances of the environment around them. This film followed a class of third graders who delved into a multidisciplinary art experiment to explore, understand, and articulate the essence of their local woodland. This non-narrative film invites you to explore a deeper relationship with the forest along with these children.

I found myself mesmerized watching this film in the quiet of my studio, studying the actions and reactions of these children as they respond to the bird sounds in the forest. The camera attempts to capture the essence of their experience and accomplishes that to some degree. My guess is that being there is an even more profound experience. I really enjoyed the pace of this film as it allows one to slowly absorb the children's interactions.

The film's message is about exploring the natural environment around us and to allow ourselves to let it penetrate our being.

I give Birds 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Samantha M., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


MUTE

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
MUTE
CONRAD PAUR
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - A mysterious new student arrives at a typical elementary school and is unable to speak. Why? because in this universe words spoken aloud can be very powerful. Watch as Mute and her new friends start an amazing adventure.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love the concept of this film and the idea that ideas can be conveyed without words. Imagine a world that actually did that.

The storyline follows a group of elementary school students that have a new student appear on the scene that doesn't speak. But, she seems to have some amazing powers and her "voice" can be hears when she makes arm gestures, which sort of throws everyone off, but intrigues them at the same time. Where is she from? Is she an alien? Does she have special powers? You have to watch to find out.

From an awkward start, it seems that the other kids quickly become accustomed to the new girl who talks without words and they can all understand her. Love that idea. Well made, from concept to execution, this film has a fascinating idea behind the story, great camera work, good audio, good editing. It's definitely a green light for KIDS FIRST!

The film's message is that there are more ways than one to communicate with others.

I give Mute 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Samantha S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the concept of this film and the idea that ideas can be conveyed without words. Imagine a world that actually did that.

The storyline follows a group of elementary school students that have a new student appear on the scene that doesn't speak. But, she seems to have some amazing powers and her "voice" can be hears when she makes arm gestures, which sort of throws everyone off, but intrigues them at the same time. Where is she from? Is she an alien? Does she have special powers? You have to watch to find out.

From an awkward start, it seems that the other kids quickly become accustomed to the new girl who talks without words and they can all understand her. Love that idea. Well made, from concept to execution, this film has a fascinating idea behind the story, great camera work, good audio, good editing. It's definitely a green light for KIDS FIRST!

The film's message is that there are more ways than one to communicate with others.

I give Mute 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Samantha S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO


GARFIELD MOVIE, THE (2024)

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
GARFIELD MOVIE, THE (2024)       Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Series: FEATURE, AGES 5-18
Topic - Family
Description - Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father - scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) - Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Garfield Movie is a heartwarming story with a great pace and humor. It's cleverly put together with beautiful animation which makes it an engaging film.

The story follows the cat, Garfield (Chris Pratt), who has the dream life - a dog best friend, a nice house, and most importantly, access to an endless amount of food. Everything's going perfectly until he reunites with his long-lost father. The animals have a perilous journey ahead of them, having to deal with the conflict between the father-son duo.

I really like this movie because it's super funny but also has deep messages about relationships with important people in your life. Its main characters are Garfield, Vic (Samuel L. Jackson), Jon (Nicholas Hoult), Otto (Ving Rhames) and Jinx (Hannah Waddingham). The characters are unique and represent different emotions - Garfield represents anger, Jon represents anxiety, Vic represents regret, and Otto represents sadness and longing. It illustrates a positive message for the younger generation at the end of the movie. I really like the animation; it's unique and a cool mix of 2D and 3-D awareness of space. There isn't a dull moment in this film. It's constantly engaging, like when they're running from a nasty security guard or dodging ridiculously big cutting knives. I like the pacing; it's not too fast nor too slow. Plus, there are flashbacks to when Garfield was a young kitten, which gives the film a strong backstory. The background music helps set the mood. When it's raining and young Garfield is abandoned, the music is slow and depressing. However, when Odie and Garfield are playing, the music lightens up. My favorite part of the movie is when Vic gets Garfield on the train by launching him off of a tree branch. Garfield bounces off trees, animals, rocks, and more, and it's hilarious to watch.

The film's message is about forgiveness and family. Garfield's dad has a reason he left Garfield, which was actually to help him, rather than hurt him. Vic goes out searching for food and when he comes back, Garfield seems to be happy under Jon's care. Garfield and Vic forgive each other, and become close again.

I give The Garfield Movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. The Garfield Movie releases in theaters May 24, 2024.

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

I love The Garfield Movie. It is fun, heartwarming and has a great villain. The animation is stunning and it has some heartfelt moments with an exceptional cast. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end and I was laughing out loud.

Garfield (Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, scruffy street cat Vic (Samuel L. Jackson), Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist. There is nothing not to love about Garfield. He hates Mondays, loves lasagna, and is loyal to his best pals Jon and Odie.

I really love the animation in this film. It is extremely well done -- the way the fur moves and how it looks on all the animals throughout the entire film is stunning. When the fur moves during action sequences and when the heist plans are being made, they even switched the animation style which I thought was particularly cool. I really do not think they could have picked a better cast for this film. Chris Pratt is perfect in the role of Garfield. I love hearing Harvey Guillen as Odie, especially his different barks with different emotions expressed throughout the movie. Hannah Waddingham voices Jinx, a cat who is the villain. She plays a fantastic villain -- she is a little intense, but never too scary even for younger audiences. I like that the plot is made simple so kids can easily understand it and the storyline is so funny. This movie is rated PG; it is 1 hour and 41 minutes and it never drags. I was completely entertained by the entire movie. I left the theater wanting Italian food and a pet.

The film's message is about teamwork, family, and friendship. It shows how family will always be there for you, no matter what. The film shares the importance of doing what is right and being loyal to the people around you.

I give The Garfield Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The Garfield Movie opens in theaters May 24, 2024. Be sure to check it out!

Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Garfield Movie is an entertaining animated film about a lovable tabby cat and his adventures. I like funny movies and this one definitely falls into that category. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt! This film isn't all jokes though; there are many heartwarming moments as well.

This film starts out by making sure the audience knows just how much Garfield (Chris Pratt) loves Italian food. While eating his morning snack, he begins to tell the story of how he met his owner Jon (Nicholas Hoult) after his own father Vic (Samuel L Jackson) seemingly abandons him. Jon takes Garfield in, and from there he has quite the luxurious life; he gets to sit around all day eating and watching cat videos on TV with his buddies. Unsuspectingly, Garfield is taken from his normal routine and forced to adjust to a world he is not prepared for. On this new journey, Garfield meets lots of new people and learns many new life lessons. With the help of his new friends and his dad, Garfield learns to be independent. Garfield eventually makes his way home to a new normal that he helps create.

The Garfield Movie is an animated film that personifies everything from ordinary house pets to farm animals. The animation is very well done and the colors used are an iconic part of what makes Garfield, Garfield. The music used throughout this film really helps set the vibe at crucial moments, such as when Italian music plays at the local Italian restaurant and familiar "danger" music plays during action scenes. My favorite character is Garfield because he is hilarious, loves Italian food, and hates Mondays! The selection of voice actors for each character is also spot on. When Roland the dog (Brett Goldstein) fakes a British accent to make Jinx (Hannah Waddingham) more comfortable, then switches back to his New York accent at the end, the talent of this voice actor really shines through.

The film's message is that you should never judge others without knowing their full story. You may think that you know how something happened, but it's important to get all the information. This message is successfully delivered through the development of Garfield's relationship with his father. Note that this film does contain some violence; although delivered in a funny way, some parents may be uncomfortable with their kids watching such aggressive behavior.

I give The Garfield Movie 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available exclusively in movie theaters beginning May 24, 2024. Be sure to check it out.

By Audrey L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 9

I have always loved all things Garfield, so I was expecting to love The Garfield Movie--and I do! The film remarkably captures the essence of Garfield, and I couldn't think of a better movie to bring Garfield back to the big screen where he belongs -- and with a talented star-studded cast.

The story follows Garfield (Chris Pratt) who has an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson) when Jinx (Hannah Waddingham) -- the movie's crazy vengeful antagonist -- kidnaps both Garfield and his fellow pet Odie (Harvey Guill�n). Jinx forces the two of them from their perfect (marred only by Mondays), pampered, luxurious lives into joining Vic in a high-stakes heist as revenge against Garfield's father. The plot is tied in with so much humor and so many plot twists overall making it a fun family comedy.

Chris Pratt's voice suits Garfield perfectly, and he brings the right attitude and edge to the character. Samuel L. Jackson wonderfully conveys emotion into his character, Vic (Garfield's father) so as a viewer, you really end up feeling for his character. And Hannah Waddingham is outstanding as Jinx, Garfield's antagonist. She voices Jinx as maniacal and flamboyant but she also brings heart and soul to Jinx, making viewers sympathize with Jinx's motivations. Hannah Waddingham also has two songs in this movie: An original called "I'm Back" which rolls over the end credits and a rendition of the French nursery rhyme "Alouette, Gentille Alouette", the latter of the two occurring in my favorite Jinx scene. The Garfield Movie is really funny. I especially like the parts with Jon (Nicholas Hoult) in them. I do feel like there is a huge effort to make Garfield more modern in this movie... there are lots of pop culture references. In some cases it's done very well, but the movie overdoes this. Garfield calls himself "G-money" and makes shark tank references. And The Garfield Movie has a huge fixation on mobile devices. The film loses out on a very important nostalgic aspect of the film by attempting to adjust Garfield to better match the present-day audience. Garfield is relatable to modern kids and loved by the modern audience not because he has a phone. As Garfield's creator, Jim Davis says, "Garfield is a human being in a cat suit". The film does flesh out his character and I really enjoy seeing it. Yes, his adventures are significantly wilder but that just makes them more fun to watch.

The message of The Garfield Movie revolves around the importance of family and connection. It explores themes of sacrifice, the unseen presence of love, how misunderstandings can change your whole worldview, and the deep (sometimes hidden) bonds that define family.

I give The Garfield Movie 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2-18, plus families as well as all fans of the lovable cat. Look out for The Garfield Movie, which opens in theaters May 24, 2024.

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm


LOCKER PROBLEMS

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
LOCKER PROBLEMS
CONRAD PAUR
Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12
Topic - Family
Description - Lockers for kids can lead to a lot of stress. However, this Locker leads to an intense adventure. Made by elementary school students.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I have to admit, I love student made films and this one by elementary students is quite charming. We can all relate to locker problems form our time at school and this takes those problems to another level.

The storyline follows a kid having issues with his locker as others come to his rescue or not. And, at one point he discovers that his lock is a portal to another place.

Well made. Good camera work; good audio; good storyline. My favorite part is when the red-headed kid finally gets his locker open and it opens up a portal to another universe where he meets his double. Then, that double follows him back. It's cute, it's original. It's a great student film by elementary age students.

The film's message is about how our lockers might lead us to a life adventure we hadn't even imagined.

I give Locker Problems 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I have to admit, I love student made films and this one by elementary students is quite charming. We can all relate to locker problems form our time at school and this takes those problems to another level.

The storyline follows a kid having issues with his locker as others come to his rescue or not. And, at one point he discovers that his lock is a portal to another place.

Well made. Good camera work; good audio; good storyline. My favorite part is when the red-headed kid finally gets his locker open and it opens up a portal to another universe where he meets his double. Then, that double follows him back. It's cute, it's original. It's a great student film by elementary age students.

The film's message is about how our lockers might lead us to a life adventure we hadn't even imagined.

I give Locker Problems 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO



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